Published: February 13, 2008 08:11 pm         

Friends of Coal seeks new members in West Virginia

Are you a friend of coal?

“We know there are so many people in West Virginia that say they are a friend of coal and want to be a friend of coal, but don’t know what they need to do to help,” said Mel Hancock, coalfield representative of Friends of Coal. “We want them to become members of the Friends of Coal organization.”

Friends of Coal is a volunteer organization that consists of both West Virginians and residents from beyond its borders. Membership is free and the level of involvement by members is at their own discretion, according to Hancock.

“You can become part of a collective voice,” he said. “Together we can help West Virginia grow and provide jobs, which can keep our young people home.”

On Thursday, Cecil I. Walker Machinery Co. held a Friends of Coal membership drive at its Sophia location. The company has headquarters in Belle. It is the Caterpillar Inc. equipment dealer in central and southern West Virginia and eastern Ohio, and sells and refurbishes heavy equipment used by the coal and construction industries.

“Seventy cents of every dollar Walker Machinery makes comes from the coal industry,” said Roger Lilly, marketing manager for company in Belle.

Lilly and Hancock were at the Sophia location to speak about Friends of Coal and its grassroots movement involving thousands of West Virginians who consider coal to be the lifeblood of the state’s economy.

“Friends of Coal feels West Virginians understand and appreciate the importance of coal in our lives, and we are encouraging them to join thousands of other in our proactive cause,” Hancock said.

Hancock said becoming a member is easy.

“You can go online, call us or write us,” he said.

Members can help make telephone calls, go door to door, place signs in their yards, send e-mails, contact elected officials and attend rallies regarding coal and coal-related issues.

Lilly says the coal industry is under fire from extreme environmentalists, uncertainty in the courts and the shifting marketplace.

“When bugs that have been here millions of years, and will continue to be here for millions more, are considered more important than human beings in our courts, that’s a sign of what we are dealing with today,” he said. “That is why this membership drive is so important. It’s time for all West Virginians to let their voices be heard regarding the importance of coal to our state.”

For information on becoming a Friends of Coal member, call 255-1457, extension 20, visit www.friendsofcoal.org or write Friends of Coal, P.O. Box 1109, Beckley, WV 25802.

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