The Voice of the
Independent Since 1959
NEWS
May 2019
Let’s Listen to the Next Generation The Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGAWV) has provided $168,500 in scholarships to high school seniors since 1997. Each year, students are required to answer an essay question. This year, the Scholarship Committee decided we should cull some of those answers and share them with all IOGAWV members. The 2019 essay question was, “Describe your community’s perception of the Oil and Gas Industry and explain how you would improve it.”
The remarks from students are often thoughtful and heart-felt and can give us ideas on how to reach citizens of all ages across West Virginia. Each of us needs to pay attention to these comments and see how we can use the ideas to improve perceptions of our industry. Let’s break down the comments from this year’s 22 applicants into categories of problems with the industry, positives about the industry and ideas on how to change negative attitudes about the industry.
Problems with the industry: • Damage to roads • Traffic problems • Pipeline yards too close to David Haney homes Scholarship Committee • Something you fear (explosions) Next Generation Continued on page 13
IOGAWV Scholarships Awarded for 2019 The Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGAWV) has awarded scholarships to nine outstanding high school seniors this spring. To be eligible, students must have at least one parent employed by an IOGAWV member company and will be attending a West Virginia college or university. Since 1997, a total of $168,500 in scholarship money has been presented. Baylee Beaver has been named to receive the inaugural Lori Miller Smith Scholarship given to a female student who exhibits a
passion for education. Beaver is graduating from Herbert Hoover High School and will be attending West Virginia University. Her father, Robert Beaver, is employed by Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC. Her scholarship will be presented during school ceremonies May 17. Kryzstof Kudlak has been named to receive the Jim Gehr Scholarship given annually to the student who exhibits the greatest commitment to community service. Kudlak is graduating from Hurricane High School and will be attending West Virginia Universi-
ty. His mother, Crystal Kudlak, is employed by Huntington Banks. His scholarship will be presented during school ceremonies May 29. Hannah Hollen has been named to receive the Dale Rettinger scholarship which honors highest academic achievement. Hollen is graduating from Buckhannon Upshur High School and will be attending West Virginia University. Her stepfather, Randall Lane, is employed by C & J Energy Services. Her scholarship will be presented during school ceremonies May 23. Scholarships Continued on page 18
INSIDE
Brett Loflin / 2 David Yaussey / 3 Charlie Burd / 4, 7 Mark Taylor / 5 Association News / 6 Hugh Byers / 9 Industry News / 8, 9, 10 Greg Kozera / 11 Dennis Xander / 12 Industry Events / 15 Sam McKown / 17 Ergon / 19