From the Burd’s Nest:

Are we all "pullin" together?

Growing up, I vividly recall that every year, at some point in those last few days before grade school let out for the summer, there would be a “Field Day” day—designated to be just a fun day filled with outdoor activities and contests. You remember: the three-legged race, the sack race, water balloon toss, wheelbarrow race, the individual running events, the softball throw and much more. Seems the last event was always the Tugof-War. Strength against strength and bragging rights going into the summer vacation. These activities even carried into high school where the odds got tougher and the “pullin” got harder.

As we all grew older and got into the workforce, we came to realize that while competition is healthy, working together cooperatively leads to greater success and being part of a team can have a huge impact on success or failure. Each of us has our own individual strengths and weaknesses and the best teams rely on a diversified group of people with combined strengths and skill sets that, when “pullin” together, can better achieve its objectives.

The Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) is one of the strongest trade associations in the country representing close to 450 member companies aligned with a fixed purpose of intent to advance the exploration, drilling, production, transporting and marketing of natural gas and oil to the betterment of our individual members, our state, region and country.

GO-WV provides many benefits to its member companies that puts that investment in membership dues on the asset side of the balance sheet. It is my contention that membership dues should not be viewed as an expense, but as an investment that provides returns. Stop and consider the many issues addressed by the Association, collectively, that might never be achieved individually. Like that tug-of-war contest, you always put that biggest, strongest person as the anchor—and GOWV is the anchor upon which the West Virginia natural gas and oil industry relies.

Here are a few examples of the benefits GO-WV offers its members:

• Creating positive relationships with our local, state, and national elected officials. Over the years we (the former IOGAWV and WVONGA) have done an outstanding job in lobbying for positive legislative changes that has brought certainty to a producer/operator’s ability to explore and produce natural gas and oil. These changes have been embraced by both horizontal and conventional operators.

• Serving the needs of both large and small producers. GO-WV is proud of its commitment to assisting in the future development of the shale plays. We have spent much time, effort and money to ensure these shales can be efficiently developed. At the same time, GOWV has been careful to protect those producers who stay committed to the development and operation of conventional assets. This has been a balancing act that has served all producers in a positive manner.

• Provide a human resources component for our members. GO-WV is constantly providing education and training in a variety of subject matters. Annually, GO-WV conducts various environmental, safety and tax seminars that benefit all operators and companies. These sessions are always well attended and the feedback positive.

• Healthcare and Insurance plans. GO-WV, through its Insurance Trust, manages one of the most successful healthcare programs anywhere. Our plan provides affordable healthcare options to approximately 120 member companies and tens of hundreds of workers, spouses and children. Check in with Lori Miller Smith and check it out!!!

• Educational Outreach. GO-WV is committed to being the voice of reason for all things related to fairly and accurately touting our industry. To that end we have the Tom