Eleven firms to attend China coal show
25 executives to be in Beijing when Manchin participates at opening
Byline: George Hohmann, Daily Mail Business Editor
Twenty-five executives from 11 West Virginia companies are planning to be on hand in November when Gov. Joe Manchin participates in the opening ceremonies at the China Coal & Mining Exposition in Beijing.
Many of the executives also plan to accompany Manchin on other stops on his trade mission to China, the West Virginia Development Office said.
The office said last month that Manchin plans to stop in Shanghai, where he hopes to meet with alumni of the West Virginia University Center for Chinese Business and where he also hopes to tour a major coal-to-liquids plant. Manchin also will visit Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, which is China's major coal-producing region. His last stop will be Beijing, where he will participate in the coal show's opening ceremonies.
The development office said Tuesday that the following companies and executives will participate in the coal show, with many also accompanying Manchin to Shanghai and Taiyuan:- Kanawha Scales & Systems, Poca - William McHale and Yao Yuwen.
- Preiser Scientific Inc., St. Albans - Alvin Preiser, John Arthur Gatens Jr. and Kevin Westfall.
- Superior Highwall Miners Inc., Beckley - John Olsen, JD Fairchild, Jim Argabrite and Jennifer Hawley.
- J H Fletcher Co., Huntington - Larry Howe.
- Guyan International, Barboursville - Robert Shell.
- Tabor Machine Co., Princeton - Bryan Walker, Jerry Sauers.
- Phillips Machine Service Inc., Beckley - Jack Phillips, Roger Phillips, P.L. "Judge" McWhorter.
- Marsh Bellofram, Newell - Joe Colletti.
- SafeMiner Inc., Charleston - Greg Henthorn, James Hsiao, Bai Hao.
- Swanson Industries, Morgantown - Mark Carter, Tom DeWitt, Jonathan McClung.
- Cogar Mine Supply, Beckley - Lowell Cogar, Morrie Hickman.
Manchin spokeswoman Lara Ramsburg said the governor's entourage will include first lady Gayle Manchin, Chief of Staff Larry Puccio and, presumably, two state troopers.
Debra Martin, the development office's manager of international trade, said she will make the trip as will Steve Spence, the office's executive director, and Caitlin Ashley, an international trade representative.
Manchin's trade mission will be Oct. 30 to Nov. 6. The coal show will be Nov. 6 to Nov. 9.
Contact writer George Hohmann at business@dailymail.com or 304-348-4836.