FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2011 – The Believe in West Virginia Board of Directors expresses their support for the construction of an ethane cracker plant in West Virginia.

The impact of an ethane cracker plant in West Virginia would bring a strategic boost to the economy of West Virginia and allow its citizens to receive the full benefit of the God given natural resources that have been bestowed on our state. The Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves (and possibly the Utica) are already providing well-paying drilling and production jobs in West Virginia. While the economic advantages of these jobs are significant and appreciated, we understand that the greatest potential impact to our state with respect to the development of natural gas would be in the manufacturing sector.

This is exactly why rebuilding the manufacturing base in West Virginia must be a top priority for our elected leaders and our communities. Our organization is focused on helping to create economic opportunities in West Virginia that will benefit families all over our state. More economic advantages, like a rejuvenated natural gas based manufacturing sector, will help hard working West Virginians provide for their families: better educational opportunities, a higher quality of life, and will enable them to give back to their communities.

Our support for the construction of an ethane cracker plant in West Virginia demonstrates that we are committed to making the changes necessary to help bring about a rebirth in the manufacturing industry to accompany the growth in our local natural gas production. We would hope the strong family and faith values of our community will be considered while reviewing the potential locations for this new facility. We support our extraction and manufacturing industries, and we look forward to this new facility and the new jobs and technology it will bring to our community.

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Believe in West Virginia Leadership Foundation is a Christ centered catalyst helping transform the economic, political, social and spiritual environment of West Virginia, thereby communicating hope and a brighter future for all.

Since its formation in 2002 as a faith-based non-profit group, the focus of Believe in West Virginia has been to create economic opportunities by transforming the business culture of West Virginia.

CONTACT: John deBlecourt , 
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                (304) 552-7601

Board of Directors