A Summary of Issues and Trends Looking to 2016

Despite the recent slowdown in the oil and gas industry, particularly in Ohio, there are still reasons to be excited about the future. As 2016 dawns, let's take a look at what's trending.

Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, joined the chorus of voices supporting Congress and President Obama in lifting the '70s-era crude export ban.

"This is the start of a new era for U.S. energy," he said. "Ending the decades-old ban on crude exports is a huge win for consumers, jobs, the economy and our energy security."

Gerard said the move would make the U.S. more competitive and would benefit consumers, citing studies indicating that lifting the ban would lower gas prices by up to 12 cents per gallon.

The complete statement from API on the ending of the export ban can be found here.

Production in Ohio's Utica Shale reached record highs in the third quarter of 2015. As Jackie Stewart of Energy In Depth reported earlier this month, production more than doubled over the same quarter in 2014.

"In the third quarter of 2015, the Utica shale produced 5,696,780 barrels of oil and 245,747,686 Bcf (245 billion cubic feet) of natural gas," Stewart wrote. "This sets new records as unconventional shale production totals have increased by more than 100 percent since the same quarter last year."

The article also points out that Carroll County remains one of the state's top oil producers. You can read the entire report here.

Lindsey Klevin of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association discussed the ramifications of lower oil and gas prices in a recent article on OOGA's Oil & Gas Matters blog.

"Robust natural gas production has helped inventories soar to record highs we haven't seen before," Kleven wrote, before also pointing out that new production has slowed "as producers are responding to the current market conditions."

And, while it's a challenging time for producers, consumers are certainly reaping the benefits from higher supplies and resulting lower energy costs, as evidenced by six-year lows on gasoline prices in Ohio: "Consumers are expected to save a reported $7 billion at the pump during this holiday season, which translates out to about $40 per driver."

You can read the entire article here.

In conclusion, we like the sound of Jackie Stewart's summary in her report on Q3 Utica Shale production: "This is all certainly wonderful news for Ohio's growing economy, which--recent reports indicate--will continue to benefit from shale production and the construction of associated infrastructure for years to come."

Here's to 2016!

A Look Back at Our Shale Shoot & Utica Conference

Our spread as it appeared in ShaleMart magazine.

The inaugural Shale Shoot Sporting Clays Championship & Utica Conference took place in Carroll County on Thursday, Nov. 5. About 50 shooters enjoyed a cookout before participating in the Shale Shoot at Upland Valley Sporting Clays in Carrollton. 

The Top Shooter prize, a Colt XSE Combat Elite .45 valued at almost $1,400, went to Bill Mayer II, while the Gun Raffle prize, a $1,400 Henry Big Boy Engraved American Oilman .44 mag., went to Matthew Napski. 

Afterward the scene shifted to Atwood Lake Resort in Sherrodsville for the Utica Conference featuring updates on oil & gas developments from four industry executives. A full buffet meal followed, with additional presentations from State Sen. Lou Gentile and Dave Motts of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We’re looking forward to the return of this great event in the fall of 2016.

Click on this link for a gallery of photos: Shale Shoot & Utica Conference.

Power Plants in Carroll County, Lordstown and Wellsville to Bring More Jobs to Region

Recently we reported about the exciting developments surrounding the $899 million Carroll County Energy (CCE) facility, a 700 megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant to be built in Carrollton. Among the positives: The prospect of as many as 700 jobs being created during the construction of the plant.

The good news continues with the announcement of two similar facilities coming to Northeast Ohio.

A report in the Youngstown Vindicator outlined plans for an 800-megawatt, natural-gas fired plant to be built in Lordstown. The Lordstown Energy Center will be located on 17 acres in the Lordstown Industrial Park.

Clean Energy Future, which will construct the facility, estimated more than 1,000 jobs will be created in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, with an investment of more than $850 million. The company said it plans to begin construction this fall with a goal of launching commercial operations by 2018.

The Vindicator reported that the facility and associated transmission infrastructure will interconnect to the American Transmission Systems Inc. bulk transmission system.

South Field Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Advanced Power, announced plans to build a $1.1 billion, 1,100-megawatt natural gas electric generating plant in Columbiana County. Advanced Power, which is also behind the Carroll County plant, said the facility will generate electricity for the delivery and sale to the interstate transmission grid.

It will be built in Yellow Creek Township, about 3 miles from Wellsville, and will use General Electric turbine technology to produce 1,000 megawatts, enough to power more than 1 million households.

The $1.1 billion project is expected to create up to 550 construction jobs over two to three years. Eventually it will have 25 full-time employees in engineering, technical, operation, management and administrative positions.

In all, more than 2,000 jobs are expected to be created during the construction of the three facilities, and that’s good news for local workers.

“The timing is ideal for construction workers who have experienced a slowdown of late in the oil and gas industry,” said Dave Kirven, chairman of the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership. “These companies will benefit from the expertise and craftsmanship our local union members will provide.”

This article was originally written for publication in ShaleMart magazine.

Early Bird Rates Extended for Nov. 5 Shale Shoot & Utica Conference

We've extended our early bird rates for this Thursday's Shale Shoot and Utica Conference through Wednesday, Nov. 4! This unique event will combine the Shale Shoot sporting clays championship in the morning, at Upland Valley Sporting Clays in Carrollton. An informative Utica Conference will take place at Atwood Lake Resort in Sherrodsville in the afternoon, followed by a delicious buffet meal and reception beginning at 5:30 p.m.. 

Presentations at the conference and reception will include information about the Carroll County Energy project, the Rover Pipeline, the proposed cracker plant in Monroe County, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village project in Canton. (See image below for details.)

The extended early bird rates are:

$150 for the entire day (Shale Shoot and Utica Conference);

$100 for the morning Shale Shoot only; and 

$75 for the afternoon Utica Conference/Reception only. 

The rates will increase on the day of the event, so register early to save!

Some corporate sponsorships are still available!

This is one event you simply won't want to miss. Make plans to join us! 

Click here for complete information

Register by Oct. 31 to Receive Early-Bird Rates for Shale Shoot & Utica Conference

Our inaugural Shale Shoot & Utica Conference is just one week away! This unique event is set for Thursday, Nov. 5 in Carroll County.

Speakers include: Chris Terajewicz, Carroll County Energy; Griffin Goetz, Ullico Retirement Solutions; and Mike Jacoby, Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth; Mike Chadsey, Ohio Oil & Gas Association; and Susan King, AECOM. 

Speakers for the evening Reception/Buffet Meal will be David Baker, president and executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who will provide an update about the Hall of Fame Village project; and Sen. Lou Gentile, senator from the 30th District of the Ohio Senate. 

Presentations will include information about the Carroll County Energy project, the Rover Pipeline, and the proposed cracker plant in Monroe County.

The day will begin with the morning Shale Shoot Sporting Clays Championship at Upland Valley Sporting Clays in Carrollton; continues with the Utica Conference at Atwood Lake Resort in Sherrodsville; and concludes with a reception at Atwood (featuring an open bar and buffet meal) that will include remarks from Mr. Baker and Sen. Gentile. This is one event you simply won't want to miss! Early bird registration rates are good through Oct. 31. Sponsorships are also available.

Click here for information and to register.

First 25 to Join Between Now and Nov. 5 Receive Two Free Utica Conference Tickets

Here's a tremendous opportunity to join the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership AND be a part of our Utica Conference next month.

If you're one of the first 25 to take advantage of our prorated membership offer and pay just $150 for the balance of 2015-16, we'll include two free admissions to our Utica Conference and Reception/Buffet Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Atwood Lake Resort in Sherrodsville!

Annual membership in the partnership is regularly $250. Members are eligible for numerous benefits, including discounts on Partnership events, our bi-weekly e-newsletter, marketing support, member-to-member discounts, directory listing and free job opening listings on choosestark.com, a directory listing on ShaleMart.com, advertising discounts on choosestark.com, and more!

The value of the free admissions to the Utica Conference is $150 (2 at $75 apiece), so if you join now and are one of the first 25 to do so, you'll have paid for your 2015-16 membership right there! Either way, as the list of benefits shows, membership in the partnership is a great investment.

Through education and advocacy programs, plus regular networking events, the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership continues to promote understanding of the oil and gas industry, the implementation of oil and gas extraction efforts that are environmentally responsible, and the use of local labor in the development, extraction and processing of oil and natural gas. In that effort, we've formed an effective alliance with local governments, chambers of commerce, labor groups, educational institutions, development groups and employment organizations. 

You can help promote our efforts and the development of oil and gas in the region by joining the Partnership today!

Click here for complete information on how to join.

First Annual Shale Shoot Sporting Clays Championship and Utica Conference Set for Nov. 5 in Carroll County

The date is approaching for the first annual Shale Shoot Sporting Clays Championship and Utica Conference, set for Thursday, Nov. 5 in Carroll County. The event is being sponsored by the Stark Carroll Oil and Gas Partnership and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.

It will all begin Thursday morning with the First Annual Shale Shoot. Registration will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Atwood Lake Resort in Sherrodsville. Participants will make the short drive over to Upland Valley Sporting Clays in Carrollton for a cookout-style lunch at 11 a.m. The sporting clays championship event will begin at 12 noon and will feature long shot and top shooter contests, as well as raffle prizes.

The Utica Conference will take place in the afternoon at Atwood Lake Resort. Conference registration will begin at 2:30 p.m., with the Utica Conference (featuring a full slate of speakers discussing the current state of the Utica play) to take place from 3 to 5 p.m. A reception, featuring an open bar and full buffet, will follow at 5:30 p.m.

Speakers for the Utica Conference include: Chris Terajewicz of Advanced Power; Griffin Goetz of Ullico Retirement Solutions; Mike Jacoby of the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth; and Mike Chadsey of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association.

Presenters during the evening Reception will be David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and State Sen. Lou Gentile.

Through Oct. 31, early registration for the entire day (shoot and conference) is just $150 per person; for the morning Shale Shoot only, $100 per person; and for the afternoon Utica Conference only, $75 per person. (Prices will increase to $200, $150 and $100, respectively, on Nov. 1.)

Sponsorships for this unique event are also available. For complete details or to pay for registrations or sponsorships, visit the Shale Shoot page on the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership website.

Partnership Celebrates Carroll County's New Energy Facility

From the time the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership was formed, a key member and sponsor has been the East Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council. This leading association of more than 20 building trades unions from six Northeast Ohio counties has been an active supporter of the oil and gas industry in Ohio and an important member of the Partnership since it was founded.

Partnership Chairman Dave Kirven (second from left)
assists with the CCE plant groundbreaking July 21

The organization helped celebrate a milestone occasion on July 21 when Dave Kirven, president of the council, who also serves as business agent for Plumbers & Pipefitters Local No. 94 and as chairman of the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership, participated with other union and state officials at the groundbreaking for the $899 Carroll County Energy (CCE) facility, a 700 megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant in Carrollton.

In addition to other incentives, Advanced Power, the project’s developer, agreed to use local vendors for products and services, and agreed to a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the East Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council.

According to an article by Matt Jaworski in the Labor Citizen, an official building and trades publication, the project is expected to employ about 700 workers at its peak, “with roughly half of the jobs going to pipefitters and boilermakers.”

“While the bulk of the workers will not be on the jobsite until 2016,” Jaworski wrote, “the work could not have come at a better time for area construction unions that started to see a slowdown in the oil and natural gas sector.”

Kirven pointed out that the unions offer a tremendous advantage in finding enough skilled tradesmen for any size job.

“In addition to the locals in the immediate area, there are more than 300 unions nationwide to draw from,” he said.

The Union Labor Life Insurance Company (Ullico), a labor-owned insurance and investment company, is a minority equity investor in the CCE project. Ullico investments are backed by the pension funds of unions such as the building trades.

According to information on the Ullico website, the CCE will generate direct economic impact of $655 million in Carroll County, and an indirect impact of more than $60 million through the purchase of local supplies and services.

This article also appeared in ShaleMart's print and online editions.

Ohio Oil and Gas Production Continues Surge Despite Price Drop

"We think our Ohio Utica is a tremendous asset poised for significant growth for many years to come."

Those words, from American Energy Partners CEO Daniel J. Rice IV, suggest that predictions of the demise of the oil and gas industry in Ohio may be premature.

According to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, "Ohio oil and gas production continues to break records despite warnings that sharply falling oil prices will cause the industry to decline."

Figures released by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources indicate that a record 5.6 million barrels of oil and 222 billion cubic feet of gas were extracted during the second quarter of the year, up from 4.4 million barrels and 184 billion cubic feet in the prior quarter.

The Dispatch report quoted a Marietta College professor as saying that companies "have been finding ways to reduce the costs of drilling and completing wells, which makes some of the wells viable even as energy prices fall."

Visit the Dispatch website for the complete article.

Visit our website for more information about the impact of oil and gas in Stark and Carroll counties.

Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership Supported by Leading Energy Organizations

As published in ShaleMart magazine

The Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership continues to be a leading advocate for oil and gas exploration, and for bringing jobs, residents and opportunity to the region. Supporting our efforts are several leading industry organizations that, together, we refer to as our Energy Partners.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. API's mission is to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry. Their more than 600 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry.

Although the organization’s focus is primarily domestic, in recent years their work has expanded to include a growing international dimension, and today API is recognized around the world for its broad range of programs. API’s website is www.api.org.

Launched by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) in 2009, Energy in Depth is a research, education and public outreach campaign focused on getting the facts out about the promise and potential of responsibly developing America’s onshore energy resource base—especially abundant sources of oil and natural gas from shale and other “tight” formations across the country. The campaign is an effort that benefits directly from the support, direction and technical expertise of a broad segment of America’s oil and natural gas industry, led in Washington by IPAA, and guided on the ground by IPAA’s more than 6,000 members and affiliates in the states. Learn more at www.energyindepth.org.

Through Energy Nation, America’s energy workers—employees, retirees, vendors, suppliers and their families—are united and their voices amplified to reach decision-makers in their communities, states and in our Nation’s capital to help secure a stronger, more independent American energy future. Members of Energy Nation play a part in defending American energy development and American energy jobs. Energy Nation gives members throughout the country the opportunity to learn and engage with each other about the issues that matter to our industry, to influence the debate happening in their communities and interact directly with elected officials. America has the resources, the technology and the talented professionals needed to be the world’s energy superpower. Energy Nation is working to make that potential become a reality. Their website is www.energynation.org.

The Ohio Oil & Gas Association (OOGA) is a trade association with more than 3,100 members involved in all aspects of the exploration, production and development of crude oil and natural gas resources within the State of Ohio. OOGA's mission is to protect, promote, foster and advance the common interest of those engaged in all aspects of the Ohio crude oil and natural gas producing industry. The organization strives to serve the broad range of entities involved in the Ohio oil and natural gas industry by being an effective voice in government and the media as well as an information resource to the membership. Learn more online at www.ooga.org.

Each of these organizations have been active partners of the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership. We are thankful for their leadership and support.

This article was originally submitted for publication in ShaleMart's print and online editions.

Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership to Host Reception Aug. 9 Following HOF Enshrinees Roundtable

The Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership will host a reception following the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Gameday Roundtable on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts.

The reception will take place in the Preyer Gallery of the Cultural Center, located at 1101 Market Ave. N. in Canton. James Lofton, a 2003 Hall of Fame enshrinee, will be our special guest at the reception.

The afternoon will begin with a luncheon at 12 noon. The Roundtable is known for its casual and lighthearted atmosphere. Taking center stage, the enshrinees in attendance will share stories from their careers with those in attendance.

Afterward the reception will feature light hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine until 5 o'clock.

Tickets are $75 for partnership members and $110 for non-members, and sponsorships (tickets included) are available. Call (330) 454-3664 for details or visit the Roundtable page on the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership website.

Stark and Carroll Counties Working Together for the Future of Oil and Gas

Over the past few months the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership has worked closely with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce to plan for the Partnership's first annual Shale Shoot Sporting Clay Championship & Utica Conference, which is coming up Nov. 5 and 6 of this year.

As published in ShaleMart magazine

Partnership Chairman Dave Kirven has had a number of meetings and conversations with Amy Rutledge, executive director of the Carroll Chamber, and other representatives to determine ways the two organizations can work more closely together to promote the oil and gas industry in the region.

While Stark County has offered its many resources for company relocation, residents moving into the area, and numerous entertainment, dining and shopping options, Carroll County is Northeast Ohio's hub of activity in the Utica Shale

A report that appeared earlier this year on the FracTracker Alliance website indicated that Carroll County is home to fully one-fourth of the state’s drilling permits, and 43 percent of all producing wells (as of the end of Q3 of 2014). Carroll County is where the majority of drilling is actually taking place in the entire state, let alone our immediate region.

After ongoing discussions dating back to late 2014, the Partnership's name is changing to the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership, to reflect the participation of businesses and organizations that are not only doing business with companies in the region, but are located in those respective counties as well.

“This is a big step for our organization, and for the companies and individuals who do business in our two counties,” said Kirven. “Not only do Stark and Carroll border one another, they offer tremendous advantages in terms of natural resources, quality of life, and business and residential opportunities.”

More details will be shared in the weeks ahead. Stay in touch with the Partnership via their blog (choosestark.blogspot.com), their website (www.choosestark.com), and their Facebook page. If you're not already a member, be sure to join the Partnership to receive all the benefits of membership, including their bi-weekly "Drill Bits" e-newsletter. Membership information is available under the “Join” tab at www.choosestark.com.

This article was originally submitted for publication in ShaleMart's print and online editions.

A New Name, a New Era, and Greater Impact

Over the past few months the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership has worked closely with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce to plan for the Partnership's first annual Shale Shoot Sporting Clay Championship & Utica Conference, which is coming up Nov. 5 and 6 of this year.

Partnership Chairman Dave Kirven has had a number of meetings and conversations with Amy Rutledge, executive director of the Carroll Chamber, and other representatives to determine ways the two organizations can work more closely together to promote the oil and gas industry in the region.

While Stark County has offered its many resources for company relocation, residents moving into the area, and numerous entertainment, dining and shopping options, Carroll County is Northeast Ohio's hub of activity in the Utica Shale; it's where the majority of drilling is actually taking place in our area.

After ongoing discussions dating back to late 2014, the Partnership's name is changing to the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership, to reflect the participation of businesses and organizations that are not only doing business with companies in the region, but are located in those respective counties as well.

More details will be shared in the weeks ahead. Stay in touch with the Partnership via this blog, our website, and our Facebook page. And, if you're not already a member, be sure to join to receive all the benefits of membership, including our bi-weekly "Drill Bits" e-newsletter and more.

Pro Football HOF Village Holds Promise for Region, Building Trades

The news about the Pro Football Hall of Fame and their Hall of Fame Village project just keeps getting bigger, better and more impressive, and promises to deliver a tremendous economic boost to Stark County and the entire region.

As published in ShaleMart magazine

We at the StarkCounty Oil & Gas Partnership are especially excited, because it represents continued diversity to the development of the region. We are already actively involved in the biggest economic windfall to affect the United States in this young century—the expansion and growth of the oil and gas industry. While that is having a positive effect nationwide, the expansion of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will have a significant impact close to home, and is clearly deserving of our support.

David Baker, president and CEO of the Hall, began sharing the potential for the project more than a year ago in speeches and presentations to chambers of commerce and other business groups in Stark County. When he and others involved in the Hall of Fame Village announced the details at a press conference in May, the full scope of the $476 million project became known. It will be exciting to watch the village become a reality in the months and years ahead.

One of the reasons we’re so excited is that the Hall of Fame has a track record of using local contractors and local Building Trades craftsmen, and our area Building Trades are actively involved with the oil and gas industry. Dave Kirven, chairman of the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership, is also president of the East Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council.

“We’ve been in discussions with Dave Baker and others at the Hall of Fame with the goal of securing a commitment to the hiring of local Building Trades craftsmen for the Village project,” Kirven said.

Kirven attended the press conference at which the Hall of Fame Village details were announced, and drew applause from the audience when he assured Baker that the project would “be ready for you when you bring the NFL Draft here in 2019.”

Stuart Lichter, president of the company that is developing the village, assured those in attendance that they would utilize local labor as much as possible.

That’s good news for Stark County. The Partnership applauds the Pro Football Hall of Fame for its commitment to our region, and to the local workers who are helping to build it.

This article was originally submitted for publication in ShaleMart's print and online editions.

Audience Learns About the Dramatic Impact of the Price of Oil at SCOGP Expo May 13

About 85 professionals from businesses related to, or interested in doing business with, the oil and gas industry attended the Supply-Demand-Price Expo, sponsored by the Stark County Oil and Gas Partnership (SCOGP), on May 13 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Dave Kirven, chairman of the Partnership, emceed the event and introduced the lineup of speakers for the day. First up was Tom Delamater of Delamater Media Group, a Stark County-based public relations firm, who talked about the SCOGP’s media partners. His company is one of those, along with: Creative Source, a Canton based company that creates large format signs, displays and printing; Ponder Systems, a local video production company; Studio 7, a photography company that handles projects for the SCOGP; and ShaleMart.com, which publishes oil and gas newsletters and directories online and in hard copy.

The first featured speaker was John Felmy of the American Petroleum Institute (API) who talked of the strong and lasting impact of oil and natural gas in America and the world. He said the U.S. is now the largest producer of natural gas in the world and is on track to be its largest oil producer as well. He cited the strong demand around the world for fuel for heating and transportation.

Jackie Stewart of Energy In Depth provided statistical evidence for the strength of oil and gas in the state. She said that Ohio’s Utica Shale is producing, as indicated by the fact that the state’s Utica oil production is up 200 percent, while natural gas production is up 350 percent over that same period.

In addition to a presentation about the Hall of Fame Village project by Pete Fierle of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Bryce Custer of NAI Spring Realty and Rebecca Heimlich of API rounded out the agenda. Ms. Heimlich reported that there are almost 10 million people in the United States who either work in oil and gas or whose jobs are supported by the industry.

The event concluded with a networking reception until 7 p.m. The Hall of Fame was also open to guests of the expo until 8 p.m.

The expo received extensive coverage from area media. Click on the following links for articles in the Canton Repository, the Massillon Independent, the Alliance Review, and Farm & Dairy, the leading agricultural publication in our region.

COMING SOON: Next up for the Partnership is the annual Golf Outing, June 15 at Shady Hollow Country Club in Massillon, and the inaugural Shale Shoot Sporting Clay Championship and Utica Conference, Nov. 5 and 6 in Carroll County.

Our Marketing Partners Are Here to Serve Our Members and the Oil and Gas Industry

As published in ShaleMart magazine

As the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership continues to be an advocate for bringing jobs, residents and opportunity to Stark County and the surrounding region, we are striving to provide additional services to our members and to the community.

On our website (www.choosestark.com), we list the many advantages of being a member of the Partnership, including a number of benefits that we’ve added in 2015. One of those advantages is the access we can provide to our strategic marketing partners. We’d like to introduce those partners to you in this article.

Creative Source, based in Canton, is a leading supplier of signs, displays and printing. Co-owners Mike Boyd and Dave Hess founded the company almost 20 years ago and have gained a reputation for outstanding service. They’re fast and easy to work with. Contact them at (330) 497-5556 or online at www.csforideas.com.

Delamater Media Group, based in North Canton, provides advertising and public relations in Canton and the surrounding region for a fraction of the cost you’d encounter at a traditional agency. DMG handles the public relations, website, Facebook page and e-newsletter distribution for the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership. Contact Tom Delamater at (330) 437-5975 or online at www.delamatermediagroup.com.

Ponder Systems Media and Marketing is a video production company that has produced programs for PBS affiliates, network affiliates, cable systems and corporate clients. It is owned and operated by Ron Ponder, who is host of a popular weekday morning show on WHBC radio in Canton. Ron can be reached at (330) 705-6730.

Studio 7 Photography is a commercial photography company in Canton. Owner Shawn Wood blends a masterful eye with a flawless technique to bring ideas to life. Shawn has photographed many of the key events for the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership. You can reach him at (330) 224-0641 or online at www.studio7photography.com.

We also want to acknowledge ShaleMart.com for collaborating with us to promote the Partnership and our many events. In fact, members in the Partnership will now qualify for promotional opportunities with ShaleMart.com in its print and online publications.

We hope you will consider the many advantages of being a member of the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership, and we encourage you to patronize our strategic marketing partners for all of your promotional needs.

This article was originally submitted for ShaleMart's print and online editions.

The 'Shale Shoot' Makes Its Debut in November

The Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership will debut a brand-new event in November, and it's already drawing the attention of sporting clay enthusiasts in Northeast Ohio.

The first annual Shale Shoot Sporting Clay Championship & Utica Conference will take place in Carrollton on Thursday Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6. Final details are still being set, but it will kick off with the Shale Shoot event (dinner included) at Upland Sporting Clays on Thursday, followed by a Utica Conference at Atwood Lake on Friday.

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor the event. For more information or to sign up to receive updates via email, click this link: Shale Shoot 2015.

Ohio Valley Expo: Dave Kirven, chairman of the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership, attended the Ohio Valley Oil & Gas Expo, April 28 and 29 at the James E. Carnes Center in St. Clairsville.

The two-day expo included a network reception, one-day vendor displays, trade professionals and speakers from the oil and gas industry.

Dave also spent time distributing literature about membership in the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership, the upcoming Supply-Demand-Price Expo in Canton on March 13, and the Shale Shoot in Carrollton Nov. 5 and 6.

Keep an eye on the Partnership's website at www.choosestark.com for updated details on future events.

Education Opportunities Abound to Prepare Workers for Oil and Gas Jobs

A report released in 2014 by the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington D.C. think tank, emphasized the importance of education to a local economy: "Overwhelmingly, high-wage states are states with a well-educated workforce. There is a clear and strong correlation between the educational attainment of a state's workforce and median wages in the state."

As published in ShaleMart magazine

The Stark Education Partnership collaborates with educators, businesses, and civic and community leaders to foster sustainable improvement in colleges and schools throughout the county. Furthermore, Stark County is well-positioned to remain competitive in the years ahead, with the undergraduate and graduate programs at Kent State University at Stark, Malone University, the University of Mount Union and Walsh University, as well as the education available in technology and the local building trades at Stark State College, one of Ohio's premier community and technical colleges.

As our educational institutions continue to adapt to the changing economy, more focus is being placed on training students for careers in the oil and gas industry. As an example of this trend, Stark State College opened a new oil and gas well site training center in Canton in 2014. Part of a satellite academic building downtown, the facility represents a direct partnership with the energy industry designed to better prepare skilled laborers for the workforce.

The R.G. Drage Career Technical Center in Massillon, which is a two-year joint vocational facility serving the public school districts in Stark County, has recognized the impact of the oil and gas industry by adapting the curriculum to promote increased employment opportunities and allow for continued training at the post-secondary level.

The construction trade unions that are a part of the East Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council also provide apprenticeship and training programs that are endorsed by the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs ensure that there is always a pool of highly skilled construction workers to serve the needs of oil and gas and other industries.

Career training is vital to the future of any region, and the Stark County Oil and Gas Partnership is proud to partner with these educational institutions and labor organizations to provide programs that will prepare our residents to qualify for the new job opportunities created by the oil and gas industry.

This article was originally submitted for publication in ShaleMart's print and online editions.

'Supply-Demand-Price' Expo jump-starts 2015 event calendar

Visit choosestark.com for
details on the Expo in May

Get the low-down on the oil and gas industry's impact on Stark County at the "Supply-Demand-Price" Expo, Wednesday, May 13 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. The event will feature guest speakers from 3 to 5 p.m. and a networking reception to follow. 

Industry experts scheduled to speak are:

• John Felmy, chief economist with the American Petroleum Institute, who will offer a national perspective on the oil and natural gas industry, the impact of lower oil prices, and what that means for shale plays across the country including in Ohio;

• Jackie Stewart of Energy in Depth, who will discuss "State of the Utica Shale: How Ohio Compares to Other Basins";

• Bryce Custer of NAI Spring Commercial Realty, discussing the impact of oil and gas on commercial real estate; and 

• Rebecca Heimlich of the American Petroleum Institute, who will discuss API’s Energy Nation program and how it brings together the employees, retirees, vendors and suppliers of the oil and natural gas industry on critical issues facing the industry. 

The cost to attend is $65 for members of the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership, and $80 for non-members. However, you can receive a $25 discount when you register if you sign up for a free membership in Energy Nation, a non-profit organization that promotes U.S. energy development, energy industry jobs and a stronger, more independent American energy future. Energy Nation is a major sponsor of the "Supply-Demand-Price" Expo.

For more information about the Expo or to register, click here.

Beautiful Shady Hollow C.C.

Also on the calendar is the return of our Annual Golf Outing. This year's event promises to be another great day of golf and networking and will take place on Monday, June 15, at Shady Hollow Country Club in Massillon. Golf will be followed by dinner and a special guest speaker. Watch our website, www.choosestark.com, for details to come.

And keep an eye out for information on a special fall event that we'll be hosting in conjunction with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. The event will include a day of activities that every sportsman will enjoy, plus more updates on the Utica Shale and progress in the oil and gas industry. 

There's never been a better time to join the Partnership and to be a part of the economic and commercial boom in Stark County and the surrounding region. For more information, visit the membership page on our website. We hope to see you at the Expo in May, and at all of our events in 2015!