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.

'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!