In line with its Guiding Principles “to attract and retain a talented and engaged local workforce,” the Marcellus Shale Coalition Thursday released the second in a series of Recommended Practices aimed at bolstering the region’s supply chain.

The document builds upon and formalizes ongoing MSC efforts focused on expanding small- and medium-sized business opportunities related to safe American natural gas development.

“The safe, tightly-regulated development of clean-burning American natural gas has been, and continues to be, a driving source of job creation and economic growth across our region,” said MSC president Kathryn Klaber. “This cascading effect, positively impacting businesses of all sizes through a growing and robust supply chain, is as undeniable as the economic, environmental and national security benefits of our abundant natural gas resources. And as an industry, we are fully committed to helping local business expand and hire.”

To date, the MSC has hosted 15 supply chain forums in partnership with 18 separate local and regional economic development agencies and chambers of commerce across the region, connecting with more than 1,800 participants.

In March, the MSC launched an online business directory designed exclusively to connect the natural gas industry with the region’s small- and medium-sized businesses.

Added Klaber: “Sourcing and hiring locally, identifying regional employees, contractors, and vendors, and working to keep our economy growing makes good business sense and is part of industry’s commitment to getting this historic opportunity right for this generation and beyond.”

Below are several MSC member company testimonials about their business’ unique, shale gas-related experiences. Many more testimonials are available in this document:

-- ARM Group Inc.: As a result of our Marcellus involvement, we have added over 50 employees, and opened two new regional offices in Canonsburg and Wilkes-Barre.

-- Borton-Lawson: Engineering and architecture firm Borton-Lawson has hired more than 60 new employees and opened new branch offices across Pennsylvania and in Ohio.

-- Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.: Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. has been servicing the Marcellus Shale industry for the last three years. As a result of Marcellus Shale development, the company has increased employment by nearly 300 workers.

-- Schramm: Thanks to Marcellus Shale, Schramm recently increased its capabilities to design and manufacture drilling rigs that can handle depths approaching 15,000 feet.

7/16/2012