API President and CEO Jack Gerard addressed at the Energy Rally held Saturday, June 16, at Appalachian Power Park. Pictured behind Gerard is Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, both also spoke at the event.

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CHARLESTON — Nearly 4,000 people attended the Energy Rally supported by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Just Beneath the Surface Alliance (JBTS) this weekend at Appalachian Power Park to celebrate American-made energy, and the jobs and investment energy development brings to West Virginia.

Many activities were held during the day, including entertainment from West Virginia’s own American Idol finalist Chase Likens; Santa Cruz Band; free hot dog, chips and drink to the first 2,000 attendees; free admission to the West Virginia Power baseball game; free games and activities for kids; and fireworks after the game. Attendees also were able to play energy trivia for their chance to receive $10 food coupons to Appalachian Power Park. Additional giveaways included t-shirts, hats and the chance to win one of six iPad 3’s.

Guest speakers at the event included Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, API President and CEO Jack Gerard, City of Charleston Mayor Danny Jones and Assistant Mayor Rod Blackstone. Each speaker touched on the importance of the industry to our state and its positive economic impact.

“The Just Beneath the Surface Alliance was thrilled to partner with the American Petroleum Institute to host this important event and have such highly-regarded speakers in attendance. The day truly celebrated all things energy,” said Dave Drennon, Chair of the Independent Oil and Gas Association’s Education and Communication Committee.

In addition to giveaways and entertainment, attendees also were able to visit several educational booths around Appalachian Power Park to learn more about energy. JBTS, Energy Citizens and Energy Nation all were represented during the rally to provide factual information on the industry to attendees.

“It’s key for West Virginians to understand and hear firsthand the importance of American-made energy,” said Drennon. “We are an energy state and this provides us a chance at economic development and prosperity; something many of us have never seen. The day was the perfect opportunity to show attendees just how important energy independence is for not only our state, but our country.”

For more information on API and JBTS, visit www.api.org or www.JustBeneathTheSurfaceWV.com, respectively.