The Logan County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Breakfast Meeting on December 14, 2009. The breakfast was held on the Logan Campus of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and allowed area business people and chamber members the opportunity to network with one another and discuss the local business economy. The guest of honor and speaker for the event was Senate President, Lieutenant Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.

Senate President Tomblin spoke to guests about the current obstacles our state is facing in regards to the coal industry and cap and trade. Tomblin stated that the coal industry is a “major influence in our region and the loss of the coal industry affects all of us, from doctors to the school system.” He remains hopeful that West Virginia will make it through the recession and that the Senate will come up with proposals to solve our current problems.

The senator went on further to praise Logan County and stated that we are a leader within the state of West Virginia on different levels. In the past 15 years, Logan County has received four new schools, which is more than any other county in the state. He also recognized the fact that 93 percent of Logan County has access to public water.

Senator Tomblin was accompanied by Senator Ron Stollings of Madison, who presented Tomblin with the 2009 Legislator of the Year award for his outstanding leadership in addition to ethical and moral

The Senate President went on further to praise Logan County and stated that we are a leader within the state of West Virginia on different levels, and he applauded the efforts of our County Commissioners and President Art Kirkendoll for all of the hard work they do. In the past 15 years, Logan County has received four new schools, which is more than any other county in the state. He also recognized the fact that 93 percent of Logan County has access to public water.

Senator Tomblin was accompanied by Senator Ron Stollings of Madison, West Virginia who presented Tomblin with the 2009 Legislator of the Year award for his outstanding leadership in addition to ethical and moral standards. He praised Tomblin’s efforts both within and outside of the Senate calling him “a leader among leaders.”

The Legislator of the Year award allowed Senator Tomblin the opportunity to present an area organization of his choice a monetary donation of $10,000. Senator Tomblin chose to present the award to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s Foundation for Future Scholarships.

Those attending the Business Breakfast Meeting included the following: Wally Thornhill, Diana Barnette, Wilma Zigmond, Beth Cook, Senator Ron Stollings, Cindy Crigger, Doug Craven, Randy Kveton, Allyn Sue Barker, Chad Akers, Dwain Barker, Dr. Ed White, Judge Eric O’Briant, Margaret Spano, County Commission President Art Kirkendoll, Clinton Winter, Joe Raymond, Pamela Alderman, Judge Jason Harwood, County Commissioner Willie Akers, Linda Akers, Ron Lemon, Kenny Jeffrey, Rocky Adkins, Merle Dempsey, Paul Hardesty, Patricia Clay, Bill Davis, Greg Wooten, Eileen Bell, Rita Roberson, Johnnie Fekete, Jeff Lusk, Tim McCoy, Emma Baisden, Eddie Canterbury, Mayor Serafino Nolletti, Alberta Fawkes, Carla Luckacs, Frankie Esposito, Bill Cook, Katie Smith-Cox, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College President Joanne Tomblin, Erica O’Briant, Debrina Williams and Chamber of Commerce President Jim Frye.

All of the attendees were treated to breakfast catered by Granny Jack’s of Logan.