• Maribeth Anderson, Antero Resources, Moderator
• Jeff Nehr, Hope Gas
• Jim Crews, MPLX (Retired)
• Rebecca McPhail, GO-WV

As a historic energy state, West Virginia stands ready to capitalize on a massive increase in energy consumption in the United States as we have abundant and available natural gas. Given the critical connection between energy production and manufacturing, what is the future of energy production through natural gas in West Virginia as we work to achieve Governor Morrisey’s 50x50 energy plan to add 25 gigawatts in energy production here at home.

• Dr. John Deskins, WVU

Join Dr. John Deskins for a review of recent trends in West Virginia’s economy and a forecast of where the state is likely heading in the coming five years. He will address the economic development challenges facing West Virginia as well as highlight the unique opportunities we have before us. 

• Bob Milvet, Mountaintop Beverage, Moderator
• Marvin Woodie, Conn-Weld Industries
• Gat Caperton, Gat Creek
• Chuck Oldaker, Service Wire

While new companies are investing in West Virginia, existing companies are expanding their operations and finding greater success. Hear from representatives of manufacturers who have increased their footprint and employment during challenging times, and what lessons were learned that can benefit your company.

• Wil Durbin, LNE
• Jason Smith, LNE

With the federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) program permanently extended under the 2025 OBBBA legislation, West Virginia has a fresh chance to position its manufacturing sector at the heart of OZ 2.0. This session will break down the new nomination process, explain how rural incentives uniquely benefit West Virginia, and provide manufacturers with actionable strategies to prepare for designation, attract capital, and drive long-term industrial investment. Whether you're expanding operations, redeveloping a site, or seeking new funding avenues, this is your roadmap to making OZs work for your business and community.

• Derek Scarbo, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, Moderator
• Carol Howerton, MAMC, Workforce Development Director
• Heather Cooper, MAMC, Apprenticeship Unit Director

Data gleaned from a new Statewide Workforce Analysis will be shared during this presentation as well as hearing from members of the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing team about their successful work with apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pipelines with both Career Technical Education (CTE) and Community & Technical Colleges (CTCs).

• Aaron Sporck, Moderator
• Libby Reasbeck, Form Energy
• Aaron Valentine, TIMET
• Markee Schindler, Nucor

With billions of dollars of economic development occurring in West Virginia, manufacturing in the Mountain State is poised for continued growth that will benefit our citizens for generations to come. Hear directly from economic developers and company representatives as to how they succeed in a changing and competitive environment to grow new businesses and expand existing employers in West Virginia. From finding investment to developing partnerships, this panel will give you the possible next steps to meet the needs of your business now and in the future.

• Chris Beam, FirstEnergy

Hear from Chris Beam, Vice President of Generation Project Development at FirstEnergy, who has more than three decades of experience in the energy industry and now leads FirstEnergy’s efforts to develop new generation resources that strengthen reliability and keep energy costs competitive for businesses like yours.

Chris will share details on our planned natural gas and solar facilities—critical projects outlined in the recent filing of the MonPower/Potomac Edison Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)—designed to ensure dependable power for West Virginia’s manufacturers and West Virginians while supporting long-term affordability.

These investments will help meet growing industrial demand, reduce risk of supply disruptions, and provide a diverse energy mix that positions our region for economic growth.

Chris will walk through project timelines, technology choices, and how these initiatives align with FirstEnergy’s commitment to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy solutions for their customers.

• Josh Young, American Chemistry Council

While all of us want a healthier West Virginia, what does the national grassroots movement known as MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) mean for manufacturing? From products bans to changes in state and federal policies as to how businesses operate, MAHA brings a new uncertainty to markets, production and regulatory oversight.