Charleston, W.Va., March 2, 2016 – The West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) will host the second annual Marcellus and Manufacturing Development Conference (MMDC) March 23-24, 2016, at the Charleston Civic Center in conjunction with the West Virginia Construction and Design Exposition. One of the region’s largest manufacturing events, it combines the former WVMA Leadership Summit and Marcellus-to-Manufacturing Conference. 

“We are very excited to host the conference again this year,” said Rebecca Randolph, president of WVMA. “The feedback from combining the two events last year was very positive and shows that company representatives are excited about the opportunity to learn more and grow industry partnerships.”

This year’s event focuses on the infrastructure needed to create a regional Appalachian storage hub. Attendees will have the chance to attend several seminars covering a variety of topics including industrial demand, energy and national security, and more. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito will serve as the keynote speaker, focusing on energy policy. 

In addition to Sen. Capito’s address, all West Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates have agreed to participate in a candidate showcase. All four candidates will present their platforms and discuss their thoughts on oil/gas and manufacturing developments in West Virginia. 

“We have put together a great agenda for this year’s conference,” said Steve Hedrick, president and CEO of MATRIC and chair of the 2016 MMDC. “We are pleased Sen. Capito will be joining us, and we are looking forward to hearing what the candidates, panelists and other speakers have to share.”

In addition to the conference, WVMA will be hosting other activities at additional costs, including the WVMA Annual Dinner at the Clay Center. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin will be the keynote speaker at this year’s dinner.

The conference is free of charge, but registration is required. Registration also is required for WVMA activities such as the annual dinner.

Visit www.wvma.com/mmdc to register for the conference and WVMA activities.