Oil-and-gas supply chain is topic of event
youngstown
An event Wednesday will try to help local companies learn about what it takes to become part of the supply chain for the oil and gas industry.
The event is sponsored by the Youngstown/ Warren Regional Chamber and the Ohio Shale Coalition. It will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman.
There is a lot of talk in this area about integrating local companies into the supply chain for oil and gas companies, said Eric Planey, vice president of international business attraction for the chamber.
“We want to get these companies the training and certifications they need to be involved in the industry,” he said.
The Mahoning Valley wants to be the area that sets the bar for oil and gas development, Planey said.
“We already consider ourselves to be the supply hub for the Utica and Marcellus Shale,” he said. “It’s because we already have the manufacturing base to sell into the industry.”
There are companies such as V&M Star, Dearing Compressor and Pump Co. and others that are selling items to oil and gas companies, Planey said.
“We want to help other companies be able to sell into the industry,” he said.
The event will impart specific information about certification, master supply agreements and strategies for businesses wanting to enter the supply chain.
This is the first event for the Ohio Shale Coalition, and it hopes that a lot of businesses take advantage, said Linda Woggon, executive vice president of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, which is a partner with the coalition with other chambers in the state.
The event is designed for any business that wants to either contract or subcontract with oil and gas companies, she said. It could be trucking, gravel, sand or any other type of company that wants to provide goods or a service to the well site.
“These producers really want to hire Ohio companies,” Woggon said. “It’s up to us to make sure they’re ready to go.”
The shale play still is early, but already there has been a good economic benefit in Youngstown, she said. The key for companies is to not turn down an opportunity to serve the industry and to be efficient.
Registration for the seminar is required by contacting Jennifer Mascardine at 330-744-2131, ext. 12; email her at jennifer@ regionalchamber.com, Those interested also can register and pay online by going to the chamber website at www.regionalchamber.com, and clicking on All Chamber Events.
Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center is at 7440 South Ave. in Boardman.