Marcellus Shale Coalition members are working with local leaders to make meaningful contributions toward important community initiatives. As these companies expand their exploration and production activity, this focus on community involvement will expand to the benefit of a great number of people in the Commonwealth.
In the span of just two years, one Marcellus Shale Coalition member became among the largest contributors to a county’s United Way campaign, as the company and its employees committed a significant level of financial support. Other members are also making contributions of thousands of dollars to local United Way programs and other community-directed charities.
Members have also made education a priority, providing financial support and similar donations to both school district and college scholarship funds. A company provided a major contribution to a regional 4-H scholarship endowment, and a second partnered with Penn State University’s general scholarship fund. Other companies have contributed computers to school districts, participated in career fairs and supported high school athletic programs. All natural gas development companies have dedicated hundreds of hours hosting well site tours and meetings with students, community leaders and neighbors to help people better understand the process of drilling and completing a Marcellus Shale well.
Coalition members have also provided support to local hospitals, animal rescue organizations, chambers of commerce and community development groups. One member worked with local government leaders to redevelop a closed elementary school in the heart of the community into the company’s new headquarters, investing millions of dollars toward the revitalization of the downtown business district. The new building was honored with an award from the American Institute of Architects in 2008.
The Marcellus Shale Coalition is confident this represents only a small part of the partnerships that can be created as companies continue to develop this natural energy source. It starts with dialogue and the productive working relationships being established today.
