New online business directory will connect natural gas industry with Main Street

Philadelphia, PA – Today, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) unveiled the first online business directory — Marcellus on Main Street — designed exclusively to connect the natural gas industry with small- and medium-sized businesses across the region.  This new, interactive web-based portal — www.MarcellusOnMainStreet.org — will bring together entrepreneurs and small businesses with energy and services companies, contractors, and suppliers in New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

MSC members and staff joined Marcellus on Main Street members and regional economic development partners at five simultaneous events in Philadelphia, Johnstown, Williamsport, Washington, and Cranberry Township this morning for business networking events previewing the directory.

“Small businesses are truly the backbone of the American economy, and play an incredibly vital role in the growing and robust supply chain that makes responsible natural gas development possible.  This cascading and positive economic impact extends far beyond the well site and pipelines,” said MSC president Kathryn Klaber.  “Partnering with regional chambers of commerce, Marcellus on Main Street will provide a unique resource for small- and mid-sized businesses to continue playing an even more significant role in this historic economic opportunity.”

Marcellus on Main Street is a business directory to support responsible shale gas development by connecting the natural gas industry, and its employees, to local vendors, suppliers, and services — no matter how small a business may be.  Partnering with regional chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, hundreds of small businesses have already registered in the directory.

“Our Guiding Principles are underpinned by our commitment to generating sustainable and broad-based economic benefits for all.  This site reaffirms and further strengthens that commitment to ensuring that the enormous economic benefits tied to American natural gas are fully realized across the entire region, especially for small businesses,” added Klaber.

Marcellus on Main Street is a mobile optimized site, allowing for quick and easy use from mobile devices and smart phones.  Interested businesses are encouraged to visit the site – or contact mainstreet@marcelluscoalition.org – for more information.

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