Blog

March 25, 2011

Many Attend Program About Marcellus Shale and Business Opportunities

Mike Narcavage, Chesapeake Energy Corporation

MetroAction recently hosted over 130 individuals seeking information about opportunities related to the natural gas industry at a program sponsored by Keystone College.  Industry experts were on hand to provide information about the drilling process and potential economic impact and offer insight into the best practices to successfully working with this industry.

OPPORTUNITIES ARE GROWING

The Marcellus Shale formation is estimated to hold in the trillions of cubic feet of natural gas.  In 2010, it was 256 billion cubic feet.  A recent report indicated 1,147 Marcellus Shale gas wells in operation.

According to Danielle Boston, Director of Public Outreach, Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, this translates into about 100,000 jobs-and the number is growing.

“As development of Marcellus Shale natural gas continues to grow in Pennsylvania, so do the business opportunities,” said Deborah Bertha, Business Training and Development Specialist at MetroAction. “MetroAction is committed to helping small business owners in our region succeed by prov

ing

the tools and resources they need for long-term success.”

PROGRAM PRESENTERS

Janice Lobdell, Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) Speakers’ Bureau Member and Industry Expert, presented Marcellus 101 and Business Opportunities –

PIOGA Marcellus 101 and Business Ops – Part 1 PIOGA Marcellus 101 and Business Ops – Part 2 – an explanation of the entire process from start to finish – from seismic testing and leasing of land to when the gas goes to market, all the way to when the rig is gone, the well is closed, and the site is reclaimed.

Mike Narcavage, Manager of Corporate Development, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, presented Natural Gas Fueling America’s Future – information about Chesapeake’s operations and opportunities for local businesses to work with the industry.

A panel discussion with local companies who have experienced recent success due to the natural gas industry was led by Joann Kowalski, Economic and Community Development Educator, Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Experts in small business planning and financing from MetroAction, University of Scranton SBDC, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, and the U.S. Small Business Administration were also on hand to provide information about available programs and services.