May 1, 2019 - The Virginia Coal & Energy Alliance (VCEA) and Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) are holding their 40th annual conference and exposition May 20-21, 2019 at the Meadowview Conference Center, Kingsport, TN. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Embarking on Coal’s New Era”.

Lou Hrkman, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Clean Coal and Carbon Management is the Keynote Speaker. As DAS for Clean Coal and Carbon Management, Hrkman oversees research, development, and demonstration of advanced coal-based power systems, and carbon capture, sequestration and storage. 

Lou Hrkman

Hrkman has more than two decades of experience in the energy industry, including work in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as a Policy Adviser to Congressman David D. McKinley, who was the Chair of the House Coal Caucus and the Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee. In this role, Hrkman advised Congressman McKinley on various policy issues and pending legislation pertaining to energy and the environment.  He also previously served as a Legislative Fellow for Congressman Gus Bilirakis, assisting on Energy and Power Subcommittee issues.
 

Prior to his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hrkman was a Regional Manager at Ingersoll Rand Inc. In this role, he led efforts to provide energy-efficient and sustainable business solutions. Additionally, from 1993 to 2010, Hrkman held several management positions at Siemens Industry Inc., including National Sales Manager and Director within the energy and environmental sector. His experience included all aspects of power generation, transmission and energy efficiency solutions within the building envelope. He has extensive experience in public-private partnerships and government affairs. He was an Officer in the United States Air Force. 

Hrkman earned his BA in Political Science and Government from Miami University, his MPA from the University of South Dakota, and his MBA from the College of William and Mary.

The annual fishing tournament will also be Friday, May 17th at the South Holston Lake – Observation Knob Boat Ramp, Washington Counties, TN-VA from 6:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  The awards and prizes will be presented Monday evening, May 20 at the “Welcoming Reception” at the Meadowview Conference Center, Kingsport, TN. 

The annual golf outing will be Monday afternoon, May 20th at the Meadowview’s Cattails nestled between the rolling foothills of the Appalachian and Great Smoky Mountain, offering fantastic scenery as you play the challenging par 71 golf course.  The 18 Hole championship course was designed by the renowned Denis Griffiths and is conveniently located adjacent to the Hotel. 

To register or for additional information, contact the Virginia Coal & Energy Alliance, P. O. Box 339, Lebanon, VA 24266.  PHONE: 276-889-2262 or 276-889-4001, FAX: 276-964-6342, or E-Mail: vcea@virginiacoalenergy.com.

Click here for registration form.

Click here for golf registration form. 

Click here for exhibit contract.

Click here for fishing registration.