September 14, 2025 - Visitors from across the nation learned Thursday about the coal industry’s newest technologies and services as the Bluefield Coal & Mining Show went into it second day at the Brushfork National Guard Armory.

Jeff Disibbio, CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias, was among the chamber employees and volunteers working to keep the show going smoothly. About 150 vendors are displaying their goods and services to thousands of visitors.

“We are finding it’s been extremely successful,” Disibbio said. “Our vendors today are overjoyed with the number of people we’ve had turn out today. We thought had a successful day yesterday and it’s probably grown 20% over the numbers we had yesterday. We’re extremely happy with the turnout we’ve had so far.”

In the hospitality suite, Dafney Peters, wife of the late Charlie Peters, recalled how her husband’s idea led to the biennial coal show.

“In ‘76, yes,” she said. “It’s grown since Charlie passed seven years ago and it’s a phenomenal show this year. We’re proud of what Charlie started and I’m proud of the ones who have taken his place.”

Peters said that this year’s show chairman, Bob Ramsey, was “doing a wonderful job.”

A guest on the federal level reminded exhibitors and attendees that President Donald Trump and Administrator Kelly Loeffler with the U.S. Small Business Administration supported them.

Jim Spencer, former director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority and now the SBA’s administrator for the Mid-Atlanta Region, introduced SBA Deputy Administrator William “Bill” Briggs.

“It’s a privilege to have him here today, and he genuinely cares about manufacturing in America,” Spencer said.

Briggs, who said he is a small business owner from Texas, told the coal show’s guests and exhibitors that he understand the highs and lows of running one.

“I just want to leave you with a few things and it’s why I showed up today,” he said. “President Trump and Administrator Loeffler gave me the honor of a lifetime. This is my second time at the SBA. Last time was during the Covid era. Ran a little program called the Paycheck Protection Program –hopefully helped some of you guys – but the president and Administrator Loeffler have a very deep commitment to the coal and manufacturing industries and they want to make sure you knew how important it is to come here and represent that we value what you do.

Briggs said his agency is ready to assist coal-related businesses.

“If there is any way we can help you, we would like to help you,” he said. “We do value the coal and manufacturing industries, we value the folks who are working hard every day. Part of what we’re trying to do is make sure we’re manufacturing more things in America; and so you guys are all a part of that and I really appreciate it.”

Thursday was the 24th anniversary of the terrorists attacks committed on Sept. 11, 2001, so Briggs thanked the attendees for supporting their country.

“Thank you for making America strong,” Briggs said. “We want America strong, especially on a day like today and I hope to talk to as many of you as possible and learn what you’re doing and how the SBA can work with you.”