The annual Energy Independence Day celebration was held this weekend at the Williamson campus of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. 

The event featured live music, a cookout, informative workshops and information about renewable energy as well as ways to build greener communities. 

The JOBS project also used the event to commemorate the sacrifices West Virginia and Kentucky coal communities have made to provide our nation's energy, and look toward the future through presentations from students and experts in renewable energy. 

This event brought together local officials and residents from throughout southern West Virginia and Kentucky to discuss how renewable energy can bring jobs and economic opportunity to this area. 

The keynote speaker, Williamson Mayor Darrin McCormick, discussed his vision for saving the city money through efficiency and solar investments on public buildings.  Guest presenters from Oregon shared how building a wind farm benefited their county.  Each turbine brings local landowners between $2000 and $4,000 each year, and the wind farm has raised the county tax income by 10 percent, or $20,000 per turbine.

The cookout started at noon, when attendees were entertained by Hard Luck Child, a three piece family band playing old-time music, while kids spent time painting pictures at the art station.

The event also served as a call to local artists.  One display table entitled “Appalachian Memories” showcased photography of memorable places by Wilma Lee Steele, an art teacher at Gilbert High School.  Canary cages, mining hats, and antique lamps were in the exhibit entitled “Miner Tributes.” This exhibit is expected to grow over the course of the year in preparation for next year’s event and local artists are invited to contribute their work in commemoration of coal heritage.

Another display, The Energy Independent House, showcased solar energy panels on the rooftop.  These panels actually make home electric meters spin backwards to save residents money each month. 

The Mingo Career & Technical Center brought an alternative fuel demonstration vehicle.  Nick Branham, a student who helped to build it, offered rides in the cherry red electric car to participants at the event. 

The workshops about energy saving techniques, solar, and wood-fired power will lead into upcoming trainings this fall.  The next events hosted by the JOBS Project will be solar trainings to coincide with the installation of solar panels in downtown Williamson.  Electricians, contractors, home and business owners from surrounding areas are welcome to attend.   If you’d like to learn more, go to www.jobs-project.org/you-are-invited/ .