Making Connections

'Making Connections: Diversifying Our Future' is a multi-media platform for sharing news, stories, and information highlighting opportunities and challenges for building a healthy future for Appalachia's people and land.

While coal mining will play a role in the central Appalachian economy for many years to come, the industry continues to mechanize creating a dramatic drop in jobs -– it currently represents less than 2% of employment. Analysts also project that recoverable coal reserves in the region could run out in 20 years.

Now is the time to develop a more diversified and sustainable regional economy that supports the current generation of coal miners while creating new jobs in new fields. We have no shortage of strengths to build upon, including our rich cultural traditions, unparalleled natural landscape and strong sense of family and community. To move forward we must honor our past while focusing on a future that provides healthy and productive lives for our children and grandchildren.

Making Connections features people, organizations and businesses that are leading the way and providing examples of new economic opportunities. The stories, information, ideas, and opinions presented are intended to foster further conversations and spur action on these important issues.

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'Making Connections: Diversifying Our Future' is a multi-media platform for sharing news, stories, and information highlighting opportunities and challenges for building a healthy future for Appalachia's people and land.While coal mining will play a role in the central Appalachian economy for many years to come, the industry continues to mechanize creating a dramatic drop in jobs -– it currently represents less than 2% of employment. Analysts also project that recoverable coal reserves in the region could run out in 20 years.Now is the time to develop a more diversified and sustainable regional economy that supports the current generation of coal miners while creating new jobs in new fields. We have no shortage of strengths to build upon, including our rich cultural traditions,... Show full description