Bill Text: VA HJR183 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled


Bill Title: Commending Michael J. Quillen.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 4-1)

Status: (Passed) 2012-01-27 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ183ER) [HJR183 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2012-HJR183-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 183
Commending Michael J. Quillen.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 20, 2012
Agreed to by the Senate, January 26, 2012

WHEREAS, Michael J. Quillen, chairman of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., in Bristol, was selected as Virginia Business magazine's 2011 Business Person of the Year; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees, Michael Quillen began his career in the coal industry as a mine foreman; and

WHEREAS, over the decades, Michael Quillen worked for several coal companies, rising through the ranks into positions of increasing responsibility and gaining valuable insight and experience in the coal industry; and

WHEREAS, in 2002 Michael Quillen began to acquire coal and mining operations, eventually forming Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., which went public in 2005; and

WHEREAS, in 2009 Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., merged with another coal company and Michael Quillen became chairman of the board; after another acquisition in June of 2011, the company became the world's fifth largest supplier of coal; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., the only Fortune 500 company in Virginia located west of Roanoke, operates 34 mines and five coal preparation plants in the Commonwealth, employing more than 2,100 individuals; and

WHEREAS, committed to mine safety, Michael Quillen implemented an innovative program known as "Running Right," which encourages miners to submit anonymous observation cards regarding any unsafe practices or conditions they notice, which are then reviewed by safety personnel; and

WHEREAS, throughout all of his business success, Michael Quillen has remained a staunch advocate of Southwest Virginia, generously giving back to the local community; and

WHEREAS, a respected leader, Michael Quillen has also provided wise counsel and thoughtful insight as chair of the Virginia Port Authority and continues to be a faithful supporter of his alma mater, where he serves as a member of the board of visitors; and

WHEREAS, Michael Quillen's hard work, years of experience, and astute business leadership have all contributed to his remarkable success in the coal industry; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Michael J. Quillen on his selection as Virginia Business magazine's 2011 Business Person of the Year; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael J. Quillen as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and admiration for his successful business practices and commitment to Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth.

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