Hope Utilities and Ullico Dedicate Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center
New State-of-the-Art Training Facility Opens in Clarksburg, WV to Support Energy Industry Workforce Development
October 9, 2024
CLARKSBURG, WV – Today, Hope Utilities and Ullico Inc. proudly dedicated the Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Named in honor of Edward M. Smith (1954-2024), former CEO of Ullico Inc. and a lifelong advocate for workers, the center will play a critical role in preparing the next generation of the energy workforce through hands-on training in natural gas and hydrogen safety.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to equip trainees with essential skills for the energy industry, with a strong focus on ensuring community safety. Its innovative features include "Safety Town," a miniature town where trainees will practice real-life safety scenarios in tiny homes built by local technical schools.
"Edward M. Smith was a true visionary who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for working families," said Morgan O’Brien, CEO of Hope Gas. "This center is a testament to his legacy, and the training provided here will help build a stronger energy workforce and family sustaining jobs.”
Key highlights from the dedication event included:
- Dedication Ceremony: Speakers, including leaders from Hope Utilities and Ullico, shared personal reflections on Edward M. Smith's remarkable legacy and the center's future.
- Details of "Safety Town": Attendees viewed renderings of the new training feature, which simulates real-world environments to enhance hands-on safety training.
Photos from the event include:
- Architectural renderings of the Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center and Safety Town
- Morgan O’Brien, CEO of Hope Gas, addresses the crown
- Brian Hale, President and CEO, shares Edward M. Smith’s legacy
- Mini-home constructed by students at Untied Technical. This will be one of the mini-homes in the Safety Town
- Josh Coffman, Director of Technical Services for Hope Utilities shares details on the facility and the trainings that will take place at the center
- Jeff Nehr, SVP of Gas Supply and Business Development for Hope Gas, shares information on the hydrogen components of the training center
- The depiction of the bronze statue of Edward M. Smith that will be located in the training center is unveiled
Media Coverage Opportunity:
Media outlets interested in learning more about the dedication event or covering the story are encouraged to reach out for additional details. Interviews with key stakeholders can be arranged upon request.
For inquiries, please contact:
- Erin O'Donnell
- Director of Communications, Hope Utilities
- Email: erin.g.odonnell@hopegas.com
- Phone: 847-738-3118
About Hope Gas: Hope Gas is a Local Distribution Company (LDC) that proudly provides gas service to approximately 140,000 residential, industrial, and commercial customers in thirty-eight West Virginia counties. We monitor and maintain over 7000 miles of pipelines that safely deliver West Virginia natural gas to many homes and commercial and industrial sites. We currently employ over 450 employees working right here in our beautiful Mountain State with the sole purpose of staying true to our company’s mission and vision in West Virginia. Learn more at HopeGas.com.
About Hope Utilities: Hope Utilities owns natural gas and water distribution utilities across nine states. We provide service to more than 233,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the communities we serve. We currently operate natural gas utilities in Indiana, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia; and water and wastewater utilities in Arizona, Michigan, and Texas. Hope’s growth strategy is built on being a trusted member of the communities we serve, providing our customers with safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service. Learn more about Hope at HopeUtilities.com
