At the turn of the century, in the small town of Beaumont, Texas, an Ohioan, Clevelander W. Scott Heywood, was part of a drilling team searching for a new energy source. On January 10, 1901, they would make a breakthrough discovery at Spindletop. The strike would usher in a new era, opening the doors to the modern America.

It was known as the “Lucas Gusher”, and it began the exploration of what was then the largest and most productive oil field and energy resource in the world. The find would change the way Americans lived, travelled, worked and prospered.

110 years after Spindletop, Ohioans have a similar, incredible opportunity here at home: The Utica Shale. Sitting thousands of feet beneath us, it holds an untold abundance of energy resources, opportunities and jobs – hundreds of thousands of them.

Ohio has a rich history of seeing the light of opportunity…and taking flight. From Thomas Edison to the Wright Brothers (from my hometown of Dayton), to Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, we have a great tradition of holding center-stage when it comes to world changing ideas and game changing action.

The Utica Shale is no different- a game changing opportunity for all of us.

As is our way, Ohioans across the state are coming together to take advantage of the great potential of this natural resource.

We are here to help.

I am very excited to be working alongside Tom, Rhonda and our great team at Energy in Depth. Over the coming months, we will be crisscrossing the state and meeting with folks all around to help inform, assist and educate our fellow Buckeyes about this incredible opportunity, and what it means for you and your neighbors.

Thank you for visiting our website. Please be sure to sign up for the latest news and updates and, as always, please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or need any assistance.

Great times ahead – I look forward to seeing you all soon.