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Since its establishment in 1913, the New York Coal Trade has served as a
forum for key industry professional involved in the commerce of coal.
The genesis of our association is described in the minutes of the first
Board of Governors meeting held on December 17th, 1913.
“Through the efforts of the members of the firm of Watkin’s Coal
Company, and the courtesy of Mr. F.A. Potts, an invitation was extended
to golf playing members of the New York coal trade to participate in a
golf tournament at Lakewood Country Club, Lakewood, New Jersey October
17th and 18th, 1913.”
“The tournament was so successful and such a spirit of good fellowship
developed, that it was decided by those present to form a permanent
association.” A committee on By-Laws was appointed. It was suggested
that after the By-Laws had been written, a meeting be held in December
to formalize the new Association.”
As today’s coal professionals, the early 20th century executives
were quite competitive and exhibited good fellowship. These traits
spilled over into social activities like golf and smokers.
Membership grew rapidly as the association provided a means to meet with
other coal professionals, and provided a relaxed business environment to
socialize with customers and associates.
The original By-Laws have been amended many times since the founding of
the association, but the objectives and procedural conduct have remained
nearly identical to those of the founders.
Coal has seen many booms and declines over the years, but continues to
survive by adapting to the requirement of the times. From the Great
Depression to the Second World War, through the strict emission
standards of the last decades, and the corporate consolidations of
recent times, coal continues to go to market.
Members of the association have also changed with the times and adapted
with the times, while keeping to the original aims of the Founders.
The early individual traders, promoters, and developers of coal have
changed with the development of large integrated coal companies which
both produce and market. Today’s association reflects this and has
widened its membership to include industries that serve coal, such as
transportation, quality control, exploration, and production services.
While the association is headquartered in New York City, it has members
throughout the United States, reflecting its commitment to coal and the
members who serve the industry.
With this broader embracing of coal, the association continues to keep
its traditions and ceremonies that have served so well for much of the
twentieth century.
The always exciting and prestigious New York business environment
continues to provide plenty of famous New York locations for developing
good fellowship. These include: the New York Athletic Club, Hotel
Biltmore, Pennsylvania Hotel, The Waldorf Astoria, Park Lane,
Metropolitan Club, The Plaza Hotel, The Friars Club, Keens Chophouse,
and the list goes on.
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