CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Mountaineer Energy Forum and the American Petroleum Institute will host a Mountaineer Energy Forum from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School.

The free forum will update the community on developments with the Marcellus Shale gas and related industries. The program also will highlight employment and economic opportunities in the natural gas industry and the education and training required for these jobs. Representatives from Bridgemont and Kanawha Valley Community and Technical Colleges, Job Corps and Kanawha County Schools will be available to discuss education and job training.

A reception will begin at 5 p.m. with free food, music, door prizes and giveaways.

For information, call Betsy DeBord at 304-345-1151 or Bonita Perry-Dean at 304-343-4673.