Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Janice L. Hancharick on December 12, 2011 at 3:08pm

Much of the OGM acreage in these 2 counties is included in the 4-County Leasing Group, which also extends over into NY.  The Group has secured professional representation, because it's understood that our resources are being heavily eyed by companies quite literally from around the globe.  Over 2 dozen countries already have a piece of the Marcellus/Utica pie, simply by buying into a percentage of the companies whose names we're familiar with ... like Range, Chesapeake, Chevron, etc..  World-wide attention to this rural region demands world-class representation to level the playing field.  Getting it locally is a challenge because this is a rural area.

We do not seek any landman, too many have made the landowners the target of their poor leasing practices. Nor do we want direct bargaining with the companies themselves.  YOU vs. EXXon-Mobil ... imagine ... their bank of lawyers going toe-to-toe with your attorney. Neither of those alternatives bode well for individuals, or small groups of landowners up a hollow or down in the valley,

Potter and McKean rights holders have been heavily involved  with 4-County Group leaders making their wishes and concerns known.  These in turn have been combined with corporate leasing procedures (used successfully many times over by the firm representating us) and tech savvy at bid time. Our combined acres (1,000's) are being marketed and negotiated with skill, experience, and more than a little finesse.

We want the best price per AC, (looking @ $3,000) a top royalty % (17% gross, no company expenses deducted), top benefits and environmental protections ... all set on paper and totally suitable for safe drilling in our region.

Anyone with clear title to their OGM's can participate, no cost to join.  The firm representing us doesn't get paid unless we get paid, and it audits the payment schedule for 5 yrs. as part of the agreement. Interested?

Permalink Reply by Janice L. Hancharick on January 4, 2012 at 3:11pm

In case you didn't see my earlier reply, Potter and McKean make up 1/2 of the 4-County Group.  In no way are we searching for landmen to represent us, or chasing down the PG&E, Range, or Chesapeake's.  This isn't a race ... at least not in that direction.  MANY more companies are out there seeking access to Marcellus/Utica shale.  Some of them get a lot of hype, and they can (but may not) be the best game in town for us.  We are represented by Co-exprise, Inc. out of Wexford,  have accumulated considerable # of production units, and are headed for the auction block.  As each company knows what type of formation it's looking for, what components of natural gas it wants to market, so our various production units will be studied and bid upon for what they are expected to deliver.  An example of what I'm referring to is Reliance out of India ... a MAJOR player in Marcellus/Utica ... not for the warmth our gas can provide for India's houses nor for the oil to refine and fill the millions of gas tanks in their cars.  Reliance uses natural gas components for polyester ... a fabric we're all familiar with in our clothing industry as well as its industrial uses.  We have exactly what many companies world-wide want, but we don't all have the same thing.  It's ALL  MARKETABLE.

Attend one of our meetings in JAN. or FEB.. You'll better understand our goals and the path we're on to achieve them.  Check the news blog  Solomon's Word for meeting updates.

Permalink Reply by Janice L. Hancharick on February 27, 2012 at 6:24pm

In case you missed the FEB. 2012 4-County Leasing Group meeting in Coudersport, please read the article recently shown on the Solomons Words newsblog. It will be also be appearing in area newspapers that carry ads for 4-County meetings. Since Potter & McKean make up 1/2 of the Group's original 4 counties, you'll find it interesting. One of the expected speakers was unable to join us in Coudersport as he was presenting a total package picture of the numerous production units within our Group.  The meeting he attended was in Houston, TX... allowing many companies to see what our counties' landowners have to offer.  This has raised marketing of local OG rights to a whole new level, and given us much more exposure.

Eager to learn what happened @ the next meeting ... being held in MAR. in Smethport.

 

Permalink Reply by Janice L. Hancharick on January 21, 2013 at 2:54pm

Potter and McKean Counties make up 1/2 of the 4-County Leasing Group.  We are recognized on the Marcelllus Drilling News site, with all 4 counties listed. (The others being Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Steuben in NY. ... we've grown!)

"We guys" are actively marketing and negotiating not simply for a lease we can live with, but for a lease that represents the richness of our sub-surface Marcellus/Utica resources (yes, we have both wet and dry) AND is strongly environmentally friendly.

The process involves experienced industry-savvy representatives traveling to Houston for the world-wide gathering of major O/G companies in 2 weeks.  We have amassed approx. 100,000 AC for this marketing event.  They will attract attention!