Thousands of people have converged on McGee Park this week, enjoying a trade show, guest speakers and technical programs, all part of the Four Corners Oil and Gas Conference.

The conference takes place every other year and attracts those from the energy and oil and gas industries to the San Juan County Fairgrounds to network, learn and teach, and to enjoy the growth and the rewards of what they do.

Rod Troxell, director of safety, health and environmental issues for PESCO in Farmington, is the chairman of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce's Energy Committee, which spearheads the conference. Troxell said the conference has helped promote technology and pass new regulatory programs that govern the oil and gas industry. It also offers some 370 exhibitors the opportunity to take part in the always popular trade show.

The recent unanimous decision by Santa Fe County's Galisteo Basin and Rio Arriba County Commission to impose a four-month moratorium on new drilling on some of the county's lands is certain to be a topic of discussion as oil and gas leaders gather together to share ideas, solutions, goods and services. Participants also heard from Bob Gallagher, chief executive of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, and Martin Chavez, the mayor of Albuquerque.

While retail continues to add to the local economy in the Four Corners, the oil and gas and energy industries remain critical to the quality of life we all enjoy. With oil fields busier than ever, companies are employing more people who feed our tax base. In addition, companies in the industry continue to support local charities, youth groups and nonprofit organizations. Those companies, fueled by the people who work for them, generate another kind of energy in our community — the kind that makes a positive difference all our lives.

We appreciate those who work in the oil and gas industry. We appreciate the smiles, the faces and the personalities of all those who sit behind a desk, drive the trucks or operate the equipment. They are friends and neighbors and their contributions to our economy and our community are tremendous.

We also appreciate the months of planning and hard work the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and the members of the Energy Committee have put forth to make this conference one of the best in the country. Putting together such an event is no easy task, yet every other year, the chamber and the committee host an event that is worthwhile, educational, informative and enjoyable. Each conference is bigger and better than the last — a testament to the commitment the chamber and the industry have in the oil and gas industry.

The Four Corners Oil and Gas Conference is more than an opportunity for those in the industry to gather together and share time, talents, ideas, goods and services. It is an opportunity to celebrate an industry that consistently is responsible and respected, and one that often gives back far more than it receives.