The Eastern Coal Council Is Meeting In Kingsport This Week. It’s Their Second Annual Conference, And The Goal Of The Meeting Is To Emphasize The Importance Of Coal In The Economy By Helping The Tennessee Valley As Well As Southwest Virginia. 1st District Congressman Dr. Phil Roe Says Coal Is The Backbone Of The Economy. 9th District Congressman Rick Boucher And Tennessee Lt. Governor And Candidate For Governor Ron Ramsey Also Attended The Conference, Which Runs Through Today.