PITTSBURGH, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh Penguins fans will have the opportunity for some unique recognition at CONSOL Energy Center during the 2012-2013 season, courtesy of CONSOL Energy (NYSE: CNX). In partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the company is launching Community All Stars, a community-focused program designed to showcase non-profit organizations and everyday citizens that are making a difference in communities throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130123/NE47111-a)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130123/NE47111LOGO-b)

These organizations, and the people who contribute their time and effort to make their community a better place to live, will be recognized as Community All Stars during each home game throughout the hockey season. The program honors a variety of critical support services including scholarships, emergency and basic human services, and aid for those in need.

A new interactive feature on CONSOL Energy's web site and Facebook page allows Pens fans and the public to nominate their Community All Star and showcases the All Stars who are selected. Visit: http://www.consolenergy.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/consol-in-the-community/community-all-stars/nominate.aspx OR https://www.facebook.com/consolenergy/app_250199341769273.

Each Community All-Star will be awarded a trophy in the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room, invited to a luncheon at CONSOL Energy Center, and will receive tickets to a Penguins' hockey game, during which they will be recognized on the center ice scoreboard.

Community All Stars is a new initiative of CONSOL Energy's community investment program, whose goal it is to support organizations and activities that enjoy wide community support and that benefit the most people, with a specific focus in the areas of public safety, youth organizations, community organizations, as well as arts and culture.

"Community All-Stars represents the desire of CONSOL Energy to shine a light on every-day people who invest their time and energy into their communities in order to make them a better place to live and work," commented Laural Ziemba, Director of Community Relations. "Each year, CONSOL gives more than $6 million to non-profit organizations that work to keep our communities strong, but we wanted to find a way to publicly thank them and what better way than to engage our relationship with the Pittsburgh Penguins and their awesome fan base?. We encourage fans and non-fans alike to go online and nominate their Community All Star."

"We are proud to be a partner with CONSOL Energy this season for the Community All Star program. They do so many great things in our community and this is a wonderful way for CONSOL Energy and the Penguins to showcase and promote the valuable work being done by numerous community groups throughout our region," commented David Peart, Senior Vice President, Pittsburgh Penguins. "We applaud and recognize the dedication of our community groups for their contributions."

For the 2012-2013 season, CONSOL Energy also launched a new ad campaign that is featured on digital billboards throughout CONSOL Energy Center and in the Ice Time programs. The colorful, eye-catching artwork will have fans pondering the question "What would the game of ice hockey be like without reliable electricity?" The company also worked with the Pittsburgh Penguins to produce a powerful pre-game trailer designed to get fans out of their seats as the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice in their quest for another Stanley Cup.

GRAPHICS AVAILABLE: Community All Star Logo, CONSOL Energy Campaign Ad

About CONSOL Energy Inc.
CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNX) is a Pittsburgh-based producer of coal and natural gas. It has 12 bituminous coal mining complexes in four states and reports proven and probable coal reserves of 4.5 billion tons. The company's premium Appalachian coals are sold worldwide to electricity generators and steelmakers. In natural gas, CONSOL has transformed itself from a pure-play coalbed methane producer to a full-fledged exploration and production company. The company is a leading producer in the Marcellus Shale, has an active exploration program in the Utica Shale and has proved natural gas reserves of 3.5 trillion cubic feet. Operational safety is the company's top core value and CONSOL boasts a record of almost two times better than the industry average for underground bituminous coal mines. In 2011, the company recorded its best safety record since it was founded in 1860. CONSOL Energy is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Equity Index and the Fortune 500. Additional information about CONSOL Energy can be found at its Web site: www.consolenergy.com.

SOURCE CONSOL Energy Inc.