D E C E M B E R--2 0 2 1
--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT--
RCBI machinist, welding graduates land jobs
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Most December graduates of RCBI's nationally recognized Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology programs not only earned college degrees and industry recognized credentials but secured jobs even before they graduated. Find out about our latest grads, where they will be working and how you can begin training for an in-demand career beginning in January.
--TRI-STATE MAKES FESTIVAL--
Design Challenge winners earn cash, prizes
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RCBI awarded more $5,000 in cash and other prizes this month in the Tri-State Makes Design Challenge, the centerpiece of the annual celebration of creativity and ingenuity. A Barboursville resident who is a freshman in the Marshall University College of Arts & Media captured the Grand Prize for his interactive computer game. Learn about all of the winners.
--SUCCESS STORY--
Father, son team fills fishing niche with nets

The fine craftsmanship of Nate Arndt and his father attracted the attention of a lot of anglers, leading to the creation of a successful family business in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Learn how the Arndts craft their custom nets and how RCBI assisted them in improving their production process. Nat's Nets isn't just about fishing gear, it's about a vision and a way of life.
--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--
W.Va. finalists in running for share of $1 billion

Congratulations to the West Virginia finalists in the $1 billion Build Back Better Challenge sponsored by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Each of the state winners – one group led by Coalfield Development, the other by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development – will receive $500,000 for its Phase I proposal to expand and diversify the state’s economy. Sixty groups across the country now will compete for up to $100 million each to implement visions for transformative economic change. Read more about the West Virginia finalists here.
--MARSHALL UNIVERSITY--
President Gilbert, thank you for your service
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After 6 years at the helm of Marshall University, Dr. Jerome Gilbert is stepping down at the end of December. "President. Gilbert has been a tireless and vocal champion of the important work we do at RCBI," said Charlotte Weber, Marshall's vice president for federal programs and RCBI director & CEO. "He has positioned Marshall as a driver of economic development and expanded the programs and prestige of our university. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude." Alumnus Brad Smith will assume the presidency Jan. 1.
--EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES--
More than 85 manufacturing jobs added to B2B

Start the new year with a new job in manufacturing! Businesses across West Virginia are hiring for positions ranging from machinists to welders, engineers to inspectors and everything in between. Dozens of new jobs have been added to RCBI's B2BWV webpage.
--TECHNOLOGY--
The power of electricity in precision machining

Though it may sound shocking, water and electricity do mix, at least in certain manufacturing settings. Learn how Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) technology available at RCBI is helping manufacturers produce complex metal components to extremely precise standards.
--STEM OUTREACH--
RCBI promotes STEM education with awards

The exponential growth of robotics across a variety of industrial sectors and the potential economic implications of commercial drone use – estimated at $127 billion per year – are creating a demand for skilled workers. Learn how RCBI is introducing young people to robotics and drone technology through hands-on STEM activities.
--STEM OUTREACH--
Robotics, drone teams to compete Feb 12-13

Save the dates! RCBI is joining with the West Virginia Robotics Alliance and the NASA IV&V Education Resource Center to present a VEX IQ Robotics Competition Feb. 12 and a RAD Drone Competition Feb. 13 in Huntington. Student teams will compete for a chance to advance to the state tournaments in both events.

U P C O M I N G-- E V E N T S
Jan. 4: SBA Services & Programs
noon to 12:45 p.m. online
Overview of programs and services available to people who want to start or grow their business. More information

Jan. 6: Q&A with the SBA
noon to 12:30 p.m. online
West Virginia District Office staff will provide updates and answer questions about any of SBA's programs or services.

Jan. 10: RCBI Career Skills Classes Resume
8:30 a.m. in Huntington
Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology classes resume at RCBI Huntington and Mountwest Community & Technical College.

Jan. 11: Farm Business Management
9 a.m. to noon at Eastern WV Community & Technical College
Course will cover enterprise feasibility analysis and market-driven production management. More information
Jan. 11: WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (Monthly Meeting)
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online
Key service providers share best practices and inspire collaborations to better serve entrepreneurs across the state. More information

Jan. 19-20: Gas & Oil Association of WV Winter Meeting
7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wed., 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Thurs. in Charleston
The two-day event will feature dignitaries, industry representatives and other speakers sharing the latest information about this important state industry. More information

Jan. 24: Introduction to Intellectual Property
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. online
An overview of intellectual property issues, including trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. More information

Jan. 31: Copyright & Fair Use
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. online
Learn the fundamentals of U.S. Copyright, what fair use allows and the benefits of the Creative Commons. ​More information