J U L Y--2 0 2 2

--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT -

RCBI designated national machining hub in DoD effort to revitalize U.S. manufacturing

---A new machine tool hub established at Marshall University's Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) will deliver computer-controlled machinist training to individuals across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky as part of a broader effort to revitalize American manufacturing and restore U.S. dominance in the machine tool industry. ---The overarching goal of the U.S. Department of Defense/Department of Energy initiative is to ensure a strong national defense by bridging the skills gap in American manufacturing. Read the article

--CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES--

Learn how to supply a major manufacturer - Representatives from more than 40 small businesses in West Virginia have registered for our Aug. 10 virtual Supply Chain Expo presented in partnership with Advantage Valley. Join them to learn about opportunities to become a supplier to Chemours, a major West Virginia chemical manufacturer. Its Belle plant contracts for a wide array of goods and services. For additional details and to view the lengthy list of supplier opportunities, click the following link. Read the article

--FEDERAL PROCUREMENT--

Initiative to boost small business contracting --- ---West Virginia small business owners miss out on millions of dollars in federal contracting each year because they don't know about bid opportunities or understand the procurement process. RCBI has hired James Westbrook as government contracting specialist to identify specific contracting opportunities and assist qualified state small businesses in their efforts to bid on those contracts. Read the story

--SUCCESS STORY--

Confectioner makes her mark with RCBI help When Faye Dunford of Greenbrier County decided to start her own confectionary business, she already had successful recipes for palate-tempting treats. What she didn't have was a food-safe method for branding her succulent sweets. That's why she turned to RCBI's technical services team to help her prototype and create just the right molds and stamps for shaping and branding her products. Learn about her positive experience. Read the article

- CELEBRATING CREATIVITY-

West Virginia Makes Festival to return Nov. 4  ---The West Virginia Makes Festival, RCBI’s annual statewide celebration of creativity and ingenuity, will return Nov. 4 on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington. ---This ninth-annual festival – the first in-person one in three years – will feature a Design Challenge that provides makers of all ages the opportunity to demonstrate their ideas and skills and earn rewards for their creativity. ---Festivities will include special exhibits, demonstrations by artisans, 3D printing and other innovative technologies, music and hands-on activities for students of all ages. ---Submit your contact information here to receive updates.

--TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING--

RCBI designated official Haas testing center Haas Automation, the United States’ largest maker of computerized machine tool equipment, has approved RCBI as an official certification center. This means manufacturers across the state and region who use Haas mills, lathes and machining centers or plan to adopt the technology can send trainees to RCBI’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington or South Charleston for testing to ensure they can take full advantage of the American-made equipment. ---To learn more or schedule certification testing, contact Carol Howerton, RCBI senior strategic advisor for workforce development, at carol.howerton@rcbi.org or 304.781.1680.

- EDUCATION & TRAINING-

Machinist, welding classes begin Aug. 22 ---Only a few seats remain in our nationally recognized Machinist Technology and Welding Technology programs for fall. Classes begin Aug. 22 in Huntington. The career skills training, offered in partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College, prepares individuals for in-demand careers in manufacturing. Scholarships and financial assistance are available to those who qualify. Visit www.rcbi.org/career-skills for more information.

--IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... -

Charlotte Weber Longtime RCBI director promoted to new position at Marshall University Read the article South Charleston 3D Printing & Maker Camp Students from across the region engage in STEM learning at RCBI Watch the video

U P C O M I N G-- E V E N T S

Aug. 2: Getting Registered into the System for SAMS 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. online The first step in pursing federal contracts is to register with SAMS. In this free West Virginia Women’s Business Center webinar, experts will guide you through the registration process, explain where to get additional contracting assistance, as well as answer your questions. More information Aug. 9: Post Covid Business Funding noon to 1 p.m. online COVID funding like the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is exhausted, but other business funding options are available. In this free virtual workshop, Small Business Development Center experts will explain the options, including SBA loan guarantees, crowdfunding, and factoring. More information Aug. 9: WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Meeting 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online Join the montly meeting to connect and identify opportunities for improvement in aiding entrepreneurs across the state. The work brings together key state providers to share best practices and inspire collaborations. More information Aug. 10: Chemours Supply Chain Expo 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. online The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) and Advantage Valley will sponsor a free online expo August 10 to link West Virginia small-scale suppliers of goods and services to Chemours, a major state manufacturer of chemicals and related products. More information Aug. 16: Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Marketing Buck noon to 12:45 p.m. online Experts with the U.S. Small Business Administration will present cost-effective marketing strategies in this free online workshop. Learn how to get the biggest bang for your buck from online marketing. More information Aug. 22: Fall-term Career Skills Classes Begin at RCBI 8 a.m. at RCBI and Mountwest Students enrolled in RCBI’s Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology programs offered in partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College resume classes at RCBI and Mountwest locations. Call RCBI's Jill Goheen at 304.781.1678 for more information. July 27: West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Business Summit 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. online Business, industry, education, financial and political leaders from across the Mountain State gather to network, exchange ideas and set the stage for further economic growth in West Virginia. More information If you have upcoming events that you'd like us to share, please email the information to Mike Friel at mfriel@rcbi.org.

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