formerly the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI)
M A Y--2 0 2 3
--SHARED MANUFACTURING--
Richwood turns to MAMC in time of need

---For more than four decades, Richwood Industries of Huntington has been manufacturing conveyor systems used in mining and bulk materials handling industries across the nation and around the world.
---The company operates three manufacturing facilities in Huntington. Post-pandemic, business has been booming. But an April 21 fire destroyed Richwood’s casting facility located off 5th Street. Critical parts for the conveyor systems Richwood makes were produced there.
---“Because of the catastrophic fire at our casting facility, we’ve had to start manufacturing some of the parts that we cast using other methods,” said Mick Sansom, Richwood’s machine shop supervisor.
Richwood’s own machine shop is running at capacity and cannot handle the additional workload, so Sansom turned to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center for assistance.
-ENTREPRENEURSHIP -
Inventors Society to meet in Huntington
---The West Virginia Inventors Society has an inspiring lineup of presenters for the June 22 meeting of the minds in Huntington. Hosted by the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, the event will feature inventors Gary Gini, owner of the Instrument Lab in Spencer; and Laura Riegel, co-owner of Blue Ink Tech in Huntington; as well as Ben Eng, associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at Marshall University, who will present a Design Thinking exercise.
---Hear inspiring stories, network with other creative types, learn about resources available to take your ideas to market. There’s no cost to participate. More information and registration are at www.rcbi.org/WVISJune2023.
-MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE -
Military innovations come to life at MAMC
---The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) has a storied reputation of assisting manufacturers and entrepreneurs, but what many people don’t know is that MAMC is a center for military innovation as well.
---As one of a handful of designated makerspaces for the National Security Innovation Network, MAMC provides direct manufacturing assistance to the U.S. military and works with private companies to develop Defense-related technologies.
---Forcyte, a Missouri-based producer of autonomous power, command & control innovations for unmanned systems and IoT, was referred to MAMC by the National Security Innovation Network. The company had developed a concept for a mobile drone launcher and charging station in response to a U.S. Department of Defense request for proposals but did not have access to the technology or manufacturing expertise to produce the innovation. 
- NEW FACILITY, NEW TECHNOLOGY-
Advanced training center to open June 7
---
-- In another major expansion of its training and technology offerings, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center is set to open its new advanced manufacturing education and training center in South Charleston, a joint project of the center and the West Virginia Regional Technology Park.
---Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Co-Chair Gayle Manchin will be the featured speaker during the June 7 grand opening of the new center, which will offer multiple training options for residents of the Kanawha Valley. Major funding for the project was provided by the ARC. Members of the public are invited to attend the 10 a.m. June 7 dedication.
-WORKFORCE TRAINING -
Career skills programs enrolling for fall
---If you or someone you know is looking for an in-demand career, consider enrolling in the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s nationally recognized Machinist Technology/CNC or Welding Technology training programs offered in partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College. -----Earn industry credentials and a college degree in as little as 18 months. More than 90 percent of our graduates secure employment in their chosen fields. ----Scholarships and financial assistance are available. West Virginia residents may qualify for free tuition through the West Virginia Invests grant. Fall classes begin Aug. 21.
- TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE-
MAMC gives new MU composting facility a lift

---The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center doesn’t just assist entrepreneurs and manufacturers. When fellow Marshall University family members are in need, our staff provides technical assistance and technology not readily available at most universities. Case in point: To assist Marshall’s Sustainability Department in bringing its first-of-its-kind commercial composting facility online, Advanced Manufacturing Center engineers and interns lent their expertise to configure a conveyor system that was functional, durable and would fit within the confines of the limited space in the new facility on Norway Avenue in Huntington.
- WEST VIRGINIA MAKES FESTIVAL-
Calling all makers! Plan to join us Oct. 6

---The date for the 10th annual West Virginia Makes Festival has been set for Oct. 6, 2023, on the Huntington campus of Marshall University. Mark your calendars and join us for the state and region’s largest maker fair, presented by the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing center.
---Makers of all ages and types are encouraged to demonstrate their creations and compete for prizes in our Design Challenge. There’s no cost to participate. We also welcome groups and individuals to offer exhibits and hands-on making activities for attendees.
---Celebrate the Mountain State’s strong maker heritage by joining us to make this year’s festival the biggest and best ever. Register today at www.rcbi.org/wvmf2023.
U P C O M I N G-- E V E N T S
June 7: Top 5 Ways to Survive and Thrive During the “J” Months
noon to 12:30 p.m. online
Depending on your industry, summer months can be tough for small businesses. Join the West Virginia Women’s Business Center and U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office for tips and techniques to make these your best months yet. More information

June 8: Intro to the Woman Owned Small Business Certification Program
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. online
Learn about federal contracting opportunities available exclusively to businesses with the woman-owned small business certification. Updated regulations make it easier to participate in the program. Join the webinar to learn whether you qualify. More information
 
June 13: W.Va. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Monthly Meeting
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online
Monthly meeting to connect and identify opportunities for improvement in aiding entrepreneurs across the state. Its aim is to bring together key providers in the state to share best practices and inspire collaborations. More information
 
June 14: Work For Yourself @50+: West Virginia
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Unlimited Future, Huntington
Gain the knowledge, support, and resources you need to make informed decisions about working for yourself and take the right first steps toward successful self-employment. More information

June 20: 4 Steps to Profitable Online Marketing
Noon to 1 p.m., online
Ninety-seven percent of consumers go online to find products & services. Is your business positioned to successfully market
online? Learn the four most important things you can do today to get your online marketing up to snuff, including business profiles, website basics and engaging on social media.  More information

June 20: 2nd Annual Tech Yeah Conference
7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Morgantown
Learn the path to success in the federal market and attract key decision-makers from the U.S. Department of Energy, NOAA, the FBI, NASA, the U.S. Treasury, and the U.S. Air Force. Tech Yeah highlights the innovative West Virginia-based companies forging a new future through technology. More information

June 20-23: Robotics Summer Camps
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, Huntington
Hands-on robotics camps for students 6-8 and 9-12 that focus on fundamental building and programming skills, game and fun challenges. Each camp will provide information on age- appropriate competitions and how to get involved and stay engaged in robotics. Presented by the NASA IV&V Education Resource Center and the West Virginia Robotics Alliance. More information

June 22: West Virginia Inventors Society gathering
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, Huntington
Join inventors from across the state for an inspiring presentation featuring inventors and successful business owners Gary Gini of The Instrument Lab, Laura Riegel of Blue Ink Tech and Ben Eng, associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at Marshall University. More information

If you have upcoming events that you'd like us to share, email details to Mike Friel at mfriel@rcbi.org.