M A R C H--2 0 2 2

--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT -

RCBI, Tech Park partner on major new workforce training initiative

RCBI is joining forces with the West Virginia Regional Technology Park to establish an advanced manufacturing education and training center in South Charleston. The high-tech facility will offer diverse types of industrial training to prepare state residents for good paying jobs at home and meet the growing workforce needs of new and existing manufacturers in our region. Major funding for the project is provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Read the article

--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--

Battery maker to build plant in W.Va. - A California-based tech company will build its new state-of-the-art lithium battery manufacturing facility in West Virginia, creating 350 jobs with a potential for 10 times this number. During a press conference at RCBI South Charleston earlier this month, Sparkz Founder & CEO Sanjiv Malhotra said the company will partner with the United Mine Workers to train displaced workers for the new positions. Read the article

--COLLABORATION--

Together, we're making a difference Manufacturing is on the move in West Virginia! The good news keeps coming as more manufacturers unveil expansion plans and out-of-state companies announce plans to set up operations in the Mountain State. Our collaborative efforts are paying off! We must continue working together to create a highly skilled workforce to grow our manufacturing base and attract new industry. Read the article

--SUCCESS STORIES--

Delivering creative engineering solutions - RCBI leverages its technology and engineering expertise to spur private-sector innovation, help manufacturers overcome supply chain disruptions and increase profits. Learn how three West Virginia companies, both existing and new, took advantage of RCBI's engineering services to stay ahead of the curve. Read the article

- INNOVATION-

State's largest entrepreneur event April 4-8 More than 1,000 entrepreneurs, students and service providers, including RCBI staff members, will gather April 4-8 in Charleston for Bridging Innovation Week, the state's largest ever entrepreneurial event. It's not too late to register for this chance to network with innovators and participate in the state's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read the article

--AGRICULTURE--

RCBI awards drone tech to educators In phase two of its initiative to spur innovation in agriculture through the infusion of technology, RCBI is awarding drone packages and related training to 20 schools across West Virginia. Innovation in Ag outreach is funded by a grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, a long-time supporter of RCBI's agricultural endeavors. Read the article

--STEM EDUCATION--

Dates set for in-person maker camps RCBI once again will offer interactive, in-person 3D printing and maker camps in June and July. The STEM-focused events will take place in Huntington, South Charleston and Bridgeport and will feature a series of maker stations to engage students in each step of the manufacturing process as they design and produce their very own creations. Read the article

--ENTREPRENEURSHIP--

Inventors from across the state to gather RCBI assists innovators and inventors every day. Now these creative types will have the opportunity to network and share ideas with inventors from across the state and region. The West Virginia Inventors Society will kick off April 21 at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston. The event is open to everyone. Read the article

--QUALITY IMPLEMENTATION--

Improve business, grow with ISO registration With a Six Sigma Black Belt and two Green Belts on RCBI’s Quality Implementation team, we know very well that improvement begins with a commitment from the top that then relies on everyone working together.   In addition to Military Specs & DoD standards, our experienced team offers ISO certifications to serve industry sectors that include Aerospace (AS9100), Automotive (IATF16949), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), Medical Devices (ISO13485), Testing Labs (ISO/IEC17025) and Better Process Controls for food processing in the Agriculture industry.   Achieving these certifications not only helps companies improve efficiency, it demonstrates a commitment to the quality required to secure business with government agencies and larger corporations. This commitment can lead to new contracts and other business opportunities.   Contact our Quality team today to get started on your journey toward greater profitability, reduced waste and improved efficiency. Learn more

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

April 4-8: Bridging Innovation Week Check daily schedule. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center This series of events will bring together various meetings and competitions from across the state that are promoting and fostering entrepreneurship in West Virginia. More information April 6: Financing Your Business noon to 1 p.m. online Professionals at the U.S. Small Business Administration will explain funding options available for your business, from different SBA Loan Guarantees and Microloans to other sources of funding. More information April 12: Proving Your Business Ideas Work noon to 1 p.m. online Professionals at the U.S. Small Business Administration will explain the various issues that affect the sustainability of your business, including market demand and the strength of your competitors. More information April 12: WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Meeting 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online Monthly meeting to connect and identify opportunities to improve services for entrepreneurs across the state. More information April 14: Marketing to Agencies & Primes 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online Good marketing is the key to your success in federal procurement. Marketing professionals from the Regional Contracting Assistance Center (RCAC) will highlight best practices. More information April 22: Questions & Answers for Veteran Business Owners noon to 1 p.m. online SBA Veteran Business Development Officers Mike Jackson and Jonathan Bennett have served our country and now they want to help you start or grow your small business. The duo will provide an overview of SBA programs and services available for veterans and answer some of the most common questions. More information April 28: Steps to Scaling Up Your Food and Beverage Business 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. online The FASTER WV Program presents an overview and offers expert advice about how to successfully launch or grow your food or beverage business. 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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