Kentucky Metals Industry Update: Member News, AKFA Groundbreaking, and Market Developments

Here is a roundup of recent member news, industry developments, press and more!

MI2's Sustainability Project Coordinator, Laura Haury, featured in American Recycler

American Recycler spotlighted MI2's most recent hire, Laura Haury! Laura's role at MI2 bridges manufacturing operations, environmental stewardship, and public education. Haury brings decades of experience in environmental engineering and manufacturing sustainability to MI2. In her role, she will lead recycling efforts, environmental education, and community outreach, including a partnership with The Recycling Society's Million Can contest to raise awareness around aluminum recycling and expand school and community recycling programs. MI2 notes the position is one of the only roles of its kind in the state. MI2 congratulates Laura on joining the team and looks forward to the work ahead.‍

John Harnage Named 2026 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky

Last newsletter we shared our MI2 Value Provider Member John Harnage, founder of Kentucky Thermal Institute and a participant in MI2 through HarnageIR Services, has been named the 2026 Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Harnage was recognized for business leadership, economic contributions, and growth. As the state-level honoree, he attended the National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. where one individual was named the National Small Business Person of the Year. MI2 congratulates John on this recognition.

River Metals Recycling Featured in LinkNKY

River Metals Recycling was recently featured in LinkNKY in a piece covering scrap metal and sustainability in Northern Kentucky. The coverage highlights the role metals recyclers play in the regional economy and supply chain. MI2 continues to track recycling infrastructure and market dynamics as part of its broader focus on sustainability and materials flow within the Kentucky metals ecosystem.

MI2 will continue tracking developments across Kentucky's metals sector and sharing relevant updates through the newsletter and at mi2ky.org. Member organizations with news to share are encouraged to reach out to the MI2 team.

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