MI2 News and Updates

MI2 In The News

Get the latest news on MI2 — from regional and national press to local spotlights, the stories below highlight the people and partnerships building the future of the metals industry.

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Haley Cawthon, KY Inno
August 2022

UofL Launches New Center to Help Companies Adopt New Technologies

The center draws on the combined research strength of the UofL’s LoDI and the Office of Research and Innovation, with the industry expertise of the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council and the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2).

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Baylee Pulliam, UofL News
August 2022

UofL Launches Center Focused on Industry 4.0

CORE4.0 will engage three industry sectors including manufacturing, logistics and healthcare, through partnership with Western Kentucky University, Metals Innovation Initiative (Mi2) and Louisville Healthcare CEO Council.

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Kentucky to the World | Kentucky Educational Television
January 2022

Kentucky: Resilience in the Face of Economic Change

Metals executive Vijay Kamineni is joined by Kentucky entrepreneur Rusty Justice and University of Kentucky’s Dr. Alison Davis to talk about the importance of investing in the innovation ecosystem of Kentucky, their experiences on the Kentucky team that went through the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, and their involvement in the formation of the nonprofit AccelerateKY.

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Connect. Inform. Inspire., AccelerateKY
January 2022

Vijay Kamineni, Corporate Engagement in Kentucky Innovation Ecosystem

Metals executive Vijay Kamineni talks about the importance of corporate engagement in the Kentucky innovation ecosystem and AccelerateKY’s work in pursuing a new initiative on innovation in the metals industry.

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Updates from MI2

Get the latest from MI2—updates on our programs, insights from our members, and stories that highlight the people and partnerships building the future of the metals industry.

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Talent & Workforce
Recycling
Energy
Grants
Updates
Updates
December 16, 2025
October 24, 2025

Sponsors for KYIC 2025

KYIC 2025 wouldn’t be possible without the companies, organizations, and agencies that believe in Kentucky’s story. Our sponsors and partners represent the collaboration and commitment that fuel this conference—and the Commonwealth’s industrial success.
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Updates
October 25, 2025
October 24, 2025

Kentucky Industry Conference 2025 Speakers

The conference is bringing together Kentuckians from across the manufacturing, metals, energy, education, innovation, and government. Get to know the voices behind the momentum and see why KYIC 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of manufacturing in the state.
Read more
Updates
December 16, 2025
October 24, 2025

Inside the 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference Agenda

The 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference is where Kentucky’s leaders in metals, manufacturing, energy, innovation, education, and government come together to move the Commonwealth forward. This year’s agenda is built for action, tackling workforce, sustainability, and innovation head-on through these specific sessions.
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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
July 31, 2025

National innovation search launches in $38 billion Kentucky metals industry

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has launched its 2025 InnoSearch, a national competition inviting startups, researchers, and industry leaders to propose problems and solutions for Kentucky’s $38B metals industry, with finalists pitching at the Kentucky Industry Conference in October for prizes, partnerships, and pilot opportunities.
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Updates
December 19, 2025
July 9, 2025

New! Quick Grant Summaries for Manufacturers

New! Quick Grant Summaries Tailored for KY Manufacturers Each listing now includes a short summary showing where and how the opportunity could support metals and manufacturing businesses in Kentucky—making it easier to spot the best
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Talent & Workforce
December 16, 2025
July 9, 2025

MI2 Metals Executive Roundtable with Gov. Beshear

MI2’s Metals Executive Roundtable in Frankfort gathered 20 industry leaders, Governor Beshear, and state officials to highlight Kentucky’s $38B metals sector, preview an upcoming economic impact study, and advance initiatives in talent, recycling, supply chain, and energy that position the state as a national leader in metals innovation.
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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
July 9, 2025

More Than a Trade Show: MI2 at ALUMINUM USA

MI2’s team connected with global industry leaders at ALUMINUM USA in Nashville, gaining fresh insights, building partnerships, and promoting Kentucky’s role as a hub for metals innovation while generating strong interest in MI2’s upcoming October conference.
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Updates
September 25, 2025
July 9, 2025

MI2 Welcomes Clive Grannum and Mark Loik to the Board of Directors

MI2 has welcomed Clive Grannum, CEO of North American Stainless, and Mark Loik, Co-Founder of Southern Coil Solutions, to its Board of Directors, bringing global leadership and deep industry expertise to advance Kentucky’s role as a national hub for metals innovation.
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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
July 9, 2025

What We Learned at the MI2 Employer Collaborative Kickoff

MI2 supported the KY SWATT retreat in Elizabethtown, where seven major metals employers, educators, and state partners came together to address workforce challenges, share best practices, and launch collaborative strategies to strengthen Kentucky’s metals talent pipeline for the future.
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Updates
September 25, 2025
July 9, 2025

July 2025: Industry News, Events & Updates

MI2’s summer highlights include hosting KAM’s Energy Roundtable and REBECCA’s Next Gen Manufacturing session, supporting Pre-K for All town halls and Kentucky’s nuclear energy investigation, backing the KY-MEP Owensboro Expo, tracking Gen Z’s shift toward trades, and celebrating Kenneth Calloway’s selection for Leadership Kentucky 2025.
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January 5, 2026
July 9, 2025

MI2 Launches Dual-Track Innovation Search to Spotlight Problems and Solutions in Kentucky Manufacturing

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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
May 28, 2025

You're Invited: The MI2 Employer Collaborative

MI2 is launching the Employer Collaborative, inviting Kentucky metals companies to join a June 18 retreat in Elizabethtown to co-create stronger workforce pathways and develop a statewide strategy that directly reflects industry hiring needs.
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Talent & Workforce
January 27, 2026
January 18, 2026

Connecting Talent with Opportunity: Regional Career Fair Brings Employers and Skilled Workers Together in Elizabethtown

Local leaders are hosting a major in-person career fair on Thursday, January 22, at the Pritchard Community Center to connect employers with approximately 1,500 experienced BlueOval SK employees impacted by recent workforce changes. The event offers a unique opportunity for companies to meet skilled candidates face-to-face, explore immediate and future hiring needs, and support workforce stability across the region.
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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
July 31, 2025

National innovation search launches in $38 billion Kentucky metals industry

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has launched its 2025 InnoSearch, a national competition inviting startups, researchers, and industry leaders to propose problems and solutions for Kentucky’s $38B metals industry, with finalists pitching at the Kentucky Industry Conference in October for prizes, partnerships, and pilot opportunities.
Read more
Talent & Workforce
December 16, 2025
July 9, 2025

MI2 Metals Executive Roundtable with Gov. Beshear

MI2’s Metals Executive Roundtable in Frankfort gathered 20 industry leaders, Governor Beshear, and state officials to highlight Kentucky’s $38B metals sector, preview an upcoming economic impact study, and advance initiatives in talent, recycling, supply chain, and energy that position the state as a national leader in metals innovation.
Read more
Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
July 9, 2025

More Than a Trade Show: MI2 at ALUMINUM USA

MI2’s team connected with global industry leaders at ALUMINUM USA in Nashville, gaining fresh insights, building partnerships, and promoting Kentucky’s role as a hub for metals innovation while generating strong interest in MI2’s upcoming October conference.
Read more
Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
July 9, 2025

What We Learned at the MI2 Employer Collaborative Kickoff

MI2 supported the KY SWATT retreat in Elizabethtown, where seven major metals employers, educators, and state partners came together to address workforce challenges, share best practices, and launch collaborative strategies to strengthen Kentucky’s metals talent pipeline for the future.
Read more
Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
May 28, 2025

You're Invited: The MI2 Employer Collaborative

MI2 is launching the Employer Collaborative, inviting Kentucky metals companies to join a June 18 retreat in Elizabethtown to co-create stronger workforce pathways and develop a statewide strategy that directly reflects industry hiring needs.
Read more
Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
May 11, 2025

June 2025: Industry News & Events

This summer offers Kentucky businesses and partners a range of opportunities to engage in workforce and manufacturing initiatives, including KAM Off The Clock in Bowling Green, the Northern Kentucky Manufacturing Expo, the Military Hiring Academy at Fort Knox, DOE funding updates via GAIN, and KAM’s 2025 Wage & Workforce Study.
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Talent & Workforce
January 27, 2026
April 6, 2025

Opening Doors to Careers in Kentucky’s Metals Industry

Last month, Todd County Central High School students had the unique opportunity to tour Ball Corporation in Bowling Green through the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Bus to Business® program. As part of the TPM® Metals Manufacturing
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Talent & Workforce
January 27, 2026
May 28, 2024

Exploring Career Pathways in Kentucky’s Metals Industry with MI2 & KY Chamber

This spring, MI2's Talent & Workforce team partnered with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to host cohorts of students from Russellville High School and Todd County Central High School on eye-opening visits to leading Kentucky
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Talent & Workforce
January 27, 2026
June 1, 2023

MI2 Part of New Kentucky Job Quality Academy Initiative from U.S. Department of Labor

The Metals Innovation Initiative is proud to be partnering in a coalition that has been one of 16 states with cohort teams named as part of the 2023 Job Quality Academy from the U.S. Department
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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
February 2, 2023

MI2 a Clear Signal of Kentucky's Innovative Metals Leadership

Kentucky’s metals industry, employing over 30,000 people across 230 facilities, is driving statewide growth and innovation, with MI2 uniting industry leaders to advance workforce, sustainability, and entrepreneurial collaboration for the future.
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Talent & Workforce
September 25, 2025
February 2, 2023

Leader Showcase: Fuentes a Passionate and Innovative Leader in Kentucky Metals

Cristobal Fuentes has led North American Stainless since its founding in 1990, guiding its growth into the largest fully integrated stainless-steel producer in the U.S. while shaping Kentucky’s metals ecosystem through decades of expansion and leadership.
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Recycling
January 26, 2026
January 17, 2026

MI2 Welcomes Laura Haury as Sustainability Project Coordinator

MI2 welcomes Laura Haury as Sustainability Project Coordinator, bringing 18 years of environmental leadership from Logan Aluminum to advance aluminum recycling, environmental education, and community outreach efforts aimed at increasing recycling rates.
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Recycling
January 5, 2026
December 21, 2025

MI2 Advances Statewide Recycling Through Partnership with the Recycling Society

MI2 is partnering with the Recycling Society to support the Million Cans Recycling Contest, a school-based program that increases aluminum recycling while educating students about the circular metals economy. This collaboration advances MI2’s Recycling Co-Investment Strategy by strengthening feedstock reliability, community engagement, and Kentucky’s leadership in sustainable metals manufacturing.
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Recycling
January 27, 2026
November 23, 2024

"The State of Metals Recycling" Panel at KYIC 2024

On October 30th, at the Kentucky Industry Conference , attendees gathered for a session on "The State of Metals Recycling ." Moderated by Jennifer Betts of Magnar Metals, this panel brought together top recycling experts
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Recycling
January 27, 2026
May 2, 2024

Welcoming Recycled Media to MI2

We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest bronze member, Recycled Media! From our first introduction to the Recycled Media team, this digital marketing agency—headquartered in Boise, Idaho—became enthusiastic proponents and participants in
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Recycling
January 27, 2026
May 2, 2024

Company Showcase: Logan Aluminum Commits to Close the Loop with Recycling

Since 1981, sustainability has been at the heart of Logan Aluminum ’s foundation, culture, and principles.
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Recycling
January 27, 2026
April 27, 2023

Company Showcase: River Metals Recycling’s Commitment to Kentucky Recycling

River Metals Recycling takes pride in being one of the founding members of MI2 and eagerly anticipates the nonprofit’s triumphs.
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Recycling
January 27, 2026
April 27, 2023

Tackling Sustainability Challenges as a Collaborative Ecosystem

By: Andy Ishmael, MI2 Metals Leadership Council Member and Sustainability Strategy Group Leader The Metals Innovation Initiative's Sustainability Strategy Group is committed to facilitating collaboration amongst our members and innovation ecosystem to drive continuous improvement
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Energy
January 27, 2026
September 5, 2024

MI2 Partners with ALL4, Inc. on Clean Energy Supply Study for Kentucky Metals Industry

ALL4, Inc. has been selected to partner with MI2 to support the goals of our metals company membership by leading a study of clean energy supply in Kentucky, following an extensive RFI and RFP process. 
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Energy
January 27, 2026
July 3, 2024

Navigating Clean Energy Funding: Insights from MI2's Recent Webinar

Last week, MI2 hosted a webinar aimed at helping metals companies secure funding for clean energy solutions. Held on June 27th, this event brought together industry experts to guide businesses through the complex landscape
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Energy
January 27, 2026
May 28, 2024

Exciting Grant Opportunity for Clean Energy Investments

Attention all companies ready to make significant investments in clean energy and industrial decarbonization! We're thrilled to announce a grant opportunity that could propel your innovative projects forward. The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C)
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Energy
January 27, 2026
May 2, 2024

Advancing Sustainability and Clean Energy: MI2 Releases Two RFPs for Kentucky's Metals Industry

This week, the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has released two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) tied to major initiatives with our Sustainability strategic focus area. With a focus on metals recycling and clean energy needs for
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Grants
January 27, 2026
May 11, 2025

MI2 Grants & Funding: June-September 2025

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel
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Grants
January 27, 2026
April 6, 2025

MI2 Grants & Funding: April, May, June 2025

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel
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Grants
January 27, 2026
May 28, 2024

MI2 Grants and Funding: June, July and August Grant Deadlines

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel
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Grants
January 27, 2026
May 2, 2024

Unlocking Grant Potential with MI2: May, June and July Deadlines

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel
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Grants
January 27, 2026
June 1, 2023

Government Funding Provides a Major Opportunity to Further Kentucky’s Investment in Metals Innovation

We are in the midst of an unprecedented and ambitious government investment in manufacturing.
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Updates
January 25, 2026
January 16, 2026

MI2 Co-Hosts for the 2026 KAM Manufacturers Day at the Capitol & Legislative Reception

MI2 is proud to partner with the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers to co-host the 2026 Manufacturers Day at the Capitol, bringing manufacturers from across the Commonwealth to Frankfort to engage directly with lawmakers and state leaders. The event highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in Kentucky’s economy while elevating industry priorities around workforce, policy, and long-term growth.
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Updates
January 25, 2026
January 15, 2026

MI2 CEO Mike Buckentin Appointed to Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Louisville Branch Board

MI2 CEO Mike Buckentin has been appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Louisville Branch Board of Directors, bringing manufacturing and metals industry expertise to regional and national economic discussions.
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Updates
January 5, 2026
December 21, 2025

MI2 Welcomes New Member: Mural Industrial

MI2 is proud to welcome Mural Industrial as a member, a specialized workforce partner delivering flexible, results-driven recruiting solutions for manufacturers and industrial operations. With over 1,000 skilled trades placements and proven success filling even the hardest-to-hire roles, Mural Industrial helps companies scale faster, hire smarter, and build stronger production teams.
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Updates
January 5, 2026
December 20, 2025

Kentucky Industry Conference 2025: Conference Recap and Looking Ahead

The 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference brought together manufacturers, workforce partners, educators, and policymakers from across the Commonwealth for two days of productive discussion and collaboration, with strong attendance, record exhibitor growth, and broad participation from MI2 member companies. MI2 looks forward to building on this momentum as planning begins for KYIC 2026, continuing to support innovation, workforce development, and collaboration across Kentucky’s manufacturing ecosystem.
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Updates
January 5, 2026
December 20, 2025

MI2 InnoSearch 2025 Industry Problems Winner: Nucor and River Metals Recycling

Hosted by MI2 and InnoEngine, the InnoSearch competition connects manufacturers and innovators to tackle the metals industry’s most pressing challenges, with finalists presenting at the Kentucky Industry Conference on October 28, 2025. The Industry Problems Search winner, Nucor Corporation, highlights the growing challenge of safely integrating recycled batteries and other hazardous feedstocks into metals production, calling for new technologies and cross-industry collaboration to balance sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency.
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Updates
January 5, 2026
December 20, 2025

MI2 InnoSearch 2025 Solutions Search Winner: VISIA

VISIA was named the winner of the MI2 InnoSearch 2025 Solutions Search for its AI-driven platform that helps manufacturers better utilize scrap, byproducts, and recycled materials in real time. By improving supply chain visibility and enabling circular material flows, VISIA is strengthening sustainability, efficiency, and regional resilience across the metals industry.
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Updates
January 5, 2026
December 20, 2025

MI2 Welcomes New Member: Agile Consulting Group

MI2 is excited to welcome Agile Consulting Group, a specialized sales and use tax consulting firm that helps manufacturers reduce risk, recover savings, and ensure they’re paying only what’s required. With a proven, low-lift approach and national experience, Agile brings meaningful financial and operational value to MI2’s manufacturing and metals community.
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Updates
December 16, 2025
October 25, 2025

Overview of the 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference

The 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference brings together leaders from manufacturing, metals, energy, education, innovation, and government to shape the Commonwealth’s industrial future. From optional industry tours and a powerful opening fireside chat to two full days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and the KYIC Awards Dinner, the event is designed to inspire collaboration and action across every corner of Kentucky’s economy.
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Updates
December 16, 2025
October 24, 2025

Sponsors for KYIC 2025

KYIC 2025 wouldn’t be possible without the companies, organizations, and agencies that believe in Kentucky’s story. Our sponsors and partners represent the collaboration and commitment that fuel this conference—and the Commonwealth’s industrial success.
Read more
Updates
October 25, 2025
October 24, 2025

Kentucky Industry Conference 2025 Speakers

The conference is bringing together Kentuckians from across the manufacturing, metals, energy, education, innovation, and government. Get to know the voices behind the momentum and see why KYIC 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of manufacturing in the state.
Read more
Updates
December 16, 2025
October 24, 2025

Inside the 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference Agenda

The 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference is where Kentucky’s leaders in metals, manufacturing, energy, innovation, education, and government come together to move the Commonwealth forward. This year’s agenda is built for action, tackling workforce, sustainability, and innovation head-on through these specific sessions.
Read more
Updates
December 19, 2025
July 9, 2025

New! Quick Grant Summaries for Manufacturers

New! Quick Grant Summaries Tailored for KY Manufacturers Each listing now includes a short summary showing where and how the opportunity could support metals and manufacturing businesses in Kentucky—making it easier to spot the best
Read more
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