News & Updates from MI2

Explore MI2’s latest press mentions in regional and national publications or to catch up on MI2’s updates and announcements.

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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.

Yahoo Finance
January 2026

Agile Consulting Group Joins Metals Innovation Initiative (Mi2) as a Value Provider

Agile Consulting Group, sales tax exemption and compliance experts, recently joined the Metals Innovation Initiative (Mi2) as a value provider, further strengthening its commitment to supporting manufacturers across Kentucky.

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WNKY
January 2026

Throwback Thursday: Forged in Kentucky, the importance of metalworking thru time

he Metals Innovation Initiative was created by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development in 2022 to connect all parties to work for the common good in areas like energy and transportation infrastructure, supportive public policy, and more and better-skilled workers.

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Louisville Business First
January 2026

Execs land on St. Louis Fed boards

Mike Buckentin, MI2 CEO, named to St. Louis Federal Reserve board.

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St. Louis Federal Reserve
January 2026

St. Louis Fed Louisville Branch Announces Changes to Board of Directors

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has announced the following changes to its Louisville Branch board of directors, effective January 2026: Michael D. Buckentin, CEO of Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) in Bowling Green, Ky., has been appointed by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to a three-year term.

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Kentucky Lantern | Paducah Sun
October 2025

Republican plans to renew bill to encourage US metals in Kentucky public works in 2026

A Kentucky Republican plans to refile a bill next year to encourage the use of metals manufactured in the U.S. in state and local government construction projects.

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Louisville Business First
October 2025

Louisville Business First teams up with the Cincinnati Business Courier to take a close look at the key challenges facing Kentucky’s manufacturing sector as it adapts to a new landscape shaped by tariffs and a renewed push for reshoring.

Kentucky manufacturing leaders weigh in on the industry's resurgence, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector's future.

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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.

Updates
March 4, 2026
February 26, 2026

Divami Leads First MI2 Value Provider Workshop on AI in Manufacturing

MI2’s first Value Provider workshop, led by global digital solutions provider Divami, helps manufacturers turn AI hype into actionable impact with practical, measurable strategies.
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Updates
March 1, 2026
February 25, 2026

Metals Ecosystem News & Updates Roundup

Check out the latest from the metals ecosystem.
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Updates
March 1, 2026
February 23, 2026

Constellium Joins MI2 Membership

We’re excited to welcome Constellium, a global leader in high value-added aluminum manufacturing and recycling, to our membership. With more than a century of innovation and operations around the world, Constellium is helping drive lightweight, strong, and sustainable solutions across aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries — read more about their impact on our website.
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Talent & Workforce
March 1, 2026
February 21, 2026

Building Careers and Sustainability: MI2 at IdeaFestBG and Elizabethtown Job Fair

MI2 is actively supporting workforce development and sustainability in Kentucky by connecting talent to metals industry careers, promoting recycling education, and fostering long-term community and industry growth.
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Recycling
March 1, 2026
February 20, 2026

Laura Haury's New Hire Announcement Brings Regional and National Media Attention

MI2’s appointment of Laura Haury, a seasoned environmental engineer and Logan Aluminum retiree, as sustainability project coordinator has garnered widespread media attention, highlighting her unique role in bridging manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and public education while advancing Kentucky’s leadership in responsible manufacturing.
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Updates
February 28, 2026
February 15, 2026

Kentucky Industry Conference Returns to Lexington: October 13–15, 2026

The Kentucky Industry Conference (KYIC) returns to Lexington, October 13–15, 2026, bringing together manufacturers, workforce leaders, educators, and policymakers to drive innovation, collaboration, and the future of Kentucky’s manufacturing industry.
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