July 2025: Industry News, Events & Updates

It’s a busy summer for moving Kentucky metals innovation forward —and there’s no shortage of opportunities to weigh in, show up, and stay informed. From Pre-K access and nuclear energy planning to one of the state’s biggest manufacturing expos, here are events and headlines worth bookmarking.

1. KAM Energy Roundtable met at MI2 Headquarters

MI2 hosted the June Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Energy Roundtable at our offices in Bowling Green at the WKU Innovation Campus. This event connected enterprise and facility leaders with industry experts to navigate today’s complex and rapidly changing energy landscape. As Kentucky and other states face growing energy challenges, this event offered timely insight, strategic discussion, and actionable solutions.

2. REBECCA leads Next Gen Manufacturing Collab Session at MI2 Headquarters
MI2 joined the REBECCA program and the University of Louisville to explore opportunities in advanced manufacturing R&D in their early July session in Bowling Green at the WKU Innovation Campus. The session highlighted the Next Gen Manufacturing framework, introduced the CoCreate Database, and showcased strategic alignment with REBECCA initiatives.

3. Pre-K for All: Public Town Halls Are Coming to You

Kentucky’s future workforce starts in Pre-K. That’s why leaders across business, education, and government are hosting a series of “Pre-K for All” Town Halls to hear directly from the public. Whether you’re a parent, employer, educator, or advocate, your voice is needed to shape the roadmap. To follow the Pre-K for All event updates, click this link.

Upcoming Town Halls:

• Bowling Green (WKU)
  Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. CST (6:30–8:00 p.m. EST)
  
• Morehead (MSU)
  Tuesday, August 5, 2025 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. EST
• Louisville (Kentucky State Fair)
  Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. EST

4. Big Energy Conversations Ahead: PSC Opens Nuclear Investigation

The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has launched an official investigation into the potential for nuclear energy in Kentucky. This is in response to a 2024 legislative directive, and it kicks off a statewide conversation about the future of clean, reliable energy.

What to know:

• The PSC is inviting public comments, utility stakeholders, and industry leaders to weigh in.
• An informal conference (in-person and virtual) will be held soon.
• A multi-day technical conference is anticipated for early 2026.
• Public meetings across Kentucky will follow—stay tuned for dates.

For more details and case filings, visit psc.ky.gov. Case Number: 2025-00186

5. KY-MEP Owensboro Manufacturing Expo

MI2 is proud to support our partners at KY-MEP and their Owensboro Manufacturing Expo, happening July 21–22 at the Owensboro Convention Center. Whether you're a supplier, service provider, or manufacturer, this is a key networking and learning opportunity.

Event Details:

• Owensboro Convention Center
• Monday–Tuesday, July 21–22, 2025

Event links:
Event Website
Register Now
Service Provider/Sponsorship Info
Tentative Agenda

Please share with your networks—this is a great opportunity to connect with Kentucky’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.

6. Industry News: Gen Z is Embracing the Trades

A recent Louisville Business First article caught our eye: 42% of Gen Z adults are pursuing skilled-trade jobs.

Highlights:

• Gen Z men are more likely to enter trades than women.
• Young workers cite job stability and resistance to AI automation as top reasons.
• Skilled trades are increasingly seen as a smart, future-proof career path.

As Kentucky continues to grow its advanced manufacturing footprint, these trends are encouraging for the workforce pipeline.

7. Leadership Kentucky Welcomes MI2 Leader

We’re proud to share that Kenneth Calloway of Century Aluminum—a Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) member company leader—has been selected for the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2025. Kenneth joins a prestigious cohort of changemakers from across the Commonwealth.

Read more:
Former Ohio Co. Magistrate among those in Leadership Kentucky Class of 2025.