News from the Metals Innovation Ecosystem

MI2 Hosts University of Louisville REBECCA Team for Stakeholder Meeting

In April, MI2 hosted the Regional Energy Business, Education, and Commercialization Convergence Accelerator (REBECCA) team from University of Louisville at our offices at the WKU Innovation Campus to discuss innovation around energy issues and REBECCA’s current strategy development grant as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs program with more than 30 leaders from throughout the Bowling Green area. Dr. Mahendra Sunkara, Dr. Sundar Atre, and other members of the University of Louisville team—including the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership—shared their programs and talked about building teams across the state working on energy innovation initiatives. At lunch, Vinny Nimmagadda from Holley, Justice Dingle from AESC, and Mark Pendley from Logan Aluminum joined The DeCesare Group’s Jim DeCesare in a discussion about energy challenges and innovations in the Bowling Green area. A special thanks to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and WKU Innovation Campus for their support in organizing the event.

MI2 Hosted Metals Executive Roundtable in Frankfort

In April, MI2 hosted a roundtable in Frankfort with industry leaders, government officials, and strategic partners, in partnership with Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. We talked about MI2's progress in its first 18 months, strategic priority areas for the metals industry, and our collective work to make Kentucky the destination for metals innovation. Learn more here.  

MI2 Talent and Workforce Participates in Multiple Events Throughout the State

Luke Ramsay, MI2’s Talent & Workforce Deputy, has been involved in various workforce and talent events across Kentucky. By actively participating in these events, Luke and team showcase MI2's commitment to supporting workforce development and also engage with stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation. In the picture above, Luke participated in the career fair at Everybody Counts Block Party in Louisville.  ‍

Kentucky Association of Manufacturers 2024 Wage & Workforce Survey is now open!

Manufacturing, energy, and logistics & distribution companies across Kentucky submit their wage and benefits information in this confidential survey to help the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers create one of the most comprehensive manufacturing-specific job reports available. If your company has not previously participated, or you last participated in 2022 or earlier, please sign up using this link. Anyone who participated in 2023 will receive an email from IQS Research with a link to the survey.  

Manufacturing & Logistics Leadership Series Schedule Releases

Calling Kentucky manufacturers! Are you facing challenges with employee engagement and retention? Do you aspire to enhance your team's collaborative mindset and attitude and foster a positive workplace culture? This training offers the transformative solutions you need. Send your leaders to our 4-part leadership series and watch your organization thrive. This event will take place 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the NKY Chamber, 300 Buttermilk Pike, Ft. Mitchell, KY on 5/31/24, 6/7/24, 6/14/24 and 6/21/24. Register here.

Nucor To host Webinar on the Fundamentals of Steel Casting Wednesday, May 15th

Join Nucor on Wednesday, May 15 at 2 pm EST for a webinar about the fundamentals of steel casting with Rodrigo Sanchez and Mario Terrazas from POK Castings, a Nucor Company. They’ll take a deep dive into the engineering and design of steel casting and the difference between steel casting and a fabricated product. Register now to save your spot for this AIA accredited webinar.

Kentucky Chamber Foundation Rising Leader Program

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation invites your company to join their Rising Leaders Program employer network, aiming to empower first-generation college students as confident leaders. The program seeks to establish a network of businesses offering paid internships, recruit 50 first-generation college students, match them with businesses, provide professional development workshops, mock interviews, and ensure interview opportunities for future positions. They seek employers willing to offer paid internships to diversify talent pools and shape the next generation of leaders. Interested parties can share internship details through the employer registration form to participate in this initiative. For further inquiries, contact Dorian Moe at dmoe@kychamber.com.

SECAT Shares Reaccreditation for NADCAP Certification

Secat is excited to share their recent reaccreditation for NADCAP certification in Materials Testing Laboratories, alongside an expanded scope covering axial fatigue testing, metallography, and microhardness. Explore their updated Scope of Accreditation at the Secat website. Plus, enjoy a generous 20% discount on NADCAP testing services throughout May.

DOE’s Oak Ridge National Lab hosted Second Annual Appalachian Carbon Forum

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory hosted the second annual Appalachian Carbon Forum in Lexington March 7-8, 2024, where ORNL and University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research scientists led discussions with representatives from industry, government and academia to discuss ways to transition to clean energy. Read more here.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) Issues Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is to gather insights into market dynamics and price volatility in critical minerals processing, refining, and recycling. They aim to understand how the federal government can intervene to stabilize markets and enhance price transparency. MESC seeks input from stakeholders to identify non-competitive practices contributing to market challenges. This initiative aligns with MESC's goal of securing resilient energy supply chains and supporting the transition to clean energy fueled by critical materials. Responses to this RFI must be submitted to MESCanalysis@hq.doe.gov no later than 5:00 pm (ET) on 5/17/24.  

MI2 Members Offered Free Exhibit Hall Pass with Registration to Fastener Fair USA

Register today for Fastener Fair USA! Fastener Fair USA is bringing the industry together in the city of Cleveland, Ohio on May 22-23, 2024. Join professionals from every segment of the market looking to source the latest products and technologies from a wide range of exhibitors. See why 45% of attendees choose Fastener Fair USA as the only industry event they trust to make new connections and grow their business! Industry coverage includes:  Aerospace, Automotive, Agriculture, Construction, Distribution, Electric, Energy/Power, Furniture, Maintenance/Repair, Marine, and more. Reach out to Sam Ford or Nora Bryant for the special MI2 code.