News from the Metals Innovation Ecosystem

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Board Meeting

MI2’s first board meeting of the new fiscal year took place last month! The board officially reviewed and approved the focuses and initiatives recommended by the Metals Leadership Council and MI2 staff, and budget priorities matched against those FY23-24 initiatives. THe board meeting included a remarkable site visit to the facilities of one of our Platinum Member companies, Wieland Group! Wieland’s President of Recycling Matt Bedingfield serves as our Board Chair. Thank you, Wieland, for the warm hospitality!

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MI2 CEO Presents at Aluminum USA

Our CEO Venkata Kamineni and Director of Member Engagement Nick Noble were in Nashville October 25th and 26th at the ALUMINUM USA show! We are particularly excited that Vijay participated in a panel on the aluminum industry’s role in the changing automotive landscape with the rise of EV production!

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Job Quality Academy

MI2 CEO Vijay Kamineni recently visited the Job Quality Academy in Washinton, D.C. underscoring the organization’s commitment to advancing job quality in the metals industry and the Commonwealth. MI2 plays an active role in Kentucky’s participation in the Job Quality Academy. Stay tuned for more updates as this initiative moves forward.

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UofL and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Assessment Center

The ULIAC (Utility & Industrial Assessment Center) has announced its dedication to providing invaluable no-cost energy assessments and assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers within a sprawling industrial region that includes parts of five states. Through their initiatives, they aim to educate engineers on the importance of energy and water resource conservation, contributing to sustainable practices in the manufacturing sector. Their efforts not only promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness for businesses but also foster a culture of environmental responsibility and awareness within the community. Reach out to them for a collaborative energy assessment.

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Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board Webinar

On October 4th, MI2 COO Summer Goldman and Talent & Workforce Strategy Group Deputy Luke Ramsay participated in a webinar with the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board. You can view the presentation used in the webinar here: https://kwib.ky.gov/Documents/MI2 KWIB Presentation (1).pdf

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SCK Launch Experience

Last week, MI2 contributed to the SCK LAUNCH Experience, emphasizing their commitment to fostering the next wave of talent in the metals industry. With a profound belief in the impact of early education, MI2 engaged with hundreds of students from 14 school districts and 27 schools over the course of the two-day event.

UK Faculty and Staff attended the “Factory of the Future!”

Thanks to our partners at UK Innovate for featuring a piece on the University of Kentucky’s participation at MI2’s first annual conference held in September, as well as their overall participation in MI2. MI2 is grateful for UK’s support as a partner and looks forward to the work we have planned together in this current fiscal year. Check out the article: https://www.research.uky.edu/ukinnovate

The Kentucky Science and Technology Impact Report

KSTC, a supportive strategic partner of MI2, released their latest impact report, including their support of MI2. Their organization supports the three pillars of Kentucky’s innovation-driven economy: research-driven products and services, access to capital, and talent. KSTC is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to accelerating innovative economic development in Kentucky. And thanks to KSTC President Terry Samuel for his service on the MI2 board! Read the report: https://www.kstc.org/impact-report