The Kentucky Industry Conference: The Power of Collaboration for Kentucky Metals and Manufacturing

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The inaugural Kentucky Industry Conference, held October 29-30, 2024, in Louisville, brought together manufacturing leaders, innovators, and policymakers for two days of transformative discussions. The event highlighted Kentucky's pivotal role in manufacturing and served as a catalyst for collaboration to address the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

MI2 co-organized this first-of-its-kind conference alongside the GAME Change team and the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers.

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Governor Andy Beshear set the tone with his keynote address that closed our first day, underscoring the state's commitment to fostering innovation and workforce development in manufacturing and metals in Kentucky. Following his remarks, the Governor participated in a Q&A session that included Bob Eviston, an MI2 board member and platinum sponsor representative from Nucor's River Metals Recycling. The resulting conversation delved into strategies for supporting Kentucky’s manufacturing growth, emphasizing public-private partnerships, and long-term economic planning. We thank the governor for highlighting the unique nature of MI2's model and the deep partnership with industry leaders and the Kentucky state government in MI2's formation.

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On the whole, the conference featured an agenda packed with engaging panels, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendees explored topics such as workforce development, clean energy solutions, sustainability, and innovation in manufacturing. With more than 400 attendees throughout the 2.5 days, the event demonstrated the power of collaboration between MI2, KAM, and GAME Change. Exhibitors and sponsors expressed high satisfaction, and participants valued the chance to connect with leaders across sectors, including manufacturing, metals, and entrepreneurship.

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Day 2 highlighted the Manufacturing Executive Roundtable, where top executives shared insights into the industry’s future.

Steve Clarke, the new CEO of platinum member Logan Aluminum, made his appearance at the conference, bringing fresh perspectives to the panel. Clarke joined a lineup of leaders, including:

• Wells Bullard, CEO of Bullard
• Kristen Byrd, PNC Bank
• John Crockett, LG&E and KU
• Mark Erwin, Bardstown Bourbon
• Sec. Jeff Noel, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development[Image: Mi2FallConference24 KeynotesPanels Final 104 scaled]

Their discussion addressed key topics such as sustainability, workforce challenges, and innovation in manufacturing. Clarke spoke about MI2's unique mission and the ways in which it brings a comparative advantage to Kentucky across the globe in the metals sector.

For highlights on a few of the additional sessions especially relevant to MI2 members, see these recaps on the Metals industry sector panel that MI2 led, on the panel on Talent Pathways into Manufacturing led by MI2 Talent & Workforce lead Luke Ramsay, on the session on Clean Energy & Energy Innovation featuring several MI2 initiatives, on The State of Metals Recycling featuring four MI2 member companies, and on the KY-WORCS initiative that MI2 is piloting with AccelerateKY. Also, find a recap from Louisville Business First's KY Inno on MIT Industrial Performance Center Executive Researcher Dr. Ben Armstrong's session on "Re-Thinking the Manufacturing Workforce."

At the closing of the conference, Tom Lilienthal with Novelis (an MI2 Platinum member company), shared MI2's mission and goals with conference attendees.

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As we look ahead to next year, we are excited to build on this year’s success, continuing to foster collaboration and innovation in Kentucky’s manufacturing community. Stay tuned for details on what promises to be another impactful event!