Press Features & Blogs by MI2

Scroll down or tap a button below to view MI2’s latest press features or visit our blog to see industry news, program updates, member spotlights, articles, and more.

View All PressView All Blogs

MI2 In The News

From national news to local features, here's the latest press spotlighting MI2's progress, programs, and partners.

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.

Go to Article
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.

Go to Article
Louisville Business First
January 2026

Execs land on St. Louis Fed boards

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

Go to Article
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.

Go to Article
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.

Go to Article
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.

Go to Article
View All News

MI2 Blog & Updates  

See the latest from MI2—program updates, industry news, member insights, and stories that highlight the people and partnerships building the future of the metals industry.

Updates
April 4, 2026
April 2, 2026

MI2 Is Piloting Something New: The Innovation Campaign

MI2 is launching a first-of-its-kind three-day Innovation Campaign this May, connecting Kentucky metals manufacturers with curated solution provider members — bringing innovation and value to our manufacturers.
Read more
Updates
April 4, 2026
April 1, 2026

MI2 Member John Harnage Named 2026 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky

MI2 Value Provider Member John Harnage, owner of Kentucky Thermal Institute, has been named the 2026 Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As the state-level honoree, Harnage will represent Kentucky at the National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3–4, 2026.
Read more
About MI2
April 4, 2026
March 31, 2026

Century Aluminum Moves Up to Executive Membership at MI2

Century Aluminum advances to Executive Membership with MI2, deepening its commitment to Kentucky's workforce pipeline and energy strategy.
Read more
Updates
April 4, 2026
March 30, 2026

KYIC 2026 Is Coming And We Want to Hear From You

KYIC 2026 returns to Lexington, Kentucky, October 13–15 — and the call for speakers and content is now open.
Read more
Updates
April 4, 2026
March 27, 2026

Metals Ecosystem Roundup: What's Happening in Kentucky and Beyond

From workforce development in Logan County to a landmark $500M+ aluminum smelter announcement, Kentucky's metals industry is making moves — at home and on the national stage. We've rounded up the latest from across the ecosystem.
Read more
Updates
April 4, 2026
March 26, 2026

Murphy Construction Group: Building Kentucky’s Industrial Future Since 1983

A Bowling Green-based construction industry leader with 40+ years of experience and a portfolio of Kentucky metals and automotive manufacturing facility projects, offering MI2 members a trusted, full-service build partner for expansions, new facilities, and infrastructure upgrades.
Read more
View All Updates

Join Our
MI2 Community

Subscribe to get updates on funding opportunities, workforce programs, upcoming events, and the latest news from across across all of MI2's work.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.