formerly the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI)

J U L Y--2 0 2 4

--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT--

MAMC to establish national apprenticeship hub $7.1 million U.S. Dept. of Labor award to greatly expand apprenticeships

---The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) will receive more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to develop and accelerate the implementation of manufacturing apprenticeship programs nationwide, federal officials announced earlier this month.

---MAMC’s new Apprenticeship Works Manufacturing National Hub will:

---Establish a National Training Academy in West Virginia to rapidly launch new apprenticeship programs while providing resources and support to ensure the programs’ success

---Collaborate with industry partners to develop new occupational standards and training to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. manufacturing sector

---Provide technical assistance to make it easier for manufacturers to establish, maintain and grow registered apprenticeship programs to bridge critical skills gaps in American manufacturing

---Train employers on ways to overcome workforce shortages by recruiting individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in the manufacturing sector

---Boost the number of pre-apprenticeship programs to create a pipeline of skilled talent to feed into registered apprenticeships

---Expand the program to other industry hubs across the country

---Services will be provided at no cost to employers.

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--BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EVENT -

--WEST VIRGINIA MAKES FESTIVAL -

Celebration of creativity and ingenuity moves to Nov. 8 in Huntington

---To encourage greater participation from the Marshall University community, the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival has shifted its festive celebration to Friday, Nov. 8, at the Memorial Student Center Plaza on Marshall’s Huntington campus. Presented for 11 years by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC), the state and region’s largest maker fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

---The annual festival, which is free and open to everyone, taps into the inventive community of entrepreneurs and innovators so they can interact with like-minded makers, share ideas and foster ingenuity and creativity. The festival will feature special exhibits, awe inspiring demonstrations and must-see attractions as well as live music and more.

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--CAREER SKILLS PROGRAMS--

Godby joins MAMC as advanced manufacturing industrial instructor

---The Rev. Todd Godby, a 25-plus-year veteran of the manufacturing industry, has joined Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) as an advanced manufacturing industrial instructor.

---The Ona resident will teach students enrolled in MAMC’s new SMART (Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology) program, launching this fall. The enhanced industrial maintenance program, a partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College, will offer classes in both Huntington and Point Pleasant that prepare students for in-demand jobs in the region.

---Godby has extensive experience in industrial automation, process controls, and industrial electrical maintenance after working for several companies that manufacture specialty metals, specialty chemicals and polymers.

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Todd Godby of Ona brings more than 25 years of industry experience to his new position as advanced manufacturing industrial instructor.

--GOVERNOR'S AWARDS--

23 West Virginia businesses honored for exports to new countries

---Twenty-three West Virginia companies that grew their business by exporting goods or services to a new country last year were recognized by state officials during a July 22 ceremony. Eight of the companies were first-time winners.

---During the event, each business received the Governor’s Export Award, presented to companies that made their first sale to a new country in the previous calendar year.

---“Companies engaged in international trade significantly impact West Virginia’s economy," said Gov. Jim Justice. "Our small businesses create jobs and generate revenue by pursuing exports, and I am honored to recognize their achievements. In 2023, West Virginia exported more than $5.6 billion to 145 countries.”

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--BUSINESS ASSISTANCE--

Entrepreneurs, need financing or other support? Pitch your ideas!

---Calling all West Virginia entrepreneurs!

---Do you have a business idea or are you interested in growing your existing business? This is your chance to shine! Apply now to pitch your idea and current needs to the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem to gain valuable exposure and support. Pitches will be heard live during monthly meetings every second Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 2:45 pm.

---Eligibility:

----Must be 18 years or older

----Business must be located in West Virginia

----Must register for the monthly meeting here

---Once you apply, if approved, you’ll receive an email confirmation with all the details.

---Register for the monthly meeting here

U P C O M I N G-- E V E N T S

Aug 6: Funding Your Small Business

Noon to 1 p.m., online

Taking an idea and growing it into a successful business takes planning and knowing where (and how) to find funding. Experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration will explain the types of financing options and lenders, the advantages and risk associated with some financial products, and why both personal and business credit impacts your ability to get financing. More information

Aug 12: New Student Orientation

9 a.m. to 11 a.m., MAMC Huntington, 1050 4th Ave.

MAMC machining, welding and SMART students can get assistance with financial aid issues and class scheduling and will be briefed on various policies and procedures pertaining to their particular field of study.

Email Steven Stacy for more information

Aug. 13: Making Your Business Bulletproof

Noon to 12:45 p.m., online

If you want to make sure your business survives, then you need to make your business bulletproof. That means understanding how organizational structure impacts everything from how you pay yourself to how you pay taxes, how to identify the many federal, state, and local tax reporting requirements, and the do’s and don’ts of keeping business records. More information

Aug. 19: First Day of Classes for CNC Operator/Machinist Students

8 a.m., MAMC South Charleston

Classes begin for Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center CNC Operator/Machinist students through our joint program with BridgeValley Community and Technical College. Email Jill Goheen for more information -----

Aug. 21: SBIR/STTR – Selecting the Right Agency

Noon to 1 p.m., online

Learn about the 11 SBIR/STTR participating

agencies and their respective missions and the difference between how granting agencies and contracting agencies operate. This session will cover where to find information about what agencies want to fund and how to determine whether agencies have funded ideas similar to yours. More information

Aug. 26: First Day of Classes for Machinist, Welding and SMART Students

8 a.m., MAMC Huntington, 1050 Fourth Ave.; Marshall University Mid-Ohio Valley Center, Point Pleasant

Classes begin for Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center machining and welding and SMART students through our joint program with Mountwest Community and Technical College.

Email Jill Goheen for more information

Aug. 22: Fundamentals of Communication

1 p.m. to 4 p.m., MAMC Huntington, 1050 4th Ave.

Participants will explore challenges to effective communication: why it can be so difficult, problems that poor communication causes and why messages break down. The course also will cover specific techniques to overcome these challenges and communicate the way they intend: with clarity and purpose, and with the right person or group.

More information

Aug. 28-29: ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Training

1 p.m. to 4 p.m., MAMC Huntington, 4th Fourth Ave.

Participants will learn how to prepare for and conduct ISO 9001: 2015 audits of a company’s quality management system. Through hands-on exercises, they will learn how to apply their knowledge to real-life auditing situations, as well as how to manage the audit process and complete the requisite reporting. More information

If you would like us to consider including information about your upcoming events, please send details to MAMC's Mike Friel at mike.friel@mfg.marshall.edu.