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Technical Services returns to full staffing
 
   Following the gradual reopening process directed by Gov. Jim Justice, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University is beginning to reopen its facilities to clients in Huntington, Charleston and Bridgeport. 
   The Technical Services group has returned to full staffing levels to accommodate clients and their needs. Following health and safety protocols, clients will be asked to complete a form and have their temperatures checked before entering RCBI facilities. Each facility will have a personal protective equipment station stocked with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. 
  Manufacturers and companies that need access to RCBI's wide array of manufacturing equipment to produce prototypes, manufacture parts or complete projects are encouraged to call 800.469.7224 to arrange a consultation or to lease time on our equipment. 
   Although the entire RCBI team has been available to clients remotely throughout the pandemic, most members will return to their offices during the next few weeks. 
OSHA urges action to keep manufacturing workers safe    
 
   The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration has issued the following recommendations to keep manufacturing workers safe during the COVID-19 epidemic.
  • Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
  • Establish flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
  • Practice sensible social distancing and maintain six feet between co-workers, where possible.
  • For work activities where social distancing is a challenge, consider limiting the duration of these activities and/or implementing innovative approaches, such as temporarily moving or repositioning workstations to create more distance or installing barriers (e.g., plexiglass shields) between workstations.
Virtual supply chain expo
scheduled for July 14
 
   The Robert C. Byrd Institute and Advantage Valley will host a free On-Screen Expo July 14 from 1-2 p.m. to connect potential vendors with Steel of West Virginia, located in Huntington.  
   The company is in need of additional supplies and services and is looking for vendors to help meet the company's supply chain needs. 
   Similar to in-person supply chain expos hosted by the two entities, the event is an opportunity for local businesses to hear from and possibly speak with purchasing officers for Steel of West Virginia.
RCBI quickly pivots to deliver strategic workforce training 
 
   The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated that schools around the world close their doors and transition to a virtual learning format. The staff at RCBI reacted swiftly by creating online opportunities for students to continue to learn remotely.
    "Our instructors and staff have remained engaged throughout this time with all of our students," said Charlotte Weber, director & CEO. "This interaction has resulted in a 100 percent completion rate for our first-year Machinist Technology/CNC students and a 95 percent job placement rate for our second-year students."
   In addition, through the web-based delivery system RCBI instituted in response to the pandemic, 27 Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology students in Bridgeport, Huntington, Welch and Williamson earned 484 manufacturing industry certificates. 
RCBI deploys systematic
changes to protect students 
 
   RCBI has implemented a series of procedures and protocols designed to safely deliver classroom and hands-on training to students in its nationally recognized Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology programs.
   "Protecting our students, clients and staff is paramount," said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director and CEO. "Based on recommendations and guidance from health officials and scientists at the federal, state and local levels, we have developed and adopted innovative tactics to reduce risks as we deliver educational opportunities during this pandemic."
   Beginning immediately as existing students return to complete testing for their national certifications and continuing into the fall term, RCBI has introduced the following changes at its training facilities in Bridgeport, Huntington, Welch and Williamson.
Technology needs to be part
of your export strategy
 
   Due to the spread of Covid-19, businesses are embracing telecommuting and video conferencing services left and right. The internet can help your business break down international barriers like never before. That's why technology needs to be part of your export strategy. Lucky for you, the West Virginia Development Office can help.  
   Through its State Trade Expansion Program, you can offset the cost of export marketing activities, such as:
  • International trade shows (in the U.S. or abroad, including booth rental, booth display, trade show fees)
  • Foreign trade missions
  • Business matchmaking to identify foreign buyers
  • International travel (airfare, meals, lodging, ground transportation)
  • Website development
  • Online marketing
  • Magazine advertising
  • Shipping of samples to other countries
  • Translation of materials into foreign languages
  • Lab testing/export certifications
To learn if you qualify, contact the Development Office at this link.
IMPORTANT DATES
June 2: SBIR-STTR Bootcamp. Free webinar sponsored by TechConnectWV and the WV District Office of the US Small Business Administration, 4-6 pm. More information 
June 3: 40-TOP Virtual Roundtable Series: The Silver Lining of Covid-19:
Opportunities in Education, Healthcare and the Economy. Free video conference sponsored by the Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern West Virginia, 10-11 am. More information 
June 16: Business Fundamentals. Free workshop sponsored by the WV SBDC. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Martinsburg, 9:30 am-noon. More information 
July 14: On-Screen Expo with Steel of WV. Free video conference sponsored by RCBI and Advantage Valley, 1-2 pm. More information 


T H E  V I D E O  F I L E
RCBI Machinist Technology/CNC Program enrolling for fall
 
Enroll Now for RCBI's Machinist Technology/CNC Program
A rewarding career awaits you! Our Machinist Technology/CNC Program is enrolling for fall 
in Huntington, Welch and Williamson. For more information, contact Tracy Straub at tstraub@rcbi.org. Watch the video.
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