F E B R U A R Y--2 0 2 2
--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -
Manufacturing expansion continues in WV
Just last month, two major manufacturers announced plans to open production facilities in southern West Virginia, creating nearly $3 billion in investments and 1,000 jobs. This month, Omnis Building Technologies said it will build a $40 million facility in Mercer County, creating 150-300 jobs, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia announced a $73 million expansion at its Buffalo plant on the heels of November's $240 million investment. Manufacturing is on the move!
--TECHNOLOGY--
Old-time tradition gets infusion of innovation
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As we enter the homestretch of the 2022 syrup production season, read how RCBI is leveraging its technology and expertise to increase output in the Mountain State by making the process more effective and efficient. Our Agricultural Innovations initative also is boosting the number of producers across southern West Virginia with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Development Program.
--AGRICULTURE--
Syrup producers summit on tap for March 10

Syrup production is on the rise in West Virginia. Join RCBI and our partners for a free virtual summit to learn about efforts to increase and expand the syrup making industry by introducing innovative new techniques and equipment. We'll also provide an update on the 2022 maple syrup season, discuss other trees suited for syrup production and provide information about resources to help producers everywhere.
--ENTREPRENEURSHIP--
WV Inventors Society to launch April 21

RCBI assists innovators and inventors every day. Now these creative types will have the opportunity to network and share ideas with inventors from across the state and region. The West Virginia Inventors Society will kick off April 21 at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston. The event is open to everyone.
--CAREER OPPORTUNITIES--
Technology is on the rise in Mountain State
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West Virginia is becoming a technology hub with existing companies expanding, new businesses openings and more and more workers finding jobs in the sector. Learn about 10 technology companies that are hiring and about the diverse tech ecosystem that exists to support entrepreneurs looking to start their own companies.
---WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
RCBI launches fast-track training for veterans

To meet the growing demand for skilled machinists and provide veterans and transitioning military personnel an in-demand career option, RCBI has created a short-term Military to Manufacturing CNC Operator Training Program. The initiative will launch this March at RCBI's Huntington Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center.
--CAREER SKILLS TRAINING--
Former college ambassador joins RCBI team

Wayne County native Steven Stacy has joined RCBI as part of the expansion of our nationally recognized Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology programs offered in partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College. Learn about his education and experience and his new role as workforce recruiter.
--EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES--
RCBI seeks dynamic individuals to join team

Consider a rewarding career as part of our growing staff that supports manufacturers, entrepreneurs and small businesses across West Virginia and beyond. Visit our website to see a complete list of available jobs.
--STEM OUTREACH--
Teams advance to state, world championships

Five high-flying teams advanced to the World Championship during the Feb. 13 drone qualifying tournament hosted by RCBI. Teams from Tolsia High School in Wayne County, Lincoln County High and Duval Middle School in Lincoln County, and Hayes Middle and Riverside High School in Kanawha County qualified for the REC Foundation Aerial Drones Competition World Championship in Dallas, Texas. During the Feb. 12 VEX IQ Robotics Qualifier hosted by RCBI, two teams from St. Joseph Catholic Grade School in Cabell County as well as teams from James Rumsey Technical Institute in Berkeley County, Buffalo Elementary in Wayne County and Montcalm High School in Mercer County all advanced to the State Championship in Fairmont. Congratulations, students!
U P C O M I N G-- E V E N T S
March 3: SBIR-STTR Bootcamp
3 p.m. online event by TechConnect WV and the WV SBDC
Learn about opportunities to secure federal research dollars to fund your invention or innovation and how to apply. More information

March 8: Business Plans That Get Funded
noon to 12:45 p.m. online
Professionals at the U.S. Small Business Administration will explain how to write a business plan that will attract funding. More information

March 8: WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Meeting
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online
A gathering to connect and identify opportunities for improvement in assisting entrepreneurs across the state. More information

March 10: TAP: Appalachian Syrup Producers Summit
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. online
RCBI hosts a virtual gathering to discuss the current state of syrup production in our region and highlight innovative initiatives to grow the sector. More information
March 17: Refocus: A CO-STARTERS workshop
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. online
Feeling stuck as an entrepreneur? Find a new way forward for your small business during this interactive workshop sponsored by The Hive. More information

March 23: Understanding 'Capital Stack' and Funding Alternatives
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. online
This 3 Steps to StartUp webinar will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn about alternative lending options in the state and region. More information

March 30-31: Women's Leadership Summit
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs
This West Virginia Chamber event will allow attendees to make strong connections with their contemporaries who share similar work experiences, challenges and concerns. More information

If you have upcoming events that you'd like us to share, please email the information to Mike Friel at mfriel@rcbi.org.