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RCBI ramps up production
of protective equipment
The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University is working around the clock to produce personal protective equipment as part of the fight to reduce the spread of the corona virus.
Technicians in Charleston and Huntington are manufacturing N95 masks and face shields using RCBI's stable of 3D printers and laser cutting technology, including one of the largest 3D printers in the state.
The devices are being shipped to the West Virginia Army National Guard in Charleston where the face shields are assembled and filters are added to the N95 masks before they are distributed around the state to healthcare workers and first responders.
"RCBI is fortunate to have the technology and expertise to help meet the critical demand for these devices," said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director & CEO. "We will manufacture approximately 150 to 200 N95 masks and 30 to 50 face shields per week. We will continue production as long as there is a need."
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SBA's Paycheck Protection
offers loans to cover payroll
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with zero-fee loans of up to $10 million to cover payroll and other operating expenses during the COVID-19 crisis.
Created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this new effort is an incentive administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) designed to help businesses keep their workforce employed.
Payments on principal and interest are deferred for six months and up to one year. The
SBA then will forgive the loan if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities.
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Learn why apprenticeships
are worth the investment
Join us for a free webinar to learn about the return on investment from apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing. RCBI's Apprenticeship Works initiative helps manufacturers establish registered apprenticeship programs in 20 occupations. This initiative is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, making it affordable for manufacturers of any size.
The webinar will feature Lucinda Curry, director of Apprenticeship Works; and Linn Yost, owner of Micro Machine Works. Register below and we will provide you with details for participating in the webinar.
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Designation to help boost
creation of apprenticeships
RCBI's Apprenticeship Works initiative has been designated by the U.S. Department of Labor as a national program qualified to support manufacturers across the country.
The designation means companies that work with Apprenticeship Works are able to establish customized apprenticeship programs more quickly and therefore address their workforce needs faster.
With industry partners already in 18 states, Apprenticeship Works provides consulting, development and related training, as well as a pathway to a college degree for individual apprentices.
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Area manufacturing leaders
join RCBI advisory board
RCBI has named seven additional industry leaders from across the state and region to its Workforce Development Advisory Board.
Board members help shape the industry-focused curriculum for RCBI's nationally recognized Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology programs, ensuring the career skills programs educate and prepare graduates to meet the specialized needs of manufacturers of all types and sizes.
New members of the board are Kim Mack of Cyclops Industries in South Charleston; Christina Craigo of HG-Medical USA in Huntington; James Mull of The Mull Group in Wheeling; Linn Yost of Micro Machine Works, Inc., in Barlow, Ohio; Andrea Bourdelais of Level 1 Fasteners in Huntington; Michael Bombard of Bombardier Aerospace in Bridgeport; and Jacob Plasters of Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia in Buffalo.
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Rural Business Development
applications due April 15
Due to current health and economic circumstances, the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) application deadline has been extended until April 15 at 4:30 p.m. Applications can be sent via email to
Abbey.Hart@usda.gov or mailed to 1550 Earl Core Road, Suite 101, Morgantown, WV 26505.
The national office application and funding deadlines for the competition of reserved RBDG funds for Native American, Persistent Poverty, Native American Persistent Poverty, and Strategic Economic and Community Development projects remain unchanged.
Questions may be directed to Lisa Sharp, Rural Business & Cooperative Service Director, at 304.284.4871 or
Lisa.Sharp@usda.gov.
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Maker Camp dates not yet set
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 dates for RCBI's series of popular 3D Printing/Maker Camps for students have not been set. If you would like to receive information as it becomes available, send your name, location and email address to information@rcbi.org.
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IMPORTANT DATES
April 3: U.S. Small Business Administration online training for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. More information
April 6: Business Continuity: Make Your Company Resilient in the Face of Disaster. Webinar sponsored by Charleston Area Alliance, 10 am. More information
April 15: Deadline to submit applications for Rural Business Development Grants. More information
April 16: Webinar: Apprenticeships, Worth the Investment, 2-3 p.m. More information
May 1: Deadline to submit proposals to develop new RCBI website.More information
June 9: New date for West Virginia primary election.
July 15: New deadline to file federal and state income taxes.
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RCBI Machinist Technology/CNC Program enrolling for fall
A rewarding career awaits you! Our Machinist Technology/CNC Program is now enrolling
for fall in Bridgeport, Huntington, Welch and
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RCBI designs protective face shields for medical workers
WOWK TV featured a story about RCBI's team producing face shields to be used by healthcare workers.
Watch the video
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