Networking/Project Development Opportunities
One of the unique aspects of IOF-WV is that it creates a forum for the exchange of ideas among disparate industries. IOF-WV does this through bringing together diverse industries for project development sessions to determine their R&D needs.
One forum for the exchange of ideas is the annual IOF-WV Symposia. Beginning in 1997, an IOF-WV Symposium has been held each fall to bring together energy-intensive companies to develop crosscutting project ideas and share experiences. The industry sectors hold breakout meetings to assess priority concerns and research needs for their industry eventually leading to proposal development. The Symposium also showcases the latest energy-saving opportunities, Best Practices, and energy-saving technologies.
Another forum is the annual IOF-WV Day at the State Capitol. It provides West Virginia companies the opportunity to showcase the aluminum, steel, glass, chemical, polymer, wood, and cast metal products that are produced in the state. The event also provides a forum for attendees to meet with legislators and other state officials to discuss their concerns about manufacturing in West Virginia. An important aspect of IOF-WV Day at the Capitol is that the companies have the opportunity to meet in an informal setting to discuss and debate the many issues concerning manufacturing in the State.
IOF-WV teams also make site visits and meet with companies to discuss their problems and determine their R&D needs. If you would like to meet with an IOF-WV team member please contact Kathleen Cullen at Kathleen.Cullen@mail.wvu.edu.