TOOLING SEMINAR: A tooling seminar is scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) Huntington facility. Presented in conjunction with tool manufacturer Sandvik Coromant, the seminar will showcase newly implemented and proven technology that provides manufacturers high performance machining capabilities designed to solve their production tooling concerns.

Seating is limited and early registration is recommended. Registration deadline is Nov. 6.

Representatives from Sandvik as well as RCBI's own experienced technical staff will be on hand to demonstrate cutting tools and equipment use.

The tooling seminar is another in a continuing series of programs by RCBI to provide access to state-of-the-art and state-of-the-market production equipment, technologies, tooling and software to manufacturers so they can compete and succeed in the global market.

For additional information or to register, contact Brian Brown, senior manufacturing engineer and site manager at RCBI Huntington, at 304.781.1689 or 800.469.RCBI (7224), or send an e-mail to bbrown@rcbi.org.

RCBI provides access to cutting edge technology and technical training to manufacturers across the region. Operating from Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington, Charleston, Bridgeport and Rocket Center (near Keyser in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle), its mission includes developing a quality, just-in-time supplier base for the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the commercial sector.

ARC LOANS: As part of the Stimulus Package, the SBA is offering a loan program for businesses that are stressed trying to meet expenses during these economic times. The ARC loans can provided up to $35,000 of interest free funds to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return your business to a profitable financial position.

These funds are targeting viable businesses that have been in operation for two years and will assist in paying the principle and interest on existing debt. The loans are interest free and carry a 100% SBA guarantee.

To find out if your business is eligible for an ARC loan and to answer any questions you may have, attend this informational presentation. SBA representatives will be in attendance as well as the staff of the WBC. Refreshments will be served. Cost is only $10 per person and includes all handouts and refreshments. Presented by the Women's Business & Training Center, in Charleston on Monday, Nov. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required. To register call 253-3145 or 800-766-4556 or register online at www.west virginiawbc.org.

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING: Goodwill Industries, in partnership with the Weed and Seed Program at Barnett Center, is offering ongoing free classes on a variety of skills needed to help navigate life. The classes will include information on how to search and apply for a job, how to manage your money, where to find community resources, and tips on housekeeping, maintaining good health and more.

Classes are offered each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon and on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m.

Any adult 18 or older may enroll for the classes at the Barnett Center, 1524 10th Ave. in Huntington or by contacting the Life Skills Trainer and asking for Staci Green at 304-523-7461 or sgreen@goodwillhunting.org. Enrollment is ongoing.

If your organization has a seminar or training class you would like listed in this column, please send it to Jean Tarbett Hardiman. Reach her by e-mail at jeant@herald-dispatch.com, send faxes to 304-526-2857 or send mail to The Herald-Dispatch, P.O. Box 2017, Huntington, WV 25720.

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