Building Better Regions Community of Practice

What an incredible time at the?World Ag Expo? in Tulare!?Our F3 partners from all three gears (F3 Innovate, F3 Local, AgTEC Workforce) were in action, connecting with farmers, researchers, students, and ag innovators from around the world.?Thank you to our interviewees (in order of appearance): - Leigh Bernacchi (Executive Director, Vista Farms Food Future (F3) at UC Merced) - Rolston St. Hilaire (Dean, Fresno State Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology) - Helle Petersen (Regional?Director, F3Local) - Cesar Lucio, MBM (Chief Operating Officer, F3 Innovate) - Fernando Garcia, M.S. (AgTEC Pathway Navigator, Lemoore College) From cutting-edge technology to workforce development and local food systems,?F3 is shaping the future of ag right here in the Central Valley.?#F3Initiative #FarmsFoodFuture #WorldAgExpo #AgInnovation #AgTECH?

The Port of Portland has approved a lease for the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL) at the University of Oregon located at the Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus at Terminal 2. Designed by LEVER, the state-of-the-art lab will serve as a research and development anchor for the campus, supporting Oregon’s mass timber industry and addressing housing needs. OARL will focus on acoustic testing for mass timber floor-ceiling assemblies, addressing a gap in current testing facilities. It will provide data needed for code compliance, supporting the expansion of mass timber in residential and commercial construction. The facility will also house the University of Oregon’s Energy Studies in Building Laboratory. The campus is part of a redevelopment effort transforming Terminal 2 into a manufacturing hub. This progress is powered by partnerships and support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, and others. For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/dmQWit2B

Kelp farmers in remote Southeast Alaska face a number of difficulties in getting their kelp to market in an affordable manner. Barnacle Foods' latest report, "Cost-Effective Kelp Drying Methods for Remote Alaskan Communities," breaks down the best drying and stabilization methods for rural farmers. This is the second in a series of reports designed to help strengthen Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. Read it now on our website https://lnkd.in/ggWi36Qz #AlaskaKelp #SeaweedFarming #SustainableFood #BarnacleFoods #sustainablesoutheast

MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network Early College Early Career Program orientation is always one of my favorite nights of the year as Director of ECEC!! We officially welcomed nearly 70 new students into Cohort 8 of the ECEC program, marking the beginning of their 18-month journey into career exploration, mentorship, and hands-on learning in manufacturing. Every year, this night reminds me why we do this work. Seeing students and their families take that first step toward a life-changing opportunity is powerful. Manufacturing is the tool, but the true impact is in the confidence, skills, and career pathways we help them build. Excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the partners, schools, and team members who make this possible. Let’s get to work! ???? #EarlyCollegeEarlyCareer #WorkforceDevelopment #Manufacturing #FutureLeaders

North Carolina achieved a record-breaking year for #lifesciences growth in 2024 with $10.8B+ of investment from 25 company expansion announcements and an expected 4,500+ new jobs in 16 communities statewide. Read more at: https://hubs.ly/Q034z7PH0

Which mobility technologies will define the next decade? GEM, in partnership with S&P Global Mobility, conducted the Future Mobility Technology Study (FMTS) to identify the 7 key technologies best positioned for development and manufacturing in the #Detroit Region over the next 5-7 years. The study was designed to be actionable, helping industry leaders and stakeholders make informed decisions to drive innovation. Bernard Swiecki, VP of Mobility & Research at Detroit Regional Partnership, shares key insights from the study and what they mean for the future of mobility.

Over the past year, ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers, operated by partner organization Towards Employment, has achieved remarkable year-over-year growth in both graduation and placement rates. These achievements showcase how Cuyahoga County’s Manufacturing Sector Partnership goes beyond filling open positions - we are creating a strong, sustainable talent pipeline equipped to meet the demands of our partner employers and seize the opportunities of modern manufacturing. A huge shoutout to our partners, instructors, and participants whose dedication fuels this program's success. Read more about the transformative impact of ACCESS to Manufacturing Careers and the powerful role of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership in driving manufacturing success in our latest blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eTptV78m #ForgingTheFuture?#SectorPartnerships #TalentDevelopment #ACCESS #WorkforceSuccess Lissy Rand Tom McGraw Valen C. Willis, M.Ed.