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NAMII’s First Program Management Review and Project Kickoff Meetings Resounding Successes

April 05, 2013 | Categories: America Makes News

Youngstown, Ohio. — April 5, 2013. NAMII, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, awarded on August 2012, and driven by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), conducted its first Program Management Review and Project Kickoff Meetings on April 2-3, 2013. The two-day event was hosted by NAMII member Youngstown State University at the Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA)

“I would characterize NAMII’s first Program Management Review and Project Kickoff meetings resounding successes,” said NCDMM Vice President and NAMII Director Ed Morris. “Much was accomplished during the two-day event, which was attended by more than 100 representatives from NAMII members.

“Our Governance Board, Executive Committee, and Technical Advisory Board convened their first joint meeting. Our new Deputy Directors were officially introduced. The newly developed NAMII Online Community — a robust marketplace, networking, lead generation Web tool — was unveiled to NAMII members with a demonstration by Imaginestics. NAMII’s first project call award teams made presentations, detailing the objectives, scope, and anticipated outcomes of the projects. NCDMM announced its strategic partnership with Maya Design, a design consultancy and technology research lab that will consult with NAMII on developing the Additive Manufacturing Roadmap. Our open house reception gave members the opportunity to network. It was a great and highly productive two-day event.”

Dr. Terri A. Marsico, Technology Director – Energy Initiatives at Penn State – Electro Optics Center and attendee at the two-day NAMII event, was impressed by the progress and achievements made by NAMII in a mere eight months.

“The NAMII team and management have done a fantastic job so far in the short amount of time since the program was awarded,” commented Dr. Marsico upon the conclusion of the event.

Long-time NAMII supporter, U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (OH-17) was also in attendance. Congressman Ryan, along Congressman Altmire, was a co-founder of the Cleveland to Pittsburgh Tech Belt Initiative and was instrumental in securing funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for NAMII. In summarizing the NAMII’s accomplishments to date, Congressman Ryan reinforced the importance of both the Tech Belt and NAMII to the U.S. manufacturing sector.

“I am pleased that the first round of projects has been announced and the real innovation being explored at NAMII can be brought to the next level,” said Congressman Ryan. “It is an exciting time for our community and much of that excitement is being spurred by the work being done right here in Youngstown. Additive manufacturing and the innovations that come from it will help create an economic renaissance that can provide economic opportunities for people living all across the Tech Belt and beyond.” Following the PMR, members enjoyed a networking reception held at the NAMII facility on West Boardman Street in Youngstown.

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