2016 Is off to great starts for CAZ, our partners, and start-ups! Here is a taste of what has happened in just five short weeks:
Optima Chemical Setting Up Shop in Belle
Optima Chemical, a chemical toll manufacturer based in Georgia, will soon be manufacturing several products using former DuPont facilities in Belle. For an introduction to Doug Cochran (Vice President of Business Development), John Sawyer (Plant Manager), and Optima’s operation, please see the recent article that appeared in the Charleston Gazette-Mail
CAZ and ChemCeption Participate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day
2016 Innovation Day
CAZ and its incubator, ChemCeption, participated in Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol, meeting and networking with entrepreneurs and innovators from around the state. We hosted a booth showcasing CAZ and ChemCeption outside the House Chamber, convened with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and others as TechConnectWV accepted a Proclamation honoring the Day, and assembled on the House Floor with colleagues as House Speaker Tim Armstead honored the Day with a special Citation.
House Speaker Tim Armstead honored the Day
ChemCeption Start-Up PolyPlexx Garners Statewide Award
PolyPlexx LLC, a start-up company based in CAZ’s ChemCeption incubator at the WV Regional Technology Park, was presented the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Green Advanced Manufacturing by WV Secretary of Commerce Keith Burdette during Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day. PolyPlexx has developed new impact-resistant, clear polymers with several commercial applications, including optical lenses, ballistic protection, and safety and security products.
On Wednesday, national news broke a story that merger negotiations between Dow and DuPont may be in the works. While CAZ has no role in the rumored talks, we look forward to working with both companies in any form they take. I am quoted in the Charleston Gazette-Mail’s article on this story.
The Chemical Alliance Zone’s 2015 Annual Meeting Reception
Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM*
Reception
The Chemical Alliance Zone Annual Members and Friends Reception is scheduled for Thursday November 12, 2015, beginning at 5:00 PM. Members are encouraged to invite potential new members to come learn more about the Chemical Alliance Zone, our mission, and how we serve the chemical and supportive industries.
Refreshments
Light refreshments are provided at no cost. We ask only that each attendee RSVP use this ticketing process. This is to provide an accurate accounting for refreshments. No physical ticket is required to attend.
Chemical Alliance Zone and ChemCeption team with TechConnectWV and other partners to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in West Virginia. The program, known as ScaleUp West Virginia, is a two-year suite of programs designed to accelerate the states’ capacity to diversify its economy in a 40-county region of West Virginia. The $500,000 grant will be matched with $210,000 in local funding, for a total project spend of $710,000.
This is a great article on a partnership project with CAZ, ChemCeption, and TechConnectWV!
