Noontime Knowledge: Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia Program

Federal Programs that Manufacturing Companies can use to Upgrade Facilities and Lower Energy Bills

Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia Program:
The Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia Program is a collaborative initiative spanning multiple states, aiding over 1,000 small- to medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in over 150 counties across Appalachian regions in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. The allocated funds will be utilized for offering training, technical support, supply chain mapping, and advice on factory enhancements. These resources aim to assist manufacturers involved in renewable energy, hydrogen power, low-carbon and decarbonized power, smart grid advancements, electric vehicles, and sustainable building projects. The Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia program offers mini-grants to manufacturers up to $10,000 and can connect them to millions of dollars in available grants and tax incentives from federal, state and regional sources. Tom Reed and Matt Henderson will speak about how the clean energy industry can benefit regional manufacturers and their communities

Tom Reed Bio: 
Tom oversees communications and project management for many of Catalyst Connection’s programs that benefit southwestern Pennsylvania and neighboring communities. He promotes services, trainings, and resources available to manufacturers in various industries such as energy and defense. Tom has consulted on workforce programs with the WVMA Education Fund to promote manufacturing careers. He has worn several hats during his time at Catalyst Connection including marketing, workforce education and contracts administration. Tom holds a B.S. degree from West Liberty State University with dual majors in Marketing and Computer Information Sciences.  Tom also holds an MBA with a Marketing concentration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.

Matthew Henderson Bio: 
Matthew W. Henderson brings with him over two decades of business development experience, including 15 years of engagement within the energy sector. This experience includes a strong focus on the unconventional shale industry throughout the tri-state Appalachian basin. Throughout this time, Matt has worked closely with exploration and production, midstream, transmission and supply chain contractors, along with federal, state and local government officials, economic development agencies, universities and even foreign governments to maximize and seize their opportunities within the unconventional shale sector. Matt has delivered hundreds of presentations to elected officials, landowners, royalty owners, industry trade groups and government agencies educating them on the process, risks, opportunities and intricacies of unconventional shale development. As part of the education process, he has organized and led over 100 tours to view and learn about the development process within the Appalachian Basin.

Matt develops marketing and business strategies for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on shale development in the United States and international markets. He works with small to medium sized business as well as Fortune 500 companies looking to understand their value proposition and entry point to all sectors of the industry.