Governor's Awards in energy efficiency presented at Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day

Three Governor’s Award winners were announced recently at the “2016 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol” in Charleston. The awards were co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office and by the TransTech Energy/Industries of the Future-WV, programs at West Virginia University.

Keith Burdette, West Virginia Department of Commerce Cabinet Secretary, presented awards to:

• WVU Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), Morgantown, W.Va.—Winner of the “Governor's Award of Excellence for Enabling Industrial Energy Efficiency.” IAC Director Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan, accepted the award on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.  The award was given in appreciation of IAC’s more than 400 energy assessments in West Virginia, resulting in reduced energy costs of approximately $2 million for West Virginia manufacturers.
  
• PolyPlexx of South Charleston, W.Va.—Winner of the “Governor's Award for Excellence in Green Advanced Manufacturing.” PolyPlexx is a start-up company for developing, patenting and commercializing innovative cast molding processes and polyurethane materials with optical and antiballistic properties.  The company works on a wide range of products including solar panels, lenses, transparent ballistic shields, automotive and aerospace parts.
• Armstrong World Products of Beverly, W.Va.—Winner of the “Governor's Award for Leadership in Industrial Energy Efficiency” for their achievements in reducing energy usage, implementing closed-loop recycling programs, manufacturing innovative products for more sustainable buildings and for their commitment to West Virginia communities.

Attendees and exhibitors came to Charleston to provide information to legislators on West Virginia’s innovation economy.  Displays included a 3-D printing demonstration, innovative startup companies, new products and a network of supportive organizations and agencies. 

Carl Irwin, director of the TransTech Energy Program, said the day provided an opportunity to network with legislators, key state officials, manufacturers, innovators, entrepreneurs and colleagues. He challenged the group to “… make every day an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day in West Virginia.” 

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