NuHub Recognized for Improving Economic Opportunities in South Carolina
NuHub, an initiative of EngenuitySC with the mission of maximizing economic and job creation opportunities for the nuclear industry in the Midstate region of South Carolina, was honored last night with the “Innovator Award for South Carolina” from the Southern Growth Policies Board. NuHub was one of 13 winners announced at the 2012 Chairman’s Conference hosted by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. Garry Powers, Midlands Technical College Commission Member, and Ann-Marie Stieritz, Director of Business Solutions for Innovista at the University of South Carolina, accepted the award on behalf of NuHub.
The Innovator Awards are presented annually to one organization in each of Southern Growth’s 13 member states. NuHub was recognized for its initiatives on improving economic opportunities and quality of life in the region, as well as preparing Southerners to meet the workforce needs of a globally competitive business sector.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Southern Growth Policies Board for our efforts in workforce development,” said Dr. Sonny White, president of Midlands Technical College and co-chair of NuHub. “This award helps demonstrate that NuHub is making great strides to fulfill the workforce needs of an important customer in the Midlands – the growing Nuclear Power Industry. These achievements will certainly produce an economic ripple that will be felt throughout the Midlands, the state and beyond.”
Here are some of the NuHub partners and programs highlighted by the Innovator Award:
- Midlands Technical College was selected by the National Science Foundation to serve as a Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training (RCNET), which links nuclear workforce development programs in seven southeastern states.
- In conjunction with Midlands Education & Business Alliance (MEBA), SCANA, and Microburst Learning, NuHub launched a K-12 virtual job shadow program in Midstate school districts that allows students to electronically explore nuclear career opportunities.
- Through NuHub and the SC SmartState Program, San Diego-based General Atomics endowed $900,000 to fund two research chairs and establish the General Atomics Center for Development of Transformational Nuclear Technologies as part of a new Center of Economic Excellence at the University of South Carolina.
- NuHub recently announced partnerships with NuScale Power, Inc. and Holtec International, LLC to compete for one of two U.S. Department of Energy awards totaling $452M to license, build and operate the first small modular reactor in South Carolina. If selected, the Midstate would become the regional epicenter for training the future workforce of this next generation, nuclear technology.
“The Midstate is a major player in the nuclear renaissance and continues to stay on the cutting-edge of research, development and job creation,” said Neil McLean, executive director for EngenuitySC, which launched NuHub in April 2011. “We think these NuHub partnerships are key to creating a world-class nuclear workforce that’s prepared to meet our future industry needs.”
via EngenuitySC
