#crossfire2017 TVA Offers Financial Incentive for Teams Registering Early

The Tennessee Valley Authority is offering $100 to teams who register for Northeast Alabama BEST by August 1. TVA has been a significant sponsor of Northeast Alabama BEST since its inception in 2012. As part of their continuing effort to help expand our hub, they are offering each team that registers by August 1 and participates in Kick Off and Practice Day $100. Checks will be distributed at practice day.

Registration only takes a few minutes. Simply click on the registration link on the right side of our website and fill in the form. Registering early helps the hub since we can order and compile kit materials early.

We thank TVA for their continued support of Northeast Alabama BEST.

#Crossfire2017 BEST Robotics 2017 Registration Opens April 1

Spring is in the air and that means that the end of the school year is just around the corner. So before you place the books on the shelf for the summer and head out to the beach, please go ahead and register your team for Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics 2017 season!

Registration opens April 1 at this link.

Summer STEM Registration Opens Friday!

Registration for the 2017 Northeast Alabama Community College Summer STEM Experience will open Friday at 7 am CDT.

Day Camps for this year include:

• Robotics Day Camp for grades 6-8 - During this camp, students will learn to build, program and operate simple robots.
• Precision Machining Camp for grades 11-12. In this camp you will use precision machining techniques to manufacture various projects.
• Welding Camp for grades 11-12. Create a really cool project to take home using various welding and brazing techniques.
• 3D Additive Manufacturing Camp for grades 8-9 - Students will be introduced to design and manufacturing using modern 3D printing technology. 

To register, visit this site, download a registration form and mail it with your check. 
Due to the generous contributions of the college, the Nuts, Bolts, and Thingamajigs Foundation, and various industry sponsors, the cost of these camps is only $59 per person, including lunches each day. 

Starting on Friday morning, you may also register for any of these one-day Summer STEM Workshops. Just click on the registration link below. Due to the generous contributions of the College and industry sponsors, there is no charge for the one-day workshops.

Date	Workshop Topic	Grade Level	Time	Registration Link
June 13	Precision Machining	9-12	9 am - 1 pm	https://naccmachining2017.eventbrite.com
June 14	Solidworks Design Software	6-9	8:30 am - 2:30 pm	https://naccsolidworks2017.eventbrite.com
June 15	Welding	9-10	9 am - 1 pm	https://naccwelding2017.eventbrite.com
June 28	Soldering	6-9	9 am - noon	https://naccsoldering2017.eventbrite.com
June 28	Basic PC Maintenance & Security	6-9	1 - 4 pm	https://naccpcmaintenance2017.eventbrite.com
July 26	Build an Electronics Project	6-9	8 am - 12 noon	https://naccelectronicsproject2017.eventbrite.com

#crossfire2017 About This Year's Game

No, this post does not contain any insider information about the game. Sorry. But it does provide information about the brave men and women who protect our lives and property from fire and other perils--firefighters.

Over the past 30 years, approximately 6 firefighters per year have been killed in line-of-duty deaths in Alabama. In 1997, 12 Alabama firefighters lost their lives on the job. In both 2001 and 2006, ten firefighters suffered fatal work-related injuries. Firefighting is an inherently dangerous occupation. 

You will notice that we incorporated a thin red line in this year's logo, honoring firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Please join Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics as we dedicate this year's game to those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and honor those who selflessly serve our communities.

#Crossfire2017 Game Teaser Released

Things are gonna get hot! Do you have what it takes? Check out the teaser for Crossfire 2017!

#betthefarm2016 Sponsor Spotlight: Rainsville Chamber of Commerce

We are pleased to have the continued support of the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce as a sponsor of Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics. The Chamber was one of the first sponsors to come on board when we were starting our hub in 2012 and have remained strong contributors since then.

We hope that when you are in town for game day that you will take time to eat and shop in Rainsville!

#betthefarm2016 Sponsor Spotlight: Fort Payne Improvement Authority

We are pleased to have Fort Payne Improvement Authority on board as a bronze sponsor again this year. FPIA has been a solid supporter of BEST since 2013 and we appreciate all they do for the community and for Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics.

Sponsor Spotlight: Tennessee Valley Authority

Thanks to the Tennessee Valley Authority for being a sponsor of Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics. TVA has been a sponsor since the inception of Northeast Alabama BEST in 2012.

This year TVA is providing $100 per team to help with expenses. They will also provide $500 for each of the teams advancing to South's BEST in Auburn.

Beyond the direct support to teams, TVA has provided funds each year to help us build the field, purchase kits, and provide training opportunities. We appreciate their sponsorship of BEST!

TVA Provides Funding for Teams

Good news! The Tennessee Valley Authority has agreed to provide $100 to each Northeast Alabama BEST team again this year to help with expenses. Checks will be issued at Practice Day. You may also choose to apply the $100 toward the cost of purchasing your returnable kit.

In addition, TVA will provide $500 to each of the teams who advance to South's BEST this year to assist with travel expenses. These checks will be issued on game day or soon thereafter. We are tremendously appreciative to TVA for their support of Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics and BEST Robotics across the TVA service area. 

Game Day Questions

Some teams have asked questions about exhibit booths on game day.

Question: Is it allowable to pass out candy at our exhibit booths?
Answer: As long as it is not prohibited by the rules or causes a potential safety hazard, you may give out candy. We would recommend that it be aligned with the theme. Otherwise, one might question the purpose.

Question: May we have live animals in our exhibit booth?
Answer: There is nothing in the rules that prohibits your having live animals in your exhibit booth. However, the following needs to be addressed:

1. Safety is paramount. - Precautions against cross contamination must be taken. Also, the animal(s) must be treated humanely. 
2. Containment. - All items in your booth must be contained within an 8' x 8' x 8' cube at all times. So no 9-foot giraffes will be allowed. 
3. Clean up. - You are responsible for cleaning and removing any messes made in and around your booth. 
4. Is it worth it? - Is a live chicken more effective than a drawing of a chicken to tell your story? That's for you to decide, but consider this as you make decisions regarding your booth. 

Reminder: Rosters and Release Forms Due No Later Than October 5

Reminder to all BEST teams that rosters (with T shirt sizes) and liability release forms are due no later than Wednesday, October 5. We need sizes so that we can get Tshirts ordered in time for game day. Please be sure to submit your rosters and forms to Hannah Crawford no later than Wednesday.

Technical Training Day Registration Opens Today at 5 pm.

Registration for Technical Training Day opens today at 5 pm. Here is the way the training day will work:

• 8:30 - 9:00 am - check in at Workforce Development Building on NACC campus
• 9:00 am - 10:00 am - BEST Award Presentation for everyone
• 10:00 - 11:30 - Morning Session
• 11:30 am - 12:00 noon - Lunch (provided)
• 12:00 - 1:30 pm - Afternoon Session 

Students will select one class that will take place over the morning and afternoon sessions. Registration instructions are included on the registration page.

Chaperones, teachers and mentors may visit in the classroom, and should register as a chaperone. 

Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-alabama-best-technical-training-day-2016-tickets-27948893894

Thanks for a Great Kick Off!

Thanks for a great Kick Off to Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics 2016! Game details have now been released by BEST Robotics, Inc. so you may share anything you'd like on social media and on your team websites.

Good luck, everyone!

Kick Off Reminders

2016 Northeast Alabama BEST Kick Off is almost here! All activities will take place in the Beck Health and Fine Arts Center (gymnasium) on the NACC campus. Doors open at 8:00 am and everyone needs to be in the Music Auditorium (upstairs, enter through the front entrance of the gym and turn left to go upstairs) at 8:15. At 8:30, the Kick Off will begin!

One important note about kick off. While you may take photos and videos of the field, please do not share any of these files or post anything that gives away this year's challenge on social media until after Saturday, September 24. This is when the last kick off will take place and the game details will be made public. 

We look forward to seeing you all Saturday morning and are excited about this year's game!

Deadline to Register for BEST is September 9

The deadline to register for Northeast Alabama BEST is approaching quickly! With Kick Off scheduled for September 17 this year our deadline to register is September 9 at 12 noon.

The lead teacher from each team will need to register and let us know how many you will bring to Kick Off Day. The link to register is https://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=25552732912. Once you have registered, please send an email to kennamerm@nacc.edu to confirm your registration.

This year's Kick Off will be held in the Beck Health and Fine Arts Building (gymnasium) on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College. Doors will open at 8 am and the Kick Off will begin promptly at 8:30.

Solidworks Workshop Registration Closing Soon

Registration for the Solidworks workshop that is part of the Summer STEM Workshop Series will close soon. Click on the link below to register for this free workshop. Those attending the workshop will receive a code to download Solidworks on their computer at home.

Register by clicking here.

2016 BEST Season Registration Open!

Registration for the 2016 BEST Robotics season is now open! One person from each school/team should click on the link below to register.

2016 Season Registration

Welcome to New Sponsors for 2016!

Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics is pleased to announce two new sponsors for 2016. We welcome Marshall - DeKalb Electric Cooperative and the DeKalb County Farmers Federation to the Northeast Alabama BEST Family.

Thank you to both for their support of Northeast Alabama BEST!

#paydirt2015 Northeast Alabama BEST Winners List

Thanks to everyone who participated in Northeast Alabama BEST today for making it a huge success. Here is the winners' list:

• 1st Place BEST Award - Fort Payne High School*
• 2nd Place BEST Award - Fyffe High School*
• 3rd Place BEST Award - Marshall Technical School
• 1st Place Robot - Fort Payne High School
• 2nd Place Robot - Marshall County Homeschool Robotics*
• 3rd Place Robot - Bridgeport Middle School
• Robot Finalist (4th Place Robot) - Fyffe High School
• 1st Place GH Metal Solutions Project Engineering Notebook - Fyffe High School
• 2nd Place GH Metal Solutions Project Engineering Notebook - Brindlee Mtn. Middle School
• 3rd Place GH Metal Solutions Project Engineering Notebook - Marshall Technical School
• 1st Place Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative Marketing Presentation - Fort Payne High School
• 2nd Place Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative Marketing Presentation - Marshall Technical School
• 3rd Place Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative Marketing Presentation - Fyffe High School
• 1st Place Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative Team Exhibit & Interview - Fyffe High School
• 2nd Place Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative Team Exhibit & Interview -Brindlee Mountain Middle School
• 3rd Place Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative Team Exhibit & Interview -Fort Payne High School 
• Founders' Award for Creative Design - Marshall Technical School
• Tennessee Valley Authority Most Robust Machine - Bridgeport Middle School
• Mathworks Simulink Software Design & Simulation Award - Marshall County Homeschool Robotics
• Cool Tools & More BEST Middle School Team - Brindlee Mountain Middle School
• Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Spirit of BEST Award for Attitude - Woodville High School
• Source 4 Manufacturing Spirit of BEST Award for Grit - Ider High School
• Builders Supply Company Best Team Theme - Fort Payne High School 
• DeKalb County Development Commission Best Website - FUEL Homeschool Cooperative
• Fort Payne Improvement Authority Most Economical Design Award - Plainview High School
• Tennessee Valley Authority Top Gun Award - Marshall Technical School 
• Governor's Office of Workforce Development Most Photogenic Robot - Skyline High School 
• Urethane Supply Company Blood, Sweat and Duct Tape Award - DeKalb County Technology Center
• GH Metal Solutions Best CAD Design - Marshall Technical School
• Berry & Dunn Office Equipment Best Tshirt Design - Fyffe High School
• Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Best Rookie Team - Marshall County Homeschool Robotics 
• Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Spirit & Sportsmanship Award - Fyffe High School

Congratulations to all who participated this year! You are all winners!!

* Denotes teams advancing to South's BEST.

#paydirt2015 Daily Sentinel Article about FUEL Homeschool Team

The Daily Sentinel recently published a story about the FUEL Homeschool BEST Team. Check out the story here:

http://thedailysentinel.com/feature_story/article_ad8c1878-8492-11e5-814c-3bf9a6dd05bf.html