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MassDTI to Hold Annual Meeting May 10, 2007 at Natick Soldier Systems Center Hanscom, Natick Commanders to Provide Keynote Address
After a successful first year under its new mission to grow the state’s defense technology economy, the Massachusetts Defense Technology Initiative (MassDTI) will hold its inaugural annual meeting on May 10, 2007. The meeting, to be held at the Natick Soldier Systems Center, will feature keynote addresses from the commanders of the region’s two military technology installations, Natick’s commander, Brigadier General Mark Brown and Lieutenant General Charles Johnson from Hanscom AFB. For more information, please visit www.massdti.com or contact MassDTI Executive Director Alan Macdonald at (781) 890-0088 or al@massdti.com.
MassDTI Founding Member of the Natick SSC Science & Technology Board
In an effort to better connect the Natick Soldier Systems Center to the state’s defense technology employers and research community – and accelerate new technologies to personnel in the field – MassDTI has joined with other state and industry leaders to help Natick SSC create a new Science & Technology Board. MassDTI will serve as one of the board’s founding members and as the principal representative of industry in the group. The S&T board will be a public-private advisory group to identify top priority challenges for the Army and create solutions that will strengthen the installation and regional industry through projects that link the area’s defense tech employers, researchers and university based programs. The official launch of the S&T Board is expected in May.
Click here to learn more about Natick SSC.
MassDTI Creates Smaller Business Committee
MassDTI has created a Smaller Business Committee to help small defense employers navigate through the complexities of working with larger contractors, universities and the Pentagon. The goal of the committee is to help make smaller companies more competitive and also speed some the technologies developed by these companies to the field.
The first meeting of the committee was held on February 13, 2007 and featured a presentation given by a regional representative from the Department of Defense’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center, whichassistssmall businesses in marketing products and services to federal, state and local governments. Based on the discussion among members, the first initiative of this group is to create a regional, web-based clearinghouse of complimentary defense firms that will facilitate the identification of partnering opportunities throughout New England.
MassDTI Co-Hosts Small Business Event
On March 22, 2007, MassDTI co-sponsored “Engaging Major Contractors,” the first in a series of small business breakfasts designed to support small defense technology firms. The first breakfast, hosted by MassDTI member Aptima in Woburn, provided practical advice on doing business with major defense vendors and military installations. More than 85 small business leaders attended and heard from senior officials from Hanscom Air Force Base, BAE Systems, Dynamics Research Corp., Lockheed Martin Sippican and Northrop Grumman. Other hosts of the event were the Association of Old Crows, NDIA and Wolfblock Strategies. MassDTI will keep members informed of the next small business event.
Governor Creates New State Defense Industry Liaison Position
Governor Deval Patrick has designated a new point person for defense technology economic development issues in Massachusetts. The first Industry Director for Defense Technology – is veteran economic development official Arthur Robert, who had a prominent staff role during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Mr. Robert, also a retired senior officer in the Army National Guard, will report to Undersecretary of Business Development Bob Coughlin. Last year, MassDTI identified the creation of a dedicated defense position within the economic development structure as a top priority for the new Administration. MassDTI appreciates the creation of this new position, which shows a top level commitment by Governor Patrick and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Dan O’Connell to the state’s defense community.
MassDTI Featured in Quincy Patriot Ledger
Quincy Patriot Ledger Business Editor John Chesto, in his March 31, 2007 column, wrote about MassDTI’s evolution from it role as the lead in 2005 Base Realignment and Closure effort to today’s structure as a member organization that works to make Massachusetts more competitive for defense technology firms. Chesto predicts that “the state’s defense sector, which employs as many as 85,000 people, is poised to emerge with renewed strength thanks in part to its near-miss with the BRAC process.”
To read the entire story, please click here.
Macdonald to Attend National Security Forum at Maxwell AFB
MassDTI Executive Director Alan Macdonald was invited by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne to attend the 54th Annual National Security Forum (NSF) at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. The NSF, to be held in May, will provide an opportunity for students at the Air War College (AWC) to interact and discuss issues with leaders from national industry, government, labor, education and government. Secretary Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff, General Michael Moseley will also address the group as part of a series of speakers from among the highest levels of Air Force leadership and national security policy experts.
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