August 15, 2016
Visit to Battle Creek showcases the state’s defense assets and innovations, highlights Protect and Grow strategic plan
Monday, August 15, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is actively working to protect and seek growth opportunities for the defense industry in our state through the Protect and Grow strategic plan, Lt. Gov. Calley said.
The Protect and Grow plan, unveiled at the 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference in June, is led by the Michigan Defense Center and includes 17 recommendations to preserve current defense assets, missions and jobs while fostering innovation.
“Michigan plays an integral part in the defense sector, from being a source of innovative technologies and advanced manufacturing to providing a skilled and capable workforce,” Calley said. “The Protect and Grow plan is a key strategic initiative that supports our position as a leader and will help us obtain additional investment through multiple efforts, including maximizing our current assets and targeting growth areas like aerospace, lightweight materials and autonomous vehicles.”
Calley visited both the Air National Guard and Ft. Custer Training Bases in Battle Creek on Monday, kicking off a statewide tour to explain the plan and discuss opportunities for growth in the industry today. In Battle Creek, Calley and the Michigan Defense Center gathered feedback from representatives of the armed forces, as well as local business leaders and economic development professionals.
Following today’s event, Calley and the Michigan Defense Center will make similar appearances all across Michigan including a visit Thursday to the Michigan Defense Center headquarters, located in Velocity, a Pure Michigan SmartZone Collaboration Center that serves as a hub for business incubation targeting defense.
The plan’s recommendations include leveraging partnership opportunities between academia, industry, local government and federal defense entities within the state; lead the nation in U.S. Department of Defense and state cyber operations integration; and connect veteran talent to Michigan industries.
One goal of the plan already accomplished is a signed cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).
“By highlighting Michigan’s assets and intellectual capacity, as well as leveraging opportunities for additional investment, we’re creating the perfect setting to develop advanced technologies that will keep the state on the cutting edge with the defense industry,” said Sean Carlson, director of the Michigan Defense Center. “Today, almost 4,000 businesses in Michigan are involved in the defense industry, but there is room for additional growth. Through this plan and its recommendations, we are sending a message that Michigan and its culture of innovation will continue to play a prominent role in the defense industry.”
For more information on Protect and Grow, visit www.arsenalofinnovation.com
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