RIEDC, SENEDIA and Newport Chamber of Commerce Host 1st Annual Rhode Island Defense Expo
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October 20, 2010 | Print this page | Share This |
Prominent leaders from U.S. Department of Defense, Naval War College and private sector businesses speak on future of defense industry
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the Southeastern New England Defense-Industry Alliance and the Newport Chamber of Commerce this week hosted the Rhode Island Defense Expo, featuring Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, Governor Donald L. Carcieri and RIEDC Executive Director Keith W. Stokes.
More than 200 government, department of defense and private-industry leaders gathered Monday at the Naval War College to explore the role of RI’s defense industry and to tackle issues such as cyber security and strategic forces. The Rhode Island congressional delegation shared their perspective on the defense sector’s success, with U.S. Senator Jack Reed providing an address on sea power, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse giving an address on defense intelligence and Congressman Jim Langevin discussing the nation’s strategic forces.Congressman Patrick Kennedy was also honored at a lunch reception at the War College’s Officer’s Club.
“This event highlighted the defense industry as an extremely vital element of Rhode Island’s economy,” said RIEDC Executive Director Keith Stokes. “We’ve seen remarkable growth in our defense sector, which continues to adapt its skills and vision for this rapidly evolving industry.” Other notable speakers also gathered at the Expo to participate in several panel discussions on sea power, cyber security and strategic forces. Participants included Joe Ducas of Lockheed Martin, Dick Diamond of Raytheon, Karl Hasslinger of General Dynamics and William Bundy of the Naval War College.
“The Expo’s participants all provided unique perspectives on their contributions to the nation’s defense industry,” said John Riendeau, defense industry manager for the RIEDC. “This event provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration.”
The day’s agenda included:
• Opening remarks by Governor Donald L. Carcieri; Admiral Phil Wisecup, President, U.S.
Naval War College; and Keith W. Stokes, RIEDC Executive Director
• Senator Jack Reed address on sea power
• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse address on defense intelligence
• Congressman Jim Langevin address on strategic forces
• Panel discussions on sea power, cyber security and strategic forces“
The Defense Industry is a key economic driver of our local and regional economy,” said Jody Sullivan, Newport Chamber of Commerce interim executive director. “The Chamber is proud of its relationship with our local Navy Command and greatly appreciates the opportunity to showcase the defense industry on Base at the Naval War College.”
About RIEDC
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation is the full service, official economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. A quasi-public agency, the Corporation serves as a government and community resource to help streamline the business expansion in, and relocation to, Rhode Island. The agency assists companies with commercial real estate, business financing, workforce training and other relevant issues.
About SENEDIA
The Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance was formed to identify, champion and coordinate issues that contribute to our National security and provide benefit to our members, local communities and their respective governments, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security and other Federal Government agencies. More information on SENEDIA can be found at www.senedia.org.
