Michigan Defense Center and Congressman Mike Bishop Highlight Michigan’s Defense Opportunities

Arsenal of Innovation event aims to connect local vendors to federal and military contracts

LANSING, Mich. – East Lansing was the second stop today in a four-month statewide tour to support Michigan defense-related businesses. The “Arsenal of Innovation” event aims to inform and assist Michigan companies that are interested in pursuing contracts with Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The event was hosted by the Michigan Defense Center, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and keynoted by U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop (Rochester). Additional forums will be held around the state through October.

“Michigan, known as the Arsenal of Democracy since WWII has evolved the nation’s Arsenal of Innovation for defense,” said Sean Carlson, executive director of the Michigan Defense Center. “Michigan companies are at the leading edge of technological advancements and experimentation and we are proud to be here today with Congressman Bishop in Lansing to support Michigan companies and look forward to the future.”

The “Arsenal of Innovation” event provided an overview of the federal contract process and grant program assistance from the Michigan Defense Center. The event also gave participants opportunities to learn business-growth strategies from prime defense contractors and introduced companies to government-sponsored resources to grow their businesses.

Today’s event in Lansing was modeled on an event hosted by the Michigan Defense Center in Washington D.C. last November for the Michigan Congressional Delegation. That event highlighted Michigan companies including General Dynamics, BAE, and 14 other medium and small companies from across the state that are creating advanced technologies for the defense industry. Most of Michigan’s congressional representatives and senators participated and showed their support for Michigan’s defense industry.

Defense is a multi-billion-dollar industry of Michigan’s economy, supporting more than 126,000 Michigan jobs. Nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses are currently serving the nation’s defense industry – from information technology solutions and construction services to generating energy-saving ideas that can be applied in the field.

“Our defense community is vital to national security and to our regional economy here in Michigan. After years of neglect, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in Congress to restore military readiness by modernizing equipment, increasing support for training in each of the Services, and making critical investments in missile defense and nuclear deterrence,” said Rep. Bishop. “Michigan companies are leading the way to ensure our troops have the technological advantage in the field, and today’s event was a great opportunity for business leaders to connect with government officials to enhance and grow Michigan’s defense industry.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.