Michigan Defense Center and Congressman Moolenaar Highlight Michigan’s Defense Opportunities

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

MIDLAND, Mich. – Mid-Michigan was the first stop today in a four-month statewide tour to support Michigan defense-related businesses. “Arsenal of Innovation” 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 U.S. Rep John Moolenaar (Midland) and the Michigan Defense Center, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Additional forums will be held around the state through September.

“Michigan has become 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 Moolenaar in Midland to support Michigan companies and look forward to the future.”

“Arsenal of Innovation” provides an overview of the federal contract process and grant program assistance from the Michigan Defense Center. The event also provides participants with opportunities to learn business-growth strategies from prime defense contractors.

Today’s event in Midland was modeled off an event hosted by the Michigan Defense Center in Washington D.C. last November for the Michigan Congressional Delegation. The 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.

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.

“Here in mid and northern Michigan, hardworking residents make cutting-edge products that support our men and women in uniform as they fight on the frontlines to keep our country safe. Michigan companies are leading the country in defense innovations in footwear, sensors, logistics and autonomous technologies,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. “Today’s event brought Michigan business leaders and government officials together and I hope it leads to more good-paying jobs for our region.”

For more information, visit https://MEDC.cvent.com/ArsenalOfInnovationMidland.

ABOUT THE MICHIGAN DEFENSE CENTER

The Michigan Defense Center is an operation of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation focused on the support, protection and growth of Michigan’s defense and homeland security missions and the Michigan businesses that support our nation’s security and our military’s safety. The Michigan Defense Center is the State of Michigan’s lead voice on the defense and homeland security economy and guides the state’s policies and programs to protect and grow this important sector of the economy.

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.