Michigan Defense Center and Congressman Paul Mitchell Highlight Michigan’s Defense Opportunities

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

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Sterling Heights was the third 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. Paul Mitchell (Dryden Township). 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 Mitchell in Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights 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.

“If you ask anyone in my district, they know the impact of defense in our community – from Selfridge to the defense corridor. I’m proud that the Michigan defense industry equips our troops with the best products in the world,” said Rep. Mitchell. “It was an honor to join the Michigan Defense Center today to discuss Michigan’s unique ability to produce the solutions the military needs to protect our nation.”

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.