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DDC Newsletter | November 30, 2018
The Ohio Defense Forum
The Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) hosted a state-wide third annual Ohio Defense Forum for local/state government officials, community leaders, and key stakeholders to build awareness and understanding of connecting Ohio's Defense Installations, communities and industries with the defense ecosystem. The Ohio Defense Forum wrapped up on October 17. More than 250 people attended a two-day event that featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and working groups.
Speakers focused on ways Ohio can build on the already robust network of support for military installations, the importance of building the state’s military infrastructure, and the vital role of workforce development.
In case you missed it, we wanted to share the highlights:
Keynote speakers included Maj. Gen. Mark Bartman, Adjutant General, The Ohio National Guard; Richard K. Hartley, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy; The Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, Under Secretary of the Army
Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing Commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, said after years of building weapons system, the Air Force has begun to focus more infrastructure. That includes “bricks and mortar” facilities, but also the military’s human capital. Preparing to fill open jobs, working with educational institutions to identify skilled job applicants, and engaging younger students in STEM fields is critical to military readiness.
Maj. Gen. Bartman outlined the state’s development of a Cyber Range, giving military and civilian cyber professionals a safe environment to run training scenarios. (https://www.ong.ohio.gov/stories/2018/May/20180529-OC3.html)
Assistant Secretary Hartley said, “The Air Force is too small to do what it’s being asked to do.” As the military grows, it can’t neglect the infrastructure needed to support its missions.
Under Secretary McCarthy said the military needs to do a better job of communicating how private industry can help to better direct research and development.
Dr. Cassie Barlow, Chief Operating Officer for the Southwestern Council for Higher Education, said many Ohio colleges and universities stand ready to help the military and defense contractors connect with students and build their workforce pipeline.
Partnership Database
The DDC is excited to announce a renewed focus on military-community partnership in 2019. We believe there are many opportunities that the Dayton Region could capitalize upon, given the right tools and opportunity. One of the newest tools is our Partnership Database, created for users to easily search and find partnership ideas and information from across the country. Included in this resource are specific partnership examples that also have potential for possible implementation in the Dayton Region. We are excited to move ahead and lead the community in pursuing these ideas. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the DDC at 937-222-4422.
PDAC Project Submissions Now Open for Public Comment
The Dayton Region Priority Development and Advocacy Committee (PDAC) has posted the 2018-2019 project submissions publicly and has opened the public comment period for community input.
The public comment phase is the second step in the annual prioritization process. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. The process allows community members to evaluate projects and establish a list of regional priorities. All submissions are evaluated by one of five Review Panels. The Review Panels submit their recommendations to the full committee for final consideration.
Events
Save the Date!
DDC Annual Meeting and 2018 Regional Economic Review
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Schuster Center from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
More information and registration coming soon.
On the Road
Mitch Heaton, Vice President, Economic Development for the DDC, lead a Dayton Region delegation to Japan, November 4 - 14.
"Ohio is fortunate to be the home of many Japanese owned companies. In the 12-county Dayton Region alone, we have more than 60 companies that employ over 14,000 individuals. Our delegation’s mission was simple--one of thanks and relationship building for our collective future," Heaton said.
To find out more about the trip and what Mitch learned on his travels, click here to read his blog.