discuss business trends and opportunities in the defense industry at
the Charlotte Regional Partnership's July 16 Investors Forum, "Defense
and Security Sector: Implications and Opportunities for the Charlotte
Region." The forum will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Piedmont
Community College Harris Conference Center.
"As we focus on our core strengths in manufacturing, headquarters/back
office, distribution/logistics and technology operations, the
defense/security sector is emerging as being ever-more critical to our
future economic well-being," said Ronnie Bryant, president and CEO of
the Charlotte Regional Partnership.
Bryant said that the global aerospace and defense market is forecast
to increase 12.5 percent by 2012, with the defense segment being the
most lucrative. It accounts for 75 percent of the market by value, and
the Americas share of that is more than 53 percent of the global
market by value. Charlotte-based Goodrich and French-based engine
maker Turbomeca both have regional facilities that supply systems and
services to the defense industry.
Following Walker's remarks, there will be a panel discussion on
the competitive challenges and advantages of the defense/security
sector for the Charlotte region.
Lisa Owen, vice president and general manager, of BAE Systems-Tensylon
High Performance Materials, and James Thagard, application
manager-life protection at DSM Dyneema Group, will serve as panelists.
Future CRP forums will analyze the healthcare/life sciences and
energy/environment sectors, the two other areas the Partnership is
targeting in its business development efforts.
A nonprofit, public/private economic development organization, the
Charlotte Regional Partnership markets the 16-county, two-state
Charlotte region. The CRP creates opportunity for job growth and
investment, connects regional resources and people with businesses
considering Charlotte USA, and supports its regional partners.
Additional information is at www.charlotteusa.com.
