Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC)

Recently, WMC's Nick Novak joined Spectrum News' In Focus program to discuss the mission of WDIC. Although Wisconsin is a top manufacturing state, it ranks 30th in defense spending. Part of the problem, Novak argued, is that defense manufacturing in Wisconsin is currently decentralized. WDIC hopes to create efficiencies, provide further opportunities, support the supply chain, and bring more manufacturers into the arena. WDIC also works with manufacturers to provide education on securing defense contracts, including training on how to navigate regulatory hurdles and other compliance issues.?

Lt. Col. Donald Davis of the 115th Fighter Wing presented on the wing's mission and the military's role in Wisconsin at our breakfast this morning. Thank you to all of our event partners and attendees!

Lt. Col. Donald "Link" Davis of the 115th Fighter Wing is joining us for breakfast next week. Registration closes TODAY at 5:00pm: https://lnkd.in/g4xEuFu2

We're excited to welcome Colonel Bart Van Roo to the next WDIC event. As commander of the Air National Guard Wi 115th Fighter Wing, Col. Van Roo is responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of nearly 1,200 active-guard and traditional forces serving the dual mission of state and federal responsibility falling under the governor of Wisconsin and the president of the United States of America. The 115th Fighter Wing operates the F-35A Lightning II as its primary weapon system. Register now: https://lnkd.in/g4xEuFu2

This week, we held a WDIC Summit at Leonardo DRS in Menomonee Falls, featuring: - Major General Paul Knapp (retired), former adjutant general of the Wisconsin National Guard - Farooq Mitha, Director of the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs - Michael Morford, Chairman & CEO of the Knudsen Institute. Thank you to Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and MMAC, and our founding partners, Bank of America and BDO.

Join us on Sept. 12 for a defense industry summit, featuring a national security update, best practices for small businesses, networking, and more! Register today: https://lnkd.in/gweeeyh5

"A new initiative in Wisconsin aims to help manufacturers throughout the state serve as suppliers to the nation’s largest defense contractors." https://lnkd.in/eyvejjWJ

At our summit this week, we discussed ways Wisconsin companies can strengthen and support our nation's defense and got to tour the Fincantieri Marine Group's shipyard (thanks to some PPE generously provided by The Boldt Company). Attendees heard a national security update from Erik Berdy and Kurt R. Bauer, learned about the USS Beloit from Major General Marcia Anderson, and listened to a panel discussion on defense contracting and procurement featuring David Collier, Kasra Mojtahedi, CPA, Nicole Vele, and Nick Novak. Thank you to our partners, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and MMAC, and our leadership, George Whittier and Bill Berrien. We're especially grateful for our summit sponsors, Bank of America and BDO. Together, we'll continue to advocate for Wisconsin's defense industry, share information and best practices, and provide networking opportunities in this sphere.

JOIN US at our Wisconsin Defense Industry Council Summit on June 24 hosted by Fincantieri Marine Group in Marinette. Before our tour of the shipyard, we'll hear: ? a National Security Update from Erik Berdy ? a panel discussion on Defense Contracting and Procurement with David Collier, Kasra Mojtahedi, CPA, Nicole Vele, & Nick Novak ? remarks from Major General Marcia Anderson (U.S. Army, ret.). ? ...and more! Register to join: https://lnkd.in/gEfh_9G2 Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Bank of America and BDO, and our partners at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and MMAC.

SAVE THE DATE! We'll be in Marinette at Fincantieri Marinette Marine on June 24 for a summit including a national security update, keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking and more. Thank you to Bank of America and BDO for partnering with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and MMAC for this event.