Radius Sets Defense Sector Priorities
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowRadius Indiana has unveiled a strategic plan focusing on growing the defense sector, which Chief Executive Officer Becky Skillman says is “critical” to south central Indiana's economy. The partnership's National Security Advisory Council says one of its priorities will be turning technologies from Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center into new small businesses and jobs. Skillman says the defense industry must also do a better job of “telling its story” at the state and federal level, especially as the U.S. Department of Defense considers potential base realignment and closure.
June 3, 2014
News Release
Bedford, Ind. — The Radius Indiana Defense and National Security Advisory Council has announced a new strategic plan including the council's mission, goals, and division of key responsibilities.
The council is chaired by Don Schulte, Executive Director of Westgate@Crane Technology Park. Those serving on the council include Duane Embree from the Indiana Department of Defense Development, Dave Reece, former Technical Director at Crane, and Steve Gootee representing the Southern Indiana Defense Alliance. Rounding out the council is current NSWC Crane Director of Engagement, Brian Blackwell, Major General 'Clif' Tooley, Assistant Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, and Norm Thomas, Deputy Director at Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA). The council is comprised of three former technical directors at NSWC Crane.
The Radius Defense and National Security Advisory Council plan outlines five main objectives to help Radius Indiana integrate organizations and entities throughout the eight-county region. It will define, develop, support and leverage community support networks to promote and strengthen Indiana's defense industry locally, statewide, and nationally, most immediately focusing on a potential U.S. Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure. 2) Expand and attract opportunities within the defense and national security industries. 3) Promote and support innovation through commercialization of defense research, and dual use products and technologies. 4) Promote and support asset, capacity and land use assessments and studies. 5) Leverage the defense and national security council member's networks to support the Radius Indiana mission.
“We've assembled a team of some of the most well-respected and accomplished individuals within Indiana's defense sector. These are some of the individuals who have helped gain national leadership in missions that are extremely relevant to our current world environment,” said Becky Skillman, President/CEO of Radius Indiana. “This plan will help the council leverage it's members cumulative decades of expertise to proactively develop and implement strategies it deems vital to promoting and growing the defense and national security industry in the Radius Indiana region.”
The plan will ensure assets such as Westgate, I-69, and the growing collaboration of with key partners and entrepreneurs are perfectly positioned to encourage future investment, welcome new jobs and economic opportunities for the Radius Indiana region.
ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA – Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana is a regional partnership representing eight counties in south central Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Washington. The partnership also serves as a primary point of contact in Indiana for the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division. The partnership's mission is to advance the economy of the South Central Indiana Region by: generating high-quality employment opportunities; diversifying the region's economic base; and raising the standard of living for residents of the Region. To accomplish the mission of Radius Indiana, the partnership works diligently to develop and support the customized resources businesses need to successfully locate or expand in the South Central Indiana Region. The vision of Radius Indiana is to create a dynamic network of private and public partnerships that works together for the benefit of all. For more information, please visit www.radiusindiana.com.
Source: Radius Indiana