August 5, 2014, ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS – The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger welcome Lockheed Martin to Rockford for a supplier symposium on August 13. The event will provide opportunities for regional companies to build a relationship with the global aerospace company and gain insight on how to become a supplier.
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company focusing on intelligence, homeland security, government information, technology, defense and space. The company employs more than 116,000 worldwide and has more than 300 alliances in 70 countries.
“Lockheed Martin representatives are meeting suppliers in Rockford because they recognize this area as a vital resource for the aerospace supply chain,” Mark Podemski, Vice President for Development – Rockford Area Economic Development Council. “With more than 200 aerospace companies in the region, we have the critical mass of suppliers that tier-one and original equipment manufacturers need. Gaining the attention of Lockheed Martin is a huge win for the region and underscores our efforts to promote Rockford as Mid-America’s best international aerospace community.”
The free supplier symposium takes place on August 13, 2014 at Northern Illinois University – Rockford, located at 8500 E. State Street. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with check-in beginning at 8:00 a.m. The event will feature a presentation from Lockheed Martin on how to become a supplier followed by 10-minute individual meetings with Lockheed Martin representatives. Supplier categories in which participants may be interested are:
- Lockheed Martin Enterprise Operations and Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS),
with requirements for IT goods and services and other commonly used services across the corporation. The Information Systems and Global Solutions are Information Technology Requirements with expertise in supporting government agencies preferred.
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Space Systems, and Missiles and Fire Control,
with components and services for aircraft, ground vehicles, weapons, defense systems, logistics support, software development, and communications systems.
Further clarification on supplier categories is available at www.lockheedmartin.com/us/what-we-do.html
“The Rockford, IL region is a proven leader in the aerospace industry and we need to continue to spread that message to global companies such as Lockheed Martin,” said Congressman Adam Kinzinger. “This event is a mutually beneficial opportunity. Our regional suppliers will have access to Lockheed Martin, and Lockheed Martin will have a chance to learn about additional assets available to strengthen its supply chain.”
The Lockheed Martin Supplier Symposium will be the second aerospace supplier symposium the RAEDC has coordinated on behalf of Congressman Kinzinger in 2014. A symposium with Boeing was held on March 10th.
Registration for the Lockheed Martin supplier symposium is required by August 7th and can be made by contacting Bea Miller at [email protected] or 815.969.4255. Veterans, service-disabled veterans or women-owned businesses are encouraged to attend.
ABOUT THE ROCKFORD AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council is to collaboratively enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region by helping employers retain and create quality jobs while promoting the region. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to learn what existing and new employers need to grow and to serve as a one-stop resource for clients. The RAEDC seeks to improve the competitiveness of the region by taking what it learns from the region’s employers and engaging the community in the daily work of economic development to improve the competitiveness of the region. The organization was recognized by Expansion Solutions magazine with a 2012 “Top Five” award for its exceptional progress and potential for development in the Aerospace/Defense category.
ABOUT THE ROCKFORD AREA AEROSPACE NETWORK
RAAN (Rockford Area Aerospace Network) is a committee of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and offers a platform for collaboration among local aerospace companies and institutions that serve the industry. RAAN serves as the forum where the Rockford Region’s aerospace industry cluster development strategy is advanced on an on-going basis. RAAN is supported by the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge and the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce. The Challenge leverages existing resources from 16 federal agencies and award funds to regions that demonstrate the existence of high-growth industries that support a wide range of economic and workforce development activities.
