The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Michigan, Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) in conjunction with the Michigan Chapters of NDIA, AUSA, AFA, Women in Defense, IQM Research Institute, and AIAM, invites your organization to participate in the first Michigan Community of Interest meeting.

0900 – 1200 on October 31, 2024,

Velocity Center, 6633 18 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314

The creation of the Arctic Community of Interest (COI) is in response to the emerging challenges and opportunities needed for the Arctic arsenal of tomorrow. These actions stem from the new US National Arctic Strategy, the Department of Defense 2024 Arctic Strategy, and Congressional interest which recognize that climate change and geopolitical tensions from Russia and China will now require greater focus on US capabilities and readiness to operate in this region. The long-term purpose of the COI will be threefold: inform the Michigan Defense Industrial Base ecosystem of the changing needs, help to shape State and Federal investments to support the Arctic needs, and to develop the civilian workforce and military training to achieve greater readiness.  

To meet the emerging threats and cold-climate operating challenges, Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2025 are expected to be active in requirements development to transition from legacy Arctic systems into the Arctic arsenal of tomorrow – an arsenal that address new ground, air, sea and space capabilities. 

Michigan’s 40+ year history of equipment development for Arctic military programs and emerging technologies can build solutions for DoD and DHS needs. Likewise, Michigan National Guard missions and training, US Government Laboratories, R-1/R-2 University scientific research base, and the dual-use products of Michigan’s commercial organizations such as in drone technology, space data analytics, remote power generation, ship building, and cold weather vehicle development can provide game changing capabilities.  

To register please email Joanne.Kerr@iqmri.org. The agenda is attached. There is no fee to attend the COI either in-person or virtually on Teams. However, due to bandwidth there is a 20-person limit on Teams registrations. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.  

V/R

Roger Burrows, President Worldwide Development

Chuck Cogger, President Michigan Chapter AUSA 

Valde Garcia, President Michigan Chapter NDIA

Karen Kiewski, President Michigan Chapter Women in Defense

John Slocum, President Michigan Chapter Air Force Association

Tony Vernaci, President Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan

Arctic Community of Interest Meeting (V.1 10/1/24)