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Dayton Development Coalition...
DDC to lead Ohio’s Aerospace & Defense Initiative  
November 15, 2011 

DAYTON, Ohio -- The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) has selected the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) to execute key elements of the State’s strategy to promote aerospace and defense industry growth and development in the Dayton Region and throughout the State.  The $7,000,000 grant, approved today by the State Controlling Board, commissions the DDC to facilitate development of a state-wide unmanned air vehicle industry, develop a strategy to shield Ohio defense establishments from downsizing or relocation, and establish Ohio as the premier location in the country for aerospace and defense firms to locate or expand. 

“Every one of the Coalition’s 300 members should be extraordinarily proud of this selection,” said Bruce Langos, Chair, Dayton Development Coalition Board of Trustees.  “It is their past, present and future funding of the DDC’s work with Wright-Patt that provides the foundation for these new and important activities.  Our members deserve all the credit for this success.”  

Ohio State Senator Chris Widener (R-Springfield), Chairman of the Senate’s Finance Committee, focused on the importance of the defense industry facilities and jobs in Ohio, stating, “Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the largest employer in the state.  This grant recognizes the need to capitalize on the Air Force consolidations and securing current and future jobs for Ohioans.” 

The selection comes less than two weeks after a major Air Force endorsement of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and its national acquisition, life cycle, research and development mission. On November 2nd, the Secretary of the Air Force announced that the Air Force Materiel Command would downsize from twelve centers to five, with two staying at Wright-Patterson. 

State Senator Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City), who worked with Widener to create the Department of Development program, stated “The Dayton Region continues to be recognized for its role in innovation. This state funding will assist Ohio to grow jobs in these developing industries.” 

Under the new ODOD program, called the Ohio Aerospace and Defense Economic Development Pilot Program, the DDC will work to further support state-wide aerospace research and development, unmanned aeronautical vehicle (UAV) industry development, attraction of aerospace companies, stimulation of aerospace supply chain and workforce training and education, and retention and attraction of jobs at Ohio federal installations.  

This grant is an example of the confidence the State of Ohio has in the Dayton Region’s ability to support growth in the aerospace industry,” said Jeff Hoagland, DDC President and CEO.  “The funding will help provide the resources to leverage and support mission growth at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Springfield Air National Guard Base and build a vibrant aeronautical industrial base right here in Ohio.” 

ODOD will add an additional $3,000,000 which will go to the Wright State Research Institute for its cutting edge Human Performance Initiative.  Following the region’s 2005 Base Realignment and Closure wins, the Air Force Research Laboratory established the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson, investing more than $250 million in facilities and capabilities that make the region a flagship for human-centered research. 

The portion of the grant dedicated to Wright State University will fund research and training initiatives as well as technology commercialization in areas that align with WPAFB human performance priorities.  “The opportunity to capitalize on our 2005 BRAC win is just the foundation of our efforts,” said Dr. David R. Hopkins, President of Wright State University. “The implications of this unique partnership are incredible in the pursuit of new and innovative technologies to enhance human performance to new levels of capabilities we may not have even dreamed of yet.” 

For more information, contact:  Sharon D. Howard, Director-Marketing & Communications at (937) 229-9076 or showard@daytonregion.com


 
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