Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) welcomed businesses and area leaders from Richmond County and throughout North Carolina to the 11th Annual Defense Trade Show, held Tuesday at Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville.
The annual event is designed to help businesses build working relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense through contracting and procurement opportunities.
“We must do all we can to provide small businesses with the tools they need to be successful in creating jobs and revitalizing domestic manufacturing,” said Kissell. “This event serves as a resource hub for small businesses working with the military by providing them with the tools they need to find success for their business. I have always supported the small businesses in our great state and I will continue to ensure that North Carolina maintains its welcoming and friendly environment for defense businesses and the military as a whole.”
Richmond County businesses attendeding including K2 Solutions of Derby and Burlington Industries/ITG, which has a facility in Cordova. Also joining Kissell for the event were co-hosts U.S. Senator Richard Burr and Senator Kay Hagan, as well as representatives from the North Carolina Military Business Center, PDI Defense Security Technology Accelerator, and the University of North Carolina System.
K2 Solutions Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations Manager Jim Lynch thanked Kissell for hosting the event that provided his business with the opportunity to interact with other North Carolina industries.
“The Defense Trade show is a wonderful opportunity to have three of our elected officials together in one place,” said Lynch. “It was great to have a venue to interact with other North Carolina businesses as well as hear about what our elected officials are doing. Congressman Kissell works hard for the people of North Carolina and we appreciate all that he does.”
Ashley Bullock, Director of Sales for Burlington Worldwide/ITG, added his appreciation of Kissell and the great opportunities the Defense Trade Show provided.
“The Defense Trade Show is very informative and provides us with an opportunity to exhibit our product and increase awareness of what we do within the military community,” said Bullock. “We deeply appreciate Congressman Kissell’s support of the trade show, his dedication to the textile industry, and all the hard work he does in promoting the textile industry in North Carolina by hosting shows like this.”
The trade show welcomed more than 800 attendees, as well as representatives from more than 80 defense and contracting firms and more than 10 government agencies. Area businesses networked with members of the defense industry, Department of Defense officials and other vendors. The trade show and the accompanying workshops provided helpful information and opportunities for businesses to learn about working directly in the government procurement process.
“I thank Senator Burr and Senator Hagan for joining me in making this years’ trade show a success once again,” added Kissell. “An event like this brings folks together to continue to find the best practices for our small businesses and foster continual support for our military. It is an issue of not only national security, but also economic security, and I will continue to do all that I can to protect and provide for the American people.”
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