Message from Vicky Rowinski
Director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The great doesn’t happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together.”- Vincent Van Gogh
Last month, as I was flying back from attending the largest Army conference in North America, I was overcome with gratitude that no other state in the country does it like Michigan. This annual mission to Washington D.C. brings together some of the most elite and advanced defense organizations from around the globe, including many from our backyard. We flew in our best people, showcased our leading technologies -- and brought our numbers in strength. Although many who attended are direct competitors, the camaraderie among our peers is much stronger. These relationships do not happen overnight but are a culmination of time and mutual respect.
We have something great in Michigan, and it is purposeful on many levels. Here’s to name a few:
* Leadership: During this past year, we have seen the collective of the whole come together, in large part thanks to the rise in leadership. Michigan National Guard adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers is engaged at every level and brings strategic perspectives on how we need to engage differently to win. The announcement of the new Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, headed up by Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (retired) and staffed with talented individuals, has also brought new concepts on how to grow this industry from within and beyond.
* Advocacy: The bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus, co-chaired by Sen. Webber and Rep. McKinney, are a driving force at the state level. They are supporting and advocating the growth of our aerospace and defense industry, in both the house and senate, and putting dollars and investments where they count.
* Regional collaboration: The economic development teams in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County and the city of Detroit are coming together as a regional powerhouse and economic driver to grow and brand our region as a premier destination for defense technology and talent. By combining our heritage and history as the Arsenal of Democracy, we are helping to build out the arsenal for tomorrow.
* Communication: The Macomb Chamber's Aerospace and Defense (A&D) Committee consistently brings more than 40 stakeholders together each month for updates and opportunities to collaborate. The Congressional Delegation (CODEL) Breakfast meetings, hosted by the Michigan Military Coalition, provide a quarterly forum for our federal and state congressional representatives to report out in real time what is happening in both Washington D.C. and Lansing. The lines of communication are open at all levels.
* Investment: Opportunities drive investments. With uncertainties of the budget in national defense spending, diversification is key. We are leading in new areas of interest, such as maritime, cybersecurity, space and more. These investments are bringing an array of new talent and technology to the forefront and building off of our existing supply chains.
* Activity: Activity begets activity. Our partners at the Michigan Chapters of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Association of United States Army (AUSA), Women in Defense (WID), Air & Space Force Association (AFA) and Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) continuously bring new and fresh events, speakers, forecasts and opportunities for professional development and networking. They are the masters of connections.
There is a lot more to come in 2025 as we build off this momentum. Bringing us together as a whole is the key to our greatness. Plan ahead for a year of celebration as we commemorate the 250th birthday year for our U.S. Army and its ties to our defense community. There are also many happenings taking place, so please check in through this newsletter and the calendar of events for what is next.
Featured articles
Macomb and partners attend AUSA and host reception
Macomb County is the best place in the country to locate or expand an aerospace or defense related-business, and Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) wants the rest of the world to know about it.
MCPED, along with the Macomb County Chamber and Macomb Community College, converged in Washington, D.C. in October for the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition. AUSA is a premier event that brings together leaders from the military, government and private sectors to discuss the future of defense technology and strategy. It is the largest land power exposition and professional forum in North America.
The AUSA event is a showpiece for the U.S. Army, highlighting the capabilities of Army organizations while presenting a wide range of industry products and services. The expansive show floor was home to more than 700 exhibitors.
Attendees also had access to:
- Presentations on the state of the Army
- Panel discussions and seminars on pertinent military and national security subjects
- Networking events, including ticketed dinners and receptions
- The latest military technology, with hands-on opportunities to see equipment in action
The Macomb County contingent used the event as an opportunity to meet with international companies interested in expanding in the United States and show them how they can leverage the International Landing Zone (ILZ) to make a smooth transition. The Macomb County ILZ, located inside Velocity in Sterling Heights, allows businesses to integrate into the region with a variety of available benefits. The ILZ is open to international businesses looking to establish a presence in southeast Michigan.
Outside of discussions about the ILZ, the contingent also talked to domestic companies considering Michigan as their new home. The group also had ample opportunities to network with companies already in Macomb, where they discussed cybersecurity grants, training, internships and other programs for staffing and incentives to expand their business.
“This conference is a great way to show off all of the reasons why Macomb County is the epicenter of defense in the state of Michigan,” MCPED Director Vicky Rowinski said.
The AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition featured numerous companies showcasing innovative products, from advanced weapon systems to logistics solutions. Noteworthy Macomb County exhibitors included SAPA Transmission from Shelby Township, Oshkosh Defense LLC in Warren and DCS Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems and American Rheinmetall, all in Sterling Heights. All presented their latest technologies aimed at improving military capabilities in the United States.
Partner stories
Q&A with John Stolz, president-elect of the Selfridge Base Community Council
John Stolz is the president-elect of the Selfridge Base Community Council. The council came into existence in the 1940s with the goal of fostering friendship between the military and civilian communities and to familiarize the base personnel with the services the community has to offer. One of the council’s biggest responsibilities every year is assistance with the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Open House and Air Show. The council is also involved with numerous other needs such as morale, welfare and recreation programs, the Freedom Academy, the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall, the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association, the Young Heroes Award Program, STARBASE and Save Our Selfridge (SOS).
1. You are the president-elect of the Selfridge Base Community Council. Tell us about the mission of your organization and how it is different from other chapters in different states.Our purpose is to continue to improve the outstanding relationship between the civilian community and the military service community centered at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. We work to promote the general welfare, prosperity and quality of life of the military and civilian populations and assist with public relations.
The Selfridge Base Community Council is made up of local business owners and their designees. This gives us more than 225 “movers and shakers” in the community who can make decisions and commitments that positively affect the base and its populations.
The Selfridge Base Community Council meets the third Tuesday of every month – and has done so for more than 30 years. These monthly meetings provide an opportunity to meet with Selfridge military personnel, network with like-minded business and community leaders, enjoy a delicious lunch, and gain an opportunity to hear from various guests on wide-ranging topics which are relevant to the mission of the BCC: supporting Selfridge. Guests in 2024 included speakers from Boeing, LIFT, the Selfridge Air Museum, the U.S. Space Force, and distinguished individuals such as former 127th Wing Commander, retired Brig. Gen. Doug Slocum.
2. What are some of the current initiatives that the Base Community Council is working on?
We have started planning the 2027 Open House and Air Show, having just completed a fantastic show in 2024. The Air Show is the largest fundraiser for the Selfridge Base Community Council.
Our organization supports the base, and through the Air Show and other fundraising events, we are able to turn around and provide donations for the morale funds for all the service units on the base. We look forward to presenting these checks during our December meeting – an annual highlight of our organization.
Our other major fundraiser is our annual BCC Golf Outing, which we hold in September. More than 140 golfers had a great time in 2024 at the Selfridge Golf Course. In addition, one of our members provided a very special opportunity for participants to “Honor A Veteran” which recognized veterans on signs at the entrance to the course.
We are also actively involved whenever our servicemen deploy and return home by providing support via whatever means possible.
3. What are some of the challenges your organization is dealing with?
The Selfridge Base Community Council is working hard alongside local and state military to help ensure the continuity and longevity of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Most critically, we are on hand to help to showcase to any and all decision-makers that our community supports the Selfridge organization and its mission to defend our country.
4. Why is Michigan, and specifically Macomb County, such an ideal destination for aerospace and defense companies?
The most obvious answer to this question is the people of Macomb County. Our Base Community Council members and the organizations they lead and own are some of the hardest-working patriots to be found. Our corner of the world here in Macomb County includes strong, innovative organizations involved in manufacturing, research, design, supply-chain management and many other key facets necessary.
Macomb has a highly skilled workforce with expertise in skilled trades, engineering, research, supply-chain management, logistics and many other business and manufacturing disciplines.
We also have a strong military presence with Selfridge Air National Guard Base providing access to military personnel and facilities.
We are a strong, patriotic, hard-working population. Our ability to face challenges and overcome them is proven throughout the history of industry.
5. What are the most important issues currently facing the aerospace and defense industries?
From our perspective, key issues facing the aerospace and defense industries include cost and availability of supply.
The cost issue is obvious. Most aerospace and defense systems are research-intensive, which can be extremely expensive. This process may take years to create a design which is acceptable to the end user and performs its intended level of performance. The fast-paced advancement of technology also poses a risk that if a product or system takes too long to be designed, it could become obsolete before it even comes to market.
Availability of supply could present issues in many ways. One of these ways may be finding manufacturers of goods or suppliers of services. Newer advanced materials, technology, and processes often require manufacturers to get out of their comfort zone. These may also require significant investment in order to make the design a reality.
Macomb County has all the resources necessary to add value to the aerospace and defense industries. From community-based organizations such as the Base Community Council and the Macomb County Chamber to the existing manufacturing, logistics, and engineering infrastructure, Macomb is the ideal partner for any aerospace and defense company.
Michigan Maritime Manufacturing training launches at Macomb Community College
The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative at Macomb Community College is vitally important to the local defense sector for several reasons.
Supported by a $15.4 million investment from the U.S. Navy, Macomb Community College’s role is to address workforce challenges in the maritime and defense industries by significantly expanding the training capabilities at the college.
The investment in Macomb supports critical areas: infrastructure, equipment staffing and student-tuition support, all aimed at ramping up the college’s capacity to deliver high-quality training and prepare new workers to meet industry demands.
The college’s new maritime manufacturing training center, located in Macomb Community College’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Warren, provides students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools. Newly installed equipment includes 24 state-of-the-art, five-axis CNC machines (12 mill and 12 lathe) and 24 welding booths that support stick, MIG and TIG welding instruction. The investment has also supported the hiring of dedicated faculty and staff for the program, ensuring that students receive top-tier education from skilled professionals.
M3’s Accelerated Training Industry Partnership was launched Nov. 8 at the college’s M-TEC, introducing some local defense industry partners to the new training center and programs. Rear Adm. Peter Small, deputy commander for Ship Design, Engineering and Logistics for Naval Sea Systems Command noted, "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to rebuilding America's maritime manufacturing workforce. By leveraging Michigan's manufacturing expertise and Macomb's proven training capabilities, we're creating a direct pipeline of talent tailored for the demands of our Navy and nation."
M3 at Macomb Community College will be offering two accelerated maritime skilled trades programs - one in CNC machining and the other in welding. By early 2027, Macomb expects to have trained 384 individuals through the programs. Initially, cohorts will be graduating every 17 weeks. Once the programs are operating at full capacity, this will accelerate to every eight weeks. Graduates will earn certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) or the American Welding Society (AWS), confirming mastery of skills valuable to defense contractors and other maritime manufacturing companies.
M3 is a strategic response to the U.S. Navy's goal of enhancing maritime dominance by strengthening training partnerships across federal, state and local entities. Building on recognition of Michigan’s long-standing reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse, M3 at Macomb positions the state as a key player in the nation's maritime industrial base.
The first program cohorts began Nov. 12, 2024, at Macomb Community College's Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC). Those interested in the training programs can learn more on the college’s website, or email M3@macomb.edu. This initiative will provide the defense industry with a highly trained workforce essential for sustaining and growing the maritime manufacturing sector in Michigan and beyond.
Patrick Rouse is the director of workforce and continuing education, engineering and advanced technology at Macomb Community College. He holds a doctorate degree in education.
Macomb Chamber’s busy fall includes plenty of county promotion
Greetings from the Macomb County Chamber’s Aerospace & Defense Committee.
It has been an exciting time since our last newsletter update. In August, we participated in a strategic planning session led by Detroit Arsenal Garrison Manager Carrie Mead, who also serves as our committee chair. This information will be used to plan our 2025 initiatives.
In September, our guest speaker was Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corp (Retired), executive director of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). Col. Gutierrez shared the mission of ODAI, which includes bolstering the state's defense and aerospace sectors. He also shared ODAI's vision, which is to collaborate with government, industry, and academia to forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsenal of Democracy and Innovation — a future where Michigan leads in the defense and aerospace markets of tomorrow.
ODAI's approach involves three lines of effort:
- Fostering business growth within the defense and aerospace sectors
- Amplifying the state’s unique advantages
- Setting conditions to accelerate innovation. Some of the resources also provided by ODAI include educational webinars, grant and proposal writing services, and a cybersecurity grant program
In October, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and ODAI hosted a booth at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, with 10 companies from the state.
It was an excellent opportunity to share what Macomb County has to offer in the A&D space and network with companies from around the globe to promote economic development in Macomb County. Every year at AUSA, Macomb County hosts an evening reception at the Army Navy club. It is a great networking event hosted by MCPED, ODAI and Butzel Long. Supporting partners are Macomb Community College and the Macomb County Chamber. Shout out to Sen. Webber and Rep. McKinney for the reception!
Also in October, Gen. Paul Rogers made his annual visit to the A&D committee, providing updates from the past year and sharing upcoming initiatives and outlooks. Gen. Rogers highlighted Michigan’s strategic role in national security and defense manufacturing. Some key points from his presentation included:
- Michigan should start having honest dialogue and bring in experts to advise businesses and leadership to prepare for potential conflicts.
- Companies must be thoughtful in entering the market and position themselves for dual-use capabilities. This will create jobs and opportunities for local suppliers, enhancing Michigan's manufacturing capabilities.
- Michigan's educational and workforce programs are key attractions for the Navy and other defense-related entities.
- Michigan must train and retain a skilled workforce to attract and support defense-related businesses.
- The National Guard should take a leadership role in promoting defense and aerospace in Michigan.
- Efforts should be made to improve public perception and awareness of military service opportunities.
As we close out 2024, the Macomb County A&D committee would like to invite you to join us. We are stronger together and need a collective voice to promote our efforts and attract more talent and businesses to continue strengthening Macomb County as an epicenter in aerospace and defense. For more information, contact Kelley Lovati at kelley@macombcountychamber.com.
Kelley Lovati is the president and CEO of the Macomb County Chamber.
Current opportunities
Post your jobs on the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing initiative website
Defense industry manufacturers and suppliers, if you’re looking for additional workers in the fields of welding, machining or other skilled trades, you can now post your available jobs on the Built in Michigan M3 website!
M3, or the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing initiative, is a $10 million partnership aimed at training Michigan workers to lead the future of defense manufacturing. It is developing students with valuable trade skills, particularly in maritime welding and machining, through local community colleges. Students will be trained at Macomb Community College as well as other community colleges across the country.
The M3 initiative focuses on training workers in critical skills for submarine construction, but those skills will be transferable to a variety of other manufacturing industries.
For more information, go to Built in Michigan.
Upcoming events of the quarter
Here is the list of upcoming Aerospace and Defense related events in and around Michigan and around the country ...
If you have an event coming up in 2025, please contact us and we can include it in an upcoming newsletter.
Connect with us
As the economic development representatives for the aerospace and defense industries in Macomb County, we invite you to contact us to learn more about what we're doing to support our A&D business and how we are connecting them to programs that help them grow.
Curt Chowanic
586-242-3643
curt.chowanic@macombgov.org
Todd Seibert
586-719-0349
todd.seibert@macombgov.org
