JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – The Florida League of Defense Contractors and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority in conjunction with Congressman Ander Crenshaw today (10/17) launched the inaugural First Coast Defense Expo at Jacksonville Jetport at Cecil Airport. Organized to underscore the importance of the regional defense industrial base to national security and the economy, the event provided an opportunity for regional companies to gather under one roof, and network with each other, attendees, and top national defense contractors.

Premier event sponsor General Dynamics joined Flag Sponsors Northrup Grumman and Raytheon, and Senior Sponsors Kaman Aerostructures, Lockheed Martin, United Technologies, BAE Systems and Boeing and more than local and regional exhibitors in displaying company materials across 15,000 square-feet of floor at the Jetport. Featured equipment included a Cougar MRAP, USCG H-65, FLANRG CH-47, FLANRG H-60, and a Boeing F-18. The program schedule included a Town Hall- style discussion with Crenshaw, former Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, and key defense-industry leaders on how the regional industrial base contributes to national security and job creation on the First Coast.

Expo organizers and participants outlined goals and highlights of the Expo:

•  Joe Marino, President, Florida League of Defense Contractors: “First Coast defense contractors equip our heroes and create jobs. The substantial and positive economic impact of the defense sector on the region and the state is undeniable. The high-wage, 21st century jobs they create is something we all want. Highlighting and promoting the contributions to our national security and our economy in the areas of engineering, research and development, advanced manufacturing, and more is important. The First Coast Defense Expo is the perfect opportunity to show the region’s pride in its defense tradition and how it makes defense happen through cooperation, collaboration, and sometimes even competition.”

• Steve Grossman, CEO, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority: “This Expo serves a couple of significant purposes from JAA's perspective. First of all, it gives us the chance to showcase the incredible facilities and development opportunities available at Cecil Airport for major defense contractors. Secondly, local businesses will have the opportunity to network with these large contractors and learn how they can work together on projects. In either case, it's a win-win for the local economy.”

• Jay L. Johnson, Chairman, CEO of General Dynamics: “We are pleased to be a part of the defense industry in Florida, and appreciate the support of Rep. Crenshaw and the entire Florida delegation. With a motivated workforce, business-friendly environment and support from Florida’s state government and federal representatives, Florida makes it easy for us to focus on meeting our customers’ expectations and delivering value to U.S. taxpayers.”

• Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee: “The First Coast is an anchor to our national security – a standing not possible without the support and expertise of our defense industrial base. Events like the First Coast Defense Expo showcase the importance of the defense industry to our national security and the regional economy.”

• Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi: "I'm honored to participate in the inaugural First Coast Defense Expo. My congratulations to Congressman Crenshaw, Joe Marino President of the Florida League of Defense Contractors and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority for bringing together our country's defense contractors who fulfill a critical role in our national security. Our men and women in uniform who go in harm's way depend on their skill and dedication to prevail in combat.”

• Jennifer Carroll, Lieutenant Governor of Florida: “I look forward to participating in the First Coast Defense Expo. Giving support to this event will encourage many defense contractors to participate. This Expo will be an opportunity to bring defense contractors from many areas together in one venue to gain exposure and develop collaboration among business entities. The synergies that have come out of events like these help create more jobs and increase business opportunities. Defense spending in Northeast Florida has an economic impact of over $14 Billion. The jobs these companies provide and the products they make contribute significantly to Florida’s economic security and America’s national security. This is another example of why Florida has earned the title, America’s most military-friendly state.”

• Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown: “Jacksonville is proud and fortunate to have an important role in national security that expands beyond the borders of our bases into the regional economy. Local defense contractors provide good-paying jobs that contribute to a regional economic impact exceeding $14 billion annually. In a community where one in every four residents is a veteran or still serving, we are a community that knows full well the importance of providing our brave service men and women with the very best equipment and platforms to accomplish the mission and return home safely.”

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Contact Information:

Florida League of Defense Contractors President Joe Marino: 850-320-8780

Jacksonville Aviation Authority Director of External Affairs Michael Stewart: 904-945-6300

General Dynamics Communications Director Rob Doolittle: 703-876-3199

Congressman Ander Crenshaw Communications Director Barbara Riley: 202-225-2501

Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll Chief of Staff John Konkus: 850-717-9331

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown PIO for Military Affairs Jammie Kirlew: 904-630-3463