Agenda
8:00 am-9:00 am VENDORS SETUP
8:00 am-9:30 am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST hosted by the Defense Alliance of North Carolina and catered by Lil’s Coffee Bar; fiji & perrier bottled water, orange juice & apple juice, freshly brewed coffee, hot tea – assorted flavors, assortment of seasonal pastries
9:00 am-9:30 am ARRIVALS, CHECK-IN & NETWORKING
9:30 am-9:50 am WELCOME
- Visit High Point – Melody Burnett, CATP, President
- Heroes Center of High Point – Patrick Davis, MBA, Executive Director
- Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce – Brian Norris, IOM, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
9:50 am-10:10 am OPENING REMARKS & RECOGNITION OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
Why DANC? – Tammy Everett, Executive Director, Defense Alliance of North Carolina
10:10 am-12:10 pm INFORMATIONAL BRIEFINGS
- 10:10-10:30 am – Summary of the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Manufacturing Community Program (DMCSP) – Michael Mullins, Director, North Carolina Defense Industry Initiatives Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) at NC State University
- 10:30-10:50 am – Overview of the North Carolina State University, Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) – Kami Baggett, Regional Manager, North Carolina Defense Industry Initiatives Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) at NC State University
- 10:50-11:10 am -“’Reshoring’ A Talent Ecosystem in North Carolina’s Textile Industry: Establishing a Model for Workforce Development” – Dominick Stephenson, Director of Evaluation Services NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions
- 11:10-11:30 am – NC Frontline of the Future – Denny Lewis, Business Development Manager, Defense Industry, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
- 11:30-11:50 am – North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) – Rick Gilmore, Federal Business Development, Greensboro
- 11:50 am-12:10 pm – Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI One North Carolina Small Business Program) – Dave Kaiser, North Carolina Department of Commerce
12:10 pm-12:20 pm QUICK BREAK
12:20 pm-1:30 pm LUNCHEON Sponsored lunch catered by Kitchenology
Keynote speaker: Cameron Cruse, Co-founder, R. Riveter
1:30 pm-2:10 pm “Veterans Supporting Manufacturing” Panel Discussion
Moderator: Patrick Davis, MBA, Executive Director, The Heroes Center of High Point
- Veterans Bridge Home – Aaron Harper
- Recruit Military – Lucas Waniewski
- Hire Our Heroes US Chamber of Commerce – Craig Wymer (virtual)
- Employment Counselor, NC National Guard – Lauren Houston
2:10 pm-2:15 pm QUICK BREAK
2:15 pm-2:50 pm “Growing North Carolina Manufacturers Through Defense Contracting”
Panel Moderator: Michael Mullins, Director, North Carolina Defense Industry Initiatives Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) at NC State University
- Emerging Technology Institute (ETI) – James Freeman
- Burlington Industries – Ashley Bullock
2:50 pm-3:00 pm CLOSING REMARKS
Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce – Brian Norris, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
3:00 pm-3:30 pm NETWORKING WITH EXHIBITORS
3:30 pm ADJOURN
Join us for an informative session to learn about all the resources that are available for North Carolina manufacturers!
Keynote Speaker
Cameron Cruse
COO, R. Riveter
Cameron Cruse co-founded R. Riveter in 2011 and set out to provide mobile, flexible income for military spouses across the country. She graduated from SCAD in 2011 with a Masters in Architecture from and a BFA in Architecture in 2010. From 2014-2021 she lived in Southern Pines, NC with her family which became home for the company’s flagship Retail store. She currently lives in the great state of Texas. Cameron was named one of the 25 people changing the future of retail in 2019 by the NRF and Apparel’s 30 under 30 in 2018. R. Riveter landed on Inc’s fastest-growing private company list not once, but twice. Cameron is a mother of two and proud Military Spouse. A self-proclaimed optimist with southern roots and a passion for creative, design + problem-solving. She is a firm believer that we are stronger together than we are apart.
Speakers
Melody Burnett
President, Visit High Point
mburnett@visithighpoint.com
She has over 20 years of destination marketing and management experience in the Triad and a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism with a minor in business from UNC-Greensboro. She holds a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University as well as certification from the Guilford County Non-Profit Consortium in nonprofit leadership management. Currently, she serves on the boards of Southwest Renewal Foundation, Business High Point Chamber of Commerce, High Point Economic Development Corporation, High Point Market Authority, Forward High Point, Piedmont Triad Film Commission, Guilford County Hotel Association, UNC-G MEHT Board, High Point University Board of Visitors, North Carolina Travel Industry Governor’s Council, and numerous committees of ad hoc projects in High Point and the region. She formed the DRIVE High Point Foundation as the investment arm to Visit High Point’s destination development work to position High Point as a vibrant destination that visitors will enjoy, and that locals will want to promote. Currently, she is leading her organization to position their tourism mission as a shared community value. Partnerships in developing High Point as a Certified Autism Destination and collaboration through the High Point Veterans Initiative, not only enhance the visitor economy and livability but positions High Point as a competitive destination. She most recently was awarded Businesswomen of the Year by Business High Point Chamber of Commerce. Melody is married to her husband, Brian of 17 years and they have an 11-year-old daughter, Autumn (named after the couple’s favorite time of year)!
Patrick Davis, MBA
Executive Director, The Heroes Center of High Point
patrick.davis@heroescenter.org
Heroes Center of High Point, a non-profit organization, provides all Veterans with the necessary resources to successfully transition into civilian life by maintaining strong collaborative relationships with other nonprofits in the Triad and across NC who serve the Veteran community. The Heroes Center has also partnered with Business High Point Chamber of Commerce and Visit High Point to launch High Point Veterans Initiative for the purpose of attracting and serving transitioning service member and Veteran talent to live, work and play in the High Point area. The initiative engages the transitioning assistance programs at the NC Coast Guard, Ft. Bragg and Camp Lejeune, and assists local companies with best practices on hiring and retaining Veteran talent.
Brian Norris
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives for Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce
brian@highpointchamber.org
Brian has been with the organization since 2007. In this role, Brian directs BHP’s strategic initiatives through collaborative partnerships particularly in advocacy, workforce development and community development; working to ensure the community and region has all of the ingredients for continued advancement and sustainable growth.
Tammy Everett
Executive Director, Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC)
teverett@defensealliancenc.org
Tammy Everett represented Pinehurst Resort from 1998-2015 and was responsible for generating local and national group business, specifically in the areas of defense, state and federal government and military as a government contractor responsible for their conference and lodging requirements. Tammy accepted the position as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Defense Business Association (NCDBA) on May 1, 2015, an established non-profit professional trade association since 2009. In 2019, Tammy Everett was one of the lead executors of a merger between the North Carolina Defense Business Association (NCDBA) and the North Carolina Military Foundation (NCMF), establishing the Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC). Tammy is one of the founding members of the Guardian Program for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Braxton Bragg Chapter and is a member of the Greater Fayetteville Military Affairs Council (MAC). She was appointed an Advisory Council member of the North Carolina Defense Industry Diversification Initiative (NC DIDI) in 2017. Tammy is an active member of the task force group leading a state-wide initiative; NC Frontline of the Future. Tammy successfully completed the XVIII Airborne Corps Leadership Fort Bragg Course of Instruction in January 2014 under the command of Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson and again in October 2016 under the command of Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend. Tammy has twin boys, age 22, Christopher and Matthew both earning their Eagle Scout rank in 2018. Tammy is a native of North Carolina growing up in Chatham County. She resides in Scotland County with her husband Rob.
Phil Mintz
Executive Director, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions
phil_mintz@ncsu.edu
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). His role at IES is to lead the College of Engineering extension services program which leverages engineering solutions and best practices to help NC businesses and individuals compete through training and coaching. As the NCMEP director since 2011, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. Phil has over 35 years of manufacturing and engineering experience, including 10 years as an IES regional manager and specialist in quality management and Lean Six Sigma services. Before joining IES, he held posts as an industrial and systems engineer and engineering cost specialist for organizations including the US Navy Procurement Office in Norfolk, VA; Lockheed-Martin Engineering and Sciences Company at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA and Westinghouse Electric Corporation’s Electronic Systems Division in Baltimore, MD. He is currently involved in various councils and boards including: the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence Board of Directors, Polymers Center of Excellence Board of Directors, NC Manufacturing Roundtable, Economic Transformation Council and NC State Rural Leadership Efforts Council. Phil has a B.S. degree in engineering operations from North Carolina State University and an M.S. in industrial engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. Outside of his work, Phil enjoys watching and participating in sports, including golf and activities with his two sons. He is a supporter of youth sports and supports various church and community activities.
Michael Mullins
Director, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions, Defense Industry Initiatives
michael_r_mullins@ncsu.edu
Michael Mullins is the Director of the North Carolina State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) Defense Industry Initiatives. Michael is a former Marine and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and spent the majority of his career at Fort Bragg. He has extensive experience executing and managing Department of Defense training contracts in Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. During the execution of these training programs, Michael worked closely with the Department of State, various foreign ministries, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Additionally, he served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University. Michael has a comprehensive understanding of the processes and procedures North Carolina businesses face in the acquisition and execution of U.S. government contracts. In Fayetteville, he served as an international program manager with General Dynamics Information Technology, project manager with American Systems Corporation and operations officer with a service disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB). Michael has a B.S. in Political Science and an M.S. in International Relations. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
James Freeman
Founder and President, Emerging Technology Institute (ETI)
jamesf@eticommunity.com
Emerging Technology Institute (ETI) is an integration hub for the Department of Defense. ETI is located 28 miles south of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and operates a Force Modernization Technology Range. They test drones, robots, AI, and data analytics with a focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter UAS. Through ETI, James has built a strong collaborative connection between academia, industry and local partnerships that help future technology integrations with the Department of Defense. His dedication has deeply impacted Robeson County, from STEM projects in public schools to internships and apprenticeships with universities, he is committed to uplifting his community. He motivates the next generation through education and mentorship. As an Entrepreneur, he embraces diversity and inclusion within hiring and client engagement practices.
Ashley Bullock
Government Sales Manager Raeford Uniforms and Product Procurement Manager
Burlington Industries/Elevate Textiles
ashley.Bullock@elevatetextiles.com
Ashely has been with Burlington Industries/Elevate Textiles for over 41 years and has dedicated his entire career to wool procurement. Prior experiences include positions as Plant Manager and broader sourcing responsibilities. Ashley continues to direct all purchasing decisions for wool and polyester used in the Military Dress Uniform Fabrics. He has been the Company’s Military Dress Uniform Fabrics lead since 2005. Currently he manages all of Burlington’s Prime Dress Fabric contracts and subcontracts supporting DLA Troop Support Philadelphia and is the primary contact for this segment of the business. He has chaired and remains active on various DoD domestic supply chain industry association committees.
Aaron Harper
VP of Employment
Veterans Bridge Home
aharper@veteransbridgehome.org
Aaron Harper joined Veterans Bridge Home in April 2022, after serving as Atrium Health’s Human Resources Strategic Business Partner and Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, where he led their military and veterans’ affairs strategy. Aaron, a medically retired Sergeant of Marines, proudly served for over five years. Harper holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Math & Science Education from NC State University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the McColl School of Business at Queens University. He is also an American Hospital Association Certified Diversity Manager and recently obtained his SHRM Senior Certified Professional and MIT Certificate in Dynamic Work Design.
Lucas Waniewski
Recruit Military
lucas.waniewski@recruitmilitary.com
Lucas was commissioned in 2010 from East Carolina University as an Army Field Artillery Officer and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado as a fire support officer. Following a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, he attended Special Forces Assessment & Selection and the Qualification Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After he earned his green beret, he spent the latter part of his ten-year military career as a detachment commander within 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducting counter-narcotics operations in Colombia, Uruguay, and Mexico. He departed the military in 2020 and has been in an amazing career as a Client Success Manager with RecruitMilitary, which has allowed me to continue interfacing with incredible, talented veterans on a daily basis!
Craig Wymer
NC Corporate Fellowship Program Manager
Hiring Our Heroes-a non-profit organization
CWymer@uschamber.com
Craig helps match transitioning service members with 11-week fellowships at host companies. The fellowships are unpaid, with no cost to the host company since the transitioning service member is still getting paid by the military. All of the potential fellows are college educated, many with Masters degrees and advanced certifications. The service members are generally looking for opportunities related to Project/Program Management, Operations, Consulting, IT, Cyber Security, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Executive-Level Leadership.
Lauren Houston
Greensboro Employment Counselor, North Carolina National Guard
lauren.t.houston.ctr@army.mil
Lauren T. Houston was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. Given her legacy as the granddaughter of a World War II Army Veteran and the younger sister of a Desert Storm Army Veteran, Lauren fell in love with the military way of life, and this passion grew during four years of JROTC while in High School. Lauren joined the Maryland Army National Guard straight out of High School and served as a 92A Logistics Specialist. Beyond that service, Lauren proudly served the National Guard and other military families for over 21 years in various capacities as a military spouse, a teacher for military dependents, a Recruit Sustainment Program Specialist working closely with newly sworn in soldiers, and as an Employer Support of the Guard and a Reserve Representative. She is currently serving as an North Carolina National Guard Employment Counselor for the Piedmont Region. Additionally, in 2019, Lauren proudly accepted the statewide appointed role of the Soldier and Family Readiness Group Leader for the NCNG Recruiters and Retention Battalion and continues to serve this high-charged group of soldiers and their families to this day. In each role, Lauren exhibits her passion for empowering military families to become more knowledgeable and self-reliant by promoting a more efficient use of community resources and providing an effective way of gaining information, support, and control. Lauren is the Mother of three wonderful children (ages 19,16 &14), and considers that role her biggest accomplishment.
Rick Gilmore
Business Development Specialist, North Carolina Military Business Center
gilmorer@ncmbc.us
Rick Gilmore has been a member of the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) Business Development Team since October 2006. His office is located in the Nussbaum Center in Greensboro and is co-located with the Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Small Business Office. Rick’s job is to assist NC businesses in winning Federal Business opportunities and thereby growing their companies. To reach that goal, he is responsible to identify federal government requirements and bidding opportunities and assist N.C. companies to win contracting opportunities; and help small businesses in the state to develop and
win subcontracting opportunities. He specifically identifies manufacturing, furniture and US Coast Guard – Elizabeth City (aircraft) business opportunities, and works with North Carolina industries in those specific areas as well as his geographic area of responsibility. Prior to joining NCMBC, Rick was a Project Manager and Account Executive with AT&T/Lucent Federal Systems, General Dynamics and SIGCOM. Rick is an US Army veteran and holds a BS in Business Administration from East Carolina University and a Masters in Project Management from George Washington University. He is native of Hillsborough, NC and Rick’s hobbies include restoring and racing vintage karts and is currently building a 1963 Plymouth Fury Convertible show car as his long term project.
Chris Schmidt
Grants Manager, Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI)
chris.schmidt@commerce.nc.gov
Chris joined the Department of Commerce in spring of 2022. She manages all aspects of OSTI grant programs, notably the One NC Small Business Program. This includes making annual solicitation guideline recommendations; intake, review, and processing of grant applications; managing action between grantees and the Division of Fiscal Management; and ensuring program and State compliance. Her experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors provides valuable knowledge and resourcefulness needed to manage and administer grants from the State to private businesses that often collaborate with nonprofit institutions to see their projects to fruition. Prior to working with the Department of Commerce, Chris served as a Grants Administrator and Grants Manager for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. In addition to administering State and Federal funding programs to all 100 counties across the State, she was a grant seeker for the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Chris, a Raleigh native, graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Management with a minor in Business Administration.
Kami Baggett
Regional Manager, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions
kameron_baggett@ncsu.edu
Kami Baggett serves as regional manager for the Triad region, including Alleghany, Ashe, Cabarrus, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Rockingham, Rowan, Surry, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. Kami works with companies, businesses, community colleges, local economic developers, workforce development boards and local government to promote economic development, growth, and process efficiencies in the region’s industries and service sectors. Kami has 25 years of industry experience in the public and private sectors as a technical program auditor, industrial engineer, ISO auditor, materials buyer, and Regional Manager for IES. She has experience in lean enterprise, Lean Six Sigma, auditing, cost estimating, workstation design and layout, purchasing, inventory management, machining, sheet metal fabrication, CNC programming/nesting, ratesetting, time studies, and program management. Kami has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering (1997) from NC State University and a MBA (2002) from UNC-Greensboro.
Dominick Stephenson
Director of Evaluation Services, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions
dominick_stephenson@ncsu.edu
Dominick Stephenson is the assistant director, research development and evaluation for North Carolina State’s Industry Expansion Solutions. Dominick is responsible for managing grant and program evaluation projects throughout the lifecycle including client engagement, evaluation design, data collection and analysis, instrument design and report writing. His current work focuses on workforce development, community college and STEM programs and it crosses over local, state and federal agencies. Dominick also has a background in strategic planning and supports grant writing for IES and NCMEP strategic initiatives. Dominick is a graduate of East Carolina University with an M.A.Ed. in adult education and a B.S.B.A. in management information systems.
Dennis Lewis
Business Development Manager, Military/Defense Industry
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
dennis.lewis@edpnc.com
Denny brings a wealth of experience, industry knowledge, credibility, and an extensive professional network to this role,” Nance said. “He retired from the Army as a full colonel, worked over two decades with prime defense contractors and has spent the last several years with the North Carolina Military Business Center supporting statewide economic development projects.” Even as he fulfills his EDPNC role, Lewis will continue to direct the center’s Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH). The North Carolina Military Business Center leverages military and other federal business opportunities to help businesses in the state. DEFTECH serves as the state’s liaison between federal innovation outreach offices and North Carolina’s businesses, university system, investors, public-private partnerships, military bases and more.
Disclaimer: This North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP) information was developed with financial support from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC), Department of Defense. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of the OLDCC. It is meant to provide business information to defense contractors and others interested in the defense industry.
