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For release: August 25, 2009 Contact: The Quell Group – 248.649.8900 | Donna Fontana email | Jim Cain email MICHIGAN SECURITY NETWORK FORMED TO ACCELERATE GROWTH OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUSINESS IN THE STATE Cyber-security, biodefense and border security are key focus areas DETROIT, August 25, 2009 – Sixteen leading Michigan companies, universities and other groups have joined forces to create the Michigan Security Network as a platform to accelerate technology development, investment and jobs for the state in the fast growing homeland security sector. “Michigan has the potential to be a national leader in key growth areas of the homeland security market,” said Leslie Touma, president of the Michigan Security Network. “We have huge advantages in research and development, human resources, even geography that make Michigan companies ideally suited for a bigger slice of the $113 billion homeland security market. Michigan Security Network will provide the strategy, networks and expertise to make that happen.” The Michigan Security Network has identified three key areas offering the greatest potential within homeland security: cyber security, border security and biodefense. The organization will focus on helping Michigan businesses of all sizes identify critical technology needs within those sectors and coordinate a virtual business accelerator with existing university R&D centers. In addition, Michigan Security Network will build a comprehensive homeland security database and leverage its market research, expertise and business networks to bring funding and investment to the state. “Michigan has tremendous promise because of its unique geography, globally respected universities, accomplished engineering and scientific community, and committed business and civic leaders,” Touma said. “Each of the sectors we’re focusing on is a natural fit for the state and an area where we believe we can attract investment and create new, high-paying jobs.” For example, Michigan ranked sixth in the nation last year for patents issued, is home to the country’s busiest international border crossing, and is the second-ranked state for overall research and development spending. In addition, state legislators have created 24 tax-free Renaissance Zones, 15 SmartZones to support technology start-ups and several other business development programs. According to research conducted for Michigan Security Network by Civitas Group llc, more than half the total annual spending on homeland security, about $60 billion, is deployed through the private sector, largely by government agencies such as the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Energy. “Michigan’s international border with Canada and our well-established centers of excellence in software, defense, medical and biotechnology research provide a strong foundation we can build upon,” Touma said. According to Touma, Michigan’s upside potential is great, judging from the budget appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security alone. Congress is currently working to pass legislation that provides more than $42 billion in annual funding for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal 2010. Last year, Michigan earned approximately $37 million in homeland security grants while states such as California and New York each received more than a quarter of a billion dollars. The Michigan Security Network is planning its first technology conference on November 4, 2009 at the Dearborn Hyatt. The conference will provide Michigan companies the opportunity to showcase their products and technologies with homeland security experts, meet decision makers and leadership from key federal agencies, and hear presentations on the opportunities available in cyber security, biodefense and border security. About the Michigan Security Network Founded as a non profit organization in 2008 by 16 leading Michigan-based companies, universities and other groups, Michigan Security Network will offer entrepreneurs and established companies sector-specific consulting services, marketing expertise, networking, business acceleration, and access to a comprehensive database of homeland security-related funding sources, federal, state and local programs, in-state research and development projects, product development, manufacturing capabilities and more. For more information about the Michigan Security Network and its founding members, visit www.michigansecuritynetwork.com. Other valuable links to learn more about homeland defense and security issues include: # # #
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| © 2010 Michigan Security Network |
