The Israeli Ministry of Defense-International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), Michigan Israel Business Bridge (MIBB), and State of Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) Defense Center, will lead a formal Defense Industrial mission to the state of Michigan between April 23-26.
The Delegation will include approximately 12 leading Defense Companies with top technology and solutions in the field of Defense and Homeland Security (HLS). The focus will be on sub systems for armed vehicles, Robotics, Autonomous systems, and various solutions for HLS.
The goal of the visit is to strengthen the cooperation between the Israeli MOD and the Defense authorities within the state of Michigan and to support Israeli and U.S. companies to share technology and perform joint production in the U.S.
"This is a landmark, win-win opportunity for Israeli and Michigan businesses to partner together," said Beth Gotthelf, president of MIBB and an attorney with Butzel Long. "Israelis need U.S. partners to share technology and perform production in the United States. This important business mission will match Israeli companies with Michigan companies, and strengthen existing relationships."
Israeli dignitaries who will participate in aspects of the mission include Barry Zebrak, regional director for North America, State of Israel Minister of Defense, SIBAT; and Moran Birman, consul for Public Diplomacy, consulate general of Israel to the Midwest.
The Israeli delegation will engage in four days of Business-to-Business meetings. Additionally, they will participate in a half-day program featuring: Governor Rick Snyder and Senator Gary Peters, Macomb County CEO Mark Hackel, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor and Major General David Bassett, U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command and U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). At the same time, Butzel Long attorney Ira Hoffman will discuss how to do business in the U.S. for government contracting, including teaming between Israeli and Michigan companies and subcontracts with Primes. The MEDC's Business Development Manager Drew Coleman and Macomb County's Department of Planning and Economic Development Deputy Director Vicky Rad will discuss international Landing Zones and other tools for encouraging business to located in and do business with Michigan.
"Michigan's economy continues to strengthen and offers tremendous opportunities to
Israel's many defense companies," said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. "We look forward to working collaboratively with public, private and governmental partners to raise awareness and implement innovative solutions to complex defense issues."
Notably, the Israeli delegation will participate in TARDEC Industry Days April 25-26, where they will hear the latest information about its 30-year strategy and the research and development initiatives taking place at the Detroit Arsenal as well as participate in the Michigan Defense Expo April 26-27 meeting with Michigan defense companies.
"Macomb County is the defense capital of the Midwest," said Mark Hackel, Macomb County executive. "We look forward to welcoming the Israeli delegation to Michigan and discussing how together we can meet our business goals."
For those who would like to meet the delegates, MIBB is hosting a reception on Monday, April 24, at Andiamo Ristorante in Warren. Sponsorships are available. For more information on the reception, visit www.michiganisrael.com.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community and talent development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org.
The Michigan Israel Business Bridge connects the Israeli business community to the Michigan community. The MIBB hosts trade missions, networking events, economic development seminars, and facilitates business to business meetings and investments. The MIBB is a member based chamber of commerce that focuses on expanding manufacturing, technology, and research between Michigan and Israel. To become a member of the MIBB, contact Executive Director Hadas Bernard at 248-642-1701 or for more information, visit www.michiganisrael.com.
Published: Fri, Apr 21, 2017
