Southern Indiana Business Report
ODON — The Crane Regional Defense Group hosted another installment of its Key Leader Series May 20 at WestGate Academy in the WestGate@Crane Technology Park.
This quarterly event brings together defense industry peers, elected officials, small businesses and community organizations to hear from influential keynote speakers on topics related to Naval Support Activity Crane and its missions.
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Monica Hutchins, command chief strategist at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, and Brent Voigtschild, director of corporate operations, gave an overview of multiple departments, insight on technologies relevant to the mission areas, and an explanation of the skillsets needed for careers within various career roles. Both Hutchins and Voigtschild highlighted the importance of community collaboration and building relationships with those in the audience to further strengthen our region inside and outside the gates.
“We can only meet our mission with the support of our great academic, government and industry partners,” said Hutchins. “Our success is directly attributable to this fantastic network, not only in the surrounding local area, but across the state and Midwest.”
NSWC Crane and the defense industry are not immune to the employment and workforce development challenges all businesses face today. The speakers shared various skills and abilities required to be successful in these departments and divisions so that community leaders can bring this information to their schools and educational programs, and industry peers can focus on training employees in these areas for alignment. Attendees also learned how NSWC Crane works to attract and retain quality employees in this volatile job market, and how we can work together to achieve employment goals.
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“NSWC Crane is grateful for our many partners in the surrounding communities,” said Voigtschild. “I was honored to be able to spend this time with these leaders to discuss our critical mission, future priorities, and continued partnerships. Thank you to CRDG for arranging this phenomenal event!”
The Key Leader Series is intended to give participants a better understanding of Crane’s missions, how they support the military, and the technological advances being developed. It also allows for an environment that welcomes questions and interaction with both the speakers and other attendees.
A link to these presentations can be found on the CRDG website here.
As a special part of the presentation, CRDG paid tribute to National Armed Forces Day with words of appreciation for servicemen and women. Celebrated Saturday, May 21, National Armed Forces Day honors the patriots who answer the call to serve the nation in defense of freedom.
To learn more about CRDG or become a member, visit craneregionaldefensegroup.org.