Southern Indiana Business Report
Last week, U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) traveled across the state on his Jobs, Innovation and Security Tour and met with Hoosiers to discuss how Indiana is positioned as a leader in areas important to national security.
Stops on Young’s tour included NSWC Crane, New Albany, Fishers, West Lafayette, South Bend and Fort Wayne.
The Crane Regional Defense Group (CRDG) hosted Young for a defense industry roundtable on his Feb. 21 visit. CRDG’s purpose for the event was to share the growth and continued success of the WestGate@Crane Technology Park as it diversifies from being largely reliant on NSWC Crane support contractors, to a Technology Park that will have near limitless development from the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, as well as hypersonics and microelectronics work, which is currently attracting OEMs to the region.
“It was a pleasure to host Senator Young and have the opportunity to bring together so many defense ecosystem partners from both public and private sectors,” said Kent Parisien, CRDG chairman. “The potential future development in our region has no limit thanks to the passion from these organizations combined with the dynamic economy and emerging technologies.”
Nearly 60 attendees were present to hear Young’s remarks regarding the recent CHIPS and Science Act and how it may continue to contribute to development at WestGate and throughout the region.
Industry speakers provided an overview of their organization and how their current initiatives are contributing to the development of Crane and its surrounding region. Those speakers included:
- Jeff Quyle – Radius Indiana
- Kent Parisien – Crane Regional Defense Group
- Tina Peterson – Regional Opportunity Initiatives
- Joe Carley – Uplands Science and Technology Foundation
- Karen Plaut – Purdue University
- Mike Huber – Indiana University
- Brooke Pyne – ARI
- Carlos Gaitani – TRISTAR
- Duane Embree – Draper Labs
- Jimmy Allen – Dynetics
- David Shrenk – Everspin
- Michael Johns – Kratos
- Robert Patti – Nhanced
“I am excited about all of the innovative ways Hoosiers are contributing to our national security. Indiana is already a leader in the 21st century economy, and we will continue to lead the way in the years ahead,” Young said in a press release.
During the tour that covered four days, Young visited multiple high-tech research and manufacturing facilities to discuss how his CHIPS and Science Act will help bring investment to Indiana and reshore the fabrication of computer chips and other key technologies.
Tour highlights include:
WestGate@Crane Technology Park:
Young kicked off his tour Feb. 21 at WestGate@Crane Technology Park where he met with leaders of NWSC Crane, Radius Indiana and military suppliers to hear about opportunities the CHIPS and Science Act is bringing to Indiana. He also toured ManTech to learn about its partnership with Crane and leadership in advanced weapons systems.
Samtec in New Albany:
Young toured Samtec in New Albany. Samtec is a global leader in producing the technology needed to support computer chip innovation around the world
INCOG BioPharma Services in Fishers:
Young joined Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons to visit INCOG BioPharma Services’ recently completed facility in Fishers. INCOG is an innovative Hoosier manufacturer that is helping to save lives through advanced pharmaceutical development. During the event, Young discussed his legislation to renew and expand tax incentives for research and development and other ways he has worked to support Hoosier manufacturers.
Purdue University and Stratolaunch in West Lafayette
On Feb. 22, Young visited Purdue University and discussed opportunities related to his CHIPS and Science Act, including microelectronics research and manufacturing, biotechnology research, and the innovation workforce. Senator Young and Purdue University President Dr. Mung Chiang also visited Stratolaunch. Purdue and Stratolaunch recently launched a new partnership in the field of hypersonics, a field that will benefit from the CHIPS and Science Act.
AM General in Mishawaka
On Feb. 23, Young visited AM General in Mishawaka and received an update on the recent announcement that AM General received a contract for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) follow-on production.
122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne
On Feb. 24, Young visited with Airmen of the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne to receive an update on the transition to the F-16 fighter.