PACIFIC NORTHWEST DEFENSE COALITION SPOTLIGHT
VP and Acting Executive Director of PNDC , Kate Kanapeaux said , “ DSEI and AUSA connect governments , national armed forces , industry thought leaders and the entire defense and security supply chain on a global scale .”
PNDC felt some members might have an interest in going , but the response was much bigger than expected . “ We initially had 17 opt-ins ; with COVID issues , we are now at 10 companies , but our goal for this first year originally was to have six companies join us ,” Ryser said . She noted that these companies were from Oregon and Washington and many were smaller companies that might not have been able to participate in these tradeshows , had it not been for the programs offered by PNDC . She said the staff and leadership of PNDC have been happy that members want to participate in global outreach .
“ Branding the Pacific Northwest as the go-to place for defense and security — that ’ s a gigantic deal ,” said Ryser .
In addition to the discount to attend the DSEI and AUSA events , attending companies can apply for special grants to help with travel costs through Washington Department of Commerce and Business Oregon ’ s Small Business Administration ( SBA ) funded STEP program .
Companies like DH Sutherland , with Andrew S . Crouse , president , and Mary Sutherland Crouse , CEO , which makes temperature and time-sensitive products in the production of advanced composites , said that their company has always exported . Still , they are ready to meet new markets .
Another company that jumped on board was Gladiator Technologies . For industrial applications , they make inertial systems and sensors like gyroscopes ( measuring angular motion ) and accelerometers ( measuring steps or movement ). They joined in with PNDC because , “ It ( DSEI ) is one of the biggest international defense expeditions that you can attend ,” said Eric Yates , vice president of business development .
Yates added that “ With the banner of PNDC , it is great for a Northwest company like ours . When PNDC sponsors a booth , it makes it easier for member companies to attend and join the show .”
Gladiator exports products now , and about 50 percent of their current business is foreign . But Yates said , “ Being on an international stage enables us to meet with companies where we may not have distribution or reps .”
For the Crouse ’ s , business in the Northwest has been good for them as a company located in Beaverton , Oregon . They ’ ve been members of PNDC for eight years , and Mary Sutherland Crouse said , “ The funding opportunity has been beneficial . ( PNDC ) has told us about a variety of grants to support the exporting of products . Also , being able to attend trade shows at a reduced cost with a regional partner is great .” Crouse reflected upon the challenges brought on by the pandemic and noted that the PNDC membership was helpful .
Ryser said that attending these trade shows “ Is one of our best-kept secrets for members .” She added that PNDC supports members in a variety of ways , including round tables with elected officials , programs to connect buyers and sellers , defense , and security innovation funding programs , and needed training on relevant laws and contracting requirements .
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2021 ISSUE NO . 23 45