economic transformation

Over the next several years, the move of U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) to Fort Bragg offers a significant catalyst to increase state and regional economic growth especially in the military preparedness and homeland security sectors.  

FORSCOM has a $30 billion annual obligation authority for defense and other contracts and provides unmatched opportunities for enterprising businesses who want to compete for these dollars. As a result, many defense-related companies have made the move or are in the planning stage to relocate to the Fort Bragg region.

Regional economic developers agree that this economic transformation should be regional in nature and have identified the BRAC RTF as the lead organization to coordinate these efforts from a regional perspective.  Greenfield Associates was hired to market the region to national defense firms.  Hundreds of companies have been contacted and response has been very favorable with many companies indicating they are considering a move to our region. However, a primary concern from these companies is the lack of a skilled labor force from which to draw potential employees. 

To remedy the workforce concern, the BRAC RTF applied for and was awarded a U.S. Department of Labor grant for $5 million in July 2007, to create a workforce innovation center – one that will focus on the development of a skilled workforce specific to defense industry needs.  The BRAC RTF opened the All American Center for Defense Innovation in June 2008 at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The Center will virtually and physically connect the region’s workforce, economic, and educational assets with other regional assets and partners to create a synergy of effort and resources.

BRAC RTF has worked in conjunction with state agencies to develop a state-focused, regionally-coordinated response to the potential influx of defense businesses.   Partnerships with the governor’s office, N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Military Foundation, and North Carolina Military Business Center, Defense and Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA) and others are crucial to take advantage of a tremendous opportunity for the entire state -- an emerging defense industry in North Carolina.

A major effort was launched last fall to position the state’s military bases, research centers, universities and other resources in a designated region to attract defense companies.  N.C. Lt. Governor Perdue announced the establishment of the All American Defense Corridor in October 2007 to emphasize the strengths associated with the research and development capabilities at RTP and the UNC system; defense industry partners; military requirements; homeland security; and non-defense related growth.

Establishing a defense and homeland security industry sector, raising the bar for workforce transformation, and integrating regional planning are necessary components for a strong and sustainable future in the Fort Bragg region.  Regional economic development, education and training for our displaced workers and youth, and preserving a green infrastructure will ensure both sustainability and security for the region in the decades ahead.

Mission growth and the FORSCOM/USARC move to Fort Bragg are catalysts to attract defense related industries in key areas such as homeland security and military preparedness to the region.

• BRAC and other transformational growth at Fort Bragg enhance regional economic opportunities. Overall growth results in:
• Increased opportunities for additional prime contracts, partnerships, subcontracts, suppliers, and defense related companies
• Increased business from in and out of state
• Increased office and warehouse space for contractors
• Aggressive planning leads to significant regional defense related economic development in high tech and investment in R&D

Current Initiatives:

• Regional marketing plan
• An All American Defense Corridor brochure and DVD have been produced to market the region to defense companies.  A new BRAC RTF Web site has been launched to market the needs of businesses and newcomers to the region.
• Region marketed at Oct. 2008 AUSA Annual Trade Show in Washington DC.  Other trade shows will be considered for 2009.

• Branding/naming of  region under development to attract defense companies to boost regional economy
• Lt. Governor announced the establishment of the All American Defense Corridor in Oct. 2007.

• Recruit national defense companies to Fort Bragg region
• Greenfield Economic Developers (Wilmington) hired to contact and recruit defense companies
• Hundreds of companies already contacted

• Strategic planning underway with N.C. Department of Commerce, other state agencies and the N.C. Military Foundation to create a roadmap for building a vibrant defense industry in NC.