More than 100 members of The Business Council’s Homeland Security Council (HSC) gathered in Washington D.C. May 18-19 to meet with homeland security industry professionals and representatives of the Department of Homeland Security to discuss the homeland security marketplace.

"The primary purpose of these meetings over the two days was to introduce our Homeland Security Council and its members to the delegation and determine how we can work together to protect the nation’s homeland while providing business opportunities to companies in New York State," said Janet Looby, the coordinator of the Council's HSC. "We were extremely fortunate to have high-level participation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as our congressional delegation and top industry leaders."

The first Homeland Security Council Congressional Exchange began with a welcome reception May 18, hosted by U.S. Representative John Sweeney (R-20). Invited guests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other members of New York’s congressional delegation also attended the reception.

On May 19, participants gathered at the Rayburn House office building for a breakfast roundtable. Speakers included Al Martinez-Fonts, special assistant to the Secretary for the Public Sector U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Josh Filler, director of the Office of State & Local Government Coordination U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Both Mr. Martinez-Fonts and Mr. Filler commented on the responsibilities of their divisions at the Department of Homeland Secuirty as well as how the private sector in New York can focus its efforts to achieve success in the emerging homeland security marketplace.

Participants also heard from Hugo Poza, vice president of homeland security for the Raytheon Company and David Zolet, vice president of economic development for Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The two industry experts were able to provide more insight on emerging trends and companies in the homeland security marketplace, as well as advice to participants on how to partner with these companies.

PowerPoint copies of each speakers’ presentation are available at www.homelandsecuritynys.org/events/washington.htm.

Business Council President Daniel B. Walsh, vice president Ed Reinfurt, and key members of the homeland security council met with many members of New York’s congressional delegation during the two day visit.

The congressional exchange was sponsored by:

• Niagara Mohawk, A National Grid Company.
  
  
• IBM Corporation.
  
  
• Northrop Grumman Corporation.
  
  
• Retlif Testing Laboratories.
  
  
• Shaw Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
  
  
• Patron Sponsor.
  
  
• Meridian Technologies, Inc.