National Transportation Security Industry Leaders and Experts at Northwestern University Law School
CHICAGO – Building on his commitment to grow the homeland security industry across Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich’s administration hosted today a conference to further develop and promote new technologies for the homeland security market as part of a series of homeland security business development forums held throughout Illinois to identify market opportunities to grow and support businesses in the industry. “Delivering Transportation Security Solutions in Illinois” was held today at Northwestern University Law School’s Thorn Auditorium. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Homeland Security Market Development Bureau (HSMD) presented the event in partnership with the AeA Midwest Council, the Homeland Security Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (HSIEC) at Northwestern University and L3 Communications. The conference brought together more than 100 entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and major corporations to discuss new products and services that can potentially help to solve critical issues facing transportation security.
“Transportation security is a vital issue in today’s global marketplace, and Illinois must continue to be a leader in its innovation and commercialization. This is a critical part of the Illinois economy, providing a crucial service to the business community and people across our state. Illinois is home to major hubs like O’Hare International Airport and Scott Air Force Base, eight regional airports, major air carriers and leading security firms. We will continue developing Illinois’ homeland security industry by working closely with universities, research institutions and the private sector so we can better protect our families and create new jobs,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
The conference provided Illinois homeland security companies, integrators, researchers, investors, producers and policy makers with the latest intelligence on the transportation security market, and Illinois’ growing leadership in transportation security innovation and commercialization. The conference also supplied businesses with information on who is buying homeland security products, what they are buying and what future needs will have to be met by Illinois’ transportation security industry.
Featured speakers included Jack Lavin, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Clayton Harris III, Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Transportation; Thomas M. Ripp, President, L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems; C. Stewart Verdery, Jr., former Assistant Secretary, US Department of Homeland Security, President, Monument Policy Group, LLC; and James Stolarski, Executive Director, Homeland Security, Accenture and Program Manager, US-VISIT, Department of Homeland Security.
Attendees heard directly from these industry experts on the critical need for new transportation security solutions, how to integrate these new technologies into the business community and the challenges faced in delivering these solutions. They also participated in a panel discussion “Commercializing Transportation Security Solutions in Illinois,” which addressed the development and implementation of the latest advancements in transportation security technology.
“Gov. Blagojevich is delivering on his promise to keeping our state at the forefront of this industry and bringing the national focus on homeland security to Illinois by arranging this impressive forum, which provides an important venue and great resource for those interested in becoming more involved in the homeland security industry. We will continue to support our economy by helping companies bring more products to market that improve our transportation security systems and help protect the public,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
"Serving as the chair of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force Transportation Committee, IDOT is proud to play a role in maintaining and strengthening the security of our homeland. A well-maintained, secure, safe and efficient transportation system is fundamental both to homeland security and to economic development and growth. In order to achieve our goal of maximizing the security of the Illinois transportation system, it's vital that all levels of government work in partnership with private industry," IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin said.
“Transportation security is a top concern of the American people since 9/11,” said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director of AeA Midwest Council. “In addition to ensuring the safety of the traveling public, there are important economic factors driven by a robust transit security system, and new technologies will continue to advance this field.”
The series of homeland security market forums across Illinois have provided an important venue to nurture various industries, including food safety and security, information technology and electronic communications, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and public health.
DCEO’s Homeland Security Market Development bureau is focused on supporting businesses engaged in the homeland security industry with investment tools designed to help existing Illinois companies expand operations and utilize available state and federal programs, services and procurement opportunities relevant to homeland security. HSMD has established technical, educational and research partnerships with Illinois colleges and universities, and partnered to create the nation’s most extensive business mutual aid system. For more information on HSMD, visit www.hsmd.illinois.gov.