Gov. Bev. Perdue and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) today announced that Department of Defense spending in North Carolina grew by 22 percent and exceeded $3.6 billion in federal fiscal year 2008 – an increase of $657 million from 2007 data.
“These numbers are yet another indicator that the Tar Heel state is becoming a very significant player in the global military and defense industry cluster,” said Gov. Perdue. “The time to capitalize on this trend is now, to leverage expanding markets, capture federal revenues and grow jobs right here in North Carolina – the most military friendly state in America.”
Gov. Perdue was instrumental, with the General Assembly, in establishing the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) in the Community College System and the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA) in Fayetteville. She also spearheaded the development of the North Carolina Military Foundation, a private organization focused on recruiting defense contractors and growing the state’s defense and homeland security economy.
“Defense spending in North Carolina is critical to expanding our economy and growing jobs in North Carolina,” said Scott Dorney, executive director of the NCMBC. “The defense and federal market is booming. Businesses across the state are engaging, competing, and winning in the federal market.” Businesses in 93 of North Carolina’s 100 counties performed defense-related work in 2008.
“This news is confirmation that North Carolina is making the right investments to grow this industry,” said Will Austin, executive director of the N.C. Military Foundation. “As DoD's priorities change, more opportunities are emerging for North Carolina companies and universities.”
According to a 2008 Department of Commerce study, the military has a $23.4 billion total annual impact on the state economy. Defense procurement in North Carolina, based on place of performance, increased from $2.9 billion in federal fiscal year 2007 to $3.6 billion in 2008. During the same time frame, spending by all federal agencies in North Carolina increased approximately $743 million, or 16 percent, from $4.5 billion to $5.2 billion.
For more information on Department of Defense spending and the North Carolina Military Business Center, please visit www.ncmbc.us or call the Fayetteville Headquarters toll-free at 1-877-245-5520 or 910-323-4587.