CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA), a non-profit advocacy group for the defense industry in the Charleston metro area, today announced its official support for four political candidates in South Carolina, whose platforms and critical areas of focus align with the organization's mission of growing the region as a crucial defense industry market. The CDCA is also focused on bolstering the industry's ability to develop, attract, retain, and effectively execute on business opportunities that have implications beyond the Charleston metro area.
"Since the CDCA's inception, our motto has been to advocate, protect and preserve. Therefore, it's part of our responsibility to work with industry leaders and political candidates who share the same goals when it comes to drawing in defense spending, talent and growth for the Lowcountry," said Joshua Hatter, Vice President, PR Chair, CDCA and senior manager of marketing and business development for General Dynamics Information Technology. "These individual candidates all have a focus on programs and initiatives that will continue to help position the region as a strategic market for defense industry spending, contracts, talent and growth."
Each of the candidates supported by the CDCA have held positions on key committees that focus on defense spending, transportation, technology, small business and entrepreneurship, cyber defense, Homeland security, economic development as well as several other subcommittees that are aligned with the core values and goals set forth by CDCA.
Senator Timothy Eugene "Tim" Scott
A member of the Senate's Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Senator Scott assists in legislation that directly impacts and provides great benefit to small businesses with particular emphasis on the Lowcountry.
Congressman Addison Graves "Joe" Wilson
Congressman Wilson holds key positions that have a significant impact in this community. Wilson is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, which focuses on Cyber Defense. This area of defense and technology is a cornerstone of the work performed by SSC Atlantic and supporting Industry Partners. He is also Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel and a member of various committees and subcommittees focused on the defense industry.
Congressman Marshall Clement "Mark" Sanford, Jr.
Congressman Sanford was first elected to Congress in 1994, winning the Charleston-based 1st Congressional District in the House of Representatives. In 2013, Sanford formally launched his bid to return to Congress and won a special election on May 7, 2013. As part of the House Budget Committee, Sanford laid out a budget that strengthens our national defense by increasing spend on resources, training, equipment and compensation. He has also helped put emphasis on Veteran Affairs and making fiscally responsible decisions to drive employment in key markets.
Katherine "Katie" Arrington:
Arrington is running for South Carolina House District 94 to ensure Summerville is represented by a leader who will put the needs of the district first. The CDCA endorses Katie's candidacy, because the it agrees with her view that there is a strong need to create solutions for a better future, requiring vision, passion, experience, and fortitude to make it happen.
Register Now: CDCA's 10th Annual C5ISR Summit (Dec. 6-9, 2016)
In addition to today's news, the CDCA's 10th annual C5ISR Summit is quickly approaching and will take place from December 6-9, 2016 at the Charleston Convention Center. The C5ISR Summit is an educational and networking event born out of the need to connect the wide range of players across the defense industry. The Summit will also showcase the top three submissions from the CDCA's 6th Annual Student Mobile App Competition and are the focus of a HackWarz Competition running simultaneously with the event. C5ISR Summit sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor space are still available. Members of the media can register free of charge. For more information please visit the website.
About Charleston Defense Contractors Association
Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) is an association of organizations and individual professionals dedicated to preserving, highlighting and continuing to grow the defense industry and its affiliated-organizations in Charleston, South Carolina, and its immediate surrounding region. Since its inception in December 2002, the CDCA has worked to address issues facing the continually changing landscape that is Charleston's defense industry presence and ensure that it continues to be a thriving, sustained business opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina. Members include: Amazon Web Services, SAIC, UEC, ManTech, BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton, CDW-G, Cisco, SCRA, Honeywell, and more. For further information, visit us at http://www.charlestondca.org/.
SOURCE Charleston Defense Contractors Association