As we draw the curtain on an eventful year, it’s with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on our collective achievements and look forward to the promising horizons of 2024.
Looking Back on 2023: A Year of Milestones
First, let’s celebrate our triumphs. Your dedication and participation propelled us to win the prestigious NDIA Chapter of Excellence Award—an acknowledgment of your commitment and excellence within the defense industry.
Next, our event roster was packed with successes. We’re thrilled to share again that the IMAGE golf tournament proved more than just a day on the greens. In a collaborative effort with the local Air Force Association (AFA) and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) chapters, we collectively raised over $40,000 for STEM programs. Your unwavering support continues to shape the future of aspiring STEM enthusiasts. (This year: Aug 14, 2024)
The 4th Annual Space Warfighting Forum (SWF) brought together over 300 space warfighters and industry professionals. Holding an unclassified session and a classified session, this unique warfighting focused event fostered invaluable industry-government discussions and insights. (This year: Aug16, 2024)
The 40th Annual NDIA Rocky Mountain Ball was a resounding success. We had a packed house at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel and gathered industry and military leaders for an evening of camaraderie, shared goals, and presentation of the annual Patriot Awards as well as honoring the 2023 Hartinger Award winner- GEN James Dickinson, Commander US Space Command. (This year: Aug 16, 2024)
Our STEM outreach initiatives saw an increase in 2023 activity. We expanded sponsorship to statewide robotics programs like Colorado First and we funded the Saban Middle School robotics program impacting nearly 300 School District 11 students. Our Edge of Space program added additional school participation from outside Colorado and continues to grow.
As we rounded out the year, the Small Business Fall Social was a testament to community spirit, with Mike Martensen’s informative talk on intellectual property, graciously sponsored by D-Soft Technology. And finally, our Joint Association Holiday Party (led by the Space Force Association) was a great opportunity to celebrate with our local association and government partners.
Paving the Way for 2024: Charting Our Course
While we accomplished a lot in 2023, the coming year holds even greater promise. This year, we renew our commitment to provide membership value. As you know, membership events are the lifeblood of our chapter. We are working to enhance our events, making them more accessible and beneficial for all members. To keep you updated, and help deconflict major events, we are collaborating with AFA, AFCEA, SFA, and MAC, on a new Combined Events Schedule at https://ndiarmc.org/rocky-mountain-joint-defense-industry-calendar
On Jan 17, 2024, we will hold our first RMC membership meeting of the year at Neat Whiskey House (and the associated FH Beerworks), 2480 N. Powers Frontage Rd)—the first drink is on us—details to follow. We will hold our first NDIA sponsored Operations Analysis Roundtable (OAR) this February (details to follow). OAR’s goal is providing an informal forum for Front Range USG, FFRDC, industry, and academia analysts to get to know each other better, look for synergies, and collaborate.
In 2024, our goal is to expand our STEM community efforts. The Workforce Development Committee will continue working with local school districts to support STEM programs. In addition, RMC is working with community partners (UCCS, Space Foundation, Harrison School District [D-2], and the City of Colorado Springs)
on the feasibility of a City/County-wide 5th grade Estes model rocket day (every 5th grader has the opportunity to build/launch a model rocket). We are prototyping with D-2 to get our processes and sponsorships in place. You can look forward to our inaugural launch window in the September/October timeframe.
Bidding farewell to 2023, we focus on 2024 defense industry opportunities/challenges. Engagement with government leadership is paramount. NDIA is committed to facilitating dialogue and collaboration by listening to government needs and ensuring industry’s voice is heard and valued in shaping policies and strategies. As NDIA members, your dedication and expertise continue to play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring the security of our nation. Thank you for being an integral part of NDIA and the Rocky Mountain Chapter.
