Sector Spotlights events feature industry leaders who will share the latest in innovation and collaboration, while providing partnership opportunities through in-person connections.
Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
The Brunswick Hotel, 4 Noble Street, Brunswick, ME 04011
Members-only event / No cost / Lunch provided
Event Schedule
11:30 – Networking
12:00 – Program Presentation: Opportunities in Maine’s Uniquely Diverse Aerospace and Defense Sector
12:45 – Q&A
1:00 – Networking
The defense supply chain employs over 20,000 Mainers. Every 100 direct jobs created in the defense industry supports another 99 jobs in the Maine economy. With more than 150 Maine companies selling directly into the defense supply chain, Maine has a uniquely diverse defense cluster, which includes small manufacturers of innovative products and experts consulting in a variety of safety and security areas including search and rescue, offshore wind, and port security.
Program topics covered will include:
- How Maine’s community colleges are supporting the aerospace and defense industry through short-term training, certificate and degree programs, and apprenticeships
- Funding available to support training & development for frontline workers
- The need for workforce development, specifically in the trades, to support the defense sector and goals of the Maine Defense Industry Alliance (MDIA)
- The global nature of working in the aerospace and defense supply chain and tips for sourcing and competing for resources internationally as a Maine company
- Time is the most difficult business constraint — nothing happens quickly in this industry
- Sector-specific resources available to assist Maine companies (e.g., APEX Accelerators, DOD small business programs, NERDIC, and Boots2 Roots)
Registration
This event has reached capacity. To add your name to the Wait List, contact Marty Hamre.
SPONSORED BY
Networking
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
4:30 – 6:30 PM (tour begins @ 3:30)
Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530
MITC members $10 / Non-members $25
Event Schedule
3:30-4:30 – Tour
Founded in 1962, Maine Maritime Museum sits on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in “The City of Ships,” Bath, Maine. The museum connects people to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways and their global reach.
4:30-6:30 – Networking Reception
Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
SPONSORED BY
Meet Our Lunch & Learn Speakers
Cait Grant
Vice President of Educational & Economic Development, York County Community College
Cait Grant holds her Master’s in Teaching from the University of New Hampshire and has over 17 years of experience in learning and development, including seven years in secondary education before transitioning to the Maine Community College System. For more than a decade, she has been working within the Maine Community College System, first in college access and most recently at York County Community College.
Cait now works in economic and workforce development. She is deeply passionate about creating pathways for socioeconomic mobility for students and is committed to ensuring a skilled and educated workforce that meets the needs of Maine’s evolving economy. Her work emphasizes collaboration with local businesses and community organizations to foster educational opportunities and drive regional growth. Cait currently serves on the Board for the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, as well as on the Board for United Way of Southern Maine.
Adrian Horn
Vice President, Compotech, Inc.
Adrian Horn is the Vice President at Compotech, Inc. in Brewer, Maine, a worldwide leader in the composites industry specializing in advanced armor, expeditionary systems, and software tools for munitions testing and analysis. With over 17 years of experience, Adrian has a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence, including the development of cutting-edge ballistic and blast protection solutions. Under Adrian’s leadership, the company has expanded its product offerings, scaled capabilities, and secured key contracts with the US Army, US Air Force, and US Space Force.
Adrian holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA and is recognized for strategic vision, fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams, and guiding the company through rapid growth and industry recognition. He is passionate about advancing materials science and delivering high-performance solutions that protect warfighters and critical infrastructure. Outside of work, Adrian is an advocate for veterans and economic development, particularly in regions impacted by industrial change.
Mark J. Winter
Program Director, Maine Defense Industry Alliance
Mark Winter was recently named Program Director for the Maine Defense Industry Alliance (MDIA). He previously served as Commandant of Midshipmen and Vice President of Student Affairs at Maine Maritime Academy. Mark served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, both on active duty and in the reserves, retiring as a Captain in 2018.
Prior to that, Mark held several different positions, including working for American President Lines, a large shipping company, both on the docks working cargo and on the sales team. He has been in private practice as an attorney in New York and Maine. He was the Intelligence Specialist at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maine, handling counterintelligence and terrorism issues. Mark served as the Assistant Inspector General at the Office of Naval Intelligence, conducting command inspections at various Navy intelligence units around the world. He previously served as Counsel for U.S. Senator Susan Collins from Maine in Washington DC, serving as Professional Staff on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Mark is a New London, New Hampshire area native, graduating from Kearsarge Regional High School, Maine Maritime Academy, and the University of Maine, School of Law.