AUSA Annual Meeting Offers Window into Huntsville’s Future

Published on October 5, 2016

Huntsville’s business and elected leaders traveled to Washington, DC, Oct.3-5, to participate in the annual meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). This event is the country’s largest gathering of Army officials, defense companies, and congressional staffers. It covers two of Huntsville’s primary economic development target markets – aerospace and defense – providing a rare opportunity to meet with key decision makers in industry and government all in one place.

“It appears a lot of people are looking to move our way,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Industry wants to be where the action is and Army installation leaders want efficiency. Both are good news for Huntsville.”

Redstone Arsenal actively manages more than $50 billion in budgets each year. More than 40,000 employees and 70 tenants now work on Redstone’s 36,000 acre campus. For Redstone, the AUSA meeting offers face time with those leaders who decide the operation and programs of every military installation.

“Huntsville is on top of its game,” said Mike Ward, Senior VP for Government and Public Affairs, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. “The federal sector is still a strong driver of the local economy.”

What areas is Huntsville working in?

• Army Aviation. Redstone manages the research and development as well as sustainment for the Army’s portfolio of aviation platforms, including fixed-wing, rotary wing, and unmanned aerial systems (drones).
• Army Missiles and Missile Defense. Redstone also is home to the world’s leading missile researches and develops missile and missile systems including those used in theater as well as those that protect us from rouge nations such as North Korea and Iran.
• Army Space. Did you know that the Army has just about more satellites than anyone else in space? The Army relies on the exploitation of space to give our warfighters an unqualified advantage over those who wish to do us harm
• The business of the Army. Redstone Arsenal is responsible for all materiel management such as procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and foreign military sales.  Redstone also plays an important role in the Army’s cyber and IT programs.

AUSA will host its winter gathering, the Global Force Symposium & Exposition, in Huntsville next year.