Homeland security could generate business
By Mitch Kokai
Copyright © 2003 TWEAN Newschannel of Raleigh, L.L.C. dba News 14 Carolina (rdu.news14.com)

Research Triangle Park Area, NC, August 7, 2003 — Homeland security could mean big bucks for some North Carolina companies. That's the hope of the group that promotes the state's information technology industry.

Technology leaders and federal officials shared ideas Wednesday in Research Triangle Park.

North Carolina technology companies want a stronger partnership with the federal government. They see homeland security as the key.

"North Carolina has more military assets to protect the country but it's not getting a proportionate share of the homeland defense dollars that are flowing,” Rob Welton of Knowledge Vector said.

Some Tar Heel congressmen want to change that picture.

“As we looked across North Carolina, we saw as much talent and as much opportunity here,” Rep. Richard Burr (R) said. “We just needed to find a way for people to focus on this state."

About 2,300 North Carolina companies deal with information technology. Boosters said many of the companies stand to gain from the increased emphasis on homeland security.

Homeland security could generate business

A statewide trade group said North Carolina companies could do more to help tighten U.S. homeland security.

"North Carolina has some world-class electronic and technology companies that can help us defend against terrorism,” N.C. Crime Control Secretary Bryan Beatty said.

Homeland security spending could help some companies grow. The Greenville business Ideations hopes the government can use communications technology originally developed for disabled kids.

"Now, we're applying those to fields that can be very profitable for us as well, so the impact could be very big for us,” Matt Carbone said.

Knowledge Vector, a company in RTP, also looks for new business.

"We built our business plan basically just around two markets, homeland defense and homeland security, and we see exponential growth for us,” Welton said.

A new statewide homeland security task force will push for more federal dollars. That group will link federal agencies to North Carolina companies that can help them.

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