2023 Annual Chairman's Luncheon

The 2023 Chairman’s Annual luncheon was held at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 with welcome remarks from Executive Director, Tammy Everettt, posting of colors by the Cary High School NJROTC, National Anthem by John Bellamy, keynote speaker LtGen Walt Gaskin, U.S. Marine Corps (ret) Secretary NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs and guest speaker brief by Terry George-Waterfield, RTI International.

Below is an excerpt from the opening remarks provided by LtGen Mark Brilakis, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), DANC Executive Board Chair:

“Since we last met here about a year ago, the pandemic’s grip has eased, the nation dealt with high inflation and unstable markets, and Ukraine has shown us that democratic ideals are well worth fighting for. All three have created headwinds for business in the nation and in the state, but i think we would all agree that despite these challenges, the opportunities for growth and innovation in North Carolina remain strong.

We also saw our state make a significant decision to exempt military retirement pay from the state income tax; a move that has the potential to either keep them here or encourage the relocation of thousands of military retirees to North Carolina so we can benefit from their talent and commitment for the benefit of our citizens, our businesses and schools, and our economy.

My message today is that we are not done. Whether it be the continued growth of business opportunities for our members, improving the employment environment for our veterans, assisting our military families, reaching out to veterans in need, and so many other possibilities; the DANC and it members have a unique opportunity to make a difference here in North Carolina.

I would be remiss to not take the opportunity to thank the many key people who make the DANC work and who bring value to our members. Our Executive Director, Tammy Everett keeps the wheels turning and the lights on and her passion for our mission is unmatched.”

The event could not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors! We applaud you for your support of the Defense Alliance of North Carolina in our efforts to become a stronger and louder voice for the defense industry!