Picatinny Arsenal hosts Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Class of 2018

By Mr. Eric Kowal (Picatinny)February 22, 2018

Picatinny Arsenal hosts Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Class of 2018
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. Sgt. Sean Rainone, Training Chief, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, displays the M249 light machine gun, formerly designated the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, to Leadership Morris class members during Economi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Picatinny Arsenal hosted the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Class of 2018 for an Economic Development Day on Feb. 15.

The visit was part of Leadership Morris' 10-month program in which participants take one, day-long field trip every month to various business, government or education facilities in Morris County. The theme for the visit focused on economic development.

Approximately 50 community members toured the installation as part of Economic Development Day.

Founded in 1991, Leadership Morris is a community education program of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. The program teaches business professionals and not-for-profit executives about the opportunities, challenges, institutions and the people of Morris County.

The program is designed for acknowledged leaders and for those professionals identified for future leadership responsibilities, and whose business acumen and community consciousness will help to make a difference in Morris County.

Since Picatinny became involved in the program in 1998, 30 Arsenal employees have graduated from the course.

On average, Picatinny provides one or two employees each year to complete the curriculum. This year, Fortunato Rubio, Picatinny Arsenal Director, Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, is the sole representative from the installation.

The day began with overview presentations on the Picatinny Garrison, the U.S. Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), and the U.S. Navy operations here, including impacts and influences in the county.

Program participants also received information on Morris County development and demographics, with updates from local mayors. In addition, there was a hands-on, small arms display provided by Marines of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment reserve unit stationed at Picatinny.

ARDEC Director John F. Hedderich gave an overview of ARDEC's mission and vision, and provided details on the number of ARDEC employees who live and work in Morris County. Hedderich also described the organization's collaboration with academia, focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, as well as other partnerships that support continued protection of the nation and environment.

After a working lunch, the class took a tour of the Naval Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation Facility, the Emergency Operations Center, and the Neumann Artillery Integration Facility.

Picatinny Arsenal employees and Leadership Morris Alumni Donna Campbell and Susan Elias coordinated the installation support needed to make this event a success.

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