PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Picatinny Arsenal hosted the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Class of 2020 for an Economic Development Day on Feb. 13.The visit was part of Leadership Morris' 10-month program in which participants take a day-long fieldtrip each month to various business, government or education facilities in Morris County. The theme for the visit focused on economic development.Approximately 30 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 non-profit executives about the opportunities, challenges, institutions and the people of Morris County."As a (military) service member that moves every two years, I have been thoroughly impressed by Morris County as a community and grateful for the support that Picatinny Arsenal receives," said the Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Samuel Morgan III. "This program is invaluable for the opportunities to partner and develop relationships with other community leaders, and having a better appreciation for the community you and I live in."The program is designed for established leaders and for persons identified as future leaders, and whose business acumen and community consciousness will help to make a difference in Morris County.In his presentation, Morgan provided a broad overview of Picatinny Arsenal. "We employ roughly 6,000 civilian personnel and military and provide services for a community of roughly 18,000 dependents, members of the Guard and Reserve, retirees, and off-post military within 40 miles."The day began with presentations on the Picatinny Garrison, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armament Center (CCDC AC), and the U.S. Navy operations here, including their impacts and influences in the county.Program participants also received current information on Morris County development and demographics. 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."As a member of the county's community you see just a few areas when we give back to the local community," Morgan told the guests. "This slide depicts Picatinny as the top government blood donor group for NJ Blood Services, mutual aid responses with our full-time fire department, or our amazing engineers and scientists that partner with local schools to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs."Armaments Center Director John F. Hedderich described his organization's mission and vision. He also provided details on the number of CCDC AC employees who live and work in Morris County. Hedderich further detailed the organization's collaboration with academia, its focus on STEM programs, as well as other partnerships that support continued protection of the nation and the environment.After a working lunch, the class took a tour of the Naval Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation Facility, the Experimental Verification and Validation Assessment Laboratory, and the Neumann Artillery Integration Facility.Since Picatinny became involved in the program in 1998, 33 Arsenal employees have graduated from the course.On average, one or two Picatinny employees complete the curriculum each year. This year, Diana Riddle, Director, Conventional Ammunition, Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, is the sole representative from the installation.Donna Campbell, a Picatinny Arsenal employee and Leadership Morris Alumni, along with, Logan Bagarozy, CCDC AC Executive Fellow, coordinated the installation support needed to make this event a success.Related Links:Picatinny Arsenal on FacebookPicatinny ArsenalPicatinny Arsenal Garrison hosts Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Class of 2014Picatinny Arsenal hosts Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Class of 2018Morris chamber says goodbye to Picatinnyan, awards Army supporter