LaserMax Participates In Forum for Senior DOD Leaders Hosted by Congresswoman Slaughter

On Monday, May 12, 2014, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-25) hosted a forum for senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Designed to highlight how the region’s research, development, and manufacturing capabilities can help keep Americans safe, the forum introduced the officials to LaserMax CEO Susan Houde-Walter, one of a select few women defense executives invited to participate.

Elana Broitman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy, and Adele Ratcliff, Director of the Defense Manufacturing Technology Program, work to ensure that the nation’s industrial and manufacturing capabilities meet national security requirements at home and abroad. During their visit, Slaughter briefed the officials on the technical competencies of Rochester-area high-tech defense contracting businesses in the area. LaserMax was selected for involvement in the forum based on the company’s dedication to supplying superior weapon-mounted and handheld laser equipment to Defense and Security forces.

“Ms. Broitman and Ms. Ratcliff are very important leaders in the Defense Department and I’m proud to show them how our region’s expertise in research, development, and advanced manufacturing can help keep our country safe,” Rep Slaughter said. “The face of our military is changing with women entering into combat roles and more women earning senior posts…If we want the face of our defense industry to change along with the military it supports, we have to level the playing field for women-owned, women-managed, and women-advised businesses.”