Colorado Springs, Huntsville leaders unite around shared national security mission

Leaders from Colorado Springs and Huntsville, two communities that play critical roles in the nation's defense and aerospace sectors, came together Monday afternoon for a joint press conference at Davidson Technologies, adjacent to Redstone Arsenal, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting national security, strengthening the aerospace and defense industries in both regions, and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade joined Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle Jr., Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC President and CEO Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer and regional leaders from both cities for the press conference, marking an important moment between two cities with deep ties to the military, space and defense missions that are critical to U.S. national security.

While Colorado Springs and Huntsville continue to compete for investment, jobs and opportunities, leaders from both communities emphasized that competition and collaboration are not mutually exclusive. The two regions share a significant aerospace and defense industry presence, and a common interest in supporting the nation's defense mission, its warfighters and the capabilities needed to meet evolving national security challenges. More than 70 aerospace and defense companies maintain operations in both Colorado Springs and Huntsville.

The press conference came on the second day of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC's Discovery Trip, which brought 90 business, government and community leaders from Colorado Springs to Huntsville to exchange ideas and strengthen relationships between the two regions.

"Colorado Springs and Huntsville both play critical roles in our nation's defense, and the threats facing our country are bigger than any competition between two cities," said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "This trip is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, learn from one another, and identify ways our communities can work together to support our national security mission, our warfighters, and the growing aerospace and defense industries in both regions.

"Colorado Springs remains one of America's most important national security communities, and we will continue competing for investment, jobs, missions, and opportunities. But competition and collaboration are not mutually exclusive. With more than 70 aerospace and defense companies operating in both Colorado Springs and Huntsville, working together from a position of strength can create new opportunities for our local companies and workforce while strengthening the industries and capabilities our nation depends on.

"We can compete where we should, collaborate where we can, and always put the mission first. That is good economic development; and more importantly, it is good for America."