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Homeland Security Companies Discover the Real West Virginia |
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By: Megan Kirkpatrick Fourteen representatives from eight Washington, D.C., companies left West Virginia last week after discovering what the real Mountain State has to offer, especially in the ways of biometric and technology capabilities. Delegates from Booz Allen Hamilton and Northrop Grumman as well as others participated in a 2 ½ day West Virginia Homeland Security Trade Mission sponsored by Discover the Real West Virginia, a non-profit initiative started by Senator Rockefeller. The mission was to encourage companies to locate operations in West Virginia or partner with local businesses. The trip began in the Eastern Panhandle before bringing the participants to North Central West Virginia. West Virginia University hosted an evening reception on July 23rd showcasing their interdepartmental research relating to Homeland Security. Also in Morgantown the group was briefed on the National Biometric Security Project by Senior Vice President Michael Yura. He demonstrated their state-of-the-art technology, ranging from iris scanners to fingerprint identification readers.On July 24th, Azimuth, a high-tech company located in Fairmont and Morgantown, showcased its Homeland Security-related projects. For example, in 2006 Azimuth, the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation, and Congressman Alan Mollohan worked together on a $9.6 million contract to manufacture Bombots, robots that can be rapidly deployed to place explosive charges on or near an improvised explosive device (IED) without exposing the operator to danger. The visitors also stopped over at the Department of Defense’s Biometric Fusion Center, located in Clarksburg, before attending a luncheon meeting held for them by the I-79 Development Council at the I-79 Technology Park Research Center Building in Fairmont. Michael Kirkpatrick addressed the group as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative. He reminded the trade mission participants, as well as other guests, that West Virginia is at the top of the list nationally for biometrics and identity management. He highlighted the fact that WVU is a “key player in biometrics research and education as well as the first university to offer a degree in biometrics.” He presented West Virginia as a low cost state that fosters partnerships and hard work. Ultimately, the group of Beltway business leaders returned to the nation’s capital with a greater understanding of a misunderstood state. Thanks to Discover the Real West Virginia and Senator Rockefeller, West Virginia companies had the opportunity to illustrate their expertise and talents to a national audience. West Virginia Biometrics Initiative
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