In the year 2020, we all became all-too-aware of the term, “pivot.” But, sometimes pivoting can be a good thing. This issue of BIZ. is evidence of that.
During our planning for 2022, we set the May edition of BIZ. to be the “Money Makers” edition. This would be our third year highlighting those who keep the money wheels turning in a variety of industries. A recent event caused us to pause, and eventually pivot for this edition.
The Cyber Innovation Center’s efforts to help our region’s top employer, the U.S. Air Force, have been quietly bearing fruit for a few years now.
Their partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, is headed up by the Collaborative Environment and STRIKEWERX within the CIC.
These groups are an innovation arm of the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist and connect people and resources across government, industry and academia to solve Air Force Global Strike Command’s most difficult problems.
The CIC hosted a presentation from one of their projects used to solve these problems in the form of a senior design project conducted with Louisiana Tech University. The project saw our region’s students showcasing their talent and skills in reimagining a piece of equipment used on the B-52.
STRIKEWERX also publicized their efforts in prototyping a new and improved survival kit for the B-52. In addition, they hosted a virtual conference to hear pitches from various businesses across the country that are aimed at providing next generation training for AFGSC airmen.
When I learned of these recent developments all happening in a close time frame from each other and their importance for giving essential resources to secure our country and advance a crucial employer in our region, I knew it deserved a cover story for our May edition.
However, I still wanted us to give our “Money Makers” their proper acknowledgment. This is when we decided to pivot.
The 2022 “Money Makers” will be featured in our June edition, while we feature Strikeworx in this edition. This way, everyone wins.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the annual nonprofit “Super Bowl” that is Give For Good.
For the past several years, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana has sponsored Give For Good (givenforgoodnla.org). It is a one-stop shop for all things nonprofit in our area. In a world that prioritizes convenience, it’s hard to imagine anything more convenient than Give For Good to help so many who need our philanthropic support.
Give for Good takes place over a 24 hour period on May 3. Put it on your calendar, and plan to give.
David A. Specht Jr. is publisher and editor of BIZ. and President of Specht Newspapers, Inc.