Homeland Security is Big Business

Yes, the title says it all - homeland security is becoming a major industry and a big business. How big? About $45 billion large. States are vying for grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and taking steps to secure their share. New York, Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan are all trying to court the Government in siphoning funds into their pockets.

In Lansing, Michigan businesses and government leaders want to make Michigan as well-known for homeland security as it is for the auto industry have recently formed a consortium to tap into the fast-growing sector. "I'd say Michigan has an above-average chance to become a leader in homeland security," said Mark Mills, chairman of Washington-based ICx Technologies Inc., a government contractor focused on homeland security.

About 40 homeland security businesses, universities and economic development groups have formed the Michigan Homeland Security Consortium, The Detroit News reported Monday. The companies hope they can raise awareness of the industry, garner more contracts and help attract more jobs to the state, said Keith Brophy, chairman of the group and president of Troy-based NuSoft Solutions Inc. "We are just now putting our arms around this field and recognizing it as a vibrant and growing portion of (the) state's economy," he said.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. recognizes the field as one of the state's potential strengths. From businesses to academia - everyone is getting into this very lucrative market. In fact students now graduating with a Homeland Security Degree are finding the job market wide open as their prospects for employment continue to grow. Its 21st Century Jobs Fund delivered $12.35 million to homeland security projects this year alone.

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