Lockheed Martin may be a global player in aerospace, defense and security, but it’s more than the Defense Industry Dialogue that makes Amcham its Nordic landing pad.

International Business Development Director, Northern Europe, Luc Van de Winckel, says it’s also about the non-core business opportunities that the network presents.

“Amcham helps us to connect with emerging markets where our technology may be a fit, like health care, health IT, and to identify Finnish companies with unique technologies and capabilities.”

“There’s going to be a massive surge in technology needs among the medical world, in data protection and cyber security. We feel that we can offer some of the solutions.”

Lockheed Martin’s active involvement in the community has seen it take out this year’s Member of the Year award. The accolade recognizes companies that provide their expertise, network, resources, and insights.

Based in Brussels, Luc says Amcham always brings him up to speed with what’s happening on the ground in Finland.

He regularly attends the Defense Industry Dialogue dinners with key government, military and other key stakeholders.

“Even the competition are there. It’s a fun group to have these conversations, and I’m excited about the program’s development.”

In addition to DID, Lockheed Martin, through Luc, has been helping Finnish growth companies to improve their pitching.

“We put them on the spot and help them to nail down their speech. Smaller companies often have a great product or a fantastic engineer on hand, but they are not as tuned for the sales pitch.”

“For us as a large company, finding those niches and specialized companies who may not know how to best present themselves, and to help them develop, is a great match!”

Lockheed Martin has taken a keen interest in Finland’s startup scene, which Luc says far exceeds the other Nordics.

“If I am looking for cutting edge technology in a startup phase, Finland is my primary choice. Partly thanks to the great government support and Amcham’s network.”

As an Amcham founding member, Lockheed Martin has been involved since the start – 10 years ago.

“From day one, Amcham has helped introduce me to the right people and hold all the right conversations. I have seen the community grow with great pleasure because of the energy, the quality of what’s delivered and the efficiency in helping companies.”

His advice to other member companies? Leverage what’s there.

“A lot of companies are too passive in waiting for an invite to come, instead of sitting down. It’s your membership, you are paying for it, and it’s worthwhile, so use it. You will get more out of it!”

Stellar advice! It’s time to get involved just like the Amcham Member of the Year runners-up Intertek, itim International and 3 M.