Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-1) and ADDAPT Board Chairperson John Spiezio hosted Bell Flight executives at the Cradle of Aviation Museum to highlight Long Island’s robust defense and aerospace manufacturing capabilities. This special event provided Bell’s Dennis Norton, Director of Strategic Sourcing, and Clay Spencer, Senior Engineering Procurement, with a first-hand look at “What’s Made on Long Island.”
Addressing an audience of 125 industry leaders and ADDAPT members, Congressman LaLota emphasized Long Island’s pivotal role in U.S. defense and aerospace. Speaking directly to Mr. Norton, Mr. Spencer, and the Bell Flight team, he stated, “Welcome to Long Island, the birthplace of American modern warfare. Here, we make America safer, protect our Warfighters, and stand ready to support Bell’s V-280 Valor production. I challenge you to find a more efficient, trusted, and productive supply chain anywhere in the country.”
ADDAPT Chairperson John Spiezio expressed the importance of this visit, noting, “This is an exciting time for the Aerospace and Defense industries on Long Island. Bell’s visit marks a unique opportunity for our members to highlight what’s ‘Made on Long Island’ as Bell ramps up production of the V-280, the next-generation assault helicopter.”
NICK LALOTA
US Congressman
Member of the House Armed Services Committee
DENNIS NORTON
Director of Strategic Sourcing for Bell Helicopter
