April 26, 2005
McKenna Long & Aldridge hosted a Countdown to BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) seminar in New Orleans on Friday, April 15.
Led by BRAC practice co-chairs Bob Tritt and Steve Sorett, a noteworthy group of panelists discussed topics of interest to attendees, including the BRAC process, what communities should do to prepare for potential base closures, and next steps once the 2005 round of closures is released in May. The group also addressed the BRAC opportunities for private sector companies and organizations, including environmental clean-up, land use planning, real estate development, utilities and infrastructure outsourcing, financing of facilities and assets, and overall economic development.
Senator Zell Miller addressed the attendees at the luncheon, during which he analyzed prior BRAC successes and failures and provided practical guidance to base communities as they approach the BRAC announcement date. Maggie Joslin, Powell Moore and Sandy Hoe represented McKenna Long as panelists during the afternoon panel "The Private Sector Perspective."
An impressive group gathered for the event, including base community representatives from five states and representatives from a wide range of companies including CH2M Hill., GMAC Commercial Capital Markets Corporation, Lennar Homebuilding, and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Print and broadcast media included the Associated Press, The Dothan Eagle, The New Orleans Times-Picayune, Louisiana State Radio Network, New Orleans Channel 6 (WDSU), and the local affiliate of Fox News.
As the BRAC practice group is now gearing up for May 16, when the Department of Defense's recommendations to the BRAC Commission are announced.