Textiles and Tactical Equipment Quarterly Industry Forum

Join the North Carolina Military Business Center for our quarterly industry-related forums that spotlight key federal opportunities and strengthen connections across North Carolina’s federal and defense contracting ecosystem. Each industry-specific quarterly session will connect businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors to discuss:

• Upcoming contracting opportunities and capability gaps
• Market and policy trends shaping the industry
• Success stories and lessons learned from peers
• Strategies for growth in the federal marketplace

These forums are part of our year-round commitment to industry engagement, building momentum towards major annual industry events like FEDTEX, DISC, MBB, FTS and the Summit ensuring that businesses stay connected and competitive in a rapidly evolving federal and defense landscape.

When. February 18, 2026 from 0900-1000

Where. This forum will be held in a virtual setting.

Agenda:

• NCMBC updates and industry insights
• Highlights of upcoming opportunities and capability gaps
• Featured Presentation: Emily Madden, US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center.
  Ms. Emily Madden is an experienced Clothing Designer and technical expert with over 15 years of experience in the apparel industry. She began her career at Nordstrom and later worked in Technical Design at Kohl’s Department Stores, where she led initiatives to strengthen their vendor certification program. These efforts supported product development efficiencies across a global commercial supply chain.
  Currently Ms. Madden serves as a Clothing Designer within the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Solider Center. She is matrixed to Army Program Executive Office Soldier, Program Manager Soldier Survivability, Product Manager Soldier Clothing, and Individual Equipment, supporting the development and modernization of clothing and textile end items, materials and components.
  Ms. Madden leads the Joint Clothing Textile Modernization Initiative (JCTMI) a cross- service effort chartered by the Army with the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard and Defense Logistics Agency. The objective of JCTMI is to modernize how the Department of Defense designs and develops Berry Amendment Compliant clothing and textile-based goods. Her work focuses on strengthening the domestic industrial base by improving transparency, streamlining processes, and removing barriers to enter for manufacturers. Key Priorities include the use of global commercial digital tools, workforce development and training, and process innovation.
  Previously Ms. Madden supported the Marine Corps focusing on design and evaluation of combat, dress, and maternity uniforms to ensure optimal fit, function and performance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Development from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Massachusetts- Lowell.
• Business Spotlight: TBA
• Open Q&A and networking

Save the date for the 2026 Textiles and Tactical Equipment Quarterly Forums: August 19, 2026 and December 2, 2026

Register