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8 The PCB Magazine • July 2017 I went to my second IMPACT Washington, D.C. event this year (May 1–3) and, as much as I applauded last year's event, this one far sur- passed it—just ask anyone who was there. In this month's issue, a special section on IMPACT backs that claim. The list of speakers from the departments of Education, Commerce and Defense, along with meetings with numerous congressmen and sen- ators, plus the EPA and even the White House, was impressive. Across the board, the one re- quest from all these departments was, "tell us what you need." Manufacturing and business are indeed golden words in the Nation's Capital this year. You really had to be there to feel the vibes—we are the good guys now! One of the first speakers we listened to was Dr. Robert Irie with the Office of the Undersec- retary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L). His office deals with man- ufacturing and industrial base policy and their mission is to ensure a robust industrial base. His department conducts "agility and fragility" as- sessments, engages in industry outreach and performs acquisition oversight for microelec- tronics (among other things). He mentioned the need for data-driven decision-making and the need for innovation. Not a bad person to have met. But wait, there's more! We begin this month's issue with an anal- ysis of the Defense Budget and what it means for your company. Zentech's John Vaughan, to- gether with Brian Friel of Nation Analytics, give us a great overview and from this you can figure where the boards you make fit in. by Patty Goldman I-CONNECT007 What Happens in Washington Doesn't Stay in Washington—It Reaches All of Us PATTY'S PERSPECTIVE Dr. Robert Irie (left) with Bhawnesh Mathur.