Lockheed Martin officially opened a two-day conference today in an effort to train their supplier base, which includes many small businesses.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and the Southeast Material Acquisition Center (SEMAC) are hosting the conference at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL.

"At Lockheed Martin we never forget who we are working for," said Joe Myers, vice president of material acquisition and management for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We understand that our products are utilized in the defense of our country every day by warfighters who depend upon them to work the first time, every time."

This year's conference, "Performance Expectations -- Are you on the path for Success or Failure?", focuses on communicating performance expectations to current materials suppliers. Session topics will span from material acquisition and risk management to supplier quality, performance and mission success.

"It is of the utmost importance to continue to communicate the Mission Success Vision, Mission Success Principles, and goals of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control to the entire industry team," said Kevin Jones, vice president of quality and mission success for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

The Southeast Material Acquisition Center (SEMAC) is a regional buying center that assists Missiles and Fire Control in developing and maintaining a diverse supplier base through the procurement of quality materials and services in support of its weapons systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our web site:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin