The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) is a community-led Chamber-affiliated 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation, that is dedicated to the support and promotion of the Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities region's defense industry. RIADA serves as a single community point of contact to the Rock Island Arsenal and speaks as one voice related to RIA matters.
The Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), located on a 900-acre island in the Mississippi River, is at the heart of the Quad Cities community. It's a joint base comprised of over 70 Department of Defense organizations, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, National Guard and Reserves. The Commands headquartered on the RIA have a global presence supporting the United States armed forces with ammunition, joint logistics support, contracting services, mobilization and training support with advanced manufacturing capabilities.
RIADA is governed by a board of directors, which approves an annual strategy and budget for implementation around the following themes:
- Fostering relationships and integration of military and community leaders
- Maintaining awareness of strategic events and actions
- Engaging senior local, regional and national leaders in activities that communicate and strengthen the impact of the Arsenal
- Building awareness and market capabilities of the Quad Cities defense industry
- Enhancing and attracting the presence of defense contractors in the Quad Cities