What People are Saying about AFA

Governor Chris Gregoire

"Our aerospace industry is second to none and one of the reasons that Washington State is known throughout the world. The AFA is essential to raising the profile of this industry and our state."

Scott Carson, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

"In the aerospace business, we must get better every day, every week, every month, every year. It is a "must-do" to remain competitive. Having the Aerospace Futures Alliance here to help our state become more competitive every day forever is a wonderful asset. We feel extremely fortunate to have this great team helping all of us in our industry and in our communities."

Patty Murray, U.S. Senator

"History shows that our work to support our aerospace industry in the nation's capital and abroad must be backed up by a solid foundation at home. Only by standing as one will we have the strength to support this vital industry and the jobs it creates. Our future will depend in part on ensuring that we launch a targeted effort to help educate both policy makers and the public in what's at stake. Together, we can make sure that the aerospace industry keeps soaring."

Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator

"To be competitive in the global economy, America's aerospace industry should advocate policies that enhance business opportunities and support communities where aerospace plays a major role. The Aerospace Futures Alliance looks to be a strong force in building a bright future for the industry."

Norm Dicks, U.S. Congressman

"Washington aerospace is important to the entire nation. In November, it drove U.S. overall manufacturing growth, while growth in other sectors stayed stagnant. Keeping this engine running is worthy of efforts by all of us. The AFA can spur both business innovation and community awareness here at home."

Bob Drewel, Executive Director, Puget Sound Regional Council

"Not long ago, it looked like our Washington aerospace industry might be in jeopardy. But the entire state rallied to protect it. It was a stellar effort but, now that times look better, we can't let down our guard. The continuing prosperity of aerospace is in our hands. AFA will help us ensure that public policies are always in place to protect it."

Alan Mulally, Former President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

"We've made substantial progress the past few years with our aerospace competitiveness in Washington state, and I believe that we we can continue to make new strides in the coming years. Maintaining a healthy, stable aerospace industry will take continuous effort and improvement. By banding together with one voice in the Aerospace Futures Alliance, we will help ensure that prosperous future for all of us."

Rosemary Brester, Co-Chair, Aerospace Cluster, Prosperity Partnership

"I urge your support and participation in the Aerospace Futures Alliance. By working together on behalf of the tens of thousands of aerospace workers in this state and across the country, the AFA will positively impact the aerospace industry in Washington State. If we speak with one voice, people will hear us, listen and act."

Bill Ashworth, President, Goodrich Aviation Technical Services

"By working together through the AFA, we are part of a pro-active eff ort to promote the state of Washington's endeavors to support the aerospace industry. We are pleased to be a part of this alliance and know our industry will benefit from the AFA's work."

Congressman Rick Larsen

"Today, Washington's aerospace industry is strong and growing. It is important to both the state and the nation, as it employs more than 100,000 people and represents one of the bright spots in our trade balance. However, we can't take it for granted. Earlier this decade, it was uncertain where this industry was going. Other countries continue to want these jobs and are competing hard. The aerospace marketplace also continues to be cyclical and aff ected by diverse market forces."

"Aerospace needs constant support from its member companies, related stakeholders and the public so that those of us in the public policy arena can continue to push successfully for an environment in which the industry can grow and prosper. That's why the Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington is so important and why it's vital for aerospace companies large and small to participate. With a unified industry we can accomplish great things and gain the support aerospace compani1es need for the future."

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris

"I am very excited about The Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington (AFA). Since its launch in January, AFA has already won some important victories for aerospace companies across the state. Like you, I want our state's aerospace industry to prosper and continue to create good, family wage jobs in Washington. By becoming a member today, you can help make AFA a powerful and eff ective voice for the interests of Washington's aerospace companies in Olympia and Washington DC."

Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

"The Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington is a great opportunity for aerospace companies across the state – both large and small – to make our voices heard. By joining AFA today, you can ensure that Washington remains the leader in aerospace. Working together, we can make a diff erence and build a bright future for all of us."

Congressman Dave Reichert

"I am proud to represent some of the nation's leading aerospace companies based in Washington's 8th Congressional District. Th e Aerospace Futures Alliance is working to build a strong membership and strong representation so the AFA can really make a diff erence in the nation's capital and the state capitol. Washington's future relies heavily on the success of its aerospace industry. AFA is working hard to make sure the industry's future is bright."

Steve Smolinske, President, Rainier Rubber Company

"For years those of us involved in supporting The Boeing Company and the associated aerospace industry have been unspoken about the importance of our industry. Aerospace Companies ranging in size from sole-proprietorships to Fortune 500s help drive the success of this area's economy. These jobs require a well trained, highly educated, well paid work force that helps greatly to stabilize our state's economy."

"Our industry is faced with competitive pressures from globalization, subsidies from foreign governments, and forces from outside of this region that want our jobs. Daily we compete on unlevel playing fi elds, and still we continue to succeed. Th e AFA's objective to focus on raising the awareness and importance of our industry to the public is an exciting opportunity for all of us as an industry to work together – working to ensure that aerospace remains a major part of our state's economy and its long-term growth."