What's up

We intend to push aerospace into the spotlight. Here are some things we're doing right now:

Snohomish County Leadership Meeting

The Snohomish County Aerospace Leadership Breakfast will take place on July 23rd, from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. We will discuss some of the important questions facing our industry today:

What are the top legislative priorities for your business?
How is your business affected by high fuel costs?
What can AFA do to help your business control health care costs?

Come prepared with your ideas and solutions!

Please Join us for this unique opportunity to network and promote the future of the aerospace industry

RSVP by July 13th to LindaL@afa-wa.com

Sponsored by Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) and the Snohomish County Economic Development Council

Spokane Leadership Meeting

The Spokane Aerospace Leadership Meeting took place on May 15th.

Sponsored by Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) and Greater Spokane Incorporated.

AFA is pleased to announce that all major priorities for the 2008 Legislative Session have been successfully addressed!

Aerospace Tax Incentives Expanded
In 2003 and 2005, legislation was enacted that created tax incentives for aerospace businesses in Washington. Unfortunately, there were several key segments of the industry left out of the legislation. In 2008, AFA led the fight to pass legislation that will expand tax incentives through the entire aerospace value chain. AFA is thrilled to report that this legislation was adopted into law. Businesses now eligible for the aerospace tax incentives include tooling manufacturers, repair stations, and non-manufacturers engaged in certain design and engineering activities.

Worker Privacy Act Defeated
The Worker Privacy Act, which would have denied businesses the right to voice a position on union organizing, was not advanced during the 2008 session. This bill would have mandated labor neutrality, which would have served as another barrier to global competitiveness for Washington's aerospace businesses and employees. AFA was instrumental in ensuring this mandate was not enacted.

Worker's Compensation Bill Passed
Passage of HB 3931 was a victory for aerospace employees and employers. This bill allows workers to be paid during the appeals process for Worker's Compensation claims. If claims are denied after appeal, employers will be reimbursed for this compensation through an employee-paid fund.

Funding Secured for Aviation High School
Aviation High School (AHS), an aerospace-themed public high school in the Highline School District, is one of the great success stories for Washington aerospace. Opening in 2004 with a freshman class of over 100 students, AHS has been going strong for 4 years, and will graduate its first senior class in June. Nearly $1 million was included in this year's capital budget for the design and construction of a new facility to house AHS.

AFA Health Care Survey

Help us to get a better idea of your health care needs by filling out the AFA Health Care Survey. It is meant to provide us with a deeper, more thorough understanding of the challenges you face in the healthcare marketplace. We will use this information to craft some alternatives on how to proceed. We want to hear from you!

Click here to take the AFA Health Care Survey