ElectroImpact
What's up
We intend to push aerospace into the spotlight. Here are some things we're doing right now:
$600,000 For Washington Aerospace Training Center
included in Federal Appropriations Bill
The AFA is thrilled to announce the inclusion of $600,000 for the Washington Aerospace Center in the appropriations bill passed by the United States House of Representatives in December. The AFA applauds the leadership of US Rep. Jay Inslee and hard work of Rep. Rick Larsen and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell in securing this funding. The funding will allow the purchase of new equipment and elevate its' training program. "Washington State is leading the world in aerospace and that is due in large part to the skilled and knowledgeable workforce we can deploy," said Rep. Inslee. "Congressman Larsen, Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and I all recognized the tremendous benefits this important funding will have on maintaining our workforce advantage in the years to come." First Steps: These investments in the Washington Aerospace Center are huge first steps as we look to remain competitive in the world's aerospace industry. The Washington Aerospace Center will be an integrated research and training hub for Washington's aerospace industry and its' workers. The AFA anticipates another funding announcement in the near future and is seeking state funding through the Washington Legislature to further support the Center and training needs in Spokane.
Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of January with limited classes available as early as February. The grand opening will be in March, 2010 and we look forward to sharing this exciting event with our members and supporters.
Washington State Department of Commerce Awards $250,000 to Aerospace Training Center in Snohomish County
Snohomish County's Aerospace Innovation Partnership Zone will receive a $250,000 capital improvement grant for the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center, located at Paine Field Airport. The funding comes alongside another $600,000 announced last month by Gov. Chris Gregoire to fund equipment and curriculum at the Paine Field center and its counterpart in Spokane. "This facility will provide training for the more than 650 companies that make up our state's aerospace industry," said Linda Lanham, executive director of the Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA), a key partner in the success of the training and research center. "I'm thankful to the state Department of Commerce for this grant. It's a great start."
The Training Center will serve as a hub in support of Washington state's aerospace industry which contributes $36 billion annually to the state economy and represents nearly 1/6th of Washington's Gross Domestic Product. "Continuing to train the next generation of aerospace workers in Washington will ensure the expansion of our state's aerospace industry, which already provides tens of thousands of jobs," said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.
$1.5 million Awarded to Support Aerospace Training:
On Thursday, October 15th, Governor Gregoire announced $1.5 million in new, one-time federal funding for aerospace training, including $600,000 for the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center. This is a huge step toward meeting the training needs of our industry. If you would like to participate either by becoming a part of the Center's Advisory Board or by sharing concerns or ideas regarding training please contact Linda Lanham, Executive Director, at Lindal@afa-wa.com.
2009 Governor's Summit, Spokane, WA
The AFA and the Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium teamed together to host the 3rd annual Governor's Aerospace Summit held in Spokane, WA October 6th and 7th. Attended by over 200 aerospace stakeholders, government leaders and labor, the event focused on the importance of aerospace to the entire state of Washington. Speakers covered a variety of topics critical to maintaining Washington's strength in the aerospace industry. The AFA is excited about the dialogue between statewide representatives, companies and labor concerning the importance of Washington's aerospace industry. As other states look for job and revenue growth, we must all work together to ensure Washington remains the number one state in which to do aerospace business.