What's up

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

AFA 2009 Accomplishments

AFA Enjoys Great Success Despite Record $9 Billion State Deficit

When the Washington State Legislature adjourned on April 26, 2009 the AFA reported success on a number of top priorities.

• Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment insurance is a fundamental cost driver in Washington. Washington's UI program is currently the second-highest most expensive program in the nation. Working with the business sector, the AFA urged the passage of legislation that would lower employers UI tax burden. The Legislature passed and the Governor signed critical legislation bringing Washington UI system into federal conformity, making our UI system more competitive with other states.
• Aerospace Tax Incentives: The AFA was able to ensure the aerospace tax incentives were maintained despite the huge state deficit.
• Worker Privacy: The AFA and other employers opposed union backed legislation that would have prohibited mandated attendance at meetings to discuss labor, religion or politics. The legislation was killed for the third year in a row.
• Transportation: Transportation is a top priority for AFA members moving product into and through Washington State. Legislators passed a transportation funding package that will make improvements to 520 and many other critical arterials for AFA businesses.
• Kenmore Bill: On behalf of AFA member Kenmore Air, legislation was passed and signed into law by the Governor that exempts sales and use tax on the sale of airplanes used in providing intrastate commuter operations.

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.

Washington Aerospace Training Center

Workforce training is a top priority for AFA members and industry leaders. During 2009, the AFA conducted a survey of its' membership on training needs and priorities. In September, the AFA joined a delegation to visit Wichita, Kansas to study the states' training facilities.

The result of our hard work is the newly created, Washington Aerospace Training Center, established in a facility donated by Snohomish County. Creation of the Washington Aerospace Training Center will serve as a hub in support of Washington State's aerospace industry. An operating agreement was made between the AFA and Edmonds Community College to manage the Training Center. We have made significant progress toward funded the Center.

In October, a $600,000 grant from the State was awarded to support the Aerospace Training and Research Center to fund equipment and curriculum at the Paine Field center and its counterpart in Spokane. In November, the Washington State Department of Commerce Awarded $250,000 to the Aerospace Training Center for capital improvements to the facility. And, in November $600,000 was included in the United States House of Representatives consolidated appropriations bill for Washington Aerospace Training Center.

AFA Supports Two Key Aerospace Symposiums

The AFA works with many aerospace organizations to create important symposiums for our membership. Two highly successful events held in 2009:

• Saving Washington Aerospace Summit
  August 3, 2009 Lynwood, WA
  Speakers included: Cong. Dicks, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon
• Boeing Supplier Diversity Aerospace Symposium
  August 2009