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Organizations to explore national aerospace coalition

Staff Report //September 6, 2018//

Organizations to explore national aerospace coalition

Staff Report //September 6, 2018//

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The Aerospace Futures Alliance and the S.C. Council on Competitiveness/S.C. Aerospace are teaming up to explore creating a national aerospace coalition.

The two organizations have signed a letter of intent to advance the industry, an objective that will include exploring the national coalition creation. The coalition’s objective is to strengthen commercial aviation, space and unmanned aerial systems in the U.S., according to a joint news release.

“We have identified the need for a unified national and regional voice representing aerospace and related businesses of all types and sizes, as well as aerospace associations and economic development entities,” said Kelly Maloney, president and CEO of the Aerospace Futures Alliance. “In Washington state, AFA represents the largest aerospace cluster in the US. We are excited about extending our collaborative network with the (S.C.) council and others to address critical issues and increase the profile of the industry across the country complementary to other efforts already under way.”

The national coalition would be made up of regional alliances, the release said. The coalition’s goals include relationship-building to better address federal and regional issues affecting the aerospace industry, attracting new businesses and addressing workforce challenges.

“The coalition will amplify and accelerate aerospace as a significant pillar of economic growth, leading to higher firm and wage growth,” said Susie Shannon, president and CEO of the S.C. Council on Competitiveness. “Aerospace is a rock star cluster in our respective regions, and strategic coalitions will hone our competitive edge on the global stage.”