Gossett Attends Governor's Aerospace Summit
Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett, in his capacity as President of the Puget Sound Economic Development District, attended the Governor's 7th Annual Aerospace Summit, "Refueling Washington's Economy". The conference was held in Spokane on September 12th and 13th. The Summit featured aerospace industry speakers, policymakers, key stakeholders and exhibitors.
The Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) of Washington hosted the event. The AFA is committed to paving the way for aerospace to continue to grow by working on regulatory issues, improving infrastructure and ensuring the state has a well trained and well educated pool of workers. The Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC) and Greater Spokane Incorporated also helped to produce the event.
"Aerospace in an integral part of our state's economy, and nowhere is it more important than in Snohomish County," said Gossett. "It provides our families with jobs while producing products and services for a worldwide market place."
The conference opened Wednesday with a workshop led by Janice Greene (Commercial Airplanes Program Director, Supplier Diversity Strategy) titled "How to do business for Boeing". The workshop included practical, hands on advice for aerospace suppliers on how to engage and work with the Boeing Company. Companies interested in working with Boeing should go to http://www.Boeing.com/companyoffices/doingbiz to get started.
"Washington is home to roughly 740 aerospace companies and many of those companies and jobs are in Snohomish County," noted Gossett. "Increasing the ability of those companies to effectively work with our largest aerospace company will lead to more local jobs."
Alex Pietsch, Director of the Governor's Office of Aerospace, led a panel discussion by local elected officials on regional collaboration. Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, a leader in promoting the aerospace industry, was one of the panel members. Mayor Stephanson stressed the importance of education and infrastructure. He hailed the beginning of Washington State University offering engineering degrees in Snohomish County as an important step forward. He also indicated that the first priority for transportation projects had to be to provide connections to job centers.
Former Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel also spoke. Currently the President of the Puget Sound Regional Council, Drewel described the state of Washington aerospace. Drewel indicated that the aerospace industry is strong, but that it was necessary to be vigilant to maintain that strength.
"Bob stressed that we need to work together to keep and improve our competitiveness," said Gossett. "He made the strong case that cooperation had been the key to our success with the 787, the tanker contract, and the 737MAX."
Worker training was an important focus of the conference, with a separate panel discussion of the subject. As Boeing and other aerospace companies expand, they have an increasing need for highly trained workers. The AFA, Snohomish County, and Edmonds Community College played a central role in expanding training opportunities in Snohomish County at Paine Field. Being able to provide skilled workers is a key competitive advantage for Washington State.
Governor Christine Gregoire gave the keynote address. She began her address by looking back at the challenges the state had faced 8 years ago: Boeing headquarters had moved to Chicago, it was possible the 787 would not be build here, the tanker contract was very questionable, labor peace was an issue, and the supplier chain was not what it needed to be.
The state has had major successes in all of these areas. Governor Gregoire especially stressed the importance of building a supplier base which can serve all major aerospace manufacturers as a way to grow jobs. She also stated that it is important for the region to stay focused on aerospace and play an on-going role in the promotion of industry growth. As Governor Gregoire put it "you can never bank on what you've got today...literally nothing can be taken for granted."
At the conclusion of the conference, Gossett was invited to attend the Boeing Company's 3rd Quarter District Directors/Community Leaders meeting. He and other attendees received an insider's look at the status of the Boeing Company and the aerospace industry.
"The aerospace industry is set for rapid growth in the next few decades," said Gossett. "Boeing anticipates a world-wide market of $4.5 trillion between now and 2031. But competition will be stiff and we need to work hard to make local aerospace strong and keep jobs here."
Those looking for more information on the conference or the Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington should contact the AFA's Executive Director Linda Lanham at lindal@afa-wa.com.
