Washington State’s largest aerospace trade association, the Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA), announced today that Comcast Arena would host the 9th Annual Governor’s Aerospace Summit” on September 30th and October 1st. The conference this year, as in the past will focus on Aerospace; however we will also be discussing crossover. opportunities with Maritime and Medical Devices
• We begin this historic event with an exclusive address by Senior Boeing Vice President Tim Keating. Mr. Keating, based in Washington DC, was instrumental in securing the 777X program here in Washington and his leadership on critical issues both locally and nationally, such as the Export-Import Bank, tax policy, transportation funding provide him with keen insight into how and what our state must do to remain a leader in Advanced Manufacturing.
• You will hear a historic roundtable discussion with Janicki Industries CEO, John Janicki, Anne LeGrande from Phillips Healthcare and top CEO’s from Maritime who will identify the issues and challenges facing Advanced Manufacturing as we move into this next major phase of production!!! This portion of the event will be moderated by Everett Port Commissioner and Economic Alliance of Snohomish County Executive Director, Troy McClelland. After a short break, John Bonner, from Everett Community College, will host an interactive workshop with top training experts who will discuss the workforce training opportunities available to manufacturing employers. The day concludes with a networking reception hosted by our Community and Technical Colleges and our Universities.
• Day two continues to impress with an address from world-renowned author and speaker, Carol Ptak, who will discuss “Transforming the World of Manufacturing”. Ms. Ptak’s dynamic presentation style has her in high demand as she provides you with ways to improve your bottom line performance. Alex Pietsch, and his team of top policy advisors to Governor Inslee, including Steve Sewell and Maura Little, will provide an overview of the state’s industry-based sector economic development strategy. Randy Tinseth, Vice-President of Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, will provide an update on Boeing’s strategy for the next 20 years
• The Summit concludes with a keynote speech from Governor Jay Inslee, whose record demonstrates strong support for our three industries. Governor Inslee’s dedication of promoting manufacturing in Washington is well recognized. We will be looking forward to his comments!
“A healthy, growing aerospace industry in Washington State means a strong economy and good jobs for Washington,” said AFA President & Executive Director, Linda Lanham. “We look at aerospace as providing a solid base for our region to springboard off to other industries and that is why we have chosen also spotlight two of the key ones, maritime and medical device, in this year’s discussion. I'm proud of what we have accomplished by working together with industry, labor, elected officials, community leaders, our Community Colleges and Universities and now other industries. I believe this year’s Summit will build on these successes and help
shape the future of aerospace in Washington."
The two day event begins at 12:00 p.m. on September 30th with the Industry Trade Show featuring Exhibits from more than 20 Washington based aerospace companies and State Community Colleges and Universities. Day-two of the Governor’s Summit takes place most of the day on October 1st and focusing on issues most impacting the industry.
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The Aerospace Futures Alliance is in its 9th year as the leading statewide trade association representing the aerospace industry. In Washington, more than 1250 aerospace companies employing more than 120,000 and contribute more than $39 billion to the state’s economy.