EVERETT — The governor’s fourth annual aerospace summit is slated for this week, but don’t expect to see Gov. Chris Gregoire there.
“I recognize the importance of a healthy, growing aerospace industry in Washington State. It means a strong economy and good jobs for Washingtonians,” said Gregoire, in a press statement earlier this week.
On Tuesday, however, the governor canceled her plans to speak Thursday at the summit, which is being hosted by the Aerospace Futures Alliance in Lynnwood.
Instead, Gregoire will spend time with President Barack Obama during his visit to Seattle to campaign for Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. Former President Bill Clinton came to Everett on Monday to support Murray’s bid against Republican challenger Dino Rossi.
The conference actually kicks off Wednesday afternoon with an industry expo, where Washington aerospace companies can promote their businesses and network. There also will be workshops Wednesday on topics like workforce training, health care reform and aerospace taxes and tax incentives.
On Thursday, two Boeing officials — Scott Fancher, general manager of the 787 program, and Laura Petersen, Boeing’s vice president of state and local government relations — will speak at the aerospace summit.
“By working together we can ensure we keep Washington a competitive place for aerospace job growth,” Petersen said in a statement. “We need your participation to make sure our entire industry’s voice is heard.”
Also on Thursday, local analyst Scott Hamilton, with Leeham Co., will provide an update on the state of aerospace. And Washington legislators will sit in for a question and answer session.
Washington has more than 650 aerospace companies that employ 100,000 workers. Boeing employed 72,511 workers in Washington at the end of Septebmer.
For more information on the Governor’s aerospace summit, visit the Aerospace Futures Alliance Web site.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
