AFA

Washington State Department of Commerce Awards $250,000 to Aerospace Training Center in Snohomish County

Snohomish County's Aerospace Innovation Partnership Zone will receive a $250,000 capital improvement grant for the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center, located at Paine Field Airport. The funding comes alongside another $600,000 announced last month by Gov. Chris Gregoire to fund equipment and curriculum at the Paine Field center and its counterpart in Spokane. "This facility will provide training for the more than 650 companies that make up our state's aerospace industry," said Linda Lanham, executive director of the Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA), a key partner in the success of the training and research center. "I'm thankful to the state Department of Commerce for this grant. It's a great start." The Training Center will serve as a hub in support of Washington state's aerospace industry which contributes $36 billion annually to the state economy and represents nearly 1/6th of Washington's Gross Domestic Product. "Continuing to train the next generation of aerospace workers in Washington will ensure the expansion of our state's aerospace industry, which already provides tens of thousands of jobs," said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.

38th Annual Economic Forecast Conference Thursday, January 14, 2010 ~ 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Washington State Convention & Trade Center

What will the Pacific Northwest economy look like in 2010? What is the outlook for the commercial and residential real estate markets? What sectors will lead the region during the recovery?

Don't miss your chance to join the dialog, learn what lies ahead for the region, and connect with other regional leaders including Governor Chris Gregoire at the largest forecast event in the Northwest. Gain insight into critical business issues with timely forecasts from nationally recognized experts including representatives from The Conference Board, and the Puget Sound Economic Forecaster as they cut to the bottom line at this must-attend event. For more than 35 years, enterpriseSeattle's annual Economic Forecast Conference has been helping business and community leaders translate economic trends for the region, the nation, and the world into competitive intelligence to successfully plan for the future. Space is limited -- Register your group today!

As an AFA Member you will receive the discounted registration rate!

Regostration

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT (available until 12/31/09) Members*

*Contributing Partner group members receive the Member Rate to attend

$165 - Single $440 - Group of 3 $940 - Group of 6 Non-Members

$195 - Single $530 - Group of 3 $1,120 - Group of 6

REGULAR Members*

$185 - Single $500 - Group of 3 $1,060 - Group of 6 Non-Members

$215 - Single $590 - Group of 3 $1,240 - Group of 6

Contact: www.enterpriseSeattle.org For information on sponsoring the 38th Annual Economic Forecast Conference please contact Margo Shiroyama at (425) 785-4015 or email mshiroyama@comcast.net.

AFA Prepares for 2010 Legislative Session

The AFA Board of Directors will meet this week to prepare for the 2010 Legislative Session. The AFA 2010 legislative agenda is imperative to invest in our fragile aeropsace industry in Washington state. We are in a critical stage of recovery and our goals will be necessary to enhance the growth of the industry. We will be sharing our legislative agenda with all of you and ask for your continued support to move the AFA's legislative agenda forward in 2010.

We wish you a Happy Holiday and look forward to working with you to bring great things to Washington's Aerospace Industry in 2010.

Sincerely,

Linda Lanham

Executive Director