Rockford, IL (July 29, 2013) – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) of Illinois are joining forces to promote regional aviation and aerospace assets at the EAA’s AirVenture show in Oshkosh, July 29-Aug. 4. WEDC and RAAN will be co-located at booth #2099 in the AeroInnovate display.
“International aviation and aerospace companies look for strong regional assets when considering products, innovation and technology they need for their research and manufacturing, something our region can jointly promote,” said Reed Hall, CEO and secretary of WEDC. “With a productive business climate and a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, our region stands out as a great place to do business.”
“Our goal is to put the Midwest on the map as a hub for international aviation and aerospace activity,” said Eric Voyles, vice president for national business development at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC). “We know that a strong partnership between Illinois and Wisconsin will advance our efforts to attract new companies to the region and further expand our diverse supply chain.”
The Mid-America region promoted in the booth consists of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. This region offers cutting-edge research and development in nanotechnology, engineering, and composite materials, and has a strong supply chain of manufacturers to meet the need of aviation and aerospace companies.
Global forecasts anticipate the world's overall passenger aircraft inventory will more than double in the next 20 years, with most of that occurring in international markets.
About the Rockford Area Aerospace Network
RAAN (Rockford Area Aerospace Network) is a committee of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and offers a platform for collaboration among local aerospace companies and institutions that serve the industry. RAAN serves as the forum where the Rockford region’s aerospace industry cluster development strategy is refined and advanced on an ongoing basis. RAAN is supported by the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge and the Economic Development Administration division of the Department of Commerce. The Challenge leverages existing resources from 16 federal agencies and award funds to regions that demonstrate the existence of high-growth industries that support a wide range of economic and workforce development activities.
About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
