ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS – As a top aerospace cluster in the United States, the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) will pursue new growth opportunities at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting & Convention. This is the fourth consecutive year RAAN has attended and exhibited at the event. The event will be held in Las Vegas, NV from October 22 to 24. RAAN, along with several local companies and organizations, will exhibit at booth C7924.
NBAA is the premiere U.S. tradeshow focused on business aerospace and aviation with more than 26,000 attendees. This event provides RAAN access to decision-makers in the industry while building relationships and selling Rockford as an aerospace hub.
“The Rockford Region is one of the largest epicenters of aerospace activity in the country, with more than 200 suppliers operating in the area,” said Eric Voyles, Vice President for National Business Development at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC). “The region is very good at aerospace, and we have critical mass of suppliers and infrastructure that tier-one suppliers and original equipment manufacturers need.”
RAAN aims to promote the region’s capabilities at the show and highlight the following:
* Instant Supply Chain – The region’s unique strength is the presence of diverse companies at all levels of the supply chain including assembly, inspection, testing, repair and software.
* Unparalleled Global Access – As part of the world’s third largest multi-modal port system, the Rockford Region offers international airports, major interstate connections, ocean and river ports, and rail services that provide effortless and cost-effective worldwide movement of employees, customers and products.
* Access to Technical Talent – The Rockford MSA has more than 4,000 engineers, which is 1.3 times more than the U.S. average.
* Business-Friendly Community – Aerospace companies in the region network and collaboratively seek opportunities to improve the local business climate, share leads and increase aerospace business opportunities.
Greg Crowley, Ingenium Technologies, is helping coordinate the RAAN booth at the NBAA show. He said this show not only provides an outlet to promote Rockford, but is also the perfect environment for new business development.
“Although the focus of NBAA is on business aircraft, most of the exhibitors and attendees are also involved in producing hardware for large commercial and military aircraft,” said Crowley. “It is a great way to meet many customer contacts at one of the largest events in the U.S.”
About the Rockford Area Economic Development Council
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council is to collaboratively enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region by helping employers retain and create quality jobs while promoting the region. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to learn what existing and new employers need to grow and to serve as a one-stop resource for clients. The RAEDC seeks to improve the competitiveness of the region by taking what it learns from the region’s employers and engaging the community in the daily work of economic development to improve the competitiveness of the region. The organization was recognized by Expansion Solutions magazine with a 2012 “Top Five” award for its exceptional progress and potential for development in the Aerospace/Defense category.
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 advanced on an on-going basis. RAAN is supported by the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge and the Economic Development Administration 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.
