Iowa’s participation in National Aerospace Week

“National Aerospace Week is an opportunity to emphasize the value of the aerospace industry in Iowa,” says Reynolds. “Iowans have become familiar with aerospace through Iowa-based businesses like Rockwell Collins. This week of industry celebration is a great way to support the business and encourage our youth to consider a career in aerospace.”

The aerospace and defense industry employs more than 800,000 workers across the nation, including hundreds in Iowa, and supports more than two million middle class jobs and 30,000 suppliers in all 50 states. The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) reports that the industry tallied record sales of $214.5 billion in 2010 along with the largest positive trade balance of any manufacturing sector.

As ASA celebrates National Aerospace Week, it recognizes aerospace companies in Iowa for taking great pride in their work and for playing a key role in America’s national defense and economic development.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds serves on the Executive Board of the Aerospace States Association (ASA). The ASA is a bi-partisan organization representing the grass roots of American aerospace and aviation. Formed in 1993, the organization is made up of lieutenant governors, governor-appointed delegates and associate members from the aerospace industry, academia, and non-profit organizations. The organization works to promote a state-based perspective in federal aerospace policy development; to support state aerospace initiatives that enhance economic development opportunities; and to promote student and teacher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.