Governor Perdue announced a new state aerospace initiative during the N.C. Aerospace Executives Forum on May 21 in New Bern.  Perdue asked N.C. Dept. of Commerce Sec. Keith Crisco to develop three working groups of aerospace professionals to focus on workforce preparedness, the supplier network and recruitment of new industry.  Establishing this initiative will help further efforts to market Ferncliff Industrial Park as one of the state’s premiere locations for aerospace business in addition to building critical infrastructure to support the sector.

U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan and Crisco delivered welcoming remarks during the forum.  Kimberly Gavaletz, vice president of joint strike fighter autonomic logistics global sustainment at Lockheed Martin, delivered the keynote address.  Facilitated breakout sessions focused on finding the right workforce, finding military-related business opportunities and finding research collaboration partners.

Following the forum, participants were invited to take a tour of the Fleet Readiness Center East at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point.  An opening reception celebrating North Carolina's aerospace industry and sponsored by the Friends of North Carolina organization took place the evening before at the Hilton New Bern.

Perdue announces statewide aerospace initiative (The Sun-Journal - New Bern, May 21)

Hagan, Perdue speak at aerospace business event (News 14 Carolina, May 21)