ERAU CAAL Will Collect And Analyze U.S., International Data

The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) and the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership (CAAL) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Worldwide Campus signed an agreement Thursday to promote the competitiveness of the U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Aerospace Team within ITA's Manufacturing and Services unit will work with CAAL to collect, analyze, report, and distribute information about the U.S. and international aerospace industry. This relationship will enable collaboration on activities including organizing industry outreach events, sharing industry data, and including ITA reports in Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus curriculum.

"It is great to see the government and academia working together to promote American manufacturing during a time in which we are looking to aerospace manufacturers to lead the way on innovation, exports, and job creation," said Dr. Robert Materna, Director of CAAL.

Embry-Riddle is a natural partner for ITA because both organizations share the same vision for the industry.

 "The President has called on us to double U.S. exports and this agreement will help us increase the performance of U.S. aerospace companies," said ITA's Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale. "I am particularly pleased that we can do this during National Aerospace Week, which highlights the very significant contribution of U.S. aerospace to the nation's security and economic growth."

The agreement between ITA and Embry-Riddle supports both the President's National Export Initiative, which aims to double exports within five years and support two million jobs, and ITA's Manufacture America Program, a series of conferences designed to help American manufacturers rethink, retool, and rebuild their operations through exploring new products, markets, processes, and sources of finance.

The agreement also supports this week's observance of National Aerospace Week, which is being organized by the Aerospace Industries Association and celebrates the contribution of aerospace manufacturing to America's national and economic security.

"The ITA/Embry-Riddle partnership will also help provide small-to-medium sized aerospace manufacturers with the resources they need to be more competitive in today's global market," said retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Mansfield, an aerospace executive at CAAL. "It is important to remember that these manufacturers play a key role in the U.S. aerospace industry."

FMI: www.erau.edu, www.trade.gov/mas