Chamber Of Commerce Initiative Focused On Tax Incentives

Elected, business, and community leaders from across Washington state have announced the formation of a new coalition, Aerospace Works for Washington (AWW), to keep the state a global leader in aerospace.

AWW’s key objective is to ensure aerospace continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s economy, including preserving the aerospace industry tax incentives that maintain Washington’s competitiveness.

In 2015, 346 large and small enterprises used the incentives, contributing to a total industry economic impact of over $94 billion. Since the Legislature extended the incentives in 2013, one in four local aerospace and related industry businesses have used them, creating tens of thousands of jobs.

“The aerospace industry is a vital and enduring component of our state’s economy, employing and supporting over 252,000 Washingtonians,” said Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Maud Daudon. “AWW serves as a voice for the industry and the thousands of jobs it supports.”

“Our focus in Washington must be to maintain and grow the aerospace industry as much as possible. It provides high-skill pathway jobs that support so many families in our state, and the competition for these jobs is fierce. Every state wants them. Working together, we can be poised to look ahead and make sure that this remains the center for aerospace in our country,” Daudon said.

“The aerospace industry is Auburn’s largest job creator,” said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. “The industry supports the robust tax base we need to pay for vital services in our city like social services and infrastructure. As a former aerospace industry employee and now a mayor that values the quality of life these jobs provide our city, I am proud to join AWW as an advocate for all who depend upon this robust industry.”

“Our industry understands how vital the aerospace industry and the jobs it creates are to hundreds of local businesses across the state,” said Washington Retail Association President & CEO, Jan Teague. “When aerospace thrives, retail establishments across Washington continue to succeed and generate even more local jobs.”

(Source: AWW news release)

FMI: www.aerospaceworksforwa.com