State Already Hosts 16 Of The Nations' Top Aerospace Companies

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (D) has proposed a Federal Facilities Advisory Panel through the state Department of Business and Economic Development. The panel's particular focus would be on aerospace opportunities.

"The thing about aerospace is that it touches every piece of our lives," said Katy Herr, vice president of marketing and communications for satellite systems provider Integral Systems in Columbia. "We believe Governor O'Malley's proposal is a win-win for the industry, government customers and national security."

About $1.6 billion flows into Maryland each year from NASA-related business, according to a report in The Gazette, a Maryland Community Newspaper.  Such companies as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Orbital Sciences, Science Applications International Corp., General Dynamics, Hughes Network Systems and Honeywell. Lockheed Martin and Hughes all call Maryland home.

O'Malley said he hopes make Maryland into the national hub for orbital satellite repair, and to use the new advisory board to grow Maryland's professional services in the aerospace field.

"In these challenging economic times, we must do more than ever to nurture this vital sector of Maryland's economy while supporting the critical, often life-saving missions of our federal and military partners," said state Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson in a statement.

"I look forward to working in partnership with the Federal Facilities Task Force to build on the innovation and uniqueness of our federal facilities and help strengthen their economic value to our region."

FMI: www.maryland.gov