Over 150 People Gathered At State's First Economic Summit. Focus Was On Aviation

Governor Sam Brownback was urged by the leaders of Wichita's aviation manufacturing community to work towards job training and incentives to help get their industry back on track. Brownback held an economic summit with a focus on aviation Monday at the National Center for Aviation Training. About 160 leaders from both the major aviation manufacturers and smaller companies attended, saying that the state need to step up to help keep aviation jobs in Kansas.

Governor Brownback

Business Week reports that Spirit Aerosystems CEO Jeff Turner told the governor rarely a week goes by that he is not approached by another state or country which will offer significant incentives to move. "The want our jobs," Turner told Brownback.

Cessna CEO Jack Pelton suggested that Brownback cut the corporate income tax to zero for aviation companies which spend money in Kansas. But not everyone agreed that shifting the tax burden would be a good, broad-based tax policy. Pelton also suggested "Government getting the heck out of your way," and streamlining state regulations to help businesses grow again, according to a report in the Wichita Eagle.

In a news release following the summit, Brownback said Kansas needs to adopt a more favorable tax policy and end unnecessary or non-essential regulations to grow the aviation industry in the state. He acknowledged that was one of the main messages delivered to state officials at the event.

“Through our joint efforts, we can ensure Kansas remains the premier location for the design and manufacture of general and business aviation aircraft, military trainer aircraft, and large commercial structures, as well as the modification and maintenance of military aircraft,” Gov. Brownback said. “The thoughts and ideas gathered from this summit will be the guiding principles for improving the business climate in our state so aviation-related businesses can grow and prosper.” 

“Aviation is a critical economic engine of the Kansas economy,” said Lt. Gov. Jeff  Colyer, M.D. “Governor Brownback and I are committed to fostering a climate of innovation through state policies that allow Kansas aviation companies to succeed.”

Kansas has a long, storied history in aviation manufacturing, and summit participants discussed ways to enhance the state's leadership position and keep Wichita the “Air Capital of the World.”

“We have major aircraft manufacturers in Wichita like Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna, Learjet and Hawker Beechcraft, but we also have more than 200 other companies throughout Kansas that serve the industry in one form or another,” said Commerce Secretary Pat George. “Our foundation is strong, but we need to work on expanding the state’s reach and attracting more aviation business. We heard a lot of good ideas to do that here today.”

National Center For Aviation Training

Tax and regulatory issues for the industry were a main discussion topic, and industry representatives urged state officials to continue their efforts on the federal level to reduce burdensome regulations, and promote more growth, especially supporting more aircraft exports and a more global approach. The No. 1 export product from Kansas is aircraft.

Other topics of discussion included continued funding to the National Center for Aviation Training, National Institute for Aviation Research and other education institutions centered on the industry. In addition, there was discussion on improving the environment for the Kansas supplier base o that companies can capture additional sourcing opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

FMI: www.governor.ks.gov