AIA Undertakes A Congressional Informational Campaign

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have both passed resolutions recognizing September 16 as National Aerospace Day.

"The recognition from the Congress that the aerospace and defense industry is a key contributor to our nation's economy and national security sends a powerful message to thousands of our workers across the nation," said Marion Blakey, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA).

"At a time when the nation is working its way out of an economic slump, recognizing an industry that exported $95 billion last year is an important morale booster," Blakey said.

According to AIA, the aerospace and defense industry employs 844,000 workers directly, supporting 2.2 million middle-class jobs in related fields. There are also 30,000 suppliers to the industry across all 50 states. AIA estimates that conservatively, U.S. aerospace sales alone account for 3 to 5 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

The Senate resolution (S. 242) passed Tuesday. It was introduced by Senators George Voinovich (R-OH) and Bill Nelson (D-FL). The House resolution (H.Con.Res.167), which was introduced by Rep. Vern Ehlers, (R-MI), passed Sept. 9. In a Presidential Message, President Barack Obama sent greetings to all observers of National Aerospace Day.

To commemorate National Aerospace Day, AIA planned a number of events on Capitol Hill, including a "March to the Hill" by AIA supplier company executives from the Supplier Management Council. Advertisements with the theme, "Aerospace and Defense: The Strength to Lift America" ran in a number of inside-the-beltway publications.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org/national_aerospace_day