Participants Include The FAA And U.S. Department of Commerce

The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) will host, "Practical Tips for Suppliers of Civil Aircraft and Aircraft Parts to Increase Exports," a seminar on Thurs., March 20. This seminar is designed to update suppliers of civil aircraft and aircraft parts on FAA rules and regulations to help ensure that their exports reach customers overseas. Requirements of other non-U.S. aeronautical authorities will also be discussed.

"This forum provides attendees with the opportunity to hear from industry experts and learn more about exporting opportunities for Ohio manufacturers and suppliers," said Angelia Erbaugh, president, DRMA.

"Ohio's aerospace suppliers represent the 2nd largest manufacturing sector in Ohio and are key suppliers to a growing global market for aerospace equipment and services," added Dr. Michael Heil, president and CEO, OAI. "Today, Ohio-based companies supply more than $15 billion in products and services each year for The Boeing Corporation and Airbus Group, but future civil market growth will increasingly be located outside of the U.S., and companies will need to learn how to access those markets."

Special guests for the program include State Representative Rick Perales, Ohio House District 73; the Honorable Mayor Nan Whalen, City of Dayton; James Showman, manager, international policy branch, FAA; Fred Elliott, aerospace trade specialist, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Deborah Dirr, international trade specialist, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

This seminar is a result of a unique partnership agreement between OAI, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the State of Ohio and The Cleveland Foundation. The goal of this partnership, called the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), is to expand exports of small- to medium-sized aerospace suppliers.

"The MDCP brings an un-paralleled source of experience from U.S., state and local resources targeted to assist companies with specialized aerospace expertise to grow their businesses," said Don Majcher, vice president, technology and innovation partnerships, OAI, and lead for the MDCP program. "It's a formula that works well, and we are delighted to team with DRMA in Dayton."

FMI: www.daytonrma.org, www.oai.org