EAA Airventure’s Extraordinary Value As A Global Showcase For Regional Supply Chain

By Maxine Scheer

ANN had the opportunity to talk with Wisconsin's Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (pronounced clay-fish) during AirVenture 2013 at a booth where the State of Wisconsin and the State of Illinois showcased the extensive cluster of aviation and aerospace companies located throughout the region.

Kleefish sees an important role for EAAOs AirVenture in advancing job creation throughout the region. "This is an extraordinary showcase, over 500,000 visitors and 10,000 aircraft.  It is our opportunity, once a year, to tell people what we are all about," she said.

The collaboration, which originated with AeroInnovate at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh is encouraging the partnership that is envisioned as including other states, forming Mid-America's Hub of Aviation and Aerospace Excellence. "Wisconsin and Illinois are known as competitors," said Kleefish, referring to the Packers and Bears rivalry, "but if we want to be competitive and take outreach internationally, the two States are perceived much better working as a region."

The Lt. Governor noted Wisconsin's strength in manufacturing estimated to be the highest in the nation on a per capita basis.  "We knew Rockford had created a great aerospace cluster and combined with Wisconsin's strong aviation and aerospace companies and the global visibility of EAA's AirVenture, we bring a tremendous amount to the table. So together, with the Rockford Economic Development Council (EDC), we took this message here to Oshkosh."

Kleefisch has also shown commitment to aviation and aerospace by participating in an organization called the Aerospace States Association (ASA), headed by U.S. Lieutenant Governors. It's a public private partnership that includes the private sector, government and education.  Kleefisch chair's a Manufacturing Committee at ASA and she is also a member of the ASA STEM education committee. A major focus of the Lt. Governors is student/teacher education outreach. "The challenges associated with education and the future workforce are an important priority," says Kleefisch.

FMI: http://aerostates.org, http://aerostates.org/category/special-committees/small-manufacturers, www.uwosh.edu/today/26177/uwos-aeroinnovate-the-catalyst-in-launch-of-new-wisconsin-aerospace-consortium, www.rockfordil.com