Message: Aerospace Means Business Through Commercial And Exploration Programs

Representatives from Florida’s aerospace industry will visit Tallahassee on March 12, 2014, to participate in Florida Space Day and share with legislators the opportunities the industry brings to Florida and the nation’s space program. “Aerospace means business and that translates into high tech, high paying jobs for Florida,” said Patty Stratton, chair of Florida Space Day 2014. “The decisions made in both Tallahassee and Washington D.C. in regard to the space program will greatly affect the state.” Florida has the third largest space industry in the nation.

“It’s imperative that Florida’s legislators, local officials and the business community continue to work together to position the state to capture new opportunities as this industry transitions,” said Stratton.

Organizers say this event is critical, as the state’s space industry continues to expand and change to face the dynamic international marketplace. During Space Day, industry leaders and other aerospace supporters will meet with House and Senate members, as well as the Governor, to discuss the state’s $8 billion space industry, and determine the best strategies for leveraging these markets for Florida’s benefit in the years ahead.

With Florida’s tested capabilities, it is poised to continue capitalizing on emerging aerospace opportunities as well as open new frontiers in exploration and discovery.  Home to two of just eight commercially-licensed spaceports in the country, Florida is one of only three states conducting commercial orbital launches. “We want Florida to continue its aggressive stance to create a robust atmosphere for space exploration and business,” said Stratton.

Florida Space Day participants include Abacus Technology Corp, AECOM Government Technical Service, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ASRC Aerospace Corporation, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, Astrotech Space Operations, ATK, Bionetics, The Boeing Company, Craig Technologies, Computer Science Raytheon, D3 Air & Space Operations, Delaware North Companies, Dynamac Corporation, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Exelis, Harris Corporation, InDyne Inc, Jacobs Technology, L2 Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Millennium Engineering & Integration, QinetiQ North America, SAIC, Space Coast Launch Services, Space Florida, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and URS.

FMI: www.floridaspaceday.com