Last Wednesday and Thursday, a team of NASA Langley, aviation and aerospace industry people fanned out among the offices in the General Assembly for Aerospace Days, speaking the language that the 100 delegates and 40 senators of the Commonwealth understand best: jobs and revenue.
“We came to Richmond on a mission,” Roe said. “First and foremost, we are here to thank our elected officials for their continued support of NASA and of aerospace.
“NASA’s two Virginia facilities contribute over a billion dollars to Virginia’s economy and support more than 22,000 high-paying jobs.”
Other officials were told of a $20 billion aerospace industry in Virginia. In both cases, the numbers made an impression.
The event also was marked by the announcement of a collaboration between the Virginia Manufacturers Association, the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority and NASA Langleuy on a leadership forum on December 8-9 in Charlottesville.
The theme of the forum will be “Advancing Tomorrow’s Factory: Innovations from Aerospace,” according to Brett Vassey, the VMA president and chief executive officer.
“It will be a great way to identify and advance opportunities of the Commonwealth’s business environment for these globally competitive industries, such as aerospace, which contributes over $20 billion to Virginia’s economy,” Cosgrove said, again speaking the language of the General Assembly and showing that the mission of Aerospace Days, again was accomplished.
The event kicked off Wednesday evening with the annual AeroSpace Day Legislative Reception. The reception is sponsored by the Virginia Aviation Business Association, Virginia Aviation Board, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center and industry partners; was held on Wednesday evening, Feb. 2 at the Library of Virginia. The event was hosted by Senator Charles J. Colgan and Delegate Joe T. May to promote support for Virginia’s aviation and aerospace interests.
There was good participation by the aerospace industry in providing informational displays and knowledgeable staff. DOAV assisted with planning and installed its display as a centerpiece in the lobby of the Library. The final attendance estimate was approximately 250 individuals.
