Gov. Gregoire wraps up productive first day at Paris Air Show

For Immediate Release: June 13, 2005

Le Bourget Airfield, Paris, France - June 13, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire today met with international business leaders in an effort to bring more aerospace jobs to Washington state. The governor and members of her trade mission delegation met with executives of six aerospace suppliers at the Paris Air Show.

"I want to see Washington's reputation as a premier center for aerospace continue to grow, and we will remain aggressive in our recruitment and expansion efforts," said Gregoire. "The groundwork we are laying this week will prove invaluable in the months and years ahead in bringing additional aerospace jobs to our state."

Gov. Gregoire also met with France's newly appointed Minister of Transportation, Dominique Perben, to encourage the development of direct passenger airline service between Paris and Seattle.

The governor, Senator Lisa Brown of Spokane, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, and Juli Wilkerson, director of the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, met today with leaders of several companies which already have operations in Washington: Eldec, a subsidiary of Crane Aerospace & Electronics, headquartered in Lynnwood; SAFRAN/Messier-Bugatti with an office in Kent; Smiths, a British specialty engineering firm who is a major employer in Yakima County; and Zodiac, an aerospace manufacturing and technology firm with a subsidiary in Arlington. Several of these firms will supply components for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

"It was clear in the meetings that the CEOs were appreciative of the personal visit by high-ranking officials in the state," said Reardon. "They are aware of Washington's reputation and eager to learn more about how the state might meet their needs. I'm very encouraged by our conversations."

The contingent also met with executives to urge them to consider Washington state as a new manufacturing location. The meetings included Cobham UK, Rolls-Royce, and SAGEM Morpho.

"I was particularly pleased with my discussions with Spokane-based aerospace companies," said Sen. Brown. "Seeing their products displayed on the international stage reminded me how far-reaching and vital our region's aerospace industry really is."

Tomorrow, Gov. Gregoire will meet with Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and several more supplier firms before heading on to Frankfurt and Mainz, Germany, the second leg of her trade mission.

The delegation is promoting Washington products, services and investment opportunities, with a focus on the biomedical and biotech arenas, and raising the state's visibility as a premier tourism destination. They will also visit the United Kingdom during the eight-day trip.

For more information on the trade mission please visit the governor's website to view:

The governor's itinerary at:

www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/default.htm

A list of delegates:

www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/delegates.htm

Background on the purpose and objectives of the trip:

www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/purpose.htm

Why Europe?:

www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/whyeurope.htm

Why Now?:

www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/whynow.htm


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