Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Boeing being named aerospace company of the year

For Immediate Release: September 15, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement commending Boeing on being named aerospace company of the year by the Aerospace Futures Alliance:

�During this difficult economic time, one of the bright spots in our recovery is our aerospace sector. I�m amazed and pleased by this industry�s growth in Washington state. Companies world-wide are learning what so many already know � and that is that Washington�s 650 aerospace companies and 84,000 highly-trained aerospace workers manufacture the most innovative and safest airplanes built anywhere around the globe.

�I couldn�t be more proud of Boeing and its workforce. This past year has brought tremendous success with the contract to build the new U.S. Air Force refueling tanker, the certification and first delivery of the 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8 freighter, and the early orders of the re-engined 737. It�s no wonder the company was named �Aerospace Company of the Year� by the Aerospace Futures Alliance.

�Keep up the good work, Boeing! I am confident more major accomplishments are around the corner.�