Last week, Iowa NASA EPSCoR, in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Eastern Iowa Airport, held its Iowa Aviation Industry Partners Meeting in Iowa City. Greater IC staff, along with aerospace companies, university researchers, community college instructors, and more, gathered to explore collaborations and resources needed to build an aerospace industry cluster in Iowa. Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer opened the meeting and shared her excitement about leveraging Iowa’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and legacy in aviation with companies such as Rockwell Collins to create more jobs and investment in the state.
Attendees exchanged ideas during small group discussions and were invited to join working groups led by the Eastern Iowa Airport around Workforce & Talent Pipelines, Innovation & Research Partnerships, and Policy, Investment & Industry Growth. Participants were then invited to tour the Iowa Spaceflight Laboratory and the University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Laboratory to learn more about research at the university and potential industry collaboration.
The Eastern Iowa Airport also shared two major announcements. First, they are hiring an Aerospace Development Strategist to advance cluster development by identifying, attracting, retaining, and supporting aerospace and related technology businesses. Second, the airport will publicly unveil their marketing campaign for the aerospace cluster at an event next month.
At Greater IC, we are eager to support the Eastern Iowa Airport’s cluster work and are planning an Intercity Visit to Huntsville, Alabama, the Rocket City, to learn how they have built their aerospace industry cluster and what best practices we can implement here. Attendees will meet with aerospace industry leaders, tour the second largest research park in the U.S., and discuss successful workforce development partnerships. We will also learn about other community initiatives, including a mall redevelopment plan that is now the vibrant MidCity District, public-private affordable housing projects, and programs and events that activate downtown Huntsville. There will be great discussions, shared ideas, and lots of fun to be had.
The Huntsville Intercity Visit is scheduled for September 16 –18. If you are interested in participating or would simply like further information, please complete this brief form.
