Alliance summit wraps up

GULFPORT, Miss. – The fifth annual Aerospace Alliance summit held Thursday and Friday attracted about 130 economic development, business and academic leaders from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to discuss an industry they all have targeted. Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis with the Teal Group, discussed the growth of the aerospace industry, still the strongest industry on the planet. But he also warned that a correction looms in the future. There were also several panel discussions, including one on commercial applications of unmanned aircraft systems. Glenn McCullough Jr., executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, said the event highlighted that there are great opportunities for the four states. Don Pierson, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, said the region is building an important corridor, noting that among other things the shared “NASA DNA” provides unique advantages. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant in his welcoming address focused on the significance of aerospace for Mississippi, and said the four-state region is where the growth of the industry is going to be. The Aerospace Alliance was formed to promote and leverage the region’s aerospace assets. (Source: GCAC, 11/04/16)