Pennsylvania’s aerospace and aviation industries took center stage last week as the PA Chamber partnered with Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to launch the inaugural ‘Aerospace Day’ at the State Capitol, celebrating these industries’ success and their contributions to the state economy.
PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein joined the Lieutenant Governor, Justine Kasznica from the Keystone Space Collaborative, and members of the Spring Grove Area High School rocketry team at a press event to emphasize the Commonwealth’s potential as a hub for aerospace innovation, as well as the many opportunities available for Pennsylvania students to pursue promising careers in the state’s aerospace and aviation industries.
“Innovation is the key to unlocking the economic opportunities of tomorrow, and Pennsylvania’s robust and rapidly growing aerospace and aviation industries afford us the unique opportunity to be a keystone of innovation,” Bernstein said. “From large manufacturing companies to small supply chain businesses and the thousands of jobs supported, aerospace and aviation is a critical ecosystem in Pennsylvania poised for significant growth. Unleashing the potential of the aerospace and aviation industries is critical to Pennsylvania realizing its full economic potential.”
Lt. Governor Davis, who chairs Pennsylvania’s chapter of the Aerospace States Association (ASA), discussed the importance of encouraging young Pennsylvanians, particularly women, to explore careers in STEM fields. ASA unites state officials, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders to advocate for aerospace interests at the state level, fostering economic growth, and promoting job creation.
During the press conference, Lt. Gov. Davis unveiled a new ASA report detailing the industry’s substantial impact on Pennsylvania’s economy. The report found that Pennsylvania’s aerospace industry supports more than 36,000 jobs, has a gross regional product of $3.4 billion, and contributes $185 million in tax revenue each year.
Aerospace Day also featured a special rocket launch by the Spring Grove Area High School’s rocketry team – one of 100 national finalists for the upcoming American Rocketry Challenge!
Additionally, over 150 employers, educational institutions, agencies, and other organizations participated in the Aerospace Day Showcase. Participants were also treated to a luncheon at the PA Chamber offices sponsored by Lockheed Martin and an evening reception at the Pennsylvania State Museum hosted by the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Overall, the day was a huge success and the start to what we expect to be a growing, annual event.