GCEDC gearing up for Paris Air Show
County's assets showcased in front of aerospace giants Genie Industries to
introduce new plant manager
GRANT COUNTY — The Grant County Economic Development Council is constantly in motion, and next week is no exception.
Caroline Spira, GCEDC manager of communications and research, will depart Saturday morning for Paris. There, the GCEDC will unveil its promotional DVD in the English language on a continuous loop throughout the Paris Air Show, running June 13 through June 19.
"The Paris Air Show is the largest and best-known aerospace trade show," Spira explained, adding that 1,916 exhibitors from 41 different countries will be in attendance at this year's show. "One of our marketing priorities for this area is aerospace, essentially because of the Grant County International Airport and the other assets that we have in the county."
The Paris Air Show is a good opportunity to present the county in front of a large aerospace audience, Spira said. The GCEDC will present as part of the Washington state delegation and trade show booth.
"We need to be out there in front of the aerospace giants and other related industries," Spira said. The GCEDC is bringing brochures, a poster in the Washington booth and the aforementioned DVD. English is the most commonly spoken language in the aerospace industry, Spira explained. The GCEDC's previous promotional video was in the Japanese language and style to attract companies from Japan.
In 2003, the Paris Air Show had more than 94,000 trade visitors from 142 countries, and more than 143,000 general public visitors. The last three days of the 2005 show will be open to the public.
"We're hoping to make a good number of contacts with companies who are looking for the advantages that Grant County has to offer so that we can make connections and ultimately, of course, bring a company here," Spira said.
Next week, the GCEDC will also hold its quarterly membership meeting.
"It's just an opportunity for us to talk about what's going on with the EDC to our general membership and invited guests," explained Ralph Kincaid, president of the GCEDC. "What we're trying to do is, three or four times a year, including our annual meeting, have some program of interest for our members."
Matt Fearon, Genie Industries vice president of operations, will present a report on the company's experiences in Moses Lake and plans for the future at the quarterly review, held June 16 at the Moses Lake Conference Center from 11: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"If you look at the number of people that we're employing, the number of products we're producing over here, it has grown substantially since we've been here," Fearon said.
Fearon said that his presentation will include an introduction to new plant manager George Santiago, replacing Dave Schille, who will be transferring back to Redmond.
"I think it's a real positive step for the plant," Fearon said. "George has got 23 years of manufacturing experience. He brings a different background to the table, which we think will help."
Fearon added that TEREX Corporation took purchased Genie Industries 2 1/2 years ago, and his presentation will include background on the global equipment manufacturer and what the purchase means. He said his presentation will show that the future is positive for Genie Industries.
"Genie has quietly grown to one of our largest employers," Kincaid added. "I just think it's a story that needs to be told."
"Dave Schille has grown this place from what was an empty shell of a building and converted it into a world-class manufacturing operation," Fearon said. "Dave has built a really strong team out here, and we're going to keep expanding off of that platform."
Reservations are required by Friday. Call 509-764-6579. Cost is $12 per person, including lunch.
AT A GLANCE
What?
GCEDC quarterly
membership meeting
When?
11:30 to 1 p.m.
Where?
Moses Lake Conference Center
How?
Reservations are required by Friday. Call (509) 764-6579. Cost is $12 per person, including lunch.