WELCOME LETTER
This year marks the 21st anniversary of PNAA ’ s Annual Aerospace Conference . On behalf of the PNAA staff and board , I would like to thank you for your attendance and support of the industry .
We ’ ve come together this week to keep up to date on the latest industry trends , share our knowledge , exchange ideas , network , renew old friendships , and share in the comradery that is PNAA . Please take full advantage of the network breaks to do some power-networking .
Jim Lee PNAA Chair Tool Gauge
As we reflect over the past two years , there ’ s no doubt that some of us have painful stories to share and we ’ ll certainly empathize with each other . But let ’ s also remember that we work in a very robust industry with a long track record of prosperity , and we have good reason to be optimistic . Optimism is the theme this week and going forward .
Therefore , it is fitting that the conference theme is “ Back to the Skies .” The theme is timely as we ’ ve recently re-opened our factories for customer visits , resumed in-person events , and taken back to the skies for business and leisure travel . All promising signs that normal is nearly here .
The PNAA team is very excited about the future . We have brand new events designed to better serve our members . We ’ ve continued to change and improve our current events to keep them as relevant to our members as possible . Many of these changes were based on membership feedback . Thank you – we sincerely appreciate your input .
We ’ ve strengthened our leadership by adding new board members from a broader range of industry talent . The PNAA volunteer board members set the organization strategy and support the staff throughout the year . They help promote and sponsor events , attend as many events as possible , and give generously of their time and knowledge . They also share a common vision to promote the growth and global competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster . Board members will be wearing special PNAA Board Member badges and we encourage you to seek them out during the conference and share your thoughts on how we are doing .
Lastly , I ’ d like to recognize our new interim CEO and Executive Director – Nikki Malcom . Nikki stepped up to the plate last October to lead the organization , and we are very excited to have her leadership , industry experience , shared vision , and most of all , her enthusiasm for all things aerospace . If you haven ’ t met her , please take a few minutes to introduce yourself . If you know her , please reconnect and say hi . She ’ d love to hear from you . Nikki is an outstanding collaborator , and by working together we can all achieve greater results . Let ’ s get “ Back to the Skies ” together .
PNAA Board Chair
66 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2022