In 2016 , while doing some research for a nonprofit client , I came across a job posting for a role coordinating an industry association ’ s board of directors and its work . Soon I was in conversation with the leaders of the Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium ( INWAC ) and without even trying , I became part of the aerospace world that had captured my imagination as a child .
INWAC ’ s mission and its role in growing the I-90 Aerospace Corridor has proven to be the perfect way to marry my skills and experiences with work that feeds my soul . One of the organization ’ s founding members , Rick Taylor of Altek , Inc ., described the original purpose for the group as a way for Eastern Washington manufacturers to work together for their mutual benefit . “ A rising tide raises all ships ,” he likes to say .
With its genesis in people working together to improve the livelihood and well-being of member companies , INWAC has applied that same collaborative approach to expand its geographic scope east to the Cascades and west across North Idaho into Central Montana . Manufacturers throughout the region now partner to market their collective capabilities , better meet their unique customers ’ needs and share best practices .
Thanks to the extraordinary commitment and effort of the volunteers who serve on the board of directors , INWAC has also become a valued economic driver in the region beyond the aerospace sector . Companies looking to relocate or expand find an extensive and active supply chain in INWAC . Economic development partners regularly take visitors on tours through member facilities as examples of modern and thriving businesses in the area . As other regional innovation clusters form , they look to INWAC as a model to emulate , further driving the economic prosperity and quality of life along the I-90 Corridor .
As a convenor of resources and stakeholders , each spring INWAC , along with the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance , the Coeur d ’ Alene Area Economic Development Corporation , and another great team of industry volunteers , hosts the I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo . This event brings together aerospace manufacturers , suppliers , elected officials , economic development agencies , and academia / education to learn , network and conduct business . It ’ s an annual highlight for me to witness what transpires .
The hum of the lively conversations emanating from the exhibit hall and conference area never cease to evoke the same feelings that the hum of an airplane does as it reaches cruising altitude — contentment that the driving forces behind the din are working in harmony , anticipation about the possibilities ahead , and gratefulness for getting to be along for the ride .
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AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 ISSUE NO . 28 53