Lily Eriksen , the industry sector integration manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce , introduced the next panel . Ms . Eriksen comments :
“ I was excited Tuesday to introduce an Innovation Cluster panel focusing on aerospace in Washington State at the Aerospace Futures Alliance - AFA Summit . The most exciting part was listening to Dale King with the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Cluster ( PNAC ), Misha Lujan with the Sustainable Aerospace Technologies and Energies ( SATE ) Cluster and Michael Doyle with Space Northwest .” Her favorite quotes were :
“ If you ’ re not collaborating , you ’ re not getting innovation .’’
“ Collaboration is a team sport and we need that next level of collaboration , that ’ s why we have a cluster .”
” We need ideas that are the result of trusted conversations .”
“ We need to ignite the future inspiration and ask ourselves what the future will look like and where are we going ?”
The lively discussion was a confirmation of the power of our Pacific Northwest Aerospace Industry network of companies and their desire to support each other in a non-typical method of comradery . It sets us apart from many regions , as our bonds create manufacturing strength .
There were several more panels and speakers , including Blue Origin conversations on equity and inclusion ; conversations on investor insight and venture capital ; current workforce programs and strategies and opportunities ; as well as a significant amount of time to network with fellow industry partners .
The evening was capped off with a reception at the beautiful Museum of Flight and more time to network and share connections with friends .
Thank you to the team at AFA for their hard work all year long and especially the work put into this worthwhile event !
38 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS