WHAT ’ S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ?
INLAND NORTHWEST AEROSPACE CONSORTIUM - COLLABORATING
FOR THE FUTURE
BY : STACI NELSON , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & MARK NORTON , CHAIRMAN , INWAC
The Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium ( INWAC ) is a non-profit industry group based in Spokane , Washington that is focused on Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing . Our service area covers the Northwest I-90 corridor , stretching east from Yakima , Washington to Bozeman , Montana .
Adjacent to the Puget Sound region , the I-90 Corridor is home to a strong aerospace supply chain consisting of over 120 companies . These companies provide components for commercial aerospace , space , uncrewed aircraft systems , and newer emerging technologies . Life sciences , advanced composite manufacturing , and one of the biggest photonic clusters in the world are all complementary industries within our area .
INWAC is fairly unique as a regional cluster , in that it reaches across state borders to promote the greater geographic trading area . INWAC also serves as a
“ connector ” for regional businesses , helping to pass along business development opportunities and championing the collective capabilities of local companies .
Our annual conference , which will be held in Coeur d ’ Alene , Idaho this year on May 30th-31st , is an example of a collaborative effort with industry partners like the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance , Coeur d ’ Alene EDC , Greater Spokane Incorporated , the Washington , Idaho and Montana MEP ’ s , and others . The conference has seen increasing attendance every year , and has developed a reputation as a premier networking event ( and one of the most beautiful event sites in the country ).
Additionally , we work closely with other industry groups in the region - PNAA , AFA , PNDC , IMA , and others . These relationships are characterized by an understanding that each group has particular areas of expertise , and that we focus on complementing each other ’ s strengths .
90 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2023
PNAA 2023 _ content copy . indd 90 1 / 3 / 2023 9:42:09 AM