Season’s greetings to our AIAM Business Community!
As another exciting year winds down, we are reflecting on the various accomplishments over the past 12-months. We have welcomed nearly 40 new members to our network of companies in 2022! This has been our second-best year in terms of the number of new members. AIAM’s continued growth right through the pandemic is extremely humbling but also a validation that businesses continue to see value in our work and collectively we are making an impact on the aerospace industry in Michigan.
One of our biggest highlights, of course, was the AeroOne conference in September. Every aspect of this two-day summit exceeded all expectations. Over 30 speakers from the world’s top aircraft manufacturers and leading tier one companies shared critical insights on how the industry will prevail in the post-pandemic era. More than 300 people representing 160 companies traveled from 21 states and internationally setting the stage for a premium aerospace networking experience like none that has ever been held in Michigan. The feedback has overwhelmingly confirmed this is a must attend annual event. Our team is already hard at work planning next year’s conference. So, mark your calendars for September 6-7, 2023, and watch for more details in January.
Additionally, our Technology Expo, annual Golf Outing, and Industry Luncheons are other examples of how AIAM is continuing to unite the business community and create opportunities for companies to connect, learn and grow in the aerospace industry. Our event program hit an all-time high this year by attracting nearly 1,000 attendees from hundreds of companies. The ability to attract businesses from an international market is a new development in our efforts to bring attention to the industry in Michigan.
In 2022 the Women of AIAM (WAIAM) made a considerable effort to stimulate the minds and provide mentorship for students across the entire state. The WAIAM developed the Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge, which engaged 92 4th-8th grade female students from 27 cities in Michigan stretching from the Upper Peninsula to our southern border. Consisting of 33 teams, the students worked to understand the application in STEM and aerospace, to create sustainable flight solutions for real world needs that impressed us all! AIAM continues to inspire students at all levels in order to invest in our talent pipeline.
Finally, in our last newsletter, we hinted at an announcement that would be made this month. After much planning, we are excited to announce the formation of The AIAM Foundation. The foundation will be a standalone 501c3 charitable organization with a separate board of directors and governance aimed at providing access to individuals wishing to pursue a career in aerospace and companies with a desire to expand into the industry. More information can be found further inside this newsletter.
In closing, we would like to take a moment to thank all those who have helped us advance the mission of AIAM! We could not do what we do without our cohort of companies, invested in growing the industry together.
I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happiness in the New Year!
Tony
