Pa. aviation conference lands in Erie this week

Source: Erie Times-News, Pa.儲存倉Sept. 23--An aviation and aerospace conference in Erie this week could help local companies land new business.The 33rd annual Pennsylvania Aviation and Aerospace Conference will bring industry leaders to Erie for the first time. It runs Wednesday through Friday at the Bayfront Convention Center.Lord Corp. and other local aviation industry suppliers, plus would-be suppliers, will have the opportunity to display products and network with airport, charter service and flight school operators, pilots and engineers, said Erie International Airport Executive Director Chris Rodgers, who is chairing the conference."It's an opportunity for industry leaders to come and see what Erie has to offer, and an opportunity for homegrown companies to expand," he said.The conference additionally could help Erie attract new aviation-related industry. The region's infrastructure and amenities, including the port, bayfront facilities, extended runway, Peach Street shopping and planned inland port, are conducive to aviation-related manufacturing and services, Rodgers said."Beyond that, the region has a manufacturing background and a proven track record in economic development and out-of-the-box thinking," he said.Recent legislative action could help aviation industries take off in Erie, and in other parts of the state. The Legislature in July eliminated a tax on fixed-wing aircraft parts and services, effective in October. Large aircraft repair and maintenance companies previously had opted not to do business in the state because of the tax, Rodgers said.More immediately, this week's aviation conference will bring tourism dollars to the area, including more than $10,000 in convention center fees and about 300 room-night bookings at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront迷你倉Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn, said Robert Rockmaker, executive director of the Allentown-based Aviation Council of Pennsylvania. The industry advocacy group sponsors the Pennsylvania Aviation and Aerospace Conference with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Bureau of Aviation.More than 200 people are expected to attend the conference -- and shop, tour and dine in the region, Rockmaker said. Organized outings for participants will include Presque Isle State Park, Romolo Chocolates, Colony Plaza shops, Joe Root's Grill, the Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, the Victorian Princess and South Shore Wine Co."This is our first time bringing this event to Erie, and we're looking forward to it," Rockmaker said.Registration for the conference and outings approached record numbers last week despite early doubts that people from eastern and central parts of the state would attend, Rodgers said."We go to southeastern Pennsylvania all the time, but people from southeastern Pennsylvania don't always come to Erie," Rodgers said. "They're coming for this conference."Conference workshops, the region's natural attractions and recent Erie airport improvements are the draws, Rodgers said.Rodgers, Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott and state Sen. Sean Wiley will welcome conference participants.Erie County Economic Development Corp. Chief Executive John Elliott and Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership Vice President Jake Rouch will address the conference Thursday, on "Finding the Money" for aviation improvements.VALERIE MYERS can be reached at 878-1913 or by e-mail. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNmyers.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) Visit the Erie Times-News (Erie, Pa.) at .GoErie.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉最平