This week, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist traveled to Europe for a five-day investment mission, focusing on capitalizing on Michigan’s leadership in the defense and aerospace sectors. He was joined by leaders and staff from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification Chief Mobility Justine Johnson, Chief Innovation Officer Ben Marchionna, Representative Donovan McKinney, and local partners.
Key Points:
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- As part of this mission, Michigan is announcing that it is officially joining the Aerospace States Association (ASA), a nonpartisan organization made up of lieutenant governors, governor-appointed delegates, state legislators, and territorial and tribal representatives.
- The lieutenant governor, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and members of Team Michigan had a strong presence at the Farnborough Air Show in England alongside companies and innovators from around the globe. After the air show concluded, the delegation’s members conducted further business meetings in the Netherlands and Germany.
Michigan’s Aerospace and Defense Industries:
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- The sector contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 businesses serving the defense, aerospace, and homeland security industries.
- Along with these businesses, the Michigan National Guard boasts five major installations and additional armories, including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling and one of the largest Air National Guard bases in the country at Selfridge in Macomb County.
