RBC | Colorado Northwestern Community College met on Friday with local business and community leaders as part of the first meeting of the Northwest Colorado Air and Space Coalition. The coalition was formed in response to ideas presented to local leaders during the Aviation Roadshow that toured Northwest Colorado earlier this summer. The roadshow brought many aviation and aerospace professionals to our area to explore our communities and learn more about the opportunities that exist for their industry in northwest Colorado. Comments from visiting aeronautical professional and industry leaders were resoundingly positive as to the untapped potential that Colorado’s northwest provides. They provided local leader with several ideas that could advance the aerospace industry here in our local area.
The coalition is working to build on the ideas presented during the roadshow and showcase opportunities in Northwest Colorado for the aeronautical and aerospace industries. The goal is to bring economic profitability to the area and creating a symbiotic relationship between our communities and an industry that can thrive and grow in this area.
The Coalition discussed the many benefit and opportunities available to the aerospace industry locally. They also began planning a more active approach telling the story to people in the aerospace industry and highlighting the benefits this region provides.
“There are many benefits to the aerospace industry in this area. From fiber optic internet, to the unique skill sets of local industries and manufactures, to the educational opportunities and training the college provides,” said Keith Peterson, VP of Instruction at CNCC. “All these elements play into the value we offer to this growing industry. We just need to do a better job of telling that story to the right people.”
In attendance at the meeting were Peterson; Ray Beck, Moffat County Commissioner, Colorado Aeronautical Board, and chair of Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC); Bonnie Petersen, executive director of AGNC; Jeffrey Forrest, chair and professor of MSU Aviation and Aerospace Science Department; Mike Sneddon, West Portal Industries, Craig; and Kurt Anderson, owner of Spartan Drill Tools.
Special to the Herald Times
