Becca Hardin, President of the Bay Economic Development Alliance, has had the opportunity to attend the International Air show (Farnborough and Paris) for the past eight years. She claims this year to be the BEST, most successful show attended. A large part of this is the fact that Bay EDA adopted an honorary member of the Bay County economic development team to assist with the show this year. Paul Cocker, retired CEO of GKN Aerospace North America, (and Bay County resident) accompanied Hardin on the trip. “Man, he was like a rock star and is a legion in the Aviation Industry,” said Hardin. See the attached photo of Hardin and Cocker prior to meeting with executives from GE Aviation. Cocker helped make introductions and opened doors that set the Bay EDA apart from the competition!
A quick recap:
One measure of success is the number of contacts you make and how many business cards you collect. As you can see from the second photo, the Bay EDA met with a large number, more than 70 people, at the show!
One measure of success is the number of contacts you make and how many business cards you collect. As you can see from the second photo, the Bay EDA met with a large number, more than 70 people, at the show!
Of these 70 contacts:
· 16 Company Presidents / CEOs
· 40 follow-ups; follow-up with more detailed information on Bay County to these companies
· 9 contacts interested in coming to Bay County for a visit
· 2 proposals in response to “real” growth projects!
Examples of companies:
· United Technologies
· Pratt & Whitney
· GKN Aerospace
· GE Aviation
· TectAerospace
· Kellstrom Defense
· Limco Air Repair
· Teledyne
There is no doubt that this is a key recruitment mission that will help put Bay County (airport and Port properties) on the International Aviation Map! Stay tuned!
On a side note, the Bay EDA offices are moving. Our new address is 5230 West Highway 98, Panama City at Gulf Coast State College. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn! Thanks for your continued support!
· 16 Company Presidents / CEOs
· 40 follow-ups; follow-up with more detailed information on Bay County to these companies
· 9 contacts interested in coming to Bay County for a visit
· 2 proposals in response to “real” growth projects!
Examples of companies:
· United Technologies
· Pratt & Whitney
· GKN Aerospace
· GE Aviation
· TectAerospace
· Kellstrom Defense
· Limco Air Repair
· Teledyne
There is no doubt that this is a key recruitment mission that will help put Bay County (airport and Port properties) on the International Aviation Map! Stay tuned!
On a side note, the Bay EDA offices are moving. Our new address is 5230 West Highway 98, Panama City at Gulf Coast State College. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn! Thanks for your continued support!
Bay Economic Development Alliance