Hello, AIAM Network!

Quarterly Newsletter

September 29, 2020

A Message From Tony

Like many of you, AIAM has had to transition our normal business operations and member services to accommodate the economic changes related to COVID-19. This has been uncharted territory but we have leveraged the opportunity to bring greater awareness to Michigan’s aerospace industry. In two separate virtual Board meetings, AIAM was able to host Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters. AIAM members shared with the Senators the depth and breadth of Michigan’s aerospace industry and some of the changes the industry will see as a result of COVID-19. The Senators provided their insights from Washington and took questions from our Board Members. This was a unique and valuable opportunity. We are grateful to both Senators for their time and engagement with our Board. Read More

AIAM has launched a brand new website inclusive of an entirely searchable membership database. If you have not yet registered on AIAM's website, you can do so here: https://aiamnow.com/register/

AIAM 2020 Golf Outing

The 3rd Annual AIAM Golf Outing was held on August 17th at Timber Ridge Golf Club in East Lansing, MI. This sold-out event consisted of 132 golfers, 16 volunteers and staff. The event kicked off with a morning breakfast meeting between the AIAM board of directors and members, followed by a shot-gun tee off and afternoon reception inclusive of a boxed meal and raffle prize distribution. Thank you to the 24 generous sponsors and all who attended to make this our most successful outing ever!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Monday, August 16, 2021 when the AIAM 4th Annual Golf Outing returns to Timber Ridge Golf Club.

'Connect with KB' Podcast Features AIAM Member,

MI-GSO | PCUBED

MI-GSO | PCUBED General Manager, Dermot Brannock, sat down with Kristin Beltzer on Connect with KB to discuss his company, the current state of the aerospace industry, and how they are raising awareness of the aerospace industry and talent in Michigan. Listen to the full interview here!

AIAM Board Member Jeff Simek Aids in Proposal to Bring the U.S. Space Command Headquarters to Michigan

Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Charter Township, MI, has caught the eye of the U.S. Space Command in their search for a new headquarter location. AIAM board member and general manager of AIAM member company RCO Engineering, Jeff Simek, has been essential in preparing the proposal and spreading awareness of Michigan's footprint in the aerospace industry.

"Michigan's aerospace cluster has a stake in every part of the broader aerospace ecosystem," Simek said, adding that the University of Michigan has what is believed to be the oldest aerospace engineering program in the world and is joined by Michigan Technological University, Western Michigan University and MIAT College of Technology, all of which offer aerospace degrees.

"I believe we have a real chance if we all start talking about it," he said. "It's time for industry, education, and government to work together and become the catalyst to differentiate Michigan's brand. It's a guarantee that politics will play a role. However, the need for geographic dispersion fo military assets and ease of working with private industry are a couple big factors. The downstream economic innovation benefits could mirror the impact NASA had on the economy in the 1960s when we went to the moon." Read the full article here!

AIAM President Speaks with MiBiz About the Effects of COVID-19 on the Aerospace Industry in Michigan

Tony Vernaci, AIAM President, spoke with MiBiz about the state of the aerospace industry in Michigan in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued grounding of Boeing's 737 Max.

"It's difficult to overstate the effect even small disruptions at Boeing or European competitor Airbus can have when they ripple down to local manufacturing suppliers in the sector, AIAM's Vernaci said. The organization is already in talks with some "overhwlmed" and "exhausted" members.

"Our job is to try to help these companies understand that there could be other options before filing bankruptcy or closing their doors, so don't give up yet," Vernaci said. Read the full interview here!

RCO Engineering Produces 30,000 Face Shields Daily

AIAM member company, RCO Engineering, began producing face shields during the COVID-19 crisis. Realizing the demand for face shields, RCO knew that they had the capability to help out. Their tireless efforts in helping create necessary PPE for healthcare workers is an amazing feat that has allowed them to produce over 30,000 face shields daily. AIAM is proud to have members that go beyond the call-to-action and help create a safer world.

Learn more about RCO Engineering here!

AIAM Sold PPE to Members

The past 6 months have been more difficult than anyone could have possibly imagined. The challenge continues as companies work to restore their business and bring employees back on the job. We recognize that access to the required PPE has become problematic of our members.

In the early stages of the pandemic, RCO Aerospace, an AIAM board company, converted internal manufacturing capabilities to produce face shields and face masks. We made arrangements with RCO to begin offering this PPE for sale through AIAM.

Through their generosity, RCO returned a portion of the proceeds to AIAM for each sale which helped us navigate through this extremely difficult time as well.

SBAM Releases Guide to Help Small Business Owner's Safely Get Back to Work

L'Anse Manufacturing is helping with the high demand for ventilators by building the parts required for ventilator machines. Read the full story here.

The University of Michigan introduced a new way to disinfect that doesn't use poisonous gasses such as ethylene oxide and leaves no residue. Read the full story here.

DEP joined with local manufacturers to develop PPE such as aerosol blockers and face shields. Read the full story here.

Tooling Tech Group supplied Thermoform Tooling for hospital bed production to help support COVID-19 relief efforts. Read the full story here.

Rockford Construction created 'School House Rock', an online portal for staff with children that allows them to connect with tutors in their community. Read the full story here.

Benefits of an SBAM Membership

Did you know? Member companies of AIAM are able to take advantage of all of the benefits that the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) offers!

To learn more about the benefits of a membership with SBAM, contact Sherry Bryan or visit their website.

In an effort to increase value and improve existing services, AIAM has chosen 11 member companies and representatives to serve as Ambassadors to ensure AIAM members are getting the most from their participation in AIAM.

Ambassadors are current AIAM members that have been chosen and assigned to connect with our AIAM members in their region. The role of the Ambassador is to help connect the dots within AIAM so we can strengthen our community and continue to grow the Aerospace industry.

Current Ambassadors

Bryan Wright - Orbitform

Carrie Koehler & Anita Conant - LM Products

Stacy Paul - Array of Engineers

John Gelmisi - Detroit Engineered Products

Brian Gannon - Precision Mold & Machine

Ian Stewart - Lee Industrial Contracting

Heidi & Bob Devroy - Prosper Tech

Mike Panse - JR Automation

Craig Salvalaggio - Applied Manufacturing Technology

Travis Peitz - Export Corporation

This effort will also serve as a mechanism to ensure AIAM is member-driven - enabling everyone to have an active role in the organization. Your feedback is strongly encouraged as we strive to serve you better.

Ambassadors will be reaching out to new members in the near future.

AIAM Member Directory

The AIAM Member Directory showcases Michigan's aerospace industry representing companies of all sizes.

The Members listed in the Directory span the entire aerospace supply chain and are all located in Michigan!

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