Colorado Names State's First Aerospace Advocate

Governor Bill Owen has named Trip Carter as the state's first aerospace advocate, the state's latest effort to help the industry, which employs approximately 110,000 residents and has $4 billion in revenues. Only Florida, California and Texas have larger stakes in the aerospace industry. As a result, the state has undertaken several initiatives over the past two years to develop and promote the industry's health as it goes through a transition period.

The Aerospace Advocate appointment follows a Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs in April and the Colorado Space Strategy Initiative completed two years ago to study the importance of aerospace for Colorado's economy and outline specific recommendations for public-private initiatives to support the industry.

Working through the Colorado Technology Alliance, Mr. Carter will report to the state's new Colorado Aerospace/Defense Council. The goals of the Advocate and Council are to work with leaders of industry, education, government, economic development organizations and the general public to establish strong space coalitions, ensure workforce availability, increase aerospace collaborations with adjacent industries, enhance Colorado's reputation as a "space state" and grow business statewide.

The Denver Post reports the budget for the Office of the Aerospace Advocate will be approximately $240,000, with the state providing $60,000 and the aerospace industry covering the balance.

More information is available at: http://www.coloradota.org/