Aerospace, defense industry needs enticements

Arizona is home to more than 1,200 aerospace and defense companies. They significantly impact our state’s overall economy by contributing more than $15 billion annually to Arizona’s gross domestic product and employing more than 150,000 people. A 2012 Deloitte study ranked Arizona fifth in the nation for aerospace employment, and I believe that by 2020, Arizona could be ranked even higher if we make the right investments.

I am proud that Raytheon Missile Systems is a key component of the state’s economy.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of missiles, we have built and delivered more than 1.5 million missiles to our nation and to customers around the world.

In Tucson, we are working with our elected leaders to develop an aerospace and defense corridor designed to attract new business to our state. We are also working to guard against encroachment around our plant site so that we can continue to operate and grow if business conditions warrant ex- TAYLOR LAWRENCE pansion. This kind of cooperation is essential to the future of our business and will help to secure Arizona’s economic future.

Our industry is on the cutting edge of technology. We are constantly innovating new products and solutions that protect war fighters, cities and nations. Our employees are among the brightest and most talented in the world. Our careers are challenging and well-paying.

Companies such as ours are good for Arizona, which is already a desirable place to live and work. We should take steps today to make it an even more desirable place to do business. Our state can take cues from others, including Alabama and Texas, where elected officials and business leaders set aside their political differences to create business-friendly environments that foster economic growth.

Arizona must also make significant investments in education. Our school systems should lead the nation, so that our children of today can take their rightful places as our leaders of tomorrow.

Additionally, we must adequately fund our universities to keep the talent pipeline filled and to provide solid opportunities for our existing workforce to earn advanced degrees and build even more rewarding careers.

As a state, we can decide what kind of future we want, but we must take steps now.

I believe a vibrant aerospace and defense industry can continue to lead the way to economic prosperity for Arizona in 2020 and beyond.