By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
BAY MINETTE — Four states have joined forces to establish the Gulf Coast and surrounding region as a world class aerospace and aviation corridor.
The announcement of the launch of the Alliance was made by state officials from Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana in Bay Minette Monday.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said the forming the alliance would only strengthen the presence of an excellent workforce available in the region.
Riley said the region is already home to more than 700 aviation and aerospace centers.
Riley said if the government awards a contract to build the KC-45 tankers to Northrup-Gruman/EADS, the region will certainly benefit.
Escambia County Industrial Development Authority Director Marshall Rogers was pleased to hear the announcement and said the Alliance will certainly benefit this area.
Rogers said strength in numbers can only help to bring attention to the workforce and other benefits of the region.
Riley said one job of the Alliance would be to educate those outside the region about the benefits available along the Gulf Coast.
Neal Wade, director of the Alabama Development Office, said the Alliance would create a team that will be multi-faceted and dedicated to seeing job growth in the region.
To learn more about the Aerospace Alliance, visit the alliance Web site at www.aerospacealliance.com.