Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Champions Missouri Products, Essex Industries Role in Aerospace Innovation
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today met with officials of Essex Industries in an effort to encourage international sales and support for Missouri products including quality-engineered products for defense and custom-engineered Life Support and Electro-Mechanical devices for all branches of the military. The governor joined Essex officials and a group of Missouri businesses attending the 47th International Paris Air Show to help promote their products and tout Missouri opportunities.
"I believe Missouri can remain an important role in the international aerospace and defense industries, and I am committed to advocating for Missouri workers and Missouri jobs in the highly competitive arena of the global marketplace," Gov. Blunt said. "Today I met with Essex Industries officials and discussed the valuable contribution Missouri made products play in the international economy. As we continue to work together to promote the science, math, technology and engineering innovation right here in Missouri, I am confident we can maintain and expand our state's role in the global economy."
Blunt met with David Hurley, Vice President - Operations, Essex PB&R, Robert Geisz, Vice President - Sales, Essex Manufacturing and Tim Bannister, Vice President - Operations, Essex Cryogenics. The group discussed the importance of being engaged in international trade opportunities like the Paris Air Show and how many of today's most advanced technologies have a tie to Missouri and the more than 100 Missourians who work for the company.
"The Paris Air Show is where the world shops for their aircraft; having the governor there to see our competition and promote Missouri products has a direct and profound impact on our customers and in turn on Missouri jobs," said Tim Bannister, Vice President - Operations, Essex Cryogenics. "The Air Show is the ideal locale to reach out to international customers in a concentrated setting. We would not miss it and appreciate the governor recognizes the important role the show plays in our industry."
In addition to advocating for Essex Industries platforms, Governor Blunt is meeting with GKN and Boeing on the trade mission. Blunt will also meet with other companies in an effort to recruit them to set up operations in Missouri.
The Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization formed to assist both public and private efforts in promoting Missouri's economic development initiatives is sponsoring the trade mission.