Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Matthew Rainwater at 7:30am. Jack G. led the flag salute.

Guests:

Nelson Morgan, Mike McAleer, Mike Sturgeon @ Wave

Minutes:

Jack G. moved to accept March 20 minutes, seconded by Sam Phillips. Motion carried.

Announcements:

EDC on March 28 at 5:15pm will host a discussion about business ownership, facilitated by Cindy Osborn, Business Coach.

Teacher certification information today at Sequim HS between 4:00 – 5:30pm.

Program:  John Nutter, Airborne ECS. Builder of thermal management products and services leader for civil & military markets. www.AirborneECS.com

They used all local contractors for their 25,000sf current building. $2M investment total in the property. They hold all necessary and mandatory certifications for the defense industry and operate a cloud-based engineering system through SolidWorks.

Opportunity exists for composite recycling center use, carbon fiber is stronger and conducts heat better than aluminum.

The company had $2M sales in 2017, projected $12-13M in 2018. Of current sf, 2500sf is office space and they intend to construct another 25,000sf building across the street in the future.

Airborne wants to be the employer of choice for PA. Contract manufacturers can assist in the interim. Most likely like end 2018 with 30 local employees and will grow up to 150 in 5 years across all skill levels.

Patents and non-disclosures exist.

A 12-week tech training through Peninsula College starts early summer.

Bill Lee owns 78% so business will continue in emergency, in response to a question about succession.

Airborne’s growth will hopefully help to bring in more airlines.

Will Airborne be part of the local tech community? Qualified candidates for thermal engineer exist in town, there is talent here. There are 80 members in the local tech meet-up group. Onsite tech requirements are all taken car from infrastructure created by Port.

B&O taxes are a hinderance just like any other business. They do  not have tax breaks like other manufacturers because they have military contracts.

Airborne is in talks with Westport for fiberglass manufacturing.

They recruit through social media and will reach out to those graduates who want to come back home to the Peninsula.

Upcoming Meeting:

Apr 3: Mike Chapman, State Representative
Apr 10: Steve Tharinger, State Representative

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.