Boeing Honored by Missouri Department of Economic Development
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 10, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on Sept. 9 received the 2009 Director's Innovative Industry Training award from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Boeing was honored at the Governor's Economic Development Conference for a sheet metal assembler riveter (SMAR) program that trains individuals in key aircraft-assembly skills.
"It is crucial that we find ways to create good-paying jobs and encourage economic development," said Linda Martínez, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "Boeing is showing true leadership by funding and providing outstanding leadership for this program. The partnership aspect of the program is key to helping to sustain productivity and employment in Missouri."
More than 100 students have completed the five-week program, which started in 2007 and is conducted at St. Louis Community College's Florissant Valley campus. Boeing and other St. Louis aerospace companies have hired 80 percent of those who have completed the training.
"This award reflects a successful partnership that is training workers who are able to build the world-class products our warfighters need," said John Van Gels, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems vice president, Operations & Supplier Management, and St. Louis site executive. "We are honored to work with the state and the St. Louis Community College Center for Business, Industry and Labor on this important effort."
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is the largest manufacturer in Missouri and the state's second-largest employer, with approximately 16,000 employees.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
# # #
Contact:
Derrell Carter
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Office: 314-234-1362
Mobile: 314-365-4402
derrell.carter@boeing.com