Speaking on Business: Utah Aerospace & Defense Association

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Aerospace and Defense Association recently announced former Congressman Chris Stewart as their new Chair. He will help the organization continue to build the world’s premier aerospace and defense ecosystem in Utah. Former Congressman Chris Stewart tells us more. CONGRESSMAN CHRIS STEWART: The Utah Aerospace and Defense Association is charting an ambitious course for our state - to build the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace and defense companies in Utah. We convene, advocate, and promote companies that are developing next-generation technologies to keep our nation safe and Utah’s economy strong. Utah is home to the world’s largest small satellite conference each year that draws thousands of leading researchers from around the world. A Utah company recently developed the technology astronauts rely on for oxygen in space. As a former world-record-holding Air Force pilot, I understand the importance of our state’s military assets to our quality of life. Hill AFB alone generates $7.11 billion annually to our economy and employs nearly 40,000 people. We believe the future of Utah’s economy will be shaped by this critical industry, so we are making efforts to recruit talent, source capital, and create an ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to flourish. DEREK MILLER: Utah’s aerospace and defense sector contributes $19.3 billion to state GDP. There are more than 50,000 companies supporting over 211,000 high-paying jobs. The industry is helping Utah become the crossroads of the next frontier: space. I’m Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: October 9, 2023.