At the invitation of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, officials from the offices of U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, U.S. Senator George Voinovich, Congressman Bob Ney, Congressman Pat Tiberi, State Senator Jay Hottinger, and the Ohio Dept. of Development took part in an intense, day-long series of briefings and a hands-on tour of the Boeing work floor.

The contingent heard from representatives with Boeing, Bionetics, AFMETCAL, DCMA, and BAE Systems. The day included a visit to Boeing's learning center for a hands-on look at the small components that Boeing's technicians work with every day.

The participants also took part in The Boeing Company's AWACS-ESM ribbon cutting ceremony.

The event was part of the Port Authority's ongoing caucus-building strategy aimed at increasing knowledge among federal, state, and local officials about the value and impact of the COATC.