Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority: Governor Taft Visit

Governor Taft Visits
Ohio Governor Bob Taft visited the Base Campus of the COATC on Friday, March 4 to help Boeing kick off its AWACS expansion project.

March 4, 2005
At the invitation of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, Ohio Governor Bob Taft visited the Central Ohio

Aerospace and Technology Center and took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for The Boeing Company's new AWACS-ESM workload at Heath.

Governor Taft's visit comes on the heels of the State of Ohio's very aggressive incentive package which helped attract Boeing's new investment in Heath.

In his remarks, Governor Taft recognized Boeing for their large investment in Ohio. He recognized the Boeing workforce. He thanked the many people involved from the state, local, and federal levels to help attract this job creating project to Ohio.

Over 50 business and public officials were on hand for the event.

The invitation was a 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.

News Clips
TaftNews.org: Gov. Taft Looks at Components
The Advocate: Taft Touts Boeing's Growth
WCLT Radio: Boeing Company is Growing
Columbus Dispatch: Boeing Makes Official
This Week: Taft Lauds Boeing Expansion

Background Info
Boeing News Release [PDF]
Port Authority Fact Sheet [PDF]

Event Photos
Photos from Governor Taft's visit to The Base.

Briefing

Over 50 community leaders and public officials were briefed on the $4.2 million Boeing AWACS expansion project.
Mayor Remarks

Heath Mayor Dan Dupps remarks on the state-local-port combined effort to assist Boeing.
Gov. Remarks

Gov. Taft thanks Boeing for their investment and recognizes the Boeing workforce.

Banner Unrolls

Unveiling of the "Future Site of AWACS-ESM" banner kicks off the project.
Media Coverage

The event attracted wide news coverage from both print and broadcast media.
Reception

Gov. Taft shares a laugh with Port Authority Board members Steve Layman and Bill Wilson.