Ohio Aerospace Institute, International Trade Administration partner

Joe C. Semsar, The Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, Performing the Non-Exclusive Functions of the Under Secretary for International Trade, recently met with Dr. John Sankovic, President and CEO, Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), for a signing ceremony of the U.S. Trade and Investment Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Agreement between the International Administration U.S. Department of Commerce and the OAI.

“The commercial aerospace supply chain is global and offers tremendous opportunities for market expansion to U.S. manufacturers,” Sankovic says. “As a past recipient of the President’s “E’ Certificate in recognition to export service, the Ohio Aerospace Institute is excited build on those successes and to partner with the International Trade Administration (ITA) on future projects to help American businesses grow.”

Within this agreement, OAI will collaborate on education and trade development for companies in the aerospace sector. OAI will work with the aerospace team in the ITA. The memorandum of understanding establishes a partnership to advance ITA’s mission to enhance the international competitiveness of U.S. industry; and encourage U.S. businesses interested in exporting and foreign businesses interested in investing in the United States to seek the assistance of ITA and the Ohio Aerospace Institute.

“The International Trade Administration is incredibly appreciative of OAI’s hard work to help move global competitiveness forward,” Semsar says. “With the signing of today’s agreement, ITA and OAI are now officially strategic partners in our effort to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry and improve the global business environment.”

OAI will create a program to educate U.S. companies on aerospace global standards and work to help companies compete in global marketplace, using resources they have developed along with the expertise and network of the ITA. This effort will be led by Kim Holizna, Director Global Development & Member Programs, OAI.

“I am excited to implement the Memorandum of Agreement and work to help Ohio manufacturer’s diversify to other areas of aerospace and succeed in these challenging times,” Holizna says.

A meeting of the Northern Ohio District Export Council (DEC) Virtual Roundtable including its 29 members, of which Holizna is a member, took place following the signing, with Semsar speaking to the group.

Nov. 4 Global Aerospace Webinar
On Nov. 4, experts at the ITA and aerospace specialists from global embassy offices offer insights on the current state of the global aerospace market and what to expect moving forward. This virtual event offers information for aerospace companies looking for new global aerospace business opportunities.

Nov. 4 & 5: There will be an opportunity for B to G meetings for Nov. 5 by appointment.

Nov. 4 Schedule:
9:30-9:45 a.m.: Ohio Aerospace Institute President and CEO John M. Sankovic will discuss the Ohio Aerospace Outlook

9:45-10 a.m.: Peter Lengyel, President & CEO of SAFRAN USA will give an update the aerospace market from a tier-1 perspective.

10-10:15 a.m. Wright State Applied Research Corp (WSARC) CEO & President Dennis Andersh will provide an update on the revolution coming for Aerospace & Space and how companies can assist and position themselves for the future.

10:15-10:45 a.m.: The International Trade Administration Kim Wells will lead a global update discussion

10:45 -10:50 a.m. Five-minute break

10:50 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.: U.S. Embassy Aerospace Specialists along with aerospace experts from the UK, France, Canada, Denmark, and Brazil will provide updates on their respective countries

11:30 – Noon.: Question and Answer Session

Register for the Nov. 4 Global Aerospace Webinar

Schedule a meeting for November 5 with an Embassy Representative