Aerospace Industry Propels South Sound’s Economic Growth and Veteran Support
The aerospace industry, led by Boeing, is a cornerstone of economic growth and community support in the South Sound. As the region sees an unprecedented influx of new businesses and residents, the contributions of the aerospace industry stand out not just for its economic impact but also for its dedicated support of the veterans community.
Boeing, with its fabrication site in Frederickson, employs a large local workforce and supports multiple suppliers, playing a pivotal role in the South Sound economy. Beyond its well-known products, Boeing’s economic influence is profound. The Manufacturing and Industrial Council, a program at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, helps to track data and support manufacturing businesses and workers. Manufacturing jobs are some of the lowest barrier, highest earning potential jobs in our State.
According to a recent report by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Community Attributes, Inc., the aerospace sector generated over $71 billion in business revenues, supported 194,000 jobs and contributed $19.4 billion in worker wages in Washington in 2023. In Pierce County and South King County alone, aerospace employee households spent $500 million in 2022, supporting numerous local businesses, including the equivalent of 25 regional restaurants.
And just as Boeing is invested economically in our region, the company’s commitment to veterans is second to none. In 2023, Boeing provided $1.4 million in charitable funding to Washington state-based veterans nonprofit organizations. This support underscores the aerospace industry’s broader commitment to military veterans and their families, particularly those transitioning from service.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and NineLine Veteran Services are proud to be among the beneficiaries of Boeing’s generosity. NineLine is one of many veterans nonprofits in the region receiving grant funding from Boeing.
Boeing’s membership in the Chamber and sponsorship of several Chamber events further amplify its impact. Both our organizations work together to connect military veterans and families to essential services, addressing issues such as veteran suicide, employment for non-military spouses, and meeting healthcare and basic needs. This collaboration is crucial for equitable economic development in the South Sound.
The Chamber’s Military Affairs Forum epitomizes this collaboration. In partnership with South Sound Military and Communities Partnership (SSMCP) this quarterly forum brings together organizations like NineLine and Boeing to identify gaps in support for active and veteran military personnel and explore opportunities for collaboration between the civilian community and defense installations. Regular meetings in Tacoma provide a venue for a diverse group of military organizations, nonprofits, business owners, and government partners to focus on topics such as veteran hiring and support for active-duty military and their families.
By cultivating a unique workforce development partnership that focuses on employing recently homeless, at-risk, and in-need military families, NineLine provides fulfillment services to organizations in the South Sound region. And through a dedicated contract, NineLine has delivered outsourced services to Boeing for 23 years.
These are just a sample of the many reasons why Boeing’s dedication to hiring veterans is nationally recognized. Fair360 ranked Boeing #2 in its top companies for hiring veterans, with veterans comprising approximately 15% of Boeing’s U.S.-based workforce.
Veterans employed in the aerospace sector continue to give back to the military community. Boeing’s Veteran Engagement Team volunteers at events like the 11th annual Veterans Resource Fair at the Tacoma Dome. The event supported over 1,100 military members and their families by providing connections to housing, employment, mental health support, and more.
Additionally, Boeing’s partnership with the Seattle Mariners and the annual Salute to Armed Forces game at T-Mobile Park is another prime example of the company’s unwavering commitment to honoring and celebrating the military community.
The South Sound community and our veterans benefit immensely from the presence and growth of the aerospace industry. We extend our gratitude to our aerospace partners, like Boeing, for their continued support and investment in organizations like the Chamber and NineLine. Together, we enhance our ability to support South Sound veterans, making our community stronger.
Together, with our veterans, we are stronger.
This story was originally published August 28, 2024 at 10:26 AM.