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47gs says Utah is fastest-growing U.S. aerospace-and-defense hub; urges clearer GOEO framework
Summary
47gs CEO Aaron Starks told the committee Utah's aerospace, defense and space sector is expanding quickly and recommended state coordination, supply-chain targeting, and clearer alignment of GOEO targeted industries and horizontal supports.
Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47gs, told the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee on Aug. 20 that aerospace, defense and space now account for about $100 billion in output and roughly 500,000 impacted positions statewide. "Utah has the fastest growing aerospace and defense ecosystem anywhere in The United States right now," Starks said.
Why it matters: Starks argued that this sector's growth brings durable, high-wage jobs and wider supply-chain benefits, and he asked GOEO to help target supply-chain gaps and clarify how GOEO's targeted industries align with horizontal supports such as advanced manufacturing and trade.
Starks discussed key industry drivers: defense spending, satellite and space technology, unmanned systems and advanced air mobility. He described initiatives developed or hosted by 47gs, including the Miller Advanced Resource Solutions Center for R&D near Hill Air Force Base, Project ALTA (an air logistics transportation alliance intended to position Utah for advanced air mobility and air-taxi logistics), and recruitment efforts that helped Beta Technologies choose Utah for advanced air mobility development.
He told the committee GOEO has been "the glue" and a helpful convening partner but recommended GOEO clarify its targeted-industry framework so horizontals such as advanced manufacturing are not treated as verticals that create confusion for companies seeking services. Starks said 47gs had used an Economic Assistance Grant from GOEO to map supply-chain needs for aerospace firms.
Ending: Starks asked the committee to support faster decision-making and sustained coordination among GOEO, state agencies, universities and industry to retain momentum in a fast-moving national market.
