(CLEVELAND, October 11) – On October 7, Don Graves, Deputy Secretary, Department of Commerce (DoC), 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 U.S. Department of Commerce, The International Trade Administration (ITA) and the Ohio Aerospace Institute.

 This MOA establishes a Partnership to advance ITA’s mission to enhance the international competitiveness of U.S. industry. The Partnership will support activities to: facilitate international trade and commerce; educate the public about the economic benefits of trade; enhance awareness of ITA and other U.S. government resources available to U.S. companies and foreign investors; and encourage U.S. businesses interested in exporting and foreign businesses interested in investing in the United States to seek the assistance of ITA.

“OAI is excited to continue our partnership and expand global opportunities in aerospace for Ohio companies utilizing the extensive network and knowledge available through the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce,”   says Kim Holizna

Partnership activities may include the exchange of information, augmentation of ITA’s outreach efforts, and collaboration in support of ITA’s strategic initiatives. In particular, the parties envision collaborating on a program of activities.

Others in attendance for the signing included: Joe Zeis, Senior Advisor for Aerospace and Defense for the Office of Governor Mike DeWine, Chirag Parikh, Advisor for Aerospace and Defense for the Office of Ohio Governor DeWine, Brandon Bradford, Deputy Director of Advance (DoC), Miral Patel, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary, DoC and DeUndre Eberhart, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary (DoC), Kim Holizna, Director of Global Development & Member Programs, OAI and Anthony Gillespie, Senior Program Manager, OAI.

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International Trade Administration

ITA strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. Industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the enforcement of trade laws and agreement. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at a national and international level. OAI has strong research components in propulsion, advanced materials, high temperature sensors, aviation icing and more. Its membership program: Ohio Aerospace Industry Association, connects organizations across Ohio and globally. The global network promote cooperation on research capabilities. Manufacturing, defence and satellite opportunities.

Ohio Aerospace Institute

The Ohio Aerospace Institute is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, the first NASA associate collaborative institute chartered to foster relationships between industry, education and works with government agencies. Within the organizations 32 years of experience in aerospace research, education and workforce development, while building and managing collaborations, consortia and public and private relationships. The organization will soon launch the Ohio Aerospace Industry Association, further connecting businesses, government and academia to streamline and improve supply chain management.