CONTACT:
Brian Baluta
Director, Communications and Partner Relations
(321) 638-2000
BBaluta@SpaceCoastEDC.org

EDC’s Aerospace, Aviation & National
Security Council and Space Florida host
industry roundtable with Newt Gingrich

SPACE COAST, Fla. (October 27, 2020) – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) in partnership with Space Florida yesterday hosted a roundtable featuring former Speaker of the U.S. House and Trump campaign surrogate Newt Gingrich, along with members of the EDC ‘s Aerospace, Aviation & National Security Council and other industry guests.

Noted space policy enthusiast Gingrich, who proposed a permanent base on the Moon as a presidential candidate while visiting the Space Coast, kicked off the video conference by fondly recalling the story. The discussion then moved to the evolution of legacy and commercial space in Brevard County, as well as the diversification of the local economy with respect to aviation.

“Thanks to renewed American leadership in space by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence and an invigorated public sector, the Space Coast of Florida is once again an international hub for government and commercial space activity. It is the center of a technological and inspirational revolution, which I think will change the history of mankind forever. I was more than happy to speak with the pioneering members of the Economic Development Commission and Space Florida yesterday. I hope we can do it again soon,” said Gingrich.

The EDC and Space Florida began holding industry roundtables with candidates for higher office following the cancellation of the Space Shuttle, including meetings with the Obama and McCain campaigns to push for robust bipartisan commitment to space exploration.

“Today, Brevard County’s economy is markedly different from when we started the roundtables, however the need is still significant,” said EDC President and CEO Lynda L. Weatherman. “We don’t want to lose the hard-fought momentum we’ve gained and the EDC and Space Florida welcome the opportunity to advocate on behalf of space and the Space Coast.”

Space Florida’s Vice President, Government & External Relations, Dale Ketcham, who moderated the roundtable, said, “We have been doing this since 2008 with modest, but productive success. A stop on the Space Coast to talk ‘Space’ needs to be a necessary box to check for any campaign hoping to capture Florida’s 29 Electoral College votes.”

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About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.

About Space Florida
Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, Space Florida is committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.SpaceFlorida.gov.