Senator Marco Rubio Talks Space Policy in Brevard

EDC and Space Florida Host Space Policy Roundtable Event

Brevard County, Fla. (August 19, 2016) – Earlier today, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida’s Space Coast and Space Florida hosted Incumbent U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and aerospace industry leaders in a roundtable discussion on the critical role the United States and Florida play in space leadership. The organizations invited Senator Rubio, who is seeking re-election, to Exploration Park in Brevard County to engage in open dialogue about the community’s diverse aerospace offerings.

The roundtable consisted of an open dialogue bringing national awareness to the capabilities of the Space Coast’s aerospace community outlining the support needed to keep the area competitive and viable.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) stated, “While our nation’s space policy has changed significantly in recent years, Florida’s Space Coast remains a crucial player in this rapidly evolving field. It was great meeting today with the talented entrepreneurs and engineers at the center of these exciting advancements, and discussing their hard work to further America’s leadership role in the exploration of space.”

Leaders representing a number of aerospace companies promoted the significant role Brevard County plays in critical aerospace programs and how they impact the nation and world.

“As the business of space in Brevard County has moved far beyond the launch function, it is important we engage our elected officials so they hear directly from industry leaders about the breadth of opportunities the modern space model brings to Brevard County,” stated Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast.

“Space Florida is pleased to host Senator Marco Rubio for conversations regarding our rapidly-expanding aerospace industry in Florida and in Brevard County,” said Frank DiBello, president and CEO of Space Florida. “These discussions of issues the industry faces, and interest from state and federal elected officials continue to bring awareness to Florida’s growing role and leadership in civil, commercial and military aerospace activity. Cape Canaveral Spaceport is today the busiest spaceport in the world, and our vision for its future is to be the world’s leader in global space commerce. Space Florida is pleased to share that vision with politicians like Senator Rubio.”

With the diversification of the aerospace industry over the last decade, not only can companies launch rockets from the Space Coast, now they can also perform engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and landing of their spacecraft all from the same convenient location.

Today’s Roundtable is one of many being planned by the EDC specifically targeting presidential and congressional candidates throughout the 2016 election season.

Since 2008, the EDC has engaged multiple candidates seeking high office to educate, advocate and understand aerospace policy positions. The EDC has had the privilege to engage such candidates as then-Senator Barack Obama, Senator John McCain, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Governor Mitt Romney and most recently U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy.

Photo Caption: Appearing in this photo from left to right: Dale Ketchum, Space Florida; Joe Mayer, Chair of the EDC Aerospace, Aviation, and National Security Council; U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL); Julie Roslin, EDC of Florida’s Space Coast.

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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, we are 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.