By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – State and local economic development agencies are helping five area companies in their effort to establish a higher profile within the aviation industry. They're attending the world's largest aerospace show in England.
It's called Farnborough International -- a trade show sponsored by the Society of British Aerospace Companies. It's the premier event of its kind in the aerospace industry. And this week, several regional companies will be represented -- including Enivate of Orchard Park, Lumnescent Systems of East Aurora, Servotronics of Elma and PM Research of Wellsville.
Buffalo Niagara Enterprise President Thomas Kucharski said the goal is for the companies to increase their name recognition and return with new sales.
"Both!" Kucharski said. "Hopefully, they'll network with their peers and connect with companies that they can either bring here or secure work that will increase employment in the area."
Kucharski said government agencies working with the private sector enables small and medium-sized businesses to compete in the global marketplace. Until now, he said, it was difficult for such companies to have a presence at a large trade show such as this.
"Obviously, if a small company tries to do that by themselves, they're kind of lost in the mix," Kucharski said. "The more we can band together and use our resources, the better off we're going to be making a name for ourselves."
The Erie County Industrial Development Agency applied to Empire State Development for a $16,000 matching grant to help the companies attend the aerospace show.