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A new alliance meant to strengthen the local aerospace and defense industry could help to create many new jobs in Chandler (Click here).

Several cities in the East Valley have teamed up to create the East Valley Aviation and Aerospace Alliance, an effort among businesses and local governments aimed at promoting the East Valley as a top location for aerospace and related defense industries.

Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Scottsdale are all part of the new nonprofit alliance. The effort is expected to retain and expand the current $3.5 billion annual economic impact that aerospace businesses have on the local economy.

"We have a long-standing relationship with the defense industry that goes back to World War II," Roc Arnett, who helped form the East Valley Aviation and Aerospace Alliance, told The Arizona Republic. "These competing states recognize that, and they are coming after us."

The alliance will solely focus on businesses and governments in the Easy Valley. Those involved are currently forming a board to oversee the alliance, and the membership fees paid by the directors appointed to that board will finance the alliance's operations.

"I think we finally have the attention of state and regional leaders that this is a sector that could be lost if we're not paying attention," Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, said. "My view is that there is a heightened awareness more than there has ever been, and I think people get it."

Labels: Jobs in Chandler