Over the last few decades, Denver South has emerged as a leader in the U.S. aerospace industry.
More than 4,100 people work for some 20 aviation and aerospace companies in the region, and 21% of all aerospace employment in the nine-county Denver Metro Region is in Denver South.
These are good jobs, too. The average salary for an aerospace worker in the region is more than $128,000 per year, which is 24% more than the national average and attracts a highly-qualified workforce to our area.
[Want to learn more? Check out our Aerospace Industry Cluster Report]
This long standing, and growing, relationship with the aviation and aerospace industries is one of the reason that we’re so excited that Boeing has committed a total of $1.4 million in charitable contributions in Colorado for 2019, including $200,000 in grants to nine different organizations across the state. It’s all part of $230 million that the company has earmarked to support 443 nonprofit organizations in 47 countries through 2019 and beyond, including $55 million in new grants and $13 million for veterans’ recovery and rehabilitation programs along with workforce transition services.
Here in Colorado, Boeing is partnering with organizations working to inspire the next generation of innovators such Colorado Succeeds and Goodwill Industries of Denver, as well as helping veterans groups including The Home Front Cares and Freedom Service Dogs. These partnerships go beyond just financial support too. The company’s employees in the state will also give of their time to mentor local kids, help our veterans and make an impact in Colorado communities communities.
“Our people have unique skills and an unwavering passion for making a difference in the world, both through our products and services and the ways we give back to our communities,” Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement announcing the grants. “When that’s combined with our professional networks, partnerships and financial resources, we have the potential to drive positive, lasting change across the globe in important areas such as STEM learning and veterans’ support.”
The world’s largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security industries, Boeing has long been active in Colorado, with operations in Denver, Centennial, Englewood, Aurora, and Colorado Springs employing some 1,800 people in the state. As a top U.S. exporter, the company also supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.
Please join us in applauding Boeing’s support for Colorado nonprofits. All of us at the Denver South Economic Development Partnership are thrilled to see corporations giving back to the regions where they do business, and look forward to many years of growth for both Boeing as well as the Denver South aerospace cluster.
