"I personally think Puget Sound and the Prosperity Partnership Rock." Alan Mulally conveyed these sentiments to a sold out crowd of 700 regional business, government and community leaders at the Prosperity Partnership Luncheon last week, telling attendees that the Prosperity Partnership was an effective and successful model for regional cooperation and economic development. He pointed out "I hope that each of you remember how important your leadership is, personally and also collectively. What an opportunity for the state of Washington and Puget Sound to pull together around a compelling vision with skilled and motivated people that can absolutely deliver a bright future for all of us. Congratulations and thank you." Mulally shared how he used this same strategy to help Ford Motor Company weather the downturn and emerge successful: "It all starts with a compelling vision. What are we about? Why are we coming to work?" He explained his process of reaffirming the company to the original vision of Henry Ford, who aspired to make the best cars and trucks in the world, backed by commitment to strong business that contributes to a better world. Describing Henry Ford's early interest in developing electric cars, biofuels, and recycling, Mulally said that his company's founder "was at the center of economic growth, energy independence and a strong environment." Mulally is using this compelling vision as a catalyst for the Ford Motor Company today. The Prosperity Partnership honored Mulally with an award for a career of leadership in creating jobs and fostering regional economic development in the Puget Sound region and the State of Washington. Alan Mulally was a founding member of the Prosperity Partnership and served as a co-chair from 2004 to 2006. If you missed Alan Mulally's speech - along with remarks by U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, Seattle Foundation President Norm Rice and PSRC Executive Director Bob Drewel (not to mention the superb closing song by Dave Ross) - it can be viewed online at prosperitypartnership.org. back to top Air Force Tanker Contract Would Support Thousands of Jobs in the Region The decision on where to build the Air Force's next mid-air refueling tanker will impact more than 40,000 jobs in America, and at least a few thousand in the region. Boeing is competing against a coalition of Airbus and Northrop Grumman to build the tanker. On February 22, Governor Chris Gregoire and eight other Governors launched the bipartisan US Tanker 2010 coalition, to make sure Boeing wins the competition. The coalition is a mix of governors, local governments, business and labor. On February 24, the Pentagon released the final request for proposals on the new plane. Proposals are due in mid-May and a decision is expected around Labor Day. Boeing currently has employees or suppliers in all 50 states and supports over 158,000 jobs in America. If it wins the competition, the tanker will be built in Everett and finished in Wichita, Kansas, with components coming from across the U.S. If Airbus wins the competition, the planes will be built in Europe and finished in Alabama. Boeing and its workers have a history of building exceptional tankers - the current tankers are over 60 years old. Visit www.ustanker2010.com and get involved in this important effort to build the plane here. back to top Join local leaders on an Industry Cluster Tour focusing on the region's biomedical devices cluster. Stops will include Philips Medical Systems and the University of Washington-Bothell. Register Now! back to top