Spotlight on good news...

[Citnalta]

:sm1115:

...o.k. so, it looks more like a flashlight. But...there is some good economic news to be found (occasionally).

Gov. Scott touts new gun plant good investment


BY KYLE HIGHTOWER

ASSOCIATED PRESS

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott says the state's contribution in bringing a new gun manufacturing plant to Kissimmee is a good investment for taxpayers and will help contribute to lowering the state's unemployment rate.
Scott was at the announcement of the planned Colt plant Thursday, along with several local other government officials.
The plant is expected to begin phasing in 63 new jobs for its new regional headquarters and product manufacturing center next year. The jobs will pay an average salary of just over $45,000.
Colt is making a $2.5 million investment, with the state incentives of about $1.6 million, including $250,000 from the governor's Quick Action Closing Fund and funds for workforce training.
Scott says the project will be monitored to make sure it offers a return for taxpayers.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/01/2527100/gov-scott-touts-new-gun-plant.html#ixzz1fJmzH5oQ

[Citnalta]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2011/11/30/2013865581.jpg
Wednesday, November 30, 2011


The Machinists agreement, if approved, would ensure Boeing's Renton plant continues producing the 737 for the long term as the company moves from current models like this 737 -800 to the planned 737 MAX, with revamped, more fuel-efficient engines. Union members will vote on the proposed four-year contract next Wednesday.

Boeing, union seal deal for jets, jobs, peace

December 1, 2011
The landmark agreement unveiled Wednesday by the Machinists union and Boeing should secure thousands of local jobs, end the simmering NLRB lawsuit, and offer an unexpected Christmas bonus to start off a four-year contract extension.

Beyond all that, though, the surprise pact may signify a new era for two forces whose bitter adversarial relationship and recurring clashes have repeatedly shaken the region and endangered one of its economic cornerstones.

Machinists union officials said the tentative agreement, to be voted on by members next Wednesday, represents "a new day" in labor relations that should help the Puget Sound region maintain its preeminence in aerospace manufacturing.

The agreement commits both sides to "a new working relationship" and to common goals that include sustaining and growing well-paid union jobs while also lowering production costs.

Gov. Chris Gregoire, who was aware of the secret talks and kept in close touch with Boeing Chairman and CEO Jim McNerney and IAM General Vice President Rich Michalski throughout the negotiations, described the outcome as "absolutely wonderful."

"At a time when I don't get much good news, this couldn't be better," said Gregoire.

Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with the Teal Group, said the prospect of labor peace transforms the outlook for aerospace in Washington state.

"As long as you can resolve the labor problems that have hobbled Puget Sound, the future looks extremely bright," Aboulafia said.

If union members ratify the deal next week, Boeing commits to build the new 737 MAX jet in Renton, which will mean new capital investment there and in its parts plants in Auburn, Frederickson, and Portland.

The company will also cut down on nonunion supplier employees doing work at the widebody plant in Everett.

And it may bring more Air Force tanker work here from Wichita, Kan.

The proposed four-year contract gives Boeing labor peace during the protracted ramp-up in jet production that's ahead.

The union has also settled its differences with management over the 787 assembly plant in South Carolina and will ask the National Labor Relations Board to drop its case against Boeing.

A high-level joint committee, with top union leadership and Boeing senior vice presidents, will meet monthly to review and discuss key business and workforce issues, including setting new performance targets that will determine annual incentive bonuses.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2016901106_boeingiam01.html