AEROSPACE INDUSTRY LUNCHEON

The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) is pleased to invite you to our upcoming Aerospace Industry Luncheon on July 14, 2026, featuring HELLER, Swoosh Technologies and Solutions, and Siemens.

From digital engineering and manufacturing automation to advanced machining execution, Swoosh Technologies, Siemens, and HELLER Machine Tools represent connected pieces of today’s modern manufacturing ecosystem. Together, they will share how integrated software, automation, and production technologies are helping manufacturers improve efficiency to compete in an increasingly advanced aerospace and industrial landscape.

AIAM MEMBER HIGHTLIGHTS

Lockheed Martin Names Barron an Exceptional Small Business Supplier, Again

Lockheed Martin has named Barron Industries an Exceptional Small Business Supplier for the second time, recognizing the company’s contribution to a critical missile defense program.

The award, presented by the Missiles and Fire Control Division, honors 11 small businesses for outstanding work across Lockheed Martin’s defense and aerospace programs in 2025.

Read More

Congratulations, Northern Wings – SBA’s 2026 Michigan & Great Lakes Region Rural Small Business of the Year

Northern Wings provides quality manufacturing, aviation support, and government contracting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Learn more at https://northernwings.com/

AIAM NEW MEMBERS

AIAM is proud to welcome our newest members to Michigan’s aerospace network! Their participation enhances our collective efforts to connect, learn, and grow while advancing the state’s leadership in the global aerospace industry.

AM Lube

JM Longyear

ArtiFlex Manufacturing

Master Fluid Solutions

Klear

Shanin

Enmark

Liberty Tool

Commerce Bank

Testek

Plante Moran

Tooling and Equipment International

FROM CLASSROOM TO COMPETITION:
Michigan Students Take Drone Soccer National

This spring, eight students from Manchester Community High School took Michigan’s Drone Soccer program to the national stage, competing in Lakeland, Florida—marking the first competitive showing for an AIAM-supported campus, supported by the AIAM Foundation.

The team, made up of sophomores and juniors, represents what’s possible when hands-on STEM learning connects to real-world opportunity. 

Manchester was one of five campuses visited this March as part of the AIAM’s ongoing partnership with 2025 grantees. While implementation varies by school, student engagement and career awareness remain consistently strong. 

Momentum continues to build. AIAM is actively working with districts, including Muskegon Public Schools, Hemlock Public Schools, Holt Public Schools, Wayne RESA, and Clinton Schools to expand access to Drone Soccer programming. With several funding proposals pending, additional community and industry investment is critical to launching new campuses. 

Interested in supporting a school? Connect with the AIAM Foundation by emailing Brittany at BrittanyT@aiamnow.com to help bring this program to your community. 

CONNECT WITH TALENT

Aerospace Fest

September 23, 2026
11:00am-2:00pm
Michigan Tech University

These events are held on the campus mall. There are virtually no restrictions on the size and shape of the things you can bring to the event.

If you’re looking to expand your team and strengthen your presence on campus, we encourage you to register today. If you have other questions, please email us at careerfair@mtu.edu

AIAM FOUNDATION

The AIAM Foundation supports the Association’s mission to connect, learn, and grow beyond its membership. It provides charitable support to Association programs and other organizations that align with its foundation pillars. Investing in the AIAM Foundation’s mission today will help prepare the next generation for careers in aerospace.

WOMEN WHO SOAR:
From Classroom Leader to Student Champion 

The AIAM Women Who Soar campaign, supported by the AIAM Foundation, celebrates leaders who are not only advancing their fields but actively shaping the next generation. 

This year, we highlighted educators like Nichole DiCenso, a multi-year participant in the Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge (MYFFC), who has guided her students to rank among the program’s top teams. Through her leadership, students gain hands-on experience in engineering, design, and problem-solving while building confidence in STEM pathways. Her story reflects the power of educator leadership in connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunity.  

We extend our sincere thanks to corporate supporters Barron Industries, Moeller Aerospace, and Array of Engineers, whose investment in this year’s campaign helps expand access to these programs statewide. 

Women Who Soar remains a year-round opportunity to honor leaders and support the future aerospace workforce. 

AIAM FOUNDATION CHARITABLE GRANTS

Support provided to the student apprenticeship program, where youth gain hands-on experience restoring aircraft while learning advanced manufacturing and CAD skills.  

A sponsor of Girls’ Dream Fair, engaging hundreds of middle school girls in STEM career exploration through mentorship and hands-on learning.

Team sponsor supporting student participation in a national Drone Soccer competition, showcasing Michigan talent on a broader stage.

AEROSPACE AFTER HOURS: 
Where Industry Leaders Shape What’s Next 

Aerospace After Hours is not a traditional event series—it’s a curated set of gatherings designed by industry leaders, for leaders actively shaping the future aerospace and advanced manufacturing workforce. 

Each experience is tailored by its host, bringing together individuals who understand what talent the industry needs—and are willing to invest time, expertise, and resources to build it. 

Settings vary by design, offering unique points of connection—from private lakeside gatherings to aviation-focused discussions and intimate, invitation-style dinners. 

Guests hear directly from students and industry participants, gaining a clear view into how hands-on programs and early exposure are building Michigan’s future talent pipeline. 

These are purposeful conversations—where insight turns into action and support helps scale what’s working. 

Interested in hosting or learning more about upcoming events? Contact Executive Director Brittany Telander at BrittanyT@aiamnow.com to connect. 

FOUNDATION DONOR HIGHLIGHT

Classic Metal Finishing (CMF) has donated to the AIAM Foundation every year since the Foundation was created three years ago.

Classic Metal Finishing (CMF) is a vertically integrated contract manufacturer with capabilities to supply components and assemblies to print. Machining capabilities that include multi-axis complex machining in lathe, mill, and Swiss cells. Metal finishing capabilities that include aluminum and titanium anodizing, aluminum and titanium chemical conversion coating, stainless steel passivation, MIL Spec painting, solid film lubrication, laser and ink stamp part marking, and blast / tumble surface prep. Assembly capabilities include dowel pin, heli-coil, and nut plate installation. 

FOUNDATION DONOR HIGHLIGHT

I.F. Metalworks provided the match for the first Women Who Soar program and owner Karen Arondoski is the Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) Co-Chair.

I.F. Metalworks was established in 2002 and is a certified woman-owned company. The company offers everything from certified welding of customer parts to turn-key in-house tooling design and build. They service aerospace, defense, architectural and automotive, putting emphasis in quality, performance and customer satisfaction. Their capabilities include full-service welding and fabrication, waterjet cutting, machining, assembly, inspection, and weld compliance (including in-house destructive testing) by our on-staff AWS Certified Welding Inspector. I.F. Metalworks is also ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR compliant.

WOMEN OF AIAM

As we reflect on the growth of WAIAM over the past several years, one thing is clear—this work has only moved forward because people chose to show up.

We want to say thank you—If you’ve participated in a program, attended an event, or supported this work in any way, you are already part of WAIAM.

And we need you as we continue to build momentum this year.

Already in 2026, WAIAM has been out in the community—bringing the Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge experience to events like the Region 12 Michigan Science Olympiad, Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day, and more. At the same time, we are ramping up for this year’s MYFFC and expanding the reach of the She Innovates, She Leads program.

The Fifth Annual MYFFC is set to take place virtually from October 17 through November 14, welcoming Michigan students in grades 4–8 to work in teams, connect with aerospace professionals, and develop innovative flight-based solutions to real-world challenges. Through engineering, design, marketing, business planning, and mentorship, students gain hands-on exposure to the wide range of opportunities available in Michigan’s aerospace industry. Pre-Registration is open to students now – learn more!

This year, you’ll also begin to see WAIAM Impact Points, a simple way we recognize the engagement and contributions of our network. Be sure to stop by WAIAM tables at events to connect, learn more, and ensure your participation is recognized – June 22 is your next opportunity. Check out the newly updated WAIAM webpage to reflect where we’re headed, including our 2026 strategic direction.

We look forward to seeing you, working alongside you, and continuing to build this together.