As we come to the close of another remarkable year & pause to celebrate this wonderful holiday season, these moments offer a natural time for reflection. 2025 was a big year for both the Association and our Foundation! I want to start by offering a sincere thank you. Your engagement & support are the heart of AIAM and key to strengthening Michigan’s aerospace industry.
Together, we celebrated many significant accomplishments in 2025. Through the AIAM Foundation, our Drone Soccer program launched into five Michigan school districts this fall. Hancock Middle High School, Tahquamenon Area Schools, Rapid River Schools, Hudson Area Schools, and Washtenaw ISD provided over 100 students with hands-on exposure to the aerospace industry, strengthening our talent pipeline.
AIAM kicked-off the Aerospace Supplier Development Workshops this year, bringing over 80 suppliers and industry experts together to share practical, real-world strategies for entering & expanding within the aerospace sector. These conversations are building a stronger, more connected aerospace supply chain across Michigan and directly advance our mission to connect, grow, and strengthen the industry.
We were proud to announce the Tony Vernaci Founder’s Fund at our AeroOne Conference. This endowed fund creates opportunities for students to engage with Michigan’s aerospace industry and honors Tony’s extraordinary vision and dedication to growing Michigan’s aerospace industry. By supporting one of Tony’s greatest passions—growing Michigan’s STEM talent pipeline—the Fund ensures his legacy will continue to inspire and open doors for future generations.
AIAM also welcomed nearly 30 new organizations as members in 2025. As our community continues to grow, it creates additional opportunities to support one another and expands the impact we’re making in Michigan + beyond.
As we look ahead to 2026, our momentum continues! We are currently finalizing an exciting 2026 calendar of events designed to provide even more opportunities for connection, learning, and collaboration across the aerospace ecosystem. At the same time, planning is underway for AeroOne 2026, and we are committed to making it the best conference yet—delivering exceptional content, expanded engagement, and meaningful value for our members and partners. Keep an eye out for the official announcement and in the meantime, please pencil September 9-11 into your 2026 calendar.
From all of us at AIAM, we hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a joyful holiday season. Cheers to an exciting year ahead!
Warm regards,
President Aaron Johnson
