On Thursday, 14 April, the Indiana Business Journal held the second annual Indiana Aviation and Aerospace Symposium at the downtown Indianapolis Mariott.  More than 900 attended this informative, educational event held to highlight the state of aviation and aerospace business and education in Indiana.  Among those in attendance were members of the Grissom Regional Defense Alliance (GRDA) Jim Tidd, Christy Householder, Gary Beebe, and Tim Cahoon.  Also, Colonel Doug Schwartz, Commander of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base attended representing the interests of the air base and the Air Force Reserve Command.  Many highly knowledgeable, experienced and influential speakers from noteworthy aviation and aerospace firms spoke to the large crowd.  The keynote speaker was Thomas Vice, Corporate Vice President and President Northrup Grumman Aerospace Systems.  We also heard from Phil Burkholder, President Defense Rolls Royce North America, Annitta Nerses, PHD, Director Airborne Solutions Raytheon, Freddie Sarhan, Vice President Praxair Surface Technologies, Jacques Vanier, President Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions, Capt, USNavy, Jeffrey Elder, Commander Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, Matt Koscal, Vice President Human Resources Republic Airways Holdings, and John Wensveen, PHD, Head of Purdue University’s School of Aviation Technology.   All of these prominent organizations have significant facilities in Indiana and greatly impact the economy not only of Indiana, but national and international impact as well.  The speakers made insightful remarks on the current state and future of their aviation businesses in Indiana, as well as emphasizing why Indiana was a great place to do business.  Lastly, Indiana Governor Mike Pence addressed the audience highlighting the Hoosier State’s success in hosting aviation and aerospace business.  Attending this event allowed GRDA members to learn of business opportunities for the Grissom Aeroplex, and to further expose the Grissom Aeroplex and Grissom Air Reserve Base to Hoosier businessmen, educators, and state government officials.