Aerozone Annual Summit held on September 9 & 10, 2026
Thank You for Helping Us Capture Our Moment
To everyone who joined us for the 2026 Aerozone Alliance Summit: thank you.
Over two remarkable days, we brought together business and industry leaders, elected officials, educators, workforce partners, students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders around one shared question:
How do we capture this moment and turn Northeast Ohio’s extraordinary assets into lasting opportunity?
What we saw and heard throughout the Summit reinforced something I believe deeply: our region already has the talent, infrastructure, institutions, and ideas to compete at the highest level. Our opportunity now is to connect those strengths, tell our story with confidence, and move forward together.
"The Summit showcased the wide range of Aerozone Alliance partnerships and the scope of Aerozone Alliance activities, including space, aviation, defense, logistics, sports, site preparation, education, and workforce."
— County Councilperson Dale Miller, President, Cuyahoga County Council, District 2
Aerozone Alliance Engagement Feedback
Whether you attended the Annual Summit or participated in another Aerozone Alliance activity, we want to learn how the Alliance can create greater value for you. Your feedback will help us strengthen connections, improve our programming, and create more opportunities for meaningful participation.
The Summit began with a sold-out Leadership Tour, giving participants a firsthand look at the investment and transformation already underway across the Aerozone.
From NASA Glenn Research Center and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to the future Browns development in Brook Park, Baldwin Wallace University, Lorain County JVS, the STEM Exploration Center, and additional regional assets, the tour demonstrated the scale of the opportunity taking shape around us.
These are not isolated projects. Together, they are creating a powerful platform for aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing, innovation, talent development, and economic growth.
"It was energizing to see the wide range of stakeholders coming together with the common goal of capitalizing on the Aerozone's momentum and push the region forward."
— Ted Tywang, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, Cleveland Browns / Haslam Sports Group (HSG)
A Shared Vision Across Every Level of Government
The Summit continued with our Elected Officials Breakfast, bringing together 26 elected officials and representatives from municipal, county, state, and federal offices.
It was powerful to see leaders from across jurisdictions put their hands on a common vision for Northeast Ohio. The conversation reflected the scale of collaboration required to advance regional priorities including economic development, infrastructure, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, innovation, workforce development, and global competitiveness.
We were also proud to recognize State Representative Ty Mathews with a Resolution of Recognition from Cuyahoga County for his work to advance aerospace in Ohio and support the Aerozone Alliance.
The presence of so many government partners sent an encouraging message: when leaders come together across communities and levels of government, we can align resources, accelerate transformational opportunities, and build lasting momentum for the entire region.
"Aerozone created an incredible environment for bringing together leaders, innovators, and policymakers. I was grateful for the opportunity to speak, but even more encouraged by the conversations and connections that will help shape future aerospace and defense policy in Ohio."
— State Representative Ty D. Mathews, Ohio House of Representatives, House District 83
Big Ideas and Bold Opportunities
Throughout the Summit, our speakers challenged us to think bigger about Northeast Ohio’s role in the future.
We explored Ohio’s growing leadership in aerospace, defense, and emerging technology; NASA Glenn’s potential as a platform for commercialization and partnership; and the new commercial space economy being built around research, advanced manufacturing, human health, and the future of low Earth orbit.
We heard how Cleveland Hopkins International Airport’s planned transformation, new air service, and commitment to the passenger experience can strengthen the region’s global competitiveness. We also saw how ambitious investments from organizations including the Browns, Flexjet, JetZero, and others can create new opportunities for regional businesses, workers, and communities.
Our conversations about global trade reinforced that Northeast Ohio already possesses many of the assets needed to become a stronger export hub: world-class manufacturers, direct access to the Port of Cleveland, international connections, development financing, and an extensive network of experts ready to help companies enter new markets.
The message across every session was consistent: Northeast Ohio is not waiting for the future. We are helping build it.
“What an exciting time to be in Northeast Ohio! This year’s Aerozone Summit reinforced the incredible momentum in the region and the Aerozone’s emergence as a major hub for investment, innovation, and development.”
— Alana Coakley, Vice President, Business Development, Higley Construction
Talent Is Our Competitive Advantage
The Summit also made clear that none of these opportunities can be realized without people.
Our manufacturing and workforce conversations highlighted the urgent need for technicians, operators, machinists, engineers, project managers, and adaptable problem-solvers. Just as important, they challenged employers to look beyond the perfect résumé, invest in apprenticeships and internships, and create more direct pathways between education and industry.
That work came to life during our Student and Business Networking Mixer, where approximately 120 students met directly with eight leading regional employers. Students gained a firsthand look at real careers in aerospace and manufacturing, while employers had the opportunity to meet the next generation of Northeast Ohio talent.
This is what the Aerozone talent pipeline is all about: bringing businesses, educators, and students together and creating connections that can lead to real opportunities.
“What inspired me most was watching young professionals' step into the same space as industry and civic leaders. That kind of shared room builds momentum and a talent pipeline that feels real for the future growth of NE Ohio.”
— Tom Lazzaro, President, Midwest Transatlantic Lines, Inc.
From Ideas to Action
We closed the Summit by asking participants to identify one action they could personally take to move our region forward.
That distinction matters. Collaboration cannot simply mean recognizing what someone else should do. It begins with each of us taking ownership of a practical next step, connecting with the right partners, and helping a strong idea gain momentum.
Whether that means mentoring a student, introducing two potential partners, opening a door for a regional supplier, creating an internship, sharing a resource, or spending one more minute wearing your community-leader hat, every action matters.
The strength of the Aerozone has always been its ability to bring the right people together at the right time. When we connect, collaborate, and commit to action, one plus one can equal far more than two.
“An action-packed day breaking into the industry. Grateful for the real conversations with top leaders, to hear great ideas, advice, and real insights to take forward."
— Eshna Kamani, Mechanical Engineering Student, Case Western Reserve University
YOU Are the Alliance
I am deeply grateful to our speakers, sponsors, partners, elected officials, participating businesses, educators, students, volunteers, and every person who gave their time and energy to this year’s Summit.
You did more than attend an event. You contributed to a shared vision for Northeast Ohio and helped demonstrate what is possible when this region recognizes its own strength.
The Summit may be over, but the work of capturing our moment is just beginning.
Thank you for being part of the Alliance.
With deep gratitude,
Hrishue Mahalaha Executive Director Aerozone Alliance
"This Summit connected the dots on what we can achieve when we capitalize on our unique aerospace assets by bringing together local leaders, businesses, and industry experts in one place: better connections, better coordination, more economic growth for the entire region."
— State Representative Bride Rose Sweeney, Ohio House of Representatives
"The Aerozone Alliance gets it! A civic engine that is deeply committed to the region's growth, expansion, and attraction to compete on the global stage. The team at Aerozone Alliance is moving with the speed of business, responding to employers, and convening the right doers to get the work done! Start paying attention to the Aerozone Alliance."
— Mario Codispoti, Director, Communication and Workforce, LCJVS
In Partnership With
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Thank you again to our sponsors who made this year’s event possible.
