Greater Waco Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Alliance

(aka Greater Waco Aviation Alliance)

Waco and aviation...two words that have not typically been associated with each other, but if local officials and community leaders have their way, each will become synonymous. 

With more than 1,000 aviation companies within a 500-mile radius and a central location in the heart of Texas, along the NAFTA corridor, Waco is a prime location for growth in the aviation industry.  In fact, local companies feel so strongly about the potential of aviation in Waco that they have formed the Greater Waco Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Alliance.

The home of three airports, numerous aviation companies, and three institutes of higher education, not to mention a landing strip that accommodates Air Force One on a regular basis, it seemed only natural that Waco could be a center of aviation excellence. 

Born nearly five years ago as the brainchild of a few local aviation business representatives, the mission of the Alliance is to promote business amongst its members and attract additional companies to the area.  A formal committee of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, the alliance includes more than 30 aviation and aviation-related companies from the Waco area. 

“We have a unique synergy here in Waco,” said Pat Nowotny, senior vice-president of economic development for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.  “As I travel to aviation tradeshows and industry meetings across the country and internationally, describing the alliance, it is clear we are unique in our approach to growing aviation as a target sector.”

Not only is the chamber of commerce and local industry supporting aviation, but also investors.  Central Texas Capital Resources was formed for the purpose of raising investment dollars for existing aviation companies looking to expand their operations and aviation start-ups who have committed to growing their operations in the Greater Waco area.  While it has taken time to organize the group and identify potential public and private investors, CTCR has now begun screening projects for investment.

“The funds provided by Central Texas Capital Resources are not usually available from commercial banks, since many of the companies reviewed may be start-ups or in early stage development,” said Nowotny.  “Typically, the group reviews 12 or more projects and selects one or two for final consideration.”

Other local organizations have joined in supporting the alliance.  The Waco Industrial Foundation has designated 300 acres of land adjacent to the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) airport for the development of an airpark.  Additionally, each local airport has identified acreage for development and growth to accommodate the needs of aviation companies looking to expand their operations in Greater Waco.

“For a mid-tier city, we have put it all together.  We have the city, county, chamber, aviation industry, colleges, businesses, Waco Industrial Foundation, and the surrounding communities on the same page.  They all want to make it work,” said Nowotny commenting on the cooperation and enthusiasm that has spurred the Alliance’s success.