OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Crowe Dunlevy has launched Aviation Leaders in Oklahoma Flight & Technology (ALOFT), an industry forum aimed at convening aviation, aeronautics and aerospace leaders to discuss trends shaping Oklahoma’s sector, including workforce, technology innovation, advanced air mobility and emerging unmanned aircraft systems applications.
“Crowe Dunlevy has created ALOFT to serve as a relationship-building conduit for aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace professionals across the state,” said Bob Kalsu, a shareholder and director in the firm’s Oklahoma City office and chair of the firm’s Aviation & Commercial Space practice.
The firm also cited Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense footprint, including about $44 billion in annual economic activity and more than 206,000 jobs statewide, in describing the market context for the initiative.
ALOFT’s inaugural Oklahoma City event is scheduled 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at Innovation Hall, with programming that includes a welcome video from U.S. Sen. James Lankford, a keynote address by Chad Warmington, president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, and a featured speaker segment with Kendyn Webster, director of operations for Vigilant Aerospace Systems. A panel discussion is slated to be moderated by Dennis Pruitt of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, with panelists Grayson Ardies (Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics), Ally Carson (Oklahoma Defense Industry Association) and Jessica Ervin (Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers).
Crowe Dunlevy said ALOFT will host two events annually, with a Tulsa event planned for Oct. 8.
“The continued growth and enthusiasm surrounding the aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace industries in Oklahoma reflect a real need for trusted, local forums where industry leaders can learn from one another,” said John Eix, the firm’s director of business development and marketing.
