1/31/2013

PHOTO: Timothy Romenesko

AAR Corp. is positioned to generate an estimated $47 million annually in economic impact in Minnesots from its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Duluth. according to its president and COO.

Timothy Romenesko made that comment Thursday to the APEX Annual Board of Directors annual meeting at the Kitchi Gammi Club. More than 75 private sector leaders gathered to hear Romenesko's keynote address and elect the 2013 Board of Directors.

AAR is a NYSE traded provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. It employs approximately 7,000 employees. Since November, AAR has hired more than 100 aircraft mechanics and other employees for its Duluth operation. At capacity, the new aircraft repair station will accommodate up to five narrow-body airplanes and create as many as 225 skilled positions.

“AAR is a mid-sized company experiencing significant growth and we are eager to contribute to St. Louis County’s future development with our newest operation in Duluth,” Romenesko said, adding AAR would pay more than $2.5 million a year in state and local taxes and support an estimated 200 related jobs.

He joined AAR in 1981, is currently a member of the Board of Directors of AAR, and has held various roles within the organization including vice president and chief financial officer. Romenesko is responsible for maximizing the performance of AAR operating units and implementing strategies for growth.

APEX and regional economic development partners developed and executed a sophisticated, targeted strategy to recruit the AAR expansion to the City of Duluth.

“APEX is thrilled with the success of this initiative, having helped recruit a global leader in the aerospace industry. Assisting in their expansion efforts and ongoing recruitment of a qualified and talented workforce is part of our shared success,” added APEX President and CEO, Brian Hanson.

APEX is the private-sector led, business development agency for northeastern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Since 2003, it has impacted over 3,050 jobs in the region, resulting in an annual regional payroll of over $110 million, contributing to over $12 million in State and local taxes annually.

In addition to hearing from the region’s newest employer, the APEX membership elected the 2013 Board of Directors and Officers.

APEX 2013 Executive Committee Officers:

Chair, Peter Hedstrom, US Bank

Vice Chair, Dan Markham, Capstan Corporation

Immediate Past Chair, Al Hodnik, ALLETE, Inc

Secretary, Nancy Norr, Minnesota Power

Treasurer, John Strange, St. Luke’s

At Large, Jim Bendas, Genesis Attachments

At Large, Mark Emmel, Labovitz Enterprises

At Large, Dr. Daniel Nikcevich, Essentia

At Large, Andrea Schokker, University of Minnesota Duluth

APEX 2013 Board of Directors:

Kathy Annette, Blandin Foundation

Jim Bendas, Genesis Attachments

William Bennett, LHB

Scott Bradt, Wells Fargo

Ken Browall, Duluth News Tribune

Mark Emmel, Labovitz Enterprises/Lion Hotel Group

George Goldfarb, maurices, inc.

Peter Hedstrom, US Bank

Jo Ann Hoag, St. Luke’s Hospital

Alan Hodnik, ALLETE

Patrick Johns, Lake Superior College

Andrea Schokker, University of Minnesota Duluth

Steve LaFlamme, Oneida Realty Company

Mike Lalich, UMD Natural Resources Research Institute

Tom Lambrecht, Great River Energy

Brian Maki, Lakehead Constructors

Dan Markham, Capstan Corporation

Robert Mars, Jr., W.P. & R.S. Mars Company

Michael Metcalf, Essentia Health

Dr. Daniel Nikcevich, Essentia Health

Nancy Norr, Minnesota Power, an ALLETE Company

Adolph Ojard, Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Tom Renier, Northland Foundation

David Ross, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce

John Strange, St. Luke’s Hospital

Tom Werner, Duluth Airport Authority

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