Rockford Area Aerospace Network Relaunches as Midwest Aerospace & Defense Alliance (MASDA)

ROCKFORD, Ill., (Oct. 15, 2026) — The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) today announced it has rebranded as the Midwest Aerospace & Defense Alliance (MASDA), a new name and identity that reflects the scale of the region's aerospace and defense network and where the organization is headed next.

The region’s aerospace precision manufacturing legacy traces back to World War II, when the region served as a hub for supply chain components, which were foundational to a modern-day pivot into industrial engineering for aviation and aerospace systems. Today, this industry ecosystem includes Woodward, Collins Aerospace of RTX, GE Aerospace, and a robust supplier network responsible for supporting Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.

RAAN brought the region's aerospace industry together in 2010 and has since proved the power of collaboration in building an industry-led alliance representing one of the nation's largest concentrations of aerospace and defense manufacturing companies. While the original name described a hyperlocal network, MASDA better reflects the full scope of the organization.

The fresh identity captures the energy and excitement of the Midwest Aerospace Conference held on October 14 - 15, which brought together more than 100 companies and 200 people for an exclusive opportunity to connect, collaborate and build relationships with key supply chain partners.

"MASDA is built to carry the next chapter," said David Forward, Chairman of MASDA. "It's a name and identity that signals scale, credibility, and staying power to the primes, investors, and partners we are attracting to the Midwest from outside the region."

The organization's geographic focus is now expanding beyond the immediate region, creating greater opportunity for collaboration and visibility across the broader Midwest aerospace and defense corridor. Additionally, including defense in MASDA's name is a natural progression for the organization, as many of the companies the alliance represents already serve both aerospace and defense.

“MASDA's goal is to strengthen the supply chain where the two industries often intersect,” Forward said. “Both demand the same tight tolerances, specialized materials and rigorous certifications, as well as the same uncompromising commitment to quality and safety.”

MASDA's leadership and staff remain the same, as do member relationships and commitments. The organization's alignment within the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce also continues unchanged.

"MASDA is a testament to what's possible when the GRCC does what it does best: convening the right people around a shared vision and giving them room to grow," said GRCC CEO Angela Kay Larson. "With MASDA, we’re excited to fuel growth for the Midwest aerospace and defense industries."

Over the past year, membership has grown significantly and now includes a diverse group of manufacturers, industry support organizations, and experts. The organization has held numerous networking events and assisted with supply chain mapping and cluster research, gathering data critical to understanding the economic impact of the aerospace and defense industries in the Midwest. In August, the alliance and the GRCC welcomed Airbus to the Rockford region to facilitate matchmaking opportunities with suppliers and Airbus. In October, the organization’s signature event, the Midwest Aerospace Conference, welcomed 200 people and hosted 33 suppliers and six buyers for B2B matchmaking.

To join MASDA, visit rockfordchamber.com or contact GRCC Director of Membership Meredith MacKay at mmkay@rockfordchamber.com.

About the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1910, the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization dedicated to leading business growth. The GRCC promotes regional economic growth, advocates for the interests of business, and provides services and educational opportunities that help its members succeed. Through its economic development initiatives, including support for the region's aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors, the GRCC works to strengthen the Rockford region as a place to live, work and do business. For more information, visit rockfordchamber.com.

About the Midwest Aerospace and Defense Alliance
The Midwest Aerospace and Defense Alliance (MASDA), formerly the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), is a consortium of aerospace and defense companies working to strengthen the Midwest's supply chain and increase the region's competitiveness for industry growth and investment. Operated in alignment within the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, MASDA connects suppliers, primes and private and public partners through networking, supplier development, B2B matchmaking and workforce initiatives. The alliance hosts the annual Midwest Aerospace Conference, which brings suppliers and buyers from across the region together. For more information, visit rockfordchamber.com.