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MASDA

Economic Development

 

MASDA-Logo_HDR

Midwest Aerospace & Defense Alliance

Formerly Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) 

The Midwest Aerospace & Defense Alliance, MASDA, is an industry-led alliance of aerospace and defense manufacturers, suppliers, educators, and public partners across the upper Midwest. Anchored in Rockford, Illinois, home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of aerospace and defense manufacturing, we strengthen the regional supply chain, develop talent, and work to bring new business to our members.

QUICK FACTS  

  • Est.: 2010 as the Rockford Area Aerospace Network
  • Sectors: Aerospace + Defense
  • Region: Midwest
  • Administered by: Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce  

Built to go farther and higher

RAAN brought the region's aerospace network together in 2010. MASDA is designed to propel the industry farther and higher. 

Since 2010, RAAN has proved the power of collaboration, building an industry-led alliance that represents one of the nation's largest concentrations of aerospace and defense manufacturing companies. 

MASDA is a name and identity that signal credibility and resiliency, supporting the companies thriving here while attracting new business to the Midwest. 

Adding defense is a natural fit, because many companies already serve both markets. MASDA focuses on strengthening the supply chain, where the two industries share the most: 

  • Tolerances: precision to spec
  • Materials: advanced alloys & composites
  • Certifications: shared quality systems
  • Quality & safety: uncompromising 

Same alliance. Bigger reach.

This is a name and identity change, not a new organization. Your membership carries over as it is. 

What's changing 

  • Our name: Rockford Area Aerospace Network is now Midwest Aerospace & Defense Alliance
  • Logo, colors, and visual identity
  • Our region, expanding beyond Winnebago County for greater collaboration 

What's staying the same 

  • Committee leadership and structure
  • Member relationships and commitments
  • Ownership and administration by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 

Mission 

We unite Midwest aerospace and defense companies, suppliers, educational institutions, and public partners to strengthen the regional ecosystem, driving business growth, advancing workforce development, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the region as a premier destination for innovation and investment. 

Vision 

A nationally leading aerospace and defense hub in the Rockford region, anchored by a collaborative, globally recognized supply chain that attracts investment, advances innovation, and develops world-class talent, driving technological leadership, national security, and sustained economic growth across the Midwest. 

Strategy 

Industry-led. A coordinated partnership of manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers supporting the global aerospace and defense supply chain. 

Aligned resources. Championed by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, MASDA aligns public and private resources for coordinated outreach, workforce alignment, and strategic positioning. 

New business. Targeted business development that brings work in from outside the region, expands market reach, and strengthens supply chain integration for members. 

What members get

Grow your business 

  • Supplier attraction 
  • Aerospace & Defense BRE Partner Program 
  • Supply chain mapping 
  • Gap analysis 
  • Matchmaking & networking 
Strengthen your workforce 

  • Talent development 
  • Leadership roundtables 
  • Industry collaboration 

 

 

Increase your visibility 

  • Prime engagement 
  • Member directory 
  • Tradeshow representation 
  • Conference & event participation 
  • Promotion of industry innovation 
Shape the future 

  • Aerospace industry awareness 
  • Zoning & entitlement advocacy 
  • Public policy & industry representation 
  • Regional cluster development

 

Target industries

  • AIR — Aircraft and rotorcraft manufacturing: commercial, business, and military 
  • SPC — Space systems and satellite technologies: satellites, launch, ground systems 
  • DEF — Defense vehicles, weapons systems, and mission platforms 
  • AVN — Avionics, sensors, and command-and-control systems 
  • CYB — Cybersecurity and secure communications 
  • ELX — Advanced electronics and microelectronics 
  • MCH — Precision machining and metal fabrication components 
  • MAT — Composites, advanced materials, and specialty coatings 
  • MRO — Maintenance, repair, and overhaul services 
  • ENG — Engineering, design, testing, and R&D services 
  • LOG — Logistics, supply chain, and specialized distribution 

Join the alliance

Manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, educators, and public partners across the Midwest: register to connect with one of the nation's largest concentrations of aerospace and defense manufacturing.

Register

Midwest Aerospace & Defense Alliance (MASDA), formerly RAAN 

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce