washington business
Third Generation of Family Leadership Steps Up
at Art Anderson Associations
Ben Anderson has taken the reins as president
and CEO of Bremerton-based engineering
services firm Art Anderson Associates. He follows
his father, Eric Anderson, and his grandfather,
company namesake Art Anderson, as the third
generation to lead the firm.
During his two years at the firm, Ben
Anderson’s projects have included leading the
design of a new gold dredge vessel now operating
in Alaskan waters and analyzing vessel impacts
of the proposed new Columbia River bridge over
Interstate 5. Before joining the family firm, he
served 14 years as an active-duty Coast Guard
officer. He continues his service in the reserves.
“With his graduate engineering degrees and chief engineer experience in
the Coast Guard, Ben needed only to get his feet dry before taking over the
company in which his grandfather and father had raised him,” outgoing CEO
Eric Anderson said.
Outgoing President Rob Henry has taken over the firm’s Facilities Division.
Washington Lands Construction of 777X After Union
Narrowly Approves Contract
The Aerospace Machinists’ Union
voted on Jan. 3 to approve a
long-term contract that ensures
construction of the Boeing 777X
and its high-tech composite wing
in Washington. A bare minimum —
51 percent — voted for the contract,
which replaces defined-benefit
pensions with defined-contribution 401(k)s, but will see some workers earning six figures for helping build the
next-generation aircraft.
The local union leadership had opposed the contract, which they called too
similar to an earlier offer rejected two to one by rank-and-file. The national union
leadership, however, sensing that Boeing was ready to take the work to a less
union-friendly state, called for a vote in defiance of the local.
Boeing executives and Washington’s political leaders hailed the vote as good
news for the state’s economy. “Thanks to this vote by our employees, the future
of Boeing in the Puget Sound region has never looked brighter,” said Ray Conner,
president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The outcome not only ensures a $4 billion investment from Boeing and nearly
3,000 new jobs at peak production in 2024, but it will also give Washington workers experience fabricating the 777X’s composite plastic wing, something that will
help secure future airplane production.
Seahawks Quarterback Russell
Wilson Named ‘Chief Football
Officer’ of Alaska Airlines
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell
Wilson was named “Chief Football
Officer” of Alaska Airlines in December.
As honorary “CFO,” Wilson will appear
at events and take part in Alaska Airlines
marketing activities.
“Russell is known for his determination, professionalism, integrity and his
humble heart — qualities we all aspire
to. His meticulous planning and legendary hustle help make Russell a proven
winner,” said Alaska CEO Brad Tilden.
The deal will also bring together the
NFL star and the Seattle-based airline
in support of youth and education programs. These will include the Russell
Wilson Passing Academy, which brings
inner-city and underprivileged youth to
football camps, as well as support for
Seattle Children’s Hospital, where Wilson regularly visits young fans receiving
care. Alaska donated 100,000 miles to
Children’s for each touchdown pass
Wilson threw or scored through the
remainder of the season.
“S i n c e c o m i n g t o S e a t t l e, I ’ v e
enjoyed getting involved in the community,” Wilson said. “As I have, I’ve
come to recognize Alaska Airlines as
a leader in Seattle and an airline that
I feel I have much in common with.
I’m delighted to be partnering with
Seattle’s hometown airline.”
winter/spring 2014
15