U.P. businessman recognized by several agencies

 

Luce County business owner, David Goudreau,was recognized as the Contractor of the Year for both the State of Michigan and the Midwest Region by the federal Small Business Administration.

The Upper Great Lakes Economic, Education and Workforce Development Summit in Marquette provided the backdrop for the award, presented by Gerald Moore, Michigan District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Goudreau’s achievements were also celebrated at the National 8(a) Training, Business Matchmaking and Awards Ceremony event in Washington, DC on October 10.

This year marks the 30th year that the SBA will recognize outstanding owners of minority  small business for their individual achievements and contributions to our nation’s economy. David Goudreau is the owner of Northern Wings Repair, which began in a pole barn in Engadine with two employees. It is now a modern manufacturing operation located in a purpose-built 13,000 square foot facility in Newberry.

Northern Wings has grown to be an AS 9100 certified aerospace manufacturer, Certificated FAA Repair Station and stocking distributor of certified material and parts for commercial and military aircraft with established satellite sales offices in Brookfield, WI; Raleigh, NC; and San Jose, CA. Northern Wings was certified into the SBA 8(a) program in 2007.

An active proponent for economic development in the Upper Peninsula, Goudreau serves as the President of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Workforce Development Board, and as a member of the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee. He is also a charter member of the Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition, an SBA funded initiative, and a member of the steering committee for the Delta Aerospace and Maritime Project.