PNAA’s Chairman’s Award is presented to the individual, company or organization that has in PNAA’s discretion, made the greatest contribution through innovation or growth, thus raising the industry standard of the Aerospace Industry in the Pacific Northwest.

Project Manager Industrial Networks and International Affairs | Niedersachsen Aviation

PNAA’s Chairman, Ted Croft awarded Norbert Steinkemper the 2017 Chairman’s Award for his dedication and outstanding leadership and his amazing ability to welcome new aerospace ventures to the industry.

As a student in the late 90s, Norbert Steinkemper was fascinated by the impact that successful business networks could have.  He developed a theoretical approach on leveraging network effects for economic development and embarked on a career in cluster development for Niedersachsen Aviation, the aerospace cluster for Niedersachsen, Germany.  Under Norbert’s leadership, this network has grown to be one of the leading aerospace clusters in Germany with more than 250 companies.

“Norbert has an amazing ability to bring groups together to create incredibly successful business networks,” said PNAA Chairman Ted Croft.  “He was an easy choice for the Chairman’s Award because his work across the Atlantic has created important business relationships here in the Northwest.  Aerospace is a global industry and having partners in Europe is essential.  Norbert has opened doors for companies here and in Germany.  We appreciate his steadfast friendship with PNAA.”

Since 2010, Norbert has been instrumental in bringing aerospace delegations from Germany to PNAA’s Aerospace Conference.  He has introduced Northwest companies to German Suppliers as well as Tier 1-3 companies.  He has helped secure international speakers, facilitated international business meetings and helped companies create profitable relationships in the Northwest and in Europe.

In 2009, he was a founding partner of the European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP), a network of 40+ aerospace clusters, representing more than 4,300 companies from 13 European countries, covering the entire aerospace value chain in Europe.  This important industry network allows northwest companies to make connections with aerospace companies throughout Europe.  It was through Norbert’s leadership that PNAA signed the 2017 MOU with EACP, expressing the desire to collaborate on common interests.  As the Project Manager for Industrial Networks and International Affairs at Niedersachsen Aviation, Steinkemper and his team also provide direct access to partners throughout the entire aerospace value chain in Northern Germany.  Niedersachsen is specialized in aerostructures and manufacturing technology, and is a recognized European leader in carbon fiber composite materials as well as Germany’s hub for aerospace research.  

“We are so pleased that Mr. Steinkemper is a recipient of this prestigious award,” said PNAA Board Member and International Committee Chair, Jim Sheehan.  “He has played an integral role over the past eight years in broadening the international reach for our members.  It was with Norbert’s leadership that the PNAA was invited to enter into an MOU with EACP, advancing our level of cooperation with the EU.  Norbert is a true friend of the PNAA and this recognition is only a small acknowledgement of the great value he has brought to the PNAA, the State of Niedersachsen and the broader EACP community at large.”

Norbert Steinkemper is 38 years old.  He studied spatial planning and regional development in Germany and graduated at the Technical University of Dortmund.  Norbert is married and has one son.