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North American Surveillance Systems Celebrates Opening

Community Leaders Welcome Aircraft Modification Company to Space Coast Airport

Brevard County, Fla. (February 27, 2014) - Community and political leaders gathered at the Space Coast Regional Airport on Thursday for the grand opening of North American Surveillance Systems Inc.

Assembled at the company's new hangar, NASS executives, elected officials and economic leaders talked of Brevard County's growing aviation sector and the importance of a diversified economy - two areas strengthened by the arrival of this fixed and rotary-wing aircraft modification business.

The plan to consolidate its New York and Florida business operations came together quickly, and by mid-2013, the choice to come to Titusville had been made, NASS President Richard McCourt told the more than 70 assembled guests and company employees.

"Turns out to be the best decision we could have made," he said.

North Brevard political leaders said it was a decision that rippled through the area.

"This is a great day for North Brevard, Titusville, our entire community," said Robin Fisher, Brevard County Commissioner for District 1. "This is confirmation that we are moving forward."

Titusville Mayor Jim Tulley remembered how different things were a decade ago when it was clear the Space Coast had to redouble its efforts to diversify its economy. "This is one more example of what we're doing to make that happen," he said.

"We are very, very fortunate," added Michael Powell, chief executive officer of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority.

The airport authority was a partner in this project along with Enterprise Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the North Brevard Economic Development Zone, the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, Brevard County, the City of Titusville and Titusville's Space Coast Economic Development Commission.

"Through the dedicated efforts of many organizations and individuals, our vision has turned into a reality," said Rowland Huss, NASS VP and chief operating officer.

Just as NASS adds value to the aircraft it modifies, the company's consolidation and expansion on the Space Coast adds value to the aviation industry and the overall economy, EDC of Florida's Space Coast President and CEO Lynda Weatherman told the crowd.

"Taking an existing product and making it better - adding value to it - is an essential part of the American entrepreneurial experience," she said. "It is a practice that the bright minds and visionary thinkers of the Space Coast have employed since the earliest days of the space program, and it is one that has helped our community build an economy that is increasingly nimble and importantly diverse."

The EDC worked closely with NASS to demonstrate the competitive advantages of locating on the Space Coast. Staff developed a proposal outlining the tax savings, skilled labor pool and incentives available for a Brevard location.

The company will create 20 jobs over the next three years in manufacturing and engineering with an average wage of $75,000. It is also spending $1.3 million on building construction and $380,000 on equipment for manufacturing, research and design and office operations.

NASS offers design, systems engineering, integration, test, certification and logistics support of aircraft intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance modifications. Its FAA-licensed mechanics are experienced on more than 80 different fixed and rotary wing aircraft types.

"We are very excited and welcome NASS to the community," said Brenda Fettrow, vice-chair of the North Brevard Economic Development Zone, which provided the local support required to qualify NASS for a state Qualified Target Industry tax refund.

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About North American Surveillance Systems Inc.
A veteran owned global leader in the modification of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, North American Surveillance Systems Inc. (NASS) specializes in the installation of state-of-the-art electronic communications, navigation and surveillance systems. With more than fifteen years of proven excellence in custom design and installation, NASS brings world-class technical expertise and unparalleled experience to the special-missions aircraft modification industry. For more information, please visit www.nassusa.net.

About the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida's Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org for more information.