The Inslee aerospace vision

Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 12:01 a.m.

While the industry is diverse, with 200 aerospace suppliers between Arlington and Bothell alone, Boeing remains the big Kahuna -- a colossus the Northwest could lose by attrition to the Palmetto State. To hint at moving seems alarmist, but hints galvanize policymakers.

Boeing CEO Jim McNerney called Everett an "attractive place" to manufacture the next generation of Boeing 777s, The Herald's Michelle Dunlop reports, but Snohomish County's largest employer can be a fickle suitor.

A couple of generations and the era of Bill Allen and T Wilson was supplanted by Phil Condit's age of hubris. There was the 1997 McDonnell Douglas merger, and the uprooting of corporate headquarters to a Midwest city that will go unnamed. Boeing's board of directors (someone push the panic button) has no Everett-Seattle-Renton roots.

Washington nevertheless has the foundational goods that can't be duplicated in South Carolina, and company directors understand that. Boeing has invested $1 billion in its Everett plant over the past 5 years.

A vital infrastructure, broadly defined, has a rising-tide effect. The centerpiece of a keep-'em-here strategy elevates higher ed, K-12, and transportation. It's another reason why lawmakers shouldn't punt on a special-session transpo package.

Gov. Jay Inslee is positioned to articulate a comprehensive strategy and a strong, clear vision on aerospace. Does he have a game plan and a means to implement it? A blueprint won't be as entertainingly mercenary as South Carolina's $120 million Boeing giveaway, but it should mollify the aerospace sector about predictability, that its vitality and Washington's economic health are interdependent.

In the final years of the Gregoire era, aerospace execs developed a sense of trust that state government could adapt and work in common cause. And with a visit to Everett this week, Inslee will have a platform to underscore his strategy.

Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson and regional leaders have quietly urged an Inslee sit-down with McNerney to graduate "attractive place" to the no-question place. It's a manageable goal. A promising, bipartisan sign is the Senate Majority Coalition's apparent willingness to yield and support the Governor's Office of Aerospace.

The Washington Aerospace Partnership, along with labor and business, are mobilized to help. A healthy aerospace sector is more about leadership than it is politics. It's embedded in the soil.

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The Inslee aerospace vision

Research and Markets: The European Aerospace & Defense Industry – 2013 Provides Analysis of 30 Major Players

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7bvtdf/the_european) has announced the addition of the "The European Aerospace & Defense Industry" report to their offering.

The advent of globally industrialized economies also led to the development of the aerospace & defense industry worldwide. This was fuelled by governments of advanced nations pumping in major investments to build capacities for aerospace & defense industries in the post war scenario. A significant effort was seen in the European Aerospace & Defense Industry wherein groundbreaking inventions were carried out. This transformed the European Aerospace & Defense Industry to become a formidable contestant in the global air business.

This R'search's report on the European Aerospace & Defense Industry is a comprehensive & elaborate assessment of this industry and its achievements.

This report places special emphasis and equips the user with a thorough understanding of the European Aerospace & Defense Industry as under:

Galloping defense sales to the tune of $116.7 billion.

The steadily growing share being garnered by the EAI to the tune of 35% as compared to the US industry.

The balancing effort of EAI between imports of 11 billion as compared to exports to the tune of 39.2 billion.

The rapid consolidation activity underway in the industry wherein even the big players as EADS are owned by almost 4 players and their shares.

The impact of low cost airlines and their simple business model deriving Op cost advantages of 40 - 65% per unit with an observation of LCC activity globally.

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Research and Markets: The European Aerospace & Defense Industry - 2013 Provides Analysis of 30 Major Players

UTC Aerospace Systems – Motor Drives Systems Centre hosts Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP – UK Minister of State for Business …

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --UTC Aerospace Systems recently hosted the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP Minister of State for Businessand Energy at its Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK facility on May 7. The visit was an opportunity for UTC Aerospace Systems to update the Minister on the aerospace work being performed at the site and to officially open the redeveloped Technology House. The facility has approximately 160 employees, and is a new addition to the Hemel Hempstead business community having recently relocated. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX).

Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said, "Research and development has a crucial role to play in the long-term success of the UK's aerospace sector, which is why it features so heavily as part of our Aerospace Industrial Strategy developed by industry and Government through the Aerospace Growth Partnership.

"UTC Aerospace Systems' new state of the art facility is positive news for the local economy and demonstrates the confidence global businesses have in the UK as a place to do business and invest in new technologies to keep us at the forefront of this highly competitive global market."

"It's a privilege to host the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP at the official opening of our new facility in Hemel Hempstead," said Gareth Morris, general manager for UTC Aerospace Systems, Motor Drive Systems Centre, Hemel Hempstead.

"A great deal of hard work and commitment has been shown by all our employees in establishing the new facility, which provides us with the infrastructure to continue to grow our capabilities in high performance power electronics and motor drive technologies. These will form a key element of the more efficient, greener aircraft of the future," he added.

The UTC Aerospace Systems Motor Drives Systems Centre (MDSC) based in the UK at Hemel Hempstead with a satellite engineering office in Birmingham specializes in the design, development, manufacture and in-service support of motor drive systems for the aerospace and defense markets.

MDSC has a background of developing electric motors, motor drive electronics and power electronic systems spanning 25 years, providing a strategic capability to develop high-performance motor drive systems for Nacelles, Flight Controls, Landing Gear and Engine Systems being developed by other UTC Aerospace Systems businesses around the world.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

http://www.utcaerospacesystems.com

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UTC Aerospace Systems - Motor Drives Systems Centre hosts Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP - UK Minister of State for Business ...

Merex, Inc. and Jay-Em Aerospace, Inc. Sign International Distribution Agreement

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Merex has been selected by Jay-Em Aerospace, Inc. to provide international distribution for legacy military aftermarket parts. Jay-Em is based in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and has been a manufacturer of precision components for over 50 years supporting the aerospace and automotive markets. The company produces nose, wheel and brake assemblies for the following military platforms: C-130, KC-135, F-16, F-5, F-4, T-38, T-37, E-3/A-6, and B-52. Jay-Em retains the proprietary rights to General Tire Companys military wheel and brake product line, providing a large, installed base and a long term reputation with operators of legacy military platforms.

Thomas Butorac, Jay-Em Aerospace, Inc. general manager noted, "Jay-Em Aerospace is excited about the new relationship with Merex and looking forward to future opportunities for both organizations.

"Adding Jay-Em to our family of products and services demonstrates our continued commitment to strengthen our supply chain offerings to our foreign military customer base while offering international exposure to Jay-Ems products and services, explains Andy Shams, Merex president.

About Jay-Em Aerospace, Inc.:

Jay-Em is a manufacturer of precision components, supporting the aerospace and automotive markets. The company provides engineering support and manufacturing capabilities for a broad range of precision components used in flight and mission critical applications. The business is certified to AS9100C and ISO 9001 standards and is recognized as an integrated manufacturing partner for demanding customers and markets. Further information is available at http://www.jay-em.com.

About Merex:

The Merex Group is a global provider of comprehensive support for U.S. manufactured legacy defense platforms including aircraft, helicopters and their respective engines. Supporting more than 35 armed forces worldwide that operate legacy defense platforms, Merexs Total Support approach of providing spares/components, repair/overhaul management, and project management of systems upgrades has been instrumental in the companys success in this growing market. The Merex Group is headquartered in Camarillo, California and is a Dubin Clark Portfolio Company. Further information is available at http://www.merexinc.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130508005342/en/

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Merex, Inc. and Jay-Em Aerospace, Inc. Sign International Distribution Agreement

Magellan Aerospace announces report on voting results for directors

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Magellan Aerospace Corporation (the "Corporation") announces that today at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation the proposed nominees for directors of the Corporation received the following votes:

As a result, all of the above named nominees have been elected to hold office for the ensuing year, or until their successors are duly elected or appointed, subject to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and by-laws of the Corporation.

About Magellan Aerospace:

Magellan Aerospace is one of the world's most integrated aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets, and complementary specialty products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MAL.TO), with operating units throughout Canada , the United States , the United Kingdom , India , Northern Ireland , and Poland .

SOURCE: Magellan Aerospace Corporation

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Magellan Aerospace announces report on voting results for directors

The Alliance for the Advancement of Adult Stem Cell Therapy and Research Recently Has Proven Stem Cells To Be …

Bonita Springs, Florida (PRWEB) May 07, 2013

The Alliance for the Advancement of Stem Cell Therapy and Research monetarily supports some of the treatments provided by Intercellular Sciences. The Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting research and treatment of life altering diseases with adult stem cells.

Howie Linderman, founding board member of The Alliance, says, The Alliance is very proud to be a part of helping people obtain this breakthrough treatment. When I had my stem cell treatment in 2008, the process was much more complex. This new protocol will change the way the world views cardiac problems and we are excited to participate.

To become a supporting member, please visit http://www.thestemcellalliance.org

John C. and Eddie W. have had Dilated Cardiomyopathy for many years and as time has gone on their heart muscle has continued to weaken. The deterioration of their hearts function deteriorated to the point that walking across the room was impossible without shortness of breath. Eddie had become so bad that he was restricted to a wheelchair. Modern science has not been able to stop the progression of this devastating disease. All the medications and defibrillators can do is treat the symptoms. Both men were facing a very grim prognosis. In March they each underwent a treatment using their own stem cells to regenerate the heart muscle. Within several weeks they were both feeling better and able to do much more activity than before. Eddie was out of his wheel chair. John went back to bowling.

John C. (age 62, Dickson, TN), has had Cardiomyopathy since he was a young man. First diagnosed while in college he has had to adjust his life style to adapt to his weak heart function. His doctors recommended a defibrillator a few years ago and he has been dependent on it since. His symptoms became rapidly progressive in the last couple of months. He had to stop many of his activities including cardiac rehab. It had become just too difficult for him. Johns ejection fraction (the percent of pumping of the heart) had dropped to under 10%. His doctors were not optimistic. He and his wife Karen refused to accept such a grim fate and searched for alternative treatment. They soon found an option: adult stem cell therapy. I have much more energy now, said John after his treatment. Im back to walking the perimeter of my 6 acre property and Im back at cardiac rehab. I have even started bowling again which I had stopped. Karen says that the change has been Amazing! An echocardiogram done 3 weeks after his treatment showed an increase in his ejection fraction of 50%. It is expected that his heart function will continue to improve for up to 6 months.

Eddie W. (age 41, Americus, GA) has battled heart disease for the last 14 years. He went through several years with just mild symptoms but, the last year has been devastating. His heart function deteriorated to such a degree that he has been hospitalized twice recently for severe swelling and shortness of breath. The doctors told his wife Leslie to get his affairs in order. While he was in the hospital this last time his family searched for other options. Coming across adult stem cell treatment for heart disease they took a leap of faith and made arrangements for treatment that has to be done outside the United States. Eddie was so weak that he could only get around being pushed in a wheelchair. He also had a pump attached that delivered a medication called Primacor to help his heart. Leslie had to fill the pump once a day with this life sustaining medicine. Eddie was treated in March. The treatment was a success. Within one week the pump was discontinued. Within two weeks he was getting around without the wheelchair. We hosted a church function and Eddie was able to keep up the whole time. Leslie says He could barely get out of his wheelchair before and now to be hosting a party, I cant believe it. Im so grateful. My boys have their father back. Eddies treatment was in part supported by The Alliance for The Advancement of Stem Cell Therapy and Research.

Zannos G. Grekos, MD, MAAC, FACC, chief science officer of Intercellular Sciences and a Florida-based pioneer in the field of adult stem cell therapy explains how, in this groundbreaking treatment, cardiologists insert a catheter into the patients heart similar to a heart cath. In 20 minutes, about 30 separate injections of Regenocytes (activated stem cells) are introduced into the damaged part of the heart. The process of tissue repair begins almost immediately.

The activation provides a key step in the process, Dr. Zannos Grekos explains. The lab extracts the stem cells, concentrates and activates them into over a billion of regenerative adult stem cells while educating them to assist the specific organ that needs regeneration. These cells we call Regenocytes.

Patients remain in the hospital overnight for observation, and are typically discharged the next day. Patients are scheduled for regular subsequent visits after the stem cell treatment to monitor their progress and measure their results.

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The Alliance for the Advancement of Adult Stem Cell Therapy and Research Recently Has Proven Stem Cells To Be ...

Human Anatomy And Physiology Online – DOWNLOAD 3D Human Anatomy Software FREE! – Video


Human Anatomy And Physiology Online - DOWNLOAD 3D Human Anatomy Software FREE!
Human Anatomy And Physiology Online Download Here #9659; #9659; http://3danatomy.openmore.info Great learning and teaching device with regard to doctors, students and a...

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Human Anatomy And Physiology Online - DOWNLOAD 3D Human Anatomy Software FREE! - Video

Pathogen turns protein into a virulence factor in 1 easy step

Public release date: 7-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

To infect its host, the respiratory pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa takes an ordinary protein usually involved in making other proteins and adds three small molecules to turn it into a key for gaining access to human cells. In a study to be published May 7 in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine, the University of Virginia, and Universidad de las Islas Baleares in Mallorca, Spain, uncover this previously unknown virulence factor in P. aeruginosa, one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Co-author Joanna Goldberg of Emory says scientists have long thought P. aeruginosa mostly uses this protein called elongation factor-Tu (EF-Tu) inside the cell, but she and her collaborators have learned that as a virulence factor, it could represent a vulnerability for the bacterium. "EF-Tu is presumed to be an essential protein, and it's performing these moonlighting functions as well. If we figured out how it was doing that, we could devise strategies to inhibit it," says Goldberg.

P. aeruginosa pneumonia is a big problem in the hospital setting, where it is a frequent cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia and is the leading cause of death among critically ill patients whose airways have been damaged by ventilation, trauma, or other infections. The pathogen is also a contributor to disease in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and forms thick biofilms that are difficult or impossible to treat with antibiotics. Goldberg and her co-author Sebastian Alberti and their colleagues study the molecular events that enable the bacterium to infect human cells in the hopes of finding ways to prevent P. aeruginosa pneumonia.

In their earlier work, Goldberg and Alberti found that P. aeruginosa takes the protein EF-Tu, which was generally thought to exist only inside the cell, and decorates the exterior of the cell with it, but in a modified form. This modified EF-Tu is recognized by antibodies to the common bacterial epitope phosphorylcholine (ChoP), indicating that the EF-Tu is modified somehow to mimic ChoP, allowing P. aeruginosa to enjoy the benefits of ChoP. By interacting with receptors on human cells, ChoP carries out a crucial step for setting up an infection for a number of different types of respiratory pathogens.

But how is EF-Tu modified, they wondered? And does it help P. aeruginosa establish an infection? This study answers those questions.

Using a host of techniques, including mass spectrometry, site directed mutagenesis of key residues in the protein, and genetic loss of function/gain of function studies, they found that P. aeruginosa only makes small changes to EF-Tu to get it to mimic this powerful ligand. P. aeruginosa transfers three methyl groups to a lysine on EF-Tu, giving it a structure similar to ChoP and allowing it to fit in the PAFR receptor in the way ChoP does.

But the modified EF-Tu not only looks like ChoP, in many ways it works like ChoP: testing in cultures of human airway cells shows that the modification of EF-Tu enables the bacterium to adhere to human cells.

"It allows [P. aeruginosa] to adhere to the cells and invade," says Goldberg. "And it seems to be involved in virulence in mouse models. It might also impact persistence in the lung."

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Pathogen turns protein into a virulence factor in 1 easy step

Department of Pathology and Microbiology at University of Nebraska Medical Center to Join PathCentral’s New Digital …

OMAHA, Neb. & IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

PathCentral (www.pathcentral.net), a technology-enabled company dedicated to the success of the international pathology community, and the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), today announced that UNMC will participate in the PathCentral Pathology Network (www.pathcentralpro.net), the specialtys most comprehensive online information exchange and digital consultation forum.

The PathCentral Pathology Network will provide the basic framework for providing consultative services to our customers throughout the world and will improve access to expert opinion in both urban and rural areas, said Steven H. Hinrichs, MD, Department Chair.

The PathCentral Pathology Network enables physicians to upload case files using digital images for pathologists to review and render critical consulting diagnoses on both a global and a domestic real-time basis. In terms of scanning technology and imaging software, the Network is agnostic and designed to be non-exclusive that is, open to all users regardless of location or consulting institution. The PathCentral Pathology Network seeks to connect the worlds pathologists, incorporating tools from social media, making it an ideal forum for pathologists to send and perform consults, create connections, post information, share cases, ask questions, and expand professional relationships.

About Department of Pathology and Microbiology at University of Nebraska Medical Center

The Department of Pathology and Microbiology provides expert diagnostic services in both anatomic and clinical pathology. Their faculty have performed and published important research demonstrating the capabilities of digital imaging.

About PathCentral

Through its comprehensive suite of products and services, PathCentral provides independent community-based pathologists with the tools they need to increase revenues, improve operating efficiencies, ensure patient safety, and become highly competitive in their local markets. With its blend of leading edge IT cloud computing technology and global connectivity, PathCentral intends to enable pathologists around the world to grow, thrive and more effectively meet the demands of 21st Century diagnostic medicine. For more information, please visit http://www.pathcentral.net.

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Cognitive impairment in families with exceptional longevity studied

May 6, 2013 A study by Stephanie Cosentino, Ph.D., of Columbia University, New York, and colleagues examines the relationship between families with exceptional longevity and cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer disease. (Online First)

The cross-sectional study included a total of 1,870 individuals (1,510 family members and 360 spouse controls) recruited through the Long Life Family Study. The main outcome measure was the prevalence of cognitive impairment based on a diagnostic algorithm validated using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center data set.

According to study results, the cognitive algorithm classified 546 individuals (38.5 percent) as having cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer disease. Long Life Family Study probands had a slightly but not statistically significant reduced risk of cognitive impairment compared with spouse controls (121 of 232 for probands versus 45 of 103 for spouse controls), whereas Long Life Family Study sons and daughters had a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (11 of 213 for sons and daughters versus 28 of 216 for spouse controls). Restriction to nieces and nephews in the offspring generation attenuated this association (37 of 328 for nieces and nephews versus 28 of 216 for spouse controls).

"Overall, our results appear to be consistent with a delayed onset of disease in long-lived families, such that individuals who are part of exceptionally long-lived families are protected but not later in life," the study concludes.

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Cognitive impairment in families with exceptional longevity studied

Could family longevity protect against dementia?

By Andrew M. Seaman

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The sons and daughters of people who live very long lives tend to get the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease later than others, but they're not immune from the memory-robbing disease, according to a new study.

Based on comparisons of people in their 90s, their spouses, siblings, children and their children's spouses, researchers found that the offspring of people with exceptional longevity were about 40 percent less likely than peers to be cognitively impaired between ages 65 and 79.

"It's not necessarily that these individuals never become cognitively impaired, but what it seems like is that there is a delayed onset of cognitive impairment," said Stephanie Cosentino, of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

By the time the older generation of study volunteers were in their 90s, however, their risk of being cognitively impaired was fairly high.

So Cosentino's team projects that the kids of these long-lived individuals will have the same risk level as their parents if they enjoy similar longevity - that is, they'll no longer be protected.

Loosely defined, longevity means living beyond the average age of death among peers. In the U.S. today, for instance, a 65 year old man can expect to live to age 83, on average, and a woman to age 85.

As life expectancies continue to rise, few have investigated whether that means people live to those old ages cognitively "intact," Cosentino and her colleagues write in JAMA Neurology.

Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in about 5,000 Americans each year. It's the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Both longevity and dementia risk have some degree of heritability.

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Could family longevity protect against dementia?

Family longevity could lessen instances of dementia

Patients with Alzheimer's and dementia are seen during a therapy session inside the Alzheimer foundation in Mexico City April 19, 2012. ( Edgard Garrido / Reuters)

The sons and daughters of people who live very long lives tend to get the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease later than others, but they're not immune from the memory-robbing disease, according to a new study.

Based on comparisons of people in their 90s, their spouses, siblings, children and their children's spouses, researchers found that the offspring of people with exceptional longevity were about 40 percent less likely than peers to be cognitively impaired between ages 65 and 79.

"It's not necessarily that these individuals never become cognitively impaired, but what it seems like is that there is a delayed onset of cognitive impairment," said Stephanie Cosentino, of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

By the time the older generation of study volunteers were in their 90s, however, their risk of being cognitively impaired was fairly high.

So Cosentino's team projects that the kids of these long-lived individuals will have the same risk level as their parents if they enjoy similar longevity - that is, they'll no longer be protected.

Loosely defined, longevity means living beyond the average age of death among peers. In the U.S. today, for instance, a 65 year old man can expect to live to age 83, on average, and a woman to age 85.

As life expectancies continue to rise, few have investigated whether that means people live to those old ages cognitively "intact," Cosentino and her colleagues write in JAMA Neurology.

Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in about 5,000 Americans each year. It's the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Both longevity and dementia risk have some degree of heritability.

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Family longevity could lessen instances of dementia

BlackRock CEO Declares Longevity “Defining Challenge of Our Age”

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BlackRock, Inc. (BLK) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Laurence D. Fink today called on government and business leaders to recognize that Americans are woefully unprepared for increasing longevity, and said policymakers should make resolving the resulting retirement funding crisis a national priority.

In a speech to students and faculty at New York University Stern School of Business, Mr. Fink noted the great progress made in achieving longer lifespans but added that this blessing is severely straining resources for governments and individual investors worldwide, and also may be restricting job opportunities for younger people as older people remain in the workforce longer. Click here to view a webcast of Mr. Finks remarks.

Longevity is the defining challenge of our age, said Mr. Fink, who noted that one in four Americans age 65 today is expected to live until the age of 90. He said the traditional mix of retirement funding from Social Security, pensions and personal savings was in the grip of a systemic crisis that is threatening not only retirement systems but also our economic futures.

Because of its far-reaching effects, a solution needs to be as big and urgent a national priority as anything we have faced in recent years. The longer we wait to act, the bigger the problem will become, Mr. Fink said.

To help meet this challenge, Mr. Fink called for a comprehensive solution that, in addition to Social Security, includes some form of mandatory retirement savings, similar to Australias superannuation system or the new National Employment Savings Trust in the UK. Calling for the gradual introduction of such a provision, Mr. Fink said, It would relieve the crisis of financing longevity that will be a drag on our economy and job creation for years to come if we dont deal with it soon.

Mr. Fink also said that corporate America has a moral obligation to help employees prepare for retirement and urged more employers to offer retirement plans, provide matching funds, auto-enroll all employees and educate employees on the absolute necessity of maxing out their plans. He said that BlackRock and other asset managers needed to do a better job of helping prepare savers for retirement. That means much less of a focus on short-term sales and products and more on investors long-term needs, Mr. Fink said.

Mr. Fink spoke as BlackRock published its latest Investor Pulse Survey Investing in a Low-Yield Environment which found that while more than half of respondents fear they will outlive their savings, some 73 percent are more concerned about keeping their savings safe than generating the returns they will need to fund retirements that are now lasting up to three decades or more.

Were not going to change human behavior, but we need to find ways to influence it. Investors dont take a long-term view. They are too concerned about all the noise out there, all the ups and downs in the markets, Mr. Fink said, citing behavioral studies on risk aversion among individual savers.

That noise and the concern people have about outliving their savings are ironically driving investors to investments they perceive to be safer, like traditional bonds, Mr. Fink said. But they should do just the opposite, taking advantage of their longer investment horizon to keep their money working for them.

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BlackRock CEO Declares Longevity “Defining Challenge of Our Age”