SEATTLE - Grant County representatives are making connections at this week's Aerospace and Defense Suppliers Summit in Seattle.

Jonathan Smith, of Grant County Economic Development Council, and Patrick Jones, of the Port of Moses Lake, are working at the state Department of Commerce's booth.

Smith said the show went well on Tuesday.

It is an opportunity to connect suppliers with buyers, where more than 1,000 delegates are attending.

It is the first time the show was held in the U.S., but took place in Europe several times, he said.

Washington state has a composites booth featuring a Lamborghini from the University of Washington's Advanced Composites Structures Lab.

Smith called it a "hugely successful booth," which promoted the value chain of carbon fiber.

"Of course, we have SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers here in Moses Lake," Smith said.

The composites booth was primarily sponsored by The ASPI Group, a major landowner in Grant County.

People asked Smith why BMW/SGL selected Moses Lake.

It gave him the chance to tout the benefits of Grant County's available land and low-cost power compared to other areas of the state or country.

He called the show an opportunity to educate people about what Grant County has to offer.

The show was a "super opportunity" for Washington state and had been in the works for two years, Smith said.

Gov. Chris Gregoire mentioned Moses Lake in her opening remarks for the summit.

Gregoire pointed out how composites were moving well beyond aerospace into automobiles and other products.

"This event has the flavor of a trade show, but it is something even more valuable," she stated. "More than 200 buyers will connect with more than 400 suppliers in one-on-one meetings to buy, sell, and learn about new opportunities - and as importantly - create business relationships that can last as needs change."

About 600 companies were expected to participate, holding 7,000 one-on-one meetings and representing 30 countries, according to the event's website.

Participating U.S. companies and entities include Airbus Americas, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense and Security, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Inc., Washington State Aerospace Partnership and Washington State Department of Commerce.