News-Record.com

For a group who is usually as gabby as the CIA when it comes to economic development secrets, leaders of the Greensboro Partnership seem almost cocky, relatively speaking, when it comes to HondaJet.

Both the outgoing and incoming chairmen of the partnership made a special point of suggesting last night that Greensboro could soon hear "positive" news from Honda Aircraft Co.

Honda, which is planning to manufacture the HondaJet, a "very light jet", has asked the city and Guilford County for a total of $1.2 million to build jets here.

Until now, only county commissioners would publicly discuss the subject.

At the Greensboro Partnership's annual dinner, however, the chairman seemed to be preparing the community for Honda's announcement, which is very unusual in a business that prides itself on secrecy.

Dennis Barry, the outgoing chairman, discussed how difficult economic development is. And he mentioned in his remakrs that "we are optimistic and hope to recive a positive decision from Honda in the relatively near future."

Likewise, Lee McAllister, who begins his term as the chairman, was more vague, but equally firm: "We hope to soon make a very exciting announcement about a new aviation company locating in our area."

HondaJet designed, built and tested the first jet at its Piedmont Triad International Airport headquarters. It expects to sell about 70 jets a year. Estimates say the manufacturing and engineering operations could employ 300 people.