Congressman Polis Honors UAS Professionals for Startup Day Across America

Broomfield, Colorado: In honor of Startup Day across America, Congressman Jared Polis, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Broomfield’s Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Stokes, City Council Members and city staff honored UAS Professionals as a startup company leading the UAS industry in Colorado. UAS Professionals is a FAA approved drone operator headquartered in Broomfield that provides support and training to individuals and businesses wanting to utilize dronetechnology. In addition, they have founded a non-profit organization, Coalition of UAS Professionals, to represent the voice of the small business operator. With no membership fees, the nonprofit provides updates of all pending and passed legislation affecting the UAS industry. In addition, the Coalition provides a forum for members to share ideas and a means to help shape the future of this burgeoning industry.

Startup Day Across America was founded by Reps. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) in 2013. The day is designed to recognize the innovation created by startups across the country and connect elected officials with startups in their communities so they can learn about the challenges new companies face. Startups add enormous value to our local and national economies, and they are responsible for a majority of the net job growth in the U.S. They will ultimately be the engine that drives the tremendous economic impact UAS is poised to achieve.

At the event, Congressman Polis, Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Stokes, and budding entrepreneur, Jack Bonneau (9 years old) faced off in a drone flying completion. Following a bit of tutelage from UAS Professionals, each took to the “gauntlet” – a UAV obstacle course requiring precision flying. Scored by 3 volunteer judges, the competition was very tight, but in the end, young Jack edged out the Congressman and Mayor Pro-Tem receiving perfect scores of 10-10-10 after landing his drone unassisted.

“Today’s garage startups will be employing thousands of employees in the next 5 to 10 years,” said Congressman Polis. “Supporting Startup Day Across America is a highlight every year for the City and County of Broomfield, as we have so many small businesses that contribute everyday to our thriving economy,” expressed Broomfield Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Stokes. “We know how important it is to support startups like UAS Professionals who, in turn, support local startup businesses themselves and jobs. It was a very fun day!”

UAS Professionals offers a full service solution to the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) Industry. The company provides a range of training solutions, from the first-time hobbyist who wants to master the skills of flying drones safely to the commercial operator who needs certification in areas such as infrared imaging or forensic aerial photography. UAS Professionals also provides business support to startups, including helping them obtain legal approval to operate commercially. As one of the first companies in the state of Colorado to receive authorization from the FAA, UAS Professionals conducts mission operations for organizations that need aerial data collection – ranging from photography, videography and GIS mapping to multispectral analysis.

“We are honored that Congressman Polis is recognizing UAS Professionals as a leading startup company in the drone industry.  The potential of this technology is tremendous – analysts estimate that the economic impact just for Colorado over the next 18 months will exceed $232 million with the creation of 1,190 new jobs.  But the only way to make this a reality is to go above and beyond public expectations, driving the industry to operate at the utmost levels of safety and professionalism,” said Nathan Ruff, Chief Operating Officer, UAS Professionals.

About UAS Professionals:

UAS Professionals provides aerial data collection solutions, drone training, and small businesses assistance filing 333 exemption waivers with the FAA so they can conduct commercial operations legally. UAS Professionals are the founders of a 501(c)3 non-profit organization The Coalition of UAS Professionals, which provides education and assistance to the small business operators who will ultimately be the economic engine powering the drone industry. For more information on UAS Professionals, please visit www.UASPI.com, email Nathan@uaspi.com or call 720-330-8320 x6.