RALEIGH - With the recently announced acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems as a client tenant, the N.C. Global TransPark has taken a major step forward for all of North Carolina. The coming of Spirit to the GTP is among the most important events in the business history of our state. In fact, that assessment may one day be viewed as an understatement.

The early projected numbers of more than 1,000 new high-skill-level jobs and an estimated $600 million investment in the region's economy are impressive enough. Imagine what may come in the wake of Spirit's initial impact as its composite manufacturing business grows in the coming years.

Now, the GTP can leave the long struggle for respectability behind. Now, all of North Carolina should finally begin to understand and appreciate what a huge attribute the GTP can become for the entire state.

Sure, those who work at the TransPark have much left to do. Obligations to the new tenant are many. The ongoing effort to attract more tenants goes forward. The daily work to ensure the GTP fulfills its new promise goes on.

But the search for a truly global partner has been successful.

l l l

SPIRIT IS A WORLD-CLASS COMPANY that builds products sold all over the world, used by millions of people every day. It is among a handful of key suppliers primarily responsible for development and construction of the world's commercial air fleet.

Spirit is a major supplier of critical aircraft parts to Boeing and Airbus, the world's two powerhouse manufacturers of aircraft, both commercial and military. This selling leverage enjoyed by Spirit AeroSystems places the company in a special category. It also bodes well for the long-term economic health of the TransPark and the growing aerospace focus for North Carolina -- with Honda's private jets made in the Triad and GE aircraft engines built in Durham and Wilmington.

Additionally, Spirit envisions that the GTP facility will be the hub of the company's composite-material research and development. This prospect adds another component that can contribute to the long-term success of Spirit's investment in our people.

What a great compliment it is to the citizens of Eastern North Carolina that this company's leadership decided to become part of our neighborhood.

Without trying to be contentious, I think it's also time to write briefly of the GTP's many critics over the years. As anyone who has spent much time in North Carolina knows, the GTP has served as a regular punching bag for some writers and commentators looking for a convenient column or sound bite.

In fairness, the TransPark's rocky evolution deserved some criticism. Constructive criticism surely helped it toward the recently announced success. On the other hand, too many people over the years were unduly disloyal to the people of Eastern North Carolina, whose economic foundation was quickly eroding.

These critics were often careless in their condemnation. In today's overused vernacular, the GTP was often thrown under the bus. Even in the immediate wake of the May 14 Spirit announcement, some reporters took a cynical, even mean-spirited approach to the story.

l l l

IN THE FACE OF THIS RIDICULE AND SOMETIMES HARSH CRITICISM, the small but dedicated staff of the GTP, led by executive director Darlene Waddell, soldiered on. They were supported throughout by a capable and loyal board of business and civic leaders.

With that history presumably behind us, we now pledge to build on the foundation of Spirit's commitment to keep our state growing and prospering. We trust the naysayers will come to understand the benefits our past efforts can produce.

Now it's time to go back to work, even as we believe the Global TransPark has begun a new era. Spirit offers a fresh opportunity, full of optimism and real potential. The GTP's recent efforts to emphasize aviation technology, aerospace development and military support have been validated.

The TransPark will move ahead with a nimble business plan, a focused marketing approach and renewed commitment to realizing its full potential. No one is claiming the job is over.

(Eugene A. Conti Jr. is vice chairman of the N.C. Global TransPark Authority.)

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.