Case Studies

Boeing-Autonetics Monument Case Study

Objective/Background

The Boeing Commemorative Plaza in Anaheim, CA, was conceived to recognize the history of innovation as well as the passion and dedication that was demonstrated in developing technology that continues to provide value to Boeing customers today.

The knowledge, skills and dedication of the people of Autonetics - a Boeing (and formerly Rockwell) heritage organization - resulted in major technological advances and vital products that significantly impacted society around the world. Many historical technological “firsts” were achieved there that contributed substantially to the economic and cultural growth of Anaheim, Orange County and the surrounding areas.

The 72 feet (22 meters) curved monument begins its ascent at the north end at 3 feet 3 inches (1 meter) and reaches 14 feet (4.3 meters) high at its peak. The structure represents the movement of many new technologies from development to future advances with eight large stainless steel panels documenting the history and heritage of the site. The panels highlight the contributions and technological advances that Autonetics and its people made in the area of electronics, guidance, control and navigation systems.

Goals

  1. Dedicate the monument and street (Autonetics Way) with a suitable celebration on August 3, 2010, involving as many stakeholders as possible (current Boeing employees, retired Autonetics employees, customers, vendors, subcontractors, elected officials (local and state), and the community at large.
  2. Recognize the contributions of Boeing - Autonetics to defense & aerospace engineering, particularly in the areas of electronics, guidance, control and navigation
  3. Commemorate the shared history of Autonetics and the Anaheim community
  4. Appropriately reflect the Boeing brand
  5. Help develop a plan that is within the budget allocated for this event

Solution

For more than two years, a team of Autonetics retirees met consistently to conceive the idea and content for the Boeing-Autonetics monument. Christine Rodriguez - a Rockwell retiree (30-year) and former Autonetics employee - provided her strategic communications and management expertise to this monument project to ensure a successful culmination to the effort. These services included:

  1. researching, writing and editing content for the monument
  2. a “hands-on” approach to finalize and implement a strategic communications plan
  3. working closely with Boeing staff and the Retiree Advisory Committee to achieve the dedication event objectives. Functional Boeing departments assigned to the project include: Communications; Creative Services; Customer Relations & Exhibits; Facilities/Site Services; Global Corporate Citizenship; Human Resources; Security & Fire Protection Services, Environmental Health & Safety; State & Local Government; and Supplier Management
  4. facilitating weekly (and eventually daily) communications with assigned Boeing staff and Retiree Advisory Committee to identify and monitor event objectives, tasks, timeline/deadlines
  5. developing, managing and implementing the Master Task List and final event logistics to ensure a
  6. successful August 3 dedication event
  7. providing weekly status reports to Boeing project management team and Retiree Advisory Committee

Conclusion

The Boeing Company on August 3, 2010, unveiled a monument at its Anaheim facility in commemoration of the people, programs and legacy of Autonetics, a Boeing heritage organization. Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and Orange County Supervisor Bill Campbell attended the dedication along with 2,000 community leaders, Boeing (and Autonetics) executives, employees and retirees, and vendors/subcontractors. The monument and surrounding garden is located at 3195 E. La Palma Ave., in Anaheim, CA, and is open to the public daily.

Navigating Our World - Grandchildren of Christine G. Rodriguez, a Rockwell (and Autonetics) retiree, visit the Autonetics Commemorative Plaza in Anaheim, Calif., to learn of historical technology advances achieved at the site. Rodriguez worked for 30 years for Rockwell/Autonetics, a Boeing heritage organization, and was instrumental in developing this monument, along with a team of Rockwell/Autonetics retirees and Boeing employees. The monument honors the legacy and people of Autonetics with the theme, "Navigating Our World - Pioneering innovations in electronics and guidance, navigation and control that charted new frontiers on Earth and beyond."

The monument is located at 3311 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806.

 
Web Development & Design by VIDA Marketing Communications | Hosting by webHERCULES.com