CONGRATULATIONS to Boeing and the Machinists union for the hard work and foresight each side brought to the negotiations that resulted in a new four-year contract.

Their prudent investments resulted in a substantial accomplishment for labor, aerospace and Washington state: the manufacture of the 737MAX in Renton and related final assembly of the 737 line.

Giddy barely describes the reaction to the tentative contract deal, which is still subject to union ratification. Political and business leaders and grateful citizens shared in the assessment of a beaming co-chair of the Washington Aerospace Partnership who described "a wonderful day."

Boeing clearly recognized the quality of the workforce that proudly produces the industry's best airplanes. Keeping the work in place and in skilled hands will reassure customers that production commitments will be met. Always good for business.

The Machinist union checked its attitude at the door and negotiated in good faith to produce a new contract almost a year early. Details are not known, but it can be certain concessions were made in the interest of long-term job growth and stability.

Global competition is intense to share in the estimated demand for 22,000 single-aisle planes in the next 19 years.

Labor and management produced a significant agreement. Estimates run as high as 20,000 new jobs from direct hires by Boeing and through the hundreds of companies in the chain of suppliers that stretches across Washington.

As Gov. Chris Gregoire noted, "This agreement shows a strong commitment by both sides to secure the future of aerospace in Washington state."

The next step for the state is to follow through on the enhancements and investments in education that Gregoire supports. They range from boosting aerospace curriculum support for high-school students, to expanding engineering enrollments at the University of Washington and Washington State University.

Even with the confetti still airborne from the glorious news, it is not too early to focus on what needs to be done to sustain production of the 777 in Everett.

Keeping and growing Boeing's workforce of 80,000 in the state is worthy of the investment of effort and resources it stirs, and the praise and celebration it inspires.