Alliance for Aviation Across America Attends Proclamation-Signing Ceremony with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Recognizing the Value of General Aviation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Contact Information:
Selena Shilad – 202-550-2547
Matthew Hager – 218-330-7447
Washington, D.C. – The Alliance for Aviation Across America Executive Director, Selena Shilad, today attended a ceremony with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to witness the signing of a proclamation recognizing the benefit of aviation to the state of Georgia. The signing took place in the Governor’s office in Atlanta, Georgia, and afterwards, the Alliance presented a letter to the Governor commending him for recognizing the importance of aviation.
“Now more than ever, it is essential that everyone understand the great value and importance of aviation to our nation’s economy. This Proclamation is an important part of this ongoing effort, and we commend the Governor for his leadership and support of this vital form of transportation,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director for the Alliance for Aviation Across America.
Georgia is home to Gulfstream aircraft which employs over 6,000 Georgia residents, and general aviation is responsible for roughly 37,000 jobs in Georgia and generates an $8 billion annually into its economy.
The full text of the letter to Governor Perdue can be read below.
To see the text of the Governor’s proclamation, click here: http://www.aviationacrossamerica.org/Press_Release_Detail.aspx?id=21346
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 4,400 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
The Office of the Governor
203 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334Dear Governor Perdue:
We write to thank you for issuing a Proclamation recognizing the important role General Aviation (GA) plays in Georgia’s economy. Our members are very grateful for your recognition of the many businesses, charitable groups, farmers and individuals that are part of our community in your state.
As you are aware, small aircraft and airports used by businesses, farmers and individuals are a vital tool to bring emergency services such as transportation to medical facilities, search and rescue support and firefighting assistance to remote areas. More than ever, GA continues to provide our members with access to medical care, economic opportunity and emergency evacuation, as well as a host of other vital services and resources.
In Georgia, and across the nation, local airfields are centers of economic activity; they bring millions of dollars annually to rural communities and allow small businesses, and the jobs they create, to stay in these areas. Georgians have good reason to be proud of the GA community: this form of transportation is responsible for roughly 37,000 jobs in Georgia and generates an $8 billion annually into its economy.
Now more than ever, it is essential that everyone understand the great value and importance of GA to our nation’s economy. Your Proclamation is an important part of this ongoing effort. We commend you for your leadership and for your support.
Sincerely,
Selena Shilad
Executive Director