FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2014
Contacts:
Devin Osting (AAAA): (202) 223-9523
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Steve Hedges (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Dick Knapinski (EAA): (920) 426-6523
Chris Dancy (HAI): (703) 683-4646
Rebecca Mulholland (NATA): (703) 845-9000
Kim Stevens (NASAO): (703) 417-1884
National Aviation Organizations Commend Michigan Governor for Declaring September ‘Aviation Month’
Washington, DC— Today, national aviation organizations commend Michigan Governor Rick Snyder for declaring September “Aviation Month.” In Michigan, general aviation accounts for over $4.1 billion in economic activity annually.
“We thank Governor Snyder for emphasizing the important role of general aviation and community airports in the state of Michigan,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation is a valuable asset to communities and an important part of the economy. It supports jobs and helps to foster growth in local communities.”
“Michigan relies heavily on local airports to stay connected to services and resources,” said Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We applaud Governor Snyder for recognizing the many benefits that general aviation provides to the state of Michigan and our country.”
“Business aviation is a fundamental tool for Michigan companies to thrive in today’s highly competitive global economy,” explained Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “We thank Governor Snyder for this proclamation, and look forward to working with him in the future.”
“General aviation helps to connect communities to goods and services in both the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan,” said Jack Pelton, Chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). “We thank the Governor for his proclamation, and hope that it will educate and inspire individuals to learn more about aviation.”
Kim Stevens, interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) stated, “Michigan’s local airports allow organizations, businesses and farms to access markets and services efficiently across the entire state. We thank Governor Snyder and Office of Aeronautics Director Mike Trout for recognizing the numerous advantages that general aviation brings to the state of Michigan.”
“General aviation and community airports are a tremendous resource, serving as a lifeline for business and economic growth,” stated Thomas L. Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “NATA and our member companies in Michigan appreciate Governor Snyder’s support of general aviation businesses and their contributions to the success of communities across the state.”
“Helicopters and other forms of general aviation aircraft are key tools for providing disaster relief, health care services and law enforcement,” said Matthew Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We thank Governor Snyder for his leadership in recognizing this important form of transportation.”
To view the Michigan proclamation, click here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of more than 6,300 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.
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