FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2010
Contact:
Selena Shilad (AAAA): (202) 550-2547
Matthew Hager (AAAA): (218) 330-7447
Dan Hubbard (NBAA): (202) 783-9360
Chris Dancy (AOPA): (301) 695-2159
Governor Ted Strickland Declares July 16th “Aviation Industry Awareness Day” in Ohio
Washington, DC – Today, the Alliance for Aviation Across America applauded Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s proclamation declaring July 16th, 2010 “Aviation Industry Awareness Day.” The proclamation highlights the $5.5 billion in economic impact and 17,352 jobs general aviation provides to the state of Ohio as well as the importance of these airports and aircraft for communities and businesses across Ohio.
“I am proud to declare July 16, 2010 ‘Aviation Industry Awareness Day,'” said Governor Strickland. “As the ‘Birthplace of Aviation,’ it is fitting that we celebrate those who love to fly and recognize the critical importance of this form of transportation to our livelihood and our economy. Whether it’s aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions or our vast network of over 160 community airports statewide, aviation is a crucial part of our state and country’s infrastructure, and we need to continue to support and encourage the growth of this vital industry.”
“We applaud Governor Strickland’s proclamation for helping to raise awareness about the importance of general aviation to our economy and for small towns and rural communities across the country,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “General aviation is a literal lifeline to citizens throughout Ohio and the nation who rely on these aircraft and airports for business, medical care, disaster relief, law enforcement, agriculture and tourism.”
“Ohio was among the first states to recognize the value of having at least one airport in every county. It’s a commitment the state made decades ago, and its leaders have consistently worked to follow through,” said AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller. “Governor Strickland’s proclamation is strong evidence of Ohio’s continuing support for general aviation in the state.”
“The business aviation community applauds the leadership of Governor Strickland in signing this important proclamation,” said National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Businesses of all sizes across Ohio rely on general aviation to reach communities they cannot easily gain access to via ground transportation or commercial airlines. This results in thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact not only for the state, but the entire nation as well.”
Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials said, “America’s vast network of community airports are is critical to sustaining the 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact generated by general aviation nationally. We commend the Governor for taking this important step and look forward to continuing to work with him on supporting a strong general aviation industry in Ohio.”
You can view the proclamation by clicking here.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,500 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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