Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty Declares October 'GA Appreciation Month'

Sat, 16 Oct ’10

Proclamation Recognizes Over 13,000 GA Pilots In The State

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) (pictured, right)recently declared October as “General Aviation Appreciation Month” inthe state, a move supported by numerous organizations including the Alliancefor Aviation Across America (AAAA), AOPA, NBAA, and the National Association ofState Aviation Officials (NASAO).

Minnesota Director of Aeronautics, Christopher Roy stated,”General aviation is a tremendous economic engine for the state of Minnesota and itcontinues to be a vitally important industry that brings many benefits toeveryone. Aviation is an integral part of conducting business, moving cargo,and traveling for leisure.”

“We commend Governor Pawlenty for highlighting theimmense value that general aviation provides to the state of Minnesota,”said Selena Shilad, ExecutiveDirector of the Alliancefor Aviation Across America. “General aviation is a literal lifelinefor small businesses, farmers, non-profit humanitarian organizations, lawenforcement, and medical care across the state, and this proclamation is agreat step forward in promoting the value of this important industry.”

“Governor Pawlenty’s proclamation gives well-deservedrecognition to the more than 13,000 pilots and hundreds of airports thatsupport local economies and communities across the state,” said AOPAPresident and CEO Craig L. Fuller. “We commend this importantproclamation and look forward to continuing to work with the Governor topromote the value of general aviation in Minnesotaand throughout the nation.”

“The business aviation community commends GovernorPawlenty for his support for general aviation in Minnesota,” said National BusinessAviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. “General aviation in thestate allows businesses to reach places where the commercial airlines do notfly. Businesses across Minnesotarely on aircraft to reach customers in small towns and rural communities thatwould otherwise take hours to reach. In total, Minnesota airports generate $12.2 billion ineconomic activity in the state. This impact includes the creation of 164,900jobs in the state as well as $6.5 billion in labor income.”

Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association ofState Aviation Officials said, “Chris Roy, Director of the MinnesotaDepartment of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics has been vital incontinuing to promote a solid aerospace and aviation industry within Minnesota. America?smassive network of community airports is critical to sustaining the millions ofjobs and providing access to a host of important services and resources. Iapplaud both him and Governor Pawlenty for their hard work and look forward tocontinuing to work with them in the future.”

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Source: AERO-NEWS.NET
Date: 2010-10-16