FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2011
Contact: Matthew Hager: (218) 330-7447
Alliance for Aviation Across America Highlights Signature Achievements and Discusses New Partnership with HAI
Washington, DC – Today, the Alliance for Aviation Across America announced a new partnership with the Helicopter Association International (HAI) during a press conference highlighting the recent achievements of the Alliance for Aviation Across America over the last 18 months.
“We are thrilled and honored that the Helicopter Association International has decided to join the Board of Directors of the Alliance, and we look forward to a close working relationship with the Helicopter community,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “We and HAI share a common goal of helping to educate the public about the value of all types of general aviation aircraft, particularly when it comes to providing disaster relief, medical care, law enforcement, and a host of important services. We look forward to working together on these and many other important issues relevant to the aviation community.”
During the press conference, Shilad also highlighted the recent growth of the Alliance and addition of recent groups such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Airborne Law Enforcement Association, American Helicopter Services and Aerial Firefighting Association, the Air Medical Operators Association, and LightHawk. The Alliance has grown to over 5,700 member individuals and organizations nation-wide, with an over one thousand member increase in just under 18 months. Shilad also discussed how over 20% of all Alliance members are non-aviation members, including local elected officials, farm and rural groups and thousands of businesses across the country.
In addition, Shilad outlined significant progress by the Alliance in developing tools and local initiatives to raise awareness about economic impact of general aviation, which is crucial given the recent downturn in the economy. The Alliance recently launched an economic impact survey highlighting the economic impact of general aviation in all 50 states, which can be found on the website at http://www.aviationacrossamerica.org/States.aspx.
As a follow up to this survey, the Alliance has worked with national and local members alike to urge state and local officials to pass proclamations recognizing the importance of aviation, and general aviation.Additionally, 19 states have passed proclamations recognizing the value of general aviation.
“We are proud to work with our state and local members and partner organizations around the country highlight the tremendous value general aviation provides to their local economy and community,” Shilad continued.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,700 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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