Minnesota Aviation Trades Association membership increasing

The Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA) Annual meeting and barbecue held August 20 was a fantastic weather day resulting in a most pleasant social hour complete with a picnic on the grounds of Twin Cities Aviation at Anoka County-Blaine Airport.

At the brisk, efficient meeting, MATA president Greg Reigel reported the organization has been growing for the past two years. It currently has over 60 members.

Activities include advocacy efforts with the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA), the Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA), keeping lines of communication open with legislators, maintaining quarterly meetings with the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC), and meeting with members to hear individual needs, concerns, and ideas.

During the course of the event, a $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Caitlyn Brady, a junior at Minnesota State University whose goal is to become a professional pilot. Scholarships are given on an annual basis.

MATA invites aviation related businesses to contact them to voice concerns, offer input, and to join in the unified effort to impact general aviation in Minnesota.

For more information about MATA, email Nancy Grazzini-Olson at mnavtrades@gmail.com.