Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
"One of the best times to be heard is when you're not complaining." Gordon Hoff, Exec Dir MBAA
MnDOT Aeronautics Director Cassandra Isackson gives a report at MBAA's Fifth Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol March 16. All aviation related businesses were invited to attend. Meetings were arranged to update legislators and members of the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee. Here, Isackson provides an overview and status update on the Aviation Tax Report which passed in 2013.
AOPA Director of State Government Affairs meets casually with St. Cloud Regional Airport Director William Towle to compare notes, share interesting observations, and generally encourage attendees. With today's busy schedules, setting time aside to attend events, even ones that benefit aviation in general and the work place in particular is sometimes a challenge. "It's important," Towle observed in his conversation. "You've got to keep things going so you don't have to start over."
Among his meetings during Aviation Day at the Capitol, MBAA Executive Director Gordon Hoff speaks with Representative Kelly Fenton. With no crisis issues hovering over MBAA at present, Hoff spent time thanking legislators for their support and passing along positive information about the impact of community airports. He is a firm believer building in maintaining long term business relationships in good times and bad. "One of the best times to be heard is when you're not complaining," said Hoff who particularly enjoyed this year's meetings.
Nancy Grazzini-Olson president of Thunderbird Aviation, and Academy College attends Aviation Day at the Capitol to meet with State Senators and Representatives. Her experience makes Grazzini-Olson the perfect candidate to testify to the importance and value of aviation in Minnesota communities.
The Minnesota State Capitol Building is under renovation and is currently closed to the general public.
Representatives of aviation related industries and organizations met with legislators for the Fifth Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol in March to discuss the importance of general aviation airports to their surrounding communities.
Gordon Hoff, Executive Director of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA) offered focus points to attendees during an informal breakfast in the Senate Building prior to meetings with legislators.
Members of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA), Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA), Minnesota Department of Transportation Aeronautics (MNDot Aeronautics), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), as well as airport managers and pilots attended the day long session.
Among points discussed were the shortage of personnel in all aspects of aviation including pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, communications specialists and others.
Other issues addressed were third-class medical reform, funding sources, safety, and privatization of air traffic control.
Between meeting with legislators, attendees took advantage of the opportunity to discuss ideas and strategies with each other and to share their passion for aviation.
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