Bolduc receives award at MATA annual meeting

Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA) members and guests gathered at Thunderbird Aviation in August for its annual meeting.

After attendees enjoyed a pleasant picnic in an open hangar, long time MATA member Darrell Bolduc was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for 37 years of service to the aviation community.

Andre Schmidt received a MATA scholarship for $2,000 towards aviation education. A wild-land fire fighter with the U.S. Forest Service, Schmidt obtained his private pilot's license and is working on his ratings at Venture North Aviation based at the Cloquet Airport.

MATA is the voice of general aviation in Minnesota, working at state and federal levels, engaging in joint efforts with the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBA, the Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA), the Aeronautics division of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT Aeronautics), and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).

MATA currently has over 60 members representing a vast array of aviation related business from flight schools to insurance companies.

A particularly significant opportunity to influence changes in aviation is Minnesota Aviation Day at the Capitol, an annual event coordinated by MBAA, MCOA and MATA where members are invited to meet with congressional delegates and legislators to discuss aviation issues.

C.M. Swanson