Oversaw Doubling Of Organization's Membership

The NBAA's vice president of membership, marketing and regional programs Joe Ponte will retire at the end of this month after more than 10 years of service with the Association.

During Ponte's tenure, NBAA's membership more than doubled, growing from approximately 3,300 to almost 8,000 companies. He also was deeply involved in the creation of the NBAA Chairman's Charity Classic, an annual golf tournament that raises thousands of dollars each year for charities across the country. In addition, The Regional Representative Program and Operation REACHBAC were established and managed under Ponte to help NBAA interact with Members on a regional level.

"I am grateful to Joe for all he has done for NBAA over the course of his career and for the assistance he has provided to me since I came on board in September," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We wish him all the best."

NBAA represents the aviation interests of nearly 8,000 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion -- a number that is about half the gross domestic product -- and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world"s largest display of civil aviation products and services.

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