Was First Chief Executive To Officially Recognize GA In 2009

At this year's NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue renewed his support for all of general aviation, including business aviation, by once again declaring an Aviation Appreciation Month in Georgia. The governor's proclamation designated October 2010 to recognizing the importance of aviation in Georgia, and follows a similar one he issued in October 2009.

Gov. Perdue (Center) With Bill Riley (L) and Ron Carrol (R)

"Business aviation is an 'extender,'" Gov. Perdue said at NBAA's Convention, which was held in Atlanta this year. "Time is money, but it's more than money. All o f us get the same amount of time, but aviation helps us use it more effectively." The governor made his remarks after accepting NBAA's 2010 American Spirit Award, given for his long-time support of aviation in Georgia.

In his proclamation, Gov. Perdue notes: "Business aircraft improve efficiency, save money and open doors of opportunity to rural areas not reached by commercial aviation."

"NBAA applauds Governor Perdue for once again recognizing the value of business aviation, to citizens, companies and communities across Georgia," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "The Governor has long understood that the use of a business airplane helps promote the creation of jobs, provides service to small communities and helps companies of all sizes in the state compete and succeed. We thank Governor Perdue for his steadfast support for business aviation, and the many benefits it brings to the State of Georgia."

Gov. Perdue's original Aviation Appreciation Month proclamation, in 2009, set in motion similar official gubernatorial statements in a number of other states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia. All the proclamations echo the facts set forth in the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which is co-sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

FMI: http://gov.georgia.gov, www.nbaa.org