Proclamation Comes As Industry Gathers For EAA's AirVenture This Week

The NBAA on Wednesday welcomed a proclamation declaring the week of July 26 as "Wisconsin Aviation Week," recognizing the essential role that all aviation, including business aviation, plays in the state. Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI) (pictured) notes in the proclamation that "studies have shown that 85% of new or expanded manufacturers in the state [are] located within 15 miles of a jet-capable airport," and that in Wisconsin, business aircraft improve citizens' quality of life "by providing vital emergency medical transportation," and enhancing public safety by "assisting law enforcement."

These and the other benefits of business aviation highlighted in the proclamation echo the themes communicated through the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. "We thank Governor Doyle for recognizing the value of business aviation to citizens, companies and communities in Wisconsin," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "The industry supports thousands of jobs and is clearly a major economic driver in the state."

The proclamation goes on to note that general aviation contributes almost $3 billion to the state's economy and provides jobs for more than 41,000 people, producing over $1 billion in personal income to Badger State residents. Wisconsin's 132 public-use airports, the proclamation notes, provide "reliable access to regional and world markets for businesses and their cargo," the declaration states.

The Wisconsin proclamation follows similar declarations issued in Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia recognizing the value of business aviation to the states.

FMI: www.wisconsin.gov, www.nbaa.org