Ask any business aviation professional about keys to success, and networking will likely be at the top of the list. Networking can also be a winning strategy for organizations. Harnessing the power of partnerships and alliances with like-minded associations can amplify messages, increase outreach and ultimately result in growth. With so much issue and mission overlap, collaboration is a strategic opportunity that should not be ignored.
For example, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) developed AeroEducate, a free resource focusing on children ages K-12 aimed at nurturing their aviation interests. After being introduced to this initiative when the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) participated in the Evanston High School Aviation Career Day, CABAA board member and past president Norah Lenardic initiated plans to begin working with EAA to bring the youth-focused aviation tools to her community. “We hope to combine efforts in attracting new talent and inspiring the next generation of business aviation professionals,” Lenardic said.
Kristi Ivey, NBAA Northern Mountain Regional Director, shares additional examples of successful collaboration. “During this year’s turbulent state legislative session in Colorado, Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) leadership effectively and frequently spearheaded collaborative discussions with key state and national aviation stakeholders, such as airport and pilot association leaders, to brainstorm on strategies for fast-moving legislation that would affect us all,” Ivey said.
NBAA’s regional directors regularly communicate with their counterparts within the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We’re fortunate to maintain great industry partnerships with many of AOPA’s regional managers,” said Ivey. “We share information and strategize on issues affecting our respective members.” Regional bizav group leaders can use these existing pathways to collaborate as well.
“We share information and strategize on issues affecting our respective members. ”
KRISTI IVEY, NBAA Northern Mountain Regional Director
NBAA’s regional directors can also serve as valuable conduits to connect key state and national aviation-focused groups with like-minded associations. The association urges business aviation group leaders to familiarize themselves with resources for making these connections.
“Communicating regularly with your NBAA regional director, participating in NBAA Local and Regional Group (LRG) meetings, inviting other group leaders to connect and collaborate, and including other aviation stakeholder leaders in your events are just a few ways to enhance your group’s strength and outreach, ” said Jessica Belcher, NBAA LRG Committee chair.
Forging successful partnerships can help raise your organization to the next level and spread your mission to a much wider audience.
Review information on regional groups and issues at nbaa.org/regional.
WAI Chapter: Stars of the North
In Minnesota, the Stars of the North Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) works to advance the organization’s mission through an annual event called Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD). Chapter President Jessica Belcher of Exclusive Aircraft Sales is a proud GIAD host, giving many hours of her time annually to plan, volunteer and promote events all around the world. Attendees from GIAD events have later gone on to forge successful careers as industry professionals, who then complete the circle by volunteering and giving back.
“GIAD is a passion project,” said Belcher. “Bringing the aviation community together is special, as everyone gets to share their stories in hopes of inspiring the next generation to find their own way! WAI is inclusive to all aviation stakeholders, including men, women, professionals, enthusiasts and industry sectors such as airlines, military and business aviation, giving everyone a seat at the table.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.