Regional Bizav Chiefs Prep for Leadership Roundtable

Regional business aviation leaders from across the country will be gathering on July 14 at the Annual Regional Leadership Roundtable in St. Louis to exchange best practices on key industry topics, including advocacy, technology, leadership development and more.

During the event, hosted by the Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association (GSLBAA), Local and Regional Groups Committee Chair Ashley Charnley and Vice Chair Maddie DuBray will introduce newly appointed Executive Secretary Majo Perdomo Cuevas. The roundtable includes a strong lineup of speakers and a full day of educational content. Regional group leaders interested in attending are encouraged to contact their NBAA regional director for registration information.

Opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge, experiences and proven strategies help all groups navigate challenges, strengthen advocacy efforts and advance the industry as a whole.

For example, earlier this year, the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) played a major role in coalition efforts to win repeal of an unduly burdensome tax on most general aviation aircraft purchases in the state of Washington. The measure posed a significant threat to the region’s business aviation activity and risked driving existing operators away from the state.

“When this bill came to our attention, PNBAA immediately took action,” said NBAA Regional Director Phil Derner, recognizing DuBray’s leadership as PNBAA executive director. “Thanks to the collective efforts of our coalition, it was reversed before it could do any damage to the industry.” (See the May/June issue of Business Aviation Insider for details.)

Derner encourages regional groups nationwide to take advantage of NBAA’s resources and collaborate with their NBAA regional directors for legislative guidance and support.

In the Buckeye State, the Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association (ORBAA) is actively supporting efforts to preserve Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL). NBAA Regional Director Brittany Davies, together with ORBAA and other industry stakeholders, are leveraging tools such as the industry’s powerful CLIMBING. FAST. advocacy initiative to demonstrate the airport’s economic value and impact on workforce development.

“Burke airport supports economic growth, workforce development and local businesses,” Davies said. “Losing the airport would mean loss of jobs, fewer opportunities for future industry professionals, and could trigger an unfortunate domino effect for regional airports nationwide.”

All of these combined efforts by national, regional and local stakeholders underscore the importance of remaining informed, engaged and proactive, even when no immediate threats to the industry are on the horizon. Establishing relationships with local, state and federal policymakers before challenges arise keeps lines of communication open and strengthens advocacy efforts when action becomes necessary.

Review NBAA resources on regional groups and issues at nbaa.org/regional.