NBAA’s Joe Ponte Approved as Newest Member of National Aviation Hall of Fame Board of Trustees

Contact: Cassandra Bosco

Washington, DC, September 29, 2004 – Joe Ponte, vice president of membership, marketing and regional programs for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), has been approved as the newest member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) Board of Trustees. The National Aviation Hall of Fame, headquartered in Dayton, OH, is an organization dedicated to celebrating the air and space advancements made possible by America’s innovators and visionaries.

In part due to Ponte’s efforts, NBAA and the National Aviation Hall of Fame signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year stating the intent of each organization to form new alliances and collaborate on activities. NAHF Executive Director Mike Jackson noted, “We are looking forward to working closely with NBAA to expand both organizations’ reach and impact. Joe has been an especially good friend to the NAHF over the years, helping us bring the two organizations together and helping to guide the process of establishing the Combs Award and having it presented during the Opening General Session of the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention.”

Ponte’s first board meeting will be the December meeting of the NAHF Board of Trustees. According to NAHF officials, “We are certain Joe will be a force for positive momentum as the hall of fame faces the challenges and opportunities of national growth and visibility.”

NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,700 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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