Vermont Chamber to host VAAA open house, governor to sign proclamation

The Vermont Aerospace & Aviation Association (VAAA) will hold an Open House on Thursday, February 18 from 3-5 pm at the Heritage Aviation Facility, located at 228 Aviation Ave in South Burlington, next to the Burlington International Airport.
During the Open House, Governor Jim Douglas will sign a proclamation declaring February as “General Aviation Appreciation Month”, highlighting the significance the industry has on Vermont’s statewide economy. The VAAA is a division of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce which manages this association in partnership with Lt. Governor and VAAA Chair Brian Dubie, who also serves as National Chair of the Aerospace States Association. The event will be attended by general aviation (GA) leaders from around the country.
“As Vermont seeks to rebound from the recession, we have to work to maintain and strengthen industries that positively impact our small towns and businesses,” said Governor Douglas. “By declaring February “Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month”, we’re sending a clear signal that we support this industry that is central to our state’s economic success.”
Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, who founded VAAA in 2006, added, “Our national security, our economic vitality, and our national mobility rely on a strong aerospace and aviation sector. Similarly, Vermont’s aviation sector plays a vital role in our state’s economic well-being and public safety.”Featured guest speakers will include: Governor Douglas, Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, Ted Brady, Office of Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, Stephen O'Bryan, VP of Business Development and Customer Engagement for the F-35, Lockheed Martin, Brian Searles, Director of Aviation, Burlington International Airport, Bill Gural, General Dynamics, VP of Detection Systems, and Patricia Moulton-Powden, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor.
Vermont depends heavily on general aviation. GA alone contributes $274 million, or $430 per capita, to Vermont’s economy annually. Vermont has 16 public-use airports, 1,350 pilots and 877 general aviation aircraft. Aviation, including commercial service, accounts for 9,000 jobs and $225 million in wages to Vermont’s economy. These and other statistics from our newly launched economic impact survey can be found online at http://www.aviationacrossamerica.org/States.aspx.
In business since 1912, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business organization with 1,500 members, collectively employing 45,000 people, representing all sectors of the state’s economy. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and preservation of the Vermont quality of life.
Source: Vermont Chamber. 2.12.2010.
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