NASAO, along with the Alliance for Aviation Across America and other national aviation 
organizations recognized South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley for declaring August 13-18 “Aviation Week.” The proclamation highlights the vital role that all aviation, including general aviation, plays in supporting businesses, farms, emergency response, and the overall economy.
Aviation in South Carolina provides thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, with general aviation alone contributing $417 million in economic activity. Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) said fifty-four public-use airports in the state of South Carolina are used daily by businesses, manufacturers, and emergency responders to allow them access anywhere in state within hours, literally creating jobs and helping to save lives.
Ogrodzinski welcomed Governor Haley’s signature to the proclamation and said NASAO looks forward to working with South Carolina Aeronautics Commission Program Manager James Stephens on issues concerning airports and the general aviation industry as a whole.
Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America said the Alliance thanks Governor Haley for her support of aviation and specifically, general aviation. “General aviation and local airports are invaluable for business and job growth, acting as a lifeline for small communities throughout the state.”
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,900 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues. The Alliance has worked diligently to encourage all state governors to sign a similar proclomation.
