The Massachusetts Airport Management Association (MAMA) is kicking off its 50th Anniversary this month. Among activities to celebrate the milestone year will be a presentation of the organization’s history during the Annual MAMA Conference at the MGM Grand Hotel in Springfield, MA, October 23-25.
MAMA was created back in 1972 as successor to the former Massachusetts Aviation Trades Association.
Founding members of MAMA included Charles “Chuck” Olsen and Robert Trainor of Worcester Airport, William “Pinky” Prentice and Airport Commission Chairman Mel Thomas of Plymouth Airport, Isidore Eisner of New Bedford Airport, Aviation Hall of Famer, Arnie Stymest of Norwood Airport and Dave Graham of the former Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission.
Still serving on the Board of Directors, Graham remembered the early days, “Back in 1972, the old Massachusetts Aviation Trades Association (MATA) was nearing the end of its heyday. With the obvious need for strong legislative support to keep our aviation and airport system viable, I encouraged then Worcester Airport Manager, Chuck Olsen and others to form a strong lobbying group in the interest of supporting our Massachusetts Airport System. Thus, the Massachusetts Airport Management Association came into being.”
Today, MAMA remains a member-based organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for a healthy Massachusetts aviation industry through its thirty-seven public use airports. Members include airport managers, consultants, and service providers.
MAMA President Matt Elia, the Assistant Airport Manager of Cape Cod Gateway Airport said, “Our continuing focus is to promote adequate funding for the state’s airports, fair aviation legislation, job development and financial support for students in aviation management.” He went on to thank the FAA Regional Office and the MassDOT Aeronautics Division for their commitment to the development and safety of the Commonwealth’s public use airports which annually provide $24B in total economic impact according to a recent statewide study.
