Longtime Missouri aviation advocates Jim and Carolyn Morris were presented the 2016 Friend of
\nAviation Award during an April 7th banquet at the Spring Conference of the Missouri Airport Managers
\nAssociation (MAMA) held at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Missouri.<\/p>\n
The Morrises are both long time pilots, former owners and operators of aviation businesses, and have
\nserved as officers for the Missouri Pilots Association at local chapter and the State level. Carolyn is an
\nactive member of the State Aviation Advisory Committee that advises the Missouri Department of
\nTransportation (MoDOT) on aviation matters, and she is a former Chair of the Missouri State Aviation
\nCouncil.<\/p>\n
Special recognition was given to Jim and Carolyn for their leadership and countless volunteer hours to
\nfirst establish, and then develop Missouri State Aviation Day into one of the most successful aviation
\nrecognition events in the Country. 2016 is the tenth anniversary of State Aviation Day in Missouri, which
\nwas just held on April 5th at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The event included a luncheon for
\nlegislators and visits from aviation groups across Missouri highlighting the importance of the aviation
\nindustry to Missouri\u2019s economy.
\n
\nA recent statewide economic impact study done by MoDOT calculated that the state\u2019s nine commercial
\nservice and 99 public use general aviation airports directly and indirectly generate $11.1 billion in annual
\noutput, and support over 100,000 jobs. This economic contribution was 17% higher than a study done a
\ndecade prior, which shows strong growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cState Aviation Day would not be what it is today without the hard work put in by Jim and Carolyn\u201d said
\nJohn Bales, Director of the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in his remarks presenting the award. Brian Weiler,
\ncurrent MAMA President and director of the Springfield airport, said \u201cthey are very deserving of this
\naward and the aviation industry owes them a debt of gratitude.\u201d The Friend of Aviation Award was
\ndeveloped to recognize individuals that have made a significant contribution to support Missouri aviation.<\/p>\n
In their remarks, the Morrises said they were honored to accept this award, \u201cMissouri\u2019s aviation
\ncommunity is like a family and we have been fortunate to help highlight how vital our airports are to the
\ncommunities they serve and to Missouri\u2019s future economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
MAMA is an organization comprised of administrators and operators of public use airports in Missouri.
\nWe provide a voice on issues impacting airports and offer professional development opportunities for
\nmembers through education and networking.<\/p>\n