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Business experts, civic leaders from small and mid-sized towns and others have long known that business aviation is fundamental to the economic development of communities that lack robust commercial service. It is also a key part of the nation's manufacturing base. Business aviation is a vital link in the nation's transportation system and a primary engine of America's economy. To learn more about the many ways business aviation benefits the nation's economy and companies of all sizes, all across the U.S., visit: NoPlaneNoGain.org.

As No Plane No Gain supporters know, the campaign has welcomed a raft of proclamations from state officials highlighting the value of general aviation, including business aviation. Governors in Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, North Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington State have all issued decrees echoing the No Plane No Gain themes in highlighting the importance of business aviation to transportation and economic development. This week, New York's Westchester County offered a proclamation of its own during a meeting of the Westchester Airport Association. In issuing the proclamation, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said local companies use business aircraft "to shrink the distance between them and their customers - whether the customers are located out of the state, or out of the country." Read a copy of the proclamation.

NBAA and GAMA have long emphasized the importance of local voices in echoing the industry-advocacy messages delivered by the two Associations in Washington. On April 28, the Colorado Aviation Business Association made its voice heard with a highly successful grassroots advocacy event that drew nearly 1,000 people to Centennial Airport to champion the value of aviation, including business aviation. CABA Chairman David Purvis said: “Our goal was to educate the community on the many ways in which business and general aviation save lives, save jobs, promote business growth, generate economic stimulus, support local communities, and serve as a lifeline to many of the rural areas throughout our state.” Read a press release about the event.

Through passion and dedication, the Wright Brothers made their vision of powered flight a reality. Business aviation, and the many benefits the industry provides, has been a direct result of the brothers' pioneering work. Now, the aviation community has an opportunity to dedicate itself to a vision for memorializing the Wrights' achievements in the U.S. Capitol building. In 2006, the Ohio legislature decided to replace one of the state's two allotted statutes in the Capitol's National Statuary hall. A committee of state

lawmakers is spearheading the process for selecting the replacement statue, and among the options under consideration is a statue of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The selection committee has posted a list of the final options online, and is providing a means to cast a ballot for Ohio's next representative in Statuary Hall. Ohio's National Aviation Heritage Alliance is directing an effort, which is supported by NBAA and GAMA, to secure ballots for the Wright statue. Ballots are available online; Voting ends June 12, and while only the votes of Ohio residents will be counted, the state selection committee has said it will "tally" ballots from citizens residing outside Ohio. Submit your vote.

When policymakers meet to discuss proposals affecting business aviation, GAMA and NBAA ensure that the Associations' Members are represented. Next month, the two Associations will advocate for business aviation at the 2010 General Aviation Issues and Security Conference, to be held from June 29 to July 1, 2010 in Morristown, NJ. Topics to be covered include the TSA's Large Aircraft Security Program, GA airport vulnerability assessment and other high-profile security measures. For more information, visit the AAAE website.