Industry Promoted at 7th Annual Aviation Day at the Capitol

The seventh annual Aviation Day at the Capitol was held Wednesday, January 18,  from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Representative Russ Jones. (Photo by Kim Stevens)

The event is a state wide industry opportunity to promote the variety and vitality of aviation in Arizona and to meet with State legislators personally and individually.

Jennifer Maples, President of the Arizona Airports Association, (AzAA) said this is the single most collaborative aviation event held at the state level.

AzAA President Jennifer Maples. (Photo by Kim Stevens)

"Arizona's Aviation Day at the Capitol is our industry's cornerstone event every year," said Maples. "Having the sponsors, exhibitors, and committee members represented by such a wide cross-section of aviation is a testament to the significance of what we accomplish at Aviation Day."  For AzAA, the event embodies their goal of promoting public recognition of airports and fostering the development of air transportation in Arizona.

The stated mission of Arizona Aviation Day at the Capitol is to inform the legislative members and staff of the Arizona State Government about the benefits and economic impact of aviation within the State of Arizona. The Mission also introduces these individuals to the significant contributions made by the many businesses, organizations, and associations which support aviation in their communities and throughout the State.

Speakers at this year's event included House Minority Leader, Chad Campbell and Representative Russ Jones. Maples, Aviation Superintendent at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said that Representatives Campbell and Jones could not have delivered a better message than if we had written their comments for them.  "Their understanding of the issues and commitment to preventing sweeps of the Aviation Fund was the crowning jewel on the day's activities."

Event Chairman was Casey Denny, Immediate Past President of AzAA and Deputy Director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. See more detailed coverage in the next issue of the Arizona Aviation Journal.