More than 135 guests enjoyed NYAMA’s annual Fall Conference in the breathtaking 1000 Islands region of New York from September 10-12, highlighted by a moving tribute to the heroes of 9/11, and a spectacular evening at historic Boldt Castle followed the next morning by a tour of Fort Drum. Additional special events included a golf outing at 1000 Islands Country Club and a boat trip to the Rock Island Lighthouse and Coyote Moon Vineyards for a wine tasting. The 2018 conference was hosted by Watertown International Airport.
“I want to thank our sponsors, exhibitors and conference attendees, and in particular the fall conference planning committee, for a successful 2018 Fall Conference,” said newly elected NYAMA President Christina Callahan, who is also Executive Director at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. “The 1000 Islands provided a spectacular backdrop for our conference, the program was diverse and informative, and it was a great start to a new NYAMA season. I look forward to a productive year for our industry and organization. Our Executive Committee, along with the full Board of Directors, remains committed to advocating on behalf of its members, amplifying their message as the premier voice of New York State’s aviation industry.”
“As the host of the Fall Conference, we are thrilled so many folks had a great time and enjoyed the conference program and the local area,” said Grant Sussey, NYAMA Vice President and Airport Manager of Watertown International Airport.
The annual conference is the premier aviation industry event for New York’s aviation professionals, bringing together representatives from airports throughout the state, and the businesses and communities that rely on them.
Port Authority of NY & NJ Assistant Director of Aviation Security and Technology and AAAE Chair Jeanne Olivier delivered the keynote presentation, paying tribute to the heroes of 9/11 as she spoke humbly of her own experiences during the terrorist attacks when the Port Authority was headquartered at the World Trade Center, and the aftermath.
Additional featured guests and speakers included:
• New York State DOT Commissioner Paul A. Karas
• Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne
• Jefferson County Board Legislators Scott Grey and Philip Reed
• FAA New York Airports District Office Manager Evelyn Martinez
• TSA Federal Security Director Bart Johnson
• U.S. Army 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Commander Col. Darrell Doremus
• NYS DOT Aviation Bureau Director Gerardo Mendoza
• AAAE/NEC Vice President Ed Foster
• ACI-NA Senior Vice President Annie Russo
• AOPA Vice President Mike Ginter
The conference opened with the color guard and band from the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum presenting the colors and performing the U.S. national anthem. McFarland Johnson was honored with the 2018 Phil Brito Memorial Scholarship Fund Award for its work on the passenger terminal at Plattsburgh International Airport. NYAMA also made a donation toward renovations of the nonprofit Boldt Castle on behalf of all the conference’s speakers.
A new slate of officers and board directors was elected at NYAMA’s annual Business Meeting. In addition to President Callahan, the new NYAMA Executive Committee includes Vice President Grant Sussey, Treasurer Andy Moore, Secretary William Hopper, and Immediate Past President Lee Weitz. The remaining board members re-elected to two-year terms are David Hickling, Shelley LaRose-Arken, Jeremy Martelle, Chad Nixon, and Greg Topping.
The conference’s Platinum sponsor was McFarland Johnson. Gold sponsors were CHA Companies; Passero Associates; C&S Companies; and Hi-Lite Airfield Services. Silver sponsors were Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport; Albany International Airport; M-B Companies; Syracuse Hancock International Airport; and Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Bronze sponsors were VRH Construction; WSP USA; Intervistas Consulting; BCA Architects and Engineers; and Greater Rochester International Airport. Bronze sponsors/exhibitors included Worlds Fuels, SP+ Parking and Tracey Road Equipment. Supporting sponsors were Long Island Business Aviation Association; Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology; and AOPA. Additional exhibitors included Airport Lighting Company; Ennis-Flint Erect-A-Tube, Inc.; USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services; and Midland Asphalt Materials Inc. Boldt Castle sponsored the reception.
The 2019 NYAMA Fall Conference will be hosted by Syracuse Hancock International Airport and held September 10–12, 2019, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
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