Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin: Wisconsin Aviation Week is July 26-August 1

CONTACT: Craig Thompson, Executive Director

Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin

(608) 256-7044

State’s Airports Help Wisconsin Businesses Stay Competitive

MADISON – In recognition of the contributions of Wisconsin’s multi-billion-dollar aviation industry to our state’s economy and quality of life, Governor Jim Doyle has officially proclaimed that July 26-August 1 is Wisconsin Aviation Week. The governor’s proclamation includes a salute to AirVenture, which this year takes place in Oshkosh during Wisconsin Aviation Week.

The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is promoting Wisconsin Aviation Week to call attention to the many benefits that Wisconsin’s 132 public-use airports and accompanying aviation services provide to the communities they serve. TDA’s Web site at http://www.tdawisconsin.org features the Governor’s proclamation, a downloadable Web banner, and more.

“Wisconsin air facilities and services connect our communities to the global economy and they help to strengthen economic development throughout Wisconsin,” says TDA executive director Craig Thompson, noting a past study that showed 85 percent of new or expanded manufacturing in Wisconsin occurred within 15 miles of a jet-capable airport.

In 2009, Wisconsin’s aviation industry remained a vital part of the state’s economy despite the national recession. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics reports that Wisconsin flights served 5.7 million passengers last year, about the same as the year before, and moved 94 million pounds of cargo.

“The fact that Wisconsin’s airports have been holding their own during the current economic crisis indicates how effectively aviation works for Wisconsin – it is an industry that is poised to help Wisconsin’s economy rebound from these difficult times,” says Thompson.

For more information on Wisconsin Aviation Week or to speak with a representative of any Wisconsin airport, contact Craig Thompson, TDA executive director, at (608) 256-7044, or visit TDA’s Web site at http://www.tdawisconsin.org.

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The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is a statewide alliance representing more than 400 transportation stakeholders committed to working together for the best in transportation. TDA members include businesses, labor, units of government, individuals, organizations and airports. For more information, visit http://www.tdawisconsin.org or call (608) 256-7044.