Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government & Industry Affairs
800-808-6282
ebyer@nata.aero
NATA Hill Event Draws Large Audience And Attention To Legislative Agenda
Alexandria, VA, May 5, 2011 — This morning, NATA members blanketed Capitol Hill to push the association’s legislative agenda. Nearly 100 NATA member company representatives met with more than 150 Members of Congress and staff to discuss a wide array of federal, state and local issues, including FAA Reauthorization and the Freedom from Government Competition Act.
NATA’s talking point papers can be reviewed at the links below:
- FAA Reauthorization Legislation
- Freedom from Government Competition Act
- Part 135 Flight, Duty and Rest Regulations
- Congressional General Aviation Caucus
Day on the Hill participants began the day’s events with a preparatory breakfast that included feature speaker Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE), Co-Chair of the Senate General Aviation Caucus, and then dispersed for meetings with their congressional representatives. Those meetings enabled the association’s members to discuss with their Members of Congress issues critical to the future success of their businesses and, ultimately, to the economy of the country.
“Participation in the Day on the Hill has been rewarding personally and professionally, and is an easy way to get in front of your Congressional representatives and Senators. The NATA staff gives you the tools and sets up the appointments – you just need to deliver the message and let your representative put a face on General Aviation,” said NATA member Ted Hamilton of Landmark Aviation.
“These meetings are simply invaluable when it comes to the message our members can make with their Congressional representatives on important issues facing our industry,” said NATA President James K. Coyne. “As I do every year, I challenge our members to continue communications throughout the year to develop a firm relationship with their representative and thus a solid foundation for our industry.”
Last evening, attendees toasted the industry’s finest at NATA’s annual Industry Excellence Awards dinner and presentation. Click here to view a press release of the winners, including top honors recipients Pat Epps, President of Epps Aviation and James C. Christiansen, Vice President, Sales, Central U.S., Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
The Day on the Hill event included NATA’s spring committee meetings as well as the annual member meeting in which three new members of the NATA Board of Directors were elected. Click here to view the press release of the appointment of Michael Scheeringa, President of Signature Flight Support, Marian Epps, Chief Financial Officer of Epps Aviation and Ed Kilkeary, CEO and President of L.J. Aviation.
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NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.