General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and two of its member companies held a forum Aug. 12 at the Little Rock Airport in Arkansas to stress the importance of general aviation to employment in the state.
Arkansas’ two senators, along with GAMA President Pete Bunce and representatives of Dassault Falcon and Hawker Beechcraft, brought together more than 500 company employees and about 100 community leaders, as well as a few members of the general public, for the forum.
Bunce told the group that “aviation is Arkansas’s number one export.”
The two senators, Mark Pryor (D) and Blanch Lincoln (D), echoed the importance of aviation to the state. “General aviation is a critical component of Arkansas’ economy,” Pryor said, while Lincoln added Dassault and Beechcraft are “terrific corporate citizens and significant parts of our Arkansas family.”
A GAMA official said the forum was held to demonstrate the importance of general aviation to the state — and to bring this fact to the attention of elected officials. When asked if this might be the beginning a series of state gatherings, she said other places will be considered, but no definite plans are set.
For more information: GAMA.aero.