Gerald R. Ford International Airport

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

LEADERSHIP
James Koslosky, A.A.E., executive director for GFIA, has been named “Airport Manager of the Year” for 2007 by the Michigan Association of Airport Executives. The Michigan Association of Airport Executives is a professional association of airport managers and administrators representing airports throughout the state of Michigan.

Phil Johnson, A.A.E., deputy executive director for GFIA, has been elected first vice president of the Great Lakes Chapter — American Association of Airport Executives. The Great Lakes Chapter includes more than 400 airport administrators and representatives of service and professional firms serving airports from twelve Midwestern states and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario.

The American Association of Airport Executives has appointed Brian Picardat, A.A.E., finance director for GFIA, chairman of the Finance and Administration Committee for 2005-2008. Additionally, Brian has been elected second vice president of the Michigan Association of Airport Executives.

Bruce Schedlbauer, APR, marketing and communications manager for GFIA, has been elected first vice chair of the Board of Directors of the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA). WMTA is responsible for promoting and supporting the travel and tourism industry throughout the western half of Michigan’s lower peninsula.

GFIA Operations Manager Bruce Applebach has been appointed to two national committees. The Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment Aviation Rulemaking Committee (TALPA ARC) will review regulations affecting certification and operation of aircraft and airports for aircraft takeoff and landing operations on runways contaminated by snow, slush, ice, or standing water. A Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program will develop a scope of services for a study of the requirements and training for airfield vehicle operators.

ENGINEERING & FACILITIES
Kent County Department of Aeronautics was presented with the Michigan Concrete Paving Association award in the Airports - General Aviation Facilities category for the Taxiway J reconstruction project completed in 2007.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognized the Department of Aeronautics for its annual financial report by awarding it the 14th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This award is presented to those government agencies whose financial reporting meets the high standards established by the GFOA.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
The Marketing and Communications division was recognized for its excellence by Airports Council International - North America in two categories for 2006. In the category of "Press Kits," the airport's innovative on-line media guide was awarded 3rd place. In the category of "Newsletters (External)," Airport Connections - GFIA's quarterly newsletter - was also awarded 3rd place.

The 2006 Gerald R. Ford International Airport Profile - Flight Log - has won a 2006 Adrian Award. In 2006, the competition attracted more than 1,200 entries from 36 countries. The Adrian Awards are presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), an international organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries.

The 2006 Gerald R. Ford International Airport Profile - Flight Log - also took home a gold ADDY Award in the Collateral Material Division from the Ad Club of West Michigan and then went on to also receive a gold ADDY in the district competition.

OPERATIONS
GFIA has been presented with the Airport Safety Excellence Award from the Federal Aviation Administration – Great Lakes Region (FAA–GLR). According to the FAA, “Gerald R. Ford International Airport takes a systematic approach to managing safety and maintaining compliance with FAA requirements. Amid major construction projects and extensive passenger and cargo airline activity, Gerald R. Ford International Airport has accomplished a notable record of discrepancy-free inspections for the past five years. The airport management and staff have demonstrated a laudable commitment to safety, and the airport sets itself apart as a benchmark of airport operational safety. Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s continuing dedication to safety is noteworthy and deserving of our recognition.”

GFIA passed its 2007 annual FAA certification/safety inspection with no discrepancies. The inspection determines compliance with Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 and covers such items as maintenance of the airfield, snow and ice control procedures, and aircraft rescue and firefighting. This is the fifth consecutive year the airport has received a "zero discrepancy" inspection.