Gerald R. Ford International Airport

LEADERSHIP
Brian Picardat, A.A.E., finance director for GFIA, has been elected president of the Michigan Association of Airport Executives. Additionally, Brian serves on the Finance and Administration Committee.

Bruce Schedlbauer , APR, marketing and communications manager for GFIA, has been elected chairman of the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) Board of Directors. WMTA is the oldest continually-operating regional tourist association in the U.S. With a current membership base of approximately 800 tourism-related business and organizations, WMTA is responbile for marketing the western half of Michigan ’s Lower Peninsula as a tourism destination.

Marketing and Public Relations
Kent County Department of Aeronautics Marketing division was recently awarded 3rd place in the Airport's Council International - North America's 2009 Excellence in Marketing contest in the "Newsletters - External" category. You can read the most recent edition of Airport Connections from the website.

ENGINEERING & FACILITIES
Kent County Department of Aeronautics field maintenance staff was presented with a 1st Place Idea Corner Award at the 2009 International Snow Symposium in Buffalo, NY. This year's submission was a safety ladder, railing, and platform -- developed and manufactured by staff --- that attaches to the front plow hitch fo the snow removal vehicle, allowing staff safe access to the windshield area for maintenance.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognized the Department of Aeronautics for its annual financial report by awarding it the 15th 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.

OPERATIONS
GFIA passed its 2008 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 sixth consecutive year the airport has received a "zero discrepancy" inspection.

GFIA was 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.”