Oct. 23, 2003

For more information contact:
Tim McClung
515-239-1468
tim.mcclung@dot.state.ia.us

Awards given at the annual Iowa Aviation Conference

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation presented three awards for outstanding involvement in aviation during the annual Iowa Aviation Conference held October 16-17 in West Des Moines.

The first award coincided with the theme of the conference celebrating “100 Years of Powered Flight.” The “Centennial of Flight Award” was presented to the city of Cedar Rapids and the Eastern Iowa Airport.

The city of Cedar Rapids promoted a theme of “Just Plane Art” this past summer. The purchase and decorating of planes was sponsored by area businesses. The planes were then displayed throughout the downtown area to celebrate “100 Years of Powered Flight.” In addition, the airport sponsored “FLY IOWA 2003” in July, also promoting 100 years of flight. 

The next two awards were given to recognize individuals who impacted aviation in their local areas in partnership with the Iowa DOT’s Office of Aviation.

The first is the “Outstanding Involvement in Aviation Award,” and was presented to Mike Roe from the Washington Airport. Roe is the current chair of the local airport commission, a member of the Iowa Public Airports Association Board of Directors, Civil Air Patrol, Aviation Advisory Council, and is active in his community. The Washington Airport recently received an award from the local economic development organization for its role in promoting economic development, largely due to the Roe’s efforts. 

The “Aviation Lifetime Achievement” Award was presented to Bill Flannery of the Des Moines International Airport. The Iowa aviation community has benefited immensely by having Bill Flannery involved in aviation locally, as well as the state and national levels. His grasp of the issues and ability to convey concerns in the political arena have been extremely valuable. He has been an important partner with the Iowa Public Airport Association, American Association of Airport Executives, Airport Council International of North America, and the Iowa DOT’s Office of Aviation, serving on the Air Service Council and the Aviation Advisory Council. Flannery has been the aviation director at a major commercial service airport for 19 years. During that time he has provided valuable guidance and support to the DOT’s Office of Aviation.

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