Originally published in 2000
By Marie C. Peinado
AUSTIN-The 18th Annual Texas Aviation Conference, cosponsored by Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division and the Texas Airport Management Association, was held at Austin’s DoubleTree Hotel North from Wednesday, March 29 through Friday, March 31. The event provided an opportunity for those involved in Texas aviation to discuss and share information about current issues affecting the State of Texas.
There were 420 conference participants at TAC this year, the largest turnout so far, according to our records. The increase of attendees gives us great satisfaction in that our efforts of keeping the aviation community abreast of current and relevant issues is on track-TAC through special guest speakers, topic panels, special meetings and workshops accomplished this feat.
The conference got an early start on Wednesday afternoon with the inauguration of its 1st Golf Tournament at the Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club with approximately 41 players eager to enjoy the camaraderie with friends and new acquaintances. (See related story “TAC Golf Tournament” on Page 11.)
The evening “Get Acquainted Reception,” sponsored by the 49 registered exhibitors, was again superbly done with cordiality and open hospitality to all.
At the Awards Banquet on Thursday afternoon, the following aviation awards for the Year 2000 were presented:
Reliever Airport Manager of the Year: Bob Porter, Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington
General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year: Sharon Rostovich, Draughton-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport, Temple
Most Improved Airport: Giddings-Lee County Airport, Giddings
Airport of the Year: Cherokee County Airport, Jacksonville
The 2000 International Aviation Art Contest winners were:
Category I (Ages 6-9): Danielle Garnier, 9, Rummel Creek Elementary, Houston
Category II (Ages 10-13): Lee Lewallen, 13, Llano Junior High, Llano
Category III (Ages 14-17): Kayla Krebs, 15, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, Texas.
A special thank you goes to TxDOT Art Contest Judges for this year: Annie Stuard, General Services Division; Gary Gonzales, Electronic Publishing; and Michelle Hannah, Aviation Division. The banquet was followed by Casino Night and Music by DJ Alton Young. Casino night was a big hit; the players seemed to enjoy the spirit of the night, seeing old friends and making new acquaintances. The event was complemented by exclusive prizes donated by many generous exhibitors and TAC sponsors. The “music man” was great too and kept “happy feet” tapping on tables, I mean on the floor, of course!
The conference adjourned on Friday after the final aviation workshops and the State of Aviation in Texas Report by Dave Fulton.