27th Annual Texas Aviation Conference:
The 27th Annual Texas Aviation Conference held in Austin was a big success. Over 500 participants attended the conference, most of whom had very positive comments about the program and hotel accommodations. The presentations were first-rate and on-point with the issues facing aviation today. Thanks to all of the attendees and vendors who made this conference one of the best ever. Be sure and hold the dates of April 7 through 9 next year for the 27th Annual Texas Aviation Conference to be held at The Woodlands in Houston.
TxDOT Aviation Division Transition Begins:
For the past 17 years, the TxDOT Aviation Division has had the extremely good fortune of being staffed by aviation professionals who know their business and are committed to improving and maintaining the Texas Aviation System. Throughout this period of time, we have been blessed with virtually no turnover and few retirements. As a result, our staff has gotten to know most of you on a personal basis, further enhancing our joint efforts to improve Texas airports.
Things are about to change.
Bill Fuller, our Director of Engineering, retired on May 21. Linda Howard, our Director of Planning and Programming, will retire on August 31. It is impossible to overstate the contribution that Bill and Linda have made during the past 17 years. They, along with Karon Wiedemann, our Director of Grants Management, are primarily responsible for the outstanding day-to-day management of the programs that have elevated our airport system to be one of the best in the nation. Alan Schmidt and Charles Graham from our Engineering Section will retire in August and September respectively. Alan and Charles have also contributed significantly to our success.
We are already under way with efforts to replace these fine employees. I am sure that we will find excellent replacements to help us continue working toward our aviation goals. But one thing is for certain, no one will miss these outstanding employees more than I.
Move Toward Electronic Distribution
You may have already noticed the address reply card inside this issue of Wingtips. Over the next few issues, we are going to start developing an e-mail distribution list with the eventual goal of offering an electronic version of Wingtips for those who would rather receive our newsletter via e-mail. Please take a moment to fill out the card and drop it in the mail to us. Thanks!
