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The work of a commissioner is more than simply attending meetings once a month. For example, from August through September, the Authority holds its publicly noticed and open meetings on its budget, at which all of these topics - marketing, development, growth, and more - are openly discussed. Commissioner Seay actively participates, contributing positive recommendations, suggestions, and changes, and asking important questions leading to the fiscal responsibility of this airport.
In addition, each year, Commissioner Seay spends hundreds of hours in marketing efforts. This means
- meeting with prospective tenants,
- attending trade fairs and trade missions,
- initiating telephone calls and conference calls with business prospects and their representatives,
- planning with our executive director,
- conducting and attending meetings with local business and professional development representatives, and
- participating in promotional events to share the good news about the Punta Gorda Airport.
All of these are expected activities of an airport commissioner and Commissioner Seay is an avid participant.
One highly anticipated new tenant will be Western Michigan University's College of Aviation. WMU is teaming with Florida SouthWestern State College to bring aviation-related education to the Punta Gorda Airport. The project began with a simple meeting between Commissioner Seay and a friend. Noticing pictures of airplanes on her office wall, the conversation naturally turned to airplanes, airports, and eventually to education.
From that meeting in July 2013, Western Michigan University's generic plan to extend its aviation programs into Florida became a specific goal to move into Punta Gorda Airport. Other programs may follow, but for now, the aviation program will lead the way.
The WMU/FSW project requires a number of steps before it can happen. These include essential approvals or cooperation from the FAA, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida DOT, and many others. It is still in the developmental stage but letters of intent have been executed and plans are in the works.
We hope to see WMU Bronco airplanes on the ground soon!
As to other businesses, we have worked closely with the county to help guide Cheney Brothers, Inc. into the area. We continue to focus on other compatible commercial and light industry suitable for an airport commerce park. Our neighbors to the north and south are equally involved in the commercial focus of the ECAP, or Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park. When you drive around the county, you will readily see that the busiest growth area around is the Punta Gorda Airport, which works hard towards positive economic development in the county.
Currently, one of our tenants at the Airport works with several major aircraft manufacturers to provide non-destructive inspection of aircraft composite parts. Additionally, Commissioner Seay and the Airport staff have met with other related businesses to bring their business to Charlotte County and the Airport.
The Charlotte County Airport Authority and the Punta Gorda Airport are in competition with several larger major airports who have the ability to offer grants and tax relief that this county and this airport cannot. It is the philosophy of Commissioner Seay, as well as other members of the board and staff, that it is not the role of government to subsidize private business.