Start Preparing Now For 2008 In Houston!

The Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Heli-Expo 2007 wrapped up Saturday afternoon, after more than 500 exhibitors showcased their products and services at the Orange County Convention Center. Thirty-five helicopters were displayed throughout the showroom floor, and exhibitors reported high levels of activity at their booths, while vendors were able to interact with thousands of consumers on the floor.

Representatives with HAI state committee meetings and educational seminars were well attended, exceeding 500 registrants participating in this year's Professional Education Series. Two more education courses will take place March 4, including "Defining Direct Operating Costs" and "Advanced Helicopter Operator Management."

This year’s Heli-Expo Job Fair and Mentoring Program was also a huge success with 35 employers and a record setting 900 participants. The Job Fair allowed jobseekers to meet with potential employers and discuss opportunities in the international helicopter community. The event was free, fully sponsored by HAI’s Human Resources Committee. 

If you missed the Job Fair this year, HAI is also bringing its education program to a number of convenient locations with its new "On the Road" series.  Better known as the Three Amigos, instructors Mike Alvarado, Brandon Battles, and Steve Bassett will be spending a day or two with HAI members.  They will be teaching members how to develop, implement, and manage an effective organizational safety system, how to implement a crisis management plan, and how to identify and manage direct operating costs.

The "Salute to Excellence" Awards Celebration was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Rosen Centre Hotel on March 2. The HAI Chairman, Board of Directors, HAI President, HAI members, exhibitors, and industry family and friends honored this year's 2006 "Salute to Excellence" Award winners with a short video recognizing their tremendous achievements and their contributions to the industry and society. 

The 2006 "Salute to Excellence" winners included, Aviation Maintenance Technician Award, Ron Gilroy; Aviation Repair Specialist Award, Richard Wolfgang; Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service, Crew of Helicopter ER-MHH (Alexey Ostapenko, Oleg Pazynitch, Alexander Ivlev, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd, and John Funnell); The Joe Mashman Safety Award, Scott Baxter; Outstanding Certified Flight Instructor Award, Mel Schiller; Agusta Community Service Award, New York City Police Department Aviation Unit; Eurocopter Golden Hour Award, Crew of HH-65C CG6553 (Lieutenant Brian S. Waring, Lieutenant Patrick M. Lineberry, AET2 David S. Fanelli, AST1 John D. Isbell); Excellence in Communications Award, Mike Reyno and Linda Reyno; Helicopter Maintenance Award, Glen Cornett; MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award, Monica McIntyre; Lawrence D. Bell Memorial Award, Wanda Lee Rogers; Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award, Kenneth Eichner, who passed away in January; and Pilot of the Year Award, Dale L. Weir.

HAI Chairman Ed Newton and HAI President Matt Zuccaro announced the newly elected board members. Patrick Corr was elected to fill the Regular Member-Commercial seat and Tony Burson and Bill Force were elected to fill two Regular Member-Corporate- Private seats. In addition, Chairman Newton passed the gavel to newly elected Chairman Michael Suldo, who will officially begin his term in July. Mr. and Mrs. Robin N. Daily of Colorado Springs, CO won the night's grand prize -- a brand new Chrysler PT Cruiser.

HAI staff members will soon begin preparing for Heli-Expo 2008, planned for February 24-26 in Houston, TX.

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