Association Pledges Support to Stricken City

New Orleans city officials Thursday said it could take months before residents evacuated from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina would be allowed back into the devastated city, prompting the NBAA to announce that the Association will move its 58th Annual Meeting & Convention.

In acknowledging the necessity to move its Convention, NBAA executives expressed their deep sympathy for the citizens of New Orleans, pledging to provide charitable assistance to the city in the coming weeks.

"The NBAA and its Members join with the rest of America in expressing our sorrow and concern for the people affected by this terrible tragedy," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "It is unfortunate that we have no choice but to move our Convention. However, we look forward to returning to New Orleans when the city is again ready to accommodate our event."

Shortly after the NBAA indicated said it would take a close look at keeping the convention in New Orleans. But conditions there quickly deteriorated as a result of broken levees. By late Wednesday, a complete evacuation had been ordered.

As a result, NBAA Thursday notified New Orleans city officials of the Association's decision to relocate the convention and began the process of securing a new location. So far, there's no indication where the new site might be located.

A Pledge to New Orleans from Business Aviation

Once a new Convention location is chosen, the NBAA will designate a charity based in the city of New Orleans to receive a portion of the proceeds from the event. The Association also will give Convention Exhibitors and attendees an opportunity to express their generosity while at the event, spokesman Dan Hubbard said in a statement to Aero-News. In addition, he said, NBAA will facilitate efforts by the nation's business aviation community to provide resources to relief and recovery efforts in the Gulf region.

FMI: www.nbaa.org