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Minnesota Airports Conference
April 15–17, 2015
River’s Edge Convention Center
St. Cloud, Minnesota
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Mark Your Calendar!
2016 Minnesota Airports Conference
April 20–22, 2016
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Brainerd, MN
Thank you to our Platinum sponsors!
Table of Contents
Map of convention center................................................................. 2
MCOA welcome............................................................................... 3
MCOA board of directors................................................................. 4
MnDOT Aeronautics overview......................................................... 5
MnDOT Aeronautics staff................................................................ 6
Schedule: Wednesday, April 15.......................................................... 7
Schedule: Thursday, April 16............................................................. 8
Schedule: Friday, April 17................................................................. 9
FAA program manager meetings..................................................... 10
Speaker bios.................................................................................... 11
Exhibitors........................................................................................ 17
Exhibit hall map.............................................................................. 18
Aviation awards............................................................................... 19
General Conference Information
Social and Game Night
Wednesday, April 15, 5:00–8:45 p.m.
Spend time relaxing with colleagues and enjoying light hors d’oeuvres, a
cash bar, and casino games.
Social and Awards Banquet
Thursday, April 16, 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Join us for a celebration of award presentations. The evening will begin with
a social hour at the Kelly Inn pool with a cash bar and light snacks. Dinner
will begin across the hall in the ballroom at 6:15 p.m. followed by the
awards ceremony.
Scholarship
The Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA) has established an academic
scholarship for students studying aviation management and currently enrolled at a Minnesota college or university, or residing in Minnesota but
enrolled at a college or university outside the state. Some of the proceeds
from conference sponsorships support the scholarship fund.
Please see mnairports.org/scholarships for more information.
Wi-Fi
• Service is available through the network at River’s Edge (RECC iStyxX
Wifi)
• Connection is unique to each device (will not allow sharing of
passwords)
• Process is completely automated from device (laptop, iPad, cell phone)
• Access is continuous for a 24-hour period
• Cost is $4.99 per connection per device, payable with credit or
debit card
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Convention Center Map
General
Sessions
Exhibit
Area
Skyway to Le
St. Germaine
Wed-Haws A & B
Thurs-Haws A & B
Thurs Social/Banquet-Kelly
Inn Ballroom
Fri-Kelly Inn Ballroom
Kelly
InnSocialBanquet
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Welcome from the Minnesota Council of Airports
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2015 Minnesota Airports Conference!
This year’s conference is drawing from leading aviation professionals from the
Upper Midwest. Speakers representing industry, government policymakers, and
academic scholars and researchers will present and discuss the latest topics in
contemporary and prospective issues, focusing on strategies, experiences, and
techniques relating to information dissemination and critical thinking. We are
excited to have such a great line-up of keynote speakers.
During the conference, we will also be honoring two long-time Minnesota
Council of Airports (MCOA) supporters with individual service awards. Col. John
Puckropp (ret.) will be presented with the James L. Oberstar award, and Gary E.
Schmidt will receive the Award of Excellence. We look forward to recognizing
airport sponsors, consulting engineers, and contractors with the projects of the year
awards as well.
The 2015 conference professional sessions and exhibitors aim to deliver the most
up-to-date and advanced information for Minnesota aviation professionals. We
hope to provide an opportunity for industry and government officials to exchange
ideas on funding, trends, and best practices.
I cannot thank the conference committee team enough for their efforts in planning
this program. Additionally, I want to thank the City of St. Cloud for hosting this
event—you are so gracious!
Over the next few days, please take a moment to seek out a MCOA board member
and learn more about the organization. We thank you for your continued support
of MCOA. Enjoy your time in St. Cloud!
Sincerely,
Joseph Harris
Chairman, MCOA Board of Directors
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MCOA Officers
Joe Hedrick
Thief River Falls Airport
218-681-7680
[email protected]
Chairman
Joe Harris—Region #6
Anoka Airport/MSP MAC
651-224-4306
[email protected]
William Towle—Region #7
St. Cloud Regional Airport
320-255-7292
[email protected]
Vice-Chairman
Jeff Wig
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
218-825-2166
[email protected]
Karen Weller—Region #2
Bemidji Regional Airport
218-444-2438
[email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer
Mark Hagen—Region #5
218-849-2294
[email protected]
Directors (At Large)
Tom Werner
Duluth Int’l Airport
218-727-2968
[email protected]
Directors
Kevin Baker—Region #10
Mankato Regional Airport
507-345-3171
[email protected]
John Young
Hawley Municipal Airport
218-849-8369
[email protected]
Dave Beaver—Region #9
Owatonna Regional Airport
507-444-2448
[email protected]
Directors Emeritus
Steve Leqve
[email protected]
Glenn Burke—Region #3
South St. Paul Airport
651-554-3350
[email protected]
Duane “Doc” Wething
[email protected]
MCOA Support Staff
Kurt Claussen—Region #8
Rochester Int’l Airport
507-282-2328
[email protected]
MnDOT Advisor
Cassandra Isackson
651-234-7210
[email protected]
Shaun Germolus—Region #1
Range Regional Airport
218-262-3452
[email protected]
Dave Konshok—Region #4
Park Rapids Airport
218-737-4363
[email protected]
Executive Director
Mark Knoff
507-995-3051
[email protected]
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MnDOT Office of Aeronautics Overview
Dear airport sponsors and friends,
The state of Minnesota has long recognized that aviation is vital to our economy
and quality of life. On April 22, 1933, the state formed the Minnesota Aeronautics
Commission, which eventually became the Department of Aeronautics. In 1944,
voters approved an amendment to the Minnesota constitution that allowed the state
to construct airports, issue bonds, levy excise taxes, and tax aircraft.
In 1976, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) assumed the duties of the former Department of Aeronautics, Department of Highways, and other
transportation agency functions. In creating MnDOT, the legislature determined
that we would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate, and coordinate state transportation policies, plans, and programs.
All Minnesotans have a stake in a strong transportation system. Minnesota’s 50-year
vision for transportation recognizes that transportation is a means to other ends,
not an end in itself. The State Aviation System Plan is one of a family of plans that
applies the principles of the vision to guide policy and investment decisions for all
forms of transportation throughout the state. MnDOT Aeronautics’s mission is to
ensure that Minnesotans reap the benefits of aviation. We do this by:
• Collecting aviation taxes and safeguarding the long-term viability of the state
airports fund.
• Planning and promoting a coordinated, cost-effective statewide system of
airports.
• Distributing state airport and federal funds to ensure a robust, well-balanced
aviation system.
• Providing navigational systems to increase the safety and efficiency of our
airspace.
• Enforcing state and federal safety standards through inspection and licensure.
• Offering technical resources and expertise to communities to preserve the
utility of airports.
• Fostering aeronautics through information, education, and outreach to pilots
and the public.
• Providing air transportation services to state employees to optimize business
efficiencies.
Much has changed in the eight decades since the Minnesota Aeronautics Commission was created. However, one constant remains: the folks at MnDOT Aeronautics
come to work every day to advance aviation in Minnesota. We value our partnerships with Minnesota airports and look forward to the next 80 years!
Sincerely,
Cassandra Isackson, PE
Director of Aeronautics
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MnDOT Aeronautics Staff Contacts
Aeronautics Administration
Cassandra Isackson, [email protected], 651-234-7210
Kathy Vesely, [email protected], 651-234-7193
Janet Dirtzu, [email protected], 651-234-7202
Planning & Finance
Julie Carr, [email protected], 651-234-7206
Ryan Gaug, [email protected], 651-234-7236
Rylan Juran, [email protected], 651-234-7190
Shari LeBlanc, [email protected], 651-234-7205
Dan McDowell, [email protected], 651-234-7182
Dick Theisen, [email protected], 651-234-7192
Aviation Representatives
Kelly Akhund, [email protected], 651-234-7234
Rick Braunig, [email protected], 651-234-7230
Chris Meyer, [email protected], 651-234-7224
Rachel Obermoller, [email protected], 651-234-7207
Eric Peltier, [email protected], 651-234-7184
Navigational Systems
Bob Milton, [email protected], 651-234-7250
John Schroeder, [email protected], 651-234-7251
Jay Zimmerman, [email protected], 651-234-7252
Operations
Shalette Cauley-Wandrick, [email protected], 651-234-7180
Darlene Dahlseide, [email protected], 651-234-7248
Judy Meyers, [email protected], 651-234-7232
Airport Development
Jenny Bahneman, [email protected], 651-234-7240
Harris Baker, [email protected], 651-234-7241
Don Berre, [email protected], 651-234-7249
Dan Boerner, [email protected], 651-234-7244
Brian Conklin, [email protected], 651-234-7247
Rebecca Parzyck, [email protected], 651-234-7243
Air Transportation
Jeff Flynn, [email protected], 651-234-7235
Jack Lynch, [email protected], 651-234-7225
Paul Stanton, [email protected], 651-234-7227
Linda Connor, [email protected], 651-234-7221
Sheila Kvilvang, [email protected], 651-234-7220
Aircraft Registration
Karen Lager, [email protected], 651-234-7204
Jana Thompson, [email protected], 651-234-7212
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Schedule: Wednesday, April 15
Vendor setup.................................................................................8:00–11:00 a.m.
Terry Haws B
Exhibit hall open....................................................................................11:00 a.m.
Terry Haws B
Board buses to St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC).......................9:15–9:30 a.m.
Tour of Army Aviation Support Facility at STC........................10:00–11:15 a.m.
Come experience the 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Army Aviation Support
Facility. St. Cloud is home to Company C (2nd General Support Aviation
Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment), which provides aeromedical evacuation
and support for natural disasters such as floods and fires.
Opening luncheon....................................................................... Noon–1:00 p.m.
Terry Haws B
Session: MnDOT Aeronautics Update......................................... 1:15–2:00 p.m.
Terry Haws A
Cassandra Isackson, director of MnDOT’s Office of Aeronautics, and assistant
director Kathy Vesely will review what MnDOT has been working on this last
year and share priorities for the year ahead.
Session: FAA Update.................................................................... 2:00–2:50 p.m.
Terry Haws A
UAVs, PFCs, ALPs, and AIPs—there’s always something happening with
acronyms at the FAA. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Chris Hugunin
and Andy Peek from the FAA share updates and answer questions on airport
regulations, trends, and funding.
Networking with colleagues and exhibitors................................ 2:50–3:30 p.m.
Terry Haws B
Session: Zoning............................................................................. 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Terry Haws A
During development of the State Aviation System Plan, stakeholders asked
MnDOT to begin a process to review airport safety zoning requirements.
Zoning restricts land uses that may affect safety at or near airports, and these
restrictions can impact development in communities throughout the state. In
this session, Ryan Gaug and Tom Werner will share an update on proposed
changes to requirements, and you’ll have a chance to give input.
MCOA Annual Meeting.................................................................. 4:15–4:45 p.m.
Terry Haws A
All conference attendees are welcome to attend.
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Social hour and light hors d’oeuvres.......................................... 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Terry Haws B
Casino night................................................................................... 6:45–8:45 p.m.
Terry Haws B
Schedule: Thursday, April 16
Breakfast and exhibit hall open....................................................7:15–9:00 a.m.
Terry Haws B
MCOA breakfast board meeting....................................................8:00–8:45 a.m.
Terry Haws A
Grab your breakfast and join the meeting!
Session: Impact of GA on State and Local Economies............9:00–10:00 a.m.
Terry Haws A
Join former congressional communications director and current Alliance for
Aviation Across America consultant Ernest Baynard as he addresses the value
general aviation brings to our communities and economy and how airport
supporters can help communicate that value to elected officials and neighbors.
The session will also provide a brief update on federal legislation that could
impact airports and general aviation.
Networking with colleagues and exhibitors............................ 10:00–10:45 a.m.
Terry Haws B
Session: How Will the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Impact Your Airport?...........................................................10:45 a.m.–noon
Terry Haws A
Curtis Zoller from Northland Community College will review the current state
of unmanned aircraft systems in the state and country—and how that is affecting
both commercial and general aviation airports. Dustin Harr will share industry
trends and information on surveying, laser scanning, and imaging applications.
Luncheon: State of the Airport Business with Jeff Hamiel.........Noon–1:15 p.m.
Terry Haws B
Hear what’s happening on Minnesota’s aviation scene from a leader in the
industry in this engaging and popular session.
Session: Local Government and Community Relations—
Best Practices........................................................................ 1:30–2:45 p.m.
Terry Haws A
Join this panel discussion with experienced local government and airport
leaders who have had success in promoting the importance of their airport
to their communities and local units of government. Panelists include Mayor
Dave Kleis, Bud Stone, and Jean Harr.
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Networking with colleagues and exhibitors/ice cream social........ 2:45–3:30 p.m.
Terry Haws B
Session: Pavement Management................................................ 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Terry Haws A
Is it time for aviation to focus more on maintenance and less on reconstruction
of runway pavements? Dave Rettner with American Engineering Testing, Dan
Wegman with Braun Intertec, and Dan Boerner with MnDOT will lead a
discussion on the financial advantages of a preventive maintenance program.
Social hour..................................................................................... 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Kelly Inn Pool Area
Awards banquet............................................................................. 6:15–8:00 p.m.
Kelly Inn Ballroom
Join us for an evening of honoring an individual for excellence in aviation and
recognizing the Projects of the Year.
Schedule: Friday, April 17
All events are located in the Kelly Inn Ballroom.
Breakfast.........................................................................................7:00–8:00 a.m.
Session: Airport Geographic Information Systems....................8:00–9:00 a.m.
GIS can be a cost-effective and efficient tool for managing your airport and
operations. Come to this session and hear from Rick Braunig and Andy Peek
about using GIS in airport inspection.
Session: FAA Great Lakes Region Update................................9:00–10:00 a.m.
Barry Cooper, regional administrator for the Great Lakes Region of the FAA,
has his finger on the pulse of the FAA initiatives that will affect airports
and pilots across the nation. His insight on current trends and likely future
priorities of the FAA can help airports and their communities prepare.
Session: A Pilot’s Perspective on MN Airports...................... 10:00–10:45 a.m.
Randy Corfman, president of the Minnesota Pilots Association, will share
thoughts on the state of Minnesota’s airports from the general aviation pilot
point of view. He will also discuss the pilot perspective on airport funding
and planning priorities and discuss how pilots, airports, and other aviation
organizations can work together to promote aviation in Minnesota.
Conference wrap-up and prize drawing...................................10:45–11:00 a.m.
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Meet with an FAA Program Manager
FAA program managers are available for individual meetings on Thursday, April 16.
Visit the registration desk to sign up!
Not sure who your program manager is? See the map below or check the map in the
registration area.
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Speaker Bios
Dave Kleis
Mayor, City of St. Cloud
Wednesday, April 15, noon–1:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 16, 1:30–2:45 p.m.
Mayor Dave Kleis is a magna cum laude 1989 graduate of St. Cloud State University and nine-year veteran of the Air Force Reserve. He served the St. Cloud area in
the Minnesota Senate from 1994 through 2005, and as Assistant Senate Minority
Leader for seven years. Mr. Kleis established and owns the Central Minnesota Driving Academy, a driver’s educational business in St. Cloud. He was elected mayor in
November 2005 and was re-elected (running unopposed) in 2008 and 2012. He
was selected in 2010 by the St. Cloud Times’s readers and area leaders as the most
influential person of the last decade. In 2014 he received the League of Minnesota
Cities C.C. Ludwig Leadership Award.
Joe Harris
Metropolitan Airports Commission
Wednesday, April 15, noon–1:00 p.m.
Mr. Harris serves as manager of St. Paul Downtown Airport, Anoka County-Blaine
Airport, and Lake Elmo Airport for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. He
has been a MCOA board member since 2004, and he currently serves as chairman.
Mr. Harris is a commercial, single, and multi-engine instrument pilot as well as a
certified flight instructor. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of
North Dakota and a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University, Minneapolis.
Cassandra Isackson
Director, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Wednesday, April 15, 1:15–2:00 p.m.
Cassandra Isackson has been the director of the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
since 2013. This office collects aviation taxes, safeguards the long-term viability
of the state airports fund, plans and promotes a statewide system of airports, distributes state and federal aviation funding, provides navigational systems, enforces
state and federal safety standards, offers technical resources, fosters aeronautics, and
provides air transportation to state employees. Ms. Isackson has worked in transportation for 21 years and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Minnesota.
Kathy Vesely
Assistant Director, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Wednesday, April 15, 1:15–2:00 p.m.
Kathy Vesely has been with MnDOT for 36 years, with 15 years in Aeronautics.
Ms. Vesely transferred to Aeronautics so that her job and her hobby would match.
Her husband is a pilot, and together they own a 1968 Cessna Cardinal. Before her
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transfer to Aeronautics, Ms. Vesely worked in Surveys, Detail Design, and State Aid
for Local Transportation building streets and roads. Her studies at Bemidji State
University included a major in earth science and a minor in geography, concentrated in land-use planning and environmental studies.
Chris Hugunin
Manager, Minneapolis Airport Districts Office, FAA
Wednesday, April 15, 2:00–2:50 p.m.
Chris Hugunin has been the manager of the Minneapolis Airports District Office
(ADO) since March 2013. Prior to joining the ADO, he served in the Office of
Airports National Planning and Environmental Division in Washington, DC, for
nearly four years. Mr. Hugunin was also part-owner in a national airport consulting firm and for 15 years led the completion of Airport Master Plan studies and
environmental and noise compatibility planning efforts. He has additional work
experience in reliever airport operations and holds a commercial pilot’s license with
an instrument rating.
Andy Peek
Federal Aviation Administration
Wednesday, April 15, 2:00–2:50 p.m.
Friday, April 16, 8:00–9:00 a.m.
Mr. Peek has more than 15 years of aviation development experience, the most recent with the FAA Office of Airports for the past five years. As an FAA GIS subject
matter expert, he has worked on the national stage to develop and implement Airports GIS training, tools, and resources for use internally and external to the agency.
Mr. Peek’s goal with the Airports GIS program is to make sustainable decisions with
better data to improve the aviation system as a whole.
Ryan Gaug
Planning and Finance Director, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Wednesday, April 15, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Ryan Gaug began his career at MnDOT as a planner in 2008 and first came to
Aeronautics as a planning and zoning coordinator from 2011 to 2013. From 2013
to July 2014, Mr. Gaug was with the Metro District’s Program Management Section. He became the planning and finance director in July 2014. He is a 2012 graduate of the MnDOT Leadership Foundation Program.
Thomas Werner
Executive Director, Duluth Airport Authority
Wednesday, April 15, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Thomas J. Werner has been the executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority
since October of 2012. Prior to his appointment as executive director, Mr. Werner
held several different positions within the Duluth Airport Authority, including
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airside manager and operations director. During his tenure as operations director,
he oversaw the final construction phase of the $80 million passenger terminal at
the Duluth Airport. Mr. Werner is also a retired 20-year member of the Army
Reserve as well as a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. During his most recent
deployment, he was recognized for his leadership with the Bronze Star Medal. Mr.
Werner’s career in military engineering was honored in 2007 with the award of the
de Fluery Medal presented by the 416th Engineer Command.
Ernest Baynard
Consultant, Meridian Hill Strategies
Thursday, April 16, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Over the past 15 years, Ernest C. Baynard IV has successfully managed numerous
grassroots and public affairs campaigns for a diverse group of corporate and political
clients. He has also served in several senior-level positions over the past 15 years in
the White House and the United States Congress. His firm, Meridian Hill Strategies, works with some of the nation’s top CEOs, industry groups, and political
leaders to create a powerful voice for them inside the Beltway and in the national
media. Mr. Baynard has built and managed some of the most influential and successful grassroots and media campaigns in the nation in the past 15 years, including
the Alliance for Aviation Across America—a national grassroots coalition that supports America’s general aviation community. Mr. Baynard earned a bachelor’s degree
in political science from Tulane University in 1993 and was awarded a Juris Doctor
with Honors from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in Sacramento, California, in 1996. He is admitted to the practice of law in California.
Curtis Zoller
Associate Dean of Aerospace Programs, Northland Community & Technical College
Thursday, April 16, 10:45 a.m.–noon
Curtis Zoller has served with the Minnesota National Guard since 1999 and led the
development of the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) program as many know it today. He currently serves as the operations officer for the 1st BCT coordinating UAS
operations and safety. Mr. Zoller joined Northland Community and Technical College in 2010, where he began to develop the UAS maintenance training program.
Since then, he has served as the academic leader for the growth and development of
the programs in the aerospace department. He currently provides technical expertise
and guidance toward the advancement of the FAA regulated Airframe and Powerplant program, along with newly developed Unmanned Aerial Systems and Imagery
Analyst programs. Before working with Northland, he was the lead standardization
pilot with oversight over the RQ-7B and MQ-1C operations across three theaters
of operations overseas. Mr. Zoller studied at St. Cloud State University as well as
several military science academies in efforts to further his education in the aviation
industry. He lives in Thief River Falls, where his entire family is involved in the
aviation industry in some form.
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Dustin Harr
Frontier Precision
Thursday, April 16, 10:45 a.m.–noon
Dustin Harr has been with the Frontier Precision team since 2000 out of the Minneapolis office. Frontier Precision offers sales, service, and support for surveying,
GIS, and mapping applications in a seven-state geographic area. Mr. Harr covers
the southern part of Minnesota and the Minneapolis area for their surveying, laser
scanning, and imaging applications. He continues to keep up on the latest in software and industry trends in order to share this information with his customers.
Jeff Hamiel
Executive Director, Metropolitan Airports Commission
Thursday, April 16, noon–1:15 p.m.
Jeffrey W. Hamiel was appointed executive director/chief executive officer of the
Metropolitan Airports Commission in 1985, after beginning his career there in
1977. Mr. Hamiel was a pilot in the United States Air Force for more than seven
years. Thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force Reserve, where he served
as chief pilot and retired as squadron commander of the 96th Airlift Squadron in
1998. In 2013, Mr. Hamiel returned to a seat on the board of Airports Council
International–North America, where he serves on the organization’s Governmental
Affairs Committee. In addition, Mr. Hamiel served for several years as a member of
the board and special advisor to Airports Council International, Geneva, Switzerland. He is a member and former competition committee co-chair of the American
Association of Airport Executives. In 2011, he was named executive committee
chairman of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies. Mr.
Hamiel holds a doctorate in public administration from Hamline University, a
bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota, and a master of arts degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University. He was inducted
into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2003.
Bud Stone
President and CEO, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, April 16, 1:30–2:45 p.m.
Bud Stone is a long-time resident of the Grand Rapids, Minnesota, area and has
served as the president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
for the past 15 years. Prior to this role, he spent four years with Waste Management
as a customer retention specialist and before that, 28 years in the automobile industry as a salesman and eventually as a dealership manager. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, golf, and singing barbershop music.
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Jean Haar
Dean, College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Thursday, April 16, 1:30–2:45 p.m.
The Minnesota State Mankato Aviation Program is housed in the College of Education. Jean Haar has served as dean of the college for the past five years and has
worked closely with all involved in re-establishing a quality aviation program. Ms.
Haar is also a current board member for the Minnesota Board of School Administrators and the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. Prior to serving as dean, she
was a professor and chairperson in the Department of Educational Leadership.
Dave Rettner
Senior Vice President/Principal Engineer, American Engineering Testing
Thursday, April 16, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
David Rettner has worked with DOTs and local government agencies in several
states on pavement rehabilitation, maintenance, and reconstruction projects using
concrete, bituminous, and aggregate surfacing materials. With more than 19 years
of experience as a former MnDOT pavement, geotechnical, and research engineer
and more than 11 years of private-sector consulting engineering experience, Mr.
Rettner provides expertise and experience in the evaluation of pavements as well as
the design and successful construction of numerous rehabilitation projects.
Dan Wegman
Principal Engineer, Braun Intertec
Thursday, April 16, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Dan Wegman has more than 25 years of experience in pavements. He was a construction and bituminous engineer for 9 years at MnDOT. For the next 12 years, he
was a technical and account manager for Koch Industries. After Koch, Mr. Wegman
worked for SEM Materials and Road Science for 6 years managing the Midwest
area as a material supplier. He is currently a principal engineer for Braun Intertec
and supervises its pavement group. He is also a past president of the Minnesota
Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (MAAPT) and past co-chair of the
Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance (TERRA) board.
Dan Boerner
Airport Development Engineer, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Thursday, April 16, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Dan Boerner graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in civil engineering and started his career at MnDOT as an intern in the Concrete Pavement
Section. Mr. Boerner has spent about half his time at MnDOT working in different
areas of Pavement Engineering, with a brief stopover in the Office of Bridges and
Structures. For the past seven years, Mr. Boerner has been working in the Airport
Development Section of the Office of Aeronautics. Mr. Boerner has a commercial
pilot certificate and a flight instructor certificate.
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Rick Braunig
Aviation Representative, MnDOT Office of Aeronautics
Friday, April 17, 8:00–9:00 a.m.
Rick Braunig has worked for the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics since May of
1990. He has been an airport inspector for the entire time, taking the process from
Abney levels to GPS and laser range finders.
Barry Cooper
Region Administrator, FAA Great Lakes Region
Friday, April 17, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
In August 2007, Barry Cooper became the regional administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration’s Great Lakes Region, which has responsibility for the
FAA’s aviation-related work in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In this role, he serves as the FAA’s primary representative and liaison regarding aviation issues and activities within the Great
Lakes Region. Prior to assuming this position, Mr. Cooper served as the FAA’s program manager and principal representative for the City of Chicago’s O’Hare Modernization Program, a multi-billion dollar airport development initiative. His public
service career began in 1976 as an FAA civil engineer, performing design work on
FAA facilities that support our nation’s air traffic control system. Most of his service
has been in management positions within the FAA’s Great Lakes Region, where he
has had responsibilities for both technical and administrative program areas. Mr.
Cooper is a 1976 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, where he obtained a
bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and is a licensed professional engineer in the
state of Illinois, where he resides.
Randy Corfman
President, Minnesota Pilots Association
Friday, April 17, 10:00–10:45 a.m.
Randy Corfman incorporates his love of aviation with his medical practice, flying to
many locations in the Upper Midwest from his Twin Cities base to provide consultations and medical care. His special interest and training in wilderness and survival
medicine, as well as aviation medicine and approaches to keeping pilots healthy and
flying, makes him a frequent speaker at a variety of aviation conferences and venues.
Dr. Corfman is a member of Supercub.org, where he hosts a forum called “Medical
Matters,” which deals with common medical problems facing aviators. He is also
a 4,500-hour multi-engine commercial, instrument-rated pilot with single-engine
seaplane and land ratings.
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Exhibitors
Platinum Sponsors
BoothExhibitor
1SEH
3TKDA
18
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
33
KLJ (Kadrmas Lee & Jackson)
36
Mead & Hunt
Gold Sponsors
BoothExhibitor
17
Braun Intertec
21
Shell Aviation/Eastern Aviation Fuels
32
Pro Source Tech
Silver Sponsors
BoothExhibitor
2
ADB Airfield Solutions
4
American Engineering Testing
5
Fahrner Asphalt Sealers
6
Diamond Mowers
7
Quantum Spatial, Inc.
8
Midland Door Solutions
10
WSB & Associates, Inc.
14
Swedebro, Inc.
15
3D Specialties
16
Epic Aviation
19
MacQueen Equipment, Inc.
22Westmor
23
Bollig Engineering Company
27
West Metro Aviation
28Ennis-Flint
29
ARA, Inc.
30
Gatekeeper Systems
31
GEE Asphalt Systems, Inc.
34
Hali-Brite, Inc.
35ACRP
BoothExhibitor
9
Metropolitan Airport Council (MAC)
20
MnDOT Aeronautics
17
Exhibit Hall Map
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Aviation Awards: 2015 Recipients
James L. Oberstar Award
Col. John Puckropp, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
As executive director of the Minnesota Council of Airports from 1994 to 2014,
John Puckropp led and represented the organization with intelligence and grace.
John oversaw a myriad of membership activities that included information
dissemination, recordation and protocol, recruitment and retention, training
activities, and conference programing. He ensured that the voice of Minnesota
airports had a seat at the table regardless of size or location. Moreover, John had
the foresight to strengthen partnerships with the Federal Aviation Administration,
MnDOT Office of Aeronautics, and private stakeholders. John’s leadership of the
organization will be ever-present in the pursuit of making meaningful contributions
to Minnesota’s airport community. We thank him for his 20 years of loyal and
dedicated service and wish him health and happiness in the future.
Aviation Professional Career
1959–1986: United States Air Force
1989–1993: Director, Brainerd-Crow Wing County Airport
1994–2014: Executive Director, Minnesota Council of Airports
Awards: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (Combat), Air Medal with three
leaf clusters (Combat), 13 Medals from combat and meritorious service,
command
Award of Excellence
Gary E. Schmidt, Metropolitan Airports Commission
MCOA Award Winners (Project of the Year Award)
Southwest Minnesota Regional Airport, Marshall–Ryan Field (Key GA); Park
Rapids Regional Airport–Konshok Field (Key GA); Glencoe Municipal Airport–
Pershau Field (Intermediate GA); Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport (Intermediate
GA); Range Regional Airport, Hibbing (Business Development/Non-Aeronautical);
Morris Municipal Airport–Schmidt Field (Business Development/Non-Aeronautical)
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Past Award Recipients
Governor’s Award
Year
Conference Location
2003
Arrowwood
2004
Rochester
2005
Mankato
2006
Willmar
2007
Arrowwood
2008
Ramada/MOA
2009
St. Cloud
2010
Duluth
2011
Grand Rapids
2012
Rochester
2013
Arrowwood
2014
Bemidji
Recipient
SW/Regional/Marshall/Ryan Field
Thief River Falls Regional Airport
Cloquet/Carlton County
Rochester International Airport
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
Bemidji Regional Airport
Park Rapids Municipal Airport
Luverne Municipal Airport
Mankato Regional Airport
Walker Municipal Airport
St. Cloud Regional Airport
New Ulm Municipal Airport
MCOA Award Winners (Project of the Year Award)
YearRecipient
2003
Rushford Municipal Airport; Pipestone Municipal Airport
2004
St. Cloud Regional Airport; Austin Municipal Airport
2005
Canby Municipal Airport; Rochester International Airport
2006
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport; Anoka/Blaine
2007
Bemidji Regional Airport (CS); Mankato Regional Airport (GA); Granite Falls Municipal Airport (GA)
2008
Duluth International (CS); St. Paul Downtown Airport (Large
GA); Grand Rapids Itasca County Airport (Large GA); Le
Sueur Municipal Airport (Landing Strip GA)
2009
Range Regional Airport (CS); Flying Cloud Airport (Large
GA): Owatonna Degnar Regional Airport (Intermediate GA);
Mahnomen County Airport (Landing Strip GA)
2010
Duluth International (CS); Walker Municipal Airport
(Intermediate GA)
2011
Bemidji Regional (Key/CS); Orr Regional Airport
(Intermediate GA); Two Harbors Airport (intermediate GA)
2012
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (Key/CS); Albert Lea
Municipal Airport (Key/NCS); Blue Earth Airport (Intermediate GA); Steve Leqve (Outstanding Service)
2013
Duluth International Airport (Key/CS); Fairmont Municipal Airport (Key/NCS)
2014
New Ulm Municipal Airport (Intermediate GA); Moose Lake Carlton County (Intermediate GA)
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Promotion of Aviation in Minnesota Award
YearRecipient
2003
Paynesville Airport
2004
Steve Leqve, airport manager, Rochester
International Airport
2005
Dave Weiman, publisher, Midwest Flyer Magazine
2006
City of Willmar/Airport
2007
Bemidji Regional Airport Commission
2008
Rollie Green, Ely
2009
Brain Ryks, executive director, DLH Airport Authority
2010None
2011None
2012None
2013None
2014
Harold Van Leeuwen, Bemidji Regional Airport
In Memoriam
The Minnesota Council of Airports lost a dear friend with the passing of long-time
former Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) executive director John Grinden, one of
the founders of the Minnesota Council of Airports.
John’s work left a legacy at Duluth International Airport and in the aviation
sector as a whole during his time as the executive director from 1970 through his
retirement in 1998. One of his great accomplishments included the construction of
a new passenger terminal, which was completed in 1974. To acknowledge the work
done by John, the DAA honored him by naming the airport access road Grinden
Drive when he retired.
Prior to his position at the DAA, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force.
A retired lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, John “Red Dog” Grinden
served as a fighter pilot in his early adult years. His commitment to the Air National
Guard continued and he played a pivotal role in negotiating an airport joint use
agreement with the Air Guard Base to help compensate for the loss of the Duluth
Air Force Base in 1983.
John will be missed by us all and we send our heartfelt condolences to his
family and friends.
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mnairports.org
Program printing sponsored by:
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