"Airport helps Indiana county soar"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Airport helps Westfield soar        
Traffic from Indianapolis Executive Airport means big business for town
By Amie Slevin
The Noblesville (IN) Daily Times


Members of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee
took some time Monday to admire a local treasure. 

Representatives from the Indianapolis Executive Airport discussed with the
committee the benefits it provides for Hamilton County and Westfield. 

Nestled on 200 acres along Indiana 32, the airport offers transportation to
Boone, Hamilton and Marion counties for businesses. The facility also offers
flight classes. 

Although the airport itself is tax-exempt and does not pay property taxes,
it generates other taxable income for the area in the form of fuel, payroll
tax from its 31 employees and excise tax on planes. 

Along with producing income, it also brings in potential business for the
surrounding towns, specifically Westfield. 

"Every year we probably generate $10,000 to $20,000 in different taxes,"
said Andi Montgomery, Indianapolis Executive Airport's vice president and
airport manager. 

Boasting an economic impact of $43.8 million in 2005, it is now the
eighth-largest airport in Indiana. 

The airport continues to grow, having added a conference center, a new
lobby, and new corporate offices. This year the airport is celebrating its
50th anniversary. 

"Not only is it a door to the community, it allows the world to see our
community," said Montgomery.

Chamber members and town officials were pleased to hear about the bright
future of the airport and the benefits that it brings to Westfield. Some
look at other examples around the state, such as Warsaw, which was able to
attract many large companies by focusing on its airport. 

"I've seen what it's done to the other communities, especially Warsaw," said
Westfield Councilor and District 3 candidate Bob Smith. "This is just a
large piece of the puzzle to make Westfield a destination for companies." 

Aside from bringing business people to town, the Indianapolis Executive
Airport allows larger businesses to view open land. 

"It will intercept more businesses, big companies like Cosco for example if
they want to build in Westfield, it will be more of an easy access for
them," said District 3 candidate Jose Beyer. 

A once small airfield called Terry Airport, has now grown to be one of the
biggest assets to the town of Westfield and Hamilton County.

   Post your opinion on this story in the CAA General Aviation Forum
http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php

*****************************************