acaa approved - Albany Airport [PDF]

Mar 19, 2012 - Amy Jordan, Marvin & Company. Chair Langdon noted there ... As background information Ms. Bates furth

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ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

TEL:

518-242-2222

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ADMIN FAX:

518-242-2641

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

FINANCE FAX:

518-242-2640

SUITE 200

SITE:

www.albanyairport.com

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12211-1057

ACAA APPROVED 05/07/12 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Albany County Airport Authority March 19,2012

Pursuant to notice duly given and posted, the regular meeting of the Albany County Airport Authority was called to order on Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 6:15 p.m. in the 3'd Floor Conference Room of the main Terminal located at the Albany International Airp0l1 by Chair David E. Langdon with the following present:

MEMBERS PRESENT

MEMBERS ABSENT

Chair David E. Langdon Rev. Ken neth J. Doyle Tony Gorma n Elliott A. Shaw Dennis Fitzgerald Lyon M. Greenberg, M.D.

Dorsey M. Whitehead

STAFF Margaret Henmann John DelBalso Dwayne Lovely

John A. O'Donnell Bill O'Reilly Peter F. Stuto Steve Iachetta Helen Chadderdon Liz Charland

ATTENDEES Joel Russell, AvPorts Eric Anderson, Times Union Pam Day, Million Air James Valachovic, Richmore Aviation Bethan Cartledge, Clear Channel Airp0l1s Sharon Bates, ACAA Jim Amell , Marvin & Company Amy Jordan, Marvin & Company Chair Langdon noted there was a quorum.

1.

CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS None

2.

MINUTES Mr. Whitehead moved to approve the February 6, 2012 Regular Meeting Minutes. motion was adopted unanimously.

3.

The

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MI'. O' Donnell introduced Sharon Bates, Director of the Art and Culture Program to discuss the AAAE Alis in the AirpOIt Workshop. Ms. Bates advised the Board that our AirpOli was selected to host the Tenth Annual AAAE Arts in the Airport Workshop to be held June 241h - 261h. She f urther advised that this is the first time the conference is being hosted by an airpOli of Ollr size and our program has become a national model. As background information Ms. Bates further advised the Board that for the past 10 years Airport Art Directors from across the US, Canada and Europe have gathered at major international airpOlis to meet with colleagues and share their expeliise about presenting ali in unique public spaces. Ms. Bates also read a correspondence from Greg Mamary, Producer, Special Projects, American Association of Airport Executi ves to Mr. O'Donnell thanking him for hosting the Workshop. Chair Langdon complimented Ms. Bates for all of her hard work and dedication she has put into the Art and Culture Program. Mr. O'Donnell then presented the Communications and RepOIi ofthe Chief Executive Officer for the month of March 2012. Mr. O'Donnell highlighted some of the discussions in which Mr. O'Reilly and he had with the six airlines they met with at the networking conference in Tampa. MI'. Fitzgerald inquired as to how many other airports our size have more than one discount carrier. Mr. O'Donnell advised that there are one or two other airports our size in New York that have more than one discount carrier. MI'. O'Donnell advised we will be meeting with the Chambers to discuss marketing efforts to retain and enhance service at the AirpOlt. He further advised that the Authori ty in partnership with The Center for Economic Growth, Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber, Rensselaer County Regiona l Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Schenectady County will be conducting an online Ail' Service Development Survey designed to gather information to be used in air service development efforts at Albany and we wi ll bring the results to the airlines. Dr. Greenberg stated we could potentially pull passengers from the North Country.

Page 2

Dr. Greenberg also stated that American Airlines loses passengers by not being here. Mr. Shaw inquired as to what America n Airlines' reaction was to our incentive and are they interested in coming to Albany. Mr. O'Donnell advised that American believes we are headed in the right direction and yes they would interested in coming to Albany, but due to their bankruptcy COlllt reorganization they currently cannot expand. Mr. Shaw inquired if there were any airlines that did not want to meet with us. Mr. O'Reilly advised that we have not met with United Airlines in awh ile.

4.

INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE Noted

MANAGEMENT REPORTS: 5.

Chief Financial Officer Mr. O' Reilly presented the following: 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

Statistical and Financial Performance Comparison of Enplanements Summary of Airline Scbednled Flights and Marl,ets USDOT Arrival and Departure Statistics

Mr. O' Donnell asked Mr. O'Reilly to briefly explain how he creates the budgeted expenses and revenues on a monthly basis. Mr. O'Reilly presented the financial report for the month of January and noted that we allocate the budget and planned results for each month ofthe year. Based upon the timing of revenues and expenses, January is always budgeted as a month with negative net results where expenses exceed revenues. This is due to the fact that certain expenses for the year are incurred more in that month and it usually includes significant expenses for winter snow operations, which were very moderate in January of this year. Mr. Fitzgerald inq uired if we have met our reserve requirements. Mr. O'Reilly advised we have more than met our 2 month Operations and Maintenance Expense Reserve requirement and have about 145 days of operating expenses in the O&M Reserve Account. Mr. O'Reilly also presented a power point presentation of the final audited results for 20 11 and Airline Rates and Charges Settlement Report for 20 I I .

6.

Procurement Approvals by CEO - Informational Only None

Page 3

7.

Project Development Mr. Iachetta presented the Project Development Status RepOit for the month of March 2012 . Mr. Iachetta advised that our level of funding has changed from 95% Federal, 2.5% State and 2.5% AirpOit has changed to 90% Federal, 5% State and 5% AirpOlt. Dr. Greenberg inquired as to the age of the Airport Rescue and Firefighters Building Roof He fliither stated that type ofroof should last 20 years. Mr. Iachetta indicated the roof is more than 10 years old. Mr. O'Donnell stated that the membrane of the roof is shrinking and splitting. He advised that we originally expected to get 15 to 20 years out of the roof, but, unfortunately, we have to replace it prematurely. He also stated that we have been patching and repairing it and now it has become a mold issue on the interior of the building. Mr. O'Donnell advised that he will bring photographs of the roof to the next Board meeting for the Board's review. Mr. Gorman inquired ifthe roof was still under warranty. Mr. O'Donnell advised the warranty was for 10 years and the roof was no longer under warranty. Mr. Shaw inquired if we had these roofs on any other buildings at the Airport. Mr. O'Donnell advised that he does not believe we have this type of roof on any other building. Mr. Fitzgerald inquired as to what type of lighting will be installed in the Administration Building. Mr. O'Donnell indicated we will have high efficiency T8 lighting fixtures installed in the Administration Bui lding

8.

Counsel Mr. Stuto advised the Board that he will be forwarding the financial disclosures soon. He also advised the Board that they may receive a copy directly from the County, but that they only need to complete one.

9.

Concessions/Ambassador Program Ms. Chadderdon presented the Concessions!Ambassador Program RepOlt for the month of March 2012.

Page 4

10.

Public Affairs Mr. O'Donnell presented the Public Affairs Repolt for the month of March 2012 .

11.

Authorization of Contracts/Leases/Contract Negotiations/Contract Amendments Professional Services Con to'act No. S-784: Rehabilitation

11.1

Terminal Aircraft Ramp

Mr. Iacherta recommended authorization of Professional Services Contract No. S-784: ·Terminal Aircraft Ramp Rehabilitation to Stantec Consulting Services in the amount of $98,652, to be funded from Capital Project Improvements Account No. 2126. Mr. Shaw moved to authorize said contract. The motion was adopted unanimously.

11.2

Professional Services Contract No. S-785: Rehabilitation

Airfield Vault Electrical

Mr. O'Donnell recommended authorization of Profess ional Services Contract No. S-785 : Airfield Vault Electrical Rehabilitation to CHA Consulting, Inc. (formerly Clough, Harbour and Associates, LLC) in the amount of $ 128,000, to be funded from Capital Improvement Project Number 2 175 . Mr. Fitzgerald moved to authorize said contract. The motion was adopted unanimously. 11.3

Professional Services Con tract No. 8-786: Airfield Emergency Access and Fencing

Mr. [acherta recommended authorization of Professional Services Contract No. S-786: Airfield Emergency Access and Fencing Improvement to McFarland Johnson, Inc. Mr. Fitzgerald commented that the total fee appeared high at 15%. Mr. O'DOImell advised that the FAA has authorized 12% over to be standard 0 & P fee and he believes it can be as high as 14%. He also stated that he would like to confirm that percentage. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that the total fee is well over 15% and it should be reviewed . Chair Langdon deferred this item.

DEFERRED 11.4

Professional 8ervices Contract No. 8-788: Airfield Glycol Collection, Treatment and Disposal System Improvements

DEFERRED

Page 5

11.5

Professional Services Contract No. S-789: Airfield Sand Storage Building Improvements

Mr. O'Donnell recommended authorization of Professional Services Contract No. S-789: Airfield Sand Storage Building Improvements to C.T. Male & Associates in the amount of $129,955, to be funded from Capital Improvement Project Number 2169. Father Doyle moved to authorize said contract. The motion was adopted unanimously.

11.6

Concession (Advertising) Contract No. 778: Terminal Advertising Contract

Mr. O'Reilly recommended authorization of Concession (Adveltising) Contract No. 778: Termi nal Advertising Contract to Lamar Advertising for a minimum annual guarantee payment of $ 160,000 per year or 45% percent of revenues over the five year term compared to the alternate proposal of $)50,000 or 42% of revenues over the five year term. Chair Langdon inquired if we did a wide solicitation. Mr. O'Reilly advised we had done a wide solicitation and found interest to be limited due to the lack of a local sales force team by other potential advertising concessionaires and also advised that Lamar is very excited about the contract and has a local sales force. Mr. Shaw inquired if Lamar walked around the terminal to point out things that they will do differently. Mr. 0' Reilly stated that, yes, Lamar did do a walk through and that they will sell the market with a local sales force and in time we will see changes. Mr. O' Donnell stated that Lamar came in and made recommendations. Mr. Shaw inquired as to what the problem was with the current incumbent. Mr. O' Reilly stated that we have seen a long-term trend in declining advel1ising sales and believed the lack of a local sales force by the incumbent was a significant cause. Chair Langdon requested that Lamar come in and make a presentation to the Board. Mr. Shaw moved to authorize said contract. The motion was adopted unanimously.

11.7

Concession Contract No. 458 Amendment No.2: Vending Machine (ATM)

Mr. O'Reilly recommended authorization of Amendment No.2 to Concession Contract No. 458: Vending Machine (ATM) to Bank of America, N.A .. The agreement was amended in 2009 to extend it to May 3 1, 2012. The Bank has agreed to an extension of three (3) more years to May 31, 2015 with an additional 5% increase for an ann ual payment of $12,126.45. This ATM is located near the entrance to Concourse A after the check point. Mr. Gorman inquired how Bank of American compares to J.P. Morgan. Mr. O'Reilly stated that Bank of America pays about $1,000 per month for one a irside location at the entrance to Concourse A, but J.P. Morgan Chase will have one pre-airside

Page 6

A TM near the check point access with greater access. Mr. O'Donnell stated that Chase has an excellent location with a great deal oftmffic. Mr. O'Reilly advised that Key Bank can cancel if transactions fall under a certain amount. Chair Langdon inquired if there was a limit on the number of amendments we can do. Mr. O'Domleli stated there is no limit on the number of amendments. Mr. Gorman moved to authorize said Amendment. The motion was adopted unanimous ly. 11.8

Service Contract No. SC-796: E levator and Escalator Maintenance

Mr. DelBalso recommended authorization of Service Contract No. SC-796: Elevator and Escalator Maintenance to Otis Elevator for a one year term and four additional one year terms upon approval of the Chief Executive Officer in the amount of $74,064 for one year not including additional fees for off hours and emergency service. Mr. Gorman inquired if we have improved times in the contract. Mr. O'Donnell stated that yes the response times have improved. Mr. Gorman inquired as to why we only received one bid. Mr. O'Reilly stated that we have inquired with vendors who picked up the proposal request document but have not gotten a response as to why they declined to propose. Mr. O' Donnell stated that there are only two major companies that have the palts needed to provide the service required. Mr. Gorman moved to authorize said service contract. The motion was adopted unanimously.

11.9

Five Annnal Purchase Orders: Uniform Rental Services

Mr. Stuto recommended authorization of Five Annual Purchase Orders subject to annual CEO approval: Uniform Rental Services to Unifirst in the amount of $37,930 annually/$189,654 over the life of the contract (based upon estimate usage). Mr. Shaw moved to authorize said Purchase Orders. The motion was adopted unanimously. 11.10

Lease Extension Lease No. L-672: J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.

Mr. Stuto recommended authorization of Lease Extension to Lease No. L·672: J.B. Hunt TranspOlt, Inc. Mr. Stuto stated this is a one year extension at an annual rate of $51,327 .16. Mr. Fitzgerald moved to authorize said Lease Amendment. The motion was adopted unanimously.

Page 7

12.

Authorization of Change Orders None

13.

Acceptance of National Grid Energy Efficiency Proposal No. NYAA-02100032212-0; Terminal Lighting Improvements Phase I MI'. Iachetta recommended Acceptance of National Grid Energy Efficient Proposal No. NYAA -02100032212-0; Terminal Lighting Improvements Phase I in the amount of $200,000 ($60,000 - National Grid Share and Not-to-Exceed $140,000 Authority Concessionaire Trust Share), to be funded from Energy Efficiency Program account. MI'. Gorman moved to a4thorize said proposal. The motion was adopted unanimously.

14.

Acceptance of Financial and Audit Items MI'. Fitzgerald advised the Board that the Audit Committee had met at 5:30 p.m. this evening prior to the regular Board meeting to review the Financial and Audit Items and referred these items to the full Board with an approval recommendation. 14.1

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year-ended 2011 with draft auditor reports.

Mr. Fitzgerald recommended approval of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year-ended 20 11 with draft auditor reports.

01'. Greenberg moved to accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the yearended 2011 with draft auditor repOIts as recommended by the Audit Committee. The motion was adopted unanimously.

14.2

Airlines Rates and Charges Settlement and Revenue Sharing Calculation Report for the year ended December 31, 2011 with draft consultant report.

Mr. O'Reilly recommenced approval of the Airlines Rates and Charges Settlement and Revenue Sharing Calculation RepOIt for the year ended December 31, 2011 with draft consultant report. Father Doyle moved to accept the Airlines Rates and Charges Settlement and Revenue Sharing Calculation RepOlt for the year ended December 31, 20 II with draft consultant report as recommended by the Audit Committee. The motion was adopted unanimously.

14.3

Annual Investment Report which includes a copy of the Cash Management and Investment Policy (the Policy) and explanation of the Policy and draft auditOl' report.

MI'. O'Reilly recommended approval of the Annual Investment Repolt which includes a copy of the Policy with an explanation and the draft auditor report. Father Doyle moved to accept the Annual Investment Report which includes a copy of the Policy with an explanation and the draft auditor report as recommended by the Audit Committee. The motion was adopted unanimously.

Page 8

14.4

Performance Measurement Report for 2011

MI'. O'Reilly recommended approval of the performance Measurement Report for 2011. Mr. Fitzgerald moved to accept the Performance Measlll'ement RepOlt for 2011 as recommended by the Audit Committee. The motion was adopted unanimously.

Old Business: Mr. Fitzgerald inquired ifthere was any update on the status ofthe Eclipse building. Mr. O'Donnell advised that we had one lead from the military, but that had faded away

New Business: None

Executive Session: None Attorney-Client Privilege Matters: None There being no [,llther business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Page 9

ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

TEL:

518·242-2222

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ADMIN FAX:

518-242-2641

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

FINANCE FAX:

518·242-2640

SUITE 200

SITE:

www.albanyairport.com

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12211-1057

ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA March 19,2012 General: 1.

Chairman's Remarl{s

2.

Approval of Minutes Regular Meeting - February 6, 2012

3.

Communications and RepOl'l of Chief Executive Officer

4.

Interesting Correspondence

Management Reports:

5.

Chief Financial Officer 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

6.

Statistical and Financial Performance Comparison of Enplanements Summary of Airline Scheduled Flights and Mar"ets USDOT AlTival and Departure Statistics

Procurement Approvals by CEO -Informational Only None

7.

Project Development

8.

Counsel

9.

Concessions/Ambassador Program

10.

Public Affairs

Action Hems: 11.

Authorization of Contracts/Leases/Contract Negotiations/Contract Amendments 11.1

Professional Services Contract No. S-784: Rehahilitation

Terminal Aircraft Ramp

Albany County Airport Authority Agenda: March 19,2012

12.

11.2

PI'ofessional Services Contract No. S-785: Rehabilitation

Airfield Vault Electrical

11.3

PI'ofessional Services Conto'act No. S-786: Airfield Emergency Access and Fencing Improvements

11.4

Professional Services Contract No. S-788: Airfield Glycol Collection, Treatment and Disposal System Improvements - DEFERRED

11.5

Professional Sel'vices Contract No. S-789: Airfield Sand Storage Building Improvements

11.6

Concession Contract No. 778: Terminal Advertising Contract

11.7

Concession Contract No. 458: Vending Machine (ATM)

11.8

Service Contract No. - SC-796: Elevator and Escalator Maintenance

11.9

Five Annual Purchase Orders: Uniform Rental Services

11.10

Lease Extension Lease No. - L-672: J.B. Hunt Transport, nco

Authorization of Change Orders None

13.

Authorization of Proposal 13.1

14.

Proposal Acceptance - National Grid - Aid for Terminal Lighting Upgrade Project - Phase I

Acceptance of Financial & Audit Items 14.1

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year-ended 2011 with draft auditor reports.

14.2

Airlines Rates and Charges Settlement and Revenue Sharing Calculation Report for the year ended December 31, 2011 with draft consultant I·eport.

14.3

Annual Investment Report which includes a copy of the Cash Management and Investment Policy (the Policy) and explanation of the Policy and draft auditol' report.

14.4

Performance Measurement Report for 2011

Page 2

Albany County Airport Authority Agenda: March 19,2012

Old Business:

None New Business: Executive Session: None Attorney-Client Privilege Matters: None

Page 3

MEETING NOTICE

ON In Print. Online. AU the Time. Albany Times Union News Plaza Box 15000 Albany, New York 12212

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 737 ALBANY SHAKER RD ADMINISTRATIVE BLDG SUITE 200 ATTN: GINGER ALBANY, NY 12211

Account Number: Order Number: Order Identifier:

061026000 ' 0003584015 ALBANY COUNTY

T Dollard / B Goodwin / L Kolach /D LaCoppla of the city of Albany, being duly sworn , says that he/she is principal Clerk of THE TIMES UNION , a daily newspaper printed in the county of Albany, Town of Colonie , and Published in the County of Albany, Town of Colonie and the city of Albany , aforesaid and that notice of which a printed copy is annexed has been regulary published in the said ALBANY TIMES UNION on the following dates 03-01-2012

Sworn to before me, this Friday, March 02 , 2012

JODI M BURIC K NOTARY PUBLIC-STATE OF NEW YORK N O. 01BU48 98 040

Q ualifie d In Albany Counly My Commissio n EMpires Oc tober 19, 201 3

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g,{ , L(h

at

Notary Public Albany County

I !l

A.~ ( Vj(

ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING NOTICE

NoHce is hereby given of the follo""';ng regular meeting of the Albany County Airport Authority: The Albany County Airport Aulhority will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room located In the Main Terminal al the Albany InternaIional Airport, Albany, NY. TU 11(584015)

Liz Charland 'om: .)ent: To:

Liz Charland Monday, February 27, 2012 10:11 AM 'David E. Langdon'; 'David Langdon - IPAD'; 'Dennis Fitzgerald'; 'Dennis Fitzgerald IPAD'; 'Dorsey Whitehead'; 'Dorsey Whitehead - IPAD'; 'Elliott A. Shaw'; 'Elliott Shaw IPAD'; 'Kenneth Doyle'; Lyon Greenberg, MD; Lyon Greenberg, MD - IPAD; Rev. Kenneth Doyle; 'Rev. Kenneth Doyle (Office - Mary)'; 'Tony Gorman'; 'Tony Gorman - IPAD' ACAA Meeting Notice - March 19, 2012 ACAA Regular Meeting Notice.doc

Subject: Attachments:

ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

518-242-2222

TEL:

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

ADMIN FAX: FINANCE FAX:

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

SITE:

SUITE 200

518-242·2641

518-242-2640

www.albanyairport.com

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12211-1057

ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given of the following regular meeting of the Albany County Airport Authority:

The Albany County Airport Authority will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room located in the Main Terminal at the Albany International Airport, Albany,

NY.

Liz Charland Albany County Airport Authority Administrative Services Admin. Bldg. - Suite 200 Albany, New York 12211 !Iephone - 518-242-2250 Facsimile - 518-242-2641 Icharla [email protected] 1

Liz Charland ·om:

Liz Charland Monday, February 27, 2012 2:26 PM ACAA list; AvPorts; 'David E. Langdon'; David E. Langdon; 'Dennis Fitzgerald'; Dennis J. Fitzgerald; 'Dorsey Whitehead'; Dorsey M. Whitehead; 'Elliott A. Shaw'; Elliott A. Shaw; Rev. Kenneth J. Doyle; Lyon M. Greenberg, MD; Lyon Greenberg, MD (Office - Bobbi Jo); Rev. Kenneth Doyle; 'Rev. Kenneth Doyle (Office - Mary)'; 'Tony Gorman'; Anthony Gorman; 'County Executive Daniel P. McCoy'; 'Eric Anderson'; 'Jamie Kallner'; 'Jill Bryce'; Joel Russell; Lance Hopeck; 'Legislator Christine Benedict'; 'Mike DeMasi'; 'Nicole Ward County Executive' s Office'; 'Pam Allen'; 'Pam Day'; 'Pete Rea ([email protected])'; 'Senator Neil Breslin'; 'Spotlight News'; 'WRGB News' RE: ACAA Meeting Notice - March 19, 2012

~ent:

To:

Subject:

ALBANY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given of the following regular meeting of the Albany County AirpOli Authority:

The Albany County Airport Authority will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the 31"Vl'ld" that," wrote Matt Taylor of Marlboro, Mass. Others weren't convinced: "Are you kidding me?" e-mailed one reade~', T.tIe most creative response was a ca.rtoon Most everyone, it seeins, back enchanting memories of by Rob Rogers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that fantasize's abo'ut a day when walking in Florence> Italy, durWi-Fi is a given at all airports. j'n g a week of rain," wrote Carol likened shirtless Steeb's fans to half-naked Pygmies.

,I

..

Milardo Florianl of Easley, S.C. In the meantime, readers look to airport hotspots such as in "The spring drizzle made Helsin19~ Finland, and Hong it seem as if we ~ere walld.ng Kong. Our tech-hungry readthrough, a watercolor. Awash "ers ' al~o Jight up when th~y in shad~s of gray, the River f'md an airport wi~ plenty of , Arno, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, elecn'ical outlets . and other sights wen~ breath. Stateside airpOrts got their. taking. Moving.in the rain share oflove.for.atte·ntion to gave familiar sights an emodeta,ils. "I was surprised that . tional dimension." you did not include' the 84 : A Storm also proved meanmillion of art in Indianapolis's ingful for Brooke Stonem.an terminals," wrote ~ohn Toevs 'o f of Casablanca, Morocco, his city's airport. while visiting ROll1:e with her Tina Hulen of lylilwaukee, hu~band. "I am usually a .'go, Wis., Ukes her home airport's see, do' kind of traveler. On "recombobulatlon area" om: way to :the Pantheon, .. we got caught in an August . "and Ping-Pong table~ . Other amenities that brighten our rainstorm. We ducked into . Fwmypages: Cartoonist Rob Rogers riffs on our "Best of the World" feature. . readers' travels range from a .large cathedral and ended . souvenirs stocked by the gift up staymg f~r Mass~a most "My knee-jerk reaction was sh ops of area m useums in restaurant~, places to sleep for memorable expetience . The Albany, N.Y., to t:4e sitting that you guys c1ea~ly haven't a few hoUrs, oxygen to give rain allowed m e to throw out ' traveled very much jf you : space with rockers and plants my list and let Rome just you a burst of freshness, and ~hink. this 'is one of the best in Charlotte, N.C; happen to us." , massage chairs," wrote Maryplaces in the world," jokes ann Traynor of Bedford, U.K. Our kudos go to Lesll.e Miller R9gers, a Pennsylvani;:f nativ~ ofThscaloosa, Ala., for discovSingaporeal]. Manfre~ Kwek who has lived in Pittsburgh for piled on more praise for ' 'ering the quirkiest way to pass , more than 25 yea~·s. "But oney a layo!'er. "Nashville's airport Changi. "Directly ~bo've the I read the article, I got it. I love dep~rture hall in terminal 1, . has hired its famous country . it here, and it's remarkable .to' Y OUR TURN the food court serves local n.lusic stars, suc~ as Lee Ann favorites like lwya toast and .' get this kind of recognition." Womack and George Strait, VVhatchildhoodtrip to record those tedious airwanton noodles." changed your life? Flight Club , port announcements. It J;"eaUy "Anyone with young kids . makes me pay attention as I In the November-December can appreciate layovers in Tell us: VVe'lI ,;201 1 is's ue, we' asked reade~s Schiphol (Amsterdam)," try to identify each yoice." publish some here. to share favorite airport a'mewrote Beth Jere of Lusaka, Send an e-maU to nlties from around the world Rain Check Zambia. "They hav~ a quiet Travel [email protected] (see tllis issue's re~~er ques-:room with baby cribs and play "Daisann McLane's Real 68 for llfe-changIng experttion at right). "Singapore's' Travel column about the joys area~ for active toddlers. They C hangi has everything a trav-;also have bottle warmers. A of rain during travel [Novemences for kids and ramIties. ~Ier n~eds-shops, a"maiing , ber-December 2011 ] brought parent's dream'"

TALl( TO

US ' E-mail: [email protected] nvltler:@NatGeoriavelerBl~\VwwlntelffgenttiavelblogCOm. Face1;look: WI-VWlacebook.COm/N"atGeoTrnveler. Letters; 'nOOx Editor.

National Geographfc Traveler,1l4517th St. N.w. Washington. DC 200~6:4 688. Include address and telephone number. Not allletters can be pubUshed or answered; those publlshed may be excerpted and edited. CUslofooi servl~. 1b cha.~e an addres.5; renew. manage. or give a subscription; or pay a bUt log on to ngtservfce.com or call 800'NG~-LINE (647-5463).

I

12 NATIONAL GEOGRAP HIC TRAVELE R

I

MARCil-APRIL

2012

British lbllJlsmess moving U.S~ oper~tionsto Rotterdam BY ADAM 51(HI(O . TH(SUSINESS REVIEW

A British manufacturer has picked Rotterdam as the site of its new US. headquarter:s, creating 30 jobs and filling a building that h as been empty for five years. I Technical Fibre Production Ltd. will conI. solidate its operations in Newburgh, I Cincinnati and Connecticut into Rotterdam: . . . The company is .spending $3 million' , . right now to retrofit the building -and install production Iioes. . Workers at the company weave strands of carbon fiber together, then coat them .in metals, as'they illl orders for customers including.3M and Lockheed Martin. 'ThcIuiical Fibre signed a 10-year lease, with an' option to buy the buildingwhich sits near where Interstates 90'and 88 cross paths-or extend the lease five

. I

!

mor~years.

George Quayle, managing director of 'Thchnical Fibre, called jt "an easy decision" to move all its US. manufacturing, R&D and sales work to Rotterdam. He weighed options in Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania as he sought a location with easier access · to overseas rughts. Real estate company CBRE aided in site selection. "We have been especially impressed with ·Schenectady County's businessfriendly initiatives, and New York state's commitment to d evelop a world-dass

teclmology center in the region," Quayle said in a Feb. 14 statement. Quayle also said the Capital Region has a sizeable pool of trained workers. Aboutthe move: 'Thclmical Fibre will give new 'life to • $3 million initial investment a building that has been vacant since .30 employees In 2012 '2007. • buildipg owned byZak Inc., a manufacturer in The 52,000-squar':foot building was ' Green Island . , formerly used by Feuz Manufacturing, '. vacant since 2007 which left in 2005, and VSti'eam ManufactlUing, which closed two years later: Technical Fib',e Products Ltd. , About 60 percent of the building is . Aunit of james Cropper plc,publicly traded on mallufactming space; the rest is offices. London exchange . Zalc Inc:, a manufacturer in Green.Is- I:!eadquarters: horthweit England land, owns the building. 2010-11 revenue: $20.6 million (up 32 percent, Third-generation president Douglas a recora high) Zak bought the property in 2007 in or' 2010-11 operating profit: $3.6 million (record der to obtain VStream's machinery. ' high) " . Zal< was unavailable for comnient. ' Teclmical Fibre hit record-high rev- James Cropper pic enue, at almost $21 million, ill its last 2010.11 revenue: $131 million fiscal year. Operating profit reached a ' Net income: $i3.3 million Employees worldwide: 600 ' record $3.6 million. In regulatory mings overseas, company officials said therr ClUTent US. sites lack The'Thchnical Flh:e plant in aD.cinnati the capacity or ability to match expected demand from clients in the aerospace, will close in 't\!emiddl

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