When you have more than one exceptional partner helping you every day to achieve significant accomplishments but one award, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and double up on the awards budget.
Earlier today, the St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board of Directors presented two Partner of the Year awards at their regular board meeting. The Partner of the Year award is designed to be bestowed on business partners who have made significant accomplishments within the past year that have contributed to the ongoing success and services offered at South Bend International Airport, or simply SBN.
With 2020 turning into a year literally like no other, multiple award winners were decidedly worthy. The year started with a third year of consecutive double-digit passenger traffic growth, and then the coronavirus pandemic hit. However, the St. Joseph County Airport Authority team members faced the challenges head-on by exhibiting their values of service, accountability, and teamwork. The authority board says, “Their unwavering commitment to our vision to pursue continuous improvement in adverse and uncertain times has made each member of our team a Partner of the Year. As recognition, each member has been personally thanked and awarded a small token of appreciation of a complimentary meal from our concessionaire South Bend Chocolate Company.”
Mike Daigle, CEO & Executive Director of SBN, says, “I cannot express my gratitude enough to our team members,” adding, “Their passion for the industry and the work they do can be seen daily.”
The second Partner of the Year award was presented to United Parcel Service (UPS). UPS has invested nearly $850,000 into their SBN operations to facilitate the transition from a Boeing 757 to a larger aircraft, the Airbus 300. That investment includes, but is not limited to, ramp improvements, tailstand and towbar, crew stairs, drivable belt loader, tow tractor, fuel stand, and glycol tank.
In 2020, the Airbus 300 operated from November 24, 2020 through January 4, 2021 to accommodate holiday cargo through SBN. Since January 4, 2021, the Airbus 300 continues to operate at SBN during peak cargo periods. That investment and increase in cargo throughput has occurred during a time when the aviation industry is struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The St. Joseph County Airport Authority recognizes the valuable partnership with United Parcel Service as they work together towards mutual success. Diana Baker, Industrial Engineer Supervisor/Air Planner, accepted the award today.
Daigle says, “We are incredibly grateful for UPS’s investment at SBN as it helped us land over 100 million pounds of cargo in 2020,” noting, “As a result, we will receive additional federal entitlement funds which will be invested back into airport infrastructure.”
South Bend International Airport’s four air carriers provide nonstop flights to thirteen cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York City/Newark, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, Sarasota/Bradenton, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg with connections world-wide. South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over one million air and rail passengers each year. According to the 2012 Economic Impact Report from the state aviation association, Aviation Indiana, South Bend International’s total annual economic impact on South Bend and surrounding communities was in excess of $1.7 billion.
For additional information, you can visit online at: http://www.FlySBN.com or get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Twitter (@SBNairport) or Instagram (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the South Bend region.
In the photo above, St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President Abe Marcus presents UPS’s Diana Baker with one of two Partner of the Year awards. All St. Joseph County Airport Authority employee team members were also recognized as a Partner of the Year for their unwavering commitment to South Bend International Airport’s vision to pursue continuous improvement amidst adverse and uncertain times.
