CONTACT INFORMATION
Benjamin L. Newbern
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Shoals Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (256) 764-4661
Fax: (256) 766-9017
prmarketing@shoalschamber.com

CHAMBER: COMMUNITY SHOULD "FLY THE SHOALS"
TO CONTINUE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Florence, Ala. – June 8, 2006
The Shoals Chamber of Commerce joined officials from Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in Muscle Shoals at a press conference today to outline recent changes in the Airport’s flight schedule and its potential affects on the Shoals area’s economic development.

Steve Holt, president of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce welcomed the revamped schedule, which allows one additional flight during business days, and offers travelers the option of one-day travel, with one early morning departure flight and one late arrival flight.

According to Holt, the new schedule "gives more incentive to potential businesses and industries looking to relocate to the Shoals." Holt highlighted the effect of the airport’s importance in luring business, pointing to North American Lighting, now locating in Muscle Shoals’ new industrial park.

Holt urged the community to utilize the facility, saying the airport "is the crossroads of our community and remains an essential gateway to luring new business opportunity and economic development. We, as a community, must continue to be a strong supporter of the airport. In the end, the airport will continue to be key."

The Chamber plans to increase exposure of the airport to its own members, the Shoals area, and around the region, with increased advertising to market and promote the airport. The airport loses much of its travelers to other markets such as Huntsville, Nashville and Birmingham, even while prices remain competitive and the airport is the Shoals’ own backyard. Even so, the airport has enjoyed increased boardings in the previous months.

"The Airport has seen the number of monthly boardings rise. During January-April 2005, 1,454 boardings were recorded at the Airport. In the same time period for 2006, boardings jumped by one-third," Holt said.

June 8 marks the first day travelers will be able to take advantage of the new Northwest Airlink flight schedule. It offers flights departing Northwest Alabama Regional Airport at 5:48AM, 11:45AM and 4:25PM, with arrival flights at 10:10AM, 4:09PM, and 8:59PM.

Speakers for the event included Holt, John Lehrter, Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Director, and Ed Borden, Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Authority Board Chairman.

The Shoals Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit agency dedicated to promoting economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Shoals citizens.