 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Airshows of Wisconsin, Inc. was organized in 1989 as a not-for-profit, 501(c3) corporation in the State of Wisconsin, as "FlightFest, Inc." From its early roots, Flight Fest was responsible for the successful organization and promotion of airshows and events at both the Kenosha and Racine Municipal airports. In the early 1990's the corporate name was changed to "Air Fair of Wisconsin." In 1999, the company was renamed "Airshows of Wisconsin, Inc." Our forward vision of the company remains unchanged - we are dedicated to the development and organization of grassroots, "community-driven" aviation event promotions, vintage aircraft tours, aerial performances, aviation history, and youth education. We are also moving forward with a capital fundraising campaign to fund the construction of a new office/hangar and the purchase of a vintage aircraft. The office and hangar, located at the airport, will house a "Discovery Flight Center," and in the long term, a "Challenger Learning Center," a national training program developed for youth education, in the aftermath of the crash of the NASA space shuttle "Challenger." Part of our company vision is to promote these events within the framework of the community, to help create a high degree of local involvement of civic and community service organizations, and youth participation. Wisconsin communities hosting aviation and air show events benefit from increased positive economic growth, the generation of new tourism, public relations value for their local airport, and the benefits of involving youth in aviation activities. Today's aviation events, air shows, and other activities support airport preservation efforts, and serve to further promote the growth and advancement of aviation. In particular is the pressing need to both preserve small to midsize airports - a precious aviation resource - and one that is quickly vanishing. By promoting aviation events in communities with airports, we help to insure the future of those airports. At the same time, new tourism and economic opportunities for the area are generated. Our purpose and existence is also based upon a long-standing tradition and vision of aviation - that is, to develop events and activities that promote both aviation technology AND promote the rich aviation heritage we have in place today, to our youth, and to the public at large. Aviation events and air shows provide a powerful mechanism to make this happen. All of this reinforces the significant role that aviation plays in each community, and in our everyday lives. Outdoor shows and promotions allow the public to participate in supporting this cause, and have a powerful influence on preserving the future of airports, and at the same time, serves to promote the aviation industry. (Purpose of for which the corporation is organized) Airshows of Wisconsin Inc., exists so as to promote and educate, to the general public, the field of aviation, including aviation technology, aerodynamics, the cultural heritage and history of US aviation, and the display of modern and vintage airplanes. The primary mechanism with which this is accomplished is through the organization and development of grassroots aviation events, aerial events and performances, vintage aircraft tours and displays, commemorative celebrations such as Veteran's Day, and other publicly attended events, with a special focus on providing real opportunities to promote aviation to youth groups. Secondary goals include providing fundraising opportunities for charitable, community service, and civic organizations at aviation events, and make direct contributions to these groups. |