Upstate Resident Elected to South Carolina Aviation Association's Board

GREENVILLE, SC – April 14, 2011 – On April 27th, James Stephens will take a seat, for his first time, on the South Carolina Aviation Association’s (SCAA) Board of Directors. I am honored to have been elected, stated Stephens. I want to be on the SCAA board so I can help promote aviation in South Carolina and work to increase SCAA’s membership and services,” Stephens said. 

When SCAA began it was an airports association and over time it evolved into an aviation association with the hopes of including all aviation aspects in the association.  I would like to be a part of helping grow SCAA services to pilots and aviation businesses; while maintaining the SCAA’s great airport support,” Stephens said. 

Stephens has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associates Degree in Aircraft Maintenance from Bob Jones University, whose flight school is located at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU). James’ education in aviation, along with his professional work experience, which includes business development, airport management and marketing, make him very qualified for this honor,” stated Joe Frasher, GMU Airport Director and past SCAA president. 

Promoting aviation means jobs for South Carolina, Stephens said. When companies visit locations that they are considering relocating to, they usually fly in. For these groups, the Front Door to South Carolina is our states’ airports, stated Stephens. “South Carolina pilots travel to many states where they see what works and what doesn’t at other airports. They can help insure that our state makes a great first impression by sharing their experiences with SCAA and our airport members,” Stephens said. “Also if pilots and aviation businesses can network with others in the state through the SCAA, then when they need the services of another aviation oriented business, they will be more likely to “buy local”, Stephens said. “Look what ICAR (International Center for Automotive Research) is doing for the automotive industry in South Carolina. Active aviation collaboration would have a real positive effect on our state’s industry,” Stephens added.
 
The Upstate of South Carolina and the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) will benefit greatly from James Stephens sitting on the SCAA board, Frasher stated. “James’ “local” voice will help insure that our region is well represented,” Frasher noted. “James is also actively involved on the committee planning of the SCAA’s first ever Southeast Aviation Show which will be held on October 29th at the Greenville Downtown Airport,” Frasher added.

 
James Stephens is Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Special Services Corporation, an aircraft charter, sales, maintenance and parts company which is located at the Greenville Downtown Airport. For more information about James Stephens, you may contact him at 864-242-3383. 
 
For more information about Special Services please visit www.specialservicescorp.com
 
It is the mission of the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) to actively promote and encourage aviation and airport development to meet air transportation needs and assist the state in achieving economic development goals. For more information about the SCAA, please contact Katie Koon at 877-359-7222 or [email protected]
 
For more information about the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) visit http://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com