The Airport Marketing Task Force is a regional initiative being organized with the help of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala/Marion Chamber of Commerce and business leaders to educate and urge local businesses, governments and non-profits to adopt a “buy local” element in their travel polices.   Gainesville Regional Airport’s frequent fliers, “Road Warriors”, will participate on the task force and will assist in arranging one-on-one or small group meetings and the aforementioned local groups.  These visits will provide an opportunity for two-way education.  Road Warriors will share the “buy local” message and explain how the airport impacts area businesses and the local economy.  Information provided by businesses, governments and non-profits will help airport staff prepare for future airline presentations. 

The first meeting of the task force was held on March 23, 2010.  A good representation of area employers, frequent fliers and economic development agencies were represented.  The task force members were enthusiastic about the program.  Members will be make visits to area employers to ask them to adopt a “buy local” travel policy. Sample "buy local" travel policy.

GACRAA Chair, Win Phillips, "Fly local during the vacation season" as published in The Gainesville Sun on June 6, 2010.   Link to The Gainesville Sun on-line version of the article.

GACRAA member, Ron Ewers, "'Buy local' when booking airline flights" published in the Ocala Star-Banner on August 22, 2010.  Link to Ocala Star-Banner on-line version of the article.
 

For more information, please contact  laura.aguiar@flygainesville.com.