NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen is visiting with the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) today to discuss local and broader national issues, such as what is in store for Congress this year. On a local level, Bolen anticipates having a dialog about under consideration by the Illinois General Assembly that would credit $2 per gallon for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchases. This dovetails with NBAA’s focus on sustainability industry-wide and the belief that SAF is a key toward the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Another issue both at the national and local levels is workforce development. NBAA noted CABAA has been especially active in workforce development through scholarships, training, and other outreach initiatives. The CABAA Educational Foundation awards more than $90,000 in funding each year for students.

“CABAA sets the standard for local and regional groups in terms of workforce development and supporting new entrants to the business aviation workforce,” said NBAA senior program director and Southwest regional director Steve Hadley.

The gathering today kicks off NBAA’s regional outreach efforts this year. “CABAA is one of the oldest local and regional groups in the country and is made up of some of NBAA’s most active members,” Hadley added. “This event continues to be a great opportunity for us to renew our combined commitment to coordinated advocacy on local and national issues.”