Minnesota has designated October as General Aviation Appreciation Month, becoming the 17th state in the past year to issue an official declaration in support of the industry. “Many communities in Minnesota depend greatly on general aviation,” said governor Tim Pawlenty, who added that the business represents “an important economic engine for the state and local communities with airports.” Here in Atlanta, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen applauded Minnesota’s governor “for recognizing the value of all general aviation, including business aviation.” Bolen noted that Pawlenty’s proclamation highlighted the state’s 31 charter companies, 55 aircraft repair stations, 102 FBOs and “innovative aircraft manufacturing companies that support our nation’s positive trade balance and provide good-paying jobs.”