‘Press Releases’ Category

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2024) … Findings of a six-month study commissioned to quantify the economic impact of public transit services in the state of Missouri were released yesterday during a panel discussion hosted by Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) and the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA). More than 60 CMT and MPTA members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others attended the virtual forum, underscoring why transit matters to Missouri and state investment must be a priority. To view the discussion in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Those in attendance first heard from Robert M. Lewis, FAICP, CEcD, the independent consultant and assistant professor of Urban Planning & Development at Saint Louis University who led the “2023 Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” study. He outlined how data was collected and conclusions were made, before presenting the statewide impacts of public transit, as well as information on how transit influences urban and rural areas of the state and the respective economies.

Overall highlights of the study as it relates to accessibility, employment and economic impacts and are as follows:

• There are 32 transit providers in Missouri that collectively promote personal mobility in every single county by providing a total of 40.1 million rides annually. For some, transit is the sole means by which they can gain access to work, school, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores and other needed goods and services. Others have personal vehicles but like to use public transit because it offers a safer, more cost-effective and convenient means for getting to places for work or play.

• Transit gets thousands of Missourians to and from their place of employment every day. It also directly employs more than 3,800 individuals, with an annual average salary of $86,400, and indirectly adds more than 22,000 jobs to the state each year.

• Transit yields an overall economic impact of $4.05 billion annually, including $481 million in spending by transit riders. Over the last five years, transit agencies spent an average of $401 million annually on capital investments. The state government collects an estimated average of $51 million in annual taxes because of the direct and multiplier effects of transit.

Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri

Hyper-local numbers are also outlined in the report, including the economic impact of public transit in Greene County via City Utilities of Springfield’s service area. City Utilities Transit employs 65 individuals and provides 1,009,000 rides each year. The direct annual spending of those riders is $7.9 million, with another $12.1 million attributable to their in-direct spending. The total economic impact of City Utilities of Springfield is $48.3 million each year.

Kimberly Cella, the executive director of both CMT and MPTA, who served as the moderator for the event noted, “Transit is undoubtedly delivering for Missouri. The impacts extend beyond the ride, and it is imperative that continued investment is made by the Missouri legislature.”

Cella went to on to explain that transit systems across the nation receive approximately 40% of their annual operating budgets from their respective states, but this is not the case in Missouri. Despite significant wins in recent years – including the 2023 investment by the state of Missouri that represented a 34% increase over 2022 and a more than 580% increase since 2021 – Missouri is still trailing other states. In fact, transit providers across Missouri get less than 3% of their annual operating budgets from the state. “More must be done, and Governor Parson proactively including $11.7 million for transit in this year’s recommended state budget – which maintains the 2023 investment level – is a solid start,” Cella stated.

The forum concluded with a panel of stakeholders – including Adam Kazda, Vice-President of Government Relations with Greater St. Louis, Inc.; Frank White, CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; and Denny Ward, Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service – weighed in on the findings, before the forum opened up for questions from attendees.

After the forum was over, Matt Crawford, Director of Transit at City Utilities of Springfield commented, “I believe this helps tell the story of the value of public transportation in Springfield. This insight is crucial as we make decisions regarding our service in the near future.”
The complete “Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” report, which includes service area specific information, can be accessed at www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) was established in 1980 as a Missouri non-profit corporation. It was formed to provide a unified voice for public and specialized transportation providers in Missouri and to work toward elevating the status of public transit as a national priority.

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)436-9090 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

City Utilities of Springfield’s Service Area Contributes $48.3 Million to this Total

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2024) … Findings of a six-month study commissioned to quantify the economic impact of public transit services in the state of Missouri were released yesterday during a panel discussion hosted by Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) and the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA). More than 60 CMT and MPTA members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others attended the virtual forum, underscoring why transit matters to Missouri and state investment must be a priority. To view the discussion in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Those in attendance first heard from Robert M. Lewis, FAICP, CEcD, the independent consultant and assistant professor of Urban Planning & Development at Saint Louis University who led the “2023 Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” study. He outlined how data was collected and conclusions were made, before presenting the statewide impacts of public transit, as well as information on how transit influences urban and rural areas of the state and the respective economies.

Overall highlights of the study as it relates to accessibility, employment and economic impacts and are as follows:

• There are 32 transit providers in Missouri that collectively promote personal mobility in every single county by providing a total of 40.1 million rides annually. For some, transit is the sole means by which they can gain access to work, school, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores and other needed goods and services. Others have personal vehicles but like to use public transit because it offers a safer, more cost-effective and convenient means for getting to places for work or play.
• Transit gets thousands of Missourians to and from their place of employment every day. It also directly employs more than 3,800 individuals, with an annual average salary of $86,400, and indirectly adds more than 22,000 jobs to the state each year.
• Transit yields an overall economic impact of $4.05 billion annually, including $481 million in spending by transit riders. Over the last five years, transit agencies spent an average of $401 million annually on capital investments. The state government collects an estimated average of $51 million in annual taxes because of the direct and multiplier effects of transit.

Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri

First and Final Add

Hyper-local numbers are also outlined in the report, including the economic impact of public transit in Greene County via City Utilities of Springfield’s service area. City Utilities Transit employs 65 individuals and provides 1,009,000 rides each year. The direct annual spending of those riders is $7.9 million, with another $12.1 million attributable to their in-direct spending. The total economic impact of City Utilities of Springfield is $48.3 million each year.

Kimberly Cella, the executive director of both CMT and MPTA, who served as the moderator for the event noted, “Transit is undoubtedly delivering for Missouri. The impacts extend beyond the ride, and it is imperative that continued investment is made by the Missouri legislature.”

Cella went to on to explain that transit systems across the nation receive approximately 40% of their annual operating budgets from their respective states, but this is not the case in Missouri. Despite significant wins in recent years – including the 2023 investment by the state of Missouri that represented a 34% increase over 2022 and a more than 580% increase since 2021 – Missouri is still trailing other states. In fact, transit providers across Missouri get less than 3% of their annual operating budgets from the state. “More must be done, and Governor Parson proactively including $11.7 million for transit in this year’s recommended state budget – which maintains the 2023 investment level – is a solid start,” Cella stated.

The forum concluded with a panel of stakeholders – including Adam Kazda, Vice-President of Government Relations with Greater St. Louis, Inc.; Frank White, CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; and Denny Ward, Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service – weighed in on the findings, before the forum opened up for questions from attendees.

After the forum was over, Matt Crawford, Director of Transit at City Utilities of Springfield commented, “I believe this helps tell the story of the value of public transportation in Springfield. This insight is crucial as we make decisions regarding our service in the near future.”

The complete “Economic Impact of Public Transit in Missouri” report, which includes service area specific information, can be accessed at www.cmt-stl.org or www.mopublictransit.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) was established in 1980 as a Missouri non-profit corporation. It was formed to provide a unified voice for public and specialized transportation providers in Missouri and to work toward elevating the status of public transit as a national priority.

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For more information, contact: 

Kelly Harris 

(314)436-9090 

kelly@hausergrouppr.com

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month and Delta Dental of Missouri’s popular, award-winning Land of Smiles® dental education program is on the road, taking the crusade for healthy teeth to more than 18,400 youngsters at 77 schools across the state in the coming weeks. The cast of dynamic superhero characters made their most recent stop in Clayton for a performance at Glenridge Elementary School, teaching good dental health habits to 105 students in kindergarten through third-grade.

The Land of Smiles® experience follows superhero Captain Super Grin® as he defeats his nemesis, Caz CavitySM, with help from his sidekicks Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Students learn the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National Health Education Standards, as well as standards for Missouri. It contains engaging, age-appropriate materials to make learning about dental health entertaining for kids and includes activity sheets, which are also available in Spanish. Delta Dental of Missouri also offers free “smile bags” to schools for students who participate in the program. Each bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to help students practice the good oral health habits they learn. A newly created short video, which recaps important oral health tips the program teaches children in schools, is now available for caregivers and can be found at https://www.landofsmilesmo.org/parent-caregiver-information.

“Our lively Land of Smiles show makes learning about dental health truly fun for kids, but most importantly, it’s memorable,” said Stacy Harris, supervisor of community outreach at Delta Dental of Missouri. “Pre- and post-show testing demonstrates that, on average, students show a nearly 30% increase in their good oral health behavior and knowledge after seeing a performance. That’s the positive outcome we all want.”

Since its inception in the fall of 2002, the Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles® program has taught more than 1.2 million kids how to take care of their growing smiles through more than 6,000 onsite and virtual performances at schools in 113 Missouri counties. At least 25% of schools receiving the program have more than 80% of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. The Land of Smiles® experience is provided free of charge to schools, courtesy of Delta Dental of Missouri.

Local teachers, school nurses and principals are invited to visit www.LandofSmilesMO.org to request the in-person program or the online program on a date and time that works for their students.

About Delta Dental of Missouri
Delta Dental of Missouri is the state’s leading dental benefits provider and a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. It provides more than 2.1 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.DeltaDentalMO.com/ResourceGuide1. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.

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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314)436-9090
kelly@hausergrouppr.com 

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Columbia, Mo (Feb. 5, 2024) – For the 2023/2024 college athletic season, UScellular is partnering with three prominent Mizzou student-athletes on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals. UScellular’s Official Sponsor of Timeouts campaign emphasizes the value of authentic connections over constant digital engagement and is led by student-athletes, Noah Carter (basketball), Julia Crenshaw (softball) and Keegan O’Toole (wrestling).

The NIL relationship with these student-athletes draws attention to the company’s Built for US brand campaign using the theme, Official Sponsor of Timeouts. The program includes student athletes’ sharing videos and still photos on their social media channels. The content calls attention to healthier digital habits, including themes of taking a timeout for people and passions that are most important to them. In addition, in-person appearances from each athlete will take place throughout the UScellular footprint. The athletes can found on Instagram at @noah3carter, @julia.crenshaw and @keeganotoole165.

“NIL partnerships provide UScellular a unique opportunity to create a program that aligns to its values and gives a platform for student-athletes to tell their individual stories,” says Mike Burwell, Director of Sales and Operations for UScellular in Missouri and Illinois. “While using technology can help us feel connected when watching a game, it shouldn’t be a distraction that keeps us from enjoying the experience. As the Official Sponsor of Timeouts, we’re encouraging everyone to focus on the game and life experiences with the people who matter most.”

The company is working with 23 student-athletes at eight universities, including University of Illinois, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Maine, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, West Virginia University and University of Wisconsin. The athletes compete in a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. Fans can get in on the action by following UScellular social media accounts or the student-athletes’ Instagram, TikTok or YouTube accounts.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

For more information, contact: Kelly Harris at 314-436-9090 or Kelly@HauserGroupPR.com

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2023 was a year of growth and change for MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., with the appointment of new leadership, the opening of a terminal expansion, the completion of a new Taxiway project and construction underway on additional terminal modifications that will benefit tenants and leisure air travel. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport expects to see continued expansion and growth throughout 2024.

This past year saw a transition in leadership as Darren James was officially named Airport Director in November, after serving as interim in the position since August 2023. James has more than three decades of leadership experience in global aviation operations and National Security, including serving a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. He played a key role in the growth experienced in 2023 by overseeing management, development, planning and community relations for the airport, as well as directing projects related to service expansion, tenant relations, business and land use development. Jennifer Hogancamp was also named Assistant Airport Director, bringing more than two decades of airport management leadership experience. She works to plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day activities of all maintenance, operations, and public safety functions of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

The airport houses several major tenants and offers nonstop flights year-round or on a seasonal basis to a variety of popular destinations served by Allegiant, including Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando/Sanford, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah, and Tampa Bay/St. Pete. Out of these destinations, the most popular for leisure travelers remain Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Tampa Bay/St. Pete and Orlando/Sanford. Numbers released in summer 2023 by the Federal Aviation Administration show that passenger enplanement growth continued, totaling 162,819 in 2022, which is a slight increase over the prior year. It also represents a 5.8% increase over 2019, the last full calendar year prior to the pandemic.

In June of 2023, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport completed work on a $34 million terminal expansion project and opened it for use. The 42,000-square-foot expansion nearly doubled the size of the existing terminal to accommodate future passenger growth and includes a variety of amenities that will enhance the experience for those traveling through MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Project highlights include two new boarding bridges, a standard TSA screening area, an animal relief area, family restrooms, a nursing room, water bottle filling stations, a storm shelter and an expanded departure lounge with added room for concessions. ADA-compliant renovations were incorporated to accommodate people with disabilities and include recessed fixtures, a larger elevator, visual paging and accessible seating.

Construction continued on phase three of the terminal project, including additional renovations to the existing terminal and enhancements to the curbside drop off area outside the terminal. Phase four of the terminal expansion program will add a new General Aviation Facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and, eventually, a new Federal Inspection Station. The new addition will allow the airport to process international commercial flights, in addition to general aviation activity, and attract additional aircraft and airlines. Construction is expected to be underway in the spring of 2024.

“These expansion projects are significant as we look to enhance the traveler experience and grow the number of passengers flying out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, while simultaneously working to increase the number of destinations and flights available for our leisure travelers in the future,” said James.

The terminal expansion project is not the only improvement project happening at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. A $37.7 million investment to add nearly 3,100 linear feet of new Taxiway Lima pavement and a new Taxiway Bridge over Crooked Creek was completed in the summer of 2023. The project will provide airfield access to a future aviation business park on the south side of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, which will be anchored by Boeing’s new $200 million, 300,000-square-foot production facility that is nearing completion. Boeing, which is a longtime tenant, will use the new production facility to build the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy’s first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Scheduled for completion in 2024, the Boeing facility initially will initially employ approximately 150 mechanics, engineers and support staff.

In another exciting move, ground was broken in the fall of 2023 on a new $97 million, 5.2-mile MetroLink extension from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center in Shiloh, Ill., to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Once complete, the extension will make the airport even more accessible to potential customers along the light rail alignment and provide a direct connection to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The project includes a new MetroLink station to be constructed across from the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport terminal and a 2.4-mile frontage road built near the airport. Construction is currently underway, with a targeted completion date of early 2026.

“We are excited for all the growth and development happening at and around MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “The facility accounts for 23,442 jobs between operations at the airport, Scott Air Force Base and the various tenants onsite and is a $3.1 billion economic engine for the bi-state St. Louis region. Completed developments and expansions currently underway at the airport will provide additional economic benefits to the region as the airport continues to fill an important niche in the St. Louis region’s robust aviation scene.”

To learn more about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit flymidamerica.com.

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About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

CONTACT:

Julie Hauser

314-436-9090 (0)

314-629-3887 (c)

Transformation Site Chosen Out of Dozens of Nominations

ST. LOUIS (JAN. 30, 2024) … Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis are pleased to announce that the MetroBus stop located at 13th St. and Gravois Ave. near Soulard in the City of St. Louis has been selected as the site for the next “Transit Stop Transformation Project.” It will be transformed into an active, engaging corridor with vibrant colors, seating, shading, green space and more. Transit riders, residents, elected officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to weigh in on the changes they would like to see at the site by completing an online survey at www.cmt-stl.org by Feb. 19.

The MetroBus stop at 13th St. and Gravois Ave. was selected out of 44 nominations received through the “Build a Better Bus Campaign” launched in early October, inviting people from around the region to nominate a bus stop within the St. Louis City limits for revitalization. A selection committee featuring representatives from Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Lous, the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis REALTORS® chose the MetroBus stop based on various metrics that include assessment of the space and the availability of community partners that could help bring the transformation to life. Public input will play a key role in determining what design concepts will be incorporated into the bus stop. Once initial input is received from residents, design concepts will be created, and residents will be able to weigh in one more time before the design is finalized and construction begins. The project is expected to be completed by January 2025.

“We are excited to be moving forward on the MetroBus stop at 13th and Gravois in the City of St. Louis,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Out of the nominations received, partners felt this stop offered the greatest opportunity for change and an opportunity to provide a template for other stops. We look forward to bringing this project to life.”

Similar transformations have been completed at a MetroBus Stop in Maplewood, the Emerson Park and 5th & Missouri Transit Centers in East St. Louis, the Belleville Transit Center in Belleville, and the North Hanley Transit Center in North St. Louis County. Construction is also underway for the transformation at the Fairview Heights Transit Center. The goal of all “Transit Stop Transformation Projects” is to transform places that people typically pass through on their way to their next destination into community amenities that improve safety and security, build ridership and increase engagement around transit. Each showcases a deep understanding of and commitment to equitable development around transit, the impact and possibility of play, the ability for creative interventions to produce long-term impact in neighborhoods accessible for residents of all ages, and the need for collaboration to succeed.

To learn more about the “Transit Stop Transformation Projects” visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Portraits of MidAmerica/St. Louis Airport Director Darren James at MAA on Thursday January 4, 2024.
Photo by Tim Vizer for MAA

The St. Clair County Public Building Commission (PBC), which oversees the operations at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Mascoutah, Ill., has announced that Darren James has officially been named Airport Director after serving as interim in the position since August 23. In the wake of his promotion, the PBC also announced that Jennifer Hogancamp has been hired to serve as Assistant Airport Director, a position previously held by James. The two will work together to continue to grow the airport’s passenger and cargo operations.

James has been with MidAmerica St. Louis Airport since 2022, serving as Assistant Airport Director before being promoted to interim Airport Director when former director Bryan Johnson resigned to take a position as executive director of Johnson County Airport Commission in Johnson County, Kansas. James brings to the position of director more than three decades of leadership experience in global aviation operations and National Security. In 2020, he completed a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served in numerous high-level positions and retired as a one-star General. In his role as director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, James is responsible for management, development, planning and community relations for the airport and will direct projects related to air service expansion, tenant relations, business and land use development. Over the past three months, he has overseen continued improvements to the existing terminal in the wake of the June completion of the $34 million terminal expansion project, while also working with the team responsible for final work on the new Taxiway Lima project that will serve Boeing’s new MQ25 production facility currently under construction.

Portraits of MidAmerica/St. Louis Airport Assistant Director Jennifer Hogancamp at MAA on Thursday January 4, 2024.
Photo by Tim Vizer for MAA

As part of the transition in leadership, Jennifer Hogancamp has been hired as Assistant Airport Director, bringing more than two decades of airport management leadership experience to her new position. Before joining MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, she most recently served as director of airports for Mobile Airport Authority, where she was responsible for directing and overseeing the day-to-day operations and development of three airports and an industrial complex in Alabama. Her experience also includes managing the day-to-day terminal operations and serving over 36 million passengers annually during her time as airport operations manager at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), as well as serving in various leadership roles at three different airports across Texas over a span of 14 years. In her new role as Assistant Airport Director, Hogancamp will work closely with James to plan, organize, and direct the day-to-day activities of all maintenance, operations, and public safety functions of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

“We are excited to officially name Darren as Airport Director and welcome Jennifer as Assistant Airport Director,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. “Darren has shown great leadership since taking over as interim director three months ago, and we are confident he is the best person to lead the airport as it continues to evolve. Jennifer’s impressive background makes her a perfect fit as Assistant Airport Director, and we look forward to watching her excel in her new role.”

James received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering. He also holds three master’s degrees: a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy and Policy from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Hogancamp graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. She is also a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

For additional details about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit www.flymidamerica.com.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to multiple destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has an aircraft manufacturing facility at the airport; North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

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Contact:
Pamela Powell
314-436-9090