At our October 13 lunch meeting, Michael Desplaines of the Norfolk Botanical Garden introduced his organization's neighbor and fellow Norfolk Rotarian Wayne Shank as speaker of the day. Wayne is director of Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and was past president of Northside Rotary Club before joining our club several years ago. He is a pilot and has two sons and a grandson. Wayne admitted giving too much "Power Point" information and his emotional attachment to our regional airport. After waxing on about Harry McCoy's former house where his daughter's family now lives, Wayne ran with us through the airport, which is governed by a nine-person board. Wayne thanked Mal Branch, airport board member and fellow Rotarian for his service on the board.
Airport Fundamentals:
There are 3,500 people working at the airport, including 200 people directly employed by it. The airport is self-supporting with $2 million given to the City of Norfolk every year. Parking fees are a major revenue generator. Sequestration slowed down flights (20% reduction in seats over the past three years), but traffic has moved up over the last four months. Passenger service drives revenue and airport amenities. The airport is responsible for a $2 billion impact on the local economy each year. In 2014, 3 million passengers flew on airlines out of Norfolk. There are 64 daily departures going to 16 different airports. From ORF you can travel anywhere in the world.
Airport Improvements:
Wayne outlined several improvements that have recently been finished or are underway:
- Site preparation for another parking garage is complete but a construction date has not been set.
- An expanded USO facility is much appreciated by military personnel who use it free of charge.
- Concessions improvements include branded vendors plus locals with retail on both sides of security.
- An improved general aviation terminal for private jets gives a good first impression of the region to corporate visitors. The facility is available for us to go and see.
- The airport's passenger terminal, which was looking tired has been upgraded with terrazzo tile instead of carpet, replacement of the original 1970 escalators and skylights.
- The Concourse A TSA security area has been upgraded.
- The Concourse B checkpoint expansion being done by Rotarian Bill Gresham's firm. People want to see out and lots of exterior glass is being installed to keep restful passenger environment.
Future Outlook:
- Phase 1 facility improvements expansion cost $20 million and done without borrowing money or using tax money. Phase 2 should be similar.
- New industry trends include airline capacity control moving back to airline market share with higher fares. Airlines are looking at consolidation of their airports. The airport is well positioned and still looking for more airlines (JetBlue, Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit) in addition to its five main airlines.
Answers to Rotaran Questions:
- Air passenger service is good and growing based on community support. Many passengers, including our own Dyteya Lewis, love the ease of using the airport.
--The airport intends to keep and enhance the much envied convenience and simplicity.
--Wayne says he loves his job and the stress is bearable because he loves what he does.
--Light rail and an additional parallel run way remain part of future planning.
--The airport is finding a way to work with Uber, Lyft and other alternative transportation companies.
Meeting Highlights
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Chuck Spence led all in singing "Sing Rotarians" "You’re a Grand Ol Flag".
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Chuck followed the Pledge of Allegiance with the Invocation.
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Willard Model School Elementary was the school of the week.
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Pam Tubbs was Rotations Editor and Matthew Shriver acknowledged his duty as scribe of the day.
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Dr. Bill Gough gave the Visitation Report: Ace Tubbs is doing well with treatments, Sue Wells' health is stable and Bryce Burton is back with us after breaking his foot.
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Jennifer Palestrant introduced our only guest -- her son, William, an opera fan and St. Patrick Catholic School student
Upcoming Events
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Monday, Oct. 19 - Rotary Club of Norfolk board meeting at Hampton Roads Community Foundation offices in the World Trade Center at 4:30 pm.
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Tuesday, Oct. 20 - Lunch meeting at Scope. Virginia Opera will bring us music from La Boheme at 12:15 pm.
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Monday, Oct. 26 - Join Kay Kemper this morning to explore The New E3 School - a model early education run by Elevate Early Education at 9:30 am.
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Wednesday, Oct. 29 - Visit to the Achievable Dream school with Bob Powell to greet the children at 8 am. One spot remaining and in the evening come to our Pagoda party.
Announcements
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"Kid's Scoop" article in the Sunday Virginian-Pilot speaks of Rotary, the four-way test and polio eradication, which was super cool. Thanks go to Jim Clary for discovering this and sharing the information.
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All months have three lunch meetings and one makeup event for perfect attendance (months with 5 Tuesdays do not change that)
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Joey Rothgery - Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Rotary Day sign-ups to raise money for the Foodbank. Donations welcome ahead of time until Nov. 7.
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Thank you to those helping with recent off-site activities - Jean Owens, Jim O'Brien, Jack Hornbeck, Chip Vogan, Ben Mason, Linwood Beckner and Will King. Fred Walker echoed how great these events have been.
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Linwood Beckner pitched BBQ Rotary social on Oct. 29th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Pagoda in Freemason area, downtown. Sign up at meeting or online to Jane.
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Welcome back Julie Keesling after 4 months!
Happy Bucks for Charity
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Michael Desplaines is in Virginia Business story about Norfolk.
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Sally paid a fine to thank Gary Boswick for running the meeting last week while she was in California for a meeting and to see her son and for the photo in Inside Business of our Elizabeth River project grant.
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Bernie Cohen's phone went off last week.
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Joe New announced daughter running marathon.
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Sigur Whitaker announced her third book is out.
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Jack Kavanaugh announced Navy anniversary.
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Chip Vogan announced his son in leadership society.
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Lisa Sands announced "La Boheme" production at Virginia Opera.
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Lois Kercher announced a guest no show.
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Win Lewis announced Downton Abby historic consultant encounter at the Chrysler Museum.
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John Padgett announced he won the Tacky Tennis Shoe contest at the Rotary District conference.
100% Tables and Raffle
Tables 1 and 20 had 100% attendance. Dalton Dunbar had the winning ticket but didn't draw a queen. Next week's program is Adam Turner, principal conductor and artistic adviser at Virginia Opera. He will present the music of "La Boheme."
