NAAA Members Build Relationships with Lawmakers Through Industry Events

Agricultural aviation organizations are finding opportunities to bring elected officials, policymakers and community leaders closer to the industry through events that showcase the essential role aerial applicators play in agriculture. From a large airport rally in California to a legislative Lunch & Learn in Mississippi, these gatherings provide valuable opportunities to build relationships, share information and give industry professionals a chance to tell their story.

NAAA member Doug Thiel, owner of Thiel Air Care Inc., shakes hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln (R-CA) stands to Thiel’s right.
Congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln (R-CA) addresses attendees at the rally in Chowchilla, CA.

In Chowchilla, California, a September gathering at Thiel Air Care Inc. brought together approximately 380 supporters, elected officials and political candidates for a rally featuring Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln. The event included a VIP breakfast and photo opportunity at Dan Gudgel’s hangar in Lemoore, CA, attended by nearly 80 guests, before participants joined approximately 300 others for the larger rally at Thiel Air Care in Chowchilla, CA.

The gathering attracted an impressive lineup of federal, state and local officials, including former Congressman John Duarte; Congressman Tom McClintock; California State Sen. Shannon Grove; Assemblyman David Tangipa; Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters; U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman of Michigan and Lance Gooden of Texas; and Cory Ranken, chairwoman of the State Republican Party. Several state and congressional candidates, county supervisors and city council members also attended.

MAAA’s focus is to bring greater attention to the people, businesses, and responsibilities behind the aircraft that work the region’s farmland. Photo credit: Campbell Saia.
MAAA hosted its second annual Legislative Lunch & Learn on Oct. 15 at Valley Air Applicators in Indianola, MS. Photo credit: Campbell Saia.

Meanwhile, the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association (MAAA) hosted its second annual Legislative Lunch & Learn in October at Valley Air Applicators at the Indianola Municipal Airport. The event brought together state legislators, agricultural aviation professionals, farmers, community leaders, educators and industry stakeholders for an afternoon of discussion, fellowship and education.

The event was designed to strengthen relationships between Mississippi’s agricultural aviation community and the individuals and organizations whose decisions influence the future of agriculture across the state, to raise awareness of the industry’s challenges, and give policymakers a better understanding of the industry’s work.

Both gatherings demonstrate the value of bringing the agricultural aviation industry directly to the people who influence its future. By opening hangar doors, inviting lawmakers to industry events and creating opportunities for conversation, NAAA and state and regional agricultural aviation associations help build awareness, strengthen relationships and ensure that agricultural aviation has a voice in important agricultural and aviation discussions.