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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-16 Airport Committee Minutes Meeting Agenda City of Bangor Airport Committee Meeting City Council Chambers rd 3 Floor March 16, 2011 4:00 The following City councilors were in attendance: Gerry Palmer, Nelson Durgin, and Richard Bronson. The following City staff were also in attendance, Airport Director, Rebecca Hupp and Marketing Manager Risteen Bahr. Also in attendance were Steve Mason and Paul Bonneau from Bright Matter Marketing and Public Relations. Councilor Palmer opened the meeting. Agenda: 1. Industry Update Overview. Airport Director Rebecca Hupp indicated that the price continues to rise, the Airlines are increasing rates. Nothing has changed in the last few weeks. 2. Passenger Statistics for February- Marketing Director, Risteen Bahr, stated that good news that we are up by 3%. We are 5.8% YTD. We continue to show high demand and we are averaging 74% average load factor. Discussion/Questions: Councilor Durgin asked if US Airways are using Turbo Props. Bahr responded yes, on some flights to LGA, and it is a Dash 8. 3. Business Development Activities/Events-Airport Director, Rebecca Hupp discussed that we have multiple Business segments. GA Segment met several customers in Houston last week that the route International traffic thru Bangor. All positive things to say about the service they receive in Bangor and have expressed interest in coming to Bangor this summer for the Customer Forum. Relationships are strong and feedback is positive. We sent two people to the Business World Expo in Fanbough, UK. There were over eleven hundred attendee’s within the first hour. They were aircraft brokers, pilots, owners, and dispatchers. We received positive feedback and we are planning attending next year. We had three meetings scheduled. One carrier was Air Tran which we are currently in a holding pattern with them. We had a meeting with our existing carriers. One was US Airways, and they are pleased with the Bangor service and plans on continuing the Saturday service to DC. They also continue t add capacity in our market. Discussion/Questions: Councilor Bronson commented about the Customer Forum, that if they didn’t get Departmental help to let Cathy know. This comes from the incident last year. Hupp responded that even though we had this incident, all went well. th Councilor Durgin asked when this event takes place. Hupp indicated that after the week of July 4. The thth meetings are scheduled for July 13-14 with the bulk of the meetings on the 13, usually the day after the meetings we show them what Maine is all about. 4. Assignment of Airport Advertising Contract Airport Director, Hupp indicated that on March 2, 2011, the Airport was notified that due to the harsh economic conditions of the past few years and a series of recent developments with several of their larger clients, the Swardlick Marketing Group was experiencing serious financial difficulties and would be closing after 30 years in business. This is extremely unfortunate since Swardlick has provided excellent service and a level of responsiveness and creativity that has benefited Bangor International Airport. Steven Mason, the Airport’s Account Manager, advised BGR that he and two colleagues from Swardlick have partnered to start their own firm, Bright Matter Marketing and Public Relations. This is a new company completely independent of Swardlick Marketing Group. In addition to Steve, several core team members who have worked on Bangor International Airport’s account are on board with this new agency. Key members include Doug Campbell – Art Director, Daryl Turicek – Digital Marketing, Charlie Jacobsen – graphic designer, Paul Bonneau – creative director and broadcast producer, and Vicky Ayer – media director and planner. Councilor Bronson approved this and Councilor Durgin Seconded. Discussion/Questions: Councilor Durgin- asked if this is an assignment of existing contract and if after the term is up it will go out to bid. Marketing Director, Bahr responded and said yes we have a year and a half left on the contract and once the contract is up we will go out to bid. Councilor Bronson- commented that we need more modern ideas for an advertising company. This could be a good opportunity to move elsewhere and head off in a new effort when this goes out to bid next year. Airport Director Hupp responded that we welcome any ideas. This campaign so far has had good comments. Councilor Palmer-asked if a representative could tell the Councilor’s a little about their company. Steven Mason from Bright Matter Marketing indicated that this is a brand new company and they have the friendship and support of the previous clients. Councilor Palmer asked about the Troop Flights that operate through Bangor. Hupp indicated that they are still coming in but there is a decrease in the flights and probably will be a decrease in the th future. Hupp also indicated that on May 14 is a Troop Greeters event. Meeting adjourned.