Business View Magazine Apr-2023

184 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 it is starting to work the other way. All of our tenants are quite community-oriented as well and the airport has become a place where people come just to watch and see what is going on.” “In terms of operations upgrades,” adds Rick Barkes, “we just completed the rehab of the parallel taxiway, and all our pavement is now up and in pretty good shape. In terms of future expansion, we are hoping to upgrade our fuel farm and modify it so that military users can refuel here as well, and that will bring the park additional revenues, too. In the next couple of years, we hope to create more hangars and update the lighting. A lot is going on.” Another exciting project aims to help address the current shortage of pilots and aviation mechanics. In partnership with Lenoir Community College, the Transpark is creating an Aviation Center of Excellence to allow high school students to not only learn about but prepare for careers in the industry. “We also offer what we call the aviation career camp that will provide kids a taste of what PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Jackson Builders Inc. www.jacksonbuilders.com Jackson Builders, Inc is your one source for Design Build Construction in Eastern North Carolina. Contact us for your needs from concept to completion.  We offer you 49 years of successful company experience and history providing our clients with Quality, Value and Long-Lasting Relationships.  n Custom Building Company www.cbcnc.com the possibilities are,” says Mark Pope. “The counties surrounding the airport have joined together with the Regional Manufacturers Association to create a presentation that looks at the different aviation careers and MROs and training opportunities that are boosting the region’s aerospace industry.” “There has been so much happening since our inception,” Pope concludes. “We have made 18 major announcements since we opened, and we have created over 2,000 jobs with over $300 million in investment. With our wins here at GTP, our Department of Defense contractors, and everything that is happening, I think we have opened the doors for new opportunities. We’re kind of like a blank slate here. The GTP has 2500 acres and over 600 of those acres are shovel-ready. Eastern North Carolina has a lot of developable lands. GTP has a lot of developable land. I think the opportunities are kind of endless right now,” Pope says. Airport Director Rick Barkes says the property is expanding its presence. “We have hosted the first two DND contractors and I truly think that can be a growth industry for us,” he says. “Military and Aerospace are the areas where we are expanding our presence. The good news for people around the area is that these are well-paying jobs, and that will boost our economy. We can also expand cargo operations and maintenance, Barkes says. “There are a lot of possibilities moving forward.”