PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n The National Championship Air Races www.airrace.org The National Championship Air Races have been held every September since 1964 by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). Worldwide, the event has become an institution for aviation enthusiasts, featuring seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Spectator facilities require substantial construction. “It’ll be about a 10,000-seating capacity grandstand,” Cole details. “Our major focus is to get those grandstands built, to get underneath the grandstands chip seal to run electricity and utility conduits to those to get our entryways in place and to prepare a security plan that includes fencing off that area.” The economic impact will extend throughout the region. “That’s going to be a one of a kind event for not only Roswell, but all of Southeast New Mexico in terms of lodging and all of the dollar turnover that comes in for that event,” Cole notes. Beyond immediate tourism benefits, the races create valuable aviation industry connections: “In terms of exposure to our airport, anytime you’re bringing in pilots and all the crews that come with those pilots, you’re getting exposure to your airport.” LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY AND VISION FOR ROSWELL AIR CENTER Cole’s management approach centers on building effective teams throughout city operations. “I’ve always said the secret to my success is to surround myself with good people. And that’s held true anywhere I’ve gone and in almost every circumstance,” he shares. His background as a longtime local resident informs his perspective: “I’m a local boy, third generation here in Roswell.” Team development follows a deliberate, strategic approach. “Kind of like a new coach coming in. It takes a couple of years to build a championship team, and it’s all about bringing in the right personnel,” Cole explains. He emphasizes thorough recruitment processes: “What I preach to my folks is anytime you have an opening or a vacancy, it’s kind of like your first-round draft pick you cannot afford to miss.” The airport’s future hinges on this people-centered leadership vision.“We’ve got a solid core group out there and likewise throughout the city as positions open, we look to fill those with thoughtful people that care about the community,” Cole says. “People that want good things for Roswell in a genuine way and are willing to take ownership of their piece of the puzzle to get things done.” 182 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
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