factories and plants that have people that come in and out. Whirlpool have people that come in and out fairly often. We have people that come in and out for Heinz, some of the industrial stuff that’s around here.” The pattern aligns with broader economic development trends, as Northwest Ohio’s advanced manufacturing sector employs 130,000 workers across diverse industries. A new industrial park under construction near the airport promises to amplify this traffic. “The airport was originally built with the concept that as the environment around it grew, we were able to take care of those people,” Farmer explains. “As those things develop, we’re hoping that our corporate traffic picks up as well.” The timing proves advantageous, as the general aviation market grows at 4.6 percent annually and is projected to reach $47.1 billion by 2033. Tourism is another growth avenue, particularly given the airport’s proximity to Cedar Point’s 364 acres of attractions and Lake Erie’s recreational opportunities. Farmer acknowledges the potential: “Our goal is to make it an economic driver.” VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP WITH AVIATION PASSION The airport operates under a governance model that defies typical expectations for public facilities. The entire six-member board serves on a volunteer basis, bringing diverse expertise to guide strategic decisions. “Our entire board is volunteers,” Farmer confirms. “A couple of us are independent business Strategically located manufacturing with modern facilities and executive proximity to the Sandusky County Regional Airport (S24), key transportation corridors, and a skilled regional workforce. It all starts HERE 233 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 SANDUSKY COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx