Corporate Partnership Reception

On Monday, Nov. 13, NATCA held its fourth annual Corporate Partnership Reception in Washington, D.C. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi, Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert, and National Organizing Committee (NOC) Chairman John Bratcher spoke at the reception celebrating NATCA’s strong collaborative relationships with aviation community partners and leaders. Attendees included representatives from many of NATCA’s corporate partners as well as some NOC members and National Office staff.

The air traffic control and aviation professions are only as good as the people in them. Bratcher explained that in partnering together, we can all make the system truly great.

NATCA always seeks to grow relationships that reflect partnership with industry. NATCA began offering corporate memberships in 1990 and the organizing effort has since evolved. For the past four years, NATCA has celebrated this partnership through the Corporate Partnership Reception.

During the event, Rinaldi and Gilbert presented the James L. Oberstar Sentinel of Safety Award to RTCA, Inc. President Margaret Jenny. The award is the highest honor given to a member of the aviation community outside of NATCA. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the advancement of aviation safety.

To close the reception, Gilbert shared a video created by NATCA member and FacRep Kyrandgel Rios of San Juan Tower in Puerto Rico. The video highlighted the devastation our members still face in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as a result of Hurricane Maria in September.

Gilbert announced to the corporate partner guests that NATCA is donating to the NATCA Disaster Relief Fund in the name of each corporate partner that attended the reception.

Rinaldi recently visited Puerto Rico and Southern Regional Vice President Jim Marinitti has traveled there several times to offer assistance. Gilbert plans to visit Puerto Rico in December to assist in relief efforts.

NATCA’s collaborative spirit with all aviation stakeholders and the communities in which they operate shined throughout the evening. After the speakers finished their presentations, NATCA leadership and staff were able to speak with everyone in attendance about the future of the National Airspace System and the collaborative relationships that will continue to shape it.

To view more photos from the event, visit NATCA’s Flickr album.