Third Time’s the Charm for KGA Chair and Vice Chair

Kissimmee, FL – September 5, 2007 – Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s (ISM) advisory board has re-elected Candace Bennage as its chairperson and Dr. Joseph Torres as the vice chairman for the 2007-08 term.

In her third term as chairperson, Bennage has been a Kissimmee resident for over 20 years and joined the board in July of 2004. She fueled her passion for aviation through various positions at airport facilities, including operations manager for Kissimmee Aviation in 1992. She is also a student pilot and member of AOPA and Women in Aviation International.

“I’m honored to be the chairperson for another term,” said Bennage. “This airport is a driving force in the Central Florida community and continues to grow mainly due to its location to the area attractions and Orange County Convention Center. It is the board’s responsibility to communicate with the airport tenants and city commissioners to continue with the airport’s progression, while looking out for the best interest of the local community.”

Dr. Joseph Torres, a local physician specializing in Sports and Family Medicine, joined the advisory board in 2003. This is the third term as vice chairman for Dr.Torres, who also served as the advisory board chairman during the 2004-05 term. Dr.Torres was the medical director of the Osceola County Jail and chief of staff at Osceola Regional Medical Center. Dr Torres also performs Aviation Medical Exams for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Joining the board this year is new member, John Bykowski. As a third-year resident of Kissimmee, John is no stranger to the airport, or leadership. His daily business as owner and operator of Clay Street Storage finds him just a few miles down the road from the airport. John also currently serves as vice-chairman of the Downtown Kissimmee Area Council for the Chamber of Commerce. The Kissimmee City Commission appoints members to the airport advisory board for three-year terms and elections for officers are held annually.

About Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Located just eight miles from Walt Disney World and 10 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, Kissimmee Gateway Airport accommodates general aviation air service 24 hours a day with two paved runways, 5,000 and 6,000 feet each. The airport also offers full-service F.B.O.s, flight training, aircraft storage, aircraft restoration, P-51 Mustang pilot training and T-6 Warbird adventure flights, and an industrial park. Its air traffic control tower operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Built in 1942, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the City of Kissimmee. For more information, visit kissimmeeairport.com.

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