STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN BOBBY OWENS

January 13, 2009 – Earlier today the Board accepted the resignations of John Coon, John Rhodes and John Slone. This action is related to an ongoing internal review. We will also continue to cooperate completely with the State Auditor and her staff. I'm personally saddened, but I'm convinced it's the right thing to do. This is a deliberative process and our work continues. More importantly, we're focusing on solutions to the challenges we face. This airport is moving forward. Our immediate priority is to maintain the operational integrity of the airport and make sure the public knows we're open for business. This Board is committed to taking decisive action to restore our community's faith, confidence, and trust in the airport management team and the facility.

We've already moved to cancel credit cards. We took action today to engage Jacobs Consultancy, an airport management consultant. They will help us develop the internal controls and expense review policies we need. They will also help us review compensation packages to make sure they are appropriate. We're going to insist on more transparency from airport employees, and institute a code of conduct. In addition, we are committed to building an open, honest, and intimidation-free environment for our employees.

As you know there are a lot of great things going on at the airport. We're going to build a new terminal for general aviation with TAC Air. We just secured service with Allegiant Air. We're looking at new development near the facility. We're relocating and reorienting a runway. We're renovating the entranceway. We are improving our parking and roadway system. We're getting ready for the World Equestrian Games. We want people to understand we're doing everything we can to make sure they have the kind of airport they deserve.

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