ACI-NA Announces Winners of the 2017 Inclusion Champion Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2017

 

PALM SPRINGS, CA  − Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) today announced the recipients of the 2017 ACI-NA Inclusion Champion Awards during an awards gala dinner at the ACI-NA Business of Airports Conference in Palm Springs, CA.  The ACI-NA Business of Airports Conference brings together more than 500 commercial management, human resource, and finance executives from the North American airport industry. This year’s Inclusion Champion Award recipients are Vancouver Airport Authority, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, and Turner Construction Company.

“Each year, the Inclusion Champion Awards celebrate exceptional achievement in promoting and sustaining diversity throughout the airport industry,” said Kevin M. Burke, ACI-NA President and CEO. “Airports are committed to ambitious goals that serve their local communities and strengthen the businesses that support airport operations. I applaud our airport and associate members for their continued commitment to promoting diversity.”

Large Hub Inclusion Champion: Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) makes it a corporate mission to participate in sustainable business opportunities that create a diverse work environment.  YVR engages in business opportunities and partnerships with local caterers, retailers and contractors that are socially responsible. To foster a diverse workforce internally, YVR utilizes targeted recruitment and internal awareness training to remove barriers to employment. YVR focuses on diversity and inclusion through corporate training initiatives. YVR also founded the YVR Art Foundation (YVRAF), which is a nonprofit and charitable organization dedicated to fostering the development and enhancement of BC First Nations art and artists. Additionally, YVR continually partners with local non-profits, charities and resource centers to ensure leadership in creating the best airport experience for all of the airport’s passengers.

Medium Hub Inclusion Champion: St. Louis Lambert International Airport

St. Louis Lambert Airport has a longstanding commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through innovative programs and practices that are incorporated into every aspect of the airport’s overall business development model. With approximately 43% of the 23 department managers are female or minorities, STL has been successful in reflecting the growing multi-ethnic and cultural diversity of the region.  Externally, the success of STL’s programs is defined by its proven ability to nurture businesses for future growth.  STL has increased the number of pre-bid opportunities and informational meetings to ensure more minority and women-owned companies participate in airport contracts.

Small Hub Inclusion Champion: Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BRMA) is committed to diversity of new business, workforce inclusion and professional development.  Small businesses are an integral aspect of BRMA’s long-term vision. BRMA fosters the involvement and growth of small businesses through targeted-solicitation programs aimed at meeting the airport’s inclusionary goals. BRMA also actively seeks to enhance a more level playing field for minority and small businesses to compete both at the airport and in the broader community. In addition to supporting small and minority-owned businesses through formal support and outreach events, BRMA is devoted to community outreach and growth through The Friends of Baton Rouge Airport fundraiser. Finally, with a staff that is comprised of 52% female and minority employees, BRMA’s continually works to cultivate a staff as diverse as the passengers and community it serves.

Associate Inclusion Champion: Turner Construction Company

Turner Construction Company is committed to expanding the opportunities available to minority and women-owned businesses through outreach and education. The company has been recognized nationwide for leadership in the promotion and professional mentorship of such businesses. A culture of diversity and inclusion is expressed in Turner’s corporate policies. The company’s continued commitment to community and educational outreach is rooted in the belief that service is an essential part of good corporate citizenship. Turner participates in a wide variety of programs which support diversity, youth education, health and welfare, military service members and improving the viability of local businesses. In effort to encourage future leaders, the company has adopted a program called Youthforce. This program allots Turner’s professionals the opportunity to provide hands-on guidance for students to make an informed decision to consider a career in the construction industry.

 

About ACI-NA

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Approximately 380 aviation-related businesses are also members of ACI-NA, providing goods and services to airports. Collectively, U.S. airports support more than 11.5 million jobs and account for $1.4 trillion in economic activity – or more than seven percent of the total U.S. GDP. Canadian airports support 405,000 jobs and contribute C$35 billion to Canada’s GDP. Learn more at www.airportscouncil.org.