NEWS RELEASE
August 6, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Saddler Thomas
Phone: (740) 452-6462
Fax: (740) 453-3758
E-mail:
jthomas@y-city.net

Women in Aviation, International Reaches 4,000 Members at AirVenture

Goal: 5,000 Members in Five Years

Oshkosh, WI--- WAI President Peggy Baty announced a milestone for the organization during the annual WAI Celebrity Breakfast held at the Pioneer Inn during AirVenture in Oshkosh. Baty reported that WAI has reached 4,000 active members since the organization began in 1995. "WAI has shown steady growth," said Baty, "averaging 1,000 members per year. And, we want to keep the momentum going," continued Baty. "Our next goal is to reach 5,000 members during the fifth year of WAI."

"Increasing the size of the organization will benefit all members," Baty said, "because a larger membership will enable WAI to increase its services and programs." Baty also announced the WAI Member Challenge: 5,000 in Five Years, a program designed to attract new members to the organization. As an incentive, participating members are eligible for recruiting rewards including complimentary membership renewals, conference registrations or airline tickets. This recruitment program will run through December 31, 2000.

One hundred fifty people attended the record-setting Celebrity Breakfast. This included well-known aviation personalities such as Astronaut Linda Godwin, EAA First-Lady Audrey Poberezny, FAA Regional Administrator Cecelia Hunziker and Airshow Performers Julie Clark, Montaine Mallet and Patty Wagstaff.

The membership challenge began with a bang as 100 new members joined WAI by the close of Air Venture on
Tuesday, August 3. In addition to adding new members, WAI staff and volunteers conducted the Explore Aviation program for children and a variety of career forums throughout the week.

Women in Aviation, International (WAI) is a non-profit organization based near Dayton, Ohio. WAI is dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. WAI membership is open to women and men in all segments of the aviation industry. Benefits of membership include: annual conference, bi-monthly magazine Aviation for Women, scholarship opportunities, network base for personal and career development, government and industry representation and educational programs. For more information, contact Women in Aviation International at 3647 S.R. 503 S, West Alexandria, OH USA 45381; Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645; E-mail wai@infinet.com; Web www.wiai.org.

Editor’s Note: Please note the original release stated that Cliff Robertson was in attendance at the breakfast. He was unable to attend.

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