HOLDMAN BROUGHT VISION TO AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

One man who will be involved in his last Balloon Fest, at least in an official capacity, is Airport Manager Randy Holdman, who will resign July 31 after 13 months in that position.

A retired Air Force squadron commander and fighter pilot, Lt. Col. Holdman's hiring was a coup for city officials.

The Bonne Terre native came here with a master's degree in civil engineering and more than 20 years of management experience in aircraft and airport operations. When Holdman began his term, the airport was in a slump. Well past its hey day as a regional hub for general aviation, the airport suffered from waning use, although it continued to undergo infrastructure improvements.

But Holdman brought to the job more than experience and education. He brought vision. He wanted to transform the airport into an economic asset for the entire region, and, although it seemed the city administration was unwilling at times to loose its tight reigns on Holdman, he still was able to accomplish much.

Through ambitious marketing and promotional efforts, the business community and travel industry is beginning to take another look at opportunities at the airport. The airport's sole commercial airline, Trans World Express, has rescheduled flights, improved reliability, and is considering the addition of a flight. Holdman was there, tenaciously instigating the changes.

Because of the changes TWE boardings, on a decline for several years, are on the way up again. And for the first time in years, other carriers are considering providing additional flights in and out of Cape Girardeau, while aviation-related businesses have added this city to their short list of potential sites.

In brief, the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport's future looks promising, thank in large measure to Holdman's brief stint as manager.

One good thing, he won't be taking his talents out of Cape Girardeau. Holdman will take a position with Drury Southwest Inc., where he will be involved with construction management and real estate development. He also will fly Drury's corporate airplane. We wish him well. The city's loss is Drury Southwest's gain.