WASHINGTON, D.C. — Another alleged independent group has come out with a study of airport financial grants and revealed that they, too, know little about aviation.

The study, released by a “watchdog” group that looks into government spending, says it found “billions of dollars flowing to low priority airports.”

A release from Subsidyscope, an initiative of the Pew Economic Policy Group of the Pew Foundation, which released the study, said between 2005 and 2009, more than $2 billion was granted for more than 3,100 airport projects it called “low priority.”

The group said these airports received priority ratings below the FAA’s threshold for projects consistent with national goals and objectives. The report also cited how the funds are secured from fuel and ticket taxes, adding that the money came mostly from “passengers using large commercial airports.”

When the report was released, FAA officials tried to set the record straight by pointing out that there are many factors that govern grants, such as safety, security, and impact on system capacity.

One example of the organization’s lack of understanding of the value of airports is this statement: “Subsidyscope analysis also reveals that a number of small airports that accommodate as few as one paying passenger each year received significant amounts of federal funding from AIP.” Statements such as these show Subsidyscope officials are under the impression that airports are only for passenger service and never used for air ambulance, fire fighting, business travel, air taxi, and a myriad of other missions.

The obvious lack of understanding of airport financing revealed in the study confirms what people who conduct studies and surveys know: “Tell me what you want to show and I’ll get the research to prove it.”

Ironically, on the day the study was released, general aviation received a boost from Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, who issued a strong proclamation recognizing the important role that aviation plays in Georgia’s economy and for towns and communities across the state.

Kerry Lynch and Adrian Schofield

As the Office of Management and Budget begins to form its plans for the fiscal 2011 budget, two key House members have begun a lobbying effort against potential aviation user fee proposals for fiscal 2011.

House aviation subcommittee chairman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) and ranking Republican Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) circulated a letter within the House asking President Obama to keep potential general aviation user fees out of the fiscal 2011 budget. Both lawmakers offered their support instead to continuation of the aviation excise taxes.

"The current system of aviation excise taxes has proven to be a stable and efficient source of funding for our aviation system," the letter stated, adding, "We believe that user fees will place an undue administrative burden, and associated costs, on system users - particularly small businesses and general aviation users."

The letter noted efforts of past administrations to pursue user fees. "The House has opposed this approach in legislation to reauthorize the FAA in both the 110th and 111th Congresses. Therefore, proposing user fees to finance the FAA would be a nonstarter in the House and a major distraction from the number one priority, the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)," the letter said.

Costello and Petri were hoping to collect signatures on the letter before sending it to Obama. "We want to make it clear that a user fee proposal will not be well received in the House," Costello said.

Industry groups, meanwhile, have appealed to lawmakers to pass a long-term FAA reauthorization bill as soon as possible.

More than 30 industry groups and unions - including most general aviation groups - recently signed a letter to senators stressing "the importance of passing a comprehensive, multiyear reauthorization." The FAA's authorization has been extended numerous times over the past two years, and this "highlights how critically overdue this important legislation has become," the groups said.

While associations have individually lobbied for passage of the reauthorization bill, the letter marks the most significant joint appeal. "The aviation community stands united in its recognition of the importance of enacting multiyear FAA reauthorization legislation," the letter said.

The House has passed its version of the reauthorization bill, but the Senate has yet to follow. Despite a congested calendar, a senior Senate staffer believes there is still a very good chance that the FAA reauthorization bill can be finished this year.

Senate leaders recognize that the bill should be passed before year's end, a staff member from the Senate aviation subcommittee said at the Air Traffic Control Association's annual conference last week. The staffer said the Senate would probably need to have its bill approved by November to leave enough time for a House/Senate conference.

The Commerce Committee has approved the bulk of the bill, but the Finance Committee has to contribute its proposals on tax changes. Although the Finance Committee is heavily involved in the health care debate, there is "tremendous pressure" on the committee - from lobbyists and Senate leadership - to finish its work on the FAA bill this month, the staffer said.

• Feeling frustrated?
  
  
• Worried about the current economic climate, and whether you have what it takes to make it?
  
  
• Wondering if you’re playing big enough?
  
  
• Wondering why all the fabulous marketing and selling techniques you’ve been learning from all the right gurus don’t seem to be producing the BIG RESULTS for you that it has for them?
  
  
• Stirred by something deep inside that’s telling you there’s something missing in your life and business

My name is Carolyn Ellis and I’m a coach, award-winning author, and creator of the THRIVE Principles ™ as well as a business owner.

I was attending a marketing event recently and had a realization. I saw so many women standing up to offer their services and declare their dreams, but at this event it became clear to me that internally these women weren’t fully ready to own their brilliance.

I could hear it in their lack of conviction and clarity when they spoke about why someone should do business with them.

I could feel they were not energetically aligned internally with the business and services they wanted to deliver.

They were unconsciously transmitting their own doubts about their self-worth and abilities!

These women keep signing up for the “next greatest” marketing tool or seminar, trying to build a successful business.

But without a solid grounding internally—emotionally and spiritually—you can layer on all the marketing tools and strategies you want and you'll STILL struggle to attract your ideal clients (not to mention attracting clients and customers in general).

Eventually, if these women don’t dig in and get this fixed, they WILL lose their businesses.

Worse, while they're losing their businesses, they're going to be plagued by doubt, low self-confidence, worry, sleepless nights and more. They're going to sink countless hours and thousands of dollars into saving a business that, quite frankly, isn't save-able because they're trying to build something on a flawed and cracked foundation.

And that's not even the worst part of what I'm about to share with you today.

I will be honest with you: the world of business
is changing, right before our eyes.

This sort of unconscious, self-limiting behavior absolutely will not cut it any longer—for three very important reasons.

1) The Shift in Consciousness

There is a shift in consciousness going on that is raising people’s level of awareness.

More than ever before, clients and customers want to work with people who exhibit integrity and authenticity. They are tired of slick marketing techniques – they want to work with people they can trust. People can sense when what you are presenting to the world isn’t in complete alignment with who you are.

Make no mistake: If you are not building your business around WHO YOU AUTHENTICALLY ARE as a person, you will not have what it takes to make it in the new world of business!

2) The Feminine/Masculine Principle

I’m excited by how many amazing and incredible women are becoming conscious entrepreneurs and business owners. (If you found your way to this page, I suspect you are probably one of them.) Women are uniquely positioned to play a key role in the evolution our society is experiencing – by bringing a feminine style of leadership to their businesses, their families and their communities.

These women see their businesses as a vehicle to express their purpose on the planet. They are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. They value connections and relationships. They know that it’s through creating profitable and thriving businesses that we can multiply our impact on the world exponentially.

BUT…..something holds many of these women back—something that women in particular, in embracing the feminine principle in building a business, absolutely MUST overcome in order to be successful: a lack of belief in their true selves.

3) The Law of Attraction

As consciousness shifts and the power of our digital networks increases—in terms of who we do business with, who we know, and how fast we learn about new products and services—the flow of information increases as well.

This means that a lot of the “real world” barriers to gaining new clients are now HISTORY. It’s our “inner game” that becomes more and more important to attracting our ideal clients: the ones who are willing to pay for the unique value we have to offer.

That’s why, if you are not embracing your personal brilliance in building your business today, you are wasting your time with learning savvy marketing and selling techniques. Period!

Author Marianne Williamson so beautifully expressed the challenge many of us face: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”

At this time in society’s development, the world needs YOUR light and brilliance more than ever before—and as a coach and entrepreneur myself, I want to help you achieve that.

That’s why I decided to create the

Unleash Your Brilliance Summit—

a power-packed, one-of-a-kind teleconference for women entrepreneurs on October 6-8, 2009.

The value of this conference to yourself and your business is huge—but because I know just how VITAL this information is to the growth and survival of so many women entrepreneurs at this time, I’m inviting you to join me on these live calls as my guest.

That’s right – the price of you joining me and my guests on October 6-8 is ABSOLUTELY FREE!

For auto, home, health and liability insurance, it is generally recognized as the best strategy in the long-run not to have low deductibles. Since premiums are generally higher for the low deductible coverage, this increased premium cost may result in funding your own insurance coverage in the long run, especially if you do not experience many claims. You should check with your properly licensed casualty broker or insurance carrier to assess the appropriate premium rates, coverages, and various deductibles on your insurance policies.

The LEAP SYSTEM can provide you with a present look at your coverage and show you how they are coordinated and integrated in your overall financial model.

Ford enjoyed his time as chairman of the Young Eagles and talked about how his renewed involvement in aviation has been rewarding, “I didn’t come to aviation until late in my life, I flew a bit in college, but I couldn’t afford it.  Later on I became interested in aviation.”  Ford said, “I was 52 years-old and I wanted to learn something new.  I think in a way aviation helped me re-invent my life….The most important thing I’ve done to this point is to work with the EAA and the Young Eagles program.”

EAA Chairman/President Tom Poberezny, who launched the EAA Young Eagles Program in 1992, thanked Ford for his leadership and talked about why the new co-chairmen were selected, “Harrison and I were delighted when Sully and Jeff agreed to co-chair the program,” Poberezny said. “They were ideal candidates not only because of the skill they demonstrated on that fateful day in January but also, and perhaps more significantly, because of the leadership they’ve shown since that time.”  Later in the evening Poberezny hosted a special dinner recognizing Ford for his service and welcoming the program’s new co-chairs.

Sullenberger and Skiles accepted the offer to lead the program in discussions with Poberezny and Ford that took place during this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.  Sully Sullenberger shared the story of the first time he soloed an airplane and how he wants to share that feeling with other young people, “It’s that passion, it’s that freedom that I want to share with others” Sullenberger said. “Flying has been great to me and its great fun.  That’s why we’re here.”

For Skiles, a rekindled enthusiasm for flight fueled his acceptance of the co-chair role. “What we [Sullenberger and me] would like to do with the Young Eagles program is exemplify and promote the idea that training, preparation, and teamwork, which is so much a part of what we do as aviation professionals, can really benefit anybody, even young people trying to decide what to do with their lives, not necessarily in aviation. 

The EAA Young Eagles Program, now in its 17th year, has flown nearly 1.5 million youth, with the help of a corps of 42,000 EAA members/pilots and thousands more volunteer ground support personnel.   In addition to Ford, previous EAA Young Eagles Program chairs were: Oscar-winning actor and avid pilot Cliff Robertson (1992-1993); and aviation legend Chuck Yeager (1994-2003).

Cincinnati -- On the ninth day of the ninth month, in the ninth year of a new century, a life insurance company opened for business in Cincinnati.

On the same day 100 years later, in the midst of the greatest financial stress and economic uncertainty America has seen since the Great Depression, the company flourishes.

The managing principles established on the Sept. 9, 1909 founding of the Ohio National Life Insurance Company remain firmly in place for the company at its 100th anniversary: Invest conservatively. Grow organically rather than by acquisition. Manage for the long term. Keep the interests of policyholders first.

The company’s theme --"Life Changes. We'll Be There"— is more than a marketing message. It's a promise to stay the course with consistent growth, solid financial strength, and a sense of obligation to customers and community.

A look at recent performance confirms the wisdom of Ohio National's founders and the commitment of those who manage the company today. Some noteworthy facts:

• Financial strength ratings reaffirmed in 2009, and every year for nearly 20 consecutive years, by three major independent rating agencies: A.M. Best, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's.
• Nineteen consecutive years of increases in individual life sales (1990 through 2008), a record unparalleled in the industry.
• Dividends paid on all participating whole life policies, for 85 years in a row.
• A consistent record of strong financial results, competitive products, and conservative investment management that has served the company well during the recent turmoil in the overall economy and the investment markets.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we are committed to the tenets of security and protection for our policyholders. These have, and continue to be, the cornerstones of our business," said David B. O'Maley, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ohio National. "No matter the time, or the economic climate, we believe that success starts by staying true to your core values and then keeping the focus on what you do best. That's always been how Ohio National has operated."

What the Experts Say About Ohio National
The independent rating agencies who regularly monitor insurance companies have assigned high ratings to Ohio National. All three ratings were reaffirmed in 2009 (S&P in February, A.M. Best in June, and Moody's in July), while a number of major insurance organizations have been downgraded in recent months. It is especially noteworthy that Ohio National's ratings from these major analysts have not changed since 1991.

• A.M. Best: A+ (Superior), second-highest rating on a 16-part scale.
  The company noted that the rating reflected "consistently favorable operating performance, solid competitive position built on diverse distribution channels, very strong capitalization, and strong life insurance underwriting discipline."
• Moody's Investors Service: A1, fifth highest on a 21-part scale.
  Moody's cited "prudent risk management measures … low unit costs and efficient operations … strong product development capability …and solid asset/liability management" in awarding this rating.
• Standard & Poor's Ratings Services: AA (Very Strong), third-highest on a 21-part scale.
  For their rating, the S&P analysts saw "very strong capitalization … consistently favorable operating performance, solid competitive position … risk management culture characterized by conservatism regarding most significant risks and efficient execution of operating fundamentals."

"Consistency in performance and constancy in our service to policyholders – those are the hallmarks of Ohio National," O'Maley said. "Those traits have carried us for our first century and put us in a great position for our second."

In addition to the ratings reaffirmations, Ohio National was recognized among the Top 50 Performing Insurance Companies in July 2009 by the Ward Group, which analyzes the financial performance of more than 800 life and health insurance companies every year. Each "Ward's 50" company must pass all safety and consistency screens and achieve superior performance over a five-year period to qualify for this elite group.

Investing In Community
Business success depends in part on a supportive community, and anniversaries are a time for gifts. Ohio National is recognizing that with a $780,000 donation to Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity, to fund the construction of 10 homes over the next five years, through 2013—one home for each decade of the company's history. It is the largest one-time gift ever made to Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity. Construction began on the first home in May and was completed last month, and the second home is currently under construction.

"Our partnership with Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity is a living representation of Ohio National's tagline, 'Life Changes. We'll be there,'" said O'Maley.

All information according to reports published on www.moodys.com/insurance, www.standardandpoors.com and www.ambest.com

Ohio National has received high marks for financial strength and claims paying ability from major rating agencies; however, such ratings do not refer to the performance of our variable accounts nor imply approval of our variable contracts or their portfolios.