Airport Celebrates Region’s Ties to the German Business Community
TAMPA – On Thursday, November 10, 2011, Tampa International Airport will host a reception for The Honorable Eva Alexandra Countess Kendeffy, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Invited along with Countess Kendeffy are local representatives of the German business community. The reception, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m., is intended to raise awareness of the strong ties that the Tampa Bay area shares with Germany.
A recent study by the Tampa Bay Partnership revealed that 66 of 480 international companies with operations in the region are based in Germany, making Germany the area’s third largest investor nation.
New non-stop service between Tampa and a European city such as Frankfurt, Germany could pump millions of dollars into the Tampa Bay economy.
“The airport has identified Frankfurt, Germany as a top priority in its efforts to bring new nonstop international flights to Tampa. Those flights will make it easier for German companies to do business here,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “Already, we’ve announced nonstop flights to Zurich, Switzerland beginning in May. Those flights will provide easy access to other cities throughout Europe, including Germany.”
In addition to the countess, the airport welcomes Brigadier General Dieter Dammjakob of the German Air Force. The general is currently the Senior National Representative of the German Defense Forces to the U.S. Central Command.
Following a brief program, the reception guests and airport visitors will be treated to a 30 minute performance by German pianist Roswitha Lohmer. The reception and performance will take place in the Main Terminal, Level 3, next to Airside C.
The Aviation Authority began in 1945 as an independent special district governed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Act. The act provides the Authority with exclusive jurisdiction, control, supervision, and management over all public airports in Hillsborough County. Although empowered to levy ad valorem property taxes, the authority has not collected any tax funds since 1973. Recognized as an industry leader in efficiency and convenience, Tampa International Airport continues to earn the most prestigious awards and honors and ranks among the top airports in the United States. With 200 daily departures and service to over 70 nonstop destinations, Tampa International Airport is the Gateway to Florida’s West Coast and your next great vacation.