Trustees said they remain committed to the mission of the organization, chartered by Congress in 1964 to honor U.S. aviation and space pioneers. Despite the congressional charter, the hall receives no federal funding. Trustees are looking for new donors.
“It’s been a challenge, that’s for sure,” said Alan Hoeweler, the president and vice chairman of the 22-member board (there is no chairman, at the moment).
“Needs are up, dollars are down,” said Ann Johnson, director of the Center for Nonprofit Management, Opus College of Business, at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. “There’s no question that nonprofits, just like all sectors, are feeling the push from the economy.”
Despite being a nonprofit, the National Aviation Hall of Fame is a showcase for aerospace companies and related businesses, attracting corporate sponsorships and drawing executives to the black-tie, enshrinement dinner dubbed the “Oscars Night of Aviation.”
The all-volunteer board quickly abandoned plans to try to arrange the July 16-17 enshrinement activities, and brought back former executive director Ron Kaplan. By then, Kaplan had to get caught up in the preparations for the weekend activities, which cost about $300,000 to put on.
It served as a business lesson. The board realized that it needed Kaplan’s experience and marketing savvy.
The disruption also underscored the need for the board to raise money to support a staff that can administer the enshrinement event, a high-visibility event in the aviation world, said Hoeweler, a Cincinnati businessman.
On Friday, July 2, the aviation hall added a high-profile member to its board in Phil Boyer, retired president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and a former ABC television executive.
About the Author