Pangborn wants San Fran connection

Destination San Francisco nears $400k goal  
 
Port of Chelan news release
Destination San Francisco Bay Area, the Air Service Investment Program to secure a direct flight from Wenatchee’s Pangborn Airport and the San Francisco Bay area, has raised over $231,000 to date, more than half way to the $400,000 goal for regional support. Port of Chelan County Commissioner Donn Etherington stated, “Support has been strong across the region from many businesses, local governments, non-profits and individuals excited to see new air service.”  
The Investment Program shares the financial risk with the airline and shows the region will use the new service. An airline will invest about $8 million to start daily jet service over a two-year period. The community funds will be used as match for a Federal Grant worth $750,000 to share the risk with the airline. “Airlines that see broad support are willing to invest in new air service,” stated Craig Larsen, Business Development Director for the Port of Chelan County. With over 50 entities pledging from four North Central Washington Counties, the region is showing their support.  
Eighty four percent of funds have been pledged by businesses from many industries; Agriculture, Technology, Professional Services, Banking, Real Estate, Marketing, Manufacturing, Insurance, Tourism and Lodging. The effort has also garnered a surprising number of individual pledges of $200 or more. Each pledger has their own reason to pledge; business or family ties to the San Francisco Bay area, flexibility of more connections to the world, increased visitors, supporting new air service for the good of the community. Regardless of their reason, they all understand new air service is good for business, people and growth.  
Financial pledges are critical to receive the full grant amount from the US Department of Transportation. The grant deadline has been extended, so the fundraising continues into June. For more information on Destination San Francisco Bay Area, go to http://www.flywenatchee.com/bay-area-flight or contact Craig Larsen at 509-663-5159 or craig@portofchelancounty.com.