Saying "this place seems like a member of my family," U.S. Senator George Voinovich returned to The Base to get an update on the progress since privatization-in-place. This was his fourth visit to the Base during his tenure as Governor and Senator. The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority hosted his visit which included tours of the AWACS-ESM and circuit card areas of Boeing - Heath's operation and a review of Bionetics' Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory. He also held a debriefing with members of the media afterward.

Voinovich remarked on the success of privatization, noting the unique things he found here. He emphasized the continued message, since BRAC, that this work is not something that can be easily duplicated and taken elsewhere. He called the facility "a gem."

Port Authority Director Rick Platt remarked how the Senator's visit raises the profile of COATC in a positive, productive way. "The Senator's visit has a ripple affect across the facility like a pebble across a pond," Platt said. "It's a boost to the workforce, a boost to our local efforts, and an increase to awareness within the government customer and corporate ladders as well."

Base TV captured portions of the press conference.

The Port Authority's invitation was part of its ongoing caucus-building strategy aimed at increasing knowledge among federal, state, and local officials about the value and impact of the COATC.

News Clips
5/8/2007 The Advocate: Voinovich
5/7/2007 WCLT: Ohio Senator Remarks
5/7/2007 WNKO: U.S. Senator in Heath
HNLCPA.com: October 2002 Visit Recap