Each month we send 527 people (as of today) a synopsis of what is happening at the airport. We try to be concise but informative. But sometimes we need space to dig in a little deeper on issues surrounding projects, funding, or general aviation news and how it may affect us all.

 

Here in the office, we'll take turns sharing relevant information in this welcome article.

 

We'll spend the first few months introducing ourselves to those we haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting in person.

 

October also marks my  9th year in the world of aviation. I graduated from the University of Texas (HOOK 'EM!) in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Business Foundations. I spent the first two years post-graduation learning valuable skills in project and property management at Lake Austin Marina.

 

In 2010, I walked into the old airport management office located in Berry's FBO building not really knowing anything about aviation or airports. Thankfully I was surrounded by a team that knew more about aviation than I could ever hope to learn.

 

I started by answering phones, doing the books, helping tenants with property needs, and slogging through 20+ years' worth of lease documents.

 

Over the past eight years, as our team has grown, I've been able to narrow my focus to leasing, business development, and marketing. However, being part of a small team means you'll still hear my voice over the radio doing FOD checks every week.

 

This month I'm excited to share with you the results of TxDOT Aviation's Economic Impact Study, which you'll find below. We know the improvements and the growth of the airport have had a ripple effect throughout the entire region and this study helps quantify what that means.

 

Thank you to all our tenants who submitted surveys and answered interview questions to assist in making the results of this study as accurate as possible.

 

As you read, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Chances are, you're not the only one and it helps us to better address concerns and clarify the information in the next newsletter.

 

Happy flying,

Cassidy Berenato 

Director of Marketing and Business Development

The City of San Marcos Transportation Department continues improvements to Airport Drive near Berry Aviation.  The work has been delayed due to weather, but is expected to be completed soon.   

 

According to a Texas Aviation Economic Impact Study commissioned by the Texas Department of Transportation's Aviation Division (TxDOT), the contribution to the local economy from San Marcos Regional Airport has increased dramatically over the past eight years.

 

The study, which is used to measure the economic benefits provided by the state's airport system, examined both direct and secondary impacts attributed to airport-related activity. Direct impacts account for activities by on-airport businesses and government agencies and the off-airport visitor spending at locations like hotels and restaurants. Secondary and multiplier impacts occur when companies incur business expenses and from the recirculation of direct impacts within the boundaries of the economic region.

 

Compared to a similar study done by TxDOT in 2010, San Marcos Regional total economic output has increased from $44.9M to $82.1M - an 82% increase. The upward trend is echoed in the airport's revenues which have increased from $293,000 in FY 2011 to $604,000 in FY 2018 - a 106% increase.

 

Additionally, the study found that out of the 264 non-commercial service airports in Texas, San Marcos ranks 16th for economic output. 

 

The study does not include revenue the City of San Marcos and Caldwell County receive from property taxes - another component the city will consider when updating the Airport Master Plan.

 

The Master Plan project, which began on Wednesday October 24, will look at long-term airport use, anticipated projects, and funding needs over the next 5-10 years.

 

More information about the study can be found on TxDOT's website. To view our press release regarding the study click here. 

To learn more, or be added to the newsletter list, email Gary White.