Three days after observing the conclusion of the first year of AeroKnow Museum operations at Springfield, Illinois’ Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, I’ve concluded that based on the number of volunteer museum site supporters enlisted so far and community-wide support engaged so far, membership in the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is the single-most-essential element likely to ensure growth as we continue in our second year. The most logical way to obtain funding for our first year’s membership as part of the Springfield business community is to seek it from that community. That is why, after talking this morning to Chamber representative Tom Owen I am launching what I believe will be a short but necessary campaign to raise $275.
Tom has agreed to waive the $25 processing fee normally charged to small businesses their first year as members. The fact AeroKnow Museum has no employees (founder/director is a volunteer) played a role in that gift.
Visitors ranging from Civil Air Patrol cadets, University of Illinois School of Aeronautics student pilots, aircraft maintainers, corporate and private pilots, airline pilots and even a three-star general in the United States Air Force over the last year have praised the collection. I’ve asked for formal endorsements from no one. Their words in writing speak for themselves. Word is getting around: AeroKnow Museum is unique. It is an asset to aviation enthusiasts and historians. It is also an asset to Springfield, Illinois.
Six area businesses contributing $50 each could make it happen. One business that contributes $275 will receive visibility of its business name (plus description, phone number and link to its website) at the top of AeroKnow’s website home page.
If you want to support this campaign with a check for all or part of the sum sought, contact Chamber membership sales representative Tom Owen 741-7061 (cell) or call him at his Chamber office: 217-525-1173, extension 230.
To visit AeroKnow Museum, e-mail me: jobconger@eosinc.com
Thanks for your consideration.
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Abe Lincoln's Air Force 