A former Marine, Davidson got right to the point.

Chris Davidson, the manager of the Sumner County Regional Airport, was the guest speaker at the Gallatin Rotary Club’s meeting on April 25.

“The most important thing I want to convey,” Davidson said, “is perceptions. Here is what airport perceptions is: it’s a playground for the rich — and I cannot tell you how farther from the truth that is. What we really are is an economic powerhouse. When I tell you about how much money we drive to Sumner County and Gallatin and that other city we don’t talk about, it’s staggering.”

He then presented charts and stuff and yeah, it was quite impressive. And they’re not done. He said there is $7.2 million in expansions underway.

“What we’re doing for you is growing,” Davidson said adding the airport changed their designation, which, he said, “It tells pilots that we can handle large aircraft.” He later said they can handle planes that hold up to 80 people.

“We have a great fixed base operator that has operations in several different states,” Davidson said. “If you ever come out to my airport — and I encourage you to — come have a cookie, some popcorn, sodas; have a picnic right there on the runway, well, just adjacent to it — not ON the runway — but we’ve really cultivated a great ‘home’ atmosphere.”

Davidson talked about how the move of Airport Road will allow them to build nearly 40 new buildings and that there is a waiting list for them.

“We have a 6,300 foot runway,” he said. “We’re larger than almost any other airport in the region (except for Nashville and Smyrna).”

Davidson later talked about the proximity of the aprons to the runway and said, “We are a hot commodity…people want to come to our airport.”

Mr. Davidson is very passionate about what he does, and he was a great guest speaker.

To hear his full presentation, click on the audio link below.

As always, our club made a donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank “Backpack” program in his honor to thank him for his visit.