Salina Airport Authority Appoints EDO Board Members

Salina Airport Authority Appoints EDO Board Members

Pete Brungardt and Jeff Thompson Offer Leadership and Experience

Salina, Kan (November 18, 2015) -The Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors appointed Pete Brungardt and Jeff Thompson to the new Salina Community Economic Development Organization (SCEDO). Brungardt and Thompson will provide vital leadership and experience to the new Salina and Saline County economic development organization. The Salina Airport Authority's appointees will join seven other individuals appointed by the City of Salina, Saline County and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. These nine individuals will make up the initial board of directors.

Brungardt served as Chair of the EDO Working Group that recommended the formation of an independent economic development organization for Salina and Saline County. Brungardt served in the Kansas Senate from 2001 to 2013. In the Kansas Senate he held leadership positions, which included Chair of the Federal and State Affairs Committee. Locally, Brungardt served on the Salina City Commission from 1991 to 1999. Prior to his service on the city commission Brungardt served on the Salina Planning Commission.

Thompson is President and CEO of Salina Vortex Corp, a Salina based manufacturing company that conducts business worldwide. Prior to joining Salina Vortex in 2002, Thompson spent 10 years with Koch Industries and was previously with Chrysler Capital Public Finance. Thompson served on numerous local community boards including the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the Stiefel Theater. From 2007 to 2013, Thompson served on the Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors.

Salina Airport Authority Board Chairman, Mike Hoppock stated "Both Brungardt and Thompson understand the need to renew our community's economic development efforts. The new SCEDO will promote and support economic development for all of Salina and Saline County."

The new economic development organization is being established in partnership with the City of Salina, Saline County and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.