Tag Archives: Ford International Airport

Ford International Airport wins Prestigious Peggy G. Hereford Award from Airports Council International – North America

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From left: ACI-NA Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Committee Chair Heather Shelbrack, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Marketing and Communications Manager Haley Abbas, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Communications and Events Associate Heidi Groenboom and ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. (Photo Courtesy, Airports Council International – North America)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority received the Peggy G. Hereford Award for Overall Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience from the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) at its annual awards, held on Oct. 29 in San Francisco.

Recognized as the highest honor an airport can earn for marketing and communications, the Peggy G. Hereford Award is given to the airport with the most category wins at the Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Awards. Marketing and Communications Manager Haley Abbas and Communications and Events Associate Heidi Groenboom​​​​ were at the event to accept the award, which also recognized first place wins in four categories.

“We are extremely proud ACI-NA has recognized the Airport’s marketing efforts led by Haley and Heidi,” said Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “This award reflects our continued efforts to make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry. 

“From creative advertising, robust public relations and innovative guest experience efforts, our team works to position the Gerald R. Ford International Airport as West Michigan’s gateway to the world. These awards were incredibly competitive, further underscoring the excellent work coming from our dedicated teams.”

This year, nearly 400 entries across 25 categories were submitted to ACI-NA, showcasing the top airports across North America and the efforts of their dedicated airport staff to creatively market, promote and communicate their airport’s customer service capabilities and initiatives.

“We work hard to show the value the Ford International Airport delivers to our community,” Abbas said. “It is incredibly special and humbling to be recognized by our peers for our efforts to enhance our marketing and communications so we can continue to serve our community in an intentional and thoughtful way.

“We also thank our advertising partners at Extra Credit Projects, who have worked alongside us to elevate our brand and provide ongoing creative services.”

In addition to the Peggy G. Hereford Award, the Ford International Airport won individual awards in the following categories:

  • Annual report, recognizing the annual report that best projects a positive image for the airport through well-written and well-organized content, excellent design and well-conceived overall packaging.
  • Print communications, recognizing excellence in brochures and print advertising to highlight a specific event, industry segment or special offer.
  • Community education and outreach, recognizing airports with the most creative and effective community outreach and aviation education programs conducted online, inside or outside the airport.
  • Marketing programs for a small airport, recognizing the airport that best demonstrates how marketing programs help define an airport’s product or service and create a strategy for communicating the message that will produce growth.

Since its formation in 1990, the Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Awards have recognized the quality of work, abundance of talent and creativity within the airport industry’s marketing, communications and customer experience fields.

Ford International Airport welcomes local school choirs for 28th Annual Holiday Music Festival

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A previous Ford Airport Holiday Music Festival. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.

The 28th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place the week of December 2-6 in the Airport Grand Hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run between 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ten West Michigan choirs are scheduled to sing 20-minute sets throughout the day, which includes:

  • Byron Center West Middle School
  • City High Middle School
  • Coit Creative Arts Academy
  • Lee High School
  • Legacy Christian School
  • Ottawa Hills High School
  • South Christian High School
  • West Side Christian School
  • Wyoming High School
  • Zeeland Christian School

“We are thrilled to welcome talented school choirs from across West Michigan to the Airport this holiday season,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “Their performances will fill the Airport with festive melodies, creating a joyful atmosphere for our guests, partners and staff.”

All festival performances are free and open to the public. The schedule of performances can be found at FlyFord.org.

A previous Ford Airport Holiday Music Festival. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)

Ford Airport celebrates completion of $8.5 Million snow removal equipment building expansion

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Ford Airport Snow Removal Building Expansion. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority has completed its $8.5 million snow removal equipment building expansion, adding over 60,000 square feet for a total facility size of more than 117,500 square feet. This expansion will support the airport in accommodating increasing passenger demand and aircraft operations while ensuring safe, efficient air travel during the winter season.

“Today marks a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and safety,” said Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “This expanded facility further equips our Airfield Maintenance team with the resources needed to keep our runways clear and operational in winter conditions, enhancing our ability to provide world-class service to our guests and community.”



Ford Airport Snow Removal Building Expansion. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



The newly expanded building consolidates all snow removal equipment in a state-of-the-art facility designed to protect it from the elements, thereby extending its operational lifespan. It will house the Airport Authority’s Airfield Maintenance team, known nationally for their innovative snow removal techniques, and store over 45 specialized vehicles, including snowplows that can quickly clear runways.

The project received support from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which authorized up to $108 billion for public transportation—the largest federal investment in public transportation in U.S. history.

“West Michiganders are no strangers to snow, and when it coats our runways, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous,” said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “As more flights take off from Gerald R. Ford International Airport, we need reliable snow removal equipment – and you can’t have reliable equipment without protecting it against the elements.

“I’m thrilled that this winter, GRR will be able to utilize the brand-new snow removal equipment building – funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – to keep our taxiways ready for whatever this winter brings.”

During snow events, the Airfield Maintenance team can deploy multiple trucks to swiftly clear runways, maintaining safe conditions for all aircraft operations. The expanded facility ensures that this essential equipment remains in optimal condition, ready for immediate response.

The expansion supported 130 trade jobs during construction. FCC Construction, Inc. led the construction efforts, with design and construction administration support from DLZ and C&S Companies.

Ford International Airport to open Bell’s Brewery location

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Ford International Airport to open a Bell’s Brewery this winter. (Rendering Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Gerald R. Ford International Airport, in partnership with HMSHost, is set to open a Bell’s Brewery location on Concourse B this winter.

“Since opening in 1985, Bell’s Brewery has been a beloved staple in our community,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “With an average of 10,000 passengers coming through our terminal daily—some of whom are first-time visitors to West Michigan—we are excited to showcase the vibrant local flavors of our region and hope all our travelers can enjoy the diverse options available to them.”

Restaurateur HMSHost, part of leading global travel experience player Avolta, operates more than 1,000 dining venues across North America, including partnerships with local businesses and brands to elevate travel venues and introduce regional culinary expertise to a global audience. The Bell’s Brewery location will feature classic favorites such as Oberon Ale and Two Hearted IPA, along with seasonal offerings and a menu of small bites and snacks.

“We are proud to partner with Ford International Airport and Bell’s Brewery to expand the concessions program and to bring a taste of place to the concourse through a dining venue inspired by a beloved, locally born brand,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Bryan Loden. “Bell’s Tap and Table will make a traveler’s journey through the airport all the more exciting by offering great beer, delicious food and excellent hospitality.”

“Bell’s is proud of our Michigan-based roots and we’ve loved being able to bring exceptional craft beer to our communities for nearly four decades. Through this partnership, Michiganders on the west side of the state can now experience Bell’s at new occasions,” said Bell’s Executive Vice President Carrie Yunker.


Ford International Airport to open a Bell’s Brewery this winter. (Rendering Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



Ford International Airport and HMSHost continue to offer a variety of restaurants, shops and amenities, including Founders, Firehouse Subs, INK by Hudson, Starbucks and more. For more information about the amenities offered at the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org/amenities.