From the LVRJ editorial: Too much federal belt-tightening has focused on making the public feel unnecessary pain. Take the Aviation Nation air show at Nellis Air Force Base. The 2012 show attracted 135,000 attendees, making it the largest free-admission public event in the state while generating about $19.2 million in economic activity.
Because of the sequester, November’s show has been scrapped. Such an event screams out for private-sector support. How many companies or organizations would like to get their names in front of 135,000 potential customers, or share in a slice of a $19 million pie in this economy?
Unfortunately, the military has rules against accepting donations or entering corporate sponsorships.
Last week, Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., pushed the Air Force to relax its rules restricting private contributions and corporate sponsorships. Doing so could allow base commanders to continue putting on public events such as air shows and open houses. In response to $14 billion in budget reductions, the Air Force has grounded such events around the country.
But that need not be the case if Rep. Heck’s sound advice is followed, and he’s prepared to sponsor a bill if necessary to carry out the change.
There is no doubt Washington needs to cut spending — the national debt is approaching $17 trillion, and this year’s budget deficit is projected to be more than $600 billion. The Defense Department can’t be spared from the knife. Taxpayer-funded air shows, while enjoyed by a lot of people, hardly qualify as an essential function of the military.
But air shows and open houses do qualify as excellent generators of community good will. Cancellations of such events, Rep. Heck said, not only hurt local economies, but also keep the Air Force from cashing in on that good will.
Letting the private sector pick up the tab for these events through donations and sponsorships, and allowing those donors and sponsors to market themselves in the process, is a reasonable course that’s good for everybody involved. Many businesses doubtless would be willing to help — including the Review-Journal... http://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/editorials/air-show-sponsorships
There is no reason why a company or individual cannot sponsor air shows or help reimburse the military for their expenses, if there are protections to prevent corruption/bribes.
Hell, maybe they can even have a company sponsor an individual plane, just like NASCAR, like the Home Depot Thunderbird plane #5
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