About the Guest:

Chris Stipo is the Operations Manager at Tri Cities Airport, where he is responsible for airfield compliance, wildlife management, snow removal, and future development planning. With a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management from Jacksonville University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Chris has a diverse background in the aviation industry, having previously worked in various roles in airports across San Antonio, Asheville, and Cincinnati before bringing his expertise to the Tri Cities region.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Season Three of Meet Me in Tennessee, where hosts Lara Potter and Jenna Lafever introduce Chris Stipo, the Operations Manager at Tri Cities Airport. Broadcasting from Maypop Studio in the vibrant city of Johnson City, TN, this episode takes a deep dive into the intricacies of airport management and the pivotal role regional airports play in community development and connectivity.

In this episode, Chris Stipo shares details about his journey through the aviation industry, highlighting his extensive experience in airport operations and his focus on maintaining airfield compliance. The conversation moves through discussions of future expansions and improvements at Tri Cities Airport, including efforts to increase local flight options, attract new airlines, and enhance overall passenger experience. Chris also reflects on the various wildlife management challenges and unique arrivals, such as Michael Jordan's private jet, that make working at a smaller airport both fascinating and complex.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Impact: The success of regional airports like Tri Cities significantly impacts local business growth and accessibility.
• Operational Duties: Chris Stipo elaborates on his vast responsibilities, from airfield compliance to wildlife management and future expansion planning.
• Convenience and Growth: Tri Cities Airport offers ease of access that larger airports can't match, emphasizing the importance of local support to enhance flight options and services.
• Future Prospects: Ongoing plans for airport expansion, including additional parking and the potential for new flight routes like Chicago, hinge on community engagement and demand.
• Local Pride: Chris highlights the importance of local eateries and businesses, such as Phil's Dream Pit and Pals, which contribute to the unique charm and appeal of the Tri Cities region.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The success of Tri Cities Airport is deeply linked to how well the community utilizes and supports it." — Chris Stipo
2. "In aviation, moving up often means moving across states; I've gained invaluable experience through various roles from San Antonio to Cincinnati." — Chris Stipo
3. "We are striving to bring new airlines and expand our services, banking heavily on community efforts and support." — Chris Stipo
4. "The ease of flying out of Tri Cities Airport is unmatched; from parking to boarding, it's designed to be stress-free for travelers." — Lara Potter
5. "Our close-knit team here ensures any issue, be it a passenger's misplace bag or runway wildlife, is promptly and effectively addressed." — Chris Stipo

Resources:

• Tri Cities Airport: Official Website
• Visit northeasttennessee.org
• Phil's Dream Pit: Authentic BBQ spot near Gray, highly recommended by Chris Stipo.
• Pals: Iconic fast-food chain in the Tri Cities region, a favorite among locals and visitors.
• Northeast State Aviation Technology: Offers maintenance programs beneficial to regional aviation growth.

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Meet Me in Tennessee, where we bring you closer to the heart of the Volunteer State, one story at a time. Don't forget to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform and share your Tennessee stories using the hashtag #MeetMeInTNA.