Bamberg, South Carolina (February 2022) –Joey R. Preston, Bamberg County Administrator, was invited to participate in the "Why More Hangars" panel discussion at the 2022 South Carolina Aviation Association Conference, the state's only affiliated group for aviation professionals and enthusiasts, on Friday, Feb. 18 in Myrtle Beach.

By participating in the keynote panel, Preston, who also serves as county airport manager, addressed several hundred representatives from businesses, municipalities, and counties around the Southeast. His remarks urged more investment in county aviation operations, as well as better cooperation between the county governments and state legislators and neighboring counties to promote economic development and to strengthen transportation infrastructure.

Specifically, Preston underscored the correlation between connectivity, government, and economic growth that Bamberg County Airport generates, where a number of high-profile improvements have occurred in recent years with federal and state financial resources.

Following today’s conference, Preston stated, "This conference brings together the state's top aviation leaders and influencers to discuss how we can work together to combat threats to the traveling public. Airports in South Carolina support the state’s economy and are themselves economic generators. Residents, businesses, and visitors also rely on the airport system for health, welfare and safety needs.

I am honored to have been invited by Terry Connorton, President of the South Carolina Aviation Association, to participate in this panel discussion and to share news of the revitalization of Bamberg County’s aviation operations."

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