CHARLESTON, SC- The Charleston International Airport (CHS) has been awarded Airports Council International-North America’s prestigious 2020 Inclusion Champion Award for its Specialty Leasing Program, the creation of an ACDBE in-line space at the airport, and Airport Management Internship Program. The ACI-NA Inclusion Champion Awards celebrate the proactive and innovative steps taken by a large, medium and small/non-hub airport(s) and one WBP/ Associate Member company, for their successful leadership and achievement in the inclusion of new diverse business, workforce diversity, outreach and advocacy.
“A diverse mix of businesses and entrepreneurs leads to success not only here at CHS but for our community, state and nation as a whole,” said Airport Director & CEO J. Elliott Summey. “The importance of minority-owned businesses to our nation’s economy cannot be overstated, and as a board and staff we are committed to an intentional approach that ensures equity and inclusion are core to our mission and extend to all levels of the organization.”
In 2018, Charleston International rolled out its kiosk program which gives smaller businesses an opportunity to operate their business in the airport. The short-term leasing program aims to complement existing food, beverage and retail concessions with culturally oriented and regionally unique products and services from small businesses that are “uniquely Charleston.” Charleston native and business owner, Shawnalea Garvin is the airports first inline space minority business owner. As a joint venture partner with Delaware North, she will operate Cinnabon, a branded franchise retail bakery restaurant. The in-line retail store, located on the terminal’s airside, will sell fresh baked goods including the classic glazed, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and frozen drinks. Cinnabon is expected to open by December 2020.
"It's wonderful to see the Airport's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts recognized at the national level. I appreciate ACI-NA highlighting the importance of inclusivity, and I applaud our management team and staff for championing greater integration of minority and women owned businesses into our terminal operations. Knitting inclusion and engagement into the fabric of our organization and living with a commitment to equity for all remain central tenets of CCAA's vision and strategic planning," said Helen Hill, Chairman of CCAA's Board of Directors and CEO of Explore Charleston.
The Airport Management Internship Program began as part of the airport's commitment to cultivate diversity and inclusion in the workplace and develop and recruit top talent. The program provides college students and recent college graduates with opportunities to learn the complex and dynamic profession of airport management. Since 2015, 19 interns have completed the program. Interns have hailed from colleges to include: South Carolina State University, Claflin University, University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Purdue University, Strayer University, Charleston School of Law, Charleston Southern University, The Citadel, and College of the Holy Cross. To date, 71% of participants have been minority students and 57% female students.
“Empowering minority- and women-owned businesses is a part of the good work our airports engage in each year to increase diversity within the aviation industry,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “This year’s Inclusion Champion Award recipients are a strong showing of successful outreach and advocacy to promote business opportunities and develop a workforce that is reflective of the people we serve. We applaud this year’s winners and look forward to continuing this important work for many years to come.”
Other 2020 award recipients include Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and HMSHost Corporation.
Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents commercial service airports in the United States and Canada.
- CHS -