* A large turnout of regional leaders attended the meeting on Wednesday at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport with representatives from American Airlines. The opportunity to resume flights to DFW with American Airlines is close at hand.  

We need to make a commitment for a minimum revenue guarantee by the week of September 17 to have flights by February 14.  Otherwise, the planes dedicated to serve our market will be planned for use elsewhere and we will have to wait for later opportunities. The proposal is for 3 to 4 flights per day on 50 passenger jets. American Airlines has a reliability record of completed on time flights in the high 90 percentile. We expect ticket prices slightly above a flight on American Airlines between Houston and Dallas. In addition, American will commit sales personnel to meet with business leaders to offer businesses advantage travel rewards. Data reveals 1600 flights per day in and out of  our market area.  A connection to DFW opens more domestic and international flight options than the Houston Airports.

* Today, the Jefferson County Commissioners Court has an agenda item to discuss their contribution to a minimum revenue guarantee. The City of Beaumont will have a workshop with potential action tomorrow and the Sabine Neches Navigation District will also discuss and take action tomorrow afternoon. Other public entities will follow in the days ahead.

* With respect to private sector contributions, we anticipate approval of a $70,000 commitment tomorrow. Several of you have contacted me to recall what you did with the 2004 Delta Airlines revenue guarantee. I have those records if requested.  Because of the time constraints, it would be great If members would let me know your interest and willingness to participate.

* The Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University Division met on Thursday led by co-chair Dr. Henry Venta. They discussed the potential program of work for the 2012-2013 program year. A budget meeting was also held on Thursday led by Michael Kiefer. The group approved a draft 2012-2013 budget to be presented later in the month to the board of directors.   

If you are interested in having an exhibit table please contact Rene' at rlatiolais@bmtcoc.org. Exhibit tables are $50.

Texas Windstorm Insurance Quick Facts:

Because insurers have increased their withdrawal of their products from Coastal Counties at an exponential rate, TWIA has grown from the year 2000 to 2011, as follows:

Number of TWIA policies has increased 337%, from 76,000 to 256,000;

TWIA Insurance in force has increased under those policies 594%, from $11.9 billion to $71.7 billion;

Premiums paid by policyholders to TWIA has increased 910% , from $44.5 million to $403.7 million.