TAMPA — Two aviation professionals — Vic Slater of Bloomin' Brands and Daniel Slapo of ExecuJet Charter Service — were given the Silk Scarf Award for their contributions to the local aviation community.
The businessmen were honored for starting the Tampa Bay area's first aviation group for professionals several years ago, says a press release from the National Business Aviation Association.
Slater, director of flight operations at Bloomin' Brands, and Slapo, a flight coordinator at ExecuJet, along with friends, formed the Tampa Bay Aviation Association, part of the National Business Aviation Association. Slater is president and and Slapo is treasurer/secretary of the group.
The Tampa group's mission is to promote and enhance business aviation with an emphasis on safety, security, operational effectiveness, community relations, environmental, educational and charitable concerns. TBBA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Slater and Slapo will be inducted into the NBAA Order of the Silk Scarf. Entry to the order is awarded for diligence, industry and persistence in nurturing, improving and enjoying aviation, says the release. In the past, wearing of the scarf signified membership in an elite fellowship of aviation.