Biz Buzz

Soaring Possibilities. American Airlines, the largest private employer in Tulsa, donated one of its MD-80 aircraft to Tulsa Tech. The plane will provide students in the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program with an opportunity to gain practical experience by working on a commercial aircraft.

Tulsa Tech offers a cutting-edge, FAA-approved curriculum to train certified technicians who can repair, maintain and inspect aircraft. The donated MD-80 will provide students with hands-on experience as they hone their newly acquired skills.

Gov. Mary Fallin led a special donation ceremony on March 4 at the airline's Tulsa Maintenance & Engineering Base, which employs more than 6,500 people. American's Tulsa base is the world's largest private maintenance facility, providing heavy maintenance work for several fleets.

The retired and now donated MD-80 aircraft began flying for American on Aug. 27, 1985. During its life, the aircraft traveled more than 36 million miles, or roughly 75 trips to the moon and back. If the aircraft had been operated continuously, without stopping, it would have flown for 3,055 days. This is the fourth MD-80 American has donated for educational purposes.

Match Making. Mark Andrus, president and CEO of Expo Square, and Ray Hoyt, interim senior vice president of VisitTulsa have announced the signing of a three-year contract between Breeder's Invitational and Expo Square.

Breeder's Invitational made its debut in Tulsa two years ago when they signed their original three-year contract through 2011. As a result of the show's success in Tulsa, the group elected to sign another three-year contract good through 2014.

Annually, the Breeder's Invitational brings an estimated $3.3 million economic impact during their two-week stay in Tulsa. As a result each three-year contract provides a nearly $10 million economic boost to the regional economy.

The Breeder's Invitational is a nonprofit organization formed to promote and enhance the cutting industry. The 2011 show will be held May 14-28. Visit breedersinvitational.com for more information.

In the Running. Three Tulsa companies have been recognized with a 2011 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

The Persimmon Group is a management consulting firm focusing on individuals and organizations seeking a tailored approach to business growth; Part-Time Pros fill employer needs by linking them with degree-holding individuals; Elote offers healthy, fresh and authentic Mexican food made with local organic ingredients.

In recognizing the Blue Ribbon winners, the U.S. Chamber noted that the 75 co9mpanies being honored work "hard every day to restore job growth and economic prosperity."

These winners are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award reflecting a small business's commitment to its community. Winners are selected through online voting at uschambersummit.com. Voting ends March 11.

Under New Management. The Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden will have a new executive director April 18. Todd Lasseigne comes from Kernersville, N.C., where he has been executive director at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden since 2005. He has a Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University.

The Louisiana native replaces Pat Woodrum, who agreed to serve until someone with a horticulture background and experience in public gardens was needed. Woodrum will remain on the board and actively involved in the garden.