LAMA creates new annual award: the Burke Trophy

At its annual LAMA Dinner, the light aircraft industry business organization announced nominations were open for the first annual Lawrence P. Burke Trophy. The Burke Trophy gets its name from Lawrence "Larry" Burke who co-founded the organization in 1982 and nurtured it through the ultralight aircraft phase and into the time of Light-Sport Aircraft. The Burke Trophy is one of two awards LAMA will convey each year to deserving individuals in the industry. LAMA created the President's Award in 1991 to recognize outstanding leaders in the light aircraft community. Every year at AirVenture Oshkosh, LAMA presents the award to a new winner to provide recognition to the people who make the aircraft kits, factory-built aircraft like light-sport aircraft, those who supply products and services for light aviation, and individuals or government personnel who have shown exemplary service to light aviation. LAMA now adds the Burke Trophy. The Lawrence P. Burke trophy will be awarded to the person gaining the most nominations from his or her peers in industry for the greatest achievement in light aviation with respect to improving performance, efficiency, and safety of light aircraft during the preceding year. The Burke Trophy was established in 2008 in honor of Lawrence P. "Larry" Burke in recognition of his commitment to, and leadership of, advances in the sport and recreational aircraft industry. Larry was presented with a handsome, permanent trophy at a special ceremony July 29, 2008 by the LAMA board of directors. After a change in management of LAMA, the organization is now ready to move forward with the first nominations and will award the recipient a plaque at the annual LAMA Dinner occurring at the 2011 Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida. "To nominate a deserving person, any member of the light aircraft industry should provide the name and contact information for that person along with a few statements about why this person deserves the recognition," requested LAMA Chairman of the Board and President, Dan Johnson. "Please send these nominations to LAMA Office Manager Randee Laskewitz at Randee@LAMA.bz or mail them to the LAMA's physical address of 2001 Steamboat Ridge Court; Port Orange FL 32128."