Update on NBAA Giveaway

Oct. 3, 2017
Unfortunately, in 2017 CRS will need to press the pause button on our annual drawing. But we invite you to still come by our booth and share a story, comment or memory about our founder and dear departed friend Armando Leighton Jr.

We were having lunch at a local Sweet Tomatoes when the question of making your presence known during trade shows came up. It was back in 2002 and at that time there was still an annual PAMA event and the NBAA event was the stand alone biggest Business Aviation Industry happening of the year. Corporate Rotable & Supply had already been a long-time exhibiter and supporter for both events.

How can we generate interest, have some fun and give something back to those that helped the company be the success it had become? After both of us enjoyed our specially crafted salads more thought was needed so pouring a coffee the two of us sat back down in our booth or meeting room as we called it. We kicked around some thoughts on what to giveaway and how exactly to do this with each of us having a favorite. So that very first CRS NBAA giveaway we had a Bombardier Seadoo and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle to give away on two successive days at the show.

The CRS Team had a blast with the experience and the attendees that participated that first year took part in what would evolve into an annual event for CRS that lasted until 2016. Over the years there have been many stories shared within our community regarding this annual event. The winners, the losers and the ones who missed the opportunity when their names were called for no good reason at all.

In the years since that very first giveaway at the NBAA and including the PAMA event giveaways, CRS has bought more Harley Davidson motorcycles than most ardent Harley riders. The total stands at 16. The goodwill and fun that we tried to foster and share with the event exceeded our original expectations. Unfortunately, in 2017 CRS will need to press the pause button on our annual drawing.

Honestly, we were not even sure that exhibiting at this year’s NBAA in Las Vegas was the right thing for CRS, our Team or the memory of our founder who passed away in March of 2017. After listening to many comments and suggestions from people in our community and the CRS Team; we decided to push through the tragedy we faced earlier this year and meet and greet as many friends and customers as we possibly could during this year’s event.

The CRS annual drawing though was too difficult for me to endure. The decision was made that the idea that was created and grew from that lunch meeting many years ago, into an annual celebration at the NBAA event every year would not take place. Our apologizes for those that have come to expect and be part of our celebration, but we invite you to still come by our booth and share a story, comment or memory about our founder and dear departed friend Armando Leighton Jr.

Sincerely,

Jack Caloras and the CRS Team