Columbia Regional Airport (COU) manager Michael Parks remains optimistic about twice-daily service between COU and Charlotte. Mr. Parks and Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) vice president Bernie Andrews joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable." Mr. Parks tells listeners that the grant from the U-S Department of Transportation is still active. He's also excited about the recent opening of the Tailwinds market in COU's $23-million new terminal. The market is aimed at providing travelers with upgraded food and beverage choices when they fly out of Columbia. Mr. Parks also tells listeners that COU has a great relationship with Fort Worth-based American Airlines. He says American recently invited him and others from COU to their massive campus headquarters in Fort Worth. Mr. Parks says American is working to lower airline ticket prices in Columbia to make them more comparable to St. Louis Lambert. Mr. Parry and Mr. Andrews also discussed Friday's upcoming National Manufacturing Day and the importance of manufacturing in Columbia/Boone County. Mr. Andrews tells listeners that Boone County has about 5,000 manufacturing jobs, which is about five percent of the local workforce. He says that's up about 1,500 from a decade ago. Mr. Andrews tells listeners that the average wage for those jobs is about $60,800:

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