MOUNT VERNON — Knox County officially welcomed a new chapter in its aviation history Saturday with the dedication of the Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center.
The center includes a hangar and classroom facility at the Knox County Regional Airport that has been years in the making.
The ceremony attracted state and local officials, educators, students, veterans’ groups and community donors to celebrate a project that leaders described as far more than a building.
“We gather here today not just to celebrate what has been built, but for what it will create: real opportunity for the thousands of young people in elementary school through college, living right here in Knox and adjacent counties,” said Joe Ziegman, chair of the Knox County Regional Airport Authority.
“In this mostly rural area, this facility offers a rare pathway into the exciting world of aviation … and the chance to dream big into the beyond for future generations.”
Becker Mining Systems, the center’s signature sponsor, joined Heartland Commerce Park in October 2025.
President and CEO Greg Sanders said although a ribbon cutting is often seen as the end of a construction project, he sees it differently.
“Today marks the beginning of a long-term commitment that Becker Mining Systems has made to this community,” he said. “We didn’t simply choose a location. We were choosing a community.”
A 20-year vision lands in Knox County
Sanders told the crowd his search for a U.S. expansion site spanned a list of contenders before he selected Knox County. Contenders included Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
The deciding factor, he said, wasn’t financial incentives but the character of local leadership.
“The first question wasn’t how much money I was willing to pay for the facility; that wasn’t the focus,” Sanders said. “It was, ‘How will you impact our community?’ You should be proud — you have people who really care and work really hard on your behalf.”
Sanders said over the past year, the community confirmed Becker made the right decision.
“This is more than a building. This is an investment of Becker Mining Systems and your locality for future generations,” he said.
“We were looking for people who shared our values. Shared our values of hard work, integrity, innovation, and a belief that investing in people creates lasting success.”
Greg Sanders, President and CEO of Becker Mining systems
“Some young person will walk through these doors and discover a passion for aviation. Another may be become an engineer, a mechanic, a technician, a business leader.
“If this facility inspires even one student to dream bigger and pursue a career they otherwise may have never considered, then the investment has already been worthwhile.”
Sanders told youngsters in the audience that their future is full of possibilities.
“We hope the facility opens its doors and leads to an exciting career and meaningful lives for you. We’re celebrating the beginning of a partnership that we hope will last for generations,” he said.
Built debt-free with community support
According to Chris Cordle, the Aviation Education Center’s fundraising chair and airport board chair emeritus, the project began as an Ohio capital budget initiative. Just over $1 million across two budget cycles covered construction of the hangar itself.
When organizers realized a classroom addition for Ohio State University programming would cost an additional $650,000, the community raised roughly $700,000 to build and equip the classrooms.
“We are debt free. The whole thing is paid for,” Cordle said.
“A key to that is Greg Sanders and Becker. As he just described, they saw the vision and they want to be in the community. This was a perfect match. So, thank you again.”
The board named the center’s four classrooms in honor of Ohio aviation pioneers: the Wright brothers, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn and Geraldine “Jerry” Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world.
The Mark Ramser family, Parrish O’Neill and Associates Insurance, Knox County Foundation and Ariel Corp. sponsored the naming rights.
In a historical footnote, Parrish O’Neill had insured Mock’s aircraft during her famous 1964 flight.
Following the ceremony, Mock (aka living history re-enactor Susan Kahrl) visited the room named in her honor.
Local and state leaders praise partnership
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr issued a proclamation marking the occasion and called for the facility and the airport to be thought of on a larger scale.
“People typically call it the Knox County Airport, but we need to rebrand this as the Knox County Regional Airport,” Starr said.
State Sen. Andrew Brenner thanked the community, businesses and donors for believing in the students and investing in workforce development, which he said is vitally important for the state of Ohio.
“May this building inspire generations of young children and youth to dream big and work hard and reach new heights,” he said.
State Rep. Mark Hiner said the center reflects “what can happen when businesses, educators and community leaders come together with a shared vision.”
Knox County Career Center Superintendent Kathy Greenich agreed.
“With high tech training and the future-focused skills they need, Knox County’s dedication to collaboration is unparalleled,” she said.
County Commissioner Barry Lester thanked the various organizational boards involved in the project.
“I know they have future plans, which is even more exciting as we go on,” he said.
Commissioner Drenda Keesee recognized the volunteer airport board members for their work advancing the project. She presented a resolution and medallions in their honor.
Keesee said the training rooms remind the community of the roles Ohioans played in aviation and space.
“These leaders pave the way in flight and space and we endeavor to follow their heroic example by raising future outstanding leaders in aviation and business as they receive training right here,” she said.
Looking ahead
Speakers repeatedly returned to the center’s purpose: preparing the next generation for careers in aviation, engineering and skilled trades. The facility will host Civil Air Patrol activities, school partnerships and youth programs, including 4-H and Scouting groups.
“This center will be a place where students discover new possibilities, where hands-on learning inspires careers and where the next generation of pilots, mechanics, engineers and aviation professionals can gain the skills they need to succeed,” Hiner said.
“May this hangar be a place where dreams take flight, innovation thrives and opportunity continues to soar for generations to come.”
Following the ribbon cutting, the Civil Air Patrol held change-in-command and name-change ceremonies.
(Below are Cheryl Splain’s photos from the event.)
