PETAWAWA — Project Runway, the initiative to repave the 5,000-foot runway at the Pembroke & Area Airport, received a significant boost from a new business in town, Roseburg Forest Products. Roseburg, who recently purchased the Pembroke MDF plant, sent the airport a cheque for $10,000 US in support of the campaign.
“Having this airport available to us was a factor in our decision to purchase Pembroke MDF,” said Grady Mulbery, Roseburg President and CEO. “This facility makes business easier for us. It is invaluable to the community and it is our pleasure to be a part of its success.”
Roseburg Forest Products is based out of Springfield, Oregon and has been using the airport frequently. They were recently in town while the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources forest firefighting staff and aircraft were on site, managing forest fires in the area.
“Our MDF plant depends on a consistent fiber supply from area sawmills, so it is essential that those mills have access to timber,” said Mr. Mulbery. “We appreciate the efforts of the forest firefighting team when fires threaten that timber. It’s another value that the airport provides to the community. We hope this donation spurs additional fundraising to support the runway project.”
Roseburg Forest Products became the owner of Pembroke MDF on April 9. During one of their first flights into the Pembroke & Area Airport, their pilots picked up information on the Project Runway campaign and brought it to the company’s attention. The company decided it was a good investment for them not only in business, but also to support Renfrew County from which they draw both suppliers and employees.
“We are really grateful to Roseburg for coming on board with Project Runway,” said Allan Wren, Chair of the Pembroke & Area Airport Commission. “We’re proud to welcome them to our growing list of donors and we look forward to looking after them as they continue to use the Airport for business.”
With the Roseburg Forest Products donation, the total raised for Project Runway is just over $140,000. The Airport needs to raise $1.25 million.
