Rockford's International Terminal Renamed to Honor Congressman Manzullo

ROCKFORD - If it weren't for former Congressman Donald Manzullo, Chicago Rockford International Airport wouldn't have the name "international" in it.  So on Tuesday night, Rockford's airport authority honored Manzullo for his 20 years of service to the Rockford area by naming the airport's international arrivals gate after him. 

"I've always believed that improving this airport is one of the keys to core economic development in Northern Illinois," said Manzullo.

The former representative was helpful in the reintroduction of passenger air service to Rockford's airport in 2003 with the debut of TransMeridian Airlines service to Orlando and Las Vegas.  But Manzullo's real contribution to the airport wouldn't come until 2004, when the former representative secured Rockford's status as an international port of call - making it the only other airport in Illinois, beside O'Hare and Midway, to be able to handle international flights.

"Since then we've had thousands and thousands of international passengers arrive Rockford through that international gate," said Mike Dunn, airport director.

Dunn mentioned the throngs of people, sometimes famous - like the Ryder Cup players or even Oprah Winfrey, that have flown in and out of the airport's international gate.  Immortalizing the man that made it happen, for Dunn seemed to be a no-brainer.

"We thought, you know, this was his building, he's the guy that brought this building to us," said Dunn.  "So why not do that for him."

Manzullo and Dunn have a long history working together.  Having represented the Stateline for 20 years, Manzullo has a long history with Rockford period and putting the Rockford area first when legislating in Washington.  Similar representation is a concern many have in Rockford with the new legislative districts splitting the city of Rockford almost in half.  Chicago-Rockford International airport is located in both districts too.

"Congresswoman Bustos has been here repeatedly, many times and has made it very clear to us that anything we need she will be there to help with," said Dunn.

Economic development was Manzullo's aim with investment in Rockford's airport.  South Korea is Manzullo's next focus as he continues his work in the private sector for the Korea Economic Institute.  His job as the company's president and CEO will involve him talking trade, which he hopes will bring more economic benefit to the Rockford region. 

Being honored at the airport on Tuesday night was "pretty humbling" for the former congressman.  Manzullo will be even more humbled when the international gate named after him may hold flights for three new destinations says Dunn.  The potential international flights won't come to Rockford though until 2014.