Winner Aviation to benefit from new state tax break

VIENNA — A new state tax break will help Winner Aviation expand its operations at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, its owner said.

Gov. Ted Strickland recently signed a bill that eliminates taxes on general aviation repairs and parts sales.

Rick Hale, Winner Aviation owner, said his company now will be able to compete more strongly against repair operations in states such as Michigan and New York that have passed similar tax breaks.

Hale has been working with the Regional Chamber, state Sen. Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd, and state Rep. Sandra Harwood of Niles, D-65th, for more than two years to push for the law change in Ohio.

Winner Aviation draws in planes from throughout the Northeast and Midwest for repair work. Its maintenance operation has nearly $4 million in sales and employs about 40 people.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.