I continue to be dumbfounded by the approach the Connecticut casinos are taking towards Atlantic City in their new cooperative advertising campaign, using such terms as "boredwalk" and the Jersey "snore." It is particularly ironic (some would say idiotic) in light of this month's Thunder Over the Boardwalk Air Show. Comparatively speaking there is no comparison between the two destinations; only one of which (AC) is a true destination, but more about that next month. The City of Atlantic City and the Greater Atlantic City Chamber are happy to welcome back nearly 500,000 attendees that have made this the largest single day mid-week air show in the country. (Does Connecticut even have that many people in the state?)

A marquee event of this magnitude is possible only through the cooperative efforts of a large number of individuals, associations, businesses and public entities. I would first like to extend a sincere thank-you to the Borgata Hotel & Casino, our presenting sponsor since the event's inception. Additional thanks and kudos are also due to the City of Atlantic City and their Police, EMTs and Fire Departments, the New Jersey State Police, the United States Coast Guard, the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center, the Atlantic City International Airport, David Schultz Airshows, LLC, the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, and the nearly 400 community members and Greater Atlantic City Chamber members who volunteer countless hours to make this extraordinary event possible.

As always, we are honored to welcome back to our city the breath-taking skills of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the United States Army's Golden Knights, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. We owe a debt of gratitude and thanks to all the members of the armed service with us today for the risk they have taken to make this a great country - this truly is the Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave!

So find yourself a spot along our word-class beach or boardwalk, kick back, and watch the heart-stopping feats, aerobatics maneuvers, formation flying and more. Enjoy the show and all that our wonderful oceanfront community has to offer!

Kenneth J. Calemmo, Jr., Chairman
Greater Atlantic City Chamber

Photo by Alex Anton, Anton Images