February 09, 2005

Dennis Burks Named Chairman of ASAP21 Board of Directors

DENNIS BURKS NAMED CHAIRMAN
OF ASAP21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS


    SAN DIEGO, Calif. ? (February 9, 2005) ? Dennis Burks, principal of Burks & Associates, has been appointed chairman of the board of directors for the Alliance in Support of Airport Progress in the 21st Century (ASAP21). The ASAP21 board leads a broad-based, inclusive group of stakeholders from throughout San Diego County. This advocacy group seeks to develop a world-class, 21st Century, environmentally sound international airport benefiting the economy and quality of life of San Diego County and its citizens. Burks replaces Ray Robbins as chairman. John Chalker, a founding member of the ASAP21, will remain on the board as president.
    Burks is a 38-year veteran of the tourism industry. His most recent assignment was Executive Vice President and General Manager of SeaWorld San Diego where he lead a team of 4,200 employees, oversaw an animal collection in excess of 20,000 and was responsible for insuring that the millions of visiting guests received the amazing educational and entertaining experience for which SeaWorld is famous. Burks came to SeaWorld in February 2001 from Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) headquarters in St. Louis. There he was vice president, food service managing all food operations for the corporation?s nine theme parks.
He is now the principal of Burks & Associates, consulting to the tourism / hospitality industry and the general business community.
Burks holds a bachelor?s degree in General Management from The University of Georgia. He currently sits on the board of directors the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, the San Diego Maritime Museum , Fleet Week and the John Brockington Foundation. He is also on the Holiday Bowl Committee and a member of Rotary Club 33.
Burks is married with two children and lives in the Carmel Valley neighborhood of San Diego.
About ASAP21
ASAP21 is an acronym for The Alliance in Support of Airport Progress in the 21st Century. More broadly, ASAP21 stands for vision, forward thinking and civil discourse on a potentially contentious issue ? San Diego?s future airport. ASAP21 is abroad-based umbrella organization committed to developing a world-class, environmentally sound international airport in San Diego County by the year 2020. ASAP 21 believes it is critical to build a large group of diverse stakeholders, from throughout the County, who are committed to ensure San Diego's economic future by constructing a new airport.
Note to editors: A photo of Dennis Burks is available at ?www.mjemarketing.com/ASAP21/DennisBurks.JPG

Last Updated: April 12, 2005

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