General aviation helps lift communities to new heights  BY BRENT
KISLING Published: September 29, 2012  Airplanes aren't the
first thing we generally think about when we consider a local
economy. Think again: The network of airplanes and airports in
Oklahoma are crucial connectors for businesses and industries,
helping support area jobs and aiding industries as they expand.
A perfect example is the acquisition of GEFCO, a company based
in Enid, by Astec Industries of Chattanooga, Tenn. GEFCO is a
local company that makes drilling equipment for construction,
water well drilling, mining, and oil and gas production. It's
been a major employer in the area for decades and employs more
than 150 workers.  With this acquisition, Astec Industries plans
to invest millions of dollars in the local facility and double
its workforce. Throughout the process, travel on small aircraft
(also known as general aviation) through the Enid Woodring
Regional Airport was crucial to facilitating this acquisition
and the ultimate expa