![\"IMG_GSE_MHK_spotlight-2\"](\"https:\/\/www.envoyair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/IMG_GSE_MHK_spotlight-2.jpg\" "\\"Manhattan")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In 1953, the Manhattan Municipal Airport began service for commercial flight operations. The current terminal opened in 1997 when it became Manhattan Regional Airport.<\/p>\n
Today, all five daily flights at MHK are operated by Envoy as American Eagle.\u00a0Mostly Embraer 145 regional jets fly in and out from Chicago O\u2019Hare International and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airports.<\/p>\n
MHK\u2019s most frequent flyers include military members from Fort Riley and students from Kansas State University (KSU). The growing demand for travel in the area made a\u00a0recent three-year $15.8 million expansion project at MHK necessary.<\/p>\n
The project included adding two jet bridges, a baggage carousel and rental car kiosks. Also, the updated architecture features large windows and an open design to maximize the amount of natural light flowing through the terminal.<\/p>\n On January 26, members of the press, sponsors, American Airlines representatives and city officials, including Mayor Usha Reddi, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the project\u2019s final phase.<\/p>\n Envoy station agents were also in attendance to share in the celebration, as a substantial part of MHK\u2019s success comes from the friendly and efficient service Laurel\u2019s team provides on a daily basis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lead Station Agent Brennan Walter says that his work ethic is the result of a synergy running through him and his team members. The 25-year-old KSU alumnus attributes the station\u2019s success (MHK won American\u2019s Customer Cup in Third-Quarter 2015) to the familiarity of the operation and friends in Envoy blue.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact that we are cross-trained in the operation is really great,\u201d says Brennan. \u201cWorking outside, working at the ticket counter or the gate \u2013 they\u2019re very different jobs. I really think that really helps the team mentality by working together to get the flight out on time.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2016, Brennan won a President\u2019s Award, which recognizes Envoy employees that go above and beyond consistently. Brennan, who is Laurel\u2019s right-hand man, says that Laurel nominated him for the award for his commitment to the airport and the operation.<\/p>\n Brennan would regularly visit KSU to help orientate international students to the airport. He gave tips on choosing flights, checking luggage, safely packing carry-ons and making their flights on time.<\/p>\n This is just a small part of the infectious go-getter attitude that permeates MHK. Brennan says that everyone working toward a common goal helps keep people on the same page.<\/p>\n Yet, the comradery doesn\u2019t solely exist within the limestone walls and multi-paned windows of MHK, it spreads across the world. Brennan and the other station agents often take trips to the far reaches of the world \u2013most recently Iceland<\/a>, Morocco and Germany \u2013 using their travel privileges to their fullest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of these world-traveling jetsetters is Matt Eakes, an Envoy station agent for 3 years. He\u2019s a Kansas native, former KSU student and one day aspires to take on the general manager role at the station.<\/p>\n Laurel, the current general manager, says that Matt has the right drive, tools and leadership qualities to take on that position. Matt has already been handed the responsibility of training the newcomers, which he does with confidence.<\/p>\n On the ramp, a jet from Chicago O\u2019Hare has just arrived and it\u2019s time for Matt\u2019s crew to turn the plane. Like a basketball coach, Matt directs the trainees where to go, what to do and what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n But, Matt doesn\u2019t sit on the sidelines; he\u2019s out on the floor. He lifts bags and drives carts with genuine joy and a smile on his face.<\/p>\n Matt\u2019s swagger comes from the trust Laurel has in him and the rest of her team. She says that the ability to extract a person\u2019s best effort comes from experience working with the military.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When people think of military leadership, most think about strict orders handed down from a screaming drill sergeant. Flip that image on its head and you\u2019ll find a leader like Laurel.<\/p>\n She learned through her military experience that she had the ability to help people focus. By knowing what it was they wanted to achieve, Laurel helped them keep their eye on the prize.<\/p>\n With her station agents at MHK, Laurel uses that same ability to help her employees succeed on a daily basis.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is the best,\u201d says trainee Tashae Caddle . \u201cIf I\u2019m feeling down or don\u2019t know what to do, I\u2019ll talk to Laurel and she always makes me feel like everything\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nRight-hand man<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAll that swagger<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nFeels like family<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/h3>\n