Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois: Doug Kimmel

In this episode of Small Town Big Business, we’re joined by Doug Kimmel, Airport Director at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, for an in-depth look at how a small-town airport plays a big role in regional connectivity, economic development, and military legacy.Doug shares the story of how the airport evolved from its roots as a flying service operated by Fred Valentin in the 1930s to a modern regional hub serving thousands of passengers annually. He discusses his own journey from Carbondale to managing an airport with growing traffic, new facilities, and a deep commitment to the community.