I heard some disturbing news today about government waste involving the FAA. Most people don’t even know that they own a resort. I happen to notice this facility just the other day when I was driving passed it. I thought to myself, why would the FAA (a government agency) own a resort property? I called them and there is no misunderstanding, they own the resort. I guess this is a step up from the insurance company executives going on high priced weekend retreats. In this case, the government built their own Florida resort with all the amenities of a hotel. It even has its own TV studio and boasts 200 private suites with flat screen TV’s and housekeeping. Watch the video below from their website. Watch to the end and you will see they have swimming pools and are even right near the beach.
Here is a quote from their website “The primary focus of the Center is to provide non-technical training for managers, team leaders, and executives in the FAA, emphasizing interpersonal, management, and leadership skills.” Do they need a property like this to do their training? Why not train their employees in an office like most businesses do in the private sector? You will notice that they go by CMEL which is Center For Management and Executive Leadership, but it is the FAA. There is a large FAA sign in front of the resort, which is what brought my attention to it.
James L. Paris Editor-In-Chief www.ChristianMoney.com
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As an FAA manager, I have attended CMEL as well, and I can tell you it's no resort. It is a former hotel (2 stars at best) that was converted to a conference and training center. It saves thousands of dollars by consolidating required agency training in a central location rather than sending trainers all over the country (we have hundreds of small offices) which is normal corporate practice. University-level classes run all day and evenings are usually spent collaborating on projects or keeping up with work back home. There is an okay pool and some bikes you can check out to get some exercise while you are away from home. Sorry, no scandal here.
Posted by: Paul Nickel | October 15, 2009 at 10:33 AM
So, you are saying that they must have a resort with a swimming pool, hotel rooms, flat screen TV's, and a TV studio. It looks and sounds like a very luxurious place, not something that our tax money should be paying for. Perhaps a great place for a vacation....
Posted by: James Paris | October 10, 2009 at 11:55 PM
It's to bad you make comments and try to stir up trouble about things you aren't fully informed about. I've been to
CMEL at Palm Coast. It appears to be a converted hotel/motel that the goverment aquired. The students learn skills that can't be taught in their facilities. With only one or two management trainees at a single facility and you can't have a effect class. By the way its a 20 minute drive to the coast after paying a toll to cross the intercoastal waterway.
A retired Front Line Manager
Posted by: T. Carnes | October 10, 2009 at 10:11 PM
You have got to be kiding me! How long has this been going on? I will pass this info on to everyone I can. Thanks Jim.
Posted by: Scot Wheeler | October 08, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Goverment waste and we have to pay for it.
Posted by: Ronald Sneed | October 07, 2009 at 07:03 PM