JetBlue vows commitment to York College

David Neeleman, founder and CEO of JetBlue Airways, made his first visit to York College speaking at its Executive Leadership Breakfast about his company's role in the airline industry and Queens, while vowing an increased role in the community and partnership with York.
Neeleman addressed a standing room only audience on Friday, December 1, including York College President Marcia Keizs, Congressmember Gregory Meeks, City Councilmember Leroy Comrie, Borough President Helen Marshall and community and business leaders saying that JetBlue and York College are part of the same community, and he hopes business leaders will also take an active role in supporting the community.
&#8220Those business leaders that are here, all of you have an interest in this community and in this educational institution so let's all work together to make this a place where people want to come to study, and let's do a good job of taking care of these kids…let's make a difference,” Neeleman said.
During the breakfast, JetBlue along with Modell's and ROYAL Waste Services, Inc. pledged $3,000 each in scholarships to York College.
In addition, Neeleman spoke about starting a partnership between JetBlue and York College to provide students with jobs at the airport in between classes in order to help them earn some extra money.
Meeks, who helped introduce Neeleman at the breakfast, said that Neeleman's commitment to the community and his employees stand out.
&#8220He's come into the community, and he's employed people from the community,” said Meeks said. &#8220They are the kind of individuals when you talk to them; they always have a happy face.”
Neeleman also spoke about a number of areas he believed needed improvement including alleviating traffic along the Van Wyck Expressway by limiting the amounts of exits during a four-mile stretch of the highway. He also said he wanted to see construction on the highway during peak travel hours stopped, as well as increasing the use of the AirTrain, which provides transportation to and from John F. Kennedy Airport.
&#8220As soon as you ride that thing [AirTrain JFK], why would you ever not go back to it?” Neeleman said. &#8220That is a tremendous asset. We spent billions of dollars to build that thing, so now let's make sure that people use it.”
Neeleman even suggested giving a free-trial day during the year, similar to the tax-free shopping week, in order to allow customers to see the benefits of using the AirTrain.
Community and political leaders praised Neeleman for his commitment to the borough.
&#8220I want to thank you for all you have done for our borough,” said Marshall.