GREENSBORO, N.C. – Back in December, the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority voted to change the name of the airport to Central North Carolina International Airport. The change was supposed to be effective Jan. 1. However, following strong reaction from the community the Airport Authority decided to delay the name change. Greensboro resident Nicky Smith created an online petition against the name change that now has more 6,000 signatures. In addition, the airport’s executive director said they’ve received nearly 100 calls and email complaints. “(The) name Piedmont Triad International Airport is part of our community. It’s part of our DNA. I think when the Airport Authority decided to make this name change, they hit a very sensitive nerve in the community as a whole,” Nicky Smith said. The airport's executive director, Kevin Baker, said the decision to change the name was based on economic factors, such as attracting business and making the name more reflective of the geographic region. The board will now begin the rebranding process which will include public input. This process will take several months. By Jonee' Lewis, Anchor/Reporter http://www.wxii12.com/article/airport-authority-delays-name-change-of-pti-amid-community-response/15875674 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Share this with your friends #StandByPTI and for non-Facebook friends tell then to go to http://StandByPTI.com to sign the petition. Thank you!