"You have to have broad shoulders to take on everything," Corey says.  "I'm like a Mother Hen.  I worry about all my children."

Corey, who has been ballooning for over 30 years, has "flown" all over the country for competitions.  Ballooning has also taken him overseas to New Zealand and Australia. 

One of the challenges that Corey is faced with is devising new and different competitions for the pilots. He also concocts 'ground competitions' for pilots and sponsors when the weather does not permit the balloons to fly. One of the more memorable competitions for Lincoln Illinois has been the Watermelon Contest. Pilots aimed seed-shaped baggies at a tarp that had been painted to resemble a watermelon. (Why a watermelon? Abraham Lincoln christened the city with the juice of a watermelon in 1853!)

While there are serious responsibilities for the safety of pilots and riders, Corey is known to keep the atmosphere light hearted while maintaining control.  He is also known for his comedic pre-flight briefings. Pilots don't dare slip up as Corey is sure to bring it to everyone's attention during the next briefing!

"The pilots like to compete with Corey  because he makes it fun. And we appreciate his experience and caution for safe flying. He's the best!" says Bobbi Abbott, Executive Director of Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce.