Local officials celebrated Vector’s recent extension of its lease at South Alabama Regional Airport Tuesday.

The aerospace company recently signed a new five-year lease that includes a three-year renewal clause.

Rick Patacky, vice president of operations for Vector, said the lease was difficult to negotiate, but he was pleased with the outcome. He also expressed his appreciation for the company’s local clients, including the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Air Methods.

Jed Blackwell, co-manager of SARA, said Vector started local operations with two employees.

“Now, they have more than 100 employees,” he said.

Blackwell said a number of people deserve credit for the new lease agreement to work, including members of the SARA board, the CIty of Andalusia, City of Opp, Covington County, and the Covington County Economic Development Commission.

“A wise man once told me that a good lease is one in which everybody wins” Blackwell said. “This is one in which, truly, everybody wins.”

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said, “A lot of people have worked hard for a number of years, and lost a lot of sleep putting together the pieces that made this work. This is a win-win-win situation. Vector is Exhibit A in technology jobs, and we hope they are not here for five more years, but for 50 or more.”

Opp Mayor John Bartholomew echoed the sentiments.

Patacky also unveiled a commissioned painting by Rick Herter of Vector’s Andalusia location.