The recent call for the local business community to demonstrate the need for a direct flight to Denver yielded non-binding pledges that comfortably exceeded the $1 million fundraising goal, according to insiders. The next step is to approach the SLO County Board of Supervisors at its Nov. 5 meeting to ask for a monetary contribution to support the efforts. The goal is to present an attractive package to United Airlines before year end. The county did secure a $500,000 Department of Transportation grant several years back intended for this very purpose: incentivize new air service in rural areas. Business advocates like the SLO Chamber and the Economic Vitality Corporation will be advocating that the county commit financially to this effort to help make the nonstop flight east a reality.