Attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2025, including 17 Huntsville attorneys
32 nationally ranked and 260 metropolitan ranked practice areas in Best Law Firms® for 2025, including 19 metropolitan rankings for Huntsville
Named a Law360 “Practice Group of the Year” for Government Contracts for 2024
Attorneys and 48 practice areas listed in Chambers USA for 2024, including 10 attorneys and 6 practice areas ranked nationally
Named the U.S. “Law Firm of the Year” for Construction Law in Best Law Firms® , 2025 edition
For 155 years, Bradley has been growing to serve our clients better. With more than 700 attorneys and 13 offices strategically located across our footprint, we provide business clients at home and around the world with a full suite of legal services in dozens of industries and practice areas. Our clients rely on us for innovative solutions, dependable responsiveness, and a deep commitment to success.
Huntsville Hospital has served patients since 1895 with advanced healthcare services. We are here for the long run to serve families and neighbors with quality, compassionate care. We are also a part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, a comprehensive network of hospitals working together across the Tennessee Valley. We are Huntsville Hospital. Here when you need us and where you need us.
If you want to make a valuable investment in your business and the community, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is the place to start. Contact Crystal Baker, Membership Retention Specialist: 256-535-2039 or cbaker@hsvchamber.org.
Blue Oak BBQ
Cattyshack, Inc.
CGI Federal
Ci Power Solutions
Cole Green State Farm
Country Financial
Gameday Men’s Health Huntsville
Georgia Aquarium
Grandparents As Parents (GAP)
Huntsville Event Rentals
Kintz Capital
KW Commercial – The Donna Lamb Team
Longeviti, LLC
Madison Senior Center
MDA Professional Group PC
Monrovia Hill
Montana Property Group
Paradigm Max Q LLC
Paragon Bank
PM13 Defense Solutions
Red Door Homes of Huntsville, LLC
Rocket City Lasers LLC
Shottenkirk Acura Huntsville
Southern Wagyu Meat Market
Southland IdeaLease
Syntech
Taziki’s the Foundry
The Foundry
TL+CO Business Solutions
UHY
VTM Consulting LLC
W.I.N. Consulting WGI
Audio Video Excellence, Inc
Banner Defense, Inc
Baron Critical Weather Institute
Big 3 Marketing LLC
CertaPro Painters of Huntsville
Clearwood Consulting LLC
Craig Comfort Control
Created Solutions, Inc.
DEC Fire & Water Restoration
Dryer Vent Squad of Huntsville
Ghertner & Company LLC
Huntsville Magazine
K Sciences
KRGH Solutions, LLC
Lifted Trucks
M1 Support Services
Moe’s Southwest Grill
New York Life Insurance Company & NYLIFE Securities, LLC - Austin Smith
New York Life Insurance Company & NYLIFE Securities, LLC - Curtis Kuettmeyer
Nexus on Holmes
Plumlee & Associates, LLC
Rocket City Cleanup Crew LLC
RooterMan
SkyfireAI
Sloss Digital
Sparrow Coffee Company
Spirit Coach LLC
WOW! Business
Become a Chamber Member
■ Build business relationships, create partnerships, and grow your business
■ Listing in the online Membership Directory
■ Specially designed professional development programs to grow your talent and strengthen your business
■ Brand exposure through the Chamber’s multimedia platforms to fellow member companies and the region’s business community
■ Priority communications to keep you updated on the latest business news and information impacting your business
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
AS OF JANUARY 20, 2025
Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ BlueHalo ■ COPT Defense Properties
Crestwood Medical Center ■ Leidos ■ Lockheed Martin Corporation
Raytheon, An RTX Business ■ SAIC ■ Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Torch Technologies ■ Yulista
Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Huntsville Coca-Cola ■ Intrepid Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram ■ Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C.
Parsons ■ S3, Inc. ■ Science and Engineering Services, LLC (SES)
Sealy Management Company, Inc. ■ SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center
Synovus ■ The Westmoreland Company ■ Turner Construction Company
Ability Plus, Inc. ■ Aerojet Rocketdyne, An L3Harris Technologies Company ■ Amazon ■ Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C. ■ ASRC Federal ■ Baron Weather, Inc. ■ BASF Corporation ■ BL Harbert International, LLC ■ Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP ■ Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC ■ Canvas, Inc. ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ Colliers International ■ First Horizon ■ Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC ■ Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC ■ Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. ■ Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ Keel Point, LLC ■ Leonardo Electronics US Inc. ■ LSINC Corporation ■ Marsh & McLennan Agency, locally known as J. Smith Lanier & Co. ■ Pearce Construction Company ■ Radiance Technologies, Inc. ■ RE/MAX Alliance ■ Robins & Morton ■ ServisFirst Bank ■ SMX ■ SouthState Bank ■ Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ United Community Bank ■ Venturi, LLC ■ Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP ■ Woody Anderson Ford
Accenture Federal Services ■ Air Essentials, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ Averbuch Realty / Enterprises ■ Avion Solutions ■ Bailey-Harris Construction ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank ■ Cadence Bank ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ Convergint ■ Corvid Technologies LLC ■ deciBel Research, Inc. ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. ■ Express Employment Professionals ■ FITE Building Company ■ Garver, LLC ■ GTEC ■ Hexagon US Federal ■ Higginbotham Insurance ■ Hiley Automotive Group ■ Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ Industrial Properties of the South ■ Investor’s Resource ■ L3Harris ■ Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ Outpost Technologies, Inc. ■ PALCO ■ Phoenix ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corporation ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company ■ Rosenblum Realty, Inc. ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Savant Wealth Management ■ Schoel ■ Shee Atiká Enterprises, LLC ■ Signalink, Inc. ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ Textron Inc. ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ Transcend, The Fearless Company ■ Troy7, Inc. ■ Truist Bank ■ TTL, Inc. ■ ValleyMLS.com ■ Valor Communities ■ Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc. ■ Vision Excellence Company ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC ■ Wilmer & Lee, P.A.
For more information, contact Kristy Drake, Vice President, Investor Relations: 256-535-2036 or kdrake@hsvchamber.org
What’s So Smart – it’s not a question but an exploration of what makes Huntsville ASmartPlace®.
Stay connected on all your social media apps @ASmartPlace
Over the past year, we have talked with 27 of Huntsville’s most interesting people who are creating the future of Rocket City.
From rockets to genomics, from cyber to music, What’s So Smart explores the visionary and data-driven initiatives that make Huntsville, well, so smart.
Mission: To prepare, develop, and promote our community for economic growth.
(see staff listing on page 34)
Chamber members: You are encouraged to contribute ideas for our publications. Please send items to comms@hsvchamber.org
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber maintains editorial control.
on the cover
Olivia Morton, a Lead Technician at GE Aerospace in Huntsville, with one of the In-line Tow Coating machines.
editorial staff
publisher Chip Cherry, CCE
editor Claire Aiello, IOM
editorial designer Kristi Sherrard
contributing writers
Kayla Brown
Lucia Cape, CCE
Ashley Engles-Ross , IOM
Lyndsay Ferguson
Ken Smith
Mike Ward, CCE
advertising
Kristy Drake kdrake@hsvchamber.org
Lakeysha Brown lbrown@hsvchamber.org
Military, space, telecommunications, biotechnology, diversified manufacturing, and a variety of emerging specialties provide challenging work in delightful surroundings. The area enjoys a favorable cost of living and quality of life. Mountains, lakes, woodlands, and the Tennessee River accommodate numerous recreational activities. A temperate climate enhances the season for outdoor sports, including worldclass golf, hiking, biking, and fishing. Major concerts, Broadway and symphony performances, extensive permanent collections, and traveling exhibitions contribute to a wonderful way of life.
Dear Chamber Investors, Community Leaders, and Friends:
Due to the nature of our work, the Chamber Team gains unique insights into our region’s economy. During a recent conversation we realized that it might be insightful to share some of the cool things happening in our community. The result is the cover story – “We Make Things GO!,” where we provide insights into manufacturing powerhouses around the area. We are very proud of Blue Origin’s successful launch of the New Glenn Rocket for the first time at Cape Canaveral, and it was a sight to behold, lighting up the Space Coast! We are indeed proud of this rocket because it is powered by seven BE-4 and two BE-3U engines made and tested in Huntsville. These are the ones you hear in the evenings. I love to step outside my house and hear the rumble of the rocket engines, don’t you? Congratulations to the team at Blue Origin!
The Chamber team is preparing for a busy year. In addition to our Huntsville events, I encourage you to take note of our Montgomery Trip later this month (February 25-26) and our Washington DC Trip (April 27-29). Make plans to join us and engage with our state and federal elected leaders, and their staff. We have some new faces on our Congressional delegation and several of our representatives have key committee assignments. You can learn more by reading page 16.
Childcare remains a concern as parents return to the workforce. We have some good news on this front in the form of a childcare tax credit available to Alabama employers who provide childcare for eligible employees. It passed the state legislature last year through a bipartisan effort and takes effect March 1. See how your company could utilize this on page 31, and if you implement something like this, please let us know. We’d like to learn more and possibly share your example with other companies.
I want to thank our Board of Directors and Executive Committee, especially our outgoing Chair, Sameer Singhal. Sameer, you have provided incredible support to our organization, and we appreciate all the time you dedicated to empowering us. Thank you as well to your team at CFD Research, who held down the fort while you served in this role! Our new chair is Jeff Samz, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System. We look forward to what 2025 brings.
See you at a Chamber event very soon!
Chip Cherry, CCE President & CEO Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Committee & Board of Directors 2025
Jeff Samz , Board Chair – Huntsville Hospital Health System
Jami Peyton, Chair-Elect, Economic Development – Canvas, Inc.
Sameer Singhal , Immediate Past Chair – CFD Research Corporation
Ron Poteat , Board Chair, Chamber Foundation
Ronnie Chronister, Secretary/Treasurer – Lockheed Martin Corporation
Dr. Karockas Watkins, Vice Chair, Economic Development –Ability Plus, Inc. & Vision Excellence Company
Michael Cox , Vice Chair, Economic Inclusion – Raytheon, An RTX Business
Dave Cook , Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs – Torch Technologies
Wes Kelley, Vice Chair, HREGI – Huntsville Utilities
Brett Crain, Vice Chair, Image Development & Communications –Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.
Beth Sippel , Vice Chair, Investor Relations – Synovus
Angie Sandritter, Vice Chair, Small Business – RippleWorx
Jason Puckett, Vice Chair, Talent Initiatives – Toyota Alabama
Jeff Gronberg, Liaison, Redstone Regional Alliance – deciBel Research, Inc.
Chrystal Morgan, Chair-Appointed – The Boeing Company
Lynn Troy, Chair-Appointed – Troy7, Inc.
Srinath Yedla, Chair-Appointed – Yedla Management Company
Graham Burgess, Legal Counsel – Maynard Nexsen
Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-officio Member – City of Huntsville
Mayor Paul Finley, Ex-officio Member – City of Madison
Chairman Mac McCutcheon, Ex-officio Member – Madison County Commission
Chip Cherry, CCE , President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
Jenny Askins , Touronimo
Blake Bentley, SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center
Terri Bentley, Redstone Federal Credit Union
David Bier, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.
Penny Billings , Cadence Bank
Jason Blount , Keel Point, LLC
Mark Brazeal , Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
Frank Caprio, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Mitch Coley, Robins & Morton
Katie Comer, Meta Platforms, Inc.
Greg Fortier, SAIC
Owen Franklin , Blue Summit Supplies
Greg Gaddy, Five Stones Research Corporation
Megan Wilson Green , Blue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
Greg Hall , COPT Defense Properties
Scott Hall , Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Ginger Harper, First Horizon
Josh Herren , Yulista
Clayton Hinchman , Ignite Fueling Innovation
Lee Holland , Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC
Jim Holtkamp, ServisFirst Bank
Laura Huckabee-Jennings , Transcend, The Fearless Company
Hank Isenberg , IronMountain Solutions
Michelle Jordan , TARCOG
Sean Kelly, Regions Bank
Tim King , Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
Clint Kirkland , United Community Bank
Rich Kretzschmar, Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)
James Lackey, Davidson
Todd May, KBR
Matt Meko, Booz Allen Hamilton
Stephanie Mell , ChurchStreet Family Businesses
Carey Miller, Deloitte LLP
Collin Orcutt , Schoel
Zack Penney, Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi
Dr. Annie Saylor, Simulation Technologies, Inc. (SimTech)
Julie Schumacher, KODA Technologies Inc.
Vergenia Shelton , Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
Henry Thornton , Meta Platforms, Inc.
Gary Tucker, Huntsville Coca-Cola
Mike Watkins , Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
BY CLAIRE AIELLO
Alabama A&M University has announced two exciting new projects for campus. It will add a 125,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Science Building which will house classrooms and laboratories for the Physics, Biology, and Chemistry departments, providing students and faculty with modern spaces for teaching, learning, and research. The building is designed to support the university’s growing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs and will enhance both academic instruction and scientific discovery.
Additionally, there will be a new 93,000-square-foot Student Amenities Building to serve as a hub for student engagement and support services. It will feature dining facilities, meeting spaces, study areas, faculty offices, a gaming lounge, and social gathering spaces, all designed to enhance the campus experience. This facility will address the university’s growing enrollment and will provide a state-of-the-art environment for academic and social development.
Freedom Real Estate and Capital (Freedom) has been selected by Alabama A&M University to provide advisory services for the construction of the two buildings, with a combined value in excess of $140 million. Freedom will oversee the general contractor, design team, and construction process, making recommendations in the owner’s best interest.
“We are thrilled to partner with Alabama A&M University again through our advisory services in construction management,” said Freedom Project Director Tyce Hudson. “Having collaborated on several successful projects, this ongoing partnership underscores our shared commitment to innovation and excellence. Together, we are creating a lasting impact as we continue to transform the campus.”
“I am proud to reaffirm our partnership with Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC for these critical initiatives,” said Dr. Daniel K. Wims, president, Alabama A&M University. “Freedom’s expertise in construction management has been invaluable as we embark on these important projects. Together, we are committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance our campus and support our students’ success for generations to come.”
In light of the recently approved Madison Street Tower expansion, Huntsville Hospital’s ER entrance has moved from Madison Street to Gallatin Street for now. The Madison Street entrance will remain closed for the majority of the construction project. Visitors to the ER should plan to enter on Gallatin Street and should also note that St. Clair Avenue between Madison and Gallatin streets will be closed to through traffic. Signage is installed throughout the medical district notifying ER traffic to use the Gallatin Street visitor parking entrance until further notice. Construction is projected to take about two years.
Wilson Lumber has been recognized as 2025 LBM (Lumber & Building Materials) Dealer of the Year in the prestigious $100M+ category. This national accolade, awarded by LBM Journal, celebrates industry leaders who excel in growing their businesses, enhancing customer and employee experiences, and making meaningful contributions to their communities. Among 29 outstanding submissions in the $100M+ category, Wilson Lumber emerged as the top choice.
“This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work,” said Josh Hendrickson, President of Wilson Lumber. “Every role, from the frontlines to behind the scenes, played a vital part in earning this recognition. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. It shows that when we stay true to our values and strive for excellence, remarkable things happen.”
Avion Solutions Incorporated announced January 2 the acquisition of Tennessee Valley Research Group (TVRG), which will bring together two leading companies dedicated to advancing national defense. The integration of TVRG’s skilled team enhances Avion’s existing portfolio, promoting innovation and improving efficiency across various projects.
“We are pleased to welcome a remarkable group of employee-owners who share our culture of technical excellence and dedication to the Warfighter,” said Evan Wagner, president and CEO of Avion Solutions. “This acquisition marks another significant milestone in our growth strategy, reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Huntsville ranks #20 among the safest places to live in the U.S., according to a recent WalletHub study. The study looked at 182 cities and ranked them based on 41 factors across three key areas: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety. Among the factors considered were violent crimes per capita, natural disasters, unemployment, and fraud complaints per capita. Huntsville earned top scores across the spectrum.
Three Alabama cities made U-Haul’s top growth cities list, which the company determines by having the most one-way U-Haul customers.
Foley came in at No. 10, Auburn placed at No. 12, and Huntsville came in at No. 14.
While U-Haul rankings may not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the U-Haul Growth Index is an effective gauge of how well states, metros, and cities are attracting and keeping residents. Its network covers all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces.
Do you know about Defense Acquisition University, or DAU? This educational partner has been in Huntsville for more than two decades and serves as the “corporate trainer” for the acquisition workforce portion of the Department of Defense.
Located on Redstone Arsenal since 2021, DAU can support local industry partners in several ways, including providing training in these areas: Program Management, Business Cost Estimating, Business Financial Management, Contracting, Lifecycle Logistics, Systems Engineering, Test and Evaluation, and Auditing.
“We teach basic fundamentals of those functions to the workforce in order to prepare them for their careers in acquisition,” said Kennedy Edwards, PM department chair for DAU’s South Region. “Along with that, we share our experiences and talk with them about various situations, war stories, leadership lessons, and soft skill lessons that we learned along the way.”
DAU is more than a classroom, though. They can also help as an impartial ‘thinking partner.’
“Through our years of experience, we can come alongside government and industry partners to help them think through some of the challenges they face within the PEOs and program offices,” said Joel Little, Associate Dean, Outreach and Mission Assistance for DAU’s South Region. He shared an example.
You can find a variety of classes listed on DAU.edu, including instructor-led classes and online self-paced continuous learning modules. Industry members supporting a government customer are welcome to take any of the online self-paced courses offered by DAU for free. Visit saar.dau.edu to create a DAU account, then view the list of classes and register.
“Take a program developing helicopters. There are a lot of events, reviews, ‘gates’ that they must transition through to move their program to the next phase,” Little explained. “Many of these are joint events between the government program office and their contractor or industry supplier. What we have found is oftentimes, industry does not understand all the nuances of making it through that gate, so what we will offer is a joint workshop, where we have the government program office team and the industry team in the same room, and it allows us to make sure both parties are ‘singing from the same sheet of music’.”
DAU is also active in the community, supporting JROTC and robotics clubs at local schools.
– Claire Aiello
The inaugural cohort of the Cummings Research Park DefenseTech Accelerator is underway, and five Huntsville-based companies are participating in this joint effort between the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Cummings Research Park (CRP), and Treble One.
Steve Odom, former president of GasTOPS USA, is serving as the accelerator’s managing director.
“The companies and technologies selected are impressive and have great potential to bring significant capabilities to our warfighters,” said Odom. “We are grateful to the Chamber and our sponsors that are enabling us to assist this cohort.”
The five companies are Ionburst, Ethar, 6th Dimension, SpaceFactory, and BrakeSens. They began their work with a series of meetings the first week of December, learning how to grow and scale their products in the defense and commercial markets. The purpose of the Accelerator is to grow our defense industrial base with the next generation of small businesses focused on technology products. They will pitch in early March and wrap that month.
“Treble One is grateful to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and our sponsors for supporting the CRP DefenseTech Accelerator program in Huntsville,” said Brian Bullerman, Treble One’s co-owner and managing partner. “This initiative empowers local
companies to grow and market their innovative products to the Air Force and the broader DoD marketplace. It’s a win-win: Huntsville businesses can expand and diversify, while the Air Force gains access to cutting-edge technologies that enhance warfighter capabilities.”
CRP and the Chamber want to thank Innovate Alabama and the five companies who are helping with funding support for the first cohort: Regions, Synovus, SimTech, Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis, and Signalink. Additional support is provided by Industrial Properties of the South. The Accelerator utilizes the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program, which is a statewide initiative where Alabama companies and individuals with significant tax liability can allocate 50 percent of their taxes to stay local. This includes the Alabama income tax, state insurance premium tax, state public utility license tax, and state portion of the financial institution excise tax.
We are actively recruiting tax credit donors for the second cohort of the Accelerator. Ideally the second cohort would open for applications in spring and begin later this summer. If you missed out on donating taxes for a credit in the first round, or want to learn more, please contact Erin Koshut, executive director of Cummings Research Park at 256-535-2086 or ekoshut@hsvchamber.org
continued on page 14
BrakeSens has developed and tested a sensor for direct measurement of brake wear on consumer and commercial vehicles. The sensor technology provides the most accurate and real-time direct measurement of brake wear and temperature at a similar cost point to current, limited information sensors. The BrakeSens technology will increase safe vehicle operations as well as provide enabling information to support efficient vehicle maintenance while addressing the needs of an over $5 billion growing, global market. – brakesens.com
Ethar’s groundbreaking AR platform uniquely combines geospatial and semantic intelligence, delivering seamless data integration and personalized, context-aware experiences that revolutionize customer engagement and operational efficiency. – ethar.com
Ionburst is an innovative data protection startup redefining the way organizations securely store, manage, and share data. Offering a new paradigm for security, compliance, and resilience of data in the hybridCloud era, Ionburst has pioneered data-out protection, with one simple mission: To protect data anywhere it travels, everywhere it’s stored. Ionburst is the only solution to empower organizations with complete control and visibility of their data through a unified, configurable security posture across any environment, while futureproofing against ever-evolving challenges posed by ransomware and quantum decryption. – ionburst.io
6th Dimension, Inc. develops the Ceres Platform for modeling and simulation applications supporting Open Systems Architectures. Ceres offers a high-fidelity simulation toolkit designed to address mission engineering needs by combining immersive visualization with robust data management and a scalable architecture. Built using advanced physics-based modeling and gaming technology, Ceres allows for real-time, accurate simulations of complex operational environments. It supports rapid data integration, terrain modeling, and flexible scenario configuration, enabling personnel to conduct mission simulations with reduced setup time and increased accuracy. – 6thdpro.com
SpaceFactory engineers and builds advanced manufacturing equipment, specializing in ruggedized, deployable systems for expeditionary environments both lunar and terrestrial. With a proven track record of NASA partnerships, SpaceFactory’s technology is designed to enhance the warfighter’s capabilities with point-of-need solutions in the most demanding operational environments. SpaceFactory’s newest technology focuses on true front-line ruggedized additive manufacturing, readily integrated in preexisting military architecture, designed and built in Huntsville, Alabama. – spacefactory.ai
– Claire Aiello & Kayla Brown
I
n an effort to foster a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers, the Chamber has launched a new, unique program called “Guiding Stars.” This innovative initiative will connect newcomers with established residents who offer guidance and support as they navigate their new surroundings.
Guiding Stars are passionate locals who embody the spirit of Huntsville. They represent a diverse cross-section of the community, spanning various interests, life stages, and industries. From seasoned professionals to young families, artists to entrepreneurs, Guiding Stars offer a wealth of knowledge and insights into the unique character of Huntsville.
“We believe that a strong community is built on meaningful connections,” says Lyndsay Ferguson, the Chamber’s vice president of Talent Initiatives. “Guiding Stars will play a crucial role in helping newcomers feel welcomed, informed, and integrated into what makes Huntsville a smart – and special – place.”
The program offers a range of benefits for newcomers and em -
ployers. Newcomers gain access to valuable information about local resources, social events, and hidden gems. They can also tap into the personal experiences and insights of their Guiding Star, fostering valuable relationships and a deeper understanding of the community.
Employers also can connect potential and new talent with a Guiding Star. As many of us know from experience, starting a new job in a new place can be overwhelming. Guiding Stars provide individuals an opportunity to connect with others outside of work who share similar interests.
The Guiding Stars program is a testament to Huntsville’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all. By fostering meaningful connections between newcomers and established residents, the program aims to build a stronger, more vibrant city where everyone is proud to call Huntsville home.
To learn more about this program, visit stars.asmartplace.com or contact Lyndsay Ferguson at lferguson@hsvchamber.org.
Throughout this year’s Initiatives magazines, we’ll introduce you to our Guiding Stars . Meet a few of them here!
Jenny has an inclusive spirit, uniting people to create meaningful connections and inspire positive change, rooted in her belief that anything is possible when we come together. Jenny actively participates in Huntsville’s diverse events, staying attuned to the community’s evolving culture and interests. With a passion for meeting new people, Jenny loves discovering the unique stories that bring others to Huntsville.
Interests: Arts & Culture, Community Development, Downtown Entertainment, Entertainment, Nightlife
Even though Karessa was born in Mississippi, she’s one of those rare Huntsville “natives” who has spent the majority of her life here. She is extremely eclectic and thrives most when she’s able to help or make a positive impact on others.
Interests: Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Community Development, Connecting with Nature, Dining, Dogs & Dog Parks, Downtown Entertainment, Entertainment, Family-Friendly Activities, Hiking, K-12 Schools, Kayaking, Museums, Nightlife, Parks, Photography, Volunteerism, Writing, Drawing, Painting, Art, Yoga
G.W. has lived in the greater Huntsville area for over 25 years. He works as an engineering manager for one of north Alabama’s premier government contracting firms, and he also spends a great deal of time volunteering and serving on local appointed and nonprofit boards. As a retired professional athlete, he is passionate about sports, and outside of work he loves to find fun activities to do with his wife and three young children.
Interests: Buying a Home, Community Development, Dining, Family-Friendly Activities, Fitness, K-12 Athletics, K-12 Schools, Religious Life, Volunteerism, Writing, Drawing, Painting, Art, Youth Sports
Rep. Dale Strong (R-5) was re-elected to the 5th Congressional District and won a seat on the Appropriations Committee – long considered a plum committee assignment for the district. He is Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee under Appropriations, and Chair of Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee under the Homeland Security Committee, among other assignments.
Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-4) will continue to serve as the longest serving member “Dean” of the delegation. Elected to his 14th term, He chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education and also serves on the Commerce, Justice and Science and Defense subcommittee.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-3) held his seat in Alabama’s 4th district without opposition. He also held his position as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Haley Wilson has been promoted to serve as his chief of staff. Wilson, a Montgomery native and graduate of the University of Alabama, has been a member of Rep. Rogers’ office staff since 2012. She began her career as a staff assistant and most recently served as legislative director before assuming her new role. Wilson succeeds Christopher Brinson, who has served in Rep. Rogers’ office for 22 years, including as chief of staff since 2015.
Rep. Barry Moore (R-1), who previously represented Alabama’s 2nd district, defeated Rep. Jerry Carl to represent Alabama’s 1st district. The district includes the southernmost end of the state and includes Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Rep. Shomari Figures (D-2), was elected to his first term in the redrawn 2nd Alabama Congressional District. The district was redrawn following a court ruling that determined the previously redrawn district didn’t allow for enough minority representation. Figures was named to the House Transportation and Infrastructure and House Agriculture Committees.
Rep. Gary Palmer (R-6) was re-elected to Alabama’s 6th Congressional District. He defeated Democratic nominee Elizabeth Anderson. His Committee assignments remain unchanged.
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-7) was also re-elected to her 7th District seat. She defeated Republican Robin Litaker in the general election. Sewell was selected to serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight for the 119th Congress. She will be the top Democrat on the subcommittee.
Neither Senator Tuberville nor Senator Britt were on the ballot in 2024.
Sen. Katie Britt (R) picked up a seat on the Rules Committee, in addition to her seats on the Appropriations and Banking Committees. Britt was also named deputy whip in the 119th Congress.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R) announced that Jordan Doufexis, the Senator’s Deputy Chief of Staff and State Director, will serve as Chief of Staff. Mary Blanche Hankey, who previously served as Chief of Staff, will be Chief Counsel and Senior Advisor. Kaitlin Stoddard, formerly a Senior Policy Advisor, will serve as Legislative Director. Mallory Jaspers will continue serving as Communications Director. Tuberville will add the Senate Special Committee on Aging to his assignments along with continuing his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
– Mike Ward, cce
& INCOME #
AEROSPACE &
Huntsville/Madison County is home to the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center with a combined 45,500 workers driving a thriving aerospace and defense technology industry.
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park (CRP) is the second-largest science and technology research park in the U.S., home to 320 companies and 26,500 people involved in technology research and development.
BY LUCIA CAPE , cce , and KEN SMITH
“The rumble you will hear today is the sound of rocket engine hot-fire testing.”
If you follow Team Redstone on Facebook, you will often see this post notifying the community that things might get loud – and often that rumble is Blue Origin testing the engines that it manufactures just a few miles north of the test stand in Cummings Research Park.
Blue Origin joined Huntsville’s manufacturing community in 2020 with the opening of their production facility on Explorer Boulevard, and since then they have refurbished the historic test stand 4670 on Redstone Arsenal, originally used for the Saturn V, and leased additional facilities in the Huntsville Jetplex to build their Blue Ring space platform.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn heavy-lift vehicle (pictured left) is powered by seven BE-4 engines which are made and tested in Huntsville. New Glenn is 320 feet tall and has a reusable first stage. The second stage is powered by two BE-3Us, also made and tested here. New Glenn had a successful inaugural launch January 16 from Cape Canaveral. Congratulations to the team on this huge accomplishment!
In addition to bringing the rumble back to Rocket City, Blue Origin’s selection of Huntsville for its engine production helped shine a spotlight on the extensive local ecosystem for all types of manufacturing. Local employment in manufacturing is 35,400, representing 12.3 percent of total employment compared to 8.0 percent for the United States overall. Here are some other local manufacturing “wow” factors...
continued on page 20
Since starting operations in Huntsville in 2003, Toyota Alabama has expanded six times. Now a third of all Toyota engines on the road today are manufactured in Huntsville, and Huntsville is the only Toyota location in the world to make four-cylinder, sixcylinder and twin-turbo engines. Models supported include the Corolla Cross, also made in Huntsville, and the Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Tacoma, Highlander, Sienna and RAV4.
In addition to providing careers for more than 2,000 team members, Toyota is a model corporate citizen and environmental steward. In partnership with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Alabama recently announced a $49 million solar array that will supply more than 70 percent of the plant’s energy needs when completed. And with Driving Possibilities™, Toyota has awarded grants up to $6.7 million to help prepare students in Huntsville City Schools for future careers in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math.
The catalytic converter is recognized by the Society of Automotive Engineers as one of the 10 most important inventions in the history of the automobile, and BASF in Huntsville is one of the largest catalyst production sites in the world. In 2023, BASF celebrated 50 years and 500 million catalytic converters produced locally. Its products are used by most domestic automotive and diesel engine makers.
Did you know that electronics contract manufacturing got its start in Huntsville? In 1961, SCI Systems began providing design, manufacturing, and testing for electronic components for original equipment manufacturers in support of the Apollo program. Now a Sanmina Corporation company, SCI offers more than 40 integrated manufacturing services for aerospace and defense customers at their campus in South Huntsville. Fun fact: SCI originally stood for Space Craft, Inc.
In April 1981, Goldstar Company located in Huntsville and became South Korea’s first manufacturing operation in the United States. The name changed to Lucky Goldstar in 1983 and then later to LG in 1995. LG in Huntsville transitioned from electronics manufacturing to technical service operations by 2000, and recently began producing HVAC systems at their Jetplex facility.
While you might request a window seat on your next flight, the industry refers to these as transparencies, and PPG Aerospace in Huntsville makes more than any other facility in the world. PPG locally produces more than 1,000 different designs for commercial, military and general aviation aircraft. A recent Initiatives article featured the generations of family members who have supported PPG in their 55 years of operations in Huntsville.
continued on page 22
GE Aerospace is doing something in Huntsville that isn’t being done anywhere else in the world – the mass production of silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material. Two facilities on the same campus make the fiber, and then the tape to fabricate components for jet engines and gas turbines. CMCs are lightweight and heat resistant, and market value of the material is expected to nearly double by 2030. The Huntsville facility was announced in 2015 with operations starting in 2017, and additional investments were announced by the company last year.
geaerospace.com: Huntsville Facility Investment: $16,800,000
Machines for production of narrowbody and widebody aircraft engines, quality testing equipment, and upgrades for the facility.
Schwarze Industries celebrated 50 years in business in 2024. This company is located on Jordan Road and makes high-quality streetsweepers that are used in cities around the nation and the world. These include 100 percent electric versions.
The trucks clear litter from roads and play a major role in keeping communities clean. “We sweep cities so when rains come, the water flows down the pipes and you have cleaner storm water. Our products keep trash out of the waterways,” said Schwarze President David Heigl.
In 2018 Huntsville went from having no commercial automotive OEMs to having two on one campus. Employing 4,000 direct workers and another 3,000 workers through their onsite suppliers and producing 300,000 vehicles a year, the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing joint venture is the largest manufacturing enterprise in north Alabama. And in 2024 MTM doubled its product line, rolling off hybrid versions of the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Corolla Cross. In addition to being the only MTM site in the world, Huntsville is the only location in the United States where Mazda has manufacturing.
continued on page 24
Since 2006, “America’s ride to space” has been manufactured just across the river from Huntsville at United Launch Alliance in Decatur. With more than 155 successful missions for federal and commercial customers, ULA is the nation’s most experienced rocket manufacturer, and its 2.4 million-square-foot facility is the largest rocket factory in the world. With the recent certification launches of the Vulcan Centaur, ULA is poised for the next era of space missions.
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Polaris first came to Huntsville in 2014 after considering more than 100 different site locations. The $142 million plant opened in 2016 and employs more than 2,000 people. Today, the Polaris facility in Huntsville is one of the company’s largest manufacturing plants, producing the industry’s top auto-cycle, the Polaris Slingshot, and the off-road utility vehicle, the RANGER.
International was previously known as Navistar, and the company employs about 230 skilled workers at its location off Wall Triana Highway in Huntsville. It has now invested more than $200 million in this facility, and has new assembly and machining lines producing the new International® S13 Integrated Powertrain, composed of the S13 Engine, T14 Transmission, and Dual Stage Aftertreatment system. This marks the final combustion product platform that Navistar will develop as the company moves toward zero-emissions vehicles.
February 13
State of the Schools
February 25–26
Montgomery Trip
March 31
Nomination period begins for the 2025 Small Business Awards
April 27–29
Washington DC Trip
May 5–9
Small Business Week
May 13
Best Places to Work® Awards Luncheon
June 2–7
Armed Forces Celebration Week
August 4
Women in Space & Missile Defense Luncheon
September 4 Small Business Awards Gala December 4 Holiday Open House
cm.hsvchamber.org/events
Synovus provides the treasury and payment solutions, personalized insights, and digital tools to help your business grow. From optimized processes to safeguards against fraud, we accelerate your business towards what’s next.
Q: Tell us about yourself. Are you from Huntsville, or did you move here from somewhere else?
I grew up in Thomasville, GA and lived there until I left for college. My first job out of school was in Birmingham for Central Bank of the South (BBVA today). It was in Birmingham that I met my wife who ended up bringing me to Huntsville in 1995. Those were two of the best decisions I have ever made.
Q: Tell us about your role with Huntsville Coca-Cola. This is a long-time beloved brand! What does your team do?
I joined Huntsville Coca-Cola in November of 2022 after spending most of my career as a chief financial officer in the convenience store industry. The move was part of a transition for the company whose long-time president and chief executive officer planned to retire in the next couple of years. I transitioned into the role of president and CEO in October of 2024.
We distribute beverages in Madison and Limestone County and have been a Coca-Cola distributor in Huntsville since 1902 (originally as Pratt Bottling Company). We also operate a full-line vending and micro market division (RediTo-Serve) which provides food and snack items in addition to beverages. Micro markets are the fastest growing area of our business.
I am blessed to work with a talented team that has decades of experience in an industry with which I was somewhat unfamiliar. I am also fortunate to market the most recognizable brand in the world, Coca-Cola. Many people are surprised when they discover how many packages and flavors we carry, over 500 items including Powerade, Monster Energy, and Fairlife among others. Additionally, we are a distributor of Dr Pepper, a very strong brand in the south.
Q: What are some of your company’s plans for 2025?
We have so many plans for the coming year. We continue to enhance our technological capabilities which in the coming year will include identifying a new ERP and accounting system as we migrate to the cloud. We will add online ordering capability to our website, design and implement a top-of-class management development program and continue to grow our share of the market both through beverages and our micro markets. We will also continue to provide our employees with opportunities to partner with charitable organizations in the community, something that is an important part of our mission.
Q: What does your company get from its membership in the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber, and your support as an investor?
The Chamber offers us the opportunity to connect with other businesses and business leaders who share a common goal of promoting business development within our region. We are so fortunate to have so many great leaders within the business community and elected officials who desire to lift the metro area as a whole. We accomplish so much more when we work together, and Huntsville Coca-Cola is proud to be a small part of that effort.
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s Women’s Business Council (WBC) proudly welcomes Dr. Annie Saylor, co-founder and President of SimTech, as the new chair. She brings decades of leadership and business expertise to her new role on the Council which provides a platform for networking, mentoring, and leadership development for women in business.
Saylor co-founded SimTech in 1983 alongside five colleagues. Under her leadership, the company has grown from a small startup into a powerhouse supporting the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), employing 185 people with over 40 years of industry experience. In 2012, she assumed the role of president, driving the company’s expansion into new areas while fostering a workplace culture that values employee growth and satisfaction.
As chair of the Women’s Business Council, Saylor plans to leverage her extensive knowledge of government contract ing, business development, and community engage ment to empower women in business. Her journey –from solving mathematical problems in a classroom as a professor at UAH, to solving complex challenges in the defense industry – reflects her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. She is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for others, whether it’s helping employees find their ideal roles within SimTech or mentoring aspiring professionals. She emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of industry
changes, a lesson learned from navigating shifts in government contract environments.
In her new role, Saylor aims to support women entrepreneurs, foster networking opportunities, and provide access to resources that drive business success. Her vision for the Council aligns with her belief in building legacies and enabling sustainable growth, ensuring that the future of women in business is brighter than ever.
The Council and the community look forward to the innovative leadership and inspiration Saylor will bring to her role.
The WBC is planning several events in 2025. Here are some upcoming dates for the first quarter:
■ February 19: Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon , in partnership with the Rocket City Trash Pandas, Huntsville Sports Commission, and Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau (Location: Toyota Field)
■ March 20: “A Portrait of Success” luncheon with Julie Martz, Owner and CEO of 4M Research and winner of the 2024 Small Business Awards Woman Owned Business of the Year
■ March: Celebrate Women’s History Month with proclamation signings recognizing the contributions of Women Business Owners
Look for additional programming and networking opportunities being hosted by the WBC throughout the rest of the year! Check hsvchamber.org and our weekly e-newsletters for updates.
Serving customers like the Department of Defense (DoD), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and DEVCOM is relatively common in our community, but doing so as a Woman-owned, Veteran-owned, and Minority-owned business deserves special recognition. Headquartered in Huntsville, AcqCentric provides support acquisition such as development, testing, fielding, and sustainment to some of the world’s best equipment and services. The company also won our Small Business Award for Minority-Owned Business of the Year.
“This recognition reflects our team’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly grateful to our employees, customers, partners, and the community for their unwavering support,” said CEO Angela Howald (pictured)
Howald is a decorated combat Veteran with experience in systems engineering, project management, and human resources. The company, founded in 2015, has won several awards in addition to the Chamber’s Small Business Awards, including a feature on the Inc. 5000 list.
The company has also been awarded for their Veteran involvement, including one employee landing a Top 40 2024 Employee Veteran Leadership Award. This prestigious recognition, presented by Military Friendly®, celebrates Veterans for embodying the core values of our nation’s military.
– Kayla Brown
Keep an eye out for our annual ChamberON sponsorship campaign in March
ChamberON is our annual sponsorship campaign, and it allows us to make sure that our members have access to outstanding development and professional programs, business services and events. With your support, we are able to provide many of these resources through membership dues and funds raised through sponsorships.
This year’s campaign starts on March 7 and runs through June 30. View our catalog at hsvchamber.org/chamberon to check sponsorship opportunities at every level. There are many ways to grow and promote your business, from investing in annual events to high-impact marketing assets. Find the one best suited for you, then purchase early through the campaign to get special discounts.
We have a highly energized group of ChamberON volunteers who give a tremendous amount of their time to connect with Chamber members who are looking to be more actively engaged in the Chamber’s mission through sponsorship opportunities. These volunteers are your personal conduit to an enhanced Chamber ROI. You may also contact Kristy Drake, Chamber Vice President of Investor Relations, at kdrake@hsvchamber.org or 256-535-2036.
– Claire Aiello
We are extremely grateful for the support of our Chamber volunteers, especially those who are involved in our Ambassador and Emissary programs. Ambassadors are individuals who help represent and promote the Chamber, as well as promote their own business to other companies. Chamber Emissaries are chosen individuals who act as messengers to advocate for the Chamber to current members. You will see these friendly faces at many ribbon cuttings and networking events!
We’d like to introduce you to our program leads for 2025. First, meet Stephen Broady and Susie Brock, who lead our Emissary program.
Broady is a key account representative for Huntsville Utilities and oversees about 40 of the utility’s commercial and industrial accounts. He has previously served as a Lead Chamber Ambassador for two years, and says he truly enjoys the networking aspect of the program. “I always tell everyone that the networking is second to none,” said Broady. He also says he loves the diversity of business and industry we have in the area, and that Huntsville is large enough that “there is always something to do and our sports and entertainment venues are awesome.” We agree!
Susie Brock is an account executive at Rocket City Broadcasting, which operates three distinct radio stations – STAR 99.1, The Rocket 95.1, and The Beat. Her primary focus is on advertising sales and client relationship management to help businesses reach their target audiences. “I have a strong emphasis on creativity, and I am dedicated to delivering impactful marketing solutions that drive growth for my clients and maximize their return on investment,” said Brock. She has been part of our Ambassador program for two years and has served as an Emissary for one year. Prior to this, she volunteered as an ambassador with the Chamber in Madison, MS.
“Being an Ambassador is a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself – to make a positive impact, build lasting connections, and develop skills that benefit both your career and personal life,” said Brock. “If you’re looking for a way to grow, give back, and feel more connected to your community, this program is the perfect opportunity.”
Adreanné Humphrey and Luchie Murillon serve as our Lead Ambassadors this year. Humphrey works for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Huntsville and oversees all marketing initiatives for the local franchise including event planning, charitable campaigns, public rela-
tions, employee appreciation efforts, and networking opportunities. You will never see her without a smile! She has been involved with our program since 2023 and said it has opened the door to incredible opportunities, both professional and personal. “It’s a great way to network, keep business connections fresh, and build on the relationships you’ve already established,” said Humphrey.
Murillon works for First Horizon as a branch center manager. She oversees branch daily operations, ensuring the team is upholding regulatory compliance and providing excellent client experience, and developing business strategies to increase business and profitability. This is her second year as one of our Lead Ambassadors, and says she is excited to see what this new year brings!
“I really enjoy being able to get to know my fellow Ambassadors on a personal level while supporting local businesses,” said Murillon. “Our camaraderie is impeccable, and being present during ribbon cuttings helps us gain insights into the local business landscape, and stay updated on community developments.”
Participating in the Ambassador Program is one of the first steps you can take to become more involved with the Chamber. The program is ideal if you have a desire to become more active in the local business environment, raise awareness of your business or organization, and give back to your community. You can see our current Ambassadors and learn more about the program on hsvchamber.org. If you are interested in joining, please contact Lakeysha Brown at (256) 535-2038 or lbrown@hsvchamber.org
CFD Research Corporation CEO Sameer Singhal just came off his appointment as the Chamber’s Board Chair for 2024, but that’s not what led the company to their most recent Small Business Award. As the Engineering/Defense Business of the Year in the medium category, CFD Research worked hard to bring innovative solutions to the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries leading up to their award.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our 270 employee-owners, who make CFD Research a great place to work. We are deeply honored to receive this award and proud to stand alongside such esteemed companies,” said Singhal (pictured)
In addition to the multimillion-dollar contracts obtained over the course of 2023 and 2024, the company was also able to announce and open their newest 19,000-square-foot facility in Hollywood, AL, which will enhance their ability to support technology development and increase testing capacity to further solidify the company’s commitment to innovation.
Aside from the technical innovation they provide through their work, the team at CFD also knows how to have fun. Over the holidays, teams from CFD all across the country celebrated together with games and raffles, and employees really enjoyed it. It’s always nice to see our growing small businesses maintaining the “small business” feel.
– Kayla Brown
Anew tax credit for Alabama employers who help provide childcare for eligible employees goes into effect this year. Starting March 1, companies will be able to apply for a credit of up to $600,000, and the money will be awarded on a first-come basis, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
The new law received bipartisan support in the 2024 legislative session. Employers can be reimbursed for costs related to building and maintaining in-house childcare facilities or paying for outside care for the children of qualifying employees, those earning less than $80,000 a year. It also includes a separate tax credit for childcare providers as well as a grant program for nonprofit providers.
– Claire Aiello
Ever wondered what doctors do when they clean up an injury? If you browse the website of the SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center, you will find all sorts of educational information, such as videos and animations of injury repair procedures, to help ease your experience. Over the last 25 years, SportsMED has created a name for itself as one of the largest, most diverse, and most innovative orthopedic and spine care centers in Alabama. Founded by Dr. Eric Janssen and Dr. Troy Layton, this small business’ hard work and growth earned it the Small Business Award for Health/Social Services Business of the Year in 2024.
While scrolling through SportsMED’s Facebook page, you’ll quickly find positive testimonials from various patients over the last year. The commitment to informing and marketing their business, combined with the technical knowledge of the team at SportsMED, is a testament to their experience. Whether it be neurological, podiatry, or orthopaedic, patients can quickly find information about their related injury and treatment on the website at sportsmedalabama.com
– Kayla Brown
Jeff Samz CEO, Huntsville Hospital Health System 2025 BOARD CHAIR
Dr. Karockas Watkins CEO, Ability Plus, Inc. and Vision Excellence Company
VICE CHAIR, Economic Development
Angie Sandritter CEO, RippleWorx
VICE CHAIR, Small Business
Jami Peyton CEO, Canvas, Inc. Chair-Elect
Michael Cox Huntsville Site Executive, Raytheon, An RTX Business
VICE CHAIR, Economic Inclusion
Jason Puckett President, Toyota Alabama
VICE CHAIR, Talent Initiatives
Graham Burgess Shareholder, Maynard Nexsen LEGAL COUNSEL
Sameer Singhal President & CEO, CFD Research Corporation
Immediate Past Chair
Dave Cook Senior Vice President, Torch Technologies
VICE CHAIR, Government & Public Affairs
Jeff Gronberg CEO, deciBel Research, Inc.
LIAISON, Redstone Regional Alliance
Tommy Battle Mayor, City of Huntsville EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
Ron Poteat Retired Chair, Chamber Foundation
Brett Crain President, Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.
VICE CHAIR, HREGI
Chrystal Morgan Exec. Director, Government Relations, The Boeing Company
CHAIR-APPOINTED
Paul Finley Mayor, City of Madison EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
Chronister VP, Army Program Integration, Lockheed Martin Corporation Secretary / Treasurer
VICE CHAIR, Image Development & C ommunications
Lynn Troy President, Troy7, Inc.
CHAIR-APPOINTED
Mac McCutcheon Chairman, Madison County Commission EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
Yedla President & CEO, Yedla Management Company
CHAIR-APPOINTED
&
Jenny Askins Touronimo
Blake Bentley SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center
Terri Bentley Redstone Federal Credit Union
David Bier Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.
Penny Billings Cadence Bank
Jason Blount Keel Point, LLC
Mark Brazeal Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
Frank Caprio Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Mitch Coley Robins & Morton
Katie Comer Meta Platforms, Inc.
Greg Fortier SAIC
Owen Franklin Blue Summit Supplies
Greg Gaddy Five Stones Research Corporation
Megan Wilson Green Blue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
Greg Hall COPT Defense Properties
Scott Hall Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Ginger Harper First Horizon
Josh Herren Yulista
Clayton Hinchman Ignite Fueling Innovation
Lee Holland Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC
Jim Holtkamp ServisFirst Bank
Laura Huckabee-Jennings Transcend, The Fearless Company
Hank Isenberg IronMountain Solutions
Michelle Jordan TARCOG
Sean Kelly Regions Bank
Tim King Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
Clint Kirkland United Community Bank
Rich Kretzschmar Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)
Orcutt Schoel
Zack Penney
Bill Penney Toyota/ Mitsubishi
Dr. Annie Saylor Simulation Technologies, Inc. (SimTech)
Julie Schumacher KODA Technologies Inc.
Vergenia Shelton Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
Henry Thornton Meta Platforms, Inc.
James Lackey Davidson
Gary Tucker Huntsville Coca-Cola
Todd May KBR
Mike Watkins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Matt Meko Booz Allen Hamilton
Stephanie Mell ChurchStreet Family Businesses Carey Miller Deloitte LLP
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Staff
Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO
Staci Sellers director, governance support & special projects
Economic Development // CRP // Talent Initiatives
Lucia Cape , CCE, senior vice president
Erin Koshut , executive director, Cummings Research Park
Lyndsay Ferguson vice president, talent initiatives
Ken Smith , senior economic development director
Annie Davis , director, talent initiatives
Beth Zinn , program manager, Driving Possibilities™
Finance & Administration // Events
Mary McNairy, IOM, vice president
Joe Watson facility operations lead
Kim Weeks , accounting specialist – receivables
Dionne Scales , accounting & HR specialist
Diana Baccus , CMP, director, event management
Laura Carr, event specialist
Stefanie Smoot , resource desk coordinator
Government & Public Affairs
Mike Ward , CCE, senior vice president
Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI)
Kristy Drake , IOM, vice president, investor relations
Investor Relations // Membership
Kristy Drake , IOM, vice president, investor relations
Lakeysha Brown , director, membership & engagement
Richard Bigoney membership account executive
Crystal Baker, retention specialist
Image Development & Communications
Claire Aiello , IOM, vice president
Kristi Sherrard , creative director
Kayla Brown , director, strategic communications
Hiroko Sedensky web designer
Small Business // Economic Inclusion
Ashley Engles-Ross , IOM, vice president, small business
uah.edu/sbdc theschoolsfoundation.org
Major updates are in the works for Huntsville International Airport (HSV), and if you’ve traveled recently, you’ve seen hints of what is to come. Offerings include a Starbucks, plus a full-service restaurant and bar, a quick-service food option, and a health-conscious eatery.
Travelers can look forward to a new pizza bar, Interstellar Pizza, serving up made-to-order pizza and draft beer. This eatery, and Starbucks, should be open by May of this year.
Later in the year, Rocket City Bar & Grill will offer a full menu prepared in a brand-new kitchen, scheduled to open in October. Rocket City Express will offer quick-service, grab-and-go options. Meanwhile, Sambazon will offer health-conscious signature acai bowls.
A phased plan means fresh food and beverages will be available throughout construction.
Additionally, new food and beverage options will be offered adjacent to the public waiting area in a long-desired pre-security coffee shop. New sundry/souvenir shops will occupy the existing retail facilities, with both pre-security and post-security shopping undergoing complete renovation to create bright, open spaces. There are plans to offer more local products in these retail spaces as well.
Tailwind Hospitality, headquartered in Wilmington, NC, will oversee airport concessions for the next 10 years. It is a leading food, beverage, and retail airport and transit station concessionaire to 59 U.S. locations.
“At Huntsville International, we know that our customers want to be able to enjoy their favorite food and beverages while in their favorite airport, and with Tailwind Hospitality as our concessions partner, we are able to begin providing updated, upscale amenities within months,” said Butch Roberts, Huntsville International Airport CEO.
“Tailwind celebrates the communities in which we are located by prioritizing the sourcing of local goods,” said Tailwind CEO Jeff Switzer. “We strive to give a sense of place. We really want to work collaboratively with the Airport to represent Huntsville and north Alabama properly. Huntsville is a smart community, and we look forward to becoming a part of it.”
HSV was voted #1 Best Small Airport in the U.S. in 2020 and 2024 and serves more than 1.47 million passengers annually. In fact, it hit its record by October of last year. It now offers nonstop flights to 15 destinations with nonstop flights to New York City (LGA) beginning mid-April.
