Initiatives - Augut 2017 by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

AUG 2017 initiatives

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No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. A 200 PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER initiatives Contact:AUG Frank 2017 M. Caprio., 256.517.5142, fcaprio@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Clinton Avenue West, Suite 900, Huntsville, AL 35801.

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AUG 2017 initiatives

welcome new chamber members Joined in May 2017 AAL USA, Inc. ACS - Air Conditioning Systems, Inc. Appleton Therapies, LLC Arma Aviation Blackwell Law Firm Body Creations Sports Performance & Fitness Catering By Narvell Crisis Services of North Alabama Curtiss–Wright E.A.S.E. Services, Erica Allen Supported Employment For Life Ministries, Inc. Freedom Powersports, Huntsville Got Anyalo Technologies, Inc. HMZ, llc Huntsville Chiropractic Center Keen Vision Publishing KFS, LLC Kiernan Group Holdings, Inc. Dr. Danny Lee, Laser Eye Center MarMac Real Estate–Carol Shutt MartinFederal Medicare Strategies Modern Woodmen of America–Jeff Eastin Morell Engineering, Inc Oliver Tire Pros Peerless Technologies, Inc. Pendergrass Promos, Inc Phoenix Emergency Care Ryan E. Poole Rocket City Property Management Rugged Portable Computers LLC Sonshine Home Care Southern Living Southland International Trucks, Inc. Strategic Systems Inc. T-H Marine Supplies, Inc. Toccoa Erosion Control Tropical Smoothie Cafe Troy University

Joined in June 2017 American Red Cross of North Alabama Brand, Blackwell & Company, P.C. CPA’s Capital Management Services Century 21 Steele & Associates- Steve & Lynn Cawthon Decorative Concrete Heartland Dental IDS- International Deployment Solutions, Inc. Kyani Lenox Park Apartments (Stratus Development) Live a Legacy, LLC - Juice Plus Living Against The River Netivity Innovation Architects Next Level Business Services, LLC DBA IGotHuntsvillee PAK Legacy Community Development Corporation PG-Press PRINTFORM- 3D Printing & Consulting Services Right Fit Self Storage Rocket City Tire & Service Skye Connect, Inc. Solley Equipment & Rigging, LLC TriMech Solutions, LLC Ziglar Family - Jenifer Truitt

If you want to make a valuable investment in your business and the community, the Chamber is the place to start. Contact Donna McCrary, Membership Retention Manager: 256-535-2027 or dmccrary@hsvchamber.org.

initiatives AUG 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

HU N TS VI LLE / M A DI S ON

C OU N T Y

C H A M BE R

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

REGIONAL PARTNERS

LEADERSHIP FORUM

Huntsville Hospital

Port of Huntsville

ADTRAN, Inc. The Boeing Company City of Madison Landers McLarty Corporation Redstone Federal Credit Union Vertiv

Madison County Commission

Tennessee Valley Authority

Regions Bank

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA Compass • Crestwood Medical Center • Dynetics, Inc. • General Atomics • Lockheed Martin Corporation PNC Bank • SAIC • SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC • Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

CHAMBER TRUSTEES AEgis Technologies Group • Aerojet Rocketdyne • All Points Logistics, LLC • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. • First Commercial Bank • Five Stones Research Corporation Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation • Jerry Damson, Inc. • KBRwyle • Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. Northrop Grumman Corporation • PARSONS • Raytheon Company • S3 • Sealy Management Company, Inc. SportsMed Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center • Torch Technologies

PROGRESS PARTNERS ASRC Federal Analytical Services • Baron Services, Inc. • BASF Corporation • BB&T • Bill Penney Toyota, Scion & Mitsubishi • Bradley Coates Transportation Group • Colliers International • Connected Logistics • Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) Davidson Technologies, Inc. • Google • Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association • IBERIABANK • Hexagon US Federal J. Smith Lanier & Co. • Keel Point, LLC • L3 Technologies • LMI • LogiCore • The Orthopaedic Center • Progress Bank Radiance Technologies • Re/Max Alliance • Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc. (DBA Steak Out) • SCI Technology, Inc. SELEX Galileo Inc. • ServisFirst Bank • Turner • Vencore, Inc. • Wells Fargo Bank • Woody Anderson Ford

PROGRESS INVESTORS 4SITE, Inc. • AECOM • Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. • Amanda Howard Real Estate • Anglin Reichmann Snellgrove & Armstrong, PC • Averbuch Realty Co., Inc. – Scott Averbuch BancorpSouth • Brown Precision, Inc. • Bryant Bank • CB&S Bank • Century Automotive • CFD Research Corp. • CGI Federal • Coast Personnel Services • deciBel Research Decisive Analytics Corp. • Deloitte LLP • DESE Research, Inc. • Digium, Inc. • Fite Building Company, Inc. • Foreign Language Services • Fountain, Parker, Harbarger • Garver HEMSI • Hiley Cars Huntsville • Huntsville Botanical Garden • Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau • Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. • InterFuze Corp. Investor’s Resource/Raymond James • IronMountain Solutions • Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider • LINE-X LLC • The Lioce Group, Inc. • LSINC Corporation MSB Analytics, Inc. • National Bank of Commerce • nLogic, LLC • North Alabama Multiple Listing Service • PALCO Telecom Service • PHOENIX • PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Public Financial Management, Inc. • QTEC • RE/MAX Distinctive – Sandra Lowrey • Renasant Bank • RJ Young Company • S&ME, Inc. • Sierra Lobo, Inc. • Sigmatech, Inc. Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. • Technicolor • Troy 7, Inc. • Venturi, Inc. • West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. • Wilmer & Lee, P.A. • Worxtime, LLC A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

AUG 2017 initiatives

Meet Our Huntsville Lending Team

DeMarco McClain Vice President

Barry Bryan Senior Vice President

Tim Singleton Madison County Area President

256-533-7834 | bibank.com | Member FDIC

initiatives AUG 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

AUG 2017

coverstory

Cheers to Us! 2017 ACCE Chamber of the Year

24 27 22, 31 12 18 14 28 26 20

arts&culture biosciencebriefs cRPNEWS economicdevelopmenthighlights educationnews extraextra government&publicaffairs NASAupdate SMALLBUSINESS&EVENTS

editorial staff publisher

Chip Cherry, CCE executive editor

4 5 8 10 30

Welcome New Chamber Members HREGI Investors Message from the President | Board Listing Community Profile Chamber Staff | Associated Organizations

Carrie Rice editorial designer

Kristi Sherrard contributing writers

Claire Aiello Erin Koshut Kirsty Neely ad sales Tina Blankenship tblankenship@hsvchamber.org

Kristy Drake The mission of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth.

HSVchamber.org

kdrake@hsvchamber.org

Tiffany Miller tmiller@hsvchamber.org

(additional contact information on page 30)

Submissions for editorial content are not accepted. Information in this and other Chamber publications is at the discretion of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Eloise Stanley estanley@hsvchamber.org

AUG 2017 initiatives

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2017 Executive Committee

Joe Newberry, Chair, Redstone Federal Credit Union Gary Bolton, Chair-Elect, ADTRAN, Inc. Rose Allen, Immediate Past Chair, InterFuze Corporation Ron Poteat, Chamber Foundation Chair, Regions Bank Cynthia Streams, Secretary/Treasurer, Domino’s (Valley Pizza) Kim Lewis, Vice Chair, Economic Development & Industry Relations, PROJECTXYZ, Inc.

Kevin Byrnes, Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs, Raytheon Company

Tharon Honeycutt, Vice Chair, Membership, MSB Analytics, Inc. Penny Billings, Vice Chair, Workforce & Education, BancorpSouth

Greg Brown, Vice Chair, Small Business & Events,

A Message from

Brown Precision, Inc.

Chip Cherry

Jeff Gronberg, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications, deciBel Research, Inc.

Beth Sippel, Vice Chair, Member Engagement, First Commercial Bank

Dear Chamber Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: On July 18, I was honored to receive the 2017 Chamber of the Year Award in Nashville, TN, on behalf of the members, volunteers, leadership, and staff of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber at the annual Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) national convention. This award is ACCE’s most prestigious award. The recognition by our peers in the Chamber Industry, as the best in our class, validates the effort that has taken place over many years by numerous members, volunteers, and staff to advance the quality of life and economy of our region. While I accepted the award – in fact it belongs to all those who work to make ours a truly remarkable community and the Chamber an outstanding organization! During the same awards evening at the ACCE Convention, two of our team were recognized with the highest professional designation awarded to Chamber Professionals in the United States. Mike Ward and Lucia Cape both received their Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designations. The designation was established 40 years ago to recognize those with integrity, experience, knowledge, and skills needed to effectively lead operational areas within a Chamber or serve as the CEO. Securing your CCE is a career milestone, and I am proud of Lucia’s and Mike’s accomplishment! On a separate note, we recently received news that PAR Pharmaceuticals will be closing their facilities in Huntsville. Representatives of the company wanted to make sure we knew that this was a market-driven decision and was not a reflection on the quality of the workforce. The good news for employers in the region is we will have very highquality talent hitting the job market over the next 12-18 months. Please check www. asmartplace.com for updates or contact alocke@hsvchamber.org if you are interested in hiring former PAR employees. I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber Event soon!

Chip Cherry, CCE President & CEO Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

initiatives AUG 2017

Mark Curran, Chair-Appointed, L3 Technologies, Inc. Tim Thornton, Chair-Appointed, n Logic, LLC Frank Williams, Chair-Appointed, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-Officio Member, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, Ex-Officio Member, City of Madison Chairman Dale Strong, Ex-Officio Member, Madison County Commission

Tracy Marion, General Counsel, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Chip Cherry, President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison Co. Chamber

Elected Board Mike Alvarez, Venturi, Inc. Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay, S3, Inc. Mike Bertoldi, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Janet Brown, Belk Frank Caprio, Bradley Lynn Collyar, Deloitte LLP Michael Cox, PARSONS Deke Damson, Jerry Damson Honda Acura Dr. Dorothy Davidson, Davidson Technologies, Inc. Bryan Dodson, PHOENIX John Eagan, BB&T Joe Fehrenbach, Hexagon US Federal Trip Ferguson, U.S. Space & Rocket Center David Fernandes, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Gene Goldman, Leidos Mike Gullion, SCI Technology – a Sanmina company Jan Hess, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. Steve Hill, AEgis Technologies Group Dr. Pam Hudson, Crestwood Medical Center Hank Isenberg, IronMountain Solutions John Jordan, KBRwyle Sean Kelly, Regions Bank David King, Dynetics, Inc. Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Janice Migliore, PALCO Telecom Service, Inc. Craig Naudain, SAIC Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Leigh Pegues, PNC Bank Mike Randolph, Par Pharmaceutical, an Endo International Co. Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt, PC Jim Rogers, Lockheed Martin Corporation Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Dr. Gurmej Sandhu, Sigmatech, Inc. Charlie Sealy, Sealy Management Company E.J. Sinclair, SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC Sameer Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Robert “Bob” Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton Nilmini Thompson, Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. Lynn Troy, Troy 7, Inc. Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company Mike Watkins, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Danny Windham, Digium, Inc.

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Care. When your family needs it. Not three days later.

Looking for Convenient Healthcare? We’re accepting new patients. Crestwood Medical Group with locations throughout Madison County offers primary care along with a variety of specialties to meet your family’s needs. We accept most major health plans. Find a complete list of locations and providers at CrestwoodMedGroup.com. Online scheduling is now available for select providers.

MEDICAL GROUP Same-Day Appointments Available! 1-888-261-3422 Online scheduling at CrestwoodMedGroup.com

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

AUG 2017 initiatives

communityprofile Madison City of County Huntsville

Population

City of Huntsville Madison Metro Area

Top Ten Employers Redstone Arsenal* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,866* Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,129

2010 Census

334,811

180,105

42,938

417,593

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000

2015 Census

353,089

190,582

46,962

444,752

Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,079

5.5%

5.8%

9.4%

6.5%

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,600

% Growth

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,389

Households & Income # of Households

137,767

16,857

169,980

Avg. Household Income $79,044

$71,430 $110,662

$76,897

Per Capita Income

$30,979

$30,792

$32,131

78,554

$41,596

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov), 2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,229 City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,206 The University of Alabama in Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,675 ADTRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,522 Source: Huntsville/Madison County Chamber *includes on-site contractors

Aerospace & Defense Huntsville/Madison County is home to the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center which combine to drive a thriving aerospace and defense technology industry. More than 41,000 people work at Redstone Arsenal and NASA managing some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation, and space exploration.

Research & Technology Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a global leader in technology development. The second-largest science and

For more information, visit:

technology park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to more

hsvchamber.org

development.

than 300 companies and 29,000 people involved in technology research and

LOGISTICS • ENGINEERING • IT • ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Solving Problems... Delivering Results • www.projectxyz.com • EDWOSB 10

initiatives AUG 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

AUG 2017 initiatives

economicdevelopmenthighlights Nunn-Perry Award Recipients Named CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) and its mentor, Raytheon, have been awarded the prestigious Nunn-Perry Award by the Department of Defense (DoD). The award recognizes successful Mentor-Protégé teams that have excelled in technical developments, cost efficiencies and increased business opportunities for small businesses. CFDRC is a woman-owned small business that develops cutting edge technologies and provides innovative solutions for aerospace, propulsion, cyber security, energy, life sciences, materials, and other industries. The Raytheon-CFDRC Mentor-Protégé agreement was awarded under sponsorship from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). “The Nunn-Perry Award is highly valued in the DoD and small business communities, and is a significant honor for CFDRC,” said Sameer Singhal, president and CEO, CFDRC. “The Mentor-Protégé program has strengthened our capabilities as a value added supplier to Raytheon and MDA and we are grateful to MDA for sponsoring the agreement and Raytheon for sharing invaluable resources and experience.” The Nunn-Perry Award, named in honor of former Senator Sam Nunn and former Secretary of Defense William Perry, was first awarded in 1995 to recognize outstanding DoD Mentor-Protégé program teams. This program is a national initiative that encourages and incentivizes major defense industry contractors, such as Raytheon, to share their technical expertise and knowledge of government contracting to increase development and technical capabilities of small disadvantaged business subcontractors and new mission partners. “The Mentor-Protégé program helps innovative technology companies like CFDRC to compete as stronger primes or subcontractors for all defense-relat-

ed procurements, thus positively impacting the capabilities of the defense industry base,” said Richard Thoms, Mentor-Protégé program manager for CFDRC. Technical assistance provided by Raytheon to CFDRC includes training and consulting resulting in CFDRC obtaining AS9100/ISO9001 quality certification, guidance in implementation of CMMI for services process areas to be appraised by the end of the year, technical and business development resources and training, and marketing and branding support. This assistance gives the MDA and other DoD agencies and primes enhanced supplier quality and cost effectiveness in the performance of missions supporting the warfighter. Bethune-Cookman and Oakwood University, both Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), were also a part of the Mentor-Protégé team providing technical and marketing support. ∏

Pinnacle Solutions Awarded $60 Million Contract Pinnacle Solutions won the Computer Based Instructional Design II (CBIDII) Contract from the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI). The five-year, single award, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with a period of performance through April 2022. The total contract value is approximately $60M. The purpose of the CBID II contract is to provide U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) customers with a range of training services and products related to computer based training. Task orders

Wellness Medical Weight Loss Laser Treatment & Aesthetics Age Management Hormone Balancing

Dr. Thomas Calvert, M.D.

initiatives AUG 2017

Call to book an appointment today!

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

compiled by Carrie Rice

can be issued for any of the following all-inclusive services and products. “This is a strategic win for Pinnacle,” Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle Solutions says. “CBID II solidifies our position as a leader in the training industry and provides a mechanism for customers seeking leading edge courseware, IMI and training products to work with PEO STRI and Pinnacle to support weapon systems fielding, upgrades and sustainment training.” ∏

ware engineering, systems engineering, and process improvement services. Government agencies and other organizations using this GSA schedule for purchases may now contract CSSA for PSS services through GSA Contract Number GS-00F-224GA. CSSA currently serves DoD, NASA, and the commercial sector. For more information, visit www.cepedasystems.com. ∏

RFCU hits 400,000 member mark

HSV Contractor Granted GSA Professional Services Schedule Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis, Inc. (CSSA), an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business that provides systems and software engineering and process improvement services, has been granted a General Services Administration (GSA) Professional Services Schedule (PSS). “CSSA is excited to have been awarded a GSA Professional Services Schedule contract,” said Sandra Cepeda, CSSA President and CEO. “This 20-year contract provides our customers a long-standing contract vehicle to procure services in an expedited manner at labor rates deemed competitive and realistic. We look forward to serving our customers through this contract and thank God for His continued blessings on CSSA.” CSSA is recognized as a preferred vendor, authorized to conduct business with government agencies in the following categories: Strategic Planning for Technology Programs/Activities, Concept Development and Requirements Analysis, System Design, Engineering and Integration, Test and Evaluation, and Acquisition and Life Cycle Management. CSSA’s core competencies are soft-

Redstone Federal Credit Union has surpassed 400,000 members and is quickly climbing toward $5 billion in assets, making it the 16th largest federal credit union in the nation. Since March 2016, Redstone’s assets have grown 12.6 percent to reach $4.86 billion by May 31, 2017. Redstone reached its 400,000-member milestone in June. It is the largest member-owned financial institution in Alabama and one of the 16 largest federal credit unions in the nation by assets. Over the past several years, Redstone has increased its product offerings and opened new branches by expanding its geographic footprint in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee. “Our member growth represents Redstone’s continued commitment to member service, community outreach and cutting-edge products,” said Joseph Newberry, Redstone’s President and CEO. “We are certainly excited about the growth. However, we never forget that we are here to meet our members’ needs and to help them reach their financial goals.” Redstone was chartered on November 28, 1951 and has served its members in the Tennessee Valley area for 65 years! ∏

You love growing your business.

Then you’ll love this bank. Whether you’re ready to expand the office or fine tune your cash accounts, Progress Bank has all the features of a big bank but with the local connections and welcoming service of the local bank we are.

You’ll find: • lending options • checking & savings accounts • electronic services • treasury & merchant services

Huntsville • Jones Valley • Madison • Decatur Florence • Birmingham • Vestavia • Destin

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

myprogressbank.com

AUG 2017 initiatives

extraextra

PROJECTXYZ Named National Finalist Helping people with disabilities achieve employment for over 45 years Helping businesses connect with motivated employees throughout North Alabama

256-880-0671 phoenixhsv.org

PROJECTXYZ, Inc. has been selected as a finalist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards Program. The program celebrates the achievements of small business and recognizes their contributions to our county’s economic growth. “We are blessed and encouraged by our selection as a Dream Big Small Business of the Year finalist,” said Kim Lewis, CEO of PROJECTXYZ. “We hold to a philosophy of investing profit back into our company, investing in technology, and allowing our people to be difference makers for PROJECTXYZ and our customers. Recognition like this is great for all us and we’re proud to be among the finalists.” PROJECTXYZ is a technical solutions company using its expertise to solve problems and deliver results for federal and commercial customers at various locations throughout the United States. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, the company provides expertise in the research, design, development, integration, and sustainment of innovative solutions in logistics, engineering, information technology, and alternative energy. Founded in 2002, the company is an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business. PROJECTXYZ is one of 17 finalists from across the country. As a finalist for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, PROJECTXYZ is also eligible for the Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award and the Community Excellence Award. The Community Excellence Award will combine judges scoring with online voting, allowing customers, employees, and neighbors to vote for their favorite business.

The Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award is dedicated to America’s small business owners, who tirelessly pursue their dreams. The award celebrates the success of one small business and honors its contributions to the growth and diversity of the American economy. It also recognizes one small business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual initiative. The winners of the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, Business Achievement Awards, and Community Excellence Award will be announced at the Dream Big Awards Celebration in Washington D.C. on September 12, 2017. The winners are required to exemplify success and leadership in business growth and performance, business strategies and goals, community engagement, customer and employee relation practices, and innovative business strategies and practice. ∏

initiatives AUG 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Moseley Technical honored by Lockheed Lockheed Martin presented Moseley Technical Services in July with the nationally-recognized, prestigious “Top Supplier Award”. The award recognizes Moseley’s 98% on-time delivery. Moseley President and Owner, Jerry Moseley, accepted the award. Vice President of Professional Services, Renee Pinto Smith, said, “As you can imagine, this (is) an incredible award for our success in partnering with Lockheed Martin.” The award was presented in late July during a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber. Smith said the award is in thanks to Moseley co-workers, friends, suppliers and others who have helped them grow. Moseley also took the opportunity to unveil their new brand. “We are very excited…as we celebrate (Moseley’s) re-branding and commitment to Customer Service. For the past 23 years, we have served our partners in the DoD, Government and Commercial arenas, and we would like to thank them for entrusting us with providing Engineering Services and Hiring solutions,” Smith said. Moseley’s Mission Statement: We deliver superior service to our customers and employees while providing solutions to business challenges and opportunities. Moseley Technical Services, Inc. is located in the Main Street South complex, 7500 South Memorial Parkway, 215-R. ∏

Special Election for U.S. Senate Make plans to vote in Alabama’s Special Election for U.S. Senate. The Primary is August 15, and it’s a crowded field. Nine Republicans are running: Luther Strange, Mo Brooks, Roy Moore, Joseph F. Breault, Randy Brinson, Trip Pittman, James Paul Beretta, Mary Maxwell and Bryan Peeples. On the Democratic side, there are seven candidates: Will Boyd, Vann Caldwell, Jason E. Fisher, Michael Hansen, Doug Jones, Robert Kennedy, Jr. and Charles Nana. When you go to the poll on August 15, you’ll choose which primary to vote in – GOP or Democrat. In the likely event that none of the candidates receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary election, there will be a Primary Runoff election on September 26. The Republican and Democratic nominees will face one another in a Special General Election on December 12. The winner will serve the remainder of Sen. Jeff Sessions’ term, through January 2021. Need your polling location? Visit a l a b a m a v o t e s . gov. There’s a wealth of information posted to help you stay informed about future elections. Also, don’t forget to bring your photo ID when you vote. Claire Aiello A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

BE A LEADER, NOT JUST A MANAGER.

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Certificate begins October 3, 2017. Take the 3 course series or just 1 course. Customized training is also available.

PCS.uah.edu/PDSolutions | 256.824.4430 AUG 2017 initiatives

CHEERS TO US! 2017 ACCE CHAMBER OF THE YEAR

Most of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber staff

initiatives AUG 2017

he Huntsville/Madison County Chamber was named 2017 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), an association of more than 7,500 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, from around the world. Chamber of the Year is the most prestigious and competitive award presented by ACCE and is the only globally-recognized industry award that honors top chambers of commerce. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and made an impact on key community priorities, such as education, transportation, business development and quality of life. Chip Cherry, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, accepted the award – along with about a dozen staff members – on July 18 at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. “It is an honor to be selected as the Chamber of the Year for 2017,” said Cherry. “To be singled out as the best in our peer group from the many outstanding Chambers in the United States is testimony to how effective our volunteer and staff team have been helping the community advance. I am both honored and humbled to work with such an outstanding group of men and women!” Qualifying for Chamber of the Year is a rigorous, multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must first meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention. Chambers compete based on meeting key performance criteria on the ACCE Annual Operations Survey. Qualifying chambers enter the competition with a written application addressing all aspects of organizational operation and programmatic work. Applications are scored by peer chamber executives to determine finalists. Winners A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Two New CCEs

are selected from among finalists based on an in-person interview before a panel of experienced chamber professionals. “This award speaks volumes about our Chamber, its commitment to this community, and the dedication of its members, employees, volunteers, and Board,” said Joe Newberry, 2017 Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Board Chair. “It is confirmation of what we already know – that this Chamber has always done amazing things to make our communities a smarter place to live, work and play.” This year’s competition drew entries from chambers throughout the U.S. and Canada. To ensure the fairest competition, applicants are grouped into four categories based on: annual revenue, membership, area population, and several other factors. ACCE was founded in 1914, serves more than 7,500 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce or similar organizations, around the world. ACCE’s members come from nearly each of the largest 100 metropolitan regions in the United States. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, the mission of ACCE is to support chamber professionals so they can lead their communities.

Carrie Rice

Chamber President & CEO Chip Cherry sharing the moment with his daughter Julia and wife Betty.

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

In addition to the Chamber of the Year award, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber also had two senior staffers awarded with the professional designation, CCE (Certified Chamber Executive), at the annual ACCE annual convention in Nashville, TN. We congratulate Mike Ward, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs, and Lucia Cape, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, who are both new CCE’s! Two of only about 500 in the business (including our own Chip Cherry, CCE, President & CEO of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber)! In 40 years of CCE, only 484 people have earned the designation. At present, there are only 250 active CCE’s in the world, and our Chamber has three of them! Earning their CCE was certainly no easy task. The professional designation is a multi-step process which is vigorous and demanding – with each step facing a pass/fail outcome. The process includes an extensive CCE application, essays, conference calls, in-person panel interviews, oral presentations, more conference calls, and a final exam – all in less than six months! Ward The CCE program is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of the four core chamber management areas: Management, Planning and Development, Membership and Communications, and Operations. “When I joined the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 26 years ago, I never imagined that I’d find the Chamber field to be such a satisfying career,” said Mike Ward, Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs. “Serving the community by helping it to grow economically has been very rewarding. Achieving CCE is a highlight of my Chamber career.” “Professional development is an investment we make in ourselves, and I am so grateful to work for an organization that recognizes the value of that investment,” said Lucia Cape, Senior Vice President, Cape Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce. “Earning my CCE gives me confidence that I am able to do my job at the highest level, and it’s a positive reflection on the Chamber and its leadership to have certified executives on staff.” To even apply for CCE designation, applicants are required to have at least six years of senior-level chamber management experience and be currently employed in a senior-level chamber management position. In order to be considered a senior level manager, the applicant must manage a staff, a budget, programs, and have direct contact with the board. Applicants must also adhere to the CCE code of ethics. CCE’s exemplify: Commitment to the chamber of commerce profession; Dedication to managerial and leadership excellence; and Leadership in state, regional, and national chamber professional association. To learn more about ACCE, visit www.ACCE.org. AUG 2017 initiatives

educationnews

Are you ready for the 2017 College & Career Fair? H

igh school students are often asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” For many students, this can be a difficult question to answer. The 2017 College and Career Fair will equip over 6,500 juniors and seniors from Madison County, Madison City, and Huntsville City Schools to answer this difficult question. The College & Career Fair runs from August 31-September 1 in the University of Alabama in Huntsville Gym. Students will connect with more than 150 institutions of higher education and network with companies from the 16 different Career Clusters. The fair will expose students to career opportunities in fields ranging from STEM, to Finance to Manufacturing and everything in between. By partnering with local businesses, the College and Career Fair will bring expanded perspective to students while giving businesses direct access to future employees. A special thanks to Lockheed Martin for their presenting sponsorship of the 2017 College and Career Fair. “The College and Career Fair gives employers the opportunity to reach the most students at one time with information on career

options in the community,” said Joe Newberry, the 2017 Chamber Board Chair, and President and CEO of Redstone Federal Credit. “This is really the front line of employee recruitment and provides a way to retain these valuable citizens in the Tennessee Valley.” This career fair also gives insight in to careers that are not as widely known, such as advanced manufacturing positions. “Participating juniors and seniors have a powerful opportunity to visit with institutions of higher education and engage with career representatives from local companies at the same time,” shared Elizabeth Fleming, Executive Director of The Schools Foundation. “The power the students gain lies in the understanding of the expectation of both college and career,” said Chamber Workforce Development Director Jill Bruton. “ This knowledge is in real time, in real situations, delivered by real representatives of real institutions of higher education and real companies; it is not theoretical.” For more information about this event, please contact Jill Bruton at jbruton@hsvchamber.org. Carrie Rice

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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

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AUG 2017 initiatives

And the winner is…

not yet! T

he Huntsville/Madison County Chamber will celebrate small businesses and individuals that have helped Huntsville grow into the community we all love! The 32nd Annual Small Business Awards Celebration will be held at the VBC North Hall on August 15 at 7 p.m. We will celebrate the early days of Huntsville with a blacktie (optional), roaring twenties (or Great Gatsby) theme. Winners will be announced in our October Initiatives magazine. Winners will be named from the Contenders in the 13 categories below.

Carrie Rice BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 4SITE, Incorporated Alabama Psychological Services Center, LLC * Image in a Box, LLC * Longview Financial Advisors, Inc. Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc Network Services & Support, Inc. Nola Van Peursem Architects, PC ServisFirst Bank Tom Taylor Agency

CULINARY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Catering By Narvell * Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza

EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Alabama Colon & Gastro, PC Dean Commercial Real Estate, Inc. * The Donut Hole, LLC * Elitaire Boutique * NXTSTEP Family Law * Veloce Indoor Speedway

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING – BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Cortina Solutions, LLC * Heartspur Group, LLC LSINC Corporation * MTA, Inc. * PZI International Consulting, Inc.

DEFTEC Corporation * Ignite, Inc. Mission Multiplier Onyx Aerospace

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING – TECHNOLOGY SERVICES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Archarithms, Inc. Brockwell Technologies, Inc. * Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis * FMS Aerospace GaN Corporation Hill Technical Solutions, Inc * Kord Technologies, Inc. * Mission Driven Research Signalink, Inc. * Simulation Technologies, Inc. (SimTech) TriVector Services, Inc.

initiatives AUG 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

smallbusiness&events * indicates a contender for WBC WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

MEDICAL PRACTICE OF THE YEAR Advanced Life Clinic * Divine Expressions Family Dentistry – 7185 Hwy 72 W Thrive Alabama

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR AGAPE of North Alabama Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama The Enrichment Center Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Land Trust of North Alabama Nexus Energy Center *

RETAILER OF THE YEAR Liquor Express and Craft Beer Rivenbark & Roper Antiques, LLC University Pickers *

SERVICE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Action Builders, Inc. AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists

Deaf Access, Inc. * EVENT Magazine Express Employment Professionals Hollywood Huntsville, LLC Legend Realty Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. *

Anna McDonald, FirstBank Heath Oliver, Signalink Charles Reeder, DEFTEC Corporation Kristina Sexton, NXTSTEP Family Law, PC Justin Sweitzer, Practical Energetics Research, LLC

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

RUSSELL G. BROWN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Integration, LLC Practical Energetics Research, LLC

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Michael Bertoldi, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Adrienne Bone, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Coby McEachern Boswell, NXTSTEP FAMILY LAW, P.C. Julia Hendon, Hunstville-Madison County Public Library James Lomax, Colliers International Lauren Smith, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Lindsey Sisco, Yulista Aviation, Inc.

Matt Curtis, Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc Jonathan Hard, H2L Solutions, Inc Clayton Hinchman, Ignite Fueling Innovation, Inc. Nicole Jones, Nicole Jones Development Steve Lessmann, Signalink, Inc. Janice Migliore, Palco Telecom Service, Inc. Jamie Miller, Mission Multiplier James I. Owens, Jr., FirstBank Jay Brent Romine, nou Systems, Inc. Alicia Ryan, LSINC Corporation Dr. Joey Shelton, TriVector Services Frank Williams, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram SRT Subaru Fiat Alfa Romeo

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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

BancorpSouth.com/Business AUG 2017 initiatives

crpnews

#RocketCity Blue Origin to Build New 200,000-square-foot facility in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park

initiatives AUG 2017

CREDIT: JEFF WHITE

ou might have heard, but just in case – Huntsville is the #rocketcity. Blue Origin recently announced plans to manufacture its BE-4 engine in a state-of-the art production facility to be built in Huntsville, Alabama, aka, the Rocket City. The new facility will be in Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second-largest research park, and construction can begin once an engine production contract with United Launch Alliance is awarded. The BE-4 is America’s next rocket engine and will power United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, once down-selected. The production of this engine would end the nation’s dependence on Russia for access to space for critical national security space systems. Two BE-4s would be used on the Vulcan booster rocket. The BE-4 will also power Blue Origin’s New Glenn reusable launch system with seven BE-4s on the reusable first stage and a vacuum-optimized BE-4U on New Glenn’s second stage. Using the latest design and manufacturing techniques, the BE-4 is made for both commercial and government missions. The BE-4 uses oxygen-rich staged combustion of liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas to produce 550,000 lbs. of thrust. Development of the BE-4 began in 2011. Testing of the BE-4 is currently underway. “Alabama is a great state for aerospace manufacturing, and we are proud to produce America’s next rocket engine right here in Rocket City,” said Robert Meyerson, President of Blue Origin. “The area’s skilled workforce and leading role in rocket propulsion development make Huntsville the ideal location for our state-of-theart manufacturing facility.” Blue Origin will employ up to 342 people in this new facility. The company will make approximately $200 million in capital investment in the state. “I am pleased to see Blue Origin investing in Alabama, and I look forward to working with them and other businesses to continue boosting economic development opportunities,” commended U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. The announcement took place at the historic Davidson Center for Space Exploration under the Saturn V rocket, a nod to the community’s aerospace heritage. Blue Origin builds on that aerospace heritage and positions the Huntsville/Madison County community in the commercial space industry. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey attended the announcement at

Robert Meyerson, President of Blue Origin, and other dignitaries at the June 26 press event at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, U.S. Space & Rocket Center. A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and said, “We are excited to welcome Blue Origin to Alabama. I must commend founder Jeff Bezos and company President Robert Meyerson for their vision to create this innovative company, and for choosing to make Alabama its home sweet home! Because of this investment, more Alabamians can provide a better living for their families, and it helps cement Alabama as the preferred destination for the aerospace industry.” Many economic development partners contributed to the effort to successfully recruit Blue Origin to the state. These partners include the Governor’s office, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the City of Huntsville, Madison County, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “Blue Origin’s decision to locate its BE-4 engine manufacturing center in Huntsville reflects the deep and longstanding capabilities in the city that became the cradle of the nation’s rocket program,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Huntsville is a hub of innovation in every facet of aerospace, making it the perfect home for this Blue Origin facility.” Blue Origin chose Huntsville, Alabama for this project because of the high-tech aerospace manufacturing workforce and ecosystem, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, nearly 300 private aerospace and defense contractors, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, number 14th in NASA research funding in the nation. “Huntsville is proud to be the nation’s propulsion center of excellence, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Blue Origin to join our team. When you look at NASA’s visionary work at the Marshall Space Flight Center, the talent and capacity of Huntsville’s space industry partners, and our expertise in research and development, engineering, and manufacturing, Blue Origin is joining a truly remarkable environment,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This announcement ensures that our community will continue to be at the center of the world’s rocket propulsion development. Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin will build on the legacy of the German rocket team and the Marshall Space Flight Center to power the growing commercial rocket business that will be a critical part of our nation’s future space program,” stated Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong. In support of Blue Origin, the City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and Madison County have provided funding for their three school systems to launch an experiment on a Blue Origin rocket in Summer 2018. The school systems will determine how to select teams, and then they will work with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Dream Up, an organization that supports space-based learning, to design and develop their payload. “Blue Origin reinforces our regions’ place as the Rocket City, and a center of excellence for rocket propulsion. Blue Origin’s presence will have a positive impact on our State, our region and our community,” said Chip Cherry, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “This is an important development for Cummings Research Park’s next era of expansion and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with Blue Origin.” For more information about this announcement, Huntsville/ Madison County’s propulsion expertise, and local job opportunities, please visit www.hsvchamber.org/rocketcity and follow #rocketcity on social media. Erin Koshut A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

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AUG 2017 initiatives

arts&culture

A Creative Culture Nonprofit Arts & Culture Generates $89.9 million in Annual Economic Activity

he arts mean business in Huntsville/Madison County. The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $89.9 million in annual economic activity in Huntsville/Madison County, supporting 3,073 fulltime equivalent jobs and generating $6.6 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 national economic impact study. The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. “While we in the arts industry see first-hand every day the impact the arts can have on people’s lives, this data further proves that the arts have a far-reaching impact on the health and vitality of our community,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, executive director of Arts Huntsville. “This is the first time in more than 20 years that we have had such comprehen-

“

A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive and helps local communities become stronger and healthier places to live.

initiatives AUG 2017

”

sive data on the impact of the arts in our community. We are confident our arts and cultural sector will continue to grow and flourish with the continued support of our community.” Results show that nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent $53.8 million during fiscal year 2015. This spending is far-reaching: organizations pay employees, purchase supplies, contract for services and acquire assets within their community. Those dollars, in turn, generated $53.5 million in household income for local residents and $6.6 million in local and state government revenues. Nationwide, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 reveals that the nonprofit arts industry produces $166.3 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in $27.5 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues (a yield well beyond their collective $5 billion in arts allocations). In addition, it supports 4.6 million full-time equivalent jobs. “This study demonstrates that the arts are an economic and employment powerhouse both locally and across the nation,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “A vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive and helps local communities become stronger and healthier places to live. Leaders who care about community and economic vitality can feel good about choosing to invest in the arts. Nationally as well as locally, the arts mean business.” A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

In addition to spending by organizations, the nonprofit arts and culture industry leverages $36.1 million in event-related spending by its audiences. As a result of attending a cultural event, attendees often eat dinner in local restaurants, pay for parking, buy gifts and souvenirs, and pay a babysitter. What’s more, attendees from out of town often stay overnight in a local hotel. “A strong and vibrant arts community is essential to ensuring our continued success and growth in Huntsville. As we look to attract companies and individuals to our area one of the first things they look for is quality of life and more specifically our commitment to the arts,” said Ron Poteat, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation Chair and North Alabama area president of Regions Bank. “I’m proud of the work that Arts Huntsville continues to do to make sure we provide a full landscape of arts and cultural experiences to our citizens.” The complete Huntsville/Madison County report can be found at artshuntsville.org. The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts and supported by The Ruth Lilly Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts’ local, regional, and statewide project partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. Financial information from organizations was collected in partnership with DataArts™, using a new online survey interface. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/AEP5Partners. Arts Huntsville is a non-profit organization founded in 1962

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Courtesy of Arts Huntsville

Arts Industry Boon for Local Huntsville/Madison County Businesses

Ron Poteat, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation Chair and North Alabama area president of Regions Bank, speaks at press conference.

to stimulate and support community creativity and engagement by advancing the arts, entertainment and culture to enrich quality of life, education, and economic development in the greater Huntsville metropolitan region. With nearly 250 member arts organizations, individual artists, arts patrons, and other arts-minded non-profits, companies, and technical and professional organizations, Arts Huntsville focuses on four core program areas while serving as the service organization for area arts groups and individual artists, providing them with resources and tools to ensure their success. Carrie Rice

AUG 2017 initiatives

NASAupdate

Space Connection NASA selects Dynetics for Universal Stage Adapter

ASA has selected Dynetics, Inc. of Huntsville to develop and build a universal stage adapter for the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The adapter will connect NASA’s Orion spacecraft and provide additional cargo space for the future configurations of the rocket containing an exploration upper stage (EUS). Under the contract, Dynetics will design, develop, test, evaluate, produce and deliver the first universal stage adapter for the second integrated mission of SLS and Orion, known as Exploration Mission-2, or EM-2. This mission will be the first test flight with crew aboard NASA’s new deep space exploration systems. This cost plus award fee contract has a maximum potential value of $221.7 million and a potential performance period of 11 years, which includes a four-year base period that begins Aug. 1, and six options, allowing NASA to order up to six additional adapters for missions beyond EM-2. The universal stage adapter will house and protect large co-manifested payloads, such as habitats and deep-space exploration spacecraft, and secondary payloads including CubeSats. NASA’s SLS with the exploration upper stage for EM-2 is expected to

lift more than 105 metric tons (231,000 pounds) from the Earth’s surface. The universal stage adapter will stand 32.4 feet tall and will measure 27.6 feet in diameter at its largest point, and will provide environmental control to payloads during ground operations, launch and ascent, while also accommodating the electrical and communication paths between the EUS and Orion. SLS, the world’s most powerful rocket, will launch astronauts aboard Orion to deep space, sending humans farther into the solar system than ever before as we prepare for missions to Mars.

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through final test checks. LEFT: Touring NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility including huge friction stir-weld machines and the huge SLS hydrogen tanks.

BW_Huntsville Initatives_july2017.indd initiatives AUG 20171

7/11/17 1:05 PM A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

biosciencebriefs Huntsville Hospital’s Spillers recognized for statewide service David Spillers, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, was recognized for his service as chairman of the Alabama Hospital Association at the Association’s annual meeting. The Huntsville Hospital Health System is the third largest publicly owned hospital system in the nation, serving more than 750,000 people in north Alabama and southern Tennessee. “David has been one of our most insightful leaders,” said Donald E. Williamson, MD, president of the Alabama Hospital Association. “He is a visionary who is constantly looking for ways to improve health care for individuals served by his system.” Prior to his tenure in Huntsville, Spillers spent 18 years at Mission Health, a large, integrated health care system Spillers in Asheville, NC. Originally joining that organization as the chief information officer, he held a variety of positions, including the positions of chief financial and chief operating officer. Spillers began his career developing software for the health care industry after receiving an undergraduate degree in Information Technology and Business Administration. He received his graduate degree, an MBA, from the University of Miami. In addition to his board service with the Alabama Hospital Association, Spillers is currently vice chair of Vizient Southeast, an association of 33 health systems in Alabama and Florida, and is on the board of Wolford College in Naples, FL. ∏

HH Heart Center has new President Joshua Hewiett has been named President of Huntsville Hospital Heart Cen-

compiled by Carrie Rice

ter, LLC, and Vice President of Cardiovascular Services at Huntsville Hospital, succeeding Larry Johnston. The Heart Center includes 50 physicians and is the largest cardiology practice in north Alabama. Heart Center is a part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System and has offices in Huntsville, Athens, Boaz, Decatur, Madison and Sheffield. The cardiovascular program was named one of the Top 50 Heart Hospitals in America and employs 854 people. Hewiett joined Heart Center in 2012 and has served as Director of Cardiology Services since 2013. His responsibilities have included operational, administrative and financial duties. He is a Florida native and graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He later earned a master’s of business administration degree and a master’s of science in health administration degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I am thrilled to work more closely with our talented leadership and physician team. Heart Center and Huntsville Hospital have long provided excellent cardiothoracic care in North Alabama. I am very proud to be a member of this program,” Hewiett said. Paul Tabereaux, MD, chairman of the board of Heart Center, LLC, said “We want to thank Larry Johnston for his tremendous leadership over the past 14 years. During that time we saw substantial growth and expansion to provide Huntsville and the north Alabama communities we serve with the finest in cardiovascular care. We are thrilled to recruit Josh Hewiett as the new president of HH Heart Center. We know that Josh will continue this excellence in leadership and will remain diligent to meet the needs of our growing community.” Jeff Samz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Hewiett Officer of Huntsville Hospital Health System, said, “We welcome Josh to this role. We are confident that he can help lead Heart Center and our cardiovascular program in delivering quality care and service to patients in our community and region.” ∏

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Featuring a 1,400 sq ft. Community Room available to Bryant Bank customers and local organizations. Visit our new office located at 320 Pelham Ave. SW, Suite 100 today! | 256.535.1045 | BryantBank.com A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

AUG 2017 initiatives

GOVERNMENT&PUBLICAFFAIRS

AMC Band

Armed Forces Celebration Community Celebrates with Fireworks, Music, and Gratitude

e hope you were able to join us for some of the events during the last week of June to celebrate our military servicemen and women. The annual Armed Forces Celebration is a wonderful chance to thank these local heroes. The Army Materiel Command Band stayed busy through the week, kicking things off with a patriotic Concert in the Park. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show afterward. Tuesday, Gold Star families were invited to a special VIP reception at James Clemens High School and the AMC band performed a Community Concert for several hundred in attendance. On Jun. 28, General Gus Perna spoke to more than 700 community and business leaders at the Huntsville/Madison Chamber’s annual Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon. The AMC Commanding General spoke of his appreciation for the steadfast support the North Alabama community gives Redstone Arsenal

initiatives AUG 2017

and the Armed Services. “I have never been anywhere where we’ve had Armed Forces week,” Gen. Perna said. “This is the first time I’ve been part of this phenomenon. It’s remarkable as a Soldier to see what the community is doing for us.” (Source: Army.) The week’s events also included a Biergarten event at the Space and Rocket Center benefiting Still Serving Veterans under the Saturn V Rocket. Also, the community enjoyed spirited softball games at the Metro Kiwanis Sportsplex, featuring the Recreation League Senior All-Stars, Community Leaders, the Association of the U.S. Army team and military leaders on Team Redstone. We look forward to the Armed Forces Celebration every year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to say an important ‘thank you’ those who serve. Claire Aiello

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

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AUG 2017 initiatives

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

STA FF Executive Staff

Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Amy Locke, executive assistant Annette Atchley, resource desk coordinator

Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce Lucia Cape, CCE, senior vice president Jill Bruton, workforce development director Erin Koshut, Cummings Research Park director Ken Smith, research & information services director Will West, project manager

Government & Public Affairs Mike Ward, CCE, senior vice president Claire Aiello, program manager

Marketing & Communications Carrie Rice, director Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer Hiroko Sedensky, web designer

Membership Robert Recker, senior vice president, investor relations Donna McCrary, membership retention manager Kristy Drake, ChamberON & investor relations manager Tina Blankenship, membership account executive Tiffany Miller, membership account executive Eloise Stanley, membership account executive

Small Business & Events Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president

Finance & Administration Mary McNairy, vice president Kim Savage, accounting specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; receivables Lori Warner, accounting specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; payables Joe Watson, facilities supervisor

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 225 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 | fax 256-535-2015

HSVchamber.org

Associated Organizations

communityfoundationhsv.org

www.uah.edu/sbdc theschoolsfoundation.org

initiatives AUG 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

crpnews

Food Trucks Roll in CRP Take a Break to Enjoy Food, Sun, and a Charitable Cause

he blazing summer heat hasn’t stopped hungry Huntsvillians who work in Cumming Research Park (CRP) from coming out for some fantastic lunch fare as part of CRP Food Truck Fests! Thanks to the sponsors of the event, Venturi, Inc. and Comcast Business, the Chamber’s CRP team sets up banquet tables and chairs under bright purple, blue, and green canopies, and scatters comfy and colorful Adirondack chairs under nearby shade trees for each food truck fest. The CRP Food Truck Fest is not just open to employees whose companies are located in the park, but also anyone who wants to come out and grab a bite in the shade. This is a casual environment that regularly welcomes family members, college students, employees, and even a couple of babies in strollers! “We’ve offered food trucks to CRP employees and companies since fall of 2015 as a way to enhance lunchtime offerings in the Park. We’re super excited with the additional fun seating options and partnering with nonprofits for the 2017 season, which is going great,” said Erin Koshut, Director of Cummings Research Park.

The CRP Food Truck Fest takes place the second Tuesday of every month, May through November. The food trucks can be found on these days at 990 Explorer Boulevard (corner of Explorer Blvd and Discovery Dr.) Food trucks serve their delicious fare from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—just look for the bright signs and CRP canopies! At least four to five food trucks open their awnings to serve the masses—everything from lobster rolls to barbeque, farm-fresh fare to cupcakes, these vendors have plenty to choose from. Rollin’ Lobstah, a truck that has been involved in all the CRP A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Food Truck Fests since 2016, got their start because they wanted to bring the lobster roll to the south and saw a niche. “I always wanted a food truck, but it wasn’t until I visited my aunt’s vineyard and ordered a lobster roll that I realized what I wanted to sell,” said Vonda Patterson, owner of Rollin’ Lobstah. Not only can you enjoy their delicious and decadent goodies, but also keep an eye out for their brand new restaurant opening soon! Manic Organic is another truck that is a regular at the CRP Food Truck Fest. They whip up their farm-fresh food with a belief that all food should be healthy and delicious. “We believe that food has healing properties. We get sick from the foods we consume and what they have in them, and we are out to change that,” said Jeremiah Thompson, co-owner of Manic Organic. CRP hosts the Food Truck Fest as a way to bring the park community together, and as a way to take a quick break from work and enjoy some great, local fare. But, we also do it for a good cause. CRP has partnered with Manna House, the Huntsville Humane Society, and Crisis Services of North Alabama. When folks come out to enjoy a tasty meal from their favorite food truck, they are always welcome to bring something to donate to these organizations to help make a difference in our community. Follow CRP on social media for up-to-date info on which non-profit will be featured at future food truck events. (@CRPHuntsville on Facebook, or on Twitter @CRPHSV) For August, we will be supporting Christmas Charities Year Round. If you want a freshly prepared meal with time to sit, relax and take in some beautiful views or grab a quick lunch too, make plans to drop by one of our CRP Food Truck Fests! Bring your co-workers, your family and friends out to Cummings Research Park! Kirsty Neely AUG 2017 initiatives

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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER