new chamber members
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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.
Joined in May
Actalent Services
Bearden Stroup & Associates
CPA’S, LLC
CSSI - Joe Ketron
Duotech Services, LLC.
First Command
Food City - Governors Drive
Food City - Memorial Pkwy
JBS Solutions, Inc.
JLD Publishing, Inc.
Madison City Community Orchestra
NOW CFO
Office Furniture Outlet
On Time Fashions Huntsville Onin Staffing
Payroll & Benefit Solutions, LLC
Pollut Management, LLC
S and S Welding
Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill
Schooley Mitchell
Special Touch Restoration
Supa Clean Solutions, LLC
The Gibson Agency Group
TPC Employee Benefits
Trac9
Tradesmen International
Unclaimed Baggage
VDI Nexus
Become a Chamber Member
In addition to investing in the economic growth of the entire region, as a Chamber member, you receive a variety of important benefits:
■ 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
Joined in June
Alabama Mechanical Systems & Conveyors Inc.
Alfa Insurance - Colvert & Klein Agency
Alfa Insurance - The Jeb Lovvorn Agency
Atlus Pest Solutions
Bear Brothers Cleaning
Comfort Keepers
Delta T HVAC, LLC
FAME Recording Studios
Frontier Precision Unmanned
Grayson Carter and Son Contracting, Inc.
Keller Williams - Donna Burns
KGS Steel, Inc.
LAUNCH DEFENSE
Nectar Bridge LLC
Nomad Global Communication Solutions
Nova Bank
Optimized Financial Solutions LLC
PlanetWorks Architecture PC
Quality Manufacturing Services, Inc.
RiVidium, Inc.
SCOPE Recruiting, LLC
Smart Spaces LLC
Swipe For A Cause, LLC
The Paige Brown Team - Redstone Realty Solutions
Tommy’s Express Car Wash
Trinity Rubber and Machine Products
Zachary Piper Solutions
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL REGIONAL PARTNERS
FORUM
AS OF JULY 22, 2024
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
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
CHAMBER TRUSTEES
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
PROGRESS PARTNERS
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 ■ 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
PROGRESS INVESTORS
Accenture Federal Services ■ Air Essentials, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ Averbuch Realty / Enterprises
■ Avion Solutions ■ Bailey-Harris Construction ■ Bridgeworth + Savant ■ 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 ■ FLS Translation & Interpreting ■ Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC ■ Garver, LLC ■ GTEC ■ Hexagon US Federal ■ HEMSI ■ Hiley Automotive Group ■ Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ Industrial Properties of the South ■ InterFuze Corporation ■ Investor’s Resource ■ L3Harris ■ Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ PALCO
■ Phoenix ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corporation ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company ■ Rosenblum Realty, Inc. ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ 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
Honoring Team Redstone
2024 Armed Forces Celebration Week
We were pleased to recognize the great people who make up Team Redstone during our annual Armed Forces Celebration Week, which took place from June 8-15. Events included a reception for Gold Star families and a military flyover at the Huntsville City Football Club game, a proclamation signing, Concert in the Park, Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon, and Community Softball Game between Team Redstone and the North Alabama Rockets. This year, the Rockets won! They will hang on to the Target Destroyed Trophy for the next year, and well, we predict the stakes have been raised at this game for future years.
Congratulations to Leidos for winning our first Grand Slam Spirit Award as well. They brought the most fans to the softball game, and and we truly appreciate you coming out to cheer on both teams. Thank you to the Rocket City Trash Pandas for hosting us on Toyota Field.
Thank you to the talented Maneuver Center of Excellence band for coming over again from Fort Moore, GA, to perform! It was a real treat to have you in town, and Huntsville loves to hear you every time you’re here.
AUSA also hosted separate events during the week, including a 249th birthday celebration for the U.S. Army and ‘Rocket to the Tropics,’ in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. There was also the annual Iron Mike Golf Tournament the following week.
Mission: To prepare, develop, and promote our community for economic growth.
HSVchamber.org
(see staff listing on page 38)
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.
COVER STORY: SPARKING INNOVATION
editorial staff
publisher Chip Cherry, CCE
editor Claire Aiello
editorial designer Kristi Sherrard
contributing writers
Kayla Brown
Annie Davis
Ross Ivey
Erin Koshut
Lillie Mermoud
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
performances,
and traveling
to a wonderful
of life.
a message from chip cherry
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Dear Chamber Investors, Community Leaders, and Friends:
You have a unique opportunity to support the next generation of defense and aerospace entrepreneurs by redirecting part of your Alabama tax liability to support the Cummings Research Park (CRP) Defense Tech Accelerator. The Accelerator was approved using the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program, which allows companies and individuals with state tax liability to contribute 50 percent of their tax liability to this local program. Growing our entrepreneurial base is critical to the long-term viability of our region’s economy. Learn more about how you can support this program by contacting Erin Koshut, CRP executive director, at (256) 535-2086 or ekoshut@hsvchamber.org.
Talent attraction has been a focus of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and the community for as long as I have been in this role. One of the first events I attended when I joined the organization was a report out on a study that was commissioned by the Chamber and Leadership Greater Huntsville to identify what needed to be done to make our community attractive to young people and professionals. That was 12 years ago, and the progress that has been made over the years has been amazing. Hats off to our public sector partners for the creative investments made to improve recreation and quality of place.
Some of these were nontraditional for local governments, such as turning a municipal golf course into a championship level cross country course, as well as taking the lead on the redevelopment of Madison Square Mall into what is now MidCity. Other out-of-the-box thinking led to securing funding to move Gate 9 at Redstone Arsenal further back, without any federal funding. Sprinkle in the Rocket City Trash Pandas, The Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville City FC, quality local education, new trails and parks, and you have a great recipe for attracting talent. The community’s recognition as the #5 Metro in the Best Places for Millennials to Live in 2024 by Commercial Café is the most recent example of how well the strategy is working. Thank you to all those who have worked tirelessly to position us for success. It’s a Team sport, and one that this community does well!
When this issue is published, the Olympics will be underway in Paris, followed by the Paralympics. We are proud that the road to the Olympics and Paralympics for some of these athletes came through Huntsville! We will provide updates on the status of the U.S. Paracycling athletes who competed here – keep an eye on our newsletters and social media for the medal count. We also look forward to hosting the UCI Paracycling Road World Championships in 2026 as Team USA prepares for the Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event soon!
Chip Cherry, CCE President & CEO Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sameer Singhal , Board Chair – CFD Research Corporation
Jeff Samz , Chair-Elect – Huntsville Hospital Health System
Lynn Troy, Immediate Past Chair – Troy7, Inc.
Ron Poteat , Board Chair, Chamber Foundation
Dr. Karockas Watkins, Secretary/Treasurer – Ability Plus, Inc. & Vision Excellence Company
Jami Peyton, Vice Chair, Economic Development – Canvas, Inc.
Ginger Harper, Vice Chair, Economic Inclusion & Diversity – First Horizon
Dave Cook , Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs – Torch Technologies
Chrystal Morgan, Vice Chair, HREGI – The Boeing Company
Beth Sippel , Vice Chair, Investor Relations – Synovus
Ronnie Chronister, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications –Lockheed Martin Corporation
Brett Crain, Vice Chair, Small Business – Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.
Jason Puckett, Vice Chair, Talent Initiatives – Toyota Alabama
Jeff Gronberg, Liaison, Redstone Regional Alliance – deciBel Research, Inc.
David Fernandes, Chair-Appointed – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
Tyce Hudson, Chair-Appointed – Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC
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
ELECTED BOARD
Ted Baudendistel , InterFuze Corporation
Blake Bentley, SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center
Alka Bhargav, Aum Foundation
David Bier, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.
Penny Billings , Cadence Bank
Jason Blount , Keel Point, LLC
Mark Brazeal , Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
Katie Comer, Meta Platforms, Inc.
Michael Cox , Raytheon, An RTX Business
Dr. Patti Dare, Obsidian
Melissa Davis , MTA, Inc.
Tyler Evans , Aerojet Rocketdyne, An L3Harris Technologies Company
Kevin Fernandez , L2 Mindset
Greg Fortier, SAIC
Owen Franklin , Blue Summit Supplies
Greg Gaddy, Five Stones Research Corporation
Greg Hall , COPT Defense Properties
Scott Hall , Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Josh Herren , Yulista
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
Zack Penney, Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi
Alicia Ryan , LSINC Corporation
Angie Sandritter, RippleWorx
Annie Saylor, Simulation Technologies, Inc.
Julie Schumacher, KODA Technologies Inc.
Vergenia Shelton , Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
Wayne Sisco, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Nilmini Thompson , Systems Products and Solutions, Inc.
Henry Thornton , Meta Platforms, Inc.
Mike Watkins , Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Frank Williams II , Landers McLarty Subaru
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community highlights
COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO
Big Honor for Victory Solutions
Victory Solutions has been recognized as NASA’s Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year. The honor highlights the company’s significant contributions in advancing NASA’s space exploration objectives through the Marshall Integrated Program Support Services (MIPSS) Configuration Management and Data Management (CM&DM) prime contract.
“NASA’s recognition energizes our pursuit of further advancements in aerospace and defense related system modeling,” said Kris McGuire, CEO & founder of Victory Solutions. “Our mission extends beyond today’s processes and tools; it’s about making meaningful technical improvements and inspiring future innovators.”
Victory Solutions, headquartered in Huntsville, AL, is a ServiceDisabled, Veteran-Owned and Woman-Owned Small Business specializing in building relationships with defense and commercial customers to develop, analyze, and integrate advanced aerospace systems.
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s
Huntsville
team celebrates milestone THAAD delivery
On June 13, Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3 Harris Technologies company, celebrated the 1,000th delivery of both the solid rocket boost motor and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS) for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The delivery was ahead of schedule.
The company held a luncheon at its office in Cummings Research Park, thanking employees for their hard work, innovation, and continuous improvement.
“The Aerojet Rocketdyne-powered THAAD serves a critical need for the military, safeguarding our nation, allies and infrastructure from would-be missile attacks from those who wish to do us harm,” said Ross Niebergall, president, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “Our focus remains on continued performance excellence to provide reliable propulsion our customers can count on.”
The THAAD weapon system is a land-based component of MDA’s Missile Defense System. Since production began, the combat-proven system has had a 100 percent success rate in missile defense tests — 16 intercepts in 16 tests. THAAD is the only U.S. system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere.
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville, AL, and its site in Camden, AR, produce THAAD’s solid rocket boost motor. LDACS, the highly responsive thruster system which keeps THAAD on target during the last stages of an intercept, is produced at the company’s facility in Los Angeles, CA.
square-foot manufacturing facility is in Southpoint Industrial Park in Tanner, and workers there produce lightweight aluminum and steel crash management and structural components. The new facility is expected to create over 100 new jobs in the area over the coming year.
“This new facility represents our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry,” said Mark White, president and CEO of Shape Corp. “By expanding our operations in Alabama, we are not only increasing our production capabilities but also investing in the local community through job creation and economic growth. We are excited about the opportunities this new facility brings to both Shape Corp and the north Alabama area.”
Shape Corp’s other location is on Roy Long Road in Athens. There, the team specializes in plastic injection molding. Shape Corp is headquartered in Grand Haven, MI, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in business this year. The company employs 4,200 people at 14 manufacturing plants and five tech centers worldwide.
Skyfire Moving HQ to Huntsville
On June 25, Skyfire Consulting (Skyfire) announced its relocation from Atlanta to Huntsville, AL The company will locate at 1626 County Line Road with its innovative Rise DFR (Drone First Responder) Village. This will serve as a training ground for public safety agencies, military/DoD, critical infrastructure, and private industry with bestin-class testing, training, and demonstration grounds to advance and adopt DFR programs.
“Huntsville offers an unrivaled combination of factors that make it the perfect place for Skyfire to take flight,” said Matt Sloane, the company’s founder and CEO. “The airport’s and city’s commitment to aerospace and defense, coupled with the collaborative spirit of Rise DFR village, provides us with unparalleled access to resources, talent, and inspiration. We are thrilled to become an integral part of this vibrant community.”
Skyfire is the first tenant in the property, which is owned by Huntsville International Airport.
filmed partly in Huntsville, ‘Space Cadet’ now on AMAZON Prime
The movie ‘Space Cadet’ is now available to watch on Prime. It was filmed in part at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville in 2022 and stars Emma Roberts as Rex, a Florida party girl, who finds herself in a NASA astronaut training program after her best friend embellishes on her resumé. She’s a standout candidate, though, and the movie is quite funny!
Other movies filmed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center include Space Camp, Ravagers, A Smile as Big as the Moon, and Space Warriors. TV shows include The Amazing Race and The Late Show with James Corden.
Shape Corp opens second Alabama location
Shape Corp, a full service, tier one automotive supplier, celebrated the opening of its second
David Alan Smith, Kris McGuire, Pete Rodriguez, Lisa Cooper and Susan Heeschen celebrated with the MIPSS CM&DM team, congratulating them for their professionalism, teamwork, dedication and exceptional customer focus which led to this prestigious NASA award!
For those working to attract talent into the Huntsville community, we often hear that the best way to “close” an offer is to have that person visit. It can be difficult to explain how special this place is or why so many people from diverse backgrounds and experiences come here and choose to call it their long-term home. It’s much easier for individuals to experience Huntsville for themselves, though not every potential candidate is afforded the opportunity.
In May, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation partnered with NextOp, a nonprofit focused on connecting enlisted service members and veterans to post-service career opportunities, to host a fly-in event for 12 transitioning service men and women. Over the course of three days, these men and women engaged with local community members, experienced Huntsville’s quality of life, and connected with employers about post-service employment opportunities. The skills and experiences acquired during active-duty service often align directly with the types of opportunities for which Huntsville employers are hiring. However, with a low likelihood of being stationed in Huntsville, enlisted service members are often unaware of the opportunities available to them.
“The fly-in enabled a diverse set of transitioning enlisted military members to participate in a no-cost, executive-level experience and answer the question ‘why Huntsville?’ for themselves,” shared Shelby Mounts, executive director for NextOp. “Watching them engage with local leaders, learn about the many benefits of the area, and meet local employers interested in hiring them clearly demonstrated
Vets Welcome ASmartPlace® for Military Talent
the value of the Huntsville community to veteran talent from outside the area. We are excited to track these candidates and look forward to future activities to build greater awareness in the transitioning military community.”
The Chamber Foundation is focused on providing high-impact interventions to benefit employers across our community, and veteran talent is a priority audience for that work. The 12 service members represented the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy. They were selected by NextOp through a competitive selection process and ultimately traveled to Huntsville from nine different states (MT, NY, CO, LA, KY, CA, NC, VA and GA). Feedback from both employers and candidates was overwhelmingly positive. Multiple service members commented about how excited they were to move to Huntsville and that they couldn’t imagine themselves anywhere else after the experience. Two of the 12 have already accepted employment opportunities in Huntsville, others are actively in the process of moving, and some still have months to years before their end of active-duty service. However, all 12 will now be able to help us spread the word about Huntsville as ASmartPlace for military talent – and we look forward to welcoming them back!
To learn more about the work of the Chamber Foundation or military talent attraction, contact Lyndsay Ferguson at lferguson@hsvchamber.org
INDUSTRY VISITS
WITH ROSS IVEY
Amphenol Tecvox
Do you enjoy listening to music from your cellular device and charging your phone in your car or vehicle as much as I do? Well, you can thank a global company, headquartered in Huntsville, Amphenol Tecvox for the design and engineering of those components. Amphenol Tecvox is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of automotive connectivity systems which include media hubs, USB charge ports, wireless chargers, USB cables, HDMI cables, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Combining years of experience, creativity and rigorous engineering standards, Team Tecvox can take any product from the drawing board to reality in a seamless, professional, and cost-effective manner.
Tecvox has several diverse product lines that are in production vehicles throughout the world and work with multiple major automotive OEMs. They are forecasting a record number for sales this year. Currently, Tecvox is exploring how to implement their design and technology into new markets such as marine/watercraft and motorcycles.
boundaries to create a synergy between high-quality products at competitive prices. In addition to our outstanding portfolio of industry-leading products and components, Amphenol Tecvox has a reputation for exceptional customer service and a highly responsive global supply-chain network.”
When asked what separates Tecvox from their competitors, they replied, “We take pride in our ability to transcend global
Tecvox is fully owned by Amphenol Corporation. Amphenol is a leading supplier of advanced interconnect systems, sensors and antennas for a growing array of automotive electronics applications, high technology onboard electronics and automotive safety devices. For more information on Amphenol, please visit amphenol.com/markets/automotive.
Celestial Skies & Beyond: Tara Manufacturing’s 40-Year Milestone
For four decades, Tara Manufacturing (Tara) has been a cornerstone of quality and innovation in Huntsville and Madison County. From a modest start on Putman Drive to a 120,000 square-foot facility in Owens Cross Roads, Tara has remained true to its core values. As a second-generation family-owned business, Tara is committed to producing top-quality products that enhance outdoor experiences as well as giving back to the community. This year, they celebrate their 40th anniversary with a significant initiative honoring their founder, Marshall Richardson.
To mark this milestone, Tara launched the Celestial Skies pattern, a unique addition to their product line that symbolizes their commitment to making a difference. Richardson, who began his career as an aerospace engineer with Lockheed before founding Tara Manufacturing, is celebrated through this outer space-themed design with Shimmertone highlights representing stars. The Celestial Skies initiative supports the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, with 100 percent of the profits from the sale of this pattern donated to this organization. The design even incorporates Alzheimer’s awareness purple to symbolize this commitment. To date, Tara has raised over $247,000 for the fund, with additional pledges from suppliers and partners added to this total.
Richardson founded Tara in 1984, and the team has a rich heritage of hard work, innovation and success. He transitioned from aerospace engineering to the pool industry, starting with a pool construction company, Alabama Pool Company. He then moved into distributing pool equipment and supplies, where he recognized the need for better quality vinyl pool liners. This led him to establish Tara Manufacturing, named after his daughter, with a focus on improving the quality and turnaround time of pool liners. Over the years, Tara has grown to become a leading fabricator of in-ground vinyl swimming pool liners, pool safety covers
and sun shades. The company excels in industrial sewing, RF welding and precision cutting. With a state-of-the-art facility, advanced machinery and a dedicated workforce, Tara produces large format projects with exceptional precision and efficiency.
Tara’s expertise attracted Trac9 LLC, an advanced technology company serving NASA and the DoD, to partner with them in developing the Advanced Deployable Aircraft Maintenance System (ADAMS). Tara’s industrial sewing and RF welding capabilities were crucial in prototyping and producing high-quality components for ADAMS, showcasing their ability to meet stringent standards and support innovative projects.
As a second-generation family-owned business, Tara continues to honor Marshall Richardson’s legacy by providing top-quality products, supporting local initiatives and giving back to the community. Looking to the future, Tara’s vision includes continued innovation, expanding product lines and a deepening commitment to sustainability and community support. The company aims to transition more patterns to sustainable materials like ReNew™ vinyl, reduce environmental impact and explore new technologies to enhance product quality and efficiency. Tara also plans to expand their charitable initiatives, building on the success of the Celestial Skies project.
For more information about Tara, visit them at taramfg.com
Ross Ivey is the senior director of Industry Relations for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. As part of managing the existing industry program, he is responsible for meeting with existing member companies all while establishing relationships to provide various forms of support. Ross learns all about the cool happenings of local Huntsville companies, and he will share some of that information here in each issue of Initiatives
You can contact Ross here: rivey@hsvchamber.org
ABOVE: Chase Hairston of Paragon Pools shows the Celestial Skies pattern. He was the first dealer to install the liner in a pool this year. LEFT: Marshall Richardson, founder of Tara Manufacturing, holds the PoolCorp 2016 Vendor of the Year Award.
Top Honor
Chip
Cherry receives ACCE’s 2024 Chairman’s Award
Chip Cherry, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber president & CEO, received the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) 2024 Chairman’s Award. The award was presented during ACCE’s annual meeting on July 17 in Dallas, TX.
The award is given annually to an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the betterment of the chamber of commerce profession. It was presented by outgoing ACCE Board Chair Carlos Phillips, president & CEO of the Greenville, South Carolina Chamber.
“Chip always says yes, he always welcomes our questions, and he has always lent me his time and his wise counsel,” Phillips said in his remarks. “He always encouraged my development, asking me which book I was reading, and I knew I’d better have a good answer to that question! He’s been a model mentor, friend, resource, and confidant to me, and to many of you in this room and throughout our profession.”
ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, VA, that has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. These men and women lead local, regional, statewide, and international chambers and related organizations.
“It was such a surprise to receive this, and I was honored and humbled, especially with my wife, Betty, and many of my team members there with me,” said Cherry. “I have gained so much through my involvement with ACCE throughout the years, learning from chamber colleagues throughout the nation who I respect so much, and helping to share experiences with newer people who are entering the profession. I am humbled that Carlos selected me to receive this award and honored to be part of an organization I value so much.”
Cherry has been a great champion for the chamber profession, both in his volunteer service on the ACCE board and in his leadership of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. He served as ACCE Board Chair in 2021-22, and he regularly volunteers to help the ACCE team and his fellow chamber professionals.
ABOUT THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber serves as the catalyst for economic development activities in our community. It serves as a single point of contact for prospective and existing businesses in their efforts to establish a new business or to expand existing operations. The Chamber is also the coordinating agency for companies interested in locating in the area’s research and industrial parks or anywhere in the Huntsville/Madison County area. For information, visit hsvchamber.org.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the women and men who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security, and access to a network of peers.
L-R: Chip Cherry and Carlos Phillips
community profile
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
HOUSEHOLDS & INCOME
TOP 20 EMPLOYERS: HUNTSVILLE & MADISON COUNTY
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. Currently, 45,700 people work at Redstone Arsenal and NASA, managing some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs.
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park (CRP) has earned a reputation as a global leader in technology development. The second-largest science and technology research park in the U.S., CRP is home to 320 companies and 26,500 people involved in technology research and development.
Bright Future
Mill Creek redevelopment earns prestigious $50M HUD grant
The City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Housing Authority announced July 17 they have been awarded a prestigious $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help revitalize and transform the area surrounding Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers.
The grant sets the stage for a $350 million investment to redevelop the 27-acre site, now known as Mill Creek, into a mixed-income community with workforce housing, medical and childcare services and retail options.
“It took five years of planning and a dream coalition of community and federal partners to bring this project to fruition,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “This exceptional model allows us to create a new neighborhood – one that centers on the needs of residents and provides housing for workers who are the backbone of this city.”
The project area is located west of Memorial Parkway between Seminole Drive, Clinton Avenue and Governors Drive, and will replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality, mixed-income housing that is well-managed and responsive to the neighborhood.
Huntsville’s strength in securing the competitive CNI grant hinged on the commitment of 27 partners and stakeholders. This includes a $27 million investment by Huntsville Hospital to create 125 workforce housing units and to operate a health care clinic on-site.
Another key partner is McCormick Baron Salazar, a leading developer, property manager and asset manager of economically integrated urban communities. The firm will redevelop the project site in five phases over eight years to ultimately provide 705 mixed-income units.
– City of Huntsville Communications
BY ERIN KOSHUT & MIKE WARD, cce
The arrival of Dr. Wernher von Braun’s Rocket Team to Huntsville in 1950 hailed a dramatic change in the direction of Huntsville’s economy. It also marked a turning point in Huntsville’s relationship with technology and innovation.
The arrival of the rocket team brought thousands of engineers to the city. With them came federal money, high technology industry, a demand for higher education, and the enterprise of discovery and innovation.
Leading Huntsville’s Innovation & Technology Economy
In the 1950s, Redstone would pioneer breakthroughs in guidance and control systems, microelectronics, transistors, simulators, telemetry, radar, materials science, and propulsion systems.
Huntsville’s challenge was to build a sustainable ecosystem for both the federal government and the industry supporting it, to stimulate the high-tech sector’s continued growth in the region.
Following the successful launch of Alan Shepard on the Mercury Redstone rocket in 1961, von Braun gave a speech to a joint session of the Alabama legislature. In that speech, von Braun (shown right) advised that opportunity was “knocking hard” on Alabama’s front door and that the time to capitalize on this opportunity was NOW. He called for the State’s support for a research institute in Huntsville and the creation of a true research park for industry. Both initiatives would become reality within the next two years.
With the founding of Huntsville Research Park in 1962 (later renamed Cummings Research Park), the city provided a place for high -tech industry to thrive. These industry sites were offered far below market-priced property. By controlling development with zoning regulations and by working with a nonprofit developer for the Park, the City was able to prevent property speculation. The Research Park also happened to be adjacent to Redstone Arsenal and the fledgling UAH Research Institute, giving industry ready access to both customers and technical talent. Laboratories on the Arsenal would spawn entirely new areas of technology, eventually becoming mirrored in the research centers in local universities.
Painful cuts to the Nation’s space program following the end of the Apollo program would lead many former space businesses to diversify into commercial pursuits, utilizing the innovation fueled by Redstone technologies.
Huntsville became a hotspot for entrepreneurs and innovation that eventually led to the development of non-defense companies in the fields of pharmaceutical services, manufacturing and delivery, electronics manufacturing, digital telecommunications, biotechnology, radar, weather forecasting, and computer simulation.
Several of the region’s most successful local hightech firms took this path in the late 60s and early 70s. Intergraph employed approximately 200 people in 1968, working in the new Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Management (CAD/ CAM) industry. Space Craft, Incorporated, (known simply by its initials SCI), would become the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, and would grow to nearly 1,000 employees by 1977. Universal Data Systems Inc., a pioneer in the digital telecommunications industry, founded in 1970 by Mark C. Smith, employed almost 150 in the late 1970s. By 1985, Smith along with John Jurenko, Lonnie McMillian and four others, founded Adtran, Inc.
The Federal government engaged in several efforts to push technology development and to deploy government-developed technologies into the commercial sector.
Redstone established Tech Transfer offices for the purpose of pushing technologies developed on the Arsenal into the commercial sector. In order to help bolster innovation and technology development, the Federal Government initiated the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Thanks to Redstone’s federal labs, Huntsville became one of the top cities in the country for SBIR and STTR winners and leads the state in all SBIR awards. In fact, the largest holder of SBIRs in the state is CFD Research, located in Cummings Research Park (CRP).
continued on page 22
Cultivating Innovation & Technology Growth in Huntsville
Huntsville founded its first small business incubator “BizTech” in the early 1990s, in a further attempt to help stimulate its small business culture of innovation. The incubator was created using a formula that leveraged local, state and federal support. BizTech had much success but went through transitions in leadership in the mid-2010s that led to redefining the mission, the vision, and launch under new leadership and a new name, The Entrepreneurial Center (TEC 515). The same formula used for BizTech would be repeated many times in the future, to help establish fresh technological enterprises such as the National Space, Science and Technology Center and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in the 2000s.
One of the greatest shifts of Huntsville’s footprint of innovation and technology would be the founding of HudsonAlpha by Jim Hudson and Lonnie McMillian in 2008. A nonprofit research institute and for-profit biotech companies collaborate side by side to take research and products from bench to bedside
more quickly and efficiently. Huntsville competed with Atlanta to win HudsonAlpha’s site back then, and our community is smarter because of it. Today, HudsonAlpha has more than 50 associate companies on their 152-acre biotech campus in CRP, and as of 2022, generated more than $4 billion in economic impact to the state.
And where once upon a time, UAH may have been fledgling, today UAH’s federal research expenditures top $130 million. Each year, $1 million in intellectual property is developed through their research programs. In 2019, UAH launched their first-ever university incubator, the Innovation to Invention Center (I2C), a place for start-ups, corporate innovation centers, and the entrepreneurial community to partner with the university to advance companies and technologies in our community. Undoubtedly, the I2C and UAH’s growth in research funding has led to the $10.3 million in innovation income generated from the university over the last 15 years.
continued on page 24
Infrastructure to Bolster an Innovation & Technology Economy
While we may have generalized in some areas, it’s true that Huntsville and Alabama are yet again on the precipice of profound growth in innovation and technology sectors, many thanks to the state’s doubling down on innovation funding and programming.
Gov. Kay Ivey established the Alabama Innovation Commission in July 2020 to elevate Alabama by creating a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy through innovation. The Commission’s work culminated in a report outlining policy recommendations that led to the creation of Innovate Alabama and the establishment of the Innovate Alabama Board in December 2021. Innovate Alabama launched their first grant program for recipients of Phase I and Phase II SBIR and STTR supplemental grant funding.
Since that first round of programmatic funding, Innovate Alabama now has eight programs that fund small businesses, accelerators, and several workforce development programs. We’ve had nearly a dozen of Huntsville’s small businesses already receive the SBIR/STTR supplemental funding. Most recently, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation was awarded the Innovate Alabama Network Designation, which gives us access to Innovate’s growing network and additional funding to continue to drive growth of our community’s innovation ecosystem.
Accelerators at HudsonAlpha and MidCity, along with other organizations in the Huntsville metro, have also received funding through Innovate Alabama programs.
And just in June, the Chamber announced that the CRP Defense Tech Accelerator was approved using the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program. The program allows companies and individuals with state tax liability to contribute 50 percent of their tax liability to this local program. Over the next year, this 12-week accelerator will recruit 10 early-stage companies, from inside and outside the state, with innovative products that can be grown and scaled in the defense and commercial markets. This accelerator has the potential to grow the next generation of government and commercial companies in Huntsville and in Research Park.
A Harvard Business Review article once said that the vibrant metros of the future will be those that are home to high-tech, advanced industries because those industries spur the collision of digital technologies and cutting-edge business development, also brought about by tech-savvy workers and R&D investments, and generate jobs and good wages. We’ve seen this before in Huntsville, when the opportunity was ‘knocking hard.’ These authors say that opportunity is knocking hard again in Huntsville.
– Erin Koshut & Mike Ward, cce
Engineering/Defense Businesses of the Year: TriVector
Services, HigherEchelon, and
Trideum Corporation
Our community is flourishing with new businesses and many of those stem from an engineering/defense background. Our Small Business Award for Engineering/Defense Business of the Year (Small, Medium, and Large) is one of the more competitive categories. This year’s winners have a proven history of contributing to our community both in their respective industry and beyond.
Medium Category
HigherEchelon is working hard to stay up-to-date on the rapidly changing and complex requirements needed in the industry. With services offered in Engineering & Gaming Solutions, Government Services Capabilities, Human Capital Solutions, and Enterprise Technology & Cyber Solutions, their business is constantly staying busy. On their website, higherechelon.com, you can find lots of information about what they do, plus a blog and podcast that further explains complicated topics.
Small Category
TriVector Services, Inc. has created an international reach, serving customers in Canada and Singapore. Established in 2008, the team at TriVector decided to make Huntsville their headquartered home. Founded by three former NASA senior engineers, their efforts go beyond the industry in which they work. Giving back and treating their team to some fun also helps keep this business thriving. Recently, they helped clean up at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Complex and hit some local hiking trails at Bethel Springs Nature Preserve. They are currently hiring – trivector.us/careers
Large Category
Beyond their work in the industry, Trideum Corporation (trideum.com) has made an open effort to partner with our local Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering (ASCTE). A handful of students from the school were selected as interns and were able to experience, handson, the process of working on a project and presenting it to a group of professionals. This type of partnership is one that we are proud to see in our community. This type of involvement helps the retention of our young talent and helps serve the purpose of schools like ASCTE.
PHOTOS BY JEFF WHITE
PHOTOGRAPHER
– Kayla Brown
2024 GO Rocket City! Get Onboard
Summer Intern Program wraps with new people & programs added
Our second annual GO Rocket City! Get Onboard Summer Intern Program is in the books, and we had a blast!
In partnership with FuelAL and Innovate Alabama, and presented by Lockheed Martin, this year included seven social, service, and professional development opportunities for college interns who were working and living in the Rocket City during the summer. New to the 2024 programming, we also offered mentorships to interns through local young leaders across the community.
We kicked off the summer with a private mixer at Orion Amphitheater’s Apollo Park, hosting more than 75 college students and interns at this first event. Thanks to our friends with TVG Hospitality, some interns even got a backstage tour of the Orion! Our next event took place at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s “Rocket to the Tropics,” where 55 interns enjoyed tropical-themed food, drinks, and music under the Saturn V inside the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.
805 during Downtown Huntsville, Inc.’s monthly event, “805 After Five.” Attendees donated household supplies and got to sample tasty foods from an onsite vendor.
In July, about 30 interns met for pizza at Yellowhammer Brewing to learn from two of Huntsville’s brightest young leaders, Terica Pope and Quinton Young with the Huntsville Housing Authority, about demonstrating leadership as a young professional.
On June 18, about 40 interns gathered to hear from Jillian Miles Massey, talent management consultant with Horizon Point Consulting, as she shared her expertise and best practices for meaningful networking and communication. On June 20, we joined forces with United Way of Madison County by hosting a supply drive at Campus
HOn July 25, the Rocket City Trash Pandas celebrated National Intern Day by inviting all area interns out to Toyota Field. Special thanks to our friends at Toyota Alabama for providing tickets! On July 27, we concluded the summer program with Space Night at Wicks Family Field to watch the Huntsville City Football Club. We are grateful to the National Space Club and HCFC for inviting our interns to join!
This program would not have been possible without our partners: EDPA, FuelAL, and Innovate Alabama, and our Presenting Sponsor, Lockheed Martin. We are excited to see what is ahead for these interns, and we’re already planning for 2025! Make sure to subscribe to our weekly Mash-Up newsletter for updates throughout the year. You can sign up at hsvchamber.org.
– Annie Davis
Municipal Elections coming August 27
Huntsville residents in Districts 1, 5 will vote for City Council, Board of Education
untsville’s municipal election is on August 27, and if you live in Districts 1 or 5, you’re encouraged to head to the polls. Candidates for City Council and Board of Education will be on the ballot. Here’s who has qualified, listed alphabetically by last name:
■ City Council – District 1:
Devyn S. Keith, Reggie McKenzie, Michelle Watkins
■ Board of Education – District 1:
Will Culver, Claudia Harris, Chaundra M. Jones, Pat King
■ City Council – District 5:
Kim Caudle Lewis, John Meredith
■ Board of Education – District 5: Zara R. Broadenax, Carlos Mathews
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was sworn in for a fifth term on June 27. He was the sole candidate to qualify for the mayor’s race, so the Huntsville City Council declared him the winner. According to state law, a City Council shall declare an unopposed municipal candidate as the winner, upon proper certification. The move saves resources and taxpayer dollars because polls do not have to open in unaffected precincts.
– Claire Aiello
Summer of STEM Success
HudsonAlpha’s educational programs reached nearly 10,000 students
For most, summer means sunny days, family vacations, and a well-deserved break from the routine. At HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, summer is one of the most exciting times of the year as the Institute dives into its Summer of STEM programs.
The Summer of STEM is HudsonAlpha’s summer line-up of education programs, attracting hundreds of students, interns, and educators to its campus. Blending the joy of summer with the thrill of scientific exploration, these programs range from summer camps to undergraduate and graduate internships and professional development opportunities for educators.
Combining students reached in-person during on-campus programs and students reached through educators who bring lessons learned at HudsonAlpha back to their classrooms, HudsonAlpha estimates these will benefit nearly 10,000 students from 28 counties in Alabama and eight states across the country over the summer of 2024.
Summer of STEM Program Offerings
Today’s students are the foundation of tomorrow’s science, tech, and engineering workforces, placing a critical value on STEM education. HudsonAlpha’s Summer of STEM programs address three critical needs in STEM education: sparking a love of STEM in middle and high school children, offering workforce development opportunities to higher education students aiming for a career in STEM, and supporting STEM educators through professional learning.
ence in the Institute’s state-of-the-art teaching labs. Campers learn lab skills such as performing DNA extractions, designing bio-indicators, and even CRISPR gene editing techniques, all through fun and engaging lessons. Nearly 200 middle and high school students participated in the camps this summer.
Summer experiences such as these help students gain confidence in STEM and kindle a love of science and contribute greatly to students’ likelihood of applying for a four-year degree and being accepted once they graduate from high school.
Middle School & High School STEM Summer Camps
Developed for middle and high school students, HudsonAlpha’s summer camps offer hands-on experiences in genetic and genomic sci-
“The summer camp was insanely fun,” one sixth grader said. “I got to know more about genetics and other things I had not learned in the classroom.”
Undergraduate & Graduate Internships
For students who have already begun their higher education journey, HudsonAlpha offers valuable opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to intern in the Institute’s research labs and offices through the BioTrain Internship Program. Running for over 15 years, the BioTrain program has inspired hundreds of students to narrow their STEM career paths, make important connections, and learn important lab and life skills.
“The BioTrain internship offers a rare opportunity to participate in important scientific work as an intern,” said Caroline Bendickson, one of the program’s participants. “My time at HudsonAlpha has helped me confirm my desire to pursue a career in genomic research and equipped me with the technical and professional skills I need for graduate school.”
STEM Educator Professional Development
Investing in science educators translates to student improvements in the classroom, higher proficiency in STEM subjects, and an overall increase in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As part of the Summer of STEM programming, HudsonAlpha hosts middle and high school science educators on campus for week-long work-
shops. Educators learn about genetic and genomic science, discover innovative ways of teaching these complex topics, and receive takehome materials to implement these lessons in their own classrooms. This year, 72 educators spent a portion of their summer at HudsonAlpha, and will be able to positively impact over 9,000 students with the lessons they learn during these workshops as they return to their classrooms in the fall.
“This has been the best professional development program I’ve attended in 21 years of teaching,” said Kate Mann of Thompson Middle School in Alabaster, AL. “It’s interesting, thought-provoking, engaging, and applicable to our middle school curriculum. I’m excited to bring these labs home to my students.”
STEM Education Fueled by Philanthropy
STEM education is one of HudsonAlpha’s three critical mission areas, along with genomic research and economic development in the life sciences. Recognizing that summer presents a unique opportunity to inspire learners of all ages through hands-on experiences with STEM, the Institute’s Educational Outreach team has been leading summer programs for over 10 years.
As a nonprofit, HudsonAlpha depends on philanthropy to offer impactful programs like Summer of STEM. If you are interested in learning more about opportunities to support STEM education at HudsonAlpha, you can reach a member of the HudsonAlpha Foundation at foundation@hudsonalpha.org. HudsonAlpha is currently seeking sponsors for the 2025 Summer of STEM program, as well as several other educational programs throughout the year.
– Contributed by Lillie Mermoud HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
INVESTOR
Q: Tell us about yourself. Are you from Huntsville?
I was born in Huntsville and grew up on the family farm in Toney. After graduating from The University of Alabama, I married my high school sweetheart. We moved to TX and worked in the Dallas area before returning to Huntsville in 1991. My wife and I have two sons and three grandchildren. My professional career has focused on the defense industry, and I currently lead the Army and Missile Defense Division at Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI).
Q: Tell us about MTSI. What type of work does your team do?
Founded in 1993, MTSI is an employee-owned engineering services and technology solutions company committed to delivering premier capabilities to solve globally significant problems. Our mission is to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s defense and security by offering leadership and best-value solutions to address America’s most technically challenging strategic issues. Our Huntsville team includes over 500 technical professionals who support DoD initiatives nationwide, with a strong focus on the Army and MDA.
Q: You are in the Chamber’s Best Places to Work® Hall of Fame! Tell us why workplace culture is so important to you.
At MTSI, our unique culture is our greatest asset. As we expanded, preserving this culture became paramount. In 2008, our company leaders collaborated to define and document the values that underpin our success. We aimed to ensure that every decision and action aligned with these core values, which are integral to our identity and are non-negotiable. Our nine core values are evident in all our endeavors and interactions. When recruiting new employees, we seek individuals who understand and are committed to embracing and embodying these values, ensuring the continuity of MTSI’s distinctive culture.
Q: What does MTSI get from its Chamber membership?
MTSI values our membership in the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber for numerous reasons, particularly for the opportunity to engage with the city’s dynamic growth. Being part of the Chamber allows us to participate in local, state, and national events and initiatives that provide opportunities for learning, networking, and business development. This involvement helps us stay connected with community advancements and contributes to our mission of supporting Huntsville’s progress.
Q: Why do you support HREGI?
Supporting HREGI was an easy decision for us because it champions the economic and technological advancement of the Huntsville region. Having been a part of this community for over 20 years, we recognize that any positive impact on Huntsville directly benefits our workforce and their families. HREGI offers invaluable networking opportunities, promotes growth and job creation, and fosters a can-do spirit in Huntsville. We are proud to contribute to and participate in such an impactful initiative.
Tim King Army & Missile Defense Division Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
Teachers: DRIVE Grants Available
Funds obtainable to educators in eight Huntsville City Schools
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation is partnering with Toyota Alabama and the United Way to launch the Driving Resilience, Inclusion, Value, and Enrichment (DRIVE) grant program in Huntsville. Starting this school year, teachers at eight Huntsville City Schools can apply for grants ranging from $500–$3,000 to expand learning experiences in their classrooms. The DRIVE grants are a part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative and their commitment to expand access to opportunities to strengthen the Huntsville community.
Driving Possibilities, a $6.7 million Toyota initiative announced in 2023, aims to close educational gaps for Huntsville City Schools students in grades PreK-12 through innovative, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming while addressing the essential needs of students and families. The program supports a new industrial technology program in the Huntsville City Schools Career Tech Center, currently under construction, which will create a direct pathway into high-demand manufacturing careers. Driving Possibilities is also funding teacher coaches, training, and mentorship at select schools in partnership with the New Teacher Center.
Eligible Schools:
■ Chapman Middle School
■ James I. Dawson Elementary School
■ Lakewood Elementary School
■ Lee High School
■ Mae Jemison High School
■ Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School
■ Rolling Hills Elementary School
■ Ronald E. McNair Jr. High School
DRIVE grant-eligible projects include classroom updates, hardware or software purchases to foster academic improvement and learning opportunities, teacher professional development, innovative initiatives to support learning outcomes, and field trip opportunities.
All projects are approved by the school’s principal and must align with district priorities and protocols. Grant recipients will be notified in October 2024.
To learn more, contact Beth Zinn, Driving Possibilities program manager, at bzinn@hsvchamber.org.
Super Charge
New DC Fast Charger Facility in Twickenham for EV drivers
There’s a new charging option for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Huntsville. It is located in the Publix parking garage at Twickenham Square (310 Pelham Avenue) and opened June 28. The DC fast charger (DCFC) station can accommodate up to four EVs, and can charge a typical EV up to 80 percent in 20 minutes to an hour.
The station is the result of a joint effort between Huntsville Utilities, the City of Huntsville, Tennessee Valley Authority, Seven States Power Corporation, and ChargePoint/Owl Services. It is part of TVA’s initiative to have fast chargers at least every 50 miles throughout the TVA service area. Funding for the chargers came from an 80/20 split between TVA and Huntsville Utilities, respectively.
“Huntsville and Madison County have seen significant growth in the number of EVs in recent years,” said Quisha Bryant, director of parking and public transit for the City of Huntsville. “We appreciate our partnership with Huntsville Utilities, TVA, and all those involved to bring more rapid charging infrastructure to our community.”
This is a ChargePoint station, and EV drivers can check there for other options in the city. You can also pull up PlugShare.com to find additional places to charge.
Claire Aiello
Game On!
Road to Paris goes through Huntsville
We look forward to cheering on Team USA in the Olympics & Paralympics in Paris. The Olympics are underway, and when the Paralympics begin August 28, look for some familiar faces to our city! Ten of the athletes named to the U.S. Paralympics Cycling team have competed right here in Huntsville in the races we’ve hosted over the past few years! Below, their names are noted with an asterisk.
Men Women
Dennis Connors* Samantha Bosco*
Travis Gaertner* Kate Brim
Elouan Gardon Clara Brown*
Aaron Keith* Oksana Masters*
Bryan Larsen Shawn Morelli*
Brandon Lyons* Jamie Whitmore*
Matt Tingley
Cody Wills*
Tandem Duo
Hannah Chadwick and pilot Skyler Espinoza
In two years, Huntsville will host the UCI Paracycling Road World Championship. Please mark your calendar for September 4-7, 2026 – Labor Day weekend – we’d love you to volunteer or come as a fan. Sponsorships are also available. Please contact Erin Koshut at ekoshut@hsvchamber.org if you’re interested.
– Claire Aiello
PHOTO: CASEY GIBSON/USOPC
Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award recipient: Susan Wagner, Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award is highly sought after by our local business leaders. This award celebrates executives who have displayed outstanding leadership skills and made lasting impact through their vision, innovation, and dedication. The 2023 winner was no exception.
Susan Wagner of the Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) has led a vision of success over her nearly five years as CEO. A top priority for her and her team has been the STEM student and teacher education program, which has expanded to not only the surrounding counties in north Alabama, but also to regions south of ours. HBG credits this expansion through partnerships with other gardens across the state. According to Wagner, the science team has developed a plan to “mirror the north Alabama plant diversity in the Garden’s collections for all to be inspired and replicated in their own growing spaces.”
Over the last year, HBG has also been ranked in the top 10 U.S. gardens, according to USA Today. The key to success? Wagner says it’s vital to focus on the team (see photo below).
“They are our most important resource,” she said. Her day-to-day responsibilities include strategic initiatives, but
also building and maintaining relationships with both industry and non-industry professionals. Her involvement in the Huntsville community spans across Rotary, the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC), and the Committee of 100.
But to get to this point in her career has taken a lot of education and sacrifice. Her work has taken her all over the world, including encounters with tarantulas in the Amazon Rainforest, shooting poison darts with the Quechua people, and scooping lava samples for the Geological Survey on Kilauea volcano in Hawaii.
“I’ve also been on a safari, saved endangered Hawksbill sea turtles, worked on a couple Mars projects through a NASA fellowship, and worked on documentaries and shows,” Wagner added. “I love creating surprising and delightful experiences that positively impact people.”
PHOTOS BY JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHER
– Kayla Brown
Dr. Timothy Mantz (L), Dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs at Alabama A&M University and Dr. Jason Greene (R), Dean of the UAH College of Business, also made special presentations to Susan Wagner.
Emerging Business of the Year: 106 Jefferson
I
f you’re strolling through downtown Huntsville, odds are you’ll pass our 2023 Small Business Awards winner for Emerging Business of the Year. 106 Jefferson is the only lifestyle boutique hotel in the downtown area that offers high-end amenities and proximity to some of the Rocket City’s best features. Located just down from the square, 106 Jefferson is a tourist favorite.
The hotel first opened its doors in 2021. Since then, it has overwhelmed the community with not only a great place to stay, but also with its delicious food and drink options that are open to the public. The downstairs restaurant, Revivalist, has worn many hats over the last several decades, but now uses its history to create a modern spin on Huntsville’s historic eats. Prior to its current state, the 106 Jefferson location was the site of the former Huntsville Hotel. According to the 106 Jefferson website, the hotel was tragically destroyed by a fire in the early 1900s and later became home to the Alabama Power Company, the Jefferson Theater, and Hale Brothers Furniture store.
The history lesson continues at this location, as you ride the elevator to the beautiful rooftop bar known as Baker & Able. The name reflects the famous primates who were the first to successfully fly in space, which is fitting when you look out over the rooftop view of the Rocket City.
The team at 106 Jefferson has worked diligently to maintain the integrity of the Rocket City history in its business. It’s something we as a community find easy to support and is why 106 Jefferson was chosen as Emerging Business of the Year. Visit online at 106jefferson.com.
– Kayla Brown
Lights, curtains, action!
Small Business Awards just weeks away!
We’re excited to host our 39th Annual Small Business Awards Gala on Thursday, Sept. 12. Look for a Broadway theme this year! Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m, and the program begins at 7 p.m. Secure your table or sponsorship now on hsvchamber.org
Our scheduled hosts for the evening are WAAY-TV’s Chief MeteorologistJeff Castle and Valentina Iscaro, a professor of Entrepreneurship at Alabama A&M University and a professor of Social Media Marketing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
We have more fun surprises planned this year. We look forward to celebrating with you!
chamber staff
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Staff
Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO
Meghan Chambliss , 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 director, research & information services
Ross Ivey, senior director, industry relations
Annie Davis , director, talent initiatives
Beth Zinn program manager, Driving Possibilities
Finance & Administration // Events
Mary McNairy, IOM, vice president
Joe Watson , facilities supervisor
Kim Weeks , accounting specialist – receivables
Dionne Scales , accounting & HR specialist
Diana Baccus , 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
Joy Albregts , membership account executive
Crystal Baker, retention specialist
Marketing & Communications
Claire Aiello , IOM, vice president
Kristi Sherrard , creative director
Kayla Brown , director, strategic communications
Hiroko Sedensky, web designer
Small Business // Economic Inclusion & Diversity
Ashley Engles-Ross , vice president, small business
ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS
