Initiatives magazine, February 2002

february 2002 review

ini tiatives huntsville madison county

chamber of commerc e

2001 investment in the future

05

ini tiatives H u n t s vi ll e / Ma d i s o n Co u n ty • Ch a m b e r of Co m m e r c e

f eat u re s cover

2001: Investment in the Future Initiatives in 2002

05 09

In the Forefront of Economic Development In Preparation for the Future In Charge: Chamber Leaders In the Eyes of the World In Terms of Education Education = Quality Workforce

At the grounbreaking ceremony in June, Toyota utilized the image of a seedling to symbolize the company’s potential for growth and also its commitment to “putting down roots” in Alabama.

This inaugural issue of Initiatives is dedicated to current and future growth of the entire Huntsville/ Madison County region.

05

07 09 17 19 21

de v el o p m e n t s

In Focus

10

Economic Indicators

14

In Other Words

20

In Search of Excellence

21

In the Works

22

Member Developments

Media Headlines

Small Business Profile

Events Calendar

s t a ff

Publication Manager

Rikki Thomas

Managing Editor Assistant Editor Contributing Editor

Barbara Nash Joy Dawes Ken Smith

Contributing Writers

Shannon Belew Kari Hawkins Kate Markland

Account Executive

R.D. Patterson

Publisher

Jeff Thompson

President/CEO

mission

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

contact

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville/Madison County P.O. Box 408 Huntsville, AL 35804-0408 256.535.2000 www.initiativesreview.com

Brian Hilson

Permission to publish any part of Initiatives Review is hereby granted exclusively to any non-profit institution and to any publisher for broadcast or publication to the general public. Credit “Initiatives Review a Publication of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville / Madison County.”

03 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

the

2001 Review

Investment in the Future

the decision to build in this community, “because they recognize the investment and vision of our community leaders, and the high quality of people within the community.”

Target’s company executives also chose Huntsville as the site for its 1.4 million square foot facility located on a 132-acre site on I-565. The facility is the first major distribution center located in the Huntsville area, processing more than 20 million cartons in 2001 and employing

Forces Celebration Week. The $39 million complex will support assessing what it has accomplished, it helps approximately 1,000 workers in its to understand its development strategy.

220,000 square foot facility at the completion of Phase I development.

For Huntsville/Madison County, Upon completion, the complex will Alabama results are like those of a strong include over 650,000 square feet and financial portfolio - the product of a well approximately 2,500 employees. thought out investment strategy over July also kicked off the widening of time. In 2001, Huntsville saw returns on Martin Road. The $10.5 million project earlier investments, and continued to expands Martin Road from South make new investments providing for the Memorial Parkway to the Main Gate of long-term success of the community. the Redstone Arsenal, The highlight of any eventually opening a direct economic development route to the Von Braun strategy is being able to focus Complex. on what it takes to maintain The 2001 Annual and grow a community. This Chamber of Commerce year Huntsville was able to Washington trip is further concentrate on building key evidence that community economic partnerships with leaders recognize the need global business partners. to be part of the broader Leading the initiative was the picture in order to achieve announcement by Toyota Huntsville's expansion and Motor Corporation, selecting growth priorities.

This Huntsville as the new home year, more than 130 local to a 200-acre plant to elected officials, and manufacture V8 engines. The business and community ground-breaking for the first leaders traveled to the phase of the facility Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama president, Haruaki Hoshino, joins Honorary Chairman of nation's capitol to meet represented a $250 million Toyota, Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and Alabama Governor Don Siegelman at the groundbreaking with Alabama's Legislative investment in the ceremony in North Huntsville Industrial Park in June. delegation, military community with promises of 700 team members. The impact from personnel and others impacting programs 350 new jobs. President of Toyota Fujio companies such as Toyota and Target in North Alabama.

Cho explained the company's decision to Distribution Centers to build in the The investment of Huntsville leaders choose Huntsville, “We know we will Huntsville community provided the to expand the community has certainly find people of the highest caliber here momentum for additional expansion and been rewarded with the continued who have the skills, the intelligence and infrastructure development. development of Cummings Research the enthusiasm to become a successful A key component for growth within Park (CRP). This year almost 300,000 Toyota team.” the area of Governmental Affairs proved square feet of expansion have been Brian Hilson, President & CEO of to be the new Von Braun Complex on completed. Among the most notable the Huntsville/Madison County Redstone Arsenal, which officially broke contributions to this growth include the Chamber of Commerce, agrees that ground on July 23, 2001 during Armed continued on page 7 Toyota and other companies are making In reviewing a community’s progress and

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1 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

In the Forefront of Economic Development Investment in the Future continued from page 5

LG Electronics

new 50,000 square foot biotech facility for Shearwater Corporation, and Miltec Corporation's completion of a 60,000 square foot facility allowing the company to centrally locate its employees and prepare for future growth. Also new to CRP is System Studies & Simulation, Inc. which completed the move of its new headquarters, providing space for its corporate administrative and technical personnel.

As these and other corporations settled into their new operation centers, CRP witnessed groundbreakings and construction of more than 240,000 additional square feet of development.

The City of Huntsville also completed construction of Jan Davis Drive and a major new section of Explorer Boulevard within CRP. And the Cummings Research Park Board, in a joint effort with the City of Huntsville, completed a new master plan for the Commercial Center of CRP, ensuring continued development of that area.

Expansion and success of Huntsville's diverse industries, comes as no surprise to the community's small business infrastructure. Entrepreneurs have long provided the support and leadership to help attract large industries to the community. In return, area small businesses received over $247 million in contract awards in 2001, with the assistance of the Northeast Regional Small Business Development Center (NEAR SBDC), and two small business owners also won national recognition.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honored Thornton Stanley, President of Stanley Construction Company, Inc. as the winner of both the state and national Small Business Person of the Year awards.

He is the first and only Alabamian to ever win the national recognition.

Irma Tuder, President of Analytical Services, Inc. also received the SBA's highest honors, winning the 2001

National Minority Small Business Firm of the Year Award. Tuder and Stanley are prime examples of Huntsville's innovative entrepreneurial base, dedicated to building business and community.

Achieving national recognition is a critical factor in helping promote the area's continued growth. From small business awards to national recognition of the area's School to Career Program, the endeavors of the community are being noticed. The School to Career Program was presented the National School to Work Excellence Award by the National Society of Human Resources Management in Washington D.C. Awards and honors of this stature have also helped attract national and international media attention to the community. CNN, NewsWeek magazine and the Wall Street Journal are just a few examples of places where Huntsville has made headlines. The list continues to expand, as does the community's level of recognition.

Being noticed by the world is an important step in continued growth and prosperity due in large part to the dedication and vision of the leadership within the community. Clay Vandiver has led that initiative as 2001 Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. “As we grow, the need for an enhanced and broader image of the Huntsville area will also serve to support our business and workforce attraction efforts,” he states in the 2001 EDGE Report.

Vandiver has demonstrated his ability to be a proactive leader - the type that has previously paved the way for substantial success within the community. It is thanks to this caliber of leadership that the Chamber looks forward to economic development opportunities for Huntsville/Madison County.

Celebrates 20 Years in Huntsville LG Electronics, formerly Goldstar Company, recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary of doing business in Huntsville. LG's facility in Jetplex Industrial Park was the first Korean manufacturing facility to establish operations in North America.

Shearwater Corporation Celebrates Grand Opening of New Biotech Facility in Cummings Research Park The new facility located on a 7-acre site at 490 Discovery Drive in CRP will expand the company’s capacity to serve its growing medical customer base. Founded in 1992, Shearwater Corporation is dedicated to enhancing the future of medicine through clinically-proven technology .

AEgis Technologies Breaks Ground for New Corporate Headquarters Located at 631 Discovery Drive in Cummings Research Park, the 26,500 square foot building will provide expanded office and laboratory space for one of INC magazine's 500 fastest growing privately-held companies in America.

The new location will be home for up to 150 local employees.

Brown Precision, Inc. Breaks Ground on New Facility in Chase Industrial Park The 36,000 square foot building represents a $3.2 million capital investment, and will allow the company to add up to 30 employees. The company was founded in 1964 as a machine shop and has become a consistent vendor for U.S. and foreign military customers. Future plans include additional engineering and machining capabilities for better service to aerospace, industrial and commercial customers.

-- Shannon Belew

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Taking the Initiative

In Preparation for the Future

Looking Ahead to 2002 The new year will find the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County continuing to take the initiative in expanding the community's economic growth.

Through sustained focus on the Chamber's core mission, the return of value to members and partners will be the expansion of business and job opportunities in the area. By maintaining careful preparation, development, and promotion in 2002, the Chamber will build on the existing strength of the economic base.

Priority one will be increasing economic development activities in Huntsville and Madison County.

Proactive marketing and recruitment activities will extend even further as the Chamber works to attract ne w businesses and industries to the community. In addition, existing industry support will continue to receive concentrated effort in order to generate a large share of 2002's successes as it did in 2001.

A key component of marketing promotion will center on spotlighting Cummings Research Park as a worldclass location for development. One element of this program will be a targeted outreach to national and international media representatives to focus worldwide attention on this outstanding asset of the City of Huntsville. Successful results of the special marketing programs will include the continuation of the substantial growth experienced in CRP during 2001.

Another area of emphasis for the Chamber in 2002 will be the expansion of the local workforce capability. The national award-winning School to Career Program will continue to utilize

projects such as the creation of video presentations highlighting local career choices for area students and their families. A new career development program targeting 15-20 year olds will debut in 2002 and bring a new dimension to the Chamber's workforce development programs. Successful development efforts will expand the availability of skilled labor for local businesses and industries.

Conceptualization and production of a multi-media visual presentation will headline the efforts to promote the high quality of life and strong economic climate in the Huntsville/Madison County region. Through this and other image enhancement projects, the Chamber will tout the multiple opportunities available for local businesses and employees.

Another area of focus for the Chamber in 2002 will be the continuation of support for local NASA and military programs. Strategies for protecting existing programs as well as expanding support for complimentary projects and offices will continue to guide the Chamber’s work. Careful preparation for new base realignment and closure activities will also remain a high priority for the entire region.

Additionally, the Chamber will monitor and support a positive business environment through advocacy, infrastructure development, and support of local enterprise.

The year 2002 will bring outstanding possibilities for economic growth in the Huntsville/Madison County community. Through focused and persistent efforts, the Chamber of Commerce will take the initiative and maximize development opportunities.

The sky will certainly not be the limit for economic prosperity in the coming new year.

The mission is straightforward, “ensure an available labor force to meet the demands of the 21st century.”

The School to Career Program, a product of the Congressional School to Work Act, focuses on creating guided career awareness for students. It usually takes years to show all the benefits produced by this type of effort, admits program manager Melody Whitten. But the program, in its third year of operation, has already achieved State and National recognition for excellence.

“Targeting elementary, middle and high school students, it is designed to help them explore careers and make career path decisions based on the opportunities available to them. The initial response has been ver y encouraging,” notes Whitten. A few of the opportunities offered include job shadowing for high school juniors, industry tours for eighth grade students, and a customized career video series for both teachers and students in the K-8 grades. The program currently serves five school systems including Huntsville City and Madison City, and schools in Madison, Scottsboro and Jackson counties.

Recognizing the long-term value this program serves, Whitten explains, “the benefit in exposing students to career paths and educating them on career options so early, is that we can prepare them for the jobs utilized within our communities while growing a viable work force.”

The challenge is being able to continue funding the same quality of activities and outreach that has spurred its initial progress. Whitten stresses that continued success is dependent upon the support and involvement of CEOs, plant managers and all employers that depend on a qualified labor pool.

-- Shannon Belew 09 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

Member Developments National League of Junior Cotillions celebrated its Huntsville area chapter with a ribbon cutting held December 6. The Huntsville chapter offers classes for students in the 6th through 10th grades on etiquette, ethics, manners and dance variations for formal events. Pre-cotillion classes are also available for children Kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, call 882-8330.

More...

September Art Mart Opens new gallery at 900 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville September 6, 2001 HDC Opens new location at 120 Holmes Avenue, Huntsville September 20, 2001 R & S Custom Flooring Announces new location at 3095 Leeman Ferry Road, Huntsville September 20, 2001

October MeadowWood Apartments Cuts ribbon on renovation at 2100 Thicket Place, Huntsville October 3, 2001 FGI, inc.

Opens for business at 2607 Triana Blvd., Huntsville October 5, 2001 Alabama Technology Today Magazine Announces statewide expansion of new magazine, Huntsville October 15, 2001

Quizno’s

Elegant Encores

Opens new store at 2121 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville - October 9, 2001

Opens for business at 2121 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville - November 2, 2001

Westminster Homes Announces new Madison development October 30, 2001

November Piccadilly Madison Square Mall, Huntsville November 2, 2001 Innovative Coach Works Opens new location at 3090 Jordan Lane, Huntsville November 5, 2001 The Studio Opens new business at 3301 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville November 12, 2001 Younger Skin

Target Super Center

Starts new business in Park Plaza Suites in Huntsville - November 1, 2001

Opens at 2750 Carl T. Jones Drive in Huntsville - October 9, 2001

M embership Momentum Nov. 2001 Number of Members Number of New Members YTD Dues Base Chamber Events Attendance YTD

Colonial Bank

McAlister’s Deli

Opens new Northwest Huntsville office at Pulaski Pike and Oakwood Avenue in

Opens new restaurant in Whitesbur g Shopping Center - November 16, 2001

Nov. 2000

2,151

2,127

396

498

$1,241,000

$1,141,000

7,850

N/A

Huntsville - November 26, 2001

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1 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

Alabama A&M University

Jump Start Fitness Announces new business in Mission Square in Huntsville - October 18, 2001

Breaks ground for the new engineering and technology building October 3, 2001. Dean Arthur Bond announced that the School of Engineering and Technology has received ABET accreditation. Local university and community leaders celebrated both significant achievements.

Cajun Cafe

Somerby at Jones Farm

Health First Chiropractic

Adds dine-in service at Lacey’s Spring location - November 8, 2001

Expands their development at 2815 Carl T. Jones Drive, Huntsville - November 15, 2001

Opens new practice at 3319 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville - November 16, 2001

Madison Eye Care Center

Cheeburger Cheeburger

Center For Sight

Opens new practice at 34 Hughes Road,

Opens new restaurant in Whitesburg Center, Huntsville - December 12, 2001

Opens new building at 2780 Bob Wallace Ave.,

KAE Corporation

Valley Birkenstock

AJ Ventures/PostNet

Opens for business in Progress Center, Huntsville - October 3, 2001

Opens new store at 964 Airport Road,

Announces new ownership at 930 Old

Huntsville - September 28, 2001

Monrovia Road, Huntsville - November 13, 2001

Madison - December 6, 2001

Huntsville - October 11, 2001

11 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

Economic Indicators P O P U LAT I O N

E M P L O Y M EN T *

Madison County

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

35-Mile Radius

SEPT 01

OCT 01

1980 Census........................................196,966

145,604

6,081

242,971

439,023

Total Non-ag Employment......................................................................186,800

185,000

1990 Census........................................238,912

159,789

14,904

293,047

505,967

Manufacturing................................................................................35,100

34,400

2000 Census........................................276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

582,374

Durable Goods.......................................................................... 28,600

27,900

2005 Projection....................................299,778

161,657

31,471

367,735

612,701

Non-durable Goods..............................................................................6,500

6,500

% Growth 1980-2000 ............................40.5%

8.7%

382.3%

40.9%

32.6%

Non-manufacturing......................................................................151,700

150,600

Construction & Mining..........................................................................6,800

6,500

1980 Census..........................................67,082

51,113

2,040

82,440

150,864

Trans. & Utilities....................................................................................4,800

4,700

1990 Census..........................................91,208

63,058

5,944

110,893

191,640

Trade ..................................................................................................37,900

37,800

Huntsville Metro Area**

Households

2000 Census........................................106,423

62,437

11,779

131,683

223,990

Finance..................................................................................................5,100

5,100

2005 Projection....................................115,256

63,795

12,638

141,427

235,637

Services..............................................................................................57,600

57,000

% Growth 1980-2000 ............................58.6%

22.1%

477.4%

59.7%

48.5%

Government........................................................................................39,500

39,500

* Based on place of employment.

Race

**Includes Madison & Limestone counties Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations

2000 Pop. by Race ............................276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

582,374

White......................................................72.1%

64.5%

80.1%

74.3%

82.5%

LABOR FORCE*

Black......................................................22.8%

30.2%

13.0%

21.0%

15.4%

Huntsville Region (Counties)

Asian & Pacific Islander............................1.9%

2.3%

3.6%

1.6%

1.2%

Other Races..............................................3.2%

3.0%

3.3%

3.1%

0.9%

Income & Age Avg. Household Income......................$54,995

$54,494

$69,774

$52,932

$49,969

Med. Household Income......................$43,081

$40,937

$59,801

$41,501

$38,729

Per Capita Income ..............................$22,430

$22,936

$29,581

$21,404

$20,099

Average Age..............................................35.9

36.9

33.0

36.1

36.7

Source: EQUIFAX, National Decision Systems, 2001; U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)

SEPT 01

OCT 01

Madison ......................................................................................148,290

147,740

Limestone ......................................................................................30,240

30,170

Jackson ........................................................................................25,750

25,880

Marshall..........................................................................................39,020

39,340

Morgan ..........................................................................................57,230

57,670

Franklin, TN....................................................................................18,530

18,750

Giles, TN ........................................................................................15,780

15,970

Lincoln, TN ....................................................................................14,330

14,480

Huntsville Regional Total..........................................................349,170

349,900

* Based on place of residence.

Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Tennessee Department of Employment Security .

RETAIL SALES Huntsville Region (Counties)

Total Food & Furniture & Retail Sales Restaurants Merchandise Automotive

(000s)

Madison ..................................................................$4,197,785

$859,915

$885,953

$1,098,255

Limestone ..................................................................$568,268

$119,439

$119,026

$132,312

Jackson......................................................................$472,058

$121,340

$86,289

$101,864

Marshall....................................................................$1,327,821

$177,607

$210,540

$646,026

Morgan ....................................................................$1,472,708

$277,539

$227,308

$499,417

Franklin, TN ................................................................$325,240

$113,831

$54,755

$65,402

Giles, TN ....................................................................$294,638

$62,746

$29,714

$98,169

Lincoln, TN..................................................................$303,977

$60,861

$54,694

$98,982

Regional Total ........................................................$8,962,495

$1,793,278

$1,668,279

$2,740,427

UNEMPLOYMENT RA T E *

# of Projects

SEPT 2 0 01 Square Feet

OCT 2 0 01 $ Value

# of Projects

Square Feet

OCT 01 3.5%

Huntsville Region..............................................................................4.2%

4.8%

Alabama............................................................................................5.0%

5.3%

United States....................................................................................4.9%

5.4%

* Based on place of residence.

Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations (www.dir.state.al.us) Tennessee Department of Employment Security (www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd)

COST OF LIVING INDEX 2nd QTR 2001

Source: Sales & Marketing Management, 2001 Survey of Buying Power, Printed with permission.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

SEPT 01

Madison County................................................................................3.0%

CompositeGrocery Index Items

Housing

Utilities

Transportation

Health Care

Goods & Services

Atlanta, GA

102.2

103.2

107.9

92.7

97.5

103.9

100.2

HUNTSVILLE, AL

94.4

97.8

83.3

76.8

102.4

97.8

103.5

Orlando, FL

99.0

102.2

91.5

103.2

99.0

105.6

101.9

Raleigh-Durham, NC

101.5

100.5

109.7

92.8

96.0

108.2

97.7

$ Value

Total Const. Contracts..........................91

461,000

$28,374,000

110

424,000

$33,489,000

Commercial ..........................................12

221,000

$14,024,000

11

58,000

$4,162,000

Manufacturing ........................................0

0

0

1

19,000

$750,000

Single Family ........................................68

145,000

$5,939,000

87

186,000

$6,038,000

Multi-Family ............................................0

0

$0

1

0

$0

St. Louis, MO

98.1

94.0

95.3

88.4

107.6

103.3

101.2

Washington, D.C.

113.4

108.0

131.7

84.0

112.4

118.5

107.2

Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association. Website (www.accra.org)

HOME SALES

Source: F.W. Dodge, Printed with permission.

SEP 01 Houses Under Contract.....................................................................2,817

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SEPT 01 Index % Change

OCT 01 Index % Change

00-01

00-01

OCT 01 2,740

Houses Sold & Closed..........................................................................268

286

Avg. Selling Price..........................................................................$129,832

$136,292

Avg. Days on Market..............................................................................103

126 $107,900

United States...............................................................178.3

2.6%

177.7

2.1%

Median Sales Price........................................................................$117,000

South Region...............................................................172.2

2.2%

171.7

1.9%

Source: Huntsville Area Association of Realtors

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Atlanta, GA. Website (http://stats.bls.gov)

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2002 Chamber of Commerc e

Board of Directors Executive Committee Ronnie Boles President, General & Automotive Machine Chair of the Board

Ronnie Boles has served as President of General and Automotive Machine Shop since 1972. General and Automotive is a regional distributor and service outlet for internal combustion engines and electric generators.

Boles is currently serving as Chairman of the Huntsville Electric Utility Board and as board member of Colonial Bank N.A. He also serves on the Energy and Environment committees of both the U.S. Chamber and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Having a great interest in vocational education, Boles serves in an advisory capacity to the Huntsville Center for Technology and a member of the Presidents Advisory Board, Drake Technical Institute. He also serves on the Community Advisory committee for the UAB School of Medicine, Huntsville Campus. He was awarded the Rotary Club’s Vocational Award in 1993. Boles is married to Anne Schell Boles and has two children, Catherine and Alex.

Howard Thrailkill President & COO, ADTRAN, Inc. Chair Elect & Board Member

Clay Vandiver President, Compass Bank Past Chair of the Board

Tommy Beason Owner/Partner, Beason & Nalley, P.C. Vice Chair Small Business

Hall Bryant President, H.C. Blake & Company Chair Appointed

Gina DeSimone Senior Site Executive, The Boeing Company Secretary & Board Member

Mike Gillespie Chairman, Madison County Commission Chair Appointed

Dave Hargrove Regional Manager, External Affairs, BellSouth Vice Chair Membership

Bill Johnston, Jr. Partner/Attorney at Law, Johnston, Moore, Maples & Thompson Vice Chair Resource Development & Board Member

Donna Lamb President, Lamb Commercial Services Treasurer & Board Member

John Riche Marketing & Management Developer, AC, Inc. Vice Chair Government Affairs & Board Member

Scott Seeley Senior Vice President, Regions Bank Chair Appointed

Loretta Spencer Mayor, City of Huntsville Chair Appointed

Karen Stanley Vice President Finance, Stanley Construction Vice Chair Workforce Development & Board Member

Paula Steigerwald District Manager, Parisian Vice Chair Communications In i t i a t i ves February 2002

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2002 Chamber of Commerc e

Board of Directors

Pete Apple Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations, Computer Sciences Corp.

Scott Averbuch

George Beason, Jr.

Marc Bendickson, Ph.D.

President-Broker Averbuch Realty

Partner, Martinson & Beason, P.C.

CEO, Dynetics

Marshall England

Joel Daves, IV

CEO, QuantiTech, Inc .

North Alabama Area Executive & Huntsville City President, AmSouth Bank

Dick Fountain

Bill Gurley

Agency Principal, Fountain Parker Harbarger

Senior Vice President & Group Manager, SAIC

Sheila Brown

Wyn Dobbs President, Decatur Transit, Inc.

Richard Holloway Owner, Timberlakes Developers

Agent, State Farm Insurance Companies

Dr. Eric Janssen President, SportsMed Orthopaedic Specialists, PC

Raymond B. Jones, Jr.

Tracy Jones

Vice President, G.W. Jones & Sons Consulting Engineers, Inc.

President, Century Buick, BMW, Volvo, and Isuzu

LTG James Link, US Army Retired

Lynne Lowery

John Stallworth

President, Teledyne Brown Engineering

President, Historic Huntsville Foundation

President & CEO, Madison Research Corporation

CEO, CAS, Inc.

Jean WesselTempleton

Johnnie Vann

Peter Voetsch

Barbara Buice Watson

Partner, Lanier, Ford, Shaver & Payne

Senior Vice President Operations ADTRAN, Inc.

Co-owner and Board Director, Three Springs, Inc.

David Jensen Branch Manager, Salomon Smith Barney

President, Wesfam Restaurants, Inc.

Charles Kettle President & CEO, First Commercial Bank

William Stender

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1 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

In the Eyes of the World CRP Marketing Project Yields Success

Huntsville Plays a Role in Fighting Terrorism

Prototypes et inventions fleurissent pour combattre les menaces terroristes

BUILT TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

A variety of properties to choose from in Huntsville and in other key cities across the Sunbelt. For more information call Kyle Collins or Randy Thomas at 256.533.0035 or visit colonialprop.com.

These headlines heralding high-tech Huntsville resulted from a mid-November media visit by journalists from Germany, Japan, France, Korea, Boston, Denver, Atlanta and Nashville.

They all came to town for a special press tour of Huntsville and Cummings Research Park. During the two-day visit, the group saw many local companies that are involved in homeland defense and anti-terrorism.

The media tour was made possible by a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs through the City of Huntsville for marketing of CRP. The New York economic development public relations firm, Development Counsellors International (DCI), worked with the City and the Chamber to coordinate events that would be timely and relevant to the news community.

During their time here, the journalists engaged in meetings with Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer and many other city and business leaders to gain a better understanding of the Huntsville area.

Visits to AMCOM and NASA, and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center also underscored the evolution of many Huntsville businesses from their military and space origins. Stay tuned for more international coverage in the future.

19 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

In Other Words ...

Huntsville is home to five of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the nation.

•Inc. Magazine, October 2001 Huntsville ranks 5th nationally for overall quality of life.

•Business Development Outlook, August 2001 Huntsville named one of the country's “Top 5 High-Tech Markets to Watch”.

•Site Selection Magazine, July 2001 Huntsville named one of the Top 50 Best Places To Live And Work in the U.S. •Expansion Management Magazine, May 2001 Huntsville named one of 10 U.S. High-Tech Havens set to play a leading role in the information age.

•Newsweek Magazine, April 2001 Huntsville ranks 3rd among the nation's high-tech leaders for percentage of new technology jobs created.

•Expansion Management Magazine, January 2001

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1 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

In Terms of Education Education = Quality Workforce From rockets that have taken man to the moon to hi-tech computers that have reshaped an entire industry, Huntsville's workforce has always been up to the challenges spurred by technological success and economic growth.

Since the 1960s when Huntsville took its first leap into the space race, local community leaders, elected officials, and business leaders have known that the key to developing and maintaining a highlycapable and motivated workforce can be summed up in two words -- educational opportunity.

“The emphasis has always been on the quality of education for students in K-12 and for those in higher education,” says Mike Ward, the Chamber's Vice President of Governmental Affairs.

“There is a strong connection between the workplace and education, and the Chamber and its members very much want to be a partner with educational systems to make sure the educational needs of our community are met.”

Not only do well-educated employees mean the future growth of Huntsville's

Business Profile:

existing industry, they also are a big bonus for new industry seeking to establish operations in the area.

“The corporations that we recruit and have already here need a highly educated workforce,” says 2001 Chamber Chairman Clay Vandiver. “Our school system is critical to supplying that workforce. The education level of the children coming out of our school system is a strong factor that we use in recruiting new industry.”

Huntsville residents believe so strongly in the value of education that for more than 30 years they have augmented state funds to provide additional K-12 amenities, such as foreign language, advanced placement and fine arts.

“The amount of funding we provide locally for education is a barometer to measure the quality State of life and the 59% commitment to our community,” Ward says.

“Most businesses appreciate

the value of education and the fact that investing more in our educational system makes it possible to recruit more industry for our community.”

With the adoption of two positions supporting funding efforts for educational programs, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has emphasized its commitment to maintaining and increasing the portion of local funding for the three school systems in Madison County.

-- Kari Hawkins Property Ta x 15%

Local Sales 13% Local Other 9% Federal 4%

Combined Funding of the Huntsville, Madison, Madison County School Systems

Alabama Psychological Services Center

“Caring People Caring for You.” This says it all for Alabama Psychological Services Center, the 2001 Personal Services Small Business of the Year award winner.

APSC, founded in 1991, is a mental health services center that provides counseling, therapy, testing and education “Tom [Tenbrunsel, Ph.D., a founding partner] and I share similar beliefs. We apply those beliefs in making APSC a quiet, relaxing place where our clients and staff can feel comfortable and confident,” said Lois Pope, APSC partner.

As Pope explained, “Our focus on quality service includes clients and staff.

As a practice, we hold some time open during office hours for emergencies. We also stick to appointment times so the next scheduled client doesn't have to wait.” Pope said.

APSC has a no-hassle approach for contract therapists and operational staff, too. “This encourages them to do what they do well. Our staff takes care of scheduling, billing, and collection for our therapists, which leaves the therapists free to counsel clients,” Pope concluded.

Tenbrunsel and Pope's approach to successful business management is

predicated on three principles - value the efforts of your staff, know how to do each job, and maintain contact with your professional business providers.

As Pope described, “A successful owner encourages their employees to be involved in helping the business grow.

The owner knows everything that is going on financially in their business, and they maintain balance between marketing, hiring and fine tuning services.”

APSC is located at 303 Williams Avenue, Suite 118, in Huntsville.

-- Kate Markland 21 In i t i a t i ves February 2002

Calendar of Events February 2002

Chamber of Commerce Staff

Industry Tours for Students

Brian Hilson - President & CEO Jeff Thompson - Chief Operating Officer

Job Shadowing for High School Juniors

Economic Development

06 Chamber Montgomery Trip 12 New Business State Tax Workshop 3:00 & 6:00 PM - Chamber Auditorium

13 Strategic Planning & Management Seminar 9:00 - 12:00 Noon - Chamber Auditorium

13 International Council of Shopping Centers - Birmingham 19 Family Friendly Business Awards 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Steve Finnell - Industrial Development Director Alex Hardy - Cummings Research Park Director Bill Holbrook - Existing Industry Services Director Workforce Recruitment Director Laura Kendrick - Executive Assistant Amy Locke - Industrial Development Assistant Hiroko Sedensky - Research Assistant Judy Short - Existing Industry Assistant Ken Smith - Economic Development Center Coordinator

Governmental Affairs Mike Ward - Vice President Governmental Affairs Tina Leopold - Program Assistant

Leadership Sarah Savage - Leadership Director Mary Stewart - Youth Leadership Coordinator Allison Harbin - Leadership Assistant

Workforce Development

28 IRS Business Structures & Tax Implications Workshop 9:00 - 12:00 Noon - Chamber Auditorium

Ralph Green - Workforce Development Director Melody Whitten - Partners in Education Manager Dorothy Bridges - Assistant

Small Business Development Elizabeth Garcia - Small Business Manager

March 2002 Industry Tour for Students

04 SAE World Congress - Detroit 06 Best Practices in Customer Service Seminar

Membership Gina Falletta - Membership Director Kelli Brown - Member Relations Coordinator Pat Jackson - Membership Development Denise Kilpatrick - Membership Development

Communications Barbara Nash - Communications Director Joy Dawes - Creative Services Manager

9:00 - 12:00 Noon - Chamber Auditorium

Publications

12 New Business IRS/Federal Tax Workshop 1:00 - 4:00 PM - Chamber Auditorium

13 Toyota Suppliers Meeting 13 Marketing for Small Businesses Seminar 9:00 - 12:00 Noon - Chamber Auditorium

20 Balanced Score Card/Activity-Based Costing & Management Seminar 9:00 - 12:00 Noon - Chamber Auditorium

Inquiries: call 256-535-2000 or visit www.hsvchamber.org

Rikki Thomas - Publications Manager

Accounting Ken Williams - Controller Dora Boston - Accounting Clerk Alison Brockman - Accounting Clerk/Buyer

Administration Lillie Ben - Executive Assistant Tom Burnett - Facilities Supervisor Penny Carothers - Receptionist Allison Harbin - Information Desk Clerk Desman Holt - Systems Administrator Donna McCrary - Information Desk Coordinator Bobbie Patterson - Information Desk Clerk

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville/Madison County P.O. Box 408 Huntsville, AL 35804-0408

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