Initiatives magazine, April 2003

ini tiatives

april 2003

huntsville madison county

chamber of commerc e

Bringing it into

Focus

Pursuing Business Growth

09

Promoting Economic Advantages Protecting Our Military Programs

17 23

ini tiatives H u n t sv i l le / Ma d is o n Co u n ty • Ch a mb e r of Co m m e r c e

f eat u re s cover

Bringing it into Focus

05

• Pursuing Business Growth • Promoting Economic Advantages • Protecting Our Military Programs

09 17 23

A Celebration of Excellence

19

World Famous Bridge Street

26

Do You Know the SCORE?

29

de v el o p m e n t s Bringing it into Focus Cover design by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Publications Department.

s t a ff

Publication Manager

Rikki Thomas

Managing Editor

Barbara Nash, APR

Writer

Shannon Belew

Account Executive

R.D. Patterson

Publisher

Jeff Thompson

President/CEO

Brian Hilson

Economic Development Highlights

11

Member Developments

13

Economic Indicators

20

Economy-at-a-Glance

21

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 225 Church Street Huntsville, AL 35801 256.535.2000 www.initiativesreview.com

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.”

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ENGINEERING & DESIGN CONSULTANTS

Bringing it into Focus

ELECTRICAL E NGINEERING M E C H A N I C A L & H VAC E N G I N E E R I N G LIGHTING DESIGN PLUMBING E NGINEERING T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S D E S I G N SECURITY SYSTEMS DESIGN F I R E P ROT E C T I O N E N G I N E E R I N G

Pursue Business Growth Promote Economic Advantages Protect Federal Programs

Business Space at Research Park West, Huntsville Goodrum Knowles, Inc. Architects

109 Jefferson Street North, Suite 11 Huntsville, AL 35801 534-2353 . FAX 534-7080 ______ Huntsville . Birmingham . Jackson, Mississippi

“For 2003, the mission is unmistakably clear – to prepare, develop, and promote this community for economic growth,” said Dave Hargrove, Regional Manager of BellSouth and Executive Committee Member of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.

In Huntsville, a strategic economic focus is paramount to the city’s future, and Hargrove sees that to mean a concentrated effort to grow existing businesses, attract new ones,

In a time when world politics and the national economy demand attention and result in a multitude of varying opinions and possible solutions, one community stands united in its vision for the future and readily agrees the key to success is held in its focus on economic growth.

The national media has chimed in, with CNN designating Huntsville as a “High-Tech Mecca,” while Newsweek magazine ranked it as one of the nation’s “Top 10 High-Tech Havens.”

Already renowned as a leader in aerospace and defense, Huntsville has been pulled even further into the spotlight by recent events. Whether it involves cutting-edge technologies and military support for the nation’s defense, or critical investigative support to NASA – the expertise of city leaders remains at the world’s disposal.

Building this base of knowledge to “These efforts, combined with our strong support economic vitality has involved influence in governmental affairs and solid support from key economic development, have buffered our sources throughout the state. The list is local economy from the national challenges.” extensive and includes the create jobs, and make the community Governor’s Office, the Tennessee among the most desirable in the Valley Authority, the Huntsville City country. While some still consider the Council and Mayor Loretta Spencer, city one of the best-kept secrets for its the Madison County Commission prosperity and livability factors, others and Chairman Mike Gillespie, the have been singing the city’s praises.

North Alabama Industrial

Development Association, the Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority, and others. All have been instrumental through key participation and industrial recruitment projects.

“The combined efforts of this dynamic economic development team will define the future business prospects for this region,” explained Ronnie Boles, 2002 Chair of the Chamber of Commerce.

But it’s not only those critical resources from the local and state level leading the focus on growth for Huntsville and Madison County.

Boles is quick to point to the extensive support received throughout the community. He credits the volunteer commitment from business executives, small business owners, and other civic leaders as having helped pave the way for many of the economic successes the community has enjoyed.

“This community is stronger and more cohesive because of the leadership this group has provided. I am continued on page 07

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05 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

In i t i a t i ves April 2003

Bringing it into Focus continued from page 05

personally thankful to each one of them for their service,” says Boles.

The results of these combined efforts are already apparent. Because of access to this prestigious economic development team and tremendous support from area businesses, the community is continuing to attract outstanding companies such as International Diesel and Williams International.

“These successes, combined with our strong influence in governmental affairs and solid economic development, have buffered our local economy from the national challenges,” says Boles.

The city has a strong history of responding to changing economies and coming out ahead of the game.

During a lagging economy in 1994, Boles recalls the business community wanted very specific results…jobs, jobs, jobs. After raising $4.5 million in private funds for Advantage, the economic challenge resulted in the announcement of more than 11,500 new jobs during the program’s duration.

In 1998, the horizon changed once again, and again so did the focus of economic development. Workforce quality, community image, and educational concerns became top priorities.

Boles said the business community stepped up to the plate again. With $6.2 million raised, economic leaders and the Chamber of Commerce were

able to address those compelling issues. A variety of programs were introduced, including School to Work, Career to Work, and Welfare to Work, with additional grant money obtained to secure the programs’ future.

Increased recruiting trips by the Existing Industry Committee and local human resources professionals enabled new workers to come into Huntsville – all bringing a higher quality to the existing workforce base.

involved in an effort to protect these and other existing programs, according to Hargrove. He also said the Chamber of Commerce is committed to taking advantage of every available opportunity to bolster the local economy, and is leading the pursuit of business growth.

This year’s Chairman of the Board, Howard Thrailkill, has outlined specific initiatives to ensure economic goals remain the top priority for 2003.

“We will be focusing The city has a strong history of responding on three key areas of activities.” First and to changing economies and coming out foremost, he said the Chamber will be ahead of the game. maintaining a continued record of success through Past successes have not diminished an aggressive pursuit of business the economic development efforts of growth along with the promotion of the community or its partners. If the community’s economic advantages. anything, some community leaders Second, is the call to establish a multibelieve current events have fueled the year initiative to ensure North economic fires and sharpened the city’s Alabama retains and expands its focus towards the future. military presence as BRAC 2005 “We’re facing issues with tremendecisions are made and implemented. dous economic potential,” said And finally, Thrailkill said sufficient Hargrove. “Among these issues are the funding must be provided to support challenges and opportunities involved these efforts in 2003, in addition to in the next phase of the Base establishing a stable financial foundaRealignment and Closure Program tion for the future.

(BRAC).”

City business leaders agree and have In the last round of base closures, said that one thing is certain … 2003 Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal survived will bring economic development into the cut and managed to bring 2,000 focus for this community. new jobs into the community. This time, Huntsville is already deeply

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07 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

In i t i a t i ves April 2003

Pursue Business Growth Promote Economic Advantages

Pursuing Business Growth Passed down through generations of city leaders, Huntsville has maintained its commitment to a structured, well-planned strategy for ensuring a bright economic future. The secret is in the concentrated effort of identifying and pursuing a diverse range of businesses to complement the community’s primary livelihood.

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e will aggressively market Huntsville/Madison County

to key businesses and facility consultants. Consistent with the Chamber’s traditional economic development

“We have identified specific target industries, and these are the core of our community,” said 2003 Partnership for Economic Development Chair Tommy Beason.

In a city grown under the stars of NASA, Huntsville has literally transformed from a small cotton-producing town to a haven for aerospace and defense companies as well as for hightech commercial industries. This history, coupled with the community’s coveted Redstone Arsenal military installation, provides an expected focus for economic recruitment – and that

ment plan, and Huntsville has worked to pave the way for a vibrant future based on key industries. Being successful at this requires a community to ask, “What industries are important to support the strength of the economy?”

For Huntsville, the answer resides in the area’s core component.

As stated in Huntsville’s Target Industry profile, “One goal in this ongoing process is to lessen the community’s relative dependency on federal government activities while increasing the size and scope of defense- and space-related operations in the Huntsville area.” It also calls for a focused recruitBeing successful at this requires a ment effort towards a mix community to ask, “What industries are of employers who complement this core industry as important to support the strength of the well as the regional economic base – all for the economy?” For Huntsville, the answer purpose of ensuring added resides in the area’s core component. diversity and quality job opportunities for citizens. “core” strategy often centers on spaceFor instance, as home to the and defense-related enterprise. nation’s second largest research and Diversity plays an equally imporscience park, Huntsville’s Cummings tant role in any economic developResearch Park is also an understand-

08 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

programs, support of existing industry and recruitment of new businesses will be strong areas of emphasis. With the support of our research and presentation capabilities, we will respond to business prospect inquiries and manage expansion/relocation projects, and with available resources we will develop efforts to generate new economic opportunities. We will respond to the needs of companies requiring new facilities, infrastructure assistance, incentives, employee recruitment and retention, industry education and training, and small business services and other special assistance.

able attraction for industrial research and development support companies.

This is a natural link to the area’s economic development emphasis on space and defense.

“Space and defense are the primary reasons we’re here,” said Beason, “but continued on page 11 In i t i a t i ves April 2003

09

Economic Development Highlights

Pursuing Business Growth continued from page 09

10 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

many other industries also comprise our economic community – industries that are compatible with and equally important as space and defense.” Beason explained that electronics is a core industry in the Huntsville/Madison County region.

Partnered with electronics is the semiconductor component, making this a likely target for the community’s economic well-being.

Diversified manufacturing and process materials manufacturing also top the list of desired industries. As an example, Huntsville is now home to a $220 million engine assembly plant for Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc. A welcome addition to the community and a source of world-wide attention, the facility helps open the door to similar opportunities within that industry.

Not to be left out, administrative and teleservice operations have also proven to be industries worthy of pursuing. As with manufacturing, past successes within this industry have provided exposure to future possibilities. Similar strategies can be found in the community’s final target industry of retail develoment.

A history of strong recruiting activities has led to successes such as the 1.35 million-square-foot distribution center for Target, and a $60 million renovation project by CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., for the 650,000-square-foot Parkway Place Mall. Numerous other nationallyknown retail centers have also

opened stores within Huntsville’s growing retail base. And a proposed $220 million project plans to merge additional upscale retailers within the heart of Cummings Research Park in the recently-announced World Famous Bridge Street development.

Although firmly tied together by a cohesive community, these industries are diverse and each gets special attention in recruiting efforts. As Beason explains, within each specific industry the strategy and growth are always changing, but the focus to attract components of all the target industries remains consistent.

Industry Targets of Economic Development for the Future Space and Defense

Brown Precision Opens New Building Brown Precision, Inc., dedicated its new $3.2 million, 36,000 square foot machine tool building in Chase Industrial Park in the city of Huntsville. The company, which manufactures machined metal products for the aerospace and medical industries, currently employs 30 people and plans to hire an additional 10 workers over the next year.

Providence Breaks Ground Ground has broken for the start of construction of Providence Main Street, a 300-acre mixed-use residential and commercial development in the city of Huntsville off Indian Creek Road near University Drive. The community, which is being developed by David & Todd Slyman, was designed by Duan Plater-Zyberk and Company, a nationallyrecognized architectural and design firm known for its popular residential communities.

The community, on completion, is expected to consist of approximately 1,000 homes surrounding a town center with restaurants and commercial tenants providing services for neighborhood residents.

Electronics and Semiconductor Retirement Community Opens

Diversified Manufacturing Industrial Research and Development Support Administrative and Teleservice Operations

Carlton Cove, the area's newest retirement community, officially opened its doors for residents to move into their new homes. The complex, located off of South Memorial Parkway in the city of Huntsville, consists of over 160 living units of differing sizes designed for senior residential living, as well as a clubhouse, health club, and the Carrington Health Center – an on-campus nursing and care home.

Process Materials Manufacturing 11 In i t i a t i ves April 2003

Member Developments

CDPA, PC, one of North Alabama's largest business consulting and public accounting firms, celebrated the grand opening of its Huntsville office located at 415 Church Street on February 19. For over 40 years, the firm has provided services to small and medium–sized businesses. For information, call 539-3555.

Sullins Eye Care Center opened a second location at Main Street South in Huntsville, offering complete family eye health care and therapy for vision-related reading disorders.

AmSouth Bank on Moore’s Mill Road celebrated its Grand Opening on February 2. The ribbon cutting opened the 13th branch of AmSouth in Huntsville.

For more information, call 535-6972.

Quadrus Corporation, a software development, test, and integration firm, held the Grand Opening of its new facility in Perimeter Corporate Park. They invite you to visit them at www.quadruscorp.com.

Carlton Cove Retirement Community celebrated its grand opening on Thursday March 20. Carlton Cove is a full-service retirement community with private homes, apartments, onsite assisted living, and nursing services. Located at One Carlton Cove, in South Huntsville. For more information call 650-5700.

AmSouth Bank celebrated the Grand Opening of its University Drive location on February 12. For more information, call 532-5090.

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In i t i a t i ves April 2003

Pursue Business Growth Promote Economic Advantages

Promoting Economic Advantages Creating economic stability while providing for the future development of a community is not an easy task, nor one achieved through haphazard decision-making. Instead, it is a joint and focused effort among various organizations and business executives based on guiding economic principles – all under the supportive hand of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.

Dependent upon an annual budget of approximately $3 million, the Chamber of Commerce is the lead organization for Huntsville’s economic development strategy. It spends nearly 50% of its funds on economic development activities – such as targeted marketing, image enhancement, and retention and expansion initiatives.

Detailed strategies pinpoint the activities required to support these efforts, but the process of economic development is not something finished in five years or ten years. It is a fluid process over the life of the community. While the targeted industries a community seeks may not vary over time, the process of attracting the companies within those industries is continuously changing.

Perhaps the only constant in the equation is the people connection … the need to continually reach out to industry decision makers and influencers in an effort to keep Huntsville on the forefront of recruitment opportunities.

“We’re creating a connection with a company, or a person,” explains Chamber of Commerce Director of Industrial Development, Steve Finnell. “One of the strategies is to build relationships.”

Developing a long-term connection may involve working directly with key

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e will provide domestic and

foreign business executives with

information in order to broaden awareness of the economic advantages of the Huntsville/Madison County area. We will work to enhance relationships within

executives of sought-after companies. It may also include creating a partnership with other city and state arms of economic development initiatives. And more often than not, it’s a matter of getting to know the consultants who spend their time recruiting expansion or relocation sites for existing companies.

Each year, Chamber of Commerce officials partcipate in an invitation-only gatherings of site selection consultants in Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. This is an opportunity to showcase Huntsville and everything the community has to offer to prospective industries. Occasionally, consultants are also invited to fly in to Huntsville for an up close look at the community, its existing businesses, schools, and community leaders.

Both opportunities provide the chance to discover more about what companies want from potential location sites. It also allows Huntsville leaders to learn ways the community can increase its appeal to the various industries.

“The better you understand how the decision is made, the better chance you have to influence it,” explains Finnell.

What can’t happen is to allow the process to stagnate. Once you’ve built a good relationship, it’s imperative not to

industries that will complement our business base. The Chamber’s electronic information will be utilized to promote our positive community image and disseminate effective information.

lose track of it. Relocation decisions are made every day, but it’s not always known when the next opportunity will be available – the fit that’s just right for both the city and the company. If Huntsville drops off the radar screen of these decision makers even briefly, there’s the possibility of missing an outstanding opportunity.

The point is simple. Relationships formed with the people representing target industries give us venues in which to promote the community’s economic advantages.

Recognizing this factor is an important part of the city’s economic development strategy, and it remains an annual goal for the Chamber of Commerce. Benefits of this long-term commitment are not only the successes of attracting new industries but also the friendships and business relationships resulting from the hospitality of Huntsville leaders.

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17 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

In i t i a t i ves April 2003

Giving Us the EDGE

[excellence, development, growth, enhancement]

What’s in a name?

In this case, an explanation. A description of a proven strategy.

Every community wants great companies to choose them.

Everyone is competing to improve the economic future of their

A definition of excellence.

Even more important is the sense of partnership that more than 150 investor companies bring to the plan. Companies

area. So what gives the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/

from all types of industries invest their dollars, time, and

Madison County the edge in recruiting?

cooperation to keep Huntsville/Madison County’s economic

The strategy is all contained in the name of the Chamber’s five-year development program – the EDGE. It is Excellence in marketing, Development of the workforce, Growth of

future bright.

With the direction of its investing partners, the Huntsville/ Madison County community has successfully developed a solid

local businesses, and Enhancement of image that all work

and proven strategy for improving the job opportunities for

together to give Huntsville/Madison County the competitive

local citizens, thus improving the quality of life in the entire

advantage it needs to attract business prospects.

region. The strategy, simply stated, is to build on the strengths

Embedded in the EDGE program are six specific initiatives

of the community – such as a highly-skilled workforce – by

dealing with various components of the marketing strategy.

encouraging local companies to grow and new high-quality

Each component complements the others to form a comprehen-

employers to move here.

sive plan addressing the major economic needs of a community which, in turn, meets the needs of existing company

The EDGE. The name of a strategy of excellence – just what this community expects and deserves.

expansions and new company locations.

The EDGE Investors

[2003]

Advisory Council ADTRAN Inc. AmSouth Bank BellSouth Colonial Bank COLSA Corporation Compass Bank Computer Sciences Corporation DaimlerChrysler Corporation Huntsville/Madison Co. Builders Assoc.

Regions Bank SAIC SouthTrust Bank The Boeing Company The Huntsville Times Turner Universal Construction WHNT -TV Public Partners City of Huntsville City of Madison Huntsville Utilities Huntsville-Madison Co. Airport Authority Madison County Commission Tennessee Valley Authority Private Sector AC, Incorporated ACT Personnel Service, Inc. ADECCO Alabama A&M University Allied Photocopy, Inc. Analytical Services, Inc. APAC-AL, Inc. Arnold Hornbuckle Available Plastics, Inc. Avocent Corporation Avis Car Rental Balch & Bingham Baron Services

Beason & Nalley BellSouth Mobility/Cingular Ben Porter Real Estate Bentley Pontiac/Cadillac/Mitsubishi Bill Heard Chevrolet Bill Penney Motor Company Bill Poole Realty Blue Cross/Blue Shield Bradley, Arant, Rose & White Calhoun Community College CAS Century Automotive CINRAM Clinic for Women, P.A. Colonial Properties Comcast Cablevision Courtyard by Marriott Crabtree, Snellgrove & Rowe, PC Crestwood Medical Center CST (Computer Systems Tech) D. P. Associates Davidson Enterprises, LLC Decatur Transit (Hertz) Delta Air Lines DESE Research Dynetics, Inc. Enfinger Development, Inc. Engelhard Corporation ERC, Inc. First American Bank First Commercial Bank Foreign Language Services, Inc. Fountain, Parker, Harbarger Fuqua, Osborn, & Associates, PC G.W. Jones & Sons Giles & Kendall, Inc. H.C. Blake Company Harold Construction Corp.

Heritage Bank Hernandez Engineering

A Celebration of Excellence

You take care of the training.

We’ll provide the R&R.

HiWAAY Information Systems Huntsville Board of Realtors Huntsville Ford Tractor Huntsville Hilton Huntsville Marriott Ivan Allen JH Partners J. Smith Lanier & Co Johnson & Associates Johnston, Moore, Maples & Thompson Jones & Herrin Keystone Foods Corp.

KNOLOGY Holdings, Inc. Kudzu Productions, Inc. Lamar Outdoor Advertising Lamb Commercial Services, Inc. Lanier, Ford, Shaver & Payne Lee Builders LG Electronics Madison Research Corporation Madison Square Chrysler/Jeep/Subar u Madison Square Mall Martinson & Beason MDA Associates MEVATEC Corp.

Northrop Grumman-Huntsville Oakwood College Outback Steak House Parisian Park Supply Parker Hannifin Pearce Construction PricewaterhouseCoopers Pride Home Entertainment Qore Property Sciences QuantiTech, Inc. Ray Pearman Lincoln Mercur y Redstone Federal Credit Union Regal Auto Plaza Richardson, Callahan PA

Right Way Restaurants, Inc., dba Steak Out, Rosies Saint Gobain Industrial Smith Barney Samples Properties Sanmina-SCI SONAT SOUTHBank Sparta Inc. SRS Technologies State Farm Insurance Stone Engineering Co. Storie Enterprises Suitt Construction Summa Technology Sverdrup Technology Inc. Tec-Masters, Inc. Teledyne Brown Engineering The Fudgey Nut The Heart Center The Heritage Club, Inc. The Spencer Companies Inc. Thrasher Oil Company Three Springs, Inc. TRW, Inc. Union Planters Bank United Mailing, Inc. University of Alabama in Huntsville VoiceStream WAHR - Radio Wesfam/Burger King White, Fleming & Co. Inc. White Tiger Graphics WLRH Public Radio Wyle Laboratories WZYP/93.3/WUMP/WVNN Xcel Printing Service

Monte Sano Elementary School has risen to new heights after receiving national honors for its commitment to family, children, and the community – a first not only for the school, but also for the state of Alabama.

The National PTA certified the school as a distinguished Parent Involvement School of Excellence. The award is part of a national certification program to recognize schools upholding the highest standards in parent involv ement. Monte Sano Elementary is one of only 31 recognized schools in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, European Congress, and Pacific Congress. Selection criteria are based on six national standards originally developed in 1997, including: communicating, parenting, student learning, volunteering, school decision making and advocacy, and collaborating with community.

After years of dedication by school staff, principals, and parents, gaining recognition was one of the primary goals for this year’s PTA. “One of my goals this year was to see Monte Sano parents, faculty, and staff recognized for their outstanding dedication and commitment to these children. They provide an incredible atmosphere here for learning, and they are to be applauded for all they do,” said Monte Sano PTA President Emily Riley.

Key components noted in the assessment were the demonstrated efforts of Monte Sano parents and their outstanding commitment to all of the school’s children. There is also a concentrated effort by the PTA to keep parents, teachers, students, and members of the

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continued on page 22 19 In i t i a t i ves April 2003

Economy-at-a-Glance

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

NOV 02

DEC 02

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

145,604

6,081

242,971

439,023

Total Non-ag Employment............................................................184,700

184,800

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

159,789

14,904

293,047

505,967

Manufacturing................................................................................32,500

32,900

Durable Goods..........................................................................26,300

26,800

Huntsville Metro Area**

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

158,216

29,329

342,376

582,374

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

161,657

31,471

367,735

612,701

Non-durable Goods..............................................................................6,200

6,100

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

8.7%

382.3%

40.9%

32.6%

Non-manufacturing......................................................................152,200

151,900

Construction & Mining..........................................................................6,900

7,000

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

51,113

2,040

82,440

150,864

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

4,600

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

63,058

5,944

110,893

191,640

Trade ..................................................................................................37,500

37,700

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

62,437

11,779

131,683

223,990

Finance..................................................................................................5,000

5,000

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

63,795

12,638

141,427

235,637

Services..............................................................................................56,400

55,900

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

22.1%

477.4%

59.7%

48.5%

Government........................................................................................41,600

41,700

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama, is located in the middle of the southeastern United States, with over 4 million people within a 100-mile radius. The Huntsville community serves as the primary e c onomic hub of the north Alabama and southern Tennessee region. The counties adjoining Madison County combine to form an eight-county regional market with a population totaling 700,000 people.

The Huntsville/Madison County economy is known as one of the strongest economies in the South, with low unemployment, strong job growth, and income levels leading the region.

Business growth and investment from U.S. and international companies have made Huntsville/Madison County one of the country’s top “hot spots” for growing a business and raising a family.

* Based on place of employment.

Race 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%

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

30.2%

13.0%

21.0%

15.4%

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%

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

Income & Age

Source: EQUIFAX, National Decision Systems, 2002; U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)

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

LABOR FORCE* NOV 02

DEC 02

Madison ......................................................................................149,510

149,510

Limestone ......................................................................................30,680

30,600

Jackson ........................................................................................25,500

25,590

Huntsville Region (Counties)

Marshall..........................................................................................39,500

39,380

Morgan ..........................................................................................56,710

56,510

Franklin, TN....................................................................................19,020

18,850

Giles, TN ........................................................................................15,950

15,520

Lincoln, TN ....................................................................................14,870

14,810

Huntsville Regional Total..........................................................351,740

350,410

* Based on place of residence.

Huntsville Region (Counties) - (000’s)

Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,355 Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000 CINRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,800 DaimlerChrysler Corporation . . . . . . . . . . .2,800 NASAMarshall Space Flight Center . . . . . .2,754 Sanmina-SCI

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,700

City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,186 Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,936 Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,736 ADTRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,731 Goodyear/Dunlop Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,660 Computer Sciences Corporation . . . . . . . . .1,600 Teledyne Brown Engineering . . . . . . . . . . .1,582 Walmart/Sam’s Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,581 West Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,300 University of Alabama in Huntsville . . . . . . .1,112 Madison County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,073

Madison ..................................................................$3,508,343

$728,182

$699,092

$911,012

$127,774

$114,387

$122,342

Jackson......................................................................$449,635

$119,554

$85,382

$92,105

Marshall....................................................................$1,209,684

$167,039

$195,087

$580,420

Morgan ....................................................................$1,399,138

$271,592

$219,535

$436,676

Franklin, TN ................................................................$303,442

$109,122

$52,945

$58,456

Giles, TN ....................................................................$282,223

$61,550

$28,288

$95,491

Lincoln, TN..................................................................$289,532

$54,733

$53,655

$96,290

Regional Total ........................................................$7,990,094

$1,639,546

$1,448,371

$2,392,792

NOV 02

DEC 02

Crestwood Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .668

3.8%

PPG Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .660

Huntsville Region..............................................................................5.2%

4.9%

Madison City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .644

Alabama............................................................................................5.8%

5.8%

Engelhard Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .617

United States....................................................................................6.0%

6.0%

NOV 02 Square Feet

Total Const. Contracts..........................94

DEC 02 $ Value

# of Projects

Square Feet

$ Value

202,000

$16,634,000

114

926,000

$68,077,000

Commercial ............................................7

25,000

$3,936,000

13

112,000

$5,530,000

Manufacturing ........................................1

0

$150,000

1

3,000

$170,000

Single Family ........................................77

165,000

$6,426,000

83

178,000

$6,672,000

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

0

0

2

141,000

$11,200,000

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .574

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

Northrop Grumman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .571 CAS, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510

COST OF LIVING INDEX 3rd QTR 2002

Source: Sales & Marketing Management, 2002 Survey of Buying Power, Printed with permission.

# of Projects

Source: Chamber of Commerce

CompositeGrocery Index Items

Housing

Utilities

Transportation

Health Care

Atlanta, GA

97.7

101.0

96.2

92.4

102.5

102.0

96.6

91.9

95.1

78.7

82.6

102.8

90.2

100.7

Dallas, TX

98.0

96.3

92.6

98.4

96.8

100.7

103.2

Orlando, FL

100.6

108.5

92.5

99.8

93.5

100.9

105.9

St. Louis, MO

100.7

108.0

93.8

107.2

103.0

97.6

101.2

Washington, D.C.

133.2

116.4

173.3

114.1

123.8

123.9

116.2

HOME SALES

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

NOV 02

DEC 02

Houses on Market.............................................................................. 3,500

3,290

Index

NOV 02 % Change 01-02

United States...............................................................181.3

2.2%

180.9

2.4%

Avg. Days on Market..............................................................................97

South Region...............................................................174.9

2.3%

174.6

2.5%

Median Sales Price........................................................................$110,000

All Urban Consumers

DEC 02 Index % Change 01-02

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Atlanta, GA., December 1982=100 base. (http://stats.bls.gov)

Goods & Services

HUNTSVILLE, AL

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

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

Dynetics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600

* Based on place of residence.

Houses Sold & Closed..........................................................................413 Avg. Selling Price.......................................................................... $127,393

Defense Huntsville/Madison County plays a key role in the U.S. Army’s technology development programs. The Army’s Aviation & Missile Command and Space & Missile Defense Command both drive a thriving engineering economy for companies supporting the technology activity of the Army in Huntsville.

Benchmark Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .921 Alabama A&M University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890

Madison County................................................................................4.1%

UNEMPLOYMENT RAT E *

Aerospace Huntsville/Madison County is home to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and has representation from nearly every major U.S. aerospace corporation with over 90 companies employing more than 11,000 people in the local aerospace industry.

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,700

Target Distribution Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .750 Total Food & Furniture & Retail Sales Restaurants Merchandise Automotive

Limestone ..................................................................$548,097

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . .11,141

Lockheed Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .844

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

R E TAIL SALES

LEADING EMPLOYERS

Electronics Over 300 international and domestic corporations in Huntsville/Madison County are involved in the design and production of electronics and computer-related technology, including Sanmina-SCI, one of the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturers.

Research & Technology Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park is the country’s 2nd largest research and technology park, containing 220+ companies employing 22,000 people involved in technology research and development.

Manufacturing Huntsville/Madison County’s manufacturing industry represents a diverse mix of technology assembly and production operations from both domestic and international corporations, comprising one-fourth of the local employment base.

388 $137,344 115 $118,000

Source: Huntsville Area Association of Realtors

20

21 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

In i t i a t i ves April 2003

continued from page 19

community informed and involved in activities at school through established tools such as the monthly school newsletter and a school website giving parents and teachers access by e-mail on a daily basis.

PTA programs go a step above the average. Aside from the more typical monthly business meetings, this school takes advantage of its captive audience of parents and returns the favor by offering a variety of parent involvement workshops including a “handson” physical education demonstration, a workshop on conflict resolution, guest speakers on safety and health issues, and cultural arts programs providing cultural and academic enrichment. Monte Sano’s PTA has even teamed up with several sponsors to bring the renowned child psychologist John Rosemond to the community for a parenting seminar “Parent Power”.

The Monte Sano PTA, with support from business, elected officials, and community members, has also sponsored membership and fundraising efforts contributing over $71,000 in funds that directly impact the education of students of this mountain community. These funds provide opportunities to excel in the education of all children, including special needs and gifted students.

The PTA has provided substantial educational tools and support material such as the Saxon Phonics and Math program, Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Writer, and Accelerated Math programs through 8th grade.

Having no federal funding, Monte Sano Elementary relies on this community-wide support to help their students excel. For instance, the PTA also maintains a complete computer lab and has supplied the classroom with a set of handheld palm pilots and keyboards to aid students in improving writing skills.

The Huntsville City School Board presented a Resolution to Monte Sano Elementary at the February School Board meeting, and the school will be recognized at the Alabama PTA’s 85th annual convention to be held in Tuscaloosa in April. The National PTA will pay tribute to the school during the national summer convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

22 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

Pursue Business Growth Promote Economic Advantages

Protecting our Federal Programs Economic development competition is often played out in the private sector world of competition for new factories, distribution centers, and tourist attractions. But in Huntsville, as in other cities with a heavy military presence, the contest often takes the form of vying for military dollars. And there will certainly be strong competition centered around the Pentagon’s latest round of base realignment and closings, BRAC 2005.

For Huntsville, a military city in a heavily-military state, the outcome could mean a further boost to the regional economy if the military advisers decide to locate more programs here. A loss of programs could adversely affect what has been the state’s overall strongest economy.

Simply put, in the Huntsville and Madison County metro area of nearly 350,000, more than 50,000 jobs are tied directly to defense spending. Redstone Arsenal alone is home to more than 30,000 jobs. A prime cause of Huntsville’s economic luster has been the growth of military research, development, and maintenance programs, bringing thousands of jobs and millions in payrolls to the area.

Taking a heavily-proactive approach to the upcoming BRAC, the Chamber of Commerce formed the Tennessee Valley Base Realignment and Closure Committee. The group is charged with organizing the education and lobby effort needed to attract more military programs and assets to Huntsville, while fending off attempts to close down or shift Huntsville programs to other areas.

“We have both an offensive as well as a defensive mission,” explained Committee Co-Chair Lt. Gen. (Retired) James Link, President of Huntsvillebased Teledyne Brown Engineering.

It’s a formidable mission with high stakes. To help ensure success, the Chamber organized the effort under an Executive Committee composed of Chamber and top local government officials. This executive committee will oversee committees for Federal Issues, State Affairs, Publicity, and Local Government Affairs. And since this BRAC will also seek to combine and relocate “cross service” functions, a special Cross Services committee will coordinate Huntsville’s Army concerns with those of the Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

Couching the effort in military terms, Link says the initial objective for the committee is to “prepare for combat. We’re gathering our resources, planning our strategies, and raising public awareness.”

He continued, “What we have here is a national treasure. We need consultants inside the Beltway, and people who can help tell the Tennessee Valley story.”

Protect Federal Programs

W W

e will develop and imple-

ment a plan to proactively

protect the space and defense programs affecting the Huntsville/ Madison County region. A team

approach will be used to gather information, assess opportunities, and execute a plan to defend existing local programs against challenges during the new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Additionally, we will work to strengthen the Huntsville/Madison County region as an essential component of military and space program development.

Link says this BRAC round, the fifth in a series that began in 1988, is as important to Huntsville as previous rounds. And Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has made it clear that in this BRAC round, as Link puts it, “Everything is on the table. There will be no sacred cows.”

Of special concern to Huntsville: the focus on consolidation of military research and development work. The Army’s Aviation and Missile Research and Development Center (AMRDEC) based at Redstone is critical to other local military activities. To Link and the continued on page 25 23 In i t i a t i ves April 2003

continued from page 23

other committee members, this raises the importance of presenting a strong case to the OSD and Pentagon planners. “We have to tout the advantages of this community as to what to move and not to move.”

BRAC ‘05 efforts are not just localized to Huntsville. In a state with several installations literally from one end of the state to the other, officials from the Governor’s Office on down are responding. Link says the committee has met with the Governor’s Office, as well as the Alabama Development Office, and mayors of military towns throughout the state in an effort to protect the state’s military installations.

“Alabama has major assets,” says Link.

There is no doubt Huntsville came out ahead in BRAC 1995. When the dust settled, some 1,600 jobs with the Army’s Aviation Command at St. Louis ended up in the Rocket City after the Pentagon decided to consolidate the Aviation Command, PEO, and RDEC with the existing Missile Command (MICOM) at Redstone Arsenal, forming AMCOM, the Aviation and Missile Command.

Joe Ritch, a Huntsville attorney, cochaired that BRAC effort with Larry Capps, who today heads the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. He remembers BRAC 1995 and the movement of the Aviation Command to Huntsville as a “spectacular effort. Everyone worked together and supported us. It could not have been a more cooperative move.”

Ritch says the 1700 who moved to Huntsville, as well as about 700 contractors, constituted the highest percentage of employees to move in BRAC history.

But could Huntsville actually lose programs, and the jobs and real estate that go with them, in this BRAC round? “At the end of the day, we believe senior defense department officials will recognize the value of consolidating activities to Redstone,” replies Link. “But we’re approaching BRAC ‘05 as if we actually are vulnerable. We’re not resting on our laurels. We’ll be aggressive.”

25 In i t i a t i ves April 2003

World Famous Bridge Street Building a world-famous commercial complex combining work, home, and play in a single space is a groundbreaking concept bringing new attention to Huntsville’s internationally-recognized Cummings Research Park.

The recently-announced 1.7 millionsquare-foot World Famous Bridge Street development is a true mixed-used project led by the Los Angeles-based firm O&S Holdings, LLC. It will stretch across 100 acres of premium space in the nation’s second largest research park – Cummings Research Park. The unique complex is expected to include upscale retailers, dining and entertainment facilities, a hotel conference center, commercial office space, and a residential section with high-end condominiums and apartments.

“This project is on a completely different scale from others the city has seen,” said Alex Hardy, Manager of Business Development for O&S Holdings, LLC. The entire World Famous Bridge Street development represents an approximate investment of close to $210 million. Bridge Street, unlike other local development and expansion projects, Hardy explained, will be a mutually-

beneficial partnership with the City of Huntsville. The company is purchasing the land for $4.3 million, and the City of Huntsville is expected to contribute about $1 million in infrastructure.

This makes the deal even more attractive. Not only is the scope of the project substantially larger than others the city has seen (with most falling under the $50 million mark in size), but those recent public-private partnerships have required Huntsville to contribute a substantial portion of project dollars.

This arrangement is a win-win for all those involved, especially the companies,

employees, and visitors at Cummings Research Park.

What makes Bridge Street different in this respect? “O&S Holdings sees the opportunity in the market place others haven’t seen,” Hardy said. City leaders have spent many years strategically developing Cummings Research Park, leading to the opportunity that presented itself to O&S Holdings.

CRP was founded in 1962 with a vision towards the future. A commercial services area has almost always been considered as a complementary element to the park, and the idea was officially included in the 1982 master plan for Cummings Research Park.

Not long after the original site for the commercial services area was sold to ADTRAN, new land was again reserved for the commercial expansion – opening up critical new opportunities. The only problem was that plan allowed the commercial space to develop only one lot at a time (in accordance with land use stipulations) instead of an entire

White Tiger

continued on page 28

26

27 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

In i t i a t i ves April 2003

World Fanous Bridge Street continued from page 26

planned development. City officials have said most proposals involved only developing a few acres at a time instead of the full 100 acres set aside for the project.

The intended purpose of the space could have easily been lost in such non-structured development, or worse – it could have taken 20 years before all 100-acres were developed.

By the late 1990s, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County began incorporating the new location into its marketing efforts for Cummings Research Park in order to accelerate the site’s growth. The park’s board then initiated a full market study that was used to help the master plan

28 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

design team (of New York-based Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Architects and Interiors PLLC) create a revised profile and concept site plan for the proposed 100-acre commercial center.

“They turned it into a visual plan and a marketing tool we could use,” Hardy said. With a more concrete mixed-use commercial plan finally in hand, city officials began looking for a development partner.

Enter O&S Holdings. The company was impressed with the look of the plan and the demographics Huntsville offers to support the feasibility of a mixed-use project of this scale. Those demographics included the visibility and access from

Interstate 565; an existing 9.5 million square feet of office space home to more than 35 Fortune 500 companies and surrounded by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Redstone Arsenal; nearly 10,000 neighboring college students; and nearly 900,000 people in the immediate trade area.

Since the first handshake with city officials, a revised site plan has been developed making better use of the site’s water feature. Hardy said the plan now includes an expanded lake for use as a central source of transportation, ferrying visitors from the conference center and hotel to the shopping district and office centers. The shopping district will have an old-world European feel with retail shops and restaurants lining either side of the center’s main bridge – a core architectural element to the project and hence its name, World Famous Bridge Street. Another benefit of the new layout is its convenience, now making it possible for visitors to park a car only once and move easily across the development as needed.

Expected completion is 2005, and the project will bring with it nearly 1,000 service-related jobs, with the possibility of another 1,500 related support jobs down the line.

While that’s good news for Huntsville and Cummings Research Park, it’s not the only benefit. O&S Holdings expects the branded World Famous Bridge Street to become a model for development in other communities around the globe.

And like the internationally recognized Cummings Research Park, Bridge Street will continue to shine the spotlight on Huntsville.

“The visibility to the community . . . this is the economic impact that can’t be seen,” Hardy said. But perhaps it is the most important aspect of this exciting new project.

North East Alabama Regional SBDC Teams with SCORE To ensure entrepreneurs get the most appropriate help, the Huntsville Chapter of SCORE has teamed with the local SBDC office. Together they offer the highest level of service, experience, and support to those seeking assistance.

• Call or visit the office located at the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County.

• A qualified counselor will individually review all business concerns and direct individuals to the most appropriate source of information and support: – Business owners starting a company for the first time or in the very early concept stage may continue working with an SBDC counselor.

– Experienced entrepreneurs, individuals with existing businesses ready to expand to the next level, or start-up companies with a viable business plan may be matched with an experienced SCORE counselor.

• For entrepreneurs accepted into the SCORE program, a second visit will be scheduled to include the client, the original SBDC counselor, and the newly-assigned SCORE counselor. Working jointly, the team of counselors will discuss all areas of need and develop a plan of ongoing assistance for the client.

Do You Know the SCORE? As a recognized contributor to the economic strength of local communities, a newly-formed chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is opening the doors to growth for small businesses in Huntsville – and setting a new standard for the national organization.

The national, non-profit organization is dedicated to the formation, growth, and success of small businesses. Through its more than 11,500 volunteers, the organization is able to offer free counseling and mentoring services in virtually all aspects of business.

“Having this chapter is going to be wonderful for SCORE nationally and for the entire Huntsville community,” said Marc Miller, Alabama district director for the organization.

“Huntsville will be the prototype for future SCORE chapters.”

Already able to boast more than 20 counselors on board, the local group of experienced and educated entrepreneurs is more than qualified to share the ups and downs of business development.

“We’re trying to cover specific bases of experience good for Huntsville – such as government contracting issues,” said Tom Pearson. “We also want to provide support with general business needs such as marketing and accounting.”

Pearson is credited with leading the initiative to bring SCORE to Huntsville.

A successful business executive in his own right, he’s been involved with several start-up companies, each in a different industry. Becoming familiar with SCORE while living in Texas, Pearson said he was surprised there wasn’t a chapter in Huntsville. Given the first available opportunity, he set out to rectify the situation.

One of his first stops was the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located in the Chamber of Commerce of

Huntsville/Madison County. Unknown to Pearson at the time, this was an unusual place to look for assistance. He said, the SBDC, like SCORE, was set up under the direction of the Small Business Administration. In the past, some have viewed the two groups as being unnecessarily similar.

“In reality, they perform complementary functions,” offered Pearson.

“Fortunately, Bill Killingsworth (Director of the Huntsville/Madison County SBDC) welcomed us with open arms.”

Pearson explained that SCORE offers a level of practicality with the actual business experience of its counselors, while SBDC’s University-based background renders it helpful in more theoretical ways. To Pearson, the two programs naturally complement one another. And thanks to the partnership he and Killingsworth formed, the group has already helped more than 30 small businesses.

According to Miller, this is why the Huntsville chapter of SCORE will be successful. “They are working closely with the SBDC and the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.” Not only has the new chapter received top levels of guidance and support from these groups, Miller said, they also provide meeting space and administrative support.

These relationships are critical to the new chapter’s success, and Miller is pleased to see Huntsville achieving this goal while also setting a new national standard.

In i t i a t i ves April 2003

29

The Chamber of Commerce

No t e w o r t h y

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2003 Elected Board

The 20th Annual World Trade Day Celebration Celebrating 20 years of service is a notable milestone for any organization, and the North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) has proudly achieved the distinction of providing two decades of service to the region. In the process, the organization has been hailed as an important contributor to the significant economic impact experienced by the community through international trade, and recognized as a catalyst for the formation of many influential public/ private partnerships promoting trade development.

Established in 1983, NAITA has remained committed to increasing knowledge, interest, and activity in international trade in North Alabama, primarily through networking and educational opportunities offered to its members and the community at-large. Since its inception, the membership base has grown to include more than 330 area businesses and individuals interested in using international trade as a tool for economic expansion.

“North Alabama has a rich history of uncommon vision and leadership which has resulted in the growth and development of an outstanding global community in which to live and do business,” said Rick Tucker, executive director of the Port of Huntsville and former NAITA President. “One reason for the success of our community is the growth of international trade, which continues to provide strength and stability to our region’s economy. Although there are many factors involved in the growth of international trade within our region, the establishment of NAITA has contributed tremendously to North Alabama’s ability to compete in the global market over the past 20 years.”

In fact, exports grew 295% over a tenyear period in Huntsville/Madison County, according to a recent International Trade Survey conducted by the International Trade Development Center (ITDC). The 30 April 2003 In i t i a t i ves

area’s substantial increase in trade serves as testament to the successful promotion and education of NAITA’s mission, “to facilitate trade development and growth opportunities in North Alabama and the surrounding region.” The survey also revealed that total local exports reached a level of $3.3 billion and supported more than 51,000 area jobs in 1998 alone.

According to Anne Burkett, Director of Economic Development for the Madison County Commission, NAITA has contributed to the region’s trade success by providing synergies of education and infrastructure for support. “Most importantly,” she explained, “private and public sector cooperation is essential for our trade development effort to succeed and continue to evolve.”

The Madison County Commission’s ITDC is a prime example of how local government and industry have taken an active role in trade development through involvement in NAITA. As a regional organization, NAITA provides a broader perspective for trade needs and offers critical guidance for programs and initiatives to further the private sector’s trade progress.

ITDC promotes the importance of international business at the local level through assisting Madison County-based manufacturers and service companies in international market expansion endeavors.

Local government’s active role in trade development is a concept the Madison County Commission continues to support, recognizing it as an important economic booster for the community. According to Mike Gillespie, Chairman of the Madison County Commission, “Growth for our companies in the international market means the expansion of our job base and the tax base. Such growth usually means good quality jobs for our residents and increased tax revenue for our community.

The development of international trade makes good economic sense.”

Picture our vibrant community and you’ll see that Crestwood Medical Center plays a vital role.

Howard Thrailkill, Chair Pete Apple Scott Averbuch Barbara Buice Watson John Cooper Joel Daves Wyn Dobbs Marshall England Dick Fountain Dr. Greg Gum Bill Gurley Michael Hall Richard Holloway Dr. Eric Janssen David Jensen William Johnston,Jr. Donna Lamb Paula Lillard LTG James Link (Ret.) Jerre Penney Joe Ritch Remigius Shatas John Stallworth Paula Steigerwald William Stender Irma Tuder Johnnie Vann Peter Voetsch Jean Wessel-Templeton Bill Watson Keith Wilson

Executive Committee

Crestwood Medical Center is committed to

Howard Thrailkill, Chair Tommy Beason, Chair-Elect Ronald W. Boles, Past Chair Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed Dave Hargrove, Vice Chair Res. Dev. & Finance William Johnston,Jr., Vice Chair Membership Brad Jones, Vice Chair Workforce Development Raymond Jones,Jr., Secretary LTG Gen.Jim Link,(Ret.) Vice Chair Government Affairs James Makemson, Chair-Appointed Scott Seeley, Treasurer Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed Karen Stanley, Vice Chair Small Business

our community, physicians, and employees.

As a corporate citizen, we are proud of the tax dollars we provide to support life-enriching services and programs. As a hospital, we offer some of the latest medical technology and patient-friendly facilities.

But it’s our exceptional physicians and employees who dedicate themselves to their patients everyday that we are most proud of. As we look toward the future, Crestwood will only strengthen our commitment to the health and well-being of our community. CHOOSE CRESTWOOD MEDICAL CENTER.

Brian Hilson, President/CEO Jeff Thompson, COO

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville/Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (256) 535-2000 www.hsvchamber.org

Just off Airport Rd., west of Whitesburg Dr. • Huntsville

“At Cre s t wood Medical Center, we are committed to pro viding consistent, exceptional health car e . ” Bradley Jones, CEO

Call 256-880-4100 for physician referral or visit us at crestwoodmedcenter.com

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