Initiatives magazine, October 2004

Exploring North Alabama Glorious scenery, outdoor adventure are yours in the Tennessee Valley

initiatives H u n t s v i l l e / M a d i s o n C o u n t y • C h a m b e r o f C o m m erce

october 2004

f eatures cover story

Exploring North Alabama Glorious scenery, outdoor adventure are yours in the Tennessee Valley

Page 15 Used with the courtesy of The Huntsville Times. All rights reserved.

Reprinted with permission.

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama is located in the middle of the southeastern United States, with more than four million people within a 100-mile radius. The Huntsville community is the primary economic hub of the northern Alabama and southern Tennessee region. Huntsville/Madison County’s economy is known as one of the strongest 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 it one of the country’s top “hot spots” for growing a business and raising a family.

Best Things Do Come in Small Packages

07

When Old Becomes New Again

09

Lots to See & Do / Calendar

21

It IS Rocket Science

27

d evelopments Economic Indicators

24

Economy At-A-Glance

25

Member Developments

29

ed i t o r i a l s t a f f Publisher

Brian Hilson

Executive Editor

Holly McClain

Graphic Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Writers

Holly McClain Garrett Sheehan

Photography provided by: Burritt on the Mountain, EarlyWorks Museums, Huntsville/Madison County Botanical Garden, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Land Trust of Huntsville/ Madison County, Marshall Space Flight Center, Tennessee Valley Authority, The Huntsville Times, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center/U.S. SPACE CAMP

mission

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

contact

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville • Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, AL 35801 256.535.2000

on the web www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.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.”

correction Our apologies to Elcom, Inc. for omitting them in the Small Business Awards Businesses of the Year listing in the August issue of Initiatives. Elcom, Inc. was one of the 2002 Businesses of the Year.

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Chamber of Commerce Huntsville • Madison County

Staff 2004 Brian Hilson, President & CEO Holly McClain, Communications Director Laura Kendrick, Executive Assistant to the President

Economic Development Ethan Hadley, Vice President, Economic Development Steve Finnell, Director, Industrial Development & Existing Industry Rick Davis, Director, Cummings Research Park Lillie Ben, Executive Marketing Assistant Amy Locke, Industrial Development Assistant Garrett Sheehan, Economic Development Assistant

Investor Relations Loren Traylor, Vice President, Investor Relations Pat Jackson, Membership Director Cheryl Schultz, Director, Small Business & Workforce Development Debra Dunbar, Launch Program Director Donna McCrary, Investor Relations Assistant Lindsay Southard, Investor Relations Assistant/ Resource Desk Coordinator Terrie Ledbetter, Membership Representative Beverly Carthen, Membership Representative

Governmental Affairs Mike Ward, Vice President, Governmental Affairs Jay Snyder, BRAC Executive Director Tina Leopold, Program Assistant

Research & Information Services Ken Smith, Director, Research & Information Services Kristi Sherrard, Publications/Graphic Design Specialist Hiroko Sedensky, Research Assistant Judith Short, Information Services Assistant Cheryl Crowe, Resource Desk Coordinator

Finance & Administration Ken Williams, Finance & Administration Director Desman Holt, Network Administrator Dora Heisey, Financial Assistant Erica Gussie, Financial Assistant Tom Burnette, Building Manager

Associated Organizations & Staff Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Sarah Savage, Executive Director Allison Harbin, Leadership Assistant Mary Stewart, Youth Leadership Coordinator

Northeast Alabama Regional Small Business Development Center Kenneth Scislaw, Director, SBDC Carrie Davis, Assistant Director, SBDC Brenda McBride, Procurement Counselor Patsy Nayman, Executive Secretary 1 Felita Flores, Secretary 2

SCORE Hanson Howard, Executive Director

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville • Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (256) 535-2000 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 04 October 2004 Initiatives

The Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2004 Executive Committee Tommy Beason, Chair LTG James Link (Ret.), Chair-Elect

A Message from the President

Howard Thrailkill, Past Chair Joel Daves, Secretary Gail Wall, Treasurer Brad Jones, Vice Chair Economic Development Joe Ritch, Vice Chair Governmental Affairs Dave Hargrove, Vice Chair Investor Relations Karen Stanley, Vice Chair Small Business Scott Seeley, Vice Chair Research & Information Services Joe Austin, Vice Chair Workforce Development Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed Irma Tuder, Chair-Appointed Brian Hilson, President/CEO

Elected Board Tommy Beason, Beason & Nalley, Inc. Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Pete Apple, CSC Joe Austin, Huntsville Hospital Scott Averbuch, Averbuch Realty John Cooper, Avocent Marshall England, State Farm Dick Fountain, Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates Dr. Greg Gum, Radiology Associates Bill Gurley, SAIC Michael Hall, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Richard Holloway, Timberlakes Developers, Inc. Tharon Honeycutt, WHNT-TV Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: I had the recent pleasure of a conversation with a gentleman who took a transfer to Huntsville from St. Louis. His praise for the quality of life in the Tennessee Valley was effusive. The friendliness of our residents – from the checkout person at the grocery store to fellow workers – delighted him. He joked a bit, asking if the hospitality characteristic of his new home was “something in the water or in the air,” especially since numerous residents are from different parts of the country and the world.

Well, maybe it is. Maybe it’s in the water of the Tennessee River or the eight sporting lakes in North Alabama. Maybe it’s in the cool mountain air of Monte Sano. Or maybe goodwill comes from being able to play golf almost year-round at world-class courses like those on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, at The Ledges or Cherokee Ridge. Perhaps hospitality is born from the ambiance of an antebellum-rich historic district or in a downtown returning to prominence.

Then again, could it be a residual effect – the spirit of camaraderie from a community that has always prided itself on special achievements, like helping put man on the moon?

Could it be that friendliness results from great education opportunities? A vibrant arts community with excellent museums? Perhaps it’s the value of living in the Huntsville area, where average incomes are among the highest in the Southeast, while the cost of living is among the lowest.

By whatever means, including the excellent business and career opportunities Huntsville/ Madison County is renowned for (we were ranked eighth in the nation by Forbes this year), our community is a great place to live and we’re proud to market Huntsville/ Madison County to the world. We hope you enjoy this issue of Initiatives as it salutes many of the amenities we enjoy in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley.

Donna Lamb, Lamb Commercial Services Millie Marshall, Toyota Motor Manufacturing-AL Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt

Brian Hilson President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Remigius Shatas, Rymic Systems, Inc. Sandra Steele, Enfinger Development, Inc. Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union Irma Tuder, Analytical Services, Inc. Johnnie Vann, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne Bill Watson, SouthTrust Bank Jean Wessel-Templeton, Wesfam/Burger King Peri Widener, The Boeing Company Keith Wilson, Wyle Laboratories Tom Young, Intergraph Corporation 05 Initiatives October 2004

Great Things Do Come in Small Packages Amenities abound in the Tennessee Valley

“W

hat Huntsville lacks in size it makes up for in brains: 31% of the population has a college degree (U.S. average, 24%),” noted Forbes Magazine in May 2004 when it ranked Huntsville, Ala., number eight in its sixth annual survey of Best Places for Business and Careers. “We have a wealth of talent and labor availability in Huntsville/ Madison County that is consistently one of our best selling points for economic development,” noted Brian Hilson, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. Of the top ten ranked cities, Huntsville, with the second largest research park in the nation and the fourth largest in the world, had the smallest population.

The singular, high-tech job opportunities afforded by federal space and

defense agencies and the corporations supporting them – such as The Boeing Company, Lockheed-Martin, SAIC and a plethora of others – attract highly trained and educated people from around the corner, the country and the world. A major influence encouraging this wealth of talent to stay, however, goes beyond professional growth. It’s the quality of life in the Tennessee Valley that causes house-hunters to become home-sweet-home dwellers.

“Once we develop or bring in new businesses, we want to make certain they stay,” said Hilson. “The Huntsville area offers tremendous benefits to those who establish and grow their businesses here, including our geographic location, cost of living, arts organizations, downtown redevelopment efforts, responsive government, education opportuni-

ties, and teamwork from community leaders who make certain that our quality of life features are preserved.

It’s a truly complete package that Huntsville/Madison County offers.

The community’s ability to remain a leading economic driver for the state will be a result of people working together to continually create that complete package. That’s reassuring, because teamwork is something Huntsville has done well for decades.”

This edition of Initiatives is dedicated to life in the Tennessee Valley: arts and entertainment, the outdoors, learning opportunities, and simply some of the things that make living here special. Emphasis is on the word some as it would take a much larger publication to include the many benefits of life in Huntsville/Madison County.

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“M

y job in the television industry brought me to Huntsville.

This was supposed to be a town where I gained some experience for two or three years and then moved on to a bigger city. That was 13 years ago. Huntsville is a warm, friendly town that offers a wealth of variety for young families like mine. My husband and I love the fact that we can take our young children to museums, attend major sporting events and even see Broadway plays. With great schools, a community-oriented atmosphere and an incredible climate, we can't imagine raising our children anywhere else.

”

– Cindi Williamson

a “thirty-something” Huntsville resident formerly of Chicago and Nashville

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When Old Becomes New Again The heart of Huntsville gains lively beat

“D

owntown Huntsville can provide unique opportunities for restaurant, entertainment and retail establishments that cannot be found anywhere else in the city.”

Check.

“Young, high-tech workers think Huntsville is limited in its entertainment offerings and its housing options.”

Check.

“Downtown Huntsville is one of the areas where much higher density development can take place from the standpoint of both economic restructuring and design that fit into downtown’s historic context.”

Check, check and double check.

Smart growth and steps toward a more livable community are breathing new life into Huntsville’s historic downtown. Among projects, the old 12story Times Building on Holmes Avenue is being renovated – floors three through seven plus the basement – to create offices and possibly space for restaurants or a bar. Just down the street is the Olde Towne Brewing Co., which recently unveiled its first batch of beer. Already, Cityscapes LLC has completely renovated the Terry-Hutchens Building

on Jefferson Street and created new downtown housing by converting the structure to condominiums. According to Ralph Gipson, president of CityScapes, the organization’s redevelopment of Washington Square – which provided space for three distinct restaurants including Humphrey’s Bar & Grill, Pauli’s Chophouse and Cotton Row – has brought more people downtown.

“With what CityScapes has done, and with other entities coming downtown, like Sammy T’s, and Paudous Greek restaurant on the square, we have two to three thousand coming downtown during the weekend rather than the two to three hundred we saw a couple of years ago.” Gipson remarked that CityScapes is looking at additional downtown club venues.

New construction is also coming online to create population density. Site preparation has begun on Thornton Properties’ $10 million luxury condominium project at Holmes Avenue and Green Street. Derek Thornton, president of the company, commented, “In the redevelopment of downtown, the current thinking is to incorporate multistory, multi-use building. This results in

301 East

greater population density, thus increasing the "purchasing power" of a concentrated area.” Thornton believes such purchasing power encourages increased demand for premium services, thereby providing new, financially viable opportunities for purveyors of specialized goods and services. He also added that the centralized city planning approach is appealing to the young professional workers city leaders hope to attract to the area. Thornton’s project, 301 East, will have 26 units with occupancy anticipated in about 14 - 16 months. It’s the first development project of Huntsvillebased Thornton Properties LLC, which is owned by Steve and Judy Thornton.

Steve Thornton is co-founder of Avocent Corp.

William Stroud of Triad Properties, representing the Big Spring Summit office tower project in Big Spring Park at Church and Monroe Streets, hopes to break ground in October on the eightstory office building which also includes a restaurant and coffee shop on the first floor. “We’ll begin preliminary study in November for a second phase that will include a residential component, some continued on page 13 11 Initiatives October 2004

continued from page 11

40 to 60 condominiums,” added Stroud. Furthermore, the new 300room Embassy Suites, to be built adjacent to the Von Braun Center, is expected to be completed by December of 2005 or early 2006.

Plans call for a 1,100-foot canal to connect Big Spring Lagoon with Pinhook Creek, providing a picturesque waterway and sidewalks to accommodate downtown visitors and hotel guests between the hotel, the South Hall of the Von Braun Center and Big Spring Park.

Rendering of Phase I of the Big Spring Summit office building

Brandon Boone Occupation: Public Relations, NASA Brandon Boone never expected to live in the South, let alone Huntsville, Alabama. Brought here by his public relations work for NASA, he’s called Huntsville home for more than three years. Of Huntsville, Boone said, “I like that it has the feeling of a newer city and it’s growing.”

Born and raised just outside of Seattle, Boone is a self-proclaimed city lover. He enjoys the urban lifestyle with everything within walking distance.

He also favors locations where there is great cultural diversity. Coming from Seattle it was a “little scary” coming to what he perceived as a little southern town. But to his surprise, he noted that he has found Huntsville to have many of the attributes he prefers. That’s not to say Brandon sees Huntsville the same as Seattle, or any of his other favorite cities including Salt Lake City, Las Vegas or Miami. “Huntsville has some large city amenities, but it has a small town feel. The city isn’t changing so rapidly that you still can’t recognize its face. It’s still Huntsville, Alabama.”

Boone is part of the elusive group described as young professionals. He’s 26, single, and living an active lifestyle. He defines active as going out to eat at restaurants, grabbing a drink with friends and enjoying the park – things you find in big cities. These are also the things Boone has found in the downtown Huntsville area. Brandon admits there could be more, but right now it’s enough for him to live a very satisfying lifestyle.

Importantly, others seem to be recognizing an emerging downtown lifestyle, as well. “The bars, restaurants and parks are only as fun as the people who come and use them. In my three years of living in Huntsville, I’ve seen increasing numbers of people coming downtown.” For the young public relations professional, more people going out has correlated with downtown Huntsville being more fun. Boone says the growing downtown is critical to Huntsville becoming a city that appeals to people his age.

Molly Hooper Occupation: Community Resource Director, Atria Assisted Living Molly Hooper is a Huntsville native, but for the past several years she’s lived in Birmingham, partly because she thought it offered a better quality of life. Well, she’s moved back to Huntsville and believes things have changed.

What is it that now makes Huntsville different to Hooper? She says a beautiful, historic downtown has been complemented by restaurants, night spots and, simply put, things to do. For her it’s, “dinner at Pauli’s and a walk downtown.” Something, Hooper says, you couldn’t do years ago.

“I’ve also found that I’m not the only one who moved away and then came back.”

At age 26, Hooper noted, “I like the fact that it’s beautiful, that I have close friends. I think it’s neat that my father went to the same high school as I did.” Hooper also especially enjoys some of Huntsville’s other city centers like Five Points. “I think it’s charming when they have art showings.”

Since she’s been home she’s been working with the group Huntsville Young Professionals (HYP). She’s been impressed by the turnout for the first group events. “It makes a statement that there are young professionals here who want to be part of growing this city.” She’s satisfied to be able to be making a difference in her hometown.

It’s been several months since she returned to Huntsville and Hooper is having a great time, but she does see a need for “more” in Huntsville.

Hooper wants Huntsville to be a place people talk about – a place where kids coming out of high school and college want to stay. “I think what we are doing is really high quality, but there is a need for more.” And she plans on being a part of it.

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Exploring North Alabama

Glorious scenery, outdoor adventure are yours in the Tennessee Valley

“N

orth Alabama has incredible hiking and biking trails, along with eight of the most beautiful lakes in the Southeast. It’s a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, plus there are over 100 tourism destinations,” commented Dana Lee Tatum, president and chief executive officer of the North Alabama Tourism Association. “Picture perfect North Alabama has been our tagline for years: There’s been no reason to change it because it’s as true today as it was twenty years ago,” affirmed the tourism executive.

One organization that works to ensure the ongoing scenic beauty of North Alabama for future generations is The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama. Incorporated in 1987 as Alabama’s first land trust, the group is responsible for protecting over 3,300 acres valued at over $9 million. Land Trust volunteers maintain two major mountain preserves and almost 20 miles of public trails.

“The natural beauty of North Alabama contributes significantly to the decision process when companies or families consider relocation,” confirmed Jill Gardner, executive director of The Land Trust. The mission of the organization is to preserve North Alabama scenic vistas,

critical wetlands and green corridors which define this area of the South and make it so attractive. Succinctly, Gardner believes a healthy North Alabama economy and quality of life are directly related to a healthy natural environment.

Land Trust and state park properties meet on Monte Sano (Italian for ‘mountain of health’), much to the delight of area mountain bikers. Mary Anne Zollar, a writer with The Huntsville Times, is an avid biker. “The dozens of mountain bike trails on Monte Sano strung together would make more than 50 miles of terrain so varied you could take anyone – from tenderfoot beginners to hard-core extreme bikers – for a fantastic ride that will keep them coming back for more.”

“Monte Sano has everything from beautiful woodlands to waterfalls,” enthused fellow Times employee and mountain biker Eric Schultz. Zollar went on to say besides trails at Monte Sano State Park and on Land Trust property, “Surrounding Madison County boasts many more miles of pristine woods for challenging mountain biking not to be found for 100 miles in any direction.”

Schultz particularly noted Wade Mountain and Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.

“In other words,” said Schultz, “there are

plenty of places to ride mountain bikes around the Tennessee Valley.”

“I think part of the reason others come to ride here is the support of mountain bikers, as well as other cyclists here in Huntsville,” reflected Schultz.

“The Spring City Cycling Club, www.springcity.org, is a wonderful advocacy group for local cyclists – both roadies and mountain bikers. There are always riders looking for someone else to ride with. It’s not unusual to see an experienced cyclist taking a novice for a ride and showing them the trails.”

Schultz added the group is also great about maintaining, marking and creating new trails.

Hiking, whether on mountain trails or on downtown city sidewalks, is another passionate pastime for residents and visitors alike. Land Trust and state park trails take hikers through a variety of terrain while hikes through downtown offer another type of diversion. The Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a map for those seeking architectural treasures through the city’s historic districts (Huntsville is home to Alabama’s largest antebellum district) while the Historic continued on page 16

Photo by Rob Robbins

North Alabama’s Eight Sporting Lakes ~ provided by the North Alabama Tourism Association

Bear Creek Lakes

Composed of four lakes each with its own distinct personality. The lakes are stocked with a variety of fish including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass; crappie; and catfish.

Lake Guntersville

Alabama's largest lake at 69,000 acres with more than 900 miles of shoreline.

Noted as an excellent bass lake and resort area.

H. Neely Henry Lake

Made up of 11,200 acres of rippling blue waters and 339 miles of shoreline. Fish for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, as well as catfish.

Lewis Smith Lake

Huntsville Foundation provides additional information about the area’s built heritage.

Some outdoor adventurers in Madison County and North Alabama gravitate toward enclosed spaces. Underground streams and rivers dating to prehistoric times have carved their paths through limestone rock in this region, creating caves and caverns. The headquarters of the National Speleological Society is located in Huntsville, given the number of caving opportunities in the surrounding area. The areas where Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia meet are collectively referred to as TAG by caving enthusiasts. For those cavers lucky enough to live in this area, every weekend offers an opportunity for exploration and fun.

Some of the biggest bass in the world come from North Alabama. According to an article offered by the North Alabama Tourism Association, anglers consistently catch Smallmouth Bass from the Tennessee River that weigh between 4 and 6 pounds each. Wheeler Lake, Lake Guntersville – a favorite tournament location – Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake regularly rank among the top fishing lakes in the B.A.I.T. (Bass Anglers Information Team) survey for number and size of fish. Weiss Lake, in the northeastern corner of Alabama, has held the title of “Crappie Capital of the World” for years. According to the article, out-of-state anglers buy more licenses at Weiss Lake than at any other body of water in Alabama.

Pickwick Lake

One of the South's best trophy smallmouth lakes and popular for crappie and catfish.

Weiss Lake

A 30,200-acre lake offering 447 miles of shoreline. Known as “The Crappie Capital of the World.”

Wheeler Lake

A 65,000-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River. Offers diverse sports fishing with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass; crappie, hybrids, bluegill, and channel catfish.

North Alabama State Parks

Wilson Lake

Cathedral Caverns, 40 minutes east of Huntsville, contains wide chambers, an impressive stalagmite “forest” & a massive 60 foottall column with a girth of 200 feet. Fossils of sealife estimated at 220 million years old dot the walls.

Cathedral Caverns State Park Off U.S. 72 near Grant; (256) 728-8193

Provides great bass, crappie and catfish fishing because of its underwater points, gravel beds, rocky points and sand bars.

Desoto State Park County Rd. 89, 8 miles NE of Fort Payne; (256) 845-0051

The The Tennessee Tennessee River River is is also also aa great great place place for for water water skiers skiers who who can can skim skim the the surface surface for for miles miles without without having having to to turn turn their their boats. boats. For For those those who who enjoy enjoy cruising cruising on on houseboats, houseboats, yachts yachts or or luxurious luxurious motorboats, motorboats, the the river river stretches stretches from from one one side side of of the the state state to to the the other, other, providing providing miles miles of of picturesque picturesque shoreline. shoreline.

Lake Guntersville ~ courtesy of Tennessee Valley Authority

continued from page 15

Holder of five previous World Record spotted bass catches and highly rated in the state as a trophy saltwater striped bass fishery. The current lake record is 45 lbs. A

deep, clear lake with feeder streams, bays and sloughs. Rainbow trout fishery is located on the Sipsey Fork.

For a variety of hunters, North Alabama is paradise.

Turkey, whitetail deer, mourning dove and waterfowl provide hours of excitement and relaxation. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and the nearby Bankhead National Forest offer excellent open permit, public land for hunting (during appropriate seasons and with permits where required). The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Game & Fish Division at (334) 242-3829, can provide additional information about hunting areas, or you can go to www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/land/wildlifeareas. Additional links from this Web site answer questions about license fees, requirements and state hunting regulations.

Lodge, modern and rustic cabins, motel, full service restaurant.

Modern campground, primitive camping, nature center and programs, hiking and biking trails, boardwalk trail, picnic and play areas, Olympic size pool (in season), waterfalls and wildflowers, boating and fishing areas. Located atop Lookout Mountain within Little River Canyon National Preserve and near DeSoto Falls. Open year round. Many facilities are ADA accessible.

Joe Wheeler State Park 4401 McLean Dr., Off Hwy. 72, Rogersville (256) 247-5461

A 2,500-acre park on Wheeler Lake offering a striking threecontinued on page 19

The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama Outreach program activities include spring and fall hike series, the annual “Kidz Hike” for ages 4 -12 and their parents, summer tours of historic Three Caves Quarry, trail maintenance and conservation education, speaker’s bureau and volunteer opportunities. Major fund raising events are the Emerald Classic Golf Tournament at The Ledges, the popular “Moon Over Three Caves Dance,” and Auburn/Alabama football ticket raffle.

907 Franklin Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 www.landtrust-hsv.org 256/534-6263 (LAND) 16

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Initiatives October 2004

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story lodge of redwood and stone on the shores of Wheeler Lake; 75 hotel rooms; restaurant; convention facilities, 134-slip marina; 18-hole golf course with clubhouse; campground; cabins; tennis; boat launch; swimming; picnicking; hiking; dining; banquet facilities; boat rentals; 30 person group lodge; and pavilions in day use area. This park is divided into three separate areas in northwest Alabama.

Lake Guntersville State Park, Lodge & Convention Center 7966 AL Hwy. 227, Guntersville; (256) 571-5440

A 5,909-acre park located along the shore of magnificent Lake Guntersville offering swimming, boating, tennis, 18hole golf course, hiking, nature center, cottages, and campground. The lodge, chalets, motel and convention center are situated on a 500-foot bluff overlooking Lake Guntersville. Lake Guntersville State Park is the home of the Eagle Awareness Program. Note: Guntersville State Park Hotel and restaurant are currently closed for renovations – other facilities remain open.

Monte Sano State Park 5105 Nolen Ave., Huntsville (256) 534-3757

A 2,140-acre resort atop Monte Sano Mountain with scenic views, camping, newly refurbished cottages, picnic areas, and hiking. The mountain towers about 1,000 feet higher than the eastern edge of downtown Huntsville. Monte Sano State Park Lodge is now open for family reunions, weddings, receptions, and small business group meetings.

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Lots to See & Do

CALENDAR

in Huntsville/Madison County

October 1-31

T

(Huntsville) 102-D Wynn Dr., just off I-565 A monthlong celebration of science with a Halloween twist.

Programs for children of all ages and a “spooktacular” Halloween party at the end of the month.

ourism is on the rise, the lodging tax is up—proof more people are coming into the region. New hotels, restaurants, golf courses and entertainment venues are being built. “We like to say you can see about twenty destinations on one tank of gasoline. We’re a short drive from everywhere,” said Dana Lee Tatum, chief executive for the North Alabama Tourism Association. Judy Ryals, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), noted the economic impact of the local tourism industry is in excess of $500 million.

The location of Huntsville/Madison County, just off of Interstate 65/565, means the area has long made a good stop for road weary travelers, but increasing numbers of out-oftowners are stopping for specific events and attractions. The Huntsville/Madison County CVB provides one-stop shopping for tour, meeting and convention planners. “One of the most exciting changes for the CVB this year was the new 2,400 square foot visitor center, complete with exhibits, displays, colorful banners and a friendly staff to greet visitors seven days a week. The goal was to have visibility, accessibility and designated parking – this new facility meets our needs.” The new visitor center is immediately accessible to I-565 and downtown Huntsville. The CVB also provides an on-line resource for things to do, places to see and information on how the Huntsville/ Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau can facilitate group and individual itineraries, at www.huntsville.org.

Many of the area’s cultural attractions are primarily supported by local residents, with special events providing some draw for a wider geographic area. The Arts Council (TAC) produces, promotes, coordinates and advances the arts to enrich the quality of life, economic development and education of the greater Huntsville/Madison County community. Core programs include providing resources and support to arts educators, and working to strengthen K-12 education through the arts; Concerts in the Park, a series of free summer concerts in Big Spring Park coproduced with the City of Huntsville; facilitating the work of member arts organizations through grants, technical assistance workshops, networking and information sharing; and Panoply, an annual three-day outdoor festival in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park featuring performances, exhibits, arts demonstrations and hands-on activities the last full weekend of April.

More information on TAC, its member organizations and community calendar can be found at www.artshuntsville.org.

If you’re in the mood for something to do, peruse the adjacent, partial listing of activities in Huntsville/Madison County. Additional information may be found at www.huntsville.org, www.northalabama.org and/or www.artshuntsville.org.

Spooktacular Science at Sci-Quest

The Great Mountain Fest (Huntsville) Burritt on the Mountain – Month-long celebration featuring different themed events each week, including County Fair Week, Harvest Week, Indian Heritage Week, and The Great Pumpkin Patch Week.

October 2 24th Annual Madison Street Festival (Madison) Event starts with a parade of local organizations, schools and civic leaders and concludes with a street dance. There is also entertainment on four different stages, food, a children’s area, and demonstrations and crafts booths.

6th Annual Hispanic Community Festival (Huntsville) Sponsored by the Alabama Hispanic Association, featuring artists and music from various Hispanic countries, hand-crafts and food will be available. Kids activities include face painting, clown, piñata breaking and other games.

Harvest Herb Fair (Huntsville) The Huntsville Herb Society shares the harvest from their herb beds and from the “world’s largest pepper garden.” You will find herbal products for your kitchen, bath, home, garden, and pets; and there will be herbal demonstrations all day. It’s a great place to stock your pantry and start your holiday gift shopping.

There is plenty of parking and admission is free.

November 7 - January 23

Fashion in Film (Huntsville) Huntsville Museum of Art – The elegance of Hollywood comes to the museum this fall with the exhibition Fashion in Film: Period Costumes for the Screen. Movie lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to see 35 costumes from recent major motion pictures including Titanic, Evita, Out of Africa, Pride and Prejudice, and Gosford Park. Dates subject to change, call before scheduling. calendar continued on page 23 21 Initiatives October 2004

continued from page 21

November 15 - December 31

Galaxy of Lights (Huntsville) Huntsville Botanical Garden – North Alabama’s biggest holiday light extravaganza. Animated holiday light displays, nursery rhymes, botanicals and more. Walking tours week before Thanksgiving; driving tours Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

November 26 - December 26 Santa’s Village (Huntsville) 109 Gates Avenue – Visit the village Santa calls home! Enjoy tours of Santa’s Toy Shop, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, the Reindeer Corral and Santa’s Village Post Office. Crafts, cookies, lights and more delight young and old alike.

December 4 Christmas Open House & Candlelight Christmas (Huntsville) Open House is free; admission charged to Candlelight Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain. See Burritt’s Mansion (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and other historic buildings. From 5-8 p.m., take a candlelight tour of the site, visit with Santa and enjoy entertainment, hot cider, treats.

December 9-11 Holiday Magic on the Mountain (Huntsville) Burritt on the Mountain – Savor holiday dinners in the mansion and log houses or the church for large groups. Enjoy musical entertainment, guides in historic costume, carolers and a visit by Saint Nick.

Reservations required.

December 10-12 Huntsville Ballet’s 36th Annual Production of “The Nutcracker” (Huntsville) VBC Concert Hall – The holidays are not complete without this magical and exciting production.

Tchaikovsky’s score will be played by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

December 11 Weeden House Spirit of Christmas Past Home Tours & Luminaries (Huntsville) Glimpse five homes adorned for the holidays, including the Weeden House.

23 Initiatives October 2004

Economic Indicators POPULA TION

EMPLOYMEN T*

Madison County

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

JULY 2004

JULY 2003

1980 Census

196,966

145,604

6,081

242,971

Total Non-ag Employment .......................................................... 190,100

186,600

1990 Census

238,912

161,842

16,813

293,047

Mining & Construction .................................................................... 7,700

7,300

2000 Census

276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

Manufacturing .............................................................................. 29,900

30,000

2003 Estimate

289,662

164,237

*34,080

357,907

47.1%

12.8%

560.4%

47.3%

Trade, Transportation & Utilities .................................................... 30,900

30,000

Information ...................................................................................... 2,200

2,300

% Growth 1980-2003

Households 1980 Census

67,082

51,113

2,040

82,440

Huntsville Metro Area**

Financial Activity ............................................................................ 5,900

5,900

Professional & Business Services ................................................ 37,700

36,100

1990 Census

91,208

63,838

6,681

110,893

2000 Census

109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

2003 Estimate

114,811

68,070

*13,175

140,703

71.2%

33.2%

545.8%

70.7%

281,117

159,636

*34,260

355,488

White

70.8%

63.3%

77.8%

73.2%

LABOR FORCE *

Black

23.7%

31.0%

14.8%

21.7%

Huntsville Region (Counties)

Asian & Pacific Islander

2.0%

2.3%

3.7%

1.7%

Other Races

3.6%

3.4%

3.8%

3.5%

% Growth 1980-2003

Education & Health Services ........................................................ 11,600

12,400

Leisure & Hospitality...................................................................... 16,300

15,800

Other Services ................................................................................ 7,600

7,300

Government .................................................................................. 40,300

39,500

Race 2003 Population Estimate

Income & Age

* Based on place of employment. **Includes Madison & Limestone counties Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations (Place of work figures)

JULY 2004

JULY 2003

Madison ......................................................................................155,150

151,580

Limestone...................................................................................... 33,490

32,930

Jackson ........................................................................................ 25,610

25,430

Average Household Income

$63,021

$61,025

$77,962

$60,858

Marshall ........................................................................................ 38,690

39,530

Median Household Income

$48,301

$48,324

$66,509

$46,754

Morgan .......................................................................................... 55,040

55,610

Per Capita Income

$25,450

$26,384

$29,896

$24,362

36.5

38.3

34.9

36.6

Franklin, TN .................................................................................. 20,910

20,460

Median Age

Source: ESRI Business Information Solutions, 2003; U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) * City of Madison estimate comes from City of Madison

Giles, TN........................................................................................ 15,360

15,840

Lincoln, TN .................................................................................... 15,140

14,840

Huntsville Regional Total ........................................................ 359,390

356,220

* Based on place of residence.

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

RETAIL SALES Huntsville Region - (000’s) 2002 Annual Retail Sales

Total Retail Sales

Food & Restaurants

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE*

Furniture & Merchandise

JULY 2004

JULY 2003

Automotive

Huntsville Metropolitan Area............................................................ 4.9%

4.9%

$3,910,205

$736,594

$908,076

$978,414

Madison County .............................................................................. 4.7%

4.6%

Limestone Co.

$619,484

$141,111

$131,142

$132,976

Huntsville Region ............................................................................ 5.5%

6.0%

Jackson Co.

$468,707

$117,990

$102,509

$89,452

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

6.0%

Marshall Co.

$1,242,376

$164,795

$229,099

$579,074

United States .................................................................................. 5.7%

6.3%

Morgan Co.

$1,448,374

$287,895

$258,605

$419,366

Lawrence Co.

$245,369

$58,321

$38,133

$32,547

Giles Co. (TN)

$278,739

$56,429

$32,025

$84,589

Lincoln Co. (TN)

$300,730

$50,192

$65,715

$94,805

COST OF LIVING INDEX

Franklin Co. (TN)

$311,996

$102,760

$60,773

$54,711

2nd QTR 2004 Composite Grocery

$8,825,980

$1,716,087

$1,826,077

$2,465,934

Madison Co.

Regional Total

Source: Sales & Marketing Management, 2003 Survey of Buying Power — Printed with permission.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

JAN-JULY 2004

# of Projects

Square Feet

Total Const. Contracts .................. 1,180

JAN-JULY 2003

$ Value

# of Projects

Square Feet

$ Value

4,396,000

$352,785,000

983

3,653,000

$247,561,000

Commercial ........................................ 65

578,000

$41,048,000

75

642,000

$39,331,000

Manufacturing ...................................... 5

146,000

$11,696,000

10

67,000

$4,193,000

Single Family .................................... 961

2,055,000

$78,015,000

751

1,606,000

$61,269,000

Multi-Family ........................................ 14

546,000

$46,356,000

37

475,000

$22,375,000

* 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)

Atlanta, GA

TransHealth portation Care

Goods & Services

Index

Items

Housing

Utilities

97.4

97.6

92.3

89.0

103.6

103.6

101.4

Dallas, TX

95.5

91.1

85.2

99.8

102.4

102.8

102.4

Huntsville, AL

91.6

103.0

73.1

93.9

102.1

94.4

99.6

Orlando, FL

98.9

99.5

89.2

98.3

100.7

94.3

107.3

St. Louis, MO

100.3

98.9

94.8

97.9

95.7

100.8

107.2

Washington, D.C.

138.9

111.8

193.6

110.7

124.7

123.8

114.7

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

HOME SALES

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

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

JULY 2004

JULY 2003

% Change 03-04

Index

United States...............................................................189.4

3.0%

183.9

2.1%

South Region...............................................................182.6

3.0%

177.3

2.1%

Index All Urban Consumers

% Change 02-03

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

24 October 2004 Initiatives

JULY 2004

JULY 2003

Houses on Market.............................................................................. 1,862

3,571

Houses Sold ......................................................................................... 566

718

Houses Sold Year-to date ................................................................. 4,745

4,021

Avg. Selling Price.......................................................................... $138,910

$131,037

Avg. Days on Market.............................................................................. 99

108

Median Sales Price........................................................................$135,000

$121,284

Source: Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS (Realtor-listed properties only)

Economy At-A-Glance Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama, is located in the middle of the southeastern United States with more than four million people within a 100-mile radius.

The Huntsville community serves as the primary economic hub of the north Alabama and southern Tennessee regions. The counties adjoining Madison County combine to form an eight-county regional market with a population totaling 700,000 people.

LEADING EMPLOYERS U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . . .11,141 Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,355 Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000 The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,800 CINRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,800 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . .2,754 Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. . . . . . . . . .2,300 City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,186 Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,936 Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,750 ADTRAN, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700

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.

Sanmina-SCI

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700

Walmart/Sam s Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,581 Northrop Grumman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,350 Teledyne Brown Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . .1,338 Lockheed Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,250 Computer Sciences Corporation . . . . . . . . .1,200 University of Alabama in Huntsville . . . . . . .1,112 West Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,100 SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,080 Madison County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,073 Benchmark Electronics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 Alabama A&M University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 890 Jacobs Sverdrup Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 Target Distribution Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 Crestwood Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668 Madison City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 644 Engelhard Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Dynetics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Redstone Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . 575 PPG Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 CAS, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 Source: Chamber of Commerce

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 more than 90 companies employing more than 11,000 people in the local aerospace industry.

Defense Huntsville/Madison County plays a key role in the U.S. Army’s technology development programs. More than half of the Army’s weapons procurement budget is managed by Huntsville-based operations as are more than half of the Army’s foreign weapons sales. More than 25,000 people are directly employed by the military and support contracts.

Electronics More than 300 international and domestic corporations in Huntsville/Madison County are involved in the design and production of electronics and computerrelated technology, including CINRAM, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of DVD products.

Research & Technology Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park is the country’s second 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.

25 Initiatives October 2004

26 October 2004 Initiatives

The most valuable gift we can give a child is a careful education. This is where society has a prime obligation. To waste the time that a child has to acquire knowledge is an outright sin. ~Wernher von Braun, rocket scientist

It IS Rocket Science Educational Opportunities Abound in Huntsville/Madison County

I

t takes many people to make a city and many people to send man to the moon, but in Huntsville/Madison County, it would be a disservice to overlook the leadership of one man who was so instrumental to both – Wernher von Braun. Thanks to von Braun, Huntsville and the surrounding area earned the name Rocket City USA and community leaders carefully developed the city/county infrastructure, cultural and arts institutions and educational systems necessary to grow an economy and enable a well-trained workforce in future generations.

Ed Buckbee, retired chief executive of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center/U.S. SPACE CAMP and the former public relations officer for von Braun, explained, “Von Braun was extremely focused on his objectives in space, but at the same time, his peripheral vision was sharp, too. The Space & Rocket Center is an example of that, as is The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Institutions like the Center and UAH, he knew, could foster and support his vision long after he was gone.” Consequently, von Braun the rocket scientist became von Braun the community planner and even von Braun the education guru.

One small piece of von Braun’s legacy

SPACE CAMP trainees undergo a variety of simulations including use of the Five Degrees of Freedom simulator (5DF). SPACE CAMPERers experience forward and backward, side-to-side, roll, pitch, and yaw, while learning they can't quite overcome gravity! Children from across the world have come to Huntsville solely to experience U.S. SPACE CAMP.

– a very special one that has touched the lives of thousands of children from around the world-lives on at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC). U.S. SPACE CAMP was created in 1982 from an idea von Braun had often voiced to Buckbee. “He thought if there could be football camps and cheerleading camps, why couldn’t there be a hands-on program for youngsters who wanted to reach for the stars,” related Buckbee. The U.S. SPACE CAMP programs, featuring hands-on simulated space missions and unique educational activities over a fiveday period, grew to include children from ages ten through high school seniors, as well as programs for adults, parents and children. A related program, AVIATION CHALLENGE, was later developed and incorporates teamwork and leadership training as it teaches the basics of flight and the discipline of our nation’s military service.

The USSRC – Alabama’s top paid tourist attraction – is also a destination for hundreds of school groups taking part in the Ultimate Field Trip program, an exciting and educational day-trip customized to specific grade levels. The Center’s chief executive, Larry Capps, remarked that annual camp programs for

children with special challenges, such as those with vision or hearing impairments, are also provided.

“From the beginning, we knew a small percentage of SPACE CAMP graduates could well be the space flyers of tomorrow,” mused Buckbee, “but we also knew that if students were given the proper motivation and learned why they must have science and math, they could use that foundation and let it take them into a field of their choice.”

The USSRC is also the location of the annual Great Moonbuggy Race, typically held in April and sponsored in part by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

Competition is in two divisions: high school and college. Students are required to design a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems that are similar to problems faced by the original Moonbuggy team. Each Moonbuggy is human powered and must carry two students, one female and one male, over a half-mile simulated lunar terrain course continued on page 28 27 Initiatives October 2004

continued from page 27

including “craters,” rocks, “lava” ridges, inclines and “lunar” soil. The top three winning teams in each division are those having the shortest total times in assembling their moonbuggies and traversing the terrain course.

“I think it’s easy to say that the USSRC envisioned by von Braun continues to be a place where youngsters can both dream and do, and where the public at large can better understand the technologies around them.” commented Capps.

The 11th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race was held in April 2004. As a part of the competition, and prior to course testing, the unassembled Moonbuggy entries were carried to the course with the unassembled components contained in a volume of 4'x 4'x 4' (dimension requirements similar to those for the original Lunar Roving Vehicle). At the starting line, the entries were assembled and prepared for course testing and safety evaluation.

28 October 2004 Initiatives

Member Developments

Computer Troubleshooters is the largest on-site computer repair franchise in the world. We specialize in preventive maintenance, repair, networking and Dell sales. Ask about our 25% off PM by calling (256) 652-6643.

Curves is now in Hampton Cove. Camille Mueller, owner, celebrated the grand opening of her second Curves franchise in the Huntsville area. Come by & check out our new location at 6727 US Hwy 431 S, or call us at (256) 533-9277.

Ellen’s Creative Cakes has finally moved to Huntsville and can be found at 603 Jordan Lane. You are welcome to come by for some free samples. Goodies and cakes also are for sale for the desperate procrastinator to sweeten the day. Store hours are M-F 8-6 and Sat 8-12. For more information call (256) 217-1517 or go to www.ellenscreativecakes.com.

Executive Flight Center announces their grand opening as the new Fixed Base Operator at the Madison County Executive Airport MDQ. Executive Flight Center provides full line services for corporate and private aircraft including jets. Flight training, charter services, and aircraft rental are also available. Call (256) 828-1403 or visit www.executiveflightcenter.com.

Nowlin & Associates, LLC proudly announces the opening of a new location at 922-A Merchants Walk. The firm has more than 30 years experience in real estate closings. For assistance in residential and commercial real estate closings call (256) 536-8301.

The Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Huntsville offers premium accomodations, whether you stay a night or a year. All rooms include full kitchenettes, free high-speed Internet access, and free long distance. Rates start at $209 weekly. For more information call us at (256) 830-2500.

29 Initiatives October 2004

30 October 2004 Initiatives

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