Initiatives magazine, April 2004

Market wide

Open

NAITA celebrates more than 20 years and sets sights on world recognition Page 11 At Home in Alabama Beyond the Clouds Foreign-Affiliated Companies Unlocking Global Potential

initiatives Huntsville/Madison County • Chamber of Comme rce

april 2004

features cover story

Market Wide Open NAITA celebrates more than 20 years and sets sights on world recognition

Page 11 Cover design by Kristi Sherrard Photo courtesy of Huntsville/ Madison Co. Airport Authority

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama is located in the middle of the southeastern United States, with more than 4 million people within a 100-mile radius. The Huntsville community serves as the primary economic hub of the northern Alabama and southern Tennessee region. The Huntsville/Madison County 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.

At Home in Alabama

07

Beyond the Clouds

15

Foreign-Affiliated Companies

24

Unlocking Global Potential

28

developments Economic Indicators

20

Economy At-A-Glance

21

Member Developments

23

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

mission

contact

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

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

Publisher

Brian Hilson

Managing Editor

Holly McClain

Editor/Consultant

Dauna Coulter

Graphic Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Writers

Dauna Coulter Mike Kelley Robin Potts Garrett Sheehan

Account Executive

R.D. Patterson

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.”

03 Initiatives April 2004

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

The Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2004

Tommy Beason, Chair LTG James Link (Ret.), Chair-Elect

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

Gail Wall, Treasurer

Investor Relations

Dave Hargrove, Vice Chair Investor Relations

Loren Traylor, Vice President, Investor Relations Pat Jackson, Membership Director Cheryl Schultz, Director, Small Business & Workforce Development Bill Holbrook, Coordinator, Small Business & Workforce Development Debra Dunbar, Launch Program Director Donna McCrary, Investor Relations Assistant Terrie Ledbetter, Membership Representative

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

Howard Thrailkill, Past Chair Joel Daves, Secretary Brad Jones, Vice Chair Economic Development Joe Ritch, Vice Chair Governmental Affairs 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

Research & Information Services

Tommy Beason, Beason & Nalley, Inc.

Ken Smith, Director, Research & Information Services Kristi Sherrard, Publications/Graphic Design Specialist Hiroko Sedensky, Research Assistant Judith Short, Information Services Assistant Penny Carothers, Resource Desk Coordinator Bobbie Patterson, Resource Desk Coordinator

Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation

Finance & Administration Ken Williams, Finance & Administration Director Desman Holt, Network Administrator Dora Heisey, Financial Assistant Erica Gussie, Financial Assistant Tom Burnette, Building Manager Dallas Brown, IT Co-op Intern

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.

Leadership

Tharon Honeycutt, WHNT-TV

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

Donna Lamb, Lamb Commercial Services

Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed Millie Marshall, Toyota Motor Manufacturing-AL

Small Business Development Center

Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota

Dr. Bill Killingsworth, Director, SBDC Carrie Davis, Assistant Director, SBDC Brenda McBride, Procurement Counselor Patsy Nayman, Executive Secretary 1 Felita Flores, Secretary 2 Hanson Howard, Executive Director, SCORE

Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt 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.

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

A Message from the President

Executive Committee

Johnnie Vann, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne Bill Watson, SouthTrust Bank Jean Wessel-Templeton, Wesfam/Burger King

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors and Community Leaders: This edition of Initiatives highlights Huntsville/Madison County’s international culture. Upon the arrival of Dr. Wernher von Braun and the famous 118-member German rocket team in Huntsville in 1950, our community learned quickly how to understand and embrace international friends. Not only did Dr. von Braun lead the development of space propulsion systems in Huntsville which ultimately put man on the moon, he helped our community understand how to develop relationships and think with a global perspective. In 1980, community leaders had a similar opportunity—to attract the first Korean-based industrial investment in North America. Huntsville was successful, and what was then Lucky Goldstar and is now known as LG Electronics continues to provide local jobs for more than 500 employees. In 2001, Huntsville announced the recruitment of Toyota Motor Manufacturing’s V8 engine facility, resulting in more than 30 foreign-based employers doing business here.

Years ago, community leaders considered it very important that we attract, retain and expand non-government-dependent employers in order to secure a diversified economic base for the Huntsville area. We’ve been successfully pursuing foreign business investment since the 1970s, and the Chamber’s new Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative continues that strategy.

The International Intermodal Center located at the Port of Huntsville provides a unique inland transportation capability to aid area companies in regional trade and transportation.

The North Alabama International Trade Association, profiled in this edition, has lead international trade development efforts for our community. International relations is also a continuing priority for Huntsville. It is estimated that Huntsville has residents from more than 100 foreign countries, and international relations organizations are common here. The Chamber’s current marketing efforts point to business recruitment opportunities in the U.S. and abroad, including places like Canada, Germany, England, Japan, Korea and Singapore. These efforts are intended to maintain balance between Huntsville’s dependency upon federal space and defense programs and non-government employers.

The Chamber is pleased to announce its affiliation with Development Counsellors International, a New York-based firm which specializes in media promotion opportunities for its clients which include U.S cities, states and even some foreign countries. The Chamber will utilize DCI’s efforts to promote favorable media attention on our community, companies and technologies.

We are also pleased to announce the addition of Holly McClain as the Chamber’s new Communications Director. She will coordinate the DCI effort, and her broad communications background will ensure that the Chamber’s promotional materials, media and public relations efforts are effective.

It is now more important than ever that the Huntsville community aggressively project a favorable image. A recent University of Alabama in Huntsville study commissioned by the Chamber identified a number of local challenges to economic growth, including a deficiency in the number of 20-34 year-olds living here as compared with other metropolitan areas. It is our responsibility to address this issue and at the same time promote our community’s image.

To aid in this effort, we are also pleased to announce a new pictorial coffee table book for Huntsville which will be published in the spring of 2005. Consistent with our efforts to recognize Huntsville’s aerospace technology that began with von Braun, and to position Huntsville for the attraction of global employers and young professionals, the book’s working title is One Sky, Countless Stars.

Thank you for your continued support and investment in local economic growth through the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.

Peri Widener, The Boeing Company

Brian Hilson

Keith Wilson, Wyle Laboratories

President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Tom Young, Intergraph Corporation

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05 April 2004 Initiatives

Initiatives April 2004

At Home in Alabama Huntsville/Madison County’s melting pot boosts production

H

untsville’s population is made up of people from all over the country and from all over the world, making Huntsville one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Alabama.

Population, workforce and companies – including some 32 foreign-based businesses – form a unique whole as varied in composition as an artfully-crafted patchwork quilt. Like that quilt, the diverse pieces fit together into an interesting, strong and lasting whole.

Early on, NASA’s space program drew bright minds from all over the world. As a result, Huntsville natives are accustomed to welcoming newcomers – people from different cultures. Huntsville area residents tend to be openminded and accepting of the diverse nationalities and personalities venturing here to form their businesses and make their homes. According to Harald Unterieser, Vice President of KÖMMERLING, “The locals are very friendly to foreigners coming here. They are not narrow-minded. Huntsville is an open community.”

KÖMMERLING, a subsidiary of a German company named Profine GmbH and one of the world's leading suppliers of PVC sheets for use in the graphics and display industry, has found the Huntsville area to be supportive in other ways as well. Business has been booming: The Huntsville sheet produc-

tion plant was founded in 1997, and within seven years, sales volume grew five times higher.

KÖMMERLING also sells PVC trimboards for the house building industry. After KOMA© Trimboard sales began here in 2003, they more than doubled in one year. Unterieser fully expects sales to double again from year to year through the next five years, and anticipates the number of employees to double, to about 120, within three years. (Trimboards, presently produced in Germany and imported into the US, are sold from the Huntsville office and will be produced locally by the end of 2005.)

Several other foreign-based companies enjoy similar success here, among them Saint-Gobain and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Saint-Gobain (formerly known as Norton Materials), one of the world's hundred leading industrial corporations and the world's largest maker of glass and ceramics, has experienced long-term profitability in the Huntsville area. The company’s Huntsville plant produces abrasive grains (used in grinding wheels and sandpaper) and zirconia (used to cast titanium for airplane turbine engine vanes and golf clubs). The facility is the most advanced zirconia fusion center in the world.

A French-based business, SaintGobain is one of the oldest companies in

existence, dating back to 1665. The company was created by Colbert to make mirrors for the famous Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. It is also one of the oldest companies in Huntsville, starting here in 1952, when the community was home to only 16,000 people.

Saint-Gobain originally made abrasives in Niagara Falls, New York, but during the Cold War the U.S. government asked the company to move to a new location for fear of nuclear attack. Losing the only U.S. abrasive-maker would have meant no guns, no tanks, no metal – no way to manufacture the components vital to national defense. Several factors influenced Saint-Gobain’s decision to make Huntsville the new home for abrasives production: (1) low-cost power from TVA (among the lowest power rates in the world); (2) railroad access; (3) Tennessee River access (water for cooling the furnaces); (4) proximity to raw materials (zircon sand) in Florida and Virginia; and (5) a high quality labor pool.

Ironically, with the von Braun rocket team’s move here in 1950, Huntsville became the #2 nuclear target in the U.S. (according to some sources). The bomb never hit, and Saint-Gobain and Huntsville still thrive today.

Saint-Gobain exports 20,000 tons of material from Huntsville per year and employs 120 people. Significantly, the continued on page 09 07 Initiatives April 2004

At Home in Alabama . . . continued from page 07

Huntsville location is one of SaintGobain’s best facilities in terms of safety, with no accidents in more than three years.

Tom Schuster, Plant Manager for Saint-Gobain’s local facility, comments “Doing business here is phenomenal. We have good relationships with TVA and Huntsville Utilities, and the power rates here are among the lowest in the world.

We also have great relationships with the local police department, fire department and environmental groups. The Tennessee River is indispensable to us; we use the water to cool our furnaces, and we put it back in the river cleaner than when we took it out. The excellent railway access is key to our success here, as well.”

Millie Marshall, General Manager of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc., expresses similar sentiments in regard to the Huntsville area, “Toyota has received tremendous support from

the city, county and state from day one.

We have also been impressed with the skill and diversity of the North Alabama workforce.”

Toyota Alabama produces engines for the popular Toyota Tundra pickup truck.

They opened in 2003 with production of the V8 engine, and will add V6 production for both the Tundra and Tacoma in 2005. A new 400,000 square foot facility opened in April 2003 – an investment that added about 300 production and 50 support jobs. The facility has since turned out more than 50,000 V8 engines.

Marshall says, “Our expansion announcement in 2003 was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members and the support we have received from the Huntsville/Madison County community.”

A 40,000 square foot expansion on the plant’s south end will soon house the

V6 production and add another 150 production jobs. The expansion will allow for the manufacture of 130,000 V6 Tacoma and Tundra engines.

Without question, the spokespeople for these foreign-based businesses have very positive attitudes about working and living in Huntsville/Madison County.

The businesses are thriving economically, and they benefit from the Tennessee Valley in other ways. “I came over here and felt at home immediately,” says Unterieser. “That has to do with the friendliness of the people, and it has to do with the scenery here. I have traveled the world over, and I intend to stay here.”

In turn, these businesses strengthen the local economy through job creation and sales, while also contributing diversity to the city’s culture. So, the result is the interesting, strong and lasting community we call home.

• Dauna Coulter

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09 April 2004 Initiatives

Initiatives April 2004

Market Wide Open NAITA celebrates more than 20 years, sets sights on world recognition

W

ith more than 20 years experience and more than 370 dues-paying members representing nearly 70 North Alabama firms and other organizations, the North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) has stated its vision – To see the North Alabama/Tennessee Valley region recognized as a World Class Community.

Free trade, international business, the world economy: All of these, until recently, were popular buzzwords of American business, accepted truisms of economic life in a growing, global economy. But that message, based in classical economic theory and accepted by most in the U.S. business community, has lately come under attack with the increasing media attention on the outsourcing of U.S. jobs.

The grumbling over the loss of American textile jobs to Mexico and Central America has given way to a wail of protest over the loss of prized, high-paying information technology, electrical engineering and medical jobs. Proponents of free trade find themselves increasingly on the defensive.

NAITA Director Ann Burkett takes it in stride. “We are trying to counter this by pointing out companies that are doing business overseas and creating jobs here in the process,” she says, a statement that basically sums up the mission of the trade promotion group.

Adopting the principles of World Class, Rosabeth Moss Kantor’s 1997 book on the global economy, NAITA’s Board increasingly defines its mission in terms of the Concepts, Competence and Connections needed for North Alabama to become what Kantor described as “world class.”

Concepts, said Kantor, represent the ideas, technologies and innovations of an area.

Huntsville’s technologically-oriented economy fits into this role. Competence, she said, involves possession of the skills needed to become world class, while Connections describes how cities and regions become crossroads to the world.

Huntsville’s airport, intermodal center and free trade zones, says Burkett, are elements already in place to make North Alabama a recognized crossroad of world commerce.

A networking and educational trade association to promote international business was a new concept to Huntsville and North Alabama in 1983. “It took a group of forward-thinking individuals who recognized the need to provide a forum to discuss and learn about business opportunities in the global marketplace,” says Burkett, who is also Madison County Planning and Economic Development Director.

NAITA’s impact on the North Alabama business community is undeniable.

Often touted is a 1998 survey of world

trade activity by Madison County firms which showed a nearly 300% increase from 1988 to 1998 in the number of local firms involved in exporting.

Burkett has her staff of a full-time assistant and two college interns busy gathering new data to update the survey, and hopes to have the new study published by early summer. However, she says, 52% of firms responding as of late February reported increased exporting activity in 2003.

NAITA provides a means for local government and industry to work together to promote trade development.

The public/private cooperative effort between NAITA and the Madison County Commission’s International Trade Development Center (ITDC) plays a major role in North Alabama trade development efforts. “Growth for our companies in the international market means the expansion of our job and tax bases. It usually means good quality jobs for our residents, as well as increased tax revenue for our community. International trade development makes good economic sense,” says Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie, an early leader in the founding of NAITA. Rick Tucker, Port of Huntsville Execcontinued on page 13

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11 April 2004 Initiatives

Initiatives April 2004

Market Wide Open . . . continued from page 11

utive Director, is another of those who recognizes North Alabama’s potential in the emerging global economy. “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,” he said.

At a recent meeting at the Four Points Sheraton, Lamar Jackson, president of NAITA, briefly recounted 2003 highlights – A conference at UAH on the Free Trade Area of the Americas; a record crowd at the annual World Trade Day luncheon at the Civic Center; an international business studies seminar at UAH’s Bevill Center on projecting American business culture.

Huntsville also attracted 340 attendees to the annual meeting of the Japan America Society of Alabama, by far the largest attendance for any Alabama city.

Last May saw the kickoff of NAITA’s summer Trade Education Tours, where NAITA members traveled to Arab, Guntersville, Decatur and Florence to spread the gospel of free trade and international business. Late summer and fall brought seminars on importing, doing business with Japan and the annual Port of Huntsville Night, celebrating the unique strengths provided to the local economy by Huntsville’s world-class airport and intermodal center. Throughout the year, as always, NAITA worked with the Alabama Development Office to organize trade missions to Germany, Canada, Japan, Central America and China.

Looking ahead, Burkett and Jackson, Director of Global Alliances for Huntsville-based SIRSI Corporation, describe NAITA as a mature, seasoned organization ready to take the message of free trade even more effectively to North Alabama.

Making new connections, says Burkett, is a major goal for 2004 and the future. “We’re focusing on creating alliances with partners in other countries,

both economic development agencies as well as companies in similar industry sectors to us, such as aerospace, information technology and automotive manufacturing.” To that end, a noted Atlantabased foreign trade group representing Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Israel, Japan, and the United Kingdom will visit Huntsville in late April to help forge additional contacts between local firms and their foreign counterparts.

The Export-Import Bank (EXIM) also exists to help international trade. NAITA has an EXIM seminar slated for early fall.

Not surprisingly, NAITA supports the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) plan to create a western hemispherical trading bloc stretching from Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina. Last November’s FTAA Ministerial in Miami accomplished much less than was hoped for, but

NAITA will continue to support the idea, says Burkett.

A local highlight of the world trade awareness effort is the annual World Trade Day luncheon, held each spring in conjunction with the Technological Excellence in Aviation, Missiles and Space (TEAMS) week. Co-sponsored by the Madison County Commission, the event recognizes the importance of world trade to the local economy. This year, LTG (retired) Daniel W. Christman, Sr. Vice President for International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will discuss how the Iraq situation, the international war on terror and other global events impact our local international business community. If past World Trade Day luncheons are any indication, the April 1 event should be a near sellout.

• Mike Kelley

13 Initiatives April 2004

Beyond the Clouds Marketing Huntsville and Madison County to the World

D

aily headlines attest to the exodus of American jobs and companies to overseas countries. But amid a rightful hue and cry that questions a true bottom line, there are stories of international companies creating new operations and jobs in America, including right here in Huntsville and Madison County.

The motivation is simple – proximity to the customer. As foreign companies like Siemens, Toyota and Honda look to expand their market share in the United States, they are also looking for locations where their products and services can be rendered cost effectively. Officials in Alabama are working to facilitate that search.

Huntsville/Madison County is no stranger to international economic development success. Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brian Hilson says, “We go wherever the best opportunities are, and as a result we’ve had some success internationally.” Currently, there are 32 foreign-based companies operating in Madison County (see pages 24-25). None of these companies was recruited because it carried the label “international,” but because local economic developers and savvy corporate officials determined a good match.

According to Hilson, Alabama is a member of several organizations that link foreign companies with American developers. Through these groups the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce conducts discussions with companies from Germany, South Korea and Japan. These discussions are excellent means to build name recognition, develop individual relationships and

provide opportunities to showcase the advantages of the Huntsville community.

While these basic functions are similar to procedures for domestic companies, Hilson says they are increasingly important when dealing with a company that is half a world away.

Mickey Harbin, director of Alabama external affairs for BellSouth and current president of the Japan American Society of Alabama, describes these organizations as “Linkages that help to make those contacts. The more people you know, the more contacts you have, and the better your chances.”

The Southeast US/Japan Association is one such organization – it brings together Japanese companies and seven southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The group meets annually, alternating locations between Japan and the United States.

Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Tommy Beason, Chamber President Brian Hilson, Congressman Bud Cramer, Airport Authority Director Rick Tucker and representatives from Toyota were among participants in the most recent meeting in Japan.

Through the meetings they built relationships to assist actual business recruitments and expansions.

A big part of attracting companies is inviting people to visit the Huntsville community. Last November, Huntsville hosted the Nagoya Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Toyota has manufacturing facilities in the Nagoya area that produce engines similar to those

now being made in Huntsville. While the local plant was under construction, Huntsville officials met frequently with Toyota. With Toyota as the intermediary, a friendship was formed with the Nagoya Chamber. Last year, when Nagoya officials planned a trip to the United States, Huntsville was one of three cities they chose to visit. More than 20 of the people visiting were high-ranking Japanese business leaders. “We were presenting the community to business leaders from Nagoya,” says Hilson, “because establishing relationships means everything.”

Hilson hopes the Japanese executives left with such a favorable impression that, when they look to expand in the United States, they will first consider the Huntsville community. Just as importantly, if they know of other companies looking to locate in the U.S., Hilson hopes they’ll recommend the Huntsville area.

After the introduction phase, company calls and visits are part of the recruitment process, including overseas missions. Consequently, Chamber Vice President for Economic Development Ethan Hadley spent two weeks in Singapore, Japan and Korea beginning in February.

“First you identify the companies you need to approach. That comes from looking at the numbers, seeing who has growth potential and working the phones to set up appointments.” A major stop on the trip was the Singapore Air Show, an event typically teeming with corporate leaders. Brooks Kracke, representing the Port of Huntsville Jetplex Industrial Park, accompanied Hadley. Barbie Peek, director of marketing for the airport, continued on page 19 15

14 April 2004 Initiatives

Initiatives April 2004

HAVE YOUR COMPANY’S STORY TOLD IN A FASCINATING BOOK

T

he Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County is partnering with Riverbend Books to publish a photographic chronicle of life in our community. As in other projects Riverbend has undertaken, this hardcover coffeetable book will be unlike anything ever attempted before in the county.

opportunity. Chamber members are given first crack at having their company’s story told in the pages of the book. What’s enticing is that each sponsor story – which ranges from one to four pages – is written, photographed and designed by Riverbend, using the same nationally recognized talent that the rest of the book enjoys.

In addition to top local talent, Riverbend will be bringing in photographers whose credits appear in National Geographic, Life, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and other prominent publications.

Their mission is bring our community to life like never before. Says Publisher Barry Levin, “We’re going to be in homes, churches, schools, businesses, back yards, operating rooms scrubbed for surgery, restaurants and in every nook and cranny of the region. We anticipate more than 100 shooting days, shooting more than 35,000 images.”

Levin continues: “These are stories about their company. We’ve had sponsors talk about community involvement, brag about their roots, customer service, their strengths and other topics. Then to provide even more value, we can even turn their story into an impressive custom brochure, and sponsors get usage of their photography. We have a whole sponsor package that says ‘value, value, value’ – this is just the beginning.”

Tentatively entitled ONE SKY, Countless Stars – A Photographic Portrait of Huntsville/Madison County, this pictorial portrait of the community will include more than 300 of the best color photos and is scheduled for publication in Spring of 2005.

For the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County and its members, it is a unique

“The importance of this book to Huntsville/Madison County goes way beyond just having your company’s story told,” says Chamber President Brian Hilson.

“These books are a vital component in an economic development effort to promote our community.

Publication of this much-needed book will be one of our most important projects. Our community and business leaders will utilize this book to present to new companies with an interest in expanding here and professionals considering relocation.”

For more information, contact John Lorenzo, project director, at the Chamber 256-535-2017, or in Atlanta 800-562-8512.

Smile . . . there is likely to be a Nikon 35mm camera and nationally known photographer close by.

Beyond the Clouds . . . continued from page 15

notes the importance, “It is important to our overall game plan. It’s where decisionmakers are, and they are there to do business and talk to you. When you go to an event like the Singapore Air Show, the opportunities are better to get to people.”

The culmination of achieving name recognition, building relationships and showcasing the community may mean a foot in the door, but much work remains to sell a foreign company on locating here. Hadley says there are nuances about dealing with international companies.

“You want to be aware of basic etiquette.”

Beyond that, he says standard rules apply.

“It’s recognizing the key people and decision-makers in the companies, finding them, getting to know them and educating them. This stands true domestically, and internationally it is the same – you just add cultural customs and logistics issues.” Hadley says international companies want to see the same numbers and other information as American companies do, including site information, tax structure and workforce quality – categories in which Chamber officials believe Huntsville excels.

Hadley notes there are consistent challenges in stateside and overseas prospecting, as well: Alabama economic developers must overcome stereotypes people have for the state. “Companies are usually surprised by what they find in Alabama, compared with their preconceptions.” Mickey Harbin says that in years past it was difficult pointing the state out on a map. “We would say we’re Alabama and the next question would be something like, ‘Do you know where Disney is?’ We’re north of there and west of Atlanta.” Harbin attests that Mercedes and the auto industry have literally helped to put Alabama on the map. Not only has the industry helped companies find the state, it’s also established a proven track record of success.

“International companies know that the auto industry has done its homework.

These are good quality companies that have already chosen Alabama, and there must be a reason why they’re coming

here,” says Harbin.

Landing Toyota Motor Company’s engine assembly plant in 2000 is an example of how a painstaking process can produce success. Hilson says the groundwork was laid through the Southeast U.S./Japan Association. That’s where Huntsville leaders and company officials first met. For several years, local representatives communicated with the company and made representatives aware of the opportunities available in North Alabama. Harbin says, “It takes a long time to establish lasting relationships. You can’t just go over there twice a year; you have to have a long-term plan.”

In September of 2000, the long-term plan paid off when officials received the call they’d been hoping for. Site search consultant Ernst & Young wanted detailed information for an unnamed company that was looking at the area. Specifically, they wanted to know about tax

structure and workforce wages. One week later, Toyota officials were on the ground.

Nine people arrived at the airport, reminding Hilson of a baseball team.

From that point, the recruitment effort was code-named “Project Diamond.”

More visits and information exchanges followed, and in February 2001 Toyota officially announced its plans to build a plant in Huntsville.

Now, Toyota is part of the strategy for attracting more Japanese businesses to Huntsville/Madison County. The community’s other international companies are also helping the Chamber pave inroads to foreign soils.

The process of building and cultivating relationships to attract new business is never-ending. By staying diligent to this effort, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce is poised to attract companies from around the globe.

creative designs Q UA L I T Y AR CH I TEC T U R E commercial

resi dential

Bird & Kamback Architects, llc 304A Franklin Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801 PHONE 256.536.1160 FAX 256.536.1460 www.bkarchitects.com

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Initiatives April 2004

Economic Indicators POPULA TION

Economy At-A-Glance

Madison County

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

35-Mile Radius

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

145,604

6,081

242,971

439,023

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

161,842

16,813

293,047

505,967 581,506

EMPLOYMEN T* JAN 2004

JAN 2003

Total Non-ag Employment .......................................................... 182,900

185,500

Mining & Construction .................................................................... 7,500

6,900

Huntsville Metro Area**

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

158,216

29,329

342,376

2003 Estimate ......................................287,117

159,636

*34,260

355,488

598,007

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

32,100

2008 Projection ....................................302,734

164,335

*39,729

375,964

626,450

Trade, Transportation & Utilities .................................................... 30,200

29,300

% Growth 1980-2003 ............................45.8%

9.6%

463.4%

46.3%

36.2%

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

2,400

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

5,800

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

51,113

2,040

82,440

150,864

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

63,838

6,681

110,893

191,654

2000 Census ........................................109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

229,284

2003 Estimate ......................................114,811

68,070

*13,175

140,703

237,445

2008 Projection ....................................123,387

71,672

*17,083

151,677

% Growth 1980-2003 ............................71.2%

33.2%

545.8%

70.7%

Professional & Business Services ................................................ 37,000

34,400

Education & Health Services ........................................................ 12,400

12,200

Leisure & Hospitality...................................................................... 15,600

14,400

253,191

Other Services ................................................................................ 7,400

7,200

57.4%

Government .................................................................................. 41,100

40,800

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

Race 2003 Population Estimate ....................281,117

159,636

*34,260

355,488

598,007

White ......................................................70.8%

63.3%

77.8%

73.2%

79.5%

Black ......................................................23.7%

31.0%

14.8%

21.7%

16.0%

Asian & Pacific Islander ............................2.0%

2.3%

3.7%

1.7%

1.2%

Other Races..............................................3.6%

3.4%

3.8%

3.5%

3.4%

Income & Age Average Household Income ................$63,021

$61,025

$77,962

$60,858

$56,892

Huntsville Region (Counties)

JAN 2004

JAN 2003

Madison ......................................................................................154,030

146,910

Limestone...................................................................................... 33,140

31,840

Jackson ........................................................................................ 25,590

24,710

$48,324

$66,509

$46,754

$45,052

Marshall ........................................................................................ 38,630

38,070

Per Capita Income ..............................$25,450

$26,384

$29,896

$24,362

$22,809

Morgan .......................................................................................... 55,300

54,900

Median Age ................................................36.5

38.3

34.9

36.6

37.7

Franklin, TN .................................................................................. 20,730

19,720

Giles, TN........................................................................................ 15,400

16,350

Lincoln, TN .................................................................................... 15,330

15,360

Huntsville Regional Total ........................................................ 358,150

347,860

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

Total Retail Sales

Food & Restaurants $736,594

$908,076

$978,414

$619,484

$141,111

$131,142

$132,976

Jackson Co.

$468,707

$117,990

$1,242,376

Morgan Co.

Automotive

$3,910,205

Limestone Co.

Marshall Co.

* Based on place of residence.

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

Furniture & Merchandise

$102,509

$164,795

$89,452

$229,099

$579,074

$1,448,374

$287,895

$258,605

$419,366

$245,369

$58,321

$38,133

$32,547

Lawrence Co. Giles Co. (TN)

$278,739

$56,429

$32,025

$84,589

Lincoln Co. (TN)

$300,730

$50,192

$65,715

$94,805

Franklin Co. (TN) Regional Total

$311,996

$102,760

$60,773

$54,711

$8,825,980

$1,716,087

$1,826,077

$2,465,934

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE*

JAN 2004

JAN 2003

Madison County .............................................................................. 5.0%

4.0%

Huntsville Region ............................................................................ 5.9%

5.3%

Alabama .......................................................................................... 6.0%

5.7%

United States .................................................................................. 5.6%

5.8%

* Based on place of residence.

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

COST OF LIVING INDEX 4th QTR 2003

Composite Grocery Index Items

Housing

Utilities

TransHealth portation Care

Goods & Services

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

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY (cumulative to date)

# of Projects

JAN 2004 Square Feet

JAN 2003 $ Value

# of Projects

Square Feet

Atlanta, GA

97.6

103.3

91.8

90.3

99.0

106.3

100.9

Dallas, TX

96.8

90.6

91.3

94.0

100.5

99.4

103.6

Huntsville, AL

91.8

100.4

74.1

93.4

103.3

87.0

100.4

Orlando, FL

97.2

97.9

91.9

97.3

95.5

94.8

102.3

St. Louis, MO

101.3

105.5

99.1

90.9

97.8

96.7

106.2

Washington, D.C.

138.8

111.2

206.8

104.4

120.6

124.9

108.4

$ Value

Total Const. Contracts ...................... 155

703,000

$58,901,000

149

448,000

$39,983,000

Commercial ........................................ 11

22,000

$3,532,000

18

81,000

$8,609,000

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

0

$0

2

19,000

$345,000

Single Family .................................... 111

237,000

$9,444,000

96

205,000

$8,205,000

Multi-Family ........................................ 10

356,000

$26,430,000

2

5,000

$111,000

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

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

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

JAN 2004

JAN 2003

% Change 03-04

Index

United States...............................................................185.2

1.9%

181.7

2.6%

South Region...............................................................178.2

1.8%

175.1

2.6%

Index All Urban Consumers

% Change 02-03

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

LEADING EMPLOYERS U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . . .11,141 Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,355 Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000 The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700

LABOR FORCE *

Median Household Income ..................$48,301

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

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama, is located in the middle of the southeastern United States with more than 4 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.

HOME SALES JAN 2004

JAN 2003

Houses on Market.............................................................................. 3,461

3,472

Houses Sold & Closed.......................................................................... 462

429

Avg. Selling Price.......................................................................... $130,381

$123,162

Avg. Days on Market..............................................................................112

103

Median Sales Price........................................................................$108,000

$108,000

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 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 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.

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

20

21 April 2004 Initiatives

Initiatives April 2004

Member Developments

AMBS, Inc. (Automated Managed Business Solutions), a recent graduate of Biz Tech, celebrated with a ribbon cutting at its new location, 690-A Discovery Drive in Cummings Research Park. For more information call 256-704-0422 or visit www.ambs-hsv.com

Champion Window Company – The newest of Champion’s nationwide show rooms.

Champion is a manufacturer, distributor and installer of quality products. Champion installs patio rooms, windows and vinyl siding. Come visit our convenient location at 2995 Wall Triana Highway, Suite A6, in Huntsville.

Crestwood Medical Center had its ribbon-cutting celebration for its new expansion on

Huntsville Hospital's Corporate University was officially introduced to the com-

February 24, 2004. The new areas include a new outpatient entrance/waiting area, 6 new ORs and a new patient tower. Renovation is underway for the 1st, 3rd and 4th floors to convert all patient rooms to private.

munity and recognized for its contribution to healthcare education with its ribbon-cutting on February 24, 2004.

Priority Security, Inc., a Brinks Security Authorized Dealer, proudly announced the

US Landscaping – Celebrating our 5th year serving the Tennessee Valley in complete

Grand Opening of its new office located at 4717 University Drive. Come by and visit us or call 837-5023. Your security is our Priority.

landscape design, installation and full service lawn maintenance. Call 468-6453 or visit us online at www.us-landscaping.com

22

23 August 2003 Initiatives

Initiatives August 2003

Foreign-Affiliated Companies, Huntsville/Madison County

Cinram International, Inc. : Manufactures and distributes pre-recorded DVDs, VHS videocassettes, audio CDs, audiocassettes and CD-ROMs for motion picture studios, music labels, publishers and computer software companies around the world.

Futuba Corporation : Manufactures, sells and

Okaya (USA), Inc. : Integrates suppliers for

distributes electronic systems and components.

Toyota, Alabama. Manages inventory level for all cutting tools to maintain efficient but not excessive stock.

Green Metals, Inc. : Provides scrap-metal

Epic Data Corp. : Offers Bar Code data collection systems for manufacturing environments.

disposal; process and markets both ferrous and nonferrous metals; meets the scrap disposal needs of its customers and the ecological needs of the environment.

Future Electronics : Markets and distributes semiconductors and passive, interconnect and

Hokuriku USA, Ltd. : Supplies passive electronic

electro-mechanical components.

MATSU : Specializes in the stamping of metal products that are integral in the assembly of a variety of automobiles manufacturer's including Honda and General Motors. (MATSU Alabama is one of ten manufacturing plants operated by MATCOR Automotive, Inc. and MATSU Manufacturing, Inc.)

Nortel Networks : Delivers networking and communication services and infrastructure to service providers and enterprises.

TecSyn PMP, Inc. : Makes powdered metal for use in manufacturing precision metal parts.

Saint-Gobain : Manufactures

Barloworld Handling : Largest

abrasives and refractory zirconia.

Hyster lift truck dealer in the United States.

components, including fixed and variable resistors, potentiometers, thermistors, sensors, PC boards, tactile switches and TCXO/VCXO products.

JPC (USA), Inc. : Supplies filtration and washing systems. Provides industrial equipment, parts and service to automotive and related manufacturing operations.

Nalux Nano Optical, LLC : Provides customer support for their ultra-precision optical equipment.

TDK : Designs and markets analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for communications products.

Toko America, Inc. : Manufacturers of electronic components, subassemblies and systems; Huntsville is home to a sales and warehouse office.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. : Produces engines for Toyota’s Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks.

Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. : International trading firm with numerous interests in supply-chain activities, intermediate goods production and manufacturing-related services.

AMEC Earth Environmental : Provides environmental consulting and engineering, specializing in Department of Defense activities.

Aviagen North America : Develops breeding stock for the chicken industry using genetic selection techniques.

Meteor Light & Sound : Offers a wide range of Special Lighting Effects for the Club, Discotheque and Theatrical Environments.

Signature Flight Support : Provides airplane fueling and maintenance; airplane radio repair.

Siemens VDO Automotive : Produces high volume PC board-based electronic automotive component products.

Johann A. Krause, Inc. : Develops, designs, manufactures and delivers turn-key aggregate assembly systems including testing equipment for the automotive industry.

LG Electronics : Customer service

Adecco : Designs and delivers staffing solutions;

and parts distributor for LG Electronics and Zenith products in North America.

provides temporary engineering, technical support, clerical and administrative personnel.

support, packaging and fulfillment services.

Expression Genetics :

Panalpina, Inc. : Provides international

Zeiss (Z/I Imaging) : Provides open Windows®-based imaging solutions, including aerial cameras, photogram-

Develops proprietary non-viral biocompatible polymeric gene carrier systems for internal products and for those in partnership with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

forwarding and logistics services.

Kömmerling USA, Inc. : Manufactures and sells rigid PVC foam sheets.

Schenker-Stinnes Logistics : Provides contract and public warehousing, transportation, manufacturing

metric scanners and workstations, stereo softcopy and geo-data management, processing and distribution software.

24 April 2004 Initiatives

Synapse, Inc. : Designs and provides intelligent electronic control products and systems for plumbing OEMs. 25 Initiatives April 2004

27 Initiatives April 2004

For more information

Unlocking Your Company’s Global Potential Port of Huntsville Is Your Gateway to International Trade Success

W

hen it comes to competing in the global economy, there are a few key requirements for a successful business. One of these requirements is a reliable means of transportation to move the goods in and out of the area.

Another is compliance with local and federal trade regulations. These requisites, plus a full line of storing, processing, import/export and duty exemption services, can be found in one location in the Tennessee Valley: The Port of Huntsville.

The Port of Huntsville encompasses the Huntsville International Airport, the International Intermodal Center and Jetplex Industrial Park. Foreign Trade Zone No. 83 is located on-site as are aroundthe-clock U.S. Customs and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors.

Key to Reliable Transportation With the completion of a runway expansion in January, the Huntsville International Airport continues to increase its position as an international trade resource. Now at 12,600 feet, the west runway is the second longest runway in the Southeast, second only to Miami.

This expansion cost $31 million and took three years to complete.

The runway expansion will have an impact over the next few years for air cargo companies operating daily flights out of Huntsville. This expansion will enable any of the wide-body freighters in production today, and those currently being designed, to take off and land in Huntsville fully loaded and fully fueled.

Now, companies like Panalpina who operate several international flights a week can reach even more corners of the

world non-stop from Huntsville.

Such improvements make the International Intermodal Center appealing to Asian cargo handlers, as well as companies specializing in time-definite cargo. These companies rely on the daily movement of goods in and out of the area to avoid costly storage. Local businesses taking advantage of this service ship everything from cars to pharmaceuticals. Panalpina has been providing such service out of Huntsville for 14 years. Beginning with one flight weekly to Luxembourg in 1990 and only 12,500 square feet of cargo space, they have increased their operation to 12-15 flights a week and utilize more than 100,000 square feet of cargo space.

Air is just one mode of transporting goods from Huntsville to the rest of the world. Truck and rail are two more choices available at the International Intermodal Center, located adjacent to the airport. Mitch Bradley, acting director for the Intermodal Center, states that “rail has become more reliable and organized in recent years,” thereby increasing its importance in the global marketplace.

Overall, the Intermodal Center has seen a steady increase in the amount of activity.

Even in the past three months, a period when things are usually slow, the rail business has surpassed expectation.

Key to Industry Expertise The International Intermodal Center is also home to U.S. Customs and USDA offices. In combination, these two entities are known as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. CBP provides 24-hour clearing of imported

merchandise, entry documentation, payment of duties and immigration-agriculture servicing. Having these services available right where they are needed makes the Port of Huntsville an attractive location for International trade.

Also located within the Port of Huntsville is U.S Foreign Trade Zone No. 83. It is a specially designated area adjacent to the Port of Huntsville, but considered outside U.S. Customs Territory. Operated by the Huntsville ForeignTrade Zone Corporation, this service-plus facility provides technical expertise on regulatory customs issues, as well as money savings from duty exemptions.

Foreign Trade Zone No. 83 is one of 250 such zones identified as General Purpose Zones in the United States. According to the last release of the Annual Foreign Trade Zone Board Report, Zone No. 83 is ranked 17th in value of merchandise received.

Key to Increased Profits Becoming a Foreign Trade Zone user or subzone is not difficult, according to Louise Stickley of the Huntsville Foreign Trade Zone Corporation. Setting up a company for distribution and warehousing within the zone can be done in as little as one month for most companies. A free, cost benefit analysis can be conducted for requesting companies. Stickley recommends contacting them to initiate a review, and says, “Generally a company should be able to recover the costs involved in getting zone status within their first year, and then see substantial profits from the program either that year or the following. If not, we will not

Request a list of freight forwarders currently using the center: International Intermodal Center 772-7084 Request a free cost benefit analysis to see if your company can profit from their resources: Foreign Trade Zone No. 83 772-3105 or www.FTZ83.com Review all the Port of Huntsville has to offer: www.hsvairport.org

recommend that they use the FTZ program.” Such savings are related to duty exemption on re-exports, deferred duty while the merchandise is located in the zone, relief from local ad valorem taxes and even duty elimination on waste, scrap or defective parts. All of these features add up to big savings for using the Foreign Trade Zone.

Stickley identified pharmaceutical companies as the top users of trade zones.

That’s because the duty on individual components is high, while the end product, after creating a manufactured drug, is considerably lower. This adds up to large savings for pharmaceutical companies by importing their components into the trade zone, manufacturing their products and applying the lower duty rate.

The Intermodal Center also boosts bottom lines by allowing three times as much “free time” for receiving large quantities of goods. The industry standard quoted by Bradley is three days.

Huntsville allows ten days for area businesses to take delivery of their loaded containers.

The Port of Huntsville offers many enticing features to area businesses that rely on global markets. From daily cargo flights to 24-hour U.S. Customs inspections, moving goods efficiently and profitably through North Alabama has become commonplace. Truly, the world is as close as the southwest corner of Madison County: The Port of Huntsville is your gateway to the world, a key to unlocking your company’s global potential.

• Robin Potts

28

29 April 2004 Initiatives

Initiatives April 2004

We never forget our success is based on your success.

401 Williams Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801 256-533-1400

At the Hilton Huntsville you can plan on success.

Recognized for comfortable facilities and service that is tailored to the needs of small groups as well as large gatherings, the Hilton Huntsville will go the extra mile so you don’t have to. Combine our attention to detail with the expertise of our culinary team, and your successful event is only a phone call away. For your next meeting or event, visit hiltondirect.com, or call Hilton Direct at ®

1-800-321-3232 or contact the Hilton Huntsville at 256-533-1400.

Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles,® and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. ©2004 Hilton Hospitality, Inc.

30 April 2004 Initiatives

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