Initiatives magazine, December 2005 by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

On the Move to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

initiatives H unt s vi l l e/ Madi s on C ount y • C ham ber of C om m erce

december 2005

cover story

Redstone on the Move Who, what, where and when of Base Realignment and Closure

Page 20 Jay Thomas

Courtesy of Redstone Arsenal

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/southern Tennessee region. Huntsville/Madison County’s economy is 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.

f eatures Charging forward in biotechnology

Hudson-Alpha Institute

Milestone for Expression Genetics

Tower of strength

CRP focus on economic development

Park your business, HERE

NSSTC names new director

d e v e l o p me n t s

Tom England; inset by Jackson Hill

Community profile

Inc. 500 – Deja vu!

Travel survey

Looking up in downtown

Thoughtful planning

Special recognition

HREGI investors

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

Brian Hilson

Executive Editor

Holly McClain

Editorial Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Contributing Writers

Holly McClain, Mike Ward Jim Flinn, Rick Davis, Erica Eddings

Photography

on the web

Holly McClain, Huntsville/ Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, UAH

HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

unless otherwise credited

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

Advertising Sales

Susan Bowen

7 Initiatives December 2005

The Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2005 Executive Committee Jim Link, Chair Dave Hargrove, Chair-Elect Tommy Beason, Past Chair Peri Widener, Secretary Jan Hess, Treasurer Brad Jones, Vice Chair Economic Development Joe Ritch, Vice Chair Governmental Affairs

A Message from the Chamber

Bill Watson, Vice Chair Research & Information Services Gerald Toland, Vice Chair Small Business Joe Austin, Vice Chair Workforce Development

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends:

Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed

This edition of Initiatives contains our annual look at Huntsville/Madison County’s “infrastructure” which for most communities means utilities and transportation improvements that will enable future economic growth. In Huntsville/Madison County, the reasons most often cited by business executives and officials selecting the Huntsville area for business growth are: proximity to the customer (often the federal government) and our exceptional workforce. Our community has always planned and invested in its physical infrastructure needs in anticipation of the fast-paced employment growth which has occurred in Huntsville for the past half-century. New challenges now lie ahead as North Alabama prepares for almost 5,000 new jobs as a direct result of the Base Realignment and Closure process. When combined with new jobs occurring in other sectors of the local economy – manufacturing, biotechnology, office operations, transportation, etc. – our continued strong emphasis on preparing our infrastructure is of even greater importance. Perhaps the most important investment we can make, in order to accommodate new opportunities for economic growth, is in education at all levels. This edition of Initiatives takes a close look at what’s in store for Redstone Arsenal, including some $400 million in new construction. Other feature articles address Huntsville’s role in biotechnology, Cummings Research Park, our local industrial parks and Huntsville International Airport’s new control tower. This is an unprecedented period of growth for Huntsville during this bicentennial year of celebration for our city. We are poised to gain more employees and more new residents during the next several years than ever before, and we will be prepared!

Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed Karen Stanley, Chair-Appointed Brian Hilson, President/CEO

Elected Board Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Pete Apple, CSC Joe Austin, Huntsville Hospital Scott Averbuch, Averbuch Realty Co., Inc. Clayton Bass, Huntsville Museum of Art Jim Bolte, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Frank Caprio, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne John Cooper, Avocent Corporation Dick Fountain, Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates Dr. Frank Franz, UAH Dr. Greg Gum, Radiology Associates Bill Gurley, SAIC Linda Hait, The Boeing Company Tharon Honeycutt Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed

Brian Hilson

Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota

President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt, P.C. Scott Seeley, Regions Bank Remigius Shatas, RNR Ventures Karen Stanley, Stanley Properties, LLC Sandra Steele, Enfinger Steele Development Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden Herman Stubbs, Colonial Bank Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union Irma Tuder, Analytical Services, Inc. Gail Wall, Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bill Watson, SouthTrust Bank Keith Wilson, Wyle Laboratories Tom Young, Qualitest Pharmaceutical

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c o m m u n i t y p ro f i l e

TOP 10 EMPLOYERS

Madison County

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,599

Population 2000 Census

276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,092

2004 Estimate

293,072

164,146

35,012

362,459

Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,700 NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,676

Households 2000 Census

Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,320

109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

Wal-Mart Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,300 CINRAM

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

Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,097

Income & Age Avg. Household Income

$57,220

$55,856

$72,432

$55,343

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,033

Per Capita Income

$23,091

$24,015

$27,821

$22,073

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,031

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)

Source: Chamber of Commerce

Aerospace & Defense Huntsville/Madison County is home to the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center which combine to drive a thriving aerospace and defense technology industry. Nearly 15,000 direct DoD and 2,700 NASA employees manage some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation and space exploration. More than 250 companies employing an additional 27,000 workers support the local aerospace and defense industries.

Research & Technology

For more information visit: HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a world center for technology development. The second-largest science and technology park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to more than 225 companies and 25,000 people involved in technology research and development.

9 Initiatives December 2005

Charging forward T

hree forward-looking students in UAH’s biotechnology Ph.D. program are putting invention and innovation to the test— while being the subjects of an experiment, themselves. Anita Bansal, Jeff Sparks and Yujun Wang are the first students to take part in Charger Products, a market-driven program created through support by the Partnership for Biotechnology Research (PBR). The partnership challenges students to gain experience and skills requisite for the business world. Upon acceptance into the program, Bansal, Sparks and Wang each signed a two-year agreement to participate in developing, manufacturing and marketing commercial bio-tech products. About 20 hours a week are devoted to Wang the program; at the same time, each student is expected to keep up with individual coursework and

10 December 2005 Initiatives

dissertation research. PBR helped establish the program to give biotechnology students practical experience. PBR is an alliance of industrial, academic and government organizations with the primary goal of creating a productive research and entrepreneurial environment for area biotechnology endeavors through education, consolidated business resources and networking opportunities. “The initial funding was donated by the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology,” added Dr. Lynn Boyd, associate professor in biological sciences at UAH and a member of the Charger Products advisory committee. The institute is an integral member of PBR. “It’s a novel program for funding graduate students and allowing them to get some experience taking products from a ‘proof of concepts’ idea into an actual product that they can sell,” explained Boyd. Open Biosystems, a founding member of PBR, is also providing startup resources,

in biotechnology including lab space. Upon completion of a “successful” product, Open Biosystems will license it and offer marketing and sales assistance. Bansal, who received her master’s Bansal degree in biotechnology in India, is currently developing a product that replaces tissue arrays with cell arrays for use in cancer research. Sparks, a native of Madison, Ala., and Yujun Wang, a native of China, are manufacturing reagents based on technology that can be used to solve problems in transferring genes into cells. Sparks and Wang are planning to have their product completed by the first of January. Currently, they are validating preliminary results and exploring product packaging. “We are pretty much close to our goal,” said Wang. “We are trying to figure out instructions to help users manage this tool properly.”

“What we hope is that we’ll start selling the products and that will bring in revenue. We’ll pump that back into the bank account so that the revenue will continue to pay for salaries and tuition, so it will hopefully be a financially self-sustaining program. That’s our goal,” said Dr. Boyd. Bansal, Sparks and Wang go before the Charger Products advisory committee once a month to discuss progress. Bansal noted that how they fare in balancing studies and product development help the committee gauge overall program success. She also noted that sucSparks cessful results from the Charger Products program will be positive for all involved. “You are getting financial assistance, industry experience, and indirectly helping future students.” • Erica Eddings

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Cummings Research Park

Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology works toward future

12 December 2005 Initiatives

n August, Alabama officials gathered in downtown Huntsville to formally announce the location of the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (HAIB) in Cummings Research Park and the creation of a 120-acre biotechnology site to be named the CRP Biotech Campus. “With a $50 million commitment from the state, we're gaining $80 million in private investments that together will help create 900 direct new jobs. We are actively and aggressively positioning Alabama to become a worldwide leader in biotech research and one of the premier places in the nation for these high paying jobs that can’t be exported overseas,” said Governor Riley. The HAIB mission is to use biotechnology to improve human health, stimulate economic development and inspire Alabama’s youth to seek careers in science. Already, eight established biotech companies, listed below, plan to locate all or part of their operations on the CRP Biotech Campus. According to HAIB sources, six of these will be in the institute building, while two, Operon Biotechnologies and Nektar Therapeutics, will be adjacent to the institute.

Applied Genomics, Inc. Applied Genomics, Inc. has a distinctive business strategy to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment by developing antibody reagents useful for recognizing the diversity of cancer among patients.

Expression Genetics, Inc Expression Genetics, Inc. (EGEN) is a privately held specialty biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapy products based on nonviral polymeric gene carrier systems. These products will overcome the safety concerns of viral vector systems. EGEN’s gene-based products are now prepared to enter human clinical trials.

Genaco Genaco Biomedical Products, Inc. was established in 1996. Genaco's mission is to develop and market innovative, accurate, practical and top-quality molecular differential diagnostic (MDD) products.

Nektar Therapeutics Nektar Therapeutics is a pioneer and leader in advanced drug delivery technologies that enable highly differentiated products. The company’s goal is to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners realize the full potential of their molecules by solving complex development challenges to create breakthrough therapeutics, extend product franchises, and fuel product pipelines. continued on page 14

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continued from page 13

New Century Pharmaceuticals

Operon Biotechnologies

New Century Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NCP) is the world’s leading source of expertise on the structure and function of Human Serum Albumin (HSA) – a protein which plays vital roles in the maintenance of osmotic blood pressure and blood pH as well as the transport, distribution and metabolism of a broad array of endogenous and exogenous ligands including many of the world’s most important pharmaceuticals.

Serving the oligonucleotide market since 1986, Operon Biotechnologies is an independent company, continuing in its tradition of providing quality products, service and support to researchers across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic sectors.

Open Biosystems, Inc. Open Biosystems offers a complete set of resources enabling researchers to navigate through the pathway from gene transcription to protein translation. Open Biosystems strives to expand access to new technologies in order to meet these changing needs and offer products with no strings attached to encourage research for the betterment of humankind. Open Biosystems is a marketing partner to various other biotech companies, including Expression Genetics and their Arrest-In™ lab-scale transfection reagent kits.

14 December 2005 Initiatives

SourceCF, Inc. SourceCF, Inc. was formed in July 2001 as a specialty pharmaceutical and medical company serving patients and families affected by cystic fibrosis, the healthcare providers committed to treating the disease, and the research organizations that are developing new and innovative treatments. SourceCF represents a comprehensive suite of quality pharmaceutical and medical products. •

Milestone for Expression Genetics means potential breakthrough in treating ovarian cancer First patients enrolled in phase I clinical trial of company’s gene-based therapeutic

n a fourth quarter news release, Huntsville-based Expression Genetics, Inc. announced a phase I clinical study is underway at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to evaluate the company’s lead drug candidate, EGEN-001, in treating patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. According to Dr. Danny Lewis, president and chief executive officer for Expression Genetics, the phase I studies will help determine the highest dose of the new treatment that can be given without serious side effects, and evaluate the best way to give the new treatment. Composed of interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene expression plasmid and a biocompatible delivery polymer, the treatment is designed to increase the local concentration of IL-12 – a potent anti-cancer cytokine. In simpler terms, “It [IL-12] turns on your natural immune system to fight the cancer,” explained Lewis.

The delivery system – the biocompatible delivery polymer – is key to success. “Initially, in the ’90s, viruses were used to deliver genes because viruses are a natural approach to take DNA into a cell. Unfortunately, many of the viral delivery systems led to toxic side effects, and even death,” noted Lewis. Consequently, much research has been conducted to find other means to deliver genes into cells. Lewis

continued, “We combine the IL-12 gene with a synthetic polymer and the polymer takes the DNA into the cell.” TheraPlas™ is the company’s proprietary delivery technology. The polymer is much safer, noted Lewis. “All of our pre-clinical safety studies in animals have shown it’s a much safer approach than viruses,” he added. Ronald Alvarez, M.D., director of the continued on page 16

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continued from page 15

division of gynecologic oncology at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, stated, “This is the first clinical use of a nonviral IL-12 gene therapy approach for treating ovarian cancer. Unlike standard chemotherapeutic agents, this cytokine is known for its ability to inhibit cancer growth by stimulating the immune system.” The treatment also has potential for other forms of cancer. “Our goal is to provide patients and caregivers with another potent weapon against ovarian cancer and through continued testing, ultimately use EGEN001 to treat several different forms of cancer including pancreatic, colorectal, brain, and

16 December 2005 Initiatives

head and neck,” said Lewis. Plans are to open enrollment for the phase I trial in December at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Tex. Clinical trials are an integral part of new product discovery and development, and are required by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) before a new product can be brought to the market. Four groups of patients in this clinical trial receive four escalating dosage levels, with each dosage level lasting four weeks. Treatments are delivered once per week during each four week dosage period. Up to 18 patients will be enrolled in the trial which has already begun at UAB and is expected to end in the

first quarter of 2006. Lewis remarked, “This clinical trial is a good example of how the biotech communities in Huntsville and Birmingham can collaborate to bring useful biotechnology products to the patient.” The first group of patients has already completed a four-week treatment. “We believe the best chance to really improve survival and the quality of life of these patients is to combine our product with standard chemotherapy,” said Lewis. He expects lower doses of chemotherapy will be required when used in tandem with the EGEN-001. “We’re running experiments now that are confirming this plan,” he offered. Lewis anticipates moving the product into the next phases of clinical trials in 2006 and 2007. So when could the Expression Genetics product make it to market? “For cancer products, it typically takes four to six years,” Lewis supplied. “Although, if something begins to really show promise in phase II and III trials, the FDA has accelerated those approvals for cancer drugs. So, there is hope that if we get into ’07 and the results are really looking exceptionally good, we can cut that time down considerably.” The Expression Genetics milestone can also be judged as a milestone for Huntsville. “This is, to our knowledge,” said Lewis, “the first real therapeutic drug developed here.

I’d call it a good indication of the potential for the biotech industry in Huntsville.” The company is somewhat different from other biotech companies in Huntsville, in that the primary focus is on developing therapeutic products rather than diagnostics or laboratory reagents. “In addition to products aimed at treating cancer, other laboratory projects involve formulations for treatment of cardiovascular disease,” Lewis explained. Expression Genetics is one of the companies likely to locate within the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology when it opens in 2007. EGEN-001 for treatment of ovarian cancer has been granted orphan drug status by the FDA. Orphan designation qualifies the sponsor of the product for tax credits and marketing exclusivity incentives in addition

to direct financial aid to assist in the clinical development. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of all cancers of the female reproductive system. This cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage after the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. • Dr. Danny H. Lewis is chief executive officer and president of Expression Genetics, Inc. He has 30 years experience in the field of polymers and controlled drug delivery and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in biodegradable polymers for controlled release pharmaceuticals.

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Deja vu – four go two for two Four Huntsville firms make Inc. 500 list two years in a row Inc. magazine has recognized 3D Research Corporation; Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation; Radiance Technologies, Inc.; and Solid Earth, Inc. for the second consecutive year on their 500 list of fastest growing, privately held companies in the U.S. Likewise, just like last year the number of Huntsville companies on the list means the city has the most high-growth businesses per capita in America. “These companies represent the great leadership, as well as the many opportunities that exist in our expanding community,” said Brad Jones, vice chair for economic development for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County. “We’re proud they’re here.” Following directly behind Huntsville in cities with the most Inc. 500 companies per million residents, are Boulder, Colo.; Provo, Utah; Washington, D.C.; Boston and Austin. Jones also was quick to endorse the chamber’s long-range economic development roadmap – the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiation (HREGI). “Our

community’s investment in HREGI serves to support the continued growth of these companies, as well as provide a foundation for this level of achievement by the rest of our business community,” he remarked. HREGI includes: growth and preservation of the existing economic base; recruitment of targeted businesses; defense and space industry growth; community image enhancement; new and sustained economic growth;

engaging university resources; and workforce development. See HREGI Investors on page 36. Coming in at No. 148 on the list (up from No. 214 last year) is Radiance Technologies. The company specializes in systems engineering and technology development of military products. Radiance Technologies had $35 million in revenue for continued on page 35

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Who, what, where and when of Base Realignment and Closure

ast month, the community crossed a finish line of sorts when the Congress gave its nod to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission’s recommendations. Now another process must be paced. BRAC will once again, as it did in the ’90s, require numerous organizations, municipalities, counties and others to keep step with new missions, new people and new challenges. “This will be the biggest construction boom on the arsenal since Redstone’s inception,” said Joe Davis, master planner for Redstone Arsenal. “Over the course of the last 10 years, we have averaged about $4050 million a year in construction,” he remarked. Davis noted BRAC spending is expected to more than double that figure. And while the ultimate impact may be hard to gauge at this point, current planning documents reveal well over $400 million will be spent developing nearly two million square feet of new offices and facilities for thousands of employees and several new “flags” that will soon call Redstone home. Capacities for additional electrical, sewer and water infrastructure are already in place. When combined with construction that was already slated for the post, Redstone will see nearly $500 million in infrastructure development by the end of the decade. “All of the BRAC numbers are subject to change everyday,” added Todd Hutto, chief of the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office on Redstone. The numbers do, however,

20 December 2005 Initiatives

establish a reasonable range for planning purposes. “Right now, the Department of the Army senior planning officials are reviewing all army installation BRAC plans to build the funding and construction schedules that will define the schedule we use,” Hutto affirmed. About 4,800 new jobs will be moving onto Redstone. Among that number will be the clout of six, to as many as 11, new general officers, including at least one four-star general; two three-star generals; and three two-star generals. After the consolidation is complete, few U.S. Army posts will have more generals than Redstone Arsenal. According to Hutto, combined with the five general officers already supported by the arsenal, Redstone could have as many as 16 general officers. “Having such a large concentration of general officers here ensures the future of Redstone … It also makes it that much more likely that contractors will continue to grow and locate their operations here,” said Lt. Gen. Jim Link (USA ret.), former commander at Redstone and current chairman of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

Who is coming? Seven different entities will move onto Redstone as a result of BRAC 2005: The U.S. Army Materiel Command; the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command; the

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; the Missile Defense Agency; the U.S. Army’s Aviation Technical Test Center; the Rotary Wing Air Platform Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation (RDAT & E); and the U.S. Army’s 2nd Recruiting Brigade. The U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) buys, inventories, maintains, and distributes everything from traditional bullets, beans, and boots to huge container ships and aircraft. It’s been said that if a soldier shoots it, eats it, rides in it or communicates with it, it was likely provided by the Materiel Command. AMC is a “major command” and is the parent to Redstone’s Aviation and Missile Command. Operations will move from Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Additionally the 80-piece, 389th Army Band (AMC’s Own), will relocate to Redstone from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC) manages foreign military sales of more than $5 billion/year to about 140 allied countries, friendly nations and multinational organizations. If an allied nation wants to use U.S. Army products like Apache helicopters or TOW missiles, they must make those arrangements through USASAC. Operations will move from Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is what is known as a “purple” organization since it is not aligned with a specific military

branch of service. Instead, MDA is an agency directly under the U.S. Department of Defense that facilitates missile defense systems development that integrates multiservice capabilities into a seamless theater defense system. MDA is also responsible for guiding the development of a missile defense system capable of defending the U.S. from foreign missile attack. Operations will move from various areas in northern Virginia. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) is responsible

for developing the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s missile defense systems and assuring the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access to and utilization of space assets in the execution of their mission. Operations will move from Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC) plans, conducts, analyzes, and reports on the developmental and airworthiness qualification of aircraft, aviation systems, and associated equipment throughout the life cycle. Airworthiness qualification testing focuses on assessing the handling qualities of the aerial vehicle and

its performance (e.g. flight, hover, autorotation, etc.) and flight in icing conditions. Operations will move from Ft. Rucker, Alabama. The Rotary Wing Air Platform Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation (RDAT & E) organization manages U.S. Air Force wholesale logistics, acquisition and test efforts for its helicopter assets. The RDAT & E move, together with the ATTC move, will establish a joint center for rotary wing air platform at Redstone. continued on page 22 21 Initiatives December 2005

This project will construct approximately 981,699 square-feet of administration space to support the MDA and SMDC realignment to Redstone Arsenal. Supporting facilities include parking, roadways, and utilities. Approximately 3,300 personnel will occupy the new facilities.

continued from page 21

The U.S. Army 2nd Recruiting Brigade manages the Army recruiting personnel and efforts in the southeastern portion of the U.S. including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. Operations will move from Ft. Gillem, Georgia. According to Joe Davis, there’s been a lot of enthusiasm among the AMC and MDA BRAC planners to make the move to Redstone as soon as possible. Todd Hutto added, “We anticipate a total of several hundred advance party personnel, consisting of a mixture of personnel from AMC, MDA and SMDC, arriving in the Huntsville area, mostly coming in 2006.” He further explained the BRAC Hutto directed moves must be completed by 2011, but the U.S. Army’s position is to complete BRAC as early as possible, possibly as soon as 2009 or 2010. “Reading into all this, it seems likely that 2008 through 2010 are the most likely ‘move’ years,” Hutto concluded. Funding and facility construction schedules are the primary drivers in ultimately determining

22 December 2005 Initiatives

when substantial numbers of personnel may arrive. The effort to recruit the workers slated for relocation will begin in the first quarter of 2006 with “town hall” type meetings. “We’ll conduct programs similar to those that we held in the 1996-97 effort to recruit workers from St. Louis,” said Joe Ritch, the chamber’s vice chairman of government affairs and cochair of the Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee. “That effort will involve going to each of the sites where these employees are located several times to acquaint them with the tremendous benefits of living and working in the Tennessee Valley.” While the normal range of employees who choose to relocate with their jobs as a result of a BRAC transfer is between 2530%, community leaders hope to convince a greater percentage to follow their jobs to Redstone. Following the 1995 BRAC, over 60% of U.S. Army aviation employees accepted offers to transfer from St. Louis to Redstone. “We’re ready to meet the challenge,” said Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer. She cited the new schools, road improvements, expanding recreational opportunities and more than 6,000 new home sites that have been approved in the last year. “Madison County, Madison and sur-

rounding cities have been a tremendous partner in local BRAC efforts,” said Mayor Spencer at a recent chamber luncheon. “There’s enough to go around. We want to make sure all of North Alabama succeeds from the BRAC move.” “It’s time for us to take the next step in our planning,” noted Hutto. He continued, “We know what’s coming. We know what it will cost, and we are now analyzing the demographics of that workforce and asking, ‘Are they an older workforce or younger workforce? Are they going to retire when they get here or are they going to look at starting a second career here? Are they bringing kids? What is their income level? What are they going to look for when they get to the community? And what can we do to make sure working with the community that their needs can be met.’” Clearly there will be “growing pains” associated with this move, though most expect that the community will be able to take this jolt in stride. “It’s not like this is the first time that we have done this, this is just bigger than before,” said Hutto. “We have a good baseline to use. A lot of the army installations are agonizing over this process because it’s new to them, but we are kind of an old hand at this.” • Mike Ward

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Travel survey seeks input Traffic congestion. Two words no traveler wants to hear. In an attempt to reduce traffic congestion, transportation planners use computer models that relate socio-economics and transportation infrastructure to evaluate existing congestion levels and predict future congestion levels. The computer models essentially have the ability to examine future growth scenarios and analyze â&#x20AC;&#x153;what if?â&#x20AC;? (i.e., What if there is an increase in employment in the community? What if we add new capacity to the existing highway network? What if we do a combination of both?) However, the models utilized for the Huntsville Metropolitan area were developed many years ago and are in need of updating. To facilitate the update, researchers from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), with support from the University Transportation Center for Alabama (UTCA) have designed an online travel survey to collect travel characteristics for individuals traveling in the Huntsville metropolitan area, providing people who travel in the community a chance to contribute data to improve the models, and hopefully improve the ability to identify solutions. The travel survey to update the computer models can be accessed online at http://travelsurvey.uah.edu. The data requested by the survey include general demographics and vehicle ownership data, as well as an estimation of the number of trips taken per day by vehicle. In addition, there is an optional section where individuals can enter specific travel information to assist in the determination of trip lengths and travel time characteristics. Questions about the survey can be submitted to Dr. Michael Anderson, associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville via email at mikea@cee.uah.edu or by telephone at 256-824-5028. â&#x20AC;˘

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Pictured left to right: Jeff Sikes, Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority; Bill Wertz, FAA Memphis hub manager; Ray Palmer, Huntsville FAA tower chief; U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer; Nancy Green-Burg, chairman of the Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority; and Rick Tucker, executive director of the Huntsville International Airport.

Tower of strength G

round has been broken at the Port of Huntsville on a new 219-ft. air traffic control tower for the Huntsville International Airport. U.S. Representative Bud Cramer was among dignitaries participating in ceremonies. “This tower will be a much needed addition to our airport,” said Cramer. “Our community has grown like few others in the Southeast and a new tower is essential for the safety of travelers and for the future growth of North Alabama.” Cramer worked with numerous officials in the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation to make this project a priority. Through his seat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Cramer secured $20.7 million for the construction of the new tower. “Initially, the FAA wanted to renovate the current tower, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough,” said Cramer. “Our international airport has always been a major selling point for our area for new industries, and this tower will enhance the value of our airport. Having this new tower will only add to what we are trying to accomplish throughout North Alabama.” The new air traffic control tower will be located between the two parallel runways south of the existing tower. According to airport officials, this location will better serve the needs of the longer west runway, as well as be compatible with future runway development. Officials anticipate the new tower should be operational in the early spring of 2008. This will include tower construction and the installation and test-

ing of the air traffic control equipment. Rick Tucker, executive director of the Huntsville International Airport, stated, “This new piece of infrastructure will carry us forward in our future development plans for many years to come.” •

25 Initiatives December 2005

Looking Up in Downtown Downtown Huntsville’s changing skyline promises increased business and tourism activity is just around the corner. Brenda Conville of leasing company Triad Properties, anticipates The Summit at Big Spring Park, in the photo’s foreground, could open sometime around the end of January 2006. First American Bank, Bill Poole Realty, Blue Creek Investment Partners and Bruegger’s Deli are among the property’s first tenants. The 10story Embassy Suites Hotel, pictured back to the right, is on track to open next fall, “hopefully by November 1, if not earlier,” according to a local hotel representative.

26 December 2005 Initiatives

CRP focus on economic development Cummings Research Park (CRP), always a center of attention, is on the verge of an eruption of new activity. Construction on three major projects is either complete or in the final phase, and the park’s three mostrecent major announcements are poised to begin construction. Analytical Services, Inc. moved into its new corporate headquarters in October and the company has plans for an openhouse celebration of its 25,000-square foot facility. ASI employs more than 350 people in CRP. On the north end of the park, a 160,000square foot headquarters building for Dynetics, Inc. is in the final phase of construction. The project, which will help facilitate the expansion of some 500 jobs for the company, is due for completion in April 2006. And across Voyager Way from ASI, Westar Inc. is also in the final phase on construction of its new headquarters building. Westar employees will begin moving into the 84,000-square foot building in February, perhaps earlier, according to Garrett Martz, Westar’s chief operating officer in Huntsville. Three other major announcements for CRP, The World Famous Bridge Street, the Northrop Grumman campus, and the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology, are all in early stages of development. At Bridge Street, site grading and preparation is almost complete, and construction is set to follow on the Westin Hotel and the development’s retail components. Alex Hardy, director of business development and public policy for O & S Holdings, the developer of Bridge Street, said the Westin will hold its grand opening in the spring of 2007. There’s more. The City of Huntsville will begin work on Eagle Drive, widening that road into a four-lane boulevard which will serve as an east-west entrance-exit to Bridge Street. Work is already underway on the northernmost extension of Explorer Blvd., past the Dynetics campus. Construction of Bob Heath Drive, just west of the Westar campus, is underway. Expect more good news. CRP Director Rick Davis said announcements on two more major construction projects are planned in December. •

Dynetics

27 Initiatives December 2005

Thoughtful planning Our community is shifting its focus from the excitement of gaining thousands of new jobs as a result of BRAC, to planning for new arrivals. We will roll out the red carpet to encourage as many as will be offered these jobs from northern Virginia, southern Alabama and Georgia, to come to Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley. Many will come and bring their families ... many will not. Initial estimates project just fewer than 5,000 new federal jobs moving onto Redstone Arsenal, and maybe as many as 5,000 more jobs opening up in Cummings Research Park and around our area as new contracts are awarded. Some estimate that more than half of these jobs will be vacant because many who currently occupy these roles will retire or shift to other jobs, rather than move. Therein lies quite a challenge, not only to the commands moving here, but to our community as well. Certainly, there will be promotion opportunities, but filling that many vacancies

28 December 2005 Initiatives

will call on all the resources we can muster to attract, educate and train well-qualified engineers, scientists, logisticians, resource managers, contract managers and all the other skilled personnel Redstone will need. The cities of Huntsville and Madison; Madison County and surrounding counties; and the state, are all looking at infrastructure to support this new growth. Roads, schools, health care, public transportation are being scrutinized to ensure new demands are met. And our â&#x20AC;&#x153;intellectual infrastructureâ&#x20AC;? is every bit as critical to the successful additions to Redstone. The universities are working with the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County, local and state governments, local and national businesses and the U.S. Army to define what skills and how many of each type of skill will be needed. Plans are underway to help recruit as many experienced employees as possible from other BRAC-impacted locations. But the

~ a commentary by Jim Flinn, former deputy to the commanding general of the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, and supporter, Tennessee Valley BRAC effort key to filling early shortages and demands is to grow our educational system, in order to produce the graduates the military, NASA and industry demand. There are changes being planned to significantly grow partnerships among our local and state universities; to tailor cooperative education (work-study) programs in engineering, business and other disciplines to precisely fit growing federal needs both on and off the arsenal. These programs will be linked to our high schools, not only in our communities but across the nation, to attract outstanding math, science and language students … the future leaders. Complementary to increasing the numbers of engineering and business graduates, is planned growth in the U.S. Army’s intern programs. There have been impressive successes in bringing recent graduates into the workforce at the arsenal. These interns undergo a structured orientation to the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, operations at Redstone, and specifics of

responsibilities and challenges they will face on the job. The well-rounded orientation is a collaborative effort utilizing experts on the arsenal, local personnel at the Defense Acquisition University and input from other professionals at institutions such as the U.S. Army Logistics Management Center in Virginia. Over the next three to four years, as

construction progresses and the moves take place, Redstone and our community will attract, educate and train the wellqualified engineers, scientists, logisticians, resource managers, contract managers and other skilled personnel Redstone will need. And they will come from the “intellectual infrastructure” being put in place today. •

29 Initiatives December 2005

HERE

Park your business,

one County (Partial)

Madison County

here are eleven parks in To business Nashville the Huntsville/Madison County area, all offering basic infrastructure, and their own features and amenities. Some offer quick access to the Huntsville International Airport, others offer low prices on land and others offer a unique mix of corporate residents. “They are all important in their own right,” said Steve Finnell, industrial development director for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. “A different organization or individual owns each, but we at the chamber market all the parks.”

1 Chase Industrial Park Total Acres: 1,700 acres Largest Tract: 40 acres

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Chase Industrial Park Chelsea Industrial Park Cummings Research Park I-565 Business Park Jetplex Industrial Park Jetplex Industrial Park South Lowe Industrial Park N. Huntsville Industrial Park SouthPointe Industrial Park Thornton Industrial Park Triana Industrial Park

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Available Acres: 25 acres Minimum Tract: 431 2.2 acres

Patton Rd.

251

Patterson Lane

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Total Acres: 80 acres Largest Tract: 14 acres

Grimwood Rd.

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For over 30 years, Chase Industrial Park has attracted manufacturing, assembly, processing, warehousing and wholesale distribution operations. Located in northeast Huntsville, this Ln. park is a development of the Madison CountyCharity Commission. It is home to more than 35 domestic and international companies with a wide range of products including missile and Joe Quick Rd. e space vehicle components, compact discs/DVD, me copper on plastic products, street sweeping t Li st s Hazel e CF Flag, Available Plastics, J & J South machines and pharmaceuticals. Cinram International, W r Ln. Green lk e Central and PPG Industries are among residents.

Green Cove Rd.

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Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents include Browning Ferris Industries (BFI), Parker-Hannifin, Garton Plumbing and Green Mountain Soap Company. Chelsea, developed by the City of Huntsville, is located in southwest Huntsville, east of Redstone Arsenal. A steam-generating facility is equipped to supply steam to park residents for use in production, heating and cooling.

3 Cummings Research Park Total Acres: 3,843 acres Available Acres: 880 acres Largest Tract: 450 acres Minimum Tract: 5 acres

Cummings Research Park (CRP) is one of the leading science and technology parks in the world. As a visionary public-private partnership, CRP is now the second largest research park in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world. CRP, home to uniquely focused alliance of business, government, and academic research initiatives, continues to provide a competitive business advantage in a constantly changing high technology environment. With more than 220 companies active in more than 40 separate technology fields, including 20 of the FORTUNE 500 companies, CRP attracts a vibrant and distinguished concentration of research and development activity.

4 I-565 Business Park Total Acres: 60 acres Available Acres: 37 acres Largest Tract: 15 acres Minimum Tract: 1 acre

I-565 Business Park is conveniently located at the Intersection of I-65 and I565, one of the Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major transportation routes. The property is owned by I-565 Partners, LLC, and is zoned for commercial, industrial, warehousing and technology use.

5 Jetplex Industrial Park Total Acres: 1,700 acres Available Acres: 200 acres Largest Tract: 30 acres Minimum Tract: 4 acres

Jetplex Industrial Park is adjacent to the Huntsville International Airport and offers Foreign Trade Zone #83, the International Intermodal Center, U.S. Customs Port of Entry and interstate access via I-565. The Huntsville-Madison County Airport continued on page 32

31 Initiatives December 2005

continued from page 31

Authority manages the park, which contains 22 corporate residents. Jetplex Park is home to several electronics companies such as Boeing and Raytheon, electronics manufacturer LG Electronics and Siemens VDO Automotive.

6 Jetplex Industrial Park South Total Acres: 900 acres Available Acres: 800 acres Largest Tract: 400 acres Minimum Tract: 4 acres

Just outside the boundaries of Jetplex Industrial Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foreign Trade Zone, this park offers the convenience of access to airport amenities. It is zoned planned industrial and owned by Heritage Plantation.

7 Lowe Industrial Park Total Acres: 900 acres Available Acres: 20 acres Largest Tract: 10 acres Minimum Tract: 10 acres

Lowe Industrial Park has among its tenants Intergraph Corporation, MATSU Manufacturing, Inc., Kohler Corporation and Engelhard Corporation. Located just east of the Huntsville International Airport, the park offers quick access to both the airport and I-565. The University of Alabama in Huntsville Foundation owns the property.

8 North Huntsville Industrial Park Total Acres: 600 acres Available Acres: 200 acres Largest Tract: 100 acres Minimum Tract: 4 acres

North Huntsville Industrial Park is the newest industrial park. Located in North Huntsville, this park is the home of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama. The property is owned by the City of Huntsville and zoned planned industrial. All utilities are in place and underground, with curb and gutters. The park contains over 600 acres with 200 acres available for development.

32 December 2005 Initiatives

Environmentally-friendly Expansion at North Huntsville Industrial Park A new phase of North Huntsville Industrial Park is being developed under a conservation-conscious design. “With growth pressures on our natural resources, Huntsville has become increasingly sensitive to environmental concerns,” noted Marie Bostick, assistant director for the city’s planning services. The conservation design project, located in northwest Huntsville at the intersection of Pulaski Pike and Liberty Hill Road, aims to serve as a demonstration project and model for future industrial parks in the region. In the master plan, roughly one-half of the area is a working farm. “That helps maintain the rural character of the property,” said Bostick. According to planners, the farm area will also support environmental education projects for the city’s schools. According to Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer, this project not only provides additional property for economic development in Huntsville, it also affirms the city’s commitment to the environment and preserving the abundant natural resources found in the area. About 49 sites suitable for small industries will be available. Sites could, however,

be combined for larger industrial tenants. The first phase of the project is under construction and includes the entrance road and seven lots. Of particular note, the property is a significant ground water recharge area containing sinkholes that allow infiltration of rain water to the underground aquifer. Covenants, which are still under development, will carefully consider impact to the aquifer and sustainable development. Curbs and gutters, erosion and sediment control, drainage controls, building materials: all are subject to specific requirements that maintain aesthetics and environmental performance. The project – the first of its kind in the state -- was conceived and designed through the city’s partnership with the Center for Economic Development and Resources Stewardship (CEDARS), TVA Economic Development Technical Services, Dr. Robert E. Pitt of the University of Alabama, KITA Landscape Design, Garver Engineers and the Southeast Watershed Forum. •

9 SouthPointe Industrial Park Total Acres: 260 acres Available Acres: 260 acres Largest Tract: 15 acres Minimum Tract: 4 acres

This park, owned by The Hollingsworth Companies, contains speculative buildings. Presently, a 130,000 square foot building is available on 14 acres. There are 260 acres within the park that will house 15 buildings. Build-to-suit opportunities exist.

bk Thornton Industrial Park Total Acres: 400 acres Available Acres: 300 acres Largest Tract: 30 acres Minimum Tract: 4 acres

Located near Cummings Research Park, Thornton is a newer research applications park. Thornton is also closely situated to Redstone Arsenal’s U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. This park is owned by the UAH Foundation, and is intended as a complement to Cummings Research Park to allow for light manufacturing and production work. DirectTV, CAS and Cinram are the park’s major tenant.

bl Triana Industrial Park Total Acres: 110 acres Available Acres: 100 acres Largest Tract: 40 acres Minimum Tract: 2 acres

Developed by the City of Triana, this park offers the lowest-priced industrial land in Madison County and is in close proximity to the Huntsville International Airport. Triana Industries, an electronics assembler, is the park’s major employer. •

33 Initiatives December 2005

NSSTC names new director Martin P. Kress, a former deputy director at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, has been named executive director of the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Ala. The challenge of operating an innovative science and technology institute and helping expand its portfolio of research and activities is what motivated Kress to join the Huntsville science center, he said. “The world is changing rapidly, and I see an opportunity for doing some very innovative things at the National Space Science and Technology Center,” Kress said. “Being a part of a team to help frame those changes and make it work is very exciting. I’m intrigued by the fact that we can create an innovative science and technology model well-aligned with the needs of NASA and other key federal agencies here in Huntsville. Huntsville is the perfect environment to make those changes, he said. “This community is focused on the future, has phenomenal assets and has a great appreciation for science and technology. I am eager to be part of the Huntsville community and I hope that I can further expand the role of the National Space Science and Technology

Center in the community’s strategic plans.” Kress most recently was vice president and relationship manager of the NASA/Space Group with the National Security Division of Battelle Science and Technology International in Columbus, Ohio. Battelle is a global, not-for-profit research enterprise that develops and commercializes technologies and manages laboratories nationwide for its government and industry customers. Founded in 2000, the National Space Science and Technology Center is jointly operated by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and the Alabama Space Science and Technology Alliance, a consortium of state research universities. Researchers at the science facility conduct cutting-edge scientific study in various disciplines, including Earth science, atmospheric science and climatology, space science, optics and information technology development. The center also fosters the education of future generations of scientists and engineers, and supports educators at the elementary and secondary levels through science-related programs, workshops and curricula support. •

Links receive 2005 Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award

Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jim Link and his wife Judy were named as the recipients of the 17th Annual Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian Award in Huntsville. The award is given annually to a citizen or citizens in the Huntsville area who have displayed exemplary community leadership. The award was presented to the Links at a benefit dinner in November. “We are honored to make this presentation to Judy and Jim Link,” stated Jan Bell, Arthritis Foundation state president. “The Links are not only noted for their distinguished professional work, but also as persons who inspire others to work towards making our community the best it can be.” 34 December 2005 Initiatives

continued from page 19

2004, and experienced 701.7 percent growth over a three-year period through 2004. According to CEO George Clark, one reason for the company’s enviable growth is their Weapons Watch system. The U.S. Army is using the system in four current conflicts to detect weapon firings. Another defense contractor, Intuitive Research and Technology, came in at No. 157 on this year’s list. Its ’04 re v e n u e reached $7.9 million, and its threeyear growth rate was 676.3 percent. The company performs mechanical engineering, electrical design and technology management. “We owe this honor to our customers,” said Hal Brewer, vice president and chief operating officer. He also added that Huntsville is “very small business friendly.” 3D Research, also a defense contractor, is No. 378 on the list. 3D Research had a 362.6 percent three-year growth rate and $14.9 million in revenue last year. The company helps the U.S. Department of Defense develop programs used in military testing and evaluation of ground-based, long-range missile systems. Lisa Williams, president of 3D Research, said making the Inc. 500 list a second time offers validation for the company’s business plan. The real-estate software firm Solid Earth made the list at No. 482. Matt Fowler, president of the company noted on the Solid Earth Web site, “We’re proud to be among the group of four Huntsville, Alabama companies on the list this year and would like to thank our customers for their continued confidence in our company.” To be eligible for this year’s Inc. 500, companies had to be U.S.-based, independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2004, and have had at least $500,000 in net sales in the base year of 2001. Also, 2004 sales had to exceed 2003 sales. Companies are ranked on cumulative three-year sales growth from 2001 to 2004. • 35 Initiatives December 2005

HREGI Investors Chairman’s Council

($50,000+ invested: Private Sector)

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama • Regions Bank

Development Partners

($50,000+ invested: Public Sector)

City of Huntsville • Huntsville Hospital • Huntsville Utilities • Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority • Madison County Commission

President’s Circle

($25,000-$49,999 invested)

ADTRAN • AmSouth Bank • BellSouth • Colonial Bank • Compass Bank • Crestwood Medical Center • The Boeing Company • The Huntsville Times • Redstone Federal Credit Union • Tennessee Valley Authority • Wachovia

Chamber Trustees

($10,000-$24,999 invested)

Applied Research Associates • Avocent Corp. • Beason & Nalley • Bill Penney Toyota • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Ala. • Camber Corp. • CINRAM • COLSA Corp. • Express Jet • Huntsville Area Association of Realtors • Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association • Intergraph Corp. • Lamar Outdoor Advertising • Northrop Grumman • Panalpina • SAIC • Siemens VDO Automotive • SPARTA • SportsMed • Teledyne Brown Engineering

Progress Partners

($5,000-$9,999 invested)

AEgis Technologies • Analytical Services • Applied Data Trends • BAE Systems • Balch & Bingham • Coldwell Banker/McLain Real Estate • Colonial Properties • Consolidated Construction • Dynetics • Enfinger Steele Development • Engelhard Corp. • ERC • First American Bank • First Commercial Bank • FPMI Solutions • General Dynamics • HiWAAY Internet Services • International Diesel • Intuitive Research & Technology Corp. • J. Smith Lanier & Co. • Jerry Damson Honda/Acura • Keystone Foods Corp. • Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne • LG Electronics Alabama • Main Street Strategies • Morgan Research Corp. • NAI Chase Commercial Realty • Parker Hannifin Corp. • Radiology of Huntsville • Samples Properties • Sirote & Permutt • SOUTHBank • The Executive Group Realtors • The Orthopaedic Center • The Surgery Center of Huntsville • Turner Universal Construction • WAFF-TV • Wilmer & Lee • Yellowbook • Anonymous

Progress Investors

($2,500-$4,999 invested)

3D Research Corp. • Averbuch Realty/Enterprises • Baron Weather Solutions • Bentley Pontiac/GMC/Cadillac/SAAB • Bradley Arant Rose & White • Century Automotive • Chapman Sisson Architects • Cintas Corp. • Currie Systems • DESE Research • Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates • Fuqua & Partners • Huntsville Tractor & Equipment • Infinity Technology • Jacobs Sverdrup • JH Partners Architecture & Interiors • Johnston, Moore, Maples & Thompson • Kudzu Productions • Lamb Commercial Services • Madison Research Corp. • Madison Square Chrysler/Jeep • Mercedes Benz of Huntsville • Oceaneering International • Radiance Technology • Science & Engineering Services (SESI) • The Heritage Club • Wesfam Restaurants – Burger King • Westar Corp. • WHNT-19 • Wilson Lumber • Woodland Homes of Huntsville • Woody Anderson Ford

Take Stock

(<$2,500 invested) Alabama Psychological Services Center • Allied Photocopy • Arnold Hornbuckle • Available Plastics • Bama Jammer Promotions • Belzon • Blue Creek Investment Partners • Charles G. Robinson • Crabtree Rowe & Berger • Curves: Hampton Cove • Davidson Technologies • FLS • Grogan’s Jewelers • G.W. Jones & Sons • General & Automotive Machine Shop • Gray Research • Huntsville Marriott • Ivan Allen • Mercer & Assoc. • O&S Enterprises • OMI • Padgett Business Service • Park Supply Co. • Pearce Construction • Phoenix • Quantitech • Renasant Bank • Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove • Russ Russell Commercial Real Estate • S&S Photography • Sellers Photo • Snelling Personnel Services • Southwest Research Institute • SRS Technologies • Stanley Construction • State Farm’s Marshall England • Suzuki of Huntsville Driving 2000 • Taos Industries • Tetra Tech • The Real Yellow Pages® from BellSouth • Vulcan Heating and Air Conditioning • West Huntsville Land Co. • Westwind Technologies Corp. • White, Fleming & Co.

36 December 2005 Initiatives

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville â&#x20AC;˘ Madison County

Staff 2005 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

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

Investor Relations Loren Traylor, Vice President, Investor Relations Cheryl Schultz, Director, Workforce Development Jennifer Jeffers, Director, Small Business/Membership Services Debra Dunbar, Director, Launch Program Davion Walker, Events Coordinator Donna McCrary, Investor Relations Coordinator Terrie Ledbetter, Membership Sales Representative Beverly Carthen, Membership Retention Coordinator

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, Director, Finance & Administration Desman Holt, Network Administrator Erica Gussie, Financial Assistant Lindsay Southard, Financial Assistant Joe Watson, Facilities Supervisor

Associated Organizations & Staff Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Sarah Savage, Executive Director Todd Cannon, Program Manager Mary Stewart, Program Coordinator Allison Harbin, Administrative Coordinator Anna Swain, Alumni Relations Assistant

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

SCORE Ravi Agarwal, Interim Director

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville â&#x20AC;˘ Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (256) 535-2000 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 37 Initiatives December 2005