Initiatives magazine, October 2006

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The exciting skyline taking shape over downtown increasingly serves to mirror the area’s economic growth and adds to Huntsville’s attractiveness, vibrancy and distinctiveness.

The Summit building (pictured above), overlooking Big Spring International Park, completes the first phase of Triad Properties’ downtown development plan. The second phase calls for residential condos adjacent to the Summit building, and the final phase will be another office building which will serve as a bookend to the condos. Bruegger’s Bagels opened in September, while other tenants will move into the building throughout October and November.

301 East condominiums on Holmes Avenue (pictured below) are slated to open in the first quarter of 2007. The property has 21 units including a penthouse with a private rooftop, ten 2-bedroom and ten 3-bedroom units. Plus, 5,000 square feet of retail space is located on the first floor.

Embassy Suites Hotel (pictured left), opening Fall 2006, houses both a spa and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The hotel is connected to the Von Braun Center via a climate controlled walkway. “The Embassy Suites Hotel will appeal greatly to both business and leisure travelers,” noted Wanda Gaddis, director of sales. She added, “We have booked several large conventions in 2007 and 2008 that would not have otherwise considered Huntsville due to a shortage of rooms close to the Von Braun Center.” •

4

October 2006 Initiatives

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initiatives Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

october 2006 in this issue

Stop and smell the flowers Huntsville Botanical Garden named 2006 top tourist attraction in Alabama

Dennis Keim

Page 22

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.

Courtesy of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel; Photo by Skip Baumhower

f eatures Changing Skylines

04

A Tune-up and a Little Oil

13

Visions on the Move

17

Join us on the River

19

Huntsville Sketchbook

25

Huntsville on the Vine

29

Santa’s Village

33

Keeping it Clean & Green

35

d e v e l o p me n t s

▲ Courtesy

of 801 Franklin

Chamber Board Listing

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 of Huntsville /Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, AL 35801 256.535.2000

8

Community profile

10

Event Spotlights: Whistle Stop Festival Babies at the Burritt

28 32

Chamber Staff Listing

38

Your Chamber@Work

39

HREGI Investors

40

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 Danielle Sorrell

on the web HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

Photography

Holly McClain unless otherwise credited

Advertising Sales

Cassandra Darby The Huntsville Times

Initiatives October 2006

7

Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2006 Executive Committee Dave Hargrove, Brad Jones,

Chair

Chair-Elect

Jim Link, Immediate Past Chair Evans Quinlivan,

Secretary/Treasurer

Irma Tuder, Vice Chair Economic Development Joe Ritch,

Vice Chair Governmental Affairs

Charley Burruss,

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends:

Vice Chair Image Development

Gerald Toland, Vice Chair Investor Relations Bill Watson,

You don’t have to look far these days to find out what’s most important to businesses – it’s workforce. The availability, quality and cost of workers has never been more important to employers, and the competition among communities to attract and retain a qualified labor pool has never been keener. Workers are not only attracted to jobs and careers – they’re also interested in local quality of life opportunities. This edition of Initiatives reviews some of the many quality of life features that provide Huntsville/Madison County with an appealing lifestyle that attracts new residents and is consistently recognized by major publications. One of the most recent recognitions is from Expansion Management magazine, which ranks Huntsville the number one mid-size metro area in the nation for quality of life for military communities.

You’ve probably been asked by newcomers and visitors what Huntsville/ Madison County has to offer. In most situations your response time might allow for only a few answers, but the truth is, Huntsville/Madison County is blessed to have numerous fun and interesting things to do. Few other places can boast of something as sophisticated as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the natural beauty of our mountains and lakes. This Initiatives includes articles on the Huntsville Museum of Art, the Valley Conservatory, Ditto Landing, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, local wine tasting, The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, and more.

As prospective new residents reach out to our community, we are fortunate to be able to respond with the amenities they are looking for.

In the business of economic development, Huntsville/Madison County’s advantages are proven. If you’re not currently part of our community and are uncertain about the quality of life, just ask a Huntsville/Madison County resident.

You’ll find that we’re as serious about good living as we are about business!

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

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October 2006 Initiatives

Vice Chair

Research & Information Services

Dr. Dorothy Huston, Vice Chair Small Business Jim Bolte, Vice Chair Workforce Development Tommy Beason, Chamber Foundation Chair Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed Ron Klein,

Chair-Appointed

Mayor Loretta Spencer, Brian Hilson,

Chair-Appointed

President/CEO

Elected Board Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Chuck Allen, The Boeing Company Pete Apple, Torch Technologies 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 Jeff Hamilton, The Orthopaedic Center Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed Dr. Robert Jennings, Alabama A&M University Charlie Kettle, First Commercial Bank Frederick Lanier, J. Smith Lanier & Co. Dan Montgomery, Northrop Grumman Caroline Myers, Foreign Language Services, Inc. Jim Owens, AmSouth Bank Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota Pete Schofield, SPARTA, Inc. Scott Seeley, Regions Bank David Spillers, Huntsville Hospital Karen Stanley, Stanley Construction Co., Inc. Sandra Steele, Enfinger Steele Development, Inc. Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden Herman Stubbs, Colonial Bank Al Sullivan, COLSA Corporation Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union Irma Tuder, Analytical Services, Inc. Gail Wall, Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bill Watson, Wachovia (retired) John Wilmer, Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Tom Young, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,601

Population 2000 Census

276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000

2005 Estimate

298,192

166,313

35,893

368,661

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000 NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,555

Households 2000 Census

Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,126

CINRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,500 109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

Avg. Household Income

$57,220

$55,856

$72,432

$55,343

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,150

Per Capita Income

$23,091

$24,015

$27,821

$22,073

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,653

Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,450 City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,199

Income

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

Source: Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

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.

Over 16,000 direct DoD and 2,676 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.

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October 2006 Initiatives

Huntsville Hospital Welcomes Tricare H untsville Hospital is honored to again provide services to the Tricare insurance network. Military families and retirees with Tricare coverage now have full access to the region’s most advanced medical services at Huntsville Hospital.

Call Huntsville Hospital at 533-8280 or Tricare’s Customer Service Line at 1-800-444-5445, if you have questions about your

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“When we looked for a business partner, First Commercial Bank offered a complete financing package that provided us the best use of our financial resources. More importantly, we have developed sincere, personal relationships with our First Commercial bankers.

We appreciate their commitment to our continued success.”

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Images courtesy of The Huntsville Convention Bureau.

At First Commercial Bank we are proud of our commitment to the growth of local businesses in our community.

Photos courtesy of HSO, Valley Conservatory, CVB and Dennis Keim

A Tune-up and a Little Oil including music and art in curriculum accelerates academic performance

Page 14

Initiatives October 2006

13

Photo by Padraic Major; photo on opposite page courtesy of the Valley Conservatory

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Above: Students of the Valley Conservatory.

Arts-based education can be viewed as a money- and time-saving option to build skills, increase academic success, heighten standardized test scores and lower the incidence of crime among general and at-risk populations. Arts education programs can improve productivity and foster workforce development.

R

egarding the mechanics of education, Dr. Beatrice Renee Collins-Williams believes the ancient Greeks had the right idea, “Music was chief among their academic pursuits.”

She isn’t alone. Many educators believe that including music in the curriculum enhances the absorption of academic material such as math, as well as increases social skills.

Collins-Williams is the director of the Valley Conservatory in Huntsville and coordinates programs for schools and private clients.

“Music includes the arts and sciences, the right brain and the left brain,” she said. That means music, with its mathematical structures, helps students learn to think logically. Social, physical, intellectual, spiritual; music is the only discipline that addresses the total person, Collins-Williams contended. “The goal is to create and support the total person.” Consequently, CollinsWilliams noted, “It’s no accident that students involved in string programs are often those on the school academic team.”

Her programs, which have been enjoyed by students and teachers at a variety of local and regional schools including Lincoln, Terry Heights and Rolling Hills elementary schools, teach a holistic approach to music education. She noted that, “We don’t necessarily nurture the next Mozart, but many will be our next generation of physicians, mathematicians and engineers.” Her techniques encourage youngsters to move from being what she called copy machines, into calculators. “Music is an ongoing activity; you’re always processing!”

And it comes as no surprise to Stephen Burrell, Panoply Arts Festival director for the Huntsville Arts Council, that research by the national Arts Education Partnership reveals academic success may actually depend as continued on page 16

14

October 2006 Initiatives

Businesses understand that arts education...* • builds a school climate of high expectation, discipline, and academic rigor that attracts businesses relocating to your community.

• strengthens student problemsolving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success.

• helps students develop a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal-setting – skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

• can help troubled youth, providing an alternative to destructive behavior and another way for students to approach learning.

• provides another opportunity for parental, community, and business involvement with schools, including arts and humanities organizations.

• helps all students develop more appreciation and understanding of the world around them.

• helps students develop a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done.

Did You Know?* Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are: • 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement • 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools • 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair • 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance • 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem * Information provided by the National Arts Education Public Awareness Campaign, Americans for the Arts

The Huntsville Symphony offers a variety of outreach programs to area schoolchildren. Their third grade violin program receives private and public support and offers: • Free introductory violin classes, using Suzuki approach • Instruments provided by HSO • Offered in every elementary school in Decatur, Scottsboro and Athens school systems, several private schools and five schools in the Huntsville City Schools • Funded by corporate and individual benefactors, with additional funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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15

A Tune-up and a little Oil, continued from page 14

sure to the arts has the greatest educational impact for children ages 10 and 11. For this reason, the Panoply Arts Festival will again invite fifth graders from Huntsville City, Madison City, Madison County and local private schools to an exclusive guided tour of the festival on Thursday and Friday before opening to the public. Regional and touring performers provide education through entertainment as they present music, dance and the theater arts on three performing stages. •

Dennis Keim

much on drawing as it does on geometry.

The research emphasizes that arts education – including the visual arts, dance, music and drama – enhances a student’s ability to acquire core academic skills. Study in painting, for example, can improve complex reasoning, writing and reading readiness.

“Plus,” noted Burrell, “the arts make learning more enjoyable. A student who enjoys the work is more likely to stick with it.”

The 26th Annual Panoply Arts Festival will be held in Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville on one of the last two weekends in April 2007. “With the 2006/2007 season being named ‘Alabama Year of the Arts,’ we are going to celebrate and educate the public regarding all there is to offer from all the different aspects of the arts in Alabama,” said Burrell. “We are adding some really cool interactive exhibits the whole family can enjoy and visually going for a ‘wow’ experience! The Alabama State Fiddlers Championship will be back, as well as the very popular Global Village and the Homegrown Talent Contest.” The festival director added there will be a number of surprises, as well.

According to a report by the Huntsville Arts Council, studies have shown that expo-

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October 2006 Initiatives

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Photos courtesy of CVB and H. McClain

Visions on the Move huntsville museum of art expansion geared to community and personal growth

Page 18

Initiatives October 2006

17

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“W

e present opportunities for visitors to discover how they can be stronger and more creative,” said Clayton Bass, president and chief executive officer of the Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA).

According to Bass, museums are unique

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October 2006 Initiatives

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from any other city organizations. “We celebrate creativity of nearly all kinds. We not only celebrate it, we foster it, encourage it and nurture it. That is a very important part of our role and mission,” he acknowledged.

The Huntsville Museum of Art, North Alabama’s leading visual arts center, moved to its beautiful facility in Big Spring International Park in March 1998. But, significant pieces of the overall plan, noted Bass, weren’t realized, such as an auditorium and large gallery space to accommodate families with children engaged in interactive exhibits. Those pieces, plus other enhancements, are now on the drawing table.

“The anticipated expansion of HMA,” commented Bass, “will not only provide a greater quality of life but also advance the city’s economic development.” Tied to that, said Bass, the museum needs to better connect to the park.

Surveys revealed the ongoing need for additional gallery space, so that the museum doesn’t need to virtually close down when blockbuster exhibits are being installed over an extended period.

The enhanced attraction will be an even more exciting, multi-dimensional place for arts entertainment and educational enrichment. With this expansion, the city of Huntsville will have a centrally-located venue for learning about the arts, enjoying special events or experiencing world-class, blockbuster exhibitions.

The expansion will include a $3 million endowment and $10 million toward its new facilities: continued on page 27

Photos courtesy of Ditto Landing and H. McClain

Join us on the River residents and visitors enjoy the sounds and scenery at ditto landing

Page 20

Initiatives October 2006

19

“Ditto Landing is the community’s premiere water-based facility, offering a terrific family park with a marina, picnicking, RV camping, fishing and other fun activities.

Come join us on the river!”

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itto Landing is almost exactly the midpoint of the Tennessee River at mile marker 334. “We are the southern-most point of Madison County and Huntsville,” said Ed Mitchell, general manager at Ditto.

The entrance to Ditto Landing is just off Highway 231/431 in Huntsville.

The complex includes more than 560 acres. From family reunions to picnics and company gatherings, residents and visitors enjoy the sounds and scenery of Ditto Landing. Many area boat and RV dealers host sales events throughout the year, “just to get folks excited about enjoying the great outdoors,” noted Mitchell.

The marina offers annual rentals for wet slips and dry heated storage, and has a few slips for transient boaters. A beautiful and recently-updated camping area is inviting for boaters and non-boaters alike and a number of pavilions can be rented for gatherings.

Breakfast by the River, an event held in October, honors boaters who call Ditto home. Area citizens join in for a tour, entertainment and guest speakers. •

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October 2006 Initiatives

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This past July, Ditto Landing played host to the community’s 2006 Armed Forces Celebration. A concert, featuring AMC’s Own 389th Army Band (above) and the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus (left), was enjoyed by a crowd that swelled to about 5,000.

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Named the 2006 top tourist attraction in the state by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is living up to its

Photos courtesy of Huntsville Botanical Garden, CVB, Candace Garber, Seth Rayburn, Krell Shults, & Don Vansant

slogan, “There’s always something growing on!”

Paths meander through the shady woodlands of the Dogwood Trail and wildflowers quietly populate the Nature Trail.

Stop and smell the L

ast year, more than 250,000 visitors from nearly every state in the nation and 30 foreign countries visited the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Chief executive Paula Steigerwald acknowledged, “We are both honored and pleased to be selected as the state’s top attraction. In terms of visitors, membership, admission and actual facility, the growth of the Huntsville Botanical Garden has been tremendous in the past year.”

The Huntsville Botanical Garden has 7,000 members from around the Southeast and beyond. “In fact, several members are from as far away as Minnesota and Hawaii,” added the garden’s chief executive.

The garden offers visitors more than 100 acres of specialty gardens, trails, water features and facilities.

So, How Does Your Garden Grow?

According to John Hacker, director of marketing and public relations for the garden, “Seasonal events boost attendance by drawing visitors from throughout the Tennessee Valley region.”

• Waterworks, a summertime exhibit of eight dynamic water features (a real favorite for the pee-wee crowd) plus Wings, Warts and Wonder, starring all the creatures found in the new Nature Center • Galaxy of Lights, a two-mile driving tour of more than 100 animated light displays during late November and December • Scarecrow Trail in September and October featuring more than 120 scarecrows, plus the Amazing Sorghum Maze, hayrides and musical groups playing at the Cedar Glade continued on page 24

huntsville botanical garden The Nature Center is a beautiful, soaring 9,000 sq. ft. natural stone and steel beam structure overlooking the pond.

The waterfall, ponds, streams and lush vegetation are home to thousands of native butterflies, tadpoles, frogs, tree frogs, button quail, turtles and other critters.

Initiatives October 2006

23

Stop and smell the flowers, continued from page 23

The Huntsville Botanical Garden also hosts the Spring Festival of Flowers, bonsai and flower shows, a photography competition, an Easter egg hunt, a daylily festival, an herb festival and one of the largest plant sales in the state.

“The success and growth of the garden really is a community effort,” said Steigerwald. “From humble beginnings as a small garden spot to an award-winning national tourism destination, the garden has always had the support of the residents of Huntsville.”

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The garden recently opened the Nature Center, featuring the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. Lush plantings, waterfalls, ponds and streams combine to create a home-away-from-home for 2,000+ native American butterflies, frogs, tree frogs, turtles, hummingbirds and quail. The natural stone and steel beam structure soars over 30 ft. and has a 9,000 sq. ft. footprint. Interpretive displays explain the lifecycle of frogs and butterflies.

Also new in 2006, the Children’s Garden,

adjacent to the Nature Center, is full of interactive fun. Water features, mazes and other educational elements add further dimension to the garden to delight children and adults alike. The Children’s Garden is a two-acre area with eight separate gardens.

“These projects were made possible by the generosity of individuals and corporations, along with federal, state and local government support,” noted Steigerwald.

“The prestigious Kresge Foundation also awarded a grant based upon the infrastructure and stability of the garden.”

An Army of Volunteers “The garden would not exist if it were not for the over 1,400 volunteers who donate their time, money and energy to

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treat every customer as if our world revolves around them, because it does.”

ensuring the garden is a beautiful and friendly place for all visitors. In fact, based on the most recent U.S. Department of Labor statistics, the garden annually has almost $750,000 worth of labor donated by an army of volunteers at the garden,” said Hacker.

Garden members and volunteers come from all backgrounds. Retired engineers and even a rocket scientist or two work on the popular Galaxy of Lights event in December. Doctors, merchants, musicians, lawyers and schoolchildren offer talents and time to keep the garden growing. The Garden Guild works tirelessly in all aspects of the garden, whether as education volunteers or fund raisers.

“The Botanical Garden is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when volunteers are challenged and well-organized,” offered Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer.

For Every Season & Many Reasons “The early visionary leaders of the garden set out some guiding principles that are still followed today,” remarked Steigerwald.

Those include: • Fiscal responsibility • Volunteers are our most important asset • Education is the mission “We stay true to that,” said Steigerwald, “because we believe it’s the right thing to do for our stakeholders.”

The garden also realizes it has a responsibility to use its resources to help other groups. Whether it’s the Food Bank of Alabama through Galaxy contributions, or Adopta-School with neighboring Morris Elementary, or outings for the Women’s Job Coalition, Huntsville Steigerwald Young Professionals or the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County, the garden is a community venue. “If it’s important to Huntsville, it’s happening at the garden,” finished Steigerwald. • Huntsville Botanical Garden is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, supported by the community and open year-round.

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Local Artists Featured in Huntsville Sketchbook “Huntsville is my home and a man who doesn’t want to be home is a sad creature, isn’t he? I observe with satisfaction the seasons of my town, the quiet, brittle winters, the glorious, bursting springs, the vast, green summers, and the magnificent, burnished autumns. I stroll through the Botanical Garden or the grounds of Dr. Burritt’s historical estate. I peek at the stars at the observatory named after our own Dr. Wernher von Braun, who took our nation to the moon ... If there is a better place than Huntsville to live and nurture a family, I haven’t found it and I’ve been around the world more than once.”

– from the Huntsville Sketchbook foreward by Homer Hickam

The garden has partnered with Indigo Custom Publishing to produce a sketchbook of Huntsville and the surrounding areas. With a forward from the well-known author Homer Hickam and artwork created by local artists, this will be a piece you must have.

Landmarks and icons of Huntsville and the surrounding areas are presented in a tapestry of juried artwork selected especially for this book. Local artists’ work is highlighted and woven throughout a brilliant narrative about Huntsville history, present and future.

“This is a unique gift for those visiting the city, people relocating and all Huntsvillians,” noted John Hacker, director of marketing and public relations for the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Initiatives October 2006

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• 9,000 Square Feet of Gallery Space – This increased space will allow the museum to showcase internationally-acclaimed blockbuster exhibitions and large-scale, nationally touring exhibitions. This is also an opportunity for the museum to display more of its 2,522-piece permanent collection.

• 300-Seat Auditorium – The auditorium will provide an alternative venue for educational entertainment through lectures, film, performances, and concerts. The space can also be utilized by schools and external organizations.

• Children’s Interactive Area – This hands-on, learning center will engage and entertain visitors of all ages by providing families and school groups with a stimulating environment for appreciating the arts.

Children’s education will be further enhanced through a yearly schedule of educational programs. The children’s interactive area will become a single destination for families and will also highlight the museum’s overall experience for other visitors.

• Public Garden – This new feature will not only enhance Big Spring International Park, but will also better integrate the museum building with the park. The terraced garden will be an attractive addition to the museum’s exterior and offer a tranquil destination point to those visiting downtown.

• West Entrance from Big Spring International Park – Visitors will now have another main entrance for accessing the museum and its various attractions. Those entering from the park, Von Braun Center or hotel facilities, including the newly completed Embassy Suites Hotel, will be welcomed through a grand, glass-covered atrium leading to the new gallery space, auditorium, and children’s interactive area.

• Underground Parking – The museum will create new parking spaces directly connected to the facility, providing safer, more convenient access to visitors and those attending events or Museum Academy classes at night.

“We are an educational institution first and foremost,” said Bass. At the core of what the museum does, he noted, are exhibits and the programs surrounding them. The expansion will help HMA “do things at a higher level, serve the community better and attract a larger audience, locally and regionally.” •

Initiatives October 2006

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The Whistle Stop Festival & Rocket City BBQ, held each spring at the Historic Huntsville Depot, is a Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off and music event. KCBS cookers, such as Drew Grega (left), prepare ribs, chicken and brisket for discerning judges, hoping to walk away with the grand prize and a shot at the World Championships held in Tennessee.

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Huntsville on the Vine upbeat and energetic, the wine scene in huntsville is all about fun, community, and getting it right Page 30

Initiatives October 2006

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Wine representatives discuss their tasting line-up at The Linda Anderson Harris Multiple Sclerosis Benefit hosted by The Wine Cellar. Wine-based fundraising events draw crowds composed of wine aficionados and novices who enjoy the opportunity to learn and socialize. At 801 Franklin, Kristian Denis developed a wine education program for the restaurant staff which includes tastings, biweekly training sessions, as well as question and answer sessions with wine representatives.

“I

’ve been in the wine business here for a long time, and what I’ve noticed lately is that the wine community is becoming more diverse,” said Kristian Denis, wine director at 801 Franklin, an upscale dining establishment one block south of the historic Twickenham District in Huntsville’s Medical District. “We see young professionals in their early twenties attending wine events, and we see more people getting serious about starting their own collections.” Denis asserts, “I believe the growth of the wine community here reflects an increased interest in the arts, in fine food, and in music and theatre ven-

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To hasten the learning curve, Huntsville area restaurants and retailers regularly host wine tastings and wine dinners. “Wine education is important to us. On average, we host one wine class per month. The classes are limited in size, and we always have an expert on the topic teaching the class,” said Jim Harris, owner of The Wine Cellar. “Our tastings also provide people an opportunity to approach wines in a fun setting. It’s not about intimidation. We welcome beginners,

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and we try to help them find their likes and dislikes.” Retail shops and restaurants in the area create opportunities for social gatherings and foster a lively wine community.

Winemakers from the West Coast and abroad often visit the area as featured speakers, imparting firsthand knowledge of grape-growing and wine-making processes.

Money does not grow on trees, but in Huntsville/Madison County, it sometimes grows on vines. “I feel strongly about giving back to the community,” declared Harris.

“We do a lot with charities in this area.

We’ve done events for MS, for the American Cancer Society, for the American Heart Association, for churches, for the Botanical Garden. It’s something I believe in doing.”

Seventeen wine wholesalers service the Huntsville/Madison County market and many donate resources to fundraising events. The Women’s Guild at the Huntsville Museum of Art hosts an Annual Wine Weekend, which includes a wine dinner and live auction on Friday evening and a wine tasting and silent auction on Saturday evening. Area distributors secure the participation of a featured winemaker each year, and wine representatives donate their goods and their time to raise money for the museum. • – Danielle Sorrell

These three local restaurants have garnered praise from Wine Spectator and won the coveted Award of Excellence for their wine lists:

Area restaurants that regularly host wine events: • 801 Franklin: tastings every Monday night; monthly featured wine flight; call 519-8019 for wine dinner schedule • Chef Green’s on Fountain: call 534-1962 for schedule • Chef’s Table: call 880-7333 for schedule • Pauli’s Bar and Grill: call 722-2080 for schedule • The Chophouse – Washington Square: call 704-5555 for schedule • The Heritage Club: wine tastings the 2nd Thursday of the month • The Ledges: call 883-0860 for schedule • The Wine Cellar: every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in Huntsville; every Saturday in Madison

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anta’s Village at Alabama Constitution Village (ACV) in downtown Huntsville was named Alabama’s 2006 Event of the Year. “Over 125,000 people have visited this month-long event and over 700 community volunteers have donated their time and talents since its beginning in 2002,” said ACV Foundation Director Dorothy Havens. “The smiles of delight on children’s faces are a great payoff for the hard work, and this recognition is an added bonus.”

Santa’s Village is held each year from Thanksgiving to Christmas. During the month-long event, ACV is transformed into a winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls and real reindeer. Children can tell Santa their wish list, hear stories from Mrs. Claus, help the elves make gingerbread cookies,

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www.HuntsvilleHomeBuyer.com Initiatives October 2006

33

Photos courtesy of EarlyWorks

Santa’s Village, continued from page 33

visit the Patriotic Post Office, make a holiday craft and watch blacksmiths fashion bells for the reindeer.

Making the visit to Santa even more memorable are the musical performances by area church and civic groups. “They really put us over the top in creating a festive atmosphere,” said Havens. Proceeds from Santa’s Village are used to fund educational programs at ACV, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum and Historic Huntsville Depot.

Criteria for the state’s event of the year award include outstanding performance, outstanding economic impact statistics, quality and effectiveness of marketing efforts, additions and/or improvements designed to increase appeal to tourists, increased attendance and enhancement of local, regional or state image as a tourist destination.

The award is among 12 that comprise the Alabama Tourism Awards. These awards, first given out in 1998, annually honor outstanding achievement in the state’s tourism industry. Each award winner is recognized as a key player in making tourism a strong economic force in the state. The tourism industry contributes $7.6 billion to Alabama’s economy and supports 159,650 jobs statewide. •

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October 2006 Initiatives

Photos courtesy of The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama; Jeffrey Greenberg

Keeping it Clean & Green green mountain is golden for local conservationists

Page 36

Initiatives October 2006

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36

October 2006 Initiatives

t took more than a green thumb to secure 340 additional acres for habitat conservation, outdoor recreation, scientific research and education on Green Mountain. It took a partnership and a family’s love of nature for Forever Wild to purchase the “Certain” tract.

“The Certain family originally approached The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama because they wanted to create a legacy for the community,” said Michael O’Connor, Land Trust board president. “The late Bill Certain had instilled the love of the land in his two sons, Drew and Jeff. They, along with his widow Marion, wanted to carry out his wishes.”

Forever Wild purchased the land on Green Mountain. The purchase was made possible, in part, by contributions from several local partners: the City of Huntsville, the Madison County Commission, The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, and the North Alabama Sierra Club.

This property serves as an addition to tracts protected and managed by The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama. It is being managed cooperatively between the City of Huntsville, The Land Trust and the State Lands Division to provide the public with hiking trails and seasonal interpretive programs.

“The Land Trust and the Certain family are thrilled that Forever Wild and local financial partners of the city of Huntsville, Madison County Commission and Commissioner Mo Brooks, the Boeing Company and the North Alabama Sierra Club found this property worthy of their consideration,” O’Connor continued. “The spectacular views, unique rock features, rare plants and what’s left of the old Boy Scout Space Walk Trail will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The Forever Wild Program is funded by a percentage of the interest earned from state royalties on offshore natural gas leases belonging to Alabama. Administered by the State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the program’s purchasing power is increased significantly by utilizing federal funding and grants that are matched by Forever Wild state funds. Anyone can nominate property for inclusion into the program. For more information, visit www.alabamaforeverwild.com.

The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving lands for public use to enhance recreation, education, conservation and prosperity in the North Alabama region.

The organization was founded in 1987 as Alabama’s first land trust. The Land Trust of

At left: This is one way to “rake it in.” These young volunteers already have an appreciation for Alabama’s greenspaces and will hopefully carry on their philanthropy as adults.

Cathie Mayne

At right: “Three Caves Quest” introduces inner-city children to the outdoors and includes a nature hike and history of historic Three Caves Quarry. Shown is program director Melanie Felker and members of the Boys & Girls Club.

Below: Huntsville author Homer Hickam enjoys running on Land Trust trails.

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Sometimes quality of life can be measured by the air we breathe. In 2006, Huntsville was recognized by The Green Guide as one of their top ten green cities.

The recognition included those communities that are “taking environmental stewardship into their own hands and reducing their burden on the planet through energy-efficient, least polluting and healthy living spaces.”

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Huntsville & North Alabama currently protects and maintains over 4,000 acres valued at over $13 million. The lands remain protected and, in most cases, are open to the public for recreation such as hiking, nature study, bird watching and photography. For information, visit www.landtrust-hsv.org. •

Initiatives October 2006

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“We’re in business to make sure you stay in business,” said Terrie Ledbetter, membership representative for the Chamber of Commerce. “That’s what we’re about.” Ledbetter’s enthusiasm and bottom line results recently earned her the title of employee of the quarter. “Terrie has been successful in her position because of her passion for our community and her ability to develop lasting relationships with her customers,” added Loren Traylor, vice president for investor relations at the Chamber.

Ledbetter’s major responsibility is educating companies about the benefits of membership. She also helps members network with other members at Chamber events. Terrie appealed, “Sit down with someone from the Chamber. Just invest 20 to 30 minutes to know what we do: I want you to understand what the Chamber is about.” She added, “More and more people want to become members because they see the Chamber working throughout the community in many ways.”

Ledbetter commented, “We are not just here for the big guys. If we bring in a company with 1,000 jobs, think about how many businesses or additional jobs are created to support the big company. Fifty-one percent of our members have only five employees or less. And our member services are available for organizations of all sizes.”

“I love Huntsville and this area, and I love my job because what we do is so important to Huntsville/Madison County.” Terrie’s success comes from her passion for her work. “Because my daughter and my grandson live here, I want their lives to be better. I want to make this a better community, and this is my way of doing it – by going out and getting people to invest in the Chamber and improve the overall economic condition of our area.” Her diverse business background also contributes to her success. Plus, Ledbetter noted, “I’m an empty-nester, so I have freedom to do a lot outside of regular business hours.”

Ledbetter is active in Metro Kiwanis, Business Network International and the Huntsville/ Madison County Builder’s Association. “For many organizations, I am the face of the Chamber. I love people, and hopefully, it shows!”

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October 2006 Initiatives

AEgis Technologies Analytical Services, Inc. Applied Data Trends, Inc. BAE Systems Balch & Bingham, LLP BASF Catalysts LLC Coldwell Banker/McLain Real Estate Colonial Properties Consolidated Construction Dynetics

Enfinger Steele Development, Inc. ERC, Incorporated First American Bank First Commercial Bank FPMI Solutions, Inc. General Dynamics HiWAAY Internet Services International Diesel Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation J. Smith Lanier & Co. Jerry Damson Honda Acura Keystone Foods Corporation Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne LG Electronics Alabama, Inc. Main Street Strategies Morgan Research Corporation – A Stanley Company NAI Chase Commercial Realty Parker Hannifin Corporation Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc. Radiology of Huntsville, P.C. Samples Properties Sirote & Permutt, P.C. SOUTHBank System Studies and Simulation (S3) The Executive Group Realtors The Orthopaedic Center The Surgery Center of Huntsville Turner Universal Construction WAFF-TV Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Yellowbook Anonymous

Take Stock

(<$2,500 invested)

Ala. Psychological Services Center; Allied Photocopy, Inc.; Appliance Direct; Arnold Hornbuckle; Armstrong Relocation; Available Plastics; Bama Jammer Promotions; Bevilacqua Research Corp.; Bill Johnston, Jr.; Blue Creek Investment Partners; Charles G. Robinson, attorney; Crabtree Rowe & Berger, P.C.; Crestani Family Medicine; Davidson Technologies; Dick, Riggs, Miller & Stem, LLP; Foreign Language Services, Inc.; Grogan Jewelers; G.W. Jones & Sons; General & Automotive Machine Shop, Inc.; Huntsville Marriott; Infinity Technology; Inergi Design Services; Mercer and Assoc., P.C.; O & S Enterprises, Inc.; OMI, Inc.; Padgett Business Services; Park Supply Co.; Pearce Construction; Phoenix; QuantiTech, Inc.; 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; System Technology Assoc.; Taos Industries; Technology Management Training; Tetra Tech, Inc.; The Real Yellow Pages® from BellSouth; Vulcan Heating and Air Conditioning; Wellness is Health; West Huntsville Land Co.; Westwind Technologies Corp.; White, Fleming & Co., P.C.; Winters & Assoc.

For more information, please call or visit (256)562-0850 • www.americanfamilycare.com

American Family Care Inc., the state’s largest, Independent Primary Care Network held an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony at our newest location at 7559 Highway 72 West in Madison, AL. This location is one of the two locations in the Huntsville and Madison area. In addition to this new clinic, we have several locations in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile.

Our clinics are designed, equipped, and staffed to provide comprehensive family care, minor emergency treatment, and occupational healthcare.

We value convenient, compassionate, and quality healthcare close to home.

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

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

MADISON: 8191 Madison Blvd. • Madison, AL 35758 - (256) 774-1330 Ph • (256) 774-1733 Fx HSV ANNEX: 900 Bob Wallace, Ste 110 • HSV, AL 35801 - (256) 533-5553 Ph • (256) 533-9454 Fx HSV REMAX: 2904 Commerce Ct. SW • HSV, AL 35801 - (256) 519-3100 Ph • (256) 519-6885 Fx HSV EXECUTIVE: 2304 Mem. Pkwy. S. • HSV, AL 35801 - (256) 533-8325 Ph • (256) 519-7640 Fx HSV MAIN: 919 Merchant’s Walk • HSV, AL 35801 - (256) 534-5225 Ph • (256) 534-5236 Fx HSV ALLSTATE: 924 Merchants Walk • HSV, AL 35801 - (256) 519-3900 Ph • (256)-539-7610 Fx FAYETTEVILLE, TN: 222 Main Street • Fayetteville, TN 37334 - (931) 224-8290 HSV SOUTH PARKWAY: 3601 S. Memorial Parkway, Ste. C • HSV, AL 35801 - (256) 885-1700 Ph Initiatives October 2006

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Where to go • Who to see for products and services

Use a chamber member... it's in your best interest Accountants Beason & Nalley, Inc. 101 Monroe St. 35801.......................256-533-1720

Get A Grip of Northern Alabama www.getagripinc.com........................256-830-2865

Pearl River Resort www.pearlriverresort.com.................866-44PEARL

Credit Unions

Internet Service

CDPA, PC Redstone Federal Credit Union 415 Church St., Ste. B 35801...........256-539-3555 220 Wynn Dr. 35893..........................256-837-6110

Advertising al.com...................................................www.al.com

Education - Schools, Colleges, Universities

The Huntsville Times Calhoun Community College 2317 S. Mem. Parkway......................256-532-4250 Hwy 31 N. Decatur 35601.............256-306-2500

Aerospace/Defense Contractors

UAH Professional Development 210 Wilson Hall 35899......................256-824-6372

SAIC Virginia College at Huntsville 6725 Odyssey Drive 35806.............256-971-6400 2800-A Bob Wallace Ave. 35805. . . . . .256-533-7387

Mortgage Companies Countrywide Home Loans 919 Merchants Walk 35801..............256-534-5225 Providence Mortgage Group 4820 University Dr., Ste. 5 35816.....256-489-3980 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 415 Church St., Ste 201 35801........256-533-5200

Physicians & Surgeons

Architects

Employment - Agencies & Consultants

Fuqua & Partners Architects, PC Express Personnel Services 112 Washington St. 35801...............256-534-3516 5650 Sanderson St., Suite P 35805...256-721-5621

Attractions U.S. Space & Rocket Center One Tranquility Base 35805............256-837-3400

Banks

Kelly Services 6241 University Dr. 35806................256-971-0113

Financial Strategies Group, LLC 111 Green St. 35801..........................256-705-030

35801..................256-519-6900

American Family Care 7559 Highway 72 West 35758..........256-562-0850 Surgical Solutions, P.C. 185 Chateau Dr. Ste. 302 35802. . . . .256-489-8600

Real Estate Financial Services

CapitalSouth Bank 2123 Whitesburg Dr. 35802..............256-513-4300 First Financial Group of the South, Inc. 400 Meridian St., Suite 100...............256-536-0011 First American Bank 401 Meridian St.

HiWAAY Internet Services 2227 Drake Ave., Suite 28 35802.....256-650-4900

Furniture

Martha M. Coffman, REALTOR 4000 Balmoral Drive 35801..............256-650-0022 Concourse Group 303 Williams Ave. Ste. 117 35801. . . .256-532-1250 David Couch, REALTOR 333 Franklin St. Ste. 300 35801. . . . . . .256-755-0421

First Commercial Bank Black’s Furniture City 301 Washington St. 35801.............256-551-3300 124 N. Brindlee Mtn. Pkwy Arab, AL. . . .256-586-5725 SOUTHBank Office Furniture Outlet 118 Jefferson St. N. 35801...............256-535-6000 11507 Mem. Parkway, SW. 35803. . . . 256-882-9999 Superior Bank www.superiorbank.com.....................256-533-5422 Geospatial Technology

Industrial Properties of the South 2903 Wall Triana Hwy........................256-461-7482

3001, Inc. 658 Discovery Dr...............................256-327-9375

V V & W Properties, Inc. 204 Gates Ave., SE 35801..............256-539-0505

Hospitality Services

Weichert Realtors - The Executive Group 2304 S. Memorial Pkwy. 35801. . . . . . . .256-533-7210

Hostess for Hire by Kathryn P.O. Box 1641, Madison 35758. . . . . . . .256-464-9860

Software Development

Hospitals

New Millennium Technology www.nm-tech.com.............................256-704-2324

Crestwood Medical Center One Hospital Dr. SE 35802...............256-882-3100

Travel

Cleaning Services Fish Window Cleaning, Decatur 207 Johnston St. Ste. 206 Decatur 35601...256-353-8859

Communications Wireless, Phone Service, Systems BellSouth 620 Discover Dr. Bldg. 2, Ste. 350 35806. .866-620-6000

Consultants

Huntsville Hospital Brillisense 101 Sivley Rd. 35801.......................256-265-1000 todd@brillisense.com........................256-541-2964

Contractors - Home Improvement

Becky Hall, REALTOR 3000 Bogey Circle, Hampton Cove 35763..256-337-6632

Tricia Orlock, REALTOR 8103 Highway 72 W, Ste.C, Madison 35758. .256-655-3896

Sterling Travel www.sterlingtravel.com......................256-533-1301

Hotels & Motels

Bevill Conference Center & Hotel Champion Windows, Siding and Patio Rooms 550 Sparkman Drive 35810.............256-721-9428 2995 Wall Triana Hwy Ste. A-6 35824. . .256-424-1110

List your company in this Buyers Guide • For information call 532-4250 00378684

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