Initiatives magazine, April 2006 by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

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Attention: Chamber members

The Amazing Race Chamber of Commerce staff and volunteers get ready to run a successful Total Resource Campaign

F Volunteers will be selling ■ New Memberships ■ Events ■ Publications ■ Programs ■ Electronic Media to our members and community with sponsorship opportunities.

May 1, 2006 - June 30, 2006

... rain or shine

April 2006 Initiatives

From our Alabama Update to the Washington Trip and everything in between, it’s that time of year to sell, have fun and make business contacts during the chamber’s second annual total resource campaign (TRC) themed The Amazing Race. By using a once a year approach to selling sponsorships, chamber member companies are better able to budget for those events that add value to their marketing and networking efforts. The additional funds raised during this campaign are used by the chamber to enhance our economic development efforts and contribute to our efforts to effectively market our community. Last year, 117 chamber volunteers sold over $530,000 of sponsorships and memberships to a wide variety of companies representing both small and large businesses. In fact, many of those companies had never had the opportunity to sponsor a chamber program. According to Dave Hargrove, board chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, the chamber already has a list of companies clamoring to buy sponsorships. “That is due solely to the quality products we provide and our tremendous volunteers.” The Amazing Race campaign will officially kick off on May 1 at Mama Fu’s Asian House, our presenting sponsor of that event. During this nine-week effort, volunteers will race to reach a goal of $600,000 by June 30. Hargrove announced Scott Seeley, city president Region’s Bank Huntsville, as chairman of The Amazing Race campaign for 2006. This campaign will create 16 teams of volunteers under the leadership of four vice chairs representing a variety of industries and companies throughout the community. “The TRC offers excellent exposure for companies both at the chamber’s events and within our signature programs,” said Hargrove. Teams are currently forming for the campaign and Hargrove anticipates the chamber will once again have over 100 energetic volunteers. The all-volunteer campaign consists of more than 750 sponsorship opportunities available during the nine-week blitz. Volunteers assist companies with choosing products best suited to meet the organization’s marketing needs. “The campaign is a great way for volunteers to meet our area’s top community leaders and business owners while working directly with many of the chamber’s most dedicated leadership,” suggested Seeley. “Participating in this campaign allowed me develop stronger relationships with the companies I was helping. While I enjoyed working with the other volunteers, I also felt that I was able to educate the companies I worked with about the opportunities to promote their companies by using the chamber’s resources,” said Carrie McCrillis, 2005 TRC top producer and city group manager for Kelly Services. Training is set for April 26 and 28 at the chamber for interested volunteers. Contact Loren Traylor at 535-2028 for more information.

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VIRGINIA COLLEGE

initiatives Chamber of Commerce of Hunt sville/ M adison County

april 2006 on the cover

Driven to Succeed Foreign-based automotive manufacturers grab the wheel in Huntsville

Page 20 Cover photo courtesy of Toyota

f eatures

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.

Exporters Start Your Engines

Huntsville makes world headlines

Foreign Affiliated Companies

Do you know NAMEADSMA?

Foreign Exchange

International Services Council

Panoply Arts Festival Global Village

Y.E. Spotlight: Mark Spencer

d e v e l o p me n t s TRC: The Amazing Race

Chamber Board Listing

Chamber Staff Listing

Community profile

HREGI investors

Membership Happenings

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

Photos by Dennis Keim (inset) and Rod Reilly

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

Publisher

Brian Hilson

Executive Editor

Holly McClain

Editorial Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Contributing Writers

Amanda P. Berkey Holly McClain Loren Traylor Mike Ward Andrea Williams

Photography

Holly McClain

on the web HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

unless otherwise credited

Advertising Sales

Cassandra Darby The Huntsville Times

Initiatives April 2006

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

Very soon the Chamber of Commerce will kick off this year’s Total Resource Campaign, which in 2005 was a phenomenal success. Under the leadership of 2006 TRC Chair Scott Seeley of Regions Bank, over 100 Chamber volunteers will market a variety of Chamber services to member companies. The theme of this year’s TRC is The Amazing Race, with volunteers working to reach a goal of $600,000 in revenue by mid-year.

Bill Watson,

Vice Chair

Research & Information Services

Dr. Dorothy Huston, Vice Chair Small Business Jim Bolte, Vice Chair Workforce Development Tommy Beason, Chamber Foundation Chair Joe Austin,

Chair-Appointed

Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed

Why is the financial success of this campaign important to the Chamber and our community? As the lead economic development organization for the Huntsville area, the Chamber is directly responsible for performing a variety of economic development services which are critical to the stability and growth of our local economy. The Chamber coordinates the recruitment and expansion of local employers, and our first responsibility is to ensure a professional response to every economic development opportunity we work. In each situation, our work must be on time and it must positively influence the consultant or the company to be impressed. This work requires technology, marketing materials and a professional staff that are second-to-none. The Chamber’s financial stability enables us to provide this level of service. That’s exactly why the success of the Total Resource Campaign is essential for our community to remain competitive in economic development. In essence, the TRC complements other Chamber programs by providing additional resources to effectively carry out the mission of the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative. Much of Huntsville/Madison County’s success in economic development for the last half century has involved the recruitment of foreign-based employers. Companies like Toyota, Siemens and 39 others collectively provide 8,000 jobs for local employees. Additionally, international trade and transportation services and foreign relations are important to our community’s global presence. This edition of Initiatives focuses on Huntsville’s international business and community programs. You’ll also find other interesting articles on local entrepreneurs and business successes. As Huntsville continues to make headlines, our global outreach is continuing to positively influence our community’s image and economic success!

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

April 2006 Initiatives

Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed Mayor Loretta Spencer, Brian Hilson,

Chair-Appointed

President/CEO

Elected Board Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Pete Apple, Torch Technologies 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 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 Ron Klein, Belzon 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 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 John Wilmer, Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Tom Young, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals

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Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Staff 2006

Brian Hilson, president & CEO Holly McClain, communications director Laura Kendrick, executive assistant

Moving to North Alabama?

to the president

Economic Development Ethan Hadley, VP, economic development Steve Finnell, director, industrial development Rick Davis, director, Cummings Research Park Amy Locke, industrial development assistant

Governmental Affairs Mike Ward, VP, governmental affairs Tina Leopold, program assistant

Investor Relations Loren Traylor, VP, investor relations Jenni Jeffers, director, small business/membership services

Debra Dunbar, director, Launch Program Donna McCrary,

Check out one of “America’s 50 Hottest Cities”

investor relations coordinator

Lillie Ben, events coordinator Davion Walker, workforce development coordinator

Terrie Ledbetter, membership sales representative

Beverly Carthen, membership retention coordinator

We think Huntsville is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. And others must, too. Expansion Management, a business magazine for executives of companies actively looking for a place to expand or relocate their facilities within the next one to three years, has released its 8th annual ranking, published in the January-February 2006 issue. Huntsville MSA ranks #22!

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 Lindsay Southard, financial assistant Ginny Buie, financial assistant Joe Watson, facilities supervisor

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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

7 Huntsville banking center locations Commercial Banking 256-532-6226 Executive Private Banking 256-532-6236

Dr. David Billings, interim director, SBDC Carrie Davis, assistant director, SBDC Brenda McBride, procurement counselor

1-800-COMPASS www.compassbank.com/go/northalabama

Hanson Howard, business counselor Patsy Nayman, executive secretary

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Felita Flores, secretary

Member FDIC

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

April 2006 Initiatives

Exporters Start Your Engines: North Alabama drives toward a globally competitive community

Consider this: Two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power and 97 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S. Are you selling to these markets? Are we as a community competitive with these markets? Exports are the growth engine of the 21st century, and global markets will increasingly drive local markets. Although globalization has received much criticism, studies by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University indicate that exporting is a natural step in the evolution of growth-oriented companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive exports and economic growth in today’s global marketplace. According to Carnegie Mellon researchers, current trends in outsourcing and globalizing markets require that SMEs turn to the international economic sector in order to remain competitive. Gov. Bob Riley has announced that Alabama exports grew 19 percent last year, outpacing average national export growth. “Increasing exports from Alabama’s existing industries creates new jobs and new opportunities for our workers. Opening new markets and selling more Alabama products overseas is one reason our economy has recently experienced such strong growth,” said Gov. Riley. It is well documented that exporters far outperform non-exporters. On average, manufacturing exporters use technology 50 percent more intensively than their counterparts that only sell domestically, and productivity in exporting plants is 10 to 15 percent higher. According to the U.S. Small Business Ad-ministration, exporters pay 13-18 percent higher wages, and sales growth allows exporters to add jobs 18 percent faster. Locally, the Madison County Commission International Trade Development Center (ITDC) strives to create jobs and

expand the local tax base through export development and expansion. A local pacesetter is not hard to find: “ADTRAN has experienced phenomenal growth, but in order to continue this trend we must look not only to expand our product portfolio, but our customer base as well,” said Paris Arey, vice president of international operations for ADTRAN. “Industry reports show that the international telecommunications market will continue double-digit growth for the next several years reaching over $2 trillion by 2008, making the international market a huge and virtually untapped opportunity for future growth. When you are a one-half billion dollar company, everyone asks how you are going to get to $1 billion or $2 billion. The answer is growing internationally. Today, 51% of the IT market is outside of the U.S. and that is why international is

observes, “In today’s economy, if you’re not selling or starting to sell internationally, you will have a very difficult time growing your company. The United States and Canada, particularly for technology companies like SirsiDynix, are mature markets. The road to growth is the global marketplace, especially in Europe and AsiaPacific. We are the global leader in strategic technology solutions for libraries, and one of the reasons we hold that title is our presence in more than 40 countries. A large percentage of our new sales last year came from international customers. Companies who ignore the international marketplace do so at their own peril.” Private sector input is central to the success of ITDC’s regional counterpart, the North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) – a business-driven organization with the mission to be a cata-

a key growth area for ADTRAN.” Home-grown SirsiDynix is a little smaller than ADTRAN, but both have achieved global success and look to world markets for future growth. Lamar Jackson, vice president of global alliances for SirsiDynix

lyst for trade development and growth opportunities in North Alabama and the surrounding region. NAITA’s vision of North Alabama as a globally competitive community is fueled through its international continued on page 12 Initiatives April 2006

Exporters, continued from page 11 networking forum, trade education and international business preparation.

The Race for GC2 Is On: Focus on Trade & Infrastructure International trade development is paramount to addressing key factors of a globally competitive community. Export development is a significant element of business development that helps companies learn, innovate and stay competitive. Infrastructure development and international trade development work as a team to connect communities and companies to the world. The Port of Huntsville, a vital international trade development partner, contributes significantly to the success of global firms as a state-of-the-art transportation hub for the southeastern U.S. and a global port for the world. According to executive director Rick Tucker, the Port of Huntsville has long been involved in stimulating economic growth and jobs with features that assist importers and exporters, such as Foreign Trade Zone No. 83 and the International Intermodal Center. The Port of Huntsville, NAITA and the Madison County Commission’s ITDC have

been the driving force of a regional economic development initiative – The North Alabama Region: A Globally Competitive Community (GC2) – to build a sustainable, globally competitive region. With Huntsville/ Madison County as its economic core, this region extends across 14 counties in North Alabama (Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston) and Lincoln County, Tennessee. In 2005, two regional economic summits were held, each engaging approximately 100 regional economic developers, business and community leaders, and education leaders to discuss four key focus areas critical to a globally competitive community – education/ workforce development, business development, civic/cultural relationship development, and infrastructure development. Participants from across the area identified key regional issues to address, including strengthening K-12 educational curricula impacting workforce development, regional visioning, creating a positive external image of North Alabama, and strengthening infrastructure resources (highways, waterways,

Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate Property Management Department Receives AMO Accreditation Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate is pleased to announce that it has received the prestigious AMOTM accreditation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management IREMTM to exceptional real estate firms that have demonstrated “Experience, Stability, and Financial Accountability.” AMOTM firms must abide by a rigorous Code of Professional Ethics that is strictly enforced by the Institute, and must have a CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGERTM (CPMTM) directing the real estate management team. Built upon 30 years of experience, the firm’s collective knowledge, experience and service orientation combine to satisfy the commercial real estate needs of purchasers, sellers, developers, investors, tenants, and landlords. Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate is the only office north of Birmingham, west of Atlanta, south of Nashville and east of Memphis that has received this recognition. It is the first organization in the state to have received the recognition in fifteen years.

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April 2006 Initiatives

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munities currently set visions for their own futures and work toward these goals, but a regional strategic plan is needed to focus collaborative energy on common issues and efforts that will enhance the global competitiveness of North Alabama. Efforts continue to move forward in developing a process for regional collaboration beyond political and geographic boundaries. This achievement will indeed put North Alabama in the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle. Further information related to a Globally Competitive Community and presentations from the GC2 Summits are available at www.naita.org/globalcommunity.htm. For further information on the Madison County Commission International Trade Development Center or NAITA, please contact Anne Burkett at 256.532.3505 or trade@co.madison.al.us. Source: The Globally Competitive South (Under Construction), Southern Growth Policies Board, June 2004

Written by Amanda P. Berkey, Senior International Trade Specialist, Madison County Commission

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and the information highway) including securing funding for the Memphis-Atlanta Highway. Integrating international visitors and residents in our communities, using arts and education to understand and celebrate diversity, expanding international trade education and networks, and regional strategic planning were also flagged. Participants also discussed regional stewardship and the methodology other regions have used to bring leaders together for collaboration on important issues. Doug Henton, president and founder of Collaborative Economics in California, addressed the GC2 Summit on October 25. Doug and his partners were instrumental in the startup and continued success of the regional initiative in the Silicon Valley, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network and have worked with similar regional efforts across the country. At the same meeting, Rep. Jeff McLaughlin, District 27, Alabama State Legislature, enlightened participants on the critical issue of inter-basin water transfers from the Tennessee River and how this can adversely impact our water supply and regional economic development. Individual local governments and com-

Initiatives April 2006

Huntsville “has been reborn as a center of cutting-edge technology and of automotive and space aeronautics industries.” – Munhwa Daily

Huntsville makes world headlines thanks to proactive media outreach

report in its February 17, 2006 issue, trumpeting “Huntsville’s growing reputation as the technology and engineering capital of the South.” To help secure positive international press about Huntsville’s vibrant economy, the chamber engaged the services of Development Counsellors International (DCI), an agency that specializes in economic development marketing and is located in New York City, the media capital of the world. DCI works closely with the Foreign Press Centers in New York and Washington D.C., and has extensive contacts with the large cadre of international media based in both cities.

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Bad news travels quickly, while good news – particularly positive reports about the economy – rarely receives ink or airtime, let alone equal coverage. That is why the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County launched a proactive effort a few years ago to reach media from around the world with stories about the city’s thriving business climate. The effort is paying off in positive headlines and stories about Huntsville in newspapers, magazines and broadcast outlets spanning the globe from England to South Korea. Most recently, the influential Londonbased Financial Times published a glowing

April 2006 Initiatives

Plus, to further enhance positive media coverage for the area, the chamber strategically teamed with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority. The result? More opportunities for DCI to leverage new and continued interest from regional, national and international media. Carefully arranged press tours are among the techniques used to stimulate stories about Huntsville. The chamber, for example, hosted four foreign journalists in a three-day tour of the region in May 2004. Correspondents from German, French and Korean media visited and interviewed executives at more than a half-dozen local companies, as well as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Redstone Arsenal and the Port of Huntsville. “Foreign media love press tours because we can arrange a very efficient itinerary, jam-packed with visits and high-level interviews at a broad range of manufacturing, technology and defense companies, universities and organizations,” said Andrew T. Levine, president of DCI. “There is no substitute for a journalist visiting a community firsthand – the resulting press can help shape positive perceptions about a business location for years to come.” Indeed, the spring trip resulted in numerous articles reinforcing Huntsville’s perennial ranking by Forbes as one of America’s “Top 10 Cities for Business.” A tri-part series entitled “Lessons from Huntsville USA – A Great City for Business” appeared, for example, in Munhwa Daily, the only nationwide evening newspaper in Korea. In one article, the reporter focused on the virtues of Huntsville as an international air logistics base, noting that the city has “established advantages such as low cost, quick cargo handling and an expansive site that connects the flows of air, rail and highway to methodically pull in companies.” In another dispatch lauding the city’s workforce, the Korean reporter recalled marveling at the manufacturers he saw along the avenue

What the Foreign Press is Saying about Huntsville . . . Financial Times: “Huntsville’s growing reputation as the technology and engineering capital of the South was underlined last week when EADS became the latest in a series of international manufacturers to establish a presence in the city.” Le Figaro: Huntsville “has all the advantages of a high-tech metropolis, without the drawbacks of Silicon Valley.” “The spirit of conquest that motivated the NASA scientists is still alive.” German Public Radio: “The Apollo program brought the small town to world fame, however, the Rocket City continues to boom.” “…a well established business community, outstanding support from local tax authorities and at 3,840 meters, the second longest take-off and landing strip in the American Southeast.”

Celebrates Groundbreaking For New Jones Valley Location

L to R: Vernon Bice, Stan Bailey, Mayor Loretta Spencer and Jim Link.

Representatives from Superior Bank Senior Management, members of Superior Bank Board of Directors and City Officials were on hand October 18th for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jones Valley location, which is planned to open in the spring of 2006. Jones Valley is one of three new branches Superior Bank plans to construct in the Huntsville area that will bring over 20 new jobs to Huntsville. The two other locations planned for construction are Hampton Cove and the Highway 72 area. Each of the offices will provide state of the art convenience to the customer and will also provide mortgage lending, investment and insurance services. For more information, please come by our Huntsville Branch at 300 Clinton Avenue West or contact us at 532-2690. More information on Superior Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries may be obtained over the internet at www.superiorbank.com

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leading from the airport to the city center, “It was almost as though we had come upon a gigantic showroom of global manufacturers.” Le Figaro, the second largest newspaper in France, and German Public Radio also carried in-depth pieces about Huntsville’s high-tech economy following the press tour. The French reporter noted Huntsville’s position as the second largest research center in the United States and wrote that the city “has all the advantages of a high-tech metropolis without the drawbacks of Silicon Valley. The local universities and the people who retire from the armed forces and NASA ensure an influx of brains at a reasonable price.” Andrew Ward, the international business correspondent for the Financial Times who DCI arranged to visit Huntsville last December, also took note of the brainpower in Huntsville. He reported on Huntsville’s growing reputation as the technology and engineering capital of the South and that “other high-value industries, such as biotechnology, are emerging.” In addition to arranging for journalists to visit Huntsville, DCI has also orchestrated meetings of chamber officials with foreign media on their own turf. Case in point is press appointments arranged in October 2005 when chamber vice president of economic development Ethan Hadley and other Huntsville executives were in Japan and Korea on business. The contingent met in Seoul with The Wall Street Journal-equivalent – Korea Economic Daily – and spent the better part of an afternoon with the president and managing editor of Munhwa Daily. When Huntsville delegates participate in trade shows overseas, DCI makes a point to arrange interviews with foreign and trade media. Following the Farnborough and Paris air shows, for example, Flight Daily News ran a complimentary story under the headline, “U.S. Rocket City Zooms into Farnborough.” continued on page 36

Initiatives April 2006

Foreign Affiliated Companies in Huntsville/Madison County Canada Cinram International Inc. manufactures and distributes pre-recorded DVDs, VHS videocassettes, audio CDs, audiocassettes and CD-ROMs for motion picture studios, music labels, publishers and computer software companies around the world. Epic Data Corporation offers Bar Code data collection systems for manufacturing environments. Future Electronics markets and distributes semiconductors and passive, interconnect and electro-mechanical components. Matsu specializes in the stamping of metal products that are integral in automotive for manufacturers including Honda and General Motors.

Mitchell Plastics ia a manufacturer of injected molded components/assemblies for the automotive industry. Neocon, a division of Exco Automotive Solutions (formerly TecSyn PMP, Inc.), makes powdered metal for use in manufacturing precision metal parts. Nortel Networks delivers networking and communication services and infrastructure to service providers and enterprises.

France Saint Gobain manufactures abrasives and refractory zirconia.

Germany Aviagen North America develops breeding stock for the chicken industry using genetic selection techniques.

Johann A. Krause, Inc. develops, designs, manufactures and delivers turn-key aggregate assembly systems including testing equipment for the automotive industry. KĂ&#x2013;MMERLING USA, Inc. manufactures and sells rigid PVC foam sheets. Mems Optical (parent co.: Jenoptik) is a leading supplier and manufacturer of both refractive (microlens arrays) and diffractive (beam shapers, beam splitters, etc.) micro optics and of MEMS devices such as scanning tilt micro mirrors and deformable mirrors. Siemens VDO Automotive produces high volume PC board-based electronic automotive component products. Turner Universal (parent co.: Hochtief) provides building services to institutions who recognize the value of a partner who works diligently and creatively to find the best possible solution for each project. Z/I Imaging Corporation (Intergraph) pro-

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MD Atlantic Technologies, Inc. provides geospatial information services including digital photogrammetry, GIS/LIS, AM/FM, data base design and attribution, topographic

mapping, GPS surveying, digital ortho photos, LiDAR, and stock aerial photography.

April 2006 Initiatives

vides open Windows®-based imaging solutions, including aerial cameras, photogrammetric scanners and workstations, stereo softcopy and geo-data management, processing and distribution software.

Japan Futaba Corporation manufactures, sells and distributes electronic systems and components. Green Metals, Inc. provides scrap-metal disposal; process and markets both ferrous and nonferrous metals; meets the scrap disposal needs of its customers and the ecological needs of the environment. Hokuriku USA, Ltd. supplies passive electronic components, including fixed and variable resistors, potentiometers, thermistors, sensors, PC boards, tactile switches and TCXO/VCXO products. Japan Communications Inc., Japan’s premier provider of mobile data and voice communications services for corporations and professionals, purchased Huntsville-based Arxceo, which develops security devices for computer networks in Feb. 2006. JPC (USA), Inc. supplies filtration and washing systems. Provides industrial equipment, parts and service to automotive and related

manufacturing operations. Nalux Nano Optical, LLC provides customer support for their ultra-precision optical equipment.

Money Maker or Headache?

Okaya (U.S.A.), Inc. integrates suppliers for Toyota, Alabama. Manages inventory level for all cutting tools to maintain efficient but not excessive stock. TDK designs and markets analog and mixedsignal integrated circuits for communications products. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. produces engines for Toyota’s Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks. Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. is an international trading firm with numerous interests in supply-chain activities, intermediate goods production and manufacturing-related services.

Korea LG Electronics handles customer service and parts distribution for LG Electronics and Zenith products in North America. Expression Genetics develops proprietary non-viral biocompatible polymeric gene carrier systems for internal products and for continued on page 30

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Initiatives April 2006

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In a town full of acronyms,

Sitting in the waiting area outside the office of the general manager for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Agency (NAMEADSMA), I would have been disappointed had I not overheard conversations in a mix of languages. The bustle and buzz suited my notions of an internationally-manned office. At the prompting of an assistant, however, I abandoned my ineffectual eavesdropping and accepted an invitation into the office of Dr. Steven Messervy. Seated in Messervy’s office which overlooks the western section of Cummings Research Park, I soon learned from the gener-

al manager that the NATO MEADS Management Agency in Huntsville is one of only 12 such NATO organizations worldwide. Locally, he remarked, “some people know who we are or even that we’re here, some don’t.” He noted that part of the NATO agencies are production and logistics organizations and their task is developing and sustaining weapon systems. “For instance, in Munich, Germany there is a NATO agency responsible for a fighter project, but another European agency develops a helicopter. We happen to be one that develops a missile system.” MEADS is a tri-national program to develop an air and missile defense system that meets current and future air defense needs for German, Italian and U.S. forces. It is planned to replace the 30-year-old Patriot system.

Why MEADS Superior battlefield capabilities ■

360-degree capability

■

Greater lethality against weapons of mass destruction

■

Enhanced strategic transportability

■

Better tactical mobility

■

Entire threat suite countered

Unprecedented flexibility

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■

Netted and distributed BMC4I (Battle Management Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence)

■

Plug-and-fight capability

■

Tailored/scalable battle elements

Significant homeland defense for Europe Reduced life cycle costs

“Cornerstone of Future Air Defense” MEADS International, Inc. 18

April 2006 Initiatives

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“Our location is Huntsville because of the expertise of this community in the development and sustainment of missile systems,” said Messervy. “We work very closely with the U.S. Army because for us to be successful, it must be a parallel effort,” he explained. NAMEADSMA is the only production and logistics agency outside of Europe and has been established in Huntsville for nine years. The agency completed the risk reduction phase of the program last May and then initiated an eightyear design and development phase. According to Messervy, the development phase is about a $ 4 billion program. “The memorandum of understanding between the three nations says that when we start the development program, a U.S. general manager is called for, instead of European,” said Messervy. Italian and German generals had previously led the organization. Messervy, working as a civilian deputy to Brigadier General Mike Cannon, U.S. Army, program executive officer Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, was asked to accept the NATO post. At that point, the agency employed just over 50. Current figures stand at 65 and the general manager anticipates figures to rise to 95 by summer. The development phase of the program is funded by all three nations, with the U.S providing 58 percent of the budget and 58 percent of the workshare, Germany about 25 percent and Italy at 17 percent. “The company developing this is MEADS International which is a consortium of Lockheed Martin, MBDA out of Italy and EADS out of Germany,” noted Messervy. “They have the same workshare requirements as I do on the agency side.” The U.S. military is keen to reduce the time it takes to integrate MEADS technologies. Using a development and acquisition strategy called spiral development, they plan to field the system incrementally to get

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NAMEADSMA can be an enigma

Initiatives April 2006

Driven to succeed in Huntsville Foreign-based automotive manufacturers grab the wheel

Or in the case of Alabama, foreign-based auto industry manufacturers may be grabbing the golden ring. A survey released in the first quarter of 2006 by the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) revealed a 44 percent increase in the state’s automotive-related manufacturing jobs since 2003, equating to a total of almost 45,000 auto manufacturing jobs. The increase was expected, since assembly plants Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance and Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln underwent expansions and the Hyundai assembly plant in Montgomery opened in the last two years. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) in Huntsville also executed an expansion and announced a second expansion during that time.

“We love being in Huntsville; I say that every chance I get,” remarked Jim Bolte, senior vice president for TMMAL. The company began turning out V8 engines for the Tundra full-size pickup produced in Indiana in May 2003. “This is the only Toyota plant outside of Japan that builds V8 engines,” Bolte emphasized. “The biggest advantage we’ve seen so far is the workforce; very impressive in terms of work ethic and in terms of how quickly they pick things up,” he said with a nod. The love affair with area residents appears to be reciprocal. Bolte noted the company received 10,000 applications, ranging throughout a 50-mile radius, for 350 available jobs. “We’ll be hiring people all the way through the fall,” Bolte added. A majority of those available jobs is a result of TMMAL’s second expansion. The first expansion, launched last summer, introduced the V6 engine to new production lines. The V6 is used for the Tundra, as 20

April 2006 Initiatives

well as Tacoma pickup trucks made in Fremont, California and Baja California, Mexico. The second expansion, announced in September 2004, will nearly double the size of the current facility. “After this next expansion is finished, we’ll have the capacity of 400,000 engines [annually], V6 and V8, for the Tundra, the Tacoma and the Sequoia [SUV].” Production is scheduled to begin in December. Once complete, the plant will have 800 team members and the investment will total $490 million. “We are continuing our growth because of the dedication of our team members. I know we will have continued success as we approach our newest expansion project,” said Kunihiko Ogura, president of TMMAL. Toyota and local team members are also very dedicated to their communities. Huntsville mayor Loretta Spencer said, “Toyota has become an important addition to our city since the moment they arrived here. They are a wonderful corporate neigh-

bor who gives back to the community.” Well before the first engine rolled off of the production line, Toyota gave a half million dollars for distance education and teacher training at area schools. According to Stephanie Deemer, external affairs for TMMAL, more than $1.5 million has been given to support education, the environment, arts, health and human services and organizations such as Junior Achievement of North Alabama. Employees have made Toyota one of the top contributors to United Way in Madison County and staff and management alike have gathered together to clean up natural resource areas and build Habitat for Humanity houses. “We found a quality workforce but also people who are really willing to give back to their communities. We are very proud of that,” added Deemer. Perhaps it’s the combination of quality people and proven work concepts – the Toyota production system (TPS) carrying

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL) broke ground last April for another plant expansion that will bring more jobs and an additional $250 million investment.

When Toyota built its first V8 engine facility outside of Japan in 2003, the company chose Huntsville, Alabama. Over the last 10 years, the automotive industry has invested nearly $7 billion and created more than 38,000 new jobs in Alabama. – Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA)

over into employees’ personal lives. “It’s not only team concept,” noted Bolte, “there are a lot of facets to TPS: mutual respect, teamwork, a constant pursuit of kaizan; the process is just as important as the product. We try to build in a foolproof process, checkpoints if you will, so when the product comes off the end of the assembly line you are assured of high quality and good value.” Cost manImportantly, kaizen agement, noted must operate with three Bolte, is also a key principles in place: part of the system. “Toyota wants process and results to provide good (not results-only); choices and good systemic thinking values in all of the (i.e. big picture, not market segments,” solely the narrow view); said Bolte. “We and non judgmental, test 100 percent non-blaming (because of our engines; blaming is wasteful). fire them up Source: Wikipedia before they leave,” he remarked. Ensuring perfection and customer satisfaction is surely the basis of Toyota’s charm and popularity. To many inside and outside the industry, the Japanese automobile company seems almost invincible. Likewise, Huntsville’s economy is becoming increasingly stronger from foreign investment and diversification. “The presence of over 40 foreign-based companies in Huntsville/Madison County, combined with our global trade and transportation infrastructure, is a source of pride for our community,” stated Brian Hilson, president and CEO for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. “Since the arrival of the von Braun rocket team, Huntsville has recognized the importance and advantages of doing business internationally.” Hilson remarked one of the keys to recruiting foreign-based companies is to maintain a positive business environment and to always understand the importance of international relations and cultural aware-

ness. “As the book says, ‘the world is flat,’” said Hilson. “We’ve recognized that for a long time and will continue to emphasize international business development in our economic growth strategy.” “I think this is a very pro business community,” added Bolte. In large part, he attributed the climate to the progressiveness of the chamber of commerce. “We’ve had great support from city, county, and state,” he added. Bolte emphasized the helpfulness of the Alabama Industrial Development Training program – one of the leading industrial training programs in the nation. Are more announcements around the corner? “Some engine plants still have the ability to expand, like this one. But those decisions are made in Japan,” Bolte said with a smile. For example, he shared that Toyota has announced plans to build the Camry hybrid in Georgetown, Ky., but hasn’t yet decided on the localization of hybrid engine production. Toyota’s North American-produced vehicles include the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, and the Lexus RX 330. Bolte reported the company plans to be more aggressive in the truck market.

When Germany-based Siemens VDO assessed the possibility of acquiring the former Huntsville Electronics Corp. from DaimlerChrysler in 2003-2004, the operations’ geographic location strongly influenced the company’s decision to pursue the business initiative. Huntsville’s close proximity to existing OEM customers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz and BMW, represented – and continues to represent – prospective new business. In addition, the Southeast serves as a good logistics point for shipment to North American customers.

“Having a facility in the growing southeastern United States automotive corridor fits well into our global footprint of existing manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Siemens VDO Powertrain Electronics chief financial officer Dr. Henning Heppner. “Also, Huntsville offers tremendous strengths in engineering expertise and a skilled workforce.” The forward-looking organization is also keenly interested in supporting and encouraging the development of the next generation of innovators. A strategic partnership has already been struck between Siemens VDO and the nearby University of Alabama in Huntsville. As the school’s largest co-op employer, the global automotive electronics supplier participates in a three-way partnership to build professional relationships between students, employers and the university. Following the Huntsville acquisition in April 2004, the two main tasks for Siemens VDO were to increase competitiveness and introduce new, innovative products that could grow business. Notably, the U. S. is projected to be Siemens second largest global growth market. “By 2010, approximately 35 percent of a vehicle’s total value will be made up of electronics and electrical systems,” said Dr. Heppner. “Within the global Siemens network of innovation and our leading continued on page 22 Initiatives April 2006

Driven to succeed in Huntsville, continued from page 21 position in the market, we are very confident to reach our demanding growth goal. The more than 440 product engineers, production specialists and other experts of our Huntsville location’s total workforce are working hard to capitalize on this growth segment within a stagnating automotive market.” Already, the organization’s efforts are being rewarded. According to Heppner, the Huntsville team has earned significant new business and the successful integration of

AAMA Survey A typical supplier plant in Alabama has an average of 100 employees and 52 percent of the plants have less than 50 employees.

■

the operations was recently awarded a top+Star award for overall business improvement by Siemens Corp. At roughly $1 billion, Huntsville represented almost 10 percent of Siemens VDO’s total sales in the 2004-2005 fiscal year. The location employs 2,100 people and continues to make strides towards being a best-inclass global manufacturing and engineering location. “We are very thankful for the support of the local community in Huntsville and Madison County,” said Dr. Heppner. “We are well underway with our capital and process improvements that will help make the Huntsville location a long-term competitor in the automotive electronics supply industry,” finished Heppner.

29 new auto plants were established in Alabama over the past two years, bringing the total number of active plants to 263.

■

Two Canada-based, automotive suppliers, Matsu and Mitchell Plastics, opened local operations in the last two years. “We decided on Huntsville for several reasons,” commented John Carney, general manager for Matsu Alabama. “The best labor pool, a

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The survey was supported by the AAMA and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

high standard of living and a centralized location to several of our customers are among them.” Matsu manufactures welded and stamped components for the automotive market. “As our customer base grows in the Southeast, we will evaluate our expansion plans,” said Carney. The company is pursuing the new TS16949 certification – an international standard – to enhance growth. Matsu’s current customer base includes Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and General Motors. Ron Corzatt, general manager for Mitchell Plastics, another relatively new kid on the block, (they’ve been in operation for more than one and a half years), admits to having expansion plans already. “We had a 25 percent growth in employment in last 7 months,” he added. Location to the automotive industry, access to major roads and current, as well as future customers, prompted the company to take up residence in Huntsville’s Chase Industrial Park. Mitchell Plastics manufactures plastic interior decorative and functional trim. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are included in the company’s customer base which Corzatt also describes as “expanding.” •

April 2006 Initiatives

Foreign exchange Redstone to become International Shopping Mall for Army Products

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If your international shopping list includes items such as Apache helicopters and TOW missiles, then you are probably already aware of Huntsville, Alabama, home to the Army’s Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM). To our international allies, Huntsville is the “go-to” place for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) support for U. S. Army helicopters, missiles and missile defense products. Huntsville’s already large role in FMS is about to become significantly larger in the eyes of the international community with the relocation of the U.S. Army’s Security Assistance Command (USASAC) to Redstone Arsenal as a result of the 2005 round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Huntsville’s heightened international profile portends some fascinating possibilities. While the State Department manages and develops our nation’s policy regarding security assistance to our allies, USASAC is where the rubber meets the road in the execution of that support for Army materiel. USASAC is responsible for managing about $49 billion in sales of U.S. Army weapons systems to our 140 allied nations and organizations. Of that total, AMCOM was responsible for approximately $23 billion, by far the largest single commodity command supplying materiel. The next largest was the Tank and Automotive Command providing $15 billion in foreign sales. Foreign military sales and security assistance support are important to the U.S. for several reasons. Security assistance promotes regional stability, deters aggression, maintains alliances, and disseminates democratic values between the United States and its allies. Foreign military sales also provide thousands of U.S. jobs in a valuable export market. For each billion dollars in FMS, 22,000 jobs are created. It’s also one of the ways that the defense contracting community can defray the heavy R&D costs of developing the new U.S. systems. Today, USASAC is increasingly responding to support of U.S. government emergency assistance, humanitarian relief, and operations other than war, including United Nations peacekeeping operations. USASAC’s motto is “Strength in Cooperation.” • Mike Ward

Initiatives April 2006

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16,427

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

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

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,676 Households 2000 Census

Wal-Mart Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,300 109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

Avg. Household Income

$57,220

$55,856

$72,432

$55,343

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,097

Per Capita Income

$23,091

$24,015

$27,821

$22,073

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

CINRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,200 Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,097

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

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April 2006 Initiatives

Investors Chairman’s Council ($50,000+ invested: Private Sector)

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Regions Bank Take Stock

($50,000+ invested: Public Sector)

(<$2,500 invested)

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, Inc.; Avocent Corporation; Beason & Nalley, Inc.; Bill Penney Toyota; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama; Booz Allen Hamilton; Camber Corporation; CINRAM, Inc.; COLSA Corporation; Express Jet; Huntsville Area Association of Realtors; Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association, Inc.; Intergraph Corporation; Lamar Outdoor Advertising; Northrop Grumman; Panalpina, Inc.; SAIC Siemens VDO Automotive; SPARTA, Inc.; SportsMed Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center; Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

Alabama Psychological Services Center; Allied Photocopy, Inc.; Armstrong Relocation; Arnold Hornbuckle; Available Plastics; Bama Jammer Promotions; Bevilacqua Research Corporation; Blue Creek Investment Partners; Charles G. Robinson; Crabtree Rowe & Berger, P.C.; Curves for Women – Hampton Cove; Davidson Technologies; Dick, Riggs, Miller & Stern, LLP; Foreign Language Services, Inc.; Grogan’s Jewelers; G.W. Jones & Sons; General & Automotive Machine Shop, Inc.; Gray Research, Inc.; Huntsville Marriott; Mercer & Associates, P.C.; O&S Enterprises, Inc.; OMI, Inc.; Padgett Business Service; Park Supply Company; 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; Taos Industries; Tetra Tech, Inc.; The Real Yellow Pages® from BellSouth; Vulcan Heating and Air Conditioning; West Huntsville Land Company; Westwind Technologies Corporation; White, Fleming & Company, P.C.

If you would like more information regarding the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI), please contact Loren Traylor at 256.535.2028 or send an email to: ltraylor@hsvchamber.org

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Development Partners

Progress Partners ($5,000 - $9,999 invested) AEgis Technologies; Analytical Services, Inc.; Applied Data Trends, Inc.; BAE Systems; Balch & Bingham, LLP; Coldwell Banker/McLain Real Estate; Colonial Properties; Consolidated Construction; Dynetics; Enfinger Steele Development, Inc.; Engelhard Corporation; ERC, Inc.; First American Bank; First Commercial Bank; FPMI Solutions, Inc.; General Dynamics; HiWAAY Internet Services; International Diesel; Intuitive Research & 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; NAI Chase Commercial Realty; Parker Hannifin Corporation; Radiology of Huntsville, P.C.; Samples Properties; Sirote & Permutt, P.C.; SOUTHBank; The Executive Group Realtors; The Orthopaedic Center; The Surgery Center of Huntsville; Turner Universal Construction; WAFF-TV; Wilmer & Lee, P.A.; Yellowbook; Anonymous

Progress Investors 3D Research Corporation; Averbuch Realty/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.; Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates; Fuqua & Partners; Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.; Infinity Technology; Jacobs Sverdrup; JH Partners Architecture & Interiors; Johnston, Moore, Maples & Thompson; Kudzu Productions; Lamb Commercial Services, Inc.; Madison Research Corp.; Madison Square Chrysler/Jeep; Mercedes Benz of Huntsville; Oceaneering International; Radiance Technology, Inc.; Science & Engineering Services, Inc.; The Heritage Club; Wesfam Restaurants/Burger King; Westar Corporation; WHNT-19; Wilson Lumber; Woodland Homes of Huntsville; Woody Anderson Ford

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

Initiatives April 2006

Do you know NAMEADSMA?, continued from page 18

Dr. Steven L. Messervy is currently the general manager of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Agency (NAMEADSMA) in Huntsville, Alabama. In this position, he is responsible for the development phase of the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) for the United States, Germany, and Italy. He assumed these duties in November 2005.

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April 2006 Initiatives

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Marketing • Design • Promotional Products 00375962

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a capability, and then systematically upgrade and improve as emerging technologies become available. “So one of the things we’re working on accelerating is the battle management tactical operations center,” said Messervy. “Basically, that’s putting the new operations into the field after development and testing. Then, we will replace the tactical operations centers, the TOCS, in the Patriot battalions around the world – at least the U.S. ones, anyway, with a combination of the battle management software that controls the Patriot battery and also the MEADS portion of that.” MEADS six major equipment items are: multifunction fire control radar (MFCR); surveillance radar; battle management, command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (BMC41); certified missile round (PAC-3 missile and canister); launcher; and reloader. Messervy indicated NAMEADSMA presents a challenging organizational structure. Plus, the program’s integrative product teams are spread over the three countries and managed by MEADS International out of Orlando. “Part of the launcher will be built in Italy, part in the states, and we have all these different end items that come together,” he began to list. He added that the missile is part of the U.S. workshare. “And right now we’re using a PAC-3 missile for this system.” Melding systems, addressing the jointness aspect across the military spectrum, coordinating activities with three countries while continually managing the risks in the program are daunting tasks, particularly considering cultural differences that can come into play. For instance, “There is a difference in how the U.S. and the Europeans assign contracts,” said Messervy. According to the general manager, differences between firm-fixedcost and cost-plus contracts, for example, require different management processes. Dr. Messervy’s background addresses the challenge. As the deputy program executive officer for Missiles and Space at Redstone Arsenal, he served as the principal Department of the Army civilian advisor on all U.S. Army missile and space systems. Additionally, he served four years as project manager, aviation electronic systems within the PEO Aviation, Redstone. Messervy has over 21 years experience in the research, development and acquisition business, serving in both major command staff and project offices at the U.S. Army Missile Command and the U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command. MEADS is expected to enter service in 2014. • Holly McClain

Initiatives April 2006

At First Commercial Bank we are proud of our commitment to the growth of local businesses in our community. Images courtesy of The Huntsville Convention Bureau.

“When we looked for a business partner, First Commercial Bank offered a complete "nancing package that provided us the best use of our "nancial resources. More importantly, we have developed sincere, personal relationships with our First Commercial bankers. We appreciate their commitment to our continued success.” Cynthia Streams, CPA, Vice President Valley Pizza, Inc — A Domino’s Pizza franchise

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International Services Council to host U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program

Huntsville will play host to the 2006 Southern Regional Meeting of the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV) June 21-23. Community and business leaders will have an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the area’s considerable resources for key leaders from the U.S. Department of State, the National Council for International Visitors, the seven Washington-based program agencies and 23 Southern member organizations from 12 states affiliated with this prestigious program of citizen diplomacy. The International Services Council (ISC) of Huntsville/Madison County is the Alabama affiliate for the NCIV program. Luba Cehelska, executive director of the

Holly McClain

Luba Cehelska, executive director of the local International Services Council

local ISC remarked, “Hosting the NCIV regional meeting is a very special honor for us, as we were selected by the U.S. Department of State through a rigorous competition.” Cehelska noted that attendees will learn about the international exchanges sponsored through the U.S. Department of State, and trade ideas about managing these special programs. “At such a conference, one discovers the good work being accomplished by program agencies and international centers across the U.S.” The ISC executive emphasized the importance of volunteers who freely give their time and talents, as well as many other individuals who contribute continued on page 32

Communities of the Tennessee Valley

C OM MI T T E E

Magazine

Between now and 2009, various military commands and personnel

The OFFICIAL PUBLICATION delivered directly to the thousands of potential BRAC transferees.

will be transitioning to Huntsville from the Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia area.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business to these future residents.

Area communities are joining • Your ad will appear in a professional quality, high gloss, full color magazine promoting the benefits of living in the North Alabama area. • The Magazine will be distributed by the BRAC Committee at town meetings in Northern Virginia and in correspondence. • To participate in this special publication, your business must be a Chamber of Commerce member in one of the participating communities.

together to showcase the Tennessee Valley region in a positive light. This special publication will be the center piece

Participating Communities

for recruiting new members to our

Huntsville/Madison County Cullman/Cullman County Scottsboro/Jackson County Madison/Madison County The Shoals Fayetteville/Lincoln County, TN. Athens/Limestone County Decatur/Morgan County Arab/Marshall County Guntersville/Marshall County

communities that will have a vital

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impact on our economy.

To advertise or to find out more about thisTennessee Valley BRAC Committee publication, please call 256-532-4250 or 1-800 -239-5271 ext 4250. Advertising deadline is Thursday, April 27, 2006 Initiatives April 2006

Foreign Affiliated Companies, continued from page 17

expect something

those in partnership with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Luxembourg

great

Cargolux – Air cargo carrier

Netherlands EADS North America is the U.S. holding company for the North American activities of EADS, the world’s second largest aerospace and defense company, and the largest in Europe.

Singapore 3Dlabs, Inc., a subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd., is a leading innovator in professional visual processing. The company supplies a broad range of graphics accelerators.

South Africa Barloworld Handling is the largest Hyster lift truck dealer in the United States.

Sweden ADS Corporation (parent co.: Axel Johnson Inc.) provides comprehensive sewer system diagnostic services to municipal agencies and consulting engineering firms.

kellyservices.com

Partner with the company that has become a true example of dedication: Kelly Services . The hard work and determination that began in 1946— when William Russell Kelly opened the company with just 12 customers and a dream—has grown to service over 200,000 businesses worldwide!

Switzerland Adecco designs and delivers staffing solutions; provides temporary engineering, technical support, clerical and administrative personnel. Kuehne + Nagel. Inc. provides international forwarding and logistics services. Panalpina, Inc. provides international forwarding and logistics services. Synapse, Inc. designs and provides intelligent electronic control products and systems for plumbing OEMs.

United Kingdom AMEC Earth Environmental provides environmental consulting and engineering, specializing in U.S. Department of Defense activities. BAE Systems provides engineering and technical services, management services, and information technology solutions. Signature Flight Support provides airplane fueling and maintenance; airplane radio repair. Westar Aerospace & Defense Group (parent co.: QinetiQ) is one of the nation’s leading providers of technology solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, other government agencies, and aerospace customers.

With temporary, temporary to hire and direct hire options available, we guarantee to provide you with the best placement solutions. Place your trust with Kelly Services… 92% of the Fortune 500 do! ®

Huntsville, AL

256.971.0113

Decatur, AL

256.353.6415

Boaz, AL

256.505.6218

Florence, AL

256.767.9077

Fayetteville, TN 931.438.8164

April 2006 Initiatives

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Call Center I Technical I Light Industrial Marketing I Office/Clerical

F Panoply Arts Festival Global Village By Andrea Williams

For the 25th anniversary of Panoply, Huntsville’s annual celebration of the arts, The Arts Council is thinking INTERNATIONALLY. New to this year’s festival is the Global Village, a celebration of Huntsville’s remarkable diversity. The new International Performing Arts Stage in the Global Village will showcase dance and music from many countries. Thirteen pavilions will focus on the AfricanAmerican, Chinese, Columbian, German, Indian, Iranian, Native American, Pakistani, Palestinian, Philippine, Polish, Scottish, and Ukraine cultures. Each will be clustered around the International Stage to educate and entertain Panoply patrons with facets of the many cultures in their own backyards. Each pavilion will display artifacts from that country; craftsmen and artists will demonstrate native decorative arts, and the hosts in each pavilion will dress in apparel unique to their culture. Children will be invited into each of the pavilions to learn a game or create a craft item representative of that country. In addition to these exciting opportunities, children will be encouraged to join in a daily parade of nations through the park led by a fierce Chinese dragon. Located in the heart of Huntsville’s Big Spring International Park, the Global Village, with its message of hope and unity for the future, is among other prominent landmarks of international significance. The red Japanese bridge across the lagoon was a gift to the citizens of Huntsville from the Japanese Air Defense Missile Program in celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States and in appreciation of the welcome and training assistance provided them by the City of Huntsville, Madison County, and the U. S. Army. Just south of the bridge, stand a light beacon and a fog bell, once parts of a functional warning system along the coast of Norway, that were presented to the citizens of Huntsville in 1973 for similar reasons. And nearby, a Canadian Hemlock grows, donated by the city of Markham, Ontario, with a plaque that reads, “We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” The Panoply Arts Festival, consistently named a Top Twenty Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, is a weekend of fun for the entire family. Other new features of the festival in 2006 include the Official Alabama State Fiddling Competition and the final round of the Homegrown Talent Contest. Performances of the winning entries to the 10-Minute Playwright Competition, inaugurated in 2005, will be held in the Huntsville Museum of Art adjacent to the park, and the finals of the Choreography Competition, an exciting part of many past festivals, will be held in the Concert Hall of the Von Braun Center. The eclecticism of the festival’s offerings, especially with the addition of the Global Village and the International Performing Arts Stage, is sure to delight both Panoply rookies and veterans. Admission to Panoply is FREE for children 12 and under. A weekend Panopass is $15 (please purchase in advance) and a day Panopass is $8. Panoply is open on Friday, April 28, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 30, from 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. Fireworks close the festival each night. • Visit www.panoply.org for more information or call 256.519.2787

Initiatives April 2006

International Services Council, continued from page 29

PREMIER

Martha M. Coffman, ABR Phone 256.337.0152 Office 256.650.0022 Fax 256.650.0082 www.homeshuntsville.com Marthacoffman@knology.net

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“Meeting your Real Estate needs”

their efforts to enhance global learning and understanding. “We welcome the opportunity to share and expose the excellent work of NCIV to individuals in our community, and, indeed, in our entire state.” This is the first time for the meeting to be held in Alabama. Citizen diplomacy is the notion that individual citizens have the right – even the responsibility – to help shape U.S. foreign relations “one handshake at a time.” “Thousands of Americans are engaged in this activity,” said Cehelska, “reaching out every day to visiting international leaders, scholars and students, thereby giving international guests a more realistic view of Americans.” The program is a unique, short-term professional opportunity to bring emerging leaders, selected by U.S. Embassy personnel, to the U.S. for substantive professional dialogue with their U.S. counterparts. Complementary cultural experiences give these leaders a better understanding of the history and heritage of the United States. In turn, U.S. hosts gain valuable experience, develop international friendships and build enduring educational and economic relationships. Each year several hundred Alabama volunteers engage international visitors through acts of kindness and hospitality, hosting

events in their homes, schools and offices. Fifty-six international visitors and their English language officers visited the state in 2004-2005 via 21 different programs. The ISC creates itineraries including professional visits and home hospitality for distinguished visitors interested in a broad range of interests, which include: investigative journalism, economic development, public/private partnerships, librarianship, civil rights and grassroots democracy. The ISC international visitor leadership program contributes to Alabama’s tourism industry and also provides a higher profile for the state. The NCIV Regional Meeting will enable key U.S. Department of State leaders, as well as national program agencies, to become acquainted with Alabama’s cultural, educational, civic and business resources. Meeting attendees will engage in a professional resource tour in the Huntsville area, meeting with some of the professionals who have showcased their expertise to international visitors in the past. According to Cehelska, leaders of program agencies and the U.S. Department of State responsible for coordinating activities for thousands of international visitors yearly will be introduced to outstanding area resources such as the Chamber

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The University of Alabama in Huntsville Prepare your business for upcoming opportunities with our summer seminars and programs!

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cost Estimating C++ Programming Federal Contract Mgmt. Essentials Federal Contract Mgmt. Specialization Foundations of Radar Java Developer and Java Enterprise Modeling and Simulation Oracle Developer PRO/Engineer Systems Engineering Test and Evaluation UNIX/Linux Web Developer

Our summer courses answer the newest training needs of the aerospace and defense community. Some are available in distance learning format, and all can be customized for your organization.

Registration is quick and easy, so call or visit our web site today!

Seminars Capabilities Based Acquisition • Functional Analysis & Allocation • Greening for Contractors • MATLAB • Orbital Mechanics for Defense • Performance Based Logistics • PMP Examination Review • Project Management Fundamentals • Reliability Engineering and Analysis • Tactical Missile Systems Fundamentals • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles •

www.coned.uah.edu 256.824.6372

pdinfo@cepo.conted.uah.edu

April 2006 Initiatives

UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

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Certificate Programs

David Couch

“Personal, Professional Real Estate Services”

How much is your home really worth?

David Couch Realtor, Certified Appraiser

Direct: 256-755-0421 Office: 256-650-0022

To find out what you’re your home would sell for in today’s market, trust a valuation expert. As a real estate professional, I analyze home values and determine market values every day. In fact, I am certified by the State of Alabama as General Real Property Appraiser which is the highest level of appraisal certification awarded by the State of Alabama Real Estate Appraiser’s Board. So if you’re thinking of selling or just need some friendly advice, give me a call. We’ll meet at your house and discuss values and marketing strategy to get you the most money for your house in the least amount of time. Expect Success!!

www.HuntsvilleHomeBuyer.com

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of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, Sirsi/Dynix, the Port of Huntsville, The National Children’s Advocacy Center, The Huntsville Times, Cummings Research Park, Huntsville/Madison County officials, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and Huntsville’s historic districts. Alabama resources that will be featured via video include the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center and state government offices in Montgomery. Conference participants will enjoy an introduction to southern hospitality when volunteer hosts open their homes for dinner and conversation. The meeting includes several plenary sessions featuring Alabama leaders addressing topics related to citizen diplomacy, international relations and nonprofit management. Conference attendees will experience downtown Huntsville by staying at the Holiday Inn Downtown, meeting at the Von Braun Center and enjoying area amenities. The ISC staff welcomes public participation for this prestigious gathering. NCIV organizations that have hosted regional meetings, added Cehelska, realize an increase in visitors as a result of the opportunity to experience communities firsthand. •

Involvement Opportunities for the 2006 NCIV Southern Regional Meeting • Staffing The International Services Council is looking for local sponsors, volunteers and participants to make the 2006 NCIV Southern Regional Meeting a success. Opportunities include: Event sponsorship and underwriting ▲ Welcome Reception ▲ Tour Transportation ▲

Hospitality Transportation ▲ Welcome Bags ▲ Dinner hospitality volunteers ▲ Conference volunteers ▲

• Payroll Processing • HR Services/ Solutions • Risk Management • Training/ Development

“Find out why our clients trust us to safeguard their continued success.”

Please visit the ISC of Huntsville/Madison County at

If you would like to get involved with this exciting event, please contact Luba Cehelska at 256.532.3560 or ischsv@co.madison.al.us

4925 University Drive • Suite • 168 Huntsville, AL 35816 256.721.5627 – Fax 256.830.5102 www.expressbusinesssolutions.com

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co.madison.al.us/services/otherag/IntlSvc.shtml

Initiatives April 2006

EJ’s

Membership Happenings

Eldon J’s Fine Arts

April

Specializing in Contemporary African American and Multicultural Fine Art

Family-Friendly Business Awards

Ellen Hill 256.461.8595 In-Home Consulting • Residential & Commercial • By Appointment Only

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President and CEO

April 11, 2006 – 11:30 a.m. VBC North Hall, Huntsville

Business After Hours April 18, 2006 – 5-7 p.m. The Heritage Club 111 Washington Street, Huntsville

May Business After Hours

• REPAIRS • PORCELAIN • TILE • FIBERGLASS • LAMINATE • CULTURED MARBLE TWO YEAR WARRANTY!

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May 16, 2006 – 5-7 p.m. Redstone Federal Credit Union 220 Wynn Drive, Huntsville

UNIQUE PATENTED PROCESSES FAST • SAFE • LONG LASTING LIKE NEW at 1/3 cost of replacing!

June Business After Hours June 20, 2006 – 5-7 p.m. The Village of Providence Town Center Drive #102, Huntsville

How much are your computers costing you?

July Business After Hours July 18, 2006 – 5-7 p.m. Hampton Falls 1000 Hampton Fall Blvd, Brownsboro

August

It can be more than you think.

Business Expo 2006 August 22, 2006 VBC South Hall, Huntsville

FREE Test Drive

Small Business Awards August 24, 2006 Reception 5:30 / Dinner 6:00 VBC North Hall, Huntsville

Let IU handle your backups, storage, networking, and improve your bottom line.

Nominations now being accepted

October Business After Hours October 17, 2006 – 5-7 p.m. NAI Chase Commercial 4800 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville

8503 Whitesburg Drive • Huntsville, AL 35802 Voice 256.882.6265 • Toll Free 866-515-8229 Fax 256.882.6258 www.iu-inc.com HIPAA Compliance, Security Rule Compliance, Electronic Claims Submission. 34

April 2006 Initiatives

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Information Understructures, Inc.

For more information on any of these events call Jenni Jeffers at 535.2011 or email: jjeffers@hsvchamber.org

Do you need a Life Insurance

Young Entrepreneur

Identify your goals Ensure current coverage meets your needs Learn about new insurance policies and features

SPOTLIGHT Mark Spencer

Check-up?

Anne C. Jewell

Planning is always a healthy choice. Contact us today for a “Needs Analysis”

115 Manning Drive • Suite 202B • Huntsville, AL 35801 • 256-533-0001 www.coxassociatesinc.com

Securities offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker-dealer, Insurance offered through Lincoln Financial Group, Inc. and other fine companies. Branch Office: Lincoln Financial Advisors, 201 Office Park Drive, Third Floor, Birmingham, AL 35223 (205) 871-6690

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continued on page 37

Get the freedom you crave. Whitaker Medical, Ltd. is a full service professional search firm for Physicians, CRNAs, PAs, and NPs, for placement on a locum tenens, contract, or permanent basis.

256.830.9002 00375995

www.whitakermedical.com

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Recently featured on the cover of VON magazine and named by Network World as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Networking, Mark Spencer, president and founder of Huntsville-based Digium, strongly believes that every technology he creates should be given back to the community. Spencer founded Linux Support Services (now Digium) in 1999 while still a computer engineering student at Auburn University. When faced with the high cost of buying a PBX (a telephone system, usually businessgrade), Mark used his Linux PC and knowledge of C code to write his own. This was the beginning of the world-wide phenomenon known as Asterisk®, the open source PBX, and caused Mark to shift his business focus from Linux support to supporting Asterisk® and opening up the telecom market. Today, its open source model has allowed Asterisk® to remain available free of charge, while it has become as robust as the leading and most-expensive PBXs. Used in combination with Digium’s PCI telephony interface cards, Asterisk® offers a strategic, highly cost-effective approach to voice and data transport over IP, TDM, switched and ethernet architectures. Digium provides quality hardware and software products that enable telephony applications including legacy PBX, IVR, auto attendant, next generation gateways, media servers and application servers. Digium also offers a full range of professional services including consulting, technical support and customer software development services. With over a half million users (growing everyday), 130 Asterisk® systems vendors worldwide, and developing solutions ranging from solar-powered call center

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Huntsville makes headlines, continued from page 15 “highly-educated and skilled workforce that has enabled this dramatic transformation and served as a magnet to attract diversified, advanced manufacturing companies such as Toyota.” As the global economy continues to grow, it is imperative for Huntsville to spread the word about its advantages as an international logistics hub and world-class center for high-tech R&D and manufacturing. The chamber will continue to leverage the power of the press – both near and far – in telling the Huntsville/Madison County story. It is a good one, after all. •

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Chamber officials also work through DCI to connect with international journalists in a variety of other ways. While in New York City for interviews with domestic business media, officials held a media briefing at the Foreign Press Center. Focus (German), Frankfurter Rundschau (German), De Volkskrant (Dutch) and Finanz und Wirtschaft (Swiss) were among the publications represented. Direct, one-on-one outreach to foreign journalists is another effective method for getting Huntsville in the world spotlight. The prestigious British magazine Foreign Direct Investment featured Huntsville in its June/July 2005 article on “hot spots” around the world for aviation and the aerospace industry as the result of a simple telephone interview. Likewise, IDG Japan, Inc. – a technology-focused publishing company – reported in its August 2005 e-Gov series the rise of Huntsville to a national center for space and defense technologies. The article, the result of e-mail and telephone inquiries made directly to the chamber, also touted the region’s

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April 2006 Initiatives

Mark Spencer, continued from page 35 He has also led the creation of several other Linux-based, open source applications including Gaim Instant Messenger. Digium currently has 48 employees, but Spencer would like to double that number in the next two years. The company has distributors and resellers in the U.S. and abroad. According to the tag line on the company’s Web site, “The open source communications revolution is here, and Digium is leading the way.” •

“Open source is an unstoppable force in the VoIP space.” – Jeff Pulver, VoIP pioneer, founder of VON magazine and CEO of Pulver.com

For more information, go to

www.digium.com

Parkway Professional Counseling Group is a concept in providing “premier” mental health and family services to our community in cooperation with the resources of the Mental Health Center of Madison County. We provide a variety of services to children, adolescents, adults and their families. Our staff consists of highly qualified mental health professionals with many years of diverse experiences. For more information, please call or visit our office at 7501 South Memorial Parkway, Suite 103, Huntsville, AL (256) 705-0999. 00375976

The Huntsville Museum of Art celebrated the opening of our newest Plaza in the Park feature January 5. The Plaza provides exciting new opportunities for downtown visitors to enjoy, including the new Palatte Cafe, Signature Gallery at the Museum, Children’s Community Gallery & Museum Academy. Call (256) 535-4350 or visit www.hsvmuseum.org 00375400

Girl Scouts of North Alabama, Inc. celebrated its move to a new location at 1515 Sparkman Drive NW with a Building Dedication and Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, visit our website at www.girlscoutsofnorthalabama.org or call us at 256.883.1020 00375974

technology, to a bike-powered telephony system and an intruder alert system among others, Asterisk® is quickly reinventing the way businesses can embrace voice-over-IP (VoIP) technologies. With the anticipated growth of IP-based communications, combined with the expected increase of IP PBX sales and the continued acceptance of open source among organizations and IT departments worldwide, Digium has a unique opportunity in the telecommunications market. Spencer, whose schedule is as fast-paced as his industry, was recently available for a telephone interview. “Asterisk®, When asked about an open source his customers, he readily replied, “It’s PBX that runs really all over the on Linux, place; everything is now an from large national international carriers, all the way force used in up to British Telemore than com, all the way 200 countries.” down to people in their houses. One – Red Herring guy we talked to magazine used his phone system to keep his daughters from getting calls after 11 at night.” Asterisk® is free; however, there is a business edition that can be purchased which includes the benefits of warranty and support. Regarding benefits of doing business in Huntsville, the 28-year-old Spencer sagely noted that he gets some raised eyebrows from business people in the Silicon Valley when they learn his company is based in Huntsville, Alabama. “Once they come over here they are very much surprised by our technology and infrastructure,” said Spencer. “It’s been very good for us engineering people,” he added, referencing the area’s cost of living. “We also get tremendous support from ADTRAN,” he asserted. Mark Smith, one of ADTRAN’s founders, actually mentored Spencer who was once a co-op student for the telecommunications company. From use of conference rooms located on ADTRAN’s expansive campus in Cummings Research Park, to a range of business support, ADTRAN continues to lend a hand to the young entrepreneur. Spencer has presented and delivered keynotes at a number of industry conferences including Pulver’s VON shows, SuperComm, TMC’s Internet Telephony conferences and O’Reilly’s Emerging Telephony series. He holds a degree in computer engineering from Auburn University.

Initiatives April 2006

Where to go • Who to see for products and services

Use a chamber member... it's in your best interest Get A Grip of Northern Alabama www.getagripinc.com ........................256-830-2865

Accountants

Beason & Nalley, Inc. 101 Monroe St. 35801.......................256-533-1720 Rand’s Blinds www.randsblinds.com........................256-468-9465 CDPA, PC 415 Church St., Ste. B 35801 ..........256-539-3555 Counselors

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

Parkway Professional Counseling Group 7501 S. Memorial Pkwy Ste. 103 35802 ..256-705-0999

Credit Unions StoneRiver, Inc. 1401 Seventh Ave. Decatur 35601....256-351-6870 Redstone Federal Credit Union 220 Wynn Dr. 35893..........................256-837-6110 The Huntsville Times 2317 S. Mem. Parkway .....................256-532-4250 Aerospace/Defense Contractors

Education - Schools, Colleges, Universities

Alabama A&M University SAIC 6725 Odyssey Drive 35806.............256-971-6400 4900 Meridian St. 35810................256-372-5000 Calhoun Community College Hwy 31 N. Decatur 35601.............256-306-2500

Art

Eldon J’s Fine Art Grace Lutheran School eldonjesart@bellsouth.net ................256-461-8595 3321 S. Memorial Pkwy 35801 ........256-881-0553 UAH Professional Development 210 Wilson Hall 35899 .....................256-824-6372

Associations

Girl Scouts of North Alabama 1515 Sparkman Dr. 35816 ...............256-883-1020 Virginia College at Huntsville 2800-A Bob Wallace Ave. 35805......256-533-7387

Banks

Employment - Agencies & Consultants

Hotels & Motels Pearl River Resort www.pearlriverresort.com .................866-44PEARL

Insurance Cox Associates, Inc. 115 Manning Dr. 35801 .......................256-533-0001

Internet Service HiWAAY Internet Services 721 Clinton Ave., Ste. 8, 35801.........256-533-4296

Museums Huntsville Museum of Art 300 Church St., 35801.....................256-535-4350

Mortgage Companies Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 415 Church St., Ste 201 35801 .......256-533-5200

Physicians & Surgeons Surgical Solutions, P.C. 185 Chateau Dr. Ste. 302 35802 ....256-489-8600

Real Estate Martha M. Coffman, REALTOR 4000 Balmoral Drive 35801 .............256-650-0022

Compass Bank 114 Governors Drive 35801.............256-532-6240 Express Personnel Services 4925 University Dr. Ste. 168 35816 .256-721-5621 First American Bank 401 Meridian St. 35801..................256-519-6900 Kelly Services 6241 University Dr. 35806................256-971-0113 First Commercial Bank www.fcb-hsv.com...............................256-551-3300 Whitaker Medical LTD 11 Hughes Rd. Ste. 220 ...................256-830-9002 SOUTHBank 118 Jefferson St. N. 35801 ..............256-535-6000 Financial Services

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

Superior Bank LeaseSouth, LLC www.superiorbank.com .....................256-533-5422 300 Clinton Ave. W. Ste. 1 35801....256-539-3311

McLain Real Estate 101 Washington St., NE 35801.......256-532-1250

Communications Wireless, Phone Service, Systems

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

Florist

Bishop’s Flowers BellSouth 1207 Meridian St. 35801..................256-539-2711 620 Discover Dr. Bldg. 2, Ste. 350 35806 ...866-620-6000

Furniture

Computers Services

Black’s Furniture City Information Understructures 124 N. Brindlee Mtn. Pkwy Arab, AL ...256-586-5725 8503 Whitesburg Dr. 35802..............256-882-6265 Office Furniture Outlet 11507 Mem. Parkway, SW. 35803..... 256-882-9999 Consultants Brillisense todd@brillisense.com........................256-541-2964

Contractors - Home Improvement

Hospitals

Concourse Group 303 Williams Ave. Ste. 117 35801....256-532-1250 David Couch, REALTOR 333 Franklin St. Ste. 300 35801.......256-755-0421 The Executive Group Realtors 2304 S. Memorial Pkwy. 35801........256-533-7210

Retail Batteries Plus 6290 University Dr. Ste. G 35806.....256-837-7500

Travel Sterling Travel www.sterlingtravel.com......................256-533-1301 Wal-Mart Vacations 6140 A University Dr. 35806 ............256-837-0629

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

Huntsville Hospital Champion Windows, Siding and Patio Rooms 2995 Wall Triana Hwy Ste. A-6 35824 ...256-424-1110 101 Sivley Rd. 35801 .......................256-265-1000

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

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Why Crestwood? When Kenny Spencer injured his ACL, he thought his playing days might be over for good. But thanks to the orthopedic team at Crestwood, they’re just getting started.

The same technology Crestwood used to perform Alabama’s first artificial spine disc replacement surgery is now available to orthopedic patients, too. And that’s helping patients like Kenny Spencer get back to the things they enjoy in life. In Kenny’s case, that means continuing his sports career in college. Ah, sweet victory. To find out more, call 256-880-4560 or ask your doctor about Crestwood today.

www.crestwoodmedcenter.com

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