Initiatives magazine, October 2007 by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

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Knock. Knock. When business opportunities come knocking, it’s important that you’re there to answer. That’s why AT&T proudly supports the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Bringing people together to network and create new connections is key to real business success. And when you connect like-minded people who are working to better their business, you never know what doors might open.

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Raise the bar.

SO YOU CAN CONCENTRATE ON THE BUSINESS AT HAND Your work keeps you at the office longer than you might like. Major legal challenges can keep you there longer. At Bradley Arant, seventy-eight of our partners are named in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.® That’s one of the highest percentages among U.S. law firms. Our experience and talent helps you close transactions, resolve business disputes and protect intellectual assets, so you can move on to your next important steps. We call that raising the bar. BIRMINGHAM CHARLOTTE HUNTSVILLE JACKSON MONTGOMERY WASHINGTON, DC www.bradleyarant.com No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Contact: John B. Grenier, Esq., 1819 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203

initiatives Chamber of Commerce of Hunt sville/ M adison County

october 2007

on the cover

Magnificent Milestone Big Spring Park, downtown Huntsville

Huntsville & America Celebrating the First 50 Years in Space

Stories on pages 20-25 Photos courtesy of Redstone Arsenal and NASA; Cover by Kristi Sherrard

f eatures

Huntsville Vipers

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.

contact

Torch Technologies, SBA winner

Small Business Awards winners

Chamber Employee of the Quarter

Bob Baron, SBA winner

d e v e l o p me n t s Chamber Board Listing

Big Spring Jam 2006

mission

Inspiring a New Generation

Community Profile

HREGI Investors

Regarding HREGI

Upcoming Business EXPO

Economic Development Highlights

Chamber Staff Listing

A Smart Place

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

Brian Hilson

Executive Editor

John Southerland

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

Editorial Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Contributing Writers

John Southerland, Lucia Cape, Danielle Moran, Loren Traylor

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

Photography

Chamber of Commerce staff & publications

Advertising Sales

Cassandra Darby Shea Timberlake

on the web www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com www.asmartplace.com

The Huntsville Times

Initiatives October 2007

Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2007 Executive Committee

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Huntsville has one of America’s most advanced technology-based economies. Our sustained economic growth, particularly in defense, space, life sciences, information technology, automotive and biotechnology, continue to move our community forward. We know that, but is anyone else outside of our community really watching and listening to what’s going on here? And, if they do know something about what’s happening here, are they stimulated to explore job opportunities or invest here? How and why does Huntsville/Madison County continue to grow and prosper? To really understand the answer to this question, it is important to know Huntsville’s history, especially what happened in the 1950s. The development of Huntsville’s role in missiles and space laid the foundation for additional economic growth then and during the over half-century since. It is obvious with every economic development achievement Huntsville/Madison County has that our success can be traced back to the solid foundation in technology which was born here in the 1950s. Even growth for companies in automotive, manufacturing and biotechnology, I believe, is connected back to Huntsville’s early space and defense achievements. As evidence of Huntsville’s success, recent federal government data analyzing income levels for communities across the country reveal that Huntsville workers are among the best paid in the southeast region. In fact, of the five leading indicators of personal income, Huntsville is one of only four southern metro areas to rank in the top eight in all five categories. The other communities are Austin, Texas and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. This edition of Initiatives recognizes the 50-year anniversary of Huntsville and America in space. It also includes inspiring articles on two winners at the Chamber’s recent Small Business Awards Celebration, including Bob Baron of Baron Services, who was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year, and Torch Technologies, recipient of the technology division award. Also included is an article on the importance of math and science in the preparation of the next generation of workers in advanced technology, as well as articles on the Chamber’s upcoming Business Expo, and local economic development highlights. In the daily task of marketing Huntsville/Madison County for new business investment and jobs, our community image is incredibly important. The perception of Huntsville/Madison County as a place to do business, work and live has everything to do with how successful we are in helping our community achieve its full potential. The next time you hear someone say, “It would take a rocket scientist to figure that out”, remind them that while in other communities that may seem a bit far-fetched, in Huntsville we really do have thousands of rocket scientists, and they’ve been doing incredible things to move Huntsville, and America, forward for more than 50 years!

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

October 2007 Initiatives

Evans Quinlivan, Chair, First American Bank Irma Tuder, Chair-Elect, Analytical Services, Inc. Dave Hargrove, Immediate Past Chair, AT&T Tommy Beason, Chamber Foundation Chair, retired Herman Stubbs, Secretary/Treasurer, Colonial Bank Ron Poteat, Vice Chair - Economic Development, Regions Bank Joey Ceci, Vice Chair - Governmental Affairs, Main Street Strategies

Charlie Kettle, Vice Chair - Investor Relations, First Commercial Bank

Jim Bolte, Vice Chair - Workforce, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.

Ron Klein, Vice Chair - Small Business, Belzon Ralph Malone, Vice Chair - Research & Information Services, Triana Industries, Inc.

Don Nalley, Vice Chair - Image Development / TRC, Beason & Nalley, Inc.

Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed, Madison County Commission

Joe Ritch, Chair-Appointed, Sirote & Permutt, P.C. Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed, City of Huntsville Tom Young, Chair-Appointed, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Brian Hilson, President/CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Elected Board

Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Clayton Bass, Huntsville Museum of Art Frank Caprio, Bradley Arant Rose & White, LLP John Cooper, Avocent Corporation Derrick T. Copeland, Applied Data Trends, Inc. John Eagan, Wachovia Bank, N.A. Kerry Fehrenbach, Intergraph Karen Stanley Fleming, Stanley Construction Co., Inc. Dick Fountain, FPH Financial Services, LLC Ron Gray, Gray Research, Inc. Dr. Greg Gum, Radiology of Huntsville, P.C. Bill Gurley, SAIC Jeff Hamilton, The Orthopaedic Center Tom Hancock, Booz Allen Hamilton Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center Dr. Robert Jennings, Alabama A&M University Frederick Lanier, J. Smith Lanier & Co. Dan Montgomery, Northrop Grumman Caroline Myers, Foreign Language Services, Inc. Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota Pete Schofield, SPARTA, Inc. Scott Seeley, Bryant Bank Jan Smith, System Studies and Simulation, Inc. (S3) David Spillers, Huntsville Hospital Tom Stanton, ADTRAN Sandra Steele, Enfinger Steele Development, Inc. Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden Al Sullivan, ABT, Inc. Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union Gail Wall, Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bill Watson, retired Dr. Dave Williams, University of Alabama in Huntsville John Wilmer, Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Daniel Wilson, Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. Dr. Ernie Wu, ERC, Incorporated

At First Commercial Bank, we congratulate the 2006 Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award winners. We’re proud of their accomplishments and pledge our continued support. “If it were possible to share our Small Business Award, we’d acknowledge our bankers at First Commercial Bank. Their service and commitment to our business, partnered with "nancing for our substantial growth, has given us the assurance for continued success.” Tim McElyea, Owner Media Fusion

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At First Commercial Bank, we believe it’s important

to have a financial partner who can turn your vision into reality. We believe you’ll find that partner in us.

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

TOP 10 EMPLOYERS

Madison County

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,601

Population 2000 Census

276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

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

2006 Estimate

304,307

168,123

36,824

376,753

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000

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

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,555 Households 2000 Census

CINRAM, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,500

109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

Avg. Household Income

$57,220

$55,856

$72,432

$55,343

City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,199

Per Capita Income

$23,091

$24,015

$27,821

$22,073

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

Sanmina-SCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,500 Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,450

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 14,500 direct DoD and 2,500 NASA employees manage some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation and space exploration. More than 250 companies employing an additional 27,000 workers support the local aerospace and defense industries.

Research & Technology

For more information visit: HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a world center for technology development. The second-largest science and technology park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to more than 285 companies and 25,000 people involved in technology research and development.

Familiar Faces. Leading You In. New Directions. Chances are you probably recognize a few of the faces of RBC Centura’s leadership team in Huntsville. After all, they already have years of experience working in this community. Which was exactly what RBC Centura was looking for when we first arrived in Alabama. Dedicated employees backed by global resources who are committed to not just serving their communities, but to making a positive difference in the lives of the people who live in them. It’s what we call “doing something giant.” And it’s an approach we’ve found is best achieved by a team effort. A team much like the one you see here. We invite you to stop by any of our Huntsville area banking centers, or call 1-800-CENTURA and let us get started doing something giant for you today.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) CHRIS LINDSEY, SENIOR COMMERCIAL ACCOUNT MANAGER; ALI PROPST, REGIONAL MANAGER – PERSONAL AND BUSINESS BANKING; CHRIS BROWN, BUSINESS BANKING ACCOUNT MANAGER

Member FDIC. ©2007 RBC Centura Bank. www.rbccentura.com ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Centura is a trade name used by RBC Centura Bank. SM“Let’s do something giant.” is a service mark of RBC Centura Banks, Inc.

October 2007 Initiatives

Let ’s do something giant.

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Development Partner ($250,000+ invested annually: public sector)

Chamber Trustees

Avocent Corporation Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bill Penney Toyota Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Ala. Booz Allen Hamilton Camber Corporation CINRAM, Inc. COLSA Corporation Huntsville Area Association of Realtors Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association, Inc.

Progress Partners

Development Council (public sector)

Huntsville Utilities Madison County Commission Tennessee Valley Authority Huntsville Hospital City of Madison Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority

Chairman’s Council ($50,000+ invested: private sector)

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Regions Bank

President’s Circle ($25,000 - $49,999 invested annually)

ADTRAN AT&T The Boeing Company Colonial Bank Compass Bank Crestwood Medical Center The Huntsville Times Redstone Federal Credit Union Wachovia Bank, N.A.

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

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

AEgis Technologies Analytical Services, Inc. Applied Data Trends, Inc. BAE Systems Balch & Bingham, LLP BASF Catalysts LLC CapitalSouth Bank Coldwell Banker/McLain Real Estate Colonial Properties Consolidated Construction Dynetics Enfinger Steele Development, Inc. ERC, Incorporated First American Bank First Commercial Bank HiWAAY Internet Services International Diesel Intuitive Research & Technology Corp. J. Smith Lanier & Co. Jerry Damson Honda Acura Keystone Foods Corporation

Progress Investors

Intergraph Corporation Intuitive Research & Technology Corporation Lamar Outdoor Advertising Northrop Grumman Panalpina, Inc. SAIC Siemens VDO Automotive SPARTA, Inc. SportsMed Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne LG Electronics Alabama, Inc. Main Street Strategies NAI Chase Commercial Realty The Orthopaedic Center Parker Hannifin Corporation Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc. Radiology of Huntsville, P.C. Samples Properties Sirote & Permutt, P.C. SOUTHBank Stanley Associates Superior Bank The Surgery Center of Huntsville System Studies and Simulation, Inc. Talent Connections Turner Universal Construction WAFF-TV Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Yellowbook Anonymous

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

3D Research Corporation 4SITE, Incorporated Applied Geo Technologies Averbuch Realty / Averbuch Enterprises Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. Baron Services Belzon Bradley Arant Rose & White Century Automotive Chapman Sisson Architects Cintas Corporation Currie Systems DESE Research, Inc. Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates Fuqua & Partners Gray Research, Inc. The Heritage Club Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Jacobs ESTS Group JH Partners Architecture & Interiors

Johnston, Moore, Maples & Thompson Kelly Services Kudzu Productions Lamb Commercial Services, Inc. Madison Research Corporation Madison Square Chrysler/Jeep Mercedes Benz of Huntsville North Alabama Gas District Qualis Corporation Radiance Technologies, Inc. Science & Engineering Services, Inc. Torch Technologies Weichert Realtors – The Executive Group Wesfam Restaurants, Inc. – Burger King Westar Aerospace & Defense Group WHNT-19 Wilson Lumber Woodland Homes of Huntsville Woody Anderson Ford

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October 2007 Initiatives

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County (HREGI)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

HREGI truly benefits economic development throughout the community. The Huntsville/ Madison County image is collective of the entire community, companies and citizens. We participate in this adventure together. And, as our economic base grows, business opportunities for all companies in

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

our community will also expand. That is why we invest in HREGI.

Jan Smith President and CEO System Studies & Simulation (S3), Inc. HREGI Investor since 2006

For a list of investors, see page 11 or visit: www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

Initiatives October 2007

Inspiring a New Generation Partnership Promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Fields for Future Workforce

dents, but several local efforts are inspiring students to pursue these challenging careers. As part of a comprehensive workforce program, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is involved in many partnerships that promote career awareness in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and that provide companies in these industries the opportunity to get involved in shaping their future workforce, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is a significant partner. With the recent Shuttle flight of educator and

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hen America entered space 50 years ago, we did so because there were highly skilled engineers, scientists, and technicians who came together to design, develop and launch Explorer 1. Since then, America has pioneered space exploration, and to ensure that we maintain our edge, the nation is turning its attention to the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technicians. National studies have shown a decline in interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math among American stu-

October 2007 Initiatives

astronaut Barbara Morgan, NASA’s education mission has received much attention from teachers, students and the public. But NASA and its field centers work every day to strengthen the future workforce and attract and retain students in the STEM pipeline. As the founder in 2004 of what has become the Chamber’s Workforce Coalition, the Academic Morgan Affairs Office of the Marshall Space Flight Center leads the Coalition’s Education Taskforce. This taskforce is working to increase presence of industry in the classroom in support of STEM and to build awareness of STEM careers. One pilot program under development seeks to train STEM professionals in the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) math and science kits, so the professionals can support classroom teachers as subject matter experts while sharing their own experience with the students. This helps students see the relevance of their studies as well as making them aware of careers that use math and science. A second pilot program is being developed in partnership with Junior Achievement of North Alabama to supplement the career technical curriculum in local middle schools. The program would help students identify one of 16 career clusters that best meet their interests and aptitudes and then provide field trip experiences matched to the careers. For the STEM careers, Marshall Space Flight Center would provide additional hands-on activities for teachers to use in the classroom. These activities are part of NASA’s extensive catalogue of educational products and services. Marshall Space Flight Center and Junior Achievement have partnered previously on JA’s annual job shadowing program for high school stu-

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Photo: John Southerland

dents and on the Adventures in Engineering program sponsored by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Association. Once students are interested in careers in STEM, the challenge becomes recruiting and retaining them. The Chamber recently partnered with Marshall Space Flight Center to introduce summer students to the numerous opportunities to live, work and play in the Huntsville/Madison County community. Hosted by ADTRAN, the event brought together more than 100 students from across the country who were working at the Marshall Center. The students were given an overview of Cummings Research Park and the economic growth we are experiencing in our area, and booths were set up to provide information on cost of living, recreation, dining and entertainment. Sixteen Chamber member companies participated in a timed “meet and greet” that gave students a minute each to present themselves and their areas of interest before the companies had a minute to do the same. The pace was fast, but students and company representatives were pleased with the event. One student said, “I did not realize there are so many engineering companies in Huntsville. I knew about most of the larger continued on page 16

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Finding out more: The Chamber recently partnered with Marshall Space Flight Center to introduce summer college students from across the country to the numerous opportunities to live, work and play in the Huntsville/Madison County area. Above, students participate in a “meet and greet” with area companies at the event, which was hosted by ADTRAN.

Initiatives October 2007

Photo: John Southerland

Speed-networking?: It’s not speed-dating, but the concept is similar. Each student was given a short period of time to present themselves to companies of interest.

Inspiring a New Generation, continued from page 15

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October 2007 Initiatives

ones, but I learned a lot about some of the smaller companies. Also, I did not realize housing was so affordable here.” And a company representative said, “It was a great way to educate both local and visiting students on what Huntsville has to offer.” When asked about the caliber of the students, one company representative replied, “They were amazing! Just hearing what they are doing and what their future goals are made me believe there will be a future for our country in our children.” Another Chamber workforce program that has been utilized by the Marshall Center is the Bridges program for co-ops, interns and recent college graduates. Several co-operative education students from the Marshall Center have taken part in the workshops and interactive sessions that promote socialization with other student and entry-level workers in the community while providing valuable information on cost of living, adapting to corporate culture, and connecting with our community. The Bridges program is supported by the Chamber’s EmYrge Council of young professional organizations. Marshall Space Flight Center is a key community partner that plays a lead role in workforce development. Featured on the Chamber’s new recruiting site, www.asmartplace.com, the Marshall Center serves as an inspiration to students – our future workforce – and as an attraction for scientists and engineers who want to work for NASA while enjoying the benefits of living in Huntsville/Madison County. As America continues to explore the far reaches of space, our community, in partnership with the Marshall Center, will continue to develop the workforce that will make the vision for space exploration a reality. • Lucia Cape

Winner,T echnologydivision

Torch Technologies Celebrating Five Years of Providing Superior Engineering, Scientific Services to Department of Defense Clients

he 2007 Small Business of the Year Award in the Technology division was awarded to a company that is dedicated to providing exemplary services to its customers and providing a premier work environment. Huntsville has long been known as a benchmark for technology-based entrepreneurs and Torch Technologies, Inc. founders Bill Roark, CEO, and Don Holder, president, certainly found that to be the case. Formed in October 2002, Torch Technologies focuses on providing superior scientific and engineering services to the Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center; Army Aviation and Missiles Command; Space and Missile Defense Command; Program Executive Office, Air, Space, and Missile Defense; and the Missile Defense Agency. Torch Technologies is a small business that offers an excellent management team with a strong reputation for superior performance in engineering and technical services. Said Roark, “Our goals are to honor our commitments, provide outstanding support to our customers and to be a premier place to work for our employees. We want to be recognized as the premier services provider to prime contractors and selected government customers. We demonstrate our integrity and commitment to our customers and employees on a daily basis.” Torch Technologies provides scientific and engineering services for weapon system performance analysis to include sensors/seekers, aerodynamics, guidance and control, target discrimination, endgame performance, and

What a night: Co-hosts Lisa Washington of Channel 19, left, and Tim Knox, far right, author/entrepreneur, are pictured here with Ron Klein, second from right, the Chamber’s Small Business vice chair, as Bill Roark, president of Torch Technologies, is presented with this year’s Small Business of the Year Award in the Technology category.

command and control; modeling and simulation with emphasis primarily on engineering level simulations including all digital simulations, system software in the loop simulations, and hardware in the loop simulations; information systems technologies such as distributed simulations/data management systems, visualization techniques, high performance computer systems, and network integration. Roark and Holder worked together at Nichols Research Corporation before starting their own small business. From Nichols, they learned the value of treating their employees like family and they wanted to recreate that

Photo: S&S Photography

atmosphere in their own company. Torch Technologies recognizes its employees as its greatest assets, thus every employee is offered the opportunity to share in ownership of the company through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees are directed to focus on client goals and empowered to make decisions and solve problems efficiently and economically. Roark and Holder believe pride of ownership results in a firm commitment to excellence, and they are committed to the opportunity for employee ownership to continued on page 18 Initiatives October 2007

Photo: S&S Photography

Torch Technologies, continued from page 17

On cloud nine: Bill Roark, center, surrounds himself with the employees who helped Torch Technologies win the Small Business award.

115 Electronics Circle at Jetplex Industrial Park contact Laurel Bailey 256.461.7482

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High Bay/Industrial 42,000 S.F. Summer 2007 • 9 Truck Docks • 2 Drive-in Doors

October 2007 Initiatives

grow based on outstanding performance. The goal is to have Torch 100 percent employee-owned by 2010. “We work for our employees and I never forget that,” said Roark. Employees currently own 50 percent of the company. Roark credits the ESOP with allowing them to attract, reward, and retain qualified and experienced personnel which as a by-product results in advantages to Torch and the government. Furthermore, it creates a more motivated workforce, which in turn enhances customer satisfaction, reduces cost and overall performance risk, and provides long term stability to employees and customers. Roark and his employees remain focused on their mission to provide excellent support to their clients with key attention to reasonable cost. As evidence of success in this mission, they continue to be awarded increasingly larger contracts as they continue to expand the range of services to their clients. In addition to providing exemplary customer service, Torch is committed to supporting its local community. In 2005, Torch Helps was formed to carry the torch for others in the community by providing financial and volunteer support to non-profit organizations designed to aid those in need. Since that time, employees have given back to the community in many ways. They have provided more than $50,000 to local non-profit organizations, and they are active in churches, schools and many volunteer organizations. Torch Technologies has created a work environment that reinforces the fact that coaching tee-ball is far more important than a management strategy session. And by doing so they continue to be recognized for their efforts. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce award, Torch recently made the Inc. list of fastest growing private companies in the country at number 818 and was ranked 8th on the list for Top 100 defense contractors in the country. • Loren Traylor

ListofWinners

Personal Services/Retail Finalists: Average to Art, Inc. Rosenblum Realty, Inc. Investor’s Resource Winner: Rosenblum Realty, Inc. Manufacturing & Construction Finalists: Green Mountain Soap Co., Inc. AZ Technology Woodland Homes of Huntsville, Inc. Winner: Woodland Homes of Huntsville, Inc. Business Services/Wholesale Finalists: Advanced Federal Services Corporation 4-Site, Incorporated Snelling Staff Services Winner: Advanced Federal Services Corp.

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists: Dr. Anthony Houssain, SpineCare, Inc.. Bob Baron, Baron Services, Inc. Sharon Steelman, Bama Jammer Promotions Winner: Bob Baron, Baron Services, Inc. Young Professional of the Year Finalists: Rob Heard, Aerospace Products S.E., Inc. Kevin L. Jefferson, Jefferson Capital Partners, LLC Maggie Turner, First Commercial Bank Winner: Rob Heard, Aerospace Products S.E., Inc.

PREMIER

Martha M. Coffman, ABR “Meeting your Real Estate needs”

Your Local Expert Phone 256.337.0152 Office 256.650.0022 Fax 256.650.0082 www.homeshuntsville.com Marthacoffman@knology.net

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2007 Finalists & Winners

F IRST F INANCIAL G ROUP of the South Inc. - A WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRM Fee-based Comprehensive Financial Planning Brian Hinson

Investment • Retirement • Business Succession • Estate

CFP®, CPA*, ChFC®, PFS

Non-Profit of the Year Finalists: Hospice Family Care Women’s Business Center of North Alabama The Land Trust of Huntsville & North Ala. Winner: Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA)

At First Financial Group, It’s All About Family. Your Family, Your Future, Your Legacy

Rob Studin

First Financial Group’s President has been continuously recognized as among the “Best Financial Advisors in the Nation” by Worth Magazine and Medical Economics

CFP®, JD*, CPA*, ChFC®

400 Meridian Street, Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801 256.536.0011 ext. 17 BTHinson@FFGinc.net www.ffghuntsville.com Bob Johnson CFP®, ChFC®, CASL™

Creating Your Family Legacy, One Generation at a Time

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Technology Finalists: System, Studies and Simulation (S3), Inc. MTS Torch Technologies, Inc. Winner: Torch Technologies, Inc.

Associates of First Financial Group of the South, Inc. are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Member SIPC. Securities and financial planning services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker-dealer and registered investment advisor. 205.871.6690. Insurance offered through Lincoln Financial Group, Inc. and other fine companies. *CPAs and JDs with the firm do not provide legal or accounting services on behalf of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. or First Financial Group. CRN200604-1006933

Initiatives October 2007

The articles that follow illustrate information about America’s response to Sputnik and Explorer 1 and how the surge of engineers and scientists in the 1950s and 1960s helped create the foundation for one of the premier technology communities in the nation. Finally, the future of the aerospace and defense industry shines bright in Huntsville thanks to NASA’s next generation of space exploration vehicles – multiple portions of which will be managed in Huntsville at Marshall Space Flight Center.

The Legacy of Explorer I

From Shock to Celebration in 84 Days: The Redstone Arsenal-Huntsville Response to SPUTNIK Friday, Oct. 4, 1957 was not just another day at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Around noon Secretary of Defense designate, Neil H. McElroy, accompanied by several high-ranking military and civilian officials, arrived at the installation’s airfield. The two-day “inspection visit,” consisting of “intensive briefings and demonstrations” to acquaint McElroy with the Army’s growing family of rockets and guided missiles, got under way as planned with a tour of the post’s facilities and an introductory briefing on the programs assigned to the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) and Redstone Arsenal. The first day of the McElroy visit was set to end on a convivial note with a cocktail party and dinner designed to better acquaint the Washington guests with local arsenal managers and prominent leaders from Huntsville. Drinks were served and conversations were in progress when the unexpected arrival of “the beep that came to dinner” transformed the gathering with news of the Soviet launch of the world’s first Earth satellite, Sputnik. The placid social hour quickly morphed into an off-the-cuff yet fervent bid by Dr. Wernher von Braun to win McElroy’s permission for the ABMA rocket team to respond to the Soviet challenge. The usually unflappable rocket scientist vowed to launch America’s first Earth satellite within sixty days. Maj. Gen. John B. Medaris, the ABMA commander, quickly modified that time span to ninety days. Although some Eisenhower administration officials discounted the “one small ball in the air” as a threat to U.S. security and technological superiority, many Americans were flabbergasted by the Soviet accomplishment. Local resident Jean Cummings Watts recalled, “It was such a shock when Russia put that Sputnik up.” The blow to the nation’s collective pride was irritated further by media reports that the U.S. Army could have beat the Soviets into space in September 1956 with the launch of Jupiter C RS-27, a staged missile flight tested as part of ABMA’s reentry test vehicle program. Not generally known, however, was that continued on page 22

The story of Explorer 1, the free world’s first artificial satellite, goes beyond the traditional story of the Army team at Redstone Arsenal responding to the Soviet Union’s launch of the Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957. To truly understand the remarkable accomplishment made by the men and women of the greater Huntsville/Madison County community, we need to step back in time a bit further than 1957. On Sept. 15, 1954, the Army Ordnance Missile Laboratories at Redstone Arsenal published the first true engineered thesis for a minimum satellite vehicle utilizing existing Army Ordnance Corps hardware. Written by Dr. Wernher von Braun, the thesis proposed using the REDSTONE missile as the main booster of a four-stage rocket for launching artificial satellites. The plan was later expanded into a joint Army-Navy proposal called Project Orbiter and submitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense on Jan. 20, 1955. However, 5 days later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially sanctioned another artificial earth satellite undertaking, the U.S. Navy’s Project Vanguard, for the United States’ contribution to the International Geophysical Year. As early as April 1956, the Army advised the Department of Defense that its JUPITER-C missile could orbit a satellite by the end of the calendar year as an alternate to Vanguard. In May 1956, however, the Defense Department informed the Army that it was not to initiate any plans or preparations for using any part of the JUPITER or REDSTONE programs as the basis for an orbital launch vehicle. As part of its reentry test vehicle program, the Army at Redstone flight tested a staged REDSTONE missile on Sept. 20, 1956, that could have orbited the world’s first satellite if permission had been granted to do so. Having proved that it had the necessary capability, the Army continued to offer its potential to launch a satellite as a backup to the Vanguard program, but again it was ordered to refrain from any efforts in this area. Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, an original member of von Braun’s Team, revealed in a speech in July 1957 at the Army Science Symposium at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY, that practically all components necessary for a successful satellite launch were available at Redstone Arsenal’s Army Ballistic Missile Agency. These components, he said, were left from Project Orbiter. Instead, the Defense Department reaffirmed its close cooperation with Project Vanguard and denied that any of its research programs interfered with the intended tactical uses of the REDSTONE missile. As noted earlier, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the world’s first satellite, on Oct. 4, 1957. A month later, they orbited a second, larger satellite, Sputnik II, on Nov. 3, 1957. Five days later, on Nov. 8, 1957, the Secretary of Defense, Neil McElory, directed the Department of the Army (and specifically the Army at Redstone Arsenal) to modify two JUPITER-C missiles and to attempt to place an artificial earth satellite in orbit by March 1958. The Navy made a last-ditch effort to launch their Vanguard. Project Vanguard faltered when it exploded on the launch pad on Dec. 8, 1957. On Jan. 31, 1958, just 84 days after receiving the mission, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency launched the first U.S. satellite – Explorer I – into orbit. With the successful launch of Explorer I, the Army embarked on an ambitious program which rapidly advanced U.S. interests and goals in the space arena. For example, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency placed additional Explorer satellites into orbit on 26 March 1958, 26 July 1958, and 13 October 1959. Also, on March 3,1959, Pioneer IV, a joint Army Ballistic Missile Agency/Jet Propulsion Laboratory project under the direction of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), achieved a velocity in excess of 24,560 miles per hour; passed within approximately 36,000 miles of the Moon; and traveled on to become the first U.S. satellite in permanent orbit around the Sun. And, the flight of monkeys Able and Baker on May 28, 1959, marked the first successful recovery of living beings after their return to earth from outer space. Their survival of speeds over 10,000 miles per hour was the first step toward putting a man into space. On July 1, 1960, the Army at Redstone formally lost all of its space-related missions, along with about 4,700 civilian employees (including the von Braun team) and $100 million worth of buildings and equipment at Redstone Arsenal and Cape Canaveral to NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center. At the activation ceremonies, Dr. von Braun, the new director of the Center, remarked that “without the bountiful and courageous backing and support of the Army…the free world would not have jumped off into space nearly so soon.” • This article was taken from multiple sources contained in the Office of the Command Historian, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command.

From Shock to Celebration, continued from page 21 this achievement was the result of “years of concentrated, intensive toil, often against great odds, of the many scientists, engineers, technicians, and production and management people” who had been engaged in rocket and guided missile research since World War II. In anticipation of an order to proceed within the week, Medaris gave von Braun the go-ahead to take Jupiter-C RS-29 out of “storage” and to begin preparing the vehicle for launch. The command actually jumped the gun by almost a month. It would take weeks of upper-echelon review and the orbiting of a second Sputnik (carrying the dog Laika) on Nov. 3, 1957 before the Army team at Redstone Arsenal and the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in California got an unequivocal green-light from McElroy on Nov. 8. The following 84 days were a hectic, heady blur of readying Jupiter-C RS-29 and its scientific payload for launch. Pressure on the Army to succeed was intensified by the publicly broadcast Dec. 6 explosion of the Vanguard on its first attempted liftoff. But as the ABMA Public

Information Office later reminded journalists, “Explorers just don’t happen – they represent a tremendous amount of scientific and technical effort, planning, investigations and computations involving all the physical sciences and most of the fields of engineering.” Needed modifications and changes to the hardware and payload were made in time to meet the initial launch date of Jan. 29, 1958, but high winds, bad weather, and a possible technical malfunction during countdown delayed the launch. Finally blasting off the pad at 10:48 p.m. EST, on Jan. 31, RS-29 carried 1958 Alpha, as the satellite was originally identified, into orbit, where it broadcast data leading to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts. After 63 days of radio transmissions the officially renamed Explorer I fell silent, but it continued to circle the planet “more than 58,000 times before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere” on March 31, 1970. The anxiety and tension that marked the initially-calculated 106 minutes until confirmation of Explorer’s orbit dragged out another eight harrowing minutes before

news arrived that “Goldstone has the bird.” Unease rapidly gave way to elation. In Huntsville, thousands of local residents gathered on Courthouse Square about 11 p.m. CST amid the din created by blaring sirens, blasting horns, and exploding fireworks. Mayor R.B. “Spec” Searcy led a snake dance, while other Huntsville denizens waved homemade signs declaring “Our Missiles Never Miss” and “Move Over Muttnik.” The hometown newspaper issued a “Satellite Extra” commemorating “Huntsville’s Satellite,” and thousands of congratulatory telegrams flowed into town and arsenal. Previously planned festivities to mark ABMA’s second anniversary continued the prior night’s downtown celebration onto the arsenal for much of Saturday, Feb. 1. As Dr. Kurt H. Debus, who directed the missile and firing crew in Florida, subsequently recounted, the launch of Explorer I “was a moment not easily forgotten.”

• Kaylene Hughes, Ph.D., History Office, U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command Life Cycle Management Command

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Huntsville population growth in relation to aerospace and defense industry booms: s 1950 – 16,500 s 1960 – 72,365 s 1966 – 143,000 s 2006 – Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area: 376,000 (U.S. Census Bureau estimate) Aerospace and Defense profile: s 44,000 workers, primarily in research, technology and engineering fields, directly involved in Huntsville aerospace and defense industries in government and private sector s Nearly every U.S. aerospace corporation has a presence in the community s Huntsville/Madison County is home to more than 250 aerospace companies employing 27,000 workers Programs and Centers of note located at Redstone Arsenal s NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center s U.S. Army Ordnance Munitions & Electronics Maintenance School s U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC-2011) s Aviation: U.S. Army Program Executive Office, Aviation; Apache; Cargo Helicopter (Chinook, for ex.); Utility Helicopter (Blackhawk, for ex.); Unmanned Aircraft System; Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter; Aviation Systems programs; U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC – 2010); U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM); U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) s

Missiles and Missile Defense: U.S. Army Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space; Missile Defense Agency (MDA); U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense; Command (SMDC); Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC); Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); Missile & Space Intelligence Center; NATO’s Medium Extended Air Defense System; U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center

Cummings Research Park – one of the world’s leading science, research and technology parks. s 285 companies (largest in the world) – 25,000 workers s 2nd largest in the U.S. based on numbers of employees (4th largest in the world) s Founded in 1962 s Most Outstanding Science Park in the World (Assoc. of University Research Parks, 1997) s 3,843 acres of land s Key industries: engineering services; aerospace and defense; computers and electronics; research and development; life sciences and biotechnology

Community Leaders Comment on the Foundation of Huntsville’s Economy From the ‘Watercress Capital of the World’ to one of the leading aerospace and defense communities in the United States – Huntsville’s growth is attributable to the foundation created by the rocket scientists and thousands of engineers who moved to the community in the 1950s and 1960s to create and lead America’s space exploration efforts. The past, present and future of Huntsville are intertwined with America’s exploration of space, the moon, mars and beyond. • John Southerland “The tremendous excitement and energy associated with Explorer and the Saturn program created a unique economic engine that continues to accelerate and expand. Those events changed the city of Huntsville into that of a vibrant modern large city. The population grew by a factor of 15. And yet, in the middle of this fantastic growth, Huntsville kept its original charm as a beautiful southern city to the fullest extent.” – Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, original member of Dr. von Braun’s rocket scientist team “While on the planning commission, we urged the City Council to take a trip to Research Triangle Park – I even paid my own way – so we could see how to operate and establish a true research and development park. It was very beneficial, and we have a beautiful, cutting edge technology park with specifications to ensure it remains aesthetically pleasing and which is filled with great companies that are growing and expanding every year.” – Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer (who helped lead the development and the park specifications for the newest and largest section of Cummings Research Park) “Leaders such as Wernher von Braun, Carl T. Jones, Walton Fleming, Will Halsey, Cecil Ashburn and many others had a vision and pulled people together politically to develop a plan and put that plan into action. As we continue establishing our reputation as an aerospace technology center, the industry will continue to grow and flourish especially after the BRAC moves are complete.” – Chairman Mike Gillespie, Madison County Commission “The growth was so fast it seemed we had to change schools every year. On the night that Explorer I went up, my father came in and said ‘we’re going downtown.’ It seemed like it was close to midnight but there was a big bunch of people down there celebrating. It was very much a spontaneous celebration of a tremendous achievement. Certainly, the BRAC gains we have made are possible because of the foundation created by the space and missile programs.” – Joe Ritch, shareholder, Sirote & Permutt law firm and Executive Director, Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee “As a result of the aerospace industry of the 1950s and 1960s, Huntsville has become a high tech community with a highly skilled workforce and great engineering capabilities woven into genteel southern hospitality.” – Don Nalley, partner, Beason & Nalley and vice chair for the Chamber’s image enhancement “The foundation for modern day economic development in Huntsville was established in the 1950’s. Most of what we accomplish today – whether it involves aerospace and defense or is related to automotive technology, biotechnology, or information technology – is connected to the accomplishments of the space and missile pioneers more than 50 years ago.” – Brian Hilson, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Huntsville/Madison County Leading Aerospace & Defense Employers Name U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal The Boeing Company NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center SAIC Teledyne Brown Engineering Northrop Grumman Dynetics, Inc. EDO CAS Lockheed Martin COLSA Corporation Jacobs Raytheon Company

Employees 14,601 3,000 2,555 1,716 1,424 1,125 900 800 725 700 659 600

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The Next Giant Leap Huntsville/Madison County Reaffirms Its Prominent Role in the United States Space Program

he U.S. space and missile program defined Huntsville and Madison County’s identity in the 1950s and 1960s and created the foundation for sustained aerospace and defense industry growth. Huntsville will continue to play a vital role in the nation’s space program as many aerospace companies in Huntsville support NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in managing major portions of the Ares program – the next generation space craft that will eventually return humans to the moon and then to Mars. In recent months, NASA has announced significant contract awards to Boeing, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, and ATK that will keep Huntsville in the spotlight in the design and management of the Ares program. Marshall Space Flight Center will manage all of the major launch components

for Ares I as part of NASA’s Constellation program. The Boeing Company, which has a long history in Huntsville, was awarded a $515 million contract to produce the upper stage of NASA’s Ares I crew launch vehicle. The upper stage, with an engine and avionics unit as part of a separate contract, provides the navigation, guidance, control and propulsion required for the ascent of the second-stage Ares I into low Earth orbit. The Ares I launches the Orion crew exploration vehicle which will be joined with other elements of NASA’s Constellation program to help propel astronauts to the moon by 2020. “The Boeing team is honored to be selected as NASA’s Ares I Upper Stage production partner and to be part of the Constellation team,” said Brewster Shaw, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Space

Exploration business unit. “We have a proven team that is eager to help NASA and the nation write the next chapter in the history of human space exploration.” Under the contract, Boeing will employ up to several hundred technical support personnel at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. The Center has responsibility for the design of the Ares I, with Boeing providing production engineering support. Boeing’s primary team of suppliers includes Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies; Moog; Northrop Grumman; Orion Propulsion, Inc.; Summa Technology, Inc.; United Space Alliance and the United Launch Alliance. Numerous smaller team members, many operating in Huntsville and Madison County, will also provide services to Boeing on the project. ATK (Alliant Techsystems) received a

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Rocketdyne designed and developed both the J-2 and the J-2S and has been responsible for producing, refurbishing and improving them. The J-2X engine will incorporate significant upgrades to meet higher performance and reliability requirements for the Ares vehicles. There will be approximately 1,200 people in Huntsville and Madison County working on the Ares program. Work performed at Marshall Space Flight Center and by the aerospace contractors that support the program reaffirms Huntsville’s identity as a “space capital.” Mike Ward, vice president of governmental affairs for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, has worked with members of the congressional delegation and local leaders over the years to ensure that NASA and Department of Defense contractor jobs are located in the Huntsville area. “The Ares Program promises to keep Huntsville as our nation’s nerve center for rocket system development for the foreseeable future. We’ve been working with the contractor community to bring Ares work to our region and are pleased with the results so far. Aerospace companies that have been here a long time are growing and we have a number of new aerospace companies that are opening offices here.” • Danielle Moran

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Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) recently held a ribbon cutting and open house ceremony at its new office in Huntsville’s Research Park located at 620 Discovery Drive in response to its increasing programs within NASA and the Department of Defense. The 21,000 square-foot office will house ATK’s approximately 85 employees working on various programs including Space Shuttle, Ares Crew Launch Vehicles and Department of Defense programs. Team Ares, a tri-com- Ready for launch: From left, Jim Halsell, vice president for ATK and pany team made up of ATK, Lockheed program manager, Ares I upper stage, and ATK Launch Systems Group Martin and Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, is President Ron Dittemore accept a plaque from Evans Quinlivan, chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County at ATK’s open also slated to move into the facility. house/ribbon cutting ceremony. “We already have a presence in Huntsville,” said Ron Dittemore, president ATK Launch Systems. “In order to better support our wide customer base within NASA and the Department of Defense, we see this expansion of our presence as critical in our future endeavors. We are at a critical crossroad in the space industry as we transition from shuttle to Ares,” said Dittemore. “Opening this office will help ensure a smooth transition as we move forward.” ATK also has over 120 employees working at Marshall Space Flight Center. NASA recently announced that Alliant Techsystems received a $1.8 billion contract for the design, development, test and evaluation (DDT&E) of the first stage of the agency’s next-generation human space flight vehicle - the Ares I. The multi-year development contract extends through June 2013 and includes flight tests beginning in 2009. Follow-on human flights are scheduled for no later than 2014, and production hardware for those flights will be developed under a separate contract expected after 2010. ATK also works with both the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command and the Missile Defense Agency providing missile defense systems and targets. •

WestWind Technologies, Inc. Opens New CH-47 Helicopter Flight Simulator Production Facility

Located in Twickenham at 204 Gates Avenue Huntsville, Alabama 28

October 2007 Initiatives

WestWind Technologies, Inc. (WTI) recently opened a new 61,000 square foot facility in Jetplex Industrial Park to house the production of CH-47 Chinook Helicopter flight simulators. The simulator uses sophisticated software to model flying in a variety of environments, giving pilots every possible advantage in training and flight experience, safely and cost-effectively. Plans are to complete the production of the first simulator in January 2008. Already, production efforts have created more than 30 jobs in Madison County, and another 30 job openings are expected as the facility goes into full production. “Once again, the Army has demonstrated confidence in WTI’s personnel and capabilities. During our years of partnering with the Department of Petrosky Defense, WestWind has gained a reputation for responsiveness, flexibility, and customer focus. We are aware that a vital trust has been placed with us, and we are grateful for another opportunity to serve our warfighters,” said WTI President, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dan Petrosky. In addition to the CH-47 Chinook, WTI also supports Army programs for Scout/Attack Helicopter, the AH-64 Apache, and the Blackhawk Utility Helicopter. WestWind is ISO9001/AS9100 Registered and FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certified. The company has over 227,000 square feet of manufacturing and support facilities in the JetPlex Industrial Park and on Redstone Arsenal and employs nearly 400 people. Administrative offices are located at 2901 Wall Triana Hwy, Ste. 200, Huntsville, AL 35824-1529. •

Photo: John Southerland

ATK Opens New Huntsville Office; Celebrates NASA Ares Win

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY Congressman Cramer Discusses BRAC During Chamber Update

the Congressman Cramer’s annual Washington Update Luncheon. This year, more than 1,200 Chamber members attended the Von Braun Center’s North Hall to hear Cramer discuss the area’s aggressive economic development efforts, continued regional leadership, and BRAC successes. “Our community has benefited from a strong federal, state, and local partnership,” said Cramer. “As we continue to celebrate the success of our efforts, it is vital that we maintain a high level of cooperation to continue to build for the future.” •

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During a sold-out luncheon, Congressman Bud Cramer highlighted a successful year in North Alabama and congratulated members of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County for taking an active role in the continued development of the Tennessee Valley. The remarks were part of

CFD Research Corporation Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) recently celebrated its 20th year of providing innovative, cutting-edge research and advanced modeling and simulation services to their government and commercial clients. Located in Cummings Research Park, CFDRC was founded in 1987 by principal founder Dr. Ashok Singhal and co-founders Sangeeta

Singhal and Dr. Andrzej Pizekwas. CFDRC provides support across several fields, including aerospace, defense, biomedical, life sciences, homeland security and nanomaterials and processes. After spinning off their commercial products division, CFDRC currently has more than 100 employees with 75 percent having advanced degrees and 55 percent having doctorates. In their 20 years the company has recruited more than 200 world class scientists to the Huntsville area. CFDRC held a special open house ceremony and featured remarks from U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer. “CFD Research is an example of a local company that has earned tremendous success nationally. When CFDRC was established, its founders put in place a team with some of our nation’s brightest scientists and engineers to provide new and continued on page 31

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS Gillespie Gives State of the County Update Madison County Commission Chair Mike Gillespie pledged to work with state legislators and officials with the Alabama Department of Transportation to push for more road money as the area prepares to welcome thousands of new families to the area thanks to BRAC 2005. Speaking at the State of the County Luncheon at the Von Braun Center, Gillespie told Chamber members that the job growth associated with the 2005 BRAC, which will include 4,700 government jobs and potentially another 5,000 contractor jobs, could be “the single largest economic development project in our state’s history.” However, to prepare for these people there needs to be a strong, unitGillespie ed push from all North Alabama legislators to help get more road construction money from the state. Priorities include the widening of

Winchester Road and Alabama 53, he said. Gillespie also discussed the county jail and indicated that despite the problems that have occurred with the project, the most important thing is to fix those problems and get the jail completed safely as quickly as possible. •

MITRE Corporation Celebrates 25 Years in Huntsville The MITRE Corporation, which assists the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army Aviation Program Executive Office in Huntsville, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Huntsville. MITRE is a notfor-profit company that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government. The site opened its doors in 1982 with one employee and over the years has grown to 56 people today. MITRE’s President and Chief Executive Officer Al Grasso and Huntsville site leader Larry Lamb praised the organization’s employees and sponsors. • continued on page 32

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innovative resources to help support the technical advancement of our country. CFDRC continues that tradition 20 years later. I am proud to congratulate Sangeeta and Ashok Singhal and the employees of CFD Research on their anniversary,” Cramer said. “CFD Research has strengthened North Alabama’s reputation as a leader in support of NASA and the Department of Defense.” Dr. Singhal said numerous projects are being worked that will keep the company very busy in the foreseeable future. “The focus of CFDRC is to provide support for projects that are high in national importance such as developing Bio battery for use by our soldiers in the field, improved helmets and protective armor to protect against traumatic brain injury, NASA’s new launch vehicles and DoE’s hydrogen fuel cell projects that support President Bush’s space and energy initiatives,” he said. “We are looking forward to the future and will continue to play a key role in advancing the capabilities needed to provide advanced technology development for use in the fields of aerospace, biotechnology and the emerging field of nanotechnology.” •

We believe local banking makes a difference. With all the bank mergers lately, a lot of folks are surprised to learn their bank ownership is now in another country. At SOUTHBank, we believe local banking makes a difference. We’re 100% locally-owned, with decisions made right here in the community. That’s why we can offer something called Relationship Banking and really mean it. If you’re ready for a bank where the only accent is on customer service, come see us at SOUTHBank. 118 Jefferson Street 2021 Cecil Ashburn Dr.

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www.southbank.com Initiatives October 2007

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS Final Program Set for Rocket City Geospatial Conference The Rocket City Geospatial Conference planning committee has announced the final program for its event, scheduled Oct. 15-17 in Huntsville. More than 50 presentations will be offered representing a diverse mix of topics that address government and private industry applications of geospatial technology. Geospatial technology encompasses a wide range of applications including digital mapping, GPS, surveying, geographic infor-

mation systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Featured keynote speakers will be the director of the Alabama Dept. of Homeland Security, Mr. James Walker, and the director of the Earth System Science Center at the National Space Science and Technology Center at the University of AlabamaHuntsville, Dr. John Christy. For more details visit www.RocketCity Geospatial.com or contact Joe Francica at Joe.Francica@directionsmag.com or 256650-0205. â&#x20AC;˘ Compiled by John Southerland

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Staff 2007 Brian Hilson, president & CEO John Southerland, communications director Laura Kendrick, executive assistant

Economic Development Ethan Hadley, VP, economic development Steve Finnell, director, industrial development & existing industry

Rick Davis, director, Cummings Research Park Amy Locke, industrial development assistant Danielle Moran, economic development specialist

Governmental Affairs Mike Ward, VP, governmental affairs Tina Leopold, program assistant Doris Riccelli, OEA grant director

Workforce Lucia Cape, VP, workforce

Investor Relations Loren Traylor, VP, investor relations Jenni Jeffers, director, 00401737

small business/membership services

Donna McCrary, investor relations coordinator

Amber Underwood, events coordinator Alinka Carrington, events coordinator Terrie Ledbetter, membership sales representative

Research & Information Services Ken Smith, director, research & information services

Kristi Sherrard, publications/graphic design specialist

Hiroko Sedensky, information services specialist

Judith Short, information services assistant

Finance & Administration Ken Williams, director, finance & administration

Desman Holt, IT manager Summer Behel, accounting specialist Ginny Buie, financial assistant Joe Watson, facilities supervisor

Associated Organizations & Staff Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Sarah Savage, executive director Allison Gregg, program/PR manager Mary Stewart, program coordinator Allison Bowman, administrative coordinator

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Small Business Development Centers Alabama A&M University University of Alabama in Huntsville

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County 225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 / p 256-535-2000 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 32

October 2007 Initiatives

Business EXPO: List of Seminars

Let us help you make a

For EXPO information, see pages 26-27

BIG IMPRESSION WorkForce Development

Federal Government

(1-2 p.m.; 4-5 p.m.)

(3-5 p.m.)

Time Management Life Balancing: Maintaining Work & Family s Communication Styles s Stepping up to the Plate: Dealing with Challenges

s s

Finding a Home for your Business: Buy-Build-Rent? (1-2 p.m.; 2-3 p.m.)

A Guide to Research Park and other Industrial Park Venues s The How To’s on Building a Commercial Facility (The construction process) Doing Business with the s

Commercial Cleaning Services with “no headaches attached”

Full-Service Flexibility At Office Pride, our employees are trained

How to Find RFP’s To Bid or Not Bid: Knowing When an RPF is Right for Your Business s How to Write a Winning Proposal s Winning the Proposal: What to do now Marketing 101 (2-3 p.m.; 3-4 p.m.)

Working a Room: The Do’s and Don’ts s What’s in a Handshake? s Making the Sale s

on how to specifically give your office or facility the most thorough cleaning it has ever had, every time they clean.

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Bonded & Insured • OSHA Compliant 34

October 2007 Initiatives

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Steve Finnell Director, Industrial Development and Existing Industry

teve Finnell has marketed and managed industrial parks in Madison County for more than 23 years. S He was involved in the first existing industry program in Huntsville/Madison County in the 1970’s, and he now manages the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County’s existing industry program. Steve also helped create the initial wage and fringe benefit survey and industrial directory for Huntsville/Madison County. Steve’s longevity in his profession is attributable to his love of getting out in the community and helping industry thrive. He has enjoyed watching companies grow over the years. Steve not only witnessed major changes in Huntsville and Madison County’s economy since the 1970s, but he was also part of that change by attracting new types of industry to locate to the area.

Employee of the Quarter

Earlier in his career, he helped initiate the foreign industry program in Madison County, and he now recruits foreign investment in his role at the Chamber. Chamber President/CEO Brian Hilson commented on Steve: “Steve’s experience and dedication to economic development in Huntsville continue to bring success to our community. He has been involved in the recruitment and expansion of numerous companies and literally thousands of jobs in Huntsville/Madison County since the 1970s.” Steve enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and sitting on his porch overlooking Lake Guntersville. He amuses Chamber staff with biweekly updates of the latest Hollywood gossip, and he was once voted “funniest” and “most mischievous” by Chamber staff. •

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Initiatives October 2007

Winner,Entr epreneuroftheY

ear

Bob Baron & Baron Services Detecting, Responding to Weather Needs Across the Globe

tracking technology was the result, and since that pioneering technology was launched in the ’90s, Bob has diversified his company by creating new branches focused on radar development, mobile weather, and advanced forecast modeling. From humble beginnings of three employees and one volunteer (Bob’s wife), the company grew to over 90 employees with customers throughout the world. In recognition of his achievements, Baron was presented with the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Chamber’s Small Business Awards Celebration. “The award was a wonderful experience. I felt like I was picking it up for the rest of the

Photo: S&S Photography

magine being the weatherman on duty when a devastating tornado hits your community and realizing the tools you have at your disposal are mere gadgets, unable to help you predict or save the lives of 23 fellow residents. The 1989 tornado that struck Huntsville/Madison County inspired Bob Baron, President of Baron Services, to find a way to better detect significant weather, disseminate the information quickly in a way to get those in harm’s way to respond in a proactive manner. The company was started with a focus on weather tools to make sure nobody was ever caught by surprise again. His site-specific storm

In the Stars: Founder and president of Baron Services, Bob Baron, makes remarks about his newly awarded Entrepreneur of the Year honor.

folks here at this company because we have continued to do exceptional things beyond what we first dreamed possible,” said Baron. This was not Baron’s first award from the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. In 1996, he was recognized as Executive of the Year. This award was changed in 2006 to Entrepreneur of the Year to honor the founders of small businesses. He is the first executive to have won the award twice. Winners are eligible to reapply after 10 years. With customers numbering in the tens of thousands, Baron isn’t slowing down. The company features a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week forecast operation which is responsible for making sure all the data is accurate before it is sent out to customers. In addition, Baron Services contributes their extensive forecasting experience into the mix as well to offer a unique, blended solution. Through the years, Baron has been able to use new technology to more precisely and quickly determine weather events and who will be affected. This information has then been sent to television stations and other customers in a timely manner and in such a way as to get people to realize the immediacy of the danger and more importantly to act to protect themselves. “The more we can define roads and landmarks and the more we can clearly communicate that there is an immediate and present danger, the better the response to the call to action and the more lives we can save,” explains Baron. Baron Services focuses more energy on meteorological innovation than any other weather company or group of weather companies in the world. They serve a wide range continued on page 38

October 2007 Initiatives

Where to go • Who to see for products and services

Use a chamber member... it's in your best interest Accountants

Cleaning Services

Hotels & Motels

CDPA, PC 415 Church St., Ste. B 35801.........256-539-3555

Absolutely Unique Commercial Cleaning Services, Inc 9694 Madison Blvd. Ste. D-3 35758. . . . . . .256-461-1378

Bevill Conference Center & Hotel 550 Sparkman Drive 35810.......... 256-721-9428

Fish Window Cleaning 1902 A Central Pkwy., Decatur 35601. . .256-353-8859

Advertising al.com www.al.com The Huntsville Times 2317 S. Mem. Parkway................... 256-532-4250

Audio Visual Systems Southern Digital Products 2120 Meridian St., 35811 .................256-539-2600

Office Pride 2600 Newby Rd. 35805..................256-539-7777

Tim Roberts, Agent 303 Willilams Ave. 35801................256-533-3431

Communications - Wireless, Phone Service, Systems

Internet Service

AT & T 620 Discover Dr. Bldg. 2, Ste. 350 35806. 866-620-6000

Woody Anderson Ford 2500 Jordan Lane 35816..............1-800-457-1341

CapitalSouth Bank 2123 Whitesburg Dr.

Redstone Federal Credit Union 220 Wynn Dr. 35893........................ 256-837-6110 a

Education - Schools, Colleges, Universities

Banks 35802..........256-513-4300

First American Bank 401 Meridian St. 35801.................256-519-6900

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

Office Equipment Credit Unions

Automotive

Insurance

Calhoun Community College Hwy 31 N. Decatur 35601..............256-306-2500 UAH Professional Development 210 Wilson Hall 35899....................256-824-6372

Xerox Metro Center, Inc. 4910 Corporate Dr. 35805...............256-890-4258

Photocopying Services Allied Photocopy 1821 University Drive 35801...........256-539-2973

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

First Commercial Bank 301 Washington St. 35801............ 256-551-3300

Financial Services

SOUTHBank 118 Jefferson St. N. 35801..............256-535-6000

First Financial Group of the South, Inc. 400 Meridian St., Suite 100..............256-536-0011

Real Estate

Furniture

Concourse Group 303 Williams Ave. Ste. 117 35801...256-532-1250

Superior Bank www.superiorbank.com....................256-533-5422 RBC Centura Bank www.rbccentura.com..................1-800-CENTURA Regions www.regions.com....................... 1-800-REGIONS Wachovia 409 Madison St. 35801...................256-551-4113

Blackʼs Furniture City 124 N. Brindlee Mtn. Pkwy Arab, AL. .256-586-5725 Office Furniture Outlet 11507 Mem. Parkway, SW., 35803....... 256-882-9999

Hospitals Crestwood Medical Center One Hospital Dr. SE 35802.............256-882-3100 Huntsville Hospital 101 Sivley Rd. 35801......................256-265-1000

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

Industrial Properties of the South 2903 Wall Triana Hwy......................256-461-7482 V V & W Properties, Inc. 204 Gates Ave., SE 35801..............256-539-0505

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

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

Bob Baron & Baron Services,

Bob and his wife Phylis celebrate the Small Business award.

INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS ARE LOOKING HERE.

of industries ranging from broadcasting, public safety, marine, aviation and worldwide weather concerns. His secret to success: innovate aggressively and anticipate customers’ future needs, and always secure talented, creative individuals as the core employees of the company. Countless lives have been saved by Mr. Baron’s efforts. In fact, more than 250 stations are using the storm tracking system developed by Baron Services to notify residents of weather issues. This technology is also being used by XM radio, in cockpits of planes and in the helms of boats. Furthermore, Baron Services will be launching a new product for cars which will be part of the navigation unit, a result of its partnership with XM radio. While there may not seem to be much time for new growth and new development, Baron never slows down. Well, almost never. After enjoying a trip to the Napa Valley, Baron will continue to imagine, design and develop new technology to ensure that Baron Services remains a leader in radar technology. To this end, the Radar Division is installing the latest type of radar polarimetric technology which sends out two radar beams instead of one to better provide forecasters the shape and form

SALES MANAGERS ARE LOOKING HERE. ACCOUNTANTS ARE LOOKING HERE. MARKETING PROFESSIONALS ARE LOOKING HERE. COMPUTER ANALYSTS ARE LOOKING HERE.

THE BEST LOCAL

CANDIDATES. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THEM, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER LOOKING HERE TOO.

Photo: S&S Photography

continued from page 36

of precipitation. This will help forecasters determine the difference between snow, rain and hail and will be a critical tool in better forecasting winter events. Additionally it will be a far more accurate tool in determining how much rain is falling – a key component to water management. But that’s not all – Baron Services has truly become a global provider. The modeling office in Nashville is currently working with the Romanian government to develop a flood model with the ultimate goal of applying this technology to the Romanian system of dams. Baron is developing huge new capabilities around the world and right here at home. Detect, Disseminate and Respond with Action: the goal and focus of Baron Services from 1990 until tomorrow. • Loren Traylor

THE RIGHT TALENT IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-701-0898 OR EMAIL sales@al.com

October 2007 Initiatives

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The Best Local Jobs

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