Initiatives magazine, February 2007 by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Attention: Chamber members plan now to attend the chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Montgomery Trip march 14, 2007

bus leaves at 6:30 am Join us for our annual visit to the State Capitol to meet with key leaders in state government and advance the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Agenda.

Briefings, Luncheon and Legislative Reception: $80 including bus ride: $130* reservation deadline: March 7

*bus space is assigned on a first-come basis.

for reservations, contact Tina Leopold at (256) 535-2031; fax (256) 535-2015; or email: tleopold@hsvchamber.org Presented by

Payment is due at time of reservation. Cancellations with a refund are accepted up to 24 hours prior to the event. A late fee of $20 per person will be added after the reservation deadline.

Gold Sponsor: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Silver Sponsors: Applied Geo Technologies, Inc.; Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.

February 2007 Initiatives

Initiatives February 2007

initiatives Chamber of Commerce of Hunt sville/ M adison County

Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology; slated 2007

february 2007

Photo by Jackson Hill

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

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

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

Photo by S&S Photography

f eatures People & Partnerships

Help Wanted

Huntsville hospitality

The Workforce Challenge

Centers of Attention

Spencer Honored by Chamber

Constellation ready for theaters

2007 Montgomery Trip

Chamber Board Listing

Community profile

HREGI Investors

Historical marker installed

Your Chamber @ Work

2007 Exec. Committee & Board

Chamber Staff Listing

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

Brian Hilson

Executive Editor

Holly McClain

Editorial Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Contributing Writers

Lucia Cape Holly McClain Danielle Moran Loren Traylor

Photography

Holly McClain

Advertising Sales

Cassandra Darby

on the web HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

Kunihiko Ogura, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama (TMMAL), is greeted by Ethan Hadley, vice president of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber representatives greet and host business guests from throughout the community, nation and world at their facility at 225 Church Street in downtown Huntsville. TMMAL opened in Huntsville in 2003; since then, the company has doubled the size of its Huntsville operations.

d e v e l o p me n t s

Downtown Huntsville (Blake Mathis)

mission

On the Cover:

The Huntsville Times

Initiatives February 2007

Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2007 Executive Committee Brad Jones, Chair Evans Quinlivan, Chair-Elect Dave Hargrove, Immediate Past Chair Tommy Beason, Chamber Foundation Chair Herman Stubbs, Secretary/Treasurer Irma Tuder, Vice Chair

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: Most Chambers of Commerce have traditionally provided workforce support to their respective economic development programs. When a new or expanding company needed workforce assistance, economic development organizations were there to coordinate recruitment and training to help meet the company’s needs. Beginning about ten years ago, however, Chambers of Commerce across the country began to establish more comprehensive workforce programs, which today are typically directed at workforce recruitment, training and education support, in anticipation of employers’ needs. In other words, today’s programs are both proactive and reactive, depending upon the situation. A formalized series of workforce programs conducted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County began to take shape in the early 1990s. A workforce recruitment program to attract additional workers for specific local employers was undertaken by the Chamber, and today the Chamber’s various workforce activities are embodied in our strategic plan, the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative. The need to recruit more workers – with emphasis on qualified workers – has never been more apparent for the Huntsville area. With the support of ongoing economic development and marketing efforts, the Huntsville regional economy continues to expand, with unprecedented growth for the third consecutive year. For 2006, the Chamber’s official economic development scorecard, which includes announced jobs from new and expanding primary business sector employers for Madison County, totals over 4,600 jobs. Once again, Madison County ranks number one among all 67 Alabama counties, and this marks the twelfth time in the past 15 years Madison County has been number one, while we ranked second the other three years. Although we don’t compete with the rest of Alabama for economic growth, our statewide ranking is important as we continue to seek the state’s assistance with the enhanced infrastructure necessary to accommodate the influx of more jobs and residents. This edition of Initiatives reviews Huntsville/Madison County’s recent economic development performance, and includes several articles of interest on local workforce programs, including what the Chamber is doing. Also included are articles describing programs at Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a special feature on 2007 Chamber Chair Brad Jones and his emphasis on the Chamber’s strategic plan. On a final note, the Chamber expresses its appreciation to Dave Hargrove, our 2006 Chairman, whose tireless efforts have made the Chamber a better organization and Huntsville/Madison County an even better place. We welcome his successor, Brad Jones, whose strong leadership skills and incredible vision will take our organization and community to even greater heights.

Economic Development/Strategic Planning

Joey Ceci, Vice Chair Governmental Affairs Chuck Allen, Vice Chair Investor Relations Jim Bolte, Vice Chair Workforce Ron Klein, Vice Chair Small Business Ralph Malone, Vice Chair Research & Information Services

Don Nalley,

Vice Chair

Image Development / TRC

Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed Joe Ritch, Chair-Appointed Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed Tom Young, Chair-Appointed Brian Hilson, President/CEO

Elected Board Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Clayton Bass, Huntsville Museum of Art Frank Caprio, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne John Cooper, Avocent Corporation Derrick Copeland, Applied Data Trends, Inc. Kerry Fehrenbach, Intergraph Karen Stanley Fleming, Stanley Construction Co., Inc.

Dick Fountain, FPH Financial Services, LLC Dr. Frank Franz, UAH 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 Dr. Robert Jennings, Alabama A&M University

Charlie Kettle, First Commercial Bank Frederick Lanier, J. Smith Lanier & Co. Dan Montgomery, Northrop Grumman Caroline Myers, Foreign Language Services, Inc.

Jim Owens, AmSouth Bank Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota Pete Schofield, SPARTA, Inc. Scott Seeley, Regions Bank Jan Smith, S3, Inc. David Spillers, Huntsville Hospital Tom Stanton, ADTRAN Sandra Steele, Enfinger Steele Development, Inc.

Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden

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

February 2007 Initiatives

Al Sullivan Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Gail Wall, Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bill Watson, Wachovia (retired) John Wilmer, Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Dr. Ernie Wu, ERC, Inc.

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

TOP 10 EMPLOYERS

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

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

Population

Madison County

2000 Census

276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

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

2005 Estimate

298,192

166,313

35,893

368,661

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

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

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

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

109,955

66,742

11,143

134,643

Avg. Household Income

$57,220

$55,856

$72,432

$55,343

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

Per Capita Income

$23,091

$24,015

$27,821

$22,073

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

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

Income

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

Source: Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Aerospace & Defense Huntsville/Madison County is home to the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center which combine to drive a thriving aerospace and defense technology industry. Over 16,000 direct DoD and 2,676 NASA employees manage some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation and space exploration. More than 250 companies employing an additional 27,000 workers support the local aerospace and defense industries.

Research & Technology

For more information visit: HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

February 2007 Initiatives

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

People and Partnerships Drive Chamber Strategy Chairman Brad Jones focuses on 2007 opportunities

It doesn’t take very long in an interview situation to determine that Brad Jones is very systematic: If “step one” begins his comment, “step two” soon follows. Not surprisingly then, the new Chamber chairman knows precisely how he will approach his chairmanship and service to the organization’s membership, while meeting the challenges of economic development in Huntsville/Madison County during the coming year. You see, he has a plan. That plan is called the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). J: Just as in any business, the governing document is your strategic plan. Members of the chamber’s leadership, those who preceded me, were thoughtful enough to put in place not only an annual plan, but a fiveyear strategic plan. And we have had great success since we’ve begun to execute that plan. My agenda is to take that plan and expand upon it, and try to create more results as defined by the plan. At the end of the year, I hope we can look back and see that one, our team has accelerated the execution of that plan, and two, in doing so we further engage the business community in helping the Chamber to execute that plan. In other words, that more people will have been involved in the process. Who wrote the plan? J: The membership really wrote that plan by their observations, concerns and thoughts of what the Chamber needed to be doing and that plan just reflected what they said ... The plan’s content was the result of over 100 membership meetings, over 1,000 interviews and comments that came back,

publications we reviewed from numerous other economic development organizations representing peer cities…The overwhelming point that came out of the development of that plan is, one, success is very doable in this community. And two, we need to engage the businesses of this community in helping to execute the plan. [Jones was a member of the Chamber’s executive committee when HREGI was drafted; as the vice chair for economic development, he was a key author.] How can businesses be part of the process? J: As the plan calls for, there are multiple ways for members of the business community, chamber members, to be involved in helping to market the community; to help existing businesses to grow; to bring new businesses; executing strategies to grow our workforce; all the way to helping our universities and colleges. There is a role in every single aspect of the strategic plan for our membership. And more importantly, there is a desire by our membership to be involved. What are some of the key challenges facing economic development? J: These are exciting times. We have growth opportunities in really all sectors of business and in our personal lives. Issues, however, flow from growth. Thankfully, there is nothing unique to Huntsville that causes us to be limited in being able to address the challenges before us. Challenges are present in everything from infrastructure issues to impact on existing business, to recreational amenities, to governmental impact, and the list goes on. At the same

time, as much as any other city in America, we have the public and private sector leadership in place to be able to address those things. The international economy is centered on partnerships. Investing in our people and our partnerships will get results. It’s a focus on people and partnerships that will drive profits. That’s the way business is being done across the country and across the world. How do you see the Chamber engaging in some of the more pressing infrastructure issues? J: A couple of things; one, we must increase communication and engagement with our state representatives and state delegation and get them invested in the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative. Second of all, we’ve got to have regular, planned conversations with the governor and his staff to keep him updated not only on the projects the state is involved with, but also the additional projects the Chamber is involved with. Getting the governor more consistent information from North Alabama, particularly Huntsville/ Madison County, and having our delegation take more North Alabama issues to Montgomery is paramount to meeting infrastructure needs. Roads are a number one issue. continued on page 14

Initiatives February 2007

People and Partnerships drive Chamber strategy, continued from page 13

On many occasions, Governor Riley has been very complimentary of the economic vitality and growth in Huntsville/Madison County, and has bestowed role model status on area economic development initiatives. Do you consider Huntsville/Madison County a stand-alone community? J: Huntsville is not a stand-alone community. Our success is the result of many partnerships and the work of many people in our region. It's this partner success formula that

I believe makes us a benchmark for our state and the country. The leaders of our community have successfully migrated our economy from a dominant federally dependent economy to a more diversified high tech economy. There are still communities outside of ours that perform certain aspects of economic development better than we do. We need to learn from those communities and continuously adapt our strategy to ensure that our economic development success continues.

How will the Chamber facilitate growth stemming from BRAC? J: BRAC brings many opportunities to our community both directly and indirectly. Our community is well equipped to deal with the opportunities presented by BRAC. Our challenge is to execute the solutions and the actions that will recognize the potential of those opportunities. In facilitating success our community will need leadership from throughout its business community and from its federal state and local elected officials. The Chamber is well organized to broker those communications. Economic growth in Huntsville/Madison County has, in the past three years, been among the most significant growth of the last two decades. Coincidentally, the Chamber is entering year four of what promises to be an increasingly aggressive HREGI program. What’s next? J: The Chamber has completely reorganized itself to execute this plan. What I think we are evolving to now is how does the plan grow and change over time and how do we ensure we are addressing best practices from among other communities across the country, as well as addressing other needs in our community. So it is an evolving process and one that I think the Chamber and its leadership have not only kept pace with, but I think have been a little ahead of the curve in executing. • ________________________________

Summary of Key HREGI Strategies ________________________________ #1: Growth & Preservation of the Huntsville Region’s Existing Economic Base, Business Climate and Business Culture • Initiate Chamber economic development envoys volunteer program. • Conduct 120 local member calls each year to achieve expansion by local employers. • Implement a corporate headquarters contact program directed toward local companies. • Recognize local employer successes/achievements. • Emphasize the critical role of small business to our economy. Develop and market a summary of resources, services, and assets to facilitate small business growth. • Identify entrepreneurial venture opportunities & support efforts. • Develop an opinion alert that allows members to provide input on current policies/issues. • Work in partnership with local, state and federal elected officials to remove barriers to business development.

#2: Recruitment of Targeted Businesses • Regionalism – Develop and implement a strategy of regional partnership in pursuit of economic development opportunities. • Continue the marketing campaign for business location consultants. • Implement a strong prospect generation plan. • Maintain Web site to increase business relocation and expansion project interest and opportunities. • Update business plan to market research and industrial parks, coordinating with other business and industrial properties. • Work in partnership with local, state and federal elected officials to facilitate business development. 14

February 2007 Initiatives

#3: Defense & Space Industry Growth • Position Redstone Arsenal as critical to the Army’s transformation initiatives. Leverage existing capabilities and competencies; build on that baseline for future, network-centric operations which heavily integrate missile and air defenses for the future battlefield. • Leverage NASA Marshall Space Flight Center expertise and facilities to expand the roles and missions of the Center in the execution of the space exploration vision. • Position the community as a key resource and/or location for the new federal Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Science and Technology Assessment.

#4: Engage the Resources of our Universities and Colleges • Grow university research capabilities. • Expand the available technology workforce. • Engage universities and colleges in the Chamber’s mission of economic development. • Partner with local research universities to promote regional technology-based reputation.

#5: Workforce Development • Partner with relevant community resources to provide workforce recruitment programs designed to assist local companies in attracting key employees. • Partner with other community organizations to attract young professionals. • Develop a comprehensive workforce development plan to support the area’s future growth through new and expanding companies. • Conduct manpower forecasting models related to the impact of BRAC, including a salary impact study.

#6: Community Image Enhancement • Complete and implement a full image promotion strategy. • Conduct annual survey with targeted prospect groups to determine perception of the Huntsville region. • Increase frequency of inclusion of Huntsville in industry studies of technology-based communities. • Create a brand identity that can be utilized to promote our community on a global basis. • Develop and actively communicate a Huntsville/Madison County regional economic impact assessment.

#7: Development of Capacity for New & Sustained Economic Growth • Create a model for optimum, year-by-year funding of economic development programs and activities through both public and private sources. • Continue development of endowment. • Integrate key elements of the economic development strategy into the annual plan of work to be approved by the Chamber board of directors • Work with TVA to formally define a partnership agenda for economic development and political advocacy. • Recognizing that the Chamber of Commerce does not have the resources to successfully achieve every goal of this plan, it should work to identify Partners with expertise in areas that are not within the primary mission of the Chamber. To this end, the Chamber should act as a conduit of information, facilitation, and accountability for those identified tasks that are assigned to Partners. • Regularly review & evaluate the community’s infrastructure to ensure readiness & responsiveness for successful economic development.

#8: Accountability • The chamber will meet unprecedented accountability measures and will more visibly demonstrate its value. For a full description of HREGI strategies, go to: www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com/HREGI/home.html Initiatives February 2007

Thanks to our HREGI investors Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council

($50,000+ invested annually: Private Sector)

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. and Regions Bank

Development Partners

($50,000+ invested annually: Public Sector)

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

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle ($25,000 - $49,999 invested annually)

ADTRAN AmSouth Bank BellSouth Colonial Bank Compass Bank Crestwood Medical Center Redstone Federal Credit Union The Boeing Company The Huntsville Times Wachovia Chamber Trustees ($10,000 - $24,999 invested annually)

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. City of Madison 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.

Progress Partners ($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 16

February 2007 Initiatives

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

Take Stock

(<$2,500 invested annually)

Ala. Psychological Services Center; Allied Photocopy, Inc.; Appliance Direct; Arnold Hornbuckle; Armstrong Relocation; Available Plastics; Bama Jammer Promotions; Bevilacqua Research Corp.; Bill Johnston, Jr.; Blue Creek Investment Partners; Charles G. Robinson, attorney; Crabtree Rowe & Berger, P.C.; Crestani Family Medicine; Davidson Technologies; Dick, Riggs, Miller & Stem, LLP; Foreign Language Services, Inc.; G.W. Jones & Sons; General & Automotive Machine Shop, Inc.; Huntsville Marriott; Infinity Technology; Inergi Design Services; Kelly Services; Mercer and Assoc., P.C.; O & S Enterprises, Inc.; OMI, Inc.; Padgett Business Services; Park Supply Co.; Pearce Construction; Phoenix; QuantiTech, Inc.; Renasant Bank; Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove; Russ Russell Commercial Real Estate; S & S Photography; Sellers Photo; Snelling Personnel Services; Southwest Research Institute; SRS Technologies; Stanley Construction; State Farm’s Marshall England; Suzuki of Huntsville Driving 2000; System Technology Assoc.; Taos Industries; Technology Management Training; Tetra Tech, Inc.; The Real Yellow Pages® from BellSouth; Vulcan Heating and Air Conditioning; Wellness is Health; West Huntsville Land Co.; Westwind Technologies Corp.; White, Fleming & Co., P.C.; Winters & Assoc.

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

3D Research Corporation Averbuch Realty / Averbuch Enterprises Baron Weather Solutions Belzon Bentley Pontiac / GMC / Cadillac / Saab Bradley Arant Rose & White Century Automotive Chapman Sisson Architects Cintas Corporation Currie Systems DESE Research, Inc. Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates Fuqua & Partners Gray Research, Inc. Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Jacobs Sverdrup JH Partners Architecture & Interiors Johnston, Moore, Maples & Thompson Kudzu Productions Lamb Commercial Services, Inc. Madison Research Corporation Madison Square Chrysler/Jeep Mercedes Benz of Huntsville North Alabama Gas District Radiance Technologies, Inc. Science & Engineering Services, Inc. (SESI) The Heritage Club Torch Technologies Wesfam Restaurants, Inc. – Burger King Westar Corporation WHNT-19 Wilson Lumber Woodland Homes of Huntsville Woody Anderson Ford Initiatives February 2007

Help Wanted “Classifieds” take on new meaning for high-tech workforce

Take one part “low unemployment” and two parts “record economic growth” and you get a combination that many communities around the nation consider ideal. However, this potent pairing is only ideal when a community has the ability to attract workers in equal proportion to its burgeoning opportunities. And in the case of Huntsville/ Madison County, not just any workers will suffice. The area’s high-tech economy depends on capable, highly-skilled workers in target industries ranging from automotive, to aerospace and biotechnology. To respond to these needs, the Chamber established a new workforce division in October, elevating existing workforce programs while increasing its scope into a comprehensive plan. The plan recognizes the spectrum of workforce – from birth to retirement – while concentrating on what the Chamber does best. “The Chamber’s strength is its ability to bring together the right resources to develop responsive, visionary solutions to our community’s workforce challenges,” said Jim Bolte, the Chamber’s volunteer vice chair for workforce, and senior vice president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama. “As the South’s technology center and the community that sent man to the moon, we have the wherewithal to be a national leader in most anything, including workforce programs,” noted Lucia Cape, the Chamber’s vice president for workforce. She believes Huntsville/Madison County will be a benchmark for the nation in addressing workforce needs. The new division’s plan supports strategies contained in the Chamber’s Huntsville

February 2007 Initiatives

Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). HREGI acknowledges that future growth opportunities include the preservation of an already strong economic base; the addition of new and expanded companies offering attractive employment opportunities; the retention and growth of critical defense and space programs; worldwide recognition of Huntsville as one of the best places to live, work and do business; and development of the community’s capacity to accommodate future growth. HREGI Workforce Strategies 1. Partner with relevant community resources to provide workforce recruitment programs designed to assist local companies in attracting key employees to live and work in the Huntsville area. 2. Partner with other community organizations in a strategy to attract young professionals. 3. Create a comprehensive workforce development plan of programs that will be necessary to support the area’s future growth through new and expanding companies. 4. Conduct manpower forecasting models related to the impact of BRAC including a salary impact study. In recognition of the demands placed on communities affected by the 2005 U.S. Department of Defense base realignment and closure (BRAC) process, the Chamber was awarded a U.S. Department of Labor grant through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. According to Cape, “The grant supports the development of a comprehensive workforce plan, studies to shape the plan, and the formulation of a campaign to attract, retain and develop needed talent.” Key elements include recruitment and education. “And

the two are tightly connected,” Cape added. “The Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee gets high marks for its town hall meetings,” said Cape. “Employees are introduced to Huntsville and the surrounding communities, which dispels inaccurate assumptions about the South and provides valuable information on the quality of life in our community.” In addition to further Tennessee Valley BRAC town hall meetings, the Chamber will begin coordinating job fairs for spouses of BRAC-impacted workers. The first will be held in April for the Missile Defense Agency and other affected organizations. In addition to the direct BRACimpacted jobs, the Chamber is also focusing recruitment efforts towards the ancillary jobs – such as medical and hospitality industries – that will support the DoDmandated influx. At the top of potential BRAC transferees’ lists of concerns is education. The area compares favorably with school districts in which children are currently enrolled, and community efforts to improve facilities and increase capacity are helpful. ”It is important for our community and a successful BRAC transition that we adequately communicate the educational opportunities available in the region,” said Joe Ritch, BRAC Committee chair. Notably, a large number of workers moving with their jobs means less turbulence associated with hiring from local employers and the trickle-down, back-filling required to maintain operations for the area’s existing employers. Another recruiting priority is young professionals. “While the baby boomer workforce across the country nears retirement,

Huntsville/Madison County is especially vulnerable to impending retirements because of the specialization of much of the work in our community,” said Bolte. Several workforce studies indicate that retirements among Redstone Arsenal’s workforce will have a great impact on open positions associated with BRAC. Conservative estimates reveal about 70 percent of the approximately 4,700 BRAC jobs will require local hiring. That means over 3,000 new workers are needed in the community. “According to a labor market assessment conducted for the Chamber by Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting, we need to balance our demographic profile by attracting more workers in their late-20s to early40s,” remarked Cape. However, many of the BRAC opportunities will be mid-level as current employees are promoted. “There are barriers to hiring entry-level employees because of minimum requirements for experience in government contracts,” she added. The Chamber is working with local companies and contracting entities to create more opportunities for students and recent graduates. As part of a community-wide recruiting plan, job fairs will be conducted in key markets to attract young professionals. An important element of this campaign will be a revamped jobs Web site hosted by the Chamber and a marketing campaign targeted to cities with concentrations of needed skills. As important as attracting young professionals is, retaining them is just as important. A job is not enough to sway a graduate or entry-level employee, especially one in a high-demand field. Two recent Chamber initiatives address this concern. The EmYrge Council gives a forum to all the young professional groups in town and provides opportunities for engagement with city leaders. “Young professionals want to know that city leaders care about their concerns and that things are being done to improve the already great quality of life for them," said Davion Walker, workforce development coordinator at the Chamber. Furthermore, as a result of focus groups with young professionals, the Bridges program was developed to connect co-op and intern students with Huntsville’s past while providing networking and professional development to encourage them to consider their future in Huntsville. An upcoming panel discussion will focus on downtown development and its impact on quality of life. Recruiting addresses near-term needs, but to ensure a consistent supply of workers in high-demand areas, the Chamber is part-

nering with educational and civic groups to identify high-growth fields and to get young students revved up about the opportunities available in these areas. The Chamber is part of the North Alabama/South Tennessee WIRED Consortium, a group that is developing a plan to connect students with highgrowth jobs using biotechnology as the “hook.” The WIRED Consortium will expose students to the excitement of biotech within the parameters of required coursework, ensuring acquisition of basic skills in math, science and technology, and then connecting them with post-secondary education required for high-growth careers. “Our challenge is to include people from throughout the Huntsville commuter-shed in our workforce,” according to Dick Reeves, volunteer regional coordinator of the WIRED Consortium. “We are moving in early 2007 to bring the region together so that all areas can benefit from Huntsville’s growth, and so that Huntsville’s growth can be enabled by people in all areas.” The Chamber also partners with Junior Achievement of North Alabama (JANA) to recruit and train volunteers from area businesses to deliver lessons on career awareness, professionalism and fiscal responsibility to students from kindergarten through continued on page 28

Initiatives February 2007

Businesses warm to Huntsville hospitality

Area leads state in announced job

For the third straight year, in the execution of the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative, new and expanding employers stepped up to and over the Huntsville/ Madison County welcome mat, bringing jobs in record numbers. Efforts to attract new businesses and expand existing ones in 2006 resulted in Huntsville/Madison County leading the state more than 4,600 announced jobs. Plus, Huntsville’s welcome also included the state’s largest economic development announcement of the year. “While continued expansion in the aerospace and defense industries comes as no surprise, Huntsville really turned heads with the Verizon Wireless state headquarters announcement and the 1,300 new jobs the facility will bring,” said Irma Tuder, vice chairman of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. “Taking a leadership position in jobs creation is important because we compete with

February 2007 Initiatives

other communities for infrastructure support,” commented Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the Chamber. Notably, just one day after the Verizon announcement in September 2006, Alabama Governor Bob Riley announced that construction work to widen Old Madison Pike between Thornton Research Park and Slaughter Road will begin in 2007, rather than 2012 as previously scheduled. Verizon Wireless represents about a $44 million investment to the area. “Huntsville and the state of Alabama have succeeded in creating an inviting business climate that persuaded Verizon Wireless to make a substantial commitment and investment here,” said Jim McGean, president of the Georgia/Alabama region for Verizon Wireless. “We look forward to growing our business and succeeding along with the people and the state of Alabama.” “We’re delighted to be in the neighborhood,” added Sheryl Sellaway, Verizon Wireless spokesperson. The company’s new 152,389-square-foot state headquarters in Thornton Research Park is slated for completion in late 2007. Numerous other companies and organizations are making substantial commitments and investments, as well. Since the Chamber’s early days, there has been an emphasis on the types of businesses pursued by Huntsville/ Madison County. In the 1890s it was canning, cheese and cotton factories; in the 1960s it was manufacturing and building materials. Today’s numbers represent projects from business sectors such as aerospace, defense and diversified manufacturing. Companies announcing investments or executing close to or over $20 million in the

bs in 2006 past year include Verizon Wireless; Raytheon; COLSA; Kommerling USA; and Lockheed Martin. According to Hilson, Huntsville today is a well-planned, high-growth city that continues to do the right things, like growing the second-largest research park in the U.S. – Cummings Research Park (CRP) He noted there are about a dozen projects currently underway in the park. “Huntsville-Madison County has many assets that make it so competitive, including great sites, a strong workforce, a well-educated and productive population, two universities and other post-secondary institutions, Redstone Arsenal, the Marshall Space Flight Center, a modest cost of living, an attractive quality of life, and an impressive roster of resident employers,” said Bill Fredrick, managing director of the Wadley-Donovan Group, a management consulting firm specializing in worldwide corporate location and economic development consulting services. The Wadley-Donovan Group is nearing completion of a location/target industry assessment of the area on behalf of the Chamber. Major advantages that make the area unique, noted Fredrick, include its “organized, energetic, can-do political, business and chamber leadership, and a consensus-built strategic plan.” The plan, the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI), said Fredrick, is impressive in that it serves as a living guide for development. “It’s also impressive how the leadership

across all sectors is driven by a cooperative spirit. The depth and breadth of this spirit is unique and a real treasure.” “Our leadership today, from the Chamber, to the city, county and state, is doing the right things: planning, land acquisition, emphasizing education, supporting defense and space, marketing on national and international levels, all in order to sustain and improve Huntsville/ Madison County,” Hilson said.

We’re delighted to be in the neighborhood. –Sheryl Sellaway Verizon Wireless spokesperson continued on page 22

Businesses warm to Huntsville hospitality, continued from page 21

With available jobs, affordable housing, manageable traffic, numerous mountain lakes and other outdoor amenities, city and county officials continue to work confidently toward attracting top professional talent. “I believe that Huntsville is on the verge of its best years, ever,” said Hilson. In the next five to seven years another 30,000 jobs could be added,” he said. Southern business hospitality is becoming signature for the rest of the state, as well. “Alabama’s economy has seen a dramatic turn-around from just a few years ago. Earlier this decade, our economy was struggling and the state was losing jobs. Today, we have record growth, net job gains and the lowest unemployment levels in Alabama’s history,” said Governor Riley in late 2006.

February 2007 Initiatives

2006 New & Expanding Industrial Companies Adept Technologies LLC; Advanced Systems Development Inc.; Avion; Battelle; Bosch Aerospace Division of ISL; Brown Precision Inc.; CNI-All Points Logistics; COLSA Corporation; Currie Systems; Digital Fusion; Digium, Inc.; Dixie Metalcraft Corporation; Dynetics, Inc.; EADS North America Defense; Eagle Support Services Corporation; Gray Research Inc.; Halsey Food Service; International Diesel of Alabama LLC; Jacobs Technology ESTS Group; Kommerling USA Inc.; KT Plastics; Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space; Management Technology Associates; Matsu Alabama Inc.; Millinium Engineering; Noland Company Inc.; Packaging Materials Company; Phoenix Industries Huntsville; PPG Industries; Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc.; Premier Professional Systems; Raytheon Company; SAIC; SEI Manufacturing; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; SPARTA, Inc; Stephen Gould of Alabama; SUMMA Technology Inc.; System Dynamics International; Teledyne Wah Chang; Theatrical Lighting Systems Inc.; Verizon Wireless; West Corporation; Westar Aerospace & Defense Group Inc.; WestWind Technologies Inc.; White Tiger Printing; Whitney, Bradley & Brown; Yulista Management Services Total jobs: 4,602 Investment: $237,722,415 Initiatives February 2007

The Workforce Challenge an editorial

Why is workforce such a hot topic in Huntsville/Madison County? For a community enjoying brisk economic development, a viable workforce situation means having the right number of employees with the right mix of skills to support current and future growth. But with national statistics, such as those revealed by the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century stating that 60% of all new jobs in the early 21st century will require skills that are possessed by only 20% of the current workforce, plus impending retirements and not enough qualified workers to step in, it’s no wonder employers are getting warm under their white and blue collars. There are many factors involved in achieving that perfect skills mix – career choices made in high school or earlier, education to support those choices and availability of chosen careers upon graduation

February 2007 Initiatives

and beyond. The key to optimizing supply and demand of employees to jobs is greater coordination between education and industry. The workforce pipeline begins at the earliest stages of brain development. Educational and emotional development throughout a child’s life, coupled with an awareness of career choices and an understanding of personal interests and aptitudes, set the stage for post-secondary training and education. Recent attention to global competitiveness and the increasingly rapid changes in how and where work gets done make it even more imperative that industry share its needs and its knowledge with academia to ensure the right fit between workers and the jobs they will fill. Different organizations address different stages of the workforce pipeline. Groups funded through the United Way, for example, focus on early brain development and

emotional intelligence. Junior Achievement teaches career awareness and professional skills to supplement standard K-12 education. Agencies such as NASA provide materials and resources to encourage achievement in the fields it needs, specifically science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Colleges and universities tailor their coursework to industry needs, and many companies sponsor students in co-op, intern and other mentorship programs prior to employment. State and federal programs support retraining of displaced workers and education for out-of-school, at-risk youth and the underemployed. In Huntsville/Madison County, the workforce challenges stem not from unemployment or lack of opportunity but from the demands of economic growth. Business location and expansion create a need for more workers with specific skill sets, and sudden growth – as will be experienced

Lucia Cape is the vice president of Workforce for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.

when the base realignment and closure moves are underway – increases the need. The skill sets in greatest demand in Huntsville/Madison County are in tight supply nationwide, and the trends in education indicate that the market for these skills will remain tight in the coming years. Peer cities are investing heavily in workforce. Chambers in San Antonio and Jacksonville, Florida support an academies approach to guide high school students into high-growth careers. The Greater Austin Chamber is working with academic institutions, policy makers and businesses to improve student math, science and technology preparation, increase college readiness and strengthen Central Texas school districts through school finance formula changes. Austin bills itself as “The Human Capital,” citing Expansion Management magazine’s top ranking of its school district. So what is the role of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber of Commerce in workforce development? Where along the

pipeline can the collective resources of business and industry be most effective? In the short term, the community must make a concerted effort to attract and retain skilled employees from other locations. This means that companies competing for talent will need to come together to promote the Tennessee Valley region as a desirable place to live and work, and then they will need to continue working together to make good on promises as area communities grow. For success in the long term, companies will need to encourage school-aged children to pursue the careers that will remain in high demand when they enter the workforce. This requires identifying those careers and the pathways to reaching them; sharing the information through organizations with access to and an understanding of the audience; and supporting the process as students move through the pipeline. These strategies are a good fit for the Chamber and its members, and they form the foundation for the Chamber’s workforce program. •

Initiatives February 2007

Chamber Historical Marker installed During holiday open house festivities held December 14, an historical marker saluting the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, was unveiled and dedicated. In addition to reflecting on the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, growth plans for the present-day Chamber facility were announced during the event. The auditorium will be enlarged by about 2,000 square feet, and renovation of the third floor will add close to 4,000 square feet of office and meeting space.

Pictured left to right: Tommy Beason, former Chamber chair; Russ Brown, former Chamber chair; Gene Monroe, past president of the Huntsville Industrial Expansion Committee (HIEC); Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the Chamber; Mark Smith, former Chamber chair; W.F. Sanders, former Chamber chair; Linda Green, former Chamber chair; Dave Hargrove, former Chamber chair; Steve Monger, former Chamber chair; Guy Nerren, former president of the Chamber and HIEC; Ronnie Boles, former Chamber chair; Jim Link, former Chamber chair; Brad Jones, 2007 Chamber chair; Mike Segrest, former Chamber chair; Howard Thrailkill, former Chamber chair; and Harold Eskew, former Chamber chair. To view the wording of the historical marker, please visit: www.huntsvillealabamausa.com/chamber/news_events/news/ announcemt/121406_historicmarker.html 26

February 2007 Initiatives

Employee of the Quarter:

Ginny Buie Financial Assistant, Finance & Administration Ginny Buie’s easy smiles, innate sense of hospitality and accomplished multi-tasking skills have made her an invaluable member of the Chamber team. “Ginny’s direct, no-nonsense approach to accounts receivable, attention to detail and consistent record keeping make her an ideal addition to the organization,” added Ken Williams, director of finance and administration at the Chamber. “It’s hard to believe she has only been with us for a year.” For her part, Ginny has found real camaraderie at the Chamber. “I like how everybody pitches in,” she said. “I find people very entertaining and getting to work with so many is wonderful.” She also admits that she likes to talk. “Since I get to do a lot of that, I’m happy!” As a student at UAH, she completed coursework in art and interior design. Just previous to her work at the Chamber, Buie was the assistant to the director of interior design at JH Partners. Buying fabrics, scheduling installations and coordinating detail work were among her many duties. “I love people, but the creative process is very subjective. There is also joy in working with numbers; with their stableness and rigidity,” commented Buie. In her leisure time, Buie enjoys reading, building with Legos and Sponge Bob Square Pants. Often colorfully-attired and vivacious, Buie embraces what she calls “retail therapy.” Ginny is married to Lance Buie and together they have eight beautiful fish.

Initiatives February 2007

Help Wanted, continued from page 19

high school. “Students are able to make the connection between what they are learning in school and how it is applied in the real world when a scientist, engineer, nurse or other professional from industry comes to their classrooms,” said Cyndy Morgan, JANA executive director. JANA, the Chamber and other sponsors also match high school students with professionals as part of job shadowing and the Adventures in Engineering program. “I had no idea what an engineer really did until I participated in Adventures in Engineering and toured the arsenal. I now know that my aptitude in math and science will be a perfect fit for me as an engineer,” said Cameron Traylor, a junior at Buckhorn High School. Other education initiatives are being evaluated for their ability to increase the number of students entering careers that support our area’s economic development, and partnerships with regional post-secondary institutions are being strengthened. A workforce coalition housed at the Chamber brings together business, education and other stakeholders to identify and respond to local workforce issues, and a regional network of community coalitions is part of the WIRED plan. “As a community, we owe our children the very best education possible so that they can be competitive in the global market place. But we must also realize that education does not just take place in the classroom. It starts at home with the parents and continues throughout a lifetime,” noted Jim Ellis, acting manager of academic affairs for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. To compete with our peer cities and to sustain economic growth, all aspects of workforce development, from birth to retirement, must be examined. “The Chamber’s primary role is connecting its members with their future workers through recruitment of new talent and development of a local base of capable, skilled people,” said Bolte. • 28

February 2007 Initiatives

Centers of Attention University Centers Advance Workforce

As workforce issues continue to lead discussions of Huntsville/Madison County’s future, The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University have created special centers of research and development to support high tech in Huntsville/Madison County. With economic development projects producing thousands of jobs each year, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County’s strategic plan calls for public/private partnerships to address the area’s workforce needs. The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University are at the forefront of the workforce movement, creating special centers that prepare students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to enter the workforce in Huntsville/Madison County’s target industry sectors. One such program, Charger Products, was created in 2005 through the Partnership for Biotechnology Research (PBR). The program provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to perform hands-on research focused on product development in a commercial laboratory setting. With financial support from an anonymous donor and facilities provided by Open Biosystems, Charger Products gives select UAH biotechnology graduate students opportunities to develop commercial products, spanning research to manufacturing and marketing. “The Charger Products program provides students with the opportunity to transfer classroom knowledge to a commercial laboratory, giving them unparalleled research experience in the complete product development life cycle,” said Bob Zahorchak, Ph.D., adjunct faculty member at UAH and mentor for the Charger Products program. “As a result, these students have a distinct advantage as they complete advanced degrees and enter into the biotechnology sector seeking employment.” Students involved in the Charter Products program are currently developing their second product, a cancer cell line array,

for use in identifying or validating cancer biomarkers. Among the other centers and programs:

Rotorcraft Systems Engineering and Simulation Center (UAH) The U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) selected UAH to create an academic and research program for rotorcraft development. The Rotorcraft Systems Engineering and Simulation Center (RSESC) contributes to America's capability for rotorcraft design and development. The Unmanned Systems Laboratory assists the Unmanned Systems Initiative at AMCOM in developing an integrated approach to unmanned systems applications for joint services. UAH’s Aerospace Systems Laboratory promotes research to increase manufacturing productivity through stateof-the-art technologies and development of advanced techniques. Research is focused on materials, materials processing (particularly in low gravity applications), intelligent systems, non-destructive inspection and manufacturing systems.

Systems Management & Production Center (UAH) The UAH Systems Management & Production Center (SMAP Center) promotes the effective and efficient management of manufacturing and non-manufacturing systems. These innovative processes, the adaptation of new technology, and the technology transfer of state-of-the-art computing, manufacturing and managerial methods are of primary concern.

Research Institute (UAH) The Research Institute (including the Aerophysics Research Center) carries out applied research and engineering programs to meet the needs of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers, but with significant related work for NASA and private industry. Many Research Institute efforts are carried out in cooperation with customers

on site at government laboratories. The staff has expertise in system development and acquisition, including systems engineering and project management, industrial operations, system vulnerability measurements, modeling, simulation and visualization, software engineering, and computer network design and operation. The Institute also operates laboratories for studying the interactions of a vehicle with its environment at high velocity.

Propulsion Research Center (UAH) The Propulsion Research Center provides an environment that connects the academic research community with the needs and concerns of the propulsion community, while promoting interdisciplinary approaches to solving propulsion problems. This mission is pursued by individual researchers within the center through collaboration with faculty members and students from various departments at UAH. It is also accomplished through cooperation with researchers from government laboratories, other universities and the aerospace industry. This results in the Propulsion Research Center conducting leading-edge research and scholarly activity in pursuit of advanced technologies and their applications.

Nano and Micro Devices Center (UAH) The Nano and Micro Devices Center (NMDC) is devoted to the exploration of integrated nano- and microphotonics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanotechnology and microfluidics. NMDC comprises an interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff from electrical engineering, chemistry, and materials science. NMDC has research facilities with broad capabilities for nano- and microfabrication, design, and device characterization. These facilities include a 5,500 sq. ft. clean room in the 7,600 sq. ft. Nano/Microfabrication Facility (NMF). continued on page 30

Initiatives February 2007

Centers of Attention, continued from page 29

The Information Technology and Systems Center (UAH) The Information Technology and Systems Center (ITSC) conducts multidisciplinary research in many facets of information technology. Basic and applied research is performed to develop new techniques and systems that solve real-world problems by the transfer of innovative technologies and knowledge. Students, faculty and research

scientists are involved in all aspects of the center. ITSC serves as the focal point for UAH research endeavors in information technology and systems and provides leadership in applications of information technology for multiple disciplines and computational environments.

The Center for Space Plasma & Aeronomic Research (UAH) The Center for Space Plasma &

Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) is an internationally recognized center of excellence in space plasma, astrophysical and aeronomic research with research interests that extend from the visible surface of the sun to the middle atmosphere of the Earth and beyond to the farthest reaches of the universe. It works with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, DoD and others. CSPAR typically maintains between 20 and 30 teaching faculty/research staff, and supports 15 to 30 graduate students as well as about 5 undergraduate students. CSPAR produces 5 to 15 M.S/Ph.D degrees and more than 100 presentations and refereed papers annually.

Center for Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (UAH) UAHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center for Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (CMSA) performs research and development in modeling and simulation and systems engineering. CMSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research staff has broad experience in those disciplines, with special expertise in physicsbased modeling, distributed simulation, model validation, spacecraft propulsion modeling, discrete event simulation, systems engineering process optimization and cus-

February 2007 Initiatives

tomization, design analysis and trade studies using M&S, technical team performance, and the use of modeling and simulation in systems engineering.

The Center for Microgravity and Materials Research (UAH) The Center for Microgravity and Materials Research (CMMR) is a major research unit of the University and employs full-time research scientists and engineers along with supporting administrative and technical staff, and graduate students from various academic departments.

clients internationally from government to the private sector to educational institutions. At the core of AAMURI is its highly qualified and experienced Center for Information Science & Technology team members. A specialized contracting office within Alabama A&M University, AAMURI provides the Defense Information Systems Agency with fast, easy access to the latest in information science and technology. This centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capabilities include: program and task order management, systems engineering and telecommunications, acquisition management and electronics

business support, system and application development, maintenance, and support services, data management and administration support system integration, evaluation, and testing, program and information management information systems security and information assurance, access control technology management, information technology training. â&#x20AC;˘ Danielle Moran Information provided by Ray Garner, UAH News Services director and the Alabama A&M University Research Institute Web site.

The Center for Applied Optics (UAH) The Center for Applied Optics (CAO) is an outgrowth of UAH 's major commitment to optics research, technology and education. The CAO collaborates with academic departments, local industry and government agencies. The CAO has more than 20 advanced optics facilities and laboratories specializing in optical signal processing, nonlinear optics, fiber optics, etc.

The Center for Irradiation of Materials (Alabama A&M) The Center for Irradiation of Materials (CIM) was established in response to the growing need for a surface modification and characterization capability in North Alabama. Its faculty and students come from around the world, performing research on state-ofthe-art equipment. Project funding for research comes from various areas of the government: U.S. Army, SMDC, NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center, Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation; as well as from the corporate sector.

The Center for Applied Optical Sciences (Alabama A&M) Research capabilities at The Center for Applied Optical Sciences include photorefractives, fiber optics, X-ray optics, evolutionary computing, optical databases, optical interconnects, and neural nets. The center also includes an optics lab.

The Center for Nonlinear Optics & Materials (Alabama A&M) The Center for Nonlinear Optics & Materials has major equipment which allows for capabilities including lens design, fiber optics, X-ray optics, and growth of NLO and materials.

Center for Information Science & Technology (Alabama A&M) The Alabama A&M University Research Institute (AAMURI) has served hundreds of Initiatives February 2007

2007 Chamber of Commerce Board

of Directors Executive Committee

Brad Jones

Evans Quinlivan president, First American Bank Chair-Elect

Dave Hargrove

Tommy Beason

Beason & Nalley, Inc. (retired) Chair Chamber Foundation

Herman Stubbs

Irma Tuder

president & CEO, Analytical Services, Inc. Vice Chair, Economic Development / Strategic Planning

Joey Ceci

president, Main Street Strategies Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs

Chuck Allen

Jim Bolte

senior vice president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Ala., Inc. Vice Chair, Workforce

Ron Klein

CEO, Belzon Vice Chair, Small Business

Ralph Malone

Don Nalley

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

Mike Gillespie

Joe Ritch

Loretta Spencer

Tom Young

Brian Hilson

CEO, Crestwood Medical Center Chair “Brad has emerged, in a very short period of time, into a prominent community leader with a strong competitive spirit. His background in Chamber strategic planning has prepared him well for the challenges of the year ahead, particularly in the area of workforce development. I look forward to continuing to work with him.” – Dave Hargrove, 2006 Chairman

mayor, City of Huntsville Chair-Appointed

February 2007 Initiatives

chairman, Madison County Commission Chair-Appointed

CEO, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Chair-Appointed

regional manager, external affairs, BellSouth Immediate Past-Chair

vice president, commercial lending, Colonial Bank Secretary / Treasurer

senior site executive, The Boeing Company Vice Chair, Investor Relations

president/CEO, Triana Industries, Inc. Vice Chair, Research & Information Services

partner, Sirote & Permutt, P.C. Chair-Appointed

president & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

2007 Chamber of Commerce Elected

Board of Directors

Joe Alexander

Clayton Bass

Frank Caprio

John Cooper

Derrick Copeland

Kerry Fehrenbach

Camber Corporation

Huntsville Museum of Art

Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne

Avocent Corporation

Applied Data Trends, Inc.

Intergraph

Karen Stanley Fleming

Dick Fountain

Dr. Frank Franz

Ron Gray

Dr. Greg Gum

Bill Gurley

Stanley Construction Company, Inc.

FPH Financial Services, Inc.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Gray Research, Inc.

Radiology of Huntsville, P.C.

SAIC

Jeff Hamilton

Tom Hancock

Tharon Honeycutt

Dr. Eric Janssen

Dr. Robert Jennings

Charlie Kettle

The Orthopaedic Center

Booz Allen Hamilton

MSB Analytics, Inc.

SportsMed Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center

Alabama A&M University

First Commercial Bank

Frederick Lanier

Dan Montgomery

Caroline Myers

Jim Owens

Jerre Penney

Pete Schofield

J. Smith Lanier & Co.

Northrop Grumman

Foreign Language Services, Inc.

AmSouth Bank

Bill Penney Toyota

SPARTA, Inc.

Scott Seeley

Jan Smith

David Spillers

Tom Stanton

Sandra Steele

Paula Steigerwald

Regions Bank

S3, Inc.

Huntsville Hospital

ADTRAN

Enfinger Steele Development, Inc.

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Al Sullivan

Gerald Toland

Gail Wall

Bill Watson

John Wilmer

Dr. Ernie Wu

Redstone Federal Credit Union

Beason & Nalley, Inc.

Wachovia (retired)

Wilmer & Lee

ERC, Inc.

Initiatives February 2007

Spencer Honored by Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Spencer pictured with Governor Bob Riley, left, and U.S. Representative Bud Cramer.

February 2007 Initiatives

Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer was recently presented the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Distinguished Service Award by outgoing Chamber Chairman Dave Hargrove. The annual award, presented during the Chamber’s annual membership meeting, is the Chamber’s highest recognition for dedication to enhancing the economy and quality of life on behalf of local citizens. Mayor Spencer is the quintessential Distinguished Service Award recipient. Her service to the community spans several decades and in just about every area imaginable. She’s also perhaps the most energetic and enthusiastic person I’ve ever known.

– Dave Hargrove Chairman 2006 Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Initiatives February 2007

Award-winning film Constellation showcases Huntsville National Premiere: February 2007 The long-awaited rollout of Constellation by 20th Century Fox and CodeBlack Entertainment has arrived! “Movies have an enormous positive impact on economic development, tourism and especially perceptions,” said local Constellation supporter Ralph Petroff of the Magna Vista Group. “If enough people see this movie, there could be huge benefits for both Huntsville and Alabama.” The first two weekends are key to the commercial success of the film, and groups throughout the metro area mobilized their members to see the film. Award-winning director Jordan Walker Pearlman spent a year scouting potential filming locations all over the South before selecting Huntsville. “I was looking for the ‘crown jewel of the New South,’” said Walker-Pearlman, “and I found it in Huntsville.” Filmed entirely in the Huntsville area, Constellation chronicles 50 years in the life of an interracial family.” Constellation features many local landmarks such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Huntsville Museum of Art and Alabama A&M, as well as numerous dowtown restaurants. According to Walker-Pearlman, Constellation may be the most positive film depiction of life in Alabama ever produced. “I wanted to shatter old, out-of-date stereotypes about the South” said Walker-Pearlman, “and there’s no better place to do that than Huntsville.” The film was the grand prize winner at four major film festivals. •

February 2007 Initiatives

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Staff 2007 Brian Hilson, president & CEO Holly McClain, communications director Laura Kendrick, executive assistant

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

Workforce Lucia Cape, VP, workforce Debra Dunbar, director, Launch Program Davion Walker, workforce development coordinator

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

Donna McCrary, investor relations coordinator

Lillie Ben, events coordinator Amber Barnes, events coordinator Terrie Ledbetter, membership sales representative

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

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

Northeast Alabama Regional Small Business Development Center Dr. Larry Crowson, director, SBDC Cassandra Zeigler, assistant director Hanson Howard, business counselor Patsy Nayman, executive secretary Mary Jane Fleming, secretary

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County 225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 / p 256-535-2000 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com Initiatives February 2007