Initiatives magazine, October 2011 by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Initiatives October 2011

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October 2011 Initiatives

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Initiatives October 2011

Thanks to Our Investors Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

www.growHuntsville.com

Development Partner ($250,000+ annually)

City of Huntsville Development Council ($125,000+ annually)

Huntsville Utilities Chairman’s Council ($75,000+ annually)

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. President’s Circle

($50,000+ annually)

Huntsville Hospital Port of Huntsville Regions Bank Tennessee Valley Authority Leadership Forum ($25,000+ annually) BBVA Compass The Boeing Company Emerson Network Power – Avocent The Huntsville Times Lockheed Martin Corporation Madison County Commission Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Redstone Federal Credit Union Verizon Wireless

Executive Council ($15,000+ annually) AT&T BB&T CINRAM, Inc. COLSA Corporation Crestwood Medical Center Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association Intergraph Corporation Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Inc. North Alabama Multiple Listing Service Northrop Grumman Corporation SES, Inc. 4 October 2011 Initiatives Wells Fargo Bank

Chamber Trustees ($10,000+ annually) ADTRAN, Inc. AEgis Technologies Group Agility Defense & Government Services Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama Booz Allen Hamilton Camber Corporation Cobham Analytic Solutions 11i Solutions, Inc. First Commercial Bank Jerry Damson Honda Acura

Progress Partners

L-3 Communications Corp. – Huntsville Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Look Outdoor Advertising, Inc. MJLM Engineering & Technical Services Navistar Diesel of Alabama SAIC SportsMed Orthopaedic Spine & Surgery Center System Studies & Simulation, Inc. Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

($5,000+ annually)

Ability Plus Analytical Services, Inc. A-P-T Research, Inc. Available Plastics, Inc. BAE Systems Baron Services, Inc. BASF Catalysts, LLC Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP City of Madison Coldwell Banker McLain Commercial Real Estate Colonial Properties Trust Consolidated Construction Company Cook’s Pest Control Davidson Technologies, Inc. DRS Technologies Dynetics, Inc.

Enfinger Steele Development, Inc. ERC, Inc. Holiday Inn Downtown iBERIABANK Intuitive Research & Technology Corporation J. Smith Lanier & Co. LogiCore The Orthopaedic Center Pratt &Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc. QinetiQ North America Superior Bank Torch Technologies Turner Construction Company URS WAFF-TV Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Yellow Book USA

Progress Investors ($2,500+ annually) Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. Averbuch Realty Co., Inc. / Averbuch Enterprises Aviagen, Inc. Bama Jammer, Inc. BancorpSouth Belzon, Inc. BID Designs, LLC Bill Penney Toyota- Mitsubishi BlueCreek Investment Partners Brown Precision, Inc. Bryant Bank Century Automotive Cerqa CFD Research Corporation Chapman Sisson Architects, Inc. Decisive Analytics Corporation Decosimo Certified Public Accountants DESE Research, Inc. DHS Systems, LLC Digium, Inc. First Financial Group Wealth Management Fite Building Company, Inc. Foreign Language Services, Inc. Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC 4SITE, Inc. Gray Research, Inc. Halsey Foodservice Hiley Mazda Volkswagen Audi Huntsville

Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Investor’s Resource / Raymond James Financial Services KPS Group Kudzu Productions, Inc. Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Marriott Huntsville Mattress King, Inc. PHOENIX Progress Bank PROJECTXYZ, Inc. QTEC, Inc. Qualis Corporation Radiance Technologies, Inc. Renasant Bank RJ Young ServisFirst Bank Spencer Companies Incorporated State Farm Insurance - Tim Roberts Agency Inc. Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. UBS Financial Services, Inc. United Space Alliance, LLC Weichert Realtors – The Executive Group Wesfam Restaurants, Inc. (Burger King) West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. WHNT-TV WILL Technology, Inc. Woody Anderson Ford

We are women ... we understand. Huntsville Hospital Breast Center offers: • All-female staff, supported by a team of highly-trained breast radiologists • Alabama’s first facility to earn “Excellence” accreditation from the American College of Radiology • All-digital mammography, Breast MRI and Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging • More than a decade of perfect scores for quality on Mammography Quality Standards Act inspection

Schedule a mammogram (256) 265-9999 The 8th Annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, benefiting the Huntsville Hospital Breast Center, is October 15. Go to lizhurleyribbonrun.org for details and to register online.

huntsvillehospital.org/breastcenter

Initiatives October0000249400-01 2011

October 2011 Initiatives

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initiatives

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

october 2011 cover story

Advantage ADTRAN Locally founded company continues to expand community’s technology diversity Courtesy of SellersPhoto.com

beginning on page 22 Photo courtesy of ADTRAN, Inc.

features Economic Development Highlights

mission The mission of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

is to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth.

contact Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County 225 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 main line: 256.535.2000 fax: 256.535.2015

Courtesy of EarlyWorks Museum

Calling on Public to Support Local Business TVA Ranked Among Top in Nation Energy: Fuel for Jobs Working to Build a Future Workforce School Superintendent Update 2011 Champions of Small Business

developments

editorial staff

HREGI Investors Listing Chamber Board Listing Chamber Staff Listing List of Business EXPO Vendors Community Profile HREGI Testimonial Making Connections Under Construction

18 25 27 33 37 38

4 8 10 19 26 30 36 41

Publisher R. Thomas Beason Executive Editor John Southerland

Editorial Designer Kristi Sherrard ontributing Writers Lucia Cape, Harrison Diamond, C John Southerland and Loren Traylor

www.asmartplace.com

Photography Chamber of Commerce staff, publications and archive unless otherwise noted

Submissions for editorial content are not accepted. Information in this and other Chamber publications is at the discretion of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. Advertising inquiries go through The Huntsville Times.

Advertising Sales Becky Fentress The Huntsville Times becky.fentress@htimes.com

online www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com fyi

including Alabama Development Office, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Strata-G Solutions, Strata Form, Sigmatech, Venturi, BBVA Compass, Teledyne Brown Engineering and UAHuntsville

Courtesy of Bob Gathany / The Huntsville Times

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama is located in the middle of the southeastern United States, with more than 4 million people within a 100-mile radius. The Huntsville community is the economic hub of the northern Alabama/ southern Tennessee region. Huntsville/Madison County’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation, 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.

Initiatives October 2011

Chamber of Commerce

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2011 Executive Committee

A Message from Tommy Beason Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: As the nation continues to struggle with a weak economy, your Chamber and community leaders continue to market our community to prospective companies to strengthen our local economy. Greg Canfield, the new director of the Alabama Development Office, told many of the state’s economic developers he does not intend to allow the nation’s economic standing to be used as an excuse. The state, he said, has plenty to offer prospective companies and through teamwork of the state and local economic developers, Alabama would aggressively pursue projects to create jobs. The community continues to have great success in workforce recruitment. The first wave of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure decisions are now complete with more than 4,000 jobs filled as we welcomed the four star U.S. Army Materiel Command; the bulk of the three-star Missile Defense Agency; and the three-star U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command, among others, to Redstone Arsenal. And we expect to see continued growth in the business community for companies who support those organizations and others already at Redstone that desire to be closer to their customer. We know a lot about teamwork in this community – the reason we have been successful is that we work very closely with a large group of public and private sector leaders who do everything possible to grow our local economy. Some notable changes that have occurred over the past 10 years involve image development thanks to a great number of positive articles, rankings and recognitions about the community. As these have increased, our efforts to improve our image have resulted in a number of company leaders from other parts of the country taking notice of what is happening in Huntsville. These recognitions are a reflection of our workforce, our leadership and a proud history of technology development and creation. That legacy stands today – and your Chamber has as one of its key strategic goals outlined in the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative a requirement to promote the Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as a smart place to live, work, play and operate a business – where the sky truly is not the limit. These recognitions are just a small, but important, part of our recruitment strategies. It never hurts our industry or workforce recruitment efforts when neutral, objective third-parties report positive things about the Huntsville/Madison County community. While people may not choose to relocate to our community based on a national ranking or recognition alone, we know that these recognitions can help reinforce what our economic development team members have already told them. At a time when everyone needs a competitive edge in a global competition for job growth, our community’s resiliency in the face of a tough economy and our positive recognitions give us an advantage that many other communities do not have. And that is something we can all take pride in.

Best Wishes,

R. Thomas Beason Interim President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

October 2011 Initiatives

Charlie Kettle, Chair, First Commercial Bank Jim Bolte, Chair-Elect, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Don Nalley, Immediate Past Chair, Beason & Nalley Robert Mayes, Secretary/Treasurer, BlueCreek Investment Partners Ron Poteat, Vice Chair - Economic Development, Regions Bank Rose Allen, Vice Chair - Governmental Affairs, Booz Allen Hamilton Frank Caprio, Vice Chair - Member Services, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Danny Windham, Vice Chair - Workforce, Digium Rey Almodóvar, Vice Chair - Small Business, Intuitive Research & Technology Corporation

Dr. Pam Hudson, Vice Chair - Research & Information Services, Crestwood Medical Center

Jeremiah Knight, Vice Chair - Image Development, Verizon Wireless Call Center Mayor Tommy Battle, Chair-Appointed, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, Chair-Appointed, City of Madison Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed, Madison County Commission Tony Jones, Chair-Appointed, The Boeing Company Joe Ritch, Chair-Appointed, Sirote & Permutt Frederick Lanier, Chair-Appointed, J. Smith Lanier & Co. Tommy Beason, Interim President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Elected Board

Cynthia Achorn, ASRC Federal Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Cathy Anderson, Woody Anderson Ford Bob Baron, Baron Services Dr. Marc Bendickson, Dynetics Penny Billings, BancorpSouth Miranda Bouldin, LogiCore Greg Bragg, Consolidated Construction Company Everett Brooks, Incrementum Consulting Group Micah Bullard, Turner Universal Construction Glenn Clayton, Appleton Learning Joe Collazo, COLSA Corporation John Eagan, Wells Fargo Bank Kerry Fehrenbach, Intergraph Corporation Ron Gray, Gray Research John Gully, SAIC Steve Hassell, Emerson Network Power John Holly, Lockheed Martin Corporation Dr. Andrew Hugine, Alabama A&M University Simon Kim, LG Electronics Alabama Kim Lewis, PROJECTXYZ Angie McCarter, Davidson Technologies Rich Marsden, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne Elizabeth Morard, Qualis Corporation Caroline Myers, Foreign Language Services Joe Newberry, Redstone Federal Credit Union Jim Owens, BBVA Compass Tony Palumbo, retired Crystal Shell, WILL Technology Dr. Ashok Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Todd Slyman, Village of Providence Jan Smith, S 3 Dr. O’Neal Smitherman, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology David Spillers, Huntsville Hospital Tom Stanton, ADTRAN Al Sullivan, Alpha Beta Technologies Nilmini Thompson, Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. Dr. Ernie Wu, ERC

Some things are just

better together.

Bringing two great things together is always a good idea. Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino is proud to join forces with White, Fleming & Company to serve the Huntsville market. As Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest accounting and business consulting firm, Warren Averett considers it a privilege to partner with the business community to help bring out the best in both of us. Your organizations have made Huntsville one of the fastest growing economic centers in the nation, and we look forward to providing sweeter opportunities for your continued growth. If you are looking for a good match for your business, call us today at 256.533.7610.

Still located at 801 Clinton Avenue East | Huntsville, Alabama 35801 www.wakm.com/huntsville Initiatives October 2011

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White, Fleming & Company is now

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Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Fastsigns solves visual communication challenges, large and small, from the simple . . . . . . to the simply incredible!!

2 0 1 1 S TA F F Tommy Beason, interim president & CEO Laura Kendrick, manager, investor relations Tammy Gregory, executive assistant

Communications Patricia McCarter, communications director Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer

Economic Development Ethan Hadley, VP, economic development John Southerland, Director, Cummings Research Park | Project Manager

Harrison Diamond, economic development coordinator

Amy Locke, industrial development /

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existing industry assistant

• SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ANALYSIS • MODELING AND SIMULATION • SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND IV&V • TEST AND EVALUATION • C2BMC/BMC4

“Our mission is to provide high-quality management, technical and engineering services to assist government and commercial customers in solving complex problems.”

Finance & Administration Christy Nalley, director, finance & administration Jamie Gallien, IT manager Mary McNairy, accounting specialist Lori Warner, accounting specialist Joe Watson, facilities supervisor

530 Discovery Drive • Huntsville, Alabama 35806 • 256/922-0720

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

Member & Small Business Services Jenni Jeffers, director, member & small business services

Mike Brazier, membership representative Terrie Ledbetter, membership representative Donna McCrary, membership specialist Mitzi Floyd, small business coordinator Kathleen Byrne, events coordinator

Research & Information Services Ken Smith, director, research & information services Hiroko Sedensky, web designer/research specialist Urisa Rêvé Smith, information services specialist Ashley Shady, resource desk coordinator Becky Moretti, resource desk assistant

Workforce Lucia Cape, VP, workforce Amanda Bishop, workforce assistant

Associated Organization WBCNA (www.wbcna.org)

4905 Research Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35805

(256) 721-7006 Fax: (256) 721-7007

Send resume to careers@avioninc.com www.avioninc.com 0000249067-01 A veteran-owned small business

October 2011 Initiatives

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County 225 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 / fax 256-535-2015 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY

New ADO Director Discusses Economic Development HudsonAlpha’s Smitherman Also Wows Crowd with Genetic Research Update Greg Canfield knows residents in Alabama like championships. Citing back-to-back national championships in college football by the University of Alabama and Auburn University, Canfield said the state’s economic development team has similar goals of finishing first. As the featured speaker at the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) annual conference, Canfield, recently selected by Gov. Robert Bentley as the director of the Alabama Development Office (ADO), said despite numerous challenges facing the state he felt positive the economic development partners in the state would find a way to grow Alabama’s economy. “This is a partnership,” Canfield said. “Winning a championship in football takes teamwork. Creating jobs in Alabama will also require teamwork. We are going to be a team because we all like to win and we are going to win.” Canfield has already traveled to Huntsville on several occasions to meet with the local economic developers and to build on partnerships and learn more about the Huntsville/Madison County economy. He also joined Bentley at the recent “Alabama Update” luncheon, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and presented by ATK. “So much of what is done in economic development is done at the local level and we understand that,” Canfield stated. “We have real professionals working at ADO and this team has welcomed me and they work for the betterment of our state. They are objective in their approach and they do a great job.” Canfield said challenges in creating jobs in Alabama is no different than anywhere else in the country, which makes landing projects more competitive than ever. “Economic development is changing because we remain in the worst recession in our lifetime,” he said. “We don’t know what the future will be, but we are not going to let this stop us in Alabama. We are committed to foreign investment in our state – we want to make sure other people outside the

Greg Canfield, Director of the Alabama Development Office U.S. know that Alabama is the state they want to do business with. Our doors are open and we are focused on job growth.” Canfield said to maximize the State’s job creation opportunities and keep the partnership viable, the Alabama Economic Development Alliance was formed. “The Alliance is actually a crystallization of the idea to provide clarity in how we operate as an economic development team in this state,” he said. “We want the entire state covered and represented. And we are going to focus on three areas: recruitment, retention and renewal.” Canfield said it would be critical for the Alliance to focus on those areas or face falling behind other states. “For us to remain competitive and be successful, we will need to focus on those three areas. To carry this out, we are going to need some help from my old friends in the State Legislature,” Canfield said. “We need it. Other states have it and we are in danger of falling behind.” Canfield also had high praise for the HudsonAlpha Institute in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park. “We need this to help take biomedical advancements and transfer those ideas into

Dr. O’Neal Smitherman, Executive Vice President of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville

reality through commercialization. HudsonAlpha has been successful at doing this already, and we need to follow that lead. Canfield also stated that Bentley did not hire him to maintain status quo. “I can assure you that Dr. Bentley did not pick me as ADO director to come in second. I look forward to working with you.” Dr. O’Neal Smitherman, executive vice president of HudsonAlpha, spoke to the economic developers the previous day and wowed the audience discussing rapid advancements that had taken place at the Institute in the study of the human genome and its relation to personalized treatment. He cited technology advancement and exponential growth in information technology as primary reasons for new discoveries that are changing how patients are diagnosed and treated for illnesses and diseases. Smitherman informed attendees that personalized treatments and genetic identification cards are no longer considered science fiction, but are only a few years away. Smitherman said the good news is that the world is looking to the creators and discoverers of the next technology breakthroughs – and that in biotechnology the U.S. is still the unquestioned leader. He advised the economic developers that the Institute, which the state has invested about $60 million to date, can help position Alabama to be a leader in the field of genomic research as it has been in aerospace, defense and automotive manufacturing. “The opportunity in biotechnology is a potential economicchanging technology for the United States and for Alabama, Smitherman said. “Think about how computers have changed your lives in such a short time. Think about your smart phones – and think about how it wasn’t long ago that very few people had cell phones. And the change in music has happened very quickly. The old model was music companies making money off of vinyl records. And that was in our lifetime. New technology has literally blown up that economic model. Instead of a few bands and companies generating billions in revenue, new information technology and digital music have literally changed the music industry. Instead of a few bands making billions and controlling the airways, we are now able to hear exponentially more bands we never would have had access to in the old economy. Technology has revolutionized the music industry in just a few short years. And it is the same with the movie industry where companies like Blockbuster have gone out of business because of new knowledge and technology advancements. That is the opportunity we have at HudsonAlpha and for Alabama in biotechnology and genomic research. At HudsonAlpha, we are trying to take that new knowledge and get it out faster than ever before, to go from bench to bedside so that what we learn gets to your physician and into your hands as fast as possible.” • Initiatives October 2011

Economic Development Highlights ~ continued from page 11

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Madison County Leads State in Number of Inc. 500/5000 Companies

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Worldwide Engineering & ITAR Solutions

EXPERIENCE

MATTERS

csc.com/huntsville

October 2011 Initiatives

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Experience CSC’s legacy of excellence. CSC provides innovative world-class information technology and engineering solutions to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. Huntsville’s Engineering Solutions and Technology Division is backed by CSC’s $16 billion worldwide presence, working together as one experienced, multi-functional team. Experience matters. Experience CSC.

Inc. magazine recently ranked 21 Madison County-based companies in its 30th annual Inc. 500/5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent entrepreneurs. Companies such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500. The 2011 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 23 to November 15 and on Inc.com), is a group of companies that are smaller but much faster growing than last year’s crop. Aggregate revenue is $10.5 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,275 percent. The companies on this year’s list employ more than 46,000 people and generated over 35,000 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc. com/500. “Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward. Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is,” says Inc. magazine Editor Jane Berentson. The highest-ranking company on the list from Alabama was Huntsville-based Connected Logistics at No. 10. Chamber member companies on the list include: 10 Connected Logistics 301 Davis Strategic Innovations 580 Bevilacqua Research Corporation 688 Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation 955 Pikewerks 1005 Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. 1093 GATR Technologies 1402 GaN Corporation 1571 PeopleTec 1798 Torch Technologies 1806 The Pinnacle Schools 1951 nLogic 1983 Alatec 2430 deciBel Research 2583 Manufacturing Technical Solutions, Inc. 3095 Shearer & Associates 3376 Venturi 3583 Pro-Air (Decatur) 3665 Bradley Arant Boult Cummings (Birmingham) 4300 ERC 4325 US Diagnostics 4602 Future Research Corporation 4895 Kaya Associates •

When your client works on missile defense, your response time has to be impressive.

Who do the companies that do business with Redstone Arsenal look to for their banking? Just like numerous other government and technology based companies, they choose ServisFirst. No doubt our extensive past performance and quick turnaround time plays a big part in their decision. Visit us at www.servisfirstbank.com.

Downtown 401 Meridian Street Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801 256.722.7800

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www.servisfirstbank.com | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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Building a Better Network. Building a Better Community.

At ADTRAN®, we believe in the power of connecting — whether it is with networks or people. For more than 20 years, ADTRAN has been improving telecommunications and building better networks through smart solutions and innovation. From the telephone to the Internet to IP Television, ADTRAN is powering the networks that keep our communities connected. ADTRAN is a proud member of the Huntsville/Madison County community. Whether you are a new or established member of the local community, we invite you to connect with us today, at www.adtran.com

October 2011 Initiatives

www.adtran.com

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ADTRAN, Inc. 901 Explorer Blvd. Huntsville, AL 35806 256 963-8000

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 12

~ continued on page 16

Strata-G Solutions, Strata Form Grow in Huntsville

L-R: Devin L. Whitaker, Founder and CEO of Strata-G Solutions, accepts a commemorative plaque from Jim Bolte, Chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors.

History of Performance - Future of Dedication

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Strata-G Solutions and Strata Form recently held a ribbon cutting for the opening of the two companies’ Huntsville Manufacturing Operations in Cummings Research Park. Strata-G Solutions is a Huntsville-based company founded by Devin Whitaker that provides rapid-response turnkey weapons systems engineering, design, prototype, production, integration, testing and logistics to both government and industry customers. In 2010, Whitaker founded a spin-off commercial company called Strata Form. Strata Form specializes in commercial products such as customer plastics, blow mold, injection mold, manufacturing, product improvements, and plastics mold/tooling design and fabrication. During its peak, the company has run three shifts, 7 days a week and employed more than 155 people from the local community, predominantly from HUB Zone areas. Jim Bolte, chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors, said this expansion is indicative of why the community continues to thrive. “This announcement shows why this community is considered a smart place to live, work and play. The success of these organizations allows us to stand tall for our community and for our great state and show that we are, once again, adding jobs,” Bolte said. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle lauded the companies for their continued growth and pointed out the importance of them both being home-grown companies. “We can certainly tell this is a successful operation you have here and one of those special times in Cummings Research Park where we have home-grown companies expanding,” Battle said. Founder and president/CEO Devin Whitaker said both companies plan to continue to grow. “I can’t tell you how humbled and honored I am about this. We work in a community that is truly unique. We have strong roots in this community and we look back at how much we have grown together. I feel like we are going to have continued growth,” Whitaker said. Marty Hirsch, vice president of Strata Form, said the company’s growth and success is based on the workers in Huntsville. “When we started up in November 2010, I was amazed at the talent pool here and impressed with the dedication of this team.” Hirsch said. Tony Brown, with Southern Patio, the global market leader of lawn, garden and patio innovation, said commercial plastic products manufactured in the Huntsville facility can be found in major retail stores such as Home Depot, Dollar General, Kmart and Lowes. Brown presented Strata Form an award in honor of outstanding production on behalf of Southern Patio. “I’m extremely happy to be here and pleased with our partnership with Strata Form in Huntsville. We really went out on a limb with this company because it had no experience and didn’t even really exist at the time. But you all put together an amazing team and we were able to produce 2 million items last season. Not only are we happy with the past and present but we look forward to bringing more business and jobs to this beautiful city.” •

ASD is an exciting and well respected company within the Huntsville Community and the services and supportt to ou our custo customers. t e Defense e e se Industry. dust y ASD S provides p o des outstanding o a d g se ces a d suppo es BRAC IT Build-out & Thin Client Implementation Program Planning & Analysis Systems Installation and Integration Web and Data Base Management Call Center Management/Help Desk Asset Management Acquisition Support 103 Quality Circle, Suite 200 Huntsville, AL 35806 256-837-2293

Information and Telecommunications Systems Engineering Network Engineering and Management US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command/(SMDC/ARSTRAT) Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC)

To learn more about ASD please visit www.asd-inc.com asdhsvrecruitment@asd-inc.com EOE/M/F/D/V

2800 Shirlington Road, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22206 703-998-3900 Initiatives October 2011

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 15

~ continued on page 28

Sigmatech Celebrates 25 Years

L-R: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle joined Sigmatech’s Dr. Gurmej Sandhu, Jack Conway and Joe Bergantz at their headquarters in Cummings Research Park to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Sigmatech, a company providing management, technical, training and e-learning services to federal clients, recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the company’s 25th year of business at its headquarters in Cummings Research Park. Sigmatech has grown to employ more than 220 with revenues of $40 million. According to Charlie Kettle, chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors, growth is representative of Huntsville/Madison County’s success over the years. “Sigmatech has been a major success story in our community for 25 years and the best is yet to come. Sigmatech is a shining example of why our community continues to buck the national economic trends,” Kettle said. Sigmatech founder and chairman of the board Dr. Gurmej Sandhu said the event is significant in the company’s history and that starting and growing a business is similar to having a child. “It is the vision of every parent to have a child grow up and be successful. It is the same as founding a business. As a first-generation immigrant, I’m grateful to this nation for giving me this opportunity,” Sandhu said. Joe Bergantz, Sigmatech CEO, said the celebration of 25 years is the beginning of the next wave of the company’s growth. “We are thrilled to be recognized for excelling as a business. As proud as I am of what Sigmatech has achieved over the past 25 years, I believe our greatest accomplishments are yet to come. We are passionate about delivering for our customers and this milestone is a tribute to our employees and the services they deliver to our customers every day,” Bergantz said. Jack Conway, Sigmatech president stated, “Our exceptional level of success is from working as a team to make sure we are growing and succeeding – both individually and as a group. At Sigmatech, we have a great team that consistently delivers results.” •

Chamber Foundation Grant from BBVA Compass to Support Education, Career Awareness Venturi Opens New Office Venturi, a Huntsville-based government contractor, recently opened its new office in Huntsville. Venturi specializes in test and evaluation; logistics, range and launch operations; transportation, maintenance and test; software development and integration; systems engineering and program management and other technical support services to the U.S. Government. According to Mike Alvarez, Venturi founder and president/CEO, the company was formed with an emphasis on the employees. “We started in 2006 with the goal of building a company focused on employees. I think we have been recognized for this but we are not done yet,” Alvarez said. The focus on the employees has worked well for the company. Venturi has a 93 percent retention rate for its workers and has won the Chamber’s Best Place to Work honor three times. He said that having partners early helped the company grow. Alvarez said the company continues to expand its client base locally. • 16

October 2011 Initiatives

The Chamber Foundation recently received a grant from BBVA Compass for $15,000 to support education and career awareness activities. The Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that conducts and supports activities for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes. Some companies make part or all of their investments in the Chamber – funding above their dues and sponsorships – through corporate foundations into the Chamber Foundation. The Chamber Foundation then uses the funds to invest in the community’s blueprint for economic and workforce development, the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). The grant will support several programs that further the goals of HREGI, including Career Quest, a career awareness series at Sci-Quest that promotes science, technology, engineering and math professions in Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County; and Free 2 Teach, a volunteer-run store that provides free classroom supplies to teachers in public schools in Huntsville, Madison,

and Madison County. Free 2 Teach is a program of The Schools Foundation. The BBVA Compass grant will also be used to support other initiatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County, including the newly formed Education Committee in its work to identify and monitor education achievement against indicators that are important to business and industry. The grant will also enable the Chamber to provide substitute pay to schools to allow faculty and staff to participate in the Chamber’s “Huntsville/ Madison County 101 for Educators” program. This program provides middle and high school teachers, administrators and counselors with an economic overview of the community while emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering and math in the community’s future workforce. For more information on HREGI and to see a list of investors, visit the website at: www.huntsvillealabamausa.com/HREGI/ home.html. •

What I know: I know that in creating the simulators that train our soldiers, I’m serving my country just as my father and grandfather did in uniform. I know that patents demand a strategic approach – sometimes it’s about having a patent attorney who knows when not to patent. I know that coaching my kids reinvigorates my leadership and helps keep my family strong. I know we do more with 240 people than companies an order of magnitude larger than AEgis. I know leadership isn’t about having the best people. It’s about letting the best people do what they do best. I know from working with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings to protect our intellectual property that they have the best people doing what they do best.

That’s what I know. STEVE HILL PRESIDENT & CEO AEGIS TECHNOLOGIES

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Initiatives October 2011

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untsville/Madison County has a broad corporate citizenry, and nearly 200 area businesses and organizations will be at the 2011 Business EXPO hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and presented by RJ Young Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 12-5 p.m. at the Von Braun Center South Hall. This event is free and open to the public. Attendance and the number of vendors have grown every year. At the 2010 EXPO, more than 3,500 people from around the region and surrounding states attended the event. Local businesses offering a myriad of products and services will once again be on hand. And for the first time, attendees will be able to purchase products at the event. Frank Caprio, vice chair for member services of the Chamber’s board of directors said the event is great for members to get their names and products out to the public. “The Chamber works to promote its members and this is perhaps one of the best events for doing just that. Every year we hear from our members who participate, and they are always excited about the new customers they have met and the new business opportunities they arranged while at the EXPO,” Caprio said. continued on page 20

Gold Sponsors Cumulus Media The Huntsville Times Leadership Huntsville/ Madison County Monaco Pictures Red Sage Communications WBCNA

Silver Sponsors K.D. Wood Co., Inc. Focus Radio Communications Lad’s Mobile Ads

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October 2011 Initiatives

WAY-FM

Above photo and photos on page 20 are from the 2010 Business EXPO.

A New You Massage and Bodywork 170 AAA Alabama 106 Act II Consignment Shoppe & Upscale Resale Place 132 128 AHI Corporate Housing al.com (Alabama Live, LLC) 93 12 Alabama Credit Union Alabama Magazine 59 Allied Waste Services 109 203 & 204 America’s Party Pros, LLC American Family Care - Whitesburg Drive 72 154 API Digital Communications Group, LLC AT&T Advertising Solutions 144 Bama Jammer, Inc. 21 77 Bath Fitter BB&T 54 10 Blackwater Hattie’s BNI of North Alabama, LLC 70 Budget Blinds of Huntsville 169 135 Calhoun Community College CB&S Bank 58 CenturyLink 100 CIMSgts 66 ClassicAirWorks.com 137 Clementine’s Catering 99 ColorXPress 111 Computer Troubleshooters 9 CORT Furniture Leasing & Sales 91 Costco Wholesale 108 Cotton States Insurance - Rodney Wells Agency 181 Crestwood Medical Center 175 Cumulus Media-WZYP/WVNN/WUMP/WHRP/WWFF 62 Data Ventures 120 Decosimo Certified Public Accountants 148 Diversified Business Solutions 85 Eagle Collision Center, Inc. 82 Eaves Restaurant, The 28 Edward Jones - Kitty Davenport 53 Emma’s Tea Room 187 Executive Flight Center 76 F1 Solutions, Inc. 177, 178, 195, 196 FASTSIGNS of Huntsville 158 First Commercial Bank 4 Florida Institute of Technology 75 Focus Radio Communications - WTKI 24 Good Samaritan Hospice of Madison 6 Grace Lutheran Church & School 176 Halo Branded Solutions 153 Happy Tails Ranch 55 Hertz Car & Truck Rental (Decatur Transit, Inc.) 103 Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front 5 Holiday Inn - Downtown 83 HoneyBaked Ham Company, The 113 & 114 67 & 68 Huntsville Hospital System Huntsville International Airport 65 Huntsville Times, The 155 & 156 Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau 159 Icemakers of Huntsville 47 If It’s Wood Cabinetry, Granite & Tile 168 Integration, LLC 199 Interweave Technologies 133 & 134 ITT Technical Institute 110 J.R. Enterprises 90 Jackson Center 97 K.D. Wood Company, Inc. 124 Knology 18 & 19 Lad’s Mobile Ads 3

Booths sold at time of publication

Leadership Huntsville/Madison County, Inc. 61 Madison Chamber of Commerce 74 Madison Weekly News 149 Maids, The 126 Mama Annie’s 166 Meeting Etiquette Partners 160 Moe’s Southwest Grill 84 Monaco Pictures 1&2 Morgan Price Candy Company 92 Motlow State Community College 86 Nesin Therapy Services, P.C. 180 NETWORx of Huntsville 189 &190 New Market Bar-B-Q 20 Oakwood University - LEAP 130 Office Furniture Outlet 69 96 Paul Mitchell the School - Huntsville Phoenix 79 Prime Project - Alabama A&M University 13 15 Print Management, Inc. Prosperity Enterprises 122 Quality Imaging, Inc. 171 Quality Quick Printing, Inc. 198 Red Sage Communications, Inc. 11 Redstone Federal Credit Union 78 Regency Retirement Village 143 Regional Spine & Wrist Center 150 Regions Bank 8 RJ Young 63 & 64 RockBridge Media 87, 88, 101, 102 Rocket City Broadcasting - WAHR/WLOR/Rocket 95.1 7 Rocket Town Media 89

BUSINESS EXPO

Business EXPO Booth Listing

Food vendor booths available at time of publication

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Shark’s Fish -n- Chicken Chicago Style Silhouette Boutique Small Business Solutions LLC Small Business Technologies, Inc. Snelling Staffing Services SourceLink Spherion Staffing State Farm Insurance – Bradley Hamner & Brian Bellomy Agencies Sterling Travel American Express Storage Neighbor, The SUNBELT of North Alabama Superior Bank Tommy’s Pizza, LLC UAHuntsville Professional & Continuing Studies US Diagnostics Inc Valley Building Services, Inc. Valley’s CW, The ValPak of North Alabama Verizon Wireless Von Braun Center WAAY-TN WAY-FM We Chunk Junk Weichert Realtors - The Executive Group Wintzell’s Oyster House WBCNA WRSA-FM (Lite 96.9) WZZN Radio YMCA of Metropolitan Huntsville

94 39 81 208 115 131 136 71 129 157 14 125 52 147 105 127 123 60 98 73 80 112 174 197 104 173 145 & 146 172 151 & 152 107

Initiatives October 2011

Calling on Public to Support Local Businesses, continued from page 18 –

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October 2011 Initiatives

RJ Young is the presenting sponsor for this year’s Business EXPO. Pam Richardson, South branch sales manager for RJ Young, said the EXPO is the perfect event in the community for showcasing companies and their products and services. “There are numerous benefits to participating in the Huntsville/Madison County Business EXPO. I believe the EXPO is one of the premier events for any Chamber-member business striving to increase their visibility within the community,” Richardson said. “It’s a fantastic avenue for promoting your business, showcasing your products and services, and making personal contacts with hundreds of other professionals in a short period of time. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to see what other organizations in the area are doing to promote their business.” Richardson also added that the EXPO is an investment that has great returns. “I would tell someone thinking of participating that if they are serious about growing their business, they should definitely purchase a booth. The cost is minimal when compared to the value of the exposure your organization receives. The networking opportunity coupled with the five hours of advertising at your booth are an invaluable combination for the investment in this economy.” The EXPO will also be the site of free business coaching sessions from the WBCNA. Any small business owner is welcome to attend these free sessions. Classes will be taught throughout the day and will focus on best practices and “how-to’s” on everything from putting together a business plan to working with the federal government to using social media for business. • Harrison Diamond

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21 Member FDIC. ©RBC Bank (USA) 2011. ®Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. RBC Bank is a trade name used by RBC Bank (USA) and its branch offices operate under this trade name. Initiatives October 2011 0000212675-01

n the Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), residents are living in an era where the acronym for Base Realignment and Closure, commonly referred to as BRAC, has become almost as well known and widely used in the community as other government acronyms such as NASA. Through the past two national BRAC actions, the metro area has added thousands of jobs as Redstone Arsenal gained new commands and new workers resulting in the community leading the state in population growth since 1995 and supplanting Mobile as the second largest MSA in Alabama. And through those areas, one of the community’s most diverse technology organizations has continued to grow and prosper under the radar of the BRAC-related headlines. ADTRAN, co-founded in Huntsville in 1985 by entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist Mark C. Smith, has continued its impressive growth under Tom Stanton, CEO and chairman of the board.

Since beginning operations in 1986, ADTRAN has grown to more than $600 million in revenue in 2010, up from $513 million in 2009 and on pace to go over $700 million in 2011. The telecommunications company is a leading provider of networking and communications equipment and offers more than 1,800 products – 1,100 of which are made in Huntsville. Widely deployed by carriers, distributed enterprises and small- and medium-sized businesses, ADTRAN networking equipment solutions enable voice, data, video and Internet communications across copper, fiber and wireless network infrastructures. The company’s solutions are currently used by every major U.S. service provider and many global ones, as well as by thousands of public, private and governmental organizations worldwide. ADTRAN has sales offices strategically located throughout the U.S. and around the world. Whether making a phone call, using high-speed Internet, watching

high definition television, or doing anything through a telecommunications service provider, it is almost certain ADTRAN products are being used. “ADTRAN’s impact on our community over the past 25 years has been remarkable,” said Charlie Kettle, chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County’s Board of Directors. “This company is home-grown – founded by two of our greatest entrepreneurs in Mark C. Smith and Lonnie McMillian. And today [CEO] Tom Stanton continues to lead the company to record heights.” The company’s Cummings Research Park (CRP) campus includes over 1 million square feet of office, manufacturing and laboratory space on 82 acres (shown on opposite page). As the centerpiece of the western portion of the park, ADTRAN’s facility is regarded by many as the trophy landmark. “The ADTRAN campus [in CRP] is one of the core images we use to promote our business community,” Kettle said. “It’s not only a

ADTRAN holds the largest number of patent awards in Alabama for a company based in Alabama.

October 2011 Initiatives

sellersphoto.com

Locally founded company continues to expand community’s technology diversity benchmark success story in Huntsville, it is a visually stunning image that illustrates what makes our business community unique.” In a community that prides itself on recruiting the best and brightest engineers and that boasts the highest ratio of engineers of any community in the nation, ADTRAN has done its part to bring in high tech workers from all over the U.S. One of those is Michael Foliano, a senior vice president of global operations who holds of BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Ohio University, a master’s in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s in Management from Stanford University. “We have more than 400 design engineers here in Huntsville,” Foliano said recently while conducting a tour of the facility. Those engineers, he said, practice one of the company’s founding principles – innovation. “We are the largest holder of patents of any Alabama-headquartered company,” Foliano said. “We are always looking today at what

the technology will be in five years.” It was that approach that led to the development of the Total Access 5000, one of the company’s best selling products. “The TA5000 is one of our flagship products,” Foliano said. “It’s a carrier class, multiservice access and aggregation platform that bridges the gap between current and next generation networks. The TA5000 supports both legacy and emerging service interfaces over both copper and fiber, easily scaling to support even the most bandwidth intensive requirements.” The TA5000 underscores the ADTRAN advantage of developing products based on current and emerging technology platforms. Having its software engineers looking ahead has led to the creation of the company’s best selling product, and having its software engineers always looking at the horizon to see where the industry is moving and developing a product that allows users to maintain current network while providing the capability to take advan-

tage of emerging technology. The TA5000, manufactured at the Huntsville facility, is part of the company’s carrier networks division, which provides next-generation solutions that help service providers of all types and sizes deliver bandwidth with greater efficiency. The enterprise networks division focuses on the needs of business customers spanning from one to thousands of employees, making ADTRAN one of only a few companies capable of addressing such a broad spectrum of needs. The ADTRAN CRP campus includes a large area for production of small and large circuit boards and electronic assemblies. During peak production, the operation is running seven days a week, 24-hours a day. The manufacturing success led ADTRAN to be selected in 2010 by the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network as the Large Alabama Manufacturer of the Year – no small feat considering the continued on page 24 Initiatives October 2011

Advantage ADTRAN, continued from page 23 –

The Total Access 1100 Series products are environmentally sealed and hardened broadband access systems tailored towards the cost-effective delivery of ADSL2+ and VDSL2 services. Shown at right are the Total Access 1124/1148.

ADTRAN’s Total Access 5000/5006 MSAP, shown left, is a carrier class multi-service access and aggregation platform that bridges the gap between existing and next gen networks utilizing a pure Ethernet core.

State’s manufacturing stronghold in automotive and aerospace. The recipient is selected based on superior performance in customer focus, employee commitment, operational excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth and investment in training, retraining and retention. ADTRAN was also the recipient earlier that year of the “Governor’s Trade Excellence Award” by former Gov. Bob Riley for the company’s success in exporting, promoting exports and encouragement of greater involvement in the global marketplace. Foliano said that foreign markets were a target of the company’s growth, saying the company now has more than 1,000 clients in 49 different countries. “We expect to continue growing our portfolio of products and services and increase our market share. We continue to evolve because we devote a lot of time to research and development to ensure we continue to provide what our customers need today and in the future.” And what is good for ADTRAN has always been good for the Huntsville/Madison County community. Advantage ADTRAN indeed. • John Southerland

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October 2011 Initiatives

TVA Named Among Nation’s Top Utilities For six years in a row, TVA has been named one of the top utilities in North America for economic development. Site Selection magazine released its top list recently, and detailed its criteria for picking TVA and the other utilities on the list. Performance was a key element in the magazine’s selections. In fiscal year 2010, TVA and its distributor customers, working with state and local partners, helped attract or retain more than 41,000 jobs and leverage $4.3 billion in capital investment for the seven-state TVA territory. Site Selection noted that TVA’s economic development’s support has contributed to 264,500 new or retained jobs and $27 billion in business investment since 2005. Surveys of corporate end-users of power and site consultants were also important, Site Selection said, as were innovative programs – including energy efficiency and renewable energy programs – and incentives for business. “Innovation, tenacity and teamwork are powerful keys to economic development success in our region,” says John Bradley, TVA Senior VP of Economic Development. “The distributors of TVA power, regional and state agencies, and economic, industrial and community leaders from throughout the TVA service region are all participants in this success. And the ultimate winners are Valley communities that have more opportunities to gain and retain jobs.” In 2010, TVA continued its data center development program, assessing more than 50 sites across its service area for access, telecommunications, power availability and reliability, and other favorable characteristics. TVA expanded its successful Valley Investment Initiative program, which rewards qualifying power customers that make ongoing investments in the region. “Utilities play a key role as participants in the economic development efforts of cities, regions and all areas working to improve their local business climate,” says Mark Arend, editor in chief of Site Selection. “This year’s Top Utilities were particularly successful in this endeavor in 2010.” • Staff Reports

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Initiatives October 2011

community profile

TOP 10 EMPLOYERS Redstone Arsenal* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,000

Population

Madison County

City of Huntsville

2000 Census

276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000

2010 Census

334,811

180,105

42,938

417,593

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

46.4%

21.9%

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

% Growth

21.0%

13.8%

City of Huntsville Madison Metro Area

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,389

Households & Income* # of Households

128,729

Avg. Household Income $75,911 Per Capita Income

$30,835

Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,280

75,737

14,707

155,251

$71,775

$94,538

$73,316

$31,226

$35,496

$29,026

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov), *2009 American Community Survey

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,229 City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,206 ADTRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,700 UAHuntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,675 Source: Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County *includes on-site contractors

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. More than 36,000 people work at Redstone Arsenal and NASA managing some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation and space exploration.

Research & Technology Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a global

For more information visit:

park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to more than 300 compa-

HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

nies and 25,000 people involved in technology research and development.

leader in technology development. The second-largest science and technology

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October 2011 Initiatives

Energy: Fuel for Jobs Diversifying the Economy with the Energy Huntsville Initiative

untsville/Madison County is a community that has reinvented itself many times during the past 60 years. With proactive leadership and a high-tech workforce, residents have seen Huntsville grow its business and workforce base from an agricultural focus in the 1950s to a space science technology hub in the 1960s and ’70s and today a community on the leading edge of a biotechnology boom. Along the way, the local workforce developed the technology that sent man to the moon and enabled Redstone Arsenal to become a center of excellence for Army aviation and missile defense. Building upon that expertise and its storied past, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle announced a new chapter for growth in the Tennessee Valley … energy. The new Energy Huntsville Initiative is designed to build upon the already established strengths of Huntsville/Madison County’s existing business base and workforce and expand the reputation of North Alabama as a key technology cluster, innovator and national asset to the energy sector. This initiative will capitalize on North Alabama’s technical depth and expertise in systems engineering, testing, technology integration and innovation. The goal is to diversify the local economy, create new job opportunities and enhance the region’s national reputation in emerging energy markets. While overshadowed by the jobs created in the defense and aerospace industry over the past several years, Huntsville is not new to the energy business. More than 25 local companies have been supporting energy initiatives for many years. In fact, more than 1,500 local jobs are focused in this area with that number is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade driven by this new initiative and the need for cheaper energy. These companies focus their efforts on both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Today, about 92 percent of the energy consumed in the United States comes from non-renewable energy sources, which include uranium ore and fossil fuels with almost 20 percent of the country’s power supplied by Battle nuclear energy, and that number is also expected to grow. “Cheap energy drives boom periods,” said Battle during a recent tour of Wyle, a local employer that is a national leader and provider of safety-related testing services and equipment, engineering, research and consulting services to the Department of Defense (DoD), utilities and power plant equipment manufacturers throughout the world. “The Energy Huntsville Initiative is designed to get more local companies working in every aspect of energy to make Huntsville also known as a center of excellence in the energy field. It gives us an opportunity to expand our entire work base,” he added.

“Currently, there is a nuclear renaissance taking place within the nuclear power industry with four new reactors under construction in the United States and seventeen more in the planning/licensing phase. There are tremendous growth opportunities to serve this customer base,” said Keith Wilson, vice president of Wyle’s Test Wilson Engineering and Research East facility. And this growth will fuel more jobs for the Huntsville/Madison County economy. Locally, TVA, the source of power for Huntsville Utilities, receives about 30 percent of its power supply from its three nuclear plants. Most of the power used in the Tennessee Valley is provided by TVA’s first nuclear plant, Browns Ferry, which is located on 840 acres, near Athens, Alabama. This facility provides about 10 percent of TVA’s total generation capacity and enough electricity to meet the needs of about 2 million homes. According to Marty Kress, executive director of the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation (VCSI), developing innovative energy applications was one of five key technology focus areas included in the grant awarded to VCSI by the Small Business Administration for their “Innovative Economies” pilot program which is designed to support local collaborations – or “clusters” – of small businesses, the public sector, economic development and other organizations. These clusters maximize the economic strengths of their region, enhance the ability to create jobs locally and compete on a national and global scale. By providing innovative energy solutions to meet DoD needs, Kress said he believes Huntsville can enable local firms to access emerging commercial markets. continued on page 32 Initiatives October 2011

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 16

White House Gathers Input from Huntsville’s Small Businesses on “Winning the Future” The White House Business Council and The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County recently hosted a Winning the Future Roundtable with American Business, featuring Brett B. Lambert, deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial policy in the office of the under secretary of defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) (OUSD (AT&L). President Obama made clear in his most recent State of the Union address that the country must commit to winning the future: out-innovating, out-building and out-educating the rest of the world. After his address, the President asked senior administration officials to get on the road, hosting roundtable discussions with business leaders across the country. The purpose of these roundtables is to listen to local businesses, getting feedback on how the Administration can best support their growth. It is also to make sure that local business leaders are taking advantage of the Administration’s resources and programs designed to help them create jobs and compete. White House Business Council members will host these roundtables in at least 100 communities across the country by year-end. Huntsville was one of those communities selected. Lambert told participants, who were all small business

owners and investors in the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative, about changing trends in today’s turbulent budget environment. “Knowing that cuts are coming, we have had to be cautious about the ways we are buying things. All the savings we try to accomplish will be a failure if we put the burden squarely on our industrial base,” Lambert said. Lambert cautioned against cutting defense budgets too hastily. “Downsizing has been done in the past that has been harmful to the warfighter and to the tax payer because cuts were done too fast.” Business owners in attendance were able to give input on policies that are inhibiting growth such as uncertainty over taxes and tax increases as well as procurement schedules. Participants also gave suggestions on ways the Defense Department can save costs and improve their processes. Lambert spoke of the importance of the industry base and keeping that base strong. “People have to remember that we [the government] don’t make anything. We rely on our industry base to do that.” •

New USSOCOM Contract Means New Jobs for Teledyne Brown in Huntsville

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October 2011 Initiatives

Teledyne Technologies Inc. announced recently that its subsidiary, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. in Huntsville, was awarded a contract from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to design, develop, test, manufacture and sustain the Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS), a replacement system for the current SEAL Delivery Vehicle. The contract, including all options, is valued at $383 million. Teledyne Brown successfully developed a full-scale interior mockup of the SWCS vehicle, provided hull form models and a demonstration of the system’s functionality under a Phase One critical item development (CID) contract awarded in October 2010. The SWCS System is a manned combat submersible vehicle specifically designed to insert and extract Special Operation Forces (SOF) in high threat areas. USSOCOM oversees these elite military tactical teams from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. “We are very pleased to support our Special Operations Forces in this critical program,” said Robert Mehrabian, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Teledyne Technologies. “Winning this program validates our continuing strategy of integrating advanced technologies into complex systems for our customers in the marine defense, ocean science and offshore energy markets.” Teledyne Brown was one of two companies awarded a CID contract by USSOCOM. At the conclusion of the CID Phase, USSOCOM evaluated items delivered in the first phase as well as final proposals from both companies, then down selected and awarded Teledyne Brown the option for the engineering development model (EDM) phase. The EDM Phase that begins this month and continues through October 2013 is valued at $34 million. •

~ continued on page 31

Governor Bentley Delivers His First Alabama Update Governor Robert Bentley said when he came to office this year he inherited some of the worst economic conditions possible, but with teamwork, he said Alabama would get back on the right track. Bentley recently delivered his first Alabama Update hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and presented by ATK at the Von Braun Center in front of a crowd of more than 1,000. “Huntsville is a shining example for this state. It is just so unique. We are already doing the things that they [other states and cities] are just now talking about.” “I came into office with some of the worst economic conditions you could ask for. The government lived on the promise and the opiate of stimulus money. We became addicted and started having withdrawals. But we weathered the storm together and have been able to pass a budget that works.” Bentley said that by working with the Alabama Legislature major changes have been made that will make Alabama stronger. Such actions included changing the way budgets are created and doing away with popular programs and certain tax breaks and loopholes while saving money for assets such as the Alabama Reading Initiative; the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative and the Alabama Innovation Fund. “When the economy kicks back up, we will be doing fine.” “We are successful because we work together, and if we continue to do that, unemployment will come down. People have lost faith in the federal government, but not in state government. Let’s put people back to work.” Bentley recalled that during his first 100 days in office, he

Madison County Companies Make List of Fastest Growing Hispanic Businesses In the recently released Hispanic Business 500 Alabama had five companies make the list of fastest growing Hispanic businesses. Four of the five companies are based in Madison County. The 2011 list included: 43 69 188 213

COLSA Corp. Intuitive Research & Technology Corp. Advanced Federal Services Corp. SEI Group •

Governor Robert Bentley addressing the 1,000+ attendees at the 2011 Alabama Update luncheon. thought the toughest part of his job was the budget process, until the tornados of April 27 that ravaged many parts of the state. “We were able to do all the things to recover because of the cooperation of our local governments and we received everything I asked for from FEMA. I told FEMA that we are in charge and they are here to help. They agreed with that.” Bentley addressed Alabama’s rise in unemployment and attributed the uptick to the tornados. He said in 10 minutes, Tuscaloosa lost 7,500 jobs. Bentley also said he put money behind the Wrangler plant in the badly-damaged town of Hackleburg to save jobs and the town, which he said would have eventually disappeared.

He also discussed one of his favorite duties as governor, meeting with local communities. “When I go to the local areas and am able to talk with people and their chambers of commerce, it helps me as governor.” Bentley also discussed recruiting new businesses to come to Alabama. “You have a great recruitment team here in Huntsville. We would show up to the [Paris] air show and Huntsville was already finishing up their first meeting and going to the next meeting. You should be proud of who you send over there.” •

UAHuntsville Earns Top Recognition from Carnegie Foundation The University of Alabama Huntsville has reached a major milestone in its quest to become one of the nation’s leading research universities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has announced that UAHuntsville has been classified in the “very high” research category, placing it among an elite group of only 73 public universities in the United States. UAHuntsville’s new classification was based on data from 2008, according to the Carnegie Foundation. Malcolm Portera, president of UAHuntsville and chancellor of the University of Alabama System, said the classification affirms the importance of research to the university. “We are extremely proud of the world-class research that defines our campus,” Dr. Portera said. “Achieving classification in this premier category recognizes the accomplishments achieved by our faculty, researchers, students and staff, and reflects the growth in the university’s impressive research portfolio.” UAHuntsville had been classified as a high research activity institution for numerous years, but this new ranking puts the university at the highest category attainable in the Carnegie Foundation

rankings. The classification is based on various criteria: R&D expenditures in science and engineering as well as non-S&E fields; science and engineering research staff; doctoral conferrals in the field of humanities; and social sciences as well as STEM areas. A “very high” research activity classification places UAHuntsville in the top 3 percent of the almost 2,000, four-year accredited degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. Only two Alabama universities are in this classification: UAB and UAHuntsville. “The Carnegie ranking is extremely significant, and we are very proud to have achieved this level of research, especially when one compares the size of UAHuntsville to the other universities in our group,” said Dr. John Horack, UAHuntsville’s vice president for research. “And while it is an important milestone, it is not the objective. The goal is to bring UAHuntsville to the status of an exceptional research university. This ranking is an important external validation that our research faculty are doing the right things, moving UAHuntsville forward, and serving our students, our city, our region, and the people of Alabama.” • Initiatives October 2011

strength in

numbers

connects business prospects

“Verizon Wireless is investing in a brighter future for our community as our Chamber continues to promote the strengths and assets of Huntsville/Madison County. Thanks to our image

more people are seeing our community as a great place to be.

”

For a list of HREGI investors, see page 4 or visit: www.growHuntsville.com 30

October 2011 Initiatives

enhancement campaign,

Jeremiah Knight, Director, Customer Service

Verizon Wireless Call Center in Huntsville, Alabama

Economic Development Highlights ~ compiled by John Southerland & Harrison Diamond

Madison County Communities are Great Places to Live and Retire

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Both Huntsville and Madison recently received praise from media outlets on their quality of life. Huntsville was selected by Where to Retire, the only magazine in America geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions, as a top retirement destination and will be profiled in the feature story “8 Enticing MoneySaver Towns.” The September/October issue is available nationwide. Where to Retire editor Mary Lu Abbott said Huntsville possesses qualities important to today’s retirees. “Huntsville is a relatively undiscovered gem for retirement, offering a bustling economy, welcoming atmosphere and a lower-than-average cost of living. This Alabama metro area has big-city amenities without big-city bothers,” Abbott said. Madison was named No. 96 in CNNMoney’s Best Small Towns. The report says, “A technology boom has made this one of Alabama’s fastest-growing towns, creating a scramble to build enough homes, services and infrastructure. Madison is currently building a new hospital (due to open in 2012), a second high school and a new greenway.” •

New Alabama Law Gives Tax Credit to Small Businesses Small businesses that hire new employees can take advantage of a one-time tax credit because of a new law passed by the Alabama legislature and signed by Gov. Robert Bentley in the last legislative session. Bentley introduced the act in March as his centerpiece legislation to help small businesses hire employees. The Full Employment Act of 2011, sponsored by State Rep. Blaine Galliher and State Sen. Arthur Orr, will provide a one-time tax credit to small businesses that hire additional employees. “By passing this legislation, Alabama can now help small businesses create jobs by offering a tax incentive that will grow and expand their business”, said Bentley. “I commend members of the House and Senate for their hard work in passing this bill, so people in our state can get back to work. I appreciate the support of both Representative Galliher and Senator Orr to get this important bill introduced and passed in the Alabama Legislature.” Under the Full Employment Act of 2011, businesses with 50 or fewer employees will receive a one-time income tax credit equal to $1,000 per new job paying more than $10 per hour. The tax credit will be available for newly hired employees, during the tax year in which the employee has completed 12 months of consecutive employment. The Full Employment Act of 2011 is an enhanced version of the Reemployment Act of 2010. For more information on Alabama’s Full Employment Act of 2011, visit: http://bit.ly/fullemploymentact •

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Energy: Fuel for Jobs, continued from page 27 –

O U

AKWOOD NIVERSITY

INSPIRING

FUTURE LEADERS IN SERVICE

7000 Adventist Boulevard, NW Huntsville, Alabama 35896 256.726.7000 www.oakwood.edu 0000249077-01

THE POWER OF BALANCE. What’s the key to successful investing? At First Financial Group, we believe success depends on striking the right balance between maximizing return potential while minimizing volatility and costs. A balance created by time-tested principles that include a belief in the efficiency of the markets and the importance of broad, global diversification.

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October 2011 Initiatives

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“Our focus was on Redstone, Department of Defense requirements, the greening of platforms managed by Redstone and better positioning of Huntsville for future growth. We want to provide the warfighter with more fight with less fuel,” said Kress. The concept included in the grant calls for a smart grid and a technology validation laboratory for Redstone Arsenal. The Huntsville proposal was one of only three plans awarded in the “Advanced Defense Technologies” category and one of 10 overall. As a result of these collaborations, jobs and small businesses are already being created. Nexus Energy Center, a local company involved in the Energy Huntsville Initiative, evolved from Battle’s Green 13 environmental task force and was created in 2009 as a nonprofit organization to support the development of an energy economy for the Huntsville/ Madison County community. Nexus is helping the region better position itself to receive federal grants to support growth in the energy industry. Ruchi Singal, Nexus Energy Center executive director, saw an opportunity to help the community create new energy-related jobs and to promote energy efficiency at the same time and began the center with that mission. “We are just scratching the surface,” said Singal. “We are working closely with city leadSingal ership and Huntsville Utilities to develop community engagement and awareness programs to save money and develop job growth in this technology arena.” In fact, Nexus is partnering with J.F. Drake State Technical College to train 200 students in renewable energy installation skills to include: solar installation (solar panels); solar thermal installation (heating water); geo thermal installation (ground source heat pump); and energy efficiency. In five years, Singal and community leaders hope to have created an economy that includes energy as one of its core competencies. The energy initiative brings together more than 30 businesses, non-profits and government agencies across North Alabama and southern Tennessee and will tap the city’s engineering, logistics and computer modeling know-how to develop sustainable energy projects – and ultimately new jobs for the entire region. •

Working to Build a Future Workforce Education a Key Component for Current and Future Growth

ne of the strategies of the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative is to support efforts that will help ensure that there exists an adequate quality and quantity of workforce in the Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) to meet employer needs. Five years ago, when the workforce division was established at the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, the most pressing issues were low unemployment and the onset of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recruitment activities. Many business leaders expressed concern that those two factors would leave them without enough qualified workers as the Department of Defense moved nearly 5,000 jobs to Redstone Arsenal. Working with the Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee, the Chamber launched its national recruitment campaign with three focus areas: 1. Increase number of BRAC personnel who transfer with their positions. 2. Actively recruit to fill potential vacancies from other locations. 3. Build a larger base of qualified personnel to fill vacancies. The BRAC process concluded in September 2011, and community, business and Redstone Arsenal leaders consider the implementation a success. “With regard to our recruitment program, we can say, ‘job well done,’” said Danny Windham, vice chair of workforce for the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “This frees us up to tackle the next big challenges of education and keeping our talent base on top of developments in technology.” City leaders and economic development professionals anticipate that the potential for additional growth from BRAC will continue

Fifth graders learn science as well as teamwork through AMSTI’s hands-on activities. for another 10 years, similar to the growth that followed the 1995 BRAC announcement. However, the community cannot become complacent about its ability to attract new and expanded business and industry, according to Ron Poteat, vice chair of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “The quality and availability of a skilled workforce is the most important factor in a company’s decision to locate or expand in a community,” Poteat said. “Beyond tax breaks and financial incentives, the ability of the local workforce to get the job done is the most lasting and influential economic development consideration.” Workforce development is a long-term, ongoing process that impacts candidates from

birth through retirement. The Chamber is active at many stages in the process, engaging K-12 schools and other partner organizations in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County to address education achievement, career awareness, and skills development in science, technology, engineering and math. The Chamber is also active in the state’s regional Workforce Development Council system to support alignment of investments in the 2-year colleges in the region with industry demands. Madison County is one of eight counties in Northeast Alabama that comprise Region 2. Other Region 2 members are from Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Lawrence, Limestone, Marshall and Morgan continued on page 34 Initiatives October 2011

Working to Build a Future Workforce, continued from page 33 – counties. Council representatives from Madison County include: ¡ Micah Bullard, Turner Construction Co. ¡ Ronnie Boles, General & Automotive Machine ¡ Lucia Cape, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County ¡ Robert (Bob) Culver, TARCOG ¡ Bill Forrester, SES, Inc. ¡ Dr. O’Neal Smitherman, HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology ¡ Sherry Vest, West Corporation ¡ Rick Wilbourn, Dynetics, Inc. The goal of Region 2 is to provide a workforce that is confident, capable and competitive. The success indicators include an increase in the number of skill workers, increased enrollment in technical fields, and a decrease in the high school dropout rate, cited in 2008 as the state’s number one economic problem by the Southern Education Foundation. A recent presentation by Mary Scott Hunter, state school board representative from District 8, which includes Madison County, highlighted education and work-

Above: Second graders have fun getting dirty with AMSTI. Opposite page: Fifth graders analyze and record their observations as part of the inquiry-based AMSTI program. force trends across Region 2 and reinforced the need for education interventions. “Most of the really good jobs available today will require some education or training after high school. That could include a training certification, a community college, or a 4-year college. Individual competition for jobs is fierce. States, counties, cities, chamber

groups are all also competing to keep and bring jobs,” Hunter said. “The key for individual success and success in keeping and attracting industry to our state is an education that properly prepares graduates for a career or college. Our high schools are, in many cases, doing a great job of preparing students for careers or college.

Corporate Training Solutions DELIVER! The right course. At the right time. In the right location. UAHuntsville corporate training is the perfect solution for training a group or launching an organization-wide training program. It is affordable, adapted to your unique training mission, and hassle-free. See immediate and measurable organizational results. Programs available Classroom, Online, and Customized for your organization. www.PCS.uah.edu • PCSinfo@uah.edu • 256.824.6372

Programs available for corporate training include: • Business Communication and Writing • Federal Contract Management • Earned Value Management • Information Technology Security • Leadership Competencies • Missile System Fundamentals • Project Management • Presentation and Writing Skills • Rotorcraft Systems • Systems Engineering • Test and Evaluation • Understanding DoD Contracting

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October 2011 Initiatives

To improve the performance of local students in post-secondary institutions, Hunter suggests utilizing statewide initiatives such as the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide (ACCESS). ACCESS is a distance-learning network that incorporates web-based and interactive videoconferencing to give students across the state the opportunity to take rigorous courses taught by highly qualified teachers. AMSTI is the largest, most comprehensive math and science initiative in the country, yet only half of Alabama schools have opted into the program. AMSTI incorporates inquirybased, hands-on instruction using math and science kits. According to Hunter, AMSTI schools outperform peer non-AMSTI schools on every test given by the Alabama State Dept. of Education, and the results are often dramatic. Key to expanding the impact of this program is securing increased funding for teacher training and administration of the program, then ensuring that every school is enrolled in the program. Full funding and implementation of AMSTI has been an element of the Chamber’s State Agenda since the workforce division was established in October 2006.

First Commercial Bank is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under multiple trade names across the Southeast. Divisions of Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks.The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.

Specific requirements may shift with the industrial and demographic changes in the region, but the need for a well-educated and skilled workforce is a constant priority for economic development. Recruitment may become necessary again as unemployment drops and the economy is revived, but by investing in education now, Huntsville/ Madison County can reduce its future need to recruit workers by developing a growing base of qualified workers to support the needs of its employers. • Lucia Cape

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“However, tracking statistics show that many students are not prepared for college and must take remedial courses in math and English. Since viable career choices directly out of high school also require math and English proficiency, where we see high remediation rates out of a certain high school, we must find ways to help the high school improve. Solid job preparation begins early in K-12 and must be a priority so that students are prepared for the competitive career and college environment that exists Hunter today,” she said. Data from 2009 shows that for public high school graduates from across Huntsville, Madison and Madison County who go on to post-secondary education, 7 percent require remediation in English, 8 percent in math and 5 percent in both. While these numbers are lower than those of other counties in the region, there are eight high schools across the three Madison County systems with remediation rates for at least one subject in the double digits and three high schools with remediation rates for at least one subject higher than 20 percent.

Initiatives October 2011

Making Connections The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County hosts numerous events each month to create networking and business growth opportunities for members and to coordinate efforts to grow the local economy. Examples of recent events include:

New Member Luncheon

Dr. Eugene H. Scott, Jr. www.dreugenehscottjr.com

August 23, 2011

Each quarter, the Chamber offers new members a special luncheon, making it easy to meet one another and find out about the many services the Chamber offers its members and its role as the lead economic development organization for Huntsville/Madison County.

Providing Dental Services for Nursing Home and Bed-Ridden Patients That we currently manage onsite WE RECOMMEND: Dental Cleaning every 6 months helps prevent Pneumonia and Heart Disease. Cleaning and topically manage gums with antibiotics and mouth rinses every 4 months for Patients with Advanced Periodontal Disease A recent study indicates at least 40% of patients who end up in ICU with pneumonia are nursing home patients who are unable to properly clean their teeth.

We provide Full or Partial Dentures MADE TO COMPLETION ON SITE Patient does not have to leave their room!

Dr. Eugene H. Scott, Jr. Practice of Dentistry 401 Lowell Drive, Suite 17 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (256) 533-0434 www.dreugenehscottjr.com 0000249402-01

October 2011 Initiatives

Alabame Update with Gov. Bentley presented by ATK

Governor Robert Bentley delivered his first Alabama Update before a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000. Bentley discussed the many issues facing the state and his plans for the future.

26th Annual Small Business Awards presented by Regions Bank

This annual Chamber event was one for the record books with the theme “Champions of Small Business.” More than 1,200 Chamber members saw the lighting of the “Olympic Flame” and the presentation of awards honoring the community’s small businesses and their leaders. Chamber members benefit from networking events, electronic and printed publications, educational programs for small business and, perhaps most importantly, the knowledge that they are part of a collective effort to establish Huntsville/Madison County as a stronger, more visible community in the global competition for economic growth.

New School Superintendent Gives Business Leaders Update of First Two Months on Job The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County partnered with Leadership Huntsville/Madison County and the Committee of 100 recently to host a reception and Q&A with Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Casey Wardynski. A maximum capacity crowd of 200 business and community leaders turned out at the Embassy Suites to hear Wardynskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report of his first two months in office and to ask questions about his plans for the coming year. HREGI investors were guests of the Chamber, and Chamber members were invited to register along with Leadership Alumni and Committee of 100 members. Wardynski spoke at the Chamber in May (pictured) as part of a series of receptions for the finalists for the superintendent position, and he is scheduled to address the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on October 27.

Th H The Huntsville t ill R&D Report The only journal focused on North Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engineering, space and genetics community, anchored by Cummings Research Park. Find the latest issue to Huntsville R&D Report at www.al.com/randdreport To advertise in R&D call 256-532-4250

Download the free Tag app at http://gettag.mobi and scan this tag

Initiatives October 2011

Champions of Small Business Honored at the Chamber’s 2011 Small Business Awards Celebration

Small Business Awards photos by Lauren Tomasella Photography

Dr. Caron St. John (left), Dean of UAHuntsville’s College of Business Administration, and Rey Almodóvar (right) present the 2011 Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award to GATR Technologies president Paul Gierow.

2011 Small Business Award Finalists and Winners

Government Contracting Services Avion Solutions, Inc. Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. PeopleTec, Inc.

Non-Profit of the Year Choose Life of North Alabama National Children’s Advocacy Center HEALS, Inc.

Business/Professional Services Cyn Shea’s Complete Catering BlueCreek Investment Partners Alabama Foundation Specialist, Inc.

Young Professional of the Year Natalie Hasley, Bama Jammer, Inc. Ginger Harper, iBERIABANK Kim Lewis, PROJECTXYZ, Inc.

Technology Services GATR Technologies Digium, Inc. Hawk Enterprises

Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award Paul Gierow, GATR Technologies Miranda Bouldin, LogiCore Dr. Jonn Kim, GaN Corporation

October 2011 Initiatives

he Small Business Awards Celebration has become one of the Chamber’s premier events over the years – even being referred by many as Huntsville’s “Academy Awards” for small business. Combining pageantry, raw emotion and the entrepreneurial spirit of Huntsville/Madison County, the event captures the essence and excitement of a key element in this community’s success – this area’s dynamic small businesses. Celebrating the champions of small business in the Huntsville/Madison County community, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County held its annual tribute to small businesses and their impact on the local economy at the 2011 Small Business Awards Celebration at the Von Braun Center. The sold-out event, presented by Regions Bank, featured more than 100 contenders among more than 400 nominees, and Edward Egros and Christine Killimayer of the WHNT News 19 Sports Team served as emcees for the event. Of the contenders, 18 finalists were selected by an independent, anonymous panel in six different categories before the winners were announced. Chamber Board Chair Charlie Kettle, president/CEO of First Commercial Bank, told more than 1,200 attendees that the success of small business is critical to the local and the national economy. “Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy,” Kettle said, pointing to statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration showing that small firms represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms in the U.S. “Small businesses also employ more than half of all private sector employees in the U.S.,” Kettle said, adding that “small businesses represent more than 95 percent of the membership of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. So we

honor you as the champions of our local, state and national economy.” Rey Almodóvar, vice chair for small business for the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the first recipient of the Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award, said all the contenders are the reason why communities across the nation look to Huntsville as an example of what a successful community looks like. “Let me congratulate all of our contenders here tonight – you are all winners just because you have made it to this point. We have so many other communities that come here each year to see how it is done. They come here because this is a place of champions and championships. And tonight, we will celebrate our newest champions,” Almodóvar said. Almodóvar presented the Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award to Paul Gierow the founder and president of GATR Technologies. He reflected on what the award meant to him. “Before I won the award, I had not had the chance to meet Russell Brown. But after winning the award I talked with Russell’s family, his business partners and even some of his competitors, and I found out how good of a friend he was, how good of a businessman he was, but most importantly what kind of a man he was,” Almodóvar said. Upon receiving the award, Gierow said what an honor it was to be named the winner for 2011. “When I first heard about the award, I read about Mr. Brown and it was really nice to hear about his integrity. I’m still learning to be a leader. The only thing I really know how to do is out work the competition,” Gierow said. In addition to the Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award, awards were given to government contracting services, business/ professional services, technology, non-profit and young professional of the year. The government contracting award went to Avion Solutions. Finalists included Pinnacle Solutions and PeopleTec. Avion is a veteran-owned small business providing specialized engineering, logistics, software development and technical services to Army aviation customers and contractors. “I’m amazed to be considered in such a competitive and innovative community. To win an award is representative of the character and dedication of our Avion employeeowners,” Chad Donald, executive vice president of Avion Solutions, said. continued on page 42

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Initiatives October 2011

Where to go • Who to see for products and services

Use a Chamber member... it's in your best interest Accounting

Automobile - Dealers - New

Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino P.O. Box 1245 Cullman, AL 35056 . . . . . . . . . . . 256-739-0312

Woody Anderson Ford 2500 Jordan Lane NW, 35816 . . . 256-539-9441

Banks

Advertising The Huntsville Times 2317 S. Memorial Parkway. . . . . 256-532-4250

Aerospace / Defense Contractors AEgis Technologies Group, Inc. 410 Jan Davis Drive, 35806. . . . . . 256-922-0802 ASD 103 Quality Circle Suite 200, 35816 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-837-2293 Avion 7067 Old Madison Pike Suite 170, 35806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-721-7006 CSC 310 The Bridge Street, 35806. . . . 256-382-3110

Bryant Bank 415-H Church Street Suite 100, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-535-1045

National Bank of Commerce 203 Greene Street Suite B, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-564-7600

Hospitals

RBC Bank 100 Church Street Suite 200, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-564-5753 ServisFirst Bank www.servisfirstbank.com . . . . . . . 256-722-7800

Credit Unions

Intuitive Research & Technology 5030 Bradford Drive Bldg 2, Suite 205, 35805. . . . . . . . 256-922-9300

Dentists

WestWind Technologies 2901 Wall Triana Highway Suite 200, 35824 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-319-0137

Non-Profit Community Ballet www.communityballet.org . . . . . 256-539-0961

Office Equipment - Office Supplies/ Furniture RJ Young 4900 Corporate Drive Suite 30, 35816 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-883-8400

Real Estate

Education Schools, Colleges, Universities

Industrial Properties of the South 2903 Wall Triana Hwy., 35758 . . . 256-461-7482

J.F. Drake State Technical College 3421 Meridian St, N, 35811 . . . . . 256-551-3117 Oakwood University 7000 Adventist Blvd, 35896 . . . . . 256-726-7000

Attorneys Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP 200 Clinton Avenue Suite 900, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-517-5100

Engineering Services Research and Development

Tec Masters 1500 Perimeter Parkway Suite 215, 35806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-830-4000

Huntsville Hospital 101 Sivley Road, 35801. . . . . . . . . 256-265-1000

Dr. Eugene Scott, Jr DD S401 Lowell Drive Suite 17, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-533-0434

UAHuntsville Professional & Continuing Education 103 Wilson Hall, 35899. . . . . . . . . 256-824-6372

Audiovisual Production Film, Video Tape

Financial Services First Financial Group Wealth Management 400 Meridian St, Suite 100 . . . . . . 256-704-4617

Redstone Federal Credit Union 220 Wynn Drive, 35893 . . . . . . . 256-837-6110

SPS 4950 Corporate Drive Suite 115, 35805 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-319-2135

Peopletec 4901 Corporate Drive NW Suite 1, 35805 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-319-3800

First Commercial Bank 301 Washington Street, 35801 . . . 256-551-3300

InfoPro Corporation 6705 Odyssey Drive, 35806. . . . . . 256-382-9700

SAIC www.saic.com

MTSI 5285 Shawnee Road, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22312. . . . . . . . . . 703-564-3800

Davidson Technologies, Inc. 530 Discovery Drive, 35806 . . . . . 256-922-0720 Excelerate 1230 Slaughter Road, Suite F Madison, AL 35758 . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-325-4050

Graham and Company 355 Quality Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-382-9010

NAI Chase Commercial www.chasecommercial.com

Rentals All Needz Rentals 6745 University Drive, 35806 . . . . 256-837-5322

Signs & Banners FASTSIGNS of Huntsville 4294 University Drive, 35816 . . . . 256-722-5227

Telecommunications ADTRAN, Inc. 901 Explorer Blvd., 35806. . . . . . . 256-963-8000

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List your company in this Buyers Guide • For information call 256-532-4250

October 2011 Initiatives

u Aladdin Light Lift Systems founder and president John W. Falls announced last spring that his company would be moving its headquarters to Huntsville. The company is building this 22,500 square-foot manufacturing facility at Chase Industrial Park. Aladdin manufactures the Aladdin Light Lift system and the Aladdin Storage Lift system for commercial and residential use. The Aladdin Light Lift is a motorized system for chandelier maintenance, allowing the user to easily clean and change light bulbs without ladders. Users can easily and safely lower the chandeliers within reach of the floor.

u Construction continues on Dyneticsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new high-tech, 226,500 square-foot facility at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cummings Research Park campus. The new facility will include 100,000 square feet of prototype development and low-rate production space and will be one of the most unique facilities in the Park.

sellersphoto.com

u The first office building is under construction at Redstone Gateway, the 468-acre, state-of-the-art mixed-use park that will ultimately contain 4.6 million square-feet of office space. The first office building is five stories and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2011. Redstone Gateway is being developed as a joint venture by Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) and Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC, in partnership with the U.S. Army and Redstone Arsenal.

Initiatives October 2011

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Champions of Small Business, continued from page 38 –

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOUTH Developing and Leasing Property in Huntsville for over 25 years

9805 Kellner Road. •Approximately 144,000 s.f. high bay and office space (Facility can be expanded by Up to 60,000 s.f.) • 8 truck high docks and 2 ground level doors (14’ by 16’) • Fully heated, cooled, fire sprinkled • Over 600 parking spaces, fenced parking with guard shack • Ample Power for manufacturing and distribution • Easy access to I-565 and Gate 7 of Redstone Arsenal

(256) 461-7482 2903 Wall Triana Hwy. • Suite 7

www.industrialpropertiesofthesouth.com 42

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Business/professional services went to Cyn Shea’s Complete Catering. Finalists included BlueCreek Investment Partners and Alabama Foundation Specialist. Cyn Shea’s provides full-service event planning and is consistently recognized for its personal service, meticulous attention to detail and innovative cuisine. “I could not do this alone. This is our seventh glorious trip up here as a contender, and I never knew what I would say if we won. Huntsville is a great town. Without your investment and our love of hungry people, this would not have happened,” Cynthia Hart, owner of Cyn Shea’s said. The technology award went to GATR Technologies. Finalists included Digium and Hawk Enterprises. GATR Technologies manufactures inflatable satellite communications terminals. GATR’s patented, unique design enables deployment of large aperture satellite terminals in two airline checkable cases, making it ideal for first-in deployments, remote applications and contingency scenarios where transportation and space are limited (includes Military, Broadcast, and Public Safety markets). “Six years ago, I was the only one in Mississippi with a T1 line and I realized that’s what I wanted to do [in reference to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina]. We deployed 11 systems in our area after the tornados in April. Huntsville has been fantastic for our company, and it is a great place to start a company and get support to grow,” Gierow said. Non-profit of the year went to Choose Life of North Alabama. Finalists included the National Children’s Advocacy Center and HEALS. Choose Life counsels and offers free services to expecting mothers. “This is such an honor and a privilege. The credit goes to our volunteers and staff who counsel thousands of young girls a year,” said Tommy Glenn, chair of the Choose Life Board of Directors. Natalie Hasley with Bama Jammer was named Young Professional of the Year. Finalists included Ginger Harper of iBERIABANK and Kim Lewis of ProjectXYZ. “It is such an honor to be nominated, let alone actually win. Thanks to my work family. You all take on so much more than you signed up for. Most of all, I want to thank my parents. You are the ultimate entrepreneurs. You have taught me so much,” Hasley said. • Harrison Diamond

Where Everyone Counts r u o g n i t a r b e l Ce A lot has changed, but our name, quality and Red Carpet service remain the same...

Woody Anderson Ford shown as featured in Ford Dealers Magazine (1971)

www.woodyanderson.com Huntsville, AL

Fayetteville, TN

Madison, AL

2500 Jordan Lane

2626 Huntsville Hwy.

1638 Hughes Road

256.539.9441

931.433.9441

256.217.8440

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Leadership. Solutions. Success.

SAIC helps solve some of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest problems by combining deep warfighting domain knowledge with proven performance as a platform- and vendor-independent systems integrator. From full spectrum C2/C4 solutions for battle command and situational awareness to open and collaborative systems engineering and integration, SAIC experts have a deep understanding of their fields and the passion to find the right solutions. Smart people solving hard problems. For more information, visit us at saic.com

Energy | Environment | National Security | Health | Critical Infrastructure 44

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NYSE: SAI

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