Initiatives August 2011
1
FIELD-PROVEN LOGISTICS AND TRAINING SUPPORT. GLOBAL, AGILE, DEPENDABLE. QUICK REACTION. WORLDWIDE. Pictured left to right: Randy Tieszen, President; Nilmini Thompson, CEO; Jeff Thompson, Co-Founder
www.services-sps.com Project Management | Modeling and Simulation Integrated Logistics Services (ILS) Equipment Fielding | New Equipment Training SPS is a WO, 8a, SDB, and ISO 9001-2008 Certified
0000239898-01
© 2007 RCSH All Rights Reserved
- ruth
Downtown Huntsville 800 Monroe Street at the Embassy Suites (256) 539-3930 Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a Week Private Party Facilities for 10 to 300 www.RuthsChris.com 0000237887-01
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
Chamber Trustees ($10,000+ annually) ADTRAN, Inc. AEgis Technologies Group, Inc. Agility Defense and Government Services Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama Booz Allen Hamilton Breland Companies Camber Corporation Cobham Analytic Solutions First Commercial Bank
Jerry Damson Honda Acura L-3 Communications Corporation Huntsville Operations Look Outdoor Advertising, Inc. Navistar Diesel of Alabama, Inc. S3, Inc. SAIC SportsMed Orthopædic Spine & Surgery Center Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
($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) AT&T 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) BB&T CINRAM, Inc. COLSA Corporation Crestwood Medical Center Huntsville-Madison Co. Builders Association Intergraph Corporation Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Inc. North Alabama Multiple Listing Service Northrop Grumman Corporation SES, Inc. 4 August 2011 Initiatives Wells Fargo Bank
Progress Partners
($5,000+ annually)
Analytical Services, Inc. BAE Systems Baron Services, Inc. BASF Catalysts, LLC Beason & Nalley, Inc. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP City of Madison Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate Colonial Properties Trust Consolidated Construction Company Davidson Technologies, Inc. DRS Technologies Dynetics, Inc. Enfinger Steele Development, Inc.
ERC, Inc. Holiday Inn Downtown Intuitive Research & Technology Corporation J. Smith Lanier & Co. Lanier Ford Shaver Payne, P.C. LogiCore The Orthopædic Center Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc. Superior Bank Torch Technologies Turner Construction Company URS WAFF-TV Wilmer & Lee, P.A. Yellow Book USA
Progress Investors ($2,500+ annually) ABT, Inc. Averbuch Realty/Averbuch Enterprises Bama Jammer, Inc. BancorpSouth Belzon, Inc. BID Designs, LLC Bill Penney Toyota-Mitsubishi BlueCreek Investment Partners Brown Precision, Inc. Bryant Bank Century Automotive Cerqa Chapman Sisson Architects, Inc. Decisive Analytics Corporation Decosimo Certified Public Accountants DESE Research, Inc. DHS Systems, LLC Digium, Inc. FITE Building Co., Inc. Foreign Language Services, Inc. Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC 4SITE, Incorporated Gray Research, Inc. Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Investor’s Resource/Raymond James Fin. Svs.
KPS Group Kudzu Productions, Inc. Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Marriott Huntsville Phoenix PPG Aerospace Progress Bank PROJECTXYZ, Inc. QinetiQ North America QTEC, Inc. Qualis Corporation Radiance Technologies, Inc. Renasant Bank RJ Young Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove ServisFirst Bank Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. UBS Financial Services, Inc. United Space Alliance, LLC Wesfam Restaurants, Inc. (Burger King) West Huntsville Land Company WILL Technology, Inc. Woodland Homes of Huntsville Woody Anderson Ford WHNT-TV
A difference you can trust.
Technology that saves lives Technology plays a big role in our community.
Staying on the leading edge of technology is very
It’s all around us. The same is true of Huntsville
expensive, but there is no question that we all want
Hospital. Like our community, we have a long
the best for our family, friends and neighbors. And
history and reputation of providing the most
because medical technology eventually touches all
advanced medical technology and equipment
of us at some very serious times, Huntsville Hospital
for our patients. It’s a big reason that Huntsville
is committed to staying the technology leader as we
Hospital is a premier health system in Alabama.
care for our patients and our community.
Experience. The Difference.
0000237465-01
ENGINEERING
|
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
|
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
|
P R O G R A M / P R O J E C T I N T E G R AT I O N
Innovative engineering services.
Value-driven solutions.
Passionate and responsive team.
Ready for what’s next.
For nearly a century, Booz Allen Hamilton has taken a multidisciplinary approach to providing integrated engineering services and solutions to Defense and Civilian agencies like NASA to help them achieve mission success. Whether you’re managing today’s issues or looking beyond the horizon, count on us to help you be ready for what’s next.
Ready for what’s next. www.boozallen.com/rfwn
0000237630-01
initiatives
Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
august 2011 cover story
Downtown Huntsville: photo by Marty Sellers
Carrying the Torch
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
online www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com www.asmartplace.com
fyi
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.
beginning on page 22 Cover photo by Lauren Tomasella; cover design by Kristi Sherrard
features Q&A with Dr. Casey Wardynski
10
Economic Development Highlights
12
Courtesy of the Huntsville Botanical Garden: photo by Jeffrey Greenberg
including Frontier Technology, Decosimo, PeopleTec, LINE-X Protective Coatings, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and the U.S. Army Contracting Command
Rocket City Rowing Club: photo by Eric Schultz/Huntsville Times
Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama is located in the middle of the southeastern United States, with more than four million people within a 100-mile radius. The Huntsville community is the 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.
Small Business is Big Business at the Chamber
Stars Abound at AMC Touchdown New Day Dawns for Raytheon Big Steps for LogiCore More Space for Science Armed Forces Week in pictures Huntsville Metro Still Head of Class
18 27 32 34 37 41
developments HREGI Investors Listing Chamber Board Listing Community Profile Chamber Staff Listing HREGI Testimonial Employee of the Quarter Making Connections
4 8 25 26 30 31 36
editorial staff Publisher Executive Editor Editorial Designer Contributing Writers Photography Advertising Sales
R. Thomas Beason John Southerland Kristi Sherrard Lucia Cape, Harrison Diamond, Ken Smith and John Southerland Chamber of Commerce staff, publications and archive Ray Johnson The Huntsville Times Initiatives August 2011
7
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: This edition of Initiatives highlights a number of recent significant economic development announcements that illustrate the importance of working with our local leaders and state economic development partners to help grow the local economy.
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
As the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is charged with coordinating economic development projects on behalf of the Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area, our policy has been and will continue to be partnering with other economic development organizations, especially the Alabama Development Office (ADO). Since taking office, Governor Robert Bentley and ADO have spent a lot of time working on various projects that are vital to the continued growth of our community. Our partners in Montgomery know that what is good for the Huntsville/Madison County area is good for all of Alabama. The Governor was recently here for some significant activities and events, including a visit with Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, commander of the four-star Army Materiel Command, and a tour of AMC’s new headquarters facility at Redstone. The opening of that 400,000 square-foot facility marks the first time a four-star command has ever been headquartered in our state. The role that AMC plays on a global scale cannot be emphasized enough. Likewise, the Governor was joined by our Federal delegation, including U.S. Senators Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, U.S. Representatives Mo Brooks and Robert Aderholt, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie and many others for a groundbreaking of Raytheon’s state-of-the-art missile production and assembly plant. The State of Alabama has been a major funding partner in the development of the world-class HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and Governor Bentley joined HudsonAlpha cofounder Jim Hudson and President Dr. Rick Myers to break ground on a third building in the growing biotech campus. This announcement is another step toward the realization of a true biotech campus that can serve as a catalyst for new economic growth and the attraction of more world-class talent to Cummings Research Park, the nations’ second largest R&D Park. We continue to look at our future in economic development and pursue business prospects for the Huntsville/Madison County area. Recent marketing trips with our economic development partners have been very successful and provided us the opportunity to meet with key employers and decision makers. The success of these marketing efforts often take months and even years to be realized, but some of these companies will eventually be added to our list of new and expanding employers. With the continued support of our leaders and economic development partners, we will continue to work opportunities and move forward with the kinds of projects that best benefit our community and our state.
Best Wishes,
R. Thomas Beason Interim President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
8
August 2011 Initiatives
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
versatile
•
convenient
•
unique
This new conference center is in the heart of Cummings Research Park next to the HudsonAlpha Institute and features 13,000 sq. ft. of high-tech versatile space.
Designed for High-Tech
Visit us online for more information or call to schedule an appointment.
Wireless touch panel A/V controls Hi-definition projectors and screens Complimentary wireless internet access 52-inch plasma TVs Audio and Video teleconferencing capabilities Event Space Options
Campus mixer
350: classroom 750: theater seating 800: reception 480: banquet dedicated small board rooms Jackson Center Pub
every
5-7
Thursday
Jackson Center
0000237638-01
600 Genome Way, Huntsville, AL 35806 Phone 256.327.7320 Toll-Free 877.707.7471 info@jacksoncenter.net
www.JacksonCenter.net
pm
New Superintendent Sees Opportunity for
Excellence in ALL Huntsville City Schools Q&A with Dr. Casey Wardynski
After your career in the military, you could have retired or accepted other opportunities in industry. What drew you to a second career in education?
0000237629-01
Editor’s Note: On July 5, Dr. Casey Wardynski took the helm of Huntsville City Schools. He comes to the job with 30 years of experience in the Army – including 15 years teaching economics at West Point and a tour of duty at Redstone Arsenal. In addition he completed superintendent training at the Broad (pronounced “brode”) Academy, an intensive 10-month program for business and military leaders who want to work in public schools. His most recent employment was as chief financial officer for the Aurora (Colo.) Public Schools, serving more than 35,000 students.
10
August 2011 Initiatives
CW: Well, a bit of luck and a desire to serve led me to undertake my second career leading large urban school districts that are seeking to close student achievement gaps and raise the achievement of all of their students. Now, by way of pointing out that luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity – an important point for young folks to take note of – I had spent the last 30 years innovating, leading and re-engineering complex enterprises within the Army. My education prepared me in several ways. First, it gave me the confidence to try challenging things and to become a life-long learner. Second, it served as the foundation for further formal and informal learning. For example, when I was a cadet at West Point, I had one course in FORTRAN programming focused upon weapons control systems. While I can’t say much for my prowess as a weapons system engineer, that experience taught me key lessons about things like do loops, conditional loops, subroutines, and the sorts of processes that are amenable to instantiation in software. Eight years later I was assigned as the operations officer of the Army’s Pacific oriented special weapons depot. The folks there were struggling to create reports read by computers. These reports fed systems that accounted for several hundred special weapons to the Department of Defense. Well, the depot had something like a 50-percent error rate. Based on my education at West Point, I had the confidence to tackle this problem, and in about six months, an associate and I had created a prototype expert system to capture key data, format this data into reports for transmission to higher headquarters, and to begin the process of integrating disparate processes from accounting and maintenance management to location management. From my cadet courses in systems engineering, I also had the know-how to apply a systems approach to these activities. About a year after I began that work, the Department of Defense had replaced legacy paper systems with this integrated Special Weapons Information Management System. It is still in use today. That experience taught me the importance of using data to integrate processes and organizations. A few years later, I competed for a teaching position in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. Alumni of this department include leaders such as General David Patraeus, General Peter Chiarelli, General Wesley Clark, General John Abizaid, General Bret Scowcroft, General Barry McCaffrey, and Gen-
eral Kip Ward. Given this legacy, and the fact that new instructors are sent to masters programs at schools such as Harvard and Stanford, I faced stiff competition, with about 15 officers applying for each teaching position. Based upon my prior education, I had the confidence to compete for a teaching assignment, and, upon my selection, to attend and successfully complete a Master in Public Policy program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government focusing on economics, statistics and quantitative decision-making. Years later, based upon my record at the Army’s Command and General Staff College, I was selected with a group of other officers to explore re-engineering of the Army for General Gordon Sullivan at the end of the Cold War. That and other opportunities subsequently led to my selection to lead the Army’s Office of Economic and Manpower Analysis, where I served for 15 years in support of three- and four-star leaders in the Pentagon. Along the way, building upon my earlier educational experiences, I attended RAND Corporation’s Ph.D. program in Policy Analysis with a focus on econometrics, statistics, economics and quantitative methods of decision-making. So looking back, I’ve spent 34 years getting ready for the challenges entailed in integrating the disparate functions of a large K-12 school system, of using data to guide delivery of educational services, of linking resource inputs to educational outcomes, and of re-engineering complex educational systems to raise student achievement. My opportunity to engage in this undertaking came in 2010, as I was contemplating retirement from the Army and looking for a new way to serve. As luck – opportunity and preparation – would have it, one of my projects, the “America’s Army” game, which is home-based at Redstone Arsenal, had drawn the attention of the Broad Superintendents Academy. This non-profit is chartered to draw innovative and successful leaders from the military, business and government into K-12 education to lead educational reform. In 2008 “America’s Army” had been recognized for excellence by Harvard and the Council for Excellence in Government. Based upon this recognition, recruiters at Broad asked me to compete with 600 other recruited candidates for one of 14 fellowships awarded in 2010. Between January and December 2010, my classmates and I learned about the financial, human resource, curricular, business, instructional and technological aspects of large districts through extensive case studies, applied analysis, readings and site visits with leaders at some of the nation’s premier school districts. Lecturers and mentors included the founders of Kip Charter Schools, Michelle Rhee (CEO, Washington D.C. Public Schools), Jerry Weast (CEO, Montgomery County Public Schools), Tom Payzant (CEO, Boston Public Schools), Arlene Ackerman (CEO, San Francisco and Philadelphia Public Schools) and Dr. Howard Fuller. Through this year-long fellowship I had the opportunity to build a network of educational leaders in large districts such as Chicago, New Orleans, Syracuse, Denver, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Wake County in North Carolina. Through the Broad Foundation, I now have the opportunity to maintain and expand the network of leaders I can call upon for advice and support as I lead Huntsville City Schools. continued on page 38
0000212347-01
Initiatives August 2011
11
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY
Huntsville Frontier Looks Brighter for Technology Company Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI) recently celebrated the opening of the company’s office in Cummings Research Park. This is the California-based company’s second office in Alabama, making the state the only place where FTI has two offices. “FTI’s growth here represents the kind of economic development activity that has this community leading the state and illustrates why our local economy is among the
most vibrant in the nation. FTI is comprised of highly educated, talented and technically proficient workers – making this employee-owned company a welcome addition to what Forbes magazine calls ‘One of the Top 10 Smartest Cities in the World,’” said Ron Poteat, vice-chair of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County Board of Directors.
L-R: FTI Founder and Chairman of the Board Lavon Jordan, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, FTI CEO/President Ron Shroder.
FTI develops and supports customized software and provides studies and analysis of high technology operational and advanced systems for the Department of Defense and the aerospace industry – two areas that are primary drivers of the Huntsville economy. According to FTI officials, Huntsville is a major target and will allow for more growth opportunities. “This is a big celebration for FTI and is a great experience to be in Huntsville supporting the warfighter. Alabama is important to the growth of our company and we want to grow beyond what we are today. This has been our biggest year yet and we plan to make Alabama a strong part of the economy by taking profits and applying them here,” said Ron Shroder, CEO and president of FTI. Lavon Jordan, company founder and chairman of the board, echoed Shroder’s enthusiasm for growing in Huntsville and Alabama. “We are here because we love what we see in the community. It has been a good run. Since World War II, Redstone Arsenal has been a leader in rockets, space and aviation. If you want it, you can buy it here. We want to be part of the technological revolution here to help the warfighter and we expect to grow here soon,” Jordan said. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby was the special guest at the event. “FTI is going to grow here. What they do makes sense because they are taking data and making government more efficient. It is a company that can get rid of inefficiencies. You will find that this is one of the most talented workforces. If you build it here, they will support you in Huntsville. Huntsville is the future and is on the cutting edge of R&D,” Shelby said. •
Decosimo Opens Huntsville Office Thanks to Growth Decosimo, a leading regional accounting and business advisory firm, recently celebrated its new office in Huntsville. “Decosimo’s interest in Huntsville was first added to our firm’s strategic plan in 2003, but it wasn’t until we acquired new clients in 2008 that we began to fully appreciate the opportunity that Huntsville offered,” said Ken Conner, Decosimo’s principal in charge of the firm’s Huntsville development efforts. Conner said Decosimo seeks to build a solid client base in Huntsville. The firm already serves some Huntsville clients through its Tennessee and Georgia offices. In addition to the new Huntsville office, Decosimo has offices in Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Atlanta, Dalton, Cincinnati and the Cayman Islands. Conner added, “We believe that there is a base of companies not only in Huntsville, but across North Alabama, who will benefit from a regional CPA firm with experience in multiple industries and issues.” Decosimo became a Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI) prog12
August 2011 Initiatives
ress investor in 2010 and also sponsors the North Alabama Industrial Development Association. In the summer, several of Decosimo’s professionals spoke at an eight-hour accounting and auditing update hosted by the University of North Alabama (UNA) and have been invited back to speak this summer. Derek Daniel, assurance manager and the first Decosimo professional to relocate to Huntsville, successfully completed Leadership Huntsville/ Madison County’s Focus program in 2010. Daniel has also been selected for the organization’s Connect Class 13. “The Decosimo firm and its principals have long been active in their respective communities and Huntsville will be no exception,” said Daniel. “We have a deep respect for what Huntsville has accomplished during recent decades and are excited about being a part of the Huntsville future.” Decosimo officials said they will continue to expand the office through a combination of local hires, transfers from other offices and hires of new graduates. •
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
www.adtran.com
Copyright © 2010 ADTRAN Inc. All rights reserved. ADTRAN and NetVanta are registered trademarks of ADTRAN, Inc. CO904B040109CC
0000237625-01
ADTRAN, Inc. 901 Explorer Blvd. Huntsville, AL 35806 256 963-8000
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 12
PeopleTec Opens Expanded Headquarters in Huntsville From two employees in 2005 to more than 115 in 2011 shows the rapid growth that led PeopleTec’s founders to expand its corporate headquarters in Cummings Research Park, the second largest R&D park in the nation. PeopleTec was founded in April 2005 by Terry Jennings and Doug Scalf. The company has since grown to more than 115 employees and provides innovative engineering, information technology, modeling and simulation and program support services to the Department of Defense and civilian Federal sectors. Clients include the Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command; Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center; Space & Missile Defense Command; the National Guard Bureau and the FBI. The expansion improves both the company’s corporate infrastructure and its capabilities, according to Scalf. The new headquarters expands total facility space by more than 12,000 square feet and provides conference and office space, as well as state-of-the-art computing technology, a secure data center and classified processing area. Scalf, company president, said the occasion marked a major milestone in the company’s history. “This is a major event in the growth of our company in this magnificent community. Huntsville is the ideal city to launch a technology business. It possesses a unique business partnership consisting of three pillars: government customers, an engaged community and unparalleled congressional support.” Scalf said the company’s presence in CRP is also a major boost to the company. “The park gives the community national interest and it is the reason why Terry and I decided to found our company here and why we continue to grow here,” he said. Jennings, CEO, expressed the company’s appreciation for its employees and leadership team. “The growth of our company is a direct result of the dedication and commitment by our exceptional employees and experienced senior leadership team who continue to provide innovative solutions to our customers. It is truly the people at PeopleTec who are the heart and soul of this company.” Congressman Mo Brooks, who represents Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District, pledged his support to the company and community to ensure a business-friendly environment. “We will do everything we can to help you grow on the federal level. Your company is the type of company we like to talk about in the House when we are discussing the economy.” Congressman Robert Aderholt said that PeopleTec is a company that represents the best of Alabama. “The Huntsville community means so much to North Alabama and the entire state as a whole. PeopleTec is what Huntsville is all about,” he said. • 14
August 2011 Initiatives
L-R: Doug Scalf, PeopleTec co-founder and president; Frank Jennings, PeopleTec CFO; and Charlie Kettle, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors.
Hit TV Show Uses Huntsville Product LINE-X Protective Coatings, the nation’s leading developer and provider of high performance protective coatings, was selected to showcase its capabilities by working with two research teams featured on Discovery Channel’s hit show Storm Chasers, a documentary series following the adventures of extreme meteorologists on the hunt to catch rare footage and data from the world’s most violent tornados. Filming is currently underway and LINE-X is taking part by spray coating the GMC Sierra “TWISTEX Probe” chase truck owned by weather researcher Tim Samaras to help shield the vehicle from the extremely high force winds, heavy hail, flying debris and severe weather commonly present in tornado conditions. Samaras worked with LINE-X last spring to take part in his research by spray coating his entire chase vehicle and the results were phenomenal. Since the airing of Storm Chasers on Discovery last season, extreme meteorologist Reed Timmer, of TornadoVideos.net, has also collaborated with LINE-X to have his specially customized chase vehicle “The Dominator” protected with LINE-X along with a second Chevy Tahoe, which joins the show in 2011. “Last season was the ultimate field test to prove the rugged capabilities of LINE-X Protective Coatings and we are very proud with how well it performed. There was no damage from hail, debris or high force winds and we can’t wait to see these LINE-X protected vehicles in action as they take on some of the toughest weather across the nation,” said Kevin Heronimus, CEO of LINE-X Protective Coatings. Storm Chasers airs on the Discovery Channel. Please check your local listings for dates and times. •
~ continued on page 16
Maryland-Based Company Opens Local Office
L-R: Huntsville City Administrator Rex Reynolds, Jim French, SGT Vice President for launch systems; Harold Stinger, SGT Chairman; and Charlie Kettle, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors cut the ribbon for SGT’s new office in Huntsville.
0000216901-01
Maryland-Based Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc. (SGT) cut the ribbon for its new office in Huntsville and announced plans to expand. SGT is an aerospace services company that provides high-tech engineering, science, project management and information technology support to clients such as NASA, the Department of Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Agency for International Development, among others. Charlie Kettle, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors, welcomed the company to Huntsville. “Let me thank you and your team for investing in our community and please know we will do everything we can to help you grow your business here. We’d like for this announcement to be the first of several expansions,” said Kettle. Harold Stinger, Chairman of the Board of SGT, said the company is glad to make Huntsville the site of its newest office. “We are excited to be a part of what we consider to be a very special place. We feel we will fit right in here and we look forward to growing in Huntsville. We plan to be a major contributor to the special things you have going on here,” Stinger said. Jim French, vice president for launch systems at SGT, said he knew Huntsville was right for the company. “This is an exciting day for the company and for me personally. I have been here 20 years and when I first saw the company I knew that Huntsville was the right place for the company and that SGT was the right company for Huntsville. No one does it like Huntsville,” French said. •
Initiatives August 2011
15
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 15
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Wins $1M Grant Educators at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have been awarded a grant in excess of $1.13 million to prompt Alabama students to make connections between the science classroom and the real world. “The grant, made possible through the National Institutes of Health, supports an initiative we’ve designed to help high school students identify genetic and environmental risks for human disease and then explore preventive measures based on that knowledge,” said Dr. Neil Lamb, director of educational outreach at HudsonAlpha. Lamb said personal genetic information will soon be as important to medical records as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The activities outlined in It’s Complex, the program Lamb and his team created, support a more genetically literate citizenry while inspiring students to adopt preventative behaviors that reduce the risk of complex disorders. According to Lamb, scientists have begun to detect genetic and environmental factors that influence complex diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and many forms of cancer. “This information aids physicians
The Science Education Partnership Award program is sponsored by the National Center for Research Resources, a part of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Neil Lamb, director of educational outreach at the institute and Dr. Bob Zahorchak (far right) are part of the educational team creating It’s Complex.
and their patients in selecting the best course of action for management or prevention,” said Lamb. “We’re taking that knowledge about risk factors to encourage students to start thinking about their own health-related decisions.” It’s Complex has many links to state and national science standards and also provides students with information about bioscience careers. Part of the program is the implementation of an online activity that explores the world of genetic testing, risk determination and prevention or treatment options.
In the online activity, Lamb said students assume the role of a family physician, working with patients having recently undergone genomic testing for several complex disorders. Students review family histories, medical records, video interviews and genetic information to determine genetic and environmental risks. Online videos, animations, interviews and career profiles will support both students and educators and link content to workforce opportunities in the biosciences. The Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative, a statewide materials and professional development program, will facilitate statewide teacher training. Sparkman Ninth Grade School, Harvest; Columbia High School, Huntsville and Decatur High School, Decatur, will pilot the program. •
0000226554-01
16
August 2011 Initiatives
Economic Development Highlights compiled by John Southerland & Harrison Diamond
U.S. Army Contracting Command Uncases Command Flag The U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) and its subordinate Expeditionary Contracting Command (ECC) marked the official transfer of their headquarters to Redstone Arsenal recently with a command flag uncasing ceremony. Both commands unfurled their flags during the ceremony at their joint headquarters campus at Wells and Mauler roads. The headquarters moved to Redstone Arsenal from Fort Belvoir, Va. and added more than 300 jobs to the community. “This is a very important next step for ACC and ECC,” said Jeff Parsons, ACC executive director. “It not only signals the physical change of our headquarters operations, it’s another significant milestone in our growth as one of Army Materiel Command’s major subordinate commands.” During the ceremony, Parsons commended employees for their part in growing the organization in such a few short years. “We’ve really matured as a command, bringing in more than 800 employees across the command and doubling our number of soldiers,” Parsons said. “We did all of this while still focusing on the quality of our daily contracting efforts. It’s amazing what we’ve accomplished over the last three years.” Parsons also expressed his gratitude to the Huntsville community for the way it welcomed the command and its employees. He stated how impressed he was to see many people willing to relocate to Huntsville, claiming that was a testimony to what the community has to offer for individuals and families. About 60 percent of the ACC headquarters staff is on hand at Redstone; ECC has approximately 40 percent of its staff here. Once the transition is complete this summer, about 350 soldiers and civilians will be working in the two headquarters. •
0000237635-01
0000217610-03
Initiatives August 2011
17
“There is a unique spirit here – a spirit that encourages the
people to work together across city limits, across county boundaries, and across state lines.”
– Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody U.S. Army Materiel Command
Stars Abound at AMC Touchdown Grand Opening of Army Materiel Command Marks Historic Day
I
magine the statewide economic development buzz that would be created if a Fortune 500 company relocated its headquarters to a city in Alabama. Imagine that this company had a worldwide workforce of 70,000 employees, an operating budget of more than $50 billion and managed contracts of nearly $100 billion while operating in all 50 states and 155 countries. A glance at the list shows Apple at No. 35, Microsoft at No. 38, and PepsiCo at No. 43. And, based on several factors, an organization that would stand toe-to-toe with the consumer heavyweights listed above has indeed recently moved its headquarters to Alabama. But it wasn’t a Fortune 500 company that relocated to Alabama; it was the U.S. Army Materiel Command. The command recently became the first U.S. Army four-star command to be headquartered in Alabama when it officially opened its new facility at Redstone Arsenal. The event marked an historic day for the base, the Huntsville community and the state. AMC, which in 2009 would have ranked No. 39 on the Fortune 500 list, was relocated to Redstone Arsenal as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). The move was completed when the nation’s first female four-star general, Ann E. Dunwoody, officially opened the new 400,000 square-foot facility that will eventually hold 1,777 employees, including 18
August 2011 Initiatives
workers with the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), a two-star subordinate command that handles all foreign military sales for the Army. The move, Dunwoody said, created numerous challenges. “Back in 2005 with the BRAC announcement, AMC faced one of the largest and most complex challenges in our history,” Dunwoody said. “We had to accomplish this move seamlessly while supporting two wars, while supporting contingency operations, disaster response and operations around the globe. “The incredible folks at AMC took this challenge with the professionalism and the energy of a winning team. They did so without missing a beat and without any reduction in support to our warfighters on the battlefield,” Dunwoody said. Dunwoody also commented on the unique attributes of the Tennessee Valley. “I have had the good fortune of living in many great communities all over the world, but there is truly something special about this one,” she said. “There is a unique spirit here – a spirit that encourages the people to work together across city limits, across county boundaries, and across state lines.” Joe Ritch, chairman of the Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee, said AMC’s presence changes not just Huntsville and North Alabama, but the state and the region.
“It’s difficult to grasp how big and how important AMC is in the world. To have an organization of this magnitude have its headquarters at Redstone is so significant. It’s as big as any economic development project you would read about anywhere. But because the organization is behind the gates at Redstone, and because it is a U.S. Army organization, people may have a hard time understanding the impact, but I can assure you it is incredibly significant.” Case in point, not only does the organization boast 70,000 workers worldwide, but that workforce includes more than 11,000 scientists and engineers, and more than 10,000 mechanics, electricians and machinists. The organization is the Army’s premier provider of materiel readiness, technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment – to the total force across the spectrum of joint military operations. In short, if a soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, communicates with it or eats it, AMC provides it. “We are very fortunate to have them here. General Dunwoody is an exceptional leader and it is easy to understand how this command is a shining star of the U.S. Army,” Ritch said. • John Southerland
AMC AT-A-GLANCE ¢ More than 70,000 dedicated mili-
tary and civilian employees, many with highly developed specialties in weapons development, manufacturing and logistics
¢ Maintains a presence in 50 states and
155 countries
¢ 11 major subordinate commands:
¡ Army Contracting Command ¡ Army Sustainment Command ¡ Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command ¡ CECOM Life Cycle Management Command ¡ Chemical Materials Agency ¡ Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command ¡ Joint Munitions Command ¡ Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command ¡ Research, Development and Engineering Command ¡ TACOM Life Cycle Management Command ¡ U.S. Army Security Assistance Command
The four-star U.S. Army Materiel Command recently opened its new 400,000 square-foot headquarters facility at Redstone Arsenal. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody officially opened the facility at a special ceremony. AMC is the first four-star command to be headquartered in Alabama. The six story facility will hold 1,777 employees. The two-star U.S. Army Security Assistance Command will be located in the facility as well, taking up about 84,000 square feet for its operation. The building was designed to meet LEED Silver Standards for green building construction.
Initiatives August 2011
19
Stars Abound at AMC Touchdown continued from page 19 –
AMC Fact Sheet ¢ The command’s complex missions range from develop-
ment of sophisticated weapon systems and cutting-edge research, to maintenance and distribution of spare parts.
¢ AMC operates the research, development and
L-R: Joe Ritch, Tennessee Valley BRAC Committee; Lt. Gen. Dennis Via, AMC; Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, Commanding General of AMC; Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Mellinger; John Nerger, Exec. Deputy to the Commanding General; Brig. Gen. Christopher Tucker, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, after cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the AMC Touchdown event.
engineering centers; Army Research Laboratory; depots; arsenals; ammunition plants; and other facilities; and maintains the Army’s prepositioned stocks, both on land and afloat. The command is also the Department of Defense Executive Agent for the chemical weapons stockpile and for conventional ammunition.
0000237632-01
¢ To develop, buy and maintain materiel for the Army,
• SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ANALYSIS • MODELING AND SIMULATION • SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND IV&V • TEST AND EVALUATION • C2BMC/BMC4
AMC also works closely with Program Executive Officers, the Army Acquisition Executive, industry and academia, the other services, and other government agencies. AMC also handles the majority of the Army’s contracting including a full range of contracting services for deployed units and installation-level services, supplies and common-use information technology hardware and software.
“Our mission is to provide high-quality management, technical and engineering services to assist government and commercial customers in solving complex problems.”
¢ The command is key to supporting and sustaining
the future force and current force. The command’s maintenance depots and arsenals overhaul, modernize and upgrade major weapon systems – not just making them like new, but inserting technology to make them better and more reliable. It also operates a network of Army field support brigades and battalions, logistics support elements, and brigade logistics support teams which identify and resolve equipment and maintenance problems, as well as materiel readiness issues for combatant commands.
530 Discovery Drive • Huntsville, Alabama 35806 • 256/922-0720
¢ AMC handles diverse missions that reach far beyond
the Army. For example, AMC manages the multi-billion dollar business of selling Army equipment and services to friends and allies of the United States and negotiates and implements agreements for co-production of U.S. weapons systems by foreign nations. AMC also provides numerous acquisition and logistics services to the other components of the DoD and many other government agencies.
¢ AMC also includes global surface transportation experts
0000237464-01
who provide the warfighter with a single surface deployment/distribution provider for adaptive and flexible solutions that deliver capability and sustainment on time.
20
August 2011 Initiatives
¢ As the place in the Army where superior technology,
acquisition support, and logistics are integrated to assure readiness for today and tomorrow, AMC is heavily involved in making the Army more responsive, deployable, agile, versatile, lethal, survivable, and sustainable. From beans to bullets, helmets to helicopters, spare parts to spare ribs, AMC touches every Soldier in the Army every day. •
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
Research Park 1267 Enterprise Way Suite A Huntsville, AL 35806 256.722.7880
BIRMINGHAM | DOTHAN | HUNTSVILLE | MONTGOMERY | PENSACOLA
www.servisfirstbank.com | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender 0000218834-01
Small But Mighty Small Business is Big Business at the Chamber
W
hen a small business event is happening, you better get there early because parking is sure to be scarce. A full parking lot mixed with a packed auditorium at the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is a common sight. As the community’s lead organization for economic development, the Chamber makes job creation its principal mission, and to that end regularly hosts events to help Chamber members grow their businesses. Through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations such as the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama, the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation, and local universities such as the University of Alabama Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, the Chamber is able to assist entrepreneurs and nascent businesses grow the community’s economy. The Chamber’s small business programs are designed to provide assistance, information, networking opportunities and opportunities for growth for woman-owned, small and home-based businesses. Rey Almodóvar, co-founder and CEO of Institutive Research and Technology and the 2011 vice chair for small business of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, says there are numerous connections small businesses can make by participating in the Chamber. “The Chamber provides companies with venues to learn about and interact with each other while growing one’s business. A small business gets the support, guidance and encouragement of not only companies in their industry, but other member companies from industries across the community igniting broader ideas and growth. These diverse connections can fuel a small business into unseen opportunities and in turn grow our community as a whole. Many alliances and business ventures of common benefit have been successfully formed as a result of membership in the Chamber. In addition, the Chamber is a gateway to small businesses to interact with industry leaders, elected officials, academia and the community.”
Networking, Networking, Networking The Chamber offers numerous opportunities for companies to network with Chamber members and to expose their businesses to potential customers and partners in a variety of settings. Every quarter, the Chamber hosts its Breakfast & Biz. Breakfast & Biz can be thought of as speed dating for your business. These events are highly structured to allow for maximum business networking. Individuals are placed in groups of eight and are given one minute to share with the group their organization’s 22
August 2011 Initiatives
benefits and services. Tables rotate six times during the event giving individuals a tremendous amount of exposure in a short period of time. The Chamber hosts six to eight networking events in a more relaxed setting. The Business After Hours events, which draw representatives from hundreds of businesses around the community, have become some of the area’s premier networking events. Small businesses also have an excellent opportunity to market their products and services to the community at the Chamber’s Business Expo. This annual event, held at the Von Braun Center, allows Chamber member businesses and organizations to gain exposure to thousands of potential customers and is open to the public. Participants range from cleaning services to furniture stores to restaurants to defense contractors.
The Small Business Awards Celebration is one of the Chamber’s premier events. Small businesses and executives are honored each year. Businesses in government contracting, business/professional services and technology are honored as small business of the year. In addition to the small business of the year, there are awards for non-profit, young professional and executive leader of the year. “The Chamber has allowed our company to take the final steps and grow a very small business to a truly successful business. Don’t get me wrong – we are still a ‘small business’ but our growth, in all areas, is steady and strong. We have become more involved than ever in our community through the Chamber both through new business relationships and charity activities. In addition, the Chamber has been an excellent promoter of our business as it has shared and communicated our successes locally and nationally. Through my association with the Chamber, I am honored to be able to mentor and assist others on their own path to success by sharing lessons learned and obstacles to overcome,” Almodóvar says.
Partnering for Small Business Success The Chamber, in conjunction with the Small Business Development Centers at Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama Huntsville, provides training in the form of workshops and seminars targeted toward new business owners and the small business community as a whole. Seminars are offered focusing on small business issues such as marketing, using technology to better a business as well as introductions to government contracting. All the events are priced minimally and are usually held during lunch. In addition to partnering with local universities, the Chamber literally works alongside the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA) to assist budding entrepreneurs with starting and sustaining a business. The WBCNA, with an office on the third floor of the Chamber, offers numerous services to client businesses in North Alabama. Clients include womanowned, home businesses as well as other businesses throughout the business life cycle. Some of the WBCNA’s programs include one-on-one business coaching, training programs, and as the Government Procurement Assistance Center for businesses looking to sell products and services to the federal government. For those entrepreneurs looking for a hands-on approach to starting a business, the WBCNA’s FastTrac Program is a 10-session program designed to give them all the tools needed for success. Numerous opportunities abound for entrepreneurs looking to start a hightech company thanks to a $600,000 grant from the Small Business Administration through the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation. The SBA continued on page 24
2010 photo by J. Hanshaw Photography
Honoring Small Business
Carrying the Torch Almodóvar Displays Leadership Traits of the Late Trailblazer Russell Brown
O
ne of the highlights of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County’s 25th Annual Small Business Awards celebration in 2010 was the honoring of Russell Brown, the late business and community leader who was the first recipient of the Chamber’s Executive of the Year Award in 1986. Brown, who died in 2010, was honored by other community leaders who praised his leadership and vision in a special video shown at the 2010 ceremony. Brown’s long-time friend Bob Ludwig, publisher of The Huntsville Times, made a presentation to Brown’s wife Shirley and their family at the ceremony. Brown was cofounder and CEO of Huntsville-based DP Associates, an information technology company. “The first recipient of this award was a man whose presence, leadership and respect inspired a generation of new leaders in this community,” said Ludwig. “His grace and dignity in the face of many adversities, his calm assurance in a storm and his thoughtful leadership led to Russell Brown being named the first Executive of the Year.” Thanks to his numerous contributions to the community over the years, the Chamber renamed the former Executive of the Year Award the Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award. In 2010, “our community lost one of our most precious
continued on page 24 Initiatives August 2011
23
Small But Mighty, continued from page 23 –
0000237624-01
www.accentcleaningandsupply.com Tel. 256-479-4428 | Fax 256-585-6229
Locally Woman Owned & Operated Call for a Free Catalog
grant is allowing the maturation of the Huntsville Advanced Defense Technology Cluster Initiative. Through this initiative, SBA is supporting 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. Business training, counseling, mentoring, technology transfer counseling, commercialization of R&D counseling, engagement with defense SBIR programs, facility clearance support and export readiness counseling are just some of the many services offered. In addition to VCSI, the other key members of the Huntsville Team include the Chamber; UAHuntsville; Alabama A&M; the WBCNA;
Biz Tech and Defense Acquisition University. According to Almodóvar, joining the Chamber and taking advantages of the small business opportunities can be quite fruitful. “I would tell them that joining the Chamber isn’t a question of ‘if I should’ join but ‘when and why haven’t I yet?’ The Chamber brings the business community together and provides a variety of opportunities to grow a small business. This assortment of events, programs and workshops allows each business to find what works for them and run with it. Once you become a Chamber member, the extent to which your business can grow is limitless – it’s just a matter of how much you want to put in and how far you want to take it.” • Harrison Diamond
Carrying the Torch, continued from page 23 –
0000237637-01
24
August 2011 Initiatives
assets, one of our valued leaders and greatest visionaries when Russ passed away,” Ludwig said. “He positively impacted so many people in his life. He was a great listener, a great problem-solver and above all, a great friend. We will feel his loss for years to come.” Rey Almodóvar, co-founder and CEO of Intuitive Research and Technology and the 2011 vice chair for small business of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, displayed many of the same leadership traits and qualities that made Brown so well respected. As a result, he became the first recipient of the Chamber’s Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award. Since moving the corporate headquarters from Texas to Huntsville in 2007, Intuitive grew almost 500 percent. “Winning this award is the validation that I have been doing the right thing for a long time. To be a leader you have to have a following. I have a great team and the team has grown with us. This is the icing on the cake. We have been in business a long time and we have done the right things at the right times with the right people and with the right management,” said Almodóvar. •
community profile
TOP 10 EMPLOYERS
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
Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000
21.0%
13.8%
46.4%
21.9%
The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,600
% Growth
City of Huntsville Madison Metro Area
U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,000
Population
Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,280
Madison County Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,389
Households & Income*
SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,242
# of Households
128,729
75,737
14,707
155,251
Avg. Household Income
$75,911
$71,775
$94,538
$73,316
UAHuntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,675
Per Capita Income
$30,835
$31,226
$35,496
$29,026
Sanmina-SCI Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,578
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov), *2009 American Community Survey
City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,206
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 36,500 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
HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com
Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a global leader in technology development. The second-largest science and technology park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to more than 285 companies and 25,000 people involved in technology research and development.
0000218344-01
For more information visit:
Initiatives August 2011
25
Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
2 0 1 1 S TA F F Tommy Beason, interim president & CEO Laura Kendrick, manager, investor relations Tammy Gregory, executive assistant
O U
Communications John Southerland, communications director
AKWOOD NIVERSITY
Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer
Economic Development Ethan Hadley, VP, economic development Rick Davis, director, Cummings Research Park Harrison Diamond, economic development coordinator
Amy Locke, industrial development/existing
INSPIRING
FUTURE LEADERS IN SERVICE
industry assistant
Finance & Administration Christy Nalley, director, finance & administration Jamie Gallien, IT manager Mary McNairy, accounting specialist Lori Warner, accounting specialist
7000 Adventist Boulevard, NW Huntsville, Alabama 35896 256.726.7000 www.oakwood.edu
Joe Watson, facilities supervisor
Governmental Affairs
0000237641-01
Mike Ward, VP, governmental affairs Tina Leopold, governmental affairs assistant
Member & Small Business Services Jenni Jeffers, director,
THE POWER OF BALANCE.
member & small business services
Terrie Ledbetter, membership representative Mike Brazier, membership representative Donna McCrary, membership specialist Kathleen Byrne, events coordinator
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.
Mitzi Floyd, small business coordinator
Research & Information Services Ken Smith, director, research & information services Hiroko Sedensky, web designer/research specialist
That’s not the traditional Wall Street approach to investing, often acting in a frenzy while trying to predict the future and rarely mindful of the risks or costs. If you’re ready for a more rational approach to investing, one that’s rooted in research and focused on results, we invite you to take a closer look at our investment management programs that hold more than 12,000 fixed income and equity securities from nearly 50 countries around the world.
Brian Hinson is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker dealer (Member SPIC) and reg istered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. *Licensed, not practicing. 205.871.6690. CRN201012-2048919
26
August 2011 Initiatives
Ashley Shady, resource desk coordinator Becky Moretti, resource desk assistant
Workforce Lucia Cape, VP, workforce Mark Brown, director, workforce recruitment Amanda Bishop, workforce assistant
Associated Organization WBCNA (Women’s Business Center of North Alabama)
0000218835-01
Brian T. Hinson CFP®, CPA*, ChFC®, PFS Private Wealth Advisor 400 Meridian Street, Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801 256.704.4617 www.ffghuntsville.com
Urisa Rêvé Smith, information services specialist
Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County 225 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 / fax 256-535-2015 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com
“We’re proud to be supporting our national security efforts with Standard Missiles here in Huntsville
and at Redstone — in partnership with you. When this facility is fully staffed, it will be Raytheon Missile System’s largest outside of our headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. You’ve proven to us that Alabama is the best place to support our next-generation missile defense capabilities.”
– Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence vice president, Raytheon Company & president, Raytheon Missile Systems
New Day Dawns for Raytheon Factory to be site of final assembly and testing of SM-3, SM-6 missiles
A
fter years of discussion, contemplation and meetings between company officials and community leaders, the timing was finally right, and the Huntsville community ripe, for Raytheon Company to expand its presence. After company officials announced in 2010 their intent to build a new production and assembly plant in Huntsville, Raytheon Company’s Missile Systems business recently broke ground for an ‘all-up-round’ Standard Missile production facility on the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal site. When completed, the facility will provide final assembly and testing for Raytheon’s SM-3 and SM-6 missiles and create 300 jobs. The $75 million, 70,000 square-foot factory is expected to be the most technologically advanced facility the company has built. Dr. Tayler Lawrence, vice president, Raytheon Company and president of Raytheon Missile Systems, referred to it as the “Factory of the Future” at the groundbreaking ceremony. He added that the factory would be built on 200 acres with additional space allocated for future expansion, “which is good because it could open the door to other programs here as we win new business. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a common tooling and manufacturing platform, allowing service to multiple product lines. “This new factory will enable us to provide our Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy customers with even greater capability,” Lawrence said. “Raytheon’s SM-3 is the centerpiece of the nation’s new missile defense strategy in Europe, and SM-6 will give the U.S. Navy a new, much-needed weapon system.” The production facility will be constructed in two phases; each phase will be tied to
Artist rendering of Raytheon’s new 70,000 square-foot factory being built on Redstone Arsenal. SM-3 and SM-6 production contracts. “This new Raytheon factory means more jobs for Alabama and is a clear demonstration of Raytheon’s strong partnership with the state,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama. “Raytheon continues to be an important piece of Alabama’s economic picture.” SM-3 is being developed as part of the MDA’s sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight. SM-6 is an extended range anti-air warfare missile. Fired from navy ships, SM-6 provides over-the-horizon capabilities against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said the state and the nation would both benefit when the factory is operational. “There are more soldiers per capita in Ala-
bama than any other place in the nation. How appropriate it is that you are assembling missiles here,” Bentley said. “The workers in this state are some of the best in the country. We must never forget that what we are doing here is protecting America and our allies.” U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions said the facility is a natural fit for Huntsville, one of the leading military and space technology communities in the nation. “This community represents the best technology community for the defense of the nation. Our national defense depends on the United States’ continued dominance in the air and in space.” The event drew numerous federal, state and local elected officials, including U.S. Reps. Mo Brooks and Robert Aderholt, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie, among others. Representatives of Team Redstone were also present, including continued on page 28 Initiatives August 2011
27
New Day Dawns for Raytheon, continued from page 27 – Maj. Gen. Jim Rogers, commanding general of Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) and Lt. Gen. Patrick O’Reilly, director, MDA. “This is a huge deal for us,” Rogers said. “It is a great opportunity to leverage what we have here on this installation.” O’Reilly said at the ceremony that the factory marked a new era for the region. “Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley have enjoyed a rich history, but today we enter a new era. This is a tremendous asset to the missile defense of this country.” Lawrence warned attendees that rogue nations were developing ballistic missile capabilities quickly, highlighting the need for the SM-3 and SM-6 missiles. “In summary, Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6 not only protect our warfighters — they are central to the preservation of our freedoms and the democratic way of life we hold so dear. Threats generated by tyrants and rogue nations are not going away. More than 30 countries possess ballistic missile technologies. Last year, MDA estimated that more than 6,000
L-R: LTG Patrick J. O’Reilly; Cong. Robert Aderholt; Raytheon Company vice president and president of Raytheon Missile System Dr. Taylor Lawrence; Raytheon Company CEO William Swanson; Gov. Robert Bentley; Sen. Jeff Sessions; Cong. Mo Brooks; MG Jim Rogers. missiles and 1,000 launchers exist outside of NATO, the United States, China and Russia. Many Middle East nations now have more than 100 launchers,” Lawrence said. “These numbers increase each year, and our challenge in this tight budgetary environment will be to produce enough defensive weapons to outpace the threat and provide the neces-
sary shield for us and our allies. “We’re proud to be supporting our national security efforts with Standard Missile here in Huntsville and at Redstone — in partnership with you.” A partnership that marks the dawning of a new day for Raytheon and Redstone. • John Southerland & Harrison Diamond
Make a Lasting
0000237640-01
Impression...
Specializing in Rentals for • Corporate Events • Weddings • Parties
CCR Certified
256.837.5322
6745 University Drive • Huntsville Fax 256.837.5155 • www.allneedzrental.com 0000237627-01
28
August 2011 Initiatives
Each of our commercial bankers has their own business specialty. But they all specialize in you. RBC Bank has specialists in financing, leasing, treasury management services and international banking. Each banking officer is committed to using their expertise to help you seize new opportunities and maximize your company’s potential for growth. Plus, we’re a part of the Royal Bank of Canada, a proven world leader. And as a member of the RBC family, we can offer you the peace of mind that comes from that relationship combined with the personal service and practical guidance you would expect from a local bank.
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.
0000212674-01
Call 1-800-RBC BANK or visit a banking center near you to learn more today. rbcbank.com
numbers
Photo by Matthew Chandler © 2011 Chamber of Commerce
strength in
connects business prospects
“Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has a vested interest in seeing this area grow and develop, and we’ve seen a tangible return on our investment with HREGI. I know our community, our company and our team members will continue to benefit from this strong partnership.
”
For a list of HREGI investors, see page 4 or visit: www.growHuntsville.com 30
August 2011 Initiatives
Jim Bolte, President
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. HREGI Investor since 2003
E M P L O Y E E
O F
T H E
Q U A R T E R
Harrison Diamond Economic Development Coordinator
I
n the words of one of his supervisors, Harrison Diamond’s “quality of work is exceeded only by his quantity of work.” As a result, Harrison was selected by his co-workers as the Chamber’s newest Employee of the Quarter. In his role as the economic development coordinator, Diamond works with the economic development team on projects, industry recruitment and prospect visits, and in marketing the community to targeted industries. He also supports the Chamber’s communications and image development efforts. But thanks to his commitment to teamwork and in supporting the Chamber’s mission and its members, Diamond routinely steps in and helps out all divisions whenever possible. “Harrison’s willingness to assist other Chamber divisions is exemplary and he has become a vitally important member of our economic development staff,” said Ethan Hadley, the Chamber’s vice president for economic development.
From economic development support to directing the Chamber’s social media campaign, his impact at the Chamber has been tremendous. “Harrison’s value to this Chamber and to this community is remarkable,” said Cummings Research Park Director Rick Davis. “One small example of his impact is on how he has managed our marketing efforts related to industry recruitment efforts at marketing events such as the air shows.” Diamond said he is fortunate to work in such a dynamic community and an organization like the Chamber. “I could not have asked for a better first job than the one I have at the Chamber,” Diamond said. “As an organization we do so much, and the breadth of activity we do on a daily basis is amazing. I like coming to work knowing that we play a role in promoting this community and work to bring jobs to Huntsville/Madison County and Alabama.” •
Would You Like To Be One Step Ahead? UAHuntsville’s Systems Engineering Certificate Program will help you refine your ability to design, develop, and manage complex systems throughout the life cycle. Learn to analyze user requirements and develop a systematic approach that meets those requirements, on time and within budget. Classroom courses meet Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on the UAHuntsville campus. Systems Engineering Overview Sep 12 – 13
Requirements Development
Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation Dec 12 – 13
Oct 17 – 18
System Validation and Verification
Trade Studies and Decision Making
Jan 9 – 10, 2012
Nov 14 – 15
Risk Assessment and Management Feb 13 – 14, 2012
All courses also offered Online On Demand – begin anytime. Take one course or the entire Certificate. An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Institution
Save $450 – Register for the entire certificate program. Programs available Classroom, Online, and Customized for your organization.
www.PCS.uah.edu • PCSinfo@uah.edu 256.824.6372 • 800.448.4035 0000237644-01
Initiatives August 2011
31
Big Steps for LogiCore Bouldin Leads Company to Record Growth, New Headquarters in CRP
Y
32
August 2011 Initiatives
LogiCore founder, President/CEO Miranda Bouldin prepares to cut the ribbon to officially open the company’s new facility as Mayor Tommy Battle, Congressman Mo Brooks, 2011 Chamber Chair-elect Jim Bolte and other LogiCore employees look on. The company provides support to the Department of Defense, including the U.S. Army both locally and abroad.
Courtesy of Logicore © U.S. Army
ou might have to forgive Miranda Bouldin if she can’t stop smiling. Who could have imagined when she started her company in her living room years ago that in a relatively short time that she’d be the focal point standing next to the Huntsville mayor, a U.S. congressman and the president of a local manufacturing company that is among the world’s largest and most successful? Yet that was where Bouldin, founder, president/CEO of LogiCore, found herself recently as her woman-owned small business company specializing in information technology, integrated logistics and engineering support solutions, hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at its new corporate headquarters in Cummings Research Park. So how did she handle it? By being grounded and humble and doing what leaders do – crediting the employees who help make it happen every day. “This day is really a testament to our employees,” Bouldin said. “They work hard every day because they know our goal is to make sure we are taking care of our customer,” she said as the company opened its 13,000 square foot headquarters facility in the nation’s second largest research and development park. “We understand who our customers are, and we know their needs and requirements. The dedication of our team has led to our success because they know and understand we are taking part in a mission that is bigger than us all. “We are very excited to be upgrading our corporate headquarters as we embark on this new phase of growth. This move
York in June where she had the opportunity to share her viewpoints on the economy while participating in discussions on how women contribute to the economy. And the selection gave her the opportunity to meet with Ursula Burns, CEO of Xerox, who formerly lived in Huntsville and worked at Intergraph. She also got to meet accomplished women such as retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, actor Geena Davis, Debra L. Lee, chair of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Rear Admiral
Moira Flanders and Marissa Mayer, vice president, search products and user experience for Google. “It was a wonderful opportunity and a great experience to meet these accomplished women and participate on this task force,” she said. At the rate of LogiCore’s growth and success, those renowned women executives may one day be telling others that they had the opportunity to meet Miranda Bouldin. • John Southerland
There’s never been a better time to learn about DirectBuy Club. DirectBuy is the new way to buy, a way for you to get what you want and not have to settle for what you think you can afford. DirectBuy gives you access to hundreds of thousands of products from over 700 of the biggest brands in North America,
–––––––– Huntsville ––––––––
For a FREE Vistior’s Pass visit directbuyguide.com directbuyguuide.com or or call (256)513-8025 (256)513-8027
0000237633-01
EXPERIENCE
MATTERS 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. csc.com/huntsville
0000237631-01
supports our vision of maintaining the highest level of quality, service and readiness while focusing on our customer’s needs. I am grateful to be in a position to better support our customer requirements as we look to provide an atmosphere that fosters innovation, creativity and flexibility. Moving into a larger facility will allow us to maintain and expand our technical expertise in-house.” From a humble beginning, LogiCore has grown to about 150 employees working with Department of Defense, the U.S. Army and other government and commercial clients. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle congratulated Bouldin and the LogiCore team for their explosive growth over the past five years. “Miranda, congratulations to you and your team. When you experience 40 percent growth in one year, and then follow that up with a growth of 180 percent and double your revenue, it’s obvious you and your team are doing something right. Your community involvement outside of work is also to be commended – you truly embody what it means to be a great corporate citizen and community partner,” Battle said. Congressman Mo Brooks echoed the Mayor’s statement. “Miranda, you are a great story and we thank you for what you are doing. Congratulations to you and the employees of LogiCore on your success. I look forward to the day when we are doing another ceremony because you have doubled in size again,” said Brooks. Jim Bolte, 2011 chair-elect for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County and the president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, said the company’s success reinforces Huntsville/Madison County’s standing as a leading technology community. “With a dynamic entrepreneur as the founder and CEO, LogiCore fills a critical need for its clients while continuing to showcase our community as a smart place to live, work and play. When its customers turn to LogiCore, they know that they are selecting a company that exemplifies its slogan – readiness accelerated,” Bolte said. Bouldin was recently selected to participate as a member on the Wall Street Journal’s Executive Task Force for Women in the Economy. The opportunity led her to New
Initiatives August 2011
33
More Space for Science HudsonAlpha Adding to CRP Biotechnology Campus
M
L-R: Jim Bolte, Chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors; Madison Mayor Paul Finley; Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; Gov. Robert Bentley; HudsonAlpha Co-founder Jim Hudson; HudsonAlpha Co-founder Lonnie McMillian; HudsonAlpha President Dr. Rick Meyers.
0000237628-01
History of Performance - Future of Dedication
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
34
August 2011 Initiatives
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
any local and state leaders have called the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology the future catalyst for technology growth in Huntsville and in Cummings Research Park. The creation of the Institute brought together some of the world’s top human genome research scientists with biotech companies hoping to build off the cutting edge research and get treatment, products and diagnostic tools to market faster than ever before. The vision of Institute co-founder Jim Hudson was to have a biotech campus that would place Huntsville as one of the nation’s premier technology driven economies. And with the recent groundbreaking of the third facility on the biotech campus, Hudson’s vision is well on its way to being realized. HudsonAlpha has a three-fold mission of genomic research, economic development and educational outreach. Governor Robert Bentley was on hand to acknowledge the state’s ongoing dedication to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and expansion of the life sciences industry in Alabama. “The addition of a new facility on the Cummings Research Park Biotech Campus creates opportunities to significantly enrich the state’s knowledge worker economy,” said Bentley. According to Hudson, the Institute facility, housing both non-profit researchers and for-profit businesses, is full. “We have some tenants who would like to have additional space. With the third building coming online, there is another option for them, as well as space to accommodate new organizations to the campus through the state’s economic development office,” said Hudson. “Building three, adjacent to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, fits well with Alabama’s long term economic development plan to attract, build and retain a vibrant life sciences industry that will enhance quality of life for citizens both inside and outside of Alabama,” said Bentley. “I am
Artist rendering of Building 3 in CRP’s Biotech Campus. excited to be in Huntsville today to break ground on another building in this impressive complex.” The state has committed $10 million to fund the campus expansion. According to Dr. Rick Myers, president of HudsonAlpha, the Institute’s high throughput genomics and genetics infrastructure is a draw for a variety of research and development companies addressing testing, disease diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as organizations focusing on other biomedical devices and services. “These exciting new technologies are also attractive to organizations with goals to create sustainable fuels, conduct environmental remediation and enhance agricultural yields,” he added. Jim Bolte, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama and 2011 Chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/ Madison County, praised the work being led by Dr. Myers and the institute. “Dr. Myers is building an unsurpassed infrastructure for genetics and genomics
research right here on the Cummings Research Park Biotech Campus,” Bolte said. “I was at the grand opening of the Institute and it has grown dramatically since then. In addition to accommodating Institute researchers, the facility currently houses 16 businesses. The second building in the biotech campus opened in 2009 and now we will be adding another great facility to the Cummings Research Park Biotechnology campus. As we have said since the Institute opened, the best is yet to come.” Site preparation at building three began in March. HudsonAlpha officials anticipate building completion by year’s end, providing an additional 88,000 square feet of lab and office space on the campus. The facility will be LEED-certified. “Embracing metrics to ensure green building design, construction and maintenance is a matter of both conscience and practicality as we go forward,” said Hudson. • Staff Reports
Aerial view of Building 3 location in McMillian Park – taken from the roof of the HudsonAlpha Institute.
0000237643-01
Initiatives August 2011
35
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:
Dr. Eugene H. Scott, Jr.
Armed Forces Week Proclamation Signing
www.dreugenehscottjr.com Providing Dental Services for Nursing Home and Bed-Ridden Patients That we currently manage onsite
Armed Forces Week Committee Chair Joe Fitzgerald (right) presents the 2011 proclamation to MG Jim Rogers. It was signed by Mayor Tommy Battle, Mayor Paul Finley and Chairman Mike Gillespie.
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 0000237463-01
36
August 2011 Initiatives
Breakfast & Biz presented by Verizon Wireless
For more than 100 Chamber members, this quarterly networking format offers a great way for them to make contacts and market their businesses & organizations.
Business After Hours presented by Cumulus Media; hosted by Holiday Inn Downtown
The room was filled with more than 250 people making business connections and tasting great food – getting a jump start to the July 4th holiday weekend. 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.
The annual Armed Forces Celebration is a week-long community salute to the United States Military. With the theme of United in Strength, the celebration allowed the community to honor the military, veterans and their families with a number of events throughout the week. Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Paul Finley kicked off the 2011 Celebration with a Proclamation Signing at the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. One of the most popular events was a Concert in the Park featuring the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band and barbecue cooked and served by Mayor Battle. Another event was the Armed Forces Salute Reception and Army Birthday Celebration, hosted by AUSA, that also featured the AMC Band, Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody and special guest Gov. Robert Bentley. Other events included the always-sold out U.S. Army Soldier Show and the NCO/Soldier of the Year luncheon. Military discounts were offered at numerous local attractions throughout the week as the community thanked all those that serve and support the U.S. military. •
Initiatives August 2011
37
Q&A with Dr. Casey Wardynski, continued from page 11 –
0000237626-01
You mentioned “America’s Army.” How does your experience in creating this innovative and unconventional recruitment tool prepare you to lead change within Huntsville City Schools?
[
Allegra can help you jump start your marketing with your FREE Jump Drive
]
804 Beltline Road, SW Decatur, AL 35601 256.351.9525
Getting a jump on marketing could be as simple as calling Allegra for your next marketing or print project. From optimizing the impact of a single printed piece to creating a complete marketing plan, we can show you new ways to reach your target audiences, increase your brand awareness & grow your organization. (We do the basics like business cards and letterhead, too!) Contact us for details at 256.351.9525.
0000212648-01
Receive a FREE 2GB Jump Drive for any new marketing or print project of $100 or more. DIRECT MAIL | COPYWRITING | QUALITY FULL COLOR PRINTING | LIST SOURCING & MANAGEMENT | MARKETING PLANNING | MAILING SERVICES | SIGNS & BANNERS WEBSITE DESIGN | GRAPHIC DESIGN | EMAIL MARKETING | PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
0000239508-01
38
August 2011 Initiatives
CW: Well, that project was truly a unique experience. In my role as Director of the Army Game Project, I managed a large virtual organization with operations and partners across the United States. Creation, deployment and operation of “America’s Army” required the talents of a wide range of experts and entrepreneurs with all sorts of organizational cultures. It entailed extensive public outreach efforts to secure the support of partner organizations in industry, the gaming community, academia, and government and non-profit organizations ranging from the Secret Service to Project Lead the Way. As with any innovation, that project faced strong resistance from the “not invented here” crowd as well as folks who were invested in legacy processes and modes of thinking. To overcome their resistance, I had to find and secure the support of a tenacious team of innovators. I also had to bypass organizational filters to communicate directly with key stakeholders. Finally, I had to use data to demonstrate program efficacy and efficiency, and to stretch my budget I had to engage the support of key partners outside the Army. For example, distribution costs typically represent a very large share of the budget of any mass-market product such as an electronic game. Well, I didn’t have a distribution budget, so “America’s Army” partnered with NVIDIA, Dell, PC Gamer Magazine and other commercial activities to bundle “America’s Army” with their products. We also employed a “Napster” approach, creating our game so that it was designed to be “ripped” and shared by gamers, much as music sharing led to the creation of sharing sites and iTunes on the Internet. We also partnered with Southern Methodist University and other colleges to accelerate creation of game content and reduce cost. We provided seed money to fund faculty and incorporation of “America’s Army” design efforts in college curricula. In a period of a few months, we obtained content from college students at a tenth of the cost we would have paid for in-house development. Benefiting from Metcalf’s Law, we also gained considerable network benefits in creating and testing new game content. In late 2004, I moved the “America’s Army” game development effort from California to the Software Engineering Directorate at Redstone Arsenal. That move brought me back to Huntsville and ultimately gave rise to my interest in leading Huntsville City Schools. Now, I intend to employ my experiences in partnering and the ties I developed at Redstone Arsenal through the “America’s Army” game to engage the local community in bringing about a renaissance in Huntsville City Schools. This will include bringing the community into key decisions regarding the design of the school system, its course offerings and its future. It will also include outreach to business, community and government leaders. continued on page 42
Where to go • Who to see for products and services
Use a Chamber member... it's in your best interest 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 Arcata & Associates 1525 Perimeter Parkway Suite 190, 35806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-837-5331 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 InfoPro Corporation 6705 Odyssey Drive, 35806. . . . . . 256-382-9700 Intuitive Research & Technology 5030 Bradford Drive Bldg 2, Suite 205, 35805. . . . . . . . 256-922-9300
First Commercial Bank 301 Washington Street, 35801 . . . 256-551-3300 National Bank of Commerce 203 Greene Street Suite B, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-564-7600 RBC Bank 100 Church Street Suite 200, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-564-5753 Servis 1st Bank www.servisfirstbank.com . . . . . . . 256-722-7800
Cleaning Services Accent Cleaning and Supply, Inc. 3322 Memorial Parkway SW Suite 201, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-479-4428
Woody Anderson Ford 2500 Jordan Lane NW, 35816 . . . 256-539-9441
Direct Buy 6515 University Drive, 35816 . . . . 256-489-5630
Hospitals Huntsville Hospital 101 Sivley Road, 35801. . . . . . . . . 256-265-1000
Printers - Commercial
Real Estate
Convention Facilities & Services
Graham and Company 355 Quality Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-382-9010
Jackson Center 600 Genome Way, 35806 . . . . . . . 256-327-7320
Industrial Properties of the South 2903 Wall Triana Hwy., 35758 . . . 256-461-7482
Credit Unions
NAI Chase Commercial www.chasecommercial.com
Dentists
Automobile - Dealers - New
Home Improvement & Furnishing Club
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc 6703 Odyssey Drive Suite 200, 35806 . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-922-2760
SAIC www.saic.com
Tec Masters 1500 Perimeter Parkway Suite 215, 35806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-830-4000
First Financial Group of the South, Inc. 400 Meridian St, Suite 100 . . . . . . 256-704-4617
Allegra Print & Imaging 804 Beltline Rd, Decatur, 35601. . . 256-351-9525
Redstone Federal Credit Union 220 Wynn Drive, 35893 . . . . . . . 256-837-6110
Audiovisual Production Film, Video Tape
Financial Services
Consultants - Management
Sagent Advisors, Inc. www.sagentadvisors.com
SPS 4950 Corporate Dr. Suite 115, 35805 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-319-2135
MTSI 5285 Shawnee Road, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22312. . . . . . . . . . 703-564-3800
Dr. Eugene Scott, Jr DD S401 Lowell Drive Suite 17, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-533-0434
Education Schools, Colleges, Universities J.F. Drake State Technical College 3421 Meridian St, N, 35811 . . . . . 256-551-3117 Oakwood University 7000 Adventist Blvd, 35896 . . . . . 256-726-7000 UA Huntsville Professional & Continuing Education 103 Wilson Hall, 35899. . . . . . . . . 256-824-6372
Banks
Engineering Services Research and Development
Bryant Bank 415-H Church Street Suite 100, 35801 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256-535-1045
Davidson Technologies, Inc. 530 Discovery Drive, 35806 . . . . . 256-922-0720
Rentals All Needz Rentals 6745 University Drive, 35806 . . . . 256-837-5322
Restaurants Ruth’s Chris 800 Monroe Street SW, 35801 . . . 256-539-3930
Signs & Banners FASTSIGNS of Huntsville 4294 University Drive, 35816 . . . . 256-722-5227
Telecommunications Adtran, Inc. 901 Explorer Blvd., 35806. . . . . . . 256-963-8000
List your company in this Buyers Guide • For information call 256-532-4250
0000219076-01
the right fit for your small business Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Business Solutions team has the knowledge, experience and products to fit your business needs. Offering products from loans, credit cards, deposit accounts and cash management services – to investments and insurance, Redstone can tailor a package to fit your needs. Call today to find out what Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Business Solutions team can do for your business. You and Redstone – Moving Forward Together!
Must be an RFCU member and have a Business Share Account to obtain SBA loan. Loans subject to credit approval. RFCU is an equal credit opportunity lender. Restrictions apply. Federally insured by NCUA. Investment and Insurance products are: Not NCUSIF insured – May lose value – Not financial institution guaranteed – Not a deposit – Not issued by any federal government agency.
0000218833-01
HREGI Report Card Shows Metro Still Head of Class A
mong the strategies included in the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville Madison County’s strategic plan are annual goals and objectives related to new and expanding industry job announcements. This plan, updated annually as part of the Chamber’s Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI), is the blueprint for economic growth in Huntsville/Madison County. In early 2011, the Chamber released 2010 results that showed a total of 2,901 announced jobs, including 2,249 announced jobs from existing employers and 652 announced jobs from new employers. These numbers exceeded the Chamber’s goal of 2,500 announced jobs per year. However, part of the HREGI strategic plan directive is to compare the Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area’s economic performance against other selected peer technology communities like Austin, Nashville and Atlanta, among others. When the Alabama Development Office recently released its 2010 final state economic development report, the numbers confirmed what has been a trend over the past 20 years, the Huntsville metro is performing as well as or better than most of those peer technology communities and continues to far outpace the rest of Alabama. “The 2010 numbers show that for 17 of the last 21 years, the Huntsville Metro has led the state in primary job creation,” said Charlie Kettle, President/CEO of First Commercial Bank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber. “Since 2000, the Huntsville Metro has accounted for nearly 23 percent of the state’s total population growth.” Kettle said what is good for Huntsville is good for Alabama. “When we compare our community, it is not a ‘Huntsville versus other Alabama metros’ comparison. We look at other peer technology communities such as Raleigh/Durham, Austin, Nashville and Atlanta. Against those areas Huntsville has continued to fare well,” he said. “HREGI is our community’s plan for growing the economy and we implement that plan. Our results continue to exceed those of almost any metro nationally.”
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals became the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County’s newest Investor in the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). HREGI is the community’s blueprint for economic growth. Qualitest is one of the nation’s largest producers of generic medications. In professional and business service employment since 2000, the Huntsville Metro has experienced a 45.9 percent growth rate, well ahead of Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Raleigh and Nashville. In employment growth, Huntsville experienced a 12.6 percent increase since 2000, behind only Austin and Raleigh and ahead of Atlanta, Charlotte, Durham and Nashville. “And the latest information from the
Department of Labor shows the Huntsville Metro with an average annual pay of $49,240, which is higher than the Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Nashville and Raleigh areas and remains the highest in Alabama,” Kettle said. For more information on the report, please visit HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com or call 256.535.2000. • John Southerland & Ken Smith
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
0000237855-01
Initiatives August 2011
41
Q&A with Dr. Casey Wardynski, continued from page 38 –
0000237634-01
While he was consulting with the Board before your arrival, Dr. Ed Richardson stated that there is no reason, given the highly educated workforce we have here, that our public schools system couldn’t be one of the best in the nation. How do you think we can get our system to that elite level and what will success look like when we get there?
CW: Parts of Huntsville City Schools are already performing at an elite level. In partnership with Huntsville City School teachers, leaders and parents, I plan to engage the community in expanding excellence across our district. To begin this process, I plan to recognize excellence, celebrate excellence, and employ excellence to institutionalize a district culture that values and seeks excellence. As superintendent, I began this process by creating a panel of individuals known for their dedication to excellence. I commissioned this panel to help me select nine new school principals. Using a similar process, I plan to screen teachers seeking to join Huntsville City Schools to identify candidates who have high expectations for student achievement, talent
for inspiring young minds, facility and comfort with using data to guide instruction, and willingness to grow and contribute as members of a learning community dedicated to excellence in the classroom, playing field, administrative office and school community.
Any last thoughts that you would like to share with the business community?
CW: In closing I would like to say that Huntsville is a unique city with national importance. To realize Huntsville’s potential, the city’s children must benefit from excellent educational preparation to realize their potential. I am dedicated to leading Huntsville City Schools in partnership with teachers, parents, school leaders, staff and the community to attain this goal.
Fastsigns solves visual communication challenges, large and small, from the simple . . .
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.
42
August 2011 Initiatives
0000218838-01
. . . to the simply incredible!!
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
0000237503-01
Leadership. Solutions. Success.
SAIC helps solve some of our nation’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 Š Science Applications International Corporation. All rights reserved.
NYSE: SAI
0000237642-01