Better Together At Bradley, we combine legal experience and knowledge with a sophisticated understanding of the industries that drive Huntsville. We use our talents, judgment, work ethic, and experience to come up with practical, strategic solutions specifically tailored to our clients’ business operations. We go above and beyond expectations to help our clients meet their goals. Our Huntsville attorneys leverage a broad range of perspectives to help achieve the results that we expect and our clients demand.
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Bringing employee health services
TO RESEARCH PARK.
Convenient primary care is now just around the corner from you. This new clinic serves the employees whose companies choose to partner with Huntsville Hospital. Employees and retirees, along with their spouses and dependents (ages 12 and above), can be seen by David Huff, MD, Registered Nurse Suzanne Miller and team member Jana Jacobs. Dr. Huff is one of the area’s most experienced primary care physicians, with more than 35 years of service as a family physician. Our services include primary care, laboratory testing, rapid strep test, diabetes and hypertension management, annual physicals and more. Clinic hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 7047 Old Madison Pike, Suite 330 · Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 265-PARK | hhcorporatewellness.org
welcome new chamber members Joined in January 2018 Aerobotix, Inc. Aerospace Products SE., Inc. Allstate Insurance - Brewer & Associates Bank Independent BrightStar Care of Huntsville CHX Marketing Inc. Dawson Dental Care of Huntsville Diversified Maintenance The Enfinger Companies Engineering & Computer Simulations, Inc. Expo Displays - Method One GexPro Global Furniture Group Glover Construction Company, Inc. Greater Huntsville Humane Society Huntsville Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Jenny Craig (Positive Outlook) Make a Great Impression The P.I.L.L. Method Re/Max Alliance - Karen Harrison Renta Urban Land Design Shape Fidelity, Inc. Snap-on Logistics Company SpringHill Suites Providence Stonecraft Construction, Division of Imagine, Inc. Sunbelt Business Brokers Terminix Totally Infused Training Center Pros, Inc. Urban Engine Window Genie of Huntsville
Joined in February 2018 Abacus Technology Corporation Agile Decision Sciences Amendment XXI American Cancer Society American Heart Association Anytime Fitness Benchmark Electronics, Inc. Bullet & Barrel
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initiatives apr 2018
BWX Technologies CAM Contracting Capstone Educational Consultants Check N Go - Memorial Pkwy Check N Go - Pratt Ave Cottage Senior Living Courtyard Marriott Huntsville Cricket Wireless - North Huntsville Cricket Wireless - South Huntsville Cricket Wireless - Westbury Square CRM Solutions Inc. Cyberforce Services DPSI - Digital Print Services, Inc. Florida Institute of Technology Huntsville Four Leaves Asian Restaurant Infinity Orthotics & Prosthetics ITC Defense Corp. Kumon Math & Reading Center Launch Broadband MaidPro Cleaning Services Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc. Mello’s Home Care Metro Diner Huntsville Nobletech Solutions Inc. North American Surveillance Systems (NASS) On-Line Applications Research (OAR) Corporation Paycor, Inc. Penske Logistics Raptors’ Eyes Aero, LLC Security Centres International Southern Elegance Dance Studio STAR - Systems Technology & Research Vision Excellence Company (VEC) Walker’s Market Weatherly Appraisal Services Whitehead Realty Wilder HR Management & EEO Consulting
If you want to make a valuable investment in your business and the community, the Chamber is the place to start. Contact Donna McCrary, Membership Retention Manager: 256-535-2027 or dmccrary@hsvchamber.org. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
HU N TS VI LLE / M A DI S ON
C OU N T Y
C H A M BE R
DEVELOPMENT PARTNER
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
REGIONAL PARTNERS
LEADERSHIP FORUM
Huntsville Hospital Madison County Commission Regions Bank
Port of Huntsville Tennessee Valley Authority
ADTRAN, Inc. The Boeing Company City of Madison Landers McLarty Corporation Redstone Federal Credit Union Vertiv
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA Compass • Crestwood Medical Center • Dynetics, Inc. • General Atomics • Lockheed Martin Corporation PNC Bank • SAIC • SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC • Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. • Yulista
CHAMBER TRUSTEES AEgis Technologies Group • Aerojet Rocketdyne • Akima, LLC • All Points Logistics, LLC • Bailey Harris Construction Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama • Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. • Five Stones Research Corporation Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation • Jerry Damson, Inc. • KBRwyle • Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. Northrop Grumman Corporation • PARSONS • Raytheon Company • S3, Inc. • Sealy Management Company, Inc. SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center • Synovus • Torch Technologies
PROGRESS PARTNERS Ability Plus • ASRC Federal Analytical Services • Baron Services, Inc. • BASF Corporation • BB&T • Bill Penney Toyota, Scion & Mitsubishi Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP • Brown Precision, Inc. • Coates Transportation Group • Colliers International • Connected Logistics Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) • Davidson Technologies, Inc. • Google • Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association • IBERIABANK Hexagon US Federal • J Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh McLennan Agency LLC company • Keel Point, LLC • L3 Technologies • LMI • LogiCore The Orthopaedic Center • Progress Bank • Radiance Technologies • Re/Max Alliance • Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc. (DBA Steak Out) SCI Technology, Inc. • SELEX Galileo Inc. • ServisFirst Bank • Turner Construction Company • Wells Fargo Bank • Woody Anderson Ford
PROGRESS INVESTORS 4SITE, Inc. • AECOM • Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. • Amanda Howard Real Estate • Anglin Reichmann Snellgrove & Armstrong, PC • Averbuch Realty Co., Inc. – Scott Averbuch • BancorpSouth BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. • Bryant Bank • CB&S Bank • Century Automotive • CFD Research Corporation • CGI Federal • Coast Personnel Services • Croy Engineering, LLC • deciBel Research Decisive Analytics Corporation • Deloitte LLP • DESE Research, Inc. • Digium, Inc. • Express Employment Professionals • Fernandez Financial Group • Fite Building Co., Inc. • FLS Translation & Interpreting Fountain, Parker, Harbarger • Garver • HEMSI • Hiley Cars Huntsville • Huntsville Botanical Garden • Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau • Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. INTERFUZE Corporation • Investor’s Resource/Raymond James • IronMountain Solutions • Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider • LINE-X, LLC • The Lioce Group, Inc. • LSINC Corporation • MSB Analytics, Inc. National Bank of Commerce • nLogic, LLC • North Alabama Multiple Listing Service • North American Surveillance Systems (NASS) • PALCO • PFM Financial Advisors LLC • PHOENIX • PROJECTXYZ, Inc. QTEC • RE/MAX Distinctive – Sandra Lowrey • Renasant Bank • RJ Young Company • S&ME, Inc. • Sierra Lobo, Inc. • Sigmatech, Inc. • Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. • Technicolor TriVector Services, Inc. • Troy 7, Inc. • U.S. Space & Rocket Center • Valor Communities • Venturi, Inc. • West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. • Wilmer & Lee, P.A. • Worxtime, LLC A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
apr 2018 initiatives
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Build.
Go do what you do. We’ll take care of your banking. bibank.com/business | #goindependent | 877.865.5050
Member FDIC
apr 2018
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coverstory
Taking Severe Weather Seriously Planning for Employees’ Safety in North Alabama
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arts&culture e.d.highlights spacenews didyouknow? montgomerytrip chamberon governmentnews retailupdate hregiprofile smallbizfocus chamberevent specialrecognition
editorial staff publisher Chip Cherry, CCE
4 5 29 33
Welcome New Chamber Members HREGI Investors 2017 Annual Report Lockheed Martin + Girls Inc = STEM
8 Message from the President | Board Listing 30 Community Profile 34 Chamber Staff | Associated Organizations
editor
Claire Aiello editorial designer
Kristi Sherrard contributing writers
Autumn Abron Jill Bruton Lucy Berry DeButy Mike Ward ad sales Kristy Drake
The mission of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth.
HSVchamber.org
kdrake@hsvchamber.org
Tina Blankenship tblankenship@hsvchamber.org
(additional contact information on page 34)
Chamber members: You are encouraged to contribute ideas for our publications, including Initiatives magazine. Please send items to comms@hsvchamber.org. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber maintains editorial control. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
apr 2018 initiatives
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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2018 Executive Committee Gary Bolton, Chair, ADTRAN, Inc. Kim Lewis, Chair-Elect, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Joe Newberry, Immediate Past Chair, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Ron Poteat, Chamber Foundation Chair, Regions Bank Greg Brown, Secretary/Treasurer, Brown Precision, Inc. Kevin Byrnes, Vice Chair, Economic Development & Industry Relations, Raytheon Company
Alicia Ryan, Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs, LSINC Corporation
A Message from
Chip Cherry
Rose Allen, Vice Chair, HREGI, INTERFUZE Corporation Jeff Gronberg, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications, deciBel Research, Inc.
Frank Williams, Vice Chair, Membership, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Dear Chamber Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: Congratulations to Liz Hurley and Dave Hargrove, our Distinguished Service Award winners! I encourage you to read the article about this dynamic duo on page 35. Liz and Dave are wonderful examples of servant leadership and how individuals can have a profound impact on our community. In March, we produced a special publication titled Momentum featuring activities and announcements that will shape our region’s economy for decades to come. The publication is rich with information ranging from stories on how these projects will impact our region to profiles of those who made success possible. It’s a must-read for those who are passionate about the growth of our region! Having grown up while my dad was starting a business and having an opportunity to see both of my grandfathers run their businesses gives me a unique appreciation for the Small Business sector of our economy. Small Business forms the foundation of our economy. They invest here, raise their families here, create jobs here, and support activities that make our community a fantastic place to live. Please join me in thanking all our Small Businesses for their role in making our community one of the most dynamic in the U.S. during National Small Business Week, April 29–May 5. I am asked frequently “What is the one thing that can hold us back?” The response is workforce. Our ability to develop talent will determine if our region’s economy has the ability to grow. The challenge of communicating the vast array of career opportunities to the young people in our region is significant. Providing them and their parents with the tools to make an informed decision is one of the keys to success. Another aspect is supporting our educators with the professional development and resources they need to communicate these opportunities to their students. Success in workforce/talent development will lead to more opportunities for our young people and a more dynamic regional economy. The Chamber is in the process of developing a Workforce/Talent Development Strategy, and we look forward to sharing details with you in future editions of Initiatives. I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event soon!
Chip Cherry, CCE President & CEO Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
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initiatives apr 2018
Hank Isenberg, Vice Chair, Small Business & Events, IronMountain Solutions
Joe Ritch, Vice Chair, Tennessee Valley BRAC, Sirote & Permut, PC
Penny Billings, Chair-Appointed, BancorpSouth - Huntsville Mark Curran, Chair-Appointed, L3 Technologies, Inc. David Fernandes, Chair-Appointed, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.
Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-Officio Member, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, Ex-Officio Member, City of Madison Chairman Dale Strong, Ex-Officio Member, Madison County Commission
Tracy Marion, General Counsel, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Chip Cherry, President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison Co. Chamber
Elected Board Mike Alvarez, Venturi, Inc. Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay, S3, Inc. Mark Becnel, RadioBro Corporation Blake Bentley, SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center Eric Blackwell, Polaris Industries, Inc. Lynn Collyar, Deloitte LLP Deke Damson, Jerry Damson Honda Acura Dr. Dorothy Davidson, Davidson Technologies, Inc. John Eagan, BB&T Joe Fehrenbach, Mynaric USA Trip Ferguson, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Gene Goldman, BWX Technologies, Inc. Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation Mike Gullion, SCI Technology – a Sanmina company John Hall, All Points Logistics, LLC Steve Hill, AEgis Technologies Group Josh Herren, Yulista Lee Holland, Turner Construction Company Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. John Jordan, KBRwyle Sean Kelly, Regions Bank David King, Dynetics, Inc. Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Janice Migliore, PALCO Craig Naudain, SAIC Chris Pape, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Leigh Pegues, PNC Bank Jim Rogers, Lockheed Martin Corporation Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Dr. Gurmej Sandhu, Sigmatech, Inc. Sameer Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Beth Sippel, First Commercial Bank Robert “Bob” Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton Cynthia Streams, Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.) Tim Thornton, nLogic, Inc. Lynn Troy, Troy 7, Inc. Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company Dr. Karockas Watkins, Ability Plus, Inc. Mike Watkins, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Dennis Weese, Line-X LLC Danny Windham, Digium, Inc. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Only hospital in North Alabama* to achieve Healthgrades® America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery™ for 2 years in a row (2017-2018)
*”Region” includes Colbert, Cullman, Dekalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston counties
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arts&culture
Ten-Hut!
Portrait: Robert Anderson (USMA 1825) by Alban J. Conant. Courtesy of the West Point Military Museum Collection, U.S. Military Academy.
Huntsville Museum of Art hosts special West Point Collection
O
ur city offers many ways for us to support our military, and we also have an impressive number of United States Military Academy alumni in north Alabama. This is something all will be interested to see: the Huntsville Museum of Art is hosting a special collection through July 8, 2018 showing portraits, artifacts and objects from the West Point Museum in West Point, NY. The exhibit is titled Duty, Honor, Country: Highlights from the West Point Museum Collection. Nearly 100 items are on display, including stunning landscape paintings and portraits. You can also view various cadet rifles and swords representing different eras in the Academy’s history; along with uniforms, war trophies and historical artifacts that relate to famous graduates of West Point. The idea for the collection came about from local West Point alumni. The Museum’s Executive Director, Christopher Madkour,
visited the West Point Museum in 2016 to discuss the idea with administrators there. “Once an agreement was struck, HMA’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, David Reyes, and myself spent three days at the West Point Museum, reviewing work in their permanent collection and making final selections for the exhibit in Huntsville,” Madkour said. “We have been working diligently towards organizing the show and bringing the exhibition to the Tennessee Valley region ever since.” The Huntsville Museum of Art is offering West Point Alumni and Friends a unique opportunity to contribute to a special wall on display through the duration of the exhibition. Various donation amounts are available and your gift is tax deductible. For more information, visit hsvmuseum.org. Claire Aiello
INTERFUZE
A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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e.d.highlights snap: Polaris has donated three vehicles to support the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and its Space Camp program. The vehicles were presented on February 28. They will be used to transport Space Camp crew, trainees and visitors, as well as support rocket launch activities and other camp operations. The donation includes two electric GEM® models and one off-road RANGER® utility vehicle. The RANGER® was made at Polaris’ operation in Huntsville. “Innovation is at the core of who Polaris is as a company, and we are thrilled to support an organization that encourages the leaders of tomorrow to never stop dreaming of what could be and making the seemingly impossible, possible,” said Stacy Bogart, President of the Polaris Foundation. “We are also happy to lend our support to a fellow member of the Huntsville community.” The vehicles were coordinated through the Polaris Foundation and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation.
compiled by Claire Aiello
DC BLOX to develop $13 million data center in Huntsville DC BLOX, a leading provider of interconnected Edge data centers and carrier class network services, will develop a $13 million Edge data center in Huntsville. The five-acre campus is located in Thornton Research Park. “Huntsville represents a perfect location for our next data center and aligns well with our strategy of delivering highly available data center and network services to Edge markets,” said Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX. “The design, build and operation of this data center will accommodate clients who must manage and protect confidential unclassified and classified information which are a critical segment of the Huntsville economy.” The DC BLOX Huntsville data center will be capable of delivering 10 megawatts of power from Huntsville Utilities and will provide mission-critical infrastructure for manufacturing, defense related contractors, high-tech, education and healthcare businesses. DC BLOX expects that phase one of the multi-tenant facility will be online this summer. “Huntsville is one of America’s fastest-growing tech cities, seeing year-overyear tech job growth,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “DC BLOX is an excellent addition to our city. We are known for innovation, and having a data center that’s capable of keeping up with the demands of new technologies and trends puts us even further at the forefront.” DC BLOX is in the midst of a major expansion throughout the Southeast and especially in underserved markets. By the end of 2018, DC BLOX will add four additional Edge data centers to its fabric of interconnected facilities. DC BLOX is on the forefront of delivering colocation, network, business continuity and cloud services at the speed of light to locations outside of major metropolitan areas. Recognizing the growing volume and increased movement of data across systems and geographies, DC BLOX connects its data centers with high speed, high capacity optical networks. ∏
Community Foundation Announces New Digital Inclusion Fund Huntsville is a Place to Love Samantha Brown recently featured Huntsville on her PBS show, Places to Love. The 30-minute episode aired in February and included a stop at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. There, she visited with Alex McCool, who contributed to several space developments including Skylab and the Space Shuttle program. Brown also visited Burritt on the Mountain, Tangled Strings Studios, G’s Country Kitchen, and Brown Pizzelle’s Confections. If you missed the episode, you can watch it at samantha-brown.com ∏
Victory Solutions receives 2017 Gold Boeing Performance Excellence Award Victory Solutions, Inc. has received a 2017 Boeing Performance Excellence Award. The Boeing Company presents the award annually to suppliers who demonstrate superior performance. Victory Solutions, Inc. maintained a Gold/Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period, from October 2016 to September 2017. This year, Boeing recognized 414 suppliers who achieved either a Gold or Silver level Boeing Performance Excellence Award. Victory Solutions, Inc. is one of only 85 suppliers to receive the Gold level of recognition. ∏
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The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville has launched a new fund to support digital inclusion efforts in the City of Huntsville. The fund has seed money from Google Fiber and will be used to make grants supporting high-impact programs that will make internet access and digital education available to people currently without access to those resources. On February 28, the Community Foundation, together with the Huntsville/ Madison County Public Library and Google Fiber, held a Community Conversation to discuss the digital inclusion issue in our community. The meeting was held at the downtown public library and brought together more than 50 stakeholders, including public officials from Huntsville City Schools, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, and the City of Huntsville. Also participating were nonprofit and civic organizations, including the Heart of the Valley YMCA, United Way of Madison County, Urban Engine, National Children’s Advocacy Center, the Committee of 100, Downtown Rescue Mission, Village of Promise and many others. The meeting was the first step toward a deeper understanding of what digital inclusion means and what it can look like in our community. The attendees identified groups who are more affected and resources currently available, and created a prioritized list of community goals for digital inclusion, which will drive the efforts of the new Digital Inclusion Fund. Organizations and individuals who are interested in investing in our community through this fund should reach out to the Community Foundation. The first round of grants from the Digital Inclusion Fund will be awarded in May 2018. Check CommunityFoundationHSV.org for information on how to apply. ∏ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Bridging the world’s post-sales supply chain
WHAT WE DO
THE SOLOMON2 ADVANTAGE POST SALES SUPPORT & REVERSE LOGISTICS PALCO specializes in post-sales managed services (RMA, Life-Cycle Management, and Sustainability) that enable our clients to optimize efficiencies, improve profitability, and deliver exceptional customer experience. PALCO services enable our clients to optimize their businesses by aligning Post-Sales Support models to realize their operational objectives, achieve long-term business goals while reducing risks and lowering total overall costs, and utilize global service deployment strategy maps and optimized methodologies. PALCO’s approach provides consistent global processes and assures post-sales supply chain predictability.
PALCO
Solomon2 SOLOMON2 is PALCO’s proprietary data acquisition and management software. This superior technology is designed
INTEGRATION SERVICES
specifically to support and improve post-sales
PALCO offers customers a total solution to their system integration requirements. Products are delivered to you or your customer fully integrated, racked, stacked, cabled, labeled, with OS and custom imaging installed, end-to-end test validation, and extended burn-in. PALCO also offers white-glove services.
operations. Through SOLOMON2 clients receive actionable, real-time global information. They also get business intelligence specific
to post-sales supply chain services
MANUFACTURING SUPPORT SERVICES
(RMA, Product Life-Cycle, and Sustainability)
PALCO leverages over 30 years of servicing leading-edge technology. We offer some of the most technically advanced circuit board rework, repair, and ECO implementation in the industry, as well as testing, troubleshooting and repair services that meet precise OEM specifications. Additionally, PALCO performs 3rd party inspection services.
helping them better support the most demanding mission critical service agreements.
www.gotopalco.com | Contact Us: 256-883-6231 or 256-883-3408 | Email: info@palcotelecom.com
spacenews PHOTO (L-R): Bob Morrow of Sierra Nevada Corporation, Olivia Mah, Lucia Cape, Mark Ciotola, and Afshin Khan outside NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Science in Space Company Brings Research on Plant Growth in Space to Huntsville
W
hat will it take to accelerate the plant growth process enough to provide nutritional fresh produce to astronauts in deep space? And how could Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser® help in this mission? This type of research is known as “orbital genomics”, and SustainSpace has studied it in depth. The company won the European Space Agency’s Space Exploration Masters prize for their proposal. The competition was sponsored by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Astrosat, a Scottish aerospace services company. As part of the prize package, representatives of SustainSpace visited Huntsville the week of March 12–16. Huntsville International Airport provided round-trip tickets, and the group met with
aerospace and biotech companies, and academic institutions including the leadership team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Additional sponsors include the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and BizTech. “We have been very encouraged by the local interest in SustainSpace,” said Lucia Cape, the Chamber’s senior vice president for economic development. “The focus of their work really fits with our space science and genomic expertise. This has proven to be a great opportunity for us to promote Huntsville in the international commercial space community.” We asked the researchers what stood out on their visit. “Rockets – the Saturn V! I was excited to learn about the legacy of the town because I grew up inspired by the Apollo missions – that’s the reason I became a space researcher,” said Afshin Khan. “I was really, really excited to see what Huntsville is all about and learn about the history.” “I think people here have a lot of energy, and they do a lot of forward thinking. I’m pretty impressed by that,” said Olivia Mah. “When we first arrived, we went to the Port of Huntsville. They talked with us about the history and how they position themselves. I think that’s very impressive. I mean, Huntsville, all of us just think about rockets, but actually, you guys want to diversify and you have a plan. Everybody works together, everybody knows everybody, and everybody wants to work together, and that is something I did not expect.” “It’s one of the most forward-thinking airports I’ve ever encountered,” Mark Ciotola added. “[Our visit] has helped put Huntsville on the map for us in terms of space start-ups,” Ciotola further explained. “It’s always been on the map in terms of space, but now in terms of new space and these types of ventures, it puts Huntsville and Madison County on the map for us.” He said he was impressed to learn Huntsville has 300 aerospace companies in addition to MSFC. The Space Exploration Masters Competition is part of the Chamber’s commercial space strategy, which includes the initiative to land the Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser® at Huntsville International Airport. The Dream Chaser® has cleared several milestones recently and was given authority to proceed for a 2020 flight under the NASA Cargo Resupply Services contract. Work continues under the contract to obtain landing permits through the FAA for Huntsville International Airport.
Claire Aiello A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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didyouknow?
Innovation tops students’ interests A
ll 8th graders in Alabama’s public schools participate in the Kuder Career Assessment to identify their career interests and work values. This is valuable to them and their families as it provides potential career pathways aligned with students’ individualized skills and interests. But it also provides an important source of information for companies looking to recruit young people into their industries. Here is a breakdown of the work values from young people across North Alabama:
Nearly twice as many students value innovation over income. Is it because 8th graders don’t yet have a concept of money? Is it that innovation is today’s go-to buzzword? Either way, young people have grown up in a world of “viral” content and social media that celebrates people who are remarkable – people worth remarking upon. Given this information, now is the time to revisit your industry’s marketing and engagement efforts. Are you sharing opportunities to be a part of something remarkable? Or, are you selling a paycheck? Your answer to these questions could make the difference between relevance and decline. Jill Bruton
EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re bringing back our popular “Did You Know” feature for future Initiatives publications. Have an idea we should spotlight? Maybe it’s a local business who makes a unique product. Maybe it’s an idea about employees who volunteer in the community. Please send your ideas to Jill Bruton at jbruton@hsvchamber.org or Lydia Pennington at lpennington@hsvchamber.org.
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initiatives apr 2018
Marshanne Castro 256.517.7030 marshanne.castro@copt.com
www.redstonegateway.us A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
montgomerytrip
Chamber’s Annual Montgomery Trip
Presenting Sponsor: Raytheon Company
On February 20-21, about 90 Chamber members went on our annual trip to the state capitol. We began with an evening reception with legislators, and the following morning we heard updates from several members of North Alabama’s delegation. These included State Senator Arthur Orr, House Speaker Mac McCutcheon and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. State Finance Director Clinton Carter and Interim Superintendent of Education Ed Richardson also gave presentations. Governor Kay Ivey spoke to the group at lunch and greeted everyone at their tables at the event, which was held in the RSA tower. The Chamber hosts this annual trip to foster communication between our business community and decision makers in Montgomery. ■
Speaker Mac McCutcheon
Rep. Anthony Daniels
Governor Ivey A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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Taking Severe Weather Seriously Planning for Employees’ Safety in North Alabama by Claire Aiello It’s no secret we get our share of severe weather in north Alabama. You can’t change that, but what you can do is be prepared for the next time storms come our way. We’ve had a few relatively calm years but this is a good opportunity to put together your safety plan, communicate it to employees and practice it. First, learn what some local companies have in place now, and then read some action steps to develop a plan at your office. 18
initiatives apr 2018
PPG PPG’s aerospace business has been in Huntsville since 1969. About 750 employees work at the facility on Highway 72, making transparencies for aircraft. It’s clear from the minute you walk in that the company puts a big focus on safety. PPG has had a weather safety plan for many years, but it got a rewrite after April 27, 2011, the day 62 tornadoes hit Alabama and killed 252 people.
Rapid Improvement After that day, the team assembled a Rapid Improvement Workshop with the goal to get employees to safety more quickly. “We wanted all in the basement and accounted for in seven minutes,” said Mary Mathis, a production supervisor and leader of the Emergency Preparedness Response Team. “We got a group of people together and wrote down everything that was keeping us from getting down there.” One step included relocating badge readers. The devices are essential because employees swipe their badges so they are accounted for. PPG moved badge readers inside the basement so employees could get to safety first and not hold up the line. “Another was the door to the basement – it was a single door, so we made it a double door so people could go two by two down the steps and into the basement quicker,” Mathis added. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Shannon Tennant Vice President of Manufacturing Brown Precision, Inc. Part of PPG’s Emergency Response Team
Before these and other improvements, it took employees 15 to 20 minutes to get inside. “Now, pretty consistently, we’ll do it in under seven minutes,” said Ian Poulton, Senior Finance Manager. The company also added cell phone repeaters in the basement so employees could call their families, as well as land line phones. “We have TVs down there, we have emergency supplies in both basements like flashlights, we have a full medical kit in each basement, and we have trained medical people who are down there as well,” Poulton added. PPG conducts drills at least once a year on all three shifts and makes sure employees know where to go, and when. In addition, 65 employees serve on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and communicate updates to co-workers. There are also Andon safety lights throughout the plant. “In this area, we often know days in advance we’re going to have severe weather, so even on that morning, say if bad weather’s going to start around noon or 1pm, everyone comes in and starts monitoring the weather on their arrival,” said John Fletcher, production supervisor and ERT leader. “We all have weather radios and we track it throughout the day, so we’re already ready when it goes to one of the elevated levels.” PPG subscribes to AccuWeather, a weather information service, ERT members monitor NOAA weather radios and tune in local meteorologists on TVs throughout the building once the threat increases. The plant is 335,000 square feet and sits on 65 acres. Due to the large space, there are two basements, each with letter zones. Employees go to their designated basement based on an assigned letter on their badge. The company also has an Emergency Response Truck on site (shown at right). The electric vehicle contains suits for hazardous materials response, respirators, rubber boots, face shields, medical supplies, oxygen tanks, harnesses and even a portable decontamination shower if needed.
Brown Precision Just a short distance away, workers at Brown Precision make airplane windshield frames for PPG, as well as medical plates for other companies. Brown has NOAA weather radios placed throughout the plant and has also installed weather apps on various computers. There are two severe weather shelter areas, each with signage. “New employees learn about these areas on their first day on the job,” said Shannon Tennant, the company’s Vice President of Manufacturing. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
The front office will use an air horn to notify employees when it’s essential they take cover. Brown Precision is also expanding in Atmore, in south Alabama, and the new facility has reinforced safe rooms.
Developing Your Own Safety Plan Developing a comprehensive tornado safety plan is critical to your employees’ safety. It can’t sit in a drawer, though – it should be a living, breathing document updated often. Here are some basic factors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to consider in your plan: • Basements and shelters below ground are ideal • Alternatively, seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible • Stay away from doors, windows and outside walls • Stay in the center of the room • Opt for rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick or block with no windows and a heavy concrete floor or roof system overhead • If the room has ceiling tiles - think about what’s above – is there a large air conditioning unit that could fall? If so, find somewhere else • Avoid cafeterias, gyms and auditoriums that have flat, wide-span roofs • Communicate updates to employees who work outside and urge them to seek shelter A NOAA weather radio costs about $40. Have it programmed (most Huntsville television stations will do this for you) and designate someone to monitor it on active weather days and communicate updates to your team. Also, please visit hsvchamber.org/severeweatherplan – we’ve compiled information for you there, too.
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chamberon
Open for Business ChamberON Campaign is Underway!
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e’re excited to kick off another exciting ChamberON sponsorship campaign! Through ChamberON, you have the opportunity to position your brand to your target audience with cost-effective sponsorships during the 2018/2019 campaign. And, you’ll save money on your sponsorship purchase by making your selection during the campaign. Connect with your target audience through: • Small Business & Networking events • Government & Public Affairs events, including luncheons with our elected leaders • Marketing & Communication items such as our website and digital communications • Membership and community information packets • Education and Workforce events such as our College & Career Fair All of these items are listed in our 2018-19 ChamberON catalog, which you can find on hsvchamber.org. Once various events are scheduled, we will notify companies who have booked ahead of time. If you’re interested in making a purchase, please contact Kristy Drake, our Investor Relations Manager at 256-535-2036 or kdrake@hsvchamber.org. Claire Aiello
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
We focus on the bigger picture...
Investing in Huntsville
IBERIABANK is proud to support charitable, educational and cultural organizations in Huntsville. Together, with local community leaders, we focus on the bigger picture‌investing in making Huntsville a better place to live, work and play.
Jerry Courtney President/CEO Heart of the Valley YMCA
Dan Halcomb President/CEO Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Association
Myra Sanderson Executive Director Habitat for Humanity
Patrick Wynn President/CPO Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama
Christopher Madkour Executive Director Huntsville Museum of Art
Dr. Deborah Barnhart CEO & Executive Director U.S. Space & Rocket Center
400 Meridian Street, Suite 108 | (256) 519-4340 | 53 Hughes Road, Madison | (256) 519-4360 4700 Whitesburg Drive SW, Suite 150 | (256) 519-4300 www.iberiabank.com
governmentnews
Mike Griffin named Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering M
ike Griffin, a former NASA administrator under President George W. Bush and a current resident of Madison, AL, has been confirmed and sworn in as the new Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Pentagon’s acquisition system and technology development office, formerly assigned to the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, has officially been split into two offices – the undersecretaries of defense for research and engineering (R&E) and acquisition and sustainment (A&S). Ellen Lord will serve as the Undersecretary for A&S. Individual agencies will now report directly to the respective undersecretaries. For A&S, that means DTRA, DLA and DCMA will report directly to Lord. The agencies under R&E – the Missile Defense Agency, DARPA, the Strategic Capabilities Office and the Defense Innovation Unit-Experimental – will now report directly to Griffin, although that could change should the R&E head decide otherwise. Griffin was born November 1, 1949, in Aberdeen, Maryland. He currently holds seven academic degrees: a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Johns Hopkins University in 1971; a Master of Science in Engineering degree in Aerospace Science from the Catholic University of America in 1974; a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1977; a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1979; a Master of Science degree in Applied Physics from Johns Hopkins University in 1983; a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Maryland in 1990; and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from George Washington University in 1998. Griffin was also working toward a Master of Science degree in Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University before being appointed as NASA chief. Mike Ward
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
retailupdate
In the Know Parkway Place Finds New Ways to Stay Fresh and Relevant
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hile traditional shopping malls across the country fight to survive, Parkway Place in Huntsville holds the secret to longevity. Staying relevant means becoming less retail centric and more community driven to appeal to changing customer tastes. A successful mall must also focus on experiences, not just shopping. Parkway Place’s formula appears to be paying off. The shopping center generated about $145 million in sales and more than $6 million in sales tax last year alone. “I think a lot of our success has to do with the feel-good economy we have right now,” said Parkway Place Marketing Director Molly Mitchell. Open since 2002, Parkway Place welcomed Torrid in March in a portion of the former New York & Company. Torrid, a new-tomarket retailer that specializes in women’s plus-size clothing, has locations in Tennessee and the Birmingham area.
Victoria’s Secret fans can also expect big changes when the women’s lingerie brand debuts a remodeled Victoria’s Secret and PINK space this summer. Mitchell said it’s the first time Victoria’s Secret has fully updated its store since the mall opened. Hibbett Sports is expanding by more than 3,000 square feet, fillA HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
ing two former vacant storefronts on the upper level of the mall near Belk. Hibbett will remain in its current location until construction is over. Online shopping is gaining popularity, but Mitchell said customers still crave instant gratification and like to experience their merchandise in person before they buy. “We have a massive footprint in the City of Huntsville, and we’re so proud to be here,” she said. “We want Huntsville and all of north Alabama to know what we have to offer so they can be proud of us as well.” Since Mitchell joined the Parkway Place team, she has been busy organizing events, beefing up the mall’s social media channels, and attracting artists to create a comfortable environment for local merchants. The mall debuted a pop-up shop program in 2017 and will soon begin renting short-term pop-up carts to entrepreneurs and artists. Parkway Place will also install LED lights throughout the mall and parking deck in 2018 – news Energy Alabama CEO Daniel Tait was happy to hear. Tait said there are numerous shopping centers, gas stations, and car dealerships transitioning to LEDs, especially in places where lighting matters. In a mall, he said energy-efficient lighting “could be the difference between a sale or back on the rack.” “Parkway’s customers will enjoy better light, especially in the parking deck,” he said. “But frankly, it is a great business move. LED prices have plummeted, and the costs savings are so attractive. It’s easy to say yes to this type of project.” Parkway Place is owned and managed by Chattanooga-based CBL Properties, the same company that oversaw Madison Square Mall on University Drive. The 650,000-square-foot shopping destination has more than 100 stores on South Memorial Parkway. As Parkway Place redefines its image, Mitchell said the mall employs more than 1,000 workers and serves an average 8.3 million customers each year. The occupancy rate is currently in the high 90s – well above the national average of 93 percent. “With what is happening throughout the country with shopping centers, I love educating people and letting them know what we’re doing here,” Mitchell said. “It’s important for the morale of the community.” Lucy Berry DeButy apr 2018 initiatives
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HREGI Profile Q&A WITH A HUNTSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH INITIATIVE INVESTOR
Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation Q: Tell us a little bit about Five Stones Research. A: Five Stones Research Corporation (5SRC) is a Woman-Owned (WO), Native American (NA), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) headquartered in the Brownsboro, Alabama and has offices in the National Capital Region and the Florida panhandle. 5SRC is organized into three business areas: Engineering and Operations, Logistics, and Information Management. Our corporate mission is, “Our goal is to deliver highly effective and efficient solutions to our customers and industry partners.” In striving to achieve our goal, we are constantly reminded that who we are as professionals is just as important as what we deliver. When all is said and done, courage, honesty, integrity, trust and quality are the cornerstones we stand firm upon. This is more than a saying or tagline, it is our way of conducting business and can be attributed to our success to date. Q: How has the Chamber impacted your business? A: The Chamber has been crucial in supporting and developing our business. The programs, training opportunities, networking, and community development offered by the Chamber are unmatched. I find the Chamber’s efforts in keeping its members abreast of growth and industry trends is critical for our planning and forecasting of opportunities. Q: Why do you invest in HREGI? A: HREGI is the key driver the Chamber uses for economic development. Investing in the Chamber’s economic development provides benefits to all companies in the Huntsville market. As the Huntsville area continues to grow, the result ends up being a stronger workforce with a more qualified and diverse pool of candidates for companies to hire.
The all-new Accord has been named 2018 North American Car of the Year. Packed with a host of advanced technologies, a spacious and premium p interior, turbocharged engine and Honda Sensing® standard, it’s the most impressive Honda yet.
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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Practical Energetics Research, or PER, is a fairly new company to Huntsville marking its fourth year in business this month. PER is an engineering firm specializing in military and energetics while also providing warhead and lethality consulting services. According to PER President Scott Hill, the company’s main goal is to achieve success but have fun while doing it. “Our main goal is to enjoy the work that we do. We do that by being innovative and helping our customers solve difficult, challenging problems,” said Hill. PER is attracting employees from all over the Tennessee Valley area with employees commuting from Decatur and as far as Knoxville, Tennessee. Part of what makes PER appealing to potential employees are the benefits and inclusive company culture. Hill heavily relies on the voice of his employees in deciding what they should offer and what aspects of the company culture could be improved. “My goal is that I’ll have potentially 20 people who own a piece of the company and are working to make it better,” said Hill. “We want everyone to feel like they have a voice and they have some responsibility. They all want the company to do well and so they make recommendations and decisions that are in our best interest... everyone here is part of our little family.” Although PER is a young company, it is growing quickly. Hill’s advice to anyone interested in starting a small business is to surround yourself with a good support system and stick to what you enjoy. “You need a support structure – people you can go talk to and ask questions of – whether they’re part of the Chamber of Commerce or other businesses that you’re working with, or just friends,” said Hill. “The second thing is; decide what it is that you like. It’s hard enough to work, you might as well pick something you really like doing. Focus on what it is you want to do and decide how you want to do it.” PER serves local government agencies such as AMRDEC, AMC, and PEO Missiles and Space. It also serves federal contractors and commercial firms across the country. To find out more about PER, visit online at www. per-hq.com ∏
Express Employment Professionals stays excited about Huntsville’s growth Express Employment Professionals specializes in working with employers to find the right employees for available jobs. They also provide educational resources in the realm of HR support for their clients. With more than 800 offices throughout the United States and Canada, Express has helped to employ over 6 million people worldwide. Rachel Chapman is the owner of the Huntsville office and has an extensive background in this field, even working for a competitor in Nashville. She wants Express to become the go-to employment resource for companies with open positions. “Our vision is to take the north Alabama area and find those companies that are looking for employees and match them with candidates that are looking to make a move in their career,” said Chapman. While thinking about the best location for her business, Chapman considered two other locations, both close to the beach. While those locations sounded great at first, Huntsville is what ultimately appealed to her. “I A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
by Autumn Abron
Serving customers in the Manufacturing, Legal, Healthcare, and Technology Sectors
could tell this was going to be a great market. I just had no idea how good,” said Chapman. “Huntsville has so many driven people who are wanting to diversify and wanting to bring in all kinds of industry. It’s just growing so fast!” Chapman was taken by surprise when Express Employment Professionals won a Small Business Award in 2017. “Two years ago we had a lot of people asking ‘Who is Express?’ and we were so shocked that we won the award,” she said. Chapman mentions that filling out the application for the award was a wake-up call for her. “When I filled out the application, you really had to put a lot of proof to it. And what an honor! We were up against some really big companies that you’ve heard of, and now, after winning the award, we don’t get ‘Who is Express?’ anymore.” Chapman’s one piece of advice to anyone wanting to start or grow a small business is to continue growing on a personal level. Chapman is currently in school to get her MBA in Leadership and will finish up in June. “I think the most important thing that made the difference for me was working on myself,” she said. “Because my role in being a coach and developer is so crucial, I had to learn how to be a really good coach and developer. It’s an investment but it pays off.” In 2017, the Express Huntsville office also won Circle of Excellence from the Express franchisor. Its vision is to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people. To find out more about Express Employment Professionals, go to www. expresspros.com/huntsvilleal ∏
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JOIN THE BRYANT BANK FAMILY TODAY! Personal, Business and Mortgage Banking Services
WWW.BRYANTBANK.COM | NMLS ID: 582857 | DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE: 320 Pelham Ave. SW | 256.535.1045 | SE HUNTSVILLE: 1804 Four Mile Post Rd SE | 256.217.5170 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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chamberevent
Washington Update with Rep. Brooks
Congressman Mo Brooks
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U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks presented his 2018 Washington Update on March 12 at the VBC North Hall. He said 2017 was a very challenging year for him and his family, first with the assassination attempt during a Congressional baseball practice in June, then a loss in the GOP primary for U.S. Senate in August. Later in the year, he battled high-risk prostate cancer. “The bar is pretty low for 2018 to be a better year,” Brooks said. In terms of national security, Rep. Brooks said the biggest threat we face, in his view, is the growing debt. He then took questions from the audience, giving his thoughts on North Korea, Iran and recent tariffs passed by the Trump administration. ■
Presenting Sponsor: S3, Inc.
A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
2017 Annual Report The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s 2017 Annual Report is available for your use – you can download it at hsvchamber.org/annualreport. It contains information on job growth in Huntsville/ Madison County as well as various Chamber events held in 2017. You’ll also find a helpful timeline of the year’s highlights. As a member, you are welcome to use this information for your business purposes. A special thank you to Davidson Technologies, Inc. for sponsoring our 2017 Annual Report.
BancorpSouth offers a full range of traditional business banking services along with other specialized services to address your financial needs. If you’re looking for one or more specialized services, visit a local BancorpSouth banker today, and let’s grow a relationship together.
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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communityprofile Population
Madison City of County Huntsville
City of Huntsville Madison Metro Area
Top Ten Employers Redstone Arsenal* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,866* Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,129
2010 Census
334,811
180,105
42,938
417,593
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,000
2016 Census est.
356,967
193,079
47,959
449,720
Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,079
6.6%
7.2%
11.7%
7.7%
The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,600
% Growth
Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,389
Households & Income # of Households
139,949
17,305
172,022
Avg. Household Income $81,399
$74,749 $111,800
$79,060
Per Capita Income
$32,374
$31,793
$33,264
80,000
$46,396
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov), 2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,229 City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,206 The University of Alabama in Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,675 ADTRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,549 Source: Huntsville/Madison County Chamber *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 41,000 people work at Redstone Arsenal and NASA, managing some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation, and space exploration.
Research & Technology Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a
For more information, visit:
hsvchamber.org
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global leader in technology development. The second-largest science and technology research park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to nearly 300 companies and 26,500 people involved in technology research and development.
A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
LET’S BUILD TRUST IN OUR INDUSTRY. LET’S MEASURE UP. When you work with a CFA® charterholder, you’re placing your trust in someone who has proven themselves by dedicating on average 1,000 hours of intense study to pass one of the most rigorous series of exams in the financial industry. CFA charterholders put their clients’ needs above their own. Demand the best. Demand a CFA charterholder. Get started at letsmeasureup.org © 2018 CFA Institute. All rights reserved.
Lockheed Employees Partner with Girls, Inc. for STEM Lessons J
oyce Arterberry is paying it forward to the next generation, helping girls have access to something she didn’t as a child. “I wish there had been a Girls Inc. and Lockheed Martin in my local community opening my eyes to STEM when I was in early childhood development and grade school,” Arterberry said. Now a Subcontract Administrator for Lockheed Martin in Huntsville, Arterberry and some of her co-workers mentor children at Girls, Inc. on a weekly basis. Arterberry recently created a lesson plan to help the girls understand the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) behind Google Earth. Lockheed Martin supplied iPhones, virtual reality goggles and other tools to help make the session interactive. The ‘Creating The Future Project’ pairs Girls Inc. with LockLockheed Martin employee Joyce heed Martin employArterberry, center, helps girls build ees who volunteer to a paper rocket. strengthen girls’ interest and confidence in pursuing STEM education and careers. Lockheed Martin’s team also includes Demarkius Erwin, Debbie Clark, Doug Taylor and others. Girls Inc. serves girls in grades K-8. They attend various Huntsville City Schools and go to Girls Inc. as part of an after-school program, where they are grouped with other students their age for the lessons. During the Google Earth lesson, K-2nd graders created their own earth and learned that satellites live in space, just outside of Earth. Then, 3rd and 4th graders built their own paper model rockets to launch the satellites into space where they will go into orbit. Other lessons have involved building rocket stands, robotics and learning how to code. Girls say they’ve enjoyed the variety and have learned quite a bit. “I enjoy working with Lockheed Martin volunteers,” said Alicia, an 8th grade student at the Academy for Science and Foreign Language (ASFL). “It is very helpful and a fun learning time. I learned how to code and how to build a robot. This experience has been very rewarding, and I look forward to when they come to work with us.” This mentoring is through Lockheed Martin’s African American Council for Excellence. Together, Girls Inc. and Lockheed Martin will provide a total of 32 hours of STEM programming to 50 girls in the Huntsville area. Lockheed Martin collaborates with Girls Inc. chapters across the country in an effort to strengthen female students’ interest and confidence in pursuing STEM careers. Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/community. Claire Aiello A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
STA FF Executive Staff
Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, TOC’s team of specialists will get you back in the game. We offer a full range of orthopaedic services designed to relieve pain and restore your active lifestyle. Just ask our Sports Partners: Huntsville Havoc professional Hockey Team Huntsville Gymnastics Club Huntsville Lacrosse Club Huntsville Rugby Club Huntsville Futbol Club N.A.S.A. Volleyball Rocket City United Soccer Team Southern States Gymnastics 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Alabama A&M University Oakwood University Bob Jones High School Challenger Middle School Chapman Middle School Columbia High School DAR High School Discovery Middle School Grissom High School Hampton Cove Middle School Hazel Green High School Huntsville High School Huntsville Junior High School James Clemens High School Lee High School Liberty Middle School Mae Jemison High School Meridianville Middle School Monrovia Middle School Mountain Gap P-8 New Hope High School North Jackson High School Scottsboro High School Scottsboro Junior High School Sparkman High School Sparkman Middle School St. John Paul II Catholic High School Whitesburg Christian Academy Woodville High School
VisitTOC.com
Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Amy Locke, executive assistant Annette Atchley, resource desk coordinator Gina Gonzalez, resource desk assistant
Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce Lucia Cape, CCE, senior vice president Jill Bruton, workforce development director Erin Koshut, Cummings Research Park director Lydia Pennington, industry relations director Ken Smith, research & information services director Will West, project manager Meghan Chambliss, coordinator
Government & Public Affairs Mike Ward, CCE, senior vice president Austin Bullock, program manager
Marketing & Communications Claire Aiello, director Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer Hiroko Sedensky, web designer
Membership Robert Recker, senior vice president, investor relations Donna McCrary, retention manager Kristy Drake, ChamberON & investor relations manager Tina Blankenship, account executive
Small Business & Events Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president Devon Elston, coordinator
Finance & Administration Mary McNairy, vice president Kim Savage, accounting specialist – receivables Lori Warner, accounting specialist – payables Joe Watson, facilities supervisor
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 225 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 | fax 256-535-2015
HSVchamber.org
Associated Organizations
communityfoundationhsv.org
HUNTSVILLE • MADISON • DECATUR • GUNTERSVILLE SCOTTSBORO • FLORENCE • FAYETTEVILLE, TN 1-800-242-2381 • Facebook.com/VisitTOC
(256) 539-2728 • VisitTOC.com 34
initiatives apr 2018
uah.edu/sbdc theschoolsfoundation.org A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
specialrecognition
Dynamic Duo Dave Hargrove, Liz Hurley Win Distinguished Service Awards
T
he Distinguished Service Award is the highest individual honor given by the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber. The first year it was awarded, in 1957, it was given to the man who put Huntsville in the space race. “I don’t think either of us expected to ever receive the same award as one that first went to Dr. Wernher von Braun,” said Dave Hargrove. “The whole list of recipients prior to us is awe inspiring and humbling. It reminds Liz and me that we still have a lot more to do.” Dave Hargrove and wife Liz Hurley joined the list on February 13, 2018 as the first married couple to receive the award. The honor is given by the outgoing Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Board Chair, and is that person’s sole choice. This was Joe Newberry’s last act before handing over the gavel to the incoming chair, Gary Bolton. Newberry kept it a secret to all but a handful of people. First, we had to make sure both winners were present in the audience. Hurley was headed there, thinking she was going to cover the event for a news report later. However, she was stopped by a train nearby. With about 10 minutes to spare, she walked in, and we gave Newberry the ‘thumbs up’ to proceed. “Now, in hindsight, I wondered why in the world I got this assignment to go down there, and I got the call while I was waiting for the train … my co-worker said ‘they’re waiting for you’,” Hurley recalled. I usually just slide in from the back so I can get an overview. But when I was greeted and taken up to a front table, I know now everyone was planning this awesome surprise.” Neither person knew ahead of time they would be called up. First, Newberry asked Hargove to escort his wife to the stage. “I was thrilled for her. She’s an excellent and obvious choice,” said Hargrove. “I’ve known her for almost 35 years, and she wakes up in the morning wondering how she can help someone.” Hurley was quite surprised, and then Newberry revealed Hargrove was receiving Liz Hurley and Dave Hargrove after being named the Chamber’s 2017 Distinguished the award, too. Service Award winners. “Oh my gosh – my sidekick, my best friend, my sweet loving husband, and the father of my children,” Hurley recalled. “Thirty-five years standing next to this guy ... 31 of them married. As his wife, I’m so proud of him, as a community leader, because he is a quiet leader. He is so thoughtful, and he just finds holes and plugs them. We collaborate a lot, we talk, we come up with ideas. I was so proud of him.” “It was a wonderful surprise gift on the eve of our 31st anniversary,” Hargrove added. “I’m sure we won’t be the last married couple to be honored in this way because I can think of many in this community who partner every day to do some truly profound things.” Through the years, the Distinguished Service Award has been presented to a wide variety of people who have made lasting impacts in diverse ways. Some have been recognized for their business leadership, some for their community service, and others for their life-long passions.
Claire Aiello A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
PAST DSA RECIPIENTS 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Dr. Wernher von Braun Reese T. Amis Henry B. Chase Dr. E.V. Caldwell P.S. Dunnavant Dr. Carl A. Grote Milton K. Cummings M.B. Spragins Carl T. Jones Herbert Johnson, Sr. U.S. Senator John Sparkman Judge Ashford Todd Dr. William McKissack Dr. Homer Crim Loyd Little Dr. R.D. Morrison Harry M. Rhett Beulah N. Ware Dr. Otis Gray Dr. Walt Wiesman Lula Mae McBride James Record not awarded H.E. Monroe, Sr. Charles E. Shaver C.M. (Chick) Russell Leroy A. Simms Huntsville Mayor Joe W. Davis Tom Thrasher Alvin Blackwell Louis Salmon J.R. Thompson W.L. Halsey Dr. Francis Roberts Patrick E. Richardson Joseph C. Moquin Olin King Martha Simms Rambo Charles Grainger Joe Hinds, Jr. & Charles Younger Mark C. Smith Roy Nichols W.F. Sanders, Jr. John Riche Raymond Jones, Sr. Hall Bryant, Jr. Joe Ritch Howard Thrailkill Gerald Toland Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer Jim Hudson U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie Hundley Batts Bob Ludwig John Stallworth Tommy Beason Ronnie Boles Dr. Dorothy Davidson Bryan Dodson apr 2018 initiatives
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