2023 Annual Report: Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

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2023 vision mission

The Chamber is the catalyst for business growth, community engagement, and action to drive economic vitality and advance our position as a global leader in technology and innovation. Prepare, develop, and promote our community for economic growth


A Note from the 2023 Board Chair I want to thank our membership for a fantastic year. I have truly enjoyed serving as your 2023 Chair! It was a special year of growth for me and took me out of my comfort zone of small groups. As the large events started to unfold, the first time I stood in front of a room full of hundreds of people, with key leaders and dignitaries looking at the stage – I was more nervous than I thought I would be. But so many people were supportive and kind, and I was embraced in a way that made it much easier as the year went on. Thank you for that. To each of you who came up after an event with kind words, you have no idea how much it meant to me and how appreciative I am. I learned so much from this experience, and I hope to be able to apply that and always encourage others the way I was encouraged this year. I loved participating in all things Chamber this year, from company ribbon cuttings, milestone celebrations, groundbreakings, legislative and military events – each event was memorable, and I am so proud to be part of this thriving business community. I am also incredibly grateful for the support of my Troy7 and Yulista families which allowed me to fully enjoy every moment. We had great trips to Montgomery and Washington, D.C. where we presented our annual state and federal agendas to our elected leaders and their teams. That one-on-one time allows for real conversation, and you gain an appreciation for all the work these public servants do for north Alabama. We went to the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs as a “dry run” for the summer trip to the Paris Air Show. Paris was beautiful, surreal, and fun, but it included lots of hard work! Those are long days going from sunup to sundown with lots of meetings with different companies who are interested in Huntsville or want to expand their business here. We are definitely on their radar! Thank you to our more than 2,100 members, the majority of which are small businesses. We all benefit from the activities of the Chamber, and I ask you to please spread the word to other businesses who may not be engaged with us yet. The networking, professional development classes, awards competitions, recruiting efforts, and other activities are incredibly helpful and provide invaluable opportunities for our members to grow. In closing, I’d like to say a special thank you to the Chamber Board and Chamber staff. Thank you to the Board for electing me to serve in what has truly been a highlight of my professional career – I am humbled and honored by your trust. And to the incredible staff at the Chamber, you all make this look easy, and you do it with such a small team. I know it is not easy, but your passion for our business community and the work behind the scenes every day that most do not see brings economic vitality and opportunity to all of us. Thank you for an incredible year I will never forget!

– Lynn Troy

Distinguished Service Award 2022 recipients:

Rey & Cynthia Almodóvar 3


HMCC STAFF EXECUTIVE STAFF Chip Cherry, cce

CHAMBER VALUE: STRATEGIC We endeavor to understand our region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and develop short and long-term plans to address them.

President & CEO

Meghan Chambliss

Director, Governance Support & Special Projects

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | CUMMINGS RESEARCH PARK | WORKFORCE Lucia Cape, cce Senior Vice President

Erin Koshut

Executive Director, CRP

Lyndsay Ferguson

Vice President, Workforce

Ken Smith

Senior Director, Research & Information Services

Ross Ivey

CHAMBER VALUE: COLLABORATIVE We capitalize on opportunities and address challenges by working with our partners.

Senior Director, Industry Relations

Annie Davis

Director, Talent Initiatives

Beth Zinn

Program Manager, Driving Possibilities

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION | EVENTS Mary McNairy, iom Vice President

Joe Watson

Facilities Supervisor

Kim Weeks

Accounting Specialist - Receivables

Dionne Scales

Accounting & HR Specialist

Diana Baccus

Director, Event Management

Laura Carr

Event Specialist

Stefanie Smoot

Resource Desk Coordinator

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS Mike Ward, cce 4

Senior Vice President

CHAMBER VALUE: INNOVATIVE We believe that creative and bold actions are prerequisites to creating a competitive advantage.


HMCC STAFF CHAMBER VALUE: INCLUSIVE We value all people in our community and strive to create equitable opportunities.

INVESTOR RELATIONS | MEMBERSHIP Kristy Drake, iom Vice President

Lakeysha Brown

Director, Member Engagement

Richard Bigoney

Membership Account Executive

Dennis Euting

Membership Account Executive

Crystal Baker

Membership Retention Specialist

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS CHAMBER VALUE: ACCOUNTABLE We are accountable to our members and stakeholders to act with integrity in all regards.

Claire Aiello, iom Vice President

Kristi Sherrard Creative Director

Kayla Brown

Director, Strategic Communications

Hiroko Sedensky Web Designer

SMALL BUSINESS | ECONOMIC INCLUSION & DIVERSITY Ashley Engles-Ross Vice President

CHAMBER VALUE: ENGAGED We cultivate relationships with our members and community to ensure that our interests and actions are aligned.

Associated Organizations THE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION Jeanne Baird Greer Executive Director

Liz Boykin

Program Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE Small Business Development Center (SBDC) APEX Accelerator

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber serves as the catalyst for economic development activities in our community, and also as a single point of contact for prospective and existing businesses.

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2023 REVIEW

In 2023, the Economic Development division conducted more than 200 visits with our existing industries and worked on more than 70 projects for new and expanding companies. We also initiated a media placement contract in partnership with the City of Huntsville, the Port of Huntsville, and the Huntsville/ Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau to position The Rocket City in national news outlets as ASmartPlace to live, work, play, and learn. 2023 OUTREACH

▬ Avalon Air Show, Melbourne, Australia (Feb. 8 – March 5) ▬ National Space Symposium, Colorado Springs CO (April 8-11) ▬ Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, France (June 19-25) ▬ Space & Missile Defense Symposium, Huntsville (Aug. 8-10) ▬ Southeast US-Japan Annual Meeting, Tokyo, Japan (Oct. 10-14)

Huntsville #2 Best Place to Live in the U.S. (May)

Huntsville tops list of North America’s 25 Tech Markets for Growth Potential (August)

Huntsville #1 Job Market in the U.S. (September)

REGIONAL GROWTH

1,360,000

POPULATION

EMPLOYMENT 10% 9% 8%

1,328,000

7% 6%

1,296,000

5% 4%

1,264,000

3% 2%

1,232,000

1% 1,200,000 6

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

0%

2022 Population for 16-county Labor Shed

1,336,121

includes Alabama counties: Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Jackson, Marshall, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Marion, & Winston; and Tennessee counties: Lincoln, Giles, & Franklin

Regional Employment grew 9.1% over the past five years Average annual population growth over the past five years

17,859


597 $195,967,420 NEW JOBS

CAPITAL INVESTMENT

NEW & EXPANDING COMPANIES

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WORKFORCE

With 1.3 million people in our 16-county regional workforce, we are continually ranked as one of the best cities for STEM careers, job growth, economic expansion, affordable living, and cutting-edge research.

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2023 REVIEW

RECRUIT

A strong talent pipeline is critical to be ASmartPlace today and into the future. We are committed to efforts that educate, recruit, and retain talent in the Huntsville region. Chamber talent initiatives reached more than 1,000 individuals in our targeted populations and engaged more than 300 companies, organizations and schools in 2023. The Chamber remains focused on minimizing barriers to employment while maximizing awareness of the in-demand jobs in our region. This includes sharing information about career pathways, partnerships to ensure all citizens have access to gainful employment, a focused effort to attract Veterans to our growing community, and ongoing efforts to address the childcare issue.

SMART CAREERS

In September, we revamped a portion of ASmartPlace.com focused on Smart Careers to attract more job seekers to pursue career paths in Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Construction, and Healthcare that require two years of education and training or less to get started. The new Smart Careers site features information about each of the four industries with videos and career pathways that will put job seekers on the “fast track” to success.

RELAUNCH JOB FAIRS

ASMARTPLACE ON THE ROAD

COLLEGE CAREER FAIR

MILITARY TALENT RECRUITMENT EVENTS

▬ April:

▬ Auburn (Oct.):

▬ Employers: 29 ▬ Job Seekers: 115+

▬ Two virtual pilot events targeting transitioning middle enlisted military talent

» Employers: 36 » Job Seekers: 150+

▬ October: » Employers: 51 » Job Seekers: 200+ 8

» Employers: 13 » Job Seekers: 50+

▬ Tennessee (Nov.):

SENIOR SPRINT

» Employers: 8 » Job Seekers: 30+

▬ Employers: 39 ▬ Job Seekers: 300+ high school seniors

» 8 Employers » 43 Military/Veteran candidates participated (79 registered)


RETAIN LINKUP

▬ Community partners: 23 ▬ Newcomers: 75+ » 22 U.S. States represented » 10 Foreign Countries represented GO ROCKET CITY!

EDUCATE

▬ Sports video release ▬ These videos are a great way to showcase the Rocket City to those considering relocation.

GO ROCKET CITY! GET ONBOARD

▬ Partnership with EDPA’s FuelAL and Innovate Alabama ▬ 9 events during June and July » Social (5) » Service (2) » Professional Development (2)

▬ 150+ college interns/recent grads ▬ 48 colleges/universities represented ▬ 64 employers represented

STATE OF THE SCHOOLS

▬ 11th annual event ▬ March 29 @ the Westin ▬ 450 attendees INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

▬ February: 50 Educators » Buffalo Rock » Target Distribution Center

▬ November: 51 Educators » FBI Redstone » Yulista Holding

CHILDCARE

▬ The Chamber was selected as a TVA Workforce Invest grant recipient to support efforts to enhance quality and availability of childcare in 16 Huntsville/ Madison County family childcare centers ▬ Best Place for Working Parents program » 114 Huntsville companies earned the designation in 2023, a 34% increase over 2022

CHAMBER FOUNDATION

As part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative, Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $6.7 million to prepare students in Huntsville City Schools for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Foundation was selected to serve as the coordinating partner and hired a Program Manager to lead this fiveyear initiative. 9


CUMMINGS RESEARCH PARK

As the Nation’s second largest research park, we manage, internally market, and promote CRP to expand industry and recruit new companies to a vibrant and connected community.

COMPANY / ORGANIZATION CELEBRATIONS

CRP Executive Director Erin Koshut began her two-year tenure as board president for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP). 10

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CRP EVENTS

We launched a new event called ChatCRP – bringing science and education together – and continued with popular pop-up events like food trucks and popsicles.

PARA-CYCLING WORLD CUP

After hosting two successful Para-cycling road events with U.S. Paralympics Cycling in 2021 and 2022, the Huntsville/Madison County community was thrilled to announce a much larger race with international prestige and teams of athletes from approximately 40 countries.

PARA-CYCLING PHOTOS BY GREGG GELMIS

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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Chamber represents the business interests of the Huntsville/ Madison County area on all levels of government, promoting policies and legislation that enhance the economic prosperity of the region.

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Federal Affairs WASHINGTON UPDATE EVENTS

▬ Washington Update with Sen. Tuberville (February) – over 900 attendees ▬ Washington Update with Congressman Dale Strong (August) – nearly 1,000 attendees ▬ Hosted a League of Municipalities event with Congressman Strong (August) CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

▬ SVP Mike Ward attended swearing in ceremony for Sen. Katie Britt (January) ▬ Meeting with members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation to discuss the Chamber’s Federal Agenda, in advance of the Chamber’s DC Trip » Trip included Board Chair Lynn Troy, Vice Chair Ronnie Chronister, National Government Committee Chair David Cook, Chair-Elect Sameer Singhal, Chamber President & CEO Chip Cherry, and SVP Ward

▬ 2023 Washington DC Trip (March 26-28) – over 175 attendees from north Alabama » Keynote speakers included Assistant Secretary of Defense Heidi Shyu and Deputy Association NASA Administrator Casey Swails » Presentations from SDA, DIA, FBI, NIH, U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Department of Commerce; a Congressional Reception; and breakfast and lunch meetings with Senators Britt and Tuberville, and Congressmen Aderholt, Strong, Carl, and Palmer.

State Affairs LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

▬ Speakers included the new Speaker of the Alabama House, Nathaniel Ledbetter; Minority Leader Anthony Daniels; General Fund Committee Chair Rex Reynolds; Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield and Senator Arthur Orr, chair of the Education fund committee ▬ Arranged meeting with the new Speaker prior to the luncheon ANNUAL MONTGOMERY TRIP

▬ Meeting with the Majority leaders of the Alabama Senate and House in Montgomery (April 10) » Trip included Chairman Mac McCutcheon, Mayors Tommy Battle and Paul Finley, Board Chair Lynn Troy, Vice Chair Ronnie Chronister, State Government Committee Chair and Co-Chair Chyrstal Morgan and Tracy Doughty; Chamber President & CEO Chip Cherry, and SVPs Lucia Cape and Mike Ward

▬ Annual Montgomery Trip (April 11-12) – over 125 attendees » Chairs of House General Fund Committee, Rep. Rex Reynolds and Chairman of the Senate Education Fund Committee, Sen. Arthur Orr; Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter; Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth; Minority Leader, Rep. Anthony Daniels, Alabama Dept. of Education Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey, and Gov. Kay Ivey ALABAMA UPDATE

▬ Hosted Alabama Update (April) – over 1,000 attendees 12


SUPPORT FOR SPACE ACTIVITIES

▬ Supported Space Day Activities » included presentations from aerospace representatives to the Alabama Space Authority and to Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield

▬ Hosted a reception honoring MSFC Center Director Jody Singer (August) HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION DC ADVOCACY EFFORTS

▬ Supported the Citizens for Space Exploration Freshman Member DC Fly-in » met with several freshmen members of Congress to discuss key human space exploration programs

▬ Supported a human space exploration advocacy event with members of Congress ▬ Citizens for Space Exploration conducted a DC Fly-in with members of Alabama Congressional Delegation and members of Congress from several other surrounding states NATIONAL SPACE SYMPOSIUM

▬ Exhibitor at the 2023 National Space Symposium » SVP Ward supported the Chamber activities and meetings in Colorado Springs, CO » Coordinated meetings with key aerospace executives, Mayor Battle, and Chamber leadership

CELEBRATING & SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES

▬ Armed Forces Celebration Week (June) » included Gold Star Family appreciation event at Rocket City Trash Pandas game; a proclamation signing ceremony; Concert in the Park & fireworks show; a Community Leadership vs. Team Redstone softball game; and the AFC Luncheon featuring Gen. Charles Hamilton.

▬ Annual Outing (October) ▬ Redstone Update (November)

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

▬ State of the City Address (September) Mayor Battle’s 15th update – over 1,100 attendees » included a surprise visit from the Alabama A&M University marching band

▬ State of the County Address (November) inaugural event with Chairman McCutcheon

» featured morning presentations and a luncheon with LTG Chris Mohan, Redstone’s Senior Mission Commander and AMC Deputy Commander

▬ Association of Defense Communities National Summit » SVP Ward and Jeff Gronberg, representing Redstone Regional Alliance, met with a number of key DoD and White House officials.

▬ Meeting with SDA Director Dr. Tournear & team (August) » SDA is positioned to grow its activities at Redstone. 13


INVESTOR RELATIONS

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Through our members’ investment and active engagement, the Chamber is working to improve Huntsville and the region’s business climate, infrastructure, and overall quality of life.

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP

2,115

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

NEW MEMBER SALES

500 400 300 200 100 0

2015

2017

MEMBER COMPANIES BY SIZE

1-5 employees 6-20 employees 21-50 employees 51-100 employees 101+ employees

14

2019

2021

2023


ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN

11 volunteers

Thank you for your continued support of our events during 2023! Increased member participation in Chamber activities such as ChamberON helps us to prepare, develop, and promote our community for economic growth. Your strong engagement allows us to continue our mission.

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PARTICIPATING MEMBERS

923

SPONSORSHIP CONTRACTS

$1,512,750

IN SOLD RESERVED TABLES/SPONSORSHIPS

13 emissaries

98 ambassadors

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SMALL BUSINESS

The Small Business Office hosted programming and events that provided members recognition, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and the ability to celebrate their brand with the community.

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NETWORKING

Hosted throughout the community at member locations like the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, X-Golf, and Joe Davis Stadium, networking events including Breakfast & Biz and Business After Hours increased member businesses’ visibility, and established and grew professional networks through networking.

▬ 11 member locations around Huntsville ▬ 962 attendees

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING

Thanks to partner organizations (including the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, FBI, NASA, and AMIIC) and Chamber members serving as subject matter experts, the Chamber hosted computer classes and leadership training, as well as presentations on forming an ESOP, impacts of upcoming legislation like the Overtime Tax Law, and more. Keynote presentations were also hosted featuring accomplished CEOs in our community like Jeff Gronberg, Stephanie Mell, and Angie Sandritter in our C-Suite Speaker Series.

▬ 27 events

▬ 30 speakers

▬ 752 attendees

▬ 18 different topics discussed

BEST PLACES TO WORK®

In the competitive job market of 2023, a Best Places to Work® designation is more important than ever! Members dedicated to attracting and developing talent in their company devoted time and manpower to become one of our Best Places to Work.

▬ 734 attendees

▬ 9,256 surveys completed

▬ 218 companies nominated

▬ 15 award winners

▬ 109 contenders

▬ 3 companies in the Hall of Fame

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

2023 couldn’t end without taking the opportunity to celebrate our business community! This year the Small Business Awards highlighted nominees with “Small Business Jeopardy,” recognized more businesses by adding awards, and celebrated Music Month in Huntsville with the City’s Music Officer, Matt Mandrella, and local recording artist, Victoria Jones!

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▬ 926 attendees

▬ 15 winners

▬ 107 contenders

▬ 5 new awards


STATE OF HEALTHCARE

The Chamber partnered with healthcare providers to give the business community an inside glimpse into the economic impact of the healthcare system on north Alabama, and to discuss mental health treatment options and the impacts these have on our community. SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN

Small Businesses and Shop Local campaigns were coordinated this year with marketing campaigns that promoted member businesses!

▬ 31 members highlighted ▬ 10,000 SHOP LOCAL-OPOLY boards distributed

With guidance from the 2023 Steering Committee and Vice Chair, the Chamber hosted programming that increased recognition of underrepresented small business owners and entrepreneurs.

ECONOMIC INCLUSION & DIVERSITY

MINORITY BUSINESS OWNER PANEL

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▬ Four panelists representing four different industries ▬ Panelists identified access to capital and networking as their biggest barriers to business SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

▬ Added Minority-Owned and Veteran-Owned categories ▬ 40 companies competed in the Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned, and/or VeteranOwned categories – 33 of which attended the Small Business Awards Gala ▬ 73% of the 2023 winners were led by minorities, Veterans and/or women

WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL (WBC)

The Chamber’s WBC provided opportunities for networking, mentoring and leadership development for women in business by hosting luncheons, business mixers, and panel discussions featuring accomplished women in leadership as keynote speakers.

▬ 7 events ▬ 440 attendees ▬ 16 woman-owned businesses & 13 different industries represented on the Council 17


MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Providing accurate, up-to-date information to help your business grow and thrive, including Initiatives magazine, e-newsletters, social media updates, and videos about working and living in the Huntsville area.

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MEDIA RECOGNITION

Huntsville #1 Job Market in the U.S. (September) Huntsville #1 Best Place for Families (August)

Huntsville is Alabama’s most educated city, also in the top 25 nationally (July)

Huntsville #2 Best Place to Live in the U.S. (May) Huntsville 4th Affordable Place to Live in U.S. (May)

Huntsville named as one of eight “Most Charming Cities in the Appalachians” (May) Huntsville named one of 11 “Most Charming Cities in the Mid-South” (April)

Huntsville named one of The South’s Best Cities (March)

Huntsville #2 in the U.S. for Income Growth (August)

Huntsville tops list of North America’s 25 Tech Markets for Growth Potential (August)

VIDEOS

From GO Rocket City! and ASmartPlace recruitment to Shop Local promos or a community softball showdown for Armed Forces Week, we have plenty for you to share to promote the Huntsville Metro and beyond. #asmartplace #crp #liveworkplay

HSVCHAMBER.ORG STATS

▬ Users: 286,403 ▬ Page Views: 625,772 ▬ Top Pages: » Events with 18,869 views » Movers & Shakers with 14,466 views

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DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS

▬ Total reads: 14,943 ▬ Impressions: 94,593 ▬ Average read time: 4:42


EMAILS / EBLASTS

▬ Total sent: 201 ▬ Reach per month: 113,786 ▬ Average open rate: 34.7% » Nonprofit industry average: 25.2%

SOCIAL MEDIA NUMBERS

▬ Facebook: 17,266 ▬ LinkedIn: 15,455 ▬ X: 9,434 ▬ Instagram: 3,965

CHAMBER EVENTS ON FLICKR

▬ 2.2 million views in 2023 19


HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Lynn Troy

Greg Brown

CFO/Co-CEO, Brown Precision, Inc.

Ron Poteat

President, Troy7, Inc.

President & CEO, CFD Research Corporation

BOARD CHAIR

CHAIR-ELECT

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

PRESIDENT, CHAMBER FOUNDATION

Retired

Wayne Sisco

Senior Executive VP/CFO, Redstone Federal Credit Union

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Jeff Samz

Michelle Jordan Executive Director TARCOG

VP, Army Program Integration Lockheed Martin Corporation

Ronnie Chronister

Beth Sippel

Blake Bentley

VICE CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & WORKFORCE

VICE CHAIR, ECONOMIC INCLUSION & DIVERSITY

VICE CHAIR, GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

VICE CHAIR, HREGI

VICE CHAIR, INVESTOR RELATIONS

Dr. Karockas Watkins

Jeff Gronberg

CEO Huntsville Hospital Health System

Jason Puckett

Market President Synovus

CEO SportsMED

President Toyota Alabama

CEO/President/Executive Director Ability Plus, Inc.

CEO deciBel Research, Inc.

Brett Crain

President Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.

Jami Peyton

VICE CHAIR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

VICE CHAIR, SMALL BUSINESS

LIAISON, REDSTONE REGIONAL ALLIANCE

CHAIR-APPOINTED

CHAIR-APPOINTED

John Watson

Tommy Battle

Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

Mac McCutcheon

Chairman Madison County Commission

Chip Cherry, CCE

CHAIR-APPOINTED

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

CEO Torch Technologies

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Sameer Singhal

Mayor City of Huntsville

CEO Canvas, Inc.

President & CEO Huntsville/Madison County Chamber


HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ted Baudendistel

Kevin Fernandez

Tyce Hudson

Alana Parker

L2 Mindset

Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC

Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.

Greg Fortier

Hank Isenberg

IronMountain Solutions

Bill Penney Toyota/ Mitsubishi

Penny Billings

Owen Franklin

Sean Kelly

Sharné Rice

Greg Gaddy

Tim King

InterFuze Corporation

David Bier

Cadence Bank

Jason Blount Keel Point, LLC

Mark Brazeal

SAIC

Blue Summit Supplies

Five Stones Research Corporation

Regions Bank

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)

Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc.

Zack Penney

U.S. Army

Alicia Ryan

LSINC Corporation

Charlie Sealy

Greg Hall

Clint Kirkland

United Community Bank

Sealy Management Company, Inc.

Scott Hall

Rich Kretzschmar

Nilmini Thompson

SouthState Bank

Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

Katie Comer

Ginger Harper

James Lackey

Mark Vaporis

Raytheon, An RTX Business

Josh Herren

Todd May

Dr. Patti Dare

Tharon Honeycutt MSB Analytics, Inc.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melissa Davis

Laura Huckabee-Jennings

Chrystal Morgan

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)

Thomas Busby

Meta Platforms, Inc.

Michael Cox

Davidson

MTA, Inc.

Tyler Evans

Aerojet Rocketdyne, An

L3Harris Technologies Company

COPT Defense Properties

First Horizon

Yulista

Transcend, The Fearless Co.

Lincoln Hudson

Frontier Technology, Inc.

Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)

Parsons

KBR

Systems Products and Solutions, Inc.

Intrepid

Mike Watkins

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Bob McCaleb

The Boeing Company

Collin Orcutt

Schoel Engineering Company, Inc.

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Vision and strategy, coupled with effective implementation, is what empowers our community

ahead of our competition. The Huntsville Region has never been content to leave our future to the will of others. We have a vision of what our future will be and are working strategically to realize that vision.

Many ask about the “secret to our success.” Well, one aspect of the “secret” is the resources provided to the Chamber through the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). HREGI funds allow us to punch well above our weight class, making us a stronger, more visible force in the national competition for economic growth. The Initiative’s overarching vision is for our community to become a primary center of technology in the South and in the nation. HREGI is designed to position the area as one of the leading economic growth centers in the Southeast and the nation. HREGI investors invest funds in addition to their membership dues and sponsorships – they understand a rising tide lifts all boats, and the Chamber is working to raise the water level for everyone.

how investment dollars are spent

Engaging in Public Policy and Advocating for Your Business and Our Community

Providing Opportunities and Resources for Small Business Support and Growth

HREGI funds strengthen us in a multitude of ways. They help the Chamber market Huntsville for continued progress – dispelling the myth that the high tech and leading edge activities that our citizens engage in every day can’t happen here. Our efforts in education, childcare, talent development, and workforce recruitment are all enhanced because of the resources provided by our HREGI Investors. Join those who understand what is possible when we take control of our future and strive to become the community we all believe is possible – become a HREGI Investor.

INVESTMENT LEVELS Development Partner Development Council Chairman’s Council President’s Circle Leadership Forum Executive Council Chamber Trustee Progress Partner Progress Investor 22

Strategically Marketing Huntsville/ Madison County as ASmartPlace

Creating a More Diversified and Dynamic Economy

Ensuring a Skilled and Available Workforce


2023 HREGI investors AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ BlueHalo COPT Defense Properties ■ Crestwood Medical Center ■ Dynetics, Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation ■ Raytheon, An RTX Business ■ SAIC

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. ■ Torch Technologies ■ Yulista

CHAMBER TRUSTEES Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Intrepid ■ KBR Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram ■ Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. Parsons ■ S3, Inc. ■ Science and Engineering Services, LLC (SES) Sealy Management Company, Inc. ■ SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Synovus ■ The Westmoreland Company

PROGRESS PARTNERS Ability Plus, Inc. ■ Aerojet Rocketdyne, An L3Harris Technologies Company ■ Amazon ■ Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C. ■ ASRC Federal ■ Baron Weather, Inc. ■ BASF Corporation ■ BL Harbert International, LLC ■ Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP ■ Brown Precision, Inc. ■ Canvas, Inc. ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ Colliers International ■ First Horizon ■ Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC ■ Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC ■ Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. ■ Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ Keel Point,

REGIONAL PARTNERS

LLC ■ Leonardo Electronics US Inc. ■ LSINC Corporation ■ Marsh & McLennan Agency, locally known as J. Smith Lanier & Co. ■ The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) ■ Pearce Construction Company ■ Radiance Technologies,

Inc. ■ RE/MAX Alliance ■ Robins & Morton ■ ServisFirst Bank ■ SMX ■ SouthState Bank ■ Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ United Community Bank ■ Venturi, LLC ■ Womble Bond

Dickinson (US) LLP ■ Woody Anderson Ford

PROGRESS INVESTORS LEADERSHIP FORUM

Accenture Federal Services ■ Air Essentials, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ Averbuch Realty / Enterprises ■ Avion Solutions ■ Bailey-Harris Construction ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank ■ Cadence Bank ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ Convergint ■ Corvid Technologies LLC ■ deciBel Research, Inc. ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. ■ Express Employment Professionals ■ FITE Building Company ■ FLS Translation & Interpreting ■ Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC ■ Garver, LLC ■ GTEC ■ Hexagon US Federal ■ HEMSI ■ Hiley Automotive Group ■ Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ Industrial Properties of the South ■ InterFuze Corporation ■ Investor’s Resource ■ L3Harris ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ PALCO ■ Phoenix ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corporation ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company ■ Rosenblum Realty, Inc. ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Schoel Engineering Company, Inc. ■ Shee Atiká Enterprises, LLC ■ Signalink, Inc. ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ Textron Inc. ■ Transcend, The Fearless Company ■ Troy7, Inc. ■ Truist Bank ■ TTL, Inc. ■ ValleyMLS.com ■ Valor Communities ■ Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc. ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC ■ Wilmer & Lee, P.A.

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