A Special Tribute to
Eula Battle nov 2020
Bright Lights By The Numbers The Classroom Extra! Extra! Giving Back Movers & Shakers Shop Small Working Class A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
BEST Regional Hospital and #2 in Alabama
The evaluation also includes data from Madison Hospital and Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children.
welcome new chamber members Joined in August 2020
Joined in September 2020
Affinity Recruiting
Acquisition Integration LLC
Altered Reality, LLC
Best Care of North Alabama, LLC
Belk
Blake Williams Communications
The Bottle
Corporate Ready, LLC
Brightline Performance Group
The Flower Shoppe
Broadway Theatre League of Huntsville
JS Solutions LLC
Germinator Mobile Sanitizing & Disinfecting Huntsville
Kenny Pipe & Supply Inc.
Huntsville Chem-Dry
North Alabama Zoological Society
Par Excellence Youth Development
Sain Associates, Inc.
Premier Print Group
Twickenham Holdings LLC
Prudent American Technologies
Universal Services, LLC
Reboot Wellness, LLC
Viva Health
MAC3 Defense, Inc.
Rocket City Mom, LLC Sancorp Consulting LLC Sereno Ridge Recovery Spectrum Reach Urgent Care for Children - Huntsville
Check out getyourgifton.org – a website to support gift card purchases through our local restaurants and retail stores. Please visit the site and buy a gift card. Also, it is FREE to list your business there. The link to add is at the very top of the site, as well as a link to set up gift cards if you don’t currently offer these.
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.
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2020
INVESTORS HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
DEVELOPMENT PARTNER
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
REGIONAL PARTNERS
LEADERSHIP FORUM
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA ■ Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) ■ Crestwood Medical Center ■ Dynetics, Inc. General Atomics Electromagnetics ■ Lockheed Martin Corporation ■ Northrop Grumman Corporation Raytheon Technologies ■ SAIC ■ SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC ■ Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. ■ Yulista
CHAMBER TRUSTEES AEgis Technologies Group ■ Akima, LLC ■ Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. ■ Facebook Data Center Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Intrepid ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corp ■ Jerry Damson Honda Acura ■ KBR Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep ■ Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. ■ PARSONS ■ S3, Inc. ■ Sealy Management Company, Inc. SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center ■ Synovus ■ Torch Technologies ■ Turner Construction Company
PROGRESS PARTNERS Ability Plus ■ Aerojet Rocketdyne ■ Anglin Reichmann Armstrong ■ ASRC Federal ■ B. L. Harbert International, LLC ■ Baron Services, Inc. ■ BASF Corporation ■ BB&T, now Truist Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP ■ Brown Precision, Inc. ■ CenterState Bank ■ Colliers International ■ Connected Logistics (LogC2) ■ Davidson ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. IBERIABANK ■ Keel Point, LLC ■ L3Harris ■ Leonardo Electronics US Inc. ■ LSINC Corporation ■ Marsh & McLennan Agency, locally known as J. Smith Lanier & Co. The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) ■ Progress Bank ■ Radiance Technologies ■ RE/MAX Alliance ■ Robins & Morton ■ RUAG Space USA ■ Spirit Coach, LLC Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ Verizon ■ Wells Fargo Bank ■ Woody Anderson Ford
PROGRESS INVESTORS Air Essentials, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty ■ Armstrong Relocation Company Huntsville LLC ■ Averbuch Realty / Enterprises ■ Bailey-Harris Construction BancorpSouth ■ Bell Textron Inc. ■ BID DESIGNS, LLC ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank ■ Cadence Bank ■ Canvas, Inc. ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ CGI Federal Coast Personnel Services ■ Continental Consulting Group Corporation (CCGC) ■ DC BLOX, Inc. ■ deciBel Research ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. ■ Express Employment Professionals ■ Fernandez Financial Group FITE Building Company ■ FLS Translation & Interpreting ■ Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC ■ Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC ■ Garver ■ Hexagon US Federal ■ HEMSI ■ Hiley Automotive Group Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ INTERFUZE Corporation ■ Investor’s Resource ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. MAG Aerospace ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ PALCO ■ PHOENIX ■ Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corporation ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company Rosenblum Realty ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Schoel Engineering Company, Inc. ■ ServisFirst Bank ■ Sigmatech, Inc. ■ Signalink ■ Snelling ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ TriVector Services, Inc. ■ Troy 7, Inc. ValleyMLS.com ■ Valor Communities ■ Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties Inc. ■ Venturi, Inc. ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC ■ West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. ■ Wilmer & Lee, P.A.
nov 2020
ON THE COVER: Celebrating the life and legacy of Huntsville’s First Lady, Eula Battle page 11
Bright Lights
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Extra! Extra!
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Movers & Shakers
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Shop Small
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Working Class
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By the Numbers
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Et cetera New Members: 4
The Classroom
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HREGI Investors: 5 About IO & Board Listing: 8 Future Fun: 32
Giving Back
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Thanksgiving Message: 41 Staff Listing: 42
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About IO
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2020 Executive Committee
Dear Members, It’s hard to believe we are in November. It has been a long year in many ways, and 2020 has brought challenges for businesses of all sizes. We hope you are staying strong through the pandemic, and we also hope you, your employees, and your family members at home have stayed healthy. We dedicate this issue of IO to Eula Catherine Sammons Battle, who died on October 20. Eula was Huntsville’s first lady and served our City in a variety of ways. She will be remembered by her family as a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, but our community is also grateful for the gifts she gave as a teacher and civic leader who co-founded Free 2 Teach. She served Huntsville in many other ways, and we offer our condolences and prayers to the Battle family. I encourage everyone to vote on November 3. I also want to say thank you to the staff at the courthouse from the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s office and Madison County Probate Office, who have worked around the clock for the past few months to prepare for the election. They have also helped tens of thousands of absentee voters cast their ballots ahead of the official “Election Day.” In the past few weeks, the lines grew longer as many went to vote ahead of time, and some reported waiting two to three hours. It is critical for us to be involved in the electoral process. Please keep exercising your civic involvement, because it is important to vote in every single election. In many cases, your city council person and school board member live just around the corner from you. Congratulations to our winners in the recent Small Business Awards! We will feature your photos in the December issue of Initiatives magazine. We encourage you to keep supporting our small businesses, especially this holiday season as you give to others. Please consider buying a gift card to one of our local merchants. You can do that easily at getyourgifton.org. Keep submitting your news -- it’s easy to do this through our Member News portal. Use your ChamberMaster login, and we check for additions every day in the queue. We feature these contributions on hsvchamber.org and in the weekly Mash-Up eblast. Please get your flu shot, keep masking up and stay healthy. Let’s stay strong through these challenging times.
Frank Williams 2020 Vice Chair for Marketing & Communications Chamber Executive Board
IO Staff Chip Cherry, CCE publisher Frank Williams 2020 vice chair, marketing & communications Claire Aiello editor Kristi Sherrard editorial designer Hiroko Sedensky web designer
The mission of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth. Information in this and other Chamber publications is at the discretion of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
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Kevin Byrnes, Chair, Navigator International, LLC Jeff Gronberg, Chair-Elect, deciBel Research, Inc. Kim Lewis, Immediate Past Chair, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Ron Poteat, Chamber Foundation President, Regions Bank Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Secretary/Treasurer, Transcend LLC Greg Brown, Vice Chair, Economic Development & Industry Relations, Brown Precision, Inc.
Craig Naudain, Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs, SAIC Jim Rogers, Vice Chair, HREGI, Lockheed Martin Corporation Frank Williams, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Lynn Troy, Vice Chair, Membership, Troy 7, Inc. Sameer Singhal, Vice Chair, Small Business & Events, CFD Research Corporation
Joe Ritch, Vice Chair, TV-BRAC, Sirote & Permutt, PC Dr. Karockas Watkins, Chair-Appointed, Ability Plus, Inc. Dr. Joe Green, Chair-Appointed, Whitespace Innovations, Inc. Alicia Ryan, Chair-Appointed, LSINC Corporation Mike Watkins, Chair-Appointed, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
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
Chip Cherry, President & CEO, Chamber
Elected Board Blake Bentley, SportsMED David Bier, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C. Penny Billings, BancorpSouth- Huntsville Thomas Busby, CenterState Bank Melissa Davis, MTA, Inc. Mike Dewitz, PARSONS John Eagan, BB&T Kevin Fernandez, Fernandez Financial Group, LLC Owen Franklin, Blue Summit Supplies Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation John Hall, All Points Logistics, LLC Ginger Harper, IBERIABANK Josh Herren, Yulista Lee Holland, Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. Amanda Howard, Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty Lincoln Hudson, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Hank Isenberg, IronMountain Solutions McKinley James, Polaris Industries, Inc. Lauren Johannesmeyer, Google Fiber, Huntsville Sean Kelly, Regions Bank April Mason, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Todd May, KBR Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Kevin McCombs, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Zack Penney, Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi Jami Peyton, Canvas, Inc. Chris Russell, Cadence Bank Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Beth Sippel, Synovus Wayne Sisco, Redstone Federal Credit Union Tom Stanton, ADTRAN, Inc. Sandra Stephens, Keel Point, LLC Mitch Stevison, Raytheon Company Cynthia Streams, Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.) Margetta Thomas, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company John Watson, Torch Technologies Danny Windham, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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Huntsville’s First Lady
Eula Battle dies after brave fight with cancer
E
ula Catherine Sammons Battle, wife of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, died on October 20. She was a Huntsville native and a longtime servant in our community, first through her role as a public school teacher for 31 years. After she “retired” from public education, she went on to support and teach in the newly formed Greengate School, an academic program focused on students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. She later co-founded Free 2 Teach in 2010, a nonprofit that supplies free school materials for local teachers. To date, Free 2 Teach has distributed more than $7 million in supplies and materials to Huntsville-area teachers. Eula supervised a strategic plan for Free 2 Teach to continue operations in her absence, a fitting legacy of her “labor of love” that will benefit local teachers and schoolchildren far into the future. Eula Battle was involved in many activities and organizations throughout her lifetime. A former member of the Junior League of Huntsville and Grace Club, Eula was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was selected as a participant in the Leadership Huntsville Class 26 and belonged to Alpha Kappa Delta, an honorary organization for women educators, and to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was honored by the Women’s Economic Development Council Foundation in 2014, received the DAR Founders Medal for Education in 2019, and received the 2020 Boy Scouts Whitney M. Young Community Service Award. In 2019, Athens State University established the Eula S. Battle education scholarship so she could have a hand in developing future teachers. In 2020, Eula was a White Linen and Wine Honoree for the Russell Hill Cancer Foundation. Eula is survived by her husband, Tommy Battle; their son, Drew Battle and his wife, Lauren; grandsons, George and Benjamin; brothers, Dr. Robert Sammons (Louise), Dr. Calame Sammons (Dianne), and Bill Sammons (Laurie); a sister, Susan Sammons Sullins (Bill); and 12 nieces and nephews. Memorials may be sent to Free 2 Teach or Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville. ■
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Bright Lights ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HUNTSVILLE METRO
C-Store Master breaks ground on advanced robotic distribution warehouse C-Store Master broke ground on the company’s state-of-the-art 120,000-squarefoot automated warehouse on October 6. Scheduled to open in Q1 of 2021, the company has invested $12 million in the warehouse, which will be the only one of its kind in the country. The new warehouse has created 40 jobs that C-Store Master will be hiring for in the coming months.
“Huntsville is the perfect place for our work because of its booming business environment and central location to the entire Southeast,” said Sharan Kalva, C-Store Master chief operating officer. “We believe this cutting edge warehouse paired with our innovative software will continue to set us apart from our competitors.” C-Store Master has partnered with Geek+ to incorporate three robot technologies in the new warehouse, improving accuracy to 99.99 percent. The multi-level shuttle system is the first of its kind in the Southeast. “C-Store Master’s robots will increase their productivity by three to four times,” said Rick DeFiesta, Geek+ director of business development and partnership. “We’re proud to partner with their team on this efficiency to help provide even quicker service for their customers.” Specializing in the tobacco and beverage categories, C-Store Master services 2,000+ independent c-stores and 4,000+ chain stores throughout the Southeast, including more than 3,000 Circle K locations. ■ Information supplied by C-Store Master
Toyota Alabama named Supplier of the Year The Alabama Automotive Manufacturing Association (AAMA) recently named Toyota Alabama as a 2020 Supplier of the Year. The award recognizes manufacturing suppliers for outstanding achievements in areas such as innovation, quality, safety and commitment to the community. “Toyota’s incredible response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has gone above and beyond to address the situation, develop plans and quickly adapt to changes,” said Ron Davis, president of AAMA. “They engaged with their peers from across the globe to develop creative solutions to ensure a safe work environment for employees. Toyota then shared this knowledge across the state to help schools and businesses also prepare for return.” Additionally, to support local healthcare facilities and first responders with personal protective equipment, Toyota produced and distributed 10,000 commercial grade face shields. “Our ability to produce face shields in mass quantities is a testament to our incredibly skilled workforce and passion for sharing knowledge to meet community needs,” said Larry Deutscher, Toyota Alabama general manager of Manufacturing Support. The Huntsville plant currently produces approximately 700,000 (4-cylinder, V6 and V8) engines per year to Toyota vehicle assembly plants across North America, making the facility a critical part of the company’s supply chain. In 2021 production will increase to more than 900,000 engines per year upon completion of the plant’s latest expansion, bringing its total investment to $1.2 billion. 12
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L-R: AAMA President Ron Davis, Toyota Alabama General Manager of Manufacturing Support Larry Deutscher, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama President David Finch.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, Toyota also recently launched a virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of its U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
LSINC debuts the Perivallo360m LSINC Corporation, a Huntsville, Ala.-based business, introduces the first in a series of high speed, high resolution decoration printers, the Perivallo360m. UV digital printing offers seamless decoration for impressive designs that engage consumers. Businesses can escape from the traditional and opt for a limitless color palette and canvas that embraces every contour of the substrate to best display product branding. UV digital printing is the sustainable and economical option that will allow branding to stand the test of time. The Perivallo360m is ideal for markets such as wine and spirits, health and beauty, and specialty foods. The Perivallo360m is a result of LSINC’s innovative technologies that allow direct-to-object UV digital printing onto cylindrical, conical, and contoured substrates, offering businesses a vast variety of options for marketing and branding. The Perivallo360m moves beyond the limitations of current labeling to allow imaginative design that is Truly Boundless. Through its new revolutionary technology, LSINC answers today’s market needs and positions clients as industry innovators, riding the wave of growth. For LSINC Founder and CEO Alicia Ryan, this launch means more than bringing a revolutionary product to market. It’s bringing it to market during one of the most challenging times in recent history. “The year 2020 has been challenging, but also motivating. At LSINC Corporation, we didn’t slow down, we leaned forward. We designed, built, and manufactured a portfolio of new, innovative, never before created or envisioned, UV industrial printers. These printers allow you to take your
A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
ideas, inspirations, and images to REALITY by directly printing to your glass, wood, metal, or plastic cylindrical container.” The design and printing possibilities are not the only advantages to this new technology. As packaging companies continue to focus on sustainable packaging, this technology contributes to a cleaner environment by eliminating ink waste and making it much easier to recycle containers since no toxic glues or paper labels are used. LSINC offers full-service operational support for their customers. From machine build and setup to technical assistance and creative design services, these support capabilities enable imaginative product packaging development. LSINC is a world leader in digital printing technology and cutting edge innovation. For more information, visit lsinc.com. ■ Information courtesy LSINC
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BRIGHT LIGHTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
Huntsville companies named FORTUNE’s Best Small & Medium Workplaces™ The FORTUNE Best Small & Medium Workplaces™ 2020 list was recently announced and three Huntsville companies have placed in the top tier. Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVE ®) took the No. 5 spot, PeopleTec ranked No. 9, and Canvas came in at No. 35. In total, 100 companies are selected for this national annual list. Only top performing companies who are Great Places to Work-Certified™ are eligible to make this list. To become certified, companies must collect employee feedback and with Great Place to Work’s For All methodology, confirm that at least 70 percent of the employees have a consistently positive experience at their company. Two of these three companies are located in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, INTUITIVE, and PeopleTec. INTUITIVE is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm that provides solutions to defense, commercial, and government customers. Ninety-eight percent of INTUITIVE’s employees say it is a great place to work compared to 59 percent of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. “It is a true testament to the INTUITIVE culture and our employees that we have been honored as Best Workplace in the Nation nine years in a row, all nine years in the top five,” said Vergenia Shelton, INTUITIVE’s president. “Receiving this honor is a reflection of what is most important to INTUITIVE. We work diligently to set our company apart as a great workplace by consistently focusing on employee needs. Our employees are the driving force to our success, which is why we invest so heavily in our people. It has always been our priority to provide a workplace where employees are proud of where they work and excited about what they do.” PeopleTec, Inc. is an employee-owned small business that provides technical expertise through program execution and applying innovative business processes to enhance cost efficiency for their customers. PeopleTec‘s 9th place ranking also came with a 98 percent employee satisfaction rate. “PeopleTec is proud to be recognized by our employee-owners as one of the best
medium workplaces in the nation,” said the company’s CEO Terry Jennings. “Our unique culture and our commitment to the Warfighter creates a second home for our employee-owners, where trust is high and everyone feels welcome.” Canvas Inc. ranked number 35 for the best medium workplaces. Canvas’ mission is to provide engineering services and technical solutions for customers in federal and commercial markets. The survey showed 99 percent of their employees are happy to call Canvas their home away from home. “Canvas is proud to be recognized by our employees for creating one of the best small business workplaces,” said CEO Jami Peyton. “Our high-trust culture has not only helped us navigate a challenging 2020, but also continued to propel Canvas forward in the best way possible. We simply couldn’t be a Best Small Workplace or Great Place to Work without our incredible employees.” “We congratulate all other Huntsville companies that made the list as well,” added INTUITIVE’s Shelton. “This award is also a reflection of our local community, which encourages entrepreneurship and has been nationally recognized as a best place to live and work. Huntsville/Madison County has been an amazing place to grow and succeed in business, and we are proud to represent the Rocket City on this national stage.” Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and company culture research firm, evaluated more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included the extent to which employees trust leaders, the respect with which people are treated, the fairness of workplace decisions, and how much camaraderie there is among the team. Canvas’ placement on this list is based on confidential survey feedback representing more than 189,000 employees working at small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States. ■
About the Best Small & Medium Workplaces: To determine the 2020 Best Small Workplaces list and the 2020 Best Medium Workplaces list, Great Place to Work® gathered and analyzed confidential survey feedback representing more than 189,000 employees working in small- and medium-sized businesses in the United States. Employees responded to over 60 survey questions describing the extent to which their organization creates a great place to work For All™. Eighty-five percent of the evaluation is based on what employees say about their experiences of trust and reaching their full human potential as part of their organization, no matter who they are or what they do. Great Place to Work analyzes these experiences relative to each organization’s size, workforce make up, and what’s typical relative to their peers in the industry. The remaining 15 percent of the rank is based on assessing how consistent employees’ daily experiences of innovation, the company’s values, and their leaders’ effectiveness are. The Best Small & Medium Workplaces list is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations.
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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO
Davidson earns Great Place to Work™ designation Davidson announced that it is Great Place to Work-Certified™. Certification is a significant achievement that uses employee feedback gathered through a rigorous, data-driven methodology to assess workplace culture and environment. Ninety-seven percent of Davidson’s employees stated they have a consistently positive experience at Davidson. “We are thrilled to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Maj. Gen. John W. Holly, (Ret.), president of Davidson. “We focus on our employees as a priority every day. This certification reported a consistently positive experience with their coworkers, their leaders, and with their jobs. This is critical to us because we know that when our employees have a high-trust experience every day they are more productive, drive better business results and make a difference to our customers and our Nation.” “We congratulate Davidson on their certification,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of Best Workplace List Research at Great Place to Work. “Organizations that earn their employees’ trust create great workplace cultures that deliver outstanding business results.” Davidson is a premier industry leader providing integrated solutions to solve complex engineering and technical problems. For more than 24 years, we have been dedicated to strengthening our Nation’s defense through modeling and simulation, cybersecurity solutions, test and evaluation and systems engineering and integration. Davidson is headquartered in Huntsville, Ala. For more information, visit davidsontech.com. ■
Redstone Title Services also earns Great Place to Work™ certification Redstone Title Services also now has the distinction of being Great Place to Work-Certified™. One-hundred percent of employees at Redstone Title Services say it is a great place to work compared to 59 percent of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation. It helps companies around the world survey their employees, benchmark their results, identify gaps, and improve their workplace culture. Great Place to Work is the only national recognition program based on a rigorous methodology and validated employee feedback. Redstone Title Services is a full service title insurance agency dedicated to providing its customers peace of mind in their most important transactions. Our success blossoms from focus on quality over quantity, technical innovation, and genuine belief in our values. Assistance includes real estate closing services, title insurance, and title searches. For more information, visit www.redstonetitle.org. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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Extra! Extra! FOR YOUR INFORMATION & CONSIDERATION
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama invites new girl and adult members this fall to participate Though much of the school year looks very different for children across Alabama this fall, Girl Scouting is still here and stronger than ever. Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama invites parents and guardians of girls from kindergarten to senior year of high school to look at how Girl Scouting can supercharge their girl’s confidence, now and throughout her life. Studies show Girl Scouts improves girls’ confidence and makes them better prepared for life’s challenges, and resilience is a skill girls need now more than ever. Girl Scouts is dedicated to helping girls follow their dreams while discovering new interests, strengths, and abilities. Girls across Alabama enjoy Girl Scouts because they can pursue their own passions. Right now, Girl Scouts are learning about robots, hiking, painting murals, feeding the hungry, and even writing laws to change the world. Girl Scouting is a journey parents and guardians can take with their girl. While girls are learning about STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and important life skills, they are also discovering new ways to make their family and community
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stronger, kinder, and better for everyone. Girl Scouts is more than just a moment in a girl’s life, it’s a Movement dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts from the same community, called troops, are meeting and planning an upcoming year of adventures, and there are spots available for new girl and adult members this fall. This year, girls can experience the community of a Girl Scout troop in new ways – girls can participate either in-person, completely virtually, or choose a hybrid route. Together with adult volunteers (often parents or caregivers), girls select exciting hands-on activities and projects, try new things, and cheer each other on. Together, they earn badges to reflect their successes and set new goals.
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Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama events have also pivoted – allowing girls opportunities to earn badges, get outdoors, and serve their communities in a variety of in-person and virtual ways. Membership dues are just $25 annually, but financial aid is available. To learn more, find an existing troop or start a new one, or see upcoming Discover Girl Scout parties, visit our website at girlscoutsnca.org. ■
John Meredith wins Huntsville City Council District 5 Residents of Huntsville’s District 5 have elected a new representative to the Huntsville City Council. John Meredith defeated three-term incumbent Will Culver in the runoff election on October 6. Meredith says his priorities include finishing road projects within the district, including Zierdt and Martin Roads, and repaving old roads. He said he will also work to facilitate Black Lives Matter reforms with the Huntsville Police Department. Meredith had first challenged Culver in 2016. He is the son of civil rights leader James Meredith. ■ Source: WAAY-TV
New book details Huntsville’s role in the origins of drone warfare “It’s a long way from Huntsville to Afghanistan, but that didn’t keep us off the front line of the fight.” Those words are used to describe the premise of a new book titled Never Mind: We’ll Do It Ourselves by Alec Bierbauer, Colonel Mark Cooter, and Michael Marks. The book is available for pre-order on Amazon and is due to be released on January 19, 2021. The book is a character-driven story behind the origins of the armed Predator drone program and the dawn of unmanned warfare. It is a firsthand account told by the Air Force team leader and the CIA team leader. Never Mind, We’ll Do It Ourselves takes the reader into the back offices and secret government hangars where the robotic revolution went from a mad scientist idea to a pivotal part of global air power. Co-author Alec Bierbauer has a career in counterterrorism that stretches back to 1989. After the CIA, he decided to make Huntsville his home in 2006, and says the book will introduce you to the collection of engineers and patriots from Redstone Arsenal who met seemingly impossible schedule and performance expectations to help America with arming Predator with Hellfire missiles before, during, and after the terror attacks of 9/11. “Part of what attracted me to Huntsville following my federal service was the ‘get it done’ attitude of the professionals throughout the Huntsville and Redstone communities,” said Bierbauer. “It has been a great area for quality of life and growing a small business.” The book is being met with high praise, too, including a recent endorsement from a former CIA Director and retired Army General David Petraeus. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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Movers & Shakers NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AND RECOGNITION OF TALENT
Lisa Hammitt has joined Davidson Technologies as the
company’s Executive VP of Artificial Intelligence & Data Analysis. Hammitt is a 28-year veteran in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, and was most recently the Global VP of AI & Data at VISA. She sits on the board of directors for Clear Channel Outdoor, Glassbox, Sumo Logic, and chairs the board of Beseeq, Inc. Before VISA and Beseeq, Hammitt ran Watson at IBM and held senior positions at Salesforce and HP. She is a primary inventor of broad search and content management systems and has patents pending relating to deep learning AI systems. Hammitt has degrees from UC Berkeley and has completed graduate-level AI coursework at Stanford and executive education at Harvard. Her move to Huntsville reinforces an upward trend among her industry peers. “Having Lisa join Team Davidson reflects our focus on solving our Nation’s toughest problems. It takes genuine talent to tackle our most difficult challenges – Lisa brings a unique level of technical expertise and performance excellence in AI and advanced data analytics that will directly benefit our customers,” says Davidson President Maj. Gen. John W. Holly (Ret.). “Given the irrefutable history of innovation at Davidson and the pedigree of our founding pioneers, Drs. Dorothy & Julian Davidson, I feel as though I am standing on the shoulders of giants and Huntsville is at the center of the next wave of technology,” Hammitt said. “Imagine your whole career leading up to this moment, that you have the privilege to reimagine the toughest AI challenge that exists – I’m truly honored.” ■
Dr. Darrell Ezell has been named the new director of
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Ezell is a Huntsville native and brings more than 10 years of experience designing and implementing intercultural communication programs and diversity and inclusion strategies to HudsonAlpha. He previously served as VP for Academic Affairs and Dean at Claremont Lincoln University and as a Visiting Professor in International Studies at Louisiana State University. “HudsonAlpha should reflect the diverse community that we are part of, and Darrell’s experience in leading diverse teams and managing organizational change will help us not only achieve that, but continue to do so in the future,” said Rick Myers, PhD, HudsonAlpha president and science director and M.A. Loya Chair in Genomics. Ezell earned his PhD in Religion and International Affairs from The University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England, his MA in Systematic Theology and Ethics from Union Theological Seminary and BA in Psychology from Alabama A&M University. As Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Ezell will support the Institute’s 18
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efforts to better engage with the public, diversify our workforce and create a more inclusive workplace that meets the needs of employees and communities. “Cultivating a diverse workforce, recruiting people of color, and ensuring gender parity in the ranks of leadership is essential to the success of any company or organization,” said Ezell. “As Alabama evolves in prominence as a launchpad for innovation, North Alabama will prove that its greatest incentive is its rich heritage and diverse workforce. I am excited for the opportunity to work collaboratively to build diversity support and develop initiatives to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace at HudsonAlpha.” ■
Dianne Howells has been appointed the new president
and CEO of Miltope Corporation. ST Engineering North America announced her appointment in late September. With over 25 years’ experience in the aerospace and defense industry, Howells brings her proven leadership in program management, product development, manufacturing and sales growth to this critical role. “We welcome Dianne as she assumes the leadership role at Miltope,” said Tom Vecchiolla, chairman and CEO of ST Engineering North America. “Dianne’s experience and proven track record as a business leader makes her the right choice for Miltope.” Beginning her career as a software engineer for General Dynamics, Howells advanced through multiple positions of increasing responsibility, with E-Systems and Raytheon, and most recently, as VP for Leonardo DRS’ Naval Power Systems line of business. Howells holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, as well as certifications in Program Management, Lean Six Sigma, Earned Value Management and Integrated Product Team Leadership. Howells succeeds Jack Haley, who earlier this year notified the Board of his intent to leave the company. ST Engineering North America thanks Jack for his years of leadership at Miltope, and for his distinguished career in service to the Nation. ■
Antionette “Nicole” Pickett-Gladys is now the Human Resources Director at Summit 7 Systems, a Microsoft Gold Partner specializing in Security and Compliance. In her role, she is responsible for providing strategic guidance for all aspects of human resources functions. Pickett-Gladys is responsible for establishing vision and direction for the full complement of core human capital programs, policies and services. This includes providing leadership in the development of HR policies that promote maximum effectiveness in the Information Technology (IT) workforce, while supporting the mission of Summit 7. Pickett-Gladys holds Bachelors degrees in both Government Contracting and Homeland Security, and a Masters degree in Human Resources. She has also CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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acquired two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certifications that compliment over 13 years of corporate benefits administration, staffing and recruitment, classification, position management, employee relations, and compensation policy. Each day Nicole strives to live by her life mantra: “To whom much is given, much will be required”. ■
Mike Wright is the new VP/General Manager of ABC
Affiliate WAAY-31 TV. He brings more than three decades of broadcast and station management experience, most recently in television as VP/GM, overseeing both CBS Affiliates KWTX (Waco) and KBTX (Bryan-College Station). Wright began his career as an on-air broadcaster and news anchor before moving into sales and sales management. For many years, Wright served as radio play-by-play for Texas A&M Women’s Basketball and later for ESPN’s SEC+ network. Prior to his move to Huntsville, he was the “Voice At Kyle Field” for Texas A&M Football. Wright’s dedication to local news, community presence, and community service led KWTX to be recognized with the Service to America award by the NAB Education Foundation. He has served his local communities and profession during his career through board positions with the Waco Chamber of Commerce, Waco Business League, Blinn College Advisory Board, Texas Association of Broadcasters, and was named Texas Broadcaster of the Year. Most recently he served as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Community Relations at Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Bethany, have been married 25 years and are proud parents of college sophomores, Macy and Mason. A native of Mexia, Texas, Wright is a member of the Blinn College Hall of Honor and is a Distinguished Alumnus. He holds an Associate of Arts from Blinn College and a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Baylor University. ■
Michelle Stark has been promoted to VP of Sales &
Marketing at Red Sage, a fullservice integrated public relations, marketing, and website development agency, with offices in Huntsville and Decatur, Ala. Red Sage Communications, Inc. was named one of the state’s Top 20 Advertising Agencies in Business Alabama’s 2020 Top Rank Magazine. “We are thrilled to promote Michelle into executive management,” said Ellen Didier, Red Sage founder & president. “She has tremendous business development and operational instincts, as well as a proven ability to drive change that improves financials. More importantly, she is a natural leader who values integrity as much as I do. She is a relentless advocate for excellence within our agency and continued improvement of the client experience.” Stark has served as Red Sage’s Marketing Director since October of 2017, overseeing sales and marketing initiatives for the agency. She has also provided high-level strategy and creative direction for accounts and campaigns, while managing the agency’s Specialists and Coordinators. She has contributed to American Advertising Award-winning projects and is respected as a crisis communications and public relations expert. 20
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“Our clients trust us to make the most of their marketing investment, and we work hard to never let them down. I’m proud to be a part of a leadership group that prioritizes results for our partners,” Michelle said. “I’m also proud to accept this new position, and to help lead Red Sage’s next era of innovation and success.” Before joining Red Sage, Stark worked as an Emmy® Award-Winning television broadcast news anchor and journalist at ABC and CBS affiliates for more than a decade, including WHNT News 19 in Huntsville, Ala. Having spent 10 years as a technology reporter, she has special expertise in both industry and consumer technology trends, as well as digital communications and new media. Stark holds a B.A. in International Relations from Michigan State University. ■
Demetrius Bell recently joined Deloitte’s Government and Public Service practice as a Senior Manager in the Deloitte Consulting LLP, supporting Army clients mostly based at Redstone Arsenal. Bell brings more than 20 years of experience designing, developing, integrating, testing, and delivering complex solutions in aviation and missile portfolios. He joins Deloitte from Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), where he served as a Senior Research Scientist and the Interim Associate Chief of the Aviation Systems Division. Bell’s success as an aviation and digital systems engineering subject matter expert in areas like survivability will augment Deloitte’s current team as he takes a leadership role in Deloitte’s growing Huntsville-based Digital Engineering practice. Deloitte’s Managing Director for Huntsville Operations, Carey Miller, shared, “Demetrius is an incredible addition to our team. His technical skills, coupled with his exceptional leadership, will enable us to grow our impact in the Huntsville community and continue to serve our clients in pursuit of their mission to defend and protect the American public.” ■ Mark Faginkrantz was promoted to the director of
Technical Services at Signalink earlier this year. As director, he interfaces with the program managers, government customers, and task leads. He is also a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Government Systems Integration Lab (GSIL) team supporting testing of tactical radio hardware and software. Faginkrantz is originally from Peoria, Ill., where he joined the military. After deployments to Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Afghanistan, he finally landed in Madison County in 2011. Faginkrantz has been with Signalink for over nine years and continues to develop and grow not only his team, but himself as well. He was recently accepted into Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Management Academy and continues to attend professional development courses to stay current and keeps his team informed. In his spare time, Faginkrantz is an avid hockey fan and volunteers as the equipment manager with the Huntsville HAVOC. He is also very active with Signalink Serves, an entity of Signalink which advocates for community service and awareness. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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“We are so fortunate to have Mark’s diverse experience and expertise added to our leadership team,” raved Alice Lessmann, CEO of Signalink. ■
Bill Berg has earned the position of VP of Sales at The Lioce
Group (TLG). He has been with TLG for 12 years, exceeding in sales and building his team as a manager. “Bill represents TLG in the most professional manner and always Does the Right Thing for the customer,” said Nick Lioce, president of The Lioce Group. “He is what we call ‘A student of the game’ -- he’s always learning and trying to get better and make his team better.” Lioce said Berg’s team is a testament to his dedication and support. Each team member is successful in their own sales, and Bill’s team has received over 100 five star ratings on Google. “It’s a testament to their dedication to the customer,” said Lioce. Berg has been integrally responsible for the growth of TLG over the past 12 years, and his expansion of product addressing customer needs has given TLG direction for the future. “Business process automation and the solutions necessary to help our customers become successful is the key to long-term relationships,” said Berg. Taking care of the customer with longevity in mind is the company’s motto. “Bill lives up to this every day,” Lioce added. ■
Frank Mullins, Ph.D. was recently named the recipient
of the 2020 Students’ Choice Award for Teaching in Graduate Courses. Mullins is Associate Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He received the “Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award for 2019-20 recently. “Given the challenges of COVID, this award is even more special, now that I have it in hand. My sincere thanks to the students, Dean Jason Greene and the UAH College of Business,” Mullins recently wrote on LinkedIn. ■
Mark Van Sickle has joined the Job Impulse team as
a Senior Account Manager. His role will be to connect companies with top talent locally, nationally, and internationally. He is excited to help job seekers get back to work or upgrade their career in the time of COVID. Van Sickle brings over 15 years of client management and recruitment consulting to Job Impulse. His driving passion is to help match people to a career that is lucrative and fulfilling. As a veteran, he understands the unique challenges in finding work that can utilize transferable skill sets that can be hard to understand in the civilian sector. “Job Impulse is excited to expand our Huntsville team with Mark’s unique experience and perspective. We look forward to further connecting with local aerospace, manufacturing, distribution, customer service, and other sectors in the Huntsville market,” said Velma McIlwain, Job Impulse’s US Training and Compliance Manager. “Mark understands what it takes to help businesses succeed by getting them the right people to work!” ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Tiffany Clayton recently moved to the Huntsville area
and is the new communications and diversity management coordinator at PHOENIX. She’s a communications professional with experience in community relations, brand management and strategy. Clayton honed her craft through years of experience, including successful marketing campaigns with NPR, The National Park Service and Delta Air Lines. She is a proud graduate of Hampton University, earning a degree from the Scripps Howard School of Communications. Clayton also manages her own brand, Tiffany the Host. Prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic, she served as master of ceremony at public and private events throughout Atlanta. Venues included the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta University Center Consortium and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Clayton wrappedup 2019 touring HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with the #FordHBCU F-150 Truck Tour. When she wasn’t working with corporate clients, Clayton was expanding her local clientele as a trivia host for over 50 Atlanta restaurants. Her work was featured earlier this year in an interview with VoyageATL magazine. A Los Angeles native by way of Atlanta, she is excited about making Huntsville her new home. Becoming a part of the PHOENIX family has been an ideal way to align her passion for marketing and branding, community outreach and cultivating new relationships. When she’s not working, Clayton enjoys spending time with her family, nature hikes and her new hobby of organic gardening. ■
Kandi Wright with Amanda Howard Sotheby’s Interna-
tional Realty recently earned the Certified Relocation Professional (CRP®) designation through Worldwide ERC®, the workforce mobility association. The CRP® program was introduced in 1990 to formally recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of U.S. employee relocation. Wright joined AHSIR nearly 15 years ago as an executive assistant to Owner & CEO, Amanda Howard. For more than a decade, she has also served as the company’s Director of Referrals & Relocation. In this role, she is responsible for developing relationships with corporations and relocation management companies that assist relocating employees with real estate services in North Alabama. Huntsville’s thriving community is her favorite part of working with relocation clients because it is easy to brag about a city she loves. “In many cases, we are the first local contact clients have when considering a move,” she notes. “It’s our responsibility to showcase our area with the transparency needed to make an informed decision. Each of our clients work with full-time professionals who focus on client specific needs. At Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty, we believe luxury is defined by service, not by price point. That’s why we offer concierge services to all of our clients that include area tours and information, spouse and family support, medical and education resources, administrative support, and community partner discounts. From the first click on our website, first phone call, text, or virtual meeting, we work hard to ensure our clients feel connected to us and the community around them.” ■ nov 2020 initiatives
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Rickey McCreless has joined Progress Bank in the
Shoals as VP, Business Banker. “We are pleased to have Rickey as a part of the banking team at Progress. He has a long history of success in the Shoals area with a solid reputation for providing excellent service and taking care of clients. Rickey will have all of the resources needed to help local businesses and individuals with their banking needs,” said Andy Mann, Progress Bank Shoals Market president. McCreless graduated from the University of North Alabama with a BS in Business Administration, majoring in marketing. He then received his MBA at UNA and Graduate School of Banking Certificate at the University of South Alabama. His career includes seven years as a Florence police officer and 15 years in community banking as a lender and credit analyst prior to joining Progress Bank. McCreless is currently in the process of defending his dissertation proposal for his Doctor of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership at Liberty University, with graduation projected in May 2021. Highly active in the community, McCreless has served on the Board of Directors for Safeplace and as Treasurer for the Florence Falcon Quarterback Club. He is currently an avid youth sports coach and volunteers with his church. McCreless and his wife of 21 years, Katrina, live in Florence and have four children. ■
Rhonda Sutton recently joined All In Solutions, LLC, a
CVE certified SDVOSB, and WOSB specializing in IT Solutions, Managed Services Delivery (MSD), and Problem Exploration and Solutioning in an integrated approach across the areas of people, process, and technology. Sutton serves as the business development manager for the Huntsville area market. All In Solutions is headquartered in Fredericksburg, Va. and has a new office at Spaces in the Redstone Gateway. Sutton, a Huntsville native and University of Alabama in Huntsville graduate, has over 40 years of experience in sales and business management, employee relocation, marketing, product development, quality systems, bank management, business ownership and travel technology leadership roles. She brings expertise in managing project plans, schedules, budgets, and contractual obligations on software modernization projects, developing user stories and process mapping in an Agile software development environment, and leading efforts to achieve ISO certifications. As a business owner, she was the recipient of the chamber’s Small Business of the Year finalist award for her work with educators using new technology in the K-12 school market. Sutton additionally uses her leadership skills to mentor young women and transitioning veterans in her volunteer position on the board of WiCyS North Alabama Affiliate. She is also involved with the local InfraGard chapter and volunteers for ESGR, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve by recognizing our Guard and Reserve members and their employers and supervisors who make it possible for these citizen warriors to defend our nation and complete their mission. Additionally, Sutton is the executive vice president/president elect for the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of AUSA, now beginning the 61st 22
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year serving the U.S. Army here in the Huntsville area. Sutton is delighted to be a part of the All In Solutions team to advance one of the missions of the company here in this market by supporting our nation’s heroes, veterans and their families across the areas of people, process and technology. ■
Sandy Johnson has joined Luminous Counseling. He is
a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addictions Counselor with Certification in Family Development, and has more than 30 years of experience in helping others utilize their strengths to overcome barriers and achieve personal goals. His most recent practice has been assisting families and couples facing challenges to recover relationships lost or stolen in addiction, loss, or other traumatic events. He also enjoys making presentations to large and small groups on many topics. Sandy will be seeing specifically couples and families. Luminous Counseling is located at 1428 Weatherly Road SE, Suite 111, Huntsville, AL 35803. ■
Thomas Glenn of Gregory Construction recently received
the American Society of Concrete Contractors’ Gaining Strength Award. The Gaining Strength Award, presented by the ASCC’s Emerging Leaders Committee, acknowledges up and coming individuals within member companies who go above and beyond to promote and professionally represent the concrete industry. “We are very happy for Thomas. His enthusiasm for the work and commitment to growth was evident the day he started at Gregory as an intern. He’s never slowed down and continues to take on more responsibilities,” said Justin Harris, director of operations at Gregory Construction. “I can’t imagine a more deserving candidate for this award.” Eligible candidates for the Gaining Strength Award must be under 40 years old, employed by an ASCC member company, and set themselves apart from their colleagues through involvement in industry organizations and day to day performance within their company. Applicants are judged by a panel of five ASCC current or past board members. “Thomas has become a valuable and critical part of our team in just a short time. His commitment to our core values of safety, integrity, communication and excellence is evident in how he approaches his job,” said Aaron Gregory, president of Gregory Construction. “I’m proud that we’ve created an environment at Gregory Construction that allows a person like Thomas to excel and grow in his career.” The ASCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of those who build with concrete. There are approximately 760 member companies in the United States. Gregory Construction is an industry-recognized, award-winning provider of construction services specializing in infrastructure and complex concrete for municipal, industrial and commercial customers throughout the Southeastern United States. Gregory Construction has offices in Columbus, Miss., and Huntsville, Ala. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Shop Small, Save Local this Holiday Season – Our Merchants Need You It has been a very tough year for small businesses throughout our country. It is no different here in Huntsville/ Madison County – we need to show extra support to our local merchants right now. You’ll hear special messaging from our Chamber in the upcoming weeks to urge people to Shop Small, Save Local over the Christmas holidays. Sure, it’s easy and convenient to go online, visit a few websites and input your credit card information. But our small businesses need you to visit in person and buy from them too, or many face the risk of closing up shop. Show us how you’re keeping your dollar local. Post your shopping adventures on social media with the hashtag #ShopLocalHSV and tag the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also support local businesses by purchasing a gift card for yourself or a loved one. Please visit GetYourGiftOn.org, a website our Chamber established and manages. Know a small business that should be on here? Please mention it to them. This is open to all businesses in the community – members and non-members.
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Blake Williams recently announced the launch of Blake
Williams Communications, a full-service marketing and public relations consulting firm based in Limestone County. Some of his clients include Athens Main Street, Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, and the Limestone County Economic Development Association. Williams provides businesses and government agencies with strategic media planning, digital marketing, content creation, website development, and social media management. “During the pandemic, many businesses discovered how important maintaining reliable communication is to their businesses,” Williams said. “More than ever before, building good relationships with your community and your customers is how businesses thrive.” Williams studied public relations at Mississippi State University where he had a role in launching a student-led integrated media agency. He served as an Account Executive where his team’s social media campaigns won several awards for his client, Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa. ■
Dr. Matthew McDonald and Dr. William Sykes have both
joined the team of physicians at SportsMED. Dr. Matthew McDonald grew up in Huntsville and graduated from Huntsville High School. He earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from Auburn University and was awarded the Comer Medal, given to the most outstanding student in the physical sciences. Following graduation, he began medical school at Vanderbilt University while his soon to be wife, Missy, also a Huntsville native and Auburn alum, worked at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in healthcare administration. McDonald was originally drawn to orthopedics by his grandfather, Dr. Bob Denton, who was one of the first orthopedic surgeons to practice in Huntsville. After medical school, he completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Oklahoma. During residency he assisted in taking care of University of Oklahoma athletes and in 2018 he was the sideline team physician for the Noble High School football team. He got involved in the local orthopedic community while in Oklahoma, serving as webmaster for the Orthopedic Society of Oklahoma, the state affiliate of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), and on the national level as the Delegate of the OU Orthopedic Residency Program for AAOS Resident Assembly. After residency, McDonald obtained further specialized training in foot and ankle orthopedics as a fellow at the Institute for Foot & Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. He has several specific clinical interests including joint preservation and total ankle replacement, arthroscopy, tendon and ligament injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Matthew Sykes, D.O. is a physician board-certified in family medicine and fellowship-trained in sports medicine and non-operative orthopedics. Sykes joins SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center all the way from the hills of east Kentucky. Sykes is currently serving patients at the Huntsville and Madison, Ala. locations, special24
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izing in ultrasound-guided procedures including PRP therapy, large joint viscosupplementation, non-surgical fracture management, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, sideline medical coverage, and management of sports and exercise injuries. Sykes received bachelor’s degrees in business administration and biology from the University of Pikeville, and also his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, KY. He went on to complete a residency in Family Medicine and OMT at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, NC. After residency, he completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. During his time in residency and fellowship, he served as an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and OMT, and Sports Medicine for the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine. Sykes served as a team physician for the Campbell University Fighting Camels football, soccer, basketball, cross-country, and wrestling teams. He has traveled overseas to provide on-site medical coverage for the United States Moguls team. Sykes strives to stay at the forefront of emerging therapies in the field of sports medicine and also to contribute ideas for the greater advancement of medicine. ■
Tim Tinsley has recently been promoted at Radiance Tech-
nologies and is now the company’s Executive VP for the Defense Sector. Tinsley is transitioning from his former position as Senior VP of the Integration and Prototyping Group to take on this executive leadership role. In this new role, Tinsley provides leadership in the areas of the characterization and weaponization of directed energy, development and fielding of hypersonic technologies, the proliferation of military, civilian and commercial space, evaluation of weapon systems, and the development of prototype advanced technology solutions. Tinsley joined Radiance in October 2004. During his tenure, he has held numerous leadership roles in program management, technology development, and business development, operations, and management areas. Under his leadership, his group has experienced significant growth and diversification in aerospace and defense technology areas, specifically in aviation, weapon systems, sensor systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and test and evaluation markets. Prior to joining Radiance, Tinsley worked in commercial manufacturing and missile defense industries. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Additionally, he is a Distinguished Fellow of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Alabama.
Rita Hill has also moved up in the company. Radiance Tech-
nologies announces that Hill is the new Executive VP for the National Security Sector, an organization focused on advanced technical solutions for the Defense and Intelligence Community. In this new role, Hill will oversee Radiance’s intelligence, electronic systems, and cyber operations; delivering a broad-spectrum of critical technology services, including A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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microelectronics, weapon system exploitation, intelligence analysis and production, R&D, modeling and simulation as well as analytical tool development. Hill joined Radiance in May 2015. During her tenure, she has served as senior vice president for the Technical Intelligence Group, responsible for execution and oversight; providing technical solutions and delivering multi-intelligence products, SW application development, and engineering services to a number of DoD and National intelligence centers, including the U. S. Air Force, Army and Navy. Prior to joining Radiance, Hill had a 20-year career with SAIC. She served as VP for Advanced Analytics where she was responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction, managing all aspects of the business, including strategy, growth, customer relationships, and program execution. Prior to her career at SAIC, Hill worked 5 years at the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, AL, as an electronics engineer supporting missile defense programs and ground-based radar systems. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton. ■
MartinFederal, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SD-
VOSB), focused on providing solutions-based services to the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and other federal agencies, has several announcements to share about employees, including several new hires. Matthew Schmitz is the company’s new Chief Growth Officer. Schmitz will lead corporate development, strategy, and enterprise growth. Schmitz is a nearly 20-year executive who has overseen corporate development and business unit operations for several Department of Defense companies. Most recently, Schmitz was the Product Manager for Enterprise IT & Cyber Solutions for Dynetics, a Leidos company. He also served as VP of Dynetics Technical Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dynetics. His community involvement spans many organizations including the AUSA, National Defense Industry Association, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Association, the Greater Huntsville Leadership Program, and the UNA Foundation. Schmitz received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in Business Administration from the University of North Alabama. “MartinFederal has spent a great deal of time and resources focusing on our customer delivery and establishing a scalable business,” said MartinFederal’s Founder and CEO, Corey Martin. “Matthew brings years of growth-related experience and significant connectivity to the Huntsville and Redstone communities.” “His work ethic, coupled with his years of experience in growth-oriented businesses, is a great addition for MartinFederal,” said David Mathis, president of MartinFederal. “He will immediately go to work finding solutions across the Federal Government sector and building relationships to solve complex problems.” Plina Hester is the new HR Generalist in the Corporate Office at MartinFederal, and will support the continued growth of the company. Hester joined MartinFederal as the HR Intern this past summer and proved herself to be a valuable addition to the HR department and the CorpoA HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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rate office. As a result, she was offered a full-time position as an HR Generalist where she will be responsible for onboarding new hires, handling day-to-day benefits administration, and other tasks in support of the employee lifecycle. Hester recently graduated from the University of North Alabama (UNA) with her undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in HR at UNA. Originally from Tuscumbia, Plina moved to Huntsville shortly after starting her internship. Mason McMillion joins MartinFederal’s Corporate Office as a Technical Recruiter supporting the recruitment needs of various contracts ranging from Laboratory Services to Advanced IT. In his new role, Mason will be responsible for seeking out talented and diverse candidates to fill exciting opportunities across the country and overseas in support of our mission to ensure the safe return of our nation’s warfighter, astronaut and deployed civilian. Mason worked previously as a Technical Recruiter II at Open Systems Technologies in Dallas, TX, primarily sourcing candidates for various IT positions before relocating to Huntsville in September. He has a passion and proven track record of connecting IT Professionals with new and exciting career opportunities, and we wish him much success in this new chapter of his career. Kimberley Davidson joins MartinFederal as the Program Manager supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) contract in Arlington, VA recently awarded to the Huntsville-based company. Kimberley was born and raised in Houston, TX. Kimberley holds a Tourism Master’s Degree, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and an associate’s degree in Information Management. She is a former Records and Information Manager with the Department of Defense (Air Force) and has 20-plus years of experience relating to various areas within Records and Information Management. Davidson also has a background in Protocol and is a Certified Business Etiquette Instructor with Dining Etiquette being her favorite area to instruct. Brandon Gress joined MartinFederal as the program manager for the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) contract this past summer. He brings more than 20 years of military and aviation experience to aid him in his new role. As the AOAP program manager, he manages the customer relationship and the teams supporting oil analysis laboratories at several bases within the U.S. and overseas. Before joining MartinFederal, Gress most recently worked as a System Analyst at SAIC Fielding and Training ACN (Aircraft Notebook) for Army Aviation. He joined the U.S. Army in 1994 after graduating from Roseburg Senior High School in Roseburg, OR in 1993 and served for 21 years before retiring as an Apache Maintenance Test Pilot in 2015. Matt Gardner has accepted the position of Program Manager at MartinFederal. He began his career with MartinFederal in March 2019 as an HR Generalist. Matt was promoted to Account Manager in October 2019 where he acted as a Program Manager for several contracts and continued to support the recruitment efforts of top talent. 26
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“I am thrilled for the promotion of Matt Gardner to Program Manager. Matt has been managing several programs already as our company has grown. Matt’s energy, professionalism, and eagerness to learn and grow will serve him well in this role,” said Phil Nivens, Chief Operating Officer of MartinFederal. In his new role, Gardner will be responsible for managing multiple Advanced IT contracts. He will have accountability for the overall performance for each contract, acting as the liaison between corporate, team members, and the customers. Gardner will ensure work is performed within scope and at the highest level of quality, as well as mitigating risk and maximizing financial performance. Victoria Privett, SHRM-CP, Sr. HR Generalist at MartinFederal, recently completed the SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work Certificate program. This certification demonstrates HR professionals and their company’s commitment to attract, hire, and retain talented veterans. The company’s team is consistently seeking out new ways to support and leverage veterans as they transition to civilian work. Privett also has been approved as a Credentialed Advocate (CA) from the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). To achieve these credentials, she had to complete 40 hours of training ranging from the role of an advocate to crisis intervention. In addition to her responsibilities as Sr. HR Generalist, with her new credentials, Privett will serve as the company’s Victim Advocate and SHARP (sexual harassment/assault response and prevention) POC for MartinFederal employees. ■
Canvas is pleased to welcome three key employees to the growing Leadership Team.
Mike Hicklen, a Flight Test Subject Matter Expert, joins Canvas as the Director of Test and Training. With over 34 years of systems test and evaluation experience, Hicklen provides Canvas customers with required test range training activities. In addition, Hicklen leads Canvas’ test training support efforts to current and future customers. With Canvas’ continual growth, Hicklen will enhance the company’s flight test development and training capabilities to increase their test footprint across their expanding customer-base. Wendy Bofenkamp joins Canvas as the Senior Contracts Administrator. In this role, Bofenkamp brings over 15 years of Government Contracting experience to serve as Canvas’ expert on all contractual matters from both a prime and subcontract perspective. Additionally, Bofenkamp represents Canvas in all matters of contract, pricing, negotiations, and performance reviews conducted by Agencies of the Federal Government. Cory Scott joins Canvas as the Accounting Manager. Scott is a seasoned Government contracts and accounting professional with over a decade of experience meeting regulatory expectations for Government contracts. Scott’s diverse skillset provides Canvas with an excellent resource in small business accounting and contract administration. As the Accounting Manager, Scott leads a team of professionals responsible for Canvas’ future growth. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
Working Class UNIQUE WORKFORCE & EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS + WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Calhoun & Huntsville Utilities announce line worker memorial scholarship On October 16, Calhoun Interim President Dr. Joe Burke and Huntsville Utilities CEO, Wes Kelley, announced the launch of the John Harbin Line Worker Annual Memorial Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to help support future linemen who complete Calhoun’s Pre-Apprentice Lineman Program. John Harbin, known as Johnny to family and friends, was born in Rogersville, Alabama. He graduated from Sparkman High School in 1981 and attended the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. His career at Huntsville Utilities began with a part-time position in the Meter Shop. That job positioned him to advance to the Electric Department, which turned into a lifetime career for Harbin. He worked for Huntsville Utilities for 34 years. After his passing in 2019, his family and friends raised $4,500 to create a scholarship that would honor his passion and his memory. Because of their efforts, Huntsville Utilities matched their donations with the scholarship now totaling more than $9,000.00. “Johnny was not only a dear friend of mine, but he was a family member as well,” commented Mac McCutcheon, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives. “He was a great man who loved his job and was always eager to travel across the country when a storm hit to help people who were affected. I know if he were here today, he would be so proud of every one of the young men that have chosen this skill as a career,” added McCutcheon. According to Houston Blackwood, Calhoun Director of Workforce Solutions, at the end of every lineman class, a student will be selected from the group as a scholarship recipient. Austin Thompson, a native of Ardmore, AL was selected as the first scholarship recipient and was presented with a lineman Buckingham gear bag, climbing belt, a set of climbing hooks, and a buck squeeze safety strap totaling more than $3,000. The items were donated courtesy of sponsors such as Buckingham Buck, ESTEX Manufacturing, KLEIN Tools, and GRESCO. “This is a very special occasion,” commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. “We are honored to house this scholarship at our institution and we look forward to honoring Mr. Harbin’s memory for years to come as we continue to train these A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
students with the skills necessary to excel in this field.” “One of the amazing things about our industry is that no matter what is being built, we have a hand in it,” commented Wes Kelley, Huntsville Utilities CEO. “John was one of the strongest and most vocal employees at Huntsville Utilities and loved his career. We are so excited that we were able to match the gifts of his loved ones to continue his legacy through scholarship and training.” To learn more about the John Harbin Annual Memorial Scholarship, visit www.calhoun.edu/harbin. Registration is now open for Calhoun’s next lineman program, which is scheduled to begin March 8–April 23, 2021. To learn more about the program, click HERE. ■
Athens State offers degree in Advanced Manufacturing Mgmt. Athens State University now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Advanced Manufacturing Management, a direct response to the booming industry in the Huntsville and North Alabama area. Launched in Fall 2020, the program was developed to provide a clear pathway for graduates of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program or other AAS programs to pursue bachelor’s degrees and advance their careers to the management level. This program is specifically designed to attract those students with advanced manufacturing technology exposure who desire managerial advancement opportunities in manufacturing operations. It is also designed to provide the growing Tennessee Valley manufacturing sector with local talent skilled in both advanced manufacturing technology and strategic manufacturing leadership. North Alabama is experiencing record growth and revitalization within its manufacturing sector fueled by both the construction of new manufacturing facilities that utilize state-of-the-art manufacturing and IT technologies and the re-tooling of existing facilities for this same purpose. Athens State University is strategically located to serve such industries as the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing production facility in Limestone County and its Tier 1 suppliers, Carpenter Technologies, BoCar Industries, ULA, Polaris, GE Aviation, Steelcase, and many others in the North Alabama area. “This program will be of benefit to the State of Alabama to meet currently existing needs as well as workforce readiness in the future as more industries utilizing advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing, autonomous robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 nov 2020 initiatives
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artificial intelligence begin operations here,” said Dr. Kim LaFevor, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Athens State. The types of employment opportunities that would be available to the graduates of the Advanced Manufacturing Management program include manufacturing production supervisor, production control manager, manufacturing quality manager, manufacturing project manager, operations manager, lean manufacturing manager, maintenance supervisor, additive manufacturing manager, plant manager, and other similar positions. “We are laser-focused on providing educational opportunities that allow our students to directly enter the workforce in good-paying jobs that business and industry have told us are needed,” said Dr. Philip Way, Athens State University President. “We have listened and responded, and we are grateful for the support of ACHE and our business partners in North Alabama.” To learn more about Athens State University’s program offerings, please visit athens.edu. ■
Calhoun student wins Regional Trustmark Workforce Development Scholarship Calhoun Community College student Barry Atchison is one of 25 recipients across the country to win the 2020 Trustmark Workforce Development Scholarship. Atchison, a former homeschooled dual enrollment student is currently enrolled in Calhoun’s Welding Technology program, where he has maintained a perfect 4.0 every semester. “I had no idea I would find my true passion for life at such an early age,” commented Atchison. The Hartselle, Alabama native goes on to say, “Scholarships such as this one from Trustmark are so important to students like me. They not only assist financially, but they position us to advance in our trade, which means more job opportunities.” The $200 scholarship is awarded to members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society who plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of an associate degree or certification. “Members of Phi Theta Kappa are committed to academic excellence, and we are proud to partner with them to recognize their accomplishments,” commented Melanie Morgan, Trustmark Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing. “We would like to congratulate the scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing them develop into future leaders, as well as making significant contributions to their communities,” added Morgan. “The one-on-one training I received from my Calhoun welding instructors while obtaining my certificate is what helped me to land a welding job with an amazing aerospace company,” said Atchison. Approximately 74 percent of students attending associate degree-granting colleges will enter the workforce following graduation, and one in four Phi Theta 28
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Kappa members is a career-technical student. The costs of required industry certifications are directly passed to the students, and the Trustmark Workforce Development Scholarship is one of many scholarships available to assist students with those expenses. “We are so proud of Barry and all he has and still is accomplishing at Calhoun,” commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. “Last year, Barry was a welder on Calhoun’s Project MFG Competition team, and our College took home the gold. That competition speaks volumes to his dedication, training and vast understanding of welding,” added Burke. “From welding to nursing, many career fields require a certification prior to employment, and these certifications can be costly,” Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Executive Director Dr. Monica Marlowe said. “We are committed to removing these costs, which can be a barrier to students entering the workforce. Congratulations to the recipients of this scholarship, and thank you to Trustmark for your support.” To learn more about Calhoun’s Dual Enrollment program, please visit www. calhoun.edu/dual-enrollment. To learn more about the Trustmark workforce development scholarship, click HERE. ■
MTM Virtual Tour
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing recently released a virtual tour video showing how things are looking at the plant, in Huntsville/Limestone County. Go along with Communications Specialist Toni Eberhart and meet different members of the MTM team as they talk about what’s happening in different parts of the site. The plant is scheduled to open next year. The automaker is hiring – just visit mazdatoyota. com to apply. ■
Drake State partners with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing for “Signing Day” Two students at Drake State Community & Technical College officially started apprenticeships with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing during a “signing day” event at the college on October 21. The students are Daris Andrews and Jack Crowley. Drake State and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing developed the apprenticeship program to support workforce needs at the automotive production plant and provide students with A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
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work-based learning opportunities. ■
Rube Goldberg Machine inspires UAH senior to help teachers during pandemic Engineering design process, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the COVID-19 pandemic spark innovative ideas in Jarrett Powell, a senior at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) majoring in Engineering Technology. When the pandemic forced new ways of learning for students of all ages, Powell began the thought process behind how his capstone project could help local students and teachers in a virtual format.
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“This idea came out of the necessity of possibly doing a lab at home for students or for a teacher to do and share it with their class over Zoom,” said Powell. Powell’s idea is a Rube Goldberg Machine (RGM). A RGM is a mechanical machine designed to do a simple task in an over complicated way. With Powell’s research, coursework, and inspiration from Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE), the machine’s outcome will be to turn a page in a book. “My idea was to make a modular and mobile experiment that showed Newton’s Three Laws of Motion,” he explains. The capstone project will expose students to the engineering design process which will lead them to developing new problem-solving techniques. Upon completion of this project, Powell will provide a lab manual, instructions for set up of the machine and short videos. The videos will show how the machine should function and the end outcome. Originally starting as an aerospace engineering major, Powell realized he needed smaller class sizes and a more application driven approach to learning. When he sought out to change his major, he was informed by his father that UAH had just announced the Engineering Technology concentration in the College of Professional Studies. “I read about the program, did some thinking, and pulled the trigger on it,” said the South Carolina native. “I was a little nervous at first but ultimately I
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realized this was the right move for me. Plus, the advisors and faculty are great!” The Engineering Technology concentration provides a new path for individuals who may have started an engineering-related associate or bachelor program, but for various reasons did not complete. The interdisciplinary approach to the concentration allows students to emphasize the application of engineering techniques, similar to what Powell is doing with his RGM. The faculty’s experience combined with the course work will prepare students to become professional engineering technologists. “I feel like the instructors know what they are teaching and have the skill to teach it to where someone with no prior knowledge can understand it,” said Powell. “I think that is what sets apart a teacher from a good teacher.” When asked what advice he would give to students wanting to pursue Engineering Technology, Powell said, “If you like engineering but want more of a hands-on approach with alternative thinking methods to complex problems, then the Engineering Technology program may be the right fit for you.” With graduation coming up in December, Powell’s goal is to find a technologist career in the Aerospace, Systems, or Test engineering fields. ■
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber partners with AL FAME More than 10,000 new manufacturing jobs have been announced over the past three years within Huntsville/Madison County, accounting for more than 80 percent of total job announcements. This exciting growth has prompted the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber to partner with the Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (AL FAME) - Rocket City Chapter, part of the national FAME USA network led by The Manufacturing Institute. The Chamber is joining forces with local industry and education partners as well as The Manufacturing Institute to help support this trusted employer-led talent solution. On Oct. 19, a report written by the Brookings Institution and Opportunity America was released showing FAME as the most successful apprenticeship model in the country. Opportunity America hosted a virtual event to present the findings and discuss the results. “Our study highlights what a growing group of manufacturing employers already know,” said Opportunity America president Tamar Jacoby, one of the authors of the report. “The FAME program works to prepare learners for today’s rapidly changing economy, teaching not just technical skills but also critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.” Greg Brown, Co-CEO of Brown Precision located in Huntsville shared, “The FAME program is the most effective way we have found to solve the problem of finding qualified industrial maintenance technicians. We have over 50 CNC machine tools
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that need constant planned/preventative maintenance and occasional major repairs. I’ve been impressed by the rigor of the FAME program’s technical education as well as the program’s emphasis on the ‘essential’ skills required to be a part of a successful organization. I am thankful that the FAME program has filled a critical void for Brown Precision, Inc.” FAME began as a small initiative launched by Toyota and a handful of other manufacturing firms in Kentucky. Today, FAME is a national network of nearly 400 companies in 13 states, with more than 1,100 Advanced Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) completing the program. Scott Russo, AL FAME - Rocket City Chapter president, shared, “I am excited about this new partnership. The rapid growth of this chapter shows the value of the FAME model and now, with more than 20 companies sponsoring AMTs, it is a great time to add an experienced and trusted partner to help us manage the Chapter. We welcome this partnership with the Chamber, which we know will allow us to continue to grow to support the workforce needs of this region.” “The partnership is a model of win-win: the Chamber is helping employers solve their skilled position needs through our FAME model while growing local workforce capacity – and at the same time these employers are strengthening their pipeline of global-best talent while fostering relationships with local schools to continue to feed that pipeline,” said Tony Davis, senior director for Workforce Initiatives for The
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Manufacturing Institute and national leader for FAME USA. “All of this makes the area more attractive for continued growth, ensuring the entire region benefits from the economies created through this partnership.” The study draws special attention to FAME’s benefits for less advantaged students, including older learners and those who have grown up with no expectation of attending college. In many cases, apprenticeship is their only path to a postsecondary credential and well-paying career. The authors believe this is where the earn-and-learn model can potentially add the most value – its biggest payoff for learners and for economic mobility. Demand for job-focused education and training is more pressing than ever today as the COVID-19 economic shock accelerates automation and spurs companies across the U.S. to restructure their operations. FAME shows what can be done to meet this growing need, highlighting a superlative, employer-led training program. Opportunity America is a Washington-based nonprofit promoting economic mobility – work, skills, careers, ownership and entrepreneurship for poor and working Americans. ■
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Future Fun
City Council approves funding for new Amphitheater
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untsville’s ascent into the global music circuit took another step forward with City Council approval to proceed with plans to build a new 8,000+ seat amphitheater. Council voted 3-1 on October 22 to authorize the City’s Public Building Authority to move into the construction phase to build a classic Roman-style forum within a municipal park near the MidCity development. The amphitheater project has been under development for the past several years, garnering public interest and support through the Mayor’s Music Initiative and city-wide music audit in 2018. The amphitheater is being designed with amenities to support top talent and to showcase community events such as farmer’s markets, a food hall, craft fairs, educational events and the like. By locating the venue in a new City park, the forum will be accessible to the public year-round. “This facility will help us grow our music and culture economy,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “It will allow us to become a community of curators, where we can develop our own creative content, unique to Huntsville, that we can share globally. In addition to arts festivals, markets, and world-famous musicians, we’ll be able to incubate our own talent, showing that our next great entrepreneurs don’t all have to be in space and missile defense.”
Artist’s rendering
To manage the amphitheater and develop its programming, the City retained the Huntsville Venue Group (HVG); a global entertainment & hospitality partner with operations in London, Austin and New York. The organization is led by Ben Lovett, of the British band Mumford & Sons, in partnership with other respected industry veterans Mike Luba, Don Sullivan, Jeff Kicklighter, and Al Santos. “It is, by far, one of the greatest milestones in my professional career to be such an integral part of this amazing project for the City of Huntsville,” said Ryan Murphy, president of HVG. “By design and execution, the Huntsville Amphitheater is going to help write the future of Huntsville, not only in terms of music, arts and culture, but also in its ability to create such tremendous creative and communal space that is inclusive, diverse, progressive and inspiring...this is just the beginning.” The amphitheater is expected to open in early 2022. The estimated $40 million construction budget will be funded through the City’s capital plan and a percentage of future lodging taxes. “Huntsville’s Amphitheater will set the stage to spotlight our city, our culture, and our talent on a global level,” said Devyn Keith, president of the Huntsville City Council. “I have full confidence in the Huntsville Venue Group and their commitment to ensure the Huntsville community and spirit is integrated into the DNA of the facility. From community programming to opportunities for local artists, this is a space that will be created for all of Huntsville. Moving forward with construction is a clear signal of Huntsville’s strong economy as we ensure we’re laying the groundwork for workforce recruitment, quality of life and job opportunity for our citizens for years to come.” ■
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By the Numbers FEDERAL, STATE, OR MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS ACQUIRED BY CHAMBER MEMBERS
General Dynamics Land Systems awarded $1.2B for IM-SHORAD systems work
Canvas expands support to the Army Aviation Warfighter
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $1,219,170,958 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price and fixedprice-incentive) contract to produce, test and deliver Interim Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) systems. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-20-D-0039). ■
Canvas, Inc. has been awarded a $39.5M prime contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command to provide programmatic services for the development, acquisition, and deployment of the Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture Program Office (PM AMSA) Complex Products for the United States Army (USA) to include Foreign Military Sales (FMS). PM AMSA product offices include: Assured Airspace Access Systems (A3S), Aerial Communications and Mission Command (ACMC), Aviation Architecture and Environment Exploitation (A2E2), and Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE). Combined, these product offices enable mission planning, situational awareness, and interoperability for the Army Aviation Warfighter and enhance combat mission effectiveness, lethality, synchronization, and aircraft survivability. “Canvas understands the importance of achieving a common architecture goal within the four product offices, and we are honored to win this contract which aligns with our company mission focus of supporting the warfighter with innovative ideas and solutions,” said Canvas CEO Jami Peyton. ■
INTUITIVE awarded $187M modification for Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range support Intuitive Research and Technology Corp., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $187,603,931 modification (P00028) to contract W9124P-19-9-0001 for an Advanced monitoring and data collection prototype system for the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $20,591,674 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. ■
Boeing awarded $249M for GMD Development and Sustainment Contract The Boeing Co., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a $249,000,000 undefinitized contract modification (P00067) to previously awarded HQ0147-12-C-0004/19-C0004 on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Development and Sustainment contract (DSC). The scope of work under the current DSC includes development, fielding, test, systems engineering, integration and configuration management, equipment manufacturing and refurbishment, training and operations and sustainment for the GMD weapon system and associated support facilities. Under this undefinitized modification, the Missile Defense Agency executes the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) upgrade of Ground Based Interceptors (GBI); the upgrade and repair of specialized production equipment necessary to support SLEP activities; systems engineering to support CE-I fleet readiness; cybersecurity activities; and the production of a payload to support system testing requirements. The value of this contract, including options, is increased from $11,519,944,967 to $11,768,344,967. This acquisition was executed on a sole-source basis. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $45,689,000 have been obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION
EnGenius, Defense Acquisition named in USSOCOM awards for Special Ops support U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Tampa, Fla., awarded 46 indefinitedelivery/indefinite-quantity contracts worth a maximum $950,000,000 for Special Operations Forces Core Support services in support of USSOCOM enterprise requirements in the U.S. and globally. Contracted subject matter expertise and knowledge-based services will support education, training, engineering, technical, professional, administrative, management support, program management and other requirements. Funding shall be provided on a delivery order basis. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds will be used to satisfy a $2,500 contract minimum guarantee. The contracts were awarded competitively using Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 procedures. This list of awardees has been updated based on the result of Small Business Administration size challenges and corrective action taken from Government Accountability Office protests. ■
Northrop Grumman awarded work with ACC, also LCS SSMM Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $7,255,289 modification (P00204) to contract W31P4Q-08-C-0418 to provide support for the Integrated Battle Command System extended limited user test and additional test events. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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Fiscal 2020 research, development, test, and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $7,255,289 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, NY, is awarded an $8,079,018 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-17-C-6311 to exercise an option for the production of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM). The modification authorizes the production of one SSMM unit. The SSMM is a Longbow Hellfire missile that will be added to the surface warfare mission module aboard the LCS. Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $8,079,018 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ■
Lockheed Martin wins THAAD work, also MK92 Fire Control System support Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $911,765,000 modification (P00049) for existing sole source, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense element development and support services. This modification provides for the extension of the period of performance for additional incremental development, support to flight and ground test programs and responsive support to warfighter requirements to sustain
the Ballistic Missile Defense System throughout the acquisition life cycle. No funding is being obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, NJ, is awarded a $9,371,082 cost-plus-fixed-fee order for engineering services and supplies in support of the MK92 Fire Control System. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N63394-20-F-0019). ■
PARSONS awarded $39M contract for MRAP RADBO support Parsons Government Services Inc., Huntsville, Ala., has been awarded a $39,934,030 contract for the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) vehicle. The contract provides for 13 fully operational MRAP RADBO systems (Cougar, Laser, and Arm) and three spare systems that will provide the warfighter with the ability to effectively identify, disarm and clear unexploded ordnance from an airfield while inside an MRAP Cougar (CAT1A1) vehicle, with little to no collateral damage. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8534-20-C-0001). ■
MTSI awarded $68M to support extension of Missile Defense System capabilities Modern Technology Solutions Inc. (MTSI), Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a noncompetitive cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a total value of $68,503,410. Under this new contract, the contractor will support the extension of Missile Defense System capabilities through evaluation, identification and maturation of new technologies and future concepts (e.g. hypersonics, cruise missiles, cyber offense and defense, artificial intelligence/machine learning, quantum science, left-through-right-of-launch integration, fully networked command and control and directed energy) to support the Concepts and Performance Lab (CAPL) under the Missile Defense Agency’s Advanced Technology initiative. The period of performance is Sept. 17, 2020, through Sept. 16, 2023, with two one-year options. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $3,800,000 are being obligated on this award. The Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (HQ086020-C-0006). ■
S3 awarded $9M for precision fires engineering & technical support System Studies & Simulation Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $9,185,564 modification (000436) to contract W31P4Q09-A-0019 for precision fires rocket and missile systems project office general engineering and technical support. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 other procurement (Army); 2019 and 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Army); and 2020 and operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $9,185,564 were 34
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obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. ■
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. awarded $54M for support of CH-53K helicopter Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $54,477,181 firm-fixed-price order (N0001920-F-0256) against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This order procures 3,754 interim spare parts and provides support for the repair and maintenance of the CH-53K low rate initial production aircraft configuration. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $54,477,181 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ■
SES awarded $22M for procurement of Afghanistan contractor logistics support Science and Engineering Services LLC, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $22,177,444 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract for the procurement of Afghanistan contractor logistics support services for the Afghanistan National Security
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Forces. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales (Afghanistan) funds in the amount of $22,177,444 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-20-C-0032). ■
GATR Technologies awarded $172M in support of USSOCOM support GATR Technologies, Huntsville, Ala., a subsidiary of Cubic Corp., was awarded a $172,000,000 maximum ceiling, single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quality, firm-fixed-price contract (H92401-20-D-0003) with five one-year ordering periods for the procurement of 1.2 meter and 2.4 meter Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive (GATR) inflatable satellite communications terminals and ancillary equipment in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Fiscal 2020 procurements funds in the amount of $5,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The contract will be funded with operations and maintenance funds, as well as procurement funds, from multiple fiscal years over the life of the contract. The contract is a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research award authorized under Title 10, U.S. Code 2304(b) (2) or Title 41, U.S. Code 253(b)(2). USSOCOM, Tampa, Fla., is the contracting activity. ■
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SAIC awarded $36M for IT services with ACC support SAIC, Reston, Va., was awarded a $36,290,371 hybrid (cost-no-fee, time-and-materials) contract for the procurement of information technology services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $36,290,371 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9124P-20-F-0397). ■
Leidos awarded $58M for development of ARC Software/Firmware capabilities support Leidos Inc., Reston, Va., is awarded a $58,905,547 modification (P00004) to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00019-19-C-0051. This modification provides for the development of Adaptive Radar Countermeasure (ARC) Software/Firmware (SW/ FW) capabilities and integration of ARC SW/FW on the AN/ALQ-214A electronic countermeasure host. ARC SW/FW supplements F/A-18C-F survivability in the presence of radio frequency guided surface-to-air and air-to-air weapons systems. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,894,969 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ■
Radiance Technologies awarded $10M for DARPA research project Radiance Technologies Inc, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $10,110,811 cost-plus-fixedfee completion contract for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency research project for the Secure Advanced Framework for Simulation and Modeling (SAFE-SiM) program. SAFE-SiM seeks to build a government-owned and controlled, faster-thanreal time modeling and simulation (M&S) capability for theater-wide, mission-level M&S. This capability would enable rapid analysis supporting senior-level decisions for concept of operations development, force structure composition, resource allocation and targeted technology insertion. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $3,750,000 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract was a competitive acquisition in which 10 offers were received. The Defense Advanced Research Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-20-C-0146). ■
MartinFederal wins DPAA contract MartinFederal Consulting, LLC. (MartinFederal), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), focused on providing solutions-based services to the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and other federal agencies, has been awarded a one-year contract to support the Defense CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Agency (DPAA). The DPAA mission to recover and identify Department of Defense personnel from past conflicts is a noble and worthy cause, and MartinFederal is honored to support the efforts needed to accomplish this mission. As part of the first phase of this multi-phase project, our team will conduct a page-by-page inventory of the Korean War Reference Documents located at DPAA Headquarters. “As an SDVOSB, we understand the importance of the DPAA’s mission, and hope that our support in this project will aid in the accounting effort of the more than 7,600 servicemen who remain unaccounted for from the Korean War,” said Corey Martin, founder & CEO of MartinFederal. “We stand ready to lend our inventory and records management capabilities for this and future phases of this accounting effort.” ■
KBR awarded $165M for Alabama work on U.S. Army tactical weapon systems KBR recently announced it has been awarded a $165 million task order to perform key engineering services on tactical missiles for the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) project office within the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space. KBR recently announced it has been awarded a $165 million task order to perform key engineering services on tactical missiles for the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions
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(TAGM) project office within the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space. The publicly traded company was awarded the cost-plus, fixed fee task order under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (IAC) multiple-award contract. The work included in the task order will occur at Alabama’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville over the next five years. KBR has served the Army project office for the last 22 years, and the new award will build upon the engineering efforts the company provided via a predecessor contract. ■
IronMountain Solutions awarded $15M mod for Utility Helicopter Office tech support Iron Mountain Solutions Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $15,541,629 modification (000148) to contract W31P4Q-17-A-0001 for technical support for the Utility Helicopter Project Office. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 8, 2021. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Army); operations and maintenance (Army); research, development, test and evaluation (Army); other procurement (Army); and Foreign Military Sales (United Arab Emirates) funds in the amount of $15,541,629 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. ■
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The Classroom ALL TYPES OF EDUCATION NEWS
LearningQUEST & COVID-19 As a lifelong learning organization, LearningQUEST’s mission has been to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for adults of all ages in our community. When COVID-19 struck, LearningQUEST rose to the challenge by adapting its classroom structure and essential meeting format to a safe and secure online environment. This required learning new skills and techniques which will continue to be adopted much after the pandemic is over. The shift to online programs was warmly received as an alternative to classroom attendance and a great way for our members to stay in touch during these troubling times. A series of successful public webinars was held in October to address the challenges of life in the pandemic: mental health, nutrition, and child safety. Several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) also transitioned to online meetings. For example, UkeQUESTors gather online on Sunday afternoons to hone their ukulele skills; Great Conversations meets online each Monday to discuss a literary selection; the Knitting SIG is now meeting online every Wednesday. One of the Hiking SIGs has resumed weekly hikes while practicing social distancing. The Fall Term has been filled with many exciting courses and will conclude with two special conversations with Bill Nunn: 1) “Menu, Please” on Nov. 18 with David Martin, the successful creator of several unique restaurants; and 2) “The Truth behind GRANDMA” on Dec. 9 with Patsy Trigg recounting the origin of the famous Platinum hit song “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Registration at lquest.org continues as long as space is available.
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Planning for the 2021 Spring term promises a wide variety of online and in-person programs. Topics include Shakespeare, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Huntsville history, Joan of Arc, Spanish for Travel, Astronomy, Art History, Gardening, Cooking, Genomics, Photography, Personal Finances and Investing, and Travel. The Spring catalog will be posted by Jan. 1 when registration also opens. Printed catalogs will be available by Jan. 12 in the LearningQUEST office – second floor of the downtown library (open Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons). The impact on daily life for the LearningQUEST community has been significant. While the pandemic has changed our activities, learning environment and affected our interpersonal relationships, it hasn’t prevented or stopped us from getting the necessary things done - the learning goes on! See lquest.org for more information about LearningQUEST and its upcoming programs. It’s never too late to start a new chapter in your quest for learning! ■ Contributed by LearningQUEST
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Giving Back BUILDING UP OUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Mobile Health Clinic hits the road in Huntsville Free COVID-19 testing just became easier with the launch of Alabama A&M’s (AAMU) new mobile health clinic, made possible by a unique collaboration between Toyota, Huntsville Hospital (HH), and the university. Capable of serving up to 50 walk-in patients per deployment, the mobile clinic will provide testing in local underserved communities. “Thanks to this initiative with Toyota and Alabama A&M, Huntsville Hospital can continue fighting Coronavirus, not only in our hospitals, but out in our communities,” said David Spillers, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System. “The Huntsville Hospital team is proud to work with these excellent partners to provide convenient, free screening opportunities for north Alabamians.” The mobile health initiative evolved from a 2018 Toyota grant awarded to AAMU in which students were challenged to identify and solve a mobility-related community need. Realizing the urgent need for more COVID-19 testing options, AAMU allocated $100,000 of its Toyota funding to Huntsville Hospital Foundation, leading to development of the mobile clinic, along with operational support and training for students in the field. “Finding creative solutions to bring critical services, like health care, to those in need is part of Toyota’s ‘mobility for all’ mission,” said Kim Ogle, corporate communications
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manager, Toyota Alabama. “The mobile clinic will travel to centralized neighborhood locations such as community centers, churches, schools and parks, which allows for easy access.” As the need for COVID testing decreases, HH will train AAMU staff and students in clinical protocols for preventive health screenings, with the ultimate goal of independent operations. “’Service is Sovereignty’ is the AAMU adage that drives our service commitment to our surrounding communities,” said Dr. Lloyd Walker, Alabama A&M professor and dean. “Through our partnership with Toyota, Huntsville Hospital will assist in training our students and staff in health screening practices. The intent is to have a trained team that will
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eventually man the mobile health clinic in providing health care to North Alabamians.” For more information on how to schedule the mobile health unit, contact: Dr. Ernst Cebert, project director, ernst.cebert@aamu.edu. ■
MartinFederal launches ‘MartinConnects’ nonprofit grants program MartinFederal Consulting, LLC. (MartinFederal), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), focused on providing solutions-based services to the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and other federal agencies announces the launch of its new annual MartinConnects Non-Profit Grants program. As part of MartinFederal’s commitment to improving the communities where its employees live, the company has launched its community facing program called MartinConnects. MartinConnects is a multi-faceted program with a mission to connect its employees to their communities, fellow employees, and those in need. A key aspect of this new program is an employee and company-funded giving fund that will award two high dollar, high impact grants each year to nonprofits with programs that support Veterans, Women & Children, Wellness, STEM, or Homelessness. To apply, eligible non-profit organizations will submit an application located on the MartinFederal website to the MartinConnects Coordinator by October 31 each year for funding for the following year. The MartinConnects Committee of employees will determine
the two grants that best fit within the company’s community giving strategy. Non-profits will be notified of the award decision by December 1. “We are dedicated to improving our communities and providing our employees the opportunity to increase the impact they can have in their hometowns,” said Corey Martin, Founder & CEO of MartinFederal. “We are proud to be able to offer this program, especially in times like now to benefit the wonderful non-profits serving our communities.” To be eligible, the organization must be a 501(c)3 non-profit in good standing with the IRS, have programs that fall within one or more of the five areas of focus, must operate in a community in which MartinFederal employees live, and services provided must be made available to all members of the community. Grant awards will only be awarded to eligible organizations who submit an application and will be managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville. Grants may be awarded for the full or partial amount requested based on the current year’s giving budget. Additional documentation may be requested to aid in the decision-making process. For more information or to access the application, visit martinfed.com. ■ Contributed by Eric Franchois, MartinFederal
theme for Thanksgiving 2020 will be changing the lens T hethrough which we gauge our blessings. The focus of our
traditional blessings have been largely centered on friends and family. How foreign the concept of crowded airports, crowded shopping areas, and houses filled with those close to us preparing the Thanksgiving meal is during the pandemic. Many of our traditions will be placed on hold as we seek to insulate those who are vulnerable to COVID. Our blessings this year come in the form of healthcare workers, public sector employees, and educators who have worked throughout COVID to ensure we have access to the services we needed. Add to the list all those who work behind the scenes to ensure we can access the supplies we need. Being thankful for those who wore masks – even when it was hot and hard to breathe. The community spirit and action to make PPP items was amazing. In short, I am most thankful for how our community has rallied during this very difficult time! Maybe there is a little silver lining in our Thanksgiving this year – I won’t be tempted to sample all of the desserts, because ZOOM desserts have no calories. On behalf of the Chamber Team, I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving! Chip Cherry, CCE
President & Chief Executive Officer Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
STAF F Executive Staff
Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Meghan Nazario, executive assistant
Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce Lucia Cape, CCE, senior vice president Erin Koshut, executive director, Cummings Research Park Katelyn Sides Baker, workforce recruitment director Lydia Pennington, industry relations director John Roberts, economic development project director Ken Smith, research & information services director Julia Kaye, marketing & events coordinator
Government & Public Affairs Mike Ward, CCE, senior vice president Amberly Kimbrough, events coordinator
Marketing & Communications Claire Aiello, vice president Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer Hiroko Sedensky, web designer
Investor Relations Amber Greenwood, vice president Kristy Drake, HREGI & ChamberON director Donna McCrary, membership retention manager Richard Bigoney, membership account executive Tina Blankenship, membership account executive
Small Business & Events Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president Amberly Kimbrough, events coordinator
Finance & Administration Mary McNairy, vice president Kim Weeks, accounting specialist – receivables Joe Watson, facilities supervisor Sarah Blackmon, administrative coordinator Tiffany Boyd, resource desk coordinator
Chamber Foundation Kent Ballard, Jr., workforce education specialist
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 225 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 | fax 256-535-2015
HSVchamber.org
Associated Organizations
theschoolsfoundation.org
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www.uah.edu/sbdc
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Confidence at the cutting edge A shared vision. A common mission. An invaluable partnership. We work closely with you to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions that enable the U.S. and its allies to overcome today’s challenges — and outpace tomorrow’s threats.
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