IO - September 2019

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Bright Lights By the Numbers Extra! Extra!

Giving Back Movers & Shakers Recent Events Small Biz Synapse A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Better Together At Bradley, we combine legal experience and knowledge with a sophisticated understanding of the industries that drive Huntsville. We use our talents, judgment, work ethic, and experience to come up with practical, strategic solutions specifically tailored to our clients’ business operations. We go above and beyond expectations to help our clients meet their goals.

Our Huntsville attorneys leverage a broad range of perspectives to help achieve the results that we expect and our clients demand.

bradley.com

200 Clinton Ave. W | Suite 900 | Huntsville, AL 35801 | 256.517.5100 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Frank M. Caprio., 256.517.5142, fcaprio@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 900, Huntsville, AL 35801. Š2018

Improving lives across the Tennessee Valley

We are the Huntsville Hospital Health System, a team committed to bringing better health care to you and your family.

We’re all across the Tennessee Valley with more resources, more services and more locations — we’re improving lives, together.

Huntsville Hospital Health System includes Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Madison Hospital, Athens-Limestone Hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospitals, Helen Keller & Red Bay Hospitals, Marshall Medical Centers, Lawrence Medical Center and Lincoln Health System in Tennessee.

welcome new chamber members Joined in June 2019 Abby Glenn ~ A Quiet Cove Corp. Suites & Apartments A-Plus Security Services Bechtel Chuck Wagon BBQ Comfort Care Hospice - Huntsville E3 Federal Solutions, LLC Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Trey Pope Federated Insurance

Joined in July 2019

GasTOPS Inc Golf Huntsville

American Leak Detection

Huntsville West Coworking Community Insight International Technology

Capital One

Interstellar Technologies Corporation

Chenega Defense & Aerospace Solutions

Jeff Davis Painting, LLC

Computer Support Systems, Inc.

J-Max Logistics, Inc.

Corvid Technologies LLC

The Joint Chiropractic Kirkland’s Pest Control, LLC

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Miranda Yount Grand Canyon University

Knock ‘em Down Tree Services

Gray Accounting & Tax Service

Launch Productions and Design LLC Lighthouse Services Insurance & Investments

Hyatt Place Huntsville - Research Park

National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining Nimble. The Software Company, LLC Open Door

Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc. Key Finders Group at Keller Williams Realty

Premier Structures, Inc. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company Riley Security

Nexinite OCI Alabama LLC PEGASUS TECHNOLOGIES & SOLUTIONS, INC.

Rocket City Knockerball

Perdido Beach Resort

RTR Pro Entertainment Siano Appliance Distributors St. Bernard Preparatory School Support Systems Associates, Inc. TechnoMile

International Paper Huntsville

Planet Smoothie Store # 19258 Sleep Number - Parkway Place Mall Store # 10465 Southern Fidelity Mortgage Group of Huntsville State Farm - Katherine Morgan Your CBD Store Huntsville Y-tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama (YKTA)

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 AUGUST 27, 2019

INVESTORS HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

REGIONAL PARTNERS

LEADERSHIP FORUM

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA Compass ■ Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) ■ Crestwood Medical Center ■ Dynetics, Inc. General Atomics Electromagnetics ■ Lockheed Martin Corporation ■ Northrop Grumman Corporation ■ PNC Bank Raytheon Company ■ SAIC ■ SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC ■ Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. ■ Yulista

CHAMBER TRUSTEES AEgis Technologies Group ■ Akima, LLC ■ Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama ■ Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Intrepid ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ■ 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 ■ Anglin Reichmann Armstrong ■ ASRC Federal ■ B. L. Harbert International, LLC ■ Baron Services, Inc. ■ BASF Corporation ■ BB&T ■ Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Brown Precision, Inc. ■ Colliers International ■ Connected Logistics (LogC2) ■ Davidson Technologies, Inc. ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. ■ Huntsville-Madison County Builders Assoc.

IBERIABANK ■ J Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh McLennan Agency LLC company ■ Keel Point, LLC ■ L3Harris ■ LMI ■ LogiCore ■ LSINC Corporation ■ National Bank of Commerce The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) ■ Progress Bank ■ Radiance Technologies ■ RE/MAX Alliance ■ SCI Technology, Inc. ■ SELEX Galileo Inc. ■ ServisFirst Bank ■ Sirote & Permutt, PC Spirit Coach, LLC ■ Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ Wells Fargo Bank ■ Woody Anderson Ford PROGRESS INVESTORS 4SITE, Inc. ■ 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 BID DESIGNS, LLC ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank ■ Canvas, Inc. ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ CGI Federal ■ Coast Personnel Services ■ Croy Engineering, LLC ■ DC Blox, Inc. deciBel Research ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. ■ Engineering Design Technologies/EDT-THA Architecture ■ Express Employment Professionals ■ Fernandez Financial Group ■ FITE Building Company ■ FLS Translation & Interpreting Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC ■ Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC ■ Garver ■ HEMSI ■ Hiley Automotive Group ■ Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ INTERFUZE Corp.

Investor’s Resource ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ The Karen Morris Team at Keller Williams Realty ■ Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider ■ LINE-X, LLC ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ MAG Aerospace ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ PALCO PFM Financial Advisors LLC ■ PHOENIX ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corporation ■ Ready Mix USA ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company ■ Rosenblum Realty ■ RUAG Space USA ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Sigmatech, Inc. Snelling ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ Technicolor ■ TriVector Services, Inc. ■ Troy 7, Inc. ■ U.S. Space & Rocket Center ■ ValleyMLS.com ■ Valor Communities ■ Venturi, Inc. ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. ■ Wilmer & Lee, P.A. ■ Wiregrass Construction Company

MORE than a

JOB

Why have over 600 people across North Alabama joined our team?

We think it’s because Bank Independent provides our team room to grow and serve.

We are also proud to offer great pay, excellent benefits and a rewarding environment where you can make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Connect with us and apply at BIBANK.COM.

BIBANK.COM | 877.865.5050 MEMBER FDIC | E.O.E.

Chamber Members: Send your company news to comms@hsvchamber.org

sept 2019 ON THE COVER: A fun time was had by all at the 34th annual Small Business Awards Celebration. page 17

Our repeat Second Chance Job Fair proved another success! page 30

By the Numbers

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Bright Lights

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Small Biz Synapse

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Extra! Extra!

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Movers & Shakers

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Recent Events

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Giving Back

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Et cetera New Members: 4 HREGI Investors: 5 About IO & Board Listing: 8 Staff Listing: 34

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About IO

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2019 Executive Committee

Greetings, fellow members!

It’s been a busy summer, but I hope you had a chance to relax and unwind. It seems like 2019 has flown by, and we’ll be wrapping up the year before you know it.

The Chamber hosted the 34th Annual Small Business Awards Celebration on August 13, and if you haven’t seen the pictures, you need to take a few minutes and see who got into the spirit with the ‘Game of Thrones’ theme. We had a great, enthusiastic crowd and there were some loud cheering sections as the winners were called. A big thanks to everyone who joined us, and we’re looking forward to next year.

We offer congratulations to our friend, Hundley Batts, on his recent induction into the Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) Hall of Fame. He is a Huntsville native and owner of WEUPFM, the first black-owned and operated radio station in the State of Alabama. Batts is one of five media professionals to be inducted this year, and he is truly deserving of this honor.

And, more than two dozen local companies have been named to this year’s Inc. 5000 list, which showcases the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. This is a prestigious list, and a source of pride for these local teams – well done! You’ll see some familiar names on the list and some new ones, too. Read more on page 12.

Are you sharing your company’s news? We hope so. Initiatives Online is a great source to share what’s happening in your workplace, and there’s no cost to have your news published.

A prime example: check our Movers & Shakers section on page 20. If you have a promotion or announcement to share, please send it to comms@hsvchamber.org -- don’t forget a photo.

See you at a Chamber event soon!

Greg Brown 2019 Vice Chair for Marketing & Communications Chamber Executive Board

IO Staff Chip Cherry, CCE publisher Greg Brown 2019 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.

Submissions for editorial content are accepted; however, placement is not guaranteed. Information in this and other Chamber publications is at the discretion of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

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Kim Lewis, Chair, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Kevin Byrnes, Chair-elect, Raytheon Company Gary Bolton, Immediate Past Chair, ADTRAN, Inc. Ron Poteat, Chamber Foundation Chair, Regions Bank Lynn Troy, Secretary/Treasurer, Troy 7, Inc. Jeff Gronberg, Vice Chair, Economic Development & Industry Relations, deciBel Research, Inc.

Alicia Ryan, Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs, LSINC Corporation

Jim Rogers, Vice Chair, HREGI, Lockheed Martin Corporation Greg Brown, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications, Brown Precision, Inc.

Frank Williams, Vice Chair, Membership, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Vice Chair, Small Business & Events, Transcend LLC

Joe Ritch, Vice Chair, TV-BRAC, Sirote & Permutt, PC Penny Billings, Chair-Appointed, BancorpSouth Craig Naudain, Chair-Appointed, SAIC Dr. Karockas Watkins, Chair-Appointed, Ability Plus, Inc. Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-Officio Member, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, Ex-Officio Member, City of Madison Chairman Dale Strong, Ex-Officio Member, Madison County Commission

Chris Pape, General Counsel, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Chip Cherry, President & CEO, Chamber

Elected Board Mike Alvarez, Venturi, Inc. Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay, FLIR Systems, Inc. Blake Bentley, SportsMED David Bier, Rocket City Trash Pandas John Dansby, Polaris Industries, Inc. Melissa Davis, MTA, Inc. John Eagan, BB&T Kevin Fernandez, Fernandez Financial Group, LLC Dr. Joe Green, Davidson Technologies, Inc. Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation Mike Gullion, Spur John Hall, All Points Logistics, LLC Ginger Harper, IBERIABANK Josh Herren, Yulista Lee Holland, Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC Melody Holt, Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. Amanda Howard, Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty Hank Isenberg, IronMountain Solutions Lauren Johannesmeyer, Google Fiber, Huntsville Sean Kelly, Regions Bank David King, Dynetics, Inc. April Mason, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Kevin McCombs, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. Janice Migliore, PALCO Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Zack Penney, Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi Jami Peyton, Canvas, Inc. Ashley Ryals, Homegrown, LLC Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Sameer Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Beth Sippel, Synovus Robert “Bob” Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Sandra Stephens, Keel Point, LLC Cynthia Streams, Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.) Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company Mike Watkins, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama John Watson, Torch Technologies Dennis Weese, Line-X, LLC

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Proud to be Your Full Service Hospital

As a full-service community hospital, Crestwood offers a wide range of services. It is our mission to serve by providing exceptional patient care and service for patients and their families who choose Crestwood. Thank you for choosing Crestwood.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Bariatric Surgery Center Cardiology Emergency Department Gastroenterology Maternity Center & Women’s Services Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Outpatient/Inpatient Surgery Pediatrics Robotic-Assisted Surgery Sleep Center Spine & Neuro Surgery

One Hospital Drive

•

• • • • • • •

Therapy Services Total Hip & Knee Center Vascular Lab Vein Center Women’s Center with 3D Mammography Wound Care 180 Private Patient Rooms

256-429-4000

•

CrestwoodMedCenter.com

By the Numbers FEDERAL, STATE, OR MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS ACQUIRED BY CHAMBER MEMBERS

DTechLogic awarded MDA Advanced Research Center contract In June, DTechLogic was awarded the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Advanced Research Center (ARC) contract.

DTechLogic is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) joint venture between Davidson Technologies and nLogic. The company’s teammates on this contract include Leidos, ASRC Federal, Qualis, H2L Solutions, and TCS. The team will provide the infrastructure and cybersecurity engineering necessary to support Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and related Ground Testing in a Continuous Integration/Continuous Agile Testing (CI/CAT) environment. The ARC award is a competitive cost-plus-award-fee, costplus-fixed-fee, and cost-reimbursable contract. The contract has a performance period with a five-year base and three one-year options. The total value of this contract is $255,909,986, and the work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. “Having won the MDA ARC prime contract, we at Davidson, in partnership with nLogic, will put forth our proud and best effort to fulfill the objectives of the contract in a timely and concise manner,” said Dr. Dorothy Davidson, CEO of Davidson Technologies, Inc. “We are thrilled and excited to get started supporting the Missile Defense Agency as the ARC Prime,” said Dr. Joe Green, Davidson president. “Our partnership with nLogic was key to this win as we share similar passion, culture, history, technical excellence, and work ethic.”

“We are pleased to have formed a true partnership with Davidson Technologies,” said nLogic CEO Tim Thornton. He worked for Davidson Technologies for six years under the mentorship of Drs. Julian and Dorothy Davidson before starting nLogic. “Davidson awarded us our first contract when we started the company, and this is a special win for nLogic,” Thornton added. ■

CFD Research awarded SBIR Phase III AMTC contract CFD Research announced August 1 that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract through the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) to perform important battery technology development and prototyping. The three-year Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement has a ceiling value of $15.5M. The objectives of this effort are to provide next-generation prototype nanotechnology-based solutions for operational energy storage applications for multiple missile and aviation systems. This project specifically focuses on prototyping a new concept of Structural Batteries to reduce weight and improve performance of the Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TUAS) platform. Additionally, the project will involve integrat10

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ing new cathode and electrolyte technology to demonstrate improved performance in battery voltage and capacity, and performing extensive testing to increase the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) level of thermal batteries for the Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM) missile program.

“CFD Research has the unique combination of capabilities required to provide expanded development of nanotechnology and advanced materials developed under prior SBIR contracts for applications in missile, aviation, and other weapon systems,” said Scott Miller, CFD Research Vice President of Energy, Materials, and Propulsion Division. ■

PROJECTXYZ awarded $17M sales contract for M48A3 Chaparral Fire Unit modifications PROJECTXYZ, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $17,227,000 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Egypt) contract to develop and deliver M48A3 Chaparral Fire Unit system modifications. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Cairo, Egypt, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $17,227,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. ■

SAIC awarded $16M modification for engineering systems support Science Applications International, Reston, Va., was awarded a $16,498,835 modification (0001 44) to contract W31P4Q-18-A-0011 for systems engineering support.

Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020.

Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales; and operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $16,498,835 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. ■

Boeing awarded $32M modification for P-8A aircraft damage tolerance testing The Boeing Company, Seattle, Wa., is awarded $32,078,298 for modification P00149 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm-target, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-14-C-0067). This modification provides for the performance of damage tolerance analysis on the P-8A aircraft to determine the damage tolerance rating. Additionally, this modification will provide non-destructive inspections for structural components A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO

on the P-8A aircraft. Work will be performed in Seattle, Wa. (74%); St. Louis, Mo. (21%); and Huntsville, Ala. (5%), and is expected to be completed in March 2023.

Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $32,078,298 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ■

Lockheed Martin awarded $492M for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems work Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Tx., was awarded a $492,108,514 fixed-price-incentive contract for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems M142 launchers and support requirements to include Product Data Definition Package Maintenance, training, support equipment, qualification testing, initial spares/repair parts and software. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Camden, Ariz.; Boca Raton, Fla.; Budd Lake, NJ; Whippany, NJ; Dallas, Tx.; Palm Bay, Fla.; Archbald, Pa.; York, Pa.; Clearwater, Fla.; Jackson, Miss.; and Brownsboro, Ala., with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2023. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $66,404,293 were obligated at the time of the award.

U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-C-0101). ■

YOUR GOALS ARE OUR GOALS Intense client focus is at the center of everything we do. Through forwardthinking advice and sound financial guidance, our dedicated team of advisors delivers customized services for both your personal and corporate needs to help you achieve what is important to you: • Comprehensive investment and risk management • Retirement, education, estate and tax planning to protect your personal wealth • Investment planning and administrative support for academic institutions, community organizations and religious foundations • Consulting, plan design and fiduciary services for corporate retirement plans ranging from dozens to thousands of employees

To learn more, call Kelly Clary at 256.713.2669.

Alabama | Florida | Georgia | www.WAasset.com

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Bright Lights ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HUNTSVILLE METRO

Twenty-seven local companies named to prestigious Inc. 5000 List The annual Inc. 5000 guide showcases the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. This year, more than two dozen companies in Huntsville and Madison County earned a spot, based on percentage revenue growth from 2015 to 2018: Rank Company Growth 368 Stealth-ISS Group 1,241% 617 Cintel 711% 727 Crossflow Technologies 603% 927 Kord Technologies 458% 942 Freedom Real Estate 451% 1179 Shearer 352% 1408 Matt Curtis Real Estate 293% 1553 Cortina Solutions 267% 1591 MartinFederal 258% 1651 R2C 249% 1655 Corporate Tax Advisors 248% 2083 Nou Systems 194% 2106 Noetic Strategies 191% 2170 Hill Technical Solutions 186% 2223 Pinnacle Solutions 181% 2297 LSINC 175% 2452 IronMountain Solutions 162% 2818 i3 134% 2872 Mission Driven Research 130% 2927 nLogic 128% 2961 EngeniusMicro 126% 3242 Simulation Technologies 112% 4046 Bevilacqua Research 80% 4200 Torch Technologies 74% 4316 Crabtree, Rowe & Berger 71% 4404 Trideum Corporation 68% 4976 Spur 53%

Industry IT Management Government Services Engineering Government Services Real Estate Engineering Real Estate Government Services Government Services Government Services Financial Services Government Services IT Management Government Services Government Services Government Services Government Services Government Services Government Services Government Services Government Services Engineering Government Services Government Services Financial Services Government Services Human Resources

Revenue $2.6M $2.9M $2.9M $70.1M $3.7M $6.4M $5.2M $2.7M $16.9M $5M $3.2M $23.2M $4.6M $9.9M $61.9M $12.7M $42.1M $69.8M $3.4M $48.5M $2.9M $31.6M $52.6M $405.4M $4.6M $27.7M $34.9M

Convention & Visitors Bureau launches revamped #iHeartHsv blog The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) launched the original #iHeartHsv blog in February 2015, creating a one-of-a-kind outlet for visitors and locals alike to share all the things that make Huntsville/Madison County a top destination to visit, meet, explore, dine, and beyond. Now in 2019, the blog has been revamped, breathing new life into one of the most important resources for visitors 12

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traveling to the Rocket City and making the trip-planning process easier than ever.

The CVB publishes weekly #iHeartHsv blog articles highlighting information pertinent to potential Huntsville/Madison County visitors – everything from how Huntsville got the nickname Rocket City to which shops offer unique souvenirs to commemorate your Huntsville visit, or where to find the best burger in town.

The majority of the blog content is written by a team of Huntsville locals, giving readers authentic insight into the culture of the city.

“Visitors want to experience the true heart and soul of our destination; they’re interested in visiting the big attractions, but they also want to know the hidden gems that locals frequent, like a hidden alleyway full of public art or an unassuming restaurant with great Southern food. That’s what makes the #iHeartHsv blog such a valuable resource – it’s first-hand information from people who know best, our own Huntsville residents,” said Kristen Pepper, marketing manager for the CVB. ■

BAE Systems’ Huntsville expansion wins award BAE Systems recently received a Transatlantic Growth (TAG) award from British American Business as UK Investor of the Year for its Huntsville expansion. It competed with 32 other British companies who currently have investment projects in the U.S.

Construction on the company’s new building in Cummings Research Park is well underway, and the new facility is expected to open in April 2020. Visit jobs. baesystems.com to learn about career opportunities. ■

Cintel joins Redstone Gateway community Cintel, Inc. announced July 29 it has leased approximately 8,200 square feet in 4100 Market Street, a 36,000-square-foot, newly developed building at Redstone Gateway.

Cintel provides nimble, unique, value-focused services and solutions in energy, data science and analytics, modeling and simulation, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity. Cintel plans to occupy their new space by November of 2019.

– continued on page 14 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Printing Colonial Printing, founded in 1990, is the largest commercial printing company in North Alabama and one of the largest in the state. We built this business with one basic principal; to give our customers the best product, on time, at the highest quality, and at a fair price. This formula has allowed us to grow substantially over the years, culminating into multiple vertical markets that increase our capabilities to include not only Commercial Printing, but also Folded Carton Packaging, Multi-Media Packaging, Wide Format Printing, Mailing and more.

Our Perspective is Excellence

1505 The Boardwalk Huntsville, Alabama 35816 256.539.2279 www.colonialpmp.com

G7 Master Printer Certified GMI Certified Print Facility

BRIGHT LIGHTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

“Redstone Gateway was the best relocation option in Huntsville for the Cintel employees and customers due to the park’s amenities and its adjacency and visibility to Redstone Arsenal, the lifeblood of the region,” said Dale Jobes, president & CEO of Cintel, Inc. “We are excited to have Cintel join the Redstone Gateway community and thrilled that another tech and defense contractor tenant has recognized the value inherent in locating at Redstone Gateway,” said COPT Chief Operating Officer Paul Adkins. “We are enthusiastic about the ongoing demand at Redstone Gateway and look forward to expanding our footprint there.”

Cintel’s lease absorbed the only remaining office availability in Redstone Gateway.

To accommodate on-going demand, COPT plans to commence construction on a new building this quarter. ■

John Blue Company rebrands, transitions to original name On August 5, CDS-John Blue Company announced it is transitioning the company name back to John Blue Company, the name it was founded on in 1886. For more than a century, the name John Blue has been synonymous with legendary, reliable agricultural products. The company is known for being an award-winning pioneer in the agriculture market with a commitment to outstanding design, uncompromising quality, and worldclass customer service.

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“As we continue to grow and evolve with new and innovative products, we remain committed to building on our exceptional reputation,” said Craig Mashburn, director of sales and marketing.

“We feel this new look is an accurate representation of what John Blue has been in the past, and where we want to go in the future. We are excited to begin this transition and want to thank all of our customers and industry partners for their continued support,” said Lauren Sanderson, senior marketing specialist. ■

BMSS named one of Best Accounting Firms to Work For Accounting Today recently named BMSS one of the 2019 Best Accounting Firms to Work for. Accounting Today has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the accounting profession, benefiting its economy, workforce, and businesses. The list is made up of 100 firms.

“BMSS’ most valuable asset is our employees,” said BMSS CEO and Managing Member Don Murphy. “We strive to make our firm one that our people will be pleased to invest their career.”

Firms from across the United States entered the two-part survey process. The first

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part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75 percent of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

“The firms on this list represent the best workplaces in the accounting profession,” said Accounting Today Editor-in-Chief Daniel Hood. “They are outstanding places to build a career.” ■

ISS, DEFTEC enter new strategic technology partnership Intelligent Security Systems (ISS), a leading provider of Intelligent Video Management Software (IVMS) and native analytics globally, announced July 25 that the company has entered into a new strategic technology partnership with DEFTEC, a recognized leader in supporting the U.S. military in rapid acquisition and deployment of technology to combat global improvised threats.

Founded in December 2012, DEFTEC provides scientific expertise, coupled with technological implementation alternatives to U.S. military. It delivers expertise through developmental testing and evaluation, rapid acquisition, training, technical documentation and counter threat solutions to support the U.S. military deployments.

“DEFTEC is unlike any technology partner of ISS. Their solutions are truly unique, providing our military with higher levels of intelligence to improve operations and ultimately save lives,” said Aluisio Figueiredo, CEO at ISS. “We are extremely pleased that DEFTEC will be offering several of our intelligent video surveillance solutions to supplement their impressive portfolio.”

“This unique technology partnership allows DEFTEC to tap into ISS’ vast experience and expertise in facial recognition, under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS), and license plate recognition,” said Barbara Reeder, CEO of DEFTEC Corporation. “ISS intelligent analytics-driven solutions will help improve the security and efficiency of U.S. military operations, and ultimately help save lives.”

DEFTEC now offers ISS SecurOS™ FaceX, ISS SecurOS™ UVSS (Under Vehicle Surveillance System), and ISS SecurOS™ Auto-License Plate Recognition. ■

Dynetics Technical Solutions to add largest electron beam welding system On July 26, Dynetics Technical Solutions (DTS) signed an agreement with Pro-Beam, a global leader in the electron beam and laser technology sector, to acquire the largest electron beam welding system. The 22-feet-long, 22-feet-wide, and 22-feet-high system will be capable of supporting government and commercial programs at both the unclassified and classified levels.

– continued on page 16 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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BRIGHT LIGHTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Growing people while solving the Nation’s toughest problems.

• Hypersonic Weapon Design • Full Life-Cycle / C4 Engineering Services • Cyber Security & IT Innovative Solutions • Interactive Multimedia Instruction • UAS & Intelligence Training • Digital Missile Simulation • Software & Security Engineering • Hypersonic Ground Test Facility Design & Development

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

i3-CORPS.COM

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“This unique welding facility will establish north Alabama as the U.S. leader in advanced electron beam welding for aerospace, defense and commercial sectors. We are proud to partner with Pro-Beam and our customers to bring this revolutionary capability to bear on programs of national importance,” said Steve Cook, DTS president.

“Pro-Beam is extremely pleased to partner with Dynetics, and excited to be part of this great project that will provide the largest and most modern electron beam welding system for the U.S. market,” said Rod Mourad, president of Pro-Beam USA. “This installation will provide Dynetics with electron beam welding capabilities of large structures that are essential for the U.S. market needs.”

Pro-Beam partners with international high-tech companies to provide precision welding and mass production of components. DTS found that Pro-Beam’s electron beam welding capabilities provided the type of product that the company needed. ■ Chamber Members: Send your economic development highlights to comms@ hsvchamber.org if you would like to be included in future IO publications.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Small Biz Synapse FOCUSING ON THE WORLD OF SMALL BUSINESS

Congratulations to our Winners!

We celebrated local businesses and individuals during the 34th Annual Small Business Awards Celebration on August 13 at the Von Braun Center. More than 1,000 people attended this year’s event. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber hosts this annual event to recognize the outstanding work businesses and individuals are doing in our community. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Keel Point! Congratulations to all the winners:

Young Professional of the Year: Lauren Johannesmeyer, Google Fiber Nonprofit of the Year – TIE: Greater Huntsville Humane Society Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) Professional Services Business of the Year: PALCO Culinary Business of the Year: Cyn Shea’s Café & Catering Emerging Business of the Year: Outpost Technologies, Inc. Government Contracting – Professional Services Business of the Year: HigherEchelon, Inc. Event photography: Ronald Pollard Photography, Sigh Photo Booth, & Hiroko Sedensky

Government Contracting – Technology Business of the Year: Mission Multiplier Service Business of the Year: Armstrong Relocation Company, Huntsville, LLC Retailer of the Year: Haley’s Flooring & Interiors Local “Creative” of the Year: Church Street Wine Shoppe Medical Practice of the Year: Dunagan Yates & Alison Plastic Surgery Center Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Nesin Therapy Services, PC Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award: Randy Riley, Archarithms, Inc.

All event photos can be found on the Chamber’s Flickr page.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Extra! Extra!

ACCOLADES & SPECIAL RECOGNITION

HEMSI paramedic receives prestigious NASA Silver Snoopy Award Anthony Ceci, a HEMSI Paramedic, received a Silver Snoopy Award at a recent ceremony at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Out of the nearly 4,900 pins that have been awarded at MSFC, Ceci is the first HEMSI paramedic to receive the award.

Ceci supports the HEMSI unit serving Redstone Arsenal and MSFC. The presentation came at an event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11. Two former astronauts were in attendance and played a key role in the ceremony – Rex Walheim (Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Ret.) STS-110, STS-122, and STS-135 and Harrison Schmitt, former U.S. Senator of New Mexico and NASA Astronaut, Apollo 17.

“The Silver Snoopy best symbolizes the intent and spirit of Space Flight Awareness, which ensures that all employees involved in human space flight are aware of the impact their actions have on astronaut safety and mission success,” Walheim said as he explained the significance of the award. “Astronauts always present the Silver Snoopy

because it’s our award for outstanding performance contributing to flight safety and mission success.”

Fewer than one percent of the aerospace program workforce receive the award annually, so it is a rare honor. As an added symbol of its special significance, the Silver Snoopy pins presented to the nine recipients this year flew into space on mission STS135, which launched on July 8, 2011.

Schmitt was part of NASA following the Mercury and Gemini programs when the agency created the Silver Snoopy award and shared some its history.

“Snoopy was a precocious puppy with previous flight experience and national name recognition,” said Schmitt. “His creator – Cartoonist Charles Schultz – granted permission for Snoopy to become our symbol of personal flight safety.

Since that time, Snoopy has been the watchdog for flight safety. His job for NASA is to promote excellence in every phase of space flight to help ensure mission success.”

HEMSI CEO Jon Howell assisted in the ceremony recognizing Ceci for his significant contributions in the field of paramedicine leading to operational efficiency increases in performance for the ISS Program and the Agency Mission Operations Capability Leadership team.

“HEMSI is extremely proud of Tony for having earned this incredible recognition from NASA,” said Howell. “It’s an honor for us to serve the emergency medical needs of Marshall Space Flight Center and all of Redstone Arsenal, and we could not be more pleased to recognize Tony for his outstanding accomplishments.” ■

Hundley Batts named to Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Hundley Batts is one of five media professionals to be inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2019. He is a Huntsville native and owner of WEUP-FM, the first black-owned and operated radio station in the State of Alabama.

WEUP-AM first went on the air in 1958. Batts was in the eighth grade at the time, and said it made an impression on him.

“I went out to the store, and I got me a portable radio that had earplugs,” Batts recalled. He said he wore his earplugs to school, but that didn’t go over well with a particular teacher.

Batts interacted with the owners, Leroy and Viola Garrett, during the next several years. Batts volunteered at the station during his college years and later started a career in insurance. In 1987, Viola Garrett sold WEUP to Batts and his late wife, Dr. Virginia Caples. They eventually acquired WEUZ-FM and WHIY-AM, and then launched WEUP-FM. Batts said he is very honored to be inducted into the ABA Hall of Fame.

“It was an amazing announcement for me, and I was tickled pink by that,” Batts told WHNT News 19’s Dallas Parker. ■ 18

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Whether it’s a luncheon in the old Campus Cafeteria or a workshop in the former AV Room, the Stone Event Center can bring old school charm to any of your corporate events.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Movers & Shakers NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AND RECOGNITION OF TALENT

Dr. Erek Withee has joined Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE) as the company’s new chief engineer and will work from the company’s headquarters in Huntsville, Ala. In this position, Withee will be the engineering leader for TBE and assume responsibility for engineering practices and the coordination of the engineering workforce to meet program goals across the company. He will also lead the integration of resources company-wide, monitor technical performance, and serve as the technical leader for the company with external customers.

“Dr. Withee is an impressive addition to our top-notch engineering team,” said Jan Hess, president of Teledyne Brown Engineering. “His strong background in defense and decades of extensive experience across multiple markets leading complex programs for maritime, cybersecurity and nuclear applications will be an asset to our company and our customers.” ■

Melissa Thompson has been named the new CEO/president of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville. The Board of Directors named Thompson to the post on August 29.

Thompson joined the Community Foundation in 2011, most recently serving as the chief operating officer. Chris Russell, chair of the Community Foundation Board, says of Thompson’s appointment, “Melissa Thompson’s passion for this community has been and will continue to be a great benefit to our region and the Foundation. I look forward to seeing the impact her leadership will have to our organization, the local nonprofit network, and to donors and residents of our community.”

The Community Foundation will be celebrating its 10th anniversary serving the Greater Huntsville region with its vision to improve quality of life through philanthropy. ■ Nick Vickerson recently purchased the local Express Employment franchise in Huntsville. The company has departments that focus on contract/temp-to-hire positions, office and administrative services, and professional direct-hire recruiting. “Express has the resources to recruit top talent on a nationwide basis that allow us to take on complex projects across a variety of industries,” Vickerson said.

He is originally from Tuscaloosa and graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Business Administration. After playing pro baseball with the Texas Rangers, he shifted to the real estate investment industry in 2015 – later having a dual role as an asset manager for Beeker Property Group and manager of the Express Employment office in Tuscaloosa. ■

Kevin Fernandez has been selected for membership in The Nautilus Group , a service of New York Life. The Nautilus Group is a planning resource comprised of financial professionals experienced in taxes, law, life insurance, accounting, and charitable giving.

His access to this exclusive resource enables his clients and their ®

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other financial advisors to benefit from the group’s collective experience and insightful solutions as they apply to the protection, accumulation, and distribution of wealth to individuals, families, and business owners throughout the country.

Fernandez joined the financial services industry when he accepted an offer to join New York Life Insurance Company in 2011. Since then he has been working with business owners and key executives of privately owned companies in the Huntsville area. He serves on the Board of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and heavily supports local nonprofits like HEALS, Kids to Love, and The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, among others. Fernandez is president/CEO of Fernandez Financial Group. ■

Kerry Wilkerson has been added to Corporate Office Properties Trust’s team at Redstone Gateway as senior project manager. He will be essential in managing the construction process of existing and future development projects in the rapidly-growing, amenity-rich office park.

Wilkerson is a well-known leader in the community, having served as the chief operating officer of Madison County Schools for 23 years. During his tenure there, he was the lead on construction for more than 22 facilities totaling over 2 million square feet. Wilkerson has served as the construction lead for the HEALS Clinic in Gurley, is a member of the Construction Advisory Committee for Whitesburg Christian Academy, and was a Class L-25 graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville.

In addition to his new role at COPT, Wilkerson is on the advisory board for Burritt on the Mountain, and president of the Board of Graces of Gurley, a faith-based ministry nonprofit serving the Gurley and Madison County area. He graduated from the Auburn University College of Building Science in 1988. ■

Teresa Vander Molen has joined Barge Design Solutions as a creative lead in the firm’s Business Services Group.

Vander Molen’s nearly 20 years of marketing and branding experience spans manufacturing, health care, tourism, and higher education sectors, with emphasis on driving awareness and engagement through visual storytelling. She previously served as a creative director for Cornett in Lexington, Ky. Vander Molen earned a BFA degree in Graphic Design from Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduated with honors. Her work has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation, Graphic Design USA, and the Kentucky Press Association. ■

Amber Greenwood has been named to Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Flagship Class L-33.

Greenwood is the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s vice president of Investor Relations. She joined our team in March, after moving here with her family from Waco, Tx. There, she worked with continued on page 22 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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MOVERS & SHAKERS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2018.

She said being part of the class offers a great opportunity to dive in and learn about what, and who, makes Huntsville tick.

“I’m so excited to be a part of L-33 and embark on this journey with 53 amazing classmates,” said Greenwood. “Thank you to the steering committee, volunteers, and Leadership Greater Huntsville staff for making the [opening] retreat so awesome!” ■

Paige Nix has been promoted to executive vice president and CFO at Radiance Technologies. She joined Radiance in July of 2015 as director of Accounting. Since her arrival, Nix has implemented critical improvements to the accounting department processes, leading the way for a paperless environment. She was instrumental in successfully completing the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) transaction that established Radiance as a 100 percent employee-owned company. As CFO, she will oversee all accounting and finance activities for the company and provide strategic financial management for continued growth fiscal growth.

“I am excited to have Paige as our CFO and an integral piece of our executive team. She brings a wealth of financial knowledge and experience to Radiance, and her leadership will continue to strengthen the company’s financial position,” said Dave Diaddario, Radiance president. “It is an exciting time at Radiance, and I am thrilled to have Paige’s outstanding contributions to the team.” continued on page 24

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Nix’s professional career includes over 10 years in the public accounting arena and she served as the assistant controller at LMI Consulting prior to joining Radiance. She earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Alabama. Nix is also a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant. ■

Jarred Butler has been promoted to vice president of the Finance department at Radiance Technologies. He joined the company in 2002 as a management analyst supporting multiple areas of the business including contracts administration, subcontracts administration, program control, and corporate financial management.

Over his 17-year career at Radiance, Butler has progressed from management analyst to director of Finance to assistant vice president of Finance. In his new role, he will continue to provide critical management of corporate financial activities and support the CFO with strategic financial management.

“I have watched Jarred’s career growth during my time with Radiance. He has invaluable corporate knowledge from his tenure at the company, strengthening our path ahead,” Radiance president Dave Diaddario added. “These are exciting times at Radiance, and we are extremely fortunate to have capable leaders like Jarred on our team.”

Butler began his professional career as a management analyst for a small government contractor in Madison. He earned his BS in Business Administration from Athens State University and a Master of Finance from Middle Tennessee State University. ■ BMSS is proud to announce recent promotions within its accounting firm in the Huntsville office. Joyce Rinaldi, CPA and Fawn Smith, CPA have been promoted to senior manager.

Joyce Rinaldi joined the Huntsville team in 2013 and currently works in the business services department, focusing on small business management. She works in the medical, hospitality, and e-commerce industries and specializes in outsourcing for small-business support. Rinaldi is a member of ASCPA as well as AICPA.

Fawn Smith joined the Huntsville office in 2019 where she specializes in government contract consulting. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Auburn University Alumni Association. ■

Amanda Hicks has been named cash management sales officer at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville according to a recent announcement by ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFBS).

Since joining ServisFirst in August 2014, Hicks served as both an executive assistant and credit analyst before being promoted to her current role.

As cash management sales officer, Hicks will be responsible for growing cash management services, in particular, credit cards, purchase Cards, and merchant services, to help better serve existing and prospective clients’ growing cash management needs. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) has announced these recent hires:

Abbi Johnson is the new board services coordinator. She previously worked at WAFF 48, where she served as the digital content manager and the host of Tennessee Valley Weekend. In her new position, Johnson will coordinate meetings, work with affiliate programs and sponsorships, set up travel logistics, and oversee HAAR’s professional standards programs. She is a graduate of Jacksonville State University where she studied Communications, and is married to her husband Jake, with whom she has a two-year-old standard poodle named Creo William Johnson.

Daniela Perallon serves as the advocacy & marketing manager for HAAR, working to build the organization’s first in-house marketing department alongside director of association outreach Sean Magers. She will be working to expand HAAR and ValleyMLS.com’s reach and impact in the community as the real estate market thrives.

Perallon’s eight-year Huntsville career has kept her within a two-block radius in downtown. She moved to Huntsville in 2011 as a journalist for WHNT News 19, where she reported extensively on local and state government, education, and more.

In 2015, she departed the world of news to work two blocks away at Arts Huntsville as the marketing and public relations manager – overseeing promotions of large-scale community events like the Panoply Arts Festival, Concerts in the Park, Monte Sano Art festival, as well as various public art initiatives and arts education programs.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Sean Magers has joined HAAR as the organization’s director of association outreach. He is a native of Huntsville, and a graduate of Grissom as well as UAH. He majored in Communications and Political Science at UAH before working on several political campaigns with a communications firm, and for three members of Congress in Washington, D.C. While he loved his time in our nation’s capital, Huntsville remained close to his heart and this move back to the Rocket City was years in the making.

In 2017, Magers moved back to Alabama to start his own consulting business, Magers Marketing. Since then, he has worked with local, state, and federal officials, local businesses, candidates and organizations on political campaigns, business and community development projects, and more. This summer, he shuttered his fledgling after accepting what he describes as a “dream job” at HAAR. Magers said he is particularly proud of the number of names he’s remembered in his short time with the association. ■

Taron Thorpe, Madison County regional president, CB&S Bank in Russellville, Ala., is among the 185 bankers who received graduation diplomas on May 31, 2019 from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. This three-year program provides courses covering all aspects of banking, economics and related subjects. Students traveled from 21 states and Mexico to participate in the session. continued on page 26

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COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO

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Sponsored by 15 southern state bankers associations in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education at LSU, the banking school requires attendance on campus for three years, with extensive bank study assignments between sessions. The faculty consists of bankers, business and professional leaders, and educators from all parts of the U.S. During their three summer sessions at the Graduate School of Banking, students receive 190 hours of classroom instruction, planned evening study, and final examinations at the end of each session. ■

Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. announces that four attorneys have been

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recognized in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ®. The designation is one of the most highly regarded attorney referral publications, now in its 26th year.

The 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ® is the first time that Attorneys Harvey B. Morris, Joe A. King, Jr., & David J. Hodge have been named “Lawyer of the Year” in the same year.

Morris was named “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; King was named “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Workers’ Compensation Law - Claimants; and Hodge was named “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs.

For the fifth consecutive year, Attorney Joey D. Aiello was recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of Appellate Practice. ■

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings has announced that 15 of the firm’s Huntsville attorneys are included in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ®.

Attorneys are selected for Best Lawyers through extensive surveys of leading lawyers who assess the legal abilities of their peers. The 2020 edition is based on more than 7.8 million evaluations and recognizes more than 60,000 attorneys in 145 practice areas.

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Hall B. Bryant III was named Corporate Law “Lawyer of the Year.” He also is listed for Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, and Venture Capital Law. Frank M. Caprio was named Litigation – Intellectual Property “Lawyer of the Year.” He also is listed for Copyright Law, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trade Secrets Law, and Trademark Law.

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H. Harold Stephens was named Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants “Lawyer of the Year.” He also is listed for Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Mediation, and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants.

The other Huntsville attorneys listed as 2020 Best Lawyers are: Timothy Peter Cummins, Kevin C. Gray, Stephen H. Hall, Angela Holt, David W. Holt, Benjamin W. Hutton, Daniel Kaufmann, G. Bartley Loftin III, Scott E. Ludwig, Kimberly B. Martin, George A. Smith II, and Scott Burnett Smith. ■ Chamber Members: Send your company news to comms@hsvchamber.org

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Recent Events HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER & DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE

Sen. Jones’ Annual Washington Update Senator Doug Jones presented his 2019 Washington Update on August 21 at the Von Braun Center. He offered supportive words about our business community, a welcome to the FBI as it increases its presence in Huntsville, and commented on the importance of Redstone Arsenal to our country’s military strength. “The impact of Redstone cannot be overstated,” said Jones.

About 600 people attended the luncheon. Sen. Jones has made several visits to Huntsville in recent weeks, including the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium earlier in August. ■

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RECENT EVENTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Hopeful candidates attend Second Chance Job Fair The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber hosted another Second Chance Job Fair on August 14. About 350 job seekers joined us to meet with companies and community organizations, and many left enthusiastic about new opportunities.

“We hold events like this to help meet workforce needs in the community,” said Lydia Pennington, the Chamber’s industry relations director. “Many companies tell us they need help finding qualified workers. This is one way we’re working to help with solutions.”

Thank you to our partners on this event, including the Alabama Career Center System, the Alabama Community College System, and the City of Huntsville’s Parks & Recreation Department. ■

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

WRITTEN BY CLAIRE AIELLO

Enjoy Jazz in the Park through September There’s a lot happening in downtown Huntsville, and you can enjoy the City’s annual Jazz in the Park concert series through the month of September in Big Spring Park East. The weekly free concerts feature world-class jazz musicians, young and seasoned.

This marks the 10th year for Jazz in the Park, and the program is made possible by grants and community partnerships.

“Music is a universal language. When people come out here for Jazz in the Park they have an opportunity to connect with people across the whole spectrum of our community,” says Kenny Anderson, multicultural affairs officer for the City of Huntsville.

Jazz in the Park – Huntsville includes music education workshops with local students. The workshops expose young people to high caliber jazz recording artists and cover topics such as improvisation, section playing, tuning, intonation, and more. This year, local school jazz bands will also perform.

“These young people are our performers and musicians for the future, and they are going to get so much out of this experience,” Anderson added.

The concerts are from 5 to 9 p.m. each Sunday through the end of September.

Check the schedule at huntsvilleal.gov.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

The Crush Wine & Food Festival is September 25-29, and there are many different events planned in downtown Huntsville. This event has been named one of the Top 20 Events for 2019 by the Southeast Tourism Society.

You can purchase different ticket packages, and there is a $10 discount for Chamber members to use. Visit crushwinefestival.com and enter the promo code chamber19 when purchasing.

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Giving Back SAFETY

Nonprofits invited to participate in ADTRAN’s AL for Good Community Charity Fair ADTRAN will host its third annual AL for Good Community Charity Fair on October 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nonprofits are invited to participate – register on adtran.com today.

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You have the opportunity to help two great community organizations and get some exercise at the same time.

The first won’t be too strenuous! The Rocket City Microthon is a 0.12K race across Butler Green at Campus 805. Yes, 0.12K – we hope you’ve started your training! This event is on Sunday, Sept. 22 and it’s a fundraiser for the special needs arts program at Merrimack Hall. Just like last year, Merrimack’s Happy Performers will dance, sign autographs and hand out finishers’ medals (bottle openers) after you complete the challenge. Come out and join in the fun! Register for the Rocket City Microthon HERE. Later this year, on Saturday, Nov. 16, you can participate in the inaugural 5K Run Against Violence. This event is presented by the Homicide Survivors Program of Family Services Center and the Jarrod Michael Lockett Foundation.

“We are excited to have partnered together to both increase the awareness of crime in our community and also to educate the community on crime prevention and all the amazing resources that we are so fortunate to have in this community,” said Kim Crawford, director of the Homicide Survivors Program. Local mental health agencies, police departments and other community groups are encouraged to set up a [free] booth to share info about resources. Toy donations to the Jarrod M. Lockett Foundation toy drive are requested. Lockett was a murder victim, and his brother, Justin, established the foundation in his memory. More info is available on Facebook. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

STAF F Executive Staff

Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Meghan Chambliss, executive assistant / economic development coordinator

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 Ken Smith, research & information services director John Roberts, economic development project director

Government & Public Affairs Mike Ward, CCE, senior vice president

Marketing & Communications Claire Aiello, vice president Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer Hiroko Sedensky, web designer

Membership Amber Greenwood, vice president, investor relations Kristy Drake, investor relations & ChamberON director Donna McCrary, membership retention manager Richard Bigoney, membership account executive Tina Blankenship, membership account executive Keith Johnson, membership account executive

Small Business & Events Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president Devon Elston, coordinator

Finance & Administration Mary McNairy, vice president Lori Warner, accounting specialist – payables Kim Weeks, accounting specialist – receivables Joe Watson, facilities supervisor Amberly Ware, administrative assistant Savannah Pedersen, resource desk coordinator

Chamber Foundation Georgina Chapman, workforce development director Kent Ballard, workforce education specialist

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 225 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 | fax 256-535-2015

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Associated Organizations

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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