Ronald Pollard Photography
january 2018
By the Numbers Movers & Shakers Double Helix Bright Lights Small Biz Spotlight The Classroom
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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 | 256.517.5200 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.
Precision to the X degree. Your spine is complex and delicate. So precision matters. Huntsville Hospital is the only Alabama hospital with Mazor X, the most precise robotic technology for spine surgery. With powerful 3D visualization and superior guidance ability, the Mazor X allows surgeons to create a custom surgery based on your anatomy. Unrivaled technology and precision. It’s precisely what your back needs.
huntsvillehospital.org
welcome new chamber members Joined in October 2017 Joined in November 2017
Absolute Wireless, LLC Alabama Sling Center
9Round
Alex Adams Agency, Inc.
Astro Property Management, LLC
AUVSI Pathfinder
Bailey Consulting Services
Badd Newz BBQ
Bobcat of Huntsville, LLC
Carlton’s Market & Catering
Building and Earth Sciences, Inc.
CERTIFIED MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC
Chuckwagon BBQ
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Clear Channel Airport Advertising
Cost Segregation Services, Inc. Fabulous Finds of Huntsville, LLC Flow Dynamics and Automation, Inc.
Count It Joy | Portrait Art Covenant Classical School & Daycare - Jones Valley Enterprise Legal Solutions, LLC
Hazel Green Foodland
Fire Pro, LLC
The Home Depot - S. Memorial Parkway
Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC
Integrity Family Care
Huntsville Recovery
Main Street Apartments
LeeHouse Homebuilding, LLC
MZM Events
Little Orange Fish Corporation
NorthWind Group
Maranatha Camp & Conference Center
Nothing Bundt Cake
Massey Technologies, LLC
Parks Construction LLC
Mentor, a Siemens Business
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Nexinite
Southern RV Wholesale
Noble Chefs
Stone Martin Builders
Preservation Co., LLC
Tire Discounters
RE/MAX Unlimited
Tummah Technology, Inc.
Rocket City Logistics
The Wealthy Child
Russ Russell Commercial Real Estate Security Defense Solutions and Associates LLC The Select Group Silver Linings Neurodevelopment Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates/The Andrews Group Stovall Marks Insurance Talecris Plasma Resources Topgolf Huntsville Trinity Performance Solutions Tuff Shed Urgent Team
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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Vision Technology, Inc. (VTI)
A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
H U N T S V I L L E / M A D I S O N
C O U N T Y
C H A M B E R
DEVELOPMENT PARTNER
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
REGIONAL PARTNERS
LEADERSHIP FORUM
Huntsville Hospital
Port of Huntsville
ADTRAN, Inc. The Boeing Company City of Madison Landers McLarty Corporation Redstone Federal Credit Union Vertiv
Madison County Commission
Tennessee Valley Authority
Regions Bank
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA Compass • Crestwood Medical Center • Dynetics, Inc. • General Atomics • Lockheed Martin Corporation PNC Bank • SAIC • SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC • Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
CHAMBER TRUSTEES AEgis Technologies Group • Aerojet Rocketdyne • Akima, LLC • All Points Logistics, LLC • Bailey Harris Construction Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama • Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. • First Commercial Bank • Five Stones Research Corporation Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation • Jerry Damson, Inc. • KBRwyle • Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. Northrop Grumman Corporation • PARSONS • Raytheon Company • S3 • Sealy Management Company, Inc. SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center • Torch Technologies
PROGRESS PARTNERS Ability Plus • ASRC Federal Analytical Services • Baron Services, Inc. • BASF Corporation • BB&T • Bill Penney Toyota, Scion & Mitsubishi Bradley • Coates Transportation Group • Colliers International • Connected Logistics • Corporate Office Properties Trust Davidson Technologies, Inc. • Google • Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association • IBERIABANK • Hexagon US Federal J Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh McLennan Agency LLC company • Keel Point, LLC • L3 Technologies • LMI • LogiCore • The Orthopaedic Center Progress Bank • Radiance Technologies • Re/Max Alliance • Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc. (DBA Steak Out) • SCI Technology, Inc. SELEX Galileo Inc. • ServisFirst Bank • Turner • Vencore, Inc. • Wells Fargo Bank • Woody Anderson Ford
PROGRESS INVESTORS 4SITE, Inc. • AECOM • Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. • Amanda Howard Real Estate • Anglin Reichmann Snellgrove & Armstrong, PC Averbuch Realty Co., Inc. – Scott Averbuch • BancorpSouth • Brown Precision, Inc. • Bryant Bank • CB&S Bank • Century Automotive • CFD Research Corporation CGI Federal • Coast Personnel Services • deciBel Research • Decisive Analytics Corporation • Deloitte LLP • DESE Research, Inc. • Digium, Inc. • Fite Building Company, Inc. FLS Translation & Interpreting • Fountain, Parker, Harbarger • Garver • HEMSI • Hiley Cars Huntsville • Huntsville Botanical Garden Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau • Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. • INTERFUZE Corporation • Investor’s Resource/Raymond James IronMountain Solutions • Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider • LINE-X, LLC • The Lioce Group, Inc. • LSINC Corporation • MSB Analytics, Inc. • National Bank of Commerce nLogic, LLC • North Alabama Multiple Listing Service • PALCO Telecom Service • PHOENIX • PROJECTXYZ, Inc. • Public Financial Management, Inc. • QTEC RE/MAX Distinctive – Sandra Lowrey • Renasant Bank • RJ Young Company • S&ME, Inc. • Sierra Lobo, Inc. • Sigmatech, Inc. • Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. Technicolor • Troy 7, Inc. • U.S. Space & Rocket Center • Venturi, Inc. • West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. • Wilmer & Lee, P.A. • Worxtime, LLC A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Get to know
Our Story Bank Independent was created in 1947 as the Bank of Leighton in rural Colbert County, Alabama. On our opening day 70 years ago, we had $25,000 in assets. Today, we are a $1.4 billion institution serving folks through 28 locations across seven counties of north Alabama, including our new sales office in downtown Huntsville.
S TO P B Y O U R B R A N C H AT 1 3 2 H O L M E S AV E
Our Stability We’re proud to share our latest awards and ratings:
“Superior”
Five-Star rating by BauerFinancial™ every quarter since September 1989 ™
“Blue Ribbon”
Commendation of Excellence™ by Veribanc™ every quarter since September 2007
Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | 877-865-5050 | bibank.com
january 2018
ON THE COVER: BOCAR groundbreaking page 26
Redstone Update page 15
More...
Numbers 10 By the
Double
Helix 20
Lights 22
Bright
Movers
& Shakers 30 Small Business
Spotlight The
Classroom
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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Redstone Prepared for More Growth: page 15 Community Foundation Receives National Recognition: page 16 Thanks to our Volunteers!; 2018 ChamberON: page 18 Did You Know? Huntsville’s a Hip City: page 19 Jones wins Special Election for U.S. Senate: page 25 Welcome BOCAR!: page 26 North Alabama Shines as Leadership Roles Grow in State Legislature: page 28
Et cetera New Members: page 4 HREGI Investors: page 5 About IO: page 8 Board Listing: pages 8, 34-35 Staff Listing: page 38
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About IO
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2018 Executive Committee
Happy New Year! We look upon an exciting 2018 filled with new growth for north Alabama. We also reflect on many developments in the past year. We are putting plans in place for our Montgomery Trip on Feb. 11-12, and our Washington DC Trip, scheduled for April 15-17, 2018. Both of these trips offer you the opportunity to see the legislative process in action, and you can also network with movers and shakers from across north Alabama. We’re also preparing for the Annual Membership Meeting on Feb. 13. Have you reserved your seat or table? This is the Chamber’s premiere event of the year, and this year’s featured speaker is Dr. Jonah Berger, New York Times Best-Selling author of Contagious and his new book, Invisible Influence. We have some special surprises planned, and we will also install our new board members.
deciBel Research, Inc.
IronMountain Solutions
Berger
Sincerely,
Jeff Gronberg 2018 Vice Chair for Marketing & Communications Chamber Executive Board
IO Staff Chip Cherry, CCE publisher Jeff Gronberg 2018 vice chair, marketing & communications Claire Aiello editor Devon Elston, Mike Ward contributors 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. january 2018
LSINC Corporation
Rose Allen, Vice Chair, HREGI, INTERFUZE Corporation Jeff Gronberg, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Please enjoy this edition of IO! Keep reading...
online
Relations, Raytheon Company
Alicia Ryan, Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs,
Hank Isenberg, Vice Chair, Small Business & Events,
We are grateful to live in a community that supports public education. Not only does it strengthen your future workforce, this is something companies consider when deciding where to locate. Thank you for hearing the call to help local schools.
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Redstone Federal Credit Union
Ron Poteat, Chamber Foundation Chair, Regions Bank Greg Brown, Secretary/Treasurer, Brown Precision, Inc. Kevin Byrnes, Vice Chair, Economic Development & Industry
Frank Williams, Vice Chair, Membership,
There were several noteworthy moments that closed out 2017. BOCAR Group announced it will build a manufacturing facility in Huntsville and Limestone County, bringing more than 300 new jobs. Doug Jones won the U.S. Senate election on December 12, and voters throughout Madison County overwhelmingly supported school tax renewals the same day.
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Gary Bolton, Chair, ADTRAN, Inc. Kim Lewis, Chair-Elect, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Joe Newberry, Immediate Past Chair,
Joe Ritch, Vice Chair, TV-BRAC, Sirote & Permutt, PC Penny Billings, Chair-Appointed, BancorpSouth Mark Curran, Chair-Appointed, L3 Technologies, Inc. David Fernandes, Chair-Appointed, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.
Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-Officio Member, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, Ex-Officio Member, City of Madison Chairman Dale Strong, Ex-Officio Member, Madison County Commission
Tracy Marion, General Counsel, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Chip Cherry, President & CEO, Chamber
Elected Board Mike Alvarez, Venturi, Inc. Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay, S3, Inc. Mark Becnel, RadioBro Corporation Blake Bentley, SportsMED Eric Blackwell, Polaris Industries, Inc. Lynn Collyar, Deloitte LLP Deke Damson, Jerry Damson Honda Acura Dr. Dorothy Davidson, Davidson Technologies, Inc. John Eagan, BB&T Joe Fehrenbach, Mynaric USA Trip Ferguson, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Gene Goldman, BWX Technologies, Inc. Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation Mike Gullion, SCI Technology – a Sanmina company John Hall, All Points Logistics, LLC Steve Hill, AEgis Technologies Group Lee Holland, Turner Construction Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. John Jordan, KBRwyle Sean Kelly, Regions Bank David King, Dynetics, Inc. Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Janice Migliore, PALCO Telecom Service, Inc. Craig Naudain, SAIC Chris Pape, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Leigh Pegues, PNC Bank Jim Rogers, Lockheed Martin Corporation Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Dr. Gurmej Sandhu, Sigmatech, Inc. Sameer Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Beth Sippel, First Commercial Bank Robert “Bob” Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Cynthia Streams, Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.) Tim Thornton, nLogic, Inc. Lynn Troy, Troy 7, Inc. Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company Dr. Karockas Watkins, Ability Plus, Inc. Mike Watkins, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Dennis Weese, Line-X, LLC Danny Windham, Digium, Inc.
A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Care. When your family needs it. Not three days later.
Looking for Convenient Healthcare? We’re accepting new patients. Crestwood Medical Group with locations throughout Madison County offers primary care along with a variety of specialties to meet your family’s needs. We accept most major health plans. Find a complete list of locations and providers at CrestwoodMedGroup.com. Online scheduling is now available for select providers.
MEDICAL GROUP Same-Day Appointments Available! 1-888-261-3422 Online scheduling at CrestwoodMedGroup.com
By the
Numbers Ignite Named Awardee for $5B IT Services Contract: Huntsville-based contractor one of only two companies from Alabama to be awarded VETS 2 GWAC The General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Ignite Fueling Innovation (Ignite) the Veterans Technology Services (VETS 2) Governmentwide Acquisition Contract. VETS2 GWAC is a multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide customized information technology services and servicebased solutions. The contract holds a $5 billion ceiling and was awarded in October 2017 to 70 Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). Ignite is one of only two companies to be awarded the VETS 2 contract in the state of Alabama. Through this vehicle, Ignite will compete for task orders in areas such as data management, IT security, software development, information and communications technology, IT operations and maintenance, systems design, and new and emerging
Has your organization recently won a contract? If so, we’d love to feature your company in By the Numbers! Send us the details of your federal, state or municipal contract to: comms@hsvchamber.org technologies. “This award further signifies the growing strength of our team’s capabilities. As Ignite continues to grow, our customers have the ability to reach our services through a streamlined contract vehicle ready to deliver proven results quickly and efficiently,” said Clayton Hinchman, Chief Marketing Officer for Ignite. VETS 2 was named a Best in Class contract for information technology services by the Office of Management and Budget. This title designates the contract as a preferred government-wide solution. VETS 2 allows GSA to continue supporting the SDVOSB Procurement Program, while helping federal agencies achieve their socio-economic goals and objectives. Jason Shelton, CEO of Ignite stated, “I could not be prouder of the effort our team has committed to this win. This award in concert with a growing and diverse IT capability represents a significant catalyst for growth for the employee owners of Ignite.” continued on page 12
“Bryant Bank has always had a stable team of great people. The bankers put emphasis on relationships, which gives me great confidence when doing business with them.” TREY SHARP, CEO OF SHARP COMMUNICATION
JOIN THE BRYANT BANK FAMILY TODAY! Personal, Business and Mortgage Banking Services
BRYANTBANK.COM | NMLS ID: 582857 DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE: 320 Pelham Ave. SW | 256.535.1045 | SE HUNTSVILLE: 1804 Four Mile Post Rd SE | 256.217.5170 10
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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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By the Numbers, continued from page 11
Tyonek awarded $16,031,998 contract Tyonek Global Services LLC, Madison, Alabama, has been awarded a $16,031,998 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable contract for the integration of the health and usage monitoring system for UH-1N aircraft. Work will be performed in Madison, Alabama, with an expected completion date of March 30, 2019. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $10,609,303 are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8552-18-C-0001).
Leidos Inc. awarded $11,664,071 contract Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded an $11,664,071 modification (P00003) to contract W911W4-17-C-0009 to maintain command, control, communications, computers and information management services in support of U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command; and Army G2. Work will be performed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Arlington, Virginia; Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Kuwait; and Belgium, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 3018. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $1 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awards contract for restoration work in Puerto Rico Fluor Enterprises Inc., Greenville, South Carolina, was awarded an $831,000,000 time-and-materials contract for construction services for all aspects of restoration of electric power to Puerto Rico. Nine bids were solicited with two bids received. Work will be performed in Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2018. Fiscal 2018 Department of Homeland Security funds in the amount of $831,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-18-F-0032).
Raytheon awarded $10,158,872 modification Raytheon Co., Andover, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $10,158,872 modification (P00006) to domestic and foreign military sales (United Arab Emirates, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Spain, Germany and Qatar) contract W31P4Q-17-C-0073 for engineering services for the phased array tracking radar to intercept on target weapon system supporting U.S. and foreign military sales customers. Work will be performed 12
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in Andover, Massachusetts; Burlington, Massachuse tts; Huntsville, Alabama; and Tewksbury, Massachusetts; with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2018. Fiscal 2018 other; research, development, test and evaluation; and operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the combined amount of $10,158,872 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Millennium Engineering and Integration Co. awarded $90M contract from U.S. Army Millennium Engineering and Integration Co., Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $90,853,338 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development of system and component technologies utilizing modeling simulation software and analysis for advanced technology concepts. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 10 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 6, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-18-D-0003).
Northrop Grumman awarded $76,000,000 contract Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $76,000,000 modification (P00153) to contract W31P4Q-08-C-0418 to procure long-lead-time materials for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System contract. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2019. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $76,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Gradkell Systems, Inc. awarded $75,000,000 Gradkell Systems Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for systems operations and maintenance to meet the requirements of public laws, regulations, standards, stakeholders, and best business practices. Bids were solicited via the Internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2022. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Humphreys Engineer Center Support Activity, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is the contracting activity (W912HQ-18-D-0007). A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
MTSI awarded $88,677,534 Modern Technology Solutions Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, is being awarded an $88,677,534 competitive cost-plus-fixedfee contract for advisory and assistance services for specialty engineering in support of technical, engineering, advisory and management support. This contract provides systems engineering services for directed energy; space; sensors; and, concurrent test, training, and operations engineering for the Ballistic Missile Defense System to defend regional interests, allies, and deployed forces against ballistic missile threats. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of October 2019. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website with four proposals received. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $618,025; and fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,930,462 are being obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0147-18-C-0003).
Has your organization recently won a contract? Send us the details of your federal, state or municipal contract to: comms@hsvchamber.org
Helping people with disabilities achieve employment for over 45 years Helping businesses connect with motivated employees throughout North Alabama
256-880-0671 phoenixhsv.org
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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Redstone Prepared for More Growth
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ommunity leaders received lots of good news at the recent Redstone Update, hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. Total employment on Redstone now tops 43,000 and the base has an annual economic impact of $18 billion, according to LTG Edward Daly, AMC Deputy Commander, Senior Commander of Redstone Arsenal. Huntsville is the 6th highest ranking community in the U.S. for defense spending. According to Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May, NASA is planning its “Green Run” test of the four-engine SLS core stage in about a year – in December of 2018 and the SLS launch to the Moon could follow in late 2019 or early 2020. All of the flight hardware has been fabricated and the thermal protection systems and wiring are being added to the structures now. NASA recently doubled the amount of scientific research done on board the Space Station – work that is managed at MSFC. Thomas Webber, Director, Technical Center, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command reported that SMDC‘s Kestrel Eye imaging satellite will soon start producing real time tactical images for the warfighter. Deployment of the satellite from the International Space Station went as planned recently. SMDC is also continuing its groundbreaking work on high energy lasers and hypersonics. Stanley Thomas, the Missile Defense Agency’s Program Director for Targets and Countermeasures provided an update on the evolving missile threat posed by North Korea and U.S. efforts to enhance our missile defense systems at home and abroad. Recent testing has confirmed the fidelity of the missile defense system to operate in ICBM situations.
Thomas Webber, Director, Technical Center, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
LTG Edward Daly, AMC Deputy Commander, Senior Commander of Redstone Arsenal According to Robert Hamilton, FBI Redstone Senior Executive, the FBI continues to grow its physical and employment footprint on Redstone. The FBI has opened five facilities in 2017 and cleared over 100 additional acres for future buildings. Sen. Shelby has helped to fund approximately $100 million in new facilities recently. The Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (RCFL) recently began supporting regional law enforcement officials with assistance retrieving evidence from electronic devices. A.J. Lugo, Chief, Fire Investigation & Arson Enforcement Division ATF National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) reported that the NCETR is expanding its training facilities and capabilities as well. Patrick Mason, Deputy Program Executive Officer of PEO Aviation reported that they currently have 70 aircraft in various phases or preparation, testing or modification. The PEO has nine program offices with over 3,000 employees and an economic impact of $5.6 billion last year. Brigadier General Robert (Rob) Rasch, Deputy Program Executive Officer, PEO Missiles & Space reported their budget was approximately $5.6 billion with an additional $43.3 billion in foreign military sales in 43 countries. More than 500 business community leaders attended the Redstone Update. See presentations HERE.
– Mike Ward january 2018 initiatives
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Community Foundation Receives National Recognition
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ommunity Foundation of Greater Huntsville recently received accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, Chair of the Community Foundations National Standards Board. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.” The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. With over 500 community foundations already accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors. “This is critically important to our donors,” said Stuart Obermann, Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville President/CEO. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide
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lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards accreditation says our house is in order.” Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville works to increase the capacity of local nonprofits and meet critical community needs to improve the region’s quality of life through philanthropy. The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville provides a simple, powerful, and highly personalized approach to giving with variety of different tools to help people achieve their charitable goals including individual and collective giving opportunities. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community. “Grantmaking is a lot like investing,” Joe Alexander, Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville board chair. “We need to identify opportunities, assess risks, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. With our National Standards accreditation, you can be assured that we’re doing just that. We are proud to be recognized as one of only four Community Foundations in the State of Alabama to receive this accreditation.” National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States. ■
A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Thanks to our Volunteers! O NAI Chase Commercial has the expertise to find opportunities for your business that others simply wouldn’t recognize. We provide a full range of brokerage, asset, property and facilities management services to meet your needs for retail, office, and industrial properties. Our professionals offer you an intimate knowledge and a collaborative approach to client services, delivering results to help your business.
ur Ambassadors and Emissaries play an important role in our organization. They help represent and promote the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber, attending events and helping Chamber staff with meetings and ribbon cuttings. We want to thank each person who served as an Ambassador and an Emissary during 2017. On December 15, volunteers attended a Christmas lunch and enjoyed a ‘Sneaky Santa’ gift exchange. Huntsville/Madison County Board Chairman Joe Newberry honored our 2017 Lead Ambassador, Joe Copp, and 2017 Lead Emissary, Joe Knoch. Thank you, gentlemen for your leadership and support of these vital programs. Click HERE more information about these two programs. ■
Meadow Green
Madison, Alabama
2017 Chamber Board Chair Joe Newberry, Redstone Federal Credit Union, recognizes Joe Knoch (left), Air Essentials, Inc., and Joe Copp (right), Aon Water Technology, for their leadership.
Bradford Office Center Huntsville, Alabama
200 West Side Square Huntsville, Alabama
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2018 ChamberON T
he 2018 ChamberON campaign kicks off this month with the HREGI portion of the campaign from January 2 through February 28 and the general membership ChamberON sponsorship campaign from March 9 through July 31. ChamberON offers you multiple platforms to brand your company to your target audience in a variety of settings, from small gatherings to large, high profile events. For more information contact Kristy Drake, ChamberON and Investor Relations Manager at 256-535-2036 or kdrake@hsvchamber.org. ■
A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Did You Know? Huntsville’s a Hip City W
hen you think about cities that might qualify as “hip,” which ones come to mind? #RocketCity should, thanks to a new ranking. MoveHub created a US Hipster Index that ranked cities based on several factors that make them appealing to young people. These include the number of microbreweries, vegan stores, thrift stores, tattoo parlors and rent prices. Huntsville came in at number 16 in the Top 20. We scored especially well for rent fares and number of thrift stores (9.32) per 100,000 people.
– Claire Aiello
1. Vancouver, Washington 2. Salt Lake City, Utah 3. Cincinnati, Ohio 4. Boise, Idaho 5. Richmond, Virginia 6. Tacoma, Washington 7. Spokane, Washington 8. Atlanta, Georgia 9. Grand Rapids, Michigan 10. Rochester, New York 11. Orlando, Florida 12. Portland, Oregon 13. Knoxville, Tennessee 14. Tucson, Arizona 15. Santa Rosa, California 16. Huntsville, Alabama 17. Tampa, Florida 18. Reno, Nevada 19. Albuquerque, New Mexico 20. Seattle, Washington
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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER BW_Huntsville Initatives_july2017.indd 1
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7/11/17 1:05 PM
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HudsonAlpha wins $71K Boeing grant for STEM workforce development Local companies are making advancements every day in science, technology, engineering and math, and as they grow they are looking for workers trained to excel in to these jobs on day one. HudsonAlpha is working to meet this need through its Launching Aspiring Biotechnology Scientists (L.A.B.S.) program, and recently, Boeing awarded a three-year, $71,000 grant to this initiative. L.A.B.S. was established in 2014 and helps students from disadvantaged and underrepresented populations learn the basic skills and knowledge that are essential in the STEM workforce. The program was revamped in 2016, and applicants who are accepted must commit to the program for two years. Students participate in after-school, lab-based experiences that illustrate and reinforce key math and science concepts. “The L.A.B.S. program is a great way for students to dive into the biotech field and inspire them to pursue a career in STEM,” said Dasi Price, K–12 student experiences lead at HudsonAlpha. “Boeing’s support is helping us provide a rich opportunity that
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Includes biotech developments and other topics surrounding the biotech industry. We’d love to feature your company in Double Helix! Send your story ideas to: comms@hsvchamber.org has the potential to change their lives.” “I really enjoyed the first semester of the L.A.B.S. program at HudsonAlpha,” said L.A.B.S. participant Alex Lewis. “Not only did it give me the opportunity to build on my previous lab skills, but also to learn new lab skills and put those into place. L.A.B.S is a great opportunity for students to get plenty of hands-on experience.” The award is one of Boeing’s “Our Future: Tomorrow’s Innovators,” grants, which target increased STEM diversity, proficiency and interest among K-12 students. Anchored by local and regional employeeengagement activities, Boeing charitable grants are geared toward developing tomorrow’s innovators through investment in the skills required in today’s modern workplace. “We aspire to be a top performer in every area of our business, and that includes leading in the communities where our employees and their families live and work,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer. “By harnessing our teammates’ unique skills and passion for giving, our professional networks and partnerships, and our financial resources, we will inspire the dreamers and doers of tomorrow and drive positive, lasting change in our communities across the globe.” ■
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On display November 5, 2017- January 28, 2018
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Lights
Bright
The section features significant economic development news and growth in local organizations. We’d love to include your company in Bright Lights! Send us your news and press releases to: comms@hsvchamber.org
North Wind Group brings services to Huntsville North Wind is one of the nation’s leading small businesses providing engineering, clean construction, facility maintenance/support, environmental services including compliance, remediation, radiological services, and technical services to federal, state agencies, and private industry. Founded in 1997, North Wind has grown to a group of companies employing more than 1,000 scientific, construction, engineering, management and professional personnel. North Wind launched an office in Huntsville in fall 2017, and we’re excited to welcome the company to our growing economy. North Wind is headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho and has a presence in 35 states and three countries. “Staffed by the industry’s top leaders, our new office creates a platform from which we can firmly launch our expansion initiatives in Huntsville and the surrounding region,” said John Bukowski, North Wind Solutions President. “The location is easily scalable and allows us to grow the breadth of services that we currently offer our government clients at Redstone Arsenal and other nearby installations.” North Wind currently holds USACE Huntsville contracts; one is the Nation-Wide
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Access Control Point contract and the second one supports the Facility Reduction Program Nation-Wide as well. North Wind Solutions (NWS) is under a Design/ Build Contract with the Department of Justice for site preparation and infrastructure construction on 230 acres at the North Site at Redstone Arsenal. The overall scope of the project is to grade the site in preparation for future construction, construct the main roadway network, and install primary utilities to include electrical, communications,
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water, sanitary sewer, natural gas, landscaping, and storm drainage. Through their ANC status, North Wind 8(a) companies can receive sole source contracts up to $22M, providing clients with a streamlined avenue to quick project acquisition, no protest on eligibility or size, low project delivery risk and robust capabilities. Subcontracts awarded to North Wind companies under a federal contract can also be counted towards a Prime Contractor’s small business goals and if used on a DOD contract could be eligible for a 5% incentive payment of the amount paid under the Indian Incentive Program. ■
Qualis Corporation celebrates 25 years Qualis Corp. is marking 25 years in business, working in federal contracts with defense agencies and NASA. Elizabeth Morard and Mary Engel founded Qualis in 1993 after working in the federal sector. Morard recently told AL.com she was inspired by other women who established their own paths. “Because of the successful women business leaders that I saw working here in Huntsville, it inspired me to be able to go for it with a partner, build a team and make it successful, because of the environment that Huntsville brings to the table for an entrepreneur,” Morard said. Qualis started with 3 people, and has grown to 275 employees across 15 states. The company works with federal clients to provide services in systems acquisitions and engineering, test and evaluation and program management. ■
Regions a Repeat Winner for Great Workplace Regions Bank has received the 2017 Gallup Great Workplace Award, Gallup’s highest honor that was created to recognize organizations for their ability to create an engaged workplace that drives business results. This is the third consecutive year Regions has received the award. “Building relationships with our customers and communities starts with our associates, and building the best team is a strategic priority that helps us grow and sustain our culture of engagement,” said Dave Keenan, head of Human Resources for Regions. “We are honored that Gallup has recognized Regions Bank for the third consecutive year among the top companies globally for our efforts to create a highly engaged workforce.” Gallup says regardless of a company’s size, location or industry, the best workplaces share one trait – they work to increase engagement. Gallup’s research indicates this leads to higher productivity, profitability and customer ratings, along with lower turnover and absenteeism and fewer safety incidents. “The world’s top-performing organizations help lead the global economy by engaging their workforces,” said Jim Harter, Ph.D., Gallup’s chief scientist of workplace management and well-being. “Gallup’s Great Workplace Award winners understand and acknowledge the importance of employee engagement by making it a vital part of their organization while using it as a driving force to create real business outcomes.” PNC Bank also made the 2017 Gallup list. ■ A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Jones wins Special Election for U.S. Senate
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labama will soon have a Republican and a Democrat in the U.S. Senate after Doug Jones pulled off a shocking upset, beating Roy Moore in the Dec. 12 Special Election. Jones claimed victory with just more than 20,000 votes. He will take the oath of office in early January and serve the remainder of Jeff Sessions’ term, which ends in January 2021. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber invited both candidates to meet with our leadership prior to the Dec. 12 election. Jones visited on Oct. 31 and met with our Chamber Board Chair, staff leadership, and members of our Government Affairs Committee. Our purpose was to discuss Huntsville and Madison County and share information about our region. We discussed strengths and challenges for our area in terms of workforce, infrastructure, cyber growth, and the strengths of Redstone Arsenal and NASA. We also shared our federal agenda with him, which has the support of the Chamber board of directors and local elected officials. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber offers our congratulations to Doug Jones on his victory, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue in order to strengthen our region.
– Claire Aiello
Doug Jones visited the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber in October to meet with members of our staff and Government Affairs Committee.
Enabling Success for Our Customers Our Employees Our Community
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Welcome BOCAR! Tier 1 automotive supplier to bring 300+ jobs to area
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ew jobs are coming to Huntsville and Limestone County, adding to Alabama’s robust automotive manufacturing sector. In November, BOCAR Group announced it will invest $115 million in a new plant to be built on Bibb Garrett Road, just west of Interstate 65. This will bring more than 300 jobs to the region. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2018 and production is expected two years later. “With this manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, BOCAR is localizing in the USA the production of lightweight body structure parts,” said Marcus Baur, President of BOCAR Group. “Providing latest technology and innovation expertise, following industry trends, we will fulfill the demands for weight reduction and lowering of CO2 emissions.” “With this significant investment we will build a state-of-the-art
350,000 sq. ft. facility capable of producing high end structural aluminum parts serving all American, European and Asian OEMs operating in the USA,” said Wilhelm Baum, CEO of BOCAR Group and President of BOCAR US, Inc. “Highest technology, excellent quality and efficiency are a must. However, people are the most relevant factor for success. Huntsville, Alabama offers everything necessary and the plant will become a new member of the BOCAR family.” “Alabama is a premier destination for the automotive and automotive supplier industries, and we are proud to welcome BOCAR to our state,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “BOCAR choosing Alabama is another sign our state is moving in the right direction and doing all we can to attract good-paying jobs for all Alabamians.” “Alabama’s dynamic auto sector continues to attract world-class
Leaders of BOCAR Group join Huntsville and Limestone County officials to celebrate the company’s decision to locate here. BOCAR Group will build a $115 million manufacturing facility on Bibb Garrett Road, adding more than 300 jobs. 26
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suppliers like BOCAR because we offer all the ingredients that this global industry needs for success, including a highly skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “BOCAR’s decision to make a significant investment in Huntsville reflects the company’s confidence in our state, and we’re committed to helping its new operation thrive.” “Today is about jobs and success for North Alabama,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “BOCAR’s investment further confirms the state’s emerging role as a national leader in the automotive sector. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership that will contribute to the economic and social vitality of our community.” “Today is a great day for Limestone County with the groundbreaking for the BOCAR Group’s advanced manufacturing facility,” said Limestone County Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough. “Limestone County looks forward to rolling up our sleeves and going to work for this great company.” BOCAR announced Nov. 16 that it had selected Alabama among many locations in the U.S. BOCAR is a German company with a presence in the United States, Germany, Mexico and Japan. It is a high-end technology and qualitydriven automotive company with extensive experience producing high pressure aluminum die casting, gravity castings and plastics parts for companies for American, European and Asian OEMs operating in the USA. If you’re interested in apply for a position with BOCAR, please monitor HERE for updates. For information on the BOCAR Group, please visit bocar.com.
– Claire Aiello
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North Alabama Shines as Leadership Roles Grow in State Legislature
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Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon enjoys a conversation with LSINC president Alicia Ryan during the Chamber’s 2017 Montgomery Trip.
L-R: Todd May, Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and Boeing’s Ken Tucker speaking with Rep. Phil Williams, District 6 (Limestone, Madison) at the 2017 Montgomery Trip reception. 28
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oth the Speaker of the House and the House Minority Leader are from adjoining Madison County districts, a “first” in Alabama’s legislative history. The Speaker, Rep. Mac McCutcheon, serves House District 25, Madison and Limestone counties. The Minority Leader, Rep. Anthony Daniels, serves House District 53, Madison County. Another top leader in the legislative process is Senator Arthur Orr, the Chairman of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, which has jurisdiction Daniels over the appropriations process for all of Alabama’s education spending. The Alabama House and Senate are preparing for an early start in the new year, as legislators return to Montgomery on January 9, 2018 and as the election season approaches later in the year. The length of the regular session is limited to 30 meeting days within a period of 105 calendar days. The session is expected to end in late March or early April, to give legislators more time to attend to their re-election efforts. “We’re very proud of the members of the Madison County Legislative Delegation for their dedication and leadership” said Mike Ward, Senior Vice President, Orr Government & Public Affairs with the Chamber. “We’re looking forward to working with them as we advance our Agenda.” Key items included in this year’s agenda touch on the many ways that the Legislature and State government impact our economy and our ability to attract and grow industry – including our ability to provide the workforce that industry requires to be successful. The Agenda also identifies key infrastructure projects, critical to the long-term success of the community, and a number of ABC policies that are inhibiting the growth of the State’s fledgling brewing and distilling industry. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber will host its annual Montgomery Trip on February 20–21, 2018, starting with a reception Tuesday evening with legislators and key leaders in state government, offering our members the opportunity to interact with political power players. The trip continues the following day with briefings in the morning, followed by a luncheon with Governor Ivey. Registration is open on hsvchamber.org. Early signup is $375 per individual, but that increases after January 3. Book your spot today!
– Claire Aiello A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Movers
& Shakers
Michelle Stark, former WHNT News 19 Anchor, joins Red Sage Communications, Inc. Red Sage Communications, Inc., an award-winning marketing and website development company is pleased to announce the addition of Michelle Stark as the company’s new Marketing Director. Stark is a dynamic award-winning communications professional with special expertise in technology and digital trends. She joined Red Sage in November after 15 years in broadcasting, working most recently for Huntsville’s WHNT News 19, the CBS affiliate. The former news anchor and technology reporter and brings valuable knowledge of the modern media landscape to Red Sage. “Red Sage has a reputation for excellence across Alabama and the Southeast,” Stark said. “I’m excited to help spread the word about the amazing work being done here. I’m also thrilled to take on a new role in business development alongside executive leadership. One of our first priorities will be rolling out some innovative new services for clients.” A Detroit-area native, Stark holds a B.A. in International Relations from Michigan State University and has worked for broadcast news Stark operations across the United States, including the Washington D.C. offices of ABC News’ “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” She’s earned multiple Emmy® Award nominations and one win, and has experience developing successful digital and social media strategies. “We couldn’t be more excited about Michelle joining our team in a key leadership role,” President Ellen Didier added, “Her expertise in messaging, research and relationship building will help our company grow, and continue to provide powerful results-driven marketing for our clients.” ■
Dr. Juanita Harris named AMRDEC Director Dr. Juanita Harris has been selected as the new director for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center. Dr. Harris assumed her role on Nov. 26. She previously served as the director for AMRDEC’s Weapons Development and Integration Directorate, which provides expertise in all aspects of weapon system design, development, improvement and integration for the Army. “I am truly honored and humbled to have been selected as the new executive director for AMRDEC,” said Harris. “I have a true passion for the Army and its mission. Being selected to serve as the AMRDEC director allows us to move forward strategically in meeting the needs of the Aviation and Missile Research & Development Harris technology support to the Army.” Harris began her career at AMRDEC in Aug. 2012 as the deputy director for the 30
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Wanna share your news about new hires, promotions, and recognition of talent? Are there any Movers & Shakers in your company? Let us know at: comms@ hsvchamber.org – and include a photo/headshot! Aviation Development Directorate. In Feb. 2015, Harris was selected for Senior Executive Service and assumed the role of WDI director. Harris has earned a bachelor of science in computer engineering from University of Illinois, a master of science in computer resources and information systems management from Webster University and a doctorate of management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix. ■
Gene Goldman joins BWXT as Director of NASA Programs BWX Technologies has hired Arthur E. (Gene) Goldman as its new Director of NASA Programs. In this role, Goldman will provide customer relationship management, programmatic interface and market development support for all of the company’s NASA-related interests. Goldman will work in Huntsville. “We are extremely pleased to have Gene join the BWXT team,” said Rex D. Geveden, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Gene has a sterling reputation in the space business, and he will be well-positioned to support our ambitions in nuclear thermal propulsion and other nuclear space programs and technologies.” Goldman previously held leadership positions at Leidos, Inc. and Aerojet Rocketdyne. He also served NASA from 1990 to 2012 at Marshall Space Flight Center and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Goldman He held multiple senior executive positions including Project Manager, Space Shuttle Main Engine; Deputy Center Director and Center Director at Stennis Space Center; and Deputy Center Director and Acting Center Director at Marshall Space Flight Center, responsible for managing each Center’s program assignments within the NASA portfolio. Goldman is involved with several organizations, including the Huntsville-National Space Club, FIRST Robotics and the Huntsville Rotary Club. He also serves on the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Board of Directors. ■
Melanie Baker joins Davidson Technologies Melanie Baker has joined the Davidson Technologies Inc. team as Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations. Prior to her work at Davidson, Baker served as the Director of Missile Defense Programs at Lockheed Martin Corporation. As the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Corporate Lead, she supported multiple capture strategies, product campaigns and customer engagement planning across program portfolios for several government programs. Melanie is active in her community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Riley Center, the National Children’s Advocacy Center and Phoenix Services. A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Melanie lives in Huntsville with her husband Richard and their daughter Rachel. Dr. Julian Davidson founded Davidson Technologies in 1996, dedicating his company to providing high quality engineering and technical services to defense and aerospace customers. Today, Dr. Dorothy Davidson leads more than 230 technical and administrative professionals who encompass all aspects of the company. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Davidson Technologies Inc. also has personnel in Colorado Springs, CO, Indianapolis, IN, Panama City Beach, FL, Ft. Greely, AK and Washington, D.C. Davidson Technologies’ core capabilities include System Baker Engineering & Analysis, Test and Evaluation, Information Assurance, Modeling & Simulation, and Software Development IV&V. ■
Jeff Jones Named NAPFA South Region Board President Longview Financial Advisors is pleased to announce that Jeff Jones, a financial planner in the firm’s Huntsville office, has been named as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)’s South Region Board President. NAPFA is the country’s leading professional organization of Fee-Only financial advisors – highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interest of those they serve in a fiduciary manner. NAPFA has developed high standards in the field and each advisor signs and renews a Fiduciary Oath every year. The association provides support and education to practitioners all over the country and is Jones governed by the NAPFA Board of Directors and four Region Boards. Longview congratulates Jeff for his leadership in the Fee-Only industry. Jeff is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Enrolled Agent, and NAPFA Registered Financial Advisors. He is a member of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville’s Philanthropic Advisor Network and a member of Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Connect Class 19. He earned his Masters of Science in Financial Planning from the University of Alabama and his Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Systems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. ■ C
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Ludwig elected Chair of Joint Editorial Board on Uniform Unincorporated Organization Acts Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Scott E. Ludwig, a partner in the firm’s Huntsville office, has been elected chair of the Joint Editorial Board on Uniform Unincorporated Organization Acts. The Board is comprised of eight lawyers from across the United States – four from the American Bar Association and four from the Uniform Law Commission. The Board is responsible for monitoring, overseeing, reviewing and recommending changes to the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, the Uniform Protected Series Act, the Uniform Limited Partnership Ludwig Act, the Uniform Partnership Act, the Uniform Business Organizations Code, the Uniform Unincorporated Nonprofit Association Act, the Uniform Limited Cooperative Associations Act, and the Uniform Statutory Trust Entity Act. Ludwig earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, his LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and his B.S. in Accounting from the Culverhouse School of Accountancy at the University of Alabama. ■ A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Small Business
Spotlight Westmark Construction, Inc.
Westmark Construction, Inc. has been an integral part of the Huntsville community for many years, recently celebrating their 25th anniversary. Owner and builder Steve West opened the company in 1992 after working for his father’s general contracting business for years prior. Westmark specializes in building custom homes – they work meticulously to create their client’s dream home down to even the tiniest of details. And they are very good at what they do. Westmark is unique in that they work strictly on a referral basis. They keep it “old school,” acquiring clients primarily by word of mouth. Judging by how long they have successfully been in business, it appears as if this method suits them just fine. “We’re just so blessed to have great clients to work with, they have truly become our friends,” said West. Now, success didn’t just happen overnight. The company was born from humble beginnings, as West initially operated Westmark entirely from his home’s spare bedroom. But what started off small has quickly grown into into a business heavily focused on filling a niche Huntsville market. West contributes much of Westmark’s
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“Small Business Spotlight” focuses on one local small business, and “Small Biz Synapse” features many small businesses. Please send your press releases, photos, story ideas, etc. to: comms@hsvchamber.org success to his team’s commitment to personal service and client satisfaction. “In the end, we really want to be their friends,” said West. “We enjoy what we do, and we want them to enjoy the process as well ... we go above and beyond to make sure that our clients are happy so that at the end, they are happy to refer us.” For Westmark, details are everything. They play a large role in how the company has been in business for as long as it has, and why what they do is so unique to the home building market. According to West, “We don’t come to the table and say ‘Okay client, here are our five plans, here are your pre-selected appliance packages.’ Literally, one client said that they consider us a micro-custom builder because of the extent of detail we go into.” They truly build from the ground up, taking a much more personal approach than most to ensure their client’s needs are met both aesthetically and financially. Keeping things simple and implementing best practices is the best way to go for Westmark. “Everything is clean cut, everything is straightforward in the way we do business. With our clients, I don’t ever want there to be a question of ‘how did you do this’ or ‘how did you do that’... when I went in business, that was one of the things I decided. That when I walked away at the end of the day, everything was straight up
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and I knew that I had done the right thing. It’s your name, in a small business, people don’t just think of it as Westmark Construction... it’s also my name that’s connected with it. I’m one of those people that wants to make sure that at the end of the day, our name means something,” said West. As a small business owner, success also comes with a great deal of responsibility. West’s main focus is on doing what’s right for the company and his employees. “We’ve got five employees. I’m responsible for making sure that I can keep enough work that I can keep them employed to take care of their families. I really take it personally, I feel like we truly are a family.” West’s biggest piece of advice for those looking to start a small business is to get involved. His company has been a member of the Chamber since Westmark was founded in 1992. As an active member of the Chamber, West attends networking events like Breakfast & Biz as well as other workshops to stay current on marketing practices, while also engaging with a younger generation of home buyers. It takes a village to foster growth and prosperity, and the Chamber offers several resources in which to do just that. ■
– Devon Elston
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A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Gary Bolton
Kim Lewis
Joe Newberry
Ron Poteat
Greg Brown
Chair-Elect
Immediate Past Chair
Chamber Foundation Chair
Secretary/Treasurer
Alicia Ryan
Rose Allen
Jeff Gronberg
Frank Williams
Vice Chair – Government & Public Affairs
Vice Chair – HREGI
Vice Chair – Marketing & Communications
Vice Chair – Membership
Mark Curran
David Fernandes
ceo, PROJECTXYZ, Inc.
vice president, global marketing, ADTRAN, Inc.
president/ceo, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Board Chair
Kevin Byrnes
vice president & center executive, Raytheon Company Vice Chair – Economic Development & Industry Relations
president, INTERFUZE Corporation
president, deciBel Research, Inc.
cfo/co-ceo, Brown Precision, Inc.
general manager, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Hank Isenberg
Joe Ritch
Penny Billings
Vice Chair – Small Business & Events
Vice Chair – Tennessee Valley BRAC
Chair-Appointed
vice president, army programs/HSV operations, L3 Technologies, Inc. Chair-Appointed
Chair-Appointed
Tommy Battle
Paul Finley
Dale Strong
Tracy Marion
Chip Cherry, CCE
Ex-Officio Member
Ex-Officio Member
Ex-Officio Member
General Counsel
president, IronMountain Solutions
mayor, City of Huntsville
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ceo, LSINC Corporation
north alabama area executive, Regions Bank
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attorney, Sirote & Permutt, PC
mayor, City of Madison january 2018
division president, BancorpSouth - Huntsville
chairman, Madison County Commission
attorney, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C.
president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.
president & ceo, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Alvarez Venturi, Inc.
Bill Bailey
Radiance Technologies, Inc.
Five Stones Research Corporation
RadioBro Corporation
Blake Bentley
Eric Blackwell
SportsMed
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Lynn Collyar Deloitte LLP
John Eagan
Joe Fehrenbach
Trip Ferguson
Gene Goldman
Mike Gullion
John Hall
Steve Hill
Lee Holland
Tharon Honeycutt
John Jordan
SCI Technology, Inc.
Davidson Technologies, Inc.
All Points Logistics, LLC
Bob McCaleb
Dynetics, Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Mark Becnel
Dr. Dorothy Davidson
David King
Jim Rogers
S3, Inc.
Deke Damson Jerry Damson Honda Acura
Joni Green
James Barclay
Northrop Grumman Corporation
BB&T
AEgis Technologies Group
Janice Migliore PALCO Telecom Service, Inc.
Mynaric USA
Turner Construction
Craig Naudain SAIC
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
MSB Analytics, Inc.
Chris Pape
BWX Technologies, Inc.
KBRwyle
Alana Parker
Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C.
Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc.
PNC Bank
Dr. Gurmej Sandhu
Sameer Singhal
Beth Sippel
Robert Smith
Cynthia Streams
Lynn Troy
Ken Tucker
Dr. Karockas Watkins
Mike Watkins
Dennis Weese
Danny Windham
Troy 7, Inc.
Sigmatech, Inc.
The Boeing Company
CFD Research Corporation
Ability Plus, Inc.
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First Commercial Bank
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.
Line-X, LLC
Regions Bank
Leigh Pegues
Jeff Samz
Huntsville Hospital
Sean Kelly
Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.)
Tim Thornton nLogic, Inc.
Digium, Inc.
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The
Classroom Voters Support School Tax Renewals in a Big Way One of the great things about Madison County is your support of public education. We asked you to support school tax renewals on the Dec. 12 ballot and you responded in a big way. These ad valorem items, funded through your property taxes, provide $57 million per year to our three public school systems. They were set to expire in the coming years but thanks to your support, the funding has been renewed. There were six different ballot measures related to the continuation and renewal of some county-wide and district taxes. All passed with over 70% of the vote. Superintendents for Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools and Madison County Schools expressed their gratitude.
Education is key to our success. That’s why our entire community is invested in high quality education for all ages. Want to give a shout out to an educator? Have cool campus news? Let us know at comms@hsvchamber.org mission, thanks to the partnership we share with our community. I want to personally thank the voters of Madison County for helping us continue this mission.” The renewals mean $37.6 million for Huntsville City Schools, $6.5 million for Madison City Schools and $14.3 million for Madison County Schools per year. This is local funding not provided by the state, and the money supports hundreds of local teaching units and programs such as Pre-K, theatre, Greenpower, robotics, Project Lead The Way, and the various career academies across our school systems. Jill Bruton is the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s Workforce Development Director. She said the vote’s outcome proves our community wants to set our students up for success. “The overwhelming community support for these tax renewals is further evidence that we are a community of forward-thinkers,” said Bruton. “The impacts of this vote will be felt for decades by the young people who will benefit from the exciting and innovative programs made possible by this funding. Thank you!” ■
Calhoun Awarded $279,000 in State Grants
“It really shows that the Huntsville community is committed to our schools,” said Dr. Matt Akin, Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools. “This will allow us to continue programs like Pre-K, which has such a big impact, as well as other programs such as fine arts, robotics, Greenpower, and advanced manufacturing. These type programs are not only important to meeting the needs of the community, but are giving our kids opportunities that they would not have otherwise. We could not do these things without the community’s support. Thank you.” Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker shared, “The citizens of Madison have always supported us and we had no doubt they would support us this time. We are excited about the present and the future. This was a vote for our kids now and the next generation.” The local district tax renewal passed by a 76 percent margin in Madison with similar results for the two countywide renewals. “We are so proud of our community,” added Matt Massey, Superintendent of Madison County Schools. “Our system’s mission is to create and support high-quality public schools that maximize student achievement, expand student opportunities, and prepare graduates for success in a globally competitive world. We are well on our way to accomplishing that 36
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Calhoun Community College has been awarded $279,000 in grant funding from the Alabama Community College System’s Special Population Training funds for two programs aimed at increasing the number of students trained to enter targeted industry sectors. Dr. Jim Klauber, Calhoun’s President, made the announcement in late November. The college was awarded a $250,000 grant to purchase a chemical processing and mixing line trainer, which will be utilized by students enrolled in Calhoun’s Advanced Manufacturing program. According to the grant proposal, the equipment purchased through the grant will provide training for existing maintenance forces as well as future maintenance employees. “This new equipment will allow the college to train a wide variety of students, including adult students, high school dual enrollment students, displaced workers and incumbent workers, providing them with a number of certifications and credentials,” said John Holley, Calhoun’s interim assistant dean for technologies. Additionally, the college was awarded a $29,000 grant from ACCS to be used for curriculum support in its Computer Information Systems program, specifically to provide a pilot program for remote instruction of real-time and streamed video collaborations systems to give students more flexibility in course offerings. Klauber “We are extremely appreciative to our local legislative delegation, the ACCS board of trustees, and to Chancellor Jimmy Baker for providing these additional financial resources to the college,” said Klauber. “The training we will provide through these grant dollars will help to augment our existing programs and will ultimately have a positive impact on our students as we prepare them for current and future workforce demands,” Klauber added. ■ A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
STAF F Executive Staff
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Amy Locke, executive assistant Annette Atchley, resource desk coordinator
Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce Lucia Cape, CCE, senior vice president Jill Bruton, workforce development director Erin Koshut, Cummings Research Park director Lydia Pennington, industry relations director Ken Smith, research & information services director Will West, project manager
Government & Public Affairs Mike Ward, CCE, senior vice president Austin Bullock, program manager
Marketing & Communications Claire Aiello, director Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer Hiroko Sedensky, web designer
Membership
NEW PHR®/SPHR® AND SHRM-CP/SCP EXAM PREP Demonstrate your HR knowledge and expertise by attaining the most widely recognized HR certifications. This course prepares you for the APHR, PHR®, or SPHR®. Begins January 27
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE Build a solid foundation in project management and ensure your projects are set up for success. This certificate is responsive to the PMBOK® and is focused on practical applications, particularly in a Government/contractor environment. Take one course or the complete certificate. Begins January 30. Also available online.
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Robert Recker, senior vice president, investor relations Donna McCrary, membership retention manager Kristy Drake, ChamberON & investor relations manager Tina Blankenship, membership account executive Tiffany Miller, membership account executive Eloise Stanley, membership account executive
Small Business & Events Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president Devon Elston, coordinator
Finance & Administration Mary McNairy, vice president Kim Savage, accounting specialist – receivables Lori Warner, accounting specialist – payables Joe Watson, facilities supervisor
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 225 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 | fax 256-535-2015
HSVchamber.org
Associated Organizations
communityfoundationhsv.org
www.uah.edu/sbdc
PCS.uah.edu/PDSolutions | 256.824.4430 38
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theschoolsfoundation.org A PUBLICATION OF THE HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
MONEY Magazine’s ®
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(is actually a credit union)
MONEY Magazine has named Redstone Federal Credit Union® the best bank in the state. As a member-owned financial cooperative, we are much more than a bank. We have a deep commitment to serving our communities and the common good. Come see for yourself – stop by one of our branch locations today, or visit us online at redfcu.org.
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