HBJ March 2020 Issue

Keeping you informed and inspired.

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 3

March 2020

DEVELOPMENT

Construction on Schedule for North Huntsville and Berachah Park

COVER STORY Contractors are on schedule for a fall completion of the joint $10.8 million project - a partnership between the City of Huntsville and the Huntsville/ Madison County Public Library.

Page 5

GOVERNMENT

Page 12

Finley: State of Madison Is Strong; Outback, Panera, Marriott, Hub Coming to Town Madison

“I am so proud to be the mayor of Madison…and if you want some examples, let me give you a couple…,”

By Kimberly Ballard - Page 14

ADDITIONAL STORIES • Sitdown with Success - Lisa Williams

By Kimberly Ballard • Page 3 • Ready for Prime Time - Extreme Makeover: Hughes Plaza Edition

By Lori J. Connors • Page 8 • Goodland Serves Food and Charities

By Mike Esterling • Page 11 • Legacy at Jones Valley Farms Resident-Inspired

By Lori J. Connors • Page 16 • Strong Coffee, Strong Women: Sonia Robinson Shares Her Journey

By Lori J. Connors • Page 20

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HUNTSVILLE

BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 3, Issue 3 March 2020 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

March 2020

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SITDOWN WITH SUCCESS - LISA WILLIAMS

Lisa Williams: Know Whether You Will Need A Pair of Cushy Shoes, or a Parachute The business world is her passion and helping businesses, especially those run by veterans and that employ veterans, is in her DNA. She and husband, former Alabama State Representative Phil Williams, started and sold 3D Research in 2005, but she has been unable to leave the game. Her consulting company, Soldier 1 Corporation is about paying tribute to veterans and honoring her late father, a Vietnam veteran who brought she and her mother to the United States after the war.

You built a business, sold it, and now help businesses get back on their feet or wrestle through challenges. What do you think makes a successful entrepreneur?

True entrepreneurs take calculated risks. Meaning if you are going to jump off a cliff, you need to know whether the drop is five feet and you will need a good pair of cushiony

shoes, or is the drop five miles and you’re going to need a parachute!

I find that successful entrepreneurs know what needs to be done, but they don’t know how to do it.

An entrepreneur knows they need funding, but they don’t know where to get it. They know they need a business plan, but they aren’t sure what to put in it. They know they need to go out and get business, but they aren’t sure how to go after it. Entrepreneurs know their own strengths and weaknesses, but they aren’t sure how to turn the weaknesses into strengths. And entrepreneurs surround themselves with honest people who will pick them up if they fall.

What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs?

Build a reserve of money to live on before you start, preferably a year’s salary, but if you can’t do that,

save enough for the rent, a car payment and food.

Keep your overhead low, especially if you are pursuing a service business. You’re selling brain power and you don’t need a luxurious office for that. Take your brains to them!

Work out of your home as long as you can.

And look for opportunities to team up with other companies. It’s important to grow, but you don’t want to go into debt.

What advice you would give a young entrepreneur?

It’s a simple, but tough question – How will you make money? You need a very clear plan for how you will make money.

People say, “I want to help kids, or I want a coffee and pastry shop.’

Okay. But if you don’t have a plan for making money, you will go out of business. Making money

By Kimberly Ballard

isn’t the only thing in life, but money is what drives a business and if you fail, you can lose everything. w “Sitdown with Success” spotlights local entrepreneurs who describe their successes and failures, with tips for upcoming business owners. For the full-length interview, visit huntsvillebusinessjournal.com.

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

GUEST EDITORIAL

UNA to Offer Executive Doctor of Business Administration Special to the Huntsville Business Journal The University of North Alabama College of Business is planning to launch its Executive Doctor of Business Administration program – the first such program in Alabama. The move is pending the approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The EDBA program is designed for experienced leaders in industry, health care, government, military, education, and nonprofits. The program goes beyond the MBA by providing applied research skills to affect organizational change and innovation.

Demand for applied doctoral business programs is on the rise nationally, but there are very few AACSB accredited programs in the Southeast, and none in Alabama.

Although the EDBA is a terminal degree, and thus appropriate for those working in industry as well as those seeking academic appointments, it differs from the traditional PhD in emphasis and format.

First, while both the PhD and EDBA develop research skills, the EDBA emphasizes real world problem solving and applied research designed to solve current organizational problems.

Second, unlike most traditional PhD programs, whose students may have limited work experience and live on campus, the EDBA program is designed for experienced executives and industry professionals, who will come to campus 10 weekends a year for intensive instruction and collaboration with fellow business leaders.

Third, the dissertation project, the final hurdle of the EDBA program, will be an applied research project that can be tailored to solve an existing problem or investigate a potential issue or opportunity within the company or organization.

Finally, unlike PhD programs which can take anywhere from four

to seven years to complete, the EDBA is designed to move at a brisk but manageable pace and take only three years.

The EDBA program fits a number of career paths. Executives will be able to develop skills in applied research and analytics, allowing them to reconceptualize existing data and develop innovative solutions and change efforts.

For those seeking a career transition, from industry to consulting or from military to industry, the curriculum, which focuses heavily on current business issues and disruptive trends not considered even five years ago, will provide skills and best practices to facilitate the transition.

Additionally, the terminal degree provides differentiation in a crowded workforce and instant credibility in the consulting arena. For those seeking academic appointments, the program not only provides the necessary terminal degree, but training in how to develop research streams and submit research to academic conferences and peer reviewed journals.

The College of Business is accepting applications for a proposed January 2021 start date. Although admission is competitive and thus there is no predetermined class size, it is anticipated that each cohort will contain approximately 15 students.

Applicants must have an MBA or master’s degree in a related field and seven years of substantive work experience. Letters of recommendation and interviews with EDBA faculty are also required.

For information, contact Rachel Russell at 256-765-4946 or edba@ una.edu

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Lori J. Connors

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Kimberly Ballard

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Michelle Epling Distribution......................................................................................Glenda Mace Huntsville Business Journal is published monthly by EVENT Publishing,

PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815.

For advertising information call 256.533.8078, e-mail todd@eventhuntsville.com, or visit us on the web at www.huntsvillebusinessjournal.com For editorial information contact editor@huntsvillebusinessjournal.com ALL CONTENTS ©2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF THE CONTENTS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. HUNTSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF EVENT PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTICLES ARE SUBMITTED AT THE RISK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER OR AUTHOR. EVENT PUBLISHING ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR THE RETURN OF ANY UNSOLICITED MATERIALS AND MAY USE THEM AT ITS DISCRETION.

March 2020

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DEVELOPMENT

Construction on Schedule for North Huntsville and Berachah Park The site is shaping up on Sparkman Drive for the new North Huntsville Library and Berachah Park.

Contractors are on schedule for a fall completion of the joint $10.8 million project - a partnership between the City of Huntsville and the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library.

“The city is proud to make this investment in North Huntsville,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Residents need and deserve high-quality places to learn, collaborate, connect and play.

“This project accomplishes these goals with a beautiful new library and park that will serve the community for decades to come.”

The complex is being built at the site of the outdated Bessie K. Russell Library branch, which occupies just 1,700 square feet, at 3011 Sparkman Drive.

The new 19,000-square-foot facility is designed to meet the information-seeking needs of residents with state-of-the-art technology, a café, children’s reading areas, interac-

tive literacy center and a makerspace for entrepreneurs.

“Libraries connect people to resources that build community,” said Kim Lewis, North Huntsville Library Capital Campaign Chairperson. “The new library will serve as a community hub, with two meeting rooms, multiple study areas and an after-school program space for children.

“It will also feature some of the latest technologies such as a workforce development lab, a Makerspace with 3D printers, and an automated sorting machine.”

“We are so excited to show the

North Huntsville community what their library can do,” said Laurel Best, Executive Director of the Huntsville/ Madison County Public Library. “We will be able to expand the great service of Bessie K. Russell and offer more people an opportunity to use our computer and Internet services, participate in children’s programming and learn

From Staff Reports

STEM-related activities and equipment in the Makerspace.”

For City Council President and District 1 representative Devyn Keith, the new library and park is personal.

“As a kid, I remember coming into the Bessie Russell trailer to do my Accelerated Reader points,” said Keith. “It amazing to have to have a chance to be part of this expansion and investment by the city and generous donors so that children will have a place that inspires and opens doors of opportunity.”

The library will be next to a new city park which will feature walking trails, pickleball courts, multipurpose fields, a pavilion and children’s play areas.

The project architect is Fuqua & Partners and the general contractor is Lee Builders. They expect to complete work on the site in October. w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

DEVELOPMENT

Mixed-Use Development Planned for Former Governors Drive Motel Site A mixed-use development, including a 100-room hotel, is planned for the site of a former motel and small businesses on Governors Drive in Huntsville’s growing Westside.

The property, some 13 acres of land on Governors Drive near the intersections with 13th and 14th streets, will be developed by The Beach Company. Construction is planned to start this summer.

According to an announcement from The Beach Company, the community will feature multiple buildings totaling approximately 26,000 square feet of office, retail and dining space in addition to 260 multifamily units, 14 townhomes and

a 100-key hotel.

Residential amenities will include a pool, a fitness area, a clubhouse and ample green space with a dog park.

The planned project will complement the nearby Stovehouse development and will feature pe-

destrian walkways between them.

“This community addition will help continue the momentum of growth along Governors Drive through increased walkability and connectivity,” said Ned Miller, development manager with The Beach Company. “The project was thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience of the growing number of residents and businesses expanding to Huntsville’s flourishing Westside.”

To accommodate for the new

From Staff Reports

community, approximately 620 parking spaces will be made available to residents and visitors in addition to garage storage available for apartment and townhome residents.

The Beach Company has developed the Sixth South mixed-use community in Nashville and Chattanooga’s River Rock community. w

March 2020

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DEVELOPMENT

45-Acre Super Block Along University Drive Gets a $27 Million Facelift A 45-acre block of University Drive at Independence Drive and Lancewood Drive gets a long-awaited facelift as Philadelphia-based Penn Capital, an integrated private investment company, has purchased the former GuestHouse Suites from the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. It is part of a $27-million acquisition that consists of two renovation and redevelopment projects involving three properties along University Drive across from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

In addition to the former GuestHouse Suites at 4020 Independence Drive, Penn is revitalizing the former North Ridge Apartments and the Continental Apartments adjacent to it. The project totals 458 apartments along University Drive and creates a 45-acre super block of 546 apartments. It is strategically aimed at

revitalizing the surrounding community, which has suffered from blighted conditions over the past ten years.

According to Penn Capital founder Ed Rogan, the properties fit their investment strategy to invest in Sunbelt markets from Texas to Florida where there is tremendous economic growth. They really wanted to come into Huntsville, he said, because of the job growth happening around the new Toyota production plant, and both the aerospace and military presence.

“We look for projects in good areas or even areas that have had some distress issues like these three properties,” Rogan said. “A lot of people would have passed on this project because it isn’t visually appealing, but we

have a vision where our work revitalizes the community and surrounding neighborhood and improves the standard or living and quality of life for people.”

Located two miles east of the new MidCity Huntsville project, the former North Ridge Apartments has been renamed Madison Grove. It consists of 105 buildings and 390 apartments, all two-story townhouses.

“The buildings are in good condition, well built in the mid-1960s,” Rogan said. “They have solid foundations and great structures, but it had become known for a lot of crime.

“We came in and secured the premises by putting up a fence and security cameras to keep out trespassers, put in new lighting to light up the grounds, and the police department hired off-duty police officers to patrol the property. Then we began work improving and upgrading the exterior façade and doing some landscaping to give it curb appeal.

Rogan said they are working with Huntsville’s Blue Star Crime Free Multi-Housing Program to help residents, owners and the managers of rental properties to keep drugs and

other illegal activity off their property.

“We are also renovating the interiors with all new appliances and the amenities required to take it from what was a D-class property with a lot of crime, deferred maintenance, and poor living conditions, to a safe and attractive Class-A property for middle class families.”

He said the property did not come without some challenges, however.

“Because of the age of the property, the structures are not up to today’s building codes and even the electrical infrastructure needs to be rewired.”

They are successfully working with the City to upgrade it.

“We have the same interests in that revitalization will increase the tax base tenfold, increase the quality of people living there, and create a safer living space.”

Penn Capital is doing the same with the Continental Apartments, which they have renamed The Ave. It is a two-story, 88-unit apartment community consisting of 66 studios and 22 two-bedroom/two-bath apartments.

By Kimberly Ballard / Rendering & Photo Courtesy of Penn Capital “The Continental and hotel are vacant, so we have been able to move quickly to replace all the roofs and windows. We are doing a complete redevelopment with new exterior facades and landscaped grounds. It will have high quality, Class-A finishes that will attract higher-end tenants,” said Rogan.

He said the Continental is a unique building built in the mid-60s to house visiting Generals and highranking military officers who were visiting Redstone Arsenal.

He said they are well built with a good strong infrastructure, structural concrete and steel girders in the ceilings that can be used to increase ceiling height and create trendy styles like exposed-beam ceilings. It will become a smart property, fully outfitted with WiFi and a great opportunity for housing students and families.

Penn Capital plans to invest $5 million to redevelop the aging hotel at 4020 Independence Drive. The original extended-stay already has kitchens that will lend themselves well to studio apartments - a good fit for college students.

“The hotel has a 5,000 squarefoot lobby on the first floor that we are renovating and putting in an exercise center, leasing office and clubhouse with a new swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and dog park. On the second floor they are putting in a new shared workspace so people living in the surrounding complexes can come there and use the business center.”

They expect to complete work on all three properties in about 10 to 12 months and plan to hold a ribboncutting for all three at the same time in about 18 months. w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

RETAIL

Ready for Prime Time - Extreme Makeover: Hughes Plaza Edition MADISON — As the area continues to grow by leaps and bounds, it’s hard to miss the unmistakable red clay and construction cones on any given road, on any given day.

Madison and Huntsville are on the fast track of redefining our communities, one slab of cement at a time.

Along with a host of brand-spanking new construction, there also has been significant redevelopment and extensive renovation on many existing structures.

One property in particular is Hughes Plaza.

Hughes Plaza, across Hughes Road from Madison City Hall, was once a well-known retail destination. Over the years, the 59,071 square foot mixed-use property has fallen into disrepair and low occupancy.

Thanks to local physicians Jon and Alicia Krichev, the shopping center will soon be getting a makeover, complete with a newly upgraded façade and enhanced landscaping.

A business opportunity first led the Krichevs to Hughes Plaza.

The Krichevs, along with Jon’s sister Jessica and her husband Chris Leven own Bicycle Cove in Hampton Cove. Last year, when

By Lori J. Connors

Architect rendering of Hughes Plaza

Madison Cycles closed at Hughes Plaza, the Krichevs saw this as an opportunity to expand their business and set up shop in the same location in the Plaza.

However, the Krichevs were not happy with the plaza’s condition.

So, after a series of connections with mutual friends and business partners, the Krichevs became owners of the building and are fully dedicated to returning Hughes Plaza to its former glory.

Build it and they will come.

Currently, Bicycle Cove is the only tenant. Once renovations are complete, the Krichevs anticipate other health, wellness, and fitness retail concepts will follow along with perhaps, a dining and brew pub establishment.

One exciting new tenant will be Fleet Feet, the running/walking specialty store.

Slated to open this summer, the

6,200-square-foot retail space will include an indoor running track.

Fleet Feet currently has more than 180 stores in the United States with three Alabama locations — Montgomery, Birmingham, and Huntsville - making the Hughes Plaza location the fourth in the state.

Suzanne and Dink Taylor, owners of the Huntsville store in Jones Valley, are thrilled about opening a store in Madison.

“Our Huntsville location has been up and running for 16 years and we’ve loved every minute of it,” said Suzanne. “We’ve wanted to open a second location in Madison for a long time and everything finally came together.

“The location, timing, and means all worked out and we can’t wait to create a home for our Madison-based clientele.”

Hughes Plaza is less than a mile

from downtown Madison and the up-and-coming Avenue Madison mixed-use development.

The closest major intersections are Mill Road and Old Madison Pike. Madison Boulevard and I-565 are within easy access of the Plaza. Major grocery chains Publix and Kroger, along with Walmart are all in close proximity.

Krichev believes that the redevelopment of Hughes Plaza will benefit the Madison community by creating an exciting new hub for shopping, dining, and wellness.

“We want to renew what was once a vibrant focus of commerce for the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Krichev.

“This center has the potential to become a beautiful and exciting development where people meet for bike rides, runs, lunches, and shopping trips.” w

March 2020

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

DINING

Lean Kitchen: A Healthy ‘Graband-Go’ Alternative to Fast Food For most people, eating a healthy variety of high-quality foods can be a challenge. Weekly meal preparation is one of the best ways to stay on track, but it’s often time consuming and it can get boring.

Lean Kitchen hopes to solve that problem with its made-fromscratch options.

After three successful years at their Guntersville location, franchise owners Trenten Hammond and Rusty Glines made the leap by expanding into the Rocket City.

“When we opened our doors in Guntersville a few years ago, the concept immediately took off,” said Hammond. “We’ve built up a sizeable client base in Huntsville already, thanks to partnerships with local gyms.

Located in a 1,000-square foot storefront at Piedmont Station on Airport Road, Lean Kitchen Huntsville offers a tasty selection

of healthy, grab-and-go meal options, ideal for fast-paced lifestyles.

The philosophy at Lean Kitchen is simple: Food is fuel and you deserve to run on premium fuel.

Each week, Lean Kitchen prepares made-from-scratch meals

Trenten Hammond and Rusty Glines, owners of Lean Kitchen

that cover a range of diets including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and keto dishes. Selections include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and kid-friendly cuisine.

“Our kitchen is in Guntersville,” said Hammond. “We have a crew of six that make everything from scratch. Nothing is ever frozen; the food goes from cooler to cooler. No orders are required; you can just pick it up at the store.”

Each meal is designed to balance lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.

There are no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors from

By Lori J. Connors / Photos by Steve Babin

artificial sources added. There is also no added sugar; resulting in a very short list of quality ingredients that you can easily pronounce, as if you prepared it for yourself at home.

Some of Lean Kitchen’s bestsellers are its “Muscle Bites” which are created with peanut butter, honey, oats, isolate protein, and semi-sweet chocolate morsels.

Turkey Tacos are a big favorite and are made with lean ground turkey, chipotle spread dressing, and mix of seasonings.

Other popular items include protein-packed pancakes, sweet teriyaki chicken bowls, and ovenbaked chicken and veggies.

There’s also a range of desserts such as brownies and donuts.

A big plus about Lean Kitchen is that there are no contracts, no commitments; the food is delicious and reasonably priced. All items are prepped in containers and ready for pick-up.

“Lean Kitchen is an alternative to the drive-thru lifestyle because we offer the same convenience as fast-food without preservatives, flavors, colors, and other artificial ingredients,” said Glines. “The idea is to get out of the fast food line and have a quick, healthy alternative.” w

March 2020

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DINING

Goodland Serves Food and Charities MADISON – Despite a threat of severe weather and driving rain, the crowd was large and business brisk on a recent night at Goodland Pour House on the west side of County Line Road.

It was Wednesday, which meant what locals have come to know the Goodland Gives Back spaghetti supper is going on at the gastropub located near Old Provence Place.

Goodland, which launched Nov. 1 and began this charitable promotion at the beginning of January, chooses a local charity or school cause and donates half of the $10 charge for the “All You Can Eat” special.

“We’re all about community,’’ said Paige Simandle, who is manager and owner along with her husband and chef Nathan. “What better way to give back than Goodland Gives Back? It goes to cool charities in the area.’’

Some of the charities feted so far include Make-AWish, Madison Animal Rescue Foundation, and Foster Closet.

The Simandles came to the area from California nearly two years ago. They first arrived on a visit but found a home.

“My mother-in-law moved here,’’ Paige said. “She said we should come to visit because it was growing. We thought the place was awesome. It’s beautiful.

“We felt this is where we wanted to do what we’ve wanted to all of our lives.’’

The 40-something Simandles worked in the restaurant business in California, and Nathan had served as

a chef or executive chef for 25 years. They had been planning to open their own place for some time before deciding the exploding scene in the Huntsville/Madison area was where they would relocate.

Their sons, Eliott, a sophomore, and freshman Owen, enrolled at Bob Jones High School and the Simandles settled in.

“This seemed like a great place,’’ Paige said.

“There’s not a lot on this side of town, yet. We wanted a neighborhood vibe, a family atmosphere, and everybody has been so welcoming and warm.’’

Goodland’s website describes the place as affordable with “chef-inspired, modern American comfort food.’’

The Pour House is open for dinner Monday-Thursday from 3-9 p.m., lunch and dinner Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-10 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and brunch and dinner Sunday from 10:30-2:30 and 4:30-9.

The menus feature traditional as well as non-traditional items such as Beets by Dre, pork belly corn dogs, Buffalo cauliflower, Notorius P.I.E. venison chili,

By Mike Easterling / Photos by Steve Babin

Royale With Cheese, vegan burgers and pizzas, tacos and schnitzel.

There are also small plates and kids’ and dessert menus.

Then there’s the beer selection with 20 rotating taps from local and regional breweries, even some from California. Alcohol and wine are also served.

“We have different beers every single day,’’ Paige said. “And if you don’t know about craft beers, you can learn about them from our bartenders who are knowledgeable.’’

For more information and menus, visit goodlandpourhouse.com. w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

COVER

Robins & Morton Building on Relat

By Mike Easterling / P

The first building constructed

by Robins & Morton was a Shell gas station in 1946.

The Birmingham-based company now has offices in Huntsville, Nashville, Charlotte, Dallas, Orlando, and Miami.

“We’ve grown quite a bit since then, obviously,’’ said Mitch Coley, operations manager for the Huntsville office.

Robins & Morton is no stranger to the Rocket City. The firm began a relationship with Huntsville Hospital 31 years ago, and Coley said that partnership is “the backbone’’ of its business in the city.

Two towering cranes just off Gallatin Street are part of the construction for Huntsville Hospital’s seven-story, 382,000-square foot Orthopedic & Spine Tower. It’s expected to be completed in 2021.

But while hospital construction is Robins & Morton’s calling card, Coley said diversity, particularly in Huntsville, is part of its footprint.

Next door to the hospital tower, the finishing touches are being put on Redstone Federal Credit Union’s five-story, Class-A office building with an adjoining four-story parking deck.

“The exterior of the office building is close to complete and it’s a very striking structure,’’ Coley said. “That project will wrap up at the end of this year.”

Robins & Morton recently placed a tower crane downtown for the upscale 106 Jefferson, Curio by Hilton.

“As you can see from the cranes rising above downtown,’’

Photo by Steve Babin

Mitch Coley, Operations Manager for Robins & Morton Huntsville Office

“The exterior of the office building is close to complete and it’s a very striking structure” Coley said, “we have three major projects transforming the Huntsville skyline.”

Robins & Morton is working with Redstone Gateway and Sanmina, and counts Times Plaza on South Memorial Parkway among its projects.

Other local Robins & Morton projects are: • Intergraph/Hexagon headquarters • Calhoun Community College Huntsville Campus Science Lab • Parsons Research Park • Huntsville Hospital Madison Hospital

• Governors Medical Tower • Huntsville Hospital Athens Surgery Centers • Clearview Cancer Institute • Rockwell Collins at Research Park • Medical Park Station Retail Center • Huntsville Hospice Family Came Inpatient Facility The company’s projects around the state include the Auburn Arena, the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center, Regions Field and the Embassy Suites hotel in Tuscaloosa.

Robins & Morton opened a full-service office in Huntsville in 2007 to further take advantage of the city’s exploding growth.

“We knew the best way to serve the business community was to become an ongoing part of the community,’’ Coley said. “And that’s worked well for us. We have more than 223 projects valued at $1.3 billion completed or in progress throughout Huntsville and the surrounding area.

March 2020

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STORY

ationships for a Growing Huntsville

Photos by Justina Simon

“We’re an established part of the Huntsville business community, and we look forward to continuing to be part of the region’s growth and economic development”

“Even more important to us: 80 percent of that work is from repeat clients.”

“We knew the best way to serve the business community was to become an ongoing part of the community” Another company strength is Robins & Morton, which employs around 170 salaried employees and craft workers, uses its own workforce.

“We self-employee a lot of the work,’’ Coley said. “For instance, the concrete structure (on the tower), we’re doing that with our own men, our own forces. The reason we do that is it helps with cost, schedules, and quality.’’

Robins & Morton’s economic impact in the Tennessee Valley is substantial. The company reports it is responsible for more

than 800,000-square feet of new construction with a projected construction value in excess of $225 million; is working with more than 150 trade partners; and expects to create between 800 and 900 fulltime equivalent jobs throughout construction.

While Robins & Morton is involved throughout North Alabama, its local presence has been seen and felt mostly in Huntsville’s downtown and hospital district,

both of which have undergone a facelift.

A Notasulga native, Coley met his wife Elaine while both were students at Auburn. They have two sons, Miles (6) and Cameron (4).

When he moved here 13 years ago, Coley said he remembers walking downtown on a weekend and finding a “ghost town.’’

“Now, you go down there and there are food truck rallies, laser light shows, people everywhere,’’ he said. It’s really neat to see.

“We’re glad to be part of

that growth.’’

In late spring or summer, Robins & Morton will announce plans for another downtown project.

“We want people to know that we’re not here just for the duration of a project,’’ Coley said. “We’re an established part of the Huntsville business community, and we look forward to continuing to be part of the region’s growth and economic development.”

“We’ll continue the strong relationships we’ve maintained over the past 31 years while building new ones.” w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

GOVERNMENT

Finley: State of Madison Is Strong; Outback, Panera, Marriott, Hub Coming to Town Madison MADISON — ­ It wasn’t a stretch for Madison Mayor Paul Finley to make a Super Bowl reference in his annual State of the City Address last month.

“This is the second opportunity I have had to give the State of the City Address and on behalf of the City of Madison and the Madison City Council, I am able to say again that the state of the city is strong and continuing to get stronger,” said Madison Mayor Paul Finley from beneath the Saturn V rocket at the Davidson Center. “I am so proud to be the mayor of Madison … and if you want some examples, let me give you a couple…,” upon which images of former Bob Jones High School star Reggie Ragland, and Madison Academy’s Jordan Matthews popped up on the big screen to thunderous cheers from the audience.

Ragland started at linebacker for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs against Matthews’ San Francisco 49ers.

“That’s just cool,” Finley said to even more applause.

Finley also made two “super” announcements at the address that had not yet been revealed.

The first is the city’s upcoming acquisition of the 28,000 square-foot Three Springs juvenile facility on Browns Ferry Road.

The second special announcement concerned Town Madison, the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Toyota Field.

“I’m excited about Three Springs but I am equally excited about Town Madison,” Finley said.

In addition to the recent announcement about J. Alexander’s restaurant coming to Town Madison, Finley said they are also expecting a 200-room Marriott near Toyota Field; Outback Steakhouse and Panera Bread Company will open on the Zierdt Road side of the development and The Hub, a newcomer to the state.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley

Residents who spend vacation time on the Florida Panhandle will be familiar with The Hub, a relaxing outdoor venue surrounded by live music, ice cream, burgers, and family-friendly movies shown under the stars.

“Town Madison is going to continue to build out,” Finley said.

“Outback, Marriott and Panera Bread already have a footprint in the Tennessee Valley, but Town Madison will welcome the first Hub in Alabama.

“The Marriott is the fifth hotel announced – and just so you guys know, the matrix we put in place to

fund the stadium had three hotels in that matrix. We are now at five.”

Concerning Three Springs, Finley said the city will be purchasing the empty 33-acre facility, using funds from the sale of the Madison Library.

Over the next four to five years, it will be converted it into a community center.

Finley said there are several local entities such as the Madison City Senior Center; the Enrichment Center, which helps schools with counseling; and American Legion Post 229, which is involved in Memorial Day and Veterans Day events around the city that are all bursting at the seams when it comes to parking and office space.

“This purchase will take our city to the next level,” Finley said. “The library is not the right fit for our city right now, so it is up for sale. Over the next five years, you will see other organizations who also need more space, move into the old Three Springs facility.”

Other significant highlights from the speech were updates on sidewalk improvements at Dublin Park to make it safer; the revitalization of an aging Hughes Plaza, a retail center on Hughes Road across from City Hall; and numerous improvements to older office complexes and buildings.

By Kimberly Ballard / Photos by Steve Babin

Furthermore, the City Council invested more than $4 million in a new public works facility. They had outgrown the aging building and there wasn’t enough parking for the employees or for the service trucks.

The new facility is on 16 acres and they will move into it in a couple of weeks.

Finley shared Census Bureau data showing the growth in Madison’s population over the past 40 years.

In 1980, Madison’s population was 4,500. By the 1990s, it was nearly 15,000. There was a big jump in population in 2008 to over 42,000; and in 2019, it has grown to 50,926.

“That is astronomic growth,” Finley said. “In fact, we are in such good shape in our city that our Rocket City Trash Panda mascot, Sprocket, was just named one of the top 20 people locally of 2020.

“Because of what we are doing, we are collectively blowing this growth thing out of the water and the state of Alabama is stronger because this community is stronger.”

There was also a special recognition for Madison City School Superintendent, Robby Parker who is retiring this year; and the mayor announced that the Trash Pandas have broken records, selling over $2 million, in Trash Panda merchandise.

There will be no traffic relief for residents and businesses traveling Madison Boulevard from Zierdt Road to Wall Triana while construction continues on the I-565 interchange at Town Madison; but a greenway extension will run under the railway tracks just south of Palmer Road, into historic downtown Madison where Sealy Realty is building the Avenue Madison, a multi-use residential, retail and commercial development right in the heart of downtown.

“It’s an exciting time right now to be in our city,” said Finley upon conclusion. “We are managing growth, we are open for business, but we are being really smart about it.” w

March 2020

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

RESIDENTIAL

Legacy at Jones Valley Farms Resident-Inspired Tucked away, nestled in the woods behind a cluster of retail establishments sits Legacy at Jones Valley Farms. Driving down Cecil Ashburn, one could easily pass by without even noticing it.

As one of the most distinctive rental properties in Huntsville, Legacy at Jones Valley Farm features 421 luxury apartment homes surrounded by the creature comforts of community living, all with a touch of rural ambience.

The property, which opened in November 2014, recently completed its Phase 2 development. Officially open for leasing in late November, Phase 2 is already at 40 percent occupancy within its first three months.

Instead of Phase 1’s carriage houses and apartments, Phase 2 is a single building with interior hallways and elevators.

“Phase 2 is all one unit,” said property manager Lisa Starks. “They kept the exterior feel the same, so it all ties together with Phase 1.”

Legacy at Jones Farm has a wide selection of apartment homes from which to choose. Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, there are 14 floor plans ranging from 698 to 1,485 square feet of living space.

The smoke-free, controlled-access community features state-of-the-art

amenities, including two clubhouses, a pair of resort-style salt water pools, two 24-hour fitness centers, on-demand fitness classes, a spin room, two yoga studios, a 1/3-mile paved nature trail, four dog parks, a dog spa, a car wash, two business centers, eight grilling stations, two outdoor pavilions, three outdoor fire pits, and three outdoor kitchens with grilling facilities.

“The Lodge,” a courtyard social area, has gas fireplaces, grills, two TVs, a wet bar and a mini fridge. It’s a great place to gather friends to enjoy football games or host a girl’s night of binge-watching everyone’s favorite series.

Legacy at Jones Farm is near dining and retail businesses. It’s also just minutes from the Martin Road en-

trance to Redstone Arsenal, by way of Four Mile Post Road and Whitesburg Drive.

Legacy at Jones Farms is owned by the Jones family. Family members periodically visit the property, taking the opportunity to visit with the resi-

By Lori J. Connors

dents, getting feedback on ways they can make the community an even better place to live.

“I love this community,” said Starks. “That’s a benefit, we’re on their land, that they keep the property nice, they’re really wonderful people.” w

March 2020

RESIDENTIAL

Reserve at Research Park Apartments Sold for Reported $81 Million From Staff Reports / Photo provided by The Kirkland Company

Symbolic of the growth in Huntsville and its anticipated growth, a nearly 35-year-old apartment community was recently purchased for a reported $81 million.

According to a news release from The Kirkland Company, a Nashville-based brokerage firm, the Reserve at Research Park was purchased by Covenant Capital Group from B&M Management. The acquisition is the largest transaction in the area’s history, according to the brokerage firm.

Eric Hardesty and Wade Lowry brokered the sale of the 736-unit multifamily community for Kirkland. The property, formerly known as Rime Village, was built in several phases from 1987-94.

“Huntsville is receiving national attention for its rapid growth, strong economy, and recent development,” said Hardesty. “It has been Alabama’s fastest-growing city over the last 15 years and will soon be the largest city in the state.”

B&M Management of Montgomery sold the property on Explorer Boulevard off University

Drive to Covenant Capital Group, a Nashville-based value-add investment manager. Its focus is on the acquisition and renovation of apartment communities in major Southeastern and mid-Atlantic markets.

B&M Management has been in Alabama for more than 25 years with a portfolio of some 8,500 units and $1 billion in market value.

This is the sixth transaction brokered by Kirkland in the Huntsville area within the last nine months, representing 1,842 units and more than $103 million.

“Employers are investing big in Huntsville,” said Lowry. “Companies like Toyota, Boeing, GE ... are infusing capital into the engineering and manufacturing industries.

“The FBI is investing $1 billion at Redstone Arsenal with plans to add 4,000 jobs, and tech companies like Facebook and Google are also developing a presence there.”

Nashville-based Kirkland specializes in selling apartment communities in nine states across the Southeast. w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

MANUFACTURING

Navistar Revving Up Engine Production in Huntsville with $125 Million Expansion The shovels dug deeply into wet but fertile ground as Navistar officially broke ground on a 50-acre, $125 million expansion of its manufacturing facilities in the Jetplex Industrial Park in Huntsville.

The build-out will drive Navistar’s total Huntsville footprint to 80 acres and add 110,000 square feet to its 300,000 square-foot plant. It will also add 145 skilled manufacturing jobs to build next-generation, bigbore powertrains.

“Over the past two decades, the city of Huntsville has been a valuable partner and we are eager to expand our presence here,” said Persio Lisboa, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Navistar. “The local skilled workforce has proudly supported the imple-

mentation of our product strategy, and we look forward to incorporating some of the most advanced manufacturing standards into our Navistar Diesel of Alabama facility to continue to bring best-in-class products to the market.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle tied Navistar’s truck engine production here to the rocket engines under development just a few miles away’ “Our skilled manufacturing workforce is ready to take on the production of Navistar’s global powertrain, adding capacity to Huntsville’s reputation as the ‘propulsion capital’ of the world,” he

By Kimberly Ballard / Photos courtesy of Navistar

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle (3rd from right) joins others in the groundbreaking for the new Navistar facility

said. “Whether it’s across the country or across the universe, Huntsville gets you there.”

Already using the latest state-ofthe-art technology, the company will

implement a “manufacturing 4.0 strategy” in the plant.

Next-level software and assembly lines will drive everything from receiving components to delivery to

March 2020

the customers, revving up production while giving them more control over that production.

Navistar’s principal engine built in Huntsville is the International A26 - a 12.4-liter big-bore engine.

The current 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space is dedicated to the A26 engine.

Navistar will use the additional space to produce next-generation big-

bore powertrains developed with its global alliance partner Traton.

According to Brandon Tucker, Director of Operations, Navistar has built more than 1 million engines in Huntsville over the past 20 years.

“It’s easy to say one million engines, but if you step back and think about that – it’s a lot of engines,” he said. “It’s a lot of parts. It’s a lot of overtime. It’s a lot of work fixing

problems. It’s a lot of hard work.

“Engines are what makes us great, it’s what gives us the competitive advantage … so this is really about a big job, well done.”

Tucker said it is also about business continuation.

“It’s a line in the sand, a jumping off point for big things to come,” he said. “Like any industry, we ride the tide of ebb and flow … but today it is time to focus on the future.”

He said things will move quickly on the new building with center office construction starting in March, site work and grading should begin by spring with core construction expected to start by midsummer. It is slated for completion the first half of 2023.

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“Jetplex Industrial Park at Huntsville International Airport is proud to be home to Navistar,” said Rick Tucker, CEO of the Port of Huntsville. “Having been a corporate partner of theirs for over two decades, it means a lot to us that they would desire to continue to grow both the facility and their relationship with us.

“I’m certain that we will all work together to continue to propel Alabama forward.” w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

ENTREPRENEUR

Strong Coffee, Strong Women: Sonia Robinson Shares Her Journey “Strong Coffee, Strong Women,” The Catalyst’s widely popular breakfast and networking event, features inspirational stories from successful businesswomen that focus on professional growth and successfully overcoming challenges along the way.

This particular event was no exception as Sonia Robinson, a breast cancer survivor and the executive director at BIO Alabama, spoke to a sold-out, standing-room-only crowd.

Robinson was very candid about sharing her breast cancer survivor journey.

“I do not miss a chance to talk about my boobs,” she said.

In 2017, Robinson was at the peak of her high-intensity career: 36 years old, divorced and raising two boys, then 4 and 8. To Robinson, going for her routine gynecological exam was just that, routine; another self-care box to check off between meetings and an otherwise busy workday.

As the nurse did the manual breast exam, she suggested that Robinson get a baseline mammogram.

Robinson initially declined, thinking to herself, “My career was on fire. I was 36 years old and never had had a baseline mammogram. I don’t have time; I’ll do it when I’m 40. Had I waited until I was 40, my story would have been very very different.”

The nurse practitioner felt a palpable lump in Robinson’s breast and asked her, “Have you ever felt this?”

For Robinson, monthly selfexams were not on her radar, so the answer was “no.”

Sonia Robinson, Executive Director at BIO Alabama

Even after the nurse practitioner sent her for a diagnostic mammogram, Robinson saw it as another item to check off the to-do list. She assumed that the lump would be benign and she would be back to work without skipping a beat.

When the mammogram was complete, the technician told Robinson the radiologist wanted to speak with her on her way out.

“I thought my radiologist just had really good bedside manner and stopped to chat with all the patients afterwards; she’s good, but not THAT good,” said Robinson.

The radiologist told Robinson, “It looks suspicious. I’ve already spoken with your gynecologist.”

The next step was a surgical biopsy.

When her surgeon called Robinson to discuss the results, he said the words she never exAttendees at Strong Women, Strong Coffee listen to a speaker pected to hear: “Sonia, we have a little cancer.”

As she processed the news and discussed the treatment options, Robinson slowly walked to her bedroom and lay down on the bed.

By Lori J. Connors / Photos by Steve Rabin

Sensing the news was bad, her with the decision that you make. Ulmother lay down beside her as the timately, I made the decision to move conversation with the surgeon contin- forward with chemo.”

Once the decision was made, ued.

The cancer was likely Stage 1. A Robinson threw a “Shave Party,” indouble mastectomy or a lumpectomy viting forty of her closest friends and with radiation would be the options family members. The event included a champagne toast and a bouncy house given.

Before making a decision, Robin- for the kids.

After her head was shaved, she son wanted a better understanding of what she was dealing with. Her sur- reveled in the new look.

“Try it, shave your head,” said geon gave her four weeks to research, gathering as much information she Robinson. “It changed my life.”

Then, there were reconstruction could. decisions, such whether to keep one’s “What does life look like on the other side of this?” Robinson wanted nipples or get tattoos. Robinson decided to keep hers. “Nipple tattoos, to know.

Robinson opted for a double it’s a real thing, y’all,” said Robinson. mastectomy. During surgery, it was “I want y’all to look at these,” as she discovered the cancer had spread to sent images to friends, male and feone of the lymph nodes, which im- male, to get honest feedback. “Our mediately put her into Stage 2, which boobs are so important to us as women,” said Robinson. “I really needed became a game-changer.

When the oncologist told Rob- that feedback. I was 36 years old and inson that chemotherapy was to be single. scheduled, “I told him, “No,” said Robinson.

She advised the audience, “We are to question; we are to ask, to research.

Y’all have to fight for your health.”

Robinson still believed that everything would be ok without chemotherapy.

Sonia Robinson and Joanne Randolph, CEO of the Catalyst “I felt that maybe I should “Had I been older, I may not have have Dr. Harriman just ‘clear the made the same decision.” margin’ and I do nothing, no chemo,” Robinson’s fourth and final round said Robinson. “As the words left my of chemo came just 6 days after her mouth, I thought how irresponsible 37th birthday. That came with the that was. expectation that life would return to “I had an 8-year-old and a 4-yearwhat it was, pre-cancer. old. I wanted to be their mommy for “Chemo is over, Sonia is well,” a long time. When you’re given a disaid Robinson. “That’s when the real agnosis like this, it’s not just you, it’s work started. we.”

“In order to be your ultimate self, After four weeks of research and guess what you have to do? Put yourconsulting the medical community self first. The most selfless decision and breast cancer survivors, “I was you can make is to put yourself first. told, ‘Sonia, you’re in a gray area’,” Try it. It will change you.” w said Robinson. “You have to be happy

March 2020

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SMALL BUSINESS

T-H Marine Lands Maurice Sporting Goods Marine Division Huntsville-based T-H Marine Supplies has acquired First Source, the marine accessory division of Maurice Sporting Goods, one of the largest sporting goods distributors in the United States. First Source will operate as a standalone division of T-H Marine in Fort Myers, Fla. “We’re thrilled to complete our largest revenue acquisition to date,” said T-H Marine CEO Jeff Huntley. “Our new First Source division will allow T-H Marine to expand into new product categories and continue to grow our product portfolio that we offer to both our OEM and Aftermarket customer bases.

“The First Source expertise also greatly strengthens our capabilities in aftermarket retail and e-commerce channels for our customers. We have built a strong platform for the past 45 years that is rooted in deep relationships with our customers, who depend on us for quality boating and fishing accessories.

T-H Marine CEO, Jeff Huntley

“We look for great acquisitions like First Source that can really help us bring more value to our customers and continue to provide more awesome products for the boating and fishing enthusiasts that love our brands.”

First Source was founded in 2004 as a turn-key direct import source, with deep overseas relationships, that helps to design, manufacture, package, test, and

“The T-H Marine team shares our passion for bringing awesome, innovative products to market and for really taking care of our customers.” supply companies with marine and paddle sports products. Their expertise is highly valued by their customers, particularly with cofounder Read Samples leading and utilizing his more than 30 years in the marine industry.

“We are blessed to be joining longtime customer T-H Marine, a solid and rapidly growing company that truly knows the marine and fishing accessory markets,” said Samples. “T-H will allow our team to expand into more product categories becoming more meaningful to our customers, including more OEM product opportunities.

“The T-H Marine team shares our passion for bringing awesome, innovative products to market and for really taking care of our customers.”

First Source provides customers access to a broad range of design

capabilities, procurement resources, products, packaging vendors, and logistics management services in a single source provider. T-H Marine has been a long-time customer of First Source along with

From Staff Reports

other manufacturers, distributors and major retailers.

This was T-H Marine’s eighth acquisition in the past decade contributing to its annual growth of 20 percent over that time, Huntley said of the 45-year-old familyowned company.

“We will continue working on more acquisitions and more organic product development to continue growing our stable of brands and our breadth of awesome products,” he said. “We have such great customers who continue to buy and believe in us and our brands …

“We hope we can keep this up and continue to find great products and brands that are ready to be launched or taken to the next level.” w

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

Trash Pandas Announce Single-Game Ticket Sales MADISON — The Rocket City Trash Pandas have announced that individual game tickets – including Opening Night – will go on sale to the general public March 14 and March 15 at the Toyota Field box office only; online sales begin March 16.

Grand Opening Weekend for the ticket office and The Junkyard Team Store will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 14; and, noon to 6 p.m.

March 15.

“We can now answer the number one question Trash Pandas fans have asked for more than a year: ‘When do single-game tickets go on sale?’,” said President and CEO Ralph Nelson, “We appreciate the patience, enthusiasm and support our fanbase has shown throughout this journey and we are excited that this day is finally upon us.

“Like all Trash Pandas events leading to Opening Day, this will be a party – all weekend long.”

The weekend will feature live music, family entertainment, and allow fans to experience Toyota Field for the first time.

For information, visit trashpandasbaseball.com or call (256) 325-1549.

For full story, visit huntsvillebusinessjournal.com. w

Chamber Announces Best Places to Work Contenders And the nominees are …

The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber has announced the contenders for the 2020 Best Places to Work Award.

The award recognizes businesses that create an excellent workplace culture through employee engagement, strong leadership and excellent communication.

The winners will be announced at the annual awards luncheon April 15 in the Von Braun Center North Hall. The categories and contenders are: MICRO: 10-24 employees Aleta Technologies, Inc.; Applied Technologies Group, Inc.; Boecore, Inc.;

Corporate Office Properties Trust; Cortina Solutions, LLC; Croy Engineering; Flint River Dental; H2L Solutions, Inc.; Mb Solutions; Mission Multiplier Consulting; New Beginnings Family Law, P.C.; On-Line Applications Research Corp.; Phased n Research, Inc.; Practical Energetics Research, LLC; Redstone Government Consulting, Inc.; Resolution, LLC; River Tree Insurance Services, Inc.; Roto-Rooter; Seabrook Solutions, LLC; Still Serving Veterans; Stratagem Solutions, Inc.; TVA Huntsville Customer Service Center; Women4Women OBGYN. SMALL: 25-50 employees Arcarithm, Inc.; Crossflow Technologies, Inc.; Davidson Homes, LLC; EOS Defense Systems USA, Inc.; Good Samaritan Hospice of Madison; Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center; Invariant Corp.; JHNA; KBM Enterprises, Inc.; KODA Technologies, Inc.; MartinFederal Consulting, LLC; Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc.; Mission Driven Research; MTA, Inc.; Nesin Therapy Services, P.C.; Noetic Strategies, Inc.; PPT Solutions, Inc.; Reliant Technologies, Inc.; Sentar Inc.; Signalink, Inc.; Verity Integrated Systems, Inc. MEDIUM: 51-100 employees Brockwell Technologies, Inc.; Canvas, Inc.; Cepeda Systems and Software Analysis, Inc.; Conditioned Air Solutions; deciBel Research, Inc.; Geocent; Hill Technical Solutions, Inc.; Ignite, Inc.; LINE-X, LLC; MDW Associates; Monte Sano Research Corp.; QTEC Aerospace; Thompson Gray, Inc.; Trideum Corp.; TriVector Services, Inc.; Troy 7, Inc.; Willbrook Solutions, Inc. LARGE: 101-250 employees AEgis Technologies Group; Avion Solutions; Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.; HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology; IERUS Technologies; Intrepid; IronMountain Solutions, Inc.; Leonardo DRS; Manufacturing Technical Solutions, Inc.; MITRE Corp.; nLogic, LLC; nou Systems, Inc.; S3, Inc.; SEA Wire and Cable; Simulation Technologies, Inc.; Technology Service Corp.; Trident Technologies; Turner Construction; Woody Anderson Ford.

X-LARGE: 251-plus employees Five Stones Research Corp.; Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3); Intuitive Research and Technology Corp.; Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); PeopleTec, Inc.; The Orthopaedic Center; Torch Technologies; Yulista Holding, LLC. w

Progress Bank Celebrates 12th Anniversary

Brown Hired as VP for Southern States Bank

Progress Bank recently celebrated its 12th anniversary of serving clients across North and Central Alabama and Destin/ Inlet Beach, Fla. The Huntsville-based bank opened in February 2008 with offices in Huntsville and Decatur. Progress Bank has more than $1.2 billion in total assets and Progress Financial Services has approximately $940 million in assets under management.

“We strive to encourage a culture of exceptional service to our customers, and I am proud to say that our employees continue to impress me each year,” said David Nast, bank president and CEO. Progress Bank has two offices in Huntsville along with offices in Madison, Decatur, Florence, Birmingham, Vestavia, Inlet Beach and Destin. w

Brooks Brown has been named vice president and commercial banking officer for Southern States Bank’s Huntsville office.

He will be responsible for growing and originating deposit and commercial loan relationships, primarily in the Madison County market.

With more than 20 years of banking experience in commercial lending and business banking, Brown joins Southern States Bank from Wells Fargo Bank where he served the last several years as a business banker.

“With Brooks’ commercial and business banking experience, coupled with his relationship management skills, he was a natural fit to join our team in Huntsville,” said Richard Perdue, Senior Vice President at Southern States Bank.” w

Huntsville Real Estate Market Ends 2019 on High Note HudsonAlpha Launches Biotech Mentoring Program for Entrepreneurs The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has launched a mentoring program called Navigate to help strengthen biotech and life sciences entrepreneurs as business leaders in North Alabama, capitalizing on the wealth of business talent in the region.

The program was established last fall and is modeled after MIT’s 20-plus year old Venture Mentoring Service.

Navigate matches growing entrepreneurs with teams of c-suite executives, experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from North Alabama to provide confidential and conflict-free advisors.

For information, email mentor@ hudsonalpha.org.

See full story at huntsvillebusinessjournal.com w

The Huntsville Real Estate Market set a record pace throughout 2019, ending the year on a high note, according to a recent report.

The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors’ Fourth Quarter Real Estate Economic Report, conducted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville, found sales grew by more than 15 percent compared to the same quarter in 2018, with 1,995 homes sold in the quarter.

“We witnessed major growth in our industry last year,” said HAAR President Sha Jarboe. “While this is great news for our city and industry, it also presents challenges as inventory reached historic lows in December with less than 1,000 available homes for sale.”

The report said prices of homes sold continued to rise significantly from 2018. Median sales price rose 11 percent to $239,643 and average sales price increased seven percent to $258,014.

Inventory of homes available for sale fell to the lowest level since 2001 with only 993 homes listed at year’s end.

For information and to see the full report and other reports, visit haar.realtor. w

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