Keeping you informed and inspired. VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 9
September 2021
HOSPITALITY COVER STORY
106 Jefferson, Huntsville’s First Boutique Lifestyle Hotel, Open for Business
Built on the historic site of the former Huntsville Hotel, an iconic hot spot during the Victorian era, the property features a chef-driven restaurant, a rooftop lounge and is walkable to the city’s bustling downtown. By Mike Easterling - Page 5
DEVELOPMENT
Let There Be Music Concert Series DEVELOPMENT Raises Funds for New Madison’s Home Place Park Amphitheater
MVP and the Arts Council created Let There Be Music, an outdoor concert series to help raise community funds to build the amphitheater that can accommodate up to 500 people. By Kimberly Ballard - Page 20
ADDITIONAL STORIES • SitDown With Success: T. J. Lee of Leeland Ventures: Keep Your Eyes Open and Listen Twice as Much as You Speak By Kimberly Ballard • Page 3
• Huntsville Native Named NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellow By Lori J. Connors • Page 10
• MSFC Director Singer: Delivering Our Mission is Biggest Challenge By Alan Clemons • Page 18
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HUNTSVILLE
BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 4, Issue 9 September 2021 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
September 2021
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SITDOWN WITH SUCCESS
T. J. Lee of Leeland Ventures: Keep Your Eyes Open and Listen Twice as Much as You Speak This month’s installment of the Huntsville Business Journal’s series “Sitdown with Success” features developer T.J. Lee. “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. T.J. Lee built Hampton Cove Christian Academy in 1996 when that Huntsville neighborhood was lacking in preschool programs and daycare options. Since then, Leeland Ventures, Lee’s joint venture with Ardent Preschools and Daycare Center of Birminham, built Christian values-based Ardent Preschool and Daycare facility near Cummings Research Park in 2000; an Ardent school in Jones Valley in 2018; a 25,000 square-foot Ardent school at Redstone Gateway in 2021; and he has just announced the groundbreaking of a fourth Ardent school on U.S. 72 at Clift Farms. His company recently broke ground
on Leeland Plaza anchored by Dunkin’ Donuts in Hampton Cove, and Slim Chickens restaurants at Town Madison and Clift Farm. Was real estate and development always your career choice? No. I went to Auburn and got my first degree in economics and business with the intent of going to law school for construction law, it was a relatively new field in legal practices at the time. I graduated, applied to law school, and got accepted, but decided not to go because I wanted to be out in the field, rather in a law office. I went back to Auburn for a second degree in civil engineering and building science, then went to work for BE&K Building Group, an international industrial engineering firm out of Birmingham. They moved me around the country for five or six years. What challenges have you faced in the building of your business? The first was eminent domain. I already had the plans drawn up for
a Christian preschool and elementary school on the property next door to Hampton Cove Christian Academy when the City of Huntsville came in and, five times, took most of it to build the eastern bypass, paying me pennies on the dollar when considering its future worth. I had to scramble quickly to put something together for the Village at Hampton Cove, or otherwise they were going to take it all. That issue dragged on for several years. What advice do have for someone getting into building and development today, not necessarily schools, but anything? Keep your eyes open and listen twice as much as you speak. Opportunity falls like rain all around you, but you must recognize opportunity and act on it. If you don’t take advantage of it, you will never know what you missed. Also, when you find people older and more experienced than you, learn
By Kimberly Ballard / Photo Steve Babin
as much from them as you can. And lastly, never forget where you came from, and pass it on to the next person. What is the secret to your success? There are two: my Christian faith is number one and has always gotten me through the deepest, darkest times. And I never giving up on my dreams and ideas. No matter how many people say your dreams are no good or impossible, perseverance will get you through it. If you can interconnect your dreams with passion, then you are blessed. u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
Subsidiary of EVENT Publishing
President /Publisher................................................................ Todd Stephenson Editor .......................................................................................... Bud McLaughlin Writers.........................................................................................Kimberly Ballard Alan Clemons Lori J. Connors Mike Easterling Noah Logan Graphic Design ............................................................................. Justina Simon Website................................................................................................ Jim Gharib Photographers...................................................................................Steve Babin Kimberly Ballard Justina Simon Director of Sales ................................................................. Carolyn Stephenson Account Executives......................................................................... Noah Logan 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 ©2021. 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.
September 2021
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HOSPITALITY
106 Jefferson, Huntsville’s First Boutique Lifestyle Hotel, Open for Business 106 Jefferson, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel and Valor Hospitality Partners property, has opened its 115room downtown location. Built on the historic site of the former Huntsville Hotel, an iconic hot spot during the Victorian era, the property features a chef-driven restaurant, a rooftop lounge and is walkable to the city’s bustling downtown. In addition to its spacious guest rooms and suites, press releases say the property pays homage to the city’s rich history through purposeful design and a charitable mission of raising up the Huntsville community. “We are so excited to bring Huntsville its first lifestyle hotel,” said Mary Beth Lewis, director of sales and marketing at 106 Jefferson. “We are shining a bright light on this community by ensuring our guests feel the spirit of the city’s culture within these walls. From the location accessible to many attractions to the unique offerings, and to our commitment to giving back to the community, our guests are sure to enjoy an authentic, one-of-a-kind experience.” The hotel’s first guest was made in partnership with St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children for four-yearold Darcy Speegle of Decatur, who is battling leukemia. Speegle and her family have only traveled outside the home for chemotherapy treatments in the last 18 months. Among the features at 106 Jefferson: • Huntsville’s origins dating back to the space race are woven throughout the custom artwork and offerings. The property showcases local, customized artwork that reflects the spirit of the community. Additional nods to Huntsville are found in on-property gift shop offerings, in-room partnerships and charitable components. • The hotel offers a window into Huntsville’s past through the
property’s chef-driven restaurant, Revivalist, reminiscent of an old-time parlor with a modern twist, helmed by Chef Matthew Mohler. The innovative menu reflects European classics and American regionalism utilizing locally sourced ingredients from area farms and the property’s organic herb garden. • The rooftop lounge, Baker & Able, features whimsical and earthy crafted cocktails paired with shareable appetizers and delectable desserts. The openair lounge pays homage to the two primates, named Baker and Able, who were the first to survive spaceflight in a Huntsville-built Jupiter rocket. • Event space and ballroom. 106 Jefferson celebrated its launch by honoring its mission to enrich Huntsville by celebrating its history and giving back to the community. The hotel donated 10 percent of all food sales in August to local charitable organizations, including HEALS Inc., a non-profit that provides underprivileged children with free dental, medical and optometry care at school-based clinics in the Huntsville area, and Madison County 310 Board, an organization that supports Madison County residents with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. “We’re thrilled to welcome 106
Jefferson to the Curio Collection portfolio, and celebrate the addition of this remarkable hotel to Huntsville’s one-of-a-kind community,” said Jenna Hackett, global brand head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “With over 100 hotels around the world,
By Mike Easterling / Photos by Steve Babin
Curio Collection properties are each handpicked to offer guests an authentic experience by integrating the community into the hotel, and 106 Jefferson is a perfect example. "From localized artwork to uniquely curated food and beverage offerings, travelers experience the essence of Huntsville that they cannot find anywhere else.” u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
ENTREPRENEUR
Entrepreneurial Paradise: gener8tor Unleashes its gBETA Accelerator Technology startups in North Alabama have a new resource to speed up their growth trajectory, thanks to a partnership between RCP’s MidCity Accelerator Foundation and gener8tor, a national startup accelerator. Accelerator programs are designed to help startups reach their next level of their development. To that end, the MidCity Accelerator Foundation and gener8tor endeavor to provide a focused experience with venture and partnering relationships available to applicants across North Alabama.
“Gener8tor will foster and empower entrepreneurs by providing its groundbreaking ‘boot camp’ that catapults startups to the next level.” “This new partnership between MidCity Accelerator Foundation and gener8tor will provide entrepreneurs with the proven, successful gener8tor accelerator and its toolbox to build a successful growing concern around their product,” said Remy Gross III, co-founder of RCP Companies and creator of the MidCity Accelerator Foundation. “Gener8tor will foster and empower entrepreneurs by providing its groundbreaking ‘boot camp’ that catapults startups to the next level.” As one of gener8tor’s programs, gBETA was designed to help startups gain early customer traction on their product or idea and establish metrics that can make them competitive applicants for equity-based accelerators or seed investment. In gBETA, participants receive intensive and individualized coaching and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners, and investors. Since its launching in 2015, gBETA program alumni have
raised more than $192 million in capital and created more than 2,100 jobs across the U.S. and Canada. Avilution, GRAISIN Robotics, and SureMed Compliance, three Alabama startups, have been recently accepted into gBETA. Huntsville-based Avilution is an avionics software startup that’s on the
fast track in building the technology to power the next generation of crewed and uncrewed air vehicles. The company’s core software, eXtensible Flight System, ditches the outdated avionics designs that have long hindered the aerospace industry. As a result, the industry is destined to become more reliable, safer, and
By Lori Connors / Photo courtesy of gener8tor more adaptable to new technology. GRAISIN Robotics has combined AI and robotics to meet the challenges faced by Alabama’s workforce. Using advanced AI technology, the Huntsville-based company has been able to enhance automated labor, reduce overhead costs, and provide access to the most powerful on-demand employment platform on the market. SureMed Compliance is a Mobile-based healthcare software startup. It presents a comprehensive approach to end the opioid epidemic through training, chart auditing, and software integration. This program is the only Active Verification software solution available to patients outside of the office and helps to identify high-risk patients prior to initiating opioid therapy; thus, helping physicians make more effective prescribing decisions. Since North Alabama is an area of unlimited high-tech opportunity, RCP wants to entice young startups to stay here – not head off to other markets. Four annual programs for entrepreneurs are being offered through this collaboration. They include three annual gBETA “preaccelerator” programs and an annual “gener8tor Accelerator Studio” program. gBETA will operate in Huntsville and Florence-Muscle Shoals. Local corporations, such Iron Mountain Solutions, Bank Independent, Arco Murray, Robins & Morton, Made in Alabama, and others have helped to fuel gBETA in North Alabama through their generous support and sponsorship. “The collaboration between gener8tor and Huntsville’s MidCity Accelerator Foundation will enhance the vitality of North Alabama’s innovation ecosystem by providing the guidance and mentorship that entrepreneurs need at a critical time,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. Visit gener8tor/Huntsville. u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
SMALL BUSINESS
Lioce Group Launches Line of Electric Vehicle Chargers In the wake of President Biden's national goal for zero-emissions vehicles to make up half of new cars and trucks sold by 2030, a Huntsville company is driving to help motorists and businesses meet the challenge.
We are investing for the future, our customers, and our families" The Lioce Group is launching a line of electric vehicle chargers in a partnership with SemaConnect, company President Nick Lioce and Operations Manager Anthony Lioce announced. “We’re extremely excited about the launch of our new product line and partnership. We are investing
for the future, our customers, and our families," said Anthony Lioce. "Before us, there is a major shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles. Alabama is 50th in ranking of states in regard to providing EV charging and infrastructure. TLG hopes to change that." TLG has been providing products and services to Huntsville since 1967 and we hope to carry on for another 54 years.
By Bud McLaughlin
The product line will consist of SemaConnect’s full series of commercial level 2 240-volt chargers. SemaConnect, based in Bowie, Md., provides EV chargers for commercial applications – workplace, multifamily, hospitality, retail - and the public sector. u
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FOOD / DINING
All Aboard! Rolo’s Cafe is Back on Track The trains are moving again at Rolo’s Cafe. The popular “meat-and-three” restaurant off Airport Road in South Huntsville in Westbury Square is open again after closing just last month. The store reopened last Friday and, by lunchtime, seats were full and a line was formed at the cash register. “We have loyal customers, very loyal,’’ said new owner and former server Christy Michelle Parker. “The phone has been constantly ringing and people are knocking on the front door asking if we’re going to reopen.’’ Parker said she has a silent partner in the business ownership. Parker is a graduate of Buckhorn High School and a resident of New Market. She answered an ad on the job hiring site Indeed and began working at Rolo’s in 2018. When the previous ownership, derailed by the coronavirus, decided to close the cafe, Parker saw
opportunity. “It definitely impacted the restaurant with staff issues,’’ she said of the pandemic. “I was praying everything (with the opening) goes off without any issues.’’ Rolo’s was founded by Rolo Weaver 30 years ago. As reported earlier in the Huntsville Business Journal, Rolo’s serves Southern staples such as grits, sausage, country fried steak with gravy and eggs for breakfast along with bottomless hot coffee, and switching to burgers, pot roast, cobbler, vegetables, a cheesy patty melt and more for lunch or afternoon early suppers. The cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
By Mike Easterling / Photos by Steve Babin
Parker said if she can get staffing, Rolo’s will add Mondays to open hours. Parker said she saw a business that could thrive post-pandemic, and she wanted to keep the workers on staff employed. “When I worked here, I treated the place as my own,’’ she said. “I knew it was profitable. I wanted to keep it open for the community, for the workers. They’ve been here for years and years.’’ When the cafe closed on July 2 Parker posted this message: “This absolutely breaks my heart. For three years this restaurant was my life. My job, my coworkers, and the customers are what helped me make it through some pretty tough times. Yesterday was the last day we will be open. The doors will not reopen after the 4th of July. The only hope Rolos has of reopening is if someone buys the restaurant.’’ Parker made it happen. u
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NONPROFITS
Huntsville Native Named NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellow Just by mere circumstance, the global pandemic illuminated the need for digital inclusion here in the United States. It’s an issue that can no longer be ignored or overlooked. Google Fiber and NTEN recently announced the seventh cohort of 2021 Digital Inclusion Fellows. Since 2015, 75 Fellows have been selected to help to bridge the technology gap in their respective communities. Brittany Wachter, a Huntsville native, was among the 11 fellows selected for 2021. Wachter is the asset manager at Neighborhood Concepts, a local nonprofit dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods through affordable housing and economic opportunities. NTEN is a membership organization of nonprofit professionals who put technology to use for their causes. This fellowship helps nonprofits reach their communities online, empowering them to meet their social, economic, and civic needs. As a newly minted fellow, Wachter will create, implement, and manage a project aimed to promote digital literacy and inclusion. “I will carry this principle into my digital inclusion project, because I believe communities must have digital literacy to be self-sufficient,” said Wachter. “I hope to teach and inspire others not only about technical and digital skills, but also to bring awareness that digital divides do exist even in high tech communities such as Huntsville and to encourage individuals who share a common goal
of digital inclusion to come together to continue this work.” Although the United States is considered by many to be a hightech land o’ plenty, there still remains glaring disparities with regards to digital access. If anything, COVID-19 beamed a spotlight on these inequalities, especially when it came to remote work and learning. For many, the online world is overwhelming. Although most people have cellphones, many websites don’t behave the same way when accessed from a cellphone, even with dedicated Wi-Fi. Then, for some, there are skill deficits, such as the ability to use the Internet for research, apply for a job, or fill out a college application. The digital divide is especially evident in at-risk or economically challenged communities. This often begins with something as simple as reliable Internet access. Sometimes,
this lack of access is due to geography. However, in many cases, it’s due to budgetary constraints. Laptops or computers are the kind of technology that can be costly for those who are on a limited income. After NTEN saw the work that NCI does for the Huntsville
By Lori J. Connors / Photos by Steve Babin community, they reached out to Executive Director Mary Ellen Judah. Judah saw this as a great opportunity to further NCI’s mission in strengthening communities by providing activities that boost the economic condition of underserved populations. She suggested that Wachter apply. NCI has already taken some initial steps to bridge the digital divide, such as providing computer labs in the clubhouses of the NCI properties, as well as free Wi-Fi access. In addition, NCI has partnered with local financial institutions in providing classes in digital literacy and fraud prevention. The fellowship will be Wachter’s first role in digital literacy. “One of my duties as asset manager is to develop services for the residents of our Huntsville communities,” said Wachter. “And I felt this fit nicely within our goals and objectives for our resident service program.” u
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TOURISM
What’s New? A Zoo (and an Aquarium) For You! Imagine a world-class, state-ofthe-art zoo and aquarium, complete with adventure treks, ziplining, coupled with a host of enticing retail, dining, and entertainment options, all rolled into one breathtaking facility. All of this - just a hop, skip, and a jump away, thus eliminating the need for a day trip to Birmingham or Nashville. The dream is destined to become a reality in the not-so-distant future. In a recent press conference, the North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS), a Huntsville-based nonprofit, announced its plans for a new zoological park in Limestone County. NALZS, in partnership with Lansing Companies will be developing the recently purchased 687-acre multiuse site. The location will be easily accessible to communities across North Alabama via US-72, US-31, and I-565 to I-65 at the Huntsville Browns-Ferry exit. In addition to the big announcement, the architectural design renderings were also presented. The proposed zoo will be completed in 3 phases; phase 1 will take roughly 3 years to complete. The Huntsvillebased architectural firm BRPH will design the buildings. The landscape architecture and thematic design will be implemented by the Orlando (FL) based Perry Becker Design Group. Much has been considered in the details, especially with regards to
location. Despite concerns about the site located directly in the path of the notorious “Tornado Alley,” staff and patron safety and security has been built into the facility’s overarching design. Zoos are not cheap. The proposed zoological park and aquarium comes with an elephantsized price tag of $33 million, $11 million will need to be raised through fundraising and sponsorship. For almost 45 years, there has not been a nonprofit zoo, nor a zoological park built from the ground up here in the United States. Although there have been other groups with similar visions over the years, plans for a zoo or an aquarium have yet to materialize in North Alabama. At
least, not until now. Formed in August 2019, NALZS organized with a goal of establishing a world-class community zoo and aquarium. To this end, NALZS conducted extensive market research to determine feasibility. All results indicated that Huntsville would be an ideal location. To further promote the endeavor and to build awareness, NALZS implemented “A Zoo for You, North Alabama” billboard campaign in January 2020. Public response was overwhelming. It soon became clear that in addition to a zoo, the North Alabama community also wanted an aquarium. Although NALZS’ primary objective is to create a zoo and aquarium in North Alabama, a part of their mission is to conserve wildlife habitats so future generations can enjoy observing the various species in their natural environments. To that end, they are developing relevant programming to support wildlife
By Lori J. Connors / Photos by Steve Babin
conservation and education. The theme of the exhibits will be based on the animals’ homes in the national parks or preserves, providing a relevant way to help visitors connect with the wildlife and their native environs. The Adventure Treks will also allow visitors to move through their native habitats in adventurous ways. On the aquarium side, there will be one building devoted to aquatic wildlife. However, most of the aquatic species will be in aquaria co-located with other wildlife from their respective national parks and preserves. “Another area of special interest is the Cosmic exhibit,” said Ethan Woodruff, NALZS Executive Director. “That is going to be an exhibit with species that have gone up in space. It’s a homage to those species that have gone through the astronaut program. We’ll have species that have gone up in space, like spider monkeys, cats, rabbits, and it will be very interactive.” Zoos and aquariums have a rightful place in an established community. Not only do they have a positive economic impact on nearby community businesses, but they can also significantly improve the quality of life within that community. Attractions, such as zoos and aquariums can be a source of joy and inspiration for guests. Studies have shown that interacting with animals at zoos and aquariums can improve the emotional and mental health of the visitors. Woodruff pointed out that when completed, the new zoo would be part of a “zoo trail” along the I-65 corridor, spanning from Nashville to the Gulf Shores. There promises to be a zoo destination almost every 2 hours – or less – along I-65. “We’ve been working on this for two years and two days; we just had our anniversary August 8th,” said Woodruff. “It has been almost 45 years since a zoo that has been built from scratch, so it’s a pretty exciting thing for our area.” For more info: www.aZooForYouNAL.org u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
COVER COVER S
An End in Sight f Construction Mat
By Kimber As businessowners, the construction industry in North Alabama is highly competitive; but as an industry, contractors and builders are friends or at least casual acquaintances who come together to share ideas, discuss problems, and seek solutions that affect everyone across the industry. When the labor shortage for instance, began affecting the industry, these leaders came together to discuss solutions or mitigate the problem. The results were more recruiting efforts in schools, training classes, and certification programs. But the building materials and supply shortages the industry is experiencing in the wake of the worldwide COVID pandemic that shut down the international economy, appears to have no solutions – at least not any easy ones, except to wait it out. Make no mistake – the materials and supplies shortages in the construction and building industry are sweeping. “In construction, we often look at raw commodities such as wood, aluminum, copper, and steel, since these components make up the majority of our buildings,” said Senior Preconstruction Estimator Brad Parker with Robins & Morton. “Currently, all of these items are affected by shortages to various degrees. “Resins and plastics are also in short supply because of adverse weather impacts to the production of a variety of polymers and chemicals used in their manufacturing.” Another builder said the price of Oriented Strand Board, a common material used for roofs and siding is up 503%. He said before COVID, he could buy it for $7.50 a sheet. Now it is $40 to $50 sheet. He used to buy plywood for $7 a sheet; it is now $76 a sheet. Joey Ceci, president of the Breland Companies said, be assured, the shortages are across the board and unrelenting. “Forget choosing your own roofing material, you have to pick what is available and that is not much,” said Ceci. “Usually if we have a lumber shortage, we use steel studs in the
walls instead of wood. But they too are in short supply. You have to order windows when you sign a contract if you want to get them in time. Electrical contractors are even having problems getting copper and wire, so they are going to Home Depot and Lowe's and cleaning them out.” And if the shortages seemed to be directed only at supplies and materials, there are many ancillary shortages causing headaches for builders. Many of the spas people are putting in their new homes require a microchip made in China. The spas are joined by air conditioners waiting at the manufacturing plants for these chips that regulate temperature. And appliances … “It is almost across the board on appliances,” said Ceci. “We are finishing houses every day and the owners are ready to close but they are having to wait to get appliances.” But Barry Oxley, executive officer with the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, said the appliance shortage is not because there are no appliances being made, it's because they are sitting in warehouses and on docks awaiting trucks to pick them up and ship them. Oh, those microchips! “The shortage of microchips is one of the worst shortages out there affecting the construction industry,”
said Ceci. “If you remember, during the early days of the pandemic, car dealerships were breaking records selling cars and trucks. Now, not so much because they can’t get inventory due to a shortage of the microchips in key fobs and GPS. “Car dealerships are only giving out one key to new car and truck owners because there is a shortage of the chip in the key fob. I just saw a picture of a Ford truck plant in Kentucky with a huge lot of new parked trucks waiting for microchips.” How do key fobs and microchips affect the building industry you might ask? Look at any construction site. Most of the vehicles are work trucks and heavy equipment and almost all of them require microchips to control the lock mechanisms and the GPS. And many delivery vehicles and shipping carriers use them as well, and they all come from Asia where they are under strict COVID rules and regulations. “The pandemic, floods, fires and storms have affected the United States economy, and many of these same disasters have also affected the international business community,” said Parker. “If there is an appliance or material needed that is made in the United States, the manufacturing facility may still be repairing
damage from a storm, experiencing reduced workforce, or battling other external supply issues that make them unable to produce their materials at the same rate as previous years. “When we’re talking about importing goods internationally, not only have other countries faced similar issues, but they also have to ship their goods, and there are currently widespread challenges with transportation.” But is COVID the absolute culprit in all these shortages, or are there mitigating circumstances as well? “At some point supply will catch up with demand,” said Ceci. “And it is easy to blame COVID, and it is to blame to some extent, but especially in North Alabama, we are seeing unprecedent demand.” “COVID shutdowns and the resulting supply chain disruptions are certainly the major cause of the current shortages,” said Parker. “However, other factors are at play such as pent-up demand for new construction — both residential and commercial — as well as international trade challenges, logistics, and natural disasters. Although the supply chain is squeezed more than normal, there’s always been both economic and supply volatility somewhere in global supply chains.” Parker said materials are readily available and align with standard lead times that developed around construction schedules. This allows them to order materials as needed while also mitigating any effects of inflation. “Any disruption to availability can cause a ripple effect that drastically alters cost and timing,” said Parker. “Although the last year has been especially trying with material availability and cost, this is something that the construction industry deals with frequently. “For example, several years ago, we experienced challenges in
September 2021
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STORY STORY
for the Crushing terials Shortages?
rly Ballard material procurement due to a series of international trade conflicts. To mitigate this, we purchased and stored materials in warehouses until needed. Construction isn’t something that you can stop in the middle of when things are challenging.” Oxley agrees the building industry faces these challenges frequently but the pandemic has exacerbated any existing problems. “A winter storm in Texas recently knocked out two large glass manufacturing plants,” he said. “Glass is manufactured 24 hours a day because they have to keep the heat levels up and they can’t have hot-cold, hot-cold fluctuations. The factories effectively melted down. “At almost the same time, another glass factory in the Midwest had a fire. That was three major glass plants down, and then came COVID. So, you will always face freaks of nature, but if glass manufacturing is behind, the making of windows falls behind. “In a standard build, you order windows six weeks out about the time you lay the foundation. Now it takes 16 to 18 weeks for windows and specialty windows take even longer.” “If you go back to when pandemic started more than a year ago in March, construction never shut down,” said Oxley. “But you have a supply chain set up with trucks and trains and boats, and it never completely shut down, but their priorities were of course healthcare, supplies, and food. “In the meantime, there was no slowdown in construction. Builders were still replacing appliances, completing remodeling projects, replacing windows, doors, and roofs. That stuff was still coming out of the supply chain. Then people who were stuck at home said, ‘This is a good time to redo the kitchen or bathroom or do a remodeling project.’ “The supply chain got derailed and hasn’t fully come back.” Ceci said what is different about this shortage over other shortages caused by hurricanes, fires, floods, or other unforeseen forces is that it really is shortages causing the delay. “Usually, it’s a matter of a supplier having what you need and just wanting
a higher price for it,” he said. “And we always watch for hurricanes during hurricane season, and we see massive damage that will cause some disruption in the lumber market for instance that we know will affect price and availability for a while, we deal with that. “But this is different because it is across the board. Several of the new restaurants and hotels at Town Madison have been held up due to these shortages. Just recently we had a case where the supplier said it was going to be 90 days. “Louis (Breland) made phone calls until his ear turned blue and found someone who could get it in 60 days. That is considered a victory and we can only hope the supplier is telling the truth when he shortened the wait time to 60 days.” It makes for a difficult time for some homebuilders. One builder presold homes before COVID and had contracts with homeowners quoting a price. When COVID struck and prices, even availability, destabilized, they not only had to rewrite those contracts, but they added escalation clauses that caused a great deal of consternation with owners. “When prices are stable, you can say, ‘I can build your home for $350,000’,” said Ceci. “But when prices are unstable, it is impossible to quote a price because you don’t know what the lumber, the roofing material or electrical and plumbing prices are going to be. That’s why Breland has never had that sales approach.” “At Robins & Morton, our job is to advocate for our clients,” said Parker. “Although there are things out of our control, one thing we can do is plan appropriately. “It’s important that we’re always transparent with our clients about the unavoidable issues that we face
during the construction process. Our goal is to become a partner to our clients and an extension of their team. This requires trust. In most cases, our clients understand that there are many limitations beyond our control and that are not a result of a lack of planning or poor performance. Fostering this kind of environment on our projects allow us to look at any barriers in a collaborative way, working together to do all that we can to reach our set goals. Is there an end in sight? “We have seen improvement in some areas, but we have also seen an increase in shortages such as drywall and roofing materials,” said Parker. “The challenges in the supply chain for building materials are somewhat different than for items found in a typical storefront due to the types and time to fabricate or manufacture. For example, things like large, structural steel beams must be made specific to the project and can’t be simply stored by the fabricator in countless configurations. “It’s still too early to determine when we may see volatility subside, especially since so many of the impacts have been a result of the still-present coronavirus outbreak and natural disasters,” said Parker. “However, optimistically I can say that our economy and our workforce is adaptable and resilient. We’ve seen many difficult years in our nation’s history, and we will work to
continually resolve new challenges with viable solutions.” “I see light at end of the tunnel,” said Oxley. “I listen to economists and recently one of them predicts that the shortages and prices in construction material and heavy metals, without factoring in inflation, should be back to normal by the end of the first or second quarter next year. I’m hoping for that.” “If you don’t have to do it right now, don’t,” said Ceci. “Don’t buy new appliances, don’t reroof your house, don’t remodel a bathroom or kitchen unless it involves life safety issues, because if you start what would be a 30-day project today, chances are you will not be finished for seven or eight months and the cost is not going to be in your favor.” Leading up to the shortage crisis, representatives from the National Association of Homebuilders visited the White House, spoke with the Commerce Secretary, and appealed to Congress for help with pricing because the shortage and high prices affect the affordability of housing people. “People want and need houses, and we still have to build four to five million homes a year,” said Oxley. “With rising prices, that means we build less houses, which means we are not able to meet the basic demand. "And owning a home is the American Dream.” u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
MANUFACTURING
Joint Venture Madison Metal Processing Plant Opens MADISON -- With more than a century’s worth of combined know-how in the U.S. steel and auto industries, Steel Summit Holdings, Toyota Tsusho America, and Southern Mobility Products are celebrating a first-of-its-kind collaboration in a new U.S. joint venture - Madison Metal Processing. According to a news release, MMP will supply steel blanks – the precursor to automotive surface body parts – for up to 300,000 vehicles produced at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant. MMP will also provide steel products to other automotive suppliers. According to the release, the company’s $40 million, 110,000 square-foot facility in Limestone County is creating 40 jobs. Full production is planned for mid2022, with trial production already underway. “Toyota Tsusho is a major player in the global auto supply chain, and
its new collaboration with an arm of Sumitomo Corporation of Americas unites two companies that are giants in their respective industries,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “At MMP, we are committed to providing steel solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Kirk Lewis, chairman and president of Madison Metal Processing and chairman of Southern Mobility Products. “Together, with our
partners and the added benefit of our collective acumen, MMP will set the bar for quality in every steel product we deliver.” As a fullservice steel processing service center, MMP will specialize in blanking and warehousing steel products including hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel, and exposed and coated steel products. The company estimates it will process as much as 5,000 tons of steel per month at the new facility. “SteelSummit is very excited to partner with Southern Mobility Products and Toyota Tsusho to form MMP,” said Todd Rollins, CEO and
From Staff Reports
president of Murfreesboro, Tenn.,based Steel Summit Holdings. “MMP’s new state-of-the-art blanking operation provides us with the opportunity to support Mazda Toyota’s new auto assembly operation and expands SteelSummit’s existing presence in North Alabama.” The collaboration of the three companies brings considerable expertise to the region, with Steel Summit’s 36-year history in the U.S. steel industry and TAI’s nearly 70 years in America. “At Toyota Tsusho, we value meaningful partnerships that get results for our customers and benefit local communities at the same time,” said Toyota Tsusho America group Vice President and Metals division head, Shawn O’Connor. “We believe our investment in MMP will be good not just for business, but for the Huntsville region. "We are pleased to expand Toyota Tsusho’s footprint in Alabama.” u
September 2021
15
REAL ESTATE
Charming Southern Architecture, Cottages at Old Monrovia Now Leasing While Huntsville is on the fast track to building residential communities to meet the needs of its growing population and economic growth, Capstone Communities is completing one of Huntsville’s most unique housing developments at the Cottages at Old Monrovia. The 25-acre development located off Old Monrovia Road, just blocks from Huntsville’s exciting new MidCity district, turns apartment living into a classic American neighborhood with 275 standalone cottages, private fenced-in backyards, pristine sidewalks, and individual curbside parking. “The cottage architecture feels like a home and not a temporary place to stay,” said John Acken, executive vice president of development for Capstone Communities. “The unattached singlefamily style is more like living in a neighborhood than in an apartment complex with walking paths, a playground, a community swing, and plenty of open green areas for gathering with neighbors for a barbecue. “Unlike traditional apartments, every cottage is somewhat unique in its own way, whether it is through the use of color or a slight variation in the façade – each has that little something that gives it individuality like a true home always has.” He said the attention to detail and focus on quality like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and 18 to 20-foot vaulted ceilings are unlike any other rentals in the area and adds real value for the resident. “It is a style that is timeless and universally popular throughout the Southeast,” he said.
Additional upscale amenities include wood-grain flooring, in-unit washers and dryers, a smart home technology package, state-of-theart fitness center, resort-style pool, centralized clubhouse, dog park, electric car charging stations, a car care center, a pet spa, 24/7 on-call maintenance and optional enclosed garage parking. Capstone Communities has been building on-campus and off-campus housing in college towns all over the country since their founding in 1990; however, they have designed the Cottages at Old Monrovia to attract a much broader tenant than the average college student. “Huntsville is a market where, even though we are close to UAH, we are just as close to Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park,” said Acken. “The Cottages at Old Monrovia are attracting young professionals that have graduated from college and are starting families; families who are
transferring into the area and need a homey place to live while they look to buy a house, build, or remodel a home. “We are even attractive to seniors who are downsizing. In fact, seniors are a very big component of this type of development because the units are predominantly one-story with no steps,
By Kimberly Ballard / Photos Courtesy of Capstone Communities
and you can park on ground level and walk comfortably up to your door,” said Acken. The Cottages at Old Monrovia have a mix of one-, two-, and threebedroom cottages, lofts, and carriage house style unattached homes. Pricing is based on traditional three-story walk-up apartment complexes throughout the area, with a premium add-on because of the private back yard. “Renting at the Cottages at Old Monrovia is very much like renting a house in a single-family neighborhood,” said Acken. Currently, about one-third of the development is complete and leasing units. The lofts overlook the swimming pool and feature an upstairs bedroom overlooking the living area with 18foot cathedral ceilings. They will be open to lease by mid-August. The remaining property is expected to be complete and leasing in October. u
16
Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
HEALTH / FITNESS
NesinFit in Lincoln Mill Targets Active Population Needing Rehab, Wellness NesinFit Physical Therapy in Lincoln Mill will provide treatment and training for those injured or hurt while enjoying active lifestyles, exercise and recreational activities. Nesin Physical Therapy CEO Janine Nesin said NesinFit is a subsidiary of the existing three-clinic company. NesinFit opened in Lincoln Mill, Huntsville’s newest repurposed facility, at 1300 Meridian Street. The clinic is subleasing space from Iron Tribe Fitness, which is in the Lincoln Mill complex, and also collaborates with Fleet Feet and the Team Rocket Tri-Club of Huntsville. “Our goal is to pull in all athletes,” Nesin said. “We see runners from Fleet Feet, triathletes, cyclists, HITT enthusiasts, runners, swimmers, those in the athletic population and primarily the adult athlete. We will work on athletes of all ages, but insurance companies are not great
about returning people to recreation activities they love to do or to exercise. You’d think wanting to help people maintain or return to a healthy lifestyle would be important to them. “When you’re healthier your risks are lower for all sorts of things: heart disease, diabetes, other health issues. Insurance doesn’t really care if you’re able to enjoy recreation or exercise, as long as you can get around the house. We are not contracted with insurance companies. But we understand the process and can help navigate the submission for reimbursement directly from the company.” Nesin is joined by Chief Operating
Officer Becky Deason and certified therapists Jonathon Cooper and Amanda Spalding; Cooper will be directing the clinic. He and Spalding most recently worked at the Nesin therapy facility on of Whitesburg Drive. Nesin and Deason also will be working with clients. “We hope to grow and add additional staff members as needed,” Nesin said. “One thing about NesinFit is it’s not just for high-intensity athletes or triathletes. I love pickleball, and we know people enjoy being active in a variety of things. We’re here for people who enjoy recreational activities and want to get back on the golf course, or trail running, or being active with their family. “Sometimes you don’t realize the
By Alan Clemons
cascade of events and how the body is connected. Over time, something that is injured may impact your hip or back or opposite leg or shoulder. The damage can be compensatory, over time, and you don’t want it to affect other joints and parts of your body and the activities you enjoy.” Due to the historic designation for Lincoln Mill, signs are restricted. NesinFit is in the back building, through the glass double doors for Iron Tribe Fitness and upstairs. Nesin said her team is excited to be part of a revitalized area in the city. “Lincoln Mill is a hotbed of construction and a really cool facility,” she said. “It has a lot of office space, some restaurants and other businesses, and will continue to grow. I think it’s a great part of the restoration in that area of town and we’re looking forward to being there.” u
September 2021
17
HOUSING
Huntsville Millennials Key to Record VA Loan Growth & Refinance Growth According to a first quarter 2021 Veterans Administration report released by Veterans United Home Loans, Huntsville is ranked no. 10 out of 35 markets with a 72.65 percent increase in VA Loan growth year-over-year. Furthermore, Huntsville is ranked no. 5 with an increase of 127.49 percent increase in VA refinancing growth. Chris Birk, vice president and director of Education for Mortgage Insight and author of The Book on VA Loans, said his company requests data from the VA quarterly so they can look for trends. Astoundingly, 2020 was the biggest year in the history of the VA Home Loan benefit program begun in 1944. With the shock of such high numbers during a pandemic, Birk’s company was anxious to see what the first half of 2021 looked like. Birk’s company did a survey late last year of 900 veterans across the country, asking them how they felt about the housing market and how had COVID impacted their plans. One of the most interesting things to come out of the survey, said Birk, is that despite COVID, most veterans decided to accelerate their homebuying plans rather than pause. “The results showed the pandemic affected nearly half of veteran homebuyers, but of that half, most decided to go ahead and buy rather than wait,” he said. “The VA fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30, and we still have two full quarters remaining. “But halfway through this year nationally, VA refinancing was up 76 percent and purchase loans were up almost 10 percent, so who knows what the last two quarters of the year hold, but all signs are pointing towards it being another record year.” The Veterans Administration backed more than a million loans last year for the first time in its history, reflecting nine years of purchase
“A VA loan has the lowest average interest rate on the market and has for the last six years in a row” growth; however, despite those high numbers, refinancing was really the story of last year, and it is what is propelling overall growth. But Birk said that’s where VA demographic data comes into play. “It is one of the most common questions asked across the industry,” he said. “What are Millennials doing in the marketplace, and when are they going to buy?” Nationally, Millennials are the largest demographic in the country.
In Huntsville, they are the only demographic to see an increase in purchase loans. Millennials are fueling the growth in VA lending in the Huntsville market according to Birk, with a refinance increase among Millennials of 167 percent and the VA purchase loans among Millennials is up 14 percent. “Millennials are looking to break into the housing market and buy their first home,” he said. “It is interesting to see because GenX homebuying is down; Boomers are down; the Silent Generation is flat, but Millennials are playing a huge role. Even older Millennials are looking to refinance after buying their first home two to five years ago, while some are buying a second home."
By Kimberly Ballard
The signature benefits of a VA home loan is no down payment, no mortgage insurance, more flexible credit requirements, and a low average market rate. “A VA loan has the lowest average interest rate on the market and has for the last six years in a row,” said Birk. “That benefit is compounded by the fact veterans are looking at the overall interest rates being the lowest any homeowner has ever seen. That is not an environment or opportunity even veterans who bought a home a few years ago, are going to pass up.” Birk explained his methodology to ensure the numbers are not skewed. “I set market loan amounts at a minimum of 1,000 per year to weed out small markets where a jump from five loans to 10 loans may look like a 100 percent increase,” he said. “If the market didn’t do 1,000 loans the first half of 2020, then I didn’t count it.” A VA benefit loan has been the safest loan on the market for last decade, with the lowest foreclosure rate of any other loan product on the market, even though eight out of 10 veterans buy without a down payment. The question becomes, is this trend sustainable? “I think rates are going to stay low through this year and into next year,” said Birk, “although there is definitely the specter of inflation and a lot of concern about home price depreciation being astronomical in some parts of the country. Inventory is still tight in a lot of markets – Huntsville being one of them. “But I believe we will see some veterans struggle in some markets and not necessarily get the first or second house on their list due to cash offers, but I do think we will continue to see incredible growth with the VA Home Loan benefit program as veterans continue to discover or rediscover their options.” u
18
Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
AEROSPACE
MSFC Director Singer: Delivering Our Mission is Biggest Challenge Marshall Space Flight Director Jody Singer said the biggest challenge she has faced from Washington couldn’t be answered with one item. “I would have been I would say… delivering on our mission. Delivering on our mission is a critical challenge,” Singer said during her update at last month’s Space & Missile Defense Symposium at the Von Braun Center. “We have to do that despite all the things that are going on. As a part of that, a second thing that is nothing really replaces taking care of our people and our team, and that type of working together keeps us integrated. And since I'm up here I get to say I've got a third thing to me is the budget. We have the people, we have a mission, we have positive attitudes, but we do need the budget that can help support the missions. Singer touched on the partnerships Marshall has with the Kennedy, Stennis and Johnson space centers, Redstone Arsenal and others. Without them, she said, it would be much tougher to achieve critical aspects of projects from the big items seen by the public to smaller unseen ones.
“When I think Marshall Space Flight Center, I'm very proud to say that it's not only about space that we're working on, and it also benefits our home community as well as the nation.” Foremost is the Artemis project powered by the massive Space Launch System to return to the moon by 2025 and explore beyond. Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne and United Launch Alliance are working with Marshall and its other partners on the project. “Our area reaps the benefits of all of this work," Singer said. “When I think Marshall Space Flight Center, I'm very proud to say that it's not only about space that we're working on, and it also benefits our home community as well as the nation. For
By Alan Clemons / Photo by Steve Babin
“We're also looking to see how we can continue to be able to go further with sustained mission activity”
instance, over 43,000 jobs with an $8.3 billion economic impact is really good. "And that's pretty darn good for such a small organization that has half a percentage of the nation's budget.” Singer said on an average day with more than 7,000 professionals, civil servants and contractors working (on site) or working remotely, “as our
administrator says, for a little bitty organization we’re sure doing a lot of work…And you can’t stress the importance of our Redstone partners.” In regard to the Space Launch System, Singer again noted the partnerships and impact the massive project is creating nationwide. The SLS vehicle and Artemis program will first send uncrewed spacecraft
and, eventually, astronaut-crewed craft to and from destinations farther than the moon, Mars and new parts of the solar system. Crewed moon landings and deep space exploration will happen for the first time since 1972, she said. “We are a nationwide team, you know, and this is truly a national vehicle,” Singer said. “You can see…45 states, and we have an economic benefit over $500 billion. So, it's truly a national vehicle that helps over 1,100 suppliers and over 45 states. "Again, it’s the engagement with industry is the strengthening of technology, the manufacturing techniques, the things that we're doing for and in space.” Singer said as the Marshall team and partners continue “setting the stage for a new era of space exploration and partnerships,” enthusiasm has to be tempered at times. Successful demonstrations and tests definitely are worth celebrating but long-term success and consistency are most critical. “We're also looking to see how we can continue to be able to go further with sustained mission activity,” she said. “That is going to be critical, to have that sustained technology. The technology that you do for a demonstration is probably not the same technology identical to what you have for sustaining missions. So that's why we're continuing to work and grow and keep going. “As we go forward, we know that we'll learn a lot, we know that it will be important that we have sustained access to space, having a sustainable system, a sustained rocket, and having a capability to fly down on those, and then be able to deliver… the systems to work and play and live and discover in space.” u
September 2021
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
DEVELOPMENT
Let There Be Music Concert Series Raises Funds for New Madison’s Home Place Park Amphitheater MADISON -- With the release of new U.S. Census data, the city of Madison experienced a whopping 33 percent population increase to 56,933 people in the last 10 years, making it a sprawling gateway into Alabama’s new largest city. But that is no surprise to Madison city leaders who have for the past decade been paving the way to stardom with city projects that make Madison attractive while sharing the excitement of living just outside Huntsville. From the energetic Town Madison multi-use development with its baseball element, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues; to a rejuvenated downtown with new shops, a luxury mid-rise apartment community at The Avenue Madison, and upgraded parks and recreational venues like the new amphitheater at Home Place Park. Over the last two years, Madison Visionary Partners have reimagined their efforts to connect people, local government, and resources via community partnerships to inspire giving and that bring people together to improve the overall quality of life in Madison. Last year during the height of the COVID pandemic, MVP came together with the American Legion to create the Madison River of Hope, a painted rock garden on Bill’s Hill at Dublin Park. Each rock was a tribute to a person or organization on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two projects on their agenda, an upcoming coalition between MVP and local schools to expand and revitalize Kids Kingdom, also at Dublin Park; and a partnership with the Madison Arts Council and the city to raise money for downtown Madison’s $900,000 Home Place Park project featuring an amphitheater. MVP and the Arts Council created Let There Be Music, an outdoor concert series to help raise community funds to build the
amphitheater that can accommodate up to 500 people. It also includes a landscaped open lawn area and parking in the adjacent Madison City Stadium parking lot. “The concerts are in conjunction with the Arts Council who put together an integration of local and regional artists, all with a local mission of making Home Place Park an important part of the downtown core,” said Liz Brinton, executive director of MVP. “The city took on this project because the former location of the Concerts in the Park series, the Village Green on Front Street, was no longer large enough to accommodate the crowd and did not have adequate
nearby parking,” Mary Beth Broeren, director of Development Services for the city of Madison, said. “We have not increased the stage size as the intent is for it to still be an intimate, neighborhood-friendly event space, but we wanted to increase the seating capacity and parking availability, which we have accomplished.” Broeren said Home Place Park will be managed by the city’s Parks Department and there will be an area wired for food truck parking. A small picnic pavilion will be added as a future improvement. The Madison Rotary is also dedicating a Performance Pavilion. They expect the park will be utilized for myriad events including
By Kimberly Ballard / Photos by Steve Babin
small plays, school events and the annual Street Festival. “The open lawn area will be great for pets, throwing a Frisbee, et cetera. And people can reserve the space for all types of events,” said Broeren. Brinton believes the sky is the limit for the park and their ability to bring people together to support all types of events. “We envision the park becoming a place for tailgating football games, Shakespeare in the Park, and a lot of kid’s events like puppet shows and there is even talk about holding bird shows.” The city has raised close to $200,000 including donations from State Sens. Tom Butler, Bill Holtzclaw and Arthur Orr and State Rep. Mike Ball and Mac McCutcheon. That is where MVP has stepped up with the Let There Be Music concerts on the back patio of Old Black Bear Brewing Company downtown, just a stone’s throw from Home Place Park. The Thursday night concerts run through Sept. 30 will continue at Old Black Bear until the amphitheater is completed, weather permitting. An official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in September. The remaining Let There Be Music schedule features musical artists: Aug. 12, Jeff Tucker Aug. 19, Winslow Davis Aug. 26, Rob & the Red Beards Sept. 9, The PMB Sept. 16, Calypso Vision Sept. 23, Boarder Town Sept. 30, The Zooks According to Broeren, an associated improvement underway is the widening of Short Street and the installation of a sidewalk connecting the park with The Avenue and the heart of historic downtown Madison. “The city is working to enhance connectivity and walkability within the downtown area as part of its economic development efforts,” said Broeren. u
September 2021
21
DEVELOPMENT
Southeastern Skin Cancer & Dermatology Expanding in Madison MADISON -- According to studies backed by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, there are approximately 3.3 dermatologists for every 100,000 people in the United States. That persistent undersupply of dermatological services has been trending since 1999 and can mean only one thing – there are not enough dermatologists to treat patients with potential skin problems. Dr. Albert “Bo” Rivera opened Southeastern Skin Cancer & Dermatology in Madison in 2012. He has expanded the practice and his Mohs surgical center twice due to the need for more space as his patient load steadily increased. “Our current patients expressed a preference for keeping the practice here in this area, so I purchased a parcel of land off Madison Boulevard five years ago,” said Rivera “It was a much larger parcel of land than I
needed so the new Bojangles took one parcel, Firestone took another parcel, and we are building on the rest of it.” The 22,000 square-foot building will be more than double his current space. “The demand is there, and the Madison community has been great to support us,” said Rivera. “As
more people move into the area, I anticipate we will continue to see growth. As far as I know, everyone who moves here will have skin.” The hold-up has been his search for an additional dermatologist to join the practice. After a five-year search, that position was filled earlier this year by Dr. Katelyn Zimmer. “With the addition of Dr.
By Kimberly Ballard / Photos courtesy Southeastern Skin Cancer & Dermatology Zimmer, I think it is finally time to get the ball rolling on the new building,” said Rivera, a Haleyville native. “We perform removal surgeries, do the pathology onsite while you wait, and do the repair or reconstructive procedure all in one stop,” he said. “The Mohs techniques do not use sedation and we spare the good tissue, doing less collateral damage than incision surgery, leaving the smallest defect possible and a 99 percent cure rate." He said the most common areas for these surgeries are the face, neck, groin, and hands. “I’m not personally trying to grow the practice,” said Rivera. “But if there is a need out there, and we are not meeting demand, I can and want to help with that.” The new office is expected to be finished by June and ready to move in by July 2022. u
22
Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
DEFENSE
Northrop Grumman Legacy Programs Give Sway to Integrated Battlefield Kill Chain Something significant happened at the White Sands Missile Range on July 15 that will go down as proof of existence for the first successful, fully integrated kill chain and the realization of a kill web. The significance was the web used different sensors to engage a missile it was never designed to work against. As the United States is facing an adversary and a threat in space that continues to evolve and become more complex, flat and declining defense budgets are of great concern. Jo Cangianelli, director of Northrop Grumman's Launch and Missile Defense Systems, said the company had to learn how to provide more mission capability for less dollars, working smarter to maximize the mission impact. With a heritage in space missions and launch vehicles, along with its legacy in missile defense, Northrop Grumman found a way to utilize data from its space layer and integrate it with a weapon. “We have to counter the evolving threat from supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles that have an advantage in terms of range, accuracy, speed, and maneuverability,” said Cangianelli. “What we have to accomplish is becoming more complex, and therefore the solutions have to become more complex. “There are two enabling technologies that tie these together. One is data fusion - get data coming from satellites, down to the ground, and to weapons as quickly as possible. One method for doing that is data onboard processing. There is a significant amount of research and development that goes into enabling that capability on the satellite. “You also have to look at enabling capabilities in technology on the weapons side, like a weapons data link. So now, how do you tie and transfer and communicate that data from the satellite system down to the weapon? “Those are the two technologies we continue to invest in, to tie the kill chain together.” The July 15 test used elements from those technologies.
Using a fused IBCS (Integrated Battle Command System) developed here in Huntsville, they tracked and engaged a PAC-3 Patriot missile using Marine Corp Ground/Air TaskOriented Radar (G/ATOR) and an Air Force F35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. “This test was significant because it demonstrated in a live fire demonstration, the realization of something we have been trying to achieve in JAGC2 (Joint Air-Ground Control Cell), since those words were first uttered,” said Jerome Dunn, director of Systems Engineering at Northrop Grumman. “That is this kill web in which everything worked across all systems, all domains, and all services. “It was proof of existence for our JIFC (Joint Integrated Fire Command and Control Communications) architecture we are building, which is based off ICBS architecture, into a
larger-scale system that can deal with things that happen in future peer level competition.” He said the test showed the flexibility of Northrop Grumman’s contributions to command-andcontrol architecture. “It shows our work connecting all systems, including weapons, sensors, and all other battle management systems into a network of networks, and does it on the order of days to weeks, instead of months to years or never," he said. “The other thing it showed us is that advanced mission management, when done correctly, can do this and offer full battle space coordination on the same time scale, and at scale, for a peer level fight.” The test also incorporated the Joint Track Management Capability, a Missile Defense Agency program that allowed Northrop Grumman to send its track to potentially engage
By Kimberly Ballard / Photos courtesy Northrop Grumman
a standard missile with the same capability. “Now we are talking true Joint All-Domain Command and Control,” said Dunn. And the work continues. Mike Ciffone, director of Programs at Northrop Grumman Space Systems, said the evolution of ballistic missiles and the emergence of more maneuverable threats such as supersonic glide vehicles are challenging the capabilities of our ground-based radar networks and there is no way to counter these threats. The Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program is part of a constellation of satellites using a multiple layer approach in multiple order regimes. “HBTSS is important because these satellites use infrared telescopes to detect the heat signature from the missile launch and maneuvering phase of the vehicle interacting with the atmosphere,” Ciffone said. “These maneuverable threats are not like traditional threats and not how we do missile defense. “A traditional ballistic trajectory is more parabolic and follows a more predictable arc. When it burns out at the top of its trajectory, you could forecast forward and estimate the impact point and provide attribution of the source to that. “But the position of these new maneuvering threats is not deterministic, so we need to add a new layer to the constellation that picks up on the cue it gets from the missile warning constellation that has existed for decades.” Once it picks up the cue from the warning layer, it can maintain track custody throughout its glide phase, providing fire control quality data with the position of velocity necessary to hand off to interceptors. “Northrop Grumman has a wide range of capability that starts with infrared programs like the James Webb telescope," Ciffone said. "Having this breadth is a bench-step to people, tools, processes, and infrastructure that allows us to reach back as we are trying to solve hard problems on very rapid schedules.” u
September 2021
23
BRIEFCASE
Young Named First Bank Relationship Manager Tracey Young has been promoted to relationship manager at First Bank’s Huntsville financial center. He was the bank’s portfolio manager vice president for the last seven years. In his new role, Young will be responsible for retaining and developing strong relationships with new and existing clients to continue to grow FirstBank’s presence in the Huntsville market. “As a portfolio manager, Tracey built extensive relationships in the community, and his continued dedication to serving customers and helping them meet their financial goals make him a great fit for this position,” said George Cannon, FirstBank Huntsville Market president. “We look forward to his continued contributions not only to our branch, but also to the Huntsville community.” He is a graduate of the Huntsville Leadership Connect Class of 2016 and has been involved in the community in various volunteer roles, including as a board member and treasurer for the North Alabama chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Young lives with his wife, Ashley, and their four children in Madison. u
Swanstrom Joins Port of Huntsville as PR Manager The Port of Huntsville has announced Mary Swanstrom as its Public Relations Manager. As Public Relations Manager, Swanstrom is the primary contact for the media and manages customer relations, advertising, special events,
social media and community relations. “Mary brings a comprehensive understanding of public relations to our team as a talented communicator and customer service professional,” said Barbie Peek, Business Development Director for the Port of Huntsville. “Her experience and unique skills set will be instrumental in helping us deliver quality service to our customers and expand our mission to serve the Tennessee Valley Region.” Hailing from Atlanta, Swanstrom has lived in North Alabama for more than 20 years. Previously, she worked as director of Communications, Membership and Marketing for Heart of the Valley YMCA. Previously, Swanstrom worked at The Huntsville Times and in news production at WAAY-TV Channel 31. u
our executive team and has been instrumental in our growth. Jeff’s extensive experience in finance, accounting and operations in our industry will be invaluable as we expand into new markets.” Duriez, who previously served as regional president, has more than 30 years of experience in the new home industry. Deane brings 26 years of accounting, finance and operations experience to his role at Davidson Homes. u
Brightway Rook Family Agency Opens First Huntsville Office Kristen Brightway,
Duriez New Davidson Homes COO; Deane Named CFO Huntsvillebased Davidson Homes has bolstered its leadership team with the promotion of Greg Duriez to chief operating officer and the appointment of Jeff Deane as chief financial officer. “Both executives strengthen our company as we continue our focused, organic expansion strategy of building in fast-growing, thriving communities in the South that offer homebuyers an appealing quality of life,” said Adam Davidson, founder, president and CEO of Davidson Homes. “These appointments are also a direct reflection of the success and appeal of our company’s strategy, momentum and ability to retain, reward and attract incredibly talented leaders. “Greg is a proven, homebuilding veteran who is a trusted member of
Rook has The Rook
opened Family
Agency, opens Brightway, The Rook Family Agency today. The office, Brightway Insurance Agency’s first location in Huntsville, is located at 4100 Market Street, Suite 100, just outside the Redstone Arsenal Gate 9 Visitors Center. “I am excited to be opening a business to help friends and others in the community to protect what is most important to them,” said Rook. “The biggest part of this is being able to write for many options of insurance companies to be able to find the most competitive choice.” “Kristen knows Huntsville and her community, and we are ecstatic to partner with her to open our first agency in this market,” said Brightway President and CEO Michael Miller. “Brightway provides Agency Owners, like Kristen, with all-encompassing business support that frees up their time to focus on helping their customers and growing their business.” u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL