HBJ Jan 2024 by EVENT Magazine

Keeping you informed and inspired. February 2024

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 2

GOVERNMENT

Potential Government Cybersecurity Standards to Bring Major Changes for Huntsville Businesses

COVER STORY

On 26 December 2023, the federal government released updated proposed cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors and subcontractors who conduct business with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). By Sarah Zupko - Page 5

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Talking Tastings and the Wine Trade with Huntsville’s Wine Cellar

Brandi Edmonds admits that she had limited knowledge about wine before she stepped in to assist her friend and former owner of The Wine Cellar, Annette Birchfield, at the shop. By Heather Price - Page 16

ADDITIONAL STORIES • FTI Boosts Cyber Innovation and Education with State-of-the-Art HACS Center Expansion in Huntsville By Guz Wintzell • Page 8

• Exploring the Future: Huntsville Gears Up for the 2024 AI Symposium at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center By Carl Holden • Page 10

• People and Pooches Alike Celebrate Opening of Huntsville’s First Dog Bar By Noah Logan • Page 18

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HUNTSVILLE

BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 7, Issue 2 February 2024 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 2024

SIT DOWN WITH SUCCESS

A Conversation with Alison Brown of Cabana Wax Sit Down With Success is a feature of the Huntsville Business Journal on entrepreneurs and their keys to success. To read the full story, please visit the Huntsville Business Journal website. Six years ago, Mobile-native Alison Brown was working in Huntsville as a lawyer, specializing in business litigation. She enjoyed working with small businesses at the law firm so much that she decided to open a business of her own and one that Huntsville didn’t have: a Brazilian wax studio. In 2018, Brown left law behind and opened Cabana Wax, a full-body wax studio specializing in safe, affordable waxing for women and men, in Twickenham Square in downtown Huntsville’s medical district. Two years later, she opened her second location, on University Drive near Madison. Despite challenges, like being temporarily shut down during the COVID pandemic and encountering increased competition, Brown has grown her

business and is proud of her team and their services. The Huntsville Business Journal recently talked with Brown about her business and her secret for growing from five clients to almost 14,000. How did you get the idea for your business? I had been getting Brazilian waxes in Birmingham throughout college and law school, and waxing had long been a part of my personal lifestyle. When I moved to Huntsville in 2017, the only places offering Brazilian waxing were large spas, and it wasn’t their main service, so they weren’t “specializing” in waxing. I set out to create what I personally wanted in the market: a dedicated wax studio offering affordable waxing where I could get in and out on my lunch break and still have quality results. What is your favorite part of being a business owner? Being an employer. That’s the

most meaningful part. I started working when I was 16. I’ve had a lot of really great bosses, but I’ve also seen some leadership styles that I think are not conducive to the best workplace; things like yelling or embarrassing people while they are trying to learn. Negativity does not bring out the best in people, so trying to develop and encourage employees has been one of my main morals as a business owner. Since 2018, I have almost doubled our starting hourly pay for waxers and receptionists. I want my staff to know that we all benefit from what we’re creating together. What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their own business? Be aware of your community or the community where you’re wanting to open a business. Take note of what’s already there. I needed a wax place. I didn’t have one, so I created the one I wanted. What is something that you

By: Heather Price / Photo courtesy of Alison Brown

are personally interested in that you want to be a consumer of, and does that match with a need your community has? If you want to open a bakery and there’s already 15 bakeries, that’s a really bad idea. That can ruin your life. It’s really important to think about this before just getting excited about an idea. Also, you have to be genuinely passionate about whatever you’re offering; if you don’t love it, no one else is going to love it. w

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

Subsidiary of EVENT Publishing

President /Publisher……………………………………… Todd Stephenson Editor………………………………………………………………… Gus Wintzell Writers…………………………………………………………Laura Boehringer Marie Johnson Noah Logan Heather Price Sarah Zupko Contributing Writers……………………………………… Alexander Duck, II Carl Holden Graphic Design ………………………………………………… Justina Simon Amy Pearson Website……………………………………………………………… Jim Gharib Photographers…………………………………………………… Steve Babin Justina Simon Director of Sales ……………………………………… Carolyn Stephenson 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 ©2024. 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.

February 2024

CYBERSECURITY

Potential Government Cybersecurity Standards to Bring Major Changes for Huntsville Businesses On 26 December 2023, the federal government released updated proposed cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors and subcontractors who conduct business with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This set of proposed regulations, known as CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) was released as a 234-page document, which is published online in the Federal Register. The Huntsville Business Journal sat down with Scott Edwards, CEO of Summit 7, to discuss the proposal and how it would potentially affect Huntsville businesses working with the DoD. The type of data that a defense contractor manages will determine which of the three levels of CMMC compliance they will need to meet. Contractors in Level 1 will be required to meet 17 practices, and will be able to self assess for compliance. Contractors in Levels 2 and 3 will need to meet 110 and 130+ practices, respectively, and will require third-party assessment for compliance. Scott Edwards explained how to determine which level of compliance Huntsville companies will need Infography courtesy of Schellman

to meet. “You’re going to be assessed at the highest level of the data you handle across all of your contracts,” said Edwards. Any company that manages CUIs, Controlled Unclassified Information, will automatically reach Level 2, and thereby be required to obtain third-party assessment. The size of a particular government contracting firm does not determine its need for compliance. Whether a firm has 2 employees or 2,000, it will need to meet the level of CMMC integration that is designated by the level of security needed for the documents it handles. Jacob Horne, Chief Security Evangelist at Summit 7, discussed estimated costs of CMMC assessment in a recent online post. Companies requiring the minimum

level of CMMC compliance can expect to spend close to $6,000 on assessment alone, while contractors requiring Level 2 compliance may spend over $100,000 obtaining appropriate CMMC assessment. It should be noted that these particular figures do not include the implementation costs that will prepare DoD contractors to be assessed. Implementation expenses, which may include hiring costs and costs of additional hardware and software, are estimated to reach as high as six-figures for individual companies. In addition to significant economic outlays, there will also be intangible costs to workers. In order to meet regulations, there may be changes to the ways in which people work on a day-to-day basis. Multi-factor authorization for log-ins, bans on the use of personal devices for work-related material, and the implementation of virtual

By: Sarah Zupko / Photo courtesy of Summit 7

desktops are just a few examples of changes that workers may need to adjust to as their company implements CMMC regulations. Building up approved IT infrastructure is estimated to take anywhere from 9 to 24 months, per individual contracting company. The ability of local defense contractors to meet CMMC regulations will impact residents of Huntsville and Madison, regardless of whether they are a part of the defense industrial base or not. “Obviously, Huntsville and North Alabama, as a whole, are very dependent on government contracting. That is what Huntsville does. The whole government contracting community really, really has to pay attention to this, because it is going to impact them. It doesn’t impact them any differently than it impacts other communities, it is just that Huntsville has such concentration [of defense contracting] that it impacts our economy more than it impacts other communities,” explained Edwards. The CMMC proposed regulations can be found online through the Federal Register. Public comments may be made on this page until February 26, 2024. Edwards estimated that the proposed regulations will go into effect during the first quarter of 2025. w

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

REAL ESTATE

December 2023 Caps Challenging Year for Huntsville’s Market The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) has released its annual report for 2023, as well as the report for the month of December specifically. 2023 was a year defined by the interest rate shock, which reverberated throughout the entire real estate market. Would-be buyers found homeownership a more daunting prospect as 30-year fixed mortgage rates hit a two-decade record high. At the same time, current homeowners were put off at the prospect of losing out on the far lower rates of their previous mortgages, and opted to “lock-in,” and attempt to wait out the high mortgage rate shock, keeping their homes off of the market. This exacerbated the existing inventory shortage, which in turn drove up competition for those would-be buyers, who frequently found themselves frustrated in their attempts to enter the market. All of these issues had empirically-quantifiable impacts on the numbers for 2023. Pending sales across the entirety of the ValleyMLS service area, of which Madison County is a part, declined by 11.2% in 2023, representing a total of 12,474 sales. Closed sales declined by 18.5%, representing 12,364 sales. Moreover, sellers received an average of 98.3% of the list price at sale, a year-over-year decrease of 1.6%. Of particular note is the trend against larger units. While closed sales were down across all size ranges, the greatest decrease was found in the 2,001 - 2500 square foot range, which saw a decrease of 19.8% from the previous year. The decrease for units in the 2501 - 3000 square foot range was not as great, but it still repre-

sents the smallest amount of units sold in 2023, at only 1,384 closed sales. The greatest number of closed sales were made for units in the 1501 - 2000 square foot range, with 3,712 units sold. The vast majority of units sold in 2023 were in the $159,000 or more range, with 11,177 units sold. However, this represents a decrease in sales of 16.4%, as there had been 13,368 units sold in 2022. While these higher-priced units dominate the market, there is evidence of interest in more affordable units; units in the $69,000 - 98,999 range were the quickest to be sold, spending an average of only 28 days on the market, while their more expensive

counterparts spent an average of 35 days on the market. The report does show that homes in Huntsville, specifically, sell slightly faster than elsewhere in Madison County. The yearlong average days on the market across Madison County was 31 days, while units in Huntsville specifically sold in an average of 28 days in 2023. The monthly report for December shows signs of increased market activity in the Huntsville/Madison County market. There were 786 pending sales in December. Closed sales hit 524, down slightly from the previous December, which saw 538 sales. The average sales price in Madison

By: Marie Johnson

County increased to $382K, up from $366K in 2022. The average days on market continued to slow, reaching 39 days, compared to 22 the previous year. However the inventory on the market continued to build, increasing from 1521 units available in 2022 to 1811 in 2023. So, where does this leave us for 2024? Barring unforeseen catastrophe, the Federal Reserve has signaled a willingness to ease off the interest rates for 2024. Its December announcement set a target rate of 5.25% to 5.50%, likely over a series of gradual cuts over the course of the year. “Inflation has eased from its highs, and this has come without a significant increase in unemployment. That’s very good news,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said in a press conference. The Federal Reserve feels confident that the inflation issue has been successfully brought under control, where it will hit its target rate of 2% by the year 2026. An easing of interest rates could well entice potential sellers out of their lock-in stance, which, in turn, would ease some of the chronic inventory shortage that has plagued the entire market. Experts are split, however, on what this could mean for housing prices moving forward; a potential influx in inventory could result in a modest decrease in price, as sellers compete for buyers. However, the potential influx may not be large enough to accommodate the backed-up demand for housing, either keeping prices steady or otherwise failing to ameliorate the rising costs. Either way, the Huntsville Business Journal will continue to monitor the market and report on developments as they occur. w

February 2024

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate “Lock-In Effect” Weakens Grip as Market Begins Thaw By: Marie Johnson Housing and Real Estate statistics taken from the end of December 2023 indicate that the phenomenon of would-be buyers holding off until mortgage rates decline - an effect known as “lock-in” by the industry - has begun to weaken. This suggests that 2024 could see a turnaround from the sluggish pace seen since the twin shocks of inflation and interest rate hikes hit the market. Redfin reports that the percentage of homeowners whose mortgage rates are below the current average has seen a slight, but noticeable, decrease in only a few short months. In mid-2022, the national percentage of such owners represented 92.8%, a record high. Yet its latest report shows that the percentage has decreased to 88.5%. This decrease is attributed to a combination of unavoidable factors in the lives of participants - divorces, childbirths, deaths, employment-related relocations - and the market coming to terms with the notion that interest rates are unlikely to return to 3% in the foreseeable future. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), while there will likely be a gradual decrease over the course of 2024, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate will likely stay within the mid-6% range for the next year. The trend of buyers and sellers beginning to drop the lock-in effect is visible in our local market. The latest report from the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) shows an increase in both listings and sales in the Huntsville/Madison County market. The HAAR report, dated to De-

cember 30, 2023, shows that new listings for single-family units saw a 51%, and a 150% increase for townhouse/condo units. Pending sales of single family units increased 41.7%, while townhouse units saw a 200% increase. Housing inventory has been an issue for years, both nationally and in our local market, and the lock-in effect has exacerbated the problems with supplying the demand for housing. According to HAAR, the inventory increased for the last week of December, by 11% for single-family units and 14.6% for townhouse units. The easing of the lock-in effect is corroborated by statistics reported by the US Census Bureau. According to the Bureau, housing starts across the U.S. jumped 14.8% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,560,000 units. Single-family units specifically saw an 18% increase in starts from the previous month. Redfin reports that national mortgage-purchase applications are up 3% from mid-December, while Realtor. com reports that refinancing activity has surged in the first half of January. The refinance index rose 18.8%, with refinancing of government-backed loans in particular increasing 30%. It may take some time for the arterial blockage of the lock-in effect to break up entirely. A total or near-total blockage is simply not sustainable over the long-term, a reminder that the market still responds to the needs and lives of the real human beings who participate in it. The Huntsville Business Journal will continue to monitor market conditions as developments occur. w

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

DEFENSE

FTI Boosts Cyber Innovation and Education with State-of-the-Art HACS Center Expansion in Huntsville Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI) has unveiled plans to expand its cyber operations facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, with the construction of the FTI Huntsville Analysis and Cyber Security Center (HACS Center). The expansion involves adding 25,000 square feet of secure facility space operating at all classification levels, complementing the company’s existing office. Positioned as a “Cyber Center of Excellence,” the FTI HACS Center will aim to provide a secure environment for collaboration among FTI’s government customers, industry partners, and academics. The expansion will facilitate innovation in cyber through advanced analytics, granting access to FTI’s extensive library of operational technologies and deep technical capabilities in the cyber domain. This expansion will increase FTI’s cyber operations footprint in Huntsville to a total of 40,000 square feet. The HACS Center is not only expected to support the 60 FTI employees already based in Huntsville, but also create 140 new jobs over the next three years. The investment for this expansion is estimated to be around $10 million, and the center is anticipated to be complete and operational by the first half of 2025. “I commend FTI on its expansion in Huntsville, Alabama. The HACS Center will contribute to our national security through cyber security, data analytics and artificial intelligence,” said Alabama Representative Dale Strong (AL-05). “Now more than ever, it’s crucial the United States is on the cutting edge of nextgeneration war fighting and this investment will contribute to that mission.” FTI views the HACS Center as a commitment to innovation in cyber and data analytics, serving as a collaborative ecosystem to accelerate innovation in critical areas for the DoD: cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The center

will play a vital role in sustaining and continue to grow our cyber capabilienhancing the DoD’s leadership po- ties, solutions, and uniquely skilled staff,” said Hidalgo in an interview sition in these domains. with the Huntsville Business Journal “It is exciting to see the great leadership and professionalism the (HBJ). “Huntsville’s unique nexus FTI team brings to decision analysis of talent, infrastructure and collabtools and in depth cyber capabilities orative industry and government partners is exactly the environment supporting DoD across the Services,” we need to be successful today, and said Jim Rogers, major general, U.S. Army (ret.) and FTI board member. there is no better place to support our fast-growing work driving U.S. “The growth in Huntsville reinforces Information Advantage into the futhe importance of this work across all ture.” government agencies.” Hidalgo also mentioned that FTI President Jose Hidalgo mentioned that the Jose Hidalgo, President of Frontier Technology, Inc. expansion in Huntsville was important as the Rocket City plays a major role in cybersecurity for the entire nation. “The sophistication and danger of cyber threats to our nation have never been greater, and FTI is fully committed to meeting and getting out ahead of them. We’ve very happy to be expanding our local footprint with the FTI Huntsville Analysis and Cyber Security Center to

By: Gus Wintzell / Photos courtesy of Frontier Technology, Inc.

Huntsville is the nexus for a variety of agencies, such as the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC), and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, all of which require a high standard of cybersecurity to protect military and space interests. Hidalgo believes that FTI’s HACS Center will fit right in with the structure of Huntsville’s cyber-economic sector to support these institutions. “There is also a large and growing technology sector, a large number of mission partners, and a wide range of educational institutions focused on cybersecurity in the area. The thoughtful implementation of the many collaborative working groups, industry days, panels, and leadership updates from all of Huntsville’s cyber stakeholders make it the perfect ecosystem for supporting the FTI HACS Center and the application of FTI’s Information Advantage initiatives,” Hidalgo told HBJ. There will also be a major academic component to FIT’s expansion. Hidalgo mentioned that one of the major goals for FTI’s expansion will be to connect with schools, such as the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Talladega College, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the Alabama School School of Cyber Technology & Engineering. “Institutions like these are critical to creating our next generation of cyber experts. FTI has had the pleasure of working with UAH, and we are actively pursuing opportunities to collaborate further with them and others,” Hidalgo mentioned in an interview with HBJ. The announcement of the FTI HACS Center follows the October 2023 news of the FTI Operational Research Bridge for Innovation & Technology (ORBIT Center), a 46,000 square foot secure facility under construction in Colorado Springs, Colorado, focusing on space operations collaboration. w

February 2024

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

How You Can Conquer the Interview Process Writing resumes and cover letters, searching through job postings, and completing applications can be timeconsuming and exhausting. Landing an interview, especially at a position you are very excited about, can inject a sorely needed boost of enthusiasm and hope. However, the interview phase is merely the start of the hiring process and a competitive step that must be overcome prior to a potential job offer. Consider that the average corporate job posting receives around 250 applications and, from those, four to six candidates will be chosen for the interview process. Preparation Pays Dividends There are nigh infinite resources online, from LinkedIn to YouTube to TikTok, that can help you prepare for your next interview. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the company, its values, and its products or services prior to walking in the front door. If you happen to know who will be conducting the interview, whether it’s an individual or a panel, you should do some research on them and their role within the company as well. Bring extra copies of your resume and any documentation, such as a portfolio, that may be helpful during the interview. Lastly, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the most commonly asked interview questions so that you can have your best answers ready to go. Proper preparation will prevent you from being caught flat-footed and stammering through your responses. If interviewers perceive that you are unprepared, it will leave them with the impression that you lack diligence or sincere interest in the position. Either of these assumptions will likely end your candidacy for the job. First Impressions Matter As the saying goes, “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” It cannot be overstated how true this is during the interview process. Up to 65% of hiring managers said they would not extend a job offer to a candidate that failed to make eye contact, was not dressed appropriately for the position, or folded their arms across their chest during the interview.

Attire, body language, posture, confidence, and etiquette can be major influencers in the final hiring decision so it is imperative to make the absolute best impression. Attempt to answer questions fully, but avoid being too long-winded and never speak poorly of past employers. Be sure to give the interview panel or hiring manager your full attention. For this reason, experts recommend that if you take notes during the interview, do so sparingly. Practicing your interview with others beforehand can also help you learn to control your initial impression and body language. Steps to Follow Up While the days of sending formal thank you notes may be bygone, it is still strongly recommended that you follow up after the interview, usually by email. Use this opportunity to thank the interviewer or recruiter, let them know you are available should they need any additional information, and, if appropriate, summarize the interview as a gentle reminder that you are the best candidate for the position. You might also use this as a final chance to restate your interest in the position and the company. Then, be patient. Keep in mind that the typical time frame from interview to job offer is currently close to 4 weeks. If you have been given a window in which to expect a response, such as one week or by the end of the month, and that time has passed, it is acceptable to send an email and po-

litely inquire about the current status of the selection process. Hiring decisions can be delayed for a multitude of reasons, but this small act of thoroughness can sometimes be the final factor in securing

By: Alexander Duck

the job offer. Conclusion Unfortunately, there is no perfect formula for acing every interview, so instead, each candidate should strive to tip the odds as far in their own favor as possible. During the interview, managers are waiting to hear the right answers that you will be the best fit for this specific position within their organization. They are also watching for any negative reason or shortcoming to remove you from the pool of potential candidates. Use every tool and strategy to your advantage: be prepared, dress appropriately, exhibit positive body language, be polite and confident, be engaged and ask questions, provide great answers, be thankful, and follow up appropriately after the interview. Job seeking is tough work, but these tips should help during the critical interview phase. w

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

AI TALKS

The Future Frontier: How AI is Revolutionizing Space Technology

By: Carl Holden Exploring the Future: Huntsville Gears Up for the 2024 AI Symposium at the U.S. Space and The exploration of space has always Enhancing Robotic Exploration captivated the human imagination, and Robotic exploration has become as we venture further into the cosmos, an integral part of space missions, with Rocket Center the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in rovers and landers exploring distant space technology becomes increasingly prominent. AI is transforming the way we approach space exploration, enabling more efficient missions, enhancing data analysis, and contributing to groundbreaking discoveries. In this article, we will explore the various ways AI is poised to shape the future of space technology. Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation One of the key applications of AI in space technology is the development of autonomous spacecraft navigation systems. Traditional spacecraft navigation involves complex calculations and constant communication with Earthbased mission control. AI systems, equipped with advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, enable spacecraft to navigate autonomously, making realtime decisions based on the data they collect. This autonomy reduces dependence on Earth for guidance, allowing for quicker response times and more efficient exploration. Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition The vast amount of data collected from space missions requires sophisticated analysis to extract meaningful insights. AI plays a crucial role in processing and interpreting this data, identifying patterns, and uncovering hidden relationships. Machine learning algorithms can analyze astronomical data, such as images and spectra, at a speed and accuracy impossible for humans. This capability is invaluable for identifying celestial bodies, studying cosmic phenomena, and discovering new planets within our galaxy and beyond.

By: ChatGPT

planets and moons. AI-equipped robotic systems can adapt to unforeseen challenges, make decisions in real-time, and autonomously navigate challenging terrains. These capabilities are especially crucial in missions where communication delays make immediate human intervention impossible. AI-driven robotics enhance the efficiency and success of exploration missions by overcoming obstacles and making informed decisions on the fly. Predictive Maintenance for Space Equipment Maintaining the health of space equipment is critical for the success of long-duration missions. AI’s predictive maintenance capabilities can monitor the condition of spacecraft components and predict potential failures before they occur. By analyzing data from sensors and systems on board, AI algorithms can identify anomalies and provide early warnings, allowing for timely intervention and preventing mission-critical malfunctions. This proactive approach significantly extends the lifespan of space equipment and ensures the success of extended space missions. Space Traffic Management As the number of satellites and spacecraft in Earth’s orbit increases, effective space traffic management becomes a growing concern. AI can play a vital role in monitoring and coordinating space traffic, minimizing the risk of collisions and ensuring the sustainable use of space resources. Machine learning algorithms can predict potential collisions, optimize orbital paths, and contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of space operations. w

For locals of Huntsville, AL, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center holds a special place in our hearts and minds. Almost 25 years ago, fifth-grader Carl was running around Space Camp in a dopey blue flight suit, amazed and enthralled with space travel. Since then, my family and I have brought almost any visitor we’ve had to tour the museum. Some residents may not know that Space Camp has evolved into five distinct programs, each tailored to different aspects of space and technology: Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, Space Camp Robotics, U.S. Cyber Camp, and Space Camp Institute. This diversity reflects the Center’s dedication to fostering STEM education and its pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of explorers and innovators. The latest addition to this educational legacy is the Space Camp Institute, focusing on adult learners. This new venture offers unique teambuilding and certification programs,

underlining the Center’s commitment to lifelong learning and exploration. “The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has always been a launchpad for human exploration,” says Dr. Kimberly Robinson, CEO and Executive Director. “This AI Symposium is the perfect introduction to the Space Camp Institute, our new home for professional and corporate programming and lifelong learning.”. The 4-day event promises an immersive experience with a meticulously crafted curriculum. Attendees will engage with local and industry leaders in thought-provoking discussions about the future of AI, its impact on various sectors, and its real-world applications. Artificial Intelligence represents a new frontier in human exploration. The evolution from Chat GPT3 of November 2022 to the much-anticipated Chat GPT5 exemplifies the rapid advancements in this field. Almost every week in 2023 had some kind of AI announcement and billions

“AI Talks” is a new series from the Huntsville Business Journal on Artificial Intelligence and its applicability to the world of business. Each month, HBJ plans on bringing you interesting topics led by our new contributing expert writer, Carl Holden. This series will also introduce another new “writer” to our journal: Artificial Intelligence itself. Using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), we plan on bringing our readers an “article” written directly by AI. While AI cannot currently write a news article with fully original sources, this series hopefully will introduce our readers to the nuances of Artificial Intelligence in the modern age of business.

February 2024

AI TALKS

of dollars have been invested. These AI models, with their ever-improving ability to mimic human thought and creativity, challenge our understanding of intelligence as a species. I’m excited to be on the list of speakers at this conference. My speech is titled “The TRUST Framework: Ethically Integrating AI Into Your Organization” and is based on a book I’ll be releasing soon. I’m humbled to be speaking alongside an incredible list of professionals such as AI lab directors, CEOs, professors, scientists, and entrepreneurs. It’s going to be full of incredible information and essential to our communities adoption and success within this exploding technology. The Space and Rocket Center is partnering with local tech company, RippleWorx. RippleWorx offers a myriad of technologies in the HR space that tackle tough problems like retention, burnout, turnover, and training deficiencies. AI is critical to their data aggregation, and like many other companies, increasingly important every single day. I was able to ask Dr. Larry Lowe, Chief Scientist and a speaker at the Symposium, a few questions on AI. His contribution is a speaker-led activity titled “Practicum- Prompt Engineering” where he will delve into the practical use of large language models. Why is AI important to you? “Generative AI is our generation’s zero to one technology revolution. It took OpenAI 2 months to reach 100M unique users with ChatGPT. The iPhone took 3.6 years and Facebook took 4.7 years to achieve that same user-base level. This is clearly a revolutionary technology that has the potential to accelerate human flourishing, and, equally, has the potential to accelerate human separation. It is imperative that we humans engage with this new technology to ensure we shape it into useful tools that align with a net positive beneficial future for all of us.” What ways do you see AI uniquely benefiting us? “People are finding new ways to leverage these tools daily. We are literally digital pioneers exploring a new application landscape… Individually,

these tools are accelerating creation, but real change comes from linking these generative tools, and other AI/ML tools, together in workflows. We are barely in the first inning on the transformations that are coming. Truly exciting times!” Who might benefit from this conference? “Everyone. Individuals working with language, Image and video tools at home or with their small business, corporate leaders wanting to create workflows, non-technical folks that might be concerned with the story lines they are seeing in their media streams… Everyone needs to be knowledgeable on the incredible benefits, and the incredible risks associated with these tools.” The AI Symposium at the Space Camp Institute invites participants to explore these themes. It’s an opportunity to understand how AI can be beneficial in the present while contemplating its future implications. The symposium offers a rare chance to dive into the realms of AI and space exploration, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical applications. I can’t say that as a nerdy fifth grader learning about multi-stage rockets in 1998 that I would have imagined speaking about AI here over two decades later. So much of this technology gives me a similar feeling as space gave me back thenexpanding, unexplored, and full of possibilities. Certain tickets are still available on their website at www.rocketcenter. com/institute/register. I hope to see you there! w

Carl Holden, Creative Director of Zellus Marketing

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

COVER COVER SS

Huntsville Legislative Update Unveils P

By: Sarah Zupko / Photos by Huntsville/Ma

On Monday, the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon for North Alabama Legislators. The gathering, which took place at the Jackson Center, gave the Huntsville business community the opportunity to hear from key elected officials before the February 6th opening of the legislative session. LSINC was the presenting sponsor for the event. Legislators who spoke at the sold-out event included Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr, Senate Finance & Taxation Education Committee Chair; Alabama State Senator Steve Livingston, Senate Majority Leader; and Alabama State Representative Rex Reynolds, Ways and Means Committee Chair. Sameer Singhal, the 2024 Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, opened the program by acknowledging the presence of leaders in state and local government, business, and education. An invocation was given by Chairman Mac McCuthcheon, Madison County Commission Chairman. Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr was the first official to deliver remarks. Senator Orr noted that Representative Anthony Daniels, Alabama House Minority Leader, was originally scheduled to be in attendance. Unfortunately, icy conditions in Huntsville and Madison over the past week meant that the event was rescheduled twice. Representative Daniels was unable to attend the rescheduled forum. Senator Orr opened his comments by discussing Alabama’s budget. “Last year, [2023] we had the largest education budget in the history of the state,” noted Senator Orr. Orr stated that some of the budget surplus was returned to Alabama taxpayers in the form of a rebate, which was delivered shortly before the end of the year. Senator Orr noted that the Al-

abama Legislature has begun the process of eliminating the state’s tax on groceries. “We took off the first penny of a 4% state tax, the second penny will probably be dropping here in the next year or two when we see substantial revenue increases,” Senator Orr said. In addition to rebates and tax cuts, Orr explained that some money has been set aside in a “rainy day fund” to ensure that the state educa-

tion budget stays solvent. Senator Orr stated that he expects that Governor Kay Ivey will prioritize workforce development and school choice in the coming year. State Senator Steve Livingston followed Senator Orr. Livingston asserted his desire to make Alabama the most business-friendly state in the nation. “It’s been through collaborations between policymakers, business-

es, and communities that we’ve achieved milestones that make Alabama the best place to live, to work, to own a business, and to play,” said Senator Livingston. Livingston noted that cities and towns throughout the state look to Huntsville as an example of successful economic development. Senators Orr and Livingston both praised the incredible success of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, which

February 2024

R STORY STORY

Priorities, Economic Initiatives for 2024

/Madison County Chamber & Sarah Zupko

Representative Rex Reynolds, Chair, Ways and Means Committee

Senator Steve Livingston, Majority Leader, Alabama Senate

is located in Huntsville. “I know the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering is going to become a real gemstone, it already is, in the days and years ahead. And this county, and this state, will be very, very proud to have them,” said Senator Orr. Orr went on to share that four ASCTE students recently earned perfect scores on their ACT exams. Orr explained that a fraction of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a 36, or a perfect score, on the exam. Representative Rex Reynolds was the final official to speak. Reynolds spoke on issues as wide-ranging as the opioid crisis, autism, veterans’ homes, and prisons. Reynolds noted that the Legislature created

two new mega-prisons as significant challenges to the state budget. Reynolds will hear the updated price tag for the Escambia County mega-prison this week. Reynolds expects that the newly built prisons will create better living conditions for inmates and improved working conditions for correctional officers. The meeting concluded with several questions from the audience. Topics covered during the question and answer session included access to affordable childcare, school choice, cybersecurity requirements for small businesses, and additional comments on gaming.

Senator Arthur Orr, Finance & Taxation Education Committee Chair, Alabama Senate

Joe Campbell, Huntsville Hospital Health System Chief Legal Officer, in attendance with Alabama Senator Sam Givhan, District 7, at the 2024 Legislative Update

the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds to distribute funds that will aid in the prevention, treatment, and recovery of opioid addiction in Alabama. The issue of gaming, or gambling, was referenced several times throughout the meeting. Representative Reynolds noted that illegal gaming takes place in each of Alabama’s 67 counties. Senator Reynolds explained that the Legislature “does not have the Constitutional right to approve gaming in Alabama. All we have to do is get the right bill for you to vote on it in Alabama; that’s your decision and we’re certainly going to try to make that happen.” Reynolds explained that the three most significant contributors to the State General Fund in 2023 were the state’s “online sales tax, our use tax, and our ad valorem taxes.” While Reynolds expects the 2024

budget to be strong, he did caution the audience that he expects there will be a reduction of available funds, as compared to the 2023 budget. Representative Reynolds named Medicaid and the construction of

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPONSERED CONTENT

Thompson Burton Expands to Huntsville; Maples Law Joins Firm Growth in bankruptcy and distress practice and expansion of services to existing clients for both firms in growing North Alabama area. Thompson Burton has expanded to Huntsville, Alabama, with Maples Law Firm, PC joining the middle Tennessee based firm. The combined firm will have offices in Huntsville, Alabama, and in Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee, and adds commercial litigation and bankruptcy/debtors’ counsel depth via experienced attorneys Stuart M. Maples and Mary Ena Heath. “Ronn Steen, Thompson Burton Creditors’ Rights partner, has had a long relationship with Stuart Maples of the Maples Law Firm,” explained Walt Burton, managing partner and co-founder of Thompson Burton. “Their relationship was the genesis for discussions with Stuart. Maples Law Firm’s talented professionals, with primary focus in business litigation and bankruptcy law, add to our already strong bankruptcy and creditors rights practice” “We’re always cautious about adding new attorneys to our law firm. We have a unique culture that we want to protect dearly. Once we met Stuart, we immediately knew he was a perfect fit,” continued Burton. Maples has been Managing Partner with Maples Law Firm, founded in 2008. He is involved with all legal matters related to business and bankruptcy law and enjoys long standing client relationships in Alabama and beyond. He is a 1986 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. He is a registered civil mediator with the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution and currently serves as a director and past president of Wellstone Behavioral Health, the Mental Health Board of Huntsville. As a multi-generational

Stuart M. Maples, Managing Partner with Maples Law Firm

Huntsville native, I have witnessed extensive growth and change in my community. The most recent renaissance of our city has catapulted us to be a leader in Alabama, the southeast and the nation. This ascent brings the need for more varied professional services, including legal. “Thompson Burton reflects a fresh culture to serve the ever-varying legal needs of our Metro while providing my current practice and clients a new depth of support. The melding of assorted excellent talent offers the opportunity for this firm to bring its vision of ‘Redefining the Art of Law’ to this thriving environment. I am energized for the opportunity to better serve my hometown. At the same time, I am eager to engage with our new team to increase the Firm’s Franklin and Nashville footprint,” said Maples. Kevin Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Burton added, “We are thrilled to welcome Stuart and his team to our firm. It is a testimony to the depth of talent we have built over the years to attract such a caliber of talented individuals. Stuart’s deep Huntsville roots and their unparalleled experiences enhance our mission to better

serve our clients.” Mary Ena Heath, Of Counsel, joined Maples Law Firm in 2017 with an emphasis in litigation and probate. Heath received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in 1977 and a Master’s in Education in 1978. After a fulfilling career in education, Mary Ena eventually decided to go back to school, earning her law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1990. Since then, she has been practicing law while also teaching a course in Business Legal Studies at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Ronn Steen works in the Huntsville office a few days a month to assist with the transition

and grow his Alabama client base. His practice specializes in bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, as well as complex commercial litigation and mortgage defense litigation. His extensive experience includes representing creditors in distressed loan situations including complex workouts, commercial and consumer bankruptcy representation, both for secured and unsecured loans, asset recovery, and judgment enforcement. His practice spans the creditors’ rights spectrum including representation of large financial institutions, community banks, bond trustees, real estate developers, asset-based lenders, and manufacturers. Steen received his undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University and his J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law. w

February 2024

TECHNOLOGY

World-renowned UAH Astrophysicist Dr. Zank Seeks Partnership with Huntsville Business Community World-renowned astrophysicist Dr. Gary P. Zank spoke with members of the Huntsville Rotary Club on Tuesday. The meeting was held in The Life Center of Huntsville’s First Baptist Church. Dr. Zank’s presentation served two purposes: to describe promising practical applications for plasma physics and to seek partnerships with local and regional business people. While Dr. Zank holds numerous scientific and academic roles, he was addressing the Rotarians and their guests from his position as the Principal Investigator for the Future Technologies & Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) grant. FTPP is funded by $40 million in awards from the National Science Foundation. Nine Alabama universities, and one research corporation, are collaborating on the FTPP project; UAH leads this 10-member coalition. The stated mission of FTPP is to “transition plasma research into agricultural, manufacturing, space science, space weather prediction, and other applications, establishing Alabama as a

Southeastern regional hub for plasma science expertise and creating thousands of high-paying technical careers in the state and region.” FTPP’s three specific aims are to conduct research in plasma physics, commercialize plasma science technologies, and to educate Alabama workers to become well-trained employees in the emerging plasma physics industry. One of the promising practical applications of plasma physics is its potential to turn waste, or by-product, materials into profit. Dr. Zank brought the discussion to a relatable level by pointing to the example of the poultry industry. The poultry industry is big business in Alabama and many chicken feathers are created as a by-product of poultry meat production. Dr. Zank has found a potential use for these excess feathers. “Well, it turns out that the proteins and some of the fiber character of feathers, in fact, make for extraordinarily good material to help bond and reinforce polymers. And so those polymers become particularly interesting, particularly flexible, and extremely strong. Alabama A&M University graduate student Sophia Madison works And plasma treatment with a low temperature plasma system to conduct plant and food reof those feathers enables search. She is advised by Dr. Rao Mentreddy, professor of biological and that,” Zank explained. environmental sciences and the principal investigator for the plasma research. Jerome Saintjones / AAMU Other promising practical applications for plasma technologies include increasing food safety and production, forecasting weather in space, and growing gem-quality diamonds. Dr. Zank’s next step is to gather experienced engineers, entrepreneurs, and business people who can bring this vision of a plasma physics commercial sector to reality. Zank says, “You can make Huntsville the hub of an Alabama plasma physics technology powerhouse. We have scientists, we have researchers who can translate the cuttingedge university plasma science research into interesting technologies, but it’s commercializing those technologies that is the

By: Sarah Zupko / Photos courtesy of Alabama A&M University/Sarah Zupko

Dr. Gary Zank addresses the Huntsville Rotary Club at a recent meeting on the benefits of partnering with the Huntsville business community

critical thing.” Zank stressed the importance of forming community partnerships with those who can provide guidance, ideas, and the ability to move the technology

from the lab to the marketplace. For those who seek to build a science-business partnership with FTPP, please contact Dr. Zank at garyp.zank@gmail.com. w

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Talking Tastings and the Wine Trade with Huntsville’s Wine Cellar Brandi Edmonds admits that she had limited knowledge about wine before she stepped in to assist her friend and former owner of The Wine Cellar, Annette Birchfield, at the shop. But over time, Edmonds fell in love with wine culture and the Huntsville wine community. So much so that she and her husband Jason became owners of The Wine Cellar in 2021. She learned about wine from Birchfield, wine distributors, and longtime customers, but the best way to get to know wine, she said, is to open the bottle.

“Whether you like a rosé that’s very dry that warms your body up for winter time or a really light rosé for easy drinks in the summer. I want to dispel the myth that if I don’t like French Bordeaux I don’t belong in a wine shop.”

Her adoration for wine is evident now with how she talks about some of her favorites, describing flavors as beautiful and velvety, gorgeous and silky, or crisp, fruity and bright. Wine has its own pomp and circumstance, Edmonds said. Sometimes people are

Wine Cellar owners Jason & Brandi Edmonds

afraid of it because they don’t know a lot about it and the wine culture can come across as snobby.

By: Heather Price / Photos courtesy of The Wine Cellar

But Edmonds and her friendly, knowledgeable staff love wine and are happy to teach and make recommendations. “Wine has a lot of terminology,” she said, “a lot of words people aren’t familiar with. They don’t know how to read the bottle and don’t know the terminology. If they don’t have a lot of experience in wine, they are too afraid to ask questions and say I don’t know much about it, and that’s what we can help with.” Some of the more popular wines Edmonds sees trending right now are wines from Paso Robles, Calif., specifically the Vina Robles

February 2024

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

“Everybody comes in from their day and you can see them all balled up with stress. A glass or two in, they’re completely relaxed and able to enjoy themselves and unwind from their day. We have so much stress as a society it’s like your world slows down when wine is introduced.” Cabernet. People are crazy about Paso Robles, she said. It’s a Southern California wine with a bigger, bolder, fruitier taste. The Vina Robles Winery sources fruit to the popular Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon, but is a more affordable, everyday bottle. The biggest wine of 2023 was Renegade Lemonade, especially for sweet wine drinkers. It’s not made from grapes but - you guessed it - lemons. The Limoncello of wine, Edmonds said. It’s not offensively sweet but elegantly sweet. Another fun favorite right now is Southern Belle - the label features skeletons under the Southern Belle’s skirt. Inside is a Spanish blend aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels, packing a smokey tobacco bourbon punch.

“Jesus could have turned the water into anything, but he chose to turn it into wine for a reason,” Edmonds said. “It’s in the Bible in reference to the celebration of the wedding party. Wine was truly created for us to enjoy and to bring people together and to relax and enjoy each other. Everybody comes in from their day and you can see them all balled up with stress. A glass or two in, they’re completely relaxed and able to enjoy themselves and unwind from their day. We have so much stress as a society it’s like your world slows down when wine is introduced.” While the Edmonds acquired the business in 2021, The Wine Cellar has been a Huntsville tradition for more than 20 years, founded in 2002 by Jim Harris and Rhonda Mitchell. After Harris’ passing, Mitchell passed the business to Annette Birchfield, who in 2021 passed it to Edmonds. Before The Wine Cellar, Edmonds said there was not a place in Huntsville where you could get wine by the glass or attend a tasting. They have tastings every Wednesday and Friday and special tasting events year round. Friday’s $20 tastings include not one but two tables of wine plus live music in a very cozy, conversational home-like setting. The shop is frequented regularly by some of the same loyal patrons who shopped at The Wine Cellar when it first opened. But is also beloved by

“There are people moving into our city every day who have no support system, no friends and don’t know anybody. They seek out their local wine shop to meet people, and when they come in we are able to get them integrated into our culture.” newcomers moving into the city and seeking a local wine experience. “Wine is a great uniter and brings

people together,” Edmonds said. “There are people moving into our city every day who have no support system, no friends and don’t know anybody. They seek out their local wine shop to meet people, and when they come in we are able to get them integrated into our culture. Three or four months later, we see them hanging out with their friends at The Wine Cellar and being part of the Huntsville community.” The Wine Cellar has more than 500 unique bottles of European and domestic wines, ranging from expensive cabernets to $16 bottles of Prosecco sparkling wine. Whatever your wine tastes, or if you don’t know much about it and want to learn, The Wine Cellar can help. “A lot of people think, ‘I just like sweet wines, there’s no reason to go to a wine shop, those are for fancy wines.’ But there’s so many different choices no matter what kind of wine you like, whether you like a rosé that’s very dry that warms your body up for winter time or a really light rosé for easy drinks in the summer. I want to dispel the myth that if I don’t like French Bordeaux I don’t belong in a wine shop.” In addition to public tastings, The Wine Cellar has an event space available for businesses to host happy hours or private tastings and deepen relationships with clients and colleagues. The Wine Cellar at 2304 Whitesburg Drive offers wine by the glass, tastings, gift baskets, live music, event space and more. For more information visit their website https://thewinecellarhuntsville.com/. w

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

FOOD / DINING

People and Pooches Alike Celebrate Opening of Huntsville’s First Dog Bar Huntsville citizens no longer have to decide between enjoying a night out with friends or staying at home with man’s best friend. Thanks to Rocket City Dog Bar (RCDB), humans and canines alike can enjoy a night of social interaction at the same place and time.

“We had just found out our weekly trivia spot was closing and we started talking to others and realized that this backyard would be the perfect space for this concept. The stars kind of aligned with this perfect space and here we are today.” The owners of RCDB celebrated their grand opening on Friday, January 5th, almost a full year after the idea of a dog park/bar combo was first pitched among the founding group. “It was March 2023 when the idea kind of popped into my head and I called the guys to meet up over a Yellow Hammer to talk through it,” said RCDB co-owner Winfield (Win) Keller. “We had just found out our weekly trivia spot was closing and we started talking to others and realized that this backyard would be

the perfect space for this concept. The stars kind of aligned with this perfect space and here we are today.”

The 8,000 square foot space is the former home of The Salty Nut Brewery at 2404 W. Clinton Avenue,

By: Noah Logan / Photos by Noah Logan

and features a courtyard for dogs to run and play under the watchful eyes of special employees called “Bark Rangers” while their owners enjoy one of the select local beers on tap. Passes for dogs to enter the new establishment range from $10 for a day pass up to a $230 annual pass for all of 2024. Kellerman is very adamant that the safety of the dogs is their number one priority. The bar requires vaccination records to make sure every pooch on the premises is up to date on their shots along with a rule that requires any dog older than 4 months be spayed or neutered. “Our number one priority is making a safe and secure place for your pet to be off leash,” Keller explained. “Throughout this whole process, a majority of the preparation has been training our Bark Rangers on understanding the signals that dogs use to communicate so that they fully understand when dogs are playing and when a certain dog needs to be removed from the yard into our safety zone. We’ve done a lot of lot of work to alleviate any fears so that when folks come here with their pets, they truly know that their dogs are safe.” Rocket City Dog Bar is open during select hours every day of the week. For more information, please visit www.rocketcitydogbar.com. w

February 2024

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

BRIEFCASE

The work will be carried out in Huntsville, AL, starting immediately. w Huntsville’s Sentar Secures Defense Logistics Agency Contract to Bolster National Cybersecurity Initiative Sentar Inc., a women-owned small business specializing in advanced cyber intelligence solutions, has secured a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). This contract allows Sentar to incorporate cyber attack protection technology into Digital Twin architectures, enhancing operational resilience and guarding against emerging cyber threats in operational technology (OT) systems. Digital Twin architectures refer to a concept in which a virtual replica or representation of a physical system is created in the digital world. This digital counterpart, known as a “Digital Twin,” mirrors the real-world system’s characteristics, behaviors, and functionalities. This means that, during the SBIR Phase I Proof of Concept, Sentar will be creating a virtual model or duplicate of the physical manufacturing system in a digital environment. By doing so, they can analyze, map, and predict potential cyber attacks on this virtual representation before they happen in the actual operational technology (OT) system. This approach empowers the DLA to proactively defend against both known and unknown vulnerabilities, ensuring the safety of critical network infrastructure, systems, and data. Gary Mayes, Senior Director of Research and Development at Sentar, expressed gratitude for being selected for this vital SBIR contract. “Integrating our cyber attack analysis and prediction technology into Digital Twin architectures will provide a new level of awareness and protection for operational technology systems, safeguarding them from malicious cyber actors and potential damage,” said Mayes in a recent press statement.

CFD Announces ASew Start-up Focused on Groundbreaking Eczema Treatment Huntsville Health System Expands Alabama Footprint with Latest Acquisition Huntsville Hospital Health System announced a plan to acquire the DeKalb Regional Medical Center, a 134-bed hospital in Fort Payne. The Dekalb acquisition will be yet another hospital center integrated into the North Alabama-based health system. The current 11-hospital system includes the Madison Hospital, Athens-Limestone Hospital, the Decatur Morgan Hospital, the Highlands Medical Center, and the Marshall Medical Centers, among others. “HH Health System is an organization of like-minded hospitals that believe patients are best served close to home,” CEO Jeff Samz said in a news release. “Our mission includes helping rural communities maintain local access to quality care. Together, we are stronger in today’s challenging environment.” Samz also mentioned that the acquisition “includes helping rural communities maintain local access to quality care” in face of downward trends for rural health in Alabama. Samz stated that the acquisition will focus on maintaining employee retention “for substantially all employees in good standing at the time of transition.” The transaction is expected to close on March 31. No financial terms were disclosed at the current moment. w

CFD Research Corporation (CFD) announced the formation of Kalm Therapeutics (Kalm Tx) last month to bring a much-needed nonsteroidal eczema treatment to patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The condition affects more than 16 million people in the United States. “After several years of research and development, it is rewarding to see our innovations reach the market and make a difference in the lives of eczema patients through the formation of Kalm Therapeutics,” said Sameer Singhal, CFD’s president and CEO.

Kalm Tx was launched as an independent entity, stemming from the innovative research and development efforts of CFD Research. Kalm’s new product, a controlled-release eczema wrap (CREW) utilizes a proprietary continuous dose technology to deliver an easier-to-use and natural eczema treatment to patients. CREW delivers its eczema-relieving compound over 24 hours, an improvement on topical steroids requiring 3-5 daily applications. In conjunction with the company formation, Chris Seibert was named CEO of the new venture. Seibert, who lives in Athens, has previous experience at public companies Stereotaxis of St. Louis, Mo., and Titan Medical of Chapel Hill, N.C. At Titan Medical, he led the clinical and business development efforts to develop a single-port robotic platform that eventually licensed its intellectual property to Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical, and Johnson and Johnson, all market leaders in the laparoscopic, a kind of exploratory

February 2024

BRIEFCASE

surgery using a laparoscope, and robotic surgical fields. “Kalm Therapeutics is focused on developing single-use patches to naturally treat eczema and eventually other common skin conditions,” Seibert said. “Our patent-pending Controlled Release Eczema Wrap addresses a vital gap in the treatment paradigm of this life-altering disease that affects over 10% of the global population. I am excited to be leading this new venture as we bring a natural alternative to the market.” For more information, please visit www.cfd-research.com. w

TVA Announces Partnership with Huntsville Organizations to Bolster Workforce Development A partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Huntsville Utilities will provide $100,000 in scholarship funding to train and educate utility lineworkers. Calhoun Community College will manage the scholarships and enroll students in the college’s Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program. The partnership was created to address the growth in the Huntsville-Madison County population, which led to a demand for services resulting in an increased need for utility lineworkers. As part of this partnership, a total of 10 recipients will be selected among applicants to receive a scholarship, which includes free tuition for the seven-week course, a daily gift card for lunch, and a bag equipped with basic lineworker tools upon graduation. “As electricity demand grows, we need a skilled workforce to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable power,” said Jared Mitchem, Regional Vice President for TVA’s South Region. “Partnering with Huntsville Utilities and Calhoun Community College ensures that we can recruit and train the workforce we need as we build the energy system of the future.” TVA has more than 16,000 miles of power lines that crisscross seven

states, plus approximately 263,000 miles of lines that are managed by 153 local power companies. Reflecting on his time in the program, one recent graduate shared how meaningful his experience was. “I learned a lot from it, more than anything else I’ve done in a 7-week period,” shared Hayden Grubbs, who’s currently working as a groundman with aspirations to be a lineman. “It was very hands-on and not just sitting in a classroom. The instructors were very straightforward and gave us important information about safety practices, so that when we joined the workforce, we would know how to protect ourselves and recognize the qualities of a good boss. After the program, I feel 100% prepared.” Four scholarship recipients have completed the required coursework, with the most recent two being recognized at the Calhoun Community College graduation on December 15. Madison County residents who are interested in the program can register and submit a scholarship application online for the next course starting in January 2024.

Four Companies Announce Merger as Ribbon Cutting Kicks off Auria Aerospace Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was in attendance Wednesday as a ribbon cutting was held to mark the union of four space-oriented companies. Boecore, Orbit Logic, Ascension, and La Jolla Logic have united under the umbrella of Auria, a space, defense, and cybersecurity company which is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Chance Hill, Auria’s Huntsville Regional Director, welcomed those gathered to celebrate Auria’s local opening. Auria’s Huntsville location is on Old Madison Pike Road, in the former offices of Boecore. Hill was followed by Auria President, Tom Dickson. Dickson thanked all of those in attendance for their

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

BRIEFCASE

support. Dickson noted the many positive changes that have taken place in the city of Huntsville since Boecore opened its doors 15 years ago. Mayor Battle thanked Hill and Dickson for their investment in Huntsville. “This has been a 15-year investment. Four companies are now coming together to make a center of excellence in the space industry and the missile industry. That’s what Huntsville’s about. It’s about bringing people together that have the synergy to put together the products that will protect the world, take us out into deep space, and even one day to Mars,” noted Mayor Battle. Richard Bigoney, representing the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce, followed Mayor Battle’s remarks. Bigoney welcomed Auria to its new Huntsville location and presented Tom Dickson with a plaque on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. After Tom Dickson cut the ribbon, the gathered crowd moved inside to warm up and enjoy refreshments

and conversation. Auria President Tom Dickson told the Huntsville Business Journal that each of the four companies “all have specialized products in space and cybersecurity, mostly around satellite systems. So, we’ve all come together, we’ve all united, we’re integrated all together and we’re starting to put our products together to deliver more to the customers. Huntsville is a great place for us to be.” Dickson pointed both to Huntsville’s space history and to its current growth as specific reasons why Auria is excited to be a part of the community. Dickson estimates that Auria’s Huntsville location may create as many as 50 local jobs over the next couple of years. Auria’s Huntsville location is 6767 Old Madison Pike, Suite #420, Huntsville, AL 35806. w

Construction Partners Completes Acquisition of Huntsville-Based Contractor Company Construction Partners, Inc. (CPI) has officially acquired SJ&L General Contractor, LLC, a hot-mix asphalt and sitework company headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. Fred J. (Jule) Smith, III, CPI’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said the acquisition was a natural step for CPI’s expansion. “A key component of our growth strategy is to actively expand service capabilities within existing markets. Both the SJ&L and Littlefield acquisitions expand our services offerings in existing markets while also adding valuable crews and equipment,” said

Smith in a recent press statement. CPI plans to integrate the SJ&L team with their existing operations alongside their Alabama platform company, Wiregrass Construction Company. The combined company aims to enhance private and public project opportunities within the Alabama market. CPI is a a vertically integrated civil infrastructure company specializing in the construction and maintenance of roadways across six southeastern states. The company’s HQ is located in Dothan, Alabama. CPI also completed the acquisition of Littlefield Construction Company, a soil base, surface treatment and sitework company headquartered in Waycross, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.constructionpartners.net. w

February 2024

RECOGNITIONS Bank Independent Promotes New Business Development Officer for Madison Market Bank Independent announced the promotion of Kris Bell to Business Development Officer for Madison County. “The creation of the Business Development Officer role demonstrates our commitment to meeting deposit demand through relationshipbased business development,” Bank Independent CEO Rick Wardlaw said. “As Business Development Officer, Kris will serve as an ambassador of the bank’s mission, vision, and values within the communities we serve. With her talent for building strong relationships, we are confident in her ability to fulfill the responsibilities in this new position.” In her new role, Bell will be responsible for generating long-term, sustainable core deposit growth by serving as a brand ambassador and nurturing new and potential deposit relationships within Madison County. Bell joined Bank Independent in October of 2020, bringing over 20 years of extensive industry experience, specializing in commercial banking. Throughout her career, she has successfully navigated the dynamic landscape of lending and strategic financial planning, building strong relationships with a diverse clientele base ranging from small businesses to large corporations. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Yorkville University and recently graduated from the Alabama Banking School. She serves on the boards for Women in Defense and the Apartment Association of North Alabama, and is an ambassador for the Madison City Chamber of Commerce.

Bank Independent Announces New Recruitment Coordinator Bank Independent announced the appointment of Blake Hudson to the role of Recruitment Coordinator for the bank’s Human Resources team. Hudson will report to Human Resources Manager Justin Low and lead recruitment efforts to support the bank’s vision to be the employer of choice in the communities we serve. “We’re thrilled to welcome Blake into this integral recruitment role,” said Bank Independent CEO, Rick Wardlaw. “His skills and experience make him well-equipped to build out our recruitment capabilities and ensure we have the very best talent supporting Bank Independent’s growth and success.” As Recruitment Coordinator, Hudson will oversee internal recruitment and placement initiatives to match skilled candidates with open roles that meet the bank’s business needs. Externally, he will focus on enhancing existing collegiate, mid-career, and executive recruiting pipelines and exploring new opportunities to attract exceptional talent at all levels. Hudson joined Bank Independent in August 2022 as a Professional Development Coordinator, bringing over five years of campus outreach experience and an extensive sales background. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Berry College, as well as professional and personal development certifications.

HudsonAlpha Announces New Chief Financial Officer HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (HudsonAlpha) welcomed Chris Matl as its new Chief Financial Officer. “We’re excited to welcome Chris to the HudsonAlpha team,” said Neil Lamb, PhD, President of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. “We believe he will be an incredible asset to the Institute and we are glad to have him in Huntsville.” Matl joins HudsonAlpha with more than 30 years of financial experience. He spent the last 25 years at Medtronic, with his last nine years there serving as the global medical device company’s CFO initially in their Coronay/Renal Denervation Operating Unit and during the past four years for Aortic Business Unit CFO. Matl is a former U.S. Marine with multiple achievements, including the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for his performance during Operation Desert Storm. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he earned his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and a Master’s in Finance from Southern Methodist University.

First Horizon Announce Brian Daniels as Senior Vice President Over Huntsville Market First Horizon Corporation, (NYSE: FHN or “First Horizon”) is proud to announce that Brian Daniels joins First Horizon as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Group Manager. In this role, Daniels is responsible for managing the Commercial Banking team in addition to developing and generating new business relationships. Daniels will primarily focus on growth of the Huntsville market and the surrounding areas. In his most recent role, Brian served as the senior commercial banker in the north Alabama region for a top-7 financial institution. “I am excited Brian has joined our winning team at First Horizon. His tenure encompasses a broad range of experience and he understands companies’ evolving business needs,” says Market President Eric Sanders. “I look forward to him leading the team and providing valuable advice to our clients.” Daniels is a native of Decatur, Alabama. He is an Auburn University graduate and has lived in the Huntsville community for over 23 years. An active member of the community, Daniels currently serves as treasurer of the Madison County 310 Board, as co-chair of the finance committee and board member of the Burritt Museum Memorial Committee and is a member of the executive leadership team of the annual Huntsville Heart Ball Gala for the American Heart Association.

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