President of the Better Business Bureau Warns Consumers Against 5 Common Scams
Karen Reeves, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of North Alabama, spoke to The Huntsville Rotary Club on November 19 about five common scams that impact consumers and how to avoid becoming a victim of one. By Sarah Zupko - Page 8
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center Invests Heavily in Local Education
Being adjacent to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center presents many educational advantages for students in Huntsville and the surrounding area. By Heather Alfonso - Page 20
ADDITIONAL STORIES
• Local College Partners with FAME to Train Future Manufacturing Leaders By Sarah Zupko • Page 2
• City Council Meetin Recap: Financial Success, Neighborhood Development, and Holiday Highlights By Noah Logan • Page 6
• QinetiQ US Grows Defense Footprint with Huntsville Expansion By Noah Logan • Page 17
Local College Partners with FAME to Train Future Manufacturing Leaders
Drake State has partnered with the Huntsville Tech Federation Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter in a move that will address workforce needs while providing high-paying jobs to program graduates.
“The AMT program is a two-year, employer-driven initiative designed to provide students with hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing alongside formal classroom education”
Representatives from six leading manufacturing companies were present at Drake State on the morning of December 6 to formalize the partnership through a signing ceremony.
The companies present included:
• Blue Origin
• Bruderer
• Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
• Plasma Processes
• Runergy
• Toyota: Alabama
Drake State and their industry partners will work together to offer an Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program to students.
“The AMT program is a two-year, employer-driven initiative designed to provide students with hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing alongside formal classroom educa-
tion,” said a statement from Drake State. “It will prepare graduates for high-tech, high-paying careers in fields like robotics, fabrication, and industrial troubleshooting.”
Drake State’s FAME chapter will be the eleventh division of the organization in Alabama.
was created by Toyota in 2010 and now leads the nation as a model for workforce development.
Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State, said that this partnership reaffirms the college’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce to serve North Alabama.
By: Sarah Zupko
“This event highlights the importance and the impact of what is possible when industry and education work together,” said Sims.
Ali Jackson, Deputy Director of FAME USA, said that the organization is not only training skilled workers, but that they are also preparing students to be leaders in the industry as students learn both technical and soft skills through the program.
Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, moved to Huntsville four years ago. He said that the city is becoming a “powerhouse” for manufacturing.
“I see Drake State as a critical link in the recruitment of diverse, highachieving talent from our “Driving Possibilities” initiatives, right here in Huntsville City Schools,” said Puckett.
Dr. Myron Parks, FAME Coordinator at Drake State, works as the liaison between the students at Drake State and the industry partners.
“Students will go to school two days a week and go to work three days a week,” Parks told the Huntsville Business Journal.
Parks said that it is feasible for program graduates, after five years of work in skilled manufacturing, to command six-figure salaries.
“You can’t beat that at 25 years old,” said Parks.
The first cohort of AMT students will begin their education in June 2025. w
Photos by Sarah Zupko and Drake State
FAME
SIT DOWN WITH SUCCESS
A Conversation with Jada Leo of The Westmoreland Company
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 HuntsvilleBusiness Journal website.
Jada Leo entered the world of real estate in the 1970s alongside his mother Mary Leo, a successful Huntsville real estate agent who started The Leo Agency. Over time, Jada Leo began developing small residential subdivisions and then custom commercial buildings. A significant turning point came when one of his tenants requested multiple facilities across different states, which led to a major project and the eventual sale of numerous properties.
Realizing his aptitude for real estate development, Jada established The Westmoreland Company, specializing in industrial real estate development across the U.S. and Canada.
Jada recently spoke with the Huntsville Business Journal to share his journey in building and leading The Westmoreland Company for more
than three decades, all while balancing family life and active community involvement.
What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
In my business, every day is new and exciting. No two days are alike. I’ve always had an inherent curiosity about how we can solve a business challenge for a client a little better. What else can we do? Is there another company we can approach to consult with about this challenge? I’m always thinking, what else can I be doing to be better to serve my customers and grow the business?
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
One of the interesting things about our society is that every generation has put a different spin on work-life balance. I saw a tremendous work ethic growing up and I think that I’ve passed that on to my children. But the reality is finding the correct work-life balance is a constant challenge I deal with every day. I’m never completely done but you
must take time to be good to yourself, connect with your family, and rest.
What is a challenge you faced in business and how did you overcome it?
On more than one occasion, I’ve been confronted with challenges and setbacks that I really didn’t know how to handle. I’ve been about as low as you can be, and you learn from that. You develop strength, resilience, and confidence. But when you’ve never faced great adversity before, you can easily panic and really wonder how you are going to get by. By reaching out and speaking with people who have been there before, I drew knowledge, confidence, and strength from their experiences.
What advice do you have for someone starting their own business?
Learn all you can, and be the best you can be in your field. Always be ready to learn something new and get outside your comfort zone. I’ve successfully gotten outside of my comfort
zone and learned some powerful lessons. That’s part of the journey of life. What is the secret to your success? It’s not particularly one thing, but I would say, number one, try to be the very best in my industry. Number two, stay positive. You’re going to get knocked down. The question is, how quickly are you going to get back up? And, number three, try to take the time to engage with family and your community. w
By: Heather Price / Photo courtesy of Jada Leo
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Huntsville Business Journal is published monthly by EVENT Publishing, PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815
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Talking Purpose-Driven Coaching and Small Business Development with Brian Robinson
For Brian Robinson, coaching is more than a career. It’s a calling.
"Coaching is the best job I’ve ever done," said Robinson, a veteran and former cyber security specialist who turned his passion for helping others succeed into a career as a certified success and business coach.
Originally from Lynchburg, Va., Robinson grew up in a low-income household. His father was arrested for dealing drugs when Robinson was only four years old, and he was raised by his mother and grandmother.
“I felt like I had this calling to help people”
Surrounded by many people involved in drug activity, Robinson consciously chose a different path. “School was a way for me to get away from the neighborhood,” he recalled.
He found his escape in school clubs and sports. At 6'5", Robinson had success as a power forward on the high school basketball team. He was a leader also off the court, serving as president of the Future Business Leaders of America and the Student Government Association.
Out of high school, he was recruited to play basketball for Lynchburg College and received a leadership scholarship. But the student loan debt was becoming too much, so he left college and joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served 10 years.
He left the Air Force in 2006 and shortly thereafter moved to Huntsville, where he worked in cybersecurity at Redstone Arsenal. Robinson, however, had an entrepreneurial itch that just wouldn’t go away.
He dabbled in business ventures, including producing his own music, but found that the logistics of run-
“I started reading books on coaching and learning more principles of coaching,”
ning the business took the joy out of his passion for music.
By 2010, he started to hone in on a new passion and a natural talent for mentoring and coaching.
“I felt like I had this calling to help people,” Robinson said, “I just didn't know what it looked like.
Honestly I was too intimidated by the coaching profession. ‘Who would want to coach with me?’ I thought. Being black, I didn't think that was something black people did and that held me back.”
At the same time, people were coming to Robinson for insight into their own entrepreneurial ideas, and he would offer advice.
“I started reading books on coaching and learning more prin-
ciples of coaching,” he said, “I just never thought I could do it as a business.”
Over the next few years, his confidence grew. He and his wife led a small group at their church, where they improved their skills in guiding and connecting with others. By 2017, Robinson decided to pursue coaching as a business, focusing on helping individuals find clarity and purpose.
“I knew what it was like to be a man without really being in tune with my purpose and not having confidence,” Robinson said. “I knew what it was like to be overwhelmed and not really have clarity. But now I have confidence, and I want to tell others.”
His work with individuals gradually expanded, and in 2022, Robinson shifted his focus to coaching business owners.
“I'm really glad I did it that way,” Robinson said, “because businesses are made up of individuals. Even if you're a single person business, you’re an individual who is looking to serve other individuals through that business.”
Robinson’s coaching philosophy is rooted in clarity, focused action, and growth. He helps clients discover what they want by asking the right questions and guiding them toward achieving their goals.
He likens his coaching role to that of a guide, helping clients uncover their hidden potential. “When
By: Heather Price /
People have superpowers, they are just clumsy with them. They don't know what to do with them, and I can help.”
I saw (the movie) Shazam I thought, ‘That’s me.’ People have superpowers, they are just clumsy with them. They don't know what to do with them, and I can help.”
Robinson sets himself apart from consultants who may simply provide advice. There's great coaches out there who will give advice, he said. They'll listen to you and say, “Go do this.” For some people, that’s all they want is for someone else to give them the answer. But Robinson works a little differently.
“I want to build autonomy,” Robinson explained. “You're the expert at what you do. I'm not. What I'm the expert in, is listening to you, what you say you want, and where you say you want to go. Even if you don't know, I'm the expert at asking you the right questions. I have the patience to sit there, and I'll keep asking you the questions and I'll ask them in different ways to get the gold out.”
Robinson’s coaching approach focuses on building trust and empowering clients to take ownership of their decisions. “I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and understood,” he said, expressing his passion for helping clients uncover their potential and remove obstacles.
“I had three friends that I walked with through ideas that they had, and they went off to make million dollar businesses,” Robinson said. “I was so happy for them, seeing their journey and success, but it also validated that I'm a good partner to walk someone through that.”
Learn more about Brian Robinson Coaching at www.brianrobinsoncoaching.com. w
Photo courtesy of Brian Robinson
Photo credit: Emily Dorio
City Council Meeting Recap: Financial Success, Neighborhood Development, and Holiday Highlights
The City Council meeting on December 5 discussed a variety of topics including the successful refinancing of city debt, which saved $1.5 million, and the city’s triple A bond rating.
Rod Kanter, a partner at Bradley Law Firm, highlighted Huntsville’s strong financial management in relation to refinancing its debt and funding projects. He emphasized that the city achieved excellent results, attributing this success to its high credit rating and effective administration.
Kanter noted that the strong interest from 15 investment banking firms competing for the city’s debt reflects both favorable market conditions and the city’s well-run management. Kanter praised the city’s administration and offered to address any questions about the ordinance.
Second Mile Development’s 39year service in the Terry Heights community was also a topic of discussion; community engagement initiatives and improvements in 50 homes were both noted.
Bill McDowell and Tammy Jordan gave a presentation to the council about Second Mile Development and their work in the Terry Heights community.
Jordan detailed the organization’s efforts, which include food distribution, health fairs, and job fairs, and mentioned the neighborhood organization’s role in welcoming new residents.
Their presentation highlighted the organization’s initiatives, such as the “Hello Neighbor” cookouts and the “Blankets of Love” project.
According to Jordan, Second Mile Development has helped bring the number of boarded-up homes in the neighborhood from 84 to just 24.
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s extensive services and high usage were then highlighted, including 65,000 registered cardholders and 1.3 million items checked out.
The library’s outreach programs, including the bookmobile and senior services, were also discussed.
Public hearings were set for various zoning changes.
Council members then discussed the unexpected closure of the Walmart on Oakwood Avenue which, according to Councilwoman Watkins, was due to revenue loss.
According to Watkins, Walmart officials provided only 10 minutes prior notice before closing, announcing the closure via press release.
Watkins noted that they will be looking at other grocery stores to take up residence in the building.
Councilwoman Jennie Robinson announced a tree lighting ceremony at the Johnson Legacy Center on December 8. She highlighted local holiday events, including the Tinsel Trail, ice skating at the art museum, and synchronized Christmas lights on Lanier Road. Robinson also mentioned the “Christmas on the River” event, Reindeer Rails, and the Huntsville Christmas Festival.
Infrastructure updates included the completion of Apollo Park and the resurfacing of Pullman Rover Road.
The meeting concluded with a finance committee report on expenditures. w
By: Noah Logan / Photo by Sarah Zupko
President of the Better Business Bureau Warns Consumers Against 5 Common Scams
Karen Reeves, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of North Alabama, spoke to The Huntsville Rotary Club on November 19 about five common scams that impact consumers and how to avoid becoming a victim of one.
“It began with a group of businessmen that came together years ago—back in the snake oil days, when people were making all kinds of crazy claims—and they said ‘Hey, we’re going to advertise truthfully and honestly,’” said Reeves of BBB’s founding over 100 years ago.
One of the primary functions of the BBB today is to serve as a liaison between consumers and businesses. If a client has an unfavorable dealing with a business, they can reach out to the BBB. Representatives from the BBB will then work with the consumer and the company to come to a resolution that is agreeable to all parties.
Another purpose of the BBB is to provide scam prevention and fraud education for the community.
Each spring, the BBB releases a Scam Tracker Risk Report; the report provides quantitative and qualitative data on the most widespread scams that took place in the United States during the following calendar year.
The following scams were the most prevalent in 2023:
1. Investment and Cryptocurrency
The old adage “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” could be applied to each of the scams and fraudulent investment schemes are no different.
Reeves said that phony “investors” will contact consumers and promise stratospheric rates of return for small investments.
Uneven regulation makes the trade of cryptocurrency particularly vulnerable to scams.
“If you send cash for cryptocurrency there is no way to get that money back,” said Reeves. “The average loss for investment scams last year was $3,800.”
2. Employment
Scammers may post fake jobs in order to solicit personal information from job seekers.
Another employment scam involves scammers telling would-be “employees” that they must purchase expensive equipment before they can begin working.
In this particular racket, scammers send their victims a counterfeit check. After the victim deposits the check—but before the check clears—scammers ask the victims to wire back an “overage” amount.
Reeves spoke with a local woman who encountered this scam. The woman was sent a $19,000 check, which she deposited in her bank account. She was then asked to purchase expensive cameras and wire back the “leftover” funds.
When it became clear that the original $19,000 check was counterfeit, the young woman had to personally make restitution at her bank for the lost funds.
3.
Online Purchase
In online purchase scams, consumers may pay for goods online that never arrive or that arrive but are not as advertised.
Reeves said that one of her coworkers at the BBB recently fell victim to an online shopping scam.
The woman saw a pair of red high heels for sale on a site for an
incredibly low price. She ordered a women’s size 9.5 shoe.
“When she got those beautiful red pumps they were so small they wouldn’t fit a toddler,” said Reeves.
Reeves said that consumers should always look in the browser to see that it says “https.”
That “s” means secure.
Consumers should also consider using a credit card, rather than a debit card, when shopping online. Reeves pointed out that it is possible to dispute charges that have been made on a credit card.
4. Home Improvement
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of the many storms that we have in North Alabama to target homeowners who need help in the aftermath of storm damage, said Reeves.
Scammers may come to your door after your home or property has sustained damage and offer their services. They may do shoddy work and then disappear after they have been paid but before they have completed the job.
Consumers can always look up service providers on bbb. org. Local companies that have been in business for a longer period of time are typically the
By:
safest option.
“We encourage folks to never pay up front and to get everything in writing,” said Reeves.
If a company does request payment up front, that amount should not exceed 50% of the total cost, she said.
5. Romance
Romance scams are on the rise, said Reeves.
They typically begin on dating sites where scammers work quickly to build trust and to move the conversation off of the original site.
Romance scammers may ask for money for a plane ticket to “visit” their target, or they may say that a family member is sick and needs help in an emergency.
“Last month we had the opportunity to hold a community fraud event here at First Baptist and we had a sweet little lady who was a local victim here in town and she had lost over $450,000 -- to the point that she had mortgaged her home,” said Reeves.
In North Alabama, the average amount of money lost in a romance scam was $40,000.
Romance scams are the number one scam faced by people in the 55 - 64 age bracket. Both men and women can fall victim to romance scams, said Reeves. Tips to Avoid Scams Common sense tips for avoiding scams include:
• Never send money to someone who you have not met in person.
• Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Avoid making purchases on social media sites.
• Don’t be pressured into making decisions immediately.
• Wait to return home before posting travel pictures to social media.
• Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
Reeves encouraged Rotarians to use the BBB’s Scam Tracker if they need to report a scam or if they are concerned that they are being targeted by a scam. w
Sarah Zupko /
Photo by Sarah Zupko
Nitro Tales Brings Big-City Vibes and Eastern Fusion to Huntsville
Huntsville’s culinary scene has gained a new addition within the heart of Providence Main Street with the opening of Nitro Tales, a bar and restaurant combining big-city innovation and Easterninspired flavors.
Owned by Huntsville mainstay Alka Chain, Nitro Tales celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, December 7th.
The spot aims to transport guests into a fusion of “New York atmosphere meets the Mediterranean coast,” offering a blend of luxury, minimalist design, and an adventurous spirit.
“The food and drinks are Japanese-inspired, with everything having a fusion note to it,” explains Chain. “We use tea as a base for a lot of our offerings because, in the Eastern world, tea is bigger than coffee.”
She emphasizes that tea isn’t just a beverage here — it’s integral to their menu, from cocktails to food.
Nitro Tales’ standout feature is its cocktails-on-tap system, a rarity in the Southeast.
“We’re the first and only bar in the region doing only cocktails on tap,” says Chain. “We don’t shake, we don’t stir—everything is prepped in advance to serve drinks within three minutes, like a New York minute, without compromising flavor or balance.”
It’s obvious that the menu at Nitro Tales was crafted with an abun-
By: Noah Logan / Photos by Noah Logan and Nitro Tales
dance of care and attention to detail.
The beverage selections include offerings like the Ube City, a tea drink made with matcha, ube, milk and lavender coconut along with the Nitro Hojicha which is prepared with hojicha toffee, caramel and ashwaganda.
The cocktails available on tap showcase options from nearly every stop along the taste spectrum.
Those who prefer something sweet and familiar can try the Bamboo Colada with both pineapple and coconut-flavored rum while selections such as the Funky Geisha aim to provide a taste that is more novel and refined with mezcal, blanco tequila, citrus, pickled onion syrup and Himalayan salt.
Chain’s roots in the hospitality industry run deep. Alongside her family, she operates the Vintage Cigar Lounge in Bridge Street.
This new venture, however, is a departure from the traditional.
“We bring so much exclusivity and innovation that people are going to want to be adventurous here,” she says, pointing to their menu of unique offerings like waffle sandwiches made with Ube and matcha, sushi-inspired sandwiches called onigirasu, and zuchi cups for convenient, on-the-go dining.
The goal is to offer Huntsville something it hasn’t seen before.
“We all go to Nashville for a
vibe — why not have that here?” asks Chain, who has watched the city evolve since her family moved to Huntsville in 1992.
She hopes Nitro Tales will play a role in elevating the local dining scene, encouraging residents to explore beyond their comfort zones.
Chain sums up her vision succinctly: “We want adventurous seekers who want to try something that’s never been seen before. When you come to Nitro Tales, I want you to leave saying, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this existed.’”
While caffeine and cocktails are already drawing attention, Chain encourages guests to explore their “japas” menu.
“Our Japanese tapas are bold, beautiful, and just delightful,” she says, eager for Nitro Tales to be recognized as more than just a cocktail bar.
With its blend of innovation, elegance, and Eastern inspiration, Nitro Tales will provide an experience not easily forgotten as it seeks to become a destination for both locals and tourists craving a unique culinary outing in Huntsville. w
Embracing Organizational Integrity in the Workplace
One of the essential ingredients in forming an effective and welcoming workplace environment is organizational integrity. It is also one of the four CODE components of the adaptive leadership model.
Workplaces with high organizational integrity attract better job candidates and retain good employees longer, even in a highly competitive job market. For this reason, it is important that an organization’s leadership exemplifies the following principles: transparency, consistency, fairness, and honesty.
Putting these concepts into practice goes far beyond simply writing a company value statement or penning an inclusive, flowery mission statement. Embracing these values means that leadership must put forth genuine effort and take specific actions to ensure organizational integrity.
Transparent and Clear
HR professionals and recruitment experts will attest that clear and accurate job descriptions are critical for matching the right person to the right role as they set employee expectations regarding duties, responsibilities, and compensation.
This need for clarity applies to all staff and continues throughout their entire tenure with the organization. Whether in a written document or through verbal discussions, expectations and directions should always be clear, direct, and concise.
It is also important that vital information about the company that could directly impact employees, such as loss of major projects or an upcoming merger, be shared intentionally and freely with staff. Not addressing such issues directly and openly, known as information hoarding, fosters distrust and unease amongst all employees.
Consistent and Reliable
It is no secret that many workplaces struggle with getting employees to consistently show up for work or to reliably show up on time for their scheduled shifts. While employers may be limited in their options for addressing this challenge one question that is often overlooked entirely
is whether or not leadership is setting a positive example.
While company policy may allow flexibility for salaried employees to adjust their schedule as needed, it is important to consider the optics as well. It is more difficult to ask hourly employees to be reliable and punctual when team leaders and supervisors appear to come and go as they please.
Rules must be applied consistently across all teams, all departments, and all staff. Exceptions should be rare; otherwise cases of favoritism will be common, which is severely damaging to organizational integrity.
Equitable and Fair
Though it can be a bit tricky, it is
important to examine one’s own unconscious biases in order to promote equity and fairness in the workplace. Bias training and the development of communication skills can both be instrumental in reducing the effects of disparity amongst employee experiences.
It is absolutely vital that supervisors and leadership avoid favoritism and are consistent when it comes to disciplinary actions. If one employee suffers harsher repercussions than others for the same violation, it not only may lead to conflict and dissension amongst the staff, but might also open the employer to legal liability.
All employees should be equal-
By: Alex Duck
ly encouraged to attend professional development opportunities or apply for promotions when appropriate.
Honest and Trustworthy
It is important for leaders to foster an environment that encourages feedback without the fear of reprisal or personal conflict. Management can achieve this in part by genuinely listening to staff suggestions without bias or being defensive.
Leadership must also lead by example by being candid and sincere with team members regarding all aspects of the business or organization.
Companies love to share their success stories with employees. However, downturns or obstacles the company is currently facing should also be discussed openly. Such transparency helps to build trust.
It is equally important that leaders follow through whenever they promise to do something. If they do not, employees will come to distrust their managers or the company itself, and are likely to seek employment elsewhere.
Conclusion
Transparency, consistency, fairness, and honesty form the foundation of organizational integrity. Businesses and associations with high integrity are more effective in their mission as they attract and retain greater talent.
The opposite is also true: workplaces with poor integrity tend to devolve into toxic environments which push out quality staff members and their negative reputation may scare away potential job candidates.
As with all shifts in company culture, these values must first be demonstrated by the leadership team, setting an example for all team members to follow. Commitment to these values takes time and effort, but the results are certainly worth the investment. w
Best Attraction
WINNER
Huntsville Botanical Garden
www.hsvbg.org
Runner-Up
Downtown Huntsville
Best DJ Service
WINNER
Nothing But Hits DJs www.facebook.com/profile.
php?id=100071187429236
Runner-Up
Metropolitan DJ
Best Festival
WINNER
Tinsel Trail
Big Spring Park www.tinseltrail.com
Runner-Up
Panoply Arts Festival
Best Golf Course
WINNER
Robert Trent Jones
Hampton Cove
www.rtjgolf.com/hamptoncove
Runner-Up
The Ledges
Best Hotel
WINNER
106 Jefferson Huntsville, Curio Collection by Hilton www.106jefferson.com
Runner-Up
The Westin
Best Local Band
WINNER
Microwave Dave & the Nukes
www.microwavedave.com
Runner-Up
Brandon Elder Band
Best Movie Theater
WINNER
Cinemark Bridge Street www.cinemark.com
Runner-Up
AMC Valley Bend
Best Museum
WINNER
U.S. Space & Rocket Center www.rocketcenter.com
Runner-Up
Huntsville Museum of Art
Best Music Venue
WINNER
Orion Amphitheater
www.theorionhuntsville.com
Runner-Up
Stovehouse
Best Performing Arts
WINNER
Broadway Theatre League
www.broadwaytheatreleague.org
Runner-Up
Fantasy Playhouse
Children’s Theater
Best Tourist
Destination
WINNER
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
www.rocketcenter.com
Runner-Up
Rocket City Trash Pandas
Best Wedding & Event Venue
WINNER
Burritt on the Mountain www.burrittonthemountain.com
Runner-Up
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Best Chiropractor / Holistic Medicine
WINNER
Max Health www.maxhealthal.com
Runner-Up
Dr. Bryan WylieProvidence Chiropractic
Best Day Spa
WINNER
DanTera SalonSpa
Madison
www.danterasalondayspa.com
Runner-Up
Terramé Day Spa & Salon in Jones Valley
Best Dentist / Orthodontist
WINNER
Limbaugh Orthodontics
www.limbaughortho.com
Runner-Up
Ren A. Talbot, Cosmestic
Dentistry & Face Aesthetics
Best Dermatologist
WINNER
Southeastern Skin
Cancer & Dermatology
www.southeasternskin.com
Runner-Up
Advanced Dermatology
Best Eye Care
WINNER
Eye Care Associates www.webeca.com
Runner-Up
Bailey Cove Eye Care
Best Fitness / Gym
WINNER
F45 Training
www.f45training.com/studio/ westhuntsville
Runner-Up
Burn Boot Camp
Best General Practitioner
WINNER
Dr. Marilyn Salada-Ligon, Crestwood Medical Center www.mdvip.com/doctors/ marilynligonmd
Runner-Up
Innova Primary Care
Best Hair Salon
WINNER
DanTera SalonSpa Madison www.danterasalondayspa.com
Runner-Up
The Parlor at Stovehouse
BEST OF HUNTSVILLE
Best Makeup Artist
WINNER
H&M By CAIT
www.hmbycait.com
Runner-Up
Luxe Cosmetics, LLC
Best Nail Salon WINNER
Victoria Nails
www.victorianailshuntsville.com
Runner-Up
Lil’ Nail Shop in South Huntsville
Best OB / GYN
WINNER
Tennessee Valley OBGYN www.tvobgyn.com
Runner-Up
Clinic for Women
Best Pediatrician WINNER
Huntsville Pediatric Associates
www.huntsvillepediatrics.com
Runner-Up
Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children
Best Plastic Surgeon WINNER
Dunagan Yates & Allison
Plastic Surgery
www.dyaplasticsurgery.com Runner-Up
Dr. Robert KnowlingThe Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville
Best Bakery
WINNER
Edgar’s Bakery www.edgarsbakery.com
Runner-Up
Bigfoot’s Little Donuts
Best Bar
WINNER
Stella’s Elixir Lounge www.stellashsv.com
Runner-Up
Catacomb 435
Best Brewery
WINNER
Straight to Ale www.straighttoale.com
Runner-Up Campus 805
Best Caterer
WINNER
Mason Dixon
Bakery & Bistro www.masondixonbakery.com
Runner-Up
Taco Mama
Best Coffee Shop
WINNER
Honest Coffee Roasters www.honesthsv.coffee
Runner-Up
Angel’s Island Coffee
Best Food Truck WINNER
Taqueria El Cazador www.stovehouse.com/tenant/taqueria-el-cazador
Best Non-Profit Organization WINNER A New Leash on Life www.anewleash.org
Runner-Up
Habitat for Humanity of River Valley
Best Photographer
WINNER
Bobbie Ann Photography www.bobbiannphotos. smugmug.com
Runner-Up
Taylor Hamilton Photography
Best Real Estate –Residential
WINNER
Danielle Justice
- Weichert, RealtorsThe Space Place www.weichert.com/agents/ Danielle-Justice-E8189
Runner-Up
Morgan Reak Estate, LLC
Best Real Estate –Commercial WINNER
Chapman Commercial Realty, LLC
www.chapmancommercialrealty .com
Runner-Up
Freedom Real Estate & Capital
Best School
WINNER
Mt. Carmel
Elementary School
www.mtcarmelelementary school.mcssk12.org
Runner-Up
Holy Spirit Catholic School
Best Veterinarian
WINNER
Towne Park Animal Care Center
www.towneparkpets.com
Runner-Up
Whitesburg Animal Hospital
QinetiQ US Grows Defense Footprint with Huntsville Expansion
QinetiQ US, a leading defense and national security company, celebrated its expansion into Huntsville on Tuesday while also strengthening its commitment to delivering mission-led innovation to key defense and aerospace sectors.
The company marked the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce at its new office on Market Street.
“This is the launch of a strategy that we started about a year ago”
This move is more than just a new location—it represents a pivotal step in QinetiQ’s growth strategy.
By setting up operations in Rocket City, the company aims to strengthen its partnerships with defense organizations, support critical military programs, and leverage Huntsville’s wealth of engineering and technical talent.
“This is the launch of a strategy that we started about a year ago,” said Shawn Purvis, President and CEO of QinetiQ US. “We saw that our aerial target platforms were being used by [the Army’s] TSMO, and we felt there was an opportunity to have a stronger partnership with that customer. Instead of just selling the platform, we want to support the full lifecycle mission of the aerial target platform.”
This commitment has already proven to be a fruitful one.
QinetiQ recently secured the U.S. Army Aerial Target Systems 3 (ATS-3) contract, a prime award that allows the company to expand its services.
The contract supports the Army’s Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) at Redstone Arsenal.
With this award, QinetiQ
can now offer a broader range of capabilities, including training, mission planning, and payload development.
“The ATS-3 award allows us to have longer, broader conversations with the customer,” said Purvis. “We’re discussing platforms, training, mission needs, and payloads, including applications for electronic warfare and counter-UAS. This gives the Army greater flexibility to fly classified and unclassified missions.”
QinetiQ also plans to tap into Huntsville’s skilled workforce, which boasts one of the nation’s highest concentrations of engineers and technical professionals and is home to more than 80 federal and government services contracts, creating an environment ripe for collaboration.
This local talent will be critical as QinetiQ seeks to grow its portfolio of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence capabilities, and
robotic solutions.
By: Noah Logan /
“Most of our business—around 70%—supports the U.S. Army,” Purvis noted. “We hire over 26% veterans across our company, and we have technologies ranging from autonomous systems and AI to manufacturing and robotic capabilities. This is a great market for us to bring forward those capabilities and expand our partnerships with local businesses and the community.”
QinetiQ’s expansion into Huntsville is just the beginning. The company has outlined an ambitious five-year plan to establish Rocket City as one of its largest operational hubs.
“Our goal is to partner with local businesses and the 80-plus federal agencies here,” said Purvis. “We want to expand our portfolio across all the markets we support, including autonomous capabilities for Army Futures, intelligence support for DHS and DoD, and systems engineering. Over the next five years, we see this location emerging as one of our largest.”
The company’s focus on long-term growth aligns with its mission-led approach to innovation. By combining advanced technologies with strong local partnerships, QinetiQ aims to provide comprehensive solutions that address complex challenges faced by defense and national security organizations.
QinetiQ’s expansion isn’t just about business; it’s also about community.
The company is committed to building relationships within Huntsville’s robust defense and aerospace sectors. These partnerships will not only support its customers but also contribute to the local economy and workforce development.
“This is a great market for us to not only support our Army customers but also to establish strategic partnerships with the community,” Purvis said. w
Photos by Noah Logan
Shawn Purvis, President and CEO of QinetiQ US.
From AI to Economic Impact: Key Takeaways from the Redstone Update
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber hosted a Redstone Update on December 11 at the Von Braun Center.
The day’s events began at 8 a.m. and included updates on the Federal Bureau of Investigation, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Space & Missile Defense Command, and Redstone Arsenal.
Jeff Gronberg, CEO of deciBel Research, moderated a panel discussion entitled “Driving Innovation Together with AI & Advanced Analytics.”
The panel brought together leaders from academia, the military, and private industry to discuss challenges and opportunities that they see on the horizon as a result of Artificial Intelligence.
The panelists included:
• COL Trent Geisler, Ph.D., U.S. Army Materiel Command
• Lisa Hirschler, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
• Seth Farrington, DEVCOM Avi-
ation & Missile Center
• Dr. Doug Matty, University of Alabama in Huntsville Panelists discussed the need for quality data, issues related to trust and AI, and the challenge of finding and retaining top AI talent. Reducing red tape that slows
collaboration between industry, academia, and the various branches of the military was identified as an actionable step that could be taken to speed innovation.
Gronberg asked the speakers what they wished the contractors in the room knew about how to best support
By: Sarah Zupko /
the AI needs of the organizations represented on the panel.
“We want to work with you, hand in hand, and not just be delivered a product,” said Hirschler. “A delivered product that we don’t understand the backend of is not anything that would be terribly helpful for us.”
Along similar lines, Matty encouraged contractors to build products with open architecture which will allow for rapid adaptation and technological updates.
The Redstone Update culminated with a luncheon, featuring Major General Gavin A. Lawrence as the keynote speaker.
MG Lawrence provided a bird’s eye view of “Redstone by the Numbers.”
Lawrence said that the economic impact of Redstone Arsenal on local communities is estimated to be $36.2 billion.
Ninety acres have been cleared on the Arsenal for construction of facilities
Photos courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
DEFENSE
that will support the FBI in their mission to provide advanced educational opportunities. Lawrence described the coursework that will take place there as “Ph.D. level.”
Redstone Arsenal encompasses 38,162 acres of land. There are 14,700 remaining developable acres and 2,603 of these are considered “prime” developable acres.
Last year, the Arsenal processed over 2,600 recreational access badges for local community members who entered the installation to golf, hunt, bowl, play bingo, or practice their archery skills.
MG Lawrence encouraged program guests to download the My
Army Post App and select Redstone Arsenal. The app provides updates on the status of gates, food options on the Arsenal, and the availability of recreational activities.
“We want you to use this as a tool to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s going on at Redstone because we want you to be able to partake of what we have going on inside the gates,” said Lawrence. w
Major General Gavin A. Lawrence
Jeff Gronberg, CEO of deciBel Research
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Invests Heavily in Local Education NASA
Being adjacent to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center presents many educational advantages for students in Huntsville and the surrounding area.
Marshall Center Director Joseph Pelfrey said Marshall considers the role of schools and educators crucial to inspiring and equipping students in STEM.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“With their help, NASA can empower students to become part of the Artemis Generation – the next generation of scientists, engineers, and business professionals we need to continue NASA’s space exploration goals in the future,” said Pelfrey.
In 2023 Marshall signed a Partner in Education Agreement with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). ASCTE is the nation’s only high school focused on the integration of cyber technology and engineering into all academic disciplines.
As part of this partnership, Marshall provides speakers, materials, facility tours, mentorship, and other support to the school.
Marshall is intentional about pursuing partnerships with community colleges and minority-serving institutions, such as historically black colleges and universities.
Marshall and Alabama A&M University (AAMU) have partnered on a number of Space Act Agreements, which allow research sponsors to use NASA resources to the benefit of both parties.
AAMU and Marshall are currently partnering to develop new space propellant and test uses for modal magnification software.
In May 2023, Marshall also signed a Student Volunteer Agreement to work with AAMU engineering students to provide real-world skill development.
Marshall partners with Drake State Community & Technical College through the Frontiers Research Program. Students selected for this program work on constructing poten-
tial Moon habitats.
Calhoun Community College established the Alabama Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence program in 2011. In 2015, they consulted with Marshall and others to learn about workforce needs and revamp the program.
With Marshall’s help the program grew, acquiring additional space and allocating some of it to collaborative labs and classrooms.
Marshall has also worked extensively with the University of Alabama in Huntsville through numerous Space Act Agreements.
“Marshall is proud to partner with schools, colleges, and universities across the state of Alabama to ensure all students have access to the best STEM education and experiences. This will enable them to join our workforce and contribute to science and technology development that moves humanity forward,” said Pelfrey.
In addition to direct partnerships with area schools, Marshall leads a number of NASA’s student challenges.
Artemis Student Challenges are engineering and technological design challenges focused on technologies involved in human spaceflight.
NASA’s Student Launch encourages students to provide relevant,
cost-effective research and development of rocket propulsion systems.
In 2024, more than 70 teams participated from across the U.S. and
By: Heather Alfonso
Puerto Rico. Held at Bragg Farms in Toney, Alabama, this challenge included students in grades 6 through 12 and college.
Student Launch will celebrate 25 years in 2025. There are 71 teams selected to compete, including three Alabama teams.
The Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) has student teams design, develop, build, and test human-powered rovers capable of traversing challenging terrain. Teams must also create a task tool to complete various mission tasks.
In 2024, HERC celebrated its 30th year, with 72 teams participating from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 13 other nations.
In 2025, 75 teams have been selected to compete, including four Alabama teams.
Centennial Challenges directly
/ Photos courtesy of Marshall Space Flight Center
NASA
engages the public in the process of advanced technology development, offering incentive prizes to generate revolutionary solutions to problems of interest to NASA and the nation. The program seeks innovations from diverse and non-traditional sources.
The NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge in 2024 was the first time that Huntsville hosted a Centennial Challenges event.
Marshall also presents internship opportunities to students.
Pathways internships provide college students and recent graduates paid internships that can potentially offer a direct pipeline to full-time employment with NASA.
Office of STEM Engagement paid internships allow high school and college students to contribute to agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor.
Marshall also boosts STEM education through free resources for teachers and students.
NASA Engages is composed of NASA experts who share NASA missions and content at educational, professional, civic, and other public venues.
Audiences include schools, libraries, museums, youth organizations, professional and technical organizations, community groups, and non-profit organizations.
NASA CONNECTS is an online platform used to connect educators to NASA content, resources, and opportunities enabling collaboration among fellow educators and NASA team members.
NASA SPARX is geared towards grades K through 12. Students gain real-world experiences in STEM through engineering design challenges.
NASA in the Park is a beloved local
educational event open to the public. An estimated 14,000 people attended the most recent NASA in the Park held in June 2024.
The event featured 68 vendors on site and had a special visit from San Francisco 49ers quarterback, aerospace engineer, and philanthropist Josh Dobbs.
Marshall credits the event's success to the support and participation of its partners in government, industry, academia, and the community.
“NASA in the Park was a huge success this year, thanks to the tremendous support NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center receives from the Huntsville and North Alabama communities. The day was a true testament to the strength of our partnerships across the region,” said Pelfrey.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center has an even bigger event planned for 2025 when it celebrates 65 years of innovation and inspiration. w
Bank Independent Earns Spot Among Alabama's Best Places to Work
Bank Independent has been named as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama for the fifth consecutive year.
The designation is awarded by Business Alabama Magazine and Best Companies Group.
"Being named one of the best companies to work for in Alabama for the fifth consecutive year is a true testament to the exceptional culture and dedicated team we have at Bank Independent,” Bank Independent CEO, Rick Wardlaw said. “Our success is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration, and this recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, dynamic work environment for our employees. We are proud of the talented individuals who make Bank Independent a great place to work, and we remain focused on fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive."
This accolade joins previous honors received by the bank this year.
Newsweek Magazine included Bank Independent in the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces for the third consecutive year and American Banker Magazine listed the company as one of the Best Banks to Work For for the sixth consecutive year.
Companies vying for a spot on the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama list must meet a number of requirements. They must have been in business for at least one year, employ at least 15 people in the state, and have a facility in Alabama. Businesses that met the requirements were eligible to compete in a two-part survey.
The first stage of the process involved reviewing the workplace policies, practices, and systems of each nominated company. These metrics accounted for roughly 25% of a company’s overall rating.
The second part of the process, worth the remaining 75% of the evaluation, was based on an employee survey.
The final rankings will be published in the December 2024 issue of Business Alabama.
An awards event celebrating the winners of the competition was held at Birmingham’s Harbert Center on December 2, 2024. w
Matt Curtis Real Estate Agent
Ben Waye Surpasses 100 Homes Sold in Record Year
Ben Waye, a real estate agent with Matt Curtis Real Estate, has reached a remarkable milestone by selling over 100 homes in 2024. Waye joins an elite group of agents, as just two other Matt Curtis agents have met this sales mark in a single year.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate Ben’s outstanding success,” said Matt Curtis, Founder of Matt Curtis Real Estate. “To sell over 100 homes in one of the most challenging real estate markets in recent memory speaks volumes about Ben’s dedication, expertise, and the strength of his client relationships. This accomplishment is a reflection of his hard work, a deep commitment to his clients, and the invaluable support of our incredible admin team.”
The market uncertainty and historically low activity that characterized the real estate industry in 2024 only makes Waye’s accomplishments even more impressive.
Waye persevered in spite of these challenges, focusing on a relationship-driven approach. Known for his ability to navigate complex transactions, Waye meets client needs with intentionality and exactness.
Looking ahead to 2025, Waye is focused on building on his momentum as he continues to serve his clients.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust my clients have placed in me,” said Waye. “I look forward to another year of helping individuals and families navigate their real estate journeys, with a commitment to excellence and personalized service.” w
Defense Contractor Employees Volunteer to Honor Veterans
Saturday, December 14 was National Wreaths Across America Day.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
The annual event takes place through
coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 4,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.
Northrop Grumman’s Veterans, Employees, and Reservists Inspired to Act and Serve
(VERITAS) Employee Resource Group in Huntsville began participating in Wreaths Across America in 2018.
Since then it has grown considerably, with over 17,000 wreaths sponsored.
This year, several dozen volunteers gathered at Valhalla Memory Gardens to lay over 650 employee-sponsored wreaths on the graves of veterans interred there.
VERITAS is a Northrop Grumman employee resource group committed to recognizing and supporting active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans through community outreach and networking programs aligned with company and sector-wide business objectives.
Over time, other area businesses have become involved in the tradition.
This past Saturday’s event included volunteers from Northrop Grumman, Leidos Dynetics, Lockheed Martin, Accenture Federal Services, Walmart, the Boy Scouts, and other community groups.
Ian Reynolds, vice president of the
C4 Missile Defense business unit for Northrop Grumman in Huntsville, spoke to the volunteers gathered for the event.
“I want to thank you for coming together as a community to honor our veterans,” said Reynolds.
People with family members interred at Valhalla were handed wreaths and allowed to proceed first.
Volunteer efforts were not limited to local participants.
One out-of-state family member contacted VERITAS to say that their father-in-law, a WWII veteran, was interred at Valhalla. They asked if a wreath could be laid on their family member's grave.
After a diligent search, Northrop Grumman volunteers located the grave site and laid the wreath, sending a photo to the loved ones.
“I really appreciate seeing our community coming out here and recognizing those who've gone before,” said Lisa DeVine of Leidos Dynetics.
This year’s Wreaths Across America theme was “Living with Purpose”, encapsulated in the volunteer’s contribution to honoring local veterans by reflecting on their sacrifice as they laid the wreaths, and teaching their children and grandchildren what it means to serve. w
RECOGNITION
BDO Public Sector Announces Newest President and CEO
BDO Public Sector, LLC, has appointed Frank Landefeld as its President and CEO.
Landefeld will lead the strategic direction, growth initiatives, and client engagement efforts to support federal agencies in achieving mission success. With three decades of experience, Landefeld has a deep understanding of clients’ needs and complexities in today’s evolving landscape, and a proven record driving impactful, client-focused services and solutions.
Building on BDO’s legacy of service, innovation, and excellence, Landefeld’s leadership has been instrumental to strengthening BDO Public Sector’s capabilities and market relationships, positioning the firm as a trusted advisor in the marketplace.
“I am honored to take on this role and lead such a talented and dedicated team,” said Landefeld.
“As our clients face unprecedented challenges, our work is more critical than ever. As we look to the future, I look forward to enhancing BDO’s legacy of service, innovation, and excellence, and to driving services and solutions that make a meaningful difference for our people, our clients and their missions,” Landefeld continued.
BDO Public Sector, LLC, a subsidiary of BDO USA, P.C., provides strategic consulting and advisory services to federal, state, and local government agencies.
Visit to learn more about us and our commitment to making a meaningful difference for our clients and our people: www.bdo.com/public-sector
