Return to Office Order Strains Redstone Arsenal Traffic, City Responds
The order caused a crush of traffic at all six Redstone Arsenal Gates and, presumably, impacted traffic for all local drivers. By Mike Easterling - Page 11
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Demolition Begins at Old City Hall Ahead of Big Spring Expansion
Bulldozers moved in last week and began tearing down a City Hall building that had been part of Huntsville’s downtown skyline since 1965—a bustling time when the Rocket City played a starring role in the Space Race. By Mike Easterling - Page 14
ADDITIONAL STORIES
• The Business of Space Conference at UAH: Exploring the Evolving Role of Media in the New Space Economy By Noah Logan • Page 2
• Job Seekers Beware: Scams and Fake Job Postings are Everywhere By Alex Duck • Page 8
• Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau Reveals New Brand By Katie Holt • Page 15
• President George W. Bush Headlines Fundraising Event for Thrive Alabama By Katie Holt • Page 18
The Business of Space Conference at UAH: Exploring the Evolving Role of Media in the New Space Economy
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) recently hosted The Business of Space conference, an event dedicated to exploring the intersection of space commerce, media, and economic development. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. David Livingston, host of The Space Show and executive director of the One Club Week Foundation. Livingston’s presentation delved into the evolving influence of media on the new space economy, highlighting its critical role in transitioning from the era of “alt space” to “new space.”
Dr. Livingston shared insights from his extensive background in commercial space models, recalling the challenges he faced in getting his dissertation on the subject approved. He recounted how The Space Show began as a radio program and evolved into a pioneering space-focused podcast in 2005, contributing significantly to the growing landscape of new space media. His discussion underscored how the media has become a driving force in shaping public perception and investment in space ventures.
A pivotal moment in this transformation, according to Livingston, was the X Prize competition in 2004. This event demonstrated the private sector’s ability to innovate in space exploration and helped fuel media growth in covering commercial space endeavors. His work in this area includes the development of a Code of Ethics for Off-Earth Commerce, which has been widely published and revised to reflect the evolving nature of space business.
Beyond his work in media, Dr. Livingston is a prominent voice in the broader discussion on space commerce and ethics. He has been featured as a guest on national programs such as Coast to Coast AM, Red FM in Cork, Ireland, and various internet radio platforms, where he discusses space tourism and commerce. As a contributing author to Beyond Earth: The Future of Humans in Space, Livingston’s chapter, Making Space a Popular Goal, examines how to cultivate a space-faring culture. He is also involved in an action group with notable figures such as Barbara
Marx Hubbard and Howard Bloom, advocating for increased awareness of space settlement and development.
Additionally, Livingston is contributing to a forthcoming book on space ethics, with his chapter focusing on lunar economic development, access to the Moon, and the marketing of lunar initiatives to attract capital investment. His work underscores the necessity of integrating ethical and economic considerations into space policy and commerce. Perspectives from UAH Leadership
Dr. Jason Greene, Dean of the UAH College of Business, emphasized the growing significance of space commerce beyond its traditional technical and scientific aspects.
“Space is no longer the sole domain of engineers and scientists, as there are important economic and business challenges that must be confronted in order to grow and sustain space activities,” said Greene. “At the UAH College
of Business, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for students and thought leaders to shape the future of the space sector. The Business of Space conference serves as a platform to fuel meaningful discussions, spark innovative ideas, and launch research initiatives that have the potential to shape future policies and business practices within the new space economy.”
As interest in the intersection of space and business continues to grow, the Business of Space conference is expected to expand significantly. This year’s event saw a 15% increase in registrations, with similar growth anticipated for next year. The 2026 conference is already scheduled for March 1-3, 2026, promising another round of insightful discussions and networking opportunities for professionals, academics, and students alike.
For more information about future conferences, visit opce.uah. edu/2026BusinessofSpace. w
By: Noah Logan / Photos by Noah Logan
Dr. David Livingston speaks at the Business of Space Conference
A Conversation with Steve Whitman of All Needz Rental Center
Steve Whitman built a career in the environmental industry, making good money, but he realized the industry no longer excited him. At 35 years old, he made a life-changing decision to return home to North Alabama and start All Needz Rental Center.
What began as a modest operation with one delivery truck, today is a premier rental company serving North Alabama weddings and events for 27 years with a team of 15 full-time employees, a fleet of nine delivery trucks, and an inventory of more than 200 tents, 80,000 pieces of china, glassware, and flatware, thousands of tables, chairs, and furniture, and over 9,000 table linens.
Whitman recently sat down with the Huntsville Business Journal to share his journey as a business owner and how his event business survived the event-pocalypse during the COVID pandemic.
What do you enjoy most about
owning your own business?
I enjoy not working for someone else. I enjoy the sales aspect of it, and I enjoy talking to people. I grew up in sales, so that's my favorite part. I’ve had employees that have been here for 25 years working for me. So I enjoy the people that work for me as well. When I said that I don't like working for anyone else, actually, I work for thousands of people because I work for our customers.
How do you balance personal and professional life as a business owner?
Initially, it was all business because there were three of us. We had a certain amount of linens, maybe 30 or 40 linens to start with — now we have 9,000 plus. We didn’t have an in-house washing and pressing facility, so when we rented linens out and they would come back, we would put them in our own washing machine at the house, and then we would put them through our dryer at the house. And if we didn't catch
them on the cool down cycle and they got wrinkled, we'd have to wash them again. Now we've grown such that my employees pretty much take care of everything. I work when I want to.
What advice would you have for someone who's considering starting their own business?
It's a leap of faith. You just have to understand that if you're going to do it, you have to put in sweat equity to start with, and you may always have to do that the whole time you own the business. Our business has grown such that I don't have to do as much as I used to, but I did a lot upfront working seven days a week, 12 to 14 hours a day.
What challenges or obstacles have you faced in your business and how did you overcome them?
What almost put us out of business was COVID. It was a very tough time. We had over a million dollars in contract cancellations in one week and so we just buckled down, and got a couple
By:
of PPP loans and a government loan, and we just cut all spending and eventually it came back and it's back better than it ever has been.
What is the secret to your success?
My employees. They're the best. They're like my family. w
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.
Heather Price / Photo courtesy of Steve Whitman
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Huntsville Business Journal is published monthly by EVENT Publishing, PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815
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HudsonAlpha U Night Shines Light on the Latest Genomics and Biotech Discoveries
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology recently held its first public education event of the year, HudsonAlpha U Night, at The Jackson Center.
At the event, Kelly East, HudsonAlpha's Vice President for Educational Outreach, shared six stories of recent genomics and biotech discoveries. The stories were selected from several scientific breakthroughs and applications listed in this year's Annual Biotechnology Guidebook.
East explained that, throughout the year, the research institute's staff reads a large number of technical papers and then compiles them into a publication.
“We pick out our favorite stories, and then we write about 'em in simple ways for folks to read and understand and get excited about what's happening in science today and what's going to be happening in science tomorrow,” East said.
East's first anecdote was an interesting tale of how DNA can be used to glean insights from historical events via the victims of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Ash from the disaster miraculously preserved the shapes of the victims, allowing for previous ideas excavators had about the victims to be challenged.
East said that in studying the ancient DNA, scientists have recently “… reshaped some of the things we thought we knew about these individuals that were victims.”
Those ideas included the gender of the victims and their relation to one another.
She continued, “It's really exciting to think about what DNA is hiding out there—whether it's in a woolly mammoth in the Arctic or it's in Pompeii—that can help us better understand the past.”
During the program, East covered other fascinating recent scientific findings, such as a newly discovered plant gene, Booster, found in the blackwood cotton tree, which is part of the Poplar family. East presented some food for thought to the audience regarding the discovery of this gene.
“This helps us explain what's going on with Poplar Trees. But then that
naturally leads to the question of what's next?” East said.
According to the HudsonAlpha guidebook, “The Booster gene could enhance photosynthesis and increase output across a variety of food crops, offering multiple benefits with a single genetic modification.”
For many in the room, the most interesting and personal scientific breakthrough East discussed was a new Alzheimer's medication approved by the FDA last summer. The new medication, Kisunla, an IV infusion, uses antibodies to help clear harmful amyloid plaques from the brain, offering patients with early-stage Alzheimer's a chance to maintain quality of life longer.
West said that while the medication doesn't halt or reverse the progression of Alzheimer's, it has been shown to slow the disease, giving the patient more time. She also pointed out the
part HudsonAlpha plays in studying the disease.
“There is a lot of research being done in figuring out the causes and better diagnostics and treatments … including a lot of work here at Hudson Alpha that is focused around the genetics of Alzheimer's,” West said.
The final scientific story West shared was about Tardigrades, tiny organisms known as “water bears.”"
These microscopic creatures are famous for their ability to survive in extremely harsh environments, such as sky-high radiation levels (more than 1,000 times what humans can survive), extraordinarily high heat, and space travel.
“The other really cool thing about water bears, in addition to their, just their cuteness, is the fact that they are well known for being able to survive just about anything,” the speaker said.
Researchers have now identified key genes, like DODA1 and TRID1,
that help tardigrades repair DNA damage and manage cellular stress.
“Perhaps this is part of that puzzle of why they're uniquely able to withstand radiation,” West said.
West wrapped up the event with a reminder about HudsonAlpha's newly refreshed Alumni Association, which now automatically includes anyone who has attended one of its educational programs.
“It is such a joy to get to see you guys face to face at these events,” West said. “And the Alumni Association is just a way for us to stay in touch in between when we're able to be together in person.”
Science and research enthusiasts who want to hear more stories like these can attend the next HudsonAlpha U Night on Tuesday, September 9th, at the Jackson Center. The event, which is free, will cover the topic of Understanding Polygenic Risk Scores. w
By: Katie Holt /
Photos courtesy of HudsonAlpha
Osteria LuCa Brings International Flavors and Community Spirit to Huntsville
Huntsville’s thriving culinary scene just got a little richer. Osteria LuCa, an acclaimed Italian eatery from Charlotte, North Carolina, officially opened its doors at Stovehouse on March 12. With its emphasis on authentic Italian cuisine and a heartfelt commitment to community, the restaurant brings not only exceptional food but also a distinctive dining philosophy.
The grand opening celebration began at 10:30 a.m., and while business started off slow, by lunchtime the restaurant was buzzing with eager patrons. The atmosphere was warm and lively, with the open pizza kitchen providing a view of dedicated chefs crafting pizza from scratch. This thoughtful design choice reflects the restaurant’s transparency and focus on quality.
Ken and Tricia Martino, the owners of the original Charlotte location, partnered with Huntsville’s Power Brands Hospitality Group (PBHG) to bring Osteria LuCa to North Alabama. PBHG, known for its impressive portfolio of popular eateries like Biscuit Belly and Urban Cookhouse, saw the potential to introduce something unique to Huntsville’s rapidly growing food culture.
“When we dined at the Charlotte location, we knew Huntsville was missing a restaurant like this,” said Rutul Zaveri, a partner at PBHG. “This is chef-led and locally operated, not a corporatized chain — which means creative freedom and exceptional quality.”
That creativity is evident in the menu. Osteria LuCa’s offerings range from traditional wood-fired Margherita pizzas to inventive options like the Ba-
con and Clam and Hot Honey and Meatball pizzas. House-made pastas like Rigatoni Alla Vodka and Pappardelle Bolognese showcase the kitchen’s dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For those seeking something lighter, the Gem Salad — featuring asparagus, radishes, and a whole grain mustard vinaigrette — transforms earthy flavors into a surprisingly vibrant dish.
Shane, the head chef overseeing the Huntsville launch, brings both skill and heart to the menu. Originally from Pennsylvania, Shane grew up as a picky eater in a household where food wasn’t always abundant. That experience shaped his philosophy: to create dishes with unusual, sometimes overlooked ingredients and turn them into something extraordinary.
“I want to feed others the way I wished I’d been fed as a child,” he shared.
Vann, one of the servers, explained that every staff member sampled the entire spring menu before opening day, ensuring they could confidently recommend their favorites. Vann’s personal pick? The Wild Mushroom and Caramelized Onion White Pizza. One of Shane’s creations, it exemplifies his vision, blending rich flavors into a pizza even the pickiest eater would love.
The bar team also goes above and beyond. When I ordered the Spring Flora
mocktail — a guava-based specialty — I found it a bit too sweet. Without missing a beat, bartenders LaShay and Jordan collaborated on a custom creation tailored to my tastes. The result, a rose water and lemon concoction they dubbed “Something Frilly,” was an instant hit for me.
The bar team’s talents go well beyond mixology. LaShay, a certified yoga instructor, life coach, and nutritionist with Light on Yoga Fitness on Humes Avenue, leads advanced yoga classes, as well as a workshop on meditation. Both seem perfect extensions of her passion for helping others. Her thoughtful creativity serves as a major asset to the venue as she creates value with every satisfied patron.
Fellow bartender Jordan’s dedication also extends beyond his role at Osteria LuCa. A former Marine, he co-founded The Lyft Lab, a local nonprofit providing free strength, endurance, and mobility training for first responders and military personnel. His passion for service mirrors the ethos of Osteria LuCa: “Work hard. Be kind.”
The term "osteria" originated in Italy and was used to describe a place that served simple foods with wine. Osterias were originally inns frequented by traveling merchants, artisans, and wayfarers all coming together for a hot meal. The
By: Kait
name LuCa is an abbreviation of Ken and Tricia Martino’s children’s names: Lucas and Caroline. This focus on family and Italian tradition is woven into the very fabric of the restaurant, reflected not only in its name but in its warm, welcoming atmosphere, creating the perfect venue for this new community space.
That spirit was evident throughout the restaurant. I saw Ken Martino, one of the owners, bussing tables alongside the serving staff. I watched the host polishing furniture until it gleamed and a server sweeping floors to assist the host. This collaborative, hands-on approach fosters a sense of camaraderie rarely seen in the hospitality industry.
As Huntsville continues its rapid growth — with a recent city council annexation positioning it to become the 27th largest city in the U.S. — Osteria LuCa’s arrival feels especially timely. Its combination of high-quality ingredients, chef-driven innovation, and community-first philosophy makes it a standout addition to the city’s diverse dining landscape.
Whether you’re craving a perfectly blistered pizza, a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, or a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Osteria LuCa delivers. With its focus on fresh, made-from-scratch dishes and genuine hospitality, it’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a gathering place. And in a city that prides itself on growth and community, it’s already found a perfect home.
Osteria LuCa is open for lunch and dinner daily, with hours from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.osterialuca.com. w
Thursday / Photos by Kait Thursday
Local Landmark C.T. Garvin Closes, Online Auction
Already Active
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Rumors and speculation surrounding the future of an iconic Huntsville business can end – C.T. Garvin Feed & Seed has closed its doors after 90 years.
At the store’s latest location, 2215 Holmes Ave., a large sign out front reads 'Closing Due to Repair,' while another near the sidewalk announces an online auction of 'Complete Liquidation Inventory & Supplies.’ The two announcements left residents confused.
However, an employee at C.T. Garvin’s second store in Elkmont confirmed the original won’t reopen.
“Yes,’’ an employee simply told the Huntsville Business Journal when asked if the business had closed for good. A message left for current owners Monica and David Clark had not been returned as of Thursday.
The auction has already started at www.vanmasseybidwrangler.com. Van Masssey Auction and Realty advises there will be a 15 percent buyers premium added to all bids, and that Alabama state sales tax applies to all items. A preview is scheduled Friday, March 7 from 2-4 p.m. The auction ends Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. Pickup is Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
The store specialized in a variety of products and supplies related to lawn and garden care, pet animals and livestock.
“We’re really sad to hear this news,’’ said Claire Aiello, vice president of marketing and communications for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.
“C.T. Garvin is a longtime favorite of the Huntsville community, including several of our staff members who visited there often. Their team always offered great advice for gardening and other outdoor ventures, and we’re going to miss their expertise.’’
C.T. Garvin Feed and Seed opened in 1934, occupying several locations in and near downtown Huntsville. Founder Cressie Thornton Garvin, Sr., who originally sold sausage and bologna before buying a gin mill, steered the business through the Great Depression. Over the ensuing years, the business moved to several locations in or near downtown before settling in its final destination where the family built a million-dollar facility.
C.T. Garvin, Jr., known as Thornton, and his wife, Shirley, operated the store in its final years of family ownership. Customer Dennis Clark, a sod farmer, and his wife Monica purchased the business in 2008.
In 2010, Monica Clark told The Huntsville Times the store sold 250,000 items – a 40 percent increase in inventory since she and David took over.
“Isn’t that unusual, especially in the middle of town?’’ she said of a bustling business 15 years ago. “And most people don’t know we have 4 1/2 acres.’’
Come mid-March, when all the auctioned items are hauled away, the beloved business on those acres will sit unoccupied and the business only a memory. w
Mike Easterling / Photo courtesy of C.T. Garvin
Job Seekers Beware: Scams and Fake Job Postings are Everywhere
For those of us who were around for the early days of the internet, you may recall a strange email or two from a Nigerian or Saudi prince. Maybe you won a sweepstakes that you never entered.
What a surprise when you got notified that a mysterious and vaguely distant relative had passed away, but their diligent lawyer had somehow managed to locate you—their last living kin!
These were some of the earliest scams perpetrated via the world wide web. As technology advanced and users became more aware of these common scams, however, the scammers had to evolve their approach.
While job hunting is already mentally and emotionally taxing, job seekers unfortunately also need to be aware and cautious of these new scams to prevent themselves from being fleeced.
Russell Irby, a human resources expert and professional scam chaser, provided the following information about what to watch out for, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you suspect a recruiter or job posting may not be legitimate.
The Cost of Fake Job Postings
Fake job postings are more than just a nuisance that wastes job seekers' time—they also pose a real danger online.
For starters, scammers are looking to trick job seekers into handing over personal information like their driver’s license, date of birth, Social Security number, and banking details.
Fraudsters may also pose as hiring managers or recruiters but then ask the applicant to make upfront payments for fake training, background checks, or equipment.
Malware is another concern. Clicking links in a fraudulent job email can infect your device with malware or copy important data, such as login credentials.
Victims of these scams waste valuable time applying, interviewing, and even quitting real jobs for opportunities that never existed.
Identifying Scammers
Scammers may be sneaky, but their tactics are pretty recognizable if you know what to look for. Be cautious if you see any of the following:
• If it seems “too good to be true,” it
probably is. A high salary position requiring no experience and an almost instant job offer? That’s bait.
• Likewise, if a job description is overly vague or unrealistic—like a fully remote, full-time executive assistant for a law office—it’s probably fake.
• Pay close attention to email addresses. If the sender's name looks unprofessional or the email comes from a generic service like Gmail, it’s likely fake. Legitimate companies use their own domain for emails.
• Unprofessional communication and poor grammar are usually red flags.
• If the process feels incredibly rushed, be concerned. No serious employer will ask for your Social Security number or bank details prior to a formal job offer.
• It should seem odd to you if a potential employer is asking you to contact them through WhatsApp or Telegram, because it is. These are scammers after your personal data. Protect Yourself and Your Data
Here are some steps you can take to protect and reassure yourself while hunting for that next job opportunity:
• Check the company’s official website, LinkedIn page, and online reviews. If the company has no online presence, that is probably a red flag.
• Be protective of your personal data. You should only provide your Social Security number, banking info, and ID if you are sure the company is legit and you have received a formal job offer.
• If the application and interview process was instant or super fast, it is likely a scam.
• Report suspicious postings whenever possible to help protect other job seekers and keep job boards clean for everyone.
• Lastly, trust your gut. If it feels fishy, it’s probably fishy.
The Scam Buster
Not only has Russell Irby been a human resources professional for over 25 years, but he has also worked as a military police investigator, bounty hunter, private investigator, and scam buster. These days, he is putting his years of experience in human resources, talent acquisition, and fraud prevention to
By: Alex Duck
warn others about fake job postings and scammers. As he puts it, “My goal is to protect job seekers by exposing scams, educating professionals, and calling out the con artists who prey on people looking for work.”
You can find Irby on LinkedIn, where he has created the HR Honey Badger persona to warn job seekers about shady recruiters, draw attention to unsafe job postings, and report fake profiles. Follow him to learn more about protecting yourself as a job seeker and stay current on the latest scams.
He also welcomes job seekers to send him information on suspicious profiles or job listings that they have come across so that he might investigate and report them, in the hopes of shutting down a few more scammers.
In the near future, Irby hopes to offer leadership and human resources training to better equip professionals to recognize and deal with these new, online scams. w
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate Sales Down Amidst Uncertain Environment
By: Marie Johnson
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has reported that, across the United States, pending sales of residential units has declined 4.6% on a month-by-month basis, and 5.2% on a year-over-year basis.
Of the four regions of the United States, only the Northeast saw a slight increase in pending sales on a month-tomonth basis, while all four regions saw a year-over-year decrease.
The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) released its weekly report on the Huntsville/Madison County area, dated to the first week of March. The report shows a decline in pending sales of single-family units of 6.9%, while townhouse/condo units saw a decline of 7.7%.
Inventory of single-family units increased 16.7%, while townhouse/condo units saw a 37.9% increase. The types of homes hitting the market show a distinct split, with new listings of single-family homes up by 5.7%, while townhouse/ condo units had a decrease in new listings of a flat 40%.
The February monthly report showed that homes in the Huntsville/Madison County area have been spending longer on market, with single-family units spending an average of 67 days on market.
There are many factors that can explain a cooling market, but they all ultimately come down to uncertainty. Huntsville depends on the income of Federal workers and contractors working for the Federal government in some capacity, and many of those workers face uncertainty as to their jobs, with DOGE making broad, sweeping cuts. While many of the worst cuts bypassed Rocket City, being ordered to justify one’s continued employment via email understandably makes many such workers considerably less likely to make big purchases, such as homes.
As more apartment units become available, Zillow reports that the average rent for an apartment in Huntsville is $1,433 per month, significantly lower than the national average of $2,050. This makes renting an increasingly attractive option for those concerned about longterm financial commitments and the ability to afford rising mortgage rates.
This uncertainty is also affecting the inventory crisis in residential real estate, albeit from different angles. The National
Association of Home Builders sent a letter expressing their concerns to President Trump about the potential effects of tariffs on the construction industry. The NAHB Chief Economist, Robert Dietz, explained the reversal of momentum on housing starts experienced during January and February to the uncertainty surrounding these tariffs, saying that “policy uncertainty and cost factors created a reset for 2025 expectations,” adding that “uncertainty on the tariff front helped push builders' expectations for future sales volume down to the lowest level since December 2023.”
With tariffs against Canada and Mexico coming into effect on March 4, the price of construction materials such as softwood lumber could rise by estimated 10% over the course of 2025, according to CoreLogic data.
Ramping up domestic US production of such materials isn’t a simple matter either. Canada currently provides 30% of softwood timber available in the United States. While the lumber industry may salivate at the chance to cut down more trees, efforts to harvest from Federal lands on such a scale are likely to run into legal challenges, delaying the off-setting of the loss or increased cost of the timber supply.
This, of course, assumes that the United States does not follow through on President Trump’s repeated threats to outright invade and annex Canada in order to seize their natural resources.
While a war of northern imperialism would be one way to shore up Huntsville’s ballistics and rocketry industry, war is the ultimate uncertainty, and has a way of blasting plans to dust.
Every business in the Western world has to reckon with this uncertainty when attempting to account for the future. This uncertainty makes consumers nervous, and nervous consumers hoard necessities and hunker down. This affects demand, and obfuscates economic markers that the Federal Reserve relies on to determine interest rates and control inflation.
These are most assuredly interesting times.
The Huntsville Business Journal will continue to monitor developments in the market, both nationally and here at home. w
Building the Future: Huntsville's 2025 State of the Schools Highlights Workforce Readiness, Teacher Support, and Student Success
Last week, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and The Schools Foundation (TSF) hosted their State of Schools breakfast at the Von Braun Center.
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber's 2025 Board Chair Jeff Samz opened the event, introduced notable attendees, and updated attendees on the chamber's efforts in supporting all three school systems.
“In the Chamber's 2025 state agenda, we prioritize policy and budget allocations that address the academic needs, physical safety, and health and wellbeing of every child to prepare them for long-term success,” Samz said.
Along with education and government leaders from the area, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon were all in attendance.
For the first education presentation of the morning, Alabama School of Cyber Technology (ASCTE) President Matt Massey shared an overview of the school's progress and new initiatives. The school started four years ago with 72 students and has now grown to 365 students with plans to increase to an overall capacity of 450.
Some interesting new developments for the school include the development of an AI curriculum for the Alabama Department of Education, the establishment of the Alabama Cyber Range, the Advancing Cyber Concepts and Engineering Learning (ACCEL) program, and more. In other exciting news, Massey shared the school will be the first K/12 research center in the nation.
“It's going to allow us to partner with other agencies and our partners in education like never before,” Massey said.
Massey said the school's influence is growing and that the ASCTE will be recognized worldwide for its excellence and as a resource for helping others.
Debra West, a TSF board member and retired educator, discussed the various programs her organization of-
fers to support teachers and students. West mentioned a new TSF program, Patrons and Players, which supports the funding of extracurricular activities such as sports and fine arts for families with financial challenges.
“We believe that no student should be left on the sidelines based on financial needs. Extracurricular activities, sometimes are the one thing that will keep a child focused on their education,” West said.
After her update, West moderated a teacher panel discussion with three teachers: Hannah Wylie (Huntsville City Schools), Kristen Brown (Madison City Schools), and Collier Mastin, Jr. (Madison County Schools).
During the forum, Brown shared her happiness when helping her students.
“When you have a kid who could not read or write the alphabet and all of a sudden they can write, and you're closing that gap, there is no greater joy,” Brown said.
Wylie was recently announced as Huntsville City Schools’ 2024-2025 High School Teacher of the Year. During the discussion, she advised on how to best prepare students to enter the workforce.
“I think that the best thing to do is just redefine the conversation of success
with our youth,” Wiley said. She shared that this discussion with students should be about more than what type of degree or job they want; it should be about what personal success means to them.
Wiley continued, “It doesn't necessarily have to look like what we think it should look like.”
Mastin, Jr., a dual enrollment welding instructor and teacher at Madison County Career Technical Center, encouraged parents to consider career tech as a first-choice option for students.
“I would like parents to know that they can send their smart and talented young adults to get a great, excellent vocational education and know that they can have a wonderful career. It can lead to higher levels of success," Mastin said.
Chamber Foundation Board Chair Ron Poteat moderated the event's Superintendent Panel Discussion, which featured Dr. Clarence Sutton (Huntsville City Schools), Dr. Ed Nichols (Madison City Schools), and Kenneth Kubik (Madison County Schools).
“It's an exciting time for Huntsville City schools. We just passed the $600 million capital plan. We are growing with our community. We are learning to be innovative,” said Sutton.
Career and technical education proved to be a central theme of the fo-
rum. Education leaders across all three school districts passionately shared their efforts to prepare students for highdemand careers.
For Huntsville City Schools, a new Career Tech Facility on North Parkway is set to open in July.
“We're very excited about our center. It started with collaboration from Mayor Battle in the City to our board and the superintendent. They came together to collaborate,” Sutton shared.
Superintendent Kubik emphasized the importance of business partnerships in curriculum development.
“We need you to help us to develop inventive programs, pathways, and curriculum. You know what your workforce needs. When we are developing new curriculum, we need your input so that we can develop the curriculum to provide you with the workforce that you need in your buildings,” Kubik said.
Dr. Nichols said his district offers middle school students 57 different electives, giving them a wide range of career options to consider early on in life.
“I think the earlier that we can get our students exposed to the multiple careers that are out there, then they make better decisions when they get to high school,” Nichols said.
Dr. Nichols also called on Huntsville's business and civic leaders to create a community-wide event celebrating teachers and those who work with students daily.
“We celebrate Auburn, Alabama; we cheer for them. Why can't we cheer for teachers?" Nichols asked. “Let's get together and find a way to celebrate teachers.”
The 2025 State of the Schools event made it clear that strong partnerships between schools, businesses, and the community are key to preparing the next generation of Huntsville students, teachers, and administrators for a successful future. w
By: Katie Holt / Photos by Katie Holt
Return to Office Order Strains Redstone Arsenal Traffic, City Responds
The return to office executive order implemented by the Trump administration went straight to the point.
Soon after taking the helm from the former administration, Trump’s administration issued this directive: Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary. This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.
The order caused a crush of traffic at all six Redstone Arsenal Gates and, presumably, impacted traffic for all local drivers.
Amelia Hice, with the Garrison Public Affairs office, said Arsenal administrators are doing what they can to address any issues related to the executive order. She added that the number of the nearly 46,000 Redstone returning employees from remote working isn’t exact because she’s not sure if the garrison has those numbers from all companies on the property.
“Each of our more than 65 tenant organizations is responsible for the talent management of their employees, including tracking the number of employees and their work status and location,’’ she said. “In total, there are approximately 45,500 civilian and contractor employees who work on Redstone Arsenal.’’
One of those most visible tenants, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), said the order didn’t have much of an impact on their workforce.
“We have a lot of different systems that we have to be in the office for,’’ public affairs liaison Alicia Irmsher said. “Our classified and top secret networks—we have to physically be in the office. So, if we had employees that were on telework status, it was typically situational. ‘I have a doctor's appointment today. It’s in the middle
of the day. I’ll work in the morning, and then I’ll work in the afternoon when I get home.’
“So it's all very situational. It wasn’t something like ‘I'm only in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I’m teleworking Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays’. Nothing was like that.”
However, the rush did cause heavy traffic around the state’s biggest employee site. Redstone responded by ensuring each gate entrance was fully manned.
“The Garrison’s Directorate of Emergency Services continuously monitors gate operations and adjusts staffing as needed to efficiently and safely handle gate operations,’’ Hice said. “We have hired as many gate guards as possible and continue to recruit more. The level of throughput at the gates was already higher than pre-covid numbers as many agencies returned to work at the end of last summer.
“Currently, we have roughly between 46 and 48 thousand people coming through the gates daily. For context, those numbers include more than just the workforce, but also retirees, spouses and family members, people who live on post, recreation badge holders, deliveries and more.’’
Huntsville administrators are being proactive.
“We have received an increase in complaints about signals not holding green phases long enough,’’ Paul Gattis of the City of Huntsville mayor’s office staff said. “When roadways reach or approach capacity, congestion and backups naturally increase. We are currently analyzing recent traffic volume data to quantify the increase in demand due to the ‘Back to Work order’. While peak congestion remains localized to specific times of day, we are reviewing problem areas that have been identified to determine if any adjustments can be made to improve traffic flow. We will know in a few weeks.’’
The city has not assessed the impact of the return to work order for federal workers.
“We have not yet fully quantified the impact, but we are aware that congestion has increased, particularly at major intersections where traffic queues are extending longer than usual (due to new volumes),’’ Gattis said. “As with our ongoing review of traffic volumes, we are working to determine the extent of these increases and identify potential mitigation strategies where feasible.’’
Hice said Arsenal leaders will continue to review the current traffic situation.
“Team Redstone will fully execute and implement all directives outlined
By: Mike Easterling
in the Executive Orders issued by the president, ensuring that they are carried out with utmost professionalism, efficiency, and in alignment with national security objectives,’’ she said “Additionally, working for the U.S. Army Garrison isn’t very conducive for telework in most instances, so we don’t have much experience with that as an organization. Our workforce is present to run the installation so we were here full-time during the pandemic.’’
Local traffic, which has already been affected by population growth and related construction, has created discussion.
“The primary concern we hear from citizens is the perception that they are not receiving sufficient green time at signals,’’ Gattis said. “Some complaints suggest a lack of coordination or improper timing. While occasional equipment issues can contribute, the more common cause is driver behavior—such as inattentiveness leading to signals gapping out or excessive speeds disrupting coordination along a corridor, resulting in unnecessary stops. Additionally, we receive requests for new signals at perceived problem intersections, which require thorough studies to evaluate feasibility. These studies take time to conduct and analyze to ensure any modifications align with safety and operational best practices.
“The city has a dedicated team of signal timing specialists and signal technicians who continuously monitor and adjust signal timings to optimize traffic flow. While capacity constraints limit what can be done during peak congestion hours, we proactively mitigate issues by fine-tuning signal coordination and reviewing operational improvements. Additionally, we collaborate with private entities and developers to review and update traffic management plans to minimize disruptions and enhance efficiency.’’
Huntsville's Growth Puts Pressure
As Huntsville continues its rapid expansion, the city’s Certified Public Accountants are feeling the pressure.
The growth has increased the demand for accounting services, yet according to several Huntsville-area CPAs, the number of CPAs in the area is not keeping pace. Industry experts say this gap is driven by a combination of veteran accountants retiring and a declining number of students pursuing careers in accounting.
“Huntsville has grown tremendously over the last decade, yet the number of CPAs seems to be decreasing here”
“Huntsville has grown tremendously over the last decade, yet the number of CPAs seems to be decreasing here,” said Jeff Brown, CPA, CFE, of Henry & Brown Certified Public Accountants. “Several older CPAs have retired and sold or closed their businesses, but they are not being replaced quickly enough.”
Brown has attempted to recruit CPAs to Huntsville but finds that many professionals are drawn to larger cities like Nashville or Atlanta, unaware of the opportunities in North Alabama.
“Fewer people seem to be going into accounting because the degree sometimes takes longer, or they do not want to work the busy season schedule,” Brown said.
The Struggles of Recruitment and Retention
The struggle to attract and retain accountants is not unique to Huntsville—it’s part of a national trend.
According to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the number of CPAs in the U.S. has remained stagnant for years, with the profession peaking in 2012 at 1.28 million accountants. While numbers briefly declined in 2013, they recovered by 2019 but have since plateaued.
Meanwhile, fewer people are sitting for the CPA exam, with candidate numbers dropping 7% between 2017 and 2018, and university enrollments in accounting programs declining by 4% from 2016 to 2019. This ongoing trend contributes to the talent shortage, making it harder for businesses to find qualified accountants.
Greg Carnes, PhD and the Dean of the Sanders College of Business and Technology at the University of North Alabama, said universities across the nation have seen a decline in accounting enrollments over the last decade, although this decline has
By: Heather
Pressure on Local Accounting Industry
Heather Price
“Fewer people seem to be going into accounting because the degree sometimes takes longer, or they do not want to work the busy season schedule”
recently stabilized and enrollments were up slightly last year.
While UNA has not experienced a decline in accounting majors, Carnes said the national decline is concerning. “While it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of the decline, it is partly due to the growth in demand for data analytics majors, and some students have chosen data analytics as a major rather than accounting,” Carnes said.
Aaron Pennington, CPA, President and Owner of Pennington & Associates CPA, believes traditional CPA firm models may be part of the problem.
“If you listen to the AICPA and state society, they say we have a shortage of CPAs, but they focus on the wrong reasons,” Pennington said.
“The reality is the work isn’t glamorous, and typical public accounting firms work their staff to the bone, so students don’t want to be a part of it. This recent trend of CPA firms selling out to private equity, which removes the only real draw for new employees—making partner one day—only makes the problem worse.”
Paul Lindgren, CPA, of Honeycomb CPAs & Advisors, points to two additional factors hindering industry growth: the diversion of young talent and competition with private industry. Many young professionals interested in accounting are being steered away from traditional CPA roles into niche specialties, leaving small businesses underserved.
“In Huntsville, very few accountants are willing to work in CPA firms over tax season when they can take
corporate roles in Research Park and get paid 20% more,” without the grueling hours, Lindgren said.
A Changing Industry Demands New Approaches
To counteract these trends, firms like Honeycomb CPAs & Advisors are embracing new technology and integrating Artificial Intelligence tools to improve efficiency and attract new talent.
“It’s been the model of the CPA practice to be hierarchical, like the
“While it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of the decline, it is partly due to the growth in demand for data analytics majors, and some students have chosen data analytics as a major rather than accounting”
legal profession,” said Honeycomb’s Brad Garland, CPA. “You start small and work your way up to be a partner someday. But that whole model is shifting.”
If CPAs are going to thrive in this environment, Garland said, they have to completely change their business model. As older accountants retire and demand for services continues to grow, Huntsville firms must adapt.
“There’s a lot of young CPAs right now who are probably pretty disheartened with the direction the industry is taking now that private equity is starting to dip its hand into our profession,” Garland explained. “It really is all about attracting new talent, encouraging their growth, and meeting the lack of supply of CPAs.”
Growth and New Developments in Huntsville Accounting
UNA’s Carnes agreed that Huntsville’s rapid growth in recent years has significantly increased the demand for the services of CPAs and noted that several new CPA firms have entered the Huntsville market. Notable recent developments include:
• Pennington & Associates CPA acquired Huntsville-based Cyntax, founded in 2005 by Cindy Hunt, EA.
• Aldridge Borden expanded into Huntsville in January through a strategic partnership with LeCroy CPA Group and Mercer & Associates.
• Strawn Sanderson was created by a partnership between Will Strawn, CPA, and Terry Sanderson, CPA.
• Honeycomb CPAs & Advisors was formed in 2024 by Brad Garland, CPA, Paul Lindgren, CPA, and Pete Shinkunas, CPA. While Huntsville’s booming economy presents challenges for the local accounting industry, it also creates opportunities for firms willing to innovate, embrace new technologies, and rethink traditional CPA firm structures. w
Demolition Begins at Old City Hall Ahead of Big Spring Expansion
Bulldozers moved in last week and began tearing down a City Hall building that had been part of Huntsville’s downtown skyline since 1965—a bustling time when the Rocket City played a starring role in the Space Race.
But after nearly 60 years and with structural issues, the building had become obsolete. Huntsville built a larger, modernized City Hall across the street from the old building on Fountain Circle. Government personnel transitioned to the new site last spring.
Meanwhile, the old digs are being leveled to make room for Big Spring Park East, which will be an expansion of the existing grounds. The City spent months preparing for the demolition of the gray, eight–story building. The inside of the building was stripped prior to the razing.
“This is a bittersweet day but one that we knew was coming,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “The former City Hall had long outlived its usefulness, but we
are excited about the plans to incorporate the site into Big Spring Park East and the new amenities that will be available to the public.”
The demolition job is being done by Britt Demolition and Recycling, Inc. The contract states the process must be
completed by June. Bostick Landscape Architects were contracted for the design, which is not yet finalized.
“The new project will keep the character of the park while bringing more spaces that groups will be able to reserve, and it will also create opportunities for
By: Mike Easterling
passive uses,” said City Administrator John Hamilton. “The hardscape areas will help support events as well.”
Though the design blueprints are still being developed, about 2.4 acres will be added to Big Spring Park. It will include the grassy slope near the AT&T building that was the former home of the City Hall Annex.
Plans call for the plaza area to include public art, shade, rain gardens and a water feature to minimize noise. A lower terrace, connected by stairs and an ADA-accessible walkway, will link the plaza and Big Spring Park West, creating an urban space for various activities and overlooking the ponds in the park. Terraced walks and walls will lead into Big Spring Park East.
Construction on the park expansion is expected to begin soon after the demolition and cleanup of the former City Hall.
The master plan for the project can be viewed at www.huntsvilleal.gov. w
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Photo courtesy of The City of Huntsville
Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau Reveals New Brand LOCAL GOVERNMENT
By: Katie Holt / Photos by Katie Holt
As Madison County continues to grow and evolve, many local businesses and organizations are looking for ways to stay aligned with the region's upward momentum. One such organization taking the lead on moving forward with the city's growth is the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Late last week, the CVB launched its new brand identity. The rebrand comes at a time when Huntsville is experiencing unprecedented growth, from its booming tech industry to its national recognition as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
The CVB's President and CEO, Jennifer Moore, said her organization is thrilled to launch the new brand.
“It's been a decade since we've unveiled a new logo and rebrand and we just felt our community was growing and progressing so much,” Moore said.
Moore continued, “There's something new happening every day. It was important that we had a new logo and rebrand that kind of pulled everybody together and showcased everything that we have to offer.”
The brand identity features a new logo, tagline, colors, and fonts. The logo, pictured above, includes symbols—a rocket, rolling hills, and a planetary body—that draw attention to the area's history and natural resources.
Bold Agency, a Huntsville marketing agency, worked with the CVB to create the new rebrand.
“It's been a great comprehensive, collaborative effort for the last several months, and we're really excited with how it turned out,” Moore said.
Lauren Gowins, the CEO of Bold Agency, said the CVB's new brand embraces the community's past and present.
The new tagline, “Gravitate Here,” has multiple meanings. As a verb, “gravitate” describes the act of being drawn toward something—whether a person, place, or experience. The phrase is also a
nod to Huntsville's pivotal role in space exploration, making it a fitting invitation for visitors of all kinds to experience the community.
“The new brand plays both an homage to Huntsville's history while embracing the future,” Gowins said.
Both the CVB and the Bold Agency are hopeful the new branding will encourage people of all types to visit the Huntsville/Madison area.
“Huntsville is a place for many. No matter what you're interested in, there is a diverse experience waiting for you,” Gowins said.
Moore emphasized the region's growing success as a travel destination and the new brand's projected impact on area visitors.
“The economic impact of travel and tourism has grown to exceed 2.4 billion, with millions visiting Madison County every year. This new brand will reach prospective visitors from across the country and around the globe,” said Moore.
Tourism is vital to the local economy and supports thousands of jobs in Madison County.
When asked what interesting events the CVB had coming up in Huntsville, Moore said the next several weeks in the city will be very busy. Huntsville is hosting several significant events, including the Conference USA Championships and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Global Force Symposium.
The CVB has been operating in Huntsville since 1970. It is the city/county's official organization charged with promoting Huntsville as a convention and visitor destination. w
Pictured L to R: CVB President & CEO Jennifer Moore, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Bold Agency CEO Lauren Gowins
President George W. Bush Headlines Fundraising Event for Thrive Alabama
Thrive Alabama recently hosted President George W. Bush at the Von Braun Center to fundraise for the organization's capital campaign, "When One Thrives, All Thrive." The initiative aims to raise $8 million for a 72,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art healthcare center in Huntsville.
The Huntsville Business Journal caught up with Thrive CEO Mary Elizabeth Marr after the event to discuss the fundraiser and the new clinic coming to Madison County. The healthcare center will be built at the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Washington Street in Northeast Huntsville.
“Where we have 20 exam rooms now, we'll have 52, and we will have so many more services for the underserved population of Huntsville,” said Marr.
The fundraiser, “An Exclusive Conversation with George W. Bush,” included dinner and a fireside chat with the 43rd president. Huntsville Committee of 100 CEO John Allen and Troy7 President Lynn Troy moderated
the discussion.
“We were so excited, so humbled by having former President George W. Bush here in town for our event,” said Marr.
Marr continued, “He said all the things that I was so hoping he would
talk about: our veterans,…the importance of community health centers, which is why we're here so that we can raise money to build our big building.”
Thrive selected President Bush as the event's guest speaker due to his establishment of the U.S. President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, also known as PEPFAR.
“He talked about PEPFAR, which he and his father helped fund. He was also very involved with domestic HIV and AIDS, which is where we started,” Marr said.
By: Katie Holt /
Photo courtesy of Thrive Alabama
HEALTHCARE
The fundraiser helped Thrive get closer to the $8 million needed to build the healthcare center. Marr said that once the organization breaks ground on the project, it will be two years before it is completed.
According to Thrive, the expansion will allow them to fill the gap for unnecessary and costly ER visits, thereby saving our larger healthcare system emergency care funds.
Currently, the organization sees 7,000 individuals and is projected to serve 14,000 once the clinic is up and running. The healthcare center will allow patients to be treated for behav-
ioral health needs, substance abuse services, nutrition, adult primary care, pediatrics, dental care, and more.
“We are absolutely all about healthcare for all. We take care of people that have insurance, people that have Medicare, Medicaid, and then people who don't have any insurance at all,” Marr shared.
After the event, Marr traveled to Washington, D.C. for three days to advocate for healthcare for underserved populations in Huntsville and the southern United States.
According to Thrive's website, “29.6 percent of people living in Madison County are below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.”
Thrive has four locations in Huntsville, including adult primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, and health education. The organization also has an office in Florence and one in Albertville.
Overall, Thrive serves 12 counties in Alabama. w
Bank47 expands to Huntsville with a new brand and concierge banking
Bank47, formerly LifeSteps Bank and Trust, has announced that it will establish headquarters in Huntsville. The new name reflects the bank’s commitment to stability, completeness, and building meaningful financial relationships. With a focus on concierge banking, Bank47 provides a tailored, high-touch experience for individuals, families, and businesses navigating pivotal financial decisions.
At the forefront of this expansion is Hill Womble, CEO, alongside a leadership team committed to fostering deep financial partnerships. Joining Womble in guiding the bank’s vision are John Johnson (President & CCO), Dana Potts (EVP, CFO & COO), Jeff Wilson (Banking Executive), Randy Tidwell (SVP, Operations and Finance), and James Brown (Senior Risk Advisor). Together, they bring decades of expertise in commercial banking, financial strategy, and business growth.
“Huntsville’s energy, innovation, and economic strength make it the perfect home for Bank47,” said Hill. “We are building more than a bank— we are creating a financial institution that prioritizes relationships and helps our clients grow, thrive, and navigate life’s most important financial moments.”
The board of directors is composed of industry leaders with deep financial expertise and entrepreneurial experience. Joining Womble and Johnson on the board are Kelli Powers (Chairman), Pat Frawley (Vice Chairman), Ronnie Williams, Richard Raleigh, Henry Ford, and Phil Slater. Their combined leadership spans multiple industries, ensuring Bank47 remains a forwardthinking, commercially focused financial institution.
Bank47’s concierge banking model seamlessly integrates cuttingedge technology with personalized service, guiding clients through everything from financing their dream homes to navigating complex financial landscapes. w
UAH faculty secure $1.35M Army grant to advance human-AI integration
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Analysis Center has awarded a $1.35 million grant to a team of UAH faculty members to further research in human-systems integration analysis and artificial intelligence (AI). The departments of psychology, computer science, and industrial and systems engineering will each be represented on the interdisciplinary team.
“This team has been working for many years on projects sponsored by the Navy, the Army, the Department of Defense and NASA,” explains Dr. Bryan Mesmer, the principal investigator and associate professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (ISEEM). “Modern, complex systems, such as autonomous systems, are fundamentally interdisciplinary. To address the challenges associated with these interdisciplinary systems, it is necessary to approach them through an interdisciplinary lens.”
Alongside Mesmer, the UAH research team includes Dr. Kristin Weger, associate professor of psychology; Dr. Lisa Vangsness, assistant professor of psychology; and Dr. Vineetha Menon, associate professor of computer science. The team also includes Dr. Howard Chen, Dr. Hanumanthrao Kannan, and Dr. Ana Wooley, all assistant professors in the ISEEM department.
One specific focus of the grant is studying "human operator intent," which refers to understanding a person's goals when using a system or completing a task. This idea is important in areas like human-computer interaction and robotics, where systems need to predict and respond to user actions to provide better support.
Dr. Lisa Vangsness, assistant professor in UAH’s psychology department, spoke with the Huntsville Business Journal about what it means to be a part of this team.
“Product design is an interdisciplinary problem that involves nested systems. Our team is successful in bridging those gaps because we don’t just design products … we design products for people,” explained Vangsness. “I like to think of my role in the project as one of translation. In one sense, I issue recommendations to improve how autonomous and AI systems ‘communicate’ with humans. In another, I identify the qualities and characteristics that need to be measured to create an accurate digital model of a human’s current state.”
Vangsness provided a concrete example to illustrate how these concepts move from theory to practice.
“A practical example of this might be adjusting a system’s displayed information at various levels of operator workload,” Vangsness continued. “Humans do this naturally all the time: when traffic picks up, passengers often stop talking to allow the driver to focus more. Getting a system to understand the human’s mental state — and vice versa — is an important part of system design, and it’s a role I’m privileged to serve in on the team.”
The team also plans to research how digital twins can be used to train AI models. Digital twins create virtual representations of physical objects, systems, or processes, and leverage live data to simulate behavior. Digital twins are utilized to oversee operations, detect potential failures, and enhance decision-making in intricate systems.
By bringing scholars together from across various disciplines, the UAH team increases its ability to produce research which has the potential to shape the use of AI in the defense and aerospace sectors, and beyond. w
Bank Independent Launches Food and Family Share Initiative to Support Local Families in Need
Bank Independent has announced the launch of Food and Family Share, in partnership with WAFF and Mix 96.9, starting on March 10th.
For the past 11 years, Bank Independent has hosted the Food Share drive to help fight food insecurity in local communities. This year, the initiative expands to include the Family Share component, collecting not only non-perishable food items but also baby diapers to support local families in need.
"Last year, we recognized the importance of providing other essential items for families in need. Food and Family Share is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and the necessary care of families in our community,” says Hallie Mauldin, Community Engagement Officer at Bank Independent. “Whether you can drop off diapers or food items at your local Bank Independent location or take a moment to donate monetarily to the drive, we’ll ensure your donations make a positive difference in your community.”
Monetary donations will be accepted through PayPal and Venmo, allowing community members to contribute more easily. Additionally, Bank Independent locations will be collecting diapers and non-perishable food items until March 28th.
The 2024 Food Share drive was a notable success, raising $1,000 in cash donations and shipping 300 items directly to partners. Over the past decade, the drive has generated a financial impact of more than $200,000 in the community.
Bank Independent collaborates with local organizations across its seven-county footprint to ensure donations are distributed to families in need. This year, donations will be shared with The Help Center in Lauderdale County, Meal Barrel of Colbert County, DHR in Franklin, Lawrence, and Limestone counties, the Neighborhood Christian Center in Morgan County, as well as Downtown Rescue Mission and Manna House in Madison County. w
Dread Pirate Robotics seek trek from Rocket City to Space City
Taking on the role of underdog but carrying a nickname that sounds more like a group of menacing Caribbean Sea marauders, a group of nine middle and high school students found treasure in their first year as a robotics team.
Dread Pirate Robotics has a 19-1 record and capped their first season with a victory in the game segment at the FIRST Tech Challenge Alabama State Championships, held at Huntsville’s New Century Technology High School.
The booty for the upstart squad was a golden ticket to the world championships, April 16-20, in Houston. FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition in which student groups of up to 15 design, build, and program robots to compete in ‘alliances’ against other teams.
According to FTC’s website, the group aims to inspire youth to pursue science and help students develop
Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI) appoints Jose Hidalgo to CEO
problem-solving, organizational and team-building skills. Robots are built from a reusable platform powered by Android technology.
“It was pretty awesome to be able to win our first ever state competition,’’ Huntsville High sophomore team member Kolby Noworyta told the Huntsville Business Journal. “The big reason why we were able to win was because of how simplistic our robot was, because a lot of people had breakages non-stop because they overcomplicated things.’’
While the winning robot no doubt took ingenuity, the overall plan was the K.I.S.S. method—Keep It Simple Stupid. The team formed last summer, leaving a previous outfit because there were too many participants.
“Our main goal this year was to have inclusion, and then also to make sure everybody can do everything,’’ Noworyta said. “So that way, if somebody’s not there, somebody else can fill the gap. And our robot, we mainly wanted it to be very simple but efficient. So that’s why almost everything on our ro-
Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), a leading provider of mission-tailored technology, deep data expertise and services for the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and other agencies of the Federal Government, has announced the promotion of Jose Hidalgo to CEO. The announcement was made by Ron Shroder, FTI’s longtime CEO and Chairman of the Board, who remains as Chairman. FTI has eight facilities across the US, including a significant presence in Huntsville.
“Jose Hidalgo has done a tremendous job leading the company for the last several years. He has matured our business model, deepened our collaboration with customers and increased the value we deliver to solve tough mission data challenges,” said Shroder. “Our recent series of new contract awards are a testament to FTI’s rapidly evolving technology and expertise, and we look forward to partnering even more closely with our customers under Jose and his team’s leadership now and into the future.”
Hidalgo joined FTI in 2018 as CFO. During his tenure, FTI has developed and enhanced products with AI/ML/predictive capabilities spanning space operations, wargaming, sustainment, risk management, testing and cyber. Change management initiatives have enhanced organizational agility and collaboration between teams. Since 2023, the company has announced two major technology centers of excellence to drive closer collaboration with the DoD, Intelligence Community, academia and industry partners. Since June 2024, FTI has been awarded spots on major IDIQ contracts with Space RCO, the U.S. Air Force and a large DoD cyber initiative.
Hidalgo was previously vice president of accounting and treasury at aerospace and defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).
“I’m very fortunate and honored to lead and work alongside the exceptionally talented, hardworking and innovative team at FTI,” said Hidalgo. “All of us are deeply committed to serving the warfighters who defend our country with modern, focused data solutions they can rely on to succeed in their missions and stay safe.”
bot is 3D printed. So that way, it’s easily replaceable, and we don’t use anything that could break really easily.’’
Seven team members attend New Technology, one is at Huntsville High and another at Hampton Cove Middle School. The squad consists of eighthgrader Caroline, freshman Meave, sophomore Kolby and juniors Gavin, Kate, Franklin, Kyle, Brandt and Carlton.
Coaches, or mentors, are Chris Whited, Susanne Whited, Barbara Schantz, and Brian Mulac, who will help the Dread Pirates tweak their robot for nationals.
“We’re using the same robot,’’ Noworyta said. “We’re updating it to make different little critiques to it that we had errors with at the (state) competition. Just making everything faster.’’
While there is joy in the Owens Cross Roads/Hampton Cove area, where team members live, there’s a caveat: the invite comes with a price tag. The entry fee is $2,500, and the group and their families estimate that it will take $18,000 to ship equipment and
cover all essential personnel for the trip to Space City, and they need financial assistance.
For more information, visit Instagram at dreadpiraterobotics_25751_ftc. To support the team with a donation, visit their GoFundMe page.
“Most FTC teams outside of Alabama have years of experience, including world-class competitors from Romania, Taiwan and Germany. But the Pirates aren’t just (going to nationals) to learn—they’re going to represent Alabama and compete.‘’
The Dread Pirates advanced to state by winning a qualifier, then topped a field of 23 teams to punch their ticket to Texas.
Now, perhaps more riches await the team in the Lone Star State, which bills itself as “a motley crew of scallywags’’ in fitting with the FTC organization’s requirements of “finding an identity’’ as a community-based team, raising funds to meet goals and advancing an “appreciation for the STEM community.’’ w
ServisFirst Bank Huntsville has announced the promotion of Michael Bishop to the role of Assistant Vice President
Michael Bishop has been promoted to Assistant Vice President at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville
Since joining in 2022, Bishop has grown his portfolio and built strong partnerships with business owners and stakeholders. In his new role, he will continue to expand his loan and deposit portfolio, providing tailored financial solutions to commercial clients.
“Michael has been one of the highest-performing bankers in our Huntsville market, so this promotion is well deserved,” states Andy Kattos, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. “Michael joined our company in 2022 and brought over a decade of business experience, allowing him to better serve our commercial clients. I look forward to seeing him continue to excel in this new role.”
Bishop earned a Business Management degree from Jacksonville State University in 2014 and is a Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect 27 Class member.
Robins & Morton Begins Work on $150 Million
Vertical Expansion at Huntsville Hospital Madison Street Tower
Construction firm Robins & Morton has begun work on the $150 million vertical expansion at Huntsville Hospital Madison Street Tower in Huntsville.
The 5-story, 154,000-square-foot project will add 120 beds as well as a cardiothoracic intensive care unit, a neuro intensive care unit for neurosurgical and stroke patients, and three floors of new acute medical space. Additionally, a new and improved emergency department vehicle entrance will be included.
“Expanding the Madison Street Tower will give us the space to meet the advanced health care needs of
North Alabama and southern Tennessee for decades to come,” said Jeff Samz, President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System.
The project will convert 70 existing patient rooms from double occupancy to single occupancy. When the expansion is complete, the hospital will have a total of 931 patient beds, up from 881 currently.
“This project marks another chapter in our longstanding relationship with HH Health System as we work to deliver this important project for our community,” Robins & Morton Division Manager Mitch Coley said. “The hospital’s tower expansion will have a lasting, positive impact for many years ahead.”
Robins & Morton, which built the Madison Street Tower in 2006, is serving as the general contractor. Chapman Sisson Architects is the architect.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2027. w
Bank Independent Names Sabrina Rouse as Sales Manager of Athens Downtown
Bank Independent has announced that Sabrina Rouse has been named Sales Manager of the Athens Downtown Sales Office.
An Athens native, Rouse brings valuable experience to the role, having gained a solid foundation in customer service and community banking through her work in the bank’s sales offices.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sabrina as the new manager of our Athens Downtown Sales Office,” said Bob Thompson, Area President at Bank Independent. “Her deep roots in the Athens community and her previous experience on the sales office side make her a natural fit for this role. She has a strong commitment to both our customers and our team, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow in this leadership position.”
Rouse will help expand Bank Independent’s presence in the Athens market. In her role, she will also handle lending services, assisting customers with their borrowing needs and contributing to community development.
Danny Levis named President of Invariant Corporation
Invariant Corporation has announced the promotion of Danny Levis to President.
With nearly 20 years of experience in electrical engineering and a strong background in radio frequency systems, Danny has made significant contributions to Invariant’s growth. After joining the company, he quickly rose to Director of Technical Operations, leading initiatives that secured Invariant’s ISO 9001 certification, enhanced corporate readiness for prime contracts, and won multiple new contract awards.
“I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to expand our capabilities, deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers, and drive Invariant toward new heights of success,” said Levis.
CEO David Anderson praised Danny's leadership, stating, “His ability to drive innovation, secure key contracts, and foster a strong company culture makes him the ideal leader.”
Bank Independent Promotes Tiffany Dostica to Sales Specialist
Bank Independent has announced the promotion of Tiffany Dostica to Sales Specialist.
In her new role, Dostica will support consumer customers with their non-real estate loan needs and assist with opening new deposit accounts. She will be based in the Russellville Village Square Sales Office, where she will serve all of Franklin County.
“Tiffany’s proven leadership and passion for serving our customers make her a great fit for this role,” said Bill Howard, Area President of Bank Independent. “Her experience and dedication to customer satisfaction will be invaluable as she steps into this new position. We are excited to see the continued positive impact she will bring to our team and the community.”
Dostica joined Bank Independent in September 2012 as a PartTime Teller. Her dedication and commitment to customer service led to a series of promotions, including Head Teller at Red Bay Main in 2013, Relationship Banker I in 2015, Sales Manager I of Red Bay in 2016, and Sales Manager II in 2019.
Dostica is a graduate of Northeast Mississippi Community College with a degree in Business Management.
