Keeping you informed and inspired. August 2025
VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 8
ACCOLADES
Huntsville's Ranking Among Mid-Sized Metros Revealed
COVER STORY
The Rocket City maintains its position as a leading national destination for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. By Noah Logan- Page 5
REAL ESTATE
Huntsville Market Holds Steady, NAR Reports Higher Foreign Investment in US
The Huntsville/Madison County residential real estate market continues to hold steady, with the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) weekly report for the week ending July 5 showing modest increases in pending sales and inventory for single-family homes, while townhouse units saw a slight downturn. By Marie Johnson - Page 14
ADDITIONAL STORIES • Alabama's Overtime Tax Experiment Ends Amid $350M Fiscal Shock and Suspected Exploitation By Noah Logan • Page 2
• Next-Gen Inventors Get a Boost in Alabama Classrooms By Mike Easterling • Page 6
• Bank47 Celebrates Huntsville Launch with Community Event, Encourages Connection and Service By Katie Holt • Page 18
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HUNTSVILLE
BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 8, Issue 8 August 2025 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
STATE GOVERNMENT
Alabama’s Overtime Tax Experiment Ends Amid $350M Fiscal Shock and Suspected Exploitation Businesses statewide are recalibrating payroll systems as Alabama’s tax exemption on overtime pay expires June 30. The nine-month pilot, once celebrated as a national model for worker relief, ends with little fanfare. Lawmakers declined to renew it after costs ballooned to ten times original estimates and critics argued it favored higher earners. Initial projections in 2023 suggested the exemption would cost $34 million annually. Instead, it drained $350 million from Alabama’s Education Trust Fund, which finances public schools. Kristen Baldwin, Director of Compliance at CO Advantage, said the numbers forced a hard choice: “Without caps, claims exploded when overtime surged in manufacturing and healthcare. Renewal became fiscally impossible.” The policy’s collapse marks a dramatic reversal from a few years ago. Lawmakers passed the exemption in 2023 as part of House Bill 217 with bipartisan support. Governor Kay Ivey even vetoed a proposed $25 million annual cap, calling it “a direct investment in workers.” By 2025, consensus shattered. Democrats like Representative Anthony Daniels called the expiration “a betrayal of workers,” while Republicans pointed to unsustainable costs. Independent analysis revealed deeper issues. The Budget Unraveling Initial 2023 projections estimated a $34 million annual cost. Instead, the exemption drained $350 million from Alabama’s Education Trust Fund (ETF), which finances public schools. Kristen Baldwin, Director of Compliance at CO Advantage, confirmed the uncapped design allowed runaway claims but hinted other issues may be at play: “Over-
time surged in manufacturing and healthcare, but we also saw unexplainable spikes in sectors like logistics.” - “The Montgomery Advertiser” uncovered rumors of high-earning professionals reclassifying salaries as "hourly overtime" to exploit the tax break—a loophole policy architects allegedly overlooked. Reporter Alex Johnson cited anonymous CPA sources describing "creative payroll adjustments" at Birmingham firms. - “Alabama Political Reporter” noted concerns from economists that companies in historically low-overtime industries (like tech) restructured schedules purely to maximize the benefit. One Decatur tech startup reportedly shifted salaried staff to hourly roles mid-pilot. - WFSA 12 News revealed the state’s revenue department lacked tools to verify overtime claims. Investigative journalist Mara Bailey quoted a DOR whistleblower describing “no mechanism to cross-check timesheets against shift logs.” Confusion also plagued small businesses along the way according
to reports. - Alabama SBDC surveys showed only 37% of small firms fully understood compli-
By: Noah Logan
ance rules. - Payroll providers described “chaotic adjustments,” with Warren Averett CPAs telling the news outlets that some clients converted salaried employees hourly solely to qualify. - Workers remained largely unaware. "Most never realized their checks were bigger,” Rep. Daniels conceded—undermining political support. What should Huntsville business owners do now that the time span has ended? 1. Verify payroll systems reflect pre-October 2023 tax rules 2. Explain changes clearly to hourly employees 3. Confirm W-2 reporting protocols with CPAs. w
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August 2025
SIT DOWN WITH SUCCESS
A Conversation with Laurel Bailey of Industrial Properties of the South Industrial Properties of the South (IPS) has been a key player in the Huntsville industrial real estate market since 1982. Founded by Dr. Jerry and Charlene Graham, who moved to Huntsville in the 1960s for the Apollo space program, IPS began building warehouses before shifting focus to industrial properties. In 2004, their daughter Laurel Bailey joined the business and now serves as Chief Operating Officer. Under her leadership, IPS has grown to manage 1.3 million square feet of space, with around 60 tenants, including key government contractors. Bailey recently spoke with the Huntsville Business Journal about her experience in leading the family business and some of the valuable lessons she has learned from her parents. What do you enjoy most about owning your own business? The flexibility, for sure. I don't have to be at a desk eight to five, but I do go to the office because no one's going to keep an eye on your properties better
than you are. When people come in looking for space, they say “Wow, your office is in this building?” And we say, “Yes, our office is in this building.” If something is out of order, we're here. We still answer our phones. We're not an absentee outof-town landlord. How do you balance personal and business life? Balance is tricky for everybody, whether you own your business or not, but there's a higher accountability if you’re a business owner. I like to stay busy. I've found that if I have too much free time, I'll fill it with something, so I try and fill it with things that I know are rewarding, like WEDC (Women’s Economic Development Council) and Momentum and spending time with my family. What is a challenge that you have faced, and how did you overcome it? In a family business, you have to learn how to dance around so many things and have good boundaries. When I got into the family business, I
read a book called “Boundaries,” and I thought, “Wow, I really need this,” because lines can get blurred and toes can get stepped on. Now that I'm older, it's not as much of a problem for me, but in my twenties and thirties, it was definitely a challenge having boundaries and separation between business decisions and family. What is the secret to your success? The feedback that we get is that we give really good customer service. If a tenant comes to us with a problem, we go out of our way to help them solve the problem. We don't just say, “Oh, it's too bad for you, so sorry you're having that problem, you'll figure it out.” Whether it's a facilities problem, or we need more space, less space, or just a problem, like somebody hit the gate and they couldn't close their gate. I'm going to send my guys over there to help them. What is something you learned from your parents about operating a business? When I first came to work, my parents still had a lot of debt from the
By: Heather Price / Photo courtesy of Laurel Bailey
buildings that they had built. And then, when I came on, we built more buildings and added more debt. My dad always said, “You pay the bank first.” Before you pay yourself, before you pay the bills, you pay the bank. Because if you don't pay the bank, big problems happen. 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.
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
Subsidiary of EVENT Publishing
President /Publisher……………………………………… Todd Stephenson Editor…………………………………………………………………Sarah Zupko Writers………………………………………………………… Mike Easterling Katie Holt Marie Johnson Noah Logan Heather Price Kait Thursday Contributing Writers……………………………………………… Matt Curtis Carl Holden Graphic Design ………………………………………………… Justina Simon Amy Pearson Website……………………………………………………………… Jim Gharib Photographers…………………………………………………… Steve Babin Justina Simon Director of Sales ……………………………………… Carolyn Stephenson Distribution……………………………………………………… Glenda Mace Huntsville Business Journal is published monthly by EVENT Publishing,
PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815 For advertising information call 256.533.8078, e-mail todd@eventhuntsville.com, or visit us on the web at www.huntsvillebusinessjournal.com For editorial information contact editor@huntsvillebusinessjournal.com ALL CONTENTS ©2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF THE CONTENTS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. HUNTSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF EVENT PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTICLES ARE SUBMITTED AT THE RISK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER OR AUTHOR. EVENT PUBLISHING ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR THE RETURN OF ANY UNSOLICITED MATERIALS AND MAY USE THEM AT ITS DISCRETION.
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August 2025
ACCOLADES
Huntsville’s Ranking Among Mid-Sized Metros Revealed The Rocket City maintains its position as a leading national destination for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. The latest national report from CoworkingCafe ranks Huntsville as the fourth-best mid-sized U.S. metro area (with a population between 500,000 and 999,999), based on factors such as job availability, wage growth, affordability, and educational infrastructure. The STEM economy in Huntsville exceeds national standards while leading the country in its performance. The Huntsville metropolitan area leads all other cities in the United States with 23 percent of its workforce employed in STEM fields. The number of STEM jobs in the area has grown by 30.7 percent since 2019 which matches the national 31 percent increase. Local professionals who want to start or progress in science-based careers find numerous opportunities available in the area. The Huntsville area is home to more than 400 STEM-focused establishments, including major companies such as BAE Systems, Bragg Peak Systems, and Cubic, as well as academic institutions like the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The diverse ecosystem supports industries which include aerospace and defense as well as biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. The importance of wages in location decisions is equal to the importance of affordability for those who want to live and work in a specific area. Here again, Huntsville excels. The average STEM salary in Huntsville stands at $94,540 which is only slightly below the national average of $96,000. The city maintains costs that are 6 percent lower than the national average which enables residents to enjoy greater purchasing power and better life quality. Alabama’s overall presence in the STEM economy is on the rise.
Birmingham-Hoover ranked 17th among large metros, with STEM professionals there earning $98,552 annually. In the small metro category, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery ranked 37th, 39th, and 46th respectively, signaling growing statewide momentum in high skill industries. To create the rankings, CoworkingCafe analyzed 138 metro areas, dividing them into three population categories: large (1 million or more residents), mid-sized (500,000 to 999,999), and small (200,000 to 499,999). Metros were evaluated using nine weighted metrics, including STEM job density, wage levels and growth, number of STEM employers, regional price parity, unemployment rate among educated workers, PhDs per capita, and the presence of a research university. Still, while Huntsville performs well on traditional metrics, here are some other rankings that offer differing views of its long-term potential. 1. Divergent Future Views: Three major rankings paint slightly different pictures of Huntsville's trajectory: • CoworkingCafe: Ranks Huntsville #4 nationally among mid-sized metros based on current job density, growth, affordability, and workforce metrics. • CBRE: Goes further, naming Huntsville the #1 Emerging Tech Market in North America, highlighting its impressive 17.9% tech employment
growth and average tech wages exceeding $114,000. • RCLCO STEMdex: Offers a contrasting perspective for the future, excluding Huntsville from its top 50 future growth metros. This ranking highlights challenges such as a relatively lower venture capital presence and a more limited current footprint in next-generation tech sectors like Artificial Intel-
By: Noah Logan / Photo courtesy of CoworkingCafe
ligence, compared to some competitors. 2. Salary Gap: Base STEM salaries, while competitive considering the lower cost of living, remain slightly below the national average. 3. Next-Gen Tech Expansion: To fully realize its long-term potential and address rankings like RCLCO's, Huntsville likely needs to strengthen its presence in high growth fields like AI and attract greater venture capital investment. Nevertheless, with its unmatched STEM job concentration, growing employer base, and relative affordability, Huntsville remains one of the most promising and accessible STEM destinations in the country. w
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Next-Gen Inventors Get a Boost in Alabama Classrooms Two classes were in session at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Propst Center last week. In one, middle schoolers were working on summer camp projects downstairs. Nothing unusual there, but one floor up a second learning session unfolded – for teachers. The Invention Convention (IC), a state, national, and international program with competitions that begin at each school across the country and culminate in a final event in Michigan, is spreading into classrooms throughout Alabama. Invention Convention Alabama is a competition for students where teachers are given resources to teach invention education in the classroom, and students become inventors. Students identify a problem in their life, or in the world around them, and they develop a solution for that problem. “Then they compete,’’ Kelly East, VP of Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha, told the Huntsville Business Journal. “They present that problem at a school competition, the winners advance to regional compe-
tition next spring, then the winners there go on to the state competition, which will be in Auburn in April.’’ From there, winners advance to the national competition at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Mich., in June. Teachers from throughout the region gathered at HudsonAlpha for a daylong seminar presented by representatives of Auburn City Schools who have experience with IC. The program was piloted in a couple of areas in Alabama last year, including Auburn HudsonAlpha Vice President of Education Outreach and Oxford, but it is being Kelly East speaks to the classroom of teachers during an Invention Convention session at HudsonAlpha rolled out across the state this next school year. Women and men representing is defined at inhub.thehenryford. various school districts brought ex- org as a K-12 invention education amples of “problems’’ their students program that teaches students probsolved with a unique idea, or invention. lem-identification, problem-solving, For example, one item displayed was entrepreneurship and creativity skills a “watchala,’’ a combination whisk/ and builds confidence in invention, spatula designed to speed and sim- innovation, and entrepreneurship plify cooking. for life. “This is a The Henry Ford, room full of as it calls itself, furteachers from ther states that across Region 1,’’ today’s students are East explained. faced with tackling “They’re here to current complex do training. These global challenges are all teach- like climate change, ers from across cybersecurity, waNorth Alabama ter scarcity, food that are here to security and infeclearn and to take tious diseases. For this program to educators prepartheir schools next ing students for the school year.’’ future of STEM, The pro- “convergence edugram is based in cation’’ offers a STEM+, or STE- transdisciplinary apMIE (Science, proach to real-world Technology, En- problem-solving and gineering, Math, phenomenon-based Innovation and learning. Entrepreneurship). Invention ConIC Worldwide vention Worldwide
By: Mike Easterling / Photos by Mike Easterling
has been developed and tested for over 30 years. Ana Beasley of Guntersville Middle School saw an email that piqued her interest regarding the IC session at HudsonAlpha. “STEM and career tech is really booming right now,” she said. “This is kind of the first of its kind. A lot of schools do science fairs, which are pretty popular, so when this came around, the idea of the student actually creating something in a STEM process and then presenting it, just like they would at the traditional science fair kind of foundation that they already had, was really kind of exciting.” Beasley added that teachers are “always looking for new ideas, and this is an innovative, kind of new thing.’’ According to East, teachers who couldn’t attend the seminar have other opportunities. “They can reach out to us,’’ she said, “and we can provide additional training so that more schools can participate beyond those that were able to be here for training today.” w
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August 2025
ROCKET CITY REWIND
Before Toyota: The Car that Almost Put Huntsville on the Map Long before Toyota and Mazda established manufacturing plants in Huntsville, the state's first automaker was producing cars at Redstone Arsenal.
“One thing Keller drilled into us was that it was impossible for the big companies to keep from doing anything else. One thing he said we had to guard against was letting the Kellers get bigger and longer.’’ The Keller Motors Corporation (1947-1950), named after its president and former Studebaker executive George Keller, had designs on capturing an expanding market for station wagons as people began moving to the suburbs post-World War II with its cheaper compact version – the wood-bodied Super Chief. Keller boasted the company would churn out 72,000 vehicles a year and make Keller Motors and Huntsville the car-building capital of the South. “Everybody was building big cars,’’ the late Hubert Mitchell, a Hartselle businessman/promoter who founded the company and served as executive vice president, told The Huntsville Times in 1976. “One thing Keller drilled into us
Huntsville native and certified antique and collectibles appraiser Lance N. George (left), former Keller Motors Corporation (1947-50) employee Clara Rogers and Sam Barnett of Union Springs who restored the car on the right at the Keller Motors Reunion in 2013. Only 18 of the compact station wagon "woodies'' made it off the line before the company folded.
Keller Motors Corporation (1947-50) letterhead.
was that it was impossible for the big companies to keep from doing anything else. One thing he said we had to guard against was letting the Kellers get bigger and longer.’’ He needn’t have worried. A total of 18 Super Chiefs made it off the line, the company undone by a combination of inexperience, overambition and the death of Keller. Only four of the autos still exist, one of which is owned by Huntsville natives, brothers and Lee High School
Keller Motors Corporation (1947-50) Super Chiefs on the assembly line on what was originally Huntsville Arsenal, which was renamed Redstone Arsenal in 1949. Only 18 of the compact station wagon "woodies'' made it off the line before the company folded.
graduates Lance and Vance George. Lance, whose day job is as a project manager for IT projects, is webmaster for Huntsville Rewound and administrator of the Huntsville Rewound page on Facebook, and also a certified antique and collectibles appraiser. He and his brother Vance, an engineering and operations manager for a NASA contractor, spent years searching for a Keller before finding one in West Tennessee.
By: Mike Easterling / Photos courtesy of Lance George
“We have no plans to sell,” Lance told the Huntsville Business Journal. “We feel it is a cool local heirloom.’’ Other Super Chiefs are owned by Sam and Sally Barnett of Morgan City and Buzz Howell of Cullman. Recently, a fourth one was found in a Pueblo, Colo., salvage yard. The genesis of the Super Chief was in San Diego, where a woodie called the Bobbi-Kar was invented. Owners eventually moved their operation to Birmingham in 1946, where it went bankrupt, leading Mitchell to buy the assets for $85,000. Since Keller had automobile experience, Mitchell preferred the company bear the former’s name. But Keller died of a heart attack in a New York hotel at age 56, causing a major financier to back out until another prominent name was found to front the company. No one was found. “If I had it to do over again,’’ Mitchell told the magazine Special Interest Autos in 1975, “I'd have built the business and the advertising around the car, not around any one person.’’ Mitchell held on to one of the Super Chiefs until 1988, when he sold it to Howell. “We have no special need for it,’’ Howell told The Times in 1988. “I have been through this. It’s history.’’ w
Clara Rogers, who worked at Keller Motors Corporation in 1949, stands between two of four known existing Super Chief compact station wagons that were produced at the company's workshops at what was then buildings 471 and 481 (later 4471 and 4481) during a Kellers Motors Reunion in 2013. Only 18 of the "woodies'' made it off the line before the company folded.
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
NASA
Navigating NASA: Small Businesses Gain Strategic Guidance from Marshall Experts
By: Katie Holt / Photo by Katie Holt
On Wednesday, June 25, the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship hosted the city's latest NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) event. The agenda for the event included a welcome from Catalyst's COO, Sandy Edwards; CEO Lisa Mays; and Don Carver, President of Cepeda Systems.
"We are making a shift as the agency moves to more of a commercial services model. We are looking at how we leverage our capabilities and build strategic partnerships in the areas that are within our capabilities," For the main portion of the event, staff members from various MSFC departments gave presentations explaining NASA's relationship to small businesses, as well as ways these companies can earn contracts with the government organization. Attendees also spent time networking in the Saturn V Hall before and after the presentations. Davey Jones, Center Strategy Lead at NASA MSFC, provided attendees with an idea of what to expect when considering a partnership with his organization. "We are making a shift as the agency moves to more of a commercial services model. We are looking at how we leverage our capabilities and build strategic partnerships in the areas that are within our capabilities," Jones said. David Brock, Small Business Specialist at NASA's MSFC, noted that not every product or service pitched to Marshall aligns with its immediate needs. However, Marshall actively connects businesses with other NASA locations when there's a better fit.
"Be aware, too, that if you come to Marshall, you may be marketing something that we may not have an interest in, but there may be a market for it at some of these other NASA centers," Brock said. Brock continued, "Oftentimes, when we get those types of situations, we might refer you over to another center. We talked to my counterpart at the Johnson Space Center or Kennedy Space Center, and we've got contacts, and we can get you in touch with them." Toward the end of the event, MSFC hosted a panel titled "Doing Business with Prime Contractors." The panelists emphasized the importance of small businesses having the necessary certifications, quality ratings, and cybersecurity measures in place before engaging with the large companies. They also advised small businesses to be honest about
their capabilities and limitations, and to communicate effectively with the companies' small business liaison officers and procurement teams. Panel participants included small business liaison officers from the following companies: • The Boeing Company: Taylor Beitler, Moderator • Amentum Space Exploration Division: JoAnn Belt • L3Harris: Georgina Gastelum (joined virtually) • Lockheed Martin: Nick Dugan (joined virtually) • Northrop Grumman: Jennifer Scoffield • SpaceX: Christopher Rad • Teledyne Brown Engineering: Debbie Baston Dugan offered guidance to small business leaders aiming to secure NASA contracts on how to target their efforts strategically.
"Being mindful of quality, being mindful of the relationships you're forming with your small business liaison, it's very important. Something Lockheed Martin is focusing on now is anti-fragility in the supply chain," Dugan said. Baston, a panel participant and the Marshall Prime Contractor Supplier Council Events Coordinator, ended the presentation portion of the day by sharing upcoming MSFC events. Upcoming local gatherings include MSFC's 65th Anniversary Celebration on July 19th, the 28th Annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium from August 5-7, and the 40th Marshall Small Business Alliance on September 25. Companies interested in partnering with MSFC for these events, or business in general, can visit the organization's website to learn more. w
August 2025
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
DINING
A New Model for Local Commerce: Food & Farm Hub Grows Huntsville’s Green Economy Despite scattered thunderstorms that briefly sent guests scrambling for shelter, the Huntsville Food & Farm Hub officially launched on June 24 at the historic Lumberyard, introducing a bold new chapter in local agriculture, sustainability, and community-driven enterprise. The event marked the opening of a year-round online marketplace connecting residents and restaurants to farms and producers within a 100-mile radius. Attendees picked up their first Hub orders—ranging from seasonal produce and sourdough to meats, cheeses, and jams— while learning about the broader mission: to rebuild a resilient, sustainable, and locally anchored food system. Held at the Lumberyard, the event brought together farmers, food lovers, and sustainability advocates. Local vendors such as Odette, Homecoming Cafe, and Lemon & Lavender, as well as community organizations like Phoenix Glass Recycling and the Huntsville Environmental Coalition, shared their expertise and services despite weather disruptions. “This isn’t just about food—it’s about connection and sustainability,” said Lauren Murphy, grower at Hillfolk Farmacy and one of the driving forces behind the Hub. “We want to make local produce more accessible while supporting our hard-working farmers.” Trash, Health, and the Urgency of Local Solutions The launch of the Food & Farm Hub comes at a pivotal moment. Huntsville has introduced its first increase in trash collection fees in more than 20 years, citing rising fuel, labor, and equipment costs. While the fee hike may help stabilize city services, it also highlights the growing complexity of waste management in a fast-growing city. On Huntsville’s southwest edge, “Trash Mountain”—the city’s expansive landfill—continues to grow by the year. Meanwhile, millions of pounds of out-of-state garbage and toxic-waste are being dumped into rural Alabama communities, often in areas with limited political power or environmental protections. While these waste streams may remain out of sight, their effects are deeply felt. A 2016 study from the International Journal of Epidemiology found that communities living near landfills face significantly higher risks of respiratory illness, heart disease, and other chronic
Brandy Shannon, co-founder of Lemon & Lavender
conditions. The findings call attention to environmental justice and public health risks that disproportionately affect underserved populations. If left unchecked, these consequences could undermine the very fabric of the community Huntsville is working to grow. That’s why initiatives like the Huntsville Food & Farm Hub are so timely. By promoting locally grown food, reducing transportation emissions, and minimizing packaging waste, the Hub is offering a tangible solution to a complex problem. Every order placed through the platform supports not just a farmer, but a regional economy—and diverts food consumption away from long supply chains that often produce high levels of waste. Remembering our Past and Looking Forward to the Future This vision also reflects a return to practices of earlier generations. During the Great Depression, Huntsville residents
learned to survive through resilience, selfreliance, and an economy of necessity. With wages as low as 25 cents a day for field labor and cotton selling for just 5 cents a pound, families scraped by however they could; growing gardens, raising chickens, and preserving every scrap of food they had. Teachers were sometimes paid with IOUs, and jurors were issued county “script” instead of checks. Factory and mill workers often lived in companyowned homes, their modest wages reduced by automatic deductions for rent and utilities. Even so, people found ways to make do. From hand-ground sausage sales to flour sack dresses stitched from patterned fabric packaging, Huntsville citizens reused everything and wasted nothing. That hardship laid the foundation for a culture of resourcefulness, one that mirrors the goals of today’s refill stores, urban farms, and sustainability efforts. As history reminds us, doing
By: Kait Thursday / Photos by Kait Thursday
more with less isn’t new—it’s just coming home again. During World War II, Alabama households reused jars, mended clothes, and cultivated gardens in the name of national resilience. Rationing wasn’t just a necessity; it was a mindset shift that emphasized creativity and conservation. Less than a century later, that ethic is being revived by modern eco-conscious entrepreneurs like Brandy Shannon, co-founder of Lemon & Lavender, North Alabama’s only refillery. The business reflects Shannon’s desire to “do right by future generations” by offering refillable household and personal care products in place of single-use plastics. “We can’t keep doing things the same way and expect it to work out for our daughters and granddaughters,” she said in an interview with Huntsville Business Journal. At their booth during the Hub launch, Lemon & Lavender offered examples of how daily routines—laundry, cleaning, hygiene—can shift from disposable to sustainable with just a little planning and community support. “It’s about moving from convenient to conscious,” Shannon explained, echoing the spirit of the Food & Farm Hub. “When we reuse, when we buy local, we’re honoring values that never really went out of style.” Building a Circular Future, Rain or Shine Despite the stormy weather, the launch still brought together vendors, consumers, and advocates for a better local economy. With backing from partners like Phoenix Glass Recycling, and a growing network of farmers and makers, the Food & Farm Hub aims to help Huntsville reimagine its food system as something more circular and resilient. “We’re creating a tangible bridge between local farmers and our neighbors,” said Callie Enea, co-founder of the Hub. “It’s not just about what we eat—it’s about how we live.” Even a summer storm couldn’t dampen that message. With umbrellas in hand and bags of local produce in tow, attendees proved that Huntsville’s appetite for sustainable change is stronger than ever. To learn more or to place an order with the Huntsville Food & Farm Hub, visit their online marketplace at https://huntsvillefoodhub.com/. For sustainable refill options and eco-conscious living, visit lemonandlavendermadison.com. w
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August 2025
DINING
Now Open in Huntsville: New Restaurant One Eleven Surprises with Unique Ambiance and Locally-Inspired Cocktails One Eleven, a new restaurant in downtown Huntsville, officially opened on June 9 to much excitement, quickly becoming a buzzworthy destination for locals and visitors alike. Located just a few blocks away from Big Spring Park and the downtown square, the eatery is well-placed in the heart of the city. It even has a storied history, as the building most recently housed the iconic The Heritage Club and, before that, the well-loved Ritz Café for almost forty years. One Eleven’s warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with its unique cocktail menu, offers a reminder of upscale restaurants typically found in larger cities, wellsuited for the city's fast-growing community. One Eleven’s Marketing Manager, Victoria Pittman, shared the concept behind the space, describing it as an elevated but approachable dining experience meant to draw a vibrant evening crowd. “A lot of the feedback that we've gotten from people is that it feels like something almost in Nashville or in Atlanta,” Pittman said. PowerBrands Hospitality Group is also responsible for other local restaurants in the area, such as Prohibition in Town Madison and the new Lola's Cocina in Jones Valley. One Eleven is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and also features two private event spaces: The Library and The Heritage Room, both available for reservation. The menu features dishes crafted in collaboration with New York chef Pat Trama, including grilled branzino, gochujang-glazed salmon, and steak frites. House-made pastas like rigatoni with cacio e pepe are also available and
can be paired with any of the restaurant’s carefully curated wine selections. At lunch, food offerings include a hanger steak sandwich, a grilled chicken baguette, salads, and more. Gluten-free appetizer, entrée, and
dessert options are also available at both lunch and dinner. According to Pittman, the restaurant will introduce a brunch and latenight menu in the future. The restaurant’s late-night hours will be available on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to midnight, featuring a limited selection of food and drinks accompanied by music, either a live band or a DJ. One Eleven's craft cocktail menu features drinks inspired by local landmarks, including the appropriately named Space Race, Maple Hill, Lowe Mill's Torpedo, and Redstone Arsenal, among others. “Through even the naming of drinks, we want this to be a spot
By: Katie Holt / Photos by Katie Holt
where we can attract locals for this to be their regular place. Even when tourists are coming through, we want them to be intrigued by the names of these different cocktails and look them up and maybe find things that they can go visit or things that they didn't know about Huntsville,” Pittman said. The mixologist who created the drinks, Samantha Robinson, works at Jobos, a restaurant located in Hotel Tupelo. Pittman described her as “phenomenal” and said Robinson came to the restaurant and trained staff on how to mix and serve the special drinks. Other local touches to the menu include the use of locally sourced ingredients. “We have honeycomb that comes on our baby burrata, and that is from Blossomwood Honey. We also have locally grown edible flowers and microgreens,” Pittman shared. Another fun addition to One Eleven lies behind an unassuming door, right off the main dining room —a free photo booth for patrons to enjoy with friends and family. Anyone who uses the photo booth can easily send the photos and videos to their phone via text. This feature and others, (like shareable cocktails) are all part of One Eleven's mission to create a relaxed and social atmosphere where people can gather and connect. “We want this to be a place where people can make new friends and see old friends. We don't want people to feel like they're in their own bubble. And, that's kind of where being approachable comes in, where we want it to be that finer dining atmosphere, but without it feeling stiff or cold,” Pittman said. w
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
COVER
Healthcare in Huntsville: How Up with the Area's By: Katie Holt / Photos courtesy of
These days, it's almost like repeating a broken record, but talk of the Tennessee Valley's growing population is still non-stop. And it's driving leaders in Madison County and the surrounding areas to keep a close eye on the community's infrastructure. When it comes to transportation, I-565 is expanding under a $29 million widening project. In education, Huntsville City Schools are one year into a 10year expansion plan, and Madison County Schools are experiencing growth with the addition of two new schools in Hazel Green and Harvest. But what about healthcare in Huntsville, Madison, and Athens? The Huntsville Business Journal recently spoke with leaders at the county's major hospitals to gain
a deeper look at how they are preparing to meet rising demand and ensure quality care for an ever-expanding community. Huntsville Hospital has 881 beds and is part of a larger system that serves North Alabama, extending even across the state line to Fayetteville, Tennessee. Tracy Doughty, President and COO of Huntsville Hospital, emphasized the challenge of keeping up with growth while supporting staff.
"It's tough to keep up. We want to make sure that we have the right departments and the right staffing for our citizens. We want to make sure we meet their needs. But the growth is sometimes faster than we can react," Doughty said. Doughty noted that staff are often picking up extra shifts, which raises concerns about burnout. Doughty continued, "The managers do an outstanding job of making sure that we're not getting to that point. But I do worry
about some of our people who want to take care of their community and not leave an area short. I'm going to staff up to make sure that they're working as much or as little as they want to keep them happy, which makes it easier to take care of patients." Recently, the hospital announced it will add to its downtown campus. Once completed, Huntsville Hospital's newest expansion to the Madison Street Tower will include 154,000 square feet of new clinical space and 120 new private patient rooms. When it comes to staffing this new expansion and Huntsville Hospital's overall recruiting strategy, Doughty says partnering with local colleges and organizations is essential. "We believe that we must be able to partner with our local organizations, local schools, to help create the talent that we need going forward. It's a win-win situation for the university, school, or community college and Huntsville Hospital," Doughty shared. In recent years, Huntsville Hospital has partnered with Calhoun Community College to expand its nursing school in Huntsville. The hospital also operates an LPN Launch program in collaboration with Drake State, covering 100% of tuition and lab fees to support the training of licensed practical nurses. Additionally, Huntsville Hospital recently doubled enrollment in its on-campus radiology school, increasing from 15 to 30 students per year. Crestwood Medical Center,
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August 2025
R STORY
w are Local Hospitals Keeping Rising Population? Crestwood and Huntsville Hospitals
located just a few miles from Huntsville Hospital, is a 180-bed acute care hospital. Justin Serrano, Crestwood’s CEO, noted that the influx of new residents and an aging population have contributed to more ER visits and increased demand for specialized care. "With the population growth of Huntsville and Madison County, Crestwood Medical Center is seeing more patients, particularly among aging individuals and families moving in. Year-over-year, our team is experiencing increased ER visits with higher acuity and more critical care admissions," Serrano said. For Serrano and his team, recruiting is a proactive process. "The rapid growth of Huntsville has reinforced the importance of long-term strategic planning. At Crestwood, we actively evaluate service line needs and capacity forecasts to plan for the future," Serrano shared. Currently, Crestwood has one freestanding emergency department located just off Highway 53. This location, which opened in July 2024, has gained a reputation for its short wait times and efficient care. To meet the demand of an increasing population, Crestwood is building an additional freestanding emergency department in Madison. The new facility will be located at the intersection of Madison Blvd. and Research Blvd., close to the popular Town Madison development. Serrano said the new Madison
facility will follow a proven model already in place at their Harvest location, ensuring consistent delivery of emergency care. "The Madison freestanding ED will be staffed with ER physicians, emergency-trained nurses, and technical staff - the same model as the free freestanding ER in Harvest," Serrano said. The Madison Freestanding Emergency Department is expected to open in early 2026. According to Serrano, Crestwood also recently welcomed 20 additional resident physi-
cians to its Internal and Family Medicine programs. "This will be a strong pipeline for future physicians in our market, helping us retain talent and build a workforce rooted in our community," Serrano shared. Serrano added that Crestwood's proactive efforts are paying off in terms of workforce retention and patient care. "This work is showing results, and we are pleased to have seen yearover-year improvement in nurse retention. More workforce stability will help us accelerate our efforts in
patient experience and quality improvement," Serrano said. Serrano says creating a supportive environment for staff at Crestwood remains a top priority as they continue to grow and adapt. "We're committed to creating an environment where our nurses and our entire team feel supported and valued. We continue to look for creative ways to recognize great work done across our health system through both formal and informal reward programs," Serrano said. Looking out toward the future, Doughty envisions more outpatient facilities across the county to make care more accessible. "I think we'll continue to grow, but with that growth, I think it'll let us be strategic about having outpatient facilities around our county so everybody doesn't have to come downtown," Doughty said. w
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
REAL ESTATE
Huntsville Market Holds Steady, NAR Reports Higher Foreign Investment in US The Huntsville/Madison County residential real estate market continues to hold steady, with the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) weekly report for the week ending July 5 showing modest increases in pending sales and inventory for single-family homes, while townhouse units saw a slight downturn. In the week reported, pending sales of single-family homes increased by 15.7%, while inventory increased by 22.7%. However, the new listings of single-family homes decreased by 5.1%, to 296 units. Townhouse units in our local market, however, saw a 25% decrease in pending sales, and a decrease in local listings of 43.8%. Inventory of these townhouse/condo units saw a minor dip of 1.3%. On the national scale, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is reporting that June pending sales nationwide saw a year-over-year increase of 1.1%, and a month-overmonth increase of 1.8%. Investment in real estate has increased from both investment firms and foreign buyers. In the NAR’s “International Transactions in US Real Estate Report 2025,” the NAR reports that foreign buyers have purchased $56 billion in US real estate from April 2024 to May 2025, a 33.2% year-over-year increase from the previous year, and the highest growth in foreign real estate investment in the US since 2017. “International interest in buying U.S. real estate increased following the global economic recovery from several years of pandemic-related disruptions. However, elevated home prices and interest rates continue to dampen overall potential sales activity and remain well below prepandemic levels,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. This report comes on the heels of a report from real estate data collection firm BatchData, which reports that approximately 27% of residential real estate sales nationwide were purchased by investment firms.
“As traditional buyers struggle with affordability, investors with cash and financing advantages are stepping in to maintain transaction volume,” according to BatchData. The combination of higher inventory of real estate with high mortgage interest rates benefits investors over individual buyers, as those firms often have the high capital to take advantage of lowered prices without needing to borrow. Of particular interest to Huntsville, CNBC reports that the Moon, of all places, may see a real estate boom as a hub for the construction of data centers, using the vacuum of space to cool the servers, as well as for the construction of space infrastructure to support further industry. According to CNBC, the real estate firm Hines acquired the Titusville Logistics Center in Florida, intending to lease the facility to private aerospace companies. Further development of space industrial infrastructure here in Huntsville could well rocket the city into prominence and prosperity well into the future. The Huntsville Business Journal will continue to monitor developments in the real estate market, both nationally and here at home. w
By: Marie Johnson
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August 2025
ADVERTORIAL
Redstone Federal Credit Union Wins Silver Stevie® Award at 2025 American Business Awards Redstone Federal Credit Union was recently recognized with a Stevie® Award at the 23rd Annual American Business Awards®. The credit union was praised for its commitment to serving members of modest means and for its unique community service efforts. Redstone won a Silver Stevie® Award in the Company of the Year – Banking (Large) category. The American Business Awards (ABA), considered one of the leading business awards programs in the United States, recognize organizations of various types and sizes for notable performance in the workplace. More than 3,600 nominations were submitted for consideration in 2025, across a spectrum of industries. Joe Newberry, President and CEO of Redstone Federal Credit Union,
acknowledged the significance of this award. “We are incredibly honored to receive this national recognition. It’s a testament to the dedication of our employees and their unwavering commitment to serve our members
with excellence. At Redstone, we believe in putting people first. This award reinforces that our mission is resonating and making a difference.” Redstone’s award entry focused on its work with members at all income levels and its generous community support. Redstone highlighted its 2023-2024 efforts that include: • $33 million in member givebacks which include dividends, cash back, and better rates. • Helped 310,098 members increase their credit score and originated 31,803 loans to members with lower credit scores. • Supported more than 600 organizations through sponsorships. • Awarded $180,000 in scholarships. • Helped more than 51,000 youth
Photos courtesy of Redstone Federal Credit Union
and adults with money management skills. • Redstone employees contributed $624,946 to the United Way. To learn more about the 2025 American Business Awards and view the full list of winners, visit www. StevieAwards.com/ABA. w
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
BANKING
Bank Independent Announces Leadership Transitions
By: Sponsored Content / Photos ourtesy of Bank Independent
Bank Independent has announced the appointment of Jason Windham as President of the bank and CJ Ryan as President of Interstate Billing Service, its wholly owned subsidiary. Macke Mauldin, Bank Independent CEO, has been President of the bank since 1996. “It has been an honor to serve as President of the bank for the past 29 years. As I continue to focus on leading the company, serving our team members, and advocating for the priorities that matter most to our customers, our community, and our industry, I need to share some of my duties. Our organization is fortunate to have an outstanding team of leaders who are willing and able to take on the responsibility of leadership.” Windham has 29 years of banking experience in Alabama. He is a member of the executive team at Bank Independent and has served as President of Interstate Billing since 2018. Prior to that, he worked in sales management and credit risk at the bank and Interstate Billing. Prior to joining Bank Independent in 2009, he worked one year as a
ment of the accounts receivable billing business. He serves the organization as a member of the leadership teams for both Bank Independent and Interstate Billing Service, helping facilitate the alignment of the organization’s strategies. He joined the organization in 2010. “With Jason’s promotion at the bank, I am excited to have CJ leading Interstate Billing Service as president,” Mauldin shared. “Since he began leading operations at IBS several years ago, CJ has dug into the details of that business line and won the trust and respect of everyone around him. I know he will continue to build on that success.” CJ earned a bachelor’s in human resource management from the University of North Alabama in 2006 followed by an MBA in 2008. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an agile certified Project Management Professional (PMI-ACP) with the Project Management Institute. He has been instrumental in establishing the organization’s project management and process improvement methodologies. w
University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2001 and his bachelor’s in finance from Troy University in 1996. He is a graduate of the LSU Graduate School of Banking and the Jason Windham, CJ Ryan, President Bank Independent President of Interstate Billing Service Alabama Banking School. Jason continues to work with the commercial lender with First National Alabama Banking School in various Bank of Jasper and twelve years as an capacities and was named Executive Diexaminer with the Alabama State Bankrector of ABS in 2024. That same year, ing Department. he was appointed to the Board of Trust“The president is the face of the ees for the Graduate School of Banking bank,” said Mauldin. “I’m thrilled our at LSU, where he also serves on the facBoard of Directors has selected Jason ulty, helping senior students operate a for this role because he has demonstratsimulated bank. ed immense ability as a banker and a Ryan most recently served dual roles leader. He is respected and loved throughas the Director of Operations for IBS and out our company, our communities, and VP - Project Management, responsible in our industry.” for the day-to-day operating environJason earned his MBA from the
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August 2025
BANKING
New Home, Same Mission: FirstBank Opens Doors on Franklin Street The physical relocation was barely over half a mile, but the move was major nonetheless for FirstBank. The Nashville-based financial institution, already a presence in the Rocket City since 2015, traded its original home in the five-story office tower that’s part of the Twickenham Square development for an empty building at 401 Franklin St. A roster of local dignitaries, bank luminaries and employees, and assorted associates gathered on a hot Tuesday morning to celebrate FirstBank’s new downtown home with a ribbon-cutting. “The conversation (to move) started about two-and-a-half years ago,’’ said Grant Lauderdale, an Athens native in charge of revenue for the company’s Metro Markets – Birmingham, Huntsville, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Asheville. “We wanted to have a stand alone building where our customers would have easier access.’’ FirstBank, which has a second Huntsville branch at Providence, has grown from its small-town Tennessee beginnings to locations in five states. The company opened its first location in Scotts Hill in 1906 under the name Farmers State Bank. Though the Music City is now
headquarters for FirstBank, the Scotts Hill branch remains a flagship location. The bank serves Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia and, most recently, North Carolina. “We've grown strategically and controlled because that’s our style,’’ Lauderdale said. “We want to deliver community banking service with big bank technology. We try to combine those two so that our delivery model is best in class. “And then, obviously, we try to surround our customers with the best possible personnel we can find in our industry. So that's how we believe we're gonna win long term.’’ Huntsville Mayor Tommy Bat-
tle was among those applauding FirstBank’s growth and relocation. “Let me just say to all the FirstBank team – thank you for your investment,’’ he said. “Thank you for being part of Huntsville and we look forward to great things in the future.’’ Part of the celebration included recognition of the strong relationship between FirstBank and Free 2 Teach, an organization that grew from the garage of late teacher Eula Battle to a 10,000-square foot combined retail and warehouse space on Leeman Ferry Road. Free 2 Teach provides free supplies to all classroom teachers and
By: Mike Easterling / Photos courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
school staff across all five public school districts in Limestone and Madison County. “We provide resources to teachers to get into the hands of students to make the most impact for their educational experience,’’ said Matt Reed, who chairs the Free 2 Teach board and is also co-founder and COO at DynamicMSSP. “We take donations of supplies, obviously we take money to buy those supplies at the most discounted rates to get those resources in the hands of teachers that need it the most.” He added that, “FirstBank has been a partner of ours for probably about 10 years running, if not longer, and has been a phenomenal community partner.’’ Free 2 Teach has awarded $14.7 million in free schoolroom supplies over 14 years. Meanwhile, FirstBank’s parent company purchased Southern States Bank’s parent company, and the two will soon merge to give the latter even firmer footing. That’s not lost on Richard Bigoney of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “I'm glad that you guys are here,’’ he said, “keeping our banking industry stronger.’’ w
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
BANKING
Bank47 Celebrates Huntsville Launch with Community Event, Encourages Connection and Service This May, Bank47 held a ribboncutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new location on Church Street. To celebrate this milestone, the financial institution held an event at The Ledges on June 26th. The celebration featured heavy hors d'oeuvres, an assortment of beverages, a unique and interactive keynote speech from Dr. Kevin Elko, and encouraging words from members of Bank47's leadership team. After the crowd spent some time socializing, Bank47 President John Johnson addressed the crowd. "Tonight is just not a celebration about a new bank, it's a celebration, a shared future, and it's because of people like you, your encouragement, your belief in what we're building, that we get to stand here tonight with hope and momentum," Johnson said. Johnson continued, "Bank47 was created with a bold and simple idea that banking can be more than a business. It can be a force for connection, a partner in people's story, and a platform to build strong relationships, strong neighborhoods and a strong future." Kelli Powers, the President of Decatur Morgan Hospital and the Chairman of the Board at Bank47, highlighted the distinct opportunities and strengths present in the Tennessee Valley. "We have a lot of great things here
in North Alabama, mainly Huntsville and the surrounding areas, to be proud of because the rest of the state of Alabama doesn't look like North Alabama," Powers shared. Powers also outlined Bank47's upcoming growth initiative, inviting attendees to participate actively in its continued development. "We want to build on that success here…with all of you. Due to the great start we've had and the growth that we're already seeing in the bank, we are about to embark on a capital campaign. We need to continue to grow this bank, and we would like for all of you to be a part of that," Powers said. Dr. Elko works with sports teams and businesses to provide consulting services in areas such as leadership, goal setting, and other motivational topics. He has consulted for various successful NFL teams, BCS National Championship football teams (including The University of Alabama), and multiple large corporate clients. During his speech, Dr. Elko talked about his time working closely with Nick Saban at UA and shared the overall importance of mindset, connection, and overcoming adversity. He also drew parallels between his experience in sports and the goals of Bank47. Dr. Elko empha-
sized the significance of commitment and community connection in achieving success. "Look, here's how we get happy. We connect like what Bank47 is doing," Elko said. Elko then elaborated on the importance of commitment, differentiating between mere interest and true dedication. "There are two kinds of people in this world, the interested kind and the committed kind. Those are different. Most people are interested because they do it till they feel it, but they're not always feeling it. They quit. I don't want to be around
By: Katie Holt / Photos courtesy of Bank47
any interested people. I wouldn't get involved with 47 if they have a bunch of interested people. I need to be around people who are committed," Elko said. Bank47 CEO Hill Womble concluded the evening by sharing his vision for the bank's involvement with the people of Huntsville on a personal level. "Thank you for coming tonight. We want to build community, and we want to do it through concierge service. I really think how you do that is through people," said Womble. He closed his remarks with an open invitation to attendees for ongoing accountability and partnership. "We ask you to test us, try us, make sure we care. If we don't, challenge us to improve our game," Womble said. w
August 2025
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
BRIEFCASE
Big Spring Park East to Gain 2.4 Acres of Public Greenspace Big Spring Park, a well-known civic and cultural space in downtown Huntsville, is set to expand with new amenities aimed at enhancing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community use. City leaders presented the final designs for the transformative expansion of Big Spring Park East to the Huntsville Planning Commission for approval on June 24. The project reimagines the former City Hall site at 308 Fountain Circle as a dynamic public greenspace, adding approximately 2.4 acres to the heart of downtown’s most cherished park. Chad Bostick with Bostick Landscape Architects and Frank Nola of Nola Van Peursem presented the plan, which finalizes the expansion design. Mayor Tommy Battle called it a major step forward and said the design paves the way for park improvements that honor the natural beauty and unique topography of the site. “As our downtown thrives, so does the need for recreational spaces,” said Mayor Battle. “This property presents an opportunity to expand Big Spring Park, solidifying its position as a cherished
community landmark. By enlarging the footprint, we provide an even larger public space for everyone to enjoy.” The final designs incorporate several standout features, including: • Multiple terraced plaza levels for gathering and relaxing • A central pavilion with a green roof for hosting events and community programs • New sidewalk and hardscape connections to Church Street • Improved ADA access through a gently winding path reminiscent of San Francisco’s Lombard Street • Landscaping upgrades including irrigation, shade trees, rain gardens, and enhanced lighting • A children’s playground • Public art installations and a calming water feature to help buffer downtown noise A key feature of the design includes a lower terrace that links Big Spring Park East and West, providing an urban overlook of the park’s signature ponds. Terraced walks and walls will create seamless movement across the sloped landscape. Public art and shaded seating will line the plazas, offering a balance of form and function.
"This plan packs in a lot of desirable public elements, but what excites me most is the bigger picture,” said Bostick. “We’re creating beautiful gardens, plazas and a public pavilion with a green roof, but as significant is the connectivity. This plan ties Big Spring Park east and west together and creates pedestrian and ADA access to Fountain Circle.” The City plans to bid the park expansion project in July. Construction is expected to be complete by the end 2026. w
NASA Collaborates with Local College to Boost Aerospace Training Drake State Community and Technical College is enhancing its 15-year
partnership with NASA’s High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program through significant upgrades to its advanced manufacturing lab. The ongoing collaboration provides students with hands-on experience working on actual aerospace components and opportunities to engage directly with NASA engineers and mentors. As part of this continuing partnership, Drake State recently installed a Haas VF6 SS Machining Center in its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex. The VF6 significantly expands the college’s machine tool lab capability, making Drake State one of the only post-secondary institutions in the nation with a machine of this caliber. Drake State became the first two-year college in the Southeast to join the NASA HUNCH program in 2010. “This is not just an equipment upgrade; it’s a transformative leap,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “Through this partnership with NASA HUNCH, our students will gain handson experience using full-scale aerospace components and prepare for real-world careers in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.” The college is also pursuing the acquisition of a 3-foot by 5-foot Coordi-
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August 2025
BRIEFCASE
nate Measuring Machine (CMM), which would further enhance the precision capabilities of its lab and complement the VF6’s functions. NASA HUNCH representatives have expressed their strong support for this next step, noting its potential to multiply the benefits of the partnership exponentially. “Our team is excited about what’s happening at Drake State,” said Tyler Williams, NASA HUNCH Mentor. “With the right tools and continued support, Drake State could become the premier NASA HUNCH program in the country.” w
Huntsville Animal Services Urges Residents to Consider Fostering as Shelter Reaches Critical Capacity Huntsville Animal Services is asking the community to help as the shelter reaches critical capacity. Every kennel is full, primarily with large dogs who have been waiting weeks, some even longer, to find their forever home. Despite the excellent work of caring staff, the shelter is overwhelmed, and the dogs are feeling the effects. They’re stressed, under-stimulated and in urgent need of love, care and individualized attention that the shelter environment simply can’t provide. “Our large dogs are suffering the most right now,” said John Fischer, Director of Huntsville Animal Services. “They’re kind, smart and loyal animals, but they’re getting overlooked because they don’t stand out in a noisy kennel. Even just a few days in a home can help them decompress, shine and give us a better picture of who they are.” Animal Services is asking for help from residents in the following ways: • Foster to Rehome: Take a dog in and help match them with a forever family. The average foster duration is a couple of weeks. • Foster to Adopt: Try it out before committing. Foster a dog for a few days to two weeks to see if they are the right fit for your family. • Sleepovers: Take a dog home for a day or night to give them a break and much-needed rest. To become a foster, residents must live in Madison County, be 19 or older and complete a foster application. Potential fosters can then visit the shelter to find a dog that matches their home and lifestyle. Animal Services is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal, or visit their Facebook page to learn more. “Our community has always stepped up when it mattered most,” Fischer added. “We’re at one of those moments now. Please consider fostering or adopting. Our dogs are counting on you.” w
Huntsville Hospital Announces Plans to Expand Emergency Services Amid Rapid Growth Huntsville Hospital Health System has announced that it is seeking approval to make an historic investment in emergency services for the community. Upon approval by the State of Alabama, Huntsville Hospital will build two free-standing emergency departments (FEDs)—in Hampton Cove and in north Huntsville. At Madison Hospital, the existing emergency department will grow by six beds, increasing capacity by 25 percent. Jeff Samz, President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, said, “No area of the state is growing more rapidly than the Huntsville community. Our hospital system has been the backbone of health care here for 130 years. We’re committed to doing whatever it takes to address current needs and to prepare for even more growth in the future.” Samz said the hospital has submitted a letter of intent to the State of Alabama and will formally apply for a Certificate of Need later this summer. “We hope to fast-track these projects upon approval. Our plan would be to complete the design this winter and begin construction of the FEDs in the spring of 2026,” he said. “The project at Madison Hospital is already underway.” Samz estimated that the investment in each free-standing emergency department would be $30 million, including construction and equipment. No details were released as to exact locations of the proposed FEDs. “All of us know the growth challenges that our community is facing. We are taking definitive steps to increase access to emergency care in every part of our community. The health care investment that we will make in north Huntsville will be the largest ever made there. It will be historic. We look forward to receiving approval, so we can get started.” w
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
RECOGNITIONS Caleb Horton Joins ServisFirst Bank Huntsville as VP, Portfolio Manager ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares, has named Caleb Horton Vice President, Portfolio Manager for its Huntsville team. In this role, Horton will support commercial lending through strategic credit analysis and portfolio management. A lifelong Huntsville resident, Horton brings over 12 years of banking experience with a focus on credit underwriting, credit administration, and financial analysis. His expertise includes managing complex commercial loans, conducting annual credit reviews, mentoring analysts, and supporting high-net-worth clients and business owners. “We’re proud to continue building a team of local leaders who know and care about this community,” said Andy Kattos, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. “Caleb’s strong background in credit and deep ties to Huntsville make him a great addition as we continue to serve and grow with our clients across North Alabama.” Horton earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Athens State University in 2014.
Meet Evan Crouse, CFP®, Partner and Wealth Advisor at Waverly Advisors Evan Crouse is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at Waverly Advisors, where he leverages his extensive expertise in financial planning to provide exceptional service to his clients. With a robust background in corporate finance and a distinguished tenure as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, Evan brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to his role. Evan’s career began in corporate finance with a Fortune 500 aerospace and defense company, where he honed his skills in financial analysis and strategic planning. His military service further developed his leadership and analytical abilities, preparing him for a successful transition to the financial advisory field. Evan holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Finance from Indiana University, Bloomington. He is also a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), which underscores his commitment to the highest standards of financial planning.
Elizabeth Feick promoted to Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville Elizabeth Feick has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer at ServisFirst Bank in Huntsville. Elizabeth Feick began her career at ServisFirst Bank in October 2016 as an intern while attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She transitioned into a full-time credit analyst role and earned her MBA in 2018. In November 2021, she joined the bank’s Commercial Banking team. Since then, she has developed a Commercial & Industrial (C&I) portfolio that includes nearly $100 million in deposits and $75 million in loans. Elizabeth also oversees several key government contractor relationships and plays an active role in the Huntsville market. In addition to her banking success, Elizabeth serves as Treasurer of the National Children’s Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors and is on The CornerStone Initiative’s Board of Directors. She is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect and participates in Huntsville’s inaugural Momentum Upward Class.
Jessica Diaz Named Assistant School Director for Alabama Banking School Bank Independent has announced that Jessica Diaz, Vice President and Director of Learning & Development, has been named Assistant School Director for the Alabama Banking School. In this role, Diaz will support the Chairman and School Director in overseeing school operations. “We’re thrilled to see Jessica recognized and named as the new Assistant School Director for the Alabama Banking School,” said Jason Windham, President at Bank Independent and Director for the Alabama Banking School. “Her leadership and work ethic make a positive difference in our organization and I’m excited to continue to work with her at both Bank Independent and now, the Alabama Banking School.” Diaz is an alumna of the Alabama Banking School, where she served as President of the Class of 2015 and Class Director for the Class of 2023. She joined Bank Independent in January 2024, bringing over 25 years of banking experience. "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Assistant School Director for the Alabama Banking School,” said Diaz.
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August 2025
RECOGNITIONS Jonathan Ceci promoted to Assistant Relationship Manager and Banking Officer at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville Jonathan Ceci has been promoted to the position of Assistant Relationship Manager and Banking Officer at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. Jonathan joined the team as a Summer and Winter intern in 2022 while completing his studies at the University of Alabama. He graduated summa cum laude in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance. Following graduation, he accepted a full-time position at ServisFirst as a Credit Analyst. Jonathan has contributed to underwriting efforts for multiple officers and will now support Jim Holtkamp and Elizabeth Feick as a Portfolio Manager, with expanded responsibilities in client relations. He was recently selected to participate in Leadership Greater Huntsville’s upcoming Connect Class 28, representing the next generation of business leaders in North Alabama.
Rachel Guthrie promoted to Vice President, Credit Officer at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville Rachel Guthrie has been promoted at ServisFirst Bank Huntsville and now holds the title of Vice President, Credit Officer. Rachel began her career with ServisFirst Bank in May 2019 as a Credit Analyst after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Auburn University. Rachel has advanced steadily through the organization, being named Assistant Relationship Manager and Banking Officer in December 2021, and then Assistant Vice President in June 2023. Known for her strong loan structuring skills and proactive support of complex client portfolios, Rachel plays a key role in mentoring analysts and supporting top-performing lenders. In her new role, she will serve as a backup credit liaison to the Birmingham office. Rachel earned her MBA from the University of North Alabama in July 2022 and remains actively involved in the community through her volunteer work with The CornerStone Initiative and as a member of the Community Bank Partners board.
Kasey Helms joins First Horizon Bank as Senior Vice President, Private Client Relationship Manager First Horizon Bank has announced the appointment of Kasey Helms as Senior Vice President, Private Client Relationship Manager. With 11 years in the banking industry, Kasey brings a wealth of experience managing relationships with high-net-worth clients. She will focus on providing personalized service aimed at helping clients work toward their financial goals. “We are thrilled to have Kasey Helms join our First Horizon Private Banking Team,” said Ginger Harper, Private Banking Group Manager at First Horizon Bank. “With her extensive experience and expertise in working with high-net-worth clients, she is the perfect complement to our top-performing team. Kasey’s heart and passion for the community will be a huge asset as we continue to expand the First Horizon brand in the market.”
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL