Initiatives - February 2019

JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Better Together At Bradley, we combine legal experience and knowledge with a sophisticated understanding of the industries that drive Huntsville. We use our talents, judgment, work ethic, and experience to come up with practical, strategic solutions specifically tailored to our clients’ business operations. We go above and beyond expectations to help our clients meet their goals.

Our Huntsville attorneys leverage a broad range of perspectives to help achieve the results that we expect and our clients demand.

200 Clinton Ave. W | Suite 900 | Huntsville, AL 35801 | 256.517.5100 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Frank M. Caprio., 256.517.5142, fcaprio@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 900, Huntsville, AL 35801. Š2018

Good health begins with good information.

Healthgrades has announced that Huntsville Hospital is the only hospital in Alabama to be included in America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery for five consecutive years (2015-2019).

The respected national organization also recognized Huntsville Hospital as the only one in Alabama to be among the Top 5% of hospitals in the nation for Spine Surgery for 2019.

And if you’re counting stars, Healthgrades also gave a Five-Star distinction (its highest rating) to Huntsville Hospital’s Total Knee Replacement program.

Improving lives.

huntsvillehospital.org

welcome new chamber members Joined in November 2018 Amanda Suciu State Farm Insurance BallCorps LLC Burkett & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. Business Development Support Services The Collins - Apartment Community Cozelos Data Dennen IP Law LLC EASTHAM CORPORATE SOLUTIONS, INC. Engineered Maintenance Services Eutaw Construction Company, Inc. Guidehouse Hair Queen Beauty LLC Irish Society of North Alabama Local Taco MBD 360 Modern Woodmen of America - Jeff Eastin Nicol Investment Company Patricia Haley Charity PeopleSec Rocket City RV LLC Southeast Commercial Stealth - ISS Cyber Group Swag University of North Alabama Foundation Victory Sweepers

Joined in December 2018 Absolute Wireless LLC - Madison Absolute Wireless LLC - University Store Additive Manufacturing & Engineering Alliant Capital Advisors, LLC BallCorps LLC Baumhower’s Victory Grill Bevilacqua Research Corporation Chuy’s Tex-Mex Clean Juice Inc. The Driscoll Group Good Company Cafe Gray Construction Gray Salon and Blow Dry Bar High Point Climbing and Fitness JDM Solutions Lara Bryant - State Farm Insurance Leading Edge Real Estate - Kathy Young Madison Core Laboratories, LLC Morris, King, and Hodge P.C. NUB4U, Inc. The Perfect Gift, Inc. Pixel Joe’s Photography & Video, LLC RAM Partners LLC SHY Consulting Southern Valley Services, LLC Steve Steele Custom Homes, Inc. Sweet Gap, Inc. T & W Operations, Inc. Vector Wealth Management, LLC

If you want to make a valuable investment in your business and the community, the Chamber is the place to start. Contact Donna McCrary, Membership Retention Manager: 256-535-2027 or dmccrary@hsvchamber.org.

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initiatives feb 2019

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

AS OF JANUARY 28, 2019

INVESTORS HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

REGIONAL PARTNERS

LEADERSHIP FORUM

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA Compass ■ Crestwood Medical Center ■ Dynetics, Inc. ■ General Atomics Electromagnetics Lockheed Martin Corporation ■ Northrop Grumman Corporation ■ PNC Bank ■ Raytheon Company ■ SAIC SES - Science and Engineering Services, LLC ■ Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. ■ Yulista

CHAMBER TRUSTEES AEgis Technologies Group ■ Aerojet Rocketdyne ■ Akima, LLC ■ Bailey-Harris Construction ■ Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama ■ Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. ■ Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Intrepid ■ INTUITIVE Jerry Damson Honda Acura ■ KBRwyle ■ Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep ■ Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. ■ PARSONS ■ S3, Inc. Sealy Management Company, Inc. ■ SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center ■ Synovus ■ Torch Technologies

PROGRESS PARTNERS Ability Plus ■ Anglin Reichmann Armstrong ■ ASRC Federal ■ B. L. Harbert International, LLC ■ Baron Services, Inc. ■ BASF Corporation ■ BB&T ■ Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Brown Precision, Inc. ■ Colliers International ■ Connected Logistics (LogC2) ■ Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) ■ Davidson Technologies, Inc. ■ Google Fiber Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association ■ IBERIABANK ■ J Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh McLennan Agency LLC company ■ Keel Point, LLC ■ L3 Technologies ■ LMI ■ LogiCore LSINC Corporation ■ The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) ■ Progress Bank ■ Radiance Technologies ■ RE/MAX Alliance ■ SCI Technology, Inc. ■ SELEX Galileo Inc. ■ ServisFirst Bank Sirote & Permutt, PC ■ Spirit Coach, LLC ■ Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ Turner Construction Company ■ Wells Fargo Bank ■ Woody Anderson Ford PROGRESS INVESTORS 4SITE, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ All Points Logistics, LLC ■ Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty ■ Averbuch Realty / Enterprises ■ BancorpSouth ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank Canvas, Inc. ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ CGI Federal ■ Coast Personnel Services ■ Croy Engineering, LLC ■ DC Blox, Inc. ■ deciBel Research ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. Digium, Inc. ■ Engineering Design Technologies/EDT-THA Architecture ■ Express Employment Professionals ■ Fernandez Financial Group ■ FITE Building Co. ■ FLS Translation & Interpreting ■ Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC ■ Garver ■ HEMSI ■ Hiley Cars Huntsville ■ Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. ■ INTERFUZE Corporation Investor’s Resource – Raymond James Financial Services ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider ■ LINE-X, LLC ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ MAG Aerospace ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. National Bank of Commerce ■ nLogic, LLC ■ North Alabama Multiple Listing Service ■ PALCO ■ PFM Financial Advisors LLC ■ PHOENIX ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corporation ■ Ready Mix USA Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Co. ■ Rosenblum Realty ■ RUAG Space USA ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Sigmatech, Inc. ■ Snelling ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ Technicolor ■ TriVector Services, Inc. ■ Troy 7, Inc. U.S. Space & Rocket Center ■ Valor Communities ■ Venturi, Inc. ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC ■ West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. ■ Wilmer & Lee, P.A. ■ Wiregrass Construction Co. ■ Worxtime an Equifax Co.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

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feb 2019

STATE OF THE

ECONOMY 2016–2018: A Period of Historic Growth PAGE 13

WELCOME

BLUE ORIGIN

DREAMUP

Engine Production Facility to bring 300 new jobs by 2021

Local students prepare to launch ideas into space with Blue Origin

PAGE 18

PAGE 22

4

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

5

HREGI INVESTORS

8

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT | BOARD LISTING

10

IN PICTURES: 2019 Chamber Executive Committee & Board of Directors

15

HREGI PROFILE: Jerry Cargile with 4Site, Incorporated

16

BEST PLACES TO WORK®: List of 2019 Contenders

24 PROFILE: WBC 2019 President Danyell Miller 25 TECH TO THE RESCUE: Madison uses Virtual Reality to teach fire safety 26 REDSTONE PROFILE: GEN Gus Perna, U.S. Army Materiel Command 30 RECENT HIGHLIGHTS | CHAMBER TRIPS 32 CRPeople: Maribeth Morgan with ADTRAN, Inc. 33

COMMUNITY PROFILE

34

CHAMBER STAFF | ASSOCIATED ORGS

35 ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL

editorial staff publisher Chip Cherry, CCE editor

Claire Aiello editorial designer

Kristi Sherrard contributing writers

Lucia Cape Georgina Chapman Devon Elston Amanda Falkner Megan Gully Samantha Magnuson ad sales Kristy Drake kdrake@hsvchamber.org

Richard Bigoney rbigoney@hsvchamber.org

Tina Blankenship tblankenship@hsvchamber.org

Keith Johnson Our mission: To prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth.

kjohnson@hsvchamber.org

HSVchamber.org (additional contact information on page 42) Chamber members: You are encouraged to contribute ideas for our publications, including Initiatives magazine. Please send items to comms@hsvchamber.org. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber maintains editorial control.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

7

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2019 Executive Committee Kim Lewis, Chair, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. Kevin Byrnes, Chair-Elect, Raytheon Company Gary Bolton, Immediate Past Chair, ADTRAN, Inc. Ron Poteat, Chair, Chamber Foundation, Regions Bank Lynn Troy, Secretary/Treasurer, Troy 7, Inc. Jeff Gronberg, Vice Chair, Economic Development & Industry Relations, deciBel Research, Inc.

A Message from

Chip Cherry

Dear Chamber Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: Thank you to all of our public sector partners who were affected by the recent Federal Government shutdown. And, thank you to all those who work to ensure that aspects of our lives – from food to airport safety to weather warnings and many other areas – run smoothly. The line in the song “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” is a great way of describing what happens when the services and support that we assume will always be there are impacted by politics. Our community has a unique appreciation for the impact a shutdown has on the employees and the families of the Federal programs impacted and the contractors who support them. The work you do on our behalf is greatly appreciated!

Our community and region are experiencing an upswing in growth on a variety of fronts, from the FBI to Mazda Toyota and service, retail, and entertainment. All indicators point to significant growth in the baseline measures of our economy – GDP and jobs. A recent study by UAH projects an increase of the region’s GDP of $9.7 billion and 20,417 in new jobs when all the projects that located here in 2016, 2017, and the first half of 2018 are fully ramped up. The article on pages 13-14 has more information in the study.

One of our taglines – The Sky is Not the Limit – was reinforced recently with the groundbreaking of the new Blue Origin Engine Production Facility in Cummings Research Park. The 370,000-square-foot facility will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that will be used to produce the BE-4 and the BE-3U engines for two new rockets – one produced by ULA in Decatur and the other by Blue Origin. The groundbreaking was taken to the next level when the announcement was made that the engines would be tested at Marshall. The roar of engine testing is coming back to the Rocket City!

One of the main reasons for our success is our people! I encourage you to review the Best Places to Work® Contenders list on page 16. These companies are establishing the benchmarks of excellence for employee engagement and support. They have established a standard of excellence that many of us aspire to achieve.

I am blessed to work with a dedicated and talented group of volunteers who are passionate about serving our members and growing our community. They are shown on pages 10-11. Our ability to effectively represent and advocate for members and the community is directly tied to their engagement and your support.

I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event soon!

Chip Cherry, CCE President & CEO Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

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initiatives feb 2019

Alicia Ryan, Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs, LSINC Corporation

David Fernandes, Vice Chair, HREGI, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.

Greg Brown, Vice Chair, Marketing & Communications, Brown Precision, Inc.

Frank Williams, Vice Chair, Membership, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Vice Chair, Small Business & Events, Transcend LLC

Joe Ritch, Vice Chair, Tennessee Valley BRAC, Sirote & Permutt, PC

Mike Alvarez, Chair-Appointed, Venturi, Inc. Penny Billings, Chair-Appointed, BancorpSouth - Huntsville Craig Naudain, Chair-Appointed, SAIC Mayor Tommy Battle, ex-officio member, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, ex-officio member, City of Madison Chairman Dale Strong, ex-officio member, Madison County Commission

Chris Pape, General Counsel, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Chip Cherry, CCE, President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

Elected Board Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay Blake Bentley, SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center David Bier, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C. Lynn Collyar, Deloitte LLP John Dansby, Polaris Industries, Inc. Melissa Davis, MTA, Inc. John Eagan, BB&T Kevin Fernandez, Fernandez Financial Group, LLC Dr. Joe Green, Davidson Technologies, Inc. Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation Mike Gullion, Spur John Hall, All Points Logistics, LLC Ginger Harper, IBERIABANK Josh Herren, Yulista Lee Holland, Turner Construction Company Melody Holt, Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. Amanda Howard, Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty

Hank Isenberg, IronMountain Solutions Lauren Johannesmeyer, Google Fiber, Huntsville Sean Kelly, Regions Bank David King, Dynetics, Inc. Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Janice Migliore, PALCO Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Jami Peyton, Canvas, Inc. Jim Rogers, Lockheed Martin Corporation Ashley Ryals, Homegrown, LLC Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Sameer Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Beth Sippel, Synovus Robert “Bob” Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton Sandra Stephens, Keel Point, LLC Cynthia Streams, Domino's (Valley Pizza, Inc.) Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company Dr. Karockas Watkins, Ability Plus, Inc. Mike Watkins, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama John Watson, Torch Technologies Dennis Weese, Line-X LLC A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

EMERGENCY CARE WITH

LESS WAITING

E.R. In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Crestwood Medical Center, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional with the shortest wait time possible.* And, as a full service community hospital, we can provide a lot more care if you need it.

For less waiting and faster care, count on the E.R. at Crestwood Medical Center.

One Hospital Drive • Huntsville 256-429-4000 • CrestwoodMedCenter.com *E.R. wait time, which is defined as the time it takes from check-in at the E.R. desk until a patient is initially seen by a provider, can change quickly.

This time is dependent on the severity of the illness and other patients also in the E.R.

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Kevin Byrnes

Gary Bolton

Ron Poteat

Lynn Troy

VP, Global Marketing, ADTRAN, Inc.

North Alabama Area Executive, Regions Bank

CEO, Troy 7

CEO, PROJECTXYZ, Inc.

VP & Center Executive, Raytheon Company

BOARD CHAIR

CHAIR-ELECT

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

FOUNDATION CHAIR

Kim Lewis

Jeff Gronberg

Alicia Ryan

David Fernandes

Greg Brown

Frank Williams

President, deciBel Research, Inc.

CEO, LSINC Corporation

CFO/Co-CEO, Brown Precision, Inc.

VICE CHAIR Economic Development & Industry Relations

VICE CHAIR Government & Public Affairs

President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.

Owner Operator, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Laura Huckabee-Jennings CEO, Transcend LLC

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SECRETARY/ TREASURER

VICE CHAIR HREGI

VICE CHAIR Marketing & Communications

Joe Ritch

Mike Alvarez

Penny Billings

Craig Naudain

Attorney, Sirote & Permutt, PC

President & CEO/Owner, Venturi

Market President, BancorpSouth - Huntsville

VP, Operations Management, SAIC

CHAIR-APPOINTED

CHAIR-APPOINTED

CHAIR-APPOINTED

VICE CHAIR Membership

VICE CHAIR Small Business & Events

VICE CHAIR Tennessee Valley BRAC

Tommy Battle

Paul Finley

Dale Strong

Chris Pape

Chip Cherry, CCE

Mayor, City of Huntsville

Mayor, City of Madison

Chairman, Madison County Commission

Attorney, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

GENERAL COUNSEL

President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

initiatives feb 2019

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Bailey

James Barclay

Radiance Technologies, Inc.

Blake Bentley

David Bier

Lynn Collyar

John Dansby

Melissa Davis

SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center

Anglin Reichmann Armstrong

Deloitte LLP

Polaris Industries, Inc.

MTA

John Eagan

Kevin Fernandez

Dr. Joe Green

Joni Green

Mike Gullion

John Hall

BB&T

Fernandez Financial Group, LLC

Davidson Technologies Inc.

Five Stones Research Corporation

Spur

All Points Logistics, LLC

Ginger Harper

Josh Herren

Lee Holland

Melody Holt

Tharon Honeycutt

Amanda Howard

Hank Isenberg

IBERIABANK

Yulista

Turner Construction Company

Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC

MSB Analytics, Inc.

Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty

IronMountain Solutions

Lauren Johannesmeyer

Sean Kelly

David King

Bob McCaleb

Janice Migliore

Alana Parker

Jami Peyton

Regions Bank

Dynetics, Inc.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

PALCO

Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc.

Canvas, Inc.

Google Fiber, Huntsville

Jim Rogers

Ashley Ryals

Jeff Samz

Sameer Singhal

Beth Sippel

Robert Smith

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Homegrown, LLC

Huntsville Hospital

CFD Research Corporation

Synovus

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Sandra Stephens

Cynthia Streams

Ken Tucker

Dr. Karockas Watkins

Mike Watkins

John Watson

Dennis Weese

Keel Point, LLC

Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.)

The Boeing Company

Ability Plus, Inc.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Torch Technologies

Line-X, LLC

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

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PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF THE U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER’S APOLLO 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

400 Meridian Street, Huntsville (256) 519-4340 4700 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville (256) 519-4300 53 Hughes Road, Madison (256) 519-4360 www.iberiabank.com

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

ALABAMA MADISON COUNTY LIMESTONE COUNTY MORGAN COUNTY MARSHALL COUNTY JACKSON COUNTY TENNESSEE LINCOLN COUNTY

2016–2018 A PERIOD OF HISTORIC GROWTH

L

ast year brought record numbers in terms of economic development for North Alabama and our state.

“It’s transformative – I’ve never worked with these types of numbers in my career,” said Jeff Thompson, a Research Scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Executive Director of the Alabama Aerospace Industry Association.

But it’s not just 2018. Significant announcements began more than two years ago, and we wanted to do a deeper dive. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber commissioned a study by UAH about major economic developments over the past two and a half years. Jeff Thompson and Dr. Brinda Mahalingam conducted a study to show the impact of announcements in Huntsville/ Madison County between January 2016 and June 2018 on the six-county North Alabama region: Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Marshall, and Jackson counties in Alabama and Lincoln County, Tennessee.

The estimates are astounding: ■ $9.7 billion expansion of the region’s economy ■ 20,400 operations related jobs ■ $1.3 billion in annual payroll These are estimated impacts, and that’s important to note.

Thompson said these numbers show the potential of what will happen in the north Alabama region if these announcements are fully implemented.

“This is a 33 to 35 percent increase in activity in our area, in the future,” he said. “Think of the customers you have now. You can increase your customer base by a third.”

In 2016, we saw job announcements from Woodbridge Alabama, HDT Expeditionary Systems, The Boeing Company, Brown Precision, Jacobs Technology ESSA Group, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Yulista, and others.

– continued on page 14

Economic Impact Results North Alabama Region Overview Estimated impacts on the north Alabama region by the fully implemented Economic Development Announcements made in 2016, 2017, and 2018 (6-months) include:

$9.7 billion expansion of the region’s economy 20,400 operations-related jobs $1.3 billion in annual payroll $5.7 billion impact from capital investments 17,700 capital investment related jobs $1.1 billion in capital investment related payroll $150 million increase in sales, property, other taxes

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

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Estimated impacts per county by the fully implemented Economic Development Announcements made in 2016 , 2017, and 2018* include:

MADISON COUNTY $2.4 billion expansion of the county’s economy 9,275 operations related jobs $667 million in annual payroll $2.5 billion impact from capital investments 10,700 capital investment related jobs $684 million in capital investment related payroll

LIMESTONE COUNTY $6.6 billion expansion of the county’s economy 8,900 operations related jobs $540 million in annual payroll $2.2 billion impact from capital investments 3,645 capital investment related jobs $214 million in capital investment related payroll

MORGAN COUNTY $713 million expansion of the county’s economy 2,000 operations related jobs $112 million in annual payroll $915 million impact from capital investments 3,160 capital investment related jobs $215 million in capital investment related payroll

Continued from page 13 –

2017 included news from ADTRAN, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Blue Origin, Dynetics, GATR Technologies, Teledyne Brown Engineering, and Yorktown Systems Group.

The biggie was 2018 – 4,000 jobs announced by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. (MTMUS) in January. Kohler added more, along with EOS USA, LG Electronics, Facebook, and Torch Technologies, among others.

“We think we’re extremely conservative with these numbers,” said Thompson. “We didn’t include any suppliers to these companies.”

So, What Now?

Now, the work is underway to support companies who are coming to North Alabama. Some are just starting to build, such as MTMUS and Blue Origin. Others are wrapping up construction and are ready to hire, and our workforce efforts are underway to attract and retain new talent to North Alabama.

We’ve posted the full report from UAH on our website. To view it, please visit bit.ly/HSV-MCeconomy ■ Claire Aiello Vice President, Marketing & Communications

MARSHALL COUNTY $29 million expansion of the county’s economy 100 operations related jobs $4.6 million in annual payroll $14.5 million impact from capital investments 52 capital investment related jobs $2.1 million in capital investment related payroll

Lincoln

Limestone

Jackson Madison

JACKSON COUNTY $18 million expansion of the county’s economy 88 operations related jobs $3.2 million in annual payroll $11.8 million impact from capital investments 64 capital investment related jobs $2.4 million in capital investment related payroll

LINCOLN COUNTY, TENN. $10.4 million expansion of the county’s economy 43 operations related jobs $2.2 million in annual payroll $5.5 million impact from capital investments 28 capital investment related jobs $1.4 million in capital investment related payroll

Morgan

Marshall

Estimated impacts* per city include:

Huntsville Madison Athens Decatur

Expansion of the City’s Economy

Operations Related Jobs

$6.6 billion $1.2 billion $1.8 billion $300 million

13,000 2,430 2,460 950

*Study was conducted October–November 2018.

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initiatives feb 2019

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

JERRY CARGILE

PRESIDENT & PRINCIPAL CIVIL ENGINEER

4SITE, INCORPORATED

PROFILE

Tell us about 4Site:

4Site is a Huntsville-based, interdisciplinary Civil engineering, landscape architecture and land surveying firm with a commitment to deliver innovative site design and excellent service to our clients. Some of our most notable recent projects have included the Propst Center at HudsonAlpha’s Campus, Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., and Huntsville Botanical Garden’s new welcome center.

Q: What makes your company unique?

A: We believe that our emphasis on a collaborative approach to design enables us to provide projects with a unique vision, and to that end we partner with our clients to develop sustainable solutions that balance creative elements with the practical. Of course, we couldn’t do any of this without such a great team. Each of our employees is committed to quality in everything that we do.

Q: You’ve been a member of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber since 2005.

How has your business grown as a result of this?

A: The collective success of our community in driving job growth, especially over the last decade, has produced a

tremendous boom for construction in all areas. Our services are directly tied to that industry, and even as a small local business we have more than tripled in both workforce and revenue during this period.

Q: What do you gain from being a HREGI investor?

A: In addition to the direct economic impact the efforts of HREGI have generated for us, being an investor has also

given us great opportunities for networking and elevating our brand. I think it helps keep us top of mind when people are looking for the services we provide. It’s also just a small way for 4Site to demonstrate that we are committed to reinvesting in the place we call home.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

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Announcing the 2019 Best Places To Work® Contenders We are excited to announce this year’s Contenders for Best Places To Work®!

The event is April 30 – please register at cm.hsvchamber.org/events.

MICRO: 10-24 employees 5-D Systems Inc. Alabama Colon & Gastro, PC Aleta Technologies, Inc. Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty Applied Technologies Group, Inc. Bedzzz Express Black Hall Aerospace, Inc. Cortina Solutions,LLC Crossflow Technologies, Inc. Davis Strategic Innovations, Inc. (DSI) Dental Professionals on Whitesburg Eikon Research EngeniusMicro Flint River Dental General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems H2L Solutions JHNA Kids to Love Mb Solutions Mission Driven Research Mission Multiplier

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initiatives feb 2019

New Beginnings Family Law, P.C. Nobletech Solutions Inc. On-Line Applications Research (OAR) Practical Energetics Research, Inc. Resolution LLC Summit Information Solutions, Inc. Total Solutions, Inc. Whitespace Innovations, Inc.

SMALL: 25-50 employees BancorpSouth Bank CALIBRE Systems, Inc. Cintel, Inc. Good Samaritan Hospice Hill Technical Solutions, Inc. Invariant Corporation Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc MTA, Inc. Nesin Therapy Services, P.C. PROJECTXYZ, Inc. R2C Inc Roto Rooter Troy 7, Inc. Yellowhammer Brewing

LARGE: 101-250 employees

MEDIUM: 51-100 employees Bevilacqua Research Corporation Brockwell Technologies, Inc. Canvas, Inc. Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis, Inc. deciBel Research, Inc. GaN Corporation Geocent LINE-X LSINC Corporation Monte Sano Research Corporation National Children’s Advocacy Center nou Systems, Inc. QTEC Aerospace Thrive Alabama TriVector Services, Inc. Willbrook Solutions, Inc.

Avion Solutions CFD Research Davidson Technologies DESE Research, Inc IERUS Technologies Ignite Intrepid, LLC IronMountain Solutions, Inc. nLogic NTA, Inc. PeopleTec, Inc. Simulation Technologies, Inc. Technology Service Corporation (TSC)

X-LARGE: 251+ employees Clearview Cancer Institute Integration Innovation Incorporated (i3) Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) PARSONS Radiance Technologies, Inc. Torch Technologies

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Colonial Printing now provides all your promotional printing needs.

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Call today for a tour of our 80,000 sq. ft. facility.

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Welcome

BE-4 – COURTESY: BLUE ORIGIN

On January 25, Blue Origin celebrated the official groundbreaking for its world-class rocket engine production facility in Huntsville.

The plant will be built on 46 acres at the corner of Explorer Boulevard and Pegasus Drive in Cummings Research Park.

The project includes more than 300 new jobs.

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initiatives feb 2019

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

PHOTOS THIS PAGE: JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Kim Lewis, Board Chair, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

“It’s a great day here in Rocket City,”

said Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin. “Thanks to the votes of confidence from United Launch Alliance (ULA), from the Air Force for national security missions, and from Huntsville and the state of Alabama, we are breaking ground on a facility to produce our world-class engines and power the next generation of spaceflight.”

About 200 people attended the ceremony, held on a chilly but beautiful morning.

Speakers included Smith, Tory Bruno, CEO of ULA, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield, U.S. Senator Doug Jones, Congressman Mo Brooks, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong. Kim Lewis, 2019 Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, served as emcee.

Blue Origin was selected by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in September of last year to supply its next-generation Blue Engine 4, or BE-4, for the first stage of ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Rocket.

Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine is the most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled rocket engine ever developed. Using an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle, BE-4 is capable of producing 2,447 kN (550,000 lbf) thrust with deep throttle capability. BE-4 is currently undergoing full-scale engine development testing in company facilities in Van Horn, Texas. Full rate production will take place in Blue Origin’s new engine manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama.

The BE-4 is America’s next rocket engine and is made for both commercial and government missions. The production of this engine would end the nation’s dependence on Russia for access to space for critical national security space systems.

The Huntsville manufacturing plant is expected to open in 2020, and the first flight test of the new engine is expected in 2021.

Historic Test Stand Being Brought Back to Life Smith also revealed a variant of the BE-3 the company is flying today, the BE-3U, will be produced here as well. He also announced the roar of engine testing, something Huntsville residents are familiar with, will soon return.

Blue Origin is in the final negotiations with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to do acceptance testing of both the BE-4 and the BE-3U engines at Test Stand 4670, Smith said.

This is the historic site where Saturn V first stage and Shuttle main engines were tested.

“This agreement will provide for the refurbishment, restoration and modernization of this piece of American history,” said Smith. “We’ll be coming back to Huntsville to celebrate this partnership and we look forward to having a closer relationship with Marshall, who defined the modern version of rocket propulsion. All of this is to say Blue Origin is ‘all in’ on Alabama, and we’re thankful for your support.”

– continued on page 21

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin

Governor Kay Ivey, State of Alabama

Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville feb 2019 initiatives

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Continued from page 19 –

L-R: Greg Canfield, Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Kim Lewis, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 2019 Board Chair, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno, Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith, Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong, U.S. Senator Doug Jones, U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks, and Bob Clark, CEO of ClayCo.

Welcoming Messages Dignitaries from all levels of government expressed welcoming messages to the company.

“Blue Origin is a welcome addition to Alabama’s roster of world-class aerospace firms, and its new rocket engine facility in Huntsville will expand the state’s already robust capabilities in space flight,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Blue Origin is making a significant investment in Huntsville, and I’m certain the company will discover the many benefits of doing business in Sweet Home Alabama’s aerospace cluster.”

“Our workforce and our community are ready to deliver for Blue Origin, an innovative commercial space company that is changing what we think is possible in space,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “These BE-4 engines will power launch systems to put everything from satellites and products into orbit to space tourists and perhaps even space settlers into the final frontier. You truly can’t get to space and explore all of its untold promise without going through Huntsville first.”

“Today’s groundbreaking by Blue Origin celebrates a valued and continued partnership in Madison County and the Rocket City,”

Tory Bruno United Launch Alliance (ULA)

Senator Doug Jones United States Senate

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

said Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong. “Blue Origin recognizes both the strength of local aerospace engineering expertise, and also values the remarkable skill of our advanced manufacturing and workforce capabilities. We’re looking forward to Blue Origin writing a new chapter in our history of propulsion capability in north Alabama.”

Blue Origin’s engine production facility is the latest exciting addition to Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, which is the second largest research park in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Blue Origin to Cummings Research Park,” said Erin Koshut, The Park’s Executive Director.

“As we like to say, the research and development happening here is driven by science and powered by people. CRP has come a long way since it was established in 1962. It is now 91 percent occupied and growing more by the day. We can’t wait to see construction take shape on the new Blue Origin facility and assist the company in recruiting talented people to join their Huntsville team.”

■ Claire Aiello Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Greg Canfield Alabama Department of Commerce

Congressman Mo Brooks U.S. House of Representatives

Chairman Dale Strong Madison County Commission feb 2019 initiatives

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At right: The DreamUp team from Sparkman High School, pictured with Superintendent Matt Massey, left, and teacher Teresa Hodge, right.

Far right: Students from New Century Technology School with their teacher, Karman Morgan, on right.

DreamUp Local students prepare to launch ideas into space

I

magine watching Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launch into space and knowing your school project is on board! That’s the reality for three groups of incredibly bright and lucky students right here in Huntsville/Madison County. Students from Bob Jones, Sparkman, and New Century Technology high schools have been selected as part of the DreamUp project, in collaboration with DreamUp PBC, the leading provider of space-based educational opportunities; NanoRacks, LLC, the world’s leading commercial space station company; and sponsored by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

The students attended Blue Origin’s groundbreaking to share their research with people in attendance. They have been working on their projects since Spring 2018, when each school assigned their student groups and brainstormed project ideas for pitching to the DreamUp team. Students have submitted monthly reports to the technical team at NanoRacks, and the ultimate reward will come this year when the students get to watch their project launch into space as a payload on a Blue Origin rocket!

Leading the teams are: ■ Teacher Jessye Gaines, Bob Jones High School, representing Madison City Schools ■ Teacher Karman Morgan, New Century Technology High School, representing Huntsville City Schools ■ Teacher Teresa Hodge, Sparkman High School, representing Madison County Schools The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber visited the schools to meet with the students and learn about their projects. Talk about some smart kids making this community A Smart Place! At New Century Technology High School, students explained their project titled Shockwave. The project will test if voltage is affected by microgravity using a Raspberry Pi. Twelfth graders Carson Keel and Tiffany Meier explained how they used coding language Python to create their design, and how their project will detect measurements every 15 seconds with the information collected.

While visiting Bob Jones High School, students described how their project will test the electrical current created by heat transfer in space. They will be able to record data from the time the payload is powered on in the rocket up to the time the payload lands. Originally, students at James Clemens High School were assigned the project, under the supervision of teacher Dave Frederick. They came up with a rough prototype and basic electrical diagram. When they graduated last May, they handed off the project to students at Bob Jones, who proceeded to create the design in Solid Edge and found ways to reduce the weight to approximately 0.9 lbs (the payload must weigh no more than 1.1 pounds.)

At left: Students from Bob Jones High School visit with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey at the Blue Origin groundbreaking. Their teacher, Jessye Gaines, is in the red coat.

JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

RENA ANDERSON

WORKFORCE & EDUCATION

Students at Sparkman High School are currently re-working their project after their initial concept was unable to work in the payload enclosure. The team is now hard at work coming up with a new idea to finish this spring.

This project is part of a unique partnership. Blue Origin created and launches the New Shepard space vehicle, while the DreamUp team, in collaboration with NanoRacks, prepares the scientific payloads for launch and works with students to ensure the project is safe, functioning, and ready to launch.

Be on the lookout this year when the rocket launches and we celebrate these students’ amazing achievements!

■ Georgina Chapman Workforce Director, Chamber Foundation

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redstonegateway.com A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

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SMALL BUSINESS & EVENTS

WBC 2019 President: Danyell Miller

T

he Women’s Business Council (WBC) is an organization dedicated to advocate for and promote women-owned businesses in the Huntsville/Madison County Area. As such, the Council’s main objective is to provide female business owners with opportunities to network and exchange ideas through a variety of programs. Woman-owned businesses are at the forefront of the business community, and the WBC’s vision is to ensure the success and growth of those businesses.

Danyell Miller, Founder and President of Nterspec Technologies LLC, will serve as the Chair of the WBC for 2019. As a small business owner, Miller understands the importance of having guidance and support via members of the business community, most importantly from other women. “To me, it’s critical,” said Miller.

“There’s no one else that’s really going to understand the journey of a woman business owner other than a woman, because it’s a very different road from any other type of business journey... having a nice place to go and say ‘hey you understand me’ is critical.”

Miller said support from the woman-owned business community has helped her grow and sustain her own business. As such, Nterspec Technologies LLC will celebrate its tenth year of business in 2019. “There have been lots of bumps along the way, especially

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being a company that does software as well as government contracting work, but this was really only possible because of the resources that I had available to me through other women.”

Miller is very involved outside of her own business within the Huntsville community, and serves as a member of many organizations. She is a part of the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC), serves as a mentor with the AUM Foundation, and is currently a board member for Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater. She said she takes pride in continuing to give back to a community that has given so much to her and her business.

With her extensive experience within these organizational roles, and as the leader within her own company, Miller is sure to put the WBC on a path towards continued success for the upcoming year.

“One of my main goals for the WBC is to focus on the current new challenges that women are facing,” said Miller. “We have accomplished a lot, but there are still things that need to be done.

Our vision needs to be forward facing, and focus on now that we’ve made a way to have a seat at the table, what do we do with the seat?”

■ Devon Elston Small Business & Events Coordinator

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Tech to the Rescue Madison Fire Department using VR to teach fire safety

W

hen Marty McFly traveled Back to the Future, technologies in the film seemed like the imaginations of screen writers.

Today, however, we have the opportunity to offer the next generation a learning platform that implements Virtual Reality. We think Marty would be impressed.

It started with the Madison City Fire Department considering a series of questions to determine quality of the service provided to the Madison community: are we engaged, efficient, cost effective and can we be doing more? The Community Risk Reduction Unit at Madison Fire & Rescue identified current fire education programs.

“We have been teaching kids of all ages about fire safety using a Safehouse (smoke trailer) for at least 20 years. We show our trucks to kids and capitalize on the moments to ask about escape planning or smoke alarms. But we were not actively engaging in targeted risk reduction activities,” said Captain Michael Sedlacek, who is leading the virtual reality (VR) endeavor. “We took a hard look and decided to try virtual reality, but the high development cost made us table that idea for a while. During a meeting with Madison Mayor Paul Finley about something completely unrelated, we discovered that he had a contact that may be able to help us.”

Lightbulb Education, a local small business, was eager to help with the project. The team envisioned VR scenarios that would teach kids about fire safety, escape planning and how fire really works. VR immerses the user in a sensory experience, helping with information retention. If children are regularly playing video games with the latest and greatest technology, the goal was to give them lifesaving information via a medium they could relate to.

Through additional funding from Mayor Finley, the Madison City Council, as well as welcomed community partnerships, Sedlacek and his team were able to create a set of scenarios capturing the ambiance of Madison. The technological advancement of the Huntsville/Madison County was portrayed all in one project. “We are currently taking our VR trailer to community events, safety expos, church groups and using it to influence others to do the same,” said Sedlacek.

The trailer is outfitted with 12 kiosks for both kids and adults to engage in a virtual reality situation. The program steps the user through different fire safety scenarios, catering towards their home type (single story, multi-level, apartment, etc.).

Based on national and local fire data, the experiences give participants relevant information and tools that could save their lives.

Madison Fire and Rescue’s C.R.R.U. (Community Risk Reduction Unit) is paving the way for safety education in the United States by introducing Virtual Reality as a fire safety tool, one of the first fire departments in the country to do so. For more information on supporting this project, contact Captain Michael Sedlacek by email: michael.sedlacek@madisonal.gov ■ Contributed by Samantha Magnuson, City of Madison

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

25

Redstone Arsenal:

Leadership Profile

General Gus Perna, U.S. Army Materiel Command

T

he man behind the Army’s global supply chain never expected to be in this position; in fact, he never expected to be a logistician at all.

Gen. Gus Perna, commanding general, Army Materiel Command, was commissioned as an Army second lieutenant in 1979 as an Infantry officer.

“I thought combat arms was my calling,” he said. “At a crossroads in my career, a mentor recognized that I had a knack for logistics and encouraged me to pursue that path.”

He soon realized his Infantry background gave him a special insight into managing supply chains.

“All Soldiers need food, fuel, boots and bullets,” Perna said. “As an Infantry officer, I experienced what many young leaders face when equipment fails or supplies are disrupted. I remember what it is like to be cold, tired, and hungry. When you have firsthand knowledge

that one repair part can halt a mission and impact Soldiers’ lives, you internalize the importance of the global supply chain.”

Today, Perna is the Army’s senior logistician and the senior ranking officer on Redstone Arsenal. As the leader of Army Materiel 26

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Command, he oversees an enterprise that spans all 50 states and more than 150 countries.

He also leads nearly 120,000 Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and contractors. Each of those employees plays an important role in national defense, said Perna.

“Employees should always have a deep understanding and appreciation that the work they do has a direct effect on the warfighter,” said Perna. “They should know that their proximity to the battlefield does not correlate to their relevance to the warfighter.”

Perna’s military career has taken him across the globe, both on the frontlines and to the Pentagon. Having lived in many different communities, he credits the Huntsville community for its long history of service to the warfighter and support of veterans.

“This community has always been committed to recognizing its veterans,” he said. “Which is so important because after 18 years of war, we have the largest population of young veterans since Vietnam.

We have an obligation to these men and women.”

Like many people in the military, Perna came from a family with a history of serving.

“I come from a family with a strong military heritage, which has made me appreciate the history of our Armed Forces,” Perna said. “Something inside of us called us to service, something bigger than us as individuals.”

He credits that foundation, hard work and great opportunities for his successful Army career.

“I credit the ROTC program at Valley Forge Military Academy (Pennsylvania) with changing the course of my life,” he said. “I found my true purpose when I commissioned in the U.S. Army.”

– continued on page 29 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Continued from page 26 –

He says the program gave him the discipline to focus, created a family and support system around him, and allowed him to determine what he wanted to do in his life.

“Not everyone will become a Soldier. In fact, less than one percent of the U.S. population will serve in the military, but what ROTC can provide anyone is opportunity,” he said. “It teaches you that what is important, no matter what career you are in, is how well you know your job.”

From ROTC to commanding one of the Army’s four major commands, Perna’s career led him to determine three traits that are non-negotiables when it comes to being a good leader: competence, commitment and character.

Competence: Leaders must know their business. That requires doing the homework, reading and studying the craft. A good leader never stops learning and never stops developing, personally and professionally.

Commitment: Leaders must be passionate about their mission.

When they are, their passion and commitment will resonate through the organization.

Character: Leaders must uphold the highest character – legally, morally, and ethically. Solid character is the foundation that makes a leader worth following.

Competence, commitment and character – three equal, but required traits – none more important than the other. Perna believes leadership is both an art and science. It requires practice to hone, but mastering the three “Cs” will provide a strong foundation upon which to grow.

“Army leaders embody these traits and encompass a wide range of talent, abilities, and characteristics,” he said. “They are welltrained, disciplined, and educated. I want to call on this business community to consider our veterans, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers when you are hiring. See what they have to offer your organization.”

■ Contributed by Megan Gully, U.S. Army Materiel Command Headquarters A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

feb 2019 initiatives

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RECENT HIGHLIGHTS Alabama Governor Kay Ivey

was sworn in for a new term on January 14. Ivey called for more investment in state infrastructure, and has been in discussions with legislative leaders about a possible gas tax increase to improve roads and bridges.

Gov. Ivey also recently announced that longtime confidant and chief of staff Steve Pelham would leave the Governor’s office to become the new Vice President for Economic Development and Chief of Staff to Auburn University President Steven Leath in February. Former U.S. Representative Jo Bonner is the new chief of staff.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, who represents

Alabama’s 4th District, has been named the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. This is the appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA and the FBI. “With my leadership on this subcommittee, I will work to ensure that North Alabama continues to lead as we return to the moon, put boots on Mars and travel into deep space,” said Congressman Aderholt. “And with the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School, and growing footprint in North Alabama, I will also be a voice to let my colleagues know that North Alabama is in a prime position to be a hub for matters concerning our national security.”

■ Claire Aiello Vice President, Marketing & Communications

FBI Growth at Redstone Arsenal Two years ago, the FBI cut a ribbon on the new home for the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC). Called “a bad day for terrorists” by Senator Richard Shelby, the opening of the TEDAC with its 200 jobs proved to be just the start of FBI growth on Redstone Arsenal.

The Bureau has broken ground on 1,600 acres on Redstone as

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

part of its 21st Century Facilities Initiative. The new construction will enable the Bureau to realign functions from the National Capital Region to better address mission needs and provide resiliency and continuity.

Rob Hamilton, senior executive of the FBI at Redstone, said the agency is moving forward with construction in early 2019 for the Operations Support Building to house more than 1,300 personnel. Occupancy is expected in 2021.

In addition to the Operations Support Building, the FBI is constructing new facilities and training villages for its Hazardous Devices School, creating modernized explosives ranges and a Ballistic Research Facility, and relocating its training for Weapons of Mass Destruction. These efforts are creating a counter-improvised explosive device (IED) center of excellence for the nation right here in Huntsville/Madison County.

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber has supported FBI workforce recruitment since 2014 and continues to work closely with the Bureau to ensure its employees have the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about relocating.

Support has included presentations to employees and their families, tours of the community, and resource sessions to connect them with health, education, recreation and housing experts. â– Lucia Cape Senior Vice President, Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Annual Chamber

Government Trips The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is actively engaged with our state and federal delegation. You can be part of our voice when we travel to Montgomery and Washington, D.C. in the coming months.

Registration is open for our annual legislative visits. Our Montgomery Trip is April 16-17 and our Washington, D.C. Trip is May 5-7.

On our trip the State Capitol, we will meet with state representatives and senators from North Alabama and present the Chamber’s 2019 State Agenda, which we are fine-tuning now.

We will do the same on the DC Trip and present our 2019 Federal Agenda, formed in partnership with our city, county, and state leadership. Last year, we took nearly 200 Chamber members with us. We hope to make the trip even bigger this year!

feb 2019 initiatives

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Cummings Research Park introduces

“CRPeople” Series Cummings Research Park (CRP) is a prime example of a technology-fueled community. The second largest research park in the nation, CRP is home to all kinds of innovation in fields such as aerospace, bioscience, telecommunications, defense, information technology, and more. Since 1961, The Park has welcomed company after company furthering technology and knowledge in their respective fields. This work has received attention from all over the globe, and now, we are excited to introduce a new series where you’ll meet individuals behind the technology.

Maribeth Morgan is one of these people. Morgan is a Web Content Designer at ADTRAN and a Huntsville native. She graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has spent most of her career within CRP, and is able to offer @CRPHuntsville

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a unique perspective on the Huntsville experience. In her role at ADTRAN, Morgan provides expertise in product and product-related document uploading. She also serves as a member of Team ADTRAN, a committee whose purpose is to support the community.

Our goal for CRPeople is to share a new view of The Park, because we want you to see it through the lens of the people who know it best. With the rapid speed of technology and development, there’s always something new to learn about CRP and this series is sure to be fun and interesting. CRPeople will be featured on cummingsresearchpark.com as well as our social media platforms. Like and follow us!

■ Amanda Falkner, CRP Marketing Intern @CRPHSV

@crphsv

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Population

Madison City of City of Huntsville County Huntsville Madison Metro Area

2010 Census

334,811

180,105 42,938

417,593

2018 Census est.

361,046

199,585

48,861

455,448

7.8%

8.0%

13.8%

9.0%

% Growth

Top Ten Employers: Huntsville & Madison County Redstone Arsenal* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,000* Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,730 NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,500

Households & Income # of Households

COMMUNITY PROFILE

142,253

81,296

Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000

17,530

174,639

Avg. Household Income $82,287 $75,789 $115,779

$80,893

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,389

Per Capita Income

$32,676

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,229

$34,232 $33,070 $43,917

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov), 2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,900

City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,206 The University of Alabama in Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,660 ADTRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,549 Source: Huntsville/Madison County Chamber *includes on-site contractors

Aerospace & Defense Huntsville/Madison County is home to the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center which combine to drive a thriving aerospace and defense technology industry. More than 43,500 people work at Redstone Arsenal and NASA, managing some of the country’s most important and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation, and space exploration.

Research & Technology For more information, visit:

hsvchamber.org

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a global leader in technology development. The second-largest science and technology research park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to nearly 300 companies and 26,500 people involved in technology research and development.

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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

STA FF Executive Staff

Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Meghan Chambliss, executive assistant / economic development coordinator

Economic Development, Industry Relations & Workforce Lucia Cape, CCE, senior vice president Erin Koshut, executive director, Cummings Research Park Lydia Pennington, industry relations director Ken Smith, research & information services director Will West, economic development project director

Government & Public Affairs Mike Ward, CCE, senior vice president Austin Bullock, program manager

Marketing & Communications Claire Aiello, vice president Kristi Sherrard, graphic designer Hiroko Sedensky, web designer

Small Business & Events

Delivering Breakthrough Solutions CFDRC.COM CFDRC.COM

Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president Devon Elston, coordinator

Finance & Administration Mary McNairy, vice president Kim Weeks, accounting specialist – receivables Lori Warner, accounting specialist – payables Joe Watson, facilities supervisor Gina Gonzalez, administrative assistant Amberly Ware, resource desk assistant

Membership Kristy Drake, director, investor relations & ChamberON Donna McCrary, retention manager Richard Bigoney, account executive Tina Blankenship, account executive Keith Johnson, account executive

Chamber Foundation Georgina Chapman, workforce director Kent Ballard, workforce education specialist

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber 225 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 phone 256-535-2000 | fax 256-535-2015

HSVchamber.org

Associated Organizations

theschoolsfoundation.org uah.edu/sbdc

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL

T

his year, we celebrate Alabama’s 200th birthday as a state.

There are numerous events planned across the State throughout 2019, but we will start things off in a big way right here in Huntsville the weekend of February 22-24.

The Huntsville/Madison County Community has invited the entire Alabama legislature and their spouses for a weekend of activities, to celebrate the Bicentennial at the exact spot where the State was born. Those activities include a VIP reception at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the unveiling of Alabama’s Bicentennial Stamp and a Special State Bicentennial Leadership Dinner at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, among other events. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase by Chamber members on hsvchamber.org.

After all, Huntsville was where it all began 200 years ago. In July of 1819, Huntsville hosted delegates from across the Territory to draft our state’s first constitution. Later that year, Huntsville played host to the first session of the Alabama Legislature.

The Chamber is excited to partner with the Huntsville/Madison County Bicentennial Committee, Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Alabama Legislative Services Agency for the weekend’s events. The City of Huntsville, City of Madison and Madison County are our official hosts.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

All are invited to the Bicentennial Kickoff and Stamp Unveiling on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. This will be held at Constitution Hall Park, located at 109 Gates Avenue SE. The U.S. Postal Service will officially debut the Alabama stamp, which features art taken at sunset at Cheaha State Park by photographer Joe Miller.

More Events Throughout the Year There are many ways you can celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial throughout the year. From community theatre to concerts, to library exhibits and special activities at Panoply – there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few items of note: ■ Restoration of a two-ton bell at the Madison County Courthouse (shown above) ■ “We the People: Alabama’s Defining Documents” exhibit of the state’s six constitutions June 30-August 11 at the Huntsville Museum of Art ■ Historic hikes with the Land Trust of North Alabama ■ Special “Bicentennial Village” at Panoply Arts Festival, April 26-28 at Big Spring Park Ditto Landing has commissioned a replica of the original Ditto Ferry specifically for the Bicentennial (shown above). It will be on display at Ditto Landing throughout the year, and other special events including the Bicentennial Village at Panoply. Visit al200madison.com to find more events.

■ Claire Aiello Vice President, Marketing & Communications

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