Initiatives magazine, August 2004

Small Business, Big Impact Targeted services support rising stars

initiatives H u n t s v i l l e / M a d i s o n C o u n t y • C h a m b e r o f C o m m erce

august 2004

f eatures cover story

Small Business, Big Impact Targeted services support rising stars

Page 15 Photograph courtesy of S&S Photography

SMALL BUSINESS PROFILES:

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama is located in the middle of the southeastern United States, with more than four million people within a 100-mile radius. The Huntsville community is the primary economic hub of the northern Alabama and southern Tennessee region. Huntsville/Madison County’s economy is known as one of the strongest in the South, with low unemployment, strong job growth and income levels leading the region. Business growth and investment from U.S. and international companies have made it one of the country’s top “hot spots” for growing a business and raising a family.

CF Flag Company

07

TAOS Industries, Inc.

09

JIT Services, Inc.

13

Advanced Optical Systems, Inc.

19

Linda’s Printing Services

21

MORGAN Research Corporation

23

Belzon, Inc.

27

Premier Professional Systems, Inc.

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d evelopments Member Developments

10

Economic Indicators

24

Economy At-A-Glance

25

ed i t o r i a l s t a f f

mission

The mission of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville • Madison County is to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth.

contact

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville • Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, AL 35801 256.535.2000

Publisher

Brian Hilson

Executive Editor

Holly McClain

Graphic Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Writers

Carrie Davis Holly McClain Garrett Sheehan Cheryl Schultz Loren Traylor

Photography:

S&S Photography

on the web www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com

Permission to publish any part of Initiatives Review is hereby granted exclusively to any non-profit institution and to any publisher for broadcast or publication to the general public. Credit “Initiatives Review, a Publication of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville • Madison County.”

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Chamber of Commerce Huntsville • Madison County

Staff 2004 Brian Hilson, President & CEO Holly McClain, Communications Director Laura Kendrick, Executive Assistant to the President

Economic Development Ethan Hadley, Vice President, Economic Development Steve Finnell, Director, Industrial Development & Existing Industry Rick Davis, Director, Cummings Research Park Lillie Ben, Executive Marketing Assistant Amy Locke, Industrial Development Assistant Garrett Sheehan, Economic Development Assistant

Investor Relations Loren Traylor, Vice President, Investor Relations Pat Jackson, Membership Director Cheryl Schultz, Director, Small Business & Workforce Development Debra Dunbar, Launch Program Director Donna McCrary, Investor Relations Assistant Lindsay Southard, Investor Relations Assistant/ Resource Desk Coordinator Terrie Ledbetter, Membership Representative Beverly Carthen, Membership Representative

Governmental Affairs Mike Ward, Vice President, Governmental Affairs Jay Snyder, BRAC Executive Director Tina Leopold, Program Assistant

Research & Information Services Ken Smith, Director, Research & Information Services Kristi Sherrard, Publications/Graphic Design Specialist Hiroko Sedensky, Research Assistant Judith Short, Information Services Assistant Penny Carothers, Resource Desk Coordinator

Finance & Administration Ken Williams, Finance & Administration Director Desman Holt, Network Administrator Dora Heisey, Financial Assistant Erica Gussie, Financial Assistant Tom Burnette, Building Manager

Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Sarah Savage, Executive Director Allison Harbin, Leadership Assistant Mary Stewart, Youth Leadership Coordinator

Small Business Development Center Dr. Bill Killingsworth, Director, SBDC Carrie Davis, Assistant Director, SBDC Brenda McBride, Procurement Counselor Patsy Nayman, Executive Secretary 1 Felita Flores, Secretary 2 Hanson Howard, Executive Director, SCORE

Chamber of Commerce Huntsville • Madison County 225 Church Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (256) 535-2000 www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 04 August 2004 Initiatives

The Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors and Executive Committee 2004 Executive Committee Tommy Beason, Chair LTG James Link (Ret.), Chair-Elect

A Message from the President

Howard Thrailkill, Past Chair Joel Daves, Secretary Gail Wall, Treasurer Brad Jones, Vice Chair Economic Development Joe Ritch, Vice Chair Governmental Affairs Dave Hargrove, Vice Chair Investor Relations Karen Stanley, Vice Chair Small Business Scott Seeley, Vice Chair Research & Information Services Joe Austin, Vice Chair Workforce Development Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed Irma Tuder, Chair-Appointed Brian Hilson, President/CEO

Elected Board Tommy Beason, Beason & Nalley, Inc. Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation Pete Apple, CSC Joe Austin, Huntsville Hospital Scott Averbuch, Averbuch Realty John Cooper, Avocent Marshall England, State Farm Dick Fountain, Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors and Community Leaders: One of the most important and exciting events each year for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is our Small Business Awards Celebration. Each year we stop to recognize the important economic contributions of small businesses in our community, and we award the small business executives and companies by category judged to be most outstanding. As we look ahead to this year’s Small Business Awards Celebration, scheduled for August 26, this edition of Initiatives looks back at last year’s award recipients, as well as our Small Business Executives of the year for the previous two years.

These individuals and companies are shining examples of the entrepreneurial and technical capability that help shape our foundation for future economic growth. The success of local small businesses remains a priority within the programs of the Chamber of Commerce, including the Small Business Development Center, which has recently been recognized nationally for its achievements in encouraging federal contracting opportunities.

Any successful local economic development program must have balance – emphasis on business recruitment, existing business retention and expansion, growth of small businesses, and in the case of Huntsville/Madison County, efforts aimed at the defense and space industries, image development, workforce and other key areas are constant priorities for our Chamber. Small businesses touch virtually all of these program areas in economic development. Some small businesses are recruited here, while most are the result of a successful start-up. All have the potential for future expansion, and many of our most successful small businesses are defense and space contractors. Together they project a progressive image for Huntsville/Madison County as a place to live and work, while generating new technologies, business leaders, and new businesses.

Dr. Greg Gum, Radiology Associates Bill Gurley, SAIC Michael Hall, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Richard Holloway, Timberlakes Developers, Inc. Tharon Honeycutt, WHNT-TV Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed Donna Lamb, Lamb Commercial Services Millie Marshall, Toyota Motor Manufacturing-AL Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt

Each of the Chamber’s programs in the new Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative complements one another. For example, Huntsville’s success in defense and space helped create a technological environment that encourages the recruitment of unrelated targeted companies. We often tell the story of the recruitment of Toyota, for example, where we told their site selection officials “If Huntsville can build the engines that sent man to the moon, we can build your engines!”

We congratulate the nominees and award recipients of the Chamber’s previous Small Business Awards, and we look ahead with great enthusiasm to the 2004 Small Business Awards Celebration!

Remigius Shatas, Rymic Systems, Inc. Sandra Steele, Enfinger Development, Inc. Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union Irma Tuder, Analytical Services, Inc.

Brian Hilson President & CEO Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Johnnie Vann, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne Bill Watson, SouthTrust Bank Jean Wessel-Templeton, Wesfam/Burger King Peri Widener, The Boeing Company Keith Wilson, Wyle Laboratories Tom Young, Intergraph Corporation 05 Initiatives August 2004

The cumulative effect of small business in Huntsville/Madison County packs an economic wallop and offers a gauge to the vitality of the community. The good news is the small business environment here exudes an overwhelming sense of optimism, which as far as this writer is concerned, seems to bode well for the rest of us.

The following profiles of past winners in various categories of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Small Business Awards certainly indicate that the small business sector here is “charged and ready.”

The following individuals and businesses provide inspiring examples for people who may be contemplating their own entrepreneurial destiny, while they also illustrate dedication to community and employee growth.

CF Flag Company 2003 Small Business of the Year: Manufacturing & Construction www.cfflag.com

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employees worked together to meet the increased demands and felt a sense of pride in helping Americans deal with tragedy.” Less than a year later and within two weeks of receiving the order, CF Flag produced over 200, 30’ x 50’ flags that were hung on buildings facing the Pentagon as a memorial to 9/11.

“It takes a core group of management and employees to make a company grow.

I’m very proud of what has been accomplished and it’s been especially satisfying to have my family work with me.” Russell and others have, in recent months, taken greater roles in the company – part of what Houser calls his “exit strategy.”

In recent years the company has developed and enhanced their orientation and training programs, incorporating a bilingual approach. Management works closely with production workers, listening to suggestions and implementing solutions to inefficiencies based on their input. “We want to provide our employees a comfortable, safe work environment at a competitive wage,” noted Russell.

Trust, dignity and respect are keys to creating that environment. Russell added, “We work with the local technical school through the World of Work program to

help students determine if manufacturing is something they would want to pursue.”

The company also promotes from within.

“All of our current supervisors have worked in the jobs that they are currently supervising,” confirmed Russell.

Expanding both products and facilities is part of Houser’s overall plan for CF Flag. “My custom flag division is rapidly moving into computer generated graphics that require digital printing equipment that produces four color process images onto material, such as nylon flag material.” Creating efficiency through automation and technology is among the company’s prime goals. Furthermore, through a Chase Industrial Park land package facilitated by the Chamber, “We have five more acres of land at our present location,” Houser noted appreciatively.

PROFILE

he red clay of Alabama, particularly the red clay of Huntsville, Alabama, has proven a great place to plant CF Flag. The 75-year old Chicago-based company headed south in the mid 1970s and later that decade, Jack Houser bought the prospering company – which then employed 35 and occupied a 1,600 square foot building. Since, he has nurtured the third largest flag manufacturing operation in the U.S., powered by 200 employees in an expansive 80,000 square foot building.

Houser is the first to admit the company has had its ups and down.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks on the U.S., he was faced with a 1,000 percent increase in business. Inundated with orders, management faced the potential of not being able to meet demand. “Our management team met and determined we’d continue manufacturing our complete line of U.S. flags even though most of the competition focused on a few, high demand sizes.

With overtime and temporary services, we were able to supply our customers with our full range of products,” noted Debbie Russell, Jack’s daughter and general manager at CF Flag. “Our

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Taos Industries, Inc. 2003 Small Business of the Year: Wholesale/Retail Services www.taos-inc.com

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▲ Taos Industries President Craig Hogan, left, and Chief Operating Officer John Hamilton procure hard-to-find items such as the Russian tank engine in the foreground.

Chamber – facilitates operations. About 95 percent of Taos Industries’ workload is defense-related.

The majority of employees work to research and process orders – what Hamilton calls the automated side of the business. At one time, about one third of the staff was college students. “We provide flexibility, they earn tuition,” noted Craig Hogan, company president. Hogan said the students also provided valuable efficiencies to the largely internet-enabled business. Many of the students have remained.

Taos Industries was established by the David B. Hogan family in 1991.

However, when the senior Hogan retired in 1996, the decision was made to

promote a non-family member to oversee the business. “We’ve outgrown the family business, though it still feels like family,” said Craig Hogan. “Still, we’re not driven to be a big company.

Rather, the consensus among owner management is that every manager should have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of the company,” noted Hamilton.

“We’ve grown into our jobs,” explained Hogan. “It’s our little project together.”

For a little project, Taos Industries impacts a lot of people. According to Hamilton the company supports 81 foreign countries. Taos also has offices in Kiev, Ukraine, and Destin, Florida. An office is planned for Bulgaria later this year.

PROFILE

unique company in a unique environment,” is one way to describe Taos Industries. “We procure what we call hard-to-get items for the Department of Defense,” said John Hamilton, chief operating officer of Taos Industries. A clue to what that means, Taos representatives are pleased to note they are “one of the largest, if not the largest,” supplier of Russian tank engines to the U.S. military.

“Our procurement operation falls into two categories,” noted Hamilton, “first, items that are foreign manufactured that the U.S. government needs for testing and training our soldiers, and second, spare parts needed by foreign customers who have purchased U.S. military equipment which is no longer used by the U.S. military.” Many of the 5,000 annual orders are for out-ofproduction items.

Four of the seven Taos executives are West Point graduates trained as engineers.

It’s that kind of know-how that has led the company to take a few projects to a new level of involvement. Recently, the 25person company delivered six Russian rocket launcher vehicles for testing U.S. smart munitions. Teledyne Brown assisted Taos with technical support on vehicle signature issues. Each vehicle is made out of 32,000 parts, but since it’s just a target, we were able to use surrogate materials to make it more cheaply. Hamilton explained, “Instead of using actual rocket launching tubes, we used water pipes with fabricated parts attached to make them look real.”

Being in Huntsville helps in finding personnel to meet skill sets for special projects. “It’s so defense-oriented here,” said Hamilton. Plus, he noted that familiarity of other organizations with federal/Department of Defense (DoD) programs – including the banks and the

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Member Developments

Biztech CEO Dick Reeves, Congressman Bud Cramer, and BizTech Board Chairman Gary Saliba cut the ribbon at BizTech’s new facility at 515 Sparkman Drive. Cramer, working with NASA as the funding agency, was instrumental in securing the $1.5 million needed to acquire and renovate the building.

Curves celebrated its ribbon cutting on April 15 at their 1310-C Pulaski Pike location in East Huntsville. Call Lisa for a free tour and Figure Analysis at 256-534-7076. For more information visit www.curvesinternational.com.

O’Reilly Auto Parts recently celebrated the grand opening of their third location in

Red Door Interiors, 109 Marsheutz Avenue, offers residential/commercial design and

Huntsville. Visit them at 2624 Jordan Lane (256-217-0971), 2317 Bob Wallace (256-534-3525) or 2579 Sparkman Drive (256-746-9334). Please visit www.oreillyautoparts.com.

decorating, window treatments, furniture, art, accessories and rugs. Betsy Keller, ASID, is licensed in the state of Alabama. Angela Whitt, allied member ASID, is working toward a state license. Together they have 23 years experience.

The Executive Group Realtors, Countrywide Home Loans, and Reeves Title announce the grand opening of their new location at 2304 South Memorial Parkway in Huntsville. This location offers complete real estate services under one roof. Call 256-533-7210 for more information.

Teledyne Brown Engineering recently held a ribbon cutting for its new on-site Fitness Center. The facility is part of the company's wellness program.

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JIT Services, Inc. Pete Ferrante: PROFILE

2002 Small Business Executive of the Year www.jitservices.com

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lot of people in the community became aware of JIT Services after I won the executive of the year,” grinned Pete Ferrante, president and chief executive of JIT Services, Inc. The company executive has every right to smile – in July he opened his seventh JIT facility, this one in Peachtree Georgia. “It’s been a good run,” he exclaimed.

J-I-T stands for “just in time” which describes an inventory control practice for supply chain management. Ferrante’s company, which began operation in 1989, was one of the first in the Southeast to provide “just in time” inventory control assistance. “Basically, we handle consigned inventory which permits OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] to spend their money on what they do well, manufacturing, while the inventory remains in the hands of the supplier until it is needed.” Ferrante emphasized the benefit wasn’t solely to the manufacturers.

Suppliers with inventory in the area are more likely to get the end-users’ business.

Like many entrepreneurs, Ferrante became aware of business opportunities while working for a large organization: he worked for Chrysler. “When Chrysler opened its new facility out toward the airport, each supplier came to town and tried to set up their own little cache of inventory. Each incurred the cost of an inventory system – a person, a building, a license. We realized at that point someone could take that role collectively and do it better.” With encouragement from Chrysler and personal conviction, Ferrante quit his job and started JIT Services.

“You can see my business isn’t just automotive anymore,” remarked Ferrante.

▲ “One of the reasons I love being an entrepreneur is getting to work with my son. It makes the job that much sweeter,” said JIT founder Pete Ferrante. Pictured left to right are Roy Ferrante with his dad, Pete.

continued on page 14 13 Initiatives August 2004

JIT Services, Inc. . . . continued from page 13

He began ticking down, “refrigeration, air conditioning systems, International Diesel engines, Delphi, Sanmina. If one market is down, at least not all markets are down.” That diversity is something Ferrante would have loved to have had in 1999 when he built a 60,000 square foot facility to accommodate a computer contract. “They told us they would peak at 4,000 units a day and lo, and behold, it never hit 1,000, let alone 4,000.” Nine months into the work the company pulled the plug and JIT was left scrambling with more people, facilities and equipment than they needed.

Those were some tough times, commented Ferrante. Nowadays, however, clients are coming to JIT. “They tell me, ‘We like seeing what you’re doing for this company and we’d like to see you do it for us.’” Ferrante proudly pointed to an operation he has in Reynosa, Mexico where JIT Services is actually located in the OEM’s building. “Panasonic cut out 5,000 square feet for us to start.” Once he has enough suppliers, Ferrante will start his business nearby.

“Part of what happened is we had a good idea and good people,” Ferrante thoughtfully remarked. “But I also think I got real lucky in where we started.

Doing business in Huntsville, especially out here at the airport, is probably the single luckiest thing that happened to me. The foreign trade zone out here is second to no place in the United States.

As I look back at it, if I could have opened my business anywhere, I wouldn’t have changed Huntsville; not for a Memphis, not for an Atlanta, not for a Detroit. I got a lot of help from the airport and the Chamber and I think there is not another business model in the United States that I’d rather be a part of.”

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Small Business, Big Impact Targeted services support rising stars

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he Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County has long recognized small businesses’ contributions to the local economy and the vitality of our community – and for good reason: According to the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee, small businesses nationally represent more than 99% of all employers. In Huntsville/Madison County, there are approximately 15,000 small businesses.

Many of these have spun off (or will spin off) other small businesses. Indeed, on a national basis, two-thirds to three-quarters of net new jobs are created by small business.

In September of 2003, the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI) was unveiled with strategies aimed at growing our community, communicating our story and engaging our stakeholders. In July 2004, the Small Business HREGI Take Stock in Huntsville was rolled out to our small business owners. This program is specifically geared to make small businesses feel valued as investors in our community.

This past year brought many changes and restructuring of Chamber programs.

“We now have a more streamlined organization with a focus on providing programs and services that are directly relevant to our small business needs,” affirmed Cheryl Schultz, director of small business and workforce development. Schultz has worked with a small business focus group to create and modify programs that will

help small businesses.

Schultz coordinates activities with Vice Chair for Small Business Karen Stanley who ensures that small businesses are being heard. According to Stanley, “Our challenge at the Chamber is to constantly be in touch with our members to identify what information is most important to them.”

Additionally, Schultz fosters a strong relationship between two partner organizations – the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Northeast Alabama Region Small Business Development Center (NEARSBDC). These offices were created specifically to support the small business community. “Communicating the availability and importance of these programs is integral to the success of our efforts,” said Schultz.

The biggest and most widely known small business program is the Small Business Awards Celebration. The awards are open to small businesses employing one to 350 employees. Seven categories are highlighted, including: business services, construction/manufacturing, personal services, retail & wholesale, technology, executive of the year, and non-profits. The latter category was added in 2003 to recognize the special accomplishments and services that these organizations bring to the community.

Businesses are judged in seven major areas, leveling the playing field for the smallest companies: challenges/response to adversity, community involvement, finan-

Training Seminars The Chamber’s small business office, in conjunction with NEAR-SBDC, provides training in the form of workshops and seminars targeted toward new business owners and the small business community as a whole.

Nearly 50 seminars will be offered this year on topics including: How to Start a Business, Federal Business Taxes, Acquisition Management, Customer Service, Marketing, and OSHA. Planned seminars include: Doing Business with NASA, Strategic Planning, and Business Planning.

cial strength, business goals, number of years in business, innovativeness of products or services, and growth in employment.

The event is not just about winning.

Business executives who have participated in the process have often said that completing their business profile was one of the best things they had ever done. All too often, small business management and staff are so busy working in their business that they don’t have time to work on their business. Filling out the small business profile gives them the opportunity to take a good hard look at their business goals and objectives.

The Small Business Awards can also serve as a doorway into Chamber involvement and leadership. Many of the past winners have gone on to chair Chamber committees. continued on page 16 15 Initiatives August 2004

10 years of Stars: Businesses of the Year 2003 Belzon, Inc. CF Flag Company TAOS Industries, Inc. Advanced Optical Systems Linda’s Printing Services Crisis Services of North Alabama

2002

2001

2000 Valley Pizza/Domino’s Pizza Ellen’s Creative Innovative Solutions, Inc. Larry Waldrup Photography Plasma Processes, Inc. Cakes, Inc. Managing People and Soldering Technology Watring Change, Inc. International, Inc. Technologies, Inc. Alabama Psychological The Country Day School Elmco, Inc. Services Center Huntsville Martial Arts Morgan Research Corporation MagnaCom, Inc.

Just because it doesn’t say “Small Business” There are many small business services at the Chamber that don’t say “small business.” These services include membership marketing, research and information services, human resources assistance, governmental affairs and economic development.

The Chamber offers membership programs and networking events that encourage businesses to get their name out to the general public. Ribbon cuttings, the ambassador and emissary programs, and committee involvement are among them.

The research and information services division helps small businesses by providing economic and demographic information to site selection consultants and businesses looking to relocate. It can also provide small businesses with information about the area to help recruit new employees or bid on contracts. Since many small businesses cannot afford a research staff, this service is invaluable.

Two services the Chamber offers to assist in the HR area are the Huntsville Jobs website and the Wage and Benefit Survey. The Huntsville Jobs website, www.huntsvillejobs.com, lists job openings at Chamber member businesses. Chamber members can post job openings on the website for free.

The governmental affairs division maintains

CEO Roundtables The Women’s Business Council (WBC) is an advocate organization for womenowned businesses. The Council consists of 12 female business owners and six advisors from several business sectors.

Their goal is to have the largest variety of business sectors represented. The Council’s constituency is all woman-owned businesses in Madison County. The WBC maintains communication with its constituency and provides assistance via forums, events and a newsletter.

The WBC conducts quarterly forums to which all businesses are invited. The topics for the forums range from marketing to IT security, and everything in between.

Caroline Myers, Women’s Business Council chair said, “Each month, our council has invited a Chamber department head to our meeting; the result has been that we are now, more than ever, informed about the many services the Chamber provides to all businesses, large and small.”

1999 Bradford Electric Co. Century Automotive FPMI Communications, Inc. PRSM Sports Therapy Quantum Research International, Inc.

The CEO Roundtables consist of a select group of chief executives of comparable experience, from non-competing companies. Each roundtable offers a forum to exchange valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements, as well as how to avoid their mistakes.

Roundtables become an informal board of advisors for members. They mentor each other through the trials and tribulations of being a small business executive. The members make a commitment to each other to offer advice and assistance.

“The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce sponsored CEO Roundtable program has proven to be a valuable source of advice on a myriad of matters including financial ones. This group has experienced many of the challenges faced by a new firm and has offered several excellent solutions,” remarked Rich McAdams, president of Belzon, Inc. According to vice chair for Small Business Karen Stanley, “A few years ago, the Women’s Business Council conducted a survey of about 50 Chamber members to identify what they wanted from the Chamber. Peer mentoring was chief among results.”

1998

1997

Alabama MidSouth AEgis Research Corp.

Services, Inc. Allied Photocopy, Inc. The Dance Company, Inc. Any Blooming Madison Research Corp.

Thing Florist Madison Square Fuqua, Osborn Chrysler Jeep, Inc. Architects, PC Thermal Corporation SportsMed, PC

International Fire Protection, Inc. L. Alan Jones, DMD, Orthodontist Quality Research, Inc. The Printer Connection Safe-Health, Inc.

relationships with local, state and federal government entities. The governmental affairs department is currently working on two major projects: the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) and the Army’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). These two projects have an enormous impact on small businesses, as well as North Alabama as a whole. A successful NSSC and BRAC results in more jobs. An influx of workers means new housing, more restaurant meals, increased retail sales, and the need for new and more services.

The Chamber also promotes Huntsville/ Madison County to the world. By making the area appealing to site selection consultants as well as current employers and prospective employees,

Chamber Affiliated Programs

The Northeast Alabama Regional Small Business Development Center (NEAR SBDC) provides assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Small business owners or managers can receive professional assistance and direction in any of the following areas: financial capital, business planning, personnel, record keeping, licensing, taxes, intellectual property, government procurement, government regulations, marketing, commercialization, small business innovation and research programs, market research, inventory control, or how to conduct a feasibility study.

Through individual counseling sessions and seminars, clients are offered a number of value added procurement services such as: ■ Government agency & vendor registration ■ Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) ■ Marketing analysis & networking opportunities ■ Federal, state and local bid notifications ■ Contract database navigation & trouble shooting ■ Commercialization and subcontracting ■ Contract solicitations & bid package preparation

1995

1996

Agape Manor and Village Alabama Southeastern Mechanical, Inc. Bowden Industries, Inc. Camber Corporation Fowler Auction & Real Estate J.R. Enterprises

1994 Foreign Language Services, Inc. Ben Porter Real Estate, Inc. Tec-Masters, Inc. Research Genetics Mobility Plus

the Chamber keeps the area growing. Successful efforts include being listed at number eight on Forbes “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

Caroline Myers, WBC chair, explains how her company uses the benefits of the Chamber, “As the co-owner of a small business, Foreign Language Services, Inc., I have frequently relied on the many services available to us at the Chamber. From letters of reference when bidding on contracts, to the wealth of resources available to us through the Small Business Development Center and the research and information services division, we have found the Chamber always willing to assist us in helping our company grow our business.”

The Chamber has forged strong partnerships with local universities and other agencies to support the small business sector.

Two of these partnerships are housed in the Chamber to provide a one-stop shop for business owners.

■ Technical specifications (military specs) ■ Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) ■ Business Conferences

The NEARSBDC also partners with several other business development organizations to further assist small businesses including the Alabama Aerospace Industry Association (AAIA) and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA). The NEARSBDC also has full access to the varied resources at the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) housed at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. In 2002, the ATN helped create or save 6,200 jobs, and increased the gross state product by $324 million.

In addition, by teaming with the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at Alabama A&M University, SCORE, the Alabama State Employment Office, ATN and the BizTech business incubator, the NEARSBDC provides strategic support in key stages of business development.

The NEAR SBDC is a joint venture of the Chamber of Commerce, Alabama A&M University and UAH.

The SCORE Association was formed in 1964 as a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. More than 11,500 volunteer members — retired executives – provide individual counseling, mentoring and business workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. The association is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 386 chapters throughout the United States and its territories.

SCORE, offering no-fee business services, has been housed at the Chamber since 2002.

Currently, there are 18 SCORE volunteers mentoring approximately 40 businesses.

Assistance is also available via email from local and national volunteer counselors. For more information about SCORE, visit www.score.org.

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Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. 2003 Small Business of the Year: Technology Services www.aos-inc.com

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employee who benefited from AOS technology and Hartman’s mentoring.

Mentoring – building that “brain trust” – comes easily to Hartman. While working for the Army, he initiated participation in the Science and Engineering Apprentice Program geared to gifted high school students. “AOS is one of the few companies that participate in this program,” he acknowledged. On a tour through the facility, Hartman smiled in response to an animated young man who is part of the program.

“Our most valuable assets walk out the door each evening,” said Hartman. The scientist is convinced that innovative

▲ Dick Hartman, president of Advanced Optical Systems, hopes to increasingly capitalize on his company’s intellectual properties through new manufacturing opportunities.

solutions start with quality people. The company has met the challenge of a young and mobile workforce with flexible schedules and competitive salaries. Business and personnel strategies have netted a 30 percent average growth rate over the past five years.

PROFILE

dvanced Optical Systems (AOS) promotes Huntsville’s “brain trust” with state-of-the-art optical technology and a growing list of intellectual property. Established in 1988 by Dr. Richard Hartman, former director of research at the U.S. Army Missile Command, AOS specializes in optical signal processing. AOS “applies the power of massively parallel optical processors to extract information from highly complex scenes.” The information is then refined and used to provide decision-making cues to operators and to close the loop on automated systems. Some examples of success in this area are automatic target recognition and remote attitude measurement systems. Currently, the company is receiving funding from the U.S. Navy to address small, precise optical needs for anti-terrorism applications.

Hardware prototyping has been typical in the business, but Hartman aims to have ISO9000 certification by August – enabling a larger scale manufacturing capability. “Low volume, high cost would generally be more in line with our operation, but we’re looking into some opportunities for high volume production.”

Improving the capture and exploitation of intellectual property is one of the company’s near term goals. “Our primary strength of solving problems, mainly electro-optic in nature, provides the base for creating commercial products. I’d like to bring more concepts into the commercial world.”

Already, AOS has spun off Southern Visions Systems, Inc., to offer SpecterView,™ a general purpose camera/ photodetector that performs multiple functions and graphically displays data more efficiently than multiple detectors with support electronics. The new company is being run by a former AOS

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Linda’s Printing Services 2003 Small Business of the Year: Personal Services www.lindasprinting.com

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▲ Linda Tripp Hamlin owns and operates Linda’s Printing Services at 3308 7th Avenue SW in Huntsville.

even delivered the final product. Her reputation, and clients loyal to her from her past employment, carried the business during the first shaky months. “It’s a matter of just going out and talking to people and doing what you say you’re going to do,” explained Hamlin. Her timeliness and work quality grew the business in short order. Some companies – including TLS and the local Coca-Cola bottling operation – have been with her since the beginning.

Nearly twenty years later, Linda’s Printing is still small, but very successful.

Today, there’s enough work to keep five employees busy. “We’re small, but we make it with teamwork and by caring about what the customer wants, then making sure they get it at a reasonable rate.”

Linda hopes that by keeping that motto, business will continue to flourish.

Though still operating as a print broker, she is looking at buying a printing company so work can be done in-house.

In the future, Hamlin envisions a new building for Linda’s Printing, a company that began with a casual job offer and continues through serious know-how.

PROFILE

n 1985, with less than 200 dollars and a telephone borrowed from her sister, Linda Tripp Hamlin struck out on her own. In the past 19 years Linda’s Printing has grown from a one woman operation to a thriving small business.

Hamlin attributes “a bit of chance and a lot of hard work,” to her success.

A Huntsville native, Hamlin has always been a hands-on person. In 1973 she joined the Army and drove 18-wheelers for the military – a job she really enjoyed. When her tour of duty was up she returned home with no real prospects.

One day, however, she happened to drop off a friend at his workplace – a printer’s office – and was approached by her friend’s boss who inquired if she was interested in some work. With a casual,“why not?” and a can-do attitude, Hamlin began her career in the printing business.

Within a year she was managing the entire printing shop.

For nearly ten years, Hamlin worked at a local printing company, learning every aspect of the business. When new owners came in, she was ready to leave and try the business on her own. Her announcement to her employers was met with a humorless laugh and a skeptical, “Good luck, you’re going to need it!”

It turns out Hamlin didn’t need good luck, just a lot of hard work. She approached the business as a printing broker: she got the customers, designed the printed materials and then outsourced the work. In the early days, Hamlin was the saleswoman, designer, accountant and

Smart Business! - The Key to Surviving, Thriving in Challenging Business Times On September 14 and 15, Smart Business! will be presented by bestselling author and internationally known sales and customer service expert Hal Becker. At the young age of only 22, Hal became the #1 salesperson among a national sales force of 11,000 at Xerox Corporation. Six years later in 1983, it was that same passion and energy that helped him survive terminal cancer only months after launching Direct Opinions, one of the first customer service telemarketing firms. His national bestseller Can I Have 5

Minutes of Your Time? is now in its 12th printing and is used by many corporations as their “Sales Bible.” He has also authored another bestseller, Lip Service, one of the nation’s foremost books on customer service. He has been featured in publications including The Wall Street Journal, Success, Inc., and Nations Business. If you want to learn more about this business program, contact John or Judie Crookston at 256-535-2048 or send an email to jcrookston@hsvchamber.org.

21 Initiatives August 2003

22 August 2004 Initiatives

MORGAN Research Corporation Sharon Morgan: 2003 Small Business Executive of the Year www.morganres.com to fall back on and great to be able to make decisions on your own and not have to answer to someone else.”

However, Sharon says the cornerstone of her company is about making a difference in the lives of her employees and making a difference in the community.

She believes companies need to do more for their employees than hand out a paycheck and companies need to do more in their communities than take up office space. “I wanted to create a business that challenged people, but created a culture that helped them balance their personal and professional lives and at the same time gave them opportunities to give back to the community.”

It’s well understood at MORGAN

Research that family matters. If there is a problem or need at home, then work comes second. Employees have also responded to opportunities the company provides to give back to the community.

MORGAN Research has a laundry list of charities and programs they support.

While the company has received awards for the flexible way it treats its employees, the best kudos for Sharon is when she hears people talking about how much they enjoy coming to work.

CEO Sharon and company President Tim still love what they’re doing. And the growth of MORGAN Research is ongoing.

The company has doubled in size in the past four months and Sharon envisions and expects the growth to continue.

PROFILE

I

t seems the honeymoon isn’t over yet for Sharon Morgan, who with husband Tim, founded MORGAN Research 16 years ago – just two weeks after getting married. Today MORGAN Research is a well-respected contractor to the nation’s military and NASA. And it’s no longer just a husband and wife company: They now employ over 450 workers around the world. While it’s at least 448 more people than when they first started, looking back Sharon isn’t shocked. “I can’t say I’m surprised – I’ve always envisioned the company growing.”

Sharon loves what she does. “I like making decisions, good, bad or ugly.”

She sees other benefits to being your own boss. “It’s a challenge not having anyone

23 Initiatives August 2004

Economic Indicators POPULA TION

Madison County

City of Huntsville

City of Madison

Huntsville Metro Area

35-Mile Radius

1980 Census ........................................196,966

145,604

6,081

242,971

439,023

1990 Census ........................................238,912

161,842

16,813

293,047

505,967

EMPLOYMEN T* MAY 2004

MAY 2003

Total Non-ag Employment .......................................................... 192,000

188,800

Huntsville Metro Area**

Mining & Construction .................................................................... 7,700

7,200

Manufacturing .............................................................................. 30,200

31,300

2000 Census ........................................276,700

158,216

29,329

342,376

581,506

2003 Estimate ......................................287,117

159,636

*34,260

355,488

598,007

2008 Projection ....................................302,734

164,335

*39,729

375,964

626,450

Trade, Transportation & Utilities .................................................... 30,600

29,900

% Growth 1980-2003 ............................45.8%

9.6%

463.4%

46.3%

36.2%

Information ...................................................................................... 2,200

2,300

Households 1980 Census ..........................................67,082

51,113

2,040

82,440

150,864

1990 Census ..........................................91,208 2000 Census ........................................109,955

63,838

6,681

110,893

191,654

66,742

11,143

134,643

229,284

Financial Activity ............................................................................ 5,900

5,900

Professional & Business Services ................................................ 37,100

35,700

Education & Health Services ........................................................ 12,400

12,600

Leisure & Hospitality...................................................................... 16,300

15,400

2003 Estimate ......................................114,811

68,070

*13,175

140,703

237,445

2008 Projection ....................................123,387

71,672

*17,083

151,677

253,191

Other Services ................................................................................ 7,500

7,300

% Growth 1980-2003 ............................71.2%

33.2%

545.8%

70.7%

57.4%

Government .................................................................................. 42,100

41,200

2003 Population Estimate ....................281,117

159,636

*34,260

355,488

598,007

White ......................................................70.8%

63.3%

77.8%

73.2%

79.5%

LABOR FORCE *

Black ......................................................23.7%

31.0%

14.8%

21.7%

16.0%

Huntsville Region (Counties)

MAY 2004

MAY 2003

Asian & Pacific Islander ............................2.0%

2.3%

3.7%

1.7%

1.2%

Madison ......................................................................................154,300

150,390

Other Races..............................................3.6%

3.4%

3.8%

3.5%

3.4%

Limestone...................................................................................... 33,020

32,310

Jackson ........................................................................................ 25,400

25,670

Marshall ........................................................................................ 38,720

39,290

Morgan .......................................................................................... 54,860

55,110

Franklin, TN .................................................................................. 20,860

20,080

* Based on place of employment. **Includes Madison & Limestone counties Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations (Place of work figures)

Race

Income & Age Average Household Income ................$63,021

$61,025

$77,962

$60,858

$56,892

Median Household Income ..................$48,301

$48,324

$66,509

$46,754

$45,052

Per Capita Income ..............................$25,450

$26,384

$29,896

$24,362

$22,809

Median Age ................................................36.5

38.3

34.9

36.6

37.7

Source: ESRI Business Information Solutions, 2003; U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) * City of Madison estimate comes from City of Madison

Giles, TN........................................................................................ 15,180

15,530

Lincoln, TN .................................................................................... 15,110

14,790

Huntsville Regional Total ........................................................ 357,450

353,170

* Based on place of residence.

Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Tennessee Department of Employment Security

RETAIL SALES Huntsville Region - (000’s) 2002 Annual Retail Sales

Total Retail Sales

Food & Restaurants

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE*

Furniture & Merchandise

MAY 2004

MAY 2003

Automotive

Huntsville Metropolitan Area............................................................ 4.3%

3.9%

$3,910,205

$736,594

$908,076

$978,414

Madison County .............................................................................. 4.3%

3.8%

Limestone Co.

$619,484

$141,111

$131,142

$132,976

Huntsville Region ............................................................................ 4.9%

5.0%

Jackson Co.

$468,707

$117,990

$102,509

$89,452

Alabama .......................................................................................... 5.4%

5.3%

Marshall Co.

$1,242,376

$164,795

$229,099

$579,074

United States .................................................................................. 5.3%

5.8%

Morgan Co.

$1,448,374

$287,895

$258,605

$419,366

Lawrence Co.

$245,369

$58,321

$38,133

$32,547

Giles Co. (TN)

$278,739

$56,429

$32,025

$84,589

Lincoln Co. (TN)

$300,730

$50,192

$65,715

$94,805

COST OF LIVING INDEX

Franklin Co. (TN)

$311,996

$102,760

$60,773

$54,711

1st QTR 2004

$8,825,980

$1,716,087

$1,826,077

$2,465,934

Madison Co.

Regional Total

Source: Sales & Marketing Management, 2003 Survey of Buying Power — Printed with permission.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

JAN-MAY 2004

JAN-MAY 2003

# of Projects

Square Feet

$ Value

# of Projects

Square Feet

$ Value

Total Const. Contracts ...................... 868

3,426,000

$279,122,000

697

2,164,000

$167,956,000

Commercial ........................................ 47

481,000

$32,683,000

57

206,000

$21,832,000

Manufacturing ...................................... 2

3,000

$691,000

10

67,000

$4,193,000

Single Family .................................... 705

1,507,000

$54,734,000

538

1,150,000

$43,917,000

Multi-Family ........................................ 14

546,000

$46,356,000

4

18,000

$615,000

* Based on place of residence.

Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations (www.dir.state.al.us) Tennessee Department of Employment Security (www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd)

Atlanta, GA

Composite Grocery Index Items 98.7

95.6

TransHealth portation Care

Housing

Utilities

94.8

90.3

106.7

104.3

Goods & Services 102.6

Dallas, TX

97.6

96.4

87.5

92.2

108.8

103.2

104.5

Huntsville, AL

93.3

102.9

75.2

94.2

104.4

91.9

102.4

Orlando, FL

97.8

98.1

90.0

100.4

99.5

91.1

104.0

St. Louis, MO

101.5

106.7

99.8

82.9

100.4

97.7

106.6

Washington, D.C.

137.4

113.1

200.9

102.7

118.9

124.5

107.2

Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association. (www.accra.org)

HOME SALES

Source: F.W. Dodge — Printed with permission.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

MAY 2004

MAY 2003

% Change 03-04

Index

United States...............................................................189.1

3.1%

183.5

2.1%

South Region...............................................................182.0

2.9%

176.8

2.1%

Index All Urban Consumers

% Change 02-03

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Atlanta, GA., December 1982=100 base. (http://stats.bls.gov/cpihome.htm)

24 August 2004 Initiatives

MAY 2004

MAY 2003

Houses on Market.............................................................................. 4,235

3,636

Houses Sold ......................................................................................... 940

659

Houses Sold Year-to date ................................................................. 3,270

2,698

Avg. Selling Price.......................................................................... $138,257

$132,671

Avg. Days on Market..............................................................................117

109

Median Sales Price........................................................................$117,500

$115,000

Source: Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS (Realtor-listed properties only)

Economy At-A-Glance Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama, is located in the middle of the southeastern United States with more than four million people within a 100-mile radius.

The Huntsville community serves as the primary economic hub of the north Alabama and southern Tennessee regions. The counties adjoining Madison County combine to form an eight-county regional market with a population totaling 700,000 people.

LEADING EMPLOYERS U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . . .11,141 Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,355 Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000 The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,800 CINRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,800 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . .2,754 Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. . . . . . . . . .2,300 City of Huntsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,186 Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,936 Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,750 ADTRAN, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700

The Huntsville/Madison County economy is known as one of the strongest economies in the South, with low unemployment, strong job growth and income levels leading the region.

Business growth and investment from U.S. and international companies have made Huntsville/Madison County one of the country’s top “hot spots” for growing a business and raising a family.

Aerospace Huntsville/Madison County is home to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and has representation from nearly every major U.S. aerospace corporation, with more than 90 companies employing more than 11,000 people in the local aerospace industry.

Sanmina-SCI

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700

Walmart/Sam’s Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,581 Northrop Grumman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,350 Teledyne Brown Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . .1,338 Lockheed Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,250 Computer Sciences Corporation . . . . . . . . .1,200 University of Alabama in Huntsville . . . . . . .1,112 West Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,100 SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,080 Madison County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,073 Benchmark Electronics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 Alabama A&M University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 890 Jacobs Sverdrup Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 Target Distribution Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 Crestwood Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668 Madison City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 644 Engelhard Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Dynetics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Redstone Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . 575 PPG Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 CAS, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 Source: Chamber of Commerce

Defense Huntsville/Madison County plays a key role in the U.S. Army’s technology development programs. More than half of the Army’s weapons procurement budget is managed by Huntsville-based operations as are more than half of the Army’s foreign weapons sales. More than 25,000 people are directly employed by the military and support contracts.

Electronics More than 300 international and domestic corporations in Huntsville/Madison County are involved in the design and production of electronics and computerrelated technology, including CINRAM, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of DVD products.

Research & Technology Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park is the country’s second largest research and technology park, containing 220+ companies employing 22,000 people involved in technology research and development.

Manufacturing Huntsville/Madison County’s manufacturing industry represents a diverse mix of technology assembly and production operations from both domestic and international corporations, comprising one-fourth of the local employment base.

25 Initiatives August 2004

PROFILE

Belzon, Inc. 2003 Small Business of the Year: Business Services www.belzon.com

“P

rofitablity is not the only factor at Belzon. We exist to be a great company and the employer of choice for the work we do,” said Belzon, Inc. President Rich McAdams. That work is primarily information technology for the Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, with project management support, staff augmentation and logistics support comprising the remainder of the workload. According to McAdams, Ron Klein, founder of Belzon, Inc., wanted to create a company which attracted and retained excellent workers who would provide exceptional services to clients.

“This remains our vision. We want people lined up because they want to work at Belzon,” added McAdams.

Created in 1994, Belzon supported the Army Aviation Command in St. Louis. When the command moved to Redstone Arsenal, so did Klein. The founder (and sole employee) gained another contract and six employees in 1998. Charting respectable growth since, the company currently has 50 employees.

“We put experienced people in place providing support for the government,” noted McAdams. That “support” includes a number of helicopter programs. Too, the company recently was awarded a

“If we do things well, profits and growth will follow.”

Rich McAdams President Belzon, Inc.

contract in support of a joint project between the Navy and the Marine Corps – developing robotics platforms for ground combat systems. The latter is part of the 20 percent growth the company has experienced over the past year.

The young company’s approach to personnel – very competitive salaries, being exceptionally selective, and staying connected with each employee – seems to be working. McAdams noted the turnover rate is very small. “There is no ‘them,’ it’s just ‘us.’” He also remarked that training is an integral part of employee satisfaction. “We want to hire the best and keep them at world-class levels of expertise.” Many former or retired military officers are among the company’s ranks. McAdams quickly asserted that CEO Klein had been an aviator, while he himself had been a “tread-head” or armor guy. All four senior executives are Army combat veterans.

“If we do things well, profits and growth will follow,” believes McAdams.

The company’s strategy in attracting new contracts seems to be a simple one. “The fewer variables that change, the more likely we are to grow. If we do a great job in one area, the customer is likely to give us ancillary work. Likewise, if we do IT for one organization, we’d like to do it for another.” By pursing opportunities that change one variable at a time, McAdams seeks to support the company’s growth curve. The company president acknowledged that the biggest problem for a small company is breaking into an organization: You can’t build a track record without that first contract.

“Our award from the Chamber has been a great vehicle for validation, however,” offered McAdams. “It’s one thing for me to say Belzon is a company based on integrity – it’s an even better thing to have someone else say it.”

27 Initiatives August 2004

28 August 2004 Initiatives

Premier Professional Systems, Inc. Jannifer Henderson: 2001 Small Business Executive of the Year www.premier-inc.com

J

strong organization. Along with its headquarters in Huntsville, the company also has an office in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Instead of taking credit for the company’s progression, Jannifer puts it back on the people who work for her.

“The success of the company is directly attributable to the employees and their dedication to excellence.”

Jannifer also credits the work of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Premier became a member company in 1992. According to both Hendersons, the Chamber provided small business guidance during those early years that was extremely helpful in getting Premier to where it is today.

Jannifer considers her success as an

entrepreneur to be a blessing. Because she has been successful, she tries to give back to the community by telling her inspirational story to others with the same high hopes she and her husband maintain.

Every summer, Premier hires high school students to work at the company. Jannifer remarked, “This gives the student an opportunity to work in a technical environment, with logistics experts and administrative personnel.”

Premier Professional Systems has distinguished itself as a progressive business dedicated to quality. “If you want to start your own company, be committed to providing excellent products and service. This will strengthen your reputation and result in repeat business.”

PROFILE

annifer Henderson and her husband Riley agree that high hopes are mandatory to start your own business.

When they started Premier Professional Systems in 1990, high hopes were available in plenty. Today, those hopes are buoyed with a 14 year track record of excellent service in systems and software engineering, logistics, field modification work order application, vehicle maintenance/operator training, systems/software engineering and product improvement analysis.

“My vision was to establish a company that focused on customer satisfaction and employee development.” The business has grown from being a Huntsville based, family run operation to an 85 employee

29 Initiatives August 2004

30 August 2004 Initiatives

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