Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2019

Presenting Sponsor

JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

vision mission

The Chamber is the catalyst for business growth, community engagement, and action to drive economic vitality and advance our position as a global leader in technology and innovation.

Prepare, develop, and promote our community for economic growth

A Note from the President Look around our region and you will see what happens when vision becomes a reality. When leaders from the public and private sectors focused their insight and energy on creating a dynamic, resilient, and diversified economy many years ago, that focus evolved from a goal to a plan. The tireless efforts of countless individuals and organizations turned that plan into our current reality. We are now recognized by many different sources as having one of the most dynamic regional economies in the country.

We all agree that growth for growth’s sake is not our objective. We want it to be sustainable. The objective is to create an economy that builds on our heritage of employing smart people who solve complex problems – while leveraging these core competencies to grow opportunities for citizens in the region to take the next step up the socioeconomic ladder. The growth in advanced manufacturing jobs in the region is providing opportunities for a significant number of underemployed people, and these opportunities were lacking in the past. Strategic growth in a number of key sectors has resulted in a more stable and dynamic economy – one that is poised for success in the near and long term.

Our growth has created an opportunity – an opportunity to enhance our workforce development and recruitment activities. Success in this area will help citizens in the region access better jobs and recruit new people to fill jobs where there are not enough qualified local candidates. This benefits the region by lowering underemployment, and we will gain new residents with skill sets that are in high demand.

The good news is we are up to the task. In fact, we have been here before. Prior to the arrival of Dr. Wernher von Braun and the Rocket Team, who would have believed that the Watercress Capital of the World would be where the United States solved the challenges of sending humans to the surface of the Moon and returning them safely to Earth? Who would have guessed that Redstone Arsenal would become home to 78 unique functions – when prior to the Rocket Team’s arrival, Huntsville Arsenal and Redstone Arsenal were both declared surplus property and were to be sold? We have taken advantage of these types of opportunities before and will do so again!

It is an honor to be part of a community where we seize opportunities and address challenges as a TEAM. The TEAM takes many forms depending on the task. We are one of the many public and private sector partners who engage in moving the community and the region forward. We accomplish our objectives together, not caring who receives the credit, and stay focused on what is in the long-term best interest of our community and region.

Thank you for making what we do possible and allowing me to serve as your President & CEO.

Chip Cherry, cce President & CEO

Meghan Chambliss Executive Assistant

Mary McNairy Vice President

Lori Warner

Accounting Specialist - Payables

Kim Weeks

Accounting Specialist - Receivables

Joe Watson

Facilities Manager

Savannah Pedersen Resource Desk Coordinator

The Year

4

in Pictures

PHOTOGRAPHERS INCLUDE RONALD POLLARD, JEFF WHITE, HIROKO SEDENSKY, & CLAIRE AIELLO ROCKET LAUNCH PHOTO: NASA / EMMETT GIVEN

Economic Development & Industry Relations The Chamber is the lead economic development organization for Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County – one of the most dynamic economies in the United States. Through local, state and regional partnerships, we market the community for new jobs and capital investment and support expansion of existing industry, focusing on aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and life sciences.

3,015 NEW JOBS

Huntsville

47%

Economic Growth Index Combined Employment, GDP and Wages

6

United States

28%

Alabama

19%

180+

existing industry visits conducted

Participated at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Paris Air Show, International Astronautical Congress in Washington DC, and the Space Tech Expo in Bremen, Germany

Facilitated a labor analysis by Deloitte that captured hiring projections of 14,000 over the next three years

Lucia Cape, cce

Senior Vice President

Lydia Pennington

Industry Relations Director

Ranked in Top 10 for job growth, high tech jobs, income potential, and affordability in national media

John Roberts

Economic Development Project Director

Ken Smith

Research & Information Services Director 7

Park companies with ribbon cutting ceremonies

Cummings Research Park Cummings Research Park (CRP) is the Nation’s second largest research park with 3,843 acres and nearly 300 companies. We manage, internally market, and promote CRP to expand industry and recruit new companies to a vibrant and connected community that fosters ingenuity, creativity, and scientific achievements that solve our Nation’s most complex challenges.

Erin Koshut

Executive Director

8

Julia Kaye

Marketing & Events Coordinator

First-ever CRP-Columbia High School Intern for a Day program with high school seniors and 10 companies First-ever CRP-Columbia High School Park Hop for high school juniors to tour companies/learn about the Park’s ecosystem

More than

Statewide magnet Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering announced to be located in the Park

3,000

came out to our events

Blue Origin groundbreaking ceremony – January 25

9

Government & Public Affairs The Chamber represents the business interests of the Huntsville/Madison County area on all levels of government, promoting policies and legislation that allow for the continued economic prosperity of the region. Roughly half

Apollo 11 Celebration

of the local economy is a function of federal

The Chamber supported the community’s Apollo 11

spending on military, space, and homeland

50 th Anniversary Celebration planning committee and

security concerns. As a result, much of the Chamber’s government and public affairs

events, including the Aerospace States Association’s National Space Policy Summit and dinner, at which Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin was recognized.

are focused on the growth and protection of these activities and Redstone Arsenal.

NASA’s Human Space Exploration DC lobbying efforts

Meeting with Congressional Delegation

Chamber leads effort to support Education Standards

The Chamber discussed

Chamber leadership met with the members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation on March 13 to review issues identified in the Chamber’s Federal Agenda.

Government Affairs supports National Space Symposium Effort

NASA’s Human Space Exploration initiatives February 11–12 and again during the Washington DC flyin May 20–22. The Chamber also helped coordinate the UAH graduate students’ participation in the fly-in.

Chamber leads BCA Federal Agenda Panel Discussion

Chamber secures $30,000 to include Redstone Arsenal in Regional Labor Study

The Chamber hosted a welcome reception for Dr. Darren Dawson, the new president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and his wife on September 3.

10

Montgomery Trip Feb. 22–24

(April 16-17)

Approximately 85 people attended this year’s trip. Governor Ivey announced at the Wednesday luncheon that work on widening I565 and around the Mazda Toyota plant would begin immediately.

Washington DC Trip

(May 5-7)

The Chamber led a delegation of approximately 190 people. Speakers included the director of the new Space Development Agency and the NASA Administrator, as well as Senators Shelby, Jones, McConnell, Leahy, Reed and Inhofe.

Additional Events

Approximately 80 legislators, plus a number of staffers, registered to attend the

State of the County Address featuring Chairman Strong

Bicentennial Legislative Kickoff Celebration.

Washington Update featuring Senator Shelby

Events included a Bicentennial Blastoff Reception

Washington Update featuring Congressman Brooks

at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center; the unveiling of

Alabama Update featuring Governor Ivey

Alabama’s Bicentennial Stamp; special Legislative briefings;

Washington Update featuring Senator Jones

a windshield tour of Redstone Arsenal and Cummings

Annual Outing

Research Park (CRP); and a State Bicentennial Leadership Dinner.

State of the City Address featuring Mayor Battle Redstone Update

Many thanks to the generous sponsors who made the weekend possible.

Armed Forces Celebration The theme for this year’s celebration was the 75th anniversary of the Allied Forces D-Day invasion of Europe. More than 200 riders participated in the inaugural bike ride on Redstone.

Community strives to locate Space Command HQ at Redstone The Chamber is supporting these efforts to place the headquarters of the Space Command at Redstone Arsenal.

Artemis Day celebrated at Michoud Assembly Facility Lucia Cape and Mike Ward attended activities on December 9 in New Orleans where the Core Stage of the SLS Rocket has been assembled. Speakers included MSFC Director Jody Singer and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

Mike Ward, cce

Senior Vice President

Amberly Kimbrough Events Coordinator

11

Workforce & Education

We are passionate about developing, employing, and retaining the smart, talented people we have in our region. Through partnerships with industry, education, and public sector stakeholders, we ensure our region has the quantity and quality of talent to meet employer needs and support sustained growth.

Industry Insights

Held another sold-out State of the Schools event with The Schools Foundation that brought together business and industry with our three local school superintendents, school boards and, for the first time, students

Advanced Manufacturing Day hosted 40 educators with bus tours of Polaris and PPG Aerospace.

Healthcare Day hosted 53 educators at Huntsville Hospital.

Industry on Speed Dial hosted more than 80 educators, industry leaders, and HR reps for roundtable discussions featuring these industries: Regions Bank, The Boeing Company, ADTRAN, PPG Aerospace, BBVA Bank, Davidson Technologies, The Schools Foundation, HudsonAlpha, Turner Construction Co., PHOENIX, Huntsville Hospital, Booz Allen Hamilton, Mazda Toyota, PROJECTXYZ, and AT&T Sales.

Took 30 companies to Auburn University for asmartplace on the Road to recruit college students

Developed a 13-unit program:

CyberSmart

asmartplace.com info sessions kicked off the new school year and the Career Prep Curriculum.

Katelyn Sides Baker

Workforce Recruitment Director

Georgina Chapman Workforce Development Director | Chamber Foundation

Kent Ballard, Jr. Workforce Education Specialist | Chamber Foundation 12

promoting cyber security knowledge and promoting local cyber careers

Hosted two Second Chance Job Fairs:

1,000+ job seekers 116 employers & 32 community agencies

Held cookouts for 200+ interns and co-ops to help retain them in the Huntsville labor market

Sponsored student teams from Bob Jones, New Century Technology, and Sparkman high schools to develop payloads that launched on a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket

Dream Up

Created asmartplace Career Prep curriculum and connected directly with all three local school systems to utilize the materials

Hosted first-ever Senior Sprint Career Fair that reached 200 students,

45 companies, and 11 supporting agencies – 90% of students got an interview, 35% left with a job, 10% committed to the military 13

2250

2000

Total Membership

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Member Companies

by Size 101+

employees

51-100

employees

Investor Relations

21-50

1-5

employees

employees

6-20

employees

For nearly 125 years, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber has been serving area businesses by creating a wealth of opportunities to gain expertise and knowledge, build meaningful relationships, engage with elected officials, and positively influence the economy.

Today, we represent nearly 2,200 member companies in the Tennessee Valley and beyond, and we’re driven by the needs of our members – from local entrepreneurs and small businesses to middle-market companies and global corporations – to provide leadership on issues important to the business community and to create a dynamic business climate for all businesses to succeed.

14

2019 2018 2017 2016

134% of goal : $1,336,074

129% of goal : $1,199,280 107% of goal : $990,950 104% of goal : $940,775

2015

$874,350

Annual Sponsorship Campaign (to sell cash-only sponsorship opportunities)

Supported by

11

25 emissaries

volunteers

68 ambassadors

500

New Member Sales

400 300 200 100 0

2012 2013

2014 2015

2016 2017 2018 2019

Amber Greenwood Vice President

Kristy Drake

Richard Bigoney

Donna McCrary

Tina Blankenship

Director, HREGI & ChamberON

Membership Retention Manager

Membership Account Executive

Membership Account Executive 15

Small Business & Events In 2019, we observed remarkable growth, creativity, and progress. We added new networking and professional development opportunities, a clay-shooting tournament, AIDT leadership training, and Glenn Shepard’s ‘How to Supervise People & Lead a Team’ – providing business leaders and community members a chance to network, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful conversation.

The Women’s Business Council continues to grow and provides opportunities for women in business with multiple events. We continued to partner with small businesses, consultants,

UAH SBDC continues to provide a full suite

Alabama A&M University, and the Huntsville-

of business services in the areas of market

Madison County Public Library to offer more

research, capital access, financial analysis,

professional development opportunities.

feasibility analysis, and much more!

6 Signature Events = 3,442 attendees Annual Membership Meeting, Best Places to Work®, Small Business Awards Celebration, Clay Shoot, Golf Classic, and Holiday Open House

16

23 Networking Events = 1,478 attendees Breakfast & Biz, Business & Brews, Chamber Night Out, C-Suite Series, Women’s Business Council, and Leadercast Women

47 Professional Development = 1,438 attendees

HR / Employee Engagement Seminars, Lunch & Learns, Google Docs Microsoft Office Workshops, Social Media Marketing, and Budgeting for Growth

Pammie Jimmar, iom

Vice President

New Business Starts: 29

Devon Elston

Create, Retain & Save Jobs in Alabama: 425

Coordinator

One-on-One Advising Hours: 1,614 Acquired in Government Contracts: $23.8M Accessed in Investment Capital: $24.5M UAH SBDC Seminars & Workshops: 24 | Total Attendees: 549 17

Marketing & Communications Put simply, we want to share Huntsville’s story with the world. The Chamber fosters new growth and supports businesses who have been in our community for decades, and you are part of our success. Please keep us posted throughout the year on what you’re doing. We share information through several channels, including traditional media, print, digital, and social media.

Claire Aiello

Vice President

Hiroko Sedensky

Web Designer

Kristi Sherrard

Graphic Designer

18

Publications

10,000 16,941

Approximate number of monthly readers of INITIATIVES magazine

Total reads of Chamber digital publications: More than 63,700 impressions Average read time = 5:33

Teeming with engineers, Alabama’s Rocket City USA is luring hot new industries to town November 2019

Huntsville earns “Straight A” Financial Report Card for the 11th Consecutive Year May 2019

Digital & Social Media 10,499 FANS

Huntsville: #1 Best Affordable Place to Live April 2019

9,128 FOLLOWERS 7,546 FOLLOWERS 1,909 and GROWING! Eblasts: Sent 257 eblasts to Chamber members, reaching more than 107,739 people per month Average Open Rate: 22.3% (Nonprofit Industry Average is 21.5%)

Huntsville among Best Cities for Manufacturing Jobs April 2019

Huntsville: One of 52 Places to Go in 2019 January 2019

19

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, Strategic Consulting Services, Navigator International LLC

BOARD CHAIR

CHAIR-ELECT

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

FOUNDATION CHAIR

Kim Lewis

20

SECRETARY/ TREASURER

Jeff Gronberg

Alicia Ryan

Jim Rogers

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

Vice President, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Owner Operator, Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Laura Huckabee-Jennings

Joe Ritch

Penny Billings

Craig Naudain

Dr. Karockas Watkins

CEO, Transcend LLC

Attorney, Sirote & Permutt, PC

Market President, BancorpSouth - Huntsville

VP, Operations Management, SAIC

CEO/President/Executive Director, Ability Plus, Inc.

VICE CHAIR Small Business & Events

VICE CHAIR Tennessee Valley BRAC

CHAIR-APPOINTED

CHAIR-APPOINTED

CHAIR-APPOINTED

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

VICE CHAIR HREGI

VICE CHAIR Marketing & Communications

VICE CHAIR Investor Relations

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Alvarez

Bill Bailey

James Barclay

Blake Bentley

David Bier

Melissa Davis

John Eagan

Venturi, LLC

Radiance Technologies, Inc.

FLIR

SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery and Spine Center

Rocket City Trash Pandas

MTA

BB&T

Kevin Fernandez

Dr. Joe Green

Joni Green

Mike Gullion

John Hall

Ginger Harper

Josh Herren

Fernandez Financial Group, LLC

Davidson Technologies Inc.

Five Stones Research Corporation

Spur

All Points Logistics, LLC

IBERIABANK

Yulista

Lauren Johannesmeyer

Lee Holland

Melody Holt

Tharon Honeycutt

Amanda Howard

Hank Isenberg

McKinley James

Turner Construction Company

Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC

MSB Analytics, Inc.

Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty

IronMountain Solutions

Polaris Industries, Inc.

Sean Kelly

David King

April Mason

Bob McCaleb

Kevin McCombs

Janice Migliore

Alana Parker

Regions Bank

Dynetics, Inc.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

PALCO

Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc.

Zack Penney

Jami Peyton

Ashley Ryals

Jeff Samz

Sameer Singhal

Beth Sippel

Robert Smith

Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi

Canvas, Inc.

Homegrown, LLC

Huntsville Hospital

CFD Research Corporation

Synovus

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Google Fiber, Huntsville

Sandra Stephens

Cynthia Streams

Ken Tucker

Mike Watkins

John Watson

Dennis Weese

Danny Windham

Keel Point, LLC

Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.)

The Boeing Company

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Torch Technologies

Line-X, LLC

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

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AS OF DECEMBER 26, 2019

INVESTORS HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

REGIONAL PARTNERS

LEADERSHIP FORUM

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BBVA Compass ■ Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) ■ 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 ■ Akima, LLC ■ Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. ■ Facebook Data Center Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Intrepid ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ■ Jerry Damson Honda Acura ■ KBR 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 ■ Turner Construction Company

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. ■ CenterState Bank ■ Colliers International ■ Connected Logistics (LogC2) ■ Davidson Technologies, Inc. ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association ■ IBERIABANK ■ J Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh McLennan Agency LLC company ■ Keel Point, LLC ■ L3Harris ■ LMI ■ LogiCore ■ LSINC Corporation The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) ■ Progress Bank ■ Radiance Technologies ■ RE/MAX Alliance ■ RUAG Space USA Inc. ■ SELEX Galileo Inc. ■ ServisFirst Bank ■ Sirote & Permutt, PC Spirit Coach, LLC ■ Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ Wells Fargo Bank ■ Woody Anderson Ford PROGRESS INVESTORS 4SITE, Inc. ■ Air Essentials, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty ■ Armstrong Relocation Company Huntsville LLC ■ Averbuch Realty / Enterprises ■ Bailey-Harris Construction BancorpSouth ■ BID DESIGNS, LLC ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank ■ Canvas, Inc. ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ CGI Federal ■ Coast Personnel Services Continental Consulting Group Corporation (CCGC) ■ Croy Engineering, LLC ■ DC Blox, Inc. ■ deciBel Research ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. ■ Engineering Design Technologies/EDT-THA Architecture ■ Express Employment Professionals Fernandez Financial Group ■ FITE Building Company ■ FLS Translation & Interpreting ■ Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates, LLC ■ Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC ■ Garver ■ HEMSI ■ Hiley Automotive Group Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ INTERFUZE Corporation ■ Investor’s Resource ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ The Karen Morris Team at Keller Williams Realty Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider ■ LINE-X, LLC ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ MAG Aerospace ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ PALCO ■ PFM Financial Advisors LLC ■ PHOENIX ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace Quadrus Corporation ■ Ready Mix USA ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company ■ Rosenblum Realty ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Sigmatech, Inc. ■ Signalink ■ Snelling ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ Technicolor ■ TriVector Services, Inc. Troy 7, Inc. ■ U.S. Space & Rocket Center ■ ValleyMLS.com ■ Valor Communities ■ Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc. ■ Venturi, Inc. ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC ■ West Huntsville Land Co., Inc. ■ Wilmer & Lee, P.A.

What makes Huntsville unique, and why do we continue to experience such tremendous growth?

It is the people who have shaped our city into a powerful, progressive force. It is because of citizens and companies who care not just about the bottom line, but in helping our community further improve.

A main source of financial support for economic development is the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). HREGI funds help establish Huntsville/Madison County as a stronger, more visible force in the national competition for economic growth. The Initiative’s overarching vision is for our community to become a primary center of technology in the South and in the nation. HREGI is designed to position the area as one of the leading economic growth centers in the Southeast and the nation. HREGI investors contribute funds in addition to their membership dues and sponsorships. They understand a rising tide lifts all boats, and the Chamber is working to raise the water level for everyone.

HREGI funds help us in a multitude of ways. First, they help the Chamber market Huntsville for continued progress. They also help us work with our educational partners so current students will one day be prepared to help with the jobs you need them to fill. And, they help us support the businesses already here with partnership and training programs to help companies grow.

Annual Investment Levels Development Partner Development Council Chairman’s Council President’s Circle Leadership Forum Executive Council Chamber Trustee Progress Partner Progress Investor

We need your support to maintain the momentum we have created. Strong private sector leadership will ensure our business community plays a proactive role in addressing the issues that will shape our community and region for decades to come.

For more information, please contact

Kristy Drake kdrake@hsvchamber.org 256-535-2036

How Investment Dollars Are Spent:

225 Church Street NW Huntsville, AL 35801 256-535-2000 phone 256-535-2015 fax info@hsvchamber.org

hsvchamber.org