new chamber members
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Joined in September 2025
AlaTenn Realty - Heather Vader
Allister Virtual Assistant Services
ANRO Businesses, LLC
Aphix LLC
Apparel Lab
Barre3 Huntsville
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken
Brown Technologies Incorporated
City Auto - Huntsville
Clear Link Systems
Cornerstone Family Chiropractic
Failure Is Not An Option Space Camp
Scholarship
Hyatt Studios
Independent Musical Productions
Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q Jones Valley
Manning & Napier
Microcollective for AI, Robotics, and the Sciences (MARS)
NextGen Kids Learning Hub
OneGenAway
Pace Public Relations
PE Systems Inc.
Plainview Outdoor Advertising
Redeemer Church
Ryan & Rouse, LLC
Sanders Flight Training Center
If you want to make a valuable investment in your business and the community, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is the place to start. Contact the Chamber at 256-535-2000 or send an email to membership@hsvchamber.org
Shipley Do-Nuts
Smart Alarm Solutions, LLC
Stored For Good LLC
Sun Loan Company
Synergy Design Group, Inc
TechScape - Solutions
Treble One Aerospace Consulting
VIPcare
Voyager Technologies
Joined in October 2025
Alabama Non-Violent Offenders Organization
Alabama Professional Services
Alta Planning + Design, Inc.
Arbours at Moores Mill
Beers & Associates
Best Beverage Service
Best Life Recovery Residences
Canadian Bakin Bread
Cosologic
Don Blevins - Alfa Insurance
EIC Tax LLC and Alabama Insurance Agency
Extended Stay America Suites
Huntsville-Madison
FC Renew, LLC
Floors By Moore
Green Acres Mobile Home & RV Park
HealthSource Of Meridianville
Become a Chamber Member
■ Build business relationships, create partnerships, and grow your business
Huntsville City Lifestyle Magazine
I.C. Thomasson Associates, Inc.
A Salas O’Brien Company
Indian Creek Wholesale Nursery Inc.
Juniper Skies
Lorica Leadership LLC
MedExcess, LLC
North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless Opus Technologies, Inc.
Paramount Wealth Management
Partners Realty
Paul Davis Restoration of Huntsville
Pool Scouts of Huntsville
Precision Measurement Inc. (PMI)
Propst Precision, LLC
Restaurant Solutions Inc.
Rocket City Ninja Obstacle Academy
SignCo Signs + Graphics
Sisulak & Sisulak, LLC
Southern Kitchen and Home
Speakin’ Out News
The Blue Collar Recruiter
The Everstead at Madison
The Goldton at Jones Farm
Trilogy Huntsville, a Marriott Autograph Collection
Vital Path Coaching, LLC
Water Street Communications, LLC
■ Listing in the online Membership Directory
■ Specially designed professional development programs to grow your talent and strengthen your business
■ Brand exposure through the Chamber’s multimedia platforms to fellow member companies and the region’s business community
■ Priority communications to keep you updated on the latest business news and information impacting your business
AS OF NOVEMBER 14, 2025
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
AeroVironment ■ Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ COPT Defense Properties
Crestwood Medical Center ■ Leidos ■ Lockheed Martin Corporation
Raytheon, An RTX Business ■ SAIC ■ Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Torch Technologies ■ Yulista
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
REGIONAL PARTNERS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL LEADERSHIP FORUM
CHAMBER TRUSTEES
Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Huntsville Coca-Cola
Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram ■ Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C.
Parsons ■ Robins & Morton ■ S3, Inc. ■ Sealy Management Company, Inc.
SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center ■ Synovus
Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA) ■ The Westmoreland Company
Turner Construction Company
PROGRESS PARTNERS
Ability Plus, Inc. ■ Amazon ■ ASRC Federal ■ Baron Weather, Inc. ■ BASF Corporation ■ BL Harbert International, LLC ■ Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP ■ Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC ■ Canvas ■ CFD Research Corporation ■ Colliers International ■ First Horizon ■ Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC ■ Freedom Real Estate & Capital, LLC ■ Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.
■ Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ Keel Point, LLC ■ Leonardo Electronics US Inc. ■ LSINC Corporation ■ Marsh McLennan Agency ■ Pearce Construction Company ■ Radiance Technologies, Inc. ■ RE/MAX Alliance, The Pugh Group ■ ServisFirst Bank ■ SMX ■ SouthState Bank ■ Steak-Out (Rosie’s Restaurants, Inc., & Right Way Restaurants, Inc.) ■ United Community Bank ■ Venturi, LLC ■ Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP ■ Woody Anderson Ford
PROGRESS INVESTORS
Accenture Federal Services ■ Air Essentials, Inc. ■ Alpha Beta Technologies, Inc. ■ Aurex ■ Avion Solutions ■ Bailey-Harris Construction ■ BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. ■ Bryant Bank ■ Cadence Bank ■ CB&S Bank ■ Century Automotive ■ Convergint ■ Corvid Technologies LLC ■ deciBel Research, Inc. ■ Deloitte LLP ■ DESE Research, Inc. ■ FITE Building Company ■ Garver, LLC ■ GTEC ■ Hexagon US Federal ■ Higginbotham Insurance ■ Hiley Automotive Group ■ Huntsville Botanical Garden ■ Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ Industrial Properties of the South ■ Investor’s Resource ■ L3Harris Technologies ■ Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) ■ MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ nLogic, LLC ■ Outpost Technologies, Inc. ■ PALCO ■ Phoenix ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Renasant Bank ■ RJ Young Company ■ Rosenblum Realty, Inc. ■ S&ME, Inc. ■ Savant Wealth Management ■ Schoel ■ Shee Atiká Enterprises, LLC ■ Signalink, Inc. ■ Systems Products and Solutions, Inc. ■ Textron Inc. ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ Titomic ■ Transcend, The Fearless Company ■ Troy7, Inc. ■ Truist Bank ■ TTL, Inc. ■ ValleyMLS.com ■ Valor Communities ■ Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc. ■ Vision Excellence Company ■ Volkert, Inc. ■ Warren Averett, LLC
For more information, contact Kristy Drake, Vice President, Investor Relations: 256-535-2036 or kdrake@hsvchamber.org
Annual Outing
October 21, 2025
Thank you to all who attended this year’s Annual Outing at Ditto Landing. We enjoyed beautiful weather and fresh Gulf seafood. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber hosts this event each year to thank our federal partners on Team Redstone for the work you do. Thank you also to Lockheed Martin Corporation for being our Presenting Sponsor.
Mission: To prepare, develop, and promote our community for economic growth.
HSVchamber.org
(see staff listing on page 30)
Chamber members: You are encouraged to contribute ideas for our publications. Please send items to comms@hsvchamber.org
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber maintains editorial control.
editorial staff
publisher Chip Cherry, CCE
editor Claire Aiello, IOM
editorial designer Kristi Sherrard
contributing writers
Kayla Brown
Ashley Engles-Ross , IOM
Lyndsay Ferguson
Beth Zinn
advertising
Kristy Drake kdrake@hsvchamber.org
Lakeysha Brown lbrown@hsvchamber.org
Military, space, telecommunications, biotechnology, diversified manufacturing, and a variety of emerging specialties provide challenging work in delightful surroundings. The area enjoys a favorable cost of living and quality of life. Mountains, lakes, woodlands, and the Tennessee River accommodate numerous recreational activities. A temperate climate enhances the season for outdoor sports, including worldclass golf, hiking, biking, and fishing. Major concerts, Broadway and symphony performances,
and traveling
a wonderful
of life.
Huntsville
a message from chip cherry
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Dear Chamber Investors, Community Leaders, and Friends:
As I write this letter, the government shutdown is just ending. I am hopeful that by the time you read this, things will have reopened and the lives of those affected by the shutdown are getting back to normal.
On behalf of the Chamber Team, I want to thank all those affected by the shutdown. Your service to us and the country is greatly appreciated. The way the nonprofit community, utilities, and local businesses stepped up to support those impacted by the shutdown shows the compassion and the concern we have for our neighbors. After all, we will continue to be neighbors long after the current situation is resolved. We are grateful for your support and service!
When you are running an organization, one of the things that is the hardest to get, yet the most valuable, are honest insights into the work environment. I encourage you to read the article on page 23 about the Best Places to Work® Program. The program provides a platform for your employees to provide feedback on the workplace. You and your management team can use these insights to enhance your organization and build a stronger team.
We’ve set the dates for some of our 2026 events. Feel free to pencil these in, and keep an eye on our Events Calendar on hsvchamber.org for registration to open:
■ 90 th Annual Membership Meeting – February 10 (see page 19)
■ State of the Schools – February 24
■ Montgomery Trip – March 3-4
■ Washington DC Trip – April 19-21
■ Best Places to Work® Awards – May 14
■ Armed Forces Celebration Week – June 7-12
■ UCI Paracycling Road World Championships – September 4-7
■ Small Business Awards Gala – September 10
As the year draws to a close and we take the time to focus on our blessings, I want to once again thank those women and men who worked through the shutdown to ensure vital services were provided. On behalf of the Chamber Family, I wish you, your family, and your team a blessed holiday season!
Chip Cherry, cce President & CEO Huntsville/Madison
County Chamber
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Committee & Board of Directors 2025
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jeff Samz , Board Chair – Huntsville Hospital Health System
Jami Peyton, Chair-Elect, Economic Development – Canvas
Sameer Singhal , Immediate Past Chair – CFD Research Corporation
Ron Poteat , Board Chair, Chamber Foundation
Ronnie Chronister, Secretary/Treasurer – Lockheed Martin Corporation
Dr. Karockas Watkins, Vice Chair, Economic Development –Ability Plus, Inc. & Vision Excellence Company
Michael Cox , Vice Chair, Economic Inclusion – retired
Dave Cook , Vice Chair, Government & Public Affairs – Torch Technologies
Wes Kelley, Vice Chair, HREGI – Huntsville Utilities
Brett Crain, Vice Chair, Image Development & Communications –Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc.
Beth Sippel , Vice Chair, Investor Relations – Synovus
Angie Sandritter, Vice Chair, Small Business – Hubtricity
Marc Perry, Vice Chair, Talent Initiatives – Toyota Alabama
Jeff Gronberg, Liaison, Redstone Regional Alliance – deciBel Research, Inc.
Chrystal Morgan, Chair-Appointed – The Boeing Company
Lynn Troy, Chair-Appointed – retired
Srinath Yedla, Chair-Appointed – Yedla Management Company
Graham Burgess, Legal Counsel – Maynard Nexsen
Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-officio Member – City of Huntsville
Mayor Ranae Bartlett , Ex-officio Member – City of Madison
Chairman Mac McCutcheon, Ex-officio Member – Madison County Commission
Chip Cherry, CCE , President & CEO, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
ELECTED BOARD
Jenny Askins , Touronimo
Blake Bentley, SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center
Terri Bentley, Redstone Federal Credit Union
David Bier, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.
Penny Billings , Cadence Bank
Jason Blount , Keel Point, LLC
Mark Brazeal , Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
Frank Caprio, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Mitch Coley, Robins & Morton
Katie Comer, Meta Platforms, Inc.
Greg Fortier, SAIC
Owen Franklin , Blue Summit Supplies
Greg Gaddy, Five Stones Research Corporation
Megan Wilson Green , Blue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
Greg Hall , COPT Defense Properties
Scott Hall , Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Fathia Hardy, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM)
Ginger Harper, First Horizon
Josh Herren , Yulista
Clayton Hinchman , Ignite Fueling Innovation
Lee Holland , Freedom Real Estate and Capital, LLC
Jim Holtkamp, ServisFirst Bank
Laura Huckabee-Jennings , Transcend, The Fearless Company
Hank Isenberg , IronMountain Solutions
Michelle Jordan , TARCOG
Sean Kelly, Regions Bank
Tim King , Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
Clint Kirkland , United Community Bank
Rich Kretzschmar, Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)
James Lackey, Davidson
Todd May, KBR
Matt Meko, Booz Allen Hamilton
Stephanie Mell , ChurchStreet Family Businesses
Carey Miller, Deloitte LLP
Collin Orcutt , Schoel
Zack Penney, Bill Penney Toyota
Dr. Annie Saylor, Simulation Technologies, Inc. (SimTech)
Julie Schumacher, KODA Technologies Inc.
Vergenia Shelton , Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
Henry Thornton , Meta Platforms, Inc.
Gary Tucker, Huntsville Coca-Cola
Mike Watkins , Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Mary Elliott Whitt , Good Works Consulting LLC
community highlights
COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO
UAH College of Nursing Launches “Neighborhood Nursing” to Improve Local Health Outcomes
On October 21, The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Nursing announced the launch of “Neighborhood Nursing,” a multi-agency initiative designed to break down barriers to public health and improve life expectancy across north Alabama.
“Neighborhood Nursing is a transformative movement and a deeply rooted community-driven model that brings care, education and policy insight directly to the people who need it most,” said Dr. Azita Amiri, associate dean for research and professor in the UAH College of Nursing. “It’s about advancing primary prevention by meeting people where they live, work and play, while training the next generation of health care leaders to do the same.”
The new program involves a comprehensive, community-based approach including multiple interconnected programs focused on education, workforce development, research, and outreach. These include health screening events, visits to homebound individuals and families, and continued work with the Let’s Pretend Hospital in partnership with Huntsville Hospital Health System. This program serves local first-grade students to help them see healthcare settings in a positive and educational way. Hosted at UAH, it has served over 100,000 children to date.
Calhoun Adds New Lab to Support AAS in Respiratory Therapy
Calhoun Community College officially opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art Respiratory Therapy Lab on the Huntsville campus on October 22. With this, comes a new Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Respiratory Therapy program. This initiative marks a major milestone for the college and for north Alabama as it directly addresses the region’s growing need for respiratory therapists and the increasing number of patients affected by acute conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
North Alabama consistently ranks among the most challenging regions in the nation for pollen, allergies, and respiratory distress. According to the American Lung Association , Alabama is among the states with the highest rates of COPD in the country. State data shows that 9.4 percent of adults, approximately 369,369 people, have been diagnosed with COPD, leading to more than 3,200 deaths and 338,000 lost workdays each year, at a cost exceeding $543 million in healthcare expenses.
The Future of ENT: More Patients Choose Office-Based Procedures
Breathe Better Institute is Huntsville’s newest ENT practice, located at 3810 Governors Drive SW, Suite 200. It opened in July and is leading a new era in sinus and allergy care through advanced, in-office procedures. Traditional sinus surgery often requires general anesthesia, hospital visits, and long recoveries, but modern technology now allows the same conditions
to be treated safely and comfortably in-office, with faster recovery and lower cost.
The team at Breathe Better Institute combines cutting-edge treatments such as balloon sinu-plasty and turbinate reduction with compassionate, patient-first care. Their mission is simple yet transformative: to help people Breathe Better. Live Better. In every aspect of the practice, from extended appointments to personalized treatment plans, they strive to make specialty care more accessible and effective.
“By redefining convenience, safety, and affordability, we’re helping north Alabama patients find lasting relief without surgery or downtime,” said Dr. John Stewart, physician and medical director. “Breathe Better Institute isn’t just a medical practice; it’s a movement toward healthier, happier communities, one breath at a time.”
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Hosts 8th Graders for Onsite STEM Education Event
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), in partnership with the Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF), hosted an “All Girls Auto Know” event with 54 eighth grade students from Madison City Schools. This event, held at the MTM/AIDT Training and Assessment Center on MTM’s campus, took students through STEM activities that directly connected them to future careers in manufacturing.
The Halloween-themed event was titled “STEM isn’t Spooky,” and rotated students through three hands-on programs. After the activities, the students had lunch and listened as a panel of MTM team members described their career trajectories, answered questions, and shared experiences.
“Our MTM team put their all into developing fun and informative lessons that allowed these students to have true-to-life manufacturing experiences,” said Vice President of Administration Rhonda Gilyard. “We love the chance to show that automotive manufacturing and STEM careers are exciting, innovative, and creative.”
MTM plans to host more events like this in the future with other educational partners.
Show Your Charger Pride with New UAH License Plate
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has a bold vehicle license plate available to Alabama drivers in 2026. The dynamic design features the new UAH Athletics logo with its fierce Charger Blue stallion, a blue Huntsville skyline, and gray mountains rising into the distance.
“The skyline design represents UAH’s strong ties to the community of Huntsville,” said Kelly Myers, director of Alumni Relations and Special Events and executive director of the UAH Alumni Association, which promotes the UAH license plate effort.
Proceeds will help fund a new scholarship initiative for students who have graduated from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp. The license plate costs $50 with $48.75 of that cost (97.5 percent) going to the scholarship fund.
MCSS, Kids to Love Partner to Bring VR Academy to Students
KTECH Virtual Reality Academy is now being offered at Madison County High School as a twosemester course this current school year. This is a college-level course, and the purpose of the initiative is to inspire students to pursue degrees and careers in computer science, programming, and emerging VR technologies by providing them with hands-on technical experiences that may open new pathways for their future.
“This partnership with Madison County High School brings KTECH’s Virtual Reality Academy right into the classroom, and that matters,” said Lee Marshall, founder & CEO of KTECH / Kids to Love. “As part of Kids to Love’s commitment to creating real career pathways, this college-level, hands-on program gives students a head start in the workforce. Through project-based learning in programming, 3-D modeling, and immersive environment design, we’re empowering young people to build brighter futures!”
Veterans Memorial Museum EXPANSION BEGINS in John Hunt Park
On November 4, the City of Huntsville broke ground on a $9.98 million expansion of the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in John Hunt Park. It will add 35,000 square feet to the museum, almost the length of a football field. This will expand the museum’s footprint and provide more space for the display of memorabilia dating back to the American Revolution.
“This is a proud day for our city and, most importantly, for our veterans,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “At the City of Huntsville, it is our great privilege to honor our veterans through this project, which gives us new space to remember and recognize the heroes of yesterday and today.”
At the ceremony, the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of AUSA presented the museum with a check for $100,000 to help fund the expansion.
The project will include the construction of a new pre-engineered metal building with insulated panels, modern storefront glazing, offices, a conference room, and restrooms. Limited renovations and repairs will also be made to the existing facility to support the overall expansion.
“I am thrilled to see this project get started,” District 4 Council Member Bill Kling said. “I am proud to live and work in a city that honors and recognizes our veterans, and I’m also excited to see this project located in District 4. Everyone in Huntsville should look at this museum as a point of pride.”
Community Impact Award Winner: ChurchStreet Family Businesses
It’s no secret that Huntsville is a thriving community filled with entrepreneurs passionate about small business and opportunity. The two go together like fine wine and filet mignon, which leads to our Community Impact Award recipient, ChurchStreet Family Businesses.
If you’re familiar with local dining in the Rocket City and surrounding area, then you’ve probably heard of at least one of the nine restaurants under the ChurchStreet Family umbrella. Their restaurants include some of the area’s best and most sophisticated dining options with one recently being recognized in the Michelin Guide in November. Purveyor, the flagship dining restaurant of the group, was selected as a Recommended restaurant in the inaugural Michelin American South Guide . It was one of two Huntsville-based establishments recognized for its inventive cuisine, exceptional service, and intimate dining experience. Salt Smokehouse is the other.
“Earning a Michelin Recommendation is one of the highest honors in our profession, and it represents the heart, grit, and artistry of our entire team,” said Stephanie Kennedy Mell, proprietor of ChurchStreet Family. “When we opened Purveyor, our vision was to bring world-class dining to a city known for innovation and ingenuity. Today, that vision has been realized, not just for our restaurant, but for Huntsville as a whole. We’re honored to represent the spirit of this community on the global stage.”
Beyond the restaurant industry, the recognition serves as a symbol of success for entrepreneurs in the north Alabama community. The impact the ChurchStreet Family restaurants have on the culture of Huntsville is well known around the state, with honors such as 2024 State of Alabama Retailer of the Year and 2023 State of Alabama Restaurateurs of the Year. But the team behind these awards are who to recognize with Stephanie leading the charge. As a mentor to many other upcoming entrepreneurs, Stephanie and her team are leading by example and proving Huntsville is a smart place to do business!
– Kayla Brown
Still Shining Bright
Continuing our introductions of Huntsville’s Guiding Stars
The ASmartPlace® Guiding Stars program connects newcomers with local experts, helping them settle in and thrive. Passionate residents share insights on everything from hidden gems to social events, fostering a sense of belonging. Employers, we encourage you to remind your new hires that our Guiding Stars can offer invaluable support beyond the workplace, easing transitions and building community connections.
If you’re new to Huntsville, check out our Guiding Stars at stars.asmartplace.com and fill out a form to get connected. Let’s keep Huntsville welcoming!
Throughout this year’s Initiatives magazines, we’ll introduce you to our Guiding Stars .
Jay Hixon
Jay is a creative and nonprofit fanatic. He loves the passion and hope that art and nonprofit organizations bring to our community. In addition to working full-time at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library as the director of Public Relations, he serves on the board of directors for Theatre Huntsville and Southern Rogue Theatre Company.
Interests: Arts & Culture, Books & Reading, Community Development, Craft Beer, Dining, Downtown Entertainment, Entertainment, Museums, Photography, Theater, Yoga
PeggyLee Wright
Deeply invested in Huntsville’s growth and spirit, PeggyLee is known for bringing people together, whether it’s through her work, her involvement in philanthropic ventures, or her family’s support of local causes. She believes in fostering meaningful relationships and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. For newcomers to Huntsville, PeggyLee offers not only insight into the city’s opportunities but also a warm welcome and a reminder that this community is built on shared purpose and heartfelt connection. Interests: Antiquing, Veterans, Education, Great Danes, and Family, Family, Family
community profile
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER
& INCOME
TOP 20 EMPLOYERS: HUNTSVILLE & MADISON COUNTY
with
combined 45,500 workers driving a thriving aerospace and defense technology industry.
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park (CRP) is the second-largest science and technology research park in the U.S., home to 320 companies and 26,500 people involved in technology research and development.
Stepping UP
Huntsville
helps federal employees with needed resources
by CLAIRE AIELLO
We hear this a lot: Huntsville is different. We are, and we consider that a badge of honor.
One of the things that makes us unique is our ability and drive to jump in and lend community spirit when our neighbors are in need, pulling together resources to support each other.
Let’s share some recent examples.
continued on page 18
Two-Day Resource Event for Federal Employees
On November 6 and 7, several community organizations hosted a resource event for federal workers impacted by the government shutdown. The idea stemmed from a past event First Baptist Church had spearheaded for NASA employees during the 2018 shutdown, which brought in approximately 4,000 people over a few hours. This time, with many more thousands of local government workers impacted by the shutdown, we felt the need to show our support again. But how many would come? Where would they park? What would we offer them, to show we care about what they are going through?
As the saying goes here, we’re not afraid to tackle tough problems. Travis Collins, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Huntsville (FBC), felt the urge to do something again. He called several groups for help, and the planning got underway quickly. Participants included FBC, First United Methodist Church, Huntsville Rotary Club, the City of Huntsville, Leadership Greater Huntsville, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, and others. We talked about outreach, ample parking, shuttle services, and what we could offer once people arrived.
About a week later, over two days, an army of volunteers welcomed federal employees with handshakes and warm smiles. They met with resource partners, including the Alabama Career Center, temporary employment agencies, Wellstone, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Family Savings Credit Union, Community Action Partnership, United Way of Madison County, the Food Bank of North Alabama, and others. Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s Employee Paw-lanthropy Officer Asteroid also made an appearance with her handler, Stefani Williams, a certified child life specialist. They certainly brought smiles and cheer.
We want to express a special thank you to Food City, which supported the event with an incredibly generous donation of $150,000 in grocery gift cards for federal workers. First Baptist also secured another $50,000 in Food City gift cards through the church’s disaster relief fund, and the Huntsville Rotary Club kicked in another five-digit contribution. This stop on the resource tour brought smiles and also some happy tears.
“Food City is committed to our valued customers and the communities we serve,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and CEO. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to partner with the City of Huntsville to provide support for our friends and neighbors in need during this critical time.”
Our goal with the event was simple: to lift people’s spirits and have them walk away knowing we care for them.
“This was absolutely amazing,” said Marcia Jones, who works for the U.S. Army Materiel Command. “The way that our community pulled together, all the different businesses that came out today. Food City, with the gift cards… every little bit takes some of the stress off of you, and I’m really thankful.”
“It was very peaceful, not to mention very knowledgeable – I connected with a few people,” said Lamont Williams of AMCOM. “The $50 food voucher was superb, talking to each one of the schools – those were good. The resources for utilities – I’m a member of Redstone Federal Credit Union, and they shared how they are helping people with this. A lot of good things. This event was one of the most positive aspects I’ve heard of this week.”
continued on page 20
People who brought children (or those who were just young at heart) could stop and visit the education zone. It was led by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s education team with support from EarlyWorks Museum and the Signals Museum of Information Explosion, who exhibited energy and communications tools, and even musical sound wave technology.
Pastor Collins greeted many who came through the door but also stood back at times to watch interactions in the crowd.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed seeing people get assistance, I’ve enjoyed seeing people see people they haven’t seen in a while,” said Collins. “The laughter is encouraging.”
He took a more somber tone as he continued, though. “I hope that all of our federal workers know Huntsville loves them, and I’m afraid they don’t feel loved and appreciated. I’m afraid I wouldn’t. I hope they know their neighbors really appreciate them.”
Food Distribution Efforts
The Food Bank of North Alabama is busy throughout the year, especially heading into the holidays. However, they have seen activity pick up with more people needing assistance due to uncertainty with funding through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and many others who just need extra support due to loss of income.
Development Director Bobby Bozeman said the organization works with about 100 grocery stores, the USDA, and other programs to source food and then distribute it to local food pantries. You can visit foodfinder. us for a map of these locations.
The Food Bank has held weekly mobile pantries during the shutdown, including a large event on October 29 at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. Through the rain, teams stayed busy supplying food boxes to 300 households that included pantry staples such as rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, and chicken. These supplies can provide up to 25 meals per family. This event was a collaboration between the City of Huntsville, Huntsville City FC, the Food Bank, Huntsville Police, and One Gen Away.
“Huntsville City FC actively works with the City and local partners throughout the year to address food needs in our community and especially during uniquely challenging times like these,” said Chad Emerson, the team’s managing director of Business Operations. “It’s part of Huntsville’s DNA to work together to help each other.”
Manna House, House of the Harvest, and Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen are just a few other organizations who have ramped up services throughout the shutdown. Local churches throughout our area have served weekly dinners to families in need and added outreach efforts as well.
The shutdown ended on November 12. We hope you will continue to find ways to help your neighbors this holiday season. It will take a while for many of our furloughed workers to bounce back and catch up on their finances, and our nonprofit community could also continue to use your support.
– Claire Aiello
Summit Success
Let’s continue to P.R.O.P.E.L. innovation forward!
I
nnovation, entrepreneurship, and inspiring, marketable ideas came together October 28-29 at P.R.O.P.E.L., the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s first small business and entrepreneurship summit.
We held P.R.O.P.E.L. at Stovehouse, where several hundred people attended over the two days. The event was held in partnership with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation, Innovate Alabama, and Huntsville Utilities. In addition, we thank several other organizations for their support, including The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, UAH’s Small Business Develop -
ment Center and APEX Accelerator, Alabama A&M University, the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT), and the North Alabama Society for Human Resource Management (NASHRM).
Panelists discussed various topics such as human resources, funding and loans, state incentives, challenges and opportunities with AI, and much more.
The three pitch competitions were highly popular, and we presented $60,000 to the winners in the IdeaSTAGE and NextSTAGE. Contestants came from north Alabama and around the country.
1st Place: Valor Scientific ($5,000) 2nd Place:
The Solution Lab/Mission Match pitch competition was facilitated by UAH’s Invention to Innovation Center (I2C) and featured contestants pitching straight to venture capital firms, private investors, industry and corporate partners. Contestants came from as far away as Rochester, NY!
We thank all who attended P.R.O.P.E.L. and enjoyed hearing you ask questions of the panels in order to learn more about topics to help your business. We also thank you for your feedback!
“As a new business owner, P.R.O.P.E.L. was an incredible experience,” said Michelle Dunn of Huntsville. “The program introduced me to valuable resources and a network of supportive professionals who are passionate about helping small businesses thrive. The knowledge and connections I’ve gained are already making a difference as I grow Veritas Strategies LLC.”
We look forward to growing P.R.O.P.E.L. in the years to come. Thank you to all who attended!
– Claire Aiello and Ashley Engles-Ross
INominations Open for Best Places to Work ®
Visit hsvchamber.org to nominate your company today!
t’s time to kick off the next round of Best Places to Work® Awards! Nominations are open for the 2026 competition, and we’d love for you to nominate YOUR company today.
Best Places to Work awards can be a great way to boost employee morale, retention, and recruitment, while also enhancing a company’s public image. It’s easy to participate, there is no cost, and whether you win or lose, you’ll gain valuable insight into how your employees feel about the work they are doing for you.
As a nominee, your employees will be asked to complete surveys – after which you will receive your survey results with actionable ideas for improvement. At the luncheon, the top three companies in each size category will walk away with an award and bragging rights!
Here are the important dates – please go ahead and put these on your calendar:
■ Dec. 1 – Nominations Open
■ Jan. 19 – Surveys Open for Employees
■ Jan. 30 – Nominations Close
■ Feb. 27 – Surveys Close
■ March 27 - Awards Luncheon Registration Opens
■ May 14 – Best Places to Work® Awards Luncheon
All winners are determined exclusively on the basis of their employees’ responses to the Best Places to Work Survey.
The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is once again partnering with Quantum Workplace to manage the survey process.
– Claire Aiello
CRP-DTA Update
Second cohort of CRP DefenseTech Accelerator is in session
The second cohort of the Cummings Research Park DefenseTech Accelerator began its session on September 30. The Accelerator is a joint effort between the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Cummings Research Park, and TrebleOne.
Brien House serves as Alabama Accelerators Director, overseeing the program, and Program Manager Brett Tannehill handles the day-to-day operations and leading outreach and engagement efforts.
Five companies are in this cohort: FC Renew, MESO Space, SkyfireAI, Titomic, and Vivum AI. All have been working to help grow and scale their products for the defense and commercial markets. They will participate in a demonstration event in December to showcase their products to investors and potential customers.
FC Renew is advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology by developing an innovative refurbishment process and a new product line focused on extending stack lifetime and durability. The company’s options reduce total ownership expenses by 50 percent and will accelerate hydrogen technology adoption across critical sectors including eVTOL aircraft and aviation transportation, maritime vessels, ground delivery vehicles, industrial equipment, and stationary power systems.
Led by a team with deep industry expertise, SkyfireAI offers turnkey unmanned aircraft solutions for single aircraft and multiship operations, providing high-dimensional situational awareness. The company’s C2AI (AI-based command and control) platform is targeted to public safety, defense, and critical infrastructure partners – cutting-edge autonomous systems that enhance decision-making, accelerate response, and protect lives.
A revolutionary product of an advanced oxidizer is being commercialized by MESO Space, and its attributes hold significant promise for advanced earth and space travel systems, manned or robotic. Specifically, it has profound implications for configuring responsive, reusable “single-stage” vehicle packages for robust, low cost and synergistically intertwined hardware that can exploit the scalable benefits of this invention (such as “multi-mode” propulsion and electrical power). It can enable expanded and efficient military or civil operations in the atmosphere or in the vacuum of space.
Titomic leads strategic initiatives that harness advanced additive manufacturing technologies to deliver innovative solutions across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Titomic Kinetic Fusion™, the company’s groundbreaking cold spray additive manufacturing process is led by Dr. Patti Dare, who collaborates closely with industry partners and customers to align Titomic’s capabilities with real-world applications, ensuring breakthrough performance and value. Her leadership continues to position Titomic at the forefront of next-generation manufacturing.
cummingsresearchpark.com/work-here/defensetech-accelerator
Vivum AI is a venture-backed software company delivering hardware and software agnostic autonomy that runs on lightweight, low-power processors without the need for GPUs or cloud dependency, using a neuromorphic-inspired approach. Vivum AI’s plug-and-play modules provide resilient, distributed autonomy across land, air, sea, and space, enabling real-time sense-decideact performance at the extreme edge in denied, degraded, or disconnected environments. The result is order-of-magnitude gains in safety, efficiency, and mission assurance with minimal SWaP-c, scalable from COTS platforms to defense programs.
Special thanks
CRP and the Chamber want to thank Innovate Alabama and the three companies who are helping to support this cohort: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Regions Bank, and Synovus. The cohort is housed at The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s (UAH) Invention to Innovation Center (I2C).
The Accelerator utilizes the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program, which is a statewide initiative where Alabama companies and individuals with significant tax liability can allocate 50 percent of their taxes to stay local. This includes the Alabama income tax, state insurance premium tax, state public utility license tax, and state portion of the financial institution excise tax.
This is the second DefenseTech Accelerator cohort to launch this year. CRP and Treble One will open applications for the third cohort in early 2026. The third cohort will begin in early Spring. Also early next year, we will begin recruiting tax credit donors for future cohorts. If you missed out on donating taxes for a credit this round, or want to learn more, contact Erin Koshut, executive director of Cummings Research Park, at 256-535-2086 or ekoshut@hsvchamber.org
– Claire Aiello
Hospitality Services Business of the Year: Good Company Cafe
The holiday season brings some of the busiest times for small business owners and Good Company Cafe is no exception. Most locals are familiar with this hidden gem located in south Huntsville, but you might not know the story of how it came to be.
Seven years ago, store owner and founder Angela Ozbolt Lindbeck began her journey as a small business owner after she noticed a listing for a beloved local space, Main Street Café and Bakery, a locally owned spot that came highly recommended by locals but unfortunately closed its doors in 2018. At the time, Angela was working as a Sous Chef at Mezza Luna, a role she loved, but she felt compelled to take the leap into ownership. Just four short months later, Good Company Cafe was born. Typically, this time of year is focused on catering and private bookings, but now Angela is ready to focus on dialing in the guest
experience. “The holidays are always a whirlwind,” she said. “The best way to support us this season is to think of us when you need stocking stuffers, and as always, come visit the friendliest little team in Huntsville.”
Earlier this year, Good Company Cafe was named our Hospitality Services Business of the Year, an honor the team has been dreaming of for a while.
“We’re so thankful to have celebrated so many incredible local businesses at the Small Business Awards over the past six years. Winning this year truly felt like a dream!”
As we continue to move into
the new year, Angela and her team look forward to seeing more guests experience her business. For more information about the restaurant and what they offer, visit goodcompany-cafe.com
– Kayla Brown
Funding Innovation
HudsonAlpha awarded over $2M for agricultural and forestry-related projects
A
labama Governor Kay Ivey has awarded HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology over $2 million through the Alabama Research and Development Advancement Fund to support three initiatives using biotechnology to strengthen Alabama’s agriculture and forestry sectors. Auburn University and The University of Alabama also received funding in this round.
“Researchers at these institutions have a track record of forging innovations that improve people’s lives in Alabama and beyond,” Gov. Ivey said. “Their far-reaching research impacts everything from the next wave of technology to the conservation of our forests. I am proud to support this important and pioneering work through these grant awards.”
endeavor to test new products. TRIALS addresses the challenge by pairing growers with researchers and agtech companies to conduct side-by-side field trials, tracking yields, soil health, and economic outcomes. The project will evaluate innovations such as Chonex’s StrongSoil® bio-fertilizer and SouthGen’s precision agriculture tools and drone imaging, generating real-world data that growers can use to guide their decisions.
Biotech to Accelerate Crops for Alabama: $938,992
This $1.87 million initiative, led by HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Kankshita Swaminathan, Ph.D., with support from ADECA and matching funds from partners including Mars Inc. and the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI, funded by the Department of Energy), leverages advanced plant genetics and biotechnology to strengthen Alabama’s agricultural economy. The project focuses on developing plant transformation technologies that enable researchers to produce improved crop varieties adapted to local environments. These new technologies will create opportunities for farmers to adopt crops designed for greater resilience, yield, and sustainability, addressing both current market crops and future alternatives.
Each HudsonAlpha project combines state investment with matching funds from the Institute, collaborating organizations, federal grants, and private donors. This funding model multiplies the value and impact of these public funds while strengthening Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.
TRIALS -
$309,576
In collaboration with agtech startups Chonex and SouthGen Solutions, TRIALS (Technology & Research for Innovation Ag Leaders) is a two-year pilot program led by HudsonAlpha in Alabama’s Wiregrass region, designed by HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Josh Clevenger, Ph.D. TRIALS focuses on accelerating the on-farm adoption of new agricultural technologies. Farmers often face narrow profit margins and environmental uncertainty, making it a risky
Safeguarding Alabama Wild Forests: $999,803
In partnership with the Paint Rock Forest Research Center in Jackson County, this $2 million project brings together one of Alabama’s most comprehensive natural forest studies with HudsonAlpha’s expertise in plant genomics to secure the future of the state’s multi-billion-dollar forestry industry. Led by HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Jeremy Schmutz, researchers in the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center will analyze the genetic diversity across at least 10 tree species as a pilot for up to 90, including elms, ash, black walnut, and shortleaf pine, to identify traits that can boost forest resilience to pathogens, pests, and environmental change. The project also aims to develop valuable germplasm resources for use in regional tree breeding programs that promote sustainability across the Southeast.
“These grants represent a powerful vote of confidence in HudsonAlpha’s ability to drive innovation through collaboration,” said HudsonAlpha President Neil Lamb, Ph.D. “We are deeply grateful for the State’s support and for the visionary partners and donors whose matching investments make these transformative projects possible. Together, we are advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for Alabama’s farmers, foresters, and communities.”
INVESTOR PROFILE
Chase Wortman President / CEO
Outpost Technologies
You’re a Huntsville native, and you’ve no doubt seen the Rocket City change since your childhood. What stands out the most to you?
I remember when the city felt much smaller, and growing up here, I don’t think I fully appreciated how special a place Huntsville is. Huntsville has always played an important part in the defense and space domains, but for many years it seemed to fly under the radar on the national stage. Now, Huntsville is routinely recognized not only nationally, but globally. It’s been incredible to watch Huntsville grow into one of the most desirable and innovative cities in the nation. This reputation has made it easy to attract new talent and to convince those with ties to Huntsville to come home! I’m thankful for the leadership that has guided that growth, encouraging progress while still preserving what makes this place so special.
Tell us about your team at Outpost Technologies and the work you do. I’m fortunate to work with an incredible team who make everything we do possible. Our people are passionate about creating practical, high-quality engineering solutions that leverage internal capabilities in advanced manufacturing and system integration to capture the full engineering lifecycle and deliver hardware to the defense and space industries. Some of our solutions include specialized optical tracking systems for UAS and space domain awareness, space rated metal based reflective optics, satellite refueling systems, and human rated quick disconnects for the International Space Station. Outpost also provides engineering services in test and evaluation, modeling and simulation, engineering analysis, and obsolescence engineering. We have been fortunate to work with almost every branch of our military as well as provide support to NASA and other civil government agencies. I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built, one rooted in excellence, innovation, and a shared desire to make an impact far greater than ourselves. We like to say that we are a small company doing big things and take pride in being able to prove our capability to solve problems that normally are only tackled by larger businesses.
How are you engaged as a member of the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative and what would you say to a company considering this type of investment?
After returning to Huntsville after college, I knew it was where I wanted to start a business. The Chamber has been a key player in the city’s productive development, and joining HREGI allows us to both support the stewardship of this great city and stay actively engaged in the business community. Huntsville is a unique place, and the Chamber is one of the best in the country for helping businesses stay connected locally and relevant in national discussions. The strategic networking opportunities are especially valuable and provide a valuable discriminator to find strategic business partners who are also investing in Huntsville.
Retailer of the Year: Haley’s Flooring & Interiors
Nearly 40 years ago, the team at Haley’s Flooring & Interiors began their journey as a small business in Huntsville. The company has continued to build its reputation as a highly engaged group in town. Just scrolling down their Facebook page, you’ll find photos from team Halloween celebrations (shown right) to community focused events like the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run. It’s easy to recognize their passion for the Rocket City.
Creating the culture at Haley’s Flooring & Interiors is something near and dear to co-owner Michael Haley. He says their success stems from the foundation established by the original owners. “My parents opened the business with a simple goal: to provide quality products with honest service. They built relationships with local homeowners, builders, and designers who trusted their word and craftsmanship. Over the years, the family foundation and community focus have helped us grow into what we are today,” Haley said.
That strategy has helped the team at Haley’s maintain their family’s
legacy, and now that legacy has added a new title as 2025 Retailer of the Year at the Chamber’s Small Business Awards. All the hard work, long hours, and commitment to doing things the “right way” made the difference, according to Haley. And the family thanks their parents for instilling that in them all those years ago. Moving forward, Haley’s continues to make a difference in the community by helping families prepare their homes for change. The holiday season is one of their favorites because it’s a season when they can focus on giving back. “The best way the public can support us during the holidays is to shop locally,” Haley said. “Whether you’re updating a space before family arrives or planning your dream renovation for the new year, choosing a local business keeps your dollars in the community and helps continue providing jobs and supporting our Huntsville community.”
– Kayla Brown
Arts & Recreation Business of the Year: Pinot’s Palette
Whether it’s the first brushstroke or the hundredth, Pinot’s Palette has found an approachable way for customers to create art. As a paint and sip studio, this Arts & Recreation Business of the Year offers public and private events, paint-at-home opportunities, and more. The winter season brings on a wave of new paintable scenes, and store co-owner Lauren Harris is excited to see more small businesses participate in their mission.
“Many people don’t realize that we also host mobile events which brings the experience directly to local businesses, neighborhoods, and clubhouses,” she continued. “This time of year is perfect for companies or small business teams to host a unique holiday party or team-building event.”
Harris and her business partner, Jennie Powell, chose to participate in the 2025 Small Business Awards to honor the community they serve. After hearing their name called, Harris said “shocked” was an understatement. “The best part wasn’t the award – it was hearing the cheers from the crowd and realizing that so many friends, supporters, and fellow business owners were celebrating with us,” she said.
Pinot’s Palette is located in Providence, near Mellow Mushroom, and offers online signups for most of their events. Class times and age ranges vary, but each class offers a fully stocked bar with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options. They also offer gift certificates as the perfect holiday gift experience. Some of the upcoming paint scenes include winter wreaths, snowmen, Christmas trees, a Hanukkah gnome, and much more. Visit their website at pinotspalette.com/Huntsville
– Kayla
Brown
L-R: Powell and Harris
Reaching New Milestone
Huntsville on track for nation’s highest concentration of National Board Certified Teachers
The Huntsville Committee of 100 (C100), in partnership with The Schools Foundation (TSF), announced November 6 that the region has raised $1 million to support 500 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) across Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County Schools. This milestone places the community on track to have the highest concentration of NBCTs in the nation of comparable MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas).
The milestone represents a five-year, business-led effort to invest in public education and strengthen the region’s long-term economic competitiveness. The initiative, Raise Your Hand, brings together business leaders, educators, and philanthropic partners to elevate teaching quality, improve student outcomes, and retain top talent in Huntsville/Madison County classrooms.
“This achievement reflects what makes Huntsville unique: business leaders, educators, and community partners uniting behind a long term shared vision for the future of public education,” said John Allen, CEO of the Huntsville Committee of 100. “Through sustained collaboration and persistence, we’re showing how local leadership can drive real progress. By investing in our teachers, we’re investing in the future workforce that will keep Huntsville and Madison County growing for generations to come.”
Raise Your Hand was launched in 2021 with a bold goal: to make the Huntsville/ Madison County MSA a national leader in teacher excellence. Since then, the number of National Board Certified Teachers has increased from 156 in 2020 to 254 in 2024, with an additional 178 educators currently pursuing certification.
“This milestone shows what can happen when a community stands behind its teachers,” said Jeanne Greer, executive director of The Schools Foundation. “As a lifelong educator, I’ve seen firsthand how National Board Certified Teachers elevate entire classrooms, supporting peers, inspiring students, and driving excellence across our schools. Raise Your Hand is changing what’s possible for public education in our region, one teacher at a time.”
National Board Certification is the teaching profession’s most respected credential – a rigorous, multi-year process that requires educators to demonstrate advanced knowledge, instructional skill, and measurable impact on student learning. Research shows that students of NBCTs gain one to two additional months of learning each year, particularly among high-need populations.
To learn more about this effort, visit creativecities.org
chamber staff
HUNTSVILLE/MADISON
COUNTY CHAMBER
Executive Staff
Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO
Staci Sellers director, governance support & special projects
Economic Development // CRP // Talent Initiatives
Lucia Cape , CCE, senior vice president
Erin Koshut , executive director, Cummings Research Park
Lyndsay Ferguson vice president, talent initiatives
Ken Smith , senior economic development director
Annie Davis , director, talent initiatives
Beth Zinn , program manager, Driving Possibilities™
Finance & Administration // Events
Mary McNairy, IOM, AACE, vice president
Joe Watson facility operations lead
Kim Weeks , accounting specialist – receivables
Dionne Scales , accounting & HR specialist
Diana Baccus , CMP, director, event management
Laura Carr, event specialist
Stefanie Smoot , resource desk coordinator
Government & Public Affairs
Mike Ward , CCE, senior vice president
Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI)
Kristy Drake , IOM, vice president, investor relations
Investor Relations // Membership
Kristy Drake , IOM, vice president, investor relations
Lakeysha Brown , director, membership & engagement
Richard Bigoney membership account executive
Hailey Anderson , IOM , membership retention specialist
Image Development & Communications
Claire Aiello , IOM, vice president
Kristi Sherrard , creative director
Kayla Brown , director, strategic communications
Hiroko Sedensky web designer
Small Business // Economic Inclusion
Ashley Engles-Ross , IOM, vice president, small business
ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS
uah.edu/sbdc
Going the Extra Mile
DRIVE Grants for Huntsville teachers
The Chamber Foundation is proud to celebrate the second year of DRIVE Grants, a partnership with Toyota Alabama and the United Way that recognizes and supports the creativity of Huntsville City Schools (HCS) teachers who bring innovative ideas to life in their classrooms.
Funded by Toyota Alabama and administered by the Chamber Foundation and the United Way, DRIVE Grants are competitive, application-based awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. This year, 60 HCS teachers received a total of $133,240 in grant funding to enhance instruction and student engagement across 10 schools in the Lee and Jemison High School feeder patterns.
To make the announcement extra special, representatives from Toyota Alabama, the United Way, and the Chamber Foundation surprised teachers with “Prize Patrol” visits October 21–22. The team presented teachers with certificates, cheers, and congratulations as they learned their classroom projects were selected for funding.
The 2025 DRIVE Grants support a wide range of projects that create hands-on, engaging opportunities for students. For example, grant funds will expand makerspaces and STEM labs; build outdoor learning spaces; purchase new musical instruments, theater equipment, and art materials; upgrade classroom libraries; add interactive PE equipment; and implement new communication tools for English Language Learners. Each project is designed to help students explore, create, and connect more deeply with what they are learning.
Participating schools include Jemison High, Lee High, McNair Junior High, Chapman Middle, Dawson, Highlands, Lakewood, MLK, Montview, and Rolling Hills.
As the program continues to grow, the Chamber Foundation remains committed to fostering partnerships that strengthen Huntsville’s talent pipeline. The Foundation extends its gratitude to Toyota Alabama for its continued investment in Huntsville’s educators and students, helping to build a stronger, more inspired generation of learners and future leaders across our community.
– Beth Zinn
