IO - March 2019

PHOTO: JEFF WHITE PHOTO: BOB GATHANY

march 2019

Bright Lights By the Numbers The Classroom Helping Hands Movers & Shakers Recent Events Space News A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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

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

bradley.com

200 Clinton Ave. W | Suite 900 | Huntsville, AL 35801 | 256.517.5200 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Frank M. Caprio., 256.517.5142, fcaprio@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 900, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Good health begins with good information.

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

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

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

Improving lives.

huntsvillehospital.org

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

Joined in January 2019 The Abercrombie Group Alabama School of Cyber & Engineering Foundation, Inc. Axxeum, Inc. BitBros, LLC Blue Summit Supplies Cogentica, LLC Davis, Redding & Associates LLC DRIVESMARTUSA Enterprise Ventures Corporation Farmers Insurance Group - Lori Brewer Forever Young Senior Veterans Fully Promoted GenConnect Recruiting & Consulting, Inc. Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Health Originz, LLC Home 2 Suites by Hilton Hometown Lenders Inc. Humatics Huntsville ChemDry La-Z-Boy Home Furniture Luminous Counseling & Consulting LLC Martin Industrial Supply MDW Associates Meridian Brick & Masonry Supply Microtel Inn & Suites PMI North Alabama Chapter Radial Solutions Inc. Redmond Construction Company LLC Schoel Engineering Silverbeet Creative Technical Micronics Controls, Inc. Trident Security Solutions, LLC. Twin Peaks Xtralis by Honeywell

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

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

AS OF MARCH 1, 2019

INVESTORS HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

REGIONAL PARTNERS

LEADERSHIP FORUM

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

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

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

Chamber Members: Send your company news to comms@hsvchamber.org

mar 2019 ON THE COVER: Keynote Chris Voss engaging the crowd at the Annual Membership Meeting page 20

From a recent PAR Chainsaw Safety, Tarping & Mud Out training class page 16

By the Numbers

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Bright Lights

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Helping Hands

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Recent Events

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Space News

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Movers & Shakers

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The Classroom

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

More Free Ballet Tickets: 13 WBC 2019 Events: 14 2018 Annual Report: 18 Watermark at Bridge Street: 29

Et cetera New Members: 4 HREGI Investors: 5 About IO & Board Listing: 8 Staff Listing: 30

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About IO

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2019 Executive Committee

Greetings fellow Chamber members!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for Spring. I think we’re all itching for warmer temps and sunlight after the recent chill and rain.

We hosted the Second Chance Job Fair just a few days ago. What an amazing event, connecting job seekers with employers, all in one room. More than 650 attended, meeting with 60+ companies. If you missed it, the good news is it’s not a one-time thing. We plan to bring it back, so we hope you’ll participate next time.

I had the opportunity to attend the State of the Schools event at the Jackson Center on February 13. We heard updates from the three superintendents of our public school systems, and new this year, three remarkable students who talked about their educational experiences. What a treat! They were truly inspirational and represent so many in grades K-12 who will be part of our future workforce. The Chamber Foundation is proud to partner with The Schools Foundation to present this annual breakfast.

The Chamber is a member organization – and the team appreciates your input and feedback.

The Chamber exists to help your company grow. Make sure you check out the many events they work to bring you – these include networking opportunities, professional development and educational classes to help you and your employees. For it to work, you’ve got to get engaged.

Additionally, Initiatives Online (IO) is an avenue for you to share your news – so please make sure you’re contributing. You can send it to comms@hsvchamber.org – and don’t forget a picture.

See you at a Chamber event soon!

Greg Brown 2019 Vice Chair for Marketing & Communications Chamber Executive Board

IO Staff Chip Cherry, CCE publisher Greg Brown 2019 vice chair, marketing & communications Claire Aiello editor Devon Elston contributors

Kristi Sherrard editorial designer Hiroko Sedensky web designer

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

Submissions for editorial content are accepted; however, placement is not guaranteed. Information in this and other Chamber publications is at the discretion of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe Ritch, Vice Chair, TV-BRAC, Sirote & Permutt, PC Penny Billings, Chair-Appointed, BancorpSouth Craig Naudain, Chair-Appointed, SAIC Dr. Karockas Watkins, Chair-Appointed, Ability Plus, Inc. Mayor Tommy Battle, Ex-Officio Member, City of Huntsville Mayor Paul Finley, Ex-Officio Member, City of Madison Chairman Dale Strong, Ex-Officio Member, Madison County Commission

Chris Pape, General Counsel, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. Chip Cherry, President & CEO, Chamber

Elected Board Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay Blake Bentley, SportsMED David Bier, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C. Lynn Collyar, Deloitte LLP John Dansby, Polaris Industries, Inc. Melissa Davis, MTA, Inc. John Eagan, BB&T Kevin Fernandez, Fernandez Financial Group, LLC Dr. Joe Green, Davidson Technologies, Inc. Joni Green, Five Stones Research Corporation Mike Gullion, Spur John Hall, All Points Logistics, LLC Ginger Harper, IBERIABANK Josh Herren, Yulista Lee Holland, Turner Construction Company Melody Holt, Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC Tharon Honeycutt, MSB Analytics, Inc. Amanda Howard, Amanda Howard | Sotheby’s International Realty Hank Isenberg, IronMountain Solutions Lauren Johannesmeyer, Google Fiber, Huntsville Sean Kelly, Regions Bank David King, Dynetics, Inc. Bob McCaleb, Northrop Grumman Corporation Kevin McCombs, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. Janice Migliore, PALCO Alana Parker, Rocket City Drywall & Supply, Inc. Jami Peyton, Canvas, Inc. Jim Rogers, Lockheed Martin Corporation Ashley Ryals, Homegrown, LLC Jeff Samz, Huntsville Hospital Sameer Singhal, CFD Research Corporation Beth Sippel, Synovus Robert “Bob” Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Sandra Stephens, Keel Point, LLC Cynthia Streams, Domino’s (Valley Pizza, Inc.) Ken Tucker, The Boeing Company Mike Watkins, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama John Watson, Torch Technologies Dennis Weese, Line-X, LLC

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

EMERGENCY CARE WITH

LESS WAITING

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

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

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

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

By the Numbers FEDERAL, STATE, OR MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS ACQUIRED BY CHAMBER MEMBERS

Torch Technologies Awarded $156.3M Lifecycle Engineering Support Contract Torch Technologies is pleased to announce it was awarded a $156.3M contract by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center’s (AMRDEC) Engineering Directorate (ED) for full spectrum technical research, development, and engineering support of DoD systems. The contract has a 3½ year period of performance including exercised options and will be executed primarily in Huntsville, AL. Torch’s team will integrate Army needs across the complete range of life-cycle engineering responsibilities for programs and products. Engineering expertise delivered under the contract enables comprehensive and rapid research, design, development, production, acquisition, test, delivery, sustainment, modification, modernization, and reclamation support for aviation, missile, ground, sea, and soldier systems and all associated development, production, and support equipment.

“The Lifecycle contract allows Torch to continue building upon our success delivering innovative solutions for Warfighter systems which rely upon ED’s broad lifecycle engineering expertise,” Torch President and CEO John Watson said. “We are honored to support this effort in partnership with the AMRDEC Engineering Directorate.” The U.S. Army AMRDEC is operationally aligned with the U.S. Army’s new Army Futures Command (AFC). The AMRDEC provides an extensive research, development, engineering, and acquisition capability to enable responsive solutions for the nation’s Warfighters.

AMRDEC has the mission to deliver collaborative and innovative aviation and missile capabilities for responsive and cost-effective research, development, life cycle engineering, and modernization solutions. ■

Yulista named in aviation contract award AAR Government Services Inc., Wood Dale, Ill. (N61340-19-D-1000); ACET JV LLC,* Waldorf, Md. (N61340-19-D-1001); Adams Communication & Engineering Technology Inc., Waldorf, Md. (N61340-19-D-1002); Aircraft Readiness Alliance,* Anchorage, Alaska (N61340-19-D-1003); The Boeing Co., Jacksonville, Fla. N61340-19-D-1004); The Boeing Co., Okla. City, Okla. (N61340-19-D-1005); DynCorp International, Fort Worth, Texas (N61340-19-D-1006); INNOVAIR LLC,* Chesapeake, Va. (N61340-19-D-1007); Kay and Associates Inc., Buffalo Grove, Ill. (N61340-19-D-1008); L-3 Communications Integrated Systems LP, Waco, Texas (N61340-19-D-1009); L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss.

(N61340-19-D-1010); Leidos Innovations, Gaithersburg, Md. (N61340-19-D-1011); M1 Support Services, Denton, Texas (N61340-19-D-1012); M7 Aerospace LLC, San Antonio, Texas (N61340-19-D-1013); Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Herndon, Va. (N61340-19-D-1014); PAE Aviation and Technical Services LLC, Arlington, Va. (N61340-19-D-1015); Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (N61340-19-D-1016); Sunrise Beach Corp., dba M2 Services Corp., Allen, Texas (N61340-19-D-1017); URS 10

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Federal Services, Germantown, Md. (N61340-19-D-1018); and Yulista Standard Aero (JV),* Huntsville, Ala. (N61340-19-D-1019), are each awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contracts.

These contracts provide for logistics services for the Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew and Related Services (CMMARS) Program in support of aviation platforms of various Navy and Air Force type/model/series aircraft, inter-related systems, subsystems, and services. CMMARS will provide contractor logistics services for fixedwing, rotary-wing, unmanned aircraft vehicles, and lighter than air vehicles, as well as integrally related systems and weapon systems. Logistical support to be provided includes logistics functions and maintenance tasks required to keep U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers aircraft ready, available, and operating worldwide.

CMMARS may be used for platforms at all phases of the acquisition life cycle. The estimated aggregate ceiling for all contracts is $12,599,999,930, with the companies having an opportunity to compete for individual orders. Work will be performed at various afloat and ashore locations inside the continental U.S. (99 percent); and outside the continental U.S. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2024.

No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. These contracts were competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; 21 offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity ■

KFS, LLC named in $46M contract for geospatial tasks Quantum Spatial Inc., Petersburg, Fla. (FA4452-19-D-A001); Geographic Information Services Inc., Birmingham, Ala. (FA4452-19-D-A002); Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va. (FA4452-19-D-A003); Woolpert Inc., Dayton, Ohio (FA4452-19-D-A004); and KFS LLC, Huntsville, Ala. (FA4452-19-D-A005), have been awarded multiyear indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with a combined cumulative face value of $46,564,206. These contracts will provide geospatial tasks and support functions for improved shared situational awareness and decision making across the various echelons of military hierarchy including individual level, installation level, and management headquarters level. Support may include technical assistance at Headquarters Air Force, field operating agencies, numbered Air Forces, main operating bases and reach-back support to forward deployed military personnel at forward operating locations, as well as a surge capability to quickly respond to wartime, contingencies and manmade or natural disasters. Work is expected to be completed

by Jan. 21, 2024, and will be performed at various bases throughout the Air Force. These contracts are the result of a competitive acquisition and seven offers were received. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders. The 763d Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity for the multiyear indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contracts. However, individual task orders will be decentralized. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Bright Lights ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HUNTSVILLE METRO

National Space Club to honor Lightfoot, ULA during Annual Awards Later this month, The National Space Club & Foundation will recognize its Annual Award Recipients. The recipients are selected by panels of experts from across the aerospace and defense industry, government and academia and are a testament to the inspiring work of individuals across the U.S. The Awards will be presented at the 62nd Annual Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner taking place at the Washington Hilton Hotel on March 22, 2019.

Robert M. Lightfoot, Jr. will receive the Club’s preeminent award, the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy, in recognition of his exceptional service to this country and its space program. Following an impressive career spanning 30 years at NASA, Lightfoot retired last Lightfoot April after having served as the Acting Administrator for 15 months, the longest tenure for an acting administrator in the agency’s history. He led NASA at a critical time in the history of space – a time with more significant development activity than NASA has seen since Apollo. While Acting Administrator, Lightfoot retained his permanent COO role as NASA’s Associate Administrator, the agency’s highest-ranking civil service position. In addition, he led seamless engagement between the agency and the White House in setting up the first National Space Council in 25 years, and in the development of Space Policy Directive-1 outlining a Moon-to-Mars focus. In his last public remarks before leaving NASA, Lightfoot imparted some final guidance to the community on managing risk and increasing decision velocity by sharing the following: “My charge to each of you as I depart is ‘strive every day to be a risk leader.’ This amazing endeavor will never be without risk, however, remember the benefit - we will change the world.”

The Delta II Program Team will receive the Nelson P. Jackson Award. From its origin as the launch vehicle for the first GPS satellites to NASA’s Earth observing, science and interplanetary satellites to vital commercial communication and imaging satellites, United Launch Alliance’s Delta II rocket has earned its place in history. First launching in 1989, the Delta II has been the industry workhorse launching 155 missions, including 57 national security launches, 52 NASA science missions and 46 commercial flights. The Delta II also holds the record for launching more satellites in a 90-day period than any other launch vehicle to date - 5 missions (17 satellites) from June 10 to Aug. 17, 1999. Its resume also touts several interplanetary trips, including NASA’s Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, the MESSENGER spacecraft to Mercury, the Phoenix Mars lander, Stardust, as well as the planet-hunting Kepler observatory and the twin lunar-orbiting GRAIL spacecraft. On its most recent and final mission, it delivered NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2), concluding an illustrious career with 100 consecutive successful 12

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launches. Throughout its almost 30 years of service, the Delta II rocket enabled technology to save lives, explore the universe and connect the world, and leaves a key legacy in the aerospace industry. ■

Geeks & Nerds acquires Q-Track Dr. Jonn Kim, CEO/CTO of Geeks and Nerds (GaN), and Stephen Werner, CEO of Q-Track Corporation jointly announced in January GaN’s acquisition of the assets of Q-Track, an innovative company providing indoor location, safety, and RF solutions, and the engagement of its management team.

L-R: Scott Faulkner, Dr. Hans Schantz, Dr. Jonn Kim, Stephen Werner, and Jerry Gabig

“We are excited about incorporating the technology and management team of Q-Track into Geeks and Nerds,” Kim explained. “Our combined knowledge and experience position us well for advanced research and technology in the areas of Electromagnetics, Wireless Communications, Position and Location, Cyber Electromagnetic Activity, and Radar. The talent and tenacity of Q-Track’s management and employees have created innovative product lines and unique intellectual property. Their success as a R&D company will compliment GaN. I can’t wait to make magic happen.”

“I’m delighted by the enthusiasm with which GaN has embraced the opportunities offered by Q-Track’s capabilities and technology,” confirmed Werner.

“We’ve always been geeks and nerds at Q-Track,” added Q-Track co-founder and CTO, Dr. Hans G. Schantz. “This just makes it official.” Schantz will serve as Principal Scientist of GaN, and will help support the transition of Q-Track’s legacy products and capabilities to GaN. ■

Mission Multiplier is ISO 9001:2015 certified Mission Multiplier has announced the company is now ISO 9001:2015 certified. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality management standard that presents guidelines intended to increase business efficiency and customer satisfaction. This is achieved by embedding and implementing a quality management system throughout the entire organization.

Mission Multiplier spent months developing and implementing a quality management system based on eight key principles: a Customer Focus, Good Leadership, Involvement of People, a Process Approach to Quality Management, a Management System Approach, a Commitment to Continual Improvement, a Factual Approach to Decision Making, and High-Quality Supplier Relationships. ■ A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

HSV Ballet offers Chamber members free tix to Romeo & Juliet The Huntsville Ballet Company invites members of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber to attend an upcoming performance free of charge!

The Huntsville Ballet will present Romeo and Juliet April 12-14, 2019. Member companies can request up to six tickets at no cost for the performance on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.

To do so, please send an email to tickets@huntsvilleballet.org with your company’s name, contact number and address. The Huntsville Ballet will mail the requested tickets a few weeks before the performance.

Huntsville Ballet holds a long and rich history in the art of dance.

It brings the finest quality of dance to the region, performing ballets such as The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, The Firebird, Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty. Each year, The Nutcracker affords students from Huntsville Ballet School the opportunity to audition and perform with the Company at the VBC Concert Hall with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Choreographed by Artistic Director Phillip Otto, Romeo and Juliet is based on the tragedy written by William Shakespeare and set to the beautiful score of Sergei Prokofiev. The classic tale follows the well-known story of two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This ballet is a favorite among the romantic classical works. Guest dancer Logan Paschall will dance Mercutio alongside Huntsville Ballet Company dancers and additional guest dancers from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. â–

continued on page 16 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Women’s Business Council planning several events for 2019

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Huntsville. The WBC is planning another similar event this month – look for details soon.

The Council is working hard to bring about overall change and acceptance for all women within the business community.

– Devon Elston

CHRIS MCNISH, SWEEP GAP, INC.

It’s Women’s History Month! In the spirit of celebration and recognition, we’d like to highlight Huntsville’s very own Women’s Business Council (WBC). The WBC is an organization dedicated to advocate for and promote women-owned businesses in the Huntsville/Madison County area. The Council’s main focus this year is to provide programming and networking opportunities for women-owned businesses and business owners. The WBC’s mission is to ensure the success and growth of those businesses by creating a safe space to discuss common business challenges, while also nurturing a sense of community.

The Council will be introducing a variety of new events this year, including the new Coffee Chat Series. Each Coffee Chat will be hosted by women-owned business owners, giving participants the opportunity to mix and mingle with other women in business. The ultimate goal of this series is to create an environment that really encourages each person to learn from one another.

The Council will also host Leadercast Women this upcoming May. Leadercast Women provides participants with a transformative leadership experience, encouraging leaders from all walks of life to attend and really hone in on their leadership skills and styles. This event will allow attendees to virtually hear from a group of remarkable women who have made significant achievements in businesses and communities and share their stories and insights.

Of course, we can’t forget about the annual Women Who Lead: Women-Owned Business Celebration! In 2017, Mayor Tommy Battle declared March 30th “Women-Owned Business Day” for the City of

2019 Women’s Business Council – Front Row (L-R): Alka Bhargav, AUM Foundation; Ashley Ryals, Homegrown Huntsville; Danyell Miller (Chair), Nterspec Technologies; Rachel Chapman (Co-Chair), Express Employment Professionals; and Emilie Dover, Rocket City Digital. Back Row (L-R): Tamela Gibbs, Wavelink; Bonnie Powers, Cornerstone Supply; Melody Holt, Holt and Holt Entrepreneurship; Alice Lessman, Signalink; Jenny Johnson, Armstrong Relocation Company.

Not pictured: Terry Dumer, A. G. D. Insurance; Debbie McGee, PZI International Consulting; Janice Migliore, PALCO.

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Helping Hands SERVANT LEADERSHIP | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

PAR: Prepare And Respond Local Faith-Based Volunteers Help at Disaster Scenes Near and Far

PAR

(Prepare And Respond) was formed in response to the destruction from the April 2011 storms that spawned 39 tornadoes across North Alabama. Groups of faith-based volunteers continued to work for weeks after these devastating storms and soon they united to become an active group committed to disaster response.

PAR’s primary mission is to help following local disasters by giving assistance to meet the needs of victims in North Alabama and surrounding areas. PAR specializes in removing trees and debris from tornadoes, thunderstorms, ice storms and floods. They also secure properties from further damage by tarping roofs, boarding doors and windows and cleaning up flood damage. PAR aids the community by helping the disabled, homebound and uninsured.

As needed, PAR also travels to other states to assist in large-scale disaster clean-ups. Recently teams of PAR volunteers with equipment helped in Texas, North Carolina and Florida including four deployments to Panama City, Florida following Hurricane Michael. When working out of state, PAR often partners with national disaster relief organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and Hope Force International.

PAR’s aim is to prepare before a storm so they can respond after the storm. They work in advance to have both people and equipment at the ready to help after a disastrous event. The team doesn’t just show up with volunteers, but also with heavy equipment to get the job done.

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Training opportunities are offered throughout the year to provide volunteers with the skills needed when disaster strikes. These include on-site and hands-on practice with equipment and skilled instructors.

Volunteers are qualified to effectively and quickly assist when the need arises.

Local churches maintain their own disaster relief trailers stocked with chainsaws, generators, power tools and other needed items. A special mud-out trailer is equipped for dealing with flood damage.

PAR also maintains heavy equipment such as bobcats, backhoes, manlifts, dump trailers and vehicles for transporting equipment and volunteers.

PAR is a 501c3 organization of The Huntsville Dream Center. It is made up entirely of volunteers – male and female, young and old, businesses, and churches of all denominations. It is fully funded by charitable donations and proceeds from an annual Fall golf tournament.

For more information or to see more of PAR in action and to get involved, check out PAR’s Facebook page or visit parforthecause.org

■ Story and photos contributed by Bob Gathany

BRYANT BANK CARES

Bryant Bankers care because Alabama is our home, too. We rise by lifting others and proudly put our care into action to help fellow Alabamians invest in their full potential.

We invite you to visit one of our two convenient locations in Downtown or Southeast Huntsville or call us to learn more today.

BRYANTBANK.COM A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Check out the Chamber’s

2018 Annual Report We distributed copies of our 2018 Annual Report to those in attendance at our 83rd Annual Membership Meeting in February. Some of the highlights include: ■ Five new companies, bringing 4,207 jobs and $2,363,367,600 in capital investment ■ Thirteen existing companies adding 982 jobs and $346,653,096 in capital investment ■ 185 existing industry visits, to gain insight and feedback from companies ■ 91 percent occupancy rate in Cummings Research Park; 3 groundbreakings, and 10 ribbon cuttings in The Park ■ Revamped workforce education initiatives, including the debut of ASmartPlace.com career exploration portal To see the complete report, click HERE to view on Issuu.

And thanks to Davidson Technologies for sponsoring our Annual Report! ■

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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Recent Events HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

83rd Annual Membership Meeting

PAGE 20 PHOTOS BY JEFF WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

We were excited to see everyone for our Annual Membership Meeting, held February 6 at the Von Braun Center North Hall.

Our business of the day included installing Kim Lewis as our 2019 Board Chair.

Lewis is CEO of PROJECTXYZ, Inc. and the first African-American woman to serve as our Chair.

Before handing over the gavel, our 2018 Chair, Gary Bolton, surprised a deserving community servant with the Distinguished Service Award, the Chamber’s highest award given to an individual. He presented it to Alicia Ryan, CEO of LSINC, who is also helping to establish the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, a new state magnet school in Huntsville (shown right).

Our keynote speaker was Chris Voss, a retired FBI kidnapping negotiator who discussed how different tactics used in high-stress situations to save lives can also be applied to the business world. We enjoyed his expertise and humor! ■

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RECENT EVENTS CONTINUES ON PAGE 22

BY CLAIRE AIELLO

Senator Richard Shelby hosts 2019 Washington Update

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby gave his annual address to members of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber on February 4, first hitting the topic that was on everyone’s minds — the recent partial government shutdown, and the impending February 15 deadline which was still approaching at the time, that could mean another similar situation.

“Nobody wins in a shutdown, not the President, not the Speaker, and who really loses is the American people,” said Sen. Shelby.

Sen. Shelby spoke about his role on a 17-person bipartisan conference committee tasked with creating a deal on border security and President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. The committee reached a deal on February 11.

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Sen. Shelby then got to the topic of Huntsville. “Huntsville’s on fire. The whole area is on fire economically. You’re attracting everything here. You’ve got the brainpower here, the workforce, you’ve got the good attitude of the county commission, economic development and the city,” said Sen. Shelby. “In Congress, we’re doing everything we can to make the footprint of Huntsville bigger, in regards to what you do here, and what you can do here.”

Sen. Shelby discussed the new $110 million federal courthouse coming.

Construction could start in the next year. It will be built on five acres the city purchased at the corner of Gallatin Street and Lowe Avenue. ■

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RECENT EVENTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

BY CLAIRE AIELLO

Second Chance Job Fair pairs companies with job seekers who are ready to work There are many in our community who want to find a job, but for whatever reason, they haven’t been able to connect with employers. It might be that they didn’t know what resources were out there, or they haven’t been in the workforce for several years.

Maybe they had a criminal history, or fought drug addiction and overcame it – now wanting to create a fresh start for themselves and their family.

The goal of our Second Chance Job Fair on February 27 was to get job seekers and companies in the same room and help them make these important connections. More than 60 companies participated, representing fields such as hospitality, home care, construction, home improvement, staffing, and financial services. An estimated 650 job seekers came through the doors at the Jaycee Community Building in Huntsville, dressed for success and prepared to interview.

This was the first such event in our area, and we plan to bring it back on an annual basis. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber presented this in collaboration with the local Alabama Career Center, the Alabama Community College System, other nonprofits, and community agencies to help bridge the gap between under-resourced job seekers and employers. The Second Chance Job Fair provides opportunities for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, have dropped out of high school, who are not achieving their full potential, or are in need of a second career chance.

The mission of this initiative is to assist our local companies in finding capable workers and to empower members of our community by improving their quality of life and financial stability. ■

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

space news

Liquid Hydrogen Tank Test Article helping NASA prepare for SLS Flight Can NASA’s SLS rocket Core Stage withstand the millions of pounds of pressure that it will experience during launch? There’s only one way to be sure, short of actually launching. NASA is performing important work on its new Test Stand 4693, using a large structural test article brought to Huntsville from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans in December. This is to prepare for the first flight of the Space Launch System (SLS). WATCH VIDEO The 149-feet-tall hydrogen tank is structurally identical to the flight version of the tank that will comprise two-thirds of the core stage. It holds 537,000 gallons of supercooled liquid hydrogen.

Dozens of hydraulic cylinders at the test stand will “push and pull the tank” to subject it to stresses the core stage is expected to see during liftoff.

The first test flight of the SLS is expected sometime in 2020.

– Claire Aiello

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Movers & Shakers NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AND RECOGNITION OF TALENT

Gabram

Maj. Gen. Douglas M. Gabram, commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, has moved to director for test, Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. ■

Steve Cook, Mike Moody and Ronnie Chronister have

Brig. Gen. Kenneth T. Royar, deputy commanding general (Support), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, has moved to commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. ■

Royar

Christina Freese, the business director of the U.S. Army Engineering and

Support Center, Huntsville, was recently chosen to participate in a succession management program federal agencies use to identify and prepare aspiring senior executive leaders.

Freese was selected to participate in the 2019 Veterans Affairs Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.

Since the Army doesn’t currently offer an equivalent development program, Freese sought options with other federal agencies and because the VA is an important Huntsville Center stakeholder, she said she felt the VA program was a great opportunity to learn more about the Cabinet-level agency that provides benefits and services to eligible U.S. military veterans around the world.

“I am pleased to participate with the VA,” Freese said. “The services the VA provides our veterans are essential and, since the VA is also an important stakeholder with Huntsville Center, this appeared to be a great opportunity for me to learn more about them.”

According to the Office of Personnel Management website, an SESCDP is designed to further develop SES candidates’ competencies in each of the Executive Core Qualifications. Graduates of SESCDPs who are certified by OPM’s Qualifications Review Board may receive an initial career SES appointment without further competition.

QRB-certified graduates typically start their SESCDP with experiences normally obtained at the GS-15 level, or equivalent. However, some agencies open their SESCDPs to individuals at the GS-14 level, or equivalent. Note that QRB certification does not guarantee placement in the SES, and SESCDP participation is not required for selection into the Senior Executive Service.

Freese was one of only two Army-employee candidates selected for the competitive program which seeks out individuals possessing Freese the qualities and abilities needed in executive leaders across the federal government.

When Freese received notification of her selection, she said she was excited, honored and thankful.

“I knew the process would be very competitive and that only a small number of 24

applicants would be selected, especially from outside the VA,” Freese said. “So I was thrilled the selection panel found my career potential worthy for the cohort group.”

Although SESCDP is challenging and requires considerable effort including developmental assignments outside Huntsville Center, Freese will continue in her role as the Center’s business director during the 18 to 24-month program. ■

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been promoted by Dynetics CEO Dave King – Cook and Moody as executive vice presidents, and Chronister as a senior vice president.

“Steve and Mike have been a large part of leading our company’s restructuring and growth, both in size and capability. Their roles have continued to expand and their promotions align their titles with their levels of responsibility. Steve leads our Corporate Development Cook organization, which has expanded to provide a wider range of strategic and growth development services to the company. Steve also serves as president of our Dynetics Technical Solutions subsidiary, which performs large-scale mechanical fabrication. Mike manages our Business Operations activity. His rich experience as a long-time technical manager at Dynetics affords him a unique perspective for tailoring our business execution practices to keep our engineering organizations flourishing,” said King.

The 45-year old company has seen the federal and commercial landscapes shift as well. Chronister, who leads the contracts organiMoody zation, has worked to keep the company well-prepared to address the challenges of larger, development-oriented business endeavors.

“Our portfolio of contracts has become considerably more complex in all aspects.

Ronnie has led our Contracts personnel to become more proactively engaged with our technical staff to work more efficiently as a team.

And his years of experience working with numerous government and industry leaders have proven most valuable in developing and maintaining key relationships,” King added.

Chronister Cook has been with Dynetics for a decade, while Moody’s tenure has been more than 30 years. Chronister joined in 2014. ■

Allison Marie Rhen has been promoted to Executive Vice President of

Operations for MJLM Federal Services’ Engineering and Technical Services Division (E&TS). In her new position, Rhen is the chief executive and market leader for E&TS. She manages the division’s overall strategic direction including developing strategic partnerships to best serve existing and potential customers, and implementing short-, medium- and long-term objectives to meet E&TS’ mission and requirements. She is also responsible for identifying growth opportunities in E&TS’ niche markets of systems engineering, logistics, and research and development, while overseeing current and prospective customer relationships.

Rhen started her career with E&TS seven years ago. During her tenure, she has served as Director of Business Development as well as a member of the E&TS’ continued on page 26 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

MOVERS & SHAKERS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Executive Leadership Team. Her demonstrated marketing and leadership skills have been paramount in building brand awareness for E&TS in the Tennessee Valley Region and beyond. Through her marketing expertise, MJLM has developed strategic partnerships with local industry leaders in the defense market. She has also cultivated long-term relationships with E&TS’ current and potential customers to grow the division’s systems engineering, research and development, and logistics support services business lines. Under her guidance, E&TS has expanded into the research and development sector to include being awarded Department of Rhen Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) contracts supporting Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Currently, Rhen is serving as President of the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT), Vice President for the Huntsville Association of Technical Societies (HATS), and Membership Director for Women in Defense-Tennessee Valley Chapter (WID-TVC). She is also active in the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber where she serves as a Chamber Ambassador. Rhen graduated summa-cum laude from Alabama A&M University with a double-major in Business Management and Marketing, and holds an MBA from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. ■

David Fernandes and David Nast have been appointed to the board

of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Birmingham Branch. Their terms began January 1, 2019, and run through December 31, 2021.

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Fernandes has served as president of Toyota Manufacturing Alabama Inc. since 2017. He was vice president from 2016 to 2017.

Before joining Toyota Manufacturing Alabama, Fernandes served Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky as general manager and assistant general manager of production manufacturing. Prior to that, he Fernandes served as a project general manager for Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America and assistant general manager for Toyota North America.

Fernandes is a member of the boards of directors of the Business Council of Alabama – Huntsville Area and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. He is a member of the Huntsville Committee of 100. Fernandes earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1993.

Nast has served as president and chief executive officer of Progress Bank and Trust since 2007. Before joining Progress Bank, he worked in various positions with increasing responsibility with AmSouth Bank.

Nast is chairman of the Huntsville Museum of Art, vice chairman of the Alabama Bankers Association, and a member of the boards Nast of directors of the Huntsville Committee of 100, the Huntsville Sports Commission, and Leadership Alabama. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Jacksonville State University. He completed Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta branch directors provide economic information from the branch territory to the district bank’s president and head office directors, who

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO

use the information in discussing monetary policy options and making discount rate recommendations. Nast was appointed by the Atlanta Fed’s board of directors. Fernandes was appointed by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington DC. ■

Doug Magee has been named by Akima, LLC the president of Akima Support Operations (ASO), one of the Akima family of companies. Magee will report directly to Scott Rauer, president of the Akima Facilities Solutions Group, and will focus on expanding ASO base operations and facilities support to global government customers.

Prior to joining ASO, Magee served as senior vice president for business development at Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) where he was responsible for leading a team of business development, capture, proposal, and marketing professionals focused on expansion goals through new business growth. Magee has held prior leadership roles with Michael Baker International, DynCorp International, and KBR. He also served Magee as a United States Army Transportation Corps officer.

“Doug comes with a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, including a demonstrated ability to drive growth through the pursuit of new business,” said Rauer.

“We are excited to welcome Doug to the Akima team, and we are optimistic about the impact he will have on ASO.” ASO, a wholly owned subsidiary of Akima LLC, is an experienced provider of base operations, logistics and maintenance support services to the federal government. A provider of high quality services with a world class record of safety, ASO supports the missions of military and civilian government customers with project management, transportation services, base supply services, materiel maintenance, and civil engineering services. ■ Turner Construction Company announced in January an expansion

of its Self-Perform Operations (SPO) division in Huntsville, with four veteran employees being promoted to senior roles.

Turner’s SPO division handles a wide range of specialized construction tasks including concrete foundation and excavation work, drywall and carpentry. This increases efficiency during the pre-construction phase of projects, ensuring a high level of quality and safety and enabling greater control over project schedules from their earliest stages.

Shannon Hines has been promoted to national SPO director, in which he’ll work to maximize growth and profitability of Turner’s self-perform capabilities on a national level. Hines has been a senior vice president at Turner since 2011 and joined the company in 1992.

Dick Conway has been promoted to project executive. He previously served as a senior project manager.

His new responsibilities will include supporting project teams in the SPO group, as well as with subcontracted work. He has been with Turner for a combined period of 10 years.

Brendan McCormick will retain his current title of industrial project executive, but will oversee the development of Turner’s new fabrication shop, which will be operational in early 2019. He will also support growth in the manufacturing and industrial market as Turner invests in resources and increases its capabilities. He has been with Turner since 2000.

Brandon Tucker has been promoted to self-perform manager, where he will

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oversee the company’s traditional SPO offerings. He previously was a project engineer, and originally joined Turner in 2008.

“As we expand Turner’s Self-Perform Operations nationally and prepare to open our new fabrication shop in early 2019, we knew we needed the right people to fill these vital roles,” said John Gromos, vice president and general manager at Turner.

“Shannon, Brendan, Dick and Brandon have each distinguished themselves during their years at Turner, and their knowledge and experience will be key to our success as we constantly improve our existing self-perform services and expand into new ones.” ■

Lauren Barrett has been hired as North Alabama Regional Director of The Al-

abama Kidney Foundation. Barrett will oversee local special events, including the annual Kidney Walk, and programs provided to kidney patients in the region.

Barrett has an extensive background in nonprofit management and fundraising. Most recently, Barrett worked as the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Decatur. Barrett also served as the Barrett Campaign Specialist for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Huntsville.

The AKF serves kidney patients by providing financial assistance, education, and support services. It also promotes public education to prevent kidney disease and raise organ donation awareness. For more information, visit www.alkidney.org. ■

John Jordan has joined enVention® as a key executive advisor. He will help

guide the company through its next expansion phase by drawing upon his 35+ years of leadership experience in fast growing companies and a technical career focused largely on weapons system support and analysis.

Jordan holds a Master’s of Management Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master’s of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He completed his undergraduate work at Vanderbilt University with double majors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Jordan previously served as a Senior Vice President overseeing Jordan operations of the KBRwyle Engineering Business Unit with 3,000 employees in 35 locations nationwide. Prior to that, he served as the CAS Group President and led KBRwyle’s business in Huntsville with over 1000 employees supporting a broad range of federal, commercial, and international customers. He is well-known in the defense community as a long time CAS, Inc. executive who participated in several corporate acquisitions, and has also served on the Board of Directors for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber.

“We’re excited to welcome John Jordan to the enVention family,” said Tina Barnes, co-founder at enVention. “David and I have known John for many years and have admired his many career achievements. John shares our corporate values and dedication to the warfighters that we support. We’re confident that his leadership and knowledge will contribute to the success of the company and look forward to enVention’s future with John on our team!”

“Tina and I are highly confident that John Jordan will help us continue the momentum that our team has built over the past nine years,” said enVention co-founder David Ramsden. “There are few people with his track record, depth of knowledge, and experience in our core markets.” ■ Send your news to: comms@hsvchamber.org – and include a photo. mar 2019 initiatives

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Live in the Park!

Watermark at Bridge Street puts you within walking distance of work

Cummings Research Park is redesigning itself for the future, ensuring the Park is a place to live, work and play.

The “live” part is now possible at Watermark at Bridge Street Town Centre, located at 6854 Governors West NW. This is the first time apartments have ever been located inside CRP! Watermark at Bridge Street Town Centre features five different floor plans with a variety of price points, including stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, designer carpeting and hardwood floors. It is located next to prime shopping, dining and entertainment. Many

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

apartments also feature a full-size washer and dryer included.

If you work in CRP, you’ll be within walking or cycling distance to your office.

Watermark at Bridge Street Town Centre is smoke free. It also has a number of other amenities: Wet Lounge, Courtyards, Focus Rooms, Detached Garages, Valet Trash, Dog Park, Game Room, Sparkling Pool, and a 24-hour Fitness Center, among others.

To inquire about leasing, call 256-567-4400. For more information, visit them HERE. ■

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Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

STAF F Executive Staff

Chip Cherry, CCE, president & CEO Meghan Chambliss,

executive assistant / economic development coordinator

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

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

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

Membership

Delivering Breakthrough Solutions CFDRC.COM CFDRC.COM

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

Small Business & Events Pammie Jimmar, IOM, vice president Devon Elston, coordinator

Finance & Administration Design & Manufacturing of Industrial Heating Products

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

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

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

HSVchamber.org

Associated Organizations

theschoolsfoundation.org www.uah.edu/sbdc

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The Classroom ALL TYPES OF EDUCATION NEWS

School Leaders, Business Community Unite for 2019 State of the Schools

A

bout 400 people attended the 2019 State of the Schools event held on February 13 at the Jackson Center in Huntsville.

This annual breakfast is presented by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and The Schools Foundation. It focuses on the mission, vision, data and strategic goals for the future of public education across Madison County.

Superintendents from Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools and Madison County Schools participated in a panel discussion and discussed how students in their respective systems are preparing to graduate college and career ready.

Christie Finley, Huntsville Superintendent, said she has made it her main focus to support Finley teachers with the tools they need to help each student succeed.

Matt Massey, Superintendent of Madison County Schools, said he is very proud of the number of students in his school system who are challenging themselves by Massey taking Advanced Placement classes.

Robby Parker, Madison Superintendent, talked about his system’s rapid growth. During his two years as Superintendent, 800 students have joined the system.

New this year, students from each school system (shown right) spoke about their educational experiences.

The students included Regina Harris, a senior at New Century Technology High School, Elijah Luna, a senior Parker at Sparkman High School, and Elizabeth Kasprzak, a senior at Bob Jones High School.

This event brings our business and education communities together to highlight the Pre-K-12 education programs that are preparing students for long-term success in our region.

The Schools Foundation and Chamber Foundation have a Text to Give campaign active through April to support various teacher programs. These include covering the cost of Industry Insight Days and sponsoring teachers for National Board Certification. You can help by texting: 44321, message: SOTS19, and following the link.

– Claire Aiello

Harris

Luna

Kasprzak

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