IO - May 2019

may 2019

Bright Lights By the Numbers ChamberON The Classroom Government & Space In the Park Movers & Shakers Small Biz Synapse 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 | 256.517.5100 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Frank M. Caprio., 256.517.5142, fcaprio@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 900, Huntsville, AL 35801. Š2018

Good health begins with good information.

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

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

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

Improving lives.

huntsvillehospital.org

welcome new chamber members Joined in February 2019 256 Realty, LLC Aquaphase, Inc. Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken of Madison CrossTek Construction Electronic Express Every Child Has a Story Exchange Media Group Facebook Data Center Family Security Credit Union Floor Coverings International of Huntsville Gray Analytics Healthy Fun Worx The Hendley Group Hoar Construction Holder Construction Company HoneyBaked Ham Company Huntsville STEAM Works Interconnect Systems Corp.

JMA Designs Job Impulse, Inc. KG Consulting Group Inc. Maestro Maintenance Management Mortgage Right - Huntsville NB Holdings Phased N Research, Inc. Politically Correct Consulting SJ&L General Contractor Suburban Extended Stay Team Buxton, Keller Williams Realty Technologie, Inc. TIAG Vinny’s Greek and Indian Grill Viz3Dspace Design & Photography Ward Scott Architecture

Joined in March 2019 1st Family Mortgage Company A Head for Profits AFC - American Family Care Hampton Cove Char Restaurant Charter Senior Living at Wellpoint Childress Accounting, LLC Cyberspace Solutions Direct Auto & Life Insurance Diversified Durante Home Exteriors Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers FINA - Fertility Institute of North Alabama Flourish Consulting Services Granite Empire of Huntsville ISSAC Corp J3 Web Technologies K. Pierce Consulting, LLC Kirkland Outdoor Solutions Legend Realty Madison - Loraine Cordule LifeCenters Communities, LLC LMS Metal Sales loanDepot Madison Behavior Therapy Madison Street Wealth Advisors Magic City Parking Meyer & Lee Fine Jewelry Reliant Technologies, Inc. The Rhapsody, LLC Rocket City Vital Care Rooster’s Crow Coffee Roastery Sequatchie Concrete Service, Inc. UAVsPOINT UIC Maintenance & Mfgr/ Bowhead Holding Company University Medical Transformational Beauty Verta Technologies Walmart Store #332 We Chunk Junk Williams Sonoma Parkway Place YS, Inc. ZMicro Systems

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 APRIL 29, 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 ■ Bill Penney Toyota/Mitsubishi ■ Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. ■ Five Stones Research Corporation ■ Intrepid ■ Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation ■ 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 ■ Bailey-Harris Construction Bid Designs, LLC ■ 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 Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau ■ Huntsville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. ■ INTERFUZE Corporation Investor’s Resource – Raymond James Financial Services ■ IronMountain Solutions ■ The Karen Morris Team at Keller Williams Realty ■ Legend Realty – Jim Hoekenschneider ■ LINE-X, LLC ■ The Lioce Group, Inc. ■ MAG Aerospace MSB Analytics, Inc. ■ National Bank of Commerce ■ nLogic, LLC ■ North Alabama Multiple Listing Service ■ PALCO ■ PFM Financial Advisors LLC ■ PHOENIX ■ PROJECTXYZ, Inc. ■ QTEC Aerospace ■ Quadrus Corp. ■ 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

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

may 2019 ON THE COVER: Walter Dandridge speaks during the ATF Demonstration & Tour page 21

Joe and Alicia Ryan with Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels and Secretary Jeana Ross, Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education page 21

By the Numbers

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Bright Lights

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The Classroom

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ChamberON

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Government & Space

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In the Park

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Movers & Shakers

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Small Biz Synapse

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

More Attention: Business Travelers: 16 Recent Media Accolades: 22

Et cetera New Members: 4 HREGI Investors: 5 About IO & Board Listing: 8 Staff Listing: 34

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About IO

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2019 Executive Committee

Greetings fellow Chamber members!

It is a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? It’s good to have the chilly season behind us and welcome in Spring. Before you know it, kids will be out of school for the summer too.

It is a busy time of year at the Chamber. One of the best ways you can make your membership work for you is to get engaged, and the team has plenty of opportunities for you to network and meet new business contacts.

Here are some upcoming events, including a few Save the Dates:

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,

June 12, 8 a.m.: Leadercast Women

Brown Precision, Inc.

Frank Williams, Vice Chair, Membership,

June 24–28: 2019 Armed Forces Celebration

Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep

June 24: Concert in the Park

Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Vice Chair,

June 26: Armed Forces Luncheon

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,

Small Business & Events, Transcend LLC

July 10: Alabama Update with Gov. Ivey Aug. 21: Washington Update with Sen. Jones Sept. 17: Annual Outing Sept. 27: Clay Shooting Tournament

Madison County Commission

Also, I encourage you to shop and dine local the week of May 5-11. Please participate in National Small Business Week and share the love on social media by posting pictures and tagging them #ShopLocalHSV. And... please make sure you’re sharing your company’s news with the Chamber’s communications team. You’ll see that Initiatives Online is filled with member contributions.

Send yours to comms@hsvchamber.org – pictures are encouraged!

I’ll 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, Amanda Falkner, Katie Martz 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

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

Elected Board Mike Alvarez, Venturi, Inc. Bill Bailey, Radiance Technologies, Inc. James Barclay Blake Bentley, SportsMED David Bier, Rocket City Trash Pandas 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

Colorectal Cancer is...

PREVENTable.

TREATable.

BEATable.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the United States.* Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. If everyone who is 45 years of age and up were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

Schedule your screening today! It could save your life. To schedule a screening at Crestwood, North Alabama’s only ASGE certified Endoscopy Center, call 256-429-4986.

*American Cancer Society

CrestwoodMedCenter.com

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

CFD Research Awarded $49,608,216 Army Contract, also wins NASA Vertical Life Work CFD Research Corp., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $49,608,216 cost-plusfixed-fee contract for environment analysis tools development, models, and test capabilities to support determination of weather environment effects on systems and sensors. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 10, 2024.

U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-D-0025).

On March 19, CFD Research announced it has also been awarded a small business prime contract for the Vertical Lift Technology Development (VLTD) program at NASA Ames Research Center. The five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract has a ceiling value of $24M. CFD Research and its team of subcontractors will provide aeronautical engineering, research, and development for vertical lift technology development, including aeromechanics modeling and analysis, simulation facility hardware and software development, aircraft performance and flight control systems analysis and evaluation, and mission effectiveness analysis and management. Air traffic management development is also included to assess and integrate new operating procedures for efficiency and safety.

“The VLTD award marks a major milestone for CFD Research on two key fronts; it is our first major service prime contract for NASA and our first major service prime contract outside of Huntsville, AL. It emphasizes our strategic goal to leverage our core research and development capabilities into on-site support for government customers,” said Steve Cayson, CFD Research COO and Vice President of Federal Services Division. ■

Lockheed Martin Corp. awarded $2.4B THAAD modification, $945M FMS contract Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a $2,457,390,566 modification (P00015) to a previously-awarded contract HQ014717-C-0032 for the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors and associated one-shot devices to support the U.S. government (USG) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case requirements.

The THAAD interceptors and associated one-shot devices will be procured under fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract line items. The value of this contract is increased from $1,431,251,585 to $3,888,642,151. One offer was solicited with one offer received. The work will be performed in Dallas, Texas; Sunnyvale, California; Huntsville, Alabama; Camden, Arkansas; and Troy, Alabama, with an expected completion date of April 1, 2026. Fiscal 2019 USG procurement funds in the amount of $922,729,226; and KSA FMS funds in the amount of $1,534,661,340 are being obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

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Lockheed Martin Corporation Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, is also being awarded a non-competitive hybrid contract line item numbers type (cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement) contract under Foreign Military Sale (FMS) cases to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The total estimated value of this contract is $945,900,000. Under this undefinitized contract action, the contractor will provide Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) FMS KSA Phase I long lead items, obsolescence, tooling and test equipment, key personnel, line requalification activities, initial training development, System Integration Lab and testbeds, three-level maintenance concept, exportability, and early engineering development. The work will be performed in: Dallas, Texas; Lufkin, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Anniston, Alabama; Camden, Arkansas; Troy, Alabama; and Sunnyvale, California. The performance period is from Feb. 28, 2019, through Oct. 31, 2026. KSA FMS funds in the amount of $945,900,000 will be used to fund this effort. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0147-19-C-0007). ■

Pinnacle Solutions awarded $553M contract with Army Contracting Command Pinnacle Solutions Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $553,200,000 cost-plusfixed-fee contract for instruction, mission support, information technology network support, operations and logistics. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 18, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-19-D-0006). ■

Avion Solutions awarded $8,656,308 modification for logistics support Avion Solutions Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded an $8,656,308 modification (000006) to contract W31P4Q-18-A-0047 for logistics support. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army; other procurement, Army; and research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,656,308 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. ■

Boeing awarded $29,000,000 modification for laser scaling, risk reduction work The Boeing Co., Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $29,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00019) to a previously awarded HQ0277-18-C-0003 contract. The value of this contract is increased from $33,000,000 to $62,000,000. UnA HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

COMPILED BY CLAIRE AIELLO

der this modification, the contractor will complete their laser scaling and beam control critical design review in support of the Low Power Laser Demonstrator risk reduction.

The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama. The period of performance for this effort is Dec. 8, 2017, to Sept. 6, 2019.

Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $28,685,504 are being obligated on this award. The Missile Defense Agency, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity.

PPT Solutions wins AMCOM Express Award for Technical Support for Aviation Engineering Directorate Apache Division PPT is pleased to announce its award of the AMCOM EXPRESS task for Technical Support to the Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED) Apache Division; an award valued at ~$17M over 5 years. PPT, along with teammates Avion Solutions and Torch Technologies, will provide airworthiness, qualification, and engineering support to the Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED), Apache Division, and to other elements of the Life Cycle Management Center (LCMC), for U.S. Army Apache aircraft.

PPT Solutions Inc. is a Small Business headquartered in Huntsville, AL with an office in Arlington, VA that provides systems and software engineering services to government and commercial aerospace organizations. ■

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Growing people while solving the Nation’s toughest problems.

• Hypersonic Weapons • Full Life-Cycle / C4 Engineering Services • Cyber Security & IT Innovative Solutions • Interactive Multimedia Instruction • Thermal Protection Systems • UAS & Intelligence Training • Digital Missile Simulation • Software & Security Engineering • Hypersonic Ground Test Facility Design & Development

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

i3-corps.com

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Bright Lights ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HUNTSVILLE METRO

Stealth-ISS Group® Inc. ranks No. 9 nationally on Vet50 List Inc. Magazine and Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) ranked Stealth-ISS Group® Inc. the #9 place on their annual Vet50 list. The Vet50 list, born out of the well-established Inc. 5000 list, is an annual ranking of the fastest-growing veteran-owned businesses in the country. The prestigious list represents the most successful companies in the nation, highlighting their unique differentiators.

Last year, Stealth-ISS Group® Inc. proudly ranked in the top 4 percent (#167) on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies of 2018 and now with the #9 ranking on Inc. Magazine’s Vet50 List, Stealth Group has showcased their uttermost success and ability to protect companies and agencies from all facets of cyber-crime and the down-time ramifications.

“We are delighted and humbled by this award,” said Robert Davies, CEO of StealthISS Group® Inc. “Most importantly though, it allows us to help share the messages of our ‘VETs first’ employment program and our stated mission of giving back to the Veteran community. For that we are very grateful.”

Integraang Personnel, Technology and Services to Exceed Customer Expectaaons

Stealth-ISS® Group Inc. is a privately-owned, Women-owned and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business headquartered in Arlington, VA that provides Information Technology Security Consulting with a focus on regulatory compliance, risk management and IT security services for both government and commercial customers. Stealth Group provides its clients the assurance that existing risks are minimized, regulatory and legal compliance is met, and intellectual property, client data and business operations are protected. The company also focuses on giving back to the military community by employing a high percentage of veterans. ■

Mynaric USA Inc. recognized by the Alabama Germany Partnership for continued commitment to Huntsville-Madison County Mynaric USA Inc. recently accepted an award commending the company for its continued commitment to Huntsville and the State of Alabama, from the Alabama Germany Partnership at their annual dinner in Birmingham, Alabama on March 7th. Dr. Ursina Krumpholz, Minister-Counselor and Head of the Economic and Business Section of the Federal Republic of Germany presented the award along with Greg Canfield, the Secretary of Commerce for the State of Alabama.

Mynaric USA, a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of a German company in Munich, chose to establish its United States headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2016. The growing team has been dedicated to working with local and national partners as well as customers to develop free-space optical communications products for airborne and space applications, including continued focused research and development with their affiliate companies in Europe.

“Mynaric USA is very pleased to be honored with this award and to be part of the heritage of the strong relationship between the State of Alabama and Germany,” said Davis Schmitz, Chief Operating Officer of Mynaric USA. Mynaric USA Inc. plans to continue its efforts in expanding capabilities in Huntsville, a growing hub for innovation and aerospace/defense technological progression. ■

Solutions you can count on

All Points 4815 Bradford Dr. Huntsville, AL 35805

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AS9100 Rev D ISO 9001:2015

www.allpointsllc.com

may 2019

Dr. Ursina Krumpholz presents award to Davis Schmitz, Mynaric USA Inc. VP and COO. A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

COMPILED / WRITTEN BY CLAIRE AIELLO

Broadway Theatre League announces exciting lineup for 60th Anniversary Season Broadway Theatre League (BTL) will celebrate 60 years in the Tennessee Valley with the 2019/2020 season, and they have some great performances lined up. Take a look at the numbers: during the last 60 years, BTL has presented 326 shows with 1,031 performances for 1,363,205 patrons.

Want to get tickets? Season Renewal, New Season Packages and Pick 3+ packages are now available. Drop by the BTL office located in the main hall of the Von Braun Center at 700 Monroe Street, call the BTL office at 256-518-6155 or visit BroadwayTheatreLeague.org. Individual show tickets will go on sale this fall.

Chamber members, corporate discounts are often available for a variety of performances – ask about them and consider buying extra tickets for your employees! ■

2019–2020 SEASON: SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL (Nov. 1-3) A BRONX TALE (Nov. 15-17) BANDSTAND (Jan. 3-5) WAITRESS (Jan. 17-19) THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Feb. 21-23) ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE (March 20-22) THE COLOR PURPLE (May 8-10) Additionally, check out these Season Extras: THE CHOIR OF MAN (April 4) RAIN, A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES-ABBEY ROAD (April 23)

continued on page 16 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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The Classroom ALL TYPES OF EDUCATION NEWS

UAH unveils plans for campus expansion, with new dining, entertainment, and event space UAH President Robert Altenkirch introduced a master plan for a 58-acre tract of land adjacent to the campus that would eventually establish a college town experience for The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

The goal of the master plan is to transition this property into a new district oriented toward the life of students, faculty and staff outside of the classroom.

“This property is giving us the opportunity to create a signature ‘college town’ experience,” said President Altenkirch at a meeting of the Board of Trustees for the University of Alabama System. The board met on the UAH campus April 12.

The new campus expansion will provide housing and lifestyle amenities, such as dining, entertainment, events, performances and outdoor recreation.

Features of the development would include: ■ Walkable Housing Options: A robust offering of student housing options that provides campus-adjacent living ■ College Town Vibe: A lively cluster of student-focused retail, food, and beverage options that builds the college town experience ■ Entertainment Anchors: The district will be anchored by a new multi-purpose facility that houses UAH hockey, basketball, volleyball, and events, as well as a performing arts theatre ■ Collaboration Ready: Providing office space for Huntsville’s private sector, the district can increase collaboration and offer world-class job opportunities for students

■ Talent Acquisition: Enhanced recruiting and retention of the most talented students and faculty from around the world Highlights of the UAH development would include an elevated pedestrian bridge across Sparkman Drive that would provide easier access to the development. The plan calls for housing for 2,000 students as well as 170,000 square feet of ground floor commercial retail development. A 165,000-square foot multi-purpose facility would house athletics, performance arts and community events. Another 3.5 acres would be preserved for parks and open spaces.

The school purchased land west of Sparkman Drive in 2017 for the expansion. It is largely an abandoned office park. The project would be paid for primarily by private developers, Altenkirch said. The multi-use facility could be funded

through a public-private partnership, he said.

Dr. Altenkirch said he discussed the proposed development with incoming president Dr. Darren Dawson. “Darren’s reaction was, and I quote, ‘The concept looks fantastic, especially the multi-use facility,” Altenkirch said. ■

Drake State to host community information events focused on employment training In the coming months, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) will host several events to make sure the community is aware of what the school offers for employment training.

A number of advanced manufacturing jobs are available in the Huntsville/Madison County area, and more are coming open in the near future.

The first of these events is scheduled for Saturday, June 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at Sims 315 Winchester Road in Huntsville.

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these opportunities and encourages everyone to spread the word to people they know who may be seeking a career.

“Providing information and connecting people to career opportunities is one of the many ways that Drake State seeks to support businesses in greater Huntsville,” said Sims.

Drake State is working to schedule other similar events in the near future. ■

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

VALUE

Training for Executors Essential Documents

Investments Lifestyle Sustainment

Transfer of Wealth

Wealth Preservation

End of Life Wishes

Tax Strategy

GOALS Long-term Care Medicare Elder Fraud Liability Mitigation

Housing Healthcare Caregiving Transportation

VISION

COMPREHENSIVE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Your Trusted Partner for Life 100 Essex Court, Suite C, Madison, AL 35758. 256-772-4646. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Investor’s Resource is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Neither Raymond James Financial Services nor any Raymond James Financial Advisor renders advice on tax or legal issues.

These matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional. invresource.com

Attention: Business Travelers!

D

oes your company spend over $50,000 annually on air travel?

Huntsville International Airport needs you to be an active member of our community’s Business Travel Council (BTC). This group plays a vital role in shaping and enhancing the Airport’s air service development efforts.

Currently, HSV is gathering corporate air travel data and asks community partners to participate. Passenger air service is a vital component to the economic health of our community and it requires the support of all. In today’s economic climate, airlines are not only looking at growing markets and new opportunities, but are interested in the corporate culture and support within the community. Through your participation, the Airport’s team hopes to share the latest trends and most accurate business travel forecast with potential new air carriers and airlines that already service HSV. Your participation is very important!

How your company can play a role in Huntsville’s Air Service Development: ■ Participate in the annual Air Service Spring Survey: Top destinations and number of trips, Estimated annual air travel budget, Demand for two classes of service, Company travel coordinator, Desired des-

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tinations, Key drivers in the decision making process, and Company incentives ■ Participate and respond to requests for Airline Meetings and support (HSV or Headquarters) ■ Identify the most efficient way to communicate with companies (email, calls, etc.)

■ Recommend other companies for BTC participation ■ Contact HIA when your business grows in existing or new markets; gaps in fares between HSV, BNA and BHM, experience bad airline customer service-cancellations, delays, baggage delivery and inability to rent cars at airport ■ Utilize Huntsville Hot Ticket to book flights out of HSV (256-2581944) ■ Sign Up to receive the Huntsville Hot Ticket email blast at www. huntsvillehotticket.com.

Click HERE to fill out Huntsville International Airport’s 2019 BTC Survey today!

■ Contributed by Katie Martz, Huntsville International Airport

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

ChamberON: Sponsorship campaign continues to grow ChamberON is in full swing, and our annual sponsorship campaign is open through July 31.

We invite you to browse our catalog for a number of professional development programs, events and services that may suit your company. Consider purchasing a sponsorship – these are available at a discount during our ChamberON campaign.

“We offer many great events and sponsorship opportunities,” said Kristy Drake, Director of Investor Relations and ChamberON. “I enjoy meeting with our Members to learn more about the focus and needs of their company. You might be interested in professional development for your employees, or you might be looking for networking opportunities with other local businesses. We offer a wide range of ways for you to get engaged and build your brand.”

See a sponsorship that interests you? Secure it by contacting Kristy today at kdrake@hsvchamber.org or 256-535-2036.

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valentgroup.com | 256-534-1944

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Government & Space EVENTS, MILITARY, POLITICS, AND THE GREAT BEYOND

Forever Young Senior Veterans in Alabama works to heal WWII Veterans in 2019 Forever Young Senior Veterans in Alabama is new to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, and we are so excited to be a part of this dynamic group!

Forever Young Senior Veterans began in 2006 in Collierville, TN as a wish-granting organization for veterans over 65 years of age. From a first pitch at a baseball game to flights in WWII aircraft, from repairing rooftops and replacing stolen medals, the organization evolved into sending veterans on “Trips of Honor” back to places they served or where there are memorials in their honor. The Alabama extension launched in March of 2017 after a local WWII veteran experienced a “Trip of Honor” to Pearl Harbor along with me, his granddaughter and a local teacher. After seeing the healing that took place on that trip, Elaine Oakes and Chris Batte’ got permission from founder Diane Hight to start a group here. We began seeking out veterans aged 65 and over to gather together and experience the honor, healing, and hope that the original group shared.

Back row L-R: Barry Sammet (Vietnam, Air Force), Tom McKinney (Vietnam, Marine) Front row L-R: Major Wooten (WWII, Army, 102 years old), Sherwin Callander (WWII, Navy)

The group began with an initial event in June 2017 called “D-Day on Display,” which featured 20 WWII veterans and many other veterans. The team planned it in just six weeks and raised about $5,000. They were thrilled, until they learned this amount was what it cost to send ONE veteran on a “Trip of Honor.” We felt we had to do more.

Momentum grew as more veterans heard about the group and its mission. After “Trips of Honor” to England and to Washington, DC in the fall of 2017, the Alabama group concentrated on providing more local trips for those heroes who couldn’t travel such long distances. In December, a group traveled to New Orleans to tour the National WWII museum. In the spring of 2018, the group traveled to Peachtree City in Georgia for the Commemorative Air Force for Heritage Days where WWII veterans got to fly in a B-17! They enjoyed seeing all the WWII vehicles and exhibits, but the highlight was the swing dance where they danced the night away.

We’ve hosted several other events, but the mission for 2019 is great, and the need is urgent— America loses 372 WWII veterans each day. In June, we will be taking four 18

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local WWII veterans back to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. One is 94 and still works full-time as an airplane mechanic at the Moontown Airport! One is a local celebrity, Sherwin Callander (AKA, the “Chick Magnet”.) Another is a former POW and Purple Heart recipient. And the fourth man is 102 years old! All but one have also been granted the French Legion of Honor medal, and the fourth is in process.

Later this year, we will also be taking some local WWII veterans back to Belgium to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. One WWII veteran will return to the very house where he was captured. He was a POW for five months.

We also hope to make another trip to Washington, DC. Our group spends four nights in Washington, DC. The bonding and camaraderie that takes place during the extended time together on these trips is very healing for the veterans.

We are an all-volunteer staff and rely completely on donations to be able to grant these veterans’ wishes. One trip to Europe costs an average of $5,750. Companions/ family members and volunteers all pay their own way to accompany and serve the veterans who go.

On June 27th, Forever Young Senior Veterans will be the benefiting charity for the Biergarten at the USSRC. We’d love for fellow Chamber members to come out in force to support us that evening!

In July, we will hold a fundraising event called “The Honor Prom”. Most of our WWII veterans didn’t get to attend their senior proms because they were serving our country.

Please visit honorprom.com to learn more.

With your help, Forever Young Senior Veterans works to end the silent suffering of military veterans 65 years and older by granting their unfulfilled dreams, returning them to the places where they fought, and giving them the honor, healing, and hope they need and deserve.

Learn more here: Facebook.com/ForeverYoungVetsAlabama.

■ Contributed by Elaine Oakes, Volunteer Forever Young Senior Veterans

NASA announces winners of 25th Annual Rover Challenge NASA has announced the winners of the 2019 Human Exploration Rover Challenge, held April 12-13 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The International Space Education Institute of Leipzig, Germany, won first place in the high school division with 91 points; and the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez – Team 1 won the college/university division with 101 points. Teams were awarded points based on the successful navigation of obstacles and completion of tasks.

The competition, hosted by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, challenges high school and college teams to design, build and test human-powered roving vehicles inspired by the Apollo lunar missions continued on page 20 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

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GOVERNMENT & SPACE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Team 1 won first place in the college/ university division of the 2019 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.

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NASA/MSFC/Emmett Given

and future exploration missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. This year’s competition marked 25 years since the inaugural event, a milestone that fittingly coincided with the NASA’s Apollo 50th anniversary.

“Celebrating a quarter-century of Rover Challenge alongside the agency’s commemoration of Apollo has made this a very special year for all of us,” said Bob Musgrove, Acting Manager of the Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall. “The creativity, skill and resourcefulness demonstrated each year on the rover course are the very traits that paved our path to the Moon in 1969, and the ones that will continue to carry NASA forward to the Moon again in 2024. We are so proud to congratulate this year’s winners, and every team that competed.”

NASA astronaut and two-time spaceflight veteran Sunita “Suni” Williams attended the second day of the event, interacting with teams and participating in the day’s activities.

Rover Challenge continues the agency’s mission of providing valuable learning opportunities to students who, someday, may be responsible for planning future space missions, including crewed missions to other worlds. After constructing their own rovers, teams attempt to traverse a nearly three-quarter-mile course with grueling obstacles that simulate terrain found on Mars, as well as other planets, moons and asteroids throughout the solar system. In addition, they have to complete tasks, such as sample collection and instrument deployment.

Teams had a six-minute window to navigate the course, gathering points and trying to complete the 14 obstacles. This year’s competition also offered a Technology Challenge Award, which tasked teams to construct their own wheels – with the exception of the central hub – rather than purchase them commercially.

Nearly 100 teams took part in the competition, hailing from 23 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as a record number of countries, including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Mexico, Morocco and Peru.

The competition, managed by Marshall’s Office of STEM Engagement, is one of many NASA initiatives to encourage students to study the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Replays of the competition are available on a variety of streaming platforms, including Facebook, Periscope and Ustream. ■

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ATF opens new facility in Huntsville One of our federal agencies has a new presence in Huntsville and it is state of the art. It has a rather long name, too: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Integrated Ballistics Information Network National Correlation and Training Center. It can be shortened into two acronyms, though: NIBIN and NNCTC. The center is located at 7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 100. The ATF invited community leaders for a tour and demonstration in mid-April. A K9 named Ranger

sniffed out shell casings hidden nearby, and the evidence was then loaded into a national database in NIBIN’s mobile van. Spent shell casings have unique markings, and can quickly be added to the NIBIN database to be studied. Analysts look for matches in the system as they help police around the United States solve crimes.

Inside the center, we observed employees analyzing shell casings to help law enforcement agencies. Currently, more than 60 contractors work at the Huntsville center, and the ATF plans to hire more people soon.

■ Claire Aiello Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Far left: Walter Dandridge of the ATF demonstrates how quickly a spent shell casing can be loaded into NIBIN’s database in the mobile van.

Leftt: David Wiley shows how his K9, Ranger, can quickly find shell casings in the field.

2019 Chamber Montgomery Trip On April 16-17, we took our annual Chamber Trip to Montgomery. About 95 people joined our delegation this year as we met with legislators to discuss priorities for Huntsville, Madison and Madison County. Our group included representatives of education, aerospace, hospitality and tourism, financial institutions, commercial real estate, the entrepreneur community and more.

We had the opportunity to hear from State Senator Arthur Orr, House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, State Finance Director Kelly Butler and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey.

At our closing luncheon, Governor Kay Ivey spoke with our group and brought the great news of a new I-565 widening project between County Line Road and I-65, as well as improvements to the I-65 Tanner interchange. This will be in the first year of projects under the new Rebuild Alabama Act. Thank you, Governor Ivey!

■ Claire Aiello, Vice President, Marketing & Communications

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Recent Media Accolades

We keep a list of these and update it often. We encourage you to include these in your recruiting materials! Download the latest list HERE.

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In the PARK WHAT’S NEW IN CUMMINGS RESEARCH PARK

Have you met our CRPeople?

For those who have not yet explored the series, CRPeople is a digital campaign that showcases the talent behind the technology in Cummings Research Park. With the development that is happening daily, we introduce you to individuals in the Park who help bring different perspectives to our community.

LeJuan George In March, we explored the world of banking with LeJuan George, Senior Business Development Officer at Redstone Federal Credit Union (RFCU). He shared useful information on how one can become a member of RFCU, as well as how this organization offers many programs to help support the community. George has many years of experience in his field and in Huntsville, both of which have developed his evident expertise and passion for his work.

Justin Black In April, we spoke with Justin Black, an engineer at LSINC Corporation. Drawn to the area for its engineering reputation, Black moved to Huntsville from Mississippi. At LSINC, he has the opportunity to see projects all the way through, from the customer consultation to the final product. Black is all about meeting the customer needs with innovative solutions and excels in this collaborative process.

You can learn more about both men visiting the CRPeople section on cummingsresearchpark.com. Keep an eye out for a new employee at the end of each month, and we hope you enjoy meeting them. If you or someone you know would like to be featured in the CRPeople campaign, please reach out to us through our CRP Facebook page: @CRPHuntsville ■ ■ Amanda Falkner, CRP Marketing Intern

Cummings Research Park: Media Tour On April 12, we hosted local journalists for a driving tour of Cummings Research Park.

There’s been quite a bit of development in the Park in recent months, and we wanted to showcase some of the great work members are doing.

We dropped by Innovate Huntsville-Research Park, which is located at 4809 Bradford Drive in the eastern portion of CRP. The building is going through extensive renovations and is expected to be ready in about a year, according to Larry Lewis, President of PROJECTXYZ, Inc. The building will offer options for start-up businesses and other companies who need makerspace.

We then moved to the intersection of Bradford Drive and Wynn Drive, to the site of the old Catholic High School. There, we revealed an artist rendering of Bradford Crossings, a future mixed-use development that will be built at the site. Alex Samples of Samples Properties and Erin Koshut, Executive Director of Cummings Research Park, explained that the retail center will offer new shopping and dining options for people 24

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inside and outside of the Park. You should see it start to take shape within the next year.

We then dropped by Blue Origin’s construction site, which is quickly taking shape.

Construction crews are keeping busy, with an aggressive timeline to have the facility finished by 2020.

Finally, we visited Raytheon’s Warfighter Visualization Center. Heather Scholan, Senior Program Manager for the Center, showed us the 3D technology the company uses with customers such as the Missile Defense Agency to help protect the warfighter.

Thanks to our member companies for participating, and thank you to the local media for joining us on the tour! ■

WHNT.com: Cummings Research Park introduces new concept to Master Plan Rocketcitynow.com: Cummings Research Park Development WAAYTV.com: New additions to be completed at CRP in Huntsville

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

HighTower Twickenham

announces that Moss Crosby and Wes Clayton have been named as top advisors in the state on two nationally-ranked lists. In February, Forbes named Moss Crosby, Founding Partner and Managing Director, #1 in Alabama on the 2019 “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list.

“Our entire team is thrilled that Forbes is recognizing Moss on this prestigious list,” said Rob Warren, Private Wealth Advisor. “His Crosby vision for our team and dedication to our clients inspires all of us at HighTower Twickenham to progress our business and continue to seek new opportunities to add value to our clients’ lives.”

In early March, Barron’s recognized Wes Clayton, Founding Partner and Managing Director, #2 in Alabama on the Barron’s 2019 “Top 1200 Advisors by State” list! This nationally-recognized award highlights some of the most successful advisors in the country.

“Wes’s tremendous achievement reinforces and exemplifies Clayton HighTower Twickenham’s core values,” said John Gibson, Financial Analyst. “As he continues to serve multi-generational families with unwavering commitment, we’re excited to celebrate our team’s success.” ■

Domenique Shackelford is a Branch Retail Executive IV at the Whitesburg Drive location with BBVA Compass Bank in Huntsville. She has been with the company for over five years, starting as a Client Experience Operations Manager with the Governors Drive branch. Within a year, she worked her way up to become Sales and Service Associate for the District Office. Two months later, Shackelford was promoted to Financial Sales Associate with the Whitesburg Drive office. She mastered her skills there and became one of the top performing FSAs in the District.

Shackelford Shackelford was soon promoted to Branch Manager at BBVA’s Jordan Lane location, making that branch number one within a few months. She continued building a name for herself at Jordan Lane and building a successful team that led her to where she is today. ■

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

is pleased to announce that Kim Bessiere Martin, a partner in the firm’s Huntsville office, has been named Litigation Practice Group Leader. Leigh Ann Hodge and Michael R. Pennington, both partners in Bradley’s Birmingham office, will serve as assistant practice group leaders.

“We are thrilled to introduce Kim as the new leader of our highly acclaimed Litigation Practice Group,” said Bradley Chairman of the Hodge Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters. “We are also pleased that Leigh Anne and Mike will be assisting in leading the expansive efforts of 26

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that team. They all bring years of experience as top litigators and are committed to continuing Bradley’s track record of success for our clients in courtrooms nationwide.”

The Litigation Practice Group is Bradley’s largest practice and includes nearly half of the firm’s more than 500 attorneys who represent clients in litigation and arbitration in every U.S. state and federal district court across the country, as well as internationally. Attorneys handle matters in nearly every substantive area of business law and in a wide range of industries, including high-stakes and complex cases. This year, leading litigation law firm guide Benchmark Litigation named Bradley its “2019 Mississippi Pennington Litigation Firm of the Year.” In addition, 49 Bradley partners across all of the firm’s offices are recognized in the 2019 edition of Benchmark Litigation, which also lists Bradley as a “highly recommended” firm.

Martin previously served as co-chair of Bradley’s Life Sciences Litigation team and focuses her practice on general litigation with an emphasis on medical device and pharmaceutical products liability litigation, as well as white collar matters and False Claims Act litigation. She has extensive experience representing media clients on First Amendment issues and defamation claims. Her trial experience includes defense of Martin personal injury, products liability, commercial litigation, First Amendment, and labor and employment claims. She has tried cases in state and federal court.

Martin has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® and was named by Best Lawyers as the Commercial Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in Huntsville for 2013.

Also ranked as a Super Lawyer for Personal Injury – Products: Defense, she was named to Mid-South Super Lawyers’ list of “Top 50 Women” for 2018. ■

Brittney Shonk is the Branch Retail Executive, Vice President at BBVA Compass Bank’s Huntsville Northwest Branch. She has a B.S. of Business Administration and Finance through Columbia Southern University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Shonk has been with BBVA Compass since 2014 where she has served several roles within the bank. She has worked as a Branch Associate, Associate Manager, Commercial Banking Relationship Support Specialist, and Senior Financial Sales Shonk Advisor.

Before BBVA Compass she worked as a Branch Director and Manager for Appleton Learning. Shonk also served as the Volunteer Chapter President for BBVA Compass’ Huntsville Chapter for three consecutive years. She provides instruction for several finance workshops in the community to include: credit counseling, homebuyer, small business, and personal finance workshops. She is passionate about business owners and loves to help them succeed financially! ■

Chamber Members: Send your company news to comms@hsvchamber.org A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

10 Years Drawing on a Wealth of Knowledge

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Small Biz Synapse FOCUSING ON THE WORLD OF SMALL BUSINESS

Continuing the Celebration The Chamber’s Annual Small Business Awards aim to celebrate small businesses and individuals who have helped this city grow into the community we all love. Businesses from a variety of industries are given the opportunity to show how they are impacting Huntsville, and the work it took to get to where they are today. This year’s event is scheduled for August 13 at the Von Braun Center.

Let’s get inspired – here are a few nuggets from some of last year’s Small Business Award winners!

believe running a business is a great calling and a great opportunity to impact the lives of the team members you serve.

Q: What sets your business apart from others in your field?

A: We are always learning and always innovating. Our team is growth oriented versus being goal oriented. When you’re goal oriented, you hit a milestone and then become useless for a couple of months while you celebrate. Our team is growth oriented, so we’re always looking for the next mountain to climb and the next opportunity to improve our client experience.

We are also the highest reviewed Real Estate Team in Alabama with over 2000 reviews and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 Stars.

Q: How would you describe your company culture and what is your best advice for retaining employees?

A: At Matt Curtis Real Estate, we’re a family. We win together. When our company hits its goals, we all celebrate - agents, admins, and marketing team alike. We believe in sharing the profits and taking care of our team through free snack bars, great training, great growth opportunities, and weekly 1 on 1’s. The advice I have for retaining team members is to slow down your hiring process to ensure you attract the right team members that fit your culture.

Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc. SERVICE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Q: Tell us who you are and what you do.

A: Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc. provides 5 Star Real Estate service to clients across the greater Huntsville area.

Q: How did you know it was the right time to start a business?

A: It was at the bottom of the real estate market and everyone else was getting out.

Listings were not selling and home values were declining, and on top of all of that we were about to have our 3rd child. There were things going on in the market that I did not agree with, and it was an opportunity to show my kids to take a stand for integrity despite the financial risks. God gave us a clear calling that it was time to start Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc. Q: What has been your greatest challenge and your greatest success?

A: My greatest challenge has been transitioning myself from an Engineer to a Sales / Marketing Person to a Leader. This has also been my greatest success because TEAM stands for together everyone achieves more, and I’ve been able to have a much greater impact in people’s lives as our team and my leadership opportunities have grown. I 28

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Rocket City Digital EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Q: Tell us about your company.

A: Rocket City Digital (RCD) is a full-service creative agency built on the mantra of chasing greatness. Our team is unrelenting in our pursuit of big ideas, untold stories, and long-lasting client relationships that continue to push the parameters of what’s possible!

Q: What sets your business apart from others in your field?

A: A few things. Most importantly, we are an actual agency, not just a marketing continued on page 30 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Stay Connected with the Chamber MAKE SURE YOU’RE FOLLOWING THE CHAMBER ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

@HuntsvilleAlabama @CRPHuntsville @ASmartPlace

Huntsville AL Chamber

Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber

@huntsvillealcoc @CRPHSV @asmartplace

@hsvchamber

Encourage your coworkers to sign up for our e-news HERE.

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firm. We offer audio, video, editing, photography, web, content, strategy, production, social, and analytics all in house. This allows us to keep our pricing at an affordable rate for our clients. Additionally, our clients strongly benefit from this because their portfolio is not tied to one person or contractor. The intellectual property (IP) is retained by the agency and offers a layer of comfort to our client base.

Another key factor that sets RCD apart from others in the field is our ownership structure. We have three owners, which really protects the agency and our clients from being dependent on the actions and decisions of one person. We are here long term. Our office is located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, and we have clients coming and going every day. Furthermore, our ownership brings an exceptionally diverse approach to our agency. Our three owners include a female marketing expert from the west coast, a serial entrepreneur from here in HSV, and a veteran owner who served in the Ranger Regiment, fought overseas, and graduated from Alabama. This diversity allows us to serve both commercial and government clients with passion and perspective.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge and your greatest success?

A: Our greatest challenge has been handling the extreme growth of our client base.

You always hear about how hard it is to scale in the beginning, and that is true. We bootstrapped our company, and we have grown from three to 10 employees very quickly. Attracting, onboarding, and training a new team while meeting client deadlines was tough in the beginning.

Our greatest successes have been building a strong RCD team, developing incredible relationships in the marketplace, and implementing robust internal processes along the way.

Q: How would you describe your company culture and what is your best advice for retaining employees?

A: Our culture is transparent, vocal, playful, creative, and passionate. Our advice on employee retention is to be a company you’d want to work for yourself. Be flexible.

Employees are people and not the means to revenue. Push them, praise them, and help them grow. People recognize authenticity.

Q: How would you describe your reaction winning a Small Business Award?

A: Humility and hunger. It was great to be recognized as the Emerging Business of the Year for all of Huntsville. We did not expect that recognition, but we are grateful for it. In saying that, it made us hungry. When you receive a title, expectations follow.

We work every day to get better at something, anything, and use the fuel of our recognition to not let this city down. We want to grow from the emerging business of the year into the small business of the year, into the large business of the year.

Downtown Rescue Mission NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR Q: Tell us about your organization.

A: Downtown Rescue Mission (DRM) is a Christ-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to bringing the hope of the Gospel to the hurting, hungry, and homeless in our community. For more than four decades we have provided compassionate, Christ-centered programs and services to help those in desperate need.

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Q: What services does your business offer?

A: Caring for the homeless and hurting in the Tennessee Valley through emergency services, residential programs, transitional housing and community outreach.

Our emergency services are available at no charge to all in need. We provide warm meals served three times a day, safe overnight shelter, laundry services, hygiene/shower services, temporary baggage storage, and the opportunity to join our recovery program.

All overnight guests of DRM are allowed to stay on our campus each day of the month.

We do not purge individuals from our campus after breakfast. We desire for people to take steps to clean up their life by joining our Biblically-based recovery program.

The men and women’s program uses a Christ-centered approach to helping men and women 18 and over resolve addiction and other life issues. We use the acronym LIFE which stands for; Learn about Christ, have an Intimate relationship with Christ, Follow Christ, and become an Example of Christ. We believe that men and women must first know about Christ through the constant preaching of the gospel, fall in love with the Savior, and then obey Him through this love. The LIFE Recovery Program is a 12-month residential program offering classes helping with addiction recovery and life skills training.

DRM’s Owen’s House is the most recent addition to the main campus at 1400 Evangel Drive. It provides emergency care to single women and mothers with children who are homeless and in great need. Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Owen’s House offers 56 beds for single women and 21 bunks for mothers with children. The emergency services side of the building includes beds, laundry room, day room, and hygiene area.

It is important for people who come to the Mission to know that they will be taken care of after successful completion of our recovery program. We at DRM offer program graduates several transitional services to help them get acclimated with life outside of the Mission.

The DRM assists graduates in finding housing, provides household items such as small appliances, cookware, furniture and groceries and further aides in their employment search. We use various agencies to help our graduates receive the lowest rent payments available. Our Thrift Stores help provide everything from cookware to furniture to other household items for free. Thanks to our ministry directors, our graduates also have assistance in finding employment. Our goal is to see every graduate of ours move back out into society and live a successful life in Christ.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge and your greatest success?

A: Preparing for the future and sticking to our Mission. As Huntsville speeds toward continued on page 32 A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

is proud to support the Arts as a Sustaining Donor of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

www.iberiabank.com

SMALL BIZ SYNAPSE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

becoming the largest city in Alabama we have been assessing how best to meet the growing needs while staying true to our mission of sharing the gospel. As we look at all the growth and decisions that need to be made, we constantly ask, “Is this a biblical decision?” and “Are we being true to our mission?”. Being able to meet the diverse challenges of women and children and opening Owen’s House has been our greatest success.

Q: How would you describe your company culture and what is your best advice for retaining employees?

A: We are constantly looking for ways to improve our engagement with employees and clients. Many of our senior staff have been with the Mission for a decade or more. We really focus on creating a familial atmosphere while maintaining professional goals. We are always trying to find ways to protect and improve the quality of life for our employees.

Q: What advice would you give someone trying to build his or her company brand?

A: Stay true to who you are and why you do what you do. Never drift from the why.

A business owner should periodically revisit the “Why” to ensure the strategic plan is not drifting from it and adjust accordingly.

Summit Information Solutions, Inc. TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Q: Tell us who you are and what you do.

A: Summit Information Solutions, Inc. (Summit) is a small, woman-owned, minority

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business focused on delivering best-in-class technology and business consulting/ contracting services for the commercial and government sectors.

Q: How did you know it was the right time to start a business?

A: As a female engineer and a dedicated wife/mother, I was always challenged to find a balance between my family life and my career. The first ten years of my career were spent in the government sector where I worked as a contractor and as a civilian on the Army’s Multiple Launch Rocket System program. During that time, I had the privilege to sit at the feet of seasoned, passionate aerospace engineers that I looked up to as mentors. As a result, I gained a significant amount of experience and expertise evaluating the operational effectiveness of systems so we could provide optimal solutions to our Warfighters.

Following my government tenure, I had the opportunity to work with a dynamic, Fortune 100 commercial company where I learned and applied technical and business solutions to manage company assets, roll out products to market, and used customer and product data to assist with critical decision making.

The right time or tipping point to start my business came when the competing priorities of being there for my family and the demands of working in a fast paced, high performance environment became significantly heightened. I felt that my deep technical experience coupled with my exposure to the business world would enable me to start a boutique consulting company. In doing so, I found flexibility and subsequently, it allowed me to set the pace for my career and have a productive family and spiritual life.

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exciting technology, so that we are positioned to offer new approaches to solve problems.

Q: What advice would you give someone trying to build their company brand?

A: Build your company brand on what the company represents or values. Your brand needs to be the voice of your company. For example, we position our brand to speak to our commercial and government clients. As we retain and attract new associates and new clients, we want to stay fresh, innovative and focused on consistently providing value add solutions.

Q: What sets your business apart from others in your field?

A: Our business model is shaped by our desire to provide exceptional services and value to each of our clients. We focus on “doing great work” and we have found that this approach consistently leads to repeat business. Summit’s depth of commercial and government experience, bringing the best to bear from both sectors, as well as our proven commitment to innovation are major differentiators. We believe that the strongest asset of Summit is the quality of our associates. We try to hand select the best and brightest.

Summit’s associates are highly skilled and have often served at the top levels of major organizations. To us, if you are to effectively consult and advise others, you must be fully prepared and well-versed in the client’s environment. Beyond that, Summit loves solving difficult problems. To paraphrase Einstein, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” With that in mind, Summit has committed extensive resources and investments to ensuring that we actively explore new and

A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Q: How would you describe your reaction winning a Small Business Award?

A: Last year we had the honor and privilege of being recognized by the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber as the Technology company of the year. Honestly, we thought we had won the lottery! We recognize the talent in the Huntsville area and to be called out – it was truly a humbling and exuberant experience. We are in the company of many successful small businesses - so winning any small business award would be like “cherry on top” of our current experience.

Q: What is one piece of practical advice for someone who wants to start their own small business?

A: Starting a small business is not easy but the rewards can be great. Sometimes it feels like you are alone as a business, so it is good to align yourself with good mentors and strategic partners as well as seek and leverage federal and local resources such as the Small Business Administration and Chamber of Commerce. ■

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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 Katelyn Sides Baker, workforce recruitment director 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 Amber Greenwood, vice president, investor relations 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 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

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A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION: William Stroud | 256-428-0405 | wstroud@triadproperties.com

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