Way Cool - Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Way Cool 

Check out what’s going on for family, 

friends and fun in the Tennessee Valley

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Celebrate! 

It’s that time of year when holidays and special events seem to be around 

every corner. Fortunately for those living in North Alabama, exceptional is 

the rule with stellar opportunities to enjoy family, friends, unique cultures 

and natural surroundings. Alabama earned six listings on the Southeastern 

Tourism Society’s Top 20 for October - December and of those, four are right 

in our backyard! 

For a more complete listing of local 

events, go to the Huntsville/ Madison 

County Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Web site at www.Huntsville.org. 

Nov. 24 - Dec. 31: 

Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville 

Enter through a poinsettia wreath 

into the biggest holiday light 

extravaganza in the Tennessee 

Valley, a twinkling fantasy world 

where lamp posts are shooting stars 

and Santa flies high through the 

night sky. Features more than 150 

exhibits in five major theme areas. 

256-830-4447 

www.hsvbg.org 

wmaster@hsvbg.org 

October 22-23: 

Alabama Renaissance 

Faire, Florence 

Step back 600 years into 

medieval Europe where 

wandering minstrels, 

magicians and 

chamber singers stroll by 

in authentic costumes. 

Watch a live chess match 

with real people as chess 

pieces, play period 

games and participate 

in the dancing and drama of 

the Renaissance period. 

256-768-3031 

www.alrenfaire.org 

Courtesy of Huntsville Botanical Garden 

December 1-31: 

Christmas in the Park, Arab 

This charming town celebrates Christmas 

past by relocating local historic buildings 

including a church, school, general store 

and operation grist mill to the local park, 

all restored to their original state and 

decorated in period holiday finery. 

Also includes live entertainment. 

256-586-8128 

www.arabcity.org 

bhawkins@arabcity.org 

4 

October 2005 Initiatives 

Jackson Hill 

December 1-31: Santa’s Village, Huntsville 

Alabama Constitution Village is converted into a holiday 

fantasy land with live reindeer, elves, dancing teddy 

bears and the main man himself, Santa Claus. 

256-564-8120 

www.earlyworks.com

800-234-1234 

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00342277

VIRGINIA COLLEGE 

TESTIMONIALS 

LOOK WHERE THEY ARE NOW! 

Robert Engram 

Employer: Oakwood College 

Job Title: Computer Technician 

“I really enjoyed my time at VCH. The classes 

were very good and everyone was kind. 

I love to learn and VCH provided that 

opportunity for me.” 

These former students 

graduated from 

Virginia College 

at Huntsville 

and have started 

successful new lives. 

Read what they 

have to say! 

Elizabeth Erskine 

Employer: Dr. Ted Edwards and 

Dr. Belinda Savage Edwards 

Job Title: Certied Medical Assistant 

“VCH changed my attitude in being able to 

pursue a career.” 

Remona Fletcher 

Employer: Virginia College at Huntsville 

Job Title: Administrative Assistant in 

Business Ofce 

“VCH has given my life new direction.” 

Offering: 

• Business Management 

• Computer Technologies 

• Criminal Justice 

• Ofce Management 

• Paralegal Studies 

• Health& Medical 

Be our next success story! Call now! 

256-533-7387 

Laura Philyaw 

Employer: Sebring Engineering 

Job Title: Multimedia Designer 

“I have learned a lot, met many wonderful 

people and I know I will return for my 

Bachelor’s soon.” 

Delarese Pettus 

Employer: The Heart Center 

Job Title: Medical Transcriptionist 

“The teachers that I had - I really enjoyed 

them. I really appreciated them as instructors.” 

2800 Bob Wallace Avenue 

Huntsville, AL 35805 

www.vc.edu/huntsville 

Day and Evening Classes Available 

Financial Aid Available for Those Who Qualify 

00342266

initiatives 

Huntsville/Madison County • Chamber of Commerce 

october 2005 

Huntsville/Madison County, Alabama is located in the middle of the southeastern 

United States, with more than four million people within a 100-mile radius. 

The Huntsville community is the primary economic hub of the northern 

Alabama/southern Tennessee region. Huntsville/Madison County’s economy is 

one of the strongest in the South, with low unemployment, strong job growth 

and income levels leading the 

region. Business growth and investment 

from U.S. and international 

companies have made it one of the 

country’s top “hot spots” for growing 

a business and raising a family. 

Courtesy of The Ledges 

Photo by Holly McClain 

f eatures 

Make It Come True 11 

Dream in Color ... and Texture 12 

I”ll Take Mine to Go 14 

Things’ll be great when you’re Downtown 19 

Love Those Greens 22 

Shop ’til You Drop 26 

Follow the Kingfisher 30 

Gaining Visibility by Degrees 38 

d evelopments 

On the Cover: 

Bicentennial Park, newly opened in August, is a 

cool place to hang out – just ask 16-month-old 

Dylan Wright. Dylan, his three-year-old brother 

Jacob and a small band of preschoolers 

enjoyed their morning frolic. Dylan and Jacob 

are the sons of Timothy and Carmen Wright. 

Timothy Wright works at SRS Technologies, a 

defense, space and intelligence engineering 

and systems solutions company. 

HREGI Investors 28 

Schools & Libraries 34 

Community Profile 36 

Cummings Research Park 41 

... plus various community photos throughout 

editorial staff 

Publisher 

Executive Editor 

Editorial Designer 

Brian Hilson 

Holly McClain 

Kristi Sherrard 

mission 

contact 

The mission of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville • Madison County 

is to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic growth. 

Chamber of Commerce 

Huntsville • Madison County 

225 Church Street 


256.535.2000 

on the web 

HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 

Contributing Writers 

Photography 

Advertising Sales 

Holly McClain 

Gaylon Gwin 

Rebecca Sallee 

Holly McClain & Huntsville/ 

Madison County Convention 

and Visitors Bureau 

unless otherwise credited 

Susan Bowen 

Permission to publish any part of Initiatives Review is hereby granted exclusively 

to any non-profit institution and to any publisher for broadcast or publication to 

the general public. Credit “Initiatives Review, a Publication of the Chamber of 

Commerce of Huntsville • Madison County.” 

Initiatives October 2005 

7

The Chamber of Commerce 

Board of Directors and 

Executive Committee 2005 

A Message from the Chamber 

Dear Chamber of Commerce Investors, Community Leaders and Friends: 

There is a formula for exceptional economic development which has proven successful in 

the Huntsville community for many years. This is not a written formula, but one that local 

leaders who stimulated Huntsville’s success in economic development over a half-century 

ago, and those who made sure the right things happened in the ’70s and ’80s, and those 

who continue to be heavily involved today, understand very well. It’s a matter of community 

spirit and commitment to ensuring the Huntsville area is the best it can be. In Huntsville 

we are blessed with leaders who not only want to know that good things are happening – 

they insist on being involved and making certain good things do happen! Recently, Joe Ritch, 

chair of the Chamber’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Committee, told community 

leaders the Tennessee Valley’s BRAC efforts didn’t begin recently, they were started years 

ago. He’s exactly right. What Joe was talking about is the commitment to understanding 

what makes successful economic growth happen, investing the necessary resources, and 

ensuring all details are addressed. Today’s successes wouldn’t be possible without the 

diligent efforts of local leaders over many years. 

The real purpose of economic development is not merely for the sake of growth – 

more jobs, more capital investment, higher incomes, etc. The ultimate payoff in economic 

development is an improved and exceptional quality of life for all area residents. Quality of 

life can mean many things, including education, recreation, arts, culture, housing, conservation, 

preservation, and more. The Huntsville region’s quality of life has been recognized 

nationally time and again, and this edition of Initiatives takes a look at some of the special 

quality of life features that make the Huntsville area a great place to live and work. 

Our community’s constant and undivided attention to the BRAC process, the recent 

announcement of the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology and another expansion 

of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama facility are a few recent economic 

development achievements. As you read this Initiatives, please remember, Huntsville’s 

special quality of life is the direct result of an exceptional economic development 

process – past, present, and future! 

Brian Hilson 

President & CEO 

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County 

Executive Committee 

Jim Link, Chair 

Dave Hargrove, Chair-Elect 

Tommy Beason, Past Chair 

Peri Widener, Secretary 

Jan Hess, Treasurer 

Brad Jones, Vice Chair Economic Development 

Joe Ritch, Vice Chair Governmental Affairs 

Joel Daves, Vice Chair Investor Relations 

Bill Watson, Vice Chair 

Research & Information Services 

Gerald Toland, Vice Chair Small Business 

Joe Austin, Vice Chair Workforce Development 

Chairman Mike Gillespie, Chair-Appointed 

Bill Gurley, Chair-Appointed 

Mayor Loretta Spencer, Chair-Appointed 

Karen Stanley, Chair-Appointed 

Brian Hilson, President/CEO 

Elected Board 

Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation 

Pete Apple, CSC 

Joe Austin, Huntsville Hospital 

Scott Averbuch, Averbuch Realty Co., Inc. 

Clayton Bass, Huntsville Museum of Art 

Jim Bolte, 

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. 

Frank Caprio, Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne 

John Cooper, Avocent Corporation 

Dick Fountain, 

Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates 

Dr. Frank Franz, UAH 

Dr. Greg Gum, Radiology Associates 

Bill Gurley, SAIC 

Tharon Honeycutt, WHNT-TV 

Dr. Eric Janssen, SportsMed 

Jerre Penney, Bill Penney Toyota 

Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt, P.C. 

Scott Seeley, Regions Bank 

Remigius Shatas, RNR Ventures 

Karen Stanley, Stanley Properties, LLC 

Sandra Steele, Enfinger Steele Development 

Paula Steigerwald, Huntsville Botanical Garden 

Herman Stubbs, Colonial Bank 

Gerald Toland, Redstone Federal Credit Union 

Irma Tuder, Analytical Services, Inc. 

Gail Wall, Beason & Nalley, Inc. 

Bill Watson, SouthTrust Bank 

Keith Wilson, Wyle Laboratories 

Tom Young, Intergraph Corporation 

8 

October 2005 Initiatives

00342291

Small Business of the Year. 

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Award. We’d like to give credit where it’s deserved... 

Great Taste, Great People and Great Customers. 

Crystal Mountain delivers not only clean, pure water, 

but also the utmost in customer service with Free Home 

and Office Delivery. To experience our award-winning 

service for yourself, give us a call or visit us on the web 

at www.crystalmtnwater.com/thanks. 

The Roberts Group, Inc. 

PO Box 5810 


256-922-1114 

888-881-8945 

www.crystalmtnwater.com 

00342292

Above: The Village of Providence; Below: The Five Points district downtown 

Make it Come True in the Tennessee Valley 

ost people who come here find our 

“Mhousing very affordable compared 

to other markets,” said Cliff Mann, president 

of the Huntsville Area Association of 

Realtors. Indeed, the ACCRA cost of living 

index ranks Huntsville at 78.1 out of a 

national average of 100 in housing rates. 

How does that stack up with other markets? 

Well, Austin, Texas comes in at 92.9, Boston 

at 176.6, Denver at 105.2, and Washington, 

D.C. at 222.4. For many who transfer into 

Huntsville/Madison County, that means 

their housing dollar now affords a step up in 

dwelling size and amenities. 

Mann noted the Tennessee Valley has a 

The American dream home 

variety of housing opportunities in all price 

ranges. “Most people want to live within a 

20 to 30 minute drive to work. Thanks to 

very good commute times, those who prefer 

a rural location or want to get even more 

house for their dollar can do so and still be 

in relatively close proximity to their work,” 

he remarked. What about housing developments? 

Perusing www.valleymls.com, the 

choices for stately, contemporary, patio or 

vintage homes are tantalizing. “I highly recommend 

looking at valleymls.com. It has 

an up-to-date inventory covering homes in 

an 11 county area,” said Mann. 

Lifestyle living communities are available 

Holly McClain 

in the Tennessee Valley and designed to 

please golfers, equestrians, water-skiers and 

fishermen, and even those who prefer a village 

environment where schools, dining and 

entertainment can be a convenient walk or 

bicycle ride away. Housing can be difficult to 

find in some of the area’s sought-after historic 

districts but opportunities do arise for those 

who have a yen for antebellum architecture. 

Property tax in the City of Huntsville: 

58 mils based on 10% of appraised value 

Tax on a $100,000 home = 

.058 x $10,000 = $580/year 

“We have great communities with great 

choice. One thing about our area is it’s a 

great mixture of city life and you don’t have 

to go far for an urban or even a country setting. 

Plus, our geographic location affords 

water and mountain views. With the 

Tennessee River, mountain lakes, parks and 

trails, we have a lot to offer,” said Mann. 

Quality is another plus, according to 

Mann. “The Huntsville/Madison County 

Builders Association offers quality construction 

in all price ranges and there are 

continued on page 12 

11 

Initiatives October 2005

continued from page 11 

lots of opportunities to build your own.” 

Mann noted the housing inventory would 

increase over the next year or so. “Many 

builders currently have four or five spec 

homes on the ground, providing a move-in 

option,” he commented. A presale, with 

the opportunity to choose colors, finishes 

and floorplans, is readily available. 

Comments by new residents often reveal 

appreciation for enhanced or increased 

amenities such as crown molding, brick 

exteriors and upgraded flooring. 

Prefer an older home with a vintage feel? 

Home buyers can find an existing home and 

personalize it with the reassuring knowledge 

someone is here to help. “We have a number 

of professionals who work in this market 

and who travel to other places and keep up 

with the latest trends,” Mann commented. 

He added that buyers can get in a great area 

of town, have a market analysis done on an 

older home, then gain some quick appreciation 

by remodeling themselves. 

For information and to see if you can 

make your home dreams come true in the 

Tennessee Valley, visit www.valleymls.com, 

as well as the chamber’s Web site: 

www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com, 

for housing and community data. 

Alissa Murnane, 

owner of Average to art 

Holly McClain 

Dream 

in Color… 

and Texture 

Whether it’s a presale, total remodel or 

just a bit of touch-up, Huntsville/ 

Madison County has the craftsmen to turn a 

house into your dream home. 

Transforming generic interiors into 

works of art is the business of Average to 

art. Alissa Murnane, owner of Average to 

art, utilizes faux painting and finishing 

techniques, and other decorative painting 

strategies to suit the tastes and lifestyles of 

her clients. “Average to art specializes in 

decorative finishes, murals, floor cloths, 

painted furniture and custom art,” said 

Murnane. “Whether you want to spice up 

a kitchen, warm up a family room or make 

a special place for the kid of the house, 

Average to art will listen to your ideas and 

create something unique and special.” 

According to Murnane, “If it can be 

primed, I can turn it into art.” Murnane 

frequently coordinates and works with 

independent painting contractors for both 

00342271 

12 


Brian Kidd, who occasionally works from a home office for his employer Gray Research, personalized 

his work space with painting techniques aimed to create a warm, productive environment. 

residential and business clients. 

According to the young entrepreneur – 

Murnane is 26 years old – Average to art 

uses only top of the line designer and professional 

grade products. “We research, 

learn, and test supplies, then choose the 

best products from each company for our 

clients,” she explained. Murnane makes an 

annual trip to the Chicago Institute of Fine 

Finishes to keep on top of what’s hot and 

brings the newest and best products to the 

Tennessee Valley. 

Brian Kidd, a recent client who bought a 

home in the pedestrian-friendly Village of 

Providence, hired Murnane to personalize 

his home office … and then hired her to do 

a few more enhancements, including marbling 

interior columns. “All I had to do was 

show her the picture and we worked 

through it together.” 

For the do-it-yourselfer, Murnane offers 

instruction. She would like to grow that part 

of her business and eventually spend a 

much greater percentage of her time teaching 

techniques of decorative wall finishing 

and methods for choosing the right colors 

for your home or business. “I instruct clients 

about finishes that are washable and stain 

resistant, durable, less expensive than most 

wallpaper and easily removed,” she 

explained. 

Visit www.averagetoart.com for samples 

of Murnane’s work. Average to art has two 

new locations: Interior Market Place near 

Hampton Cove and Artistic Minds at the 

corner of Jeff and Old Monrovia roads. 

David Couch 

“Personal, Professional Real Estate Services” 

HUNTSVILLE 

IS WIRED! 

David Couch 

Realtor, Certified Appraiser 

Direct: 256-755-0421 

Office: 256-650-0022 

How much is your home really worth? 

To find out what you’re your home would sell for in 

today’s market, trust a valuation expert. As a real estate 

professional, I analyze home values and determine market 

values every day. In fact, I am certified by the State of 

Alabama as General Real Property Appraiser which is the 

highest level of appraisal certification awarded by the State 

of Alabama Real Estate Appraiser’s Board. 

So if you’re thinking of selling or just need some friendly 

advice, give me a call. We’ll meet at your house and 

discuss values and marketing strategy to get you the most 

money for your house in the least amount of time. 

Expect Success!! 

Over 80% of Madison County 

residents have internet access and their 

favorite local website is al.com, with 

over 550,000 unique visitors per month. 

Put your business front and center on 

al.com with turnkey advertising 

campaigns for all budgets. 

Call 800.701.0898 or 

email sales@al.com for a free 

consultation. 

www.HuntsvilleHomeBuyer.com 

00342279 

00341514 


13

Kids & Education 

Thomas S. England 

Apollo 16, one of the permanent exhibits at the 

U.S. Space & Rocket Center, left Earth on April 

16, 1972, headed for the moon and returned 11 

days later. 

I’ll Take Mine to Go! 

Huntsville tourism experts hope to capture 

a share of the region’s youth travel 

industry with a new educational program 

targeted to middle-schoolers. 

Educational Escapes, sponsored by the 

Huntsville Convention & Visitors Bureau 

(CVB), bundles area educational attractions, 

programs at Redstone Arsenal and Marshall 

Space Flight Center, and the city’s newspaper, 

in a “one-stop shop” for teachers seeking 

field trip destinations. 

The CVB has even hired an educational 

coordinator to help plan custom trips, from 

choosing which offerings best fit teachers’ 

needs, to assisting with lodging reservations 

and extracurricular evening activities. 

Faye Wishik, vice president of tourism 

for the CVB, said the idea first came to light 

about two years ago. “We realized that the 

Huntsville area was an educational mecca,” 

she said, adding the obvious question that 

came to mind. “What is it that we can do to 

highlight the community to school groups?” 

The CVB was motivated in part by a 

desire to tap in to the $2 billion spent each 

year in student and youth travel, which represents 

over 20 percent of North American 

travel, Wishik said. “As we were attending 

marketplaces, group tour operators were 

asking questions regarding what we had 

available for student travel,” she said. 

Of course, school groups have long been 

visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the 

state’s top tourism attraction, but “that was 

all,” Wishik said. “We wanted them to stay 

longer, spend more time in our community.” 

Brainstorming sessions with local teachers 

and heads of attractions resulted in 

Educational Escapes, a program that offers 

school groups, defined typically as a class of 

about 30 students, their choice of tours 

from a smorgasbord of options: Burritt on 

the Mountain, the EarlyWorks Museum 

Complex, Huntsville Botanical Garden, 

Huntsville Museum of Art, The Huntsville 

Times, Sci-Quest Museum, the Veterans 

Memorial Museum, the Weeden House 


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Museum, Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s 

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), 

Wishik said. 

Activities from each of the partners in the 

program were specifically keyed to national 

education standards, she noted. “If a teacher 

were to present the idea of a field trip to 

Huntsville ... they could show the principal, 

the school board, whomever they have to 

get approval from, exactly how the activities 

relate to what’s happening in the classroom.” 

Activities are modeled for six fields 

of study: science, social studies, technology, 

mathematics, language arts, and fine arts. 

Kirsten Muldoon, a gifted education specialist 

at Huntsville Middle School and one 

of the teachers consulted in program planning, 

made several suggestions based on her 

experience with student field trips. 

Foremost in teachers’ minds as they plan a 

trip are “the mechanics of travel,” she said. 

“Buses, parking, bathrooms, enough 

things to do during the day and reasons to 

spend the night, things to do after 6 p.m.,” 

Muldoon listed, adding that teachers also 

need to be sure stops can accommodate 

children with special needs. Teachers are 

certain to appreciate having a planner at the 

CVB to coordinate the details of a field trip, 

she added. 

Rod Reilly 

This volunteer for Burritt on the Mountain proves that skill and coordination were as important as 

creativity in the mid-1800s. 

Muldoon and other teachers helped 

proofread a full-color brochure the CVB is 

using to promote the program and describe 

venues, to ensure offerings were userfriendly 

and enticing. Meeting national education 

standards with the program is 

“imperative so that a teacher can easily justify 

field trips,” noted Muldoon. 

Wishik said group rates will be available, 

as always, at attractions that charge 

admission, while some of the activities, 

including “mini-courses” at the Redstone 

Arsenal, MSFC and The Huntsville Times, 

are free. At the arsenal, students will use 

robotics and simulator demonstrations to 

learn about war fighter technology, she 

00342261 

16 


said, adding that an introduction to military 

working dogs is also an option. At the 

space center, students can learn about the 

International Space Station and shuttle 

payload operations. 

Wishik introduced Educational Escapes 

to hundreds of attendees of the Alabama 

State Department of Education’s July mega 

conference in Mobile, and expects the program 

to be in full swing by October. The 

program is being advertised in national travel 

magazines and at marketplaces and trade 

shows. NASA is also distributing information 

about the program through its teacher 

resource center. 

To Wishik’s knowledge, Educational 

Escapes is unique, especially in that it offers 

a dedicated tour planner for teachers. “Very 

often, I have heard it’s logistically difficult 

for teachers to try to plan the activities, the 

meals, the lodging, especially when you’re 

not familiar with an area.” 

Educational Escapes welcomes middleschoolers 

from near or far but is now being 

marketed to those outside a 50-mile radius 

of Huntsville. And while only sixththrough 

eighth-graders are included in the 

current program, the program may be 

expanded in the future for use by high 

school groups. 

• Rebecca Sallee 

Jackson Hill 

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technician 

prepares the Hunter for a flight test at Redstone 

Arsenal. 

For more information about 

Educational Escapes, visit the Web site 

at www.educationalescapes.org 

or call the CVB at 551-2230 (locally) 

or toll-free at 866-ESC2HSV. 

00341517 

00342267 


17

▲ 

More Bank. 

Less Bunk. 

There’s one bank in town that believes banking should be just a little better. At Compass, we 

go out of our way to show you how much we respect you and appreciate your business. With 

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▼ 

00342275

Things’ll be great when you’re 

DOWNTOWN 

When you hear the words “downtown 

revitalization,” you probably picture 

new buildings, the restoration of old buildings, 

and a healthy hustle and bustle of 

places to shop and dine. 

But with those visuals come the owners 

and tenants whose businesses locate or relocate 

downtown. Some call it a gamble, with 

the bulk of major Huntsville corporations 

found in clusters of business and research 

parks. Others consider it sheer pleasure to 

work in an atmosphere more low-key than 

high-tech. 

Sirsi Corporation, now SirsiDynix after a 

recent merger, moved in 1998 from 

Cummings Research Park in Huntsville to 

its current leased downtown address at 101 

Washington Street, according to Katy 

McCann, a public relations and media contact 

for the company. “We needed a larger 

space for the company, with larger training 

and conference areas,” McCann said. “Also, 

the founders wanted a new location with 

more character.” 

The mission was a success, as both customers 

of the company and its employees 

can attest. 

“It’s a neat, quaint feel. (It’s) pedestrianfriendly. 

People from (both) southeast 

Huntsville and Madison find it easy to get 

to,” McCann said, adding that the city 

helped make the move easier by providing 

parking incentives. 

SirsiDynix, which provides information 

management products and services for 

libraries and their users, could have considered 

relocating to Provo, Utah, home of the 

former Dynix headquarters, noted McCann. 

But the company chose to keep headquarters 

for its 725 employees in Huntsville. 

“We think the same kinds of benefits 

we’ve experienced downtown could also be 

experienced by other companies, whether 

they’re high-tech, financial or medical,” 

McCann remarked. “We think as more 

investments are made (downtown) that 

other companies will follow Sirsi’s example.” 

Another new tenant in downtown office 

space is Global Key Tek, a developer and 

marketer of digital security software. Harry 

Barker, the company’s director of sales and 

marketing, said he and Keith Bedsole, 

Global Key Tek’s founder/president, spun 

the company off of a government development 

entity that was located in the city’s 

Progress Center. They chose their address at 

the refurbished Beason Nalley building at 

218 Randolph Street (in a building owned 

by and housing offices of John Blue Realty). 

“We’re a smaller company. It was a very 

definite decision to move downtown 

because we did not want to get lost in the 


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19

Vicki Douglas, 

Realtor 

256-603-9399 

vdouglas02@yahoo.com 

7500 Memorial Parkway S. #122 


00342282 


general clutter of the huge buildings in 

office parks, office centers,” Barker said. 

“Unless you are the marquis name,” he 

added, “you have no real corporate presence. 

That’s why the major players in the 

research park have their own building.” 

Barker said he and Bedsole “just like the 

ambiance” downtown. “We like the fact that 

we have the identity. We like being a little 

more conspicuous.” 

As for being downtown, “We love it. It’s 

just fantastic,” said Barker. “Just the ability 

to get out at lunch, walk over and have 

something good to eat, stroll back and 

stretch your legs, see people and say hello to 

them. The quality of life down here for us is 

the final selling point.” 

Barker predicts continued growth for the 

downtown area. “I think it’s only going to 

get better,” he affirmed. “I think we’re starting 

to get an interesting mix of people.” 

Nightlife downtown is also exciting, 

Barker noted. “We find it really convenient 

to, after work, go over (to a nearby restaurant 

or bar) and have a cocktail,” he says. 

“It’s very nice to do that. Downtown has 

turned the corner towards being a destination 

again. We’re very pleased to be a part 

of that.” 

Bob Benton, owner and creative director 

Harry Barker of Global Key Tek 

of Benton Newton Advertising, said his company’s 

move to 125 Northside Square brings 

the agency full circle from its first location 

downtown. “It was just across the street, a 

little bitty one that I rented,” says Benton, 

who owns his office building and another at 

123 Northside Square. The agency had 

many homes in the city before returning to 

what he considers its prime location. 

“We realized that downtown Huntsville 

and especially the square were sort of 

returning, being brought back to life, if you 

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will. Revitalized is a good word,” he said 

with a nod. “They restored the charm and 

the vitality of downtown. That made it 

much more attractive to use.” Benton also 

thinks his real estate investment “has the 

potential to grow and prosper.” 

His office building is comprised of 7,000 

square feet, including three stories and a full 

basement, and was once the city’s “Trade 

Palace,” which Benton called “a precursor to 

a Wal-Mart, if you will. A classic, old 

American general store.” 

It has been transformed into numerous 

types of businesses over the years, including, 

reputedly, a brothel, a jewelry store, a 

pet store, a bail bond office, and storage and 

studio space for the artist Nall. Now housing 

Benton’s advertising agency, the walls 

house creative people in an equally creative 

environment downtown. 

The ambiance of downtown appeals to 

Benton and his 13 employees. “We can now 

walk out our front door and within a block 

there are about six different places to eat. 

That makes it nice,” commented Benton. 

“And the foot traffic, it’s that small town way 

of life that adds something special to a work 

day. It’s fun, charming and a great atmosphere.” 

“There’s a sense of community, which is 

nice. At most other businesses, you’re sort 

of isolated,” Benton said. “Birds of a feather 

flock together.” 

The “nest” is going to get much busier 

with the opening of the Big Spring Summit 

office building at 100 Church Street, scheduled 

for completion by December. 

William Stroud, a principal owner of 

Triad Properties, the developer of the project, 

said the eight-story, 80,000 square-foot 

building is now being sold in condominium 

units to various businesses. 

They will enjoy the amenities and style of 

the building, which Stroud describes as 

“urban architecture,” which might not otherwise 

be affordable. Featuring stone, granite, 

cherry and other high-end materials for 

what Stroud calls “understatement, quality 

and stature,” the Big Spring Summitt will 

offer stunning views of Big Spring Park. 

“We looked at four to five different sites,” 

Stroud remarked. “There was a lot of 

momentum in downtown Huntsville. We 

wanted to be on the front end of that.” 

And Triad Properties has more in store for 

downtown Huntsville, the developer added. 

Phase two of the project, the building of 

some 50 “class-A residential waterfront condominium 

units” is now in the planning 

stages, with groundbreaking scheduled for 

early 2006. 

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21

Love Those Greens 

It’s no secret about Southerners’ love of 

greens – and I’m not referring to spinach, 

kale or collards! From private clubs to public 

courses, golf in Alabama promises a generous 

serving certain to satisfy a variety of 

tastes. “I’ve been to Scotland, the birthplace 

of the sport, and I’ve found nothing that rivals 

what we have right here,” said Spike McRoy, 

a Huntsville native and PGA Tour member. 

McRoy noted, “The Robert Trent Jones 

Golf Trail stands above and beyond what 

I’ve seen elsewhere.” Extending from 

Muscle Shoals and Huntsville in the northern 

part of the state to Mobile at the southern 

tip, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is 

reputed to be the largest golf course construction 

project ever attempted. The New 

York Times calls the Robert Trent Jones Golf 

Trail “some of the best public golf on Earth.” 

Charles Blume, publisher of Tennessee 

Valley Golf News magazine and the Golf Guide 

for North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, adds 

that North Alabama is a Mecca for affordable 

daily fee, public golf courses. “There are 57 

fun and challenging golf courses within a 

90-minute drive of Huntsville. Green fees 

range from $20 to $70 in the North Alabama 

area, offering some of the best golfing values 

in the Southeast.” McRoy concurred, noting, 

“You can’t play quality golf at a more 

reasonable price.” 

Golfers of all skill levels can choose from 

22 


bent grass, Bermuda and special hybrid 

greens on traditional or links-style courses. 

“Courses offer majestic views, from North 

Alabama’s mountains and lakes to tree-lined 

fairways with rolling terrain,” said Blume. 

McRoy remarked upon the fantastic views 

from Huntsville Mountain afforded by The 

Ledges, a Hurdzan-designed course, and 

the “awesome family play,” available at 

places like Colonial Golf Course under the 

management of Barry Holt. 

Temperate weather supports a nearly 

year-round golf habit. Adding to the pure 

visual pleasure of the game, North Alabama, 

while temperate, enjoys a change of all four 

seasons. 

”The more I travel, the more I want to 

come home,” smiled McRoy. “And it’s not 

just the golf – it’s the overall quality of life 

that we enjoy in Huntsville and Madison 

County.” 

Among the many “greens” to love in 

North Alabama: 

The Robert Trent Jones Golf 

Trail– Hampton Cove, public 

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offers 

378 holes stretching to over 100 miles of 

golf. 

“Hampton Cove has three of the best 

designed courses on the trail,” said Steve 

Mack, director of golf at Hampton Cove. “It 

offers something for every golfer no matter 

what your handicap.” 

The Highlands Course, which emulates a 

Scottish links, is one of the gems of the trail. 

Thousands of Japanese black pines, oaks, 

dogwoods, and crepe myrtles have been 

planted to enhance such features as an old 

mule barn beside the fifth hole. 

Completely opposite is the River Course, 

the only Robert Trent Jones layout without a 

single bunker. The River Course is laid out 

on former soybean fields in the flood plain of 

the Flint River. The River Course is a throwback 

to the way courses were built long ago 

– the dirt was merely pushed up to create the 

greens and tees, leaving all else, including 

massive oak trees, as is. The enormous black 

oak behind the 18th green is reputed to be 

the third oldest in the state at 250 years. 

The Short Course at Hampton Cove is 

very open and links-like, with water in play 

on 11 holes and a large double green 

accommodating the 10th and 17th greens. 

For more information on the Robert Trent 

Jones Golf Trail, visit www.rtjgolf.com. 

Colonial Golf Course, public 

Colonial Golf Course is what manager 

and PGA professional Barry Holt calls an 

old-style course. It was built in 1963 and 

has Bermuda fairways and roughs with bent 

grass greens and tree-lined fairways. It is a

(1) Courtesy of Canebrake Club; (2) Holly McClain; (3) Dennis Keim 

Thanks to a temperate climate, golf is nearly a year-round sport in the Tennessee Valley. Average highs and lows in degrees Fahrenheit are: spring 73/49; 

summer 91/68; fall 75/50; and winter 53/34. Pictures from left: Nestled among gently rolling terrain, beautiful trees and natural water features, 

Canebrake golf course is visually striking and provides an enjoyable test for golfers of all skill levels; Cynthia Shannon practices on the putting green at 

The Ledges; The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove offers 54 holes in a river valley setting covering 65 acres. 

daily fee course open to the public and also 

has a yearly membership available. 

Colonial is in great condition and boasts 

some of the finest bent grass greens in the 

area. Open year-round, Colonial challenges 

better golfers, yet is still very playable to the 

novice. Hole 11 is a 430 yard, tree-lined 

par 4 that is consistently honored as one of 

the top 18 holes in North Alabama. 

Colonial also has a comfortable clubhouse, 

a fully stocked pro shop with moderately 

priced merchandise and a patio which may 

be used for luncheons or meetings. Holt is 

available by appointment for golf instruction. 

Available for tournaments and corporate 

outings, Colonial Golf Course is located 

in Meridianville—just a short drive from 

downtown Huntsville. Call 256.828.0431. 

Huntsville Country Club, private 

Huntsville Country Club (HCC) is an 80- 

year-old private country club with 500 supportive 

members. The club is well established 

in the Huntsville community and 

focuses on regular golf play, junior golf 

development, couples play and tournament 

operations. Huntsville Country Club offers 

full service golf amenities including a fourtee 

practice range, two large practice greens 

and a chipping green. HCC Head PGA Golf 

Professional Micky Wolfe is a PGA certified 

golf instructor and keeps instruction at the 

“fore” front of the HCC experience. Call 

256.859.3000 for information on HCC. 

The Ledges, private 

Recently ranked as one of the top courses 

in Alabama by Golf Digest magazine, The 

Ledges Country Club is perched upon one 

of the highest points in Madison County. 

Golfers are treated to spectacular views of 

Jones Valley and Hampton Cove as they 

make their way from tee to green. The 

breathtaking and challenging course tests 

golfers of all skill levels. 

The Ledges was designed in the timeless 

style of raised tees, wide zoysia fairways, 

large undulating bent grass greens, simply 

shaped bunkers and almost no gimmicks. 

Many of the holes feature steep drops on the 

left side of the fairway and all the holes 

present unique challenges. The intent of the 

site was to let the natural beauty and the difficult 

terrain shine through for an unparalleled 

golfing experience. The climate in 

northern Alabama allows golfers to enjoy 

the course practically year round. 

Steve Denney, managing partner at The 

Ledges, reflected, “It’s a club that combines 

member service, ambiance and golf amenities 

at a level comparable to the best the 

country has to offer.” Denney added, “Our 

members are proud to call The Ledges their 

home club no matter where they travel.” 

The Ledges, he noted, enables members to 

experience a level of sophistication and 

elegance usually associated with “big city” 

living. 

Take a virtual look at The Ledges course 

at www.theledges.com/golf.asp. 

Canebrake, public rates available 

The great Donald Ross once said, “The 

Lord made golf holes; golf architects merely 

discover them.” This truism describes the 

creative process behind Canebrake’s championship 

golf course. Each hole was cultivated 

to create characteristics that uniquely 

unify the game with nature. 

The golf course at Canebrake is the 

crown jewel of the club and residential 

community. Golf course architect Ron Garl 

has designed many courses throughout the 

world, and Canebrake has matured into a 

masterpiece that ranks among his best. Garl 

designed multiple tee placements to make a 

challenging golf experience for low handicaps 

while ensuring a pleasurable experience 

for the novice golfer. 

With Piney Creek meandering through 

the front nine and surprising elevation 

changes on the back, Garl mixed long and 

short holes together to challenge all golfers. 

His unique ability to lay out a course that 

remains interesting and forces the player to 


23 

Initiatives October 2005


use all their clubs is evident at Canebrake. 

Long open holes with large putting surfaces 

are followed by a short hole emphasizing 

accuracy to a small green. 

Stephen Puryear, PGA golf professional 

at Canebrake said, “I have found very few 

people who do not enjoy the condition or 

playability of Canebrake. Ron Garl created 

the perfect blend holes that are long and 

open and then short and tight. Mix his 

expert design with the best conditioning, 

and you have the perfect recipe for a great 

round of golf for every player.” 

For information: www.canebrakeclub.com 

Cherokee Ridge, private 

Cherokee Ridge is a 670-acre private golf 

community of homes and home sites – all 

nestled among gently rolling hills, woods, 

30 acres of sparkling lakes, and surrounded 

by a breathtaking mountain range. 

Throughout the 18-hole, par 72 layout, 

hole after hole fits naturally into the landscape, 

taking every advantage of rolling 

hills, whispering woods, lakes and streams. 

Much of the front nine is guarded by a 17- 

acre lake – if not an added challenge, certainly 

a beautiful diversion. The back nine 

turns through a forest of pines and hardwoods 

but nonetheless formidable. 

The championship course is considered 

by many to be one of the finest in northern 

Alabama. All new bent grass greens, part of 

a recent course renovation, are maintained 

in top condition. And the Bermuda fairways 

enhance playability. 

The Cherokee Ridge Country Club golf 

facility includes two practice putting 

greens, a driving range, fully-stocked pro 

shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms 

and club storage. It also provides a PGA 

professional staff to help you sharpen your 

game. 

Rich Waite, PGA professional and club 

manager at Cherokee Ridge, “In my opinion, 

this is the best part of the state for golf. 

We’re just south of Huntsville but it’s a convenient 

ride and true country club living.” 

Additional information is available at 

www.cherokeeridge.com/golf.html. 

Richland Golf Center, public 

Billed as North Alabama’s premier short 

game training facility, Richland Golf Center 

offers a lighted driving range with 22 covered 

bays and grass tees, two chipping and 

putting practice greens and North Alabama’s 

only Executive Golf Course with two 

par four holes and seven par three holes to 

help fine tune your short game. 

Richland Golf’s Executive Golf Course is 

designed to both challenge and excite players 

of all levels – without occupying the 

entire day. The course is a Scottish links 

design that holds true to the historical 

design patterns used on golf’s first courses 

by using the lay-of-the-land. The course 

also features native Alabama grasses. 

Also available at Richland Golf is a short 

game practice course and a Harris Cupdesigned 

miniature golf course. Two PGAcertified, 

class A teaching professionals – 

Tim Wilkes and Charlie Richardson – provide 

golf training using state-of-the-art 

teaching aids and Swing Solutions video 

software. Both of these pros are also certified 

Henry-Griffitts club fitters and golf 

machine instructors. 

Richland Golf Center has a fully stocked 

pro shop featuring custom-fitted golf clubs, 

top brands of accessories, and U.S. Kids 

Golf equipment. www.richlandgolf.com 

Redstone Arsenal Golf Course, 

open to active/retired or reserve military 

and immediate family, civilian employees, 

contractors and other federal government 

employees who work on Redstone Arsenal 

This beautifully landscaped facility offers 

27 challenging and scenic holes, a modern 

club house and pro shop, and a convenient 

short order restaurant. Also provided is an 

00342270 

24 


The Ledges English Tudor-style clubhouse 

Courtesy of The Ledges 

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www.redstonemwr.com 

Sunset Landing Golf Club, public 

For the frequent flyer who is also a frequent 

golfer, Sunset Landing Golf Club, 

located adjacent to the Huntsville 

International Airport and Sheraton Four 

Points Hotel, is extremely accommodating. 

Sunset Landing Golf Course offers 6,803 

yards of native grass fairways and bent grass 

greens. A par 72 course with a slope of 71.9 

and rating of 118 from the black tees and 

66.9 and 108 respectively from the white 

tees, Sunset Landing is ideal for seasoned 

duffers and beginners alike. 

Sunset Landing Golf Course is open 

seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. 

Amenities include a golf shop, spacious 

driving range, golf lessons by appointment, 

full-service grill and restaurant, beverage 

cart service and corporate outing 

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25

Shop ’til 

You Drop 

Parkway Place Mall 

The staff of Roman Holiday Café is ready to 

serve up gelato, or, if you prefer, expresso. 

Holly McClain 

For a map of the major retail stores in the 

Huntsville/Madison County area, visit: 

www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com and 

click on “Community Data.” 

Westside Center 

26 


Valley Bend at Jones Farm

Need 

entertainment 

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next 

corporate 

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private event? 

Holly McClain 

Centrally located between the Old Town and 

Twickenham historic districts, Five Points is a 

commercial center for neighboring residents. 

Quirky, kitschey, classic – Five Points offers 

an eclectic mix of shopping and dining venues. 

U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) 

has secured $1.4 million for the Five Points 

improvement project to provide landscaping, 

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WE have it all. 

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256.489.8080 

00341509 

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Situated in the heart of downtown Huntsville, 

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00342272 


27

HREGI Investors 

Chairman’s Council ($50,000+ invested: Private Sector) 

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama • Regions Bank 

Development Partners ($50,000+ invested: Public Sector) 

City of Huntsville • Huntsville Hospital • Huntsville Utilities • 

Huntsville/Madison County Airport Authority • Madison 

County Commission • Tennessee Valley Authority 

President’s Circle ($25,000-$49,999 invested) 

ADTRAN • AmSouth Bank • BellSouth • Colonial Bank • 

Compass Bank • Crestwood Medical Center • The Boeing 

Company • The Huntsville Times • Redstone Federal Credit 

Union • SouthTrust/Wachovia 

Chamber Trustees ($10,000-$24,999 invested) 

Avocent Corp. • Beason & Nalley • Bill Penney Toyota • Blue 

Cross & Blue Shield of Ala. • Camber Corp. • CINRAM • 

COLSA Corp. • Express Jet • Huntsville Area Association of 

Realtors • Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association • 

Intergraph Corp. • Lamar Outdoor Advertising • Northrop 

Grumman • Panalpina • SAIC • Siemens VDO Automotive • 

SPARTA • SportsMed • Teledyne Brown Engineering 

FILLING YOUR 

NEEDS IS OUR 

MISSION 

W hether you need one person or 

one hundred, we will listen to your 

needs and find the qualified 

candidates to meet them. 

Please call us to hear how we have 

done it for others. 

Florence Office 

256.767.4562 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

28 


www.jobcenterstaffing.com 

Huntsville Office 

256.519.8850 

Decatur Office 

256.340.0014 

00342284 

00341523 

Progress Partners ($5,000-$9,999 invested) 

AEgis Technologies • Analytical Services • Applied Data 

Trends • BAE Systems • Balch & Bingham • Coldwell 

Banker/McLain Real Estate • Colonial Properties Consolidated 

Construction • Dynetics • Enfinger Steele Development 

• Engelhard Corp. • ERC • First American Bank • First 

Commercial Bank • FPMI Solutions • General Dynamics • 

HiWAAY Internet Services • International Diesel • Intuitive 

Research & Technology Corp. • Jerry Damson Honda Acura 

• Keystone Foods Corp. • Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne • LG 

Electronics Alabama • MORGAN Research Corp. • NAI Chase 

Commercial Realty • The Orthopaedic Center • Parker 

Hannifin Corp. • Radiology of Huntsville • Samples 

Properties • Sirote & Permutt • J. Smith Lanier & Co. • 

SOUTHBank • The Executive Group • The Surgery Center of 

Huntsville • Turner Universal Construction • WAFF-TV • 

Wilmer & Lee • Yellowbook • Anonymous 

Progress Investors ($2,500-$4,999 invested) 

3D Research Corp. • Averbuch Realty Co. • Baron Services • 

Bradley Arant Rose & White • Chapman Sisson Architects • 

Cintas Corp. • Currie Systems • DESE Research • Fountain 

Parker Harbarger & Assoc. • Fuqua Osborn Architects • 

Huntsville Tractor & Equipment • Infinity Technology • Jacobs 

Sverdrup • JH Partners Architecture & Interiors • Johnston, 

Moore, Maples & Thompson • Kudzu Productions • Lamb 

Commercial Services • Madison Research Corp. • Madison 

Square Chrysler Jeep • Mercedes Benz of Huntsville • 

Oceaneering International • Radiance Technology • SESI • The 

Heritage Club • Wesfam Restaurants • Westar Corp. • WHNT- 

19 • Wilson Lumber • Woodland Homes of Huntsville • 

Woody Anderson Ford 

Take Stock (



Staff 2005 

Brian Hilson, President & CEO 

Holly McClain, Communications Director 

Laura Kendrick, Executive Assistant to the President 

Economic Development 

Ethan Hadley, Vice President, Economic Development 

Steve Finnell, Director, 

Industrial Development & Existing Industry 

Rick Davis, Director, Cummings Research Park 

Lillie Ben, Executive Marketing Assistant 

Amy Locke, Industrial Development Assistant 

Governmental Affairs 

Mike Ward, Vice President, Governmental Affairs 

Jay Snyder, BRAC Executive Director 

Tina Leopold, Program Assistant 

Investor Relations 

Loren Traylor, Vice President, Investor Relations 

Cheryl Schultz, Director, Workforce Development 

Jennifer Jeffers, Director, 

Small Business/Membership Services 

Debra Dunbar, Director, Launch Program 

Lindsay Southard, Events Coordinator 

Donna McCrary, Investor Relations Coordinator 

Terrie Ledbetter, Membership Sales Representative 

Beverly Carthen, Membership Retention Coordinator 

00342280 

Research & Information Services 

Ken Smith, Director, Research & Information Services 

Kristi Sherrard, Publications/Graphic Design Specialist 

Hiroko Sedensky, Research Assistant 

Judith Short, Information Services Assistant 

Cheryl Crowe, Resource Desk Coordinator 

Finance & Administration 

Ken Williams, Director, Finance & Administration 

Desman Holt, Network Administrator 

Dora Heisey, Financial Assistant 

Erica Gussie, Financial Assistant 

Joe Watson, Facilities Supervisor 

Associated Organizations & Staff 

Leadership Huntsville/Madison County 

Sarah Savage, Executive Director 

Todd Cannon, Program Manager 

Mary Stewart, Program Coordinator 

Allison Harbin, Administrative Coordinator 

Anna Swain, Leadership Intern 

Northeast Alabama Regional 

Small Business Development Center 

Kenneth Scislaw, Director, SBDC 

Carrie Davis, Assistant Director, SBDC 

Brenda McBride, Procurement Counselor 

Hanson Howard, Business Counselor 

Patsy Nayman, Executive Secretary 

Felita Flores, Secretary 

SCORE 

Ravi Agarwal, Interim Director 



225 Church Street 

Huntsville, Alabama 35801 

(256) 535-2000 

www.HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 

00342259 


29

Follow the Kingfisher! 

By Gaylon Gwin, Staff Writer 

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 

30 

Watch the birdie! Signs embellished 

with a kingfisher logo are popping 

up along roadsides in North Alabama, 

marking special places designated as prime 

birding sites. 

The belted kingfisher is the signature 

species chosen as the insignia of the North 

Alabama Birding Trail. The shaggy-crested 

blue and white bird evokes smiles with his 

comic-character good looks, and serves as a 

fitting symbol of the enjoyment found along 

the trail. Since they are often found fishing, 

or living near rivers and lakes, the belted 

kingfisher makes a perfect icon for the 

North Alabama birding habitats that 

include many beautiful lakes and rivers. 

With plans on the drawing board since 

2001, development of the North Alabama 

Birding Trail officially began with the award 

of a federal grant to the Alabama Division of 

Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ Nongame 

Wildlife Program. The trail, traversing 

11 counties along the Tennessee River in 

North Alabama, unifies 50 existing birding 

sites into a single cohesive entity, linked by 

directional signs along roads and highways. 

This chain of sites is divided into three 

“loops,” with each loop requiring no more 

than a long weekend to view. 

Planning the Trail 

The Alabama Department of Conservation 

and Natural Resources enlisted the aid 

of FERMATA, Inc. – North America’s leading 

nature tourism consulting group – to 

assist in creating a birding trail through the 

Tennessee River Valley. 

The sites were chosen to meet criteria 

that not only considered excellent birding 

opportunities, but also visitor safety, 

resource protection and potential for general 

enjoyment. 

The most popular habitats for bird 

watching are woodlands, freshwater shorelines, 

fields and open areas, and marshes 

and swamps. The North Alabama Birding 

Trail includes a mix of these varied habitats. 

Some sites offer the chance to see a large 

number of birds, while others may attract 

many different species. 


Guidelines for site selection included the 

location’s characteristics as a unique, rich 

birding resource; ecological significance 

of the habitat types; site resiliency – 

its ability to withstand 

continual public 

use without 

damage to environmentally 

sensitive 

areas; and 

physical and legal 

access of the areas 

by the public. 

Other considerations 

were the maintenance support 

offered by local sponsors and partners in 

the community; the economic significance 

for local private businesses; and 

adequate parking areas or right-of-way 

pull-off areas to allow stops without endangering 

vehicles or wildlife viewers. 

Trail maps and guides detail site locations, 

bird identification and habitat types. The colorful 

publications make it easy for visitors to plan 

day trips to one, several, or all sites on a loop. Also 

included in the guide are symbols that show amenities, 

like restroom facilities or picnic tables, available 

at the sites. Only a few locations require an entrance 

fee. The guide also gives global positioning system coordinates 

for all of the sites. 

Many of the birding trail sites have interpretive panels 

to help enrich visitors’ experiences, including illustrations 

and quick facts about the area’s history, habitat, 

and what birds might be seen at the site. Ten key sites 

along the trail have 144-square-foot covered informational 

kiosks, each containing three 3-by-4-foot panels 

detailing more information about the trail, the 

nature of North Alabama and the site in general. 

“We know that many people are serious wildlife and 

bird watchers,” said Mark Sasser, non-game wildlife program 

coordinator for the Alabama Department of Conservation and 

Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater 

Fisheries Division. “The sites 

selected will appeal to them, but will be 

especially helpful to casual observers. 

The informational signage is designed 

to educate as well as to direct viewers.” 

Brian Casey, assistant manager at 

Monte Sano State Park – a 

Huntsville site included on the cen- 

This Belted 

Kingfisher proves 

worthy of his 

name. 

Alan Murphy

Paperwork Got You Down? 

Stop worrying and call! 

256.520.0347 

1.866.481.0854 (toll-free fax) 

• Typing 

• Spreadsheets 

• Desktop Publishing 

• Presentations 

• Transcripts 

• Resumes 

• and more 

00341507 

Cosmetic 

Restorative 

Rehabilitative 

Dentistry 

Red-headed Woodpecker 

USFWS/Dave Menke 

tral loop – agrees that sites are friendly to 

both serious and casual observers. “Our scenic 

overlook is the main point of interest on 

the birding trail. But even those who aren’t 

stopping for the birds can get hooked once 

they get a good look at the raptors and 

eagles that are often in view,” he noted. 

Tourism and Partnership 

Looking to the success of the Alabama 

Coastal Birding Trail and the number of visitors 

it attracts, the developers of the North 

Alabama Birding Trail anticipate an increase 

in tourism throughout the Tennessee Valley 

because of establishment of the trail. Dana 

Lee Tatum, president/CEO of the North 

Alabama Tourism Association anticipates an 

increase in visitors and lodgings taxes from 

those staying overnight. “The trail offers a 

full experience – natural, cultural and historical. 

This kind of experiential tourism 

offers a wonderful opportunity to create a 

win-win situation for economic development 

and conservation,” she noted. 

“Our trail will be unique in that local history 

will be included as sidebars in printed 

material,” said Pam Swanner, director of the 

Decatur-Morgan County Convention and 

Visitors’ Bureau. “No other state birding 

trail incorporates that type information in 

their trail brochures.” 

The North Alabama Birding Trail promises 

to attract visitors year-round. Fall and 

spring migrations will be especially busy 

times along the trail. 

“Visitors who enjoy wildlife viewing will 

welcome the clearly marked trail,” said 


Lee Tucker, D.M.D. René Talbot, D.D.S 

915 Bob Wallace Ave. S.W., Huntsville, Al 35801 

256-533-0140 TuckerTalbot@bellsouth.net 

Fountain, Parker, Harbarger & Associates 

201 Washington St. • Huntsville, AL 35801 

256 551 0060 

Website: www.fphins.com 

Half page horizontal 

00342257 

Your Business, Your Health, Your Home. 

Our Responsibility. 

00341520 


31

Spring is one of the best times to visit the 

birding trail. It is not unusual to record 

over 100 species of birds in a single 

morning at this time of the year, 

including some of the state’s 

most uncommon species. 

USFWS/Gary Kramer 

, 

$,0 

27 66 2. 2/ 285 +.67 * . $36 .9.5 

"*9. 83 72 2 +.*87/8 62- :22- /85785. 

/52 *.+5*- *8/*,785.56 

22.5j !9.56-. j j 266 j .5. j 

*- 285 .:.67 /85785. . 

O %"$%" 

%$$ 

396 /-98:/ 00-/ 322/-832 

/36+ +6;+ #398 9287:/ 

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4/2 32.+ 6.+ + 4 +36 6/.8 +6.7 --/48/. 

3 $94. 

#0,/ 94 0;07 

:,7,3900/ 

00342268 

32 


Opposite page: 

Scissor-tailed 

Flycatcher 

At left: 

Pacific Loon 

USFWS/Mike Boylan 


Barnett Lawley, commissioner of the 

Alabama Department of Conservation and 

Natural Resources. “The belted kingfisher 

signs are easy to see, the locations are accessible, 

and the informational signage offers a 

wealth of information about the birds, the 

habitat, and the local history.” 

Most of the funding for the $280,000 

birding trail project is from a federal grant to 

the state to provide recreation and education 

about Alabama’s non-game wildlife 

species. Matching funds for the grant are 

from a number of municipalities and counties, 

the Tennessee Valley Authority, the 

North Alabama Tourism Association and 

area businesses: Nucor Steel, BP-Amoco 

Companies, and 3-M Company. The chambers 

of commerce and visitors bureaus in 

North Alabama led the effort to obtain these 

matching funds. 

Conclusion 

For interesting and productive birding 

experiences, follow the kingfisher! • 

To request a copy of the official 

North Alabama Birding Trail Guide, 

call 1-866-23VISIT or 1-866-238-4748. 

Additional information is online at 

www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com 

and in the Watchable Wildlife Section 

of www.outdooralabama.com. 

Special thanks to the Alabama Department 

of Conservation and Natural Resources and 

Kim Nix, managing editor of the 

department’s Outdoor Alabama magazine. 

Beason & Nalley 

provides nancial and 

consulting services to all 

business sectors, with a 

focus on the government 

contractor. 

With Beason & Nalley 

it’s a team approach – 

your team working with our team 

We have extended 

the hand of dedicated 

customer service and 

assembled a team of 

consultants to provide 

unrivaled nancial and 

business services. 

Beason & Nalley, Inc. 

101 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 

Tel: 256.533.1720, Fax: 256.534.8558 

www.beasonnalley.com 

00341515 

00342269 


33

00342281 

Looking for a Solution? 

Then you need a consultation with 

Dr. Zaria C. Murrell 

Surgical Solutions, P.C. 

“We see the person in the patient” 

General Surgery Practice, specializing in 

Gastric Bypass, Hernial and Breast Surgeries. 

185 Chateau Dr . Suit e 302 

256.489.8600 • www.surgicalso luti onspc.com 

Education Quick List 

Athens State College........................................800.522.0272 

Athens State College Redstone Ext. ............256.882.9426 

Alabama A & M University..............................256.372.5000 

Calhoun Community College........................256.306.2500 

Faulkner University – Huntsville....................256.830.2626 

Florida Institute of Technology 

Redstone Graduate Center ....................256.881.7878 

Huntsville Career Center ................................256.859.9360 

Huntsville City Schools....................................256.428.6800 

J.F. Drake State Technical College..................256.539.8161 

Madison City Schools ......................................256.464.8370 

Madison County Schools ................................256.852.2557 

Oakwood College ............................................256.726.7000 

University of Alabama in Huntsville..............256.824.1000 

Virginia College at Huntsville ........................256.533.7387 

34 


00341516 

Local Libraries 

Bailey Cove ........................................................256.881.0257 

1409 Weatherly Plaza, Huntsville, AL 35803 

Elizabeth Carpenter..........................................256.723.2995 

5496 Main Street, New Hope, AL 35760 

Gurley Public Library ........................................256.776.2102 

225 Walker Street, Gurley, AL 

Tillman D. Hill....................................................256.828.9529 

131 Knowledge Dr, Hazel Green, AL 35750 

Madison Public Library ....................................256.461.0046 

130 Plaza Blvd., Madison, AL 35758 

Main Library ......................................................256.532.5940 

915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 

Oscar Mason......................................................256.535.2249 

149 Mason Court, Huntsville, AL 35805 

Monrovia Public Library....................................256.837.6153 

1960 Jeff Road, Huntsville, AL 35806 

Eleanor E. Murphy ............................................256.881.5620 

7910 Charlotte Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802 

Bessie K. Russell ..............................................256.859.9050 

3011-C Sparkman Dr, Huntsville, AL 

Showers Center Library....................................256.851.7492 

4600 Blue Spring Road, Huntsville, AL 35810 

Triana Youth Center..........................................256.772.3677 

280 Zierdt Road, Madison, AL 35758

North Alabama has eight 

sporting lakes, the Tennessee 

River and numerous smaller 

bodies of water. The area is 

renowned for trophy bass fishing, 

boating, sailing, and skiing. 

Guntersville, Wheeler and Weiss 

lakes are routinely included in 

the ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster 

Series schedule. 

Know 

free marketing tip #3_ 

Who Opened Your 

Mail 

Send an email newsletter 

to your customers and know 

within minutes who opened 

it, what they clicked on, and 

even where they went on your 

web site. It is a great way to 

measure response rate and 

ROI. Call StoneRiver to set 

up a new or improved email 

communications program that 

is effective, reasonably priced 

and delivered with responsive 

customer service. 

00341513 

call 351-6870 

or visit www.stoneriverinc.com 

or stop by 1401 7th Avenue SE • Decatur 

• Staffing 

• Payroll 

Processing 

• HR Services/ 

Solutions 

• Risk 

Management 

• Training/ 

Development 

“Find out why our clients trust us 

to safeguard their continued success.” 

David Gibb 

Now boasting eight members who each have 

their own horses, the Hurricane Creek Farms 

Polo Club meets on Wednesdays for practice 

and play in matches and several U.S. Polo 

Association tournaments. 

4925 University Drive • Suite • 168 Huntsville, AL 35816 

256.721.5627 – Fax 256.830.5102 

www.expressbusinesssolutions.com 

00342286 


35

community profile 

Madison City of City of Huntsville 

Population County Huntsville Madison Metro Area 

2000 Census 276,700 158,216 29,329 342,376 

2004 Estimate 293,072 164,146 35,012 362,459 

Households 

2000 Census 109,955 66,742 11,143 134,643 

Income & Age 

Avg. Household Income $57,220 $55,856 $72,432 $55,343 

Per Capita Income $23,091 $24,015 $27,821 $22,073 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) 

TOP 10 EMPLOYERS 

U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,599 

Huntsville Hospital System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,320 

The Boeing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,092 

Huntsville City Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,700 

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,676 

Wal-Mart Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,300 

CINRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,200 

Intergraph Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,097 

Madison County Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,033 

SAIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,031 

Source: Chamber of Commerce 

Aerospace & Defense 

Huntsville/Madison County is home to the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal 

and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center which combine to drive a thriving 

aerospace and defense technology industry. Nearly 15,000 direct DoD 

and 2,700 NASA employees manage some of the country’s most important 

and sophisticated technology programs including missiles, aviation and 

space exploration. More than 250 companies employing an additional 

27,000 workers support the local aerospace and defense industries. 

For more 

information visit: 

HuntsvilleAlabamaUSA.com 

Research & Technology 

Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park has earned a reputation as a world 

center for technology development. The second-largest science and technology 

park in the U.S., Cummings Research Park is home to more than 

225 companies and 25,000 people involved in technology research and 

development. 

pprofessional 

development 

p 

Certificate programs and courses 

for today’s defense professionals! 

Engineering 

Aerospace Propulsion Systems Systems Engineering 

Foundations in Radar Concepts Modeling and Simulation 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Test and Evaluation 

Six Degree of Freedom (DOF) MATLAB 

Fundamentals of Tactical Missile Systems 

Business & Management 

Federal Contract Management Purchasing Management 

Project Management 

Applied Management 

Supervisory Development ISO 9001:2000 

Building Blocks to Success: 

Understanding the Army Structure 

Information Technology 

C++, Java, XML & Visual Basic .NET Applications 

Web Development 

UNIX/Linux 

Oracle Development and Database Administration 

Many programs are available in distance learning format! 

Call or visit our web site today for complete information and online registration. 

The University of Alabama in Huntsville Division of Continuing Education 

824.6372 

1.800.448.4035 

www.coned.uah.edu 

pdinfo@cepo.conted.uah.edu 

UAH® 

An Affirmative Action/Equal 

Opportunity Institution 

00342273 

36 


00342289

Gaining Visibility by Degrees 

Huntsville boasts the highest concentration 

of engineers in the country. If you 

don’t believe me, just read the latest May 

issue of Forbes magazine. Then again, you 

could read the Knowledge Worker Quotient 

2005 published by Expansion Management 

magazine which states Huntsville, Ala. is a 

top metro for scientists and engineers per 

capita. Then there’s Popular Science reporting 

Huntsville as a leading technology hot 

38 


spot. As a matter of fact, in the past few years 

a number of widely-read publications have 

extolled this North Alabama community’s 

virtues; namely, its highly skilled, degreed 

workforce. 

Described by the popular media as a “brain 

trust,” Huntsville is the recipient of academic 

largess afforded from universities and institutes 

from around the world. A quick study of 

license plates and multiple conversations at the 

Keith Bedsole-CEO 

Global Key Tek, 

providing digital security technology 

and John Blue-CEO 

John Blue Realty, 

commercial real estate company 

“Three generations building the 

Future…renovating the Past” and 

teams celebrate ribbon cutting at 

218 Randolph Avenue, 

their renovated downtown offices. 

Fish Window Cleaning 

provides commercial, retail and 

residential service including storm 

windows and skylights. Other services 

include cleaning chandeliers, ceiling 

fans, mirrors, light fixtures, screens 

and gutters. We offer customized 

cleaning programs, year-round 

scheduling and construction cleanup 

services. Fish Window Cleaning is 

fully licensed bonded and insured. 

Phone 800-239-5764 to 

schedule your free estimate. 

EJ’s 

Eldon J’s Fine Arts 

is a unique and exquisite art source for 

today’s discriminating client. Originals, 

Limited Editions and Sculptures are 

available, and part of our design service. 

Call (256) 461-8595 for a private showing 

or in-home consultation. 

Ellen Hill 

President 

00342285 

00342258 

00341499 

water cooler reveal a large proportion of the 

population is not native to the area. While 

attracted by a variety of factors and opportunities, 

the draw of Redstone Arsenal and the 

synergistic missions of its high technology 

tenants – currently the Defense Intelligence 

Agency, U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense 

Command, U.S. Army Materiel Command, 

Missile Defense Agency and NASA Marshall 

Space Flight Center to name a few – is what 

led to and continues to fuel statements by the 

media such as, “What Huntsville lacks in size 

it makes up for in brains.” 

To keep a thriving talent pool, city planners 

and state education officials recognized 

long ago the need to offer advanced academic 

opportunities to the burgeoning population 

of scientists and engineers who converged 

on the Tennessee Valley during the 

early race for space, as well as those who 

would follow. “It has been demonstrated on 

numerous occasions that a key factor in a 

city’s technological development is the presence 

of a research university,” said Dr. Ron 

Greenwood, vice president of research at the 

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). 

“UAH was established by Huntsville’s civic 

leaders to advance the city’s research efforts 

and to support Redstone Arsenal’s mission.” 

Approximately half of the university’s graduates 

earn a degree in science or engineering, 

making UAH one of the leading producers 

of physical scientists and engineers in 

Alabama. For degreed professionals who 

move into the area, UAH – located in 

Cummings Research Park – offers advanced 

degree programs to help keep them here. 

“UAH has always been willing and able to 

support Redstone, and I envision that we 

will continue to provide leadership in that 

role for many, many years to come,” said 

Greenwood. He points to recent campus 

initiatives as examples of that support. Just 

in the last two years, UAH has established a 

new modeling & simulation center to 

address the needs at Redstone. At the same 

time, UAH has created an academic program 

to further the knowledge of army managers. 

Only a handful of universities offer master’s 

degrees with a concentration in rotorcraft 

engineering. Also, UAH’s College of 

Business has established an executive in residence 

to assist the U.S. Army on crucial 

issues in managing science and technology. 

Greenwood also points to the university’s 

cooperation with NASA and Marshall Space 

Flight Center. Former NASA Administrator 

Daniel Goldin suggested the creation of the

National Space Science and Technology 

Center to strengthen Marshall’s ties with 

Alabama’s research universities. UAH 

invested millions of dollars and secured 

millions of dollars from the state to help 

establish the national laboratory. “UAH has 

consistently shown its willingness to be a 

partner with the agencies at Redstone 

Arsenal, both from an academic standpoint 

and in leading-edge research,” Greenwood 

said. “The success over the last five decades 

demonstrates the importance of a strong 

cooperative relationship between the university 

and Redstone Arsenal.” 

Research is conducted within the individual 

colleges or through UAH’s 19 independent 

research centers, laboratories and institutes. 

Major interdisciplinary research 

thrusts include: applied optics; propulsion; 

space plasma and aeronomics; space physics 

and astrophysics; earth system science; nanotechnology 

and microdevices, information 

technology; management of science and 

technology; microgravity and materials and 

homeland security. UAH offers 35 bachelor’s 

degree programs, 17 master’s degree programs 

and 10 Ph.D. programs. 

• Holly McClain 

Unique degree programs a UAH include: 

• Aerospace engineering 

• Optical science and engineering 

• Engineering degree with a rotorcraft 

engineering option 

• Operations research 

• Materials science 

• Software engineering 

• Biotechnology 

• Management of technology 

• Atmospheric science 

• Physics 

• Industrial systems and engineering 

management 

UAH graduate engineering program 

ranked best in U.S. 

The graduate level engineering 

management program at The University 

of Alabama in Huntsville has been 

singled out as being the best in the 

nation by the American Society for 

Engineering Management (ASEM). 

Detailed information on UAH’s 

research centers is provided through 

resadmin.uah.edu/research/Centers.html 

Who’s Who in Huntsville Magazine 

has successfully served the 

Huntsville-Madison County 

community for 5 years. 

The primary service is to produce a full-color, 

image- enhancing, education-providing advertising 

magazine that provides FREE story space 

to supporters who purchase a 

half or full page ad. Also, the 

FREE story is placed online at 

www.whoswhoinhuntsville.com 

Additionally, 7000 magazines are bulk mailed to 

Madison residents and 8000 to Huntsville. 

For more information, please call 704-8888 

00341510 

For more information, call 256-859-0400 or visit www.laseradvantage.net 

Laser Advantage, LLC 

celebrated the opening 

of its new location 

at 3105-B Memorial Parkway, NW, 

providing sales and service of printers 

and fax machines, supplies, 

office equipment and accessories. 

They are also pleased to offer cellular 

communications through 

Nextel for consumers and businesses, 

including GPS tracking. 

00342287 

Urgent MedCare 

celebrated the opening of 

our new facility at 

7583 Wall Triana Hwy 

on August 25. 

We look forward to serving 

the medical needs of 

the community. 

Please call us at 

830-5777 

00342290 


39

Jay Thomas 

The Spring City Cycling Club is one of many local organizations that welcomes new members. The Huntsville-Madison County Library keeps a listing 

entitled Community Organizations of North Alabama that provides contact information for groups interested in a variety of activities and subject matter. 

From archeology to cycling to storytelling, there’s sure to be a group to call your own. The library has 12 locations where you can access the list or visit 

hpl.lib.al.us/needhelp/community. A printed list is available at the chamber for a nominal fee. 

Two Exciting Casinos. 

4,800 Vegas-Style Slots. 

100 Table Games. 

1,066 Luxurious Hotel Rooms. 

Two 18-Hole Award Winning Golf Courses. 

40,000 Sq.Ft. of Meeting Space. 

00342262 

40 


Highway 16 West • Choctaw, MS 39350 • 866.44PEARL • www.pearlriverresort.com 

A Development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians 

Pearl River Resort is located in Choctaw, Mississippi, on Highway 16 West, just 4 miles west of Philadelphia.

JOANN TUBBSCRIM, DMD 

Call 256-881-1717 for an Appointment 

Provider for most insurance plans • 1108 Gleneagles Dr., Huntsville, AL 35801 

00341511 

00341519 

BUSINESS ADVISORS 

The Place 

to go 

to Buy or Sell 

a Business 

www.sunbeltnetwork.com/huntsville 256.539.9999 

CRP is the heart of high-tech 

for the Huntsville area, 

a community whose modern 

history helped to establish and 

guide the development of space 

and missile programs in the 

United States. In the earliest 

beginnings of these programs, 

Huntsville-based programs 

designed the rockets that 

“put man on the moon.” 

This initial base of technical 

knowledge and ability has 

since evolved into one of the 

world’s most concentrated 

centers for research and 

technology. Two hundred 

and twenty-five companies 

and 25,000 employees are 

based in the park. 

00342264 


41

Where to go • Who to see for products and services 

Use a chamber member... it's in your best interest 

Accountants 

Beason & Nalley, Inc. 

101 Monroe St. 35801 . . . . . . . . . . .256-533-1720 

CDPA, PC 

415 Church St., Ste. B 35801 . . . . .256-539-3555 

Advertising 

al.com...................................................www.al.com 

StoneRiver, Inc. 

1401 Seventh Ave. Decatur 35601....256-351-6870 

The Huntsville Times 

2317 S. Mem. Parkway .....................256-532-4250 

Architects 

Bird & Kamback Architects LLC 

304-A Franklin St. 35801 . . . . . . . .256-536-1160 

Art 

Eldon J’s Fine Art 

eldonjesart@bellsouth.net ................256-461-8595 

Banks 

Compass Bank 

114 Governors Drive 35801 . . . . . .256-532-6240 

First American Bank 

401 Meridian St. 35801 . . . . . . . . .256-519-6900 

First Commercial Bank 

301 Washington St. 35801...............256-551-3300 

Beverages - Water 

Crystal Mountain Natural Spring Water/The Roberts Group 

6767 Old Madison Pike 35806.........256-922-1114 

Business Brokers 

Sunbelt Business Advisors 

1216 N. Memorial Pkwy 35801 .........256-539-9999 

Business Services 

Applewhite Business Communications 

www.applewhitecommunications.com ...256-520-0347 

Cleaning Services 

Fish Window Cleaning - Decatur 

207 Johnston St. Ste. 206 35601......256-353-8859 

Communications - 

Wireless, Phone Service, Systems 

BellSouth 

620 Discover Dr. Bldg. 2, Ste. 350 35806 ...866-620-6000 

Laser Advantage 

3105 B Memorial Pkwy 35810 .........256-859-0400 

T.Mobile 

6125 University Dr. Ste. E-10 35805 ....256-922-1048 

Computers Services 

Camber Corporation 

635 Discovery Dr. 35806.................256-922-0200 

Information Understructures 

8503 Whitesburg Dr. 35802..............256-882-6265 

Contractors - Home Improvement 

Champion Windows, Siding and Patio Rooms 

2995 Wall Triana Hwy Ste. A-6 35824...256-424-1110 

Credit Unions 

Redstone Federal Credit Union 

220 Wynn Dr. 35893 . . . . . . . . . . . .256-837-6110 

Dentists 

JoAnn Crim, DMD 

1108 Gleneagles Dr. 35801 . . . . . .256-881-1717 

Tucker, Talbot & Associates 

915 Bob Wallace Ave. SW 35801 . .256-533-0140 

Education - Schools, Colleges, 

Universities 

Calhoun Community College 

Hwy 31 N. Decatur 35601.............256-306-2500 

UAH Professional Development 

210 Wilson Hall 35899 . . . . . . . . . .256-824-6372 

Virginia College at Huntsville 

2800-A Bob Wallace Ave. 35805 ...256-533-7387 

Employment - Agencies & Consultants 

Express Personnel Services 

4925 University Dr. Ste. 168 35816...256-721-5621 

Job Center Staffing 

2707 Artie St. Bldg. 100 Ste. 14........256-519-8850 

Entertainment 

Windham Entertainment 

www.windhamentertainment.com .....256-489-8080 

Financial Services 

LeaseSouth, LLC 

300 Clinton Ave. W. Ste. 1 35801....256-539-3311 

Furniture 

Black’s Furniture City 

124 N. Brindlee Mtn. Pkwy Arab, AL ...256-586-5725 

Office Furniture Outlet 

11507 Mem. Parkway, SW. 35803 ..256-882-9999 

Golf Courses 

Canebrake Club - Athens 

23015 Founders Cir. 35613..............256-232-2412 

Home Builders 

D.R. Horton - Athens 

22095 Canebrake Ln. 35613............256-759-0699 

Hospitals 

Crestwood Medical Center 

One Hospital Dr. SE ............256-882-3100 

Huntsville Hospital 

101 Sivley Rd. 35801.......................256-265-1000 

Hotels & Motels 

Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa - Florence 

800 Cox Creek Pkwy 35630.............866-746-8178 

Pearl River Resort 

www.pearlriverresort.com . . . . . . . .866-44PEARL 

Insurance 

Cox Associates, Inc. 

115 Manning Dr., Ste 202B 35801 . . .256-533-0001 

Farmer Insurance Group - The Balch Agency 

2315 Market Place, Ste. D 35801 . .256-489-2315 

Fountain Parker Harbarger & Associates 

201 Washington St. 35801 . . . . . . .256-551-0600 

Internet Service 

HiWAAY Internet Services 

721 Clinton Ave., Ste. 8, 35801 . . . .256-533-4296 

Photographers 

Sellers Aerial Photography 

124 Steeple Church Ct. 35806..........256-682-6734 

Physicians & Surgeons 

Surgical Solutions, P.C. 

185 Chateau Dr. Ste. 302 35802 ....256-489-8600 

Urgent MedCare 

7583 Wall Triana Hwy 35757 ...........256-830-5777 

Printers - Commercial 

Graphic Publishing Inc. 

7272 Governors West 35806 . . . . .256-713-0300 

Publishers 

Who’s Who in Huntsville 

www.whoswhoinhuntsville.com .........256-704-8888 

Real Estate 

Concourse Group 

303 Williams Ave. Ste. 117 35801....256-532-1250 

David Couch, REALTOR 

333 Franklin St. Ste. 300 35801.......256-755-0421 

John Blue Realty 

218 Randolph Ave. S.E .....................256-705-5475 

Vicki Douglas, REALTOR 

7500 S. Memorial Pkwy Ste. 122 35802.....256-603-9399 

The Executive Group Realtors 

2304 S. Memorial Pkwy 35801 ........256-533-7210 

Rentals 

Mullins Special Occasions 

1021 Meridian St. 35801 . . . . . . . . .256-534-5701 

List your company 

in this 

Buyers Guide 

For more information call 

Susan Bowen 

532-4451 

00330999

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movingacrosstown or 

across the 

world? 

The Executive Group Realtors ® can handle the move. We’re not just a Real Estate 

Company... we’re a Full Service Relocation Company. Contact usnot only for your 

residential and commercial referralsbut for your corporate needsaswell. 

BRENDA ELLIOTT 

MANAGING BROKER 

JENNIE SMITH 

DIRECTOR OF 

RELOCATION SERVICES 

CALL JENNIE TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION 

OR FOR A RELOCATION PACKET ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD... 

256-533-7210 

TOLL FREE 1-877-344-9818 

www.executivegrouprealtors.com 

2304 Memorial Parkway South 

Huntsville, Alabama 35801 

00342274

Way Cool - Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

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