The Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI ...

The Strength of HREGI
Investors Ensure that Huntsville
Regional Economic Growth Initiative
Remains the Catalyst for Targeted Industry
Expansion in Huntsville/Madison County
Special Thanks to Our
HREGI Investors
Mayor Tommy Battle
City of Huntsville
Development Partner
For more than 100 years, the Chamber HREGI investors include more than 150
of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison companies and public entities that annually
County’s primary mission has been to prepare,
invest more than $1,500,000 to stimulate eco-
develop and promote the community nomic growth. Consequently, Huntsville has
for economic growth. Through the efforts of been able to weather the recent nationwide recession
Mayor Paul Finley
progressive community leaders and strong
partnerships with local, state and federal officials,
this region has grown and prospered
much better than most communities,
both larger and smaller, across the country. In
fact, the community is being recognized for the
City of Madison
Development Council
in all that it has attempted to accomplish. strength of its economy almost monthly with
Since the 1950s the local economic base has the latest accolade coming from Area Development
diversified from cotton farms to missiles,
magazine, which named Huntsville the
and magnified into what residents see today seventh “Most Attractive Metro for Business.”
bringing more opportunities to succeed for “Huntsville/Madison County has many assets
Chairman Mike Gillespie
that make it so competitive, including
all area businesses.
Madison County
This astronomical success did not happen
overnight. It required the coordination ucated and productive population,” said Bill
Development Council
great sites, a strong workforce and a well-ed-
Commission
of an organized vision with numerous partners
Fredrick, managing director of the Wadley
working toward a common goal – in-
Donovan Group, an economic development
creasing the economic growth of the Huntsville/Madison
consulting firm that advises economic de-
County community. Local velopment agencies, workforce development
economic development efforts are funded groups, and local and state governments on a
and supported by many private businesses variety of economic development and workforce
Waymon Pace
development issues.
and public sector entities and their leaders,
who look beyond what the Chamber of Major advantages that make the area
Authority
Tennessee Valley
Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County unique, Fredrick said, include its “organized,
Development Council
can do for them directly and instead support
energetic, can-do political, business and
a program that is designed to help the Chamber leadership and a consensus-built
entire region grow and prosper.
strategic plan.”
As a result, almost seven years ago, the “Our focus is on creating and sustaining
Huntsville Regional Economic Growth programs that prepare our community to effectively
compete in the global economy and to
Bill Pippin
Initiative (HREGI) was established by local
business and community leaders as the provide opportunities for our local businesses
roadmap and investment tool for funding
Huntsville Utilities
to grow,” said Jan Smith, investor relations
Development Council
continuous growth through the Chamber. vice-chair for the Chamber. “It is up to them
The Chamber’s mission is simple, but its impact
to take these opportunities and turn them into
profound. The result of this investment growth for their individual business.”
is that more targeted industries in primarily The HREGI plan includes working with local
high-tech fields and more highly qualified
businesses to address their needs; recruiting
and educated workers are coming into the targeted industry; protecting and growing the
region to accelerate the potential for growth aerospace and defense industry; developing capacity
David Spillers
for new and sustained economic growth;
that benefits all companies.
Huntsville Hospital
HREGI accounts for about one-third of developing and recruiting a skilled workforce;
Development Council
the Chamber’s annual budget and provides
enhancing the community’s image; and
a vehicle for public and private companies remaining accountable to the Chamber’s
and organizations to invest in the continued
stakeholders.
growth and prosperity of the region.
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