<strong>The</strong> Strength of <strong>HREGI</strong> Investors Ensure that <strong>Huntsville</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Growth</strong> <strong>Initiative</strong> Remains the Catalyst for Targeted Industry Expansion in <strong>Huntsville</strong>/Madison County Special Thanks to Our <strong>HREGI</strong> Investors Mayor Tommy Battle City of <strong>Huntsville</strong> Development Partner For more than 100 years, the Chamber <strong>HREGI</strong> investors include more than 150 of Commerce of <strong>Huntsville</strong>/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, <strong>Huntsville</strong> 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 <strong>Huntsville</strong> the and magnified into what residents see today seventh “Most Attractive Metro for Business.” bringing more opportunities to succeed for “<strong>Huntsville</strong>/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 <strong>Huntsville</strong>/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 <strong>Huntsville</strong>/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 <strong>Huntsville</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Growth</strong> programs that prepare our community to effectively compete in the global economy and to Bill Pippin <strong>Initiative</strong> (<strong>HREGI</strong>) was established by local business and community leaders as the provide opportunities for our local businesses roadmap and investment tool for funding <strong>Huntsville</strong> 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 <strong>The</strong> Chamber’s mission is simple, but its impact to take these opportunities and turn them into profound. <strong>The</strong> result of this investment growth for their individual business.” is that more targeted industries in primarily <strong>The</strong> <strong>HREGI</strong> 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. <strong>Huntsville</strong> Hospital <strong>HREGI</strong> 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. story continued on page 24 photos continued on page 20
19 <strong>Initiative</strong>s December 2010