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Area’s Best Honored at Chamber’s 25th Small Business Awards Gala
25th Small Business Awards Celebration showcases top small businesses, non-profit organizations, young professional of the year and executive leadership award

Honoring the best small businesses in the community, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County held its annual tribute to the area’s small businesses Tuesday, Aug. 31 at the Von Braun Center. The sold-out event, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, featured a record 98 contenders among nearly 500 nominees. Among those 98 contenders, 18 finalists were selected in the six different categories before the winners were announced.

Chamber Board Chair Don Nalley said the 25th annual celebration showcased the continued vibrancy of the local economy with a record number of nominations and contenders.

“The success of small businesses in the community is the foundation for a healthy economy,” Nalley said. “The vital signs of any community’s economic health are intrinsically tied to the overall success of our small business community. More than 95 percent of this chamber’s member organizations employ 350 or less workers.”

One of the night’s highlights was the honoring of Russell Brown, the former business and community leader who was the first recipient of the Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1986. Brown, who passed away earlier this year, was honored in a video shown at the ceremony where other community leaders praised his leadership and vision. Brown’s long-time friend Bob Ludwig, published of The Huntsville Times, made a presentation to Brown’s wife Shirley and their family at the ceremony.

“Twenty-five years ago, the first recipient of this award was a man whose presence, leadership and respect inspired a generation of new leaders in this. His grace and dignity in the face of many adversities, his calm assurance in a storm and his thoughtful leadership led to Russell Brown being named the first Executive of the Year.

“During the past year, our community lost one of our most precious assets, one of our valued leaders and greatest visionaries when Russ passed away. He positively impacted so many people in his life. He was a great listener, a great problem-solver and above all, a great friend. We will feel this loss for years to come,” Ludwig said.

The former Entrepreneur of the Year Award was renamed the Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award in memory of his contributions to the community.

2010 Small Business Award Finalists and Winners

Government Services
Sigmatech, Inc. - WINNER
Aranea Solutions
Kaya Associates, Inc.

Professional Services
Appleton Learning - WINNER
Cyn Shea’s Complete Catering
Terrame Day Spa & Salon

Technology Services
deciBel Research, Inc. - WINNER
Bevilacqua Research Corporation
GATR Technologies

Non-Profit
Huntsville Madison County Botanical Garden - WINNER
Choose Life of North Alabama, Inc.
Junior Achievement of North Alabama

Young Professional of the Year
Charlie Wilson – Digium - WINNER
Beth Martin – Worthington Federal Bank
Glenn Clayton – Appleton Learning

Russell Brown Executive Leadership Award
Rey Almodóvar – Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation - WINNER
Jonn Kim – GAN Corporation
Janine Nesin – Nesin Therapy

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If your small business is stressed meeting expenses during these economic times, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a new loan program designed just for you.

SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program (ARC) can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return to profitability. Each small business is limited to one ARC loan. ARC loans will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first. For more details on the program, click here.

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Useful Links
Starting a business or need advice on an existing small business? Check these websites out for helpful information for all of your small business questions:

Alabama A&M University Small Business Development Center
www.aamu.edu/sbdc

Alabama Development Office Small Business Services www.ado.alabama.gov/content/
ourservices/small_business/
smallbusiness.aspx

  ADO - Various Small Business Publications »

BizTech
www.biztech.org

City of Huntsville Business License
http://www.hsvcity.com/
clerk/priv_lic.php

Huntsville Angel Network
http://huntsville.angelgroups.
net/39228_39229.html

Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT)
www.hasbat.org

Madison County Business License
www.co.madison.al.us/about/org/
CoDepts/LicenseDept/
business.shtml

North Alabama African American Chamber of Commerce
www.naaachamber.org

Patriot Express Loan
www.sba.gov/patriotexpress

Small Business Administration (SBA)
www.sba.gov/localresources/
district/al/index.html

Small Business Development Center @ UAH
http://sbdc.uah.edu

TARCOG
www.wbcna.org/TARCOG_
Revolving_Loan_Fund.pdf

Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA)
www.wbcna.org
www.wbcna.org/resources.php

Women’s Business Council (WBC)
www.huntsvillealabamausa.com/wbc

Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC)
www.wedc-online.com

Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA)
Small Business Development Services
The Small Business Division, in conjunction with the Alabama A&M University Small Business Development Center and University of Alabama in Huntsville Small Business Development Center, provides training in the form of workshops and seminars targeted toward new business owners and the small business community as a whole.

For more information, please contact:

Alabama A&M University Small Business Development Center
School of Business, Room 113, P.O. Box 429, Normal, AL 35762
Phone: (256) 372.8018
Fax: (256) 372.5683
www.aamu.edu/sbdc

University of Alabama in Huntsville Small Business Development Center
College of Administrative Science, ASB 126-A, 301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35899
Phone: (256) 824-6422
Fax: (256) 824-4339
http://sbdc.uah.edu

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Small Business Center
225 Church Street, P.O. Box 408, Huntsville, AL 35801-0408
Phone: (256) 535.2061

The Chamber’s Small Business programs are carefully designed to provide assistance, information, networking opportunities and opportunities for growth for woman-owned, small, and home-based businesses.

Want to learn more? We welcome your call or visit to the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.

Community-wide Small Business Matrix (PDF) »

Here For You

The following services and networking opportunities are intended especially for the Chamber’s small business members. Every aspect of the Chamber’s work supports the primary objective of growing and improving our local economy. If you have further questions about the Chamber’s offerings, please contact Jenni Jeffers, director of Small Business Services at (256) 535-2011 or jjeffers@hsvchamber.org.

Annual Small Business Awards
This is an event held yearly to spotlight our local entrepreneurs for their outstanding accomplishments as small business leaders. The awards currently have seven categories and are attended by over 1,100 community leaders, small business owners and dignitaries.

2009 Small Business Award Finalists and Winners »
2008 Small Business Awards Winners »

Small Business Council
This group of designated members serves as a liaison and advisory group to the Chamber on small business issues and ways the Chamber can serve its members more efficiently.
Training Seminars
Seminars are offered focusing on small business issues such as Earned Value Management, Change Management and Recruiting. These seminars are priced minimally and are usually held over lunch.

Current Seminars

Chamber of Commerce Training Series »

Community-wide Seminars »
CEO Roundtables
Each roundtable offers a forum in which CEOs, presidents, owners and organizational leaders can obtain valuable insights into each others’ successes and achievements, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of past mistakes. In addition, the Chamber holds bi-annual receptions where current and future members come together for a networking opportunity. This group is for Chamber members only.

Download brochure/
application form
(PDF)
»

Women’s Business Council
This group of designated women are small business owners that serve as an advisory group to the Chamber on issues affecting women entrepreneurs. They offer mentoring and quarterly forums.

More information »

Upcoming WBC Forum Luncheon »

On-site Small Business Assistance
The Chamber offers counseling services to those individuals starting a business or currently needing assistance with their small business. The counselors represent, the Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA) and are located at the Chamber M-F from 8-5.
On-line Job Postings
This service is for Chamber members only and provides companies with a venue to advertise current job openings at no cost. The website is maintained daily and can be found at www.asmartplace.com.
Annual Business EXPO
This event allows small businesses to come together in one location to showcase to the community their products and services. This is one of the Chamber’s best attended events, typically drawing over 1,000 participants.
Business After Hours (BAH)
This venue offers a networking opportunity for small business owners and large business representatives in a relaxed, professional atmosphere. BAH’s are usually held 6 to 8 times per year from 5-7 p.m.

Upcoming Business After Hours »

Breakfast & Biz (B&B)
These events are an excellent way to network in an intimate, structured environment. Individuals are placed in groups of eight and are given one minute to share with the group their organization’s benefits and services. Tables rotate six times during the event giving individuals a tremendous amount of exposure in a short period of time. These events are held quarterly and run from 7-9 a.m.

Upcoming Breakfast & Biz »

Small Business Library
The Chamber offers an array of materials focused on starting or maintaining your small business. The library can be found on the second floor of the Chamber in the small business area.

Our Promise

The Chamber will deliver value to its members. We will work to enhance networking programs and business referrals in order to promote member companies and stimulate local economic activity. We will work to grow our strong membership base through value-added services, retention and marketing. We will inform members on key issues impacting their companies and our community’s economic condition.

Member-to-Member News
This service offers small businesses an opportunity to promote special events or major announcements regarding their organization and is located on the Chamber website. All submissions must be directed to John Southerland at jsoutherland@hsvchamber.org.

View Chamber member news »
View the latest bimonthly ChamberLink newsletter »

Ribbon Cuttings / Groundbreakings
The Chamber offers ribbon cutting and groundbreaking assistance to small business owners. This is a great way to promote your company, receive community recognition and bring other Chamber members into their establishment. For information, email: info@hsvchamber.org.

View photo gallery »

Sponsorship Opportunities / Total Resource Campaign (TRC)
The Chamber offers a vast array of sponsorship and advertising opportunities that fit into every budget – most of which are purchased through our yearly TRC from mid-April to the end of June. The TRC is managed and executed by our volunteers. For more information, email Donna McCrary at dmcrary@hsvchamber.org.
Ambassador Program
This program offers members an opportunity to volunteer to serve as a Chamber representative at events such as our Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, etc. It also allows individuals to broaden their networking opportunities and business relationships.

More information »

Emissary Program
This program is geared toward our more seasoned volunteers, having been involved actively with the Chamber for at least one year. The primary focus is to serve as a liaison between the member companies and the Chamber. They advise and educate on Chamber activities and provide feedback for improvement.

More information »

Affinity and Member-to-Member Programs
Both programs give members the opportunity to offer special discounts that are exclusive to Chamber members only.

More information »

Information Services Center

The Chamber’s Information Services Center is located directly off the Chamber lobby and provides easy access to community information and area resources. Personal assistance is provided to businesses, newcomers or any one looking to know more about the Huntsville region including information on area real estate, industry, business services and local hospitality.




Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: (256) 535-2000 | Fax: (256) 535-2015 | info@hsvchamber.org
All Rights Reserved