The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County recently elected the 2009 Executive Committee. Chamber President/CEO Brian Hilson welcomed the Executive Committee and applauded their commitment to the community.

“One distinguishing aspect of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, and in fact our greater community, is leadership. Strongly committed, visionary community leaders who are willing to involve themselves directly in developing the future of Huntsville/Madison by serving on the Chamber board is a key to our success. We have been fortunate over the years to have always had a strong board of directors, and 2009 is no exception. A list of our 2009 board reads like a 'who’s who' of community leaders," said Brian Hilson, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.

This committee represents the diverse backgrounds and interests of this community and represents key business sectors and organizations, all of which share the Chamber’s common goal of improving the quality of life of the community they serve by stimulating prosperity and the growth of our economy.

"We are so pleased to have great leaders like Irma Tuder, the founder and chair of Analytical Services, serving as our 2009 Chamber chair," Hilson said.

Tuder is succeeding Evans Quinlivan, CEO of RBC Bank, who served as chair in 2007 and 2008.

The current economic recession presents many challenges as the Chamber moves into 2009 and as its leaders continue the important responsibilities of implementing the strategies outlined in the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative which will continue to build a strong economic base for future growth.

"Our strong board of directors positions the Chamber to continue to build upon our long-standing tradition of successful leadership in economic development,” said Hilson.

Members of the Executive Committe are as follows:

Chair – Irma Tuder, Analytical Services, Inc.
Chair-elect – Don Nalley, Beason & Nalley
Immediate Past Chair – Evans Quinlivan, RBC Bank
Chair – Chamber Foundation – Tommy Beason, Beason & Nalley Secretary/Treasurer – Jan Smith, System Studies & Simulation
Vice Chair – Economic Development – Charlie Kettle, First Commercial Bank
Vice Chair – Governmental Affairs – Linda Maynor, Maynard Cooper & Gale
Vice Chair – Investor Relations – Ron Poteat, Regions Bank
Vice Chair – Workforce – Joe Alexander, Camber Corporation
Vice Chair – Small Business – Beth Martin, RBC Bank
Vice Chair – Research & Information Services – Jeremiah Knight, Verizon Call Center Vice Chair – Image Development – Elizabeth Morard, Qualis Corporation
Chair Appointed – Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville
Chair Appointed – Jim Bolte, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.
Chair Appointed – Chairman Mike Gillespie, Madison County Commission
Chair Appointed – Joe Ritch, Sirote & Permutt