Ron Poteat (l) accepts a $10,000 check for the Huntsville Regional Growth Initiative from L-3 Communications, Mark Curran (r) to support ongoing efforts to expand the economy and recruit workforce.

In 2003, the Chamber recognized that economic development would continue to be the foundation for its activities and that it was not a five, 10 or 15 year scope of work but rather a program that would exist as long as this community focused on economic advancements. From this philosophy, the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI) strategic plan was born.

The plan includes working with local businesses to address their needs; recruiting targeted industry; protecting and growing the aerospace and defense industry; developing capacity for new and sustained economic growth; developing and recruiting a skilled workforce; enhancing our community’s image; and remaining accountable to our stakeholders.

“Our focus is on creating and sustaining programs that prepare our community to effectively compete in the global economy and support strong economic expansion,” said Ron Poteat, vice-chair of investor relations, “We are presenting our plan and its results to our membership in order to keep our commitment to being held accountable to our investors. This year we will invite all of our members to these meetings and I encourage everyone to attend.”

At a recent update, Lt. Gen. (retired) Mark Curran, L-3 Communications, presented a check for $10,000 to the Chamber in support of HREGI.

“We at L-3 value Huntsville as a place to support customers, and further development of Huntsville is vitally important to us in our efforts to expand our business and to offer our employees a great community to live and work,” said Curran.

As a result of the active engagement and support of the entire community, both large and small companies continue to make a difference. Currently, there are more than 180 local public and private entities and companies that understand the importance of investing in HREGI and the number keeps rising. Other new HREGI investors include Breland Homes and Investor's Resource/Raymond James Financial Services

But, the best is yet to come. With almost $1.7 million per year committed to economic development through HREGI, the Chamber continues to plan for future growth, with an emphasis placed on meeting the infrastructure, workforce and education needs of a growing, vibrant community. “Working together, the partners and investors of HREGI ensure that we remain ahead of our competition and that we continue to prepare, develop and promote our community for economic prosperity,” said Loren Traylor, Chamber vice president investor relations.