Correlated Magnetics Research was formed in Huntsville based on a breakthrough discovery in magnets. The new technology could be applied to several industries. (Click photo to enlarge)

Coded magnetic structures (MagnitsTM) can be designed to deliver precise holding strength characteristics, customized release behavior, prescribed alignment tolerances, and even unique identities that can discriminate which devices will interact at all. Continue »

Janice Migliore, Palco CEO, cuts the ribbon for the company’s new 135,000 square-foot facility. Palco will add 30 to 50 new jobs as part of a consolidation. (Click photo to enlarge)

Palco, which has two facilities in Huntsville, as well as Kansas and Colorado., is consolidating most of its operations into Huntsville/Madison County as the company expands the breadth of its work.

Janice Migliore, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Palco, said that community support made the expansion possible.

“I want to thank Huntsville and Madison County for putting us on the map and giving us the platform from which to be successful,” Migliore said. Continue »

Roger Messik, WestWind Chief Operating Officer (COO), said that the project is a unique public-private partnership.

“This unique public-private partnership is the first time the Port of Huntsville has partnered with a small business on a project like this. We are expecting that this project will bring numerous opportunities to this region,” he said. Continue »

Roger Messik, WestWind COO, receives a plaque from Irma Tuder, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors. (Click photo to enlarge)

Tony Jones, site lead executive of Boeing, presents a check to Tommy Beason, chair of the Chamber of Commerce Foundation. (Click photo to enlarge)

The students will be brought here as part of a Senior Technology Tour to learn about the various career opportunities that are currently available and that are expected to be available when they graduate. The tour is part of the Tennessee Valley Base Realignment and Closure (TVBRAC) workforce campaign that is targeting engineering, applied science, business, finance and logistics majors at universities across the country. Tommy Beason, chair of the Foundation, said that the students will also hear about quality of life advantages of living and working in the area. Continue »

The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County will hold its annual Business Expo Oct. 29 at the Von Braun Center from 1 to p.m. This year's event is being presented by RJ Young with Platinum Sponsor SCS.

Click here for a video the expo. »

The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the third annual “Industry of the Year” award which recognizes the community’s highly successful large businesses. Modeled after the annual Small Business Awards Celebration, Industry of the Year recognition is limited to companies with more than 350 local employees. Completed applications must be received by the Chamber by December 15 in order to be considered. The award winner will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting, scheduled for January 28, 2010 at the Von Braun Center.

In order to qualify, companies must meet the following criteria:

• Been in Business in Madison County Prior to December 31, 2006
• In good standing with the Better Business Bureau
• Be enrolled as a Chamber member as of January 1, 2009
• Have more than 350 employees
• Completed a company profile

The 2010 Industry of the Year must show a panel of anonymous judges:

• How they responded to challenges or adversity
• Measure results against long and short-term business goals
• Employment growth or stability
• Be innovativeness of the product or service they offer
• Have significant community involvement

The Industry of the Year is a successful and recognized annual Chamber award. Previous winners of this honor include Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama and The Boeing Company.

"The Huntsville/Madison community is fortunate to have so many companies which excel in their respective industry sectors, and this award brings much deserved recognition to Chamber member companies as well as the Huntsville/Madison County community," said Irma Tuder, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors.

Send nominations to ltraylor@hsvchamber.org.

Bryan Dodson, CEO of Phoenix, joined by employees of Phoenix cut the ribbon at an announcement for the rebranding of Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation under Phoenix. (Click photo to enlarge)

Phoenix provides jobs, job placement and various other services for the disabled in a five-county area. The company employs approximately 400 people who specialize in military sewing and provide embroidery work on such products as American flags. The new name reflects the range of its services under one name, according to Bryan Dodson, CEO of Phoenix.

“It is imperative that we prepare for more and more people in our area with disabilities,” he said.

Don Nalley, chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors congratulated the company on its history in Huntsville and its role in helping those with disabilities.

“Phoenix has filled an absolutely vital and inspirational role in our community ever since its inception. Phoenix programs help more than 180 people with disabilities go to work in our community. That is phenomenal and something to be proud of,” said Nalley.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said that the company adds to the quality of life of the city.

“Bryan Dodson and Phoenix add quality to our quality of life. This is a great thing and it provides opportunities to those who would not traditionally be in our workforce,” Battle said.

Chamber members are encouraged to pick up their free copy and any additional copies for $25 each.

The employees range in skills from management, professional administration, engineering, skill trades and production operation.

There will be no charge for this event. Set up times are available on either Nov. 10 or 11 between 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., and breakdown will be Nov. 13 between 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. A 10’x10’ area will be provided with a 6’ table and two folding chairs.

Click here for the registration form, and send complete forms to Norma Kulpinski or send to:

Continental
Attn: Training Coordinator
Norma Kulpinski
100 Electronics Blvd.
Huntsville AL 35824

Please return the form no later than Oct. 26. Once form is received, a confirmation will be provided. Please call 256-464-2817 with questions.

Freedom Information Systems recently moved into its new company headquarters in Madison. (Click photo to enlarge)

“We’re happy to be settled in our new office and we’re committed to the growth and support of our new community,” said Mark Ogles, president of Freedom. “This new facility is the core of our business.”

Don Nalley, Chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors, said that Freedom’s emphasis on IT makes Freedom a good fit for Madison County. He also said that the company was named in the 2009 Inc. 500|5,000 list along with 20 other Madison County companies. According to Nalley, Madison County had more companies on the list than any other county in Alabama.

“Freedom is a great example of the kinds of companies that thrive in this community,” said Don Nalley, Chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley, welcomed the company to Madison.

“We are so thankful to have you in our city and community. It is one thing to have the numbers and it is another to know what to do with them. The information you provide to NASA and the government keeps our nation moving forward,” Finley said.