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Charlie Grainer, chairman of the Cummings Research Park Board for the City of Huntsville; U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby; FTI President and CEO Ron Shroder; FTI founder and chairman Lavon Jordan; Cong. Mo Brooks; and Ron Poteat, vice-chair of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors.
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“FTI’s growth here represents the kind of economic development activity that has this community leading the state and illustrates why our local economy is among the most vibrant in the nation. FTI is comprised of highly educated, talented and technically proficient workers – making this employee-owned company a welcome addition to what Forbes magazine calls ‘One of the Top 10 Smartest Cities in the World,’” said Ron Poteat, vice-chair of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Board of Directors.
FTI develops and supports customized software and provides studies and analysis of high technology operational and advanced systems for the Department of Defense and the aerospace industry – two areas that are primary drivers the Huntsville economy.
According to FTI officials, Huntsville is a major event for the target and will allow for more growth opportunities.
“This is a big celebration for FTI and is a great experience to be in Huntsville supporting the warfighter. Alabama is important to the growth of our company and we want to grow beyond what we are today. This has been our biggest year yet and we plan to make Alabama a strong part of the economy by taking profits and applying them here,” said Ron Shroder, CEO and president of FTI.
Lavon Jordan, company founder and chairman of the board, echoed Shroder’s enthusiasm for growing in Huntsville and Alabama.
“We are here because we love what we see in the community. It has been a good run. Since World War II, Redstone Arsenal has been a leader in rockets, space and aviation. If you want it, you can buy it here. We want to be part of the technological revolution here to help the warfighter and we expect to grow here soon,” Jordan said.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby was the special guest at the event.
“FTI is going to grow here. What they do makes sense because they are taking data and making government more efficient. It is a company that can get rid of inefficiencies. You will find that this is one of the most talented workforces. If you build it here, they will support you in Huntsville. Huntsville is the future and is on the cutting edge of R&D,” Shelby said.