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Crystal Shell, president and CEO of WILL Technology, thanks her employees and clients for the continued growth of the company. The company has grown to more than 100 employees since its beginning in 2000.

“What you are seeing today is a legacy of excellence in this company – which has evolved from Crystal Shell’s dream into one that continues to grow and excel in a community that fosters excellence in contracting and in support of the Department of Defense,” said Ron Poteat, vice chair of the Chamber’s Research and Information Services. Continue »

Don Nalley (center), the Chamber’s vice chair for economic development, presents a plaque to Gleason Research and Associates CEO Dr. Robert Yates (left) and GRA President Chuck Vessels.

“GRA tripled in size the last two years and added many new customers requiring special security measures,” stated Dr. Bob Yates, CEO, “necessitating the new facility.” Continue »

Carina Technology just completed its office move to Cummings Research Park. Carina employees in Huntsville develop software and hardware products for the U.S. utility industry in Huntsville, manufacture those products in Huntsville and deploy them across Alabama and the entire U.S. At left, Carina Technology President/CEO Jay Newkirk accepts a plaque commemorating the grand opening event from Chamber Board Chair Evans Quinlivan.

“Carina is a technology-based company in a technology-based community, so it is only natural that the company be located in one of the leading technology parks in the country,” said Evans Quinlivan, chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.

“We are excited about being in Research Park selling into the commercial market place,” said Jay Newkirk, president and CEO of Carina Technology, Inc. “Carina is quite a story and a humbling one. We develop our software and hardware products here, manufacture it here, and deploy it in Alabama and across the nation. Huntsville is uniquely capable of providing the resources we need including talented people and a supportive community. We are focused and anticipate significant growth over the next few years.”

Huntsville led the state and was fourth overall, trailing only McAllen-Edinburg, Mission, Texas; Johnson City-Bristol-Kingsport, Tenn.; and Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, Miss. However, the article also stated that no mid-market made a bigger jump over the past five years than Huntsville.

The economic growth in the state was also noted in Montgomery, which finished ninth, and Mobile, which finished 10th, but, like Huntsville, has moved up the list over the past few years.

“In fact, other than Huntsville, Ala., Mobile may be the second-hottest mid market in the entire South over the past three years,” the article states.

Don Nalley, left, the Chamber’s vice chair for economic development, welcomes DHS President/CEO A Jon Prusmack and general manager Brig. Gen. (retired) Jerry McAbee to the community.

“This is one of those examples of team Huntsville’s continuous and never ending focus on economic development opportunities…We’re proud to have DHS Systems in Huntsville, another great company with innovative products supporting our young men and women that are fighting to maintain our security across the world,” said Don Nalley, vice chair of economic development for the Chamber.

“It’s a brand new, very large, state-of-the-art facility,” says general manager and Brig. Gen. Jerry McAbee (Ret.). There are currently 120 people employed at the facility. McAbee predicts there will be approximately 150 people employed by summer 2008. Employees are expected to manufacture more than $100 million in military equipment during 2008.

From left, Jim McCamy, representing U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer; Premier Professional Systems co-founder and Executive Vice President Riley Henderson III; Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer; PPS founder and CEO Jannifer Henderson; and LaFreeda Jordan, representing U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, all celebrate the growth of Premier Professional Systems and its brand new facility in Cummings Research Park.

“Premier Professional Systems continues to enhance its great reputation to Department of Defense clients in worldwide logistics support, field maintenance and software engineering services for the military,” said Evans Quinlivan, chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. “I know this is a proud day for the founders and for the great employees at Premier Professional Systems.”

Dr. Wanda Austin thanks the Chamber and attendees at a special reception held the night before the organization's grand opening ceremony at its new office in Huntsville.

“The Aerospace Corporation is a very unique and dynamic organization whose history of excellence in this nation’s missile and space program is a match for our community, a community so steeped in this nation’s missile and space programs,” said Evans Quinlivan, chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.
"We are excited about opening an office in Huntsville, which has such a rich history in space innovation and technology advances," said Dr. Wanda Austin, president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation. "The Missile Defense Agency is one of The Aerospace Corporation's principal customers, and we look forward to helping them achieve their mission objectives and assisting other organizations and agencies in the areas that are involved in the national space program."

Chamber Board Chair-Elect Irma Tuder congratulates Madison County CapitalSouth Bank President Richard Perdue on opening the bank’s new Madison facility.

Irma Tuder, chair-elect for the Chamber’s board of directors, said the bank’s growth is symbolic of the community’s economic growth and that she honored the bank that “has been responsible for a great deal of the economic development successes in the city of Huntsville, the city of Madison, and Madison County.”

There will be a sneak preview cocktail party Friday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. for couples to enjoy shopping, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine and the chance to meet Clinton Kelly in person. He will attend the pre-show for photos and autographs beginning at 6 p.m. The hall will be alive with the Female and Fabulous show in full presentation – where attendees can shop, learn, socialize and enjoy food and drink.

Those seeking to attend should go to www.femaleandfabulous.com and click on Pre-show Charity Event to order a ticket or email Lori Light, director of marketing for Crestwood Medical Center, lori_light@chs.net.