Continued growth unleashes new energy in city

Maybe it's just me, but it feels as if Huntsville may be on the verge of something pretty big.

If news hitting the streets recently is any indication, Huntsville is poised for some kind of growth spurt. John Peck's story in today's Times explores the recent growth in hotel construction (and renovation) and the economic impact the convention and tourism industry has on our area. Last year more than 800 meetings and conferences were held here, pumping some $163 million into the local economy - a 9 percent increase over last year's amount.

New stores (particularly furniture stores) are opening around town - just in time to fill houses built at several residential subdivisions that are in various stages of development.

Despite a sluggish economy, Huntsville has seen some job growth - 300 new jobs announced at Toyota's engine plant and West Teleservices call center, some 100 jobs at Ontario-based Mitchell Plastics.

Downtown, new eateries have opened or have been announced and the Big Spring Summit office building will begin construction soon.

This growth hasn't gone unnoticed. Last month, Inc. magazine reported that Huntsville leads the nation in fast-growing companies, when the numbers are adjusted for population (the city had five firms on this year's Inc. 500 list). And just last week, city leaders got word that the Milken Institute ranked Huntsville No. 27 on its "Best Performing Cities" report. That's a whopping 90 places up from last year's No. 117 ranking.

The economic think tank evaluates the nation's 200 largest cities on job growth, job retention, business costs and other factors. Huntsville ranked higher than such "competing" cities as San Antonio, Texas, and Raleigh-Durham, N.C., city officials were quick to point out.

And, on a more personal level, my husband and I are hosting friends this weekend who may be moving here. They're in the "target demographic" too - 30-ish, well-educated, two small children - just the kind of folks the city wants to attract.

We'll do our best to show them a good time.

There's an energy around town that's new to me in the five-plus years I've lived here, and I hope it continues. There will be some rough spots, for sure (I suspect those pushing for the museum to expand will have to tread lightly). But growth, the experts have told me over the years, is a good thing. As long as it's managed well.

Business Editor Gina Hannah can be reached by phone at 532-4531, or e-mail at ginah@htimes.com.