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Business News - 2005

Current News » Archives: 2011 » 2010 » 2009 » 2008 » 2007 » 2006 » 2005 » 2004 » 2003 »

December 2005



Research Parks Help Attract Expanding Companies By: Ken Krizner, Managing Editor

Will There Be a Homeland Security Business Boom? The Opportunity is There, but it’s Not Easy By Ethan Hadley, Vice President, Economic Development, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Condo tower planned alongside Big Spring (12/24)
Summit developers announce plans for 2nd building

Developers of Bridge Street name names (12/21)
A few of the project's restaurants, apparel and jewelry stores revealed
BRAC effort gets $100K boost (12/20)
Money from state to bolster recruiting efforts in D.C. area
Airport undergoing $32.8M facelift (12/18)
Various phases of work should last about 3 years
GEO Solutions is set to follow Toyota north (12/15)
Small gets bigger (12/13)
Redstone office's year-round counseling and networking pays off with a record $1.5 billion in small-biz contracts
Global Military Aircraft Systems Celebrates Huntsville Program Office Opening
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. December 9, 2005 - Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), a joint venture of L-3 Integrated Systems (L-3/IS), a subsidiary of L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL), and Finmeccanica’s Alenia North America hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and luncheon today to officially open its C-27J Spartan aircraft program office in Huntsville, Ala. Continue (PDF) »
Carlson says GOP will do fine in '08
Conservative host says Bush legacy depends on Iraq
California company buys Miltec
President of local defense contractor to remain involved
City eyes Sci-Quest for downtown move
Hands-on center may be next Big Spring attraction

November 2005

Condo complex looms alongside Big Spring (11/27)
Project height could be as high as 8-story Summit, twice space
Huntsville's housing market appears stable (11/27)
Numbers remain steady while BRAC-assisted growth should continue
Ducommun Incorporated to Acquire Miltec Corporation (11/23)
Ducommun Incorporated today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Miltec Corporation (Miltec), a privately-owned company based in Huntsville, Alabama. The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions and is expected to close within thirty days.
Growth will go in a new direction (11/17)
Panel OKs 178-lot project near A&M: 'ahead of the curve'
Senate-approved defense bill may add arsenal jobs (11/17)
More details aired on expansion to software work
Huntsville, Decatur firms capture Torch Awards (11/16)
Better Business citations recognize marketplace ethics
Downtown plan update looks north (11/16)
Proposal shifts from central core to beyond I-565, east of Parkway
Summa picks up speed (11/15)
Now a leader in space, defense manufacturing, company started shakily
ATI is bought by map service (11/12)
Canadian Optimal Geomatics acquires city-based firm
City rates near top of most affordable (11/11)
Career World magazine puts Huntsville No. 2
Unsurprising growth (11/11)
Command looking ahead to move here (11/11)
AMC's Griffin says he expects many will follow from Virginia
Winchester Publix work under way (11/11)
Groundbreaking held for 6th store, shopping plaza
Bush signature finalizes BRAC gains for area (11/10)
Arsenal gets some 5,000 jobs, most of missile work
Military contracts boost outlook at SUMMA plants (11/10)
Huntsville-based firm has projects here, in Cullman
Despite October, airport on record pace (11/9)
Passenger traffic has already passed 1 million mark
Cancer institute HQ going up (11/6)
Ground broken for $29M building off Holmes Avenue
A job for Rocket City (11/6)
Expect similarities but no Apollo clone for lunar missions
GMAS OPENS HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA OFFICE; SEES C-27J AS FCA SOLUTION (11/3)
Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), a joint venture company of L-3 Communications’ (NYSE:LLL) subsidiary, Integrated Systems and Alenia North America, Inc. (a Finmeccanica company) will open an office in Perimeter Corporate Park in Huntsville, Alabama, the home of U.S. Army PEO Aviation....
City's focus now shifts to bypass (11/1)
Mayor says road is key to handling growth at arsenal
Army programs start to whir (11/1)
Redstone officials hope to field new helicopters quickly

October 2005

'BRAC is over'
Cramer says arsenal, city can get ready after rejection effort fails in House vote (10/28)
Huntsville firm developing UAVs (10/23)
Unmanned aerial vehicles could be boost for Army
Surrounding counties take regional approach to be a global success (10/23)
Inc. magazine ranks 4 local firms at top for growth (10/19)
Private companies credit employees, clients for success
Former SCI building set for makeover (10/19)
Breland Cos. will redevelop the site as office center
New control tower set to open in spring 2008 (10/18)
$20.7M project officially launched; Cramer gets credit
Hudson to break ground on biotech dream in 2006 (10/14)
Institute aims to begin research by fall of 2007
Fountain centerpiece to honor civic leader (10/13)
Family of late Tom Thrasher gives city addition to canal
Redstone breaks ground for missile defense facility (10/12)
2nd phase of complex will consolidate city's 800 MDA workers
Northrop Grumman Announces Intent to Build System Integration Laboratory in Huntsville (10/11)
Northrop Grumman Corporation announced today it intends to locate the system integration laboratory for its Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) missile-defense program at the company's new Cummings Research Park complex.
Garden gets ready to spread its wings (10/10)
$3.6M expansion starts today, and 'we're not done'
County among best in taking care of children (10/8)
Improvement seen in most areas of state 'Kids Count'
Raytheon to seek Army cargo plane work (10/8)
Military wants to buy 30 aircraftfor troops, supplies
Tech group will honor PC pioneer (10/7)
SCI founder Kingto get award from state association
Publix to open Winchester Plaza store in summer of '06 (10/6)

September 2005

Top U.S. Suzuki dealership puts on fresh, friendly face (9/29)
Company executives visit local seller to try out new concept

Riley praises 'economic engine' here (9/28)
North Alabama's development projects envy of nation, he says
State OKs 60-bed Madison hospital (9/28)
However, hearing will be held before case goes to Certificate of Need board
City board OKs McMullen Cove (9/28)
Lots are expected to go up for sale in about 2 months
Librarian just can't keep quiet (9/26)
Drake State's Neal proud of school's library/tech center
Florence library books Trump as fundraiser speaker/
Bridge Street Update (9/25)
New hotel on target for 2006 opening (9/23)
Embassy Suites downtown has7 floors built so far
Who fired what? Radiance Technologies creates battlefield device that can detect location of shot, type of weapon (9/23)
Holiday Inn Select sets sights on Gen-X (9/22)
Sporting News joins hotel to add themed restaurants
County jobless steady at 3.2% (9/17)
August rate is same as July; is second lowest in the state
Airport tower contract awarded (9/14)
Albertville firmgains project; rules on meetings OK'd
Huntsville mayor gets tourism award (9/14)
Qualis is 'family friendly' (9/14)
Southern Family Markets to open stores Wednesday (9/13)
Firm takes over one Winn-Dixie, two Bruno's locations
Huntsville Job Market Expected to be Among Best in Nation (9/13)
Huntsville area employers expect to hire at a vigorous pace during the fourth quarter of 2005, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. Among survey participants, the Huntsville employment outlook is the ninth best in the nation.
Accellent Acquires Campbell Engineering; Acquisition Strengthens Company's Position in Orthopaedic Outsourcing Market (9/12)
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
... gain immediate access to the skilled labor and technical resources we need to continue to expand our orthopaedic business through the Huntsville, AL facility."
Gray Research signs $72M Redstone missile contract (9/9)
Local firm's deal is for operation of data center
Manpower Inc. Provides Update on Post-Hurricane Employment Situation and Status of Recruiting Offices (9/6)
Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is deeply saddened by the tragic hurricane and flooding along the Gulf Coast of the United States and is providing the following update on the employment situation and our operations.

August 2005

Mercury Computer Systems Completes Acquisition of Echotek Corporation (8/31)
PR Newswire (press release) - New York,NY,USA
... Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Echotek is a market leader in the development of data acquisition products. About Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. ...
Toyota's first V6s celebrated at plant (8/30)
Automaker, state, local officials mark production advance
Work to start on $4M rehab facility (8/29)
Complex to boost services for area disabled by 2006
UAH business school receives national ranking
UAH's business school has been ranked among the top undergraduate business programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2006 Best Colleges Guide.
BRAC votes package deal (8/26)
Redstone decision could bring 1,755 new federal jobs
City cautiously celebrates BRAC (8/26)
Party honors those who worked to keep Redstone safe
Panel clears shift of AMC to Redstone (8/25)
Vote could come today on Missile Defense Agency
Taos president named Executive of the Year (8/24)
Chamber presents awards to local small businesses
City kicks in another $100,000 for BRAC (8/23)
Money to be used for recruitment, relocation efforts
SPARTA celebrates 25 years, its Huntsville start (8/21)
One of Huntsville's true success stories celebrated a milestone last week.
County's jobless rate one of lowest (8/20)
3.2 percent here compares to 4 percent for state
Local housing market far from topping out (8/20)
Although some areas have seen increases, city still not overvalued
Industrial park will be model for others (8/19)
Environmental protections to be integrated at site
BRAC or not, missile jobs ahead (8/17)
MDA chief expects city to get about 2,200 if plan OK'd
Cummings transit hub in works (8/15)
Bus stop, shuttle system possible for Bridge Street
Biotech center offers limitless possibilities for city (8/14)
Institute likely to avoid embryonic stem cells (8/14)
'We have to pick a niche' to be No. 1, says Hudson
Biotech's future has the basics in place (8/14)
City's computing talent pool could complement research
Cramer's annual report upbeat to a record luncheon audience (8/12)
Huntsville congressman discusses NASA, drug abuse, sex offenders
Riley sees state as biotech world leader (8/10)
Governor hails potential for growth from new Hudson-Alpha Institute
Big plans for biotech Hudson-led institute promises 900 jobs for city (8/9)
Nonprofit is backed by $130 million inprivate, state funds
The Biotechnology Association of Alabama Welcomes the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (8/9)
SPARTA hits milestone Defense contractor marks 25 years (8/9)
Employee-owned firm specializes in systems analysis, engineering
Qualis' care for families wins award (8/3)

July 2005

Alabama looking to Israel for jobs (7/31)
Trade mission hopes to tap into technology
Siemens to Close its plant on Wynn (7/28)
Move to Mexico seen by 2007; Madison site stays
Firms joint venture to bring Army Aviation office to city (7/27)
L-3 has presence in state, adds its Italian partner
GMAS to Open Office in Huntsville, Alabama (7/26)
Village at Whitesburg to get upscale makeover (7/24)
Rocket City to be area's driving force (7/24)
Planner predicts surrounding cities will add to metro
More land, landings seen in airport future (7/24)
A riverfront port also may become part of facility
Work under way on UAH science facility (7/18)
$60 million building will be 'first-class' and a 'community treasure'
UAH laying groundwork for next phase (7/18)
Science building will be focal point of new 'gateway'
International Diesel runs clean operation (7/17)
Engine maker's Green Technology to virtually eliminate emissions
Echotek's sale called 'growth merger' (7/14)
Mercury purchase for $49M won't cost jobs, CEO says
New diesel engine comes clean in test (7/14)
International plant gives viewers plenty of proof
Contenders named for business awards (7/9)
Event on Aug. 23 looks at excellence in six categories

June 2005

Northrop breaks ground on $80M complex (6/28)
Defense contractor's selection shows faith in city, officials say
Publix plans northeast store (6/25)
Winchester Road site to anchor new shopping center
Area jobless rate near state's best (6/25)
Madison County, metro Huntsville hover near 3%
Equity One Finalizes Publix Lease at Winchester Plaza Development in Huntsville, Alabama (PDF - 6/22)
Christian school complex near Providence gets OK (6/22)
City zoning board approves $21M Westminster plan
Sirsi, Utah firm merge, will keep Huntsville base (6/22)
Combined library tech company employs 725 workers worldwide
Foreign Makers, Settled in South, Pace Car Industry (6/22)
From The New York Times
Room to keep growing (6/19)
Cummings Research Park is still where everyone wants be
City hoping to expand Toyota park (6/18)
145 acres next to engine plant would bring new industry
CFD gains recognition Federal program touts firm's success (6/17)
Research company uses computer simulation in biomed design work
Another kudo: City 2nd-most cost-effective (6/10)
Huntsville included in magazine article on 'Cities of the Future'
Huntsville No. 4 in highway safety (6/8)
Survey: Resident will have a wreck every 13.1 years

May 2005

City recognized for engineer, scientist base' (5/28)
Magazine gives Huntsville image a boost, official says
LESCO gains in ranking top black businesses (5/27)
Other local firms make magazine's national listings
City 2nd best on 'Salary Value' (5/24)
Cost of living, average pay make area 'most favorable'
Huntsville firm makes 'Hot 100' list (5/24)
Shearer & Associates among fastest-growing
Northrop plans Cummings Park office complex (5/23)
Multimillion-dollar facility to house now-scattered staff
Women-owned businesses win SBA recognition (5/19)
Sharon Morgan, Elaine Plank earn Alabama awards
BRAC news a boon to home builders (5/16)
Likely new arsenal jobs mean 'hotter' real estate market
Tourism numbers on the move (5/15)
New attractions, hotels expected to keep county climbing in rankings
'This is the biggest step' (5/14)
Redstone's gains on Pentagon list now look to BRAC
Redstone may get 1,655 jobs in plan (5/13)
BRAC plan would give Alabama 2,664 jobs
Redstone could add 2 major Army commands, 1,655 jobs (5/13)
City gives extra $100,000 for promotion efforts (5/13)
Mayor says money will help committee showcase Redstone

April 2005

Toyota to break ground on expansion (4/27)
Plant will produce V-8 engines and add 300 jobs
Hotel looks to 2006 (4/22)
Two large groups have already booked conventions for 2007
Developers look to west Huntsville (4/21)
New project has lofts, mansion-like homes, restaurants
County's growth rate nearing 6% (4/15)
U.S. Census keeps Madison at 3rd; in-migration is key
Developers, city finalize deal for Bridge Street (4/14)
Site work likely to begin next week at Research Park
Local home sales reach record high for quarter (4/8)
Median price at $134,000; average 108 days to sell
Ovation Arts Center opts for Bridge Street locale after eyeing Providence (4/6)

March 2005

Madison County's job growth state's best (3/19)
City OKs $210M Research Park deal (3/11)
' Bridge Street ' developer has 30 days to close
Boeing Huntsville top manufacturer (3/11)
State business organizations give annual awards
ADT notes new offices, sees more jobs ahead (3/11)
Company saw revenue grow by $2B over 2003

February 2005

Westar breaks ground on office today (2/16)
Local operations to be consolidated at Cummings Park
7-story condominium tower back on track for downtown (2/16)
Developer says construction set to begin by summer
IDS helps propel Boeing gain in '04 (2/4)
Company saw revenue grow by $2B over 2003
Chamber 5-year plan goes for growth (2/2)
Goal to lure certain industries, young professionals

January 2005

UAH graduate engineering program ranked best in U.S. (1/26)
Local home sales hit new record in '04 (1/15)
National Realtor expects demand to stay high in future
Sirsi acquires library tech firm Docutek of California (1/14)
Thrailkill receives chamber service award (1/12)
Adtran executive 'has a strong love for our community'
Digital Fusion buys Summit, gains $3.2M defense deal (1/7)
Acquired firm wins advanced weapons, sensors contract
Toyota growth helps trim jobless numbers (1/2)
Several major developments make headlines