Keeping you informed and inspired. December 2021
VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 12
TECHNOLOGY
COVER STORY
Celebrating a Brand-New Home for 5 Stones Research Corporation and Ethic Tech, LLC
A ribbon cutting usually signifies the start of something big, bringing with it the promise of even greater things to come. In this instance, two established businesses, 5 Stones Research (5SRC) and Ethic Tech, LLC (ET) recently celebrated their new location on Wynn Drive.
By Lori J. Connors - Page 2
DEVELOPMENT
No Moss Growing on the DEVELOPMENT 212-Mile Singing River Trail
Today, the SRT is comprised of a 212-mile truly marvelous natural greenway system, with new branches growing out from its spine in all directions, all the time. By Kimberly Ballard - Page 20
ADDITIONAL STORIES • Sit Down With Success: Ashley Ryals of Homegrown, LLC - Without Twists in Life and Career, You Can’t Get Where You Want to Be By Kimberly Ballard • Page 3
• Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment: A Huntsville Landmark Provides Lesssons in Growth and Adaptation By Dawn Suiter • Page 6 See story on Page 12
• Quietdale Estates: A Piece of History Brought to Life By Lori J. Connors • Page 18
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HUNTSVILLE
BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 4, Issue 12 December 2021 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
TECHNOLOGY
Celebrating a Brand-New Home for 5 Stones Research Corporation and Ethic Tech, LLC A ribbon cutting usually signifies the start of something big, bringing with it the promise of even greater things to come. In this instance, two established businesses, 5 Stones Research (5SRC) and Ethic Tech, LLC (ET) recently celebrated their new location on Wynn Drive. Housed in 25,500 square feet of combined office space, the shared facility is fully remodeled to meet the needs of the 21st century workforce. Featuring spacious conference rooms, dedicated training areas, and state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, the entire workspace is designed to be conducive to efficient operations and collaboration, while fostering a sense of community. It’s not every day that a business venture takes off from one’s dining room table. For Joni Green, Owner/ CEO of 5 Stones Research Corporation (5SRC), that’s exactly how it began. In 2006, Green was working at Madison Research Corporation. When MRC was soon to be acquired by an out of state company, she decided to take a leap of faith with her business idea. Starting out as a consultant with her home as her headquarters, Green, and her husband Tony as CFO, stayed the course and the business grew. In 2010, 5SRC moved into an office space in Hampton Cove. Once 5SRC outgrew this location, it prompted a search for a larger facility. Acquiring the Wynn Drive building was a golden opportunity for Green as it was located near Cummings Research Park and centrally located with easy access to Redstone Arsenal. It also represents a sort of home-
coming as it was once home to Madison Research, Green’s former employer. From its beginning as a one-woman operation in 2006, 5SRC now has 256 employees. In addition to its Huntsville headquarters, 5SRC has offices in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the DC Metro. “Five Stones Research Corporation is blessed to be part of this remarkable and generous community,” said Greg Gaddy, 5SRC Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to contributing to the bright future ahead of Huntsville, Madison, and Redstone Arsenal.” The Wynn Drive location is also the new home of Ethic Tech (ET), a 5SRC business partner and protégé through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program. The SBA Mentor-Protégé Program (SBA MPP) was developed to help eligible small businesses (protégés) gain capacity and win government contracts through partnerships with more experienced companies (mentors). It’s a win-win for both the Protégés and the Mentors by sharing resources and forming a joint venture, allowing both firms to compete for contracts that neither can perform individually. Being co-located has an added advantages for both 5SRC and Ethic Tech, enhancing the already strong mentor-protégé relationship. It’s easier to work on solid business solutions as a partnership when both companies are in the same building. The combined resources of 5SRC, a Native American, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Ethic Tech, an SBA-Certified Native Amer-
Ethic Tech, LLC (ET) with Tommy Battle at ribbon cutting
By Lori J. Connors / Photos by Gus Wintzell
5 Stones Research Corporation (5SRC) with Tommy Battle at ribbon cutting
ican-Owned 8(a), Certified Veteran Owned (CVE) Small Business generate a powerful synergy that’s dedicated to supporting the warfighter. The ribbon cutting ended with
a welcoming speech from Mayor Tommy Battle, as well as awards given on behalf of the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce to both 5SRC and Ethic Tech. u
December 2021
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SIT DOWN WITH SUCCESS
Ashley Ryals of Homegrown, LLC Without Twists in Life and Career, You Can’t Get Where You Want to Be “Sitdown with Success” spotlights local entrepreneurs who describe their successes and failures, with tips for upcoming business owners. For the full-length interview, visit huntsvillebusinessjournal.com. Ashley Ryals started Huntsville’s Homegrown, LLC as her own brainstorm, based on ideas she had since returning to Huntsville from the NYC Public Relations firm where she spent two years. With unique and extremely popular community food and beverage events like Dine & Dash and the Crush Wine & Food Festival held in Big Spring Park every September, Ryals discusses what it was like coming home and starting her own business. You said you do not like to be called an event planner in the traditional sense because you create your
own events, is that right? No one has ever done exactly what I am doing with Homegrown, so I think all small businesses can relate to struggling with exactly what they do. But I do everything related to an event from concept to production, to everything in between. We have creative brainstorming meetings where we pull together initial event ideas and then we plan how to implement them. How did you get started? I had the idea for Dine & Dash for a while, since I worked as a special events planner at EarlyWorks. It was basically a restaurant tour where locals visit three restaurants in one night, have an appetizer and drink tasting at each place, and the City Trolley takes them from venue to venue. I always knew a wine festival was in the making, so three years in, I start-
ed the Crush Wine & Food Festival with the intent of having something for young professionals, but when we launched, it gravitated towards a 40 to 60-year-old audience. We instantly said, ‘Wow! There’s a real big need for this’ – we have a very active wine and food community here, and they are ready to explore more about it. Huntsville is ready to grow in this industry. What are your biggest challenges with Homegrown? Being your own boss is a pro and a con. You make all the decisions, and in some situations, it is awesome; but sometimes you just wish you had someone to tell you what to do in other situations. You feel like asking, ‘Please, someone help!’ I think there are different challenges at different stages of the business.
By Kimberly Ballard
The first few years were more exciting than challenging, but as the years pass, you have to grow. You can’t just do the same thing over and over, so you must pivot. That is where we were three years in when we started Crush. It was more of a risk, a lot more on the line. We had to push through that. u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
Subsidiary of EVENT Publishing
President /Publisher................................................................ Todd Stephenson Editor ................................................................................................Gus Wintzell Writers.........................................................................................Kimberly Ballard Alan Clemons Lori J. Connors Mike Easterling Noah Logan Dawn Suiter Graphic Design ............................................................................. Justina Simon Website................................................................................................ Jim Gharib Photographers...................................................................................Steve Babin Kimberly Ballard Justina Simon Director of Sales ................................................................. Carolyn Stephenson Account Executives......................................................................... Noah Logan Distribution......................................................................................Glenda Mace Huntsville Business Journal is published monthly by EVENT Publishing,
PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815. For advertising information call 256.533.8078, e-mail todd@eventhuntsville.com, or visit us on the web at www.huntsvillebusinessjournal.com For editorial information contact editor@huntsvillebusinessjournal.com ALL CONTENTS ©2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF THE CONTENTS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. HUNTSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF EVENT PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTICLES ARE SUBMITTED AT THE RISK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER OR AUTHOR. EVENT PUBLISHING ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR THE RETURN OF ANY UNSOLICITED MATERIALS AND MAY USE THEM AT ITS DISCRETION.
December 2021
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment: A Huntsville Landmark Provides Lessons in Growth and Adaptation Some of Huntsville’s most recognizable landmarks include its towering Saturn V rocket and the Neo-Formalist architecture of First Baptist Church, designed in homage to the Space Age with a soaring bell tower modeled after the von Braun team’s creation. The city landscape of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries included similarly-shaped spires, created for a decidedly different and much more earthly purpose. Two notable examples remain of early Huntsville’s industrial landscape, with Lincoln Mill’s buildings and water tower to the north and Lowe Mill’s facility with its smokestack and water tower to the south. Lowe Manufacturing Company’s yarn spinning mill opened in 1901 at the corner of Seminole Drive and 9th Avenue, the fifth textile mill established in Huntsville. A year later, Eastern Manufacturing Company completed an adjacent weaving mill, using Lowe Mill’s output to produce high quality clothes and linens. In 1907, the companies consolidated to form Lowe Manufacturing, Inc. Over the course of the early twentieth century, the Lowe mill Printmaker Stephanie Flier in her Delta Dogwood Studio
Photo by Dawn Suiter
complex switched hands and underwent physical changes several times, eventually going bankrupt at the height of the Great Depression in 1932. However, it was reincorporated in 1933 as Lowe Mills, Inc. Despite attempts to save the company, textile manufacturing ceased in 1937. The building remained a cotton warehouse until 1945, at which point General Shoe Company took ownership. At its prime, the General Shoe Corporation employed as many as 800 people and produced most of the boots made for soldiers during the Vietnam War. The plant continued operations until 1979, when the buildings became a warehouse for Martin Industries commercial and residential heating systems. Developer Gene McLain bought the property in 1999. In 2001, Research Genetics founder Jim Hudson purchased the Lowe Mill properties from McLain, transforming the complex into its current incarnation as the largest privately owned arts facility in the southern United States. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, which still bears physical evidence of its past lives, now contains 153 working studios for over 250 artists and makers along with seven galleries, a community garden, performance venues, and a theatre. The arts and entertainment venue hosts events such as Concerts on the Dock, Monster Movies at the Mill,
outdoor markets, and the International Archaeology Day Fair. Lowe Mill A&E provides a home for numerous small independent businesses and artists including the nonprofit Cattyshack, a cat rescue and adoption organization featuring a “cat lounge;” the Green Pea Press, the only public-access printmaking studio in North Alabama; and Irons Distillery, maker of handcrafted small-batch whiskey. Tangled String Studios, located in Railroad Room 6/7 at Lowe Mill A&E, creates custom-tailored guitars and mandolins and houses an intimate concert space that has drawn top quality musical artists. Executive Director Marcia Freeland expressed considerable excitement over some of the arts complex’s newest and coming-soon additions, one of which is a studio named Huntsvillustrated that will open on Nov. 12. This studio will allow visitors to design and screen print their own t-shirts on the spot. The combined studio, retail, and t-shirt production shop will also host private events such allowing attendees to create their own keepsake apparel. Artist and owner Hadley Russ, who describes her operation as “a bridge between artists,” plans for her studio to collaborate with other artists in Lowe Mill A&E, such as printmaker Stephanie Flier of Delta Dogwood Studio, to create personalized shirts featuring fine art. Russ noted that her screen printing equipment produces durable, long-lasting designs that won’t peel off like other methods of printing. In addition, her
By Dawn Suiter
studio will include an artist wall showcasing Lowe Mill A&E artists’ works.
Photo by Dawn Suiter
When asked about her future vision for the arts complex, Freeland stated that her next dream project involves bringing in artists-in-residence who will stay, lecture, and teach classes for extended periods of time. “If we can bring people here it would be a cool thing.” While these programs exist in many larger cities, Huntsville does not yet host any programs of this nature. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment continues to play a vital role in nurturing Huntsville’s lively arts community, seamlessly combining the historical architecture of its industrial past with the vibrant splendor of better things to come. u Lowe Mill, Circa 1901 (Source: Huntsville / Madison County Public Library)
December 2021
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
EDUCATION
The University of Alabama in Huntsville Announces New Interim President Chancellor Finis St. John of the University of Alabama system announced the recommendation of Dr. Charles L. Karr as the interim president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
“Dr. Karr has a proven track record of transforming The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering into a dynamic research and academic powerhouse”
“I am deeply grateful to Chancellor St. John, the Board of Trustees, and the UAH community for my tenure here, and I am proud of the challenges we have navigated together successfully during unprecedented times” Dr. Karr’s appointment as interim president followed the news of Dr. Darren Dawson’s retirement from the post as UAH’s current president. In a letter to UAH students and faculty, Dr. Darren stated that his retirement was due to private family matters. “I am deeply grateful to Chancellor St. John, the Board of Trustees, and the UAH community for my tenure here, and I am proud of the challenges we have navigated together successfully during unprecedented times,” said Dr. Darren. “The Chancellor, the Board, and UAH’s supporters have a deep and abiding commitment to UAH’s trajectory as a national leader in teaching, research and public service. I have complete confidence that the transition will be smooth and seamless.” The appointment of Dr. Karr as the interim president comes as no surprise to many faculty and staff at UAH. Dr. Karr recently retired from
By Gus Wintzell / Photo courtesy of UA System
the UA system after 26 years, which includes his most recent post as the University of Alabama’s College of Engineering dean where he served for 16 years. During his tenure, enrollment to the College tripled and the mean ACT score increased from 24.8 to 30. Faculty grew substantially and research awards for both students and faculty increased by more than $45 million. Alongside these accomplishments, Dr. Karr oversaw nearly $200 million in new facilities to meet the demands of new industry. “Dr. Karr has a proven track record of transforming The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering into a dynamic research and academic powerhouse,” said UA System Chancellor St. John. “The Board of Trustees and the University of Alabama System have made he success of UAH a top priority,
and I am confident that Dr. Karr is well-positioned to help UAH reach its full potential”
The UA System board will meet to vote on Chancellor St. John’s recommendation. If approved, Dr. Karr’s appointment will be for no less than 18 months starting this month. “We will strive for excellence in all that we do, whether that is recruiting additional high-quality students, increasing the size of the faculty, deepening community partnerships, ensuring exceptional educational opportunities, or building new facilities. I look forward to working with the faculty and staff and serving UAH’s students,” said Dr. Karr. u
December 2021
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SMALL BUSINESS
Rene’ Holt, DVM of Rocket City Mobile Vet On Navigating the Pandemic As businesses across the nation shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, pet ownership skyrocketed among those who suddenly found themselves stuck at home and in need of extra companionship. This unique situation presented both great opportunities and new challenges for those in petrelated businesses. The uncertainty of the pandemic translated into roaring success for one of these local businesses when Rene’ Holt, DVM of Rocket City Mobile Vet found herself in the perfect position to grow her practice. Holt founded her mobile clinic in January 2018 and by the time the pandemic happened it was already a successful, growing business. Although she always planned to build a brick and mortar facility, Holt said that along the way she had a calling to offer end of life services to pets in their own homes. According to Holt, “I believe that animals should leave this world at their happiest and calmest, which for them is home. I also knew that I would miss the rest of veterinary medicine so I established a full-service mobile veterinary hospital.” Of the challenges faced by Dr. Holt and by veterinarians in general, the greatest of these has been client expectations. Holt noted that those in veterinary medicine are held to a different standard than the rest of the medical field, with pet owners expecting perfection at all times. “If mistakes are made, social media becomes our downfall; the pandemic has made those expecta-
“The pandemic did hurt the bond between veterinarians and their clients because we all had to distance ourselves but it does feel like we are slowly building those relationships back.”
Dr. Rene’ Holt with a patient
tions even worse.” The demands of the pandemic led to booming business for the mobile clinic, resulting in the number of clients/patients seen increasing to the point where Holt had to add two associate veterinarians and a second mobile clinic to accommodate client needs. She stated that she took on between 1,500 and 2,000 new patients during the past year. Despite the rapid influx of new patients during the pandemic, Holt noted that Rocket City Mobile Vet’s revenue has grown steadily since the start, showing revenue increases of approximately 35 to 40 percent annually. The trend continued throughout 2020 and 2021. Although the business has been very successful throughout the pandemic, Holt attributes this more to a combination of time and word-of-mouth referrals. COVID-19 has changed the
way Holt’s practice operates, requiring her to rethink the way the clinic handled at-home care with clients. They stopped going into homes and immediately began wearing masks to protect themselves and others. Holt noted that “the pandemic did hurt the bond between veterinarians and their clients because we all had to distance ourselves but it does feel like we are slowly building those relationships back.” Holt was aware early on of the danger presented by the Covid pandemic and took steps to ensure the safety of her staff, family, and at-risk clients. She stated that she was open with the vaccination discussion with her staff, encouraging vaccination as soon as it became available. As a result, her company has a 97 percent vaccination rate. In addition, they wore gloves in the beginning, masks at all times, and did not enter client’s homes. Although they continued to offer end of life care to their patients, they did so only in outside settings and
By Dawn Suiter / Photos courtesy of Rocket City Mobile Vet with masks. Holt added “Once we were vaccinated and the transmission rate was lower, we started to enter homes again but still masked and that is where we stand currently with our protocols.” Rocket City Mobile Vet is in the process of completing construction of a permanent sister location, Rocket City Veterinary Hospital, at 1229 Slaughter Rd. in Madison. The mobile clinic will continue as before, and Holt plans to manage both by adding more veterinarians as needed to accommodate the new clients. Because clients are now used to seeing the associates in the mobile practice, Holt said that it won’t be a huge change for them when she is in the brick and mortar facility, although she still plans to do mobile as well. On the topic of whether the business’s success during the pandemic encouraged the move, Holt responded “Not really. I’ve always known that I would own a brick and mortar business and I did miss that aspect when I went mobile almost four years ago. Having both will be the best of both worlds.” Holt’s biggest takeaway from her experience as a veterinary health provider during the pandemic is that “we are all truly in this together and as long as we work together, we will continue to grow and be healthy. And always, kindness can go a long way in this world.” u
Veterinary assistant Tessia Sammons doing a dental cleaning on a patient
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
ECONOMY
Supply Chain Shortages: Questions Answered The headlines on the Internet scream doom as supply chain issues unsettle consumers around the country. A sampling: • CNN – $24 billion in goods is floating outside California’s biggest ports; and also, The global supply chain is about to get worse. • New York Post – Don’t expect supply chain or price relief anytime soon. • CNBC – Supply chain chaos is hitting global growth and could get worse. • ClickOrlando.com – Truck driver demand grows as nation grapples with supply chain issues. There are several reasons being blamed for supply chain issues. There are backlogs at American seaports with goods floating in the Pacific at Los Angeles and in the Atlantic at Savannah, keeping supplies from shelves. The obvious reason is the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting slow down of production. There’s also a labor shortage, with workers abandoning low-wage jobs to seek higher wages and more benefits.
“Market forces have effectively raised the minimum wage’’ In the wake of 490,000 warehouse workers who quit their jobs in August, and presumably over 730,000 deaths contributed to COVID-19, the workforce is depleted. Baby boomers are also retiring. Companies such as Walmart, Target and Amazon are trying to attract younger workers with more benefits, including free college tuition. Some companies, such as McDonald’s, have increased wages. “Market forces have effectively raised the minimum wage,’’ said S. Ray White of the Huntsville branch of Warren Averett, which provides accounting services, technology re-
“There’s definitely a shortage of truck drivers, and you’ve probably seen some of the ads for what type of the compensation is now’’ sources, HR solutions and business advisory needs. While there are several issues other than a shortage of labor and truckers -- increasing freight prices, forecasting demand, port congestion and changing consumer attitudes are also influencing the supply chain crisis -- none seem more problematic than a shortage of truck drivers and overall labor. The American Truck Association has reported 80,000 drivers are needed to plug the holes. Meanwhile, trucking wages are rising to attract employees. “There’s definitely a shortage of truck drivers, and you’ve probably seen some of the ads for what type of the compensation is now,’’ White said. “It’s extraordinary what you can make in the country now. “And a labor shortage at the source of the supplies coming from the factories, we’ve got all of our clients that are in manufacturing and distribution having the same pain and that’s the labor. So it’s not just the goods coming into the U.S., it’s being able to have a
By Mike Easterling
sufficient amount of labor.’’ Local merchants had mixed responses to the supply chain crises. None of the stores visited had obvious shortages, though there were some red flags. At Costco on a recent trip everything appeared to be business as usual with shelves and aisles full as many customers roamed the store. According to managers, the store has not experienced troubling shortages outside of random, small ticket items. A Walmart manager said her store also hadn’t seen a problem with shortages, saying the only thing that stood out was “minor’’ products such as ironing boards sometimes running out. “We haven’t had problems with deliveries that I’ve seen,’’ she said. But general merchandise dollar stores were experiencing smaller truckloads of merchandise, reported one associate, particularly among sports drinks and other products from one provider. A manager at a major grocery chain said his store, while not obviously impacted as no shelves were barren, said he’s seen signs of possible problems unless the crisis is solved. The store, which receives an average of around 3,000 products, got only 1,000 recently. Collateral things such as a shortage of cardboard, used for such items as cola and beer packages, is among the shortages delaying supplies.
“There are problems,’’ he said. A recent U.S. Census survey found 45 percent of businesses are experiencing delays. David Salters, a human resource expert out of Warren Averett’s Birmingham office, said any current or future supply problems won’t be limited to the United State.
“And a labor shortage at the source of the supplies coming from the factories, we’ve got all of our clients that are in manufacturing and distribution having the same pain and that’s the labor” “It’s really kind of a global problem,’’ he said. “We’re not the only ones that have ships sitting out at sea.’’ Charlie Eddy of Warren Averett’s office in Cullman said there is a shortage of truckers, but it’s “not a new issue.’’ Eddy said companies are constantly searching for drivers, but the situation is currently troubling with trucking offices experiencing equipment delays as well as employee shortages. “It’s these long-haul routes,’’ Eddy said. “Those truckers have to be away from home for maybe a week.’’ u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
COVER COVER S
Orion Amphitheater at Itinerary for First Waltz
By Kimberly Ballard / Site photos by Al In 1976, one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and 1970s known as The Band, performed their last concert together. It was a starstudded musical extravaganza called The Last Waltz, made into a major concert film by Martin Scorsese. It was intended to mark the end of an era for The Band and their music. The First Waltz at the Orion Amphitheater at Apollo Park in Huntsville is marking the beginning of a new era for the North Alabama’s music scene. Huntsville’s Venue Group unveiled the inaugural First Waltz weekend at the new 8,000-seat Orion Amphitheater at Apollo Park in Huntsville, May 13 – 15, 2022. Located adjacent to the emerging MidCity District, the three-day live entertainment destination is opening with an all-star lineup, all of whom have deep ties to the North Alabama region. The First Waltz extravaganza will bring performances by Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Brittany Howard, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, Drive-By Truckers, and Waxahatchee, followed by special performances from Huntsville’s own vibrant musical community including The Aeolians of Oakwood University, Kelvin Wooten, Deqn Sue, Translee, and the Huntsville Community Drumline. Led by Ryan Murphy, who will act as general manager of the Orion on behalf of the City of Huntsville, the Huntsville Venue Group is a joint venture partnership between the global Venue Group team including Mumford & Sons Ben Lovett, his brother Greg Lovett, Graham Brown, and Jesse Mann, in partnership with other respected industry veterans. “I was talking to one of our partners, Mike Luba about how the first few weeks of the Orion’s opening was going to be a celebration of North Alabama’s music legacy and history,”
explained Murphy. “Mike and I talked about how that first weekend was the beginning of something and not the end, but as a riff on The Band’s Last Waltz, we have all these artists performing together, mixed in with some of the Muscle Shoals hits and it seemed to work for such a landmark event.” Until now, the new venue has been referred to generically as the Huntsville Amphitheater. “We went through multiple iterations of what we thought the whole idea of the amphitheater is about,” said Murphy. “We hear artists on tour say, ‘We just played Red Rocks’, ‘We just played the Greek’, or ‘We played the Garden’ and that rolls off the tongue so nicely, we were thinking along that line. “We came up with a long list but
as we began leaning into some of the history of the area, we worked with the city and came to a consensus with The Orion. It sounds really great and hits all the marks we wanted to hit.” Lovett said that in his experience as a band, one of the things a band gets the most excited about is the places they get to play. “We often go out of our way to perform at a venue based on either its reputation or the design of the event,” he said “I still think the Orion’s design plays a big part in the show, and if you see shows at the Red Rocks in Colorado or the Greek Theater at UC Berkeley, people tend to say the show feels like it incorporates the design elements of the venue. “I am excited to think we have done the same here with the Orion. When people see photos and videos
of performances here, they will immediately know it took place at the Orion in Huntsville. “I absolutely hope the Orion comes to be held in the highest regard within the live auditorium community.” Lovett and Murphy have promised from the beginning a truly unique food and beverage experience at the Orion as well as at the Food Village located across from the Orion in Apollo Park. “Inside the Orion, we will be light on food and heavy on beverage,” said Murphy. “It will not be cookiecutter or corporate branded concert hall concessions. The concessions will be under the Orion’s umbrella of concepts like for instance a whiskey bar and a collective craft beer bar, all unique branded offerings throughout
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STORY STORY
t Apollo Park Rolls Out z Weekend This Spring
lex Hendrix of Huntsville Venue Group the venue. He said the adjacent Food Village outside the amphitheater in Apollo Park will have a more robust food offering that is an extension of some of the great brick and mortar establishments here in Huntsville and in North Alabama. The food and beverage is about supporting and elevating local small businesses who are doing a great job in Huntsville, and whose food and beverage reflects what is going on all over North Alabama. “We are leaning into the idea of coming to the Orion to see a concert, grab a great craft beer from a Huntsville brewery, grab some great Alabama barbecue or an amazing brisket sandwich from the area, getting a good taste of Huntsville, so that maybe they never make it downtown, but they get a feel for what Huntsville is all about while at the show and in the park.”
Lovett said they are developing a bunch of different concepts in the Food Village at Apollo Park and one of those is a great taco destination, a tap room, and a beer hall with pretzels, “We want the Food Village at Apollo Park to have something for all tastebuds, and it’s going to be amazing,” he said. “But the activity around the outside of the amphitheater is going to make it a year-round destination so that on a Tuesday night when there is no show at the Orion, people will still want to go out to Apollo Park and have dinner. I think people will find that experience to be very special.” Lovett said the other big thing they are focused on (Cont’d on next page)
Pictured above: General Manager Ryan Murphy with Ben Lovett on the site of the Orion Amphitheater Pictured left: aerial photo of Orion Amphitheater
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COVER COVER STORY STORY right now is jobs. “We are in a heavy recruiting mode,” Lovett said. “But the unemployment rate here is so low, there are not people in Huntsville looking for work and we’re not trying to dislocate people from other local businesses, so we are really trying to attract people to move here.” He said about half of the team they have hired so far have moved to Huntsville to do their job. “Our focus over the next couple of months is going to be to build out a great team of professionals from the venue side as well as broadening the restaurant and hospitality side,” Lovett said. “Everything from security and stewarding to production, bartenders, and housekeeping – it’s crazy how many jobs are created. It is very people-intensive, but it is one of the reasons I love it. You are providing special kind of work and opportunity for people.” Lovett said he hopes people travel from all over the world to eat at restaurants, stay in hotels, and the entire experience leaves the artists themselves saying, ‘I just played the Orion in Huntsville and not only was the venue great, but the people were engaged, one of the best audiences ever’. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle Orion Amohitheater rises above Ben Lovett
said the Orion Amphitheater reinvents the concept of a major event space. “The Orion Amphitheater will be an impressive quality-of-life addition to complement our thriving arts and entertainment community,” he said. “We anticipate this amazing venue will help attract and recruit new people and ideas to our community from across the Southeast. “By expanding usage beyond
hosting live music, the Orion Amphitheater will provide year-round community programming with seasonal markets, food and film festivals, regional theater productions, environmental symposiums, and family friendly events.” “The Orion Amphitheater is an architectural landmark different from others in the city, and together with the elevated hospitality, we are re-setting the tone for Huntsville’s
cultural future,” said Murphy. Over the next few weeks and months, Murphy said they are going to start announcing a more extensive lineup, with a ton of major artists announcing over the next month or two. “Here we go,” he warned. “Things will really start rolling now.” Tickets are on sale now at www. theorionhuntsville.com. Multi-night packages are available. u
Q&A with Ben Lovett, the Man Behind the Orion Amphitheater and Grammy Award-Winning Band, Mumford & Sons By Kimberly Ballard This is the second interview Ben Lovett has granted to the Huntsville Business Journal and we are appreciative of his time. I’m just curious, concerts have gotten so extravagant these days with pyrotechnics, confetti, acrobatics, and lighting effects, will the Orion accommodate all of that? The size and dynamics of the show depends on the artists, it comes in with the show, but the Orion was designed to accommodate it. Of course, health and safety are always the first consideration, but we are ready for whatever eventuality an artist may want to bring. Absolutely. There is one band distinctly missing from that list of First Waltz performers… The timing doesn’t really line up for the band (Mumford & Sons) to perform at the beginning of the season unfortunately, but we have thoughts about it and look forward to playing there one day. Right now, I am looking forward to it as a music fan, and then subsequently one day, as a performer. Are you spending a lot of time here in Huntsville? I am planning to spend most of next year here in Huntsville. Maybe you should buy a house? It’s a possibility, I’m talking to my wife about it. I am open to suggestions. Are you recognized when you go out? I can choose to or not to be
recognized when I go out. A hat, sunglasses, and a big jacket and people don’t think twice about it, but I tend not to have a big problem. It is one of the advantages of not being the front man. Are you getting a lot of support from the business community? We’re having some really interesting conversations with local businesses. For example, your Ford dealership is rolling out an electric fleet of vehicles and I think it is great they are talking about providing vehicles for artist transportation. That is just one example of working with a team locally. Over the next two or three months, we will be announcing the pillars of supporters for the Orion and local partnerships. Have you had a good experience working with the City of Huntsville? Huntsville – this city is amazing! The conviction of John Hamilton, Shane Davis, and Mayor Battle is remarkable. The follow through. They are not just politicians who say they will do one thing and then do something else. They laid down the gauntlet and said, ‘This is what we are going to do’ and it stays on track. There have been some tough times, everyone has had to work very hard to keep this on track, Robins & Morton (general contractor) have honored their word, and they are on schedule. Everyone
is doing what they said they are going to do. That should not be that remarkable, but I have been jaded after dealing with people in New York and London, so much so that I find it amazing when people are actually doing what they say they are going to do. You feel confident that Huntsville is big enough to support such a big and exciting venue? I couldn’t be more excited. It feels like the capacity is here for Huntsville to grow without bursting at its seams. Flying in yesterday to the airport, it feels like there is room to have ten times the current infrastructure and capacity the airport has, and yet nowhere does the city feel like it is struggling with its growth. It is sort of naturally filling its shoes and I think that is like a testament to all the people involved in planning and infrastructural development. Well, we do have a lot of very smart people here running things! It is like there is already anticipation around things that could cause issues. Take your greenways and how you will move people around the city when the Orion opens, so it doesn’t end up causing a traffic jam. In other cities, they talk about that after there are traffic jams. There is an intelligence in Huntsville that is already trying to work through and prevent issues before they become issues. It’s quite amazing. u
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
FINANCE
A Different Way to Give Back As many of us anxiously await potential changes in our tax laws and the dawn of a new year, there are many questions regarding how to give back to our community during the upcoming return period. Bridgeworth Financial has come up with a solution by providing insight on how to help provide for underprivileged children in the Huntsville-Madison County community and the state of Alabama as a whole. As part of the Alabama Accountability Act, the state of Alabama sets aside up to $30 million each year for Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) – allowing Alabama taxpayers to redirect up to 50% of their state tax liability to an SGO. By redirecting your tax dollars for education in our local area, funds go directly to kids and schools in need instead of the Alabama Department of Revenue. In short, an SGO provides K-12 scholarships to pay tuition for qualifying low-income students so eligible families in Alabama have the opportunity to choose the education that best fits their child’s education needs. Approved Organizations As a resident of Huntsville and Madison County, Rocket City SGO is the choice for many in our area. Scholarships for Kids is another notable option and one of several worthy organizations approved and located in the Jefferson County area. The websites for both these organizations help explain the programs in more detail. No matter what part
of the state you reside in, you can contribute to any on the approved list if you are an Alabama taxpayer. Here is a list of Approved Scholarship Granting Organizations in Alabama. Next Steps If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, follow these main steps below: 1. Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website and set up a My Alabama Taxes (MAT) account. 2. Once you log in, go to “Report a donation to an SGO.” 3. After completing your personal information, choose the SGO of your choice from the menu titled “SGO Name.” 4. Fill in your donation’s desired amount, up to 50% of your estimated state tax liability. 5. Mail your check, made payable to your selected SGO,
to the address listed on their website or from the approved list previously referenced. 6. You will immediately receive a confirmation number, so keep that for your tax records until you receive a letter or email with further confirmation of your donation. Important Reminders When it’s time to file your taxes, you will have an Alabama state tax credit in the amount of your donation. This results in an increase in any refund you are due or a potential reduction of any amount owed. It is critical to estimate 50% of your Alabama tax liability to base your contribution amount. However, suppose you were to contribute more than 50% of your actual Alabama tax liability and cannot use the total amount under current law. In that case, you
By Guest Contributor
should be able to carry forward the excess portion and use it next year. For further questions, please contact a Scholarship Granting Organization in your area or reach out to a Bridgeworth advisor at https:// bridgeworthfinancial.com/ Bridgeworth Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser. This content does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial, or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information. u
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HEALTHCARE
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle Visits Community Free Dental Clinic The Community Free Dental Clinic (CFDC) received special guests on Nov. 4. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong visited the clinic to raise awareness for the program and emphasize its continued need for funding. The clinic opened its doors in 2013 and is the only organization of its kind, with a mission to provide free dental treatment for underserved and low-income Madison County residents in dental crisis. The impact of the program is not limited to tooth extractions but provides benefits to overall health. Extractions and antibiotics help avoid costly hospital stays due to infected gums and abscesses, which can be life-threating. Assessments
by dental staff and registered nurses have also identified mouth tumors, blood pressure and blood sugar issues. In addition to financial support, the clinic has immediate need of volunteer dentists, dental assistants and nurses, volunteers who can process paperworkas well as inkind donations of dental equipment, dental and office supplies, personal hygiene products and infection control items. “46,000 underserved... we want to bridge the gap to provide comprehensive care for those who have never been able to receive it,” Said
Dr. Solomon of Huntsville’s Community Free Dental Clinic. For information about how to donate, visit hsvfreedental.org or
By Lori Boatfield / Photo by Steve Babin
Community Free Dental Clinic on Facebook. The CFDC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit partnered with United Way. u
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DEVELOPMENT
Quietdale Estates: A Piece of History Brought to Life It’s been an ongoing labor of love, punctuated by a variety of administrative, pandemic, and supply chain-induced setbacks along the way, but cybersecurity specialists Ross Hickey and John Francis have remained steadfast in their undertaking. For the past two and a half years, Hickey and Francis have put quite a bit of sweat equity into transforming the Quietdale Estate into a state-of-the-art event venue; a venue that successfully implements modern day technology yet still retains the beauty, grace, and charm of a much earlier era. Nestled in a neighborhood near the Lincoln Mill District, Quietdale sits on six acres of land, amid large white oaks, magnolia trees, and thousands of daffodils. Although Lee High School and the Coca Cola Bottling plant are just a stone’s throw away, Quietdale is cocooned by lush foliage that buffers the property from the outside influences of modern-day life. The property was originally owned by William Robinson, the first Sheriff of Madison County. Unfortunately, the Sheriff never saw the completion of the home. In 1852, Robinson died at age 44, leaving behind a wife and five children. It was his widow, Caroline Moore Robinson, who saw the construction through, realizing her husband’s vision. Prior to his death, Robinson was one of the largest landowners in the region, having thousands of acres in north Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Although a skilled bricklayer, Robinson wanted his dream home to be a frame house and sought out the very best lumber he could find. The house was originally planned to be situated at a point between the house’s present site and what was soon to be the northern branch of the Memphis and Charleston rail line. With that in mind, Mrs. Robinson decided that the building should be farther up on the rise leading to
Chapman Mountain. Mrs. Robinson loved cultivating daffodils and they figure prominently in the early history of the estate. In fact, as part of the deal to gain permission to lay down the tracks for the Memphis and Charleston line, it was agreed that the train would stop each day to pick up Mrs. Robinson and her children, taking them downtown, where they would sell the daffodils. Since Mrs. Robinson’s death in 1885, the estate gone through several owners, all imprinting their own style in the efforts of home renovation. However, the overall structure itself speaks volumes of the care taken in its construction. Quietdale was built to last. “The architecture is incredible,” said Hickey. “It really
tells the story of the home.” Although Quietdale is a mixture of architectural styles, the interior of the estate is clearly Greek Revivalism. Quietdale has a significant place in the history of Huntsville and also has the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places. Each room in the estate radiates history through its artistic craftsmanship. “It has good bones,” said Hickey.” There are ten fireplaces; each fireplace is unique, no two are alike. The high ceilings in the downstairs parlors and the entrance hall are adorned by large plaster medallions in a dahlia design. After purchasing the property in March 2019, the pair began redeveloping the estate. First, by
By Lori J. Connors / Photos courtesy of Quietdale Estates
tackling the structural and foundational aspects, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVA. Hickey and Francis also took great care in making sure that everything is up to code and ADA compliant. It goes well beyond checking off the boxes, however. A great amount of attention has been focused on preserving the charm and feel of the estate – while having the modern conveniences of WiFi and climate control. Hickey and Francis envision Quietdale as a destination spot for creating timeless memories. By restoring the building and its surrounding property, the two hope to preserve a valuable piece of Huntsville history, as well as meet the needs of a region that’s on a rapid growth trajectory. There is a great need for event venues and a dedicated space like Quietdale is long overdue. In a recent Chamber of Commerce report, it’s been predicted that catered event growth could rise by as much as 19.30% between 2022-2026. Weddings in Huntsville also have almost doubled over the past three years, according to the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Most existing event venues are backlogged and often booked more than a year in advance. As a result, many potential clientele have taken to booking their nuptials during the offseason, such as in the fall or winter. Hosting a wedding in the middle of the week is no longer considered unusual. Ross and Hickey are currently in the process of finalizing investments to bring Quietdale’s history to the community and they anticipate hosting events by 2023. When complete, Quietdale will have the capacity to host multiple events simultaneously, accommodating up to 500 people. To address the capacity needs, the pair recently purchased a tract of land from Lee High School to develop into a parking area. u
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DEVELOPMENT
No Moss Growing on the 212-Mile Singing River Trail Aristotle once wrote, “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous”. When the Land Use Committee of Huntsville’s Launch 2035 dedicated the first quarter mile of North Alabama’s original 70-mile-long Singing River Trail in late 2019, the idea of physically connecting Huntsville to Madison, Athens, and Decatur was quite marvelous - in fact, based on a $225,000 Master Plan, it was the most ambitious legacy project ever undertaken in North Alabama. The original plan revealed a route starting at Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville that followed Highway 20 and Madison Boulevard west, bearing south at Zierdt Road to Triana, and crossing over Countyline Road to Mooresville. Another leg bore north off Madison Boulevard towards Belle Mina, and dipped south to the river at County Road, crossing into Decatur and turning north along Highway 31 towards Athens. It was an ambitious plan. It was a marvelous plan for North Alabama. In mid-2020, the Singing River Trail brought in historian John Kvach as its first executive director and it immediately grew into a 150-mile, 8-county project connecting North Alabama from Bridgeport and Scottsboro, to Sheffield, bringing it within 16 miles of the Natchez Trace. Today, the SRT is comprised of a 212-mile truly marvelous natural greenway system, with new branches growing out from its spine in all directions, all the time. “In one year, we added Jackson, Marshall, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and
Colbert Counties to the original Limestone, Madison, and Morgan County group,” said Kvach. “We didn’t get bigger by happenstance. We listened to the people and communities who wanted to be part of something big. We didn’t react, we acted in the spirit of Launch 2035. No boxes, silos, or cartographer’s lines holding us back.” On October 18, during the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Line-Off Ceremony, Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama presented Kvach with a $25,000 donation in support of the Singing River Trail in recognition for SRTs commitment to mobility and environmental preservation. Kvach will be the featured speaker at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon at the Best Western Plus on Madison Blvd. on November 18. Looking back, it has been like watching the entire Tennessee Valley region, knit itself back together again, to how it was before there were towns and cities. It has been like nature reaching out like twining vines to reclaim the region’s
vast network of natural resources including cultural areas, recreation spots, nature reserves, forests, lakes, rivers, and streams. Looking at the SRT in terms of links in a chain, SRT has undeniable benefits for almost every community along its path. The regional project has buy-in from community leaders and businesses all along the trail, including small, sometimes impoverished communities that will greatly benefit from the industry, tourism, culture, and jobs SRT will stimulate. In a last-minute burst of enthusiasm, the SRT team, led by Kvach, recently applied for Phase I of the Federal Building Back Better Regional Challenge grant that offers $500,000 towards technical planning for a regional project. They have not received an answer yet, but the pitch is compelling. The Singing River Trail is using the best of the Tennessee Valley’s natural assets, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to focus on outdoor recreation and tourism as the accelerator for the Singing River Valley concept, which serves as a center for health and wellness, economic development, tourism, entrepreneurship, active transportation, and Native American heritage equal to or greater that the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, or the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee! According to the grant proposal,
By Kimberly Ballard / Photos courtesy of Singing River Trail
the Singing River Valley regional concept would ultimately “…become the final piece of a larger Appalachian Regional Corridor that extends from Maine to Alabama with North Alabama the southern terminus for a line of outdoor and tourism opportunities that start in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, extend into the Carolinas along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and continue into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee”. From the earliest days of the SRT concept, the past and future were destined to merge in a historical and high-tech way. With the preservation of nature, and the history and culture of the region at its foundation, it will not work today in our high tech word without technology. The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the North Alabama Technology Coalition created the North Alabama Entrepreneurship and Innovation Coalition to evaluate and develop a strategic plan for building a connective entrepreneurial ecosystem across the SRT trail system that will market the region’s assets, and engage key stakeholders in the development of the SRT, with recommendations for enhanced outdoor recreation, agritourism, and agriculture tech innovation – all of which will take advantage of the physical landscape to spur economic growth. The coalition will act like a catalyst for future collaborations between regional partners, inspire entrepreneurship, and interact with local, state, regional, and national entities to create opportunities for North Alabama innovators. In addition to technology, many of the trail routes are attractive to communities and cities in its path because of the economic development, living improvements, and job creation it will bring to many impoverished areas of North Alabama. For instance, the Trail of Tears from Decatur to the Alabama/Mississippi state line runs along the National Park Service’s theoretical heritage corridor into sections of an Opportunity
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Zone. The SRT will provide access to thousands of workers who live and work along the Tennessee River, reinvigorating rural counties and towns that have lost thousands of jobs because of factory closures. In these areas, the SRT and its land use plan will attract workers to the local Lockheed Martin facility. Working with the City of Athens this summer, the local SRT committee created by City One Stop Manager Amy Golden and Mayor Ronnie Marks, brainstormed a trail route connecting the Richard Martin Rails to Trails to the City of Athens’ Swan Creek Greenway. That trail is underway while another Athens trail route connects Downtown Athens to the SportsPlex and Athens State University’s historic 200-year-old campus. This area falls completely within an Area of Persistent Poverty (APP) and is within an Opportunity Zone. The route will give students and residents access to augmented and virtual reality labs, an Education and Innovation Center, incubator space, classrooms, and meeting space at the proposed 85,000 square foot Athens State University Civic and Training Center.
The City of Scottsboro has applied for a $400,000 Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant to eventually connect local retailers, schools, churches, parks, and the world-famous Unclaimed Baggage Center in Downtown Scottsboro, to Goose Pond Colony Resort. That path will incorporate an eight-mile stretch of proposed greenway, 90 percent of which falls in an Area of Persistent Poverty, to Goose Pond Colony, a recreational area that hosts large fishing and other outdoor events along the Tennessee River. Leveraging EPA Brownfield Funding grant, the City of Florence will formalize the western side of the Singing River Bridge to create a gateway through an APP and within an Opportunity Zone, into Downtown Florence to the Tennessee River and its existing outdoor recreation and tourism. Other trail routes include the Eastern Route masterplan that runs from Bridgeport to Gurley and is fully funded by both public and private funding including Google, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Jackson County, the City of Bridgeport, the City of Scottsboro, and the
State of Alabama. The Gurley to Huntsville trail, led by Croy Engineering is supported by Madison County Commissioner Craig Hill, and the Town of Gurley. The SRT Western Route runs from Decatur to the Shoals and is almost fully funded by 3M, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Regions Bank, the Tennessee RiverLine, the Lawrence County Legislative Delegation, the City of Courtland, and the Muscle Shoals Heritage Area. Decatur’s OneDecatur masterplan prioritizes the establishment of a Calhoun Community College Pedestrian Tennessee River Walkway over the Tennessee River where the SRT crosses the Tennessee River. The link will improve access to the riverfront and connect future growth areas north and east of the river, including Calhoun Community College and access to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. And SRT is working with Decatur and Morgan County Tourism to identify and map all sections of the 17-mile Dr. Bill Sims Bike Trail. The Port of Huntsville is currently working to activate over 8,000 acres of Huntsville Airport land to create an outdoor recreation hub that includes an internal trail system linking the airport to the spine of the SRT. It will offer outdoor activities, AirBnB opportunities, food and beverage centers, traditional runway and drone viewing, and other projects. This section of SRT will also connect with the Wheeler Wildlife
Refuge and connect traditionally underrepresented areas in rural Limestone County. Along that leg, Schoel Engineering is building a trail route connecting Dallas Fanning Nature Preserve to the town of Triana, the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, and the Tennessee River. Madison City Planner Mary Beth Broeren and the City of Madison has been especially proactive in all things SRT this past year, recently taking the lead on a Madison Boulevard intersection and connectivity study. This summer, Mooresville Mayor Nikki Sprader put her full support behind SRT with an official town resolution stating, “WHEREAS, the Singing River Trail will set the tone for future land use and will shape the outlying areas for the next generations.” Additionally, private landowner meetings have begun to create a trial route in the area surrounding Mooresville from Rock House Road to Arrowhead Landing. The trail route in South Huntsville is underway and will connect existing greenways with a new SRT greenway between Mountain Gap Road and Golf Road. Schoel Engineering is currently overseeing it with support from Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick and the City of Huntsville. And the town of Courtland passed a resolution to begin the master planning process there, connecting key historical, economic, and natural elements to the SRT. u
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United We Craft: Coming This Fall - The Brewers’ Cooperative Grand Opening Something is brewing here in the Rocket City. Five fabulous regional craft breweries are teaming up to create a unique and memorable customer experience. Despite the delays brought on by a myriad of supply chain logjams and pandemic bottlenecks, the Brewers’ Cooperative will finally have its grand opening. Founded by two of Alabama’s oldest breweries, Straight to Ale and Good People Brewing Company, the Co-Op will also feature Avondale, Salty Nut, and Druid City breweries. The long-awaited Co-Op is a first for the North Alabama region. The Co-Op was started as a means to better serve the community through the spirit of collaboration. From tasting panels, beer design forums, and beer education events, the Co-Op will facilitate an engaging craft community, based on the premise of supporting all things local. “The Cooperative will be a leader in collaboration for our craft,” said Dan Perry, owner of Straight to Ale. “Along with the five breweries featured, we are planning to invite other Alabama-based breweries to collaborate on different featured brews.” The first two Co-Op locations will be opening this year, one at the Stovehouse in Huntsville and the other at City Harbor in Guntersville. Beers from all five breweries will be showcased at each location, along with serving spirits and wine. Co-Op patrons will have the opportunity to experience something novel at each location. Along with a selection of beer, spirits, and wine,
imagery that is specific to any one of the breweries, the interior spaces are ‘unbranded,’ featuring modern design elements throughout. To make that a reality, Lauren Gowins and her the team at Bold Agency were charged to head up the interior design and marketing efforts. The Co-Op isn’t about individual breweries, it’s about the community of local makers. “We aren’t looking each site will have a unique food menu inspired by the area’s surroundings. The interior of each location is not what one would expect, either. Instead of seeing multiple logos or
By Lori J. Connors / Images courtesy of Bold Agency
for individual recognition for accomplishments,” said Perry. “We are building a unique sustainable partnership of like-minded craft artisans coming together for the promotion of craft beer, wine, spirits, and food.” The Co-Op will also offer a tiered membership program that will include exclusive discounts, special events, and even an opportunity to brew beer with the Co-Op. Anyone over the age of 21 can become a member. Members of The Brewers Co-Op will also have the opportunity for membership sharing, as well as providing input in setting the Co-Op’s long-term goals and policies. Once the brewery is fully operational, Co-Op members will be able to be a part of the brewing process and can work with other breweries, in the on-site collaboration of small batch projects. “Learning about what goes into the brewing process gives you a deeper appreciation for craft beer and how it cultivates a culture of supporting ‘locally made’ in your community,” said Michael Sellers, owner of Good People Brewing Company. For more information go to: thebrewerscooperative.com. You can also follow them on Facebook @ thebrewerscooperativeguntersville, @ thebrewerscooperativehuntsville, and on Instagram @thebrewersco_op. u
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BRIEFCASE RECOGNITION New Promotions Add to Recent Success of Carr, Riggs & Ingram’s Huntsville Offices Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC recently announced five new promotions within their Huntsville office location. Dalton Bradford, who focuses on tax return planning and preparation, was promoted from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant. Bradford has been with CRI for 2 years with a focus in tax return planning and preparation. Lara Clay was promoted from Senior Accountant to Supervising Senior Accountant at CRI’s Huntsville Office. Clay has been with CRI for 6 years, during which she earned her CPA certificate, worked on CRI’s tax and audit teams, and now serves clients in the company’s Client Accounting Services department. Raven Hulsey was also promoted from Senior Accountant to Supervising Senior Accountant. Hulsey has been with CRI for 3 year and is focused on multistate taxation, tax return planning and tax return preparation. She continuously aims to help clients in a wide range of industries. Joseph Vaughan was promoted from Senior Accountant to Manager in CRI’s Huntsville Office. Vaughan has been with CRI for 3 years with a focus on tax consulting and business development. Finally, Jenelle Whitebread was promoted from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant in CRI’s Huntsville office. Whitebread has been with CRI for 2 years and has worked with the Client Accounting Services department with clients in multiple industries and helped develop relationships that ensure client success. “The CRI – Huntsville office is thrilled to see so many of our people moving ahead in their careers. These individuals were selected for their promotions because of the outstanding work and exemplary leadership skills that they offer the company and to each other their department teams.“ – Greg Crabtree, Partner in Charge.
RECOGNITION Michelle Epling Named Executive Director of Madison Chamber of Commerce Following a lengthy search, the Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Michelle Epling as its new Executive Director, effective Nov. 8. The Chamber of Commerce has been without an Executive Director since 2019.The Covid-19 pandemic halted its search for a new ED in early 2020, with Epling’s arrival heralding a new chapter in the Chamber’s development. According to Board member Jan Bias, “the Board is extremely excited to have Michelle as our new Executive Director knowing she will re-energize the Madison Chamber of Commerce moving forward!” Epling, a Grissom High School graduate, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration - Marketing before moving to Madison in 2006. In addition to her love for the city of Madison, Epling brings extensive and wide-ranging experience from business development, corporate direct sales and sales coaching, two entrepreneurships, and volunteerism with several major nonprofit organizations. A former account executive with Huntsville EVENT Magazine, Epling is currently a Senior Executive of Sales and Marketing at Newberry Pecans, her family’s business. She also serves as VP of Programs for the Midtown Elementary PTA and is a member of the Women’s Economic Development Council. Epling strives to lead the Madison Chamber of Commerce to the next era of growth and prosperity. “I am looking forward to continuing to build and grow the great traditions we have at the Madison Chamber of Commerce and partnerships with the City of Madison and our community to continue to add value to our chamber memberships to help grow all local businesses and continue to find new and innovative partnerships to bring the community together.”
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