Huntsville Committee of 100 History

The Huntsville Committee of 100 was formed in 1995 by a small group of small business leaders with a sincere interest in the progress of Huntsville. They wanted to form a business organization that was active in local political issues, primarily:

• Developing a broad long-term economic development strategy that addressed retail development, downtown development and high-quality public education.
• Attracting and supporting qualified, progressive candidates for local political office and lobbying for local business issues.

Founding Members:

• Hall Bryant, Owner, H.C. Blake Co.
• David Byers, former Owner, Byers Nursery
• Jeff Enfinger, Chairman, Enfinger Steele Development Inc.
• David Johnston, V.P., G. W. Jones & Sons
• Dr. Oscar Maxwell, Physician
• Gene Monroe, former Owner, Monroe Business Equipment
• John Riche (deceased), former President, A. C. Inc.
• Joe Ritch, Attorney, Sirote & Permutt

In addition to growing the membership, the founding leaders identified two focus areas for the Committee of 100 – economic development and public education – and began developing and financially supporting key strategic projects in each. They also formed a political action arm called BizPac to contribute funds to candidates for Huntsville Mayor, City Council and Board of Education; Madison Mayor and City Council; and the Madison County Commission.

Members pay $100 per month with half going to the Committee of 100 and half to BizPac. In October 1996, a part-time Executive Director was hired to perform administrative, networking and lobbying duties for both organizations.

The Committee of 100 now has 190 members, all CEOs and professionals. Membership meetings are held quarterly, usually in February, May, August and November. Members also meet in task forces formed to develop solutions to key issues, and meet regularly with local elected leaders to foster two-way communication.

Past Chairs:

• Dr. Oscar Maxwell, Physician – Chairman 1995-1996
• David Johnston, V.P., G. W. Jones & Sons – Chairman 1997-1998
• John Riche (deceased), President, A.C. Inc. – Chairman 1999-2000
• Scott McLain, President, Coldwell Banker McLain Real Estate – Chairman 2001-2003
• Dick Reeves, CEO, Angel Investor Management Group – Chairman 2004-2005
• Evans Quinlivan, President, National Bank of Commerce — Chairman 2006-2007
• Dr. Bill Sullins, Optometrist – Chairman 2008-2009
• Donna Lamb, Lamb Commercial Real Estate – Chairman 2010-2011