Major Accomplishments

• BRAC — Formed and funded first BRAC Committee; Funded additional defense business recruitment data development; Formed a committee to build generals’ homes; Funded a research study by the University of Alabama on state economic impact of BRAC.
• Retail Development Incentives – Worked with City of Huntsville administration to develop a retail incentives package (TIFs); Funded a retail marketing booth for Chamber staff; Funded retail development training for city staff; Lobbied for support of six TIFs.
• Downtown Development – Sponsored community leaders trip to Chattanooga in 2000 and funded the development of Big Spring Partners, a public/private downtown development entity; Provided $60,000 in funding for operations the first two years; Funded a followup trip to Chattanooga in 2009; Funded the first gateway to downtown Madison.
• Young Professional Workforce Plan – Spearheaded the development and implementation of a strategic plan to recruit and retain young professionals–jointly funded with the Arts Council and Chamber of Commerce; Provided additional funding to Leadership Huntsville to develop national marketing plan.
• Sustainability – Funded a Green Cities Summit in 2009.
• Public Education – Funded academic/leadership programs for high-risk youth, 2000 Huntsville City Schools Strategic Plan, property tax referendums supporting school systems in Huntsville and Madison County, development of a marketing program in Huntsville City Schools, and a professional development workshop for teachers; Members serve on Business/Education Coalition; Lobbied for a countywide sales tax increase for public education; Lobbied for a consolidation plan for Huntsville City Schools.
• Technical Education – Funded development of a Technical Education Plan by PARCA to improve K-12 programs that support four critical workforce needs – advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare and hospitality; Implementation has included a trip for educators and business leaders to a Construction Academy in Chattanooga, development of construction courses in all three school systems and planned academies in other curriculums; Funded professional development; Major sponsor of 7th Grade Career Day with Jr. Achievement.
• Political Training Institute – Organized 7 programs to train current and future political candidates in conducting a successful political campaign.
• Candidate Recruitment, Interviews and Support – Recruited candidates in targeted races; Interviewed all local candidates for Huntsville Mayor, City Council and School Board; Madison Mayor and City Council; and Madison County Commission and School Superintendent; Funded candidates with a progressive vision and a cooperative spirit.
• Shared Services – Sponsored a series of events on countywide land use planning.
• Quarterly Meetings – Brought in speakers of interest on economic development and public education topics and invited community and elected leaders.
• Young Professional Initiative – Formed a young professional organization now totaling 50 members to train in political leadership; Sponsored Rock the Vote in 2008 and 2010 and the Huntsville/Madison Mayoral Debate in 2008.