Political Action

The Committee of 100 recognizes that political action at the local level is vital to accomplish goals within economic development and public education. Our founding members 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. Since that time BizPac has further defined its mission to identify, develop, and encourage visionary business-oriented candidates with a commitment to cooperative government to run for local public office, and support them as they serve the community.

Additionally, the Committee of 100 has expanded its activities in political training, awareness, and advocacy for more cooperative local government.

BizPac

BizPac, the political action committee of the Committee of 100, contributes funds to candidates for Huntsville Mayor, City Council and Board of Education; Madison Mayor and City Council; the Madison County Commission and Madison County Superintendent.

BizPac board members interview every candidate for these offices in election years. BizPac makes recommendations for endorsements and contributions to the membership for its approval.

We give money to candidates who are qualified and progressive team players, and consider strongly those with a business background. We contribute most in those elections where we think we can make a significant difference.

We continue to work closely with these leaders after the elections to discuss business-related issues and offer assistance in developing solutions to community problems. BizPac also sponsored with our YP members the hugely successful Rock the Vote events in 2008, 2010, and 2012 for young professionals and candidates, and the Huntsville/Madison Mayoral Debate with WHNT-TV19 in 2008.

Major accomplishments related to political action:

• 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, 2010, and 2012 and the Huntsville/Madison Mayoral Debate in 2008.
• Lobbied for successful passage of key local bills in 2010-2011 state legislative session; Sponsored strategy sessions for local elected leaders and county legislators.

Major Current Projects within BizPac

•    Continue to lobby for local business issues.
•    Prepare for the 2012 elections* with polling, a Political Training Institute, and candidate recruitment.
•    Interview candidates for local elected offices and recommend endorsements and contributions to membership.
•    Develop stronger cooperative relationships with local elected leaders through meetings with members and ongoing dialogue.
•    Recommend and support progressive and qualified candidates for key economic development boards and commissions.
•    Encourage regional cooperation between local government leaders.

*2012 elections will include Huntsville Mayor, Huntsville Board of Education and City Council seats in districts 1 and 5, Madison Mayor, Madison City Council seats in all 7 districts, and all 7 seats on the Madison County Commission.

The Committee of 100’s major current projects related to civic engagement:

•    Host meetings with elected leaders to discuss issues of importance to the business community, encourage intergovernmental cooperation, and provide networking opportunities for members.
•    Work with local elected leaders to develop a countywide land use plan.
•    Support a young professional organization within the Committee of 100 to encourage civic engagement and political involvement through training and mentoring.
•    Study potential opportunities for consolidated or shared educational and governmental services and facilities.