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| Magazine Stories • Issue 3, Spring/Summer 2006 |
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COVER STORY: Corr Wireless*
For the last fifteen years, Corr Wireless™ has been helping customers make sense of their telecommunication services by offering high-tech cellular phones and a digital wireless cellular network. From the company’s beginnings in 1933 as the Oneonta Telephone Company, the Corr family has expanded its services to become the largest wireless carrier based in Alabama today. In 1997, Owners Tina and Bryan Corr, who now run the third generation business, began focusing the company’s attention on the digital cellular and Internet service market. Also that same year, the parent company changed its name to Corr and sold the landline assets and CATV. One year later, Corr Wireless™ began servicing the Huntsville and Madison communities. "As a regional telecommunications company, we are sensitive to the areas we serve," Senior Vice President Tina Corr says. "Because we don’t have layer upon layer of corporate bureaucracy, we have the flexibility to develop creative solutions for individual customers’ needs. Having a local presence is one of our greatest assets." With the company’s headquarters located about one hour south of Huntsville, Corr Wireless™ provides fast and efficient customer service to residents in North Alabama and throughout the state. "Our call center staff is familiar with the geography of North Alabama, so when you have a question about service, you get an immediate answer and assistance, and never have a menu to navigate," says Tina Corr. "Our call centers’ hold times are well below the industry average, which is one statistic we are very proud of. Our network staff coordinates their activities from our Huntsville switching center, which processes over 40 million calls per month, and over 22 million text messages per month," Tina continues. "We have six stores in Huntsville, nineteen stores in North Alabama, and all of our representatives in every store are trained to help you with any questions you may have. Because Corr Wireless is nearby, we can answer your questions and provide great service!" The Corr Wireless™ network consists of the latest technological advances and extensive network contracts. "Our customers have access to nationwide and international telecommunication services because of contracts we have to use other networks," President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Corr says. "Also, Corr phones can be used globally in most countries in Europe and South America because of their compliance to the GSM world-wide standard." Corr Wireless™ has upcoming plans to expand into Georgia and Tennessee. "Future projects include finding even more creative ways to improve coverage in residential areas," Bryan Corr says. "We are currently working with a competitor to erect a flagpole transmission site next to a church." Not only does Corr Wireless™ have a top-notch cellular network, but it also provides customers with quality calling plans. "Our niche is providing more minutes for less money," Marketing Coordinator Candee Bradford says. "We simply provide better usage plans. Also, our phones, with technology identical to our competitors, are usually less expensive." The Corr Wireless customer base has grown due to their unique 'Endless Minutes' plan. Not only do they offer all of the nationwide calling plans that their competitors offer, exclusive to Corr Wireless is their own regional 'Endless Minutes' plan. Customers can subscribe to 2,000 Nationwide Minutes, or have unlimited regional minutes usage, depending on calling preference. Additional features that Corr Wireless™ offers are call waiting, three-way calling, detailed billing, SMS text messaging, call forwarding, voice mail, unlimited nights and weekends, caller ID, the Corr 2 Corr option for unlimited calls between Corr customers, GPRS or Internet Connection for your phone. With the Internet Connection for your phone you can check local weather, local news, local movie theatres, download ringtones, check your E-mail, almost anything you can do with your computer. "Come by one of our six stores in Huntsville and Madison, take a phone out and ‘Test Drive’ our network to make sure it works for you before you switch to Corr," Tina Corr says. "We provide another great way to solve your problems with time and efficiency. Make one phone call to our Corr Wireless consultant, Jennifer Dodd, and she will help you analyze how you are using the services you have now for cell phones and personal computers. She can show you how to simplify your equipment, and help you run all of your electronics with ease, and at a lower cost for your business or personal use. You may reach Jennifer Dodd at (256) 631-5096 or at the Corr Wireless, 4721 University Drive store. For a cellular service plan that makes sense, contact Corr Wireless™ at one of the following locations in Huntsville and Madison: 4721 University Drive, (256) 316-2355; 3503 North Memorial Parkway, (256) 326-2677; 11700-I South Memorial Parkway, (256) 631-2677; Super Target/Jones Valley, (256) 326-2355; Parkway Place Mall in the lower level/main entrance; and Madison, Highway 72/Books-A-Million Center (256) 316-2677. B.G. Smith & Associates*
B.G. Smith & Associates has been providing high-end systems engineering and integration services to various Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD agencies since 1992. Company Owner/Chairman of the Board, Betty Smith, and Chief Executive Officer, Bill Smith, first started the business with a NASA contract, and currently support NASA’s Applications and Web Services, as well as the payroll department. Their company also supports the Army’s Software Engineering Directorate (SED), the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), and the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) at Redstone Arsenal. Bill Smith has 20 years of service as a State Representative and State Senator, and has served as a board member of the Alabama Space and Rocket Center. He brings insight and vision to the development of strategies for their clients. Bill says, "To facilitate our future growth, we have developed agreements to work with some of Huntsville’s finest technology companies. We offer solutions to complex and challenging management and technology issues to companies such as Protective Materials, Teledyne Brown, Raytheon, CSC, BAE Systems and SAIC. These companies compliment us with expertise in the areas of survivability systems, manufacturing and C4ISR." B.G. Smith is currently involved in systems integration with new and existing technologies as it applies to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIED), and other developmental projects. Bill comments, "We are now concentrating on the area of rapid solutions and systems integration. These ‘factory to foxhole’ projects are scheduled for completion in a very short time period." B.G. Smith & Associates provides clients, suppliers, and partner vendors with distinct quality and unparalleled customer service. "We insist all business transactions, both internal and external, be professionally executed in a fair, open, honest and equitable manner with the utmost integrity," Bill adds. For more information, contact B.G. Smith & Associates at (256) 890-8544, information@bgsmith.com, or visit www.bgsmith.com.
INERGI Design Services*
Innovation brought to life! Huntsville has a unique resource, the Exhibit division of
INERGI, a team of highly skilled designers and craftsmen capable of applying
their talents to a broad range of applications. Pete Baldwin, Design
Manager, says "It’s all about applying innovation and creativity to any
problem. Right now, our team is working on several tradeshow displays, a
‘news set’ for a California TV station, a museum mock-up of an underwater
vehicle, a flight simulator, and a lobby for a sports facility in New York."
"No project is too large or too small", says Nick Parker,
VP of the Exhibit division. "On one end of the scale, we have helped
start-up companies with their first lobby sign or tradeshow display, and on
the other end of the scale, we have built large and complex mock-ups for
huge aerospace companies." Parker adds, "Our commitment goes beyond
innovative problem-solving and design. We’ve assembled an incredibly skilled
team of craftsmen who can bring these ideas to life. Our operation is truly
turn key. We’ve invested in the shops, equipment, and technology needed to
work in almost any material." Brian Humphrey, director of account management says, "Our
greatest asset is our people. It’s fun coming to work, and it’s fun helping
our clients achieve their goals. We see ourselves as players on our clients’
team." INERGI is located at 3414 Governors Drive in Huntsville.
For more information regarding INERGI’s exhibit division, visit
www.inergi.com, e-mail
info@inergi.com, or call (256)
704-7700.
Project management is an increasingly demanding and
sophisticated responsibility. Whether you are trying to get ahead as a small
retail business, a larger commercial operation, or non-profit organization,
or if you are trying to navigate the highly competitive and bureaucratic
avenues of government contracting, the role of project manager is becoming
fiercer and more complicated. The key to survival and success as a project
manager is professional development. The Project Management Institute –
North Alabama Chapter (PMI-NAC) is an organization dedicated to providing
you with the critical skills and tools you need to be a successful project
manager. Founded in 1990, PMI-NAC has grown to over 200 members.
PMI-NAC hosts monthly luncheon meetings featuring distinguished speakers
highlighting project management best practices and principles for successful
project management. PMI-NAC also hosts an annual Professional Development
Symposium and has a strong certification program to help its members earn
their Program Management Professional (PMP®)
certification. The PMP® certification is
the largest and most highly regarded national project management
certification program based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®).
As recently as December 2005, the PMP®
certification was listed by CertCities.com as one of the top 10 hottest
professional certifications for 2006, coming in at a respectable tie for
fourth place. The PMI-NAC PMP Exam Prep course is offered in partnership
with the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). All participants are
provided with course material, access to online practice examination
questions, and a copy of the PMBOK®. All
instructors are PMP® certified, with over
60 years of combined project management experience. The PMP®
exam preparation course is offered twice annually. Chapter meetings are generally held from 11:30am to 1pm
on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information about PMI-NAC and
upcoming activities, subscribe to the free monthly newsletter by sending an
e-mail to
communications@northalabamapmi.org, or visit the web site at
www.northalabamapmi.org/, or
contact them at
info@northalabamapmi.org. PHOTO: PMI-NAC 2006 Board Members (clockwise from top
left): Robert Aldridge, VP of Programs; Dr. Bill Carswell, VP of
Communications; Bill Kessinger, Web Director; Connie Wallace, President;
Lisa Galentine, President Elect and VP of Finance; Joni Green, VP of
Corporate Relations; Dr. Larry Hawkins, VP of Professional Development. Not
shown are Ken Merwin, VP of Membership and Tony Lindeman, VP of
Administration.
The Huntsville Aerospace Marketing Association (HAMA) is
the organization for aerospace and missile defense business development
professionals in the Tennessee Valley. HAMA members represent over 175
companies (and growing) doing business with local federal government
agencies. An incorporated, nonprofit organization, HAMA was founded in 1990
to meet the following objectives: (1) To promote and maintain better
interaction, communications and relations between and among aerospace and
defense companies and local federal government agencies; (2) To provide
government agencies an efficient and effective single point of broad
industry contact; (3) To provide an industry forum for organizing and
promoting activities on important issues of common interest. HAMA meets the second Friday of each month at 11:30am at
the Redstone Arsenal Officers’ and Civilians’ Club. The centerpiece of the
luncheon is a guest speaker from government or industry who addresses his or
her specific area of interest and expertise. There is a question and answer
period at the conclusion of the speaker’s presentation. Additionally, HAMA
conducts other social activities, field trips, plant tours, and seminars
during the year. Typical of the guest speakers are top managers and
officers representing Huntsville customers. This includes NASA Marshall
Space Flight Center, the Army Aviation and Missile Command, the Army Space
and Missile Defense Command, Army Program Executive Offices, local, state,
and federal executives, and industry managers, leaders, and executives. In
order to keep the HAMA membership informed of ongoing Base Realignment and
Closure (BRAC) issues, and resulting business development opportunities, the
2006 speakers list includes guests from Army Materiel Command (AMC) and
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) – the largest units designated for relocation
to Redstone Arsenal. The HAMA format provides guest speakers an excellent
opportunity to meet and talk to a significant number of key industry
representatives in an informal atmosphere. HAMA members interact with guest
speakers and other business development professionals during a 30-minute
social period preceding each luncheon. This interaction often provides
clarification to regulations, provides critical information on policies and
priorities, and provides HAMA members a better understanding of the purposes
and intentions of both government agencies and prime contractors. For more information on HAMA, visit the web site at
www.hamaweb.org or contact the
Association President, Ancil Hicks at (256) 971-9880.
Huntsville Association of Small Business in Advanced Technology* (NP)
The Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in
Advanced Technology (HASBAT) has elected executive board members and
officers for 2006. Association officers are Jan Eiras, Quadrus Corp.,
President; Darryl Adams, Qualis Corp., First Vice President; Dave Seay, S3
Inc., Second Vice President; Wil Etbauer, DESE Research, Inc., Secretary;
Dale Brown, Sentar, Treasurer. Additional Board Members are Dede
Booker-Lacey, Tech Masters Inc; Miranda Bolin, Logicore; Norm Bush, Hawk
Enterprises; Ben Lowe, ES&P; Larry Lewis, Madison Research; Kate Smith,
Mesa Robotics; and Rosa Snyder, Snyder Technical Services. HASBAT is a nonprofit association with the mission of
increasing business opportunites for high technology small companies in the
Huntsville area. Monthly luncheon meetings are held on the first Thursday of
each month. More information about HASBAT can be found on the web at
www.hasbat.org.
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) was
formed in 1959 with the vision to lead and represent the contract management
profession. Currently consisting of over 17,000 members worldwide, whose
leadership is comprised of volunteer elected officers, NCMA exists to
establish values, develop best practices, assess individual organizational
competency against professional standards, and enable the contract
management workforce to grow professionally. At the national headquarters in Virginia, NCMA maintains
a core group to provide locally-chartered chapters the resources they need
to implement the organization’s vision. Besides providing education resource
materials for the chapters, headquarters sponsors the annual World Congress,
offering the membership an opportunity to gather and discuss the issues
facing the profession. Additionally, headquarters conducts periodic
leadership conferences around the country to help chapters grow and prosper.
A cornerstone of NCMA is its magazine, Contract Management. Published
monthly and mailed to each member, the magazine provides all the latest news
relative to the contracts profession, as well as a forum for discussion of
current issues and trends. Finally, NCMA headquarters promotes and
administers a certification program that allows members to earn professional
designations that are recognized and respected throughout the industry. At the local level, the Huntsville chapter consists of
nearly 500 members from government and industry. The chapter has enjoyed
sustained success through the years as evidenced by the number of awards it
has received. In 2004, the Huntsville Chapter earned ‘gold’ status, the
highest rating a chapter can achieve. The focus of the Huntsville chapter is
to provide affordable, timely training opportunities to the local contract
management community. Additionally, the chapter sponsors networking events
such as monthly luncheons, and its members participate in many local
community projects. To find out more about NCMA, visit the headquarters web
site at www.ncmahq.org or the Huntsville
chapter web site at www.ncmahsv.org.
The Army Space and Missile Defense Association was formed
in 1995 in Huntsville, Alabama, as a nonprofit, nonpolitical, educational,
and scientific organization designed to primarily support Department of
Defense organizations located in Huntsville and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Specific support is currently provided to the U.S. Army Space and Missile
Defense Command (USASMDC), Program Executive Office for Missile and Space (PEO-MS),
and the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Joint Program Office (GMD JPO). ASMDA
offers both individual and corporate memberships with current membership of
over fifty corporations and five hundred individual memberships. ASMDA Objectives include: To foster communications and
relationships between government activities with responsibilities for or
interests in Army space and missile defense and supporting industries; To
provide an industry forum that can be used for organizing and promoting
areas of common interest; To provide an effective, single point of broad
industry and government contact; To provide an organization that can
professionally benefit the missile defense industry and foster community and
civic interests and goals. In addition to the Annual Space and Missile Defense
Conference and Exhibition, each year ASMDA supports, sponsors, or conducts a
wide array of activities including fifteen Space Camp Scholarships; the
Space and Missile Defense Distinguished Civilians Wall located in the SMDC
lobby on Redstone Arsenal; Space and Missile Defense Technical Achievement
and Service Excellence Awards; ASMDA "Loretta Spencer" Under-graduate /
Post-graduate Scholarships; Adventures in Engineering Day (promoting high
school students’ interest in science and engineering); SMDC’s participation
in the Army Ten Miler; the SMDC NCO and Soldier of the Year; Huntsville’s
Veterans Day Parade Band Competition; the Blue Star Banner Program; North
Alabama’s "Operation Christmas Bear" for children of deployed military
members; and numerous seminars, workshops, and symposia on leading space and
missile defense issues with top level civilian and military leaders.
Mark your calendars now! The 9th Annual Space and Missile
Defense Conference and Exhibition will take place August 14-17, 2006, at the
Von Braun Center (VBC) in Huntsville, Alabama. The theme for this year’s
event is "Global Missions…Meeting the Challenge". Special features of this year’s conference include
presentations in the areas of global ballistic missile defense system
development and operation, emerging technologies, and integration of cruise
missile defense. The previously successful SBIR Conference and Exhibition
will also be held in conjunction with the 9th SMD Conference and Exhibition. The biggest change for the 2006 event is the expansion of
the conference into the entire VBC. With the South, East, West, and North
halls housing exhibition areas, there will be more than 150,000 square feet
of exhibit space. The conference program will be located in the VBC Concert
Hall, transformed for this event into a Conference Center. There will be
special attractions located in every exhibit hall as well. The special attractions will be of interest to many
different community subsets, such as the celebrity book signings by Billy
Waugh, author of Hunting the Jackal and Col. Ola "Lee" Mize, Medal of
Honor holder, among many others. There will be a "free university" that will
cover topics such as systems engineering and management of technology. The
Cold War Museum will bring displays, and there will be a program to support
spouses who are visiting the city. The world’s most valuable and historic
chopper, The Liberty Bike, will be on display along with artifacts from the
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These attractions, along with the
viewing of all exhibits, are free and open to the general public. "Expect to see more local technical community
participation than ever before," says Joe Fitzgerald, 2006 Chairman. "Expect
to see more national leadership than ever before. Expect to see more
national attendance than ever before. This is truly a national conference,
hosted annually in Huntsville." To register for the conference, visit the web site at
www.smdconf.org, or contact Jeanne
Weaver at (256) 533-6986/ fax (256) 533-4508. Register before July 1, 2006,
to save. For additional information, please contact Giselle Bodin at (256)
955-3889 or
giselle.bodin@smdc.army.mil.
How to do Better Contract Business With the Government Doing contract work for the Government can be rewarding,
but specific guidelines and rules must be followed to be successful. Mark
Lumer, the Principal Assistant responsible for contracting for the United
States Army Space and Missile Command (SMDC), provides Government
contractors with information that can assist them in improving their
opportunities and performance when contracting with the Government. Mr. Lumer is a nationally known expert and author in the
field of Government contracting and has received many awards. He is listed
in several editions of Who’s Who, including the 1995 and 1996
editions of Who’s Who in the World. The Army awarded him the
Meritorious Civilian Service medal, the Superior Civilian Service medal, and
the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service twice. As the Army Policy Representative on the Defense
Procurement and Acquisition (DAR) Council for four years, Mr. Lumer
established the Army’ s position on revisions and changes to the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS). He also
served as the acting Director, Army Procurement Policy in the office of the
Assistant Secretary of the Army immediately before joining SMDC. According to Mr. Lumer, "The experience base in
Government contracting is shifting from the Government to industry. Because
many Government contracting personnel are retiring, industry has to know the
rules and train new Government contracting personnel." Many Government studies show industry focuses on three
things: cash flow, long-term customer relationships, and profit. With regard
to cash flow, Mr. Lumer explains, "In a Government contract, income is
initially nonexistent. It may take 18–24 months for the first payment to be
made on a first contract. Companies must recognize that the Government has
very little interest in cash flow." Businesses should establish a payment plan that is
advantageous for the business during contract negotiations. Milestone
billing, early award fees (when a percentage is paid up front), and advance
payments are examples of these types of plans. The Government routinely
authorizes progress payments and will even consider an advance payment under
some circumstances. Discussions about how to obtain these advance payments
should be made with the Government during negotiations. The Government can
be accommodating. It is amazing that industry does not "press" the
Government for better cash flow terms. Even though competition is the law, long-term customer
relationships can be established if industry does the following: Push the Government to award term contracts. Successful
companies can get long-term contracts if they perform well Take advantage of sole-source authority in contracting Read and understand the request for proposal (RFP) and
the contract that accompanies the RFP. There can be criminal consequences
for not following the law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse The Government focuses on Profit/Fees by strongly
negotiating those terms. A company can actually make more money by accepting
a lower final Profit/Fee and getting better cash flow up front. Businesses are encouraged to submit a "contracting question" to the
Who’s Who in Huntsville Technology web site at
www.whoswhointechnology.com.
Mark Lumer will select and answer two important questions and the questions
and answers will be printed on the web site.
Huntsville Association of Technical Societies (HATS)* (NP) HATS Adds Member Organizations, Plans New Events Huntsville Association of Technical Societies (HATS) will
be striving to add new member organizations for the duration of 2006, as
well as focusing on creating and revitalizing events that benefit member
organizations of all sizes. Members have a variety of membership options:
technical society membership, associate membership, corporate membership,
and individual membership. These options are constructed to incorporate
groups of different sizes, so all organizations, large and small, play an
important role in HATS. This year is the perfect time for potential new
members to check out HATS and what it is really all about since membership
for 2006 is FREE. HATS is a nonprofit association of technical and
professional societies in the Tennessee Valley community. HATS’ mission is
to support local chapters of all member societies, and associations pool
resources for event preparation, marketing, fund-raising, education and
networking. Membership in HATS is a wonderful opportunity to increase
visibility in the region while developing a relationship with other local
organizations to support the Tennessee Valley marketplace. Member services include such benefits as event support,
which could include the use of HATS’ credit card machines, and advertising
assistance or foam nametag organizers. Members can get support with media
releases and have access to a continuously updated shared events calendar.
They also have the opportunity to participate in coordinated efforts to
support area science and technology education in local schools, including
the very popular Science and Technology Education and Training program (STEDTRAIN).
HATS is looking forward to an exciting 2006 and would
love to welcome new members to take advantage of all of the benefits the
organization is building. Unified social events, such as workshops, a
holiday party, and summer picnics, are planned throughout the year. One of
the next large events for HATS will be its annual Professional of the Year (POY)
dinner, in June, where key professionals of each member organization will be
publicly recognized. There is still time to become a member and show
appreciation for one of your own leaders with this award. For more
information on HATS, please visit the web site at
www.hats.org. E-mail
hats@hats.org for more specific
information on becoming a member.
Infertility is a common disorder that affects one in
seven couples at some time in their reproductive lives. As many as 25
percent of all couples with infertility problems require specialized care
from a fertility expert. Recognizing the need for a fertility specialist in
North Alabama, Andrew J. Harper, M.D., established Huntsville Reproductive
Medicine, P.C. in 2003. Huntsville Reproductive Medicine is North Alabama’s first
practice specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. It
offers treatment of all infertility disorders, including ovulation
dysfunction, tubal disease, male-related infertility, and recurrent
pregnancy loss. The practice boasts a state-of-the-art in vitro
fertilization lab that has translated into high success rates and many
successful pregnancies. The egg donor program helps to assist
women who, because of underlying medical conditions, can’t use their own
eggs to achieve pregnancy. The guiding principle on which Dr. Harper’s
practice was founded and continues to operate, is to provide the highest
quality fertility care in a compassionate, communicative, and cost-effective
manner. Dr. Harper, a native of Huntsville, is Board Certified in Obstetrics
and Gynecology and successfully completed a three-year fellowship in
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Washington
in Seattle. Huntsville Reproductive Medicine Center is conveniently located near the
Crestwood Medical Center campus at 185 Chateau Drive, Suite 301, Huntsville,
Alabama 35801. Contact by phone at (256) 213–2229 or by e-mail at
admin@HuntsvilleIVF.com. Visit
the web site at www.HuntsvilleIVF.com.
Representing North Alabama, Southern Tennessee and Eastern
Mississippi The Tennessee Valley Chapter actively supports the
National Defense industry within a region that includes locations in
Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama,
our chapter supports the industrial base for the U.S. Army (USA) Aviation
and Missile Command (AMCOM); USA Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC);
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight
Center (MSFC); Missile Defense Agency (MDA); Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC); Corps of Engineers Engineering
and Support Center, Huntsville; USA Program Executive Office for Aviation;
USA Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space; and Redstone Arsenal
garrison and tenant organizations. The NDIA TVC serves its members (individual and
corporate) with a variety of functions and events, tailored to accomplish
local chapter and the Association missions. The Chapter sponsors a minimum
of four dinner meetings each year, cosponsors a number of conferences and
exhibitions, and participates in various community activities. These events
showcase NDIA, the local defense industrial base, and advance the
understanding of national security issues. Each year the Chapter conducts a number of events
including an Awards dinner honoring both government and industry leaders.
The Medaris Award is presented annually to an individual from the Tennessee
Valley who has made an outstanding contribution to the defense industrial
base. A book scholarship is awarded to two universities for undergraduate
students and fellowships are awarded to five to six students conducting
graduate-level work in space and missile defense at universities or colleges
within the Tennessee Valley region. The Chapter’s overall awards program
includes financial support and scholarships that support technical pursuits
literally from kindergarten through the post-graduate level, as well as
recognition of other individuals who have furthered National Defense
interests in the local area. The Chapter co-sponsors many meetings and exhibits
throughout the year focused on educating the defense industry, our community
and our members. Each year the chapter co-sponsors the Technological
Excellence in Aviation, Missiles and Space (TEAMS) Week, the Southeastern
Software Engineering (SE)2 Conference,
the Army Space and Missile Defense (SMD) Conference, the Army Worldwide
Ordnance and Test Measurements, and Diagnostic Equipment Conference (WOTC),
and Adventures in Engineering. The Chapter sponsors educational seminars
throughout the year including an Overview of System Acquisition Management (OSAM).
In 2004, our chapter instituted an Industry Update Program to provide a
forum for the education of our members in defense and national security
subjects that affect the defense industrial base. We also sponsor events
that focus on providing information and provoking thought on current issues
affecting our Defense Industrial Base, such as Defense Funding, Base
Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Defense Transformation, and Advances in
Technology. The TVC sponsors a Space and Missile Defense Working Group (SMDWG), a
subordinate organization that focuses on addressing space and missile
defense issues considered critical to the security and defense of the United
States. Our current membership is 1300 strong with 37 local Corporate
Sponsors. Our website is www.ndia-tvc.org.
Joint events are co-sponsored with our affiliate chapter of the Women in
Defense and other professional associations in the Tennessee Valley as
appropriate.
Your Key to Business Solutions! Founded in 1998 by Lanona Sykes, Blazin’ Inc. is a
service-disabled, veteran-owned business that offers business management
services to businesses, large and small, including the Government. She runs
a well-established business with the help of her Vice President, Lisa Davis.
Its four business units include Business Administration, Business
Management, Collections (Federal and Commercial), and Contract Management.
It is a GSA schedule holder that is versed in the Federal Acquisition
Requirements. It also regularly handles proprietary and secure information
from clients, and offers Recovery Audit Services. Blazin’ Inc. specializes
in closing out Government contracts, and can provide this service
professionally and efficiently. "Blazin’ Inc. has a very unique position in
the Huntsville business community," says Lanona. "No other company with this
level of experience provides these services. Blazin’ Inc. continues to
attract a high-quality clientele with our outstanding services." Ms. Sykes continues, "Blazin Inc. has experienced
continued growth during this past quarter, winning contracts for contract
close-out business and business management. We now serve as the business
management and contract management arm of Michael-Bruno, an engineering
company based in Italy." Michael-Bruno has awarded Blazin Inc. a business
and contract management agreement to assist in establishing a Michael-Bruno
office in Huntsville, Alabama. Blazin’ Inc. will financially manage and
assist in the negotiations for any new CONUS Government contracts.
Additionally, Blazin’ Inc. will also assist in identifying business
development opportunities at Redstone Arsenal, and will be responsible for
financial management for Michael-Bruno. Within the last year, Blazin’ Inc. has won its first
large Federal contract as a subcontractor for EG&G to provide logistical
support to NASA. The company also received a contract with the Veterans
Administration to perform a Recovery Audit of Telecommunications Services
for eight medical locations nationwide. Blazin’ Inc. is located at 702 Blake Bottom Road,
Huntsville, AL 35806. Contact Blazin’ Inc. by phone at (256) 746-8223, by
fax at (256) 858-0127, or visit their web site at
www.blazin1.com.
Supporting Customers, Community and Country Since launching Huntsville operations in 1961 to support
the Apollo Program, Northrop Grumman Corporation has exemplified the
Chamber’s ‘The sky is not the limit’ slogan. Over the past 45 years, the
company has grown to become one of the city’s largest private employers,
with more than 1,200 employees. Preparing for even greater growth, the company broke
ground in June 2005 on a planned five-building campus in Cummings Research
Park. When complete, Northrop Grumman anticipates that more than 1,200
Northrop Grumman employees will work in these high-tech offices, labs, and
research and development facilities, contributing to the continuing
development of missile, space, land combat, electronic, command and control,
and information technology systems. Mirroring Huntsville’s highly educated,
skilled workforce, the majority of the company’s employees hold bachelor’s
to graduate level degrees. "Our employees work on critical programs of consequential
national importance," said Daniel Montgomery, Northrop Grumman Corporate
Lead Executive (CLE) for Huntsville. With the establishment of the CLE office, Montgomery and
the senior leads of five Northrop Grumman sectors formed the Huntsville
Collaborative Team (HCT). "The HCT is a joint venue where the company
leaders share information and make decisions with respect to our customers’
business focus and our community’s philanthropic requests," Montgomery said.
"We’ve benefited greatly from working together as a team, and working
together, we can better support our customers and the community." Among programs supported are Kinetic Energy Interceptors
(KEI), a mobile, land-based missile-defense system that, when deployed, will
be able to destroy a hostile threat during its boost and ascent phase of
flight. The team managing the KEI battle-management portion of the program
is in Huntsville. Huntsville-based employees also support other
missile-defense programs, including providing the fire control and
communications subsystem for the ground-based midcourse defense system. Other Northrop Grumman activities in Huntsville involve
developing and fielding advanced tactical command posts under the Command
Post Platform program, serving as the prime contractor for Forward Area Air
Defense - a command and control capability that helps protect ground forces
against enemy aircraft while protecting friendly aircraft, and producing the
Longbow missile and Viper Strike munitions. The company’s major area customers include the U.S. Army
Space and Missile Defense Command, Army Aviation and Missile Command, the
Army Program Executive Office for Aviation, the Army Program Executive
Office for Missiles and Space, and elements of the Missile Defense Agency. To contact the Northrop Grumman facility located at 213
Wynn Drive in Huntsville, call them at (256) 837-2400 or visit the company
web site at www.northropgrumman.com.
Lockheed Martin: Shaping the Future Since 1962, Lockheed Martin has been focusing on its
people, and providing them with the tools to become tomorrow’s leaders. With
more than 875 employees in seven different facilities located throughout
Huntsville, Lockheed Martin’s success as a large defense contractor is a
function of and directly attributable to its invaluable human resource. As part of the company’s vision, it provides employees
with leadership training through its Full Spectrum Leadership Imperatives.
Steve Humphrey, Vice President of Army Programs and Corporate Business
Development, says, "Lockheed Martin’s primary asset is its people. In
response to this exceptionally capable and dedicated workforce, the
corporation has embarked upon Full Spectrum Leadership Imperatives to
provide our next generation of leadership with understanding and the tools
to lead." Lockheed Martin’s Full Spectrum Leadership curriculum is
tailored for team members at various management levels. It focuses on
providing leadership tools to shape the future, build effective
relationships, energize the team, deliver results, and model personal
excellence, integrity and accountability. Humphrey says, "Leadership
embodies a multitude of personal and professional traits and characteristics
necessary to not just ‘make our numbers’, but to do so in the spirit of
cooperation and coordination, internally and externally. We need leaders who
understand and practice the tenets of contemporary leadership principles." With this training, team leaders use these tools to
ensure success for the employee, the client, and the corporation. Some of
the skills focused on include: how to examine strategic possibilities,
learning what the client needs and values, establishing direction, develop
enduring relationships, building organizational talent, delivering customer
value, and leading with vision and value. "While working at Lockheed Martin,
employees can achieve personal and professional growth," Humphrey comments.
"And they are recognized as individual and team members, while contributing
to the defense and space industries of the United States." In Madison County, Lockheed Martin focuses its business
efforts on the missile defense and aerospace industry. They support a wide
variety of programs such as Hellfire, Longbow, Javelin, Tactical High
Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD), Patriot Advanced Capabilities Missile
(PAC3), Payload Launch Vehicle, Multiple Kill Vehicle, Medium Extended Air
Defense System, Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), Advanced Tactical Army
Missile System, Compact Kinetic Energy Missile, High Mobility Artillery
Rocket System (HIMARS), and NASA’s Shuttle External Tank. Lockheed Martin’s
capabilities include aerodynamic analysis, tactical and threat system
analysis, simulation and modeling, battle management, propulsion
technologies for NASA, C4ISR, and information technologies. Some of Lockheed
Martin’s major clients in Huntsville are NASA, AMCOM, PEO Missiles and
Space, PEO Aviation, and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. The Lockheed Martin corporate office is located at 1500
Perimeter Parkway, Suite 123, Huntsville, AL 35806. For more information,
call (256) 830-9200, or visit their web site at
www.lockheedmartin.com.
JIAMD Summit 2006 Celebratory Lunch In recognition and thanks to all the Corporate Sponsors for the successful launch of the first Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense (JIAMD) Summit, a celebratory luncheon took place on April 19, 2006. The purpose of the JIAMD Summit 2006, previously held February 28 - March 2, 2006, was to exercise a new forum for developing closer collaboration and improved communications between government, military, academia and industry to create an integrated Air and Missile Defense Family of Systems. The honored Corporate Sponsors included: Aeroject; Analytical Services Inc.; Applied Data Trends; Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Arlyn Associates; Avion, Inc,; BAE; Boeing; Booz Allen Hamilton; Brown International; CACI; CAS, Inc.; Colsa Corporation; DCS Corporation; deciBel Research, Inc.; DESE Research Inc.; Dynetics; Engineering & Professional Services, Inc.; Fitzgerald; Gallium Software Inc.; JB Management; Lockheed Martin; Madison Research Corporation; ManTech; Northrop Grumman; Quantum Research International; Raytheon; RAM Inc.; RSAE; SAIC; Sigma Services; Snyder Technological Services; SPARTA Inc.; Systems Studies & Simulation, Inc.; Team Innovation in Integration; Teledyne Brown Engineering; Teledyne Solutions Inc.; UAH; Westar; Who’s Who in Huntsville Technology Magazine; Wyle Labs. At the luncheon, LTG Larry J. Dodgen (Commanding General U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Joint Functional Component Commander for Integrated Air and Missile Defense) introduced the keynote speaker, Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, Jr. (Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). The Admiral addressed the sponsors on the importance of collaboration between government, military, academia and industry leaders to discuss, resolve and develop the current and future technological issues of modern warfare. He also applauded the success of the JIAMD Summit 2006 as a model for the future and encouraged its continued growth. The JIAMD Summit 2006 was an All-Volunteer effort sponsored by many Tennessee Valley Area industries and by the Tennessee Valley Chapters of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Women In Defense (WID), and the Huntsville Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA). Future Summits will bring many benefits to the Huntsville/Madison metroplex in identification of technological and system capabilities along with providing extensive knowledge as to the most likely areas of pursuit for future technology research and development. Additional volunteers are needed from all regions of the country in industry, military, and academia to help support this annual effort. For more information on the JIAMD Summit 2007 — scheduled for March 5 – 8, 2007 — visit www.jiamdsummit.org. Inaugural Joint Integrated Air & Missile Defense (JIAMD) Summit 2006 Celebrates Success!* (NP)
Over 300 American scientists, government systems acquisition experts, and warriors from all four armed services skilled in air and missile defense, met during a series of secret conferences in Huntsville from February 28 through March 2. The purpose of their meeting was to exercise a new forum for developing closer collaboration and improved communications between government, military, academia, and industry. The new forum is the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense (JIAMD) Summit, to be held annually here in Huntsville. By all accounts, the Inaugural JIAMD Summit event was deemed by all participants and observers to have been a complete success, with all objectives having been accomplished. The Honorable John J. Young, Jr. Director, Defense Research & Engineering (DDR&E) was the Summit keynote speaker. In recognition of the Warfighters’ critical role in the JIAMD mission, Lieutenant General Larry Dodgen, Joint Functional Component Commander for Integrated Missile Defense (JFCC IMD) was the featured speaker for the Luncheon on the final day of the Summit. Also participating were Major General Howard Bromberg, JCS J8 Force Protection; Major General William Rajczak, Deputy Director, Requirements and Integration U.S. Joint Forces Command; Dr. Vitalij Garber, Director, Systems and Mission Integration Defense Systems; Mr. James Durham, Director, Joint Force Applications, OUSD (AT&L); Mr. Keith Englander and Brigadier General Robert Dehnert of the Missile Defense Agency; Mr. Mike Schexnayder, Dr. Rodney Robertson, and Mr. Larry Burger of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. The Summits are an all-volunteer effort sponsored by more than 25 local industries, and by the Tennessee Valley Chapters of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Women In Defense (WID), and the Huntsville Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA). Additional volunteers are needed from all regions of the country in industry, military, and academia to help support this annual effort. More information concerning the JIAMD Summit 2007 and planning can be found at the www.jiamdsummit.org web site. Association of the U.S. Army, Redstone-Huntsville Chapter* (NP)
How nice to be named the best! How much nicer to receive that honor for two straight years! That is exactly what the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) achieved in 2004 and 2005. This selection is the result of a lengthy list of accomplishments in various activities supporting the Army and its soldiers and civilians. So what is AUSA anyway? Since 1950, the Association has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of the Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, nonprofit educational organization that supports the Army — Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. The mission is to represent every American Soldier by being the voice for all components of the Army, fostering public support of the Army’s role in national security and providing professional education and information programs. AUSA is a dedicated team committed to building the best professional and representative association for the world’s best Army. Locally, the chapter’s focus is on the area’s soldiers and Army civilians and their families. AUSA provides awards and recognition for local Army competitions, such as Team Redstone’s Soldier and NCO of the Quarter, the 59th Ordnance Brigade’s military and civilian instructors and Drill Sergeant of the Year and various National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve programs. The chapter recognizes the top high school and college leaders enrolled in local Army Junior and Senior ROTC programs. AUSA provides ‘Welcome Home’ ceremonies for soldiers and units returning from deployments, and sponsors local sporting events, often providing free tickets to soldiers and their families. Finally, AUSA members assist in community holiday programs, and they are key participants in the planning and execution of Armed Forces Week and Veterans Day activities. Individual membership in AUSA is open to all those who wish to support our Army. You don’t have to be military to belong. The chapter has more than 200 local corporate members who provide the financial support necessary to fund its various programs. You can find out more about AUSA by visiting the chapter’s web site at www.ausaredstone.org. Join your local AUSA chapter as it strives for the best chapter award for the third straight year by supporting YOUR Army. U.S. Army MWR* (NP)
In 1998, Generals and policymakers at the Pentagon decided the many people working in support of the war effort to supply and equip the Warfighter were just as important as the Soldiers on the battlefield. Their reasoning recognized the fact that every launch from a Javelin missile has countless scientists’, engineers’, and test technicians’ very best efforts behind it. Consequently, the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) patronage categories were opened to DOA civilians, contractors, and their family members. But still today, in 2006, this MWR policy change has people asking, "Can I, working on Redstone Arsenal, use MWR facilities such as the Bowling Center, Golf Course, and Child & Youth Services?" The answer, says Redstone Arsenal Garrison Commander, Colonel John A. Olshefski (photo), is a resounding "YES!" Department of the Army civilians, Redstone/NASA contractors, Military Retirees, National Guard and Military Reserve soldiers and their families, are both welcomed and encouraged to use Redstone Arsenal MWR facilities and programs. These MWR facilities include the Child & Youth Services (a nationally accredited childcare facility, and a ‘Child Youth Program’ that is ranked ‘third best’ in the U. S. Army), the new $7 million Redstone Lanes Bowling Center, the golf course (and soon-to-be post-wide Invitational Golf Tournament), MWR outdoor recreation facilities and equipment rentals, the new 148-unit storage facility, the MWR Library (ranked the Best U. S. Army Library at a medium-size facility), the Auto Skills Center, the Arts & Crafts Center, the Flying Activity, swimming pools, fitness/wellness centers, restaurants (Soldatenstube; Firehouse Pub; Post Restaurant), Challenger BINGO!, overnight lodging facilities (Redstone Lodging; Rustic Lodge), Army Community Services (one of the Premier Programs in the U. S. Army), and the Redstone Officers & Civilians’ Club (ROCC). Colonel Olshefski states, "MWR activities and programs, a benefit of employment provided through a variety of memberships, are open to anyone who can legally access Redstone Arsenal. These memberships provide you and your family with the most affordable and convenient recreation in North Alabama." He continues, "There is no better community support anywhere than the support given by Huntsville-Madison County to Redstone Arsenal and our Warfighters. And we on Redstone Arsenal, want to reciprocate by taking care of our civilian and military workers and friends. Because these employees and military associates are helping and supporting our Warfighters, we want to provide them with convenient, top-quality services," states Colonel Olshefski. He continues, "Today, almost all of our MWR services are provided without financial support from the U. S. Army. All of these wonderful, value-added MWR services must be self-sustaining. Therefore, we need all eligible people to be aware of and utilize MWR services." Colonel Olshefski adds, "With BRAC coming, we are ‘turning-up the volume’ in this area. Through MWR, we have the ability to listen to our customer base and respond to their comments and suggestions. We will continue to take this positive action to improve our services. We want to begin NOW offering Redstone Arsenal’s MWR services as a true benefit for both our current and future guests." For specific details regarding MWR programs and services, please call (256) 830-9175 or go to www.redstonemwr.com. U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville*
As the Corps’ Installation Support Center of Expertise (CX), Huntsville Center supports military installations in a variety of public works programs, including utilities procurement and energy savings contracting, physical and electronic security, utilities monitoring and fire protection systems, ranges and training land, facilities planning, operation, repair and renovation, mobilization facilities, facilities demolition/deconstruction, furniture and furnishings, and contingency support. The Medical Facilities CX provides expertise and medical facility life cycle support by replacement of existing facilities, providing new facilities, daily operations and maintenance, repair, renovation or renewal of medical and medical research facilities for the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and foreign governments. The Ordnance and Explosives CX supports detection and disposal of unexploded ordnance that poses an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or to the environment around the world. Huntsville Center’s Chemical Demilitarization Directorate is the Life Cycle Project Manager for facility design and construction, equipment design, acquisition, and installation of chemical demilitarization facilities to safely destroy the nation’s stockpile of aging chemical weapons. The directorate also provides management, technical and contracting support to the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, assisting Russia in the design and construction of facilities to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile. Huntsville Center also functions as the Corps of Engineers’ Deputy Program Manager and the Life Cycle Program Manager for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Program designing test, tactical, and tactical support facilities. Program responsibility encompasses overall program management, including design management, construction management, construction acquisition development, special studies and site surveys, criteria development, and engineering support during construction. |
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Now You’re Talkin’ Sense
Providing
Tomorrow’s Solutions Today
The Army Space and Missile Defense Association (ASMDA) is a nonprofit
organization promoting the defense of the nation through strong space and
missile defense programs. ASMDA’s fundamental purpose is to provide programs
and support for activities contributing to the advancement of a common
understanding of the vital importance of space and missile defense systems
to national defense. 
North Alabama’s First and Only In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Center
AUSA Chapter Selected Best Large
Chapter for Second Straight Year
Contractors, Civilians and Military Personnel CAN use MWR Programs and Services on Redstone Arsenal
The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, is a major
subordinate command to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its original
mission was support to ballistic missile defense, but has since expanded
into additional programs that include installation support, medical,
ordnance and explosives, and chemical demilitarization. The Huntsville
Center operates under a charter that is based on programs, rather than
geography.