Entries by Bud McLaughlin

ASCTE opens $12.5M student activities facility, unveils Isenberg Research Institute

While celebrating the opening of a 1,100-seat student activity facility Friday, officials with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering Foundation saved the best for last. “We are building another building today,” said Alicia Ryan, ASCTE Foundation Board president. “It’s going to house a national research institute – the first in the nation – […]

TARCOG opens headquarters in MidCity

“Out of the valley to the top of the mountain.” With those words in his invocation, James Lucas aptly described the new headquarters for the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG). Lucas, the organization’s board president, helped lead Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the new $8 million office building. He was among […]

Dynetics wins $617 million Army contract for next-gen weapon system

Dynetics has been awarded a $617 million contract by the Army to produce its Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment Two systems, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday. The contract, valued at $617,164,135 will fund the purchase of launcher systems, retrofitting prototype launchers, buying all-up-round magazines, soldier trainers, weight representative training devices, contractor logistics services, initial […]

Space Command Intelligence Directorate begins Redstone operations

The first operational facility of the U.S. Space Command on Redstone Arsenal is open for business. Personnel with the command’s J2 Intelligence Directorate relocated Wednesday to Redstone Arsenal and are among the first Space Command personnel to make the permanent move. The occasion marked the first of an estimated 200 personnel who will relocate from […]

India Consul General boosts collaboration with Huntsville companies

While India and the United States share similar histories, both are former members of the British empire, they also share similar political systems as the two largest democracies in the world. The two nations also share economic interests that extend to Huntsville by linking local companies with India’s growing economy. “Of five or six of […]

Huntsville’s Community Development helps residents build a better life

“We do it house by house, day by day …” That’s the game plan for Huntsville’s Community Development Department – a change from days gone by. Years ago, the city would cite home owners whose houses would have shingles or siding missing, Mayor Tommy Battle said. “The folks who lived there, seniors or low income, […]

Huntsville to host Artemis II Splashdown Watch Party

In just a couple of days, the Orion spacecraft will splash down off the coast of San Diego and 3,000 miles away in the Rocket City, there will be a party. The City of Huntsville and Downtown Huntsville Inc. are hosting an Artemis II Splashdown Watch Party on Friday and everyone is invited. “This mission […]

Ed Buckbee’s legacy ‘will resonate for generations’

“We have all sorts of camps … why don’t we have a science camp?” And with those words more than 45 years ago, and the blessing of Dr. Wernher von Braun, Ed Buckbee put the wheels in motion for Space Camp. Buckbee, the founding executive director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and creator […]

L.L.Bean store at Bridge Street Town Centre is first in Alabama

Fittingly, the launch of the state’s first L.L. Bean store began with a T-minus countdown. And “3 … 2 … 1 … 0,” the ribbon was cut Friday morning in a ceremony at Bridge Street Town Centre as the outdoor apparel retailer made its footprint in the Rocket City. “Opening our first store in Alabama […]

MAC Global Promotions celebrates five years with launch of MAC Growth Partners

When Melissa Chavez cut the ribbon at Thursday’s celebration of the five-year anniversary of MAC Global Promotions, it wasn’t necessarily about the past but more about the future. The event at the company’s office at 2204 Whitesburg Drive launched MAC Growth Partners, the company’s strategic advisory division. “This isn’t about the last five years,” said […]