Entries by Katie Holt

National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology makes only Alabama stop at HudsonAlpha in Huntsville

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On Tuesday, April 28, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) visited the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville as part of the organization’s Biotech Across America Roadshow. The roadshow is a nationwide effort to highlight biotechnology innovation across the country and inform future recommendations to Congress. HudsonAlpha is the commission’s only stop in […]

Sit Down with Success: A Conversation with Will Heaps of Merit Bank

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Will Heaps, president and CEO of Merit Bank, grew up on his family’s cotton farm in Florence, Alabama. He began his banking career more than two decades ago with Regions Bank in Montgomery and has since worked with several financial institutions across the state.  As part of the founding team that brought Merit Bank to […]

Huntsville Hospital CEO Says Crestwood Medical Center brand and operations will remain unchanged after acquisition

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Jeff Samz, president and CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, delivered a presentation to the Huntsville City Council regarding its recent acquisition of Crestwood Medical Center. (CMC) During the council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 23, he outlined the hospital system’s large footprint across North Alabama, its role as a major employer and […]

From family project to flourishing farm: 1818 Farms grows in North Alabama

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In 2012, Natasha McCrary launched 1818 Farms as a small family project.  The idea was simple: teach her children about responsibility and entrepreneurship through a hands-on experience. That idea quickly evolved. What began as a request from her son for a sheep has grown into a nationally-recognized brand rooted in nature, sustainability, and community connection. […]

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville directs $19M into North Alabama, calls for strategic giving in 2026

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The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville highlighted its growing impact across North Alabama during its second annual State of the Community Foundation event at the Jackson Center on Thursday, March 26.  Melissa Thompson, CEO and president of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, said the foundation continues to manage a growing pool of charitable assets. […]

Sit Down with Success: A Conversation with Teresa Holland of DanTera & Terra Bacio Salons

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In the early 1990s, Teresa Holland introduced the Aveda concept to North Alabama, laying the foundation for three thriving salons under the Terra Bacio and DanTera brands. Over more than three decades, Holland’s role has evolved from working behind the chair to leading from the executive level. Today, her focus is on growing people as […]

Huntsville Utilities explains spike in winter bills, citing cold weather, system demand and TVA costs

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Rising winter utility bills drew concerned residents to a Huntsville City Council meeting on Thursday, March 26. During a scheduled presentation that evening, Huntsville Utilities CEO Wes Kelley outlined the factors behind the increase that has caused significant public concern.  At the meeting on Thursday, March 26, Kelley stated that in January and February, the […]

Barracuda Taco Stand opens first Alabama location in Huntsville with street-style tacos and outdoor dining

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Barracuda Taco Stand, Huntsville’s newest neighborhood hangout and margarita garden, officially opened to the public on Sunday, March 22. The restaurant marks the brand’s first location in Alabama, joining existing locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Located in Huntsville, the fast-casual concept offers a flexible dining experience designed to serve a wide range of customers throughout […]

Sen. Tommy Tuberville visits Huntsville, discusses Iran war and North Alabama’s growing role in defense

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Speaking at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Washington Update Breakfast on March 9, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville discussed a wide range of topics, focusing on both North Alabama and the nation at large. During his speech at the Von Braun Center, Tuberville acknowledged the Iran War, Huntsville’s role in the conflict, U.S. Space […]

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology highlights breakthrough research in diabetes, Huntington’s disease

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The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology recently hosted its “Recent Genomics and Biotech Discoveries” event. At the presentation on Feb. 24 at the Jackson Center, attendees heard about groundbreaking discoveries in human health and agriculture. HudsonAlpha Vice President for Educational Outreach Kelly East and Madeline Loftin, the institute’s director of educator professional learning, walked the crowd […]