Building the future: Huntsville’s 2025 State of the Schools highlights workforce readiness, teacher support, and student success

Last week, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and The Schools Foundation (TSF) hosted their State of Schools breakfast at the Von Braun Center. Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s 2025 Board Chair Jeff Samz opened the event, introduced notable attendees, and updated attendees on the chamber’s efforts in supporting all three school systems.  “In the Chamber’s 2025 […]

Demolition begins at old City Hall ahead of Big Spring expansion

Bulldozers moved in last week and began tearing down a City Hall building that had been part of Huntsville’s downtown skyline since 1965—a bustling time when the Rocket City played a starring role in the Space Race. But after nearly 60 years and with structural issues, the building had become obsolete. Huntsville built a larger, […]

Thrive Alabama hosts President George W. Bush for fundraising event

Thrive Alabama recently hosted President George W. Bush at the Von Braun Center to fundraise for the organization’s capital campaign, “When One Thrives, All Thrive.” The initiative aims to raise $8 million for a 72,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art healthcare center in Huntsville.  The Huntsville Business Journal caught up with Thrive CEO Mary Elizabeth Marr after the […]

Lift your spirits at Huntsville’s 13th Annual Community Kite Festival

The City of Huntsville, in partnership with the Ray of Hope Foundation, will hold its 13th annual Community Kite Festival in March.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Hunt Park Festival Grounds, 2195 Jaycee Way. There is no charge to attend this family-friendly event. Whether […]

Planting joy: Local small business Botanica offers more than houseplants, gives customers community

Huntsville’s Botanica is a special gem for indoor plant collectors. The shop, located off of Governor’s Drive close to the heart of Huntsville, specializes not only in offering quality plants to customers, but also thorough education on how to take care of the potted flora.  Kitt Campbell, a longtime employee of the store, took over […]

TARCOG breaks ground on new $8 million headquarters in MidCity

TARCOG, the five-county government agency that serves 48 municipalities in North Alabama, will again have a permanent home. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon and Alabama House member Laura Hall joined TARCOG workers, administrators, board members and others on a gray Friday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony on an $8 million […]

FICO targets Drake State, other HBCUs for Analytics Challenge

Drake State Community and Technical College is off to a fast start in 2025, claiming two firsts in its field during the month of January. Drake State received over $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of its latest round of Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, becoming the first institution in the […]

From History to Innovation: The Rise of Black Entrepreneurs in Huntsville

Huntsville, Alabama, may be synonymous with rocket science and space exploration, but beyond its technological reputation lies a story of resilient African American entrepreneurs whose contributions to the city’s growth are as groundbreaking as the innovations that brought Huntsville into the global spotlight.  For decades, Huntsville’s Black business owners have not only shaped the city’s […]

Fantasy Playhouse expands with acquisition of historic Merrimack Hall

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) has announced that a significant milestone in its capital expansion campaign, Spotlight on the Future, has been reached as First Horizon Bank has been chosen as the official naming sponsor of the Access and Community Engagement Office.  Karen Mockensturm, chief executive officer of FPCTA, shared her thoughts on […]

State legislators highlight workforce development, infrastructure, education investments at Chamber’s annual legislative update

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual legislative update luncheon at the Jackson Center. The event location was packed with chamber members and local businesses eager to hear potential legislative plans from elected officials representing North Alabama.  The Alabama State Legislature is set to convene on February 4th.  The following state legislators […]