Despite a crippling pandemic, Madison County was able to sustain growth and success in 2020, Madison County Commission Chairman Dale W. Strong said in the annual State of the County Address.

Strong spoke Wednesday to members of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the accomplishments of 2020 and looking forward to 2021.

The chairman cited more than $100 million in capital investment by businesses along with 700 new jobs last year. Strong also said the county is eagerly awaiting the opening of the soon-to-be completed Madison County Service Center on North Memorial Parkway.

The most recent piece of good news was the announcement by the Air Force in selecting Redstone Arsenal as the new home of the U.S. Space Command.

“I’m proud to report to you, our Chamber members and business leaders, Madison County is strong, vibrant, on solid and steady ground, and we are ready to meet the challenges of 2021,” Strong said.

He also spoke to the collaboration and teamwork throughout 2020 among elected officials, business leaders, and medical personnel in the unified response to COVID-19 in Madison County.

“I know we’ve got another great year in store, where together we’ll build on our accomplishments of growing our economy, strengthening our infrastructure, welcoming new industry along with high-paying jobs to a highly skilled workforce, and expanding the rich quality of life we share right here in Madison County,” he said.