Congratulations Huntsville ...

The honors and salutations continue to roll in for Huntsville.
The Rocket City is No. 23 in the 50 fastest growing areas, according to a Pitney Bowes "Metro Magnets Index" data study released Tuesday.
No other Alabama city made the top 50 and there were 384 U.S. metro areas studied.
Here's the excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce's "ChamberLink" newsletter:

Huntsville Metro Area is moving on up

According to a Pitney Bowes Software “Metro Magnets Index” data study released on Nov. 27, Huntsville is No. 23 on a list of the 50 fastest growing areas. The city's projected population growth rate of 5.8 percent over the next five years means it's growing faster than some other Southeastern metros, including Nashville and Atlanta. 

The Huntsville area is predicted to grow by nearly 10,000 households between now and 2017. This year’s growth rate is down at just 1.2 percent, which is almost half of its 2.3 percent annual growth rate between 2000 and 2010. The Pitney Bowes report stated that more than 75 percent of U.S. metros are experiencing slower growth than in the previous decade.

Projections have Houston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., poised to see the most household growth through 2017. The number of households in the Huntsville area will jump from 170,819 to 180,791, according to the company's estimates.

No other Alabama city made the Metro Magnets Index's Top 50; the study analyzed 384 U.S. metro areas.

"Projected household growth is a critical indicator for the economic prospects of a specific geographic area, and this data can help real estate, retail and a range of other businesses, plan their growth strategy scientifically," John O'Hara, President of Pitney Bowes Software, said in a statement about the report. 

"It is no longer acceptable to make strategic business decisions on gut feel alone. Given the plethora of data, and the advanced tools for analyzing it, business leaders can stay ahead of real estate trends for planning."

Priorities and game plans in place for hectic holiday shopping ...

With the hustle and bustle of a family get-together on Thanksgiving and the frantic Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping, Sunday is a day of rest, respite and reflection.
Until midnight ... when the clock strikes Cyber Monday.
Working at Sports Authority part-time, has been an eye-opener on the spending and shopping habits of men, women, boys, girls, teens and pre-teens.
Starting with the rush at midnight Thursday when the doors opened, the business pace was much like dropping a pebble into a pool of water. There is the initial big splash, followed by several ripples.
Customers come in with their "game plans" drawn on the advertising flyers. This is for Johnny, that is for Joan. Dad wants this and mom asked for that.
They'll travel in pairs, couples (there is a difference), groups of four or five (teen-age boys favor this strategy) and the occasional solo shopper will come through.
"Here it is!"
"They've got some over there!"
"Oh crap. They're sold out ..."
Jackets. Running wear. Footballs. Baseball gloves. All being checked on and checked off.
A couple of boys, maybe 11 or 12, were walking through the footwear section toward a display of socks.
Standing next to the display was a girl, herself maybe 11 or 12.
"Wo!" Boy A said.
"Wo, wo wo!" chimed in his counterpart. "That's what I'm talking about."
They continued walking toward the display ...
... pass the girl
... to the socks.
"This is what I need: Nike Elites!"
"That's what I'm talking about."
Well, there are priorities ...

Support small businesses on Saturday

You've seen all the commercials and the uproar over Black Friday and how it has trickled over to Thanksgiving.

A lot of the "big box stores" and discount retailers are opening their doors to those who just can't wait a day to shop.
Well, in the midst of all that, there is a day that is just as important, nay, more important to the local economy: Small Business Saturday.
It started just a few years ago, with the help of American Express, to honor and support the small businesses which seem to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.
But these shops and stores are the lifeblood of the community. They are owned by our neighbors who put their own money - and lifestyles - on the line in hopes of meeting some needs and doing something they love.
Here, in Huntsville, there are several businesses, each with their own niche and each with their own story.
JV Diamond Center is owned by a rocket scientist, which is fitting in this town. By day, owner Ziba Smartt works for a local high-tech NASA contractor and, after work and on weekends, she can be found behind the counter with some hand-crafted works.
If you want to play a round of golf - nine holes of par 3; drive that white, dimpled ball a couple hundred yards (straight or crooked); or relax with a game of mini-golf, Richland Golf Center is a good place to visit. Memberships are available (great stocking stuffers) and Charlie and Melissa Richardson also operate a pro shop which provides an abundance of gift ideas for the hacker or duffer you know.
Along Cleveland Avenue in midtown or uptown, there is an eclectic collection of shops that include The Toy Place, which is a step back in time for those childhood memories; the Switch House, which sells locally made soaps, candles, bath candles, art and one-of-a-kind gifts; and the Sandwich Farm. For post-shopping relaxation (or recovery) there are a couple of "watering holes" such as the Lone Goose Saloon and Furniture Factory.
These are just a couple of examples of the variety of businesses we have.
Though they are called small businesses, they are a big part of the local economy. The money stays here; it doesn't go to a corporate headquarters across the country or around the world.
No matter where you turn, there is a small business owner waiting to greet you with a smile - not forced, either - and offering personal service because he or she wants to and is proud to serve you.

A pair of Huntsville's university teams make history - the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M don't disappoint ...

CHARLIE RIEDEL | The Associated Press

Kansas State guard Martavious Irving (3) tried to get between Alabama-Huntsville guards Jamie Smith (left) and Wayne Dedrick in the first half last Tuesday night in Manhattan, Kan.

To say this past week was historic for a pair of Huntsville university sports programs is putting it mildly.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville men's basketball was the first Division II team invited to the NIT Preseason Tournament. The annual event this year featured the likes of Michigan, Kansas State, Pitt, Virginia and Penn.
The Chargers, who are themselves a perennial Division II power, were placed in a bracket with North Texas State, a favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference and led by Tony Mitchell, a likely first-round NBA draft pick next year; Kansas State and Lamar.
So, all UAH did in its opening game with North Texas State was beat the Mean Green 78-75 and hold Mitchell to four shots in 31 minutes before he fouled out.
Coach Lenny Acuff's squad then faced Kansas State and more than met its match against the Big 12 Wildcats, falling 87-26.
But the Chargers don't have any reason to hang their heads. Though overmatched, the players didn't give up and played hard throughout the game, as if they were trailing by just a few points.
Today, UAH continues play in the tournament at Robert Morris University, taking on Cleveland State.
On Saturday, the Alabama A&M football game visited Auburn to take on the Tigers. It was the first time the two teams had ever played.
Coach Anthony Jones' Bulldogs - of the Football Championship Subdivision and the Southwestern Athletic Conference - fell behind 35-0 at the half, but blanked the Tigers in the third quarter and trailed 35-7 before eventually losing 51-7.
Jones cited the experience for his team to not only play a team from the powerful Southeastern Conference, but Auburn was the national champion just two seasons ago.
The A&M marching Maroon and White also performed on the field, receiving a standing ovation from the nearly 75,000 fans after its halftime show.
And perform they did.
Here's the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMxw48wCtP8&feature=related and
http://youtu.be/MMxw48wCtP8
Congratulations to both universities. You took a step on the big stage of college sports and didn't disappoint.

Nov. 15, 1989: It's gone ... all gone

This is the building where we lived in Waterford Square.

"Budd, we just walked over your house ..."
Those words still reverberate in my mind, almost as clear as when they were uttered 23 years ago today by two of my co-workers at the Huntsville News - George Poague and David Bowman.
They had just returned from the destruction along Airport Road in Huntsville when a EF-4 tornado ripped through there. We had a townhouse in the Waterford Square complex behind a shopping center on Airport Road.
At 4:37 p.m., during rush hour, the twister touched down and went on a rampage, eventually destroying homes, businesses, churches, schools, cars and lives.
Twenty-four people lost their lives.
Nearly 500 people were injured.
Many of those injured and killed were sitting in their cars, on their way home from work or picking up their kids from after-school when the tornado crossed the intersection of Airport Road and South Memorial Parkway.
There was no Doppler radar at the time but, at 4:15, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning.
The first report came at 4:31, according to radio transcripts from crews with the Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. (HEMSI).
"Med comm 10-3, we've got what appears to be a tornado on the ground out toward the arsenal."
4:32 - "It looks like it's going to be south towards the arsenal and towards Martin Road.  ... Can you pick it up?"
"Negative. We thought we heard something but we don't see anything yet."
4:32.15 - "10-4. We picked up the silhouette with the lightning coming down. It looks like it's moving toward the heart of the city."
4:32.22 - "10-4, we'll keep our eye on it."
4:33.46 - "That's probably it, we did hear something go over us a while ago right before that last unit informed us that there's one heading out this way. So, that's probably it in the air."
"10-4."
4:34.07 - "... we have visual contact with the tornado - we're at Drake (avenue) and the Parkway."
"10-4. Which way is it heading?"
4:34.27 - "It looks like it's going toward southeast."
4:35.07 - "... I need a unit at the K-9 range by the old airport. We've got people down."
The following is after the emergency crews arrive.
4:44.29 - "I was taking short cut through Waterford Square due to traffic on Parkway. We have multiple buildings down off Balmoral behind Captain D's. I'm going to see what I can find."
What he found was unimaginable and something never before seen in Huntsville.
One thing, though, it was hard to see anything because the power was out and it was dark and it was raining. Crews worked with emergency lighting, headlights, TV camera lights and anything else they could find as a light source.
It wasn't until the next morning when the amount of destruction was revealed.
Residents returned to dig through the rubble of their homes, hoping to find precious belongings and keepsakes, including photos, wedding gowns, baby clothes.
The term "war zone" is tossed around but, in this instance - according to National Guard and Reservists aiding in the rescue - that term applied. For a short summary of the disaster, visit http://valleywx.com/2012/11/15/8486/
Today, that section of Huntsville is a booming economic district with businesses and restaurants. Waterford Square has rebuilt as have the churches and schools that were in the path.
But, on that November day in 1989, it was gone ... all gone.

Huntsville honors its veterans ... all of whom are heroes

With 2nd Lt. Lance McLaughlin

It's a dank, damp, drizzly Monday here in Huntsville but the weather failed to dampen the spirits of those who turned out downtown for the annual all-volunteer Veterans Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets to pay respect and honor those who gave of themselves and their families to serve our country.
On Friday, to kick off a weekend dedicated to veterans and Wounded Warriors, the Madison County Military Hall of Heroes inducted seven residents: Fred Crigger, Michael Durant, Ivan Hirshburg, Dick Scales, Michael Rorex, James Wesser and Larry Wynandt. 
Crigger, Hirshburg and Scales served in World War II and were inducted posthumously. Wynandt served in Vietnam, Wesser is a veteran of Desert Storm, Rorex served in Southwest Asia and Durant served in Somalia during Desert Storm.
Their stories can be found at www.mcmhc.org/Bios2012.htm
Durant's actions were the subject of the movie "Blackhawk Down."
According to his bio with the Hall of Heroes, on Oct. 3, 1993, "Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Durant distinguished himself by gallantry in action while leading a four of four Blackhawk Assault Helicopters into an objective covered by intense enemy fire.
"He then returned to the area to provide over watch for the recovery of crewmen and soldiers from downed aircraft. At that time, his aircraft was struck by enemy fire causing severe damage.
"Despite the severe damage, he landed his aircraft upright." 
He was later wounded and captured by Somalis and held for 11 days before being released.
Like his other fellow inductees, Durant shuns the word "hero" because they were doing what they were trained to do.
However, with all due respect, I will argue, and I think I have a lot of people on my side.
You are all heroes and we salute you.

Hail to the heroes ... and thank you

It was to be a "routine patrol" for the corporal and two other soldiers on a hot July night in Korea in 1951.
They volunteered to capture Chinese soldiers and bring them back to their company's post with information.
Around 11 p.m. while heading down the ridge of Hill 785, they encountered Chinese troops moving on their company's position.
The three Americans opened fire, surprising the enemy and creating some confusion within the enemy ranks.
The corporal sent one of the trio back to the hilltop to warn the company about the Chinese.
In the meantime, the corporal and his partner kept firing on the Chinese while dropping back and keeping themselves between the enemy and the company.
When they finally reached the American position, they joined the company in beating back the Chinese.
The corporal, my father - Ben McLaughlin, was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions that, according to the company commander, helped keep the Chinese from using "the element of surprise to a good advantage" that would have "probably inflicted heavy casualties."
With Sunday being Veterans Day, I shall salute my dad, who left the Army with the rank of sergeant first class; my father-in-law, John Goltz, who served in the Army during Vietnam; and my son, 2nd Lt. Lance McLaughlin, who is currently on exercises at Fort Sill, Okla.
While we should always be thankful to our veterans for their service, this time is special in Huntsville as the Semper Fi Community Task Force hosts its annual Heroes Week. Some 30 wounded warriors from around the country representing all branches of the military will be hosted and feted - with their spouses and care-givers - with a week of relaxation and recognition.
What makes this special is that many of these heroes were in hospitals, recovering from their wounds, while their units completed their deployment and returned to hero welcomes.
The warriors, who arrived in town this week, will be honored at a Veterans Day breakfast and the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday. There is also a Marine Corps Ball along with fishing tournament and lunches and dinners hosted by the community and local businesses.
So, here's to you, our veterans, who served and are serving so that we may enjoy the many freedoms a lot of  us take for granted.
I thank you.

We stood in line ...

We stood in line.
The temperature was in the low 50s. It was cloudy, occasionally drizzling.
We stood in line.
Today is Election Day. I make it in capital letters because it is important.
This is the day that everyone - and anyone - over the age of 18 should step up and take part in democracy.
We stood in line.
We voted for a president. The ex officio "leader of the free world." We voted for our representatives to Congress; our voice in Washington.
There were local offices on the ballot; this is where democracy is in its purest form. We, in some cases, literally voted for our neighbor.
We stood in line.
No one complained about the wait. For some, minutes turned to hours. No one was forced to be there.
There were no free gifts or coffee or food waiting for them.
It wasn't a line for the latest electronic gizmo or to buy tickets to see the latest hit movie or entertainer.
It was to exercise perhaps the most important right we have as Americans - the right to vote.
We stood in line.
How important is this right? We change our government every two years, every four years, every six years without bloodshed.
No tanks in the street. No suicide bombers. No people being pulled from their homes in the dead of night.
This is what makes the United States different from other nations on this day.
And what did Americans do on this important day as the world watched?
We stood in line.
I hope you did, too.