Our History & Accomplishments

The Huntsville Committee of 100 was formed in 1995 by a small group of small business leaders with a sincere interest in the progress of Huntsville. They wanted to form a business organization that was active in local political issues, primarily:

• Developing a broad long-term economic development strategy that addressed retail development, downtown development and high-quality public education
• Attracting and supporting qualified, progressive candidates for local political office and lobbying for local business issues.

• Hall Bryant, Owner, H.C. Blake Co.
• David Byers, former Owner, Byers Nursery
• Jeff Enfinger, Chairman, Enfinger Steele Development Inc.
• David Johnston, V.P., G. W. Jones & Sons
• Dr. Oscar Maxwell, Physician
• Gene Monroe, former Owner, Monroe Business Equipment
• John Riche (deceased), former President, A. C. Inc.
• Joe Ritch, Attorney, Sirote & Permutt

In addition to growing the membership, the founding leaders identified two focus areas for the Committee of 100 - economic development and public education - and began developing and financially supporting key strategic projects in each. They also formed a political action arm called BizPac to contribute funds to candidates for Huntsville Mayor, City Council and Board of Education; Madison Mayor an City Council; and the Madison County Commission.

Members pay $100 per month with half going to the Committee of 100 and half to BizPac. In October 1996, a part-time Executive Director was hired to perform administration, networking and lobbying duties for both organizations.

The Committee of 100 how has 143 members, all CEOs and professionals. Membership meetings are held quarterly, usually in February, May, August and November. Members also meet in task forces formed to develop solutions to key issues, and meet regularly with local elected leaders to foster two-way communication.

• Dr. Oscar Maxwell, Physician - Chairman 1995-1996
• David Johnston, V.P., G. W. Jones & Sons - Chairman 1997-1998
• John Riche (deceased), President, A.C. Inc. - Chairman 1999-2000
• Scott McLain, President, Coldwell Banker McLain Real Estate - Chairman 2001-2003
• Dick Reeves, CEO, BizTech - Chairman 2004-2005
• Evans Quinlivan, President, First American Bank -- Chairman 2006-2007
• Dr. Bill Sullins, Optometrist

• Provided vision, leadership and funding to several economic development issues, including two BRACs, defense business recruitment, building generals' homes, retail development incentives and marketing, community visioning, downtown development, and attracting and retaining the young professional workforce. Worked four years to form and fund new downtown development organization, Big Spring Partners, in 2004. Partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and Arts Council to develop and implement the Huntsville Talent Magnet strategic plan to better attract and retain the young professional workforce.
• Provided vision, leadership and funding to several public education issues, including academic/leadership programs for high-risk youth, Huntsville City Schools Strategic Plan, property tax referendums supporting school systems in Huntsville and Madison County, New Century Technology High School, workforce development programs, and implementation of a marketing program in Huntsville City Schools.
• Successful efforts to stop formation of a public employee union in the City of Huntsville.
• Development of a Political Training Institute in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007 to attract and train current and future progressive political candidates in conducting a successful political campaign.
• Sponsored the hugely successful Rock the Vote'08 event for young professionals and the 2008 Huntsville/Madison Mayoral Debate with WHNT-TV 19.
• Sponsored quarterly meetings for members and other business and community leaders on strategic issues that impact economic development and public education.
• Formed a Business Advisory Council for the Superintendents of all three local school systems.
• Formed partnerships with other business and community groups to impact key economic development and public education issues.
• Provided a timely business view to and lobbied local elected leaders on emerging local issues.
• Funded candidates with a progressive vision and a cooperative spirit in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 local elections.