Mayor's "State of the City Address" set for November 5, 2009
Dramatic changes to format will highlight local "shining stars," bring interactivity with social networking websites |
HUNTSVILLE, AL (August 10, 2009) -- Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle will give his annual "State of the City Address " on November 5, 2009 at noon in the VBC North Hall. The event is being held almost one year to the day after Mayor Battle's inauguration (held on November 3, 2008).
The theme of this year's event is "Firsts" and will feature some very noticeable changes in format. Among the changes, Mayor Battle will not use a podium this year - and instead will walk freely around the stage using an interactive video to tell Huntsville's story. The video segments will highlight local "shining stars" - individuals that have contributed over the past year to Huntsville's success story. The new video segments will also allow Mayor Battle to discuss budget scenarios using animated graphics and charts.
Mayor Battle also announced that, for the first time ever, Huntsville residents would have the chance to interact with the event using social networking websites like Facebook ®, Twitter ® and AOL ® Instant Messenger.
"We'd like to thank the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce for again hosting the Mayor's State of the City Address. Last year's event was a huge success and had a record attendance. Their hard work in organizing the event is much appreciated and presents a great opportunity for us to update our city on where we've been, where we are and where we're going," said Mayor Battle.
"This year's event will represent a dramatic change in format. Huntsville has an incredible story - and we were looking for the most dynamic way of telling that story. From the interactive video that will highlight local shining stars that help make our community what it is to the chance for people not in attendance to ask questions via new media (Facebook, Twitter, AIM) - every change that we're making is in an effort to be more inclusive and to do the best job we can in telling Huntsville's story."
In addition to the format changes, Mayor Battle also announced that the City of Huntsville was exploring options with having the event streamed live on the City's website (www.hsvcity.com) and broadcast live on the City's government information channel, Huntsville 1.
Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the event's host. Last year's "State of the City Address" set an attendance record and another full house is expected this year.
Both the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Chair and President also touched on the successes of the event.
"The Mayor's annual State of the City address is one of the Chamber's best attended and most important events. Huntsville is fortunate to have a local economy that outperforms most other places, but our economic success doesn't just happen, it starts with strong elected leaders like Mayor Battle. The Mayor has brought a sense of regional teamwork to his position that is serving all of us in Madison County very well," said Chair Irma Tuder.
"The Chamber greatly appreciates the opportunity to host this event featuring Mayor Battle. Huntsville continues to prosper during a difficult economic time thanks in very large measure to our elected leadership. We are excited to be part of this interactive forum that will give Chamber members and community leaders the opportunity to learn first-hand from Mayor Battle about the City's recent accomplishments, challenges, leading issues and future priorities," concluded Chamber President Brian Hilson.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Individuals wishing to nominate or be nominated as one of Huntsville's "Shining Stars" may send an email to contact@hsvcity.com with biographical and contact information.
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