Howard A. Thrailkill

ADTRAN, Inc. engages in the provision of networking and communications platforms and services focused on the broadband access market. It operates through the Network Solutions and Services and Support business segment. The Network Solutions segment includes hardware products and next-generation virtualized solutions used in service provider or business networks, as well as prior-generation products. The Services and Support segment offers ProCloud managed services, network installation, engineering and maintenance services, and fee-based technical support and equipment repair/replacement plans. The company was founded by Mark C. Smith in November 1985 and is headquartered in Huntsville, AL.

Tennessee Valley Authority provides electricity for utility and business customers in the United States. The firm sells power to distributor who then resells power to their customers at retail rates. Its distributor customers consist of municipalities and other local government entities, and customer-owned entities. It also sells power to directly served customers, consisting primarily of federal agencies and customers with large or unusual loads. The firm operates hydroelectric dams, coal-fired power plants, nuclear plants and natural gas-fired power facilities, which generate electricity. The company was founded on May 18, 1933 and is headquartered in Knoxville, TN.

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Inc. assists in economic development programs. Its focus on helping the state attract and retain industry. The firm fills a role in the industrial recruitment process by marketing and promoting Alabama as a business location, and by providing research, information and proposals to companies and consultants that are actively searching for a site. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Birmingham, AL.