HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command's senior civilian addressed local business owners during the Downtown Huntsville, Inc. annual meeting and awards event in Huntsville Jan. 15.
Julie Schumacher, Deputy to the Commander of USASMDC/ARSTRAT, spoke about service, leadership development and lessons learned "from the ladder" on her personal and professional journey.
"I've had some really good experiences throughout my career and really good leaders who empowered me and gave me opportunities to run with things," Schumacher said. "I have had many mentors who helped me along the way.
"The foundation for me to succeed really started well before I got my first job," she added. "I loved music and band in high school and college. I wouldn't trade my path, because I truly don't think I would be here in this position today. The life lessons and leadership skills that I learned through band and music had a profound impact on me."
Schumacher went on to describe personal stories from her days of being a drum major at the University of Alabama and lessons learned from other student leader experiences. She challenged the audience to reflect on their own professional journey, to thank those who helped along the way, to mentor our community's future leaders, and to support youth organizations that develop creative and resilient leaders.
Schumacher was invited to speak by Chad Emerson, Downtown Huntsville, Inc. president and chief executive officer.
"Julie and I are in a leadership class together and I had heard her presentation at another event and it was a really inspirational talk about her somewhat unconventional route and her truly profound thoughts on leadership," Emerson said. "We thought that would be a great message to share with our downtown leaders."
Emerson explained how Downtown Huntsville, Inc. is focused on the urban environment, downtown development, advocacy and public policy, marketing and public relations as well as philanthropy and membership.
"Strong cities need a strong downtown," Emerson said. "We are working to create that, whether it is someone recruiting for a job or for businesses. We just encourage people to come and check out downtown Huntsville if they haven't been before and to come back often if they have been."
Schumacher thanked Emerson for the business and quality of life initiatives in downtown Huntsville, "it really helps us attract talent and I'm excited to see all of the new energy you have brought to the area."
Huntsville's top leader took time to thank Downtown Huntsville Inc. for all they do to help the community.
"This is an event where we celebrate everything that is going on downtown," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. "Downtown Huntsville is like the living room of your house. It is a place where everybody comes and everybody is entertained. Today we have more than 350 people celebrating this past year's success and also starting to think about tomorrow."
Downtown Huntsville, Inc. was formed in February 2013 by its partner entity Big Spring Partners. Its members include downtown property and business owners, tourist attractions, business organizations, advocacy groups, neighborhood associations and residents from throughout the city.
The organization is responsible for the revitalization of downtown Huntsville through unique events, interesting promotions, and new and redeveloped properties. They are committed to creating a vibrant, diverse and economically sustainable downtown area. In 2015, more than $100 million in downtown development projects were announced or experienced groundbreakings. Some of the Downtown Huntsville Inc. initiatives include events such as street food gatherings, Grotto Lights Concerts, Hottest Weekend of the Year Fest, Pop Up Park Experience, Slide the City, Tinsel Trail and others.
For more information about Downtown Huntsville, Inc., go to their website at www.downtownhuntsville.org.
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