The City’s Industrial Development Board receives an award from the Southern Economic Development Council and Mayor Troy Trulock. From left, Mayor Trulock, IDB Chair Taron Thorpe, Director of Planning & Economic Development Amy Bell, IDB Secretary & Treasurer David Cochran, Bobby DeNeefe and Jerry Jennings. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – The last Madison City Council meeting of November and before Thanksgiving yielded the presentation of an award to the City’s Industrial Development Board and an announcement of grants being awarded to the City.

The City of Madison Industrial Board was handed a trinket for its project winning “Best in Class” marketing award from the Southern Economic Development Council. Director of Planning & Economic Development Amy Bell Sturdivant was on hand to receive the award; the award was a result of cooperation between her and the IDB.

Bell and the six IDB members, who were appointed by the Council, created a 10-sided folded business card that touts the city’s economic climate. The card, folded accordion-style, has five panels on each side and offers statistics regarding the City’s proximity to the Huntsville International Airport and other gateways into business communities.

“This is the first time they’ve applied for the award,” Mayor Troy Trulock noted. Three awards were won overall by the IDB’s project.

Council President Tommy Overcash announced a $3,000 grant was awarded from the Alabama Tourism Department to the Madison Street Festival. State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw (R-2^nd District) secured the funds.

“This will help the service the 30,000 people who come to the Festival as well as continue to partner with the City,” Overcash said.

An announcement also came through regarding a $1,500 grant for the Madison Parks and Recreation department. The money, officially named 2015 Tourism Event Grant, will be used at the City’s July 4 celebration at Dublin Park in 2015.