Madison Chamber of Commerce adds ‘Educator of the Year’ for annual Membership Party
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a special event Nov. 7 to usher in the holiday season and to recognize deserving residents who are among the top achievers in their fields.
“Join us as we usher in the holiday season with our Annual Holiday Membership Party, an evening of celebration, recognition and cheer,” Chamber President Michelle Epling said. “We’ll reflect on the successes of both our business community and the Madison Chamber.”
“Dress in your holiday best (black tie optional), and enjoy an evening full of surprises, networking and the chance to honor Madison’s finest,” Epling said. Huntsville Utilities is the presenting sponsor.
The event’s venue will be the Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Drive NW in Huntsville. The party will open at 5 p.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.
This year, the chamber is adding an honor: “Educator of the Year Award,” presented in partnership with Madison City Schools This award celebrates a teacher or school staff member who has made a positive impact on a student, school or the Madison community.
The chamber will award accomplished nominees:
• Businessperson of the Year (less than 15 employees) – K.C. Bertling, owner, Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation; Elva Castanos, owner, EIC Tax LLC & Alabama Insurance Agency; Jack Dockery, owner and physical therapist, Dockery & Associates Physical Therapy; Brenda Matthews, owner, Bellehouse; Vicki Morris, owner, Face to Face Marketing; Megan Nivens-Tannett, Founder and CEO, Flourish Consulting Services; Emily Santiago, owner and attorney, Blue Ink Closing & Title LLC.
• Businessperson of the Year (more than 15 employees) – Joe Carlucci, owner, Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar; Lauren Marsh, President, Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors.
• Creator of the Year – Kevin Huey, graphic designer, Make It Personal; Allison Richter, Creative Director, Flourish.
• Madison Chamber Citizen of the Year – Sam Bertling, Senior Advisor and Co-Founder, Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation; Lee Marshall, CEO and Founder, Kids to Love.
• Young Professional of the Year – Ike Alexander, Residential Customer Service Representative, Henderson Roofing; Deidra Brisco, Communications & External Affairs Officer, City of Madison; Jack Dockery, owner and physical therapist, Dockery & Associates Physical Therapy; Colton Fountain, commercial insurance advisor, Redstone Insurance Services; Fathia Hardy, Director of Office of Professional & Continuing Education, University of Alabama in Huntsville; Adreanne Humphrey, Marketing Director, Two Men and a Truck; Sarah Robinson, Events Manager, Arts Huntsville; Dennis Sehgal, Lifestyle Physician, CDS Medical LLC; Camryn Suggs, General Manager, Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar; Rachel Sullivan, Owner and Founder, Solid Ground Counseling Center.
• Educator of the Year – First year for this award. Chamber staff will announce the winner at the Holiday Membership Party.
“Come for the awards, stay for the surprises, and let’s celebrate the spirit of community and success together,” Epling said. “Help us shine a spotlight on those who inspire excellence every day.”
To register, visit madisonalchamber. com, and click “Register for Events” in the blue box. On the new window, click “Annual Holiday Membership Party 2025” in the box for November 7. Tickets for chamber members cost $85. A ticket for anyone who is not a member costs $100.
The chamber’s office address is 230 Hughes Road. For more information, call 256-325-8317, email Marketing@madisonalchamber. com or visit madisonalchamber. com.
