The Downtown Explorer

Megan Carter, DHI Communications Coordinator, sits down with Chad Emerson, DHI President and CEO. They reflect on Chad’s tenure, some of his favorite things about being CEO, and what he’ll miss the most as he departs DHI for another incredible Huntsville opportunity.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with JC Darby (Development Manager), Danny Yancey (Stovehouse CEO), and Sam Yeager (Co-Founder Bristol Development). They discuss the growth of the Stovehouse District and what’s to come for the area including exciting details about the Foundry and The Range.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with John Allen, CEO of Huntsville Committee of 100. They discuss how the Committee of 100 came to be, how to build a strong community, and how they help to do that.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Rex Reynolds, Alabama State Representative. They discuss Alabama Legislature and his political journey that led him to where he is today.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Scott Erwin, Community Development Manager. They discuss how the city works to invest in the community through assistance programs and local nonprofit partners to improve the lives of Huntsville’s low-to-moderate income residents.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Owen Emerson, Dawson Emerson, and Victoria Bolin, the 2022 Downtown Huntsville, Inc summer seasonal employees. They discuss what they’ve been up to this summer, what they’ve learned, and what is so appealing about downtown Huntsville.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jessie Andrews, local Huntsville Artist. They discuss the downtown art scene, finding art in unexpected places, and past, present, and future projects!

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Marcia Freeland, Executive Director of Lowe Mill. They discuss the history of Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, what all you can experience there, and what makes it such a unique place to visit.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Angela Panzica, Owner of Stella’s Elixir Lounge. They discuss how she made the move from Tampa to Huntsville, how Stella’s came to be, and what makes it a unique spot to visit in Huntsville.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Mark Komara, Owner of several downtown establishments including Furniture Factory. They discuss how he got started in downtown Huntsville, everything the Furniture Factory has to offer, and more!

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Tim Miller, Promotions Director at Cumulus Media. They reflect on the first 50 episodes of the DHI Explorer Podcast!

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Richard Williams, CEO of Media Fusion. They discuss exciting projects they have gotten to work on in the Rocket City, partnering with NASA, and awesome experiences he’s had with Media Fusion.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Toni Eberhart, former Executive Director of Urban Engine. They discuss They discuss networking nights with Urban Engine, how it helped her find her people in town, the Future of Huntsville panel, and more!

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jenny Askins, founder of Touronimo. They discuss unique events she has been a part of, some incredible events around Huntsville, and how to discover North Alabama through tours and special experiences.

A thought-provoking conversation with UAH's dynamic new President who also lives in the Rocket City Center.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jeff and Gerri Plain, Organizers of We Run Downtown Huntsville. They discuss what Huntsville has to offer for road and trail runners, bikers, swimmers, triathletes and more!

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Andrew Willmon, Executive Director of Broadway Theatre League. They discuss their next season lineup, the big Broadway titles they’re bringing to town, and other exciting things to expect during their 2022-2023 season. 

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College. From welding classes to education boot camps, they discuss all things higher education-related, everything Drake State has to offer, and how they’re prepping students for the workforce. 

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Marilyn Evans and Melissa Musgrove from the Greene Street Market, which opens today, May 5th, for the 2022 season! They discuss how the market came to be and what to expect when you visit.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Phillip Otto, the artistic director for the Huntsville Ballet Company. They discuss the ballet world in Huntsville, the importance of the arts, and upcoming productions for the Company.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Ryan Murphy, the general manager of the Orion Amphitheater & Apollo South. They discuss how Sound Diplomacy played a part in the growth of the music scene in Huntsville and how the music scene can play a role in economic growth.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Matt Mandrella, Music Officer with the City of Huntsville. They discuss the ever-growing music scene in Huntsville and exciting things coming up for the city.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Kirk Giles, Interim Chief of Police for the City of Huntsville. They talk about all things public safety-related and how they’re working to keep Downtown as safe as possible.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Ron Cooper, owner of In Bloom. They discuss how to maintain a successful business in Huntsville and how to keep things fresh and new after 36 years in the floral industry!

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Donovan Duncan, co-founder of Duncan Farms. They discuss how Duncan Farms came to be, taking an idea, making it happen, and the importance behind what they do.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Glenn Clayton, founder of Mark Two Ventures. They discuss how to launch and build your own business and what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in today’s world.

We’re wrapping up our mini-series featuring The Huntsville Craft Trails! This week, DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, is sitting down with representatives from the Craft Coffee Trail to discuss the coffee scene around town and some of the fun artistry behind their handcrafted beverages.

We’re continuing our mini-series featuring The Huntsville Craft Trails. This week,  DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, is sitting down with representatives from the Craft Cocktail Trail to discuss some of downtown Huntsville’s favorite cocktails and where to find them.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Kristin Deaton, Huntsville local and longtime Disney fan. They discuss all things Disney including places to stay, things to do, and favorite things to eat.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with the Director of Public Relations at Port of HSV. They discuss flying out of Huntsville, favorite destinations, and things to know to make your travels easier.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Allison Johnson, a local musician with Seeking Babylon. They discuss how she got her start and the music scene around town.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Alan Little, Huntsville native and long-time fixture of the Huntsville music scene. They discuss local musicians, venues such as Three Caves, and Huntsville history. 

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Coach Babyele Sodade, Huntsville High Varsity Soccer Coach. They discuss all things soccer in Huntsville and the growth of the sport across the United States.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Joshua Price. They talk all things Huntsville holiday-related including popular events and more to get you in the holiday spirit.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Joanna White, Development & Operations Director for HATCH and long-time arts advocate. They discuss the importance of Huntsville’s thriving performing arts scene.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Ashley Dinges and Rob Heard, two of the co-founders of the Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail--one of the most successful Tinsel Trail's in the country. They discuss this year's 10th Anniversary of the Tinsel Trail and reflect on how the Trail was initially started a decade ago.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. They discuss the fast-growing and increasingly unique amatuer and professional sports scene in the Rocket City Center.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Mike Vojticek from Von Braun Center. They discuss the expansion of the convention center, and the story behind all the unique venues at the VBC.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Canadian Bakin' Bread Co-Owner, Daniela Perallon. They discuss Daniela's previous Downtown connections and what inspired the Canadian Bakin' to start their Downtown journey.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Lindsey Pattillo Keane from RCP Companies; one of the great development teams revitalizing Downtown Huntsville. They discuss the growth of Downtown and the future ahead for their City Centre mixed-use development opening soon in the Rocket City Center.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Bernita Reese, Director of Parks & Recreation. Together they talk about the different kinds of parks in Downtown, as well as Bernita's passion for Parks and her vision for exploring outdoors in Downtown Huntsville.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Angie & Timo Sandritter, Co-founders of Rippleworx. They discuss what solidified their decision in locating their business in Downtown Huntsville and why they love it.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Bruce Weddnedorf, Co-founder of Straight to Ale. They talk about the brewing process and what new brews are headed to Straight to Ale.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jeremy Esterly, Chef/Partner at Phat Sammys. He discusses the decisions behind Phat Sammy's aesthetics and menu, plus his background in the food industry.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Kayla Adams, Owner of Elitaire Boutique. They discuss what experience awaits you at Elitaire, as well as what owning a boutique in Downtown Huntsville is like.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Megan & Alonso Garcia, owners of La Esquina Cocina. Together they discuss what kind of experience you can have at La Esquina Cocina, as well as how they have been working on bringing the Hispanic culture to Downtown Huntsville.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Dennis Madsen, Manager of Long Range & Urban Development. They discuss the master plan of Downtown Huntsville and what Downtown might look like as it grows.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with restauranter Stephanie Mell, co-owner of the Church Street Family Businesses. She talks about what it takes to be an entrepreneur in Downtown Huntsville as well as the process it took to make each of the Church Street Family Restaurants.

Description: DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with District 1 Council Member, Devyn Keith. They discuss how he approaches his role in the City Council to represent the Downtown Huntsville community, as well as his  other fun project in North Huntsville.

Description: DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with renowned Chef, James Boyce. They discuss Boyce's journey to Downtown Huntsville and how he creates his signature menu items for some of our favorite Downtown restaurants.

Living in Downtown Huntsville with Josh McFall

Description: DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Josh McFall, CEO of ValleyMLS.com/HAAR. They discuss the current housing market in Downtown Huntsville and how to find the perfect Downtown neighborhood for whatever stage of life you are in.

Revitalizing Downtown Huntsville with David Downey

Description: DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with David Downey, President & CEO of the International Downtown Association. They discuss what it takes to revitalize a Downtown area, as well as the successes that Downtown Huntsville has achieved.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Wesley Crunkelton, Principal with Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Group. Crunkleton discusses how he started his company, as well as, his newest business endeavors in Downtown including 106 Jefferson Huntsville, Curio Collection by Hilton.

DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Huntsville's Mayor, Tommy Battle. They discuss Mayor Battle's journey to where he is now as well as where he sees Downtown Huntsville headed in the years to come.

New episodes coming soon.