Madison Chamber celebrates grand opening of 4,200-square-foot headquarters

MADISON – The Madison Chamber of Commerce celebrated a major milestone this week with the grand opening of its 4,200-square-foot office on Hughes Road, a space designed to foster collaboration, support local businesses, and welcome visitors to one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities.

The new facility features coworking areas, collaborative meeting rooms, and an interactive tourism corner showcasing Madison’s attractions. It marks a dramatic expansion from the Chamber’s former 900-square-foot office, reflecting the organization’s rapid growth and rising influence in the region.

“This is a new milestone in our chamber history, showcasing community collaboration,” said Madison Chamber President Michelle Eppling during the ribbon cutting. “We went from 900 square feet to a 4,200-square-foot home, complete with coworking space, meeting rooms, and a beautiful mural in partnership with Arts Huntsville to showcase our city when we open the doors.”

The Chamber has seen its membership nearly double in the past four years, growing from 259 members to more than 500. Eppling credited that success to partnerships with city, county, and federal leaders and a shared commitment to economic growth. 

“A Chamber of Commerce is truly built on collaboration,” she said. “This space is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”

Local, state, and federal officials attended the celebration, underscoring the Chamber’s role in Madison’s economic development. Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon praised the Chamber for its community focus and personal touch. 

“We are successful here in Madison County because of our partnerships,” McCutcheon said. “This is a very big, special day. Michelle, my heart goes out to you. We love you very, very much. Thank you for what you do for Madison County.”

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong highlighted how Madison’s growth positions it for national opportunities, pointing to the city’s role in the successful effort to bring U.S. Space Command to Redstone Arsenal. 

This shows you what you can do when you work together, when it’s a regional approach,” Strong said. “You look at what’s happened, 4,700 new jobs are coming with Space Command, and many of them are going to be your neighbors. Our finest hours are still ahead.”

The Chamber’s new office reflects Madison’s trajectory as a hub for innovation and business. Eppling shared a personal story of perseverance, recalling that when she first took the job, she worried about the appearance of the Chamber’s old office. Her mentor, Joe Newberry, who also happens to be her father and the president and CEO of Redstone Federal Credit Union, advised her to focus on adding value for members rather than worrying about the office space. 

“He told me, ‘If you focus on growing the Chamber and increasing income, your board will rally around you and find you a world-class space,’” Eppling said with a smile. “He was right.”

With its new headquarters now open, the Madison Chamber plans to continue expanding its support for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. 

“This building is more than just a new home,” Eppling said. “It’s a symbol of the partnerships and vision that will carry Madison into its next chapter of growth.”