International Intermodal Center Renamed

The Port of Huntsville announced that in honor and recognition of Ed Mitchell – whose tireless efforts, leadership, and vision led to the planning and development of the International Intermodal Center, which has celebrated more than 20 years of service – the facility has been named the J.E. Mitchell, Jr. International Intermodal Center.

Mitchell served as the first Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority from 1956-1968. Then, in 1969 Mitchell was selected by former Governor Albert Brewer as the first Director of the Alabama Development Office (ADO) with responsibility for all recruitment and location of industries throughout the state. Following his work with the ADO, Mitchell was appointed Executive Director of the Port of Huntsville in 1971. During his 16-year tenure as Executive Director, Mitchell was instrumental not only in overseeing the development of the multi-modal facility, but also in assuring Huntsville received Port of Entry designation by US Customs and the Port of Huntsville becoming grantee of Foreign Trade Zone No. 83. Mitchell played a pivotal role in securing 23 miles necessary to build the I-565 connector, greatly enhancing accessibility to and the geographic appeal of Huntsville International Airport.

In addition, Mitchell helped oversee the land acquisition leading to the development of the Jetplex Industrial Park, providing infrastructure and services that attracted companies such as Onan, Cheseborough Ponds, GoldStar, Boeing, and Chrysler Acustar. This work laid the foundation for the Jetplex Industrial Park that exists today – which is home to more than 60 tenants. Together with the Huntsville International Airport and International Intermodal Center, these three operations provide a direct and indirect impact on regional employment totaling more than 24,000 jobs and exceeding $1.1 billion in payroll with capital investments totaling more than $1.27 billion dollars according to the Port of Huntsville’s 2003 economic impact study.

Among Mitchell’s acknowledgements include receiving the 1987 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region Award for his distinguished career in aviation management, airport operation, and multi-modal planning. Mitchell’s multi-modal master plan approach – which the FAA was originally hesitant to fund – later became known as a best practice encouraged by the agency. In 2000, Mitchell was the recipient of the Regional Partnership Award presented by the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority for outstanding contributions to economic development in the Tennessee Valley region.

“The dedication of the J.E. Mitchell, Jr. International Intermodal Center is only fitting for a man who worked so diligently for a vision in which he believed so passionately,” said Rick Tucker, Executive Director, Huntsville International Airport. “Decades ago, many could not have envisioned the multi-modal facility that exists today, but Ed Mitchell saw the promise of combining highway, rail, and air cargo operations in Huntsville. Ed knew the economic growth and development that would benefit our community by the establishment of the Intermodal facility, and because of his determination, the entire Tennessee Valley region has prospered.”

“I am truly humbled by this expression of gratitude by the Port of Huntsville,” said Mitchell. “The Intermodal facility has served this region for more than 20 years and recently celebrated a record year in 2006. Knowing that my work decades ago has helped build the Intermodal Center into the successful operation that exists today and being recognized by my peers for my effort is an overwhelming experience.”