In this episode of Makers of MidCity, we sit down with Drew Stewart, Sustainability Manager at The Orion Amphitheater, to explore what it really takes to operate one of the Southeast’s premier live music venues with a net-positive environmental impact. From nearly one million reusable cups and zero waste to landfill, to on-site gardens supplying fresh garnishes for drinks the same day they’re harvested, Drew shares how sustainability at The Orion goes far beyond what most guests ever see. The conversation dives into composting, eliminating single-use plastics, local partnerships, and how The Orion is using its scale and influence to set a new standard for sustainable entertainment—both in Huntsville and across the industry.

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In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Madsen, Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning for the City of Huntsville, to explore how collaboration between city planning and private development is redefining growth in Huntsville.

From the transformation of the former regional mall site into the vibrant MidCity District to the city’s long-term investments in walkability, greenways, and transit-oriented development, this conversation highlights the power of proactive planning and public-private partnership.

Dennis shares insight into Huntsville’s “polycentric city” approach—building multiple connected hubs where people can live, work, and play—along with updates on major connectivity projects like the SkyBridge, the PARC corridor, and new greenway expansions linking neighborhoods across the city.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Huntsville is planning for the next 20 years of smart, connected, and sustainable growth—one sidewalk, bike path, and district at a time.

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In this episode of Makers in MidCity, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Chase Morrow, co-founder of Techs in the City. With five startups (and four exits) under his belt, Chase shares his journey from growing up in Huntsville to creating a platform for real, unfiltered conversations about the tech scene in the South.

We dive into the mission behind Techs in the City—building authentic, collaborative tech communities across Alabama—and why Huntsville is primed to be more than just a government tech hub. Chase talks about the first Huntsville event at The Camp (held in freezing 26° weather!) and how events like these are helping to shape MidCity into a true hub for innovation and creativity.

From AI-powered business challenges to big-picture visions of merging music and tech, this conversation is packed with insight on what it takes to start, scale, and give back to your community. If you’re passionate about startups, collaboration, and the future of tech in Alabama, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to hear:

• Why there’s no “rinse-and-repeat” formula for startups
• The importance of authenticity in building tech communities
• How Huntsville’s private startup sector is gaining momentum
• The role of partnerships in shaping MidCity as a tech hub
• Advice for anyone ready to launch their first big idea

https://techsandthecity.org/

MidCity District Socials
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