Huey Battle was chairman of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in 2002. As an area manager for Washington Gas, he remains an active participant in the city’s business community.
What is unique about the business climate in Alexandria?
Alexandria has a unique mixture of smaller homegrown businesses like Tech Painting and some very large international associations like the Club Mangers Association of America. Both are committed to the well-being of the Alexandria community. The mix of these types of businesses gives the city’s business community its character. Additionally, the fact that business organizations have the opportunity to interact and network makes the whole community healthier.
What do you think needs to be done to foster a better business climate?
There is still a feeling by some that the business community is not part of the whole community. That thought needs to be dispelled. Alexandria businesses are involved in the education, faith and nonprofit communities. The citizens that work in these businesses are committed to a better community for all. The priorities of business and that of the community at large are linked in ways that are sometimes ignored, but fortunately, efforts like Leadership Alexandria are really breaking down these barriers.
How should the city respond to Maryland’s new National Harbor?
The city should respond by embracing National Harbor while at the same time developing a strategic plan for the Alexandria waterfront. Alexandria has a rich port city heritage. Some type of event that showcases that history would be a wonderful draw for those who will be attracted to the river by the National Harbor. The thought of water taxis flowing from the harbor to Alexandria is inspiring. I believe this is truly a case of “a high tide raising all ships.” This all can happen if the city acts strategically.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I am a James Bond fan and my favorite Bond movie is “Goldfinger.” I cannot seem to get enough of the travel, the beautiful scenery and the architecture in the movie. The soundtrack is a classic.
What is the best book you read in the last year?
I really do not read for pure entertainment value, so the best book that I read last year was, “First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently” by Marcus Buckingham. I think I was given the book a couple of years ago, but finally sat down and read it cover to cover twice. The commonsense logic of great managers provides great guidance both in the business world and in everyday life.
What are your achievements?
Raising two wonderful daughters and being able to provide for them the way my parents provided for my siblings and me. It is a team achievement with my wife, Cheryll, and is still a work in progress — but no other achievement means as much for me. However, a professional achievement that I am very proud of is being the first African American to chair the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and helping to bring back Leadership Alexandria.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I love to play golf. Throughout my life, I have been a decent all-around athlete and have been involved in many different sports. However, when I started playing golf 10 years ago, all other hobbies became secondary. Golf is a very difficult sport at which to be good and it seems to bring out the best and worst in the human personality.
I really do not have a favorite. I like different aspect of different restaurants. However, I guess if I have to make a choice it would be Restaurant Eve. I love the wine list, the food presentation and the atmosphere.
What is your favorite place in the community?
The Torpedo Factory dock would have to be my favorite. I most enjoy it on a late spring or early summer evening with varying shades of color reflecting off the water and a large iced latte in my hand.
What concerns do you have about the community?
I believe that the community must keep its eye on the ball when it comes to education. This is not an issue that is central to the city of Alexandria, but is important to all of the citizens of the Northern Virginia. Not every child will be able to receive an ivy-league education, so it is important that we not project that as the only way to succeed. We must not ignore those individuals who do not have the resources or capacity to achieve at that level. Education is still the key, but we must educate them to be ready to take on the world in other very productive ways.
What are the community's hidden treasures?
One of the real treasures of community is the Birchmere. I guess it is not that hidden, but I think it is under-appreciated. There are not many places in the Washington Region that have the Birchmere’s variety of entertainment in such an intimate atmosphere.
What are your personal goals?
My professional goal is to one day join my brother in building a successful family business. My personal goal is to break 80 at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland.