S³ was the presenting sponsor at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce 90th Annual Membership Meeting in February, 2026. The Chamber welcomed business leaders,
community partners, and civic members at the Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom. Attendees celebrated the Chamber’s 2025 achievements and looked ahead to 2026 initiatives, enjoying
an afternoon of networking, insights, and inspiration.
Jan Smith, S³ CEO, introduced the keynote speaker, Steve Lerch.
Lerch is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google executive with extensive experience in digital strategy, marketing, and innovation.
Lerch spent nearly a decade at Google, where he worked with both major consumer brands and
government agencies, including GoPro, Roku, FEMA, and the U.S. Census, helping them navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. At Google, he also served as a culture and innovation evangelist, teaching employees practical approaches to creativity, collaboration, and growth.
After leaving Google in 2019, Lerch founded Story Arc Consulting, where he advises organizations on digital transformation, customer experience, and business strategy. His keynote presentations combine storytelling, humor, and actionable insights, giving audiences practical tools to understand consumers, foster innovation, and implement strategies for success. Lerch has been recognized for his ability to make complex topics accessible and
engaging, connecting technology trends to real-world business challenges.
At the Chamber event, Lerch focused on how organizations can leverage digital strategy, consumer insights, and innovative practices to stay competitive and drive growth. His presentation resonated with attendees from across industries, sparking conversations about creativity, technology adoption, and strategic planning.
The 2026 Annual Membership Meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for Chamber members to connect, learn from leading experts, and strengthen the collaborative spirit that fuels Huntsville and Madison County’s economic growth. Attendees left the event inspired, informed, and ready to embrace opportunities in the year ahead.