10-2009

THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

October 2009 | Vol. XXXX, No. 9

n R&B Manager

Mathew Knowles Adds Soul to Eagle Awards

n The Chamber Gets

Social on the Web

n Four Generations of Workers

Avoid Culture Clash

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CONTENTS

THE BUSINESS VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2009

ON THE COVER

Publisher.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor... . . . . . . . . . . Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cori Yonge

THE

BUSINESS VIEW

Additional Writers and Editors

Ashley Horn, Patty Howell, Rachel Rehm, Danette Richards, Michelle Roberts Matthews, Rich Sullivan, Carolyn Wilson

Printing Services.. . . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive.. . . . . . . . . . René Eiland 431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

ADVERTISERS Advanced Payroll Solutions....................................... 26 Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC............................... 23 Alabama Power Co. .................................................. 15 BitWizards.................................................................. 34 Calagaz Digital & Offset Printing...............................8 Century Bank............................................................... 6 Celia Mann Baehr...................................................... 26 Community Bank......................................................30 FOMAS........................................................................30 Gwin’s Commercial Printing...................................... 9 Hancock Bank............................................................ 16 Hand Arendall............................................................12 Interstate Printing.....................................................28 Keith Air Conditioning.............................................. 24 Lagniappe...................................................................29 New Horizons Credit Union...................................... 23 MCG Business Solutions...............................................7 MH3 Printing............................................................. 13 Online Payroll Services Inc.......................................30 Pixallure Design LLC................................................. 23 Premier Medical Management................................. 26 RBC Bank..................................................................... 9 Roly Poly....................................................................22 Safety Source.............................................................. 25 Southern LINC Wireless............................................... 2 Spring Hill College....................................................... 9 United Way of Southwest Alabama..............................7 Whitney Bank............................................................. 27 Wonderland Express..................................................28

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

10-11 Father of the star(s) – world-class R&B

manager and entrepreneur Mathew Knowles shares his management style at the 12th Annual Eagle Awards. Also, find out who takes top honors at the awards, honoring minority-owned businesses

14-15 Who’s the boss? Four generations in the workplace avoid a culture clash

17-22 The Chamber integrates the web into

communications strategy, plus Tweeting, blogging and uploading, the Chamber gets social, and guest columnist Rich Sullivan of Red Sqaure Agency shares the finer points of putting social media to work for your business

On the cover: Cam Marston with Generational Insight says the four generations represented in today’s workforce have a lot to learn from one another. See story on pages 14-15.

Photo by Tad Denson, MyShotz.com

M O N T H LY F O C U S

F E A T U R E S

8 Small Business of the Month: Walks and Wags

4-5

News You Can Use – A collection of positive business news, including what it takes to entice travelers to Mobile Regional Airport, high rankings for Point Clear’s Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa and The Economist eyes Mobile. Also, Alabama scores big with retirees, W&O triples its space, Aker announces new jobs and EADS North America KC-45 Director Mike Cosentino weighs in on the upcoming competition.

6-7 The Insurance Conundrum: Four years post Hurricane Katrina, coastal residents and businesses battle for fair costs and coverage

24 Business Spotlight of the Month: Structure Design & Exhibits 24 Diplomats of the Month: Dorothy May and Lloyd Meyers 25 CEO Profile: Donovan Scioneaux, Verizon Wireless

29 Economic Indicators

13 Now in its 100th year, First Community Bank celebrates it niche as an “un-big” bank in a market flooded with larger financial institutions The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation given. Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction. Accreditation recognizes those Chambers that have defined, reached and maintained basic operational performance standards and have significantly contributed to the good of their community, region, state and country.

The Mobile Area Chamber has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since the designation’s inception more than 40 years ago.

27 Investor Focus: Providence Hospital 28 Board of Advisors 28 Who’s in Town?

29 Chamber@Work

31-32

25 Guest Columnist Jay Forte explores

Calendar

33-34 Member News

35 Anniversaries

strategies to stay close to customers and even closer to your employees

32 National energy policy expert to provide an update on the country’s energy demands at Forum Alabama

35

New Members

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

3

• Positive Business News When You Need It • Positive Business News When You Need It • Positive Business News When You Need It

•

NEWS You Ca How Big is a Hundred Bucks? comfortable and convenient airport terminal environment; to offer the level of air service the community deserves; and to increase the level and breadth of community support for our hometown airport.”

In the Gulf Coast region, Pensacola and Mobile airports are compared most frequently, with 47 percent originating from Pensacola, followed by Mobile, 28 percent; Gulfport-Biloxi, 15 percent; and New Orleans, 6 percent. Mobile Regional Airport has approximately 75 percent of the business from Mobile.

New research shows the tipping point for Gulf Coast business and leisure travelers starts at $100. That’s when potential flyers decide the price difference of a ticket is worth traveling to another regional airport.

That amount is down from $125 in 2005, according to a recent research report commissioned by the Mobile Airport Authority (MAA).

“We’re asking for Mobile and Baldwin County flyers to hold true to that $100 and support our local airport when the price of ticket falls in that range, and compare the total price of travel, not just the cost of the ticket,” said Julie Bordes, MAA marketing manager. “Especially in this current

economic environment, communities must show demand before an airline is willing to add service.”

Of the nine factors survey participants say are most important, Mobile Regional Airport scored well on eight, including overall value, on-time performance, speed of getting through security, convenience of getting to the airport, and friendliness of TSA personnel and airline check-in personnel.

It was not unexpected that the airport would be rated below average in the category of fares, said Bordes. The MAA regularly monitors prices and contacts an airline when there are significant discrepancies between its regional

competitors such as Gulfport-Biloxi and Pensacola. The survey results will be shared with the airlines.

There are a number of airport projects already underway addressing other factors that received lower scores among survey participants, with planned improvements including acquiring modern furniture, repaving public parking lots, adding canopies and enlarging signage. MAA also began offering free wireless Internet service.

According to Mobile Airport Authority Executive Director Bill Sisson, “This data has reconfirmed the validity of the MAA’s goals for the airport. Management has three primary goals: to provide a safe,

Looking Beyond the Recession

Alabama Ranks with Retirees

Triple the Space, 2x Closer

“Optimism in Mobile, Alabama” was the headline of an article published in the global business and political magazine The Economist. The author discussed the area’s optimistic outlook for business as well as the state’s during a down economy.

Local economic development highlights include mentions of Austal, the Port of Mobile’s new container terminal and ThyssenKrupp.

The article also included the area’s most prestigious rankings – Mobile County being named in the 2008 Moody’s Economy.com as first among America’s 363 metropolitan areas for projected economic growth between 2007 and 2012, and Forbes’ June listing of Mobile as one of 10 cities best positioned for recovery.

The article was published in the Aug. 1, 2009, issue of The Economist.

Worth a Look. That’s the category that recognized Mobile in the “Top Undiscovered Towns for Retirees” awards given by Retirement Lifestyles magazine in its recent quarterly edition.

Mobile was one of the largest cities chosen, said Dan Owens, publisher and executive editor of the national publication for and about retirees with a following of 100,000 readers. “We think our readers should definitely consider Mobile as one of the places to retire.”

Cities were located in 10 Southern states and were awarded based on educational opportunities, quality of life, income and housing factors, cultural and historical offerings and other amenities attractive to current and future retirees.

Top honors went to Conway, Ark., followed by Meridian, Miss., Opelika, Ala., Franklin, N.C., and Lexington, S.C. The remaining top 10 included Abingdon, Va., Oak Ridge, Tenn., Opelousas, La., Kerrville, Texas, and Fort Pierce, Fla. Huntsville was also listed in the “Worth a Look” category.

4

10.09

W&O’s Distribution Manager John Wilson has a little more space to oversee since the company moved to its new location off Rangeline Road. The company increased its space from 11,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet.

W&O officials announced its Mobile operations relocated to a new 40,000-square-foot facility on Rangeline Road with nearly triple the space of its former Brookley location.

“We’ve basically outgrown our space, and this new facility allows us to better serve our maritime customers along the Central Gulf Coast,” said Debbie Garner, manager of W&O’s regional branches.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., the company is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of marine valves, pipes, fittings engineered products and valve automation solutions. W&O has maintained a Mobile presence for 20 years, serving customers

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

from Gulfport, Miss., to Panama City, Fla. “Mobile’s strong economic climate combined with W&O’s industry expertise and innovative maritime solutions we have helped the company increase its customer base and grow its revenue by more than 30 percent in the Mobile area, facilitating the expansion and relocation of the Mobile operations,” said Jack Guidry, W&O president and chief executive officer.

The new facility is more environmentally friendly and includes lighting and HVAC upgrades and more greenery.

With 13 local employees, the Mobile operation is one of 17 worldwide, 15 in the U.S. and two in Europe.

• Positive Business News When You Need It • Positive Business News When You Need It • Positive Business News When You Need It

an Use Bringing it Home to Mobile Aker Solutions announced plans to create 30 new jobs and invest an additional $2.3 million in its Mobile Middle Bay Port operation.

“These are outsourced jobs moving back here,” said Marc Quenneville, Aker’s vice president, at a recent Mobile County Industrial Development Authority meeting.

Aker, a leading provider of engineering and construction services, manufactures umbilicals and other sub-sea equipment used to extract oil and gas beneath the ocean floor.

The company is moving a portion of its manufacturing to Mobile from Malaysia, as well as refurbishment operations previously subcontracted in Louisiana. In addition, Aker is increasing its local storage and warehouse capabilities that currently exist in Houston.

The Mobile operation employs 155, with hiring of the new positions, estimated with annual salaries of $87,000, beginning soon.

Aker was named the Mobile Area Chamber’s 2008 Manufacturer of the Year and was recently recognized as the Business Council of Alabama’s Medium Manufacturer of the Year.

Ready. Willing. Able.

On a muggy August evening, it was evident a heavy stream of optimism continues in Mobile about winning the U.S. Air Force tanker project once again.

Mike Cosentino, EADS North America KC-45 project director, spoke to the Mobile Area Chamber’s economic development investors, Partners for Growth, and elected officials, asserting that the refueling tankers are badly needed and, EADS and its partner, Northrop Grumman are awaiting the opportunity to rebid the project.

“If the RFP says ‘best value,’ then we win again,” Cosentino said. “We have the most modern, most versatile, most reliable, most cost-effective tanker with the lowest risk.”

Delayed since June, EADS officials believe the official bid package will be released after Labor Day (and after The

Business View went to press). “This time we will have to be even more vigilant, have a smarter proposal and a better price,” he said, explaining that as part of the protest process Boeing initiated after losing the first competition, the EADS competitor now knows “how we beat them the first time, including our product and our price.”

If the project stays on its projected time line and next summer it is announced that Northrop Grumman/EADS wins again, and the 100 days passes without an additional protest, the first tanker could be rolling on the runway at Brookley in 2014. “That’s a lot of ifs, but we remain confident and committed to our project in Mobile,” said Troy Wayman, the Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

Mobile’s future in building a new fleet of refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force continues to be a topic of interest. Mike Cosentino (fourth from left) with EADS North America spoke to the Mobile Area Chamber’s Partners for Growth economic development investors about the latest bid process. Pictured with Cosentino are Cheryl Thompson, Alabama Power; Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber; David Trent, Airbus Engineering; Sandy Stimpson, Gulf Lumber and Chamber Chairman; and Bill Sisson, Mobile Airport Authority.

The Absolute Best Point Clear’s Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa earned the top rating among Marriott and JW Marriott Hotels’ 50 international spas, according to an independent thirdparty survey. The Grand, part of the resort collection on the Robert Trent Jones Golf A recent survey ranked the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort’s spa Trail, also ranked No. 1 as the best among all Marriott hotels. in last year’s North inflicted to its surroundings, was closed American survey. after Hurricane Katrina until April 2006.

“The training and experience of our The 20,000-square-foot facility has 40 staff, the beautiful location, our unusual employees and includes an indoor pool and treatments combined with a good Mobile fitness center. attitude makes them No. 1 in the world,” A second Alabama Marriott property said Bill Lang, public relations director for also ranked in the top 10. Marriott Shoals PCH Hotels and Resorts. The facility’s most Hotel and Spa in Florence came in at No. 7. requested service is the aromatic warm Other top-rated properties are located in stone massage and signature Grand facial, and its most unusual service is the ASHIATSU Princeton, N.J., Orlando, Fla., Scottsdale, Ariz., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Ontario, Canada, (deep tissue) barefoot massage, according New Castle, N.H., Marco Island, Fla., and to Lang.

Denver, Colo.

The Grand Hotel’s spa opened in May 2002, and though it escaped damage

Reliability - For 173 years, the Mobile Area Chamber has worked to make our area the best place to start, manage and grow your business.

Quality - Last year, the U.S. Chamber

of Commerce awarded the Mobile Area Chamber its highest five-star accreditation, for the second consecutive five-year period.

Value - For as little as 83 cents a day, your Chamber membership yields a return in: • Business assistance; • Professional development seminars and counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests, and more more.

– a Significant Return on Your Investment www.mobilechamber.com You’ll see this symbol

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

The Business View | 10.09

5

The Insurance Conundrum

Reining in Costs and Expanding Coverage on the Coast

I

n the years since Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, local businesses and their employees continue to face on going increases in property insurance rates and difficulty obtaining coverage. Many of these individuals were dropped or denied insurance by their carrier, though they have never filed a hurricanerelated claim.

As the year moves from the end of another hurricane season to the start of a new legislative session, The Business View examines the issues and challenges facing insurance reform in south Alabama.

State Sen. Ben Brooks is a leading advocate of insurance reform who works with other members of the Mobile-Baldwin legislative delegation to find a solution to the insurance conundrum. He is quick to point out that the common problem facing both commercial and residential coverage is the lack of competition in the industry.

“Prices are high, and there are just not enough companies willing to write coverage in the coastal zones. Without a strong supply, there is no competition for the business,” explained Brooks.

Tommy Praytor, president of Praytor Realty Co., agrees prices and availability of insurance continue to be a pressing problem for the region. “It hurts the competitiveness of real estate deals south of I-10, compared to those north of the line.”

He added, “While we have seen rates fall in recent months, premiums are still 40 to 50 percent higher than they were before Ivan and Katrina.” Praytor noted small business and commercial tenants are hit with a double whammy – while lease prices go up to allow for the pass-through of increased rates, businesses also pay the increases in their individual policies. “Mom and Pop places are having trouble keeping up,” Praytor said.

The importance of affordable and available insurance and the call to address the issue are not lost on state representatives and senators who represent Mobile and Baldwin counties. In the last two legislative sessions, a variety of bills to improve property insurance coverage were introduced and debated, and more are expected this coming year. As elected officials work to find ways to open up the markets in coastal Alabama and make it more attractive for companies to write policies in coastal zones, they hope to 6

10.09

A number of businesses located south of I-10 are struggling with how to insure their operations. The Mobile Area Chamber expects the issue to be a top concern during the coming 2010 legislative session.

model an approach to insurance that has been widely praised in South Carolina.

Brooks explained, “While the South Carolina legislation was done in one large omnibus bill, we are looking to accomplish elements of a similar reform in pieces.”

One key piece of reform is the restructuring of the Alabama Underwriting Insurance Association, better known as the “wind pool.” Funded by policyholders for initial property loss, Alabama insurance companies are statutorily liable for loss once the funds within the pool are exhausted. Under the proposed restructure, companies have less of an obligation to the pool’s deficits if they write more policies in the at-risk coastal zones. By providing an incentive for companies to reach out to areas previously not considered for coverage, consumers gain a broader selection of property insurers. “The legislation encourages private carriers to return to the marketplace, providing more availability and competition in those zones,” said Brooks.

Another significant piece of insurance reform is the ability to infuse capital financing into captive insurance programs in Alabama. Following recommendations made by a state task force after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, captive insurance program legislation, or the ability of an association or group of similar entities to come together to form their own insurance company, was passed. According to Brooks, this next step “looks for ways to capitalize captive insurance. As a captive company continues to grow, the loaned capital could be returned to the state.”

Brooks does not hesitate to call this an insurance crisis. “If we had a loss of 50

percent in property claims in Mobile and Baldwin counties today, or $1 billion worth of damage to properties in the Alabama wind pool, more than $700 million would have to be levied against Alabama carriers,” Brooks said. “We can’t sit still with our

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

head in the sand and think that doing nothing is a solution. We must continue to push forward.”

The Mobile Area Chamber’s governmental affairs committee backs the legislative push for insurance reform.

“Reasonable and available insurance coverage is a major issue for members of the Chamber,” said Owen Bailey, governmental affairs committee chairman and executive vice president of Infirmary Health System. Like Brooks, Bailey expects insurance reform to once again be a top issue during the 2010 legislative session.

“As we aim for effective market-driven solutions, we appreciate the dedication and hard work the Mobile-Baldwin delegation has given this issue.”

Progress is being made. Earlier this year, legislation passed that allowed for an insurance premium discount or insurance rate reduction for owners who build, rebuild or retrofit an insurable property to better resist a hurricane. Of that step forward, Brooks concluded, “Just like it took years to create the problem, it will take many more to pull ourselves out of it.”

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

7

Go to mobilechamber.com/awards to submit a Small Business of the Month nomination, or contact Danette Richards at 431-8652 or drichards@mobilechamber.com.

S

mall Business of the Month

Walks and Wags After losing their home and business to Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans natives Cindie and Larry Carter relocated to Mobile. The Carters opened Walks and Wags at 631 Azalea Road, in 2005. The company is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

The company provides services targeted to dog lovers, including boarding, walking, sitting services and even dog parties. The most unique service offered is doggie day care, aimed at pet owners who work long hours or travel frequently. Doggie day care is available four days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Much like two-legged day care, doggie day care follows a specific schedule of outside play, treats and a mid-day nap.

Participating dogs must have all vaccinations and tests.

A staff of four cares for about 85 dogs each week. According to Cindie Carter, it is important for people to understand that most bad canine behavior issues stem from lack of exercise and social interaction. “We get the dogs socialized in a group setting,

teach them good manners and take care of any aggressive issues with stimulation, interaction and exercise.”

Dog parties are offered at Walks and Wags or at an individual’s home. The staff does all the work, including decorations, entertainment and baking a dog-healthy cake or treats. The Carters are currently working on a plan for expansion of the facility that will include an indoor play area to use in bad weather and additional space for boarding dogs.

Carter said the best business advice she received was “put yourself in the customer’s shoes if you want to have a successful business.” She added, “Customer service is everything. I believe in going the extra mile to do what I call the ‘and then some.’”

Carter is an active member of the Women’s Business Center Alliance and received this year’s “Rising Star Award.”

For more information, visit Walks and Wags at www.walksandwags.com or call 643-1615.

Pictured (l-r) are Cindie Carter, Larry Carter, Claire Zitsos and Katie Colvin with Doggie Day Care participants Maisy, Buster and Pugsley.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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8/10/09 The Business View | 10.09

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4:05 PM

And the Winner is...

Chamber Announces 12th Annual Eagle Awards Each year, the Mobile Area Chamber recognizes five minority-owned businesses by presenting an Eagle Award to companies that have shown significant growth and promoted community activities. Winners are selected based on a set of criteria including being headquartered in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington counties and having a solid financial base producing increases in revenue or employee growth.

Additionally, companies must be in business a minimum of three years and display a commitment to community service.

Now in its 12th year, the following 2009 Eagle Award winners will be recognized at an awards reception hosted by the Mobile Area Chamber and Mobile Area Water & Sewer System on Thursday, Oct. 8, 6 - 8 p.m. at Bishop State Community College, Baker Gaines – Central Campus.

Crosby Catering Type of Business: Food service/catering Chief: Bruce Crosby, owner Address: 2171 Good St., Mobile AL 36617 Telephone: 251-721-5572 Employees: 1

Twenty-two years in the food service and hotel and restaurant management industry armed Bruce Crosby with the knowledge to open Crosby Catering in 2007. The Alabama State University graduate gained his cooking expertise

and culinary skills under Chef Gilhardt Brill, former president of the Culinary Institute of America. After just one year in business, Crosby’s company grew to include full-service catering and became a major competitor in the local catering industry. Crosby Catering is currently the food service provider for Ryla Inc., serving that company’s more than 1,400 employees. In an effort to give back to the community, Crosby is active with local churches, brotherhood outreach and creating new jobs.

Hixardt Technologies Inc. Type of Business: Information technology consulting and network infrastructure Chief: Michael Hicks Jr., president/CEO Address: 2227 Bear Fork Road

Mobile, AL 36612 Telephone: 850-439-3282 Employees: 16 Website: www.hixardt.com

Founded in 2001 in Pensacola, Fla., Hixardt Technologies Inc. provides information technology consulting, design and network infrastructure for businesses of all sizes. Hixardt Technologies functions

as each client’s IT department, offering the ability to monitor remotely or provide onsite support. The company helps its customers by providing quality service, delivering results and enhancing their bottom line. Working primarily in the Southeast, Hixardt’s President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Hicks is a member of numerous community boards, and the company provides free IT support for Santa Rosa Kids, a safe house for abused children.

Small’s Mortuary Inc. Type of Business: Funeral home Chief: Caracher Small Jr., president Address: 950 S. Broad St., Mobile and

7000 Bellingrath Road, Theodore Telephone: 251-431-0559 Employees: 4 Website: www.smallsmortuary.com

Providing funeral services for the Mobile area with two locations – Broad Street and Bellingrath Road – Small’s Mortuary began in 2002 with the idea of bringing new resources and a higher standard of funeral 10

10.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

services to clients. Led by President Caracher (CJ) Small Jr., the mortuary has been recognized for the comfort, commitment and continued relations it provides families.

Small’s prides itself on being distinctive, dedicated, diligent and dignified in the many amenities it offers. One such offering is an annual holiday memorial service hosted by the mortuary. Each December, families honor the memory of loved ones through support, prayer, music and spiritual encouragement. In the community, Small’s employees help feed the homeless and support local churches and schools.

Turner Distribution Co. Type of Business: Retail and distribution Chief: Dale Turner, president Address: 24443 Avalon Blvd.

Daphne, AL 36526 Telephone: 251-625-8688 Employees: 2 Website: www.turnerdc.com

After many years of working in the promotional business, Dale Turner, president of Turner Distribution Co., launched his own business in 2006. The Alabama-based company provides multiple

lines of business products including business furniture, custom print, promotional products, embroidered apparel, general office supplies and janitorial/sanitation supplies. Turner Distribution Co. partners with more than 4,300 companies nationally to provide more than 800,000 promotional items. Turner Distribution works closely with each customer to build a long-term relationship. In addition to continually expanding the company’s offerings, Turner promotes conducting business with local firms to keep jobs in the community.

Water & Waste Specialties LLC Type of Business: Delivery and sale of wastewater chemicals Chief: Derek O. Gillis, president Address: P.O. Box 746, Theodore, AL 36590 Telephone: 251-653-4300 Employees: 7 Website: www.waterandwastellc.net

In the business to provide clean water in the safest conditions possible, Water & Waste Specialties supplies water service to municipalities, wastewater treatment facilities, contractors and small businesses in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Started in 1976, this Theodore-

World-Class R&B Manager Mathew Knowles is Eagle Speaker The founder of Destiny’s Child, the most successful “girl group” in the history of pop music, will be the keynote speaker at the 12th Annual Eagle Awards. Mathew Knowles, father of R&B singer Beyoncé and president of Music World Entertainment, will speak Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bishop State Community College, BakerGaines Central Campus.

Knowles is the latest in a series of prominent African-American leaders from around the country to address the annual event, hosted by the Mobile Area Chamber to recognize the accomplishments of minority-owned businesses.

Led by Knowles, Music World Entertainment is an entertainment and music conglomerate that includes record labels, artist and producer management, staff producers, artist development, Master catalog series, and investment and property holdings.

In addition to Destiny’s Child, Knowles has guided the careers of Earth, Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Chaka Khan, Mario,

Trin-i-tee 5:7, Lyfe Jennings, Katy Shotter and 2Much, as well as the solo careers of Beyoncé, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland.

As a business leader and music executive, Knowles has garnered numerous awards for his achievements and was recently named the 2007 International Executive of the Year by the Greater Houston Partnership.

“Mathew Knowles quit his six-figure job to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship before he hit it big with Destiny’s Child,” said Darrell Randle, Chamber vice president small business development. “His faith and relentless desire to succeed made him a successful businessman, but his willingness to give back and to help others succeed is why he was chosen as the 2009 Eagle Awards speaker.”

Tickets for the event are $50 for Chamber members, $55 for potential members or $500 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com.

based company came under new management in 2007 with new President Derek Gillis.

Continuing the company’s quality service, Water & Waste Specialties offers competitive pricing and reliable and professional service.

With more than 30 years experience, the business utilizes a variety of chemicals for water treatment and strives to be the best municipal and wastewater chemical distribution company in the south. Active in the Mobile County Public School System, namely Mobile County Training School and Blount High School, the company sponsors numerous events for parents and students.

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and Mobile Area Water & Sewer System present the

Featuring Keynote Speaker

Mathew Knowles R&B Manager and President of World Entertainment Group

Tickets: Chamber members $50 or $500 for table of 10 Non-members $55 or $550 for table of 10

Thursday, October 8, 2009 Bishop State Community College Baker Gaines Central Campus 6:00 p.m. dinner and awards presentation Sponsored by: AT&T, G1 Mechanical, Commonwealth National Bank, Parker Adult Foster Homes Inc., Volkert & Associates Inc. and FOX10.

For more information, visit www.mobilechamber.com or call 251-431-8607.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

The Business View | 10.09

11

In a perfect world, you would never need us.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world.

Litigation has unfortunately become a part of doing business.

With over 70 lawyers, we are one of the largest law firms in the state of Alabama. More than half of the firm’s lawyers engage in full-time litigation and trial work. We give our clients decades of experience in all types of litigation matters.

Our trial lawyers stand ready to save you time, money, and possibly your business.

birmingham

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foley

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www.handarendall.com No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Contact: T. Bruce McGowin, Esq., RSA Tower, Suite 30200, 11 North Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602.

12

10.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

HAN-09-31.BUS.View.rope.indd 1

8/19/09 1:36:14 PM

First Community Bank

Celebrates Centennial

Small regional bank makes a name for itself among the larger institutions wanting to support children’s programming,” In celebration of its 100th anniversary, said Nancy Anlage, program and special First Community Bank could have events coordinator for the Mobile Public launched a year-long feel-good marketing Library. “They have been with us all the way.” campaign focusing on its long-standing As part of its centennial, First legacy in Washington County, its entrée into Community hosted a reading contest for the Mobile area market, and what the children in Chatom this summer, with future holds for the bank. And for a bank more than 100 participating. And in with more than $335 million in assets, it Mobile, First Community is supporting might have been well received. author Stephanie Tolan’s daylong visit here But that’s not First Community Bank. for school-aged children in both public and Instead, it launched a humorous campaign private schools. featuring two plastic dinosaur characters as In the last decade, Davis said the bank part of the bank’s ongoing brand of being has contributed around $500,000 to support “un-big” in a market flooded with big different community events and projects, all banks. It’s truly untraditional marketing for designed to build community awareness of a bank, which is just how bank President First Community, and to support legacy and CEO Glen Davis likes it. projects that have a direct impact on the “We have to differentiate ourselves from families living in southwest Alabama. the others,” said Davis. And the marketing Davis said the long-term plan is for First campaign created by Red Square Agency, First Community Bank President/CEO Glen Davis (left) shares a handshake with Community to maintain and grow its Chairman of the Board Stanley Moore, as Board Member Susan Turner finishes the employed by the bank since 2003, is working. first cut of the bank’s 100th anniversary cake following an August luncheon for presence in southwest Alabama, and for the Assets have more than doubled since 2001, directors and shareholders. bank to retain its ownership and presence and the company’s local market share is right where it is today. growing.

So how does a bank that Davis describes in 1999 and Cottage Hill Road in 2002.

“In 2002 as we were opening West as “small” avoid some of the pitfalls many Regional, First Community came to us Today, First Community has 10 offices and of their big brothers are facing now? Davis ATMs in Mobile, Baldwin and Washington thinks a decision made in 1984 should be counties. credited for turning First Community Bank Davis said the company’s market niche in the right direction. is in small-to-medium commercial carpe diem Before 1984, First Community Bank had customers, as well as an enhanced retail all of its roots in Washington County, presence in the local market. The bank has located just north of Mobile County. At the encountered some challenges as the time, a group of shareholders wanted national economy experiences a recession, to move in the Mobile yet Davis said there is County market and very little exposure in sought to purchase an We want the flexibility its loan portfolio. In already established fact, the bank made a to do what we branch, Davis said. decision earlier this They wanted a bank year to apply for TARP need to do without in Mount Vernon, and money, and it was First Alabama Bank more government approved. Davis said sold First Community the shareholders regulations. that location with the then decided First Printing with us ensures a agreement they’d also Community was winning game plan. purchase the Citronelle branch. strong enough not to take part in the No fumbles involved.

Stakeholders agreed, and today the federal stimulus program. He was proud of Citronelle location has been First this decision.

Community’s most successful branch in the “Our bank has enough governmental last decade. influence,” he said. “We want the flexibility The bank’s core remains in Washington to do what we need to do without more County, said Davis. First Community was government regulations.” started in Chatom in 1909 as Chatom State Some of that flexibility includes the Bank. It became First Community about the community programs First Community time the bank began moving into the Mobile supports. And for the bank, and its 97 market. employees, literacy projects remains a top As the Mount Vernon and Citronelle priority. The bank has been an active locations became more successful, First supporter of the Mobile Public Library – At the Loop | 251.476.4643 | mh3printing.com Community opened a Saraland office in specifically its West Regional branch and 1998, followed by one in Zeigler Circle the Washington County Public Library – for (Zeigler Boulevard and Schillinger Road) many years.

MH3 football ad.indd 1

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

8/31/09 5:18:45 PM

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The Business View | 10.09

13

Culture Clash As Four Generations Crowd the Workplace, It’s All About Understanding Attitudes

I

t’s no secret. A greater number of older Americans are staying in the workforce.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1.1 million people are working past age 74, up from 750,000 a decade ago. While the economy is forcing some individuals to keep working, others are staying because they are living longer, healthier lives.

As Americans delay retirement, four distinct generations – Veterans (born 19251945), Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965-1985) and Millennials/Generation Y (born 1981-2000) 14

10.09

are colliding in the workplace, causing a rare phenomenon of clashing work attitudes and motivational factors.

“I’ve retired once already and came back to work for a couple of personal reasons,” said Tom Sweeney, 63, a medical laboratory scientist for Springhill Medical Center’s lab. Sweeney is on the cusp between Veteran and Baby Boomer. In the hospital’s lab department, he works with individuals from all generations.

“Four generations working together at the same time has happened in the past, and it is not really new for some familyowned businesses, but most of the older generations held the same attitudes toward working, so there was no problem,” said Cam Marston, author of Motivating the Workforce – What’s In It for Me?, national

speaker and president of Mobile-based Generational Insight. “The new generations (X and Millennials) have a different attitude about work, and there lies the clashing point between the generations.”

With Veterans and Baby Boomers choosing not to retire, and Millennials entering a workplace already populated by Generation Xers, Marston said common points of conflict may arise in three areas: teamwork, time and retention.

Teamwork is an issue because Boomers tend to want to include everyone on a team to complete a project no matter how long it takes, while a Generation X employee may not feel obligated to spend more than 40 hours a week working.

Lyn Austin, 47, assistant director of Springhill Hospital’s lab and Sweeney’s

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

co-worker, laughs as she agrees with being a typical Boomer who talks things out.

“Yes, I like committees and getting together and talking about things,” she said. “Being a part of a committee can bring creditability to you and the committee.”

According to Marston, time is the second issue facing a multi-generational workforce. Older generations typically feel the company owns the time it takes an employee to finish a job, whether at work or not. Generation X and Millennials may feel they rent their time out to a company for 40 hours a week. “If employees are required to stay after hours for a meeting, then the younger generation employee will be more inclined to ask for that time back on another day,” explained Marston.

That’s the case for Rebecca Hutcheson, 32, a lab tech and Generation X employee who prefers keeping her work and home life separate. “I wouldn’t want to work from home even if there was a lab there because I wouldn’t be able to get away from it when I need to,” she said.

While Hutcheson emphasized her work is important, so are her friends and her time off.

Retention is another difference, according to Marston. Veterans and Boomers tend to feel loyalty to a company, while younger generations are frequently loyal to a person. “Generation X tends to be more eager to find leaders in a company who have proven themselves as a leader, not just because of someone’s title,” said Marston. “Millennials are looking for someone to help them get to where they want to be.”

When it comes to working in the hospital lab, James Lindsey, 22, medical laboratory technician and a Millennial, models many characteristics of his generation. Lindsey, who moved from Ocean Springs, chose the job because its location offered him something personally.

“Mobile is close to home and my family and friends, close to school and to the beach. I would have to really look at what some other place had to offer before I moved,” he said.

Having four generations in the workplace can be a positive rather than a negative. Hutcheson pointed out that each of her co-workers adds a unique perspective to the job. Marston agreed, saying it’s all about appreciating attitudes. “Each generation needs to know about the others and make the effort to reach out to each other,” said Marston. “It should start with management reaching out to engage the younger generations. Once the hand is extended, change can happen quickly to open doors for employers and employees.”

GENERATIONAL VALUES According to Marston, recognizing each generation’s different attitudes toward work can be the key to balance and productivity. To do this, each generation can be identified by certain

Veterans/Traditionalists/Silent

workplace characteristics. The charts below represent some of the characteristics of each generation. Each list is not inclusive and may or may not apply to all members of the generation.

Baby Boomers

Generation X

Dates 1925 - 1945 1946 - 1964

Work is… an obligation. an exciting adventure.

Feedback No news is good news.

Once a year, with lots of

documentation.

Rewards Satisfaction in a job well done.

Want money and

title recognition

Balance Support me in shifting Help me balance everyone else

the balance. and find meaning myself.

Messages “Your experience is respected.”

“You are valued and needed.” that Motivate

Generation Y/Millennials

1965 - 1980

a difficult challenge; a contract.

Sorry to interrupt, but how am I doing?

Freedom is the best reward.

1981 - 2000 a means to an end; fulfillment.

Feedback whenever I want it at the push of a button Meaningful work

Give me balance now, not when I’m 65.

Work isn’t everything; flexibility to balance my activities is.

“Do it your way and forget the rules.”

“You will work with other bright and creative people.”

In which direction should your fan blow?

MONEY-SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No. 20

BECOME A FAN OF THE FAN.

If your fan has a reversible switch, make sure you’ve got it on the right setting. Now, there is a lot of debate about what the “right setting” is, but here is my take on things.

By Jamie Sandford Alabama Power Company

Ceiling fans do more than just move air around. They help your air conditioner or heating system work more effectively, keeping you comfortable in both summer and winter, while reducing your energy bills.

Don’t touch that dial.

Just two degrees above 78 (in the summer) can reduce your air conditioning energy use by up to 10%.

If you ask me, ceiling fans are one of the

And, let me tell you, those 3 or 4 degrees

most underrated, underutilized energy

will make a big difference on your power bill.

efficiency devices. And yet they can make

In fact, each degree above that can decrease

a room feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler than the

your power bill significantly. Wow. Now you

setting on the air conditioner. Now, we

know why I’m such a fan of the fan.

In the summer, your blades should be rotating counterclockwise, so that you can feel cool air being pushed down on you.

recommend keeping your thermostat set on 78 in the summer. Some people find 78 to be a little too warm. But with a ceiling fan, you

For more tips on ceiling fans, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.

can keep that thermostat on 78 and the room will feel like it’s on 74 or 75.

In the winter, you want those blades rotating in a clockwise direction, which causes the hot air up near the ceiling to be redistributed to lower parts of the room. ©2009 Alabama Power Company

POWI-1952 Tip20-Fan.indd 1

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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7/30/09 10:00 AM

The Business View | 10.09

15

During challenging times, your priorities and ours are a lot alike.

We’re all working hard to take care of our customers and do the right thing. That’s what led Hancock Bank to say no to bank bailouts—and stay focused on helping business owners, their companies and their families stay strong.

Whether you’re preparing your business to take advantage of the recovery ahead, seeking guidance on how to maximize or leverage your assets, or planning how to transition into retirement, let Hancock Bank put our strength

to work for you. You haven’t stopped thinking about the future, and neither have we.

To learn more, contact me today.

Member FDIC

1-866-744-8801 • HancockBankAL.com • Five convenient Mobile and Eastern Shore locations

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HAN 12567-1 Biz Ad Mobile Biz View - No Jerry Photo (8.5” x 11”) __________Spell Check ________Prod. Artist ________Art Dir. ________Copywriter ________Copy Editor________Creative Dir.

10.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

________Design Dir. ________Prod. Mgr. ________Acct. Exec. ________Acct. Supv. _____________________________________________Client ________________Date

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Website

T

The Chamber’s home page, www.mobilechamber.com, is the gateway for doing business, employment, visiting, events and much more. The site averages approximately 350,000 hits per month and provides members and guests with a plethora of information. In the following pages, readers will find the key to unlocking valuable tools and resources. But dive deeper, there’s more than you think…

The Chamber is an advocate for business. Click here to find out more about us and our resources for small business owners.

Who’s talking about Mobile? Click here for the latest business news and photos.

Want to join the Chamber?

It’s easy. Click here.

Got a question?

Ask us here.

Visiting Mobile?

Click here for a list of activities.

Doing Business links visitors to www.mobilebayregion.com, a comprehensive economic development site about the Mobile Bay region.

Click here for employment links for employers and job seekers.

TOP 10

Most Popular Hits to www.mobilechamber.com (2009) 1. Home Page 2. Economic Overview 3. Employment Links 4. Relocation 5. Contact Us 6. Alabama’s Exporters List 7. The Business View 8. The Business View Weekly 9. Visiting Mobile 10. Guide to Mobile

Relocating to Mobile?

Find out all you need to know by clicking here.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

Come to a Chamber event and meet other area professionals. Click here to learn more about Chamber events.

The Business View | 10.09

17

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Website

Doing Business The Mobile Bay website gives visitors detailed insight on why Mobile is ranked one of the nation’s top growing metro areas. Here, explore the cost of doing business; see a list of diverse businesses; and investigate the area’s numerous transportation avenues.

In addition to an economic profile, market access of infrastructure and workforce statistics, the Mobile Bay site outlines the benefits of choosing Mobile.

Visit the Map Room and visualize the Mobile area’s strengths as a business location by clicking on the numerous local maps.

Relocation The economic overview provides an in-depth look at the area and includes information about employment, real estate and cost of living.

Relocate to Mobile contains information for visitors wanting to learn more about the area and activities.

Diving deeper into quality of life takes visitors to information about the area’s history, museums, education, parks and performing arts.

Visiting Visiting Mobile has something for everyone looking for special city of Mobile events, hotel and restaurant guides and other links of interest.

Hotel and Restaurant guides list Chamber member options for staying overnight or enjoying an evening of fine dining.

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Find out about Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration at this comprehensive page about its history and future dates.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Website

The Chamber Explore each Chamber department and visit links such as Small Business, where you can find a network of resources and programs designed to build a cohesive base for small businesses.

A business advocate and member organization, the Mobile Area Chamber has much to offer its members and specialized departments focus on numerous business activities.

Chamber publications offer online access to the Chamber’s monthly magazine, The Business View and The Business View Weekly e-mail.

Join the Chamber The Chamber has several meeting rooms available for rent. Depending on the size needed, there’s a room to accommodate from two to 75.

Not a member? Want to become a member? It’s easy.

Read about member benefits, Chamber events and more here or at Join.mobilechamber.com

For members, the Chamber hosts many member-tomember discounts.

Contact Us

The Chamber’s Board of Advisors is a popular site listing the more than 248 member companies who are on our Board.

One of the top visited pages on the site, Contact Us breaks down each Chamber department with contact information on staff.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

19

Website Affiliates As a business advocate, the Mobile Area Chamber works in conjunction with many organizations on a variety of initiatives. With each group focusing on diverse industries, the affiliate may target member organizations with common issues and concerns affecting that specific industry, such as healthcare or oil

MBEC Alabama

Bay Area Healthcare Coalition www.bayareahealthcarecoalition.com

The Bay Area Health Care Coalition is a group of regional healthcare administrators and professionals working to promote their professions. The coalition works in conjunction with the Mobile Area Chamber to host the Health Occupations Career Fair and the Summer Scrubs program for high school students.

Health Occupations Career Fair

www.healthoccupationscareerfair.com

The Health Occupations Career Fair is an interactive healthcare fair featuring real health professionals teaching Mobile and Baldwin County high school 9th, 10th and 11th graders about their jobs and careers. This hands-on medical fair includes interaction with professionals in nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, surgery and emergency management.

Summerscrubs.com

www.summerscrubs.com

Summer Scrubs is a week-long intensive career exploration opportunity for rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students in Mobile and Baldwin counties who are considering careers in healthcare.

Find out how students qualify and sign up.

and gas. From the Chamber’s website, the organization has generated 11 different sites describing each initiative and group objective.

As coalitions and technology groups, these web affiliates are just a part of the networking and professional development benefits of being a Chamber member.

www.mbecalabama.org

Minority businesses are vital to the progress of economic development and workforce development.

The Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC), a program of the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, employs a comprehensive strategy that includes a nationwide network of business assistance resources.

Mobile Bay Region

www.mobilebayregion.com

Mobile is ranked one of the nation’s top growing metro areas and best places to live.

The site explores the low cost of doing business, diverse business base, availability of professional and skilled jobs, intermodal transportation hub and quality lifestyle to attract people and businesses to the area.

Mobile Commerce Park

www.mobilecommercepark.com

Mobile Commerce Park, an upscale business park, offers an ideal location for headquarters, offices and distributors.

The site off Highway 90, in west Mobile, describes the park’s many benefits and assets for companies to locate.

Envision Coastal Alabama www.envisioncoastalalabama.org

Since its inception, Envision Coastal Alabama has served as the foundation for successful regional planning efforts to unify and strengthen the future of coastal Alabama. The site gives an overview of the group’s mission, accomplishments, news and events.

Offshore Alabama www.offshorealabama.com

Touting the Mobile Bay’s resources and infrastructure assets, Offshore Alabama was created to show solidarity for the oil and gas industries and includes a listing of its diverse members from all marine industries.

Gulf Coast Technology Council www.gulfcoasttechnologycouncil.com

As the focal point for technology in south Alabama and the Central Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast Technology Council (GCTC) is helping transform the area’s economy to take advantage of strengths in three areas: software/information technology, engineering sciences and biomedicine/ biotechnology. The site list the group’s members, information about its scholarship program and more.

Hispanic Business Association www.habagc.org The Hispanic Business Association’s mission is to foster Hispanic economic and cultural development. Search current members and find out about upcoming events that bring this group together.

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Washington County Alabama

www.washingtoncountyal.com

The Washington County Economic Development Initiative works in partnership with the Mobile Area Chamber to promote the area north of Mobile County to new businesses.

Mobile Area Chamber Website By the Numbers

1992

– when the Chamber site started at www.mobcham.org

11

Number of Chamber affiliate Websites –

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

350,000 – number of

average hits per month

Number of pages viewed per month –

1,100

Tweeting, Blogging, Uploading and Networking – Keeping Chamber Members Tuned In

S

ocial media is a rapidly growing online communication tool allowing businesses to connect with clients 24-7.

Businesses are integrating social media into their marketing and communication strategies, and the Mobile Area Chamber is aggressively expanding its outreach. Today the Chamber uses Facebook, Twitter,

Linkedin, and YouTube and maintains its own blog.

“A year ago we were in the infancy stages of social media outreach,” said Leigh Perry Herndon, the Chamber’s vice president of communications. “Today we’re tweeting during press conferences, promoting our own events, uploading videos and networking online. We’re also keeping our eye on future trends to enhance our impact on the Mobile Bay region.”

In less than 12 months, 470 members joined the Chamber’s Facebook group. The group provides pictures, videos, member news updates and information about the organization’s weekly events.

Twitter is used to keep the Chamber’s 273 followers tuned in to daily happenings. The organization posts numerous tweets each day, including media updates, event info and member news updates.

Several Chamber staff members joined the business networking site, LinkedIn, where the group Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce exists so members can network with subgroups, discuss the Chamber’s role and the benefits of membership, as well as requests for specific publications.

The Chamber’s YouTube channel includes a link to the Chamber’s web site and 16 videos, including last year’s annual report video and award winners recognized such as the Small Business of the Year.

The Chamber also posts a blog on its newsroom at www.mobile chamber.com, where readers can see contributions from the organization’s management team. They discuss topics relevant to the business community, legislative updates and recent

business trips taken by staff.

“Social Networking is in its infancy.

We’re on the upward swing of the hype cycle,” said David Nour, social networking strategist for relationship economics. Though social media is still a new concept, it is already providing businesses with an additional opportunity to fulfill their goals and strategies.

How to find the Chamber on the web

facebook.com: Group - mobileareachamberofcommerce linkedin.com: Group - mobileareachamberofcommerce mobilechamber.com/chamberblog.asp twitter.com/MobileChamber

youtube.com/MobileChamber

Social Media Survey Results In a survey publicized in The Business View Weekly, the Mobile Area Chamber’s weekly e-newsletter, participants offered their input on social media usage.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

3.4% 9% 8.6%

12.1% |

21.7%

43.3%

22.9% 8.4%

3 Do you think your company updates its social media sites enough?

Yes 49.3%

No 50.7%

39%

2 If applicable, how often does your company update its social media sites?

Several times a day 16.7%

Once a day 12.8%

Once or twice a week 39.7%

Once or twice a month 12.8%

Never 5.1%

41.1% 34.3%

47%

63.8%

4 For business purposes, how would you rate the usefulness of the following social networking sites?

13.4% 7.2%

1 Name the social media sites your company has joined. Check all that apply.

Facebook 87%

MySpace 21.7%

Linkedin 40.6%

Twitter 60.9%

YouTube 33.3%

Flickr 14.5%

The Business View | 10.09

21

Social Media: Let’s Poke it with a Stick and See What it Does

By Rich Sullivan, president, Red Square Agency There’s a strong chance you’ve heard the term “social media” recently. While its adoption and growth is well documented, a ready descriptor remains elusive. Further, most advertisers and marketers are unsure how to make social media work for their brands. It’s like they are poking at a strange animal with a stick asking, “What is it?”

First, here’s my succinct definition: Social media is the means by which the populous has shifted from content consumer into content producer. The examples are diverse: blogs and microblogs (Twitter), social networking sites (LinkedIn and Facebook), multimedia file-sharing sites (Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo, Ustream), crowd sourcing sites (Wikipedia) and others.

For a better grasp on exactly what social media is, think for a minute about how the Internet has evolved from a static, passive medium – not unlike traditional media – into a truly interactive one, a medium wherein everyone can take part in a larger collective conversation.

The conversation is where the gold is buried for advertisers. It has long been said, “The best advertising is word of mouth.”

So we are now dealing with several platforms that allow word-of-mouth to spread instantaneously. Now what?

Consider these points when putting social media to work for you: • This is not a silver bullet. This media is not the end-all-be-all by any stretch, and the statistics support this. For instance, by one calculation, only about 4 percent of the population uses Twitter.

So don’t put all of your media eggs in the radio to be simply on the radio is okay. social media basket.

Being on Twitter to be simply on Twitter is • Integration is key. As you okay too. But you are going to be more evaluate your media mix, choose the social successful if you utilize media with an idea media tools that work for you. There are or concept that engages, entertains or hundreds of sites out there, so pick a few provokes. For Zea’s latest campaign, we’re to integrate into your overall media plan. communicating that their catering is so (Note: the most popular sites are popular good, you’ll find any excuse to order. So on for a reason. Ever Twitter we’ve created heard of Jaiku? How a feed that offers about Twitter? Go humorous, daily Integration is key. with Twitter.) excuses to not cook.

As you evaluate your • This is a Check it out: http:// participation twitter.com/ZeaToGo. media mix, choose medium. With Bottom line, you broadcast media, don’t like having social media tools that you launch a conversations with work for you. campaign. With boring people or social media, you salesmen, do you? begin a conversation Then don’t talk and you have to like that in your maintain it. This is not, as Ron Popeil advertising, traditional or otherwise. would say, “Set it and forget it.”

• Define what success is before • It is not “cheap.” Sure, you are you start. How do you know if social not going to outlay the kind of production media is working for you? What’s the ROI dollars associated with traditional media, for your business? In other words, is this but once you start incorporating social thing on? The answer varies depending on media into your routine, you will notice how you are using it (or whom you ask), that in order to get any benefit you will but it is key that you define what success have to devote a good deal of time keeping content fresh and taking part in conversations. Time is money, right?

• A concept would be nice. Most advertising isn’t liked because it doesn’t give the consumer credit for having intelligence. This goes for traditional media and nontraditional media. Being on the

would be before you begin implementation.

Are you looking to increase brand awareness? Are you interested in improving customer service? Would you like to establish yourself as an expert in a certain niche? All of these things can be accomplished through social media, but measurement of this success is purely qualitative. Personally, I prefer quantitative metrics like Web traffic and sales (not that there’s anything wrong with qualitative success). For instance, since our firm’s adoption and practice of social media for ourselves, our Web traffic has increased 300 percent, and now Twitter and Facebook account for approximately 20 percent of the overall traffic to our web site. Define what success is, and make it measurable.

• Welcome to the Wild, Wild West. I say this often about our business in general these days. Advertising and media are in a tremendous state of flux, and social media is nascent. Smart advertisers have to be agile and willing to experiment. If you aren’t, you can bet your competitor is.

Rich Sullivan is president of Red Square Agency in Mobile. He may be contacted at 476-1283 or by e-mail at rich@redsquareagency.com.

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Order online at www.rolypoly.com 22

10.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Put your website to the test.

“Having a website is one thing. Having it sell your product or services is another. In a down economy, companies need to increase web site traffic and focus on delivering stronger conversions in order to secure new customers. Search engine marketing and optimization (SEM & SEO) is cost-effective but can be complex. There are many variables which can influence a web site’s performance and ROI.“ Terry Edeker, President Pixallure Design, LLC

For a FREE web site analysis, call me at 432-6003 ext. 102.

Branding

Corporate Identity

Communications 251.432.6003

Interactive pixallure.com

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce AOC-09-55.bus.view.ad.indd 1

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The Business View | 10.098/13/09

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12:57:21 PM

B

usiness Spotlight of the Month

The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected at random from a business card drawing at the Mobile Area Chamber’s Business After Hours event.

Structure Design & Exhibits

Owner Kymberly Soulé stands beside a few life-sized trade show displays. Structure Design & Exhibits is a full-service trade show display company serving the Mobile and Pensacola area.

Owner: Kymberly Soulé Location: Mobile

Member since: 2008

Brief description of business: Structure Design & Exhibits specializes in trade show displays and graphics including tabletop and custom banner stands, tablecloths and promotional/specialty items. The Mobile-based company has served the Gulf Coast for more than 10 years.

What is unique or innovative about your business? Structure Design is the only full-service display house in the Mobile and Pensacola area with more than 23 years experience in the industry. The company also assists clients with marketing needs.

Most significant challenge: “As with all small businesses, our most significant challenge is managing our growth as well as staying ahead of the trends in our industry and keeping our clients informed,” said Soulé.

Phone number: 380-9300

D

Web site: www.displayondemand.com

iplomats of the Month

Networking and volunteering are not the only things Dorothy May and Lloyd Meyers have in common. The duo also shares the title of Mobile Area Chamber’s Diplomats of the Month.

May is the owner of The Gathering of Jewels, a women’s apparel boutique.

She joined the diplomats committee this year.

Meyers was recently named assistant director of athletic marketing for the University of South Alabama. Meyers 24

10.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

photos by Jeff Tesney

Dorothy May and Lloyd Meyers May

Meyers

has been a diplomat since 2007.

Both diplomats find listening to others in the business community vital to their businesses. They say Chamber networking events such as Business After Hours and Networking@Noon are ideal venues for them.

To Succeed, Stay Close to Your Customers and Closer to Your Employees

CEO

Donovan Scioneaux

By Jay Forte Mark is the store manager in a large retail store. Though times are tough, he has not had to lay off any employees, and his results continue to grow. How are his results so much better than others? He stays close to his customers. He knows what they need, want and value. He asks what inspires, engages and excites them. It is his job to know this; it keeps him connected and responsive.

Marie manages a team of 15 professionals.

Only one employee left in the last five years – because her husband was transferred to another state. Marie received 45 resumes for the vacated position, three times what others managers receive. Her department consistently outperforms all other departments and contributes more to company efficiency and profitability. How does she inspire great loyalty and performance? She stays connected to her employees. She knows what they need, want and value. She asks what inspires, engages and excites them. It is her job to know this; it keeps her connected and responsive.

The way to stay close to your customers and even closer to your employees is to learn how to ask great open-ended questions. Then, listen to the answers.

Show you care. Earn their trust. Give them reason to stay with you.

Consider these five “stay close to your customers and employees” questions. Ask. Listen. Think. Care. Respond.

For Customers: • What is the most important thing you look for in a retail (service, construction, manufacturing, etc.) business? How do we compare with this?

• Are we your first choice for products (service)? Why or why not?

Profile

Company: Verizon Wireless

• We pride ourselves on our extraordinary service. What is the most extraordinary thing we have done for you?

Why did this impress you?

• If we could improve just one thing, what would be the most meaningful thing for you? What would the benefit be for you?

• We are committed to creating a family here at (my company). Have we made you feel part of our family? How? For Employees: • What are you good at and what do you love to do? How do you get to do this (these) in your job?

• What are two things you need in the workplace to help you perform better?

• What makes you feel important, valued and part of our workplace family?

• What skills would help you feel more competent and confident in your job?

• What other responsibilities or jobs in the organization would you like to be involved in?

Employees are the key to extraordinary service; employees who are good at what they do and love doing it can provide the type of response that activates customer loyalty. A successful customer-focused organization is first an employee-focused organization. Stay close with your customers but stay closer with your employees. They are your eyes and ears to the customer world, your idea generators, your efficiency experts and your imagemakers. An employee who feels listened to, well supported and personally cared for will provide the same responses for the customer.

Title: Business Sales Manager Hometown: Vacherie, La. Education: Scioneaux holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. First job: From an early age, Scioneaux remembers his father’s advice, “You can have anything you want as long as you pay for it.” As a 12-year-old, Scioneaux’s first job was cleaning horse stables. He also cut grass, drove a tractor and caught crawfish.

Previous experience: Scioneaux’s professional experience is in sales and sales management. He said, “I have been in the wireless industry since 1996 working for such companies as Wireless One, Arch Communications and Alltel, which is now a part of Verizon Wireless.”

Career-changing moment: Moving to the Mobile area to take a district manager’s position with Arch Wireless, now US Mobility. “We purchased our first home in Daphne and now consider the Eastern Shore our home. This is where we want to retire and watch our kids grow.”

Accomplishments: Scioneaux recently participated in combining the business sales departments of Alltel and Verizon in the Mobile area while managing the two customer bases through a billing conversion.

Secret to success: “I try to surround myself with good people and serve them so they can achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential. If that happens, everything else will fall into place,” said Scioneaux.

Which historical figure would you like to invite to dinner and why?

“Ronald Reagan,” said Scioneaux. “He had such a great impact on our country and the world. So much so that even today we are impacted by the decisions he made, and changes that occurred during and after his administration.”

Family: Scioneaux and his wife Lee have two daughters.

Brief company description: Verizon Wireless is a leading provider of wireless services.

The company owns and operates the largest wireless telecommunication network in the United States. Verizon Wireless is a Top 20 Fortune 500 Company with more than 80,000 employees and 80 million subscribers.

Jay Forte is the author of “Fire Up! Your Employees and Smoke Your Competition.” As president of Humanetrics LLC, Forte provides talent-based hiring and management training to create high-productivity workplaces. For more information contact www.Humanetrics LLC.com or www.FireUpYour Employees.com or call 401-338-3505.

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Are you connected to the latest business news in the Mobile ⌦ area on a weekly basis? If not, then subscribe now for FREE by sending an e-mail to jwinfield@mobilechamber.com

251-443-7445 5865 Rangeline Rd. • www.safetysourceinc.com

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

25

Premier Medical Physicians ENT Physicians RONNIE E. SWAIN, MD W. CARTER BRYARS, JR., MD BARRY L. BROWN, MD WILEY H. JUSTICE, MD, FACS JAMES R. SPIRES, JR., MD JOHN S. WILSON, MD, FACS JAMES K. PITCOCK, MD P. VAN. CROCKER, MD MARK R. GACEK, MD ALFRED M. NEUMANN, JR., MD RONNIE E. SWAIN, JR., MD J. MARK HARRISON, MD Kimberly Elliott, MD Michael Lee, MD Audiology JIM MCDILL, PHD JENNIFER TAYLOR-GUY, AUD Eye Physicians JAMES M. HARRISON, JR., MD CLAUDE M. WARREN, III, MD ROLLINS L. TINDELL, JR., MD CHARLES R. SALISBURY, MD MATTHEW W. MOSTELLER, MD CHARLES S. MOSTELLER, MD RICHARD J. DUFFEY, MD H. CHRISTOPHER SEMPLE, MD ANDREW P. TERRY, MD STUART F. BALL, MD WILLIAM F. MURRAH, III, MD MARK J. DOUGLAS, MD CURTIS M. GRAF, JR., MD BEN F. KING, OD GREGORY R. JACKSON, OD ROBERT E. EDGE, OD VALERIE L. VICK, MD JAY A. BROWN, MD CHARLES F. JONES, M.D. JEFFERY A. MORROW, O.D. Chris Walton, MD

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

I

n v e stor Focus

Providence Hospital Company officials: Beth McFadden Rouse, board chair; Clark P. Christianson, president and chief executive officer; Jason Alexander, executive vice president/chief operating officer; Vince N. Formica, senior vice president/chief financial officer; Susan E. Breslin, vice president/chief nursing officer; Lynn Tate, vice president mission; David G. Powell, vice president operations and human resources; James L. Walker MD, vice president quality management; William M. Lightfoot MD, vice president medical services; and Adine B. Waddell, vice president and general counsel Years in business: 155 Brief company description: Providence Hospital, a 349-bed full-service hospital and member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest private not-for-profit and largest Catholic health system, cares for approximately 16,000 inpatients and 150,000 outpatients each year. Providence Hospital is Alabama’s and south Mississippi’s only affiliate of M.D. Anderson Physicians Network.

Why are you located in Mobile? The Daughters of Charity came to Mobile in 1841 to serve in an orphanage. In recognition of their dedicated service, the community began plans to build the Daughters a hospital, and on Aug. 15, 1854, the vicar general of the diocese and two Catholic laymen formed a board for Providence Infirmary. Within months, they built a two- and a half story, 60-bed facility. Today, Providence Hospital occupies a 277-acre campus in west Mobile.

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “Mobile is blessed to have an extraordinarily diverse economy, with opportunities in the maritime, industrial, educational, medical and technological sectors,” said Christianson.

“Our strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico and at the junction of two major Providence Hospital occupies a 277-acre campus in interstate highways, our strong west Mobile and is a 349-bed full-service hospital. post-secondary educational It is Alabama’s and south Mississippi’s only affiliate institutions, our outstanding of M.D. Anderson Physicians Network. health facilities and our abundant recreational opportunities position Mobile as a tremendous place to live and work. Perhaps our greatest asset, however, is a business community that is committed to the prosperity of this area and all its citizens.”

Length of Chamber membership: Since 1962

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “Providence Hospital has always embraced the growth of its community, and has constantly grown and adapted to meet community needs,” said Christianson. “Job growth and a diverse, vibrant local economy are essential to our growth as a healthcare facility.”

Partners for Growth (PFG) is the Mobile Area Chamber’s long-term economic and community development program. For more information contact Shelly Mattingly, the Chamber’s investor relations coordinator, at 431-8655 or smattingly@mobilechamber.com.

ROOTED IN HISTORY. ROOTED IN STRENGTH. Just as the mighty oak sends strong roots deep into the earth to give it stability, so do our roots go deep in the communities that we serve. Throughout our 125-year history, Whitney has relied on a philosophy of prudent, conservative management that has served our customers well, through everything from wartime booms to economic busts. The result is a solid capital position and $12 billion in assets. Strength. Formed by the enduring nature of our customer relationships. Strength.

Rooted in commitment.

Call 251.665.1700

Click whitneybank.com

Come by one of our convenient locations

W09-239_MCBV_8.5x5.375_v3.indd 1

Member FDIC

Member FDIC

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

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A

Featured Profiles

dvisors

Lawrence Giddens “Russ” Ford Jr. is area president for iBERIABANKfsb. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history Ford from the University of Alabama and a master’s in business administration from Spring Hill College.

Ford has participated in numerous civic organizations including Mobile’s Downtown Rotary Club, Municipal Park youth baseball, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Senior Bowl Committee. Current board positions include the University of Alabama Mobile County Alumnus Chapter, Ashland Place United Methodist Church and WHIL Public Radio. Previous board positions include the Mobile Tricentennial Committee, the Mobile Area Chamber, the Spring Hill Child Development Center, American Red Cross and Mississippi’s HOPE Foundation.

The Mobile Area Chamber is proud to salute members of the board of advisors.

These business leaders represent companies whose significant dues investment lead the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. For more information contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or kdewrell@mobilechamber.com.

Thomas Grimm is plant manager for Arkema Inc. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from Grimm the University of Louisville. During the past 10 years, Grimm worked with Arkema as operations manager, manufacturing manager and plant manager in Louisville, Ky., and Memphis, Tenn. Before joining Arkema, he worked with Rohm & Haas in Louisville and in Chicago Heights, Ill. Grimm’s accomplishments include startups and multiple capacity expansions at both the Chicago Heights and Memphis plants. At the Louisville plant he implemented Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program and behavior-based safe process.

Grimm is new to the region, having relocated from Memphis earlier this year.

Arkema is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Goodman G. Ledyard is managing member of the law firm Pierce Ledyard PC. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a Ledyard juris doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is a member of the Mobile and American (Member, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section) Bar Associations and the Alabama State Bar. He practices in the area of business transactions, real estate, creditor rights, probate, banking and title insurance law.

Ledyard is admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Tax Court. He has served on the boards of the Alabama Real Estate Lawyers Association, Mobile Area Chamber, Mobile Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the Boy Scouts of America, Mobile Area Council. Ledyard currently serves on the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s board of directors and executive committee. Pierce Ledyard is a Partners for Growth Investor.

W

ho’s In Town?

October 2009

The Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) provides a list of the current month’s conventions coming to the bay area. For more information, contact the MBCVB at 208-2000.

Oct. 1-3 Military Locator Service Delegates: 45 Phone: 828-256-6008 Hotel/Location: Ashbury Hotel & Suites Oct. 2-4 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Delegates: 200 Phone: 941-355-5667 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Oct. 8-10 806th Air Police Veterans Association Delegates: 30 Phone: 480-820-3838 Hotel/Location: Holiday Inn Bellingrath Gardens Oct. 8-10 USS Guadalupe Delegates: 100 Phone: 344-675-6535 Hotel/Location: Ashbury Hotel & Suites Oct. 8-12 USS Soley Delegates: 150 Phone: 709-704-3028 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Oct. 9-10 International Cessna 120/140 Association’s 34th Annual Convention Delegates: 100 Phone: 251-366-1624 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Oct. 18-20 USS Soubarissen AO-93 Delegates: 60 Phone: 601-892-1154 Hotel/Location: Ashbury Hotel & Suites Oct. 20-24 Southeastern College Art Annual Conference Delegates: 300 Phone: 251-461-1438 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Oct. 25-28 Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Delegates: 250 Phone: 251-666-5520 Hotel/Location: Mobile Marriott Oct. 29-30 Gulf Coast Conference of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Delegates: 100 Phone: 251-431-6411 Hotel/Location: 5 Rivers - Alabama’s Delta Resource Center

C

hamber@Work

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omparative Economic Indicators

JULY 2009 vs JULY 2008 The Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.

Business Licenses City of Mobile

270 2009 270 2008

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

243,215 2009 258,789 2008

Unemployment Rates Mobile/Baldwin counties

10% 2009 5% 2008

Homes Sold⌦ Mobile County

352 2009 396 2008

Average Selling Price Mobile County $153,388 2009 $161,139 2008

Building Permits City of Mobile

331 2009 355 2008

Value of Building Permits $22,300,009 2009 $17,563,014 2008

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 28,556 2009 28,416 2008

Chamber Working with Housing Task Force The Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development is working on a 90-day task force in partnership with Neighbor Works America and DASH of the Gulf Coast to explore opportunities to integrate homeownership programs in the region into a comprehensive homebuyer development system modeled after the Neighbor Works America’s system. If successful, this will become a one-stop Housing Development Homeownership Center. The program is designed to move prospective homebuyers into “mortgage ready” status through education, training, budget planning and credit counseling. Affordable housing is a workforce development goal to be able to retain a skilled workforce in the region that provides proven economic returns to the community.

Chamber Sets 2010 Leadership Trip Destination The Chamber’s 22nd annual Leadership Trip will be held in Pittsburgh and is tentatively scheduled for June 2010. The trip’s focus areas will be “green” initiatives, technology, regional public/private partnerships and education and dropout prevention programs. More details on the trip will follow soon. Chamber invitees include members of the board of directors, advisors and Partners for Growth investors, as well as key elected officials in the Mobile Bay region.

Local Media Outlets Open Doors The Chamber recently hosted a media tour with nearly 40 participants. Attendees had a first-hand look at the newsrooms of FOX10 and the Press-Register and met with representatives from the Mobile Bay Business Journal and The Business View.

The event was organized to help connect the business community to area reporters, editors and decision makers.

CitiSmart Officials Meet with Chamber Committee City of Mobile CitiSmart Coordinator Bill Harkins and City Engineer Nick Amberger met with members of the Chamber’s local governmental affairs and business retention and expansion committee to address concerns associated with the city of Mobile’s permitting and development review process. This special meeting came as a follow-up to a Chamber survey conducted by the BRE committee earlier this year identifying the city’s permitting process as a top issue of concern for Chamber members.

Chamber VP Named President of Statewide Association Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development for the Chamber,

was installed as president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) during the group’s annual meeting held in Orange Beach this summer. Wayman will oversee the statewide professional association of public and private sector economic developers for the next year.

Vice President of Finance Promoted to CEO Joe Mareno has been promoted to chief financial officer for the Chamber and for the Chamber Foundation. Mareno has worked at the Chamber since 1996 as vice president for finance and operations.

Chamber Staff Hones Leadership Skills Three senior Chamber staff members participated in the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) annual conference in August. Among the workshop topics were the growing use of social media for member recruitment and retention, the use of economic development stimulus funds, and increased emphasis on “green” recruitment and programs. ACCE is the nation’s leading professional organization for chamber of commerce executives.

Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings The Chamber assisted several members with ribbon cuttings and grand openings.

They included: Hilton Garden Inn - Mobile West, Bruno’s #310, Commonwealth National Bank - Downtown, Wingate by Wyndham/Bellingrath Gardens, Brookside Retirement, St. Luke’s Episcopal School and The Tutoring Center. For assistance with either a grand opening or ribbon cutting, including publicity of the event, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Meets with Sessions Several Chamber staffers recently met with senior staff members from Sen. Jeff Sessions’ office, including defense staffers, to discuss several key issues impacting the Mobile area. Participating in the meeting were Alabama State Port Authority officials Jimmy Lyons and Judith Adams.

Discussions included economic development updates and additional opportunities for defense contractors in the area.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

29

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Nobody works harder than the owners.

Come experience the difference of always dealing with an owner.

At Community Bank, we fully-understand the meaning of the term “owner’s mentality”–because you’re always dealing with an owner here.

Community Bank is one of the only staff-owned banks in the state, so we always deliver the best service possible. Call or come by to discuss your next loan, a great CD rate or any other services that our staff-owners can help provide to you.

Oliver Latil Chief Executive Officer

Hutch Thompson Senior Vice President

Parrish Tatum Vice President

30

10.09

Roy Hudson Senior Vice President

Amy Lassiter Assistant Vice President

Poenta Luckie Senior Vice President

Tomi Burt Operations Manager

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mobile • (251) 338-6200 Daphne • (251) 338-8200

CommunityBank.net Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC © 2009 Community Bank.

OCTOBER

1

C

*Members Only

1 - 5 p.m.

Mobile Area Chamber, McGowin SMALL BUSINESS & THE LAW*

16

Time: Place:

Room, 451 Government St. Cost: Free to Chamber members Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com

7

ENOUGH*

*Members Only

8

12th ANNUAL EAGLE AWARDS

13

20

CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL ANALYSIS WORKSHOP

EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE*

*Members Only Time: 8 - 9 a.m.

Place: Mobile Area Chamber, Board

Room, 451 Government St. Cost: Free to Chamber members only Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com

6 - 8 p.m.

Bishop State Community College,

Baker Gaines Central Campus

Time: Place:

$50 for members, $55 for Cost:

potential members or

$500 table of 10 Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com (See story on page 11 for details)

HISPANIC AMERICAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF THE GULF COAST ANNUAL MEETING

Time: 7 - 10 p.m.

Place: The Battle House,

a Renaissance Hotel & Spa Cost: $25 for members, $40 for

non-members or

$250 table of 10 CUSTOMER SERVICE: Contact: Leida Javier-Ferrell at 431-8631 SMILING IS NOT

or ljavier@mobilechamber.com

Time: 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Place: Mobile Area Chamber McGowin

Room, 451 Government St. Free to Chamber members Cost: Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or

mhartley@mobilechamber.com

alendar

21

GCTC LUNCHEON

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Place: Harbor Communications Center, Hank Aaron Stadium

Cost: $15 per person, includes lunch Contact: Graham Jones at 431-8648 or

gjones@mobilechamber.com

22

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Place: Mobile Gas, 2828 Dauphin St. Cost: $2 for members/ $5 for Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

potential members Place: Mobile Area Chamber, McGowin Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or

Room, 451 Government St.

mhartley@mobilechamber.com Cost: $25 for Chamber members,

$35 for potential members ENVISION COASTAL Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com

ALABAMA ANNUAL

14

BUSINESS @BREAKFAST*

*Members Only Time: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Place: Hearthstone Assisted Living,

3440 Hillcrest Road Cost: $8, includes breakfast Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or

mhartley@mobilechamber.com

28

MEETING

Time: 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Place: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort,

Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear Cost: $20, includes breakfast Contact: Ailey Arrow at 431-8621 or

aarrow@mobilechamber.com

For information on Chamber events, visit events.mobilechamber.com.

Small Business & the Law* The Mobile Area Chamber will sponsor a legal seminar presented by leading local attorneys with expertise in all areas of small business and employment law on Thursday, Oct. 1., from 1 to 5 p.m. Business owners and key managers, human resource managers, department heads and supervisors are encouraged to attend.

Participants will receive free information and advice on the most pressing legal issues facing Chamber member businesses. Topics include business ethics; changes to laws post-election of the Obama administration; dealing with the IRS; business insurance; employment law; and asset protection.

There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. Registration is required. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

Customer Service: Smiling is Not Enough* Where is customer service on your priority list as a business owner or professional? If it’s not at the top, you’re missing opportunities to gain and retain customers. On Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., the Mobile Area Chamber will offer “Customer Service: Smiling is Not Enough” at 451 Government St. Michelle Crowe Ritter, owner of e-worc Web Design and Sales Consulting and trainer for MTI Business Solutions, specializes in customer service training designed to get customers talking about you. She’ll cover the basics of internal and external customer service. The class is free to Chamber members and their employees. Reservations are required.

For more information, contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com. *Members only

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

Cash Flow Management & Financial Analysis Understanding finances is critical to the success of any business. The Mobile Area Chamber will sponsor Cash Flow Management & Financial Analysis on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Chamber’s McGowin Room.

Presented by Priora Cash Flow Management LLC, the seminar will cover topics such as: what is the cash flow conversion cycle and how it is managed to improve the performance of the business; how cash flows between the income statement and the balance sheet; and how to save money by taking discounts, even if you have to borrow to do so. In addition, specific questions may be covered by e-mailing drichards @mobilechamber.com in advance.

The cost is $25 for members and $35 for potential members. The registration deadline is Oct. 7, and seating is limited.

For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Business@Breakfast* Business@Breakfast will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Hearthstone Assisted Living, 3440 Hillcrest Road, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. B@B offers members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business.

Following a brief presentation, introductions and breakfast, attendees are invited to continue to network.

The breakfast cost is $8, and payment is due when the reservation is made.

Only one representative per company.

Reserve your space by Oct. 12 by contacting Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com.

Cancellations will not be reimbursed after this date to cover the cost of breakfast. *Members Only

The Business View | 10.09

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Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast Annual Meeting The annual meeting of the Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast will be held Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel.

Rose Anne Haven with WKRG -TV5 will act as master of ceremonies. The cost is $25 for members, $40 for nonmembers or $250 for a table of 10.

Cocktails, dinner and dancing are included, and reservations are requested. For more information or reservations, contact Leida JavierFerrell at 431-8631 or ljavier@ mobilechamber.com or visit www.habagc.org.

Envision Coastal Alabama Annual Meeting On Wednesday, Oct. 28, join Envision Coastal Alabama for its Annual Meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, One Grand Blvd. in Point Clear.

Envision Coastal Alabama is a successful community partnership stressing economy, education, environment and equity as ways to create a unified region. The breakfast meeting will feature guest speaker, Joel Kotkin, internationally recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends and author of the critically acclaimed book The City.

Kotkin will speak on the future sustainability of the nation’s cities and share his perspectives on the evolution of urban life. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $20 and includes breakfast. For more information contact Ailey Arrow at 431-8621 or aarrow@mobile chamber.com.

Executive Roundtable* Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room. Troy Wayman, the Chamber’s vice president of economic development, will talk about recent events in economic development.

There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

GCTC Luncheon The Gulf Coast Technology Council will host its monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harbor Communications Center, Hank Aaron Stadium. In addition to the guest speaker, the GCTC scholarships will be awarded to local university students.

The cost to attend is $15 per person and includes lunch. Reservations are requested. For more information, contact Graham Jones at 251-431-8648 or gjones@mobilechamber.com.

Annual Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7:30 a.m.

Registration Opens at 7:00 a.m.

Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Grand Ballroom Point Clear Keynote Speaker: Joel Kotkin, Author of The City Cost: $20 RSVP: Ailey Arrow at 251-431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com SPONSORED BY

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Business After Hours Join business professionals at Business After Hours at Mobile Gas, 2828 Dauphin St., Thursday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Enjoy a casual evening of networking with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. This is one of the best opportunities to introduce yourself and your business to other members and make new business contacts.

Reservations are not necessary. The cost is $2 for members and $5 for potential members.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

National Energy Policy Expert to Speak at November Forum Alabama

Karen A. Harbert

The final Forum Alabama for 2009 will feature Karen Alderman Harbert, president and chief executive officer of the Institute for 21st Century Energy. An affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Institute works to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders and the American public behind a commonsense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous and clean. The lunch meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 12 noon in the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.

Harbert leads the Institute’s efforts to build support for meaningful energy action nationally and internationally through policy development, education and advocacy. Her topic, “America’s Energy Demand and Challenges Ahead,” will provide an overview of the country’s current and forecasted energy use, as well as how to meet present and future energy needs. She is also scheduled to provide the latest information on the federal cap and trade legislation and its potential impact on the national and local economy.

The event is sponsored by Technip. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members, $25 for non-members or $200/$250 for a table of 10.

For reservations and additional information, contact Missy Hartley at mhartley@mobilechamber.com or 431-8638.

M

e mber News

Share the Good News

Member News features a variety of Chamber member announcements. Submission deadline is two months prior to publication.

News releases should be one or two brief paragraphs. Photos must be professional headshots in either color or black and white, labeled with the person’s last name, and must be 300 dpi at full size and saved in an eps, tif or jpg format.

Send your information to news@ mobilechamber.com or Member News, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 2187, Mobile, AL 36652-2187.

Joel Erdmann PhD joined the University of South Alabama as its athletic director. Erdmann previously worked for the athletics department at USA and most recently served as athletic director for Southeastern Louisiana University. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from South Dakota State, a master’s in physical education from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate from Florida State University in sports management and athletic administration.

X Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC welcomed Josh Williams and Stephanie Downey to its Mobile office.

Williams Downey Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama. Downey graduated from the University of Mobile with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Williams and Downey will serve as accountants in the areas of audit and tax.

X Zebra Marketing announced Karen Marsal as an account executive in its Mobile office. Marsal previously owned Marsal Marketing LLC. Marsal X Alabama Power named Steve Krikham as distribution manager of its Mobile operations.

Krikham received his bachelor’s degree in Krikham electrical engineering from Auburn University and has worked for Alabama Power for more than 20 years.

Arthur Grant III MD, FACC (Fellow of the American College of Cardiology)joined Cardiology Associates.

Grant will practice clinical, Grant invasive and interventional cardiology and peripheral vascular intervention. He earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

In addition, Cardiology Associates welcomed Donna Shamp as operations Shamp Haddock manager for Baldwin County and Elizabeth Haddock as administrative resident. Shamp received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Troy University. Haddock earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in business administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in health administration from UAB. X ThyssenKrupp Steel USA announced the retirement of Bob Soulliere, president and chief executive officer of the Mobile Facility since 2007. Christoph Lackinger, the company’s vice president of technology, will assume Soulliere’s responsibilities effective Oct. 1.

X

W. McMillan

C. McMillan

Collins

Roberts Brothers welcomed Whitney McMillan, Cederick McMillan, Teresa Collins and Melvin Franklin to its west Mobile office.

Franklin X Barbara Boller joined Covenant Hospice as regional supervisor for marketing and outreach in the company’s western region covering Mobile, Boller Daphne and Brewton in Alabama and Pensacola and Milton in Florida. Boller graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and previously worked for South Baldwin Regional Medical Center as its director of marketing.

William Richards PhD was named professor and chair of the department of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Richards Richards previously served as Ingram Professor of Surgical Sciences at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. He received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

In other news, Dr. Jessica L. Kirk was appointed assistant professor of pediatrics for the College of Medicine. Kirk holds a medical degree from St. George’s University School Kirk of Medicine in Grenada, and bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from the University of Miami. She is a board-certified pediatrician, currently serving as medical director for the Child Advocacy Center in Mobile.

X The Mobile office of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors added Leigh Merz to its team.

X Merz Exit Realty Lyon announced Harry Dodich as its newest agent.

X Niki Pace joined the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Legal Program as research counsel.

Pace has a bachelor’s degree in geology with a certificate in Pace environmental planning and policy from the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned a juris doctorate degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.

X Ginger Drago joined Dauphin Realty as the corporate relocation director.

She will work out of the firm’s corporate office on Dauphin Street.

Drago

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) elected Jay Stubbs as president of the Mobile Chapter for 2009-10. Other elected officers are Sam Zoghby III, vice president, and David Calloway, treasurer/ secretary. The board of directors are: Steve Azevedo, Gary Adams, Jeff Adams, Craig Brantley, Ken Busby, Kim Bush, Freddy Corina, Susan Day, Ray Hall, Beth Hill and Larry Washington.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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Verizon Wireless announced the completion of its south area Alltel integration. Verizon has been integrating networks, preparing to convert billing systems, upgrading high-speed wireless broadband service and re-merchandising stores throughout Alabama since January.

X Mobile Technical Institute (MTI) launched CertificationConnection.com. The site is a free resource for individuals seeking tips and advice related to professional certification. In addition, MTI added ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification training and testing to its training and consulting services. For more information, call (251) 478-6848 or visit www.mobiletechwebsite.com.

X Members of the Alabama Motorcoach Association (AMA) and the South Central Motorcoach Association (SCMA) held their first joint meeting in Mobile. The meeting was planned by the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau and brought operators from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas and had an estimated economic impact of $233,275 on the city.

X Littler Mendelson relocated its Mobile office. The new address is 63 S. Royal St., Suite 901. The company’s new telephone number is 432- 2477 and fax number is 432-0427.

Partners for Environmental Progress elected the following new board of directors during its annual meeting: Jim Bakes, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors; Tom Bramlett, Office Equipment Company; Gary Criscione, Evonik Degussa; Randy Delchamps, Randy Delchamps Real Estate & Development Co.; Bill May, W.J. May & Associates; and Howard Johnson, MMR Construction Inc. In other news, PEP honored Mark Wright, J. H. Wright and Associates, and Charles Wilson, Total Safety US Inc., with the Distinguished Service Awards for their dedicated volunteer service on behalf of the annual PEP Golf Tournament. Five companies and two community partners were recipients of the PEP Award for environmental stewardship and economic development: Aaron Oil Co., E.I DuPont de Nemours & Co., Holcim (US) Inc., Shell Chemical LP, ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless USA LLC, Alabama Coastal Foundation and Neil C. Johnson.

The Business View | 10.09

33

Member News Henry Morrissette of Hand Arendall LLC and his wife Beth were named 2010 Convention chairs for the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC).

The IADC is an invitation-only professional association for corporate and insurance defense lawyers around the world. The Morrissettes will assist in planning the midyear meeting in Naples, Fla., and the annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain.

X The University of South Alabama (USA) received the 2009 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Wealth Engine Award. The judges were senior fundraising officers from colleges and universities throughout the country and selected USA based on an analysis of three years of fundraising data.

X Mobile County School Board attorney Derek Atchison was elected to the board of directors for the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys. Atchison is a member of the Atchison Firm in Mobile and the Estate Planning Council. He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Alabama Jones School of Law.

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Vinson

Hartung

Doering

The Mobile chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management announced the following certified Professionals in Human Resources (PHR): Chad Vinson, Hargrove Martin Engineers + Constructors; Margaret Hartung, EADS CASA North America; Elisabeth Doering, ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering; and Janice Martin, Kemira Water. PHR exams focus on operational and technical areas of the human resources field and certifications are awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

X EAP Lifestyle Management LLC received the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business of the Year Award. The firm provides employee assistance programs and work/ life services for local and national companies, with offices in Daphne and Jackson, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla.

The following lawyers from Armbrecht Jackson LLP were included in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010: Conrad Armbrecht, Scott Brown, Edward Dean, Richard Franklin, Duane Graham, Christopher Gruenewald, Broox Holmes, Kathleen Miller, Thomas Oldweiler, E.B. Peebles III, Boyd Reeves, Kirk Shaw, Jim Smith, Norman Waldrop and James Watkins. The peer review publication is based on evaluations of more than 2 million lawyers.

X Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) received two 2008 Platinum Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for perfect regulatory performance by their wastewater treatment plants. The Clifford C. Williams Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was recognized for eight consecutive years of perfect compliance. The Wright Smith Jr. WWTP has a perfect record of compliance for six years. Wastewater treatment plants must achieve 100 percent compliance in meeting their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for five or more consecutive years to be eligible. Nationwide, only 13 plants received awards for six years of perfect performance.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Anderson

Bowron

Daniels

Kavanagh

Latta

Phillips

Six Burr & Forman LLP local attorneys have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010 are in the local Mobile office. Those included were: Douglas Anderson, Real Estate; Edward Isaacs Bowron, Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation; C. William Daniels Jr., Construction Law; John P. Kavanagh Jr., Maritime Law; Forrest S. Latta, Appellate Law and Insurance Law; and Abe L. Philips Jr., Maritime Law.

N

e w M e m bers

A

If you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647 or Heather Bell at 431-8627.

View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

45 YEARS

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

35 YEARS

Ashley Furniture Home Store Latious Lamar 314 S. University Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36609-2909 251-414-3456 www.turnerhomestores.com Furniture Stores The Bienville Group Adrienne Tate 820 University Blvd. S., Ste. 2A Mobile, AL 36609 251-423-2641 www.bienvillegroup.com/ healthcare_it.html Information Technology Sales/ Services BlackBelt Technologies Inc. Deborah Works 2663 Valleydale Rd., #184 Birmingham, AL 35244-2026 205-989-0056 www.bbtconsulting.com Engineers-ProfessionalStructural Bruno’s #310 Rusty Smyly 306 University Blvd. S. Mobile, AL 36609-2909 251-342-4258 www.brunos.com Grocers Carts Blanche Annette A. Nolan 104 S. Georgia Ave. Mobile, AL 36604-2523 251-786-5852 www.cartsblanche.biz Vending Sales Enviro-Clean Services Inc. Marty Boquet 111 Fern St. Houma, LA 70360-7531 985-872-0697 www.moldtestnow.com Mold Regina Faggard - RE/MAX Realty Centre Regina Faggard 8723 Lister Dairy Rd. Creola, AL 36525-4903 251-656-3456 www.seascapeliving.com Real Estate Gerhardt’s Luggage and Gifts Danny Green 3980-G Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608-2224 251-341-0403 www.gerhardtsluggage.com Luggage & Gifts

The Hungry Owl Tony Nicholas 2502-2 Schillinger Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36695-4123 251-633-4479 www.thehungryowl.com Restaurants

Randy Proffitt MD LLC 6317 Piccadilly Square Dr. Mobile, AL 36609-5103 251-344-0322 www.drproffitt.com Physician/Surgeon-MD-Plastic Surgery

JP Electric Service Inc. Joseph P. Guarino 19475 Liberty Rd. Fairhope, AL 36532-6820 251-510-1064 Electric Contractors

Southeastern Regear LLC David Tate 30864 Bryars Ln., Bldg. B Spanish Fort, AL 36527 251-621-9279 www.southeasternregear.com Telecommunications

Malaga Inn Julie Beem 359 Church St. Mobile, AL 36602-2399 251-438-4701 www.malagainn.com Hotels David D. Martin III DMD 4863 Old Shell Rd Mobile, AL 36608-2339 251-343-4225 Dentists MBA Structural Engineers Jeffrey Echols PE 273 Azalea Rd. Bldg. 1, Ste. 308 Mobile, AL 36609-1970 251-343-0786 www.mbasei.com Engineers-ProfessionalStructural Padgett Business Services of Mobile Saty Putcha 1521 Dawes Rd. Mobile, AL 36695-9147 251-666-6624 www.putchallc.com Accounting Service Paint That Pottery Lynn Maggio 859 Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36609 251-518-8682 www.paintthatpottery.com Paint-Decorating Planet AT&T Brad Custred 2 S. Water St. Mobile, AL 36602-3706 251-207-4023 www.planetces.com Wireless Communications Port City Cleaners John Knott III 662 S. Wilson Ave. Mobile, AL 36617-3620 251-721-6177 Dry Cleaners

Specialty Fuels Bunkering LLC F. Javier Brito 452 D Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-694-7795 www.specialtyfuelsbunkering.com Fuel Distributor State Farm - Rebekah Brown Rebekah Brown 119 S. University Blvd. Ste. B Mobile, AL 36608-3069 251-344-5874 www.theinsurancegirl.com Insurance Agency TimePlus Payroll Suzanne Luker 82 Plantation Pointe, Ste. 213 Fairhope, AL 36532-2962 251-753-8222 Business Service WillTayl Life and Health Insurance Cart Willie Taylor 2446 Nortons Ln. Mobile, AL 36605-2410 251-367-0967 Insurance Zevac & Lindsey LLC Richard A. Lindsey 1050 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36695-4572 251-633-4070 www.zevaclindsey.com Accountants-Certified Public

As of 7/31/09

nniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

University of Mobile Ergon Inc. Hosea O. Weaver & Sons Inc

30 YEARS

W. Day Gates II DMD

25 YEARS

AAA Alabama Airgas South Mobile Educators Credit Union Mobile Greyhound Park Mostellar & Shreve LLP Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel

15 YEARS

Jeff Tesney Photography LLC Sheffield School of the Dance Inc. South Alabama Cares

10 YEARS

Acceptance Loan Co. Inc. Atlanta Bread Co. Chick-fil-A Bel-Air Mall Harris, DeVille & Associates Inc. The Mobile Marriott Mundy Maintenance and Services LLC Precision Engineering Inc. Prism Systems Inc. Skyline Family Dental Care PC SMG Mobile Convention & Civic Centers Wal-Mart-Midtown Supercenter #991

5 YEARS

Chiropractic Life Center Habitat For Humanity in Mobile County Inc. Mobile Asphalt Co. LLC Mobile Refrigerated Services Rock Bridge Wealth Management

1-4 YEARS

Aerotek AIG Baker Wharf Real Estate LLC Anchor Security Services IT LLC Animal Rescue Foundation of Mobile B & B Industrial Supply Bay Shore Fluid Power Inc. Beaird Organization Chandler Packaging Inc. Charles Schwab & Co. Chef Rob & Co. Coastal Waters Federal Credit Union Commodore Steel Buildings Construction Affiliates Inc. CWJ Contracting The Dealers Choice Dorsey & Dorsey Engineering

Emerald Coast Building Materials Firehouse Subs Ford Lumber Co. Inc. Ford Lumber of Saraland Inc. Eugenia Foster FSI Equipment Co. H & H Electric Co. Inc. Hampton Inn Harcros Chemicals Inc. Hillcrest Automotive The Hiller Companies Information Transport Solutions Inc. JADE Consulting LLC JRC Technology Group LLC Jubilee Landscape Management Inc. Kindred Health Care L & W Developers LLC Lassiter’s Florists & Gifts Lynwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Marine & Industrial Supply Co. Inc. Mayer Electric Supply McAleer’s Office Furniture McAlister’s Deli McIlwain Construction Inc. McNider Creations Merchants Bank Midtown Mortgage Minto Energy Corp.

MMR Constructors Inc. Mobile Bay Woodchip Center Mobile County EMS Mortgage America Inc. Outward Bound Discovery, Five Rivers Base Palomar Insurance Corp.

PCH Hotels & Resorts Inc. Pipes Law LLC Power Productions REMAX Realty Centre Romano’s Macaroni Grill SB&T Bank Sea Breeze Healthcare Center Sherwin Williams Co. SouthEastern Appraisal Services Southern Art & Framing Taste! Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room Technical, Engineering and Construction Services Inc. Telamon Corp.

Theodore Services Touching Hearts Senior Care Inc. Turner Distribution Co. Valpak of Southwest Alabama Virginia’s Health Foods Inc. WAVH FM Talk 106.5 Weinacker’s Montessori School wellbornIdeas Wheless & Associates Executive Search Dr. Sonya White Yarbrough Cable LLC As of 7/31/09

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | 10.09

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STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...powers our economy.

Edward Dismukes is convinced that more jobs in the community translate into more customers. As one of 2,500 Chamber members, Edward has access to resources, exposure and networking to grow his business and make it thrive, allowing him to prune a few things off his to-do list and concentrate on running his business – and that means more power.

W. Edward Dismukes Jr. Wilson-Dismukes Inc. 17 employees Member Since 2004

The Business of Mobile is our Business. joinmobilechamber.com 251.433.6951