The Business View - October 2011

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

OCTOBER 2011 | VOL. XLII, No. 9

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A Housing Renaissance

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Envision Coastal Alabama Special Section

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The Benefits of Membership

Reach 22,200 Decision Makers EACH Month Advertise in The Business View By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area businesses every month plus another 9,300 business professionals who receive it electronically.

The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your company in front of the Mobile area business community.

Contact RenĂŠ Eiland to discover how advertising in The Business View can complete your marketing plan at 251.431.8635 or e-mail reiland@mobilechamber.com. www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

October 2011

News You Can Use – Positive news for area businesses

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Small Business of the Month:

Chiropractic Works

10-11

Chamber celebrates Minority

Business Week

Local MBEC Recognized Kangaroos invade the Exploreum Group 1’s President Likes Mobile

Meet Dwayne Vaughn, the new director of the Mobile Housing Board, who sat down with The Business View to answer some pressing questions.

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Cover

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Karen and Justin Bell and their children, Kelano (standing) and Keland (with his Dad) are among the newest residents of Mobile Housing Board’s The Renaissance development downtown. See story on pages 14-15.

Cover photo by Ashley Horn.

14-15

From clean air to better water to new housing, Envision Coastal Alabama takes on the important issues facing the Gulf Coast.

17-20

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SCORE Column: How Partnerships

Can Help Your Business

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What can a professional development organization do for your business?

We’ll introduce you to a sampling of what’s available locally.

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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 ©2011 Publisher......................................... Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor.................................... Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor............................................ Jennifer Jenkins Copy Editor................................................ Michelle Matthews

Additional Writers and Editors Shayla Beaco, Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Danette Richards, Ginny Russell, Greta Sharp, Carolyn Wilson, Cori Yonge

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

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Investor Focus: World Omni Financial Corp.

Economic Indicators Chamber@Work Calendar Member News Anniversaries New Members

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.

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

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

3

AeroStar

Prepares for Takeoff

Some people buy a snazzy sports car when they turn 40, but not Greg Guzman. Instead, he recently launched a new company and is ramping up business at AeroStar, an aircraft repair facility at Brookley Aeroplex.

Guzman says he wouldn’t call it a midlife crisis – he just reached the point where he could keep working for someone else or start working for himself. But he’s not flying solo. His neighbor and partner, Gordon Smart, is managing partner, while Guzman is general manager and executive vice president of marketing and sales.

The company is Federal Aviation Administration certified and specializes in repair and overhaul of hydraulic and pneumatic components for commercial, commuter and military aircraft. Potential clients include air carriers already flying into Brookley’s Downtown Air Center as well as other maintenance repair and overhaul and original equipment manufacturers.

AeroStar occupies a previously vacant 8,000-square-foot building, last used as an AmSouth check processing center.

The startup investment, Guzman estimates, is between $700,000 and $800,000 for renovating the facility and buying equipment and machinery.

AeroStar is an affiliate of Star Aviation. In addition to Smart, Star Aviation directors Bill Culberson, Wayne Fink and Johnny Wacker also invested in the new company.

Guzman says because Star is a recognized name in the aerospace industry, the new venture gains immediate credibility. “We’re a good complement to what’s going on at Star, and we’ll use their engineering expertise to develop more cost effective repairs,” he says. “In this economy, price is king. Our business model will be very competitive.”

Smart, who also serves as vice president of operations with Star Aviation, says Star will look for opportunities to expand its business with the airlines that directly work with AeroStar, adding the company’s clients are primarily thirdparty vendors that want their products installed on aircraft, such as the Wi-Fi service recently installed by Star for Gogo.

“The formation of AeroStar and their presence in Mobile is further proof of our assets in the aerospace sector and the value companies find in the Mobile Bay region.

The more the critical mass of aerospace companies grows in our area, the more recognition and notoriety our assets receive,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

AeroStar has three employees now, but Guzman expects that number to increase to at least 10 by December. The facility’s maximum capacity is 20 to 25.

The newest business at Brookley is AeroStar. Pictured here is Greg Guzman (right), general manager and executive vice president of marketing and sales, with two other team members Pat Kicheler (left) and Frank Latcheske (center).

Mobile Area Chamber Wins Inaugural

“Going International” Award

The Mobile Area Chamber’s trade division team Tony van Aken (right), director, and Christina Stimpson, program manager (center), pose with the Chamber President Win Hallett and the organization’s first international award bestowed by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

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OCTOBER 2011

| The Business View

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce received the American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) inaugural Going International Award, presented at the ACCE International Conference in Los Angeles Aug. 3-6. The award was given to the Mobile Area Chamber for its international trade program.

“We are very honored to be the first recipient of the award,” said Mobile Area Chamber President Win Hallett.

“We feel this unique recognition is a confirmation of excellent work that has been done in this region to promote trade and outreach in other parts of the world. By becoming more internationally focused, we continue to find opportunities for expansion of companies in this region.”

The Mobile Area Chamber created its international trade program in 1997, designed to build excellent international trade opportunities in the region. The program has become a beacon in the southeastern United States. Its efforts focus on providing the greatest number of Alabama and regional companies with export opportunities, including holding educational forums and country briefings, hosting international delegations, providing trade leads and leading international trade missions.

“The Chamber, along with its regional partners, hosted more than 60 trade missions over the last 14 years. As a result, we have had the opportunity to work with companies locally and statewide, assisting them in expanding their sales to numerous foreign markets,” said Tony van Aken, the Chamber’s international trade division director.

Major program objectives are: 1. Education – educating companies and the public on the exploration process and the importance of trade, as well as serving as a mentor and facilitator for companies who are developing and expanding export markets.

2. Sales and marketing – assisting companies in promoting their products and services in the international marketplace through trade missions and trade shows.

3. Infrastructure – providing support to the Alabama State Port Authority and the Mobile Airport Authority.

4. Regional awareness – fostering cooperation with local, state and regional trade entities to ensure a healthy climate for trade.

The Mobile Area Chamber’s international trade division is staffed by van Aken and Program Manager Christina Stimpson. To learn more about the Mobile Area Chamber’s international trade division, contact van Aken at 431-8651 or tvanaken@mobilechamber.com.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

An Update on the Mobile Area Chamber’s Efforts on the I-10 Bridge

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losing in on an almost two-decade-long effort to ease traffic congestion on I-10 going through the Wallace Tunnel, the Mobile Area Chamber has not given up on this project.

Today there continue to be many discussions among local industry leaders, elected officials and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).

The following is an excerpt of a letter sent on behalf of the Chamber and its members to John Cooper, executive director of ALDOT: As you know, the city of Mobile and Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce have been very vocal in their support of the I-10 Mobile River/Mobile Bay Crossing project. We have been joined in this support by 17 additional organizations.

We continue to experience increases in traffic on the I-10 corridor utilizing the current Wallace Tunnel and I-10 Bayway, and hardly a day passes when we don’t experience extensive backups.

We believe the overwhelming majority of the citizens in our community support this project and would welcome the opportunity for local firms to participate in the construction and design of this vital project.

We believe that this project over the Mobile River and Mobile Bay is one of the most important, if not the most important highway project in Alabama.

It is a vital transcontinental freight corridor and a principal east-west link to the southern U.S. While the need for this bridge has been demonstrated time and again, it will also have a significant economic impact on our region. When the ability to move people

and products on I-10 is improved, we will have increased capacity for our citizens for commerce and for tourism.

In order to maximize the benefit of this project to our community and state, we would like to see our local engineers and contractors utilized to the highest degree possible in the design and construction of the I-10 Mobile River/ Mobile Bay Crossing project. Every job is important to us.

In a report to Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, Semoon Chang Ph.D, professor of economics and director of the Center for Business & Economic Research at the University of South Alabama, states ‘assuming that construction takes five years, the bridge project will create 2,490 construction-related jobs during each of the five years. The projected total number of jobs created over the five-year period is 12,450.

Winthrop M. Hallett, III President, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

As significant as these job projections are, the long-term benefit for Mobile will be the dramatic impact of this new infrastructure for our region.

I believe we are working toward consensus and this bridge will be built. I look forward to one day providing our members with a groundbreaking date and a timeline for this to happen.

MONEY-SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No.50

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT FILTERS.

By David S. Stewart Alabama Power Company

Replacing a dirty air filter is one of the simplest, most cost-effective measures you can take.

I’ll be the first one to tell you that it’s easy to forget about air filters. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, guess what happens when you crank up the A/C or heat with a dirty air filter? That’s right, you’re just blowing money away. A dirty air filter wastes energy because it slows down air flow and makes your system work harder to keep you warm or cool.

The best thing you can do to maximize your heating and cooling efficiency is to check your filter every month, especially when it’s really hot or really cold outside.

At a minimum, you should change the filter every three months. Most filters are really inexpensive and it may make sense to just buy a bunch of them to have on hand.

Just remember: a dirty air filter can cost you more than a clean one.

DIRTY

CLEAN

A dirty air filter chokes the airflow which reduces the effectiveness of your cooling system.

For more heating and cooling tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips. © 2011 Alabama Power Company

POWI-2461 Filters.indd 1

The Business View | OCTOBER5/5/11 2011 1:24 PM5

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OCTOBER 2011

| The Business View

Austal Ranks on Magazine Lists

In a recent issue, Southern Business & Development claimed, “Massive surge in projects lifts 2011 SB&D 100 to its best year since 1998. Well, it’s about time!”

According to author Mike Randle, 594 projects each announced 200-plus jobs and $30 million or more capital investment in the South during 2010, the qualifying factors to pass the threshold for consideration. “The huge project total means the fire is stoked in the South’s economy once again,” he writes.

Announcements by Mobile’s Austal USA were big enough to make SB&D’s list of the Top 10 Deals for 2010. On its Jobs 100 list, Austal ranked No. 4 with 2,000 jobs, and on its Investment 100, Austal’s expansion ranks No. 65 with $160 million.

Other Alabama projects highlighted include Montgomery’s Hyundai Transformers USA, with 1,000 jobs and $125 million investment; Bessemer’s Dollar General, 650 jobs, $60 million investment; Opelika’s call center AFNI, 500 jobs; and Huntsville investment by the U.S. Army with 393 jobs.

According to Randle, 40 percent of the projects went to Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas.

Good to Go! Mobile made the Top 10 list of Top Logistics/ Distribution and Shipping Hubs in the Business Facilities 2011 metro rankings report.

“When it comes to logistics, Mobile has an unrivaled portfolio of resources that gets the attention of executives and site selectors,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

Among its strengths, Mobile has a deepwater port, container terminal, two airports, five Class I railroads and two major interstate systems.

Memphis, Tenn., topped the list, followed by Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New Orleans. Leading the second half was Port Authority of N.Y./N.J., Philadelphia, Mobile, Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. Other Alabama cities recognized were: Montgomery, earning the No. 7 spot in the economic growth potential category; and Huntsville, No. 3 in the aerospace/defense manufacturing category.

To read the complete report, visit http:// businessfacilities. com/special-report/2011-metrorankings-report/.

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The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

7

Alabama’s Full Employment Act of 2011 On June 2, Gov. Robert Bentley signed into law the Full Employment Act of 2011, considered his centerpiece legislation to help small businesses and create more jobs in the state.

The legislation provides a one-time tax credit to small businesses who hire additional employees for jobs paying

NO

more than $10 per hour. The excise tax credit is $1,000 and is available to companies with 50 or fewer employees during the tax year in which the employee has completed 12 months of consecutive employment.

Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Galliher, R-Gadsden, and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, the one-time tax credit will

help create an environment for job growth during the current economic downturn.

In an effort to help businesses understand this new law, Abroms and Associates of Florence, Ala., and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP created this flow chart to determine the applicability of the excise tax credit.

Was the employer a “small” employer, i.e., had no more than 150 employees as of Jan. 1, 2011?1

YES NO

Was a new employee hired after June 9, 2011?

YES NO

Does the new employer pay the new employee more than $10 per hour?

YES NO

Has the new employee completed 12 consecutive months of employment?

YES Did the employer have a “net increase” in employment in Alabama on the last date of the tax year in which the new employee was hired (as compared to the last date of the previous year)?

NO

Employer is not eligible for the tax credit.

NO

Did the net increase in employment for the current tax year, as compared to the year preceeding the first credit year, greater than the number of tax credits previously claimed on an Alabama return?

YES

Is this the first tax year in which the employer is claiming the credit?

YES

YES 1 The Act is effective for tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2011; however, the Act was not enacted until June 9, 2011 when it was signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley.

2 The credit is available against a corporation’s or owners’ of a

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pass-through entity income or financial institution excise tax liability. However, the credit is not refundable, and cannot be transferred. The authors thank the Department of Revenue for their assistance in preparing this chart.

OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

Employer is eligible for the tax credit.2 Source: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP/Abroms & Associates CPAs and Business Council of Alabama.

small business of the month

Couple Work Together as Chiropractors

Chiropractic Works

Pictured in front of their new office located on Government Boulevard are Chiropractic Works employees (from left to right): Gabrielle Marshall, assistant; Dr. Link Nguyen, Dr. Be Phetsinorath; and Marleni Asmad, assistant. In addition to chiropractic and acupuncture services, Chiropractic Works also treats accident and sports injuries.

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

When Link Nguyen and Be Phetsinorath decided to build a future together, there was no question about their career choices. The only decision they had to make was where they would make their home.

As doctors of chiropractic health, the husband-and-wife team both wanted to start their own practice. In 2006, they opened Chiropractic Works PC, where they provide a variety of hands-on therapeutic treatments, cold laser therapy, kinesiotaping and acupuncture for disorders and injuries.

Today they are a successful, family-oriented practice, owned and operated as a husband-and-wife team with two assistants. Chiropractic Works PC is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

Their clients range from newborn to geriatric patients who seek treatments from disorders including colic, ear infections, headaches, various musculoskeletal complaints and injuries. Chiropractic

Works is the only multilingual and multicultural practice in Mobile. The doctors speak five languages – English, Laotian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese – so they can accommodate a wide range of clients. They work hand in hand with their clients’ neurosurgeons, orthopaedists, physicians and therapists to help patients obtain the best quality of care possible.

Phetsinorath is a Mobile native, and Nguyen is from Dallas. They met at Parker College of Chiropractic, now Parker University in Dallas, where they both earned doctor of chiropractic degrees. After graduation, Phetsinorath was adamant about returning home to Mobile to start a practice.

Located at 4909 Government Blvd., the office administration process is almost paperless. “We are a high-tech operation,” said Nguyen. “We have been using an online system long before the medical industry decided to go online with patient filing.” New patients input their medical

information on a computer in the waiting area, and the sign-in log is a digital pad.

The only visible hard-copy materials are information booklets and pamphlets.

The doctors remain competitive with the current popular rise of natural medicine. “We use natural herbs and supplements also for treatments,” said Phetsinorath. “And we educate our clients on a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures they can do themselves to help alleviate some disorders, even if that sometimes means limiting a client to one visit for treatment.”

Also available in their office are kids’ backpacks designed to support a child’s back and neck when carrying school books.

In 2010, Chiropractic Works was awarded the Mobile Area Chamber’s Eagle Award for their achievements.

For more information, call 665-4999 or visit www.chiropracticworks.info.

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

9

Minority Business Development Week On Thursday, Oct. 27, the Mobile Area Chamber and the MBDA Minority Business Center (MBC) will host a day of professional development and recognize the accomplishments of minority-owned businesses at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel. Two events are scheduled – a Million Dollar Roundtable at 9 a.m., followed by an awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m., with keynote speaker Dr. Winslow Sargeant, chief counsel for advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Sargeant Administration’s Office of Advocacy.

Million Dollar Roundtable 9 to 11 a.m.

The Million Dollar Roundtable features representives from local and regional “high performing” minority companies and corporations. The format – a panel discussion – will be moderated by Sharon Patterson, president and CEO of Billion

Dollar Roundtable, a company founded in 2001 to recognize minority- and womenowned businesses with annual sales of more than $1 billion.

Topics will include business opportunities and strategies to help local businesses increase their work with minority-owned companies.

Cost to attend is $20 for Chamber and MBC members and $25 for potential members. Contact Brenda Rembert at brembert@mobile chamber.com or 431-8607 for reservations.

Awards Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Sargeant was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010 to conduct research on U.S. small businesses, advocate for small businesses in the federal government’s many agencies, reach out to regional and state small business advocates and policy makers, and foster public awareness of the contributions and concerns of U.S. small businesses. Cost to attend is $40 for Chamber or Alabama MBC members and

$45 for potential members. Tables are available for $400 for members and $450 for non-members.

During the luncheon, several awards will be presented, including Eagle Awards, Minority Enterprise Awards and the Minority Business Advocate Award. Winners being honored are:

Eagle Awards • Don’s Catering and Café • Touching Hearts Senior Care Minority Enterprise Awards • Mitchell Industrial Contractors Inc. (Minority Construction Firm of the Year); • Gulf Shores Assembly LLC (Minority Supplier Distributor of the Year); • Bridgewater Interiors LLC (Minority Manufacturer of the Year) Minority Business Advocate Award • Alabama Power Co.

Fast Facts What: Minority Business

Development Week When: Thursday, Oct. 27 Where: Renaissance Riverview

Plaza Hotel Events: Million Dollar

Roundtable – 9 -11 a.m.

Cost $20 for Chamber or

Alabama MBC members or

$25 for potential members

Awards Luncheon

featuring Dr. Winslow

Sargeant – 11:30 a.m.

Cost $40 for Chamber or

Alabama MBC members or

$45 for potential members.

Table of 10 costs $400/450.

Info: To register or for more

information, contact

Brenda Rembert at

brembert@mobile

chamber.com or 432-8607.

Alabama Power Wins Minority Business Advocate Award The Minority Business Advocate award recognizes a local company that has exhibited a commitment to expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses through its day-to-day operations, including goals for utilizing local minority-owned businesses; procurement processes that help facilitate

continued progress in developing new and innovative minority-owned business recruitment; community service; and current or future plans for mentoring and/ or partnering with local minority-owned businesses. This year’s honoree is Alabama Power Co.

Pictured is Alabama Power Supplier Relations & Diversity Department. Individuals from left to right: Manager, Alice Gordon; Analyst, Unzell Kelley; Administrative Assistant, Nisha Brown; Analyst, Kevin Sellers; Analyst, Lula Rice; and Analyst, Darren Ackles.

10 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

2011 Eagle Award Winners During lunch, the Eagle Award, presented by the Mobile Area Chamber, will be given to two minority-owned businesses that have demonstrated achievement in certain business areas including maintaining a solid financial base, revenue and/or employee growth, evidence of community service contribution or involvement. This year’s Eagle Award recipients are Touching Hearts Senior Care and Don’s Café and Catering.

Touching Hearts Senior Care provides in-home senior care including transportation, meal preparation, housekeeping, companionship and case management, among many other services for the senior population in four counties.

The company has grown each year since its inception in 2007, and it continues to add more services that improve the quality of life for their clients.

Don’s Café and Catering is a full-service café and catering company that serves hot breakfast and lunch in the restaurant, as well as catering for corporate meetings and private parties.

The seven-year-old company has experienced revenue and employee growth and, just as important, a solid reputation for delicious food.

Touching Heart President, Gina Germany (right) is pictured with Ruth Crawford (left) and her mother, Mary Crawford (seated), Germany’s client.

Donald Torrance is owner/operator of Don’s Café and Catering Service located 273 N. Broad Street.

MBC Recognized for Creating Jobs

The local team charged with minority business development include Pam Ramos (center), director of the MBDA Business Center - Alabama; Darrell Randle (right), Mobile Area Chamber small business vice president; and Machelle Leslie, MBC business consultant.

MBDA Business Center-Alabama (MBC) ranked fifth in job creation, according to a recently released performance report by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.

In 2010, the center, located in Mobile and operated by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, helped local minority businesses create 314 jobs.

Ranked first with 935 jobs was the center in Chicago, followed by Albuquerque, N.M., 836 jobs; Atlanta, 395; and the Washington D.C. suburb of Falls Church, Va., 370.

The grand total for all MBCs-assisted jobs created was 6,397, plus nearly $4 billion in contracts and capital – a “historic high,” says National Director David Hinson.

The Mobile Area Chamber’s Vice President of Small Business Development Darrell Randle believes what is just as important on the national level, is how the agency saved tens of thousands of existing jobs by helping minority-owned and operated businesses obtain 964 contracts, totaling $1.688 billion.

“Since its inception five years ago, the Alabama MBC has assisted minority businesses in acquiring over

$116 million dollars in federal and private procurement contracts and approximately $55 million in access to capital,” said Pamela Ramos, Alabama’s MBC director.

To further its reach, the organization developed a local Minority Business Directory, listing more than 500 regional minority-owned businesses. It is the first directory of its type in several years, and is designed to build awareness for minority companies and serve as a resource for companies looking to diversify client and vendor lists.

Additionally: • MBC assisted minority-owned enterprises during the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill by offering claims workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions.

• A Connect Commerce Center opened in Mobile to make businesses more competitive by bringing all of the U.S. Department of Commerce services together.

• The center was approved as a loan originator for Economic Development Network to review and forward loan applications to the Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC).

• MBC initiated trade missions to Africa and China to assist minority-owned firms in increasing export activity.

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

11

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Contact: J. Burruss Riis, RSA Tower, Suite 30200, 11 North Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602.

12 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

BMW Executive

Likes Mobile B

MW of Mobile recently completed a $3 million investment in a new showroom and service repair facilities.

The dealership is one of 105 owned and operated in the United States and the United Kingdom by Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, a Fortune 500 company.

Company President and Chief Executive Officer Earl Hesterberg was in Mobile recently touring the dealership and meeting with its new General Manager Lloyd Steeves, who moved to the area this summer after running the BMW dealership in Columbia, S.C. Hesterberg is a little partial to BMWs and drives a BMW 750. He’s also a little partial to the Mobile and Gulf Coast markets. “Mid-markets like Mobile typically have less competition, and In BMW of Mobile’s new showroom stand Group 1 President Earl that means we can focus on taking care of our Hesterberg and new General Manager Lloyd Steeves. customers.”

BMW of Mobile’s new, state-of-the-art facility includes In addition to BMW of Mobile, Group 1 also owns docking stations and Wi-Fi for customers. And to attract Mobile’s Pat Peck Nissan. Between the two dealerships, and maintain its service technicians, BMW has the latest there are 93 employees. technology and air-conditioned repair bays.

Exploreum Says

G’Day to Kangaroo Exhibit This month, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center will host another live animal exhibit – this one featuring kangaroos, wallaroos, wallabies, baby joeys and more, teaching audiences about the Australian Outback.

Kangaroo Kraze opens Saturday, Oct. 15 and continues through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

The accompanying film, “Australia: Land Beyond Time,” runs from Saturday, Oct. 1 through January 2012 and captures the breathtaking scenery, eclectic animal life and tumultuous conditions of the world’s largest island.

For more information, call 208-6881 or visit www.exploreum.com.

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The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

13

Q&A

with

Dwayne Vaughn

executive director of

the Mobile Housing Board

I

n December 2009, Dwayne Vaughn was named interim executive director of the Mobile Housing Board (MHB). In July 2010, “interim” was dropped, and from that point, drastic changes have been made at the housing board. MHB Board Chairman Clarence Bell told the Press-Register, “ We have set out in a different direction for this agency.

We have seen a difference in the performance of the staff. They are upbeat, inspired and motivated. “...I’m happy to announce that things have very much improved.”

Big changes are being seen at Broad and Beauregard streets in downtown Mobile with MHB’s massive construction and renovation. The Business View recently spoke with Vaughn to learn more about the MHB, its impact in the city of Mobile and the future.

The Business View (TBV): What are some of the most significant projects transforming the Mobile Housing Board (MHB)?

Dwayne Vaughn: MHB is currently leasing 87 newly constructed single and duplex homes in The Renaissance, a beautiful housing development located off Beauregard Street downtown. A few blocks west of The Renaissance, MHB is also completing 48 two-story brick townhouses off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The Downtown Renaissance, an 88-unit, three-story brick apartment complex for seniors, was completed in 2009 and is fully occupied.

Orange Grove Homes are being modernized.

These three new developments, along with Orange Grove Homes, comprise the agency’s Renaissance Corridor – and each is a “Homeownership Catalyst Community.” The properties are available for rental by low-income families, and each family will engage in a program to assist

the family in obtaining economic independence. The total cost of Renaissance Corridor construction and renovation is approximately $54 million.

TBV: What would you estimate is the economic impact of current building and renovation projects?

Vaughn: In addition to the construction and renovation that is underway in the Renaissance Corridor, Mobile Housing Board embarked on a major Vacancy Reduction Program (VRP) in July. Once completed, it will bring approximately 1,000 vacant apartments to rentable condition, giving the agency 3,300-plus total units for lease to low-wealth families. The overall economic impact of the VRP and our related renovation activities is approximately $8 million.

TBV: How many housing developments are operated by the MHB, and how many customers do you serve?

14 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

Vaughn: Currently, nearly 3,460 families rent or receive Housing Choice vouchers from Mobile Housing Board. The agency does business with approximately 1,500 private landlords who lease homes throughout the Mobile metropolitan area to Housing Choice participants. MHB owns and operates 13 affordable housing developments, including four apartment complexes for senior citizens, and an affordable assisted living facility.

Additionally, MHB has developed and sold approximately 60 single-family homes, including six in Church Street East downtown. The agency prepares families to become first-time homeowners by offering them a three-month cycle of homebuyer education classes free of charge.

TBV: What, in your opinion, is the greatest misperception of the MHB, its properties and its residents?

Vaughn: One misconception is that our residents do not work. Well over half of our families work in a variety of jobs in

manufacturing, service industry, financial industry, schools and government, to name a few. Also, many are striving to become homeowners.

TBV: How can the MHB better partner with business and industry in the Mobile area for job training and employment, or do you think the two can work together?

Vaughn: Under a new vision, MHB is in the process of building and reestablishing partnerships with area companies to provide more focused job training and employment opportunities for its families. We are honored to be working with Austal and Ryla, for example, to help them achieve their workforce development needs, while assisting unemployed and underemployed residents.

We encourage other area businesses to allow us to assist them with their hiring needs by calling our Center of Economic Development on Eagle Drive at 470-1728.

TBV: What are some new programs that you’re successfully integrating?

Vaughn: In the Renaissance Corridor, we are piloting the W.E.A.L.T.H. Program, designed to help families achieve economic independence within a relatively short time span. The letters stand for Wealth, Employment, Academics, Life Skills, Training and Health. Goals are set in these categories for each member of the family, and each family must attend specialized training sessions, master key concepts in each area, engage in practical community experiences, and take full advantage of resources and services readily available throughout Mobile by educational, religious, governmental, educational, business and nonprofit organizations.

In the “Wealth” category, for example, adults attend financial literacy classes and one-on-one credit counseling sessions conducted by Mobile Housing Board’s certified housing counselors. Our Community & Family Empowerment (CAFÉ) department works closely with families to help them achieve self-sufficiency goals and become homeowners.

Other MHB departments and interested third parties (including a network of volunteers) work very closely with our families imparting valuable information, skills, mentoring, guidance and encouragement.

Nationally, there was stiff competition for HOPE VI Grants, which are used to transform communities into more modern, attractive housing developments.

The emphasis on the revitalization of obsolete affordable housing has a different focus from the DASH program.

TBV: The Renaissance appears to be similar to the former DASH TBV: Switching gears a little, of the Gulf Coast. Are why did you want to they different? come to Mobile to The most important Vaughn: Downtown lead the Mobile Renaissance, Renaissance Housing Board? long-term goal is to Gardens and The Vaughn: My family become an agency Renaissance are HOPE VI and I felt this was a of “hope” for families Revitalization Projects. wonderful opportunity and provide tangible The U.S. Department of for us to contribute and Housing and Urban assist the Mobile Housing encouragement to Development (HUD) Board of Commissioners families who wish awarded HOPE VI Grants and staff with major to excel. to Public Housing plans to transform the Authorities (PHA) to affordable housing Dwayne Vaughn revitalize old dilapidated market in Mobile. We are Executive Director housing developments like excited about the Mobile Housing Board the former Albert F. Owens privilege of serving our and Jesse Thomas housing families and the broader developments that were demolished to

Mobile community. make way for the Renaissance properties.

TBV: What are your long-term goals for MHB and the families who live in your properties?

Vaughn: Our short- and long-term goals include helping as many of our customers – our families – as possible become self-reliant so that they can obtain economic and lifestyle independence, including the purchase of their own homes. Meanwhile, we will continue to upgrade our aging housing stock in order to provide decent, safe, affordable transitional housing for families who need it.

Two of our housing developments are undergoing major modernization – Gulf Village Homes off Wilson Avenue in Prichard and Orange Grove Homes in the Renaissance Corridor. As funds become available, we will reposition and transform our other properties as needed to meet the needs and demands of the citizens of Mobile.

The most important long-term goal is to become an agency of “hope” for families and provide tangible encouragement to families who wish to excel.

Read more about the W.E.A.L.T.H program in the Envision Coastal Alabama special section on pg. 18.

W.E.A.L.T.H. BUILDING ACADEMY – OVERVIEW Mobile Housing Board owns and operates the following affordable housing (public housing) developments:

Orientation and Introductory Seminar • Financial Literacy

○ Wealth Management ○ Budget/Money Management

○ Credit Education • Savings/Escrow Program • Homeownership Counseling

Apartment complexes exclusively for senior citizens:

• Pre-Employment Counseling ○ Career Inventory ○ Job Readiness Skills/Tools ○ Employment Training

• Healthcare/Wellness Training ○ Physical/Dental/Eye Exams ○ Nutrition/Weight Training

• Physical Activity • Stress and Crisis Management

FAMILY +

• Post Employment / Under Employment Mentoring • Job Enhancement Skills

Multi-family developments:

KEY ADVISORS AND MENTORS

• High School Diploma or GED

• Citizenship

○ Preparation Classes ○ Testing

○ Good Neighbor Skills ○ Civic Skills ○ Community Lease Compliance

• Frank W. Boykin Tower • Central Plaza Towers (includes an assisted living facility) • Emerson Gardens • The Gardens on First Avenue • Downtown Renaissance • Renaissance Gardens • Oaklawn Homes • Orange Grove Homes • The Renaissance • R.V. Taylor Plaza • Roger Williams Homes • Thomas James Place

• College Training/Counseling • Vocational Training

• Business/Communication Skills • Social/Attitudinal Skills

○ Job Test Preparation ○ Career Counseling

• Family Wellness and Tools ○ Parenting ○ Communication

○ Family Problem Solving • Community/Social Involvement • Cultural Activities

Page 1

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

15

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OCTOBER 2011

Envision Partners with Keep Mobile Beautiful on 2012 Great American Cleanup Events

Neighborhood groups and area students volunteer each year in support of Keep Mobile Beautiful in its efforts to prevent litter, reduce waste, and improve the beauty of the community.

E

ach year, Keep Mobile Beautiful (KMB) joins thousands of communities across America in the Great American Cleanup. Now in its 20th year, the event is the nation’s largest community improvement program.

passionate about making a difference in their communities. Volunteer organizers will be asked to participate on the planning committee and serve as cleanup captains for the 2012 event.

“Our efforts to mobilize the entire community one neighborhood at a time will bring in significant

community participation,” said Bob Haskins, KMB executive director, “but the key is starting early.”

There is no charge to attend the volunteer lunch, but seating is limited. Reservations are required no later than Friday, Nov. 4 and can be made by contacting Denise Byrd at 208-6029 or denise.byrd@cityofmobile.org.

Valuing the importance of a clean and safe community, Envision Coastal Alabama is partnering with KMB as a sponsor of the 2012 Great American Cleanup campaign. Entering its 20th year as a participant, KMB volunteers have contributed more than 10,000 hours cleaning and beautifying Mobile parks, neighborhoods and city streets.

Getting an early start on next year’s activities, Envision and Keep Mobile Beautiful will host a volunteer kick-off lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. This volunteer recruitment lunch is for community leaders representing local neighborhoods, church groups, schools, garden clubs, businesses, community action groups and everyday citizens who are The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

17

Envision Coastal Alabama

Home, Sweet Home

Mobile Housing Board Opens Homeownership Catalyst Community

T

here’s a new kind of affordable housing in town.

Aspiring future homeowners only need apply. Recently, the Mobile Housing Board (MHB) completed construction on 48 townhomes and 87 single-family and duplex homes in its Renaissance Corridor.

With the look of a contemporary subdivision, the homes, in what is known as a Homeownership Catalyst Community, are available to low-income families who agree to enroll in a comprehensive program that will lead the family toward financial independence and homeownership within a three- to five-year time period.

“We are treating this property almost like an honors dorm at a university,” said Dwayne C. Vaughn, MHB’s executive director. “Living here recognizes achievement or a desire to achieve.”

The housing development is part of MHB’s Hope VI Revitalization Program, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development national initiative to transform affordable housing by establishing positive incentives for resident self-sufficiency. In 2004, MHB received a $20 million Hope VI grant to demolish and replace 787 obsolete apartments in the former Albert F. Owens and Jesse Thomas housing developments in downtown Mobile.

Among other amenities, the new housing units have modern appliances, spacious floor plans and ceramic tile floors. Additionally, the townhomes have fireplaces and single-car garages. To live here, individuals must sign an

Currently residing in the Mobile Housing Board’s Renaissance Corridor off Beauregard Street is the Bell family – Justin and Karen with Keland (1) and Kelano (3).

agreement to complete the housing board’s W.E.A.L.T.H. Program. (See page 15 of the October issue of The Business View for more details.) Most are employed, in school, or both.

According to Vaughn, all 87 Renaissance families are currently enrolled in the program.

“We want to be a temporary housing provider for families as they build wealth.

18 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

It’s our desire that each family becomes economically independent and homeowners.”

Residents have plenty of encouragement from Housing Board executives and counselors to graduate. One MHB senior vice president has even been known to baby-sit while parents attend class. And while staff will intervene at the first sign a

client is in trouble, MHB has zero tolerance for individuals who fail to honor their end of the agreement. “We will terminate the lease and transfer the family to one of our other properties,” Vaughn said.

In addition to the modern one- and two-story homes, the Renaissance Corridor neighborhood includes an 88-unit senior complex, 247 redesigned apartments in Orange Grove Homes and a new community center. Vaughn said Orange Grove Homes residents will also participate in the W.E.A.L.T.H. Program.

Envision Coastal Alabama

Andy Andrews Inspires Educators Mobile Area Education Foundation Brings Author for Rally

T

he geographic line that separates Mobile from Baldwin counties once again disappeared as three public school districts came together in August for the first-ever, back-to-school professional development rally for area educators. Sponsored by BP Oil America, the event gathered more than 8,000 teachers and administrators from Mobile, Baldwin and Saraland public school systems at the Mobile Civic Center.

Organized through a collaborative effort between the Mobile Area Education Foundation (MAEF) and the Junior League of Mobile, the event kicked off with a dynamic presentation by bestselling author and cultural commentator Andy Andrews.

An Orange Beach native and father of two, Andrews inspired the audience of teachers with his own personal story of triumph and failure. Presenting them with the “Seven Principles for Personal Success” as described in his bestselling book The Traveler’s Gift, Andrews delivered a message of hope and perseverance.

“This historic event was a dream come true,” said Linda Ingram, MAEF director of operations. “By bringing the influential teachings of Andy Andrews to Mobile and Baldwin teachers, we will impact the lives of our region’s most valuable asset – our children.”

During his inspirational presentation, Andrews challenged the audience of teachers and administrators to make right and great decisions. “Everything you do matters,” he told them. “What you do now

impacts others for generations to come.”Andrews closed his remarks by saying, “I don’t hope you do great things, I expect it!”

As a follow-up to Andrews’ uplifting message, a teacher’s guide of life-study curriculum for classrooms was made available free of charge to all educators who attended.

Best-selling author and cultural commentator Andy Andrews presented to more than 8,000 area educators from Mobile, Baldwin and Saraland schools for the first ever back-to-school professional development rally.

Envision Launches Clean Air Challenge While many communities await the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of new ozone standards, a team of Envision volunteers is taking steps now.

Through its web-based Clean Air Challenge, the group is encouraging Envision volunteers to commit to a few everyday tasks to improve air quality in the coastal Alabama region.

Recognizing that automobile emissions are the single greatest contributor to air pollution, this newly formed coalition of

environmentalists, transit advocates and private industry representatives seeks to lower pollution levels by promoting commuter habits that work to reduce vehicle-related emissions.

By accepting the Clean Air Challenge on Envision’s website, volunteers will commit to carrying out these simple, cost-effective steps: • When possible, use public

transportation, walk or ride a bike.

• Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

• Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules to encourage use of public transit.

• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.

• In the summer months, fill the gas tank during cool evening hours to cut down on evaporation.

• Avoid spilling gas, and don’t “top off” the tank.

• Get regular engine tuneups and car maintenance checks.

• Combine multiple errands into a single trip.

• Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid stops

and starts can significantly increase

fuel use.

Individuals, organizations and companies are encouraged to participate in the Clean Air Challenge by visiting www.envisioncoastalabama.org.

Envision’s goal is to register 100 people by the end of 2012.

Energy Saved Equals a Penny Earned Small companies seeking ways to become more energy efficient may be able to upgrade with the help of a low-interest loan.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) recently announced it reduced the minimum loan amount for its AlabamaSAVES program from $250,000 to $50,000.

Citing energy costs as the single largest expense for commercial buildings, ADECA established the $60 million revolving loan fund, AlabamaSAVES, last December to help existing commercial and industrial

businesses finance energy-saving improvements and reduce operating costs.

“Decreasing the minimum loan amount to $50,000 gives small businesses the ability to compete and the opportunity to become energy efficient.

In this economy, that is needed more than ever,” said Fred Rendfrey, Envision Coastal Alabama’s Economy Team co-chair and Downtown Mobile Alliance’s downtown economic development director.

The 2-percent interest rate loans are available for retrofitting existing properties but may not be used for new construction. Eligible projects include heating and cooling systems, doors and windows, electrical systems, insulation and water heating systems, among others.

“If a business is on the cusp of converting to an energy-efficient system, this may help them implement some of the cutting-edge technologies

available such as geothermal heat pumps or solar energy to heat and cool buildings,” he said, adding that the loan program may be especially helpful for downtown Mobile businesses operating in older, poorly insulated buildings.

Business owners applying for an AlabamaSAVES loan must submit a $1,000 application fee. Loans can cover up to 100 percent of a project, with the maximum loan amount capped at $4 million. For more information, visit www.alabamasaves.com.

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

19

Envision Coastal Alabama

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mobile, AL Permit #346

P.O. Box 2187 Mobile, AL 36652-2187

Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Works to Improve Water Quality What are the chances Mardi Gras beads dropped on a downtown Mobile street will find their way into the productive tributaries that lead to Mobile Bay? How has Baldwin County’s development and growth affected area wetlands? Residents and government officials can learn the answers to these questions and others, as Envision Coastal Alabama strategy partner Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) embarks on two new projects designed to address environmental problems while engaging and educating the community about water quality.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, MBNEP volunteers and residents from Mobile Housing Board’s Renaissance corridor and MLK neighborhoods will take to canoes, kayaks and streets to clean up trash in the sub-watershed of One-Mile Creek, a small tributary that flows from downtown Mobile through flood plains and wooded wetlands to Three-Mile Creek and eventually empties into the Mobile River. According to Roberta Swann, MBNEP’s director, the project is more about creating a generation of individuals who are good stewards of the environment than it is about picking up trash.

segment and restoring wetlands surrounding Joe’s Branch, a stream located north of Spanish Fort Town Center that empties into D’Olive Creek and Mobile Bay. A watershed management plan finalized in 2010 showed how years of erosion and high sediment loads from developments upstream severely impacted the watershed’s ability to handle stormwater.

Now representatives from Spanish Fort, Daphne, Baldwin County, Westminster Village, Alabama Department of Transportation and Dauphin Island Sea Lab are working together to restore the stream to an attractive, natural condition that promotes infiltration of large The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program is working with local governments amounts of stormwater – ultimately improving water quality, reducing to repair the wetlands surrounding Joe’s Branch in Baldwin County. flooding and sedimentation, and According to a watershed management plan, approximately 50 percent of safeguarding community health. the native canopy trees are dead or dying, and sediment deposits are more “This is a great example of our than 12 inches deep across much of the wetlands. philosophy of building partnerships to incorporate environmental 29 objectives and 101 actions set forth in “Our goal is to bridge protection in community development 2002 and aimed at protecting the waters, community development with efforts, ” said Swann. plants, animals and open spaces along the environmental protection,” Swann said.

To volunteer for the One-Mile Creek Gulf Coast. In the nine years since the plan “‘Cleaning up the Bottom’ provides an cleanup or to learn more about MBNEP, was adopted, environmental issues have opportunity for us to engage a segment of call 431-6409 or visit www.mobilebay become more complex, Swann said. the community that had not been highly nep.com.

Restoration, protection and community invested in environmental protection.”

cooperation all come into play in the It also coincides with MBNEP efforts organization’s most recent Baldwin County to re-strategize its Comprehensive project – repairing an eroded stream Conservation Management Plan, a list of

20 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

The Power and Pitfalls of Partnerships As an entrepreneur, the idea of partnerships may be an attractive approach to launching or growing a small business.

Partners share responsibilities and workloads, unlike solo ventures where the burden falls on a single person.

Great partners work together, each making up for what the other one lacks.

One partner may be good at accounting and numbers, while the other is an expert in sales and marketing. Combining talents will improve business and offer more opportunities than if there was only one person involved.

But partnerships have many potential downsides as well. Conflicts waste time and money, erode focus and strategic direction, cause emotional and financial pain and destroy businesses and reputations, says George Gage, a business mediator and partnership expert with BMC Associates in Washington D.C. Business schools rarely

teach successful partnering techniques,

legal agreements and documents and without proper preparation,

will keep you out of trouble with partnerships are often doomed, says Gage, one another. who has worked with 6. If you currently have a many warring partners. partner, and it does not Great partners Here he lists seven feel like a positive cautions that would-be working relationship, work together, and existing partners don’t just ignore it. Try should consider: each making to fix things.

1. If you think you 7. If there are unanswered up for what

are not “partner questions or vague

material,” don’t boundaries and the other

take the partner responsibilities with one lacks.

path. current partners, 2. Use extreme address these issues

caution when while you are still

selecting a partner.

getting along.

3. If you don’t really need a partner, The Mobile Area Chamber has a

don’t get one. number of valuable resources for 4. If it doesn’t feel good before you prospective partnerships that can provide

start, follow your gut and don’t do it. legal information for small business 5. Don’t be fooled into thinking that owners already in a partnership or

considering bringing on a partner. Make sure to get as much information as you can about partnerships, including tips for crafting fair, reasonable partnership agreements, and helping these agreements evolve as the business grows and diversifies.

To learn more about partnership issues, or for a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org.

To learn more about branding and other marketing strategies, or for a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org.

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The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

21

Members Only

How Joining an Industry Association

Can Help You Do Business Better M

embership has its privileges. And for members of professional associations, those benefits can range from professional development and networking at meetings to professional credentials to discounts on products like industry publications, overnight shipping and rental cars.

Most organizations offer monthly meetings featuring industry-related speakers, as well as workshops, and regional and national conferences. For organizations like the international Project Management Institute (PMI) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF) that cut across industries, local leaders make an effort to address members’ different interests and needs.

AAF Mobile Bay, the local chapter of the oldest national advertising trade association, counts media and marketing representatives, advertising agencies, vendors and students among its members, while the Mobile branch of the Emerald Coast Chapter of PMI represents project managers across multiple disciplines including telecommunications, engineering, government, information technology and the military.

The Mobile Branch of PMI often meets at ITT Technical Institute, a vocational college offering the area’s only bachelor’s degree in project management. These meetings are sometimes held in conjunction with classroom lectures.

Members receive professional development credits for attending events; a certain number must be earned for recertification of professional designations.

Meetings and networking events allow members and guests to discuss aspects of the industry, share tools and best practices,

Professional associations are a good way for local executives to have access to peers for networking and support. Pictured from left to right are local association presidents: Craig Brantley, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors - Mobile; Jeff Winter, American Advertising Federation Mobile Bay; and Carrie French, Project Management Institute Mobile Branch.

guard clients’ rights through lobbying and provide a professional sounding board. efforts. “It’s a voice in Washington that’s “It’s valuable to get together with other protecting your clients,” project managers in the he said. industry,” said Carrie of Southern Light Membership in AAF French, “It is valuable LLC, president of the local also has far-reaching to get together PMI branch. benefits. “They are Many professional with other project represented in all the organizations speak out lobbying they do in managers in the for their members. For Washington on behalf Craig Brantley, of of the advertising same industry.”

Principal Financial Group, industry,” AAF Mobile president of NAIFA Bay President Jeff Carrie French (National Association of of the PressWinter president of the local PMI branch Register explained.

Insurance and Financial Professional Advisors) Mobile, the associations also offer personal benefits, largest chapter in the state, one of the most and organizations need to remind important benefits is how membership fees

22 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

members what membership fees provide.

For AAF, members are eligible for discounted entries in the Addy industry competitions, reduced costs on many services and public service opportunities.

For Mobile Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) President Mary White of Mobile Technical Institute, one of the most valuable benefits offered are the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) industry certifications. “It’s third-party verification of your credentials,” she explained. These designations are often preferred or even required to move into higher-level human resource positions. It marks the standard of excellence in the field, White said.

Continued from page 21 PMI and NAIFA also offer several certifications. These professional designations are mentioned specifically in job advertisements, and many organizations offer study groups to help members prepare for the required exams. PMP (Project Management Professional) is PMI’s most popular certification, which requires experience and training, as well as knowledge of the organization’s common body of knowledge and globally recognized standards. “PMP is industryindependent,” said French. “The skills are transferable. Every project has the same basic needs. The certification applies to all of them.”

Professional associations can help promote an industry, increasing the public’s awareness of an organization’s mission and what it promotes. “We’re looking out for the clients’ best interests,” said Brantley. He hopes financial and insurance clients will ask about NAIFA membership when meeting with an adviser. “You need to be part of the organization that protects all those products you’re putting clients in,” he explained. “Because you take pride in what you do, you really look out for the clients’ best interests. You’re not just there to sell products and make a commission.”

The Chamber Means Business The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce serves nearly 2,300 members across all industry sectors, from large corporations to in-home businesses.

“While you’re running your business, we’re helping create a business-friendly atmosphere where your company can grow and flourish,” said Carolyn Golson, vice president of membership.

A large part of growing business in Mobile is economic development, coming in many different forms, from recruiting new companies to helping existing companies expand to assisting small businesses in getting the resources they need.

Members have the opportunity to join committees, including the Gulf Coast Technology Council; the Growth Alliance Task Force, representing minority businesses; and the Diplomats, volunteer ambassadors who help with events from member ribbon cuttings to Business After Hours. There are roundtables for nonprofits, women-owned businesses and executives.

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce provides a wide variety of professional development options for its members. Pictured here is a luncheon meeting of the Chamber’s Gulf Coast Technology Council.

Membership includes a listing in the Chamber directory, more than 50 networking events a year, advocacy, access to training, recognition awards, seminars and conferences covering topics including

customer service and human relations, and The Business View magazine.

“There are as many reasons to join the chamber as there are businesses out there,” said Golson.

Professional Organizations, Associations and Trade Organizations Whose Executives are Members of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce: Charlotte Kopf Alabama Association of General Contractors (AGC) John Stone Alabama Association of Nonprofits Larry Fidel Alabama Restaurant Association Jeff Winter American Advertising Federation Mobile Bay Roger Cole Estate Planning Council of Mobile Inc. Tracy Landers Gulf Coast Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association Byron Dunn Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium Susie Cleveland Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile

Meegie Wheat International Association of Administrative Professionals – Mobile Chapter

Jeff LeBlanc Mobile Society for Human Resource Management

Mark F. Bass International Longshoreman’s Association – Local 1410

Karen Rhodes National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Mobile Chapter

George Clark Manufacture Alabama

Jennifer Denson Partners for Environmental Progress

Sheree LaCoste Medical Society of Mobile County

Carrie French Project Management International, Mobile Branch of the Emerald Coast Chapter

Jeff Newman Mobile Area Association of Realtors Tina Williams Mobile Area Chapter of Credit Unions

Penny Hatcher Public Relations Council of AlabamaMobile Chapter

Ellen Maxime Mobile Bay Area Apartment Association Danny Goodwin Mobile County Education Association The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

23

investor

focus

World Omni Financial Corp.

Rodney Arends, vice president of operations, at World Omni’s Mobile Service Center, stands outside the west Mobile office on Omni Park Drive.

Company Officials: Frank Armstrong, president of World Omni and executive vice president of parent company JM Family Enterprises Inc.; Rodney Arends, vice president of operations, World Omni’s Mobile Service Center Years in Business: World Omni was established in 1981, and its Mobile Service Center opened in 1991.

Brief Company Description: 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.

World Omni (www.worldomni.com) is a diversified financial services company providing financial products and services to consumers, dealers and lenders. The company’s Mobile operation provides account management for subsidiary Southeast Toyota Finance customers and Toyota dealers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. It is a subsidiary of JM Family (www.jmfamily.com), a diversified

24 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

automotive corporation ranked by Forbes magazine as the 33rd-largest privately held company in the U.S. and No. 16 by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Why are you located in Mobile?

“World Omni is proud to be a part of the Mobile community because of the excellent workforce, the quality of living afforded to our associates, and the cooperation and assistance we receive from Mobile, the Chamber of Commerce and the state of Alabama,” said Arends.

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative?

“We support Partners for Growth because it is our city’s economic growth plan to address existing business retention and expansion, new business development, workforce management and infrastructure advancement,” said Arends. “These are

all critical pieces to the Mobile region’s overall growth. This initiative allows our city to bring in new industry and balance our overall workforce so that we are better insulated for economic downturns..”

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “Mobile’s

greatest potential continues to be its people who possess the necessary skills to give the city and businesses a real competitive advantage,” said Arends. “In order to maintain that, we must support education throughout the community so that our children are prepared for future career opportunities. As we develop our children at all levels, we will truly unlock our city’s overall potential. This support will help ensure we remain competitive in the marketplace now and in the future.”

Length of Chamber Membership: Since 1991

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The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

25

26 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

Comparative

Economic Indicators The Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.

June 2011 vs June 2010

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

Business Licenses City of Mobile

249,941 2011

172 2011

245,773 2010

244 2010

Homes Sold⌦

Unemployment Rates

Mobile County

10.4% 2011 9.4% 2010

295 2011 272 2010

Average Selling Price Mobile County $122,815 2011 $138,052 2010

Building Permits City of Mobile

178 2011 213 2010

Value of Building Permits $8,267,736 2011 $9,827,312 2010

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 27,806 2011 29,661 2010

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The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

27

Board of Advisors Daniel A. Dennis is president of Roberts Brothers Inc., Mobile’s oldest and largest residential real estate firm with a network of more than 175 real estate agents and five offices.

Before moving into his present role, Dennis served as director of business development, provided legal counsel and served as a liaison with Roberts Brothers’ parent company, HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Prior to that, he was corporate counsel for The Merrill Trust, a real estate investment and asset Dennis management company based in Atlanta. Dennis, a native Mobilian, earned a juris doctorate degree from Cumberland School of Law as well as a master of laws degree in real property development from the University of Miami School of Law. Roberts Brothers is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Employers’ Administrative Services

inc.

WE PROCESS

PAYROLLS! Located at 2700 Dauphin Street, EASi is a locally-owned company with 13 years experience serving Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

473-5848 We make payrolls EASi! 28 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

Connie Hudson is president of the Mobile County Commission, serving District 2.

Prior to joining the County Commission, she served three terms on the Mobile City Council representing District 6. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Troy University and an associate’s degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Ala. Hudson is a long-time education advocate, having served in numerous roles including the boards of the Alabama PTA and the Mobile Area Hudson Education Foundation. She has also served on the boards of the Mobile Arts Council, Distinguished Young Women and the Women’s Fund of South Alabama. Hudson is a member of Leadership Alabama Class XVIII and president of the Mobile Regional Senior Community Center Foundation. Mobile County is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Ayanka K. McIntosh-Lee is general manager of external relations for BP Gulf Coast Restoration Organization-Alabama. Since joining the company in 2004, she has served in Mobile, Houston and Jakarta, Indonesia. Prior to joining BP, McIntosh-Lee worked as ChevronTexaco’s public affairs representative in New Orleans and was a member of the media relations team in San Francisco. Before joining the energy industry, she was a correspondent and co-host for Fox Sports Network, and also McIntosh-Lee worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Girls Inc. McIntosh-Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley, where she received the Louise Patterson Award for Most Outstanding African-American Graduating Female.

For more information about the Chamber’s board of advisors, contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or kdewrell@mobilechamber.com.

Pictured left to right: Rebecca Dacovich, Angela Hurst, Deborah Lambert, Nikki Barnes, Jessica Atkinson, Glenda Morris, Amber Sims, Byron Coolie, Dana Coleman, Lycretia Adams and Kathy Hummel make up the trained staff at Atria Regency Mobile where they assist senior residents with activities of daily living helping keep them independent.

fulfilling lifestyle in environments where older people thrive. Nationwide, the company’s properties are home to more than 13,000 senior Americans in 27 states.

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

Photo by J. Tesney Photography

Diplomat of the Month – Leilani Reed-Logan A four-year diplomat, Leilani ReedLogan earned the Mobile Area Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month award for her recent involvement.

Reed-Logan is a senior human resource generalist for World Omni Financial Corp., a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises. World Omni is a diversified automotive finance company providing a range of financial services to consumers and automotive dealers. She serves on the board of directors for the Mobile Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) as director of diversity.

For more information on the Chamber’s diplomat program, contact Kim Dale at 4318649 or kdale@mobilechamber.com.

BLEED: N/A

COLOR: 4C

Atria Regency is a leading provider of independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Atria communities provide services designed to promote independence and help seniors enjoy a

RBC Bank is committed to putting your best interest first. Now and in the future.

TRIM: N/A

PUBLICATION: APRIL MOBILE THE BUSINESS VIEW

Reed-Logan

LIVE AREA: 8.5” X 5.375”

DATE PRODUCED: 1/257/11

Business Spotlight of the Month Atria Regency

The leaders you see here are the ones entrusted to making sure that commitment is met.

You can depend on their experience and expertise to provide you with the guidance you need to meet your goals. Now and in the future.

Bottom Row (L to R):

Top Row (L to R):

Michael Dennis – Regional Director, Private Banking – Alabama Mike Cadden – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets Cedric Hatcher – Regional President, Commercial Markets – S. Alabama Scott Stafford – Regional President, Retail – Alabama Dottie McKean – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets Jason Gross – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets

Michele Hand – Regional Retail Manager – West Mobile Matt Singleton – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets Sam Morgart – Regional Retail Manager – Baldwin County Willson McClelland – Relationship Manager, Private Banking – Mobile Rena Davis – Relationship Manager, Private Banking – Baldwin County Rufus Hudson – Regional Retail Manager – East Mobile

Let’s do something giant.

Member FDIC. ©RBC Bank (USA) 2011. ®Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. RBC Bank is a trade name used by RBC Bank (USA) and its branch offices operate under this trade name.

RBCC2131_Msh_MobileLeadership_April_MobileTheBusView.indd 1

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

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2/3/11 2:59 PM

October Calendar of Events 7

HABAGC: Oil and Gas Exploration

The Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast will hold its annual meeting on Friday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel.

“One Gulf: The Role of the Port of Mobile Between U.S., Mexico and Cuba in the New Frontiers for Oil and Gas Exploration,” will include a panel with Jose Serrano with Pemex, representatives from the State of Campeche, Mexico, the Alabama State Port Authority and oil and gas industry leaders. Jorge P. Piñón, retired from BP as manager for Europe and Western Mediterranean petroleum supply and logistics operations is the keynote speaker.

For reservations, cost and more information, contact Leida Javier-Ferrell at 431-8631 or ljavier@mobilechamber.com.

11

Women’s Roundtable *Members Only

Dr. Bree Hayes, president of Hayes Group Consulting LLC, will speak to this month’s Women’s Roundtable. Hayes will focus on the unique questions and concerns facing women in the workplace, offering insights and some very specific ways to preserve health and happiness.

This bi-monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member women business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Chamber’s Tricentennial Room.

There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber com.

12

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

Speed Networking

*Members Only

Speed networking offers Chamber members a chance to maximize their connections in a minimal amount of time. This event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St., from 8 to 9 a.m., and is limited to only Chamber members, and one representative per company.

The cost is $10 and includes breakfast. Payment must be received at time of reservation.

Reservations not cancelled must be honored.

Reservations are required no later than the Monday before the event and can be made by contacting Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com.

18

Executive Roundtable

*Members Only

Renee Osborne of Florida Connect Commerce is the featured speaker at this month’s Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers.

She will introduce a program designed to help businesses grow locally, nationally and globally.

The group meets Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited.

For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber. com.

OCTOBER 7-9, 2011 • FRIDAY • SATURDAY • SUNDAY

VISIT

bayfest.com TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Alabama’s Largest Music Festival

TOBY KEITH

KORN

BLAKE SHELTON

ERIC CHURCH

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3 DOORS DOWN

PLUS: WIZ KHALIFA, JILL SCOTT, DROWNING POOL, MINT CONDITION, HINDER, THOMPSON SQUARE, WET WILLIE, WILL KIMBROUGH, TOP OF THE ORANGE, SARA JEAN KELLEY, THE CAMPAIGN 1984, DAN EUBANKS, JUSTYNA KELLEY, THE SPRINGS AND MORE TO COME! BAYFEST WILL AWARD $10,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS THIS YEAR! High school students from Mobile county and Baldwin County can apply. Learn more at bayfest.com.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION AT BAYFEST.COM

30 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

Established 1951

Real Estate Appraisals Commercial, Office, Retail, Industrial, Special Purpose, and Residential Properties Gaylord C. Lyon, MAI Madeleine L. Downing, MAI Jefferson L. Sims, MAI Miles Sims, Appraiser Charlie Morrison, Appraiser Haney R. Jones, Jr., Appraiser John D. Hartman, Appraiser Marina Hodge, Appraiser 2475 Commercial Park Drive Mobile, Alabama 36606 Phone: 251-479-8513 Fax: 251-479-8516

19

Gulf Coast Technology Council Luncheon The Gulf Coast Technology Council is hosting a joint meeting with the Mobile chapter of the Instrument Society of Automation (ISA) at the Automation and Control Technical International Conference at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from noon to 1 p.m.

GCTC members attending the luncheon will be able to visit with more than 200 exhibitors in the exhibit hall at no charge after the luncheon. Steve Huffman, Automation Federation Government Relations Committee Chair, will discuss “The Automation Competency Model for the Future of Manufacturing.”

The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members or $20 for potential members and includes lunch. Paid reservations are required.

For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly at 431-8655 or smattingly@ mobilechamber.com.

19

Smiling is Not Enough

*Members Only

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. 19 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., the Mobile Area Chamber will offer “Customer Service: Smiling is Not Enough.” Michelle Crowe Ritter, a trainer for Mobile Technical Institute Business Solutions, will be the presenter.

Ritter specializes in customer service training designed to get customers talking about you.

This workshop, covering the basics of internal and external customer service, is free to Chamber members and their employees.

Reservations are required.

For more information, contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobile chamber.com.

20

Business After Hours

Introduce your company to more than 100 business professionals at the Chamber’s popular monthly event, Business After Hours. This month’s event, set for Thursday, Oct. 20, will be at Villa Dauphine, 3700 Dauphin St., Ste. B, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for potential members. Reservations are not needed.

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

27

Minority Business Week

See page 10 for more information and for registration.

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Premier Medical Physicians ENT Physicians RONNIE E. SWAIN, MD W. CARTER BRYARS, JR., MD BARRY L. BROWN, MD 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 RICHARD L. PALESANO, 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 ERIN E. LICHTENSTEIN, MD

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

31

Everyone loves a Holiday Party at Make this year’s the best!

Why? Faster Turn Times Magic Christmas in Lights creates a perfect backdrop for corporate functions, civic gatherings and family get-togethers.

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Welcome some familiar faces to our Community.

When you bank with us, your community is always growing. And now Community Bank Mortgage is proud to join forces with Mobile based Amicus Mortgage, marking our 4th new office in the Mobile metro area. 40 years of combined experience as one of the top-producing mortgage companies in Mobile makes them the perfect ally for Community Bank. Together, we share a strong vision for the growth of the Mobile area, and better service for our local customers.

Alex Pastore NMLS # 311994

Jana Williston NMLS # 308563

The original Amicus team of Alex Pastore and Jana Williston will continue to offer the same outstanding service they always have, but now as a welcome new addition to Community Bank.

Community Bank Mortgage 6341 Piccadilly Square Drive Mobile, AL 36609 Office (251) 342-1110 32 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

CommunityBank.net MEMBER FDIC

Member News Who’s New Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC hired accountant Jennifer Skrmetti.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Skrmetti the University of South Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi.

X The Salvation Army welcomed new officers Majors Alan and Belinda Hill to serve as area commander and director of women’s ministries respectively, replacing Major Ted and Pam Morris.

X Weichert Realtors - Premiere Properties welcomed new agent Daniel O’Brien.

O’Brien

X

Ward

Drinkard

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors added three new team members. Robert Ward PE has 24 years of experience in project management Carroll-Vasquez and mechanical engineering. Ward received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of South Alabama. Jeffrey Drinkard PE has 27 years of experience in project management and mechanical engineering and earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and forest engineering, both from Auburn University. And Christopher CarrollVasquez PE has 22 years of experience in civil/ structural engineering and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from the University of South Alabama.

Bielarski

Moore

Agents Jackie Bielarski, Natalie Moore and Travis Stringfellow joined Roberts Brothers West.

X

The physicians of Premier Medical Management eye group welcomed Dr. Erin Lichtenstein, general ophthalmologist.

Lichtenstein Lichtenstein is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington DC. She sees patients at the Providence location, 610 Providence Park Drive, Bldg. 2, Suite 203.

X

Stringfellow

Adams

Tunno

Williams

William Miles Tunno Jr. was named president of Mobile Paint Manufacturing Co. Tunno, a graduate of Texas A & M University, received a master’s in business administration from the University of South Carolina. Before joining Mobile Paint, he served as senior vice president of sales for the Comex Group of North America and served on its board.

Tunno replaces Robert A. (Bob) Williams, who was elected chairman of the board of directors of Mobile Paint Manufacturing Co. Williams recently retired as president of the company, after 57 years of service.

X The University of Mobile hired Nikeland Nichols as program director of RamKids, a federally funded program designed to prepare Nichols at-risk high school students to succeed in college. Nichols, a student pastor at Destiny Vision Christian Center in Mobile, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Alabama A&M University, Huntsville. He most recently served as a lead facilitator/trainer with Young Leaders of America.

X Donna Roberts joined Polka ToT Designs as an in-home designer.

Christopher

Crow Shields & Bailey PC accounting and consulting firm promoted Timothy M. Adams CPA to supervisor and Neil B. Christopher CPA to senior accountant.

Both work in the areas of tax and audit in the Mobile office.

X Coldwell Banker United Realtors added agent Rameh Dickens to its Mobile office.

Dickens

Business Endeavors Mediterranean Sandwich Co. is now open at 2502-2 Schillinger Rd. S. The deli is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 725-0126 or visit www. mediterraneansandwich.com.

X White-Spunner Construction was hired to build three new hurricane shelters in Jackson County, Miss. Each structure is valued at $3 million and will be able to withstand up to 200 mph winds, house up to 800 people, store up to 20,000 gallons of water and have self-supporting utilities.

X Polka ToT Designs moved to 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. The company also expanded the store to offer fabrics for the entire home, as well as blinds and window hardware. For more information, call 6395265 or visit www.polkatotdesigns.com.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Mobilebased Enveloc Inc., a full-service, offsite data backup and storage provider, released its Enveloc Version 9 software that includes encrypted drive imaging, a fast and safe way to recover completely from a failed machine.

X Ashley’s Flower Shop & Gifts launched a new website for online ordering. For more information, visit www.ashleysflower shop.com or call 666-4533.

Well Done The Junior League of Mobile 2011-12 board of directors will be led by Jennifer Jenkins as president. Additional board members are: Jenkins president-elect, Katy Sullivan; communications vice-president, Lori Lightcap; community vice-president, Mary Carol Ladd; finance vice-president, Faye Olensky; membership development vice-president, Lynn Davidson; planning and research vice-president, Andrea Moore; recording secretary, Mary Helen Strain; treasurer, Leslie Johnson; nominating chair, Kate Simm; governance chair, Sandy Foster; and sustaining representative, Gail Tart.

X Clark P. Christianson, president and CEO of Providence Hospital since 2000, was elected secretary-treasurer for the Alabama Hospital Christianson Association.

X The University of South Alabama School of Computer and Information Sciences was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Systems Security Education by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the academic years 2011 through 2016.

X Dr. Judy Lipka, owner of West Bay Chiropractic Center in Mobile, was named 2011 Chiropractor of the Year by the Alabama State Chiropractic Lipka Association (ASCA).

The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

33

White-Spunner Construction was recognized by the Mississippi Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, earning an Honor Award, one of only two given by the association annually, for its $3.2 million parking garage that generates as much power as it uses. To reach Net Zero energy status, the structure includes solar panels, power backup and an underground rainwater collection tank for irrigation.

X Ron McConnell, a 15-year veteran of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau and director of tourism sales and services, was named the 2011 Tourism Employee of McConnell the Year by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism. The award honored McConnell’s achievements in the state tourism industry.

X For the second consecutive year, Thompson Engineering was honored with the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC) Eagle Award for its commitment to safety.

In addition, Thompson Engineering was profiled in the cover article, “A Standard of Safety,” in the June/July issue of Alabama Construction News, an ABC publication.

X Financial advisor Cheryl McCormickHann and branch office administrator Tracey Snelgrove of Edward Jones received the firm’s McCormick-Hann Client Service Excellence Award for rating No. 1 as service providers in its region and in the Top 25 percent in the country.

X Mobile Area Water & Sewer System’s (MAWSS) wastewater treatment plants received the Platinum Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for outstanding compliance records in the 2010 calendar year. The Platinum awards are given to facilities that maintain perfect regulatory compliance in meeting permit discharge limits for five or more consecutive years.

X Lifelines/Family Counseling Center of Mobile is one of 25 finalists for its “Most Effective Awareness Campaign,” sponsored

by StayClassy, a leader in nonprofit social fundraising.

Walsh

Tom Walsh was named on the 2011 Alabama Super Lawyers Rising Star list. Walsh is a partner at Rockwell & Kaufman LLC.

Community News The Mobile County Commission signed a purchase agreement on property that will become the new home of the Semmes Senior Center. With the help of $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, the county commission will upgrade the Blackwell-Batson Estate, a 4,000- square-foot home on four wooded acres. Located at 9635 Moffett Rd., the house will accommodate the recreational needs of senior citizens ages 62 and older and will include exercise, billiards, computer and multi-purpose rooms, as well as a dining hall.

X On Thursday, Oct. 13, the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile will bring “The Tenors Cook Dixon & Young” to the Saenger Theatre for a 7 p.m. performance.

The Mobile Symphony will accompany the tenor trio, which includes Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon and Thomas Young, who have sung together for almost a decade and are known for blending opera, jazz, Broadway and gospel genres to audiences around the world.

Tickets are available at the Saenger Theatre box office, Northside Check Exchange, ticketmaster.com or at www.100blackmenmobile.com. For more information, call 405-5500.

Submission deadline for Member News is two months prior to publication.

News releases should be one or two brief paragraphs. Photos must be professional headshots, 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.

Anniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

35 YEARS

Helmsing, Leach, Herlong, Newman & Rouse

25 YEARS

AT&T Advertising Solutions Greg Jones, Mobile Foreign-Trade Zone Corp.

LLB & B Inc. Real Estate Royal Cup Coffee Inc.

15 YEARS

Kentwood Springs Mobile Symphony Inc.

10 YEARS

Al Hill Boiler Sales & Repair Inc. Challenge Engineering & Testing Inc. Custom Security Engineered Textile Products Inc. Gulf South Infrasystems LLC Mark Dodge LLC Turfmaster Landscape and Lawncare of Mobile LLC

5 YEARS

Estes Heating & Air Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile/I-65 Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Park/Airport Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Gulf Front The Holyfield Co. Inc. Information Transport Solutions Inc. Mitchell McLeod Pugh & Williams Inc. Pond Elegance South Region Minority Supplier Development Council The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood

1-4 YEARS

Airdyne Lafayette Inc. Animal Rescue Foundation Baldwin Bone & Joint PC/Canale Spine Institute Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak PA Bella Dia Photography Bennett Pointe Homes Brock Safety Group Bryan Contractors LLC Cameron Valve & Measurement China Doll Rice & Bean Inc./Dixie Lily Foods EarthLink Business

Expeditors International Farni & Farni Family Dentistry Felder Services LLC Firehouse Subs Fleming Rehab and Sports Medicine FusionPoint Media Inc. Greer’s Catering Growing Potential Inc. Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics H & H Electric Co. Inc. The Hiller Companies Home Place Furniture Horn Truck Rebuilders LLC ITAC Solutions ITT Technical Institute - Mobile Campus JRC Technology Group LLC Kingswood Townhomes & Apartments La Quinta Inn & Suites Lifeguard Transportation Service Inc. of Mobile McAlister’s Deli McNider Creations Merchants Foodservice Ole Bay Management Inc. Optera Creative Inc./Identity Signs Palomar Insurance Corp.

Panera Bread – Airport Boulevard Panera Bread – Eastern Shore Boulevard Panera Bread – Schillinger Road PMI Mobile Branch - PMI Emerald Coast Chapter Professional Estimating Service Inc. Profiling Solutions PT Solutions Reagent Technology Services a division of Mississippi Lime Regina Faggard - RE/MAX Realty Centre Toni Riales Photography LLC Safety Guidance Specialist Inc. Service Pump & Compressor (Hertz) The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint Slaton Moving & Warehouse State Farm - Rebekah Brown Touching Hearts Senior Care Inc. Tropical Smoothie Cafe´ Virginia’s Health Foods Inc. Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

“Your First Source For Safety Equipment and Supplies” SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS Complete Line Of Safety Equipment RENTAL Monitors, SCBA, Confined Space ▲ AIRBOSS Safe Breathing Air Trailers ▲ Equipment Repair, Service and Calibration ▲ OSHA Safety Surveys, Seminars, Training ▲ Respirator Fit Testing, PFT & Medicals ▲ Walk-In Safety Sales Showroom ▲ RX Glasses, Safety Shoes, Uniforms ▲ ▲

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

34 OCTOBER 2011 | The Business View

New Members

If you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647 or Tricia Seibt at 431-8642.

View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com. Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

AeroStar Greg Guzman 2248 Michigan Ave. Brookley Aeroplex Mobile, AL 36615 251-650-0927 www.aerostar.aero Aviation Technology

Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer David Jeff 3801 Moffett Rd. Mobile, AL 36618 251-452-0520 www.capitalvolvo.com Truck Sales & Service

Alabama Roll Products Inc. Gilbert Diaz Jr. 5350 Laurendine Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 251-973-0120 www.alabamarollproducts.com Steel Fabricators

Cardiac and Vascular Institute of Ultrasound Thomas R. Hopper PhD 2936 N. McVay Dr. Mobile, AL 36606 251-433-1600 www.ultrasound.edu Schools-Business & Vocational

Alford Bolin Dowdy LLC Mark Dowdy 1 St. Louis Center, Ste. 3100 Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-1600 www.alfordbolin.com Attorneys Axis Security Inc. Charles Burrup 27080 Hwy. 98, Bldg. 2 Daphne, AL 36526 251-219-4989 www.axisprotection.com Security Consultants Bama Ice Brian Hensley 4016 Dauphin Island Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36605 251-476-5423 www.bamaicemobile.com Ice Barrington Park Luxury Apartments and Condominiums Jenifer Hall 442 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36606 251-476-5277 www.barringtonparkapts.net Apartments Batain Masonry Inc. Clarence M. Batain Sr. 8427 Pine Run Daphne, AL 36527 251-591-2859 Mason Contractors M.D. Bell Co. Inc. David Bell 58 E. Midtown Pk. Mobile, AL 36606 251-473-4971, ext. 16 Real Estate Appraisers Camellia Home Health & Hospice of MS Vivian Champaigne 4211 Hospital St., Ste. 304 Pascagoula, MS 39581 228-596-0407 www.camellia.com Home Health Service

CONNECT

with the Chamber

on the web

Circle of Care Health Services Inc. Mary Woods 1111 I-65 Service Rd. E., Ste. 111 Mobile, AL 36606 251-471-1700 Home Health Service Claire’s Hope Marty N. Carrell 328 S. Sage Ave., Ste. 100 Mobile, AL 36606 251-450-2225 www.claireshope.org Nonprofit Organization Compass Urgent Care LLC Tammy Oyler 9985 Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608 251-633-2273 Medical Clinics The Cummings Co. LLC J. Reid Cummings 2316-C Knollwood Dr. Mobile, AL 36693 251-602-1941 www.ccllc.co Real Estate Earl’s Pawn & Jewelry & Check Cashing Abby Mallon 260 Schillinger Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608 251-633-7296 Pawnbrokers Efficient Forms Scott Gladish 7000 Central Pkwy.

Atlanta, GA 30328 770-457-1334 www.efficienthire.com Business Forms & Supply EmployUS LLC Andrea Shackleford 452 Government St., Ste. D Mobile, AL 36602 251-431-9899 www.employusllc.com Temporary Labor/Skilled Labor Like us.

facebook.com MobileChamber

FEDCorp Chip Smith 2169 Stanton Rd., Ste. 100 Daphne, AL 36526 251-661-6286 Financial Services The Gift Spot Nicolina Bradley 7100 Airport Blvd., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36608 251-344-4445 www.thegiftspot.net Retail Glenn Crane & Rigging Bryan Carr 8100 Hwy. 57 Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228-875-1877 www.glennmachineworks.com Cranes Service Global Investigation and Security LLC Roderick Reed P.O. Box 1741 Mobile, AL 36633 251-404-6362 Security Consultants Gulf Hospitality Systems Inc. Russell McGuire 1301 Azalea Rd., Ste. 300 Mobile, AL 36693 251-445-1052 www.gulfhospitalitysystems.com Hospitality Industry Halal Cuisine of India Shahid Abbasi 3674 Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608 251-802-2766 Restaurants Intergalactech LLC Matt Owens 5049 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36609 251-259-5800 www.igtechsolutions.com Cash Registers & Supplies Jaguar IMG Sports Marketing Gary Saunders 650 Clinic Dr., Ste. 2400 Mobile, AL 36688 251-460-6001 Marketing Jenkins Brick Co. William Richardson 2180 Ave. C Brookley Aeroplex Mobile, AL 36615 251-433-5569 www.jenkinsbrick.com Brick Manufacturer & Distributors

Join us.

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com

Joe-Joe’s Limo & Mortuary Joseph Lee Bonner-Bey 1425 Azalea Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-479-2300 www.joejoelimo.com Limousine Service Kern Martin Services Inc. Emmett Kern 13856 S. Wintzell Ave. Bayou La Batre, AL 36509 251-824-7572 Marine/Offshore Construction Lovin Care Inc. Mary W. Love 4242 S. Raintree Rd. Eight Mile, AL 36613 251-457-2463 Gifts Maritime Equipment Services Inc. Jessica L. Fauver 214 S. Lawrence St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-433-4115 www.maritimeequipment servicesinc.com Sandblasting Mediterranean Sandwich Co. Vlad Moldoveanu 2502-2 Schillinger Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36695 251-725-0126 www.mediterraneansandwich.com Restaurants Momentum Massage Jasmine Zinck 2100-A Government St. Mobile, AL 36606 251-470-9944 www.momentummassagetherapy.com Day Spa

Momma’s Mojo Cuban Cafe & Deli Maggie Lamorell 9211 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-607-0442 www.mommasmojoal.com Restaurants Office Depot #2286 Don Boyer 3930-A Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608 251-341-1755 www.officedepot.com Office Supplies Open Window Social Media Solutions Sharon Terrell P.O. Box 7215 Spanish Fort, AL 36577 985-778-8812 www.openwindowsocialmedia.com Internet Marketing PAETEC Amy Langevin 3100 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. 500 Office Mall S., Bldg. 5 Mobile, AL 36606 251-706-1000 www.paetec.com Telecommunications Parker Adult Foster Homes Inc. Carol Parker 671-A Stanton Rd. Mobile, AL 36617 251-456-7100 Mental Health Outpatient Practice Pat Peck Nissan Robert Langham 1015 E. I-65 Service Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36606 251-476-7800 www.patpecknissan.com Automobile Dealers-New & Used Cars

RCT Inc. Sean Hellman 670 Ziegler Cir. W. Mobile, AL 36608 251-639-3500 www.rct-inc.com Environmental Consultants RHS Distributors Randy Stroecker Jr. 251 Thurnhill Dr. Mobile, AL 36606 251-421-2772 Protective Health Clothing Ryder Corey Hebert 2033 Perimeter Rd. Mobile, AL 36615 251-433-7464 www.ryder.com Truck Renting & Leasing Smart Coast Wendy Allen 60 Morphy Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532 251-928-0366 www.smartcoast.org Nonprofit Organization Streamline Transportation Nikklos R. Kidd P.O. Box 66790 Mobile, AL 36660 251-554-5118 Transportation Services Taylor CPA Group LLC Jason Taylor 1111 Hillcrest Rd. Ste. 260 Mobile, AL 36695 251-510-5336 www.jasonwtaylorcpa.com Accountants VisionSpot Consulting LLC Valerie Rowe 7642 Century Blvd.

Paramount, CA 90723 310-704-0510 www.leadershipboostcamp.com Training & Development As of 7/31/11

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Advanced Payroll Solutions..........................10 Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC..................25 Alabama Power................................................5 BankTrust.........................................................7 BayFest........................................................... 30 Bellingrath Gardens and Home...................32 Burr Forman LLP..........................................16 Community Bank..........................................32 Employer’s Administrative Services............ 28 Gaylord C. Lyon & Co. Inc........................... 30 Gwin’s Commercial Printing.......................27 Hand Arendall ..............................................12 Holiday Inn....................................................25 Follow us.

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iBERIABANK..................................................13 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc..............32 Lagniappe.......................................................27 Logical Computer Solutions.........................26 Premier Medical Management....................31 RBC Bank...................................................... 29 Safety Source..................................................34 The Sherwin-Williams Co............................21 The University of Alabama.............................6 United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile.................. 28 Wine Festival at 5 Rivers...............................25 Wonderland Express......................................23

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The Business View | OCTOBER 2011

35

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...comes without reservations.

At peak tourist season, David Clark manages 700 employees. Even though the Grand Hotel is a much sought-after destination, hiring enough people to serve its guests is challenging. He counts on the Chamber’s workforce development partnerships with local schools and colleges to help him find the pool of applicants he needs. As one of 2,200 Chamber members, David has access to resources, exposure and networking to help the Grand Hotel grow and make it thrive – and that helps him and his team deliver five-star service.

David Clark Grand Hotel Marriott Resort 700 Employees Founded 1847

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