11-2009 by Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

November 2009 | Vol. XXXX, No. 10

Making Strides in Downtown Mobile Bringing Planes In, Loading Them Up

Chamber Chase â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One for the Record Books

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

The ultimate business supplement for a new generation. As we boldly explore new possibilities for our city’s future, take pause to quench your thirst for information on our accomplishments and get charged up with renewed focus and drive. Join the leaders who are shaping the new Mobile Bay at our 173rd Annual Meeting.

The mobile area chamber of commerce 173rd annual meeTing

Presented By

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 • 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.• Mobile Civic Center Tickets $50 or group of 10 tickets for $485 (Chamber members only) Tickets $60 (potential Chamber members) RSVP at 251.431.8606 or email: cwilson@mobilechamber.com www.mobilechamber.com

Sponsors: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama • Burr & Forman LLP • Ciba Corp., part of the BASF Group • Coastal Hospice Care • G1 Mechanical • Gulf States Engineering • Kingdom Coach • Lyons Pipes & Cook PC • Mobile Gas • TECHNIP USA • Thompson Engineering Inc. • Torp Terminal • University of South Alabama Whitney National Bank • Restaurants: Alec Naman Catering • Atlanta Bread • Bienville Club • Chef Rob & Co.• Creative Catering Inc. • Crosby Catering • Don’s Cafe & Catering Service • Lassere’s Catering • Newk’s Express Café • Oysterella’s Seafood Restaurant • Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel • Ruth’s Chris Steak House/ Felix Fish Camp Grill • Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ • The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel & Spa • Time to Eat • Tyner’s Catering • Beverages: AQUAlife Water & Coffee Service • Kentwood Water • Royal Cup Coffee • Designer: Lewis Communications

11.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

THE BUSINESS VIEW (USPS 952-700) is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951. www.mobilechamber.com Subscription rate is $24 annually. ⌦ Periodicals Postage Paid at Mobile, Alabama. POSTMASTER send address changes to Attn: Finance Department THE BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2187 • Mobile, Alabama 36652-2187 or e-mail info@mobilechamber.com © 2009

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . Winthrop M. Hallett III

Executive Editor . . . . . . . Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor . . . . . . . Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cori Yonge Additional Writers and Editors

Ashley Horn, Carol Hunter, Ashley Toland Trice, Carolyn Wilson Printing Services . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive . . . . . . . . . René Eiland 431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

ADVERTISERS Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC.................................. 9 Alabama Power Co. .....................................................8 BitWizards................................................................... 16 Calagaz Digital & Offset Printing.............................. 26 Century Bank................................................................ 9 Celia Mann Baehr........................................................21 CH Fulfilment ............................................................ 26 Community Bank.......................................................28 Gwin’s Commercial Printing.....................................28 Interstate Printing......................................................30 Lagniappe....................................................................28 Lewis and Associates................................................... 24 Logical Computer Solutions.......................................10 NBC15-WPMI.............................................................. 34 New Horizons Credit Union........................................21 MH3 Printing.............................................................. 23 Online Payroll Services Inc.........................................21 Pixallure Design LLC.................................................. 25 Premier Medical Management.....................................7 Pristine Green............................................................... 9 RBC Bank.................................................................... 15 Roly Poly.....................................................................29 Southern LINC Wireless.............................................. 35 Spring Hill College...................................................... 23 Sunbelt Business Brokers............................................. 5 Tanner’s Pecans and Candies.................................... 22 United Way of Southwest Alabama.............................27 Whitney Bank.................................................................7 Wonderland Express....................................................31 FIND THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB facebook.com

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

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

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

11-13 Downtown Mobile’s 77 blocks of the

Business Improvement District boast cleaner, safer streets and a vision for the future that includes Mobile’s latest cruise ships, the Fantasy and the Elation. And hear what folks working downtown have to say about the area’s new look

14 -15 GAT Airline Ground Support, a locally

owned company, provides critical services On the cover: Leavell & Associates moved into its new building on St. Joseph Street, located within downtown to airlines across the country Mobile’s Business Improvement District. This conversion of 17-20 Chamber Chase crosses the finish line former Metals USA building into 8,000-square foot offices for the investment-banking firm cost an estimated $2 with record-setting dollars. Meet the million. See story on pages 11-13. teams raising the bar Photo by Ashley Horn F E A T U

4-5

M O N T H LY F O C U S

R E S

8 Small Business of the Month: Creative Catering Inc.

News You Can Use – Positive updates for businesses in the area and around the state. Find out who is generating 44 percent of the state’s gross domestic product and see the six Mobile schools are earning recognition. Plus five Mobile shipyards receive $6.3 million in grants and G1 Mechanical wins big at ThyssenKrupp

24 Business Spotlight of the Month: Look and Listen Home Theater & Automation

Etc. – Organizational updates and business briefs including former Press- Register publisher Howard Bronson’s Mobile legacy, what employers should know about the flu, how new weather data collection changes the way local researchers predict hurricanes, who is providing affordable private charter flights to and from Mobile and the details about Verizon’s portable Wi-Fi hotspot

Collections, Never Assume

27 Investor Focus: Springdale Travel American Express 29 CEO Profile: Loka Mistretta, Cintas Corp. 29 Board of Advisors 29 Who’s in Town? 30 Chamber@Work 30 Economic Indicators 31 Calendar 32-33 Member News 33 Anniversaries 34 New Members

22 “Keep Mobile Funky”– Guest Columnist Ashley Toland Trice, Lagniappe editor, extols the benefits of shopping locally this holiday season

23 Veterans Day – Gov. Bob Riley, named Patriot of the Year, joins in local festivities honoring area soldiers

26 Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center honors the Mobile Bay area’s outstanding minority businesses

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

24 Diplomat of the Month: Millie Sue Hawk 25 SCORE Column: When it Comes to

The Business View | 11.09

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

NEWS You Ca 44 Percent of Alabama’s Gross Local Shipyards Receive Domestic Product is Foreign-Based $6.3 Million in Federal Grants A new study showed Alabama’s 626 worldwide American companies generated 44 percent of the state’s gross domestic product in 2007. Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs of U.S. companies advocating for free trade and tax policies, released the study based on the latest statistics available. Tony van Aken, director of the Mobile Area Chamber’s international trade division, said more Alabamians have jobs due to the strong international presence in the state. He pointed to the automotive industry as a key driver. Today the number one exported product in Alabama is automotives, something that was not even on the state’s radar 15 years ago, van Aken said. Those 626 companies employ 298,200 people directly in the state and 534,400 people indirectly through their supply chains and spending, according to the study, which represents nearly 39 percent of all private-sector employment and more than

41 percent of total private-sector payroll. An article published about the report in the Birmingham Business Journal revealed other interesting findings from the study: • Worldwide American companies in Alabama paid an average of $47,057 per worker in 2007; • Those companies paid $1.7 billion in dividends to state residents in that year; and • Of the 298,200 employed by these companies, 97,400 worked in trade and transportation (281 companies), 104,000 in services (270 companies), 88,000 in manufacturing (245 companies) and 8,800 in other industries (51 companies). “With 95 percent of the world’s consumers located outside the United States, participation in the international marketplace is critical to both short-term economic recovery and long-term growth,” said John Castellani, president of Business Roundtable.

Local Foreign-Based Companies Members of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Aker Solutions (Norway) Product: Undersea Umbilical Cables Airbus North America Engineering (France) Product: Aerospace Industries Arkema Inc. (France) Product: Industrial chemicals Austal USA (Australia) Product: Aluminum Ships/Ferries Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals LLC (Holland) Products: Carbon Disulfide, Sulfuric Acid, Crystex, Sulfur Chlorides Barloworld Handling - Mobile Branch (South Africa) Products: Hyster Forklift Sales, Parts & Rental Berg Steel Pipe Corp. (Germany) Products: Iron and Steel Pipe Ciba Corp., part of the BASF Group (Germany) Product: Speciality chemicals EADS CASA North America Inc. (Spain) Product: Military Transport, Sales & Service Energy Cranes LLC (Scotland) Product: Offshore Marine Cranes Evonik Degussa Corp. (Germany) Products: Aerosil, Methionine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Sodium Cyanide Fokker Airinc (Holland) Product: Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment NEC Global Tel Link Corp. (France) Products: Public Payphones, Equipment Glovis Alabama LLC (Korea) Product: Logistics Services

Holcim (US) Inc. (Switzerland) Product: Portland and Masonry Cements Huntsman Advanced Materials Americas Inc. (Belgium) Product: Specialty Chemicals IB Nitrogen Inc. (Canada) Product: Fertilizer Ineos Phenol (England) Products: Phenol and Acetone Kemira Chemicals Inc. (Finland) Product: Water Treatment Lenzing Fibers Inc. (Austria) Product: Tencel Fibers Master Halco (Japan) Product: Chain Link Fencing Mitsubishi Polycrystalline Silicon America Corp. (Japan) Product: High Purity Polycrystalline Silicon Plasmine Technology Inc. (Japan) Product: Paper Sizing Products Ricoh Business Solutions (Japan) Product: Copiers, Faxes & Documentation Machines Shell Chemical LP (England) Product: Petroleum Refining Shell Offshore Inc. (Holland) Products: Natural Gas Processing, Sulfur SSAB Alabama Inc. (Sweden) Product: Steel ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering Inc. (Singapore) Product: Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Modification Technip Offshore (France) Product: Flexible Pipe Reel Base ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC (Germany) (scheduled production, 2010) Product: Carbon Steel Processing ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA LLC (Germany) (scheduled production, 2011) Product: Stainless Steel Processing

Approximate Total Employment: 6,300

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Five local shipyards are the beneficiaries of grant money that will help purchase heavy equipment, giving the companies a boost in competitiveness and efficiency. In August, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced 70 grants totaling $98 million for American shipbuilders and repair facilities as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funds, awarded through the Maritime Administration’s Assistance to Small Shipyards program, will be used for $6.3 million in capital improvements at five local shipyards. According to the Department of Transportation, the grant program provides up to 75 percent ARRA funds, and requires the local shipyard to match the remainder. “It’s encouraging to see the these grants being awarded to so many of our local shipbuilders,” said Steve Russell, director

of the Chamber’s business retention and expansion program. “The money is providing these businesses with the necessary capital to help our shipbuilders reach their full potential.” Chamber member businesses who received grants include: • Austal USA – $1. 8 million for an overhead bridge crane and 225-ton mobile crane; • Horizon Shipbuilding Inc. in Bayou La Batre – $99,000 for gas and air storage and a distribution system; • Master Boat Builders Inc. in Bayou La Batre – $2.3 million for a 300-ton crawler crane and two rough terrain cranes; • Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services Inc. – $330,618 for a forklift and other equipment; and • Steiner Shipyard Inc. in Bayou La Batre – $1.8 million for 400-ton travelift.

Mobile Schools Recognized for Gains Capturing a headline that states “Mobile Engineers a Dynamic School System” is by no means an easy task. But the Fall 2009 issue of Working Toward Excellence, the journal of the Alabama Best Practices Center (ABPC), stated just that. And in doing so, the journal dedicated its entire issue to the work of the Mobile County Public School System. Mobile County had six Torchbearer schools last year, a designation by the Alabama Department of Education honoring the state’s highest-performing, high-poverty schools. Each of the these schools was featured in the journal. “When six out of seven of the Torchbearer schools are from one district, it certainly piques our interest,” Cathy Gassenheimer, executive vice president of the ABPC, told the Press-Register.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Alabama Best Practices Center, a division of the A+ Education Partnership, named the Mobile school system the best in the state among large urban areas. Torchbearer schools were: Anna Booth in Irvington, Calcedeaver in northwest Mobile County, George Hall in the Maysville area, Holloway in the Toulminville area, Indian Springs in Prichard and St. Elmo in Irvington. All are elementary schools. In her overview on why Mobile County public schools were selected for the feature, Gassenheimer wrote, “So why, in little more than a decade has Mobile emerged nationally as a school system to watch? One answer is the strong and enduring partnership between Mobile’s school system and the Mobile Area Education Foundation. Another secret to success is the district’s continuity of leadership.”

Positive Business News When You Need It • Positive Business News

an Use Right Place. Right Time.

G1 Mechanical is one of several Alabama companies awarded contracts at ThyssenKrupp’s Mobile County site. The company plans to hire 100-plus employees by November.

A series of networking events and introductions helped open the door for G1 Mechanical to bid on work at ThyssenKrupp Steel & Stainless USA LLC. Late this summer, G1 Mechanical was awarded a multi-million dollar contract to fabricate and install pipe and equipment throughout ThyssenKrupp’s secondary water treatment plant. Company officials used the services of the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) and expertise of the Mobile Area Chamber – and credits the two organizations for meeting the right contacts. “This is just the beginning of the positive things that G1 expects to bring to this community,” said Floyd Gant, G1 Mechanical’s vice president.

The company plans to hire an additional 110 employees by the end of this month, increasing the total to 150 at the Calvert site. Positions include pipefitters, welders, machinists, steel fabricators, millwrights, equipment operators and other industrial trades. Work on this project is scheduled to be finished within the first quarter of 2010. The South Carolina-based firm has offices in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Mobile. Recently G1 Mechanical opened an office in McIntosh in Washington County to serve the Mobile River’s industrial base and ThyssenKrupp.

Plan Now for 2010 Advertise in The Business View

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

Quality - Last year, the U.S. Chamber

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

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

By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area businesses every month. The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your company in front of the Mobile area business community.

Contact René 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

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

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

The Business View | 11.09

ETC Howard Bronson Leaves Lasting Legacy in Mobile “It would have been It’s not often that a significantly more difficult to newspaper publisher gets have achieved any of Mobile’s involved in economic economic milestones without development recruiting, (Bronson’s) support and that but that did not stop of the newspaper,” said Hallett. former Press-Register Bronson left the PressPublisher Howard Register in August after Bronson. According to serving 17 years as publisher. Mobile Area Chamber Ricky Mathews, a former President Win Hallett, Bronson’s willingness to Howard Bronson president and publisher of the Biloxi Sun Herald and the have frank discussions about South Mississippi Business Journal, was projects such as the tanker competition named president and publisher of the and ThyssenKrupp was always Mobile paper. Mathews also has oversight appreciated, although at times the two of both the Birmingham News and had different opinions of what was best for Huntsville Times. Mobile.

What Employers Should Know About the Flu While the “official” flu season runs from October through February, it was obvious once school started that the number of H1N1 flu cares (most commonly known as swine flu) spiked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed guidelines, including checklists, to assist businesses, industries and other employers in preparing for a pandemic outbreak as well as for other comparable catastrophes. One of the best tools to combat the flu is to educate employees on simple steps they can take to remain healthy at work. You can protect yourself and others by following these key guidelines: 1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle through rest, diet, exercise and relaxation. 2. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Be sure to wash hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. 3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. 6

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4. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue, or cough and sneeze into your elbow. Dispose of tissues in a no-touch trash receptacle. 5. Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, such as telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, etc. 6. Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment. 7. Don’t spread the flu! If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home. Symptoms include fever over 100 degrees, chills, cough and sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting. The CDC recommends sick workers stay home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. 8. Get vaccinated against seasonal flu when the vaccine is available in the Mobile area. People at high risk for complications, including pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes should receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as well.

Nearly Double the Info As this year’s hurricane season winds down, weather officials with the University of South Alabama (USA) are preparing for next year’s storm season thanks to a $525,539 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Researchers at USA’s Center for Hurricane Intensity and Landfall Investigation (CHILI) will add 12 more stations to collect weather data throughout south Alabama before the end of the year. “Having detailed data like this is invaluable,” said Dr. Sytske Kimball, USA associate professor of meteorology and CHILI director. Each station provides

real-time data within minutes to National Weather Service forecasters and the public through a new web site, http://chilweb. southalabama.edu. Information will also help researchers improve landfall predictions and learn more about how the intensity of a hurricane changes as it approaches and hits land. During Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Hunters, a program of the U.S. Air Force, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, estimated wind speed by flying over the storm. A more accurate reading will help responders conduct rescue efforts during a storm and validate wind speeds for insurance claims following the storm.

Mobile Direct Springdale Travel American Express started a new business model for gathering passengers interested in affordable private charter travel to and from Mobile, via Mobile Direct. The service allows passengers to share the total cost of a private jet charter on a per seat basis by either reserving one to eight seats on a scheduled charter or requesting a new flight within an 800-mile radius of Mobile. “When you consider meals, hotels and a rental car, these flights become very competitive, especially for last minute

business travel,” said Bob Bender, Springdale’s vice president. As an example, average costs to Birmingham are $530; Nashville, $784; and $1,400 to Chicago. Charter Services Inc. will conduct the flights. The company maintains a fleet of six business jets at Mobile Regional Airport. In addition to shared/reduced cost, passengers can arrive at the airport 10 minutes prior to take-off and return the same day after conducting business. For more information call 414-4687.

Everywhere You Go Verizon wireless recently launched a portable, personal Wi-Fi hotspot. The new technology, named MiFi 2200, allows users to share high-speed Internet connection on its broadband network.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

MiFi 2200 supports up to five wireless enabled devices such as smart phones, computers, cameras or MP3 players. For example, carpoolers could share the same network for any of these devices. It weighs a mere 2 ounces, is the thickness of approximately eight credit cards and comes with built-in security. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/ mobilebroadband/?page=products_mifi.

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

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

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

mall Business of the Month

Creative Catering Inc. Sean McLaughlin, owner of Creative Catering Inc., gained his cooking experience in the kitchen of almost every fast food and full-service dining restaurant from Louisiana to Alabama. “I started working at Dairy Queen when I was 14 and loved it,” said McLaughlin. “I was working wherever there was food, air conditioning and girls.” Starting early on his career path paid off. Creative Catering is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month. With 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry, McLaughlin moved to Mobile and continued working in fullservice dining. He combined his skills with another local chef and the two established a flourishing catering business featuring a cooking show called Creative Cooks. “We were doing the show when the Food Network was just starting,” said McLaughlin. “We were ahead of our time and it was a lot of fun.” Creative Cooks had a good run – three years on Comcast and 76 shows on WKRG-

TV5 – but in 2001, McLaughlin decided it was time to develop his own business. Though he started out small, the company has grown to be a major player in Mobile’s catering industry. With six full-time employees and 40 more part-time or as needed, Creative Catering handles weddings, corporate functions and other events. McLaughlin also runs a small café in the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. In his catering business, McLaughlin offers clients specialties such as themed hors d’oeuvres stations. Among other concepts, he can create a French station featuring chicken and vegetables, an Italian station with cheese tortellini and beef ravioli, and a chocolate dipping station offering an array of white and dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, bananas, fruit kabobs and rum balls. A high point in McLaughlin’s career came when he was called to serve food for shipbuilders in south Mobile County. The workers were building Disney’s Pirates of

Sean McLaughlin, owner of Creative Catering Inc., has served Mobile since 2001.

the Caribbean’s Black Pearl ship. “That was a great experience and such a thrill to be a part of that production for the film,” said McLaughlin on feeding the more than 100 workers breakfast, lunch and dinner. McLaughlin has been praised for feeding emergency personnel during Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina and continues to offer his

services in times of natural disaster. He gets his inspirations for new menu items from books, magazines and television. In his free time, he tries out new recipes with his wife and children at home. “I love Mexican food and cannot cook it enough,” admitted McLaughlin. “However, last night we had chili dogs for dinner.”

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Better Than Ever

City Streets Flourish Under the Umbrella of the Downtown Mobile Alliance

our years ago when the Downtown Mobile District Management Corp. was formed to operate the Business Improvement District (BID), the 77-block area was in need of more than a little sprucing up. Early surveys suggested the perception of downtown was a dirty, dangerous and dull place. A recent study tells a much different story with 89.4 percent of individuals surveyed responding the area is cleaner and more than 50 percent saying they feel safer during both daylight and nighttime hours. A whopping 91 percent surveyed say downtown “is better than ever.” The reason for the change of heart? The area that includes the Henry Aaron Loop and encompasses Broad, Beauregard, Water and Canal streets undergoes intensive daily cleaning by a Crewe of Stewards, who also plant flowers and remove graffiti. Walking patrols were instituted by a uniformed Crewe of Regents who respond to emergencies, address quality of life concerns and act as neighborhood ambassadors. Both efforts, conducted seven days a week, send the message that downtown is now a well-cared for place. Over the first four years more than 786,880 pounds of trash were removed from the district, 858,609 visitors were greeted and 850 motorists were assisted, according to Carol Hunter, public relations director for the Downtown Mobile Alliance, the umbrella organization of the District Management Corp. Slowly, people began returning downtown, and construction and renovation projects, both large and small, were announced. “Downtown is in the spring of its life and is a reflection of the efforts that many have put forth in making it better. I enjoy the renewed vibrancy of the area,” said Commercial Realtor Burton Clark.

In 2007, this building at 7 Royal St. was renovated and now is occupied by Lyons, Pipes & Cook.

“Our third year marked a turning idyllic Mayberry. It meant that our point,” said Hunter. In that single year, efforts to create a place simultaneously more than 51 trees were planted and 121 beautiful, safe and friendly had flowerbeds were succeeded,”said installed and Hunter. maintained. For the The transformation Downtown is in the first time, downtown also created tangible spring of its life and is Mobile was being results. Last year 41 a reflection of the efforts favorably businesses expanded compared to existing operations or that many have put forth Fairhope. Visitors opened new ones in in making it better. commented the downtown. In 2007 drive down Dauphin and 2008 alone, $327 Burton Clark Street was like a trip million in renovations Cummings & Associates to Bellingrath and new construction Gardens. were completed, and “However, our favorite comment though the establishment of the BID is not was that downtown had become like the solely responsible for the boom, it has

Business Improvement District (BID) Numbers

786,880 858,609

Pounds of trash and debris removed from the District Meet and greets with visitors and locals

Before contributed to the willingness of investors to consider downtown Mobile for projects. “Our clean and safe programs definitely have helped to create development interest downtown,” said Fred Rendfrey, director of downtown economic development for the Downtown Mobile Alliance. “The development community realized there was pent up demand for downtown living, and in fact, people have enjoyed moving downtown and living the urban lifestyle. There has also been more interest in the hospitality industry and in the downtown office market. The RSA Tower has been the centerpiece, but other buildings have been Continued on page 12

In four years, the BID has:

31,440 Plants planted (since 2007) 220 Gallons of gas given to help visitors

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

818*

Vehicles unlocked

*At $60 per unlock by a locksmith, this single service has saved those in the District an estimated $49,000.

The Business View | 11.09

Better Than Ever Continued from page 11

or are being renovated and interest is high.” Located in Downtown Mobile since 1979, the employees of Leavell Investments Management Inc. say they have seen their share of changes. “It was bad when I first started working downtown in 1987,” said Richard Stimpson, investment counselor for the firm. “The Business Improvement District (BID) is crucial to the area’s success. They are out every morning cleaning the streets, scrubbing the sidewalks and always available to help people. They are always friendly and happy.” As the BID enters its fifth year, the organization’s staff recognize there is more work to be done. Survey respondents expressed a need for additional retail development, evening dining options and parking. “These voids make it difficult to attract the kind of tourism traffic that has been an economic boom to many coastal cities like Charleston, S.C.,” said Hunter. She added the organization is addressing parking shortages in areas with heaviest demand and, with the support of Mayor Sam Jones, some inroads are being made.

The District Management Corp. is in the process of developing the 2015 District Management Plan, focusing on achieving the vision of creating a downtown that provides a “delightful, diverse experience to residents and visitors alike,” said Hunter. The efforts to date were funded through a property owner assessment voted on by the Mobile City Council. The alliance is counting on the council’s continued support as well as that of Jones. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, a public hearing is set for property owners and tenants to express their concerns as well as support for the continued business improvement district and the progress it made in transforming downtown. “We’re confident this remarkable public-private partnership will continue. As Dr. David Bronner told the sell-out crowd at the Alliance’s annual meeting in September, ‘Without the work of the BID, you will go back to where you were five years ago faster than you can imagine,’” Hunter said. She added, “For us, there is no going back.”

Leavell & Associates

Before

Leavell & Associates moved into its new building on St. Joseph Street, located within downtown Mobile’s Business Improvement District. This conversion of former Metals USA building into 8,000-square foot offices for the investment-banking firm cost an estimated $2 million.

Businesses in the BID – What They’re Saying Hancock Bank While the bank initially chose the location for convenience, a company spokesman said the site turned out to be a success in more than one way. “We have offices in Mobile and Baldwin counties, which makes downtown central to our south Alabama footprint,” said Mike Dickerson, Hancock’s senior vice president for commercial banking for Alabama and Florida. “It’s also nice to be able to walk to a customer’s office or to lunch.” Dickerson said in his short time working downtown the BID has become a welcome and noticeable improvement to the area.

At the corner of Dauphin and St. Emanuel streets, this conversion of a 21,272-square-foot building into apartments and a bank cost an estimated of $1.1 million.

11.09

Dauphin Realty Dauphin Realty Commercial Properties, a new division of Dauphin Realty, recently settled into new offices in the old Mattress Factory at 412 Dauphin St. Mickie Russell, president of Dauphin Realty uses words such as critical, safe and clean to describe the BID’s effects on downtown revitalization. “The BID will help us move forward with even more good things for downtown. The BID is what protects my property values, and without the BID, I doubt I would have been interested in investing the monies I have in downtown.”

This conversion of 32,000-square feet of factory space to 25 loft condominiums and office space at 412 - 416 Dauphin St. was completed in 2007 and cost an estimated of $2.8 million.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Carnival Fantasy Arrives in Mobile for Short Run

Red Square Agency

A 10,000-square-foot empty building with ground floor parking was converted into office space at 202 Government St. with an estimated investment of $1.1 million.

Before

Carnival puts Elation into service in Mobile beginning in May

wellbornIdeas wellbornIdeas recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 356 Dauphin St. The marketing solutions firm’s owner, Stacy Wellborn said she chose to move to downtown Mobile to capitalize on the overwhelming growth potential. Wellborn said she sees the BID in action every day and was even the recipient of their help when a member of the BID aided her in moving a large piece of furniture. “I think the efforts the BID team makes to keep the downtown area clean are very evident and the plantings throughout downtown make it a very welcoming environment,” she said. “I believe that making spaces beautiful helps all constituents appreciate the area and want to help improve it.” Already renovated and ready for a tenant at 356 Dauphin St., this building is home to wellbornIdeas, a marketing firm.

he long-awaited Carnival cruise ship Fantasy arrives in Mobile on Tuesday, Nov. 10, replacing the Holiday that has served the area for the past five years. But the new ship won’t be in port long. In May 2010, Fantasy will be replaced by the Elation, a newer vessel which will homeport in Mobile from San Diego. Fantasy departs Monday, Nov. 16 for the first of its four- and five-day cruises to Cozumel, Calica and Progresso – all popular destinations on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The newly refurbished Fantasy hosts a water park, an adults-only retreat and a new resort-style pool area. It accommodates 2,056 passengers, an increase of 42 percent over the Holiday, according to Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones applauded the move, attributing Mobile’s reputation as a progressive city to the partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines. “We are truly grateful to welcome the larger Carnival Fantasy ship, and look forward to the future opportunities this partnership will bring to our city, state and region,” said Jones. Adding more passengers, the new ship will surpass the economic impact the Holiday brought to the area. According to the University of South Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research, the Holiday’s total annual expenditures are $11.6 million, based on passenger, parking and crew expenditures, dock and wharf fees, facilities cleanup and purchase of water, per 75 annual voyages with 1,425 passengers. The Holiday will remain in Mobile through Monday, Nov. 2 when it will be transferred to Iberocruceros, a Spain-based sister cruise brand under the Carnival Corp. umbrella.

Fantasy By the Numbers Carnival cruise ship Fantasy will increase passenger service by 42 percent over its predecessor Holiday, but what does it take to make the ship sail weekly? The numbers tell part of the story:

The Ship 70,367 gross registered tonnage of the ship 3 bow thrusters (propulsion devices to make the ship more maneuverable) 920 crew members (approximately) 300-foot long corkscrew water slide 12,000-square-foot spa facility 12 themed lounges

The Food 2,400 pounds of tenderloin and chicken (each) 2,000 steaks 35,000 shrimp 41,660 eggs 36,000 slices of bacon 315 pounds of coffee 5,880 pancakes 22,100 potatoes 10,080 bananas 1,200 pounds of pasta The Refreshments 18,200 cans of soft drinks 24,450 domestic and imported beers 1,200 gallons of iced tea

The Passengers* 2,056 passenger capacity 170,000 annual passengers expected 92.5 percent out-of-town passengers 91 percent arrive in Mobile by car 28 penthouse suites $11.6 million total annual expenditures for the cruise ship in Mobile *According to the University of South Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research and based on passenger, parking and crew expenditures, dock and wharf fees, facilities cleanup and purchase of water, per 75 annual voyages with 1,425 passengers.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

Made in Mobile

GAT Airline Ground Support

Jean Raines and her business partner Jim Baggett run a Mobile-based company responsible for cabin grooming and ground support services for airlines in 21 cities.

ravelers enter an airplane cabin looking for their seats. Few notice if the cabin is clean, much less if the seatbelts are buckled the same way, blankets folded, window shades drawn, or flight manuals are easy to find. These are services most travelers take for granted, never thinking who is responsible for the arrival and departure flurry of activity. Yet positioned just west of Mobile’s Regional Airport is GAT Airline Ground Support – the company that handles all this and more for the majority of airlines serving 21 cities in 14 states. “It’s not unusual for us to be judged by a peanut,” said Jean Raines, chief executive officer and chair of GAT. Airlines, she said, have an auditor who checks the cabin’s condition prior to each flight, and one missed food item or piece of trash can keep the company from getting paid.

11.09

| The Business View | Mobile

Area Chamber of Commerce

In addition to cabin grooming, GAT handles a variety of services including ground support, de-icing planes, handling baggage, managing cargo, janitorial, equipment maintenance, skycap/porter services, customer care and document verification. The Mobilebased company and its 1,000 employees serve airlines and charter flights coast to coast from San Diego to Atlanta, and several Gulf Coast metropolitan areas including Baton Rouge, La., Mobile and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Approximately 50 employees are stationed at the corporate headquarters. GAT also has a sales headquarters and training facilities in Atlanta where it employs close to 400 people. The remainder of the staff is spread throughout the U.S. “Every day is a change. We’ll hear from one of the airlines – ‘Guess what? We’re dropping four flights next month.’ Or, ‘We’re adding two more here,’”said Raines, “and then we make adjustments.” There is little turnover among the company’s staff, especially with managers, said Raines. “We treat our employees like family, and are appreciative of what they do.”

The State of the Industry “Airlines are hurting,” observed Raines. As the airlines face continued financial strain, she said it has “created an environment of maintaining market position and operating the business at lower margins.” GAT is facing stiff competition from international companies, and has sustained its growth with “strong relationships with our airline partners, maintaining a closeknit group of employees and a value-based service methodology,” said Raines. The company recently picked up service with US Airways and Jet Blue Airways in Portland, Maine; El Paso, Texas; and Burbank, Calif. It All Started as a Hobby Raines launched GAT in 1968 as a hobby with her husband, Leon, when they lived in Huntsville. He was a residential builder and developer, and she sold homes. “We had a plane, and aviation got in my blood,” said Raines. GAT operated as Mobile Air Center with a small shack at Mobile Regional. The company was an FBO (an industry term for fixed base operator), providing fuel, maintenance and repair, flying lessons, charters and other services to private planes and refueling commercial planes. When the housing market took a dive, Raines asked her husband, “What would it

From marshalling planes into their appropriate gate to cleaning cabins to managing cargo to equipment maintenance, GAT employs 1,000 throughout 14 states, serving airlines from coast to coast.

take to move to Mobile?” He responded, “Sell everything we’ve got,” referring to a 25-acre piece of land for development. So she did, she laughed, “and here I am.” Raines’ husband ran the business, his best friend – and now her business partner – Jim Baggett was the mechanic, and she was the bookkeeper. The couple eventually sold the FBO portion to the Morrissette family in 1989, and Mobile Air Center still exists today at Brookley. A few months later, Raines’ husband passed away, leaving her to run the business with Baggett. Baggett, who retired from the U.S. Air Force, where he learned his craft and earned his Airframe and Powerplant License, was looking for a job when he first

met the couple. Raines credits him with everything she knows about airplanes, and is grateful he nudged her to take much of the same training the staff completed. For the next few years GAT only fueled commercial airlines. In the early 1990s, when the industry started looking for ways to cut costs by outsourcing ground support and cabin grooming services, American Airlines approached GAT, and Raines agreed to accommodate the airline by taking over those functions.

Tight Standards GAT boasts a strong safety record, a number of safety awards and employee training that exceeds both FAA and airline

standards. “We just don’t take shortcuts,” Raines said. Employees dedicate two weeks of training for each airline they serve, and take annual refresher courses to keep up to date on security and industry changes. “We serve 1,000 planes a day in Atlanta alone. We have to pay attention to every detail,” said Raines. The industry has experienced significant security changes since Sept. 11, 2001. Severe penalties exist for both the individual and the company if rules aren’t followed, according to Raines. “Almost every day we are audited in some way by the Transportation Security Administration,” she said.

Giving Back Raines is dedicated to giving back to the city that she says gave so much to her. The majority of the company’s supplies and equipment are purchased at GAT’s Mobile headquarters and shipped to various locations. In addition, the company grants an annual $2,500 Women in Aviation scholarship. “It wasn’t easy doing what I did – knocking on doors trying to earn business at a time when there weren’t a lot of women in business. I want to be a part of these young women’s start,” she said.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09 9/21/09

10:08 AM

11.09

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

One for the Record Books

Chamber Chase Eclipses Goals

Trade/ Sponsorships of Projects/Events

$579,316

Donations of Products/Services

$229,635

Board of Advisors Dues

$192,455

vestments Member In

$130,062

in Chamber Advertising 02,039 1 $ s n io t a c li b Pu ributions t n o C n Campaig 200 $9,

Despite the recession that gripped the economy for the past year, the need for the Chamber’s services is greater than ever. That was one reason the organization set the goal for its annual total resource development campaign, Chamber Chase, at $1.234 million – higher than last year’s effort. Under the energetic leadership of chairman Matt White, president, White-Spunner & Associates Inc., an enthusiastic group of 80 volunteers not only met the goal, they exceeded it. During the Chamber Chase campaign’s 16 weeks, volunteers representing 48 companies, raised $1.242 million in new member dues, sponsorships, donations and advertising contracts for publications such as The Business View and Membership Directory and Buyers Guide. Volunteers recruited 75 new members and nine of the teams eclipsed their goals. “This is our 13th campaign, and each year our volunteers do better than the year before,” said Carolyn Golson, the Chamber’s vice president of membership. “Their hard work and creativity makes our organization better able to do the work that will keep our region moving forward.” “My job as chairman was very easy as a result of the outstanding efforts of the dedicated volunteers comprising each of the Chamber Chase teams,” said White. “Hearty congratulations are in order for each of the volunteers for working so diligently in accomplishing this work and for exceeding our goal,” he added. “The employers of these volunteers are also to be thanked for lending their employees

and their employees’ time to the campaign.” The volunteers celebrated their success with a victory party sponsored by Whitney National Bank. Next year’s campaign kicks off in May. Why get involved? “Chamber Chase offers fabulous networking opportunities for the volunteers, a fun competitive spirit and a great social outlet as well,” said White. “The real goal is to bring in new members to the Chamber and raise resources that ultimately come back full circle to the business community through the work of the Chamber.” To learn how your company can get involved in Chamber Chase, contact Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@ mobilechamber.com.

CHAMBER CHASE ‘09

Campaign Chairman Matt White, White-Spunner & Associates Inc.

FINAL TOTAL

$1,242,707

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

C hamber C hase T eams Top Producers Top Overall Producers Angela Dunn.......................................$87,065 Karyl Hanisch......................................$56,282 Linda Faulkner...................................$40,836 Harris Oswalt.......................................$38,122 Stephen Schlautman..........................$37,017 Top Cash Producers Harris Oswalt.......................................$38,122 Stephen Schlautman..........................$34,517 Maria Bladorn.....................................$34,415 Sheila Dean-Rosenbohm...................$25,843 Terri Owler...........................................$24,419 Top New Member Producers Jason Gross.....................................................7 Cheryl Moore..................................................7 Monique Rogers Henley................................5 Linda Faulkner..............................................4 Julye Clark......................................................3 Terri Owler......................................................3 Stephen Schlautman.....................................3

Alabama Power Co.

Arkema Inc.

BankTrust

$49,965

$45,219

$37,328

Cheryl Thompson

Sharon Murrill

Mobile Division President Captain

Jerry Goldman............................$22,776 Sharon Murrill...........................$27,189

Thomas Grimm Judy Smith Plant Manager Captain Terri Owler.................................$24,419 Judy Smith.................................$20,800

Terry Harbin Michelle Cook COO Captain Michelle Cook............................$18,508 David Hagan................................$2,700 Cheryl Moore.............................$16,120

BlueCross/Blue Shield

BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank)

Evonik Degussa Corp.

$14,898

$31,991

$56,829

Top Overall Producing Teams Whitney National Bank................... $178,279 Regions Bank................................... $117,364 Diplomat Team...................................$94,027 Evonik Degussa...................................$56,829 Alabama Power...................................$49,965 Top Cash Teams Regions Bank......................................$92,964 Diplomat Team...................................$56,982 Whitney National Bank......................$52,629 Mobile Gas...........................................$42,125 Board of Directors Team....................$38,011

Clay Walden

Kay Williams

District Manager

Captain

Kay Williams..............................$14,898

Top New Member Teams RBC Bank.....................................................17 Diplomat Team............................................12 Regions Bank...............................................11 BankTrust.......................................................8 Board of Directors Team...............................7 Arkema Inc.....................................................5 Evonik Degussa..............................................4

Edward H. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gwynn III Janet Johnson

Tom Bates

Gary Criscione...........................$15,993 Linda Faulkner..........................$40,836

Area Executive and Senior Vice President

Captain

Janet Johnson.............................$15,097 Chris Jones...................................$1,290 Jennifer Gontarski.......................$6,400 Team Credit.................................$8,339

President, North America Region

Gary Criscione Captain

First Community Bank

Hand Arendall

IBERIABANK fsb

$13,320

$4,500

$2,675

Top Rookie Producer Terri Owler, Arkema Inc.....................$28,377

Chamber Chase Pro and Veteran Team Awards Top Pro Teams Whitney National Bank................... $178,279 Regions Bank................................... $117,364 Diplomat Team...................................$94,027

Glen Davis

Elissa Tesney

President/CEO

Captain

Elissa Tesney..............................$13,320

Preston Bolt

Greg Jones

Managing Member

Captain

Greg Jones....................................$4,500

Russ Ford

Ben Kennemer

Area President

Captain

Ben Kennemer.............................$2,675

Infirmary Health System

International Shipholding

Lewis Communications

$6,196

$25,843

$26,898

Top Veteran Teams Mobile Gas...........................................$43,950 RBC Bank............................................$30,897 Teams Over Goal Alabama Power Arkema Inc. BankTrust BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) International Shipholding Corp. Mobile Area Chamber Board of Directors Team New Horizons Credit Union RBC Bank Whitney National Bank

11.09

D. Mark Nix

Sam Dean

President/CEO

Captain

Sam Dean....................................$1,500 Bryan Kerr.......................................$456 Cynthia Maddox.............................$240 Team Credit.................................$4,000

Erik Johnsen President

Sheila Dean-Rosenbohm Captain

Sheila Dean-Rosenbohm..........$25,843

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Ellen Praytor Wingard Jennifer Cooley SVP, Managing Director Captain

Jennifer Cooley...........................$26,898

C hamber C hase T eams

Mobile Area Chamber Board of Directors

Mobile Area Chamber Diplomat Team

$45,861

$94,027

Melissa Morrissette

Karyl Hanisch

Captain

Celia Mann Baehr..........................$300 Lynda Burkett.................................$750 Scott Delaney..................................$315 Edward Dismukes...........................$150 Monique Rogers Henley............$13,230 Melissa Morrissette....................$14,828 Makeda Nichols...........................$1,508 Mike Payne..................................$6,400 Beth Rouse......................................$200 John Steadman...............................$400 Bestor Ward.....................................$435 Team Credit.................................$8,245

Gary Adams................................$10,890 Karen Blackwell..............................$686 Susan Carothers.............................$420 Terry Downs....................................$765 Millie Sue Hawk...........................$4,333 Karyl Hanisch............................$56,282 Michelle Kerr.................................... $28 Jamie Kertis.....................................$213 Sidney King..................................$5,000 Lloyd Meyers...................................$325 Lana Mosley.................................$2,600 Sheila Murphy................................$800 Dixie Pellegrino..............................$330 Nancy Peoples.................................$980 Jannea Rogers.................................$800 Donna Turner..............................$2,616 Eric Walker.....................................$300 Kay Watson.....................................$324 Team Credit.................................$6,335

Sharon Murrill, Alabama Power, and Linda Faulkner, Evonik Degussa, celebrate bringing in new members at a campaign reward session.

RBC Bank

Regions Bank

$30,897

Cedric Hatcher

Mike Dennis

Regional VP Commercial Captain Markets for Gulf Coast

Carlisha Bagsby...........................$1,260 Julye Clark....................................$4,465 Mike Dennis...............................$11,166 Jessica Ellis......................................$910 Dan Gatewood................................$990 Heather Gilbert............................$2,000 Jason Gross...................................$2,860 Danisha Maye..............................$6,578 Stephanie Rogers............................$668

Mobile Gas Service Corp.

New Horizons Credit Union

$43,950

$34,415

Mike Fine Harris Oswalt President Captain George Hunter................................$300 Harris Oswalt.............................$38,122 Marcus Stacey..............................$2,130 Team Credit.................................$3,398

Chairman of Regionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; South Alabama Advisory Board

Mark Spivey Captain

President & CEO

Maria Bladorn Captain

Maria Bladorn...........................$34,415

Representatives from the Mobile Area Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diplomat are recognized at the Victory Celebration. From left to right: Eric Walker, Impresario Promotional Concepts; Millie Sue Hawk, Welcome Friends; Ryan Perdue, Callis Communications; Gary Adams, Principal Financial Group; Sheila Murphy, Southern TeleCommunications; Karen Blackwell; Lloyd Meyers, University of South Alabama; and Donna Turner, World Omni Financial Corp.

Thompson Engineering

Whitney National Bank

$5,000

$178,279

$117,364

William R. Seifert II

Robert Dobilas

John H. Baker III

Dana Glass

President

Captain

Dana Glass...................................$5,000

Trish Banker................................$6,400 Austin Bradford..........................$13,300 Alma Hickman...............................$315 Jared Nelson....................................$305 Stephen Schlautman................$37,017 Jo Shannon................................$31,796 Mark Spivey...............................$16,800 Team Credit...............................$17,431 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

G. Robert Baker Jr.

Angela Dunn

SVP, South Alabama Region President

Captain

Mary Caron Downing..................$9,304 Angela Dunn..............................$87,065 Angela Grice...............................$19,873 Harrison Hawke.........................$15,511 Jamie Horton.............................$20,143 Jeremy Martin..............................$5,363 John McCrory.............................$14,592 Spencer Wiggins..........................$6,428

The Business View | 11.09

T hanks Event Sponsors Lunch & Learn: The American Cafe´

Reward Sessions: Bay Area Food Bank Chick-fil-A Colonial Bank Greater Mobile Development Corp. Hampton Inn Providence Park The Honeybaked Ham Co. Mobile Gas Newk’s Express Café Original Oyster House Outback Steakhouse Roly Poly Whitney National Bank Wilton Caterer The Wine Loft Victory Celebration: Whitney National Bank

A Better Choice Music.com A. D. S. of Mobile, Advanced Detection Security ABMB Engineers ABS Business Systems Adams & Reese LLP Advanced Disposal Aerotek Affordable Health Insurance Services AFLAC Insurance-Brian Harris Airbus North America Airgas South Airwind Creative/MyShotz.com Aker Solutions al.com Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC Alabama Power Co. Alabama State Port Authority Alabama Telco Alec Naman Catering All Clean Janitorial Allstates Employer Services AltaPointe Health Systems The American Café American Family Care American General Life & Accident Insurance Co. American Red Cross American Weatherstar Ameriprise Financial Animal Emergency & Referral Center Anytime Fitness AQUAlife Water & Coffee Service Arkema Inc. Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Artcraft Press Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Ashley Furniture Home Store Assist 2 Sell, Buyers & Sellers Realty AT&T

11.09

Atlanta Bread Co. Austal USA Azalea City Dental BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) BankTrust The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel Bay Area Assisted Living Facility Bay Area Food Bank Bay Gourmet Bay Paper Bay Security Bayou Concrete Belle Bouquet Florist & Gifts Bellingrath Gardens The Bellwether Group Berney Office Solutions Best of New Orleans’ French Market Café Bibby International Trade Finance Bienville Club Bienville Technology LLC Bishop State Community College Bit-Wizards BlackBelt Technologies Inc. Blooming Dell’s Florist Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama BNI Business Resource Center Boise Paper Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Rock - Pepsi Cola Bugmaster Exterminators Burnett Law Firm Burr & Forman LLP C. H. Robinson Worldwide Callis Communications Camille’s Sidewalk Café The Cancer Center of Southern Alabama Cardio-Thoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates Catfish Junction Centre for the Living Arts CH Fulfillment Services LLC Chef Rob & Company Chick-fil-A Child Advocacy Center Inc. Chiropractic Life Center Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Catering Ciba Corp., part of the BASF group Clark Personnel Services Clear Winds Technologies Inc. Club Sun Tanning Salon Coastal Hospice Care Coastal Neurological Institute Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Comcast Communication Comfort Systems USA Southeast Commodore Steel Buildings Commonwealth National Bank Communication Technology Services Inc. Community Bank Community Coffee Co. LLC The Community Foundation of South Alabama Computer Technology Solutions

T hose W ho S upported C hamber C hase 2009

Construction Affiliates Inc. Cooper Marine & Timberland Corp. Cooper Restaurants Copy Products Co. CORT Furniture Courtyard by Marriott Courtyard Marriott Spanish Fort Covenant Hospice Cowles, Murphy, Glover & Assoc. Creative Catering Inc. Crosby Catering Crown Products CTS Inc. Culligan Water Solutions Dade Paper DailyAccess Corp. Delta Sanitation of Alabama LLC Dogwood Productions Don’s Catering Driven Engineering Inc. DuPont Agricultural Products EADS CASA North America EAP Lifestyle Management LLC Ecovery LLC EDA of Jones County Elements Therapeutic Massage Employee Liability Management Engineered Cooling Services ENGlobal Corp. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Enterprise Connect LLC Enterprise Telephony Group Inc. Enveloc Inc. Esfeller Construction Co. Express Employment Professionals ExxonMobil F & S Equipment Facilities Resource Group Ferriss Industries Inc. d/b/a First Response Services First Community Bank FlexiCrew Staffing Inc. Forté Inc. Franklin Primary Health Center Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter G1 Mechanical G.A. West & Co. Gardner Concepts LLC Gary Adams - Principal Financial Group Gateway Sourcing LLC Gaylord C. Lyon & Co. Get A Grip of FloraBama LLC Grand Band Entertainment Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa Greater Mobile Development Corp. Grins2Go Gulf Coast Personnel LLC Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Gulf South Infrasystems LLC Gulf South Pipeline Gulf States Engineering Gwin’s Commercial Printing H.M. Yonge & Assoc. Hackbarth Delivery Service Hampton Inn & Suites Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile/I-65

Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Park/Airport Hand Arendall LLC Harbor Communications LLC Hargrove Engineers & Constructors Hearthstone Assisted Living Heggeman Realty Co. Inc. Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Hixardt Technologies Homestead Village of Fairhope The Honeybaked Ham Co. Housing First Inc. Will Hurd Acoustic Entertainment IKON Office Solutions Infirmary Health System Information Transport Solutions Interiors Now International Assurance Inc. International Shipholding Corp. IWR Therapy J. F. Pate & Assoc. Jay Mills Inc. Jedson Engineering Jeff Tesney Photography Joe Lewis Music Studios John Brining Co. The Junior League of Mobile Inc. KBR Keith Air Conditioning Keller Williams Realty Kenney-Moise Inc. Kentwood Water Kingdom Coach LA+South Inc The LPA Group Inc. Lamar Advertising LaSalle Solutions Lassere’s Catering Lease Capital Inc. Legacy Financial Planning LLC Lenny’s Sub Shop The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Lewis & Associates Lewis Communications LifeSouth Community Blood Centers LLB&B Inc. Real Estate Logical Computer Solutions Long’s Human Resource Services Look and Listen Home Theater & Automation Lyons, Pipes & Cook M. A. Norden Co. Inc. Malaga Inn Marshall A. McLeod PLS LLC Mary Kay Cosmetics McAleer’s Office Furniture McAlisters Deli MCG Business Solutions McKean & Assoc. Media Services Merrill Lynch Meyer Real Estate MH3 Printing & Ad Specialties Mississippi Export Railroad Co. Mitsubishi Polysilicon Mobile Airport Authority

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mobile Area Education Foundation Mobile Area Water & Sewer System Mobile Bay Transportation Mobile BayBears Mobile Botanical Gardens Mobile Gas Service Corp. The Mobile Marriott Mobile Memorial Gardens Mobile Museum of Art Mobile Opera Inc. Mobile Symphony Mobile Technical Institute/MTI Business Solutions Mortgage America Inc. Naborhood Building Products Nationwide - Downs Agency NBC 15/WPMI Nell’s Florist & Gifts NET Logistics and Solutions LLC New Horizons Credit Union New York Life Insurance Co. Newk’s Express Café Northrop Grumman Corp. Nspire U! LLC N-TRON Océ North America Office Depot Business Solutions Division Office Supplies Inc. Olin Corp. Original Oyster House Orion Engineering Orkin Pest Control The Orthopaedic Group PC Outback Steakhouse Oysterella’s Seafood Restaurant Page & Jones Paint & Pals Paint That Pottery Parker Adult Foster Homes Performance Contractors Personnel Staffing Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc. Planet Cellular Pollman’s Bake Shop Power Productions Premier Medical Principal Financial Group Printed T-Shirts & Sporting Goods Prism Systems Providence Hospital Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. Realtors Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. Commercial Division The Quality Group Inc. Radiance Technologies Inc. RBC Bank Regions Bank Reliable Staffing Inc. Remington College Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Roly Poly Ron’s Catering Roots Hair Salon Royal Cup Coffee Inc. Rick Rutland DMD

Safety Plus Safety Source Inc. Scott Forensic Auditing LLC The Serendipity Sheila Clark - Roberts Brothers Inc. Shell Chemicals ShipConstructor Software USA Inc. Skywatch Traffic SMG Mobile Convention & Civic Centers Snelling Staffing Services Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q Southcoast Capital Resources Southeastern Regear LLC Southern Gas & Supply Southern Light SouthernLINC Splash Duo - Coolrayz Sports Clips Haircuts Spot of Tea Springhill Medical Center Springhill Memorial Hospital SSAB Alabama The SSI Group Star Service State Farm - Makeda Nichols State Farm- Rebekah Brown TAG/The Architects Group Tanner’s Pecans & Candies Technip USA Terminix International Thompson Engineering Thompson Wealth Management ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corp. Time to Eat T-Mobile TORP Technology Treadwell Ford TSCI Tyner’s Catering United Way of Southwest Alabama Inc. University of Mobile University of South Alabama University of South Alabama Technology & Research Park USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park Van Bemen Agency - Farmers Verizon Wireless Volkert & Assoc. WALA Fox 10 Walmart WebOperations.Net LLC White-Spunner Construction Whitney National Bank Wilson-Dismukes The Wilton Caterer The Wine Loft Wingate by Wyndham Wise Technology Wonderland Express World Omni Financial Corp. WPMI NBC 15 Zebra Marketing Zimlichs d/b/a Elizabeth’s Garden

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

Have Yourself a Funky Little Christmas By Ashley Toland Trice, Lagniappe

Supporting Mobile’s Economy …three stores at a time The 3/50 Project The 3/50 Project is a national program aimed to get locals to shop more in local stores, rather than making online purchases. To learn more about The 3/50 Project, visit www.the350project.net.

Here’s How it Works:

Think about which three independently owned businesses you’d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.

If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue (according to stats courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics). Imagine the positive impact if three-quarters of the employed population did that.

For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that same money with a national chain, $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

The number of people it takes to start the trend – you.

11.09

effects of the national recession. The city printing companies, warehouses, gasoline, Want the gifts under your tree to be a will keep vacant jobs open for longer office supplies, art for their walls, and on little “funkier” this holiday season? Well periods of time – not good news to job and on and on. you may be surprised to find out it doesn’t seekers in a state with unemployment rates The next domino in line is the city, as it require purchasing Rick James’ “Greatest hovering over 10 percent – higher than the takes its share in taxes from the revenue Hits” for everyone on your not-so-naughty national average. generated by all of these businesses. This in list. No, really all you have to do is step So as you can see, this holiday season it turn, leads to more monies for improved away from your computer and venture out police and fire services, capital improvements is much more important than ever to keep to stores in the Mobile Bay area to find all the elves in Mobile busy rather than the and further economic development. the things you need to stuff your stockings, ones in the North Pole or anywhere else, Spending every and spending your for that matter. Not only will it strengthen dollar locally is dollars locally the local economy but it will also fill your especially important ...fill your crazy relatives’ benefits our crazy relatives’ stockings with unique and for municipalities economy in a variety stockings with unique and “funky” gifts only found in the Mobile Bay across the nation of ways. “funky” gifts only found area. And for that, Aunt Myrtle will be most that have been hit Buying local thankful. hard by declining helps “Keep Mobile in the Mobile Bay area. sales tax revenues Funky” by creating a Ashley Toland Trice is the editor and co-publisher – as people clutch greater diversity of of Lagniappe. The bi-weekly paper runs a “Keep Mobile Funky” campaign to encourage local spending. Trice their wallets much products available in can be reached at 450-4466 or ashleytoland@ tighter during these “tough economic our area. When a few stores dominate the lagniappemobile.com. times.” local market, they become the only ones Mobile has also felt these pains. deciding what kind of goods are on the Mayor Sam Jones recently announced he shelves, leading to fewer options, i.e. to would be cutting $12 million from the “un-funky” stuff, which leads to gifts as upcoming fiscal budget because of the 9/22/09 2:52 PM Page 1 bland as Aunt Myrtle’s cornbread dressing. TPC-08-04Southerliving09 But even greater than keeping our options diverse, buying goods locally, rather than in other cities or online, stimulates our economy more than Jack Daniels does eggnog. According to the web site the350project.net, that encourages the support of independently owned businesses, for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, while approximately $43 per $100 is returned when spent at national chains. Spending $100 online brings little or nothing back to the local community. Some, especially those of you fond of click, click, clicking your way through holiday shopping, may say it would take more than a few gulps of that funky eggnog to get you out into the middle of the retail rush, but when you consider the ripple effect of buying locally, you may change your mind. Think about it. One local business employs a variety of other businesses, some of you or someone you know is certainly either directly or indirectly involved with. This creates a sort of domino effect, circulating more money in the local economy. These businesses hire contractors, architects, painters and various other anner's holiday recipes take generations laborers for construction. Once they are to create—and only a few minutes to up and running, they need accountants, order. Start your family or corporate insurance agents, bankers, cleaning tradition now at www.tannerspecan.com. services, web site developers, suppliers,

FROM OUR FAMILY TREE TO YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

D i s t i n gu i s h yo u r s e l f Earn your bachElor’s or mastEr’s dEgrEE at spring hill collEgE

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Small class sizes ensure that students get the support they need for academic success.

Why Choose Spring Hill College? In addition to being the oldest college in Alabama, the first Catholic college and the third oldest Jesuit college in the Southeast, see how Spring Hill ranks among the competition:  According to the 2010 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges,” Spring Hill College is once again ranked 14th among the best Southern universities and colleges granting master’s degrees, and ranked 8th among only 15 schools listed in the South’s “Great Schools, Great Prices” category.  According to Forbes.com 2009 “America’s Best Colleges,” Spring Hill College ranks among the top third, No. 197, out of the 600 colleges and universities ranked nationwide. Only one other college in Alabama received a higher score in the state and national rankings.

www.shc.edu/gcs | (251) 380-3094

World War II Veterans Ezra Trice, Chris Hume and Bill Bittner gather at the Mobile Regional Airport during the Welcome Home Celebration for Honor Flight South Alabama. Honor Flight South Alabama took 94 World War II Veterans to Washington D.C. on Sept. 16 to visit the WWII Memorial. The group was welcomed home to the Mobile Regional Airport by a crowd of more than 1,200 people. For more information on upcoming Honor Flight South Alabama events, contact Ailey Arrow at 431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com.

Veterans Day

Apply online today at www.shc.edu/apply

Gov. Riley to Speak at Veterans Day Festivities Honoring Soldiers

Complete your degree, earn necessary credentials, or just study for personal enrichment.

The Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission will honor Gov. Bob Riley as Patriot of the Year on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at a luncheon to be held at Fort Whiting. It is one of several events organized by the commission as part of its Veterans Day activities. An advocate of veterans throughout his tenure, Riley’s recognition comes six months after he signed legislation establishing Saluda Hill Cemetery in Spanish Fort as Alabama’s first state veterans’ cemetery. Without the cemetery’s approval, families of area veterans had to travel to Birmingham or out of state to bury loved ones. Mobile is one of only 30 cities recognized by the Veterans Day National Committee under the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. as a regional site for the 2009 Veterans Day celebrations. “I have always been impressed by the number of people in Mobile who thank me for my service as soon as they hear that I’m a veteran. Whether people here know it or not, such appreciation does not happen everywhere, and Mobile can be proud that its citizens recognize and value service to the nation,” said Col. (Ret.) Dave Reaney, president of the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission. Activities begin at 10 a.m. with the annual Veteran’s Day Parade winding through the streets of downtown Mobile. This year’s parade includes several veterans organizations, active duty units, Reserve

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and National Guard units, ROTC and JROTC units, current military vehicles and equipment, scouts and local high school bands. The luncheon will immediately follow the parade. The Veteran of the Year will also be honored at that time. A Friends of Freedom Celebration will begin at 3 p.m. at Battleship Memorial Park. Festivities at the park include a Mobile Pops concert in the evening. The parade and celebration are free to the public. Luncheon tickets are $15 per person or $120 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or for more information about Veterans Day events, contact Ailey Arrow at 431-8621 or aarrow@ mobilechamber.com.

Fast Facts: What: Nov. 11 Veterans Day Schedule Activities: 10 a.m. - Downtown Parade (free) Noon - Luncheon at Fort Whiting ($15, must RSVP by Nov. 6) 3 p.m. - Freedom Celebration Mobile Pops Concert at Battleship Memorial Park (free)

For more information: Contact Ailey Arrow at 431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com.

The Business View | 11.09

usiness Spotlight of the Month

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

Look and Listen Home Theater & Automation

Owner: Jeff Crigler and Jackie May Location: 3656-G Government Blvd. Member since: 2009

Jeff Crigler co-owns and operates Look and Listen Home Theater & Automation, a custom audio/video retailer. The company installs and designs whole house music and video systems.

Brief description of business: Look and Listen Home Theater & Automation is a custom audio and video retailer. The company designs, sells and installs home theaters, whole house music systems, audio/video equipment and home automation such as automated lighting controls. What is unique or innovative about your business? “Our experience in the industry is what makes us unique,” said Crigler. He noted his business has grown from a high-end loudspeaker designer and manufacturer in the 1980s to installing complex whole house music and video systems during the past decade. Crigler said his team’s passion for quality sounds drives employees to continuously research and utilize cutting-edge technologies, including eco-friendly options. “In an era of environmental consciousness, we can make it easy for you to utilize and implement modern green technologies,” he added. Most significant challenge: Making the public aware of how much fun and easy modern technology is to use when it is properly designed and implemented by experienced professionals. Phone number: 602-1631 Web site: www.lookandlistenmobile.com

iplomat of the Month

Millie Sue Hawk Six years ago Millie Sue Hawk opened Welcome Friends, a service to help new residents feel at home in Mobile. At the same time, Hawk joined the Mobile Area Chamber’s diplomat program where she put her business expertise to work assisting with registration at Chamber events or visiting Chamber members. Hawk is the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month. Hawk expanded her welcoming

11.09

Photo by Jeff Tesney

service to include Baldwin County’s Eastern Shore. In addition, she recently opened Business Link, where she conducts “cold-call prospecting” for individuals who need to connect with local business owners or decision-makers. Hawk said she attributes her successful career to exposure she received through the Chamber.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

SCORE The Mobile Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a part of the national nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners.

When It Comes to Collections, Never Assume and be sure it is clear how the check should Business relationships are usually be made out and where it should be sent. straightforward. You provide a product or service and the customer pays you for it in a Including a return envelope can help. Also timely manner. But in this current business include a phone number and contact name for questions. Small business accounting climate, many small business owners will programs such as QuickBooks can easily likely have to deal with tardy or missed payments. Don’t ignore them or assume the create invoices. Mail invoices quickly and send a customer will eventually follow through. reminder immediately if payment is not Money owed to your business – known as received by the stated due date. On longreceivables – cuts into your profits and term projects, consider progress billings. complicates cash flow. If you do need to A good press for collections, collections strategy don’t use threats or can help prevent slow In this current emotional appeals. payments before they business climate, many Phone calls are more become a problem small business owners effective than letters and can ensure that will likely have to deal or e-mails, according income from aged with tardy or missed to collections experts, invoices isn’t lost payments. so contact your forever. customer and/or the The aim is to business’s accounting create a step-by-step department directly. Be polite, yet firm in collections process that starts by making asking for immediate and full payment. If a smart credit-granting decisions. And make no mistake – granting credit is exactly what letter is necessary, it should be personalized your business is doing whenever you deliver and sent by registered mail to verify its receipt should legal action be necessary. a product or service without first collecting Collections are only one critical payment. financial issue a small business can face. Customers are more likely to pay For a free, confidential one-on-one quickly if your invoice arrives in a timely fashion and is clear and simple. The invoice counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter at 431-8614. should state explicitly, in itemized fashion, what it covers. Make it look clean and For more advice on how to succeed, contact the professional and include your company Mobile Chapter of SCORE, operating out of the Mobile logo. Cute designs may only get in the way. Area Chamber. For a confidential one-on-one counseling session at no charge, call 431-8614. Design it like a real invoice, not just a piece of paper with “amount due” typed in,

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To understand how strategic branding can create an emotional connection with your customers visit www.pixallure.com.

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

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Communications 251.432.6003

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The Business View | 11.09

MED Week Winners Announced As part of the national Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week observations, the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) held an awards ceremony honoring the accomplishments of the Mobile Bay area’s minority businesses. 2009 winners are, front row, from left to right: Lifetime MBE Service Award - Margaret DeBose; Facilities Management Company of the Year Charles Lewis, Supreme Cleaning Inc.; Food Services Company of the Year Bruce Crosby, Crosby Catering LLC; Business Services Company of the Year - Janice Malone, BNI Business Resource Center and Copy Shop; and Construction Related Firm of the Year -

Marion Timmons, Marion’s Painting Contractors. Second row, from left to right: Distribution Company of the Year - Dale Turner, Turner Distribution Co.; Youth Entrepreneur of the Year - Michael and Tracey Mitchell, SHINE magazine; High Performing MBE of the Year Rene and Floyd Gant, G1 Mechanical Inc.; and Outstanding MBE of the Year Juan Millhouse, NHB Group LLC. Back row, from left to right: Minority Advocate of the Year - Norman Hill, Volkert & Associates Inc.; 2009 MBE Friendly Award - John White-Spunner, White-Spunner Construction Inc.; and 2009 MBE Capital Friendly Award - Joel Daves, Regions Bank.

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(251)478-0487

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Springdale Travel American Express Company owners: Robert H. Bender, owner and senior vice president corporate sales; and Stephen Cape, owner and manager of leisure travel Years in business: 30 Brief company description: Springdale Travel American Express, established in May 1978, has retail locations in Mobile, Fairhope and Pensacola. Its scope of business activities includes: business travel management services and consulting; leisure travel (cruises, tours and vacation planning); airline ticket sales; rail sales; airline charter; and more. Springdale Travel American Express offers American Express cardholders the option to pay for travel using their Membership Rewards points earned from using their card. Why are you located in Mobile? “Mobile has a quality of life that can’t be found elsewhere,” said Bender. Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “We feel that it is extremely important to build partnerships within our own community,” said Bender. “The entire community must work together to build and expand Mobile as a destination for businesses and tourists alike. The Mobile Area Chamber is the best vehicle for organizing that effort.” What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “A continuing effort via the Chamber, our political and business leaders, to get the word out about Mobile,” said Bender. “Mobile has much to offer: the Port of Mobile, Brookley Field, a viable rail system, the Tenn-Tom Waterway and a fabulous area to live and work.”

Bob Bender, owner and senior vice president of Springdale Travel American Express, is ready to book travelers anywhere around the globe.

Length of Chamber membership: Since 1978

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.

EMPLOYEES OF THYSSENKRUPP LIVE UNITED.

WE DON’T JUST WEAR THE T-SHIRT, WE LIVE IT. A STRONG COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. NEW AND ALREADY A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. THINK OF WE BEFORE ME. LEND YOUR MUSCLE. LIVE UNITED. PARTNER WITH US, CALL UNITED WAY AT 251-433-3624 OR EMAIL US AT CAMPAIGN@UWSWA.ORG TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. VISIT US AT WWW.UWSWA.ORG

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

Nobody works harder than the owners. Come experience the difference of always dealing with an owner.

At Community Bank, we fully-understand the meaning of the term “owner’s mentality”–because you’re always dealing with an owner here. Community Bank is one of the only staff-owned banks in the state, so we always deliver the best service possible. Call or come by to discuss your next loan, a great CD rate or any other services that our staff-owners can help provide to you.

Oliver Latil Chief Executive Officer

Hutch Thompson Senior Vice President

Parrish Tatum Vice President

11.09

Roy Hudson Senior Vice President

Amy Lassiter Assistant Vice President

Poenta Luckie Senior Vice President

Tomi Burt Operations Manager

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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

CEO

Featured Profiles

dvisors

Loka Mistretta

The Mobile Area Chamber is proud to salute members of the board of advisors. These business leaders represent companies whose significant dues investment lead the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. For more information contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or kdewrell@mobilechamber.com.

Gigi Armbrecht is AT&T’s regional director in the company’s Mobile district. She manages the company’s strategic Armbrecht relationships and external affairs activities and leads company efforts at state and local levels to build a business-friendly community. Prior to her position at AT&T, Armbrecht was executive director of Mobile United, an organization that serves as a forum for present and future community leaders. She has been an associate of the Kettering Foundation and is a fellow in the W.K. Kellogg National Fellowship Program (Class V). In her work for Kettering she helped develop national models and discussion guides for public conversations on matters as delicate and vital as education and race relations. A former member of the National Civic League board of directors, Armbrecht was a three-time judge for All-America City and assisted in crafting Mobile’s winning application in 1995. Armbrecht has served on a number of community boards and commissions. She is a past chair of Voices for Alabama’s Children, the Mobile Area Education Foundation, United Way of Southwest Alabama and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama. She is a past campaign chair for United Way and past president of the Rotary Club of Mobile-Sunrise. Armbrecht also formerly chaired Envision Coastal Alabama and currently sits on the building authority for the Alabama School of Math and Science. In 2009 she was named the University of South Alabama’s 2009 Distinguished Alumna for Community Service and Beta Sigma Phi’s First Lady of Mobile. She is a graduate of Leadership

Mobile and Leadership Alabama. Armbrecht graduated from The University of Alabama and holds two master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama. AT&T is a Partners for Growth Investor. C. William Daniels Jr. is a partner with Burr & Forman LLP. He graduated from BirminghamSouthern College and later received his law degree from Daniels Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Prior to law school, Daniels served five years in the U.S. Army as a ranger qualified infantry officer, achieving the rank of captain. He now serves as an officer with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps within the U.S. Army Reserve. Daniels is also active in the Defense Research Institute, and has served as the chair of the Construction Law Committee for three years. He has served as program chair for the DRI Construction Law Seminar for several years and is a frequent speaker at construction law seminars on the local, state and national level. Daniels was named to the 2008 Alabama Super Lawyers and is listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of construction law. He is on the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association board and practices primarily in the areas of product liability, construction litigation and complex commercial litigation. Daniels is an author and speaks frequently on topics such as risk-shifting tactics; structure of additional insured programs; and the defense of owners, design professionals and contractors. Burr & Forman LLP is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Profile

Company: Cintas Corp. Title: General Manager Hometown: Picayune, Miss. Education: Mistretta holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration, with a focus in strategic management, from The University of Alabama. First job: His first job was working in a factory that made roofing tarpaper. Previous experience: Mistretta previously worked as a sales representative, plant manger and service manager at Cintas. “One of the great things about a career with Cintas is that as a growth company, we always have opportunities to expand your skill set and gain additional levels of responsibility,” said Mistretta. Career-changing moment: While searching for an internship, a friend advised Mistretta to look into Cintas. “When I researched the company, I was blown away by what an outstanding company it was,” Mistretta said. He was offered the internship and has been employed by the company since that time. Accomplishments: Under Mistretta’s management, Cintas Mobile finished in the top 15 percent of Cintas operations and was awarded “most improved operation” for the first quarter of 2009. Academically, Mistretta, a National Merit Scholar, was awarded a presidential scholarship to The University of Alabama and selected top student in his area of focus in the Alabama MBA program. Secret to success: “It starts with people first,” said Mistretta. “Today more than ever, people don’t care what you know until they know you care. Our Cintas culture requires that getting good results is not enough. How you go about getting them is just as important. As a result, I have always made it a goal of mine to make sure that I work to make the people around me successful and not the other way around.” Which historical figure would you like to invite to dinner and why? Mistretta would like to dine with Coach Nick Saban. “I’m a huge Alabama football fan and would like some insight on how the team looks this year.” Family: Mistretta and his wife Cassie have one son. Brief company description: Cintas Corp. provides specialized services including rental uniforms, floor mats and facility services, first aid and safety products, and secure on-site document shredding services to businesses of all types throughout North America.

Two Locations to Serve You

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3220 Dauphin St. Phone: 479-2480 Fax: 479-2488

November 2009

809 Hillcrest Rd. Phone: 607-6378 Fax: 607-6379

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

Nov. 4-8 Home Builders Assn. of Alabama Delegates: 350 Phone: 334-834-3006 Hotel/Location: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa

Nov. 9-13 Alabama Missionary Baptist Convention Delegates: 1,000 Phone: 432-2254 Hotel/Location: Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel

Nov. 12-15 Dance Makers Inc. Delegates: 180 Phone: 266-443-5300 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

hamber@Work

Chamber-led Oil and Gas Task Force Featured The Chamber’s newest task force, Offshore Alabama, created to focus on oil and gas issues in the Gulf of Mexico – was featured in the Press-Register’s Business section on Sept. 6. The task force is chaired by Paul Dieffenthaller with ExxonMobil and is staffed by Chamber Director of Business Retention and Expansion Steve Russell. To learn more about this task force visit www.offshorealabama.com. Enhancing Economic Development Marketing The Chamber is refining its successful Mobile Bay – On the Water. On the Move. brand in cooperation with Lewis Communications. Plans call for an economic overview video and enhancement to the www.mobilebayregion.com web site. The new and improved site is expected to launch before the year’s end.

“Green Streets” In August, Envision Coastal Alabama collaborated with the city of Mobile and the Downtown Mobile Alliance to host Auburn University’s Landscape Architecture design students who facilitated a public design charrette. The intensive planning session engaged citizens and government and civic leaders in exploring opportunities for a “Green Streets” initiative. This study will result in the development of innovative planning and design techniques addressing the challenge of stormwater management within the highly urbanized core of downtown Mobile. Traveling “Down Under” Chamber President Win Hallett traveled to Perth, Australia, to tour the headquarters of Austal and meet with company officials. The trip was an outreach to learn about the company’s plans for the Mobile facility and to recruit Austal’s suppliers to the area. The Chamber learned about the company’s Tier 1 suppliers, and will pursue them for potential locations to support Austal operations in the Mobile area.

Chamber Takes Nearly 100 People to China In October, the Chamber hosted a group of nearly 100 people for a nine-day/ seven-night tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, China. The Chamber plans to host another group to China in October 2010, in time for the World Expo 2010. To learn more, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at 431-8645 or lherndon@mobilechamber.com. Chamber Names New Diplomats Several new diplomats were selected to volunteer for the Chamber. They are: Gary Blackwell, TES Contracting Co. Inc.; Mamun, Re/Max Partners; Ron Smith, Environmental Waste & Recycling Solutions LLC; Gerald Grovenstein, PRemployer, Inc.; and Deborah Fetherland, Plan B Marketing. Diplomats are a group of volunteer members who assist the Chamber with a variety of projects including event registration, member visits and ribbon cuttings. To learn more about this group, contact Kim Perrone at 4318649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com. Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Chamber staff and diplomats helped cut ribbons and celebrate grand openings at Paint that Pottery, Kumon Math and Reading Center and Somerby Retirement Community. If your Chamber member business needs assistance with a grand opening or ribbon cutting, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@ mobilechamber.com.

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New Intern in Communications The Chamber’s communications department welcomed Mary Keller, a senior at Spring Hill College, who will spend the fall at the Chamber. Keller, an integrated communications major, is slated to graduate in 2010, and is writing for The Business View. Chamber Participates in Inaugural Football Game Chamber President Win Hallett and Chamber Board Chairman Sandy Stimpson with Gulf Lumber Co. participated in the honorary “coin toss” during the University of South Alabama Jaguars’ first football game on Sept. 5 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Also participating were members of USA’s board of trustees, the Mobile City Council, Mayor Sam Jones and the Mobile County Commission. The Jags beat Hargrave Academy 30 - 13.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

omparative Economic Indicators

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

Business Licenses City of Mobile

245 2009 260 2008

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

239,001 2009 256,702 2008

Unemployment Rates Mobile/Baldwin counties

10.3% 2009 4.9% 2008

Homes Sold⌦ Mobile County

314 2009 344 2008

Average Selling Price Mobile County $145,783 2009 $152,813 2008

Building Permits City of Mobile

352 2009 267 2008

Value of Building Permits $30,194,190 2009 $34,860,335 2008

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 24,447 2009 24,085 2008

NOVEMBER

DIVERSITY BUSINESS NETWORK

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Place: Mobile Area Chamber, McGowin Room, 451 Government St. Cost: Free Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com

FORUM ALABAMA

Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m. Place: Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St. Cost: $20 for members/$25 for potential members Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com

NETWORKING @NOON

VETERANS DAY LUNCHEON

*Members Only Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m. Place: Outback Steakhouse 901 Montlimar Dr. Cost: $8, including lunch Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com

Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m. Place: Fort Whiting, Brookley Complex Cost: $15 per person Contact: Ailey Arrow at 431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com For details, see story on page 23.

EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE*

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

*Members Only Time: 8 - 9 a.m. Place: Mobile Area Chamber 451 Government St. Cost: Free Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Place: The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel & Spa Cost: $2 for members/$5 for potential members Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com CHAMBER

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CLOSED Thanksgiving

alendar

Diversity Business Network Diversity Business Network will be held Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This quarterly networking event is designed to give small and minority-owned businesses the opportunity to meet large companies and governmental agencies, network and promote their companies. Mark Wilson with Ryla Telecommunications Inc. will be the guest speaker. His talk, “Building for Growth from the Ground Up,” will offer the wisdom of a back-to-basics business approach, tips on leveraging difficult times for opportunity and advice on securing capital. The event is free but reservations are requested. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobile chamber.com.

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

Networking@Noon*

Business After Hours

Networking@Noon will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Outback Steakhouse, 901 Montlimar Dr. N@N is a bi-monthly event offering members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business. Following a brief presentation, introductions and lunch, attendees are invited to continue to network. The event is limited to Mobile Area Chamber members only, and one representative per company. The cost is $8 and includes lunch. Payment is due at the time of reservation and must be made no later than Monday, Nov. 9. Reservations not cancelled by Nov. 9 must be honored to cover the cost of lunch. Contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

Join Chamber members and diplomats from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours on Thursday, Nov. 19 at The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a casual evening of networking with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. This is one of the best opportunities to introduce yourself and your business to other members and make new business contacts. Reservations are not necessary. The cost for members is $2 and $5 for potential members. For information contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com.

Forum Alabama The Mobile Area Chamber will host a Forum Alabama lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 S. Water St. The lunch will feature Karen Alderman Harbert, president and chief executive officer of the Institute for 21st Century Energy. Harbert leads the Institute’s efforts to build support for meaningful energy action nationally and internationally through policy development, education and advocacy. Her topic, America’s Energy Demand and Challenges Ahead, will provide an overview of America’s current and forecasted energy use, as well as discussion on how present and future energy needs can be met. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for potential members, $200 for a member table of 10 or $250 for a potential member table of 10. For more information contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobile chamber.com.

Executive Roundtable* Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Chamber’s McGowin Room. Dr. Don Epley, director, Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of South Alabama, will discuss an analysis of the current Mobile and coastal economy. He will introduce a two-page report that includes a summary of three analytical tools: the Mobile Business Activity Index, the Mobile Leading Business Activity Index and the new Mobile Employment Diffusion Index. Combined, these tools provide an interrelated analysis of current economic performance. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembertmobilechamber.com. *Members only

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

e mber News

Share the Good News

Member News features a variety of Chamber member announcements. Submission deadline is two months prior to publication. News releases should be one or two brief paragraphs. Photos must be professional headshots in either color or black and white, labeled with the person’s last name, and must be 300 dpi at full size and saved in an eps, tif or jpg format. Send your information to news@ mobilechamber.com or Member News, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 2187, Mobile, AL 36652-2187.

Dalgety

Dobbins

Gealy

ACO Information Services LLC recently announced a new hire and two promotions. John Dalgety was named a .NET Implementation Developer II for the company, and will be responsible for developing and implementing new features for the company’s STAR System regulatory solution. Scott Dobbins was promoted to a software architect where he will be more involved in the development of the company’s regulatory software solutions. Finally Gary Gealy was named .NET support manager. In this new role he will be responsible for all customer issues and enhancements related to the .NET version of the company’s regulatory software. X Randy Tharp joined Hancock Bank of Alabama as a mortgage loan officer and originator based in Hancock’s financial center at 2110 Tharp Demetropolis Rd. Tharp earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s in business administration from Spring Hill College. He is also a Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama Certified Loan Officer. X

Winter

Red Square Agency hired Jeff Winter as an account executive. Winter received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama.

11.09

Graham

Page

Snell

Roberts Brothers real estate named several new agents to its west Mobile office. They are: Tricia Graham, Sam Page, Sarah Snell and Ezonia Taylor. Taylor X Dr. Daniel A. Beals was appointed associate professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Beals attended Tulane School of Medicine in Beals New Orleans. He completed a general surgery residency at Marshall University in Huntington, W. Va., pediatric surgery training and a fellowship in pediatric surgery and critical care at the Children’s Hospital in Boston, and an additional fellowship in pediatric surgery and urology at the Miami Children’s Hospital in Miami. X

Beuk

Earnest

Lovely

The University of Mobile welcomed five new McElroy Stutz faculty members. Donna Beuk was named assistant professor of nursing. She holds an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing, all from the University of Mobile. Bruce Earnest was named associate professor of musical theater. He holds a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre from Westfield State College and received a master in music performance degree at the University of Miami. Christopher Lovely was named instructor of music. He received an associate’s degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a bachelor’s degree in music from William Carey College and a master’s degree in music in piano accompaniment from the University of Southern Mississippi. Jenelle McElroy was named instructor of nursing. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Mobile. Chad Stutz, EdD, was named assistant

professor of English. He holds a bachelor of arts from Wheaton College, a master of arts from University of Nevada in Las Vegas and a doctorate from Boston College. X The Carter Group LLC, an executive search and management consulting firm, named Brian Lee a partner in the company. Lee is a former CEO of New York Life Investments and president of Deutsche Bank private banking in New York. X Vickers, Riis, Murray and Curran LLC named Mark L. Redditt as a member of the law firm. Redditt

Goraum & Associates photography created a new division of the company – Bella Dia Photography. Bella Dia – led by company owner and noted photographer Steve Goraum – will shoot school, dance, athletic, etc., photos of both individuals and groups. To learn more, visit www. belladiaphoto.com or call 341-4580. X Austal honored the first graduates of its four-year apprenticeship program with the designation as Department of Labor Class A Journeymen. The program is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Alabama Department of Post Secondary Education and the Veteran’s Administration. The DOL requires each candidate complete a minimum of 576 hours of classroom time and an additional 8,000 hours of onthe-job learning over the four-year period. X The University of South Alabama Digestive Health Center is the first in Alabama and Mississippi to offer a minimally invasive procedure for patients suffering from hemorrhoids. The O’Regan Banding Technology is performed at the center located at 5600 Girby Rd. in Mobile. For more information, call 660-5555. X DailyAccess Corp., a national independent provider of customized retirement plan and employee benefits solutions, acquired Leggette Actuaries Inc., based in Dallas. DailyAccess will incorporate services, including defined benefit, nonqualified and cash balance services into its existing operations and maintain Leggette’s current facilities.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Pixallure announced the launch of PixallurePrinting.com. A service of Pixallure Specialty Products LLC, the new division combines conventional commercial printing with the newest technology in the online print market. For more information, visit www.Pixallure Printing.com. X Bellingrath Gardens and Home now offers guests a cell phone audio tour, providing access to interpretive content over their own cell phones. The tour features the Bellingrath’s history, the rose garden, the great lawn, the Bellingrath home, the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain and the Mirror Lake overlook. For more information, call 973-2217 or visit www.bellingrath.org. X Momma Goldberg’s Deli is now open at 3696 Airport Blvd. in the Yester Oaks Shopping Center. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Auburn-based restaurant gives customers the opportunity to design their own sandwiches and salads or to order from the specialty menu. For more information, visit www.momma goldbergs.com. X wellbornIdeas, an integrated marketing solutions firm, held a grand opening for its new downtown office at 356 Dauphin St. The company specializes in direct marketing strategies. Founded in 2001 in Austin, Texas, wellbornIdeas relocated to Mobile to capitalize on the area’s growth potential.

Mobile Infirmary Medical Center received renewed accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), an organization assessing the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and blood products. The accreditation is given to facilities providing patients and blood donors with the highest standards of care. X BayFest was named the 2009 Alabama Event of the Year by the Alabama Tourism Department. Criteria for Event of the Year Award include outstanding performance, outstanding economic impact, quality and effectiveness of marketing efforts, additions and/or improvements designed to increase appeal to tourists, increased attendance and the enhancement of local, regional or state image as a tourist destination.

Member News Habitat for Humanity in Mobile County received a $200,000 donation from the People of Qatar to help build five homes in partnership with families who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The funding is part of a $3.26 million donation from the People of Qatar to Habitat for Humanity International. X The Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Historic District was honored with an Outstanding Rating on its bi-yearly inspection from the Hilton Corp. For more information on the hotel, visit www.mobile downtown.hamptoninn.com. Site Selection magazine named Alabama Power Co. to its annual list of “Top Utilities in Economic Development.” The publication examined utilities’ performance in four categories – capital investment, job creation, capital investment per capita and jobs per 10,000 in population. Responses from site selection consultants and corporate leaders were also considered, along with the utilities’ own investment in renewable energy projects.

A 25 YEARS

Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc.

20 YEARS

Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Muzak

15 YEARS

A Precision Auto Glass Inc. L’Arche Mobile Inc. WillStaff Worldwide Staffing

10 YEARS

3001 Inc. Callis Communications Leroy Hill Coffee Co. Inc. Meyer Real Estate Mobile Area Chapter of Credit Unions

5 YEARS

Commercial Property Directory Construction Solutions International Inc. Crane Title Inc. Keller Williams Realty Starpoint Services Inc.

The Alabama Department of Public Health recognized Providence Hospital and Thomas Hospital for exceeding the state newborn screening reliability goal for 2008. Two years ago, more than one in four newborns screened for metabolic and other inherited disorders in Alabama had to be retested. Because of improved training and performance in hospitals and physician offices, the number of infants who undergo repeat screening has dropped to only slightly more than one in 10. X Mobile County School Board attorney Derek Atchison was elected to the board of directors for the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys. Atchison is a member of the Atchison Firm in Mobile and the Estate Planning Council. He earned his juris doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law. X The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) confirmed White-Spunner Construction’s self-built corporate headquarters meets the standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. After more than a year of occupancy, operating

the 40,000-square-foot, two-story building has proven LEED efficiency with a 20 percent energy savings and 30 percent water savings from the company’s former business location.

Calendar of Events The Junior League of Mobile’s 25th annual Christmas Jubilee will be held at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds Nov. 11-14. General admission tickets for Christmas Jubilee are $6 in advance and $8 during the market. Several special events are also planned including VIP Shopping Event, Girls Night Out, Breakfast with Santa and a Preview Party. To learn more, visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org. X Mobile Technical Institute is now offering ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification training classes and testing. This program fulfills the requirement going into effect in Alabama on Jan. 1, 2010, that at least one person in charge of certain establishments that prepare and serve food complete a food safety certification

examination. Training classes will be held Nov. 18, Dec. 15 and Dec. 30. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, call 478-6848 or visit www.mobiletechwebsite.com. X The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Mid Gulf Chapter will hold a reverse trade show on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Tillman’s Corner Chamber of Commerce auditorium, 5055 Carol Plantation Rd. Government agencies, developers, industrial manufacturers and others are exhibitors, and the construction industry such as contractors, subcontractors and suppliers are attendees. Tickets for the event are $75 for ABC members, and $100 for non-members. Contact Bonita Tanner at bonita.tanner@abcmidgulf.com for information. X The Gulf Coast Exploreum is showing “NASCAR: The IMAX Experience” in the IMAX theater through Nov. 25. For more information, visit www.exploreum.com.

nniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

1-4 YEARS

A-Coastal Scaffolding The American Cafe´ Barrow Fine Furniture Bayfour Design LLC Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak PA Bennett Pointe Homes Beverly M. Burton Scholarship Trust Boise Paper Burk-Kleinpeter Inc. Cahaba Disaster Recovery China Doll Rice & Bean Inc. Complete Plumbing Inc. Complete Medical Equipment Congregation Ahavas Chesed Chris Corsentino DC Doster Construction Co. Driven Engineering Inc. Environmental Waste & Recycling Solutions LLC Exchange Club Family Center Faith Bus Service Farmers Insurance-Brian Sanderson Freedom Court Reporting Inc. G.C. Specialties Inc.

Growing Potential Inc. Gulf Waste Services LLC Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile/I-65 Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Park/Airport H&R Block Hermitage Rippy Mansion LLC Elizabeth Palmer Hill DMD PC Hilton Garden Inn Home Place Furniture Hummingbird Ideas Advertising & Design Inc. ICON Pareto Insight Treatment Program Inc. ITT Technical Institute - Mobile Campus Jay Eubanks Tree Service Kidz Klozet Chris S. King - Roberts Brothers Inc. Realtor LA+South Inc. LANICO Inc. M. A. Norden Co. Inc. MapuSoft Technologies Inc. Michelli Scales Mitchell McLeod Pugh & Williams Inc.

Mobile Bay Business Journal Myers Oil Co. Oysterella’s Seafood Restaurant Peavy Construction Co. Pintoli’s Italian Cafe Plan B Marketing The Quality Group Inc. RSC Equipment Rental Resolve US Gulf Facility Safety Guidance Specialist Inc. Sirius Technical Services Inc. South Region Minority Supplier Development Council ThomCo Enterprises Inc. ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc. Tonsmeire Development Corp. Value Place The Van Bemen Agency-Farmers Insurance Group WebOperations.Net LLC Woodlands Bank As of 8/31/09

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses. Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 11.09

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

e w Members

If you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647 or Heather Bell at 431-8627. View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

There is Strength in Numbers... A recent study showed that consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a Chamber member. For as little as 83 cents a day your membership will yield a return in: • Business assistance; • Professional development seminars and counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests; and much more. The Mobile Area Chamber, through a contract with the city of Mobile and Mobile County, is the lead economic recruiter and collaborates with various entities to secure projects for the Mobile Bay area. More jobs increase your potential client base! In addition, the Chamber focuses on quality of life. One small fee allows you to be involved in improving education, the economy, business and many other critical issues. For more information about becoming a member, contact Carolyn Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@ mobilechamber.com or visit www.mobilechamber.com. The Business of Mobile is Our Business.

Azalea City Credit Union Calvert Branch Olabode Anise 22116 Hwy. 43 S. Calvert, AL 36513 251-268-0019 www.azaleacitycu.com Credit Unions

A & W Lighting Corp. Randy Woodham 1124 Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL 36695-3920 251-607-0099 www.aw-lighting.com Lighting Fixtures ACE Industries Cranes & Hoists Brad Grow 4700 Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-259-7136 www.aceindustries.com Cranes - Overhead

Baldwin Bone & Joint PC/ Canale Spine Institute Dottie McClurg 6701 Airport Blvd., Ste. C-138 Mobile, AL 36608 251-445-8663 www.baldwinboneandjoint.com Physician/Surgeon-MD

Affordable Security & Protection Louis Loe 2100 Government St., Ste. C Mobile, AL 36606 251-634-8023 www.asapal.com Burglar Alarm Systems

Business Link Millie Sue Hawk P.O. Box 14 Satsuma, AL 36572-0014 251-422-7777 www.mobilebusinesslink.com Marketing

Alabama Railroad & Construction Rod L. Crigler 10050 Hwy. 90 W. St. Elmo, AL 36568-0430 251-957-3352 Railroad Contractors

The Bull Leigh Mims 609 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602-1707 251-378-5091 www.thebullrestaurant.com Restaurants

Atlantic Scaffolding Chris Romano 5350 Business Pkwy. Theodore, AL 36582 251-653-4023 www.atlanticii.com Scaffolding & Accessories

CityBiz USA Pamela Gayles 5401 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. D Mobile, AL 36609 251-378-5110 www.citybizusa.com Publishers-Internet

11.09

Cleveland The Florist LeNae C. Denson 4404 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36608-3112 251-341-3555 www.clevelandtheflorist.net Florists The Dental Center of Mobile Dr. Hubert Parker 505 Georgian Dr. Mobile, AL 36609 251-342-2324 www.dentalcentermobile.com Dentists-General Practice

The Legacy Group Sitting Service LLC Felisha W. Bagsby 273 Azalea Rd. One Office Pk. Mobile, AL 36609 251-447-2635 Sitting Services Susan A. Martino CFP Susan A. Martino 3510 Montlimar Plaza Dr., Ste. 200 Mobile, AL 36609-1746 251-342-7377 Financial Planners Consultants

Gulf Coast Pints LLC Janice Jarreau 106 Boxwood Cove Brandon, MS 39047-8198 615-456-8982 www.gulfcoastpints.com Advertising

Merchants Foodservice Tom Schandel 2450 Big M Blvd. Clanton, AL 35046 941-779-5209 www.merchantsfoodservice.com Food Service Distributors

Humana Insurance Co. Melvin Hall 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Ste. 100 Birmingham, AL 35209-6701 251-591-0277 www.humana.com Insurance

Momma Goldberg’s Deli Daniel Hinton 3696 B Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608-1623 251-344-9500 www.mommagoldbergs.com Restaurants

International Auto Services Inc. Tony Curry 9161 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608-9509 251-633-4463 Automotive Service and Towing Island Thyme eats & arts Debbie Davis 1500 Government St., Ste. I Mobile, AL 36604-2020 251-479-7575 www.island-thyme.com Restaurants ITAC Solutions Chambliss Brister 64 Bienville Ave. Mobile, AL 36606 251-680-8661 www.itacsolutions.com Recruiting Service Keith Kingan’s Classic Cars Inc. Kathryn A. Kingan 3251 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36606-3008 251-479-6676 www.kingancars.com Auto Sales Lamp & Framing Solutions Inc. Angie Huff 1222-C Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL 36695-3956 251-639-0708 Retail

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Phoenix Fitness Leigh Buce 3055 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36606 251-476-4653 Health Clubs Port City Foreign Car Service Inc. Tim Lawrence 2308 Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36606-2124 251-473-1456 Automobile Repairing & Service Profiling Solutions David Newberry 9582 Yellow Brook Ln. Mobile, AL 36695 251-382-8133 www.profilingsolutions.com Computer Software Ruland & Ruland CPAs LLC Kevin L. Ruland 5920 Grelot Rd., Ste. C-2 Mobile, AL 36609-3606 251-344-2777 www.rulandcpa.com Accountants-Certified Public

Select Communications Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer Tammy Smith 740 S. Schillinger Rd., # B7 Mobile, AL 36695-8961 251-639-1011 Cellular Telephone Sales & Service Serimax North America Kim Moody 8425 Bellingrath Rd., Bldg. 2 Theodore, AL 36582 251-338-3555 www.serimax.com Welding Southern Controls Inc. Lynn Harrington 4545 Cypress Business Pk. Dr. Mobile, AL 36619 251-661-1740 www.southerncontrols.com Controls-Control SystemRegulators As of 8/31/09

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | 10.09

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...yields sweet success.

Maintaining top-of-mind awareness with customers is a tough nut to crack. That’s why Leslie and Danny Fox value the Chamber’s networking events. Participating as an exhibitor at the annual Business & Technology Expo and co-hosting Business After Hours are just two ingredients in their marketing plan. As one of 2,500 Chamber members, Leslie and Danny have access to resources, exposure and networking to grow their business and make it thrive – and that means more than a few sweet connections.

Leslie and Danny Fox Tanner’s Pecans & Candies 10 employees Member Since 1983

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