The Business View - November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012

the

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

VIEW

See

Honoring

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

Shop Local

Prague and Budapest

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 5:00 - 8:30 pm Mobile Civic Center Tickets are $50 or $485 for a table of 10 (Chamber members), $60 for potential members RSVP to 251-431-8606 or email cwilson@mobilechamber.com www.mobilechamber.com

SPONSORS: Alabama Power Co. | Austal USA | BB&T | Burr & Forman LLP | ExxonMobil | Gulf States Engineering | Hancock Bank | Hargrove Engineers + Contractors International Shipholding Corp. | Meyer Vacation Rental/Century 21 | Mobile Airport Authority | Mobile Gas | Phelps Dunbar LLP | Thompson Engineering ThyssenKrupp Steel USA | University of South Alabama RESTAURANT SPONSORS: Alec Naman Catering | Bienville Business Club | Bluegill Restaurant | Buffalo Wild Wings Chef Rob & Co. | Creative Catering | Don’s Café & Catering | Felix’s Fish Camp | Honey Baked Ham Co. | Lassere’s Catering | Mediterranean Sandwich Co. Ruth’s Chris Steak House | Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ | Tyner’s Catering DESSERT SPONSORS: Tanner’s Pecans & Candies | Gigi’s Cupcakes | Pollman’s Bakery BEVERAGE SPONSORS: AQUAlife Water & Coffee | Royal Cup Coffee | Community Coffee FLORISTS: All A Bloom Florist | Leaf & Petal Florist | Sugarlots Décor and More Zimlich’s Patio & Garden d/b/a Elizabeth’s Garden CREATIVE SERVICES: FusionPoint Media PRINT SERVICES: Gwin’s Commercial Printing | Explosive Signs & Graphics PHOTOGRAPHY: Jeff Tesney Photography

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NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

the

Vol. XLIII, No. 10

VIEW

4

November 2012

News You Can Use – Positive updates for area and state businesses

4-5

7

9

Events honor area Veterans

Small Business of the Month: Camellia Trophy & Specialties

10

Chamber hosts trip to Prague and Budapest

13-17 18-19

20

21

Chamber Chase surpasses

$1.5 million goal

Small Business Saturday raises awareness about the benefits of shopping local

Cover

Perry Stewart is a co-owner of Holiday, a local gifts, accessories and clothing store for women located in Spring Hill. Holiday will participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. Learn more about the event on page 18.

Cover photo by Susan Rak-Blanchard.

Guest Column: Favorable gift tax exemption draws to close

SCORE: Small businesses need to know taxes

15

22 24

CEO Profile: Richard McCreary,

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard

Investor Focus: Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC

26-28 26

27

Chamber@Work Ambassador of the Month: Lisa Kavanaugh

Business Spotlight of the Month: Mobile Christian School

28 30 31 32-33 34

35

Board of Advisors: Alex Arendall, Randy Lee and Lana Mosley

the business VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2012 Publisher.....................................Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor................................Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor....................................... Jennifer Jenkins Copy Editor............................................Michelle Matthews

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Additional Writers and Editors Carolyn Golson, Mark Hieronymus, Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard and Carolyn Wilson

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

Economic Indicators Calendar Member News

New Members Anniversaries

7

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 | NOVEMBER 2012

3

Taylor-Wharton

Announces $6 Million Expansion of CryoScience Facility A

little over a year ago, Taylor-Wharton Cryogenics LLC began marketing its newest product in its state-of-the-art facility in Theodore, where the company has operated since 1974. Among other things, the company manufactures a full range of portable aluminum refrigerators and dewars – large thermos-like containers – sold under the CryoScience by Taylor-Wharton™ brand.

This fall, company officials announced a $6 million expansion of the division with a new location, equipment and 15 employees. “This segment has grown rapidly. And by the end of next year, our volume will be 400 percent larger than where we were at the end of 2011,” says Tim Grbavac, Taylor-Wharton’s director of operations.

A research scientist uses a portable cryogenic storage Primary factors to the industry’s growth include vessel filled with liquid nitrogen to freeze samples up to medical research, repositories where doctors and hospitals -190°C. TheBXS_ViewMagazine_Jan2011.pdf popularity of these Taylor-Wharton made 5:00:39arePMstoring cords of newborn babies, as an 1/26/11 8.5”the x umbilical 5.375” vessels is prompting a company expansion and new jobs. example, and the breeding of livestock.

4

NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Later this year, the company will relocate the cryogenics division to a new facility just three miles from other TaylorWharton operations to increase its space by 50 percent and giving Taylor-Wharton room for expected growth, adds Grbavac.

“Breaking into the high-tech field of cryoscience, expanding and adding employees shows Taylor-Wharton is working to diversify their business and increase the company’s market potential. And that’s good news for our area,” says Herman Tinsley, the Mobile Area Chamber’s senior project director, who served as the economic development liaison for the Taylor-Wharton expansion.

Grbavac also highlights the competitive advantage Taylor-Wharton has over mechanical freezers that reach, but don’t maintain, -125 to -140 degrees. The Theodore-built vessels chill down to -190 degrees and preserve the contents for at least 20 days in cases where power is lost.

You’ll see this symbol with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Southern Light

Acquires ServerCorps

Mobile-based Fiber Optics Company

Moves to Expand Customer Base

M

obile-based fiber optic company Southern Light purchased the assets of Mobile-based ServerCorps.

Purchasing assets is a buyout strategy, and in this case includes capital along with the ServerCorps name and website, explains Andy Newton, Southern Light’s president and chief executive officer.

What made the company attractive, says Newton, was its client base and data center located at the University of South Alabama’s Research and Technology Park.

The three-year-old data center exceeds 3,000 square feet and offers a secure, waterproof, hurricane-proof facility for businesses looking to store critical data and servers.

ServerCorps specialized in server hosting and server storage space. Southern Light’s strength is transporting data and connecting customers to high-speed Internet.

“Southern Light is excited about combining our expanded reach and

Amvac Grows in Axis U

sed in animal feed and ethanol fuel and exported throughout the world, corn is one of the most valuable commodities in the United States.

Insecticides needed for corn are driving the most recent expansion at Amvac Chemical Corp. in Axis. Company officials say they plan to invest more than $11.4 million in equipment and facility upgrades and hire another 21 employees.

The California-based company makes crop protection products used by farmers and the agricultural industry in the U.S. and worldwide in another 50 countries. Amvac leases 25 acres and operates a manufacturing, formulating and packaging facility on a 510-acre complex in Axis, sharing common services with DuPont Co. since it purchased operations in 2001. This comes on the heels of the expansion of Amvac’s cotton insecticides division in June, with 12 new employees.

Because insects have adjusted to the latest insecticides, farmers are reverting back to products such as the ones produced

by Amvac that attack pests who eat at the roots, explains Bill Kuser, Amvac’s director of investor relations and communications.

“As a result of the expansion, there has been an increase in employment on the site in maintenance and production roles as well as support staff. The expansion at Axis is consistent with Amvac’s philosophy to manufacture in the USA,” says John Rizzi, the company’s local engineering and operations manager.

Mobile is the largest of the four Amvac facilities, with the others located in California, Idaho and Missouri. “It’s a good central location to serve our customers in the Southeast from Texas to the Carolinas,” Kuser adds. “We will be adding investments and jobs and have done so over the last 12 months, and will likely continue for the next couple of years as well.”

In 2001, the company had 23 employees in Axis, according to Rizzi. Today Amvac has 200-plus employees “as a result of these and other past capital investments,” he adds.

“Mobile has a long history of success with the chemical industry,” says Claudia Zimmermann, the Mobile Area Chamber’s director of economic development. “This expansion is another example of the Mobile Bay region’s pro-business climate and the evident strength of the chemical sector worldwide.”

product set to ServerCorps’ facility and customer base in order to continue our mission of providing the most technologically advanced communications solutions throughout the Gulf Coast region,” says Newton.

Within the last year, Southern Light also created a warehouse headquarters on Schillinger Road for its microwave and wireless distributed antenna system (DAS) used mostly by cellular phone companies and some cities to boost cell phone coverage.

To date this year, the company added 27 employees to its roster, bringing the total to 135. Approximately 100 of those

employees are based in the Mobile area with the rest in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida – all within Southern Light’s coverage area.

Newton expects to hire several additional employees by the year’s end as a result of continuing growth and the ServerCorps acquisition.

Founded in 1998, Southern Light designs, constructs and operates more than 3,000 route miles of fiber optic networks along the Gulf Coast, delivering large bandwidth solutions to telecommunications carriers, governmental agencies and enterprise customers throughout the region.

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Call 251.973.2217 ext. 163

www.bellingrath.org The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

5

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NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Veterans Honored

T

at Veterans Day Events

he Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission will honor Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel as Patriot of the Year and will recognize him during the commission’s Veterans Day Lt. Gen. Fiel luncheon on Monday, Nov. 12.

Fiel is the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field. AFSOC provides Air Force special operations forces for worldwide deployment and assignment to unified combatant commanders. He has significant experience in combat and leadership positions in major joint contingency operations and has commanded a special operations squadron during Bosnia and Kosovo operations.

The Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission works in partnership with the Mobile Area Chamber to produce the annual commemoration to honor America’s veterans.

Veterans Day activities begin at 10 a.m. with the annual parade through the streets of downtown Mobile, featuring several veterans organizations, active duty units, Reserve and National Guard units, ROTC and JROTC units, scouts and local marching bands.

The luncheon will begin at noon at Fort Whiting at Brookley Aeroplex, immediately following the parade. A Freedom Celebration will follow at 3 p.m. at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. To end the evening, the Mobile Pops will perform at 7 p.m. at Battleship Memorial Park.

The parade and celebration are free and open to the public. Luncheon tickets are $18 per person or $144 for a table of eight. To secure your reservation, register online at events.mobilechamber.com or contact Carolyn Hunt at 431-8621 with credit card information. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Fast Facts What: Veterans Day Activities When: Monday, Nov. 12 Events: Veterans Day Parade

10 a.m. - Government Street

Veterans Day Luncheon

Noon - Fort Whiting at Brookley Aeroplex

Freedom Celebration

3 p.m. - Battleship Memorial Park

Mobile Pops Concert

7 p.m. - Battleship Memorial Park Cost: Luncheon $18 per person or

$144 for a table of eight Info: Register for the luncheon online at events.mobilechamber.com

or for more information, contact

Carolyn Hunt at 431-8621.

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

7

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NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

small business of the month

Camellia Trophy & Specialties employs five people at its location on the I-65 Service Road. From left are John Nonnenmacher, Jerry Blan, Susan Nonnenmacher, Daniel Brabham and Bill Everett.

Making Memories Since 1958

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

Although he died in 1985, Tom Nonnenmacher’s spirit lives on at the business he started in 1958. His son, John, now runs Camellia Trophy & Specialties, along with John’s wife, Susan.

Bill Everett, who started working for “Mr. Tom” when he was just a teenager and is considered part of the family, actually purchased the business in 1986 and ran it until he sold it to John in 2008. And even though he doesn’t own it anymore, he still comes to work every day and enjoys telling “war stories” about the old days with the company’s founder.

“Mr. Tom” was a larger-than-life character both in personality and in size, at 6-foot-4 and more than 300 pounds. He opened Camellia Bowling Lanes at the corner of Airport Boulevard and McGregor Avenue, where Pinebrook Shopping Center now stands, in 1957. In addition to the four other bowling alleys around town, he opened Camellia Trophy Shop next door as a side business, providing trophies for bowling leagues.

“People tell me all the time, ‘I worked for your Dad,’” John says. “I could probably find 300 people who worked for him.”

John recalls working in the warehouse behind the shop, building trophies for a nickel apiece, flocking bowling shirts and dipping pins. But eventually, he went to college and went into business for himself as an owner of Hillcrest Optical. Meanwhile, Camellia Trophy Shop was sold to Bill Everett.

“Bill took it to another level,” John says. “He added specialties and promotional items, and the business took off.” In 2008, when Everett approached him about buying back his father’s business, John jumped at the opportunity.

Located off the I-65 Service Road near Cottage Hill Road since 1982, Camellia Trophy & Specialties has a showroom that offers samples of hundreds of styles of trophies for every team sport imaginable and commemorative plaques for any occasion.

The trophy business has changed tremendously since the company started.

Thirty years ago, plaques were handengraved and took about an hour apiece, but now they’re done with a computer, at a rate of 40 or 50 per day. “Three or four of us can do the work it used to take 10 people to do,” John says.

Earlier this year, Camellia Trophy & Specialties started a website, and though they take orders from all over the country, most of their customers are Mobile and Baldwin County schools and businesses. And John, like his father before him, prefers having personal contact with his customers. “I still like to talk to people and make sure they get what they want,” he says.

“I’m old-school,” he adds. “If I can make a customer at 12 years old, I want them to be a customer when my son [10-year-old Justin] takes it over.”

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Prague & Budapest presents

March 20- 28, 2013

Nine Days, Seven Nights Including Hotel, Day Trips and Airfare from Mobile

9 Days

$2,699

T

he Mobile Area Chamber will take a group of 35 people to Prague and Budapest March 20-28, and both Chamber members and guests are invited to attend.

The cost for the trip is $2,699 based on double occupancy, and includes airfare from Mobile, hotel accommodations, guided tours, daily breakfasts and four dinners. A land-only option is available (meaning you would book your own airfare) for $850 less. A two-day extension to Vienna is also available for an additional $595 per person, based on double occupancy. If the dates do not work, yet the itinerary is perfect, there are four seats remaining on a March 12-20 trip the Chamber is taking to Prague and Budapest.

This trip is guaranteed to sell out quickly, and a deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of the reservation.

The balance will be due Dec. 20.

Below is the itinerary for the trip:

ITINERARY March 20 - Depart Mobile for Prague.

March 21 - Prague: Arrive in the Czech Republic’s beautiful city of Prague, “The Golden City of a Hundred Spires.”

March 22 - Prague: Enjoy a full-day guided city

tour of Prague. See Strahov Monastery, founded in the 12 century, with its library consisting of two baroque halls for theological and philosophical reading. Continue on to Loreto Monastery and to Prague Castle, and then to St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest of the Prague churches constructed over a period of six centuries. You’ll also visit the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. th

10 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

March 23 - Prague/Karlovy Vary/ Prague: Visit the largest and best known Czech spa,

Karlovy Vary. The founding of the town has been linked with the name of the Emperor Charles IV since 1358. Its 12 famous springs reach a temperature of about 72°C, at their hottest.

The spa was visited by rulers and many artists like Goethe, Chateaubriand, Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, etc.

March 24 - Prague/Pilsen (Optional Tour)/Prague: Enjoy your day at leisure. Explore the Old Town Square and New Town, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Jewish Cemetery with its ancient tombstones dating from the mid-14th to late 17th centuries. You might also visit Hradcany Castle or take an optional tour to Pilsen. Beer has been brewed in the town of Pilsen since it was founded in 1295. Visit the Czech Republic’s most famous glass factory, situated in the small town of Nizbor on the River Berounka.

March 25 - Prague/Budapest: Transfer to Budapest. On your way stop in Bratislava and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the most important places and historical sites, such as the Presidential Palace, Eurovea, the National Theater, the unique Art Noveau Church and much more.

Stop by at the Bratislava Castle and Napoleon’s Hill.

Continue the tour and see St. Michael’s Gate, the University Istropolitana, St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Primatial Palace, the Old Town Hall and finally the Opera House.

March 26 - Budapest: Take a full-day guided city tour of Budapest where you’ll be introduced to the main attractions of this Hungarian capital. Visit Hosok Tere (Heroes Square) in Pest, and see the world-renowned Opera House and the Parliament. Then in Buda, take a walk through the Castle District finally ending at Gellert Hill, which offers a breathtaking view over the city.

March 27 - Budapest/Visegrad, Estergom and Szentendre (Optional Tour)/

Budapest: Spend the day at leisure and venture through

this magnificent city. Visit the public baths in Spa Town with their famed thermal springs or visit the impressive Royal Castle, the former residence of the Hungarian royals, with its stunning views over the Danube and Pest. There is an optional tour available to the three major settlements marking the route to the scenic bend of the River Danube.

March 28 - Budapest/Mobile: Transfer to

the airport for your return flight home.

Two Night Optional Vienna Extension March 28 - Budapest/Vienna: Transfer to

Vienna, which combines beauty and charm with culture, style and sophistication. You will see the Ringstrasse known for such magnificent buildings as the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. Afterwards see the Hofburg and the Stephansdom in the downtown district. End your sightseeing with a visit to the beautiful Palace Schönbrunn, which was once the summer residence of the Hapsburg Family and Maria Theresa.

March 29 - Vienna: The day is at leisure for you to enjoy. In the evening, transfer by coach to Grinzing, the wine growing region of Vienna.

March 30 - Vienna/Mobile: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

For More Details and Reservations: Contact: Leigh Perry-Herndon at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce E-mail: LHerndon@mobilechamber.com Telephone: (251) 431-8645

Business today is getting tough.

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

11 OCTOBER 2012 | The Business View

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

11

How

United way

Helps

“As one of the founding members of the United Way, St. Mary’s Home realizes the importance of the United family of agencies. While St. Mary’s Home provides a safe home for physically and sexually abused children, we can not meet all the needs of those in our community. We partner with and depend on our United Way family of agencies to assist in making our Mobile a place we are proud to call home. Together, with the help of the United Way, we can do more and do it more effectively and efficiently.” - Andy Wynne, Executive Director, St. Mary’s Home

“We are extremely grateful for continued support provided by the United Way of Southwest Alabama. United Way funding is critical to our ability to meet the immediate emergency needs of families affected by single family fires. This funding allows us to provide emergency housing, food, clothing, mental health services, health services, and referrals for families who have lost everything. By meeting these emergency, disaster-caused needs, United Way is helping the Red Cross stabilize families in crises and helping them get started on the road to recovery.” - Leisle Ewing Mims, CEO, American Red Cross -Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter “We appreciate the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s continued financial support of the Boy Scouts of America.

When people support the United Way, they support the BSA! The youth and adults active in the Scouting program benefit from individuals and companies who annually support our United Way. We can help send a Scout to our local Boy Scout Summer Camp, thru our campership program, if he can not afford to attend this positive life changing experience. Thank-you again to everyone who financially supports Scouting thru their United Way gifts!”

- Michael J. Hartigan III, Scout Executive/CEO, Boy Scouts of America Mobile Area Council “Penelope House truly values our partnership with the United Way. Not only for the positive visibility in the community that United Way provides, but also the funding we receive through the United Way allows Penelope House to receive much needed grants that require a match. For each dollar Penelope House receives from United Way twice its value will be generated. This helps Penelope House shelter nearly 1,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year. “ - Tonie Ann Coumanis Torrans, Executive Director, Penelope House “Being part of United Way gives us an opportunity to tell people about what the food bank does. Connecting through United Way also sends the message that we are part of a team of organizations, collaborating to connect with people who need help and with people willing to help, through donations of their time and money. For the food bank, our partnership with United Way partner allows us to distribute an additional 500,000 meals a year in Southwest Alabama. It’s all about teamwork and it is a system that works.” - David W. Reaney, Executive Director, Bay Area Food Bank “It is because of the generosity of United Way, that Victory Health Partners is able to provide $20 worth of quality and affordable healthcare for every $1 donated. Just $1 can allow a single mother to not have to choose between her doctor’s appointment and school supplies for her child. Just $1 enables a diabetic who recently lost their job and; therefore, lost his health insurance to receive his insulin. Just $1 restores the dignity of our uninsured neighbors and allows them to own their healthcare once again.

Thank you United Way for partnering with Victory to provide comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to our uninsured neighbors.” - Robert D. Lightfoot, MD, Executive Director, Victory Health Partners “Our partnership with United Way of Southwest Alabama allows Lifelines Counseling Services to receive financial support that helps us offer much needed family, marital and trauma counseling at a low cost. We also provide financial counseling to families on the brink of foreclosure as well as assistance to rape and sexual assault survivors and their families. Working with the United Way, we are proud to also provide health and human service information and referrals through United Way’s 2-1-1 program to community members in need.” - Chandra Brown, Executive Director. Lifelines Counseling Serices To find out how you can help these agencies and United Way build a better community through improving education, health, financial stability and essentials please contact our office.

United Way of Southwest Alabama • 218 St. Francis St., Mobile, AL 36602 • P: 251-433-3624 • F: 251-431-0120 • www.uwswa.org

12 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Chamber Chase Surpasses

$1.5 Million Goal In May, the Mobile Area Chamber’s annual total resource campaign, Chamber Chase, kicked off with a goal of raising $1.5 million in new memberships, sponsorships, advertisements and donated goods and services. Under the leadership of chairman Joel Daves, Regions Bank, an enthusiastic group of 60 volunteers not only met the goal, they once again exceeded it.

For 16 weeks, volunteers representing 34 Chamber member companies worked together to raise $1,501,763, including bringing in 66 new members. Seven of these teams exceeded their goals.

“This was our 16th campaign, and each year our volunteers do better than the year before,” said Carolyn Golson, 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.”

“Chamber Chase is an important source of funding for the Chamber and its economic development activities,” said Daves. “We have seen recently with the Airbus announcement how important the Chamber’s work is. Big announcements don’t just happen – they require the work of the Chamber and its public and private partners over a long period of time.”

Next year’s campaign will kick off in May. Why get involved? Golson says, “Chamber Chase offers fabulous networking opportunities for the volunteers, a fun competitive spirit and is a great social outlet as well. 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 ‘12

Campaign Chairman Joel Daves, Regions Bank

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Lending* | Insurance** | Treasury Management | International Banking © 2012 Regions. *All loans and lines are subject to credit approval and other terms and conditions. **Insurance products sold through Regions Insurance, Inc., an affiliate of Regions Bank, are not FDIC-insured, not a deposit, not guaranteed by Regions Bank or its affiliates, not insured by any federal government agency, and may go down in value.

AL-SW120001 April12BusView_2.indd 1

1/30/12 1:48 PM

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

13

Chamber Chase 2012 Alabama Power Co.

Arkema Inc.

BankTrust

$55,553

$67,699

$205,222

Tom Grimm Judy Smith Plant Manager Captain

Terri Owler..................................$49,416 Judy Smith..................................$18,283

Bibb Lamar David Hagan CEO Captain

David Hagan..............................$43,311 James Alexander........................ $14,111 Sherry Coker...............................$21,500 Lisa Owen................................ $126,300

Top Overall Producers Lisa Owen................................. $126,300 Mark Spivey................................ $70,800 Linda Faulkner........................... $51,411 Terri Owler.................................$49,416 Harris Oswalt..............................$48,410

Top Cash Producers Terri Owler.................................$49,416 Harris Oswalt..............................$48,410 Mark Spivey................................ $30,000 Sharon Murrill............................$22,961 Dawn Bush................................. $22,592

Mike Saxon

Sharon Murrill

Vice President Mobile Division

Captain

Dawn Bush.................................$27,592 Sharon Murrill...........................$27,961 BB&T

$43,644

Top New Member Producers Sherry Coker..........................................5 Trish Banker..........................................4 Jennifer Bergoon...................................4 Terri Owler............................................4 Spencer Wiggins....................................4

Top Overall Producing Teams BankTrust................................ $205,222 Hancock Bank..........................$187,866 Regions Bank........................... $143,342 Arkema........................................$67,699 Mobile Area Chamber Ambassadors......$59,183

Edward H. O’Gwynn III Janet Johnson Area Executive and Senior Vice President

Captain

Jennifer Gontarski.....................$10,433 Janet Johnson.............................$25,472 Team Credit.................................. $7,739 Blue Cross/Blue Shield

$17,450

Top Cash Producing Teams Regions Bank............................$102,542 BankTrust...................................$76,347 Arkema....................................... $65,699 Hancock Bank............................$59,291 Mobile Gas................................. $48,920

Top Rookie Volunteer Jason McKenzie, PNC Bank......... $8,063

Clay Walden

District Manager

Kay Williams

Captain

Kay Williams...............................$17,450 Commonwealth National Bank

Community Bank

$2,950

$9,618

Tyrone Fenderson President & CEO

Rufus Hudson

Captain

Gail Davenporte....................................$2,340 Houston Cunningham............................$610

Oliver Latil

President & CEO

Parrish Tatum

Captain

Jennifer Bergoon.........................$1,573 Tomi Burt.......................................$610 Parrish Tatum................................$520 Team Credit.................................$6,915

14 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Joel Daves with Regions Bank oversaw a group of 60 volunteers who worked to raise more than $1.5 million during the annual Chamber Chase campaign. Pictured here from left to right are: Mark Spivey with Regions Bank, Linda Faulkner with Evonik Degussa, Daves and Lisa Owen with BankTrust.

CorroMetrics Services Inc.

Evonik Degussa Corp.

$11,750

$51,721

Harietta Eaton CEO & Captain

Harrietta Eaton..........................$11,750

Bonnie Tully

Vice President & Site Manager

Linda Faulkner

Captain

Linda Faulkner..........................$51,411 Ed Finch..........................................$310

Chamber Chase 2012 iBERIABANK

$19,458 Hancock Bank

$187,866

Russ Ford

Laura Searcy

Regional President, EVP Captain

Robbie Baker

South Alabama Region President

Laura Searcy..............................$19,485

Ross Seifert

Captain

Mary Caron Downing...............$26,400 Jamie Horton..............................$20,600 John McCrory.............................$26,300 Ross Seifert.................................$42,062 Luke Spaulding..........................$22,500 Spencer Wiggins........................$32,030 Team Credit.................................$17,974

International Shipholding

$16,300

To motivate Chamber Chase volunteers, campaign chairman Joel Daves created an alter-ego – “Beach Joel” – who attended all of the campaign reward sessions. Pictured here from left to right are Daves, Mobile Area Chamber President Win Hallett and “Beach Joel.”

Erik Johnsen Sheila Dean-Rosenbohm President Captain Sheila Dean-Rosenbohm......... $16,300

Jeff Tesney Photography

$2,475

Jeff Tesney

Elissa Tesney

Lewis Communications

LLB&B Inc. Real Estate

$3,932

$13,652

SVP, Managing Director Team Captain

Elissa Tesney................................$2,475

Thomas Fowlkes.........................$3,932

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors

$59,183

Gary Adams.................................... $200 Terry Downs....................................$310 Karyl Hanisch............................$39,674 Rob Hanner.................................... $300 Millie Sue Hawk.......................... $2,487 Jeff Johnson..................................$1,500 Marylee Kilday.............................$7,524 Lloyd Meyers....................................$700 Sheila Murphy.................................$810 Jannea Rogers................................$800 Donna Turner................................ $465 Team Credit .................................$4,413

$17,912

Melissa Morrissette

Ellen Praytor Wingard Thomas Fowlkes

Owner Captain

Mobile Area Chamber Board of Directors

Vice President & Captain

Melissa Morrissette.....................$13,652

Joel Daves

Regions Bank, Captain

Team Credit.................................$17,912

Mobile Gas

PNC Bank

Regions Bank

$48,920

$17,733

$143,342

Mike Fine Harris Oswalt President Captain

Harris Oswalt..............................$48,410 Marcus Stacey.................................$510

Cedric Hatcher

Matt Singleton

Regional VP Commercial Captain Markets for Gulf Coast

Joel Daves

Mark Spivey

Captain

DeMario Hopkins...........................$335 Danisha Maye............................. $1,840 Willson McClelland........................$331 Jason McKenzie..........................$8,063 Matt Singleton.............................$2,164 Team Credit................................ $5,000

Trish Banker..............................$18,500 Lee Dzwonkowski....................... $2,645 Stephen Schlautman................$17,200 Mark Spivey............................... $70,800 Julye Clark..................................$15,465 Team Credit...............................$18,732

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

15

Chamber Chase 2012 Roberts Brothers Inc.

Thompson Engineering

$6,855

$4,260 Member Investments

Donations of Products/Services

$197,129

$449,267

Daniel Dennis President

Ann Akridge Captain

Sandy Frost...................................$2,550 Tricia Graham..............................$1,305 Team Credit.................................$3,000

John H. Baker III President

Board of Advisors

Dana Glass

$199,243

Captain

Dana Glass................................... $4,260 Wells Fargo

$8,786

Sponsorships of Projects/ Events & In-Kind

$590,204

Advertising in Chamber Publications

$65,920 Chuck Harmon Belinda Shoub Market President Captain

Belinda Shoub............................. $8,786

FINAL TOTAL

$1,501,763 Premier Medical Physicians ENT Physicians RONNIE E. SWAIN, MD W. CARTER BRYARS, JR., MD BARRY L. BROWN, MD JAMES R. SPIRES, JR., MD JOHN S. WILSON, MD, FACS JAMES K. PITCOCK, MD P. VAN. CROCKER, MD MARK R. GACEK, MD ALFRED M. NEUMANN, JR., MD RONNIE E. SWAIN, JR., MD J. MARK HARRISON, MD KIMBERLY ELLIOTT, MD MICHAEL LEE, MD RICHARD L. PALESANO, MD Audiology JIM MCDILL, PHD JENNIFER TAYLOR-GUY, AUD Eye Physicians JAMES M. HARRISON, JR., MD CLAUDE M. WARREN, III, MD ROLLINS L. TINDELL, JR., MD CHARLES R. SALISBURY, MD MATTHEW W. MOSTELLER, MD CHARLES S. MOSTELLER, MD RICHARD J. DUFFEY, MD H. CHRISTOPHER SEMPLE, MD ANDREW P. TERRY, MD STUART F. BALL, MD WILLIAM F. MURRAH, III, MD MARK J. DOUGLAS, MD CURTIS M. GRAF, JR., MD BEN F. KING, OD GREGORY R. JACKSON, OD ROBERT E. EDGE, OD VALERIE L. VICK, MD JAY A. BROWN, MD CHARLES F. JONES, M.D. JEFFERY A. MORROW, O.D. CHRIS WALTON, MD ERIN E. LICHTENSTEIN, MD J. RYAN TURNER, MD

16 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Thanks to Sponsors & Supporters Reward Session Sponsors: Buffalo Wild Wings Chef Rob & Company Chick-fil-A Georgia Roussos Catering The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co. Outback Steakhouse Regions Bank Roly Poly The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q Wintzell’s Oyster House

Chamber Chase 2012 Supporters:

1 Source Power & Equipment A Better Choice Music Aaron’s Lock Service ABS Business Systems Absolute Health Solutions Adams & Reese Advanced Compressed Air Advanced Disposal Advantage Staffing AdvoCare/FitChampions Aerotek AFLAC The AHI Group Airbus Military North America Airwind Creative/MyShotz.com Aker Solutions Alabama AGC Alabama Central Credit Union Alabama Department of Commerce Alabama Magazine Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic Alabama Pecan Development Co. Alabama Power Alabama Small Business Council Alabama State Port Authority Alabama Technology Network Alabama Telco Credit Union Alec Naman Catering Alkhateeb International All A Bloom All About Refreshments Altapointe Health Systems American Diabetes Asso.

American Weatherstar America’s First Federal Credit Union Ameri-Force Craft Services Anytime Fitness Apex Global Logistix LLC APM Terminals Aqualife AQUAlife Water & Coffee ARC Ridgway’s Arkema Arlington Park Armstrong and Associates Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Artcraft Press Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center ASF Intermodal ASM Recycling ASP of Mobile America’s Swimming Pool Assist-2-Sell AT&T The Atchison Firm Austal USA Ayres Composite Panels USA Bama Pest Control Bamboo Bistro BancorpSouth BankTrust Battleship Memorial Park Bay Area Food Bank BayFest BayLeaf Realty Bayside Rubber & Products BB&T BBVA Compass Bank Bel Air Mall Bellingrath Gardens & Home

BES Inc. Best Choice Roofing Best Western Moffett Rd. Inn Better Business Bureau Bienville Business Club Birmingham Fasteners BIS Office Systems Bishop State Community College BL Harbert International BLAB TV BLP Mobile Paint The Blind Mule Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Rents Bluegill Restaurant BNI Business Network Center Bonefish Grill BP Gulf Restoration Broussard’s Piano Gallery Bruno’s Supermarket Budweiser-Busch Distributors Buechner Insurance Buffalo Marine Service Buffalo Wild Wings Bugmaster Burr & Forman LLC Burton Property Group C Spire Wireless Café Catering Mobile Cakes by Judi Callis Communications Candlewood Suites Mobile Canteen Coffee & Tea Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Ultrasound Center for Spiritual Living - Mobile Century Bank Charleston Apartment Homes Cheeburger Cheeburger Chef Rob & Co. Cheyenne Steel Chick-fil-A Child Advocacy Center Children’s Medical Group Chill Yogurt Café Chillys LLC Chiropractive Life Center Cintas Corp.

Citrin, Rihner & Gupta Cardiology Clark Personnel Clear Channel Clear Choice Bottling Inc. CLK Multi-Family Management Coast Safe & Lock Coastal Courier Comcast Commodore Steel Buildings Communication Technology Services Community Coffee Community Investments Professionals Complete Safety Works Cookies by Design The Corrigan Law Firm CorroMetrics Services Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Covenant Christian School Cream & Sugar Creative Catering Crescent Growth Capital A. Evans Crowe LLC Cunningham Bounds Cypress Employment Services DailyAccess Corp Dale Rivers Enterprises DCL Mooring and Rigging Dearborn YMCA Delaney Development The Dental Center of Mobile Devin Ford Photography DEX Imaging Diamond Scaffold Service Group Direct Communications Dockery & Associates Dogwood Productions Don’s Café & Catering Down Syndrome Society of Mobile County Dream Berry DuPont Crop Protection EAP Lifestyle Management

EarthLink Business Edward Jones Elements Therapeutic Massage Don Ellington EMO Trans Encore Rehabilitation Events by Mallory Explosive Signs & Graphics Express Employment ExxonMobil The Factory Connection Falk-PLI The Famly Center Family Security Credit Union Felix’s Fish Camp Filters-Now First Community Bank FlexiCrew Staffing Inc. Fortitude Business Solutions Francia’s Formal Affair Fremin’s Contractor Services, LLC Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter Furmanite America Fusion Spa Salon FusionPoint Media G & K Services G. Michael Maitre G.A. West & Co. Gallery Homes The Gardens at Wellington Georgia Roussos Catering Geothermal Solutions Gigi’s Cupcakes of Mobile Glenn Crane & Rigging Global Security International GSI Go Play Pet Service Golden Flames Banquet & Ballroom Goodwill Easter Seals Gotta Go Portables Grand Band Entertainment Gray Construction Greater Mobile Development Corp.

Greater Mobile Realty Greater Mobile Urgent Care Gregory M. Friedlander & Assoc.

Grip Genies GroundSwell Web Designs Gulf Coast Container Gulf Coast Dermatology & Skin Care Gulf Coast Medical Evaluation Center Gulf Distributing Co. Gulf South Infrasystems Gulf South Services Gulf States Engineering Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium Joseph Gunter DMD Gwin’s Commercial Printing Hackbarth Delivery Hafez Corp d/b/a McDonald’s Hampton Inn & Suites Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Park/Airport Hampton Inn & Suites/Mobile I-65 Hancock Bank Hand Arendall Harbor Communications Hargrove Engineers+Constructors Hatch Mott MacDonald Healing Touch Chiropractic HealthSource of West Mobile Heartland Payment Systems Hemline Heritage Compounding Pharmacy Hillcrest Optical Hilton Garden Inn-Mobile West Hilton Pensacola Beach Hixardt Technologies Hoar Program Management Holiday Inn Mobile Airport The Home Depot Horizon Shipbuilding HUB International Hurricane Electronics Immediate Care of the South Infirmary Health Information Transport Solutions Integrity Construction Consulting International Shipholding Corp.

ITEX ITT Technical Jaguar IMG Sports Marketing Jaguar Sports Marketing Jeff Tesney Photography JMF Solutions JMH Designs Joe Bullard Automotive Jones Walker Julius E. Marx Realtors Junior Achievement JW Legacy Group KBR Keith Kingan’s Classic Cars Keith Mosley Construction Keith R. Scott Associates Kenney-Moise Inc. Krispy Mixes L.A. Fotographee Lagniappe Lamar Advertising LaPetite Academy Lassere’s Catering Leaf & Petal Florist & Gift Shop Lenox Gates Apartments Leroy Hill Coffee Company Lifelines/Family Counseling LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Little Flower Catholic School Living Water Apostolic Ministry LLB&B Inc. Real Estate Lockwood International Logical Computer Solutions Lola Bell’s Pet Groom & Board Longleaf ChemDry Long’s Human Resource Services Loop Coin & Jewelry LuLu’s at Homeport Marina Lynwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Making Waves Charters Malaga Inn Manpower Massage Envy Master Cleaners MAWSS MCG Business Solutions McKeel & Assoc.

McKibbon Marriotts: Courtyard/ Residence Inn Meador Warehousing Mediterranean Sandwich Co. Mellow Mushroom Mercedes-Benz of Mobile Mercy LIFE of Alabama Merrill Lynch/The Whiting Group Midtown Mortgage Midwest Steel Milling Commercial Realty Mississippi Export Railroad Mitsubishi Polysilicon Mitternight Inc. Mobile Airport Authority Mobile Area Water & Sewer System Mobile Bay Area Apartment Assoc.

Mobile Bay Institute Mobile Bay LPGA Mobile BayBears Mobile Christian School Mobile Gas Mobile Housing Board Mobile Marriott Mobile Mask Mobile Opera Mobile Pediatric Clinic Mobile Society for Human Resource Management Mobile SPCA Mobile Symphony Orchestra Mobile’s Best Storage/Omega Properties MobilLogic Mohajer 12 Corp Mohammed Alkhateeb Moon Sky Media Motion Industries Mary Mullins Public Affairs Consulting Sheila Murphy Music 4 U

NAMI - Mobile Nature’s Way Marine Navigator Credit Union Neel-Schaffer, Inc. New Horizons Credit Union New York Life The Newark Group OakPrints Apparel Office Depot Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services Office Solutions & Innovations Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart Oil Recovery Co. Optera Creative The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co. Orkin Pest Control Outback Steakhouse Padgett Business Services Page & Jones Paint Party Studios Panera Bread Partners for Environmental Progress Passmore Planning Professionals Pat’s Country Restaurant Paulk’s Moving & Storage Penske Truck Leasing Phelps Dunbar LLP Pilot Catastrophe PNC Bank Pollman’s Bake Shops Portier Place Precision Tool & Grinding Premier Medical Management Principal Financial Prism Systems Professional Cabinets Providence HealthCare Services Providence Hospital Prudential Cooper & Co. Publix Super Markets - Airport Publix Super Markets - Hillcrest Quality Valve Railroad Resource Rayford & Associates RE/MAX By The Bay Regions Bank Remington College Retirement Advisors RICOH Robert Hall & Associates Robert J Baggett Roberts Brothers Roberts Brothers - T. Graham Roberts, Phillips, Crum LLC Robertson Gallery Rock & Roll Sushi Roly Poly Ron’s Catering Royal Cup Earl D. Rogers DMD Mickie Russell - Roberts Brothers Russell Thompson Butler & Houston Ruth’s Chris Steak House Safe Harber Financial Safety Source Sarah B. Atchison’s Saucy Q Bar B Que Securitas Service Experts Servisfirst Bank SH Enterprises The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint Shell Chemical Sign Pro Signs Now Skyline Gulf Coast SMG Mobile Conv. & Civic Centers SMS Designs Snelling Staffing Services Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Que South Alabama Spay & Neuter Center South Region Minority Supplier Development Council Southcoast Capital Southern Bullion Coin & Jewelry Southern Earth Sciences Southern Light

Southern Patient Care Southern Sounds SouthernLINC Wireless SP Engineering Spot of Tea Springhill Medical Center SRFCU Singing River Federal Credit Union SSAB Americas The SSI Group ST Aerospace Mobile St. Luke’s Episcopal School St. Mary Catholic School Star Aviation Star Service State Farm - Mobile Agency Field Office State Farm Insurance McElhaney Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance Makeda Nichols State Farm-Greg Jones Stein Claims Steppin’ Out News The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood Strategic Wealth Specialists Sun Loan & Tax Company Sunbelt Building Products Supreme Medical Tanner’s Pecans & Candies TCD Sales & Service TEKSystems Telecom Agent Solutions Tennessee Valley Training Center Theodore Services Thompson Engineering Threaded Fastener ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Trademark Promotions Trawick International Two Men & a Truck Tyndall Federal Credit Union Tyner’s Catering U.S. Army Recruiting University of Mobile The University of Alabama, Continuing Education University of South Alabama USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital USA Small Business Development Center Vending for U Venture Technologies Verizon Wireless VIC Cos. Vickers, Riis, Murray and Curran Victory Health Partners Virginia College Virtual Contact Group VIVA Medicare Volvo Construction Equipment Rents WALA Walgreens Walks & Wags Waste Management Waste Pro WellNow Health Management WellNow LLC Wells Fargo Wesco Distribution White-Spunner Construction Willis of Alabama Wintzell’s Oyster House Women’s Resource Center Wonderland Express Woodside Apartment Homes Workforce Housing Alliance World Ventures/Dream Trips WorldPay US Inc. Yak the Kathmandu Kitchen Yance Land and Development YP Zimlich Patio & Garden Zoes Kitchen

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

17

Jump Start “Small Business Saturday”

By Shopping Small and Local Now

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and area small business retailers are hoping shoppers will spread a little of Santa’s cheer by shopping local.

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when shoppers hit the malls and big box stores for bargains or wait and let their fingers do the shopping online, Small Business Saturday will take place Nov. 24. American Express created the special shopping day two years ago to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods across the country.

In an American Express survey, 48 percent of small business owners said what they need most to stay afloat through the recession is “more customers” compared to tax cuts (25 percent), access to capital (9 percent) and the ability to hire more employees (7 percent).

Last year, the effort spurred an estimated 103 million Americans to shop at independently owned small businesses, and the credit card giant saw a 23 percent increase in card member transactions at small business merchants on that day.

“People think they need to go to New York, Atlanta or New Orleans to find something unique, but you can find it here in Mobile,” says Perry Stewart of Holiday in Spring Hill, which has carried gifts, accessories and clothing for women and children for 58 years.

To accommodate customers over the past few years, Stewart says Holiday is carrying different lines – some that are less expensive, as well as the exclusive brands.

Cinda Baxter, who founded the 3/50 project, promotes the mix of local small businesses along with chains, franchises and big box stores. The project encourages shoppers to pick three local stores and spend at least $50 with them.

“Just as there are things in a locally owned store that you can’t find in a big box, there are also things in a big box you can’t find in a locally owned store. We simply need to think about where our dollars are best invested, consider the greater amount of revenue local businesses return to the community, then purchase accordingly,” she writes on her website www.the350project.net.

How $100 is spent in Mobile:

$68

For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to Mobile through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.

18 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Terri Gray owns The Ivy Cottage, a local small business located in midtown on Old Shell Road.

According to the 3/50 project, for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that at a national chain, $43 stays here. And if you shop online, unfortunately none of it is returned to the community.

Terri Gray, owner of the midtown lifestyle store The Ivy Cottage, says there’s another level of customer service offered by most shop owners. “Local businesses are more individualized and will go the extra mile to find what customers want,” she said. “That’s what we do. And we do it all with a smile.”

Gray’s store carries gifts, home accessories, bed linens and more, appealing to women of all ages.

“With the economy still a little sluggish, it’s even more important to shop local,” says Darrell Randle, the Mobile Area Chamber’s small business development vice president.

“Let’s commit to buy local during this holiday season.”

$43 $0 If you spend $100 at a national chain, only $43 stays in Mobile.

And if you shop online, no money stays in Mobile.

Source: www.the350project.net

Fast Facts Who: All shoppers What: Small Business Saturday Where: All locally owned shops When: Saturday, Nov. 24

Toolbox

Why: Make a point to shop local Survey Says: In an American Express survey:

• 93 percent of U.S. consumers believe it’s important to support the local small businesses they value in their community;

American Express’s advice for businesses from Small Business Saturday on Facebook: ➤ Download and post free signage to keep customers coming in year-round.

➤ Build an online presence – the Facebook site includes tools and minimal estimates of five to 30 minutes to create a Facebook business page, enhance your page with Pagemodo or create a customized website. ➤ Engage customers and fans through YouTube, Twitter and Go Social, the American Express version of Living Social and Groupon.

• 83 percent believe small businesses are a critical element of overall U.S. economic health; • 89 percent agree locally owned, independent businesses contribute positively through taxes and jobs; and • 73 percent consciously shop at small businesses in their community because

they do not want them to go away.

Source: American Express OPEN Small Business

Source: www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/

Saturday Consumer Pulse (July 2011)

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The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

19

Time is Running Out on Favorable Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions Changes Are Coming January 1, 2013 – Are You Ready?

W

hy should I care about the estate and gift tax exemption changes?

An estate today with $6 million in assets could have up to $5,120,000 in estate tax exemption and pay a tax rate of 35 percent on the excess, or $308,000. Beginning January 1, 2013, that same estate will only have a $1 million exemption and a graduated estate tax up to 55 percent, resulting in a total bill of $2,542,000 – a 725 percent increase.

Now, I don’t recommend dying before December 31, 2012, to save on taxes, but I do recommend that you consider gifting today to lessen your estate tax later.

Mark E. Hieronymus,CPA, MTA, is a founding partner of Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC. His areas of special concentration include tax planning for closely held businesses, including corporations and partnerships, individuals, estates and trusts. Contact Hieronymus at 410-6780 or www.wilkinsmiller.com.

2010 Tax Relief Act Overview

2009 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013

(Prior Law) (New Law)

Top Estate & 45% 0% 35% 35% 35% 55% GST Tax Rate Exemption Top Gift Tax Rate

Exemption

$3,500,000

N/A

$5,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,120,000 $1,000,000

45% 45% 35% 35% 35% 55% $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,120,000 $1,000,000 What are the taxes that can affect my estate planning?

As you may know, the federal government imposes tax on wealth from fees through the Unified Transfer Tax System. The unified system is comprised of three parts: • Estate tax – applies to property

you own at your death • Gift tax – applies to property you

transfer during your lifetime to

another individual • Generation skipping tax (GST) – applies to property transferred by

you during your lifetime or at death

to someone two generations or more

below you What does the portrait of estate and gift tax planning look like today, and where is it heading?

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA) of 2001 attempted to reduce and eliminate the estate and GST tax while retaining the gift tax. At the time of its enactment, the unified exemption for estate, gift and GST tax was $675,000 and the maximum tax rate was 55 percent. From 2002 through 2009, the estate and GST exemption increased from $1 million to $3.5 million, while the gift tax exemption only increased to $1 million.

During the same time period, the tax rate decreased from 55 percent to 45 percent.

There was no estate or GST tax for 2010,

20 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

but beginning on January 1, 2011, the estate, gift and GST tax were reunified with a $1 million exemption and a 45 percent tax rate.

The Tax Relief Act of 2010 was signed into law on December 16, 2010. This act unified the estate, gift and GST tax exemption at $5 million and reduced the tax rate to 35 percent. The exemption has a built-in inflation adjustment, and during 2012 the exemption increases to $5,120,000.

The 2010 act also allowed a carryover of a deceased spouse’s unused exemption for estate and gift tax purposes called portability.

For example, if a husband dies and an estate tax return is filed with $4 million in value and the full exemption of $5,120,000 is available, the surviving spouse would be allowed to carry over the unused exemption of $1,120,000. The surviving spouse now has $6,120,000 as an exemption for gift or estate tax purposes.

Unfortunately, the higher exemption and lower tax rates are only available through December 31, 2012. Without further legislation, the estate, gift and GST tax exemption will be reduced to $1 million and the tax rate will be increased to 55 percent. As a practical matter, it’s more efficient to utilize the exemption in 2012 by gifting property to your heirs, removing future income from the property and future appreciation from your estate.

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To learn more about the Doctor of Business Administration Program, visit www.southalabama.edu/dba or contact Dr. John E. Gamble, Director of Graduate Studies, at 251.460.6180

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Small Business Taxes As you map out expenses for your new small business, make sure to include taxes.

Although many small business accounting software programs have built-in features to guide you through various calculations, it’s important to be aware of the kinds of taxes required for your type of business and plan payments accordingly.

According to the Internal Revenue Service – www.irs.gov – there are four general types of business taxes: income tax; self-employment tax; employment tax; and federal excise tax.

All businesses except partnerships must pay income tax both to the federal government and, with a few exceptions, the state where the business is located. As an employee, you settle up with Uncle Sam every April 15, but your small business must pay income tax as it’s earned during the year, usually in four installments.

Because some information won’t be available until the end of the tax year, you’ll have to estimate your tax obligation for each period. When preparing your annual return, you’ll determine whether you overpaid, or if additional payment is necessary.

Different forms are required for different business structures, so check the IRS website to find the appropriate ones for your specific business.

Most small business owners who aren’t salaried will also pay self-employment taxes along with their estimated income tax. These cover your contributions to Social Security and Medicare coverage.

If your small business has employees, you’ll have to pay employment taxes. In addition to the Social Security and Medicare taxes mentioned above, employment taxes include state and federal income tax 8/9/12 5:43 PM

withholding, unemployment tax and worker’s compensation insurance. Some states also require employers to pay for temporary disability insurance.

In addition, federal excise taxes must be paid by businesses that manufacture or sell certain products, use various kinds of equipment, facilities or products, or perform certain activities and services.

The range of business types and activities subject to excise taxes is quite broad, encompassing everything from long-haul truckers to indoor tanning services. That’s why it’s important to research those that may apply to your specific business or industry during the startup planning process.

In addition, your state or locality may have other business taxes or fees. For example, a tax permit allows you to collect sales tax from customers, rental businesses may be required to collect rental taxes and lodging establishments to collect lodging taxes. You may also need to pay for a business license each year. In some localities, licenses are not required for certain types of businesses (e.g. home-based services) or those below a certain income threshold.

As you can see, taxes require careful study to make sure you’re paying the right amounts for the right reasons. And a great place to learn more about them is SCORE, a nonprofit association offering a wealth of information resources, training and free counseling designed to help entrepreneurs nationwide build productive, profitable businesses.

For a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org.

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

21

CEO profile

Richard McCreary Company: BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard Title: Vice president/general manager Hometown: Moline, Ill. Education: McCreary earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan.

First job: As a naval architect for Lemont Shipbuilding & Repair Co., he was responsible for engineering and yard construction of inland and Great Lakes tugs, barges and dredges.

Previous experience: McCreary was president/chief executive officer and general manager for Marinette Marine Corp., a subsidiary of Fincantieri Marine Group. Before that, he was executive vice president of VT Halter Marine Inc. Accomplishments: McCreary signed the first platform supply vessel order for VT Halter Marine after its shutdown during the Friede Goldman Halter bankruptcy. He also negotiated the startup of a new car carrier construction project and was instrumental in building the annual sales revenue to $150 million.

Secret to Success: “Integrity and dedication to providing high-quality services and products,” he said.

Brief company description: BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards is a full-service, new vessel construction and repair business with locations in Mobile and Jacksonville, Fla.

22 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

my team discovered a whole new level of performance. your team should always be improving. Training is a continuous investment for enhancing employee performance and streamlining business operations. Whether on-site to your specification or here on the University of Alabama campus, corporate training from The University of Alabama develops essential skills that give your company measurable, sustainable results.

Your day begins at: opportunity.ua.edu or call toll-free: 1-866-307-3917 Bama By Distance | Professional Development & Training | Environmental & Occupational Safety | Bryant Conference Center

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

23

investor

focus

Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC

Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic President Russell A. Hudgens MD, and CEO Dean Brown stand in front of the group’s state-of-the-art facility at 3610 Springhill Memorial Dr. N.

Company officials: Russell A.

Hudgens MD, president, and R. Dean Brown, chief executive officer

Years in business: 60 Brief company description:

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

Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC is a group of 20 physicians providing more than 60 years of care in two Mobile locations.

Physicians are board-certified in orthopaedic surgery, with specialists trained in spine, total joint replacement, pediatric orthopaedics, hand, sports medicine, foot and ankle, interventional pain management and radiology.

Orthopaedic services include physical therapy, MRI, outpatient surgery, digital X-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, pain management, orthopaedic braces and

24 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

bone density screenings for osteoporosis.

Why are you located in Mobile?

“We feel very fortunate to be located in Mobile,” said Brown. “It’s very easy to recruit new physicians to our area because of economic activity, quality of life with many outdoor sporting activities and favorable cost of living compared to other cities.”

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

“The Mobile Chamber is an integral part of our exciting economic development and expansion,” said Hudgens. “We’re excited about future growth and stability that corporations like ThyssenKrupp, Airbus, Austal and EADS are bringing to our beautiful city. New industry equals new

jobs for our community and new patients for AOC to treat and provide care.”

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

associated with the aerospace industries and the potential ancillary businesses that may locate to Mobile as a result of our community’s transition into a lead player in the aerospace community,” said Brown.

“The fact that we are a port city also creates endless opportunities for all types of growth in the manufacturing sector.

Mobile is poised to realize its potential as a leader in economic expansion in the Southeast.”

Length of continuous Chamber membership: Since 1981

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Utilities & Local Phone Service Housewares & Linens Washers, Cable TV & DVD’s Housekeeping Service High Speed Internet

602 Azalea Road • Mobile, Alabama 36609 Phone: 251-661-9100 • Fax: 251-661-9102 • 1-800-350-7942

www.flcliving.com • solutions@flcliving.com

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

25

Chamber@work

Kavanagh

In September, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood visited Mobile at the invitation of Rep. Jo Bonner. While in Mobile, LaHood met with a small group of business and community leaders to discuss specific transportation challenges facing the Mobile Bay region.

He then joined more than 160 people for a luncheon in his honor sponsored by the Alabama Association of General Contractors Mobile Chapter. Pictured here from left to right are: Henry Hagood; Johnny Walton and Norman Walton, with the Alabama AGC; LaHood; Michael Pierce, Mobile Area Chamber board chairman; Bonner; and Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber president.

After 25 years at the University of South Alabama, where she was associate director of alumni relations, Lisa Kavanagh retired in October. While she looks forward to her next adventure and, possibly, a new career, she’s continuing her work with the Mobile Area Chamber’s ambassador program. Kavanagh joined the program in January, and is the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month. “I have made so many wonderful friends through my years at South, and I enjoy the friendships I have made through the ambassador program and doing the member visits,” she said.

Specialists in Small Business Accounting, Tax Preparation, Payroll and IRS Representation Saty Putcha

Saty was selected as the 2011 Diplomat of the Year by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

SATy PuTchA Cell: 251-604-3802 Email: saty@putchallc.com Website: www.putchallc.com 1521 Dawes Rd. Mobile, Alabama 36695 Phone: 251-666-6624

26 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Photo by Jeff Tesney Photography

Ambassador of the Month

Forum Alabama

Chamber@work Worlds of Opportunity

In September, the Mobile Area Chamber coordinated the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council’s annual Worlds of Opportunity career fair. More than 9,800 eighth grade students from eight counties in southwest Alabama, along with more than 1,000 volunteers, school officials and parents participated. Over 180 area businesses in a variety of career fields showcased their industry sector in an effort to engage these students to consider their career paths. This is the third year for Worlds of Opportunity, which was held at the Mobile Civic Center. Pictured above are students learning about a career in masonry.

Business Spotlight of the Month: Mobile Christian School

Mobile Christian School is a private school in west Mobile founded in 1961 and educates more than 550 students from pre-K through 12th grade. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, the school offers education in a Christian environment where students can take college preparatory courses or an honors curriculum based on academic performance and standardized test scores. The school is located at 5900 Cottage Hill Rd. To learn more, visit www.mobilechristian.org, or call 661-1613. Tommy Wasden is the president of the school’s board of directors, and David Pahman is headmaster. The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected at random from a business card drawing at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event.

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW! Looking for a unique venue for your holiday parties? The possibilities are endless at the CLA. With seven distinct spaces ranging from a contemporary art gallery to a historic theatre, the CLA serves as the ideal site for cocktail hours, holiday parties, wedding receptions and corporate functions.

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

27

Chamber@work Board of Advisors

Chamber Travels to Washington D.C.

Robert Alexander “Alex” Arendall III is senior vice president for

Arendall

ServisFirst Bank. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration. Arendall serves on the boards of the YMCA of South Alabama Metro and the Coastal Conservation Association, as well as the UMS-Wright Preparatory School Alumni Advisory board. He is a member of the American Cancer Society Leadership Council and the Senior Bowl Committee.

Randy Lee is senior district manager for Waste Management, where he has worked for 23 years. Lee served in the U.S. Army from 1986-89 as an infantry officer. He earned a master’s degree in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and moved to the Mobile area this year to assume his current post.

The Mobile Area Chamber hosted a group of business leaders and elected officials in Washington D.C. for its annual fly-in. Meetings were held with Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions and Rep. Jo Bonner regarding the I-10 Mobile River bridge, the RESTORE Act process, the significance of federal contracts impacting Mobile’s economy and infrastructure at Mobile’s two airports. The delegation also received policy briefings at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce regarding federal policies impacting transportation, energy and taxes, as well as a government/defense update. Pictured here during a meeting with Bonner are from left to right: Mike Saxon, Alabama Power; Connie Hudson, Mobile County Commission; Bonner; and Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber.

Lee

Lana Mosley is Gulf Coast area manager for Onin Staffing Inc. She studied communication arts and political science at Troy University.

Mosley is a member of the board of Mobile Society for Human Resource Management, a member of Baldwin County Society for Human Resource Management and a Mobile Area Chamber ambassador.

Mosley

HEAVY HAULING FLATBED • HEAVY HAULING • BOAT HAULING • CONTAINER HAULING Agent since 1993

Specializing in Tanks, Pipes, Heavy Equipment and Machinery, and Over-Dimensional Boats Serving 48 States and Canada.

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

Call anytime!

If you’re working, so are we.

7040 McDonald Road Irvington, AL 36544 Phone: 800-242-9212 or 251-653-7348 Fax: 251-653-1199 E-Mail: derekp@bellsouth.net www.wonderlandexpressinc.com

28 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Building Community Leaders At An Early Age At UMS-Wright, We instill in our students the importance of improving our community.

Can Your Business Survive A Disaster?

Always Advancing...

20% of all companies will suffer fire, theft, flood or storm damage, power failures, sabotage, hardware failure or software/data corruption.

Of those without a Business Continuity Plan: • 43% never re-open • 80% fail within 13 months • 53% never fully recoup their losses

UMS-Wright

Call today to learn more

251.650.2231

PREPARATORY SCHOOL UMS-Wright.org | 479-6551

www. mcgnow.net

In This Photo: Students building a Habitat for Humanity home during UMSWright Service Day

UMS-Wright does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or national origin.

Committed to Mobile.

Committed to your business.

At Hancock Bank, our Commercial Banking Leadership Team is committed to serving Mobile and the entire Gulf South. Area President Robbie Baker, Guy Helmsing, John Gage and Robin Hanes are ready to provide you with the financial tools you need to build your business. They have the experience and expert knowledge it takes to move your company forward. As always, Hancock Bank is marked by our exceptional level of personal service and our continued

Robbie Baker

Guy Helmsing

John Gage

Robin Hanes

Call 251-665-1700 Click hancockbank.com Come in to any of our convenient locations

commitment to the communities, like Mobile, that we call home.

Member FDIC

W12-216_BV_8.5x5.375_v4.indd 1

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

29

7/9/12 11:36 AM

Comparative

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

August 2012 vs August 2011

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

253,231 2012 248,975 2011

Unemployment Rates 8.9% 2012 10.2% 2011

Homes Sold⌦ Mobile County

Business Licenses

Building Permits

City of Mobile

City of Mobile

212 2012

295 2012 316 2011

221 2012 199 2011

229 2011

Average Selling Price Mobile County

Value of Building Permits

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

$132,992 2012 $119,650 2011

$8,874,601 2012

22,760 2012

$9,250,469 2011

25,581 2011

Park Drive

NEW Location

COMMUNITY BANK IS MOVING TO AN EVEN BETTER LOCATION IN DAPHNE. We’re moving from our current location at 2101 Highway 98, Suite K to our new location of 27397 Highway 98 (across from Wal-Mart).

The new office will be open to serve you starting September 17, 2012.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CommunityBank.net ®2012 Community Bank | Member FDIC

30 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Current Location County Road 98

251-338-8200

Whispering Pines Road

Randall Avenue

County Road 64

November Calendar of Events 12

14

Veterans Day Lunch See story on page 12.

CONNECT with the Chamber

Like us. facebook.com/MobileChamber

Join us. linkedin.com Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Follow us.

Networking@Noon *Members Only

Make 40-plus business contacts in 90 minutes at Networking@Noon on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Outback Steakhouse, 901 Montlimar Dr., from noon to 1:30 p.m. This bi-monthly event is for Mobile Area Chamber members and limited to one representative per company.

The $10 cost must be paid with reservation by Nov. 12, and can be made by contacting Kelly Navarro at 431-8649 or knavarro@ mobile chamber.com. No cancellations will be reimbursed after Nov. 12.

15

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

Business After Hours

Join Dr. Chris Corsentino & Assoc., Chiropractors, 3501 Montlimar Plaza Dr., as they host this month’s Business After Hours. Chamber members and ambassadors will be attending Thursday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This popular Chamber event is a great venue to introduce your company and make new contacts.

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

Dr. Chris Corsentino & Assoc., Chiropractors

twitter.com/MobileChamber

20

Executive Roundtable *Members Only

Dr. John Valentine, executive director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, will speak about the sea lab’s economic impact at Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers.

The group will meet Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s board room. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited.

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

22-23

Chamber Closed Thanksgiving

Watch us. youtube.com/MobileChamber

THE REGION’S TOP SURGICAL EXPERTS, ALL FOCUSED ON ONE KIND OF CANCER: YOURS.

The greatest minds come together here to beat cancer. From the oncologists, radiotherapists and surgeons who create the treatment plan to the nurse navigator who leads the way, each approach is unique.

How do we consistently deliver more expertise, more innovation and more cures in the fight against cancer? We focus on one case at a time—the one that matters most to you.

More, devoted to your care.

infirmarycancercare.com

The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

31

Member News Who’s New Kimberly L. Bell joined Jones Walker as an associate in the firm’s business and commercial litigation practice group. She received a law degree from Vanderbilt University Bell Law School and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Birmingham-Southern College.

X Volkert Inc. promoted Guy E. O’Connor PE to senior vice president.

O’Connor earned a bachelor’s degree in civil and O’Connor environmental engineering from Auburn University. He previously served as project manager on transportation improvement projects in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Greer

Woodcock

Richardson

Townson

Providence Hospital announced four management appointments: Jamey Greer was named director of safety, security and switchboard. Susan Richardson CPA was appointed interim controller. Nicole Woodcock is the new manager for the congestive heart failure clinic and fit for life adult wellness program. Mary Ann Townson was named director of mission integration.

Affordable Custom Pools & Remodels

Arendall

Weber

Alex Arendall and Jay Weber are new senior vice presidents at ServisFirst Bank’s newly opened branch in Mobile.

Arendall received a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from The University of Alabama.

Weber has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis and earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from The University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Alabama Banking School.

X Thames Batré Insurance announced Thu, May 10 the addition of Taylor Beville as a production2 pm representative and account executive for personal and Beville commercial insurance lines. Beville graduated from the University of Mississippi and earned a designation as a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).

X Harlin Gladem is a new agent in Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS Mobile office.

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X Wayne Roe was promoted to bank security officer of Community Bank in Mobile. Roe graduated from The University of Alabama with a Roe bachelor’s degree in finance and currently attends the Alabama School of Banking. He previously worked as a loan processor.

X Michelle Hurdle joined Airbus Americas as the company’s new director of economic and community development in Mobile. Hurdle comes to Airbus Americas from EADS-North America. She graduated from Troy State University with a bachelor’s degree in geography and social science and

earned a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

X Russell Thompson Butler & Houston LLP welcomed Lynn Tolbert as the new firm administrator.

Tolbert earned a Tolbert bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of South Alabama.

Business Endeavors Sovereign Consulting Inc. announced the U.S. Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a contract to Sovereign’s Mobile Office for lead removal and abatement at two small arms ranges near Biloxi.

X Pen Air Federal Credit Union opened its third branch in Alabama at 1301 S. McKenzie Ave. in Foley. The new fullservice branch features safe deposit boxes and a drive-up ATM available 24/7.

Well Done Roger Carlisle, treatment plant operator at Mobile Area Water & Sewer System’s (MAWSS) Wright Smith Jr. Wastewater Carlisle Treatment Plant, was this year’s recipient of the Bolton-CrockettBeck Award presented by the Alabama Water Pollution Control Association (AWPCA).

The award is presented annually to an individual who fosters the advancement of the objectives of AWPCA to protect public health and the environment.

In other news, the MAWSS Smith Plant received the “Best Operated Plant Award” in the Bio-Filter/Trickling Filter category. And the C.C. Williams Wastewater Treatment Plant received a “Certificate of Recognition” in the category of mechanical plants treating more than 10 million gallons a day.

The AWPCA plant awards are based on an onsite visit, a review of operating procedures and continued permit compliance.

Dr. Bill Barrick, executive director of Bellingrath Gardens and Home, received the Governor’s Award at the recent Alabama Governor’s Conference Barrick on Tourism. The award recognizes an exceptional leader in the tourism industry whose accomplishments and contributions extend beyond his or her organization.

X White-Spunner Construction Inc. served as the general contractor on a new, state-of-the-art high school in Ocean Springs, Miss. The two-story facility encompasses 320,000 square feet and can accommodate 2,200 students.

The company also served as general contractor on Faulkner State Community College’s new memorial hall/student business and instructional services center.

The 54,000-square-foot, two-story building is located on the school’s main campus in Bay Minette and is LEED-Silver Certified.

X Providence Hospital is now one of only six accredited Advanced Primary Stroke Centers in the state of Alabama.

The 2013 edition of Best Lawyers in America recognized 34 lawyers at Hand Arendall LLC selected by their peers. The list included: J. Hodge Alves III, Joe E. Basenberg, Roger L. Bates, R. Preston Bolt, G. Porter Brock Jr., Henry A. Callaway, Rodney R. Cate, Stephen G. Crawford, Blane H. Crutchfield, F. Lane Finch Jr., Ginger P. Gaddy, Frank C. Galloway Jr., William B. Givhan, P. Nicholas Greenwood, J. Fred Kingren, J. Mark Hart, Lyman F. Holland Jr., Neil C. Johnston, Gregory R. Jones, Alexander F. Lankford III, Gregory L. Leatherbury Jr., T. Bruce McGowin, Brooks P. Milling, Henry T. Morrissette, W. Alexander Moseley, Caine O’Rear III, David R. Quittmeyer, A. Clay Rankin III, Andrew J. Sinor Jr., Norman M. Stockman, William C. Tidwell III, G. Hamp Uzzelle III, George M. Walker and Robert L. Williams.

X Anne Powell of Roberts Brothers Inc. was named the Mobile Area Association of Realtors 2012 Realtor of the Year. The 29year veteran of Roberts Brothers is also the director of career development.

X Shoe Station celebrated 28 years in business this year by giving away a $10,000 cash grand prize and 18 $1,000 prizes and Shoe Station gift cards.

O G TAL

I G I D

The local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, AAF Mobile Bay, named Jennifer Cooley, director of marketing Cooley and communications of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, as president for the 2012-13 year.

The AAF trade association represents more than 40,000 advertising professionals.

X Attorney Derek Atchison of the Atchison Firm PC was elected to serve as president of the Alabama Council of School Board Atchison Attorneys.

X Marriott’s Grand Hotel Resort and Spa was recently named one of the “Best of the South” hotels by Meetings Focus South Magazine. This award was voted by the readers of the publication.

Community News Thompson Engineering awarded its 2012 Thompson Foundation scholarship to Davidson High School senior Anna Griffin. Griffin plans to study engineering at Yale University. The Thompson Foundation Scholarship was created to encourage and assist students interested in engineering. For more information, visit www.thompsonengineering.com.

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

News releases should be one or two brief paragraphs. Photos must be professional headshots, labeled with the person’s last name, and must be 300 dpi at full size and saved in an eps, tif or jpg format. Send your information to news@mobilechamber.com.

WHY? Faster Turn Times The Highest Quality (up to 1200 dpi) Personalization Tools Interstate Printing Service & Care

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The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

33

New Members

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

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

AdvoCare/FitChampions Inc. Jeff and Daphne Cook 24899 Bridges Dr. W. Daphne, AL 36526 251-767-3807 www.fitchampions.com Nutrition

Birmingham Fasteners Matthew Jarnagin 1910 Ave. C Mobile, AL 36615-1282 251-438-7833 www.bhamfast.com Fasteners-Distributor

The Corrigan Law Firm PC Richard E. Corrigan P.O. Box 7501 Mobile, AL 36670-0501 251-476-2292 www.corriganlawfirm.com Attorneys

Falk-PLI Bobby Rennaker 11070 Courtland Ct. Daphne, AL 36526 219-713-4938 www.falk-pli.com Surveyors

Alabama Kidney Foundation - Mobile Regional Office Becki Connally P.O. Box 8481 Mobile, AL 36689-0481 251-455-2123 www.alkidney.org Nonprofit Health Organization

Center for Spiritual Living - Mobile Sherrie Quander P.O. Box 81298 Mobile, AL 36689-1298 251-343-0777 www.centerforspirituallivingmobile.org Churches

Crescent Growth Capital LLC Ryan Kenter 201 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 4205 New Orleans, LA 70170 504-378-3473 www.crescentgrowthcapital.com Consultant

FlexiCrew Staffing Inc. Bill Brennan 5821 Rangeline Rd., Ste. 204 Theodore, AL 36582-5208 251-443-1130 www.FlexiCrew.com Employee Staffing

Alabama Pecan Development Co. Inc. Donnie Brown 1356-A Repoll Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-802-8567 Real Estate-Commercial/ Development

Children’s Medical Group PA Fred Shell 3920 Airport Blvd. Ste. A Mobile, AL 36608 251-342-3810 Physician-MD-Pediatrics

Direct Communications Albert Jongewaard 313 George St. Mobile, AL 36604 251-402-6831 Public Relations Firm

GNB Computer Solutions Glenn Thornton P.O. Box 40411 Mobile, AL 36640 251-219-8348 www.gnbcomputersolutions.com Website Design

Ameri-Force Craft Services Inc. Joshua Manning 452-E Government St. Mobile, AL 36602-2320 251-432-9090 www.ameriforce.com Employee Staffing

Clear Choice Bottling Inc. Ralph Clayton Jr. 9821 Hwy. 43 Grove Hill, AL 36541 251-247-1734 Promotional Products

Dockery & Associates Inc. Sandra Dockery 1340 Sledge Dr., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36606-3034 251-476-0624 www.nationwide.com Insurance

Celebrate Any Occasion... in our private banquet room for up to 100 guests with spectacular views of the Mobile Delta and Skyline

Gulf Coast RC & D Council Wanda Robbins P.O. Box 281 Atmore, AL 36504 251-368-1606 www.gulfcoastrcd.org Conservation Organization Gulf South Services Jeff Johnson 5570 Rangeline Rd., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36619 251-544-6870 Scaffolding & Accessories Healing Touch Chiropractic Michelle Kerr 1110 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. 1-F Mobile, AL 36695 251-289-1482 Chiropractor Heartland Payment Systems Jennifer Ladner 8758 Tanner Williams Rd., Apt. 4 Mobile, AL 36608 251-725-3523 www.HeartlandPaymentSystems.com Business Service Hemline Chappell Brady 4356 Old Shell Rd., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36608 251-287-6875 www.shophemline.com Retail

Bar Service Available • Boat Docking Available • Lighted Kids Playground Create your own Seafood Buffet • Private Deck • Separate Entrance

Call today to reserve our banquet room 2 51 -6 2 6-2 1 88 3733 Battleship Parkway Located at the Original Oyster House on the Causeway www.originaloysterhouse.com

34 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View

Integrity Construction Consulting LLC Scott Sanders 1136 Montauk Ave. Mobile, AL 36604 251-550-4106 Construction Management ITEX Karen Valls 855 Downtowner Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608 251-980-1023 www.itex.com Barter/Trade

JW Legacy Group Vicky Kostelecky 5212 Willis Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 251-653-1771 www.jwlegacy.com Employment Agencies & Consultants Midtown Mortgage Josh Aaron 4366 Midmost Dr., Ste. D Mobile, AL 36609 251-344-4022 www.midtownmortgageinc.com Mortgages Mobile Christian School Tommy Wasden 5900 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36609-3199 251-661-1613 www.mobilechristian.org Schools-Private Mobile Mask Steve Joynt 3475 Royalty Ct. Mobile, AL 251-661-5980 www.themobilemask.com Publishers Mary Mullins Public Affairs Consulting Mary Mullins P.O. Box 994 Montrose, AL 36559 251-802-3341 Public Relations Counselors Neel-Schaffer Inc. Shane Bergin 851 E. I-65 Service Rd. S., Ste. 402 Mobile, AL 36606-3113 251-471-2000 www.neel-schaffer.com Engineers-Professional Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC Brandi Hall 1819 Fifth Ave. N., Ste. 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-4424 www.ogletreedeakins.com Legal Paulk’s Moving & Storage/ United Van Lines Robert Paulk 2051 W. I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36618-1112 251-432-6683 ext: 228 www.paulksmoving.com Movers RE/MAX By The Bay Paige P. Moore 6483 Van Buren St., Ste. 101 Daphne, AL 36526 251-621-2588 www.listingsbythebay.com Real Estate

Roberts, Phillips, Crum LLC James L. Roberts Sr. 740 Copperfield Dr. E. Mobile, AL 36608 251-404-4091 Lawn Maintenance Sarah B. Atchison’s Brenda A. Wallace 2602 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607 251-473-4086 www.sarahbatchisons.com Furniture Stores Stein Claims LLC Pam Knechtel 164 St. Francis St., Ste. 205 Mobile, AL 36602-3517 251-338-3421 www.steinclaims.com Consultant Strategic Wealth Specialists Chris Roussell 3233 Executive Park Cir. Mobile, AL 36606 251-471-1178 Financial Services Two Men and a Truck Leila Holley 1208 B U.S. Hwy. 98 Daphne, AL 36526 251-316-5977 www.twomenandatruckmobile.com Movers Venture Technologies Bran Tucker 2200 Riverchase Center Dr., Ste. 606 Birmingham, AL 35244-2857 251-458-1338 www.ventech.com Technology Business Solutions Walgreens Duane Nelson 3948 Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608 251-345-1069 www.walgreens.com Drug Store (Chain) Yak the Kathmandu Kitchen Salam S. Lama 3210 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36606 251-287-0115 www.thekathmandukitchen.com Restaurants Zoes Kitchen Tiffani Lee 9 Du Rhu Dr., Ste. 300 Mobile, AL 36608-1259 251-345-9445 www.zoeskitchen.com Restaurants

Anniversaries

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX BancorpSouth..........................................4 BankTrust..............................................19 Bellingrath Gardens & Home................ 5 Blue Haven Pools...................................32 Centre for the Living Arts..................... 27 Coast Safe and Lock............................. 27 Community Bank.................................30 FLC Living.............................................. 25 Gwin’s Printing.....................................20 Hancock Bank.......................................29 Hand Arendall LLC ...............................11 Harris Business Machines...................... 7 Infirmary Health....................................31 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc......33 Lagniappe.............................................. 35 MCG Business Solutions.......................29 Original Oyster House...........................34 Padgett Business Services of Mobile....26 PNC Bank.................................................6 Premier Medical Management............ 16 Regions Bank........................................13 Safety Source......................................... 35 The University of Alabama..............8, 23 UMS-Wright Preparatory School.........29 United Way of Southwest Alabama......12 University of South Alabama................21 Wonderland Express.............................28

Members Are Our Greatest Asset! Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

30 YEARS

Dale Carnegie Training by Emerald Coast Leadership Association Rush Truck Center of Mobile

25 YEARS

Beard Equipment Co. Modern Sound & Communication Inc. Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc. Radcliff/Economy Marine Services

20 YEARS

Cottage Hill Dental Health Center Crow Shields & Bailey PC Everwood Treatment Co. Inc. Waterfront Rescue Mission

15 YEARS

Community Coffee Co. LLC INEOS Phenol

10 YEARS

Byrd Surveying Inc. McCoy Outdoor Co.

5 YEARS

Block USA Bryan Contractors LLC. China Doll Rice & Bean Inc./Dixie Lily Foods G. C. Specialties Inc. The Gathering of Jewels Inc. Ole Bay Management Inc. The Quality Group Inc. UPS WTI Transport

1-4 YEARS

AD Venture Specialties Co. All A Bloom Florist & Gifts AMEC Environment & Infrastructure Inc. Anytime Fitness The Arbors at Hillcrest Ashley’s Flower Shop & Gifts Ball Ball Matthews & Novak P.A. Barrington Park Luxury Apartments and Condominiums BayFest Inc. Bonefish Grill Mia Burmeister-Laws Café 615 Camp Rap-A-Hope Career Education Services Co. ChemPro Services Inc. Conwell’s Pharmacy CostFlex Systems Inc. Explosive Signs & Graphics LLC The Family Center Victor Gaston Gem of Champions Gulf Coast Pints LLC Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Daphne Holiday Inn Mobile Airport Home Place Furniture Horn Truck Rebuilders LLC Hummingbird Ideas Advertising & Design Inc. I.W.R. Therapy Systems J-Ray Shoes Robin Kemp CAP/OM Maitre & Crabtree Dental Group Mobile Mystery Dinner Theater

Mobile Nursing and Rehabilitation Center LLC National Community Development Services National Vision Center-Wal-Mart Tillman’s Corner Oak Ridge Pharmacy & Home Medical OK Bicycle Shop Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Panera Bread The Patterson Group Pro356 Consulting LLC RD Lowes Inc. Reagent Technology Services, a division of Mississippi Lime Rebound Rehab Red Roof Inn Karen Rhodes/NAIFA - Mobile Ryder Safety Guidance Specialist Inc. The Sessions Team - Roberts Brothers Inc. Shrimp Basket of Old Shell Inc. Karen C. Simmons PC Supreme Medical Fulfillment Systems Inc. TKR Technologies Inc. Toni Riales Photography LLC Total Safety Inc. Tropical Smoothie Café Tyndall Federal Credit Union Vail Rubber Works Inc. The Village at Midtown USA Physicians Group Washington County Business Park Welcome Friends Wetlands Solutions LLC Williams Financial Group LLC As of 8/31/12

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

251-443-7445 5865 Rangeline Road • www.safetysourceinc.com The Business View | NOVEMBER 2012

35

believe in mobile belong to the chamber grow mobile … grow your business Your business thrives when you operate in a strong economy.

That’s why the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has one of the best economic development programs in the country.

Working with city, county and state officials, we’ve landed some of the most sought-after industrial projects and helped dozens of companies expand – bringing new jobs and customers to the area. When you join the Chamber, you’re taking an active role in making Mobile fertile ground where your business can flourish. Believe in a strong future for Mobile. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.

www.JoinMobileChamber.com

36 NOVEMBER 2012 | The Business View