March 2011 Issue of The Business View

THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Chamber Chairman Outlines Goals

What is the Greatest Drag on Productivity?

March 2011 | Vol. XLII, No. 2 The Chamber’s First 100 Years

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MARCH 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

CONTENTS

THE BUSINESS VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2011

ON THE COVER

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

THE

BUSINESS VIEW

Additional Writers and Editors

Shayla Beaco, Katrina Dewrell, Ashley Horn, Kim Perrone, Danette Richards, Steve Russell, Christina Stimpson, Carolyn Wilson

Printing Services.. . . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive.. . . . . . . . . . René Eiland

431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

ADVERTISERS Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC..................................21

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

6 Guest Columnist and international business coach Dr. Jim Harris explains what’s holding back your employees.

7-12 The Chamber’s history is a rich tapestry

Alabama Power............................................................ 25

of Mobile’s social, political and business workings. On its 175th anniversary, the Chamber takes an in-depth look at the people, businesses and issues that helped develop the Chamber we know.

Part I – 1836-1936.

On the cover: Chamber Chairman Robbie Baker, with Whitney National Bank, poses with second graders at Mary B. Austin Elementary School to help garner attention on the upcoming school renewal tax referendum.

Story on page 14. Photo by Ashley Horn

Bancorp South............................................................. 13 Bellingrath Gardens & Home......................................31 Burr & Forman............................................................ 16 Community Bank........................................................ 20

F E A T U R E S

DEX Imaging................................................................. 2

M O N T H LY F O C U S 13 Small Business of the Month:

Gwin’s Commercial Printing.......................................27

McNorton Ishee & Jones CPA

Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc............................. 22 Lagniappe..................................................................... 29

26 SCORE Column: How to Sell to the Big Guys

Makeda Nichols, State Farm ........................................ 6 Mobile Bay Tarpons..................................................... 26

26 CEO Profile: Tyloria Crenshaw, South Alabama CARES

Premier Medical Management...................................28 Pro 356 Consulting.......................................................27

27 Business Spotlight of the Month: AHI Corporate Housing

RBC Bank..................................................................... 35 Safety Source.................................................................. 6 Whitney National Bank...............................................18 Wonderland Express.......................................................5

27 Diplomat of the Month: Phillip Moore, AHI Corporate Housing

4

Sunbelt Business Brokers.............................................. 4

4-6 News You Can Use – Positive news for area and state businesses 14-15 Vote “yes” for schools on March 22 17-22 Annually the Chamber recognizes area

businesses for their commitment, innovation and service to the region

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.

23-24 Meet the sponsors who made the Chamber’s 2011 Annual Meeting a success

25 Guest columnist Allison Horner describes the gap between perception and reality when it comes to savings for the future

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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28 Investor Focus: Phelps Dunbar LLP 29 Board of Advisors

29 Newly Elected Board of Directors

30 Chamber@Work 30 Economic Indicators 31 Calendar 32-33 Member News

34 Anniversaries

34 New Members

The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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NEWS You Can Use

Positive Business News When You Need It

SSAB Breaks Ground on $300 Million Expansion Opened in 1997, and currently employing more than 700 full-time employees in north Mobile County, SSAB Americas broke ground on a $300 million expansion project aimed at maintaining the steelmaker’s position as a global leader in the supply of high-strength steel.

The expansion, originally announced in 2008, includes a new 300,000-square-foot facility, capable of producing more than 200,000 metric tons of steel annually, according to David Britten, executive vice president and head of business area Americas for SSAB. The new facility is designed to service North America, South America and China. Part of the production from the Mobile mill will be sent to China where an SSAB formatting and painting facility is currently under construction.

According to Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development of the

Mobile Area Chamber, the facility is expected to open in mid-2012. He believes the nearly two-year lag time in construction on the expansion will ultimately serve SSAB well as demand for their customized steel will increase.

“With this new heat treating line, we are well-positioned for broad expansion and groundbreaking advancements, particularly for nice steel grade products,” added Olof Faxander, SSAB’s president and CEO. The Mobile steel mill produces nearly 200 tons of liquid steel per hour and is capable of converting finished plate ready to be shipped to a customer in less than five hours.

SSAB steel is used in a variety of applications including Berg Steel-made pipe, truck bed liners and major construction beams.

SSAB began its $300 million expansion late last year. Pictured at the groundbreaking event were: Terry Russo, SSAB Alabama general manager; Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commission president; David Britten, SSAB Americas president; Linda Swann, Alabama Development Office director, Troy Wayman, Mobile Area Chamber vice president of economic development; and Chuck Schmitt, vice president of SSAB Americas, Southern Business Unit.

Teledyne Continental Motors Sold to AVIC International In December, AVIC International announced it purchased Mobile-based Teledyne Continental Motors, located at Brookley Aeroplex. Following completion of the sale in at the end of the month, AVIC International, headquartered in Beijing, China, will be Mobile’s first China-headquartered company located in the Port City.

Teledyne Continental Motors is a leading manufacturer of FAA-certified piston engines, as well as spare parts and components used in small propeller-driven general aviation aircraft around the world.

The company employs approximately 400 workers in Mobile, and has been in operations for more than 80 years.

“Aviation/aerospace is a key industry target for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s recruiting efforts, as is increasing foreign direct investment here.

AIVC International meets both criteria,” said Chamber President Win Hallett.

With major customers such as Boeing, Airbus, Honeywell and Snecma, AVIC International is a supplier and partner of aviation companies in the U.S. and around the world. Hallett believes the sale will enhance Teledyne’s global reach, especially in growing overseas markets. Currently Teledyne’s reach includes the U.S. and Europe.

“AVIC International will greatly 4

MARCH 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

strengthen Continental Motors’ market access. In addition, increased investment will accelerate new products, such as Continental Motors’ TD-300 diesel engine, which is well-suited to growing regions given international fuel availability. The transaction will allow Continental Motors to continue to be a global leader in the general aviation piston engine industry,” said Rhett Ross, president of Teledyne Continental Motors in Mobile.

According to AVIC International, the company was attracted to Teledyne’s Mobile operations due to its long aviation history and the company’s reputation for product quality, safety and service. AVIC expects to retain Teledyne’s senior management and maintain the company’s Mobile headquarters. They also are planning for upgrades at the Mobile site, including increased research and product development.

“AVIC International is eager to begin its collaboration with Continental Motors,” said Wu Guangquan, president and CEO of AVIC International. “We are impressed with Continental Motors’ products, employees and facilities. Furthermore, we were attracted to Mobile’s international environment focus and the continually growing concentration of aviation-related international companies in the Mobile area.”

NEWS You Can Use Commerce Connect – Finally a Reality In the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, the Mobile Area Chamber’s small business development team aggressively sought U.S. Department of Commerce support to house a team here in Mobile capable of bringing assistance and benefits of the 54 bureaus that make up the Department of Commerce to area businesses.

In February, the U.S. Department of Commerce opened the Gulf Coast Commerce Connect Center, located at the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) on Government Street, just across from the Chamber. Twice a week, a commerce specialist will work out of the MBEC office to support local small businesses. The federal program is designed to support U.S. businesses by cataloging government and nonprofit enterprise assistance resources and matching them to specific business needs. The program will help Mobile-based emerging entrepreneurs and established companies overcome challenges in working with the federal government.

“Commerce Connect representatives are extremely well-versed in the multitude of Department of Commerce programs and services that our small business members can take advantage of,” said Bob Chappelle, executive vice president of the Chamber.

There is only one other Commerce Connect program in the nation, located in Detroit. We were able to secure this exclusive program due to the impact of the oil spill on small business owners along the Gulf Coast. While headquartered in New Orleans, federal workers will travel to cities such as Baton Rouge, Biloxi, Mobile and the panhandle of Florida weekly.

Fast Facts What: Commerce Connect

Positive Business News When You Need It

Krispy Mixes Planning Expansion to Theodore Though the availability of fresh Gulf seafood was impeded in 2010, Krispy Mixes experienced significant growth last year, to the tune of 44 percent over the preceding year, according to Judy McMillin, the company’s chief executive officer. A multistate distributor and blender of coatings and breadings for chicken, fish and seafood in the South, the company provides its product to independent restaurants, convenience store kitchens and chains.

Last year’s revenue increase matched with this year’s anticipated surge in sales had the company’s owners looking for a new location for its headquarters and manufacturing facilities. They found what they were looking for in the former Simply Shutters 10,800-square-foot facility on U.S. Hwy. 90 in Theodore.

Both McMillin and her husband Norman Tanner grew up in the Mobile area. Strong family ties, friends and a number of Alabama Gulf Coast customers, says McMillin, made it an easy choice to look in Mobile County.

Krispy Mixes will renovate the Theodore facility to meet the company’s needs, hire 11 employees initially and invest in state-ofthe-art equipment that will allow them to automate the manufacturing process.

The couple bought the Mississippi-based Krispy Mixes in 2009 with plans to take the company to the next level, including meeting the increasing demand for its product.

What makes their company unique, says McMillin, is its training, especially helpful to mom and pop restaurants and new locations of chain restaurants. “We don’t just sell breading, we sell expertise.”

Tanner was a part owner in the Crispy Chick Mobile-based fried chicken restaurants that sold to Church’s about 20 years ago. “That was part of the appeal to Krispy Mixes,” says McMillin.

In addition to its variety of breadings, the company also works with its clients to create custom blends with custom packaging.

McMillin and Tanner also own Lee’s Spices based in Dallas, a spice and blending company with nationwide food service

distribution. And McMillin says their may be an opportunity to bring some of the Lee’s operations here.

Company owners called on the Mobile Area Chamber to help with its move. “It’s a misnomer the Chamber only serves large businesses with relocation and expansion efforts, but that’s not the case,” said Troy Wayman, the Chamber’s vice president of economic development, whose department worked with Krispy Mixes. “The company expects its workforce will double in the next three years, based on its current customers’ expansions. We’re looking forward to another fine product shipped nationwide that will be made in Mobile.”

McMillin expects the company to be up and running by June in its Theodore facility.

Reliability - For 175 years, the Mobile Area Chamber

has worked to make our area the best place to start, manage and grow your business.

Quality - The U.S. Chamber of

Commerce consistently awards the Mobile Area Chamber its highest five-star accreditation.

Value

- For as little as 83 cents a day,

your Chamber membership yields

a return in:

• Business assistance;

• Professional development seminars and counseling;

• Networking opportunities;

• Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests, and more.

When: Counselors are available:

Tues.- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wed. - 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Alabama Minority

Business Enterprise Center,

450 Government St., Ste. A

To Learn More: Visit www.CommerceConnect.gov

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

with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

The Business View |

MARCH 2011

5

The Greatest Drag to Productivity

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For the majority of leaders, however, it is not a case of not caring – it is simply a case of neglect.

It is safe to assume that most employees are indeed self-motivated and proud of their accomplishments. They only First, they share a common passion to need an occasional recognition from their maximize both organizational and boss that she/he notices and appreciates personal productivity. their efforts.

Second, they also • Take time to notice. share a common • Take time to thank mistake, for they often them individually miss the mark on the ...the single greatest and collectively. single greatest drag to • Take time to tell drag to productivity their team’s your team how productivity. in today’s workplace much you truly It is typically not a is an employee’s appreciate their lack of technology that efforts and their drags down productivity. sense of output.

Most companies today under-appreciation.

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Erik Overbey Collection,University of South Alabama Archives

Helen Louise Depuy Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

The First 100 Years 1836 - 1936 Editor’s Note: With 175 years of history, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has a rich past. And for freelance writer Nedra Bloom, contracted by the Chamber to explore the organization’s history in anticipation of its anniversary, reading the Chamber minutes has offered a glimpse of the business, political and social workings of Mobile.

In this second part of a series “A Look Back,” Bloom shares her discoveries about the events and people that helped shape the Mobile Chamber’s first 100 years.

T

he first entry in the minutes for Oct. 2, 1917, presents an ominous tone for anyone seeking to learn the Mobile’s Chamber’s history.

Fishing along the wharfs (circa 1900).

W.M. Clemons, whose minutes over the ensuing years paint a thorough picture of Chamber business and interests, reports simply that the reading of the minutes had to be dispensed with because the Chamber offices had burned to the ground.

Erik Overbey Collection,University of South Alabama Archives

Location of the first Delchamps store.

Founded in 1921 by Alfred F. Delchamps.

And for that reason, the organization’s early history is sparse.

Gulf Coast Sign Co. at Water and St. Francis Streets (circa 1925).

Chamber records indicate clearly the organization was founded in 1836 as the Mobile Commerce and Business League and other histories indicate its roots lie in a merger of the Board of Trade and the Merchants Exchange.

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Chartered by the Alabama Legislature in 1854, the Chamber was the first in the state and carried several names throughout its 175-year history: the Mobile Board of Trade, the Mobile Chamber of Commerce and Maritime Exchange and Shipping Association. Since 1960, the name has remained solid – Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The House Warmers,” Mobile Gas Service (circa 1935).

Gayfers on St. Emanuel (circa 1930). Englishman C.J. Gayfer opened the beloved department store in Mobile in the late 1800s. The downtown store stayed open until 1985. Previously Gayfers was bought

by Mercantile Stores, which in turn was purchased by Dillard’s in 1998.

Erik Overbey Collection,University of South Alabama Archives

Whatever the name, it is recognized as the oldest Chamber of Commerce in Alabama, and one of the oldest in the country, working consistently “to foster, promote, advance and improve the civic, commercial industrial, agricultural interests and general business conditions” and to improve living conditions and the welfare of the community.

Continued on page 8

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View | MARCH 2011

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The First 100 Years, 1836-1936

H.B. Gwathmey was the original president of the Chamber, serving from 1836 to 1839, and subsequent presidents read like a Who’s Who of Mobile history: John B. Toulmin in 1842, John T. Cochrane in 1912 and again in 1925, W.D. Bellingrath in the World War I years, and Lyons, Waterman, Bedsole, Kittrell, Outlaw, Delchamps and Bullard appear on the list.

What Historians Say

University of South Alabama Archives

Cotton, coal, commerce and a port on the nation’s fourth-largest freshwater system drove the economy in the 1800s. Mobile historian Caldwell Delaney is quoted in a 1968 National Geographic feature on the city, saying “The This aerial view of Mobile (circa 1930) shows a viable city with a thriving waterfront.

British trade was so brisk, that among cotton brokers, St. Michael Street down by the waterfront was known as the ‘English channel.’” the Merchants Insurance Co. was now able to Early Newspapers Shed Light He described Mobile Bay as “more white than offer policies, “with a capital of half a million Newspapers from 1836 give a snapshot of brown,” with a floating blanket of cotton lint. dollars, $250,000 of which has already been commercial activity around town, but not much The first flatboat load of coal from Northern paid in.” else. On Jan. 1, 1836 – the year the Chamber Alabama arrived in 1840, reports another Mobile A news item from Tuscaloosa the following was founded – the Mobile Daily Commercial Historian, Cathalynn Donelson, in her book day announced the House of Representatives Register and Patriot (now the Press-Register) Mobile: Sunbelt Center of Opportunity. The had approved incorporation of the Mobile and boatman had to show Mobilians how to burn coal carried items such as cotton prices, notices of Tennessee Railroad Co. runaway slaves, and ads for medicinal potions, as fuel before he could sell his cargo, she writes.

And now that the presidential election was gloves, linens and mourning goods. A business Harriet E. Amos Doss considers the role nearly over (Martin Van Buren won), the paper announcement on New Year’s Day announced of commerce in her essay, Cotton City, in Mobile: reported in November 1836 it would turn its The New History of Alabama’s First City, 2001, attention away from politics and be a edited by Michael V.R. Thomason. business and economic development “Urban leaders of Mobile respected newspaper. commerce, class and consensus.

Occasionally, Chamber of Drawn from heterogeneous origins, Commerce news made the paper. In they perhaps openly disagreed December 1837, for example, the among themselves about politics paper ran a list of Chamber officers and and secretly about slavery, but members of the appeal and arbitration they agreed on commercial committees. priorities. Although they competed By the end of the Chamber’s first with each other in business, they quarter century, times had changed collaborated on improvements very little in Mobile, though newspapers to aid commerce locally. They from the Civil War years are hard to supported government establishing come by. In the few that remain, frontan environment conducive to page ads solicit students for the Judson commerce, focusing on order Female Institute and for Spring Hill rather than regulation.”

Employees of the Mobile Daily News (circa 1900). Today’s Press-Register College – described as being close Collaboration and partnerships has roots back to this paper formed in 1813, making it the oldest enough for an hourly commute to the continue to be key to our area’s newspaper in the state. William Herrin was named publisher and city but with a country atmosphere. success and a focus of the president of the paper during 1970 and led the Chamber’s building committee where it currently resides at 451 Government St. Herrin led the Chamber today.

Chamber’s board of directors in 1981, and also served as president of the Mobile Area Chamber Foundation for many years.

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MARCH MARCH2010 2011 || The TheBusiness BusinessView View || Mobile MobileArea AreaChamber Chamberof ofCommerce Commerce

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

continued from page 7

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

The Chamber made news at its 50th birthday. The Mobile Daily Tribute for Jan. 1, 1886, suggested everyone should attend the Chamber’s annual meeting. “The institution is a power for good in this community and deserves the support of every public-spirited citizen,” the news story reads. “Those who doubt will do well to be on hand tomorrow.”

Two days later the paper included a report from the Chamber’s annual meeting, where president T. Green Bush said “those engaged in trade should be a common ground of meeting and consultation.”

The riverboat Cyprus and a cotton barge pass by the Alabama State Docks (circa 1920). Cotton, coal, commerce and a port on the nation’s fourth-largest freshwater system drove the economy in the 1800s. Mobile historian Caldwell Delaney is quoted in a 1968 National Geographic feature on the city, saying “The British trade was so brisk, that among cotton brokers, St. Michael Street down by the waterfront was known as the ‘English channel.’”

He described Mobile Bay as “more white than brown,” with a floating blanket of cotton lint.

Chamber History Documented

was opening a new plant, arrangements were made for a new venture by the Tennessee Coal Iron and Railroad Co. and Wilson & Co. was opening a meat packing plant to slaughter some 3,000 to 5,000 cattle a month imported from Central America.

Come 1917, we get our first day-to-day look at the working of the Chamber, a portrait far more intimate than suppositions based on economic news snippets. We join the Chamber in “a year of results” – so called because news had come that Kelly-Atkinson Shipbuilding

“Those were instances of preparedness and entirely justified the cost of the Chamber of Commerce to the business community,” the minutes report.

Continued on page 10

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

A Bridge to Baldwin “Free the Cochrane Bridge!”

Though it sounds like a protest cry from the 1960s, it came from members of the Chamber of Commerce – and it came decades before the protest era.

The issue began in the early 1920s, when the Chamber determined a highway connection between Mobile and Baldwin counties was a commercial necessity. And a highway required a bridge.

Mr. Durant, “an engineer who built the bridges between Pascagoula and Gautier, Miss.,” according to Chamber board minutes, attended the Feb. 9, 1921, meeting, telling the Chamber “he saw no reason why a similar connection should not be built across to Baldwin County.”

In 1925, Chamber president John T. Cochrane Sr., announced to the board a new Mobile Bay Bridge Co. had been formed, with five directors who were doing the job as a public service. “The five have gone to New York to seek bond funding,” Cochrane reported.

By 1929, significant progress had been made.

The minutes report, “John T. Cochrane, president of the Mobile Bay Bridge Co., addressed the board with reference to the contract existing The dedication of the Cochran Bridge/Causeway. The man standing between the Mobile Bay on the far right with his hat over his chest is Alabama Gov. Bibb Graves. The drive to build a bridge to Baldwin County began in the Bridge Co. and the early 1920s and the Chamber held all the common stock on the project.

Board of Revenue and Road Commissioners of Mobile County.”

Three years later, the minutes reported Cochrane outlined the again on the Cochrane Bridge, now in full development of the bridge operation. Revenue from the bridge topped project, its construction, present expenses (Revenue: $281,000; expenses operation, and efforts made to $248,000) and the Chamber board secure the operation by the recommended lifting the toll from the bridge. county, as provided for in the By 1934, there was a new committee contract. Chamber minutes show created – the Committee on Freeing Cochrane Cochrane noted “the bridge was Bridge. According to Mobile - The New History a Chamber project, with all of of Alabama’s First City, eventually the state the common stock held by the bought the bridge for $2,146,323 and ended Chamber of Commerce.” the toll.

In 1931, Chamber president Upon Cochrane’s death in 1938, the Frank E. Courtney appointed a Chamber voted to mark the bridge with a committee to work to eliminate plaque in his honor. tolls on the new bridge.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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University of South Alabama Archives

The Mobile Area Chamber shared offices with the Mobile Cotton Exchange at the corner of Commerce and St. Francis Streets (circa 1890s).

Built in 1886 by architect Rudolph Benz, the building burnt to the ground taking the Chamber’s early records.

property details about the site being offered to the federal government, because they were with the Chamber secretary in Charleston; and data to support selection of the site, because it was with Horace Turner in Washington D.C.

By December, still working to win a Navy base for the city, the Chamber encouraged downtown building owners to spruce up and make sure there was adequate housing, as well S. Marion Coffin Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

The first post-fire news came two weeks earlier, in the Oct. 2, 1917 minutes – a notice that the Chamber was sending delegates to Washington D.C. to try to get a machine gun cantonment located here.

By Oct. 16, 1913 there was news about the fire and a new location. The Chamber moved into four rooms in the Bank of Mobile building near Royal and St. Francis streets. Cost was $76 per month, including heat, lights and janitorial services.

The bad news – the Chamber carried no insurance at its old location and the only property saved was a ledger, which the bookkeeper had taken home; maps and

as parks and playgrounds. This effort must not be allowed to get into politics, the minutes reported, stating instead the Chamber should take the lead.

In January 1918, the annual report looked ahead: “Properly financed, this year should be made as important, in its way, as last year notwithstanding it is decidedly unlikely that any industry as important as the Chickasaw Shipbuilding Co. will be located soon.”

Hoping to raise enough in dues to support a $25,000 annual budget, the chairman warned against becoming “a one-industry town,”and urged the Chamber to start a professional advertising campaign for the city.

In October, the city’s health officer, Dr. Charles A. Mohr, approached the Chamber for help. The influenza epidemic was overtaxing doctors’ time, so Chamber members agreed to deliver food, ice and medicine to flu victims and lend their automobiles to doctors and nurses calling on the sick.

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Road paving, Downtown Mobile (November 1903). During its first century, the Chamber worked with state authorities to ensure paved roads benefited Mobile. In 1927, Chamber road requests were from Mobile to New Orleans, Montgomery and Pensacola.

Unidentified members of the Alabama State Docks Commission (circa 1935). The docks were a regular economic development topic at Chamber board meetings with subjects including cold storage, meat packers, fruit and lumber. In 1927, Chairman of the Import/Export Committee C.W. Hempstead tells the Chamber board he is anxious for the docks to be complete to increase shipments of cotton, coal, sugar, grain, rice and fertilizer. The Alabama State Docks opened on the Mobile waterfront in 1928.

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MARCH MARCH2011 2011 || The TheBusiness BusinessView View || Mobile MobileArea AreaChamber Chamberof ofCommerce Commerce

Erik Overby Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Transportation is the hallmark of the early 20th century. In 1919, the Chamber endorsed the creation of the Federal Highways Commission to create a national highway system and provide federal aid for road construction. The Chamber also celebrated a plan to build tow boats and barges “that will make Mobile, more than ever, the port through which will pass the coal and iron and steel and cotton and lumber and agricultural products of Alabama and of portions of the adjoining states.”

Gulf Mobile & Northern Railroad later merged in 1940 with Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad (circa 1929).

The first projects under the new road program, the Chamber argued, “that it was his belief that the people of Mobile and the construction of the Merchants National should be a northbound highway via would always want to have this celebration.”

Bank, First National Bank and other buildings in Chickasaw and a road from Mobile to Baldwin By 1925, the Chamber had worked to Mobile.

Other large construction work should be County. The latter project languished, however, create a Junior Chamber of Commerce and commenced to fill in the gap. The construction of for want of a bridge. John T. Cochrane was affiliate groups for young men, young women a large auditorium would contribute much to this first to champion the project, bringing in and Negroes, and to open the Chamber to and would assist in relieving the unemployment an engineer who had worked on Mississippi women, though women aren’t elected to the situation.” highway bridges. board until the mid-1970s.

Hard times hit anyway. By 1932, the board In 1922, the Chamber agreed to support a received a letter from the staff, offering to take a bill introduced by Sen. John Craft to allocate “further” pay cut.

Mobile During the $10,000 for dredging a channel at Bayou la Throughout the year, the city suggested Great Depression Batre, and both Craft and the Chamber agreed plans to relieve the problems and the Chamber Hard times gave an ominous tone to the to “keep this matter out of the public press.” opposed each one. Finally, in December, the early 1930s records.

R.M. Weinacker asked the Other transportation-related actions city sent a rather snippy note to the Chamber Chamber to encourage construction of a 5,000included a request to allow adequate ticket suggesting that the business organization come seat auditorium with a price tag of $900,000 prices to keep the streetcars profitable, requests up with the plan. Even so, the Chamber to Congress for capital to keep did not want wages to get out of hand. the waterways passable to barges, and a In late 1933, it sent a wire to general road plan covering all of south President Franklin Roosevelt and staff Alabama. asking the National Recovery Act take into And for the first time, the April consideration“the same ratio of wages…

18, 1920, minutes recorded dreams of a between North and South and West that bridge to Dauphin Island, which later has existed heretofore.” became an obsession of the Chamber.

By 1934 improvements were on the Two decades into the 20th century, horizon.

The March 27 minutes recorded: Mobile’s payroll (including Chickasaw) “The President stated that for the last three stood at $1 million a month. And the years most of the time and finances of the Chamber took credit for attracting Chamber of Commerce had been devoted about half that business. “As there are to the Recovery Program, but now that less than 600 firms represented in the conditions are improving, he deemed it Chamber of Commerce,” the minutes timely for the Chamber of Commerce announced, “each firm that is represented The “Old” Van Antwerp Building at Royal and Dauphin Streets is (circa pre-1906). Chamber minutes show the Van to move into more aggressive actual may feel that it is responsible for adding Antwerp Drug Corp. became a Chamber member in 1918. commercial work.” $10,000 a year to Mobile’s payroll, in for use for the Mardi Gras coronation, theatre, actual cash, and that the Chamber of Coming in the May 2011 issue of The Commerce has been its best paying investment.” opera, symphony and band. He noted another Business View: An economic boom and an benefit of the project: “Mobile has not suffered It wasn’t all work and no play for the obsession for real estate, (1936-1961). from the depression as much as some other Chamber. In 1921, the group polled members cities because of the road building and street on whether Mardi Gras celebrations should improvement program, which is near completion, continue. President Gordon Smith reported Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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University of South Alabama Archives

Transportation as Big Business

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Burial Business Among First African-American Companies to join Chamber

Mobile Paint Company employees (circa 1951).

Painting the Town Nearly 90 years ago, the founders of today’s BLP Mobile Paint recognized their hometown climate demanded a coating for houses that would stand up to high temperatures and high humidity. They opened BLP Paint – for “Beautiful, Lasting and Preservative” – on South Conception Street in 1921.

Three years later they expanded to new facilities at Dauphin and Water streets, to a building that featured retail on the ground floor, offices on the second and production on the third, said Bobby Williams Jr., director of human resources and son of the firm’s chief executive officer.

The company’s founders would sell products in the morning, make them in the afternoon and deliver them the following morning, Williams said.

In 1925, BLP joined forces with Mobile Varnish Works, forming the employee-owned company that continues to thrive today. Company headquarters remained downtown until 1975, when the firm moved to its present location in Theodore. In 1985, Williams said, the firm doubled in size.

Mobile isn’t the only city with extreme temperature changes, persistent mold and mildew and lengthy exposure to sunlight, Williams said. So while BLP Mobile Paint has been a local company for nearly a century, it has widened its market considerably over the years.

Today, the company’s products are sold in 16 Southeastern states, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Middle East and Russia.

In addition to retail sales – the firm has six of its 15 retail stores in Mobile and Baldwin counties – BLP sells products to commercial and industrial customers and creates customized coatings for special purposes such as the sharks in Jaws II, all the ships of the Royal Thai Navy and a good many of the U.S. Navy, the paint and color palette for Mobile’s historic homes, and the varnish for highly-prized Stradivarius violins.

It adds up to some four million gallons of paint a year, along with five million in aerosol products – all part of the firm’s 2,500-product line-up.

But according to Williams, it’s the people, more than the paint, that make BLP a great company. BLP Mobile Paint employs 200 individuals with 150 of those jobs in the Mobile area. Williams said many of those employees are second-, third- and even fourth-generation with the company.

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MARCH 2011

Christian Benevolent Funeral Home has thrived as a member of Mobile’s business community for more than 80 years and has been a Chamber member since 1965.

Pearl Madison opened the business and the related Christian Benevolent Burial Association in 1928 because there wasn’t anyone to provide funeral services for the city’s African-Americans, said her great-nephew, Maj. Gen. J. Gary Cooper USMCR (United States Marine Corps Reserve), who runs the business today.

According to Cooper, Madison was one of the first African-American women to own a business in Mobile, and the business and its Queen Anne-style home at St. Anthony and Hamilton streets have been in the family ever since.

The company’s insurance branch, Christian Benevolent Burial Association, was among the first African-American businesses to join the Chamber when the Chamber asserted its intention to uphold the Civil Rights Act and welcomed a host of new minority members and minorityowned businesses.

By that time, Cooper was away from Mobile. After graduating from Most Pure Heart of Mary High School, Cooper noted, “we traveled north – in the back car of a segregated train – to attend the University of Notre Dame,” where he participated in the Marine ROTC program. He served on active duty for 12 years, including a tour in Vietnam that earned him a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, among many other awards.

But when his father died, leaving the family business without leadership, Cooper came home to take the reins. He helped manage the funeral home and supervised the insurance business before selling that branch of the company in 1985.

A former state legislator, state cabinet member, ambassador to Jamaica and assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force – Cooper is also president and chief executive officer of Commonwealth National Bank, the first minorityowned national bank in Alabama.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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

S

mall Business of the Month

McNorton Ishee & Jones CPA In a world of ever-changing tax codes and laws, it’s a challenge for some accountants to keep up. But the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm of McNorton Ishee & Jones CPA counts on its continuing education efforts to grow and learn with its clients. The firm is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

The firm was launched by accountants Gary McNorton and Jacquelin Jones in 2006, and Bill Ishee joined in January.

Ishee previously worked in the private and public accounting sector and served as a controller for a local real estate firm. The partners said Ishee’s wealth of real estate experience fits nicely with the company’s mission for growth.

And while the names on the letterhead have changed, the firm’s business and accounting services have not. With eight employees, McNorton Ishee & Jones provides its individualBXS_ViewMagazine_Jan2011.pdf and company clients with

services such as audits, tax preparation, consulting, estate planning, payroll and business accounting. “We can act as a professional controller for our client’s small businesses,” said Ishee. “A small business with only a bookkeeper may need someone to oversee the operations but not be large enough to have its own chief financial officer.”

Jones attributes the firm’s success to changing with the industry. She says over the years the partners have developed a clientele with diverse demands. “Helping clients with different financial needs allows you to develop a little knowledge about a lot of things and build a broader knowledge base,” she said.

Jones said as tax regulations and codes become more complex and change more often than in the past, the accountants explain tax laws and help clients navigate accounting systems.

“It’s what we do and study and it’s not complicated for us,” “We can 1/26/11 5:00:39 PM agreed 8.5”Ishee. x 5.375”

Ready to serve their clients’ tax needs year round McNorton Ishee & Jones CPA partners and employees are from left, seated, Bill McNorton and Phillis Harwell, standing are Lori Murray, Andre Toledo, Bill Ishee, Jaquelin Jones and Anita Walker. help business owners know what a financial statement is saying about their business – where it is heading, where it has been, and what that statement means to the bank.”

Ishee points to the firm’s slogan – “The numbers tell a story, what’s yours?”– as the

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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best reason to call an accountant. “If you don’t know the answer,” he said, “we can help you find out.”

The Business View |

MARCH 2010

13

Our Children. Our Future. on March 22

‘‘

Continued funding is crucial to providing support for the primary and secondary education our children need and deserve.

‘‘

’’

– Dr. Suzanne M. Crist Principal Olive J. Dodge Elementary School

There is nothing more important to the growth and stability of a company, city, county or region than a strong education system.

’’

– David Trent Site Director for Mobile’s Airbus Engineering Center

Mobile Area Chamber Board Adopts Position Statement to Support Renewal of School Taxes THE VOTE to renew school funding, prepare our

On March 22, 2011, citizens of Mobile County will vote on the renewal of three ad valorem (property) school taxes that support the Mobile County Public School System and the Saraland City Schools.

The three tax assessments total 13 mills and provide approximately $55 million annually. These taxes will expire Sept. 30, 2011, unless approved by voters this March.

It is important to remember these are not new taxes. One tax was enacted in 1915 (later increased in 1961); another in 1942; and a third in 1945. Each of these taxes has repeatedly been approved by Mobile County voters every 20 years.

Failure to re-approve these ad valorem school taxes will devastate the Mobile County Public School System and severely affect funding for Saraland City Schools.

The taxes fund more than 6.2 percent of the Mobile County Public School System’s general fund and 33.8 percent of its capital fund.

In addition, renewing the 13 mills is part of the match required to receive state general funds and state capital funds.

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports a “yes” vote on each of the three tax renewals on the March 22, 2011 referendum.

children for tomorrow’s workforce, and create What: more economic opportunities for Mobile

Remember to 14

MARCH 2011

Fast Facts:

Mobile County voters go to the poll on Tuesday, March 22 to support the renewal of three property tax referendum

When:

Tuesday, March 22

Time:

Why:

7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Polls open) More than $55 million in funding for schools in Mobile County is at stake with this vote.

To Learn More:

Visit www.ourchildrenourfuture.info

Vote Yes! on March 22

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Continue $55 million the Mobile County and Saraland City schools are currently depending on.

Eliminate massive layoffs of more than 400 public school classroom teachers and reduction in student services.

Continue to fund additional teacher units for sports and the arts.

Secure the majority of funding for special needs schools and allow continuance of vocational schools for workforce development.

Avoid loss of $25 million per year for capital projects for maintenance, renovations and new construction.

NOT increase taxes.

For more information on reapproving school funding and to find out how you can help, contact Linda Ingram at 251-476-0002.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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MARCH 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Chairman

G. Robert Baker Jr. to Lead Mobile Area Chamber During its 175th Year

I

• Aggressively recruiting federal programs designed to support small business owners.

“In the end, none of the accomplishments of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce – the support we have provided, the jobs we have announced or the policies we have changed in government – would have happened without you,” he said.

Baker began his remarks by acknowledging the challenges many business owners and executives experienced during this recession.

“No one – including the Mobile Area Baker delivered his chairman’s speech Chamber of Commerce – has avoided before a crowd of more than 1,300 and being impacted by the recession that began outlined some of his plan of action for in Mobile in 2008,” he said.

Mobile’s continued economic growth in 2011.

For more than a year, the Chamber’s “What your Chamber has an ability to board, its membership and volunteers have do is uncanny,” he said. “What we represent is a fabric that weaves between political and shared their opinions on the local economy, and how the business interests national economic to improve the quality of life for The Mobile Area Chamber picture affects their day-to-day all residents in this is supporting a “yes” vote operations. In region.” to continue the path of addition, during He said the Chamber’s work progress area schools have these sessions – including breakfast includes: made. Baker emphasized, meetings, one-on• Remaining without this funding, the one Chamber aggressive in its loss of teachers in both member visits, quest for new systems would be the committee and task companies in forces, and surveys Mobile; equivalent of losing – the Chamber staff • Continuing an entire grade’s worth asked what it should the successful of instructors. be doing to be more track record of effective. bringing G. Robert Baker Jr. “We’re listening government and senior vice president and to our members tell private industry south Alabama region president us about the leaders to the table Whitney National Bank national and local to work with longMobile Area Chamber of Commerce economy’s impact established 2011 Board Chairman on their business; companies to keep listening to small them profitable; business owners describe the process to • Solving secure additional capital or to make common business objections members payroll; and listening to developers talk have with the city of Mobile, Mobile County about the process to obtain the proper and the state, with everyone working towards a solution in the areas of codes and permits, tax credits and bond ratings to invest in Mobile,” Baker said. permitting; and

Photo by Jeff Tesney

n January, G. Robert Baker Jr., senior vice president and south Alabama region president for Whitney National Bank, was installed as the Mobile Area Chamber chairman, during the Chamber’s annual meeting. He will lead the organization throughout its 175th year of operation.

2011 Mobile Area Chamber Chairman Robbie Baker with Whitney National Bank is pictured above at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.

Chamber Supports Renewal Vote for Schools This month, Baker said, is critical for charting the direction of Mobile County’s growth. On Tuesday, March 22, voters will decide whether to support three property tax renewals, currently providing more than $55 million in funding for both the Mobile County Public School System and Saraland City Schools. (See pages 14-15 for more information about the vote.)

The Mobile Area Chamber supports a ‘yes’ vote to continue the path of progress area schools have made. Without this funding, the loss of teachers in both systems would be the equivalent of losing an entire grade’s worth of instructors, Baker said.

“Nationally, our public school system is being bestowed with honors for students’ test scores, increasing the quality of learning for low-income families; and is in

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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the infancy stage of implementing an aggressive attack plan to combat drop-out rates,” he told the audience.

Baker said the local education system is a strong point as Mobile promotes the city’s and region’s assets to site selectors across the country. “Between our public, private and parochial schools, the two-year and four-year colleges and universities, private workforce training programs and the AIDT, Mobile is on the radar. This will continue in 2011,” he added.

Baker concluded his remarks saying, “I am so very excited about what lies ahead for all of us. This year you will be given many opportunities to reflect on all the Chamber has accomplished since its founding in 1836. Mark my words though, I am most excited about what is to come, and how our present and future history will be written based on all we will accomplish.”

The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

DuPont Crop Protection Named 2010 Manufacturer of the Year Learning about good bugs and bad ones is something many folks study in grade school. But the fact that a new Dupontdeveloped insecticide can tell the difference and target only harmful pests is an example of science at its best. DuPont Crop Protection is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year.

“DuPont was recognized not only for an innovative and environmentally friendly product, but also for employee growth with higher paying jobs, plant expansion and an excellent safety record,” said Steve Russell, the Chamber’s director of business retention and expansion.

The company’s Axis facility is the only one in the world to produce Rynaxypyr.

Since the biodegradable insecticide was launched two years ago, volume increased more than 3,000 percent, making it the product of choice for growers around the world.

“Right now, there is no product on the market that has a spectrum of activity similar to Rynaxypyr,” said Beth Basham, DuPont’s local plant manager. “This product affects only targeted pests, eliminating harm to beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.”

According to Basham, 20 new employees added DuPont to their resumes and there are plans to add another 20 this year. In all, there are 165 employees and 70 contract workers on site. And DuPont’s growth extends beyond plant doors. In 2010, the company, based in Wilmington, Del., started using Mobile Container Terminal to ship the new product.

Adding to DuPont’s success – the local operation recently earned its ISO-9000 recertification, demonstrating commitment to product quality.

Beth Basham, DuPont’s local manager (second from right) proudly displays the company’s ISO-9000 recertification, recognizing committment to product quality.

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

3/8/10 2:19 PM

2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

2010 Small Business of the Year CorroMetrics Services Inc.

Pictured here is Harrietta Eaton (left) and Perry Greenfield with CorroMetrics.

When a downturn in the economy forced CorroMetrics Services Inc.’s clients to delay or cancel projects, the company changed its business development strategy to focus globally and ended up increasing its anticipated revenue. CorroMetrics is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Year.

Headquartered in Mobile with offices in Houston, Beijing and Hong Kong, CorroMetrics offers technical and consulting services for industries using protective coating and linings to control erosion. The company manages projects and inspects major assets such as ships, bridges, equipment, pipelines, oil platforms, refineries and wastewater treatment plants.

Harrietta Eaton, CorroMetrics’ chief operating officer, said the company is honored to be the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year. “This highlights our company’s commitment to excellence and high quality work in the area of failure

analysis and protective coatings inspections,” she said.

The company’s reputation for quality helped secure the largest project management job in CorroMetrics’ history – a contract from the country of Jordan.

The government project is designed to transport water from the South where it is plentiful to the Northern part of the country where it is needed, and is the country’s largest public utility program.

CorroMetrics has three permanent employees, all internationally certified from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, and hires contractors as needed.

The company’s founder, Terry Greenfield, moved CorroMetrics to the area to be near family. “This region has so much opportunity and being centrally located on the Gulf Coast is helping us expand our oil and gas projects,” he said.

GCTC Selects Southern Light as Innovator of the Year

Pictured among the majority of Southern Light’s office crew is company president Andy Newton (second from right).

As technology changes the way companies do business, moving large amounts of data at the highest possible speed has become a priority. For its ability to match that high-tech demand and offer outstanding customer service, Southern Light was named the Mobile Area Chamber’s Innovator of the Year by the Gulf Coast Technology Council (GCTC). Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Mobile, Southern Light provides fiber optic-based communications solutions along the Gulf Coast, delivering large bandwidth to telecommunication carriers, government agencies and businesses.

Southern Light designs, builds and operates more than 2,000 route miles of high-count fiber networks along the Gulf Coast and connects directly with other national carriers to transport traffic beyond the area. In 2010, the business added 25 new employees, now employing 88 people, and invested more than $12 million in equipment and fiber networking along the Gulf Coast.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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For the fourth consecutive year, it ranked among one of America’s fastest growing private companies by Inc. magazine, based on revenue growth.

“The GCTC steering committee recognized Southern Light’s aggressive growth and expansion, while maintaining best-of-class service to their customers,” said John Strope, GCTC’s 2010 chair.

“Since they don’t sell directly to the consumer, they sort of fly under the radar.”

According to company president Andy Newton, recent growth is a function of three factors – an insatiable consumer demand for bandwidth, Southern Light’s ability to deliver affordable, highly customized and innovative communication solutions in tight time frames.

Newton said Southern Light’s vision is to bring next-generation fiber optic solutions directly to customers, improving their networking capabilities, productivity and profitability.

The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Win Minority Business Advocate Award When ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA made a joint announcement in 2007 to open two steel manufacturing plants on one site in north Mobile County, company officials promised they would employ a diverse supplier base.

That commitment earned the companies the 2010 Mobile Area Chamber’s Minority Business Advocate Award.

“Both manufacturers recognize the importance of having a diverse supplier base, reflecting its employees and customers around the world,” said Darrell Randle, the Chamber’s vice president of small business development. “They understand small and diverse suppliers can support TK’s long-term growth objectives, adding value to its business by providing innovative solutions to manufacturing and marketing efforts.”

ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA manufactures and processes stainless steel used in the automotive, aerospace,

architectural, food, medical and environmental industries. ThyssenKrupp Steel USA is a carbon steel processing facility producing steel coils for customers in the automotive, pipe and tube, service center and construction industries. When fully operational, the two facilities will employ more than 2,000 area residents.

Early in the building process of the $5.2 billion state-of-the-art steel manufacturing facilities, TK embarked on an inclusive procurement campaign designed to provide contracting opportunities to qualified companies throughout the south Alabama region. In addition, the manufacturers hired a supplier diversity specialist to work with the Mobile Area Chamber’s Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) to identify disadvantaged business enterprises, such as minority or womenowned businesses, capable of supplying products and services to the two facilities.

The Minority Business Week awards were held in September 2010 at Mt. Hebron Church Ministries. Accepting the Minority Business Advocate Award for their exemplary commitment to a diverse supplier base are John Boston with ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and Gustavo Patino with ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA. Also pictured are Cicone Prince with 3D Solutions (far left) who served as the Chamber’s Growth Alliance Task Force chairman in 2010, and Chamber President Win Hallett (far right).

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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

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ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

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At Community Bank, we fully-understand the meaning of the term “owner’s mentality” –because you’re always dealing with an owner here. Community Bank is one of the only staff-owned banks in the state, so we always deliver the best service possible.

Call or come by to discuss your next loan, a great CD rate or any other services that our staff-owners can help provide to you.

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MARCH 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

CommunityBank.net ® 2009 Community Bank | Member FDIC

2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Selected as 2010 Corporate Community Service Award Winner

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors encourages its employees to support causes they are passionate about. Through volunteer hours, donations and community partnerships, Hargrove employees generously contribute their time and talents to more than 15 nonprofit organizations in the Mobile area.

Recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation by Inc. magazine, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors employees are deeply rooted in the community, contributing countless volunteer hours and financial support to more than 15 local, nonprofit organizations. Honored for its dedication to service, this employee-owned company received the Mobile Area Chamber’s 2010 Corporate Community Service Award.

Since 1999, the Chamber, Envision Coastal Alabama and HandsOn South Alabama (formerly Volunteer Mobile) have recognized businesses emphasizing employee volunteer efforts as an important part of their corporate vision, policies and operations.

“During the annual judging process, I am continually amazed by the outpouring of support from the Mobile business community, and this year is no different,” said Diana Brinson, HandsOn South Alabama executive director.

Although Hargrove has received numerous awards for top-quality engineering services and visionary business leadership, company President Ralph Hargrove holds this year’s recognition in the highest regard. “The

feeling is equally the same as winning an engineering or construction related services contract, but recognition outside of our core services, especially when it involves helping others, is the ultimate form of acknowledgement,” he said.

Serving as mentors for the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics program, Hargrove employees help students with the design and construction of their robots and assist them with problem-solving skills in hopes of building their potential as future leaders.

“Their time, talents and energy dedicated to BEST Robotics not only makes an immediate impact on education but a greater impact on our future workforce,” said Robin Fenton, director of Jubilee BEST Robotics.

In addition to BEST Robotics, Hargrove employees share their time with other area nonprofits, including Gulf Coast Exploreum, 15 Place, Bay Area Food Bank, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Mobile Area Education Foundation and Camp Rap-a-Hope.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Business View |

MARCH 2011

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2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

Mamun

When Mamun isn’t helping families buy and sell homes, there is a good chance he’s volunteering for the Mobile Area Chamber. For his service, the RE/MAX Partners real estate agent and two-year Chamber diplomat was named 2010 Diplomat of the Year.

To achieve the distinction, Mamun participated in a variety of functions including visiting members and participating in grand openings and networking events such as Business After Hours and Networking@Noon.

Mamun believes the key to his professional success is building a long-term partnership with the business community and his role as Chamber diplomat serves as his primary vehicle for relationship building.

According to Mamun, his strategy is working and last year he was recognized as one of the top real estate agents in the state.

“Mamun has been a true asset to our organization and the diplomat program,” said Kim Perrone, the Chamber’s director of customer service. “He has shown his dedication to our organization by representing us throughout the Mobile area.”

There are currently 65 diplomats from member companies assisting with Chamber activities such as ribbon cuttings, member visits, event support and more. To learn more about the program, contact Perrone at kperrone@mobilechamber.com or 431-8649.

Photo by Jeff Tesney

Photo by Jeff Tesney

Mamun is Diplomat of the Year

Ernest W. Todd Jr. (left) was recognized for his outstanding service to the Chamber and community. Todd is a former Chamber board president and was instrumental in creating its foundation more than 30 years ago. Chamber President Win Hallett (right) presented Todd with the award at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in January.

Chamber Honors Todd with Delchamps Award

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Citing his long service and unwavering support for the Mobile Area Chamber and the local community, Ernest W. Todd Jr. received the Alfred F. Delchamps Award at the Chamber’s 174th Annual Meeting in January. The award honors individuals who carry on the vision and principles of the late Alfred F. Delchamps Jr., a community leader who was motivated to create a better city image, stronger unity among people and an inviting environment for industry in Mobile.

The retired president of Alabama Federal Home Savings (no longer in existence), Todd was instrumental in establishing the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation in 1978, and 32 years later, he continues serving on the foundation board.

He is a past president of the Chamber’s board of directors and is one of only a few individuals to serve in that position twice.

Todd’s involvement in the Chamber included his position as president of the

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

headquarters building executive committee, where he was instrumental in raising funds for the Chamber’s current home at 451 Government St. Todd graduated from The University of Alabama and served in the U.S. Navy as a Pacific Theater transport pilot during World War II. He is also a Korean War veteran, and served as a flight instructor at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

In addition to his efforts on behalf of the Chamber, Todd served on nonprofit boards throughout the community, including Mobile Mental Health, United Way, Foundation for the Elderly and the Mobile Child Day Care Association. He was also the first chairman of the Martin Luther King Jr. Redevelopment Commission. In 1989, the Mobile Planning Council for Human Services awarded Todd its Community Service Award.

2011 Annual Meeting Sponsors 2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Award Winners

www.burrforman.com Burr & Forman LLP is a

century-old, full-service

law firm with more than 250 attorneys in offices throughout the Southeast. Burr & Forman attorneys act as counselors, strategists and advocates to regional, national and international clients of all sizes, from emerging businesses to some of the world’s largest corporations. With offices in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, Burr & Forman offers a wide range of business and litigation services. Among its many accolades, the company was named to The National Law Journal’s “NLJ 250” list of the nation’s top law firms and named by Southern Business & Development magazine as one of the “Top 10 Law Firms that Understand Economic Development.”

The following companies were instrumental in helping the Mobile Area Chamber present its 174th Annual Meeting in January at the Mobile Civic Center. With the financial support of these 17 area businesses, the Chamber produced a video annual report and brought more than 1,300 business professionals and 19 restaurants and caterers together for the area’s largest networking meeting.

Presenting Sponsor

www.banktrustonline.com BankTrust Alabama offers comprehensive banking services as well as a range of accounts and lending services.

BankTrust is a subsidiary of the BancTrust Financial Group Inc. holding corporation, headquartered in Mobile. It has 29 offices throughout Alabama and Florida. In addition, the company provides trust, investment, insurance, brokerage and financial planning services through its affiliates, BancTrust Co. Inc. and BancTrust Financial Services Inc. BankTrust’s legacy began in 1985 with the creation of Mobile National Corp. holding company. Its subsidiary, The Bank of Mobile, opened in 1986 and in 2002, changed its name to BankTrust, and the holding company’s name changed to BancTrust Financial Group Inc.

Corporate Sponsors

www.bbt.com Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C.,

BB&T Corp. is among the nation’s largest

financial-holding companies with $157.2 billion in assets. Its bank subsidiaries operate 1,800 financial centers in the Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Texas and Washington D.C. BB&T’s operating strategy utilizes groups of community banks, each with a regional president. According to the company, local leadership makes BB&T’s client service more responsive, reliable and empathetic. Since 1989, BB&T has completed the acquisition of more than 63 community banks and thrift savings plans, more than 95 insurance agencies and 37 non-bank financial services companies.

www.bcbsal.com Blue Cross and Blue Shield of

Alabama (BCBS), an independent

licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is one of the most trusted names in healthcare insurance. Founded in 1936, the company’s goal is to provide the best healthcare coverage in a caring and ethical manner. Headquartered in Birmingham, BCBS administers health and dental programs for more than 3 million individuals nationwide, including more than 2 million Alabamians. These individuals represent more than 28,000 companies, from large corporations to small businesses. In addition to providing access to quality healthcare, BCBS is also committed to its community by supporting United Way and other numerous civic organizations and charitable events.

www.exxonmobil.com ExxonMobil is the world’s

largest publicly traded

international oil and gas company, with an industry-leading inventory of global oil and gas resources. As the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, ExxonMobil is a chemical and technology company, applying science and innovation to find better, safer and cleaner ways to meet energy needs. Company officials compliment their employees for dedication to excellence by delivering safe, reliable operations, improving energy efficiency, maintaining strong business controls and continuing the company’s commitment to meeting the world’s growing demand for energy in an economically, environmentally and socially responsible manner.

www.gseeng.com Working from inception

to production, Gulf States

Engineering (GSE) is a full-service engineering design, project and construction management firm. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Mobile, the company’s portfolio serves industrial, commercial and government clients in the continental U.S. With an additional office in Gulfport and a staff of more than 60 employees, GSE provides customers with engineering services in civil and structural, mechanical and electrical, automation, and process and fire protection engineering. Other services include survey, construction management, compliance and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) consulting.

www.intship.com International Shipholding

Corp. and its subsidiaries are

engaged in waterborne cargo transportation, including pure car/truck carrier services, roll on/roll off, breakbulk/bulk carrier services, domestic coastwide services and rail ferry transportation (operating at a Mobile facility). As water transportation specialists, the company provides unique solutions for a diversified customer base with emphasis on medium- and long-term contracts and charters.

Subsidiaries operate 40 vessels and include Central Gulf Lines Inc., Waterman Steamship Corp., LCI Shipholdings Inc., CG Railway Inc., LMS Shipmanagement Inc. and East Gulf Shipholding Inc. International Shipholding Corp. maintains offices in Mobile, New York City, Shanghai and Singapore, as well as a network of agencies in major cities worldwide.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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www.joneswalker.com Since its inception in

1937, Jones Walker has

grown to one of the largest law firms in the South, serving local, regional, national and international business interests in a wide range of markets and industries. The firm has nearly 300 attorneys in Alabama; Arizona; Washington D.C.; Florida; Louisiana; and Texas.

Jones Walker managers say the company is committed to providing proactive legal services to major multinational, public and private corporations, Fortune 500 companies, money center banks and worldwide insurers, and emerging businesses. Jones Walker attorneys are licensed to practice in multiple states and the District of Columbia, and have international experience in several countries. The firm also supports numerous local and national civic and charitable organizations.

www.iflymo.com Mobile Regional Airport is

more than just an airport.

Guests and travelers enjoy a clean and safe terminal, free 30-minute parking, dining and shopping options, WiFi, comfortable rocking chairs, a fully staffed customer service center, an executive club for passengers and the nation’s first airport frequent flyer program. The airport serves travelers from a demographic area of more than a million residents, including Mobile, Biloxi, Gulfport and Pensacola. The airport’s Passport Program is a loyalty program rewarding passengers for flying Mobile, regardless of airline or destination. Other perks and amenities of the program include a free shuttle, free executive club and discounts at local travel agencies.

www.mobile-gas.com Mobile Gas is a natural

gas utility serving residential,

commercial and industrial customers in Mobile and surrounding areas of southwest Alabama. A full-service utility, Mobile Gas services and sells a complete line of natural gas appliances and offers commercial kitchen repair. One of the nation’s first natural gas distribution companies, Mobile Gas traces its origins to 1836 when Mobile’s downtown streets were lit with gas lamps.

Today, Mobile Gas is a unit of Sempra Energy’s Sempra Pipelines & Storage subsidiary. Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego, Calif. www.onecoastmedical.com One Coast Medical offers

one-stop shopping for home

medical and respiratory equipment, supplying the needs of north Mobile and Washington County residents. Located at 403B S. U.S. Hwy 43 in Saraland, the company offers hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, medical, urinary and diabetic supplies, CPAP (respiratory ventilation used to treat sleep apnea) machines and supplies, nebulizers, splints and braces, quad canes, oxygen therapy, scooters, chair lifts and more.

The company also sells nurses’ uniforms and accessories. One Coast Medical provides delivery within 24 hours on in-stock items and the company’s delivery drivers are courteous and knowledgeable to help with equipment setup and instructions.

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MARCH 2011

23

2011 Annual Meeting Sponsors

www.phelpsdunbar.com Phelps Dunbar is a full-

service law firm with more

than 275 attorneys practicing throughout the Gulf South region. The firm’s focus is in five major practice areas with numerous sub-specialties, including admiralty, business, commercial litigation, employment, and insurance and reinsurance. Additional areas of focus are aviation, products liability, tax, estate planning, corporate and securities, employee benefits, intellectual property and real estate. Founded in 1853 in New Orleans, Phelps Dunbar is one of the oldest law firms in continuous practice in the South. The firm’s management prides itself as a progressive and diverse partnership, offering a practice that is international in scope with offices in Mobile, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Jackson, Tupelo, Gulfport, Houston, Tampa and London, England. www.thompsonengineering.com Established in 1953, Thompson

Engineering, a subsidiary of

employee-owned Thompson Holdings Inc., is an engineering firm offering multi-disciplined consulting through planning, permitting, surveying, exploration, investigation, specialized testing, design, construction management and quality assurance inspection.

For more than 55 years, the company’s philosophy has been centered on client service and focused on customer needs, according to management. The organization’s structure is designed so project managers can access talents wherever necessary to meet project objectives. The company’s engineers, geologists and other professionals hold registrations in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. In addition, Thompson Engineering safety and environmental professionals are licensed to practice in all 50 states.

www.thyssenkruppnewusplant.com Driven by ideas and innovation, ThyssenKrupp is an integrated materials and technology group offering solutions for sustainable progress worldwide. ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC was created in 2007 to build and operate a technologically advanced carbon steel processing facility in north Mobile County. The $5.2 billion project is a cooperative effort with ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA that is constructing a neighboring stainless steel melt shop and processing facility. The two companies create a unique, cross-segment production partnership, allowing for costsharing in areas such as infrastructure, logistics and some processing. At full operation, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA will employ 1,800 to 2,000 team members and will process 4.3 million metric tons of carbon steel annually.

www.torplng.com Headquartered in Houston,

Torp LNG has its origins in

Remora Technology, a Hitec Industries company that specializes in industrial development and investment based in Stavanger, Norway.

Torp LNG, along with its affiliates, has operated its offshore engineering and construction since 1985. Projects include the design, construction and delivery of approximately 50 loading systems for crude oil and gas, four offshore gas processing facilities, a complete drilling vessel and several drilling modules. Torp also designs, permits, constructs, installs and operates offshore LNG receiving and regasification terminals, like the Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal in the Main Pass area in the Gulf of Mexico. www.southalabama.edu The University of South Alabama

(USA) is the largest provider of higher

education to the upper Gulf Coast region, enhancing the area’s economy and quality of life through teaching, research, public service and healthcare. With more than 15,000 students, USA is one of the state’s fastest growing universities, and has awarded more than 67,000 degrees. University officials say USA is maintaining its commitment to an aggressive agenda to enhance the quality of life in the area, including the creation of the USA Technology and Research Park and the Mitchell Cancer Institute, the region’s first comprehensive academic cancer research facility. Through its physicians and hospitals, USA serves more than 250,000 patients each year. USA’s diverse academic offerings include allied health professions, arts and sciences, Mitchell College of Business, computer and information sciences, continuing education and special programs, education, engineering, medicine, nursing and pharmacy.

www.whitneybank.com

Started in 1883, Whitney

National Bank is the principal

subsidiary of Whitney Holding Corp. and is the oldest continually operating bank in New Orleans and a banking leader in the Gulf South. Whitney National Bank offers community banking in a five-state region, including Houston; southern Louisiana; the coastal region of Mississippi; central and south Alabama; the Florida panhandle; and Florida’s Tampa Bay metropolitan area. The bank also has a foreign branch on Grand Cayman in the British West Indies. Through its bank, Whitney Securities & Investments and the Whitney Community Development Corp., the company offers commercial, retail and international banking services, as well as brokerage, investment, trust and mortgage services.

2011 Annual Meeting Contributors Restaurant Sponsors Alec Naman Catering Atlanta Bread The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel & Spa Bienville Club Bluegill Restaurant Catfish Junction Chef Rob & Co. Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering Creative Catering Don’s Café & Catering Service Felix’s Fish House The HoneyBaked Ham Co. Lassere’s Catering Morrissette & Co. Catering Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Ruth’s Chris Steak House SAVOR - Mobile Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ Tyner’s Catering

refreshments/Beverages AQUAlife Water & Coffee Service Community Coffee Kentwood Water Royal Cup Coffee

Florists All A Bloom Florist & Gifts Blooming Dell’s Florist Inc. Zimlich Patio and Garden d/b/a Elizabeth’s Gardens

Donations Dade Paper Co. - paper products Greer’s Catering - theatre reception Jeff Tesney Photography - photography Lewis Communications Inc. - creative design services Naman’s Catering - VIP reception OSI - printing ARC - banners

Services Dorsett Productions Media Services LLC LOCAL 15 SMG/Mobile Civic Center

Volunteers Azalea Trail Maids Mobile Area Chamber Diplomats

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Perception is Not Reality

By Allison Horner, State Farm Insurance agent

W

hen it comes to American families and financial planning, perception is not reality. Although many are overwhelmingly optimistic about their financial future, financial planning habits paint a different picture, according to a recent study commissioned by State Farm Life Insurance and conducted by KRC Research, a Washington D.C.-based firm.

The study shows although 82 percent of Americans are confident about their future finances, they are not adequately saving or protecting their money.

Key highlights from the study show the gap between perception and reality.

Savings Habits

Perception: Most Americans (82 percent) are optimistic about their financial future.

Life Insurance

Perception:

Don’t put off planning for your future.

More than seven in 10 Americans are confident they have enough life insurance.

Reality: Only 12 percent of Americans report having the industry recommended average of seven or more times the family’s annual income.

Allison Horner

State Farm Insurance

Reality: Nearly four in 10, say they live paycheck to paycheck and are not able to save.

Retirement Savings

Perception: The majority of Americans (58 percent) are not worried about outliving their retirement savings.

Reality: Social Security is the most prominent source of retirement income with one fifth of Americans reporting that it is their only or main source of retirement income.

Experts agree small investments made early on can make a significant difference in an individual’s financial health later in life. Don’t put off planning for your future.

Allison Horner is a State Farm insurance agent based in Mobile. She can be reached at 635-1646 or www.allisonhorner.com.

EVER WONDER WHY A LIGHTBULB IS THE UNIVERSAL SYMBOL FOR A GREAT IDEA?

Boost productivity and lower costs with an all-electric workplace.

With electricity you get reliable service and affordable energy. And we’ve got all kinds of ways to help you run your business more efficiently, whether it’s indoor heating, outdoor lighting or electric cooking and water heating. So your workplace, and your bottom line, look a whole lot better.

For more information on products and services that save you money, call 1-888-430-5787 or visit AlabamaPower.com. © 2011 Alabama Power Company

POWC-2355 Great Idea.indd 1

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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8:44 AM

CEO

Profile

SCORE

Tyloria Crenshaw Company: South Alabama CARES Title: Executive Director

Hometown: Mobile Education: Crenshaw earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Spring Hill College.

First job: Crenshaw started in retail as a sales manager for Macy’s Department Store in Atlanta.

Previous experience: Prior to Crenshaw’s work at CARES, she was the HIV/AIDS program coordinator at Franklin Primary Health Center Inc., program director for United Methodist Inner City Mission and public relations advocacy specialist for the Independent Living Center of Mobile.

Career-changing moment: Crenshaw said when she was let go from a marketing job in the private sector she decided to apply her skills toward her passion – marketing and public relations for nonprofit organizations.

Accomplishments: Crenshaw was a commissioned officer of the U.S. Army Signal Corps (Reserve) and a recipient of The Junior League of Mobile “Bloom Where You Are Planted” award for going beyond the call of duty. She is a licensed minister and sits on the board of directors for the Mobile County Metro Jail Ministry.

Secret to success: “My mother is a retired U.S. Army command sergeant major. She taught me to always leave a place, situation or individual in better condition than when you encountered them. Only then have you truly made your mark,” explained Crenshaw.

Family: Crenshaw has two daughters, one currently serving in Afghanistan.

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

“My great grandmother, Virginia Mallard, who lived to be 117 years old. She was born into slavery and survived the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil War, two World Wars, Vietnam and 50 years of marriage with children,” Crenshaw said.

Brief company description: CARES, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1987 by a group of Mobilians recognizing the need for resources for individuals with HIV/AIDS. A staff of 12 includes case managers, social workers, and testing and education coordinators serving more than 600 people in 13 counties.

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

Business Matchmaking: How to Sell to the Big Guys It can be frustrating for a small business If you’ve never sold to large corporations or government agencies, it is an excellent trying to land its first sale to a public starting point. Business matchmaking institution, government agency or major levels the playing field, allowing every small corporation. One of the most helpful steps – business an equal opportunity to learn about meeting personally with the right person – selling to big business, public institutions is often the most difficult to take. But a series of U.S. Small Business Administration (like universities) and government entities at local, state and (SBA) regional Fast Facts national levels. events called Nationally, business business What: Business Matchmaker owners have landed matchmaking is more than 20,000 bringing corporate When: Thursday, March 3 one-on-one and government Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. appointments with buyers face-to-face key government and with small business Where: USA Student Center corporate officials owners.

More information: from hundreds of The SBA, www.southalabama.edu/sbdc major corporations University of South and agencies.

Alabama Small If you are unsure Business Development how to prepare your pitch for the Center and the Mobile Area Chamber will matchmaker, small business advisors with sponsor a business matchmaker, Thursday, the local SCORE office can help you: March 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the • Identify potential buyers of your University of South Alabama Student product or services; Center.

• Write and submit successful Archinique Kidd, Mobile Area Water proposals; and and Sewer System’s (MAWSS) underutilized • Plan your marketing and sales business coordinator, is a yearly participant approach, and line up financing. in the matchmaker. According to Kidd, it is Registration and appointments are an opportunity to meet new suppliers, obtain required for the March event. To register or information about what they offer and let suppliers know what MAWSS will be looking learn more about business matchmaking, visit www.southalabama.edu/sbdc. to purchase in the future. In addition, Appointments are limited and early companies gain information on becoming registration is recommended. a vendor with MAWSS. “It’s quick, but we’re both getting good, targeted information in a For additional help identifying potential business short period of time,” Kidd said. opportunities or for a confidential one-on-one counseling Business matchmaking doesn’t promise session at no charge, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter at you’ll snag a deal, but it does offer a chance 431-8614. to state your case directly to decision makers.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Is my team ready?

Answers for today’s business questions.

Empowering people through hands-on executive coaching, consulting and team building. We tie people to productivity and to profitability.

Rick Miller, CEO 251.472.5629 pro356consulting.com Fairhope, Alabama

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usiness Spotlight of the Month

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

AHI Corporate Housing Pictured left to right: Maurice Edwards (customer service manager), Amy Williams (general manager), Phillip Moore (account manager), April Bohannnon (account manager) and Henry Lang (customer service associate). The company provides travelers a homestyle setting in corporate housing as an alternative to hotel stays for lengthy visits.

Owner: Ralph P. Moore Location: 1250 I-65 Service Road W.

Member since: 2005

Brief description of business: AHI Corporate Housing provides fully-furnished apartments for business travelers relocating to the area or on temporary assignment. In addition to its Mobile location, the company has seven offices in Alabama, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

What is unique or innovative about your business? The corporate housing industry is a relatively new concept providing an alternative to long-term stays in a hotel room. Corporate housing allows individuals to focus on business tasks and not housing issues, says owner Ralph Moore.

Most significant challenge: “It is sometimes difficult keeping residents and/or family members happy during what might be ‘trying times.’ Small issues can become large issues to family members during this transitional period in their lives,” said Moore.

Phone number: 460-2655

iplomat of the Month

Phillip Moore It’s hard to imagine Phillip Moore with idle time on his hands. As a Chamber diplomat, he can be found welcoming visitors, attending ribbon cuttings and participating in other Chamber events. In just two months as a diplomat, Moore has captured the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month recognition for his volunteer work.

Moore is an account manager for AHI Corporate Housing, also the Chamber’s Business Spotlight of the Month. The company provides fully furnished apartments for business travelers relocating to the area or on temporary assignment.

Moore said he enjoys Chamber events, and serving as a diplomat is also a privilege allowing him to network, learn about Chamber businesses and offer his company’s services. “This gives me the opportunity to be more personable with Chamber members as well as getting to see how things operate behind the scenes,” he said.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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MARCH 2011

Photo by Jeff Tesney

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Website: www.theahigroup.com

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n v e stor Focus

Phelps Dunbar LLP Company official: Cooper C. Thurber, managing partner, Mobile office

Years in business: 158 years

Brief company description: Phelps Dunbar is a full-service law firm with more than 275 attorneys practicing throughout the Gulf South region, with offices locally in Mobile, Gulf Shores, and Grove Hill; and regionally in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La.; Jackson, Tupelo, Pascagoula and Gulfport, Miss; Houston; Tampa, Fla.; and London, England.

The firm’s core practices include: admiralty, business, commercial litigation, employment, and insurance and reinsurance.

Why are you located in Mobile? “We are in Mobile because of the Port of Mobile,” said Thurber. “It is the center of commerce for our area and the heart of the Gulf Coast.”

Phelps Dunbar’s Mobile office at 2 N. Royal St. is one of the firm’s many locations. The company also has area offices in Gulf Shores, Pascagoula and Grove Hill; and regionally in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Florida.

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “Anything that is good for business is good for a law firm devoted to helping businesses thrive,” said Thurber. “We feel an extra sense of satisfaction when we represent companies who understand the need for a strong Chamber of Commerce.”

Length of Chamber membership: Chamber records only go back to 1960, but “we think we’ve been a member since the Chamber was formed,” said Thurber.

Why do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? Thurber says the answer to that continues to be the waterfront. “From our offices, we have observed and participated in the renewed vibrancy of downtown Mobile and what the Downtown Mobile Alliance and RSA have contributed to that effort.”

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.

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

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A

Featured Profiles

dvisors

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

R. Preston Bolt Jr. is managing partner for Hand Arendall LLC, practicing in the fields of public finance, securities, and commercial Bolt and lending transactions. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree, and earned a juris doctorate from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Bolt is a member of the Alabama and Mobile County Bar Associations, the National Association of Bond Lawyers and numerous civic and charitable boards, including the Mobile Area Education Foundation. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Public Finance Law and is a Fellow of the American College of Bond Counsel. Hand Arendall is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Michael E. Hicks Jr. is president and chief executive officer for Hixardt Technologies Inc. He received a bachelor’s degree Hicks in computers and information systems from Florida A&M University. Hicks is a retired naval aviator who flew electronic warfare missions during Desert Shield/Storm and came to our area as a flight instructor at Training Air Wing Five at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

His first commercial business, Pensacola Internet, grew to become the second largest Internet service provider in Pensacola. In 1998, Hicks sold the company’s residential customers to Mindspring, and business customers to Network Telephone, and eventually became Network Telephone’s Internet technology director. In 2001, Hicks founded Hixardt Technologies. Hicks is a member of the Chamber’s board of directors.

Keith Manwaring is district director for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Inc., overseeing operations supplying blood Manwaring products to eight of the nine major hospitals in Mobile and Baldwin counties. A native of South Africa, he initially moved to Mobile from Australia to work with Integrity Media. He retired as president of Integrity International Group after 15 years overseeing its global expansion and operations in more than 160 countries.

Educated in South Africa, Manwaring majored in financial management, and later studied international contract negotiations and conflict resolution at Harvard Business School’s executive education program. He has a long record of service with nonprofits and charities internationally and in the U.S., and currently serves on the boards of several nonprofits.

Featured Profiles

oard of Directors

Robert B. Keyser is federal program manager and chief operating officer for Thompson Engineering Inc. Prior to joining Thompson in 2009, Keyser was senior Keyser vice president for O’Brien & Gere. In 2004, he retired after 26 years of active duty as an Army engineer officer, having served as commander of the Mobile and Philadelphia, Pa., districts, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Keyser has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He is past president of the Society of American Military Engineers and a member of the Army Engineer Association. He is a member of the City of Fairhope recreation board and a volunteer soccer coach. Keyser will serve as Chamber vice-chair for military affairs during 2011.

Gordon Smart is vice president of operations for Star Aviation. A native of Lake Charles, La., Smart received a bachelor’s degree Smart in business management from the University of South Alabama (USA) while attending on an athletic soccer scholarship. During his college career, Smart helped USA win three Sun Belt Conference titles. Upon graduation, he played three years in the Pro Soccer League for the Mobile Revelers and continued his academic goals by obtaining a degree in computer-aided drafting before embarking on his aviation and aerospace career. Smart currently serves as an officer on the board of directors for Alabama Aerospace Industry Association, and is a member of the Mobile Area Chamber’s air service task force and workforce development efforts.

Richard Marler led the formation of Signal International in 2003 and is its president, chief executive officer and chairman of the Marler board. He has more than 35 years experience in the marine industry. Before launching Signal International, Marler was president of Codonix Inc., a medical computer software company, and also served as chief operating officer for Friede Goldman International Inc. from 1997 to 1998. Marler was employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding for 23 years, with his last position as senior vice president. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, is an alumnus of American University’s School of International Relations and is a graduate of the National Defense Intelligence College.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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hamber@Work

Envision Sustainability Forum In February, Envision Coastal Alabama held a regional forum focused on the topic of sustainability. During this panel-led discussion, Envision volunteers and strategy partners tackled many of the region’s most pressing workforce development, educational, environmental, transportation and quality of life issues. This event was facilitated by Bethany Kraft, executive director of the Alabama Coastal Foundation.

New Event – Speed Networking – Held Speed Networking is a new event providing attendees the opportunity to make a maximum amount of connections in a minimal amount of time through one-onone time. The first event was held on Feb. 9 at the Chamber, and included a light breakfast. More than 30 Chamber members participated in this inaugural event, which will be held two additional times in 2011 on June 8 and Oct. 12.

Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings American Gold Parties, Bikram Hot Yoga Mobile, Boy Scouts of America, Brock Safety Group, Candlewood Suites Mobile/Downtown, Food World – Saraland, Franklin Primary Health Center, Fusion Spa Salon, IBERIABANK, Longleaf Pines Apartments, Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, Occupational Health Center, South Alabama Spay & Neuter Center, SSAB Americas, Viva Medicare Plus and Wells Fargo all recently held grand openings or ribbon cuttings.

If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribbon cutting event, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

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Sen. Richard Shelby Speaks to Sold-Out Audience On Feb. 14, Sen. Richard Shelby was the guest for the Chamber’s Forum Alabama breakfast sponsored by Alabama State Port Authority, held at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Hotel. He offered attendees his perspective on some of the most pressing issues facing the U.S. now, including healthcare, environmental regulations, free trade agreements and financial regulatory reforms.

2011 Business Retention and Expansion Committee Goals The Chamber’s business retention and expansion committee, chaired by Mike Lee with Page & Jones, outlined its 2011 goals to include a focus on the hospitality and tourism industry, and the logistics and warehousing sectors. During the January meeting, Elizabeth Sanders of the Downtown Mobile Alliance presented the new plan for the west entrance and exit to the Wallace tunnels and provided an update to issues impacting downtown businesses.

Chamber President Joins Aerospace Alliance Chamber President Win Hallett has joined Aerospace Alliance, a group with representatives from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, working to establish the Southeast as a world-class aerospace and aviation corridor advocating for policies, programs and specific aerospace projects on the local, state and national level. By attracting major programs and projects, the region will also be more attractive to suppliers, causing a ripple effect that will mean more jobs and further enhance the region’s economic growth.

Chamber Names New Diplomats Michelle Jayroe, Faulkner University; Phillip Moore, AHI Corporate Housing; and Jason Morris, Server Corps, were named as new diplomats for the Chamber.

Diplomats are a group of volunteer members who assist the Chamber with a variety of projects, including event registration, member visits and attending ribbon cuttings. To learn more about this group, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

Reception Held in Honor of New EADS North America Employees In January, the Chamber’s economic development department co-hosted a reception for the EADS North America KC45 tanker team at the Mobile Museum of Art. More than 275 people attended the event, including EADS executives Ralph Crosby, Sam Adcock and Michael Cosentino.

Follow Up with Prior Summer Scrubs Students The Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development developed a survey instrument to judge the success of Summer Scrubs – a weeklong program for 10th - 12th grade students immersing them into the healthcare field. From the survey responses, 69 percent of the former students are currently enrolled in healthcare studies, and 24 percent are currently employed in the healthcare field. This year’s Summer Scrubs will take place July 25-29. To learn more, go to www.summerscrubs.com.

omparative Economic Indicators

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

30

Business Licenses City of Mobile

Average Selling Price Mobile County

231,825 2009

170 2009

$140,648 2010 $139,037 2009

Homes Sold⌦

Building Permits

9.6% 2010 10.9% 2009 MARCH 2011

Chamber Leads Trade Mission to Ireland in May The Chamber’s international trade division hosted a trade mission briefing on Ireland, attended by more than 15 people in January. Dr. Stephen J. Anderson, commercial counselor at U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, served as the main speaker. The state of Alabama and the Mobile Area Chamber will lead the mission to Dublin and Belfast in May. To learn more about participating in this trip, contact Christina Stimpson, trade program manager, at 431-6848 or cstimpson@ mobilechamber.com.

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

168 2010

Mobile/Baldwin counties

Offshore Alabama Collaborates with USA’s Mitchell College of Business The Chamber’s oil and gas task force – named Offshore Alabama – worked with MBA students from the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business to develop a strategic marketing plan highlighting the Alabama Gulf Coast’s ability to serve and support the Gulf of Mexico’s oil and gas industry. The study will be used as a blueprint for oil and gas industry-related economic development and recruitment to take advantage of future industry growth.

DECEMBER 2010 vs DECEMBER 2009

244,816 2010

Unemployment Rates

Chamber Names Three New Board of Advisors The Chamber’s board of advisors represents key businesses whose significant dues investment leads the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. To date there are 238 companies that make up the board. New board of advisors are: The Forum for Family Business, Mitternight Boiler Works and Saunders Yachtworks.

Mobile County

219 2010 256 2009

City of Mobile

295 2010 207 2009

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Value of Building Permits $28,412,286 2010 $26,720,397 2009

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 22,267 2010 22,463 2009

MARCH

4

Chamber Classic Golf Tournament

*Members Only

Bring clients for a relaxing day of fun and networking on the golf course. This year’s tournament will be Friday, March 4 at TimberCreek, 9650 TimberCreek Blvd., in Daphne.

Breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Individual tickets are $150 and hole sponsorships are available for $850.

For a reservation and/or sponsorship information, contact Missy Hartley at mhartley@ mobile chamber.com or 431-8638. See ad on page 30

7-8 9

Chamber Closed for Mardi Gras Networking@Noon

*Members Only

N@N is a bi-monthly event offering members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business to 40 other representative businesses. The event will be held Wednesday, March 9 at Spot of Tea, 310 Dauphin St., from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The event is limited to Mobile Area Chamber members, and only one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Payment is due at the time of reservation and must be made no later than Monday, March 7. Reservations not canceled by March 7 must be honored to cover the cost of lunch. Contact Missy Hartley at mhartley@mobilechamber.com or 431-8638.

C 15

alendar

Executive Roundtable *Members Only

Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber-member small business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, March 15 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room, 451 Government St. Liz Freeman, Long’s Human Resource Services’ vice president of administration and technology, will discuss Long’s recent certification by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s IMAGE program and how it benefits local employers.

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

Reach 22,200 Decision Makers EACH Month

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

23

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

Real Estate Summit The University of South Alabama College of Business Center for Real Estate Studies, in conjunction with the Mobile Area Chamber, will host the fourth annual Gulf Coast Commercial Real Estate Summit, Wednesday, March 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 S. Water St. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

The all-day workshop featuring commercial real estate industry leaders will offer reports, data, insight and interpretations of the local market. It is the only program of this type on the coast.

Continuing education credits are available and should be requested the day of the event.

The cost is $175 and includes lunch, and reservations are required. Refunds will not be given after March 2.

24

Business After Hours

Join Chamber members and diplomats Thursday, March 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. The popular event, sponsored this month

by United Way of Southwest Alabama, is one of the Chamber’s best opportunities to introduce your business and make new contacts.

The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for potential members and includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Reservations are not necessary.

Don’t Miss A Blooming Thing This Spring at

Advertise in The Business View By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area businesses every month plus another 7,500 business professionals who receive it

electronically.

Stroll through 65 acres of azalea lined paths with family and friends Spring Events for the Whole Family...

Camellia Classic Car Show - April 2 Easter Egg Hunt - April 16 Easter Sunrise Service - April 24 Mother’s Day Concert - May 8 Contact René Eiland at 251.431.8635 or e-mail reiland@mobilechamber.com. www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf

www.bellingrath.org

Open Daily 8am - 5pm, Closed December 25 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road s Theodore, Alabama 36582 800.247.8420 / 251.973.2217

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

The Business View |

MARCH 2011

31

M

e mber News

Distinguished Young Women (America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program), hired Stephanie Bradford as communications director.

Bradford graduated cum Bradford laude from Auburn University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She previously worked as campaign coordinator for GulfQuest and, most recently, a project liaison for JJPR. X Ronnie Babb joined Jedson Engineering’s Mobile office as regional manager of business development for the Southeast region. Babb Babb brings more than 40 years experience in engineering, procurement, construction and construction management of Industrial projects.

X Dauphin Realty welcomed Kelly Anderson to its west McDonough Anderson Mobile office and Jim McDonough to the firm’s corporate office in midtown Mobile. Anderson and McDonough will specialize in residential sales.

X Sovereign Consulting Inc., an environmental consulting and remediation firm, hired biologist Hayleigh McSwain Barlar. Barlar earned a bachelor’s degree Barlar in biology from The University of Alabama.

FIND THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB

facebook.com/MobileChamber

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com

mobilechamber.com/chamberblog.asp twitter.com/MobileChamber youtube.com/MobileChamber

32

MARCH 2011

Four Point Staffing promoted Tory McKean to director of operations.

McKean has 10 years experience in the staffing industry and holds a McKean bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Alabama.

X The Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS Mobile Office Gant Marks welcomes new agents Stefany Gant and Doris Marks.

X Ramona M. Hill was named vice president of enrollment management for Spring Hill College.

Hill is the owner of Workshops, Etc. Inc., a Hill workshop and facilitation service. Hill earned a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in human resources from Keller Graduate School of Management and is a certified trainer and instructor in leadership development.

X Hand Arendall LLC named Katie L. Hammett as a member of the firm. She received her judicial degree from The University of Hammett Alabama School of Law. X Infirmary Health’s Medical Industrial Medical Clinics welcomed Dr. William J. McDowell.

McDowell earned his medical degree at Wayne State University in Michigan McDowell and advanced (master’s) degree in public health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In addition, Doug Daniel is the clinic’s newly appointed director. He previously served as the business development coordinator for the Daniel occupational medicine program for 10 years. He is a graduate of Auburn University.

Satsuma native Turner Ward was named new manager of the Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club. Ward previously served as the Ward hitting coach for the team.

Before joining the BayBears, Ward was a part of two World Series champion teams.

X Kasie Irby joined Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union as the business development officer for the Mobile area. Irby has six years of financial service Irby experience and is a graduate of Athens State University in Athens Ala. X

Atkinson

Bradley

Hartley

Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc., REALTORS welcomed new sales associates Leni Atkinson to the Azalea office, and Brie Bradley, William Hartley and Jon Lindman Lindman to the Cottage Hill office.

H. Radcliff

Schatzman

S. Radcliff

Hutch Radcliff, Chris Schatzman, Self Radcliff and Marshall Shields formed the RADCLIFFSCHATZMAN GROUP at Morgan Stanley Smith Shields Barney LLC. The firm provides comprehensive wealth management and retirement planning services to business owners, corporate executives and high net worth individuals.

X Hoar Construction is set to start construction on Troy University’s multisports arena. The 126,000-square-foot, twostory facility will be used for basketball, volleyball, convocations, large meetings, commencements, concerts and other special events. Construction will be completed in time for the May 2012 commencement.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Red Square Agency reunited with Computer Program and Systems Inc. (CPSI). The company re-hired Red Square to provide strategic marketing counsel and tactics to strengthen CPSI’s brand awareness.

X McNorton Jones PC is now McNorton Ishee & Jones CPA, offering business and individual tax, accounting and audit services at 41 W. I-65 Service Road N., Suite 190. For more information, call 251-316-3636 or visit www.mcnortonjonescpa.com.

X Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC accounting and consulting firm recently combined its Dauphin St. and North Florida St. offices under one roof. The firm is currently located on the fourth floor in the BB&T Bank Centre, 41 W. Interstate 65 Service Rd. N. The new location also houses the firm’s affiliates: Wilkins Miller Hieronymus Wealth Management and Wilkins Miller Hieronymus Information Technologies.

X Employment Screening Services announced it successfully achieved compliance with the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) accreditation program and will be formally recognized as Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC) Accredited.

X FlourGirls Bakery recently opened at 740 Hillcrest Road. The bakery offers a variety of baked goods, Tuesday-Saturday.

Mondays, by appointment only. Phone number is 634-2285 or visit www.

FlourGirlsBakery.net.

X Lifeguard Ambulance Service announced it is using Electronic Patient Care Reporting or ePCR, a state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient care. The system provides ambulance medical teams immediate access to state-approved medical protocols via laptop computer, lending guidance for treatment and allowing more accurate documentation of the patient care process.

X White-Spunner Construction Inc. announced the completion of The Muses, an innovative urban residential development in Historic Central City, New Orleans, La. The 263 apartment units in two, four-story buildings are the first property of its kind to earn LEED-Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation in the state of Louisiana.

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.

Dr. Terry Hazzard, dean of students at Bishop State Community College, received the 2010 Alabama Community College System (ACCS) “Administrator of the Hazzard Year Chancellor’s Award.”

Hazzard joins an elite group of 24 prior winners, recognizing individuals from with the highest standards of professional performance and service among college employees. Other Bishop State employees recognized at the conference were Dr. Tammy Dennis, academic faculty; Carol Thompson, technical faculty; and Mamie Giles, support staff.

X The University of Mobile Reading Council was cited as “one of the most successful reading programs in the state of Alabama” ALA-STAR Award program of the Alabama Reading Association. The UMobile Reading Council was among 10 in the state that received the award, and one of seven to be named to the Alabama Reading Association Honor Council.

Russell Thompson Butler & Houston LLP, accounting and consulting firm, announced Daniel G. Adams passed the CPA (Certified Public Adams Accountant) exam. Adams is a staff accountant in the firm’s Mobile office.

His practice areas primarily include financial audits, focusing on insurance companies, retirement plans and construction contractors.

X Dr. Troy Stevens, director of the University of South Alabama Center for Lung Biology, was recently awarded a Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Stevens award by the National Institutes of Health. MERIT awards are among the most selective grants awarded

by NIH and are typically funded for up to 10 years.

X The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Hotel and Spa in Point Clear has been recognized as “One of the Top 500 Hotels in the World” in the January issue of Travel Leisure magazine.

S. Dees

Foster

J. Dees

Local Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc., REALTORS’ Sales Associates received sales professional awards by Prudential National. Sheree Dees Pope received first place and Don Foster second place in Alabama for Residential GCI (Goldberg Companies Inc.), or total income earned in residential sales.

Foster also earned first place in Alabama for residential sales, Jeff Dees received second place and Tim Pope placed third. All associates listed work out of the company’s Azalea Road office.

X The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the city of Mobile will host the 13th annual World Leisure Congress in 2014. This will make Mobile, Ala., the first city in the United States to hold the congress, which in the

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

|

past has been hosted in cities like Sao Paulo, Brazil; Quebec City, Canada; Hangzhou, China; Bilbao, Spain; and this year in Chuncheon City, Korea. The event is expected to attract 4,500 people and generate $20 million for the Port City.

Community News Alabama Tourism announced BayFest Music Festival, Mobile, is one of the “Top 10 Events for 2011” that celebrates milestones in tourism in Alabama. The event is scheduled for Oct. 7-9 this year and is expecting more than 225,000 people in attendance.

The Business View |

MARCH 2011

33

N

e w M e m b ers

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

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

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

Aerostar Environmental Services Inc. Tiffany Seibt 803 Government St., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-2664 www.aerostar.net Environmental Consultants American Family Care Saraland John Chamberlain 65 Industrial Pkwy.

Saraland, AL 36571 251-403-8902 Ext: 2144 Medical Clinics Barry’s U Pull It Auto Parts Inc. Richard Schmidt 5385 Barry Dr. Theodore, AL 36582 251-653-2925 www.barrysupullit.net Automobile Parts SupplyUsed-Rebuilt Byrd’s Safety & Supply Steve Byrd 4032 Dauphin Island Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36605 251-471-5075 Fire Extinguisher CarVer-D’S Party Supplies & Rentals LLC Vernonia Davis 2908 Fox Run Ct. Mobile, AL 36695 251-370-5448 Rental Service Stores/Yards Citrin, Rihner & Gupta Cardiology PC Karen P. Hocklander 600 Providence Park Dr. E. Mobile, AL 36695 251-634-1544 www.crgcardiology.com Physician/Surgeon-MDCardiology DHL Express Martin Strohmeyer 13350 International Pkwy., Ste. 103 Jacksonville, FL 32218 904-779-3432 www.dhl-usa.com Air Cargo/Package Express Service Elite Collections LLC Mark Clifford 625 W. Laurel Ave. Foley, AL 36535 251-971-1499 www.elitecollections.biz Collection Agency

Expert Dry Michael Conroy P.O. Box 12 Lillian, AL 36549 251-962-3754 www.expertdry.com Water Damage Restoration

Time Savers Concierge Tricia Mahathy P.O. Box 16612 Mobile, AL 36616 251-243-3700 www.timesaversconcierge.com Concierge Services

Gethsemane Cemetery Inc. Nettie Stewart 800 Mobile St. Mobile, AL 36617 251-456-6528 Cemeteries

Windstream Communications Sheila Murphy 61 St. Joseph St., Ste. 1200 Mobile, AL 36602 251-378-3783 www.business.windstream.com Telecommunications Consultants

Opportunity 4 Entertainers & Performing Arts Kalenski Adams P.O. Box 1228 Mobile, AL 36633 251-786-0623 Nonprofit Organization Pride of Mobile Barbershop Chorus Peter Taylor 5900 Couton Dr. Mobile, AL 36693 251-367-5802 www.prideofmobile.com Musician Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc.- Joy Sullivan Joy Sullivan 900 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36695 251-421-2923 www.sullivanj.prudentialcooper.com Real Estate RD Lowes Inc. Rob Lowe 3221 Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36606 251-471-0028 Painting Contractors Really Dough Robert Payton P.O. Box 850831 Mobile, AL 36685 251-463-1033 www.ReallyDough.com Restaurants Southern Avionics & Communications Thomas Greer 2495-A Michigan Ave. Mobile, AL 36615 251-433-9980 www.avionics.net Aircraft Service-MaintenanceRepair

Wiregrass Archaeological Consulting LLC Justin Stickler P.O. Box 9385 Dothan, AL 36304 334-685-3354 www.wiregrassarchaeology.com Environmental Consultants Workforce Housing Alliance US Inc. Robert Pitts 8158 Hwy. 59, Ste. 106 Gulf Shores, AL 36535 251-233-3356 www.WHA-US.org Nonprofit Organization World Finance Corp.

Desirée Gade 3684 Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608 251-340-1999 Loans Yolo Dessert Bar Ralph Yarbrough 4356 Old Shell Rd., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36608 251-461-0700 www.yolodessertbar.com Restaurants As of 12/31/10

A

nniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

45 YEARS

Claude Moore Jeweler Inc. Cummings & Associates Delchamps Printing Co. Inc. Gulf Coast Marine Supply Johnstone Adams Bailey Gordon and Harris LLC Riley-Stuart Supply Co. Robinson Brothers Lincoln Mercury Volvo Standard Equipment Co. Inc. Thompson Engineering Inc. Urology Associates of Mobile PA Volkert Inc.

40 YEARS Lewis Communications Inc.

35 YEARS Stuart C. Irby Co.

25 YEARS

Autry Greer & Sons Inc. Bel Air Mall Courtney & Pharr Inc. Dauphin Realty Inc. Delaney Development Inc. Metals USA Precision IBC Inc. Richard Murray & Co. Inc. Thames Batre’ Mattei Beville & Ison Wells Fargo Advisors

20 YEARS

Stratis Business Centers Mobile

10 YEARS

Bill Baff Landscape Inc. Carrabba’s Italian Grill Ed’s Seafood Shed Gulfbelt Properties Inc. Orion Engineering Inc. Women’s Business Center Inc.

5 YEARS

APM Terminals (Mobile Container Terminal LLC) Branch, Bell, Zoghby Downtown Mobile Alliance

Employers’ Accounting Services LLC Gulf Coast Containers Hutchinson Moore & Rauch LLC Knight Abbey Printing & Direct Mail Liberty Roofing & Home Improvements Verge Walashek Industrial & Marine

1-4 YEARS

ABC Destinations Afrohair.com Alabama Fluid System Technologies Inc. Annie’s Beauty Salon Boy Scouts of America Cartridge World of Mobile Comfort Suites Saraland Cooper Marine and Timberlands Corp.

Cornerstone Solutions Inc. Ecovery LLC Edward Jones Investments FHS Inc. Forensic Financial Services Group LLC Eugenia Foster Grelot Physical Therapy Integra Water LLC The Lathan Co. Inc. LBP Interpreting Inc The Learning Tree Inc. Miche Bags of the Gulf Coast LLC Mobile Mechanical Mobile Screen Print & Embroidery/ Ad Specialties Momma Goldberg’s Deli Moore Properties LLC Newk’s Express Café Pepe’s Consignment Boutique Pinnacle Systems Corp.

Safety Plus Inc. Saunders Yachtworks Scrapping Frenzy LLC Serimax North America Server Corps Skipper Insurance & Realty Southern Haulers LLC Spanish Fort Town Center Apartments SportPlex of Mobile Stone Ridge at Somerby Park Apartment Homes Telephone Data Services of Mobile Inc. ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

There is Strength in Numbers...

A recent study showed that consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a Chamber member. For as little as 83 cents a day your membership will yield a return in: • Business assistance; • Professional development seminars and counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests; and much more.

For more information about becoming a member, contact Carolyn Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@mobilechamber.com or visit www.mobilechamber.com.

The Business of Mobile is Our Business.

34

MARCH 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

All our commercial clients have one thing in common.

They come first.

RBC Bank has specialists in financing, leasing, treasury management services and international banking. Each banking officer is committed to using their expertise to help you seize new opportunities and maximize your company’s potential for growth. Plus, we’re a part of the Royal Bank of Canada, a proven world leader. And as a member of the RBC family, we can offer you the peace of mind that comes from that relationship combined with the personal service and practical guidance you would expect from a local bank.

Cedric Hatcher | Regional President, Commercial Feel free to contact Cedric at 251-432-8611 63 S. Royal Street, Mobile

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

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...helps navigate a steady course.

Growing river traffic translates into new customers for the Mobile Bar Pilots. That’s why Patrick Wilson values the Chamber’s international trade efforts. Increasing imports and exports by local companies help his business. As one of 2,200 Chamber members, Patrick has access to resources, exposure and networking to help the Mobile Bar Pilots grow and make it thrive – and he reminds us all, a rising tide lifts all boats.

Patrick Wilson Mobile Bar Pilots 10 Employees Founded 1865

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