The Business View - March 2012 by Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

MARCH 2012

the

VIEW

Pierce to Lead Chamber in

2012

Chamber Selects 2011

Award Winners

Dr. Stephen Dill on

Leaving a Legacy

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MARCH 2012 | The Business View

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

the

Vol. XLIII, No. 2

VIEW

March 2012

Two companies set to co-locate on ThyssenKrupp site

14 Cover

10 11

12-13

The Chamber launches a new marketing campaign, Believe in Mobile. Belong to the Chamber. Opportunity 175 was a gala held in January to honor the Chamber’s 175th anniversary. Dr. Stephen F. Dill’s remarks during Opportunity 175 in its entirety

19-23

Learn more about the Chamber’s 2011 award winners.

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

Small Business of the Month: Petrie’s

15-16

University of South Alabama set to offer a doctorate of business administration

Additional Writers and Editors Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Greta Sharp, Carolyn Wilson

the business VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2012 Publisher.....................................Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor................................Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor....................................... Jennifer Jenkins Copy Editor............................................Michelle Matthews

The Mobile Area Education Foundation’s 80/20 program is designed to help more students graduate from high school and succeed in life. Chamber offers trip to the French Riviera

8 9

SCORE Column: How to comply with the immigration law and E-Verify

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce named Michael Pierce its 2012 Chairman. Read about Pierce and his goals for the Chamber in 2012. See story on page 14. Cover photo by Jeff Tesney Photography.

Chamber President Win Hallett addresses the immigration issue from the Chamber’s perspective

24 CEO Profile: Perry Hand, Volkert Inc. 26 Investor Focus: Crow Shields & Bailey 27 Meet two new Chamber staff members - LeMaris Alston and Dawn Rencher

28 29 29

30 31 32-34 35 35

Chamber@Work Ambassador of the Month: Dorothy May Board of Advisor Profiles: Celia Baehr and James Laier PhD Economic Indicators Calendar Member News Anniversaries New Members

The Business View | MARCH 2012

FROM THE PUBLISHER UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

MITCHELL COLLEGE of BUSINESS

Center for Real Estate Studies

Gulf Coast Commercial Real Estate Summit V Area real estate experts discuss everything you need to know about the market from retail to industrial properties to residential trends to finance and credit.

Wednesday, March 21 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 South Water Street, Mobile

Cost $195

events.mobilechamber.com Registration and payment required before March 16 - No refunds after this date

For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly at (251) 431-8655 or smattingly@mobilechamber.com

Sponsorships are still available Contact Marcina Lang at (251) 460-6735 or marcinalang@usouthal.edu

Immigration Law Has Unintended Consequences A great deal has been said about Alabama’s immigration law in the Press-Register, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, CBS, MSNBC, Reuters and many other media outlets. Unfortunately, the national press we’re receiving is not the kind any state would welcome. The Mobile Area Chamber believes illegal immigrants should not be working in Alabama, or in any other state. Unfortunately, the well-intentioned law we currently have has brought a basketful of unintended Win Hallett consequences for legal immigrants, visitors President, Mobile Area from other countries and citizens alike. Chamber of Commerce In a state wealthy in foreign direct investment (Airbus, Austal, Evonik-Degussa, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, SSAB and • Immigrants do not typically compete ThyssenKrupp, to name a few), our for jobs with native-born workers, and they current law is causing us to be viewed as create jobs as entrepreneurs, consumers unwelcoming to foreign workers and and taxpayers; investment. And, indeed, that may be the • Immigrants give a slight boost to the most damaging consequence of all. wages of Americans by increasing their In a recent survey conducted by the productivity and stimulating investment; Chamber of its members’ heads of firm, • Immigrants will replenish the U.S. a majority of respondents believe foreign labor force as the Baby Boomers retire; direct investment has • Undocumented been positive for immigrants are not Alabama (99.6 percent), eligible for federal public “Unfortunately, and two-thirds of our benefit programs, and the well-intentioned members believe the law legal immigrants face needs structural changes stringent eligibility law we currently (76.7 percent). Alabama restrictions; have has brought Attorney General Luther • Undocumented a basketful of Strange and leading immigrants pay billions legislators agree the law of dollars in taxes each unintended has taken us down a year, often for benefits consequences for road we did not want to they will never receive; travel. • Today’s legal immigrants, Legal immigrants immigrants are buying visitors from other are an important part homes and becoming of the state’s workforce, U.S. citizens; and countries and and barriers to their • Immigration citizens alike.” ability to work here does not cause crime should be minimized. rates to rise, and Likewise, illegal immigrants have lower immigrants should pursue legitimacy if incarceration rates than native-born they desire to work in the United States. Americans. The U.S. Chamber The Mobile Area Chamber pledges to of Commerce (USCOC) addresses work with our legislators to make arguments often posed in the immigration Alabama’s immigration law one all our debate in “Immigration Myths and Facts,” citizens can support, and to encourage 2011, USCOC Labor Immigration and other chambers and economic Employee Benefits Division. Nationally, and development entities throughout the state contrary to popular belief, the U.S. to do likewise. We also encourage President Chamber reports: Barack Obama and Congress to enact a comprehensive federal immigration policy.

MARCH 2012 | The Business View

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How to

Comply with E-Verify

As most businesses are aware, all United States employers are required to complete and retain a paper document, the Form I-9 – the “Employment Eligibility Verification” form – for each person they hire. That includes citizens and non-citizens. On April 1, Alabama’s new immigration law, the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, which has been called the toughest immigration law in the country, will go into effect. This act requires every Alabama employer to enroll in and begin using the federal E-Verify program, the online system verifying the employment eligibility of employees. This applies to new employees – those hired April 1 and after. Business owners will go to www.uscis.gov to enroll and for more information. E-Verify takes the Form I-9 process one step further. It compares information provided on Form I-9 to information in the Social Security Administration and

Department of Homeland Security records. Employers will know right away if an employee is eligible to work in the United States.

Fast Facts What: Comply – E-Verify presented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Mobile Area Chamber When: Friday, March 16, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government St. Info: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com

While all Alabama employers, large and small, are required to enroll and use the E-Verify system, the state of Alabama has developed an “Employer Agent Service” for businesses with 25 or fewer employees. These smaller companies can call 1-855-VERIFY-6 (1-855-837-4396) for assistance. Even businesses with only one employee are required to be enrolled in E-Verify. Companies conducting business with the state, county or city government were required to begin using E-Verify Jan. 1. These companies must also have on file affidavits from subcontractors providing services for a government contract. Heritage Homes president Frank Lott III doesn’t see the E-Verify program negatively affecting his business growth, but he is concerned about subcontractors. “Those companies that could be negatively impacted are the small companies and those that hire seasonal or temporary

workers. Most of these small businesses probably don’t know enough about this new law to know what to do about it.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Mobile Area Chamber will hold a meeting on Friday, March 16, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. to assist local business owners in complying with the law. The meeting will explain how to register on it, how to use it and rules related to the E-Verify program. There is no cost to attend. RSVP by calling Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or e-mail brembert@mobile chamber.com. To learn more about E-Verify, or for a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org. You’ll see this symbol with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

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The Business View | MARCH 2012 1/20/12 11:34 AM5

Two Companies to Co-locate on ThyssenKrupp Complex

wo companies recently made commitments to co-locate on ThyssenKrupp’s (TK) 3,600-acre campus.

Claudia Zimmermann, the Mobile Area Chamber’s director of economic development. “It’s a validation of the ThyssenKrupp project that the manufacturing base around it continues to grow and create substantial investment and In the fourth quarter of 2011, Steel Warehouse Co. LLC high-paying jobs.” announced it was in negotiations Steel Warehouse, a familywith ThyssenKrupp and became owned company in South Bend, the first tenant in TK’s industrial Ind., with 10 locations and more “It’s a validation of the park. than 1,000 employees in the ThyssenKrupp project In January, Heidtman Steel North American Free Trade Products Inc. became the second Agreement (NAFTA) region, has that the manufacturing tenant. Both announcements are been a TK customer since the base around it continues fulfilling the promise of additional manufacturing facility opened. to grow and create jobs and investment the German Steel Warehouse will build and steel giant would draw. run a steel pickling operation, a substantial investment “We are proud to add such process that uses acid to clean and high paying jobs.” successful companies to the ThyssenKrupp’s hot rolled steel Mobile community and to the and remove scale and rust. Claudia Zimmermann ThyssenKrupp supplier and The facility will be state-ofMobile Area Chamber of Commerce customer base that has already the-art, capable of pickling hot Director of Economic Development located in the Mobile area,” said rolled steel up to one inch thick

and strength levels up to 100,000 yield. Company officials say these capabilities exceed any other pickling facility in the world, with capacity estimated at 500,000 tons per year. Steel Warehouse plans to invest approximately $17 million and employ 60 people when the operation is in full production. Construction is projected to start this month, with operations planned to begin in the fourth quarter. Heidtman will build a steel slitting facility at the TK Steel mill site, investing $18.5 million and creating 48 high-paying jobs. Steel coil from TK will be slit and packaged to customer specifications and shipped to customers in the region. The company will purchase, process and sell steel coil directly, as well as provide slitting and storage services for other steel processors and customers that purchase steel coil directly from TK.

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MARCH 2012 | The Business View

9/26/11 4:49 PM

MAEF Tackles Graduation Rates

with its Aggressive “80 by 20: Graduating Ready”

Having a minimum of 80 percent of Mobile County “Studies have been conducted that demonstrate how high school students ready for college and/or a career by turning dropouts into graduates can affect us from an 2020 may seem like a lofty and aggressive goal, but the economic development standpoint,” she said. “When more Mobile Area Education Foundation (MAEF) has a plan to of our citizens have more education, it will have a cultural reach it. shift as well. We will be a “The 80 by 20 is an initiative community of thinkers, problem designed to start a movement solvers, and entrepreneurs.” around graduating more students “Abysmally low graduation in Mobile County, making sure rates in our public schools graduates from our high schools contribute to most of the critical have access to and are successful in challenges our community faces,” post-secondary education – either wrote 2011 Mobile Area Chamber college or training – and Chairman Robbie Baker of increasing the number of certified Hancock Bank/Whitney Bank in and degreed citizens in Mobile an editorial in the Press-Register. “When our teens are not in school, County,” said Carolyn Akers, chief they are more likely to engage in executive officer of MAEF. drug abuse and criminal activity, According to numbers from a have poor health and reduced 2010 study by the Alliance for quality of life. If dropouts are Excellent Education titled fortunate enough to find a job, “Education and The Economy in they are destined to earn $12,258 the Mobile Metropolitan Statistical less per year than those who Area,” increasing the high school graduated on time.” graduation rate to 80 percent would Help came in 2007, when the U.S Department of Labor mean 1,908 more students each year would successfully named Mobile as one of seven cities to undertake its leave high school and be college- and career-ready for a Multiple Education Pathways Blueprint initiative and 21st century workforce. As a result, the report predicts Mobile would see: provided $2.95 million in funding to “blueprint” and • $23 million increase in yearly payroll earnings; implement systems connecting young people who have • $18 million increase dropped out of high school to in yearly spending; alternative learning opportunities. • $5 million increase in To fulfill this initiative, MAEF “When more of our investment; formed the Research Alliance for citizens have more • $43 million increase in Multiple Pathways (RAMP) for home purchases; Mobile’s Youth, a county-wide education, it will have • $2 million increase in partnership of individuals with a cultural shift as vehicle purchases; expertise in serving Mobile’s youth. • $31 million increase in RAMP will develop a system and well. We will be a gross regional product; and the infrastructure necessary to community of thinkers, • $1.5 million increase in state monitor progress, report findings, and local tax revenues. engage the public, and drive and problem solvers, and With graduation rates at 50.3 sustain the work required. It will entrepreneurs.” percent in Mobile County, drastic also create a blueprint addressing action is needed now, said Akers, the needs of Mobile’s students who Carolyn Akers who believes improving the have either already dropped out of Chief Executive Officer of graduation rate is a moral as the education system or are at risk Mobile Area Education Foundation well an economic imperative. of doing so.

Key partners in RAMP’s alliance, led by Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, include the Mobile County Public School System, the University of South Alabama, Bishop State Community College, Mobile Works (Workforce Investment Act consortia), the Mobile Area Chamber and the Mobile County District Attorney’s office. MAEF manages the RAMP project and activities. “We know what we need to do,” said Akers. “We have a blueprint that will guide the work and the investment that the community will make as we move forward over the next eight years.” “I believe it can be done and know our future depends on it,” said Baker.

Multiple Research Alliance for Pathways (RAMP) is designed to:

• Create an early warning system to identify and monitor off-track youth;

• Establish a shared accountability

system to ensure implementation of this plan;

• Develop multiple pathways to guide all students to graduation;

• Provide individualized support services to ensure that all student graduate; and

• Secure and align funding necessary for student success.

The Business View | MARCH 2012

Chamber Invites You to the

French Riviera November 2-10

oin fellow Mobile Area Chamber members and guests as they tour the French Riviera, Nov. 2-10. The Chamber will take only 35 people on this 7-night tour to Nice, France. Day trips will go to the flower market, St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Rothschild Villa and Gardens Antibes, St. Paul De Vence, Monaco, Fréjus, the Roman arena, Grasse and Parfumerie. The cost for the trip, including airfare from Mobile, hotel accommodations and tours, is $2,999, and includes seven breakfasts and four dinners.

Following this trip, travelers will have the option of extending their vacation with an additional three nights in Paris for $899 per person. The Chamber is working with Brownell/Abeta Travel to coordinate this trip. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Bowden Sarrett at 338-3662 or bsarrett@brownelltravel.com. Brownell/Abeta and Collette Vacations will host a free wine and cheese party for anyone interested in learning more about this trip. It will take place at the Chamber, 451 Government St., beginning at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 8. A representative from Collette Vacations will give a detailed overview of the trip and answer any questions. To RSVP, email bsarrett@brownelltravel.com.

Itinerary Nov. 2: Overnight Flight The fabulous French Riviera awaits your arrival, complete with elegant coastal resorts, superb dining and shopping, and fascinating museums after an overnight flight to France. 8

MARCH 2012 | The Business View

Nov. 3: Nice (French Riviera), France Your tour commences in the stunning Mediterranean city of Nice – a seaside paradise – long revered as the playground of the rich and famous. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring inspired French cuisine artfully presented. Nov. 4: Nice - St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat Tour Nice, beginning with a visit to the local flower market, where much more than brightly colored blooms are sold, followed by a trip to the lively seafront Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena, the town’s center of activity. Then, travel the spectacular coastline, passing the charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer east of Nice. In St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, called the crown jewel of the French Riviera, visit the impressive Rothschild Villa and Gardens. This seaside palazzo overlooks the Mediterranean and boasts seven themed gardens. Nov. 5: Antibes - St. Paul de Vence Travel to charming Antibes and enjoy the typical Provencal Market and explore this ancient port town. Next is St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. This walled medieval town is filled with historic buildings, hidden alleyways, restaurants and specialty shops. Soak in its distinctive light, said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and many other artists. Nov. 6: Monaco See Monaco’s famous Casino of Monte Carlo, the Place des Armes, Prince’s Palace, Avenue des Beaux Arts and the Cathedral of Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried. A highlight of the day is the fascinating Oceanographic Museum, founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, who personally collected many of the marine artifacts on display. The museum building itself is a masterpiece of architecture not to be missed.

Nov. 7: Nice - Day at Leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore romantic Nice on your own. Stroll by the shore, linger in an elegant café or peruse the local shops. Or choose to purchase an optional excursion to St. Tropez and the popular resort town of Cannes, complete with a delightful cruise around the yacht-filled bay. Nov. 8: Fréjus - Saint-Raphaël Delve into history as you travel to the town of Fréjus, once the site of a major naval port established by Julius Caesar in 49 B.C. See the remains of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Then, there’s time to discover this historic location on your own and enjoy the bustling market day in this typical French town. Cross the river Pédégal to Saint-Raphaël, where Napoleon and his forces arrived by ship from Egypt. Once a sleepy fishing village, Saint-Raphaël is now a modern resort town with broad seaside promenades and a lovely old town. Nov. 9: Grasse - Nice Learn the secrets of perfume making with a tour of the Fragonard Parfumerie in Grasse, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Visit the new museum dedicated to the artist Fragonard and the Museum of Provencal Costume. Spend the afternoon back in Nice to catch up on any last-minute shopping. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip. Nov. 10: Nice - Tour Ends Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your vacation to the Cote d’Azur.

USA to Offer Accelerated

Business Doctorate

eginning in mid-2013, the University of South Alabama’s (USA) Mitchell College of Business will offer its first doctoral program: a doctor of business adminstration (DBA) – the only one in Alabama. USA’s new degree will have an accelerated, blended format that allows students to complete the degree in 36 months while still working full-time. The DBA is directed at two groups: management executives who want to transition to academic careers, and instructors at universities or community colleges who hold master’s degrees and want to upgrade and enhance their qualifications, said USA Mitchell College of Business Dean Carl C. Moore. Students can choose concentrations in management or marketing.

Admission standards include a master’s degree in business or a related discipline, as well as five years of teaching or managerial experience. Moore expects the program to draw students from an area stretching from Houston to Jacksonville, Fla., to Nashville, Tenn. Cost for the program is approximately $62,000 for three years, or $80,000 for out-of-state tuition. Participants will visit campus four times a semester, spending all day Friday and Saturday, as well as part of Sunday, in class. The first two years of the program consist of coursework, while the third focuses on comprehensive exams and a dissertation. “We want to turn out people who will be competitive with anyone in the research arena,” said Moore. Assistant Dean Deborah F. Spake stressed this is not an online program. With its hybrid format, teaching, testing and presentations take place on campus, while reading, analyzing cases and other work takes place off

campus. Students will have access to USA’s library resources, databases and software programs via the internet, as well as communication with faculty members through email. As business schools face a critical shortage of doctoral faculty members, Moore said there will be a number of job opportunities for graduates. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education congratulated USA on offering such an innovative program. Previously, students had to leave the state of Alabama to obtain a similar degree. “It’s a milestone for any academic institute to go into a doctorate program,” said Moore. To learn more about this program and its enrollment requirements, contact the Mitchell College of Business at 460-6419 or go to the university’s website at http://mcob. southalabama.edu.

The Business View | MARCH 2012

small business

of the month

Standing in front of Petrie’s wall of ribbons and bows are the motherdaughter team who manage this Small Business of the Month. Pictured are Emily Cobb, who manages the business and Elise Parker, who first launched Petrie’s in 1998.

From Purses to Picture Frames,

Petrie’s Has What Every Girl Wants

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

“I always said I would never own a gift shop,” says Elise Parker, owner of Petrie’s. Yet that’s just what this Small Business of the Month winner did. What changed her mind was actually working in a gift shop. Before she ventured into a full-time business, Parker says she paid her dues setting up booths at regional craft shows, showcasing her handmade children’s clothing and, later, jewelry. She first tried her hand at retail in 1998, when she sold jewelry and lowpriced gifts in rented space during the holidays at Springdale Mall. “But people wanted our goods yearround for Easter, birthdays, Christmas and just any special day,” says Parker. So with a leap of faith, the popular boutique transitioned from part-time to full-time. Developments at Springdale forced the store to move across the street to Bel Air Mall, and its

10 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

new location helped capture additional walk-by traffic. With 2,000 square feet, Parker and her daughter Emily Cobb, who manages the business, have the room they need to stock the novelty items almost any preteen or young girl wants, including personalized luggage, hair bows, jewelry, lamps, frames and numerous knickknacks. “We’re like the WalMart of gift shops,” says Parker, who is proud of maintaining the $3 price on earrings, one of the items that launched her success back in 1998. While Parker still makes the hair bows and the staff still makes some of the jewelry, Cobb’s specialty is personalization. Names can be printed on a range of different merchandise, from cups to piggy banks. And that, she says, is how “Petrie’s is able to create a personal connection to with

our customers, by customizing their purchase.” At market, the pair look for novelty items that can be personalized and try to anticipate the next hot thing among their target market. Cobb admits sometimes they just luck into it. When the “right” girl bought a Petrie’s backpack, it spurred the sales of a whopping 10,000 more, explained Cobb. The store has a staff of 12, including Parker and Cobb. Parker says she has very little turnover, and the company works hard to show employees they are valued with good pay and flexible schedules. “I know they are a big part of us being successful. I never leave without thanking them,” said Parker. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 478-1893.

“Believe/Belong” Mobile Area Chamber Launches New Marketing Message

elieve in Mobile. Belong to the Chamber. That’s the newest message the Mobile Area Chamber is promoting. Launched at Opportunity 175, the organization’s 175th anniversary gala, the campaign is being featured on area Lamar Advertising billboards, in various publications including The Business View, Lagniappe and Steppin’ Out and draped on the exterior and interior of the Chamber’s building, 451 Government St.

The campaign is the creative work of Mobile-based Tom Mason Communications. Agency owner Tom Mason said he took his inspiration from a community effort used by the Chamber in the 1970s that was adopted by schoolchildren and businesses, appearing on billboards and stickers all over Mobile. “The underlying message here is that the Chamber is good for business,” said Mason. “We hope this campaign will inspire your business to share this positive message on your website, Facebook page, billboards and other materials, that by believing in Mobile and belonging to the Mobile Area Chamber, you are investing in the area’s economic development for all businesses and you are an advocate for a pro-business environment,” said Leigh Perry-Herndon, the Chamber’s vice president of communications and marketing.

“Believe/Belong” follows the Chamber’s successful “Strength in Numbers” campaign that was launched in 2007 and ran through the Chamber’s 175th anniversary year in 2011, featuring testimonials from 30 local business executives. To add the “Believe in Mobile” icon to your company’s website, contact Ashley Horn, the Chamber’s director of digital media and design, at 431-8623 or ahorn@ mobilechamber.com.

believe in m obile belong to the chamber we’re good fo r business … your business It’s tough running a business, but it’s easier whe Area Chamber n the Mobile of Commerce has your back. more than 2,2 Most of our 00 members are sma ll bus inesses workin to make a livin g g and make a difference. The does more tha Chamber n build a strong economy – we networking ven offe r prim e ues to develop new contacts resources to help and solid you start, manag e and grow you company. Beli r eve in a strong future for Mobile to the Chamb . Belong er – because it’s good for bus good for Mobile iness and .

www.JoinMob

ileChamber.com

The Business View | MARCH 2012

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Opportunity 175

All photos by Jeff Tesney Photography

The Mobile Area Chamber celebrated the end of its 175th year with a gala event – Opportunity 175 – on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center. The gala celebration featured a reception, dinner, a dessert reception, fireworks and music by the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and attendees received a commemorative coffee table book about the Chamber’s history. Chamber board chair Michael Pierce, chairman of Commonwealth National Bank, and executive director of the MLK Development Corp., spoke about his vision for the organization moving forward, while Dr. Stephen Dill, director emeritus of The J.L Bedsole Foundation spoke about how Mobile’s history has brought us where we are today, and how everyone in attendance has a role in writing Mobile’s future. The following pages officially wrap up The Business View’s series outlining the Chamber’s history and quest to move forward.

12 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

www.banktrustonline.com Founded as The Bank of Mobile in 1986, BankTrust has grown through a history of service to become the third largest chartered bank in Alabama and largest community bank in Alabama with its headquarters right here in Mobile. Even as its footprint as expanded throughout southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle, BankTrust has remained steadfastly committed to Mobile – the city that launched its success. True to a strong belief in the role of community banks, BankTrust remains dedicated to providing support for businesses that fuel Mobile’s economic success – and channeling time, talent and financial resources directly into the neighborhoods where its customers live. BankTrust’s commitment to Mobile and downtown is stronger than ever. Recently the company’s headquarters were relocated to the RSA-BankTrust Tower at 107 St. Francis St. BankTrust plans to expand and enhance its deposit, lending, cash management, investment and trust services. From the small Bank of Mobile that opened 26 years ago to the stalwart corporate citizen it is today, BankTrust’s principal goal is finding new ways to help Mobile businesses and residents become BankSmart SM.

The following companies were instrumental in helping the Chamber present its 175th anniversary celebration: Legacy Sponsor BankTrust Legend Sponsors Alabama Power Co. Armbrecht Jackson LLP Austal USA BP America Inc. Callis Communications ExxonMobil Kingdom Coach LLC Lewis Communications Mobile Airport Authority Regions Bank Hancock Bank/Whitney Bank Leadership Sponsors BB&T Burr & Forman LLP Commonwealth National Bank Continental Motors Inc. Evonik Degussa Corp. Gulf States Engineering Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Hoar Program Management iBERIABANK International Shipholding Corp. McDowell Knight Roedder & Sledge LLC Mobile Gas Office Solutions & Innovations Inc. Phelps Dunbar LLP RBC Bank SH Enterprises Inc. Southern Earth Sciences The Orthopaedic Group PC Thompson Engineering Inc. ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC Tom Mason Communications University of South Alabama Photographer Jeff Tesney Photography

The Business View | MARCH 2012

2012 Chamber Chairman

Outlines Goals

for the Mobile Area Chamber T

o say Michael Pierce is busy is an understatement. Aside from his job as executive director of the MLK Redevelopment Corp., and serving as chairman of the board for Commonwealth National Bank, the Mobile Area Chamber’s 2012 chairman is also pastor of New Life Ministries. But don’t think he’s spread himself thin. This former high school and college running back and former National Football League player is focused and well-positioned to lead the Chamber into its 176th year.

development. Pierce acknowledged the challenge for the city and county with the economic downturn, and said, “If we are successful in attracting new jobs, they will benefit in greater tax revenue.” • Creating jobs will be the Chamber’s ultimate goal for the year. “Our goal is to help create 750 new jobs during 2012 by aggressively marketing the Mobile region for business locations and expansions. “We will also promote Mobile as a center for international trade and transportation, and our efforts will include the improvement of Mobile’s ability to respond to workforce needs.” • Strengthening relationships with the Chamber’s members and its economic development partners. This will be accomplished in a number of ways, including personal visits to member businesses and Pierce first became involved open communications with with the Chamber in the midpartners. “It is an honor and a 1990s after returning to Mobile. It • Improving the Chamber’s was a chance visit by a former public image through its new ad privilege to play such Chamber staff member, Norman campaign: Believe in Mobile. Hill, who laid the foundation for a vital role in economic Belong to the Chamber. (see page his nearly 17 years working as a 11 for more details about this development in our Chamber volunteer. Pierce says campaign) Hill came to visit him at the MLK community. I will work to • Growing the Chamber’s Redevelopment Corp., to talk membership, and increasing its maintain the tradition of about getting involved with the members’ personal involvement in Chamber. After that meeting, the organization via a variety of excellence the community Pierce recognized the Chamber’s meaningful programs and events. significance in growing Mobile’s has come to expect from • Lobbying for a more economy and putting people to business-friendly climate to do the Mobile Area work. business here, and increase During Opportunity 175, the Chamber of Commerce.” Chamber members’ access to Chamber’s gala celebration local, state and federal officials. marking its 175 years, Pierce was • Offering more programs and Michael Pierce officially inducted as 2012 resources to our small and 2012 Chairman chairman. He outlined his goals minority-owned businesses to help Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce for this year, which include: increase their profitability and • Funding the Chamber’s longevity. Partners for Growth campaign to “The Chamber plans to support the Chamber’s economic accomplish all these things with development program for 2013-2017. The $10 million goal excellence and energy, and in a way that shows our includes public and private investment. Pierce believes the commitment to our membership and our community,” dynamic of public and private investment is important Pierce added. because it helps us give a unified approach to economic

14 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

Dr. Stephen Dill

spires In

ditor’s Note: Dr. Stephen Dill, director emeritus of The J.L. Bedsole Foundation scholarship and alumni program and pastor emeritus of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, delivered one of the most inspiring messages offered to a Mobile Area Chamber audience during Opportunity 175. By popular request, The Business View has reprinted his speech delivered during the gala celebration that closed the organization’s 175 year anniversary.

I am very pleased to be a part of this brilliant moment because of my admiration for the remarkable and unselfish leadership of so many Chamber members who, beyond business, gave and continue to give their time and energy to good causes and community betterment. Many of you are here tonight, leaders of the community, while others of your number have passed on, leaving a legacy of prosperity and grace that continues to bless and benefit us all. Tonight we are saying “thank you” to people across the years who accomplished things which could not come to pass until long after they were gone. To Win Hallett and the Chamber staff, we give our thanks for their professionalism and their friendship; we have been often in their debt.

Opportunity 175 Attendees

“Music and sudden light Have interrupted our routine tonight, And swept the filth of habit from our hearts. O here and now the endless journey starts.” W. H. Auden Let me also say that many of our finest leaders are those whose leadership has not yet been revealed, but it will be. Some of them are here tonight; they are the ones coming up!

Our finest leaders are those whose leadership has not yet been revealed, but it will be.

most of you. You know that you are old when you conduct a wedding and the grandmother of the bride looks good coming down the aisle. I know it’s foolish to try and summarize 175 years of Chamber history in a few short moments and then predict the future, but the Chamber keeps pushing us to make the impossible possible, so I press on.

The Chamber keeps pushing us to make the impossible possible... First, a backward glance, Looking Back at Tomorrow! The difference between traveling through space and traveling through time is that when you travel through space you face forward, but when you travel through time you face backwards, like rowing a boat, in order to be guided by the wake of history. What I mean is “we live forward, we understand backward.” (William James) The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1836, only 60 years after the United States declared its independence from the British Empire. No doubt there were men alive in Mobile then, no older than I am now, who fought in the Revolution. Continued on page 16

I believe I was invited to be here because we are looking back across 175 years of history and I am just older than The Business View | MARCH 2012

Dr. Stephen Dill Inspires Opportunity 175 Attendees

During the flu pandemic of 1918, Chamber members This is a rapidly changing world. Everything is agreed to deliver food, ice and medicine to flu victims and to speeding up. Markets shift faster, products evolve quicker, lend their automobiles to the doctors and customers are more fleeting and Continued from page 15 nurses who were so overtaxed. information technology evolves at an We are facing In 1926 three Mobile women came to unrelenting pace. We are facing a Who can imagine life in Mobile in 1836? Arkansas, J. L. Bedsole as president of the Chamber and commercial climate more unique a commercial was admitted to the union in 1836. That was the year pointed out that 22 charitable agencies were and more untried than any previous climate more Martin van Buren was elected President, Houston, Texas, overwhelmed with calls from poverty stricken generation. And, in the midst of all was founded and Spain recognized the independence of people in those depressive times. Separate unique and more this, we have a great community Mexico. Davy Crockett died at the Alamo and Alabama financial campaigns wasted money and which is ours to save or lose. untried than declared Christmas a state holiday in 1836. Magnolia wasted resources. What did he do? Mr. Our hopes and dreams for Cemetery was established that year and construction Bedsole called a meeting of the Chamber of America, for this community, are any previous commenced on Barton Academy and Government Street Commerce! The Chamber voted to combine vested in a vibrant democracy. And Presbyterian Church the same day in 1836 (Feb. 13). all the welfare efforts into the first Mobile generation. here’s the rub: “Democracy requires In 1836 Mobile was rather cosmopolitan. It was the County Community Chest, later the United Way. of its citizens qualities that it cannot fourth largest international port in the United States, So many brilliant moments! provide.” (Jurgen Habermas, German sociologist) with three banks, three daily Here is what I think is Government cannot supply the qualities of honesty, newspapers, five hotels, 12 remarkable; in an ever changing compassion, and personal responsibility that must That Chamber is insurance companies and world the vision of the Chamber undergird democracy. foreign offices from Great has been widening, gaining deeper that first in ancient Greece. The Athenians constantly learning how insight and broader understanding. wereWethelearned Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, only free people in the world and Athenian Mexico and Colombia; but The Chamber is constantly learning democracy stood for freedom, thought and beauty, but in commerce is woven into cotton was king! Between 1830 how commerce is woven into the Greek way, with limits and without exaggeration. The civilization; it is talking and 1840 cotton prices doubled, civilization; it is talking about Athenians loved beauty, but with simplicity. They loved the production doubled and the sustainable growth and creative things of mind, but they did not shrink from hard work. population of Mobile quadrupled. about sustainable growth capitalism, how the economy Thought did not cause them to hesitate; it clarified the Unfortunately, cotton and builds community. road to action. and creative capitalism, slavery were yoked together. The The creation and transfer of They made no show of riches, and one was not how the economy Natchez Courier estimated that wealth makes possible creative ashamed of being poor if he was useful. They were free in 1836, to facilitate the production leisure, the arts and literature, because of willing obedience to law, not only the written builds community. of cotton, 250,000 slaves were education and the university. That law, but still more the unwritten law of kindness and transported into Alabama, widening culture is the incubator compassion and unselfishness, those qualities which Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. for a new economy, new products and services, new depend on man’s free choice, which cannot be enforced, Looking back at 175 years of history, there are some science and technology. It is the catalyst for trade and the but without which, humankind cannot live together. As chapters we are not proud of – times when cotton was king exchange of ideas. It is the we continue to build a truly good, and slavery was defended – times when competing business foundation of freedom and the great and enduring community it interests imposed a silence on the Chamber, a few times keystone of peace. hast to be build along those lines. Our challenge when commerce was more important than morality. But Our challenge is to learn from the (Edith Hamilton, The Lessons of the is to learn from that is far from the whole story. Past, Adventures of the Mind) past and build the present, in such a Mobile is an old city by American standards. Ten years In the afternoons after high way that the future will be exciting. It the past and build ago we celebrated our Tricentennial. We have lived under six would be tragic to look back on 175 school at Murphy, I was a runner for flags. We have known the American Revolution, the Civil the American National Bank. At the years without any insight, tragic “to the present, War, two World Wars and a Great Depression. In these last close of the day it was my responsibility have had the experience and miss the in such a way few years we have all been conscious that we live in harm’s meaning.” (T. S. Eliot) to gather the mail from each way: we have known hurricanes and tornadoes, the shock department, apply the postage and When I was growing up in Mobile that the future of September 11th, Iraq and Afghanistan, a financial take it to the post office. I was the last the only soccer game I ever saw was collapse, the shift of wealth from west to east, genocide one to leave the bank. One night I was between the crew of two foreign ships, will be exciting. abroad, upheaval in the Arab world, the decline of the surprised to find the door of the bank one Greek and one Algerian, who housing market, an oil spill in the Gulf, the rise of played a strange and exciting game of kickball in a public vault left open. I called my boss, who said it was not his unemployment and the increase night to close the vault and to call Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith park. I did not know then that I was of national debt, both at home said, ‘Oh, I forgot to close the vault.” He said, “Son, there is watching globalization: the ...for 175 years and across the globe. We could a .38 revolver in my desk. Take that pistol and guard the competition of civilizations, say with Walt Whitman, these bank until I get there.” I did just that! I was 16 and I have international trade, information there was the are “quicksand years that whirl exchange, the interaction of life and thought about it many times since. I did not realize then me I know not whither.” that all of us are the guardians of value, order, industry politics around the world. Mobile Chamber, And even so throughout it all, We are blessed in Mobile with a and wealth. serving as a catalyst for 175 years there was the Mobile It is our responsibility to identify and protect, not only wide range of enterprises, different Chamber, serving as a catalyst for those tangible but those intangible building blocks for kinds of business, large and small, for economic economic expansion, marketing future generations. It was the Nazarene who said “…a delivering value to customers and the community, developing trade wise man built his house on rock.” (Matt. 7:24) converting payment to profit. expansion... initiatives, supporting health care Business diversity in a global society and education, designing a legislative agenda, building Continued on page 17 requires an increasing amount of creativity. Creative opportunity, improving the quality of life – the business workers are scientists and engineers, university professors, community and Chamber leadership were there doing the poets and architects, people in design, education, arts, best things in the worst times. music and entertainment, whose economic function is to create new ideas, new technology, new forms of convenience and exchange. 16 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

So what are we building on “looking back at tomorrow?” What principles will guide the Chamber into the future as it continues to build opportunity and improve the quality of life? I’m sure there are many, but let me list a few:

1. Every person and every

contribution must be valued unless the community be destroyed by the disuse or the misuse of our economic engine.

2. Cooperation is critical!

Public - private, regional partnerships are essential. The wider the cooperation the more competitive is our position.

3. The social and cultural

infrastructure – things like education, health, the environment and the arts – are critical to both the economy and the quality of life.

A healthy community, like a healthy body, attends to the pain of the weakest part. We must always care for those less fortunate.

And one more thing, allow some time for creative leisure and clarity of thought in order to probe the ‘dimension of depth’ and ponder the infinite

questions: Where is happiness? What is the meaning of life? What should we become in the short stretch between birth and death? Without that, the rest is futile. (Paul Tillich) When I consider the present “looking back at tomorrow,” I am more than optimistic, I am excited! I agree with Thomas Wolfe, who said, “I think the true discovery of America is before us. I think the true fulfillment of our spirit, of our people, of our mighty and

When I consider the present “looking back at tomorrow,” I am more than optimistic, I am excited!

“It begins now, with you and me, building a magnificent future, a lasting legacy, that will be safe and secure, bright and promising, rich and rewarding, with liberty and justice for all.”

immortal land, is yet to come. I think the true discovery of our own democracy is still before us. And I think that all these things are certain as the morning, as inevitable as noon…our America is here, is now, and beckons on before us, and this glorious assurance is not only our living hope, but our dream to be accomplished.”

W. H. Auden

“O here and now the endless journey starts,” W.H. Auden. It begins now, with you and me, building a magnificent future, a lasting legacy, that will be safe and secure, bright and promising, rich and rewarding, with liberty and justice for all. - Stephen F. Dill

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2011 Manufacturer of the Year:

Berg Spiral Pipe Pictured outside Berg Spiral Pipe’s manufacturing facility are Mobile Plant Manager Uwe Arenz (left) along with key staff. Berg was recognized as the Mobile Area Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year.

There’s been a lot of talk from industry advocates in support of natural gas – it’s clean, plentiful and widely used in heating, cooking and generating electricity. There’s only one way to transport it, and Mobile’s Berg Spiral Pipe is capitalizing on the nation’s demand for this resource by manufacturing large diameter spirally welded pipe in Mobile. Berg received the Mobile Area Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year award for its success and investment in the community. Just three years ago, the company invested $96 million to locate an 86-acre manufacturing facility at the former

International Paper site capable of producing 200,000 tons of spirally welded pipe, ranging from 24 to 56 inches in diameter, each year. With this innovative process and quality pipe, Berg is helping move large volumes of natural gas long distances to growing population centers and industries that need it. Its success is evidenced by the fact that the company’s employee base has doubled from its initial projection to approximately 200 highly skilled, highly paid workers. Mobile Plant Manager Uwe Arenz credits AIDT, the state’s employee training and recruiting program, with much of

Berg’s success, saying AIDT “gave us support and introduced the trainees to what was expected of them in terms of job safety and quality.” The facility has earned a solid reputation for quality assurance and testing. Using Total Productive Equipment Management and Overall Equipment Efficiency processes ensures Berg’s equipment produces at maximum efficiency without sacrificing quality, explains Arenz. And this, he says, is a key indicator that Berg Spiral Pipe will continue to compete in a rapidly growing industry.

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2011 Innovator of the Year:

Austal USA Austal USA’s innovative ship design showcases its commitment to technology in its manufacturing process. Recently the company adopted social media communications to feed breaking news to customers and build stronger relationships through Facebook and LinkedIn. Company president and COO Joe Rella (center) is pictured with several of his management team members.

Photos of the first Austal-built Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) were circulated around the country via e-mail with notes that the LCS is a pirate’s worst nightmare. A nightmare for pirates, yes, but a dream for the U.S. military and Mobile – both of whom are benefiting from Austal’s unique lightweight aluminum high-speed ship design. Chosen by the Mobile Area Chamber’s Gulf Coast

Technology Council, this year’s Innovator of the Year award was presented to Austal USA as the most modern and innovative business in the area. Since the North American operations were founded in Mobile in 1999, Austal has brought a new dimension in high-speed marine transport, utilizing the company’s leading-edge lightweight aluminum design fabrication

technology and capabilities. Perhaps the single greatest technological advancement in Austal’s history is the development of the trimaran hullform (the seaframe for the Austal-designed U.S. Navy’s LCS). The company quickly won commercial contracts and began competing for military contracts – winning bids to build both the LCS and the Joint High-Speed Vessel (JHSV).

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2011 Small Business of the Year:

Callis Communications Callis Communications has grown 32 percent over each of the last several years, and the communications company has grown to 40 employees. Dean Parker Jr., is president and CEO of Callis.

In 1999, Dean Parker started a paging provider company that has since transformed over the years to meet the needs of its clients. The Mobile Area Chamber’s 2011 Small Business of the Year transitioned to an Internet Service Provider and competitive local phone carrier in 2004, then five years later, to a unified/cloud communications company.

Today, Mobile-based Callis Communications offers communication services to small- and medium-sized companies so they do not have to invest in expensive infrastructure. More than 400 small- and medium-sized Gulf Coast companies throughout the region have constant access to voice, data, security, phone and e-mail by using Callis, which means “path” or “pathway.”

Callis has grown 32 percent each year since 2007. Recently, Inc. magazine recognized Callis for the fourth consecutive year as one of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies,” and the company was ranked 71st in the magazine’s telecommunications industry category. Parker says the company’s success starts and ends with amazing service, and he’s proud of his customer retention rate and the quick response of his team of 40 employees.

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The Business View | MARCH 2012

2011 Minority Business Advocate Award

Alabama Power

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

Alabama Power was awarded the Mobile Area Chamber’s Minority Business Advocate Award for 2011. The company set a statewide supplier diversity goal of 11.04 percent in 2011, determined by two classifications – female-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses. In 2007, the Alabama Power supplier diversity program re-established its mentoring program, and to date it has worked with 10 companies. Although all companies in the mentoring program have to be recommended to be considered, the Supplier Diversity program works with Alabama Power’s Mobile

Division and the Mobile Area Chamber to identify minority-owned businesses offering products and/or services used by the power company. Locally, Alabama Power is actively engaged in growing its supplier base and is partnering with the Mobile Area Chamber and the MBDA Business Center-Mobile to develop new and innovative ways to recruit minority-owned businesses. These include: • Holding the small business development seminars in the Mobile area to recruit businesses;

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2011 Diplomat of the Year:

Saty Putcha

Pictured here is a team of SSI Group employees who coordinate the company’s volunteer efforts. The SSI Group was recognized by HandsOn South Alabama, Envision Coastal Alabama and the Mobile Area Chamber with the Corporate Community Service Award.

2011 Corporate Community Service Award:

The SSI Group

They cook. They clean. They even give blood. It’s safe to say the 395 employees of The SSI Group are committed to community service, and for their efforts with area nonprofits, the company was selected as the recipient of the 2011 Corporate Community Service Award. The beneficiaries of their volunteer labor include the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Bay Area Food Bank, LifeSouth and the United Way of Southwest Alabama – to name a few. Jimmy Lyons, SSI’s vice president and chief financial officer, says the company’s employees are passionate and willing to invest in the community where they live and work – a complement to the company’s culture and business philosophy.

Over the past 12 years, the Mobile Area Chamber, Envision Coastal Alabama and HandsOn South Alabama have recognized businesses – both large and small – emphasizing employee volunteer efforts as an important part of their corporate vision, policies and operations. “The process of selecting a winner for this award is always difficult because the business community has a strong tradition of giving back,” said Diana Brinson, HandsOn South Alabama executive director. “What set The SSI Group apart was its involvement in a variety of handson projects that covered a wide range of issues in support of a number of organizations in our community.” Mobile-based SSI is a national, diversified information technology company established in 1988. The company has 395 employees, with 88 percent of them working at its corporate office.

Saty Putcha (left) is pictured with his wife, Anna. Putcha, co-owner of Padgett Business Services is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Diplomat of the Year.

The 2011 Diplomat of the Year is Saty Putcha, co-owner of Padgett Business Services. Putcha runs a small business serving small business owners. He prides himself on personal relationships with his clientele, and being a Chamber diplomat over the past two years is one of the ways he gets out in the community. Putcha, a diplomat since November 2009, earned the Diplomat of the Month award several times for his participation in various Chamber-sponsored events and visiting new members. His work, as well as those of his fellow diplomats, helps the Chamber expand and maintain its membership base.

The Business View | MARCH 2012

CEO profile

Perry Hand

Company: Volkert Inc. Title: President and chief executive officer Hometown: Heflin, Ala. Education: Hand earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Auburn University First job: Engineer-in-training at David Volkert & Associates Inc. Previous experience: In addition to his career at Volkert, Hand spent a decade in public service as an Alabama state senator, Alabama secretary of state and Alabama Department of Transportation highway director. Accomplishments: During his 18 years at Volkert, Hand has helped develop new markets and services in both the private and public business sectors and has expanded Volkert geographically. He also grew Volkert’s program/construction management and right-of-way operations. For his accomplishments, he received the Volkert Chairman’s Award in 2002. What changes can we expect at Volkert? Volkert will continue its geographic expansion and add services to reflect the needs of the public, said Hand. “What we will not change is our associates’ desire to satisfy our clients’ needs, our tremendous drive for quality in our work and devotion to serving the infrastructure needs of the communities we serve.” Secret to success: “A successful company is often best judged by the staff it employs,” Hand said. “We are fortunate to have some of the most talented and dedicated employees in the business. Our success is wrapped up in our associates and a great management team.” Brief company description: Volkert is a multi-disciplinary, full-service engineering and environmental firm providing services to state departments of transportation, federal agencies, local and municipal governments and private industries. Headquartered in Mobile with additional design offices throughout the Southeastern United States, the company was founded in 1925 and has more than 600 employees.

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The Business View | MARCH 2012

investor

focus

Crow, Shields & Bailey PC

Pictured from left to right are Joseph M. Bailey, Vivian V. Chateau, Edward G. McDermott, A. Bruce Dudley Jr., John R. Shields, J. Kenny Crow Jr. and Regina L. McKellar.

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.

Company Officials: Joseph M. Bailey, Vivian V. Chateau, J. Kenny Crow Jr., A. Bruce Dudley Jr., Edward G. McDermott, Regina L. McKellar, John R. Shields

raise our kids anywhere – Mobile was our ‘slam-dunk!’”

Years in Business: 25

“You cannot expect your business to be successful in a community that you fail to support,” said Crow. “Our business will flourish with the growth of our entire community, and so our firm has always supported the Chamber.” In addition, CSB assisted more than 200 claimants with their BP oil spill claim preparation.

Brief Company Description:

In addition to tax, audit/assurance and bookkeeping services, Crow Shields & Bailey PC (CSB) helps clients in business development, business valuation and litigation support. Why are you located in Mobile?

“We grew up here,” said Crow, the firm’s managing partner. “This is our home. We had an option to run our business and

26 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

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

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

Mobile’s potential, you can start with its central location along the Gulf Coast,

move to the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, travel into the city with a view of the awesome sunsets on Mobile Bay and the natural beauty of the Delta, then connect the dots by discovering an infrastructure and transportation system that will support just about any business,” said Crow. “This business setting is enhanced by a beautiful city that is a great place to raise a family.” Length of Continuous Chamber Membership: 25 years

Chamber Hires New Technology Chamber Hires New Director Support Specialist of Member Relations Unique and creative significant addition to our are just two words to staff,” said Chamber Chief describe LeMaris Alston, Financial Officer Joe the Mobile Area Chamber’s Mareno. new technology support When away from the specialist. Alston is computer, Alston enjoys responsible for maintaining working with at-risk youth the Chamber’s file servers, in his church and web servers, database and community, and hardware systems. photography. For the past A Theodore native, 10 years, he has headed up Alston Alston earned a bachelor’s community bonding degree in computer information systems projects, coached sports and tutored from Alabama State University and a troubled youth. He founded the Bounce master’s degree in computer information Back Youth Leadership Foundation, a systems from the University of Phoenix. mentoring program for troubled youth. He has nine years of experience in the “I love a challenge and enjoy being IT industry, working at Global TelLink, creative,” said Alston. “And I appreciate Wind Creek Casino and most recently, in working with such a friendly group like the tech support for ThyssenKrupp Stainless people here at the Chamber.” through its IT provider, Netpointe. Alston can be reached at 431-8626 or “LeMaris has a tremendous amount lalston@mobilechamber.com. of technology experience and will be a

In her new position, Dawn Rencher is the Rencher is responsible for new director of member internal and external relations for the Mobile customer service programs. Area Chamber’s She coordinates several key membership department. Chamber events, including Born in Mississippi, Business Expo and the she graduated from the annual Chamber Classic University of Mississippi golf tournament, and with a degree in marketing. oversees the ambassador She previously worked as program (formerly known an outreach director for Rencher as diplomats). Somerby senior living Rencher feels her passion for quality community, where she marketed amenities to prospective residents. Rencher also worked living in our community makes working at the Chamber a perfect fit. “The Chamber in the banking industry for 11 years and has experience in the travel and healthcare has such a positive impact on our communities and businesses,” she said. industries. Rencher is a volunteer with BayFest, “Dawn brings managment skills and abilities to our team to continuously ensure the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic and the Centre for the Living Arts. our members are getting the benefits of Rencher can be reached at 431-8649 their investment in the Chamber,” said or drencher@mobilechamber.com. Carolyn Golson, vice president of membership.

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Chamber@work Huge Aerospace Push in 2012 In February, the Chamber hosted a group at the Singapore Air Show, followed by attending an aerospace show in Hamburg, Germany. In July, Chamber representatives will attend England’s Farnborough Air Show. The Chamber continues to see residual benefits from the seven-year hunt to bring the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling tanker to Mobile. Interest remains high in the Brookley Aeroplex, and the economic development team is taking full advantage of it by showcasing its unique infrastructure. Chamber Sets its Legislative Agenda for 2012 at Luncheon The Chamber’s annual legislative lunch in November was attended by 150 people, including members of Mobile’s local and state legislative delegation. The lunch featured the formal presentation of the Chamber’s 2012 Community Legislative Agenda, recognition of state and local lawmakers, and remarks on 2012 session priorities from Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard.

Looking at More than Aerospace in Singapore In Singapore, the Chamber took a look at how that country organized its chemical industry into pods and has taken advantage of co-location opportunities afforded to spinoff industries. Bonnie Tully, plant manager for Evonik Degussa, transferred to the company’s Theodore facility from an operation in Singapore and is sharing Evonik’s co-location success stories. Co-location – the convergence of supplier industries locating often on a manufacturing industry’s property to support that industry as well as other operations in close proximity – has been of interest to the Chamber’s economic development team and existing industries. Several chemical companies in addition to Evonik have similar arrangements on their sites, and ThyssenKrupp is working on several such opportunities now. See pg. 6 for details. Chamber Names New Ambassadors Rory Beaco, New York Life; Katie Beth Clark, The Cummings Co.; Kaycee Goubil, The AHI Group; Debbie Hunter, The Village at Midtown; Sidney King III,

Odyssey Hospice; Lana Mosley, Reliable Staffing; and Jaime Thagard, ACord Financial Services LLC were named new Chamber ambassadors. Ambassadors are a group of volunteers from member companies 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 Dawn Rencher at 431-8649 or drencher@ mobilechamber.com. STEM For Change in Workforce Skills Development The Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development partnered with the Mobile Area Education Foundation’s Summit in February on an agenda dedicated to discussing the need to improve science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM) in the Mobile County Public School System. These skills have been identified as “highly needed” by industry in the 21st century. The summit’s keynote speaker was Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, an Alabama native and president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Known for innovative

approaches to infuse STEM at the university, he has received national recognition for his leadership in STEM education and was recently featured on the CBS news show 60 Minutes. Other partners included USA College of Education, SAWDC, and the Alabama Math, Science, Technology and Engineering Council. Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings American Family Care – Schillinger Road, Bienville Business Club and JMH Designs recently held grand openings and ribbon cuttings. If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a similar event, contact Dawn Rencher at 431-8649 or drencher@ mobilechamber.com. Champagne and Oysters Starts Holidays Off Right The Chamber hosted more than 150 invited guests and elected officials to its annual Champagne and Oysters reception in December. The annual event is held to welcome and honor newly-elected and re-elected officials from Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties.

By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area businesses every month plus another 9,000 business professionals who receive it electronically. The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your company in front of the Mobile area business community.

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

28 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

Board of Advisors

May

Photo by Jeff Tesney Photography

Ambassador of the Month

Dorothy May Dorothy May, owner of The Gathering of Jewels women’s apparel shop, is the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month. After retiring as a nurse, she opened her own business. She has been a member of the Chamber’s diplomat program for four years, welcoming new businesses to the community at ribbon cuttings and encouraging them to be involved with Chamber activities. “I enjoy the networking and learning opportunities I am afforded through the Chamber,” she said.

Celia Mann Baehr

has more than 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, and has been a Certified Financial Planner practitioner since 1988. Baehr started her own business, Celia Mann Baehr CFP, in 1990 and offers financial planning and investment advice to Baehr individual clients. Baehr holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in geology from The University of Alabama. In February 2008, she received the distinguished service award from the National Alumni Association of the University of South Alabama. Baehr is past board chair of the Mobile Symphony, and currently serves as vice chair for board development. She is past president of the Gulf States Chapter of the Financial Planning Association and currently serves as its treasurer. Baehr is a graduate of Leadership Mobile, a former member of the Mobile Area Chamber board of directors and a member of the Rotary Club of Mobile.

James Laier PhD is the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System board chairman. He is also assistant dean of engineering at the University of South Alabama (USA), and is a licensed professional engineer in 11 states. In addition, he is chief operating officer and principal engineer for Southern Earth Sciences, Laier a company he founded. Laier received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from The Citadel, a master’s degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University, and a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Florida. He is a member of the USA Research Park board of directors and the USA campaign leadership. Laier is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Mobile Area Inter Engineering Societies Council, Alabama Consulting Engineers Council, National Society of Professional Engineers and the Mobile West Rotary Club. Mobile Area Water and Sewer System is a Partners for Growth investor.

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

Don’t Miss A Blooming Thing This Spring at

Stroll through 65 acres of azalea lined paths with family and friends Spring Events for the Whole Family... Easter Egg Hunt - March 31 Easter Sunrise Service - April 8 Camellia Classic Car Show - April 14 Mother’s Day Concert - May 13

www.bellingrath.org

Open Daily 8am - 5pm, Closed December 25 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road s Theodore, Alabama 36582 800.247.8420 / 251.973.2217 The Business View | MARCH 2012

Comparative

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

December 2011 vs December 2010

Employed

Business Licenses

Mobile/Baldwin counties

City of Mobile

Average Selling Price Mobile County

249,774 2011

120 2011

244,816 2010

168 2010

$120,778 2011 $140,648 2010

Homes Sold⌦

Building Permits

Unemployment Rates

Mobile County

8.1% 2011 9.6% 2010

275 2011 219 2010

City of Mobile

160 2011 295 2010

Value of Building Permits $4,969,571 2011 $28,412,286 2010

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 24,250 2011 22,267 2010

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

Mobile Area Chamber Annual Golf Tournament

Friday, March 2

TimberCreek Golf Course in Daphne ----7:30 a.m. - Registration & Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - Shotgun Start

HOLE SPONSORSHIPS $850 / INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $150 LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE!

Call 431-8649 TODAY! Don’t wait to register, the tournament sells out every year!

Major Sponsors: Arkema, Burr & Forman, ExxonMobil, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, International Shipholding Corp., Mobile Gas Putting Contest - Gulf South Pipeline; Chipping Contest - Natures Way Marine; Closest to the Pin - Austal USA; Longest Drive - Mississippi Export Railroad Co. Breakfast Sponsor: The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co. * Ice Cream Provider: Blue Bell Creameries * Massage Provider: Elements Therapeutic Massage

TBV ad halfpage.indd 1 30Golf Tourney MARCH 2012 | The Business View

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March Calendar of Events 2

Chamber Golf Classic *Members Only

Bring clients for a relaxing day of fun and networking on the golf course at this year’s Chamber Golf Tournament on Friday, March 2, 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 reservations and/or sponsorship information, contact Dawn Rencher at 431-8649 or drencher@ mobilechamber.com.

Supplier Marketing Workshop In this economic climate, expanding your potential customer base is critical. Buyers for larger public and private entities are looking for small business suppliers, but how do you meet them and get your foot in the door? Then what do you do? The Mobile Area Chamber will hold “Supplier Marketing: Building and Maintaining Relationships,” a training session presented by Ramona Hill, vice president of enrollment management at Spring Hill College, on Wednesday, March 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. If you want to know how to meet buyers and maintain relationships, plan to attend this workshop. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests, which includes a light breakfast. Reservations are required. Register online at www. mobilechamber.com, or contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Networking@Noon

*Members Only

Make 40-plus business contacts in 90 minutes at Networking@Noon on Wednesday, March 14, at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St., from noon to 1:30 p.m. This bi-monthly event is for Mobile Area Chamber members and limited to one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Payment is due with reservation. Reservations are required no later than Monday, March 12, and can be made by contacting Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com. Reservations not cancelled by March 12, must be honored to cover the cost of the lunch.

Women’s Roundtable

*Members Only

The Mobile Area Chamber’s Women’s Roundtable, a bimonthly forum exclusively for Chamber member women business owners and managers, is scheduled to meet Wednesday, March 14, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Chamber’s Tricentennial Room. Makeda Nichols, agent and registered representative for State Farm Insurance, will discuss exit plans for business owners and managers. What type of plans do you have in place in the event of a major illness or death? Nichols will discuss different scenarios and will also bring Financial Specialist Jerry Johnson to talk about what you can do to take preventive measures. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Carolyn Golson a call at 431-8622 or email cgolson@ mobilechamber.com.

E-Verify – Comply See pg. 5 for details.

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

Executive Roundtable

*Members Only

Dr. K. Mark Weaver, professor of management and Ben May Chair of Entrepreneurship at the University of South Alabama, will discuss Mobile as an entrepreneurial community and key steps for growing the region at this month’s Executive Roundtable. This monthly forum exclusively for Chambermember small business owners and managers will meet Tuesday, March 20, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room, 451 Government St. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobile chamber.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 fifth annual Gulf Coast Commercial Real Estate Summit on Wednesday, March 21, from 7:30 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 day-long workshop will feature commercial real estate industry leaders offering 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 $195 and includes lunch, and reservations are required. Register online by Friday, March 19, at www.mobilechamber.com (click on the Calendar of Events). For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly at 431-8655 or smattingly@mobile chamber.com.

Business After Hours Join Chamber members and volunteers Thursday, March 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours at the Holiday Inn Mobile Airport at 3630 Springhill Memorial Dr. S. This popular event 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. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com.

{ } SAVE

the Date

Mobile Area Chamber Membership Appreciation Day

Friday, April 13 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 451 Government St.

* food Live Music * Meet the Staff * * FREE

The Business View | MARCH 2012

Member News Who’s New

Castagne

Cox

Century 21 Meyer Real Estate welcomed Judah Castagne, Barbara Cox and Phyllis Schwabacher as sales associates. X

Schwabacher Avery Tucker Jordan was named principal business banker for Wells Fargo in Mobile. Jordan earned a master’s degree from Jordan the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a bachelor’s degree from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.

Marty Harris rejoined Springdale Travel as a personal travel concierge specializing in cruises, destination honeymoons, and Harris vacation packages. X Retired FBI agent Marie Dyson joined Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant and the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center as the outreach and Dyson extension facilitator for working waterfronts programming. Dyson holds a master’s degree in education from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in criminology/psychology from Florida State University. X Local information technology firm IGT Networks Inc. promoted Trevor Ward to vice president of operations. He will also head up the company’s new software development division for the maritime industry.

Berg Steel Pipe named Paul Weber general manager of operations for its Mobile location. Weber earned a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, and a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University. X

Bradley

Deighton

Crow Shields & Bailey PC accounting and consulting firm promoted CPAs Kathryn G. Bradley and Sherri L. Deighton to supervisors. Both women are located in the firm’s Mobile office. X Roberts Brothers Inc. hired Yvette Latona as a real estate agent.

Latona

Drey

Watkins

Jones Walker welcomed attorneys Kathryn W. Drey and Jason R. Watkins to the firm as special counsels in its Mobile office. Drey is a graduate of Tulane Law School and is licensed to practice in Alabama. Watkins graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law. X Jennifer Cooley joined the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) staff as director of marketing and communications. Cooley Cooley comes to the MBCVB with more than 11 years of experience in marketing and communications. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Spring Hill College.

15th Annual

State of the City & County Lunch “Your First Source For Safety Equipment and Supplies” SALES •SERVICE • RENTALS s Complete Line of Safety Equipment s RENTAL Monitors, SCBA, Confined Space s AIRBOSS SCBA Breathing Air Trailers s Equipment Repair, Service and Calibration

Wednesday, April 25 Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Join City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson as they discuss the state of the city and county at this annual Chamber luncheon.

s OSHA Safety Surveys, Seminars,Training

Tickets are $20 per person or $190 for a table of 10 (Chamber members only) or $30 per person for nonmembers.

s Respirator Fit Testing, PFT & Medicals s Walk-In Safety Sales Showroom s RX Glasses, Safety Shoes, Uniforms

Reservations and advanced payment are required. Call 431-8621 or email chunt@mobilechamber.com

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

Program Sponsors: Aker Solutions, Alabama Power Co., Austal USA, Commonwealth National Bank, First Community Bank, International Shipholding Corp., Mitsubishi Polysilicon, Mobile Airport Authority, Mobile Gas, Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc., RBC Bank, Regions Bank, SSAB and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Printer Sponsor: MH3 Printing & Ad Specialties - Floral Sponsor: All-A-Bloom Florist

32 MARCH 2012 | The Business View 2012SOCC_TBV_ad.indd 1

2/1/2012 11:18:32 AM

Business Endeavors Hub International Limited, a leading insurance brokerage firm, acquired Bay Benefits, a Mobile-based employee benefits insurance brokerage firm. X Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile launched a new website, www.RMHCMobile.org, allowing online donations and including information about volunteer opportunities, room and board accommodations and a calendar of upcoming events. X CostFlex Systems announced a $1 million investment for upgrades to its healthcare cost accounting system and platform development. X White-Spunner Construction completed a $32 million double-decked retail supercenter in Dallas, the first of its kind in the continental U.S. X The city of Mobile enhanced its website, offering permitting applications and business tax collections. For more information on permits, visit www. cityofmobile.org/devcenter.php.

O G TAL

I G I D

Goodwill Easter Seals partnered with Dell to offer free year-round electronics recycling at its donation centers and retail locations as part of the Dell Reconnect program. For a complete list of participating Goodwill locations and to learn more about Dell Reconnect, visit www.dell reconnect.com. X Compass Urgent Care Clinic, an independent high-tech urgent care center, opened at 9985 Airport Blvd., at the intersection of Airport Oyler Boulevard and Snow Road West. The new center is led by Dr. Richard Oyler, a Mobile native with more than 20 years of emergency medical experience. In addition, Compass Urgent Care created a smartphone app to provide immediate access to information about the facility, services and a variety of healthcare information. Consumers can download the free application from www.iTriageHealth.com. X Springdale Travel launched a new website, www.springdaletravel.com. The site features a brand new look and tools to make vacation planning easier.

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The Business View | MARCH 2012

Well Done Callaghan’s Irish Social Club was awarded “Alabama’s Best Burger” by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. X Larinda Gann with RE/MAX Partners on Grelot Road was awarded the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) Realtor of the Year for Gann the local chapter. She will now compete for the state of Alabama WCR Realtor of the Year. X Pen Air Federal Credit Union was recognized as a Superior 5-Star Rated Credit Union by BAUERFINANCIAL Inc. The credit union increased capital levels as well as a loan portfolio with negligible levels of delinquent loans. X Equit-E-Cycle, a division of Equity Technologies, an end-of-life electronics recycler located in Brookley Aeroplex, was certified as an R2 Responsible Recycler. R2 guarantees legal and ethical recycling, tracking of all hazardous materials and information security while managing an environmentally-safe process.

Frazer, Greene, Upchurch & Baker LLC announced A. Danner Frazer Jr., Michael E. Upchurch and Mary Margaret Bailey were included in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Upchurch was also named among the “Mobile Best Lawyers Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Lawyer of the Year” for 2012. X The Grand Dining Room of the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa and the Trellis Room of The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa received the Wine Spectator Award for exceptional wine selections. Both hotels also received ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award for meetings excellence. X Managing broker Joe Rogers, of Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. REALTORS was named the Mobile Area Association of Realtors 2012 president. And manager Larry Smith received the Mobile Association of Realtors David Roberts Scholarship Award. It recognizes 20 years of industry service and contributions to the local, state and national boards. X Volkert Inc. was ranked the No. 1 engineering firm in the state of Alabama in the October 2011 issue of Business Alabama.

34 MARCH 2012 | The Business View

Hand Arendall announced the firm’s inclusion in the “Best Law Firms” list, published by U.S. News & World Report in conjunction with Best Lawyers in America®. The firm received 23 Metropolitan TierOne Rankings in 21 practice areas. Additionally, the firm received seven Metropolitan Tier-Two Rankings. X Bishop State Community College captured gold and bronze Medallion awards in the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations district two medallion awards competition. The college received a gold (first place) award in the television advertising/public service announcement series category and a bronze (third place) award in the folder cover category. X The Alabama Hospitality Association and the Alabama Restaurant Association presented the Restaurateur of the Year Award to Wintzell’s Oyster House at the 10th annual Hospitality Stars of Alabama awards, recognizing outstanding performance, commitment and achievements in the lodging, tourism and restaurant industries. X McDowell Knight Roedder & Sledge LLC was named among the top mid-sized business litigation firms in the state of Alabama in the Super Lawyers, Business Edition 2011. X Mobile Infirmary nurse Shannon Davidson received the Comfort Award for her commitment to serve the needs of her Davidson community. Davidson has volunteered her medical services to the McIntosh Rescue Squad for 20 years and 11 years to the McIntosh Volunteer Fire Department local rescue squad. In 2010 alone, she contributed more than 1,900 hours to the two services. X The Community Foundation of South Alabama was recently recognized for meeting the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The notice comes from the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Washington D.C. In addition, the foundation received a $50,000 grant from the Marguerite Casey Foundation for the Social Impact Fund to provide increased levels of support for community-led social justice efforts.

Nine attorneys from the Burr & Forman LLP Mobile office were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012: Douglas L. Anderson, Edward G. Isaacs Bowron, C. William Daniels, Jr., Eric J. Dyas, John P. Kavanagh, Jr., Forrest S. Latta, Abram L. Philips, Jr., Marion A. Quina Jr. and H. William Wasden. The firm has a total of 76 attorneys listed this year. X Express Employment Professionals was named the No. 1 staffing franchise in the U.S. by Entrepreneur Magazine as part of the magazine’s 33rd annual Franchise 500® list. Express also ranked in the top 100 on the magazine’s Top Global Franchises list in America. X Bob Bender, owner of Springdale Travel was inducted into the 2012 Business Travel Services Advisory Board (BTS). The board’s role is to provide advice to American Express on products, programs and the general direction of the American Express Travel Partner Network.

Community News The Family Center, a social service organization, was awarded $168,250 by the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention for Mobile County’s Fatherhood Initiative Programs, which focus on parenting, fatherhood, relationship skills, stress and anger management. The services are open to mothers, as well as fathers, free of charge. For more information, call 479-5700. X Local residents can receive free help to quit smoking in 2012 with the Alabama Department of Public Health telephonebased tobacco cessation service that provides free counseling and four weeks of free nicotine patches to callers who begin telephone counseling and are medically eligible. Call the Alabama Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW). Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.JustBreatheMobile.org.

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

Anniversaries

New Members

If you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647 or Tricia Bradley at 431-8642. View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

Acquisition Logistics Engineering (ALE) Ken Hardenbrook 4850 Gautier-Vancleave Rd., Ste. 3 Gautier, MS 39553-4824 228-522-1522 www.ale.com Logistics-Full Service American Family Care Schillinger Rd. Felicia Fortune 535 Schillinger Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36695-8915 251-544-6611 www.americanfamilycare.com Medical Clinics

Delta Process Equipment Inc. Mike Hendrix 5454 Able Ct. Mobile, AL 36693 251-666-1414 Processing Equipment Dorger Software Architects Inc. Scot Dorger 620 Azalea Rd., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36608 251-281-2001 www.dorgersoft.com Software Development

B Boutique Brandy Lister 9 Du Rhu Dr., Ste. 315 Mobile, AL 36608 251-380-1008 Women’s Apparel

Events By Mallory Mallory Carey 122 Item Ave. Mobile, AL 36607-2902 251-281-8230 www.eventsbymallory.com Event Planning/Management

Beds & Blinds Inc. David Tarwater 11371 County Rd. 64 Daphne, AL 36526-6051 251-621-2006 www.bedsandblinds.com Shutters BIS Office Systems LLC Tyran Colvin 273 Azalea Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste. 100 Mobile, AL 36609 251-476-3113 www.bisofficesystems.com Copying Machines Dealer-Supply C2 Wealth Strategies Wesley Coody 2607 Dauphin St., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36606 251-706-1451 www.c2wealth.com Investments

Collings Electric Jeremy Collings 3104 Lees Ln. Mobile, AL 36693-5227 251-661-3006 Electrical Contractor

Hall’s Theodore Wholesale Florist Hutch Galloney 5655 Middle Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 251-653-8563 Floral Distributor Harbor Lady Cruises David Graves 1 S. Water St. Mobile, AL 36602 877-707-5239 www.harborlady.com Cruises

Hepaco Joey Smith 5995 Rangeline Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 251-706-5841 www.hepaco.com Environmental Services Kitchen on George Ron Patak 351-A George St. Mobile, AL 36604 251-436-8890 www.kitchenongeorge.com Restaurants Mobile Bay Adventure Inn Ankit Gandhi 255 Church St. Mobile, AL 36602-2603 251-433-6923 www.adventurebayinns.com Motels Red or White Wine & Gourmet Center Mike Gibson 1801 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607-3416 251-478-9494 www.redorwhitewine.com Wine

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

40 YEARS

Lewis Communications Inc.

30 YEARS

Roto Rooter Plumbing Service

25 YEARS

Crow Shields & Bailey PC

10 YEARS

C. A. Services Inc. Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front

5 YEARS

Grelot Physical Therapy Mobile County Personnel Board Moffett Road Assembly of God

1-4 YEARS

Ayres Composite Panels USA LLC Mia Burmeister-Laws Cartridge World of Mobile Collette Vacations Cooper Marine and Timberlands Corp. The Crossings at Cottage Hill Apartment Homes Dawes Stor-All Georgia Roussos Catering Inc. Global Security International (GSI)

Grand Slam Storage Hampton Inn I-10 West/Bellingrath Gardens HeroMan Services Plant Co. LLC Hernandez Calhoun Design International Hill Marine Refrigeration Inc Paul L. Jernigan CPA Longleaf Chem-Dry Longleaf Pines Apartments Magnolia Self Storage March of Dimes Foundation Mardi Gras Warehouse Mission of Hope Ministries Inc. Mobile Sports Authority Moore Properties LLC Netpoint IT-Services Inc. Opportunity 4 Entertainers & Performing Arts PMOA Inc. Phoenix Fitness Piping & Equipment Inc. Pride of Mobile Barbershop Chorus Safety Plus Inc. Saunders Yachtworks Signature Real Estate LLC SouthData Inc. Spanish Fort Town Center Apartments Telephone Data Services of Mobile Inc. Time Savers Personal Assistant URS Corp.

Thin & Healthy’s Total Solutions Leigh Buce 3055 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36606-4040 251-476-9270 www.myfitnessphoenix.com Weight Control Services As of 12/31/11

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC..............29 Alabama Power Co.......................................5 BankTrust................................................... 17 Bellingrath Gardens and Home...............29 Boteler, Finley & Wolfe...............................27 Community Bank......................................22 FLC Living.....................................................2 Gwin’s Commercial Printing.................... 35 Hancock Bank............................................20 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc..........33 Lagniappe...................................................34

MCG Business Solutions............................25 Mamun/ReMax Partners.........................33 Mobile County Health Department............6 Padgett Business Services of Mobile........25 Premier Medical Management................ 21 Regions Bank.............................................19 Ron’s Catering............................................27 Safety Source..............................................32 The University of Alabama.......................18 USA Economic Summit..............................4 Wonderland Express..................................25 The Business View | MARCH 2012