The Business View - April 2012

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

APRIL 2012

the

Partners for Growth

VIEW

Aims for $10 Million

The Evolution of A Small Business:

Calagaz Member

Appreciation Day

See You There!

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

you believe you belong and for that we say thanks!

Member Appreciation Day! Friday, April 13 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 451 Government St. Join us for our 4th Membership Appreciation Day and Open House.

Meet the Chamber staff and learn how we are working for your business.

Sponsored By: For more information, call 251-431-8622.

Live Music * Free Food * Giveaways 2

APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Participating Members: Blue Bell Creameries; Chiropractic Life Center: A Creating Wellness Center; Elements Therapeutic Massage; Flowers Baking Co.; Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter; Mobile Gas; Music 4 U, The Tommy Morse Band; Office Depot Business Solutions Division; Port City Rentals; and Sam’s Club.

the

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Vol. XLIII, No. 3

VIEW

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April 2012

4-9

10-11

Cover

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The recently formed Calagaz group was created to oversee the company’s newest acquisitions. Pictured are the three Calagaz family members charged with running the business. Leo Calagaz (second from right), Joe Calagaz (second from left) and Pauline Calagaz (center). Also pictured are Steven McNider (left), who sold McNider Creations to Calagaz and joined the company, and Donnie Webb (right), who is in the process of selling Superior Printing to Calagaz and will also join the company. See story on pages 17-19.

Cover photo by Susan Rak-Blanchard.

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Local leaders envision future of Gulf Coast

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The Chamber plans a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba

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Small Business of the Month: WESCO Gas & Welding

17-19

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CEO Profile: Alan H. Turner II, United Way of Southwest Alabama

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SCORE Column: Why small business will lead in the new economy

22-23

Make plans to attend the fun-filled Member Appreciation Day

the business VIEW is published monthly,

Additional Writers and Editors Shayla Jones Beaco, Sam Covert, Ashley Horn, Leigh Perry-Herndon, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Carolyn Wilson

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

Investor Focus: BayBank

Meet the Chamber’s new custodian: Hope Bush-Collins

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29 30-31 32-34 35

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25 23

26-27 28

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

Made in Mobile: How Mobile-based Calagaz has evolved since its founding in 1955

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New leaders named for next phase of Partners for Growth

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

Chamber@Work Board of Advisors: Kenneth J. Borowski, Gary J. Grady and Patrick J. Wilson Business Spotlight of the Month: Perfecting That Cleaning LLC Ambassador of the Month: Marcia Washam Economic Indicators Calendar Member News Anniversaries New Members

The Business View | APRIL 2012

3

Alorica Expands

to Second Location in Mobile County

Company Adds 200 Jobs in West Mobile, Plans to Add Hundreds More in North Mobile County

Nearly two years ago, telecommunications company Ryla announced its intentions to open an in-bound call center in Saraland, and put hundreds of people to work. By January 2012, Ryla, now known as Alorica, was in the process of capping out a workforce of 650 at the Saraland site, and opened a second facility in west Mobile on Hillcrest Road with a workforce of 200.

“Mobile was fortunate to have an additional ‘plug-and-play’ facility in west Mobile to immediately handle Alorica’s increased capacity,” said Herman Tinsley, senior project manager for the Mobile Area Chamber.

Plug-and-play is a call center industry term to describe how quickly an empty building’s infrastructure can be turned around to open the doors. Tinsley said the Hillcrest Road site is located in the former FR Financial building, which was originally built for TeleVox, a voice and data messaging company. The facility has a high-speed

cable network and a backup diesel generator, all critical to call center operations.

“We’ve been extremely pleased with the available workforce, and the amazing attitudes from people in Mobile,” said Danel Kuhlmann, Alorica’s marketing and communications director. “I don’t think we’re done. We’re on a fast track for more.”

Tinsley believes Alorica’s future success in the Mobile market will be sealed by the company’s continued commitment to training its workers. Employees who work at either Alorica facility are trained to provide customer service to one specific company’s needs.

Alorica, with more than 20,000 employees and 40 call centers, purchased Ryla in April 2010. The company is also ramping up employment at the Saraland site and plans to have a total of 850 employees by May. You’ll see this symbol with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Pictured above is the newest Alorica location on Hillcrest Road in west Mobile.

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Local Agency Offers

Mental Health First-Aid Training

Just as people are trained to recognize the warning signs of heart attacks or strokes, AltaPointe is now training the public to recognize warning signs of mental health issues.

Although the term “first aid” typically refers to physical health, it can be applied to mental health as well. When AltaPointe Health Systems began offering mental health firstaid training in late 2011, the response was strong, according to company officials.

Geared toward business owners and managers, this type of training helps identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness among employees, such as panic attacks, paranoia and psychotic episodes.

“This important educational effort goes a lot further than emergency intervention; it really helps people understand the shroud of fear and misjudgment facing individuals and families who experience mental illness and addiction,” said Dr. Sandra Parker, AltaPointe’s medical director.

Participants in the first-aid training classes learn how to address employee problems through techniques such as using non-threatening body language, speaking softly, asking the person’s name and listening closely. They also learn how to assess whether someone is suicidal and where to direct people for services.

To learn more about this program, or to schedule a Mental Health First Aid instructor Emily Head, standing, reviews new program materials with other staff members mental health first-aid training course, call 459-1386 or at AltaPointe’s Adult Outpatient Services on Gordon Smith Drive in Mobile. e-mail mentalhealthfirstaid@altapointe.org.

Open-Air Pavilion

Under Construction at Medal of Honor Park

A

partnership between the city of Mobile and Mobile County will soon benefit park-goers at Medal of Honor Park (formerly known as Cottage Hill Park). Construction is underway on the Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion, a 2,500-square-foot open-air pavilion to be named in honor of Mobile County’s 200th anniversary.

Located near the park’s water tower, the pavilion will be home to stage productions, concerts, movies and other community events, and will have stage lighting and a sound system.

“This will provide a whole new experience for our community that will serve not only our west Mobile residents, but will draw people from all parts because of the caliber of performance the pavilion can accommodate,” said Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson.

County officials designed, engineered and constructed the pavilion, and the city of Mobile will operate and maintain the facility.

The $300,000 project is being paid by city and county dollars as well as a $5,000 donation from Blacksher White-Spunner and $10,000 from The J.L. Bedsole Foundation.

The Business View | APRIL 2012

5

Volunteers Sought for

Great American Cleanup

I

f the trash and debris littering our beautiful city make you feel helpless, now is the time to pitch in and make a difference by volunteering for Mobile’s 2012 Great American Cleanup. Interested individuals and groups can participate at any time and at any location during the month of April, but are especially encouraged to organize activities during Mobile GAC week, kicking off on April 21 and culminating on April 28.

The Great American Cleanup is a city-wide event sponsored locally by Keep Mobile Beautiful in partnership with Envision Coastal Alabama. This event, the nation’s largest community improvement program, involves an estimated 2.8 million volunteers nationwide each year.

The Mobile GAC steering committee’s goal is to recruit 100 volunteer teams and is

in Mobile

urging all community and civic associations, schools, neighborhood groups and businesses in the Mobile area to plan their own cleanup projects.

During the Great American Cleanup week, registered teams will receive free cleanup supplies, such as bags, gloves and vests, donated by Keep Mobile Beautiful.

Austal Christens the

CORONADO

In January, Austal USA christened the Coronado, the second Littoral Combat Ship built in Mobile for the U.S. Navy. The 127-meter all-aluminum vessel has a maximum speed of more than 45 knots.

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APRIL 2012 | The Business View

The organization will have a central supply distribution center stationed at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St., beginning Friday, April 20, at noon.

Supply dropoff arrangements can be made in advance for registered teams. In addition, Keep Mobile Beautiful can help identify area hotspots to clean up, and help

organize your specific project.

All groups interested in organizing a cleanup activity should contact Denise Byrd with Keep Mobile Beautiful at 2086029 or denise.byrd@cityofmobile.org.

To register online, visit www.handsonal.org and click on “Find an Opportunity.”

Chamber Participates in SARPC Job Fair and Encourages Employers to Hire Veterans No matter if you’re actively looking for a job or are an employer seeking qualified applicants to fill open positions, the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission’s annual business expo/jobs fair has something for you. The annual event will be held on Thursday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center’s Expo Hall.

Last year’s event drew more than 3,500 job seekers from six states. Employees seeking workers will be able to meet potential employers, conduct on-site interviews and provide general employment information.

This year the Mobile Area Chamber is participating in the job fair through a U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative called “Hiring Our Heroes.” Local companies can receive federal tax credits for hiring U.S. military men and women.

The work opportunity credit has been expanded to provide employers with new incentives to hire certain unemployed veterans. In November 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the “Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.” This new law

provides an expanded work opportunity tax credit to businesses that hire eligible unemployed veterans and for the first time also makes part of the credit available to tax-exempt organizations. Businesses claim the credit as part of the general business credit and tax-exempt organizations claim it against their payroll tax liability. The credit is available for eligible unemployed veterans who begin work on or after Nov. 22, 2011 and before Jan. 1, 2013.

“We got involved because there are unprecedented numbers of people coming back to the U.S. the first few months of this year,” said Leida Javier-Ferrell, the Mobile Area Chamber’s director of workforce development. “This is a national effort also targeting the high number of unemployed veterans and veterans with disabilities.”

To learn more about “Hiring Our Heroes,” contact Ferrell at 251-431-8631 or ljavier@mobilechamber.com. To learn more about the business expo and jobs fair, go to www.sarpc.org.

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BamaByDistance.ua.edu/Mobile The Business View | APRIL 2012

7

City of Mobile Launches

Online Development Center The permitting submission process in the city of Mobile just became a little easier.

During a period of unstable economic times, most construction projects hang in the balance of rising construction costs, complex financing agreements and demanding project timelines. Recognizing the constraints these obstacles can place on proposed developments, the city of Mobile recently revamped its current online permitting application.

In its commitment to providing a streamlined development process, from concept to certificate of occupancy, the city of Mobile launched the new online Building and Development Center. Whether it’s zoning, plan review, building permits, construction or inspection for all residential and commercial projects, this new online development portal contains all the necessary forms and applications needed to complete any project in the city of Mobile.

Prior to the development of the new permitting portal, online development

procedures were not easy to navigate, resulting in an over-reliance on telephone communications with code officials and, in some instances, numerous trips to Mobile Government Plaza from contractors seeking clarity on code requirements. For the average architect, engineer or developer working to get a construction project off the ground, time is a critical element in moving projects forward. Consequently, the ability to sit at one’s computer or tablet while completing many aspects of the permitting process offers a priceless tool that can save needed time, money and resources.

Many governmental entities across the nation now offer electronic or online methods to automate and add efficiency and convenience to processes within city and regulatory departments. For the Mobile development community, this major step in realizing a streamlined development process was the number one priority identified by the City/Developer Task Force.

15th Annual

State of the City & County Lunch n! o o S ing

Com

June 2012

Date to be Announced 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.

Formed in 2010, this consortium of local architects, engineers, Realtors and contractors initiated a collaborative effort to bring city department heads and Sam W. Covert is past president of members of the development community Downtown Mobile Alliance and a together to focus jointly on identifying steps member of the City/Developer Task to enhance the current permitting process.

Force. To contact Covert, e-mail In support of this process, Mayor Sam swcovert@southernco.com.

Jones named Bill Harkins, coordinator of the Mobile CitiSmart program, as the point person for this important work. Along with Members of the task force recognize the website developer, John Strope of that recent website enhancements do not Dogwood Productions, Harkins and constitute a one-time fix, but represent a members of the task force participated in process that will require continuous the December unveiling of the new updating and enhancement. The city of Building and Land Development Center.

Mobile is committed to this long-term Many representatives from the effort and encourages ongoing feedback professional development community and input. were in attendance, and the effort Recently, the Mobile Area Association of received high marks.

Realtors hosted members of the Mobile The new online tool County Road Builders has been designed to Association, Associated The new online tool help anyone wishing General Contractors, has been designed to build in the city Home Builders of Mobile find the Association and the to help anyone necessary answers American Institute of wishing to build in and forms to complete Architects to present the the city of Mobile projects within new development find the necessary regulation and portal. The city is professional standards. committed to providing answers and forms The permitting onsite demonstrations to complete projects portal brings together to all interested trade within regulation pertinent information groups. For more and professional from the city’s many information, visit the web pages in an Building and Land standards. attempt to create a Development Center at one-stop service for www.cityofmobile. individual citizens as org/dev_center.php. well as development professionals.

To set up an onsite demonstration for Among the components found on the your organization or association, contact site are lists of permits required, Bill Harkins at harkinsb@ distinctions between residential and cityof mobile.org or 208-7011. commercial projects, useful forms and applications, a directory of city staff involved in the planning and permitting process and a section on frequently asked questions.

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

Reservations and advanced payment are required.

Call 431-8621 or email chunt@mobilechamber.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., PNC Bank, Regions Bank, SSAB and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Printer Sponsor: MH3 Printing & Ad Specialties - Floral Sponsor: All-A-Bloom Florist

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APRIL 2012 | The Business View

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Mobile Area Chamber’s Minority Program

Receives Grant to Expand Service The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation received a $75,000 grant from The Community Foundation of South Alabama to help the MBDA Business Center Mobile, operated by the Chamber, expand services to businesses affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The Chamber and the MBDA both have established services to help entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their businesses.

The new grant monies will fund recruiting, training and the coordinating of local consultants to coach businesses on sustainability practices.

“Sustainability is a surging trend for the business community as executives work to reduce costs, use their workforce more effectively and balance their distribution of resources,” said Win Hallett, president of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

“This will facilitate these practices to area businesses that are looking for ways to ensure their future.”

Bestor Ward, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation board chairman, added, “This grant will benefit businesses affected by the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill for years to come.”

The Gulf Fund Communities was created through an anonymous donation to Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors to enhance the resiliency of diverse communities along the Gulf Coast. In the third and final disbursement, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation was one of 13 organizations receiving funds.

The Community Foundation has awarded more than $3.6 million to 28 Mobile and Baldwin County organizations since July 2011, focusing on financial stability, mental health and wellness, social service and youth resiliency, according to Alvertha Penny, the foundation’s president and chief executive officer.

Mobile County businesses interested in sustainability training should contact MBDA at 433-2250.

The Community Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to local agencies in the Mobile area in January. The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation received a $75,000 grant to support the MBDA Business Center Mobile, operated by the Mobile Area Chamber.

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 The Business View | APRIL 2012

9

Co-Chairs Named to Lead

Partners for Growth Partners for Growth Believe in the Future

A

program of work as dynamic as Partners for Growth needed two of this community’s champions to spearhead a $10 million fundraising goal, according to Mobile Area Chamber President Win Hallett.

That’s why it was natural to tap Joel Daves with Regions Bank and Mike Saxon with Alabama Power Co., as co-chairs for the fiveyear campaign, spanning 2013-2017.

“For all of our successes bringing new companies to Mobile, and working with existing businesses on expansion projects, we are not slowing down, and in fact are better primed than we were five years ago for additional investment,” said Hallett. “To implement this aggressive program, however, we need the funding mechanism in place.”

Daves, who has lived in Mobile on three occasions since 1979, says the transformation that’s taken place here in 30-plus years is like no other, but admits it’s easier for him to see the changes than people who have never left.

“Sometimes you don’t see changes until you go away and come back,” he said. Daves returned as Regions’ South Alabama president in 2009, and sees creating new jobs and a capable workforce as the change agents that continue to transform the face of Mobile.

When meeting with business owners and managers about investing in Partners for Growth, Daves says, “Each business’ investment is tied to the economic growth of this community. I believe that if Mobile is growing, then your business will grow with it.”

Saxon is a relative newcomer to Mobile, but in his short tenure at the helm of Alabama Power Co.’s Mobile division, he’s seen first-hand the importance of having a strong economic development program here. In addition to cochairing Partners for Growth, he is also chair-elect for the Chamber.

Partners for Growth III

2013-2017

Goal: $10 million over five years Jobs Goal: 4,000 over five years Average Annual Wages Goal: $40,000 Capital Investment Goal: $1.5 billion over five years

Daves

Saxon

“Often times the word ‘investment’ is tossed around freely when trying to raise money. In the case of Partners for Growth, it is truly an investment because there are clear and measurable outcomes primarily in the form of job creation and capital investment. These outcomes can be easily translated into the return on investment which is the first measure of a true investment.” Both Saxon and Daves agree the key to Mobile and the Chamber’s successes in industry recruiting and expansion efforts lie in the strong private-public partnership assembled.

“That does not happen often,” Daves said in explaining Mobile’s unique recruiting partnership. “For as strong as the Chamber is, we realize the Chamber cannot do it alone.”

Over the next few months, Daves and Saxon, along with a leadership council currently in development, will be meeting with elected officials and company leaders to raise the $10 million needed over five years to continue Partners for Growth. In upcoming issues of The Business View, readers will be shown the plan’s details and how the funds raised will be used to invest in Mobile’s economic future.

Partners for Growth II

2008-2012

Goal: $10 million over five years Amount Raised: $10.4 million Jobs Goal: 3,750 over five years Actual Jobs: 6,176 over five years * Average Annual Wages Goal: $38,500 Actual Average Annual Wages: $52,552 * Capital Investment Goal: $1 billion over five years Actual Capital Investment: $1.4 billion

over five years *

* Partners for Growth II is on-going, and the final number will increase based on 2012 announcements.

Partners for Growth I

2003-2007

Goal: $7 million over five years Amount Raised: $8 million Jobs Goal: 1,100 annually Actual Jobs: 1,840 annually Average Annual Wages Goal: $32,500 Actual Average Annual Wages: $47,711 Capital Investment Goal: $1.75 billion

over five years Actual Capital Investment: $5.18 billion

over five years

What is Partners for Growth?

For more than 25 years, the Mobile Area Chamber has led Mobile’s economic growth with measurable and impressive results. Operating as a public-private partnership with the city of Mobile, Mobile County and more than 160 private companies, this unique approach to economic development has a strategic direction, complete with governance.

10 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

The program of work is commonly referred to as Partners for Growth – or PFG – and its successes have delivered a significant return on public-private investment by creating and retaining jobs, elevating salaries, increasing capital invested here and diversifying the Mobile area’s economic base.

Light at End of Tunnel

for Mobile’s Economy

In a series of recent Mobile Area Chamber meetings, an optimistic trend has emerged.

Chamber Board Chairman Michael Pierce, also board chair of Commonwealth National Bank, says he’s seeing it in his meetings with area businesses. And the Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development, Troy Wayman, can substantiate that with a record number of inquiries from businesses investigating opportunities in Mobile.

As the lead economic developer for the Chamber, city of Mobile and Mobile County, Wayman says his team is the busiest it has been in three years, with legitimate projects representing industries across the board, from chemicals to aerospace.

The nature of recruiting, whether it is expansions at local companies or new businesses, requires extreme confidentiality, so Wayman can’t reveal any details, except to say there are dozens of companies ready to invest in projects.

They are doing their homework, and Mobile’s on the list.

In a study by the Center for Business economic downturn, the new educational and Economic Research at The University division has experienced growth as well as of Alabama, Mobile’s business confidence the company’s banking and healthcare index is up 3.6 points to 49.6 percent, just sectors. below the threshold of 50 that the center Last October, ITS held a grand opening uses for expansion. on a new 15,000According to the square-foot facility near report, transportation, Schillinger Road for its Last year, the information and offices, center Chamber was involved utility sectors in the of network operations with 11 economic Mobile area are and warehouse needs. anticipating The Mobile office has 20 development projects increased sales and full-time employees, announced at seven capital spending. with occasional influx local facilities and Information of 10 to 15 additional four new ones. More Transport Solutions staff from the home Inc. (ITS), based in office, and services two than 600 jobs will Wetumpka, Ala., has of the company’s largest be created at these a significant presence customers that happen companies, and their in Mobile. Two-andto be based in Mobile. It a-half years ago, also assists customers investments exceed President Tomi Selby throughout Alabama, $130 million. saw an opportunity to Mississippi, Louisiana expand the company’s and the Florida services to include technology training and panhandle. ITS has a total of 140 employees. support in K-12 schools. During the “In this economy, people are not willing to invest in just a better way to do things. It has to save them money in a short period of time,” said Dave Stone, the company’s vice president for project management.

Last year, the Chamber was involved with 11 economic development projects announced at seven local facilities and four new ones at AeroStar, Aker Subsea, Austal USA, Gulf Coast Asphalt, Horizon Ship Building, Huntsman, Krispy Mixes, Serimax North America, Steel Warehouse, Tate & Lyle and Vail Rubber. More than 600 jobs will be created at these companies, and their investments exceed $130 million.

“Positive outlooks of Mobile executives, particularly for sales, are tempered by concerns regarding the U.S. economy as a whole, which is still seen as too fragile to lead significant growth. While most respondents seem to believe the declines in activity are largely over, area businesses will likely remain cautious as key national and global economic issues continue to play out,” the report’s authors wrote.

Mobile Ranks

Among Best-Performing Cities Mobile’s performance in job and wage growth earned the Port City the 34th spot in Milken Institute’s annual list of 2011 Best-Performing Cities of the nation’s top 200 metro areas. The Santa Monica, Calif.-based organization is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that analyzes the issues and choices facing policymakers.

The Mobile metropolitan statistical area scored highest in the category of ‘5-Year High-Tech GDP growth’ from 2005 through 2010, followed by the ‘5-Year Wages & Salaries Growth’ from 2004 through 2009 category.

During that time frame, Mobile saw expansions and new projects at hightech companies such as the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, Southern Light and TeleVox. Overall wages and salaries were likely affected by hirings and expansions at Austal USA, Aker Solutions, Airbus Americas Engineering, SSAB and ThyssenKrupp.

According to the report, the ‘BestPerforming Cities’ index is designed to measure U.S. metropolitan areas experiencing the best overall economic performance based on job creation and retention, the quality of jobs being produced and overall economic outcomes. Specifically, the index pinpoints where jobs are being created and maintained, where wages and salaries are increasing, and where economies and businesses are growing and thriving.

Information Transport Solutions Inc., expanded its operations to a new 15,000-square-foot facility in west Mobile last year to meet the company’s growing business. The Mobile office has 20 full-time employees.

The Business View | APRIL 2012

11

Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities

Anticipate Future Threats to the Gulf Coast S

everal major hurricanes and a catastrophic oil spill have taken a tremendous toll on the Gulf Coast region, with the impact affecting the coastal environment, tourism industry, fisheries, overall quality of life and economic well-being. While many lessons have been learned as a result of these devastating events, area leaders recognize the importance of ongoing planning efforts to assist local communities in anticipation of future disasters and threats to the region’s most critical assets.

To address these and other coastal issues, America’s Energy Coast (AEC), an initiative of the America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF), held its seventh Leadership Forum on Jan. 25 at the Five Rivers Research Center in Spanish Fort. In partnership with AEC, State Sen. Vivian Davis-Figures and Rep. Randy Davis co-chaired the day-long symposium focusing on environmental, social and economic issues impacting the Gulf Coast’s regional sustainability, coastal resiliency, energy production, and natural and manmade vulnerabilities prevalent in coastal Alabama waters.

As part of its Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities initiative, AEC convened key local stakeholders representing regional environmental organizations, industry, academia and community leaders to

closely examine the impact of natural and socioeconomic threats to Alabama’s coast.

While 45 percent of the state’s economy is generated along the coast, there is a growing concern that coastal Alabama is not recognized for its importance as a contributor to the state and the region. By engaging local and regional stakeholders, the goal of this initiative is to not only foster coastal collaboration and cooperation, but also to emphasize the value of Alabama’s coastal assets to the entire Gulf Coast region.

The states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas are working in partnership with AEC to create a positive, balanced national dialogue on America’s energy future and the economic and ecological sustainability of the Gulf’s energy-producing states. Working together in support of smart land use planning

The Gulf Coast’s Resilence Index Stakeholders and resiliency experts along the Gulf Coast were given a series of statements regarding specific resilience elements to evaluate. Ratings were given on a scale of 1-5 with 5 representing “does well” and 1 representing “does poorly.”

Participants also evaluated these elements qualitatively through open-ended questions. America’s WETLAND Foundation research, gleaned from telephone interviews and focus groups in coastal cities, including Mobile, about how local leaders feel about the Mobile area’s resiliency in the face of rising sea levels, increasingly stronger storms and disasters.

This chart is a summary of average responses. Note on the index, pictured below, shows Mobile at above average in three out of eight resilience elements.

The region rates highest on warning and evacuation; disaster recovery and emergency response planning; society and the economy, but lowest on transparency, public education and awareness, land use and structural design; risk knowledge; coastal restoration and protection and society and economy. Long-term resiliency is tied to the ability of Mobile to address vulnerabilities on a regional scale with strong leadership that can bring consensus to diverse stakeholders and interests.

12 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

methods, public education opportunities focused on storm planning and disaster protection, and enhanced federal guidelines that address water resource management ensures that in the long term the Gulf Coast region will be better equipped to weather the impacts of unforeseen catastrophes and environmental threats.

America’s Energy Coast has planned additional forums along the Gulf Coast, where it will convene other stakeholder groups to ensure local input on coastal planning decisions that will likely decide the future of the entire region. For more information on the AWF’s Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities initiative, visit www.futureofthegulfcoast.org or www.americaswetland.com.

Chamber to Host Group in

October 6-14

T

hough Mobile has a sister city relationship with its capital, and the Mobile Area Chamber has a partnership with its largest Chamber, hopping on an airplane and traveling to Cuba is not something most people are able to do.

Now you can.

The Mobile Area Chamber will take a small group of 32 people to Havana and Trinidad, Cuba, by way of a charter tour approved by the federal government, Oct. 6-14.

The cost for the trip is $3,399 per person based on double occupancy, and an additional $600 for a single room supplement. Included in this price is: • Round-trip airfare from Miami • Air departure taxes • Cuban travel visa • Cuban health insurance (required by the Cuban government) • Eight nights of first-class hotel accommodations

(one in Miami, seven in Cuba) • 19 meals • Interactions and admissions per itinerary • Professional Cuban bilingual host/guide • Hotel and airport transfers and baggage handling • Transportation in Cuba To make reservations for this trip, a deposit of $500 per person must be secured, and a copy of your passport to have your visa processed. Seats for this trip are extremely limited and cannot be guaranteed without a paid deposit.

The trip’s balance will be due 75 days before departure. To reserve your spot, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at 431-8645 or lherndon@mobilechamber.com.

Later this month, the Chamber is leading a group of 33 people on an identical trip. It sold out several weeks after it was offered to travelers on previous Chamber tours.

Highlights of the Tour Oct. 6: Miami Arrive in Miami, and transfer to your Miami airportarea hotel.

Oct. 7: Miami - Havana Depart Miami on your short flight to Cuba, for an orientation to Cuba’s capital city. Explore the Cathedral de la Havana, built in baroque style in 1748, and learn about its preservation and continuous restoration. See the Greek Orthodox Church and the scale model of the city of Havana. From there, visit the Museo Fine Arts and the beautiful Museo de la Revelucion that displays documents and artifacts telling the country’s history. Later, visit La Marketa de Havana in Old Havana, a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.

Oct. 8: Havana - Terrazas Region of Vinales The western province of Pinar del Rio is known for its stunning scenery, a landscape of prehistoric looking flattop mountains or “mogotes,” tobacco plantations, caves and rivers. Visit Las Terrazas, a small cooperative village established in the 1960s to be self-sufficient. At Rancho Curujey, learn about the self-sustaining successes in reforestation, historic preservation, environmental balance and a good life. Next, meet with local artists and craft workers in their homes and studios and walk the ruins of a French Coffee Plantation built in 1801. Then take a boat ride to see the Indian caves. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before seeing local tobacco fields and the Cathedral Church in Vinales. Later, visit the San Lazaro Church in El Rincon, named after San Lazaro, the saint of the poor.

Oct. 9: Havana - Cienfuegos - Trinidad Arrive in Cienfuegos, founded in 1819 by French settlers and currently one of Cuba’s newest cities, offering harmonious architecture and urban planning. Begin with a panoramic overview of its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to the botanical garden.

Next, visit the Jagua Castle, the fortress of Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Jagua, completed in 1745 and a fine example of the military architecture of 18th century Cuba.

Oct. 10: Trinidad Go on a walking tour of Trinidad de Cuba, one of the country’s oldest cities, founded by the Spaniards in 1514.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was established on orders of the conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, who traveled to Cuba with Columbus in 1493. Visit the Plaza Mayor, Museum of Architecture, Museum of the Romantic Era, and other amazing sites including a sugar plantation and the mirador lookout over the Sugar Mill Valley, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Oct. 11: Trindad - Playa Giron - Havana On the drive back to Havana, stop at the town of Playa Giron and tour the Bay of Pigs Museum that tells the story of the invasion and the infamous battle. See many historical artifacts, including a Sea Fury fighter aircraft, photos and maps outlining each step of the failed plan.

Oct. 12: Havana - Hemingway Farm Havana Enter the world of Ernest Hemingway with a visit to Hemingway’s Farm, Finca La Vigia. This beautiful property hosts the house where the Nobel Prize winner lived with his wife Martha for 21 years. Next, visit the picturesque Cojimar Fishing Village made famous by Hemingway’s novel The Old Man and the Sea. From here, venture into the Guanabacoa Region, rich with religious diversity. Visit the Museo de Guanabacoa of Santeria Orishas and see exhibits on the fascinating Afro-Cuban culture and the Partagas Cigar Factory, established in Havana in 1845.

Oct. 13: Havana Visit the Callejon de Hamel, a street in central Havana where cultural rescue and expansion has been expressed through the artist Salvador Gonzalez. Next, see the Colon Cemetery, founded in 1876 and famous for its elaborate sculptures. Then explore the Morro Castle, built in 1589, and see the Cuban Literacy Museum.

Oct. 14: Havana - USA Transfer to the airport for a return flight to Miami.

The Business View | APRIL 2012

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14 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

small business of the month

WESCO Gas & Welding Supply Inc., located in Prichard was named Small Business of the Month by the Mobile Area Chamber.

Pictured here is WESCO Chairman Ronald C. Pierce, PE and company President Jenny McCall.

WESCO Strives to Provide

‘Extra-Value Service’ to Customers

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.

For WESCO Gas & Welding Supply, the secret to a successful business is people – hiring the right employees and providing superior service to customers. WESCO is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

As one of the largest independent gas and welding distributorships on the central Gulf Coast, WESCO offers welding, industrial and safety supplies, as well as medical, industrial and specialty gases.

“We supply fabrication shops, shipbuilding companies – really anything to do with welding,” said Jenny McCall, the company’s president and chief operating officer.

“We supply to the end user, from hobbyists to mechanics to shipbuilding to construction – you name it.”

What started in 1963 as a threeemployee, family-owned shop in Prichard has grown to a business with eight locations employing 96 people.

McCall’s father, who started as a manufacturing representative, bought into the business and took over ownership in 1976.

Today, “extra-value service” is what sets the company apart, says McCall.

WESCO counts among its employees a professional engineer and a certified welding inspector who can, when needed, certify customers or their employees.

WESCO stays involved in the community by participating in food pantry drives and the holiday drive for the Light of the Village, helping with the restoration of the flagpole at Clark Middle School, and donating materials for the Magnolia Springs Baptist Church youth paintball games and other charity events.

As WESCO looks toward the future, McCall said its greatest challenge is one facing the entire industry – maintaining a workforce.

“We do not have enough welders,” she said. “The job opportunity for a welder is unbelievable. We’ve got to attract people to our industry.”

The Business View | APRIL 2012

15

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16 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Made in Mobile

The new Calagaz Printing team was formed as Calagaz bought McNider Creations and is in the processing of acquiring Superior Printing.

Pictured is Joe Calagaz (left), Donnie Webb and Steven McNider.

Merger is on the Menu for

The Calagaz Group

T

he Calagaz family has taken another step to keep the Mobile-based family business relevant in today’s changing times.

Started in 1955 as a photo supply business, Calagaz has evolved over the years to include cameras, computer software, classes and commercial printing.

Recently the company’s printing division combined forces with locally owned Superior Printing and acquired McNider Creations, a local graphic design firm and screen printing company.

While the purchase of McNider Creations is complete, The Calagaz Group has a management agreement with Superior Printing as it finalizes negotiations to satisfy leasing equipment companies. The deal should be made this month, according to Joe Calagaz, the company’s printing vice president.

Calagaz first entered the printing market in the mid-1990s, using digital technology to reproduce favorite customer photos when they lost their negatives. “That’s what started us down the road of digital printing,” says Calagaz.

With a business degree from Tulane University and four years in the U.S. Army, in 1991 Calagaz was ready to settle back in Mobile.

He remembers his uncle, Leo Calagaz, president of The Calagaz Group, saying, “It’s great you want to join the family business, but what are you going to do to make money?”

At the time, photography, computer software such as Adobe Photoshop, scanners and color printers were starting to overlap. A fateful call from Polaroid to host a

seminar brought Calagaz and the culinary director from Ruby Tuesday’s together. After the seminar, he spent time at restaurant headquarters, then based in Mobile, and developed a partnership. With its digital printers, Calagaz shaved off weeks of lead time on new menus, streamlined chef training documents and offered unprecedented flexibility to respond quickly to diet trends, like low-carb options.

“Traditional printers didn’t embrace digital technology right away. We saw the trend,” says Joe Calagaz. More than 20 years later, says Leo Calagaz, “It’s still about putting images on paper.”

Continued on page 18

The Business View | APRIL 2012

17

Merger is on the Menu for The Calagaz Group Continued from page 17 That initial project with Ruby Tuesday’s continued for several years after the company moved its headquarters to Tennessee. Today, printing in-house and takeout menus, table tents, flyers, and more for restaurants represents 70 percent of Calagaz’s printing revenue. “Our niche is with geographically diverse restaurants with 10 to 250 locations,” says Joe Calagaz.

Over the years, Calagaz expanded its equipment to include a traditional printing press, optimal for mediumsized projects that need thousands of copies. The remaining 35 percent of the company’s printing comes from local organizations.

Calagaz and Superior Printing

A few years ago, Calagaz began outsourcing larger projects that needed hundreds of thousands of copies to Donnie Webb, owner of Superior Printing, and Webb reciprocated by outsourcing a few of his own projects to Calagaz.

Webb first started working with Superior after graduating from high school in 1984 and bought the business in 1995. Until he lost his wife from pancreatic cancer in 2009, the couple ran Superior together. “It was a hard time, and then came the economic downturn,” Webb says.

“It just wasn’t as fun as it used to be.”

A conversation over a working lunch hatched the idea of merging the two companies. Once finalized, Calagaz will move his printing equipment to Superior’s Mill Street location. “They have capabilities I don’t, and I have capabilities they don’t,” says Webb. “Putting us together will strengthen us both.”

Calagaz is also buying Webb’s receipt book printing Webb will continue managing the presses, and Superior business, Rush Receipts Books, a little-known venture that employees will become Calagaz employees. services national printers.

There is some overlap in services, explains Calagaz. For “Donnie is extremely knowledgeable and is a very capable example, both companies currently have mail house pressman. Few know more about the mechanics of the press operations, but he expects to keep the majority of employees. than he does,” says Calagaz. Once the merger is complete,

The Calagaz print operations are expected to move into Superior Printing’s current location on Mill Street. Joe Calagaz (right) during the process of acquiring Superior Printing has served as an advisor to current owner Donnie Webb, pictured with Calagaz.

MONEY-SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No. 20

BECOME A FAN OF THE FAN.

By Jamie Sandford

In which direction should your fan blow?

If your fan has a reversible switch, make sure you’ve got it on the right setting. Now, there is a lot of debate about what the “right setting” is, but here is my take on things.

Alabama Power Company

Ceiling fans do more than just move air around. They help your air conditioner or heating system work more effectively, keeping you comfortable in both summer and winter, while reducing your energy bills.

If you ask me, ceiling fans are one of the most underrated, underutilized energy efficiency

Don’t touch that dial.

Just two degrees above 78 (in the summer) can reduce your air conditioning energy use by up to 10%.

a ceiling fan, you can keep that thermostat on 78 and the room will feel like it’s on 74 or 75.

devices. And yet they can make a room feel 3

And, let me tell you, those 3 or 4 degrees

to 4 degrees cooler than the setting on the air

will make a big difference on your power bill.

conditioner. Now, we recommend keeping your

In fact, each degree above that can decrease

thermostat set on 78 in the summer. Some

your power bill significantly. Wow. Now you

people find 78 to be a little too warm. But with

know why I’m such a fan of the fan.

For more tips on ceiling fans, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.

In the summer, your blades should be rotating counterclockwise, so that you can feel cool air being pushed down on you.

In the winter, you want those blades rotating in a clockwise direction, which causes the hot air up near the ceiling to be redistributed to lower parts of the room. ©2012 Alabama Power Company

18POWI-2662 APRIL 20121 | The Business View Fan.indd

2/3/12 2:29 PM

McNider Creations is Now Calagaz

With the purchase of McNider Creations come some exciting plans for The Calagaz Group.

After working for the University of South Alabama’s publications division, Steven McNider started his own endeavor in 2004. Calagaz was one of McNider’s clients, handling layout and design for many Calagaz printing customers.

At his wife’s urging, McNider took advantage of some downtime in 2010 to launch his popular T-shirt brand, Phins Apparel, reflecting his love of the outdoors and featuring his own artwork. Manufactured in Mobile, the T-shirts are sold at small boutiques and specialty shops in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, including at least half of Mobilebased Shoe Station’s 20-plus stores.

The entrepreneurial spirit was first ignited in McNider when he was designing T-shirts for his own high school in Monroeville, Ala. There wasn’t a local company who could produce the shirts, so he talked with his parents, who at the time owned a hardware store. They bought a screen-printing press and two months later had to buy a bigger one, says McNider.

He took a hiatus from shirt production to earn his fine arts degree and start a career. By 2005, McNider Creations included screen-printing customizing polos and T-shirts for local high schools, universities, sports teams, churches and businesses, including Calagaz.

“My background is creative and design. The way Phins was taking off, Calagaz was the right fit. They had the right contacts and the right structure,” says McNider.

“Steven is a talented graphic designer and artist,” says Calagaz, who sees a huge business opportunity with

this part of the business. “Restaurants use a lot of apparel and sell apparel in their stores. Through our current relationships, we already have a few sales commitments, and I expect that will grow.”

McNider will continue to handle Calagaz’s graphic design and manage the manufacturing business at his Halls Mill Road location.

As it stands now, Calagaz is weeks away from merging three long-time Mobile Area Chamber members and solidifying its plan for future growth. With the company changes, Calagaz will increase its staff to more than 40.

“It’s been a busy three or four months,” says Calagaz, “but we’re excited about new competition position and ready for growth.”

The Phins apparel line is barely two years old. The line was created by Steven McNider, former owner of McNider Creations and one of the newest team Calagaz members. Here McNider reviews the work on the company’s T-shirt screen printer customizing shirts for the Shrimp Basket.

25 Years and Counting

(seated l to r) Bruce Finley, Mike Johnson, Bibb Lamar, Henry O’Connor, Mike Fitzhugh, Rob Diehl. (standing l to r) Lyn Peterson, James Alexander, Patrick Ladd, Dottie Quackenbush, Karen Sullivan, Mark Thompson, Pam Watson, Bronte’ Dixon, David Sutley, Becky Minto, Beth Cazalas, Terry Harbin, Dianne Hollingsworth.

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banktrustonline.com The Business View | APRIL 2012

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CEO profile

Alan Turner II Company: United Way of Southwest Alabama Title: President and chief executive officer Hometown: Albany, N.Y. Education: Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Daemen College in Buffalo, N.Y., and completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School and Kellogg School of Management.

He is currently completing a master’s in business administration at Union University in Jackson, Tenn.

First job: Pharmacy specialist with the U.S. Army Reserves in the 338th General Hospital Mobile Reserve Unit in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Previous experience: President and chief executive officer of the United Way of West Tennessee; executive director of the association of New York State Youth Bureaus; senior regional coordinator with the New York State Assembly; and district executive with the Boy Scouts of America in Vermont and Florida.

Accomplishments: Throughout his career, Turner has raised more than $100 million that has been invested in various health and human service programs and organizations, directly impacting more than 3 million lives.

Secret to success: “Never stop learning, remain humble, praise God, surround yourself with positive people and always be thankful.”

Brief company description: United Way of Southwest Alabama is one of 1,800 United Ways worldwide. It serves Mobile, Clarke and Washington counties by raising nearly $5 million a year, mostly through workplace campaigns and major gifts.

20 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Small Businesses Will Lead

Small businesses are considered the backbone of the American economy. With national leaders saying the economic revival begins with small firms, a wellexecuted business strategy has never been more important, says Richard Sanford, an entrepreneur and business coach who has launched 11 successful smaller companies himself.

In past recessions, independent smaller businesses helped fuel economic recoveries.

But tightened credit, government regulatory impediments and a lack of federal support for community banks – the principal source of capital and financial support for small business – has many modern-day entrepreneurs fearful of what the future may hold.

Proper planning and a well-executed business strategy, though, can clear the way for a smaller enterprise to expand and take reasonable risks that will lead to an improved bottom line, which usually requires an increase in its workforce, Sanford says.

Most people are not aware that the American Small Business success rate of 20 percent is, and has been, unchanged, decade after decade, according to the U. S. Small Business Administration. The challenge facing American entrepreneurs is to increase this success rate.

Sanford, also author of a strategy guide for smaller businesses called Success By Design (www.ssbp.biz), believes the heart and soul of any small business is its strategic plan, and a formal strategic plan increases an entrepreneur’s odds for success.

“The plan is the framework and foundation that outlines how to think, how to plan and how to take action to succeed,” he says. “The American Small Business sector creates more than 70 percent of all new jobs annually. Small business is the job-creating engine that expands employment and creates the majority of all new jobs in our country.”

Sanford believes every small business failure is a direct result of insufficient

in the New Economy

planning, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

His strategy tips for small businesses and entrepreneurs include: • Have a strategy. An entrepreneur’s dreams for a successful business venture require strategic planning to turn them into reality. If you don’t have a strategic plan, create one before you make another mission-critical decision.

• Become what you think about all day long. If you can visualize success, chances are you’ll achieve it. If all you do is fret about failure, it can become the self-fulfilling prophecy.

Think success and encourage your team to do the same.

• Focus on customer service. Every business controls how they serve their customers. The ones who can’t get a handle on that simple fact will fail, plain and simple.

“The irony of small business is that, as a business sector, it should be considered ‘too big to fail,’” Sanford says. “The

problem is, small business does not have the luxury of a government bailout. It needs to heal itself from the inside, using only available resources and the wits in its leaders’ heads. With all things being equal in the marketplace, no matter the economic conditions, strategic planning makes the difference between success and failure every time.”

Richard Sanford is an entrepreneur, author and owner of Simplified Strategic Business Planning LLC, a consulting, training, and publishing company serving the world of small business. E-mail him at sanford@ssbp.biz.

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

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The Business View | APRIL 2012

21

Member Appreciation Day:

Because It’s All About YOU!

Growing in popularity, the Mobile Area Chamber’s Member Appreciation Day is a fun-filled event with a free lunch and snacks, giveaways and live music. This year’s event, presented by AT&T Advertising Solutions, is set for Friday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mobile Area Chamber office, 451 Government St. Chamber staff will be on hand to recognize and thank Chamber members as well as its board of advisors, board of directors, Partners for Growth investors, volunteers and clients.

A team member from each of the Chamber’s departments – administration, communications and marketing, community and governmental affairs, economic development, international trade, membership, small business and workforce development – will be available at the event to answer Chamber-related questions, provide details about upcoming events and share information on how to gain the most from Chamber membership.

Here’s what several members have to say about it: “Our Chamber membership has allowed us to interact with our existing network of business customers and expand to new businesses. Member Appreciation Day is also a great way to visit with your customers in a friendly, relaxed environment, and together learn about new business opportunities,” said George Kushner, general manager-sales of AT&T Advertising Solutions.

“I attend because it gives me the opportunity to meet all the Chamber staff and become familiar with the many departments and committees that are working to make Mobile a better place to live and work,” said Sheila Murphy of Windstream Communications, who is also chairman of the Chamber’s ambassadors.

Members are also welcome to participate in the day’s activities by offering coupons and giving away specialty items or other products and services. “It’s a great networking event,” said Mike Payne, president of Gwin’s Commercial Printing. “I have attended every year and have made tons of business connections and new contacts.”

“As a new business owner and a new member of the Mobile community, I’ve found my Chamber membership to be my best investment,” said Tad Bristow, owner of Batteries Plus. “From professional relationships to access to business resources to general ‘how do I get this done?’ questions, the Chamber is my go-to resource. To say I could not have not done it without them is really not far from the truth!”

Last year more than 200 members participated in the event. Now in its fourth year, Member Appreciation Day promises to draw another good crowd, said Carolyn Golson, the Chamber’s vice president of membership.

For more information about the event, contact Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@mobilechamber.com.

Fast Facts What: Member Appreciation Day, featuring live music, free food and giveaways When: Friday, April 13 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Cost: Free Info: Carolyn Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@mobilechamber.com

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

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

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

22 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Why Should You Attend

Member Appreciation Day?

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

E-newsletter...

 Let the Mobile Area Chamber thank you for your valuable membership.  Find out more about what the Chamber can do

for your business.

 Learn about the many networking events, member discounts, professional development seminars, business advocacy initiatives and awards programs.

 Tour the updated and affordable rental meeting

room space available to Chamber members.  Sign up for free Chamber discount programs

including Office Depot and Sam’s Club.

 Get pampered by several Chamber members.

(See the list of participating members in the ad

on this page.)  Enjoy live music on the Chamber lawn with

Music 4 U, The Tommy Morse Band.  FREE lunch – hot dogs, snacks, ice cream and

drinks will be served.

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The Business View | APRIL 2012

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24 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Bay Bank

investor focus

Established in Mobile in 1999, the bank’s headquarters is at 6140 Airport Blvd., in Mobile. From left to right are LaTease Roberts; Cassandra Logwood; Jessica Hall; branch manager; Nikki Wallace; Kelli Dixon; and Arnetta McDaniel.

Company Officials: Dr. Louie

Wilson, chairman; Greg Faison, president and chief executive officer

Years in Business: 12 Brief Company Description: Partners for Growth (PFG) is the Mobile Area Chamber’s long-term economic and community development program. For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly, the Chamber’s investor relations coordinator, at 431-8655 or smattingly@mobilechamber.com.

Bay Bank is a community bank headquartered in Mobile. Formed in 1999, Bay Bank opened with two branches at 10861 Dauphin Island Pkwy. (Bayley’s Corner) and 640 LeMoyne (Dauphin Island). The main office and corporate headquarters is now located at 6140 Airport Blvd., in Mobile.

Why are you located in Mobile?

“The original founders of the bank wanted to establish a community bank to serve the needs of the Mobile community,” said Faison.

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

“The Mobile Chamber does the best job of any that I have been associated with in 33 years of banking,” said Faison. “In my previous position as chief executive officer of a public holding company with locations in several Alabama and Florida cities, we interacted with chambers in those cities.

The Mobile Chamber’s partnership with the business community is unique.”

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

industrial development and the Port of Mobile holding tremendous promise as the Panama Canal is developed,” said Faison.

“The Gulf Coast will rebound at some point. Several large, out-of-area banks are moving into the southeastern coast area because they realize that both development and population shift will eventually return.”

Length of Continuous Chamber Membership: Since 2000

The Business View | APRIL 2012

25

Chamber@work Work Continues to Pass Metal Theft Legislation The Chamber staff continues to work with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Mobile Police Department, area industry and members of the Alabama state Legislature to pass a statewide bill to deter metal thefts in Alabama. This and other business-impacting legislation will be closely tracked and advocated by the Chamber.

MDBA Business Center – Mobile Exceeds Federal Goals The MBDA Business Center, a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce operated and supported by the Chamber, exceeded its 2011 goal of assisting minority businesses to secure more than $350 million in federal procurement contracts against a goal of $42 million. In addition, the center is credited with creating and/or retaining more than 165 jobs in 2011.

New Coalition Formed to Support I-10 Bridge The Chamber formalized a coalition of 20-plus organizations in support of the I-10 Mobile River bridge and I-10 Bayway widening project. The Build the Bridge Coalition met in early January with Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Director John Cooper and ALDOT District Engineer Vince Calametti to identify action steps to expand the coalition and advocate for the proposed project. Mike Lee with Page & Jones Inc., is chairing the group.

Federal Governmental Affairs Committee Meets The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs federal sub-committee met in early January to hear reports from the congressional staffs of Sen. Jeff Sessions and Sen. Richard Shelby, as well as from the deputy chief-of-staff for Rep. Jo Bonner.

Among the issues reported on were the RESTORE Act (which will be the mechanism for Gulf Coast states to use Clean Water Act fines collected as a result of the 2010 BP oil spill), surface transportation reauthorization, domestic energy exploration and production, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and harbor dredging funds, environmental regulations and various budget challenges.

26 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Chamber Partners with State for China Trade Mission In June, the Chamber’s trade division will partner with the Alabama Development Office on a trade mission to Shanghai and Guangzhou, China. The Chamber hosted a trade briefing providing useful insights into doing business in China with Andrew Gately of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sen. Shelby Speaks to Members The Chamber hosted more than 200 people for a breakfast meeting with U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby in January.

Sponsored by the Alabama State Port Authority, Shelby spoke to attendees on a variety of topics, including: the political climate in Washington D.C., jobs and taxes, how international events are affecting the U.S. economy and security; and the RESTORE Act, bipartisan legislation he co-authored with Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and others to direct oil spill fine money to the Gulf Coast.

Trade Mission Held in Poland and Hungary In March, the Chamber’s trade division led a delegation of 10 people on an international trade mission to Poland and Hungary. While there, the group visited Warsaw, Poland, and Budapest, Hungary, promoting Alabama products for export.

Guide to Mobile Now Available Replacing the traditional Chamber Membership Directory and Buyers Guide, the Chamber launched a new annual niche publication called Guide to Mobile. This publication will be given to new members, newcomers to Mobile and economic development prospects, and replaces the printed version of the membership directory. Today, a current listing of members is available on the Chamber’s website from the online membership directory, and is searchable by keyword. That page of the website will also include a list of Chamber members alphabetically and by business category.

Go to www.mobilechamber.com and click on “Membership Directory” to get started.

Chamber@work Workforce Development Team Travels to New Orleans A team from Mobile representing business, government and education participated in a regional workforce meeting in New Orleans last fall. The meeting was sponsored by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Competitive Workforce, was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and was the continuation of a two-year LEADs project in which the Chamber had previously participated. Local organizations represented in the meeting were the Chamber, Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council, Mobile County Commission, Mobile County Public School System and Mobile Area Education Foundation.

Speed Networking Kicks Off for 2012 In its second year at the Chamber, Speed Networking, sponsored by ABS Solutions, provides attendees the opportunity to make a maximum amount of connections in a minimal amount of time. The first event for 2012 was held in February and was attended by more than 40 people.

OffshoreAlabama.com Presents at Hearing Steve Russell, director of business retention and expansion for the Chamber, made a presentation to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management at a hearing held in December in Mobile. Speaking on behalf of the Chamber’s oil and gas initiative, OffshoreAlabama.com, Russell advocated for the continuation of the process of offshore leasing in the Gulf of Mexico to boost economic growth and highlighted the economic impact of this industry in the Mobile area.

Chamber Names New Ambassadors Karen Blackwell, CLK Multi-Family Management; Julye Clark, Regions Bank; and Heather Tomberlin, American Cancer Society, were named new Chamber Ambassadors. Ambassadors are a group of volunteer members who assist the Chamber with a variety of projects, including event registration, member visits and attending ribbon cuttings. To learn more about this group, contact Dawn Rencher at 431-8649 or drencher@ mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Chamber staff and Ambassadors helped cut ribbons and celebrate grand openings at Verizon Wireless, Edward Jones, Papa John’s Pizza, The Village at Midtown, Singing River Federal Credit Union, N-Tron Corp. and Onin Staffing. If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribboncutting event, contact Dawn Rencher at 431-8649 or drencher@mobile chamber.com.

Coffee Table Book on the Chamber’s 175 Years Available To close the Chamber’s 175th anniversary, Tom Mason Communications and Gwin’s Printing partnered with the Chamber’s communications and marketing department to produce a commemorative coffee table book. The book is a detailed retrospective of the highlights of the organization since 1836 and features stunning photographs and paintings never seen before. Copies of the book are available for $25 each, and deep discounts are offered for multiple copies. E-mail cwilson@ mobilechamber.com to purchase a copy before it sells out.

Beaco Named one of Mobile’s ‘40 Under 40’ Shayla Jones Beaco, the Chamber’s director for local affairs, was selected as one of Mobile’s outstanding “40 under 40” by Beaco Mobile Bay magazine. Beaco and the other award recipients were honored at a luncheon.

Perry-Herndon Named State President of PRCA Leigh Perry-Herndon, vice president of communications and marketing for the Chamber, was named president of the Public Perry-Herndon Relations Council of Alabama. The state association represents the interests of more than 400 public relations practitioners from six local chapters.

Chamber Welcomes New Building Custodian A familiar face has for Crossmark, a sales joined the Mobile Area and marketing Chamber staff. Since services company.

2007, Hope BushAt home, she Collins has worked at the provides foster care for Chamber occasionally, children until they are assisting with meeting reunited with their setups and the overall biological family or a upkeep of the facility. She plan is made for them to was recently named the be adopted. In the past Chamber’s new building 13 years, she has cared Bush-Collins custodian. for more than 40 “It’s nice to have someone children in addition to her own four everybody’s already comfortable with,” children. said Joe Mareno, the Chamber’s chief The staff and people she meets at the financial officer. “Hope has assisted the Chamber make working at the Chamber Chamber off and on for the last four “truly a pleasure,” she says. “And I’ve years. We’re pleased to have her finally always loved it here.” join us full-time.”

Bush-Collins can be reached at Before making the Chamber her 431-8634 or HBCollins@mobile permanent home, Bush-Collins, a chamber.com.

Mobile native, worked as event specialist

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The Business View | MARCH 2012

27

Board of Advisors Gary J. Grady

Kenneth J. Borowski,

associate director of operationsSouthern Alabama for Praxair Inc., recently relocated to Mobile from Lancaster, N.Y. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical Borowski engineering and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He began working for Praxair after completing his bachelor’s degree and has been with the company for 22 years.

Borowski’s principal roles with Praxair have been in operations engineering and operations management.

Praxair is a Partners for Growth Investor.

is a partner in Cypress Employment Services, located in downtown Mobile. He earned degrees in marketing and public relations from The University of Alabama. Until recently, Grady and his two brothers were Grady co-owners of Grady Automotive Group, which he operated and co-managed for 25 years. Grady has served as president of the American Heart Association Mobile Chapter and as president of the Coastal Conservation Association. He has served on boards of numerous charitable organizations in the Mobile area.

Patrick J. Wilson is president of

Mobile Bar Pilots LLC and has been a member of its board since 1998.

He is a graduate of The University of Alabama with degrees in communications and business. Wilson is a member of the Wilson Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and president of the Propeller Club of Mobile, and he serves on the boards of Dauphin Island Sea Lab, GulfQuest, the Seamen’s Foundation and the American Pilots’ Association. Mobile Bar Pilots 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.

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Keaneacha Dockery, president/owner of Perfecting That Cleaning Service LLC, offers professional cleaning services for commercial and residential clients.

With more than 15 years of experience, the company handles any job size. The staff works along the Gulf Coast, from Mississippi to Pensacola.

Washam

Photo by Havard J. Photographer

Ambassador of the Month

Business Spotlight of the Month: Perfecting That Cleaning Service LLC

Marcia Washam When Marcia Washam joined the Mobile Area Chamber’s ambassador program in July 2011, she immediately became involved with welcoming new members and making “popcorn” visits to veteran members while networking with fellow professionals in the business community. As a result of her efforts, Washam is the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month.

Washam is the vice president of corporate housing and sales with Interiors Now, where she helps clients furnish their temporary living accommodations. She is also a Realtor with Roberts Brothers Inc. “Being an ambassador provides a perfect opportunity to promote the Chamber and provides networking opportunities to promote Interiors Now and my real estate career,” said Washam.

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

Comparative

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

January 2012 vs January 2011

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

Business Licenses City of Mobile

Average Selling Price Mobile County

249,774 2012

210 2012

244,816 2011

168 2011

$121,948 2012 $123,470 2011

Homes Sold⌦

Building Permits

Unemployment Rates 8.1% 2012 10.1% 2011

Mobile County

255 2012 102 2011

City of Mobile

178 2012 189 2011

Value of Building Permits $4,642,962 2012 $10,190,192 2011

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 24,250 2012 21,213 2011

The Business View | APRIL 2012

29

April Calendar of Events For information on Chamber events, visit events.mobilechamber.com.

4

5

30 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Coffee with the Chamber Enjoy coffee with Chamber members at this early-morning networking event on Wednesday, April 4, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Panera Bread, 750 Schillinger Rd. S. A light breakfast and beverages will be provided while you network with other business professionals. Reservations are not necessary, and there is no charge to attend. Be sure to bring business cards.

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

Checking Your Company’s Financial Health You know what your financial statements say, but do you really know what they’re telling you? Jim Burton, chief financial officer of Norton Lilly International, will provide a fresh perspective on utilizing financials for better decision making.

Checking Your Company’s Financial Health is set for Thursday, April 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Mobile Area Chamber.

The cost is $49 for members/ $69 for potential members.

Payment must be received at time of registration. Deadline to register is Monday, April 2.

To register, go to www.mobilechamber.com, or contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

10

12

Women’s Roundtable

*Members Only

At April’s Women’s Roundtable, Becky Ginn, vice president, field services, and Christina Quick, regional director of the Alabama Gulf Coast American Heart Association, will share startling facts and riveting stories of local women and their experiences with heart disease, the number one killer of women.

The bi-monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member women business owners and managers will meet Tuesday, April 10, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Chamber.

There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Carolyn Golson at 431-8622 or e-mail cgolson@mobilechamber.com.

Getting Started with Social Media Social media is an important avenue to consider when deciding how to promote your company in an efficient and effective way.

But you need to make sure what you’re doing makes sense for your business. Find out why social media marketing matters and learn how to begin creating a strategy that makes sense for your organization.

Presented by Mary White with Mobile Technical Institute, Getting Started with Social Media Marketing will be held Thursday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a best practices discussion, at the Mobile Area Chamber.

The cost to attend is $20 for members/$25 for guests and includes lunch. Payment must be received at time of reservation.

Reservations not cancelled by April 10 must be honored to cover the cost of the lunch.

For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobile chamber.com.

13 17

Member Appreciation Day See page 22 for details.

Executive Roundtable

*Members Only

Fred Rendfrey, director of downtown economic development with the Downtown Mobile Alliance (DMA), will outline new initiatives directed at recruiting small businesses, including the retail incubator and legislation impacting downtown Mobile businesses. April’s Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will be held Tuesday, April 17, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room.

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

18

GCTC Luncheon The bi-monthly luncheon will be on Wednesday, April 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Original Oyster House. The cost to attend the luncheon is $15 for Chamber members, $20 for potential members and $5 for students.

Reservations are required, and cancellations after April 16 will not be reimbursed to cover the cost of lunch. For more information, contact Cesny Soffronoff at 431-8636 or csoffronoff@mobile chamber.com.

CONNECT

19

Contacts and Contracts Bill Sabin, chief lending officer at the nonprofit microlender ACCION Texas Inc., will discuss loan programs available to minority and small businesses looking for access to capital to start, grow or sustain a business at Contacts and Contracts. The Chamber-led quarterly business development event for small and minority business owners and entrepreneurs is set for Thursday, April 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Commonwealth National Bank, 5 Dauphin St. There is no charge to attend.

For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobile chamber.com.

26

Business After Hours LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, 967 Hillcrest Rd., will host Business After Hours on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is one of the Chamber’s most popular networking events, offering a venue to introduce your company, network with existing clients 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.

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The Business View | APRIL 2012

31

Member News Who’s New The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) appointed David Randel president. A veteran of the tourism industry, Randel Randel worked for Marriott International for more than 33 years and was the interim president of MBCVB for a year. He graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he earned a degree in hospitality management.

X

Harbor Financial Services LLC named Matthew Lursen chief financial officer.

Lursen earned bachelor’s and master’s Lursen degrees in business from Spring Hill College. He is a certified public accountant and holds a Series 28 financial license.

X

Hampton

Burch

Beesley

Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. REALTORS hired two new associates, Ursula Burch and Edna Beesley.

Siebert

Gardberg & Clausen added two new associates. Sean Hampton joined the firm’s social security disability practice group, and Derek Siebert joined the personal injury practice group.

G OTAL

I G DI

Century 21 Meyer Real Estate hired Rich Caldwell as a sales associate.

Caldwell earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration Caldwell from the University of South Alabama.

X Mobile Sports Authority named Danny Corte executive director. Corte earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from The University of Alabama.

For the past 15 years, Corte has hosted the weekly “Inside the Saints” radio program on WNSP-FM in Mobile.

X Crow Shields Bailey PC promoted Hope Hickman to senior accountant in the audit division.

Hickman

Aremia

Certified public accountants Shelly Aremia, Ross Parrish and Charles Brinson joined Russell Thompson Butler & Houston Brinson LLP. Aremia graduated from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.

Parrish earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of South Alabama. Brinson graduated from The University of Alabama with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.

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Parrish

Business Endeavors

Ladner

Lightcap

Smith, Dukes & Buckalew LLP promoted Leah Ladner to manager, Laurie Lightcap to supervisor and Ryan Zoghby to Zoghby senior accountant.

Ladner received a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University. Lightcap earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama. Zoghby received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in taxation from The University of Alabama.

X Coldwell Banker United REALTORS welcomed new agent Antone Green to the Mobile office.

Green

Signature Flight Support launched two new products: Signature TailWins, a loyalty program for pilots, crew, schedulers and dispatchers, corporate flight and travel departments; and an aviation card that offers customers a single payment method for purchases such as fuel, handling, catering and maintenance.

X The Mitchell College of Business Center for Real Estate Studies recently redesigned its website at www. southalabama.edu/mcob/realestate.

The site provides access to reports, event information and more.

X Dr. Rocio Hilpert and her husband, Benjamin Hilpert, opened Mobile Hearing Clinic in west Mobile. Hilpert, who received a doctorate from the Hilpert University of South Alabama, specializes in adult hearing evaluations and hearing aids. Benjamin Hilpert earned a business management degree from Spring Hill College and has 10 years of experience.

The University of South Alabama Army ROTC department developed a Cadet of the Quarter and Cadet of the Year program to recognize cadets for exceptional personal performance, leadership, physical fitness and community service. The program currently has 140 cadets enrolled.

Williams

Mills

Well Done

Ray

McNichol

Holt

Clark

Thornbury

Harrison

Stockton

Grandquest

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations recognized the following top Realtors at its Sims annual awards events: Becky Ray, Lindsay Grandquest, Marcile Sims, Amanda Williams, Tim Mills, John McNichol, Ginger Holt, Sheila Clark, Wes Thornbury, Amber Harrison and Sarah Stockton.

The Business View | APRIL 2012

33

Several Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. REALTORS’ agents received Prudential’s National 2011 Annual Awards for outstanding work and dedication. Award winners included Sheree Dees, Tim Pope, Angela McArthur, Louise Manwaring, Charlene Wiley, David Cooper, Don Foster, Angela Locklier, Devin Watson, Chuck Guy, Jeff Dees, Doug Adams, Cheryl Russell and Don Bekurs.

Dees

McArthur

Foster

Watson

Guy

Dees

Adams

Pope

Manwaring

Russell Wiley

Locklier

Cooper

Bekurs

TAG/Architects recently completed design work for improvements to Citronelle’s Davis Park, including a new playground and restroom facilities funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The project is expected to be completed by summer.

In other news, the firm also received the Top Block Award from the Alabama Concrete Industries Association for the Spring Hill College Student Center. The award recognizes the use of creative masonry design, highlights and products.

X CPA Bill Kleinschrodt, a senior accountant with Wilkins Miller Hieronymus, earned the designation of Certified Valuation Kleinschrodt Analyst from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

X Three local financial service professionals qualified to attend the First Protective Elite Producers Business Conference in Naples, Fla. Jonathan Charest, Michael Cowart and Richard Otts will be among the top-performing insurance and investments professionals from around the country in attendance.

X Zebra Marketing promoted Kimble Walch of Mobile to senior account executive.

Lolly Holk, director of human resources at SH Enterprises, earned certification as a senior professional in human resources.

Holk The certification signifies theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management.

Community News The Mobile County Commission won the Norman J. Walton Sr. Regional Award for innovative problem-solving in recognition of the county-wide disaster notification system started last year. The award is given to a government agency that uses collaboration and innovation to solve problems and address needs of its citizens.

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.

Walch

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC..............30 Alabama Power Co.....................................18 BankTrust...................................................19 Boteler, Finley & Wolfe...............................33 Community Bank......................................23 FLC Living...................................................24 FusionPoint Media.....................................26 Gwin’s Commercial Printing....................26 Hand Arendall LLC....................................16 Infinity Global............................................18 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc..........32

34 APRIL 2012 | The Business View

Lagniappe...................................................33 Logical Computer Solutions......................14 Mamun/ReMax Partners.........................30 MCG Business Solutions............................28 Mobile County Health Department............4 MyStockShotz.com....................................34 Padgett Business Services of Mobile........22 Premier Medical Management................ 21 Ron’s Catering............................................ 31 The University of Alabama......................... 7 Wonderland Express..................................27

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.

Anniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

AAA Parking Stanard Bradley 26 N. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602-3802 251-338-5385 Parking Adams Drain & Sewer Inc. d/b/a Adams Plumbing & Drain Co. Janet Mramor P.O. Box 70045 Mobile, AL 36670-1045 251-473-1279 www.adamsplumbingand drainco.com Plumbing Drains/Sewer Cleaning

Byrd Brothers Emergency Services LLC James Byrd 5164 Lamm Rd. Wilson, NC 27893-9652 252-293-4488 www.byrdbrothers.com Construction Checkers Restaurant Diane Phibbs 4300 W. Cypress St., Ste. 600 Tampa, FL 33607-4157 770-367-3134 www.checkers.com Restaurants-Fast Food

AFLAC-Ann Hartwell Ann Hartwell 70 N. Joachim St., Ste. C Mobile, AL 36602 251-694-1054 Insurance

ConnectToCatering.com Mobile Contressa Adamson 6669 Liberty St. Navarre, FL 32566 850-736-3011 www.ConnectToCatering.com Caterers

Alabama Coastal Outdoors Trey Toifel 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-554-0090 www.alabamacoastaloutdoors.com Fishing Charters

Fortitude Business Solutions Mario Castaneda One Timber Way, Ste. 200 Daphne, AL 36527-5634 251-621-0669 www.fortitudebusiness.com Collection Agency

Apache Corp.

Obie O’Brien 2000 S. Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 100 Houston, TX 77056-4400 713-296-6000 www.apachecorp.com Energy Management

Fresenius Medical Care David F. Sweet 6601 Wall St., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36695-4555 251-634-8798 www.fmc-na.com Medical Facilities

Assured Accounting & Tax Service A Prepaid Acct. Co. Heather Davis 5319 U.S. Hwy. 90 Ste. 102 PMB 197 Mobile, AL 36619-4247 800-756-8215 www.assuredaccounting taxservices.com Accounting Service

Genesis The Awareness Co. Gregory Banks 618 Southern Way Spanish Fort, AL 36527 251-510-0104 www.genesisawareness.com Speaker Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore PC CPAs Jason Johnson 806 N. Section St. Fairhope, AL 36532-3311 251-928-2443 www.hbkcpas.com Accountants

IV Seasons Studio Jennifer Ballard 7921 Tanner Williams Rd., Ste. G Mobile, AL 36608-8303 251-634-2233 www.ivseasonsstudio.com Beauty Salon & Day Spa Moon Sky Media LLC Samson Colborn 6845 U.S. Hwy. 90 E. Ste. 105-307 Daphne, AL 36526 201-406-4157 www.moonskymedia.com Graphic Designers Moore Law Firm PC Stephen Moore 301 St. Louis St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-445-7602 www.moorelawfirm-al.com Legal Papa John’s Pizza Blair Langford 1065 Schillinger Rd., Ste. G Mobile, AL 36695-8985 251-607-7979 www.papajohns.com Restaurants Papa John’s Pizza Blair Langford 7930 Moffett Rd., Ste. C Semmes, AL 36575-5491 251-645-7272 www.papajohns.com Restaurants Very Vintage Abby Stimpson 4513 Old Shell Rd., Ste. 204 Mobile, AL 36608-1955 251-340-6610 Jewelers & Gifts As of 1/31/12

50 YEARS

1-4 YEARS

Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc.

40 YEARS

Thomas Industries Inc.

30 YEARS

Leavell Investment Management Inc. Mobile Arts Council Inc.

25 YEARS

Adams & Associates Inc. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

20 YEARS Postmark Ink Inc

15 YEARS

Labor Finders Mobile Community Corrections Center Remington College Southern Tele-Communications Inc.

10 YEARS

Arlington Park Apartments BBB Industries LLC C & G Boat Works Inc. Original Oyster House Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile Inc. Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q State Farm Insurance - Makeda Nichols

5 YEARS

Gulf Coast Asphalt Co. International Shipholding Corp.

Projection Presentation Technology Roberts Brothers Commercial & Property Management Roly Poly Starnes Davis Florie LLP TES Contracting Co. Inc.

All American Self Storage Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Autism Avenue Inc. Barnes Insurance & Financial Services Blue Haven Pools and Spas Chill Yogurt Cafe The Cooper-Lyon Group LLC Crane Works Inc. The Creel Co. City Church of Mobile Emcor Services Aircond Genesis Career College Grandview Pointe Apartments Gulf Professional Services LLC Hansen Heating & Cooling Hanson Pipe and Precast Irby Strategic Services Jenny Craig Law Office of Matt Green LBP Interpreting Inc. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Mr. Electric Omega Properties Inc. Richway Transportation Services Server Corps Southern Turf Landscape LLC Sprint Technigraphics Inc. True Restaurant Group d/b/a True Turner Insurance & Bonding Ty Irby Realty & Development Co. Mary Carpenter, Broker URS Corp.

Virginia Station LLC W. B. Shedd & Co. Wal-Mart Supercenter - Dawes Rd. Water and Waste Specialties LLC Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC

The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation given.

Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction.

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

The Business View | APRIL 2012

35

believe in mobile belong to the chamber connect … succeed … grow At the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, our goal is simple – to help your business grow. Membership links you with resources and contacts for success during challenging times. Join us. Get involved in the Gulf Coast’s most dynamic business community. Connect to our more than 2,200 members – network, ask questions, learn, share insights and form important business relationships. Believe in a strong future for Mobile. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.

www.JoinMobileChamber.com