May 2010 The Business View

THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

May 2010 Vol. XXXXI, No. 4

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Local Carbon Capture Project Nearing Completion Chamber Chase 2010 Kicks Off

Safeguarding Your PC

From Unwanted Viruses

Mobile Area Chamber Looking to

Fill in its

Ancestry

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elchamps, Bellingrath, Armbrecht, LeFlore, Bedsole, Bullard, Cooper, Lyons, Haas – family names that are easily recognizable around the community.

These also include a few of the names of board chairmen who led the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce during its nearly 175-year history.

As the Chamber prepares for this unique anniversary in 2011, the committee organizing events and special publications hopes to identify more of its family tree. In other words, the committee is looking for generations of Chamber volunteers and business members.

As an example, Gigi Armbrecht, regional director of AT&T, has been an active Chamber volunteer for a number of years.

Her grandfather, S.A. LeBlanc, chaired the Chamber board in the early 1920s and his picture hangs outside the Chamber’s McGowin Room.

Specifically, the Chamber’s anniversary committee also wants to identify companies whose membership exceeds 50 years, including those family businesses that have changed names or merged with other companies over the decades.

Thames Batré Mattei Beville & Ison began in 1891 with Thames & Batré Insurance Agency. Nearly a century later, the firm’s name was changed to reflect new partners. Bo Mattei says, “We’ve been a member so long that no one is really sure, but we can trace continuous membership back to the 1930s.

Those who have their own family heritage with the Chamber and companies with memberships over 50 years are urged to contact Susan Rak-Blanchard at susan@mobilechamber. com and share their story.

CONTENTS

THE BUSINESS VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2010 Publisher... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor... . . . . . . . . . . . . Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor.. . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cori Yonge Additional Writers and Editors

Ailey Arrow Shirazi, Carolyn Golson, Ashley Horn, Michelle Roberts Matthews, Ginny Russell, Carolyn Wilson Printing Services.. . . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive.. . . . . . . . . . René Eiland 431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

ON THE COVER THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

9 A local carbon capture project underway at Alabama Power’s Barry Steam Plant will safely store carbon and inject it underground.

14-15 Dangerous computer software shouldn’t

ADVERTISERS BankTrust......................................................................8 BB&T .......................................................................... 13 Bit-Wizards...................................................................21 Bug Master Exterminators Inc...................................11 CH fulfillment services............................................... 25 Coast Safe and Lock....................................................21 Community Bank....................................................... 15 Gwin’s Commercial Printing..................................... 13 Hancock Bank..............................................................17 Interstate Printing......................................................28 Lagniappe....................................................................30 Logical Computer Solutions...................................... 23 Meyer Real Estate....................................................... 13 Mobile Regional Airport............................................. 35 Online Payroll Services Inc........................................ 24 Premier Medical Management.................................. 26 RBC Bank.....................................................................27 Safe Archives...............................................................20 Server Corps................................................................ 12 Safety Source............................................................... 24 South Alabama Regional Planning Commission... 12 Starr Textile Services................................................... 24 Sunbelt Business Sales & Acquisitions......................10 WAVENet Technologies................................................ 26 Welcome Friends..........................................................29 Whitney Bank.............................................................. 22

FIND THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB facebook.com

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

The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation given. Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction.

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

20-21

threaten your business. Read how to protect yourself from sophisticated computer viruses.

On the cover: Bubba O’Gwynn, area executive and senior vice president for BB&T, is chairing this year’s Chamber Chase campaign.

See story on pages 20-21. Photo by Ashley Horn

Chamber Chase 2010, the Chamber’s total annual resource campaign, takes off under the leadership of Edward “Bubba” O’Gwynn.

F E A T U R E S

4 From the Publisher – Tanker Talk 12 Twenty-five year Mobile area transportation

plan unveiled.

4-6 News You Can Use – Positive updates for business

in the area and around the state featuring SSAB, 16 A new blueprint to decrease the area’s high

Cellular South and The Port of Mobile. Also, local companies recognized for international trade, Mobile’s mention in The Economist and Chamber President Win Hallett’s trade mission to Dubai.

school dropout rate is in. Learn more about the report and how Outward Bound Five Rivers, a local nonprofit organization, is helping reduce the dropout rate.

7-8 ETC – Organizational updates and business briefs including information on Carnival’s latest Mobile ship, Hot Rod magazine’s Power Tour, 22 Honor Flight, the Drug Education Council’s new bus and the return of The Little Colt statue to Spanish Plaza.

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10 Applicants sought for Eagle and Minority Business Advocate awards.

34

How far can local charitable organizations stretch your $100 donation?

11 With 2010 elections right around the corner, find all you need to know about voter information and election dates.

18-19

New chief executive officers from local businesses gather for a welcoming reception.

Marion Warren takes on responsibility as the Chamber’s event coordinator.

Corrections to the 2010 Chamber Membership Directory & Buyers Guide

M O N T H LY F O C U S 10 Small Business of the Month: 29 Board of Advisors Chiropractic Life Center 29 Who’s in Town?

14 SCORE: Let the Experts Handle Your Small Business Technology 30 Chamber@Work 24 CEO Profile: Terry Russo, SSAB 30 Economic Indicators 31 Calendar 25 Business Spotlight: PlanFocus

Financial Services 32-33 Member News

25 Diplomat of the Month: Garrett Wolf 33 Anniversaries

27 Investor Focus: Volkert Inc. 34 New Members 28 Investor Focus: Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon & Harris LLC

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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Positive Business News When You Need It • Positive Business News

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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little over five years ago, the word "tanker" took on new meaning for the Mobile area and our Gulf Coast neighbors. We primarily used the word tanker in reference to ships before EADS selected Brookley Industrial Complex as the site where it would build the U.S. Air Force’s next generation of refueling tankers with Northrop Grumman, should they win the contract.

Win Hallett

McCain and recently deceased Rep. John This has been one unbelievable rollerMurtha visiting Mobile in support of a fair coaster ride. We celebrated the Northrop and competition and a split contract, respectively.

EADS announcement, found ourselves on • We had higher visibility at worldtop when the local team won the competirenowned aerospace trade shows in France, tion in February 2008 and fought to overEngland and Singapore. come the PR battle waged by Boeing that • We were essential in forming a new ended with a challenge upheld. Then we aerospace alliance, spanning I-10 from were stunned as the project was pulled and Louisiana through the Florida panhandle. shocked when it was later postponed, and • We gained new economic generators encouraged as Northrop Grumman – Airbus Engineering and Airbus Military pledged to continue. Ultimately we were North America. disappointed when Northrop concluded • And as a community, our bonds grew it did not make sense for them to invest in even tighter as we fought together for the what they saw as a slanted proposal. right to build the refueling tanker that It is extremely disappointing that the would support the American warfighter. new tanker could become a sole-sourced Mobile is the same community it was government contract, without competition the day before Northrop Grumman in pricing or equipment. In 2008, the Air announced its decision Force heralded the to pull out of the Northrop Grumman/ As a community, competition. We have EADS aircraft as the our bonds grew even the same assets, workbest solution to tighter as we fought force and infrastrucreplace its almost ture, the same potenobsolete fleet. Today, together for the right to tial and the same that tanker is not build the refueling tanker resolve, the same even on the table. that would support the leaders and the same The United States American warfigher. partnerships. The will not have the best things that drew possible tanker. They EADS North America will have the one the to Mobile in the first place continue to Pentagon agreed to settle for. And you can be attract site selectors and industries looking for sure that in the absence of a competitor, a place to be successful. the price of the settled-for tanker will be We will continue to work together with more than the United States should pay. the city of Mobile, Mobile County, Mobile During a flurry of interviews, one Airport Authority, Alabama State Port reporter asked, “Are you devastated?” The Authority, University of South Alabama, answer came easily and quickly. “We don’t Alabama Power, Alabama Development have the luxury of being devastated. We Office and all the community partners that need to keep moving – and we will.” put together the winning package that first While this may be the end of the attracted EADS, who later partnered with “tanker saga,” it is not the end of our Northrop Grumman. partnerships – those with Northrop One last thought I’ll leave with you.

Grumman, EADS, and central Gulf Coast It is important to remember that Mobile communities from Louisiana, Mississippi, did its job, and the previous decision by Alabama and Florida.

Northrop Grumman and EADS to make And as we find it easy to focus on what we’ve lost, I think it’s even more relevant to wide-bodied aircraft here speaks volumes about the community and its ability to reflect on what we’ve gained. respond aggressively to economic • Over these last few years, Mobile has catapulted to the top of lists of site selectors development projects. and companies who were anxious to see Editors Note: The May issue of The what our area has that drew powerhouse Business View went to print before EADS projects like this one. made a final decision on whether to bid on • Dozens of international, national and the tanker contract as a sole-source bidder. local media highlighted Mobile’s strengths.

As things change The Business View will • We earned attention from major keep you updated. players in the political arena, with Sen. John 4

NEWS SSAB Expansion Approved – $287M

to be Invested Locally

SSAB’s steel slabs are formed from 99.44 percent scrap metal before they are rolled into coils. The company announced it will expand its local operations, investing $287 million and creating 120 jobs.

SSAB’s expansion project, put on hold due to economic conditions last year is under way in 2010 albeit at approximately 60 percent of the original plan. The company will invest $287 million and add 120 positions with average annual wages of $90,000.

SSAB is increasing its Mobile production of quenched and tempered (QT) steel plate, which is used in automobiles, truck beds and elevator buckets, and throughout manufacturing and construction sectors that require strength, hardness and toughness beyond what is available in commercial grades. Planned start-up of the new facility is the first half of 2012.

To produce this higher grade of steel, the company will also make improvements on the vacuum tank degasser – expected to be completed next year.

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

“Construction costs are at an all-time low, and if companies have a need to expand and the resources to do so, it’s a good time to move forward,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

While the Mobile investment has been reduced in size, its impact on both the North American and global markets will be significant, say SSAB officials.

The Mobile facility will service domestic customers and gives the company opportunities to increase exports.

“The restarting of these projects is indicative of the confidence that SSAB’s board and senior management have in our ability to get the work done and make superior, high-strength steel products for our customers around the globe,” said Brian Tomlinson, Mobile plant controller.

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

You Can Use The Port of Mobile became the ninth largest port in the nation based on a tonnage report released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterborne Statistics Center. Previously ranked 10th, the report shows 67.6 million tons of freight moved through the port in 2008, the latest statistics available.

Other Gulf Coast ports in the Top 10 include New Orleans; Houston; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Beaumont, Texas.

“Our move up in the rankings reflects all of our work and investments in our general cargo, bulk and rail facilities prior to 2008,” said Jimmy Lyons, director and chief executive officer of the Alabama State Port Authority, the entity that owns and operates the state of Alabama’s deepwater port facilities. “What we hope to see happen in the next few years is added volumes through the port as we begin to see the benefits of additional investments made at Mobile Container Terminal, McDuffie Terminal and Pinto Terminal.”

Lyons noted that increases – nearly 3 million tons more than the previous year – were attributed to coal, iron and steel articles and containerized freight. “Our manufacturing landscape changed dramatically in the last decade that pushed demand up for automotive components, coal and steel,” said Lyons.

Approximately 56 percent of the cargo was related to foreign trade, and ranked Mobile 10th in that category with imports outweighing exports 23.8 million to 14.3 million tons. The remaining 44 percent is domestic, and the port is ranked 11th based on that tonnage.

“Mobile makes the short list for a number of economic development projects because of the assets at the Port of Mobile and investments made by the Alabama Port Authority. Our area is loaded with a unique and desirable geographical location and growing infrastructure and transportation routes,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber vice president of economic development.

The Alabama State Port Authority directly employs 570 people and supports thousands more logistic and maritime jobs, creating an estimated $10 billion impact on Alabama’s economy.

Area Organizations Recognized for International Trade Efforts

Photos by Robin Cooper, Governor’s Office

Port of Mobile Moves up a Notch

Gov. Bob Riley (left) recently honored two local organizations with Trade Excellence Awards. Pictured above with Riley (left to right) are Travis Short Sr., Nancy Buckalew and Ron Gunter with Horizon Ship Building. Pictured on right with Riley is Jimmy Lyons with the Alabama State Port Authority.

The Mobile-based Alabama State Port Authority and Bayou La Batre’s Horizon Shipbuilding were among seven companies recognized for their success in international trade by Gov. Bob Riley.

The state’s 2010 trade strategy includes pursuing business opportunities in emerging markets such as China, India and Russia. Exports from Alabama to India jumped 63 percent from 2008 to 2009, from $98.9 million to $161.4 million. Exports from Alabama to Russia also saw an increase from 2008 to 2009, from $309 million to $343 million – an 11 percent increase.

The trade strategy also calls for a continued focus on helping Alabama’s small and medium-sized companies to market their goods and services overseas. A new effort this year is directed at helping companies develop and modify web sites to reach potential customers in foreign countries.

The Mobile Area Chamber’s international trade program coordinates jointly on trade missions with the state.

Recently, the Chamber and state representatives went to India. A trip to Russia is scheduled for October.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Other state winners included: ADTRAN, based in Huntsville; Command Alkon Inc., Birmingham; Enterprise Electronics Corp., Enterprise; Hi-Temp Inc., Tuscumbia; Progress Rail Services Corp., Albertville; and Warren Manufacturing Inc., Birmingham.

The Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards are coordinated by the Alabama Development Office and the Export Alabama Trade Alliance and includes large, medium and small businesses as well as new-to-export companies from different parts of the state. Its objectives include identifying Alabama’s successful exporters, promoting exporters as role models to the Alabama business community and increasing awareness of the impact of exporting on Alabama’s economy.

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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

Cellular South Invests $7.5 Million in Local Upgrades

Mobile Project Featured in The Economist

Cellular South announced a $7.5 million expansion of its third-generation (3G) high-speed wireless mobile broadband services in Mobile and Baldwin counties. The investment includes nearly 120 new cell sites throughout the area.

The 3G technology enhances highspeed data services, including mobile video, high-quality music and other multimedia applications, primarily for smartphones.

In addition, the company installed a new $2.1 million network switching facility in Mobile, providing a higher level of network capacity in the south Alabama and Gulf Coast regions, according to Kevin Hankins, Cellular South’s Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean spoke at Cellular South’s media chief operating officer.

Since 2006, Cellular South has made announcement that the cell phone company would invest $7.5 million in more than $350 million in capital invest- infrastructure Mobile and Baldwin County. ments across Mississippi and Alabama.

The Ridgeland, Miss.-based company is among the “Increasing technology advances our community, and nation’s largest privately held wireless providers, and has helps the Mobile area stay competitive and attractive to approximately 1,100 employees. other businesses looking to expand,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

ThyssenKrupp earned the lead paragraph in a story published in the March 13-17 issue of The Economist, a weekly international news and business publication with a circulation of more of more than 1 million.

The feature on Alabama’s economy, entitled “Alabama’s Small Cities are Poised for Recovery,” also highlighted Mobile’s No. 12 ranking by Moody’s Economy.com for job-growth, as well as the three Alabama regions also making Moody’s list. According to the magazine site, “These areas are quite diverse: Huntsville benefits from an aerospace and defense legacy, as well as from military base realignments that will centralize several commands in the area; Mobile has ThyssenKrupp’s plant as well as continued recovery from the effects of Hurricane Katrina; Auburn-Opelika has Auburn University, recipient of some $47 million in stimulus money; and Phenix City abuts a large Kia plant in Georgia and is near Fort Benning, also due to grow thanks to base realignment.”

Reliability - For 174 years, the Mobile Area Chamber has worked to make our area the best place to start, manage and grow your business.

Quality - The U.S. Chamber of

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

Mobile Area Chamber President Visits Dubai

Value

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your Chamber membership yields

a return in:

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with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Mobile Area Chamber President Win Hallett visited Dubai’s port, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), on a March mission to the United Arab Emirates. Pictured at Hallett’s left is Dr. Mohammad Al Banna, JAFZA vice president for commercial sales. On the right is Ibrahim Aljanahi, JAFZA chief commercial officer. At the invitation of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the American Chamber of Commerce

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Executives arranged for a delegation of Chamber executives to visit Dubai to learn about its business climate and help present the immense opportunities for commerce available in the region. Dubai boasts the sixth largest port in the world, and the world’s largest maritime terminal operation, with 42 sites in 27 countries, employing 30,000 people.

ETC Little Colt Returns

Car Lovers – Start Your Engines For car enthusiasts the road ends here – that is the 2010 path mapped out for Hot Rod magazine’s Power Tour.

“For 2010 we’ll wind our way through some of the most beautiful countryside in America. We’ll begin in the nation’s breadbasket, and then wander through Bluegrass Country to the mountains of Tennessee, then on through the Deep South before ending up in the beautiful port of Mobile,” said Hot Rod Publisher Jerry Pitt.

“This show has been on our radar just over a year. Once we brought the event’s meeting planner here and he experienced Mobile, saw our thriving downtown area and met the people, it quickly sealed the deal,” said Leon Maisel, president and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Participants begin their trip on Saturday, June 5 at the Iowa Speedway, driving through Springfield and DuQuoin, Ill., passing through Bowling Green, Ky., Chattanooga, Tenn., Birmingham and then down to Mobile on Friday, June 11.

Considered the ultimate road trip for performance car lovers, this year’s event is expected to draw more than 4,500

participating cars and 65,000 spectators. Mobile should see anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 cars, and the people who come with them. Estimated economic impact is expected to exceed $1.2 million, including the money these participants will spend at local hotels, restaurants and attractions, according to Reggie Copeland, Mobile City Council president. At each stop along the way, 80-plus premier automotive and after-market manufacturers will set up booths and displays with everything on a car enthusiast’s wish list. The annual event draws one of the world’s finest rolling displays of all makes and models of high-end hot rods, street rods, custom trucks, muscle cars, sport compacts and street machines.

“Here is the American car lover’s dream come to life with sightseeing, exploring back roads, sharing tales of the tour with fellow participants and becoming stars-forthe-day in each car-crazy town along the route,” said Pitt.

Hot Rod Magazine is considered the world’s largest and most influential automotive performance publication reaching more than 6.4 million people monthly.

Carnival Sends Newer Model After a 30-year hiatus, the statue of The Little Colt was returned to its original pedestal in Spanish Plaza during a rededication ceremony on March 16.

Damaged during Hurricane Frederic and removed shortly thereafter, it was first given to Mobile by the city of Cordoba, Spain, in 1967.

The statue was lost for many years. In 2001 the statue was located, retrieved from a private warehouse, and thanks to a grant from the Wayne D. McRae Philanthropic Fund administered by the Community Foundation of South Alabama, The Little Colt has been restored, said Carol Hunter with the Downtown Mobile Alliance.

Spanish Plaza was created by an early group of downtown advocates who visited Spain in the mid1960s and asked key cities to donate something that reflected the relationship between Spain and Mobile.

Some cities gave benches, others sent statues. The plaza was dedicated in 1968.

In just weeks, Carnival Cruise Lines is replacing the Fantasy with its sister ship, Elation. Mobile’s new ship arrives on Saturday, May 15, having hosted a 15-day Panama Canal cruise from San Diego, its previous port of call. The boat departs on its inaugural Mobile trip that same day for a special seven-day cruise to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Carnival plans to offer five additional seven-day western Caribbean voyages throughout the year, and expects the new ship will carry more than 170,000 passengers annually. Its typical schedule is to leave Mobile on fourand five-day cruises to Cozumel and Calica or Progreso, Mexico.

“For years we worked to convince the cruising industry that we had a prime location and could adequately keep afloat a cruise ship in Mobile with the Mobile Bay Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Mobile.

And we’re glad to get an upgrade that is sure to draw additional passengers,” said Win Hallett, president of the Mobile Area Chamber.

Mobile bookings are going well since the company launched service from Mobile in 2004, according to Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning. “Over the years, Carnival has increased capacity at Mobile and continually deployed newer and larger vessels on the port’s popular four- and five-day western Caribbean cruise program and will add a new seven-day option in May. Overall, Mobile has been a terrific homeport for ‘fun ship’ cruising.”

From Mobile, the Fantasy heads to Charleston, S.C., to launch that port’s first year-round cruise program.

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ETC

World War II Veterans Scheduled to Visit the Nation’s Capital Honor Flight South Alabama will take a third group of World War II veterans by chartered flight to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, May 12, to visit the WWII war memorial. To date, the south Alabama nonprofit organization has flown more than 180 veterans to the nation’s capital to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of America’s “Greatest Generation.”

The 95 veterans selected for Honor Flight travel free of charge and are accompanied by a group of “guardians” and medical staff to assist their needs during the trip. Honor Flight will return to the

New Wheels for Infirmary Program

Mobile Regional Airport at 7 p.m. the same evening. The public is invited to join the homecoming tribute to the veterans.

Parking at the Mobile Regional Airport is free, but limited.

The organization is planning additional flights to accommodate the more than 300 veterans who applied.

To download an application form or for more information about Honor Flight South Alabama and other upcoming events visit www.honorflightsa.com or contact Ailey Arrow Shirazi in the Chamber’s community and governmental affairs department at 431-8621.

John Aikens RN, Mobile Infirmary’s drug education program coordinator stands by the bus.

The Mobile Infirmary Medical Center has a new set of wheels to carry its message about the dangers of drug use to schools and community events throughout southwest Alabama. The 38-foot Winnebago takes advantage of modern technology and features a 15-person theater, touch-screen kiosks and actual human organs showing the stark difference between healthy body

parts and those damaged by substance abuse.

The first of its kind in the country, according to the Drug Education Council, the mobile drug education program was developed by the late Dr. Earnest DeBakey, who bought the previous vehicle and donated it to Mobile Infirmary. Since its inception in 1994, more than 100,000 students have toured the traveling exhibit.

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MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Alabama Power Moves Forward on Carbon Capture Project Set to Open in 2011 A new carbon capture project aimed at reducing air emissions is currently under construction at Alabama Power Co.’s Barry Steam Plant in north Mobile County. When complete in 2011, it will be the world’s largest system of its type connected to a pulverized coal-fired electric generating plant, according to the electric company. In fact, there are only a handful of these types of facilities currently operated in the U.S., and none with the partnerships currently in place at Barry. This is a separate project than the one that was cancelled in February 2010.

A partnership between Southern Co., the parent company of Alabama Power; the Electric Power Research Institute; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; and several other partners is funding the $174 million project at Barry.

The end process handled by Mississippi-based Denbury Resources Inc., in partnership with the Southern States Energy Board through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, will transfer the carbon dioxide 12 miles from the Barry site via pipeline.

The 25 megawatt carbon dioxide demonstration capture and compression facility will capture between 100,000 to 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide for four years, and then compress it for pipeline transport. The carbon will ultimately be sequestered underground in an area around the previously used Citronelle oil field.

Steve Perry, executive director of The Forum, a group of manufacturing industries in the Mobile area, noted there is a move to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the air. He said Alabama Power has successfully demonstrated carbon capture and sequestration can be done, and if legislation moves in the direction of reducing greenhouse gasses in the air, the Mobile facility will be ahead of the curve.

According to Bernie Fogarty, spokesman for Alabama Power, the carbon dioxide will be safely injected nearly 9,000 feet below ground level. The geologic formation targeted for injection is a sandstone formation containing concentrations of saline water much higher in salinity than ocean water. It is also well below freshwater tables, with layers of impermeable rocks between the injection zone and drinking water. This geology, according to information supplied by Alabama Power, has been proven safe and effective due to prior oil and gas drilling at the Citronelle site.

Stan Connally, plant manager of Alabama Power Co.’s Barry Steam Plant, left, looks over plans with Mike Saxon, the company’s new vice president of the Mobile division.

“Southern Company has a better understanding of the carbon capture science and it came down to (Alabama Power) looking for a good technical partner in developing this project,” said Stan Connally, plant manager at Barry. He said the new facility would require about 15 people to operate it at the Barry site, and anticipates about 50 temporary construction jobs during the build.

Expected to open in mid-2011, the facility will occupy a 100 foot-by-300 foot area, with the tallest component being approximately 210 feet tall. Connally expects that when completed, it will be a demonstration site for other coal-fired electric plants around the globe considering carbon

capture as a way to reduce emissions.

Fogarty noted, however, that this facility would not have a short-term impact on Barry’s emissions permits with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber, believes a project with this type of capital investment is good for Mobile for several reasons. “A capital investment of $174 million in one facility is noteworthy in its own right, but the Barry site will also be known around the world for this facility, bringing key business leaders and scientists to Mobile to learn the technology.”

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Quick Facts about Carbon Dioxide • Carbon dioxide is essential to plant life and helps create the greenhouse effect that keeps our planet livable.

• It is exhaled by humans and animals and is commonly used to carbonate sodas and decaffeinate coffee and tea.

• It is used as a coolant (dry ice) and in fire extinguishers.

• Legislation is currently being developed in the United States to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide.

Source: Alabama Power Co.

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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S

mall Business of the Month

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

Chiropractic Life Center: A Creating Wellness Center

The staff at the Chiropractic Life Center is ready to help treat patients’ mind and body.

From left to right: Anastasia Nolton, Blakley Rials, Michelle Kerr DC, Christy Agren DC and Danyell Stewart.

In 2000, Christy Agren DC reluctantly started her own chiropractic clinic but knew she wanted it to be different than her competition. Ten years later, the Chiropractic Life Center: A Creating Wellness Center is reaping the benefits of Agren’s individuality. The Chiropractic Life Center is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

Agren specializes in treating women and children with disorders such as headaches, reflux, colic, asthma, stomach irregularities, bedwetting, pregnancy complications, infertility and all musculoskeletal complaints.

Agren and her staff, including two chiropractic physicians, two massage therapists and three support staff, adopted and trademarked the Creating Wellness System with the motto “Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well.”

Their approach to wellness is holistic and provides patients with a personal wellness quotient focused on improving both mind and body. “The wellness side of the clinic is important to us for our clients,” said Agren.

“We treat children and entire families in chiropractic care but also teach them how to be healthy and how to raise a healthy family.”

As part of those principles, clinic physician Michelle Kerr DC teaches monthly lunchtime classes to clients and the public, on nutrition, health, stress and time management.

Taking care of families doesn’t stop at the clinic door, said Danyell Stewart, 10

Applicants Sought for Minority Business Advocate Awards The Mobile Area Chamber is accepting applications for its Annual Eagle Awards and Minority Business Advocate (MBA) Award through Friday, June 25. Application forms are available on the Chamber’s web site, www.mobilechamber.com/awards. asp, and may be submitted online. Forms are also available by calling the Chamber’s small business development department at 431-8607. The awards dinner, the culmination of Minority Enterprise Development week, will be held in September.

Eagle Awards Eagle Awards honor minority-owned businesses demonstrating a commitment to growth and the community. Nominees must be at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian or Asian-American individuals. Additionally, the business must be headquartered in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington counties; operational at least three years; exhibit revenue and/or employee growth; have an apparent solid financial base; be a for-profit

chiropractic assistant for the clinic. The group and its clients believe in a philosophy of active community service both locally and abroad. “We are a high-energy group of people and are always looking for ways to get involved and give back,” said Stewart.

Chiropractic Life Center collects toys, school supplies, clothes and supports local athletics and walks. Agren recently returned from Haiti after the clinic held a Heal Haiti day raising more than $4,000 to help provide clean water through Mission Life International.

With training in the treatment of Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, Kerr provides free spinal screenings and participates in health fairs and school screenings.

Agren is also an active member of the Mobile Chiropractic Society, the International Chiropractic Association and the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association. She raises money annually for Alzheimer’s research, volunteers with the Special Olympics and was named Young Chiropractor of the Year by the Alabama State Chiropractic Association.

Kerr is a member of the Alabama State Chiropractic Association, Women Who Mean Business, Mobile ARC Professional Leadership board and serves as a diplomat for the Mobile Area Chamber where she was recently honored with the Chamber’s diplomat of the month award.

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

company; and show evidence of community service contribution or involvement.

Eagle Award applicants must also submit a reference letter from the following business associates: company attorney; certified public accountant or banker; and a vendor or customer. All information will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only by the judging panel.

Minority Business Advocate The Minority Business Advocate Award (MBA) recognizes the efforts of a company or business to support minority-owned businesses and show a commitment to supplier diversity.

Nominees must be a Mobile Area Chamber member in good standing; have three complete years of operation (as of Dec. 31, 2009); and have an office in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington counties.

For more information on nominating a business for either award, contact Danette Richards at 431-8652 or drichards@ mobilechamber.com.

Getting to the Polls – 2010 Local, State and National Election Deadlines

Pork & Politics in the Park Don’t miss this opportunity to “ham it up” with local, state and federal officials and candidates to find out where they stand on critical legislative issues.

Tuesday, May 11

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15.

Reservation and cancellation deadline is May 6.

Sponsored By:

2010 is a big year for elections. Alabama voters will make their decision for a host of state offices including, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and all Alabama legislative offices. U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representative seats are also up for election. In Mobile County, voters will elect a new district attorney and one Mobile County school board member.

Below is information that will get you to the polls. A complete list of state offices up for election can be found at www.sos.state. al.us/Elections/2010/2010 Offices.aspx.

Primary Election - Tuesday, June 1 (polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

May 21 - Voter registration deadline May 27 - Last day to make application for absentee ballots May 31 - Last day to hand-deliver or

postmark absentee ballots Primary Runoff Election (if necessary) - Tuesday, July 13 July 2 - Voter registration deadline July 8 - Last day to make application for absentee ballots July 12 - Last day to hand-deliver or postmark absentee ballots General Election - Tuesday, Nov. 2 Oct. 22 - Voter registration deadline Oct. 28 - Last day to make application for absentee ballots Nov. 1 - Last day to hand-deliver or postmark absentee ballots

Voter Registration Requirements: • Must be 18 years of age or older and a United States citizen; • Must live at the address provided on your application; • Must not be barred from voting by reason of a felony conviction; and • Must not have been judged “mentally incompetent” in a court of law.

USS ALABAMA, AltaPointe Health Systems, Arkema, AT&T, BASF The Chemical Co., DuPont Agricultural Products, G.A. West and Co., Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, Northrop Grumman and Mobile Gas Beer provided by Gulf Distributing Co. Catering by Chef Rob & Co. For reservations, contact Ailey Arrow Shirazi at 251-431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com.

Voter Registration Information in Mobile County: Mobile County Board of Registrars 109 Government St., Ste. 165 Mobile, AL 36602 Phone: 574-8586 Absentee Election Manager: Jo Schwarzauer 205 Government St., Ste. 913 Mobile, AL 36644 Phone: 574-8806 To obtain an Alabama postcard voter registration form, visit www.mobilecounty. org.preview.siteone.com/probatecourt/ voters/votersupdateform.PDF Voter Registration Information in Baldwin County: Baldwin County Board of Registrars 119 W 2nd St. (in old library) Bay Minette, AL 36507 Phone: 937-0229 Absentee Election Manager: Jane Still 312 Courthouse Square, Ste. 27 Bay Minette, AL 36507 Phone: 937-0261 or 937-0280

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

11

How Will Traffic Move in 2035?

Transportation study released for area’s needs over the next quarter century.

An updated long-range transportation plan, known as the Mobile Area Transportation Study (MATS), is the blueprint for transportation infrastructure, public transit and bicycle/ pedestrian networks to the year 2035.

Begun in 2007 under the guidance and approval of the Mobile Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the plan’s objective is to identify multi-modal transportation improvements needed in the Mobile urban area between now and 2035, in order to maintain acceptable levels of mobility.

Regional growth, economic development and accessibility within the study area, and environmental concerns mean that the long-range plan addresses not only improved vehicular travel but also improvements to alternative modes such as bicycle and pedestrian pathways and public transportation.

The 2035 plan is not proposed as a rigid, inflexible blueprint, but will guide decisionmakers’ actions within a regional context and therefore maintain coordination across the many political boundaries that divide the MATS area. Where possible, the needs were quantified and prioritized based on availability

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of funding, impact of the proposed improvement, and anticipated development patterns and timing.

The report’s highway and transit project recommendations address only major regional needs, which can add significant

Priority 1 Projects Identified Of the 22 recommended highway projects, 17 have been tagged as a No. 1 priority. With the exception of a new I-10 bridge over Mobile River, the emphasis is on expanding lines to accommodate the increasing traffic west of I-65.

• Widen Cody Rd. to 3 lanes from Pine Run Rd. to Cottage Hill • Widen Cottage Hill Rd. to 4 lanes from Schillinger Rd. to Dawes Rd. • Widen Dauphin St. to 6 lanes from Sage Ave. to Springhill Hospital • Construct 6 lane bridge over Mobile River along I-10 • Widen McDonald Rd. to 4 lanes starting North of I-10 to Old Pascagoula Rd. • Widen McGregor Ave. to 4 lanes from Dauphin St. to Eslava Creek • Widen Mobile St. to 4 lanes from Springhill Ave. to Stanton Rd. • Widen Schillinger Rd. to 4 lanes from Howells Ferry Rd. to U.S. 98 ...to 4 lanes from U.S. 98 to Lott Rd. ...to 4 lanes from Cottage Hill Rd. to S. of Halls Mill Creek

...to 4 lanes from S. of Halls Mill Creek to Three Notch Rd. ...to 4 lanes from Three Notch Rd. to Old Pascagoula Rd.

• Widen Tanner Williams Rd to 4 lanes from Zeigler Blvd. to Snow Rd. • Widen Three Notch Rd. to 4 lanes from Schillinger Rd. to McDonald Rd. • Widen Zeigler Blvd. to 4 lanes from Forrest Hill Rd. to Cody Rd. ...to 4 lanes from Cody Rd. to Schillinger Rd. ...to 4 lanes from Schillinger Rd. to Tanner Williams Rd.

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

capacity to the transportation system. The proposals are general only and do not represent specific alignments or locations.

Many projects in the plan, such as fourlaning the remainder of Schillinger Road or construction of the I-10 Mobile River bridge, could be constructed by developers or by local government by 2035. Other projects like four-laning Snow and Padget Switch roads may never be constructed due to funding constraints.

Members of the Transportation Coalition heard a presentation on the plan from South Alabama Regional Planning Commission’s transportation planning director Kevin Harrison in March.

Coalition members will provide input throughout the year to SARPC as the 2035 plan’s recommendations are reviewed and updated, particularly when social, economic, physical and technological conditions warrant.

For a complete list of the 22 projects identified with priority status visit www.mobilempo.org/Long_Range_ Plan_brochure.pdf.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

13

Keeping Your Computer and Experts Warn of Sophisticated Let the Experts Computer Viruses Handle Your Small Business Technology

E

Today almost every small business depends on computer technology. But as a small business owner it is often hard to keep up with the constant updating of software, hardware and web applications.

You can’t afford to assume your PCs, laptops, networks and peripherals are operating adequately for your needs, but neither should you upgrade just for the sake of upgrading. Thousands of people regret purchasing bargain hardware that doesn’t perform as promised or using unproven software that crashes on a regular basis. Equally as disappointing are the e-mail accounts that attract only spam and web sites that frustrate and discourage customers.

Fortunately, there are now hundreds of network computer and IT consultants specializing in working with small companies. In fact, the vast majority of them are entrepreneurs.

An outside tech expert can become a vital extension of your business, almost like a trusted attorney or accountant. However, not just anyone with a little PC smarts will do. Find someone who does this full-time rather than a person who merely dabbles in computers on the side.

To find the right fit, develop a detailed list of your needs and how often you want the person to work such as part-time, on-call or on a project basis. Look for someone who understands your type of business. He/she should also be able to explain the work clearly so you or someone else in your business can learn how it all works.

Experience with businesses of your size is also important. Someone who works only with big companies may not be familiar with the best solutions for smaller businesses. Tap your independent tech guru for advice before making hardware or software purchases. A few minutes on the phone can prevent costly mistakes.

Find a list of qualified IT consultants for your small business needs in the Mobile Area Chamber online membership directory. Visit www.mobilechamber.com and click on “Membership Directory.”

For more advice on running your small business, contact the Mobile Chapter of SCORE, operating out of the Mobile Area Chamber.

For a confidential, one-on-one counseling session at no charge, call 431-8614.

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-mail messages, pop-ups, attachments and web sites – how do you know if they are legit or a hacker trying to tap into your computer?

Outside attacks on computers have become more and more sophisticated and much harder to detect by the everyday user.

According to Chris Morton, vice president with MCG Business Solutions, no computer connected to the Internet is 100 percent safe and knowing about the risks doesn’t always protect your computer from infections. “Sometimes it just happens, no matter who you are,” he said.

Sam St. John, president, Logical Computer Solutions, agreed with Morton and believes everyone is always at risk and must protect themselves while using online banking and securities trading. “You can set up these accounts to view only or you can change your passwords frequently,” he said.

“Credit card use on the Internet is reasonably safe for now as your liability is usually limited.”

Computers are vulnerable to viruses, computer programs that copy themselves and infect computers; computer worms that exploit security vulnerabilities to spread automatically to other computers through networks; Trojan horses, programs that appear harmless but hide malicious functions; and malware, malicious software designed to infiltrate a computer system without the owner’s informed consent.

“Malware is almost like a less damaging virus program that does not necessarily destroy your PC but it can have effects ranging from slowdowns to hang-ups of certain applications,” said Mahir Butt, information technology (IT) director for the Mobile Area Water & Sewer System. “Avoiding malware has become a necessity in today’s cyber world where computer users are utilizing web blogs, social media and emails to communicate and keep up with their lives and peers.”

While some computer infections are worse than others, malware attacks computers through links in an e-mail (attachments are less successful since more people are leery of opening unknown documents) and through web sites.

According to Simon Bailey, chief information officer with Atlanta-based Portman Holdings, the tones of viruses have grown from simple annoyances to sophisticated attacks by organized criminals.

With so many outside attacks on computers, Morton said prevention is better than fixing a problem after it happens.

“It takes more time and money and frustrations to remove a virus than to take a few steps to prevent and maintain security now,” he said.

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

What can you do to protect your computers? The Business View asked several local experts what they would suggest all computers have installed to protect from infections.

Mahir Q. Butt,

IT director, Mobile Area Water & Sewer System

Anti-Virus software; anti-SPAM; and a hardwarebased or software-based firewall that will protect from intrusion and remote access to PCs.

Mahir Q. Butt

Chris Morton,

vice president with MCG Business Solutions

Use local security (keep security on one computer and limit access to other computers connected through a server). Use an administrative account for installing software or maintenance; and use Chris Morton a normal account for day-today activities. Also install anti-virus suites and utilize the layers of protection; antivirus/ malware suites. Finally network layer content filters.

Apply program updates and security patches as they are available and tested. Maintain your system – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Sam St. John,

president, Logical Computer Solutions

Businesses should have a firewall to scan the connection between your computer and the Internet; It should also check your e-mail and web content before it reaches your network.

The third line of defense can be a setup in your server for additional filtering.

Sam St. John

Its Contents Safe Computer Protection Advice:

• Always have a good Malware product installed, active and updated on your computer; • Never open unexpected e-mail attachments; • Never follow links included in e-mail. If you have to violate this rule, do so with utmost caution - a single click is all it takes to infect your PC; • Apply all operating system & application patches as soon as possible; • Make sure search engine results look reasonable before clicking on a link; • If something unexpected does pop up on your computer – don’t click it, don’t try to close the browser – just restart the machine; • If a familiar web page, especially one for a bank or financial institution, looks different or asks for a PIN or password where it never did before – stop and call your bank, you may be infected; • Don’t be curious with unsolicited e-mail. If a friend or acquaintance sends an odd link, ignore it; and

• If you think you have been infected with a virus, Symantac, the company that produces Norton Antivirus advices you to immediately run whatever tool you have installed to detect viruses and run a full scan of your computer.

Source: Simon Bailey, chief information officer with Portman Holdings

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

Microsoft Offers the Following Advice:

• Keep your computer’s software patched and current. Both your operating system and your anti-virus application must be updated on a regular basis; • Only download updates from reputable sources. For Windows operating systems, always go to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/ and for other software always use the legitimate web sites of the company or person who produces it; • Always think before you install something, weigh the risks and benefits, and be aware of the fine print; and • Install and use a firewall.

Contact René Eiland at 251.431.8635 or e-mail reiland@mobilechamber.com. www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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A Graduation Plan Though the economy has pushed unemployment to 12 percent in Mobile County, the demand for highly-skilled, qualified workers is forecasted to rise and workforce development remains a prime initiative for the Mobile area. Below are two

articles – one outlines Mayor Sam Jones and the Mobile Area Education Foundation’s (MAEF) plan to address the county’s high school dropout rate, and the other showcases a local program doing its part to keep students on the right track.

Graduation Plan for Students in Mobile County The Mobile Area Education Foundation and the Mobile County Public School System, in partnership with city of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, released its plan to ensure all Mobile County students graduate and are college- or workforce-ready.

The Mobile Graduates: Blueprint for Multiple Pathways outlines steps to prevent students from dropping out of school and intervenes when students get off the graduation track. Currently, 55 percent of students graduate on time from high schools in Mobile County and the dropout rate is 45 percent. Jones has set a goal to reduce the dropout rate by half by 2014. “The blueprint’s success will depend greatly on the involvement of the business community,” said Leida Javier-Ferrell, director of the Mobile Area Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development. “The involvement can be from providing internships and part-time work opportunities to getting involved in school outreach projects;

to influencing the curriculum by showing the skills needed in industry so that the outcome is a student that is workforceready.”

Based on a survey prepared by Research Alliance for Multiple Pathways, the report highlights several areas of interest, including attendance, behavior, class failure, getting to ninth grade on time and communication with parents and the community. Statistics of concern addressed in the plan include: • Some 2,000 students in Mobile County public schools are currently in danger of dropping out of school; • 76 percent of students who missed eight or more days of school didn’t graduate;

• 56 percent of students who receive one out-of-school suspension graduated, and 41 percent of students who receive two or more out-of-school suspensions graduated; and • In the class of 2006, 40 percent of high school students became over-aged and under-credited and only 25 percent of these students graduated.

As part of the proposal, the plan aims to implement the following: college or work preparedness in the classroom and involvement by businesses to provide entrylevel skill requirements; development of a variety of education options to

prepare students for post-high school plans, whether college, work or career tech schools; increased student school-based and community-based support services; creation of an accountability system to ensure graduation through an education commission; and community support for education reform, including parents, educators, elected officials, the business community, the juvenile justice system, and faith and communitybased organizations.

“What makes the plan different is that it involves everyone in the community and gives specific actions each can perform to reach our goal. Collaboration is the key to making it work,” said Jeremiah Newell, the MAEF coordinator who headed up the planning grant and is also a director of the Evening Education Option School at B.C. Rain High School.

For a complete copy of the The Mobile Graduates: Blueprint for Multiple Pathways, visit www.maef.net.

Outward Bound Turning Teenage Lives Around Since it began in March 2006, the Outward Bound-Five Rivers program has made positive changes in the lives of some 350 teenagers in Mobile and Baldwin counties. For these at-risk adolescents, the opportunity to participate in a 20-day wilderness camping expedition in the MobileTensaw River Delta is a life-changing event – and one that can send them from troubled teen to successful adult.

Dr. Lynn Yonge, a family physician in Fairhope and Outward Bound-Five Rivers’ medical director, and Meg Peterson, program director, worked together to create the local arm of this national organization.

After seeing a series of at-risk adolescents in his practice who had suffered a variety of abuse and whose needs were not being met by the community, Yonge found the Outward Bound web site, wrote the president of the organization and asked how to start a program here.

Peterson started with Outward Bound as an intern and during the course of 12 years, worked her way up through the ranks.

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“We grew it like a business,” Yonge said. “We started by borrowing equipment and staff, and eventually we won the support of the community with the quality of work we were doing.” Both the Baldwin County Commission and the Mobile County Commission, as well as juvenile and family judges in both counties, provide financial support for Outward Bound.

Based in Fairhope, Outward Bound-Five Rivers has two programs for at-risk youth.

Both FINS (Families in Need of Services) and STEP (Short-Term Expedition Program) work with children ages 13 to 18 who, in the case of FINS, have started demonstrating “ungovernable behaviors,” according to Peterson, or, in the case of STEP, are boys referred by the court system.

Groups of eight to 11 teens, accompanied by three instructors, canoe throughout the Mobile Delta and on other area rivers during wilderness camping trips.

They learn the value of working together to get where they need to go, with the instructors providing intense lessons in

conflict resolution, anger management and other social skills critical to success in life.

After the Outward Bound journey, most teens have a new perspective on life and new hope for their own futures. “I can tell you without a doubt about kids whose lives have been saved by the program,” Yonge said. “Outward Bound is an invaluable tool for keeping kids in school and making these teens productive members of society.”

Thanks to a foundation connected to the program, students who complete STEP can receive scholarships covering tuition and books to the college or trade school of their choice – as long as they remain crime-free and earn their GED or high school diploma.

In addition to the youth component, Outward Bound-Five Rivers offers a program that takes veterans on sea kayaking trips to the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. “We’re trying to expand into serving a wide variety of populations of all ages who would like to have an Outward Bound experience,” Peterson said.

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Fourteen-year-old Caitlin Carroll paddles in the Mobile Delta during a 21-day Outward Bound wilderness course. The local program teaches at-risk teens the skills they need to succeed in life.

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HAN 13177-1 Biz Ad Mobile Biz View - No Jerry Photo (8.5” x 11”) __________Spell Check ________Prod. Artist ________Art Dir. ________Copywriter ________Copy Editor________Creative Dir.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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17

How Far $100 Can Go For Local

Charitable contributions for 2010 are projected to remain flat as they were in 2009, according to the annual Dunham+Company New Year’s Philanthropy Survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies. The report found Americans are loosening their purse strings on entertainment and other household expenses but not on charitable giving. Thirty-seven percent of respondents indicated they will continue reducing their charitable donations and nearly one in four said they have eliminated donations altogether.

To help get the word out about local Mobile Area Chamber member organizations and their continuing needs, The Business View put together a few examples from its nonprofit members who responded to the question: “What can you do with a $100 donation?”

Here is what those who responded said their organization could do with the extra cash: • Purchase three hours of special instruction at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind or buy an amplified phone; • Provide fuel for one Alabama Teen Challenge ministry vehicle to attend rallies for fundraising for one month or purchase approximately 555 pounds of food from the Bay Area Food Bank to feed three meals and snacks to 30 men enrolled in the drug and alcohol recovery program for one day;

• Pay for 1/100 of the $10,000 scholarship for the Youth of the Year recipient from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America by the Beverly M. Burton Scholarship Trust;

• Pay for two cancer patients to ride horses for a week at Camp Rap-A-Hope or allow four campers to enjoy arts and crafts for the week of camp;

• Help Penelope House buy gas for one month to get one of its domestic abuse clients to work and school, or bus passes for 10 weeks; or school uniforms for a client’s child; or purchase 1,000 stickers with the crisis line number;

• Give the Centre for the Living Arts the opportunity to purchase four tickets to a Saenger-sponsored event in advance of the public on “sale” date or tuition discount for students to Space 301 classes;

• Pay for mission-related public and professional health education programs for the American Heart Association or help fund biomedical research; • Help feed four people for one week after a fire or other disaster by the American Red Cross; • Buy meals for one America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program participant for five days while she is in Mobile for the national finals or buy “Be Your Best Self” buttons for 200 Boys and Girls Club members; • Enable the Bay Area Food Bank to provide weekend backpacks of easy-to-eat food for 30 children or provide a monthly food box for seven homebound senior citizens; • Buy 10 rose bushes, one hour of electricity for Magic Christmas in Lights; or 10 azaleas for Bellingrath Gardens and Home;

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MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

• Help the Child Advocacy Center give one hour of individual counseling for a child sexual abuse victim with one hour of family advocacy and family services follow-up or pay for half the cost of a forensic medical exam for a child sexual abuse victim; • Help The Community Foundation of South Alabama provide after-school programs for at-risk youth, or help someone receive workforce training; • Provide one week of childcare for a child under five or pay for two weeks of after-school care for a child between the ages of five and 13 years at the Dearborn YMCA; • Buy one week of childcare at the Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Child Development Center or pay the registration fee for one week at Camp ASCCA (Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults); • Provide all the exterior or interior paint for a Habitat for Humanity house to help a family in need of affordable housing; • Help Junior Achievement of Mobile prepare six students for the real world by having a business volunteer teach them about personal financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness with hands-on, experiential programs;

Charities and Nonprofit Organizations • Pay for supplement food for one of the L’Arche of Mobile houses for a week, which feeds seven people with developmental disabilities;

• Pay for one hour of speech, occupational or physical therapy or buy one basic communication device at the United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile;

• Help Lifelines-Family Counseling Center pay for school presentations on healthy/unhealthy relationships, bullying, rape reduction and prevention, suicide prevention and intervention or two sessions of counseling to a family suffering through marital difficulties, concerns with children, depression and other issues;

• Pay for four patients’ co-payments to see a physician at Victory Health Partners or pay for three patients to see the dentist;

• Help Making Miracles for Cystic Fibrosis provide life-saving prescriptions for local children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or pay co-pays for doctors’ visits; • House one homeless woman for four nights (average cost is $25.17 per night) at McKemie Place in addition to providing clothing, hygiene products, medication, cleaning supplies, bus fare and other emergency assistance; • Cover the cost for three homeless individuals to stay at the Mission of Hope Ministries (average $28 a night), including lodging, three hot meals, clothing, three and one-half hours of recovery curriculum, toiletries, etc.;

• Purchase Volunteer Mobile’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) emergency supply kits including blankets, water, non-perishable food, batteries and flashlights; • Provide four months of medication for someone without health insurance at Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy; • Sponsor a school for a free field trip to the Mobile International Festival; • Give allowances for 11 children for one week or allow school field trips for 10 children at St. Mary’s Home;

• Pay for one transient to have three meals a day for 10 days through The Salvation Army; help provide hotel lodging for one family for two nights after a fire; or pay for prescription medication for 10 men; • Feed 42 men, women, or children one hot meal at the Waterfront Rescue Mission.

• Provide the Mobile Area Education Foundation with 15 classroom book bags for Semmes Elementary School; • Help Mobile ARC provide a recreational bowling program for an individual with a disability for nine weeks; or purchase a 5-foot cypress outdoor swing or a cypress Adirondack chair; • Pay for two hours of educational programming for participants in the Mobile Arts Council’s ChARTing New Directions or host an artist reception for the monthly ArtWalks; • Pay for a Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama program fee for six months during the school year or pay half a member’s fees for its nine-week summer program; • Help the Mobile SPCA spay or neuter eight dogs or cats; buy 200 pounds of food for shelter animals; or vaccinate eight animals; or provide heartworm and flea prevention for a dog for a year;

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

19

O’Gwynn Leads Chamber Chase ‘10 Commitment to the Mobile Area Chamber has taken on a new level for Edward “Bubba” O’Gwynn III. The area executive and senior vice president for BB&T volunteered to chair the Chamber’s top fundraising effort, Chamber Chase 2010. “I wanted the opportunity to get back into the business community because I have been traveling for the past two years,” O’Gwynn said.

Chamber Chase is an annual total resource development campaign made up of volunteers who spread the word about the efforts of the Chamber and how members and prospective members can be more involved.

O’Gwynn said he believes the campaign is a win-win opportunity for Chamber volunteers because it provides a training ground to sharpen sales skills and also provides a valuable benefit to the Chamber.

“When calling on behalf of the Chamber, I want to encourage team members to focus on the value the Chamber offers,” said O’Gwynn. “Whether you are looking for networking opportunities, advertising for your company, education and training for your employees, or the many other benefits the Chamber offers – the cost is simply the

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MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

best value – you just have to get involved.”

O’Gwynn is currently a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors and previously served on the board. He also volunteers with a number of area organizations including the United Way of Southwest Alabama, Dumas Wesley Community Foundation, the Child Day Care Association, Victory Health Partners, the Lions Club, Senior Bowl and the Mobile Touchdown Club.

“The campaign will benefit from Bubba’s leadership because of his knowledge of the community and passion to be involved,” said Carolyn Golson, the Chamber’s vice president of membership.

Even in a tough economy, O’Gwynn is confident members will support the campaign. “Folks are becoming more optimistic,” he said. “And I know times are tough, but I get the feeling the Mobile business community is tired of feeling bad. This community is blessed with businesses that can and will look for ways to seize opportunities to drive revenues and profitability.”

in the Chamber’s news magazine and membership directory, and cash and inkind contributions.

Carolyn Golson, the Chamber’s vice president of membership, said the involvement of volunteers during Chamber Chase multiplies the organization’s efforts to: • provide value, services, networking opportunities and recognition for Chamber members; • create an environment that promotes business and community growth; • retain, expand and recruit businesses, investment and jobs in the Mobile area; and • operate the Chamber with excellence, innovation and efficiency in accordance with its mission and values.

“Volunteers can inform their customers about opportunities available at the Chamber and can and also use their

CHAMBER CHASE ’10

involvement with the campaign to get their foot in the door with potential customers,” Golson said.

To date 21 teams have signed up to participate, including Alabama Power, Arkema, BankTrust, BB&T, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama, Commonwealth National Bank, Evonik-Degussa, Hand Arendall LLC, IBERIABANK fsb, International Shipholding Corp., LLB&B Inc. Real Estate, Lewis Communications, Merrill Lynch, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Diplomats, Mobile Gas, RBC Bank, Regions Bank, Thompson Engineering, Wachovia Bank and Whitney Bank.

To sponsor a team, get involved or donate a door prize for the volunteers, contact Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@ mobilechamber.com. To view all sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit www.mobilechamber.com/ chamberchase.

do

special

T

Mobile Bay – it’s the ultimate business supplement for a new generation! Get up on the latest success stories, emerge excited about the new Mobile Bay – participate in Chamber Chase 2010.

The Mobile Area Chamber’s annual total resource development campaign, Chamber Chase 2010, kicks of Thursday, May 6. Vital to the Chamber’s continued growth and success, the 16-week-long campaign involves teams of volunteers recruiting new Chamber members and encouraging current affiliates to maximize their membership.

Under the direction of Chamber Chase Chair Edward “Bubba” O’Gwynn III, area executive and senior vice president of BB&T, teams of volunteers will contact members and potential members regarding membership, event sponsorship, advertising

or

is

Volunteers Ramp Up Recruiting Efforts with Chamber Chase 2010

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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Welcoming the Area’s New CEOs

The Mobile Area Chamber held a reception sponsored by Hand Arendall LLC to honor and welcome new CEOs from member companies. Pictured are (first row seated) from left to right: Jamie Lipham, Hancock Bank; Roberta Swann, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program; and Mark Wilson, Ryla Inc. (standing) David Fairchild, Olin Corp.; Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber President; Father Richard Salmi, Spring Hill College; Russ Ford, IBERIABANK fsb; City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones; Jim Hartman, Premier Medical Management; Dave Trent, Airbus North America Engineering Inc. and 2010 Chamber chairman; Tom McAdams, BASF; Terry Russo, SSAB; and Christoph Lackinger, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC.

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MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

3/8/10 2:19 PM

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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CEO

Profile

Terry Russo

Company: SSAB Mobile Operations Title: General Manager Hometown: New Brighton, Pa. Education: Russo earned a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

First job: Russo’s first job was as a metallurgist for Crucible Steel in Midland, Pa. Previous experience: After several metallurgical positions, from process to chief metallurgist and quality control manager, Russo joined IPSCO Steel in Montpelier, Iowa, as superintendent of casting and later superintendent of primary operations.

Career-changing moment: “The first time I saw an electric arc furnace, I was impressed with the amount of power consumed and the ability to convert scrap metal into useable liquid metal in a limited amount of time,” said Russo.

Accomplishments: As superintendent of primary operations, Russo was instrumental in equipment selection, facility construction and workforce hiring for the start-up of IPSCO’s Mobile facility (now SSAB). He is on the board of the Alabama Iron and Steel Council and is member of American Iron & Steel Technology (AIST).

Secret to success: “Instill the values of safely producing the best possible quality of products at the lowest price.”

Family: Russo and wife Rosanne have four children.

Are you connected...

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

“George Washington,” Russo said. “He was able to successfully lead a relatively untrained army under horrible conditions against a well-trained army and emerge victorious.”

to the latest business news in the Mobile area on a weekly basis?

Brief company description: SSAB is a global leader in value-added, high-strength steel. The company offers products developed in close cooperation with its customers to reach a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world. SSAB employs 8,700 people in more than 45 countries worldwide.

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Starr Textile Services (formerly South Alabama Commercial Laundry) has expanded to serve more of your textile cleaning and rental needs, including garment processing.

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251-443-7445 L-49

Details at StarrTextileServices.com Free consultations 877-934-6998 904 N. Poplar St., Foley, AL

If not, then subscribe now for FREE by sending an e-mail to jwinfield@mobilechamber.com

5865 Rangeline Rd. • www.safetysourceinc.com

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

B

usiness Spotlight of the Month

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

PlanFocus Financial Services

PlanFocus owners: Dan Rollo, Kevin Morgan and Carl Dekle opened the doors to PlanFocus Financial Services with 50 years of combined experience in financial solutions and innovative services that are easy for clients to understand.

Building for lease

Owners: Carl Dekle, Kevin Morgan and Dan Rollo Location: 3755 Professional Pkwy., Ste. 2 Member since: 2010 Brief description of business: PlanFocus Financial Services offers independent investment advisory services, concentrating on corporate retirement plans and financial planning for high net-worth individuals. The owners have more than 50 years combined experience providing solutions and offering products and services that are innovative and easy to understand. “We are dedicated to the highest ethical and professional standards,” said Morgan. “Our experience in the 401(k) industry sets us apart.”

What is unique or innovative about your business? The firm offers independent vendor search assistance ensuring clients are partnered with qualified service providers.

PlanFocus provides full fee disclosure/fee transparency and assistance in navigating the regulatory environment of retirement plans.

Most significant challenge: “Communicating the real threat that a company and its officers face in upholding a fiduciary standard when using an investment advisor who is not properly trained and committed to servicing retirement plans as a primary part of his business,” said Morgan.

Phone number: 544-2400 Web site: www.planfocusllc.com

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location: 456 Civic Center Drive size: Approx. 5,000 square feet

availaBility: Immediately Contact Joe Mareno For More Information at (251) 431-8624 or jmareno@mobilechamber.com

Garrett Wolf

Although he is new to the Mobile Area Chamber’s diplomat program, Garrett Wolf is making his mark in the business community with his presence and support of new businesses, including assisting with ribbon cuttings and grand openings, and paying courtesy visits to existing businesses. Wolf is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Diplomat of Wolf the Month.

The director of group sales for the Mobile BayBears, Wolf helps with Chamber event registration and participates in networking functions.

“There are so many great things happening in the state of Alabama and the city of Mobile,” said Wolf. “Chamber events are an opportunity to continuously learn more about current area business endeavors.”

Wolf works closely with churches, school groups, daycares and corporate groups on events at Hank Aaron Stadium. The Bay Bears are a Double A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and play professional baseball at Hank Aaron Stadium.

Photos by Jeff Tesney

features: • Vaulted ceilings • Five private offices • Custom cubicles • Large conference room • Storage area • Kitchen/breakroom • Fenced parking

iplomat of the Month

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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

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MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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n v e s tor Focus

Volkert Inc. Company officials: T. Keith King, chairman and chief executive officer; Perry A. Hand, president and chief marketing officer; and Thomas A. Zoghby, chief financial officer and senior vice president Years in business: 85 years Brief company description: Volkert’s 600-plus associates provide engineering, environmental and construction engineering services from 22 operating and field offices throughout the Southeast, Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. Services include transportation planning, corridor location studies, traffic engineering, highway and bridge design, surveying, construction engineering inspection and construction/ program management for state departments of transportation, municipal agencies, local authorities, airports, ports and intermodal facilities. Volkert is ranked No. 144 in Engineering News Record’s Top 500 U.S. engineering firms.

Why are you located in Mobile? Ewin Engineering, a New Orleans firm, moved to Mobile in 1946 and was acquired by David Volkert in 1954. The company was renamed David Volkert & Associates in 1963 and established headquarters in Mobile. “Mobile is a great place to conduct business and affords our associates an opportunity to enjoy a quality, affordable life style,” said King.

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “Volkert has supported every campaign the Chamber has conducted over the last 25 years,” said King. “We realize that especially in today’s economy, local businesses must work together to accelerate economic development in our area, and the Chamber’s five-year aggressive economic development plan is an excellent means to achieve the best end results.”

Volkert Inc. chefs won the Peoples’ Choice Award for their chili at the recent American Cancer Society’s Chili Cook-off. Pictured standing at the company’s booth is Holly Gibney, Volkert’s human resource director.

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “It’s difficult to limit it to just one – Mobile has the capabilities and resources to recruit new industry through the unified efforts of our city, county and state leaders,” said King. “The Port of Mobile will continue to be a major factor in sustaining our city’s growth and further developing the Gulf region as a center for international trade and commerce.”

Length of Chamber membership: Since 1966 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.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010 11/19/09

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n v e s tor Focus

Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon & Harris LLC

Company officials: Charles B. Bailey Jr., of counsel; Ben H. Harris Jr., member; William H. Hardie, counsel; I. David Cherniak, member; David C. Hannan, member; Wade B. Perry Jr., member; Thomas S. Rue, member; Alan C. Christian, member; Celia J. Collins, member; R. Gregory Watts, member; Charles C. Simpson III, member; Robert E. Clute, member; Tracy P. Turner, member; Lawrence J. Seiter, member; E. Russell March III, member; Scott A. Browning, member; John F. Janecky, member; Deborah B. Hembree, member; Rick A. La Trace, member; Bradley E. Dean, associate; Matthew J. Bauer, associate; Kimberly L. Bell, associate; and Katherine W. Willis, legal administrator Years in business: 112 – the firm was established in 1897.

Brief company description: Johnstone Adams, a full-service law firm, represents local, regional, national and international clients throughout Alabama and the central Gulf Coast area from Florida to Mississippi. The firm has offices in Mobile, Birmingham and Bay Minette. Attorneys focus on most areas of law including admiralty, bankruptcy, banking, construction, corporate, employment and labor, environmental, ERISA, healthcare, insurance, litigation, real estate, tax, trusts and estates and workers’ compensation.

Why are you located in Mobile? “This is where our roots are,” said Harris, the firm’s longest tenured full member. “Johnstone Adams is a part of the history, growth and prominence of Mobile.”

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “We believe that the Chamber’s success breeds success for all business, industry, services and people here on the Gulf Coast and we are happy to be a part of that investment effort,” said Hannan, a former vice chair of legal issues for the Chamber’s board of directors.

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Lawyers from Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon & Harris LLC pose in their office lobby at One St. Louis Centre. For more than 100 years its attorneys have served the Mobile area and its organizations, including the Chamber, with previous chairman Judge Ben D. Turner from 1941 to 1944, a former partner with the firm.

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “Its geography and work ethic,” said Gregory Watts, chairman of the firm’s executive committee.

Length of Chamber membership: “As far as our records reflect, the firm has been a member of the Chamber since its inception,” said Hannan. “The firm furnished senior partner Ben D. Turner as Chamber Chairman during the war years of 1941-1944, as well as other officers and directors thereafter, and probably before that period, as well.”

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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.

C hamber Staff Marion Warren Joins the Chamber as New Events Coordinator one another and maximize Marion Warren joined the their business opportunities, Mobile Area Chamber as events and I am glad I can help those coordinator. She is responsible relationships by planning a for coordinating logistics variety of events.” for Chamber events for all Carolyn Golson, the departments. In addition, Chamber’s vice president of Warren will provide staff support membership, credits Warren’s to a number of Chamber high organizational skill level committees/task forces.

Warren in creating a seamless transition A Mobile native, Warren to her new job. “She really is a great fit for earned a bachelor’s degree in communicaour organization,” said Golson. “With her tions from the College of Charleston in extensive knowledge of the area and in the South Carolina. For the past three years she has worked as a catering sales manager event industry, we are lucky to have her join our team.” for the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel To contact Warren, or to learn more and at the Battle House Hotel and Spa as a about upcoming Chamber events, call social events and wedding coordinator.

431-8640 or e-mail mwarren@mobile Warren said she looks forward to her chamber.com. new role. “Chamber events are a great way for businesses to develop relationships with

W

ho’s In Town?

May 2010

The Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) provides a list of the current month’s conventions coming to the bay area.

For more information contact the MBCVB at 208-2000.

May 5-8 USS Sarsfield Delegates: 110 Phone: 609-859-9278 Hotel/Location: Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel May 9-17 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Delegates: 245 Phone: 251-610-0087 Hotel: Marriott Resort May 13-16 494th Bomb Group Delegates: 100 Phone: 703-863-4211 Hotel/Location: Holiday Inn, Downtown Historic District

May 14-18 Alabama League of Municipalities Delegates: 1,800 Phone: 334-262-2566 Hotel/Location: The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel; Holiday Inn, Downtown Historic District; Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel/Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center May 15-16 H.O.G. Harley Owners Group Delegates: 700 Phone: 251-510-0136 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel May 25-30 VF213 Delegates: 40 Phone: 251-973-2609 Hotel/Location: Ashbury Hotel & Suites

A

Featured Profiles

dvisors

The Mobile Area Chamber is proud to salute members of the board of advisors.

These business leaders represent companies whose significant dues investment lead the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives.

For more information contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or kdewrell@mobilechamber.com.

Joe Collins is president of Employee Liability Management Inc. (ELM), a locally owned professional employer organization/payroll company Collins specializing in human resource management, payroll processing and tax filing, safety/loss prevention and worker’s compensation insurance. Along with his three partners, Collins established ELM in May 2000, and currently works with more than 500 small businesses in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Collins is a Mobile native, attended McGillToolen High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in 1993.

Ryan A. Ott is vice president for Rogers & Willard Inc., a Mobile-based general contractor.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ott Auburn University.

Ott is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional and a member of the Alabama Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

He has served on the board of directors of Associated Builders and Contractors since 2005, and served as board chairman in 2008. Ott participates in community service projects through Spanish Fort United Methodist Church.

Monique Rogers Henley is president of Bay Security Co. LLC. She has more than 12 years experience in diverse business pursuits including Rogers Henley retail, janitorial, child care, family entertainment and security throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Georgia. Henley is also president of All Clean Janitorial Service LLC. She is a past member of the Mobile Area Chamber’s board of directors, and has participated in numerous nonprofit organizations. Her continuing business success enables her to mentor new business owners.

Bay Security is a Partners for Growth Investor.

John “Wes” Williams Jr. is chief executive officer of Wiltew, an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) codeWilliams certified general contractor offering a comprehensive and diversified range of metal fabrication, civil, mechanical and security systems services.

Wiltew is also a single source provider of Integrated Electronic Security Management systems. Williams founded the company in 1988.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

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C

hamber@Work

Chamber and Mobile Represented at Singapore Air Show Chamber President Win Hallett, Chamber Chairman Dave Trent with Airbus Engineering Center and Bill Sisson with the Mobile Airport Authority represented Mobile and its aerospace industry at the Singapore Air Show in February. The Chamber partnered with the Alabama Development Office, Mobile Airport Authority and the Covington County Economic Development Council to host a well-attended reception during the event. Company meetings were held with Bodycote, Rockwell Collins, PPG Aerospace, Stork Fokker, EADS, B/E Aerospace, GKN and Singapore Technologies.

Business-to-Business The Alabama Minority Enterprise Center (MBEC) held a business-to-business matchmaker event with procurement officers from several major corporations, including Aker Solutions and Ball Healthcare. These companies met one-on-one with MBEC clients to discuss current bidding opportunities available from their companies. Fifteen MBEC clients participated in this event.

Chamber Works to Defeat a Senate and House Bill The Chamber’s board of directors voted to support the Business Council of Alabama’s request to help defeat two bills up for approval in the Alabama Legislature this session. Senate Bill 360 and House Bill 364 would have prohibited an employer, individual, tenant, business or other property owner from establishing a policy restricting those who lawfully possess a firearm from storing such weapons in a locked vehicle in a public or private parking area. Based on a recommendation from the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, the Chamber’s board voted to: “Support efforts to protect an employer’s right to ensure a safe workplace.” The Chamber’s position was largely due to the belief that the legislation infringes on employers’ efforts to secure company property, to provide a safe workplace for their employees and a safe experience for shoppers, customers and clients. These bills died in the legislature.

Chamber Names Seven New Board of Advisors The Board of Advisors represents key businesses whose significant dues investment leads the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. To date there are 244 companies who make

up the board. New board of advisors are: The American Equity Underwriters, Brookside Retirement, Techip, University of South Alabama Foundation, VIC Companies, Virginia College and Wade Office Equipment.

Chamber Names New Diplomats Several new Chamber diplomats were selected to volunteer for the Chamber. They are: Ira Bates Jr., United Way of Southwest Alabama Inc.; Gena Bolton, RBC Bank; Rhonda Fowler, Cypress Cove Apartments; Kevin Morgan, PlanFocus Financial Services; Nicholas Morisani, Adams and Reese LLP; and Amy Norwood, IKON Office Solutions. Diplomats are a group of volunteer members who assist the Chamber with a variety of projects, including event registration, member visits and attending ribbon cuttings. To learn more about this group, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

Membership Appreciation Day Nets Big Turnout The Chamber’s second Member Appreciation Day was held in April and attended by several hundred Chamber members. During this casual event, members were treated to lunch, live music and door prizes. Chamber staff and board members attended to provide information about Chamber programs and initiatives, as well as answer questions from our members.

Large Turnout for Contacts and Contracts More than 80 people attended the first meeting of Contacts and Contracts, formerly called Diversity Business Network. Held in the Black History Museum at Bishop State Community College, Michael Hicks, president and CEO of Hixardt Technologies spoke about how he turned a small start-up company into a multi-million dollar enterprise and his plans for continued growth through partnerships. To learn more about Contacts and Contracts, contact Danette Richards at drichards@mobile chamber.com or 431-8652.

Local Chamber Represented at U.S. Chamber Meeting Leida Javier-Ferrell, director of the Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development, participated in the Business LEADs Network Institute of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. Thirtyfour business and Chamber leaders from around the country were invited to learn how businesses could utilize U.S. Chamber assets to drive positive transformation in education and workforce training. This program was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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omparative Economic Indicators

FEB. 2010 vs FEB. 2009 The Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.

Business Licenses City of Mobile

221 2010 220 2009

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

225,692 2010 240,893 2009

Unemployment Rates Mobile/Baldwin counties

11.6% 2010 8.2% 2009

Homes Sold⌦ Mobile County

230 2010 234 2009

Average Selling Price Mobile County $132,313 2010 $139,401 2009

Building Permits City of Mobile

243 2010 165 2009

Value of Building Permits $13,149,809 2010 $7,997,397 2009

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 19,483 2010 20,971 2009

MAY

10

MANAGE YOUR CASH FLOW STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS

Time: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Place: Mobile Area Chamber,

451 Government St. Cost: $25 for members/$35 for

potential members, includes

lunch Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com

11

SOCIAL NETWORKING & MARKETING STRATEGIES

Time: 1-5 p.m.

Place: Mobile Area Chamber,

451 Government St. Cost: Free, seating is limited Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com

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PORK & POLITICS IN THE PARK

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Place: USS ALABAMA Battleship

Memorial Park Aircraft Pavilion Cost: $15 Contact: Ailey Arrow Shirazi at 431-8621

or aarrow@mobilechamber.com

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NETWORKING @NOON* *Members Only

Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Place: Five Rivers - Alabama’s Delta

Resource Center,

30945 Five Rivers Blvd.

Cost: $10, includes lunch Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or

mhartley@mobilechamber.com

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EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE*

27

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Place: Newk’s Express Café,

252 Azalea Rd. Cost: $5 for members/$10 for

potential members Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or

mhartley@mobilechamber.com

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CHAMBER CLOSED Memorial Day

Manage Your Cash FlowStrengthen Your Business Understanding finances is critical to the success of any business. The Mobile Area Chamber will present Manage Your Cash Flow - Strengthen Your Business on Monday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Chamber’s McGowin Room. The workshop, facilitated by Tony Busch, of Priora Cash Flow Management LLC, will cover topics such as: the cash flow conversion cycle and how it can improve business performance; how cash flows between the income statement and balance sheet; how to save money by taking discounts; and break-even terminology and how it benefits volume, pricing and profits.

One attendee will win a free copy of the proprietary software program, valued at $600. Seating is limited.

The cost is $25 for members/$35 for potential members and includes lunch.

Reservations are required and payment is due at the time of reservation. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Greater Mobile Development Corp.

*Members Only

Time: 8 - 9 a.m.

Place: Chamber Board Room,

451 Government St. Cost: Free Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or

brembert@mobilechamber.com

ARMED

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C

a l endar

FORCES DAY

Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Place: The Magnolia Ballroom in

USA’s Brookley Center, 254 Old

Bay Front Dr. Cost: $18 per person or $140

for table of 8 Contact: Ailey Arrow Shirazi at 431-8621

or aarrow@mobilechamber.com

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

Social Networking Marketing Strategies for Business The Mobile Area Chamber will host Social Networking Marketing Strategies for Business on Tuesday, May 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Chamber’s McGowin Room. The free workshop will explore social networking marketing strategies through the use of Flickr, Google Docs, Google Calendar, YouTube, Twitter, Twitpic, RSS, Facebook, Ning and LinkedIn. Presented by University of South Alabama (USA), speakers include: Angela Rand, USA Baldwin County librarian and head of information services; Paula Webb, USA reference and electronic resources government documents librarian; and Andrea Wright, instructor librarian for the USA biomedical library. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Pork & Politics in the Park On Tuesday, May 11, don’t miss the opportunity to “ham it up” with your favorite city, county, state and federal politicians and candidates and find out where they stand on critical legislative issues that concern you most. Catered by Chef Rob & Co., this year’s event will be held at the Battleship Memorial Park aircraft pavilion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person. For reservations, contact Ailey Arrow Shirazi at 431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com. (See list of offices up for election and key dates on page 11.)

Armed Forces Day On Tuesday, May 18, the Chamber presents the annual Armed Forces Day luncheon at the Magnolia Ballroom in USA’s Brookley Center, 254 Old Bay Front Dr. The event is part of Mobile’s celebration of Armed Forces Week. Honored guests and award recipients include outstanding ROTC, JROTC and NJROTC students, Guard, Reserve and active duty personnel. The cost is $18 per person or $140 for table of eight. For more information contact Ailey Arrow Shirazi at 431-8621 or aarrow@mobilechamber.com.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Executive Roundtable* Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will meet on Tuesday, May 18, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room. Stephen Schlautman, assistant vice president of business banking with Regions Bank, will present “Exploring the Mysteries of Business and Personal Credit Reporting.” There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited.

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

* Members Only

Networking@Noon* Networking@Noon will be held Wednesday, May 12, at Five Rivers Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd. N@N is a bi-monthly event offering members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business.

Following a brief presentation, introductions and lunch, attendees are invited to continue to network. The event is limited to Mobile Area Chamber members only, and one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes lunch.

Payment is due at the time of reservation and must be made no later than Monday, May 10.

Ron’s Reservations not canCatering celled by May 10 must be honored to cover the cost of lunch.

Contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

Business After Hours Join other Chamber members and diplomats from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours on Thursday, May 27, and enjoy a casual evening of networking with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages at Newk’s Express Café, 252 Azalea Rd. This is one of the best opportunities to introduce yourself and your products and services to other members and make new business contacts. Reservations are not necessary. The cost for members is $5 and $10 for potential members. For more information contact Contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com.

| The Business View | MAY 2010

31

M

ember News

Dauphin Realty welcomed Ginger Drago and Katie Butler Drago Crane Crane to the firm’s corporate office in midtown.

X The Mobile Office of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Falls Lubel named agents Glenn Harris Lubel and Christine Reiser Falls to its team.

X Deas Construction hired Kathy Summers as sales representative for its new addition, Deas Millwork. Summers has 15 years millwork experience and is a University of Mobile Summers graduate.

X Doreen H. Harrison joined Cardiology Associates as chief financial officer/director of finance.

Harrison holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Harrison the University of Alabama.

She previously served as chief audit and compliance administrator for the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.

X

Loper

Boston

Smith

Roberts Brothers West office welcomes new agents Kim Loper, Ana Boston, Connie Sumlin Smith and Alesia Parker.

X Parker SMG welcomed Cheryl Gee as director of sales and marketing for the Mobile Civic Center and the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. Gee Gee formerly was a senior sales manager.

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HUB International Gulf South LTD, promoted Allen Chapman to vice president, and welcomed Teri Brennan Chapman Brennan to the company’s sales team. Most recently, Chapman served as commercial sales producer for HUB. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Brennan comes to HUB with more than 20 years experience in the commercial lines insurance industry in Nevada and the San Francisco Bay area.

X Scott Browning joined the legal department of Infirmary Health System (IHS). Formerly a healthcare and real estate attorney with the law firm of Browning Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon & Harris LLC, Browning represented IHS and its affiliates. He received a bachelor’s degree in business from Wake Forest University and his law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law.

ACO Information Services LLC, the developer of the STAR System regulatory software, announced the Kansas Corp.

Commission selected STAR PSC to fulfill its requirement for an integrated case management, document management, workflow management and e-filing system.

X Deas Construction Inc. expanded to include Deas Millwork, a division devoted to the sales of custom millwork and casework.

X Jones Walker announced it is one of the first and few law firms to develop a presence in the virtual world of Second Life, leasing space in the ViO office park.

X The Mobile Area Education Foundation is continuing its work and mission at a new location, 605 Bel Air Blvd.

Ste. 400. For more information call 4760002.

X Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls, with a facility in Saraland, was featured in March on “Unwrapped,” the popular Food Network Show. The program showed how the company brings the homemade taste of yeast rolls to families across the country.

First Protective is expanding to 3662 Dauphin St., Suite A-1. For more information call 340-8055.

X A web site (www.southalabama.edu/ shelbyhall) was developed for the new Shelby Hall - Engineering and Computing Sciences Building currently under construction at the University of South Alabama. The site provides building details, a virtual tour, the latest renderings, live construction Webcam, and room and laboratory naming opportunities.

X White-Spunner Construction completed an 858,000-square-foot distribution center for ROOMS TO GO, one of the largest furniture retailers in the U.S. The $40 million facility sits on 62 acres in Pearl River, La., and services stores throughout the Gulf Coast from Baton Rouge to Pensacola, Fla.

The Community Foundation of South Alabama announced its board of directors and officers for 2010; Raymond Wingard, board chair; Bernard H. Eichold II, vice chair; Ronald B. Melton, immediate past chair. Newly elected members include Mitchell Lattof Jr., Edward B. Meyercord Jr. and Kathleen Miller.

X Bit-Wizards, a provider of custom software solutions and web site design in the Southeast, received an ADDY® Award in the Interactive Media category for the web site developed for the Eglin A.F.B. Aero Club. Presented by the Emerald Coast Ad Federation, the awards program is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition for creative excellence, with more than 60,000 entries annually.

X EAP Lifestyle Management LLC was selected as one of the Top 500 Emerging Businesses in the U.S. and one of the Top 50 Woman-Owned Businesses in Alabama by DiversityBusiness.com. The organization also named EAP owner Patricia Vanderpool as one of the top entrepreneurs in the country.

X Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) inducted 10 retirees into its employee hall of fame program, recognizing past employees for their dedicated service.

Inductees are Curtis Pringle, Kenneth Purcell, Patricia Moore, Dean Purcell, Rudy Perryman, John von Sprecken, and J.W. Williams. Charles Finch, Joe Glover, and Audley O’Connor were honored posthumously.

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Several members of the Public Relations Council of Alabama-Mobile Chapter were recently installed to serve on the state board. Jennifer Graham Jenkins, an accredited public relations professional (APR) and vice president of public relations with Red Square Agency, is serving as state president. Other Mobilians serving on the board are: Kinnon Phillips APR, Bellwether Group; Leigh Perry Herndon, Mobile Area Chamber; and Leslie Schraeder, Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

X The SMG Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center was awarded a coveted Prime Site Award featured in the March issue of Facilities & Destination magazine. The program selects convention centers that are a cut above and have continually focused on customer service.

The Mobile Convention Center has won a total of 10 Prime Site Awards to date.

X University of South Alabama College of Education department of professional studies chair Dr. Charles Guest Jr. was elected chairman of the board of the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling, a regulatory Guest agency appointed by Gov. Bob Riley. Guest is a licensed professional counselor in Alabama, with a background in community mental health counseling.

X Alabama Power received the Edison Electric Institute’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for excellence in restoring electric service to a fellow utility’s service area following a devastating ice storm that swept across the eastern and southern United States in 2009.

X Matt Coaker of Southern Earth Sciences Inc. (SESI) earned his Alabama professional engineer (PE) license from the Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers. Coaker has a bachelor’s degree in civil Coaker engineering from the University of South Alabama.

And Dr. James E. Laier PE, also of SESI, was recognized by the Mobile Area Council of Engineers as the 2010 Engineer of the Year. Laier founded SESI in 1975.

Laier

Member News

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.

Bishop State Community College received approval from the U.S. Dept. of Education to return to the advanced method of payment of financial aid, effective immediately. In addition, the college received a bronze award for its recent television commercials by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations in New Mexico. The organization represents marketing and PR professionals at community and technical colleges.

X The USS ALABAMA Battleship announced Ryan Johnson, Johnson Ward a student at Spring Hill College was chosen as Miss USS Alabama, and Brittany Ward, a student at the University of South Alabama, was selected as Miss USS DRUM. Other crewmates serving are: Claire Burnett, Brittany English and Rachael Penton. The crewmates are ambassadors and representatives for the state of Alabama as well as Mobile and Baldwin counties.

50 YEARS

Community News Habitat for Humanity in Mobile County teamed up with Lowe’s to build a home for the Sunzu family of 13. Lowe’s provided Habitat for Humanity in Mobile County a $35,000 grant to build the house.

X The Community Foundation of South Alabama awarded grants totaling $33,275 from the Clyde C. Snyder Fund to 10 art program projects and events that integrate the arts in curricular activities and which helps build academic achievement, social and emotional development as well as civic engagement.

A

Mobile Memorial Gardens Inc. Shaw GBB LLC

45 YEARS

Karlene Farmer Faulkner Regions Bank

30 YEARS G. R. Harvill Inc.

25 YEARS

Bronstein’s Fine Furniture Inc. Soundworks Inc.

20 YEARS Praxair Inc.

15 YEARS

Josh Williams, an accountant with Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC, successfully completed and passed the uniform certified public accountant (CPA) examination. Williams Williams holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama.

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama Inc. Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Whitney National Bank Youth Programs of South Alabama Inc.

University of South Alabama alumnus Neil Henderson pledged $25,000 toward a laboratory in the new Shelby Hall – Engineering and Computing Sciences Building. He was one of the first graduate students in the master’s degree program. Henderson was the co-founder and general manager of the embedded systems division of Mentor Graphics, known as Accelerated Technology.

The new laboratory will be named in his honor.

X Guitarist Billy McLaughlin with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Robert J. Seebacher will perform at the Saenger Theatre for the living arts in June. For more information call 208-5600.

X The Child Advocacy Center is offering its new cookbook Serve it Up with Love...On and Off the Court for $15.95 each. All proceeds benefit services at the Child Advocacy Center. For more information, visit www.serveitupwithlove.com.

In honor if its 35th anniversary, Volunteer Mobile is launching the first Makeover Mobile Fundraiser where professional make-up artists and fashion stylists will be on hand to transform participants for the Makeover Mobile Reveal Gala on Thursday, July 29. Recipients are selected based on need and originality of application.

For a nomination form, call 251-433-4456 or visit www.volunteermobile.org.

X Gov. Bob Riley and leaders of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Department of Tourism launched a Passport to Fitness initiative to improve the public’s physical fitness and to promote local tourism. The project includes a 152page guidebook with information and maps about walking trails through Alabama communities and State Parks.

nniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

10 YEARS

Mobile Group Inc. PMT Publishing Inc. Reliable Staffing Inc. Westminster Village

5 YEARS

Blue Rents Inc. Don’s Cafe & Catering Service Flight Training of Mobile Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Midas Auto Service Experts Mobile Medical Museum USA Storage Wal-Mart Supercenter #853

1-4 YEARS

ACord Financial Services Alabama Teen Challenge Alpha Consult LLC d/b/a Expense Reduction Analysts Anytime Fitness-West Mobile Inc. Armstrong and Associates Baker Corp.

Barnes Insurance & Financial Services Bienville Technology LLC Boan Contracting Company Inc.

Brookside Retirement Buffalo Wild Wings Café Royal Margie Casey-RE/Max Partners Comfort Suites Clarke-Mobile Counties Gas District Constantine Human Resource Consulting LLC Cookies By Design The Creel Co. Cummings Architecture Corp.

Don Brady Construction Inc. d/b/a Apex III Edward Jones Investments Emma’s Harvest Home Faulkner State Community College Generational Insight Global PEO Gold Art Inc. Grandview Pointe Apts.

Great Kitchens Hansen Heating & Cooling Inchcape Shipping Services Ingersoll-Rand Gulf Coast Customer Center International Longshoreman’s Association - local 1410 Kingdom Coach LLC K. Z. Corp.

Lease Capital Inc. Littler Mendelson P.C. Maynard, Cooper & Gale PC The McAleer Tunstall Co. LLC MetLife Mission of Hope Ministries Inc. Mobile Premier Pediatric Dentistry PMOA Inc. Pristine Green LLC Perdido Beach Resort Roberts Brothers Commercial & Property Management Satterwhite & Erwin LLC Scott Forensic Auditing LLC Server Corps W. B. Shedd & Co. Sigma Engineering & Control Systems Inc. SourcePointeHR Southern Glass Inc. State Farm Insurance - Allison Horner TES Contracting Co. Inc. Training Solutions for Construction & Industry Trinity Kids Learning Center Inc. True Restaurant Group d/b/a True Virginia Station LLC

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

| The Business View | MAY 2010

33

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

N

e w Members

If you know of a company that may be interested in learning more about Chamber benefits, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647.

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

Alacare Home Health & Hospice Jody Campbell RN 1201 Montlimar Dr., Ste. 700 Mobile, AL 36609-1776 251-341-0707 www.alacare.com Hospices All American Self Storage Janae Jordan 7870 Tanner Williams Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 251-639-0444 www.allamericanstoragemobile.com Storage - Self Barnhart Crane & Rigging Kevin Wilson 8095 Padgett Switch Rd. Irvington, AL 36544-3656 251-654-0541 www.barnhartcrane.com Cranes & Lift Equipment

Dawes Stor-All Brenda Mason 8601 Jeff Hamilton Rd. Ext. Mobile, AL 36695 251-607-0655 www.dawesstorallmobile.com Storage - Self

Kiker Corp.

W. Don McCrory 3150 Lees Lane Mobile, AL 36693-5227 251-661-1971 www.kikercorp.com Roof Contractors

PlanFocus Financial Services Kevin Morgan 3755 Professional Pkwy., Ste. 2 Mobile, AL 36609-5414 251-544-2400 www.planfocusllc.com Financial Advisors

Doctors Laboratory Inc. Juanita Brooks 4325 Midmost Dr., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36609-5545 251-344-3028 www.doctorslabinc.com Medical Laboratory

Magnolia Self Storage Janice Files 5010 Moffett Rd. Mobile, AL 36618 251-343-7867 www.selfstorage.com/magnolia Storage - Self

The Quest for Social Justice Judith Smits 3263 Demetropolis Rd., Ste. 5 Mobile, AL 36693-4638 251-643-7734 www.questforjustice.org Nonprofit Organization

Doughboy Pizza Barbara Rodriguez 740 Schillinger Rd. B1 Mobile, AL 36608-8961 251-607-0087 www.doughboypizza.com Restaurants

Meggie B’s Tammy Miller 3958 Snow Rd. N. Ste H Semmes, AL 36575-5290 251-649-9955 Gift Shops

Quiet Mind Massage Therapy & Yoga Studio LLC Ginger Dunaway 2065 Old Shell Rd., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36607-3350 251-476-6463 www.quietmindmassagetherapy.com Massage Therapy

Towne Place Suites

by Marriott CeCe Hogan 1075 Montlimar Dr. Mobile, AL 36609-1708 251-345-9588 www.towneplacesuites.com Hotels

Randy’s Kitchen Randy Yusuf 396 Azalea Rd. Mobile, AL 36609-1969 251-607-6525 Restaurants

Jim Walter Resources Leon Robertson 1768 Yeend St. Ste. 107 Mobile, AL 36603 251-281-1680 www.walterenergy.com Coal Export

Seniors Reverse Mortgage Charlie Crocker P.O. Box 803 Magnolia Springs, AL 36555-0803 251-459-1938 Mortgages

Boom Buggy Service June Reddix-Stennis 662 Springhill Ave. Mobile, AL 36602-1711 251-300-5737 Taxicabs

Ellen’s Boutique Patti Hicks 6345 Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608-3127 251-342-2205 www.yourellens.com Women’s Apparel

Occupational Health Center Tami Bell 2203 Perimeter Rd. Mobile, AL 36615-1130 251-434-6770 www.occupationalhc.com Physician/Surgeon-MDOccupational Medicine

Briggs Equipment Paul Pressler 2470 E. I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36617-1507 251-452-0511 www.briggsequipment.com Fork Lifts

Grand Slam Storage Amy Simons 150 Government St., Ste. 1003A Mobile, AL 36602-3120 251-607-0775 www.grandslamstoragemobile.com Storage - Self

Omega Properties Inc. C. William Barnhill 150 Government St., Ste. 1003A Mobile, AL 36602-3123 251-432-1287 www.omegapropertiesinc.com Real Estate-Commercial

The Cooper-Lyon Group LLC Colby Cooper 9 S. Summit St. Fairhope, AL 36532-2331 251-928-0265 www.CooperLyon.com Consultant

Irby Strategic Services Don Irby P.O. Box 91008 Mobile, AL 36691 832-212-4640 www.linkedin.com/in/donirby Management Consultants

PGT Trucking Inc. Ron Huffman 585 Richie St. Axis, AL 36505 205-639-5292 www.pgttrucking.com Trucking

As of 2/28/10.

There is Strength in Numbers...

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

The Mobile Area Chamber, through a contract with the city of Mobile and Mobile

County, is the lead economic recruiter and collaborates with various entities to secure projects for the Mobile Bay area. More jobs increase your potential client base!

In addition, the Chamber focuses on quality of life. One small fee allows you to be involved in improving education, the economy, business and many other critical issues.

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

The Business of Mobile is Our Business.

2010 Membership Directory Corrections * Please clip and add to your directory.

Business Get Positive r News on You p to sk e D Each Month yourself, want to sign up Whether you yee – or plo em an or a co-worker its free – n” ee want to “go gr online. ew Vi s es sin Bu to get The infield at E-mail Judy W ber.com am ch ile jwinfield@mob to the online k lin e th r fo k and as to include your issue. Be sure e-mail. e body of the signature in th

34

Best Western Moffett Road Inn Shanna Rhodes, Regional Director of Sales 7688 Moffett Rd. Mobile, AL 36618 (251) 645-1275 Fax: (251) 649-2295 www.bestwestern.com Hotels Beverly M. Burton Scholarship Trust Ann Davis, Facilitator 153 W. I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 341-5777 Fax: (251) 341-5763 www.beverlyburtontrust.org Non-Profit Organization

Comfort Suites Daphne Shanna Rhodes, Regional Director of Sales 29450 N. Main St. Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 626-1113 Fax: (251) 626-1264 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/al142 Hotels

Comfort Suites Saraland Shanna Rhodes, Regional Director of Sales 1200 Shelton Beach Rd. Saraland, AL 36571 (251) 675-5552 Fax: (251) 675-5567 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/al264 Hotels

Comfort Suites Eastern Shore Shanna Rhodes, Regional Director of Sales 8931 Sawood St. Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 625-6260 Fax: (251) 625-8690 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/al284 Hotels

Comfort Suites Tillman’s Corner Shanna Rhodes, Regional Director of Sales 5660 Tillman’s Corner Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36619 (251) 665-0161 Fax: (251) 665-0171 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/al236 Hotels

MAY 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mission of Hope Ministries, Inc. Rev. Jim Jordan, Executive Director 14970 Mission Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 P.O. Box 8504 Mobile, AL 36689 (251) 649-0830 Fax: (251) 645-0077 www.missionofhopeministries.net Non-Profit Organization Penelope House Tonie Ann Torrans, Executive Director P.O. Box 9127 Mobile, AL 36691 (251) 342-2809 Fax: (251) 414-3581 www.penelopehouse.org Non-Profit Organization

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...isn’t sugar coated.

Fred and Rose Pollman believe their Chamber membership is the key ingredient to finding and keeping customers. “We work with the Chamber as a team...supporting each other,” said Fred. As one of 2,400 Chamber members, Fred and Rose have access to resources, exposure and networking to help grow their business and make it thrive – and that’s the icing on the cake for their small business.

Rose and Fred Pollman Pollman’s Bakery 42 Employees Member Since 1989

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