The Business View - May 2011 by Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

MAY 2011 | VOL. XLII, No. 4

Conventioneers ❤ Mobile n Chamber Project of the 1960s – Dauphin Island n Chamber Chase Takes Off n

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MAY 2011 | The Business View

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

May 2011 News You Can Use – Positive news for area and state businesses

4-6

Three economic predictors have varying views about the U.S. economy. Small Business of the Month: Bayview Ford-Lincoln-Mercury

9-14 Developing Dauphin Island, transportation, politics and civil rights

were all on the Chamber’s agenda as the organization navigated out of the Depression and into World War II. In part three of “A Look Back,” read about the businesses and people who helped shape Mobile.

16-19

Cover

9-14

Terry Harbin, with BankTrust is chairing Chamber Chase 2011: The Dawn of Possibilities. Get the facts and find out how you can get involved with this year’s campaign. See page 21 for more information. Cover photo by Ashley Horn.

Go Coastal: Convention-goers and tourists bring in dollars to Mobile and Baldwin County. Area Education Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Akers tells us just how important March’s ‘yes’ vote was.

Chamber Chase 2011: The Dawn of Possibilities: Get the facts and find out how you can get involved with this year’s campaign.

State of the City and County set for May 4

How to nominate candidates for Eagle and Minority Business Advocate Awards

CEO Profile: Gregg Gustafson, Mobile Symphony Consider Your Options: Independent Contractor or Employee?

The Business View is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2011 Publisher......................................... Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor.................................... Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editors....Jennifer Jenkins, Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editors........................... Michelle Matthews, Cori Yonge

Additional Writers and Editors Nedra Bloom, Katrina Dewrell, Stacy Hamilton, Ashley Horn, Carolyn Wilson

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

Investor Focus: Airbus Americas Engineering Inc.

Board of Advisors Profiles

27 28-29 30 31 32-33 34 34

Chamber@Work Economic Indicators Calendar Member News New Members Anniversaries

The Business View | MAY 2011

Robinson Appointed to Federal Reserve Bank Board In March, the Federal Reserve released its second commentary on the economy for 2011, this time with the input of Lee Robinson, president of OHC (formerly Overseas Hardwoods Co.) and a newly appointed board of director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s New Orleans branch. In his new role, Robinson provides economic information from his industry and the branch territory relating to employment plans, inventory, sales and even community headlines like Austal winning the U.S. Navy contract. Economists combine this qualitative input from the Federal Reserve’s six districts with quantitative data to influence the bank’s decisions – all with the goal of achieving maximum employment and moderate inflation. “And that,” Robinson said, “is a very challenging goal.” Robinson described his key role as an ambassador. “I represent our community to the Federal Reserve and, just as important I represent the Federal Reserve to our community.” He added, “I think it is vital and very important for the Federal Reserve Bank to know what’s going on in our area and good for our citizens to know what it does, and what it can and cannot do.” As president of OHC, Robinson is the second generation to run the 44-year-old family-owned company, employing 46 people. It is an importer/manufacturer, specializing in wooden components primarily for the transportation utility industries. “This is the first time in my career that being small has been so important. Small businesses create jobs,” said Robinson. “Lee’s company imports products from the Far East and South America, so he brings a unique perspective to the Federal Reserve board regarding the importance of trade to our region,” said Win Hallett, president of the Mobile Area Chamber. The New Orleans branch covers territory from Lafayette, La., through Baldwin County and includes the majority of southern Mississippi and Alabama. It represents 13 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, includes 40 million-plus people and is considered a significant part of the country, according to Robinson. He is one of seven directors chosen to represent area businesses, communities and the banking industry. Mobile was last represented three years ago by Ben Tom Roberts of Roberts Brothers. Robinson is also a member of the Mobile Area Chamber’s board of directors and co-chair of its trade division. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington and Lee University.

Mobile Ranks High for the

Future

Mobile has a representative on the Federal Reserve’s New Orleans branch. Lee Robinson, president of OHC was appointed in January. He brings economic data and input to bank from the Mobile area as well as from business contacts from Lafayette, La., to Baldwin County.

In its first ever ranking of American Cities of the Future 2011/2012, fDi Magazine ranked Mobile in the No. 10 spot among small cities, defined as those with a population of 100,000 to 250,000. The research published in the magazine’s April issue weighed 60 criteria from economic potential to business friendliness, and highlights the economic, business and financial strengths of 400 cities in North and South America. Courtney Fingar, fDi editor, said, “Mobile performed well in the Small Cities category, which consisted of 175 cities in North America and Latin America.” Mobile came in as No. 5 in the FDI promotion strategy based on information submitted by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and judged by an independent panel. Other notable rankings included the Port City as the 9th top city for job creation spurred through foreign direct investment and 19th for nominal growth of companies within the high-tech manufacturing sector. Top ranked cities by category included: New York, Best Major City, population over 750,000; Pittsburgh, Best Large City, 250,000 to less than 750,000; Richmond, Va., Best Small City, 100,000 to less than 250,000; and Greenville, S.C., Best Micro City, population of less than 100,000. Published by the Financial Times, fDi Magazine has a circulation of 15,000 corporate readers.

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

MAY 2011 | The Business View

Chamber Plans Trade Mission to

United Arab Emirates The Mobile Area Chamber is coordinating a delegation of businesses to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October. The trade mission is aimed at helping local and state businesses increase exports with this trading partner and promote Alabama as a world-class business center. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the major cities of this sevencountry UAE region. “Dubai does not have the political problems that we are seeing in other areas of the Middle East,” said Tony van Aken, director of the Chamber’s international trade division. One of the reasons, explained van Aken, is the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is $40,000. In Abu Dhabi the GDP reached $63,000 per capita in 2010, making it the third highest in the world after Luxembourg and Norway. International experts do not expect any change in the Dubai regime. In an MSNBC article, political consultant Firas Maksad said, “It’s very dangerous to paint the

Middle East as one monolith with one broad paintbrush. They are 22 countries in very different stages of political, social and economic development.” Maksad is a regular contributor to MSNBC and has close ties to Middle Eastern policymakers and opinion leaders. Dubai is a pro-business and affluent city, boasting 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. Exports to the UAE have increased significantly, making it the state’s top trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa, and Alabama’s 25th trading partner overall. Key opportunities lie in the areas of water and power projects, aircraft and parts, oil and gas, and security and safety equipment. This multi-industry mission will focus on matching participating companies with distributors, agents, representatives, joint venture partners and buyers in these

markets: aircraft & parts; oil and gas; security and safety equipment; information technology equipment and services; medical equipment, services and supplies; architecture, construction, and engineering services; building products; air conditioning and refrigeration equipment; and environmental and pollution control equipment. The trip follows the World Trade Conference held this month in Point Clear, May 1-3. The conference is focusing on the UAE and its growing impact on U.S. exports. “Of course, we (the Mobile Area Chamber’s Trade Division) will keep the safety of our mission participants in the forefront. We are monitoring the situation and will continue to do so. If conditions change we will modify our plans as needed,” assured van Aken. For more information, contact Christina Stimpson at cstimpson@mobilechamber.com or 431-8648.

New Service Makes

Business Recycling Easy Breezy

By now, a generation raised on the benefits of recycling at home is now in position to transfer this environmentally friendly practice to its workplaces. And Allied Waste is the first in Mobile to offer a catch-all container specifically for businesses, according to Genie Frazer, Allied Waste’s division sales manager. “Last year’s oil spill got people really focused on recycling,” said Frazer. The new service, instituted late last year, not only appeals to the goodwill of recycling, Frazer said it also diverts waste from garbage containers and the costs associated with it. Everything goes in one bin – paper, plastic, aluminum, steel, tin, glass, office paper, magazines and cardboard. Allied also collects materials from construction projects such as concrete, metal and sheetrock.

Eugene DeBartolo is a University of South Alabama student who has worked at Foosackly’s for nine months. Here he is recycling one of dozens of boxes from shipments to the store on University Boulevard.

Customer Will Fusaiotti, owner of Foosackly’s, said the convenience of not having to sort has made recycling so much easier. “Recycling is something I feel stringent about, and so do my employees,” he said. “We know as an industry, from one container at Foosackly’s, we are picking up an average of 83 tons annually of recyclable material,” estimated Frazier. “That’s 83 fewer tons that would have gone to a landfill previously.”

Fusaiotti added that while space is limited at several of his locations, plans for future Foosackly’s restaurants include two dumpsters – one for trash and one for recycling.

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

The Business View | MAY 2011

Economists All Over the Map Depending on the area of the country, region or state, economists are continuing to paint very different pictures of the economy. Some forecasters are overly optimistic about growth, while others believe things will remain flat. Wading through pages of predictions, it’s difficult to get a true gauge on what’s going on. And to package these various predictions with the crisis following Japan’s earthquake, turmoil in the Middle East, ever-rising gas prices and an unbalanced federal budget, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Below is a snapshot from three economic predictors: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook from its economic policy division; the RBC (Bank) Southeast Consumer Outlook Index; and The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research. U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Economic Policy Division Since the official end of the recession in June 2009, the economy has grown at a 2.9 percent annualized rate. The economy,

however, lost more than 8.5 million jobs 6

MAY 2011 | The Business View

during the recession and is still down about 7.5 million jobs. The U.S. Chamber says recent economic growth is approaching its long-term potential and this has started to produce positive job gains nationwide, with 909,000 jobs created in 2010 – an average of 76,000 per month. While improving growth is good news, the overall pace is not fast enough to re-employ workers displaced during the downturn. Growth is expected to gradually accelerate and average around 3.5 percent in the first half of 2011, and in the second half come close to 4 percent, with approximately 2.5 million jobs added this year. Housing has stabilized after several years, but problems remain. In January 2011, housing starts jumped 14.6 percent after falling 5.1 percent in December. New home sales fell by 12.6 percent in January. According to the U.S. Chamber, the trade deficit improved dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2010. Exports for that same period increased at a 9.6 percent annual rate, while imports declined at 12.4 percent. As a result, the trade deficit decreased by $110 billion in the fourth quarter. As the U.S. Chamber looks beyond the next 18 months, its economists believe the inflation outlook is worrisome as the economy rebounds. Organization officials advise the Federal Reserve to gradually withdraw from its accommodative stance and beware of unwinding too fast, thus crimping the modest economic gains or moving too slowly, creating inflationary pressures. RBC Southeast Consumer Outlook Index (COI) Overall consumer confidence across the Southeastern U.S. lost momentum in the first quarter of 2011, coming in at exactly the same level as during the last quarter of 2010. The current RBC Southeast COI results show the Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia) lags slightly behind the rest of the nation in three straight quarters of improved confidence levels. The index is conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs, and between October and December 2010, the RBC COI poll interviewed monthly a representative online panel of 1,000 adults nationwide. “Worry about employment creates cautious spending and investing by consumers, and understandably creates an atmosphere that weighs down current confidence levels,” said Tom Porcelli,

RBC’s chief U.S. economist. “But, in spite of current concerns about jobs, the COI shows a positive outlook about the Southeast’s economic future, and that is a good sign for the region.” The RBC Southeast COI compiles quarterly data on the region’s take on current conditions, jobs, investment and expectations. The strongest driver of the recovery in consumer confidence nationally is improvement in perceived job security. The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) CBER economists expect the state’s economy to pick up steam in 2011, with real GDP (gross domestic product) growing 3.4 percent, better than the year’s forecasted U.S. economic growth of just over 3 percent. Alabama’s automotive industry, healthcare services, and Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC)-related development are expected to be key segments in the rebound. Also, sizeable increases in exports, boosted by the recovery in automotive production, are making a significant contribution to Alabama’s economic growth. Alabama’s employment picture is slowly looking up. The state saw modest but steady job gains through most of 2010. On an annual basis, employment was down 1.1 percent from 2009 to 2010. As more people enter or re-enter the labor force, the state’s unemployment rate is likely to stay relatively high through most of this year, according to the CBER. Business sentiment for first quarter 2011, measured by the Center’s Alabama Business Confidence Index survey, is in line with the CBER’s forecast of an improving economy and a stronger Alabama rebound. However, despite improving sales and profits, capital spending and hiring by Alabama firms are only expected to rise modestly. The most significant impediment to the recovery could come from challenges to state funding for services and public education as the effect of the fiscal stimulus fades and payroll growth remains lackluster.

Lucky Number

Area’s

Largest Job Fair is May 6

In just a few days, the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) will hold its 13th Annual Business Expo/Jobs Fair on May 6 at the Mobile Civic Center. The annual event has become the largest Jobs Fair in the region, according to Terry Pringle, SARPC’s senior marketing/account executive. Attendance at the 2010 Business Expo and Jobs Fair exceeded 5,000, and included more than 100 businesses and organizations. Follow-up with participating 2010 employers found 259 attendees were hired within the first week and additional hires were in process. Business representatives also reported the event was effective in marketing products and services as well. Organizers hope this year’s event will see the same success. “We need to continue connecting jobseekers with the right company and companies with the talent that is available,” said Dr. Leida Javier-Ferrell, the Mobile Area Chamber’s director of the Center for Workforce Development and a member of the event’s organizing committee. Among this year’s participants are: Austal, BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, University of South Alabama, Mobile Gas, SSI, ST Aerospace Mobile and AltaPointe Health Systems. In

“

addition, other job training providers and area educational institutions will be at the event. The job fair and expo is free to job seekers and visitors, and there will be free parking. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about participating as an exhibitor, contact SARPC at 652-0585 or Pringle at tpringle@ sarpc.org.

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3/8/10 2:19 PM

The Business View | MAY 2011

small business

of the month

Bayview Ford-Lincoln-Mercury Owners Damon Wickware and his wife, Leahia, stand with a new Ford Mustang at their dealership.

Dealership Makes Customers & Employees Priority

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

Though the car industry has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years, Bayview Ford-Lincoln-Mercury has held steady by making customers and employees a priority, according to Damon Wickware, the company president and owner. The company is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month. “Success in business depends on the people you surround yourself with,” said Wickware. Availability to customers is also an integral part of his business philosophy. So crucial, in fact, he prints his private cell phone number on business cards. “I encourage our salesmen to give out my card,” he said. “I believe if the caller has an important enough reason to call me then I should take the call.” Wickware’s entry into the Mobile Bay area car market was initially more happenstance than planned. While exploring business options, he said an acquaintance talked with him about owning a car dealership. Looking back, the

MAY 2011 | The Business View

dealership president described the process as being in the right place at the right time. Wickware, who was living in Dallas, called the Ford dealer development department and inquired about owning a dealership. In 1992, after a series of interviews and a lengthy training program, he was approved for his own business – but it was in Alabama, a state Wickware said he was unfamiliar with, except perhaps to pass through on his way to somewhere else. The Daphne dealership he took over belonged to Jim and Velma Gaston, members of one of Fairhope’s founding families, who were leaving the business after 67 years. “They were so wonderful to me when I moved here and they took me in as part of their family,” Wickware remembers. “I didn’t know anyone so it was good to have them around. And not knowing anyone allowed me to work 24 hours and seven days a week to get the business up and going.”

Wickware’s hard work paid off. Nineteen years after entering the business, he employs 31 full-time workers and boasts the F-Series trucks as the current best sellers on the lot. But Wickware says the car business has changed since those early days, with the Internet now playing a major role with consumers. “Customers are better prepared and more educated about the cars they want to buy before they come to the lot and see the car in person,” he said. Now deeply entrenched in the community, Wickware said contributing to the area by way of volunteering and charitable giving are also important aspects of his dealership’s success. He and his wife Leahia, along with their employees, are significant contributors to United Way of Baldwin County and Wickware is heavily involved with the Ruff Wilson Youth Organization, a Boys & Girls Club in Daphne. To contact the dealership, call 626-7777 or visit www.bayviewflm.com.

The Second Century Begins 1936 - 1961 Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Museum of Mobile Collection University of South Alabama Archives

Yellow Cab Co. drivers show off new radio equipment (circa 1951).

Editor’s Note: With 175 years of history, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce contracted with freelance writer Nedra Bloom to explore the organization’s history. Reading minutes from the Chamber’s board of directors meetings, Bloom offers a glimpse into the business, political and social workings of Mobile.

Museum of Mobile Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Prichard Bottling Works, Wilson Avenue (circa 1940). The city of Prichard joined the Mobile Area Chamber in April 1939.

Senior Bowl group portrait (circa 1952). The Mobile Area Chamber helped recruit supporters for the Senior Bowl’s first game played in Mobile in 1951. The first bowl game was played in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1950.

Julius E. Marx Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

South Royal Street (circa 1950).

Blake McNeely Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

In this third part of a series “A Look Back,” Bloom shares her discoveries about the events and people that helped shape the crucial first 25-year period of the Mobile Area Chamber’s second century from 1936 to 1961.

burgeoning city, roads and bridges, seaport growth and labor legislation occupied the years of 1936 to 1961, for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce — not to mention a plunge into real estate development that overwhelmed most other Chamber business for nearly a decade. From the mid-1950s through the early 1960s, the Chamber was consumed with its master plan to develop Dauphin Island and use profits from the land sales to finance a bridge to the island. (See related story on page 15.)

This time period starts in the blues of the Great Depression — and in a blue funk for the Chamber, too. As the organization’s second century dawned, longtime General Manager C.M. Phelps was too ill to work. The financially struggling group worried over how best to compensate their former leader while continuing to manage their own finances.

This popular view of Mobile’s skyline is taken from Pinto Island (circa 1935).

R.D. Hays was chosen to take the administrative helm — a job that paid $350 a month — and held the post for most of the ensuing quarter-century.

Continued on page 10

The Business View | MAY 2011

The Second Century Begins, 1936-1961

Defense spending played a significant role in Mobile’s economy during World War II. The U.S. Army Air Corps began construction at Brookley Field in the 1940s. The tents in the left hand corner are where the workers stayed during the building of this economic asset. At its peak Brookley Air Force Base had 13,000 employees. Rumors of closing the base started in the 1960s. When it closed in 1969, 10 percent of Mobile’s workforce lost their jobs. Brookley today, is the largest industrial park on the Gulf Coast with 6 million square feet on 17,000 acres.

Transportation Every kind of transportation caught the Chamber’s attention. Hot topics in 1937 included a Mexican cruise from Mobile aboard the SS Cuba; plans to add overnight train service to Memphis on the Gulf, Mobile and Northern Railroad (Ohio didn’t join the line’s name until 1940); and an increase in Mr. Hays’ mileage allowance to 5 cents a mile. By 1938, the group was supporting plans for a $3,500 feasibility study for a tunnel under the Mobile River and just a year later, the Chamber wrote congressmen thanking them for appropriating funds for the tunnel. The organization also floated the idea of operating an auto ferry across the river during that time frame.

In 1939, the Chamber was delighted by news that the ship channel would be extended through Garrows Bend, on the west side of Mobile Bay, and would be 45 feet deep and 500 feet wide. That year also saw the beginning of a double-decade struggle to win federal funding for a waterway connecting Mobile and points north. For decades, the Chamber fought plans for a St. Lawrence Seaway, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, in hopes funding would come to the Alabama rivers instead. In 1944, the Chamber spent $1,365 to repay Congressman Boykin for the expenses of a Tenn-Tom study.

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Most of the group’s energy back in 1936 went to improving the community: • Meeting with highway officials to urge paving of U.S. Highway 45 through Citronelle; • Backing an effort to develop a foreign trade unit at Mobile; • Working to obtain crosstown bus service over the objections of Mobile Light & Railroad; • Urging removal of parking meters downtown (which they asked to reinstate in 1949); • Discontinuing bonding banana inspectors since there had never been a problem; • Printing tourist brochures featuring 50 interesting places to visit in Mobile; • Planning to turn the Mobile Bay Bridge Corp. to the state as soon as the bridge was toll-free; and • Enjoying the celebration of Mobile’s 225th anniversary. In the midst of World War II, while the city’s population skyrocketed, the Chamber backed a request from the Mobile Real Estate Board in support of a new City Planning Commission. As the population dwindled back to prewar levels in late 1945, Chamber President Duncan Smith reporting on a meeting with Congressman Frank W. Boykin, was assured “this community need have no fears regarding the future of Brookley Field.” In fact, they told him, it would become “the Mother port of the Southeast.”

University of South Alabama Archives

continued from page 9

The Mobile Area Chamber Board supported the initial feasibility study to build a tunnel linking Mobile and Baldwin counties in 1938. One year later, federal funds were appropriated. The Bankhead Tunnel, named for Alabama’s U.S. Sen. John Bankhead who served from 1907-1920, opened in 1944. It cost $4 million. It’s movie debut came in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of a Third Kind in 1979 and also appeared in Brian Bosworth’s Stone Cold in 1991. Floating down the Mobile River, these are the tubes that make up part of the Bankhead Tunnel, June 3, 1940.

10 MAY 2011 | The Business View

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

University of South Alabama Archives

Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Collection, University of South Alabama Archives.

These three women are representative of the more than 100 females who worked as welders at Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Co. during World War II. During the war, 8 percent of ADDSCO’s workforce (30,000) consisted of women. (circa 1944) Defense work opens up job oportunities for women and African Americans, according to Mobile – The New History of Alabama’s First City.

Unidentified groundbreaking ceremony, Nov. 7, 1949. University of South Alabama Archives only identify Mrs. Reed, second from the left. The Mobile Area Chamber’s board minutes reflect Alabama’s Gov. Jim Folsom was expected in Mobile on Monday, Nov. 7, but fail to say why.

Female employees at the switchboard, Southern Bell Telephone Co. (now AT&T). Mobile first received telephone service in the late 1800s. (circa 1941)

The city welcomed Eastern Airlines in 1939; asked the Highway Department to relocate U.S. 90 along the L&N Railroad to eliminate dangerous curves; and learned that Bates Field would be relocated from what is now Brookley Field to its present site. In 1943, the Chamber supported plans for Waterman Airlines to offer air service among Alabama cities, but Eastern and National Air Lines both opposed it. After the war, the Chamber looked south, beginning its significant efforts to win a bridge to Dauphin Island. And it looked west, asking highway officials to build a four-lane highway to New Orleans.

The group objected strongly to a 1938 National Emergency Council report in support of standardized wages that read, “Wage differentials become in fact differentials in health and life; poor health, in turn, affects wages. The lowincome belt of the South is a belt of sickness, misery and unnecessary death.” They argued back that the number of malaria cases was declining, the death rate was lower than in many Eastern states and “that the comforts and necessities of life are acquired easier in the South.” After the war, the Chamber urged defeat for the Fair Employment Practices Law, but passage of the anti-racketeering bill, especially hoping it would curtail “racketeering” by labor unions.

Politics

Civil Rights

Political issues — particularly those with a direct impact on business — were never far outside the Chamber’s interests. When Social Security was instituted in 1937, the Chamber paid its share of employees’ taxes “under protest.” The Chamber also deemed a federal proposal to set minimum wages and maximum hours “unAmerican in principle.” Still smarting four years later, when the Department of Labor asked the Chamber to sponsor a meeting of employers, the Chamber took no action.

Civil rights decisions made during this period might not make us proud today. In the midst of World War II, the Chamber voted to support Gov. Frank Dixon in his contention that segregation was necessary in Alabama. Even after the war, the Chamber urged city directory publisher R.L. Polk to continue its practice of designating negroes, saying it “would be detrimental to the interests of the merchants, credit men and other business establishments of this city” if the listing practice were changed.

Business Through all the other issues, business remained at the forefront. In 1937, the Chamber supported their many shipbuilding members by opposing a plan to put all military shipbuilding in government plants. That same year, they were delighted by plans for a new pulp and gypsum board plant, National Gypsum Co., that would employ some 300 to 600 men, as well as a new paper manufacturing plant. In 1942, the Chamber was pleased to learn employment at Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company jumped to 25,000 and was expected to climb to 34,000. At the same time, the population jumped from 115,000 in 1940 to 165,000 in 1942, and the federal government chipped in with funds for new schools in Prichard, on Ann Street, and near Brookley, improvements at Mobile Infirmary and Providence hospitals and for the city’s water and sewer facilities. The war over, the Chamber was delighted to learn that Ideal Cement Co. would build a 1 million barrel a year plant in Mobile.

The Business View | MAY 2011

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

What a Difference a Bridge Makes

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, April 12, 1939. Hugh M. Standfill, third from the left, was the Chamber president. Hot topics during that time were the tunnel to Baldwin County, shipbuilding, housing, tourism and road construction.

Growing the business community was a hot topic by 1950, when the Chamber hired a half-time staff member to promote industrial development. New projects included a Scott Paper plant at Brewton and a Pennsylvania Salt Co. at McIntosh. For most of the 1950s, the Chamber focused on Dauphin Island, but in January 1960 the board voted once again to “make the locating of new industry in Mobile during the year 1960 the Chamber of Commerce’s primary objective.”

Miscellany Chamber minutes also reflect the time in unexpected ways. • In 1938, the group sent former Chamber President Judge Ben Turner to Iowa to request that the flag of the Republic of Alabama be returned to its original home. • The Chamber thanked Miss Etna Alexander for hosting a relief garden at Florida Street and Old Shell. • In 1939, the Chamber was proud of its work leading to the construction of Summerville Apartments, which had 20 buidings with four units each. (Still in existence today, the Spring Hill development is now condominiums.) • Also in 1939, the Chamber received kudos from the Fort Worth, Texas, Chamber for producing the “most attractive and informative literature” of the 75 cities they studied.

MAY 2011 | The Business View

• In 1941, the Chamber voted to use Daylight Savings Time for its operations, at the request of the president, governor and mayor. • By 1941, defense workers were arriving in droves — 10,000 workers in the previous 14 months, with another 15,000 expected — and the Chamber asked for a priority rating to extend gas lines to new homes. Over protests from residents, the Chamber voted in 1943 to support annexation of Spring Hill into the city. • In 1946, the Chamber endorsed a plan to let cities levy ad valorem taxes and a constitutional amendment allowing counties to issue road bonds up to 6.5 percent of the county assessment. • Growth had been important for decades, but now the Chamber became pleased with its own growth. In April 1950, the Chamber presented a certificate of recognition to treasurer O.H. Delchamps, noting that when he started in 1940 the Chamber treasury was $3,903 and had grown to $54,041. • Also in 1950, the Chamber sought additional supporters for the first Mobile Senior Bowl football game, slated for Jan. 6, 1951. • In 1958, the Chamber helped bring in an Auburn University expert to discuss strategies for dealing with “imported fire ants.”

For generations, Mobilians had looked longingly across Mississippi Sound at Dauphin Island and its miles of sandy beaches and virgin forest, with hardly a single person calling it home. But gazing across the four-mile stretch of water seemed like the only practical way to enjoy it. The water was too deep for a road, too shallow for a ferryboat and too expensive for a bridge. As early as 1930, Chamber of Commerce President Frank Courtney met with Mobile county commissioners to promote a bridge, to no avail. In 1933, the county was more amenable, but only if it didn’t have to contribute funds. Again and again, for a decade and a half, the Chamber’s board minutes reflect the desire for easy access to Mobile County’s Gulf island. Then a handful of individuals took the lead and bridged history. In 1945, the Chamber named John E. Toomey to lead the Dauphin Island Bridge Committee. Just a year later, Toomey was meeting with the state highway department. By 1948, he had developed a plan to fund a bridge with a 1-cent gasoline tax and a 25-cent toll. Everybody liked the idea of a bridge; nobody cared for a tax. So the plan was defeated by voters in 1951. S. Blake McNeely, who wrote a history of the bridge project in 1974, described Toomey as “a bulldozer that would just go right in and get a job done when everyone else was holding back or hesitating for one reason or another.” Toomey worked on the project until the day he died, spending the morning of the last day of his life in a court hearing regarding island squatters. Meanwhile, new Chamber president O.H. “Ollie” Delchamps and Chamber manager R.D. Hays started brainstorming in a meeting with McNeely, A.A. Weiskopf and Other C. Lockett. Says McNeely, “One of that small group said, ‘We ought to buy the island and sell off enough to pay for it and build our own bridge.” Enthralled with the idea, even before the meeting broke up, Hays called the Birmingham group that held title to the island and offered $1 million. Next they approached a group of real estate agents who were Chamber members and broached the idea. Continued on page 13.

Chamber of Commerce Collection, University of South Alabama Archives Chamber of Commerce Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

Among the first Mobile Area Chamber projects was the Isle Dauphine Golf Course and Club on the Gulf side of the island, created with mud from Alligator Lake mixed with sand. Pictured above is golf course architect (right) Robert Bruce Harris from Chicago with Mobile’s Blake McNeely. Later the property was given to the Dauphin Island Property Owners Association. (circa 1950)

Eighty percent of the buyers paid in cash and, McNeely notes, only four were ever foreclosed on. Though folks bought their lots without seeing them, the buyers did want to see the property, so Chamber staffer Other Lockett arranged transportation — an oyster boat from Cedar Point dock and a tractor-pulled bus to the heart of the island. From there, the new property owners went It is reported that the Mobile Area Chamber’s idea to buy and develop Dauphin Island on foot to find the markers identifying their lots. came about at the Chamber office during a brainstorming meeting on how to get a The Dauphin Island Property Owners bridge built to Mobile County’s barrier island. The Chamber offered the Birmingham Association held its first meeting in February of land owner $1 million. Later, in a lottery-type sale, the Chamber sold 1,800 lots, enough to build the bridge and start development. The 134,000-gallon water tower was among 1954, electing McNeely as its first president. the organization’s first projects. (circa 1950) Dauphin Island’s prominent golf ball-style water tower was the first construction project, while timber was cut to make way for roads. Plans were finalized for electricity, telephone, sewer The agents responded that they could raise the sales commissions in return for working nights service and mosquito control. Some joked, $100,000 needed for startup costs. Finally, and weekends on the project. according to McNeely, that Admiral Farrugut’s Chamber representatives met with Gov. Gordon The project was advertised far and wide, but famous line, “Damn the torpedoes!” should have Persons, who promised — in writing — that the no one knew what to expect when sales opened. been “Damn the mosquitoes!” state would pay $1 million toward a bridge if Their wildest dreams wouldn’t have predicted Elements of the project continued into Mobile County folks came up with the other $2 their success. In three days, they sold 1,800 lots subsequent years. For example, contracts were let million it was estimated to cost. (though only 1,500 had been surveyed at that in January of 1956 for the Sand Dunes Casino at Agreements in place, the plans went into effect point) — most of them sight unseen. $355,443 and the Isle Dauphine Club so quickly that basics were almost forgotten — like at $353,460. Meanwhile, volunteers getting title to the land they were about to sell. worked to clean up Fort Gaines so it was On Aug. 26, 1953, the Chamber approved suitable for visitors. Chamber staffer plans to buy the island, offering at least 1,500 lots Richard Farrelly cleaned cannons with a 20 percent discount for purchases made discovered onsite and remounted them before the according to blueprints of the fort. bridge was built or roads and utilities were in But the big day came July 5, 1955, place and another 10 percent discount for cash. when John Toomey and Ollie No sales would be final until the project had Delchamps rode in the first car to cross brought in $2.25 million in sales. the new bridge. Chamber members and their real estate Museum of Mobile Collection, And when Hays died in 1959, the partners in the Dauphin Island Land Sales Corp., University of South Alabama Archives Chamber passed a resolution saying including 44 firms, were racing the clock, fearing “He should be credited as the A bridge to Dauphin Island was the motivation behind the that if a bridge contract wasn’t signed before Mobile Area Chamber buying the 14-mile barrier island. outstanding single person who did most theend of Persons’ term — just five months later The organization advocated for a bridge as early as 1930 to conceive and carry out the successful — the deal might fall through. according to Chamber board minutes. On July 5, 1955, idea of developing Dauphin Island.” Virtually everyone involved in the project — John Toomey, who led the Chamber’s Dauphin Island The bridge fell victim to Hurricane planners, surveyors, road builders and more Committee, and then-Chamber president Ollie Delchamps Frederic in 1979, but a new bridge was — agreed to work gratis until the project paid off. rode in the first car to cross the new bridge. (circa 1950) back in place just three years later. Chamber staffers were offered a percentage of The Business View | MAY 2011

The Bullards’ Bullish Dealership Wind your way among the gleaming Infinitis, Jaguars and Land Rovers on the way to the office. If you’re not distracted by the sleek and shiny automobiles, you’ll notice that under all the trappings of luxury motorcars, you’re standing in one of Mobile’s few three-generation family businesses. Joe Bullard Jr. is in charge here at Joe Bullard Automotive, but his son Ty Bullard is nearby. In 1955, after weeks of negotiations conducted in the Battle House Hotel, Joe Bullard Sr., Bullard’s father who started the business, won an Oldsmobile franchise from General Motors. The dealership was at Five Points — where Spring Hill Avenue, Ann Street and St. Stephens Road come together near the old Roxy theatre, Bullard said. It thrived there until 1972, and then moved to the present site on the I-65 Service Road south of Bel Air Mall. “He built a very solid business,” said Joe of his father. “He was a hard-working man, and he built a great team.” Young Joe liked the auto business, too, but his summer jobs were at the dry docks and the state docks while he went to school at Tulane, playing football for the 1970 team that won its first bowl game in 25 years. For Bullard, it meant a chance at the pros, and he began his career with the Houston Oilers. Unfortunately, it was only a nine-week career. Maybe there could have been another chance at football somewhere, Bullard said, but he didn’t waste time looking. “I came home, got married and went to work on Monday morning,” said Bullard — this time at his dad’s business. “He just threw me in the fire to see how I’d react, and he set a great example.” “As soon as I was in it, I fell in love with the business.” For the first four years, he simply sold cars and still regards that as the most pleasurable time of his career — just because of the people he met, many of whom are still great friends today. In 1980, he bought out his father’s interest and continued running the dealership with the same name, still highlighting Oldsmobile — right up until the December day in 2000 when GM told the public and its dealers, in the same breath, that it was discontinuing the line. Though the past two years have been tough, Bullard and company are watching sales trends and expect business to be better this year than last. The dealership now features a variety of “high-line” cars at two locations along I-65 — one headlined by Cadillac, the other by Infiniti.

14 MAY 2011 | The Business View

Eric Steinfeldt Collection

Erik Overbey Collection, University of South Alabama Archives

A young Joe Bullard Jr. (in the UMS uniform), who runs the family’s 50-plus-year old business today, is pictured with his family. Joe Sr. first won an Oldsmobile dealership franchise from General Motors in 1955. (circa 1950s).

The Atkins family bought Southern Fish and Oyster in 1952. Pictured at the site of the historical landing is The Victor, a 60-foot snapper boat with the business shown in the background. (circa 1960)

Reeling in the Business Just a little fishing one night some 75 years ago turned into a career and helped make Southern Fish and Oyster Co. into one of the historic seafood businesses that continues to thrive in Mobile. Virgil Atkins and his sons Ralph and Bill had moved to Mobile because there were no jobs in their native Tennessee, said Ralph Jr., Virgil’s grandson, who now heads Southern Fish and Oyster. While Virgil worked as a contractor, his sons took jobs at Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Co. and took to fishing for fun along Deer River, now part of the Theodore Industrial Canal. Fishing in Mobile Bay near the mouth of the creek, they hauled in some 5,000 pounds of speckled trout. “They didn’t get but 15 cents a pound,” but that tallied up to $750 – compared to the $10 to $15 a week they earned at the shipyards. An article in the November 1952 edition of Southern Fisherman said it took the Atkins brothers three nights to gather the amazing pile of fish and noted, “These phenomenal catches three nights in a row, a circumstance which unsurprisingly enough hasn’t happened since, put the Atkinses in business to stay.” When World War II started and local boys began to be drafted or enlist, Ralph and Bill were sent back to work – the government couldn’t afford to lose commercial fishermen, who supplied much of the limited supply of protein for the nation. Unlike other foods, fish wasn’t rationed, said Ralph Jr., and the war years are still noted as one of the most prosperous periods for commercial fishing. The family built a commercial market at Government Street and Dauphin Island Parkway, selling fish and shipping it to wholesale markets as far away as New York. In 1952, the family purchased Southern Fish and Oyster Co., which has stood at the foot of Eslava Street for decades. “We’re the only one left,” said Atkins, in between taking orders for fresh redfish, crab and shrimp from one of Mobile’s best restaurants. He loves the business he shares with his son, Ralph “Trip” Atkins III, because “no two days are alike.” And he cherishes the reputation he’s built for high-quality goods. “If you buy snapper here,” he said, “it’s snapper, not something else sold as snapper.” “We supply the top-end places in Mobile,” he said, noting that his business sells exclusively American fish and shrimp – “nothing imported.”

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The Business View | MAY 2011

Mobile is More than a Pretty Place

Southern hospitality conjures thoughts of a warm and welcome sense of place, but more than an idea, it’s a way of doing business for the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCVB), assures Stacy Hamilton, MBCVB’s vice president of marketing and communications. The organization hosts meetings, conventions and events, and its job includes details most Mobilians take for granted, but are a big draw to meeting planners. The pitch – “Mobile Bay offers a genuine Southern experience in an historic, yet vibrant coastal setting,”– it’s a big pull for convention-goers and tourists alike, said Hamilton. “A top-rated, riverfront convention center anchors a lively downtown offering world-class accommodations, lush parks and squares, retail shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries,” she said, naming some of Mobile’s many vacation assets. Conventions are big business, booking months or years in advance. Last year, 73,718 convention-goers added $137.5 million to Mobile’s economy and MBCVB already has 107 bookings representing 113,454 total room nights on tap for the next two years. According to Hamilton, those upcoming bookings translate to an economic impact of $177 million. Two high-profile conventions on the books include the National Marine Corps League, slated to bring 5,000 people in 2014, and

the World Leisure Congress, with 4,500 participants in 2011. Local businesses recognize the value of conventioneers. “Our sales doubled from 2009 to 2010 largely on the strength of our out-of-town-visitors. We are off to an outstanding start in 2011 thanks to business from the Mega Teen conference, the Senior Bowl, a horticultural group, as well as Mardi Gras activity in the first quarter,” said David Rasp, owner of Heroes Sports Bar and Grill and The Royal Scam.

16 MAY 2011 | The Business View

When luring a variety of events, the MBCVB staff helps organizations handle planning details and offers attractive packages and meeting spaces for groups of all sizes, from a family reunion of 50 to a large convention with 5,000 participants. More than 1,100 sleeping rooms are a part of Mobile Bay’s “EasyWalk Downtown” meetings package that includes six hotels, the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center and the Mobile Civic Center. Also a draw for meetings are Space 301, a downtown

$137.5 million Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau statistics estimate last year’s convention-goers had an $137.5 million economic impact on the region

113,454

total number of room nights booked in association with upcoming conventions

73,718

number of Mobile convention participants in 2010

contemporary arts gallery, and the area’s newest meeting facility and eco-attraction – 5 Rivers - Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, located on the Causeway where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Appalachee and Blakeley Rivers flow into Mobile Bay. Competition among cities is fierce when it comes to attracting conventions and events. Hamilton said her organization has scored successes against first-tier competitors by offering an overall greater value in their proposal, strong local support, the walkability of the city, attractions and accessibility. Once convention-goers break away from their meetings, Mobile Bay offers numerous one-of-a-kind attractions that help the area compete against tier-one meeting sites such as Atlanta, New Orleans and Orlando, plus venues similarly sized to Mobile including Louisville, Ky; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Jacksonville, Fla. The USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, Gulf Coast Exploreum and IMAX Theater, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Alligator Alley and several museums are just a few of the attractions. Hamilton said her organization is dedicated to ensuring successful area events, with the MBCVB sales team and service departments working from the initial inquiry until the last delegate departs.

Photo by Tad Denson, MyShotz.com

Luring Conventions -

Why Mobile?

International Society of Automation Says Many Reasons For the first time, the International Society of Automation (ISA) chose a second-tier city for its annual conference and trade show – and they chose Mobile. “We looked at a number of cities,” said Mike Marlowe, managing director of the Automation Federation, “and the facilities, location, activities and final analysis drew us to Mobile.” ISA Week Project Manager Carol Schafer added, the main draws were the geographic location and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, a ready-made audience of diverse industries that could benefit from all the show will offer, the Mobile Convention Center and the convenience of the Riverview attached to the facility. The Research Triangle Park, N.C. -based nonprofit organization expects to bring more than 2,000 automation professionals, technicians and students from all over the world to the Port City Oct. 17-20. Event organizers are planning tours at local companies using state-of-the-art technology and bring in local visitors to the conference to see the latest products and applications, network and attend industry education seminars. In addition to the conference, the

group will host an Occupational Career Day for an anticipated crowd of 1,000 area high school seniors. Recent venues for its annual gathering are include first-tier cities Houston, Chicago and Philadelphia. “This is the first time we have broken out of rotation in 10 years. We’ve been looking for a good option to change up the experience,” said Schafer. Jerry Buzzard, director of sales for the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, first met ISA’s president at a scientific engineering trade show several years ago. He made his first formal proposal for ISA Week in 2007. Buzzard continued to follow up with his contacts until he landed the 2011 event. He said organizing staff are so committed to their new Mobile location, they are asking his to put another proposal for next year even though there is pressure from the board to rotate to a new city in 2012. “This is one case where the economy has worked in our favor. We have a lot more groups willing to look at smaller and affordable destinations,” said Buzzard.

Mobile’s New

What the

Locals Say Judi Gulledge, executive director Mobile Carnival Museum

Gulledge

Kent Blackington, general manager Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel

Blackington

Cruising Focus

Like the U.S. Air Force Tanker contract, the news that Carnival would pull out of Mobile for the last time in October was a shock, said Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber president. “But you can be sure there is a strategy to aggressively recruit another vessel to homeport in Mobile,” Hallett said of the team working to finalize a new strategy. Hallett made some of the initial trips to Miami with then-head of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) Brenda Scott to woo Carnival to Mobile, and later joined the Cruise Task Force. Recently, representatives from the city of Mobile, Mobile County, MBCVB, the Chamber and others in the travel and service industries impacted by Carnival’s decision are re-engaging the task force and working hard to stop a gap in cruise service

from the area. In early April, Mayor Sam Jones visited Carnival officials in Miami for what he called “a debriefing session that will hopefully lead to future opportunities.” His case to Carnival or other cruise companies largely centers around the 180,000 passengers that travel out of Mobile annually since the company placed a ship here in 2004. “It is clear from some of the data we’ve gathered thus far that Mobile has a viable Cruise Terminal, it is an excellent drive market and passengers were extremely satisfied with the services rendered at the terminal,” said Jones. Hallett added, “We have built a strong cruise market and a support system to serve that industry. We believe Mobile still has so much to offer this industry, and we will be successful again.”

“Conventions that come to Mobile most certainly contribute to the economic success of downtown businesses. While all convention groups may not patronize all businesses, I firmly believe different business sectors receive their share of the convention traffic. The Mobile Carnival Museum benefits by serving as a site for special functions for convention groups. We also partner with other downtown businesses to create packages for conventions, which helps spread the money conventions bring to Mobile.”

“We absolutely rely on conventions in Mobile. Our sales staff works closely with MBCVB (Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau) to attract them here. We know visitors don’t just stay with us and there is overflow to other hotels in the downtown area, where convention-goers also visit shops and restaurants.”

Ruby T. Moore, marketing director Spot of Tea

Moore

“We have so much to offer our out-of-town guests and we appreciate them coming and being a part of so many activities such as BayFest, Festival of Flowers and, of course, Mardi Gras. There is too much to mention, but I will say they love the small-town feeling. A great thing we hear at Spot of Tea is, ‘You people are so friendly. We wish we had this attitude back home. We just say well, move to Mobile and join us. Make it a good day!’”

David Rasp, owner Heroes Sports Bar and Grille and The Royal Scam

Rasp

“Heroes Sports Bar and Grille has benefited from convention business in Mobile since we opened in 1998. Groups like the Fraternal Order of Police, the Harley Owners Group and the Antique Car Show all stand out in my mind as having a tremendous impact on sales. At The Royal Scam, we have seen an even greater increase in sales when conventions are in town due in part to our proximity to all the downtown hotels.

The Business View | MAY 2011

Vacation at Alabama's Beaches While convention goers contribute greatly to the local economy, so do tourists drawn to the area beaches, festivals, parks and other attractions. In fact, Alabama’s Travel Economic Impact Report estimates the Mobile/Baldwin region, hosted 7.2 million visitors in 2009, generating a $3.2 billion impact for local businesses. As summer quickly approaches, the time to start planning your vacation is here! With all the problems facing

Music and Festivals March 13 – 14 Orange Beach Festival of Art at Waterfront Park

the Gulf Coast over the past year, you’ll want to check out the upcoming events, places to go and things to see along Alabama’s beautiful coastline. Visit these Mobile Area Chamber member retail shops and hotels and attend local festivals. Help get the Gulf Coast back on its feet this summer. For a complete list of Alabama travel destinations, visit www.alabama.travel.com.

Campgrounds Dauphin Island Campground – 109 Bienville Avenue Dauphin Island

April 29 – May 1 Mullet Toss & Beach Party in Orange Beach

Bella Terra of Gulf Shores Luxury RV Resort – 101 Via Bella Terra Gulf Shores

May 1 – 2 Dauphin Island: An Historic Journey

Gulf State Park Campgrounds – 22050 Campground Road Gulf Shores

May 20 – 22 Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores

Southpoint Campground – 108 W. 28th Avenue Gulf Shores

Doc’s RV Park – 19800 Oak Road Gulf Shores Luxury RV Resort – 590 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores

Dauphin Island

Country Hearth Inn – hotels

Gulf Shores

3025 W. 1st Street Gulf Shores

Orange Beach Pensacola Beach

BayBank – banks

640 LeMoyne Drive Dauphin Island

Century 21 Meyer Real Estate – real estate Captain Mike’s Deep Sea Fishing – fishing charters

1585 Gulf Shores Parkway Weeks Gulf Shores Bay

650 LeMoyne Drive Dauphin Island Mobile Bay

BankTrust – banks 1700 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores

Dauphin Island

E Secour Bay

Bon Secour Bay

Little

18 MAY 2011 | The Business View

Attractions Dauphin Island

Gulf Shores

Orange Beach

Audubon Bird Sanctuary www.dauphinisland.org

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

Adventure Island www.adventure-island.com

Captain Mike’s Deep Sea Fishing captainmikeonline.com

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/bonsecour

Dauphin Island Fishing Pier www.dauphinisland.org

Fort Morgan Historic Site 251-540-5257

Bama Bayou - currently under construction www.bamabayou.com

Estuarium, an Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab www.estuarium.disl.org

Gulf Beaches www.gulfshores.com

Gulf Beaches www.orangebeach.com

Gulf State Park www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm

Historic Fort Gaines www.dauphinisland.org

Orange Beach Art Center www.orangebeachartcenter.com Orange Beach Indian & Sea museum www.obparksandrec.com

Lulu’s at Homeport Marina www.lulusathomeport.com

Mobile Bay Ferry www.mobilebayferry.com Shell Mound Park www.outdooralabama.com/watchablewildlife/where/mound-park.cfm

The Wharf www.TheWharfAL.com

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf www.piratesislandgolf.com The Track Family Recreation Center www.gulfshorestrack.com Waterville USA www.watervilleusa.com

Organize with Love –

shoes 701 Gulf Shores Parkway Orange Beach

2 Via Deluna Drive Pensacola Beach

resort sales and rentals 4550 Main Street Orange Beach

professional organizers Orange Beach

Sand Dollar Lifestyles –

Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Gulf Front – hotels

AIG Baker Real Estate – The Wharf -

Whitney National Bank – banks 4151 Orange Beach Blvd. Orange Beach

Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front – hotels 12 Via Deluna Drive Pensacola Beach

Pensacola

Pensacola Bay

Perdido Bay Wolf Bay Bon Secour

Big Lagoon

Bayou n St. Joh Orange Beach Gulf State Park

IIMS d/b/a Independent Inspection & Management Services -

n Lagoo

Hilton Garden Inn – hotels 23092 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach

Perdido Beach Resort – hotels 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach

construction management 29674 S. Bayshore Orange Beach Gulf of Mexico The Business View | MAY 2011

What if.... ...the renewal of three ad valoreum taxes from 1915, 1942 and 1945 had not been approved by the voters in Mobile County on March 22, 2011? What would it have cost us as a community? What would it have cost you as a business owner, employee and citizen? What would it have cost the children and our next generaction of Mobilians? It is important to know the 13 mills at stake in the election were worth approximately $55 million in potentially lost revenue. This would have been on top of the $80 million lost in state monies through proration since 2008 and the

additional revenue reductions being discussed currently in this legislative session. Had the renewal not passed, Mobile would have fallen from 39th in state perpupil expenditures to 105th – just barely above the financially strapped Black Belt. As business leaders, imagine recruiting new industry to the area without the promise of a progressive public school system – a school system where employees would be assured their children would be thriving in a 21st century classroom where all needs would and could be met. As leaders in our workforce, imagine not being able to expand your own workforce needs because the K-12 supply chain had been compromised and simply could not provide the staff necessary to progress. Bottom line: renewing school funding prepares our children for tomorrow’s workforce and creates more economic opportunities for Mobile. For the last 10 years, Mobile has been hard at work improving its education system as a strategy of economic

development and as a quality of life issue for Mobile County. Had the renewal not passed, we would have erased a decade of progress that would be very difficult to reinstate. The campaign, Our children Our future, was successful thanks to many of you who knew already what was at stake. Had it not been successful, the school system would have been in the process of a reduction in force, increasing classroom size, and cutting technology, building maintenance, and all extracurricular activities. If you believe as David Trent, site director for Airbus Americas Engineering Inc., does that “there is nothing more important to the growth and stability of a company, city, county or region than a strong education system,” then we need to breathe a heavy sigh of relief that in renewing these three taxes we revitalized your future as well.

Guest columnist, Carolyn Akers, is the chief executive officer of the Mobile Area Education Foundation. She can be reached at 476-0002 or cakers@ maef.net.

A Decade of Progress 2000-2010 Comparative Measurements

2010

2000

# of 21st Century Classrooms (fully outfitted with modern technology)

2,635

# of Students Enrolled in AP Courses

6,280

1,405

# AP Courses Offered

171

# of Students Enrolled in Career Tech Courses

2,961

1,708

# Schools Meeting all Federal Academic Standards

# Schools Offering AMSTI* Courses

# Students Completing EPIC** Pre-Engineering Program 116 # of Pre-K Classrooms in System

$86,695,299

$17,929,927

14 ****

2004 – 4 *****

# National Board Certified Teachers

# Nationally Recognized Principals

# National Blue Ribbon Schools

# of Students Enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses

219

146

# of Students earning Calculus Courses in High School

281

220

# Scholarship Dollars Offered to Graduates # Torchbearer Schools

* AMSTI = Alabama Math, Science, Technology Initiative ** EPIC = Engineering Pathway Integrated Curriculum *** program started in 2008

20 MAY 2011 | The Business View

0 ***

**** Fourteen different schools have been recognized, some several times since program began in 2004. ***** start of program

Chamber Chase 2011:

Dawn of Possibilities BankTrust Executive to Lead

By the Numbers

Chamber Chase 2011

Teams Alabama Power Arkema BankTrust BB&T Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Commonwealth National Bank Community Bank Evonik Degussa iBERIABANK International Shipholding Corp. Jeff Tesney Photography LLB&B Inc. Real Estate Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Diplomats Mobile Gas RBC Bank Regions Bank Thompson Engineering Wells Fargo Whitney National Bank

(as of April 1, 2011)

stronger relationships As the 2011 with clients and get a foot Chamber Chase chair, in the door with potential Terry Harbin, customers,” she said. BankTrust’s chief Chamber Chase 2011: operating officer, The Dawn of Possibilities, takes on a new role continues the as cheerleader and momentum introduced motivational coach. at the Chamber’s annual The Mobile Area meeting. The annual Chamber’s annual total campaign is vital Harbin resource campaign to the Chamber’s kicks off Thursday, May 5, with Harbin continued growth and success, and the at the helm of the 16-week-long campaign takes manpower and campaign involving teams of volunteers company commitment recruiting new Chamber memberships to succeed. and encouraging current businesses to Volunteer involvement during maximize their memberships. Chamber Chase helps the organization’s No stranger to the Chamber, Harbin efforts to: serves on the organization’s board of • provide value, services, networking advisors and has supported BankTrust’s opportunities and recognition for Chamber Chase team for the past five Chamber members; years. The transition to Chamber Chase • create an environment that leader was a natural step for the banker, promotes business and who sees the Chamber as the core of the community growth; business community. “This is where • retain, expand and recruit business people come together to benefit businesses, investment and jobs in not only each other but the community the Mobile area; and as a whole,” Harbin said. • operate the Chamber with Under Harbin’s direction, teams of excellence, innovation and volunteers will contact members and efficiency in accordance with its potential members regarding membership, mission and values. event sponsorship, advertising in Harbin stressed participation is key to The Business View and membership a successful Chamber Chase campaign. directory and in-kind contributions. To volunteer, sponsor a team, donate a Carolyn Golson, the Chamber’s vice door prize for the volunteers or to get president of membership, said Chamber involved, contact Golson at 431-8622 Chase offers a way for volunteer teams or cgolson@mobilechamber.com or to broaden their exposure to business visit www.chamberchase.com. opportunities. “This is a chance to network with other volunteers, develop

100+

sponsorships available

advertising opportunities offered in Chamber publications and web sites

number of 2011 volunteers

companies represented by volunteers

16 weeks, length of Chamber Chase

The Business View | MAY 2011

State of the City and County Set for May 4 By the Numbers

900

number of seats available at 14th Annual State of the City and County Luncheon

dynamic speakers who will offer insights to what’s next for Mobile

local businesses sponsoring the event to keep ticket prices affordable

It has been a roller coaster year when it comes to business news, but rest assured those in charge of Mobile’s economic future are proud of the great strides being made. Attendees of the Mobile Area Chamber’s 14th annual State of the City and County luncheon get an update on current issues and projects as well as insight on what’s next from City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. The event is set for Wednesday, May 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water St.

Following these two presentations, Chamber Board Chairman Robbie Baker, with Whitney National Bank, will discuss the area’s economic highlights and what’s on the horizon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person for Chamber members or $30 for potential members. Tables of 10 are available for Chamber members for $190. Lunch is included. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Carolyn Wilson at 4318606 or cwilson@ mobilechamber.com or visiting events.mobilechamber.com to register online.

Event sponsors are Aker Solutions, Alabama Power Co., AT&T, Commonwealth National Bank, First Community Bank, Hand Arendall, International Shipholding Corp., Mitsubishi Polysilicon, Mobile Airport Authority, Pilot Catastrophe, RBC Bank, SSAB, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, Waste Management and Gwin’s Commercial Printing.

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

22 MAY 2011 | The Business View

Chamber Seeks

Eagle Award and Minority Business Advocate Nominees Stand up and be counted among the area’s outstanding minority businesses and those who make efforts to support them. Nominate clients, vendors or even your own company for the Mobile Area Chamber’s annual Eagle Awards and Minority Business Advocate Award. Nominations are being accepted through Friday, May 27. Award descriptions and criteria are listed below.

Eagle Awards The Eagle Awards honor deserving minority-owned businesses demonstrating business growth and community commitment. Nominees must be at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by African-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians or Asian-Americans. Additionally, the business must be headquartered in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington County; operational at least three years (as of Dec. 31, 2010); exhibit

revenue and/or employee growth; have apparent solid financial base; be a for-profit company; and show evidence of community service contribution or involvement.

Minority Business Advocate

The Minority Business Advocate Award recognizes the efforts of a company to support minority-owned businesses and provide charitable support to low- and moderate-income communities. Nominees must be Mobile Area Chamber members in good standing; show a commitment to supplier diversity; have three complete years of operation (as of Dec. 31, 2010); and have an office in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington County. Have a question? Wonder if your company qualifies? The nomination form is 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. Awards will be presented at the Minority Business Week ceremony this fall. For more information on nominating a business for either award, contact Danette Richards at 431-8652 or drichards@ mobilechamber.com.

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Sponsorship tickets are available, and include a meet and greet reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by the gala at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $100.00 per individual ~ $1,000 per table/10. All tickets and donations are tax deductible. For reservations and sponsorships call (251) 405-5500. This charitable event benefits the 100’s Scholarship Program. The Business View | MAY 2011

CEO profile

Gregg Gustafson Company: Mobile Symphony Title: Chief Executive Officer Hometown: St. Paul, Minn. Education: Gustafson holds advanced degrees in art administration and business administration from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree in music/tuba performance from Indiana University. First job: Working in his father’s drugstore in St. Paul. Previous experience: Gustafson previously served as executive director of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and the Louisville Orchestra. He is the former general manager of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, Savannah Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, as well as former operations manager for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Career-changing moment: “Accepting the offer to be the CEO of Mobile Symphony Orchestra,” said Gustafson. “I love this city.” Accomplishments: “I feel a great sense of accomplishment each time the audience leaves a concert having heard a performance they loved,” said Gustafson, proud of his role as casting director. Secret to success: “Not owning a television.”

Which historical figure would you like to dine with and why? Gustafson said he would like to dine with psychologist Carl Jung, “because he believed that life has a spiritual purpose that transcends material goals and was deeply involved in exploring religion, philosophy, literature and the arts and how they connect us with our souls.”

24 MAY 2011 | The Business View

Brief company description: The Mobile Symphony Orchestra is a producer of live symphonic music in the Gulf Coast region. It is committed to enhancing lives through the performing arts and music education.

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 22,000 area businesses every month plus another 9,300 business professionals who receive it electronically.

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

Consider Your Options:

Independent Contractor or Employee? In this uncertain economy, independent contractor and spell out the independent contractors are a good details of the work, relationship and option for small businesses that don’t compensation, among many other issues. need full-time employees. In fact, many And since contractors are paid to small businesses are built entirely on complete a set task, they may bring in serving as independent contractors to others to help, at their discretion and other enterprises. on their payroll. They also should use But before hiring one or more their own tools and technology and independents, make sure the relationship be responsible for their incremental fits entirely within the definition of expenses. contract labor as defined by the IRS, and Contractors can’t be fired as long both you and your contractors understand as they produce results that meet their the rights and responsibilities of everyone contract specifications. Do not include involved. them under any insurance or benefits Deciding who can legitimately work coverage for employees. Independent as an independent contractors are subject contractor and who to making a profit – or must be given employee suffering a loss – based In this uncertain status has become a on their own skills and economy, difficult matter for expertise. Always independent small business owners. require an invoice contractors are You can’t simply choose before making a good option for what’s best for you. payment. The IRS and equivalent Understanding small businesses state agencies are strict the requirements of that don’t need on worker classification using independent full-time issues. contractors helps employees. Remember an employer better independent contractors determine whether such work for themselves, relationships are right operating their own business. You are for current business needs, or if you need their client, not their employer. You don’t to hire them as employees. Make sure dictate their hours contractors understand the rights and or control how they perform their work. responsibilities involved as well. This will In the eyes of most government agencies, help prevent misunderstandings and a worker is an employee unless you can potentially costly disputes over benefits prove otherwise. and compensation. Avoid setting a pattern of daily or For additional advice or weekly work hours dictated by your for a confidential one-on-one business. Also, independent contractors counseling session at no charge, do not usually have a permanent or contact the Mobile SCORE continuing relationship with the business chapter at 431-8614. and have time to pursue other clients. Plan to compensate contractors on a per-job basis, not weekly or monthly. Make sure there is a written contract with any

The Business View | MAY 2011

investor

focus

Airbus Americas Engineering Inc.

The Airbus staff includes (from left to right) Bruce Coole, Al Beck, Terence Lim, Dave Trent, Jane Anne Webb, Dave Brown, Allyson Hale and Majid Kamalabad.

Officer: David Trent, site director, Mobile

Years in Business: 10 years Brief Company Description: Partners for Growth (PFG) is the Mobile Area Chamber’s long-term economic and community development program. For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly, the Chamber’s investor relations coordinator, at 431-8655 or smattingly@mobilechamber.com.

Airbus Americas Engineering Inc. provides engineering services for the cabin, cargo and customization center of excellence within the company’s Germany operations. Why are you located in Mobile?

“We located in Mobile as the first step of a larger plan for the industrialization of Airbus products in the U.S.,” said Trent.

26 MAY 2011 | The Business View

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

“The Mobile Area Chamber’s Partners for Growth initiative is focused on the economic development of the Mobile region, which increases the standard of living of the region,” said Trent. “We see the ultimate success of Airbus in Mobile as closely aligned with that of the region.”

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential?

“To harness the potential that is growing throughout the region and across industrial groupings while enhancing our standard of living by making the Mobile region a fantastic place to live, work and play,” said Trent. Length of Chamber Membership: Since 2007

BOARD OF

Advisors

Gregory

Guzman

Jason Gregory is a certified insurance counselor and managing partner of Willis of Alabama’s Mobile office. He is responsible for overseeing client service delivery and growth of Willis’ insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultancy businesses in southern Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle. Gregory earned a bachelor’s degree in education from The University of Alabama and a master’s of business administration from Spring Hill College. He is co-chair of the YMCA of South Alabama’s metro board.

G. Gregory Guzman is director of marketing and sales for Fokker Services Inc. A 10-year employee of the aerospace company, Guzman is responsible for leading Fokker’s worldwide sales efforts as well as overseeing various aspects of the Fairhope office operations. Fokker Services is a global company, with its Fairhope location concentrating on aircraft service, maintenance and repair.

Dees Leighton B. Dees is broker/ co-owner of Oracle Real Estate LLC. He is a member of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors, where he serves as technology committee chair and as a governmental affairs committee member. During the past 10 years, Dees also worked as a graphic designer developing company identities, marketing strategies and web development.

featured profiles

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.

Nobody works harder than the owners.

Oliver Latil

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Hutch Thompson

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Roy Hudson

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Poenta Luckie

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Parrish Tatum VICE PRESIDENT

Amy Lassiter

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

Come experience the difference of always dealing with an owner. At Community Bank, we fully-understand the meaning of the term “owner’s mentality” –because you’re always dealing with an owner here. Community Bank is one of the only staff-owned banks in the state, so we always deliver the best service possible. Call or come by to discuss your next loan, a great CD rate or any other services that our staff-owners can help provide to you.

6808 AIRPORT BLVD., MOBILE (251) 338-6200 2101 HIGHWAY 98, DAPHNE (251) 338-8200

CommunityBank.net ® 2009 Community Bank | Member FDIC

The Business View | MAY 2011

Chamber@work Small Business of the Month Do you know a small business deserving recognition? Maybe it’s a customer, a supplier, or even your own business. A 10-minute investment of time could earn this company recognition as the Chamber’s Small Business of the Month. The Chamber recognizes outstanding small businesses for their contributions to the local economy. These businesses are profiled monthly in The Business View and presented with the Small Business of the Month award at the Chamber’s board of directors meeting. Eligibility criteria and the online nomination form are available at www.mobilechamber. com/awards.asp. For more information, contact Danette Richards at drichards @mobilechamber.com or 431-8652. 2011 Task Force and Committee Chairs Named The Chamber named the following members as chairs for its various committees and task forces for 2011. They are:

Economic Development Business Retention and Expansion Committee and Cruise Task Force: Michael B. Lee, Page & Jones;

Economic Development Council: Henry O’Connor, BankTrust; Gulf Coast Technology Council: Dr. Russ Lea, University of South Alabama Maritime Affairs Committee: Sumner G. Adams, Norton Lilly International Oil & Gas Task Force (Offshore Alabama): Marc Quenneville, Aker Solutions Workforce Development: Chester Vrocher, Boise Paper Community and Government Affairs - Leaders Exchange: Mayor

Samuel L. Jones, City of Mobile; Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commission president, and G. Robert Baker Jr., Whitney National Bank and Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce chairman Governmental Affairs: Caroline C. McCarthy, Phelps Dunbar LLP Local Subcommittee Chair: Matt White, White-Spunner & Associates State Subcommittee Chair: Gigi Armbrecht, AT&T Federal Subcommittee Chair: Owen Bailey, USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Military Affairs: Bob Keyser, Thompson Engineering Transportation Coalition: Steele

Holman, Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC Air Service Committee: David L. Trent, Airbus Americas Engineering Inc.

Envision Coastal Alabama Chairs: Ray B. Moore, Hutchinson Moore & Rauch LLC, and Shirley Sessions, Regions Bank Education Chairs: Terry Burkle, South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, and Amanda Outlaw, Alabama Cooperative Extension Environment Chairs: Thomas J. Ward Jr. PhD, Spring Hill College, and Jennifer Denson, Partners for Environmental Progress Equity Chairs: Brooks Chew, Congressman Jo Bonner’s Office, and Rebecca Byrne, United Way of Baldwin County Economy Chairs: Frederick Rendfrey, Downtown Mobile Alliance, and Donna Givens, Baldwin County EMC Small Business Development Growth Alliance Task Force: Shirley Sessions, Regions Bank Awards and Recognition Task Force: Kathryn Cariglino, Women’s Business Center Inc.

Executive Roundtable: John Weinacker, Weinacker’s Montessori School Seafood Task Force: Ralph Atkins, Southern Fish & Oyster Co. Membership Department -

Chamber Chase: Terry Harbin, BankTrust Diplomats: Kay Watson, Adecco Employment Services Nonprofit Roundtable: Caroline Etherton, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Express Employment Professionals, World Finance Corp., The Children’s Garden and Community Garden at the Dumas Wesley Center, Office Depot Store #2749, The Blake at Malbis, Somerby of Mobile and Holiday Inn Mobile Airport recently held grand openings and ribbon cuttings. If your business is a Chamber member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribbon cutting event, contact Kim Dale at 4318649 or kdale@mobilechamber.com.

MONEY-SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No.52

LOWERING WATER TEMPS A LITTLE CAN SAVE A LOT. Simple maintenance for better efficiency.

By Jamie Sandford Alabama Power Company

Adjusting the temperature on your water heater can keep your money from going down the drain. If your house is anything like mine, you probably go through a lot of hot water. Think about it. Hot showers, laundry, dishwashing. No wonder the water heater is the second-largest energy user in your home. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to use hot water more efficiently. First, check the temperature on your water heater. If it’s 140 degrees or higher, turn it down. For every 10 degrees you lower your water heater, you can save 3%–5% in energy costs. However, you may

not want to go any lower than 120 degrees because you want the water to be hot enough to kill bacteria in your dishwasher. Also, place an insulating blanket around your electric water heater to decrease heat loss from the surrounding air. Try these helpful water heating tips and you should be able to keep your energy bills under control. For more water heating tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.

28POWI-2409 MAYWater 2011 | The Temp.indd 1 Business View

2/25/11 11:38 AM

Chamber@work

Chamber Names Two New Board of Advisors Members The Chamber’s board of advisors represents key businesses whose significant dues investment lead the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. To date there are 238 companies who make up the board. New board of advisors members are Frazer Greene Upchurch & Baker LLC and Kingdom Coach LLC.

Diplomat of the Month Millie Sue Hawk Millie Sue Hawk has served as a Chamber diplomat for eight years and earned the Diplomat of the Year in 2009. She owns and operates Hawk Business Link, a service connecting new business owners with other area businesses to help with startup needs. To learn more about becoming a Chamber diplomat, contact Kim Dale at 431-8649 or kdale@mobilechamber.com.

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.

Photo by Tad Denson

City/Developer Roundtable Discussions Continue In March, the Chamber reconvened a taskforce exploring and developing solutions to enhance the city of Mobile’s permitting processes. During this meeting Bill Harkins, Mobile’s CitiSmart coordinator, presented information on Mobile’s plan to redesign its online permitting functions. The Chamber committee worked with city planners for more than a year on various items, including a redesigned web site, to create a more efficient online service portal for citizen and business interaction with the city of Mobile.

Mobile Association for the Blind Named Business Spotlight of the Month

The Mobile Association for the Blind was formed in 1926 to create job opportunities for people who are vision impaired. Today, the organization also provides assistance to citizens with other types of vocational disabilities. Services include counseling and evaluation, skills training, independent living classes and job placement. Pictured above, from left to right, are: Tim Creamer, Call Center marketing representative; William Adkerson, director of development; James Bullock, executive director; and David Drawbaugh, Call Center manager. Spotlight is selected at random from a business card drawing at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event.

Serving a community means being a part of it. AT BB&T, WE SEE BANKING AS MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS. It’s about the very life of a community. A working commitment to the prosperity of our neighbors, friends, and families. So whether you’re seeking personal or business risk management expertise, come to BB&T. We invest in people. Please visit one of our 11 convenient locations in Mobile and Baldwin County.

B A N K I N G

I N S U R A N C E

I N V E S T M E N T S

The Business View | MAY 2011

Comparative

Economic Indicators

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

February 2011 vs February 2010

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

Business Licenses City of Mobile

Average Selling Price Mobile County

Value of Building Permits

238,823 2011

233 2011

225,692 2010

221 2010

$123,153 2011 $132,313 2010

Homes Sold⌦

Building Permits

Unemployment Rates 10.2% 2011 11.6% 2010

Mobile County

$23,459,971 2011 $13,149,809 2010

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

City of Mobile

235 2011 230 2010

20,641 2011

202 2011 243 2010

19,483 2010

United wAY of SoUthweSt ALABAMA SALUteS the foLLow CoMpAnieS And indiVidUALS.

The 2010 Spirit of the Gulf Coast Awards provide recognition to companies, organizations and individuals for exceptional commitment and support of the gulf coast community through their involvement with United Way of Southwest Alabama. Recipients are judged on leadership giving, volunteerism, employee participation and giving levels, year-round education, corporate support, incentive programs and campaign rallies.

2010 Spirit of the GULf CoASt AwArd presented to

In recognition of exceptional commitment and support of the gulf coast communities through United Way of Southwest Alabama involvement. Spirit of the GULf CoASt AwArd

The Spirit Award is presented to a company with a local presence by the United Way of Southwest Alabama Board of Trustees during the Annual Meeting. The recipient consistently demonstrates strong performance in the conduct of their United Way workplace campaign, diversity and depth in their community service and energetic and bold leadership in addressing community issues and needs. The company exemplifies the highest standards of civic engagement and community-based philanthropy. For many years, Alabama Power Company employees have been committed to serving our community. During the past decade alone, Alabama Power employees have donated more than $2.8 million in support of United Way of Southwest Alabama. Honoring its mission to strengthen the communities they serve, Alabama Power consistently participates in annual Day of Caring, serve on Community Investment Committees, support the Loaned Executive Program, along with many other activities. The company demonstrates its commitment to the growth of philanthropy by encouraging a new generation of givers and are actively involved with UW Young Leaders Society. As a result of their outstanding efforts, Alabama Power and United Way of Southwest Alabama are working together to create lasting positive change by improving the quality of life for everyone.

2010 oUtStAndinG phiLAnthropiSt of the YeAr AwArd

2010 oUtStAndinG LeAderShip CAMpAiGn of the YeAr AwArd

presented to

MeLiSSA C. BeArd & w. BrAdLeY BeArd, Jr. BeArd eqUipMent CoMpAnY

eVoniK deGUSSA CorporAtion

This award is presented to an individual or family whose financial contributions at or above the Major Gift level and volunteer efforts over the years have been exceptional. Their generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles. No one exemplifies these attributes better than Melissa and Brad Beard. They conduct a model campaign at their business, Beard Equipment and their volunteer leadership is present throughout the United Way organization including the Board of Trustees. Brad and Melissa support United Way at the Tocqueville level of giving and have hosted the Leaders in Giving Event in their home on three separate occasions. United Way and our community are fortunate to benefit from Melissa and Brad’s generosity.

2010 CoMMUnitY pArtner of the YeAr AwArd presented to

GoodwiLL eASter SeALS of the GULf CoASt

This year, Goodwill Easter Seals had their most successful employee campaign ever, resulting in a 23% campaign increase. Energy was directed towards encouraging employee pledges from all locations. With outstanding leadership, peer-to-peer campaigning, and a superb Employee Campaign Coordinator, they ensured their campaign success. Employees at Goodwill Easter Seals raised over $22,000 in support of United Way and, even more impressively, they accomplished a participation rate of 50%.

2010 eMpLoYee CAMpAiGn CoordinAtor of the YeAr AwArd presented to

JAn KeYSer - SSAB

Jan has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, initiative and management of her company’s annual campaign for many years. Annually, she has consistently conducted successful campaigns for SSAB. Jan incorporates model campaign practices to ensure SSAB’s giving potential is maximized. Her positive “can do” attitude, enthusiasm and creativity is what helped SSAB become one of our community’s corporate leaders.

Leadership gifts of $500 or more are an important facet of the overall United Way campaign, accounting for 30% of total giving. By utilizing model campaign strategies, Evonik Degussa increased their leadership giving by a staggering 49%. This resulted in 22 new Leadership givers. Kudos to this organization’s leadership team for ensuring that Evonik Degussa saw their greatest Leadership growth ever.

2010 YoUnG LeAderS SoCietY phiLAnthropiSt of the YeAr AwArd presented to

KriSten deLAneY - BeArd eqUipMent CoMpAnY

Awarded to a Young Leaders Society member whose exceptional leadership and dedication to United Way of Southwest Alabama and our community extends through their gifts of time, talent and resources. Kristen has been instrumental in the success of the Young Leaders Society. She consistently steps forward to offer her skills and lend her creativity to make a difference. Kristen is a young leader who inspires her peers to give back and make an impact in our community. Her contributions are vital to the advancement of United Way of Southwest Alabama mission.

2010 LoAned exeCUtiVe of the YeAr AwArd presented to

dAniShA MAYe - rBC BAnK

Danisha demonstrated outstanding fundraising and communication skills during her Loaned Executive tenure. She demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm, diligence, and thoroughness in managing all of her assigned accounts. Danisha provided exemplary support for her campaign accounts, communicated effectively with both Employee Campaign Coordinators and United Way staff, attended multiple campaign rallies, as well as reported her assigned campaign results on time. She was able to increase several under-performing campaigns and establish new campaigns resulting in a 5% increase in funds raised in her accounts.

thAnK YoU for LiVinG United! 30 MAY 2011 | The Business View

United Way of Southwest Alabama

May Calendar of Events 3

4 11

their business to 40 other business representatives. The event is limited to Mobile Area Chamber members and only one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Payment is due at the time of reservation and must be made no later than Monday, May 9. Reservations not cancelled by May 9 must be honored to cover the costof lunch. Contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

Lunch-N-Learn

The Mobile Area Chamber will host a Lunch-N-Learn on Tuesday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chamber, 451 Government St. Ramona Hill, Spring Hill College’s vice president of enrollment management will present “Supplier Marketing Building and Maintaining Relationships.” Business owners and managers will learn the ins and outs of meeting and maintaining relationships with buyers for larger public and private entities, a critical skill for expanding a customer base and growing a business. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for potential members and includes lunch. Seating is limited. For reservations, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobile chamber.com or visit events.mobilechamber.com to register online.

State of the City and County Lunch See story on page 22.

Networking@Noon *Members Only Join other Chamber members for Networking@Noon on Wednesday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 5 Rivers - Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort. Sponsored by Ron’s Catering and 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, Networking@ Noon is a bi-monthly event offering members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and

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

Armed Forces Day On Tuesday, May 24, the Mobile Area Chamber will present the annual Armed Forces Day lunch at University of South Alabama Mitchell Center, 2195 Mitchell Center Dr., from noon to 1:30 p.m. This 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 $23 per person or $184 for table of eight. For more information contact Ailey Shirazi at 431-8621 or ashirazi@ mobilechamber.com.

Business After Hours

Join Chamber members and diplomats Thursday, May 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours at Mobile Medical Museum and the Ronald McDonald House, 1664 Springhill Ave. The function will take place on the lawn behind the museum. This popular Chamber event is a great venue to introduce your company and make new contacts. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for potential members. Reservations are not needed. For more information contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com.

Executive Roundtable *Members Only Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber-member small business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, May 17, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room, 451 Government St. Hela Sheth, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center’s marketing director, will present “Social Media for Small Businesses - Why Social Media is a Necessity for Small Business and How it can Impact the Bottom Line.” There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Closed Memorial Day

CONNECT with the

Chamber on the web

facebook.com/ MobileChamber

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com

mobilechamber.com/ chamberblog.asp

twitter.com/ MobileChamber

youtube.com/ MobileChamber

The Business View | MAY 2011

Member News Who’s New Owen Bailey was named administrator for the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Bailey Most recently with Infirmary Health System, Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree in health administration from Auburn University, an advanced degree from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience. X BB&T promoted Michelle Hoobler Cook to vice president. Cook joined the bank in 2010 and is a private financial advisor. She earned a Cook bachelor’s degree in political science from Spring Hill College.

Bartolemei

Moore

Red Square Agency added two members to its team. Samantha Bartolomei was named proofreader and Caleb Moore was named broadcast producer. X

Kara Megginson joined Dauphin Realty in the firm’s midtown office. Megginson

Business Endeavors Livingston

Rutledge

Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc., REALTORS welcomed new sales associates Bill Livingston and Brett Murray to the company’s Robertsdale office and Keri Rutledge to the Cottage Hill office.

14th Annual

State of the City and County Lunch

Wednesday, May 4

Noon - 1:30 p.m. Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Join Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood and City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones as they discuss the state of the city and county at this annual luncheon. Tickets are $20 per person or $190 for a table of 10 (Chamber members only) or $30 per person for nonmembers.

Reservations are required by calling 431-8606 or by e-mailing cwilson@mobilechamber.com

32 MAY 2011 | The Business View 2011 SCC BV ad-2.indd 1

Joyce Collier was named interim executive director of United Way of Southwest Alabama. Collier has 24-plus years of nonprofit experience and most recently served as the executive director of Lifelines Family Counseling. X

4/8/2011 9:13:14 AM

TAG/The Architect Group announced the nature center addition the group designed for Gulf State Park in Orange Beach is currently on schedule. The project is funded through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program and will provide hands-on environmental education exhibits and programs. X A Mobile advisory board of community and business leaders has been formed for iBERIABANK. The board works closely with local executive leadership in executing the bank’s strategic growth initiatives. X The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau partnered with Alabama Coast magazine to provide the first local smart phone app available for the iPhone and Android devices. Designed for Mobile visitors, the app features events and live music schedules, dining, shopping and hotel information. X Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC added a medical practice consulting division to its firm. The new division provides extensive support for medical practices and organizations as well as practice review and assessment, new practice startup and other healthcare services. X Office Depot opened its newest store at 5300 U.S. Hwy. 90 Service Road in Tillman’s Corner. For more information, call 662-3139. X Identity Signs/Optera Creative opened a new office in downtown Mobile at 5 N. Jackson St. The phone number is 9605438.

Well Done RBC Bank was ranked among the nation’s best in small business banking with 750 banks competing. The bank received national recognition in three key areas: branch satisfaction, treasury management accuracy and customer service. X Bruce McCrory, co-owner and secretary/treasurer of Kiker Corp., was elected 2011-12 senior vice president of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The NRCA is a trade association representing all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors, manufacturers, and city, state and government agencies. X The Mobile Section, Alabama AGC, an organization of construction contractors, recognized members who maintained an excellent safety record throughout 2010. Chamer member firms honored were: Bagby & Russell Electric Co. Inc.; Barnhart Crane & Rigging Co.; Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc.; Case Construction Co.; Cheyenne Steel Inc.; Esfeller Construction Co. Inc.; Gulf Electric Co. Inc.; Hosea O. Weaver and Sons Inc.; Hanson Pipe & Precast; Hargrove Engineers + Constructors; J. C. Duke & Associates Inc.; James B. Donaghey Inc.; Jordan Pile Driving Inc.; Keith Mosley Construction; Mobile Pipe & Welding Inc.; Persons Service Co. LLC; SJ&L. Inc.; S&S Sprinkler Co. LLC; Smith Electric & Associates; Smith Industrial Service Inc.; Thompson Engineering Inc.; Virginia Wrecking Co. Inc.; WESCO Gas & Welding Supply Inc.; and White-Spunner Construction Inc. X Charles Trey Mayhall of First Financial Group, was invited to join the 2011 advanced selected member group of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp./ Mayhall Sagemark Consulting as part of the firm’s private wealth services program focusing on very high net worth clients. Criteria for selection in the advanced member team includes a demonstrated commitment to client service, current success and a rigorous internal evaluation.

Austal USA earned the 2010 SCA (Shipbuilders Council of America) award for Excellence in Safety. The honor is given to association shipyard members with the lowest total recordable incidence rates. X Springdale Travel earned its fifth Representative Excellence award for exceptional sales growth. The award honors the achievements of Representative Travel Network member agencies reaching superior sales results that drive cruise and tour supplier goals or securing the highest year-over-year sales growth. X Paul Klotz, of Thompson Engineering, was selected to join The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Academy of Klotz Fellows. A professional engineering association, SAME recognizes members who distinguished themselves in service to the nation, the engineering profession and the society. X

Palko

Roberson

Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc., REALTORS announces sales associates, Joanne Palko and Ruth Roberson, earned the SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation certifying them to assist real estate clients age 55 years and older.

Dr. Gil Brogdon, professor emeritus of radiology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, introduced his book, Brogdon’s Brogdon Forensic Radiology, second edition, at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting. Brogdon has authored and co-authored more than 300 scientific publications. This is his fifth book. X Becky Jo Peterson, executive director of Distinguished Young Women, was selected the Zonta Club of Mobile Woman of the Year 2011. The club recognizes women in Mobile who make extraordinary contributions of time and/or finances advancing the status of women. Zonta International is a global organization of more than 31,000 executives and professionals working to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.

Community News The Mobile Museum of Art will feature some of Alabama’s cultural, natural and historical wonders in The Prominence of Place exhibit by artist Dori DeCamillis. The exhibit runs through Aug. 28. For more information call 208-5200. X Gov. Robert Bentley will be the keynote speaker for The 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile Inc.’s 11th annual gala on Thursday, May 26 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. Call 405-5500 for more information.

The Airbus Corporate Foundation donated $50,000 to seed a mentoring program with the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center targeting children interested in the aviation and aerospace industry. Airbus Engineering team members will work hands-on with local youngsters in the mentor program. X Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, pledged $95,000 to the University of South Alabama (USA) for naming rights for the executive board room within Shelby Hall: Engineering and Computing Sciences. The gift supports USA College of Engineering Excellence Endowment and the School of Computer and Information Sciences Excellence Endowment.

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.

Small Business of the Month

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile..........23

Gwin’s Commercial Printing.................15

Advanced Payroll Solutions...................20

Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc.......23

Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC............ 6

Premier Medical Management.............22

Alabama Power Co.................................28

RBC Bank.............................................. 35

Bancorp South........................................15

Sunbelt Business Brokers.......................15

BB&T.......................................................29

United Way of Southwest Alabama......30

Community Bank.................................. 27

Whitney Bank........................................... 7

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

Wonderland Express..............................33

Nominate your company - or someone you know - to be the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month!

Visit www.mobilechamber.com for a nomination form or call 431-8607 NOW. The Business View | MAY 2011

SBOM Nomination ad2.indd 1

3/30/2011 4:18:20 PM

New Members

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

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

Anniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

45 YEARS

Willis of Alabama Inc. - Mobile

Angels On The Earth Keesha Taylor 3633 Middle Oak Dr. W. Mobile, AL 36695 251-367-3343 www.angelsontheearth.com Health Care Services

Georgia Roussos Catering Inc. Georgia Roussos 1608 Rochelle St. Mobile, AL 36693 251-666-1141 www.GeorgiaRoussosCatering.com Caterers

Parsons Chad Freeman 702 Watts Ave. Pascagoula, MS 39567-4219 228-202-5010 www.parsons.com Engineering & Construction

30 YEARS

BrokeButNotForLong Inc. Sandra Rogers P.O. Box 622 Bay Minette, AL 36507 251-554-2627 www.brokebutnotforlong.org Employment Information/ Resources - Global

Guthans & Howard Court Reporting Tami S. Guthans 109 N. Conception St., Ste. 100 Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-8703 Court Reporting

Richway Transportation Services Katharine Marion 250 N. Water St., Ste. 106 Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-0081 www.richardsoncompanies.com Transportation Services

20 YEARS

Melissa Cartier ASID Interior Design Melissa Cartier 15-B Upham St. Mobile, AL 36607 251-476-5734 Interior Designers Cimarron Ridge Apartments Margie Nichols 6427 Grelot Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-633-2233 www.cimarronridgeapartments.com Apartments Colonial Life-Mobile District Lewis Brock 6051 Airport Blvd., #B-1 Mobile, AL 36608 251-680-1848 www.coloniallife.com Employee Benefit Hurley Crews P.O. Box 1273 Grand Bay, AL 36541 251-865-4971 Individuals Cross Creek Consultants Inc. Rebecca Green 1540 W. I-65 Service Rd. S., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36693 251-661-4463 Business Consultants The Crossings at Cottage Hill Apartment Homes Mike Goldner 5799 Southland Dr. Mobile, AL 36693 251-260-8000 www.thecrossingsatcottagehill apartments.com Apartments Emcor Services Aircond Gregg Ell 3644 Vann Rd., Bldg. I, Ste. 120 Birmingham, AL 35235 850-384-1481 www.aircond.com Heating & Air Conditioning Equipment FOGO Data Centers Chris Singleton 1109 Snead Dr. Atmore, AL 36502 251-294-1614 www.fogodc.com Technology Business Solutions

Hibachi Express Terry Ho 3461 Spring Hill Ave. Mobile, AL 36608 251-343-9868 www.thehibachiexpress.com Restaurants Sheldon Inge 2158 Old Government St. Mobile, AL 36606 251-370-3965 Shipping Services City of Jackson Hon. Richard Long 400 Commerce St. Jackson, AL 36545 251-246-3312 Government Offices & Agencies Krispy Mixes Inc. Judy McMillin 6341 Hwy. 90 W. Theodore, AL 36582 800-992-7601 www.krispymixes.com Food Ingredient Manufacturer Mardi Gras Warehouse Dwain Mangold 251-751-6594 www.paradethrows.com Mardi Gras Supplies Metro Business Supply Daryl Cleworth 1102 Dauphin St., Ste. C Mobile, AL 36604 251-408-3636 www.metrobs.com Office Supplies Netpoint IT-Services Inc. Werner Zumbraegel 917 Western America Cir., Ste. 206 Mobile, AL 36609 251-829-3656 www.netpoint-it-services.com Information Technology Nielsen Habitat LLC John A Nielsen 201 Finch St. Evergreen, AL 36401 251-230-0112 Marketing Peggy R. Nikolakis LLC Thomas M. Loper 4300-D Midmost Dr. Mobile, AL 36609 251-342-2769 Attorneys

Southern Sounds LLC Jason Smith 7350 Parker Rd., #200 Fairhope, AL 36532 251-219-4665 www.southernsounds.org Entertainment Sprint Richard Odom 6506 N. Davis Hwy. Pensacola, FL 32504 850-471-3080 www.sprint.com Cellular Telephone Service & Repair Standard Roofing Co. Allison Renfroe 516 N. McDonough St. Montgomery, AL 36104 334-265-1262 www.standardtaylor.com Roof Contractors Stone-Adams Financial Partners Nick Walters 125 S. Congress St., Ste. 1336 Jackson, MS 39201 601-961-6888 www.stoneadams.us Financial Consultants T-2-F Security Services Inc. Jonathon Mansmann 22787 U.S. Hwy. 98, Ste. B1 Fairhope, AL 36532 251-432-4911 www.t2fsecurity.com Security Guard/Patrol Service WealthPartners LLP Angie Artman 220 Trace Colony Park Dr., Ste. A Ridgeland, MS 39046 601-414-4455 www.wealthpartnersnfp.com Financial Advisors

As of 2/28/2011

Stein Investments Inc.

25 YEARS

Denny Manufacturing Co. Inc.

Adams and Reese LLP Heritage Homes of Mobile Inc.

15 YEARS

Coastal Ford Mobile Museum of Art

10 YEARS

Cowles, Murphy, Glover & Associates LLP Fire Sprinkler Supply Co. LLC Fort Conde Restoration Venture LLC Housing First Inc. Kirk House & Gardens ShowBiz Theatrical Services Inc. Shred-It

5 YEARS

Andre Reid & Associates Cimco Refrigeration Inc. Eastern Shore Centre Enterprise Telephony Group Inc. L. Kianoff & Associates Inc. Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Mr. Rooter of Southwest Alabama Satterwhite & Associates LLC SERVPRO of South Mobile County Star Aviation

1-4 YEARS

360clean ACord Financial Services Alabama Teen Challenge Inc. Allied Waste Services/BFI Andrew Meyers State Farm Agency Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Ashbury Hotel & Suites B-Fast Bolt & Supply, division of Birmingham Fastener Inc. Barnes Insurance & Financial Services

Briggs Equipment Campus Book Store Commercial & Marine Insurance Brokers Inc. Community Enterprise Investments Inc. The Complete Skin Care Center CORT Business Services Crane Works Inc. Cummings Architecture Corp. Doctors Laboratory Inc. Great Kitchens Gulf Coast Asphalt Co. Harris Business Machines Hayes Group Consulting LLC Hill Marine Refrigeration Inc. Hoar Program Management In Worship Jedson Engineering Inc. Jim Walter Resources Joe Lewis Music Studio Konica Minolta Business Solutions-Mobile Leadership Solutions Associates LLC Making Miracles for Cystic Fibrosis Margie Casey-RE/Max Partners Maritech Marine & Industrial Inc. The McAleer Tunstall Co. LLC The Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Music 4 U National Multiple Sclerosis Society P & G Machine & Supply Co. Inc. Cecil L. Parker Jr. MD PC Partridge, Smith PC PGT Trucking Inc. Polka ToT Designs Inc. Pristine Green LLC Roberts Brothers Commercial & Property Management Sam Winter - Roberts Brothers Real Estate Shaklee Splash Duo-Coolrayz Band S.S. Nesbitt & Co. Starnes Davis Florie LLP United America Security Services Inc. Wal-Mart Supercenter - Dawes Road Williams Scotsman Inc. Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

There is Strength in Numbers... A recent study showed that consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a Chamber member. For as little as 83 cents a day your membership will yield a return in: • Business assistance; • Professional development seminars and counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests; and much more. For more information about becoming a member, contact Carolyn Golson at 431-8622 or cgolson@mobilechamber.com or visit www.mobilechamber.com. The Business of Mobile is Our Business.

34 MAY 2011 | The Business View

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

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

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

The Business View | APRIL 2011

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...comes without reservations.

At peak tourist season, David Clark manages 700 employees. Even though the Grand Hotel is a much sought-after destination, hiring enough people to serve its guests is challenging. He counts on the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce development partnerships with local schools and colleges to help him find the pool of applicants he needs. As one of 2,200 Chamber members, David has access to resources, exposure and networking to help the Grand Hotel grow and make it thrive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that helps him and his team deliver five-star service.

David Clark Grand Hotel Marriott Resort 700 Employees Founded 1847

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