The Business View - June 2011

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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Gulf Seafood is Safe to Eat! Combining Resources to Help the Homeless Exports on the Upswing PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mobile, AL Permit #346

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JUNE 2011 | VOL. XLII, No. 5

REACH 22,200 DECISION MAKERS EACH MONTH Advertise in The Business View By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area businesses every month plus another 9,300 business professionals who receive it electronically.

The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your company in front of the Mobile area business community.

Contact RenĂŠ Eiland to discover how advertising in The Business View can complete your marketing plan at 251.431.8635 or e-mail reiland@mobilechamber.com. www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf 2

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

June 2011 4-11 13

14 Cover

Lucy Greer, corporate chef with Greer’s Market, shows off her freshly-prepared Thai Shrimp with Orange Sauce. See pages 16-19 for more information. Cover photo by Ashley Horn.

20-21 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 Editor............................................ Jennifer Jenkins Copy Editor ............................................... Michelle Matthews

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22-23 Additional Writers and Editors Katrina Dewrell, Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Greta Sharp, Christina Stimpson, Carolyn Wilson Printing Services ............ Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design ........................... Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive ................ René Eiland 431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

News You Can Use – Positive news for area businesses Small Business of the Month: Fremin’s Contractor Services

14-15

ETC. – Organizational updates and business briefs

16-19

Gulf Seafood: Is It Safe to Eat? The answer, according to experts, is a resounding yes! Several restaurants and caterers provide recipes to help you serve seafood from the Gulf of Mexico at your table tonight.

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The Port of Mobile sees a “slow but upward trend” in exports, handling 24 million tons and shipping to 112 countries last year.

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Waterfront Rescue Mission and 15 Place will increase its ability to help the homeless population at a new downtown Mobile location.

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CEO Profile: Misti Grantham, Kingdom Coach LLC

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Guest columnists, attorneys Brad Adams and Kelly Reese, discuss the issue of whether employers can legally discriminate against unemployed job-seekers.

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SCORE Column: Should you buy new equipment or lease it?

27

Investor Focus: Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency Inc.

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Chamber@Work Board of Advisors Profiles Economic Indicators Calendar Member News New Members Anniversaries

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

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Signaling Success:

After Buying Bender, Signal’s Business is Booming

Photo by A. Tesney

Signal International President and CEO Richard “Dick” Marler (left) and Bob Beckmann, senior vice president and general manager (right) are proud of the progress the company made since it acquired 4,400 feet of deepwater frontage along Mobile River. They say they are encouraged about the pace of work for 2011.

PPhoto by A. Tesney

These before and after photos of a ship propeller represent one type of repair made at Signal.

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

In the first three months of this year, work at Signal Shipbuilding and Repair (SSR) outpaced 2010, according to Bob Beckmann, senior vice president and general manager. “We’re seeing more interest this year, and we’re booked through July,” Beckmann said.

The company completed its purchase of selected Bender Shipbuilding & Repair assets out of bankruptcy in February 2010. Following the acquisition, the company operated at 60 percent for three months while investing $9 million in improvements and moving its offices, machine shop and equipment, Beckmann explained.

“This is still a huge accomplishment,” he said.

SSR bought 4,400 feet of deepwater frontage along the Mobile River, including the main yard, six repair and construction yards, three steel floating dry docks and other equipment on 26 acres.

As part of the renovations, the company doubled the water depth by dredging dry dock No. 1, which Beckmann describes as their “single most valuable asset.”

“There have been days we could have been busy with two this size,” he added.

Last year, SSR also sold 3,000 tons of scrap steel to the SSAB (Alabama) steel mill and relocated a floating crane able to lift 100 tons from one of its sister operations in Texas to Mobile.

The company has 207 employees, a number of them from the ranks of Bender, including Beckmann, a former Bender vice president.

SSR has been able to re-establish relations with former Bender customers. “We have a good appreciation for our customers. We do a good job. We’re on time. We run safely.

And we’re reliable,” said Beckmann.

SSR is owned by Mobile-headquartered Signal International, a company with operations in Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Its services range from repairing and upgrading offshore drilling rigs, ships and vessels to new construction of duty ocean deck barges to fabrication for the marine and offshore industry.

Richard “Dick” Marler, Signal International’s president and chief executive officer, started his civilian career at Ingalls Shipbuilding fresh out of the military in 1974. Starting in an entry-level role, he rose to senior vice president before he left Ingalls in 1997.

After a brief consulting stint, he recruited a group of investors and, in 2003, founded Signal International Inc. In 2009, the relatively new player to the global offshore, marine and naval industries moved its headquarters to Mobile’s RSA Battle House Tower.

In addition to SSR’s local employees, the company employs 15 people at its headquarters, 500 workers at a Pascagoula shipyard and 150 at facilities and a sales office in Texas.

Austal’s Ship

Keeps Coming In

Seems like every time you turn around, there’s more good news out of Austal.

“I don’t think we can overestimate the impact of all the work at Austal on our local economy,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

In the month of March alone, the company hosted the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, who named the next two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS); was awarded another LCS contract; and held a groundbreaking for new additions to the Austal complex.

And there’s more. According to statistics compiled by the University of South Alabama’s Center for Real Estate Studies, Austal’s share of the U.S. Navy’s $5 billion LCS contract adds up to 2,000 direct jobs and will help create an estimated 5,000 new jobs in Alabama.

Here are a few of the interesting things going on at Austal, gathered from various speeches, presentations and media releases: • The second LCS, out of a possible 10, was awarded to Austal. The 127-meter vessel is valued at $368.6 million. Austal USA President and CEO Joe Rella said this contract is driving the company’s workforce needs, and he expects to double his workforce to fulfill the contracts.

• The CORONADO is currently under construction as part of the LCS program. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus named the additional two ships awarded to Austal the USS JACKSON and USS MONTGOMERY. • The $5 billion Navy contract is increasing payroll at Austal to $179 million and is expected to create an additional $240.6 million in payroll for indirect jobs generated as a result of Austal’s contracts throughout the state of Alabama.

• Hiring at Austal is increasing. Company projections show the number of employees will hit 2,500 by February 2012 and 3,400 by February 2013.

• Austal is also building two Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) – SPEARHEAD and VIGILANT – for the U.S. Army. The company was also awarded JHSVs 3, 4 and 5.

• Under construction at the Austal complex is Phase 2 of the Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF), expected to double existing manufacturing floor space to 700,000 square feet and add another 30,000 square feet of office space.

When complete, the facility will be capable of constructing six large aluminum vessels such as the LCS or JHSV annually.

• Construction of Assembly Bay 5, measuring 425 feet long by 135 feet wide, is also underway.

• Also being built is a new three-story office complex, able to house 450 employees and five times the size of the existing office building.

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Austal hosted the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (second from right) this spring. Mabus was joined by Rep. Jo Bonner, Austal President & CEO Joe Rella, Mayor Sam Jones and Sen. Jeff Sessions. While here, Mabus announced the names of the next two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) of the recently awarded 10-ship contract to Austal. The ships will be named the USS JACKSON and USS MONTGOMERY. THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

5

Chamber Secures $1.5 Million

to Continue Minority Business Development

The Mobile Area Chamber’s Minority Business Center recently received news its efforts would be expanded thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The money will be used to support ethnic minority businesses to successfully compete on federal government contract work. Pictured here are MBC staff members, Pam Ramos and Machelle Leslie.

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

“(This) program has shown remarkable Darrell Randle, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of small business success, and with a renewed focus on job creation in high-growth industries that development, believes: “The business community is only as strong as its weakest leverages global business opportunities and teaming arrangements, we’ve raised the link. And the stronger the business performance bar,� said MBDA National community becomes, the more Mobile Director David Hinson. “MBCs are becomes an even stronger global catalysts for minority business development, competitor.� and by investing in these centers at the The Chamber’s minority business local level, we will see reverberating effects development department gives Mobile a throughout the national economy.� competitive edge with its efforts, funded The center operators and support staff through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s assist minority entrepreneurs with access Minority Business Development Agency to markets, contracts and capital, and offer (MBDA). It has been successful over the past three years, and the Chamber recently strategic business consulting services to facilitate 21st century growth in today’s was awarded a $1.15 million contract to global economy. MBCs continue its efforts and interface directly with expand its outreach minority business for an additional five The business owners and managers years, through 2016. community is only at the local level and The Chamber provide enhanced operation – formerly as strong as its assistance through known as the Minority weakest link. national strategic Business Enterprise And the stronger partners, both within Center, or MBEC – the federal government will now operate as the business and the private sector. the Alabama Minority community Randle believes Business Center MBCs will play an (MBC). It was one of becomes, the more important role in only 27 centers to be Mobile becomes helping minorityfunded in the United owned businesses States. Biloxi, Miss., an even stronger increase their exports. is the only city smaller global competitor.

In an increasingly than Mobile to win a global economy, where contract.

Darrell Randle opportunities are just Last year alone, Mobile Area Chamber as likely to be found MBC helped local of Commerce overseas as they are clients secure $42 vice president of small business development around the corner, million in contracts minority businesses and another $42 are critical to achieving million in financing, creating more than 300 new jobs along the the goals of President Barack Obama’s Gulf Coast. Some of the Chamber member National Export Initiative (NEI), he noted.

(See page 20 for another Chamber businesses who have benefitted from MBC success story helping accomplish NEI services have included Superior Masonry, goals.)

Hixardt Technologies and Bay Security, To learn more about the Alabama among many others. MBC operates out of MBC, call 433-2250. an office directly across the street from the Chamber at 450-A Government St.

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THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

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Mobile Business Leaders Confidence in Economy Improving Though the local economy is down slightly from first quarter 2011 expectations, Mobile’s business leaders remain solidly positive, according to The University of Alabama’s Alabama Business Confidence Index (ABCI).

The quarterly report is produced by the university’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

“The ramp-up of Austal’s efforts, combined with hundreds of additional shipbuilding jobs announced in the second quarter, and an ever-improving national economic outlook are just a few of the reasons for Mobile business leaders' confidence in our economy remaining high,” said Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber. “We expect even more good news from existing industry throughout 2011 with additional capital being invested locally and more good-paying jobs being added to the workforce.”

According to the report, 68 percent of the Mobile business executives surveyed expect an increase in sales, and profit increases are expected by 58.6 percent. It also noted the hiring index was up slightly over the previous quarter, as 53.7 percent of those surveyed expect to see an increase in new hires locally.

To view the complete report from Mobile and other metro areas in the state, visit www.cber.cba.ua.edu/ABCI.

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Saunders Yachtworks Plans $10M Expansion A $10 million-plus public-private partnership is at the root of an expansion underway at Saunders Yachtworks. The Gulf Shores-based business is leasing 14 acres with 965 feet of water frontage and recently broke ground on a new marine basin and dry dock in Gulf Shores.

The new dry dock more than doubles Saunders’ current capacity to 150 tons and 130 feet in length.

John Fitzgerald, president of Saunders, said when the boatyard is fully operational it’s expected to nearly double the company’s revenue, and increase employment by more

than 50 percent. Saunders currently employs 45 people, and will add as many as 25 new full-time positions within two years of opening the new facility.

Founded in 1959, Saunders Yachtworks will draw military and commercial vessels as well as larger recreational yachts with its new facility.

Mobile-based White-Spunner Construction was awarded the contract to build the basin and dry dock that was designed and engineered by Clark, Geer & Latham Engineering. Construction began in April and is creating 180 jobs during the

15-month project timeline.

The city of Gulf Shores received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Agency (EDA) for infrastructure improvements to public property. By leasing and operating the property, Saunders is the beneficiary. The company already invested $3.6 million and committed $1.2 million for the dry dock machinery and lift equipment. The remaining investment falls under additional capital improvements and equipment, Fitzgerald said.

Adventure Ahead as

GulfQuest Takes Shape

The $52 million project, The site is prepped. The including the cost of interactive concrete pilings – 856 of displays, will be the first museum them, to be exact – are in the dedicated to the Gulf Coast’s ground. The contractors are maritime traditions and only hired. And with that, the the third interactive maritime GulfQuest National Maritime museum in the world.

Museum of the Gulf of Mexico In addition to federal funds is officially under construction and grants, Zodrow and the and beginning to take shape. museum’s board of directors As construction progresses secured approximately $7.5 on the 90,000-square-foot, Construction is progressing on the 90,000-square-foot GulfQuest million toward a $10 million goal vessel-shaped building, oneNational Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. for private donations. While a of-a-kind, interactive exhibits few out-of-town individuals and are being designed and Zodrow offered a small glimpse of the companies donated to the cause, Zodrow fabricated at two U.S. companies known for exhibit being developed by Hands On! – said the majority of the monies were their creative work – 1220 in Nashville, Maritime Matters, a 6,000-square-foot pledged locally, and he and the board are Tenn., and Hands On! in St. Petersburg, Fla. interactive gallery centered around ship getting ready to gear back up for additional Project details are being kept confidential design, propulsion and navigation that will fundraising now that museum until the museum opening, currently construction has begun. estimated at August 2012, according to Tony incorporate historic and modern-day maritime tools.

Zodrow, GulfQuest’s executive director.

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

One Thing Leads to Another City of Jackson forges regional economic development partnerships

A

lot of credit is being given to ThyssenKrupp and Austal

Jackson, Ala. FAST FACTS

USA for the thousands of jobs created for area citizens and contracts awarded to area

City of Jackson population: 5,228 (largest municipality in Clarke County) Clarke County population: 25,833 Clarke County unemployment rate: February 2011, 16.6 percent

companies, and it’s well deserved, said Jesse Quillen, the Chamber’s economic developer who heads the Washington County Economic Development Initiative (WCEDI).

An unanticipated sidebar of this success is a new regional partnership as mayors, city councils and business executives in Washington County forged a new venture with their counterparts in Jackson, Ala. Jackson Mayor Richard Long and the Jackson City Council know they have a challenge on their hands. The city has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at 16 percent and over the last few years has lost 500-plus jobs at New Era Cap and Vanity Fair. This is perhaps the biggest driver behind the new partnership from Long’s perspective.

In 2004, WCEDI contracted with the Chamber as its economic developer, a job Quillen has filled since 2008.

Jackson has an economic developer and is also a partner in the Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance, covering Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties. Long says he believes this new collaboration “that looks south” will only enhance efforts to bring jobs to his citizens.

“If there’s a project that doesn’t fit Mobile or Washington County, then we’re right across the Tombigbee, and we want to be considered,” said Long.

Quillen says the benefits run both ways.

“Jackson has industrial sites and available buildings. They bring important assets to the table,” he said.

Jackson is the largest municipality in Clarke County with 5,228 residents. Long touted among the city’s significant infrastructure three industrial parks, Norfolk Southern Rail, U.S. Hwy. 43 and the Tombigbee Waterway.

Jackson officials invested close to $4.5 million in infrastructure last year, including resurfacing streets and completing an industrial park on U.S. Hwy. 177. On tap for this year is a $2 million fire station that will enhance the fire protection provided to

Top Employers • Boise, 800 employees, manufactures paper products • Gulf-Scotch Lumber, 85 employees, high quality dimension lumber • AC Fabricated Products, 90 employees, manufactures tents & solar panels for U.S. Government Key Assets • Four-lane U.S. Hwy. 43 • Tombigbee Waterway and the Jackson River Port • Norfolk Southern Rail • Alabama Southern Community College (branch) • Airport with recently paved 5,003-foot lighted runway • Expandable 2.6 million gallons per day water system

The city of Jackson is joining forces with the Washington County Economic Development Initiative (WCEDI) to enhance efforts in recruiting jobs to the area. Pictured here at a recent meeting are Chatom Mayor Harold Crouch and WCEDI chairman (left) and Jackson Mayor Richard Long (right). citizens and industry. Mayor Long also has plans to buy additional industrial property.

“Jackson has an aggressive approach to new industry and builds competitive packages to lure new projects,” said Quillen.

With its proximity to the ThyssenKrupp complex, TK is a frequent user of Jackson’s airport and has a number of workers patronizing the city’s hotels and restaurants.

“Mobile is the regional economic engine

and we want to continue to find ways to take advantage of that,” said Chatom Mayor Harold Crouch who heads WCEDI. “With Jackson’s location on the river, connections to a port and rail service – this is a good fit for the Highway 43 corridor.”

2010 Significant Accomplishments • Major street resurfacing project $1 million • 20,000-square-foot spec. building - $500,000 • U.S. Hwy. 177 Industrial Park -$1.75 million • Upgraded wastewater treatment system - $155,000 • Jackson Senior Citizen Center $1 million On Tap for 2011 • Fire Station - approximately $2 million • Industrial Property acquisition and preparation - $209,000

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

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

Mobile's

Mojo is Rising “Where’s Mobile’s mojo?” asked Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development, during a recent presentation to the organization’s board of advisors. His answer? “We never lost it.”

Despite a few setbacks, Wayman believes, the area has a tremendous amount of economic development activity, including the military contracts at Austal USA, the continuing progress at ThyssenKrupp and a host of expansions at local companies.

To keep things moving in the right direction, the Chamber, in partnership with the Alabama State Port Authority, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and the Mobile Airport Authority, hosted a tour for representatives from the state’s economic development partners.

From its first-quarter report to Partners for Growth, the Chamber’s economic development investors, here are a few notable accomplishments: • The Chamber had approximately 25 active projects and hosted 27 prospect visits representing a variety of industries including maritime, chemicals, oil and gas, energy, steel, aerospace, manufacturing, bio-diesel, engineering and distribution centers.

• Announcements by Austal USA, Krispy Mixes and Horizon Shipbuilding resulted in 355 jobs and $5.75 million in capital investment.

• The Chamber’s international trade division hosted Spain’s trade commissioner, conducted trade mission briefings on Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, and held a seminar to advance understanding of the issues around doing business in and establishing and fostering broader relations with the European Union.

Economic development accomplishments were highlighted at a recent presentation to the Mobile Area Chamber’s board of advisors. Spearheading the event’s headlines were Troy Wayman, the Chamber’s vice president of economic development, and Bill Sisson, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority.

• The Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development is working closely with Mobile Works to market the OJT (on the job) program to member businesses. The subsidy helps the bottom line of local businesses by providing funds to pay employees while they are being trained.

• The Chamber’s small business development department helped draw 75 participants who met with 33 purchasing agents during the annual Gulf Coast Procurement Opportunities Matchmaker. The program was co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of South Alabama’s Small Business Development Center and the Chamber.

• Two City-County-Chamber lunches were held. Issues discussed included economic development, infrastructure priorities, the Austal LCS contract and workforce training needs.

• The Chamber, in partnership with the University of South Alabama, presented Gov. Robert Bentley with an area economic development overview.

• The Chamber hosted a semi-annual meeting of the Southwest Alabama Chamber Executives to discuss regional issues of common concern and provide updates on activities in the respective communities. Those in attendance included: Saraland Chamber, Tillman’s Corner Chamber, South Baldwin Chamber, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber, Clarke County Chamber, Thomasville Chamber, Washington County Chamber, Monroeville Chamber, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and the Mobile Area Chamber.

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

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

11

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

small business of the month

Back row (from left to right) Hunter Rodriquez, Thomas Carpenter and Keith Fremin.

Front row (from left to right) Tia Rodriquez (holding Sophia), Lyn Dosher, Sue Guy, Jennifer Round and Rocky Fremin.

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.

Sometimes Change is Good There’s a round wooden dining table back in the Fremins’ break room where the business began in 2002 and, later, where the decision to change the company’s business model was made. Fremin’s Contractor Services, a provider of commercial and facility maintenance, repairs and improvements, is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

After four years in business serving primarily residential customers, the husband-and-wife team of President Rocky Fremin and Vice President Keith Fremin made a pivotal choice to focus on commercial customers.

Their timing helped the company weather the recession, said the Chamber’s Director of Small Business Danette Richards. “The economy really started shutting down in 2008, so the Fremins were ahead of the curve.”

While the Semmes-based company maintained a few of its local residential customers, Fremin’s Contractor Services focuses on commercial accounts. The company prides itself on 24/7 service and offers same-day emergency service. Rocky herself answers most of the after-hours calls. “We have an answering service, but I try to never use it,” she said.

Among the company’s national customers are Gap, Rite-Aid, Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supply and Mortgage Team 1. The company also has contracts with restaurants, grocery stores, office and apartment buildings, a number of small businesses and more. “You might say we’re better known nationally than right here at home,” Rocky said.

With six office staff members and a team of 300 highly skilled craftsmen and subcontractors, Fremin’s operates in 21

states – as far north as Maine, west to Arkansas and east to the Carolinas.

The Fremin’s team handles projects from replacing ceiling tiles to roof and drywall repairs to boarding up windows for hurricanes. “We take on any job. It doesn’t matter how large or small,” said Rocky, who feels the smaller jobs help build relationships with their customers.

Prior to starting this business, Rocky owned several other ventures, including a consignment shop and a telephone repair business. Keith has always been in the repair and improvement business and said he is still happiest in the field.

Rocky had a vision for his skills and a business that would sustain them. “It’s a lot of hard work,” she said. “We try to go above and beyond, stay dedicated to communication with our customers, and make a fair profit.”

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

13

USS LAWRENCE

to be Commissioned in Mobile On June 4, the USS LAWRENCE DDG 110, a new guided missile destroyer, will be commissioned at the Alabama State Docks.

Originally planned to be commissioned in Pensacola, Fla., a delay in the dredging of Pensacola Bay is driving the move to Mobile, according to Capt. Hal Pierce (Ret.) with the Mobile Navy League and Maritime organizations.

The U.S. Navy’s multi-mission guidedmissile destroyer, designed to operate in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments, was built by Northrop Grumman, now Huntington Ingalls. The ship is equipped with the Navy’s Aegis Combat System, the world’s foremost integrated naval weapon system.

Pensacola officials will come to Mobile to commission the ship named for Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, a highly decorated naval aviator who received his Naval Aviator Wings in November 1952 in Pensacola.

River Delta Marina and Campground

Gets Upgrade

The Mobile County Commission is making a $1.4 million upgrade to the county’s River Delta Marina and campground. The project is being funded by a federal grant distributed through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program.

Located in Creola, the park is one of the few

Art at Work Mobile artist Amber Ivey Lane of Amber Lane Designs recently completed four contemporary art projects for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Development Center (SBC). The Montgomery native’s technique is a modern abstract use of oils and acrylics. Lane has work in several galleries, boutiques and homes throughout the U.S. Pictured above is Lane with Douglas Jones, vice president of business services for the Montgomery Chamber.

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

public access points to the unique and beautiful ecosystem of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. For information about the camp and user fees, go to www.mobilecountyal.gov and click on Parks and Recreation at the bottom of the home page or call 574-2266.

HGTV Executive to Keynote

Professional Development Workshop

the home and lifestyle cable The Public Relations network and its on-air talent.

Council of Alabama’s McCormick will present (PRCA)Mobile Chapter will “The Business Case for Public hold its annual ToolKit Relations.” In today's business workshop on Thursday, world, according to June 23, at the Renaissance McCormick, public relations is Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel more vital than ever before, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The given the explosion of professional development consumer engagement workshop will include two McCormick through new and social media, sessions followed by lunch. the collapse of reputation and trust in This year’s featured speaker will be Gary major institutions, and evolving needs and D. McCormick, APR. McCormick works in concerns of corporate CEOs. Attendees will corporate public relations as the director walk away with resources and tools to help of partnership development for HGTV. In them measure attitude and behavior this role, he is responsible for identifying impact of public relations programs. They opportunities for off-channel exposure for

MENSURA CAPITAL, LLC and MENSURA SECURITIES,

LLC

(Member FINRA and SIPC)

will be armed with information on the latest industry research, trends and techniques, and will be able to capture a greater share of clients’ or organizations’ investments in marketing and communication services.

The morning breakout sessions will feature Jay Reeves, Associated Press reporter for Alabama, and Deirdre McGowan, CEO and chairman of Insight Ltd., a Biloxi-based marketing firm. Ticket prices are $55 for PRCA members, $65 for guests and $35 for students. To register or for more information, contact Vanessa McGee at vanessa@jjpragency.com.

Fast Facts What: PRCA ToolKit Professional Development Workshop When: Thursday, June 23 Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel Cost: $55 - PRCA members $65 - guests $35 - students Info:

To register or for more information, contact Vanessa McGee at vanessa@jjpragency.com.

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WE ARE YOUR PARTNERS, ADDING VALUE FROM BEGINNING TO END

developing a valued relationship first . . . and building from there.

Please contact Alex Graham (404) 870-3122 Founder and CEO Randy Maner (404) 446-2855 Managing Director of Investment Banking

Giving Form to Substance

Visit us on the web at www.mensuracapital.com

Securities are offered through Mensura Securities, LLC, a commonly controlled affiliate of Mensura Capital, LLC, a transactional and operational advisory firm.

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

15

If It's Healthy Enough to Bite the Hook...

“If

it’s healthy enough to

bite the hook, it’s healthy enough to eat,” said Dr. George Crozier, executive director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. He admits the quick retort is an easy response to daily deluge of questions he gets about whether or not people should be eating seafood caught in the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s his belief, based on years of research on the Gulf of Mexico and the animals and microorganisms that inhabit it, the flesh of seafood we eat is not impacted by the spill. He also admits we don’t know the lasting impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill more than a year ago, and may not for many years to come.

Locals have come back to the Gulf of Mexico and started fishing in its waters and eating fresh, locally caught seafood. Backed by stringent federal government and private seafood safety testing, concerns about the safety of seafood are waning – at least locally. But trying to convince people across the country and even inland residents along the Gulf Coast, where people are far more leery, is more difficult, admitted Crozier.

“Our country has become polarized, and is rejecting seafood safety experts because they are tied to the federal government,” he said. “And that’s just plain dumb.”

He blames, in part, the images of the Exxon Valdez oil spill that happened off the coast of Alaska as a challenge the Gulf of Mexico is struggling to overcome. Social media, in part, is to blame for continuing to associate images of heavy crude oil coating the shoreline in Alaska with what’s happened in the Gulf.

The only way to combat this very emotional image is to focus on the facts and listen to the experts who will continue to aggressively test Gulf seafood. “It’s easy to get sucked into fear,” said Crozier. But he added the resiliency of the Gulf of Mexico has “exceeded our expectations.”

16

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

Georgia Roussos

Baked Oysters

By Georgia Rousso s Catering www.GeorgiaRou ssosCatering.com

Ingredients: 1 dozen fresh oysters on the half-shell Your favorite cocktail sau ce (ours is a secret) - 1 tablespoon per oyster Grated parmesan cheese -1 Bacon - 1⁄4 slice per oyste teaspoon per oyster r Preparation: Put on e tab on top of each oyster. Sprin lespoon of sauce kle one teaspoon grated parmesan cheese on each oyster. Place 1/4 slice of uncooked ba con oyster. Bake quickly in ver over the top of each y ho 400 degrees). Remove fro t oven (approximately m oven when the bacon begins to crisp. Can be ser ved as a main dish or as an appetizer.

Orange Chi

Serve the Gulf Takes Aim at False Rumors

li Dipping S

Ingredients : 1 cup sweet oran ge marmalade 3 tablespoons ho ne 1 tablespoon Asia y n 1 tablespoon lim garlic chili sauce e juice 2 tablespoons ap ple 3 tablespoons wat cider vinegar er Pinch of salt

auce

Preparatio n: except lime juice, Whisk all ingredients, to medium-low heat gether in a saucepan over . Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from he at Garnish with fres and stir in lime juice. h grilled shrimp. basil and serve with

Thai Grilled Shrimp with Orange

Chili Dipping Sauce

By Lucy Greer, Greer's Catering www.greers.com

Ingredients: 2 pounds Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup fresh lime juice Zest of 2 limes 3 garlic cloves, smashed 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ cup fresh basil leaves, rough chopped 1 tablespoon honey , Preparation: Combine olive oil, lime juice a in y hone and basil , zest, garlic, red pepper flakes p are covered. p to marinade and mix well, ensuring all shrim shrim Add y. ughl thoro s large bowl. Whisk ingredient Let rest on the counter 20-30 minutes. water for shrimp, soak skewers in a shallow dish covered with and If you choose to use bamboo skewers for grilling nade mari from p nt burning or splintering. Remove shrim not do 20 minutes while shrimp are marinating, to preve you If . pink t brigh tes on each side, or until shrimp turn securely put on skewers. Grill over high heat 2 minu wish to use skewers, grill shrimp as usual.

A grassroots movement has been brewing along the Alabama coast to reassure consumers of the safety of Gulf of Mexico seafood more than a year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Serve the Gulf was originally planned as a public service print campaign and grassroots effort, yet in the spring, the Alabama Tourism Department gave it a boost with $300,000 allotted from BP funds to expand the campaign statewide in support of the Alabama seafood industry.

The campaign is designed to communicate that Gulf seafood is the most tested seafood in the world and has continually been proven safe.

The initiative hopes to encourage consumers and businesses to support the industry that fuels Alabama’s coastal economy by simply eating and serving Alabama seafood.

Servethegulf.com acts as an online home for facts and links to research reports, and consumers can join the conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/servethegulf).

“What we are looking for now are restaurants, retailers, grocers, hoteliers, chambers of commerce and other businesses willing to embrace this call to action and take Serve the Gulf to yet another level,” said Ricky Mathews, publisher of the Press-Register and chairman of the Coastal Recovery Commission of Alabama. “We want this initiative to live far beyond this landmark anniversary.”

Big Communications in Birmingham, a Mobile Area Chamber member, designed the campaign, which features print, radio, television, online and outdoor billboard ads.

Those who want to support Serve the Gulf can find out how to get involved at www.servethegulf.com.

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

17

Fried Grits with G

By The Wilton Ca terer

Trusted.

Tested.

True.

While anybody and everybody with a blog, a camera or an agenda is weighing in on the Gulf seafood safety issue, The Business View thought it best to start with people who would know for certain: the government agencies doing the testing. Right now, Gulf of Mexico seafood is the most tested seafood stock in the world, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), with assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agree that Gulf seafood is, indeed, safe to eat.

Here’s what their test results have shown: • Gulf seafood has consistently tested 100 to 1,000 times lower than the safety thresholds established by the FDA for the residues of oil and dispersant contaminants.

• Of all Gulf seafood tested after the oil spill, more than 99 percent has shown absolutely no oil or dispersant residue.

• FDA and NOAA test samples for oil and dispersants, and every sample from reopened waters, have passed those tests.

The FDA attributes this staggering level of safety to the stringent standards it used when opening waters for fishing. These were the base standards applied: • When waters were impacted by oil or at risk of being impacted by oil, they were closed to fishing.

• Areas considered for reopening must be free of oil before testing even starts.

Source: www.servethegulf.com

18

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

rilled Shrimp an

d Peppers

Ingredients: ½ cup plus 2 tablespoon s grits 1 cup water Tony’s Creole Seasoning Shredded cheddar chees e Cooking spray 2 eggs 2 cups plain flour 2 cups vegetable oil 1 pound fresh Gulf shrim p, peeled and deveined 1 cup julienned red pepp er, green pepper and onion 2 tablespoons melted butte r Preparation: Prep are grits. Add Tony’s and chees Pour grits into dish. Sprea d evenly (about 3/4” thick) e to taste. Prepare a small casserole dish with co oking spray.

Pour butter over shrimp . Cool, then put into freeze and r until grits are set. degrees on stovetop or ele peppers. Season to taste with Tony’s. Cook on ho ctric t fla Tony’s. Dip into egg. Coat fryer. Beat eggs. Cut grits into squares, or use bis t grill or hot pan. Heat oil to 325 with flour. Carefully dro p into oil. Cook until ou cuit cutter for rounds. Season with Top with hot shrimp and tside is golden and crisp peppers. Serve at once. (about 5 minutes).

ise Salad o  i N a n u T Grilled Catering

By Naman's m scatering.co www.naman

: Ingredients Vinaigrette

r ampagne vinega 2 tablespoons ch tarragon, chopped h 1 tablespoon fres ustard m n ijo D 1 teaspoon inced m t, lo al 1 small sh ¾ cup olive oil Sea salt to taste to taste Ground pepper, Tuna

na steak 16-ounce fresh tu ray sp Olive oil cooking

Salad

ns ½ lb. mixed gree inly sliced th n, ½ cup red onio se olives oi ic ½ cup pitted N oes, halves at m 1 cup cherry to peeled and quartered (optional) d, 1 egg, hard-boile e vinegar, whisk together th Add salt and l, w bo l al sm a n: In e oil.

Preparatio and shallot. Slowly whisk in oliv p vinaigrette. rd 4 cu ta 1/ us in m , es inut tarragon ate tuna for 30 m eheat grill to medium heat. in ar M e. st ta to ray. Pr pepper ch ive oil cooking sp 7 minutes on ea Spray grill with ol ed through, approximately 5 to e. To arrange ok id Grill tuna until co r 2 minutes. Slice tuna and set as d ingredients la fo side. Let tuna rest serving platter, place individual sa vinaigrette. e with salad on one larg te mounds on the plate. Drizzle ra and tuna in sepa

HoneyBaked Ham and Shrimp Jambalaya

By The HoneyBaked Ham Co. www.honeybakedham.com

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 large onions, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 3 large garlic cloves, minced 1 28-ounce can ready-cut tomatoes with juices 1 cup diced HoneyBaked Ham 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken stock 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3/4 cup long-grain white rice 1 cup fresh Gulf shrimp (small) Preparation: Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, red and green bell pepper and garlic, and sauté until tender. Then mix remainder of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 20-25 minutes). Add 1 cup of pre-cooked fresh Gulf salad (popcorn) shrimp and mix well until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Serves six.

Shrimp Delphine

ing & Heavenly Ribs

By Chris & Carla’s Cater www.chrisandcarlas.com

Ingredients: (about 16 to 24), 1 ½ pounds jumbo Gulf shrimp peeled and deveined 1 ⁄3 cup clarified butter 4 tablespoons minced garlic 1 onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup dry white wine if possible 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh sley par h 2 tablespoons chopped fres Miller’s Magic Dust, to taste 1 cup of pasta medium heat. Cook garlic e. Heat butter in large skillet over asid set and imp shr se Rin : on juice; cook until shrimp Preparation Add shrimp, onions, wine and lem sley, pasta and Miller’s Magic ed. wn bro not but d ene soft il unt Add chopped par 1 or 2 minutes or utes on each side. Do not overcook. rse servings. are pink and firm, about 1 to 2 min h with lemon slices and parsley sprigs if desired. Makes 8 first-cou nis Dust and pepper before serving. Gar

The Mobile Area Chamber’s Seafood TaskForce promotes the Alabama seafood industry and Gulf seafood products. It monitors and addresses issues of interest for consumers.

Companies represented on the taskforce are: Southern Fish and Oyster, Atlas Cold Storage, Alabama Department of Public Health, State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

THEBUSINESS BUSINESSVIEW VIEW || JUNE JUNE2011 2011 THE

19 19

Alabama Exports: Continue to Rise Port of Mobile Sees Slow But Upward Trend

Top 25 Trading Partners for the Port of Mobile in 2010: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

China Republic of Korea Japan Mexico Italy Colombia The Netherlands Haiti Iraq Jamaica France Taiwan Norway Germany Russia Dominican Republic Kuwait Israel Spain Chile UK Georgia Belgium Turkey Brazil

Top 5 Trading Partners for Alabama products in 2010: Canada, China, Germany, Mexico and Brazil

20

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

I

n his January 2010 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI), a government-wide effort to promote exports and create a longterm economic growth plan to support and create American jobs.

During the Export-Import Bank’s annual conference a couple of months later, President

Barack Obama said, “We are rebuilding an economy where we generate more American jobs in more American industries by producing and exporting more goods and services to other nations.”

According to the Alabama Development Office (ADO), more than 300,000 jobs for Alabama citizens were supported by $15.5 billion in manufactured exports from the state to the rest of the world in 2010, up 24.9 percent from the previous year. In January 2011, yearto-date, Alabama exports were up 16.75 percent.

Top Alabama Commodities in 2010

Office of Governor Robert Bentley/Jamie Martin

Lyons attributes the substantial growth “If we continue on this path of in the steel sector for the port to the activity increasing Alabama exports, we will be generated by carbon and stainless steel in able to achieve the NEI goal of doubling production by ThyssenKrupp.

American exports in the next five years,” The ASPA supports the NEI by directing said the Mobile Area Chamber’s its efforts and energies toward better serving International Trade Director Tony van Aken. “This increase will support 2 million Alabama industries. Through improvements and additions, the ASPA continues to be an American jobs.” development agent by As a result of the global recession,, economic developme 2009 was a difficult ult year for promoting exports exp and jobs in Alabama. local exports, withh the creating job $360 million Port of Mobile’s public ublic A $36 investment in terminals down inv infrastructure 14 percent. The in port’s major iimprovements commodity wwith a new Transportation, equipment interchange, groups and their industries – iintermodal chemicals, minerals rail yard, cargo coal, lumber and ra and ores, forestry yard and forestry-related yar products and warehouse and products, poultry, ware cargo terminal grain and chemicals cals – other ca machinery improvements suffered decreases.s. In improveme were 2010. The port 2010, exports began an to come announced in 20 back slowly, ending ng with an 11 percent recently signed a contract for a second ship loader and hopes to have it operational increase. During that year, the Port of within 16 months. “This will increase our Mobile’s public terminals handled more export capabilities and fully capitalize on than 24 million tons and traded with 112 growth,” said Lyons. countries.

Like the Port Authority, the Mobile Area Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) Chamber continues to be proactive in Director Jimmy Lyons is confident Mobile increasing Alabama exports. In May, the exports will continue to increase. “We are Chamber partnered with the ADO and led a seeing a slow but upward trend line in volume and activity for the Port of Mobile,” trade mission to Dublin and Belfast, Ireland.

The Chamber will also lead missions to Brazil he said.

The top five commodities shipped from in August and the United Arab Emirates in October. For more information on either of the ASPA in 2010 were: these missions, contact Christina Stimpson, • coal, 17.53 million tons; the Chamber’s trade program manager, at • chemicals, 1.96 million tons; 431-8648.

• forest products, 1.79 million tons; • iron/steel, 1.40 million tons; and • grain, 1.27 million tons.

OPICO (Oppenheimer International) was one of eight companies recognized for trade excellence by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. Pictured with Bentley is Bill Oppenheimer, OPICO’s secretary-treasurer.

Mobile Company Recognized for

Exporting Excellence

Mobile-based OPICO (Oppenheimer International), a leading exporter of farm equipment, was among eight Alabama companies recognized by Gov. Robert Bentley for excellence demonstrated in exporting during a ceremony at the state capitol recently.

OPICO specializes in providing the most current agricultural technology to the world’s farmers through a network of importers and agents. Ed Oppenheimer, OPICO’s president, attributes the company’s success to its ability to stay on top of market trends and monitor worldwide conditions impacted by policies. “We leverage the latest in Internet technology to stay informed on both economic and political conditions,” he said.

Founded in 1946 by the late James Oppenheimer, OPICO moved from Augusta, Ga., to Mobile in 1951 and continues to this day under family ownership and management.

In addition to OPICO, the other recipients of the 2010 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards are: • Huntsville-based Baron Services Inc. • Irondale-based Creative Concepts • Huntsville-based Plastic Recyclers Southeast Inc. • Pelham-based Process Equipment Inc. • Ozark-based Quick Start Marketing LLC • Helena-based Scott Machinery & Supply Inc. • Falkville-based Valley Rubber “These companies have helped sustain and create jobs by taking advantage of markets outside the U.S,” said Bentley.

Oppenheimer added, “All we do is export. As international trade has grown, our business has improved. And as world agriculture incorporates equipment into planting and harvesting, it drives our business.”

The Governor’s Trade Excellence Award recognizes large, medium and small businesses as well as new-to-export companies from different parts of the state.

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

21

A New Home

for the Homeless W

aterfront Rescue Mission and 15 Place are joining forces to assist Mobile’s homeless population.

Representatives from the two agencies announced in March they will share a “purpose-built” location at Congress and Washington streets in downtown Mobile, increasing the value of their services.

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

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

A complete renovation is planned, including an addition to the former longshoremen’s hall. Behind the main structure, a separate building will be constructed for 15 Place that the organization will lease from Waterfront.

Waterfront Rescue Mission’s new building will sleep 120, doubling its present capacity. The two agencies will share Waterfront’s kitchen, serving 300 meals a day. Currently, Waterfront serves 200 meals each day and 15 Place 120.

In addition to eliminating duplication in kitchen services, the new facility will make better use of volunteer resources. “It just makes a lot of sense from an efficiency standpoint,” Waterfront Rescue Mission Executive Director Bill Bru explained.

The total cost for the project is $3.6 million, with $1.7 million already committed, including a $200,000 pledge from the city

of Mobile. The remainder of this year is focused on planning and fundraising.

“We’ve already started a capital campaign to raise that money,” said Bru. Construction will begin in 2012, with the facility scheduled to open in 2013.

Sharing Resources Waterfront Rescue Mission is a faithbased shelter offering substance abuse counseling and meals, while 15 Place provides lunch, personal care, transportation and health, special and referral services.

Both agencies often work with the same population.

The two agencies will maintain separate administration and organizational structures. Bru and 15 Place Executive Director Lyn Walters said no staff cuts are planned due to the cooperative venture.

“The best news is we will have a thought out and supported by the agencies’ purpose-built building, one that we can use boards while still attending to the needs of to its fullest potential,” said Walters. This the clients. “Done well, it preserves the includes designated space for the nurses culture of the agency and serves clients in a and nutritionists from the University of much more effective way,” she explained.

South Alabama College of Nursing who “Goodwill Easter Seals is a good example operate a Wellness Center at 15 Place. The of one that has accomplished that.” renovated building is also designed with Bru said the move fits in well with classroom space. Currently, Waterfront downtown Mobile’s current revitalization as Waterfront’s two Rescue Mission uses its Victorian homes and 15 chapel for classes.

Done well, it Place’s commercial space The agencies have preserves revert to zone-specific uses. referred clients to each other the culture of the The new location outside for years. Bru said the downtown commercial Waterfront sends people to agency and serves area will also ease 15 Place for Veterans clients businesses’ panhandling Administration services, in a much more concerns. Finally, the new mental health and physical effective way. neighborhood benefits issues. As neighbors, those from the renovation of an referrals will become more Joyce Collier old building and new convenient.

United Way of construction.

According to Joyce Southwest Alabama “I’m excited to have a Collier, interim executive On non-profit mergers. facility where we can easily director of the United Way of Southwest Alabama, the serve people so much more trend of nonprofits sharing efficiently, and bringing 15 resources started almost a decade ago, but Place just next door creates a homeless accelerated in the depressed economy. campus, handling the people we serve a lot Cooperative efforts and mergers may result better,” said Bru. “We’re trying to get them from efforts to better serve the client back as productive members of society, with population, expand current programs or jobs and the help they need. We’re not just extend a service area. feeding and housing – we have job While it may make sense economically, training and life training.”

Collier said mergers need to be well

RBC Bank is committed to putting your best interest first. Now and in the future.

The leaders you see here are the ones entrusted to making sure that commitment is met.

You can depend on their experience and expertise to provide you with the guidance you need to meet your goals. Now and in the future.

Bottom Row (L to R):

Top Row (L to R):

Michael Dennis – Regional Director, Private Banking – Alabama Mike Cadden – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets Cedric Hatcher – Regional President, Commercial Markets – S. Alabama Scott Stafford – Regional President, Retail – Alabama Dottie McKean – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets Jason Gross – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets

Michele Hand – Regional Retail Manager – West Mobile Matt Singleton – Relationship Manager, Commercial Markets Sam Morgart – Regional Retail Manager – Baldwin County Willson McClelland – Relationship Manager, Private Banking – Mobile Rena Davis – Relationship Manager, Private Banking – Baldwin County Rufus Hudson – Regional Retail Manager – East 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 | JUNE 2011

23

CEO profile

Misti Grantham Company: Kingdom Coach LLC Title: President Hometown: Athens, Tenn.

First job: Grantham worked as a pool care hotline operator for Olin Corp.

Previous experience: Before Kingdom Coach, Grantham was a bank teller and worked in accounts receivable for a payroll company.

Career-changing moment: Grantham’s late husband Scott was working for another motorcoach company when he came home from work one day and said, “I think we can run a business ourselves. We should be our own boss.”

He resigned his position, and the Granthams came up with a down payment and purchased their first bus.

Accomplishments: “We began Kingdom Coach LLC with one bus that we parked in a church parking lot. We now have 16 buses and a 15,000-square-foot facility located off I-10.”

The company is certified by the Department of Defense to transport military personnel. Grantham serves on the board of directors for the Alabama Motorcoach Association and is a member of the United Motorcoach Association and the American Bus Association.

Secret to success: “Minding our own business and always seeking God for wisdom in every decision we make.”

Brief company description: Kingdom Coach is a Mobile-based charter bus company that transports passengers to various destinations. The motorcoaches feature WiFi internet, satellite TV and reclining seats. The company also serves as a group travel planner and coordinates itineraries, including hotel stays, attraction stops, events and meals. It is the official motorcoach of Mobile’s Azalea Trail Maids.

24

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

Can employers lawfully decline to consider unemployed job seekers?

Given the practical problems and potential legal ramifications of declining to consider unemployed job seekers, there are a number of downsides to engaging in such a hiring practice. Employers may (and typically should), however, examine an applicant’s employment history, in part, to determine the reasons for an applicant’s separation from past employers. In doing so, employers should apply consistent standards and ensure that all hiring decisions are made based on legitimate business considerations.

Brad Adams and Kelly Reese are attorneys in Littler Mendelson PC’s Mobile office, located in the Riverview Plaza, 63 South Royal St., Ste. 901 and may be reached at 432-2477.

OR

SPECIAL T

DO

While federal employment discrimination laws do not explicitly cover the unemployed, the refusal to hire the unemployed may have a disparate impact on classes of persons who are protected by such laws (such as racial minorities, persons with disabilities and older job seekers). This was the point made at the EEOC’s recent meeting where William Spriggs, assistant secretary of labor for policy, presented employment statistics suggesting minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, are overrepresented among the unemployed.

IS

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently considered whether employers can legally not consider unemployed applicants, addressing what some have characterized as an “emerging practice” among employers to consider only the employed when hiring for available positions.

One reason used to justify this practice is the belief that less productive workers, or “poor performers,” are usually the “first to go.” Therefore, the unemployed are alleged to be inferior candidates to the currently employed. Some critics argue that such a one-size-fits-all approach does not take into account the fact that job losses, particularly given the economic conditions in recent years, frequently have nothing to do with whether an employee performed well while employed.

While there certainly are instances in which an employer faced with the need to reduce its workforce will eliminate less productive employees first, in many instances employees may lose their jobs for reasons having nothing to do with work performance. For example, an employer may close an entire location, eliminate a segment of its business or go completely out of business, any of which could result in significant layoffs. In other situations, layoff decisions may be based on objective considerations such as seniority that are in no way tied to performance.

Wholesale disqualification of the unemployed may result in the elimination of well-qualified candidates who were top performers. Such a practice could also subject an employer to bad publicity.

Aside from the practical drawbacks, there are legal considerations as well. While it’s too early to tell how this issue will play out under federal discrimination laws (many of which are enforced by the EEOC), it’s clear that the EEOC intends to increase its attention to this practice and may well challenge it in court.

Installation & Repair All Type Doors • Metal • Glass • Wood • Roll Ups • Security Gates • Specialty

Security Hardware Access Control

C

C

OAST SAFE & LOCK CO, IN DOOR & FRAME DIVISION

457 Dauphin Island Parkway “At the Loop” Mobile, Alabama 36606

(251)479-5264 AL State Lic. # 1102

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

25

Lease vs. Loan: Why Leasing Equipment May Be the Better Option Are you looking to invest in up-todate equipment for your business?

Instead of taking on the burden of a loan, consider leasing.

Not only does leasing help conserve cash, it also ensures companies don’t wind up paying for equipment that quickly becomes obsolete or unsuited for its needs. And if equipment is needed only for a short time or special project, leasing saves the hassle of having to be both buyer and seller.

There’s no limit to the type of equipment available for leasing, or the size of the company that can access it.

Even one-person operations can lease equipment. Unlike loans, leases generally do not require a down payment, although companies are required to finance the value of the

equipment expected to be used during similar to the cost of other financing the lease term. options when considering the entire Depending on the type of equipment transaction. and lease arrangement, Flexibility is another the company may also leasing hallmark. A be responsible for lease can be tailored to A lease is flexible routine maintenance fit month-to-month, and can be and other costs as well. seasonal or annual tailored to fit When the lease expires, cash flow needs. And the equipment goes if customers or the month-to-month, back to the leasing competition demand seasonal or company, completing the latest technology, annual cash the obligation. a short-term lease flow needs.

Leases are not loans, can help you get what so their costs are you need and keep calculated differently. your cash. Most leasing Payments on an operating lease are companies offer lease-to-own plans if considered an overhead expense that purchasing the equipment is in the best are deductible from business income. interest of the business.

Generally, however, the cost of leasing is

You can find qualified leasing companies for small business needs in the Mobile Area Chamber online membership directory, www. mobilechamber.com. The Equipment Leasing and Financing Association (ELFA), a trade group of leasing companies and financial services companies, has a special section explaining the basics of leasing options and benefits, loan/lease differences and leasing terminology at its website, www.elfaonline.org.

For additional help on this topic or for a confidential, one-on-one counseling session at no charge, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter at 431-8614.

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

investor

focus

Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency Inc.

Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency consists of, from left to right seated, Randy Fry, vice president; Gaylord C. Lyon Jr., president; and Ed Cadden, vice president. From left to right standing are Bill Goodloe, vice president; McCrary Otts, vice president; Bry Shields III, account executive; and Erling Riis, vice president.

Company Officials: Gaylord C. Lyon

Jr., president; Erling Riis, vice president; Ed Cadden, vice president; Bill Goodloe, vice president; McCrary Otts, vice president; Randy Fry, vice president; Bry Shields III, account executive Years in Business: The agency has 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.

roots back to 1905.

Brief Company Description:

Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency Inc. specializes in the property and casualty insurance business. The company represents a number of large companies in the area that write policies through the Independent Agency system. As one of the largest locally owned insurance agencies

in South Alabama, Lyon Fry Cadden has 29 employees who have been with the company for 10 or more years.

Why are you located in Mobile?

All six owners of the agency grew up in Mobile, Lyon said, and the majority of the agency’s customers are in Mobile.

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

“The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, under the very excellent leadership of Win Hallett, has proven to the community and its members that it can effectively recruit business and industry to our area,” said Lyon. “We strongly

support the Chamber and want the momentum to continue.”

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential?

“Mobile has many wonderful qualities, including waterfront commerce, shipping, beaches, good local government, a skilled workforce, tourism, mild climate and many successful employers,” said Lyon. “I think the greatest long-term potential for Mobile is the waterfront, including the port, transportation, shipbuilding and recreation along the beaches.”

Length of Chamber Membership: Since 1986

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

27

Chamber@work

Chamber Hosts Reception for Austal In April, the Chamber, in partnership with the city of Mobile and Mobile County, hosted a reception in honor of Austal winning the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) contract. In attendance were more than 150 members of the Chamber board of directors, Partners for Growth investors and Austal employees. The company is in the process of hiring an additional 2,000 workers at its local shipyard. Pictured above is a photograph taken during the company’s March groundbreaking.

Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings The Crossings at Cottage Hill Apartment Homes and Greer’s Market - Semmes recently held grand openings. If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribbon-cutting event, contact Kim Dale at 431-8649 or kdale@mobile chamber.com.

Minority Business Directory Completed The Chamber’s small business development department and Minority Business Center recently completed work on its Minority Business Directory. This printed directory is a comprehensive listing of all licensed minority-owned businesses in the area. To receive a copy, contact Brenda Rembert at brembert@ mobilechamber.com or 431-8607.

28

Richards Graduates from Management Program Danette Richards, director of small business development for the Chamber, received IOM status upon graduating from the Institute Richards for Organizational Management, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. During the institute program, Richards received 96 hours of intensive course instruction in nonprofit and chamber management.

Photo by Colonial Photography

Small Business Grant Sought After for Pilot Program In April, the Chamber applied for a grant with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to operate a Small Business Teaming Pilot Program at the Chamber. This program will fund projects to assist and guide teams of small businesses with much-needed training, counseling and/or mentoring activities designed to enhance their ability to compete for larger procurement contracts. The grant is expected to be awarded this quarter.

Chamber Staffer Graduates from Leadership Mobile Susan RakBlanchard, the Chamber’s director of communications Rak-Blanchard and marketing, graduated from Leadership Mobile in May. A program of Mobile United, Leadership Mobile is an eight-month program with a balanced mix of seminars, retreats and group project work. Rak-Blanchard’s small group project is aimed at recruiting additional participation from area businesses in Mobile Area Education Foundation programs such as Vital Link, a week-long intern program for eighthgrade students.

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

Demystifying the EU The Chamber’s trade division hosted 25 people for a “Demystifying the European Union” seminar to help participants achieve a better understanding of the issues involved in doing business and to establish and foster broader relationships with the European Union. Presenters included Russ Froneberger, Global Consulting & Affiliates (U.S.); Jim Goss, Baden-Württemberg International (Germany); and Lucy Hunt, Invest in Cornwall (U.K.). The seminar provided an overview of doing business in the EU and offered individuals an opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing.

Where to Find Business After Hours The Chamber set the locations for 2011’s remaining Business After Hours.

Business After Hours is held monthly, at a member business, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., usually the fourth Thursday of the month.

Mark your calendar with the following dates and locations: • June 23 - Virginia College of Mobile, 3725 Airport Blvd., Ste. 165 (See page 31 for details.)

• July 21 - Ashbury Hotel & Suites, 600 W. I-65 Service Road (held in conjunction with Contacts & Contracts) • Aug. 25 - Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel • Sept. 22 - Viva Medicare Plus, 907-G Hillcrest Rd. • Oct. 20 - Villa Dauphine, 3700 Dauphin St., Ste. B • Nov. 17 - TBA

Say G’day to Australia, Mate!

The Chamber is offering a trip to Sydney, Australia, from Sept. 19-28, with an optional four-day, three-night side trip to Fiji. Sydney is a very modern, bustling, energetic, cosmopolitan city known for distinctive landmarks such as its Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. Other places of interest are the Royal Botanical Gardens, various restaurants, shops and the multi-block, under-tent Saturday market. Cost of the trip is $2,599 with airfare from Los Angeles, or $2,999 with airfare from Mobile. The additional side trip to Fiji is $749 per person. If you’re interested in joining this small group of 40 travelers, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at 4318645 or lherndon@mobilechamber. com for details.

Chamber Spearheads Local Jobs Commission Meeting In March, the Chamber hosted Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and members of the Speaker’s Commission on Job Creation for a business exchange in Mobile. Chamber members Cheryl S. Williams, owner of Spherion Staffing Services in Mobile, and Denise Knox, owner and president of Private Gallery, serve on the statewide commission created to gather job-growth ideas.

Approximately 45 area business executives participated in this exchange and spoke on a variety of topics including small business healthcare deductions, state incentives for historic renovations, nonconventional funding sources and insurance challenges.

Chamber Wins Best of Show in Alabama PR Competition The Chamber’s communications and marketing team earned four top awards in the Public Relations Council of Alabama’s Medallion Award competition, and took home Best of Show as well. The Business View, the 2010 Annual Meeting, HowTheySeeMobileBay.com and the 2010 chairman’s annual meeting speech were all awarded Medallions.

HowTheySeeMobileBay.com, a website created by Lewis Communications, won Best of Show.

Chamber@work

Small Business of the Month Do you know a small business that deserves recognition? 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 in The Business View (see page 11) and presented with an award at the Chamber’s monthly board of directors meeting. Eligibility criteria and an online nomination form are available at www.mobilechamber.com/ awards.asp. For more information, contact Danette Richards at 431-8652 or drichards@mobilechamber.com.

Diplomat of the Month Lee Teague is a mortgage loan officer with Bay Bank and the Mobile Area Chamber’s Diplomat Teague of the Month. For more than 18 years, Teague has assisted prospects with preparing required documents for mortgage loan processing.

Photo by Jeff Tesney

Experienced Trainers and Speakers Sought The Chamber’s small business development department is accepting proposals from experienced trainers for topics and issues that specifically assist business owners (and managers). If you are interested in being considered as a business trainer for the Chamber, submit your proposal online at www.mobilechamber.com/rfp.asp.

WAVH FM Talk 106.5 Named Business Spotlight of the Month

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.

WAVH FM Talk 106.5 is the Mobile area’s only FM news/talk station. Programming includes a local morning show and nationally syndicated hosts. Local topics of interest and hosts can be heard daily. Weekend programming features topics including home improvements, auto repairs, gardening, travel, weight loss and more. Pictured from left to right are Sean Sullivan, Wayne Gardner and Bill Roth.

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

Ă–Ă–-/"),%Ă–!2%!Ă–#(!-"%2Ă–/&Ă–#/--%2#%Ă– -%2#%Ă– Ă–Ă–02%3%.43

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1 pm to 6 pm Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center FREE Admission with business card Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

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Business Resource Fair 1 pm to 6 pm Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center FREE Admission Sponsored by Alabama Development Office, Office of Small Business Advocacy

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6:30 pm to 8 pm Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel FREE admission THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

29

BOARD OF

Advisors

featured profiles

Baker

Harold

Spahr

D. Brent Baker is a member of the law firm Frazer Greene Upchurch & Baker LLC. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and a juris doctorate from The University of Alabama.

He is a member of the Order of the Coif and the Mobile, Alabama, and American Bar Associations. Baker concentrates in trial and appellate practice in the areas of medical and professional liability, commercial, products liability, insurance, environmental and personal injury litigation.

Brian L. Harold is director of APM Terminals (Mobile Container Terminal). He graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in finance. During his nine years with the A.P. Moeller Maersk Group, he spent more than two years working in intermodal transportation in Prague, Czech Republic.

Before arriving in Mobile, Harold was director of terminal operations for APM Terminals in the port of New York/New Jersey. APM Terminals owns Mobile Container Terminal.

Russ Spahr is Mobile Bay operations superintendent for ExxonMobil Production Co. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and a master’s in business administration from Rice University. He has nearly 20 years with ExxonMobil, and this is his third assignment with the assets in Mobile Bay in the past decade. Spahr serves on The University of Alabama Geoscience Advisory Board, Gulf Coast Exploreum Board of Trustees and the Mobile Area Chamber’s oil and gas taskforce, Offshore Alabama.

ExxonMobil is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Welch

Comparative

Economic Indicators

Dan Welch is vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Naval architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. A retired U.S. Navy Captain, Welch was vice president of engineering for Maersk Line Ltd. from 1999 to 2007, and vice president and general manager for BAE Systems Norfolk Shipyard from 2008 to 2010.

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.

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

March 2011 vs March 2010

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

Business Licenses City of Mobile

243,614 2011

237 2011

230,071 2010

328 2010

Unemployment Rates

Homes Sold Mobile County

9.6% 2011 11.3% 2010

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

297 2011 309 2010

Average Selling Price Mobile County

Value of Building Permits

$128,396 2011 $128,112 2010

$42,018,346 2011

Building Permits

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

City of Mobile

240 2011 425 2010

$17,121,724 2010

25,654 2011 23,840 2010

June Calendar of Events 8

14

Speed Networking Maximize your connections in a minimal amount of time – something all professionals aspire to. A new 2011 event, Speed Networking, will be held Wednesday, June 8, at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. from 8 to 9 a.m.

The cost to attend is $10, and payment is due with reservation. Only one representative per company.

Reserve your space by June 3. No cancellations will be reimbursed after this date.

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobile chamber.com.

15

GCTC Luncheon The Gulf Coast Technology Council will host its monthly luncheon on Wednesday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Original Oyster House on the Causeway. David Trent, site director at Airbus Americas Engineering Inc., will speak about aerospace technology.

The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members or $20 for potential members and includes lunch. Reservations are required, and cancellations after June 10 will not be reimbursed to cover the cost of lunch.

For more information, contact Laura Oppenheimer at 431-8636 or loppenheimer @mobilechamber.com.

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

21

Executive Roundtable

*Members Only

Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will meet on Tuesday, June 21, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room.

The speaker will be Liz Freeman, vice president of administration and technology at Long’s Human Resource Services. Freeman will discuss the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s IMAGE program and why it’s important to employers.

There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited.

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

23

Business After Hours Join Chamber members and diplomats Thursday, June 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours at Virginia College of Mobile, 3725 Airport Blvd., Ste. 165. This popular Chamber event is a great venue to introduce your company and make new contacts.

In celebration of the Chamber’s 175th anniversary, the cost to attend is only $1.75.

Reservations are not needed.

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

Women’s Roundtable There’s an app for that! This sentence is heard in numerous conversations these days, and at the next Women’s Roundtable attendees will hear more about apps and where to find them for every type of smart phone.

Sponsored by Cellular South, the Mobile Area Chamber’s bi-monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member women business owners and managers will meet on Tuesday, June 14, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Chamber’s Tricentennial Room.

There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited.

For reservations, contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobile chamber.com.

Get Positive Business News on Your Desktop Each Month to sign Whether you want ker or or -w co up yourself, a nt to wa or – e ye an emplo get to e fre its – n” “go gree lin on e.

The Business View

CONNECT with the

Chamber on the web

facebook.com/ MobileChamber

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com

mobilechamber.com/ chamberblog.asp

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youtube.com/ MobileChamber

iger at E-mail James Ge com er. mb ha ec jgeiger@mobil the to k lin the for and ask re to su Be . ue iss e lin on ture in include your signa ail. e-m e th the body of

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

31

Member News W N

Creamer

Dryer

Mobile Association for the Blind welcomed Tim Creamer and Tina Dryer to the agency. Creamer received a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama and is the call center marketing representative for the organization’s new, onsite inbound call service center. Dryer, a Phoenix native, helps people with vocational disabilities find jobs in our community. ; Mitchell Taylor joined the sales team of The Floor Trader.

Taylor has more than 15 years of floorcovering experience.

Taylor

SSI Group Inc. hired Brian A. Campbell as director of business development for its MedWorth subsidiary.

Campbell earned a bachelor’s degree in Campbell engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an advanced degree in business administration from The University of Alabama. ; Corey A. Blake joined New Horizons Credit Union as the marketing manager.

Blake received a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Blake graphic design from the University of South Alabama. ; Orion Engineering added four members to its growing team: Archie April, surveying manager; Michael Watson, business development/marketing director; and Phil Minter and Mike Anderson, project managers.

Norton Lilly International hired Rachael B. Smith as its new controller.

Smith, a certified public accountant, earned a bachelor’s Smith degree in accounting and an advanced degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama. ; University of South Alabama appointed Lisa Kavanagh as interim director of alumni relations. She replaces Carol Kittrell, who retired in March after Kavanagh 29 years of service with the University. Kavanagh received a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master's degree in public administration from the University of South Alabama. In addition, Dr. Joseph Busta will serve as interim executive director of the USA Alumni Association. ;

Herndon

Showacre

RBC Bank named Ginny Herndon relationship manager for private banking and Tersa Showacre banking center manager. Herndon earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama and has more than eight years of banking experience. Showacre earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bauder College and has more than 26 years banking experience. ; Tammy Clark joined Terracon Consultants Inc. Clark received a bachelor’s degree in design from Mississippi State University.

Clark Her career has been primarily in facilities planning at corporate campuses.

32

JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

Hays

Mabrey

Hank Hays was promoted to vice president - technical director for Mobile Paint Manufacturing Co. Inc. Hays has 38 years of service with the company.

In addition, Randy Mabrey was promoted vice president of manufacturing.

Mabrey is a third generation Mobile Paint employee with 42 years of service to the company. ; Victoria Wood and Lucy Beaven Cope are new agents with Roberts Brothers, The Real Estate Center.

Wood

B E Mobile Association for the Blind recently received a grant from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services to start an inbound call service center in its facility on Gordon Smith Drive. The organizations are also mutually working together to train the visually impaired, as well as those with various other disabilities.

For more information, call 473-3585. ; The Women’s Business Center of Southern Alabama is offering counseling in addition to coaching, by appointment only, at the Gulf Coast Business Support Center and other locations throughout lower Baldwin County. For more information, call 660-2725. ; WALA, WFNA and fox10tv.com announced the launch of W82TXT (Wait to Text), a community awareness campaign encouraging drivers not to text while driving. The campaign includes commercials, events, community partnerships, news special reports, Internet elements and grassroots marketing efforts.

The partners will also distribute W82TXT thumb bands to remind people not to text while driving.

Larson & McGowin Inc. relocated its Mobile office to 10 N. Florida St. to accommodate recent growth. The Mobilebased company provides a range of land management, on-demand decision support and consulting services. Larson & McGowin has eight locations from Texas to Georgia.

For more information, call 438-4581. ; John Dendy & Associates, Architects announced the completion of the North Mobile Health Center in Mt. Vernon. The latest Mobile County Health Department state-of-the-art clinic offers primary care services for all ages along with dental and WIC services for insured or uninsured with a sliding fee based on income and family size. ; The Mobile BayBears renewed its radio agreement all 140 regular and postseason games on ESPN Radio HD 107.3 FM HD-2. HD Radio broadcasting offers higher-quality audio and is now available on all Clear Channel local FM stations in Mobile and Pensacola. Fans can also tune in to www.BayBearsRadio.com for rebroadcasts. ; Bryant Robertson recently opened a logistics consulting company, InXpress.

The company provides logistics options for international express service and domestic freight for small to mid-size businesses.

For more information, call 340-7421 or visit www.inxpressusa.com. ; The Alabama Department of Homeland Security announced $1.4 million in port security grants to the Alabama State Port Authority, Mobile Area Water and Sewer System and the Mobile Police Department. Funds will be used to purchase surveillance cameras and tactical response vehicles and to upgrade the Emergency Operations Center at the Port of Mobile. ; Eagle Investigative Services is now open in Mobile as a private investigation agency. The company serves clients from its four offices in Mobile, Atlanta, Destin, Fla., and Biloxi, Miss. To contact them, call 800-234-3579 or visit www.eaglepiservices.com. ; The Gulf Coast Exploreum announced new programming for its summer science camps for students from K-4 through 12th grade. Programs are interactive, entertaining and educational, covering topics ranging from aviation to earth science. For camp dates, times and costs, visit www.exploreum.com.

W D

Heironymus

The USS ALABAMA Battleship has selected its crewmates for the 2011-12 year.

The Battleship Commission representatives are: Seirra Collins-Hampton, Holly Dodd, Amberly Elmore, Kim Gegenheimer, Katie Patterson and Madison Wildman. ;

Wheeler

Mark Hieronymus, a founding partner with Wilkins Miller Hieronymus, was appointed president of the Alabama Federal Tax Clinic Inc. for 2011. Hieronymus has more than 25 years experience in accounting and income taxation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in tax accounting from The University of Alabama.

In other news, accountant Micah Wheeler of Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Wheeler, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama, joined the firm in 2006. ; Dr. Judy Lipka of West Bay Chiropractic Center PC was named Southeastern Doctor of the Circuit. She represents a group Lipka of board-certified, qualified doctors engaged in the field of sports chiropractics. ; TAG/The Architects Group Inc. announced two award-winning projects: Spring Hill College Student Center, LEED Silver; and Saraland High School, 2011 Design of Distinction Award from American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Alabama. ; University of Mobile honored head baseball coach Mike Jacobs for his 700th career win at the university. Jacobs was presented a plaque in the shape of home plate.

Leslie C. Schraeder, director of marketing and public relations at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, earned certification as a Travel Schraeder Marketing Professional (TMP) after completing the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College’s threeyear program. Schraeder is one of 64 new TMPs.

Downey

Reed

Olson

Cone

Sharpless & Frazier

Falls

Power Co., Steve Russell, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce; Henry Seawell, Thompson Engineering; and Charles Wilson, Total Safety U.S. In addition, PEP awarded its 7th Annual PEP Environmental Stewardship Awards to five member companies and a Community Partner, Downtown Mobile Alliance, that have made significant and positive contributions to the Mobile/Baldwin region’s bottom line, economically, environmentally and socially. Stewardship awards were given to: Aerostar Environmental Services, Arkema, BASF Corp., E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co. (DuPont Crop Protection) and White-Spunner Construction. ; Kevin Morgan, of PlanFocus Financial Services, was awarded the first nationally recognized mutual fund designation, CFS (Certified Fund Specialist)

by The Institute of Business and Finance.

This graduate-level designation is the oldest designation in the mutual fund industry and is conferred upon candidates who complete an 135+ hour educational program designed to educate the advisor on modern portfolio theory (MPT), mutual funds, financial planning, asset construction, rebalancing and taxation.

Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS awarded its 2010 top sales associates at its Alabama Award Celebration. Coldwell Banker National Designation recipients were Hope Downey and Jeanie Reed, named to the International Sterling Society (top 20 percent world-wide); and Nickie Olson and Tutta Cone, were named into the International Diamond Society (top 15 percent). Olson and Cone were also recognized as the company’s top listing and sales agents for 2010 in Alabama.

Other top Alabama listing teams for 2010 were the Mansions Team – Barbara Frazier and Anita Sharpless, and Hope Downey Team – Hope Downey and Christine Falls. ; Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) elected representatives Avalisha Fisher of Driven Engineering and Bill Pfister of Austal USA to its board of directors at PEP’s annual membership meeting.

The board also named Deborah Simpson with Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals PEP’s Volunteer of the Year.

Stimpson has served on PEP’s Reverse Industrial Trade Show committee and on the membership committee.

PEP’s re-elected board members are: Gary Criscione, Evonik Degussa; Allan Gustin, White-Spunner Construction; Tom Damson, Long’s Human Resource Services; Bernie Fogarty, Alabama THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

33

George Walker of Hand Arendall LLC was elected president of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA).

Walker The organization brings together selected trial lawyers of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico whose practices consist substantially in the defense of claims at the request of insurance companies and selfinsurers. Walker is the first president of the association from Alabama. ; Dr. William E. Barrick, who has been the executive director of Bellingrath Gardens and Home since 1999, has been named the 2011 Barrick recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) Meritorious Service Award.

C N U-J Chevrolet partnered with Westside Athletic Association to support a community youth baseball program. The dealership will provide baseball equipment, instructional clinics, a monetary donation and an opportunity to raise an additional $10,000 in funds through a Chevrolet vehicle giveaway fundraiser. The effort by U-J Chevrolet is part of the Chevy Youth Baseball initiative rolled out across the nation. ; The Junior League of Mobile Provisional Class of 2010-11 completed the renovations at the Girl Scout house in the Roger Williams Housing Community and the Goodwill Easter Seals playground at Springhill Presbyterian Church. ; Mobile Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi unveiled and dedicated a historical marker commemorating the significance of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile earlier this year. The historical marker gives witness to passersby that the Cathedral Parish, established in 1703, is the oldest religious congregation of any denomination in Alabama and the Mississippi River Valley.

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JUNE 2011 | THE BUSINESS VIEW

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.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC ..........25

Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc.......34

Coast Safe and Lock ...............................25

Lagniappe ...............................................34

Community Bank ..................................26

Logical Computer Solutions..................10

DEX Imaging ...........................................7

Mensura Capital LLC .............................15

Gaylord C. Lyon & Co. Inc.......................6

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

Gwin’s Commercial Printing ................32

RBC Bank ...............................................23

Hand Arendall LLC ................................12

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

Anniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

35 YEARS

1-4 YEARS

Milton L. Brown Realty

25 YEARS BankTrust D’Iberville Apartments Jones Walker Ogden Construction Inc. Southeastern Natural Resources Inc.

20 YEARS Alabama Bulk Terminal Co. Coast Safe & Lock Co. Inc.

15 YEARS Alabama Telco Credit Union Bay Area Food Bank Cook’s Pest Control Dyson Plumbing Inc. Esfeller Construction Co. Inc. T. A. Hall Contractors Inc. Lawrence L. Merrihew McCrory & Williams Inc. Safety Source Inc. Transport Commercial Leasing LLC John G. Walton Construction Co. Inc.

10 YEARS ASF Logistics Inc. Celia Mann Baehr CFP Dauphin Environmental Equipment LLC Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Inc. Gulf States Engineering

5 YEARS Boan Contracting Co. Inc. Comfort Systems USA Southeast Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter Global PEO GLOVIS America Inc. Goram Air Conditioning Co. Ingersoll-Rand Gulf Coast Customer Center RE/MAX Realty Professionals Standard Concrete Products Inc.

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Camellia Trophy and Specialties Cape Travel Catfish Junction CG Railway Inc. Cori Yonge, Freelance Writer The Courtyard Manor DeLashmet and Marchand PC Diversified Industrial Supply Drama Camp Productions at Sunny Side Theater Elof Hansson Inc. Timber Division Emma’s Harvest Home Employee Liability Management Inc. EXIT Realty Alabama F & S Equipment and Supplies Inc. FedEx The Forum for Family Business Glusman Vision Center Grandview Pointe Apartments Gulf Coast Drug Testing LLC Jacobs Field Services North America Inc. McFadden Engineering MetLife Reverse Mortgage Microtel Inn and Suites North Mobile Mosley’s Meat Market Inc. National Community Development Services Northwestern Mutual Financial Network-Mobile Nudraulix Inc. Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP Residence Inn By Marriott Richardson Stevedoring & Logistics Shumock & Anderson LLC CPAs Signal International LLC Slaton Moving & Warehouse Smith and Wesson Security a Division of IET Cos. Sovereign Consulting Inc. Spoon Professional Landscape Inc. Stafford & Associates Inc. Strategic Business Solutions Technip Towne Place Suites by Marriott University of South Alabama Foundation Windmill Market W. B. Shedd & Co. Warbama Industrial Services Inc.

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.

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

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

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

All Around the House Inc. Rachel Irwin 4406 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 251-304-0007 www.allaroundthehouse consignment.com Consignment Gallery Alpha and Omega Processing LLC Dan Deyton 9599 Pleasant Rd. Daphne, AL 36526 251-366-8472 www.aopsales.com Credit Card Service American Medical Response Paul Odom 5236A Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36619 251-661-4231 www.amr.net Ambulance Service Eaton G. Barnard & Associates PC Eaton Barnard 1904 Dauphin Island Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36605 251-478-6899 www.ebarnardlaw.com Legal Batteries Plus George Bristow 2135 Thorntree Lane Palatine, IL 60067 847-397-1109 Batteries Fisher & Phillips LLP Keith M. Pyburn Jr. 201 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 3710 New Orleans, LA 70170 504-522-3303 www.laborlawyers.com Attorneys Gulf Professional Services LLC Beth Raines-Singley 600 Bel Air Blvd., Ste. 124 Mobile, AL 36606 251-895-8940 www.gulfprofessionalservices.com Janitorial Service InXpress Bryant Robertson 5228 Border Dr. S. Mobile, AL 36608 251-518-3107 www.inxpressusa.com Freight Brokers Jenny Craig Glen Wiggins 171 E. I-65 Service Rd. S., Ste. C Mobile, AL 36606 www.jennycraig.com Weight Control Services

Katoosh.com LLC Russell Tayler 7005 Remington Dr. Mobile, AL 36618 251-751-7520 www.katoosh.com Internet Marketing Law Tax & Business Services Inc. Willie Ann Law 201 N. Florida St. Mobile, AL 36607 251-478-1944 www.lawtax1.com Income Tax Service Life Coach Lisa Peasant LLC Lisa Peasant P.O. Box 850843 Mobile, AL 36685-0843 251-458-0887 www.lisapeasant.com Consultant Life Coach Millard Inc. Curt Mather 7730 Deer River Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 228-219-1209 www.millardref.com Marine Services PLANIT Technology Group Timothy Potier 11111 Roanoke Loop Daphne, AL 36526 251-802-5611 www.planittech.com Information Technology

Switchfoot Solutions Ronnie W. Tanner 3280 Dauphin St., B127B Mobile, AL 36606 251-767-1258 Internet Marketing T-Mobile Donna Sanders 3662-D Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608-1616 251-414-1325 www.t-mobile.com Wireless Communications Team Focus Sherrin Puckett 4328 Blvd. Park S. Mobile, AL 36609 251-635-1515 www.teamfocususa.org Nonprofit Organization Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors Ken Headley 1111 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. 230 Mobile, AL 36695 251-460-0453 www.waddell.com Financial Advisors Waite’s Cleaners Inc. Clifford Waite 2461 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607 251-473-4984 www.waitescleaners.com Cleaners As of 3/31/11

PNC Business Credit John Willis 507 Ocean Blvd., Ste. 203-A St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-638-8819 www.pnc.com Financing The Print Center Chuck Rogers 1125 Corporate Dr. N., Ste. 207-A Mobile, AL 36607 251-471-4424 www.thenewprintcenter.com Signs The Pugh Law Firm Brian Pugh 150 Government St., Ste. 1000A Mobile, AL 36602 251-654-2640 www.southalabamalegal.com Attorneys State Farm Insurance Brian Casey Brian Casey 2502 Schillinger Rd. S., Ste. 13 Mobile, AL 36695 251-634-4499 www.briancaseyinsurance.com Insurance

THE BUSINESS VIEW | JUNE 2011

35

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...ensures peace of mind.

For Bo Mattei, knowledge is a key component of his business strategy. He relies on Chamber forums, The Business View magazine and The Business View Weekly e-newsletter to see what other businesses are facing and find opportunities to compliment clients who are recognized. As one of 2,200 Chamber members, Bo has access to resources, exposure and networking to help Thames, Batré grow and make it thrive – and with his Chamber membership Bo says, he is prepared for whatever the future may bring.

Bo Mattei Thames Batré Mattei Beville & Ison 46 Employees Founded 1891

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