August 2010 The Business View

THE

BUSINESS VIEW

August 2010 | Vol. XXXXI, No. 7

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

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

n The Cost of Educating

Mobile’s Children

n See You Aug. 26 at

Get Connected

n Baby, It’s Hot Outside

Mobile AreA ChAMber of CoMMerCe presents

Get Connected Lunch

11:30 am to 1 pm Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

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The lunch will feature Colby Cooper Sr. Advisor to former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The cost is $25 for members or $30 for non-members. Reservations are required.

Call 431-8607.

Business Expo

1 pm to 6 pm Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Mobile’s premier business-to-business tradeshow featuring more than 200 exhibitors from diverse industries within the Mobile area. Admission is FREE.

Thursday

26th

Business Resource Fair

1 pm to 6 pm Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

August

A one-stop resource fair for small businesses to meet local, state and federal organizations specializing in management financial, procurement, marketing and technical assistance.

Admission is FREE.

Expo After Hours

6:30 pm to 8 pm Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel

Presenting Sponsor:

Network with area professionals and Expo exhibitors at the Mobile Area Chamber’s popular monthly networking event.

Admission is FREE.

Reed Fabricators & Welding Inc.

Aker Solutions Coastal Angler Magazine Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Svcs Commodore Steel Buildings Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC Community Bank Alacare Home Health & Hospice Cream & Sugar Allied Waste Services/BFI The Delta Institute The American Café Delta Sanitation of Alabama LLC American Weatherstar Deltacom Inc. America’s First Federal Credit Union Doctors Laboratory Inc. Anytime Fitness Dr. Chris Corsentino & Associates AQUAlife Water & Coffee Service Chiropractors Army Aviation Center Federal Faulkner University Credit Union Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter Azalea City Dental Gardberg & Clausen PC Bit-Wizards Custom Software Solutions Inc. Gulf Coast Bio Clean The Blake at Malbis Gulf Coast Pints LLC Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Business Innovation Center Park/Airport Business Personnel Solutions Inc./ Harbor Communications LLC The Payroll Source Hixardt Technologies Inc. Camellia Trophy and Specialties Honeywell International Candlewood Suites Mobile/Downtown The Hungry Owl Catfish Junction IKON Office Solutions CH Fulfillment Services LLC Kingdom Coach LLC Child Advocacy Center Inc. Leroy Hill Coffee Co. Inc. Club Sun Tanning Salon

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Long’s Human Resource Services Marriott ExecuStay/Suite Living Inc. Corporate Housing McAlisters Deli Media Services LLC Merchants Foodservice MetLife Minority Business Enterprise Center Mobile County Health Department Mobile Paint Manufacturing Co. Inc. Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Mobile Works Inc. Navigator Credit Union Office Depot Business Solutions Division Omega Properties Inc. The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co. Perdido Beach Resort Phoenix Fitness Principal Financial Group Profiling Solutions Reed Fabricators & Welding Inc. Reliable Staffing Inc.

Remington College Resources for Independence Roly Poly Ron’s Catering LLC Safety Plus Inc. Safety Plus Inc. d/b/a Safe Worker Alliance SB&T Bank Server Corps Service Corps of Retired Executives Somerby of Mobile SourcePointeHR South Alabama Regional Planning Commission SouthernLINC Wireless Spot of Tea Springhill Medical Center S.S. Nesbitt & Co. The SSI Group Inc. Studio Edge Display Group Tessa Pierce Agency VIC Printing & Signage Westminster Village YMCA of South Alabama Zebra Marketing As of June 18, 2010

for More inforMAtion, CAll 431-8638 or visit www.MobileChAMber.CoM/GetConneCted.Asp.

THE BUSINESS VIEW (USPS 952-700) is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951. www.mobilechamber.com Subscription rate is $24 annually. ⌦ Periodicals Postage Paid at Mobile, Alabama.

POSTMASTER send address changes to Attn: Finance Department THE BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2187 • Mobile, Alabama 36652-2187 or e-mail info@mobilechamber.com © 2010

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cori Yonge Additional Writers and Editors

THE

BUSINESS VIEW

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

FIND THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB facebook.com

mobilechamber.com/chamberblog.asp

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.

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On the cover: It’s time for the Mobile Area Chamber’s Get Connected – a day of networking and access to business resources.

Photos by Ashley Horn.

M O N T H LY F O C U S

F E A T U R E S

youtube.com/MobileChamber

Get Connected 2010: A day-long event for area businesses to make contacts, explore resources and get sound business advice.

Baby, It’s Hot Outside! Tips to keep cool as you move from work to play.

17-20 It all adds up – the first in a series of

The Business View articles exploring

where the Mobile County Public School

System spends its money.

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

linkedin.com Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce twitter.com/MobileChamber

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

ADVERTISERS Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC ................................13 Alabama Power ...........................................................21 BayFest .........................................................................34 BB&T ...........................................................................13 BM&O, Browning, Mecke & O’Neal LLC ...................24 CH fulfillment services .................................................6 Community Bank .........................................................9 Gwin’s Commercial Printing .....................................28 Hancock Bank .............................................................16 Impresario Promotional Concepts LLC .....................29 Infirmary Health System, Mobile Infirmary .............26 Infirmary Health System, Thomas Hospital .............27 Interstate Printing.......................................................31 JubileeScape ..................................................................7 Lagniappe ....................................................................24 Phelps Dunbar LLP .....................................................23 Mensura Capital LLC & Mensura Securities LLC .....26 Mobile Regional Airport .............................................35 Online Payroll Services Inc. .......................................28 Premier Medical Management ....................................9 RBC Bank ....................................................................11 Safe Archives ...............................................................28 Server Corps.................................................................29 United Way of Southwest Alabama ...........................10 WAVENet Technologies ...............................................25 Welcome Friends, Millie Sue Hawk ...........................11 Whitney National Bank ..............................................21 Windmill Market .........................................................13

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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News You Can Use – Positive updates for area and state businesses including U.S. Hwy. 98 construction, Austal, Mobile’s new shipping connection to the Far East, increased exports and resources, and Virginia College taking on more space.

ETC –Organizational updates and business briefs – Alabama leads in raising standards for public school educators, an annual study ranks the state’s economic visability; Alabama Power is

recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation; and a Chamber Chase update.

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Nominate an outstanding Mobile Area Chamber member company for the Small Business of the Year Award.

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Inspirational gospel preacher and entrepreneur Dr. Timothy J. Winters to keynote Eagle and Minority Business Enterprise Awards Dinner.

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Trustworthy, loyal and helpful, the Boy Scouts celebrate 100 years.

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Business Spotlight of the Month: metrobiz USA Inc.

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Diplomat of the Month: Saty Putcha, Padgett Business Services of Mobile

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Leadership Trip to Pittsburgh

Investor Focus: Grandbridge Real Estate Capital

29 CEO Profile: Greg Faison, Bay Bank 29 Board of Advisors Profile 30 Chamber@Work 30 Economic Indicators 30 Who’s in Town?

31 Calendar 32-33 Member News

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Small Business of the Month: Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering

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Anniversaries New Members

The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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NEWS You Can Use

Positive Business News When You Need It

New Shipping Route Connects Mobile to the Far East If you’re looking to ship containers to customers in the Far East, there’s a new route to consider out of Mobile. In May, the Alabama State Port Authority and Mobile Container Terminal LLC (MCT) announced a new all-water container service between the two points.

CMA CGM, through its division Terminal Link, is a partner in the 18 month-old MCT. The company added the Ports of Mobile and Pusan, Korea to its PEX3 (U.S. East Coast) service between the Gulf of Mexico and Asia. The new stops will Mobile Container Terminal and the Alabama State Port Authority announced a new also help grow business with shipping route to the Far East.

Korea and China.

MCT, despite a drastic downturn in business in the global container market as the Houston/Mobile/Miami/Jacksonville/Savannah/Charleston/ terminal was opening, maintained volumes and added new Tangiers /Jebel Ai/Singapore.

“This new service and others recently announced, along service calls to Northern Europe and Latin America. Brian with the area’s strategic location continue to build Mobile’s Clark, MCT director, said: “Not only does the CMA CGM reputation as a primary transportation and distribution PEX3 service offer a direct call from Asia to MCT, it also market,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s opens up new opportunities with service to the vice president of economic development. “It’s important for Mediterranean, African and Middle East markets where companies as they expand their customer base regionally, there were none previously from our port.” nationally and even internationally, to know they can get The new PEX3 rotation will be: Singapore/Hong Kong/ their product anywhere in the world, and it’s getting faster Chiwan/Shanghai/Pusan/Panama Canal/Manzanillo/ and easier.”

Exports Increasing Shipping abroad and small business export resources are increasing. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the nation’s exports are up nearly 17 percent for first quarter 2010. Alabama’s percentage increase for that same time period is up 23.96, according to WiserTrade, a foreign trade database. Vehicles and parts continue to be the state’s top exports.

“Steel, forest products and coal are doing well now and we expect that will continue for the foreseeable future,” said Jimmy Lyons with the Alabama State Port Authority. In July, ASPA launched a campaign to assure its customers the Port of Mobile was open without delays, and had plans on how to quickly handle ships that traveled through oil. To date, port officials say the oil spill is not affecting traffic.

In May, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched free tools to help small businesses succeed in the international arena. Small businesses now have access to a six-part podcast series, an introduction to exporting YouTube video and an online training course.

The podcast series found at www.sba.gov/tools/ audiovideo/Podcasts/ offers topics including: Developing an Export Strategy, Preparing for Global Markets and Conducting Market Research.

“Small businesses continue to look for ways to take their revenue to the next level. These SBA resources are a good introduction to help entrepreneurs decide if exporting is for them,” said Darrell Randle, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of small business development.

Tony van Aken, the Mobile Area Chamber’s director of international trade, said “We’re seeing more and more small businesses interested in expanding globally, and having much success at it.”

The Chamber schedules appointments with potential customers and officials in emerging markets during various trade missions throughout the year. The next trade mission is to Russia in October.

Virginia College Expands Square Feet and Course Offerings In response to its growing student base pursuing careers in nursing and cosmetology, and in anticipation of its new culinary program, Virginia College in Mobile recently relocated and more than doubled its space.

Now in the Mobile Festival Centre off Airport Boulevard, the 70,000-square-foot campus represents a $4.5 million investment. “The primary reason we’ve moved was to expand the retail component and expose students to a business model. For example, we plan to open a restaurant shortly, and our cosmetology students will get the same opportunity with a salon,” said Eric Berrios, college president.

The majority of the college’s 700 students are local and enrolled in medical programs. Berrios expects that number will increase as the culinary and cosmetology programs get under way.

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| The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

Joint High Speed Vessels Under Construction at Austal The U.S. Navy awarded Austal USA $99 million to purchase material needed to build the fourth and fifth Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV). On order will be propulsion engines, water jets, reduction gears and other major equipment items, each having long lead times.

“This award signifies the Navy’s continued commitment to the JHSV Program, and confidence in Austal’s ability to reliably deliver the predecessor ships on time and budget.

The long lead-time material contract award also ensures employment continuity for our workforce,” said Joe Rella, Austal USA’s president and chief executive officer.

Currently, Spearhead (JVSV 1) is under construction at Austal, and a keel-laying ceremony took place in July. In earlier times, the keel was the initial step of ship construction, and is a large beam considered to be the backbone of a vessel. Today, fabrication of the ship begins months before the units are actually joined, but the keel continues to symbolize the beginning of a ship.

“Austal continues to create jobs and train workers with marketable skills, and that’s important in any economy.

New jobs, new workforce training and new buildings – these show the shipbuilder’s continued commitment to Mobile,” said Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development.

Construction on JHSV 2 is scheduled for this fall, and Austal will begin building the JHSV 3 next spring.

The vessels will be a joint-use platform operated by both the U.S. Army and Navy, and capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts and exceeding speeds of 35 knots when fully loaded.

Editor’s Note: The Business View is reporting the BP oil incident through its weekly e-newsletter, The Business View Weekly, and on its updated web site, www. mobilechamberoilspillresponse.com. Click on the “Latest Updates on the Horizon Oil Spill” for real-time information that can impact your business.

In addition, the Chamber is also updating its social media sites: Facebook.com group: mobileareachamberofcommerce; Linkedin.com group: mobileareachamberofcommerce; and Twitter.com/MobileChamber.

With the magazine’s nearly two-month lead time, it is impossible for the Mobile Area Chamber to cover this issue with timely information in The Business View.

The Chamber staff and volunteers know this is a critical time for the entire Gulf Coast area and are working on behalf of its members, offering opportunities to meet with BP officials, and discussing procurement opportunities and positions on offshore drilling with its federal, state and local legislators.

To receive the weekly e-newsletter or periodic updates about the Chamber’s response to on-going issues, e-mail Judy Winfield at jwinfield@mobilechamber.com.

This is an aerial view of the first construction phase of U.S. Hwy. 98 over the Big Creek Lake watershed in Mobile County, with the roadbed either covered with a partial base pave or a crushed stone aggregate; and with permanent vegetation and grass planted. The Alabama Department of Transportation and Mobile Area Water and Sewer System have reached an agreement on how to move forward. Officials expect the project will be back underway early next year.

On the Road Again

U.S. Highway 98 Lawsuit Settled “The most important result of the recent Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) settlement as it relates to U.S. Hwy. 98 is that the project has been cleared to continue,” said Steele Holman of Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC. Holman serves as Transportation Coalition chairman, a group facilitated by the Mobile Area Chamber, representing various parties who want to influence local transportation infrastructure activity.

In May, Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) and ALDOT announced settlement of a lawsuit filed by MAWSS in 2007. The resulting agreement is for a portion of U.S. Hwy. 98 (being constructed from the Mississippi state line to just east of Glenwood Road) to be built using best management practices, minimizing the project’s environmental footprint and limiting impact to the Big Creek Lake watershed, the source of Mobile’s drinking water.

MAWSS Board Chair James W. Bell sees the agreement having far-reaching benefits for the community. “Our main concern throughout the process has been protecting the water supply, not just for our customers, but for future generations,” Bell said. “This agreement is something in which both organizations can take pride. It protects our water quality and the watershed by setting environmental protection standards that will be used for future state road construction in the watershed.”

ALDOT agreed to extend the Big Creek Lake bridge to a span of 1,700 feet, further reducing wetland impact; add containment systems for treating stormwater runoff and

MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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potential hazardous material spills; post signage directing vehicles transporting hazardous materials away from the new U.S. Hwy. 98; reduce the speed limit; minimize access in the watershed; and implement a highway access management plan for any future driveways or road cuts.

ALDOT spokesman Tony Harris said the department is in the design phase to accommodate the agreed upon changes and expects plans to be complete no later than early 2011. “We anticipate moving forward with construction fairly quickly after the plans are completed.”

“What has been lost in all of this,” Harris emphasized, “is that there have been 53 fatalities since 1995 on this stretch of two-lane highway, and moving forward is very much an ALDOT priority and we’re working very hard to complete the next phase.”

A major corridor, U.S. Hwy. 98 is important in transporting cargo from the Midwest to the Port of Mobile and is considered key to further growth of the Mobile Container Terminal.

Hwy. 98 has been a priority issue for the Chamber for more than a decade and the organization formed the Transportation Coalition in 2003 to resolve what was then a disagreement over widening the road.

“This has been a two-fold issue for us – our citizens in that part of the county have been very concerned about the number of accidents on that road and, second, it remains an important transportation corridor,” said Ginny Russell, the Chamber’s vice president of governmental affairs. “It looks like we have reached an agreeable solution and the project will be moving forward.”

The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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NEWS You Can Use

Positive Business News When You Need It

ThyssenKrupp Progress Continues

As the countdown to operations is eminent, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA recently reached another milestone. The quality lab, designed to ensure TK’s carbon steel meets customer expectations was completed.

The lab has equipment capable of slicing steel several inches thick in a matter of seconds and electron microscopes to see individual steel grains.

The first ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA coils destined for processing at the new site in north Mobile County were unloaded at the Alabama State Port Authority recently.

In May 2007, ThyssenKrupp announced it would build the new state-of-the-art steel and stainless steel processing facilities in Alabama. Once operational, the facilities will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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

Quality - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce consistently awards the Mobile Area Chamber its highest five-star accreditation.

Value - for as little as 83 cents a day, your Chamber membership yields a return in: • Business assistance; • Professional development seminars and counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests, and more.

– a Significant return on Your Investment www.mobilechamber.com You’ll see this symbol

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AUGUST 2010

with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

| The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

Imagine beauty in your bottom line.

After years of creating notable landscapes for area businesses, we know that you are looking for cost-effective ways to make a more favorable impression on your customers or stakeholders.We can help. Call us, then you can impress your boss with how much money you saved. Oh, you’re the boss? Go ahead, impress your CPA…then take a minute to smell success.

Call us at 251-626-5587 to discover how to

Make an Impression™ www.JubileeScape.com

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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ETC Alabama – A Pacesetter in Education When it comes to adopting policies designed to raise the quality of educational leaders in its public schools, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) says Alabama is a “strong leader.”

Atlanta-based SREB published School Leadership Change Emerging in Alabama, naming the state both a “pacesetter” in implementing reform and a “strong leader in adopting a cohesive set of policies” that raise the quality of school leadership preparation and practice.

The report reviews policies recommended by the Governor’s Congress on School Leadership, formed in 2004 by Gov. Bob Riley, and implemented by the state.

“The Governor’s Congress on School Leadership resulted in an unmistakable statewide paradigm shift to a firm belief that Alabama’s principals must be instructional leaders as opposed to school administrators,” the SREB report notes.

Where Alabama is Excelling: • Alabama received full points for its policies addressing leadership standards, preparation program redesign, field-based experiences for leader candidates and leader licensure.

• Alabama preparation programs work more closely with districts in authentic partnerships than preparation programs in any other SREB state.

• Previously, many teachers enrolled in the administrator degree programs to get the bump in pay for a masters degree. Now those enrolling are focused on becoming effective principals.

Where Alabama Needs to Improve: • University and local school district partnerships need greater development.

• Decreasing availability of resources to maintain reforms threatens long-term sustainability.

• Alabama needs a better data system that can collect effectiveness data on principals and provide that data to the preparation programs so that they can continually improve.

On pages 17-21 The Business View covers facts and figures of the Mobile County Public School System.

The Southern Regional Education Board named Alabama both a “pacesetter” and “strong leader” when it comes to improving the quality of educational leaders in the state’s public schools.

Alabama Power Honored For the 10th straight year, Alabama Power was honored for its tree-trimming practices, and was named a Tree Line USA Utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The award recognizes utilities whose line-clearance programs include quality tree care, annual worker training in tree-care practices and a tree planting and public education program.

Measuring Economic Viability A good labor policy and relatively low income taxes are two reasons Alabama is staying competitive, according to a report published by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a nonpartisan membership organization of state legislators favoring conservative policy.

Alabama was No. 17 out of 50 state’s economic outlook rankings, published in Rich States, Poor States, an annual study conducted to measure economic viability by the ALEC. Fifteen factors were used to determine the list, including personal and corporate income tax rates, property and sales tax burdens, debt service and recently legislated tax changes.

The study, however, points out that Alabama still has room for improvement, citing high workers’ compensation costs and a poor state liability system.

Top on the list were Utah, Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota and Florida. Among Alabama’s other neighbors, Mississippi ranked No. 18; Louisiana, No. 16; Tennessee, No. 10; and Georgia, No. 9.

“Our research shows that states with responsible spending and competitive tax rates enjoy the best economic outlook,” said Jonathan Williams, one of the report’s authors.

Chamber Chase Wraps-Up Volunteers wrap-up their efforts this month to bring in new members, sell sponsorships to Chamber events and sell advertisements in The Business View and Membership Directory for Chamber Chase.

The annual campaign is an excellent way for the Chamber to reach further into the business community through volunteer involvement, and educate area businesses on the Chamber’s mission and the various Bubba O’Gwynn (left) with BB&T is chairing this year’s Chamber Chase effort. Also pictured are BB&T team members: Janet Johnson, Charlene Reyes and Chris Jones.

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opportunities to get involved. Bubba O’Gwynn, area executive and senior vice president of BB&T, served as chairman for the campaign and led a total of 95 volunteers representing more than 48 companies. “It’s been exciting to work with all the volunteers and see them be successful with getting more companies involved with what the Chamber is doing” says O’Gwynn.

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MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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s

mall Business of the Month

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

Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering

Small Business of the Year Nominations Due The Mobile Area Chamber recognizes small business excellence with its Small Business of the Year Award (SBY). The winner will be recognized on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011, at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting at the Mobile Civic Center. The recipient will also be eligible for national competitions.

• Nominees must meet the following criteria: • Be a member in good standing with the Mobile Area Chamber; • Have a minimum of five years of business operation (as of Dec. 31, 2009); • Have 100 or fewer employees; • Show positive sales and employee growth; • Be a privately owned, for-profit entity; • Be headquartered within the Mobile metropolitan area (Mobile, Baldwin or Washington counties); and • Not be a franchise.

All nominees will be notified to confirm their participation and those wishing to participate will be sent a SBY application form. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Aug. 22. Completed nomination forms can be faxed to 431-8646, mailed to the Mobile Area Chamber, Attn: Small Business of the Year Nomination, P.O. Box 2187, Mobile, AL 36652 or submitted online at www.mobilechamber.com/awards.asp. For more information on nominating a business, contact Danette Richards at 431-8652 or drichards@mobilechamber.com.

Chris Miller (left) and Carla Miller (far right) cook with WKRG weatherman John Nodar during a demonstration on the station’s noon television show.

It took years for Chris and Carla Miller’s grade-school crush to play out.

Childhood sweethearts at the age of nine, the pair led their own lives through school and college and each eventually moved away from Mobile. But in a happily-ever-after story, the pull of Mobile’s Mardi Gras united the two in their hometown. They now own Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering, the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

“I was home visiting my family and my cousin told me he saw ‘my Carla’ just down the street during a parade,” said Chris. “I saw her and we’ve been together ever since.”

Chris started cooking at an early age, learning from his father, who prepared all the family meals. “There were 14 of us in the family so you had to fend for yourself if you were late for supper,” said Chris. With an obvious talent and natural ability for cooking, he was put in charge of cooking, for his working parents, making their lunches and dinners. Professionally, Chris worked in nursing homes and hotels and attended Carver State (now Bishop Sate Community College), studying the culinary arts from his instructor, Chef Levi Ezell, who also ran a catering business. Chris eventually moved to Ohio, where he worked for Stouffer Hotels, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and Campbell’s Soup, where he was head chef.

While Chris concentrated on creating food, Carla graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in accounting. She

worked first in auditing and later served as a district manager for an Arkansas congressman.

In 1997, the pair moved back to Mobile, taking their retirement and pooling their resources – his cooking skills and her business savvy – to open a restaurant and catering business in 1998. The couple eventually closed the restaurant and now concentrate on catering.

While their slogan is “Ribs so good you don’t need teeth to eat them,” Chris explained they offer all types of food requested for an event. “We did a breakfast for 200 this morning and tomorrow is a spaghetti lunch for 150,” he said.

“We can cater any event,” said Carla.

“We cook food with a passion and it’s all good and all homemade. Our services depend on what people want – Mexican, breakfast, ribs, anything – we can cook for anyone within a 100-mile radius.”

While Chris does all the cooking, Carla handles the other aspects of the business. She said she can cook, she just doesn’t. “There’s a difference,” she laughed. The pair employs between three and six other individuals, depending on the size of the event being catered.

Located at 3248 Schillinger Rd. S., the catering duo also rents their large yard and facility for reunions, weddings and other gatherings. The facility includes a sports bar and a pool.

For more information about Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering, call 458-5503.

Wishes should not include... food to eat, a safe place to sleep, a job for mommy, medicine for daddy.

PARTNER WITH UNITED WAY

BY PARTICIPATING IN OUR EMPLOYEE GIvING PROGRAM

United Way of Southwest Alabama has been serving the Gulf Coast region since 1926.

CONTACT PAUL GIARDINA AT (251) 431-0115 TO SEE HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN HELP IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY.

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10 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

Nationally Acclaimed Speaker at Minority Business Week Awards Welcome Friends/ Business Link Inspirational gospel preacher and authority on entrepreneurship Dr. Timothy J. Winters will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s annual Eagle Awards and Minority Business Enterprise Awards. The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 30 at Mt. Hebron Church Family Life Center and caps off Minority Business Week, recognizing the accomplishments of area minorityowned businesses.

Pastor of Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego, Calif., and a nationally acclaimed speaker, Winters is an authority in the area of entrepreneurial excellence for minorityowned businesses. He has completed extensive research and conducted numerous seminars in the area of entrepreneurship, Christian money management (debt-free living) and evangelism and discipleship.

Dr. Timothy J. Winters Darrell Randle, the Chamber’s vice president of small business development, said Winters will be a strong addition to an evening that celebrates the successes of local minority-owned businesses. “Dr. Winters has inspired entrepreneurs to identify their talents and pursue their dreams of business ownership,” he said. He is an entrepreneur

who has empowered others to find wealth and happiness through planning, hard work and perseverance.

Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the awards presentation is set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person for Chamber members, $55 for potential members or $500/$550 for a table of 10. For more information or reservations, contact Brenda Rembert at brembert@mobilechamber.com or 431-8607.

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5/7/10 6:08 PM

The Business View | AUGUST 2010

11

’10 Thursday, Aug. 26 Where can you make more than 1,500 business connections in one room? How about finding numerous procurement opportunities in less than an hour? To take advantage of this and more, attend the Mobile Area Chamber’s Get Connected 2010. Now in its third year, the half-day event will be held Thursday, Aug. 26., and will feature an economic development luncheon, trade show, resource fair and an after-hours event.

Starting the day, Colby J. Cooper, former senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, will be the keynote speaker for the Get Connected

Lunch sponsored by Aker Solutions. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, and the cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for potential members.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 431-8607.

Next is Business Expo, the area’s largest business-to-business trade show, presented

by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Convention Center Exhibit Hall. The free expo will feature more than 200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services. Admission is free.

Also from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall is the Business Resource Fair, sponsored by the Alabama Development Office, Mobile Works and the Chamber. A one-stop resource for small businesses to meet local, state and federal organizations, the event offers business owners and managers access to assistance in finance, procurement, marketing and management. Admission is free.

Exhibitors committed to the fair include Army Corps of Engineers, General Services Administration, Minority Business Enterprise Center, Mobile Works, NASA and the U.S.

Small Business Administration.

Finish up the day with Expo After Hours from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel. There is no charge to attend.

For more information on Get Connected 2010 including a full exhibitors list and sponsorship and booth opportunities, visit www.mobilechamber.com/getconnected.asp or call Kim Perrone at 431-8649.

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1 6 p.m. • Free Admission Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Exhibit Hall

Speaker: Colby Cooper, Senior Advisor to former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza rice $25 for members and $30 for non members reservations required. Call 431 8607.

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12 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

13

Baby, It’s Hot Outside W

e’ve made it through the first half of the summer, but Mobilians know August is the hottest month of all. (And it seems many of us have forgotten our desperate prayers for warmth during Alabama’s unusually frigid winter.)

As our routines jump from home to car to work to exercise to entertaining, to meals, The Business View editors with the help of a few Chamber-member businesses, developed this guide to help you stay cool.

HomE

ExErcisE

Whether you start your day or end it with a workout or try to fit it somewhere in between, it is still important to stick to an exercise routine no matter what the weather, says Garrett Williamson with Personal Edge Fitness.

His number one tip for the heat – stay hydrated. Williamson said for serious exercisers, it is important to know your sweat rate so you know how much extra

liquid you need to replenish. According to active.com, the easiest way to measure your sweat rate is to weigh yourself without clothes on before exercising for one hour. After an hour of exercise, return home, strip down and weigh yourself again. Your weight loss is your sweat rate.

For each pound lost, you lost 15.4 oz. of fluid.

Other tips from the American College of Sports Medicine are: drink water two hours before you exercise and drink at regular intervals during exercise.

If you’re exercising outside, avoid the mid-day, use sunscreen and wear a light colored hat to protect yourself from the sun. And for all workouts, Williamson said choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing designed to breathe and wick away moisture.

Alabama Power offers a variety of energy-saving tips.

Here are a few from the company’s customer newsletters – replace dirty air filters; have your cooling system professionally serviced; install a programmable thermostat; close draperies or blinds on windows; use a ceiling fan or room fan; add attic insulation; apply weather stripping and caulking where needed; use the microwave instead of the oven.

Less familiar ideas include: unplugging or switching off electronics when you’re not using them; doing laundry at night; and changing to CFI light bulbs (they put off less heat and are more energy efficient).

Outside the home or office, plants and shrubs can also save energy.

It’s called enviroscaping, and is one of the “hottest,” or in this case “coolest,” trends in commercial landscaping, says Robin Luce with JubileeScape. And with strategic placement along your southern exposure trees like a fig, ginko or even birch will provide shade in the summer and can cut energy use up to 30 percent. Luce also suggests using groundcover or new porous pavement options, citing that temperatures may be 15 to 25 degrees hotter over asphalt or concrete.

Instead of a traditional sprinkler system, JubileeScape installed rain barrels and connected a drip system to the barrels at Bel Air Mall.

14 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

WHat to Eat As temperatures swell outside, we all know the value of staying hydrated. Part of keeping cool is eating light as well, and incorporating more fruit, vegetables and salads in our diets. Hearty lettuce salads

with sliced cold cuts, and a vinaigrette dressing served with a side of fresh watermelon is a crowd pleaser for any meal, and will keep you much cooler than a bowl of hearty soup for a meal.

Josie’s Shrimp Salad

Recipe provided by Mobile ARC.

1/2 lb medium size shrimp 1 head of hydroponic bibb lettuce 1/2 sweet onion Two tbs. shredded parmesan cheese 1 tbs of olive oil (For sauteing the shrimp)

To prepare the croutons mix the olive oil, Italian seasoning, cheese, salt, pepper and garlic in a large bowl. Quickly toss the bread cubes in and stir lightly making sure all the cubes are coated with the oil mixture. Place the cubes on a cookie sheet and bake at 450 until golden brown. About 10 to 15 min.

Turn oven off and leave croutons in until just before serving the salad.

Croutons 1 cup of bread cut into small cubes (Any type of bread is fine.)

2 tbs. olive oil 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp. garlic 1 tbsp parmesan cheese salt and pepper to taste Marinade for shrimp 1 tbs olive oil 2 tbs worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. crushed or minced garlic salt and pepper to taste Salad Dressing 3 tbs. Olive Oil 1 tbs. Basaltic Vinegar 1/2 tsp. crushed or minced garlic salt and pepper to taste

Wash and dry the lettuce and onion and cut into bite size pieces. In a bowl mix all the ingredients for the shrimp marinade. Peel and wash shrimp. Place shrimp in the bowl with the marinade and stir until all of the shrimp are coated. Let the shrimp marinate while preparing the salad dressing. Mix all dressing ingredients together and set aside.

In a skillet on high, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. When the skillet is hot, pour shrimp and marinade in and cook for three to five minutes stirring frequently. The shrimp are done when they turn pink. Mix the lettuce, onion, parmesan cheese and dressing together. Place salad in two serving bowls and top with the shrimp and croutons.

PlaY insidE Even though temperatures outside can rise to triple digits, kids are notorious for catching cabin fever if they stay inside too long. Active indoor activities for kids in Mobile are available, including Chamber member companies Pump It Up and Pete’s Party Castle.

Paula Mount, owner of Pump It Up, is a big fan of active fun and suggests local bowling alleys and skating rinks also have special summer activities for kids; and, of course, Pump It Up offers free-play and parties seven days a week.

Other local indoor activities include the Mobile Public Library, with nine locations in the Mobile area; the Gulf Coast Exploreum and museums, including Chamber members the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Conde-Charlotte Museum House, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Mobile Carnival

Mobile Public library

Museum, Mobile Medical Museum, Mobile Museum of Art, The Museum of Mobile, the Mobile Police Museum, the National African-American Archives Museum, Oakleigh Historic Complex, Pheonix Fire Museum and the Richards DAR House Museum. Many offer free admission and all offer interesting and educational information.

in Your car

Work Staying cool and still looking professional is more of a challenge for females. Most workplaces in the South have abandoned the rule on hosiery but fashion experts, like Mimi Gwin with Metzger’s, agree hemlines should at least graze the knee. Bare legs in the workplace need a moisturizing lotion (and maybe one that adds a bit of color) and a little dressier shoe with a heel, she advises.

Gwin says that third piece is still the best way to keep a professional look even when it’s hot.

Remember to choose breathable and lightweight fabrics. It doesn’t have to be a lined jacket, even a cotton, ruffled shirt, bolero jacket or sleeveless cardigan adds a classic look, she says. Dresses are also very popular this year. For them, Gwin says add accessories and a great shoe, like a peep-toe or sling-back or sandal.

Being in a car in Mobile’s hot summer weather can be dangerous unless you take the proper precautions. According to eHow.com, obvious ways to keep your car cool include parking in the shade and using a sun screen on your front windshield. If you have to travel during the day, the web site suggests drinking plenty of fluids, traveling early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler and taking a spray bottle of water and ice or a wet rag to stay cool.

Other less obvious ways to keep your car cool and running properly come from Jimmy Baehr with Baehr Automotive Service Center Inc. According the Baehr, when you first crank your car run the air conditioner on re-circulate. “It takes the inside air and re-cools air instead of pulling air from outside,” said Baehr. He also suggests checking the air conditioning’s coolant and cleaning the air conditioning drain from outside debris that can clog up the air intake.

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

15

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we call home.

The Gulf South is known for its natural beauty, its resilience and people who take great pride in their families and their communities. What a privilege to be part of all this for over 110 years, and today to call Mobile and the Eastern Shore home. We’re here to help families and businesses reach their financial goals and dreams, and that includes yours. Let’s talk soon about the values we share and the future we can build together.

Stop by any of our convenient locations in Mobile and the Eastern Shore or visit hancockbank.biz today.

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16 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

The TruTh AbouT Public School Funding

It All Adds Up –

The Truth About Public School Funding The Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) operates under a budget of nearly $437 million annually. But where does all that money come from, and how is it being spent? Taxpayers often assume their dollars are being spent one way, but according to The Business View research, assumptions do not always equal facts.

Over the next nine months, The Business View aims to show its readers different facets of the school system to overview a variety of topics, including the successes and challenges of operating a system of its size. The ultimate goal is to provide readers with information so that Mobile County residents can make an educated decision before voting on tax renewals in 2011. Voters will be asked to renew three ad valorem taxes originally levied in 1915, 1942 and 1945. These three

funds generate $53.4 million annually for both the Mobile County System and Saraland City Schools, as you will see in the below information, and subsequent stories.

To help Mobile County residents better understand the school system’s annual budget, MCPSS created a user-friendly book called, “A Citizen’s Guide to the Mobile County Public School System Funding – Where We Are, and Where We’re Going.”

Portions of this guidebook are reprinted on the following four pages. The Chamber has additional copies of the complete report, available for pick-up at 451 Government St., or readers can contact Nancy Pierce, MCPSS communication supervisor, at npierce@mcpss.com to receive an electronic version.

Mobile County is

Alabama’s largest school system

Just how big is the Mobile County Public School System?

With an enrollment of just over 64,000 students, MCPSS is the largest school system in the state of Alabama and the 56th largest system in the U.S. MCPSS serves all areas of Mobile County, aside from the city of Saraland.

MCPSS operates a fleet of 690 buses, serves approximately 62,000 meals per day, maintains 9 million square feet of facilities, manages 21,000 plus acres of property covering 1,644 square miles, and provides 7,723 jobs all with an operating budget of $437 million.

Mobile County - 64,202 students Jefferson County - 35,843 students Montgomery County - 31,681 students Birmingham City - 27,525 students Shelby County - 27,793 students Baldwin County - 27,000+ students *As reported on each system’s web site as of June 2010

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

17

The TruTh AbouT Public School Funding Most of the Mobile County Public School System’s full-time and part-time employees (88.6 percent) work inside the schools, or provide direct services to its 64,000plus students. Of these employees, more than half are teachers. The remainder are employees who do not work in the schools, or provide direct services to students, such as maintenance workers, central office staff and As of May 2010 accounting services (11.4 percent).

How many employees provide direct services to

students?

School-Based Staffing

Classroom Teachers

Clerks, Nurses & Bookkeepers

481

302

?

Who we spend school funds

551

659

Custodians

decides how

food Service Workers

Aides & Speech Assistants

4,240

Many individuals, legislative bodies and local schools decide how MCPSS money is spent.

Some of the people making these decisions are:

Principals & Assistant Principals

195

library & Other Certified Personnel

• The U.S. Congress and President, decide how much federal money to spend on education, how to divide it up among states and districts and what conditions apply.

• The Alabama State Legislature and Governor decide how much state money to spend on schools, how to allocate that money to local districts, and what conditions apply. Since more than half of school funding comes from the state, their role is more important than many people realize.

• The MCPSS Board of School Commissioners adopts a budget and presents it to the public.

18 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

160

Bus Drivers

592

Counselors & Others

133

• Superintendent Dr. Roy Nichols and other MCPSS staff draw up the budget each year and present it to the school board.

• School principals, staff and advisory committees make budget

decisions at the local school level.

The TruTh AbouT Public School Funding

5

4

3

2

1

on investments and charges for services.

State Revenue 52%

Local Revenue 22%

10

Local revenue – Local tax revenue, grants from local agencies, earnings

9

state appropriations.

Other revenue – Various revenues coming from local schools (admission to sporting events, concessions, fund raisers, etc.), E-Rate (discounts to schools for affordable telecommunications and Internet access), child nutrition program rebates, transportation charges, indirect costs, bond proceeds, insurance loss recoveries and revenue from auctions of equipment.

8

State revenue – Funds received from the Education Trust Fund and other

federal programs such as: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, No Child Left Behind and Child Nutrition Program.

7

come from

Federal revenue – Monies originating from federal government agencies and

6

?

Where does school funding

Other Revenue Federal Revenue 20% 6%

Salaries & Benefits

?

Where does the

Mobile County Public School System Spend its money

Educating children costs more than just paying teachers, books and supplies.

So where does the system spend all of its money?

67.06%

$ $

$ $

$ $

$

Debt Service

Utilities

3.95%

Materials & Supplies

5.969%

13.37% Books & Instructional Materials

Capital Outlay

2.67%

.89%

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Purchased Services

$

6.37%

The Business View | AUGUST 2010

19

The TruTh AbouT Public School Funding

What does it cost to keep our schools running?

Facilities Maintenance and Operations ($40 million)

The Facilities Divisions’ day-to-day operations and responsibilities cover all new construction, additions, renovation, maintenance and property/land management. The division maintains over 340 buildings, covering more than 9-million-square-feet, and manages more than 21,000 acres of property, including 18,000 acres of timber. MCPSS is also the largest system in the state geographically, covering 1,644 square miles.

Transportation ($34 million)

MCPSS operates the largest student transportation system in the state and one of the largest in the country. It provides transportation to more than 26,000 students each day, on 561 bus routes. Buses travel more than 18,650 miles daily. There are five transportation shops located across the county to provide a faster response to maintenance issues.

North Carolina $7,883

Arkansas $8,284

Alabama $8,391

florida $8,514

Per Pupil Expenditure Averages Across the Southeastern United States

South Carolina $8,533

Mobile County $8,478.30

Montgomery County $8,735.38

Jefferson County $8,849.46

Shelby County $8,853.61

Baldwin County $9,361.00

Birmingham City $10,024.08

Huntsville City

$10,100.23

Per Pupil Expenditures Across the State

louisiana $8,928

expenditures

Georgia $9,127

Per pupil

Below is a comparison of the amount of revenue spent per pupil in some of the metro school systems across the state, and on a second chart, how much Alabama spends on average in comparison to its Southeastern neighbors. The first chart is based on a 2008-09 annual report from the Alabama State Department of Education. The second is based on information obtained from a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau report on per-pupil spending.

Providing a quality education is the main function of MCPSS. Behind the scenes are employees who take care of everything from buildings to buses, burgers to bandages, boiler rooms to ball fields.

Also employees are providing security, tracking supplies, wiring computers, managing legal and business affairs and providing professional development for teachers. Here is a snapshot on how money is spent in non-instructional areas, and their dollar impact on the system’s overall budget.

Information Technology ($8.8 million)

The division of Information Technology Services is funded through local sources, capital funds and grants. Its goal is to build a network infrastructure preparing schools for 21st century learning. With this project nearing completion, the division has developed a plan surrounding technologies such as interactive white boards, document cameras, response clickers and teacher laptops. The plan is to have all 4,000 classrooms completely equipped with this technology within the next two years and fully-integrate the technology into all teacher’s curriculum.

20 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

School Safety ($2.1 million)

MCPSS operates one of the state’s largest in-house security service departments.

The security department operates 365 days a year, 24/7, providing resource officers who investigate any crimes committed by students, employees or others on system grounds; security officers to address property crime; and a security services department to deal with crime through prevention strategies and data analysis while working with city police officers and the sheriff’s department.

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3/8/10 2:19 PM

In which direction should your fan blow?

MONEY SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No. 20

BECOME A FAN OF THE FAN.

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

By Jamie Sandford Alabama Power Company

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

If you ask me, ceiling fans are one of the

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

most underrated, underutilized energy will make a big difference on your power bill.

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

efficiency devices. And yet they can make In fact, each degree above that can decrease a room feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler than the your power bill significantly. Wow. Now you setting on the air conditioner. Now, we know why I’m such a fan of the fan.

Don’t touch that dial.

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

recommend keeping your thermostat set on 78 in the summer. Some people find 78 to be a little too warm. But with a ceiling fan, you

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

can keep that thermostat on 78 and the room will feel like it’s on 74 or 75.

In the winter, you want those blades rotating in a clockwise direction, which causes the hot air up near the ceiling to be redistributed to lower parts of the room. ©2010 Alabama Power Company

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5/25/10 3:21 PM

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

21

Boy Scouts Celebrate 100 Years

T

he Boy Scouts have long been known for telling tales around the campfire. But perhaps their best story dates back a century when Chicago newspaper publisher W.D. Boyce lost his way on a london street and was escorted to his destination by a young British scout.

According to Doug Johnson, Eagle Scout and master of ceremonies for a recent Mobile Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Golden Eagle Dinner, the encounter inspired Boyce to organize the Boy Scouts of America in 1910.

Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the organization has grown to encompass more than 2.9 million youths and 1.2 million adult volunteers nationwide.

Locally, the Mobile Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America was chartered

in 1925 by the National Council and Staffers fot the Boy Scouts summer camp at the Maubila Scout Reservation in north Mobile County are pictured above. The Boy Scouts incorporated in the state of Alabama. The are celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. local council serves more than 7,000

youths in Mobile, Baldwin, Washington and Clarke counties and includes 226 Cub values they learned in scouting continue Scout packs (ages 7-10), Boy Scout troops to be very important to them,” according to (ages 11-17), co-ed venture crews (ages the Boy Scouts and a study conducted by 14-20) and explorer posts.

According to the Better Business Bureau, Harris Illustrated in 2005, Michael J. Hartigan, scout executive the National Council is incorporated as a for the Mobile Area Council, said he believes 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and is funded from private donations, membership in scouting because it makes a positive difference through its dues, corporate Scout Oath core values and sponsors and special activities in the lives events. In 2005, the On my honor I will do my best to of youth and families BSA ranked as the do my duty to God and my country in southwest Alabama.

12th largest nonprofit and to obey the Scout Law; As a teenage scout in organization in the to help other people at all times; Florida, Hartigan U.S., with total to keep myself physically strong, revenues of mentally awake, and morally straight. earned Eagle Scout status, the highest $665.9 million. advancement rank Over the years, in scouting and a the organization has Scout Law performance-based helped boys (and A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, achievement girls) make ethical helpful, friendly, courteous, earned by decisions and achieve kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, Boy Scouts at the Maubila Scout reservation raise the American flag to start a new day of approximately their full potential by brave, clean, and reverent. activities. five percent of all instilling the values Boy Scouts. of the Scout oath and For the more than 7,000 local scouts, Scout law while building friendships and youth and has been involved in a scouting news of Pinetreat’s acquisition as a way to the Mobile area offers youth retreats at the having fun. business-to-business relationship for seven further promote scouting activities.

Maubila Scout Reservation in Jackson, Ala. “Scouting provides youth with an “Mobile is special because the community years. “I feel the Boy Scouts help teach and and the newly announced Camp Pinetreat, opportunity to try new things, provide has a long history of supporting scouting,” instill core values along with building great a former Presbyterian Church camp in service to others, build self-confidence character in the lives of our youth,” Hartigan said. “The people of Mobile rural Baldwin County with more than 162 and reinforce ethical standards. These believe strongly in traditional family values explained Travis. “The community should opportunities not only help them when they acres. Camp Pinetreat will serve as a local and the principles of scouting for our young support the Boy Scouts because in turn, camp offering sleeping lodges, restroom are young, but carry forward into their they will support our community as adults people…all ages, both young men and facilities, dining hall, climbing wall, ropes adult lives, improving their relationships, and become potential leaders of our young women of all social backgrounds.” course, swimming pool and more. their work lives, their family lives, and the community.”

Local scout volunteer Mark Travis, values by which they live. In fact, 83 percent According to Hartigan, the local scouting For more information, call 251-476co-owner of MH3Printing, agreed with population has enthusiastically embraced of men who were Scouts agree that the 4600 or visit www.bsamac.org.

Hartigan. Travis, was a Boy Scout as a 22 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

Sweet Home.

We are pleased to announce that Lyons, Pipes & Cook joined Phelps Dunbar LLP in Mobile, Alabama, and we welcome the following attorneys to the firm.

Partners:

Counsel:

Associates:

Barry W. Andrews Britten L. Britt Walter M. Cook, Jr. Todd L. Denison William J. Gamble, Jr. Thomas F. Garth Allen E. Graham Richard B. Johnson Joseph J. Minus, Jr. A. Kelly Sessoms, III Cooper C. Thurber

Caroline C. McCarthy William E. Shreve, Jr.

Jordan W. Gerheim Sherri R. Ginger Lara B. Keahey Robert C. Matthews Meegan B. Nelson Phillip L. Norwood J. Day Peake, III Bradley R. Sanders, Jr. Monica E. Soderlund Ashley E. Swink A. Grady Williams, IV

Of Counsel: Marion A. Quina, Jr.

P HELPS DUNBAR

LLP

2 North Royal Street Mobile,Alabama 36602-3802 251.432.4481 phelpsdunbar.com

Louisiana

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MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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usiness Spotlight of the Month

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

metrobiz USA Inc.

Located at 5401 Cottage Hill Road, Suite D, metrobiz USA (formerly citybiz USA) specializes in custom web design, creative graphic design, advertising and Internet optimization. Inset photo from L to R: Robin Coates, digital illustrator; Jennifer Chinnis Lawley, North Alabama sales director; Patrice Smith, Gulf Coast sales director; Pamela Gayles, president/CEO

Owners: Pamela Gayles Location: 5401 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. D Member since: 2009 Brief description of business: metroBiz USA Inc. is a full-service web-based marketing firm headquartered in Mobile. The company operates in seven cities in three Gulf Coast states and specializes in custom web design, creative graphic design, advertising and Internet optimization. Additional services include printing, advertising specialties, outdoor signage, banners, vehicle graphics, screen-printing and embroidery.

What is unique or innovative about your business? “metrobiz USA is pioneering the new wave of business promotion,” said Gayles. “We provide a turn-key marketing solution for existing businesses of any size as well as designing plans for startups. We do this in a most innovative, creative and cost-effective manner that fully integrates the client’s vision with today’s most effective avenues of exposure.”

Most significant challenge: “Because we have such a dynamic and creative team, we don’t entertain obstacles, we simply turn them into opportunities for excellence,” explained Gayles. “This approach has provided an opportunity to convey our full gamut of capabilities to our future clients.”

Phone number: 378-5110

Web site: www.metrobizmobile.com

Photo by Jeff Tesney

D

iplomat of the Month

Saty Putcha

Described as a “wonderful volunteer,” Saty Putcha with

Padgett Business Services of Mobile was named the Mobile Area Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month. Padgett Business Services provides financial, payroll and tax services to businesses in the Mobile area. Putcha and his wife own the Mobile franchise.

A Chamber volunteer since November 2009, Putcha first became involved with the Chamber as a member to help his business accomplish some of its short- and longterm goals for success. Later, he said he joined the diplomat program to, “give me a better opportunity to meet people and network.”

Putcha’s favorite events include Business After Hours and Business@Breakfast.

24 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

The Chamber’s 23rd Annual Leadership Trip was held June 6-8 in Pittsburgh. While there, the 68 participants heard from local experts on green building and brownfield redevelopment, as well as energy and technology development. Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy showcased the redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites and an old slag dump into what is now sought-after housing and mixed-use retail developments.

Participants toured the nationally-acclaimed Manchester Craftsman’s Guild and Bidwell Training Center and learned how the locally developed after-school student

program and adult training programs have grown and are being duplicated across the United States. The group also learned how Pittsburgh has addressed its drop-out rate through a guaranteed scholarship program, The Pittsburgh Promise. Since their return, Leadership Trip participants have come together to discuss ways these lessons learned can be further explored in Mobile. The trip was co-chaired by Chamber Chairman David Trent of Airbus, Mayor Sam Jones and Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood.

MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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mensura Capital, llC and mensura seCurities,

We . . .

llC

(Member FINRA and SIPC)

◄ Listen – We learn from you. ◄ Analyze – We deepen the understanding. ◄ Communicate – We provide clarity.

Whether you seek to raise capital, sell your company, or buy or merge

◄ Coordinate – We manage the entire transaction. ◄ Close – We close.

with another company, we bring the partner approach to investment

We are your partners, adding value

banking, one that is founded on

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.

Celebrating

100 Years of Healing Mobile infirMary Medical center

On October 21, 1910 the original Mobile Infirmary opened with 32 rooms.

Today, Mobile Infirmary stands as the region’s healthcare leader with innovations in technology and services.

Centennial Celebration

Sunday, Oct. 10 • 2 – 5 p.m. • Mobile Infirmary Atrium

• Historical displays • Birthday cake • Musical entertainment • Special ceremonies • Infirmary babies reunion • Azalea Trail Maids

www.infirmaryhealth.org/centennial

26 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

1910-2010

i

n v e s tor Focus

Grandbridge Real Estate Capital Company official: Richard S. Brinson, senior vice president Years in business: 35 years Brief company description: Grandbridge Real Estate Capital arranges long-term, fixed-rate financing for income producing and commercial real estate through Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), major insurance companies and other capital sources.

Why are you located in Mobile? “It is situated in the center of our market area stretching from northern Florida to Louisiana,” said Brinson. “And it’s a great place to live and raise a family.”

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “The Chamber represents the Mobile area’s business interests and does a superb job in economic development,” said Brinson. “It has done a great job of getting government and business leaders working together on business and economic development.”

Grandbridge Real Estate Capital team (from left to right) Gerry Robbins, vice president; Niki May, real estate analyst; and Richard Brinson, senior vice president.

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “Its people and location,” said Brinson.

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.

Length of Chamber membership: Since 1982

Celebrating

50 Years of Healing thoMas hospital

On September 8, 1960 Thomas Hospital opened with 36 beds and eight physicians. It has grown into an award-winning, 150-bed full service community hospital.

Thomas Hospital Homecoming Sunday, Sept. 19 • 3 – 6 p.m.

• Homecoming king and queen • Classic car show • Dogwood Trail Maids • Food, fun and games • School bands and cheerleaders • Children’s area with water slides

www.thomashospital.com

1960-2010 MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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28 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

CeO

Profile

Greg Faison

Company: Bay Bank

A

Featured Profile

dvisors

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

These business leaders represent compa nies 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.

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer Hometown: Columbus, Ga.

Education: Faison earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Georgia State University and is a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

First job: Faison had a summer job as a tractor driver in the city of Cols, Ga. He later worked full-time at Columbus Bank & Trust Co. Previous experience: Faison began his banking career in 1970 in Columbus, Ga. with Columbus Bank & Trust Co. He moved to Eufaula in 1982 where he served as president, chief executive officer and director of Commerce South, a holding company that owned Southern Bank of Commerce in Alabama and First American Bank in Florida. He served as director and chairman of the loan committee for BankTrust in Mobile until 2007.

Career-changing moment: “When our holding company in Alabama bought the Florida bank,” Faison said about his work in Eufaula.

Secret to success: “Work hard, try to treat everyone the same and expect respect even if people don’t always like you,” he said.

Family: Faison and his wife, Carroll, have two married children and three grandchildren.

business administration. Prior Robert A. Guthans Jr. to his purchase of the is president and owner of ServiceMaster franchises, he ServiceMaster Advanced held management positions in Cleaning, (Theodore, Ala.) and the maritime industry living ServiceMaster Services in Norfolk, Va.; Savannah, (Mobile), providing services Ga.; Houston and Dallas. regionally along the Gulf Guthans is a graduate of Coast. Both companies are Leadership Mobile and has among the largest such served on several local boards franchises in their respective Guthans including the Touchdown Club fields and rank in the top of and Volunteer Mobile, where he was board ServiceMaster’s franchises nationally.

Guthans is a member of the ServiceMaster’s president. He is a member of the Downtown franchise council, and his companies have Rotary Club and has led numerous been recognized as Partners in Achievement fundraisers, including as division chair for

by ServiceMaster Clean for the past 10 years. United Way of Southwest Alabama and as division leader for Chamber Chase.

He is a graduate of UMS-Wright and Vanderbilt University with a degree in

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

“Harry Truman,” said Faison. “I would pick his mind about ending World War II.” Brief company description: Bay Bank is a $90 million community bank with four locations in Mobile County.

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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C

hamber@Work

MBEC Assisting Federal Agencies in Locating Oil Spill Contractors The Chamber and the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC participated in a U.S. Department of Commerce planning meeting in Gulfport, Miss., to help identify contracting opportunities for local businesses interested in assisting in oil spill containment and clean up. The federal agency is looking for opportunities with BP and BP contractors.

Regional Economic Impact Grant A Regional Grant of $200,000 was awarded by the Department of Labor to the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) through Mobile Works to engage all the SAWDC counties to produce a strategic plan to effectively respond to layoffs and dislocated workers. The Chamber is supporting the planning activity for this grant and assisting in the management of the planning meetings in Mobile County. SAWDC office moved to 605 Bel Air Blvd., Suite 300, Mobile, AL 36606.

w

ho’s In Town?

August 2010

The Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) provides a list of the current month s conventions coming to the bay area. for more information, contact the MBCVB at 208 2000.

Aug. 3-6 Southern Section Air & Waste Management Association Delegates: 200 Phone: 205-458-5185 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel Aug. 4-7 International Association of Exhibitions and Events Delegates: 50 Phone: 770-435-5287 Hotels/Location: Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel/Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center Aug. 11-14 Church of God in Christ Delegates: 250 Phone: 205-856-3760 Hotel/Location: Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District Aug. 18-22 United States Tennis Association Delegates: 450 Phone: 770-368-8200 ext. 116 Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn; Mobile Marriott; Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel Location: Mobile Tennis Center

Following the Issues Throughout the 2010 Alabama legislative session, the Chamber’s state Governmental Affairs Committee met regularly to follow and support issues most important to Mobile businesses. The session ended in April with the passage of several statewide and local bills impacting business, including a bill to expedite and streamline the clear title process to allow for the timely sale and redevelopment of abandoned properties. In addition, a bill to limit the authority of property and business owners to maintain a secure workplace by establishing their own policies regarding firearms on site was defeated.

During the past quarter, the local Governmental Affairs committee met to discuss key issues including the city of Mobile and Mobile County’s budget obstacles, the next steps for the Chamberled permitting/developer taskforce and proposed implementation procedures for the clear title bill recently adopted by the Alabama legislature.

Money Talk In May, Barbara Malkove, executive director of finance for the city of Mobile, met with local Governmental Affairs committee members to provide a status report on the city’s current financial situation. In addition to providing an overview of the 1-cent sales tax increase that was implemented in June, Malkove overviewed the city’s upcoming 2011 budget process, discussed efforts to develop a governmental efficiency study, and requested input from the committee as they continue to develop strategies to address budget constraints.

Executive Roundtable Continues Presenting Timely Topics Each month the Chamber’s Executive Roundtable meets. Members of the group are small business owners and managers, and the meetings provide a time to network and share information with peers, and hear presentations on small business-related issues. Recent presenters included Jeff Adams with Adams & Associates on succession and retirement planning for individuals and businesses; and Stephen Schlautman with Regions Bank spoke on personal and business financing and the importance of accurate credit reporting.

Armed Forces Day a Sellout The Chamber’s annual Armed Forces Day lunch was held on May 13 with 320 in attendance. RADM Daniel May with the U.S. Coast Guard was the event’s keynote speaker.

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Leaning How To Do Business With Large Business and Industry The Chamber’s small business development department held its quarterly meeting of “Contacts and Contracts” at Virginia College. Dan May, purchasing manager with Austal USA presented, “How to do Business with Austal.” The event was attended by more than 80 people.

B2B For MBEC Clients The Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center held its second Businessto-Business event this spring. Regional industry’s purchasing agents in attendance represented: ThyssenKrupp Steel USA; PCI Gaming; and Shannon, Strobel, Weaver Contractors & Engineers. There were 16 MBEC clients in attendance.

PR Professionals Brainstorm Story Ideas The Chamber’s PR Think Tank met in the spring via conference call with representatives from Development Counsellors International (DCI), the international public relations agency works with the Chamber through a contract with Alabama Development Office and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. The purpose of this group is to discuss story lines that will generate more Mobile Bay coverage in the national and international media. From this meeting, the Chamber and DCI have created additional story lines to pitch to the national media.

Angel Investors Meet in Mobile iTen Wired, a project supported by the Chamber through its Gulf Coast Technology Council task force, hosted an Angel Forum this spring at the Chamber. Thirteen entrepreneurs made a pitch for capital to a group of qualified business investors. There were 14 angel investors in attendance.

Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Chamber diplomats recently participated in grand openings and ribbon cuttings for Mobile Infirmary’s Oakhill Café, Wachovia Bank, A Wells Fargo Co. and Virginia College of Mobile. If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribbon cutting event, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

omparative Economic Indicators

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

Business Licenses City of Mobile

238 2010 281 2009

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

235,638 2010 243,911 2009

Unemployment Rates Mobile/Baldwin counties

10.3% 2010 9.9% 2009

Homes Sold⌦ Mobile County

362 2010 298 2009

Average Selling Price Mobile County $136,473 2010 $144,580 2009

Building Permits City of Mobile

244 2010 341 2009

Value of Building Permits $9,505,545 2010 $18,728,272 2009

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

25,384 2010 27,669 2009

30 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

AUGUST

11

BUSINESS @BREAKFAST

*Members Only Time: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Place: Bienville Club, 107 St. Francis St. Cost: $10, includes breakfast Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or

mhartley@mobilechamber.com

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EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE

Time: Place:

Cost: Contact:

*Members Only 8 - 9 a.m.

Chamber Board Room 451 Government St. Free Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com

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GCTC LUNCHEON

Time: Place:

Cost:

Contact:

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Five Rivers - Alabama’s Delta Resource Center 30945 Five Rivers Blvd. $15 for members/$20 for potential members/$5 for students, includes lunch Christina Stimpson at 431-8636 or cstimpson@mobilechamber.com

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GET CONNECTED 2010

GET CONNECTED LUNCH BUSINESS EXPO BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR EXPO AFTER HOURS See pg. 12 for more information on each Get Connected 2010 event.

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alendar

Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast will be Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Bienville Club, 107 St. Francis St. B@B offers members the opportunity to wake up for breakfast and start networking with 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business.

Following a brief presentation, introductions and breakfast, attendees are invited to continue networking. The cost is $10 and includes breakfast. Only one representative per company. Payment is due at the time of reservation and reservations are required by Aug. 9 for this event. No cancellations will be reimbursed after this date to cover the cost of breakfast. For reservations contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

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

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

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

Contact rené Eiland at 251.431.8635 or e-mail reiland@mobilechamber.com.

Executive Roundtable

www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf

Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber- member small business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room. Derek Atchison, an attorney with The Atchison Firm PC, will discuss various models of business structures and their respective tax implications. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited.

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

GCTC Luncheon The Gulf Coast Technology Council will host its bi-monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Five Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd. The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members, $20 for potential Chamber members, $5 for students and includes lunch.

Reservations and payment are needed by Aug. 16.

For more information, contact Christina Stimpson at 431-8636 or cstimpson@mobilechamber.com.

Make your mark.

You work hard to design print pieces that will dazzle your customers. We work hard to make sure those pieces look even better than you imagined. That’s the full-service concept that sets Interstate apart.

1135 Corporate Drive North • Mobile, AL 36607 Toll Free 1-888-670-7377 • Ph 251-476-3302 • Fax 251-476-4072 E-mail: mailus@interstateprinting.net

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

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M

e mber News

Signal International Inc., an integrated company providing Mayhall global services Wegener to the offshore, marine and naval industries, named Carl F. Wegener as vice president of strategic planning, and Joe Mayhall as director of sales and marketing for its Signal Ship Repair division. Wegener previously worked as the East/Gulf Coast manager for Kvichak Marine Industries and as the commercial sales manager at Austal. Mayhall has extensive experience in the shipbuilding and repair industry, and he previously worked for Bender Shipbuilding and Repair.

X Bit-Wizards, a provider of custom software solutions and web site design, hired Kelly Pearson as senior web designer. Pearson is a graduate of Auburn Pearson University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts/graphic design, and is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration at the University of Mississippi.

X Tyloria Crenshaw was named executive director of South Alabama CARES. Most recently, she worked as the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Program Coordinator at Crenshaw Franklin Primary Health Center Inc. X Dauphin Realty named Candice N. Collins as a real estate agent at the firm’s corporate office in Midtown. Collins has been licensed two years and Collins specializes in residential sales.

X

Boni

Good

Morrison

The Archdiocese of Mobile announced four men were ordained into the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders Youngman on Frederick Gerald Boni, Daniel Francis Good, Jimmy Nix Morrison and

Wayne Marshall Youngman. Boni received a bachelor’s degree in biology and theology from the University of South Alabama. Good graduated from St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Louisiana, and earned a master’s on divinity and a master of arts in moral theology from St. Charles Borremo Seminary in Philadelphia, Penn.

Morrison earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Joseph’s Seminary College, and a master’s of arts in dogmatic theology from Angelicum University in Rome. Youngman retired from the U.S. Army as an officer and pilot, and entered seminary at Notre Dame Seminary. All four priests will work on the Archdiocese of Mobile.

X Karen Sullivan joined Red Square Agency as a production assistant.

Sullivan received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Auburn Sullivan University. Before joining Red Square, she completed internships with Red Square Agency and with Cliff Freeman and Partners in New York.

X Hank Lahti joined the Principal Financial Group. Lahti has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona Lahti University. He will work in the small- to medium-sized business market and with individuals seeking help with retirement income.

X The Mobile Office of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors named Claudia Leatherwood as a real estate agent.

Leatherwood

White-Spunner Construction will complete a massive addition to the Mississippi State Department of Health in Sept. 2010. The Mobile-based construction firm is on schedule and under budget for completing this 80,000-square-foot, fourstory concrete structure primarily built to Biosafety Level (BSL) 3 construction standards.

The cost of the project is $25 million.

X The Delta Fish House, 1175 Battleship Pkwy. (formerly Oysterella’s), is now open with live music Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 621-8881.

This fall, Spring Hill College will begin offering a bachelor’s degree program in human and organizational performance, designed to increase options for adults seeking undergraduate degrees. Also, the college will offer a graduate-level certificate in studio art as a part of its Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program. The program allows students to achieve a new level of skill in their selected area of study in the arts. For more information, visit www.shc.edu.

X LaBarron McClendon with Mobile Gas was named a local advisory board member for Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Co. McClendon is vice president McClendon of marketing, community affairs and human resources for the gas company.

X The University of South Alabama Jaguars will begin its second season on Sept. 4 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium against Pikeville (KY). Season tickets are available for all home games. To learn more about corporate packages and individual season tickets, go to www.usajaguars.com.

X Laura Burton and Tammie Caton opened Verge, a new Burton Caton marketing firm. The company will offer branding and marketing strategy, public relations and integrated online marketing programs.

Verge is located at 186 Broad Street. The phone number is 316-3744.

X The Salvation Army of Mobile and Baldwin Counties was recently renamed The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama.

Headquartered at 1009 Dauphin St., the organization serves the tri-county area of Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties.

X Pete’s Party Castle, 2040 Schillinger Rd. S., is now open. The facility is open daily with a playground and arcade for children and offers birthday parties. For more information, call 281-1990.

X Brett Real Estate, Robinson Development Co. Inc., commonly known as Brett/Robinson, held a celebration on the construction progress of Phoenix West II in May. The property is nearing completion, and will include an indoor swimming pool, a lazy river with the 5,170-square-foot shady cove; and a 5,850-square-foot shade deck.

32 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

Dauphin Realty has all of its available properties on a new iPhone and PDA application. Consumers will be able to use their phones to find all available property for sale in the Mobile and Baldwin County MLS. To download it, go to www.DauphinRealty.com.

X The Palette Café, inside The Mobile Museum of Art, is now serving lunch in the museum’s conference room (seats 22) and auditorium (seats 75). For more information, call 208-5227 or visit www.thepalettecafe.com.

X Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. is offering buyers PruRE.com, a web site customized for smart phones including Blackberry, iPhone and Android. Users can gain instant access to company listings and searching by Pru ID, city and state or zip code.

X Randy’s Kitchen, 396 Azalea Rd., is now serving breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open Monday through Saturday, the restaurant is closed on Sunday. For more information, call 607-6525.

Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) recently elected new board of directors and board officers during its annual meeting. Gary Criscione, Evonik Degussa, was named president. Other officers include Greg Smith, Smith Industrial Service, vice president; and Allan Gustin, White-Spunner Construction, secretary/ treasurer. New board members are: David Ray, Industrial Valve Sales & Service; Neil Johnston, Hand Arendall LLC; John Naron, Akzo Nobel Functional Chemical; Robin Hanes, Whitney Bank; and Scott Rothermel, Performance Contractors.

In other PEP news, four Distinguished Service Awards were presented to: Al Heffernan, Heffernan and Associates; Don Williams, Industrial Valve Sales and Service; Tom Damson, Long’s Human Resource Services; and Bernie Fogarty, Alabama Power.

Finally, Renee Sorenson, Long’s Human Resource Services, was honored as PEP’s Volunteer of the Year for her work on PEP events, including the golf committee and the reverse trade show committee.

X The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint competition team won third place at the Memphis in May International World Championship barbeque competition in the whole hog division. There were more than 300 teams competing this year.

Member News Natascha Parker RN with Mobile Infirmary received the Helen B. Davis Memorial Award for continuously exemplifying the qualities stipulated by Parker the benefactor, Jim Davis.

Parker is an advocate for patients to protect their rights and dignity, maintains patient care standards and serves as a role model for others. The award recognizes her for demonstrating leadership qualities, continuing professional growth and development and her commitment to the profession of nursing as well as to Mobile Infirmary.

X Two sales associates at Prudential Cooper&Co. Inc. recently received Cunningham Vigor awards from Prudential National. Cricket Vigor, a sales associate at the Cottage Hill office, received third place in Alabama for residential units sales and Kim Cunningham, a sales associate at the Hillcrest office, received third place in Alabama for residential GCI.

A

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.

Engineering News Record (ENR) magazine recently ranked White-Spunner Construction Inc. among the Top 400 U.S. contractors. The general contracting, design build and construction management firm was ranked 276 on the top contractor’s list for 2010.

X Spring Hill College assistant professor of communication arts Sharee Broussard APR, was awarded the 2010 Alice L. Beeman Award for Broussard outstanding research in communications and marketing for educational advancement by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

Broussard received both a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in mass communication from the University of Southern Mississippi.

She received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Louisiana.

X The Southeast Tourism Society recently selected The Junior League of Mobile’s (JLM) Christmas Jubilee as one of its Top 20 events for November 2010.

This is the third year in a row that JLM’s holiday market has been included in the Top 20 events for the fall season.

Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

5 YEARS

35 YEARS

1-4 YEARS

Chevron North America E&P d/b/a Four Star Oil & Gas United Way of Southwest Alabama Inc

30 YEARS Arkema Inc.

25 YEARS

Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. Inc. HealthSpring of Alabama Inc. Surgicare of Mobile

20 YEARS

Arc Controls Inc. Berney Office Solutions Rayford & Associates Inc.

10 YEARS

Tyner’s Catering Inc. Workshops Etc.! Inc.

Client Awards. Chamber member businesses receiving awards were: recipients were: J.M. “Margie” Wilcox, Mobile Bay Transportation Co./Yellow Cab/Pensacola Bay Transportation and Sonja Fowler, Sonja Fowler & Associates Inc. The awards spotlight emerging and existing women entrepreneurs by recognizing the courage, diligence and hard work necessary for business ownership.

X Kathy Ball of Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. earned a National Association of Realtors (NAR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Ball certification as well as a Certified Distressed Property Expert designation. The certification program trains a real estate agent on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers and limit risk on purchasing distressed properties.

X Austal USA received two awards from the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) for commitment to improving safety and health in the workplace. Austal received the Award for Excellence in Safety and the Award for Improvement in Safety.

nniversaries

50 YEARS

Friedman’s Fine Jewelry Vickers Riis Murray and Curran LLC

The first St. Paul’s Episcopal School Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Miller at the fifth annual Miller alumni luncheon. Miller graduated from St. Paul’s in 1974, and received a bachelor’s degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University and a juris doctorate from Tulane University School of Law. She is managing partner at Armbrecht Jackson LLP. X Dr. James M. Downey, professor of physiology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was recently presented the Peter Harris Downey Distinguished Scientist Award by the International Society for Heart Research (ISHR) at its world congress in Kyoto, Japan. The award was given to Downey in recognition of outstanding scientific achievements that have led to major advances in the understanding of the cardiovascular system.

X The Women’s Business Center recently presented its eighth annual SAL

Auto Glass World MH3 Printing & Ad Specialties

ABMB Engineers Ace Metal Buildings and Components AHI Properties Airwind Creative/MyShotz.com Allied Waste Services/BFI The Appraisal & Consultant Group Ashley’s Flower Shop & Gifts Azalea City Dental Biehl & Co. LP Bienville Capital Management LLC Campbell, Duke & Prine Century Bank - Tillman’s Corner Office Climate Control LLC Country Club Woods Courtyard Marriott Spanish Fort Davies Air Design Inc. DSI Security Services DeLashmet and Marchand PC Dueitt’s Battery Supply

e-worc Website Design & Sales Consulting Expeditors International Express Employment Professionals Fabre Engineering & Surveying Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Spanish Fort Farni & Farni Family Dentistry Filters For Industry Inc. Firehouse Subs Fitness Pro FSI Equipment Co. Greater Gulf State Fair Inc. Gulf Supply Co. Inc. Heffernan & Associates Inc. Hispanic Employment Labor Pool Inc. Homewood Suites by Hilton-Mobile East Bay Daphne Horizon Ship Building Inc. Kat Security Products Inc. Kumon Math and Reading Center L & W Developers LLC LEGALimaging LLC Mamun - REMAX Partners McAleer’s Office Furniture Mobile Mystery Dinner Theater

Mos Designs LLC Nelco Commercial Maintenance Inc. Northrop Grumman Corp.

Palette Café PSI LLC Rainmaker LLC Remedial Services Inc. Rockwell and Kaufman LLC Ross Maritime Secure Horizons Slaton Moving & Warehouse Southern Oil Exploration Inc. Southern Repro Graphics Stewart Sneed Hewes, BancorpSouth Insurance Services Syn-Fab Inc. Tom White the Printer-Western Region Sales Office TriNova Inc. Vanguard Modular Building Systems Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market #4657 White-Spunner & Associates Inc.

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

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The Business View | AUGUST 2010

33

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

n

e w 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.

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.

All Clean Filters Michael Mitchener 9800 I-65 Service Rd. N. Creola, AL 36525-4211 877-245-8472 www.allcleanfiltershs.com Filters

Coastal Angler Magazine William Chapman 1023 N. DeVilliers St., #1 Pensacola, FL 32501-3014 850-375-0755 www.coastalanglermagazine.com Publishers-Periodical

Deltacom Inc. Kim Barber 1400 Montlimar Dr., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36609-6513 251-338-8790 www.deltacom.com Telecommunications

KONE Inc. Kerry Dupree 5252 Halls Mill Rd., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36619 251-661-7522 www.Kone.com Elevators-Sales & Service

Bay City Underwriters J. Don Guy 3737 Government St., Ste. 504 Mobile, AL 36693 251-478-9028 www.4mhinsurance.com Insurance

Coleigh Construction Inc. Felicia S. Busby 3762 Moffett Rd., Ste. E Mobile, AL 36618-1215 251-304-0960 General Contractors

The Egg & I Maternity Sutton Tremayne 2055 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607-3350 251-473-2250 www.theeggandimaternigy.com Maternity Store - Retail

L & R Distributors LueAnn Robinson P.O. Box 1453 Jackson, AL 36545-3015 251-744-2999 www.myscrubsanduniforms.com Uniform-Retail

elg HANIEL Paul A. Smith 107 Industrial Canal Rd. W. Mobile, AL 36603 251-438-5600 www.elgmetals.com Metal Recycling Yard

National Vision Center Wal-Mart Tillman’s Corner Mike Peyregne 5245 Service Rd. S., Higgins Rd. Mobile, AL 36619-9541 251-666-1566 www.nationalvision.com Optical Goods

Felder Services LLC Jim Johnson 3400 Beltline Pk. Dr. N. Mobile, AL 36607-1539 251-545-4725 www.felderservices.com House Cleaning

Panini Grill LLC Chanda B. Moses 4276 McCrary Rd., Ste. H. Semmes, AL 36575 251-490-6561 Restaurants

General Marine Leasing George Grus 2317 Engineers Rd. Belle Chasse, LA 70037-3171 504-394-1155 www.generalmarineleasing.com Offshore Equipment Rental

Prestige Parking Solutions Michael Armstrong 456 Dexter Ave. Mobile, AL 36604 214-223-2390 www.prestigeparkingsolutions.com Parking Management

Gulf Coast Rainbow Connection LLC Robin Galbraith 265 Westwood St. Mobile, AL 36606-4425 251-586-4732 www.gulfcoastrainbowconnection.com Advertising

Royal Street Café Kevin McCabe 104 N. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602-3602 251-434-0011 Restaurants

Blue Gill Restaurant Inc. Susan Beach 3775 Battleship Pkwy.

Spanish Fort, AL 36527-9335 251-625-1998 www.bluegillrestaurant.com Restaurants Cape Travel Stephen M. Cape 3756 Airport Blvd.

Mobile, AL 36608-1618 251-344-2789 www.gocapetravel.com Travel Agencies

Country Inn & SuitesSaraland Amanda Alia 1130 Joaneen Dr. Saraland, AL 36571-3027 251-675-3580 www.countryinns.com/saraland Hotels The Delta Institute Dr. Diana Sturm 5901 Airport Blvd., Ste. 208 Mobile, AL 36608-3156 251-219-4574 www.deltainstitute.net Personal and Organizational Development & Consultation

IT’S MORE MUSIC THAN YOU CAN HANDLE. 3 days. 9 stages. Over 125 acts.

JJPR Jennifer Jenkins 9530 Chamberlain Pass Daphne, AL 36526-8151 251-591-4974 www.jjpragency.com Advertising Agencies

16TH ANNUAL - OCTOBER 1 • 2 • 3 • DOWNTOWN MOBILE, AL

Mary J. Blige , Reba McEntire, Godsmack , Lady Antebellum, Shinedown, Sick Puppies, David Nail, Rehab, Top of the Orange, Adelitas Way and more to come.

Tickets on sale now at BayFest.com

Sponsorships, corporate packages and group tickets available: info@bayfest.com or 251.208.7835

34 AUGUST 2010 | The Business View | MOBIlE ArEA CHAMBEr Of COMMErCE

Service Pump & Compressor (Hertz) Henry “Tripp” P. Brown 3091 Hamilton Blvd.

Theodore, AL 36582-9313 251-443-7151 www.spump.com Rentals-Sales-Service Signal International LLC Richard L. Marler 11 N. Water St., Ste. 16250 Mobile, AL 36602-5016 251-544-2620 www.signalinternational.com Marine Services

Signal Ship Repair LLC Mike Cook 601 Royal St. Mobile, AL 36603-2114 251-338-7400 Ship & Barge Repair Sovereign Consulting Inc. Brian Kittrell 826 Lakeside Dr., Ste. E Mobile, AL 36693-5124 251-665-1095 www.sovcon.com Environmental Consultants Spoon Professional Landscape Inc. Timothy Witherspoon 3640 St. Stephens Rd. Prichard, AL 36612-1224 251-456-1167 Landscape-Planning & Design Sterne Agee Financial Services Chris Corley 3775 B Professional Pkwy.

Mobile, AL 36609-5414 251-344-7119 www.sterneagee.com Financial Advisors Timco Safety Timothy S. Haney 411 Allen Cir. Saraland, AL 36571-2604 251-285-3906 www.mywebsafety.com/ timcosafety Safety and Security Consultants The Tower on Ryan Park Jimmie Strahan 758 St. Michael St. Mobile, AL 36602-1327 251-432-8879 www.mmiprops.com Apartments-CorporateFurnished Urology & Oncology Specialists PC Dr. William J. Terry 101 Memorial Hospital Dr., Ste. 100 Mobile, AL 36608-1787 251-343-9090 www.uospc.com Physician/Surgeon-MD-Urology As of 5/31/10

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...is a company’s best friend.

When the Carters’ business was featured as the Small Business of the Month in the Chamber’s magazine, it made the biggest economic impact to their business all year. If you ask Cindie, she’ll also offer that Chamber referrals help build their customer base. As one of 2,400 Chamber members, Cindie has access to resources, exposure and networking to grow her business and make it thrive – and that’s nothing to bark at.

Cindie Carter Walks and Wags 4 Employees Member Since 2005

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