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

The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

SEPTEMBER 2011 | VOL. XLII, No. 8

Women Mean Business in Mobile

The Chamber at 175: Remembering 1961-1986

BayFest Tunes Up for 17th Year

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The

BusinessView Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

September 2011 News You Can Use – Positive news for area businesses

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Small Business of the Month: Saucy Q Bar B Q

Women-owned businesses in Mobile are prospering, according to three local business owners.

Women business owners in Alabama are growing. Learn more about the successes of three women-owned small businesses who are Mobile Area Chamber members – Denise Knox with Private Gallery (left), Jeanne Sanborn with The Complete Skin Care Center of Mobile (center) and Cammie Wayne with Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe (right). See story on pages 10-11. Cover photo by Susan Rak Blanchard.

United Way’s campaign chair optimistic about 2011 Efforts

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200-plus businesses invest in Mobile’s economic development

CEO Profile: Keith Manwaring, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Inc.

Additional Writers and Editors Bethany Andrews, Nedra Bloom, Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Danette Richards, Carolyn Wilson

From civil rights issues to economic development projects, the turbulent period from 1961 to 1986 was an interesting time in the Chamber’s history.

Local attorney Rick A. La Trace writes about the new E-Verify system resulting from Alabama’s strict new immigration legislation.

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Cover

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

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

SCORE Column: How to Include Branding as Part of Your Marketing Strategy

26 28-29 30 31 32-33 33 34

Investor Focus: Roberts Brothers Inc. Chamber@Work Economic Indicators Calendar Member News Anniversaries New Members

The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation given. Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction. The Mobile Area Chamber has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since the designation’s inception more than 40 years ago.

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Team Mobile

Makes Headway in Paris

Mobile and the Gulf Coast were well represented during the Paris Air Show. Pictured here attending an Aerospace Alliance reception are from left to right, Jason Dean, Aerospace Alliance; Robbie Baker, Mobile Area Chamber and Whitney Bank; Sam Adcock, EADS North America; and Claudia Zimmermann, Mobile Area Chamber.

This year’s Paris Air Show held some mystery for the Mobile Area Chamber, as well as the business and government leaders who headed to the show in June. What would it hold in the wake of the disappointing loss of the EADS tanker project? Would the Chamber be able to schedule appointments to market Mobile? Would companies still have an interest in the Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor? Interest in the Mobile area, piqued by the EADS project, was just as strong, if not stronger, than ever at the show, according to Vice President of Economic Development Troy Wayman. Between appointments with existing Mobile Bay region aerospace companies as well as prospects and new leads, more than 50 pre-scheduled meetings took place at the air show.

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SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

These appointments, Wayman explained, combined with dinners and receptions with aerospace companies whose leaders have direct connections or interest in the Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor, made for an extremely busy schedule. The city of Mobile, Mobile County, Mobile Airport Authority, Alabama State Port Authority and the Chamber were all represented at the air show. “Many factors contribute to the success of our international marketing,” said Wayman. “The impact of the Aerospace Alliance, with the combined assets of the Gulf Coast aerospace partners in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, provided our elected officials and economic development professionals a unique opportunity to network one-on-one with many of the top names and decision-makers in the industry.”

Alabama Development Office Names New Director

Greg Canfield was recently named the new director of the Alabama Development Office (ADO), replacing Seth Hammett, who returned to his position as vice president with PowerSouth Energy. Canfield most recently worked as a state representative for Jefferson and Shelby counties and has worked for J.H. Berry Insurance in Birmingham. He served as president of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce in 1997, and started work with ADO in August. “Now, more than ever, we must elevate Alabama as the pre-eminent state for business and job creation. This is Alabama. Let’s do business,” said Canfield. “Greg’s a very sharp guy,” said Ginny Russell, vice president of community and government affairs for the Mobile Area Chamber. “He has been a good, innovative, pro-business legislator who has supported job creation legislation and efficiencies in state government.” As a state representative, Canfield sought and received the Chamber board’s endorsement of his “Responsible Budgeting and Spending Act,” which passed in this year’s legislative session. The legislation ended the practice of relying on long-range revenue estimates for the Education Trust Fund, and instead uses a fiscally conservative formula to determine the total amount to be appropriated. “ADO is an integral component to our economic development efforts and crucial to our continued success,” said Troy Wayman, the Chamber’s vice president of economic development. “We look forward to working with Mr. Canfield and continuing our relationship with the rest of the ADO staff.”

Buon Giorno! Sign Up Now for Chamber Trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast

Join fellow Mobile Area Chamber members touring Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Feb. 28 -March 7, 2012. Limited to 35 people, this tour includes seven nights at the Hotel Bristol in Sorrento, Italy. Day trips are planned to go to Ravello, Villa Rufolo, Capri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Paestum. The cost for the trip, with airfare from Mobile, is $2,599 (based on double occupancy) and includes daily hotel breakfasts, daily dinners and one lunch. Several optional side trips are also available for purchase. The famed Amalfi Coast, or Costiera Amalfitana, is a stunning coastline set along rugged mountains, winding down the western coast of Italy from Sorrento to Salerno in the region of Campania. Hairpin turns offer spectacular vistas with changing views of landscapes and rocks plunging vertically into the clear Mediterranean Sea. Poets and writers have described Sorrento as the land of colors and mermaids, where kindness and hospitality are handed down from one generation to the next. The Hotel Bristol nestles into the side of the cliff overlooking the sea and the Bay of Naples, in one of the most enchanting corners of the coast. Guests will enjoy stunning panoramic views stretching from the picturesque fishing village of Marina Grande below to the Punta Scutolo in the distance, and directly across the bay to the majestic Vesuvius, with Pompeii and Naples at its feet. For more information, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at 251-431-8645 or lherndon@mobilechamber.com. A $500 deposit is due at the time of the reservation, and final payment will be due 90 days prior to the trip.

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The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

ate & Lyle is hiring 100 employees locally and will invest $20 million to $30 million to reactivate its Alabama facility, mothballed two years ago.

Demand is up for sucralose, the key sweetening ingredient in Splenda®, marketed by McNeil Nutritionals, prompting company officials to announce earlier this year they would resume production in Washington County by the second quarter of 2012. Chris Olsen, vice president of community and governmental affairs for Tate & Lyle, said the company has “reached out to former employees and is getting positive responses from many wanting to come back.” Activity at the facility includes upgrading equipment, making efficiency improvements to obtain a higher yield and inspecting miles of pipe. “It is a time-consuming process to make sure things are working right,” Olsen said. Jesse Quillen, the Mobile Area Chamber’s economic developer for Washington County, says this project comes at a crucial time for north Mobile County. “The Tate & Lyle decision not only reflects confidence in their markets for Splenda® but also the positive business environment in the state,” said Gov. Robert Bentley. “We are

Tate & Lyle Reopening

‘Sweet’ Plant

working closely with the company to make sure their restart goes smoothly from an operational perspective, and we are also working with them on how existing and proposed state programs can further support their decision.”

“We’re excited about restarting the McIntosh plant,” said Olsen. “All of the different levels of government have been good to work with and we’re looking forward to being part of the community.” Sucralose is a Tate & Lyle core product. Because it’s 600 times sweeter than sugar, it can be used in smaller amounts. Olsen says three factors are driving demand: the global trend to increase nutrition and reduce calories; Splenda’s taste and the way it blends with other sweeteners.

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

SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

BayFest Hopes to Top Itself This Year

OCTOBER 7-9, 2011 • FRIDAY • SATURDAY • SUNDAY

VISIT

A bayfest.com

s organizers finalize plans surpass the previous year, thanks in part to an appearance by country megastar Toby for the 17th annual BayFest Keith on Sunday, Oct. 9. This year’s event music festival next month, a runs Oct. NOW! 7 - 9 in downtown Mobile. ON SALE University of SouthTICKETS Alabama (USA) Additional crowd-drawing performers study shows that last year’s event EricFestival Church, Anthony Hamilton, Alabama’s Largestinclude Music reportedly generated more than Blake Shelton, Thompson Square, KoRn, $120 million. Drowning Pool, Duran Duran, Jill Scott,

Based on a survey of more than 1,000 Wiz Khalifa, 3 Doors Down, Hinder, attendees, and measuring factors such as Wet Willie, Will Kimbrough, JT Hodges, length of stay, group size, hometowns and Dan Eubanks, Ohio Players and The TOBY dollars spent, theKEITH USA study shows BayFest KORNCampaign 1984. BLAKE SHELTON contributed $40.8 million to the city of Three-day festival passes are available Mobile, $38.7 million to Mobile County through www.bayfest.com for $45. Groups and $31.6 million to the state of Alabama. of 20 or more can get a $5 discount through Executive Director Shana Jordan Sept. 16. Day passes will be sold at the gate expects attendance at BayFest 2011 to for $30. ERIC CHURCH ANTHONY HAMILTON 3 DOORS DOWN PLUS: WIZ KHALIFA, JILL SCOTT, DROWNING POOL, MINT CONDITION, HINDER, THOMPSON SQUARE,

Long’s WET Human Resource ServicesTOP OF THE ORANGE, SARA JEAN KELLEY, THE CAMPAIGN 1984, WILLIE, WILL KIMBROUGH, DAN EUBANKS, was named the Mobile Area JUSTYNA KELLEY, THE SPRINGS AND MORE TO COME! Chamber’s Small Business of the $10,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS THIS YEAR! BAYFEST WILL AWARD High schoolfrom students from Month. Pictured left toMobile rightcounty and Baldwin County can apply. Learn more at bayfest.com. are (first row) Carman Long, Tom Damson, Liz Freeman and Sarah Damson and (second row) Misty Lee, Renee Sorensen, Chris Keith and Evelyn Gibson. TICKETS AND INFORMATION AT BAYFEST.COM

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) is hosting its annual Industrial Reverse Trade Show next month on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 1- 5 p.m. The event brings decisionmakers from large industry together in one location, giving ticket holders from supplier, vender and service sectors the opportunity to meet plant managers, purchasing managers, and engineers and maintenance managers from nearly 40 of the area’s largest industries, according to Jennifer Denson, PEP’s executive director. In past years, 350 suppliers have attended, some from as far away as Ohio, Kansas and South Carolina, to “call” on local major manufacturing, engineering and construction firms. Among participating companies scheduled are: Austal USA, ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless, Evonik Degussa, BASF and Army Corps of Engineers. “During a down economy, personal relationships are even more critical to business success,” said Denson. “PEP’s reverse trade show is designed to help the local supplier community network with the major industrial purchasers in our area.” The event will be held at Fort Whiting Auditorium. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $125 ($75 for PEP members). Parking is free. Registration information is available through the PEP office at 345-7269 or at www.pepmobile.org.

Coastal Economy Outlook IV National, regional and local experts provide the latest economic analysis.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel 64 South Water Street, Mobile, AL Featuring:

Dr. Martin Regalia Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Washington DC

Cost is $100

events.mobilechamber.com

Registration is required before Sept. 11 - No refunds after this date For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly at smattingly@mobilechamber.com or 251-431-8655.

Scott Hughes, Director of Policy & Supervisory Studies Group, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Edwin O’Gwynn, Senior Vice President and Area Executive, BB&T

Donald Eply PhD, Distinguished Professor of Real Estate, Mitchell College of Business

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SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

University of South Alabama Center for Real Estate Studies Mitchell College of Business

7/28/2011 5:26:39 PM

small business of the month

“Natural High” for Family-Operated Employees at Saucy Q BBQ stand outside the main restaurant in downtown Mobile on Government Street.

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

Saucy Q Bar B Q

The Wingfield family knows how unexpected blessings can come from devastating storms. More than 25 years ago, in the midst of one of Philadelphia’s historic blizzards, Elbert Wingfield salvaged food left in the family freezer and found the inspiration for his renowned sauce and ribs. From that last-ditch effort to make a meal during a miserable circumstance, Wingfield created a Mobile institution, Saucy Q Bar B Q – the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month. Not long after that Philadelphia storm, Wingfield and his wife, Jacquelyn, decided to move back to Mobile. “We came back for the Southern hospitality and the soul food we know we have a knack for making like ribs, collard greens, red beans and rice. These are the recipes and meals passed down from my grandmom, Mary Wingfield.”

Over the years, since its modest beginning at the Flea Market in west Mobile in 1990, Saucy Q’s food hasn’t changed much, but the number of devotees has. Despite obstacles such as Hurricane Katrina, the oil spill and the down economy, Wingfield gives kudos to his customers for remaining loyal. Known for its best-selling signature ribs and pork, the restaurant expanded to Government Street in Midtown, a location known as the “mother ship” because of its enormous customer base, and Schillinger Road at Cottage Hill. To meet demand, the family also opened a restaurant on Moffett Road in Crichton. Jarret Wingfield, Elbert and Jacquelyn’s youngest son, has even bigger dreams for Saucy Q’s future. It was Jarrett’s idea to bottle and sell the Saucy Q Sauce in stores and to expand the company through franchising. He

says the day he steps foot into a Saucy Q in Atlanta, “Man, that’ll be the day!” Elbert admits he opened with the intention of passing something on. “We’re a family restaurant, and my vision was to see the kids in it. My biggest fear was that this would be a one-generational thing, that when I’m gone, this ends.” Fortunately, three generations of barbeque enthusiasts are carrying out his vision. His older son, Darnell, and his wife, Odessa, manage the Moffett location, while grandson Darnell Jr. says he takes up the reigns wherever he’s needed to assist the other 30 employees of Saucy Q. “For all of us in the middle of a loud, busy restaurant, we strive for the occasional silence at a table where the only sound is a metal fork hitting the plate over and over. Knowing they love our food, it’s like a natural high,” says Elbert.

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Alabama Sees Growth of Women-Owned Businesses I

n Alabama, women mean business. The American Express “OPEN State of WomenOwned Business Report” ranked Alabama seventh in the nation in the growth of women-owned businesses. Top honors went to Georgia, but neighbors Mississippi and Florida also made the Top 10. The number of women-owned companies in Alabama jumped almost 66 percent from 1997 to 2011, growing from 69,515 to 115,200, more than the national rate of 50 percent. Turns out women’s work pays well: Sales in Alabama’s women-owned businesses jumped by 55 percent from $10.2 million in 1997 to $15.9 million in 2011, according to the report.

At The Complete Skin Care Center of Mobile, personal service is more than skin deep. “We hope to develop and grow, but still give individual attention,” Jeanne Sanborn explained. “We tried to get too large and couldn’t control it. If someone’s spent their money, they need to get their value. We care about our clients like our family.” After a fire just before Christmas two years ago, Sanborn retained 80 percent of her clients thanks to a little luck, word of mouth and quickly opening a temporary location.

Denise Knox, owner of Private Gallery, attributes the sky-high success of her accessory boutique chain to customer service, a skill she learned while working as

With a workforce of high school and college students, Cammie Wayne of Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe learned her employees scoop up her attitude, good

Denise Knox Private Gallery

Years in business: 15 Number of employees: 160 Product sold: Clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and accessories Financial: This year, Private Gallery is nominated for Alabama Retailer of the Year in the $5 - $20 million range. Business policy: “We have never taken out a loan. We operate on a cash basis.”

10 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

one of Southwest Airlines’ first flight attendants under founder and Chief Executive Officer Herb Kelleher. “It was great fun, but the hardest work ever,” she said. “Little did I know that that job would play such an integral part in my future business.” After opening her first store in Fairhope in 1996, Knox plans to open her 16th location in Dallas this summer.

•••

Jeanne Sanborn The Complete Skin Care Center of Mobile

Years in business: 11 Employees: 7 Product sold: Skin care Financial: “We’re up 20 percent over last year. We really think this is a positive for the economy.” Inspiration: “My business grew out of my own battle with malignant melanoma, so I wanted to help other people prevent that with access to skin care and education.”

or bad. “I’m their first job, I’m their teacher,” she said. And part of teaching good customer service is Wayne’s policy of never correcting an employee in front of a customer. She waits until the customer leaves, then points out what the employee could do differently next time. “I do not tolerate bad customer service,” she said.

•••

While businesses depend on satisfied customers, a common thread among women who own businesses is employee satisfaction. That’s important for the estimated 101,200 employees of women-owned businesses in Alabama. That number has increased slightly more than 3 percent since 1997, while the national figure is up more than 8 percent. Sanborn understands when employees need to attend a 2 p.m. school play, or an after-school baseball game. And since her children were 14 and 16 when she opened her business, The Complete Skin Care Center of Mobile has a homework room for employees’ children.

Cammie Wayne Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe

Years in business: 13 Number of employees: 8 - 10 Product sold: Ice cream Financial: “I strive to keep my prices down. Ice cream should be one of those pleasures you can handle even in hard times.” Full circle: Cammie’s first job at age 16 was serving up ice cream at Widemire’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe

She’s also seeing more women joining the workforce, many of them 35 to 40 years old, for a variety of reasons. As business owners, all three do whatever needs to be done. “We will roll up our sleeves and get dirty,” said Sanborn, who works the front desk, does laundry and washes floors when necessary. “No one has to tell a mom what to do. They jump in and do it.” Knox’s family has been her support, from cheerleading parents to a husband who builds out her stores. “My daughters have always been in the business,” she said. “Even running the cash register at eight years old better than the adults.” When Wayne bought the Midtown ice cream shop 13 years ago, part of the attraction was the thriving business she could grow. “I took what was already here… and added a woman’s touch,” she said. She offers catering, small-batch special orders and ice cream made on the premises. Her husband built the creamery where the ice cream is made with the “special formula,” and is also very involved in its production. “If you don’t plan to work seven days a week, don’t open a business,” Wayne said. “You’ve got to love what you do or just don’t even bother, because it is tough.” Locally, women-led businesses take ownership of the community. Sanborn and her employees regularly participate in service events. “Anything we can do as a group, people know they can count on us,” she said. “Men write checks. Women do hands-on.”

Three local women entrepreneurs say business is good, confirming Alabama’s ranking as seventh in the country for women-owned business growth. Denise Knox, Private Gallery, (left) hosted Jeanne Sanborn, The Complete Skin Care Center of Mobile (far right), and Cammie Wayne of Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe (center). The three have been in business a combined 39 years and employ nearly 180 people.

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The Next QuarterCentury

Mobile Press-Register Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

1961-1986:

The Southeast’s New Boomtown? Editor’s Note: With 175 years of history, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has a rich past. Freelance Writer Nedra Bloom explores the organization’s history in anticipation of its anniversary, and offers a glimpse into the business, political and social workings of Mobile. In this fourth part of her series, “A Look Back,” Bloom shares her discoveries about the events and people that helped shape our city in the 25-year period from 1961 to 1986. While this article accurately reflects excerpts from the minutes, some of the content raised eyebrows among today’s Chamber staff. Today’s Chamber is more concerned with quality of life issues than it appears the organization may have been in earlier years.

hat was the Chamber of Commerce thinking and doing while John F. Kennedy was president? We may never know, since the minutes from 1961 through 1963 are missing from the Chamber’s official records. But when the minutes pick up again, in November 1963, there’s a double dose of big news — a report that the state’s new Battleship Commission would hold its first meeting in hopes of having the USS Alabama docked in Mobile by the next summer, and a report from Ernest Cleverdon, chairman of the board of the University of South Alabama, that classes would begin the following June. Continued on page 14

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Domingo Soto Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

A WALA-TV reporter interviews veteran anchorman and journalist David Brinkley, in 1975.

The Next Quarter-Century Continued from page 13

Getting Around Support for public projects was always a hot topic. In November and December of 1963, the Chamber’s board of directors thanked committee chairmen Kenneth Giddens and William Hearin for their successful bid to get a new post office for Mobile. By the mid-1980s, the Chamber would lead the demand for a high

bridge over the delta that would not interfere with shipping, closely follow plans for the new I-10 crossing of Mobile Bay with its new tunnel, and urge the state to build welcome centers where I-10 crosses the borders from Mississippi and Florida. After all, the report says, tourist dollars are almost pure profit. Plans for new Amtrak Task Force 200 was the Mobile Area Chamber’s first modern economic service won approval development plan, now known as Partners for Growth. Seated (left to in 1978. right) are: Robert Diehl, established industry division; Forrest Little, who served as the chairman; and Arthur Tonsmeire Jr., labor relations. One road became Standing (left to right) are: R. H. Radcliff Jr., industrial district; Vivian controversial in the Johnston, taxation; K.L. Lott, ambassadors; Robert Demeranville, 1980s. Chamber promotion. Not pictured was Harry Myers, who led industrial water. members feared Circa 1970s. the proposed I-210 from support of a connector as better than connector between I-65 and the Bayway would nothing, to support of something else. have cut Mobile off from its waterfront. They Shipping interests won Chamber support, watched a video about San Francisco’s long too, in 1969, as the group enthusiastically battle to get rid of the Embarcadero Freeway followed plans for deepening the channel to while state highway officials argued that Theodore industrial sites as well as the Mobile their connector plan wouldn’t pose a problem. Between 1983 and the eventual decision to build ship channel. And the Chamber supported plans to de-annex the Port of Chickasaw from the city. a spur several years later, the group wavered

Closing Brookley Field The Chamber led the way to the city’s recovery from the loss of some 14,000 jobs

The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

would be made to Brookley which would Mobile’s Brookley Field was rooted in and General Couch, who told him: “This become the ‘Mother port of the Southeast.’” America’s preparations for World War II. The community need have no fears regarding the A decade later, the future of the base still U.S. Army Air Corps purchased the land on future of Brookley Field – that the Army Air looked rosy. In 1957, the Chamber heard a Mobile Bay south of the city, in 1938, and forces not only did not expect to reduce the report that Brookley would add some 3,500 construction started in 1940. When the activities of Brookley Field, but that additions civilian workers in the next two to U.S. entered World War II in late three years. And in 1959, Chamber 1941, the base grew rapidly – so President G.M. Haas reported fast that the federal government continued growth at Brookley, stepped in to fund housing, schools, including the transfer of several healthcare, water and wastewater projects from bases in Memphis, facilities to help the city provide Gadsden and Topeka. for new defense workers there and The first claxon of alarm came in at nearby shipyards. Federal funds 1964. After years of good news reports topped $3 million. from the base, a resolution dated When the war ended, Nov. 20 urged Secretary of Defense Mobilians worried about what might become of their base. But Robert McNamara not to phase Precision work at Brookley Field, circa 1960. Nearly 14,000 jobs were Chamber President Duncan out Brookley Air Force Base. lost when President Lyndon Johnson closed Brookley Air Force base. Smith reported that he met In December, Congressman-elect At the time, the jobs represented 10 percent of the Mobile workforce. Today Brookley Aeroplex is a mixed-use industrial complex housing in Washington, D.C. with Jack Edwards – the first Republican 70-plus companies who employ more than 3,200 employees. Congressman Frank Boykin to represent the region, asked the

14 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Government Protecting industry from regulation and taxation was always a high priority. During the 1960s, the Chamber stated its opposition to Medicare and increases in minimum wage and urged the county to exempt some companies from paying taxes on expansions. It also went on record against removing a tax exemption for utilities, highway beautification rules, and allowing state and municipal workers to organize for collective bargaining. Seldom directly involved in politics, in 1973 the Chamber entered the debate about the best form of government for Mobile. In 1977, Oliver Delchamps Jr. – by then a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce board and soon to be its president – urged the Mobile Area Chamber group to form a

political action committee because “business isn’t effectively involved in politics.” That never happened.

Economic Development

Chamber effort. In 1966, the Chamber lauded $100 million in new industry at Brookley, as well as plans for a new McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co. plant in Theodore and the news of Continental Motors’ serious interest in opening shop at Brookley. Continued on page 16

Economic development was a hot topic, too. In 1964, the Chamber expressed concerns over plans for a new city economic development agency, saying the Chamber had handled this task well in the past, as evidenced by International Paper’s then-new $2 million corrugated container plant. A month later, Chamber President Earl Benson unveiled the Task Force 200 plan – a plan to spend some $70,000 a year with a goal of attracting $200 million in new industry over the next five years. The Chamber adopted this first economic development plan Groundbreaking ceremony, International Paper Co., circa 1960s. Left unanimously, and just two to right are: William Morris, Mobile Area Chamber chairman of the World Trade Committee; Earl Benson, Alabama Power and Chamber months later, City of Mobile president; Houston Feaster, director, Alabama State Docks; Joe A. Mayor Joseph Langan Killian, Alabama State Docks; Sheldon Morgan, Chamber and industry voted against a new manager; Marion Rambeau, Chamber world trade manager. department in favor of the

Photo by Mike Thomason, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

Businesses on the way to Brookley Chamber to lead the community’s included Lear Siegler, Northern effort to keep Brookley open, Electric and Southern Packaging, the coordinating efforts of the city and newsletter reported. county, legislators, the state docks, The five-year retrospective on Task the civilian advisory board to Brookley Force 200, published by the Chamber and business leaders. in 1969, noted: “The major job loss at Task Force 200 moved quickly. Brookley of 13,495 has been more than The goal was simple: Raise $60,000 offset by this effort. In May 1964, at the from Chamber members, Chamber commencement of Task Force 200, dues and Mobile County and use it total employment in all wage and salary to attract new industry should the The Space Shuttle Enterprise landed at Brookley on its way industries in Mobile was 103,100. In June base be closed. The target – giving the to the New Orleans World’s Fair, 1984. The runway at of 1969 the same employment was 103,900. project its name – was $200 million in Brookley is touted in economic development circles as long enough to land the space shuttle, an impressive fact to site The 800 difference, plus the 13,495 loss investment. It took only three years to selectors in the aerospace industry. from Brookley, means the development of meet the five-year goal, and a second 14,295 new jobs in the period.” phase was promptly launched, seeking to Industry Committee, reported that the airfield At the forefront of Mobile’s economic bring another $300 million. should be turned over to the city that month. development ever since, the site, now Brookley The Chamber developed a plan for the By June of 1969, it was official: The old Aeroplex, home to 70-plus companies and 3,200 land and began talking with prospects, like Brookley Field was now “Brookley Airport and employees, including ST Aerospace Mobile, Star Continental Motors Corp. Craig Mason Industrial Complex.” Progress in Mobile, the Aviation, the U.S. Coast Guard, a downtown presented the plan in January 1968, showing airport (Mobile Air Center), Airbus, Continential areas for the airfield, industry, Coast Guard, a city Chamber’s monthly newsletter, reported that there are “2,000 people at work…with its gates Motors, Enterprise Ozark Community College park and University of South Alabama facilities. wide open and an optimistic future…as a new and Army Aviation Federal Credit Union. The following January, Gen. W. K. era begins.” Wilson Jr., chair of the Chamber’s New The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

In 1969, Craig Mason reported on behalf of the aviation committee that changes were needed at Bates Field, (now Mobile Regional Airport.) The terminal was built in 1950 to serve 26,700 passengers annually, he said. In the year of his report, the same building would be called upon to serve some 213,500 passengers, which would probably double when new jets began serving the airport in 1975. “It’s time to fix up the facilities,” he said, adding, “In the world today, money moves by air.”

Race Relations Civil rights ruled the news during the early 1960s, and the Chamber minutes offer a local perspective. Black community leaders urged the Chamber to work for employment opportunities for blacks, but as a membership-based organization, the Chamber hesitated to tell its members how their businesses should be operated. Though the Chamber dragged its collective feet on compliance with the new Civil Rights Act, when the home of civil rights leader John LeFlore was destroyed by a bomb, the Chamber quickly condemned the violence and teamed with the local newspaper to lead a fundraising effort to rebuild the house – raising more than the target amount.

Erik Overby Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

In 1979, recognizing that nearly 80 percent of Chamber members were small business, the Chamber began developing a small business counseling program.

John L. LeFlore (1903-1976) was a local postman, civil rights activist and state legislator. He is credited with transforming the Mobile chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and became one of the most important activists in the region. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, a year-long investigation of the bombing of LeFlore’s home in 1967 was inconclusive but it was speculated it was related to the “changing relationship between LeFlore, the aged activist, and the younger black community.” He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1947. LeFlore High School bears his name, recognizing his many accomplishments.

In 1969, the Chamber responded to critiques of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, noting while the senior organization accepted black members, the junior version does not. But the senior group did not suggest a change for the junior group.

Environmental Issues Early in the quarter-century, the Chamber worked to prevent earmarking delta

land for wildlife management if it might be needed for the spoils of river dredging or otherwise interfere with industry’s needs. Just a few years later, in 1967, H. E. Myers Sr. urged caution about proposed new water quality standards limiting industrial impact. “If industries are not permitted to use any oxygen from the water, it will be very harmful to the future development of Mobile,” Myers told the Chamber. In 1968, when state and federal leaders locked horns over the best way to protect

Mobile is Degussa’s ‘Lighthouse’ When German-owned Degussa began construction of its chemical plant south of town in 1973, it was a significant first for Mobile – the first foreign direct investment in the community. The firm that’s now called Evonik Degussa decided to locate here after several months of searching for the best site. “Mobile had three pluses,” said Bonnie Tully, who took over as site manager in July. “It’s an infrastructure hub with a world-class port, rail, highway and pipeline access; it has a highly motivated and trained Mobile won Degussa’s first North American investment workforce; and it has a business– and it was Mobile’s first international investment. The company broke ground in south Mobile County in 1974. friendly environment.” Over the years, the company has It started with just two, making provided Mobile with business leaders methionine, an amino acid used as a feed including Peter Mannsfeld, who organized additive, and Aerosil, a silica product that, and led the chemical facility; Charles Story, among other uses, makes better tires. the first American hired, who worked in the In 1987, the company added a hydrogen forefront of community business issues; and peroxide plant, Tully said, noting that hydrogen Tom Bates, the most recent leader of the peroxide is used in paper manufacturing, wood Mobile facility who is now president of Evonik processing, water and wastewater treatment and Industries in North America, parent of the local exhaust air treatment. In 1995, the company facility. achieved a first in transporting hydrogen Mobile “has proved to be a very good site,” peroxide by ship – a logistical feat, she said – said Tully – and it is home to five of the firm’s and it still ships to a facility near Chicago. six chemical business lines.

16 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Degussa merged with Hüls AG, its nextdoor neighbor on Rangeline Road, in 1999, and started producing isopherones, used in coatings for everything from polyurethane for the backyard deck to spacecraft. In 2007 the merged firm became Evonik. Two more facilities have opened at the site since. In 2008, the company added a $10 million Rohacell facility to make polymethacrylimide, a lightweight rigid foam that’s used in wind turbines, aerospace and many other products that need to add strength without adding weight, Tully said. Most recently, the company added a facility to make sodium methodate, a catalyst used to produce biofuels. With 680 employees, Mobile is already a leader for Evonik’s North American programs. Corporate IT is housed here, along with the largest engineering and reliability groups. Tully is proud the firm takes environmental protection and community responsibility seriously. She was just completing a three-year term as plant manager for a new Evonik chemical facility in Singapore when she was approached by company management with “a new vision for Mobile.” They told her of plans to make Mobile “a lighthouse for our facilities in North America.” “How can you say no to that?” she asked.

BankTrust Born in 1986

Shell Chemical Co. was recognized sith the Governor’s Conservation Award in 1970. Mobile Area Chamber President Dr. A.A. Wood (far right) is pictured with three representatives of Shell Chemical Co. – Dr. W. Wilson Gaillard (left), Gen. W. K. Wilson Jr. and E.S. “Pinkie” Martin.

waters, the Chamber sided with the less restrictive state plans. “Stated in its simplest form, the primary aim of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is to assist in creating prosperity for the entire Mobile area,” the Nov. 13 minutes quote from testimony on the topic, urging that regulations should recognize everyone contributes to pollution, just by flushing toilets, for example, and the burden should not rest solely on industry. By 1971, however, when the AirCo plant at Theodore said it needed Chamber backing because it couldn’t meet air quality guidelines, the Chamber agreed to work with them, but said its “first responsibility [is] to the citizens of Mobile and that area.”

Healthcare During 1964, the minutes include the first hint of big changes in the local healthcare landscape. In January, Mobile General Hospital requested Chamber support for additional funding, mentioning its hope to open a medical school in Mobile. By 1966, the Chamber endorsed a 3-mill ad valorem tax to support Mobile General and heard a report that a new medical school was being seriously considered by the governor and a special study committee. Mobile General was in even worse shape financially by 1967. Winston Whitfield and Dr. A. A. Wood (later president of the Chamber) reported the hospital would face a “complete lack of operating funds” by mid-year. Among the possible revenue sources discussed were a 2-cent tax on cigarettes. In 1970, the governor asked for a show of support for a new medical school, and the Chamber was designated to lead the effort. In 1972, University of South Alabama

27-member board and only 17 employees – In the mid-1980s, consolidation was mostly from First National – and has grown the watchword of business and banking was through two name changes and a merger the spokesperson. As Mobile’s best-known to become an institution with $2 billion in banks merged into larger corporations and assets and 50 branches that has been called their headquarters moved away, a group of BankTrust since 2002 in Alabama and in local bankers and businessmen decided that the Florida panhandle. enough was enough. It’s important to a community to have a It was a powerhouse group including major bank headquarters, said Johnson. The such local names as Bedsole, Boykin, Delchamps, Hearin, Inge, Langan and Luce. BankTrust headquarters provides 175 jobs in Mobile and Baldwin counties and attracts They would put up the money if Robert J. Blackwell, then president of First National consultants, auditors and vendors, all of Bank of Mobile, would take the helm. Three whom use hotels, restaurants and airports. Though it has absorbed a number months later, they created Mobile National of small banks Corp., the in outlying holding company communities, for The Bank of BankTrust Mobile NA, and officials try to let the bank opened each maintain its doors March a degree of 21, 1986. independence “We were and retain its born of a one-ofstaff. “We give a-kind banking autonomy to the climate,” said local people for Chief Financial BankTrust initially set up operations in the historic First National Bank building, opening March 21, local decisions, Officer Mike 1986 as Bank of Mobile (circa 1980s). the flexibility Johnson. In and authority to 1980, virtually all run those community banks as if they were of Mobile’s banks were hometown, he said, stand-alone,” said Fitzhugh. but that landscape changed dramatically in Despite the high-tech changes in just five years, as First National merged with the way money is handled, said Fitzhugh, AmSouth, and Merchants National merged “Banking is still a face-to-face, very with First Alabama and then with Regions, personal business.” which not long ago also took in AmSouth. In one of the biggest ironies in the RBC acquired numerous Mobile locations at banking story, BankTrust plans to move that time and entered the Mobile market. its headquarters next year to the old “Mergers may be good for shareholders, First National Bank building, now being but they were not popular here,” said transformed by Retirement Systems of Johnson. He and Senior Vice President Alabama into the RSA BankTrust Building. Pamela Watson were both among the And, ironically, Johnson will go back to the original employees, and bank President same office he had a quarter-century ago Michael Fitzhugh came to the firm in when he worked at AmSouth. 1998 from Colonial Bank. The Bank of Mobile began with a

President Fred Whiddon announced the first few appointments had been made to the medical school faculty. In 1979, the first attempts at federal healthcare reform brought quick response from the Chamber’s public health committee,

chaired by Mobile Infirmary leader E. C. Bramlett. The committee called reform proposals “totally unworkable” and said voluntary controls were needed to curb escalating healthcare costs. Continued on page 18 The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Even under university control, the Mobile General Hospital now turned to USA Medical Center, saying in 1983 it couldn’t afford to provide indigent medical care without additional funding. The Chamber considered money from the greyhound track, a 3-mill property tax, escrowed oil and gas severance taxes and additional funding from the other five counties served by the medical center as possible funding sources. The minutes also read: • While supporting downtown renovation in general, the Chamber did its own part. In 1978, the group bought half of a lot along Spanish Plaza for a new headquarters with a city park on the

Mobile Area Chamber Board Chairman William Hearin with the Mobile Press-Register presented this certificate of appreciation to S. D. Bishop State Junior College in 1981. Pictured with Hearin are Mrs. S. D. Bishop and Dr. Yvonne Kennedy.

front half. “The Chamber of Commerce is the front door to Mobile,” said former president A.A. Wood, who chaired the location committee. To meet the need for tax-deductible donations to the building fund, the Chamber created its Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation in 1978.

USA College of Medicine Charter Class (Class of 1976).

TAG’s Role in Building Mobile Forty years ago, Mobile had a number of small architectural firms, but none big enough to tackle the major projects the city was on the verge of needing. So, in 1971, three small firms joined to create The Architects Group (TAG). Many of the city’s iconic buildings bear their stamp on the corner of the blueprints. The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce building, the former QMS campus that now houses the Mobile County Public School System offices, Mobile Museum of Art in Langan Park, the Alabama School of Math and Science’s auditorium and library, the Integrity Media campus on Cody Road, a dozen or more American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) apartment buildings, multiple buildings at Spring Hill College and the new Saraland High School all bear the mark of TAG. And most of those projects also bear the mark of the firm’s two current leaders, Ronald Taylor, principal and president, and David Barr, principal and vice president. Both have been with TAG for more than 20 years. Each of the firm’s major projects has a story, Taylor said. QMS, for example, started with a plan drawn on a napkin by company founder Jim Busby – a plan for 3,000 square feet of space. “By the time they were done, they

18 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Ronnie Taylor, principal and president of The Architect Group (right) and Vice President David Barr (below) joined the firm around the same time, more than 20 years ago. To its credit are a number of Mobile icons including the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce building, Mobile Museum of Art, the former QMS campus and the new Saraland High School.

needed 50,000 square feet,” said Taylor. Another campus project, Integrity Media, started with a recording studio in a setting designed to nurture creative people, said Taylor. Sometimes an initial project leads to much more. The Mobile firm designed a restaurant for Morrison’s Cafeteria, and by the time that project was complete it had designed 30

to 40 restaurants around the country. That project moved TAG from hand-drawn plans to computer-drawn work, Barr said. Sometimes a project can include an educational element, Taylor said. When renovating Quinlan Hall, one of the older buildings at Spring Hill College, the work uncovered antique building processes – lath and plaster walls, for example, and an internal structure similar to the Eiffel Tower. So the TAG team left some of the wall open to view and added explanatory plaques. And sometimes the firm’s work isn’t about creating icons but about re-creating normal life. After Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina and after floods in Iowa and Texas, TAG contracted with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess damages. The firm inspected 600 houses a day and developed software to tie their information into GPS coordinates since normal means of locating houses – street signs and street numbers – had been blown or washed away. The system was so efficient that FEMA adopted it as the agency standard.

• Delighting in the city’s success, the Chamber took pleasure in a 1978 U.S. News article proclaiming that “Mobile has become the Southeast’s new boomtown.” • Beginning in 1971, Chamber members were increasingly concerned about rising crime rates in the city. In a Chamber-commissioned study, John H. Friend Inc. reported the group should admit there is a problem, work to understand it and then fight it. • Dog racing won Chamber approval in 1972 after a poll of members showed 517 in favor and 142 against. • In 1974, the Chamber announced plans for a “Henry the Great Committee”

to plan ways to honor Hank Aaron, the city’s finest ball player. • Middle Bay Light won support from the Chamber in 1974 when the group agreed it should be retained for historical and useful purposes. • The Dauphin Island Sea Lab got its start in 1974 when the Chamber deeded it almost all the property it still owned on the island.

Mobile landed a 30-page spread in the March 1968 issue of National Geographic. The article is said to be one of the most extensive articles on Mobile, featuring its beauty, port, wildlife, events – such as Mardi Gras, government, history, architecture, commerce, cuisine and quality of life. Built in the late 1970s, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce became a location where local business representatives gathered. This is likely the grand opening of the new location at 451 Government St.

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Going from Good to Great with

United Way

With a new CEO and a new campaign goal, the umbrella organization is on its way the local effort by growing awareness for Beth Morrissette will tell you she is what United Way does. “The more we can not United Way of South Alabama’s typical educate people about the services we fund, campaign chair, but she’s proud of what the more people will want to help.” she brings to the table in her community Turner faced a similar scenario in his volunteer experience and prouder still of previous position at the United Way of West her cabinet of volunteers. Tennessee, where he turned A Mobile sales its campaign around, representative for Bessemer, increasing it by 4.4 percent. Ala.-based Manufacturer’s “Alan is a rising star in Packaging Services, the United Way profession, Morrissette has an office at and we will all benefit from United Way and is found his experience and there often preparing for the leadership,” says United fundraising campaign that Way’s Board of Trustees kicks off this month. “I like Chair Dr. Joseph Busta, Jr. being here,” she says, with the University of South “because it helps me Turner Alabama’s Alumni Relations. understand the entire Morrissette feels confident operation.” that United Way can create lasting This year, the organization that helps community change by focusing on fund 52 health and human service agencies in Mobile, Washington and Clarke education, health, financial stability and basic needs, but she says she needs counties set a campaign goal of $4.9 continued participation from the business million. It’s no secret the economy has taken its toll on United Way, and this year’s community and their employees. “I don’t think we, as people who love target is less than last year’s. our region, have a choice. Investing heavily “I see people, not dollars,” Morrissette in the future of our community is said. “There are a lot of great things incredibly vital to the outcome of our happening in our community, and what’s missing is the health and human services.” future success. United Way of Southwest Alabama is a great investment. It is an easy Alan Turner joined United Way as its chief executive officer in August 2011. What choice that in the end will make the difference between a good community and stood out for him when he interviewed for a great community.” the job was the volunteer and community support. He knows the organization faces challenges, and says he hopes to impact

20 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Beth Morrissette, pictured with preschoolers at the Dearborn YMCA, is United Way’s 2012 campaign chair.

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What Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Immigration Bill Means for Businesses Inspired by recent legislation in Arizona, the Alabama Legislature on June 2 passed the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (HB 56), a far-reaching illegal immigration enforcement bill. The law requires businesses and employers in Alabama to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm that employees are authorized to work. State and local authorities will be required to assist the federal government in enforcing federal immigration laws. Residents who are not currently registered to vote will now have to provide proof of U.S. citizenship as part of the voter registration process. On the business front, the free, federal, Internet-based system must be used for all new hires, and businesses cannot take tax deductions on wages paid to immigrants who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t authorized to work. The

Alabama Department of Homeland Security must establish and maintain an E-Verify agent service to establish the employment eligibility of new hires on behalf of small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Contractors and subcontractors who receive any contract, grant, or incentive from the state, any county or municipality, or any state-funded entity will also have to use E-Verify. Prior to starting work, contractors will have to provide documentation that they are enrolled in the program. This provision of the law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, and also applies to out-of-state contractors. By April 1, 2012, every business must use E-Verify to verify the employment eligibility of its new hires. If a business is found to have knowingly hired an illegal immigrant, or continues to knowingly

employ an illegal immigrant, the business is subject to having its right to conduct business in Alabama revoked. First-time violators receive up to a 10day suspension of their business license at the business location where the violation occurred, along with a three-year probationary period where the business must file quarterly reports with the district attorney on each new employee hired. Upon a second violation, the business license is permanently revoked at the location where the violation occurred. Any subsequent violations will result in the business licenses and permits of the offending business being suspended permanently statewide. The remaining provisions of this law will take effect Sept. 1, 2012.

Rick A. La Trace is an attorney with Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon & Harris LLC in Mobile. He can be reached at 441-9255 or ral@johnstoneadams.com.

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The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Partners for Growth Exceeding its Goals for 2008-2012 From 2008 to 2012:

Goal

Number of Primary Jobs Created

3,750 over five years

Targeted Annual Salaries

$38,500

Capital Investment Generated

$1 billion

our years ago, 200 area businesses, the city of Mobile and Mobile County pledged to invest $10.4 million over a fiveyear period in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Partners for Growth economic development initiative, “Seizing the Opportunity.”

To Date* 6,051 $52,122 $1.35 billion

*Results to date, as of July 2011.

This aggressive program was created by regional business and community leaders to implement a program promising a dramatic impact for the city, the county and the Mobile Bay area. Partners for Growth is based upon measurable objectives and outcomes and focuses on four key areas: existing business retention and expansion; new business development;

workforce development; and infrastructure advancement. The plan features three primary measurements of success. With one year remaining, the Partners for Growth initiative has yielded outstanding results for investors and the community.

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Investors in Partners For Growth Adams & Associates Inc. Adams & Reese LLP Airbus Americas Engineering Inc. Aker Solutions Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals LLC Alabama Associated General Contractors Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC Alabama Power Co. Alabama State Port Authority All Clean Janitorial Service LLC Arkema Inc. Armbrecht Jackson LLP AT&T Austal USA Baldwin Transfer Co. Inc. Bank of the Ozarks BankTrust Barry A. Vittor & Associates Inc. BASF Corp. Bay Bank Bay Benefits Group Bay Security Co. LLC Bayview Ford-Lincoln-Mercury LLC BB&T BBVA Compass Bank Beard Equipment Co. Bellingrath Gardens & Home Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc. Bender Real Estate Group Block USA Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Rents Inc. Boise Paper Briskman & Binion PC Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co. Inc. Buffalo Rock-Pepsi Burr & Forman LLP Cabaniss Johnston Gardner Dumas & O’Neal Cardiology Associates C.H. Robinson Worldwide Chapura Charter Services Chickasaw Container Services China Doll Rice & Bean Inc./ Dixie Lily Foods City of Mobile Coastal Bank and Trust Comfort Systems USA Southeast Commonwealth National Bank Continental Motors Inc. Cooper/T. Smith Corp. Crow Shields & Bailey PC DailyAccess Corp. Dauphin Realty Inc. Delaney Development Inc. Denny Manufacturing Co. Inc.

The following companies have invested in the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s aggressive and successful economic development program of work, called Partners for Growth. DEX Imaging Doster Construction Co. DuPont Crop Protection EADS North America Enveloc Inc. Esfeller Construction Co. Inc. Esfeller Oil Field Construction Inc. ExxonMobil First Community Bank First Protective First Small Business Investment Co. of Alabama Franklin Primary Health Center Inc. G.A. West & Co. Inc. Gardnyr Michael Capital Inc. Grandbridge Real Estate Capital LLC Gulf City Body & Trailer Works Inc. Gulf Coast Marine Supply Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. Inc. Gulf Distributing Co. of Mobile LLC Gulf Electric Co. Inc. Mobile Gulf States Engineering Gwin’s Commercial Printing Hancock Bank Hand Arendall LLC Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Heffernan & Associates Inc. Heggeman Realty Co. Inc. Helmsing Leach Herlong Newman & Rouse Heritage Homes of Mobile Inc. The Hiller Cos. Hoar Construction Holcim (US) Inc. Holmes & Holmes Architects Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile Hosea O. Weaver & Sons Inc. Industrial Development Authority Industrial Development Board Infirmary Health System Inc. Integrity Media Inc. International Shipholding Corp. IPC Capital Partners LLC The J.L. Bedsole Foundation JMG Realty LLC Joe Bullard Automotive Cos. Johnstone Adams Bailey Gordon and Harris LLC

Jones Walker KBR Keith Air Conditioning Inc. Keith Mosley Construction Inc. Kimberly-Clark Corp. Lamar Advertising Co. of Mobile Inc. Lawrence & Lawrence PC Lewis Communications Inc. LLB & B Inc. Real Estate Long’s Human Resource Services Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency Inc. Malcolm Pirnie Inc. Masland Carpets LLC McDowell Knight Roeder & Sledge LLC McNeil Jackson Ahrens Lambert Financial Group LLC Merchants Transfer Co. Inc. Midstream Fuel Service LLC Mississippi Export Railroad Co. Mitchell Container Services Inc. Mitsubishi Polysilicon Mobile Air Center Mobile Airport Authority Mobile Area Water and Sewer System Mobile Bar Pilots LLC Mobile Container Terminal LLC Mobile County Commission Mobile Gas National Community Development Services New Horizons Credit Union Norton Lilly International OEC Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services Inc. Olin Corp. Orion Engineering Inc. Page & Jones Inc. Performance Contractors Inc. Phelps Dunbar LLP Pierce Ledyard PC Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc. Praxair Inc. Precision IBC Inc. Premier Medical Management Inc. Press-Register Protective Life Corp. Providence Hospital Quality Valve Inc.

RaCon Inc. Randy Delchamps Real Estate & Development Co. Inc. RBC Bank Red Square Agency Regions Bank Robert J. Baggett Inc. Roberts Brothers Inc. Russell Thompson Butler & Houston LLP S & S Sprinkler Co. Saad Realty Group LLC SB&T Bank Scotch & Gulf Lumber LLC Seabulk Towing Shell Chemical LP/Shell Mobile Site Sirote & Permutt PC Smith Dukes & Buckalew LLP Southern Earth Sciences Southern Light LLC Springdale Travel American Express/ Cruise Quarters Springhill Medical Center Springhill Toyota SSAB Americas The SSI Group Inc. ST Aerospace Mobile Inc. Standard Concrete Products Inc. State Farm Insurance McElhaney Insurance Agency Inc. Stratis Business Centers Mobile Tate & Lyle Sucralose Inc. Tensaw Land & Timber Co. Inc. Termac Construction Inc. Thames Batré Mattei Beville & Ison The Architects Group Inc. Thompson Engineering Inc. Thompson Tractor Co. Inc. ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA LLC ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC U-J Chevrolet Co. Inc. University of South Alabama Vance McCown Construction Co. Inc. Vickers Riis Murray and Curran LLC Volkert Inc. Ward Properties Inc. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Foundation W.G. Yates & Sons White-Spunner & Associates Inc. White-Spunner Construction Inc. Whitney Bank Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC World Omni Financial Corp.

*As of Aug. 1, 2011

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

CEO profile

Keith Manwaring

Company: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Inc. Title: District Director Hometown: Durban, South Africa Education: Manwaring earned a degree in financial management at Damelin College in Johannesburg, South Africa. First job: Import/export clerk Previous experience: Manwaring retired as president of Integrity International Group. Prior to that, he was an international business consultant for microeconomic business development in emerging nations; an advertising and marketing consultant; and an international logistics executive. He also worked in nonprofit executive management. Accomplishments: Manwaring established several successful microeconomic projects in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Philippines. During his tenure at Integrity, he developed and managed music and intellectual property license agreements in more than 140 countries. He also served on several nonprofit boards in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Fiji and the Philippines, as well as corporations in the U.S., Australia, Mozambique, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the U.K. What changes can we expect at LifeSouth? “Look for growth at a projected rate of 15 to 20 percent per year for the next five years,” said Manwaring. “We plan to double the current workforce from 50 to 100 full-time employees and to add at least three additional bloodmobiles to the four we currently operate in Mobile and Baldwin counties through ongoing capital investment.” Secret to success: “Being in the right place at the right time,” said Manwaring. He also mentioned his favorite quote from William Shakespeare: “To thine own self be true.” With which historical figure would you like to dine, and why: “Sir Winston Churchill, because he’s one of the most inspiring leaders of all time.” Brief company description: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is a nonprofit community blood supplier for local hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The organization collects and stores donated blood for distribution where there is a need.

24 SEPTEMBER 2011 2011 || The TheBusiness BusinessView View

Including Branding

as Part of Your Marketing Strategy

A great product or first-class service is seldom enough to sustain a lasting impression. In today’s competitive market, a great branding strategy will help ensure that customers remember your business as the “go-to” source for their needs. This includes the company’s name, logo, symbols, website and other tools that define your small business in the minds of consumers. Branding differentiates one company from others providing the same products or services in a target market. According to marketing experts, branding and marketing go hand-in-hand. Building a strong brand can translate into a powerful marketing program. If branding is weak, then advertising, packaging, sales promotions and public relations won’t help.

What does a simple yellow rubber wrist Almost anything can be branded, but band encourage you to do? What does the branding is complex and involves the pink bunny beating the customer’s total drums remind you of? experience with you, your Be original in company, your product Everybody touts identifying your brand or your service. The identity – the thing that most effective branding quality and truly sets your small includes online service, so look business apart. If you’re elements. The web having trouble offers tremendous for something pinpointing what’s opportunities for that’s really unique and sets you promoting your brand, apart, try asking your through low-cost different. customers what they search engine ads or need from you the interactive features most. Then base the on your website. marketing message on that. The best brands tend to tap emotions Avoid elements or catch phrases linked and appeal to a person’s natural need for to trends likely to disappear or become involvement.

outdated. Simplicity is also a virtue in your branding message. Buyers are overwhelmed by excess information. Too much information confuses customers and your message. There are many qualified marketing and advertising Mobile Area Chamber member firms that can help you understand and craft a sound branding strategy. Go to the Chamber’s online membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com and search for the keyword “marketing.” To learn more about branding and other marketing strategies, or for a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org.

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The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

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Roberts Brothers Inc.

Roberts Brothers Inc., has been in business serving residential and commercial real estate customers for more than 65 years. Pictured here at the company’s headquarters in The Real Estate Center in Mobile from left to right are Roberts Brothers Inc. officials – John Roberts, chairman emeritus; Sue Cato Winter, general manager; and Daniel Dennis, president.

Company Officials: Daniel A. Dennis IV, president; John A. Roberts Jr., chairman emeritus; Sue Cato Winter, general manager Years in Business: 65 years 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.

Brief Company Description:

Roberts Brothers Inc. is a residential real estate brokerage business with four offices in Mobile and Baldwin counties as well as a real estate school. It has more than 200 sales associates and employees and sales of more than $200 million annually.

26 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Why are you located in Mobile?

“In 1932, my grandfather was in the savings and loan business in Ingram, Pennsylvania,” said Roberts. “He moved to Mobile and started a real estate/ construction company here after the Great Depression.” Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative?

“Increasing our economic development opportunities is one of the most important things we can do for our area,” said Dennis. “Partners for Growth provides us with an advantage over competing cities

in this arena because it allows us to deliver a single, collective message. In light of our past success, this teamwork approach works and will continue to attract industry.” What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “Our port and

aerospace infrastructure, competitive workforce and the pro-business climate established by our local leadership have positioned us for growth and prosperity over the coming years,” said Dennis. Length of Chamber Membership: Since 1966

Reach 22,200 Decision Makers EACH Month Advertise in The Business View By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,000 area businesses every month plus another 9,300 business professionals who receive it electronically.

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

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Chamber@work

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Offers Regulatory Reform Insight Chamber President Win Hallett sits on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. At its summer board meeting, there was a great deal of discussion and interest in regulatory reform, including non-partisan efforts to reduce the federal budget, eliminate duplication and waste in federal government operations, improve infrastructure and create jobs. Following that meeting, the U.S. Chamber Association Committee of 100 met to discuss issues surrounding energy, the current political landscape and the economy. U.S. Chamber President Tom Donohue provided attendees with an unfiltered view of the U.S. Chamber’s priorities in Washington D.C., including the debt ceiling and deficit reduction, energy policy, the consequences of over-regulation, and the need to pass the free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia. Applicants Sought for Corporate Service Award The Chamber, in partnership with Envision Coastal Alabama and HandsOn South Alabama, is accepting applications for the 2011 Corporate Community Service Award. To be presented at the Chamber’s November board of directors meeting, the award will honor a Chamber member business that makes employee volunteer efforts an important part of its corporate vision, policies and operations. Previous winners are re-eligible after five years, but should have demonstrated new volunteer initiatives in order to re-apply. To learn more, contact Shayla Jones Beaco at 431-8628 or sbeaco@mobilechamber.com. Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings American Family Care in Saraland, Chiropractic Works PC, Family Security Credit Union in Tillman’s Corner, Roadmaps to Recovery Counseling Services and TradeBank of Mobile recently held grand openings and ribbon cuttings. If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribbon-cutting event, contact Kim Dale at 431-8649 or kdale@mobile chamber.com. Getting More Social The Chamber’s communications and marketing department is working with wellbornIdeas to help develop a strategy for its social media outreach. Currently, the Chamber is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SCORE Names New Counselor During June, SCORE counseled 18 new entrepreneurs and recruited Edwards Jennifer Edwards, a former city ambassador for the city of New Orleans’ Downtown Development District, as a new SCORE counselor. Edwards’ background is in business consulting, research and economic development. To set up a free and confidential one-on-one consulting session with Edwards or any SCORE counselor, call 431-8614.

9th Annual Summer Scrubs a Success More than 170 Mobile and Baldwin County high school students were selected to participate in the Bay Area Healthcare Coalition’s annual Summer Scrubs program managed by the Chamber. Students were chosen based on grades, guidance counselor recommendations and essays on their interest in a career in healthcare. Students spent a week rotating around 20 healthcare sites in both counties, sampling various healthcare careers through hands-on activities. Summer Scrubs 2011 was sponsored by AltaPointe Health Systems; Infirmary Health System Inc.; Providence Hospital; Springhill Medical Clinic; and USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

New Board of Advisors Named The board of advisors represents key businesses whose significant dues investment leads the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. To date, 242 companies make up the board. ASM Recycling Inc., Austin Industrial, APEX Environmental Services LLC, Information Transport Solutions Inc., Integrated Electronics, Serimax North America and Shell Chemical LP/Shell Mobile Site are the newest advisors.

Board of Advisors

Arenz

Beard

Stacy

Uwe A. Arenz is vice president of operations for Berg Spiral Pipe Corp., and is the senior company representative in Mobile. Prior to coming to Mobile, he spent nine years with Berg’s parent company, Europipe. Arenz earned a degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Saarland in Germany. Berg Spiral Pipe produces large-diameter quality steel pipes for oil and gas pipelines.

Leslie Beard is general manager for C.H. Robinson Worldwide. Before relocating to Mobile, she served as customer sales manager for the company’s Evansville, Ind., office. Beard, who has been with the company since 1999, attended Indiana University. C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal transportation services and logistics solutions, working with more than 49,000 customers worldwide. The company also offers supply chain analysis, freight consolidation, core carrier program management and information reporting. C.H. Robinson Worldwide is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Shawn Stacy is chief operating officer for Ryla, an Alorica company. Stacy has been with the company since 1998, most recently serving as headquarters director over an outsourcing portfolio containing eight strategic vendor partners and 28 call centers with 12,000 employees. Stacy graduated from Albion College in Albion, Mich., with a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration.

28 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

For more information about the Chamber’s board of advisors, contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or kdewrell@mobilechamber.com.

Chamber@work

Sullivan

Photo by J. Havard Photography

Business Spotlight of the Month Southern Tele-Communications Inc. (STC)

Diplomat of the Month – Michael Sullivan It took Michael Sullivan only a few months to earn the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month distinction. Sullivan is an account executive with Rutherfoord A Division of Marsh and McLennan Agency insurance brokers. Rutherfoord, originally a family-owned business established in 1916, joined Marsh & McLennan Agency in 2010. As a diplomat, Sullivan says he likes having the opportunity to interact with the business community. New Diplomats include Claire Bolton with Express Employment Professionals; Lydia Farmer with Panera Bread; and Marcia Washam with Interiors Now, A Division of The Finch Companies Inc. For more information on the Chamber’s diplomat program, contact Kim Dale at 4318649 or kdale@mobilechamber.com.

Healthcare Exchange Focus Group The Mobile Area Chamber’s small business department assisted the Alabama Department of Insurance with its focus group for small business owners to assess options for developing a Health Insurance Exchange for Alabama. The focus group discussed issues individuals and small businesses face in obtaining affordable health insurance. The meeting specifically addressed the issue of healthcare reform and establishing a healthcare exchange to be administered by the state.

Locally owned, STC has been doing business in Mobile and along the Gulf Coast for 23 years. According to President Ted Hooper (pictured front far right), offering excellent customer service is the key to the company’s success. “The best form of advertising is a satisfied customer.”

Southern Tele-Communications Inc. (STC) provides networking solutions for data centers, campuses and small- to medium-sized businesses. The company is a “one-stopshop” for business telecommunications needs, including telephone systems, high-speed data connections, fiber optics, computer networking, network services and video surveillance, using the latest technologies available. The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected at random from a business card drawing at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event.

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3/8/10 2:19 PM The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011 29

Comparative

Economic Indicators The Mobile Area Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.

June 2011 vs June 2010

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

Business Licenses City of Mobile

Average Selling Price Mobile County

248,523 2011

176 2011

236,721 2010

231 2010

$134,066 2011 $136,473 2010

Homes Soldâ&#x152;Ś

Building Permits

Unemployment Rates 10.6% 2011 10.2% 2010

30 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Mobile County

316 2011 370 2010

City of Mobile

241 2011 261 2010

Value of Building Permits $26,944,476 2011 $10,890,735 2010

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 27,534 2011 29,704 2010

September Calendar of Events 1

5 14

Lunch and Learn

The U.S. federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. If you’d like a piece of the action and want to learn how, attend “How to Make the World’s Largest Consumer Your Client,” on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ben Broadwater, local attorney with Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC, and an expert in the Federal Acquisition Regulations will explore the pros and cons of selling to the government. Being a supplier to the government is very different than the business-to-business market. Find out if it’s right for you, how to do it, and how to avoid the problems. The cost is $20 for members or $25 for potential members. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Closed Labor Day Economic Coastal Outlook

The University of South Alabama Real Estate Development Division presents its annual economic outlook research to the business community during the Coastal Economic Outlook seminar. Held this year on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, the seminar will feature Marty Regalia, chief economist with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss current events driving our local markets. The cost to attend is $100 and includes CEU credits upon request. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Shelly Mattingly at 431-8655 or smattingly@ mobilechamber.com. (See ad on page 8).

Networking@Noon *Members Only

Legal Seminar

Get the undivided attention of 40 business professionals at Networking@Noon on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Held at Via! Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St., from noon to 1:30 p.m., this bi-monthly event for Mobile Area Chamber members only is limited to one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Advance reservations and payment are required no later than Sept. 12, and can be made by contacting Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com. Reservations not cancelled by Sept. 12 must be honored to cover the cost of the lunch.

The Mobile Area Chamber and leading local attorneys will hold a seminar to update small business owners about the new legislation and regulations significantly impacting your businesses. “How to Keep Your Business Out of Trouble, New and Critical Laws Affecting Small Business,” is set for Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. The attorneys have expertise in all areas of small business and employment law. Specifically addressed will be the recently enacted Alabama Immigration Law and policies regarding your employees and social media. Business owners and key managers, human resource managers, department heads, and supervisors are encouraged to attend. This seminar is open to Mobile Chamber members and there is no fee to attend. For more information contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Executive Roundtable

*Members Only

Ron Sivak, account executive with Employee Liability Management Inc., will speak on Alabama’s Immigration Law, Requirements and Implementation at this monthly forum exclusively for Chamber members. Executive Roundtable will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Chamber’s Board Room. Mobile Area Chamber member small business owners have a great opportunity to network and discuss the pressing issues for small businesses. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com.

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

Business After Hours There’s still nothing that replaces face-to-face networking, and this month Holiday Inn Mobile West I-10, located at 5465 U.S. Hwy. 90 West, will host the Chamber’s Business After Hours. The event is set for Thursday, Sept. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Network with business professionals, introduce your company and make new contacts. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for potential members. Reservations are not needed. For more information contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com.

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The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

Member News Who’s New White-Spunner & Associates welcomed agent Mike Reid as real estate broker in its commercial and residential divisions. Reid has more than 15 Reid years of experience. X The Salvation Army welcomed new officers Majors Alan and Belinda Hill to serve as area commander and director of women’s ministries respectively, replacing Major Ted and Pam Morris. X Tammy M. Adcock joined Grubb & Ellis/Peebles & Cameron commercial and industrial brokerage firm. Adcock will sell and lease commercial and Adcock office properties. Prior to joining the firm, Adcock worked as a paralegal for 20 years.

Dr. Christopher Paul Eckstein was recently appointed assistant professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama (USA) Eckstein College of Medicine. Eckstein earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. USA also named Dr. Steve M. Cordina assistant professor of neurology. Cordina earned a medical degree from the University of Malta in Msida, Malta. Cordina X Todd W. Warren was named director of public safety and security at Spring Hill College. Warren has an associate’s degree in sciences from Texarkana College and a bachelor’s degree in human services from

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Texas A&M University. He most recently served as executive director of public safety and police services at Texarkana College in Texarkana, Texas. X

Hill

Lane

RE/MAX Partners on Grelot Road welcomed agents Leigh Hill, Lawanda Lane and Chanda Blanchard. X Blanchard McKean & Co. Inc. hired Carol McDonald Ward as sales manager of promotional products. X Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC hired Christy Loup as an accountant with a concentration in audit and tax. Loup graduated from Loup the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. X Bryan Hastings has joined the Mobile office of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors. Hastings

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32 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Business Endeavors The U.S. Navy awarded two construction contracts valued at approximately $313 million to Austal. The contract will fund the construction of the sixth and seventh joint high speed vessels. X The Hall-Ford house in historic Fort Condé Village was certified for a rehabilitation tax credit by the National Park Service. Restored by Fort Condé Restoration Venture, the Creole cottage was originally built in 1936, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and recently opened as a boutique hotel, Fort Condé Inn.

McKean & Meyer has officially changed its name to McKean & Co. Inc. X Valpak of Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida expanded its reach to 220,000 homes in the area. In addition to its current southwest Alabama region, the company added central Baldwin, Saraland and Theodore to its distribution. For more information, visit www.valpak.com. X STI created the Graduation Tracking System to identify at-risk students in support of the Alabama Department of Education’s dropout prevention awareness campaign. This free system is available to all schools, districts and local education agencies in the state through InformationNOW, STI’s statewide web-based student information system.

Well Done

Mobile Infirmary earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by complying with national standards for healthcare quality and safety in hospitals. The facility was evaluated for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. The hospital was also cited in Modern Healthcare magazine as one of 57 topperforming hospital systems nationwide. X Harrietta Eaton was elected chair of the NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) Mobile Section for 2011-12. Eaton was Eaton active in forming the first NACE Section in Mobile, offering certification courses and training classes in corrosion control cathodic protection, bridge inspections, etc. X Candlewood Suites in downtown Mobile was awarded a AAA Diamond rating from the motor club and leisure travel organization AAA. The Mobile property is the only Candlewood Suites in the nation to receive this rating given for services, amenities and decor. X Holcim (US) Inc. geocycle facility in Theodore reached a milestone in employee safety this year as it reached six consecutive years without a lost-time injury.

Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) was named the Logistics/ Transportation Provider of the Year by the American Metal Market (AMM) and also received top honors by the American Association of Port Authorities. Both organizations recognized ASPA for its technology and marine terminal operations at Pinto Island and its ability to reduce costs to transport slabs to ThyssenKrupp Steel. In other news, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA was named AMM’s winner for Best Greenfield Technology, recognizing advancements delivering innovation to the domestic steel industry. X University of South Alabama Social Work Director Dr. Michael Daley was reappointed to a second three-year term on the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Daley Leadership Development. The council is responsible for initiating programs and services related to the development of leaders in social work education. X Cheryl Williams, president of Spherion Staffing, was selected to serve on the Southeastern Employment and Training Association’s Williams (SETA) board of directors. Williams will serve as the private sector representative for Alabama. SETA works with businesses and industries to develop a highly skilled and well-trained workforce. Williams also serves on Mobile Works board of directors. X Burr & Forman LLP associate Kristin Ashworth was recently named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Woman of the Year” for 2011 by the local Ashworth Mobile Chapter for raising approximately $11,000 for the organization. X Gilbert Forbes “Tup” Dukes Jr. CPA was chosen as a life member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, a statewide organization that develops and improves accounting education, maintains high professional and ethical standards, and promotes the professional interests of certified public accountants. Dukes joined the firm of Smith, Dukes & Buckalew in 1960 and became a partner in 1969.

Red Square Agency received eight Bronze Tellys, with the majority given for work created on behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. The awards honor outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs. X Lifelines Counseling Services was reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation. The organization underwent a detailed review and analysis of its operations and was recognized as an outstanding provider of family and individual counseling. X The Community Foundation of South Alabama received a $4 million grant to continue supporting residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties still struggling from the effects of the oil spill.

Community News Mobile is one of several cities across the nation to host a Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run to mark the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The run began in New York City following the 9/11 attacks as a way to memorialize New York firefighter Stephen Siller and 342 other firefighters who died on that day. This year’s sponsors and cities across the country are making the run a national event. The Mobile Tunnel to Tower run will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, beginning at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call 800-773-0387 or visit www.usacares.org. X The Alabama Gulf Coast Start! Heart Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 24 at the University of South Alabama campus. Festivities and registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.algulf coastheartwalk.org. 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.

Anniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

25 YEARS Nature Indoors

20 YEARS

Coastal Neurological Institute FLC Living South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Sullivan Appraisal Co.

15 YEARS

Enveloc Inc. Faulkner University Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball

10 YEARS

Three Fingers Inc. d/b/a Foosackly’s

5 YEARS

Harcros Chemicals Inc. Hilton Garden Inn JubileeScape Lucy Barr Designs Neal-Waltman & Associates North Mobile Internet Services Inc. Paula’s Hair Unlimited LLC Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Royal Lagoon Seafood Inc.

1-4 YEARS

Red Roof Inn Red Roof Inn - Mobile South Reed Fabricators & Welding Inc. Rockwell and Kaufman LLC Rod Cooke Construction Inc. Ron’s Catering LLC Rubber & Specialties Inc. Ruland & Ruland CPAs LLC Serimax North America The Sessions Team - Roberts Brothers Inc. Sherwin Williams Co. Southern Controls Inc. Southern Repro Graphics Spear, Spear, & Hamby PC Specialty Fuels Bunkering LLC State Representative District 101 St. Mary Catholic School Sweat Tire Taylor Creek Hunting Preserve WAVH FM Talk 1065 Wal-Mart Tillman’s Corner WillTayl Life and Health Insurance Cart Wiregrass Hospice, A Gentiva Co. Wise Technology

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

The American Equity Underwriters Inc. Ashley’s Flower Shop & Gifts Baehr’s Automotive Service Center Inc. Beaird Organization Belk Bender Real Estate Group The Blake at Malbis Bluewater Yacht Sales Boteler & Wolfe, Attorneys at Law Business Link Candlewood Suites Mobile/Downtown Chandler Packaging Inc. Charleston Apartment Homes Commodore Steel Buildings Condé-Charlotte Museum House The Delicious Dietician Inc. Diversified Emergency Management Associates LLC Dixie Trucks Inc. Engineered Cooling Services The Ezell House Filters-Now.com Firehouse Subs Fitness Pro G. C. Specialties Inc. Gulf States Automation Hansen Heating & Cooling Howell and Associates Insurance Agency/ Farmers Insurance Lynwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Susan A. Martino CFP Maximum Landscape Inc. MMR Constructors Inc. Mobile County EMS Padgett Business Services of Mobile Panini Grill LLC PCH Hotels & Resorts Inc. Planet Fitness Private Gallery Inc. The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2011

New Members

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

BP Gulf Coast Restoration Organization - Alabama Ayana K. McIntosh 3947 Hwy. 59, Ste. 280 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-201-1900 www.alabamagulfresponse.com Energy/Oil and Gas Town of Chatom Harold L. Crouch P.O. Box 817 Chatom, AL 36518 251-847-2580 www.chatom.org Government Offices & Agencies

CONNECT

with the Chamber

on the web

Fort Conde Inn Larry Posner 165 S. Emanuel St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-405-5040 www.fortcondeinn.com Inns

Like us.

facebook.com MobileChamber

34 SEPTEMBER 2011 | The Business View

Malaysack Malaysack Parker 101-A N. Royal St., Ste. 100 Mobile, AL 36602 251-433-9020 Beauty Salons Mama’s Marshall Barstow 220 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-6262 www.mamasondauphin.com Restaurants Mayo’s Barber Shop Avis McColland 1868 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36606 251-473-4321 Barbers

Join us.

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com

Pen Air Federal Credit Union Amy D. Wilks 1495 E. Nine Mile Rd. Pensacola, FL 32514 850-505-3200 Ext:3336 www.penair.org Credit Unions

Suburban Homes Joyce E. Zirlott 6220 Hwy. 90 W. Theodore, AL 36582 251-653-6505 Manufactured Homes

VIP Nails & Tan Lisa Hahn Nguyen 6300 Grelot Rd., Ste. L Mobile, AL 36609 251-634-9993 Beauty Salon & Day Spa

Advanced Payroll Solutions....................27 Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC.......... 20 Alabama Power.......................................19 BankTrust................................................22 BayFest......................................................32 Coastal Economy Outlook IV.................. 8 Community Bank.....................................5 DEX Imaging............................................2 Gwin’s Commercial Printing.................25 Harris Business Machines..................... 30 Hixardt Technologies..............................21 Follow us.

TRIM: 9.25” X 12”

Stirling Properties LLC Donna Taylor 109 Northpark Blvd., Ste. 300 Covington, LA 70433 985-898-2022 www.stirlingproperties.com Real Estate-Commercial/ Development

Vending for U Kenneth R. Johnson 27900 Japonica Ln. Daphne, AL 36526 251-300-0767 Vending Machines

As of 6/30/11

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

mobilechamber.com/ chamberblog.asp

Color: 4C

Date Produced: 12/27/10

The UPS Store @ The Loop Scott Strong 2029-B Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36606 251-473-1022 Business Service

Bleed: 9.5” X 12.25”

Sandbar Café Chris Harle 1956 S. University Blvd., Ste. 238 Mobile, AL 36609 251-665-3100 www.shrimppoboys.com Restaurants-Seafood

ALABAMA INITIATIVE “CONSULT” AD

O & V Epoxy Floors & Walls Venson Smith 1251 Evangeline St. Mobile, AL 36605 251-479-8957 Floor Laying-RefinishingResurfacing Olivella Gourmet Olive Oils & Aged Vinegars Amber Gannon 4513 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 251-281-3134 Food Products

Tractor Supply Co. Todd Draime 5618 Hwy. 90 Theodore, AL 36582 251-653-8311 www.tractorsupply.com Farm Equipment - Retail

Job Name:

Neal’s Electronics Neal Bailey 907-J Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-344-7267 Home Electronics

Rich’s Car Wash Tim Richardson 1066 Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-633-0655 www.richscarwash.com Car Washing & Polishing

Live Area: 8.75" X 11.5"

Flowtec Industrial Service LLC Ted Speed 7387 Zeigler Cir. S. Mobile, AL 36608 251-635-1733 www.flowtec-industrial.com Oil Filtration - Pipeline & Industrial

Lucille’s Fashion Alterations & Resale Shop Lucille Dixon 104B S. Cody Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36608 251-380-0775 Alterations-Clothing

Natures Way Marine LLC Wendell Spencer 5993 Rangeline Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 251-443-5866 Marine Services

Top to Bottom Cleaning Katrina Weaver 2156 Webb Ave. Mobile, AL 36605 251-767-1850 www.toptobottomcleaning1.com Cleaning Service

RBCC2131

Auto Air Alabama West Thomas Fadalla 281 Schillinger Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608 251-633-7979 Automobile Air Conditioning Equipment & Repair

FISI Inc. Joel M. Chyke 5006 Harding Place Nashville, TN 37211 615-690-7020 www.fisiinc.com Office Supplies

Brian Knotts Agency Inc. Brian C. Knotts 578 Azalea Rd., Ste. 100 Mobile, AL 36609 251-660-7006 www.knottsagency.com Insurance

Reed Publications International Timothy M. Reed 600 Bel Air Blvd., Ste. 150 Mobile, AL 36606 251-476-8312 www.reedpromos.com Advertising Specialties

Job Number:

Aquilex HydroChem Inc. Cole Jones 211 Commerce Dr. Saraland, AL 36571 251-679-6003 www.HydroChem.com Industrial Cleaning

First Data Bobbi Karst-McCord 6201 Powers Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30339 251-648-9485 www.firstdata.com Merchant Services

Kelly’s Graphics Printwear Inc. Rick Kelly 108 Howell St. Chickasaw, AL 36611 251-457-7749 www.kellysgraphics.com Screen Printing

Nationwide Insurance Adrienne L Tucker Adrienne Tucker 6750 Airport Blvd., Ste. 2 Mobile, AL 36608 251-342-4450 Insurance Agency

Talascend LLC Jennifer Zaden 3800 Airport Blvd., Ste. 303 Mobile, AL 36608 251-341-0606 www.talascend.com Employment Agencies & Consultants

Holiday Inn................................................7 iBERIABANK...........................................11 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc........31 Lagniappe................................................25 MyStockShotz.com................................... 8 Premier Medical Management................6 RBC Bank................................................35 The University of Alabama.....................12 United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile............27 Whitney Bank......................................... 29 Wonderland Express...............................33

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American Cancer Society Kathy O’Neill 900 Western America Cir., #101 Mobile, AL 36609 251-344-9858 www.cancer.org Nonprofit Health Agency

Express Shred & Digital Imaging Tom Johnson 87 N. Sage Ave. Mobile, AL 36607 251-478-8262 www.expressshred.com Document Destruction

Gorrie-Regan and Associates Shay Tucker 4901 Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-209-2606 www.gorrieregan.com Time & Attendance

Rebound Rehab Christy Deese 650 University Blvd. S. Mobile, AL 36609 251-209-5010 www.reboundrehab.org Physical Therapy

AD:

Affordable Medical Clinic Purushottam Garg 4701 Airport Blvd., Ste. 200 Mobile, AL 36608 251-316-0073 www.affordablemedicalclinic.net Medical Clinics

Edward Jones Investments Rob Hanner 207-A Shelton Beach Rd. Saraland, AL 36571 251-679-0657 www.edwardjones.com Investment Securities

Get A Grip of FloraBama LLC Rob Johansen 23608 Cumberland Rd. Robertsdale, AL 36527 251-228-2361 www.getagripinc.com Remodeling

Memorial Funeral Home Cornelius W. Woods 1302 St. Stephens Rd. Mobile, AL 36610 251-457-6440 Funeral Homes

RBCC

Affinity Home Medical Inc. Chris O’Gwynn 724 Lakeside Dr. Mobile, AL 36693 251-666-2002 www.AffinityHM.com Home Medical Equipment

CHN South Clint Jones 3765B Government Blvd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-338-2942 www.CHNSouth.com Corporate Health, Safety, Wellness, Ergonomic

Gem of Champions Sarah Brett 25421A State Hwy. 181, Ste. 100 Daphne, AL 36526 251-517-3200 www.gemofchamps.com Gymnastics Instruction

Publication: MARCH MOBILE THE BIZ VIEW

AS&I Jerry C. Suiter Jr. 1644 Varner Scale Dr. Mobile, AL 36693 251-660-9999 Scales-Sales & Service

Cherokee - Scrubs 4 All Nick Mitchell 3688A Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 251-304-0083 Uniform-Retail

Client:

3 Echoes Productions Chelsea Lipford 75 Midtown Pk. E. Mobile, AL 36606 251-478-3345 www.3echoesproductions.com Video Production Services

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

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

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

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...is front page news.

Mike Marshall and his news team cover some of the Chamber’s and the region’s biggest accomplishments, and often the Press-Register and the Chamber find themselves on the same side of community issues. When it comes to supporting schools, smart growth and economic prosperity, Mike says, “Our Chamber is a true convener on Gulf Coast regionalism and globalization. How could any business NOT be part of that?” As one of 2,200 Chamber members, Mike has access to resources, exposure and networking to help the Press-Register thrive — and that’s the real story.

Mike Marshall Press-Register 470 Employees Founded in 1813

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