September 2010 The Business View by Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

September 2010 | Vol. XXXXI, No. 8

n Why Companies Love

to Barter

n You Can Get a Lot for

Your Money if You Are Buying a Home in Mobile

n FDIC Chair to Address

Coastal Economy

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

Reliability - For 174 years, the Mobile Area Chamber has worked

to make our area the best place to start, manage and grow your business.

Quality - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce consistently awards

the Mobile Area Chamber its highest five-star accreditation.

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

– a Significant Return on Your Investment You’ll see this symbol

with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Reach 22,200 Decision Makers EACH Month Advertise in The Business View By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area businesses every month plus another 7,500 business professionals who receive it electronically. The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your company in front of the Mobile area business community.

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

THE BUSINESS VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2010

CONTENT S

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

ON THE CO V E R THE

BUSINESS VIEW

Shayla Jones Beaco, Laura Florey, Ashley Horn, Bethany Kraft, Machelle Leslie, Kim Perrone Printing Services.. . . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive.. . . . . . . . . . René Eiland

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

A D V E R TI S E R S Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC.................................26 BancorpSouth..............................................................14 BankTrust.......................................................................6 BayFest..........................................................................23 Bayou Concrete..............................................................5 Burr Forman LLP..........................................................9 CH fulfillment services................................................26 Coast Safe & Lock Co. Inc...........................................32 Community Bank........................................................24 Gwin’s Commercial Printing......................................24 Hancock Bank..............................................................16 Infirmary Health System, Mobile Infirmary..............12 Infirmary Health System, Thomas Hospital..............13 Interstate Printing.......................................................27 Lagniappe.....................................................................29 Logical Computer Solutions.......................................21 Makeda Nichols, State Farm Insurance.....................25 Mobile Regional Airport..............................................35 Online Payroll Services Inc.........................................14 Premier Medical Management.....................................6 RBC Bank.....................................................................31 Safe Archives................................................................33 Server Corps.................................................................14 United Way of Southwest Alabama............................23 WAVENet Technologies................................................22 Welcome Friends, Millie Sue Hawk............................33 Whitney National Bank...............................................10

FIND THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB facebook.com

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce mobilechamber.com/chamberblog.asp twitter.com/MobileChamber youtube.com/MobileChamber

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

11 Mobile housing market offers good buys. 12-13 Keep your cash – Columnist Laura Florey

explains why Fortune 500 companies love to barter and how your business can benefit by doing the same. 17-20

In Envision Alabama’s semi-annual report the organization takes a look at its annual meeting, Coastal Economy Outlook, as well as innovative programs effecting education, transportation, development and housing on both sides of the bay. And environment co-chair Bethany Kraft talks about what it takes to be a sustainable region.

On the cover: Sen. Jeff Sessions, Mayor Sam Jones, Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood, EADS North America Chairman and Rep. Jo Bonner attended an EADS North America Rally to celebrate the company’s bid to build tankers for the U.S. Air Force. See story on page 5. Photo by Ashley Horn

F EAT U R E S

4-5

M ONTH LY F OC U S

News You Can Use – Positive updates for area and state businesses including details on the new Aker Solutions contract and one local company’s clean expansion into Louisiana and expansions at both Airbus and EADS North America.

ETC – Organizational updates and business briefs – BayFest turns sweet 16, Mobilians have a new place to play and NOAA launches its State of the Coast web site.

View the list of Partners for Growth Investors (PFG) – companies dedicated to accelerating economic momentum in Mobile.

15 22-23

Chamber to take group to visit Costa del Sol, Spain in March. 15 RBC Bank offers personal budget and savings tips to grow your money.

28 Chamber hires new account executive and fills administrative positions Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

10 Small Business of the Month: Touching Hearts Senior Care Inc.

25 SCORE Column: Motivating Employees to Exceed Expectations 25 CEO Profile: Tim E. Rosson, BBVA Compass Bank

25 Who’s in Town? 26 Diplomat of the Month: Gerald

Grovenstein, PREmployer Inc.

26 Business Spotlight of the Month: Floor Trader - Mobile

27 Investor Focus: Alabama State Port Authority

28 Board of Advisors Profiles 29 Chamber@Work 29 Economic Indicators 30-31 Calendar 32-33 Member News 34 Anniversaries 34 New Members

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

NEWS You Can Use

Positive Business News When You Need It

More Work for Aker’s Mobile Facility Aker Solutions was recently awarded another subsea equipment contract by Noble Energy Inc., a leading U.S. independent oil and gas company. Aker officials say the contract value is approximately $23 million. The scope of work includes engineering, manufacturing and delivery of a subsea controls distribution system, umbilical termination assemblies (UTA) and related equipment that will be used at Noble’s Tamar project in the Mediterranean Sea. According Aker Solutions won a contract to provide subsea equipment. The $23 million project will to industry experts, Tamar is be completed in Mobile. a gas field and is the largest opening up the possibility to serve the South American organic find in the Mediterranean Sea to date. market while maintaining our current market share,” said The latest contract complements previous awards by Marc Quenneville, vice president of Aker Solutions. Noble this year for delivery of 149 miles of subsea Manufacturing will take place at Aker Solutions’ umbilicals, also for Nobel’s Tamar project in April and a facilities in Houston and Mobile, for the UTAs and subsea mono ethylene glycol reclamation unit used in offshore controls distribution systems. Estimated delivery date is the deepwater gas production facilities. first quarter of 2011. Earlier this year, Aker announced new contracts were Aker’s Mobile facility serves oil and gas clients with delivery driving a $6 million expansion at its Mobile Middle Bay points in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, Mediterranean and Port operations, and adding 20 jobs with an average Asia Pacific regions. compensation package of $56,000. “Aker continues to bring new business, investment and In July, Aker announced its Mobile investment was jobs to the area, and anytime there is an expansion at one increasing to $7.3 million because of additional contracts. of our local companies the community benefits,” said Troy “Our recent expansion increases our capacity by 40 Wayman, the Chamber’s vice president of economic percent and allows us to better serve the world market, development.

Local Company Expands to Louisiana In a move to more effectively serve its Gulf Coast clientele, Starr Textile Services recently acquired Royal Laundry in New Orleans. The Foley-based company has 30 employees. It has retained Royal’s 22 employees. “The acquisition of a service facility in New Orleans will enable us to efficiently serve the needs of our current clients as well as more businesses in New Orleans and all along the Gulf Coast,” said owner Sheila Hodges. Royal Laundry, now Starr Textile Services LLC of Louisiana, services the Royal Sonesta Hotel in the French Quarter and seven other smaller accounts from a separate off-site facility, according to company officials. Royal was previously owned and operated by Boston-based Royal Sonesta International, the company that also owns the Royal Sonesta Hotel. “Our expectation is to continue to operate the facility in New Orleans as is, with some potential new equipment, as needed,” said Stephen Florence, vice-president of Starr Textile Services. “We believe the city is ripe for a commercial laundry since there has not been any real viable alternative. We are very excited about the acquisition and have already had several inquiries about service.” The Foley-based company serves the commercial laundry, dry cleaning and textile rental needs of hospitality organizations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Connector Links Mobile Regional Airport to I-10 A nearly completed Mobile County road project has airport officials buzzing. Dubbed the I-10 Connector by the Mobile Regional Airport, three major intersections are being modified to make it easier and quicker for passengers to get from the interstate to the airport. The project finalizes the link from I-10 and Rangeline Road to Hillcrest Road, extends Grelot Road to Dawes Road and creates the new two-lane Air Terminal Drive, delivering motorists directly to the entrance of Mobile Regional Airport. “It will be the fastest route from Baldwin County and Mississippi, and makes your travel time more easy to predict,” said Julie Bordes, marketing manager for the Mobile Airport Authority. Bordes said there are fewer traffic lights and estimates drivers can arrive at the airport from I-10 Exit 17B in approximately 10 minutes. The new route is also important for residents in west Mobile because it reduces traffic in more congested areas and bypasses heavily traveled roads including Schillinger and Airport Boulevard, added Nancy Johnson, director of public affairs with the Mobile County Commission. 4

SEPTEMBER 2010

At the juncture of Grelot and Dawes Road a new roundabout or circular intersection is being completed, where incoming traffic yields to traffic already in the intersection. According to the Federal Highway Administration, this design reduces crashes, injuries and fatalities because vehicles are not meeting head-on as they would at a traditional four-way stop.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

NEWS You Can Use

Positive Business News When You Need It

Airbus Commits to More Jobs in Mobile The Airbus North America Engineering Center announced new jobs for the Mobile area. The company is adding 90 positions over the next three years at its Brookley facility, bringing the number of employees to 240. An additional capital investment of $1.7 million will go toward finishing the existing 48,000-square-foot building to accommodate its growth and will be performed by Hargrove Engineers + Constructors. Earlier this year, Airbus celebrated hitting its 150 employee milestone and during that interview Site Director Dave Trent told The Pictured at the Farnborough Air Show this summer are Mayor Sam Business View there was more to come. Trent said this is another significant announcement for Jones (left); Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean; and Allan the Mobile facility. “Since 2007, Airbus has brought McArtor, chairman, Airbus Americas Inc. over 160 employees and their families to Mobile customization and after-market modifications for a who all now consider it home,” said Trent. “The new number of Airbus aircraft. positions will further the center’s work on the cabin and “This investment of both talented personnel and in the cargo systems for all Airbus products. We look forward to the Airbus facility is indicative of the company’s future growth potential of tanker work that would boost our presence in and commitment to the Mobile Bay area,” said Troy Mobile.” Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of The Mobile Airbus team largely consists of engineers economic development. and designers who are involved in product development,

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

EADS Tanker Team Sets Up Shop in Mobile EADS North America moved 100 members of its tanker team to Mobile this summer, and celebrated their first day of work with a community rally on July 12. Just four days earlier, the company submitted its proposal in the U.S. Air Force KC-X aerial refueling tanker competition, and reaffirmed its intention to build the KC-45 in Mobile. The local tanker team will answer any and all questions posed by the U.S. Air Force committee evaluating the tanker bid. Their role is also to prepare for the necessary steps once EADS North America lands the contract, again, emphasized Troy Wayman, the Mobile Area Chamber’s vice president of economic development. While a final decision from the Air Force is estimated to be 10 weeks away, EADS North America officials say they are ready to begin work in Alabama. “We’re confident in our offering, and want to be ready to get to work right away when the Air Force selects the KC-45,” said EADS North America Chairman Ralph Crosby. If the KC-45 is selected, EADS North America also has committed to building commercial A330 freighter aircraft at Brookley Field – more than doubling the aircraft production that the tanker alone will bring.

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

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

talk with us about your mortgage needs today! From Left: Anna Maria Mazzarella 251-431-7836 Lisa Portacci 251-776-5554 Janru Galloway 251-454-6997 Tara Hickey 251-929-2870

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SEPTEMBER 2010

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

ETC

Mobile’s New Bay Front Park The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) officially handed Arlington Park over to the city of Mobile this summer. Located on Mobile Bay’s western shore, the park was named for its proximity to Arlington Point, a well-known geographic feature. Within its 15 acres of recreational area, the park features a boardwalk and pier, kayak and canoe launch for nonmotorized boaters, one-mile hike / bike trail, picnic areas, gazebos for group functions and welcome center. The park’s pedestrian pier crosses 20 acres of wetlands and provides a closer view of the bay and many coastal birds. “Bay Front Park is absolutely breathtaking and its waterfront access will certainly be a positive addition to our bay,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. ASPA officials conceived the park plan during the federal permitting process for the seaport’s Choctaw Point container and intermodal terminal project. To mitigate for low quality wetland impacts, ASPA identified the nearby shoreline to create higher quality wetlands and restore a former industrial site for public use. “We sought to create a waterfront attraction where old derelict tanks and foundations blocked the view of Mobile Bay,” said Jimmy Lyons, ASPA’s director and chief executive officer.

Mobile City Councilman Jermaine Burrell, who represents the district where the park is located, said, “With the industrial growth at Brookley and the construction of the Maritime Museum on the bay, this park will give the public a wonderful view and access to the water.” Incorporated into the park’s design is pervious concrete, an environmentally friendly pavement that allows storm water runoff, automotive oils and fluids, and other pollutants to penetrate into the concrete’s open pore structure during rainfall rather than run off the hard surface into storm drains and bay waters. The pavement’s lighter color also absorbs less heat from solar radiation than darker asphalt pavements, thus reducing heat island effects and making the park more enjoyable during the hotter summer months.

NOAA Launches State of the Coast Web Site Have you ever wondered... What is the nation’s coastal population? What is the coastal Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? What is the overall health of our nation’s coasts? Or, how vulnerable is your state’s coastline to long-term sea level rise? To highlight the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems to a robust U.S. economy, a safe population and a sustainable quality of life for coastal residents, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created its State of the Coast web

site, http://state ofthecoast.noaa.gov, earlier this year. As an example of what type of information is included on the site, the nation’s 673 coastal communities contributed $7.9 trillion, more than half of the U.S. GDP in 2007. Alabama’s share was $23 billion for that same time period. The site is updated regularly and offers quick facts as well as detailed statistics through 15 interactive indicator visualizations.

Bay Front Park held its official grand opening in June. Attending the ceremony are from left to right: Fred Richardson, Mobile City Council; David Cooper, Alabama State Port Authority board member; Jermaine Burrell, Mobile City Council; Jimmy Lyons, Alabama State Port Authority; Mayor Sam Jones, City of Mobile; Reggie Copeland, Mobile City Council; and Wynne Fuller, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

BayFest’s Sweet 16 BayFest is turning sweet 16 this year and the music line-up will make it a celebration to remember. On tap are decorated artists including Reba McEntire, Mary J. Blige, Lady Antebellum, BayFest veteran David Nail and one of the area’s local bands, Top of the Orange. Event officials expect more than 200,000 guests will attend the downtown Mobile event to hear 125 live musical acts on nine stages during the Oct. 1-3 weekend. Alabama’s Tourism Department recently recognized BayFest as the 2009 Alabama Event of the Year. The Tourism Department indicated the choice was based largely on BayFest’s economic impact over the past 15 years, estimated at more than $185 million. Mobile’s music festival was also selected as a Top 20 Event for October 2010 by the Southeast Tourism Society. Weekend passes are on sale at www.bayfest.com. Three-day passes are $45 and day-passes are $30 per day at the

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

gate. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Until Sept. 15, the Mobile Area Chamber is selling discounted weekend passes for $40. To place an order, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8644 or kperrone@ mobilechamber.com.

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

Partners for Growth (PFG) is a public/private partnership of the city of Mobile, Mobile County, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and 200 investors that together dedicated $10.4 million to develop and implement an aggressive approach to economic growth and development. The Mobile Area Chamber is charged with working with existing businesses on retention and expansion initiatives, recruiting new businesses and supporting a positive business climate. The latest PFG initiative is designed to accelerate economic momentum in Mobile from 2008-2012. Contact Shelly Mattingly for more information at 431-8655 or smattingly@mobilechamber.com.

Thank you to the following companies for investing in this campaign. Adams & Associates Inc. Adams & Reese LLP Airbus North America Engineering 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 Armstrong World Industries Inc. Associated Builders and Contractors AT&T Austal USA Baldwin Transfer Co. Inc. Bank of the Ozarks BankTrust Barry A. Vittor & Associates Inc. BASF The Chemical Co. 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 Cola Burr & Forman LLP Cabaniss Johnston Gardner Dumas & O’Neal Cardiology Associates C.H. Robinson Worldwide Chapura Charter Services Inc. Chickasaw Container Services China Doll Rice & Bean Inc. Ciba Specialty Chemicals City of Mobile Coastal Bank & Trust Comfort Systems USA Southeast Commonwealth National Bank Cooper/T. Smith Corp. 8

SEPTEMBER 2010

DailyAccess Corp. Dauphin Realty Delaney Development Inc. Denny Manufacturing Co. Inc. DEX Imaging Doster Construction Co. Dudley Chateau & Cox PC DuPont Agricultural Products EADS North America Enveloc Inc. Esfeller Construction Co. Inc. Esfeller Oil Field Construction Inc. ExxonMobil First Community Bank First Small Business Investment Co. of Alabama Franklin Primary Health Center Inc. G.A. West & Co. Gardnyr Michael Capital Inc. Grandbridge Real Estate Capital 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 and Associates Inc. Heffernan & Associates Inc. Heggeman Realty Co. Inc. Helmsing Leach Herlong Newman & Rouse Heritage Homes of Mobile Inc. Hiller Investments Inc. Hoar Construction Holcim (US) Inc. Holmes & Holmes Architects Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile Hosea O. Weaver & Sons Inc. Industrial Development Authority (Mobile County) Industrial Development Board (City of Mobile) Infirmary Health System Inc. Integrity Media International Shipholding Corp. IPC Capital Partners LLC The J.L. Bedsole Foundation Jay Stubbs CLU JMG Realty LLC Joe Bullard Automotive Cos.

Johnstone Adams Bailey Gordon and Harris LLC Jones Walker LLP 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. Lyons Pipes & Cook PC Malcolm Pirnie Inc. Masland Carpets LLC McDowell Knight Roeder & Sledge LLC McNeil Jackson Ahrens Financial Group LLC Merchants Transfer Co. Inc. Midstream Fuel Service LLC Mississippi Export Railroad Co. Mitchell Container Services Inc. Mitsubishi Polysilicon Mobile Air Center Inc. 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 Office Equipment Co. Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services Inc. Olin Corp. Orion Engineering Inc. Page & Jones Inc. Performance Contractors Inc. Pierce Ledyard PC Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc. Praxair Inc. Precision IBC Inc. Premier Medical Management Inc. Press-Register Protective Life Corp. Providence Hospital RaCon Inc. Quality Valve Inc. Randy Delchamps Real Estate & Development Inc. RBC Bank

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Red Square Agency Regions Bank Robert J. Baggett Inc. Roberts Brothers Inc. Russell Thompson Butler & Houston LLP S&S Sprinkler Co. LLC Saad & Vallas 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 Springdale Travel Springhill Automotive Inc. Springhill Medical Center SSAB Americas SSI Group ST Aerospace Mobile Inc. Standard Concrete Products Inc. State Farm Insurance McElhaney Insurance Agency Inc. Stratis Business Centers Mobile Tate & Lyle Sucralose Inc. Teledyne Continental Motors 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. Wachovia Bank Wachovia Foundation Ward Properties Inc. W.G. Yates Construction White-Spunner & Associates Inc. White-Spunner Construction Inc. Whitney National Bank Wilkins Miller Hieronymus LLC World Omni Financial Corp.

As of August 2010

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

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

mall Business of the Month

Touching Hearts Senior Care Inc. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported the average 65-year-old can expect to live another 19 years. But those older years aren’t always easy. And with more people living longer and wanting to retain their independence, the need for senior care in the U.S. has risen. The mission of Touching Hearts Senior Care Inc. is to help seniors live safely and independently for as long as they are able. The company is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month. Touching Hearts provides in-home senior services such as transportation, housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care and companionship. “For most seniors, it’s hard to ask for or accept help,” said Gina Germany, owner and president of Touching Hearts Senior Care. “Most just need someone to check on them to make sure they are okay.” Since not everyone needs the same level of care, Touching Hearts services range from 15- minute visits to round-the-clock care seven days a week. Pop-in visits are the

working with United Way in Oklahoma. Armed with plenty of research, Germany discovered The Seniors’ Choice, which gave her a business plan, model and starting point to launch her own company. One of three certified senior advisors in Alabama, Germany also makes presentations to local groups and organizations on fall prevention, independent living, humor and end of life planning. “We are here to help seniors with good senior care,” said Germany. “It’s rewarding to know we’ve made a difference in someone’s life and helped to make it a bit easier for them.”

newest service offered, where caregivers answer an individual’s call for help with dishes, cooking, laundry or simply to chat. Additional services are based on individual needs and can include professional lawn care, hair stylists and massage therapists. With more than 65 licensed, bonded and insured caregivers on call, the company serves Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, Escambia and Monroe counties. “We screen our caregivers with three background checks and references in addition to our own training. We look for people who have a passion for helping seniors,” said Germany. The company also caters to the chronically disabled and has contracts with the Veterans Administration and with the ALS Association (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Germany established Touching Hearts with her partner Richard Perry in 2007. Previously employeed in the nonprofit sector, Germany worked with many agencies and was impressed with a senior care facility she learned about while

“

Touching Hearts Senior Care has been serving the community since 2007. Seated is Owner/President Gina Germany with Cesny Saffronof, office coordinator (back left) and Christine Dailey, bookkeeper.

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

3/8/10 2:19 PM

How Much House Can You Afford? Every neighborhood and every house has a different price point. Looking at four areas of Mobile County, here’s an idea of houses for sale and their features in the price range of $195,000 to $200,000.

Located in the Dauphin Way Historical District on 116 Providence St., this home was built in 1908, but features a garden tub and tons of storage, not to mention a fantastic front porch. It has approximately 2,400 square feet and includes three bedrooms, two full baths and unfinished basement. It is listed by Dauphin Realty for $199,900.

This 1,530-square-feet cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and is located in Springhill Manor at 16 Lancaster Rd. The home has an updated kitchen, wood floors, two fireplaces and backyard deck that is great for parties. It is listed by LLB&B Real Estate and is on the market for $197,500.

An in-ground pool, vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows, this Cape Cod-style home is located in west Mobile’s Smithfield subdivision at 1190 Richmond Ct. It is 1,967 square feet and has three bedrooms, two full baths and one half-bath. It is listed by Roberts Brothers Inc. for $195,000.

This modern style ranch with a two-car garage is located in Hunters Ridge in west Mobile past the Mobile Regional Airport. It features an open floor plan encompassing 2,016 square feet that includes three bedrooms and two full baths. It is listed by Coldwell Banker United, Realtors for $196,500.

Mobile’s Housing Market Offers Good Buys For months consumers have read about highest number of sales have consistently been among homes $200,000 or less. the ups and downs of real estate prices, tax The Mobile market has held relatively credit extensions for first-time buyers and stable is showing strong signs of recovering, interest rates. While industry experts are according to Dr. Don Epley, director of the conflicted on whether or not it is good time Mitchell College of Business Real Estate to buy a home, in Mobile real estate Studies Center at the University of South representatives agree – there are a lot of Alabama. good deals. “Still we have a slower market than Mobile has always had a reputation as a previous years, and that has created an very affordable housing market, said abundance of inventory, making it a Melissa Morrissette with LLB & B Inc. Real Estate and president of the Mobile Area buyer’s market. But that means buyers can get a lot more square feet and amenities for Association of Realtors. their budget price,” said Morrissette. On the In the latest cost of living index other hand, if homeowners lower their price produced by the Council for Community to sell their home, Morrissette believes what and Economic Research, Mobile’s index they get for their was 78.7 against the money in their next average of 100. It’s home will more than not the lowest in the make up for the state, but when difference. compared to Baton Housing values Epley says the Rouge, which had a 3,700-plus properties housing index of are so good and on the market are 101.7 or Savannah, double what was Ga., at 86.6, two interest rates are available just a few cities often measured years ago. against Mobile, it lower than Buyers can be is quite a bit lower. choosey, but they have A few big cities we’ve seen a lot more to choose help put things from, added Jeff in perspective: in our lifetime. Newman, with the Boston, 152.4, Mobile Area Association San Francisco, of Realtors. Newman, Calif., 273.9, Seattle, Jeff Newman who has been in the Wash., 145.5 or Mobile Area Association real estate business for Atlanta, 91.0. of Realtors 30 years, said these are In the last year, the best times he has Mobile’s housing seen. “Housing values market made are so good and headlines as the interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in country’s fifth best city to find a real estate our lifetime.” bargain by U.S. News and World Report, Mobile didn’t feel the housing crunch as No. 6 of the Top 20 metropolitan areas as much as other cities, and what it did feel for increasing home values in a Federal came much later, Epley and Morrissette Housing Finance Agency study, and as no. agree. The national housing market is 27 among the Top 30 strongest markets for starting to recover – and here locally, increasing appreciation by BusinessWeek Morrissette says, “phones are ringing and magazine. we’re writing contracts.” This year’s home sales are outpacing 2009 sales, for the first half of the year, according to figures provided by the Mobile Board of Realtors. From January through June, a total of 1,779 homes sold, compared to 1,588 in the same months last year. The

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

Why Fortune 500 Companies Love to Barter and How to Grow Your Business by Bartering By Laura Florey More than 30 percent of all world commerce is accomplished by bartering. Sixty-five percent of all Fortune 500 companies and 400,000 businesses in the U.S engage in organized barter methodologies. There are more than 600 barter companies and 2,000 community currency systems around the world today. What do these numbers mean to your company? By sheer volume, they endorse bartering as an effective tool for any size business. It’s no surprise then that since the mid-1970s, bartering exchange groups have sprung up with astonishing frequency. By using a bartering exchange currency, these groups allow businesses to keep cash in their pockets while getting the services and supplies they need as well as bringing in new business during otherwise slow times. Why are so many companies bartering? Businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, look for ways to make money and increase profit margins.

Bartering is a logical progression in this chain. With the birth of the Internet, web site databases and bartering brokers, many of the issues revolving around old bartering systems have been resolved. Barter transactions typically involve companies with unsold goods on retail shelves, excess inventory in a warehouse or production lines they need to keep busy. They can also include home-based professionals with time on their hands, media outlets or leisure-time companies with unbooked air time, hotel rooms, rental cars or plane tickets. Some of these products and services are “time-based” and would otherwise be marked as a loss on the company’s books. Utilizing these particular products and services as bartering fare is a particular treat as it keeps the company from marking the product/service as a loss and it increases their bartering credit potential. With cash flow tight and bank loans hard to come by, bartering is becoming increasingly popular with businesses of all

sizes, particularly when it comes to stretching. Why should you barter? When you barter, you benefit in several ways: • Increase cash flow through keeping “cash in hand” and generating new business through referrals; • Lower expenses (equivalent to buying at a 50 percent or more discount); and • Expand into new markets. What about taxes? Trade income is the same as cash income for tax purposes. There are no inherent tax advantages or disadvantages. Trading should be considered a marketing tool, not a tax tool. Trade purchases that are business-related, however, are tax deductible just like cash transactions. Bartering benefit: referral marketing (otherwise known as free advertising) Referral marketing is a great way to bring in business, because referral customers tend to be more loyal, buy more

and negotiate less. Because they were referred to you, they already trust you. Tips on how to make bartering work for your business: • An industry rule of thumb is that bartering should comprise approximately 10 percent of your gross sales; • Be proactive regarding bartering opportunities; • If you don’t see a service you need in the bartering group, invite them in; • Treat your trade customers like cash customers. Trade customers will bring cash customers as well; and • Understand profit and cost structures as they relate to the bartering system. Laura Cunningham Florey is a freelance copywriter and web designer. She works part-time as a paralegal intern and is completing her associate’s degree in paralegal studies. She can be contacted at 510-4268 or laura@beachgirldigital.com.

Celebrating

100 Years of Healing Mobile infirMary Medical center

On October 21, 1910 the original Mobile Infirmary opened with 32 rooms. Today, Mobile Infirmary stands as the region’s healthcare leader with innovations in technology and services.

Centennial Celebration

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

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

www.infirmaryhealth.org/centennial

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

1910-2010

Local Companies Give

Thumbs Up to Bartering

lthough the Mobile Bay area doesn’t have an official bartering exchange group, The Business View was able to locate several member companies who practice bartering. Here’s what they have to say about making a trade.

Downtown Mobile Alliance

Jeff Tesney Photographer

Jeff Tesney

Genie Nicholson

“I have bartered when the need arose,” said Jeff Tesney, owner of Jeff Tesney Photography. “Recently, I had some tree work done by a professional tree service and he needed some photos for business promotions. He suggested we trade services and it was a brilliant idea and mutually beneficial.”

According to Genie Nicholson, area marketing manager for AT&T, the company has an active bartering program across 22 states. “The program is by invitation only and is constantly evolving and a great way we can give back to the communities we serve,” she said. “We trade for high traffic exposure to extend our reach and get our name in places where we normally would not have the opportunity to be and vice versa for our barter partners.”

Susan Daniels “We have several members who paid membership dues through trade of services such as catering and advertising,” said Susan J. Daniels, the director of membership and fundraising for the Downtown Mobile Alliance. “Getting them involved through barter allows us to develop a relationship with them. We also reduce our expense budget when trading membership for services and it’s a win/win for everyone.”

AT&T Advertising Solutions

Celebrating

50 Years of Healing thoMas hospital

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

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

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

www.thomashospital.com

1960-2010 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

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

7/27/10 9:43:05 AM

Chamber Offers Members and Guests a Trip to

Costa del Sol, Spain TRIP AGENDA Day 1 - Depart Mobile: From Mobile, travelers will leave for Spain.

The Mobile Area Chamber will host a nine-day, seven-night trip to the Costa del Sol, Spain, March 23-31, 2011. Chamber members and their guests are invited to participate in this tour group for $2,299 per person based on double occupancy, with airfare out of Mobile. The trip includes airfare to and from Mobile to Malaga, Spain. From there the group will travel to the resort town of Torremolinos, where they will stay the entire trip. Airfare, hotel accommodations, tour buses, day trips to Seville, Gibraltar and Ronda, and all breakfasts and dinners. There are optional day trips that can be purchased throughout the trip, or plan for sightseeing on your own or in small groups. To travel to the Mediterranean coast of Spain is to experience sun, superb food, hospitality and joie de vivre, and yet it is also to discover the country’s rich heritage of monuments and sights, the imprint of the different civilizations that once made it their home. It has a breathtaking countryside, with stunning, starkly contrasting scenery. A $500 deposit, of which $200 is non-refundable, is required for each reservation. Spaces will not be held under any circumstance without this deposit due to the limited number of seats available. If you pay with a credit card, there is an additional $50 per person charge, and add $450 for single- rate accommodations. A visa is not needed to travel to Spain, only a valid passport. The Chamber is partnering with ABC Destinations for this trip. To register or to learn more about the trip, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at 4318645 or lherndon@mobilechamber.com. Full trip details can also be found at www. mobilechamber.com/Spain.pdf. Full payment for the trip must be received by Dec. 23, 2010. No refunds will be offered after Dec. 23, 2010, nor will any swaps be allowed due to airline restrictions.

Day 2 - Costa del Sol: Arrive at the famous Costa del Sol, Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. Upon arrival into Malaga, Spain, the group will be met by its tour guide and transferred to the four-star Amaragua Hotel located in the resort town of Torremolinos, along one of the most cosmopolitan stretches of coastline in Spain. The day is open for touring and sightseeing on your own. Day 3 - Costa del Sol/Seville: Costa del Sol/Seville: Full-day tour to Seville, the fourth largest city and the capital of the Andalusia region. Built on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the city has a rich Arab history and was once a prosperous trading port with the Americas. It was here in Seville that Columbus docked on returning from America. Enjoy a panoramic tour of this charming city; see the well cared-for gardens at Maria Luisa Park, walk through the typical district of Santa Cruz and visit the Cathedral (15th C.). Enjoy the striking minaret, the thinnest tower in Muslim architecture, The Giralda, to which an exquisite bell tower was added in the 16th Century. Day 4 - Costa del Sol: Costa del Sol: Enjoy morning at leisure and relax at the hotel or you can take an optional tour to Tangier, an unforgettable opportunity to visit this fascinating destination. The fun begins with a ferry ride across the straits of Gibraltar to exotic Morocco and the ancient city of Tangier. Lunch is included on this optional excursion, as no visit to Tangier would be complete without experiencing the wonderful cuisine of Morocco. Day 5 - Costa del Sol: Costa del Sol: Enjoy today at leisure or you can take an optional tour to Mijas with white-washed houses and spectacular views over the coast and countryside. Mijas is one of the most picturesque villages in Andalusia. Perhaps you’ll even want to experience a true local treat – a ride in a donkey-drawn taxi. Day 6 - Costa del Sol/Gibraltar: Costa del Sol/Gibraltar: After breakfast, take a full-day tour of the Rock of Gibraltar. Its strategic location and history have made it an international symbol of strength and it is frequently featured in the world press and media. The subject of repeated conquest and siege, Gibraltar has been a British territory since 1704, when it was ceded forever under the Treaty of Utrecht. Since 1973, it has been a part of the EU under the British accession. Day 7- Costa del Sol/Ronda: Costa del Sol/Ronda: Full-day tour to Ronda. Explore the mountainous region of Ronda where you’ll see all the highlights of the lovely town, including the Plaza de Toros Maestranza, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the town square and a bull-fighting museum. The picturesque town of Ronda spans the plunging river gorge known as El Tajo, crossed by the impressive 18th century Puente Nuevo Bridge. You’ll have free time to explore Ronda and perhaps enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Day 8 - Costa del Sol: Enjoy today at leisure, relax at the hotel spa, do your last minute shopping or take an optional tour to Granada. Included is a guided tour of the Alhambra, a fortified palatine city of the 13th to 15th century. Built by the Nazarite Kings, it includes: Alcazaba Citadel and the Palaces of Los Leones and Comares; the Generalife, a summer residence set in beautiful gardens; and the so-called Royal Room of Santo Domingo, built in the orchards of Almanxarra and the Palace of Alcazar Genil used by the Nazarite Queens. Day 9 - Costa del Sol/Mobile: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

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

SEPTEMBER 2010

Green Streets Promote Creative Ways to Re-Use Stormwater

hen it comes to rain, it pours, and the first inch of stormwater runoff is the dirtiest. Downtown Mobile is prone to flooding and the water eventually makes its way to Mobile Bay. That’s one reason Auburn landscape architect professor Charlene LeBleu, armed with a grant from the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and a cadre of graduate students, headed up an outreach project last fall to design innovative ways to handle downtown Mobile’s stormwater and, at the same time, create livable urban spaces. Known as “Green Streets,” the initiative, pending funding, is now ready to be put in place. “We targeted Mobile because it has so much going for it. Downtown is the heart of the city’s history,” said LeBleu. The initiative addresses a four-block segment along Dauphin Street, including Bienville and Cathedral Squares. With support from Envision Coastal Alabama,

the city of Mobile, Mobile Area Chamber and the Downtown Mobile Alliance, students pitched ideas such as vegetation on rooftops, an open-air market on St. Joseph Street and walls of plants that act as natural water filters and cooling systems. Planners and landscape designers with Birmingham-based Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon Inc. worked with LeBleu to glean the best suggestions and distill the list of potential green infrastructure projects to three – stormwater planters, continuous tree pits (permeable cobblestones and pavers) and cisterns to harvest rainwater. “This is on a scale that is very doable from an implementation standpoint,” said Bob Wilkerson, the Barge Waggoner planner who worked on the project. “Our hope is, it gets done, people see it and eventually the private sector replicates it.” The team identified a vacant lot on Dauphin Street adjacent to the Downtown Mobile Alliance and the Saenger Theatre to try out its first design. Architectural drawings suggest turning the empty space into a multi-use courtyard with stormwater planters to collect and filter rainwater and a corrugated metal cistern to harvest rainwater from neighboring roofs. LeBleu said revitalizing an empty lot demonstrates how the “Green Streets” initiative not only works toward flood prevention but also begins to stitch the main street fabric back together. “We’re filling in the missing teeth in the façade,” she added.

Proposed stormwater water planters along Dauphin Street. If the planters are successful they could be considered for widespread installation throughout Mobile.

The project’s designers also advocate using continuous tree pits made of permeable cobblestones or pavers along the Dauphin Street parade route. “People could still stand on these. It’s about treating the street as one public space and fully maximizing that space,” said Barge Waggoner landscape designer Judd Langham. Fred Rendfrey, Downtown Mobile Alliance’s director of downtown economic development, said his organization is committed to the environmental sustainability “Green Streets” represents and sees Mobile as potentially becoming a model for other communities. “What we

can do is set a good example and encourage, through design and financial incentives, other green projects in the future,” Rendfrey said. LeBleu said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones wrote letters supporting the project but she is looking for a greater consensus from other municipal officials. And like all projects, this one takes money. According to LeBleu, Auburn University is including “Green Streets” in upcoming federal lobbying efforts in hopes of securing a three-year, $3 million federal grant to implement the project. If that happens, Mobilians could see a greener downtown by 2012.

Images depict day-to-evening uses for the vacant lots adjacent to the Downtown Mobile Alliance and the Saenger Theatre along Dauphin Street. The proposed courtyard includes a water well, stormwater planters and rain gardens, retractable movie screen and a seating area. Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce | The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010 17

Envision Coastal Alabama

FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair to Headline Coastal Economy Outlook

Baldwin County Education Coalition Raising the Bar for Baldwin Schools

Sheila Bair, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) chairman, will headline a list of noteworthy national and regional leaders speaking at the Sheila Bair 2010 Coastal Economy Outlook. The event will take place Wednesday, Sept. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa. Bair will speak on current conditions in the U.S., regional and local markets and perspectives on the future direction of the U.S. economy. In 2009 Bair was named one of Time Magazine’s “Time 100” most influential Members of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation gather to recognize teachers and students at Foley Elementary School to award people, was awarded the John F. Kennedy education grants in support of school initiatives. The Baldwin County Education Coalition’s seven enrichment foundations annually Profile in Courage Award and received the provide funding to enhance student/teacher programs in Baldwin County schools. Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award. In 2008, Bair topped The Wall Street Journal’s they have in common, what keeps them South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, said There’s a new movement to give annual 50 “Women to Watch List.” That same apart, what they want the community to momentum for “Yes We Can Baldwin Baldwin County residents a voice in year, Forbes magazine named her as the look like and what role education plays. County” grew from a 1 percent sales tax improving the county’s public schools. In second most powerful woman in the world. The data generated will form a July, the recently formed nonprofit Baldwin referendum Baldwin voters passed last The annual seminar provides current community agreement detailing areas County Education Coalition, an information, facts, analysis and opinions for improvement within the school Envision strategy partner made on the area’s financial resources. “This district as well as broader local and state up of members from the program is the best source of information problems the community must work county’s seven local enrichment on the coastal economy from the people together to solve. In November, the foundations, launched “Yes We who are actively involved in regulation and Baldwin County Education Coalition Can Baldwin County.” The policy,” said Dr. Don Epley, distinguished will present the resulting document to initiative is a countywide professor of real estate and the current the Baldwin County Board of Education community engagement process director of the Mitchell College of Business as a basis for creating a co-owned organizers say will set a local as Center for Real Estate Studies. “These three strategic plan. well as regional vision for hours are critical to anyone interested in Carolyn Akers, MAEF chief education. local and regional credit and economic executive officer, said the Mobile “Yes “Our goal is to speak with trends.” We Can” movement was successful in one cohesive voice about our The event will also include local and moving Mobile schools and students long-term goals for our regional speakers addressing Southeast to a higher performance standard by community, including what banking and credit markets, property closing the education gap between we want our schools to look insurance and contaminated real estate, African-American and white students like, and to create a mechanism and Mobile and Baldwin counties’ current and between poverty and non-poverty for continuous community and potential credit markets. students. involvement,” said Denise Coastal Economy Outlook is sponsored As a former co-leader for the D’Oliveira, executive director by BB&T and the University of South Envision education team, Akers said she of Supporting Enrichment in Alabama Center for Real Estate Studies. The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation, also a believes the partnership between MAEF Daphne Schools and a member Coalition member, offers tutoring assistance in math and Other supporting sponsors include the and the Baldwin County Education of the new coalition. reading at no cost for eligible students. Mobile Area Chamber, Envision Coastal Coalition will be a positive force for The Baldwin program is Alabama and the Baldwin County Economic March. “We heard from the community education in the region, providing a means modeled after Envision strategy partner Development Alliance. that they weren’t quite satisfied and they to focus on issues such as funding and Mobile Area Education Foundation’s Registration deadline is Wednesday, wanted the opportunity to have input on equity. “‘Yes We Can’ is a specific way we (MAEF) “Yes We Can,” piloted in 2001 and Sept. 1, and the cost to attend is $100. For how their money is spent.” really can partner together to get the later used successfully in Birmingham and more information visit the USA Center for According to Burkle, the initiative gives process done and also begin to look at Dothan schools. MAEF is serving as a Real Estate Studies web site http://cres. residents that chance to be heard. Over the shared expectations in order to act and consultant for “Yes We Can Baldwin southalabama.edu. To register online last three months, volunteers gathered move our children to a much better place,” County,” helping guide the process and visit the Mobile Area Chamber web site ideas from residents through more than 90 she said. compile data. www.mobilechamber.com and click on countywide community meetings. Among Terry Burkle, Envision education ‘Calendar of Events’ or register by phone by other questions, residents were asked what team co-leader and vice president of the contacting Mattingly at 431-8655 or 18 Shelly SEPTEMBER 2010 | The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce smattingly@mobilechamber.com.

Envision Coastal Alabama

Sustainability Requires Strong Roots to Endure and Prosper

Registration fee is $100 through Wednesday, Sept. 1.

Mission Statement Envision Coastal Alabama facilitates co-operative action for a unified coastal region with a healthy environment, sustainable economic development, equity for all and excellence in education. If you are interested in becoming an Envision volunteer, please log on to www.envisioncoastalalabama.org and click on “Get Involved”. Or contact Amanda Selph, Baldwin County coordinator, at 947-5721 or aselph@baldwineda.com or Shayla Jones Beaco, Mobile County director, at 431-8628 or sbeaco@mobilechamber.com.

sustainable future for Alabama There are many ties that means our own roots reach far bind us to our place in the world: into every aspect of our ties to family and friends, ties to economy and our lives are our work, and perhaps most strong and have the capacity to importantly, ties to the things endure and prosper from one that make the place we live our generation to the next, and the home. In Alabama, we are bound ties that bind us are nurtured as tightly to our natural resources and protected. If one area falters, as anything else – we fish and swim, boat and hike, take our By Bethany Kraft, we will all be the weaker for it. Moving towards a sustenance from the dirt and the Alabama Coastal Foundation sustainable Alabama will water, and make our living require all of us to shift our doing jobs whose success and focus from one of viewing the areas long-term viability depends wholly on the contributing to a growing and thriving state quality and abundance of our natural as separate problems to be tackled resources – commercial fishing, individually, to one incorporating an agriculture, tourism and the maritime understanding of the interconnectedness of industry, to name just a few. the economy and the environment, In the weeks and months following workforce development and transportation, Deepwater Horizon, we realize just how education and public health. Without a connected we are to our natural resources healthy environment, our economy will and how tenuous those ties can be. In the suffer. Without access to mass transit, many wake of this unprecedented event people who want to threatening our work will be unable coastal way of life, to get to the there has never been In Alabama, we are businesses that want a better time to bound as tightly to our to hire them. closely examine those Without a solid interconnected natural resources as educational threads that weave anything else — we fish foundation, our the fabric of our and swim, boat and hike, students will not culture in Alabama. have the critical Sustainability has take out sustenance from thinking skills become one of those the dirt and the water, necessary to compete buzzwords that the in a global economy. more you use it, the making our living doing Laying the less meaning it jobs whose success and framework of seems to have. I once long-term viability creating a state with hesitated to even the capacity to mention the word depends wholly on the endure and prosper simply because it quality and abundance is a much harder is difficult to even task than simply explain what of our natural resources working to address “sustainability” — commercial fishing, one challenge at a means to one person agriculture, tourism and time. Working or another. Is it about towards a sustainable protecting the the maritime industry, Alabama will require environment (most to name just a few. a vision and a people’s first commitment from thoughts) or is it Bethany Kraft every citizen and our something deeper Alabama Coastal Foundation elected officials to and broader? work together to If you look up the meet the challenges of creating a better life etymology of the word, you will find that essentially sustainable means “to hold from for our children and grandchildren. I think we are up to the task. below.” Much like a tree’s roots spread far and wide beneath the trunk, carrying Bethany Kraft is the executive director for the Alabama Coastal Foundation and Envision’s environment nutrients and water and supporting the team chair for the Baldwin County. She can be reached at parts of the tree we can see above ground, a 990-6002 or bkraft@joinacf.org.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

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

Want to share Envision’s latest news? This report can be found at www.envisioncoastalalabama.org

P.O. Box 2187 Mobile, AL 36652-2187

Envision Sponsors First-Ever Housing Collaborative When it comes to regional coordination and cooperation between housing providers in Mobile and Baldwin counties, a little talk could mean a lot of action. To that end, Envision Coastal Alabama’s equity team recently sponsored its first-ever Housing Collaborative for area nonprofit housing agencies serving the two-county region. More than 15 nonprofit housing entities including governmental agencies, community and faith-based organizations, nonprofit developers and fair housing advocates attended the June meeting. Earlier this year, equity team volunteers identified housing redevelopment as one of the committee’s primary focus areas for the next two years. The Housing Collaborative provides a platform for exchange between housing development agencies to best maximize support for neighborhood revitalization efforts. Shirley Sessions, Envision equity team co-chair and vice president of community affairs for Regions Bank, said she hoped the meeting would result in a taskforce that would work collectively to promote the best housing outcomes. “Your housing agency plays a critical role in our community’s overall quality of 20

life. Consequently, it is Envision’s goal to provide you with a forum to collaborate with other stakeholders in the nonprofit housing sector,” Sessions told the group. Before the meeting’s conclusion, representatives in attendance expressed their desire and intent to stay closely involved with the new housing task force. The committee agreed its first undertaking would be developing an inventory of the region’s current housing projects to better identify gaps. “One of the largest challenges we face is the ability to continue moving forward so our community can count on a single overall mission. That is, to provide equitable access to decent, safe and affordable housing in all its many forms and fashions,” said Danny Patterson, director of community and economic development for the Community Foundation of South Alabama. The Envision Housing Collaborative would help bring opportunities to a common table and allow all stakeholders to participate in the solutions, he added. To become involved with the Envision Housing Collaborative, contact Shayla Jones Beaco at 431-8628 or sbeaco@ mobilechamber.com.

City of Mobile Receives EPA Brownfields Grant The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the city of Mobile a $400,000 brownfields grant to conduct environmental site assessments on properties in Mobile’s greater downtown area. Selected from a nationwide list of 697 proposals, this federal funding opportunity will help the city quantify and delineate contamination at the sites, facilitate cleanup and determine appropriate site reuse alternatives. According to the EPA, brownfields are abandoned or underused properties where redevelopment is complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination. Sites often sit idle for decades because of the cost of site abatement and cleanup. Examples of brownfields are abandoned gas stations, dry cleaners, railroad properties, factories and military bases. Ray Olivet Richardson, the city of Mobile’s environmental manager, will oversee the implementation of the brownfield assessment grant. According to Richardson, 10 sites will be assessed to determine the presence and extent of contamination. “Our goal is to ultimately transfer these properties back to the city’s tax rolls,” explained Richardson.

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

“Redevelopment of these properties will help to reverse the economic decline of the past by preparing sites for a wide range of potential community and economic development uses.” Keith Pyron, president of PPM Consultants Inc. and Mobile’s brownfields grant consultant, agreed the federal funds bring new opportunities to the city. “I believe many properties will be redeveloped as a result of this funding, which will produce an increase in jobs and higher tax base for the city,” he said. Earlier this year, Envision Coastal Alabama assisted the city with its brownfields community kick-off meeting. Representatives from the EPA, state of Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Department of Revenue briefed stakeholders on the specifics of the grant. To learn more about the EPA brownfields program, including specific grant contacts, visit www.epa.gov/brownfields/. For more information on the city’s brownfields grant, contact Richardson at 208-7629 or ray.richardson@ cityofmobile.org.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

Growing Your Money – Personal Budget and Savings Tips from RBC Bank By Scott Stafford, RBC Bank regional president

ay yourself first. Harness the power of compounding. Keep three to six months of savings on hand for emergencies. If these three statements seem as unrealistic for you to do as “fly to the moon,” then you may need to develop a little self-confidence in your fiscal plan. “The savings plan that’s right for a toddler is not right for a teen or soon-to-be retiree. One key to successful savings is taking an honest look at your savings time horizon – how long do you have to save before you need to spend on your target? Recognizing that

will help you to select the savings tools that offer you the combination of growth through returns/interest rates and access to your money that best fits your personal goals,” said Scott Stafford, RBC Bank regional president.

You First

Many wonder how it’s possible to pay yourself first when your creditors seem to have such big, recurring appetites each month. The answer is, start small, but start. You don’t have to reserve a lot of money for the “pay yourself first” category, but if you take the amount of money you typically spend once a week on lunch and set that amount aside in a savings account for a set period of time – say 90 days, you will accomplish three important things:

1 You will prove to yourself that you actually can save money;

2 You will begin to earn interest on

your savings – and as a result will have accumulated a little more than if you had put the money under the mattress; and

3 You will have made a start on

building – or rebuilding – your rainy day fund.

Compounding Magic

It is very important to remember, no matter your age, it is never too late to start saving. If you are 50, compounding is just as powerful as it is for 20-year-olds. And let’s face it, most 20-year-olds are not likely to look at an activity called “retirement” and think it is very relevant to them. Too bad. For 20-somethings, the cumulative effect of even modest savings contributions (plus interest) makes a relatively small amount of savings grow surprisingly quickly into a substantial nest egg.

At the end of 90 days, evaluate whether savings should be a larger amount of your weekly or If you are 50, monthly budget and compounding is just adjust accordingly with the confidence as powerful as it is that you are up to for 20 year-olds. the challenge of saving.

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

Rainy Day Fund

Once you are in the habit of saving and have started seeing your principal and interest working together, it is important for you to

understand some savings are long-term and some are short-term. In other words, your emergency fund and your retirement fund are not the same thing. When paying yourself first, consider dividing your “personal payment” into two buckets. One portion goes for long-term savings such as retirement or a future house down payment, and one portion goes for the emergency fund or rainy day fund. The current economy makes having an emergency savings fund more important than ever. In a slower economy, it can take longer to find a job – or a better-paying job – than it might have in the past. So, having a fund to fall back on in the case of a job loss or surprise expense is especially critical. Most experts advise you should add to your emergency fund until you have built up enough savings to cover your living expenses for three to six months. While that can seem a little daunting, even having a little money set aside can make the difference when you find yourself facing an

unexpected car repair, medical emergency or similar unbudgeted expense.

Budget with Savings in Mind

You know when you build your budget to take into account your current takehome pay and your current monthly expenses. But remember to add savings to the mix. Pay yourself first. Put your savings into one or more interest-bearing accounts. Make sure you are looking long-term but are also ready for short-term cash needs. Saving today will put you in a position to weather short-term storms and prepare you for long-term success. This article is provided by RBC Bank. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making financial decisions. RBC Bank does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your financial, tax or legal advisor.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

presenTed by:

2010 Minority business WeEK reCognizing The aCCoMplishMenTs oF MinoriTy-owned businesses.

FeaTuring:

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

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

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SCORE The Mobile Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a part of the national nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners.

Motivating Employees to Exceed Expectations Entrepreneurs know that employees are a vital resource for small business. They provide various skills and talents, helping to add value to products or services, and most businesses cannot succeed without their input. Unlike equipment, computers and other resources, however, employers can’t simply turn employees on and off for business hours. All employees need a clear understanding of their role in your business and how it can grow, plus the motivation to achieve and, even better, exceed those expectations. That’s why business owners also hold the title of “Chief Communicator and Motivator.” It’s important to have direct contact to make a message clear. Some owners try to save time and manage by e-mail, a method that works only to a point. Direct contact, on the other hand, builds trust and rapport. Establish your business “mantra” and keep repeating it. Don’t assume that everyone involved in the business understands and buys into the mission as you do. After all, you’re the one who created it, not them. They haven’t lived and breathed every detail as you have. Here’s one simple step to make certain communication is clear. Instead of asking

if an employee understands the instructions, ask what specific steps the person will take to complete the task. This way an employer can be absolutely certain an individual not only understood, but also plans to complete the assignment in an appropriate way. Avoid constantly criticizing employees. That hurts morale and can make people less motivated. Highlighting the positive and correcting mistakes without getting personal creates employees who are more likely to deliver what you want. While a good manager is also visible, it’s important to avoid micromanaging. A quick chat about work and non-work issues during a stroll through your business is all the positive reinforcement most employees need. They’ll feel more comfortable about coming to you with questions, concerns or suggestions. Augment the informality with individual and group meetings to share information and updates, brainstorm ideas and simply get to know each other. Such interaction will not only help re-energize staff but the boss as well. For additional guidance on motivating employees or to schedule a confidential one-on-one counseling session at no charge, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter at 431-8614.

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Profile

Tim E. Rosson

Company: BBVA Compass Bank Title: Market President, Mobile/Baldwin County Hometown: Neodesha, Kan. Education: Rosson holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. He also holds a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colo. First job: Rosson began his career as an assistant division treasury manager at Conoco Inc., in East Texas and West Louisiana, where his primary function was a credit analyst. Previous experience: Rosson has worked in the banking industry for 32 years, 23 of those with BBVA Compass Bank. The last 11 years he was commercial district executive for the south Alabama region and is currently market president for Mobile and Baldwin counties. Career-changing moment: “Being offered a banking position by a Louisiana banker while working for Conoco,” said Rosson. Accomplishments: Rosson treasures family relationships and said being a “good dad” and “Poppi” to his grandsons are his most valued accomplishments. Secret to success: “Never being afraid of hiring people smarter than you...and listening to them.” Family: Rosson and his wife Susan have two sons and two grandsons. Which historical figure would you like to invite to dinner and why? “James Madison, the fourth President of the U.S. Due to his vision, coalition building and persistence, he brought the colony representatives together to craft what is without a doubt the best governing document in the world – our constitution. I’d like to know what the founding fathers really wanted our country to look like.” Brief company description: BBVA Compass, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBVA financial service group, provides a full range of financial services through three major business units – corporate banking, retail banking and wealth management. Headquartered in Birmingham, it operates more than 720 branches.

ho’s In Town?

September 2010

The Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) provides a list of the current month’s conventions coming to the bay area. For more information contact the MBCVB at 208-2000. Sept. 9-10 USS Kankakee Delegates: 75 Phone: 205-981-2100 Hotel/Location: Ashbury Hotel & Suites

Sept. 22-24 USS Barton DD-722 Delegates: 60 Phone: 419-433-2778 Hotels/Location: Mobile Marriott

Sept. 18-20 Louisiana Society of Association Executives Delegates: 240 Phone: 604-853-4282 Hotel/Location: Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel/Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

Sept. 28- Oct. 1 Berlin Airlift Veterans Delegates: 100 Phone: 410-665-9104 Hotels/Location: Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

usiness Spotlight of the Month

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

Floor Trader – Mobile

With an open floor plan designed for easy selections and spacious displays, Floor Trader – Mobile is located at 1401 Schillinger Rd.

Owners: Keith and Vicki Rhodes Location: 1401 Schillinger Rd. S.

Member since: 2008

Brief description of business: Floor Trader is a stocking, warehouse-style floorcovering dealer. What is unique or innovative about your business? Floor Trader works to keep customer costs down with its simple displays and huge in-stock inventories. “Our Global Direct™ distribution system lets us bring our customers the most current, fashionable floors from all around the world. We believe that when you decide to update the flooring in your home, you want to see it, buy it, and take it home today,” said Keith Rhodes. Most significant challenge: “We are just like anyone else, struggling in today’s economy,” said Keith. “That is why we strive to find the best deals in flooring so we can pass the savings on to our valued customers. We all need to work together in these challenging times.” Phone number: 607-1129

Web site: www.myfloortrader.com

Photo by Jeff Tesney

iplomat of the Month

Gerald Grovenstein

For Gerald Grovenstein, the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month, volunteering as a diplomat and working in the sales industry is a match made in heaven. “It is an honor to represent the Chamber as a diplomat and being in sales, it can open many doors and help to build new networking groups,” he said. Grovenstein, an account executive for PREmployer Inc., a professional employer organization (PEO), is a human resource outsourcing provider, offering employee contracting, and human resource consulting services. A PEO is a single-source provider of integrated business services and enables businesses to outsource management of human resources. His job involves helping clients connect with the appropriate outsourcing service necessary to succeed in business. Grovenstein also volunteers as service project coordinator for the West Mobile Rotary Club.

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

n v e s tor Focus

Alabama State Port Authority Company official: James K. Lyons, director/chief executive officer Years in business: 82 years Brief company description: The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA), headquartered in Mobile, owns and operates Alabama’s public deepwater port facilities at the Port of Mobile. The Port of Mobile currently ranks as the ninth largest U.S. seaport in total volume. ASPA’s container, general cargo, bulk and heavy lift facilities have immediate access to five Class 1 railroads, two interstate systems and nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterway connections. Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “To help the community grow,” said Lyons. What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “The Port of Alabama is a tremendous benefit. With the addition of the container terminal, the railway terminal and expansion work, the port is a great economic driver for Mobile and the entire state.”

James Lyons is the director/chief executive officer of the Alabama State Port Authority, the ninth largest U.S. seaport in total volume.

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

Length of Chamber membership: Since 1960

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

hamber S taff

Tricia Seibt Named Account Executive so excited about sharing the The Mobile Area Chamber benefits of membership with our recently hired Tricia Seibt as local businesses,” she said. an account executive. Seibt Seibt is from Baldwin worked more than 12 years in County and graduated from the banking industry, several Auburn University with a more years in the nonprofit bachelor’s degree in finance. sector, and recently re-entered After relocating to Mobile from the workforce. According to Seibt Atlanta in 1995, she worked Carolyn Golson, the locally for Whitney National Bank, the Chamber’s vice president of membership, American Cancer Society and the former Seibt’s experience in sales and customer Colonial Bank, now BB&T. During that service made her a perfect fit for selling time, Seibt also participated in Chamber Chamber memberships. “Tricia is a valued addition to our team. Chase, the Chamber’s annual membership and resource campaign. Her knowledge of our business community To learn more about the benefits of will be an asset to our members,” said Golson. Chamber membership, contact Seibt at Seibt said what she has learned about 431-8642 or tseibt@mobilechamber.com. the organization in a short time has prepared her to tell Mobile area companies why they should join the Chamber. “I am

Stutts Joins Chamber Staff you hear when you call,” said Mobile native Odetta Stutts Kim Perrone, the Chamber’s recently joined the Chamber director of customer service. staff as help desk receptionist “We’re fortunate to have her and she’s also been given the experience as an addition to our title of “director of first staff.” Stutts is a graduate of impressions,” emphasizing the Murphy High School and importance of her role. Her attended University of South duties include answering the Stutts Alabama. She has 13 years of telephone, greeting customers, providing information regarding the Mobile office experience. Away from the Chamber, Stutts enjoys area and the Chamber, and working with her family role as a wife and a mother of a various Chamber departments on special 17-year old daughter. Stutts’ hobbies include projects. “I love my position as help desk reading, home decorating and singing. receptionist because I really enjoy meeting Stutts can be reached at 433-6951 or and greeting people. I enjoy the interactions. ostutts@mobilechamber.com. It’s second nature to me,” said Stutts. “Odetta is the first face you see when you visit the Chamber and the live voice

Featured Profiles

dvisors

Thomas Macon Bramlett is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Office Equipment Company Inc. Bramlett (OEC). He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial management and a master’s of business administration from The University of Alabama. In 1978, after a several years with Exxon, Bramlett joined OEC. He is a past member of the Mobile Area Chamber’s board of directors, as well as a former chairman of the Better Business Bureau. He currently serves on the boards of Victory Health Partners and Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP), where he previously served as chairman. Bramlett also served as chairman of Independent Stationers Inc., a national, 350-member office products co-operative headquartered in Indianapolis. OEC is an office furniture and office products supplier celebrating its 36th year in business. The company employs 45 individuals, with stores in Mobile, Pensacola and Gulfport, as well as a central distribution center in Mobile. OEC is a Partners for Growth Investor.

The Mobile Area Chamber is proud to salute members of the board of advisors. These business leaders represent companies whose significant dues investment lead the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. For more information contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or kdewrell@mobilechamber.com.

David L. Trent is site director for Airbus North America Engineering in Mobile, overseeing engineering and program Trent management of cabin and cargo development programs on all Airbus products. His aviation and aerospace career began in 1979, and he has been involved in the engineering of commercial aircraft since 1993, serving in engineering management with Bombardier, Gulfstream and Hiller Inc. Trent holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s of business administration, both from California State University of Fullerton. Since arriving in Mobile in 2007, Trent has become involved in several community groups and supports community involvement for the employees of the Airbus Engineering Center. He is the Mobile Area Chamber’s board chairman, an executive board member for the Gulf Coast Exploreum, a member of the industrial advisory board for the University of South Alabama School of Engineering, a member of the board for the American Red Cross Gulf Coast Chapter, secretary for Alabama Aerospace Industries Association and a Governor-appointed member of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council.

Jackson Joins Minority Business Enterprise Center Jackson previously worked It could be said Barbara with MBEC serving in various Jackson has the right capacities including as a chemistry to work with the contracted business consultant, Alabama Minority Business lead organizer in compiling a Enterprise Center (MBEC). She web-driven minority business was recently named the center’s directory for Mobile and Baldwin administrative assistant. counties, and as an event Jackson received her Jackson planner. “Barbara has been a bachelor’s degree in chemistry great addition to the MBEC from Talladega College, but after working for Ciba Corp. as a chemist for team. She hit the ground running and has 15 years, Jackson said a strong desire to join already exceeded our expectations for initial job performance. Barbara’s work ethic has the business world influenced her career shift. “I want to learn all the ins and outs of inspired the MBEC team and made a great team better,” said Darrell Randle the starting and successfully running a Chamber’s vice president of small business business, so that I may help others achieve development. their life-long dreams and at the same time Jackson can be reached at 433-2250 or achieve my own,” she said. bjackson@mbecalabama.org.

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

omparative Economic Indicators

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

Business Licenses City of Mobile

231 2010 281 2009

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

236,721 2010 243,911 2009

Unemployment Rates Mobile/Baldwin counties

10.2% 2010 9.9% 2009

Homes Sold⌦ Mobile County

370 2010 298 2009

Average Selling Price Mobile County $140,124 2010 $150,995 2009

Building Permits City of Mobile

264 2010 341 2009

Value of Building Permits $10,890,735 2010 $18,728,272 2009

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

hamber@Work

Metro Chambers Meet Senior staffers from the Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery Chambers met in Montgomery last spring to share best practices with statewide peers. In addition, Sid McAnnally, leader of the governmental and regulatory affairs practice group at the Birmingham law firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale PC, provided an interesting presentation on the history of Alabama politics and the state constitution. Envision Co-Chairs and Team Chairs Moving Forward This spring, Envision Coastal Alabama’s co-chairs and team chairs held their quarterly steering committee meeting to report on activities of the four e-teams – economy, education, equity and environment. Each team is actively working to finalize plans for the second annual Envision Mayors’ Summit, a gubernatorial candidates’ forum, and a regional housing taskforce made up of nonprofit providers representing Mobile and Baldwin counties.

State’s Financial Overview Presented Impact Alabama, a program providing Alabama’s economic development leadership a forum to discuss key state issues, met this spring in Auburn to discuss the state’s impending funding issues. Joyce Bigby, executive director of the Legislative Finance Office, provided an overview on the state’s Capital Improvement Trust Fund. Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings The Chamber recently participated in grand openings and ribbon cuttings for The Factory Connection and Delta Fish House. If your business is a member and you would like assistance with planning a grand opening or ribbon cutting event, contact Kim Perrone at 431-8649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Names New Diplomat Sandy Frost with Roberts Brothers Inc. was selected as a diplomat to represent the Chamber. Diplomats are volunteers from member companies who assist the Chamber with a variety of projects, including event registration, member visits and ribbon cuttings. To learn more about this group contact Kim Perrone at 4318649 or kperrone@mobilechamber.com.

SCORE Client Base Growing For the second quarter of 2010, SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) counseled more than 80 clients on a variety of topics including business planning, marketing, securing additional capital and workers compensation. Any small business owner or potential entrepreneur can take advantage of this free, confidential service. Call 431-8614 for an appointment. China Trip Date Set – 70 Participants The Chamber is leading a trip to China this October. To date there are 70 people attending the trip, which includes visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Trip attendees will also attend the World Expo held in Shanghai. Online Newsroom Updated The Chamber updated the newsroom on both its main web site – www.mobile chamber.com and economic development site – www.mobilebayregion.com. Both sites maintain a section titled, “What They’re Saying About Mobile,” highlighting recent national and international magazine and newspaper articles, as well as rankings that include Mobile.

29,704 2010 27,669 2009 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

SEPTEMBER

CHAMBER CLOSED LABOR DAY

NETWORKING @NOON

*Members Only Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m. Place: Mobile Area Chamber 451 Government St. $10, includes lunch Cost: Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com

alendar

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH EXPORTING

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Place: Mobile Area Chamber 451 Government St. Cost: $15 for members/$20 for potential members Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com

MINORITY BUSINESS WEEK

HERE COMES THE LAW: A Legal Seminar for Businesses *Members Only

Time: 3 - 5 p.m. - Million Dollar Roundtable 5 - 8 p.m. - Minority Business Week Awards Dinner Time: 1 - 5 p.m. Place: Mt. Hebron Church Family Life Place: Mobile Area Chamber Center, 2531 Berkley Ave. 451 Government St. Cost: Million Dollar Roundtable Cost: Free $20 for members/$25 for Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or potential members brembert@mobilechamber.com Dinner $50 for Chamber/MBEC members COASTAL $500 for table of 10 ECONOMY $55 for potential members $550 for table of 10 OUTLOOK Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. brembert@mobilechamber.com Place: The Battle House Renaissance See pg. 31 for details of all Hotel & Spa, 26 N. Royal St. the events. Cost: $100 per person Contact: Shelly Mattingly at 431-8655 or smattingly@mobilechamber.com See pg. 18 for additional details. EXECUTIVE

ROUNDTABLE

*Members Only Time: 8 - 9 a.m. Place: Mobile Area Chamber 451 Government St. Cost: Free Contact: Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Place: Heron Lakes Country Club 3851 Government Blvd. Cost: $5 for members/$10 for potential members Contact: Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com

Executive Roundtable Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will meet Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room, 451 Government St. Grover Brown, loan officer with Community Enterprise Investments, will discuss small business lending. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com. *Members only

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

Networking@Noon*

Business After Hours

Networking@Noon will be Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St., from noon to 1:30 p.m. N@N is a bi-monthly event offering members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business. Following a brief presentation, introductions and lunch, attendees are invited to continue to network. The event is limited to Mobile Area Chamber members and only one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes a catered lunch provided by The HoneyBaked Ham Co. Payment is due at the time of reservation and must be made no later than Monday, Sept. 6. Reservations not cancelled by Sept. 6, must be honored to cover the cost of the lunch. Contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

Join Chamber members and diplomats from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours on Thursday, Sept. 23. Sponsored by Rick Rutland DMD PC and Heron Lakes Country Club, this casual evening of networking with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be held at Heron Lakes, 3851 Government Blvd. Business After Hours is one of the Chamber’s best opportunities to introduce yourself and your business to other members and make new contacts. Reservations are not necessary. The cost for members is $5 and $10 for potential members. For more information contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@mobilechamber.com.

Here Comes the Law: A Legal Seminar for Businesses*

Growing Your Business Through Exporting

The Mobile Area Chamber will sponsor a legal seminar presented by leading local attorneys with expertise in all areas of small business and employment law on Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Business owners and key managers, human resource managers, department heads and supervisors are encouraged to attend. Participants will receive free information and advice on the most pressing legal issues facing Chamber member businesses. There is no charge to attend but seating is limited and reservations are requested. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com. *Members Only

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

The Mobile Area Chamber will present an export and export financing seminar on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chamber, 451 Government St. This panel discussion, for executives and support staff at companies engaged in international business, will help companies expand international markets by addressing issues including: export payment options, export financing alternatives, best practices for sales contracts and strategies to mitigate foreign risk. There will be a question-andanswer session, and one-on-one time with the panelists. Business owners, credit managers and sales managers are encouraged to attend. Reservations are required. The cost is $15 for members or $20 for potential members and includes lunch. For reservations, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Minority Business Week Events Minority Business Week

Minority Business Week provides minority business owners access to professional development opportunities, networking and celebration. Since 1983, the U.S. President has proclaimed a week to recognize and highlight outstanding achievements of minority business owners and honor companies that support business development. There are two local events associated with Minority Business Week, both taking place on Sept. 30. Both events are produced by the Mobile Area Chamber and the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center.

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Million Dollar Roundtable

members. There is no charge for individuals purchasing Award Dinner tickets. Anyone Join local companies as they share who purchases an awards dinner ticket can marketing successes in print, television, attend this event at no charge. For radio and social media at the Million reservations, contact Dollar Roundtable, Thursday, Sept. 30 Brenda Rembert at from 3 to 5 p.m. at Mt. 431-8607 or Hebron Church Family brembert@ Life Center, 2531 mobilechamber.com. Berkley Ave. The panel features Dr. Jamie Presenting Sponsor Foster-Brown, Awards Dinner publisher of Sister2Sister The Minority Business Week Awards Dinner magazine. Terrance Pratt with Proclivity recognizes the accomplishments of Consulting Group will serve as panel outstanding minority-owned businesses. The moderator. The cost is $20 for Chamber/ event will be Thursday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 8 MBEC members and $25 for potential p.m. at Mt. Hebron Church Family Life

Center, 2531 Berkley Ave. Dr. Timothy J. Winters, pastor of Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego, and nationally-acclaimed commentator on entrepreneurial excellence for minority-owned businesses will be the keynote speaker. The cost to attend is $50 for Chamber/MBEC members or $500 for a table of 10, and $55 for potential members or $550 for a table of 10. To register for the Million-Dollar Roundtable or the Awards Dinner, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@mobilechamber.com.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

e mber Ne ws

special is

Jennifer Cooley joined the wellbornIdeas team, an integrated marketing and public relations firm. Cooley has 10 years of experience in the advertising and marketing Cooley fields, and is pursuing a master’s degree in communications from the University of South Alabama. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Spring Hill College. X Hancock Bank named two new executives for the Mobile area. Lipham Busby Jennifer Busby was named senior corporate relationship manager for Hancock Bank’s commercial banking division in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Busby has a bachelor’s degree from Troy University. Jamie Lipham was named commercial market president and commercial market manager. Lipham earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance from The University of Alabama, a

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OAST SAFE & LOCK CO, IN door & frame division

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

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

master’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. X Philip Parker Jr. joined the staff of G. C. Specialties Inc. Parker graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Parker commerce business administration. X Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. named two new sales associates. Patrice Sierke Green Green will work out of the Cottage Hill office and Linda Sierke will work from the Azalea Road office. X Red Square Agency promoted Jarrett McCraw to McCraw Hill account executive and hired Whitney Hill as traffic manager. McCraw joined Red Square in 2008 as traffic manager. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University. Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from the University of South Alabama, and interned with the agency for two semesters. X Lena Eaton joined Roberts Brothers. She will work from the company’s west Mobile office

Springdale Travel American Express and Cruise Quarters relocated its corporate headquarters to 985 Montlimar Dr. The company’s phone number will remain 4765095. X Spring Hill College entered into a transfer articulation agreement with the Alabama Community Colleges System to allow students at two-year colleges to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at four-year independent colleges and universities. For more information, call 380-3030.

DEX Imaging (Formerly Wade Office Equipment) recently moved into its new corporate office, located at 1045 Downtowner Blvd., and will have a customer appreciation open house Thursday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 6662063 or e-mail dede@wadeoffice.com.

Infirmary West’s clinical laboratory received accreditation by the College of American Pathologists. Accreditation involves a stringent inspection program designed to ensure the highest standard of care for laboratory patients. X Hoar Program Management (HPM), a division of Hoar Construction LLC, was ranked No. 42 on the 2010 Engineering News Record magazine list of “Top Program Managers.” HPM is one of the largest program manager firms in Alabama and has been responsible for projects totaling in excess of $1.7 billion. In addition, the division also received a Pyramid Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors at its national convention in April for outstanding Construction Management Services on the west campus dining facility at Auburn University. X Kevin Morgan of PlanFocus Financial Services was awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation from Fiduciary360, an Morgan organization offering training, tools and resources to promote a culture of fiduciary responsibility and improve the decision-making processes. The AIF designation signifies knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. X Eric Walker, president of Impresario Promotional Concepts LLC, a corporate event planning and marketing services company, won the $25,000 prize in the startup category of the Alabama State University’s business plan competition. Seventy-four small minority-owned businesses from across the state entered the competition for a share of $150,000 in awarded prizes. The University of South Alabama College of Medicine (USA) ranked No. 8 of 141 medical schools in the U.S. based on its social mission of medical education. This ranking was published in an article appearing

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

in Annals of Internal Medicine, a premier internal medicine journal. The 141 medical schools were evaluated and ranked on a new scale based on the percentage of medical school graduates who practice primary care, work in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) and are underrepresented minorities. X WALA FOX10 was the ratings leader in each of its daily television newscasts, according to the Nielsen Station Index for the 2010 May “sweeps” period, which measured television viewing from April 29 to May 26. FOX10 News also saw a 32 percent increase in morning news ratings as well as a 16 percent increase in late news viewing. X University of South Alabama (USA) Mitchell Master of Business Administration students earned some of the nation’s highest scores on the 2010 ETS MBA Field Exam. USA students scored as high as the 99th percentile on the test that assesses knowledge of accounting, finance, management and marketing. The class as a whole scored in the 90th percentile. In other news, Kathy Porter, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at USA College of Medicine, was selected as a delegate for Vision 2020, a national project focused on advancing gender equality through women and leadership. Porter was selected out of 1,100 applicants. And USA College of Medicine alumnus Dr. Steven P. Furr was recently installed as Alabama’s Medical Association president. Furr received his Furr bachelor’s and medical degrees at USA and is the first USA College of Medicine graduate to serve in this capacity. Furr also serves on the university’s board of trustees. Two other USA College of Medicine faculty members were elected to leadership positions in the organization. Dr. Melissa Costello, assistant professor of emergency medicine, was elected vice president and Dr. Ronald Franks, vice president for health sciences and professor of psychiatry, was elected secretary/treasurer. X Red Square Agency recently received three Golds at the American Advertising Federation District 7 ADDY Awards for its work created for Van Kampen Investments. The agency also received a Judges Award from the Public Relations Council of Alabama for its Wind Creek Casino and Hotel grand opening public relations campaign.

Member News Bill Luc joined HandsOn South Alabama as a member of the Volunteer Guardian Program. The program recruits and trains volunteers to make informed medical decisions on behalf of individuals who are without friends or family in the area. Additional partners are Mobile County Probate Court, Mobile Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Program and the Department of Human Resources.

Community News The Gulf Coast Exploreum is now showing three action-packed films in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX® Dome Theater – Adventures in Wild California, Dolphins and Everest. Adventures in Wild California and Everest will run through Oct. 1, while Dolphins will continue until Nov. 5. Downtown Mobile Alliance will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, Sept. 2 at noon at The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa. Internationally-known urban planner Andres Duany will be the keynote speaker. Duany is the co-founder of Congress for the New Urbanism and is considered a driving force in the revival of

traditional planning and the new urbanism movement. He is best known for the development of Seaside, Fla. For information on tickets, go to www.downtownmobile.org. X The American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter opened its new chapter headquarters and regional disaster response facility at 35 N. Sage Ave. A $10,000 donation by The Grainger Foundation will be used to purchase audio/visual equipment to monitor emergency conditions and appliances to support disaster response teams’ ability to respond 24 hours a day. X Former U.S. President George W. Bush will be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual University of Mobile Leadership Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 7 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. The banquet will raise money for the university’s annual academic scholarship fund. For more information, visit www.umobile.edu/ banquet. X Jubilee BEST Robotics is currently registering middle and high school teams for Fall 2010. BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) is an all-volunteer

workforce development program that will impact more than 135 schools in Alabama this year. The game theme for 2010 is “Total Recall,” introducing students to the world of manufacturing. Game Day will be Oct. 30 at the USA Mitchell Center. For more information, call 379-1034 or visit www.bestinc.org.

Welcome Friends/ Business Link WELCOME FRIENDS

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.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

visits Newcomers who are developing new spending habits! Your business can be a part of their “new habit.”

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personally visits the decision-maker of over 500 businesses per year. We turn OUR cold calls into YOUR hot leads! Call Millie Sue Hawk for more details:

251-422-7777

The Business View | SEPTEMBER 2010

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

e w 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.

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

Bourbon Street Cafe & Beignets Charles Phillips 28825-A US Hwy. 98 Daphne, AL 36526 251-621-5565 Restaurants

FlexiCrew Staffing Inc. Bill Brennan 5821 Rangeline Rd., Ste. 204 Theodore, AL 36582 251-443-1130 www.FlexiCrew.com Employee Staffing

Break Your Way Vending LLC Jim Evans P.O. Box 850382 Mobile, AL 36685 251-607-0015 www.breakyourwayvending.com Vending Machines

The Hansel Gusman Group Jerry Guy II 3512 Godwin Ct. Mobile, AL 36693 251-665-7015 www.hanselgusman.com Information Technology Consulting

Candlewood Suites Mobile/ Downtown Theresa Lollar 62 S. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-436-8787 www.candlewood-mobile.com Hotels CMA Technology Solutions Joe Krob 20322 Heathrow Dr. Silverhill, AL 36576 251-945-5446 www.cmaontheweb.com Information Technology Sales/ Services

Insphere Insurance Solutions Glen King 2970 Bay Woods Dr. Coden, AL 36523 251-599-2995 www.insphereis.com/gking Insurance Agents & Brokers

nniversaries Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

50 YEARS

Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co. Inc. Tractor & Equipment Co. Inc. Turner Supply Co.

35 YEARS

Mobile County Health Department

30 YEARS

Gleason & Associates

25 YEARS BCT

15 YEARS

University Oaks Volunteers of America Southeast Inc.

10 YEARS

Howell and Associates Insurance Agency/Farmers Insurance Russanne Howell 6677 Three Notch Rd., Ste. E Mobile, AL 36619 251-661-3276 www.farmersagent.com/rhowell1 Insurance

Alabama Safety Institute Inc. Arlington Properties d/b/a Timber Ridge Apartments Irvington Food Mart Inc. MCG Business Solutions Southern Light Tressler Financial Group

5 YEARS

APCO Employees Credit Union Ashland General Agency Inc. Bay Shore Fluid Power Inc. Buck Taylor Manufacturers Sales Harrison Brothers Dry Dock & Repair Yard Inc. Lewis & Associates LLC Mobile Ship Chandlery Inc. Weinacker’s Montessori School

1-4 YEARS

All Clean Janitorial Service LLC The American Equity Underwriters Inc. American Rental & Power Equipment Inc. AWC Inc. Baehr’s Automotive Service Center Inc. Badcock Home Furniture & More BancorpSouth Bell Steel Co. Berg Spiral Pipe Corp. Birmingham Rail and Locomotive Co. Blastech Mobile LLC Butler Pappas Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP The Carter Group LLC Clear Winds Technologies Inc. Conde-Charlotte Museum House

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

Integrated Digital Publishing LLC Henry F. O’Connor III 64 N. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-438-4144 www.thecontemporarysportsman.com Publishers Lumpkin & Associates Dan Lumpkin 305 N. Section St. Fairhope, AL 36532 251-928-1736 www.lumpkinassociates.com Management Consultants McPherson Oil Co. Jimmy Dill 3151 Hamilton Blvd. Theodore, AL 36582 251-338-0945 www.mcphersonoil.com Oils-Petroleum Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. - Richard Burton Richard Burton 900 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. A-5 Mobile, AL 36695 251-591-3845 www.prudentialcooper.com Real Estate-Residential & Commercial

Regent Aerospace Mike Lilley 2117 Michigan Ave. Mobile, AL 36615 251-434-9100 Aerospace Industries Ryerson Inc. Eric McGill 363 S. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36603 251-431-7432 www.ryerson.com Steel Distributors-Warehouses

Timber Tree Service William Prewitt 8375 South Wind Dr. N. Irvington, AL 36544 251-391-3026 www.timbertreeserviceinc.com Tree Service Wal-Mart Tillman’s Corner Don Wiggins 5245 Rangeline Rd. Mobile, AL 36619 251-666-7972 Retail Stores

Studio Edge Display Group Kymberly Soulé 1110 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. 1B Mobile, AL 36695 251-380-9300 www.studioedgedisplay.com Display Designers & Producers

Weight Watchers Ellen Hory Cooper 3069 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36606 251-895-8680 www.weightwatchers.com Weight Control Services

Sweat Tire Dewane Hayes 600 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-8473 www.sweattire.com Tires, Vehicle Maintenance & Services

Wisepreneur Calvin Bacon 1897 Bradshire Dr. Mobile, AL 36695 251-214-623 www.wisepreneur.com Internet Services

D.R. Horton Delta Fish House Diversified Emergency Management Associates LLC The Drummond Group Inc. Elements Therapeutic Massage Employee Liability Management Inc. Engineered Cooling Services Ershigs Inc. The Ezell House Firehouse Subs Fleming Rehab and Sports Medicine Gardberg & Clausen PC Gateway Sourcing LLC GCR Tires Grande Advertising Inc. Graybar H2 Performance Consulting Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile Downtown/Historic District Holiday Builders of the Gulf Coast The Indelible Grace Co. Longleaf Machining LLC Malkove & Associates Inc. Marine & Industrial Supply Co. Inc. Maximum Landscape Inc. Neal-Waltman & Associates Outward Bound Discovery, Five Rivers Base P & G Machine & Supply Co. Inc. Padgett Business Services of Mobile Paula’s Hair Unlimited PCH Hotels & Resorts Inc. Phoenix Fitness

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

As of 6/30/10

Pipes Hudson & Watts LLP Printed T-Shirts & Sporting Goods The Private Gallery Inc. Radio2Phone Communications Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Reed Fabricators & Welding Inc. Regenerative Medicine Center REMAX Realty Centre Ron’s Catering LLC Royal Lagoon Seafood Inc. Rubber & Specialties Inc. Ryla Inc. SB&T Bank SRFCU Singing River Federal Credit Union Security Engineers Inc. Sea Breeze Health & Rehabilitation Center Sirmon & Simmons PC Splash Duo-Coolrayz Band State Farm-Rebekah Brown Talecris Plasma Resource Technical Specialties Inc. Tecnico Corp. Telamon Corp. Touching Hearts Senior Care Inc. Tri-State Maritime Services Inc. UO Group Construction UPS Veracity Consulting Services LLC Walt Vickers DMD WAVH FM Talk 1065 wellbornIdeas Wise Technology Zevac & Lindsey LLC

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...creates a family of support.

There’s no place like home for Frank Lott III. He believes his Chamber membership helps him serve as an advocate for the city where he was born and raised. And this includes staying informed about economic development, business news and keeping the morale of our residents up during these times.” As one of 2,400 Chamber members, Frank has access to resources, exposure and networking to grow his business and make it thrive – and that means his hometown his built on more than dreams.

Frank Lott III Heritage Homes 20 Employees Member Since 1991

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