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

From the Publisher

s I sit down to write this there are only a few days left in the 2010. We, as a community, have just celebrated two mega projects coming to fruition with the grand opening of ThyssenKrupp’s $5 billion investment in north Mobile County and Austal USA’s $3.5 billion contract to build 10 Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy, while EADS North America’s Air Force tanker hangs in the balance. These projects, and the attention they bring to

our area, are changing Mobile and are ratcheting up our reputation as a team-oriented, international city with a destiny for greatness. We are hearing from numerous small businesses, from restaurants and caterers to landscapers and constructors, how doing business with TK has benefited their bottom line. And there is much anticipation as we wait for EADS NA to again win the refueling tanker competition that will make Mobile only the third city in the world to build wide-body aircraft. Mobile was among the last the cities to feel the effects from the national recession, and it has been a tough year for some. Yet you’ll read in this issue about a few companies that called 2010 a good year (part one is available at www.mobilechamber.com). But here’s what is not changing – this Chamber’s commitment to serving as a progressive advocate for the business community, and that means your business. This year our organization is celebrating its 175th anniversary.

Winthrop M. Hallett, III President, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

...we are ratcheting up our reputation as a team-oriented, international city with a destiny for greatness.

We will be taking a look back at the issues that affected our community and the role of the Chamber. And just as important, we will continue to be focused on what’s ahead as it relates to economic development for new and expanding companies, large and small, community development and governmental affairs. Many of you are receiving The Business View because the Chamber’s Partners for Growth investors believe in sharing good news with all area companies enough to underwrite the production of more than 20,000 copies each month. We take an in-depth look at the successes of 2010 in the Chamber’s Annual Report, found on pages 13 through 28. For our members, we are extremely grateful for your membership and I hope you find more ways in 2011 to maximize your networking opportunities and support channels to further grow your business. For all you potential members, I personally invite you to join an organization focused on the needs of small-, medium- and large-sized businesses, dedicated to offer you unprecedented settings to meet new customers and build business relationships. Please let us know if you’d like more information by contacting the head of our membership efforts, Carolyn Golson at 251-431-8622 or cgolson@ mobilechamber.com. At our annual meeting in January, we promoted Mobile: Dawn of Possibilities. It’s pretty amazing with all our community has achieved despite many obstacles that there are even more possibilities – significant ones – ahead. I believe that same dawn awaits your businesses, and the Chamber is here to help.

Seated from left to right: Shayla Jones-Beaco, Patty Howell, Shelly Mattingly, Christina Stimpson, Leida Javier-Ferrell, Katrina Dewrell, Jade Cunningham, Win Hallett, Laura Smith. Standing first row from left to right: Ashley Horn, Susan Rak Blanchard, Ailey Shirazi, Chani Johnson, Carolyn Wilson, Ballery Johnson, Machelle Leslie, Brenda Rembert, Carolyn Golson, Rebecca Milam, Odetta Stutts, Jesse Quillen. Standing second row from left to right: Leigh Perry Herndon, Carol Lambert, Tricia Seibt, Bob Chappelle, Missy Hartley, Troy Wayman, Jackie Davidson, Danette Richards, Marion Warren, Herman Tinsley, Claudia Zimmermann, Joe Mareno, Tony van Aken, Steve Russell, Donna Ikner, Matt Hariel, Darrell Randle. Not pictured: Al Ruffin, René Eiland, Kim Perrone, Pam Ramos and Ginny Russell.

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce staff is a group of professional men and women working to promote the Mobile area’s economic well-being. Areas served by the Chamber staff include: Administration – 251.431.8605 Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center – 251.433.2250 Communications – 251.431.8606 Community and Governmental Affairs – 251.431.8621

Economic Development – 251.431.8655 Divisions: Business Development Business Retention and Expansion Center for Workforce Development International Trade

Finance & Operations – 251.431.8605 Membership – 251.431.8638 Small Business Development – 251.431.8607

THE

BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Parents See Progress in Mobile Public Schools

Chamber 2010 Annual Report

February 2011 | Vol. XLII, No. 1

The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Marketing Campaign

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . Winthrop M. Hallett III

THE

Executive Editor . . . . . . . Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor . . . . . . . Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cori Yonge

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Ashley Horn, Laura Smith, Carolyn Wilson Printing Services . . . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive . . . . . . . . . René Eiland 431-8635 reiland@mobilechamber.com

BUSINESS VIEW 6 An in-depth survey shows parents and teachers agree Mobile’s public schools are improving. 10-11 The Chamber unveils its 2011 marketing campaign.

On the cover: Brock Norris, Loxley-based Ecovery’s director of commodities, says the company had a lot to be thankful for in 2010. Ecovery expanded its warehouse and increased its recycling efforts to nearly 100,000 pounds a day. Read part two of the Silver Lining story on pages 29-30. Photo by Susan Rak-Blanchard

F E A T U R E S

M O N T H LY F O C U S

3-5 News You Can Use – Positive updates for area and state businesses 4

8 Small Business of the Month: The Palette Café

29 Business Spotlight of the Month: Vanguard Modular Building Systems LLC 29 Diplomat of the Month: Donna Turner, World Omni Financial Corp.

32 Business Spotlight of the Month: Lifeguard Transportation Service of Mobile

32 Diplomat of the Month: Tricia Graham, Roberts Brothers Inc.

Investor Focus: Vance McCown Construction Co. Inc.

30-31

Part two – Despite a shaky economy, area business owners find room for optimism

Chamber hires Laura Smith

FEBRUARY 2011

Additional Writers and Editors

ADVERTISERS

13-28 Take a look at the Chamber’s annual report and chart progress made over the past year.

THE BUSINESS VIEW (USPS 952-700) is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951. www.mobilechamber.com Subscription rate is $24 annually. ⌦ Periodicals Postage Paid at Mobile, Alabama. POSTMASTER send address changes to Attn: Finance Department THE BUSINESS VIEW Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2187 • Mobile, Alabama 36652-2187 or e-mail info@mobilechamber.com © 2010

34 Economic Indicators 35 Calendar 36-37 Member News 38 Anniversaries 38-39 New Members

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC.................................29 BankTrust.....................................................................33 BB&T............................................................................31 Coast Safe & Lock..........................................................9 Community Bank..........................................................4 DEX Imaging.................................................................7 Gulf Coast Exploreum.................................................34 Gwin’s Commercial Printing......................................29 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc.............................35 Local 15........................................................................32 Logical Computer Systems..........................................12 Planet Fitness.................................................................9 Premier Medical Management.....................................5 Pro 356 Consulting......................................................32 RBC Bank.....................................................................11 Springhill Medical Center.............................................9 Sunbelt Business Brokers..............................................3 United Way of Southwest Alabama..............................8 WAVENet Technologies................................................10 Whitney National Bank...............................................37 Wonderland Express......................................................9

FIND THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB facebook.com/MobileChamber

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.

NEWS You Can Use Maritime Training Center Opens in Mobile In January, Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) opened what former Gov. Bob Riley called “the newest weapon in Alabama’s economic development arsenal” – the $12 million, 60,000-squarefoot Maritime Training Center, located on the causeway just east of the Wallace and Bankhead tunnels. The official grand opening was held in November 2010. The center is designed to support area shipbuilders by training potential employees in areas such as intensive welding and shipfitting, according to AIDT Executive Director Ed Castile. The training center is available to local shipbuilders and contractors, including C&G Boatworks, Signal International, BAE Systems and Austal. “The completion of this facility is a giant step forward in our path to transform our job training platform in Alabama,” Castile said. “The maritime industry requires

specific training and typically companies are on their own to prepare their workers. Here we can partner with maritime companies and help meet their job training needs one worker at a time.” Mobile Area Chamber President Win Hallett closed the grand opening ceremony. He believes the specialized AIDT centers being built across the state will only improve opportunities for local industry expansions and set a new recruiting standard. “Mobile’s legacy remains shipbuilding. The Maritime Training Center was designed with our local shipbuilders in mind, and has state-of-the-art equipment in it to provide customized training for our maritime industry,” said Hallett. “This is a win-win-win situation – for potential maritime workers, maritime employers and the entire region.”

Brookley Changes Name – Enhanced Aerospace Focus In December, a shining star in industry development changed its name to denote its shift in focus to aerospace. Brookley Aeroplex is the new name for the former Brookley Industrial Complex. According to Bill Sisson, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority, the entity who manages Brookley said, “The

Positive Business News When You Need It

Alabama State Port Authority Approves Capital Program In October, the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) board of directors approved a much needed port-wide infrastructure investment program of $360 million to help the Port of Mobile attract new industry and create jobs. According to ASPA officials, the upgrades will be financed through bond issues and used to construct a new interchange and intermodal rail yards, warehouse and cargo yard needed to serve a burgeoning steel business; cargo terminal improvements to accommodate regional exports and deepwater oil and gas-field production service industries; and secure deepwater land to accommodate future expansions. Jimmy Lyons, ASPA’s director and chief executive, said the $360 million would be spent in several phases over five years as needed. “In 2000, the state docks identified a series of new infrastructure and seaport modernization programs that successfully

leveraged a $100 million infusion of capital into $700 million worth of port improvements and attracted new manufacturers to our region,” added Lyons. Some of the key industries ASPA helped attract during the past decade were APM Terminals, International Shipholding Corp., Hyundai, ThyssenKrupp, SSAB, Berg Spiral Pipe, INEOS Phenol and Aker Solutions. “Now, we look forward to the next 10 years,” said Lyons. “Continued growth and capital invested in the Port of Mobile only adds to our ability to successfully recruit international companies to Mobile,” said Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. “There’s been a complete transformation in Mobile’s working waterfront in the last decade, and news of continued investment at the port is applauded.” Currently the Port of Mobile ranks ninth in the U.S. for total volume.

timing could not be better as we continue to improve our infrastructure and experience growth at Brookley.” Adding Aeroplex underscores the presence of the Mobile Downtown Airport at the site, a crucial component of Brookley’s unique infrastructure, he added.

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

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

with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

NEWS You Can Use

Positive Business News When You Need It

Pinto Island Terminal Handles First Steel for ThyssenKrupp Facilities As the Alabama ThyssenKrupp manufacturing facilities fired up production in late 2010, about 30 miles to the south of the plant, more than 50,000 metric tons of steel slabs from ThyssenKrupp’s sister plant in Brazil arrived and were off-loaded at the Alabama State Port Authority’s (ASPA) Pinto Island Terminal. The November 2010 shipment marked the first of the Brazilian-produced steel slabs delivered to Mobile. The steel processing plant, located in Rio de Janeiro, is expected to deliver an estimated 3 million metric tons annually through the Pinto Island Terminal. “The successful ramp-up of both the Brazilian and Alabama mills, along with the first delivery of Brazilian carbon slabs, demonstrates how well these new facilities are performing,” said Jimmy Lyons, ASPA’s

director and chief executive officer. The Port Authority’s ability to handle the volume of steel slabs and ship them up the Mobile River to the ThyssenKrupp Steel plant sealed the deal back in 2007, when ThyssenKrupp announced the $5.2 billion, 2,700-job project. The Port Authority owns and operates the $110 million steel handling terminal. “…We’re inaugurating the supply chain that will enable us to provide our customers with the highest quality products and fulfill our vision of becoming the premier steel producer in the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) market,” said Scott Posey, communications director for ThyssenKrupp Steel USA. In December 2010, both sites held official grand openings, attended by more than 4,000 people.

The new Pinto Island Terminal, built by the Alabama State Port Authority, was opened to support ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA. The mega-million terminal will also support other industry on-loading and off-loading raw materials to be transported to barges.

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| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

NEWS You Can Use

Austal USA Marks Big Year-End Finish

KC-45 Hits Another Milestone The KC-45 is ready now. That’s not only offering the Air Force on our KC-45 is flying and proven, ready to meet the Air Force’s an EADS North America slogan, it’s a key refueling requirements today,” said EADS fact the company is counting on to win the North America Chairman Ralph D. Crosby U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker Jr. “And 48,000 American workers are competition again. ready to build the KC-45 here in the U.S.” In December, the KC-45 reached Added Troy Wayman, Mobile Area another milestone when its fuselageChamber’s economic mounted hose-anddevelopment vice drogue aerial president, “While refueling system Unlike our competitor’s Mobile remains in a successfully concept aircraft, every holding pattern on performed its first refueling system we are the tanker contract, in-flight refueling offering the Air Force on confidence is contacts, with an continuing to build. F/A-18 fighter our KC-45 is flying and Team Alabama no aircraft. Airbus proven, ready to meet the longer looks at Military completed a Air Force’s refueling awarding the tanker series of dry contacts requirements today. contract to EADS on using the first North America as an A-330 Multi Role Ralph D. Crosby Jr. ‘if it will happen’ Tanker Transport for EADS North America Chairman project, but rather a the U.K. Royal Air ‘when it will happen’ project. In Force, one of four U.S. allies that have anticipation of it being announced, our selected the tanker in four straight team is working behind-the-scenes to have competitions. everything ready to go once it’s awarded to “Unlike our competitor’s concept EADS North America – again.” aircraft, every refueling system we are

Positive Business News When You Need It

The last few days of 2010 brought of shipbuilding,’” said Joe Rella, Austal Austal USA the much-awaited USA’s president and chief operating officer. announcement that the U.S. Navy would The local shipbuilder is expecting its award a split contract between Austal and workforce to double, reaching 3,800 its competitor Lockheed Martin Corp. Both employees in order to fulfill the contract to companies were build the aluminum given a fixed-price warships. incentive $430Troy Wayman, the This award represents a plus million Mobile Area Chamber’s paradigm shift in Mobile’s contract for the economic development design and vice president, said, economy and further construction of a “This project is further establishes the region as the Littoral Combat proof when you combine ‘Silicon Valley of shipbuilding.’ Ship (LCS). a positive business According to environment and a Joe Rella Austal USA’s President and COO the Navy, both world-class company contracts include like Austal with an nine additional ships, subject to outstanding city, county and state elected Congressional appropriation of each year’s leadership great things are possible. The LCS program, which creates for Austal a international presence in Mobile of potential $3.5 billion log of work through companies like Austal, ThyssenKrupp, fiscal year 2015. EADS, Evonik, SSAB, Aker and many others “This award represents a paradigm shift is evidence that Mobile’s unique assets and in Mobile’s economy and further pro-business leadership enjoy an establishes the region as the ‘Silicon Valley outstanding reputation around the world.”

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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FEBRUARY 2011

Teachers and Parents Agree – 39.68

31.05

19.4

2.45

Progress in Mobile County Public Schools Being Made

Teachers’ Perceptual Data

Parents’ Perceptual Data

Quality of Instruction

upport for Mobile County Public School System has sometimes been a case of perception vs. reality. Around the water cooler, it’s easy for rumors and baseless stories to get started and grow larger than life – especially as it relates to the quality of education children are receiving today in public schools. Administrators in the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) have heard them, as have parents, teachers and students. But it was 2010 before an in-depth survey was conducted by the system to gauge what parents and teachers thought anonymously. The results were a little surprising. In the areas of quality of instruction (grading a teacher’s quality of work), climate (the feeling of the school’s environment), safety and the facilities, both parent and teacher rankings were high. The lowest rankings came from teachers’ perception of the quality of instruction students receive in the classroom.

Quality of Instruction

Schools are effectively teaching students to think critically and reason out problems.

25 15%

49.7 5

19.4%

39.6%

5% 7%

10%

34.5

51.2

9.7%

5.28

49.7%

26.3%

Safety

At my worksite I feel physically safe and secure while at work.

I feel that my child is safe at school. 9

.09%

3 40.8

32.9 5.9%

1.9% 5.2% 5.9

11% 43%

13.7

34.5%

2 3

32%

51.2%

Facility

At my worksite my school building is kept clean and in good condition. 6.2%

13.7%

2 56% 28%

6.2

3 4

25%

Disagree

40.8% 5.9%

4 5

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Source: Mobile County Public School System

FEBRUARY 2011

5.9

0.9%

9.2%

The overall climate or feeling at my school is positive and helps students learn.

1 54%

Climate

The overall climate or feeling at my school is positive and helps my child learn. 32

31%

33%

Agree

No Answer

Facility

Strongly Disagree

9.7

My child’s school is kept clean and in good condition.

Undecided

F D 9.2

26.3

41%

KEY Strongly Agree

.6%

4% 2.4%

Students get grades A, B, C, D or F for the quality of their school work. What overall grade would you give your school?

32.9%

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

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

The Palette Café Susan Carley says she was born to cook. The owner of The Palette Café located at the Mobile Museum of Art, started cooking at age four and by age seven was writing her own menus. Her restaurant is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Small Business of the Month. Overlooking Langan Park, the Palette Café offers a welcoming atmosphere. But ambience is only half the recipe for success – the other is homemade food that includes soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. “As Mobilians, we are so lucky to have this museum and this park to enjoy,” said Carley, who started the café in 2008. Carley, who has worked in the restaurant business since college, took time off to start a family but kept cooking for friends. She ventured out when she learned the museum wanted to start a café. She said the museum staff was accommodating and allowed her the latitude to make decisions

FEBRUARY 2010

about what to serve. The menu incorporates lunch staples like red beans and rice, and Southern pot roast, and also offers gourmet entrees including crabmeat goat cheese quiche and Asian fish tacos – a customer favorite. Diners can also chose from fast selection items, low carbohydrate versions of salads and entrees, and a take-home dinner selection. “The dinners are perfect for anyone who needs a homemade meal prepared for them,” said Carley. In addition to the museum restaurant, Carley also owns and operates Cream & Sugar, a coffee, dessert and ice cream shop in the Oakleigh district. With its nine employees, The Palette Café is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch. Private parties are available on the balcony. For more information, visit www.ThePaletteCafe. com.

The Palette Café owner Susan Carley and manager Kristi Eady pose on the balcony of the museum overlooking the café located in the Mobile Museum of Art. Langan Park is in the background.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

A Historical Perspective

Chamber Unveils the Year’s Strength in Numbers Marketing Testimonials Featuring Six Members

hy would 100-year-old businesses still maintain their membership in the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce?

The answers are nearly the same as those of the Chamber’s newer members, and range from networking to presenting a united front to helping create area jobs. The responses came from the six Chamber-member company executives featured in the 2011 marketing campaign, Strength in Numbers, and are all businesses established in the Mobile area in the 1800s. This is the fifth consecutive year of the Chamber’s focus on member testimonials and coincides with the organization’s 175th anniversary. “What better way to honor a few of the longest running businesses and Chamber members during our monumental achievement of 175 years as the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce? Interestingly, we share this anniversary with one of the

FEBRUARY 2011

members featured, Mobile Gas,” said Leigh Perry-Herndon, the Chamber’s vice president of communications. Highlighted in the 2011 campaign, the following represent a few of the Chamber’s oldest members. Mike Marshall is editor of the PressRegister. Founded in 1813 as the Mobile Gazette, the city’s daily newspaper has changed names several times but its mission to tell the community’s news remains the same. It is Alabama’s oldest newspaper. LaBarron McClendon is vice president of marketing, community affairs and human resources of Mobile Gas. As one of the nation’s first natural gas distribution companies, Mobile Gas’ origins date back to 1836 and lighting the downtown streets of Mobile with gas lights. David Clark is general manager of the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa in Point Clear. The hotel opened in 1847 as a two-story hotel with 40 rooms built by F. H. Chamberlain. Now, the historic hotel has more than 400 rooms

with amenities that include a spa, pool, a recently redesigned golf course and expanded beaches. Patrick Wilson is president of the Mobile Bar Pilots LLC, founded in 1865. These marine experts board and pilot ships heading in and out of the Mobile ship channel. A thorough understanding of the local terrain and environment is crucial to keeping the integrity of the ports and ensuring safe passage of vessels. Sally Greene is executive director of Wilmer Hall. The children’s home, founded by Episcopalian Bishop Richard Wilmer, opened in Mobile following in the wake of the yellow fever epidemic in 1867. Bo Mattei is president of Thames, Batré, Mattei, Beville & Ison Insurance. The names Thames and Batré go back to the late 1800s when the agency was established in 1891 during a rapid growth spurt of the Port City. The names Mattei, Beville & Ison, were added in the late 20th century with the merger of three major agencies, each bearing their names.

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Photos by Thigpen Photography Live Area: 8.5" X 5.375"

TRIM: N/A

Bleed:

N/A

Color: 4C

This year’s local marketing campaign features a new group of business owners and executives, and their stories of how they benefit from their Mobile Area Chamber membership. To coincide with the Chamber’s 175th anniversary, each organization was also established in Mobile during the 1800s. Pictured from the far left to right are: Mike Marshall, Press-Register; LaBarron McClendon, Mobile Gas; David Clark. Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa; Patrick Wilson, Mobile Bar Pilots LLC; Sally Greene, Wilmer Hall; and Bo Mattei, Thames, Batré, Mattei, Beville & Ison Insurance. The photos were taken by Thigpen Photography.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

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FEBRUARY 2011 12/10/10

10:54 AM

FEBRUARY 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

From the Chairman Who could imagine all the region has been through in such a short period? While spared again from the devastation of a hurricane, we were forced to deal with some significant challenges throughout 2010, including a manmade natural disaster from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the lingering effects of a sluggish state and national economy. But through it all, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce remained on its mission of being a “progressive advocate to support Mobile’s economic well-being.” And for that, I am proud. Reflecting on my remarks during the January 2010 annual meeting, I look back over the last year, and my five years here in Mobile, feeling blessed for this community, for this region and this Chamber. During that event, I vividly remember saying, “Today’s challenges – while short term – are real and I know so many of you in this audience are dealing with them even today.” I remember encouraging members to be involved, saying, “…in order for this Chamber of Commerce to make its mark over the coming year, and deem 2010 a success, it will take every one of you in this room tonight. With you being an active participant in the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s program of work this year, we will find the solutions to meet our region’s current challenges head-on.” Today, I can report we are meeting these challenges. There are more volunteers working on committees and task forces such as Offshore Alabama to support Mobile’s oil and gas industry; and the Governmental Affairs Committee to push for probusiness legislation that will help our small businesses grow. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number

of small business owners we’re counseling and providing hands-on training for many of them too. By now, I hope you realize the Chamber’s existence is dependent on you, and your active involvement and investment in this pro-business organization. Our program of work may change to meet the business needs in our area, but our foundation remains the same. To accomplish this, the Chamber will continue to: • Recruit new industry to Mobile, and assist local companies with expansion projects; • Provide the necessary tools for small businesses to expand locally; • Influence state and federal legislatures to support pro-business legislation; • Offer networking and professional development opportunities, as well as venues to promote your company through advertising; • Support community infrastructure projects to help your business grow and prosper. I along with my company have benefited from our Chamber membership again in 2010. And I have learned so much about all the areas the Chamber impacts to make this city, this county and this region a better place to live and work. Thank you for your continued commitment to the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Best wishes, David L. Trent Airbus North America Engineering Inc. and 2010 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Economic Development New Turning Basin Winning New Customers The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed work on a $35 million turning basin for the Alabama State Port Authority in 2010. The project took five years to complete, and measured 1,175-feet by 715-feet, making it easier for ships up to 900 feet to get in and out of three major terminals at the Port of Mobile. It is located in the lower harbor between Little Sand Island and Pinto Island. The new turning basin is winning new customers for the port and Mobile Container Terminal. Port of Mobile Moves Up a Notch The Port of Mobile became the ninth largest port in the nation based on a tonnage report released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Previously ranked 10th, the report shows more than 67.6 million tons of freight moved through the port in 2008, the latest stats available.

Regent Aerospace announced it would open a facility in Mobile at Brookley Industrial Complex. Participating in the media conference are: Joseph Ng, ST Aerospace Mobile; Bill Sisson, Mobile Airport Authority; Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commission; Mike Lilley, Regent Aerospace; Al Stokes, City of Mobile; Troy Wayman, Mobile Area Chamber; and Dave Trent, Airbus Engineering Center.

he Mobile Bay region, much like the rest of the country remained in a recession throughout 2010, but that did not keep area business owners from making key capital investment. Recent announcements, expansions and new hires have helped insulate the local economy, and a positive outlook remains on new investments expected to be made here in 2011. ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless USA held a grand opening on its $5.2 billion steel manufacturing plant in late December, the culmination of more than three years of work. As the plant opened its doors, a key component on the stainless side that had been put on hold – was going to move forward as planned. EADS North America moved nearly 100 workers to Mobile to work on the U.S. aerial refueling tanker; and another expansion project that had been on hold – SSAB – broke ground in 2010. This year, other announcements included Regent Aerospace, Aker Solutions, Kimberly-Clark and others resulted in 357 high-paying jobs and $275 million in capital investment.

Regent Aerospace Lands in Mobile Regent Aerospace, the world’s largest aircraft interiors maintenance repair and overhaul company, announced in February it would open a facility at Brookley Industrial Complex, adjacent to ST Aerospace Mobile. During 2010, the company completed the first phase of operations by adding 90 local employees. Regent’s location in Mobile is to support ST Aerospace Mobile with its aircraft interior needs. EADS North America Just six weeks after EADS North America’s former partner in the aerial refueling tanker competition dropped

out, EADS announced it would be a sole-source bidder, offering up the KC-45, an Airbus A-330. When EADS NA wins the competition – again – the planes will be built in Mobile at Brookley Industrial Complex for the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. Department of Defense originally planned to name the winner in 2010, but pushed the timeline back to 2011. EADS North America moved 100 members of its tanker team to Mobile last summer to work on the company’s bid.

More Cranes on the Waterfront Three new cranes arrived at the Port of Mobile to supply a $100 million steel terminal at Pinto Island. The newly operational terminal is owned by the Alabama State Port Authority, who has an agreement to transfer inbound steel slabs for ThyssenKrupp Steel USA from ships to barges to take up to the TK facility in north Mobile County. About 80 percent of the storage space will be used by TK and the remainder is open for public use.

Shipyard Gets Critical Investment In 2010, Atlantic Marine was purchased by BAE Systems, bringing the world’s second largest defense contractor to the Port City. The company made significant improvements and investments at the shipyard just east of the Mobile River within a few months of the purchase. BAE maintained all 650 employees. Austal Wins Big in 2010 Days before 2010 came to a close, the U.S. Navy awarded a split contract for its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, resulting in a potential $3.5 billion award to Austal USA. The company announced it will hire an additional 2,000 employees to build the 10 vessels. Austal also started the year off with a huge accomplishment – the commissioning of the USS Independence. The event marked the first time a Mobile-built ship was commissioned in the Port City since World War II. Other highlights included: the transformation of the 102-acre tract of land on the east side of the Mobile River into an $81 million Module Manufacturing Facility large enough to fit six football fields inside; and two more U.S. Navy contracts to build four Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV). The additional JHSV contracts necessitated the aluminum shipbuilder hire an additional 800 workers, pushing the number of employees in 2010 to more than 1,800 before the LCS announcement.

“Big Al” – A public-private partnership between the Alabama State Port Authority and Barnhart Crane and Rigging invested more than $12 million to provide heavy crane and barge lifting.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Economic Development Air Travel from Mobile Improves Despite a down economy and sharp decreases in air passenger service at Gulf Coast regional airports, Mobile Regional Airport fared better than most. Passenger traffic held its own, and capacity remains on par with recent years. A new marketing strategy, coupled with passenger amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a children’s play area, landscaping and new signage are just some of the new assets for travelers. Star Aviation Lands First Military Contract Star Aviation, located in the Brookley Industrial Complex, won its first military contract to upgrade a combat survivor locator system on the U.S. Air Force’s C-130s. The aircraft is used during aero-medical missions. Kimberly-Clark Retains Local Jobs Keeping good paying jobs in Mobile is a priority and, in 2010, Kimberly-Clark made a commitment to invest $50 million in its local mill over a 24-month period, saving 80 high-paying jobs. The money is being used to install new converting and packing equipment to expand the Scottbrand bath products for the commercial market.

Giving the Port an Edge Since August 2010, cargo customers at the Port of Mobile have access to a new, heavy-lift barge crane thanks to a public-private partnership of the Alabama State Port Authority and Mobile’s Barnhart Crane & Rigging. The $12 million capital investment includes a crane and barge capable of lifting cargo such as transformers, generators and steam boilers – some weighing in excess of 400 tons – and getting them to barge, shore, rail, truck or on specialized carriers. This addition enables the port to be even more competitive. Staying on the Radar Ranked among the largest metropolitan statistical areas, Mobile landed in the No. 62 spot in Forbes.com’s annual Best Places for Business and Careers list. Both projected economic growth and projected job growth categories earned the No. 5 rank.

Air Shows Prove Significant Interest in Mobile Several teams from Mobile attended the Berlin, Farnborough and Singapore Air Shows in 2010 in an effort to continue momentum in recruiting aerospace jobs. While at the shows, local business leaders and elected officials met with supplier companies to the aerospace industry and partnered with the regional Aerospace Alliance on several special events. Cellular South Invests in Mobile In March, Cellular South announced a $7.5 million expansion of its 3G high-speed wireless network in Mobile and Baldwin counties. The investment included nearly 120 new cell sites throughout the area. In addition, the company installed a $2.1 million network switching facility in Mobile, providing higher network capacity in south Alabama.

Real Estate Summit The Chamber, in partnership with the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business Center for Real Estate Studies, held the third annual real estate summit in March. More than 290 people attended the all-day workshop that included reports, data, insight and interpretations of the local commercial real estate market. Airbus Engineering Meets Goal Airbus North America Engineering hit its 150-employee target in Mobile last year, with most of the local employees being engineers and designers. It is expected the Mobile center will continue to expand its workforce as the amount of aircraft interiors and cargo systems work increases. Airbus built the engineering center in 2007, located at Brookley Industrial Complex. From Dream to Reality In less than three years, the sleepy town of Calvert in north Mobile County has seen an influx of several thousand workers at the ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA manufacturing facilities. In early 2010, TK began ramping up its permanent workforce in anticipation of opening the carbon steel side of the company in 2010 and the stainless side in 2010 and 2011. As many as 30 new permanent workers were hired on a weekly basis, ending the year with 1,700 employees between the two operations. In December both plants held official grand openings for the $5.2 billion site. Steel comes to the Calvert plant from a ThyssenKrupp facility in Brazil, built simultaneously with the local site. ThyssenKrupp contracted with local companies to the tune of $3.68 million in additional city and county tax revenues. To date ThyssenKrupp has had an impact of more than $1.5 billion statewide.

On hand for the EADS North America announcement on locating more than 100 workers to Mobile to work on the KC-45 tanker competition were (left to right): Sen. Jeff Sessions, City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood, EADS NA Chairman of the Board Ralph Crosby and Rep. Jo Bonner.

Offshore Alabama Refocuses Efforts The Chamber’s oil and gas taskforce – Offshore Alabama – was thrown into the national spotlight during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Members of the task force served as local experts in a variety of international media interviews with the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and the Tokyo Shimbun, and created cohesive messaging on the oil spill and its impact on the local oil and gas exploration industry. Offshore Alabama collaborated with the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell College of Business and its MBA students to produce a strategic marketing plan highlighting the area’s capabilities to serve and support the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Having this information positions Offshore Alabama to take advantage of future industry growth.

SSAB Expansion Approved SSAB’s expansion project, put on hold in 2009 due to economic conditions, restarted in 2010. The company is investing $287 million and will add 137 positions with average annual wages of $90,000. The steel manufacturing facility is increasing production of its quenched and tempered steel plate used in automobiles, truck beds and elevator buckets and throughout other manufacturing and construction sectors. Carbon Capture Project Nears Completion A new $174 million carbon capture project is expected to open in 2011, aimed at reducing air emissions at Alabama Power’s Barry Steam Plant in north Mobile County. When complete, it will be the world’s largest system of its type connected to a pulverized coal-fired electric generating plant.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Economic Development

USA’s board of trustees named its bell tower the Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza in honor of the “exceptional service” of President Gordon Moulton and his wife, Geri.

Ryla Employment Grows During the summer, Ryla, an inbound call center located in Saraland, announced it beat its own projections for employment growth by adding another 250 positions to its Alabama operations. Employment at the regional headquarters is more than 700. When company officials announced the project, they committed to having 1,200 workers on site by December 2011.

Connecting Mobile to the Far East In May, the Alabama State Port Authority and the Mobile Container Terminal announced an all-water container service between Mobile and the Far East. The new rotation includes service to Singapore, Hong Kong, Pusan, Panama Canal, Mazanillo, Houston, Mobile, Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, Tangiers, Jebel Ai and back to Singapore. Shipper CMA CGM added the route, commonly referred to as PEX3 service.

Retention and Expansion Remains on Front Burner The Chamber’s Business Retention and Expansion committee assisted several local industries with issues and problems impacting their business. The committee convened on several of these issues, making sure each business had a good understanding of member benefits and how the Chamber could influence their day-to-day operations.

State Designation Makes Site Attractive to Investors An industrial development site in north Mobile County became the first in the area to join a select group of properties in Alabama. Virginia Station Phase 1, a 168-acre tract near Creola, earned an AdvantageSite designation. The program is a voluntary industrial site preparedness effort created to make the state more competitive. With more than 400 sites listed on the EDPA state database, Virginia Station is one of 23 properties to carry the distinctive label and the first in Mobile County.

Manufacturer of the Year DuPont was named the Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year for its production of Rynaxypyr, a company-developed insecticide that targets only harmful prey to crops. The U.S.-based company’s Axis facility produces Rynaxypyr, and is the only one in the world to do so. Since the formula was launched two years ago, volume increased more than 3,000 percent, making it the product of choice for growers around the globe. DuPont’s success is also increasing traffic at Mobile Container Terminal, as the company started using the port for the first time in 2010. More good news came as the local operation earned its ISO-9000 recertification, demonstrating commitment to product quality.

Chatom Lands TK Service Provider Pump Pros located its seventh branch in Chatom in September to service ThyssenKrupp. Pump Pros sells, services and repairs hydraulic pumps. The company announced an initial hire of five employees and now occupies the former National Guard Armory in Chatom. The Washington County Economic Development Initiative, which the Chamber staffs, recruited Pump Pros. New Washington County Business Park Underway The Washington County Commission announced in October the lease of an 80-acre-site on U.S. Hwy. 43 to Goldin Materials of Gulfport, Miss., and Dunn Construction from Birmingham. Plans are to develop the Washington County Business Park and have space available to lease for light industrial, commercial and warehouse purposes.

Center for Workforce Development T

he focus of the Chamber’s Center for Workforce Development in 2010 was continuing to address the needs of area employers and prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s jobs. The Chamber is also a strategic partner in the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council - Region 9.

U.S. Chamber Representation The Chamber’s Director of the Center for Workforce Development, Dr. Leida Javier-Ferrell, participated in the Business LEADs Network Institute of the U.S. Chamber of

Aker Prepares for Growth New contracts and prospects for additional growth in the energy sector are driving a $7.3 million expansion at Aker Solutions’ Mobile Middle Bay Port operations. The expansion project was completed in 2010, and added 30 additional high-paying positions to the company’s growing workforce of 155 in Mobile. In August, the company was awarded a $23 million subsea equipment contract from Noble Energy. USA Campus Construction Tops $400 Million In 2010, the University of South Alabama opened three facilities – the student dining hall, student recreation center and Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza. These three projects topped $44.8 million, and combined with five others recently completed or scheduled to open in 2011, pushes the construction investment to more than $400 million.

More than 2,000 students from Mobile and Baldwin County public schools attended the two-day Health Occupations Career Fair. As the signature project for the Bay Area Healthcare Coalition and the Mobile Area Chamber, the event welcomed high school students (grades 9, 10 and 11) interested in the healthcare profession to get up close and personal with real nurses, doctors, pharmacists, technician, emergency responders and more.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Economic Development Commerce, a leadership institute for chamber executives, trade associations and business leaders. Thirty-four invitees from around the country learned how businesses can use the U.S. Chamber’s assets to drive positive transformation in education and workforce training. The program was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Lucky No. 8 The Bay Area Healthcare Coalition, a project of the Chamber, celebrated eight years of existence in 2010. Some of this coalition’s most notable successes include Summer Scrubs and the Health Occupations Career Fair, and the Worlds of Opportunity exposed more than 8,000 students in Mobile and Baldwin Counties to healthcare fields. Habla Español? The Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast, (HABAGC), an 80-member partner of the Chamber, was formed to help Hispanic businesses grow and facilitate additional business between the Gulf Coast and Latin America. The group holds quarterly networking meetings, and in the summer, Dr. Miguel Cubano, command surgeon of the U.S. Southern Command, was the keynote speaker. The group’s annual meeting held in October emphasized transportation with the theme “Latin America-Gulf Coast Economic Development Symposium.” HABAGC also awarded four college scholarships to students from Mobile and Baldwin counties.

International Trade Division M

obile kept up its rapid pace increasing the number of international companies located in the region during 2010. To date there are more than 31 international companies located here, representing culturally diverse countries such as Australia, France, Japan and Singapore. Equally as important is the significant investment of time and resources by the Chamber’s international trade department to help local businesses successfully export their products and services. Exports in Alabama continued to rise in 2010. As of October 2010, the latest figures available show exports were up more than 26 percent over the previous year. The total value of exports in the state is more than $12.6 billion, and more than 200,000 jobs in Alabama are directly or indirectly linked to trade.

Encouraging More Local Businesses to Trade In the spring, the Chamber’s trade division started a series of quarterly workshops for local exporters. The “Legalities of International Trade” kicked off the series created to assist local exporters increase business opportunities abroad. Workshops with the number of participants included: • Trade and Investment between the U.S. and Canada, 300 • Japan-Alabama Society Association summer meeting, 200 • Legalities of International Trade, 55 • International Business Finance Seminar, 22

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

Familiar question, but the answer isn’t always so simple. More than 8,000 eighth grade students from eight counties in southwest Alabama participated in the inaugural Worlds of Opportunity career expo in September. The event was a project of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council, in partnership with the Chamber and more than 100 area businesses. The expo provided hands-on learning for middle school students about a variety of career options, including shipbuilding, aerospace, welding, masonry, automotive technology, media, engineering, energy, construction, manufacturing and healthcare.

• Alabama-Germany Partnership annual meeting, 150 • Maritime Affairs Committee quarterly meetings, 60 • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 28 • Under Secretary of Commerce meeting, 96 • Regional Trade Partners annual meeting, 15 • Complying with U.S. Export Controls,120 • Understanding the New Incoterms, 15

Area Organizations Recognized for Trade Efforts The Mobile-headquartered Alabama State Port Authority and Bayou la Batre-based Horizon Shipbuilding were among seven statewide companies receiving the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award from Gov. Bob Riley. Local entities are nominated by the Chamber, and the awards program is coordinated by the Alabama Development Office and the Export Alabama Trade Alliance, and honors companies successfully exporting or promoting exporting. Exploring the Dubai Market Mobile Area Chamber President Win Hallett visited Dubai’s port, Jebel Ali Free Zone, on a March fact finding mission to the United Arab Emirates. Hallett traveled at the invitation of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. While there he learned about Dubai’s business climate and opportunities for Mobile-area businesses, products and services. A Chamber-led trade mission is scheduled there in October 2011.

Capital Investment Growth Manufacturing investment and expansions in the Mobile metropolitan statistical area including Baldwin and Washington counties. ’10 ’09

$275 M $32.5M

’08

$846.5M

’07

$4.69B

’06

$245.3M

Source: Alabama Development Office Capital investment data is collected by the Alabama Development Office with figures from local developers and the Alabama Department of Revenue, and is limited to manufacturing investments and expansions.

Mobile Area Employment Number employed in increments of 1,000 ‘10

265.5

‘09

262.8

‘08 ‘07 ‘06

275.6 272.2 260.7

Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Economic Development Exports Increasing in Alabama According to the U.S. Department of Commerce the nation’s exports were up more than 17 percent for 2010, with Alabama’s up more than 26 percent. The Chamber worked with the Small Business Administration and other regional partners to host several information sessions on small business exporting. Chamber Trade Missions for 2010 The Chamber, along with the Alabama Development Office, sponsored trade missions to India, Vietnam and Russia in 2010. A total of 62 participants representing companies from various industry sectors participated.

Gulf Coast Technology Council

The Mobile Area Chamber visited Red Square in Moscow, Russia for a trade mission. From left to right are: Nisa Miranda, University of South Alabama; Tony van Aken, Mobile Area Chamber; Bill Rowan, NTron; Chuck Rumbly, Hytemp; and Hilda Lockart and Meredith McKinney, Alabama Development Office.

etworking, professional development and raising the awareness are goals of the Chamber’s Gulf Coast Technology Council. In 2010, the council worked to help transform the area’s economy to take advantage of the technology strengths in software/information technology, engineering sciences and biomedicine/biotechnology. Another key area of the council is to foster the development and opportunities for local higher education students to remain in Mobile following graduation and growth the base of the local

technology sector. The council’s web site for additional details can be found at www. gulfcoasttechnology.com. On it, members can promote themselves, job openings and regional technology events.

Scholarships Awarded to Local College Students The Gulf Coast Technology Council (GCTC) awarded six students a total of $8,000 in scholarship money as part of GCTC’s mission to grow a highly skilled workforce in the Mobile area and keep local talent in Mobile after graduation. Recipients were: David Mullek and Kyle Bradford, Spring Hill College; Fernando Javier SanzVidorreta and Jeff Darst, University of South Alabama; Katie Allred, University of Mobile; and Jonathon Patalano, Remington College. Participating companies funded the scholarships. Regional Tech Experts Come to Mobile More than 60 people attended the regional iTen Wired summit held in Mobile in June. The summit was designed to promote technological advancements and technologybased entrepreneurship along the Gulf Coast. iTen Wired is a partnership of the Mobile Area Chamber, Pensacola Bay Chamber, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, TEAM Santa Rosa and the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council. Angel Investors Meet in Mobile Thirteen entrepreneurs made a pitch for capital to a group of qualified business investors during an Angel Forum held in Mobile in the spring. A project of iTen Wired, 14 angel investors met with these entrepreneurs, and provided feedback on funding opportunities. Innovator of the Year Southern Light is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Innovator of the Year. The 12-year-old company has quickly become a leading provider of fiber optic communications along the Gulf Coast. With its more than 2,000 miles of fiber networks, Southern Light serves 2,200-plus clients. Among its many customers are national and local telecommunication carriers – like AT&T, Callis and Harbor communications, corporate customers and government entities. In 2010, the company hired 25 new employees, bringing the total number of associates to 88. Not only was the Chamber’s Gulf Coast Technology Council impressed by this Mobile-based company, for the fourth consecutive year INC magazine named Southern Light among its 5,000 fastest growing private companies in America based on revenue growth.

GCTC scholarship recipients pictured, left to right, are: Jonathon Patalano, Remington College; Jeff Darst, University of South Alabama; Katie Allred, University of Mobile; David Mullek, Spring Hill College; and Fernando Javier SanzVidorreta, University of South Alabama. Not pictured is Kyle Bradford, Spring Hill College.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Small Business Development

In September, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center celebrated the national Minority Enterprise Development (MED) week with several events showcasing the successes of minority-owned businesses. Winners recognized at the awards dinner were (from left to right): MED winner Wayne Green, Black Belt Technologies Consulting; Eagle winner Timothy Witherspoon, Spoon Professional Landscape Inc.; Minority Business Advocate winners John Boston, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and Gustavo Patino, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA; MED winner Gloria Vail accepting for Action Resources; Eagle winner Dr. Link Nguyen and Dr. Be Phetsinorath, Chiropractic Works PC; and MED winner Edgard Gonzalez, Golden Stevedoring Co. Inc.

The Chamber’s small business development department in 2010 assisted more than 1,700 entrepreneurs, and small business owners and managers through training, one-on-one counseling and referrals. Resources in the department include, SCORE, the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center, several business-to-business advance training forums and access to the SBA Alternative Work Site – all designed to help small business owners state, grow and manage their business.

SBA Loans Foster New Jobs Mobile and Baldwin County loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) created 229 new jobs over the last year, according to the SBA. Sixty-seven loans were awarded to area small business endeavors, including expansions, renovations, and equipment and property purchases in the hotel, construction, automotive, medical and restaurant industries. The average loan size was $200,799. Small Business of the Year Named CorroMetric Services Inc., a technical consulting service company, was selected as the Chamber’s 2010 Small Business of the Year. The company has been a Chamber member since 2008. A panel of judges presented the Mobile-based company with the award because, “CorroMetric Services demonstrated unique ways to grow its customer base and revenue despite the current economic conditions.”

And the Winner is… Each year, the Mobile Area Chamber recognizes minority-owned businesses by presenting an Eagle Award to companies showing significant growth while also promoting community activities. Winners are selected based on a set of criteria including being headquartered in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington counties with a solid financial base and producing increases in revenue or employee growth. More than 250 people attended the 2010 event, held in conjunction with Minority Business Week. Winners were: Chiropractic Works PC and Spoon Professional Landscape Irrigation Inc. – Eagle Awards; BBT Consulting, Golden Stevedoring Co. Inc. and Action Resources – Minority Enterprise Development awards; and ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA – Minority Business Advocate of the Year awards. Minority Business Advocate When ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA made the joint announcement in 2007 they would open two steel manufacturing plants on one site in north Mobile County, company leaders quickly impressed on the local community their commitment of having a diverse supplier base. That commitment has continued today and earned them the Chamber’s Minority Business Advocate Award. Despite the overwhelming task of designing, constructing and staffing the $5.2 billion stateof-the-art steel manufacturing facilities, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA received the award for their ability to implement an effective supplier diversity program. This inclusive procurement campaign was designed to provide contracting opportunities to qualified companies throughout the entire business community.

Contacts and Contracts The Chamber’s small business development department held four “Contacts and Contracts” events in 2010. These networking events are designed to give small and minority-owned businesses the opportunity to meet representatives from large companies and governmental agencies and learn about their supplier needs and bidding procedures. More than 200 people attended these sessions. Doing Business with the State of Alabama Small business owners and managers learned more about doing business with the state of Alabama and its bid laws during a June seminar held at the Chamber. More than 25 people attended to learn about programs and regulations on minority set-asides, general contractor licenses and bonds, and dollar limits for open bid competitions. Social Networking – Marketing Strategies for Business More than 50 people attended a workshop to help business owners and employees develop strategies to implement social networking into their business plans. The workshop was held in partnership with the University of South Alabama and included information on Facebook, YouTube, Google Docs and Calendars, RSS feeds, Ning and LinkedIn. Here Comes the Law More than 60 Chamber members participated in a free legal seminar in September to learn about ever-changing legal issues for small businesses. Topics covered were the Internal Revenue Service, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issues and healthcare.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Small Business Development Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center

Dorothy I. Ryan

Lynn Mitchell

Two local SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) counselors were inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens’ Hall of Fame. Mobile’s Dorothy I. Ryan and Daphne’s Lynn Mitchell received the honor for counseling entrepreneurs with the Mobile SCORE office. During 2010, SCORE counseled more than 250 clients on a variety of topics, including business planning, marketing, securing additional capital and workers compensation. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration housed at and supported by the Chamber.

Financial Performance Improvement for Small Businesses During November and December, the Chamber hosted four financial performance improvement seminars to teach small business owners and financial managers how to interpret financial data plus practical applications to achieve maximum performance, ultimately increasing the bottom line. More than 100 individuals attended the sessions on forecasting vs. budgeting, cash management, effective uses of financials and process management. 2010 Small Business of the Month Featured each month in The Business View, Small Business of the Month winners are selected by a volunteer task force. Criteria for the award include a growing financial base, outstanding reputation, community involvement and employing fewer than 100 people. Winners named in 2010 include: • Bayside Dinners • Forensics Financial Services Group • Dorsey and Dorsey Engineering • Kingdom Coach • Chiropractic Life Center • Artcraft Press • Southeast Writing Co. LLC • Chris & Carla’s Catering and Heavenly Ribs • Touching Hearts Senior Care • Café Royal • Roly Poly • Gwin’s Commercial Printing

perated by the Chamber, the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC), has been a staple for ethnic minority-owned companies in the region. Over the last four years of operation, MBEC has tripled its goal of securing $109 million in federal contracts for business owners. Also during this time, MBEC has assisted more than 220 clients, helping them create more than 300 jobs. In 2010 alone, $42 million in contracts were awarded, $42 million in financing secured and 314 new jobs have been added through the MBEC.

Hixardt Technolgies Honored Hixardt Technologies Inc. was honored in Atlanta as the regional Minority Global Technology Firm of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. Headquartered in Pensacola, Fla., Hixardt also has employees in Mobile and Washington D.C. The company was established in 2001 and specializes in information technology, security system design, health information technology interface integrations, enterprise systems installation and managed information technology services. They were presented the award for their expansion efforts, including operations in China and Africa.

Studying in China Pam Ramos, project director for MBEC, participated in a business-to-business exchange in China. The trip was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency, and its goals were to provide access to the global economy for minority businesses, support minority businesses in expanding corporate strategy and international business capacity, and develop minority business relationships in China and other Asian countries. Million Dollar Roundtable As part of Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED), the MBEC hosted a Million Dollar Roundtable in October with more than 50 people in attendance. Dr. Jamie Foster-Brown, owner and publisher of Sister2Sister magazine, facilitated the discussion on how local companies can market themselves. Participating in the roundtable were representatives from Ryla Inc., Bishop State Community College, Wisepreneur and the Chamber. Locating Oil Spill Contractors The Chamber and MBEC participated in a U.S. Department of Commerce planning meeting to help identify contracting opportunities for local businesses in oil spill containment and cleanup.

During the Minority Business Week celebration, the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center held a roundtable discussion of business owners and managers. The group explored how they have utilized local media to further their success. Topics for the discussion included print, television and social media. The moderator for the forum was Jamie Foster Brown, publisher of the monthly entertainment and lifesyle magazine Sister2Sister.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Photo by Davis Photography

Hall of Fame Honors Two Chamber Volunteers

Community & Governmental Affairs

ocal, state and federal legislation impacting Chamber member businesses dominated the headlines in 2010. To support pro-business legislation, there are three Chamber committees working through the Governmental Affairs Committee to monitor legislation, influence legislators and develop a community legislative agenda on issues for the coming year.

Agenda Gains Unified Support The 2010 Community Legislative Agenda was set with input from more than 300 Chamber members, as well as volunteers on the Chamber’s local, state and federal subcommittees. Key issues on the agenda were continuing to support EADS’s bid to build aerial refueling tankers in Mobile and Austal’s bid to build Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy, addressing transportation infrastructure needs around Mobile Bay, supporting a comprehensive federal energy policy, and supporting both tort and tax reform measures. Supporting the Good The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee actively supported passage of local legislation for expedited quiet title and foreclosure action in circuit court. Passage of this legislation will return properties to the city of Mobile’s tax rolls and enable the city’s land bank, along with local developers and non-profits, to access federal stimulus and other grant monies for the property’s redevelopment. Defeating the Bad With the looming danger of a business or property owner losing their right to protect their place of business, the Chamber’s board of directors voted to support the Business Council of Alabama’s request to help defeat two 2010 Alabama Legislature bills that would have prohibited a business entity from establishing a policy to restrict firearms on all parts of company property. On the Road Again In May, a lawsuit lingering since 2007 was settled, making way to restart the expansion of U.S. Hwy. 98 in west Mobile County. The resulting agreement from the lawsuit, filed by the Mobile Area Water & Sewer System against the Alabama Department of Transportation resulted in the expansion project using best management practices by minimizing the project’s environmental footprint, and limiting the impact to Big Creek Lake, the source of Mobile’s drinking water. The project is expected to be complete in 2012. Learning from Pittsburgh The Chamber’s 23rd annual Leadership Trip engaged more than 65 invited guests on a discovery mission to Pittsburgh in June. While there, participants heard from local experts on green building and brownfield redevelopment, as well as energy and technology development. Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy showcased successful redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites into what is now sought-after housing and mixed-use retail developments. During a visit to Mobile in October, Murphy challenged corporate leaders, elected

More than 400 active members of the Mobile business community turned out for the Chamber’s annual Pork and Politics to meet and visit with elected official and candidates running for state, local and federal offices. From left to right are: Peter Teske, Lagniappe; William Carroll, Mobile City Council; and Rob Holbert, Lagniappe.

officials and development professionals to look at redevelopment of the urban core as a key growth tool for a community, and to work together to identify creative ways to finance new projects.

Bridge Closer to Reality As the year ended, the Chamber renewed its call for the Alabama Department of Transportation to move forward with the I-10 Bridge spanning the Mobile River. Two community meetings were held in Mobile and Daphne, drawing 200 participants, with members of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and Transportation Coalition in attendance and in support of the project. At the request of the Chamber and numerous maritime industry groups, ALDOT will study increasing the height of the proposed bridge to 215 feet, in order to accommodate the next class of cruise ships known as the Conquest class. Charting Our Future This spring, the Chamber participated with the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission on behalf of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Alabama Department of Transportation to create a long-range transportation plan for the Mobile area. The total cost of the estimated need for Mobile through year 2035 is more than $741 million in federal and state transportationappropriated dollars. Forum Alabama Brings National Policy Experts to Mobile Attendees at the Chamber’s Forum Alabama in January heard a pertinent energy message related to America’s growing demand aimed at tapping more of the country’s energy resources and the need to update climate change legislation. Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, spoke to a sold-out audience of nearly 300 people with an overview of America’s current forecasted energy use.

In the spring, Katie Hays, executive director and lead lobbyist on all issues related to healthcare reform at the U.S. Chamber, spoke to 120 Chamber members about the impact of the federal healthcare bill and its timeline for compliance. Also in the first quarter of 2010, the Chamber hosted two Forum Alabama meetings featuring Sen. Richard Shelby and Sen. Jeff Sessions. Combined, more than 400 Chamber members attended these breakfast meetings. Sessions provided his perspective of the 111th Congress under President Barack Obama. Shelby discussed the U.S.’s ever-growing debt and its impact on the country’s economy.

Commission Honors Patriot and Veteran of the Year The Veterans Day Commission presented actress Ann-Margret with the Patriot of the Year award during its annual Ann-Margret Downing Veterans Day celebration in November. Ann-Margret, a Hollywood legend, entertained U.S. soldiers throughout the 1960s overseas and in the U.S. Col. Pat Downing, a Vietnam veteran and former president of the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission was named Veteran of the Year for his continuous support of military veterans.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Community & Governmental Affairs

Envision Coastal Alabama

n January, more than 75 Envision Coastal Alabama volunteers began the process to update Envision’s community and economic development strategies in the areas of education, economy, equity and the environment. In its 13th year, Envision Coastal Alabama represents a successful partnership formed between Mobile and Baldwin counties, set forth by a unified vision intended to guide the community’s goals for a better tomorrow.

Envision Sponsors First-Ever Housing Collaborative When it comes to regional coordination and cooperation between housing providers in Baldwin and Mobile counties, a little talk could mean a lot of action. More than 15 nonprofit housing entities, including governmental agencies, community and faith-based organizations, nonprofit developers and fair housing advocates participated in the first-ever housing collaborative. It provided a platform for exchange between agencies to best maximize support for neighborhood revitalization efforts. Road to Recovery In November, the lingering aftermath of the oil spill was still a top issue for many Mobile and Baldwin County residents. Ted Abernathy, executive director of the Southern Growth Policies Board, addressed the topic of regional economic recovery during Envision’s annual meeting, and discussed key factors in this region’s longterm sustainability. FDIC Chair Headlines Coastal Economy Outlook More than 300 area residents heard Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila Bair when she headlined the University of South Alabama’s 2010 Coastal Economy Outlook, co-sponsored by BB&T, the USA Center for Real Estate Studies, Envision, the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and the Chamber. Bair spoke on current conditions in the U.S., regional and local markets and gave her perspective on the future direction of the national economy.

Envision co-chairs and team leaders from both Baldwin and Mobile counties lead each of the four Envision e-teams – economy, education, environment and equity. Pictured here are the 2010 Envision co-chairs and team chairs. From left to right, front row: Mobile Environment Team Chair Jennifer Denson, Partners for Environmental Progress; Baldwin Environment Team Chair Bethany Kraft, Alabama Coastal Foundation; Baldwin Economy Team Chair Ray Moore, Hutchinson Moore and Rauch; and Mobile Education Team Chair Amanda Outlaw, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Second row, Mobile Economy Team Chair Steve Walker, The Walker Company; Baldwin Education Team Chair Terry Burkle, South Baldwin Chamber Foundation; Mobile Co-Chair Mike Hofto, Leavell Investment Management; Mobile Equity Team Chair Shirley Sessions, Regions Bank; Baldwin Equity Team Chair Chris Miller, South Alabama Regional Planning Commission; and Baldwin Co-Chair Donna Watts, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

New Envision Team Leaders They have diverse backgrounds but common goals. Envision Coastal Alabama named two new education e-team leaders in 2010. They are Terry Burkle, vice president of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, and Amanda Outlaw, an urban regional extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Also joining Envision as an environment e-team co-leader was Jennifer Denson, executive director of Partners for Environmental Progress.

Corporate Community Service Award Hargrove Engineers + Constructors was selected as winner of the 2010 Corporate Community Service Award for the company’s corporate philosophy and commitment to service and volunteerism. Whether it’s downtown redevelopment, engaging youth in engineering or contributing to charitable organizations, giving back is a passion for Hargrove employees and a fundamental value of the Hargrove team. This award is presented by Hands On South Alabama, Envision Coastal Alabama and the Mobile Area Chamber.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

membership

embership in the Chamber was impacted by the national recession in 2010, yet there were more than 338 new members welcomed into the organization over the year. To date there are more than 2,200 Chamber members, representing 107,000 workers. Of these member companies, approximately 59 percent employ less than 10 people. The Chamber remains committed to meet the ever-changing needs of its members, and in 2010, earned a 84.7 percent retention rate, making it one of the best in the U.S.

Chamber Investment In 2010, 25 new companies joined or upgraded their dues to Board of Advisors (BOA) level, bringing the total number to 237. This group represents the Chamber’s largest dues investors and most generous supporters, and BOA membership provides company chief executive officers, owners and principals an avenue for valuable input on critical Chamber and community issues. Additional benefits include advance information on Mobile’s business progress and quarterly meetings with the Chamber’s governing board of directors. O’Gwynn Leads Chamber Chase 2010 Edward “Bubba” O’Gwynn, area executive and senior vice president for BB&T, was named chairman of the Chamber’s annual fundraising campaign, Chamber Chase. Through his leadership and the work of more than 70 volunteers this year’s effort exceeded its $1.28 million goal, raising $1.31 million in new members, event sponsorships, donated services and advertising in Chamber publications. Get Connected 2010 A day of networking and access to information, “Get Connected 2010” drew a record number of attendees. The Get Connected Luncheon featured Colby J. Cooper, formerly senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who spoke about the renewal of America and public education. He is currently president of Fairhope-based Cooper Lyon Group. The luncheon was attended by more than 150 people. Following the luncheon, the business expo and resource fair were held simultaneously. The expo included more than 225 Chamber member businesses showcasing their goods and services. The resource fair was designed with small business owners in mind and put them face-toface with local, state and federal agencies to help them with day-to-day operations. Attendance at this event was more than 1,500. Finally Expo After Hours completed a day of networking at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel with nearly 300 in attendance. Chamber Holds Open House for Members The second Membership Appreciation Day was held in April and attended by more than 200 Chamber members and their guests. There were a variety of activities on hand to keep members busy, including information tables about various Chamber divisions and services, booths and a free lunch.

The Chamber’s annual total resource development campaign, Chamber Chase, adopted an energy drink theme to motivate volunteers. Pictured with the 2010 Chamber Chase Chair Bubba O’Gwynn with BB&T (left) is Whitney National Bank team members Mary Caron Downing, Harrison Hawke, Angela Grice and Robbie Baker.

Committee Involvement Increases A challenge presented to the Chamber staff and member businesses by the 2010 Chamber Chairman Dave Trent was to increase the number of volunteers serving on various Chamber-led committees and task forces. By the end of the year, more than 35 new volunteers had signed up. Customer Service – When Smiling is Not Enough The Chamber hosted several free seminars for its members throughout 2010 in an effort to help small business owners and managers train their employees on the value of providing good customer service. More than 90 people attended two workshops. Chamber Diplomats There are more than 70 Chamber diplomats representing more than 60 member companies. The Diplomat of the Month is featured monthly in The Business View, and is based on participation in visiting members, attending member ribbon cuttings and working Chamber events. Diplomats recognized in 2010 were: Donna Turner, Trish Banker, Garrett Wolf, Lee Teague, Sheila Murphy, Saty Putcha, Gerald Grovenstein, Millie Sue Hawk, Diana Sturm, Dorothy May and Tricia Graham.

How Do You Network? Combining traditional and non-traditional ways to network can be a powerful resource. The Chamber hosted a seminar called “Networking: Online and Face-to-Face” in July with more than 25 in attendance. Attendees learned first-hand how to combine face-to-face networking with current technology, how to start a conversation and build personal relationships with current and potential customers, and how to use social networking tools to enhance a personal and professional brand. A total of 1,980 participants joined the Chamber’s networking events that included Business@Breakfast, Networking@Noon and Business After Hours. Diplomat of the Year Each year Chamber diplomats compete for the Diplomat of the Year. Mamun, a realtor with RE/MAX Partners, won this award in 2010. Mamun has participated in the program for nearly two years, and has received the Diplomat of the Month award previously. Mamun is often seen at Chamber events and Mamun visiting with members.

*Diplomats can be awarded this distinction more than one time annually.

Sold Out Golf Tournament Playing under ideal weather conditions, the Chamber sold out its annual Chamber Classic golf tournament in March. More than 200 golfers took to the links at TimberCreek.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Communications

T he Chamber is the voice of businesses in the Mobile Bay region, and represents more than

one-third of the area’s workforce. The 2,200-plus member businesses have a voice through the Chamber’s communications department. Electronic and printed publications such as The Business View Weekly and The Business View are just two of the many channels for promoting Chamber members. The department also works with local, regional, national and international media to promote Mobile’s economy, and its members.

Strength in Numbers The Chamber continued its “Strength in Numbers” marketing campaign based on member testimonials. In its fourth year, the campaign highlights six members and the member benefit each values most. Print ads were again featured in such venues as The Business View and Lagniappe, and on Lamar billboards and signs at Mobile Regional Airport. The campaign testimonials are also on Yellow Cab taxis around town, and featured on the Chamber’s web site. Featured in the 2010 campaign were: Cindie Carter, Walks & Wags Chip Fausak and Chris Fausak, Fausak Tires & Service Lorie Gaillard, Baldwin Transfer Co Frank Lott III, Heritage Homes Rose and Fred Pollman, Pollman’s Bakery Frank Seltzer, Superior Masonry HowTheySeeMobileBay.com Seven local industry executives were featured on a website – www.HowTheySeeMobileBay.com where each discusses their experiences locating their industry to Mobile and the region’s ability to have a unified voice in bringing companies here. Featured in the campaign are: Dave Trent, Airbus North America Engineering; Marc Quenneville, Aker Solutions; Dr. Uli Albrecht-Freuh, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA; Brian Clark, APM Terminals (Mobile Container Terminal LLC); Mark Wilson, Ryla Inc.; Dr. Michael Boyd, University of South Alabama’s Mitchell Cancer Institute and Bob Browning, formerly with Austal USA. The campaign featured video testimonials, a video of Mobile’s recruiting assets and a print ad campaign. The project was created in partnership with Lewis Communications and won a regional and national award from the Southern Public Relations Federation and the International Economic Development Council. 2010 Annual Meeting Wins Best of Show Piggybacking on creative designed by Lewis Communications, the Chamber’s 2010 annual meeting received Best of Show honors from the Southern Public Relations Federation during its annual conference in September. The meeting beat out more than 150 entries for this honor. Also presented during the SPRF event were Lantern Awards (top award in category) for the 2010 Annual Meeting, the 2010 video annual report and the 2010 chairman’s annual meeting speech. The Business View and HowTheySeeMobileBay.com both received Awards of Excellence.

Mobile Still Drawing Column Inches State, national and international journalists again visited the Mobile area in 2010. In March, the Chamber hosted a reporter from French TV working on a segment about Mobile and the aerial refueling tanker competition. In April, four international journalists from China, Denmark and Germany spent two days in Mobile interviewing business leaders and elected officials for feature stories on Mobile’s business climate. Other key media outlets in which the Chamber was featured or quoted included National Public Radio, Alabama Public Television, Construction Alabama magazine and Business Alabama magazine. An article in the March issue of The Economist, a weekly international news and business publication with a circulation of more than 1 million, focused on the state’s economy. ThyssenKrupp’s $5.2 billion carbon and steel mill in north Mobile County was the lead. The article was a feature of Alabama’s economy titled, “Alabama’s Small Cities are Poised for Recovery.” City and County – Key Partners of the Chamber The sold-out 13th annual State of the City and County Luncheon featured presentations by City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. Each discussed challenges their respective governments are facing with a soft economy, yet just how critical it is to work together, putting aside political party lines and aspirations. More than 900 people attended the 2010 event.

175th Anniversary Launches In October, the Chamber officially kicked off its 175th anniversary celebration during a CEO reception. The Chamber was founded in 1836, and the yearlong celebration during 2011 will include several special sections in The Business View and banners adorning the interior and exterior of the Chamber building. The celebration will culminate with a gala in January 2012. Gauging Messages The Chamber conducted its benchmark survey, measuring the effectiveness of its Strength in Numbers campaign and other key communications. Both members and non-members were surveyed. Results show there is a better understanding of the Chamber and its role in the business community. Chamber Takes Groups to Italy and China In the spring and fall, the Chamber coordinated trips abroad for its members and their guests. In March, more than 35 people traveled to the Tuscany region of Italy. And in October, more than 70 people traveled to China to visit the metropolitan cities of Beijing and Shanghai, and smaller cities of Suzhou, Hangzhou and Xian.

International reporters toured several sites of foreign-based investors in late April. Pictured here on a tour of ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA are (from left to right): Louise With, Information (Denmark); Dr. Uli Albrecht-Frueh, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA; Yanchun Yang, Economic Daily (China); Yun Wu, People’s Daily (China); and Matthias Eberle, Handelsblatt (Germany).

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Chamber and Community News

The Mobile Area Chamber held a reception in April sponsored by Hand Arendall LLC to honor and welcome new CEOs from member companies. Pictured are: (first row seated) from left to right: Jamie Lipham, Hancock Bank; Roberta Swann, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program; and Mark Wilson, Ryla Inc. (standing) David Fairchild, Olin Corp.; Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber President; Father Richard Salmi, Spring Hill College; Russ Ford, iberiabank; City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones; Jim Hartman, Premier Medical Management; Dave Trent, Airbus North America Engineering Inc. and 2010 Chamber chairman; Tom McAdams, BASF; Terry Russo, SSAB; and Christoph Lackinger, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC.

A New Ship Comes In Carnival Cruise Lines homeported a new ship in Mobile in 2010 – the Elation. The new ship offers four- and five-day cruises to Cozumel and Calica or Progresso, Mexico, with several seven-day cruises built into its schedule. The new ship carries more than 170,000 passengers annually. A National Honor Mobile’s George Hall Elementary was one of four schools nationwide and the only school in Alabama to win the Education Trust’s “Dispelling the Myth Award.” The recognition identifies top U.S. schools that prove low-income and minority students can achieve at high levels when taught at high levels. In August, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan visited George Hall Elementary to learn more about the school and develop strategies to implement some of the school’s successes in other schools around the nation. Winning Big for Research It’s possible homeland security measures could come from a new research lab at the University of South Alabama’s College of Medicine. In February, USA received its largest competitive grant in school history – a $14.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money is being used to support ongoing research projects dedicated to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and bioterrorism agents threatening human, animal and plant health. Spring Hill College Expands to Europe Beginning in January 2011, some Spring Hill College students will be saying “arrivederci” to Mobile to study at the college’s new academic center in Bologna, Italy. The college hopes to have 100 students enrolled annually at the overseas campus and will offer 10-12 courses each semester.

Back to Work In April, it was announced Mobile Works would manage a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to retrain and transition unemployed workers to growing sectors of the region’s economy, including aerospace, construction, healthcare, industrial maintenance, maritime and steel manufacturing. The money was allocated for workers in the southwest Alabama counties of Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington.

The Good and The Bad In 2010, the Center for Healthy Communities Research Office at the University of South Alabama released a Community Capacity Inventory on what it believes are assets and areas of need in the Mobile Bay area, specifically as it relates to healthcare delivery, and human care delivery for children and youth. The study was a project of the Mobile County Commission, The Junior League of Mobile and United Way of Southwest Alabama.

LPGA Returns to Mobile After a brief hiatus, the Ladies Professional Golf Association spent a week on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Magnolia Grove for the BellMicro LPGA Classic. This event marked the first time LPGA golfers had played at Magnolia Grove since it underwent a $6 million greens investment. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

RSA Building Gets a New Name and Tenant Signing a lease agreement for 25 percent of the GM Building, owned by Retirement Systems of Alabama, earned BancTrust Financial Group the right to add its name to one of Mobile’s oldest downtown office towers. Now called the RSA-BankTrust Building, the bank will occupy the first floor, mezzanine and floors 25 through 31 once renovations are complete in 2011. Currently the bank has two downtown locations, and is the only publicly traded bank holding company headquartered in Mobile.

Chamber Welcomes New Area CEOs during Two Receptions The Chamber hosted two New CEO Receptions in 2010 to honor and welcome new leaders of member companies. Invited guests to the event included Chamber board members and Partners for Growth investors. In total, more than 20 new CEOs and managers were recognized during these events. City of Mobile Receives EPA Brownfields Grant The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the city of Mobile with a $400,000 grant to conduct environmental assessments on several downtown Mobile brownfields sites. Sites with this designation are abandoned or underused properties where redevelopment is complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination.

Staff Graduates from Leadership Mobile and Chamber Institute Shayla Jones Beaco, director of local affairs, graduated from Leadership Mobile, a project of Mobile United. Beaco’s small group project was to coordinate a VIP breakfast for local and state elected officials to learn more about the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council and Worlds of Opportunity/Career Expo. In June, Patty Howell, director of regional affairs, graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Institute for Organization Management, a four-year program.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Administration and Finance Chamber Staff Administration

International Trade Tony van Aken, Director: 431-8651 Christina Stimpson, Program Manager: 431-8648

Winthrop M. Hallett III, President: 431-8610 Robert L. Chappelle Jr. CCE, Executive Vice President: 431-8644 Katrina Dewrell, Executive Coordinator: 431-8611 Judy Winfield, Information Technology/Webmaster: 431-8626 Jackie Davidson, Administrative Assistant: 431-8605

Workforce Development Leida Javier-Ferrell, Director, Center for Workforce Development: 431-8631 Carol Lambert, Project Manager, Center for Workforce Development: 431-8619

Communications

Leigh Perry-Herndon, Vice President: 431-8645 Ashley Horn, Director: 431-8623 Susan Rak-Blanchard, Senior Communications Specialist: 431-8641 Carolyn Wilson, Communications Assistant: 431-8606 René Eiland, The Business View Advertising Account Executive: 431-8635

Community and Governmental affairs

Ginny Russell, Vice President: 431-8618 Patty Howell, Director of Regional Affairs: 431-8601 Shayla Jones Beaco, Director of Local Affairs: 431-8628 Ailey Shirazi, Administrative Assistant: 431-8621

Joseph A. Mareno, Chief Financial Officer: 431-8624 Matt Hariel, Director: 431-8625 Chani Johnson, Senior Finance Assistant: 694-0701 Donna Ikner, Finance Assistant: 431-8609 Jackie Davidson, Administrative Assistant: 431-8605 Ballery Johnson, Custodian: 431-8634 James Smiley, Security: 431-8658

Membership

Economic Development

Troy L. Wayman CEcD, Vice President: 431-8650 Claudia Zimmermann, Director: 431-8616 Shelly Mattingly, Coordinator: 431-8655 Divisions Business Development

Finance and Operations

Carolyn Golson, Vice President: 431-8622 Kim Perrone, Director, Customer Service: 431-8649 Marion Warren, Event Coordinator: 431-8640 Rebecca Milam, Senior Account Executive: 431-8647 Tricia Seibt, Account Executive: 431-8627 Jade Cunningham, Membership Service Representative: 431-8617 Odetta Stutts, Help Desk Receptionist: 433-6951

Small Business Development

Darrell Randle, Vice President: 431-8615 Danette Richards, Director: 431-8652 Brenda Rembert, Administrative Assistant: 431-8607

Jesse Quillen, Director, Washington County Initiative: 251-847-2810 Herman Tinsley, Senior Project Manager: 431-8657 Al Ruffin, Research Manager: 431-8656 Laura Smith, Administrative Assistant: 431-8636

Minority Business Enterprise Center Pamela Ramos, Director: 433-2250 Machelle Leslie, Business Consultant: 433-2250

Business Retention and Expansion Steve Russell, Director: 431-8654

2010 Expense 23%

Center for Workforce Development Administration, Finance & Operations

2010 Revenue

10%

Community and Governmental Affairs

17%

34%

10%

Events, Programs, Sponsorships and Donations

Membership

Small Business Development

14%

Communications

22%

17%

22%

Economic Development

Membership

23%

Service Contracts & Grants

*Charts are based on the organization’s 2010 Budget. The Chamber’s financial statements are audited annually by McKean and Associates.

Other

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Publications

Partners for Growth Economic Development Fund

2011-2013 Strategic Plan & 2011 Plan of Action Through a series of evaluations, retreats and staff and volunteer meetings, the Mobile Area Chamber annually sets a plan of action for the coming year. This annual blueprint is aligned with the organization’s longrange strategic plan. The following is a department summary and outlines where the Chamber will focus its efforts in 2011. The long-range strategic goals directing the plan of action summary items are noted in parenthesis.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Strategic Plan 2011-2013 Vision The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce will be the leading catalyst for economic expansion in the Mobile area, building more opportunity and an enhanced quality of life for its citizens. Mission To serve as a progressive advocate for business needs to promote the Mobile area’s economic well-being.

Strategic Goals Jobs

Retain, expand and recruit businesses, investment and jobs in the Mobile area. Advocacy Create an environment that promotes business and community growth. Value Provide value, services, opportunities and recognition for our members. Excellence Operate the Chamber with excellence, innovation and efficiency.

2011 Plan of Action Economic Development • Aggressively market the Mobile region for business locations and expansions to support the five-year Partners for Growth goal of creating an average of 750 new jobs per year. (Jobs) • Serve as the primary contact for statewide developers, consultants and prospects inquiring about the Mobile area. (Jobs) • Provide business support to specific existing area business sectors to identify expansion opportunities and related projects to create/retain jobs. (Jobs) • Continue to staff and deliver economic development services for the Washington County Economic Development Initiative. (Jobs/Advocacy) • Support, where appropriate, the development and improvement of the Mobile area’s infrastructure (utilities, surface and air transportation) to make the community more attractive to potential investors and create a better business climate for existing businesses. (Advocacy) • Provide staff support and expertise to the Industrial Development Board (IDB), the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and the Industrial Park Board (IPB). (Value) • Involve Chamber volunteer leadership, city and county elected leadership and local agency allies in current Plan of Action implementation, as well as long-term economic development planning and funding. (Advocacy/Value) • Systematically generate, collect, organize, provide and publish information to support economic development activities that service our members’ needs. (Value) • Manage and market the Mobile Commerce Park. (Jobs) • Further develop the Mobile region as a center for international trade and transportation, enhancing the foreign sales of area products and services and assisting in Mobile’s emergence as a hub for international commerce. (Advocacy) • Support economic development with workforce development resources as needed for manufacturing and other area business and industry. (Jobs/Advocacy)

• Manage and support the activities of the Bay Area Healthcare Coalition. (Jobs/Advocacy) • Continue supporting the Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast. (Advocacy) Small Business Development • Market and provide technical assistance to area small businesses to help stimulate development and foster job creation. (Jobs) • Provide business assistance to minority-owned businesses and encourage their participation in all Chamber activities. (Jobs) • Coordinate task force activities of select programs, products and services benefiting small businesses. (Value) • Create a system to share local funding sources with interested businesses. (Value) • Provide continuing education, training and business development opportunities. (Jobs/Value) • Serve as an advocate on issues of concern to the small business community. (Advocacy) • Facilitate assistance provided by other small business resources in the Mobile/Baldwin area. (Advocacy) Community and Governmental Affairs • Develop and obtain passage of the 2011 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Community Legislative Agenda. (Advocacy) • Recognize and promote importance of transportation infrastructure to continued business growth. (Advocacy) • Promote a local business-friendly political and legislative climate that encourages economic growth, is responsive to business needs and supportive of business success. (Advocacy) • Convene key groups and organizations to identify and work on vital community issues. (Advocacy) • Improve communication with the membership, elected officials and Chamber staff on key community issues. (Advocacy) • Sponsor the Leadership Exchange with a focus on workable solutions to regional and local issues. (Advocacy) • Encourage positive military and civilian relationships. (Value)

Membership • Exceed budgeted goals for dues and non-dues income to support Chamber operations. (Value) • Provide innovative programs and services our members want and value. (Value) • Ensure awesome customer service to improve member retention and development. (Value) • Coordinate the programs and activities of the Diplomats to assist with membership retention and development. (Value) Communications • Provide a constant, proactive and interactive communications program to Mobile Area Chamber members to encourage and maintain an interest in the Chamber and support of our efforts. (Value) • Improve the Mobile Area Chamber’s image in the minds of the public and make the public better aware of who we are and our mission. (Advocacy) • Improve dialogue with media outlets and promote Chamber activities and issues more heavily in the local media. (Advocacy) • Promote the stability of the Mobile Area Chamber and its contributions to the community through a 175th Anniversary program. (Value) • Assist the economic development department with implementing the national marketing campaign. (Advocacy/Value) • Assist the Chamber president in communicating the organization’s next strategic plan, annual Plan of Action and Internal Handbook Guidelines. (Excellence) Finance and Operations • Provide and maintain financial control and related services. (Excellence) • Develop and maintain all records, forms and reports relating to human resource management. (Excellence) • Coordinate maintenance of the Chamber building, grounds, fixtures and equipment. (Excellence/Value) • Enhance Chamber and Foundation operations through improvement of processes and procedures. (Excellence) • Manage Crisis Response. (Excellence)

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Report

Volunteers 2010 Executive Committee

David L. Trent

Airbus North America Engineering Inc. Chairman of the Board

Cedric J. Hatcher RBC Bank Membership

Conrad P. Armbrecht Armbrecht Jackson LLP Legal Counsel

Gregory R. Jones Hand Arendall LLC Trade

Owen Bailey

G. Robert Baker Jr.

Infirmary Health System Inc. Whitney National Bank Governmental Affairs Chair-Elect of the Board Finance & Operations

Dr. Russ Lea

Brian E. Clark

Lynda Burkett

Marshall A. McLeod PLS LLC Community Development

Oakland M. McCulloch Henry F. O’Connor III

University of South Alabama Bay Area Food Bank Military Affairs Technology

Winthrop M. Hallett III

Sam W. Covert Jr.

APM Terminals (Mobile Alabama Power Co. Container Terminal LLC) Workforce Development Maritime Affairs

Steven M. Solberg

IPC Capital Partners LLC Point Clear Holdings Economic Development Communications

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Matt White

W.S. Simpson

Scotch & Gulf Lumber LLC White-Spunner & Assoc. Inc. Immediate Past Chairman Small Business Development

In addition to the Executive Committee, serving on the 2010 Board of D irectors were: Sumner G. Adams

Patricia W. Esfeller

Christoph Lackinger

Makeda Nichols

Norton/Lilly International

Esfeller Construction Co.

ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC

State Farm Insurance

Dr. Ulrich Albrecht-Frueh

Tyrone Fenderson Jr.

Frank J. Lott III

William W. Oppenheimer

ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA LLC

Commonwealth National Bank

Heritage Homes of Mobile Inc.

Enveloc Inc.

Celia Mann Baehr

Carlos R. Gant

Dr. James Lowe

Frank S. Seltzer Jr.

Celia Mann Baehr CFP

Mos Designs LLC

Bishop State Community College

Superior Masonry Inc.

William B. Beard Jr.

Ralph A. Hargrove

Caroline C. McCarthy

William B. Sisson

Beard Equipment Co. Inc.

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors

Phelps Dunbar LLP

Mobile Airport Authority

Bob Browning

Dr. Bree A. Hayes

Austal USA

Hayes Group Consulting LLC

LaBarron N. McClendon

Joel T. Daves IV

Hon. Jamie Ison

Regions Bank

Alabama House of Representatives

Scott Delaney

Erik L. Johnsen

Delaney Development Inc.

International Shipholding Corp.

Jeffery M. St. Clair

Mobile Gas

Springhill Medical Center

Andy Newton

Richard Sullivan Jr.

Southern Light LLC

Joseph Ng ST Aerospace Mobile Inc.

Red Square Agency

Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama

Paul Dieffenthaller

Chester Vrocher

ExxonMobil

Boise Paper

451 Government Street • Mobile, AL 36602 • (251) 433-6951 • www.mobilechamber.com

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.

Vanguard Modular Building Systems LLC Sales manager Craig Miley is pictured in front of one of many styles of environmentally friendly modular buildings built by Vanguard Modular Building Systems. The company also constructs classrooms, clinic/labs, church/social halls, office space and more.

Owner: Craig Miley, sales manager Location: 10565 U.S. Hwy. 43 N., Creola

Member since: 2008

Brief description of business: Vanguard Modular Building Systems sells, leases and finances new and used commercial modular buildings, which are built off-site. What is unique or innovative about your business? Commercial modular buildings are an alternative form of construction and can be occupied in half the time for about 25 percent less cost than traditional stick-built construction, according to Miley. “Our buildings are built to the same commercial codes as any building coming up out of the ground,” he said. Most significant challenge: According to Miley, a challenge today is staying current and out in front of the changes in the building codes, due to be updated in 2012, and to incorporate new green aspects. Phone number: 675-9812

iplomat of the Month

Donna Turner Donna Turner is once again in the spotlight as the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month. The recognition is a testament to Turner’s hard work and devotion to the Chamber’s diplomat program. Turner is a senior administrative specialist with World Omni Financial Corp., a diversified automotive finance company providing financial services to consumers and automotive dealers. The 16-year veteran diplomat led the committee in 2005 as the program’s chairman. “I am very proud to be a part of this group,” Turner said. “It has been valuable both personally and professionally for my company. Additionally, the diplomat program is beneficial to me as the leader of a nonprofit group.” Turner serves on the Senior Bowl committee. She is also president of the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter.

Photo by Jeff Tesney

Website: www.vanguardmodular.com

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a progressive advocate for business needs to promote the Mobile area’s economic well-being. Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2010

Finding the

Silver Lining

in a Wobbly Economy PART TWO

ast month, readers got a first glimpse at a few local companies that had a successful and profitable 2010. Those featured responded to a request for information publicized through the Mobile Area Chamber’s weekly e-newsletter, The Business View Weekly. Here is the conclusion of the article. If you missed part one and want to read it go to www.mobilechamber.com/ businessview.asp and click on the December 2010/January 2011 issue.

“As the saying goes, opportunities always arise from adversity. And 2010 is a great example for my Raymond James branch in west Mobile,” says long-time financial planner, John Robb. His fiscal year ended Sept. 17 and was “by far the most successful” in his 25 years in the industry. Clients are increasing and Robb says he has a record increase in assets under management, qualifying him again for the firm’s Executive Council, which recognizes those demonstrating a high level of commitment to clients through personal service and professional integrity.

A number of factors are driving business at EAP Lifestyle Management, including the mental health services related to the BP oil spill, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) services for veterans, workplace violence and harassment training, and critical incident response/psychological first aid services. A person’s mental health is directly related to their physical health, advises owner Patty Vanderpool. And as companies are adjusting to healthcare changes and trying to keep down medical costs, keeping up morale and productivity benefits both employee and employer. The employee assistance and work/life benefits firm has also seen a healthy jump in requests for its “Positive Psychology: How to Be Happy” presentation.

FEBRUARY 2011

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Alabama-based recycler and equipment distributor Ecovery LLC added 40,000 square-feet, more than doubling its footprint. Plus, the company added equipment to double its ability to process electronic scrap from 1.2 million pounds per month to 2.5 million pounds. The company added 37,500 square-feet of processing space and 2,500 square-feet to accommodate additional offices, according to Brock Norris, Ecovery’s director of commodities. Norris attributes the company’s growth to the going-green movement, “and as a recycled product, it has value to other companies.” Currently Ecovery employs 39, hiring nine new employees in 2010.

Being a part of the community. It takes more than having a branch here. OUR LOCAL APPROACH TO BANKING GOES BEYOND KEEPING DECISIONS RIGHT HERE IN TOWN. From supporting our schools and local arts to humanitarian causes, BB&T has a long tradition of taking an active role in the communities where we do business. Good corporate citizens? Perhaps, but to us, it’s just part of being a good neighbor. Please visit one of our 11 convenient locations in Mobile and Baldwin County.

B A N K I N G

I N S U R A N C E

I N V E S T M E N T S

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

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.

Lifeguard Transportation Service of Mobile

How can I … Answers for today’s business questions. We tie people to productivity and to profitability.

Pictured left to right: Greg Thomas, EMT; Heather Bell, account executive; Adam McCarthy, lieutenant; Mark Stewart, paramedic; Mona Ladnier, operations manager, Samantha Duff, insurance specialist. The company responds to emergency and non-emergency medical calls to transport critical and non-critical patients while providing medical care as needed.

Owner: John & Deborah Roche Location: 22 Midtown Park West, Mobile

Fairhope, Alabama

Member since: 2008

Brief description of business: Lifeguard Transportation Service (Lifeguard Ambulance Service), is a medical transport company offering emergency and non-emergency transports for critical and non-critical patients. The company has eight locations throughout the Southeast in addition to medial air transportation national and international via fixed wing mobile intensive care units. What is unique or innovative about your business? Lifeguard’s mission is to provide the highest quality patient care and comfort available. In efforts to change the face of medical transport, the company offers a variety of transport options. Most significant challenge: According to account executive, Heather Bell, “We are the new kids on the block in Mobile for ambulance service, so the challenge is to become a trusted name with the hospitals, facilities and the community we serve.” Phone number: 338-3338

Website: www.lifeguardambulance.com

iplomat of the Month

Tricia Graham

Photo by Jeff Tesney

When Tricia Graham decided to relocate to Mobile for a job opportunity, she visited the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce for information about Mobile and places to live. She is a native of Louisville, Ky., and the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month. A realtor for Roberts Brothers Inc., Graham serves buyers and sellers in Mobile and Baldwin counties. She recently received her Senior Real Estate Specialist designation certifying her as trained to work with clients in the 50-plus age population with special circumstances. In the short time Graham has been a diplomat, she said, “I enjoy being a diplomat because I have the opportunity to work for the benefit of the whole community.” Graham currently sits on the board of the Child Advocacy Center and Community Service for Vision. She is a member of the Junior League of Mobile and Women’s Council for Realtors.

FEBRUARY 2011

Rick Miller, CEO 251.472.5629 pro356consulting.com

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

n v e s tor Focus

Vance McCown Construction Co. Inc. Company officials: T. Vance McCown, president, and Ian Claridge, project manager Years in business: 27 years Brief company description: Vance McCown Construction is a general contractor for commercial, institutional, retail and light industrial projects. The company employs 20 people, most of whom have worked for the business 15 years or more. Why are you located in Mobile? “I was born and raised in Mobile,” said McCown. “My father was born in Mobile also. This is home.” Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “The Chamber has been instrumental in the improvement of our quality of life in Mobile,” said McCown. “We have benefited directly from the Chamber’s efforts, specifically the construction of World Omni in 1991 and most recently the administration and maintenance facilities for the Mobile Container Terminal.”

Vance McCown Construction recently completed this building, at 70 Midtown Park East. From left is Vance McCown, Jack McCown, Ian Claridge and Robert McCown.

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “First, the people of Mobile; second, the natural resources of water, rail and interstate for commerce; and third, the recreation – that is, hunting, fishing, golf, etc.,” said McCown.

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 1988

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

Smart Mortgage New PurChase or reFINaNCe CoNstruCtIoN LeNDINg Low rates

Susan Bankester 251-431-7846

Member FDIC

www.banktrustonline.com Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

hamber Staff

omparative Economic Indicators NOVEMBER 2010 vs NOVEMBER 2009

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

Chamber Hires Laura Smith “We are very happy to have Laura Smith joined Laura join our team,” said the Mobile Area Chamber Claudia Zimmermann, the as an administrative Chamber’s economic assistant in the economic development director. “She development department. has already proven herself to She supports the be a great asset; she is Chamber’s project resourceful, energetic and activity, coordinates new eager to learn.” business prospect visits “Since I am not from and is the assistant Smith Mobile, my job with the secretary for the Industrial Chamber has given me the Development Authority for opportunity to quickly become acquainted Mobile County and the Industrial Park with the area and all it has to offer,” Smith Board. Smith graduated from The University of said. “I am most excited about working with the economic development team and Alabama in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree its upcoming projects.” Smith can be in communications and information reached at lsmith@mobilechamber.com sciences. A Tennessee native, Smith or 431-8636. relocated to Mobile upon graduation.

Business Licenses City of Mobile

210 2010 164 2009

Employed Mobile/Baldwin counties

196 2010 232 2009

Value of Building Permits $16,696,986 2010

233,732 2009

$9,399,392 2009

Unemployment Rates Mobile/Baldwin counties

9.6% 2010 10.5% 2009

Homes Sold⌦ 242 2010 260 2009

FEBRUARY 2011

City of Mobile

239,922 2010

Mobile County

Building Permits

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Air Passengers From Mobile Area 23,059 2010 21,895 2009

Average Selling Price Mobile County $137,272 2010 $139,037 2009

FEBRUARY

Human Resource Lunch & Learn

The Mobile Area Chamber will host a Human Resource Lunch and Learn series addressing important issues including compensation strategies, leadership development, hiring and termination procedures, and more. The Tuesday, Feb. 8, workshop will feature a discussion on talent management and identifying, developing and keeping high-performance employees. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Chamber’s Tricentennial Room, 451 Government St. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for potential members and includes lunch. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Register online at events.mobilechamber.com or contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com.

Women’s Roundtable *Members Only

Learn about the issues facing women in business at Women’s Roundtable, Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber Tricentennial Room, 451 Government St. Paris Love, president of Organize with Love LLC, will address steps for better time management. There is no charge to attend but seating is limited. For reservations contact, Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or mhartley@ mobilechamber.com.

Executive Roundtable

*Members Only

Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber-member small business owners and managers, will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room, 451 Government St. Judith Adams, Alabama State Port Authority’s vice president of marketing, will give an update on the port and its impact on the local economy. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at brembert@ mobilechamber.com or 431-8607.

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

GCTC Luncheon

Contacts and Contracts Small business owners take this opportunity to meet representatives from large companies and governmental agencies and discuss their supplier needs and bidding procedures at Contacts and Contracts. This business development and networking event will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Conscious Mile Center for Spiritual Living, 1230 Montlimar Drive, Mobile. There is no charge to attend, however, reservations are requested. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or brembert@ mobilechamber.com

Why?

Faster Turn Times

Network with other Chamber members at Speed Networking. The event will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. The cost is $10. Only one representative per company. Reserve your space by Monday, Feb. 7, for this event. No cancellations will be reimbursed after this date. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Missy Hartley at mhartley@ mobilechamber.com or 431-8638.

Business After Hours

Join Chamber members and diplomats Thursday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours at Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. This is one of the Chamber’s most popular networking events. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for potential members. Reservations are not necessary.

The Gulf Coast Technology Council will host its bi-monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30954 Five Rivers Blvd. The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members, $20 for potential members and $5 for students and includes lunch. Reservations are required and cancellations after Feb. 14 will not be reimbursed to cover the cost of lunch. For more information, contact Laura Smith at lsmith@mobile chamber.com or 431-8636.

Speed Networking

* *Members Only

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

e mber News

Red Square Agency hired Josh LaFayette and Ryan Lundy as graphic designers. Both individuals graduated from Auburn University, LaFayette Lundy each with a bachelor’s degree in fine art with a concentration in graphic design. X Thomas Praytor joined Praytor Realty. He is the grandson of company founder, Jamie Praytor, and is the third generation to join the family business. Praytor X JJPR, a boutique public relations and marketing agency, hired Vanessa McGee as director of public relations. McGee is the former public relations McGee manager for Red Square Agency. She is a certified special events planner. X BB&T hired Alan Dussouy as a business services officer and Dussouy Cook Michelle Hoobler Cook as a private financial advisor. Dussouy earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Loyola University, New Orleans, and a master’s of business administration from the University of New Orleans. Cook earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Spring Hill College. X Evonik Degussa Corp. named Bonnie Tully vice president and site manager for Mobile operations. Tully received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering Tully from Texas A&M University. She was previously plant manager for Evonik’s lubricant additives facility in Singapore. X Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS welcomed new agent Cheryl Breland-Thomas to its Mobile office. Thomas

FEBRUARY 2011

John Mims is a new agent with Roberts Brothers - The Real Estate Center. X New Horizons Credit Union promoted Sandra Shelly Ayala to branch Ayala manger of the Semmes location and Thomasine Shelly to head teller at the Daphne Branch. X Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile named Paul Giardina executive director. Giardina holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration Giardina from the University of Montevallo and has more than 10 years experience in nonprofit management, most recently with United Way of Southwest Alabama. X Ascension Funerals & Cremations of Mobile and Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Saraland welcomed Freddie Driscoll as funeral home manager. Driscoll has 43 years of experience in the funeral business. X Red Square Agency promoted 11 employees. Elena Freed is vice president of account service/public relations, Diana Nichols was promoted to creative director and Wally Hitchcock is associate creative director, leading the production studio. Stephean Grimes was promoted to associate creative director, Daryl Evans is art director, Willie Waite holds the job of traffic director, Darcy Dean is assistant media director, Lindsay Miller’s new position is media buyer, Sarah Jones and Maureen Smith are senior account executives and Tracie Ray was named as account executive.

STOA Architects relocated from its Church Street office to 1201 Montlimar Dr., Suite 625 in Mobile. For more information, call 445-4814 or visit www.stoaarchitects.com. X Offshore Inland Marine, Industrial, Oilfield Services announced it expanded its U.S. Gulf and Mexico services with a new deepwater repair and fabrication facility in Pensacola and a full-service, deepwater support base in Dos Bocas, Mexico.

WALA FOX10 announced onPolitix, a new online resource for opinion, news, analysis and debate on local, state, regional and national levels. Visit www.fox10tv.com to link to onPolitix. X Mobile County launched a redesigned web site to improve citizen access to elected officials. The site, www.mobilecountyal.gov, offers easier navigation and new features including virtual tours, social media and electronic newsletters. X The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the City of Mobile is hosting the 13th Annual World Leisure Congress Sept. 6-12, 2014. This is the first time the Congress will be held in the U.S. The conference brings together more than 4,500 academics, educators, students, researchers, professionals, government officials and representatives from nongovernmental organizations in the field of leisure, recreation, tourism and sports. X The Delicious Dietitian was contracted by the Mobile Airport Authority to provide corporate wellness services tailored specifically to the health goals of the Authority’s 140 employees. X The University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital broke ground on a 195,000-square-foot expansion that will nearly double the hospital’s size. The hospital also announced a major fundraising campaign to enhance the programs and services provided. X Red Square Agency was named agency of record for Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), the gaming and hospitality arm of the Cherokee Nation. CNE is a tribal corporation managed by a board of directors appointed by the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Dr. Michael Chambers, president and chief executive officer of Swift Biotechnology, was elected to ProUroCare Medical Inc.’s board of directors. The public company based in Minneapolis, Minn., Chambers develops proprietary, medical imaging technologies for prostate cancer screening and monitoring. X Red Square Agency received two silver awards in the 2010 W3 Awards Competition for web sites the agency designed for American LubeFast and Scotch & Gulf

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Lumber. The W3 awards honor outstanding web sites, web marketing, web video and mobile apps created by interactive agencies, designers and creators worldwide. X Neil C. Johnston and Vivian G. Johnston Jr. of Hand Arendall N. Johnston V. Johnston LLC were named Mobile Best Lawyers Environmental Lawyer of the Year and Mobile Best Lawyers Tax Lawyer of the Year, respectively. Best Lawyers is a national peer review publication. X CertaPro Painters painting company in North America named Steve Carey of Daphne its Southeast Rookie Franchisee of the Year. Carey X Dr. Mark Gillespie, professor and chair of pharmacology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, received the Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award for the University Gillespie of Kentucky PhD program in pharmaceutical sciences. Gillespie received his doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Kentucky and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Research Lab in Denver. X TAG/The Architects Group Inc. completed the pool and campground renovations at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. The project included a new 5,200-square-foot custom-designed pool, pool house, raised deck, boat house, boat lifts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and renovations to the existing pavilioncampstore and registration building. X Three Spring Hill College Advertising and Public Relations Organization students were awarded Bettie Hudgens Memorial Student Awards from the Mobile Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA). Alicia Reeves, Caitlin Teahan and Lauren McCarthy were selected based upon GPA, community service, campus activity, samples of work/portfolio and general understanding of the industry. They are eligible to compete for the PRCAState Student of the Year Award.

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.

Jeremy B. Milling of White-Spunner & Associates earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. Milling serves as viceMilling president of commercial sales and development, real estate broker and commercial specialist with the firm. X David Turner, president of BancorpSouth, will serve as president of the Distinguished Young Women board of directors. Turner earned a bachelor’s Turner degree in business administration from Auburn University and a master’s of business administration from The University of Alabama. Distinguished Young Women, formerly American’s Junior Miss, is celebrating its 54th year. X Starr Textile Services received the 2010 Environmental Responsibility Award for Small Business from the Baldwin County Commission for the company’s conservation and recycling processes.

Jane Bruton R.N. and Thelma Jones R.N. of Mobile Infirmary Bruton Jones Medical Center received the Hospital Heroes Award from The Alabama Hospital Association for going beyond the call of duty in their service to others. With 41 years of healthcare service, Bruton is director of the J.L. Bedsole/Rotary Rehabilitation Hospital. Jones is the nurse educator at Mobile Infirmary and has 38 years in the healthcare field. X Leslie N. Robinson, director of facility compliance for Infirmary Health System, earned the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) Robinson designation from the American Hospital Association. The certification assesses knowledge of compliance, planning, design and construction, maintenance and operation, and finance and administration.

Mobile Chiropractor, Dr. Judy Lipka, of West Bay Chiropractic Center PC, was installed as president of the International Academy of Chiropractic Neurology Lipka (IACN). Lipka graduated from Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta, Ga., and has been practicing in Mobile, Alabama for the past 27 years. The IACN is an international professional association of chiropractic neurologists and neuroscience professionals dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care.

In addition, the foundation donated $33,200 to the Bay Area Food Bank for energy conservation measures, including replacing existing warehouse lighting with energy efficient fixtures that will save an estimated $8,000 per year. X Outward Bound – 5 Rivers Base won a $150,000 grant from Impact 100, a Baldwin County women’s group supporting one nonprofit agency per year. The money will send 150 Baldwin County at-risk teens through a wilderness expeditionary learning program to reduce the high school dropout rate.

Community News The Bay Area Food Bank received a $100,000 grant and a refrigerated food delivery truck from the Walmart Foundation. Alabama Walmart employees chose the nonprofit to receive funding. The grant will help the food bank support its rural delivery program and continue to expand its child nutrition programs. The organization will use the truck to deliver food to more than 244,000 recipients throughout the Central Gulf Coast.

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

The Business View |

8/10/10 12:36 PM

FEBRUARY 2011

Members Are Our Greatest Asset!

50 YEARS

Jim Barnes Enterprises Inc. d/b/a McDonald’s Restaurants Joe Bullard Automotive Companies Mobile Ob-Gyn PC Premier Medical Management Inc. Spring Hill College

35 YEARS Master Cleaners Inc.

25 YEARS

Gulf Wilbert Vault Co. Inc. Mobile Works, Inc. Professional Collision Services Inc. Sheree LaCoste Silver, Voit & Thompson Attorneys-at-Law PC Soundworks Inc.

20 YEARS

ST Aerospace Mobile Inc.

15 YEARS

Dillards - Bel Air Mall Lyons & Crane Nationwide Insurance Downs Agency

10 YEARS

AZZ Galvanizing Services - Mobile IPC Capital Partners LLC PMT Publishing Inc. Tate & Lyle Sucralose Inc.

5 YEARS

AAF Mobile Bay Airbus Military North America Brownlee-Morrow Engineering Co. Carr Allison Distinguished Young Women formerly America’s Junior Miss Family Promise of Coastal Alabama Inc. Hood’s Discount Home Center of Foley Outlaw Plastic Surgery Prichard Dewberry & Hodges PC Public Relations Council of Alabama-Mobile Chapter Qualastat Inc. Royalty Products Inc. RSC Equipment Rental Spherion Recruiting and Staffing SPI/Mobile Pulley Works Inc. TORP Terminal Trax Tires Inc. The Van Bemen Agency-Farmers Insurance Group Vernis & Bowling of Southern Alabama LLC VISTAGE International: SLATE Group WAVEnet Technologies Inc.

1-4 YEARS

A&M Forest Consultants Accurate Control Equipment Inc. Alabama One Credit Union Alliance Insurance Group LLC Anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness - West Mobile APEX Environmental Services LLC AWC Inc. Belk - Bel Air Mall Best Western Motorsports Inn & Suites Saraland Breland Homes Broadway South Dance Studio Buffalo Wild Wings Business Communications Distributors Inc. (BCD) Business Personnel Solutions Inc./ The Payroll Source Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe

Case Construction LLC Chiropractic Works PC Citslinc International Inc. Coastal Bank and Trust Coldwell Banker Charles Hayes Real Estate Inc. Community Bank Complete Safety Works Inc. Congregation Ahavas Chesed CorroMetrics Services Inc. Country Hearth Inn Craft Turf Farms Cream & Sugar Dana & Friends Pet Grooming Davison Fuels & Oil Co. Inc. The Dental Center of Mobile EnduraCare Acute Care Services LLC Entec Services Inc. Exotic Import Specialists d/b/a Rettig’s Auto Body Family Security Credit Union Faulkner State Community College Flowers Baking Co. Gray Construction Hernandez Calhoun Design International HeroMan Services Plant Co. LLC Hometown Mortgage Jos. A. Bank Jubilee BEST Robotics Inc. Junior Achievement of Mobile Kingdom Coach LLC Magic Moments Inc. MapuSoft Technologies Inc. McKemie Place McNorton Jones PC Merchants Foodservice MetroBiz USA Millry Communication Inc. Mobile Heart Specialists PC Moffett Road Assembly of God Myers Oil Co. OrgDev Consulting Group Peavy Construction Co. Penelope House Planet AT&T PowerSouth Energy PPM Consultants Inc. Print King Professional Estimating Service Inc. Quick Shot Trucking Inc. Raymond James Financial Services Roly Poly Ron Twilley Builders Inc. S & K MachineWorks and Fabrication Shipboard Electrical & Air Inc. Slaton Moving & Warehouse Small’s Mortuary Inc. South Alabama Spay and Neuter Center Southern Development Council Inc. State Farm Agency Recruiting State Farm - Greg Jones State Farm Insurance - Allison Horner St. Luke’s Episcopal School Synergy Yoga & Pilates Angela G. Tapley CPA Taste! Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room Tiger Offshore Rental LTD The American Cafe The Quality Group Inc. TheDailyClassifieds.com Thompson Properties LLC ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA LLC Trinity Broadcasting Network Valpak of SW Alabama & NW Florida Waste Two Energy LLC d/b/a Gulf Waste Webjed WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Premiere Properties Wiregrass Hospice, a Gentiva Co. WTI Transport

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

nniversaries

FEBRUARY 2011

ew Members

Academics Unlimited Shannon Rankins P.O. Box 8666 Mobile, AL 36689 251-377-5569 www.academicsunlimited.com Tutoring

B & C Trucking LLC Michael Banks 700 Montlimar Pk., Ste. 203 Mobile, AL 36693 251-689-0250 www.bcdirectlogistics.com Trucking

Cartridge Solutions LLC Sean Hellman 2209 Dubroca St. Mobile, AL 36607 251-605-4371 www.cartridgesolutions.net Office Supplies

ADT Financial Service Alesha Murphy 2480 D Government St. Mobile, AL 36606 251-287-0210 Tax Return Preparation

The Bakery Cafe Trey Hinton 1104 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604 251-433-2253 www.thebakerycafemobile.com Restaurants

Champion Carpet Cleaning William Borlovan 4490 Higgins Rd. Mobile, AL 36619 251-209-0626 www.Champion-Carpet.com Carpet & Rug Cleaners

Beckwith Camp and Conference Center Eleanor Parker 10400 Beckwith Ln. Fairhope, AL 36532 251-928-7844 www.beckwithccc.org Convention Services & Facility

Coastal Industrial Supply LLC Mike Sledge 23445 Hwy. 59 Robertsdale, AL 36567 251-752-9400 Industrial Supplies

Advanced Orthopaedics LLC Dr. William Bose 6701 Airport Blvd., Ste. B114 Mobile, AL 36608 251-300-2902 www.advancedorthopaedics.com Physician/Surgeon-MDOrthopedics Adventures in Advertising/ JNC Designs Inc. Jahane Coté 16 Bugle Retreat Spanish Fort, AL 36527 251-625-4909 www.jncdesigns.com Promotional Products

Best Buy Jason Tollefson 3250 Airport Blvd., Bldg. 4 Mobile, AL 36606 251-478-6678 www.bestbuy.com Retail

AEP River Operations Matthew Griffiths P.O. Box 1823 Mobile, AL 36633 251-644-6553 www.aepriverops.com Inland Marine Transportation

Bikram Hot Yoga Mobile Lucille A. Moran 2540 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607 251-471-5775 www.BikramHotYogaMobile.com Yoga Instruction

Alabama Coastal Foundation Bethany Kraft 250 Conti St., 2nd Fl. Mobile, AL 36602 251-990-6002 www.joinacf.org Nonprofit Organization

Business Communications Inc. Patrick Johnson 6105 Mary Mahoney Dr. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228-209-1787 www.bcianswers.com Information Technology Sales/Services

American Gold Parties Erik Hansen 1010 Schillinger Rd. S., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36695 251-633-0710 www.americangoldparties.com Precious Metals Buyers Arc Terminals John Didier 1437 Cochran Causeway N. Mobile, AL 36603 251-452-4255 www.arcterminals.com Storage Tanks Ardent Services LLC Gene Clark 17 Veterans Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062 504-432-9929 www.ardent.us Industrial Electrical & Instrumentation Contractors Automation Federation Michael Marlowe 67 Alexander Dr. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 919-327-7235 www.automationfederation.org Nonprofit Organization

| The Business View | Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Business Cornerstone Services Ian Walters 30172 Green Ct. Daphne, AL 36527 251-458-1586 www.businesscornerstoneservices.com Business Service C & C Courier, Inc. Mr. Richard Crenshaw 2125 Spring Grove E. Mobile, AL 36695 251-633-2358 Delivery Service Callaghan’s Irish Social Club John Thompson 916 Charleston St. Mobile, AL 36604 251-433-9374 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Restaurants Capstone Building Corp. Jay Chapman 3415 Independence Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-803-5226 www.capstonebuilding.com Contractors-General

Coastal Ready Mix LLC Patricia W. Esfeller 8421 Zeigler Blvd. Mobile, AL 36609 251-634-2400 Concrete Ready Mixed Conwell’s Pharmacy Frank Conwell 10835 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Theodore, AL 36582 Phone: (251) 973-0805 Pharmacies Duct Doctor of South Alabama Caylen Staub 4399 Lindsey Ln. Orange Beach, AL 36535 251-81-3828 www.Ductdoctor.com Duct Cleaning 5 Star Marketing LLC James H. Glisson 602 Bel Air Blvd., Ste. 7 Mobile, AL 36606 251-50-1481 www.thesavingscouponbook.com Fund Raising Counselors & Organization Fr. Meyer’s Sohn North America LLC - Mobile Office Daphne Cook 29000 US Hwy. 98, Bldg. A-102 Daphne, AL 36526 251-26-7354 www.fms-logistics.com Logistics-Full Service Gaylor Inc. Michael Johnson 26151 Equity Dr. Daphne, AL 36526 251-272-4209 www.gaylor.com Electrical Contractor Greater Mobile Urgent Care of Spring Hill Liz Kirby 2350 Schillinger Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-633-0123 www.gmucare.com Medical Clinics

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

Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

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

Go Play Pet Service Brad Banks 2518 Hwy. 98 Daphne, AL 36526 251-621-7389 www.goplaypets.com Pet Services

Kevcomp Kevin Ngo 273 Azalea Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 300 Mobile, AL 36609 562-423-3028 www.kevcomp.com Engineering Services

The Mutt House Jeff Johnston 709 Iris Ave. Mobile, AL 36606 251-401-6730 www.themutthouse.org Promotional Products

Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawn Care and Power Washing Ricky Hill 9005 James Rd. Creola, AL 36525 251-422-5933 Lawn Maintenance

Longleaf Pines Apartments Janel Barton 6190 Girby Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-660-2779 www.longleafpines.com Apartments

NACE International Bob Chalker 1440 S. Creek Dr. Houston, TX 77084 281-228-6200 www.nace.org Training

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Margaret Reeves 1401 Industrial Pkwy. Saraland, AL 36571 251-378-6300 www.HIExpress.com/ SaralandSuites Hotels & Suites

Lotus Stores Inc. Lalonie Farnell 3958 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 251-340-0123 www.shoplotusstores.com Boutique

National Alliance on Mental Illness/NAMI Mobile Connie Ewing 501 Bishop Ln. N. Mobile, AL 36608 251- 461-3450 www.namimobile.org Mental Health Information & Treatment Centers, Counselors

Holiday Inn Mobile West Ryan Fendt 3630 Springhill Memorial Dr. Mobile, AL 36608 251-344-7446 www.holidayinn.com/mobilewestal Hotels I. K. Hofmann USA Inc. Dana Faircloth 301 Government St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-431-7691 www.hofmann-services.com Employee Staffing Infirmary HomeCare of Mobile Heather Waters 618 Azalea Rd. Mobile, AL 36609 251-450-3300 www.lhcgroup.com Home Health Service Intelligent Techniques for System Security Solutions Jamal Alshaikh 6721 Stonebrook Dr N. Mobile, AL 36695 251-776-5933 www.it3sss.com Computer Consulting J and J Unique Monograms Inc. Robert S. Davis 3540 Pleasant Valley Rd., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36609 251-344-0066 Embroidery & Monogramming J-Ray Shoes Lynn Anderson 121 University Blvd. S. Mobile, AL 36608 251-342-6322 www.jrayshoes.com Shoes

George Clark Manufacture Alabama 401 Adams Ave., Ste. 710 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-386-3000 www.manufacturealabama.org Trade Organization Matranga Aviation Dominick Matranga 2263 River Forest Rd. Mobile, AL 36605 251-476-2124 Aviation Technology Mediterranean Sandwich Co. Vlad Moldoveanu 274 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602 Phone: (251) 545-3161 www.mediterraneansandwich.com Restaurants Mobile Bay Tarpons Ashley Ryan 2200 Hwy 98, Ste. 4-347 Daphne, AL 36526 251-454-2128 www.mobilebaytarpons.com Football-Professional Mobile Comprehensive Dentistry Brandon Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell DMD 4720 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 251-344-4994 www.mobilecomprehensivedentistry.com Dentists-Restorative & Cosmetic Mobile Nursing and Rehabilitation Center LLC Chris Cockrell 7020 Bruns Dr. Mobile, AL 36695 251-639-1588 Nursing Homes James T. Murray III CPA LLC J. T. Murray 4365 Midmost Dr. Ste. 4 Mobile, AL 36609 251-461-2240 www.jtmurraycpa.com Accountants-Certified Public

New South Research Jim Jager 3289 Bel Air Mall Mobile, AL 36606 205-443-5350 www.newsouthresearch.com Marketing Consultants North American Roofing Nick Little 4514 Harvest Blvd. E. Semmes, AL 36575 251-656-7798 www.naroofing.com Commercial & Industrial Roofing OK Bicycle Shop Robbie Collier 661 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-432-2453 Restaurants 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Trey Bennett 800 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. 2-C Mobile, AL 36685 251-331-1497 www.1800gotjunk.com/mobile Debris Removal Contractors Organize with Love LLC Paris Love P.O. Box 694 Orange Beach, AL 36561 770-722-2748 www.organizewithlove.com Professional Organizers Paychex Inc Amy Daws 3965 Montalvo Dr. Pensacola, FL 32504 850-602-7062 www.paychex.com Payroll Preparation Service

Perry Dampf Kingrea Dispute Solutions LLC Deborah D. Kingrea 311 Magnolia Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532 251-990-7773 www.PDKMediators.com Mediation

Shrimp Basket of Old Shell Inc. Stephanie Hogwood 2540 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607 251-471-0191 www.shrimpbasket.com Restaurants-Seafood

Tyndall Federal Credit Union John Teal 3361 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. N Mobile, AL 36606 251-470-6702 www.tyndall.org Credit Unions

Preferred Trust Home Loans Lola Connert 3662 Dauphin St., Ste. B2 Mobile, AL 36608 251-304-0145 www.preferredtrust.com Mortgages

Southern Fitness Kenny Seaman 4725 Moffett Rd., Ste. G Mobile, AL 36618 251-343-4800 www.southernfitnessclub.com Health Clubs

Vested Business Brokers Tommy Hopper 358 Baker Rd. #14 Mobile, AL 36572 251-623-9852 www.vestedbb.com Business Brokers

Dexter Sutton, Personal Trainer 1597 Forest Ave. Saraland, AL 36571 251-709-2654 www.advostrength.com Personal Trainer

Viva Medicare Plus Erin Greason 907G Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-380-2222 www.makingmedicareeasy.com Insurance-Health

Tidbits of Mobile Duane Moseley 11052 Moreland Dr. W. Grand Bay, AL 36541 251-285-4116 www.tidbitsofmobile.com Publishers

Walker Express Delivery LLC Michael D. Walker 10797 County Rd. 1 Fairhope, AL 36532 251-591-0383 www.walkerexpressdelivery.com Courier & Delivery Service

Professional Forestry Services LLC Damon Wilkinson 7201 Charlanda Blvd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-610-9044 Foresters-Consulting Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc.- William Hartley William Hartley 7675 Cottage Hill Rd. Mobile, AL 36695 251-458-9141 www.prucooper.com Real Estate-Residential Roberds Commercial Realty Group LLC Jay D. Roberds II 857 Downtowner Blvd., Ste. F Mobile, AL 36609 251-753-1015 Real Estate Rodan + Fields Dermatologists Maribeth R. Dennis 3903 Ashley Dr. S. Mobile, AL 36608 Phone: (251) 591-0400 www.mdennis.myrandf.com Skin Care Rowan Drilling Harry McCaskill III 6648 Maryknoll Cir. Mobile, AL 36695 713-960-5315 www.rowancompanies.com International Drilling Contractor RP Marine Corp. Roy Pate 601 Bel Air Blvd. Ste. 307 Mobile, AL 36606 251-470-6848 www.rpmarineinc.com Heavy Equipment Sales & Service Rutherfoord, a division of Marsh & McLennan Agency Tommy Druhan 1 St. Louis St., Ste. 1001 Mobile, AL 36602 251-545-3889 www.rutherfoord.com Insurance Brokers

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

TNT Cleaning Services Theodore Matthews 3599 Viking Ct. Semmes, AL 36575 251-348-0569 www.cleaningtrashout.com Cleaning Service Trademark Promotions LLC John Ratliff 7231-A Moffett Rd. Mobile, AL 36618 251-645-0088 www.trademarkpromotions.net Specialty Items Turner Insurance & Bonding Mit Kopf 273 Azalea Rd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 300 Mobile, AL 36609 251-461-0844 www.tibcoinc.com Insurance

Washington County Business Park Ryan Goldin c/o Goldin Materials Corp. 14231 Seaway Rd., Ste. 7005 Gulfport, MS 39503 251-944-7079 www.wcbusinesspark.com Real Estate-Commercial/ Development The Wilton Caterer Charles Wilton Jr. 5328 Gunn Rd. Mobile, AL 36619 251-473-4440 www.thewiltoncaterer.com Caterers World Trade Center New Orleans Eliza Brierre 2 Canal St., Ste. 2900 New Orleans, LA 70130 504-529-1601 www.wtcno.org Nonprofit Organization As of 11/30/10

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The Business View |

FEBRUARY 2011

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ...is an energizing resource.

For Mobile Gas, Chamber membership is all about leadership. After all, the two organizations have existed side-by-side for 175 years, working to build the local economy. For LaBarron McClendon, the Chamber enables him to recruit business prospects that will create jobs. As one of 2,200 Chamber members, LaBarron has access to resources, exposure and networking to help his company grow and make it thrive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you could say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like cooking with gas.

LaBarron McClendon Mobile Gas 240 Employees Founded 1836

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

Courtesy of University of South Alabama Archives Courtesy of University of South Alabama Archives

Be A Part Of Our History... Advertise in the Mobile Area Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 175th Anniversary History Book and become a part of our next 175 years in this limited edition publication showcasing the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history in Mobile.

Call Rene Eiland at 251-510-4175 or reiland@mobilechamber.com

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

The stability of 175 years with the vision and leadership for the next 175