Montgomery Business Journal – February 2015

ANOTHER BANNER YEAR FOR HYUNDAI PAGE 25

MERCHANT CAPITAL EYES SOUTHEAST EXPANSION AFTER MERGER PAGE 36

WARREN AVERETT HAS THE IT FACTOR PAGE 64

EXTRA CREDIT TRENHOLM STATE’S TRANSFER TO A FULLY-ACCREDITED COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS A GAME-CHANGER

CONTENTS

40

MEMBER NEWS 58 Member Profile: GiGi’s Cupcakes 64 Member Profile: Warren Averett Technology Group

CHAMBER NEWS 06 Calendar 08 Workforce Development Calendar 31 Reporter’s Notebook 66 Business Buzz 69 Members on the Move 72 Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings

FEBRUARY 2015

COVER STORY:

President Sam Munnerlyn talks about the new community college status of H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College.

FEATURES 10 BUILDING ON JOBS ”Success Starts Here” highlights growth of existing industries

50 TOP-FLIGHT HONOREES Chamber Chairman’s award recipients share military experience

16 $35 MILLION INVESTMENT Coca-Cola builds new home in Montgomery

54 NEW TECHNOLOGY IN HAND UPS store introduces 3-D printing services

20 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Business Council of Alabama advocates a greater emphasis on small business

60 BOWLED OVER WITH SUCCESS Raycom Media Camellia Bowl shines spotlight on Montgomery

25 ANOTHER BANNER YEAR Hyundai reaches No. 40 on brand ranking 36 A STRONGER BOND Merchant Capital sets sights on southeast bond market

73 New Members 74 Economic Intel

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

3

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION PUBLISHER

Randall L. George EDITORIAL

Tina McManama David Zaslawsky Lashanda Gaines Melissa Bowman DESIGN

Copperwing Design PHOTOGRAPHER

Robert Fouts ON THE COVER

Sam Munnerlyn is president of H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College.

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Linda Drumheller 334-240-9494 mbjsales@montgomerychamber.com

Montgomery Business Journal c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79 41 Commerce Street Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 Fax: 334-265-4745 Email: mbj@montgomerychamber.com www.montgomerychamber.com/mbj The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published monthly except for the combined issues of June/July/August and November/December, by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, (334) 834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Subscription rate is $30 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. Volume 7, Issue 2.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101, or email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions can also be purchased for $30 per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.

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CHAMBER NEWS

EVENTS

18 > WORKFORCE BEHAVIORS/ WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

16 > PUBLIC SPEAKING & CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

2 > BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR

Sponsored by BWS Technologies 4 PM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door

Training by AIDT 8:30 AM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery Registration: montgomerychamber.com/ AIDT-Feb18

Training by AIDT 8:30 AM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery Registration: montgomerychamber.com/ AIDT-Mar16

4 > WRIGHT FLYER ANNUAL MEETING

23 > EGGS & ISSUES WITH SENATOR RICHARD SHELBY

16 > BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR

Sponsored by Classic Buick, GMC, Cadillac 5:30 PM @ RSA Headquarters Building 201 South Union Street, Montgomery Invitation only

Sponsored by Troy University 7:30 AM @ RSA Activity Center 201 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery Registration: montgomerychamber.com/shelby

4 PM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door

26 > BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

18 > PUBLIC SPEAKING & CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

11 > 60 MINUTE COFFEE Sponsored by Capitol Hyundai 8 AM @ Capitol Hyundai 2820 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

16 > BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR Sponsored by BWS Technologies 4 PM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door

16 > WORKFORCE BEHAVIORS/ WORKFORCE CHALLENGES Training by AIDT 8:30 AM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery Registration: montgomerychamber.com/ AIDT-Feb16

Sponsored by Montgomery Advertiser 5 PM @ Alabama Shakespeare Festival 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

MARCH 2 > BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR

Presenting Sponsor: BWS Technologies 4 PM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door

11 > 60 MINUTE COFFEE Sponsored by Pickwick Antiques 8 AM @ Pickwick Antiques 3851 Interstate Court, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

Training by AIDT 8:30 AM @ Montgomery Chamber Buisiness Development Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery Registration: montgomerychamber.com/ AIDT-Mar18

26 > BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood 5 PM @ Lakeview Office Building 2660 Eastchase Drive, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

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CHAMBER NEWS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TR AINING The Workforce Pipeline Last fall, the Montgomery Chamber unveiled an unprecedented partnership linking the Alabama Community College System, Trenholm State, Montgomery Public Schools, the Alabama Region 7 Workforce Development

AIDT’s plan is for the Regional Workforce Development Center to be strategically housed as part of the new Career & Tech Center Complex at the former Montgomery Mall site. AIDT is already teaching classes at the Chamber’s Business Development Center. Training for existing industries and the local workforce is an important part of the workforce pipeline.

These Montgomery Regional Workforce Training Center class topics are based on feedback the Montgomery Chamber received from local industries on workforce development needs. Soft skills and essential workforce skills training were at the top of the list.

These classes are held at the Montgomery Chamber Business Development Center, 600 South Court Street, Montgomery.

Training is conducted by certified AIDT trainers.

Registration fee of only $15 per person includes lunch.

Registration, details and monthly calendar are at montgomerychamber.com/AIDTtraining

Council and AIDT as a part of a new workforce development pipeline for Montgomery and the River Region.

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Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills MARCH 16 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM OR MARCH 18 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Participants will learn how to make effective presentations, remain calm under pressure and use critical thinking skills to solve problems during meetings.

Classroom activities include practicing techniques that are key to successful small group facilitation. Participants will better understand the processes of following directions, critical thinking, problem solving and continuous improvement.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

The message was loud and clear: When a business adds employees, it plans to remain in the area.

BUILDING ON JOBS The Montgomery Chamber’s ‘Success Starts Here’ initiative highlights growth of existing industries

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

10

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

2014 Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors Leslie Sanders announces the impact of the “Success Starts Here” companies.

Although the 19 local companies cited in the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Success Starts Here” news conference added a combined 280 jobs – the most meaningful number was the preservation of 5,627 jobs.

Now, the creation of 280 new jobs last year is something to boast about, as is a combined capital investment of $91.9 million, but both pale in comparison to securing those 5,627 existing jobs.

Whitfield Foods, which bottles beverages and syrup, announced a nearly $1.3 million capital investment for a new project to produce 28-ounce Gatorade in a shrink sleeve bottle.

“The project did not immediately increase the employees we have, but ensures that the employees we do have will remain there, and very well could increase the number of employees we have going forward, which is very key for us,” said Les Massey, president of Whitfield Foods. The company has 90 employees and the new capital investment helps Whitfield Foods keep “the jobs that we have,” Massey said.

“At the end of the day, it’s about these jobs because it’s the jobs that make the city and the county and the River Region go around.”

- Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange

Continued on page 12

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

11

Les Massey, president of Whitfield Foods announced a nearly $1.3 million capital investment for a new project.

$91,910,580 TOTAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT

280 TOTAL JOB CREATION

5,627 TOTAL EXISTING JOBS

Continued from page 11

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said that “while 280 jobs is a good number, it’s not the number. That number is the 5,700 jobs that we have assurance that they are going to be here tomorrow, because no company is going to invest and then move their employees. At the end of the day, it’s about these jobs because it’s the jobs that make the city and the county and the River Region go around.”

One of the companies featured at the news conference is a newcomer to Montgomery – Conner Industries, which specializes in wood packaging. The company, which has 14 plants in nine states, came to Montgomery last year. “Montgomery has a very vibrant and growing industrial base,” plant manager Bryan Welch said. “Conner recognizes that and Conner wanted to be a part of that.”

He said the company “invested a measly $150,000 basically on total speculation,” moving into a 30,000-square-foot facility.

Continued on page 14

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

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Conner Industries plant manager Bryan Welch (right) visits with Leslie Sanders, last year’s chairman of the board of directors for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and Justice Smyth, Project Manager, Recruitment for the Chamber.

“Montgomery has a very vibrant and growing industrial base.”

- Brian Welch, plant manager, Connor Industries

“Every dollar is important to us here in Montgomery, Alabama,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. “We don’t just want your business. We want to be there to give you support …

If you’re not successful, than we’re not successful.”

Welch said the company has “10 new employees” and hopes to add another 20 next year and have 40 to 50 employees after two years.

“We’ve settled in,” Welch said. “We know there’s some business out there. We really want to expand in this area. Conner is here to stay.”

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

Continued from page 12

There is room to expand with a 20,000-square-foot building next to the company’s plant and Conner Industries has an option to lease the additional space, according to Nim Frazer, owner/manager of Industrial Partners.

“At the Chamber, we feel like there is no economic development announcement any greater than when you have an existing industry expand,” said Leslie Sanders, the 2014 chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Lear Corp., a tier 1 seat producer for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s plant in Montgomery, added jobs last year and expects to again this year.

Plant manager Duk Kim said that there will be a new program in 2015, “so I see us continue growing.” He said that when Hyundai expands the tier 1 suppliers also expand.

Hyundai was on the list of 19 companies that either added jobs, made a capital investment or did both. The Korean automaker invested money retrofitting its engine No. 2 shop for the Elantra, which it hopes to complete by the second quarter. Seven of the 19 companies are automotive-related.

MOBIS Alabama, another tier 1 supplier to Hyundai that manufactures front chassis modules, cockpit modules and rear chassis modules, expanded for a fifth straight year in 2014.

DYVIS, which transports parts from such Hyundai suppliers as MOBIS Alabama, Daehan Solutions, Halla Climate Systems Alabama and Glovis Alabama to the Hyundai plant, also expanded in 2014. Some Hyundai suppliers, including SMART Alabama also use DYVIS software for the just-in-time, just-in-sequence parts process.

Other companies among the 19 are PHA Body Systems, PCI Gaming, KJ USA, AEP, Norment Security Group, CS Eng, Burt Steel, Ozark Safety Services, Online Commerce Group, Kukdong and Premier Transportation. n

We don’t just want your business. We want to be there to give you support … If you’re not successful, than we’re not successful.”

- Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr.

Lear Corp. plant manager Duk Kim said the Hyundai tier 1 supplier added jobs last year and expects to add more jobs in 2015.

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

15

$35 MILLION INVESTMENT Coca-Cola builds new home in Montgomery

by David Zaslawsky

photography by Robert Fouts

From left, Andy Britton, Walker Jones, Mayor Todd Strange, Elmore Inscoe and Leslie Sanders celebrated with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

“We’re your local bottler. We’re hiring locally. We’re distributing locally. We’re selling locally.”

- Don Densmore, sales center manager for Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc. has been in an expansion mode, adding 10 locations, 1,000-plus employees and more than 20,000 customers during a 238-day span last year.

That expansion included the addition of Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and an 850,000-square-foot facility that previously was a distribution center for Kay-Bee Toys near the Montgomery Regional Airport.

Coca-Cola, which invested $35 million in the purchase and renovation of the Montgomery distribution facility, will deliver products to customers in Dothan, Evergreen and West Point, Georgia. The Montgomery location will also have offices, but the majority of the space will be used as a warehouse, according to Scott Smith, director of operational marketing for Birmingham-based Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United.

Left: Claude Nielsen, Chairman & CEO Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.

Below L-R: Claude Nielsen, Chairman & CEO CocaCola Bottling Company United, Elmore Inscoe, Jim Inscoe.

The facility, which is one-quarter of a mile from end-to-end, will have 100,000 square feet for a “make-ready center,” which according to Don Densmore, sales center manager for the Montgomery site, is where machines, fountains and coolers are refurbished, repaired and replaced.

Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Co., which is a division of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc., has 284 employees, including 37 recently created jobs. Those 284 employees represent a combined 2,000-plus years of service, Densmore said.

Continued on page 18

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

17

Continued from page 16

“We’re your local bottler,” Densmore said at a news conference introducing the Montgomery location.

“We’re hiring locally. We’re distributing locally. We’re selling locally.”

His boss, Claude Nielsen, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc., said that “we understand that our business is local. Every single Coca-Cola is bought locally. Every single Coca-Cola is consumed locally and that means you’re a local business. That is why we are so excited to be here today at Montgomery, Alabama, to announce this development.” The renovation is expected to be completed by May. “Having Coca-Cola United as a new partner in our community is outstanding news for Montgomery,” Leslie Sanders, 2014 chairman of the Board of Directors for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “Not only is this a

plus in terms of economic development, it is also beneficial for the entire community, as this company is well-known for its corporate citizenship. We look forward to a great relationship.”

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said, “We so appreciate that you and your senior management have the confidence to locate here.”

Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. pointed out that the Coca-Cola facility is in his district. He said that East Montgomery has EastChase, “but I’ve got Coca-Cola.” He added, “We will be there for you and we’re going to make sure that you’re No. 1 not only in this territory, but worldwide.”

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc. has distribution/ sales centers in seven Southeastern states and is the largest privately held Coca-Cola bottler with 3,800 employees. n

“Every single Coca-Cola is bought locally.

Every single Coca-Cola is consumed locally and that means you’re a local business.

That is why we are so excited to be here today at Montgomery, Alabama, to announce this development.”

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

- Claude Nielsen, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United Inc.

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LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

BCA ADVOCATES ‘GREATER EMPHASIS’ ON SMALL BUSINESS

The old saying goes something like this: If you want to create 5,000 jobs it’s easy for 5,000 small businesses to each create one job.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

21

The Business Council of Alabama advocates a “greater emphasis” on small business. (From left, William J. Canary, president and CEO; Mark Colson, senior vice president of government affairs and chief of staff; Nancy Hewston, vice president of communications, strategic information and federal affairs; Victor Vernon, vice president for public policy; and Nathan Lindsay, vice president for political affairs, regional operations and executive director of ProgressPAC.

The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) would like to see a “greater emphasis” on small business during the legislative session that starts in March, according to the organization’s president and CEO, William J. Canary.

“If small business is as important as we know they are, then why aren’t we giving them the same type of recognition and attention?” Canary asked. The organization, which represents nearly 1 million workers, hopes that Gov. Robert Bentley creates a cabinet-level post for someone to oversee small business.

“It would give them (small business) a significant voice at the table,” Canary said. “It would make a huge difference. It’s a focused approach. It seems like a no-brainer.”

Canary said that Bentley is considering a cabinetlevel person in charge of small business, and that’s a first in state history. The BCA, which defines small businesses as having 25 or fewer employees, would like the Legislature to expand the cap on new market tax

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

credits to improve access to capital for small business.

The BCA is exploring a revolving loan fund, which would reduce the risk of lenders by creating a nonprofit that lends capital to small business, said Mark Colson, senior vice president of government affairs and chief of staff for the BCA. “What we’re trying to do, No. 1 is identify some of the problems and then focus on a solution,” Canary said.

“They (small business) are always in search of capital and the ability to get capital.”

Bentley has talked about concentrating on small business in his second term and that is just what the BCA wanted to hear. “That’s a very bold statement on his part of the importance of small business,” Canary said. “All we’re trying to do is join him in that focus and encourage him to look at this position of cabinet-level … Remember, this is all about job creation because it follows the bouncing ball towards the Education Trust Fund.”

For every 22,000 jobs created, the Education Trust Fund receives at least $100 million from increased tax revenue, Canary said.

He said that the BCA, which calls itself the state’s “foremost voice for business,” will continue to emphasize existing industry,” which accounts for 85 percent of job creation.

That job creation is predicated on an educated workforce. Increasing the high school graduation rate to a statewide 90 percent by 2020 is the equivalent of a $400 million mega project every year,” Canary said, referring to an economic impact study conducted for the Business Education Alliance. The BCA is a powerful advocate of both the pre-K program to help prepare the state’s 4-year-olds for kindergarten and dual enrollment, which enables high school students to attend a community college at the same time. “When they get to ninth grade they need to have a career track,” Canary said.

With business and industry and the state and postsecondary program working together “we are clearly making significant progress,” Canary said.

“Education matters” to companies being recruited to Alabama or existing companies expanding, Canary said. It is one of those critical quality of life issues, as is health care.

The BCA is encouraging Bentley to take a state-driven approach to expand Medicaid and receive $10 billion in federal money. Bentley has opposed Medicaid expansion without reforms, but in December said he could consider expansion with block grants.

“We’re looking at this in many ways of returning Alabama tax dollars to the state and to ensure that our hospitals and physician payments are adequate so that they can continue to create the quality of health care that all of us seek,” Canary said. “We want to work with Continued on page 24

“Government doesn’t create jobs – the private sector creates jobs and there needs to be more of a partnership.”

- William J. Canary, president and CEO, Business Council of Alabama

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

23

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If small business is as important as we know they are, then why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we giving them the same type of recognition and attention?â&#x20AC;?

- William J. Canary, president and CEO, Business Council of Alabama Continued from page 23

the governor in finding solutions in which everyone can achieve their goals. At the same time, we do believe that by not availing ourselves to an opportunity to have access to those resources potentially puts us at a less competitive situation than we want to be.â&#x20AC;?

Also at the federal level, Colson warned that Environmental Protection Agency proposed carbon regulations that will increase energy costs for businesses and individuals and also result in fines for non-energy companies that emit carbon.

Another area of concern for the BCA is what Canary calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;an un-level playing fieldâ&#x20AC;? for Alabama retailers charging sales tax while many Internet sales are not taxed although the customers are required to report their purchases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such an unfair disadvantage to local merchants,â&#x20AC;? Canary said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is an issue of not increasing anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taxes, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now tax avoidance.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the simple message to government is for them to put the private sector first,â&#x20AC;? Canary said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t create jobs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the private sector creates jobs and there needs to be more of a partnership. We are continually heading in that direction, at least at the state and local level. Federal is a bit more complicated.â&#x20AC;? n

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HYUNDAI REACHES NO. 40 ON BRAND RANKINGS

Hyundai Motor Co. is performing quite well on the world stage with a No. 40 ranking on Interbrand’s Best 100 Global Brand.

It is the Korean automaker’s highest ranking ever and its brand value jumped 16 percent to $10.4 billion in 2014.

The company ranked 43rd on the list in 2013 with a brand value of $9 billion.

“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.”

Continued on page 26

by David Zaslawsky photos courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

25

ANNUAL U.S. SALES 2005: 455,012

2010: 538,228

2006: 455,520

2011: 645,691

2007: 467,009

2012: 703,007

2008: 401,742

2013: 720,783

2009: 435,064

2014: 725,718

ELANTRA ANNUAL SALES/RANKING 2014: 222,023 (1)

2009: 103,269 (2)

2013: 247,912 (1)

2008: 94,720 (2)

2012: 202,034 (2)

2007: 85,724 (3)

2011: 186,361 (2)

2006: 98,853 (2)

2010: 132,246 (2)

2005: 116,336 (2)

SONATA ANNUAL SALES/RANKING 2014: 216,936 (2)

2009: 120,028 (1)

2013: 203,648 (2)

2008: 117,357 (1)

2012: 230,605 (1)

2007: 145,568 (1)

2011: 225,961 (1)

2006: 149,513 (1)

2010: 196,623 (1)

2005: 130,365 (1)

Source: Hyundai Motor America

26

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

The Elantra, which is produced at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery, was the automaker’s top-seller in the U.S. last year.

Continued from page 25

The company’s brand value has increased nearly 200 percent from 2005 when it was $3.5 billion and Hyundai was ranked 84th in the top 100 brand list.

Hyundai had the seventh-highest ranking among automakers last year, moving ahead of Audi, and now is one spot behind Ford. Toyota has the top ranking of the automakers at No. 8 with Mercedes – Benz at 10; BMW is 11th; Honda is 20th; and Volkswagen is 31st.

“The Interbrand Report confirms Hyundai’s growing impact on a global scale,” said Robert Burns, senior manager of public relations for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. The company produces the Sonata and Elantra at the Montgomery facility.

“The brand’s power has been escalating thanks to consumers recognizing the quality of our vehicles and the expanded line-up across many segments to better

serve the marketplace. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama is proud to play a part in Hyundai Motor Co.’s phenomenal growth since 2005. Our team members’ dedication to building the best sedans for the North American market will ultimately lead to Hyundai becoming a brand car buyers genuinely love.”

The brand value has jumped an average of 20 percent since the company introduced “modern premium” brand direction at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The company also introduced its slogan: “New Thinking. New Possibilities” at that auto show.

“We’re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activities that aren’t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” Hyundai Motor Co. Chief Marketing Officer Won Hong Cho said in a statement. “We will continue to invest in our brand by providing Hyundai Motor’s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’s journey with our brand.” n

“Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama is proud to play a part in Hyundai Motor Co.’s phenomenal growth since 2005.”

- Robert Burns, senior manager of public relations for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

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February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

27

“Our team members’ dedication to building the best sedans for the North American market will ultimately lead to Hyundai becoming a brand car buyers genuinely love.”

- Robert Burns, senior manager of public relations, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

28

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

HYUNDAI SALES SET ALL-TIME YEARLY RECORD

by David Zaslawsky

It was a lifetime ago that Korean automaker Hyundai was selling 300,000 and 400,000 vehicles a year in the U.S. That was back in the first decade of 2000.

Now, Hyundai is selling 700,000-plus vehicles a year and set an all-time record of 725,718 units last year.

That eclipsed the previous record of 720,783 vehicles in 2013 and marked the third straight year of sales topping 700,000.

“We ended the year on a high note,” Bob Pradzinski, vice president of national sales for Fountain Valley, California-based Hyundai Motor America, said in a statement. Hyundai Motor America is the sales and marketing arm for Hyundai.

It is the sixth straight year of sales increases, dating back to 2009. Hyundai did have nine straight record years from 1999 to 2007.

Once again, it was the Elantra and Sonata leading the way. The vehicles, which are both produced at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery, accounted for 60 percent of the total sales in 2014 with a combined 438,959 vehicles sold.

The Elantra retained its title as Hyundai’s top seller in 2014 with 222,023 vehicles sold vs. 216,936 for the Sonata. The difference between the two has narrowed from nearly 45,000 units in 2013 to about 5,100 units last year. Sonata sales were up about 13,000 in 2014 while Elantra sales fell about 25,000 units.

Santa Fe sales jumped 21.5 percent last year to 107,906 units and Tucson sales rose 13 percent to 47,306 units. “… It was evident that the CUV (crossover) segment was red hot with our exceptional sales for the year for both Santa Fe and Tucson,” Pradzinski said.

Hyundai also enjoyed a record-setting December with 64,507 units, with Sonata sales up 24 percent for the month. n

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

29

‘07

‘08

195,561

237,042

75,000

91,218

150,000

250,519

361.348

225,000

236,773

300,000

338,127

375,000

HMMA ANNUAL VEHICLE PRODUCTION 300,500

450,000

The plant produced 398,851 vehicles last year – 235,908 Sonatas and 162,943 Elantras.

398,851

by David Zaslawsky

The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery came within 644 vehicles last year of matching the 2013 production record.

399,495

HMMA NEARLY MATCHES PRODUCTION RECORD

‘13

‘14

0 ‘05

30

‘06

‘09

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

‘10

‘11

‘12

The company got off to a slow start last year, losing five production shifts in January to a rare ice storm. The plant produced nearly 4,300 more vehicles in January 2013 than last year.

Saturdays were added to compensate for the lost production time, according to Robert Burns, senior manager of public relations for HMMA. Production totals vary month-to-month and year-to-year due to a number of factors, including the number of working days, equipment

issues, supplier issues and Saturday shifts, Burns said.

There were four months of 35,000-plus units produced last year and two months with less than 30,000 units – January and December – although December did reach more than 29,000 vehicles, which was an increase of nearly 6,700 units from December 2013.

Hyundai has produced nearly 1.2 million vehicles the past three years. n

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK

by David Zaslawsky

ADDED TO INDEX ServisFirst Bank is one of 12 banks recently added to the NASDAQ Community Bank Index. The index has 373 community banks with a combined $190 billion-plus in market capitalization.

U.S. EMBASSY CONTRACT Montgomery-based Caddell Construction Co. has been awarded a nearly $200 million contract for the design and construction of a U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The project, which is for scheduled for completion in about 3½ years, includes a new office building, cultural center, warehouse, staff residences and a U.S. Marine residence.

The firm was also awarded a $30.6 million contract for the construction of unmanned aerial systems hangar at Fort Bragg, North Carolina The project is expected to be completed in April 2016.

Gymnastics Event is Big Business About 800 gymnasts from 25 states participated in the National Gymnastics Judge's Cup in Montgomery, and that has a healthy economic impact – an estimated $500,000 to $750,000 for a threeday event in January.

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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New Chief in Town Ernest Finley is the new chief of police for the City of Montgomery. He is a 29-year veteran and was the Atlanta Police Department chief deputy the last five years.

He told the Montgomery Advertiser: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My vision is to guide and direct our MPD to provide customer service to our residents here; to address public safety concerns to prevent crime; and to also reduce crime through community engagement.â&#x20AC;?

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32

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

AUTO SALES SURGE

FUNDING NEW PROJECTS

New vehicle sales for 2014 are expected to hit 16.5 million units, which is the most since 2006. That’s a nearly 6 percent increase over 2013.

The Downtown Business Association is providing $2,000 in monthly micro grants for new projects. Twenty people are contributing $100 each month.

Meanwhile, Kelley Blue Book is forecasting new vehicle sales of 16.9 million this year – nearly matching the 17 million units sold in 2006. New vehicle sales have bounced back after slumping to a low of 10.5 million units during the Great Recession in 2009.

The grants can be used on everything from the arts to activities to landscaping. There is a one-page online application to receive a Gumption Fund grant.

Applications must be received by the 15th of the month.

$65 MILLION UPGRADE The Creek Casino Montgomery is receiving quite a nice facelift – a $65 million upgrade that will feature a 120-room hotel and new gaming area as well as new restaurants and a salon.

The Poarch Creek Band of Indians also recently

65 million

$

invested $246 million in Wind Creek Wetumpka, which has a 283-room hotel and 85,000 square feet of gaming.

An assisted living center and retirement homes have been added to the tribe’s Wind Creek Atmore development.

For information or to apply online, visit gumptionfund.com.

POWER TO

THE CRAFT Jason Wilson, Founder Back Forty Beer Company

© 2015 Alabama Power Company

Safe, affordable, reliable electricity is one form of power we provide, but not the only one.

For the Back Forty Beer Company, it’s helping them lead the way for craft beer in Alabama.

With a lot of hard work, vision and a little help from Alabama Power to make their facility and processes efficient, Back Forty is proving that a local dream can turn into an amazing reality. That’s power to build on your passion. That’s Power to Alabama.

Watch the Back Forty Beer story at AlabamaPowerRealTalk.com.

POWI-3843 P2Craft-MBJ.indd 1

12/24/14 11:43 AM

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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HAMPSTEAD KEEPS GROWING The Town of Hampstead followed a record-setting year with another in 2014 when 30 homes and lots were sold, a 58 percent increase from 2013.

There are just 21 lots remaining in phase one and about one-quarter of the phase two lots (11) have already been sold.

There also has been a lot of activity at the town center. Hampstead now has 18 businesses, including three restaurants: City Grill, The Tipping Point and Johnny Ryan’s.

FIREFIGHTERS GENERATE REVENUE The 2015 SCOTT World Firefighter Combat Challenge is expected to generate between 2,600 and 3,000 room nights in Montgomery and have an estimated economic impact of $650,000.

The Montgomery Fire Rescue team won the 2014 world championship in Phoenix and set a world-record relay time of 1:07.22.

Hampstead opened the largest lake in the City of Montgomery last year – Hampstead Lake.

IT’S A WASTE TO WASTE MONEY ON WASTE. No business can afford to waste money on waste. Sadly, many businesses don’t know what they’re actually paying, or who is even in charge of it. Someone signed a contract long ago, the bills keep coming and nobody worries about it. But most companies’ contracts have built in rate increases. So you may be paying a lot more than you should.

At Alabama Dumpster Service, we have the dumpster or roll-off container that’s right for your business and your budget. Our customer service is unsurpassed and you can trust us for timely delivery and pick-up. So take a second look at your trash removal costs and call us. We’ll make sure you’re not wasting money on waste.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

Biscuits a Big Winner The Montgomery Biscuits received the 2014 Bob Freitas Award for outstanding minor league operations as a Double-A club.

Last year was memorable for the Biscuits, who reached 3 million in attendance four years ahead of schedule and had a first-ever preseason game against its major league affiliate Tampa Bay Rays. The Biscuits opened their inaugural season in downtown Montgomery in 2004 at Riverwalk Stadium.

“Having been involved in developing nine stadiums and a minor league baseball owner for over 20 years, this is the first time we have earned this award,” Biscuits co-owner Sherrie Myers said in a statement. “We feel confident that we received this industry award because of our partnership with the City, the collaboration with the River Region and the unique stadium facility that was built for us to work in.”

“We feel confident that we received this industry award because of our partnership with the City, the collaboration with the River Region and the unique stadium facility that was built for us to work in.”

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

A Stronger Bond MERCHANT CAPITAL SETS SIGHTS ON SOUTHEAST BOND MARKET

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

Merchant Capital is a big player in the bond issuing market in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Now, with the merger with St. Louis, Missouribased Stifel Financial Corp., Merchant Capital will be a big player in the entire Southeast market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This puts us in a position to do bigger and better things and to continue to go hire the best and brightest,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas Ashley Harris, chairman of Merchant Capital, which is located at the Lakeview Center in the EastChase development.

The combined company, which needs to clear regulatory approval, will be the largest issuer of bond deals and underwriter of municipal issues in the country and dollarwise in the Top 10.

Continued on page 38

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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“This puts us in a position to do bigger and better things and to continue to go hire the best and brightest.”

- Thomas Ashley Harris, chairman of Merchant Capital Continued from page 37

Being acquired by Stifel “is an offensive strategy that we initiated,” Harris said. “Our business has increasingly become one where a company’s balance sheet matters.”

Stifel had revenue of $2 billion in 2013 with net income of $172 million and assets of $9 billion. Harris estimated that Merchant Capital will have 100-plus issues in 2014 worth a combined $1 billion-plus.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

“We have a significant market share in our footprint,” Harris said. “Stifel wants us to take on the Southeast, and by doing so they will give us more resources.”

Those additional resources may be new personnel and new offices. The Montgomery office will remain the headquarters for the Southeast, according to Harris.

For now, Merchant Capital will keep its name and operate as a division of Stifel, which has the capacity to underwrite more than $4.5 billion of municipal securities, Harris said. The current Merchant Capital staff remains intact, which “was a major consideration for this partnership with Stifel,” Harris said.

Being part of Stifel, a financial services firm, will enable Merchant Capital to compete for larger deals. The largest deal that Merchant Capital has been involved with as the lead manager was $500 million. With the merger, Merchant Capital can handle $1 billion deals.

“I would say that we’ll be competing principally against Wall Street for the big issues,” Harris said.

One of Merchant Capital’s advantages over the larger Wall Street firms is having employees in the region.

“Wall Street flies in their bankers,” Harris said. “Ours live here; live in Atlanta; live in Montgomery. We’re boots on the ground and now we’re a big firm here in the communities.”

“Our clients will be working with local bankers – the same folks they have come to trust over 27 years, but with the additional strengths of a national, highly capitalized firm,” Harris said. “Stifel has the feel and culture of a regional firm – that greatly appeals to us and will also be beneficial to our clients.”

Merchant Capital will continue competing in the public finance sector, but “on an expanded geographic basis,” Harris said. He also talked about hospital and transportation bond issues. He said that Merchant Capital’s affordable housing platform “is very, very important” to Stifel management. Merchant Capital was ranked No. 1 nationally in multifamily housing in 2011 and No. 2 in 2012.

Meanwhile, Stifel has transportation specialists that Merchant Capital does not have and Stifel has a catastrophe expert, who works where there has been an earthquake or hurricane, so the company works with entities to finance reconstruction.

“It is a great match that is a strategic move for both companies,” Harris said. “We believe we are helping create something very special and unique in the business, which is what we accomplished at Merchant Capital. Now, we can do so on a larger scale.” n

We believe we are helping create something very special and unique in the business, which is what we accomplished at Merchant Capital. Now, we can do so on a larger scale.”

- Thomas Ashley Harris, chairman of Merchant Capital

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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CELEBRATING ACCREDITATION A Q&A with Sam Munnerlyn, presidentof H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College.

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

Montgomery Business Journal: What are your responsibilities as the president of H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College? n My responsibility as president of the college is to make sure that we’re accountable to the public; to make sure that we’re offering programs in our region that are needed by business and industry; to make sure that we are accountable in terms of our fiscal operation; to make sure we are providing student services that support the academic process. The last thing would be to promote our institution in a positive way to the public, and that takes the majority of my time to make sure that’s done.

Like we’re doing right now? n Like we’re doing right now – exactly. All the meetings; the face of the college in a lot of instances especially with the Chamber, business and industry and accrediting agencies, too.

How many students are there? n This semester (fall 2014) we have 1,449 and that’s full time and part time, and that’s on our two campuses and of course, our culinary center downtown.

How many employees? n We have 186 full-time employees and that number goes up and down a little bit. We run about 212.

How many programs does Trenholm offer?

We have 29 programs.

Please talk about the recent accreditation and what that means to the college and students going forward. n For the college, it means there will be additional opportunities for growth; additional opportunities to upgrade our programs that we presently offer.

Another thing that we don’t talk a lot about – it’s also

n

a level of status for the institution, being accredited by an accrediting agency that is as recognized as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It brings us to the same level as other institutions of higher learning in our area.

What are those growth opportunities? n No. 1, it will give the students in the Montgomery area a chance to take some of these general education classes like math, English, psychology, speech instead of taking them at their native college – especially for students who may be coming home for the summer.

Because the credits now transfer. n In the State of Alabama, it’s automatic, but outside the State of Alabama (it’s up to the college or university).

Every public school in the State of Alabama will have to (accept) those credits.

Why would Trenholm have new opportunities to upgrade programs? n Right now, many of our students receive financial aid. In order to receive financial aid, you have to be attached to a program like welding or nursing or medical assisting. Say, for instance, you want to go into nursing and you don’t get in. Many of our students, instead of waiting until the next semester to go to school, they’re going to medical assisting because some of those courses may be needed in nursing. They do it so they can continue to receive financial aid. When we offer the associate’s of science and associate’s of arts degrees – they will be separate degrees themselves.

Please explain. n If a student comes here and they cannot get into nursing, they can go into one of these degree programs and they can get financial aid because they can graduate out of the degree program and that block of credit will be transferrable to the four-year universities. That’s another big option that will come into play. Students will not only be able to come and major in some of our technical areas, but they can come strictly for transfer.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

“In many instances, students are not ready for a four-year college or university, so they want to start at a two-year college. Now, we put ourselves in a position where those courses are transferrable.”

-Sam Munnerlyn, president of H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College

When you say strictly for transfer, you’re talking about taking classes that can be transferred for credits to another university. n Exactly. In many instances, students are not ready for a four-year college or university, so they want to start at a two-year college. Now, we put ourselves in a position where those courses are transferrable. We will get many of those students come to us now when they are not ready for the four-year college.

How many more students are you expecting to have? n We don’t expect to see a major influx of students until after fall of 2015. The reason for that is, there are a number of steps we still need to go through in order to offer those two degrees that I just described. The postsecondary system would have to approve (the degrees) and that won’t be an issue. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education would have to approve it.

Talk about creating special training programs with companies. I know that there is a course for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. n We have a pretty large workforce development program. We were approached by a number of companies, and Hyundai being one, because there is a big shortage of industrial maintenance technicians, machine tool technologists.

They (Hyundai officials) approached us about getting people into the employment stream earlier and not waiting until they finish school. They approached us about having 16 of our students come out and work on the weekend – from Friday until Monday – in their particular field of study. It gives the student a chance to get out in the real world.

Continued on page 45

How many degrees do you currently offer? n We offer associate applied technology. That is the degree we offer as a technical college.

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

43

â&#x20AC;&#x153;[The program] helps those students get into the workplace earlier and plus it gives Hyundai a chance to look at these students and see if they are indeed ones they want to hire after they finish school. This program was created just for Hyundai.â&#x20AC;?

-Sam Munnerlyn, president of H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

Continued from page 43

Are they working at Hyundai? n They are working at Hyundai. They start on Friday and finish Monday and it does not interfere with their schooling because the ones who go to school during the day work at night and the ones who go to school in the evenings work during the day. That helps those students get into the workplace earlier and plus it gives Hyundai a chance to look at these students and see if they are indeed ones they want hire after they finish school. This program was created just for Hyundai.

This is a work-training program. n Exactly.

There is no credit earned for it; no apprenticeship program or anything like that.

This is a program you could set up for other companies as well. n As a matter of fact, we are beginning to be approached by other companies to create the same kind of program. Many of our students need financial assistance and this is one way to get that financial assistance and at the same time (the student) is putting themselves in a position to have a really good-paying job when you finish your college education. They can only work Friday-Monday, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to interfere with their schooling.

This program is not like the one offered at Shelton Community College when Mercedes worked with the college to set up a curriculum. n This will be the first stage to going into that direction. We would love to create a program similar to what they have with Mercedes, where we actually create the degree program for the company.

At the news conference introducing the Montgomery Regional Workforce Training Center, you talked about hiring a workforce development director. What will that person do and what impact will that have? n Our workforce development director will be hired the first part of (2015), and what that person will be responsible for is assisting companies in finding qualified individuals for their particular trade area. For instance, there may be a company that needs shortContinued on page 46

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

45

Continued from page 45

term training in PLCs (programmable logic controllers).

They may need just 20 people, and what the workforce development director will do is set the training up.

They will be the facilitator of that whole process. When a company comes to us with a need, we have to be able to respond in a reasonable time and that’s what the two-year colleges can do pretty rapidly. When we find out there is a need, we can go out and find the expertise to teach it; we have the equipment; we have the facility. And, if we do not have the facilities or if a company wants it taught on their facility grounds – we can do that also.

Any other responsibilities? n Another thing the workforce development person will do is work through the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to obtain various grants. What these grants will do in many instances … companies can apply for a grant and use that grant money to pay for those employees to get that training. We will help them do that.

Can grants also be used for Trenholm to buy more equipment or expand facilities? n Yes. In our welding program we used money from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to buy additional welders to put into that program. You can use (grants) to bolster your program in order to meet the demands of industry. Without that person (workforce development director) and without the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development providing the funds, that couldn’t happen. What people don’t realize is that not only do we do training in the manufacturing area, but we do a tremendous amount of training in the allied health sector. For instance, our nursing assistant home health aides – we train them in Bullock County; we train them in Macon County; we train them over in Elmore County. Over the last year, we probably trained over 90 of these health workers to go work in nursing homes and various other places like that. We’re getting ready to train a group of EMTs in Bullock County because that’s what that community needs, because they don’t have the hospitals and all the rest of the health care facilities we have in Montgomery.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

At the workforce development news conference, you talked about spending $150,000 to beef up the college’s dual enrollment program. What are your plans for that money? n That’s also another job of the director of workforce development. They will be the one to request these funds, which come from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development for dual enrollment. We will get those funds and work with our local high schools, especially in our service area and say, ‘We have $150,000 of dual enrollment money … and we can allot, say $50,000 for Carver High School dual-enrolled students.’ We’ll start working with them to identify those students who have the grade-point average and who are interested in dual enrollment.

Is that $150,000 scholarship money? n Exactly. When you apply for this money through the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, you have to identify what you are applying for. There is money in a pot for dual enrollment. There’s money in a pot for equipment. There’s money in a pot for programs.

We’ll write a grant for the nursing assistant home aide program. We’ll write one for the ready-to-work program, where we train people who don’t necessarily have high school diplomas or GEDs and give them just minimal training so they can get a job. We’ll ask for $150,000 for dual enrollment. We’ll ask for some more money for the EMT training (in Bullock County). We also plan to ask for additional money to buy more equipment for our industrial maintenance program. Total, we’ll be asking for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development somewhere between $350,000 and $400,000 (in 2015).

I know that the college is developing a 10-year master plan. Please talk about where you are in the process with that plan? n We’re in the preliminary stages. We are beginning now to develop a new strategic plan. Our old strategic plan runs out in 2015. We are doing an RFP (request for proposal) to bring a consultant in and help Continued on page 48

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“We can prepare them because what has been proven is that when students come through a two-year college and go to a four-year college – our students do just as well or better than (students who go straight to a four-year school).”

-Sam Munnerlyn, president of Trenholm State

Continued from page 46

us develop the next 10-year plan, which would start in 2016. That’s what we will work off for the next five to 10 years, but along with that we will develop a facilities plan that corresponds to the strategic plan.

What is your vision for Trenholm? What does Trenholm look like in 10 years? n In 10 years, our student body population will be somewhere around 6,000 students to 7,500 students.

In 10 years, we will have developed this campus fully (Trenholm campus on Air Base Boulevard). We have 40 acres here and by that time we will have capitalized on all 40 acres. On our Patterson campus in 10 years, it will be a totally new place. What we’re doing right now is developing a master plan just for the Patterson campus. Four of the buildings are already being worked on. In terms of programs, we will have the two new degree programs, but we will also go through a phase where we will work with the public and industry to find out what new programs do we need to bring online.

What I see happening on this campus (Trenholm), we will continue to develop many other allied health programs. Right now, we’re scheduled to get an

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

occupational therapy assistant program by Baptist.

There are several other programs we will continue to negotiate with Baptist. This will continue to build as an allied health hub.

What do you mean by allied health? means all of the health care sector.

n

It

Any other 10-year forecasts? n Our Patterson campus will be developed fully. We will have some new technical programs. We will also change the names of some of our programs to make them more marketable.

When you hear the words “industrial maintenance,” a lot of people get that mixed up with cleaning up something. That’s not what it is. Another thing I see us doing in the next 10 years is having a huge continuing education component.

Lastly, in terms of adult education, which is another part of what we do – we do all the adult education for the surrounding area. I mean anybody that does not have a GED – we offer those classes and we also give the GED test. The numbers in that program will increase dramatically. We want to bridge that gap when you get your GED (and say,) “Then what?” We want them to be able to come to us and get their GED and then transfer right into one of our programs and then right into the world of work. I don’t want that GED to be the end. I want it to be the beginning.

Many colleges are going away from offering developmental classes completely, but we’re not. We can prepare them because what has been proven is that when students come through a two-year college and go to a four-year college – our students do just as well or better than (students who go straight to a fouryear school). We hope to be able to broker some deals with local colleges and universities about filling that role with developmental classes. n

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TOPFLIGHT HONOREES

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

Chamber Chairman’s Award winners share military experience

Ron Sams was one of two recipients of the Chairman’s Award at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

City official Ron Sams was told to be at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at 5:30 p.m. There was almost nobody there besides Chamber staff.

Sams, director of city investigations for the City of Montgomery, said he “had no idea why” he was there.

He said that Leslie Sanders, the Chamber’s 2014 chairman of the Board of Directors, invited him to the Annual Meeting at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center. “I thought, well, I had never been to one.”

He ended up sitting behind Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. Sams even told his wife: “I was not sure why we’re here.” He did notice all the community leaders, business leaders and elected leaders at the event. He was there because he would receive the Chairman’s Award from Leslie Sanders.

Col. Trent Edwards, who last year was commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing – which includes Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex – and who is now the commander of the 37th Training Wing in San Antonio, also received the 2014 Chamber Chairman’s Award.

He was unable to attend the Annual Meeting.

In an email, Edwards wrote that his initial reaction to being a Chairman’s Award recipient was smiling.

“I literally just smiled and felt humbled and proud to have even been considered.”

THE CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

“In recognition of your willingness to serve, assist and offer your time, talents and visions which have helped to provide positive, progressive growth for our communities.”

Sams said he was “speechless. I did not expect this at all,” he said. The Chairman’s Award states: “In recognition of your willingness to serve, assist and offer your time, talents and visions which have helped to provide positive, progressive growth for our communities.”

“I’m really honored and I’m really humbled that she gave me that award,” Sams said. “It was a pleasure to serve and I enjoy what I’m doing. The people at the Chamber are really incredible people. They want very much to see Montgomery grow in the right way, and being able to help out, to me, is what it’s all about. It’s all about service.”

Edwards wrote, “The Chairman's Award means that all the hard work between my 42nd Air Base Wing team and the City of Montgomery paid off. I was simply able to articulate a vision for Maxwell's partnership with the City of Montgomery and the River Region area, but it was the people I worked with that turned the vision Continued on page 53

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

51

“I am grateful and thankful to the men and women in the 42nd Air Base Wing – I am just as proud of them as I am to receive the award. I accept the award on their behalf.”

- Col. Trent Edwards, commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing, one of two recipients of the 2014 Chairman’s Award.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

Continued from page 51

into reality. I am grateful and thankful to the men and women in the 42nd Air Base Wing – I am just as proud of them as I am to receive the award. I accept the award on their behalf.”

Sams said that the Chairman’s Award recognized Edwards and himself, “but it’s a lot of other people that do a lot of hard work all the time. They deserve a lot of the credit for the stuff that goes on.”

At the Annual Meeting, Sanders said that both Sams and Edwards helped her have a much better and deeper understanding of the military. “She (Sanders) knows a lot more about the military than she says,” Sams said. “She is a mover and shaker here.

She knows all the right people to talk to. She has connections with everybody. She wants desperately to do the right thing when she sees a project that she knows should be done. It’s a pleasure to work for her because she just goes for it.”

Sams has the military connections with his nearly 37-year career with the Air Force that ended in August 2009 when he retired as a three-star general.

He also has connections with Maxwell and Gunter Annex as the city’s liaison with the military. He was appointed to the Job Creation and Military Stability Commission and is also a member of the Military Stability Foundation, which raises funds to strengthen military facilities across the state and protect them against a future Base Realignment and Closure. The goal is enhancing the military value of the facilities, Sams said.

“She (Sanders) would want to know who do we talk to; where do we go; how do we do this; how do we do that – that’s kind of my role,” Sams said. “We work together and navigate things and it isn’t just me.

There are other people on the commission that help out a lot.” n

“The people at the Chamber are really incredible people. They want very much to see Montgomery grow in the right way, and being able to help out, to me, is what it’s all about. It’s all about service.”

- Ron Sams

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

53

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN HAND UPS Store introduces 3-D printing services

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

Claire Weil owns five UPS stores in the River Region

“It’s exciting to have something new and something that can do so many things.”

- Claire Weil, owner of five UPS stores in the River Region

An architect designing a commercial building went to The UPS Store on Zelda Road and had a 3-D printing made of the building.

Yes, that really happened, and can happen only at two sites in the state and less than 100 in the country. It cost around $300. “When you have a multi-milliondollar building you want to be able to show the client – here it is,” said Claire Weil, who owns five UPS stores in the River Region, including the one on Zelda Road.

A 3-D printing of a house, which contains a lot more materials than the commercial building, took 40 hours and cost $780. The 3-D printer made an engine block, which took 70 hours to complete and cost $1,300.

For the most part, only one item can be printed at a time, although Weil can make several small snowflakes at the same time. The cost depends on the material needed for the object. The objects are made with ABS plastic, which Weil said is essentially the same material Continued on page 56

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“Every day, I talk about it. I carry one of those ball bearings in my pocket all the time and talk about it wherever I go. We are doing some external marketing, trying to let people know that it’s available. It’s cool.”

- Claire Weil, owner of five UPS stores in the River Region

Continued from page 55

as a car bumper. And speaking of cars, the 3-D printer can be used for car parts. On a computer screen, Weil showed a very small electric vehicle made from a 3-D printer. The engine was made separately.

Weil said the uses are “unlimited” for the 3-D printer, which she leases. About the only limitation is the size – 8 inches by 8 inches and a height of 6 inches.

She said the printer is being used by inventors as well as architects and there are medical uses, including making 3-D images of organs. She plans to talk to officials at Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital & Clinic.

Universities often have multiple 3-D printers, Weil said, but some of the projects take so long that The UPS Store “is a quicker solution.” One project was actually printed at three different UPS stores and mailed to the client, Weil added.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

Her goal is getting the word out about the 3-D printer.

“Every day, I talk about it,” she said. “I carry one of those ball bearings in my pocket all the time and talk about it wherever I go. We are doing some external marketing, trying to let people know that it’s available.

It’s cool.”

Customers need to have a computer-aided design (CAD) file and most CAD programs are able to save the file as a stereo lithograph (STL).

“It’s exciting to have something new and something that can do so many things,” Weil said. One company used the 3-D printer for cellphone cases.

The longer-term goal for the 3-D printer is generating 3 percent to 5 percent of Weilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total revenue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anybody can have a use for it,â&#x20AC;? she said. Businesses can use the 3-D printer for gifts to customers or employees.

Customers can have a three-dimensional nameplate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love new technology and though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not new, it certainly is new to us and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new to the consumer,â&#x20AC;?

Weil said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one more reason to come to The UPS Store.â&#x20AC;? n

These items are just a small sampling of products made by T he UPS Storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3-D printing process.

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Member Profile

GIGI’S CUPCAKES

Specialty bakery is growing at an incredible rate

by David Zaslawsky

photography by Robert Fouts

Jennifer Cooper is co-owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes in Montgomery, Prattville, Auburn and Columbus, Ga.

Cooper said that now her top performer is the Columbus, Georgia, location.

The dramatic growth of opening four Gigi’s Cupcakes locations in 39 months is really more about protecting the first site than a torrid spurt.

Co-owners Jennifer Cooper and Patrick Cooper opened a Gigi’s franchise in Auburn after stumbling on one during a vacation in Nashville, Tennessee, when the company was in its infancy.

Jennifer Cooper said they realized that Auburn “was not that far from Montgomery or not that far from Columbus, Georgia.” They lacked the cash to open two more franchises, but asked for and received the first right of refusal for those territories. “If this (Auburn location) goes well, we want to protect our back and territory,” Jennifer Cooper said.

So, it was more of a case of self-survival that the Coopers opened a Gigi’s Cupcakes in Montgomery about 15 months after the Auburn site. The Columbus, Ga., location opened eight months after Montgomery and the Prattville site opened about 16 months after Columbus.

Gigi’s Cupcakes has been growing at an incredible rate. The Auburn store was the No. 17 in the chain and Montgomery was No. 51. Gigi’s Cupcakes now has 100 locations and is expected to open 25 this year, according to Jennifer Cooper. Patrick Cooper handles the financial side of the business.

The Coopers have 31 employees and are looking to hire managers at the Auburn and Columbus, Georgia locations. They need 35 employees to be fully staffed.

The Montgomery store opening on Vaughn Road could not have been any better with $20,000 of revenue from Friday and Saturday. And that was from selling $3 cupcakes. The Auburn two-day opening generated about $8,500, Jennifer Cooper said. Of course, sales at the Montgomery store slowed, but the first-year revenue of $850,000 in 2012 was the overall company’s top performer compared with an average annual revenue of $350,000 per unit.

Unlike the Montgomery site, the Prattville store “thrives on the interstate business,” she said. A billboard promoting Starbucks brings travelers to the strip shopping center, where Gigi’s Cupcakes is located. She would like the Prattville site to remain open Sunday to catch the church crowd. None of their locations are now open Sunday.

The Prattville site features the company’s newstore concept, which has new tables and lighting.

That build-out cost an additional $50,000, Jennifer Cooper said.

This year, the company launched a national promotion for gluten-free cupcakes, and in the past, Gigi’s has promoted its minis, cheesecakes and custom cakes.

“When you look at competition in the marketplace, we have more to offer,” Jennifer Cooper said.

Now, Gigi’s is selling loaves of bread – banana nut and blueberry among the selections. They have cookies stuffed with frosting.

“What sets us apart is our product quality – the level of integrity that we uphold with our product,” Jennifer Cooper said. “We have a very high standard.”

Cooper also talked about “the whole experience. You walk in and it’s not just the normal bakery with the white case and the white boxes. You come in and smell it. You’re using your eyes and you’re tasting it.

It’s a privilege to get a Gigi’s cupcake.” The cupcakes are placed into what looks like a gift box with a bow as part of the design.

What’s next for the Coopers is better utilizing the four locations and increasing their outside sales for weddings, bridal showers, teas, luncheons, birthday parties and open houses for Realtors. “We have the capacity both here (Prattville) and Montgomery – any of our stores – to put out a lot more volume without having to invest in more brick and mortar,” she said.

“What sets us apart is our product quality – the level of integrity that we uphold with our product.”

-Jennifer Cooper, co-owner, Gigi’s Cupcakes

During an interview one morning, she said, “We have a huge kitchen that is now shut down. We need to have venues that we are partnering with.” One of those venues could be Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic in Prattville at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill. n

Montgomery was churning out those dollars despite a very limited selection. “The product line was cupcakes and cupcakes alone,” Jennifer Cooper said.

“There were no mini cupcakes. No cheesecakes. No birthday cakes.”

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

59

BOWLED OVER WITH SUCCESS RAYCOM MEDIA CAMELLIA BOWL SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON MONTGOMERY

by David Zaslawsky photography by Bryan Carter

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

The day of the inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, the New York Times published a long story with multiple pictures about the football game. That was exactly what local officials envisioned – that along with three-plus hours of coverage on ESPN. The national exposure only tells a small part of the story and success of the game at Cramton Bowl – the first in a six-year deal. The story of the impact of the Camellia Bowl is told over and over again by the participants talking about their experience in Montgomery as well as the 20,000-plus spectators.

Bowl game officials were hoping to draw between 16,000 and 19,000 fans.

An official, who has been to 10 different bowl games over a 20-year career, said he had “by far his best experience,” according to Camellia Bowl Executive Director Johnny Williams. The official, who is from California, had never been to the South, Williams said and “couldn’t get over the amount of personal attention he received – the hospitality.”

One of the Camellia Bowl committees made sure the officials received that Southern hospitality, which included sight-seeing and taking care of their families, Williams said. “We want them to feel at home,” Williams said. “We treat them like we would want to be treated ourselves.”

Everybody from the teams – South Alabama from the Sun Belt Conference and Bowling Green from the Mid-American Conference – to the conference commissioners to ESPN officials were impressed with the bowl game, Williams said.

“We couldn’t be more pleased,” Williams said. “For the first one, it went extremely well. The feedback we’re getting is all positive. I’ve had compliments from people all over the country who viewed the game. We’ve also heard a lot of good things from our sponsors.”

Continued on page 62

The feedback we’re getting is all positive. I’ve had compliments from people all over the country who viewed the game. ” -Johnny Williams, Raycom Media Camellia Bowl executive director

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

61

Continued from page 61

Williams started work on the 2015 Camellia Bowl in January, but don’t expect major changes. “We are just going to try to make the things we did even better (this) year,” he said. “We will be a little more comfortable with the flow of things.”

There is a learning curve to producing a first-time event, but as Williams said “all the big stuff all went well. There was not a glaring glitch. We anticipate it being financially successful.”

He does plan to tweak things from making better use of the volunteers to perhaps “adding some more quality seats” in the north end zone, which had a field suite for the inaugural game. The street festival, which was scheduled to be on Commerce Street, was moved to the train shed at Union Station because of weather.

Williams said that location may be used again. He also talked about some additional security for the post-game presentation.

About a dozen businesses bought corporate tailgate packages. “We were hugely satisfied,” Williams said.

He hopes to retain those and add some from word-of-

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

mouth. “Those who had a chance to view that area will now understand it’s a great atmosphere for a party,” he said. “It was very successful from our viewpoint.”

Those corporate tailgate areas were at the parking lot at Paterson Field – across the street from Cramton Bowl – and inside the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people were at Paterson Field and the parking lot, including tents for South Alabama alumni.

The kids’ zone was set up on Paterson Field. “It turned out to be one of the unique areas that we can build on in the years to come,” Williams said.

Williams said he attended last year’s Birmingham Bowl. “We’re always looking to learn; to add; to adjust; but overall there are not a lot of things we’re going to change.”

The weather was a factor with rain the day before the game and the threat of rain on game day.

“The unique thing about a bowl game – once we get a system that works – most of the time you just repeat the same functions,” Williams said. n

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Running a business has always been challenging. On top of that, success in the Digital Age now requires organizations to stay on the cutting edge of information technology.

With advances in IT occurring constantly, that can be overwhelming. There is hope, though.

Warren Averett Technology Group is one company that works to make IT systems not only more manageable for businesses, but also more profitable.

“We’re not here just to be a technology entity; we’re here specifically to help our clients grow,” said Warren Averett Technology Group President Jason Asbury. “We do our best to be a true, trusted adviser for our clients.”

One of several affiliates of the certified public accounting firm Warren Averett, Warren Averett Technology Group, like its sister companies, grew from the organization’s desire to provide clients additional resources to help their businesses thrive.

Member Profile

WARREN AVERETT TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Boosting the bottom line for their clients

by Melissa George Bowman photography by Robert Fouts

Jason Asbury is president of the Warren Averett Technology Group.

“Our inception began as a support component and an adviser for our clients relative to accounting software,” Asbury said. “If you’re supporting accounting software, then you naturally need to be able to provide a support function for the rest of your computers and systems, and that’s how accounting software kind of complemented those traditional tech services.”

Now in its 16th year, Warren Averett Technology Group has expanded its services to help clients navigate the ever-evolving world of IT. It has always provided traditional IT assistance such as maintaining and troubleshooting systems. Tying into its accounting roots, the company also sells, implements and maintains accounting software. In addition to those areas, it is focused on helping clients use innovative, efficient and reliable IT solutions to grow their business.

In recent years the company has begun concentrating more on data center services and cloud computing.

As Asbury explains, there are times when a client needs a new software solution, but wants to avoid purchasing a new server to go with it. In that case, Warren Averett Technology Group utilizes its partnerships with vendors such as Microsoft Corp. and IBM to offer customers cloud platforms, and then configures their services, remote access and backup systems. Asbury says the company has taken this a step further for clients who want peace of mind knowing they can access their data in the event of a problem. More than a year ago, the company began leasing space in the Retirement Systems of Alabama Dexter Avenue Datacenter. The facility, according to Asbury, is not only the most advanced in the state, but also a leading facility in the Southeast.

“We wanted to create a private, managed cloud solution for our clients, so we acquired this space and then we invested in some enterprise-grade infrastructure,” Asbury said. “We bought state-ofthe-art servers, storage and systems and software to run it and now we’re able to host our clients’ systems for them.

“We provide everything down to carrier service. They don’t even purchase their own Internet connection; rather, we provide a connection to the data center and then we provide Internet through that. Our goal is to be an all-encompassing, one-stop shop relative to IT for our clients.”

Another plus the facility offers is that it is SOC 2 compliant, meaning regulated industries can be assured their data is secure. Even clients who maintain their own servers can take advantage of back-up and disaster recovery services at the data center. Should a catastrophic event occur, Warren Averett Technology Group can restore these clients’ systems in up to four-minute increments.

Because cyber security has become a concern for many businesses, the company has developed a security consulting services practice. This is particularly beneficial to clients in regulated industries who must meet federal compliance standards. For those customers, Warren Averett Technology Group performs a risk assessment and then works to bring them into compliance.

The company can also perform risk assessments for clients who process credit card transactions. Asbury points out that while large companies such as Target and Home Depot make headlines when a security breach occurs, the same problem can happen to smaller businesses as well.

EMPLOYEES

NEARLY 30 LOCATION

MONTGOMERY BIRMINGHAM PENSACOLA TAMPA WEBSITE

WATECHGROUP.COM

“What we’re trying to do for our clients is get in front of it and be proactive,” he said. “We try to educate and make them aware and help them through these assessment steps to prevent the actual breach from occurring.”

No matter what service Warren Averett Technology Group is performing for a client, Asbury says its primary focus is always the relationship with that particular business. He says the company takes time to truly understand their clients’ needs so they can help them become more successful. One recent example is a customer whose payroll process had taken nearly three days, but now takes only four hours.

“Our rule of thumb is any time we recommend a technology solution for our client, first and foremost we’re trying to improve an existing process, but secondly, we’re recommending five-year solutions,” Asbury said. “We’re not a break/fix organization. As true business consultants with a five-year solution for technology we’re thinking forward, and we’re trying to think about ways for them to adopt new technologies to improve their bottom line.” n

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65

MEMBER NEWS

BUSINESS BUZZ TWO MEDICAL PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS RECEIVE PROMOTIONS

Jewell H. Halanych

MONTGOMERY – Two faculty members of the UAB Montgomery Internal Medicine Program have been awarded academic advancement by the UAB School of Medicine. Dr. Jewell H. Halanych and Dr. Leslie Harris Jr. have been promoted to associate professor of medicine of the School of Medicine.

Leslie Harris

Halanych obtained her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Following completion of her internal medicine residency at Brown University School of Medicine, she served a general internal medicine fellowship at Boston University Medical Center. While in Boston, she received a master’s degree from the Boston University School of Public Health. She joined the faculty at UAB in 2003, having joint appointments with the Division of Preventive Medicine and with the Montgomery program.

In 2012, she was appointed program director of the UAB Montgomery Internal Medicine Program.

Halanych presently serves as a scientist with the UAB Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness and as an associate scientist with the UAB Minority Health and Research Center.

GILPIN GIVHAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION

MONTGOMERY – The law firm of Gilpin Givhan, P.C. announces that it has been included by The Robert Gilpin Harris, a native of National Law Journal in a Montgomery, received his list of “Firms That Have Corporate undergraduate and medical degrees America’s Back.” from the University of Alabama The list is a ranking of U.S. firms at Birmingham. After completing that served Fortune 50 companies his internal medicine training at in five prime practice areas during UAB Montgomery, he served as 2013. Gilpin Givhan was one of chief resident in medicine. He was three Alabama firms named in subsequently appointed to the the prestigious list and the only faculty as assistant professor of Montgomery-based firm recognized. medicine in 2003. He holds multiple leadership roles in the residency “Our firm especially values our program, including director of ranking on this list because it comes ambulatory medicine and associate not from our peers, but from the program director. corporate officers of Fortune 50 companies – the world’s most“Drs. Halanych and Harris are admired companies.” Robert Gilpin, very deserving of this significant partner with the firm, said in a academic achievement,” Dr. W.J. statement. “We value that our clients Many Jr., dean of the Montgomery are assured that we are watching out Regional Medical Campus of the for their best interests while they are UAB School of Medicine, said in a busy looking ahead.” statement. “They have made major contributions to enhance medical The National Law Journal provides education and access to quality in-depth coverage of the issues health care. Montgomery and the that mean the most to private River Region are indeed fortunate practitioners, judges, corporate to have physicians who exhibit the lawyers, government attorneys highest ideals of professionalism and and other members of the clinical excellence.” legal community.

Gilpin Givhan is a full-service business law firm that represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs.

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

or third place) included recognition for overall use of photography, graphic design, website, briefs and promotion.

PRIME MONTGOMERY WINS NINE AWARDS MONTGOMERY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Prime Montgomery won nine awards at the 2014 convention of the North American Mature Publishers Association.

Awards were judged by a panel of experts from The University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Prime Montgomery is distributed free-of-charge at more than 275 locations across the River Region.

Sandra Polizos

The River Region lifestyle magazine for people 50 and older also received two firstplace awards. Editor Sandra Polizos won first place in the personal essay category. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I frequently write about my experiences growing up in Montgomery, my hometown,â&#x20AC;?

Polizos said in a statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To have professionals outside our readership area appreciate these stories is particularly gratifying.â&#x20AC;?

First place was also awarded for a series of ads created by Prime. Other awards received by Prime (second

YOUTHS READY TO PARTICIPANT IN FIVE POINTS OF LIFE KIDS MARATHON MONTGOMERY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Participants in the fifth annual Five Points of Life Kids Marathon will gather March 7 at the James W. Wilson Jr. YMCA at New Park to collect medals. The event starts at 8 a.m.

Children in kindergarten through eighth grade will run or walk the full 26.2-mile marathon distance a little bit at a time, logging their distance as they go. More than 400 youngsters ran or walked last year.

Entry forms and running logs are available online at www. fivepointsoflife.org or at LifeSouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Montgomery headquarters at 4139 Carmichael Road. For information, call (334) 260-0803.

Five Points of Life is a foundation started by LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to raise awareness of the five ways to share life with others through the donation of blood, apheresis, marrow, cord blood and organ and tissue. It also offers classroom programs to students in the Montgomery area that teach the science and social responsibility of CONTINUED ON PAGE

68

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February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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67

donating. The children’s marathon promotes fitness and offers lessons in setting goals.

LifeSouth and the YMCA GoodTimes Program partner to bring the event to Montgomery.

BEASLEY ALLEN NAMES LITIGATORS OF THE YEAR

Ben Baker

MONTGOMERY– Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., announced that shareholders Leigh O’Dell and Ben Baker were selected as the firm’s Litigators of the Year.

The annual recognition is presented to the attorney(s) who demonstrates exceptional professional skill throughout the course of the year and best Leigh O’Dell represents the firm’s ideal of “helping those who need it most.”

O’Dell practices in the firm’s mass torts section while Baker practices in the personal injury/product liability section.

In addition to selecting the overall “top attorney,” Beasley Allen recognized excellence in each of its sections, naming the Lawyer of the Year in each. Honorees for 2014 are Kendall Dunson, personal injury section Lawyer of the Year; Graham Esdale, products liability section Lawyer of the Year; Alison Hawthorne, fraud section Lawyer of the Year; Navan Ward Jr., mass torts section Lawyer of the Year; and Parker Miller, toxic torts section Lawyer of the Year.

“It is comforting to know that I work with a group of outstanding lawyers and that they consider it a priority to take good care of their clients,” founding shareholder Jere L. Beasley said in a statement.

“The lawyers receiving the awards this year were recognized for exceptional performances in their areas of expertise. No doubt each understands that their being honored could never have happened without lots of hard work by their fellow lawyers and support staff. I am proud and honored to be a part of the Beasley Allen team.”

WARREN AVERETT ADDS MOBILE OFFICE BIRMINGHAM – Warren Averett, LLC, Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, expanded its presence in Alabama with the opening of a Mobile office.

Certified public accountant Phillip Rivers will relocate from the firm’s Montgomery office to establish the new Mobile office in the RSA Battle

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

House Tower. Prior to joining Warren Averett in 2012, Rivers spent more than 11 years with a Big 4 firm and has a large number of clients and professional relationships in the Mobile market.

“The Mobile market is poised for growth and opportunity through industries such as maritime, aerospace, construction and manufacturing,” Warren Averett CEO Jim Cunningham said in a statement.

“Entering this market puts us in a better position to build long-lasting relationships by helping our clients and our employees thrive.”

Warren Averett has 750-plus employees in 15 offices in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, plus affiliate offices in Houston and the Cayman Islands. The firm is ranked among the top 5 CPA firms in the Southeast and top 30 in the country.

JACKSON HOSPITAL PUBLICATION RECEIVES GOLD MARCOM AWARD MONTGOMERY – Jackson Hospital’s quarterly print magazine, Partners, was the recipient of a 2014 MarCom platinum award.

The award recognizes design work in the Summer 2014 issue, which featured Jackson Hospital’s nurse residency program.

MarCom Awards is a creative competition for any individual or company involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs. Approximately 6,000 entries are received from corporate marketing and communications departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. n

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE MONTGOMERY CHAMBER NAMES KEY STAFF TO LEAD COMMUNITY STRATEGIES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES MONTGOMERY – The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce announced several staff promotions and a new team member. Sheron Rose has joined the Chamber as Vice President, Community Strategies. Ron Simmons has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development, and Lisa McGinty has been promoted to Executive Director of the Chamber Business Development Center.

Community Strategies, she will be responsible for state and local governmental affairs as well as workforce development and education, diversity initiatives, community engagement and member advocacy.

Sheron Rose

Ron Simmons

Simmons has been with the Chamber five years and previously served as National Sports Sales Manager for the Chamber Convention & Visitor Bureau. In his new position as Vice President, Business Development, he will be responsible for small and minorityowned business initiatives. He will also lead an aggressive new business retention and expansion program aimed at small businesses and will develop and connect the local small business community to vital resources essential for their growth and prosperity.

“The Montgomery Chamber has always been a driving force for economic development, and these new positions will help us continue improving the local economy by focusing even greater efforts on Lisa McGinty business and community development,” said Montgomery McGinty, an 11-year veteran of the Chamber President Randall L. Chamber was formerly Director George. “We gain a tremendous of Small Business Development. asset in the leadership of Sheron In her new position she will direct Rose, and we look forward to valued the programs and initiatives of the team members Ron Simmons and Chamber Business Development Lisa McGinty taking their talents Center, located at 600 S. Court St. and abilities to the next level for the She will be responsible for innovation benefit of our community.” and entrepreneurial strategies, cyber Rose comes to the Chamber from and tech launch opportunities and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing enhanced resources for small and Alabama, where she served minority-owned businesses. as Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Relations. She also has extensive experience in the fields of government, minority affairs, human resources and education.

As the Chamber’s Vice President,

MEMBER NEWS

SAINT JAMES SCHOOL ANNOUNCES NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL MONTGOMERY – Lawrence U. “Larry” McLemore was unanimously selected as the succeeding Saint James School Head of School. He will take over from Melba Richardson, who is retiring June 30.

Larry McLemore

McLemore, who starts his new role July 1, is marking his 26th year of affiliation with Saint James School.

Richardson has served 32 years at the school.

“The leader of an excellent school must be a visionary who eagerly anticipates the future while always celebrating the current successes of students, teachers and all members of the school family,” McLemore said in a statement. “It is my greatest honor to be chosen to lead Saint James School into the future. It takes vision, clarity of purpose, and the unwavering commitment of a talented team of educators to build and maintain a school that transforms lives. I am a product of that Saint James School vision and it is my distinct privilege to carry on that work for future generations.”

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McLemore’s career in education started in the classroom. He has taught several history courses and served as middle school and varsity football coach. In 2012, he became a Saint James High School college counselor and dean of student programs while continuing to teach his AP U.S. history course.

In 2014, he transitioned into the role of director of advancement for the school and also taught AP U.S. history. As director of advancement he has worked to bring several of the school’s department strategies together, including admissions, alumni, marketing and development.

“Dr. McLemore has served with distinction in his role as director of advancement,” the Saint James School Board of Directors wrote in announcing the new Head of School. “His foundation is built on Saint James; he will be the first Saint James graduate to serve as Head of School. We are confident Larry will be a dynamic leader for many, many years to come.”

McLemore, a native Montgomerian, completed his undergraduate studies in history and political science at Huntingdon College and received a master’s degree in secondary education from Vanderbilt University.

He received a doctorate degree in history from Auburn University.

Burns-Johnson’s responsibilities at MACOA will include planning and EXIT HODGES REAL ESTATE implementing all fundraisers ANNOUNCES HIRE along with public relations MONTGOMERY – EXIT and community outreach.

Hodges Real Estate She has a bachelor’s in Montgomery degree in business announced the hiring from Auburn University of Candace Lightsey. and a master’s degree in public administration “We’re excited to with an emphasis in welcome Candace Candace Lightsey nonprofit management and to EXIT Realty,” Paul leadership from Auburn University Hodges, broker of EXIT Hodges Real at Montgomery.

Estate, said in a statement. “EXIT is growing and attracting quality businesspeople like Candace each and every day.”

MONTGOMERY AREA COUNCIL ON AGING NAMES SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR MONTGOMERY – Chacolby BurnsJohnson has been named special events coordinator in the area of development at the Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA).

Burns-Johnson has a wide range of Chacolby career experience Burns-Johnson in community, higher education, nonprofit and government settings, where she has a background in events management, fundraising and community relations.

“All of us at MACOA are excited to have Chacolby bring her knowledge and expertise to our team,” MACOA Executive Director Donna Marietta said in a statement. “Her non-profit experience and community engagement will blend well with our clients, volunteers and board, furthering our focus on providing services and meals for seniors.”

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve and represent MACOA and continue the rich legacy of serving seniors in our community,” BurnsJohnson said in a statement. “I look forward to making a positive contribution while collaborating with partners to strengthen and enhance our fundraising and outreach efforts.”

RENASANT BANK MORTGAGE DIVISION ADDS SENIOR MORTGAGE BANKER MONTGOMERY – Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending announced that Steve Stringer has joined the company as senior mortgage banker at its East Montgomery location.

In his new role, Stringer will be responsible for mortgage lending in Montgomery and surrounding communities in the River Region.

“We are excited to have Steve join the Steve Stringer Renasant family,” David Mays, executive vice president and director of mortgage lending, said in a statement. “His experience in mortgage banking and dedication to customer service parallels our existing culture.”

Stringer is a graduate of Auburn University and has more than 20 years of experience in mortgage lending. Prior to joining Renasant, Stringer served as a mortgage originator in a large regional bank.

“Steve is a proven lender with background and experience that complements Renasant’s commitment to expanding and developing mortgage lending in the Montgomery market and surrounding communities.” Mark Harmon, vice president of retail mortgage, said in a statement.

MAX CREDIT UNION NAMES VP FOR EAST ALABAMA MONTGOMERY – MAX Credit Union has named Martee Moseley as vice president of business services for the East Alabama territory, including Lee, Macon and Russell counties.

Moseley will handle commercial loans for East Alabama and cater to businesses for all of their financial needs.

“We welcome Martee to our East Alabama MAX team,” MAX Chief Lending Officer Martin Head said in a statement.

“She knows and Martee Moseley understands local business and community life in East Alabama, and that’s an important factor in choosing a financial institution.”

An Auburn resident, Moseley has more than 15 years of experience in business and consumer banking, including branch management, loan management and customer service in Huntsville and Auburn.

“I look forward to continuing to help East Alabama businesses with all their banking needs,” Moseley said in a statement. “We at MAX have the right people and the right products to help businesses of all sizes navigate today’s economy and achieve their financial goals.”

MAX Credit Union, which has $1 billion-plus in assets, has 14 branches in Central and East Alabama.

RAYCOM MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW WSFA TOP EXECUTIVE

“In the eight years that Collin has worked as a member of the Raycom Media family he has proven to be a very capable and dedicated leader,” Rosser said in a statement.

MONTGOMERY – Eric Duncan has been named vice president and Gaston received a bachelor’s general manager of WSFA, degree from Florida State the Raycom Media NBC University in the school of station in Montgomery. media communications.

He will be replacing Collin R. Gaston, who is the new vice president and general TRUSTMARK manager of WBRC ANNOUNCES VP, FOX6 in Birmingham.

Collin R. Gaston Duncan was the general sales manager at Raycom Media’s KCBD-TV, an NBC affiliate, in Lubbock, Texas, since August of 2012. Prior to going to Lubbock, he was sales manager for KVUE, in Austin, Texas. During his tenure at KVUE he held the positions of local sales manager, national sales manager, and before that was a senior account executive.

Duncan was an account executive for the Katz National Rep Firm in the early 1990s, working out of Dallas and then Austin.

“He (Duncan) has done a terrific job at KCBD leading our sales efforts there and we believe will bring those terrific leadership skills to all things here at WSFA,” Raycom Media Senior Group Vice President Jeff Rosser said in a statement.

Gaston, who replaced Lou Kirchen, came to Raycom Media in 2007 from Jacksonville, Fla., where he was local sales manager for WAWS, the market’s Fox affiliate. Prior to that, Gaston served as the national sales manager for Clear Channel’s duopoly WTEV (CBS) and WAWS (Fox) in Jacksonville.

BRANCH OFFICER

MONTGOMERY – Trustmark Bank has named an assistant vice president and branch officer.

Justin E. Mercer, who has six years of experience in the financial industry, is the new assistant vice president and trust officer at the Mobile main office. He is also the employee benefits relationship manager, overseeing and managing retirement plans for Trustmark associates in Alabama and Florida.

Mercer received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Alabama.

David “Jason” Kocher

David “Jason” Kocher has been named branch officer at the Taylor Road location in Montgomery.

He has 17 years of experience in the financial sector. Kocher will be responsible for growing and managing deposits, loans and outside business development for the branch. He attended Auburn University. n

In January, 2007, Gaston was named general sales manager for Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate, WSFA in Montgomery. In March of 2011 he was promoted to vice president and general manager of WSFA 12 News.

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

71

CHAMBER NEWS

RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUND BREAKINGS

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES DONATION CENTER

BELL-LEE’S FUNERAL HOME

9130 EastChase Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-801-9141 • www.algoodwill.org Gary Oos-Vice President Retail Operations Associations/Non-Profit

2020 West Jeff Davis Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36108 334-265-0756 • Karl Bell-Owner Helenor Bell-Owner • Funeral Services

DREAM COURT MONTGOMERYCITY OF MONTGOMERY

RIVER REGION DEPOT

1655 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-354-6342 • www.montgomeryal.gov Attractions-Sports & Recreation

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Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

3500 Wetumpka Highway, Montgomery, AL 36110 334-213-0018 • www.riverregiondepot.com Charla Baumgardner-Owner • Earl Baumgardner-Owner Gifts & Specialty-Retail • Furniture

NEW MEMBERS ACCOUNTINGCERTIFIED PUBLIC

JACKSON COLE & ASSOCIATES, LLC Emma Cole P.O. Box 206 Union Springs, AL 36089 334-421-4465 ASSOCIATIONS/NON-PROFIT

CENTRAL ALABAMA LAUBACH LITERACY COUNCIL Carol Correia 315 S. Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104-4315 334-264-1239 LIBERTY LEARNING FOUNDATION Becky Saunders 9730 Bent Brook Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-301-0418 BARBER

THE VETERAN CUTS BARBER SHOP Johnny Paradise 444 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36109 334-676-1659 BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION/ BENEFIT BROKER

THE JINRIGHT GROUP Bo Jinright 4256 Lomac Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334-481-2908 COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

MONTGOMERY ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, LLC Derek Montgomery 236 Mountain Ridge Rd Millbrook, AL 36054 334-290-1214

CHAMBER NEWS

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS-MFR.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

AIG FINANCIAL NETWORK Lori Schwind 7030 Fain Park Drive, Suite 10 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-549-3756

ETRENZIK Troy Miller 1400 Market Place Boulevard Suite 113 Cummings, GA 30041 678-771-8367

AMERICAN RENTAL & TENT COMPANY/ CAMPBELL FORMALWEAR Dennis Campbell 3371 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-277-6443

FITNESS CENTER/GYM

BODYTRAC HEALTH & FITNESS MONTGOMERY Chase Holmberg 6538 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-6654

MODULAR BUILDINGS

WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN INC. Ronald Jackson 120 Kerr Road Moody, AL 35004 800-782-1500

HOME HEALTH SERVICES

MORTGAGE/FINANCE

JENNINGS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC Vernita Jennings 3536 Dresden Drive Montgomery, AL 36111 334-300-6901

STERNE AGEE MORTGAGE Mary Sandlin 1904 Berryhill Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334-651-0058

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. Ruby Tuck 60 Commerce Street Suite 330 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-241-0768 LAUNDROMAT

ROBERTS CLEANING SERVICE Robert Williams 3368 Royal Creek Road Montgomery, AL 36116-3602 334-462-8733 LEGAL SERVICES - ATTORNEYS

OFFICE FURNITURE

RESTAURANTS

BLACKFINN AMERIPUB Courtney Maddox 7274 EastChase Lane Montgomery, AL 36117 205-712-0543 SAFETY PRODUCTS

GLOVIA-TOTAL SAFETY CORP David Han 941 Plantation Way Montgomery, AL 36117 334-386-8500

OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. Mike N. Miller 1827 1st Avenue North Suite 101 Birmingham, AL 35203 205-443-8300 PHYSICIANSOBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

MONTGOMERY WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH ASSOCIATESDR. GREGORY P. JONES Gregory P. Jones 470 Taylor Road, Suite 300 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-281-1191

MILLER SMITH, LLC Ashley Smith 445 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-625-6959

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

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CHAMBER NEWS

ECONOMIC INTEL UNEMPLOYMENT

Civilian Labor Force DECEMBER P 2014

AREA Montgomery MA

NOVEMBER R 2014

Unemployment Rate

DECEMBER R 2013

DECEMBER P 2014

NOVEMBER R 2014

DECEMBER R 2013

162,468

162,717

165,534

5.50%

5.70%

5.90%

Autauga County

24,819

24,899

25,332

4.50%

4.90%

5.10%

Prattville City

15,872

15,915

16,130

3.90%

4.20%

4.00%

34,277

34,242

34,946

4.90%

4.90%

5.40%

3,792

3,871

3,823

10.70%

12.10%

9.60%

Montgomery County

99,582

99,705

101,435

5.70%

5.90%

6.10%

Montgomery City

89,130

89,241

90,794

5.60%

5.80%

6.00%

520,291

521,518

525,941

4.60%

4.80%

4.90%

87,481

87,685

88,495

6.30%

6.50%

6.70%

207,652

209,581

208,733

4.70%

4.80%

4.90%

88,248

89,091

88,667

4.80%

4.90%

4.90%

175,968

177,327

180,130

6.20%

6.40%

6.60%

81,774

82,505

83,769

6.50%

6.80%

6.90%

2,098,563

2,108,666

2,113,260

5.30%

5.50%

5.70%

155,521,000

156,297,000

154,408,000

5.40%

5.50%

6.50%

Elmore County Lowndes County

Birmingham-Hoover MA Birmingham City Huntsville MA Huntsville City Mobile MA Mobile City Alabama United States

SALES TAX

MA=Metropolitan Area. pPreliminary rRevised Estimates prepared by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations in Cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on 2013 benchmark.

DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2013

Montgomery County

$3,406,587

$3,291,226

City of Montgomery

$7,944,287

YTD 2014

YTD 2013

3.51%

$40,867,511

$39,748,386

2.82%

$7,694,194

3.25%

$96,958,231

$94,068,647

3.07%

$150,936

$144,395

4.53%

$1,877,103

$1,915,702

-2.01%

Prattville

$1,799,984

$1,696,169

6.12%

$20,221,215

$19,884,845

1.69%

Millbrook

$508,997

$506,282

0.54%

$5,990,631

$5,830,431

2.75%

Autauga County

$692,994

$780,153

-11.17%

$7,830,457

$7,664,104

2.17%

Elmore County

$211,014

$220,453

-4.28%

$2,513,761

$2,672,629

-5.94%

Wetumpka

$466,617

$523,347

-10.84%

$5,599,192

$5,973,806

-6.27%

Pike Road

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

Sources: Montgomery County Commission, City of Montgomery, City of Pike Road, Autauga County Commission, City of Prattville, Elmore County Commission, City of Wetumpka, City of Millbrook. Note: YTD numbers are January 2014 thru current month.

74

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

HYUNDAI SALES VEHICLE

DEC 2014

DEC 2013

YTD 2014

YTD 2013

Accent

8,566

7,100

63,309

60,458

Sonata

17,924

14,479

216,936

203,648

Elantra

18,860

21,692

222,023

247,912

Santa Fe

10,395

8,249

107,906

88,844

697

1,092

7,232

11,221

Tucson

3,114

3,714

47,306

41,906

Veloster

1,685

3,047

27,598

30,711

0

0

1

175

2,923

3,280

29,992

32,330

343

352

3,415

3,578

64,507

63,005

725,718

720,783

Azera

Veracruz Genesis Equus Total

Source: Hyundai Motor America

tŚĂƚ͛Ɛ zŽƵƌ ŚĂůůĞŶŐĞ͍

'ĞŶĞƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƋƵĂůŝĨŝĞĚ ůĞĂĚƐ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͍ ŽŶǀĞƌƚŝŶŐ ůĞĂĚƐ ŝŶƚŽ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ͍ dƵƌŶŝŶŐ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ ŝŶƚŽ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ͍ /ŶĐƌĞĂƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐůŝĞŶƚ ƌĞůĂƚŝŽŶƐŚŝƉ͍

ǭ

>Ğƚ͛Ɛ dĂůŬ ^ƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ Θ ^ŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ͗ ϭ͘ϯϯϰ͘Ϯϲϯ͘ϯϰϭϵ ŝŶĨŽΛŐƌĂƉŚŝĐƐĂŶĚŵĂŝůŝŶŐ͘ĐŽŵ

'ƌĂƉŚŝĐƐ Θ DĂŝůŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ͕ /ŶĐ͘ ;'D^͕ /ŶĐ͘Ϳ ŽĨĨĞƌƐ ƐŽƵŶĚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀĞŶ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ Θ ƐŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ Ăůů LJŽƵƌ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚŝŶŐ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ͘

tĞ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ ĨŝŶĚ ŶĞǁ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ͕ ǁŝŶ ŵŽƌĞ ƐĂůĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƚŝǀĂƚĞ ƌĞƉĞĂƚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĨĞƌƌĂůƐ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ŝƐ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌ ƚƌĂŶƐĂĐƚŝŽŶĂů ǀĂůƵĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůĂƚŝŽŶƐŚŝƉ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ͘

'D^͕ /ŶĐ͘ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƚƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƉƌŝŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ŵĂŝů ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ ĂůŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĐŝƚŝŶŐ ĚŝŐŝƚĂů ƐŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂůŝnjĞĚ ƉƌŝŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĞŵĂŝů ĐĂŵƉĂŝŐŶƐ͘

dĞůů ƵƐ ĂďŽƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ƚŽĚĂLJ͊

'ƌĂƉŚŝĐƐ Θ DĂŝůŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ͕ /ŶĐ͘

ϮϬϮϲ >ŽĐƵƐƚ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ DŽŶƚŐŽŵĞƌLJ͕ > ϯϲϭϬϳ

ŝƌĞĐƚ DĂƌŬĞƚŝŶŐ ^ƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ Θ ^ŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ ϭ͘ϴϬϬ͘ϴϬϭ͘ϯϮϰϳ ǁǁǁ͘ŐƌĂƉŚŝĐƐĂŶĚŵĂŝůŝŶŐ͘ĐŽŵ

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

75

QUARTERLY REPORTS NAME

QUARTERLY REVENUES

NET INCOME

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS ESTIMATE

YEAR-AGO REVENUES

YEAR-AGO NET INCOME

Dollar General

$4.7B

$236.3M

$0.79

$0.80

$4.4B

$237M

Sales increased 7.8%

American Eagle Outfitters

$854M

$9M

$0.05

$0.22

$857M

$24.9M

Comparable sales declined 5%

Walgreen

$19.6B

$809M

$0.81

$0.74

$18.3B

$695M

Pharmacy sales rose 9%

Darden Restaurants (Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse)

$1.6B

(-$32.8M)

(-$0.26)

(-$0.27)

$1.5B

$19.8M

LongHorn Steakhouse sales up 8% to $346M

AutoZone

$2.2B

$238.3M

$7.27

$7.18

$2.1B

$218.1M

Profit increased 9.3%

$890.6M

$6.8M

$0.14

$0.87

$648.9M

$38.2M

Sales jumped 37.3%

$6.2B

$104.8M

$0.10

$0.05

$6.4B

$71.6M

Profit surged 47%

Pier I Imports

$484.5M

$17.9M

$0.20

$0.20

$465.5M

$26.8M

Same-store sales up 2.5%

RadioShack

$650.2M

(-$161.1M)

(-$1.58)

(-$1.04)

$775.4M

(-$135.9M)

Sales declined 13.4%

Costco

$26.9B

$496M

$1.12

$1.09

$24.5B

$425M

Profit increased 17%

Abercrombie & Fitch

$911M

$18.2M

$0.25

$0.41

$1B

(-$15.6M)

Sales dropped 12%

Big Lots

$1.1B

(-$3.4M)

(-$0.06)

($-0.05)

$1.1B

(-$9.5M)

Comparable store sales up 1.4%

Sears Holdings Corp.

(Kmart)

$7.2B

(-$548M)

(-$5.15)

N/A

$8.3B

(-$534M)

Plans to close 100 more stores

Family Dollar

$2.6B

$41.3M

$0.44

$0.59

$2.5B

$78M

Home products sales fell 4.8%

Bed Bath & Beyond

$2.9B

$225.4M

$1.19

$1.19

$2.9B

$237.2M

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wearhouse (Jos. A. Bank) Rite-Aid

76

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

NOTABLE

Sales rose 2.7%

MONTGOMERY METRO MARKET HOME SALES* DECEMBER 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

MONTH/MONTH % CHANGE

DECEMBER 2013

YEAR/YEAR % CHANGE

STATEWIDE DECEMBER 2014*

Median Price

$130,000

$145,000

-10.34%

$135,000

-3.70%

$129,176

Average Price

$145,008

$155,007

-6.45%

$153,420

-5.48%

$154,680

2,583

2,660

-2.89%

2,690

-3.98%

31,203

Months of Supply

8.7

10

-13.00%

10.1

-13.86%

8.9

Total # Sales

296

265

11.70%

267

10.86%

3,494

Days on Market

132

134

-1.49%

128

3.13%

158

Units Listed

Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE), The University of Alabama

BU BUILDING STARTS

Building Permits DECEMBER 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

Building Valuations DECEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2013

New Construction

45

62

24

$13,993,600

$7,168,600

$3,116,000

Additions and AlterationsÂ

73

61

65

$10,992,895

$2,326,064

$3,654,400

Others

45

14

28

$192,800

$90,040

$226,500

163

137

117

$25,179,295

$9,584,704

$6,996,900

Total Source: City of Montgomery Building Department

February 2015 Montgomery Business Journal

77

MONTGOMERY REGIONAL AIRPORT STATS DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2013

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

YTD 2014

YTD 2013

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

920

855

7.6%

10,730

10,831

-0.9%

Total Operations

5,270

4,369

20.6%

65,726

60,182

9.2%

Enplanements

14,554

13,442

8.3%

168,625

161,666

4.3%

Deplanements

13,722

13,178

4.1%

169,284

161,106

5.1%

Total Passengers

28,278

26,620

6.2%

337,909

322,772

4.7%

Air Carrier Operations

Source: Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) Dannelly Field

AIR FARES Roundtrip airfare comparisons from Montgomery, Birmingham and Atlanta airports to key destinations.

DESTINATION

MONTGOMERY

BIRMINGHAM

ATLANTA

Baltimore (BWI)

$303

$273

$245

Boston (BOS)

$317

$343

$274

Charlotte, NC (CLT)

$269

$249

$351

Chicago (ORD)

$303

$256

$122

Cincinnati (CVG)

$259

$400

$295

Dallas/Ft Worth (DFW)

$342

$340

$91

Denver (DEN)

$340

$421

$154

Detroit (DTW)

$303

$392

$157

Houston (HOU)

$303

$326

$145

Indianapolis (IND)

$318

$361

$216

Las Vegas (LAS)

$531

$437

$319

Los Angeles (LAX)

$418

$435

$337

Memphis (MEM)

$399

$355

$401

Miami (MIA)

$469

$342

$253

Nashville (BNA)

$481

$388

$339

New Orleans (MSY)

$527

$335

$245

New York (JFK)

$308

$331

$289

Orlando (MCO)

$437

$316

$133

Philadelphia (PHL)

$303

$235

$175

Pittsburgh (PIT)

$339

$357

$241

St Louis (STL)

$259

$247

$216

Seattle (SEA)

$460

$407

$339

$1,343

$1,318

$1,217

Tampa (TPA)

$393

$230

$216

Washington DC (DCA)

$303

$256

$245

Seoul (SEL)

Date of travel: Feb. 17-22, 2015. Date of pricing: Jan. 11, 2015. Source: travelocity.com

78

Montgomery Business Journal February 2015

M

ontgomery native Kent Hornsby took a good idea in 2009 and expanded it into the international engineering and technical solutions firm HCS Group, P.C. of today. From a corner in his attic to an ocean platform off the coast of Nicaragua, from projects in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Japan, HCS is a small energy and electrical engineering firm with a worldwide footprint.

“The services we provide internationally can also be utilized in Alabama,” says Hornsby, CEO, referencing energy studies and audits (ASHRAE Level II) and Infrastructure Condition Assessment Studies which can identify and provide cost savings and possible tax benefits through the use of more efficient systems and renewable energy systems including solar and wind. “For example, we come in and see how ‘energy sick’ (non-efficient) the building is and complete an analysis for energy and power quality modeling.”

The HCS Group utilizes LEED AP (BD+C) leadership in all project applications and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. Operating off a mission statement with core principles in leadership, integrity, and service to deliver sound engineering solutions to clients in the United States and internationally, the firm is proud to house all contracts in Montgomery. “While a lot of our work is international, the contract and money comes back to Alabama,” says Hornsby, adding the Ft. Hill/HCS Group joint venture company, Patriot Design LLC, was just awarded its first contract of $36 million or six years, whichever comes first, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. HCS Group was awarded a similar contract of $36 million as a Small Business.

The company has grown from the two original employees to eight with plans to expand slightly in 2015.

“We’re a small, local firm which allows us to capitalize on the government drive to support small businesses,” says Hornsby. “Our impact, though, is international.”

www.hcsgroupet.com 8401 Crossland Loop • Montgomery, AL 36117 • 334.277.6737 • info@hcsgroupet.com

Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101