MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2
MBJ
DOWNTOWN MGM 2.0 TAKES SHAPE LOCAL ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY IMPACT ADDS UP
ALL IN FOR MGM 2022 Chamber Chairman Cedric Campbell shares plans to keep city’s momentum going & growing
10
CONTENTS JAN/FEB 2022
THIS ISSUE:
10 2022 Chamber Chairman: Cedric Campbell
18 2022 Board of Directors 22 2021 Wrap Up:
149th Annual Meeting Recap & Progress Report
41 Working Capital:
Accounting Industry Overview
56 City & County Update 60 2022 Legislative Agenda 26 Investor Profile: Pete Knight 30 Member Profile: Tamika Reed and Jennifer Hill 34 Military Profile: Col. Alex R. Ganster 36 #myMGM: Downtown MGM 2.0
CHAMBER NEWS:
66 Connect: Chamber News 70 Connect: Past Events 72 The Learning Lab 76 Members on the Move 78 Members in the News 80 Business Buzz 86 Ribbon Cuttings 87 New & Rejoined Members 90 Intel
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MBJ
THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION
MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO Anna B. Buckalew COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT Chief Officer - Lara Wilson Director - Jina Miniard
exploreMedia PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn
MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy
DESIGN Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry Shubird
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Minnie Lamberth, Cristy Andrews, Jennifer Luster and Nannette Smith Sheaffer
PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Fouts, Jonathon Kohn and Grace O’Connor ON THE COVER 2022 Chamber Chairman Cedric Campbell Image by Jonathon Kohn/Serquest.
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The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce unites business, community and elected leaders to grow the economy and enhance the quality of life for all citizens and guests. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published bi-monthly by exploreMedia for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, (334) 834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery, Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. Volume 14, Issue 1. POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, 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 and bulk subscriptions can also be purchased per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.
7 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS
Events +
MA RK YO UR CALENDAR S FOR THE SE UP COMING C HAMB E R E V E NTS
HAPPY NEW YEAR! P OWERED BY PA RT N ERSHIP The Montgomery Chamber produces programs and events that connect and engage our local business community. These 2022 Signature Events represent long-standing traditions that work to address specific goals and objectives for the region. These events not only bring our business stakeholders, elected officials, military leadership and members together, they foster critical partnerships, empower business growth and development, while also supporting our mission of work.
N ETWO R KING O PP O RT U N I TI E S Increase your brand and grow your business at these exclusive networking events. • 60 Minute Coffees • Business After Hours
CO NNE C T ING YO U T O YO U R ELE C TE D LE ADERSH I P Give your employees, clients or stakeholders an opportunity to hear from state leaders on issues impacting business in Montgomery. • Alabama Update • City & County Update • Governmental Affairs Reception • Washington Brief Series • Wright Flyers Annual Meeting
ENGAGE MEN T O P P O RTU N I TI ES Be seen as a leading stakeholder and vital key player among the who’s who of the business community. • Chamber Golf Classic • Military Family Appreciation Day at the Zoo • Military Appreciation Week • 150th Annual Meeting
For complete event details, visit www.montgomerychamber.com/events.
Be sure to follow our social channels:
@montgomerychamber
@mgmchamber
@mgmchamber
8 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Montgomery Chamber
ALL IN By Jennifer Stewart Kornegay • Photography by Jonathon Kohn/Serquest 10 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
20 22 CHAMBER CHAIRMAN
v The Chamber’s 2022 Chairman Cedric Campbell is committed to ensuring the voices of all Montgomery businesses are heard, so he’s setting a generous table and inviting everyone to take a seat.
11 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Montgomery native Cedric Campbell grew up working alongside his dad, who was a tile mason. Together, they’d measure and cut, place and affix different sizes and colors of tile. Those moments proved much more than labor mixed with family time for Campbell; while laying tile, he was laying the foundation for his future career as a civil engineer.
Today, he’s Regional Vice President at Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) a multi-disciplined architectural-engineering firm, where his primary duties include his engineering projects for the firm, as well as overseeing the home base of the expanding company, which now has more than 400 employees in 22 offices. He’s also added a few new lines to his lengthy to-do list, namely the responsibilities that come with serving as the Chamber’s 2022 Chairman of the Board. As he begins his tenure in this position this month, he’s rolling up his sleeves to pick up where John Yelverton left off. Campbell praised his predecessor’s efforts in 2021, specifically his vocal support of Montgomery public schools. Campbell is also excited about leading the city’s new downtown plan and stoking the current buzz into a full-blown enthusiasm. But, there is a much broader objective topping his agenda. Campbell is challenging the Chamber to unify the business community by embracing diverse perspectives, and he’s looking to add even more places at the Chamber’s growing table. We asked Campbell to share what brought him to where he is, and what he hopes to inject into the Chamber and therefore, his hometown, during his
WORK ON. Check out the 2022 Chairman goals and outlook on page 15.
v
time as Chairman.
12 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
: Q
be able to play a role in improving people’s quality
What made you become interested in engineering?
of life. What it really comes down to is GMC’s mission statement – building communities. That really hits
My uncles, cousins and dad were all in construction.
home with me. I also love being around huge earth-
My dad was a tile mason, so I grew up doing some
moving equipment too. I still think that stuff is pretty
of that with him. I remember saying to him, “I want
cool and fun like I did when I was a kid.
to do what you do”, and he said, “Nah, I want you to do a little better, reach a little higher.” Then, in
engineering. I realized that civil engineering, with
Talk about your community involvements and what drives those.
its relation to construction, seemed familiar to what
I enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and
I’ve grown up around with my dad. I went to Auburn
softball when my kids were playing. I’m a deacon
University, obtained my civil engineering degree and
at my church, First Baptist of Greater Washington
interned with Caddell Construction. After graduation,
Park. I am a Kiwanian and serve on the Architectural
I began working with Krebs Engineering, a firm
Review Board for the city. I also sit on the advisory
based in Birmingham. I worked in a small office in
board for Baptist South hospital, and that has been
high school [at Lanier High School], my physics instructor piqued my interest when speaking about
Montgomery for a short time, but eventually resigned because Krebs’ wanted me to work in Birmingham. After resigning, I reached out to other firms, interviewed with GMC, and the rest is history. That was 1998, and I’ve been here ever since.
What has your career path at GMC looked like? I started in the public sector side of engineering, working on water and sewer system plans for various municipalities and counties. A few years later, I moved to the transportation side of engineering, performing roadway design for Alabama Department of Transportation projects. Later, I transitioned into private developments such as EastChase, residential projects like Taylor Lakes and Sturbridge, and large industrial developments. The training I received earlier in my career prepared me for the transition the firm made during the recession. Our firm began housing both public and private sector engineering under one umbrella.
What do you love about your work?
“
I love seeing the impact of the endproduct of my job and its role in improving the quality of life for people.
”
a true eye-opening experience, especially during the pandemic. I have had an opportunity to speak directly with doctors and others in healthcare about the importance of COVID vaccines, and I have been able to share that message in the community. There’s been a lot of misinformation, so I’m happy I’ve been able to spread the facts.
Why have you been so involved in the Chamber and why did you agree to take on this leadership role? For us here at GMC, economic development is key in our world. I’ve been able to see firsthand, that it is the way to improve the quality of life for residents in any community. In a small town, something seemingly as simple as bringing a Dollar General store can do so much. In Montgomery, projects like the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant are game changers. So, the Chamber’s efforts in the arena of economic development are key to this city, and they do a wonderful job attracting industries that pay good
I love seeing the impact of the end-product of my job
wages and provide benefits. The work Ellen
and its role in improving the quality of life for people.
[McNair] and her team do in recruiting and retaining
For example, the EastChase development here in
industries; we see the positive impacts of it every
Montgomery. On that project, we were helping to
day. They call on us to help compile information for
create a great shopping hub for a lot of people. In
a particular industry, as it relates to infrastructure,
the Black Belt region, our projects assisted people
they may need to locate in the River Region. The
in obtaining basic necessities such as water, sewer
Chamber is just a part of what we do, so it’s natural
and improved street networks. It is very rewarding to
for GMC to support and help any way we can. And in
13 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
my role at GMC, it’s a great fit for me to serve the Chamber in this way. It’s really a privilege and honor. I joked with Anna Buckalew about having two engineers serve back to back as Chairman; we’ll see if they want any more of us after this year!
Why do you encourage others to get involved in the Chamber? It offers such tremendous and diverse opportunities for any type or size business. The networking is great, but you also gain access to many different perspectives, and that is very valuable. Getting to know different
MEET THE 2022 CHAMBER CHAIRMAN
people and sharing is what makes the world a better place. I love hearing different ideas, getting various insights on things, and then sharing my thoughts and experiences in the hopes that they can help someone else. A great example of the change that we can bring is when all of us [the Montgomery business community] pulled together to get the property tax passed. The Chamber led that charge and brought us together to have the needed conversations. That allowed many folks coming from different
When he’s not donning a hard hat for GMC or wearing his Chamber name badge,
places and directions to get behind one goal and get it done. That is just
Cedric Campbell is husband to wife
one example of the opportunity we have, through the Chamber, to make a
Kanoschu and dad to six children. Kanoschu
meaningful difference. When the business community comes together as a
is a social worker with the Alabama
collective voice, it is a big voice that can do big things.
Department of Human Resources, where her focus is placing children in safe and
What are your priorities as Chairman? I want to ensure that we continue the support of MPS that John Yelverton has done such a great job spearheading. Another huge initiative is working with the city on the new downtown plan. There are so many great things going on downtown. But there is still a lot of work to do. We have vacant buildings we need to see improved. We want more tourism downtown, but we need to get a clearer understanding of what it takes to do that. We want to extend the trips people are making to the Equal Justice Initiative’s museums and, later, to the Whitewater complex. Having adequate lodging, more dining options and nightlife venues are part of the experience visitors need to prolong their stay. I definitely want to keep the ball rolling on making the Chamber as inclusive as possible. Everyone needs a seat at the table.
What is the No. 1 challenge Montgomery faces, and what are your thoughts on surmounting it? Our public school system. I am sure it has been said by others over last few years. We have not served our students well in the past. But today, we are in a better position than we have been for sure. We are progressing, but it takes time. We must prepare every student to compete in a global economy. And not just for their sakes, but also for ours. This preparation affects us both in the recruiting industry and in recruiting employees. It affects the military here too. Maxwell-Gunter plays such a significant role in this economy and in our culture. It’s not just about today’s students; it’s about the future of the entire city.
loving permanent homes. Five of their children are out on their own now, and the sixth is a 9-year-old who keeps them young. He enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Time constraints have limited his ability to play golf, but when not working in the yard, he now spends his free time enjoying the great outdoors. Not on a grassy course but on the River Region’s roads. “I just love to be outside,” he said. “I ride with my buddies on weekends as much as I can.” On a typical weekend, Campbell pedal pushes between 20 and 40 miles.
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CHAIRMAN OUTLOOK The time is right to craft a fresh economic development vision for the Montgomery region, with diverse ideas and bold leadership around the table.
For two consecutive years, the Chamber has been named a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the United States. This award-winning track record is built on a partnership that unites business and the public sector in the capital city with a shared commitment to economic growth.
Mayor Reed’s Montgomery United Report. The result is this short list
The Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy was launched in 2007, to reshape Montgomery’s economic direction after Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama located here. Since that time, several five-year Imagine increments have come and gone, and each time leadership has asked: “What are the greatest obstacles to economic development? And, how do we overcome them?” Great progress was achieved, but our pace of progress—our velocity—needed to increase. In 2019, working with analysts behind the Envision 2040 plan, the Chamber picked up speed by drilling into opportunity gaps, taking stock of regional assets and
2022:
then aligning its focus even more sharply with the incorporation of of priorities that has accelerated our progress and now leads us into this next economic development plan with clarity and momentum.
• Establish Montgomery as a Leading Logistics Hub in the Southeast
• Accelerate Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development • Grow Military Mission and Culture • Amplify the Tourism Experience and Tell our Story • Transform Public Schools • Recruit and Retain Talent • Be an Advocate and Catalyst for Business and Economic Growth
A MOMENTOUS YEAR FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION
“Across Montgomery and the River Region, there’s an excitement
The time is now to build on that momentum with a next-generation
about the New Year and its fresh possibilities. It’s been almost two
economic and community growth commitment. In 2019, the Chamber
years since the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped our world, and
refined its Imagine a Greater Montgomery plan, homing in on
yet it feels in some ways as if it was a lifetime ago. Perhaps it’s
priorities that best leveraged our regional assets. That focus yielded
the heaviness, the weariness of what we’ve all been through,
results. This year, we take the next step by bringing leadership
combined with a surge of optimism for the future that makes the
together not to simply imagine a better Montgomery region, but
2022 New Year feel so full of potential. At the Chamber, we know
to agree on how we build it. How do we use our momentum to
there is another reason fueling that optimism: Momentum.
accelerate the rate of change and growth for all Montgomery and our regional partners? A strong, united business community, working with
The past two years have brought unprecedented economic
the public sector around a shared vision is a powerful driving force.
growth, new investment and world-wide interest to Montgomery.
Here’s to the power of momentum in 2022!”
Named one of the nation’s top economic development
-Anna Buckalew, CEO, The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
organizations two years running, the Chamber is proud of the public/private partnership that has fueled that success.
16 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
17 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
2022 MONTGOMERY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Pictured from Left to Right Front Row: Cedric T. Campbell, Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Inc., Chairman; LaBarron Boone, Beasley Allen Law Firm, Chairman Elect Pictured from Left to Right Back Row: Caryn C. Hughes, Valley Bank, Vice Chairman; Robert W. Birmingham, Regions Bank, Vice Chairman; Stacia Robinson, The BeneChoice Companies, Vice Chairman; Anna B. Buckalew, President & CEO, Montgomery Chamber; John D. Yelverton III, Dixie Electric Plumbing & Air, Immediate Past Chairman
MR. RICHARD T. ALDRIDGE Program Executive Officer Business & Enterprise Systems
MR. TONY ANDERSON Owner/President TeamLogic IT
MR. TERRY BARBER Owner & Manager Little Engine Broadcasting
MR. G. CARLTON BARKER President & CEO ServisFirst Bank
MR. ROBERT W. BIRMINGHAM Market Executive Regions Bank
MR. JOSHUA O. BLADES Advisor, Governmental Affairs/ Economic Development Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP
MR. JUDKINS D. BLOUNT, SR. CEO Vintage Hospitality Group, LLC
MR. LABARRON BOONE Principal Beasley Allen Law Firm
MS. STEPHANIE A. BRYAN Tribal Chair Poarch Band of Creek Indians
MS. ANNA B. BUCKALEW President & CEO Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
MR. MARK BUNTING Vice President & General Manager WSFA TV
MR. MALCOLM CALHOUN Agent Allstate
MR. CEDRIC T. CAMPBELL Regional Vice President Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
MR. JOSHUA M. CAMPBELL President First Place Financial
MR. ORLANDO CANNON Owner Cannon Janitorial Services
MS. ANITA CARTER Vice President Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC
DR. KEMBA CHAMBERS President Trenholm State Community College
MS. SANDRA J. COAKER Managing Member Warren Averett, LLC
MR. GARY A. COBBS President & CEO YMCA of Greater Montgomery
MR. GREG D. COCHRAN Executive Director Alabama League of Municipalities
MS. CASSANDRA CROSBY Managing Partner Crosby Drinkard
MR. BRIAN L. DAVIS Regional Manager Spire
MR. TERRY G. DAVIS Managing Member Davis & Hatcher, LLC
HONORABLE ELTON N. DEAN, SR. Chairman Montgomery County Commission
MR. DAMON E. DUNCAN President & CEO Montgomery Housing Authority
MR. MIKE DUNN Managing Director Stifel Public Finance
MR. WILLIE DURHAM Agent State Farm Insurance
MR. LISTON EDDINS Chairman Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery
MR. TOD ETHEREDGE Montgomery President Trustmark National Bank
MR. JOHN S. FENDLEY President & CEO Jackson Thornton
MS. TAMMY KNIGHT FLEMING President Knight Fleming & Associates
MR. JOE FRIDAY President & CEO Whitfield Foods, Inc.
DR. BRIAN C. GARY General Surgeon Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.
MR. ROBERT E.L. GILPIN Attorney Gilpin Givhan
MR. RICHARD E. HANAN Board Chairman Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board
MR. BARRIE H. HARMON III Founder & CEO Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc.
MR. MARTIN HEAD President & CEO MAX Credit Union
LT. GENERAL JAMES HECKER Commander & President Air University - Maxwell AFB
MR. ANDRE F. HOWARD Owner & Manager Howard’s Hair Stylists & Designers
MS. CARYN C. HUGHES SVP, Alabama Commercial Lending Executive Valley Bank
MR. LANCE D. HUNTER CEO Hodges Warehouse + Logistics
MS. ASHLEY BRANDLE JERNIGAN Owner JDB Hospitality, LLC
MR. JEREMY KELLY Qualifying Broker Kelly Realty
MR. EUI SUNG KIM President & CEO Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC
MR. PETE R. KNIGHT, JR. Montgomery Market President Renasant Bank
MR. JERRY C. KYSER CEO Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.
MR. COLEMAN LARLEE General Manager SABIC Polymers
MR. JAMES K. LOWDER Chairman The Colonial Company
MR. TROY A. MAXWELL District Manager Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
COL. ERIES MENTZER Commander Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base 42nd Air Base Wing
MR. THOMAS J. METHVIN Principal & Managing Attorney Beasley Allen Law Firm
MR. QUINCY P. MINOR President & COO Uniti Fiber
MS. MARGARET NEKIC President & CEO Inspirien
MR. JOE PERKINS President & CEO Matrix, LLC
MS. ESSENCE J. PHENIX President Smoothie King
MR. PAUL PINYAN Executive Director Alfa Companies
MR. ROBERT R. RAMSEY President & CEO AmeriFirst Bank
MR. DAVID REED Executive Vice President Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
HONORABLE STEVEN L. REED Mayor City of Montgomery
MR. ED REINHARDT Vice President Reinhardt Motors, Inc.
MR. JOE B. RILEY President & CEO Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.
MS. STACIA ROBINSON Agency Principal The BeneChoice Companies
MS. SHARON ROSS President Ross-Clayton Funeral Home
MS. LESLIE L. SANDERS Vice President, Southern Division Alabama Power Company
MR. FRED SIPPIAL, JR. President Tuskegee Ready Mix, Inc.
MR. ERIC SLOAN Founder & CEO 1 Sync Technologies
MR. JOHN E. STEINER Managing Director Welon Partners, LLC
MR. JAMES M. STUBBS President & CEO River Bank & Trust
MR. DOUG THIESSEN President & CEO Alabama Ag Credit
MS. RUBY T. TUCK President & CEO PMTS, Inc.
MR. W. RUSSELL TYNER President & CEO Baptist Health
HONORABLE CLARE C. WEIL President Montgomery County Board of Education
MR. RAY WHITE Vice Chancellor Troy University
MR. NICHOLAS WILLIS Regional President, North & Central Alabama PNC
MS. PAIGE O. WINDSOR Executive Director Montgomery Advisor - USA Today Network
MR. JOHN D. YELVERTON III President Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air
22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
23 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
IMAGINE A GRE ATER MONTGOMERY
Progress Report
The Chamber UNITES Business Leaders, Community Stakeholders, and Elected Leadership around shared priorities to Fuel Economic Growth for Montgomery and the River Region. This 2021 Progress Report is a look back on several significant milestones that are moving Montgomery’s economic development strategy forward.
DIVERSIFY THE LOCAL ECONOMY Montgomery Named
24
Top 20 Economic Development Organization
total projects
980 jobs $226 Million
in the Nation by Site Selection Magazine
capital investment
DRIVING GROWTH. TOGETHER.
(2020 & 2021) Montgomery
Hyundai rolls out its
Whitewater
5,000,000
breaks ground on historic project
Amazon invests
vehicle
$100 Million in Montgomery facility
PROTECT AND GROW DEFENSE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, MISSION & CULTURE
$2.6 Billion Military Impact
Maxwell launches only
DoDEA Pilot Program $14.5 Million Investment
$19.2 Million Military Construction Projects
New Flying Mission at Maxwell
MH 139 Helicopter
Launched Military Spouse Employment Partnership Community Action network (MSEP CAN) 24 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
F-35 Bed Down set for 2023
$100+ Million investment
S T R E N G T H E N E D U C AT I O N , W O R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T A N D TA L E N T R E C R U I T M E N T MGM Said YES to Passing Historic
Ad Valorem Tax
Montgomery TechLab successfully launched 12-week
Accelerator Program APPLE
Launched
chooses MGM an entrepreneurial and innovation center that fuels minority and small business development
Secured Federal Funding for
MGMWERX BESPIN
and
BUILD AND SHARE THE MGM EXPERIENCE Launched brand-new
Launched new
Visitor Center
DE&I Experience
right on Dexter Avenue
for meetings and groups
$1+ Billion Media Impressions
Travel related expenditures
30% Increase and 1,000,000+ room nights
STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS AND THE COMMUNITY
Partnered for Progress
Launched Advocated for our local business community
Restart & Reconnect Bringing people back to in-person events
25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
VESTOR IN
PO WERHOUSE PR
OFIL
Q&A
E
PETE KNIGHT Banking is in Pete Knight’s blood. The President of Renasant Bank in Montgomery grew up in the capital city with a banker father and entered banking straight after earning his finance degree. The industry and even his office feel familiar; today, he’s working out of the same bank building his dad did. These deep Montgomery roots tie a common bond between Knight and the Chamber, and the organization’s tireless work to power his hometown’s progress has earned his admiration and support. What first got you interested in banking and finance? My dad was in banking for 45 years here, so
What changes are on the horizon for the banking industry and for your bank? The way
that set the stage. I graduated from Jefferson Davis High
we deliver products to market is continuously changing
School and went to Auburn before finishing up at AUM with
and has changed more in the last five years than in the
a finance degree and then following in his footsteps, going
previous 15 and will likely change more in the next five
straight to work at a bank in town. He’d told me, “Don’t get
years than it ever has. This is mainly technology driven with
a finance degree,” and he thought I’d be an accountant. But
mobile banking and such, resulting in shifts in the way we
instead, I ended up as the second-generation career banker.
think about physical facilities. These days, with the majority
He actually spent 40 years in this building [Renasant’s main
of young people not banking in person, you don’t need
branch on the corner of Commerce Street downtown], so the
more than a few branches to be competitive. But it is driven
Knight family has spent a lot of time in this place now.
by consumer demand and politics too. Right now, on the consumer side, there is a push for everyone to have the
When did you start at Renasant Bank? In July
ability to own a home, and we are trying to help with that.
2011, a team of myself and three other bankers started it up
We have programs for 100-percent loans. We know that a
from scratch here with the Renasant Bank franchise behind
down payment can be a major hurdle for many first-time
us. Renasant was started in 1904 in Tupelo, Mississippi, and
homebuyers. There’s also more money, more liquidity, in the
what attracted us to the bank was its senior management
system than there has ever been. All banks are begging to
had the same goals and values we did. They did business
make loans.
like we did and like we wanted to continue to do, so it was a great fit. The culture of the bank is very customer oriented;
What is the most challenging part of your job?
you can always talk to a real banker. Our main goal is to take
Keeping our team trained and up to date with tech and
care of our customers, and that’s above profits and growth.
customer demands as they change, which is all the time. We also work to keep them motivated to want to adapt to these
There are a lot of banks in Montgomery; what’s one thing that sets Renasant apart?
constant changes. If you don’t like change, don’t work in banking.
The first word that comes to my mind is our diversity, and
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
markets and customers, and we try to do them all really well,
That’s easy. Helping people reach their dreams. Being out in
and I think we do. Here, people think of us as a community
public and having someone stop me and then introduce me
bank, and we operate in that way. We’re not Regions or
to a friend or family member by saying, “This is Mr. Knight,
PNC. But Renasant also has 200 locations. We are in Atlanta,
and he helped us buy our house.” Or “Mr. Knight helped
Nashville and Memphis and competing in those spots. Yet,
us grow our business. We couldn’t have expanded without
we’re also in Ponotoc, Mississippi, and other little one-bank
that help.” And that’s not limited to customers. I love seeing
towns. We do the $25 million loans and the $2,500 loans.
employees move up the ranks, take on more responsibility
You just don’t see many mixed markets like we have. So
and reach their potential.
many banks are either big banks or little banks. We’re both.
26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS.
by that I mean we are so many different things to different
Hometown Pride Pete Knight was born and raised in the capital city, finished his college degree here and then started his banking career in Montgomery. “I’ve not spent too much time outside these city limits,” he said. His community involvements and out-of-office interests are evidence of his devotion to his home. “I’ve been very active with MACOA [Montgomery Area Council on Aging] for 20-plus years. I’m dedicated to taking care of our seniors, those who took care of us. I am a past chair of MMFA. I believe we have a real treasure there that we need to be so proud of and promote even more,” he said. “My wife is teacher in MPS, so I’m very attuned to the challenges and successes there. My son is studying engineering just over at Auburn. I love being at my house and working in my yard. We’re a close-knit family who loves it here, and we want to be good citizens in every way we can.”
27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
“ “I feel like the Chamber is such a well-oiled machine. It does vital work for our community and does it so well. I will always support a group working that hard. And that’s not the norm. As I said, Renasant has branches all over, and many of them have no local chamber support. Here, the communication between business and our Chamber is second to none.”
What is your impression of Montgomery’s current business climate? Things are very stable here. We’re not necessarily enjoying the successes that we’re seeing right now in a Huntsville or Auburn, but we have a strong, stable base to work with, and that’s great. The biggest challenge I see is getting our young people to step up and take leadership roles in the busines community to ensure we continue to drive future growth. Having that young blood is essential. And some of that is on them. But some of it is on us. When you go to a Chamber meeting right now, there are too many gray hairs in there. We need to see leadership open the door wider to encourage younger people in. We have by no means shut the door on them, but we need to pull them in. We have such amazing senior leadership, it makes it hard to turn over the reins, but we have to. Of course, first we have to keep more of the young people here in the city. We’re getting better at that, but we can do more. And that’s on my industry. All banks should be reaching out to students at our local higher education institutions and not letting them move away. We all need to recruit better in our own backyard.
Why do you choose to be so involved with and supportive of The Chamber and its work? We have been Chamber investors since day one of this bank, and that’s, for one, because I feel like the Chamber is such a well-oiled machine. It does vital work for our community and does it so well. I’m always amazed at Chamber functions, from early morning to evening events, the Chamber team is there. They are relentless in promoting Montgomery and working to better quality of life. I will always support a group working that hard. And that’s not the norm. As I said, Renasant has branches all over, and many of them have no local chamber support. Here, the communication between business and our Chamber is second to none.
29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EM BE R profile
TAMIKA REED Hailing from New Orleans, Tamika Reed came to Montgomery in 2006. She’s making her mark on the capital city, first as an attorney, now as a team member at The Frazer Lanier Company and as partner and wife to Mayor Steven L. Reed.
What are your primary responsibilities at The Frazer Lanier Company? I engage in all aspects of municipal bond transactions for institutions throughout the Southeastern region. The Frazier Lanier Company continues to lead the market in underwriting transactions in the state of Alabama for another consecutive year.
What’s your favorite aspect of your work? I enjoy developing new relationships and providing financial avenues through which entities can accomplish their established goals.
What is your impression of the environment for women in business in the River Region? I believe the River Region is on a good path regarding its quest to increase the number of women in positions of power and influence. However, more attention and emphasis are needed to dispel the stigma that women’s family roles are somehow different than men’s, which can prohibit women from maintaining a stable, healthy work/life balance. This can be accomplished by providing support and consideration for women’s needs (i.e. flexibility) in order to facilitate faster career growth.
What are your priorities and goals as the mayor’s wife? My top priorities and goals as the mayor’s wife encompass building a physically fit, productive environment available to our entire community. My health and wellness initiative is expanding and obtaining drastic
Challenge Accepted
my expectations. I also intend to create a women’s empowerment movement designed to enhance young professional females’ perceptions of self worth and social networking skills. Finally, plans are forthcoming to engage Montgomery’s children in order to produce determined, productive citizens of whom our city will be proud.
What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, running and traveling. frazerlanier.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR
“I am confident the skills and experiences I obtained as a practicing attorney over 12 years influenced my decision to embark upon a career in a male-dominated business that I undoubtedly would not have otherwise considered.”
growth. Attendance and active participation are exceeding
31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EM BE R profile
JENNIFER HILL After time working in big insurance firms in big cities, Jennifer Hill came to Montgomery. When she looked for a job, she found a small company and worried it wouldn’t be a good fit. More than 20 years later, she now calls joining Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, where she’s a shareholder and Vice President, “her best career decision.”
When did you start working at Harmon Dennis Bradshaw? In 1999, two weeks after arriving in Montgomery. There was only one global insurance broker that had an office in the city, and it was small compared to the major global brokerages in Orlando and New York City I had worked at. I have always been career-driven so I was wary to take a job at an independently owned agency. I was convinced that larger insurance brokerage firms were better. What convinced me to try HDB was their vision for the firm and the knowledge and integrity of the partners.
What all does your job entail? I lead the design and development of property and liability insurance programs for our business clients. This entails diving into a client’s business to really understand their needs, then leveraging our strong relationships with insurance companies to customize a risk solution that fits. I also work closely with HDB’s President, David Dennis, in developing and implementing HDB’s long-term strategic initiatives, and I sit in on two insurance carrier agent advisory boards.
What are HDB’s primary services? Providing all insurance products for businesses including property, liability, auto, workers compensation, management liability, group employee life, health, vision and dental. We also provide HR services such as employee handbook review
It Runs in the Family Jennifer Hill is a shareholder in HDB, but Hill noted how that doesn’t make her unique in her house. “We’re a family of business owners. Brad [her husband] has
and complimentary HR compliance guidelines as well as free access to labor law experts. Additionally, we offer loss control assistance from a former Assistant Area Director for OSHA. Our claims team is headed up by an attorney who has more than 20 years of experience in insurance and contract litigation who will advocate on our clients’ behalf.
his own side IT business, and Isabella where she just surpassed 300 sales.”
What is your favorite thing about your job? Being able to help protect businesses and their employees. I am curious, business-minded and a problem solver, so I love digging in and learning about clients’ businesses. It’s fascinating and makes insurance the opposite of boring. I also love the people aspect of my work. hdbinsurance.com
32 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK C. WILLIAMS
[her daughter] has her own Etsy business,
33 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M I L I TA RY profile
COL. ALEX R. GANSTER As Commandant of the International Officer School and Director of Air University International Affairs, Col. Alex R. Ganster has an important job that carries geopolitical implications. He definitely feels the gravity of his responsibilities. But they don’t weigh on him; Ganster calls his role a “privilege.”
Where are you originally from? I am originally from San Diego but was raised in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. However, Katheryn and I plan on making Alabama our permanent home when we finally retire. We love the River Region.
How long have you been in the Air Force? I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in June 1994.
How long have you been Commandant for AU’s International Officer School? Following my tour as the Senior Defense Official in Ecuador, I took command of the International Officer School on July 7, 2021.
What are the main duties and responsibilities of your job? As the IOS Commandant and Air University’s Director for International Affairs, I am responsible for providing educational and administrative support to our international guests and their families. Additionally, I provide international affairs advice to Air University and Wing leaders, as well as coordinate and liaise with HQ AETC, HQ Air Force and U.S. embassies around the world.
What role does IOS play in Air University? IOS and the International Affairs Directorate play an
Big Global Impact
security cooperation goals and objectives through international engagements. Our International Engagements branch makes it possible for partnerships and agreements between allied nations and Air University to exist. When foreign nations want to capitalize on what Air University excels at — whether it be transferal of information and/or educational services, military personnel exchanges, wargaming, research, mobile education teams or high-level senior leader engagements, — AU’s International Affairs team
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL 34 34
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR
Since its establishment in 1954, more than 12,000 international military students from 136 countries have completed Air University’s International Officers School program. Each year, a little more than 200 students attend AU programs annually, and Ganster and his team, with assistance from the 42nd Air Base Wing, support approximately 350 accompanying family members from about 80 countries.
essential role by enabling and delivering national
makes it happen. For the past 67 years, IOS, on behalf of Air University, continues to support national security cooperation strategic imperatives by supporting, preparing and partnering with our International Military Students (IMS) and their families. IOS’ three preparatory courses ensure our IMS succeed during their participation, side by side with their American counterparts, in U.S. Air Force Professional Military Education (PME). Additionally, our International Operations Branch provides administrative support to all international students attending any AU school. Finally, the Operations Branch executes all required administrative actions regarding travel to and from their country, to include housing and pay where applicable.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work? At its core, Security Cooperation is intrinsically a very personal endeavor. Our vision is to build global partnerships, one international leader at a time. The privilege to be entrusted with this mission is incredibly rewarding. As you know, the United States now faces a more competitive and dangerous international security environment than we have seen in generations. Peer competitors, especially Russia and China, and other adversaries continue aggressive efforts to negate our long-standing warfighting advantages and challenge U.S. prosperity, security and geopolitical standing. IOS and the International Affairs team is advancing Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and AU priorities through strategic engagements and partnerships with ‘early wins’ that build to longer-term transformations in how we prepare warfighters for tomorrow’s fight. Unlike our competitors, our major operations are inherently coalition operations that benefit from the expertise and capabilities of our international partners. Also, as a commander, I can’t help but to brag about how impressive the IOS faculty and the International Affairs Directorate staff are. Their skill and dedication to the mission are the catalyst to our success as they continue to perform above any expectation.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work? Outside of family, I like to spend time working on old cars and enjoying sports. I grew up playing baseball, and that continues to be a passion today. Unfortunately, as a Chicago Cubs fan, I do not get many opportunities to celebrate. College football is my other passion. I married into an Auburn family and, as a result, was promptly converted—War Eagle! Maxwell.af.mil
MyMGM
DOWNTOWN MGM 2.0 The capital city’s downtown has been on the grow for the last 15 years, and now city leaders are creating a blueprint to accelerate further development in the area and ensure it is in-line with current goals and benefits the entire region. /
by JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY
“Downtown Montgomery has so much going for it, a stock of beautiful buildings and a rich history. The stories in downtown and in the city are told by those who know it best, but they need to be told more powerfully and to a much larger audience.” -SCOTT PAGE, PRINCIPAL, INTERFACE STUDIOS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHON KOHN/SERQUEST
“Strong cities have strong downtowns.”
commerce, which creates a thriving
represents one of the most critical calls to
Not many people would debate this
community. A keen understanding of
action and one of the largest opportunities
basic assertion, made by Scott Page,
this fact is why Montgomery is currently
outlined in the City’s Envision 2040 plan.
Principal of Interface Studio, while he was
updating the roadmap it will use to see
in Montgomery last summer to discuss
continued success in the development of
The original incarnation of Montgomery’s
the city’s new strategic and visionary
downtown.
downtown plan brought us the Riverwalk,
downtown planning initiative. (Interface
the Alleyway and more — it did a lot. But
Studio has partnered with the City and the
The plan has been dubbed Downtown
that was more than a decade ago, and
Chamber in the effort.)
2.0., and the City, County and Chamber
according to Page, most cities update their
have enlisted the help of Interface Studio
downtown plans every 10 years. So, the
Look at any size city anywhere, and
to guide the process; the firm has earned
time is now. And city leadership is ready.
the ones we most want to visit or live,
national recognition for its work in this
Here’s what you need to know about
work and play in, have a vibrant center
arena. And getting this right is key, as
Downtown 2.0.
that draws and supports prosperous
the plan for future downtown progress 36 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WHAT’S DRIVING THE UPDATE?
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
Mayor Steven L. Reed and his team
Downtown 2.0 is being built on solid
completed Montgomery’s first
technical research that seeks to
comprehensive plan in 50 years at the
understand trends and conditions, but
end of 2020. Envision 2040 calls for
it will also rely heavily on residents’
an updated downtown plan to ensure we fully capitalize on the rich potential
“One of the most critical calls
wisdom. “We want that intuition that locals have just by living and working
yet to be unearthed there. According
to action, resulting from the
to Page, the Downtown 2.0 plan is
comprehensive 2040 Plan,
by welcoming everyone, so we have
was to develop a block-
to have a lot of public engagement to
crucial to choosing the path that will get us from where we are now to where we want to be. “Downtown plans are immensely important,” Page said. “No city that has a great downtown has one by accident; they were all planned.” A plan gives a community a vision and goals to rally around together, and it clearly identifies the needs to be met and the roles different groups
by-block strategy that will catalyze growth and progress for the entire city and region. Intentional development of Montgomery’s downtown can change the course of economic development and
and individuals can and will play to
quality of place for many
meet those needs and achieve the
years to come.”
established goals. “It’s an empowering tool that says we want to improve downtown, and this is how we’ll do it,” Page said, “and this is who needs to be at the table.”
- Anna B. Buckalew, President & CEO,
here,” Page said. “Downtowns succeed
know what Montgomerians want the future of downtown to be.” Beginning last fall and continuing through the winter, the plan’s team is working hard to get input from all who care about downtown, which according to Page, should be everyone. “We have been talking with all who have a stake in this, and that’s includes those who live in or near downtown and who own a business or property there — they know this place best — but it’s really the entire city too.”
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
WHY DOES DOWNTOWN 2.0 MATTER? While downtown development has been riding on some steady momentum in the last decade, the immense changes in recent years (both here and nationwide) call for a renewed commitment to a shared vision. Downtown 2.0 is an opportunity to create and then effectively implement that vision. “There are many unique experiences downtown now,” said Page, “but how do we thread them all together for residents and visitors? We want to think about how we created a broader experience downtown.” Doing so, according to Page, drives new business growth, new activity, new housing, new investment and new tourism in downtown but beyond downtown too. “Downtowns are central to economic development in entire cities and surrounding regions,” Page said. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC SALAS
37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
“I’m really excited about the Downtown Plan and look forward to continued work on that. It’s a big and key initiative for the city. Increasing tourism here, sharing our story with more people and providing more opportunities for our residents and our businesses all go hand-in-hand in this, and a strong plan is the way to do it.”
2022 Chamber Chairman Cedric Campbell
“This is a blueprint to chart our course for smart, sustainable development in Montgomery. The Downtown Plan complements the Envision 2040 Comprehensive Plan and will help Montgomery capitalize on our burgeoning tourism, tech and entrepreneurial assets. By building out a vibrant city center, we can attract new opportunities for growth Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed
throughout our city, especially in west and north Montgomery.”
“Montgomery has been my home my entire life and has always been a great place to live. The Downtown 2.0 Plan provides an opportunity to showcase our greatness to others and to share our vision of home with people around the world. We hope that this plan will make people, businesses, and industries want to call Montgomery home like we do.”
Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean
38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN:
THOUGHTS FROM LOCAL LEADERS:
Grand Rapids, Michigan, Macon, Georgia, and Atlanta, Georgia, have successfully increased investment and development in their downtowns in recent years. The specifics vary with the city, but their efforts share a common thread, according to those who’ve led them. They all stress that they couldn’t have done their work and done it so well without a master plan.
“Our recently completed Downtown Master Plan — GR Forward — is helping to guide strategic and tactical decisions to transform Grand Rapids into a more dynamic, resilient and prosperous waterfront city for all. Most importantly, GR Forward has translated to action and results, which is the true value of completing any master planning initiative.”
Tim Kelly, President & CEO, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
“The world’s best talent is picking a place to live before they have a job to do, and a vibrant downtown is your best asset to attract that talent. A great downtown plan will engage all your citizens to envision the best future for downtown and empower those citizens to enact the plan.” Josh Rogers, President & CEO, New Town Macon
“For Downtown Atlanta, the plan was an essential tool to
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Jennifer Ball, Vice President, Planning and Economic Development, Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID)
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WORKING CAPITAL Montgomery’s robust accounting industry is of major value to the capital city, helping ensure its business community has the financial knowledge and tools it needs to succeed. By Jennifer S. Kornegay
41 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: ACCOUNTING
I
FROM THE EXPERT:
f hearing “accountant” conjures the image of an old, bespectacled man
jotting in a ledger and pecking away at an adding machine in an office where he performs the same boring tasks day in and day out, you need to adjust the picture in your mind. According to John Fendley, President and CEO of Jackson Thornton, one of the largest and oldest accounting firms in Montgomery, just about every aspect of that stereotype is wrong. He noted that currently, more female accounting graduates are entering the accounting industry workforce than male, and diversity across other demographics is occurring at a rapid pace industrywide. He also stressed how enjoyable the work can be. “Today’s accounting is not the back-room person wearing a green visor with a desk covered with pencils and paper,” he said. “Public accounting is challenging, exciting and essential to almost all businesses. CPA’s get to work with clients in varied industries and help them be successful. The work is rewarding (and fun!).” The entire River Region reaps the rewards of our area’s accounting industry, which is vast. In the Montgomery area, there are approximately 1,000 certified public accountants (CPAs) practicing right now. This formidable footprint is a positive
ON THE HORIZON:
Taxes 2022
Jeff Windham, CPA, Partner at Aldridge Borden & Company, offered insight on what this year may hold in terms of laws changing for taxes and other related issues. “The new administration in Washington, D.C., will bring new tax laws,” he said. “The expected
Warren Averett. First, the size and scope
“The accounting industry is rapidly transitioning from compliance driven to data driven. We are taking steps to help drive profitability for our clients using data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud software integration. Excitingly, this is where our industry can provide the most long-lasting value for our clients.”
upcoming tax law changes will require a new level of tax planning, especially in the area of estate planning. I expect we will also see a trend of accounting firms providing compliance assessments related to companies’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policies and strategies.” back to our community, and I believe our industry has a strong reputation of community support as a whole. As a CPA and member of the accounting community, I’m proud of that.”
for several reasons, according to Sandy Coaker, CPA, Managing Member at
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING HAPPENING IN THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
Adam J. Finesilver, CPA, Shareholder. Finesilver & Associates, LLC “Our industry has a very successful history of providing and analyzing historical financial data. We must continue to do this very well, but at the same time, we must also commit to helping our clients develop strategies for the future. All of us who have been intimately involved in helping our
AGILE ASSETS
clients navigate PPP, PPP2, FFCRA and Employee Retention Tax Credits
Jeff Windham, CPA, Partner at Aldridge
recognize the value and the need to
created. It also translates into a large
Borden & Company, shone a spotlight
help our clients thrive in uncertain
group of engaged professionals. “We
on the immense aid that accountants
environments.”
often talk at Warren Averett about the
provided businesses during the worst
legacy of the people who came before
of the pandemic, providing invaluable
us, our strong traditions of providing
advice that, for many, kept the lights
not only financial support to many of
on during extremely trying times. “I
our local organizations, but service as
believe the accounting industry best
well, and that’s something we take a lot
benefits the River Region by partnering
of pride in. One of our values at Warren
with our business clients to assist them
Averett is called ‘Sharing our Success,’”
in identifying solutions to whatever
Jerry W. Grant, CPA, PFS,
Coaker said. “It is a core value of giving
challenges they may be facing,” he said.
Managing Principal,
of the industry here equals a lot of jobs
Bern, Butler, Capilouto & Massey, P.C. 42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: ACCOUNTING
“Over the past year and a half, we have
“The ability to record a video, publish
been able to help local business take on
an article online or host a webinar or
the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic by strategically identifying the best ways to access capital funding needed to keep their business open and employees paid.” Jeannine Birmingham, President and CEO of the Alabama Society of CPAs, echoed Coaker and Windham. “The vast number of members we have in the Montgomery region means so many active voices on nonprofit boards and other organizations, volunteering and lending their expertise,” she said. “Just in the Chamber, for example, the many CPAs involved have a positive impact on Chamber decisions and its work.” And simply in the course of their jobs, accountants help build a stronger business community, which benefits the city as a whole. “The work CPAs do for our clients helps businesses grow and thrive,” she said.
The Time is Right
If you’re a small business owner, you may be wondering if you’re at the stage where working with an accountant makes sense. According to Nan Lloyd, General Manager with Associated Business Services, you probably are. In fact, you were when you hired your first team member. “As soon as they have employees, it’s time for a small business to consider hiring an accountant,” she said. “Certainly, when net income hits $50K or transaction totals grow. Business owners need to run the business, not try to be accountants. Accounting and tax planning help are as important as the power bill.”
podcast has expanded our reach to our clients and prospects. These tools allow us to share and maximize the use of our expertise both internally and externally; they bring information and advice to our clients in ways that fit their schedules and can be revisited, and they provide a great opportunity for our team members to use unique skills and talents.”
LINGERING LIABILITY
Despite the improvements that technological advances allow and the innovation they foster, a major issue currently impeding the industry’s pace is a slowdown at the Internal Revenue Service, as Birmingham explained. “For CPAs in public practice, communication with IRS is and has been a big issue for us as we try to help our clients,” she said. She says the federal agency is underfunded and understaffed, so when
Today, accountants are doing what they do better than ever before. Technology
Use of the cloud allows accountants
a CPA needs a question answered on
continues to usher in changes for
access to increased amounts of data,
behalf of a client, it’s hard to get a timely
every size and kind of business, but it
which, according to Birmingham, can make
response. She claims it’s a problem for
is transforming the accounting industry,
their work more streamlined and less
the industry nationwide right now. “When
widening its scope and services, as
difficult too. But it doesn’t always mean
the IRS sent folks home during COVID,
Birmingham explained. “Many CPA
their work gets done faster. “There is so
it was not prepared to have its people
firms have now integrated an array of
much data now, right at their fingertips, but
work in a remote environment, so the
technology tools, not only in tax work
that also means there is more data than
slowdown there has been huge snowball
but attest and audit work too, and
ever to analyze, so it doesn’t necessary
of a slowdown,” she said. “There’s now
this tech gives them a more thorough
speed up the process,” she said.
a backlog of unprocessed returns, and there are many ramifications of that.” She
understanding of a company’s total business, transactions and operations,
Technology has done more than simplify
stressed that she’s not knocking the IRS,
which allows the CPA to be a better and
and sometimes expedite accounting; it
and that the industry as a whole is looking
broader financial advisor to the business,”
is letting accountants serve clients at a
for ways to assist the organization. “That
she said. Instead of focusing on a single
higher level by helping them educate
includes asking Congress to help with
point on a business’ timeline, accountants
and engage with their clients, as Coaker
funding for the IRS; it needs funds to get
can now see, respond to and advise on a
pointed out. “Many of those [technology]
its tech capabilities where they need to
bigger picture.
impacts are internal in the tools we use
be,” she said.
_ +
to produce our work, which makes us more efficient, but one of the greatest
The industry is facing another problem too,
changes is in the use of technology to
a dearth of talent, according to Nan Lloyd,
deliver advice to our clients,” she said.
General Manager at Associated Business
44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: ACCOUNTING
Services, and Windham. “Finding
Montgomery/the River Region
qualified team members is a
special and a desirable place to
challenge right now,” Lloyd said.
live and work.”
“There is currently a workforce shortage,” Windham added,
While it doesn’t directly address
“and the last few years have
the shortage of CPAs, Coaker
seen a noticeable decline in the
pointed to a solution that WA is
number of college graduates with
employing for its continued growth
accounting degrees.”
and noted the opportunities that are opening up for those who
And while the number of
previously never considered
students leaving college ready
joining an accounting firm. “Our
to start an accounting career is
industry is having to look outside
decreasing, there’s a rise in need
the traditional candidate pool
for accountants. Fendley agreed
and find talented people in other
with Lloyd and Windham. “The
sectors who have experience
number of accounting graduates
and skills that can continue to
is declining, but due to the current
support and expand our advisory
business climate, the demand for
services to our clients,” she said.
accountants is increasing,” he said,
“Career-minded professionals
calling the situation a “talent war.”
with an entrepreneurial spirit have
“The future of accounting lies in adapting
an opportunity to find a career in
to technology change. The opportunities
His firm is well armed for
modern-day accounting firms right
are there for accountants to use Artificial
this battle, though, using its
now. Firms that offer expanded
Intelligence, data analytics, blockchain
longstanding internship program
services and not just the traditional
and other innovations to improve auditing,
to attract and groom the promising
bookkeeping, tax and audit work,
reporting and the transparency of information.
candidates in the industry’s next
are looking for specialists in
The difficulty is adapting to the pace of
generation. “Jackson Thornton
niche fields with non-accounting
change. The CPA Evolution program being
has always had a sizable
backgrounds to provide advisory
developed by the AICPA to remodel the CPA
internship program; it’s a great
services.”
exam is an attempt to refocus the exam on
LESSON 01:
Survey the Future WHAT DO THE LEADERS OF AUM’S ACCOUNTING SCHOOL BELIEVE THE FUTURE OF THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY WILL LOOK LIKE?
technology. One of our faculty, Teresa Lang, is
way for us to identify potential
TODAY’S ACCOUNTING TRENDS
on an AICPA committee working on the new
In the quest to find good
increasing volume of knowledge needed to
sophomores and juniors can apply
employees in a small pool, firms
be a CPA.”
for our Forum, and we typically
in the accounting industry, like
invite 18-25 to Montgomery for
so many others, are working to
a two-day session,” he said. “It’s
give prospects what they want,
so beneficial for these students
which isn’t always a higher salary,
to meet our team and learn more
as Coaker explained. “A current
about Jackson Thornton and the
trend is the improved flexibility in
Montgomery area. We take them
the workday and workplace for so
on a city tour, enjoy local dining
many in the accounting industry,”
and have even taken them to
she said. “Work compression, due
Biscuits games as guests in our
to filing and reporting deadlines,
suite. We have local speakers
has long been a challenge in
come and share what makes
our industry, and finding ways to
full-time professionals in the very competitive accounting market,” Fendley said. In 2013, the firm created an additional weapon for the battle, the JT Forum. “College
exam. We have a great accounting program at AUM, but we worry about attracting students to the major, and we worry about the
Dr. Scott J. Lane, Director, School of Accountancy, Auburn University at Montgomery
I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting
Finesilver & Associates, LLC When was your company/business founded?
liabilities. These strategies focus on businesses that specialize in
October 2014
real estate and technology and those that have a large labor force.
How many employees do you have in the River Region? Six
Milestones & Accomplishments: Last year, we accomplished our goal of saving our clients several million dollars in taxes through effective tax planning.
What are your primary products and services? Finesilver & Associates provides a full range of traditional accounting services, outsourced CFO and financial oversight engagements, as well as a niche set of services focused on tax-saving strategies. We enjoy guiding our clients through comprehensive tax planning decisions with strategies that minimize tax liabilities and maximize cash flow.
What sets your company apart? We specialize in providing innovative planning strategies for our clients by identifying tax credits and incentives that can materially reduce tax
6831 Halcyon Park Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 334-440-7900 finesilvercpa.com
EXPERT ACCOUNTING ADVICE: MBJ asked some experts from the local accounting industry “What one piece of accounting advice would you give small businesses?” Here’s what they shared.
ALLENCOMPASSING:
Sandy Coaker, CPA, Managing Member at
Today’s Accounting Approach
Sandy Coaker, CPA, Managing Member at Warren Averett, believes her industry is in flux and says that effectively communicating the wide array of services now offered by accountants is key to the future. “While a component of our work will always be focused on the past, with historical financial and tax reporting, our focus today is on being a strategic partner to those we serve,” she said. “We do that by bringing a depth of experience and expertise in specific industries, providing valuable strategy, knowledge, thought leadership and advice to help impact the challenges that our clients are facing today, and the goals they have
Warren Averett:
Jeff Windham, CPA,
“The numbers are
Partner at Aldridge
important, and they tell a
Borden & Company:
story. Work with a CPA and
“Find an accounting firm
John Fendley, President
trusted advisor who will help
that will get to know your
and CEO of Jackson
you understand and tell
business in such a thorough
Thornton:
the whole story about your
way that they can be a great
“It sounds self-serving, but
business!”
resource to you throughout
the benefit of hiring a CPA
the year. You want to have
will significantly outweigh
a firm that is more than a
the associated cost. In
historian that only provides
today’s environment of
financial reports. You want a
governmental assistance
firm that provides proactive
programs, tax law changes,
and future looking advice to
rapidly changing technology
help you succeed sooner.”
and internet-based competition, it’s almost impossible for a business owner to manage his
Nan Lloyd, General
business on a daily basis
Manager, Associated
without assistance. CPAs
Business Services:
provide professional
“Make a plan, know your
assistance and experience
industry and have a plan to
from working with other
grow within it. Part of that
clients facing the same
plan is your attorney and
challenges.”
your CPA team members.”
set for the future.”
48 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: ACCOUNTING help our team members manage work/
Fendley said. He mentioned two other tech
life balance during those times is crucial.”
topics trending in his industry: outsourced
She said that flexibility often results in
accounting services, fueled by the
more effective and productive work time
Cloud, and the increased use of artificial
and lower stress levels in down time.
intelligence.
“Being able to use technology to improve
internal communication, create social
Still, as Coaker, points out, the human
interaction during the workday and create
touch, especially in a crisis like the
a strong sense of teamwork also helps with balance,” Coaker said. “I think it will be interesting to see what national trends emerge post-pandemic as a result of the experiences of COVID as it relates to remote work.” Fendley echoed Coaker, stressing that
“The vast number of members we have in the Montgomery region means so many active voices on nonprofit boards and other organizations, volunteering
while the concept of remote work wasn’t
and lending their expertise.”
created by the pandemic, COVID conditions
- Jeannine Birmingham, President and
did speed up its wider acceptance. And
pandemic, will always produce a positive return on investment. “I think the pandemic has provided a great example of how our teams bring valuable advisory services to our clients,” she said. “From the first phone calls with clients to say, ‘Here’s what we’re seeing and hearing, and we’re here for you’ when the pandemic hit, our teams have assisted with PPP applications and forgiveness, spent countless late night
CEO of the Alabama Society of CPAs
hours providing ongoing monitoring and
but profitable. “Cloud computing is a
force within our industry, changing almost
passed and currently proposed, and been
game changer, offering simultaneous
daily. Accounting firms must keep up or
a sounding board and a strategic partner
access to accounting and core business
they will be left behind.” But keeping up is
in many difficult decisions faced by our
systems from multiple locations,” he said.
expensive. “The cost of investing in current
clients.”
“Technology is the primary internal driving
technology is high and always increasing,”
technology makes it not just possible
49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
advice related to the plethora of legislation
BERN, BUTLER, CAPILOUTO & MASSEY, P.C. is a leading full service accounting firm serving clients in Alabama and beyond. Founded in 1982, our firm is fully committed to our clients’ progress. We oversee this progress through hard work, cutting edge technology, and a good, old-fashioned sense of responsibility. The CPAs at BBC&M specialize in helping businesses of all sizes grow and prosper. • Business & Individual Tax Preparation and Planning
• Financial Forecasts & Projections
• Estate & Trust Tax Preparation and Planning
• Cash Flow & Budgeting Analysis
• IRS Representation
• Business Consulting of All Types
• Payroll and Sales Tax Services
• Pension & Profit Sharing Plans
• Audits, Reviews, and Compilations
• Financial Planning Services
• Bookkeeping/Outsourced Accounting Services
• Management Advisory Services
• Financial Statements 4137 Carmichael Road, Suite 200 | Montgomery, AL 36106 334-244-4100 | www.bbcm-cpa.com 50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting
Bern Butler Capilouto & Massey, P.C. Founded: February 1, 1982
with numbers, but we can assure you that as a client of BBC&M, you will never be treated as one.
Employees: 25
What Sets You Apart From the Competition:
Primary Products and Services: Our firm offers a wide range of services to our individual and business clients, including tax preparation, payroll services, tax planning, IRS representation, sales tax services, estate and trust tax preparation and more. Our firm is relatively small, so our clients benefit by
“I believe what sets our firm apart from others is our work in tax planning and compliance,” said Jerry W. Grant, CPA. “We perform audits and bookkeeping just like other firms do, but tax is by far our largest practice area. We are proactive in helping our clients arrange their tax transactions so as to yield
getting personalized, quality service.
the best possible results for them. We want to be out in front of
Our Business Philosophy:
benefit from any potential tax saving strategies.”
tax changes and help our clients understand the changes and
Our firm is fully committed to our clients’ progress, and we specialize in helping businesses of all sizes grow and prosper. Our firm’s philosophy stresses both hard work and technical expertise as the prerequisites for providing our clients with results. When we are effective, then you are more profitable. Our business may be
4137 Carmichael Rd., Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36106
51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
334-244-4100 | www.bbcm-cpa.com
I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting
L to r: Eden Thornton, Principal; Lyvonnia Poppell, Principal, Mark Baker, Principal; John Fendley, President & CEO; Rita Brown, Principal; Marty Lee, Principal; Rich Compton, Principal; Christine Cook, Principal; Chris Neuenschwander, Principal.
Jackson Thornton When was your company/business founded?
new federal program, wants to outsource their CFO/accounting
In 1919, and it has always been headquartered in Montgomery.
functions, sell a business or plan for retirement, we want to be
Jackson Thornton was founded by Harold Crane, Lanny Crane’s
the one they call. In fact, all of our sister companies were initially
grandfather. Lanny served as managing principal for many years
founded to serve the growing needs of our client base. From
and helped found Jackson Thornton Asset Management. He was
accounting to wealth management to technology, we partner with
the one who encouraged our company to relocate to downtown
our clients in whatever ways they need us.
Montgomery (Lower Commerce Street) in the early 1980s.
Milestones & Accomplishments: Through the How many employees do you have in the River Region? About 150 What are your primary products and services? Accounting, tax, audit/assurance, outsourced
years, we’ve been honored by Inside Public Accounting as a “Top 200 Firm,” Accounting Today’s “Firms to Watch,” recognized by CNBC in their “Top 100 Financial Advisors List,” named Large Business Winner of the River Region Ethics in Business and Public Services Awards, named twice as Forbes Best Tax & Accounting
accounting services, advisory and consulting services, wealth
Firms in the U.S., winner of the Frank Plummer Award by the
management and technology services/consulting/cybersecurity.
Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts, and named an
What sets your company apart? The willingness of our people to really walk side by side with our clients, hearing their challenges and helping them find solutions. And we’ve certainly seen unprecedented challenges for our clients over the last two years. Whether a client needs help navigating a
Auburn University Top Tiger company. Headquartered in Montgomery with six offices in Alabama and Tennessee 334-834-7660 jacksonthornton.com
53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
ACCOUNTING
EXPERTISE AND ANSWERS TO CO M M O N B U S I N E S S Q U E S T I O N S F R O M LO C A L S I N T H E K N OW
I T ’ S N OT TO O L AT E TO C L A I M YO U R E R TC C R E D I T S Have you claimed your Employee Retention Tax Credit yet? There’s still time and you might be surprised at how much you could receive.
What is Employee Retention Tax Credit?
BY CRISTY ANDREWS
Alternative method for 2021 allows for the use of gross receipts of the immediate prior quarter compared to the same quarter in 2019 to determine a decline of greater than
The ERTC is an incentive originally
20 percent.
MEET THE EXPERT
created within the CARES Act intended to encourage employers to keep employees
For 2020 (beginning after March 12, 2020),
on their payrolls as they navigate the
a significant decline in gross receipts is
effects of COVID-19. There have been
measured at 50 percent versus 20 percent
multiple modifications to the program
in 2021.
through various legislative acts that have
Averett Tax Member and is one of the Firm’s ERTC leaders. She has helped numerous companies
both extended and expanded the program through September 30, 2021.
Cristy Andrews is a Warren
How Is It Calculated?
claim their ERTC. Andrews provides industry-specific tax strategies for clients
Are You Eligible?
The credit is calculated on eligible wages
to meet their unique
up to $10,000 at a credit rate of 50 percent
needs. Reach her at
An eligible employer is an employer that
(for 2020) and 70 percent (for 2021).
334-260-2339 or Cristy.
actively carried on a trade or business
The credit was also expanded for 2021
Andrews@warrenaverett.com.
during 2020 or 2021 and meets either of
in that the maximum wages of $10,000
these two tests:
were expanded to a per-quarter cap. This increased the potential credit from $5,000
Government Order Test:
per employee for 2020 to $21,000 per
Experienced a calendar quarter “in which
employee for 2021. Eligible wages used to
the operation of the trade or business is
determine the ERTC shall not be used for
fully or partially suspended due to an order
purposes of other tax credits and PPP loan
from an appropriate government authority
forgiveness. There are a lot of nuances
limiting commerce, travel or group meetings
to this credit, and even though the credit
(for commercial, social, religious or other
period expired on September 30, there is
purposes) due to COVID-19.”
still time to amend your 941 payroll returns and claim the credit for past reporting
Reduced Gross Receipts Test: Experienced a significant decline
periods. We can help you navigate the
in gross receipts. For 2021, a decline in
claiming the credit.
calculation of eligibility and the process of
gross receipts of at least 20 percent in any calendar quarter through September 30, 2021, compared to the same calendar quarter in 2019.
55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
City & & County
M O N TG O M E RY COUNTY MBJ: WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR 2022?
ANNUAL
CHAIRMAN DEAN:
ECONOMIC UPDATE
The Commission’s first priority is always to efficiently spend county tax dollars to maximize the services and quality of life for Montgomery County
EVERY JANUARY 1 brings with it the chance to reflect on the year past while preparing to seize new
A SNAPSHOT OF THE GOOD THINGS BEHIND US AND THE CONTINUED PROGRESS COMING IN 2022.
opportunities for moving ahead, and the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County are doing
residents. We expect to see continued growth in county revenues in the upcoming year, which will allow us to improve services and help citizens recover from the impacts of the pandemic. To that end,
both: looking back with pride and
next year the Commission
forward with optimism, ready
will focus on developing and
to build on strategic plans for
implementing our plan for the
continued progress. MBJ asked Mayor Steven L. Reed and County Commission Chairman Elton Dean to share thoughts on the big wins from last year and their priorities and expectations for 2022.
American Recovery Plan dollars in collaboration with the City of Montgomery. Our ultimate objective is to utilize these funds in a way that has a longterm impact on the quality of life for all Montgomery County residents.
WHAT ARE SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2021 YOU’D LIKE TO TOUT? COVID presented a number of unique challenges for the County. I am proud of how our department heads managed their budgets and continued to provide services to our residents. We were able to launch the ERAMCo program this year, which provided financial assistance to qualifying
56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Montgomery County residents
are proud of the partnerships
to prevent homelessness,
we’ve built with the cities of
potential eviction and financial
Montgomery and Pike Road,
hardships due to the pandemic.
as well as within our business
COVID had a serious economic
community. This allows us all to
impact on our communities,
speak in one accord when we
and this program allowed the
promote all the positive things
Commission to help residents
our community has to offer
cover rent, utilities, internet and
employers and their workforce.
trash, and past-due rent and
For example, we work together
utilities dating back to as early
to identify key infrastructure
as March 13.
improvements that will allow the
EFFECTIVE & E F F I C I E N T: CITY & COUNTY WORK TOGETHER WITH AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS
business and industry in and From an administrative
around the county to efficiently
perspective, we launched a
transport services and goods.
web portal earlier this year
This has proven important to our
that allows the public to easily
ability to recruit new industry to
view Montgomery County
the area.
Commission documents and time-stamped videos of
We’re also committed to
commission meetings and to
investing in our local workforce
Federal money is coming to our area via the
search for specific topics. We
by giving citizens access to
American Rescue Plan Act, and the City and the
hope this tool will encourage
the skills, knowledge and ideas
County are collaborating to identify and enact the
more public engagement in the
needed to drive innovation,
most effective ways to spend these dollars for
business of the county to ensure
productivity improvements and
maximum impact on quality of life for residents.
accountability and transparency
economic growth. We want
in government. The county was
the River Region workforce
Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton
also very proud to break ground
to proactively choose to
Dean noted the benefits of the partnership. “The
on the Whitewater project. This
reside in the county, and that
infusion of funding from the American Rescue
major economic development
means having a keen focus on
Plan Act is a historic opportunity for the City and
initiative will bring recreational
improving our livability factors so
County, and it seemed like a perfect chance for
amenities, entertainment and
we can keep the talent we have
us to work together. This collaboration allows
retail to west Montgomery and
and draw in new talent.
us to combine resources and leverage those with other funding sources to make the biggest
will have a positive economic Lastly, it’s important that we
difference for our constituencies,” he said.
actively promote all of the
Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed agreed. “As
WHAT IS THE STRATEGY DRIVING CURRENT AND FUTURE (INTO 2022 AND BEYOND) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT EFFORTS?
wonderful assets Montgomery
we make decisions about this money, it’s great
County has to offer businesses
to have our partners at the County, so together,
and their employees. We
we can be strategic and make the best use of
have a strong partnership of
these resources for both short-term and long-term
organizations working together
impacts on our community,” he said.
benefits of doing business in
They are awaiting the final guidelines from the
We believe collaboration and
Montgomery County.
U.S. Treasury Department, but in the meantime,
impact for the entire region.
to spread the word about the
communication are key to
both the City and County are actively working
driving economic development
to collect the information needed to make key
and workforce recruitment
choices, starting with the formation of several
efforts across the county. We
committees to examine the target areas of impact
57 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CITY OF M O N TG O M E RY MBJ: WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES AND
that segment. We must do
EXPECTATIONS FOR 2022?
owned businesses, particularly
better to strengthen minorityincreasing black business
as outlined in the interim rule: infrastructure, the negative impact the virus had on citizens and businesses, public safety, COVID response and economic development. Going forward, encouraging input from the business community and residents will also be important, as Mayor Reed stressed. “There are a lot of ideas and thoughts on what’s needed and wanted, and we want to hear from everyone.” Dean expressed a similar sentiment. “Public
An essential piece is the Montgomery Thrive initiative and its website, montgomerythrive. org, that launched in December. It is fostering a dialogue to ensure open and honest communication around these funds and providing a platform for the voices of all Montgomery County residents. “The website will include a special portal for businesses, nonprofits and healthcare providers to share their ideas on how we can use this money to address the COVID-related issues
coming months.
have to assist them in utilizing the
together internally and help
equity component that the Biden
bring about change externally
administration’s Department of
in the community. It’s at the top
Commerce is factoring into its
of my list. We have to address
grants and other opportunities to
violent crime in the city; that is so
help these businesses expand.
important to the community, and
It just makes good sense to do
it will be the most important hire
that. Right now, we’re losing
we will make. It’s not only about
productivity and losing tens of
public safety; it’s about our ability
millions of dollars by not investing
to grow the city.
in and partnering with these businesses.
we are recruiting businesses
community impact with these funds,” he said.
includes several virtual town hall events in the
black-owned businesses. We
who can bring the department
I’m also focused on ensuring
a strategic vision for creating a long-term
Dean said. The plan for public feedback also
ownership and the revenue of
to hire a permanent police chief
entrepreneurs and their small
engagement is a critical component of creating
facing them and the Montgomery community,”
MAYOR REED: A major priority is
of all types to the city. We want
This year we are also kicking
to take a more direct approach
off the Montgomery Forward
to recruiting regional corporate
Initiative, with which we are
headquarters and other white-
investing $50 million in the city;
collar job opportunities here
that money is the proceeds from
to go along with the industrial
the sale of municipal bonds we
and manufacturing sector
did in 2021. The projects funded
opportunities we are currently
will include things directly tied to
pursuing too.
quality of place for the city.
I think it is crucial that we keep
WHAT ARE SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2021 YOU’D LIKE TO TOUT?
recruiting. It’s about more than bringing new businesses here; it benefits our existing business by
For one, we’re proud that we’ve
giving them new opportunities
gotten the city into a great
to develop relationships
financial position. We restructured
and partnerships with new
city debt, which allowed us to
companies.
refund $150 million of it, and we paid off 100 percent of the city’s
We plan to continue to work with
short-term debt. It’s important
and support local job creators
to note that this allowed us to
and entrepreneurs to strengthen
pass a budget that included pay
58 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
raises, the first in seven years,
for this community in terms of
for city workers. We’re now
the businesses and people
at or near the top of peer
we will attract here.
cities when it comes to what
point for my time in office, but
WHAT IS THE STRATEGY DRIVING CURRENT AND FUTURE (INTO 2022 AND BEYOND) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT EFFORTS?
COVID forced budget cuts.
The goal is to grow our
our municipal employees are paid. That’s key to recruitment and retention, and it was something I campaigned on, investing in our team. It would have been a year-one
economic footprint. We have
“
“Opening the Lab on Dexter and continued collaboration with MGMWerx are other notable 2021 highlights. We will continue to build the tech ecosystem here, with our military assets and our private sector, and the Lab positions us well
The Amazon announcement
to build a strong economic
in November was obviously
foundation for our city and
huge. It’s such a big win
region. We are the seat of
and solidifies our strategy
state government, but we
to be a bigger player in the
are a regional leader, and
knowledge-based economy.
we have to be ambitious and
build on the assets we have
That doesn’t just happen; we
aggressive in that regard.
—we want more homegrown
are making it happen.
That means talking to Capitol
businesses—but we can’t stop
Hill directly, engaging with
attracting new assets.
to grow that even more and to accelerate that growth.”
Opening the Lab on Dexter
Wall Street and Silicon
and continued collaboration
Valley directly and staying
Another vital piece of growth
with MGMWerx are other
on the forefront of the
and recruitment is tourism.
notable 2021 highlights. As
quickly changing economic
With the expansion of EJI
we continue to build the
landscape. We can’t be
and the expectation of the
tech ecosystem here, in
small-town Montgomery
city hosting one million
partnership with our military
anymore. We can’t be the city
visitors, we have to change
assets and our private sector,
we have been and expect to
the face of the city to greet
the Lab positions us well to
keep up the pace. We have
them. That includes the I-65
grow that even more and
to run faster. That means a
corridor, west Montgomery
to accelerate that growth.
discussion on expanding
and downtown. We want to
Partnering with Ed Farm and
our airport, expanding our
be more accommodating and
Apple on the MGM Codes
broadband access, bringing
have the amenities they want,
initiative, which will expose our
more apprenticeship
including a retail presence
Montgomery Public School
programs to our schools and
they expect, which has them
students to advanced tech
businesses. We want to be in
spending money and giving
and STEAM-learning activities,
the discussion for all of these
us increased taxes. That will
is another piece of that puzzle,
things. We know this takes
take an aggressive approach
and all combined, these
a lot of work and a different
and some re-tooling of our
efforts will be transformational
approach. We also have to
tourism efforts.
59 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Military Stabilization Initiatives That: •
• Include the establishment of a Space National Guard within the Alabama National Guard.
• Enhance Military Spouse Licensure Portability that streamlines state licensing processes for relocating military spouses by
CHAMBER’S 2022 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
providing them with a license within 30 days.
• Waive proof of residency requirements until the student arrives in Alabama on military transfer orders.
• Provide military families with increased flexibility through access to district open enrollment policies.
• Require local jurisdictions to identify military families and develop reporting and sharing
E V E RY Y E A R , T H E C H A M B E R CO M P I L E S A L E G I S L AT I V E AG E N DA L I ST I N G S P E C I F I C I SS U E S
procedures between civilian child protective services and military child advocacy.
L I K E LY TO CO M E U P I N T H E A N N UA L S E SS I O N
• Require state agency referral services to
O F T H E A L A B A M A L E G I S L AT U R E A N D T H AT
served in the military on all intake forms.
ask if individuals or family members ever
I M PAC T O U R A R E A’ S B U S I N E SS CO M M U N I T Y A N D T H E LO C A L E CO N O M Y. T H I S L I ST N OT O N LY H I G H L I G H TS K E Y TO P I C S ; I T A L S O U N D E R S CO R E S T H E C H A M B E R ’ S P L A N S TO M O N I TO R A N D E N G AG E I N D I S C U SS I O N S O N T H E S E I SS U E S . T H E S E A R E T H E C H A M B E R ’ S L E G I S L AT I V E P R I O R I T I E S FO R T H E 2 0 2 2 S E SS I O N : City Councillor Ed Grimes Montgomery City Council, District 1
City Councillor Marche Johnson Montgomery City Council, District 3
Senator Kirk Hatcher Alabama Senate, District 26
Patrice Penni McClammy Alabama House of Representatives, District 76
NEW IN OFFICE: MEET THE RIVER REGION’S N E W E ST E L E C T E D O F F I C I A L S .
Education/Workforce Development Initiatives That: • Expand the role of Alabama’s two-year and four-year universities/institutions in developing/training a workforce through innovation, critical research, and leadership development.
• Support efforts to recruit and maintain high-quality teachers.
• Ensures that student education and job training programs culminate in national, industry-recognized credentials specifically relevant to current skilled gaps and or targeted future jobs.
• Expand access to early childhood education, literacy, and computer science training.
Entrepreneurship And Innovation Initiatives That Include: • Policies that allow for growth of innovative and technology-based
• Reauthorization/extension of the Alabama Job’s Act that rewards the
business initiatives.
creation of jobs, investment of capital and
• Efforts to provide increased
to refurbish and upgrade existing
opportunities for access to capital and incentives for startups and innovation
encourages Alabama-based companies operations.
driven companies.
• Reauthorization/extension of the Grow
• Efforts to enhance Alabama’s reputation
development of local building sites to
as a state where companies can develop new innovative products and ventures.
• Efforts to encourage investment in early state, innovative, wealth- and job-creating businesses that will remain headquartered, along with most of their
Alabama Credit that assists with the attract business and industry.
• Continued and/or enhanced liability protection for Alabama businesses and nonprofits from all COVID implications, including vaccination status.
workforce in our community or Alabama.
• Increased awareness of and focus on
• Effective implementation and utilization
the economic viability of small and
of Opportunity Zones and similar economic development programs.
• Efforts to recruit and retain college graduates from Alabama’s postsecondary and four-year institutions as an imperative investment in human capital and the
resolving the challenges that threaten minority business, to include the process of applying for and receiving a business license.
• Opportunities to facilitate growth of inland ports, transfer facilities and coordination of a transportation system
workforce of the future.
for inland waterways.
• Policies and programs that focus on
• Funding to enhance Montgomery’s
the goal of adding 500,000 new highskilled employees to the workforce by 2025, identified as critical to Alabama’s economic development and recruitment Cassandra E. Brown Montgomery County Board of Education, District 4
Business/Industry Initiatives That Include:
tourism industry and historical significance.
• Funding for infrastructure.
efforts.
• Worker training initiatives that assist businesses in the recruitment of, the enhancement of current trained workforce and re-skilling a workforce for re-entry.
THANK YOU The Chamber would like to thank its community partners and members who contributed their time and effort in formulating the 2022 Legislative Priorities. Together, we’re ensuring that our area remains a great place to live, WORK and play.
Representative Kenyatte Hassell, Alabama House of Representatives, District 78
61 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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travel for the first time in years
State and Long Island.
is turnkey for you.
or are a seasoned expert, you
“The level of personal
You’ll make great connections.
Seaway in Canada.
touches and attention the team and travel guide provided made us feel special and safe,” Raybon said. “We had a memorable experience and made friends.”
with providers that focus on working with travel clubs, you can expect that
can take advantage of all that
Being with other travelers with similar interests offers a great opportunity to make
Valley’s Prestige Program has to offer. Ask a Valley banker about the program or visit valley.com/Prestige for more information.
friends and to be with people you trust.
© 2022 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved 62 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Nannette Smith Sheaffer is the Prestige Manager and Marketing Specialist for Valley Bank, based out of Birmingham, and has accompanied Prestige customers around the world.
LET US HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS! Supporting community growth is about providing financial solutions and guidance to people and businesses that you can trust. That’s what Valley is all about. For your commercial needs contact: Brian Blanks | VP Market Manager Phone: 334.478.6023 | bblanks@valley.com 5236 US Highway 231 | Wetumpka
© 2021 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved. VLY3033 63 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
REGIONS FINANCIAL WELLNESS Free webinars to help you reach your financial goals. Start getting the most out of your money. During each financial wellness webinar a knowledgeable Regions Banker will provide tips and action-based advice to get you on the road to financial success. Jennifer Luster, SVP, CTP 201 Monroe St. Montgomery, AL 36104 jennifer.luster@regions.com regions.com/nextstepforbusiness
©2021 Regions Bank. Regions, Regions Next Step, the Regions Next Step logo and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.
64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
E X P E R T I S E A N D A N S W E R S TO C O M M O N B U S I N E S S Q U E S T I O N S F R O M LO C A L S I N T H E K N OW
BUSINESS
R E S O U R C E S TO S U P P O R T B U S I N E S S G R O W T H I N T H E N E W Y E A R BY J E N N I F E R L U S T E R A survey by Regions Bank Next Step, the bank’s
Across the River Region, our team at Regions
free financial education program, recently found
knows our clients and can help with financial
an overwhelming majority of business owners and
solutions. Regions Next Step provides free
C-suite executives are focused on investments
resources, including recommendations, best
that drive growth opportunities in 2022 and
practices and quick tips online to help business
beyond.
leaders focused on growing their companies.
The challenges of COVID-19 made operations challenging. From restaurants and hotels to
A FEW TIPS: Jennifer Luster is Treasury
entertainment venues and manufacturing, all industry sectors have been impacted by the
ADOPT CASH-MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES.
pandemic.
It’s important to have a cash-management strategy that adapts to times of stability or
With the virus better controlled, the survey results
disruption – and positions a business for growth.
highlight an important shift in business confidence and confirm what our Commercial Banking team
PREPARE FOR THE LOAN PROCESS. Seeking
in Montgomery has been hearing in the Capital
financing from a bank is about having the right
City, Prattville, Wetumpka and beyond. Businesses
documentation, as well as starting a relationship
are planning to grow.
with a strategic business partner, like an attorney, business advisor, etc., as well as a commercial
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY,
89 PERCENT
lender who understands your unique goals and needs.
OF RESPONDENTS PLAN TO INCREASE INVESTMENTS IN
KEY BUSINESS AREAS LIKE TECHNOLOGY, E-COMMERCE, MARKETING AND ADVERTISING IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
DETERMINE HOW MUCH A BUSINESS CAN AFFORD. Just as you would a personal loan, when seeking financing for a business, consider all expenses and even think about unexpected expenses that may pop up. This can help you better determine the types of payments you can
The survey also found nearly two in three
afford while positioning your business for long-
businesses plan to seek additional financing to
term growth.
cover a major investment or expense in the next 12 months.
MEET THE EXPERT
PROMOTE THE BUSINESS. Promoting a business affects how lenders, banks and
Additionally, approximately one in three
customers perceive it. If they know you’re
businesses said access to capital would have
positioned to reach more customers, they can see
the most significant impact on their company’s
stronger potential in your plans.
success.
65 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Management Relationship Manager for Regions Bank. You can contact her at jennifer.luster@regions.com.
CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T I NG YO U TO T H E M ANY CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE
NEWS & UPDATES CHAMBER NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
property tax referendum for Montgomery Public Schools,” said
The Chamber has announced the
embodies some of the most central core values of our Chamber
promotion of Sheron Rose to Executive
team.”
Buckalew. “Sheron’s commitment to excellence and to people
Vice President. A key member of the Chamber’s senior leadership team since
As Executive Vice President, External Affairs, Rose will oversee
2015, Rose has overseen all areas of the
responsibilities in external and governmental affairs, community
Chambers; state and local governmental
relations, and work with the President/CEO and Board to execute
affairs and advocacy, member and
policy and strategic initiatives.
stakeholder relations, minority business outreach, diversity and inclusion, education,
“I’m extremely appreciative for the opportunity to continue to
and civic and community engagement.
grow and expand my role under the leadership of our President/ CEO Anna Buckalew. Working daily with our business, community,
According to Anna Buckalew, Chamber President & CEO, “Sheron is
military, education and elected partners to improve the quality of
an outstanding leader in our organization and within the community.
life for all is what drives our Chamber team. Opportunities abound
As Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Sheron has built a strong
in our community, and I consider it an honor, pleasure, and privilege
governmental affairs program, while also spearheading critical
to be engaged with so many forward-leaning initiatives that make a
community initiatives such as the Chamber’s support of the recent
difference,” Rose said.
66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T I NG YO U TO T H E M ANY CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE
NEWS & UPDATES EDUCATION UPDATE: SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES FIRM TO SEARCH FOR A NEW SUPERINTENDENT
“Amazon’s major investment shows that
ECONOMIC NEWS:
Montgomery is on the map and an essential
AMAZON ANNOUNCES NEW $100M FACILITY IN MONTGOMERY
part of logistics solutions for major brands and industries,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. “We’re eager to grow this partnership on behalf of the Montgomerians who will
Last fall, Amazon announced plans for a
benefit from the careers that this new facility
brand new, 650,000 square-foot IXD facility
In November, the MPS School
in Montgomery. Located between I-65 and
Board voted unanimously in favor
Highway 31, north of Hyundai Boulevard, the
of the Alabama Association of
new facility represents a $100 million capital
School Boards beginning a search
investment and will provide
for the new MPS superintendent.
500 jobs to the River Region.
Dr. Ann Roy Moore will retire
This is the first Amazon facility
when her contract runs out
of any type to be announced
in June 2022, and the school
in the Montgomery metro area
board hopes to have a new
and is the only Amazon IXD
superintendent in place by March
facility in the state of Alabama.
or April to help with the transition. “We are proud to welcome
will bring.” Then-Chamber Chairman John Yelverton stressed that Amazon is a great addition to Montgomery’s business community. “We are honored
“
to have Amazon locate here. They are on the forefront
“WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME AMAZON TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND INTO THIS GROWING COMMUNITY OF DIVERSE INDUSTRIES.” - County Commission
According to Montgomery County
Amazon to Montgomery
School Board President Claire
County and into this growing
Weil, “They will be talking to the
community of diverse
county, the city and the military.
industries,” said County
They’re going to be talking to
Commission Chairman Elton
our teachers, with the parents,
Dean. “This facility will provide
and they’ll be talking to us about
excellent opportunities for
what we want, so the input for the
our citizens and pave the way
community is critical in getting
for even more growth and investment in our
what most people want in a
area.”
Chairman Elton Dean
of technology in the home delivery market,” he said. “We would like to thank Amazon for believing in us, selecting Montgomery for their new facility, and we welcome them to the River Region family,” he added. Centrally located in the Southeastern US, Montgomery is an ideal logistics hub due to its proximity to the Port
of Mobile and direct railway and interstate access to I-65 and I-85.
superintendent.”
MPS HAS TOP RANKED SCHOOLS
MONTGOMERY CHAMBER RECOGNIZED AS A COMMUNITY HERO
MPS has three schools ranked in
The Samaritan Counseling Center’s River Region Ethics in Business Awards honored “heroes”
the Top 10 lists of elementary and
who worked diligently to help the River Region through the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021
middle schools in Alabama.
Delta variant of the virus. The Chamber was among those recognized.
The list compiled by U.S. News
and World Report ranks Forest
“It is in this spirit of community that the Board of Directors of the Samaritan Counseling Center
Avenue Academic Magnet as
decided to pivot from its usual recognition of ethics in business awards to recognize ‘heroes’
the No. 2 elementary school
in six categories: healthcare, government, business, non-profits, faith-based organizations and
in the state. Baldwin Arts and
education. We identified these heroes using private and public sources. We acknowledge up-
Academics Magnet is ranked No.
front that this is not an exhaustive list of who stepped up to the task and that some would be
3 among middle schools, and
omitted inadvertently in this effort,” said Cary Kuhlmann, Executive Director of the Samaritan
Floyd Middle Magnet is ranked
Counseling Center. “We ask for the community’s understanding of our limitations and that this is
No. 7.
our attempt to recognize a few individuals and organizations that stood out in the process.” 67 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T ING YO U TO T H E M AN Y CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE
NEWS & UPDATES MONTGOMERY LEADERS TOUR AND EXPERIENCE EJI’S LEGACY MUSEUM
ALABAMA’S BIG 10 MAYORS HOLD SUMMIT
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle was recently awarded “Best Pickup Truck” for its design and utility by members of the Washington
The Chamber’s Board of
Automotive Press Association (WAPA).
Directors, along with the
Since it went on sale, the vehicle has
Committee of 100, Chairman’s
exceeded sales expectations with
Circle and local elected
its innovative design, features and
officials participated in a private leadership experience
Mayors from Alabama’s 10 largest cities gathered in
at the Equal Justice Initiative’s
Montgomery on October 24-25 to discuss legislative
newly expanded Legacy
priorities and issues facing their communities. The
Museum hosted by Bryan
inefficient distribution of internet sales tax and
Stevenson.
Aniah’s Law, a constitutional amendment up for vote on the November 2022 ballot that would allow for
Since opening in 2018, the
greater oversight of those accused of committing
original Legacy Museum
violent crimes, are two areas of focus for Alabama’s
and the EJI Memorial
mayors.
capabilities. Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai Motor Group, received J.D. Power’s highest ranking overall for tech innovation, while also scoring the highest ranking in the premium segment, which includes brands like Cadillac, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. Hyundai was ranked highest in the mass market segment.
together have brought more than one million visitors to
Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed welcomed
Montgomery from around
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Birmingham Mayor
the world and garnered
Randall Woodfin, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson,
widespread media acclaim for
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Hoover Mayor
their powerful impact. EJI’s
Frank Brocato, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders Jr.,
investment in the city and
Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Decatur Mayor Tab
the transformative quality of
Bowling and Madison Mayor Paul Finley. During
the experiences have raised
their visit, the mayors experienced the Equal Justice
awareness for the entire area
Initiative’s Legacy Museum.
and introduced Montgomery to innumerable new visitors,
HYUNDAI VEHICLES EARN RECOGNITION
In addition, the Sonata N Line Night Edition is being built on a limited run at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA). It’s a special edition of the Hyundai Sonata that appeared in the “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins” movie, and only 1,000 of the models, which feature carbon fiber parts, are being produced.
investors and residents.
MONTGOMERY CHAMBER HOSTED MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK NOVEMBER 7-13
Past Chamber Chairman John
As it does every year, the Chamber and its Wright Flyers celebrated Military Appreciation Week 2021
Yelverton commented on the
through its Freedom Isn’t Free campaign, honoring all branches of the Armed Services, including all
experience. “As leaders, we
active duty, Guard, Reserve and retired military personnel. Armed service personnel and their families
have a responsibility and a
were able to enjoy special discounts from merchants in the River Region throughout the week.
great privilege to embrace the powerful story of EJI and
In conjunction with the Freedom Isn’t Free campaign and Military Appreciation Week, the Chamber
let it guide new opportunities
recognized and celebrated the many contributions of our nation’s servicemen and women, past and
and understanding in our own
present, by hosting the signing of a proclamation designating November 7 - 13 as Military Appreciation
community,” he said.
Week. The signed proclamation was presented to Lt. General James Hecker, Commander & President, Air University, and Major General Sheryl Gordon, The Adjutant General of the State of Alabama, at the Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters.
68 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER Spotlight
JIM MASSEY’S CLEANERS Jim Massey’s Cleaners believes in giving back to the community and has proven it with its actions: collecting and cleaning more than 10,000 coats for the needy, giving away more 5,000 prom dresses and annually donating more than 3,000 items of clothing to many groups in need.
HISTORY: Founded in 1941 by the current owners’ grandparents, Jim Massey Sr. and his wife, Jim Massey’s Cleaners has grown from one employee in 1941 to 85 at 12 different locations. Our company has always maintained the mindset, “our job is to clean.” Today, we clean everything from clothing to electronics. As the first franchise of CRDN in 1999, many of the items cleaned today range from televisions to rare pieces of art.
Jim Massey, III (left) and Bob Beisel, GM of Laundromats (right).
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 85 at 10 dry cleaning stores, two laundromats, and three Save-A-Trip delivery vans. WHAT ARE JIM MASSEY’S CLEANERS PRIMARY SERVICES? Dry cleaning, shirt laundry, Save-A-Trip Pick-up and Delivery, laundromats and disaster restoration by CRDN. WHAT SETS JIM MASSEY’S CLEANERS AND ITS SERVICES APART? Our personnel, period. As an “essential business” our personnel proved their dedication by helping us stay open during the darkest days of COVID. We are a small family business, we believe if we take care of our personnel, they will take care of our customers. As a result, we have won The Montgomery Advertiser Readers Choice Award every year since the awards began. We never stop looking for better ways to take care of our customers. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR JIM MASSEY’S CLEANERS? We have an app that allows customers to request on-demand service, alert the store they are on the way to pick-up, etc. There are also two locations with selfservice lockers, which gives the customer 24-hour access to their clothes. After celebrating the one-year anniversary of adding Save-A-Trip, Jim Massey’s Cleaners plans to add more trucks to our number. There will also be a third laundromat breaking ground soon.
334-262-8852 / JIMMASSEY.COM 69 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect
PAST EVENTS
A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS
10.1.21 First Friday Culture Builder & Social Hour – Sponsor: Lagoon Park Golf Course & Driving Range
10.12.21 October BAH Sponsor and Location: The Waters Blue Heron Pool Club
10.13.21 City & County Update Presenting Sponsor: Baptist Health
11.4.21 Washington Brief: Military Community Update
PAST
Virtual EVENTS
11.3.21 & 11.9.21 Virtual Grant Writing Series In Partnership with Ann Cooper Consulting 11.8.21 11.5.21 First Friday Culture Builder & Social Hour – Event Sponsor: MMFA and the Sculpture Garden
11.9.21 November Coffee Sponsor and Location: Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA)
11.9.21 Military Proclamation Signing
70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Virtual Washington Brief Gold Sponsor: Beasley Allen Law Firm
Showcase
YOUR B USINESS
Industry Features 2022 MAR/APR
MAY/JUN
Elder Care
Logistics / Transportation
JUL/AUG
SEP/OCT
Restaurants / Food
Non-Profits / Entrepreneurship NOV/DEC
Women in Business / Retail
Contact Christina Bennett for more information at christina@exploremedia.org and 334.221.4619 71 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
The Lab on Dexter:
I NN OVATE. COLLABORATE. ACCELERATE.
DISCOVER THE LAB ON DEXTER Launched last summer, The Lab on Dexter is providing the space, social connections and practical, educational programming to power Montgomery’s tech ecosystem and propel the city’s small businesses and entrepreneurs forward. Learn more about all its offerings.
UP TO THE TASK THE LAB ON DEXTER IS RELYING ON A COMBO OF TOOLS TO ACCOMPLISH ITS GOALS.
EDUCATE
the community with the latest training “close this gap.” Thompson shared examples. “We have partnered with the Small Business Development Center in the launching of a
and tools.
INNOVATE
small business cohort aimed at supporting the
with partners across the social and
technology infrastructure of small businesses,
tech innovation ecosystem.
and most recently, we announced our partnership with EdFarm,” she said.
COLLABORATE
with community members to create Establishing Montgomery as a center of
innovative solutions.
TechMGM, a Chamber initiative created to
innovation and diversifying the local economy
coordinate a diverse array of partners’ efforts
are among Montgomery Mayor Steven L.
around developing Montgomery’s tech and
Reed’s priorities for the capital city, and
innovation ecosystem, now has a new arm:
The Lab is proving an essential player. “As
resources and technology tools to
The Lab on Dexter. This state-of-the-art facility
we work to support the mayor’s visions of
grow their business.
fronts historic Dexter Avenue downtown, and it
strengthening our foundation and broadening
provides a collaborative learning environment
our expectations around the knowledge-based
where it invites individuals and small
economy, tech startups, small business support
businesses to lease space and take advantage
and Black business initiatives, The Lab on
of a calendar that’s packed with networking
Dexter plays a critical role in providing access
events, workshops and training classes, all
and the latitude needed for emerging talent,”
focused on building and supporting local talent,
Thompson said.
small businesses and entrepreneurs. This year, The Lab promises expanded According to The Lab’s Executive Director
programming and events. In March, The Lab
Dr. Nichole Thompson, one of The Lab’s
will launch its first Co-Starters Cohort. “It’s
main roles is to meet the needs of the area’s
a community of small business owners that
existing small businesses as well as budding
will be educated on the essentials to thriving
entrepreneurs and startups. “During the Covid
in business,” Thompson said. And that’s the
Relief Recover Together Initiative, we witnessed
key takeaway from The Lab’s first few months
a large number of small businesses unable
in operation: This hub is providing a slew of
to fully benefit from the federal government’s
options and opportunities — all underpinned
financial assistance. Much of this was due
by a commitment to developing and bolstering
to deficits in documentation and business
small businesses and startups — to set
structure,” she said. A large portion of The
Montgomery up for sustainable economic
Lab’s programming and events is designed to
prosperity.
STAY IN THE KNOW
The Lab’s co-working space is available via monthly memberships and daily rates. And watch The Lab’s website and social media channels to stay up to date on events and to find ways you and your business can get involved. labondexter.com
ACCELERATE
small businesses with training,
INCUBATE
small businesses by providing small business suites and co-working space.
EVENT-FULL Since its opening, The Lab has already hosted multiple events and training sessions to help small businesses and entrepreneurs reach their potential.
Wine Down Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays Tech-centric activities:
The Lab welcomed local students, educators and tech professionals.
Building Business Block:
This series of educational events extends through February and is designed to ensure small businesses and start-ups have access to the resources and basic information necessary to thrive.
73 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
74 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Member Benefits & Resources Chamber membership is a rewarding investment. Far beyond the training resources and relationship building opportunities, proudly displaying your membership tells your customers and the community that you are doing your part to create a stronger, more vibrant Montgomery. Get the most out of what your Chamber offers. Contact our engagement team and get involved!
E L E V AT E Y O U R B R A N D A N D S HAR E YO UR NE WS
C O NNE C T WIT H T HE C O MMU NIT Y
Did you know we feature member news, announcements, and awards in the Chamber’s Montgomery Business Journal Magazine? Boost your SEO by linking your website to our business directory page. Show the world you are part of something powerful by adding the Chamber’s digital member badge to your website footer.
TO O LS YO U C AN US E MEMBER CALENDAR promotions
Build and grow relationships at our popular before and after -hours events. Leverage our Ambassador program and be the first to welcome new businesses and celebrate benchmarks for existing members.
P R O F ITA B L E P R O G R A M M IN G
- Post events and sales
NON -PROFIT CALENDAR events
Connect with key business and industry leaders who make and influence pro -business policies and plans.
- Promote fundraisers and
JOB BOARD - List your job openings Need a Notary Public? As a member, we are at your service .
Gain new skills and resources with relevant training programs. Connect and grow with other small businesses through The Lab on Dexter. Build your company’s capacity for diversity, equity, and inclusion through our Diversity Training Resources.
ME MB E R TO ME MB E R DIS C O UNTS
C R E DIB ILIT Y O F ME MB E R S HIP
Save big on the basics with significant discounts at Office Depot and Strickland Companies.
Being a member of your local Chamber increases your businesses credibility by 68%.
Learn for less with tuition discounts for your employees at major local universities.
Be sure to display your window decal and member placard in a prominent space.
Maximize your advertising budget through member perks on local radio, and billboard placement. 75 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move K EEP U P W I T H O U R M EM B ER S W ELCOMIN G N EW HIRES AN D ACCEPTIN G N EW POS ITION S
Montgomery Christian School Makes New Hires
for service providers and other industry stakeholders before
Montgomery Christian School (MCS)
deployment and government funding opportunities.
federal and state agencies regarding broadband infrastructure
announced that Stephenie Price, a teacher of 27 years in Montgomery
Two New Associates Join Capell & Howard, P.C.
Public Schools, at Holy Cross and most
Capell & Howard, P.C. welcomed
recently serving as Assistant Principal of
attorneys Caitlin E. Cobb and Joseph
MCS has begun her tenure as principal
R. Latham to the firm. Cobb was
of the K-5th grade school. Price replaces
born and raised in Montgomery and
principal Kathi Atkins, who retired in
graduated from the University of
June 2021. With the growth of (MCS), a
Alabama in 2017, magna cum laude.
new Executive Director has also been
She received her juris doctorate from
hired, Pamela McLemore. She comes to
the University of Alabama School of
the job after teaching for 15 years and
Law in 2021. Cobb’s practice includes
doing development as a missionary with
primarily civil rights defense litigation.
the International Christian School of
Latham graduated summa cum laude
Budapest for seven years.
from the University of Mississippi’s Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and received his juris
Dogwood Media Solutions, LLC Adds Partner Dogwood Media Solutions has added Matt Wheeler as a new partner. Wheeler joins current partners Brian Harris and Thomas Jones in ownership of the nearly three-year-old business. Wheeler joined Dogwood as
doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2019. Latham’s practice includes primarily general civil defense litigation, with a special focus on representing state and local government entities and officials.
its first employee in early 2019 as project manager. Since that time, he has worked and helped Dogwood to grow to a staff of 12 employees.
Cass Sheridan Joins River Bank & Trust River Bank & Trust Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Stubbs announced that Cass Sheridan has joined River
Bradley Names Chief Information Officer Yvonne Sexton has joined the Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP as its new chief information officer. She has extensive experience leading crossfunctional teams, participating in
Bank & Trust as Vice President & Mortgage Loan Originator. Sheridan will be based at the Prattville office, providing home financing assistance to clients throughout the River Region.
strategic IT planning, contributing to strategic information governance plans and leading data security task forces.
Josh Moates Joins New Waters Realty Realtor® Josh Moates recently joined the New Waters Realty team. A recent
Brad Currier Joins Bradley’s Governmental Affairs Practice
addition to the River Region’s real
J. Bradford Currier has joined Bradley
background with him. He was a
Arant Boult Cummings LLP as a senior
professional musician (bass player for
attorney. Currier will practice as part of
the rock band Trust Company) and is
the Governmental Affairs team, and his
co-owner of Kim Box Photography, a
practice is focused on communications
company he co-founded in 2003. He
matters, with an emphasis on advocating
also started Indie Film Lab in 2011.
estate scene, he brings a diverse
76 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move K EEP U P W I T H O U R M EM B ER S W ELCOMIN G N EW HIRES AN D ACCEPTIN G N EW POS ITION S
Beasley Allen Hires Four New Attorneys
Harmon Dennis Bradshaw Adds Claims Advocacy Director
Beasley Allen
Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. (HDB)
recently hired the
added David A. Bright, Esq. as the Claims
following: Houston
Advocacy Director. Bright brings experience
Kessler is a lawyer
in pre-suit insurance claim coverage
in the firm’s Personal
investigation, insurance policy coverage
Injury Section and
analysis, contractual business disputes and
primarily handles
insurance coverage law/litigation.
product liability cases and other cases involving serious injuries.
Caddell Construction Names New President/COO
Alexa Wallace is a
Montgomery-based Caddell Construction
lawyer in the firm’s
has named Mac Caddell as its new
Mass Torts Section,
president and chief operating officer. The
where she handles Philips CPAP recall litigation. Dylan Martin
promotion comes as the growing company
has been hired as a lawyer in the firm’s Consumer Fraud &
is on track to achieve the biggest year in
Commercial Litigation Section concentrating on vehicle defect
its 38-year history. Eddie Stewart, who has
class action litigation. Suzanne Clark currently serves as a
served as president and chief executive
Discovery Counsel for our Mass Torts Section, where she assists
officer since 2012, will remain as chairman/
with discovery of electronically stored information (ESI).
chief executive officer.
77 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS
Community ASU Scores Record $24.7 Million Grant for MPS Students
Montgomery Community to Benefit from Financial Education and Counseling
Alabama State University has received a $24.7 million grant
In November, Trustmark announced a community-wide
from the U.S. Department of Education, the largest single grant
partnership with Operation HOPE and the City of Montgomery
that the university has ever received. Spanning seven years, the
to offer opportunities for financial education and counseling. An
grant will fund the creation and implementation of a program to
Operation HOPE Inside location is now located at Trustmark’s
increase the readiness of Montgomery Public School students for
Carmichael Road location in Montgomery.
college and other postsecondary education opportunities. ASU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl Pettis will serve as the primary investigator on the grant, and he expects the program to provide “academic preparation services” to more than 26,000 MPS students by 2028. This year, it is starting with the 4,495 sixth and seventh graders across MPS middle schools.
Rising Stars in Alabama Banking The Alabama Bankers Association Rising Stars program launched this year as a collaborative effort between the association and Business Alabama to recognize and identify the emerging leaders in the Alabama banking industry. Those selected for this honor were chosen because of the impact they have made in both the bank and the community. The honorees include several River Region bankers: Chase Chambliss, Vice President and Relationship Manager of River Bank & Trust in Montgomery, Rebecca Hallman Vice President and Human Resources Director of River Bank & Trust in Prattville, Scott Killman, Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker with CB&S Bank and Jason Kocher, Assistant Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at Trustmark National Bank.
Montgomery Restaurants Awarded Montgomery restaurants shone brightly in the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s (ARHA) 2021 Stars of
Faulkner University’s President Mike Williams to Step Down
the Industry Awards. There were more than 110 nominations
Faulkner University and Harding University announced in simultaneous press conferences that Faulkner’s President Mike Williams would be stepping down from his position at Faulkner effective May 6, 2022, and stepping into his new role as Harding’s president on June 1, 2022. Williams is Faulkner’s 8th president in its 79-year history and came to Faulkner in 2015. Under his watch, Faulkner has grown to include a new College of Health Sciences, which acts as the foundation for Williams’ vision to create an autism center on campus. He has also been missiondriven since coming to Faulkner to help the community and has helped impress that vision on staff and students by partnering with Davis Elementary School and HEAL Alabama.
submitted statewide, and the winners in each of the 18 categories were presented with trophies by the ARHA Chairman, Bob Omainsky. The Bartender of the Year was Nick Ware from Lower Lounge; Vintage Café/Year Chef Eric Rivera was the Chef of the Year Finalist; and Restaurateur of the Year was Jud Blount of Vintage Hospitality Group, which owns The Vintage Year and Vintage Café and is set to open its downtown restaurant Ravello early in 2022.
Jackson Thornton Asset Management Recognized as a Top 100 Financial Advisor Firm Jackson Thornton Asset Management (JTAM), a wealth management firm with offices in Montgomery and Dothan, has been named to CNBC’s 2021 Top 100 Financial Advisors. From
Rotary Park Wins Urban Design Award Rotary Park in downtown Montgomery is not only a destination for lovers of dog parks, food trucks and greenspaces, but it is an award-winning case study in urban planning and design. The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association presented the City of Montgomery with the Franklin M. Setzer Outstanding Urban Design Project Award for Rotary Park.
an initial list of more than 38,000 firms considered, JTAM was ranked 79th of the Top 100 firms across the United States. The methodology for the 2021 edition of CNBC’s annual FA 100 ranking of registered investment advisors (RIAs) was prepared in partnership with data provider AccuPoint Solutions. A variety of core data points from AccuPoint Solutions’ database were analyzed, ranging from the firm’s compliance record and years in business to total accounts and assets under management.
78 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS
Awards AFCEC Announced 2021 Air Force Design Award Winners
Bradley Rakes in Honors Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP has been named the “Law Firm
The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently announced the
of the Year” in the area of Construction Law in the 2022 edition of
winners of the 2021 Air Force Design Awards, recognizing 10
U.S. News—Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” Only one firm per legal
standout building projects in design and efficiency. The design
practice receives this designation, making it particularly significant.
awards program, in its 46th year, honors the Air Force’s top
Bradley was named “Law Firm of the Year” for Construction Law in
projects. The New Squadron Operations Facility of the Alabama
the 2020 and 2018 editions as well. It was also awarded the Tier 1
Air National Guard in Montgomery was the Facility Design award
national rankings in the practice areas of Construction Law; Criminal
winner.
Defense: White-Collar; Litigation—Construction; and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions—Defendants. The firm also earned 156 Tier
Bradley Attorney Inducted as Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers
1 metropolitan rankings across all 10 of its offices.
Charles A. “Chuck” Stewart III, a partner
Gilpin Givhan Named In 2022 “Best Law Firm” List by U.S. News – Best Lawyers
in Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Montgomery office, has been inducted
Gilpin Givhan received national rankings in the U.S. News—Best
as a Fellow of the American College of
Lawyers 2022 edition of “Best Law Firms.” Firms included in
Trial Lawyers. Stewart has more than 35
the “Best Law Firms” ranking are recognized for professional
years of experience with complex trials involving business disputes, product liability, intellectual property, construction, employment and catastrophic personal injuries in multiple states.
excellence and have persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving this ranking signals a unique combination of quality practice and breadth of legal expertise.
Focused On You
When it comes to managing the challenges facing your business, it’s critical to partner with a legal team that has a sophisticated understanding of your goals. As a full-service law firm with extensive experience in general litigation, product liability litigation, pharmaceutical litigation, class action, labor and employment law, government affairs, public finance, utilities law, and the representation of municipalities, our attorneys can address the unique needs of every client. At Bradley, we’re focused on providing you with innovative solutions, dependable responsiveness and a deep commitment to success.
bradley.com
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Robert Emmett Poundstone IV, Esq., 334.956.7645, bpoundstone@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, RSA Dexter Avenue Building, 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 9075, Montgomery, AL 36104 © 2022
79 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Fred D. Gray Avenue Naming Ceremony in Montgomery Montgomery’s Jeff Davis Avenue, has been renamed Fred D. Gray Avenue by Mayor Steven L.
Huntingdon Opens Wanda A. Howard ’81 BSU Center The ribbon has been cut, and the doors are open to the fully refurbished space renamed the Wanda A. Howard ’81 Black Student Union Center on the Huntingdon College campus. Howard, a member of the Huntingdon board of trustees and a founding member of the College’s Black Student Union 40 years ago, was present for the ceremony, as were dozens of current and former students and college friends,
Reed, the first Black mayor in the city’s 200-year history, in honor of famed Civil Rights attorney from the capital city, Fred D. Gray. Originally named for Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the street intersects with Rosa L. Parks Avenue. Mayor Reed and the Montgomery City Council hosted a public
including the BSU’s first president, Ida Kay Davis, Class of 1982.
ceremony on October 26 to unveil and dedicate
In October 2020, Huntingdon President J. Cameron West announced that the
ceremony’s site is only a few yards from Attorney
space, located on the ground floor of the YWCA Hut building on campus, would be renovated and renamed for Howard as the College developed a set of goals and
the new Fred D. Gray Avenue signage. The Gray’s childhood home, 705 W. Jeff Davis Avenue, which sits near the corner of Oak Street and Fred
objectives as part of Huntingdon’s Race and Justice Initiative.
D. Gray Avenue (formerly W. Jeff Davis Avenue).
Goodwyn Mills Cawood Opens New Orleans Office, Adds Architects
Sam Wootten Joining Cloverdale Playhouse as Artistic Director
Montgomery architectural firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood has opened a new office in
As Montgomery’s community theatre, nestled
New Orleans, expanding its footprint along the Gulf Coast; it already has offices in
in the heart of Old Cloverdale, wraps up its 10th
Daphne and Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. Additionally, it has added
anniversary season of storytelling, the next decade
two New Orleans-based architects to the office who will help expand its healthcare
will begin with new leadership. Sam Wootten,
expertise. Healthcare architect Steve Ritten joins GMC, bringing more than 14 years of
a familiar face in the theatre and business
experience with a New Orleans architecture firm, where he has led projects including
communities in Montgomery and beyond, will be
inpatient, emergency, surgical, imaging and nuclear medicine services. Ritten’s
making a home with the Playhouse family as its
colleague, Dustin Hartman is also joining GMC.
third Artistic Director.
Two Banks Merge to Become Cadence Bank Cadence Bancorporation merged into BancorpSouth Bank. The surviving company
Popular Montgomery Restaurant Expands to The Waters
is named Cadence Bank. BancorpSouth Bank and Cadence Bank will continue
NYC Gyro is expanding to Pike Road. A third
operating under their old brands until they finish integrating their systems in late
location opened on Thursday, November 4, at The
2022. The company says customers should not see immediate changes and should
Waters Town Center. NYC Gyro also has brick and
continue using their current bank cards, checks and other services. Cadence is
mortar locations in downtown Montgomery and
becoming the sixth-largest bank headquartered in its nine-state footprint. It operates
near Maxwell AFB, and two food trucks, one of
in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee
which is contracted to stay on campus at Auburn
and Texas.
University.
80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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82 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Announces New Board Members The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) recently announced the appointment of five members to the Board of Directors. This brings the number of board members to 37. These new directors will bring industry expertise and represent their respective geographies to provide strategic direction and continued growth around EDPA’s mission. They are: Stephanie Bryan, CEO/Chair of Poarch Band of Creek Indians; Macke Mauldin, CEO and President of Bank Independent; John Mazyck, Principal at The Frazer Lanier Company; Ruffner Page, President of McWane, Inc.; James Rane Jr., Founder and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving.
Payne Design Group Architects to Design Federal Courthouse Payne Design Group Architects in Montgomery has been selected as the Architect of Record to prepare the Bridging Documents Design for the new GSA Federal Courthouse in Huntsville. Three architects and
Phase II renovations of Faulkner's College of Health Sciences began last October and will include a student library, expansion of classroom space, research labs and additional faculty offices. Phase II also includes more than 20,000 square feet of dedicated space for expanding Faulkner’s pro bono clinic, which will not only be for speech services, but also for pediatric
their firms -- David H. Payne,
and adult and occupational and physical therapy services.
AIA; Fentress Architects’ Steve
Renovations are expected to be completed in May 2022.
White, AIA; and Lee H. Sims,
Phase III renovations will include the exterior façade, parking
AIA -- have been working in
beautification and a pedestrian bridge to connect the two
close harmony to provide the
campuses. Classes for the inaugural cohort of 36 students in the
classically inspired structure
PT program began on August 25, 2021.
that Judges Burke, Smith and Coogler have had in mind for
Faulkner University and Heritage Christian University Sign Agreement for Biblical Studies Graduates
the Huntsville community for more than two decades. The final interior spatial layout of
Officials with Faulkner University and Heritage Christian
the 123,000-square-foot, multi-
University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that
level building as designed by
will benefit graduates seeking to complete their Ph.D. in Biblical
Payne and his firm meets GSA’s
Studies. The agreement would allow Heritage alumni who
program spatial requirements better than any other courthouse project in recent history, and the beautifully illustrated and carefully detailed sections and elevations further developed in the Revit computer program by White and the Fentress team, present clearly and accurately the beauty of the interior and exterior classical details. The design effort of Sims’ creativity as illustrated in his original conceptual design, and Payne’s and White’s skillful maturation of that conceptual design, is an excellent example architects and their firms working together. These collective efforts and the judges’ vision will finally come to fruition when construction on the courthouse is completed in early 2024.
Faulkner's College of Health Sciences Begins Phase II Renovations
graduated with a master’s degree to pursue a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at Faulkner. If accepted for admission, they will be eligible for a scholarship.
Caddell Construction Opens New Corporate Office Montgomery-based Caddell Construction officially opened its fourth corporate office in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 21. A small reception was held onsite with employees, clients and strategic partners in attendance. The new location was a strategic move for the company, according to Executive Vice President Mac Caddell.
83 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
V-Event & MeetUrMatch: MATCHMAKING & VIRTUAL EVENT MANAGEMENT SUITE
CTE has extensive experience in providing event management and matchmaking solutions, including hardware, software, training and supporting services for agencies. OU R COM MI TME NT CTE is the right organization to ensure corporate responsiveness and attention to your mission with the required agility and depth. To ensure stable service delivery and continuity of the project, as well as the safety of all attendees, CTE has been firmly committed - working towards the virtual conference event software solution, our program managers, software developers and technical support staff who are cleared at “Secret Level” to empower a smooth transition and readiness to meet the contract requirement within the strict timelines identified by your organization. IN C LU D E D CO MP O NE NTS
OUR MATC HMAKIN G With CTE ‘s Matchmaking feature, we provide registration software and support services to facilitate purposeful connections between small businesses looking to sell their services and other prime contractors, federal agencies looking to buy services. C ORE MATC HMAKING F EATURES • Buyer (Prime) and Seller (Vendor) Registration • Electronic/Paperless Buyer/Seller Information-Exchange System • Smart-Matching Algorithm (Auto and Manual) • Scheduling & Reminding System (Auto and Manual) • Admin Dashboard & Management
• Landing Page—Digital Brochure/Agenda • Event Registration • Main Lobby • Networking Lounge—Discussion Boards and Attendees
• Smart Scheduling and Sessions Management • Video and Audio Communication Experience
• Auditorium—Keynote and Breakout Sessions • Exhibition Hall—Vendor Table/Booths • Matchmaking Hall—Buyers and Sellers • Helpdesk • Admin Dashboard and Management Portal
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CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings CELEBRATIN G N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESSES
CAPITAL CITY CLUB Joseph Spellman, Club Manager 201 Monroe Street Unit 2100, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-834-8920 • clubcorp.com/clubs/capital-city-clubmontgomery / Private Clubs
JACKSON WELLNESS CENTER Heather Logan, Director of Community Health and Wellness 7150 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-440-3330 • jackson.org/services/wellness-center/ Health Clubs
OUR CHILDREN’S ACADEMY, LLC Kay McGrew Cullers, Owner 1000 Monticello Court, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-647-1113 / Child Care Centers
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
ACCOUNTING – CERTIFIED PUBLIC Livings, Lambert, Duffee & Mackin, PC P.O. Box 240158 Montgomery, AL 36124 334-546-2356 lldmcpas.com ASSOCIATIONS National Association of Women in Construction Chapter 267 P.O. Box 1563 Montgomery, AL 36102-1563 334-398-1225 nawicmgm.org BANKS SmartBank 201 Monroe Street Suite 1650 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-746-6562 smartbank.com CLEANING RL Jones Pressure Washing 27 Woodland Street Monroeville, AL 36468 251-593-8286 COMPUTERS US Tech Repair 7968 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334-239-7500 us-techrepairs.com CONCRETE Tuskegee Ready Mix In P.O. Box 83048 Tuskegee, AL 36083 334-265-7788
JANUARY 2022 NEW & REJOINED MEMBERS
White Chapel/Greenwood Serenity Funeral Home and Cementery 909 Lincoln Road Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-3181 dignitymemorial.com
CONSULTING SERVICES Camel Consulting 22 Rowe Oak Circle Atlanta, GA 30043 404-532-9799 camelconsulting.com Elev8Po10tial 251-2099-4214 elev8po10tial.com JAMM Resources 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 4050 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-531-6834 jammresources.com
GOVERNMENT AGENCY Alabama State Port Authority 250 N. Water Street Mobile, AL 36602 251-441-7535 asdd.com GRANT WRITING Ann Cooper Consulting 334-315-3409 anncooperconsulting.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS
COUNSELING Afangideh Therapy 39 A Carol Villa Drive Montgomery, AL 36109 334-549-9757 thealabamatherapist.com
Blue Plains Technology P.O. Box 640111 Pike Road, AL 36064 334-219-5482 blueplainstech.com INSURANCE COMPANIES/SERVICES
DELIVERY/COURIER SERVICES United Parcel Service 2401 Jackson Ferry Road Montgomery, AL 36104 800-742-5877 ups.com
WoodmenLife 6773 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-361-7510 woodmenlife.org LEGAL SERVICES-ATTORNEYS
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES Job Konnections, LLC 55 North Burbank Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-9563 jobkonnections.com FUNERAL SERVICES Leak-Memory Chapel Funeral Home 945 Lincoln Road Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-6501 dignitymemorial.com 87 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Jackson and Scott, LLC 6737 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-1934 realestatelclosings.com
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCOME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
LOCKSMITH
PEST CONTROL
Montgomery Lock & Key, Inc. 131 Eastdale Road S Montgomery, AL 36117 334-272-5397 Montgomerylockandkey.com
Whitaker Wildlife 334-451-4443 wildlifeandpestremoval.com REHABILITATION SERVICES
MARKETING/MARKETING RESEARCH Fetch Me Delivery 1500 Pumphrey Avenue Auburn, AL 36832 334-209-7730 fetchmedelivery.com MILITARY 187th Fighter Wing 5187 Selma Highway Montgomery, AL 36108 334-394-7200 187fw.ang.af.mil
•Puddin Jars •Puddin by the Pan •Dessert Cups •Custom Desserts •Catering and Events
Delta Rehab Services 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 4050 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-557-7295 RESTAURANTS 5 Points Deli & Grill 1010 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 334-354-5309 5pointsdeliandgrill.com Culinary Management Solutions 5345 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-386-7178 culinarymgmnt.com
“ The yum is in the puddin” 88 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Farmers Market Café 315 N McDonough Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-262-1970 farmersmarketcafe.net Jack’s Family Restaurants 124 West Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL 35209 205-201-7810 eatatjacks.com Moe’s Original BBQ 1051 East Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 334-676-1978 moesoriginalbbq.com ROOFING COMPANIES Homesouth Roofing 615 Mansion Street Wetumpka, AL 36092-2711 334-202-3975 homesouthroofing.com
Chamber members get $5 OFF every purchase 334.303.2746 www.bigonanapuddin.com
Focus on Flexibility
Learn how increasing flexibility can increase your organization’s success.
These generations have had entirely different life experiences, so the
Engaged: They want to be connected to the leader’s vision and when they
things that motivate them, shape their
are, will put forth extra effort to see the
worldviews and drive the way they
organization succeed.
communicate are different, too. This We have more information than ever at our fingertips, only increasing the need for leaders to create professional development opportunities that will help their employees, and in turn their organizations, for years to come. Recent research conducted by the Troy CE&O team can help small business owners and their teams navigate the new normal and what may be up ahead. Here’s some of what we’ve learned:
Currently there are five generations in the workforce: Traditionalists – born 1927-to-1946 Baby Boomers – born 1947-to-1964 Generation X – born 1965-to-1980 Millennials – born 1981-to-2000 Generation Z – born 2001-to-2020
results in different expectations when it comes to retaining each worker. Add the pandemic, and the picture shifts more,
Once again, leaders and employers need to be flexible. This allows them to enable, energize
as each generation experiences this
and engage five different generations.
life-altering time differently as well. This
How would you fare if your employees
makes flexibility essential for employers.
were to rate your flexibility? As we jump
Understanding the common threads all
into this new year, Troy CE&O is here to
generations share can help. Employees
help you thrive with assessments that
want four things at work.
will assist your team with self-awareness
They want to be: Enabled: They want to feel supported
and training programs that will help you build a more flexible culture.
in difficult situations and decisions and feel the leader gives them the resources needed to succeed.
Laura Chambliss
Energized: They want to feel the
Continuing Education & Outreach
leader cares about their well-being and feel appreciated and recognized for
Troy University
their contributions. SPONSORED CONTENT
Continuing Education and Outreach
CUSTOMIZED TRAINING
TROY CE&O can customize training topics to your organization, and our diverse team of trainers will engage your team with innovative, highly effective in-person or live-virtual learning solutions.
Contact us for your organizational needs! 334-983-0005 continuinged@troy.edu
ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS We offer a wide range of online certificate programs aligned with industry recognized standards in accounting, human resource management, project management, technology and more.
89 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
VIRTUAL COACHING
Ready to grow? Whether you need coaching in leadership, professionalism, performance management, personal branding or career enhancement, our executive coaches can assist. Coaching sessions can be conducted virtually, at a time that is convenient for your schedule.
Numbers reflect October 2021 over October 2020. CHAMBER NEWS
Business Buzz
CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Economic Intel • HOUSING NUMBERS •
• TOURISM UPDATES • $1B+ MEDIA IMPRESSIONS YTD 2021
“WHERE TO GO IN 2021”
“FAMILIES ARE LEADING A NEW WAVE IN BLACK TRAVEL”
“THE BEST STAYCATION IN EVERY STATE”
“BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN FEBRUARY”
HOUSING
LOOK WHO’S TALKING ABOUT MGM: “HOW TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN MONTGOMERY, HOME OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT”
670
531
TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE
TOTAL HOME SALES
54 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
$217,157
“THE SOUTH’S BEST WALKING TOURS”
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, Montgomery Area
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR LODGING TAX
#FLY MGM
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
167,954
$959,284
EMPLOYED LABOR FORCE
3.4% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
162,193
OCTOBER 2021 Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
26,799 NUMBER OF PASSENGERS OCTOBER 2021
Source: Alabama Tourism Department
+10%
YTD OCCUPANCY RATE
TOP SECTORS
EMPLOYEES GOVERNMENT
44,200
TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES
29,700
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES
20,200
EDUCATION & HEALTH SERVICES
19,900
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
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MBJ
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101
92 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
