MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH/APRIL 2022
MBJ
COLLABORATE. INNOVATE. CREATE. Meet six locals making an impact in their fields
10
CONTENTS MAR/APRIL 2022
THIS ISSUE:
10 Eldercare Expanding:
Eldercare Industry Overview
36 Using Tourism to Teach Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
38 Winning the Workforce Battle 42 Innovation MGM: MGMWERX & BESPIN 52 M(GM)-Power 64 2022 Chamber Ambassadors 26 Investor Profile: Brad Owen 28 Member Profile: Cary Kuhlmann and Amy Anderson 32 Military Profile: Lt. Col. Stephen Catchings 34 #myMGM: The Wonder Years in Montgomery
CHAMBER NEWS:
58 Connect: Chamber News 60 Connect: Past Events 62 Connect: TRC 66 Members on the Move 69 Members in the News 72 Business Buzz 76 Ribbon Cuttings 79 New & Rejoined Members 82 Intel
S
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MBJ
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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. 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 2. 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.
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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: ELDERCARE
By 2035, seniors will outnumber children younger than 18.
ELDERCARE E X P A N D I N G Age may just be a number, but the numbers associated with our country’s aging population point to the increasing need for the eldercare industry. Here’s how the sector stacks up in the River Region. BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
As the Baby Boomer generation ages (8,000 to 10,000 reach retirement age every day), the demand for eldercare services is on the rise across the country. According to Stephanie Vaught with the Alabama Department of Senior Services, data from the U.S. Census Bureau estimate that one in five Alabamians will be over the age of 65 by 2030, and by 2035, seniors will outnumber children younger than 18. Not only is our senior population growing, thanks to continual medical and wellness advancements, it will live longer too. But those extra golden years often include more complex and chronic healthcare issues. In the state and right here in the River Region, the increasing needs of older adults means the local eldercare industry is also increasing in size, scope and importance, as Susan Segrest, Executive Director of the Central Alabama Aging
Serving our Seniors Central Alabama Aging Consortium (CAAC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties and was created in 1975 by the local government officials to provide Older Americans Act services to the 60plus population. Later, those with disabilities were added under its umbrella. CAAC administers multiple state services, including the Elderly Nutrition Program, Aging Disability Resource Center, State Health Insurance Counseling Program, SenioRx Medication Assistance Program and more. The organization also contracts to provide legal services and recently received an Alzheimer’s Disease Project Initiative grant to provide services to individuals with dementia, including those with intellectual disabilities, and their caregivers. Learn more at centralalabamaaging.org.
Consortium, explained. “The demand is growing,” she said. “Often, children have moved out of the state, and the elderly are left with no close family members to assist them.” Currently, there are 14 skilled nursing facilities, 15 assisted living facilities and eight specialty care assisted living facilities in the River Region. Segrest also noted the options for home care services, which is proving a popular choice among today’s seniors, marking a shift in the industry. “The needs and expectations of the Baby Boomer generation differ from the older senior citizens,” she said. “In general, people want to remain in their homes, or at least in a community setting.” Her agency has expertise and resources to help people do just that. Segrest also noted a few gaps in meeting the needs of seniors with limited financial resources. “Affordable housing can be a challenge,” she said. “Also, sometimes, the homes of the elderly are older homes in need of repair, and the cost of the needed repairs is costprohibitive for the senior citizen.” As the eldercare industry faces these changes as well as challenges like workforce shortages, the multi-faced services it provides remain a necessity. We asked two local industry experts to shed some light on where the industry is and where it’s headed. 10 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
EXPERT ANSWERS:
MEMORY CARE At what point would you advise those caring for a senior loved one to look into
LOCAL FACILITIES:
the services of a memory care facility?
Elderly Care Q&A
As we are all unique in our own way, and as there are no two cases of dementia that are alike, the
How has the eldercare industry
determining factor of when to transition into memory
changed in the last few decades?
care assisted living varies. For some individuals,
14 skilled nursing facilities,
it is the inability to manage the day-to-day care of their loved one who is struggling with memory loss
New categories of healthcare communities have developed, including assisted living and memory care communities.
concerns such as wandering or how to perform
The public has become more educated
simple tasks; for some, it is the inability to manage
on the different kinds and levels of care
the activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting,
for seniors. Also, the number of assisted
dressing and grooming; for others, it is the financial strain of not being able to afford in-home care. Our
15 assisted living facilities
community supports both the resident in need of assisted memory care and the family.
living and memory care communities has expanded and continues to expand. There are new developments continuing to grow throughout Alabama.
- Ginger Fletcher, Executive Director, Haven Memory Care
What changes are happening now? Right now, healthcare communities are
LOCAL RESOURCE: Haven Memory Care on
and eight specialty
Halcyon has a full-time nursing staff and offers
care assisted
24/7 access to nursing care. Every staff member
living facilities are
is trained in dementia care best practices, using
located in
tools developed by the Alzheimer’s Association,
the River Region.
the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and other professional organizations.
still addressing the COVID virus and keeping their residents, patients and staff as safe as possible. Although much has been learned by all of the communities throughout this, the struggle is staying ahead of the transmission via testing, contact tracing and sanitation efforts in our communities.
As demand for eldercare and senior services increases, is our area prepared
Good to Know:
to meet it? The demand for senior
“I think one of the biggest issues we run into is the general understanding of what home care does versus home
services is definitely increasing because of rapid growth in the number of seniors throughout our region, state and the
health and hospice care. Many times, people think we are all the same thing, but we all have service offerings that complement each other but seldom overlap. Home health is ordered by a physician and is skilled nursing care, usually comprised of a certain number of visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech therapist. Hospice is also ordered by a physician and provides comfort care to a patient with advanced illness. Home care provides home health and personal care aids to assist with activities of daily living. They assist clients with personal tasks such as bathing or dressing, and they perform housekeeping, such as laundry, washing dishes and vacuuming. They also arrange for or provide transportation to doctor appointments, prepare meals to meet a client’s dietary specifications and keep clients engaged in their social networks.” – Scott Slocum, SYNERGY HomeCare
country. Presently, the River Region has been able to address seniors’ needs as it relates to healthcare providers. However, as the aging population grows, we must be vigilant in meeting demand with a variety of services.
How is technology affecting the industry? Technology is changing the industry. Some of the many changes include electronic medical records, resident-patient call systems, methods that senior care communities use to facilitate communication between residents and family members and the safety
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Is long-term care insurance something you recommend? Long-term care insurance is an option for future planning purposes to address the financial costs of senior care. Although there are fewer companies now offering these policies, they are still good options because they help supplement
O’Neal Green, Executive Director, Oak Grove Inn Independent and Assisted Living
the cost of care in nursing homes, assisted living and memory care communities.
How can employers help their employees dealing with eldercare? Due to the increasing number of employees who are today caring for
TOP QUESTION: What’s your advice on choosing the right care option for a loved one? Get educated on senior healthcare and security measures in use by communities.
What are the challenges facing our seniors and the eldercare industry? There are many. Just a few are the increasing costs of healthcare options, especially in the private-pay market, which includes assisted living, memory care facilities and home care services. Another is addressing the COVID-19 virus issues in our communities and our efforts to keep our residents and staff safe. A related issue is the cost associated with all the COVID-19 safety measures. And finally, we are dealing with the challenge of recruiting, employing
options before you need them, whether it is keeping a relative at home or learning more about assisted living or memory care or nursing home options. Use the internet. Ask questions. Visit facilities and communities. And again, ask questions. In addition, the Central Alabama Aging Consortium is a great resource and has information and answers on a full array of senior services in our area.
and retaining qualified staff. 13 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
a senior loved one, employers must be conscious of their employees’ struggles. One way to do that and to help is to allow for flexibility in their work schedule when needed.
What’s your advice on choosing the right retirement community? Talk to residents at the communities you visit and talk to their families. Check the Alabama Department of Health website for deficiency reports on facilities and communities; these reports are made available to the public on all nursing homes, assisted living and memory care communities. Also, check out the communities’ Facebook pages. Once you make a decision, be active in visiting your loved one. Develop a rapport with facility and community staff so you can stay in good communication. Ask questions as soon as any issues arise.
Eldercare & Your Employees
As the demand for eldercare services rises, so too does the understanding that caring for a senior loved one is not just a personal issue. According to a recent article by The Society for Human Resource Management, one in six Americans offers caregiving to a loved one or friend, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. That means the challenges surrounding eldercare affect more than the caregiver and the cared for. This issue affects businesses of all sizes and in all sectors too.
How You Can Help According to a 2021 study done by AARP, the pandemic-driven work-at-home trend made things a bit easier for some caregivers, but then, the return to the office was doubly stressful as they worried about bringing COVID home to their elderly, vulnerable relative. This information only
Why You Should Help
step in. Some large companies are treating
Helping your employees who are dealing
eldercare like childcare, subsidizing
with eldercare is more than a nice thing
eldercare costs and even providing
to do: It also pays off for your business.
eldercare facilities onsite. While these
For example, while they are not only
actions may not be suitable for many
related to eldercare, flexible, customized
smaller businesses, there are still steps any
work schedules are particularly helpful
business can take.
to caregivers who need to transport
How Eldercare Impacts Your Business
underscores the need for employers to
a parent to medical appointments or
• Educate yourself and your supervisors,
treatments. Allowing employees this “flex
HR department, etc. on provisions of the
time” has been proven to increase their
Family Medical Leave Act, and then help
Any of your employees who are also
productivity and reduce the number of
employees navigate it and offer assistance
caregivers for an elderly person (or
absences.
with filling out forms, etc.
people) are shouldering the weight of multiple responsibilities, and this can
Providing options like flex time and other
• Consider offering more flexibility in the
lead them to disengage, at least in
forms of assistance also create a caring
number of hours worked and the time the
part, from their duties to your business.
environment in the workplace. When
hours are worked (i.e, 40 hours a week but
A survey conducted by Homethrive
employees feel their voices are heard
over three to four days instead of five).
(an eldercare company) found that 43
and their needs are addressed, they
percent of working caregivers reported
become more engaged in their work
feeling “distracted, worried, or focused
and more connected to the company’s
on caregiving” instead of being focused
success. This can lead to increased
on their jobs. In the same survey, almost
retention of valuable team members and
80 percent of its participants said their
generate the positive word of mouth that
• If your company has multiple caregivers,
employer had not communicated any
gives businesses an advantage when
consider helping them start a support
information about eldercare benefits or
recruiting new talent.
group and offer use of company space.
support that was available.
• Consider offering work-from-home options. Try a hybrid approach with some hours in the office and some at home.
And, the stress of caregiving can take a
• Organize seminars or workshops
toll on employees’ health, so by being
providing access to experts who can
proactive and helping reduce that stress,
give advice on estate planning, long-term
you could save on your company’s
care insurance, assisted living and home
healthcare costs.
healthcare.
What’s the FMLA? The FMLA is the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, jobprotected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. There are multiple situations eligible for the provisions of FMLA, including caring for a parent with a serious health condition. Learn more at dol.gov.
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OAK GROVE AD
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EXPERT ANSWERS:
Home Care Industry Q&A
Scott Slocum President/Owner, SYNERGY HomeCare of Central Alabama
Can you outline the size of the home care industry? The home care industry has seen sustained growth and popularity over the last two decades. As more Baby Boomers retire and life expectancy has increased, more seniors prefer to remain in their own homes where they are comfortable and have an established social network. Nationally, it is a $100-billion-a-year market, and it is estimated that more than 15 million seniors receive homecare services, with more than 600 million visits made to their homes each year.
What changes are happening now in the home care industry? COVID-19 has caused many seniors to pause and consider where and how they want to spend their golden years. Most seniors prefer to age in place, in their own homes. The healthcare industry, insurance industry and the government have acknowledged the value and affordability of home care services as an option to in-patient treatment, such as skilled nursing facilities. We will also see more expanded access
How is technology affecting the
Are there challenges facing
of home care services through certain
industry? There have been many
our seniors and the eldercare
Medicare advantage plans.
advancements in the use and
industry? The demand for home care
acceptance of technology, specifically
and eldercare services is growing
As demand for eldercare services
over the last 18 months. Examples are
rapidly. The related challenge to
increases, is our area adequately
the increased use of telemedicine
this is a shortage of caregivers to
and remote patient monitoring as
meet this demand. The U.S Bureau
a safe, efficient way for healthcare
of Labor Statistics indicates that
workers to capture information about
there were 3,470,700 home health
a person’s lifestyle, behavior, blood
and personal care aids employed in
pressure, weight and environment
2020. They expect the need to grow
without an office visit. The expectation
by 33 percent in this decade. That is
is that these types of services will
an addition of 1,129,900 home health
expand and continue to grow in the
and personal care aid jobs in the next
coming years.
eight years to meet the needs of our
meeting the demand? Regionally, there are currently many options for seniors to choose from for eldercare services. Over the next several years, the growing geriatric population and rising incidence of diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and orthopedic diseases could overwhelm our current existing healthcare system.
aging population. 16 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
TOP QUESTION: Is long-term care insurance something you recommend?
What impact do you see caring for
advantage of them. I would recommend
a senior loved one having on family
employers who offer back-up-care benefits
members? The impact can be a blessing
to their employees to make sure their
but too often, it becomes a very stressful
employees know it is available to them and
situation for a loved one and can have an
ensure a benefit administrator is available
impact both emotionally and financially.
to assist them.
Yes. We have many clients who
When a loved one needs assistance, it
took advantage of obtaining a
usually requires a family member to take
What’s your advice on choosing the
policy during their employment.
time off work and time away from their
right care option for a senior loved
This has allowed them to obtain
immediate family, which can cause high
one? I would highly recommend the
help with their activities of daily
levels of anxiety, depression and be
families start that conversation about their
financially burdensome.
care expectations early; find out what your
living with little-to-no out-of-
parents’ wishes are and establish a plan
pocket cost. This allows our clients to live independently.
How can employers help their
together to include financial and medical
These policies also relieve the
employees dealing with eldercare?
power of attorney, a will and advanced
stress of family members who
There are many companies that offer
directives. This might be a hard discussion
would have to take off work or
their employees great benefits such as
to have as a family, but having everyone
take time away from their own
back-up-care for their children and/or an
on the same page about a parent’s care
spouse and children to care for
elderly parent. What we tend to see is that
and their wishes is a much better and less
an aging parent.
most employees just don’t understand how
stressful option than having to figure it out
those benefits work and how to use them
after a catastrophic medical event.
appropriately and therefore do not take
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M EM BER Spotlight
WESLEY GARDENS METHODIST HOME When it opened more than 35 years ago, Wesley Gardens was the first retirement community of its kind in the country. Today, it remains on the leading edge of comfortable, caring assisted living options.
HISTORY: Wesley Gardens opened in the 1980s as Halcyon Terrace and at that time, it was the first free-standing domiciliary in the United States. In 1989, Wesley Gardens became part of the Methodist Homes Corporation, which operates a dozen communities in Alabama and Northwest Florida. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 56 WHAT ARE WESLEY GARDENS’ PRIMARY SERVICES? Wesley Gardens welcomes a wide range of individuals aged 62 and older. Its assisted living arrangements provide just the right balance of independence and support. Nurses and care staff are available around the clock to assist with medications, grooming and other personal care services. In addition, a memory care section adds security features for those with mild to moderate dementia. Wesley Gardens also offers full-service dining and provides three homecooked meals a day in a well-appointed dining room. During mealtime, residents order from a daily menu and are served by a friendly wait staff. WHAT IS WESLEY GARDENS’ PATIENT-CARE PHILOSOPHY? Wesley Gardens provides a warm and caring home for seniors who still enjoy an active life. The gathering places, mealtimes and events are filled with friendly faces and lively activities, and there’s always help nearby whenever it’s needed. Wesley Gardens fully incorporates its mission: “To enrich the lives of older adults and all those who serve them in faith-based communities where life is celebrated, relationships are valued, teamwork is embraced, service excellence is expected, and the touch of God’s love is everpresent and ageless.” WHAT SETS WESLEY GARDENS AND ITS SERVICES APART FROM OTHER RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES? The longevity of its staff. Wesley Gardens is blessed to have associates who have committed their career to serving our residents. A large majority of staff has served Wesley Gardens for more than 15 years. Administrator Randy Allen just completed 35 years of service. Also, Wesley Gardens’ Fountain of Love Fund was created to be an everflowing source of funds to help individuals in a Methodist Home whose own finances become exhausted. No resident has ever been asked to leave a Methodist Home due to their inability to pay.
1555 TAYLOR ROAD / 334-272-7917 / METHODISTHOMES.ORG 19 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
The mission of MACOA is to assist senior citizens of Central Alabama by providing services to promote independent living, offering opportunities to enhance their quality of life, and by increasing community awareness of senior issues. MACOA has served seniors for 50 Years! Every weekday, 416 seniors receive meals delivered to their doorstep through our flagship Meals on Wheels Program! For more information on available services, please contact us at (334) 263-0532 or visit us at macoa.org
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I ND U ST RY Leader | Eldercare
Synergy HomeCare of Central and East Alabama Milestones & Accomplishments: This is our seventh
When was your company founded? 2014
year in business, and we have experienced substantial growth
How many employees do you have in the River Region? Approximately 35 in the River Region What are your primary products and services? No matter your circumstances, we step in and develop
each year. We got started in home care after providing and caring for our own aging parents. We understand the stress a family can experience caring for a loved one and know the value and peace of mind our services can provide to family in this situation. We obtained our “Trusted Provider” status from Home Care Plus in 2015 and have
a customized care plan for you or your loved one. Our services range
maintained our “Caring Star Provider” status with Caring.com for the
from personal assistance with bathing and dressing, companion care
last 5 years.
to fight isolation and loneliness to support with housekeeping, errand and transportation services, meal planning and preparation and dementia care. We also offer round-the-clock care for those who need that extra level of support in the comfort of their own home.
What sets your company apart? We do not have a minimum number of hours as a requirement for our client to receive services. We use a service agreement, not a “contract” to initiate services. This allows our clients to start services and if needed, make changes as necessary to their plan of care without penalty.
540 Clay Street, Montgomery AL, 36104 3320 Skyway Drive Suite #801, Opelika AL 36801 334-203-1850 synergyhomecare.com
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I N D USTRY Leader | Eldercare
Pictured (left to right) Andrea Saunders, Activity Director; Lacey Burnett, Concierge; Dre`McCall, Maintenance Director; Ginger Fletcher, Executive Director/Administrator; Cindy Askew, Resident Care Coordinator; Monique Peterson, Business Office Manager.
Haven Memory Care on Halcyon When was your business founded? Haven Memory
memory care services provide each resident with a tailored plan of
Care on Halcyon is a proud member of the Community Senior Life
care that focuses on their cognitive abilities and skills. We offer a safe
(CSL), a 501(c)3 family. Community Health Systems, Inc is a 501 (c) (3)
and secure environment that seeks to provide meaningful interaction
organization founded in the 1970s. Since 1985, CHS has been involved
and experiences for our residents. This provides family and loved ones
in the senior care industry as a provider of care and services to the
with peace of mind, knowing that the senior in their life is receiving the
elderly.
care and attention they need and deserve.
How many employees do you have in the River Region? 33
Haven Memory Care on Halcyon features 57 memory care units. Each
What are your primary products and services? Community Senior Life is a family of not-for-profit healthcare-related organizations specializing in senior independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Madison and Montgomery. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for an ever-growing senior population, each organization within the
of our 57 private apartments includes a spacious bathroom with shower and grab bars, individually controlled heating and air conditioning units and an emergency alert system. We have a full-time nursing staff and offer 24/7 access to nursing care. Every staff member is trained in dementia care best practices, using tools developed by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.
Community Senior Life family offers a service tailored to meet the lifestyle needs of senior citizens while preserving one’s dignity.
What sets your company apart? We are committed to providing the highest Alzheimer’s and dementia care level. Our
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1775 Halcyon Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334-396-1111 HavenOnHalcyon.com
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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
THE COSTS OF CARING F O R A N E L D E R LY PA R E N T
BY K R I S T I N S M I T H
As parents begin to age, here are a few key eldercare costs to consider and tips to help you
In addition to help from Medicare and/or
proactively provide for your aging parent without
Medicaid, if your loved one has an annual income
breaking your budget.
of less than 50 percent of your area’s median
HEALTHCARE COSTS FOR THE ELDERLY Eldercare is difficult to plan for because costs
income, adjusted for household size, he or she might qualify for Department of Housing and Urban Development 202 and Section 8 senior housing.
vary depending on specific health issues. Longterm insurance policies differ on benefits and coverage. If your loved one has an insurance
ACCESSIBILITY COSTS FOR THE ELDERLY
policy, understand what expenses will be covered
If your aging parent stays at home, you may need
and what expenses will not.
to retrofit parts of the house to make it more accessible. This could be as simple as moving
When considering healthcare options, find out
their bedroom to the first floor, but it could also
whether your parent is or will be eligible for
require building entrance ramps and making
Medicare and Medicaid and how these benefits
bathrooms handicap accessible.
MEET THE EXPERT Kristin Smith is Vice President, Trust Advisor for Regions Bank Private Wealth Management. You can contact her at kristinb.smith@regions.com.
programs may help offset costs. For example, Medicare may only pay for up to 100 days of
Some organizations may offer minor home
skilled nursing home care. This benefit applies
improvement services free of charge. Research
only if the elderly person has had a minimum
what options are available to you to help with the
three-day hospital stay and is then transferred to a
cost.
nursing care facility.
home care only if the elderly person meets certain
ELDERLY CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
financial requirements determined by each state’s
It is never too early to look into assistance
plan and vary depending on whether the person
programs for which your parent may
is single or married.
qualify. Veterans Affairs offers assistance
On the other hand, Medicaid will pay for nursing
ASSISTED LIVING COSTS FOR THE ELDERLY
to veterans and surviving spouses, for example. Your local Area Agency on Aging, sometimes called the Department
While housing and/or assisted living costs may
of Elder Affairs or the Office for Senior
vary based on Medicaid assistance, the type of
Citizens, can connect you with resources.
services required and other factors, the average
Find the nearest office at eldercare.gov.
cost of living in a private, one-bedroom assisted
Discussing these costs and concerns with
living facility in the United States is $3,750 per
your aging parent early, and creating a
month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care
plan together, will help him or her make a
Survey; the national median rate for in-home care
choice he or she will feel comfortable with
is $22 per hour. If your parent owns a home, one
when changes need to be made down
option for paying for assisted living is to sell or
the line.
rent it. 25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Regions Bank, member FDIC
VESTOR IN
PO W E RHOUSE PR
OFIL
Q&A
E
BRAD OWEN As CEO of The Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS, Brad Owen’s primary job is to help area Realtors be the best they can in their job. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously and a role he finds immensely rewarding. What first got you interested in real estate?
more demand. Right now, demand is outpacing inventory, and
I actually didn’t come here with a background in real estate. I
hopefully, that translates into more sales but more construction
came from a governmental affairs background, but that makes
too. I think there is pent-up demand to purchase a new home.
sense for what we do. We are not listing and selling homes; we are providing the tools for our members to do that effectively,
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
as well as doing governmental affairs work for our industry.
Keeping our members ahead of the curve. This industry changes a lot and changes quickly, and a lot of that is driven
What is the Association’s primary purpose?
by the consumer. I love anticipating needs and ensuring our
We are a trade association for Realtors, which means we
members have the latest tools before they even know they
assist our members with education requirements, provide the
need them. That way, they are better at what they do, and
lock-box systems they use, provide and maintain the Multiple
helping Realtors help their customers is very fulfilling.
Listing Service (MLS) for the area and handle arbitration when needed. We basically provide all the necessary resources for Realtors to stay in the industry and be successful.
What does Montgomery’s current business climate mean for Realtors and the industry? We think the city is in a good spot. The cost of living is
How many members does the Association currently have? About 1,750. Our territory includes
relatively cheap. The work-from-home movement has opened
Montgomery and the River Region but also from Clanton to
and move to a spot like Montgomery and get a lot more house
Troy and Selma over to Auburn.
and more space for their money and enjoy a higher quality
eyes, and many are finding they can leave a higher-priced area
of life. The pandemic changed people’s mindsets about their
What is your role? I oversee operations and oversee the
homes; many realized they wanted different things: different
staff as we assist the executive committees of both boards [the
layouts and spaces, a bigger yard, a pool. Our area affords
association board and the separate MLS board] in their duties.
the opportunities to have those things better than some other
So, I do a little bit of everything really.
areas.
How have Realtors’ jobs changed in recent years? Technology has allowed the consumer to learn
Why do you choose to be so supportive of the Chamber? The Chamber gives our business community
and know so much more about real estate and properties.
a great, strong voice, so that puts us on the same page and
Sometimes, they now know more than the Realtor does, at
gives us common goals. What the Chamber works to do—
least in the beginning, because they have done extensive
create a better community—falls right in line with what we strive
research online before even contacting a Realtor. In 2003,
for too, so we are a natural fit.
when I started in this job, the Realtor was providing the data.
What are your interests outside of work? I play a
service. The consumer already has the information; the Realtor
little golf. I love hunting and fishing with my kids and traveling
is helping with the transaction.
with my family. This job has blessed me with the chance to travel a lot and expose my kids to a lot, like seeing different
What’s on the horizon for residential real estate in our area? The biggest change coming is not really
scenery, trying different foods, even experiencing foreign
change but growth. I believe we will keep seeing more and
Montgomery, but it is equally nice to come home too.
countries. It’s nice to be able to show them what is outside of
26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS.
Today, a Realtor’s function has shifted to more customer
Team Work = Dream Work CEO of The Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS Brad Owen enjoys the multiple opportunities for travel his work affords, in part, because it allows him to better understand the value of the Association’s work. “There are 1,700 local associations like us around the country, so when I’m at national conventions and hear these other associations talk about the problems they are having that we are not or listing the tools they wish they had for their membership that we do have, it’s gratifying to know we are truly meeting our members’ needs,” he said. But he’s not patting himself on the back. “It’s my staff that does it. They are excellent at serving our members. We have six employees; two have been here double-digit years,” he said. “It really makes my life easier to know I have a staff I can trust to handle anything.”
27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EM BE R profile
CARY KUHLMANN The not-for-profit Samaritan Counseling Center of Montgomery is on a mission to aid all who are struggling with broken relationships, battling substance abuse and addiction or dealing with mental health issues. Executive Director Cary Kuhlmann is leading the charge and rallying his board and staff around their shared dedication to the Center’s goals.
Are you from Montgomery? I was born and raised in New Orleans. I came here in June 1997 as Executive Director of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
How long have you worked with The Samaritan Counseling Center? I joined the board in 2015 and became Executive Director in November 2016.
What is the Center’s primary mission and what are its primary services? To provide faith-informed mental health services, educational programming and professional counseling to all in need in the River Region through a wellness-oriented philosophy emphasizing mind, body and spirit. Our counselors address the full spectrum of mental health issues.
What are your primary responsibilities and duties? I oversee the general operations of the Center, working closely with our Clinical Director, Office Manager, Development and Marketing Manager and Revenue Cycle Manager.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work? Working with an outstanding group of professionals and Board of Directors all of whom are committed to the success of the Center.
Inclusive Counseling Care
Center was accredited recently by the Solihten (formerly Samaratin) Institute, a national organization of more than 40 faith-based mental health counseling centers across the country.
What are your interests outside of work? Family, golf (lots of golf) and traveling (which includes golf). tsccenter.org 28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR
The idea that everyone should have access to quality, affordable professional mental health counseling services and care is a core principle of The Samaritan Counseling Center, which was founded in 1997 as part of a plan by the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. Since that time, the Center has served thousands of River Region individuals and families.
Has the Center achieved any recent milestones or received recent honors? The
Communicating as a Leader
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M EM BE R profile
AMY ANDERSON Amy Anderson started Reclamation Center of Alabama to help people win the fight against addiction. She knows her efforts are making great strides but also knows there’s still work to do.
When and why did you start Reclamation Center of Alabama? It started in 2015 to help remove barriers to treatment like transportation, childcare and advocacy for individuals in rural areas who were seeking treatment for substance issues. My father suffered from addiction for many years, and I worked with him through his addiction and beyond. He has stumbled along the way, but he has maintained sobriety and prolonged his life as a result. It was really rewarding to see.
What are the Center’s mission and primary services? Our mission is “Teaching individuals to reclaim the lives they once had through strength and recovery.” Our services include assessments/therapy (individual, group and family); skill building; mental health coordination/ case management; crisis, jail and hospital assessments. We make referrals for the following services with community partners: detox services and higher levels of care; MAT referrals; and medical, dental and hospital referrals. We have recently started concierge services that are paid out of pocket for individuals in prominent professional positions who would like for their treatment to remain confidential.
Doing More Good In April 2002, RCA incorporated a nonprofit called RCA Foundation to help battle the rise of substance use. Certified with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Foundation is capable of serving Medicaid and indigent individuals suffering from addiction issues and concerns. Reclamation Center of Alabama is also starting a holistic program to strengthen its clients’ minds, bodies and spirits on their road to recovery.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work? Seeing the happiness on someone’s face when they are given grace and understanding instead of judgement for their mistakes.
What would you like to see happen here in substance abuse and mental health care? Since 2018, I have inquired about telehealth services for individuals in Alabama to reach more and teach more people how to recover from addiction concerns. I would like to see more out-of-the-box thinking on how providers operate with technology to reach more people consistently.
I enjoy spending time with my husband. It means a lot because we are both business owners and entrepreneurs, so spending time together is always milestone. rcofal.com
30 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK C. WILLIAMS
What are your interests outside of work?
31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M I L I TA RY profile
LT. COL. STEPHEN CATCHINGS As a pilot, Lt. Col. Stephen Catchings, Chief of Safety for the 908th Airlift Wing, is carrying on a family tradition. But his ties to his fellow Airmen form a tight Air Force family too, one that’s stronger for the wide range of personalities and perspectives it includes.
When and why did you join the Air Force Reserve? I was commissioned into the Air Force Active Duty in August 1988 after graduating from Auburn University, Aerospace Engineering. I joined the Air Force Reserves in June 2000 after being on active duty for 11 years. I switched to the Reserves because my wife and I wanted to start a family. The Reserves provided much needed stability since we were both active duty at the time.
What first got you interested in being a pilot? My father and grandfather were both pilots. My grandfather flew for the Army Air Corps and American Airlines when the airline first started. My father flew F-4 fighter jets in Vietnam and A-10 fighter jets in Europe. Hearing their stories about flying all over the world got me hooked.
What are your duties in the 908th? My flying duties are Instructor/Evaluator Aircraft Commander and Mission Commander. Basically, I teach flying proficiency and combat tactics. I also administer periodic evaluations to the other pilots and copilots. My primary ground duties in the 908th have been Chief of Standardization and Evaluations and Director of Operations. Most recently, I am the Chief of Wing Safety, which covers ground, weapons and flying
By the Numbers
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work? I enjoy teaching and sharing my years of experience with the younger aircrew. Flying is fun but it can be extremely unforgiving of mistakes and the missions can be very complicated. More importantly though is when I have been able to use the C-130 platform to help those in need. I have flown several hurricane relief missions. In 2010, when Haiti had the earthquake, I flew more than 50 patients with injuries to the United States to get medical attention. That
32 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR
The stats of Lt. Col. Stephen Catchings Air Force and Air Force Reserve service so far are impressive: 33 years of service, 7,000 flying hours in 56 countries, more than 700 combat hours and more than 10 deployments. But he’s humble. “I don’t really think of them as ‘my’ accomplishments because I didn’t do any of that by myself,” he said.
safety.
“
I have been able to use the C-130 platform to help those in need. I have flown several hurricane relief missions. In 2010, when Haiti had the earthquake, I flew more than 50 patients with injuries to the United States to get medical attention. That same year, I flew missions all over Pakistan when that country experienced severe flooding. same year, I flew missions all over Pakistan when that country experienced severe flooding. The most important missions I have flown were the medical evacuation missions into combat zones to move wounded warriors, some critical, to areas with medical facilities. Also, I’ve been blessed to serve with some truly amazing people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, gender, sexual preferences, collegiate preferences (War Eagle), you name it. I’ve learned that when it comes to the aircraft and stick and rudder flying, none of that matters. When it comes to accomplishing the mission, all of it matters. Why? Because all that diversity brings a wider range of perspectives. If you listen and learn from all of them, it allows you to find solutions and make more educated decisions.
What are your thoughts on the 908th’s transition to the MH-139A Grey Wolf Formal Training Unit? I have mixed emotions. I love the C-130 and the mission. The 908th has been a very large part of the mission all over the world, so it is heartbreaking to see that come to an end. At the same time, it is rewarding to see that the Air Force has picked the 908th to transition to this new mission that is critical to national security. It also means that the 908th will continue to be relevant to the Active Duty and the Reserves for years to come.
What are your interests outside of work? I have a wife and two sons. They keep me very busy. I have coached baseball for almost eight years, and that has been at times as rewarding as the C-130 missions. We absolutely love the school our boys attend (Saint James), and we go to a lot of the football and baseball games and other functions. Maxwell.af.mil
MyMGM
THE WONDER YEARS IN MONTGOMERY “The Wonder Years” is back on screens everywhere, and this time around, the story is hitting home for local viewers. A reimagined version of the original series that first aired 30 years ago is set in Montgomery and includes familiar
by MINNIE LAMBERTH
© Jake Crandall – USA TODAY NETWORK
scenes from the city. /
Filming for The Wonder Years outside Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.
“The Wonder Years” was one of the
character Dean, a 12-year-old kid dealing
As the show portrays the experiences a
most-watched television shows in the
with the usual issues of adolescent life
kid has with his parents, siblings, school
early 1990s, and its popularity earned
amid the backdrop of family, school and
friends, as well as teachers and coaches,
it a remake. But this time, the show is
church. He is also witness to how issues
it connects with viewers. “It gives you a
following a new family in a new city, the
surrounding the Civil Rights Era affect
sense of joy to laugh at some of the things
capital city. The 2021 “The Wonder Years”
people in his life. For example, in the pilot
that they are talking about,” Jernigan said.
came from the mind of Montgomery
episode, his family and community are
“But it also hits some major points.” As it
native Saladin K. Patterson, a graduate
shaken by the news of the assassination
touches on deep issues, it allows people
of LAMP (Loveless Academic Magnet
of Martin Luther King Jr. “It’s a slice of life
to think and to process. “If a series can
Program). He’s creator and an executive
type of series—a young black kid growing
get you to do more than just laugh—it
producer for the show that ABC describes
up in the ‘60s,” said Ashley Jernigan,
can get you to think, it can get you to
as “a coming-of-age story set in the late
Executive Director of Experience
reflect—that’s a winner. I think that’s what
1960s that takes a nostalgic look at a
Montgomery, which is the Chamber’s
“The Wonder Years” has done,” Jernigan
black middle-class family.” The network
tourism division. “This show highlights
added.
broadcasts the show on Wednesdays at
the everyday ups and downs of a pre-
7:30 p.m.
teen during the height of the civil rights
The tourism official also welcomes
movement, yet he’s still just a kid with all
the attention the series is giving to
the same desires we can relate to.”
Montgomery. “The sense of pride it
Elisha “EJ” Williams is cast as main
34 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
brings,” Jernigan said, “is not just the fact that the show is
MONTGOMERY REACTS
highlighting this city during a pivotal time but also that a
Aquan Robinson, the Chamber’s Senior Manager for
production company felt it’d be important to actually come
Destination and Convention Sales and a Montgomery
to Montgomery to film and to showcase people and places
native, hosted a Facebook Live series designed to
that are historically significant but some may not realize are
create a community around “The Wonder Years” and to
still standing.”
encourage entertaining and enlightening conversations. MBJ asked Robinson to share a little about it.
Although a lot of the filming is taking place in Georgia, the production crew has also visited Montgomery for exterior
MBJ: Why did you start
shots of actual sites. “It’s not just a church that ‘appeared’
“Montgomery Reacts”?
WATCH & SHARE You can watch the entire first season of “The Wonder Years” on many streaming apps and catch the Tourism Department’s reaction show on its Facebook page: Experience Montgomery.
to be Dexter Avenue King
AR: Montgomery Reacts
Memorial. You’re actually at
was an extension of a prior
the church. That’s a real shot,”
project “Under the Influence,”
Jernigan said. “When I talked
which was born during the
with the location producer,
shutdown in 2020 as a way
she said it herself—that it was
to tell authentic stories from
just amazing to actually be at
the Montgomery area based
the location, to see history, to
around arts, culture and
see where major, major, major
community. Since “The Wonder
pivotal moments happened
Years” revival fits the criteria,
right here in the city.”
we thought it would be cool to just provide a space where the community could come
When production comes
together to celebrate what would be a national spotlight
to town, local talent is able
on our city.
to be involved as extras or members of the crew.
MBJ: What have you heard from participants?
“What it also did was give us as a tourism department the
AR: The reactions have been wonderful since the
opportunity to use those episodes to talk about the city,”
very first episode. I remember people commenting on
Jernigan said.
name references like the baseball team out east being Dalraida, where now Dalraida is more centralized due to
Some of these conversations have taken place as a
Montgomery’s eastward expansion. Being able to connect
Facebook Live show called “Montgomery Reacts,” which
with those Easter eggs hidden throughout episodes
is an extension of the Facebook Live show called “Under
seemed to give local viewers a sense of pride.
the Influence” that was a collaboration with the Tourism Department. Both were hosted by Aquan Robinson, the
MBJ: As a Montgomery native, what are your thoughts on
Chamber’s Senior Manager for Destination and Convention
how your hometown has been represented in the show?
Sales. “On the reaction show, Aquan gave a recap of the
AR: Being born and raised in Montgomery, I think the
show and sourced online input, and I correlated the scenes,
city is well-represented. Obviously, being a period piece,
subject matter and locations to places to visit here in
one might expect more overt signs of the Jim Crow era,
Montgomery,” Jernigan said. “This show allowed viewers
however, the writers have done a masterful job of framing
nationally to see some of Montgomery’s most historic
stories through the lens of a 12-year-old. Pre-teens are
locations. It was an opportunity we could not pass up.”
still figuring the world out, good, bad and everything in between. Being able to tap into that nostalgia is something
The Facebook Live shows have also had guests who
everyone can relate to. It’s the same formula that the
reacted to and talked about the program. The Live
original series mastered. This iteration does so also, just
format may be adapted as new episodes air, she noted—
with a Montgomery flavor. I appreciate the production
perhaps even setting up interviews with the cast, but the
team’s willingness to film segments on location to make
conversation will definitely keep going.
sure the feel is authentic.
35 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Tourism
Using Tourism to Teach Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a new Experience Montgomery program
By Minnie Lamberth
As the world embraces the importance of expanded diversity in not just our offices and organizations but our everyday lives, Montgomery offers a unique way to boost Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training
The city, so rich in history, and specifically civil rights
efforts.
include the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church,
history, offers numerous opportunities for these types of conversations—with themes ranging from civil rights and social justice to truth and reconciliation. Notable sites the Rosa Parks Library and Museum and the Mothers
Experience Montgomery, the Chamber’s tourism division,
of Gynecology monument, as well as the Equal Justice
is implementing a program that provides a travel blueprint
Initiative’s Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for
for organizations that want to enhance their training in
Peace and Justice. Visitors can also make stops along
diversity, equity and inclusion issues. “If you’re going
the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which
to have the conversation, Montgomery makes the most
commemorates the route taken in 1965 by voting rights
sense,” explained Ashley Jernigan, Executive Director of
supporters as they marched from Selma to Dexter Avenue
Experience Montgomery. “We are the Civil Rights capital
and the Alabama State Capitol.
of the nation.” But how do organizations decide which sites to visit and While concerns about equitable opportunities for all
how do they process and apply what they have learned?
aren’t new, intentionally building awareness around
“The city has more attractions than people may realize,”
the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion may be
Jernigan noted. “We want to make sure when you come
new to some organizations. According to Jernigan, the
here, you don’t go to one attraction and think you’ve
blueprint “will allow people who have never had diversity,
experienced all there is to experience in Montgomery. We
equity and inclusion training an opportunity to come
want to lay it out for you,” she said.
to Montgomery, to visit iconic civil rights attractions, learn through social justice experiences, hear from
She explained the approach: “Our goal is to develop
living legends of the movement and train with top DE&I
these itineraries that we can then go to every major
professionals.”
company, every major organization and say, ‘If you are
36 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
looking for diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities, come to Montgomery. Here is a curated experience that
Right: Mothers of Gynecology monument. Below: Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, including Pannie-George’s Restaurant.
highlights every civil rights and social justice location that you can visit in Montgomery as well as people who
can be a hundred and two, it can be a
can help you break down what it is
thousand, it can be a family. Anyone can
you just experienced and talk about
request this information.”
the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in your business or
The blueprint is also not just for out-of-
organization.’”
towners. “For the organizations locally looking to do more in diversity, equity
Jernigan added that the training
and inclusion training, they can reach
support also involves “what you or
out to us as well. They can call the
your organization can do to be more
tourism department, and they can get
culturally competent.” From there, she
this curated experience,” Jernigan said.
said, “They have the tools to have better
“We just want to make it as simple as we
hiring practices and develop a culture
can for the person, the business or the
that attracts more diverse clientele and
organization to get that training and that
employees. This is how you begin to
understanding.”
make true change as needed.” Jernigan added, “It is really important This plan may have business travel
for people to have a well-rounded
groups as one of its focuses, but the
understanding of their DE&I practices
itineraries are available to groups of
within their organizations and their
any size or type. “That’s the joy of this,”
business and also their mindset.” Visiting
Jernigan said. “It can be two people, it
key sites in Montgomery and diving into what they’ve learned can help them know how important it is to be more inclusive and more equitable in how they think and in what they do. “That is the purpose of this program,” she said.
If you are looking for diversity, equity Left: Dexter King Memorial Baptist Church. Below: National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
and inclusion opportunities, come to Montgomery. Here is a curated experience that highlights every civil rights and social justice location that you can visit in Montgomery, as well as people who can help you break down what it is you just experienced and talk about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in your business or organization.
learn more: Email tourism@montgomerychamber.com for more information.
37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Workforce
Winning the Workforce Battle Working alongside partners like Central AlabamaWorks and AIDT, the Chamber remains committed to facing and overcoming workforce woes. Read on for a recap of where the issue stands and the solutions being pursued.
Across much of the country,
businesses everywhere are hiring
restaurants, stores, construction firms
and re-hiring and unemployment
and more are having a hard time
financial assistance programs have
getting and staying fully staffed. At
ended, there’s still a sizable chunk of
mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500
the workforce not returning to work.
companies, a dearth of available and
The tourism and hospitality industry,
attractive employees is hitting hard. The
which, nationwide, lost more than 3
same is true in the River Region. And
million jobs at the height of pandemic
while the issue is disrupting the delivery
shutdowns, is facing this. One reason
of goods and services to consumers
continues to be concern about COVID
and tanking bottom lines for affected
safety issues, according to a University
businesses (thanks to delayed or
of Central Florida study released in late
canceled expansions and lost revenue),
2021, but a second issue named in the
On the childcare issue, Castile
the problem extends beyond the
study was the fact that after being laid
elaborated, stressing that it’s not just
present.
off, these workers simply found better
limited space in childcare programs
jobs with higher wages and benefits. A
but also the price of childcare that’s
Like any labor shortage, the current
skills-gap plagued manufacturing pre-
becoming a major obstacle. “Many
one could impact future growth and
pandemic, but COVID exacerbated it.
daycares closed during COVID, and
prosperity, as Dr. Keivan Deravi,
And in the healthcare industry, workers
pre-COVID they were already limited
President of Economics Research
are worn out.
and expensive,” he said. “Now that
Services, Inc., explained, noting
The Issues Today Ed Castile, Director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, listed a few factors affecting our workforce that must be addressed. “We cannot point to any one thing by itself across the area, but it’s more several things in combination,” he said. “Lack of childcare, continuing federal assistance, the availability of transportation, lack of skills, etc.”
many are going back to work and
that labor is fully 50 percent of the
Gindi Prutzman, Executive Director of
needing day care, they cannot find it,
equation for success in any economy.
Central AlabamaWorks, listed a few
and/or the costs have sky-rocketed.”
“All economic development, all work,
of the challenges her organization
requires two things: capital and
is seeing and stressed the need to
A problem in people moving from point
labor,” he said. “So, if you don’t have
not only bring new employees in but
A to point B is plaguing the workforce
labor—the workers and people—then
to hold onto existing workers. “We
too. “The issue here is dependable
you are missing one of two essential
continue to see employee burnout
and consistent transportation,” he said.
requirements for continued progress.
impacting our region. Particularly in
“Many potential workers who want to
Without the workforce, economic
the areas of healthcare and education,
work in some areas of our state have
development won’t happen.”
employees have worked through a
no public transportation and cannot
pandemic, often having to ‘weather
How We Got Here
always depend on a relative or friend to
the storm’ from the impact of the labor
get them to the job. Calling an Uber in
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting
shortage,” she said. “Businesses are
rural Alabama is simply not possible.”
shutdowns in 2020 put many out
having to analyze ways in which they
of work, but even as restrictions
can reward and retain employees with
And despite some progress made in
have lifted, the economy recovers,
strategies other than wage increases.”
recent years, according to Castile, a
38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
remaining hurdle must be overcome: bridging the divide in skills that the workforce has and those that
Q&A
with Rheem Manufacturing
Here at Home Rheem Manufacturing is one of the local companies dealing with the current labor shortage, and an
employees most want. “The lack-of-skills
available workforce stays at the top of its priority list as
issues have been growing for a number of
it continues to experience growth. Sheral Ware, Senior
years,” he said. “As technology changes
Human Resource Manager at Rheem Water Heating in
rapidly, and new job opportunities are
Montgomery, commented on what the company is doing
added, then less and less people have
to combat the issue.
the needed skills.”
MBJ: Is Rheem experiencing any problems due to current
The Solutions for a Better Tomorrow
labor shortages?
As they have been for years, both Central
years in Montgomery. Our businesses (Rheem in Montgomery
AlabamaWorks and AIDT continue to
and HTPG in Scottsboro) are growing, and we need to support
partner with appropriate organizations
that growth. Like many employers in Alabama, we are looking to
and agencies to assist in meeting these
hire new team members and build our skilled labor force.
Yes, however, Rheem has a long history in Alabama with 50-plus
needs. “We take the training to them or near them so they have no barriers,”
MBJ: How is Rheem managing the issue?
Castile said. “We have also sped up the
We have been collaborating with partners across the state on
timeline to get applicants through training
workforce development and recruiting in the regions in which
and on the job quicker.”
we are located. In terms of solutions we are:
On childcare, Castile admitted an easy
• Connecting with economic development authorities, local
fix is not obvious. “I’m not sure what solutions there are other than assisting day cares to go back in business,” he said. And while a lack of daycare is adding to the labor shortage, the labor shortage is keeping daycare options thin. “Within the daycare business, they are struggling to find employees, just as many businesses are struggling,” Castile said. “Obviously,
community colleges and schools, Chamber of Commerce, etc., on workforce development initiatives
• Working with state-funded groups that offer grant/training opportunities including Alabama Industrial Development and Training (A.I.D.T.), Alabama Works and FAME USA (Trenholm State College)
• Collaborating with ASHRAE at Auburn to recruit grad students • Reaching new candidates via social media campaigns
daycare workers must be trustworthy and
designed to show open positions and extensive benefits
good people.” He suggested that paying
• Conducting job fairs
daycare workers a “living wage” could help attract quality workers. “All of us want
Additionally, we are a premier employer and continue to
our children to be safe while we are at
enhance our benefits to attract new team members (competitive
work,” he said.
wages, sign-on bonus, referral bonus, health insurance, vacation days, on-site clinic and other perks).
Castile also shared thoughts on the transportation problem. “There are
MBJ: Is the company experiencing any other workforce-
transportation vendors that may be
related issues?
tapped to assist, and we are working on
There is tremendous opportunity and career development in
this idea with several of them,” he said.
the world of manufacturing. Rheem continues to experience
This assistance could include helping
positive growth, and as such, we must add new team members
get workers from home to training and/
(in areas including manufacturing, call centers and engineering)
or their job using ride share services and
to support both local and national strategic initiative
offsetting costs through their employer
investments.
or through state service providers or
39 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Workforce
agencies. “We are still trying
Labor is a good resource
look like it used to. Many
to figure it out,” Castile said.
for individuals to seek
businesses are willing to
assistance. Citizens can go
train employees, requiring
When it comes to increasing
online to AlabamaWorks.
little to no previous work
our skilled workforce,
com to look for job and
experience.” In addition,
creating the right training
training opportunities.
the organization’s Regional
and making it accessible
There are many programs
Workforce Councils, along
are solutions both AIDT
at varying levels of need
with its education partners,
and Central AlabamaWorks
available.”
are pushing to increase
have been tackling head-
awareness of not only
on for years. “Many
Prutzman highlighted what
available careers but also
programs within K-12, two-
Central AlabamaWorks
the pathways to reach them
year colleges and even
is doing in this arena.
while also creating ways
universities are available
“Businesses have been
to give students hands-
to assist here,” Castile said.
steadily increasing wages
on experience prior to
“State and federal dollars
and looking for innovative
graduation.
are available within the state
ways to recruit and maintain
to help pay for additional
employees,” she said.
training. The Alabama
“We are working with
Career Center System in
our business partners
place and managed by the
to get the message out
Alabama Department of
that the industry doesn’t
40 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Alabama’s Employment Service: Alabama’s network of 52 One-Stop Career Centers and satellites are strategically located throughout the state. Job search and development, occupational and educational training, vocational rehabilitation, veterans’ services and unemployment insurance information are offered. Employers work with local centers to locate employees with specific skills, and the goal is to consolidate the delivery of services at a single location.
AlabamaWorks.com
41 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
in the capital city continues to pay big dividends. The ongoing public-private collaboration with other area assets is proving to be a powerful combo that’s bearing fruit for local businesses and River Region students. Here’s how the two organizations got started in the capital city, what they’ve accomplished and a preview of their plans to keep the innovation going and growing.
MGMWERX MGMWERX was created under a Partnership Intermediary
HOW IT STARTED >>>>>
NEWS & VIEWS
Having both MGMWERX and Business Enterprise Systems Product Innovation (BESPIN)
Agreement between DEFENSEWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory to align with the education initiatives of Air University. It opened its doors in January 2019. The Chamber’s TechMGM initiative, launched in October 2018 to focus on developing the tech and innovation ecosystem in Montgomery, was instrumental in MGMWERX coming to the city, according to Charisse D. Stokes, TechMGM’s Executive Director. “TechMGM has spent its initial years working very closely with our military mission partners to not only sustain but grow their missions and the greater ecosystem,” she said. “One of the results of these efforts were to stand up an organization partnering with Air University to help solve warfighter challenges by leveraging technology and innovation, MGMWERX.” Located downtown within the Innovation District for the last two years, MGMWERX has been welcoming technologists, airmen, entrepreneurs and innovators to collaborate on the toughest problems and challenges for our country. And TechMGM didn’t stop with MGMWERX. It continues to expand its education and workforce development engagement and as a piece of this, opened The Lab on Dexter in August 2021. This facility brings together small business entrepreneurs, community members, tech professionals and academia in an environment to learn, network and exchange ideas to diversify the local economy. “MGMWERX and the Lab on Dexter are two innovation facilities that are changing the landscape of our vibrant downtown,” Stokes said. “These organizations are equipping entrepreneurs, minority businesses and professionals with the resources and access they need to succeed. We are so grateful to have mission partners at Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex that partner with us to grow and develop our small business and tech community with lots of opportunities to engage.”
“
MGMWERX AND THE LAB ON DEXTER ARE TWO INNOVATION FACILITIES THAT ARE CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF OUR VIBRANT DOWNTOWN. Charisse D. Stokes, TechMGM’s Executive Director • techmgm.com
42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
“
INNOVATION IN MGM:
Technology
Currently, the Montgomery TechLab is working hand in hand with MGMWERX and BESPIN to introduce startups and tech companies across the country to the resources in the Montgomery region. Marcus Shaw, Founding Director at the TechLab, explained. “It is critical that the development of the Montgomery ecosystem leverages assets in place while also telling its story to tech-based
BRYANT NOEL SCRUM MASTER, FEARLESS fearless.tech
companies outside the region,” he said. “Our accelerator program partners with MGMWERX and BESPIN to connect tech-based ventures with networks and opportunities in the region’s defense sector. The goal is to attract companies and talent to establish a presence in the region.” Fearless, a digital services firm based out of Baltimore,
STEADFAST SUPPORT
Maryland, that now has an office in Montgomery is one
MGMWERX Director Trent Edwards
such company, and Bryant Noel, Scrum Master, stressed
outlined why the Chamber and the
how collaboration with TechMGM, MGMWERX and
City of Montgomery’s initial and
other groups is a natural extension of the company’s
continuing support of MGMWERX is
ethos. “We believe in creating software with a soul and
key. “We are grateful to the Chamber
investing our time and talents within the local community. In alignment with our values, we have been coordinating with and participating in a number of local communities over the past few years we have been here,” Noel said. “We work with the Montgomery-based BESPIN office in
and City because they provided us
+
its continued pursuit of building better software through innovation and growth. We take the lessons learned through the efforts with our community and business partners to provide ongoing community engagement through our work with TechMGM, HackMGM, MGMWERX and the local universities.”
43 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
space for three years and resources to cover rent and utilities,” he said. “That was a huge commitment from the community and helped us get off the ground. It also sent a strong and important signal to the Air Force about our community’s commitment to innovation and our military assets.”
“
HOW IT IS GOING >>>>>
“
WE BELIEVE IN CREATING SOFTWARE WITH A SOUL AND INVESTING OUR TIME AND TALENTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
>>>>> WHAT’S IN THE WORKS: MGMWERX
TRENT H. EDWARDS DIRECTOR, MGMWERX mgmwerx.org
opportunity to submit white papers on their methods. From that, five were selected to participate in an exercise. One of the companies now has demonstrated proof of concept, and now that technology could be transferred from the private sector to the military. MGMWERX is unique in its ability to facilitate this type of transfer and assist the military in operating more
WHAT IS MGMWERX 2.0?
efficiently and effectively.
EDWARDS: MGMWERX’s “just cause,” is the answer to “why we exist.” We understand the power of innovation and
Looking ahead, we’re very excited about the 908th’s transition
collaboration to change lives, communities and the world. And
to helicopters. They will provide pilot training, so that’s a
we’ve seen it done. We know how it works, and we know it
very rich environment for innovation. We can bring together
works here. Our “2.0” version is simply the next step in our
our area’s active duty, reserve and guard components,
evolution. It helps to complement the Chamber and its goals to
then bring in our local colleges’ and universities’ research
grow the tech and innovation ecosystem. We have continued
departments and find ways to provide innovative training.
to enhance our partnerships with Air University (AU), the Air
What about augmented reality to assist with pilot training?
Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Ohio, DefenseWERX and the
How cool would it be for a local small business to be part
community.
of making that happen? This is where our partnership with MontgomeryTechLab comes in; it’s accelerating small
We now have more experience and more clarity of vision on
businesses, and some of those companies may have
how our mission affects the Air Force, Space Force and the
opportunities, products and/or solutions for the Air Force and
River Region. Our model is now even more laser-focused on
Space Force, and we can assist in those partnerships.
the transfer of knowledge, concepts, ideas and technology. And we are homed in on our mission to align with the
WHY IS MGMWERX’S PRESENCE A BENEFIT?
education and research initiatives of AU and to augment its
We can create economic opportunities for small businesses.
efforts in attainment of its goals in those areas. 2.0 is really a
One example: We’ve put more focus on partnering with PEO
change of mindset, in that we are actively looking at all area
BES, specifically, BESPIN. Its mobile app development center
resources and assets and the many ways to connect them.
represents a great opportunity for small businesses who want
We have access to academic, active military and guard here in
to develop apps for the Air Force. As a nonprofit, we can
Montgomery; that is unique. We are also working hard to get
maneuver in different ways, and we are not competing with
the word out about what we do because it is pivotal for the
small businesses but assisting them.
next chapter of economic development here. Also, the Air Force is keenly aware that we are in a global
TELL US ABOUT MGMWERX’S PARTNERSHIPS AND NEW INITIATIVES.
competitive environment with Russia and China, so they are looking to accelerate change through innovation and
Our work with the 187th and with Space Force provide us
collaboration. We are that innovation and collaboration hub
incredible opportunities to partner with airmen and guardians
that’s already aligned with AU and AFRL and that is outside
who serve as the operational arm of our defense. We serve
base gates. So, if you have great ideas, come downtown
as a kind of learning lab for AU and AFRL, the academic arm,
and share them with us, enter our pitch competitions. You
in that we take the concepts from this operational side to
don’t have to go through the hurdles of getting on base. By
the academic side, in keeping with our knowledge and idea
making these opportunities more accessible, we make it more
transfer mission.
plausible that any small business can work with the Air Force and Space Force.
One example is a recent atmospheric water generation project that we facilitated for the 187th. Instead of hauling the water
We’ve also put our efforts behind education innovation, not just
needed for missions all over the world, leaders at the 187th
military education but in our public schools too. And that builds
thought, “What if we could produce it onsite and save all
into the workforce development pipeline, ensuring we have the
that money?” They came to MGMWERX, and we identified
workforce the future will require.
six companies that do this and reached out to give them the 44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
45 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
>>>>> WHAT’S IN THE WORKS: BESPIN come. BESPIN’s Design Studio is a game-changing entity
DR. JOE BESSELMAN, CHIEF DISRUPTION OFFICER, USAF bespin.i12.dso.mil
that allows the Air Force to build easy-to-understand and logically consistent capabilities across all domains. On the
WHAT’S THE LATEST NEWS AT BUSINESS ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS PRODUCT INNOVATION (BESPIN)?
development side, it will enable more rapid development of capabilities because the studio will drive greater reuse of components from existing capabilities.
BESSELMAN: BESPIN is the mobile capability development
3) BIRTHING THE TRANSFORMATIONAL DIGITAL
arm of the Program Executive Officer for Business and
UNIVERSITY: The DAF is in the midst of transforming its
Enterprise Systems (PEO BES). The BESPIN team has been
systems and workforce to be fully digital. This is easier said
handpicked to build and evolve at high velocity a Case File
than done, because most of the Air Force’s capabilities are
Helper Bot, a capability to help security forces evaluate
many decades old. An important component of this change
case file histories. The capability will, over time, marry
is nudging the Air Force’s military, civilians and contractors
knowledge-based system technology to Robotic Process
into the 21st software century. BESPIN conceived and built
Automation (RPA) to provide assistance to Security Forces
the virtual Digital University for DAF’s men and women to
operators.
grow their digital skills incrementally and has partnered
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
with commercial on-line education sites such as Udemy to provide our airmen with high quality digital education. Today, thousands of Airmen across the world are taking
The significant accomplishments can be categorized along
on-line classes to learn a variety of skills. BESPIN is now
these three axes:
partnering with other parts of the DAF that have historically performed traditional classroom training, with the goal to
1) REMARKABLY GREAT MOBILE CAPABILITIES. One example is GearFit, a game-changing capability
expand the educational offerings that are available virtually.
which were historically the exclusive domain of men, and
WHAT MAKES LT. COL. STARGELL MOSLEY A GOOD FIT TO LEAD BESPIN INTO ITS NEXT CHAPTER?
were designed for men, including uniforms, flight suits and
Stargell brings a great set of experiences that make him
breathing apparatus. GearFit allows women to communicate
the perfect leader for BESPIN. Not only was he at PEO
directly to the human designers and sustainers of our
BES years ago as a captain, but he was also the program
aircraft. To prevent any “blaming of the messenger,” any
manager for several of its important capabilities, with the
crew member may submit feedback and recommendations
DAF’s flightline maintenance system the most notable
anonymously, and these recommendations are echoed
example. Finally, Stargell has been both a Training
up to senior acquisition leaders to ensure they’re fairly,
Squadron Commander and an instructor at the Air Force’s
earnestly evaluated and considered. This change is critically
Air Command and Staff College, the Air Force’s premier
important to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) of the
school for officers at the rank of major. Collectively, these
21st century because it will likely not meet its high quality
experiences enabled him to provide immediate impact on
aircrew numeric targets without women. Women today are
the BESPIN team, where he is not only seeking to continue
entering universities with academically superior records
to evolve the mobile capability foundation, but he is also
relative to men, and they on average, possess a crucial
working with the rest of PEO BES to share their lessons
physiological advantage for combat operations, namely,
learned and service offerings.
because it has laser-focused leadership attention on the long-suffering female pilots and operators in cockpits,
their hearts are typically a lot closer to their brains, which aids their ability to better tolerate G forces in operations.
WHY IS BESPIN’S PRESENCE HERE A BENEFIT?
2) RAPID, SECURE, HIGHLY USABLE CAPABILITIES.
BESPIN’s presence is important to our community because
While the delivery of novel capabilities has earned BESPIN
its development efforts are some of the most technically
considerable prestige, the real value of BESPIN is better
sophisticated products in the area, right up there with the
measured by the organization and infrastructure capabilities
robotic automation underpinning the Hyundai factory across
that the team has put in place, such that they’re now
town. These developers are also some of the best paid
poised to build dozens of capabilities over the years to
people in Montgomery, and several of them are products
46 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
“
BESPIN DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ARE SOME OF THE MOST TECHNICALLY SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS IN THE AREA, RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE ROBOTIC AUTOMATION UNDERPINNING THE HYUNDAI FACTORY.
“
of Montgomery’s public and private schools. Also, on the
Cloud infrastructure side of these capabilities, we have several
The superior option for managing your Technology Infrastructure! We have your Business covered.
Montgomery graduates supporting the Department of the
Air Force team. These developers and engineers, some from
local universities and others from elite universities like Georgia
SERVICES
Tech, are shining examples for what Montgomery’s graduates can achieve, realizing high salaries right out of college. The Software/IT industry is hundreds of times larger and more lucrative than either the sports, music or movie industries. That is in both dollars and numerical employment. The probability of the average Montgomery citizen to make a lot of money in the software/IT industry is far greater than those other glamorous industries. Unfortunately, our newspapers and local media tend to dwell on the very rare occurrence of someone making a living in those other industries despite THOUSANDS of local residents enjoying substantial incomes, financial security for their families and nice homes from working with software/IT. The software/IT industry also does not require sophisticated math and science prowess to be successful. Moderate skill is all that is necessary. Skills in these disciplines come from moderate practice, just like prowess on a piano. These facts are particularly important to the demographics of our River Region, because, on average nationally, minorities and women have historically made choices avoiding software/ IT professions and the amazing financial security they typically provide. However, BESPIN, like PEO BES, has minorities and women participating at rates much higher than the typical tech organization. This is not a surprise, given the local schools and universities drawing from the River Region’s unique demographics.
Infrastructure and Cloud Services Disaster Recovery - Business Resilience Focused Information Technology Security Network Design and Support Email and Team Collaboration Server Management Desktop and Mobile Management Telecom and Datacom Vendor Expense Management Managed Lifecycle and Procurement Dedicated Project Support Call (334) 356-3461 to set up your free consultation today.
48 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
N E W Y E A R , N E W E S TAT E TA X L AW S ? ( R E V I E W I N G T H E PAS T TO P R E PA R E F O R T H E F U T U R E ) As we embark on a new year, it’s important to look back at proposals that circulated in 2021 regarding estate tax laws.
BY MICHAEL ANDREWS
MEET THE EXPERT
Although the estate tax law changes
Although these changes would have been
proposed in 2021 ultimately did not pass,
significant had they passed, it’s interesting
or get included in the most recent Build
to note that there was no proposal to
Back Better plan, it’s possible that these
change the portability of an unused
proposals could be on the table sometime
exemption from a deceased spouse to a
Michael Andrews, CPA,
in the future.
surviving spouse. Currently, if a spouse
ABV is a Senior Manager
passes away, an estate tax return can be
in Warren Averett’s Estate
In September 2021, proposed legislation
filed that transfers the deceased spouse’s
and Trust Division. He
was introduced that would reduce the
unused exemption to the surviving spouse.
specializes in estates,
“doubled” estate, gift and generation-
This allows the surviving spouse to take
trusts and income tax
skipping tax exemption for years after
advantage of the deceased spouse’s
compliance and planning.
December 31, 2021 to $5 million, adjusted
unused estate tax exemption and would
He is also involved in
for inflation. This would have ultimately
shield additional assets from potentially
entity planning and
accelerated the current estate tax
being subjected to estate taxes upon the
providing valuation
exemption, which is set to expire after
surviving spouse’s death. This may be even
services for estate
December 31, 2025. Notable other changes
more important as the current estate tax
planning purposes.
included:
exemption is set to sunset or be reduced
Contact him at 334-260-2443 or
by law.
Michael.Andrews@warrenaverett.com.
1 The proposed legislation would make assets of a grantor trust includible
As uncertainty on legislation persists, it’s
in a decedent’s estate. This would have
even more important to review your current
impacted certain grantor trusts created after
estate plan to ensure all your applicable
the date of enactment or trusts that were
documents are up to date and consider
created prior to enactment and received
any planning that may need to take place
contributions and/or additions to the trust
before any change in law occurs. Reviewing
post enactment.
your plan personally, or with the advisor of your choosing, on an annual basis can
2 The proposed legislation would have
ensure that you’re maximizing the use of
allowed valuation discounts for gifts of
any estate, gift and generation-skipping
business interest to be applied only to
tax exemption while considering potential
operating businesses. Nonbusiness assets
future law changes.
held in such entities, such as marketable securities, would not get any advantage from the discount.
49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BANKING
EXPERTISE AND ANSWERS TO COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS FROM LOCALS IN THE KNOW
H O W TO S E C U R E YO U R B U S I N E S S F I N A N C E S F O R I N F L AT I O N
BY CARYN HUGHES
One of the most talked about topics in recent months has been inflation. Inflation can be sneaky, acting as an “invisible tax” that you might not notice in your small, daily purchases but which adds up quickly at the register during your weekly grocery trip. It will impact your finances from routine dayto-day expenses to major purchases like a new vehicle. Since it’s unlikely that many peoples’ income will rise as fast as the inflation rate, the best way to prepare for inflation is to be proactive in knowing and assessing your long-term financial plans. Conduct a self-checkup to evaluate your finances and prepare for life’s uncertainties and opportunities. Below are some of the key areas to pay attention to when evaluating your finances.
Examine your interest rates: Take a close look at your existing debt and interest rate terms. Variable rate mortgages and credit cards are always tied to a major index that will be impacted during an inflationary environment. Consider refinancing to lock in a low, fixed longterm rate. There are still low interest rates available, so it isn’t too late.
Increase your revenue streams: To counteract rising costs, look into exploring additional ways to make more money. Start by examining what you already have; if you have industrial equipment or extra warehouse
Construction plans: We all know the cost of construction has significantly increased over the last 18 months. If you are planning building expansions, consider whether your current and future income/revenue is enough to justify today’s increased costs. If not, talk with your lender to understand what available financing options you may be able to afford and utilize. And don’t forget to work with your contractor to value engineer
MEET THE EXPERT Caryn Hughes is a Senior Vice President, Division Head of
your project accordingly.
C&I Lending for Valley
Examine wants vs. needs:
Montgomery main office.
With the costs of just about everything going up, it’s a good time to re-evaluate your reoccurring expenditures. If you’re paying more for groceries and utilities, are there other places you can cut back on
Bank based out of the She has been in the banking industry for more than 35 years. You can reach her at 334-270-3027.
spending to offset the increases? Screen your purchases by establishing whether they are a true need. Bypassing pricier name brands or even delaying larger purchases that aren’t urgently needed could make up the difference on necessary items.
Meet with your banker: I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have honest and open conversations with your banker. If you’re pondering a project or expecting a major life event, it’s an ideal time to discuss these with your banker. Lean on them for their expertise before you decide to make a major
© 2022 Valley National Bank.
purchase or financial decision.
Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved
space, consider renting or leasing it out.
51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
THE LAB on Dexter
LEADERSHIP Meet a few of Montgomery’s trailblazing females who are standing out and standing up to inspire, empower and activate others.
MEET
Margaret Nekic WHY SHE’S A BIG DEAL: As the President and CEO of Inspirien, a liability and workers’ comp insurance company, Nekic has grown the business significantly while working to elevate the company culture, promoting teamwork and pulling out every employee’s inner leader. She is also forming a tech company to provide
M(GM)POWER
Fifty years ago, the heads of the industry, CEOs and those pushing the envelope to start ground-breaking business ventures were mostly men. But that picture has been changing for decades. More and more women are taking charge and taking the lead, founding and running a diverse array of businesses and organizations. In Montgomery, there’s clear evidence of this continuing shift, particularly in key areas including leadership, technology and entrepreneurship. The following local ladies are making powerful positive impacts in this community with their creativity, their drive, their forwardthinking ideas, their ability (and willingness) to uplift and energize others, as well as their commitment to shape a bright future for a new Montgomery and make the city better, not just for their company or their endeavors, but for us all.
additional support for Inspirien’s customers.
The Trail She’s Blazed: Growing up in a family of entrepreneurial immigrants from Croatia, Nekic saw up close the trials and tribulations of starting a small business. Watching her grandparents and parents, she learned valuable lessons— creativity, flexibility, accountability, ownership, determination and a strong work ethic—and they’ve served her well. After starting in her industry at a mid-size healthcare insurance company and moving up the ranks, she got an email from a recruiter about leading operations for Inspirien. She’d never visited Montgomery until the first in-person interview for the position and didn’t know much about it, but both the role and the city were an instant fit. “As soon as I met with the board, I knew this was the role for me, and Montgomery was the place for me,” she said. But she didn’t stop at CEO. She recently added entrepreneur to her resume and is forming a company to address a problem Inspirien’s customers and shareholders had at the top of their complaint lists: getting paid. “The solution is still in development, but we
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY 52 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Caryn Hughes Making an Impact: She may be the Senior Vice President and Alabama Commercial Lending Executive at Valley Bank, but
are moving it forward,” she said. “Healthcare needs our
Caryn Hughes has more than dollars and cents on
support, and we want to be the kind of partner that helps them solve their biggest challenges. We believe if they win, we win.” Identifying pressing problems and then working to
her mind. She’s a longtime supporter of the Chamber, currently serving as the Chamber board’s vice
solve them is Nekic’s definition of “entrepreneur.”
chair, and is also heavily involved in the community,
Making an Impact: Nekic took the role at
organizations and projects. She explained how her
donating her time and expertise to multiple
Inspirien because she believed she could make a difference in people’s lives through their healthcare. “Inspirien is
roles complement each other. “Serving as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee has been such an honor and extremely beneficial because it
owned by hospitals and physicians, so we have firsthand
has educated me on the needs of our community,”
knowledge of the problems facing healthcare today,” she said. “That insight helps us support the industry in its efforts to deliver quality patient care.”
she said. “I have also had the benefit of serving on several charitable organizations, boards/committees that do so much to help others.”
She’s passionate about the customer experience but also
Hughes is also leaning into the example set by bank
about transforming organizational structure. “Traditional
leadership and encouraging her team to follow her
hierarchy exists due to a lack of trust, which is detrimental
lead. “Giving back to the community has always
to a highly functioning team, so, when I joined Inspirien, I
been a high priority for my employer Valley Bank,”
was committed to building a unique coaching culture that
she said. “I love its commitment to strengthening and
viewed all employees as leaders,” she said. “A title does
supporting the communities we serve. Personally,
not make anyone better than another person. At Inspirien,
and through the help of the Valley Bank Team,
culture is the sum of its people. So, the way we assess the overall wellbeing of Inspirien is through the employees who drive its success.”
I believe we have made a difference through participating in financial literacy programs in our schools and volunteering our time and skills to assist various community organizations, as well as through
WORDS OF WISDOM:
substantial charitable giving.”
Nekic names education and continuous learning as essential elements of her success, but support from mentors
Smart Stuff: Her top tip for other ladies
has been just as critical. She stressed the importance
looking to benefit the community is a simple first step.
of a proper mentee mindset to get the most out of the
“Know your community. It is important to make sure
relationship. “When engaging my mentors, I try not to
you stay well-informed of the needs so that you can
complain, but to seek the ‘WHY?’ I welcome differing
figure out how you can best serve these needs,” she
opinions to help me decipher what important information
said. “There are endless ways to become involved
I need to understand and make decisions,” she said. “I
and, once you do, there is no doubt you will have a
also encourage honest feedback, because I believe self-
positive impact.”
reflection and emotional intelligence are critical.”
53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
TECH & INNOVATION MEET
Ruby Tuck Why She’s a Big Deal: Tuck is the CEO/President of Program
Renee Borg
Management and Technology Services, Inc., a company she founded after retiring from a successful career with the federal government. PMTS supports agencies within the federal government by providing a vast array of IT and program management services.
The Trail She’s Blazed:
Making an Impact: PMTS employs 24 people, 16 within Alabama,
Making an Impact:
and Tuck hopes to expand that footprint
Borg is the Executive Director
Tuck drew on the vast IT background
and employ more people in our area.
of the Alabama Business
she gained while working within
PMTS also actively recruits interns from
Technology Foundation,
the government to start PMTS. As a
local colleges to prepare them for the
and as such, is intimately
minority woman in the tech space, she
workforce. She stressed her belief in
involved in growing the tech
understands why increased diversity in
technology as the tool for a brighter
talent our workforce needs
her industry is important. “It means more
future. “Technology encompasses our
and ensuring students can
ideas based on different backgrounds,
way of life and will continue to do so,”
land good jobs. “I want
perspectives and experiences. Bringing
she said. “If we don’t keep up, then
every student going to
more women in an industry that is
we will be left behind. So, we invite all
any Alabama college or
inundated by men would do just that.
those who have a similar purpose of
university and getting a
To achieve this, we must first improve
educating others about IT and growing
STEM degree of any facet to
our digital readiness score,” she said.
business opportunities to join our efforts
have the opportunity for an
“Digital readiness captures key attributes
in improving and shaping our community
internship, apprenticeship
such as the ease of working from home,
so we are ready for the future.”
or employment. These
availability of public services online and inclusive access to the internet.” In a recent measurement, Alabama’s digital
students are Alabama’s
WORDS OF WISDOM:
future professionals, and we need to let them know they
readiness landed in the bottom five.
Tuck named the Small Business
are wanted by our business
“If we could bring up that score while
Administration, a good accountant and
industry,” she said.
simultaneously focusing on improving
loyal employees as among the resources
our tech talent diversity, we could make
she’s relied on. She shared this advice
Borg is currently creating a
leaps and bounds,” Tuck said. She knows
for any woman aiming to make her
database with the guidance
of what she speaks: During COVID
own impact. “Stay focused on your
of the Foundation’s Business
shutdowns, Tuck’s company allowed
vision. Work hard and understand that
Advisory Board to reach this
more than 50 percent of its staff to work
everything is a process; it’s not going
goal. “It is the key that will
from home and didn’t experience any
to happen overnight,” she said. “And
allow a single student to be
interruptions in the business’ ability to
find good mentors who are currently
seen by multiple businesses
deliver services.
successful in the area you are pursuing.”
throughout Alabama, and it
54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
EDUCATION MEET
will be the key for a business
Dr. Kemba Chambers
to search multiple students going to any Alabama college or university to fill vacancies they may have for internships and/or job placements. I also know that our database will be one of the best tools for our workforce industry, new and existing. Our motto is and
Why She’s a Big Deal: Chambers is the first minority female president of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College and has overseen expansion of the institution’s business entrepreneurship and computer science programs while also beefing up the
Forging a strong workforce by getting input
college’s partnerships with local industry.
from area businesses has been a core
has always been, ‘Develop
focus for Chambers. “We have committed
Them Here, Keep Them
ourselves to meeting with community
Here!’”
Smart Stuff: Borg pointed to her Chamber involvements as helpful waypoints on her journey. “As a Chamber Ambassador, the Chamber has been one of the best tools for me in terms of networking and creating long-lasting friendships. I don’t think our organization would be where it is today without the support from our Chamber or Chamber members,” she said. “Having a well-structured Business Advisory Board has made my job so much easier. But the best tool by far, is believing in what I do.” And that’s the wisdom she wants to pass along to others. “Believe in what you do. If your heart is in it, then you know you’re on the right track,” she said.
The Trail She’s Blazed: Once a high school math teacher, Chambers moved into higher education as an instructor at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. Next, she earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and became Interim Division Chair of Math and Science. It was the first step in a path that advanced her within the Alabama Community College System, where she served in multiple leadership roles (dean,
stakeholders to determine what instructional and workforce training programs are needed at the college,” she said. That’s led to the expansion in Computer Information Systems, Business/Entrepreneurship and Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management programs. And there’s more coming, with conversations between Trenholm and partners like Baptist Health outlining plans for an increase in healthcare program offerings to meet this industry’s demands.
vice chancellor and more) at multiple institutions before becoming President of Trenholm.
Making an Impact: “I am only
WORDS OF WISDOM: Chambers attributes her success to her original role model and mentor, her father,
doing what I love to do,” is Chambers’
who was also a dean and a president within
humble response to being called a
the Community College System. She equally
trailblazer. “I hope that my consistent
credits the females who went before her.
dedication to Trenholm State allows our
“I will never forget my first time seeing a
community to see the great things that
female in an administrative role. It was great
we are doing,” she said. “I along with the
to see someone who looks like me and their
dedicated employees of the college will
successes,” she said. “This is something
ensure that we are pivotal in the River
that I hope others can see in me.” And
Region by offering instructional and
she’s always on the lookout for that special
workforce training programs so that our
“something”. “If I see that ‘it factor’ within
citizens are able to fulfill their short- and
others, I believe it is my job to ensure that
long-term goals.”
they also see it within themselves.”
55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
ENTREPRENEURSHIP MEET
Stevie Hicks THE LAB ON DEXTER Why She’s a Big Deal: This California native came to Alabama to attend Tuskegee University. After graduation and armed with a B.A. in English, she began
SHE SAYS:
her teaching career with Montgomery Public Schools. In the midst of the pandemic, she turned a bleak season into a creative
A MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
business called House of Hicks.
“I launched my business
The Trail She’s Blazed:
Making an Impact:
After attending Tuskegee University,
Hicks believes she’s making a mark
Hicks stayed in Alabama because
in Montgomery and stresses that
her husband was already established
confidence is a crucial ingredient,
here, but she also felt like she could
one she’s passing along to the
do some good in the River Region.
young minds she’s helping mold. “I am
She shared the motivation behind her
extremely confident, and I try my best
business, which spreads Hicks’ love
to instill that into my students, friends
of Black culture with its stylish jewelry,
and family,” she said. “I thrive because
curated book and poetry collection
I believe in myself, and that is the
and more. “House of Hicks, LLC,
biggest impact that I’ve made thus far.”
more specifically SamCol by Hicks (a trademark company under HOH, LLC) was inspired by my children at a very
WORDS OF WISDOM:
dark time in my life,” she said. “I was
Hicks listed networking as an essential
coping with postpartum depression
building block of her success but
while trying to balance being a wife,
also noted that local resources like
mother and an educator during the
the Chamber’s Lab on Dexter and
pandemic. Not only was SamCol by
business organizations such as Buy
Hicks in some respects a savior for me,
from A Black Woman have been
it was a way to translate my love and
indispensable. Speaking to other
commitment to the Black community
aspiring women, she reiterated her
and the culture of growing up in Los
confidence claim. “I can’t say this
Angeles into something tangible and
enough but believing in you is KEY.
sacred.”
Aligning your passion, heart and reason is the positive-impact formula,” she said.
56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
a few weeks before December on Dexter Pop Up shop. The idea had been in my heart for years, but when the Lab opened, I knew I had the resources to be successful. I’ve attended every BYOB (Build Your Own Business) event because I wanted to learn, and the professionals were ready to help. I sold out of my T-shirts during the pop up, and now I’m back in production. I’m grateful to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and The Lab on Dexter for being a resource for entrepreneurs.” -- Vickie Jones, CEO, Faith Filled Tee’s, LLC
coming up: CO.STARTERS
STARTS MARCH 31 REGISTER HERE: TheLabonDexter.com/Costarters
MAKING IT HAPPEN: The Chamber has long fostered and supported entrepreneurship and innovation in our community. But with the formation of its Lab on Dexter, it has taken these efforts to the next level, offering resources, opportunities and the physical
This 10-week small business program will equip entrepreneurs with everything they need to start something, providing the tools necessary to turn an idea into action and bringing people together for networking, learning and more.
space entrepreneurs and change-makers of all stripes need to plant seeds, start conversations, share ideas and grow new ventures. Lab programs and events are all designed to bring the next big things to life, and it is using a powerful combo of tools to accomplish its goals.
• EDUCATE the community
Connect With the Lab
with the latest training and tools.
For general info: Dr. Nichole Thompson, Executive Director, nthompson@thelabondexter.com
• INNOVATE with partners across
the social and tech innovation ecosystem.
• COLLABORATE with community members to create innovative solutions.
• ACCELERATE small businesses with
For membership and co-working space inquiries: sales@thelabondexter.com
training, resources and technology tools to grow their business.
• INCUBATE small businesses by providing
Plus, be sure to watch The Lab’s website and social media channels and join its mailing list to stay up to date on upcoming events and to find ways you and your business can get involved. thelabondexter.com
small business suites and co-working space.
57 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS
TOURISM NEWS
2022 Attraction of the Year
EJI’S NEW LEGACY MUSEUM NAMED ALABAMA TOURISM’S 2022 ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR The Alabama Tourism Department recognized
EXPERIENCE MONTGOMERY EARNS NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE The Chamber’s aggressive earned media and public relations strategy continues to yield international placements. In 2021, it earned more than $1 billion media impressions from national outlets. So far this year, placements include:
the Legacy Museum as its 2022 Attraction
•Coverage in The Miami Herald, The State
of the Year during the Alabama Governor’s
(Columbia, SC) Travel Pulse on Experience
Conference on Tourism. EJI opened the new
Montgomery’s new “Journey Starts Here” Campaign
Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in downtown Montgomery last
•Coverage in Group Travel Leader on the Alabama
fall. Since opening weekend, thousands of
Shakespeare Festival’s 50th anniversary season
people from across the country have visited the new museum, which provides a comprehensive
•Coverage in Men’s Journal naming Montgomery
history of the United States with a focus on the
one of its “Best Places to Travel in 2022 for the
legacy of slavery.
Resilient, Ever-Optimistic Traveler”
ALABAMA INVESTING IN STUDENTS & STATE’S TOURISM WORKFORCE Governor Kay Ivey recently announced a grant that will fund the state investing $1 million to train students to work in the tourism industry by creating a certification program to give them the skills the industry requires. The move comes as Alabama’s $16 billion tourism and hospitality industry saw 25-percent growth in 2021 after declines during the worst of the pandemic. While the rebound is encouraging, Ivey said that labor shortages are holding the industry back. State and industry leaders hope the training program, developed by the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation through the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center, will help solve this issue. 58 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS
NEWS & UPDATES RON SIMMONS JOINS CHAMBER STAFF Ronald A. Simmons, IOM, has joined the Chamber team effective
at Montgomery, where he
March 1. He’s serving in a new role, Chief Officer, Destination and
received a bachelor’s degree in
Community Development, where he will be responsible for the
liberal arts with an emphasis in
destination (CVB) division, as well as all “non-traditional” economic
marketing and military science.
development and place building, which includes small and minority
He was commissioned as a
business development and The Lab on Dexter, the downtown plan
second lieutenant in the U.S.
and gateway transformation.
Army Reserves from the Auburn University at Montgomery ROTC
“Ron will have a purview beyond destination development. He will
program in 1987. He is also a
be building and integrating the experiences we must create to be
graduate of the U.S. Chamber of
successful in our various targets: tourism, entrepreneurial growth,
Commerce Foundation Institute
innovation, talent recruitment and more. We are thrilled to have Ron
of Organizational Management at the University of Georgia.
back at home in this new expanded role for our organization,” said Anna Buckalew, Chamber President and CEO.
Simmons rejoins the Chamber after serving as President and CEO of the United Way since 2020. Previously, he spent 10 years with the
Simmons is a native of Montgomery and a 1983 graduate of
Chamber, most recently as the VP of Sales for the Convention and
Sidney Lanier High School. He is a graduate of Auburn University
Visitor Bureau.
ALABAMA PORT AUTHORITY PLANS TO BUILD FACILITY IN MGM At the end of January, The Alabama
and interstate access with I-65 and I-85
and private investments inside Alabama.
Port Authority approved a land deal in
running through the region. We look
When constructed, the intermodal container
Montgomery County to construct an inland
forward to working with our partners at the
transfer facility will be serviced by CSX
container intermodal transfer facility (ICTF).
Alabama Port Authority, CSX and others
Transportation (CSXT) Intermodal. The
The $2 million purchase of 272 acres
on the continuing components of this
project reestablishes regularly scheduled
will extend intermodal rail service from
transformational project.”
CSXT Intermodal rail service at the Port of
the Port Authority’s container intermodal
Mobile and provides a foundation to expand
terminal at the Port of Mobile in support
Mayor Steven L. Reed agreed. “We are
intermodal services further inland to support
of Montgomery’s regional growth in
proud to have Montgomery at the center
CSXT customers. CSXT will contribute
manufacturing, retail, distribution and
of a truly transformative project that will
up to $12.5 million toward infrastructure
agribusiness sectors. Once complete,
change the trajectory of not only our state
improvements in the facility. Phase I of the
the project will generate 2,618 direct and
but the Southeast region,” he said. “This is a
facility is estimated at $54 million and could
indirect jobs, $340 million in business
multi-million-dollar gateway development for
take up to two years to construct.
revenues and more than $14.2 million in
Montgomery and the result of many years
state and local taxes.
of work, planning and partnership with the
“The Alabama Port Authority’s major
Port, The Montgomery Area Chamber of
investment shows that Montgomery is on
“The purchase of land to construct an
Commerce, CSX Transportation and others.
the map and an essential part of logistics
inland container intermodal transfer facility
Once complete, the inland intermodal
solutions within the Southeast,” said
in Montgomery is a big step for this great
transfer facility will drastically change our
Montgomery County Commission Chairman
economic development project for the
current economic development landscape
Elton Dean. “This new logistics hub will
Capital City,” said Chamber Chairman Cedric
and will lead to exponential growth and
not only transform the needs of regional
Campbell. “Since we are centrally located
prosperity throughout our community.”
shippers, it will also serve our local partners
in the Southeastern U.S., Montgomery is
who invest millions of dollars into the local
an ideal logistics hub due to its proximity
The Montgomery ICTF extends the container
to the Port of Mobile and direct railway
intermodal assets at the seaport to public 59 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
economy.”
CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FAC E S AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS
11.06 BYOB: Bring Your Own Business Sponsor: Balch & Bingham
11.30 Business Building Blocks: Accounting, Tax Reporting and Licensing 12.2.21 Washington Brief: Infrastructure Investment & Job Act Location: RSA Activity Center
PAST EVENTS
12.1.21 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Wynlakes Golf & Country Club
Gold Sponsor: Coca Cola Bottling Company United
Sponsor: Balch & Bingham and Warren Averett Asset Management
2.02 Agile After Hours In Partnership With: HackMGM & AFCEA
2.06 Trenholm AWS Academy Showcase 2.06-10 National Computer Science Education Week 2.07 Google Applied Digital Skills Workshop 2.08 Developers Over Draft 12.3.21 First Friday Location: The Tipping Point at Hampstead
12.7.21 149th Annual Meeting Location: Renaissance Montgomery Gold Sponsor: TierOne Media
12.14.21 Child Care Works: Summit on Early Childhood Investment Location: Montgomery Chamber Business Studio; In Partnership With: The Alabama Partnership for Children
www.gotscrap.com 334-272-0767 430 Air Base Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36108
2.10 December on Dexter 2.10 Raspberry JAM
Our recycling services include: ✓ Manufacturing Scrap Services ✓ Appliance Recycling ✓ Automobile Recycling ✓ Certified Destruction ✓ Demolition Scrap
60 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
61 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect D ISCOV ER W H AT YO U R C H AMBER CAN DO FOR YOU AN D YOUR BUS IN ESS
POWERED BY PARTNERSHIP
TRC FAVORITES: These popular sponsorship opportunities may not be available for very long.
Every year, the Chamber produces programs and events that connect and engage our local business community.
Networking Events: 60 Min Coffee & Business After Hours
The 2022 signature events represent both long-standing traditions, along with new, exciting programs, all working to address specific goals and objectives for the region. These
Washington Brief Series
events not only bring our business
(formerly Eggs and Issues)
stakeholders, elected officials, military
Chairman’s Circle
leadership and members together, they foster critical partnerships,
City & County Update
empower business development and growth, while also supporting the
Alabama Update
Chamber’s mission.
Chamber Golf Classic
Through the Total Resource Campaign, businesses can play a vital role in
Military Appreciation Day at the Zoo
the Chamber’s programming by sponsoring events. You can choose avenues that reach the entire
Annual Meeting
Chamber membership or hit a target
(This year is the 150th!)
audience. A diverse array of options and engagement points are why many
FIND OUT MORE:
businesses participate in TRC year
The 2022 TRC sponsorship opportunities can be found online at
after year.
ygmtrc.com/2120-montgomery
MONEY MATTERS The work done by TRC raises money to help fund a large majority of the programs, events and communications the Chamber hosts and organizes throughout the entire year. By investing in TRC, member businesses connect to the vital programs and resources they need to grow their business. Sponsorships not only impact the Chamber, they fuel economic growth for Montgomery and the River Region.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED: If you’re interested in exploring the many marketing opportunities available, learn more about TRC by emailing Patsy Guy at
pguy@montgomerychamber.com
62 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
63 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
65 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
MAX Credit Union Announces a New Chief Information Officer
regional industry leader for manufacturing and distribution in central and southeast Alabama.
Dale Watkins is the new Chief Information Officer at MAX Credit
Montgomery Regional Airport Names New Executive Director
Union. Watkins is an Alabama native and brings 15 years of credit
The Montgomery Airport Authority
union experience to his new role.
has named Wade Davis, C.M., as the new Executive Director
Jackson Thornton Names Principals
of Montgomery Regional Airport
Jackson Thornton selected Allison
on December 15, 2021. He served for nearly two years as
(MGM). Davis began his position
H. Guice and Daniel K. Tew as the
the Director of Airports for the Shreveport Regional Airport
firm’s newest principals. Guice is a
(SHV) and the Shreveport Downtown Airport (DTN) where he
principal in the firm’s Montgomery
brought with him significant experience in transportation and
office and has more than 15 years
operations management.
of experience, providing business valuation and tax consulting/
Troy Names Associate Vice Chancellor for Development
estate planning services to clients throughout the Southeast. Tew
Troy University has named Greg
is a principal in the firm’s Dothan
Knedler the new Associate Vice
office and has provided tax and
Chancellor for Development.
consulting services to owners of
Knedler, who comes to TROY with
small businesses and high net
more than 20 years’ experience
worth individuals for more than 10
in development and higher
years.
education advancement, started February 1.
Marion Community Bank Announces Montgomery Regional President
Dogwood Media Solutions, LLC Welcomes New Employees
Montgomery native Michael Jenkins has joined the bank as Montgomery Regional President. "We are incredibly excited about our expansion into the River Region, and Michael is the perfect person to lead the charge for us here,” said CEO Guy Davis.
Dogwood Media Solutions added three new employees
Warren Averett Announces 2022 New Members
recently, bringing the staff from 12 to 15 since November. New
Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors
Seth Vance as a web developer and Savanna Pruitt as a
announced that 14 individuals have been promoted to Members
team members include Alex Beeman as a graphic designer, digital media specialist.
of the Firm, effective January 1, 2022. The newest member to the Montgomery branch is Jon Chancey, CPA, and he is the firm’s 66 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
Pictured top: Hudson, Hines, Mills. Pictured bottom: MacDonald, Leverette, Rittne, Caine.
Beasley Allen Hires New Attorneys Beasley Allen welcomed two new attorneys, Lauren Rowe and Brook Ptacek. Rowe is a lawyer in the firm’s Toxic Torts Section and works on cases included in the national Roundup and
Aldridge, Borden & Company Makes Promotions
Paraquat litigations.
Aldridge, Borden & Company, PC announced the promotions of: Jessica Hudson,
Ptacek is a lawyer in
CPA to Assurance Partner; Amanda B. Hines, CPA to Assurance Principal; Joe Mills,
the firm’s Personal
CPA to OneSource Principal; Shana M. MacDonald CPA to Manager in the Taxation
Injury Section, where
and Assurance Departments; Kim P. Leverette to OneSource Supervisor; Nicky
she represents
Rittner to OneSource Supervisor; and Hollie W. Caine to OneSource Senior Account
individuals who have been injured and family
Manager.
members of deceased victims.
celebrating
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
recognize the women who make a difference in your business! Reserve your space by September 15th CONTACT CHRISTINA AT (334) 221-4619 OR CHRISTINA@EXPLOREMEDIA.ORG FOR MORE INFO. 67 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
’S
TH
O
M E RY A C AD EM
Y
E
M
GO NT
You don’t have to wait for a special day to learn about our
Kindergarten experience. MA’s K-View allows you to schedule a
personal tour on a day and time that’s convenient for you. Come
visit our campus, meet our teachers and students—and see us in action!
W H AT PA RENTS A RE SAYING “The staff and teachers are so warm, friendly and approachable.” “When I was trying to decide between MA and another school, K-View is what I kept referring back to.” “The students were enthusiastic, confident and obviously immersed in the activities.” “Loved it! Immersive, informative, well done, and comfortable.”
Call Rachael Gallagher, Director of Admissions at 334.272.8210 or visit MontgomeryAcademy.org/K-View to schedule your personal K-View experience.
Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y 68 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
Mayor Reed Selected as Secretary of African American Mayors Association Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed was selected to serve as Secretary of The African American Mayors Association
RATS!
CONG
MAYOR L. REED
N STEVE
(AAMA), the only organization exclusively representing African-American mayors in the United States. Its mission is to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. This includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.
Alabama Farmers Federation Celebrates 100 Years The Alabama Farmers Federation, a statewide force in agriculture, lobbying and insurance, marked its 100th anniversary
MAX Credit Union Announces 2021 Community Achievement Recipient
at its two-day annual meeting. Almost 1,200 farmers from each
MAX Credit Union named Mercy House as the recipient of the 2021 MAX Community Achievement award. The MAX Community Achievement award is based on overall contribution to the community as well as continued efforts to bring people together making a positive impact. Mercy House is a local non-profit organization located in the Washington Park community where it focuses on eliminating barriers that have plagued citizens in this area.
the election of state leaders of the organization and a program honoring the group’s history. The program also marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of Alfa Insurance Co., which was started by the organization in 1946.
Achievements Montgomery’s Lower Lounge’s Nick Ware Named “Bartender of the Year”
Montgomery’s Dream Court Awarded Amid “Today Show” Spotlight A homegrown Montgomery tennis program has been honored by the United States Tennis Association for continuing its work to serve special needs athletes through the pandemic. The USTA named Dream Court the winner of its 2021 Adaptive Tennis Award for “continued excellence, dedication and service in tennis for an adaptive tennis community.” The award was presented by tennis legend Jim Courier recently during a segment about Dream Court on NBC’s “Today Show.”
Alabama Power Receives EEI Emergency Response Award Alabama Power was honored by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) with an Emergency Response Award for helping restore service to Texans affected by Hurricane Nicholas. Presented to EEI member companies, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events.
of Alabama’s 67 counties attended the meeting, which included
Lower Lounge’s Nick Ware was selected as 2021’s Bartender of the Year in the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s 2021 Stars of the Industry Awards. Ware was among three other regional bartender finalists and competed at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.
Beasley Allen Partner to Lead Black Attorneys Group LaBarron Boone has worked at Beasley Allen since 1995 and was the first African American to be named a partner at a major Montgomery law firm. Now a partner with the firm, Boone has been elected president of The National Black Lawyers Top 100. NBL is a national network of African American plaintiff and defense attorneys who work in law firms, government agencies and academia.
69 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths for men AND women. For this reason, the Women in Blue are committed to increasing colon cancer awareness and raising money for the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama during the month of March. With your support, we can lower the number of deaths and provide direct assistance and services to our patients, throughout 32 counties in central Alabama.
70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News
Beasley Allen Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers Beasley Allen announced 25 firm lawyers received special recognition by Super Lawyers rating service for the 2021 MidSouth Region. Eleven attorneys were named to the 2021 Super Lawyers list, including the firm’s Principal and Founder Jere L. Beasley. In addition, 14 Beasley Allen attorneys were included on the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list.
Awards & Honors Faulkner Law Professor Honored Faulkner Law’s John G. Browning was recently honored by the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) with the Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award. The OBA gives this award to “the author of the best-written article published this year in the Oklahoma Bar Journal.” His award-winning article “Blazing the Trail: Oklahoma Pioneer African American Attorneys” was featured in the May 2021 issue of the Oklahoma Bar Journal.
Bradley Attorneys Honored Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that 119 attorneys across the firm’s offices in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee were selected to the 2021 edition of Mid-South Super Lawyers and “Rising Stars.” Additionally, seven Bradley attorneys were named to the publication’s “Top Lists” in the 2021 edition. The firm’s Government Contracts Practice Group was also recently recognized, being named among Law360’s 2021 Practice Groups of the Year. Bradley is one of only six firms in the nation to receive this honor.
Two Bradley Groups Recognized with 2021 “Go-To Thought Leader Awards” Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Labor and Employment Practice Group and Cannabis Industry team have been recognized with The National Law Review’s 2021 “Go-To Thought Leader Awards.” Bradley’s Labor and Employment Practice Group was recognized in the category of COVID Vaccine Mandates for coverage regarding masking and vaccine requirements. The firm’s Cannabis Industry team was selected in the category of Cannabis Industry Regulation for coverage of the medical cannabis industry in Alabama.
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
2022 Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) Announces Executive Committee Several members of the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) have been appointed to leadership roles for 2022 on the HBAA’s Executive Committee. The members were installed during the HBAA’s 2021 Annual Convention held in November. Michael Toles of Toles Construction, a member of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association, was installed as the 2022 HBAA President.
Alabama Power Approved for Solar Project in Lowndes County Alabama Power and Mercedes Benz U.S. International Inc. (MBUSI) received approval
C Spire Completes Alabama Fiber Broadband Network Acquisition C Spire has acquired Troy Cablevision Inc.,
from the Alabama Public Service Commission for the proposed 80-megawatt
and the deal includes the acquisition of
Letohatchee Solar Project in Lowndes County, south of Montgomery. This project and
Union Springs Telephone Company Inc.
the renewable contract between Alabama Power and MBUSI builds on a long-standing
Troy Cablevision is headquartered in Troy. It
partnership between the two companies and align with the shared vision of enhancing
has provided cable television, internet, fiber
the use of renewable energy.
broadband and other services in Pike, Coffee, Crenshaw and Dale counties.
MAX Credit Union Donates $115,000 MAX Credit Union donated more than
Troy University’s Accreditation Reaffirmed Troy University has received reaffirmation
$115,000 to 23 local organizations on
of academic accreditation from the
Giving Tuesday. Organizations selected
Southern Association of Colleges and
focus on food and housing insecurities,
Schools Commission on Colleges
education and arts, child advocacy
(SACSCOC). Troy University was
groups and animal shelters. Community
accredited initially by SACSCOC in 1934.
outreach is vital to organizations doing
The announcement is the culmination of
good work for citizens in our area, and
a process of self-examination and peer
MAX Credit Union supports those efforts
review that involved numerous faculty
by giving back throughout the year in
and staff members of Troy University.
the form of monetary donations, service hours, and non-profit board leadership.
MAX Credit Union Ends NSF Fees MAX Credit Union is eliminating nonsufficient funds (NSF) fees and offering a grace on overdraft charges. This new policy will ease the financial burden caused by fees for many members and supports national movements designed
WCOV-TV Sells for $28.5 Million Media mogul Byron Allen is purchasing Montgomery’s Fox affiliate, WCOVTV from David Woods of Woods Communications for $28.5 million, cash. Acquisition of the Alabama outlet will bring Allen Media Broadcasting’s holdings to 36 television stations in 21 U.S. markets.
to make banking more equitable. 72 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Lightsource bp Closes on Financing for Solar Project Lightsource bp has closed on a $100 million financing package for its 130-megawatt Black Bear Solar energy project in Montgomery County. Lightsource bp has secured a power contract with Alabama Municipal Electric Authority. “This project demonstrates the positive impacts that result from partnerships with shared goals to reduce carbon emissions, deliver affordable electricity, create jobs and contribute to local communities,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas for Lightsource bp.
Montgomery Announces Project Manager for New Fire Station The City of Montgomery announced Jacobs Engineering Group has been selected as the project manager for a state-of-the-art fire station near the intersection of West Fairview Avenue and South Court Street.
Precision Banking. At River Bank, there is a high level of attention to detail that I have not seen at the other banks I’ve worked with. Janet listens intently and uses her 30+ years of professional judgement when it comes to my financial needs. They certainly set the standard for best practice in banking. Wesley Barry, MD FACS FSSC and Janet Roberts, Senior Vice President, NMLS 718362 River Bank & Trust
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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.
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CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Retired USAF General John Bradley Talks Afghanistan in “Speaking Globally” Premiere John Bradley talks about the formation of the Lamia Afghan Foundation and the current situation in Afghanistan in the inaugural episode of “Speaking Globally,” a new world affairs podcast from Troy Public Radio. “Speaking Globally” is hosted by Walter Givhan, a retired U.S. Air Force Major General with more than 30 years of experience around the world in a variety of positions, including acting as the U.S. air liaison officer to the commanding general of the French ground forces in DESERT STORM and leading the international team rebuilding the Afghan Air Force. In “Speaking Globally,” Givhan will be talking to thought leaders about the history, politics and cultures of different parts of the world and the forces affecting them.
MMFA Exhibitions Explore the Gulf South On view at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts until April 10, “Pieces of History: Decorative Arts of the Gulf
MMI Outdoor, Inc Awarded Multi-Million-Dollar Contract MMI Outdoor, Inc, a Montgomery-based company that manufactures tents, back packs and accessories, received a multi-million-dollar contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for its Switchblade Load Carriage System. Manufactured under the MMI Outdoor “Catoma” brand, the Switchblade Load Carriage System is designed to assist military personnel with unique, operation specific, load carriage and deployment in a safe and ergonomic manner.
•Puddin Jars •Puddin by the Pan •Dessert Cups •Custom Desserts •Catering and Events
Photograph of the installation of Tea and Coffee Set (19th century) at the Ordeman-Mitchell-Shaw House in Old Alabama Town, Montgomery, Alabama, Lent by Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, Inc.
South” reflects the stories of the early migrants to Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana through the items they purchased, created and used while they made their homes and lives. It is accompanied by “Walk Humbly,” an exhibition conceived in two parts: works that address the issues surrounding artist Nell Gottlieb’s family’s cotton plantation legacy and new works created in response to the decorative objects in the adjacent exhibition, “Pieces of History.”
“ The yum is in the puddin” 75 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Chamber members get $5 OFF every purchase 334.303.2746 www.bigonanapuddin.com
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
LUXURY MEN, LLC
RL JONES PRESSURE WASHING
1000 Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-324-0026 Billy Hockenhull, Owner / Beauty Supplies
27 Woodland Street, Monroeville, AL 36468 251-593-8286 Robert Jones, Owner / Cleaning
CYBERTEC LLC
US TECH REPAIR
2921 Marti Lane, Suite 3A, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-220-3346 Mary Lamar, Owner / Computers-Sales/Services/Supplies
7968 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-413-1114 • us-techrepairs.com Alex Sawaleh, Owner / Computers-Software/Hardware/Consulting
THE CBD PLACE
TRUST MARKET
444 Clay Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-593-2200 Teresa Kennedy, Owner / Health & Nutrition
401 Adams Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-593-0220 • trstmrkt.com Alicia Remache, Owner / Restaurants
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HAVEN MEMORY CARE ON HALCYON 1775 Halcyon Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-396-1111 • Havenonhalcyon.com Kim Neal, Director of Corporate Development Nursing Homes/Assisted Living
H2-PHARMA, LLC 611 Industrial Park Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-647-1947 • H2-pharma.com Brooke Cantey, President / Pharmaceutical Supplies
CAPITAL CITY CLUB 201 Monroe Street Unit 2100, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-834-8920 •clubcorp.com/clubs/capital-city-club-montgomery/ Joseph Spellman, Club Manager / Private Clubs
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CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
ATTRACTIONS Mothers of Gynecology at The More Up Campus Michelle Browder 17 Mildred Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334- 296-3024
MARCH 2022 NEW & REJOINED MEMBERS COMPUTERS-SALES/SERVICES/ SUPPLIES
FINANCIAL SERVICE Hagen Wealth Management, MBA Chris Hagen 8116 Old Federal Road, Suite C Montgomery, AL 36117 334-398-6904 www.hagenwealth.com FUNERAL SERVICES
Montgomery Whitewater CyberTec LLC Megan McKenzie Mary Lamar P.O. Box 4024 2921 Marti Lane, Suite 3A Montgomery, AL 36103 Bell-Lee’s Funeral Home Montgomery, AL 36116 334-221-0408 334-220-3346 Helenor Bell www.cybertecllc.com 2020 W. Jeff Davis Avenue Montgomery, AL 36108 BEAUTY SALONS/SPAS/BARBER 334-265-0756 www.bellfuneralhomes.com CONSTRUCTION Pigtails and Crewcuts Jerry Fausch Partners Construction LLC 8105 Vaughn Road GOVERNMENT AGENCY Richard Crutchfield Montgomery, AL 36116 4747 Woodmere Boulevard 334- 868-2793 Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs Montgomery, AL 36117 Pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/montgomeryal Brandon Miller 404-735-3782 100 N Union Street #850 Montgomery, AL 36130 BEAUTY SUPPLIES 334-242-5077 CONSULTING SERVICES www.va.alabama.gov Luxury Men LLC Schooley Mitchell Billy Hockenhull Eddie Shadeed 1000 W Eastdale Mall HEALTH & NUTRITION 205-447-0530 Montgomery, AL 36117 www.schooleymitchell.com 334-324-0026 The CBD Place - Clay Street ShayZ & Co Teresa Kennedy 444 Clay Street Quatisha Zeigler CALL CENTER Montgomery, AL 36104 874 Martha Street 334-593-2200 Montgomery, AL 36104 V-Tech Solutions 855-742-9926 Victor Holt 803 Tuscumbia Drive HEALTH CARE SERVICES Birmingham, AL 35214 CREDIT UNION 202-369-1142 Essie M B Smith Foot Clinic Dr. Theresa Brown ASE Credit Union 201 Winton M. Blount Loop Michael Hart COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Montgomery, AL 36117 4217 Lomac Street 334-271-3333 Montgomery, AL 36106 Ingram State Technical College www.essiembsmithfootclinic.com 334-270-9011 Annette Funderburk yourASEcu.com 5375 Ingram Road Deatsville, AL 36022 HOME STAGING & REDESIGN, 334-290-3265 INTERIOR DECORATORS FINANCIAL SERVICES www.istc.edu First Place Financial Group
Joshua Campbell 5775 Carmichael Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334- 593-9433 www.firstplacefinancialgroup.com
CCI Premier ReDesign & Staging
Cassandra Crosby 308 North Lawrence Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-669-2719 www.ccipremierdesign.com
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CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS
LOANS/LENDING/INVESTMENTS
RESTURAUNTS
3 Squared Technology Group
First Heritage Credit
Tipping Point LLC
Asim Walker Terry Pickett 334-730-8950 6659 Atlanta Highway www.3squaredtechnology.com Montgomery, AL 36117 334-245-5289 www.1stheritage credit.com Illumination Works, LLC John Hulsey 2689 Commons Boulevard, Suite 120 MOTORCYCLES/ATV Beavercreek, OH 45431 334-549-8881 Harley Davidson www.ilwllc.com/ Homer Guy 655 N Eastern Boulevard INSURANCE COMPANIES/SERVICES, Montgomery, AL 36117 INSURANCE-AUTO, INSURANCE-LIFE 334-277-2540 www.h-dmontgomery.com
Mark Pierce 5015 Hampstead High Street Montgomery, AL 36116 334-546-1600 www.tippingpointhampstead.com Trust Market
Alicia Remache 401 Adams Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-593-0220 www.trstmrkt.com RETAIL SHOPS/DISTRIBUTION
Direct Auto Insurance #3415
Edith McCary 3415 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-649-8260 www.directauto.com Direct Auto Insurance-Eastern Boulevard
PEST CONTROL M3 Family Group, LLC dba Mosquito Joe
Victoria Gulsby Auburn, AL 36830 334-310-3866 www.montgomery.mosquitojoe.com
Edith McCary 3801 Eastern Boulevard (Inside Walmart) Montgomery, Alabama 36116 PUBLIC RELATIONS 334-625-7783 www.directauto.com BGrace Media Chasiti Shepherd Direct Auto Insurance #6540 2107 5th Avenue North Edith McCary Birmingham, AL 35203 6540 Atlanta Highway, Suite 103 205-537-1100 Montgomery, AL 36117 www.Bgracemedia.com 334-647-6520 www.directauto.com REAL ESTATE SALES AND DEVELOPMENT LEGAL SERVICES - ATTORNEYS Adams and Reese LLP
Kelly Realty, LLC
Blake Hardwich 770 Washington Ave, Suite 150 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-595-5560 www.adamsandreese.com
Jeremy Kelly 6009 Monticello Dr., Suite A Montgomery, AL 36117 334-595-9819 krmontgomeryhomes.com
Leavell & Associates, Attorneys at Law
Keller Williams Realty
Susan Sullivan Barry Leavell 7833 Vaughn Road 205 Madison Avenue, Suite A Montgomery, A 36116 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-277-8920 334-834-8663 www.kwmontgomery.com 80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
After Five Prom and Bridal
Derelya Harris 1008 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-3847 www.afterfivepromandbridal.com Staying Classy Boutique, LLC
Erica Blowe (334) 310-9238 www.stayingclassyshoetique.com ROOFING COMPANIES Eagle Roofing and Repair
Robert Butterfield 8949 Saw Tooth Loop Pike Road, AL 36064 334-320-6591 SECURITY SYSTEMS inSight Security
Heath Stone 115 E. Commerce Street Wetumpka, AL 36092-2711 334-398-1521 www.insightsecurity.biz
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Numbers reflect December 2021 over December 2020.
Economic Intel •BIG NEWS•
• HOUSING NUMBERS •
Once complete, the project will generate
ALABAMA PORT AUTHORITY APPROVED
$2 MILLION PURCHASE OF 272 ACRES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
HOUSING
2,618 JOBS
direct and indirect
+ $340 MILLION IN BUSINESS REVENUES
+
$14.2 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
825
548
TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE
TOTAL HOME SALES
54 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
$239,180 AVERAGE SALE PRICE
Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, Montgomery Area
• TOURISM UPDATES •
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR LODGING TAX
#FLY MGM
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
170,205
$1,027,788
EMPLOYED LABOR FORCE
3.5% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
164,210
DECEMBER 2021
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
4,865 NUMBER OF PASSENGERS DECEMBER 2021
Source: Alabama Tourism Department
+15%
YTD OCCUPANCY RATE
TOP SECTORS
EMPLOYEES GOVERNMENT
44,300
TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES
31,000
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES
20,500
EDUCATION & HEALTH SERVICES
19,800
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
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MBJ
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