MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL M AY/ J U N E 2 0 2 1
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NEIGHBORHOODS MAKE MGM REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
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Yoga in the John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden. Image courtesy of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
48
CONTENTS MAY/JUNE 2021
THIS ISSUE: 10 Neighborhoods Make MGM: Real Estate Industry Overview
48 Take a Look: MGM Tourism 34 Investor Profile: Jerry Kyser 38 Member Profile: Dela McBrayer 40 Military Profile: Command Chief Master Sergeant David Bullard 42 Giveback: Helping Families Thrive 44 #myMGM: Powerful Paint 58 Small Business Briefcase: How to Hire a Rock Star
CHAMBER NEWS:
66 Connect: Chamber News 72 Members on the Move 76 Members in the News 81 Business Buzz 86 Ribbon Cuttings 88 New Members 90 Intel
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MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO Anna B. Buckalew CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Meg Lewis
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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Minnie Lamberth, Cristy Andrews, Elizabeth DuBard, George Smith and Sharleen Smith PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Carter, Robert Fouts, Michelle Lambert, Grace O’Connor ON THE COVER Neighborhoods Make MGM. Cover design by Erika Rowe Tracy. ADVERTISING Christina Bennett and Angie Jordin, exploreMedia / 334-578-7810 COMMUNICATIONS Kinsey de Torres MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79, Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 • mbj@montgomerychamber.com © Copyright 2021 exploreMedia and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION STATEMENT
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 13, Issue 3. POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36101, or email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions and bulk subscriptions can also be purchased per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.
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Become a Signature Event Sponsor: Sponsoring a Chamber Signature Event provides your business maximum exposure to a targeted group of local business stakeholders and the community. A few of our high-profile opportunities are still available: • Washington Brief Series (previously Eggs & Issues) featuring each of our Congressional Delegates • Chairman’s Circle • Education Champion
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Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE
NEIGHBORHOODS MAKE MGM
The residential real estate industry in Montgomery has multiple moving parts, but they all work together to create and give us access to the spaces and places we call home. Yet, “home” is about more than just our individual houses. It’s about the way they combine to form an array of neighborhoods, neighborhoods that not only best tell MGM’s unique story, but that also fund our schools, shelter our workforce, support our businesses and underpin every facet of the local economy.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
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Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE When COVID hit, Montgomery’s residential real estate market braced for the worst, with many in the industry assuming that economic woes related
ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION: BY THE NUMBERS
Q:
to the pandemic and its shutdowns would negatively affect the industry. They were mistaken.
What’s been the biggest change in residential real estate in the last five years?
The biggest changes on the residential side of real estate consist of four major factors:
Will Wilson, President of Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC, calls 2020 “a year like no other” for residential real estate. “When COVID hit in March of last year, we were preparing for a slowdown in residential real estate; however, the opposite happened,” he said. “Most residential real estate companies would say they ended the year better than ever.” He shared that as of this January, inventory is down by 44 percent in our area compared to the previous year, and he advised that consumers should expect a similarly low inventory of homes in the near future, which will continue to drive home prices up, while
low-interest rates, fewer builders, fewer
BUILDING 1,000 AVERAGE SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES CREATES 2,900 FULL-TIME JOBS AND GENERATES $110 MILLION IN TAXES AND FEES.
lots to build on in the area and a low inventory of homes available to sell. The financial crash in 2008-plus limited the money available to develop lots and build new homes, so many people are
of Home Builders
existing homes.
Think of every person who touches a
Customers have changed. For example,
new home, from the estimators to the
That’s good news for folks in the real
trades,” he said. “Easily more than 100
outlook to the city as a whole, since Montgomery’s real estate industry is foundational to the local economy, creating jobs and bringing in revenue from taxes and permit fees. New home construction alone has a major positive impact, according to Wilson, who
Founder/Broker David Kahn & Co. Real Estate
remodeling their
Source: National Association
mortgage rates should remain low.
estate biz, but it brings an equally sunny
DAVID KAHN
site work to the framers to the finishing people work on every single new home built. That’s hundreds of millions of dollars in local income and local taxes. From the construction companies and suppliers to the real estate agents,
more single people are buying homes, and we have younger buyers now. To stay connected to my clients, I leverage social media, stay in close contact with my sphere of influence
lawyers and lenders—we’re the
and have added virtual
heartbeat of the local economy.”
tours. Staying flexible with buyers is the key
ELECTIA LOVE Broker/Owner Bealoaks Property Management
Home Builders report. “Building 1,000
THE NATURE OF NEIGHBORHOODS
average single-family homes creates
These big-picture, overall effects of
from out of the area
2,900 full-time jobs and generates
residential real estate activity deserve
with the military. And serving in the military
$110 million in taxes and fees for all
focus. But zoom in, and another
myself, I work hard to meet these needs.
levels of government to support police,
image emerges, one that shows the
firefighters and schools,” he said.
city’s 200-plus distinct and diverse
cited a recent National Association of
in our market, with many buyers coming
neighborhoods. The different attributes Jimmy Lowder, Chairman and President
of each provide Montgomery
of The Colonial Company, has been
residents with a deep pool
in the area’s real estate industry as a
of options, something
developer for 50 years (which doesn’t
Lowder stresses is crucial
include his ditch-digging construction
for the prosperity of any
work as a teenager). He explained
city. “Montgomery has a
the benefits it brings his hometown,
good mix of older, historic
echoing Wilson. “Jobs, jobs, jobs.
neighborhoods and newer areas under
CLOVERDALE CAPITOL HEIGHTS
12 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
HAMPSTEAD
WYNLAKES
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Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE construction,” he said. “This offers home
“Montgomery is more
zoning and SmartCode regulations to
buyers and residents opportunities to
than 160 square miles,
create more mixed-use neighborhoods,
choose.” Indeed, Montgomery’s array
one of the largest cities by
includes more established areas such
land area in the country.
guidelines, address blight and vacancies,
as Cloverdale, Capitol Heights, Haardt
You don’t necessarily
and connect neighborhoods via multiple
Estates, Centennial Hill and the Garden
live in all of Montgomery
modes of transportation (including walking
District as well as multiple newer
though; you live in your
and cycling).
communities. “And every neighborhood
neighborhoods. You feel
develop robust historic preservation
has its own identity,” Lowder added.
the projects that grow
Smith and others involved in the plan are
around you and the
working to capitalize on what’s here while
While each neighborhood is unique,
policies that impact your
containing its own history, characteristics,
livability and opportunity.”
still striving for what’s ahead. “As part of Mayor Reed’s vision, we are working hard
amenities and architecture, together, they
to build a narrative for Montgomery’s next
are the building blocks of Montgomery’s
chapter that inspires internal and external
collective community identity and tell an
investment, and we believe this starts in
important piece of the city’s story, one that
neighborhoods themselves,” he said.
Robert E. Smith Jr., Director of Planning for the City of Montgomery, stresses
Understanding this key role that
is still being written. “In a lot of ways,
neighborhoods play drove the team
Montgomery is its neighborhoods. They
behind Envision 2040 to collect
hold a lot, and the city’s identity emerges from the mix.” Neighborhoods are at the core of the
ROBERT SMITH JR. Director of Planning for the City of Montgomery
neighborhood-level input. “When we focused on neighborhoods in the planning process, we did so in an intentional effort to reach people
Envision Montgomery 2040 Plan, recently
touches on neighborhoods, setting goals
where they live and through what they
completed under the leadership of Mayor
and outlining actions to: rejuvenate
experience,” Smith said. “Montgomery is
Reed. The city’s first comprehensive
neighborhoods by encouraging private
more than 160 square miles, one of the
plan in more than 50 years, Envision
investment, make wiser use of existing
largest cities by land area in the country,”
2040 lays out a path for building
infrastructure for future expansion, refine
he said. “You don’t necessarily live in all
personal and community prosperity by
of Montgomery though; you live in your
improving the city’s livability and included
neighborhoods. You feel the projects that
Chamber CEO Anna Buckalew and
grow around you and the policies that
multiple Chamber stakeholders on its
impact your livability and opportunity.”
steering committee. Much of the plan
14 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT = ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Since our neighborhoods have such influence on our daily quality of life,
“NEIGHBORHOOD MAYOR”
they’re also dynamic components of the
Even amid the COVID-19
city’s strategies for increased growth and
pandemic response and recovery,
economic development. A high quality of
Mayor Steven L. Reed is making good
here, particularly the people needed to
city’s neighborhoods. In March, Reed
create a skilled workforce to power forward
HAMPSTEAD: STUDY IN SUCCESS
announced plans to invest $50 million
Hampstead had a banner
life is key for bringing and keeping people
progress. Kevin Hively of Ninigret Partners
on his promise to rejuvenate the
to revitalize neighborhoods.
year in 2020, setting home
LLC, who consulted on Evision 2040, calls
His initiative will support a variety
sales records. According to
these people “talent.” He noted that since
of capital improvements, including a
Jimmy Lowder, Chairman and
every city wants and needs talent, talent
new fire station at Court Street and
President of The Colonial
has an array of choices. “Talent has options
Fairview Avenue, a new state-of-the-art
Company, this growth makes
when it comes to which cities to live in. But
multipurpose community center and
a strong case for the benefits
ultimately, talent lives in neighborhoods,”
more, and it’s all part of his vision to
of mixed-used, livability
he said. “Talent today is looking for a mix
develop all of Montgomery, especially its
focused developments.
of quality housing options, amenities like
diverse neighborhoods
“Hampstead has shown
restaurants and open space/recreational
and distinct communities.
mixed-use, pedestrian-
options, among other things. Intentional
oriented neighborhoods
neighborhood and city planning bring these
“With millennials squarely in the workforce
offer benefits for all ages
elements together.”
now, and the zillenials well on their way,
and lifestyles. From first-time
employers have adopted a ‘go where the
homebuyers to retirees to
Executive Director of Landmarks
workers are’ mentality, and cities have
growing families, a traditional
Foundation Collier Neeley agreed that
started attracting people as a tactic to
development like Hampstead
quality of life—including the features
recruit those businesses,” he said.
offers a full variety of home
Hively indicated—is important to the
He also pointed to other Southern cities
types plus workplaces,
“under-40 crowd,” noting how some cities
as examples of how public investment
local food spots and places
are approaching business recruitment
to enhance community amenities can be
you need for everyday
a bit differently now, improving current
successful in bringing in talent, particularly
living,” he said. “Demand
community assets and creating new ones
young talent. “NewTown Macon’s [a
for homes in Hampstead is
to first draw talent, then using the presence
non-profit, public-private partnership for
at an unprecedented level,
of the talent to reel in new companies.
economic development] first project,
so the market is telling us we’ve been on the right path, and national trends point to continued demand for mixeduse growth. It gives residents and visitors convenience in an inspiring and sustainable setting. Hampstead, like our projects in Cloverdale, is a return to time-tested development that combines home, local businesses and community.”
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Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE
ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS
before any of the sexy real estate
thing that seems to be shared by the
development, was a trail project along
neighborhood plans that reap the best
the Ocmulgee River,” he said. “Part
results: They foster engagement, using
of East Atlanta’s revival is attributed
events, community spaces and public
to the Belt Line [a multi-use trail that
art. “It’s been proven both in anecdotal
circles the core of the city]. These
results and academic studies that
projects and others like them, build
preserving and enhancing the
safe, walkable connections from
character of residential neighborhoods
neighborhoods to business districts.”
raises property values and increases
A similar trail system following an
the appeal of neighborhoods,” he said.
abandoned railway bed is currently
“People want to live in neighborhoods
in development in
that are walkable, that
Montgomery.
have character and
With all the limits on travel, dining and most workplaces over the past year,
people began to re-evaluate what was important to them in a home and in a community. We saw priorities change and new trends develop among buyers, such as a larger need for outdoor space and extra indoor space for remote work/school, which we were able to provide. This led to an unprecedented sales demand in
have a strong sense of
PLANNING WITH PURPOSE
Hampstead.
community. Projects like community gardens,
If a mix of neighborhood
murals and even annual
WALK ON
offerings is vital, how do we multi-task?
In a recent survey
How can we properly
conducted jointly
festivals, connect people to one another.”
allocate resources and
by The Decision Co.
energy to, at the same
and the Alabama
time, encourage new
Center for Real
particularly in and around
developments, sustain
Estate (ACRE), survey
downtown Montgomery,
existing neighborhoods
participants were
since the city’s Public Art
and pump new life into
asked what they were
Commission was founded
neighborhoods on the
looking for when
in 2013. But recently,
brink? Many of the same
deciding where to
a West Montgomery
strategies can be applied
purchase a home.
neighborhood tapped into
to all three situations,
Q:
How did the pandemic over the past year change real estate sales?
Murals have been adding to the appeal,
Proximity to shops
the power of paint. Artist
and restaurants
Kevin King looked at the
as Smith explained. “People want to live in
ranked No. 1,
neighborhoods that are
with access to parks
exterior wall of his Oak
KIM TRAFF
Sales Agent Hampstead Community Realty
Q:
What’s been the biggest change in residential real estate in the last five years?
Street studio and gallery
and green spaces
The biggest change that I’ve seen is that
well designed, have
space and saw a big blank
I’ve noticed a ton of younger buyers.
access to good quality
coming in second.
canvas. He worked with
There have been a lot of people under age
two other artists to create
25 purchasing their first home. I’ve also
shopping to include grocery stores, good recreational
a bold, bright “Welcome to West Side
noticed home values increasing, and sales
facilities and parks (both indoor and
Montgomery” mural that depicts some
volume continues to increase. Also, there’s
outdoor), walking and bike paths and
pivotal Montgomery moments. It looks
been an increase in real estate agents.
trails, that are safe, have good overall
cool, but it’s also spurring economic
transportation access, have good
development in the surrounding
value going in and have the potential
area. As it draws people to pose
to maintain good value,” he said. “All of
for social-media-worthy photos, it
these things lead to good, sustained
brings foot traffic and interest to
growth.”
nearby businesses. King’s travels to other cities alerted him to the idea of
And they’re all achievable when
creative placemaking using art. “I was
intentional planning takes the lead.
so fascinated by it,” he said. “These
While any good plan has lots of layers,
were actually strategies that were
Neeley stressed that there is one
working all over the nation.”
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CECE SAVAGE
Broker/Owner Garth Realty Group
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Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE
Considering his job, it’s not surprising that Neeley puts an emphasis on historic preservation, too, seeing it, when possible (and applicable), as a lynchpin of thriving neighborhoods. “Historic preservation has proven time and again to improve the
“Historic preservation has proven
Diversity in neighborhoods should be a
time and again to improve the
goal as well. “More cities need more multi-
average value of neighborhoods
racial, mixed-income neighborhoods,” she
and the undesignated neighborhoods around them in a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ way.”
average value of neighborhoods and the
said. “There is a growing consensus that integration is key to promoting a wide range of positive outcomes for all residents by improving access to economic opportunity.”
undesignated neighborhoods around them in a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ way,” he said.
REINVESTING IN THE FUTURE
“Sensible preservation guidelines ensure a
The ideas that fuel city and community
neighborhood retains its historic character,
planning often concentrate on the
while enhancing the environment and
collective, but when the City of Montgomery
general condition of the neighborhood.
was crafting its Envision 2040 plan, the
At the same time, renovations, whether
team started small, ensuring they got individual input. “It’s important to work
residential or commercial, activate buildings and bring life to a neighborhood. Simply put, it makes the community feel good, and people who feel good spend money.”
COLLIER NEELEY Executive Director of Landmarks Foundation
directly with residents and local leaders when crafting neighborhood policy or building new projects. As we pursue these initiatives we’ve got to start, again,
Sherry Weeks, a local realtor and President of the Montgomery Area Association of
results in more than a diversity of
with the individual’s experience in the
Realtors, added that the right planning
neighborhoods with a diversity of amenities.
neighborhood,” Smith said. They asked
ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS
Q:
What’s been the biggest change in residential real estate in the last five years? The biggest difference is the increase in
Technology. The availability of software,
The most significant change has been
online shopping. Clients already know
apps and tools has sped up the way
the use of technology by both Realtors
about 70 percent of the information
that information is shared and the time
and sellers/buyers. The public has
about a listing before even stepping
it takes for real estate transactions to be
transitioned from using print media
foot in the home. Though the internet
completed. While technology is helpful
and signage to online options to find
provides a good bit of information, that
for working smarter, personal service
available houses, apply for mortgage
just isn’t enough. Professional, local
through the interaction of agents and
financing and research schools and
real estate agents with many years of
clients will always be of great value in
neighborhoods. Likewise, Realtors have
experience provide the greatest insight
our industry.
adopted the internet, social media,
and knowledge about the market and
CRM’s and electric online document
what it feels like to actually live in the
signing as the “norm” for conducting
area.
JEFF DICKEY
ANN MICHAUD
Associate Broker, Realtor New Waters Realty
Owner AEGIS Michaud Properties, Inc.
business.
NORMAN SCHLEMMER
Managing Partner ARC Realty River Region
18 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE
people what challenges they saw facing their neighborhood and where there were opportunities. Smith asserted that identifying and assisting the endeavors of residents
“We must all contribute to the health of Montgomery’s different neighborhoods to
already working to improve where
strengthen neighborhood
they live is the most productive use
character and grow local
of the City’s resources. “Good policy
businesses.”
is catalytic and adds wind to the sails
AT HOME: Trends in Residential Real Estate
Sherry Weeks, President of the
of the doer’s already out there in
Montgomery Area Association of
our neighborhoods,” he said. “As we
Realtors, has been in the real estate
continue to explore our neighborhoods,
business for 42 years, but she
we’ve yet to find a community without one of these necessary champions.”
names the last decade as the most
Smith touted Montgomery’s
real estate.” “We’ve gone from an
neighborhood champions, and in some areas, these determined residents are sorely needed: Among the city’s many neighborhoods are a
“consequential time in American abundance of foreclosures, cautious JIMMY LOWDER Chairman and President of The Colonial Company
buyers and hesitant lenders to soaring prices, low inventory and fierce competition,” she said.
few that have been deteriorating for
for any city’s long-term success and
decades. Wilson is primarily engaged
should be everyone’s concern, not
in building new neighborhoods, but he
an issue solely limited to residents of
recognizes the value in reinvigorating
the areas in question. “The quality of
existing communities. “Any time there
life improvements, tourism dollars, job
is revitalization and redevelopment, it
creation—all of this can be linked to
is good for the city. It boosts the local
reinvestment in our city’s older areas. In
economy with job creation, generates
downtown and in West Montgomery —
revenue and spurs growth, interest
through public and private efforts— this
and excitement in areas of the city
has been significant, and we can do
that have needed attention,” he said.
more,” he said.
box on building relationships through
Montgomery have been talked about
GOOD GROWTH CAPACITY
the message to the consumer in
for years, and it is good to see action
New development and redevelopment
being taken.”
are being implemented all over the city,
“The Cottage Hill area and west
and like Lowder, Smith praised the work Wilson also offered thoughts on the
done so far. But, again like Lowder, he
necessity of joint efforts for efficient
claimed there is much more left to do.
and effective redevelopment.
“I have seen and have been a part of a
“Revitalization and redevelopment
lot of progress made in neighborhood
take both private and public
revitalization and redevelopment
partnerships along with community
efforts in our downtown, certain areas
involvement to make things happen.
of west Montgomery, east Montgomery
We are now seeing this happen across
and other areas,” he said, “but I still
Montgomery. Let us not forget East
think that much, much more needs to
Montgomery and the continued growth
be done in west Montgomery, north
occurring in Pike Road,” he said.
Montgomery, south Montgomery and in the middle of Montgomery in order to
Lowder expressed his belief that
fully have good positive impact where
community reinvestment is “critical”
our entire city as a whole is more
20 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
The last 10 to 12 years have been tumultuous, but the industry is always in flux. Will Wilson, President of Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC, pointed to the shifts ever-advancing technology continues to usher in. “Now, with the speed of technology and information being at consumers’ fingertips, we must think outside the social media platforms and getting creative ways,” he said. Weeks reiterated Wilson’s assessment of technology’s increasing role in today’s real estate transactions. “Let’s talk about 3-D virtual tours going beyond photos,” she said. “This new software allows buyers and sellers to take a virtual tour of a residential or commercial property and gives the feel as if you are walking through the property.” Changes in the types of houses buyers are seeking (and that homebuilders will construct) are
Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE livable, has good quality of life and good economic development.” Hively echoed Smith on the “to-do” list still to be tackled and added also on the horizon, thanks to the
his thoughts on the city’s massive
COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s
unrealized potential. “From a growth
shutdowns drastically increased the
perspective, there is a tremendous
time many spent at home, and this,
opportunity for Montgomery within
perhaps more than anything else in
its existing workforce,” he said. Right
recent years, is influencing home-
now, 56 percent of the jobs in the city
design trends.
are filled by people commuting into Montgomery, with 25 percent of these
According to an article in The
commuters living more than 50 miles
Atlantic in February, the once-
away. “Conservatively, this pool of
popular open-space concepts are on
long-distance commuters translates
the way out, as people discovered
to $1 billion in income annually,” he
a need for more privacy than they
said. “The implication being that
can provide. Home office space is
everyday spending to support these
high on most wish-lists, as more
households is, for the most part, likely
people work from home. (Even after
spent outside of the city limits. This is
the pandemic is over, many experts
household money that isn’t supporting
agree that a sizable chunk of the
Montgomery retail, entertainment
workforce will continue to do at
venues or restaurants.”
least some remote work.) So too are additional flexible spaces (for
A recent survey conducted jointly by
workout equipment or hobbies). And
The Decision Co. and the Alabama
a desire for greater access to mood-
Center for Real Estate (ACRE) casts
boosting natural light is making more
some optimistic light on this topic. It
windows and more outdoor spaces
was conducted to study and better
like porches, patios and decks “must
understand “submarket movements”
haves.”
of homebuying in the capital city,
#GOODTOKNOW While today’s home buyers have a wealth of property information available at their fingertips thanks to online resources, real estate industry veteran Will Wilson advises against going it alone. “You will see a trend in online real estate services growing, so make sure you use an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market,” he said. Sherry Weeks, President of the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors, concurred. “The realtors are competing with these online companies,” she said. “Having said that, the computer can’t take the place of a live person to talk with.”
and it resulted in some interesting
MEET OUR LOCAL EXPERTS
findings. While 57 percent of the
It’s important to see the stats, but the
survey respondents currently live in
last group of numbers in particular only
Montgomery (with the rest of them
confirms what most people already
living in other River Region areas), 72
know. We want to like where we live,
percent of respondents who said they
and while most of us desire safe,
plan to purchase a home in the next 12
friendly communities, we also probably
months also indicated that they plan to
differ on specifics. That’s why an
purchase a home in Montgomery.
assortment of options will always be essential to Montgomery’s personality
SHERRY WEEKS President of the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and Broker/Owner of ERA Weeks & Browning Realty
WILL WILSON Will Wilson, President of Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC
The study also underscores Smith’s
and sense of place, which is essential
and Neeley’s sentiments on what
to our future. “The identity and variety
makes a neighborhood appealing.
of individual communities [in a city]
When survey participants were asked
are what make any small town and
what they were looking for when
big city interesting,” Lowder said. “We
deciding where to purchase a home,
must all contribute to the health of
proximity to shops and restaurants
Montgomery’s different neighborhoods
ranked No. 1, with access to parks and
to strengthen neighborhood character
green spaces coming in second.
and grow local businesses.”
21 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE
MHA’S PLACE IN MONTGOMERY
President and CEO of the Montgomery Housing Authority Damon Duncan has been in his position for a year. MBJ asked him to outline his plans and goals for MHA and the strategies he and his team are using to reach them. What are your goals and plans for the Montgomery Housing Authority? We have our sights on being the best Housing Authority in the State of
low and moderate-income families. Low-
Smiley Court and Cedar Park. Recently,
income families that receive housing
there has been a spike in the level of
subsidies (Section 8, Public Housing,
interest in the Cedar Park site, which is
or Tax Credit Housing) are less likely
situated on approximately 25 acres. At
to be homeless. A vibrant and healthy
a recent board meeting, neighborhood
community is a community where all
citizens expressed their concerns over
of its citizens have an active role. A
the possibilities and potential for Cedar
balanced community of low-, moderate
Park redevelopment. MHA does not
and upper-income families have proven
have plans for replacement housing at
to be the key to thriving communities.
this site but will be taking proposals for
MHA, in partnership with the City, plans
interested investors and developers. We
to be at the center of the revitalization of
are looking forward to working with the
the communities in Montgomery.
City and Councilwoman Graham on the
Alabama, providing quality affordable
Any MHA news you’d like to share?
housing options to the citizens of
MHA recently secured a coveted
Montgomery. To achieve this, we
and highly competitive Choice
must undertake an aggressive
Neighborhoods Planning grant, awarded
redevelopment and repositioning
by the U.S. Department of Housing &
strategy while ensuring quality
Urban Development. The award was
supportive services are made available
one of 11 in the country for this funding
to the residents.
cycle. In keeping with the agency’s
possibilities for that community.
priority at this time, the revitalization or Why is the work of MHA so vital
replacement of Paterson Court is the
in Montgomery and how does it
impetus for this award. Paterson Court
affect the city as a whole? Quality
is one of the country’s oldest remaining
affordable housing is essential to the
public housing sites, constructed in
physical, psychological and financial
1937. The design, unit layout and major
health of citizens. The environment in
systems are all obsolete.
DAMON DUNCAN President and CEO of the Montgomery Housing Authority
which one lives has much to do with various outcomes. Neighborhoods of
MHA has property on the west side
opportunity have a significant impact on
that includes the recently demolished
THE EDUCATION EQUATION
Last year, Montgomery residents
quality of education that we provide
“The increase that was voted in
voted overwhelmingly to raise
to our children,” he said. “Investment
on November 3, 2020, will be, on
property taxes, one step of many in
in education is an investment in
average, an increase of about $12
the quest to improve the city’s public
ALL of our futures. There is no time
a month in property taxes. This tax
schools.
to waste in turning Montgomery’s
increase is greatly needed for our
public schools around into a success
public schools,” she said.
Jimmy Lowder, Chairman and
story. The future of our economic
President of The Colonial Company,
growth, job recruitment, military
“I don’t see how this increase
shared his thoughts on the
growth, home sales and quality of life
will affect the housing market in
relationship between his business
depends on it.”
Montgomery County. With the funds
and education, calling the current
being used to better our school
state of Montgomery’s public school
Sherry Weeks, President of the
system, this increase will increase
system the “biggest hurdle” faced by
Montgomery Area Association of
the people wanting to live in our
the residential real estate industry.
Realtors, commented on the effect
beautiful county. It behoves all of us
the property tax increase will have on
to embrace this change to save our
local real estate and on home values.
school system.”
“We have to make tangible, measurable improvements in the
22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
23 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Industry Overview: REAL ESTATE
OPPORTUNITY Amid last year’s chaos, the mortgage industry saw increased activity and opportunities, and according to many in the know, more of the same is ahead. We asked a handful of Montgomery-area mortgage brokers and bankers to share what last year was like for their business and what they see on the horizon in 2021 and beyond. Here’s what they had to say.
home sweet home
AHEAD
Matthew Stringfellow, Market Sales Manager for Trustmark Mortgage, echoed his colleagues, noting 2020 was, “a year of amazing volumes and unique in the fact we had a strong purchase market while also handling a refinance boom.”
Things were good, but they were different. Following pandemic restrictions and protocols meant Lumpkin had to change her two-decades-strong MO. “For more than 20 years, I tried to meet every customer at application or closing and always focused on personal interaction not just the transaction,” she said. “In 2020, we moved to a virtual model
Business was booming in 2020. “All the turmoil in 2020 drove interest rates lower and gave lenders an opportunity to do more business,” said Kimberly Lumpkin, Market Sales Leader with Synovus. Ashley Striplin, Guardian Mortgage Lender with Guardian Credit Union, agreed. “2020 was a unique year in the mortgage industry with historically low rates and seeing more refinances and purchases than we have in the last several years,” she said. While Striplin deemed it “unique,” Kenneth Hill, Vice President Mortgage Services at MAX, called it “record-setting.” “2020 will go down in the record books for many different industries and for many different reasons. Record-low interest rates influenced a refinance and home purchase boom across the country. The mortgage industry recognized a more than 70-percent increase in mortgage activity in 2020. MAX Mortgage Services saw an increase of approximately 150 percent.”
that helped customers feel at ease about doing business.” It was the same all over, with most businesses making big adjustments, but at least in some cases, the
necessary
modifications worked really well. “Due to the pandemic, the need for virtual meetings, electronic disclosures and online applications etc. became immediately necessary. We were able to implement strategies and incorporate new technology that made the customer-borrowing experience much more efficient and customer friendly,” said Hill. “These changes also assisted our mortgage loan originators and processors to approve, process and close a record number of mortgage loans in 2020.” Stringfellow identified a local trend that’s switched things up. “A market that has been historically a buyers’ market has quickly become a seller’s market,” he said. “This has resulted in properties consistently being in multiple offer situations, with buyers paying over list price for many homes.”
MEET OUR LOCAL EXPERTS
KIMBERLY LUMPKIN Market Sales Leader Synovus
ASHLEY STRIPLIN Guardian Mortgage Lender, Guardian Credit Union
KENNETH HILL
ERIN JACKSON
Vice President Mortgage Mortgage Loan Officer, Services, MAX ServisFirst
24 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MATTHEW STRINGFELLOW Market Sales Manager, Trustmark Mortgage
And 2021 is shaping up to be another banner year for the mortgage industry. “Regardless of rates, the National Mortgage Bankers Association predicts 2021 will be one of the busiest years in history to buy a home,” said Lumpkin. “With a variety of down payment assistance programs and newfound expertise in a virtual lending environment, we will be able to serve buyers as needed into 2022 and beyond.” Erin Jackson, Mortgage Loan Officer at ServisFirst, has the same positive outlook. “Looking to the future, I feel like the sky is the limit for homeowners; it’s a great time to buy and refinance. Rates are low, and home sales
5960 CARMICHAEL PLACE MONTGOMERY, ALAMABA 36117
should increase this year,” she said. “ServisFirst Bank will continue to implement operational efficiencies to make the home buying and home refinancing process a smooth one.” So does Hill. “Most experts have forecasted 2021 and even 2022 to continue to be stronger than normal years for the mortgage market, due to the expectation of continued low rates, an increase in home construction, a surge in millennial home buyer demand and those seeking to expand into larger homes,” he said. “We are still seeing an above average number of refinance applications at MAX, but they have decreased significantly since the end of 2020. Home purchase applications on the other hand, have increased significantly. We are confident that this trend will continue as long as the interest rates remain favorable.”
FORD SALE SOL
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I N DU STRY Leader | Real Estate
I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate
Pictured left to right: Sally Byrd, Rita Pickette, Linda Browder, Ann Michaud, Anna Kate Bowen, Lee Goodwyn and Debra Hawk (Not Pictured: Sue Dismukes, Nam Kim, Doris Wolfe)
AEGIS-Michaud Properties, Inc. When was your company founded? 1995
are dedicated professionals. Two are ranked in the top three for existing home sales in Montgomery. As Zillow Premier Agents, Trulia
How many employees do you have in the River Region? The AEGIS team consists of 12 dedicated agents and
5-Star-Agents, a Montgomery Reader’s Choice 10-plus-year award
staff.
has also been named as a top agent by ThreeBestRated.com,
What are your primary products and services?
winner and a Nextdoor.com “Neighborhood Favorite,” Ann Michaud Homelight.com and is in the top 15 percent of real estate agents nationwide on Homesnap.com. AEGIS agents are highly respected
Specializing in residential sales, including high-end luxury homes,
and prominent fixtures in the River Region. The combination of
the AEGIS team ensures that clients view the best homes available
their professional education, real estate expertise and community
to meet their needs, helps them maneuver through the negotiations
involvement is tantamount to AEGIS’ success in real estate.
and guides them through the closing process. Their outstanding marketing program with an extensive online presence provides the highest top-of-mind visibility for their listings.
What sets your company apart? The outstanding performance of AEGIS-Michaud Properties is a direct result of the company philosophy: “Excellence, Pure and Simple. Expect It!”
Milestones & Accomplishments: All AEGIS agents
26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
8116 Old Federal Road 334-271-2230 AnnMichaud.com
I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate
From left to right: Jennifer Akridge, Laura Walter, L J Smith, Roderick Oree, Jessica Powell, Emily Blossom, Josie Russell Young, Rachael Quinn, Kim Ivey, Steve Jarrett, Kelly Carlton, Jeff Dickey, Jennifer Atkins, Lynn McKinley. Not Pictured: Andrew Gerachis, Todd Taylor
New Waters Realty When was your company founded? 2010
Milestones & Awards: In 2020, New Waters Realty celebrated its 10-year anniversary! Throughout the struggles that
How many employees do you have in the River Region? New Waters Realty has a total of 18 team members.
came with 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Waters Realty team stayed positive and worked hard to find new, innovative ways to serve the market. With hard work comes success, as New
What are your primary products and services?
Waters Realty finished out 2020 with the ranking of No. 1 in Pike
Residential and commercial real estate services
Road and No. 2 in Montgomery County by sales volume. In addition, New Waters Realty is one of only three brokerages in the state of
What sets your company apart? New Waters Realty
Alabama to be recognized by the National Association of Realtors
is a boutique-style real estate company with 15 agents and three
as C2EX certified.
support staff. The company is deliberate in its goal to provide outstanding customer service to agents, to business partners and especially, to clients. The specialty styled agency structure of New Waters Realty allows agents to focus on each client individually with exclusive marketing plans and strategies for success in the real estate transaction. Every customer, client, agent or business partner is considered a part of a collaborative team with a goal to complete every task, job or sale in the most efficient and effective way possible.
27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
2239 Marler Road Pike Road, AL 36064 (334) 272-3200 NewWatersRealty.com
I N DU STRY Leader | Real Estate
I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate
Sherry Weeks
ERA Weeks & Browning When was your business founded? 2003
Systems, LLC’s top company producers for the state finished No. 3 in total awards units and No. 3 in total awards volume. No. 17
How many employees do you have in the River Region? We have 40 licensed agents and two employees. What are your primary products and services? We list and sell residential and commercial real estate. We also have
for the state is Stephanie Abrams, and No. 24 in Alabama is Jean Forbus. Our ERA national award winners for 2020 are: Circle of Honor, David McLeod, Lauren Jones and Edward Farrior; Circle of Achievement, Stephanie Abrams and Jean Forbus; and Leaders Circle, Sherry Weeks.
a highly productive property management company.
What sets your company apart? Energy, integrity and enthusiasm
Milestones/awards/accomplishments: Our company has been recognized on a national level every year since its founding in 2003. Our agents compete on a national level as well, and this year, we have several national winners. ERA Franchise
8221 Old Federal Road / Montgomery, Alabama 36117 O: 334-215-4470 / C: 334-558-1064 Sherryweekshomes.com
28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I ND I NDUUST STRY RYLeader Leader| |Real RealEstate Estate
Pictured from left to right: Patti Waller, Rhonda Blanchette, AJ Holmes, Jessica Lanier, Melinda Ingram, Monique Watkins, Evelyn Johnson and Laurie Guzman.
Guardian Credit Union When was your company founded? Guardian Credit
picture and work hard to not only meet our members’ needs, but
Union was founded in 1958 to serve the Alabama National Guard
also help them to live financially well. Both our Branch Managers
and their families.
and Member Service Consultants are Certified Financial Counselors, meaning they have gone through extensive training to learn how
How many employees do you have in the River Region? Guardian spans 14 counties in Alabama, but 190-plus of
to best serve our community members. Guardian is and will always
our 225 employees serve within the River Region.
members and communities.
What are your primary products and services?
Milestones & Awards:
Guardian is a full-service financial institution focused on helping
The company has expanded into Covington County through our
members achieve all of their financial goals at any stage of life.
new location in Andalusia, Alabama.
be about creating meaningful connections through serving our
Our Certified Financial Counselors are here to guide members through financial planning and education, credit counseling, wealth management and so much more.
What sets your company apart? Guardian’s heart to serve stretches farther than checking and saving accounts. Our Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors look at the full financial
418 Madison Ave. / Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 244-9999 / MyGuardianCU.com
29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
I N DU STRY Leader | Real Estate
I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate
Erin Jackson
ServisFirst Bank When was your company founded? 2005
service. We specialize in self-employed borrowers and have a number of portfolio products for niche situations.
What are your primary products and services? We offer an array of mortgage products from conventional to
Milestones & Awards: ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.
government to portfolio. We also work with Alabama Housing
received 2019 Raymond James Community Bankers Cup, which
Finance Authority and USDA. ServisFirst Bank is a full-service
recognizes the top 10 percent of community banks. For the sixth
commercial bank focused on commercial banking, correspondent
year in a row, ServisFirst Bankshares has been ranked in the top ten
banking, cash management, private banking and the professional
community banks. ServisFirst Bancshares was awarded 2020 KBW
consumer market, emphasizing competitive products, state-of-
Bank Honor Roll: The Winner’s Circle, which highlights banks that
the-art technology and a focus on quality service. The bank offers
have consecutively reported increases in earnings for the past 10
sophisticated cash management products, internet banking, home
years. This is the fifth year ServisFirst has been a recipient.
mortgage lending, remote deposit express banking and highly competitive rates.
What sets your company apart? Our name says it best—we offer service first. When rates dropped last year and the mortgage business experienced a huge influx of loans, many mortgage companies experienced lengthy turn times and customer service suffered. Here at ServisFirst Bank, we maintained strong turnaround times and continued to provide the highest level of
30 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
One Commerce Street, Suite 200 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-223-5815 / servisfirstbank.com
I ND I NDUUST STRY RYLeader Leader | | Real Real Estate Estate
Electia Love
Bealoaks Properties LLC When was your company founded? 2011
Milestones/awards/accomplishments: In early 2018, Bealoaks Property Management LLC changed its name to
How many employees do you have in the River Region? 6
Bealoaks Properties LLC and changed its direction. The company is now a brokerage firm that provides expertise in residential and commercial sales. It also purchased PMI River Region, a franchised
What are your primary products and services?
company focused on residential and commercial property
Our primary products and services are real estate listings and sales
management.
(working with buyers and sellers).
What sets your company apart? Our owner is a U.S. Army Veteran who prides herself on providing expertise, coupled with professional care and skill, for every transaction that the company is a part of. Also, our agents receive training to ensure that current market conditions and data are always used as we aid our clients in making decisions to either list their homes for sale or
5925 Carmichael Rd. Suite D / Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-7109 / bealoaksproperties.com
to purchase a home.
31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate
I N DU STRY Leader | Real Estate
Pictured left to right: Mary Lackey Bailey, Reginald Hawkins and Kimberly Lumpkin.
Synovus Mortgage When was your company founded? 1888
Milestones & Awards: Synovus has been named one of America’s Best Banks and Best Employer for Women by Forbes.
How many employees do you have in the River Region? Three Mortgage Loan Originators What are your primary products and services? Mortgages: conventional, government, construction-permanent, physician, first-time homebuyer and affordable financing programs 4121 Carmichael Road, Suite 103 Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 260-7007 / synovus.com
What sets your company apart? Local insight and expertise to help buyers make informed decisions. Kimberly has been with Synovus originating mortgages in the community for more than 24 years. She recently received the designation of Chairman’s Elite for her 2020 performance. Reginald has been with Synovus for
Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Loans subject to approval, including credit approval. Synovus Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Mary Lackey Bailey, Branch Production Specialist, NMLS 1838058; Reginald Hawkins, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS 419424; Kimberly Lumpkin, Market Sales Leader, NMLS 664142.
more than three years and is an Affordable Mortgage Specialist.
32 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate I ND U ST RY Leader | Real Estate
Left to right: Cass Sheridan; Alli Lamar; Matthew Stringfellow; Reba Curtis; Edmund Driver III; Kaitlyn Stovall
Trustmark When was your company founded? Trustmark was
Along with deposit and loan products and services, we offer
founded in 1889.
comprehensive business solutions such as Merchant Services, Fraud Protection Services, and more. Trustmark also provides
How many employees do you have in the River Region? We have 18 mortgage professionals in the River Region
wealth management services, as well as commercial and personal risk management services.
and approximately 3,000 associates across our locations in
What sets your company apart? Our mortgage
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
What are your primary products and services?
associates in the River Region have 100-plus years of combined experience. We also provide an extensive array of mortgage
Trustmark is a full service financial institution with banking,
offerings (from new construction to run of the mill conventional
mortgage, wealth management and insurance solutions for
loans, as well as through all government programs). At Trustmark,
consumers and businesses. For real estate and construction,
we believe in building strong customer relationships, and we work
Trustmark’s primary products in the River Region are conforming
hard to know and understand our customers and their financial
loan mortgages, one-time close construction loans and jumbo
needs. We are a community-focused, values-guided organization
mortgages.
making a difference in the lives of our customers and communities.
Trustmark's consumer products include deposit and loan accounts that fit any lifestyle or budget. Deposit accounts range from simple checking accounts to interest-bearing options, as well as relationship accounts complete with special benefits. Our commercial banking services help meet the needs of businesses of all sizes and complement a variety of functions.
401 Adams Avenue / Montgomery, AL 36104 Corporate Headquarters | 248 East Capitol Street, Suite 1110 | Jackson, MS 39201 (334) 223-1500 / Trustmark.com
33 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
VESTOR IN
PO WERHOUSE PR
OFIL
Q&A
E
JERRY KYSER Owner of Jerry Kyser Builder and founder of Kyser Property Management, Jerry Kyser is a veteran of Montgomery’s construction and real estate industries, building his first home in 1967. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and he was a pioneer in the revitalization of the capital city’s downtown. This MGM native shares his thoughts on his life’s work so far and the progress and still untapped potential of his hometown. How many employees do Jerry Kyser Builder and Kyser Property Management businesses have? The staff in our office totals about 15, but that does
a renewed interest in doing more downtown, and I had
not include the employees at the apartments we own, our
making investments, and we were all encouraging the city
construction employees or the employees of the restaurant
to do more, including bringing the Biscuits here. That led
we own, Central. We are also involved in Kyser furniture
to the opening of the Renaissance Hotel, which was really
store and Kyser Office Works, which is furniture leasing. All
the catalyst that took things to the next level. We opened
together, we probably have about 250 employees.
Dreamland downtown and then Central, and then came the
already been buying up properties downtown for several years. Others like Mike Watson and Jere Beasley were
second wave of investment, including the Kress renovation.
What drew you into building and real estate? All through junior high and high school, I worked
I’ve been involved since the beginning because I believe it’s
in the summers with my best friend’s father who was a
tourists—to our downtown and to Montgomery’s story. We
home builder. That really got me interested in building.
have such a rich history, and downtown best shows that off.
But I realized I didn’t want to only do houses. I moved
Now, we’ve got all the national and international history from
into commercial building and the other aspects of the
what EJI has done, and that’s been a tremendous boost.
businesses to diversify income. The housing market then
The challenge now, after COVID, is to get back to where we
and now has real peaks and valleys, so we needed to
were. But Dexter Avenue is still here. It’s amazing history has
ensure we had other sources of revenue to navigate the
not changed. I think the unique story our city has to tell will
ups and downs.
bring visitors back. And the Whitewater project will only add
important to expose more and more people—residents and
another layer to what we have to offer.
What are the primary services of Jerry Kyser Builder and KPM? Kyser Property Management is a full-service commercial real estate company that provides
What is the most rewarding part of your work? It is definitely gratifying to have played a small
property sales, leasing and development services, and
part in downtown redevelopment. Having grown up in
Jerry Kyser Builder provides construction in tandem with
Montgomery, I have enjoyed seeing all the changes that
those services. We recently completed the last phase of
have happened here in the last 60 years. We’ve made a
Peppertree Shopping Center; we converted the former
lot of headway, and we still have a long way to go. I do
Dreamland location to the Taproom; we just finished a great
think we made a big step forward in the last year passing
office building out east.
the property tax increase. The biggest obstacle we face is educating our young people, giving them opportunities and keeping them here in Montgomery.
actually a wave of revitalization that happened in the late 1970s, when businesses like Beasley Allen and others
How have building and property management changed? Technology has changed everything and
refurbished old downtown buildings for their offices as part
changed it a lot. In the construction, we can now plan the
of a federal program. Then, there was complete stagnation
day a roof goes on a building three months in advance.
for years. When Bobby Bright became mayor, there was
That’s great, but it requires higher skilled subcontractors
34 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS.
What motivated you to get involved in the city’s downtown revitalization? There was
All Work, Now Some Play “The first 25 years of my career I was working seven days a week, so I didn’t do much else. I really don’t have a lot of hobbies. I own some land in the country and spend my leisure time there enjoying the outdoors, entertaining friends, fishing and improving the area for the resident wildlife.”
35 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
“
“It is definitely gratifying to have played a small part in downtown redevelopment. Having grown up in Montgomery, I have enjoyed seeing all the changes that have happened here in the last 60 years. We’ve made a lot of headway, and we still have a long way to go.” because they have to plan months in advance and hit that timeline just right.
What is the main challenge facing construction and real estate in the River Region right now? COVID really affected construction. Getting materials has been challenging. Appliances are hard to get. Demand has driven costs way up. The price of lumber has increased more than 200 percent. And there’s a lot of construction going on, which is a little unusual to me. I know interest rates are very low, but you still need a job to build a new house. Another
COMPLIMENTARY GRAB AND GO BREAKFAST OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL, WITH GAS GRILLS AND FIRE PIT ALL ROOMS COME WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS AMENITIES INCLUDE ACCESS TO FITNESS CENTER AND COMPLIMENTARY LAUNDRY PET FRIENDLY
issue is workforce. We need more young people to enter skilled trades. Electricians can out-earn lawyers and other professionals, but I’m not sure all students know that. I’d like to see more emphasis on getting that message out.
Why do you choose to be so involved with and supportive of The Chamber and its work? I learned early in my career that being involved with associations related to your industry and to business in your community are very important. I’ve been involved with the state Home Builders Association since the 1960s and remain involved today. As for the Chamber, I’ve always been very impressed with the work it does. If a small business gets
WALKING DISTANCE TO: Dozens of Bars and Restaurants | Montgomery Civil Rights Trail, including The Legacy Museum, Memorial for Peace and Justice and Rosa Parks Museum | Hank Williams Museum | Riverwalk Stadium | Alabama River with Scenic Evening Dinner Cruises on the Harriott II
involved in the Chamber, they’ll find so much opportunity and so many resources, many that are free. Just the networking aspect alone is amazing, but there’s so much more. And everyone at the Chamber is committed to businesses’ success and is so helpful.
37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M E M BE R profile
DELA MCBRAYER Steering the marketing and communication efforts that drive car sales and increase customer satisfaction is a competitive race, but Jack Ingram Motors, Inc.’s Marketing Director Dela McBrayer enjoys the ride, especially when she finishes with a “job well done.”
When did you start working with Jack Ingram Motors? I joined the Jack Ingram family in February 2020. My previous role provided the opportunity to work with Jack Ingram Motors on a contractual basis, along with other dealers in the Southeast; therefore, I was familiar with the Jack Ingram leadership team and recognized the privilege of joining them.
What are Jack Ingram Motors’ primary products and services? Jack Ingram Motors, Inc. has sales and service for six new franchise dealerships: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Plus, we have two used dealerships, Signature Used Cars and Value Cars. We also have a full-service collision center and wholesale parts operation.
What are your duties and responsibilities as Marketing Director? Ultimately, my responsibility is to keep us connected with our community through directing all facets of marketing and advertising efforts. Whether through traditional media advertising, sophisticated digital strategies or community events, I am charged with consumers’ experiences and interactions with our brands.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job? The results of a job well done, campaigns and new initiatives performing beyond the initial benchmarks set. It sounds too simple, I know, but automotive is a very competitive industry. Meanwhile consumers’ time and attention are forever fleeting, creating an opportunity for
Leading the Pack Jack Ingram Motors, Inc.’s Marketing Director Dela McBrayer consistent place in the pole position. “In 1959, we brought this market its first luxury import brand, Mercedes-Benz. Now 62 years later, in 2021, we lead the way in offering of electric vehicles across
What are your interests outside of work? Hiking, yoga, riding bikes through the neighborhood, driving fast cars (not through the neighborhood), and I love a day at the lake or kayaking the Coosa when weather permits. Most of all, I enjoy doing these activities with my 12-year-old son. jackingram.com
a multitude of brands and price points.” 38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR
pointed to the company’s
every initiative to be impactful, or not.
39 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M I L I TA RY profile
COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT DAVID BULLARD When he was recently chosen to serve as Alabama Senior Enlisted Leader for the Alabama National Guard, Command Chief Master Sergeant David Bullard partially relocated to Montgomery. Though he still heads to his north-Alabama home on a lot of weekends, he’s also enjoyed connecting with the capital city.
Are you from Montgomery? I grew up and spent most of my life in Hueytown, Alabama. I moved to my farm in Gadsden in 2013. In 2019, I was selected as the State Command Chief for the Alabama Air National Guard Headquarters in Montgomery. This role was part-time, traditional guardsman. In October 2020, I was selected to my current position as Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for the Alabama National Guard, which is a full-time position. I now reside in Montgomery during the week and go to my home in Gadsden on weekends when my schedule permits. For me, I remember
Remaining Ready
Montgomery as a beautiful historic city on the way to the
“The Alabama National
highway, driving the historic streets of downtown and of
Guard is a reflection of the citizens of our great state. Our Citizen Soldiers remain true to historic roots and serve as warriors every day in their home communities all over. The Alabama National Guard soldiers and airmen are always ready and always there, presently serving or waiting on the next call.”
beach. I fondly remember occasional side trips off the course around the Capitol and government buildings. The real value of Montgomery is taking time to visit and stay in the downtown hotels, walk to sites, enjoy the great restaurants and meet the people. It is a great experience to now feel that I am part of this city through my assignment here as a military service member.
When did you first join the Alabama National Guard? In July of 1983, I enlisted in the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in Birmingham; it’s now the 117th Air Refueling Wing.
What motivated you to serve? I have always been attracted to civil service careers. My father served in the Naval Reserve while I was growing up and that joined and began serving part-time in the Air National Guard, I pursued a civilian career as a firefighter. I retired with 28 years of service as a Homewood, Alabama, Firefighter in 2013.
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL 40 40
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE O’CONNOR
first opened my mind to serving in the military. After I
“
“I have always been attracted to civil service careers. My father served in the Naval Reserve while I was growing up and that first opened my mind to serving in the military. After I joined and began serving part-time in the Air National Guard, I pursued a civilian career as a firefighter. ”
What are your primary duties in your position with the Alabama National Guard? I am the principal advisor to the Adjutant General of Alabama National Guard (Major General Sheryl Gordon) regarding all matters that affect our enlisted force. My responsibilities include readiness, training, recruiting, retention of our service members, resources and communication of the enlisted soldiers and airmen.
What is the mission of the Alabama National Guard? The National Guard is the only organization in the U.S. military charged with both a federal and state mission. As the Alabama National Guard, Governor Kay Ivey is the Commander in Chief with a mission to respond in events of natural disaster or any domestic emergency. In our federal mission, we deploy in support of the national defense of our country, serving under the president through the Department of Defense.
What’s your favorite thing about your work with the Guard? Serving in an amazing organization full of amazing people.
What are your interests outside of work? Hiking, gardening, and I’m a college football fan.
GiveBack
HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE For more than 60 years, the Montgomery-based Family Guidance Center has been meeting the ever-changing needs of families with a wide array of services that provide strength and support.
/ by MINNIE LAMBERTH
The Family Guidance Center celebrated a milestone in 2019: 60 years of service. And the organization is still going strong.
The Family Guidance Center of Alabama, a non-profit
also have a large contract with the Alabama Department of
organization that got its start in Montgomery in 1959, has
Human Resources for us to provide childcare education and
expanded over the years to eight locations across the state and,
training services for childcare providers in 18 counties in the
with a staff of 260, provides services in all 67 counties. “We
Montgomery and in the Dothan regions.” And the Center
touch the lives of over 40,000 families every year through our programs,” said Dr. Walter White, the center’s Executive Director. “We were founded to provide counseling services for children, couples and families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it,” White explained. That part of the mission hasn’t changed. “We operate on a sliding fee scale in regard to our counseling services, and that’s based on income and the number of people
Families First “Throughout all of our programs is a common thread that is focused on trying to strengthen and support families.” - Dr. Walter White
manages a subsidized childcare program in 41 counties through another Alabama DHR contract. Eligible families are able to receive childcare assistance for parents to work or go to school. Job training programs are in the service mix too. Some programs are focused on young adults ages 16 to 24, while others help people make the transition from government assistance to the workforce.
in the family. That’s the only one of our many services that has a fee attached.”
The Buffalo Rock Distribution Center is one of the area employers that benefits from this service. Shae Harris, Employee
Numerous other services, however, are funded through
Experience Leader, said that her company has been working
grants and contracts. These include parenting education
with the Family Guidance Center since 2018. “I go to career
services, marriage education programs, as well as early
fairs or participate in virtual career fairs,” she said. If the Family
childhood education programs and services. White said, “We
Guidance Center knows of a good candidate, she’ll get an email
42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
GiveBack from the Center and will set up an interview.
they’re able to access quality childcare
In addition, businesses can contract with
services so that they can work or they
the Family Guidance Center to offer an
can go to school, that helps to strengthen
Employee Assistance Program, which
families. When early childhood programs
provides confidential counseling services
are needed so that children have a quality
for their employees and family members.
early childhood experience that helps
Whitfield Foods, one of the companies
them to be ready for school, that helps to
that has established a contract with the
strengthen families.”
center, has found the services helpful both for employee retention and morale. HR Manager Brittney Wingate said that Whitfield Foods has a policy that if employees have a substance abuse issue,
The Family Guidance Center provides a wide range of educational and training programs, all focused on families, Pictured: Shawn Brown and FGC’s Angela Bailey.
they have to complete three sessions with
The Center’s growth over the last several decades has occurred as its staff tries to meet the ever-changing needs of families. “We’ve tried to be as responsive as possible in helping to bring quality, caring
the Family Guidance Center before they
one-on-one with a counselor if needed,”
services to areas that are new needs for
can return to work. “We’re able to retain our
she added.
children and families,” White said. “If it’s
employees if they’re able to successfully complete the program,” Wingate said.
a program that can help to strengthen “Throughout all of our programs is a
families, and if it’s something that we have
common thread that is focused on trying
experience and expertise in and can do a
As another example, when an employee
to strengthen and support families,” White
quality job with delivering those services,
passed away, Wingate was able to reach
explained. “When families are able to
then we’re going to try our best to be able
out for resources. “The Family Guidance
economically support themselves better,
to bring that quality service to families.”
Center was able to set up Zoom calls to talk
that helps to strengthen families. When
43 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MyMGM
POWERFUL PAINT A mural in West Montgomery is welcoming visitors with a bright, bold interpretation of some pivotal Montgomery moments, but it’s also spurring economic development in the areas surrounding it. /
by MINNIE LAMBERTH
King’s Canvas’ “welcome” mural was dedicated on December 5, 2020, with Winfred Hawkins, the designer of the mural, speaking about its significance. Photo by Jill Friedman.
During visits to other cities around
Selma to Montgomery march — kind of
particular gives tourists interested in the
the country over the last few years,
silhouette, artistic style,” King said.
Selma to Montgomery march a reason to
Montgomery artist Kevin King had seen
make a stop in the area. After engaging
murals that greeted visitors to these
Creative placemaking is the other
with the art, visitors will hopefully patronize
various locations. “I noticed we didn’t
thought behind the mural, especially the
local businesses—generating economic
have anything like that in the city of
role this concept can play in economic
impact.
Montgomery,” King said. This desire to
development. As King learned about
provide an artistic sense of welcome
creative placemaking in recent years,
As the benefits have extended to area
was one of the thoughts underlying the
he said, “I realized if you have public art
businesses, including a nearby restaurant,
creation of a public mural at The King’s
anywhere, if you have murals anywhere,
and to artists that are able to sell their
Canvas, his nonprofit gallery and art studio
and if you construct it, people will literally
artwork, King said other businesses
on Oak Street.
gravitate towards it because we’re living
are preparing to move into vacant units
in a society where people love taking
because of the uptick in traffic. “That
pictures and videos.”
mural drew people to our community and
King commissioned Winfred Hawkins, who brought in Nathaniel Allen, and the
instilled a sense of pride for people in our
three artists worked together to paint an
King added, “I’m trying to get people to
exterior wall image that offers a “Welcome
come to our community, and I felt one
to West Side Montgomery” and reflects
of the best ways for us to do that was to
King opened The King’s Canvas studio
the location’s history along the Selma to
create artwork that would be appealing
and art gallery in November 2017 to
Montgomery National Historic Trail. “At
that would draw people to our community
support his own artistic efforts, yet he
the bottom of it, it tells the story of the
to engage with the art.” This mural in
also wanted to expand opportunities for
44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
community,” King said.
A SPECIAL SPOT With the mural he commissioned and help create, Kevin King has brought renewed energy to West Montgomery’s Washington Park Business District. It’s an area worthy of the recent buzz, thanks to its powerful past. The nearby City of St Jude was the site of the Stars for Freedom Rally on March 24, 1965, a concert featuring celebs like Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Joan Baez and more, that took place the night before the final leg of the Selma-toMontgomery March led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And he’s not stopping with the mural. King has a detailed plan for further revitalization and has launched a campaign, called “Get Off the Bus,” that’s raising funds from private investment and donations to enact it. Learn more at thekingscanvas.org/donate.
Black artists who needed a place to create and sell their work. In addition, his earlier experiences as a business owner and later as part of a community organization in West Montgomery have given him a background for paying attention to economic development strategies that can help the neighborhood. “You just naturally assess the needs of the community,” he said. “Through assessing the needs, I noticed a lot of commercial spaces, a lot of green spaces that weren’t activated. As an artist, I noticed that there was very little art.” His travels to other cities alerted him to the terminology of creative placemaking that helped him identify his efforts. “I was so fascinated by it. These were actually strategies that were working
Top Left: Unforgettable, by Corey Spearman and Sunny Paulk. Bottom right: Rosa Parks statue by Clydetta Fulmer with Fairhope Foundry. Images by Carter Photography and Design. Top right, bottom left: Book bench project conducted in collaboration with the Montgomery Public Libraries.
BRIGHT FUTURE Montgomery has been encouraging
For example, the commission invited
and assisting public art displays in an
local artists to submit proposals
organized fashion since 2013. That’s
to paint and embellish fiberglass
when the City Council established the
benches shaped as open books.
Public Art Commission “to coordinate
The book bench project was
activities dedicated to the placement
conducted in collaboration with
of art in public places and to the
the Montgomery Public Libraries
promotion of public art to enhance
as well as the Montgomery City
the city’s vibrancy and quality of life
Council and Montgomery County
of its citizens,” the webpage explains.
Commission. Ledbetter said, “We
The commission is made up of 11
strive to promote our local artists.” In
members appointed by the Mayor of
the case of the book bench project,
Montgomery and confirmed by the
she added, “Every commissioner and
Montgomery City Council.
city councilman was able to select an artist from their district.”
“It’s a very diverse group of business and art leaders,” said
Additional examples of Commission-
Ashley Ledbetter, who serves as
supported projects include the Wright
the commission’s chairman. “We
Flyer and a Nat King Cole mural on
select people who have a passion
Maxwell Boulevard; 50th anniversary
for art and the community.” Since its
Selma-to-Montgomery sculpture
formation, she added, “We have done
installations at Five Points and at
a myriad of projects partnering with
the City of St. Jude; a Rosa Parks
all kinds of organizations.”
bronze statue on Dexter Avenue;
all over the nation.”
Continued on page 46.
45 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MyMGM
“I realized if you have public art anywhere, if you have murals anywhere, and if you construct it,
PEOPLE WILL LITERALLY GRAVITATE TOWARDS IT
because we’re living in a society where people love taking pictures and videos.” - KEVIN KING
A Mighty Walk from Selma, by Sunny Paulk with Corey Spearman. Image by Carter Photography and Design.
mural, and a Rotary Park City Hall parking deck mural. A children’s gate at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Nostra Luna marble sculpture in the museum’s sculpture garden are among other projects in the city. Of King’s mural, Ledbetter said, “I think it’s an awesome thing that he’s creating something better for that area.” Along with public art
and sidewalk quote art located
funded through the commission,
throughout downtown. The
Ledbetter said they also hoped to
commission also assisted with a
jumpstart “local artists to create
bronze bust of Martin Luther King
things in their own neighborhoods
Jr., a bronze statue of General
and their own communities. I
Richard Montgomery, a 50th
think and hope that’s exactly what
anniversary Selma to Montgomery
happened.”
46 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
47 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
TAKE Image by Michelle Lambert / Handshake Union.
A LOOK MGM TOURISM
Check out these snapshots of Montgomery tourism from pre-COVID, right-now and what’s-next perspectives.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY 49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Installation of Patrick Dougherty’s (2020) Rough ‘n Tumble. Photograph courtesy of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama.
CAPTIVATING & COMPELLING The list of the capital city’s appealing attributes is a long Last year was bleak for global travel and
one. From world-changing history to world-class arts and
hospitality markets, and the capital city’s
culture, Montgomery has been drawing tourists in droves
tourism industry definitely felt COVID-19’s
in recent years, hitting milestone after milestone. In 2019,
sting. But the Chamber’s team dedicated to
tourism in the capital city was very big business, as these
drawing and serving conventions, groups
pre-pandemic stats show.
and individual visitors turned 2020’s lemon into lemonade, helping industry partners pivot and survive, identifying previously untapped opportunities and crafting a
Talking about the city’s 2019 tourism boom:
plan for the future that takes maximum advantage of Montgomery’s multiple
Tourist expenditures in Montgomery
unique characteristics and its powerful
broke $1 billion for the first time ever.
story. As indicators point to a robust recovery for tourism, these efforts should
Montgomery sold 21,000 more hotel
pay off big for local businesses dependent
rooms in 2019 over 2018, which was
on the industry as well as the city’s overall
a record-breaking year with more
economy.
than 100,000 rooms being sold. Room revenue collections were up 6.5 percent. The Destination MGM Sales team booked 216 events and meetings or conferences, representing a 16.8-percent increase over the previous year. These groups represent a 3.3-percent increase in room nights booked by the team. Visitors spent $1.6 million in Montgomery on any given night. Because of this, residents saved more than $550 in taxes per household.
Images by Michelle Lambert / Handshake Union.
50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
SAFE & SOUND COVID-19 threw a tough curve ball at Montgomery’s hotels, restaurants, attractions and tour operators. But they acted fast and made the modifications necessary to stay in business and protect their staff, customers and guests.
Talking about keeping visitors safe and surviving to re-open: Donna M. Beisel, Assistant Director, Rosa Parks Museum: We’ve been offering virtual tours to visitors who can’t or don’t feel comfortable visiting in-person. Of course, we’ve been requiring masks for entry into the museum and for the duration of a visit. We do offer sanitizer in the gift shop and at the information desks. Staff goes behind each group that comes through and sanitizes seats,
Perry Grice, Area Director
door handles, touch screens, etc.
of Sales and Marketing, Renaissance Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center: We’ve partnered with the Chamber to host two Open Houses to show the community as well as meeting and event planners how to hold safe meetings. This includes a variety of rooms set with social distancing, plus how to package and serve food safely. PCH Hotels took a great deal of time and energy to get input from our food and beverage directors and then create these guidelines and operating procedures. We’ve also been very visible with our cleaning practices, our signage and access to hand sanitizer.
Stephen Hayes, Director of Communications, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts: The MMFA was closed to the public for nearly six months. During those closed months, museum educators pivoted to digital, coming up with all new programming, like our studio projects that can be completed at home and our collection-based digital puzzles, while our curatorial team took the time to rethink our exhibition schedule and to imagine new ways people could interact with our collection from afar. We’ve since launched an outdoor walking exhibition and our first virtual experience, which features works in our recently reinstalled Blount Collection galleries. We also implemented new enhanced cleaning procedures—no small task in a building filled with delicate works of art—health screenings for employees, mask requirements for staff and visitors, limits to the number of visitors who can be inside our building at one and changes to the traffic patterns inside.
51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Todd Schmidt, Executive Director & Rick Dildine, Artistic Director, Alabama Shakespeare Festival:
Todd: The pandemic forced ASF to close its doors in March 2020. Without ticket revenues, our budget was cut by more than half, which meant layoffs and furloughs for many of our talented staff and artists. Despite that devastation, we were able to create some remarkable programming, from free online workshops for kids (and parents) stuck at home to virtual events and productions and outdoor installations where people could safely keep connecting with plays, artists and playwrights. We established a COVID Compliance Team and developed protocols for everyday work based on CDC guidance and industry best practices.
Rick: Digitally, we commissioned 22 Southern playwrights to create 22 monologues on the theme of “home” for our “22 Homes” project, featuring performances by actors whose contracts with ASF were abruptly cut short by the pandemic. Paired with additional performances from our acting alumni, we have a large offering of content available online.
52 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Joe Browning, General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton: Hilton has partnered with RB, makers of Lysol® & Dettol®*, to help deliver an even cleaner stay for our guests with the creation of the Hilton CleanStay program. Atrium Hospitality, which owns and operates the Embassy Suites Downtown Montgomery, also has its own program called Cleanliness Assured. Building on the already high standards set forth by Hilton, our hotels are disinfecting surfaces with confidence, using EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectants supplied by Ecolab, a global leader in infection prevention solutions. High-touch points like door handles, light switches, thermostats, TV remotes, hangers and hair dryers are getting extra attention. We’re keeping pace in real time with physical distancing requirements and safe food handling guidelines. We’re optimizing our more than 15,000 square feet of event space using the latest technologies. Our professional meeting planners have been providing.
IN THE TRENCHES
MBJ asked Dawn Hathcock, Vice President of Destination MGM, to share her insider’s take on the tourism situation. What were the COVID impacts on tourism? The hospitality industry was one of the most (if not the most) impacted industries as a result of the pandemic. In 2019, tourist expenditures topped $1.1 billion in Montgomery County for the first time ever. We were on track to exceed that number in 2020 until the pandemic shut everything down. Lodgings tax collections from the city and county were down -32.51 percent. Hotel occupancy and demand were down -25 percent from 2019 to 2020. Restaurants and attractions have suffered tremendous losses from revenue to employees. The Montgomery hospitality industry and the Montgomery Chamber’s destination marketing team joined together to promote and market restaurant take out and delivery services, virtual tours of attractions and the safety measures put into place by all. A safety pledge was adopted to ensure guests and employees felt safe.
Stuart Lackey, Owner, Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise: As Alabama’s only cycleboat, we offer mixer and private BYOB party cruises on the Alabama River that load and unload at Riverfront Park. Our tour boats have 12 pedal stations seated around a central bar and room for up to 26 passengers, a captain and first mate. Our mixer cruises have been only going out with a maximum of 15 passengers, and the private cruises have all been one group that are around each other all the time. The captain and crew members wear masks. We have always wiped down and flipped the boats between each cruise.
What are your thoughts on post-COVID tourism in Montgomery? I feel like travel will come back, I’m just not sure how quickly. There are so many unknowns with COVID-19, so we have to take it one day at a time. There is a pent-up demand, and people want to get out and do things again, but, they want to feel safe too. We also feel there will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual meetings in the conference and convention world for a while, and that’s OK. We are optimistic about the future and see the interest in Montgomery as a very positive sign of things to come. We have a number of hotels either under construction or in planning stages, as well as the Whitewater Center that will be a game-changer. There was a buzz about Montgomery before the pandemic, and we feel that excitement coming back. We will be ready to welcome visitors, extend our Southern hospitality and tell our story to them when they come.
CHALLENGING TIMES
The Rosa Parks Museum was just one of Montgomery’s many attractions to take a hard hit during the pandemic. Even after the shutdown was lifted, numbers stayed low, as Donna M. Beisel, Assistant Director of the Rosa Parks Museum, explained in early March 2021. “Since reopening to the public on June 1, 2020, attendance has obviously decreased tremendously. In calendar year 2020, we had more than 72,000 fewer visitors than we had in 2019,” Beisel said. But, like so many other businesses, the museum pivoted to solve the problem. “Because we haven’t had as many in-person guests, we’ve really tried to amplify our social media and online presence. We are now offering virtual tours, which is not something we were doing prior to COVID,” she said.
53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
BREAKING NEW GROUND
& Capitalizing on MGM’s Enduring Appeal
As the clouds of COVID-19 lift, many in the tourism industry anticipate travel demand roaring back, and Montgomery is ready to pick up where it left off in 2019 with renewed momentum, adding new attractions, hotels and restaurants. And thanks to the strategic planning done by the Chamber’s destination marketing team, the city is paving an intentional path back to tourism prosperity and positioning the city to take an even larger share of visitors
Talking about going after new kinds of visitors:
than ever before by luring those interested in exploring and experiencing the outdoors as well as those looking to “travel with purpose.”
Talking about new projects and the optimism they’re built on: Image by Thomas Lucas.
Jud Blount, Vintage Hospitality Group. Inc.:
Will O’Connor,
The City Fed Development in downtown Montgomery
River Region Trails, Inc.:
is anticipated to open in the third quarter of 2021.
We’re developing a network of
Within the complex will be Ravello, a fine dining
bicycle and pedestrian greenways,
Italian restaurant, featuring an open kitchen, multiple
parks and outdoor resources in the
mezzanines and a private cellar for events. City Fed
River Region and are currently in
consists of three buildings, which will also house a
the midst of master planning a trail
banquet hall, courtyard and multiple meeting spaces.
network for the City of Montgomery
Our business is slowly growing out of COVID, and I
as well as the development of
believe tourism to Montgomery will be back soon. As
Cypress Nature Park, a proposed
more people are vaccinated and the more consumer
natural and educational park in
confidence comes back, people will travel!
Montgomery. Montgomery has vast potential for outdoor and natural tourism that we haven’t
John Tampa, President, Ascent Hospitality
even started to realize. We sit on
Management Co., LLC: Our Autograph hotel, called
the banks of a large, beautiful river
Trilogy, opens in early spring 2022 in downtown. It will
that could have a thriving paddling
have 116 rooms, a full seating restaurant, a rooftop bar
community. We have fantastic
and restaurant with great city and river views, and on the
opportunities for birding, fishing
first floor, a full Starbucks coffee that should open this
and other natural experiences, and
month. I think it is a phenomenal project, and the history
our location on the interstate allows
of the building and the location are amazing. I’m hoping
a traveler to make Montgomery a
it brings together past and present and shows a glimpse
part of a broader trip to experience
of Montgomery’s future too. If you look at Montgomery,
Alabama and the Southeast.
it is a resilient city that will always find its way back, and not only are we are moving forward with Trilogy, we also have an additional 290 rooms under permit in two other properties and hope to begin construction on those by the end of this year or in spring 2022.
54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
The Chamber’s destination marketing team is jump-starting MGM’s tourism recovery with a new campaign.
Montgomery’s always been on a journey, pushing ahead to a brighter future. There’ve been roadblocks, wrong turns and full stops. But in recent years, the city has quickened its pace in its pursuit of a better Montgomery for all and made more determined efforts to share what we’ve learned on our travels with other
Leslie Sanders, Vice President,
travelers.
Southern Division, Alabama Power and Chair of the Montgomery
It’s worked. Our powerful story resonates. Just look at the tourism
County Community Cooperative
milestones hit in 2019 on page 52.
District that manages the Montgomery Whitewater Project:
Now, in the wake of a pandemic-caused yearlong pause
The cities and communities coming
in tourism, the Chamber’s destination marketing team
out of COVID as winners are those
has accelerated its efforts to invite the world to, “come to
who, like our area, have used this lull
Montgomery. The journey starts here.” The new campaign, aptly
to think about who they are and what
named The Journey Starts Here, is attracting visitors and then
they want to be in the tourism market.
rolling out the welcome mat, assuring they get the most out of
Montgomery is attractive for so many
their MGM experience in several key ways:
reasons. We’ve got EJI and history from A-Z here. But it’s more than that. It’s our people and their hospitality. It’s our artistic offerings, from ASF to other cultural treasures. When you blend all that, you’ve got a winning recipe. We used COVID to spice up that recipe, strategically going after the above and new markets, like the outdoor traveler. We have great outdoor opportunities that appeal to all age groups. We’re moving ahead with projects like the Cypress Nature Trail and then the Whitewater project, which includes not just water activities, but ziplines and ropes courses. The City has just gotten a grant to finish bike trails.
Relocating the Visitor Center to a focal point downtown. Offering friendly, live guides in the form of “street ambassadors” to engage visitors with our signature hospitality. Using colorful, approachable and easily identifiable icons and signage to point people to the landmarks that tell our story. Creating and strategically placing QR codes that draw visitors through digital storytelling platforms and social media, where they can engage and add their own chapter to our story. Designing subject-specific trails, both physical and digital paths to lead visitors to what they’re most interested in.
55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
“
Talking about sharing MGM’s powerful story: John Tampa, President, Ascent Hospitality Management Co., LLC: Montgomery is pretty much the center of the world if you’re talking about Civil Rights and race issues. The history here is unique and incredibly compelling. I believe there already is and will continue to be a lot of interest in Montgomery because of that, and I think that will draw the travelers back here and draw many, many new visitors here.
“I ABSOLUTELY THINK TOURISM
Dawn Hathcock, Vice President, Destination MGM: During the shutdown, there was a lot of time
THE SIGNS ALREADY WITH
for reflection, and people are very aware of the issues
JUST ONE EXAMPLE: A GROUP
surrounding us today. We feel like with everything
CALLED SIBF, COMPRISED OF
going on in our country today and the discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion, Montgomery is a destination that has a story to tell. Although our history
EXECUTIVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, TAKES TRIPS
is not pretty, it literally changed the world. We have
ALL OVER THE GLOBE. GUESS
already seen large corporations bringing their teams to
WHERE ITS FIRST POST-COVID
Montgomery for leadership and diversity training. We have so many unique experiences that we can offer that no one else can. You can actually walk along the
TRIP IS? MONTGOMERY.” – Leslie Sanders, Vice President, Southern Division, Alabama Power and Chair of the Montgomery
Selma to Montgomery Trail and talk with someone who
County Community Cooperative District that
was there in 1965. You can go to the Legacy Museum
manages the Montgomery Whitewater Project
and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and have the hard discussions about slavery and mass incarceration. You can see where Rosa Parks got on Images by Bryan Carter.
IS COMING BACK. WE CAN SEE
the bus and was arrested to spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and where a young, unknown preacher, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was tapped to lead the movement in a 382-day non-violent protest. You can’t have these experiences anywhere else.
56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
57 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Small Business Briefcase +
PACK ED WITH TIPS AN D TOOLS TO BEN EFIT YOUR BUSINESS
HOW TO HIRE A ROCK STAR When you’ve got a position to fill for your business, you obviously want to hire someone great. But just wishing for it won’t make it happen. Learn how to conduct an effective search that will help you find the best candidate for the job.
When you have a vacant position, ask yourself, “Do I want to simply fill the position, or do I want to truly hire a rock star, the person most qualified for the position who will do the job well and earn admiration for their work?” If your answer is to choose option B, follow this three-phase formula and use the pro tips for interviewing to select a real rock star for your business. Schedule the applicants for the first round of interviews.
Schedule a second round of interviews with the top candidates.
Develop the job announcement (include vision, duties, salary).
PHASE 2:
Continue the interviews for the second round as done in the first interview.
Place the announcement on the appropriate industry websites.
Question the applicants with structured interviewing techniques.
If it is an internal promotion, distribute the announcement. Receive and review the applications for education and experience.
Develop and use behavioral interview questions for each round of interviews. (See sidebar for pro tips!)
PHASE 1:
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Check references and online resources.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Narrow down the applicants to the most qualified.
PHASE 3:
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
INCREASE YOUR INTERVIEWING PROWESS If the three-phase process for hiring a rock star seems a little too easy, you’re right. The real difference-makers are the details, namely the types of questions you ask your candidates during the interview phase. Don’t ask questions that require hypothetical situations, perception-oriented items or those that require you to assume
Compare candidates’ experience, education and answers to the behavioral interview questions. Select the most qualified person for the position. Make a job offer.
something from the candidate’s answer. Opt instead for behavioral questions that target the essential functions; behavioral qualities; environmental factors; and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) that the position requires. These kinds of questions allow you to “see” behavior based on a candidate’s answers, hence the name “behavioral.” Developed and used correctly,
MEET THE EXPERT: Sharleen Smith is the Director of Continuing Education and Outreach of Troy University. She has more than 30 years of experience in organizational consulting and training. Her training includes more than 250 topics, and she has presented to more than 300,000 people at 15,000 conferences, workshops and seminars.
58 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
behavioral questions are the key to gaining the most accurate view of the candidate’s ability for future performance. Not sure where to start? Use these sample behavioral questions and change or supplement the specific content to fit your particular job.
TRY THESE BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS: Essential Functions:
KSAs/Competencies:
Tell me a time in the past when you were
Tell me about the most difficult customer
responsible for (add your specific essential
you encountered in your past job. Why did
function)? Tell me about your performance
you see the person as difficult and what was
and the outcome.
the outcome?
This job requires you to work with chemicals
Tell me your experience in operating/using
(add your specific dangerous situation). Is
(specific machine, vehicle, software, etc.).
there any reason you would be unable to perform this essential function?
Environmental Factors: (On call) This job requires the employee to
Behavioral Quality:
be on call every other weekend. Is there any
(Teamwork) Tell me about your experiences
reason you would be unable to fulfill this
in working collaboratively with a team. Who
essential function?
THAT IS THE QUESTION: The real differencemakers are the details, namely the types of questions you ask your candidates during the interview phase.
was on the team? How did you all function together? How did you play an integral part
(Stress tolerance) The position can undergo
of the team?
high stress during (specific time period, like tax season). Tell me a time in your past where you were under extreme stress with deadlines while excellence in quality and quantity of work were mandatory.
Continuing Education and Outreach
CUSTOMIZED TRAINING
TROY CE&O can customize training topics to your organization, and our diverse team of trainers will engage your team with innovative, highly effective in-person or live-virtual learning solutions.
Contact us for your organizational needs! 334-983-0005 continuinged@troy.edu
ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS We offer a wide range of online certificate programs aligned with industry recognized standards in accounting, human resource management, project management, technology and more.
59 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
VIRTUAL COACHING
Ready to grow? Whether you need coaching in leadership, professionalism, performance management, personal branding or career enhancement, our executive coaches can assist. Coaching sessions can be conducted virtually, at a time that is convenient for your schedule.
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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
WEALTH MANAGEMENT I N H E R I TA N C E P L A N N I N G N O W – TO AVO I D D I F F I C U LT D E C I S I O N S I N T H E F U T U R E BY G E O R G E S M I T H
It’s one of the most difficult
process of clearing the title of
When inherited property ends
times we face. The loss of a
any inherited land or property
up in probate, you might be in
loved one. Their memory and
through probate. Probate is
for a wait — and unforeseen
their legacy live on. But their
the process of gathering all
expenses — before you can
loss leaves a void that is felt
of a decedent’s assets and
fully claim the property. The
deeply by many people.
appropriately distributing them
state in which you live, the
among inheritors and creditors.
value of the inheritance and
In our line of work, we often
when you file will affect the
help clients navigate the
timeline and costs.
process of legacy planning and, after the loss of a loved one, the steps that are necessary to secure an inheritance. Our experience has shown the value of planning in ensuring a difficult time is not made even more difficult by confusion about the process, or perhaps disagreements about how certain assets are allocated.
THE FIRST STEP is for clients to have a clear will that is routinely reevaluated to incorporate updated preferences or even new members of the family. Often, the next step is for family members to learn about the process of securing the inheritance. A time of grief is not the time to begin learning about these steps. Better to think about it now, so you’re prepared for what’s ahead. Let’s take the inheritance of property, for example. Even if an inheritance isn’t in a
IN MOST CASES, THERE ARE FOUR STEPS:
In probate, nonliquid assets may have to be appraised. Examples include real property
File a court petition and give notice to any other beneficiaries. Alert all known creditors of the estate once a court date is set and take inventory of the property.
— land, homes and more — and personal property, such as jewelry, vehicles or art. In many instances, a conversation with a trust advisor can provide valuable guidance about the simplest way to proceed through the process. This is helpful in limiting the expenses of
After the probate hearing, in which the distribution of assets has been determined, pay off all estate and funeral expenses as well as debts and taxes.
the process and gaining the assistance of an attorney to file probate documents or prepare a deed. Nothing can ever fill the void created by the loss of a loved one. But having a plan to honor their wishes can make a painful time much easier. You can find
Inheritors gain legal ownership of
an advisor near you by visiting regions.com.
the property or properties.
legally binding trust or will, you may have to go through the
61 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MEET THE EXPERT George Smith is Vice President, Trust Advisor for Regions Bank Private Wealth Management. Contact him at George.C.Smith@Regions.com
62 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
C OV I D S T R I K E S A G A I N BY C R I S T Y A N D R E W S , C PA , C G M A
I’m afraid we will see the lasting impact of
Businesses quickly converted operations
the COVID-19 pandemic for years to come.
to remote work environments, and many
Not only did it turn our lives upside down,
have experienced its advantages and have
but it also changed the business world
fully adapted to and perfected their remote
as we knew it, including the office space
environment.
needs of businesses everywhere. This new realization and forced adaptation The commercial real estate industry
may have turned the commercial real estate
has had to respond to the business
industry on its head. As businesses prepare
community’s new needs by reimaging
to return to workspaces and transition out
office spaces for the “new normal.” Prior to
of this global crisis, what impact will this
the pandemic, the majority of businesses
have on commercial real estate? As they
required their employees to be onsite
return to “normal,” many are analyzing
during regular business hours. Working
their individual need for “brick and mortar”
remotely was a rarity for most industries
office space. As companies have struggled
and completely unheard of in others.
to meet lease obligations, some are
The global shut-down in March of 2020
considering down-sizing office space or
required business owners to move quickly
going totally virtual, if possible.
and think outside the box to survive.
MEET THE EXPERT Cristy Andrews is a member of Warren Averett and serves in the firm’s Tax Division. She is a leader within the firm’s Real Estate Client Practice Group and has proven experience specializing in accounting, tax and business consulting
H OW W I L L T H E CO M M E R C I A L R E A L E S TAT E I N D U S T RY A D J U S T A N D A DA P T TO T H E C H A N G E I N D E M A N D ?
services for clients in the real estate and construction industries. Contact her at cristy.andrews@warrenaverett.com
Property managers are developing
be retested. The rules defined in Section
creative ways to incentivize renters,
467 are complex and can easily result
identify unconventional tenants and
in unanticipated tax liabilities if not
negotiate new terms to help businesses.
handled correctly.
But keep in mind that changing the terms of your commercial lease might
If you’re considering renegotiating
cause unintended consequences.
your commercial lease because of
IRC Section 467 may cause some
COVID, be sure to work with your tax
unanticipated drawbacks.
advisor before you make any decisions. Considering potential tax impacts
Section 467 was created in 1984 to
should be an essential step during your
prevent tax-shelter-type transactions
decision-making process to ensure you
that took advantage of timing
avoid any unforeseen tax consequences
differences between cash basis and
as you move forward in the new normal.
accrual taxpayers. So why is this an issue now? Well, anytime a lease is changed significantly, Section 467 requires that it
63 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
or 334-260-2339.
64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BANKING
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 O W
4 WAYS B U S I N E S S E S C A N C O N T I N U E TO A D A P T TO 2 0 2 1 ’ S C H A L L E N G E S BY E L I Z A B E T H D U B A R D For more than a year, Alabama business owners have had to continually innovate and adapt to rapidly changing environments and restrictions. And while the COVID-19 vaccine provides a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s likely to be many more months before life approaches a return to normal. I’ve been working with business owners in my role at Valley Bank for almost 10 years, and based on what I’ve learned from talking to owners of businesses that are succeeding in 2021, here are four ways businesses can continue to adapt to current challenges:
E M B R AC E A L L T H E TO O L S YO U R B A N K OFFERS.
employees time, and you may
now, work to ensure that your
save on office space, too.
marketing and advertising
Additionally, be thoughtful
is truly working to bring in
about the types of meetings
business efficiently.
you schedule, who is required Chances are, your bank offers a lot of tools and services to business clients. With online features and mobile banking
to attend and what format the meetings take — often, a meeting could instead
A P P R E C I AT E YO U R P U B L I C - FAC I N G S TA F F.
be a phone call or even an email. If your staff is spending
For those employees who
unnecessary time in meetings,
have been wearing a mask for
they may be less productive,
hours every day as they help
I’ve seen clients have success
and lower productivity means
customers, the pandemic has
with switching to electronic
you are losing money.
been especially draining. Keep
services, the days of having to constantly go to the brick-andmortar bank branch are over.
online payroll services. Give your banker a call to go over what you’re currently using and
E VA LUAT E YO U R MARKETING AND A DV E R T I S I N G .
and First Vice President of Valley Bank, based in the downtown Montgomery branch. She can be reached at edubard@valley.com or 334-270-3040.
ways to show appreciation for those who continue to serve your customers, and be understanding about the mental
Is your target audience listening
on your team. This will look
to podcasts, scrolling Instagram,
different for every business,
dancing on TikTok or reading
but it could mean starting a
the newspaper? Figure out
new recognition program,
where your audience is focused
treating the morning staff to
and develop a plan for having
bagels or giving everyone an
a presence for your business
additional paid day off. If your
At the start of the pandemic,
there. Newer forms of marketing
team members know they are
my advice was to embrace
and advertising may be much
appreciated, they’ll continue to
telecommuting. Now, more
less expensive than traditional
represent your business well.
than a year later, my advice
advertising. Even if you don’t
is the same. You’ll save your
have to cut spending right
A S K W H E T H E R T H AT M E E T I N G CO U L D ’ V E BEEN AN EMAIL.
Retail Market Manager
toll the pandemic has taken
ask what else is available that could save you valuable time.
Elizabeth DuBard is the
morale up by finding creative
payables and receivables, remote or mobile deposit and
MEET THE EXPERT
65 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
© 2021 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved
CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T ING YO U TO T H E M AN Y CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE
NEWS & UPDATES LEGISLATIVE WINS The Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Council has achieved an impressive number of wins among its 2021 legislative priorities. Early in the session, several economic incentive bills were passed including the renewal of the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Act, which secured a powerful economic development tool for the Montgomery area. Later in the session, a large package of bills to enhance the quality of life for military family members within the River Region earned national recognition among military media for its proactive approach. All of those bills support the Chamber’s ability to grow military and defense missions within the River Region.
NEW QUARTER, NEW LOOK
You can follow the progress of the Chamber’s legislative
The Chamber kicked off the second quarter with a new look when
priorities on the Weekly Legislative Update Blog on the
members received a letter from CEO Anna Buckalew inviting them to
Chamber’s website.
“restart” and “reconnect” as in-person events officially began again in April. The message linked to a virtual member packet at togethermgm. com, which featured a sleek and dynamic new logo plus a bold color scheme for the Chamber. According to Buckalew, the new brand signals a reconnection to the Chamber’s core mission—serving businesses and uniting the community to drive economic prosperity for all—while restarting with energy and openness to new opportunities. Visit togethermgm.com to explore the Virtual Member Packet and to download your virtual member decal or request a printed decal or placard.
MONTGOMERY RANKS AT THE TOP IN STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT Montgomery County ranked second in the number of Announced
U.S. REP. MIKE ROGERS SPEAKS AT FIRST 2021 WASHINGTON BRIEF EVENT
Expansion Projects and in Total Announced Projects in Governor
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers addressed the local business
Ivey’s 2020 New & Expanding Industry Report, released in April.
community at the Chamber’s first in-person Washington
Montgomery County consistently leads the state in announced
Brief (formerly Eggs & Issues) event of the year. Rogers,
projects year over year.
who serves as Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, spoke about his commitment to rebuilding and
Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, economic
modernizing the military and praised Montgomery-area
development activity across Alabama in 2020 generated close to $5
leadership for its forward-thinking initiatives to pursue
billion in new capital investment and almost 10,000 job commitments,
public-private partnerships in support of space-related
according to the report, which is compiled each year by the Alabama
initiatives.
Department of Commerce. 66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
67 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T ING YO U TO T H E M AN Y CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE
AMERICAN AIRLINES RELAUNCHES NON-STOP MGM TO WASHINGTON, D.C. FLIGHTS
PAST EVENTS
In early April, American Airlines resumed non-stop flights from Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) to Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. The service, which began in January 2020 and returned on April 4, was suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when air travel drastically dropped across the nation. Since that time, air traffic has rebounded at MGM as business and leisure travel increases. Sameday flights to DCA are available for purchase at aa.com.
CHAMBER NAMED TOP 20 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW Site Selection magazine has bestowed the prestigious Mac Conway Award, determined by six criteria and given annually to the nation’s 20 top economic development organizations, on the Chamber for the second year in a row. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the turbulence of the past 12 months.
February 11 / Alabama Update – Virtual Gold Sponsor, Beasley Allen Law Firm February 17 / Governmental Affairs Council Winter Program – Virtual March 5 / First Friday Culture Builder & Social Hour – Held at That’s My Dog Jr. Pavilion (pictured above) Hosted by That’s My Child; Sponsored by Little Engine Broadcasting
68 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
69 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
iCourt
VIRTUAL COURT SYSTEM
What is iCourt? iCourt (U.S. Provisional Patent #: 63/077,637) is a software application designed specifically for virtual, audio/visual court sessions, including arraignment hearings, first appearance hearings, motion hearings and trials. The application facilitates encrypted interactions between citizens and court staff, including the solicitor, public defender, probation officer, clerks, interpreter and the judge.
Testimonial
One Consistent Enterprise Experience
Custom Sort Features
Digital Forms & E-Signature
Transfer & Invitation Features
“I have been a judge since 1996. Never in a million years could I have anticipated the abrupt changes we would have to make to court operations as a result of Covid-19. Municipal court calendars tend to be very heavy and I couldn’t figure out how we were going to resume court operations. The existing platforms just didn’t check all the boxes for me. I was delighted to discover the iCourt platform. It addresses every aspect of the court appearance process for both the citizens and court staff. Simple, efficient and written in plain English, the intuitive system is agile and flexible. It has enabled us to fully resume court operations. We have no intentions of returning to in person court hearings. iCourt is the gold standard for virtual court and I highly recommend it.”
The Honorable Monica Ewing
Judge – City of College Park | Hapeville | Fairburn Municipal Court, GA
Overview Feature
icourtapp.com www.facebook.com/iCourtApp www.instagram.com/icourtapp www.linkedin.com/company/icourt-app
To learn more & schedule a DEMO to see iCourt in action, please visit https://icourtapp.com. U.S. Provisional Patent Application #63/077,637
70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
iCourt vs Others iCourt
WORKFLOWS
Others
iCourt has a workflow process citizens must follow before being sorted into a designated staff person’s virtual “waiting room” queue.
In most cases, all attendees join the same room.
The Court clerk can customize how early and how late citizens are able to join a scheduled court.
Attendees have limited options. In most cases, they only can either join before or after the host.
SCHEDULING Court clerks can schedule and provide each citizen with a unique/computer-generated passcode to login.
In most cases, all attendees use the same login password.
If the offender has an attorney, a passcode for the attorney can be generated so that attorney and offender can be together when talking to court staff.
In most cases, there is no differentiation between offenders and attorneys, everyone joins the same room all at once.
Court clerks can reset/reschedule an offender with a new court date right away while privately talking to the offender.
Not available or very limited.
iCourt system has the ability to import batch calendar schedules/dockets (.csv, .pdf formats) from other systems, perform validation, and show warnings if there is any error or duplication before completing the import process.
Not available or very limited.
PROCESSES Court staff and an offender are in a private room. Multiple offenders will not be in the same room. All other offenders will be in queues of other staffs, waiting to be accepted to the video session.
In most cases, everyone is in the same room with zero to very limited privacy.
Court staff can transfer the offender to another staff. The offender will be placed in a waiting queue until being accepted.
In most cases, everyone is in the same room/ session the whole time. This makes finding and managing offenders time consuming.
Court staff can invite other staffs to join the session with them and the offender.
Not available or very limited.
Court staff can put the offender on hold and privately consult other staffs via video.
Not available or very limited.
FILES & DOCUMENTS Court staff can fill out custom/pre-defined forms to sign and send to offenders for them to sign/ acknowledge and send back. Everything happens instantly, all copies can be downloaded right away and will be emailed to offenders.
Not available or very limited. It can take weeks or even months for staff to get all necessary documents to even begin processing the case.
Court staff can access all files and documents, run reports, perform audits, etc., at the back-end portal at any time.
Not available or very limited.
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM To learn more & schedule a DEMO to71see iCourt in action, please visit https://icourtapp.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
Aldridge Borden & Company, P.C. Announces Promotions
Dr. Derick Bothwell Joins Huntingdon MAT Faculty
Melissa Hill, CPA, has been promoted
Class of 2015, will return to his alma
Dr. Derick Bothwell, Huntingdon College
to Manager. Hill works remotely from
mater as a member of the faculty in the
Huntsville and works in the Assurance
College’s new Master of Athletic Training
Department where she primarily works
program. He will begin work immediately
with contractors and nonprofit entities.
as an athletic trainer and continue as an
Donovan G. Butler, CPA, has been
assistant professor of athletic training
promoted to Senior Accountant. Butler
beginning June 1.
works primarily on audits, compilations and reviews of nonprofits, government entities and construction contractors. Häagen Lee has been
Palomar Insurance Makes Hire
promoted to Senior onBoarder in the One Source Department.
Palomar Insurance announced the addition of Reese Smith, III to its expanding sales team Reese
Brandon Howard Joins Huntingdon Band Program Brandon Howard, Director of Bands at
joins the company as Account Executive, specializing in the transportation industry. His in-depth knowledge of trucking
Jefferson Davis High School, will join the
insurance and personalized service will
Huntingdon College Band Program as
help clients understand their company’s
Associate Director of Bands, working with
risks and help shape insurance products
Huntingdon’s Director of Bands, Dr. Rusty
to meet their needs.
Logan. He will begin with the program immediately and move to full-time status
CB&S Bank Hires New Montgomery Regional President
June 1.
CB&S Bank announced that W. Bradley
River Bank & Trust Names Montgomery County President
Armagost has joined the bank as
River Bank & Trust Chief Executive
Regional President and will be working
Officer Jimmy Stubbs announced Polly
Executive Vice President, Montgomery from our CB&S Bank Pike Road office.
Hardegree’s promotion to Montgomery County President. Hardegree, an Executive Vice President and the bank’s
Alabama Rural Electric Association Has New President and CEO
Wealth Management/Retail Banking Manager, is part of the bank’s 2006
The Board of Directors of the Alabama Rural Electric
founding team. She has spent her 48-
Association of Cooperatives has named
year career creating exceptional banking experiences for her clients and contributing countless hours to community organizations throughout the River Region.
Karl G. Rayborn as its new President and CEO. Rayborn, who had been serving as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at AREA, replaced
Hill Hill Carter Welcomes New Attorney
retiring President and CEO Fred Braswell,
Attorney Michael M. Eley has joined Hill
22 years. Rayborn assumed duties on
Hill Carter Franco Cole & Black, P.C. in its Montgomery office. His practice will focus primarily on workers’ compensation issues for individual companies, self-insured funds and insurance companies.
who served in that position for the past February 22. AREA is the statewide trade association serving Alabama’s 22 electric distribution cooperatives, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
72 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
73 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
professionalism and great communication skills. He served as
Buffalo Rock Company Names New CEO
the ‘ face’ of the Alabama State Troopers for many years. We
Buffalo Rock Company has
are excited to welcome him into our real estate family.”
announced that its board of directors voted to approve Matthew Dent as the Chief Executive Officer. He is the first CEO in the company’s 120-year history that is not a member of the Lee family. Jimmy Lee, III will continue to serve daily as Executive Chairman of the company and will be involved at a strategic level with Buffalo Rock’s operations. Dent will run and be responsible for the overall day-to-day performance of the company.
Jackson Thornton Technologies Promotes Three Jackson Thornton Technologies (JTT), a subsidiary of Jackson Thornton CPAs and Consultants, announced three promotions within its Montgomery office. Brian Driskill has been promoted
ARC Realty Welcomes Sally Hodges to Team
to President; Chris Bell has been promoted to Vice President, Technical Services; and Nic Cofield has been promoted to Vice
ARC Realty announced Sally Hodges
President, Client Services.
as a Realtor in its Montgomery Brokerage. Hodges joins the team at ARC after working for four years with the EXIT Realty franchise, formerly
Caddell Construction Announces New VP Position
owned by WH Hodges & Company.
Caddell Construction has promoted Nathan Raycroft to a new role in the
Huntingdon Dean Retires
growing company—Vice President,
Huntingdon College Vice President
Guam operations. In recent years,
for Student Affairs and Dean Of
Caddell has greatly increased its project
Students Fran Taylor is retiring at the
load on the island of Guam, in support of
end of the current academic year,
the U.S. Military’s preparations to move
which marks her 47th year in the
servicemen there from Okinawa, Japan.
field of education and her ninth year in leadership at Huntingdon College. Taylor came to Huntingdon in 2012 as director of the College’s Center for Career and Vocation.
Caddell Construction Announces Key Executive Promotions Caddell has experienced exceptional growth in recent years; to adapt and to
Steve Jarrett Joins New Waters Realty
make room for future expansion, Caddell has promoted Stephen Strickland to
Steve Jarrett has joined the New
the position of Senior Vice President,
Waters Realty team as a Licensed
Governmental. Brian Stewart has been
Realtor®. “Steve, a River Region
promoted to Vice President, Business
native and retired Alabama State
Administration and General Counsel. Brian Golden has also
Trooper spokesperson, will be a
been promoted to Manager, Operations Support.
valued addition to the New Waters Realty team,” said Jennifer Atkins, Qualifying Broker and Vice President for New Waters Realty Company. “Steve is well-known throughout the area for his
74 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
75 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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
Lawyers in America, LaBarron Boone, Executive Committee Member and Kendall Dunson, Principal.
Santa Fe Named Best New Car
Beasley Allen Attorney Named President of the Alabama ABOTA Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. lawyer Graham Esdale was recently named President of the Alabama Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Esdale was elected at the virtual board meeting last October. ABOTA is a national association of seasoned trial lawyers and judges.
Alabama Farmers Federation 100 Years Old The Alabama Farmers Federation, the largest farm group in the state of Alabama, turned 100 years old on January 31. It was Hyundai Santa Fe is one of 12 vehicles to receive Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2021 designation. “Hyundai continually listens to its consumers while working hard to improve our vehicles, and the refreshed 2021 Santa Fe reflects this commitment,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America.
ASU, Reebok, ACLU Partner on Human Rights Award Program
founded in 1921 to provide a voice for the state’s farm families. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Alfa Insurance, started by the Alabama Farmers Federation in 1945 to provide fire insurance coverage to rural Alabamians. Alfa has grown into a top-rated insurance company with more than a million policies in force.
AEGIS-Michaud Properties, Inc. Named to Top Montgomery Realtors®
Alabama State University is partnering with Reebok and the American Civil Liberties Union to relaunch Reebok’s Human Rights Award Program to honor young activists. The program, which previously ran from 1988 to 2007, has a legacy of more than 80 recipients from nearly 40 countries. ASU was selected as the partner from a pool of other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as other educational institutions.
Achievements Warren Averett Advisor Now Certified Senior Advisor® Susan Key, CSA, of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors has been
AEGIS-Michaud Properties, Inc. is once again in the top 7 percent
designated as a Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA) by the Society
of real estate companies in the Montgomery area and had the top
of Certified Senior Advisors. Key, a Senior Associate within the
two producing Realtors® for existing home sales in
firm’s Daily Money Management Services Division (DMMS), is
Montgomery County for 2020, Ann Michaud and Anna Kate
responsible for the personal daily financial affairs of affluent
Bowen. Additionally, AEGIS-Michaud Properties has been
individuals. Key serves clients from Warren Averett’s Montgomery
listed in The Montgomery Advertiser’s Best of the Best for the
office. In addition to her work in the DMMS Division, Key also
past several years, and Ann Michaud is rated in the Top Three
participates in the Business Development Initiative.
Agents in Montgomery on ThreeBestRated.com and a named a Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor.com.
Beasley Allen Attorneys Honored Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. Lead Products
Walker360 Ranked Among the Top 1 Percent of Printers
Liability Attorney J. Greg Allen was recently named to the
Walker360, a commercial printing company based in
Lawdragon Hall of Fame. This year, 34 attorneys across the
Montgomery, has been ranked among the top printers in North
country were added to the Hall of Fame. Two Beasley Allen
America. The 2020 Printing Impressions 350 ranking of the
attorneys were also named to the 2021 Lawdragon 500 Leading
largest printing companies in the United States and Canada
76 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News
marks the 37th annual list compiled by the editors of Printing Impressions. This list compiles the printing industry’s leading companies by sales volume. With over 75 years of experience, it ranked among the top 1 percent of printing companies in North America and the top 1 percent of all companies in the United States in revenue.
Encompass Health Among Fortune’s ‘Most Admired’ Birmingham’s Encompass Health joins the ranks of Apple, Amazon and Microsoft on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list for 2021. The largest owner of and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Encompass ranked 136th overall on the list and fourth in the healthcare category. It is the only Alabama company on this year’s list.
ServisFirst Bank Leadership Transition The Board of Directors of ServisFirst Bank and ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFBS), announced that Rodney Rushing is assuming the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for ServisFirst Bank. As a member of the bank’s executive team, he will collaborate with the President/CEO and CFO in the overall administration of the bank and in executing its broader objectives and goals.
Bradley Attorneys Honored Seven Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP partners have been elected as Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (ABF): T. Michael Brown, William C. Byrd, Frank M. Caprio, E. Mabry Rogers, David Roth, Charles Stewart and T. Sky Woodward have been inducted into the global honor society. “We congratulate these attorneys on their induction as Fellows of the American Bar Foundation and look forward to their continued contributions to the legal profession and the betterment of their communities with ABF,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Jonathan M. Skeeters.
Bradley Earns High Score Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP recently scored a 90 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees. “We are extremely proud to be so highly recognized in our first ranking on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index,” said Partner and Director of Inclusion and Diversity George Medlock. “Despite the unprecedented challenges we all faced in 2020, establishing policies that
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
affirm and include diverse employees at Bradley remained as important as ever. We will continue to improve in the future.”
Jackson Thornton Technologies Awarded Partnership
ASU Partners with Global “Propel Center” Alabama State University has been chosen to partner with the new Propel Center that is sponsored by Apple and the Southern Company and that will serve as a virtual and physical global
Jackson Thornton Technologies (JTT), a subsidiary of Jackson
hub for leadership and career development for more than 100
Thornton CPAs and Consultants, has been named a Datto
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.
Blue Diamond Global Partner. Blue Diamond is the top tier of
Apple described the center as “a first-of-its-kind innovation
the Datto Global Partner Program and only 2 percent of the
and learning hub for the HBCU community.” The Center will be
Datto community of managed service providers have achieved
located in the historic Atlanta University Center, with on-campus
this level. Datto is the world’s leading provider of cloud-based
activations on the Alabama State University campus and at other
software and technology solutions built for delivery by managed
partner institutions across the United States.
service providers.
Caddell Construction Awarded New Contract Caddell Construction has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District for the Phase II construction of a battalion training complex at Fort Jackson, S.C. The base award, in the amount of $42 million, includes construction of a basic combat trainee complex with associated company training pits and other site development, as well as
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options for additional work.
www.gotscrap.com 334-272-0767 430 Air Base Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36108
Our recycling services include: ✓ Manufacturing Scrap Services ✓ Appliance Recycling ✓ Automobile Recycling ✓ Certified Destruction ✓ Demolition Scrap
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SPECIALIZED. IN YOU. Whether you are coping with back pain at work or find yourself skipping your workouts after a knee injury, at Alabama Orthopedic Specialists, we are here for you. As the only subspecialty-trained orthopedic group in Montgomery and Central Alabama, our advanced specialists are all experienced, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors with focused expertise to offer you next-level treatment solutions in: • Back, neck, and spine care
• Sports medicine
• Hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder care
• Total joint care, replacement, and revision
For all your orthopedic needs, call (334) 309-8504. Main Campus 4294 Lomac Street Montgomery, AL 36106
Prattville Office 461 East Main Street Prattville, AL 36067
Wetumpka Office 277 Huntress Street, Suite 202 Wetumpka, AL 36092 alorthospecialists.com
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CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
GR OW I N G B USI N E SS E S Montgomery Healthcare Company Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Education Program The statewide vaccine distribution plan added to the governor’s “Safer at Home” health order is aimed at slowing down the rate of new COVID-19 infections, specifically in long-term care facilities. Turenne PharMedCo, a Montgomery long-term care pharmacy, offered staff at long-term care facilities a unique opportunity, hosting a series of virtual classes led by pharmacists to educate long-term care staff about the COVID-19 vaccine. Nurses licensed in the state of Alabama received one hour of
Mobis Aids Vaccination Clinics Mobis stepped up to help with early COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Alabama by donating $1,000 worth of snacks to clinics in Montgomery and Selma. The company also donated $5,000 to the Montgomery City/County EMA and $1,000 to Wallace Community College Selma’s Foundation for the benefit of nursing students, as WCCS nursing students staffed the Selma clinic.
continuing education credit for attendance.
Montgomery Chick-fil-A Finishes Major Upgrade Chick-fil-A’s location at 915 Ann St. in the Midtown Plaza shopping center was closed for several months earlier this year for a major renovation and upgrade. The work includes
$11.2 Million Sent to Residents in 40 Alabama Counties
class schedule with no classes on Fridays.
a 390-square-foot addition to the back of the
Furthermore, there will be designated
building, which will be used for offices and
Alabama Ag Credit is returning a record
75-minute midday breaks Mondays
storage.
$11.2 million to the Alabama farmers and
through Thursdays.
rural property owners who borrow money from them. This amount equates to more than half of its 2020 profits, which is also equal to a full percent of the interest customers paid in 2020. Customers of the financial cooperative aren’t just borrowers—they are members, and when
GMC Launches Disaster Recovery Department
New Spectrum Store In Prattville
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) has added a standalone Disaster Recovery department, led by Robert Ramsey as Executive Vice President. Since 2017,
the co-op does well, so do they.
Disaster Recovery has been housed as
Huntingdon Moving to New Flexible Schedule
with its continued growth, unique service
a service within engineering; however, offerings and distinct operations, it will
When Huntingdon College classes begin
now function as its own department.
in the fall of 2021, Monday-Wednesday-
The firm’s experience with disaster
Friday courses and long days with no
management and recovery programs,
Charter Communications, Inc. announced the
lunch breaks will be distant memories as
coupled with its engineering and
opening of a new Spectrum Store in Prattville.
a more student-friendly class schedule
architectural experience, allows the
The Spectrum store gives consumers in the
is implemented. Huntingdon President
team to effectively assist communities
Prattville area a convenient option for adding
J. Cameron West announced that the
in achieving their disaster program and
or managing their Spectrum Internet®, TV,
College is adopting a four-day-per-week
long-term recovery goals.
mobile or voice services.
81 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
ASF Costume Parade Brings Artistry Outdoors To coincide with the arrival of spring, the
ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine and
Alabama Shakespeare Festival dressed
Director of Costume Production Jeffrey
up its grounds—and windows—with
Todhunter collaborated to curate
Costume Parade, a safe, interactive,
the Costume Parade exhibit. “As a
fun and enriching outdoor installation,
professional producing theater, nearly
which shows off more than a decade of
everything you see on our stages is made
costumes that have graced ASF’s stages.
by hand right here in our shops,” said
It pays tribute to the artistry and craft that
Dildine. “The designs we’ve featured here
go into bringing characters to life at a
represent work by incredible designers,
professional producing theater.
artisans and skilled craftspeople who’ve worked in professional theaters all over
The term “costume parade” refers to
the country—even the world.”
a costume designer and director’s first opportunity to see all the costumes on
The installation features 13 outdoor
actors in relation to each other at the
panels on ASF’s lawn. Each panel
same time before a production opens.
includes information about the
But before these costumes make it to
production’s costumes, notes from
the stage, dozens of hands and myriad
the costume designer and renderings
talents touch each garment and its
and photography of the designs and
accompanying accessories.
completed costumes.
82 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
B I G N E WS C Spire Making Huge Investment in Alabama C Spire is ramping up an unprecedented growth project with a $1 billion investment over the next three years— the largest capital spend in company history—to accelerate the deployment of all-fiber Gigabit broadband internet in key parts of its service area in the Southeastern United States. The project will also provide ultra-fast, all-fiber broadband services to more than
Israeli Ambassador to US, UN Tours Montgomery
200,000 homes and businesses by 2025 in Mississippi and Alabama, where
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations Gilad Erdan marked his
the diversified telecommunications
first official trip to the United States with a visit to Montgomery. Ambassador Erdan met
and technology services firm recently
with Mayor Steven L. Reed in February at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. In
expanded its broadband internet
addition to this meeting, the Israeli delegation toured other notable sites in Montgomery,
availability, and resulted in faster delivery
including the Rosa Parks Museum. The trip is part of an all-immersive experience aimed at
of 5G wireless technology in Mississippi
exploring the history of African-American communities and learning more about the depth
markets.
of Black Americans’ unique contributions to the country’s story.
# F LY M G M H APPEN IN G S Montgomery Regional Airport’s Website Has Fresh Look When landing on the homepage of the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) website, travelers and visitors will now be welcomed with a brand-new online experience. Mid-February, the airport launched its redesigned web presence at flymgm.com. The new web design project was guided by Executive Airport Director Marshall J. Taggart Jr. and the Marketing and Air Service Development Committee of the Montgomery Airport Authority.
Airport Embarks on Annual Deep Cleaning Campaign The Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) completed its annual deep-cleaning campaign on March 13. Operation Clean Sweep was launched in March 2020, just prior to confirmation of the first COVID-19
MGM implemented a comprehensive,
Montgomery Regional Airport Expands Rental Car Options
continuous cleaning and sanitization
New cars are headed to the Montgomery
program to keep travelers and airport
Regional Airport (MGM), as it has executed
staff safe during the pandemic. Now,
agreements to bring a larger inventory of
airport leaders are seeing clear signs that
vehicles for on-property rentals, and more
consumers’ confidence in safe air travel is
than 105 additional spaces are available
returning.
for rental car parking.
case in Alabama. In the year that followed,
83 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
2021 GMHBA Ideal Home at The Waters
Faulkner’s New College of Health Sciences Underway
The Waters will be the 2021 Host Site for the Greater
Crews with Marshall Design-Building LLC have been working to
Montgomery Home Builders Association (GMHBA) Ideal Home.
transform the former Burlington Coat Factory building into a space
The 2021 Ideal Home will be designed by Stephen L. Thrash of
for Faulkner University’s new College of Health Sciences. By the
Custom Home Designs and will be built by Coleman and Jake
end of 2020, crew members were installing insulation and drywall.
Farrior of Farrior Homes. GMHBA will contribute throughout the
Paint, flooring and carpeting were added in January and February.
build process to create a truly custom home.
Renovations will also include all new frontage and signage.
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CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
M.A.C.E. MONTGOMERY ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION 5770 Carmichael Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-523-1002 • mgmmace.com Nikki Walker – CEO / Business/Vocational Schools
HARMON DENNIS BRADSHAW, INC. 4131 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-273-7277 • hdbinsurance.com Barrie Harmon, III, Founder and CEO / Insurance Companies/Services
TECH REPAIR DEPOT
JES HEALTH SERVICE
4067 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 334-523-8517 • techrepairdepotus.com Destyne Bazemore, Owner / Cellular/Wireless Phone Services
2629-B Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-647-1183 • jeshealthservices.com Jessica Rogers-Waller, Owner and Director / Health Care Services
ABSOLUTE TERMITE & PEST CONTROL, LLC
POODIECAKES, LLC
1519 E. Ann Street, Montgomery, AL 36107 334-239-7317 • absolutetermiteandpestcontrol.com Eric and Brittany Batrez, Owners / Pest Control
3462 Eastdale Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-465-5498 Jeneia Evans, Owner / Event Venue
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CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
ASSOCIAT IONS/N ON -P R OF I T
Alabama Civil Rights Tourism Association John Key 103 Brookwood Drive Troy, AL 36081 334-372-3132 B AKERY
Cake Designs Sandra McGhar 3651 Debby Drive Montgomery, AL 36111 334-288-6900 B USINESS SERVIC E S
Tamiko's Mobile Notary Tamiko Cherry 5701 Blevins Circle Montgomery, AL 36116 334-301-4917 B USINESS/VOC ATI ON A L S CHOOLS
1 On 1 Technical College of Montgomery Franchesca Ross-Jones 434 N McDonough Street Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 239-8841 CELLULAR /WIRELESS P HONE SERVICES
Tech Repair Depot LLC Destyne Bazemore 4067 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-523-8517
MAY 2021 NEW MEMBERS CON V E N IE N C E STO R E
Knicker Knacker Market & Grocery Ron Dean 163 Lee Street, Unit A Montgomery, AL 36104 334-261-4003 E V E N T-V E N U E
PoodieCakes LLC Jeneia Evans 3462 Eastdale Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-465-5498 F I N AN C IA L S E RV IC E S
Kirk W. Fitzmaurice, First Command Financial Planning Services Kirk Fitzmaurice 1343 Carmichael Way Montgomery, Alabama 36106 334-373-0954 H E A LT H C A R E S E RV IC E S
Gabbie's Residential Care Athena Tate 9301 Concord Park Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-354-1959 H E A LT H C A R E S E RV IC E S
Jes Health Services, LLC Jessica Waller 2629-B Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334-647-1183
CHILDREN’ S C LOT H I N G & SPECIALT Y ITEM S
Kenni's Korner, LLC Kendra Jenkins P.O. Box 210851 Montgomery, AL 36121 334-603-2180
88 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
IN S U R A N C E CO M PA N IE S /S E RV IC E S
Norris Insurance Agency, LLC Shane Norris 55 Bridge Street Pike Road, AL 36064 334-777-2152 JA N ITO R IA L S E RV IC E /S UPPLI ES
Cannon Janitorial Service Orlando Cannon 415 South Decatur Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-523-1240 R E STAU R A N TS
Waffle House Wendy Mose 301 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-549-2464 R E STAU R A N TS - CO F F E E SHOP/ BAR
The Coffee House Demetree Hardmon 981 Adams Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-564-4554 T R AV E L AG E N C IE S /S E RV I CES
Four All Seasons Travel Ron Dean 163 Lee Street Unit B Montgomery, AL 36104 334-261-4003
“Determined people working together can do anything.” - Jim Casey
TRENHOLM CAMPUS 1225 Air Base Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36108
PATTERSON SITE
3920 Troy Highway Montgomery, AL 36116 ACCREDITATION H. Councill Trenholm State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System and H. Councill Trenholm State Community College that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age or any other protected class as deened by federal and state law be excluded from participation in, be denied beneets of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.
J UN E 1 L E A D E R S E AT L A S T
Learn, lunch & network with other leaders.
Isn’t this the idea of learning— to pass on our knowledge to others?
Bookclub held at Troy University, Montgomery Campus. (Social distancing, easy access, ample parking) $15 (includes lunch)
Register at troy.edu/ce
89 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Simon Sinek
Economic Intel
+
• HOUSING NUMBERS •
LOOKIN’ 63.8 GOOD MONTGOMERY BUSINESS
20%
HOUSING
CONFIDENCE INDEX (ABCI)
32%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
TOTAL HOME SALES
2020-21
2020-21
10% The ABCI report measures quarterly economic expectations by polling business leaders across the state. “Business leaders in Montgomery have been very optimistic about the city’s economic growth since Q4 2020. The metro’s ABCI registered from moderate to strong for the last three quarters, indicating sustained expectations for economic improvements and growth.” - The University of Alabama Center for
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
$569,401
85 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
$215,010 AVERAGE SALE PRICE
• TOURISM UPDATES •
9,158
TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE
TOTAL HOME SALES
Business and Economic Research’s
LODGING TAX
688
440
Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, Montgomery Area, February 2021
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
171,658
FEBRUARY 2021
EMPLOYED LABOR FORCE
5% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
163,020
JANUARY 2021
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
#FLY MGM
57%
OCCUPANCY RATE
Source: Smith Travel Research, City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Airport Authority.
TOP SECTORS
EMPLOYEES GOVERNMENT
44,300
TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES
29,000
PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
20,000
EDUCATION & HEALTH SERVICES
19,200
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area, February 2021
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MBJ
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101
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