Montgomery Business Journal - May 2021

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL M AY/ J U N E 2 0 2 1

MBJ

TOURISM FORECAST:

BRIGHT & SUNNY

HOW TO HIRE A ROCK STAR

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FORD SALE SOL

NEIGHBORHOODS MAKE MGM REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

+

2 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

3 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

S

5 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MBJ

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO Anna B. Buckalew CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Meg Lewis

exploreMedia PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn

MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy

DESIGN Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry Shubird

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Minnie Lamberth, Cristy Andrews, 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.

7 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS

Events +

MA RK YO UR C A LENDAR S FOR THE SE UP COMING C HAMB E R E V E NTS

Small Business First Friday & Culture Builder 3:30-5:00pm at King’s Canvas, 1413 Oak Street Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners will have the opportunity to hear from makers, store owners and creators of regional and national brands who all have a story that’s uniquely their own and who have helped shaped the community in which we live. Empowering testimonials will be followed by a social that will feature will feature drinks and great conversation.

MAY

07

60 Minute Coffees & Business After Hours These popular networking events are the perfect place to exchange business cards and meet potential customers.

5/13

SEE YOU THERE!

Business After Hours Sponsor & Location: Montgomery Regional Airport

6/8 Business After Hours WSFA 12 News Location: 445 Dexter Ave, Suite 7000

7/13 Chamber Golf Classic 7am-7pm at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club The Chamber Golf Classic is the River Region’s premier business golf tournament. Come network on a beautiful golf course with Chamber members, elected officials, community leaders and potential clients. The flights usually sell out, so register now!

MAY

25

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: AALOS Location: Montgomery Antiques & Interiors 1955 Eastern Boulevard

8/10 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Staybridge Suites Montgomery Downtown

Presenting Sponsor: Wynlakes Golf & Country Club

Just for Members

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

• Chamber Golf Classic • 149th Annual Meeting • Annual City and County Update Event • Governmental Affairs Reception • NEW! Legislative Lens Podcast

If you are interested in learning more about these sponsorship opportunities, please contact Michael Galvin at mgalvin@montgomerychamber.com or call 334-240-9494.

8 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

9 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

10 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

11 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

13 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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.”

15 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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.”

16 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CECE SAVAGE

Broker/Owner Garth Realty Group

17 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

19 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: GARTHREALTYGROUP334

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.

60 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

E X P E R T I S E A N D A N S W E R S TO C O M M O N B U S I N E S S Q U E S T I O N S F R O M LO C A L S I N T H E K N OW

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

+ SUBM IT T IN G N E WS? Submit information to

Rhonda Figh at rfigh@montgomerychamber.com.

Attach press releases as a Word document and include a high-resolution headshot (at least 300 dpi).

An accompanying headshot is required for “Members on the Move” announcements.

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

78 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

79 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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.

84 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

85 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

86 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

87 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

90 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

91 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MBJ

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101

92 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL