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COVID-19: AREA RESOURCES INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
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CONTENTS MAY/JUNE 2020
THIS ISSUE: 08
Industry Appraisal High: Commercial Real Estate & Development Industry Overview
37 40
Movin' On Well-Suited for Summer
23 Member Profiles: Tara Essary and Imani Whitehead 26 Military Profile: Col. Patrick Carley 28 GiveBack: Coordinated Community Care 32 #myMGM: Small Biz, Big Story 44 Small Business Briefcase: Go With the Flow: Keeping Cash Ready
CHAMBER NEWS:
46 Connect: Chamber News 54 Connect: Chamber FAQ 64 Connect: Past Events 66 Members on the Move 68 Members in the News 75 Business Buzz 78 Ribbon Cuttings 80 New Members 82 Intel
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MBJ
THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION
MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT Anna B. Buckalew CHIEF ENGAGEMENT OFFICER Jina Miniard
exploreMedia PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn
MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy
DESIGN Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry Shubird
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Melissa Warnke, Cristy Andrews, Melvin Crum, Arthur DuCote and Chase Hardy PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Carter, Nick Drollette, Robert Fouts, Donna Wallace King, David Robertson Jr. ON THE COVER Montgomery professionals model summer styles from The Shoppes at EastChase. Photography by Lisa Smith, Studio Panache. ADVERTISING & COMMUNICATIONS Christina Bennett, Kristina Boddie and Racheal Lunn exploreMedia / 334-578-7810 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 2020 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
Committed to exceptional service, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce works to improve the economic well-being of the business community and enhance the quality of life of the area through the creation and preservation of jobs.
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. 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.
I N D U S T RY APPRAISAL:
HIGH
Any valuation of the River Region’s
Our homes are our havens, but much of our lives — work,
commercial real estate and
developed, constructed and sold or managed by our area’s
development industry should be positive; its impacts on the area are
play and other — happens elsewhere, in structures that are commercial real estate and building industry. For that reason alone, it’s an important part of our community. Jerry Kyser, Founder and CEO of Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc., stressed just how
as diverse as they are deep, as it
key it is. “The commercial real estate and building industry in the
employs thousands and provides
Almost every company requires a building to conduct business,”
the facilities necessary for business, education, recreation and more.
River Region affects thousands of people in a multitude of ways. he said.“ And whether the building is existing or built from the ground up, it will involve many people contributing their expertise. These include commercial real estate agents, general contractors, subcontractors and all other trades required to
BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY
complete the transaction. The impact that the commercial industry has in the River Region is far-reaching.”
DON'T MISS THE COVID-19 INDUSTRY UPDATE ON PAGE 19.
8 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Industry Overview: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
YOUR CHAMBER #ATWORK “One of the best decisions I ever made was becoming a Chamber member. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is the only entity that hits the ground running every day to promote Montgomery and the River Region. The Chamber has provided me numerous ways to network and grow my business, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the benefits of being a member.” – Jerry Kyser, Founder and CEO of Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.
According to Gene Cody, President of Moore Company Realty,
occupancy in properties and commanding higher prices.
Inc., the industry doesn’t just provide perks; it’s essential. And in
“Warehouse and industrial manufacturing rents have finally
Montgomery, it’s currently strong, with an outlook for the future
started to increase with new demand for space,” he said.
that’s even healthier. “Commercial real estate and development is what grows our communities; without it, a city dies,” he said.
While Cody feels good about the present, he explained how
“Locally, it’s doing great. Our market is doing the best it has
much has changed in the last decade. “In 2011, we had a high
since the recession.”
office vacancy rate, close to 20 percent. We were still getting out of fog from the crash,” he said. “But there’s lots of activity in
Nim Frazer, General Manager of Industrial Partners, LLC,
our market now -- downtown, in west Montgomery, out east. We
which focuses on developing and selling or renting industrial
are working on a project on the Southern Boulevard. Even the
spaces, agreed, pointing to strong economic growth, driven by
vacancies in the office market have come down tremendously.”
corporate and consumer confidence as a crucial piece of the calculation. “We’ve also got a robust labor market and rising
Today’s stability and the forecast of a bright future is fueled by
wages, which will continue to be primary drivers of demand
several factors, as Frazer explained. “First, the fact we have two
for industrial space,” he said. His company is enjoying higher
major interstates running through Montgomery is a huge factor
9 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Industry Overview: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
to attract warehouse distribution prospects,” he said. “And HMMA was a game changer. Its suppliers have changed our industrial market for the better.”
BUILDING BETTER
Cody praised city leadership. “Our previous mayor and our current mayor are very proactive in growing our communities. Drive around. There are developments all over,” he said. “Community support is driving this too, as are lower taxes, all-time-low interest rates.”
EFFECTS OF ADVANCEMENT YOUR CHAMBER #ATWORK “The Chamber staff is remarkable, very experienced and creative when working with companies and prospects looking at Montgomery. Spec buildings offer these prospects a real advantage. They can move into an existing building much faster than build their own and have the interior built out to meet their needs.” – Nim Frazer, General Manager of Industrial Partners, LLC
“Technology is constantly changing the way we do business. I started out digging foundation footings by hand, and now we have equipment to do this work. Innovations in building materials — they’re lighter, stronger and more energy efficient — are revolutionizing the way we construct buildings. And cell phones
Kyser noted the region’s “slow but steady
and computer technology have made
growth for years” and said he doesn’t see
the most impact on doing business,
much changing in the outlook for the near
allowing for almost instant decision-
future. But there have been changes in the
making and scheduling of work.”
industry; Kyser has witnessed many during his 50-plus years in business. “Most notably is the shift from individual, self-employed craftspeople to large subcontracting companies that provide the workforce for each trade,” he said. “Also, most of the building products are manufactured in bulk by large companies instead of small, locally owned suppliers.” Frazer mentioned an increase in size and scale. “Industrial buildings are getting bigger with taller ceilings as the market prospects
– Jerry Kyser, Founder and CEO of Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.
demand more efficient facilities,” he said. Cody has only been in the industry a little
about our customer today than we ever have
over a decade but has also seen multiple
thanks to technology. There’s a lot more use
alterations, many of them innovations
of social media and internet. They are really
influenced by technology. “It seems like new
the most powerful ways to market and study
technology is coming out every day, and we
real estate now.”
are doing our best to keep up,” he said. “You can now track where people are shopping
Technology has made communication faster
with geo fencing. We know so much more
and often, easier, yet Cody believes an “old
Q
Q:
Industry Overview: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
MBJ: Can you share one notable trend you are currently seeing in the commercial construction industry? “Due to increased project opportunities,
“Prior to the arrival of the coronavirus crisis, commercial real estate
coupled with the national workforce shortage,
activity in the Montgomery market (including Prattville, Millbrook
we just have to keep working smarter. This
and Wetumpka) was moving at a steady pace. Sale prices and
includes using lean construction for increased
retail and office rental rates, over the past 12 months, have shown
efficiency, utilizing increasingly popular modular
modest increases, with some exceptions. At the present time, most
construction and a slew of other tools and
commercial real estate activity is in a ‘holding pattern,’ which will
practices.”
likely remain until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.”
Mac Caddell,
Executive Vice President, Caddell Construction Co.
11 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
John Stanley,
President, John Stanley & Associates, Inc.
Industry Overview: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT school” approach is still paramount. “A is always better than a text or them
TRENDING: E-COMMERCE
seeing something on Instagram,” he
Technology is also presenting some
said. “Those personal relationships
challenges. The rise in e-commerce
remain important.”
has heavily (and sometimes,
good phone call or lunch with a client
Q:
negatively) affected brick-and-mortar Technology has obviously affected
retail, and therefore shopping centers,
the industry, but the River Region’s
all over the country in recent years.
recent emphasis on building the
Yet e-commerce’s logistic needs have
area’s IT ecosystem and infrastructure
also created opportunities for those
is also significant. “IT is making a
in the warehouse and industrial site
huge impact locally as part of the
business like Frazer. “The worldwide
continued growth of our military
growth in e-commerce continues
bases,” Kyser said. “The growth of our
with positive effects for U.S. retail
local IT contractors [in response to
and logistics markets,” he said. “The
the base growth] provides additional
volume of goods sold online has
opportunities for the construction and
transformed logistics networks across
real estate industries as well.”
the U.S. One segment demanding this is millennials. They appreciate online shopping and same-day delivery.”
12 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MBJ: How do your company’s offerings enhance commercial development projects?
“We create spaces to encourage outdoor social and work activity. By providing seating, shade structures, outdoor fitness areas or a playground, we are delivering creative spaces for the community to utilize for social interaction and creative spaces for work environments to use for increasing work performance and brainstorming.”
- Jessica Hoagland,
Sales & Marketing, Pet and Playground Products
I ND U ST RY Leader | Commercial Real Estate IND U ST RY Leader | Commercial Real Estate & Development
Industrial Partners, LLC When was your company founded? 1974 How many employees do you have in the River Region? We have four full-time employees. What are your primary products and services? Industrial Partners, LLC is a full-service commercial
an extensive, specialized knowledge and understanding of the industrial market, brokerage and leasing history.
Milestones & Accomplishments: Nim Frazer serves on numerous boards and most notably serves on the Global Board of Directors of The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR). Frazer is also a lifetime member of the United States Army Ranger
real estate firm that assists clients in leasing, purchasing or selling
Association after serving as an Infantry Officer as an Airborne
industrial properties. Industrial Partners provides brokerage,
Ranger.
investment and development services in Montgomery and surrounding cities.
What sets your company apart? Industrial Partners takes pride in our high-quality buildings with excellent customer service and more than 45 years of experience. Industrial Partners' Broker Nim Frazer serves an active role in both the real estate community and Montgomery’s community. This provides him with
13 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
4747 Woodmere Boulevard 334-244-8650 / industrialpartners.com
Industry Overview: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
Frazer highlighted the increased market for e-commerce facilities, where sales, services, plus specialized manufacturing and distribution are all under one roof, and again noted that this sector is
EAT UP
requiring bigger facilities and bigger sites. “Developers need and want largescale sites to accommodate the larger warehouses,” he said.
YOUR CHAMBER #ATWORK
LABOR LIABILITIES Frazer outlined another challenge as well. “Due to labor shortages of certain trades
“We have a great relationship
like brick masons, more buildings are
with the Chamber, and we are
tilt-up construction rather than masonry,”
in contact with them all the
he said. “Pre-cast and tilt-up construction
time. We’ve been influential
are the preferred method to build new
in some of the companies
warehouses today.”
they were able to bring to
Gene Cody, President of Moore Company Realty, Inc., shared a few commercial development trends he’s seeing. “We’ve got quickserve restaurants popping up everywhere and more fast food,” he said. “We’re also seeing places like Subway and Pizza Hut adding drive-thrus.”
good living. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC,
this market from an industrial
While the problem seems to have been
masonry, carpentry, painting or concrete
economic development
adequately addressed for warehouses,
are all very lucrative and respectable
standpoint. We’ve been
the skilled labor shortage is not limited
professions.”
able to help some of the
to warehouse construction or our area,
HHMA suppliers come to our
according to Kyser. “The shortage of
A pressing challenge facing the industry
market and fill some of our
skilled labor is a challenge industry-wide
is also related to education and has
warehouse products. We have
and not just in the River Region,” he said.
widespread implications, as Cody
a strong, mutually beneficial
Yet it’s an issue that he claims can be
explained. “Our biggest challenge is our
partnership with the Chamber
solved if we work to promote a different
public schools. It affects us, because as
and are quick to help when
perception of construction-related jobs.
it drives population down, there’s less
we can.”
“It’s a common belief that you must have a
activity in commercial development and
– Gene Cody, President
college degree to be successful, but there
real estate. But it affects everyone equally,”
of Moore Company Realty, Inc.
are many skilled jobs in the construction
he said. “There are a lot of people working
business that don’t require one,” he said.
hard to fix it. But it will take time, and it is
“These jobs allow people to make a very
critical for going forward.”
Q:
Can you share one notable trend you are currently seeing in the commercial construction industry? “Increased production and job site quality control is now being driven by data using real-time capability to give onsite personnel more power to impact their projects immediately. This use of technology has increased significantly over the past several years and is changing every day. We strive to use technology in a way that creates a team building atmosphere that includes the general contractor, subcontractors, suppliers and design team working for the customer as one unit from early in the concept design stage of a new project to enhance the end product at the best possible price.”
- Josie Young, Marketing Director, Russell Construction 14 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
IND UST RY Leader | Commercial Real Estate & Development
Moore Company Realty - Moore Property Management When was your company founded? 1894
125th year. In 2019, MCR had $36,500,000-plus in completed transactions, and Moore Property Management served a more than
How many employees do you have in the River Region? 18
3,500,000-square-foot portfolio with more than 400 tenants. Our President of Moore Property Management Jeff Branch joined us in March 2019. Recent Auburn graduate turned MCR’s new Tenant
What are your primary products and services? Management, brokerage, investing and
Rep Jonathan McCall joined MCR in August 2018 and has done a staggering $3,614,369.52 in transactions in just one and a half
development.
years. Gene Cody, CCIM, a top broker in the region, was recently
What sets your company apart? Experience,
recognized for his talent and promoted to President of Moore Company Realty. We are proud of how our mature team members
diversity and perseverance. Established in 1894 and serving a
have coupled with our energetic and talented new leaders to
four-state portfolio, Moore Company Realty is a fourth generation
create a perfect team to take us boldly into the 21st century!
“old-school” company. Our strength comes from the diversity of our services as well as the diversity of our staff. We attribute our long survival to our broad base, key long-term employees and our investment philosophy. Our stated motto is to “make our clients' commercial investment properties profitable.” That is our daily, weekly and annual goal for each team member.
Milestones/Awards: In May 2019, we began our
312 Catoma Street Suite 200 / Montgomery, AL 36104 334-262-1958 / moorecompanyrealty.com
15 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EMBE R Spotlight
CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO.
Caddell has just wrapped up its latest healthcare project, a medical/dental clinic replacement performed with joint venture partner, Nan Construction. This work took place at beautiful Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii.
John Caddell founded Caddell Construction in 1983 at the age of 53, initially running the business from his family home. In the almost four decades since, Caddell has grown into a major construction operation with projects worldwide across a number of industries. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: More than 125 personnel at the corporate headquarters and more than 4,800 permanent staff worldwide. WHAT ARE CADDELL CONSTRUCTION’S PRIMARY SERVICES? General contracting, design/build, construction management, preconstruction and maintenance. WHAT IS CADDELL CONSTRUCTION’S PHILOSOPHY? Caddell Construction is a customer-focused general contractor with a clear mission: constructing what matters for the long-term success of employees, clients and strategic partners.
Caddell is also closing out the company’s largest project to date—a 10-year effort at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, valued at nearly $800 million.
WHAT SETS CADDELL CONSTRUCTION AND ITS SERVICES APART? Few companies can match the depth and diversity of Caddell’s portfolio, a reflection of Caddell’s reputation for taking on difficult and unique construction challenges. HOW DOES CADDELL GIVE BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY? Caddell’s founder, John Caddell, recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He and his beloved late wife, Joyce, set an example of generosity and service that is in the DNA of the company. Though it is an international company, Caddell has not forgotten its roots, giving nearly $100,000 back to local communities last year, along with hands-on acts of kindness through Meals on Wheels, work in community gardens and other physical demonstrations of a deeprooted commitment to being a good corporate citizen. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR CADDELL CONSTRUCTION? In the last few years, Caddell opened offices in the greater Atlanta area and in Bentonville, Arkansas, to support efforts of its commercial and power/industrial divisions. The recent diversification has proven successful, with new projects totaling more than $200 million in these sectors, including work for three Fortune 500 clients. The company moved the corporate headquarters into the spacious RSA Dexter building in downtown Montgomery earlier this year and is positioned for even greater growth in the future. In the first quarter of 2020, it was awarded nearly half a billion dollars in new contracts to add to its portfolio—an already-impressive project list that spans 34 countries on 5 continents and every region of the United States.
As soon as the clock ran out on the Crimson Tide’s 2019 home football schedule, a new countdown began for Caddell’s aggressive schedule to complete the Bryant-Denny Stadium Renovation. Demolition began quickly, and the project team has been steadily driving toward the goal ever since.
445 DEXTER AVENUE, SUITE 11000 / MONTGOMERY, AL / 334-272-7723 / CADDELL.COM 16 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
IND UST RY Leader | Commercial Real Estate & Development
Kyser Property Management Co., Inc. What year was Kyser founded? 1972
Milestones & Awards: Kyser’s corporate headquarters recently relocated to 2257 Taylor Road. Our new office is
How many employees do you have? 18 What are your primary products and services? Kyser Property Management Co., Inc. (KPM) is one
equipped with upgrades in technology and efficiencies that allow us to better serve our clients in a variety of ways. We look forward to serving you!
of central Alabama’s premier multi-service commercial real estate brokerage companies with extensive broad-based expertise. Our company can successfully guide our clients through every stage of the development process. This process may include site selection, financing, brokerage and leasing services, property management, as well as design-build construction services.
What sets your company apart? In addition to commercial real estate services, KPM is also able to provide
KYSER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., INC.
guidance and expertise with commercial construction services. Our in-house construction company has more than 50 years of experience in the design-build process to assist with every phase
2257 Taylor Rd. Ste 200 / Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-834-2073 / kyserproperties.com
of your project.
17 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
I N D USTRY Leader | Commercial Real Estate & Development
Russell Construction of Alabama, Inc. When was your company/business founded?
of the most demanding and unique projects in the Southeast.
1983
Milestones & Awards: At Russell Construction, safety How many employees do you have in the River Region? 28 What are your primary products and services? Commercial, healthcare and residential general contracting and construction management
is always our highest priority, and we are proud to have achieved a top safety rating for construction companies in our state. In addition, we acquired our Healthcare Constructor Certificate in 2017 and were voted “Best of the Best” in the “Commercial New Construction” category for nine consecutive years by the Montgomery Business Hall of Fame.
What sets your company apart? Quality is our cornerstone. The word “quality” is used so casually today, it is almost a cliché. Everyone claims to believe in it, but at Russell Construction, we have built a successful company comprised of men and women of exceptional character and construction capabilities. In every size project and in every aspect of the project, we bring quality to the job every day. It’s an approach that has brought us remarkable success. Now almost to our fourth decade, we have grown to be a major construction company handling some
1616 Mt. Meigs Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 334-215-1617 russellala.com
18 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
UPDATE
COVID-19:
WHAT’S NEXT FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT For the last two months, our country, Alabama and the River Region have been battling COVID-19. During this same time, the MBJ team has been working to bring you this issue: re-evaluating and updating its content to ensure we bring our area’s business community accurate, interesting, relevant and valuable information in the midst of the
Q:
WHAT LONG-TERM IMPACTS ARE YOU ANTICIPATING?
GENE CODY: We have been closely monitoring the crisis at hand. In addition to the obvious
unprecedented uncertainty being faced by our national, state and local economies.
watching of the investment sales
The feature on the River Region’s commercial real estate and commercial development
how our clients and other landlords
industries that precedes what you’re reading now was researched and written just prior to the virus breaking out in the United States. We hope you’ll find the information it contains interesting and even uplifting as you note some of the positive industry news it contains.
are handling the abundance of tenant requests/demands on rent payments. Each sector will be affected
But knowing that these industries will – like all business – be impacted by COVID-19, we went back to several of our main sources before going to press and asked for their thoughts on the current situation and what they’re expecting the future might hold. Here’s what they had to say:
Q:
and capital markets, we are tracking
differently; retail will take the biggest hit. As you are aware, the government has stepped up and offered relief through the Federal Stimulus Package. We are educating our clients on the options they can
HOW IS COVID-19 AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS AND THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE RIGHT NOW?
NIM FRAZER: As the coronavirus continues to hammer our local, regional and global economy, the commercial real estate business faces daunting challenges. One major issue for the CRE professionals is the ripple effect when smaller companies can no longer pay their rent. Landlords will be faced with reduced cashflows and
all in this together. They are all a part of the same food chain, and if one link is broken, it’s going to affect the entire chain. We must all work together to get through this shortterm crisis. The responses of the landlord and lenders can reduce the effects of the pandemic and accelerate the recovery process.
unable to meet their mortgage obligations.
seek for reprieve. It is a little premature to predict the effects, but one thing is for certain, this will change the landscape of the commercial real estate market. It will affect the way we do business forever. I am optimistic when we control the curve of the virus, our markets will have substantial pent up demand, and the rush to the market should be incredible.
If this happens, repercussions will be felt
JERRY KYSER: Our business is being
JERRY KYSER: Experiencing a
throughout the entire financial structure.
impacted like everyone’s is. Our office staff
worldwide pandemic and the impact
Landlords should be willing to work
has been reduced to minimum numbers
that it is having on everything in our
with tenants – on a case-by-case basis – to
while the rest are working from home. We
daily lives has been eye opening.
modify their leases if necessary and help
had to improvise and find ways to continue
Everyone will learn many lessons
them survive this pandemic. Perhaps by
working under these abnormal conditions.
from this experience. These lessons
forgiving rent payments in April or May but
We normally operate in a traditional office
will make us better prepared for
catching up and amortizing their lease rates
environment, so finding ways to get
situations like this if they happen
over the remaining term of their lease.
things accomplished remotely has been
again. I think it will impact the way
challenging, but also, a learning experience.
we do business moving forward in
Each situation should be looked at on a
a way that will allow us to address
case-by-case basis. Some industries are
Industry-wide, we are all dealing with the
the situation more efficiently. So,
being hit harder than others. After all,
same challenges of trying to keep your
yes, this event will have long-term
one must not forget that clients, tenants,
business running but continuing to follow
ramifications on all of us.
landlords, buyers, sellers and lenders are
all of the guidelines to keep everyone safe.
19 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EMBE R Spotlight
PET AND PLAYGROUND By listening to customers’ needs and then finding ways to meet them, Pet and Playground has grown into a full-service outdoor amenity manufacturer, distributer, designer and installation team.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 35 HISTORY: Pet and Playground is a division of Hercules Poly, Inc., a company founded in Eclectic, Alabama, in 1993 and is today a national manufacturer and provider of poly bags. WHAT ARE PET AND PLAYGROUND'S PRIMARY SERVICES? We create and design any outdoor amenity space needed. We work with numerous builders, architects, multi-family providers, schools and more to create the perfect park, playground, dog park or just a place to relax outdoors. WHAT IS PET AND PLAYGROUND’S PHILOSOPHY? Pet and Playground’s business has grown over the years with the philosophy and attitude of “yes.” We started out thinking we would sell playground structures for kids and dog park equipment for dogs and that would be the extent of our offerings. However, as we listened to our customers and started to understand their needs, we found out we needed to help solve problems for them. So, when we were asked to install fencing, we said yes. When our clients asked if we could sell outdoor fitness equipment and install it, we said yes. When they asked if we could help design and repurpose tennis courts, we naturally said yes. Our philosophy has been to be a resource to help make our customers’ lives easier and provide the products and services they need. WHAT SETS PET AND PLAYGROUND AND ITS SERVICES APART? We work closely with our local contractors and architects to ensure the proper safety requirements are met and exceeded in their outdoor projects. We love being an asset in helping design new playgrounds and dog parks throughout the building community. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR PET AND PLAYGROUND? Jessica Hoagland, our Regional Sales and Marketing Representative for the state, is always working to build lasting relationships with our clients to become a resource for their needs. PNP is striving to continue that growth and build with new clients and partners throughout the River Region. Just recently, Hoagland was awarded the playground bid for the new baseball stadium for the Rocket City Trash Pandas in Madison, Alabama. She also continues to work with numerous early education facilities and multi-family partners to create modern designs for their outdoor amenity offerings.
HONORS & AWARDS: Jessica Hoagland is a proud Chamber of Commerce member and also a local Montgomery Rotary Club member. She just recently received a Paul Harris Fellow award from the Montgomery Rotary Club and also a letter of gratitude from the City of Montgomery for her work to provide design and pieces for the new Rotary Dog Park downtown.
315 MAIN ST, ECLECTIC, AL / 334-541-3525 / PETANDPLAYGROUND.COM
20 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
21 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER profile
TARA ESSARY As General Manager and Co-Owner (with her brother) of downtown’s Cahawba House restaurant, Tara Essary always has multiple pots on the stove, but the role she enjoys most is serving up heaping helpings of hospitality to city residents and visitors.
Are you from Montgomery? I grew up traveling the world as a military brat and ended up in Prattville. After graduating high school, I moved to south Florida, where my love for the food and beverage industry flourished. My brother Tim and I saw an opportunity to become a part of a growing city and restaurant scene here, so I found myself back in the River Region embarking on a new hospitality journey in 2016.
When and why did y’all open Cahawba House? It opened in fall 2016, but the seeds were sown long before that. I wanted to bring old family recipes and Southern dishes to the community, and with lots of hard work and love, Cahawba House evolved from that dream.
What is it like owning the restaurant with your brother? We have always had a close relationship. We’re only a couple years apart and being “military brats” and moving often, we many times considered ourselves best friends. We have 30 years of experience solving problems together and share the same passion for the hospitality industry.
What all does your job at the restaurant involve? My business cards may say “Co-Owner,” but that just means I wear many hats. I’ve taken a strong lead in the business side of things. You may find me greeting customers in the dining room, turning around to scrub out a pot in the back, then running payroll.
What is your personal favorite dish? Our Southern Biscuit: pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes and bacon on a biscuit and our Mommas Meatloaf with PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
mac and cheese, house salad and smash potatoes.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work? Creating jobs for our community as well as
Second Helpings After shutting its dining room to dine-in guests in early March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cahawba House got innovative,
creating a welcoming environment for all of our guests.
transforming the space into a market called Bama Bonafide Bodega
cahawbahouse.com
vendors that regularly supply the restaurant.
and selling produce and other products from the area farmers and
23 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
24 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER profile
IMANI WHITEHEAD The belief that we can all be creative when provided the right instruction and tools inspired Imani Whitehead to open Montgomery’s Wine & Design.
Are you from Montgomery? I’m actually from Atlanta. My stepfather’s military career brought my family here.
When and why did you open Wine & Design? We just opened in early March. You can never have too many things to do in the community, so I’m excited about bringing the River Region another activity option. I especially want to bring the fun of creating a masterpiece to people who feel like they don’t have any artistic abilities. The joy they get when they see how great their paintings turn out is priceless.
What is the concept of Wine & Design? Our local artists walk you through your art project while you sip on wine, beer or even juice if that’s what you prefer. Our location will provide all the art supplies and sell a variety of drinks. All you have to do is come
Artful Innovation
and be ready to have some fun! And Wine & Design is
Like so many businesses
not just a paint and sip studio. We offer a range of DIY
in Montgomery, Wine & Design has
classes as well.
had to quickly adapt to the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown and did so by
Are there any special Wine & Design distinctions? Yes. Montgomery’s location of Wine
offering “to-go” paint kits, which include pre-sketched canvas, paints, brushes and
& Design is the first in Alabama.
general instructions. Want to ensure you
enjoy the “wine” half of the equation?
What do you love about what you do at Wine & Design?
You can buy a bottle of vino to go while you’re there!
I love being creative and having the opportunity to share my creative abilities with the rest of the community.
What are your interests outside of work? PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
I enjoy painting and drawing outside of work. I also enjoy performing arts like dancing and musical theatre. wineanddesign.com/montgomeryal
25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M I L I TA RY profile
COL. PATRICK CARLEY Commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing Col. Patrick Carley leads more than 1,400 airmen (plus contractor partners) as they support myriad functions for 42,000 people at Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex. And while it’s a big task, he stresses that it’s not just a job; it’s an honor.
Where are you originally from? Burke, Virginia, in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.
What all does your work involve? The 42nd Air Base Wing is the foundation of Air University and our mission partners, and enables mission success. I have the honor to lead the airmen (active duty, civilian and contractor partners) in the mission of providing all medical, infrastructure, personnel, facility and quality of life support for 42,000 active duty, Reserve, civilian and contractor personnel, plus students and families at Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex. We directly enable Air University, the 908th Airlift Wing, Air Force Material Command and Air Combat Command units, the Defense Information Systems Agency and more than 40 other mission partners. I tell my airmen, “Nothing happens on Maxwell-Gunter” without them. As the Installation Commander, I ensure the safety and security of both Maxwell and Gunter, and ensure good order, discipline and morale are as high as possible.
High Marks
What’s your impression of Montgomery’s partnership with the base? In my 25 years in the Air Force, having served at 11 different permanent
In December 2019, the Airmen of
assignments and multiple overseas deployments, I’ve
the 42nd Air Base Wing were the
never experienced such an incredible partnership as the
recipients of the 2019 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, recognizing their high level of sustained performance over a two-year period.
one here in the River Region. This is so essential because ultimately, we have the same goals: What benefits the airmen and families of Maxwell-Gunter ultimately benefits the citizens of Montgomery, and vice versa. The base is the largest economic contributor to the local economy, so when the mission thrives and grows at MaxwellGunter, that’s increased economic impetus in the local the installation boundaries, that’s a benefit for military affiliated families as well.
What are your interests outside of work? Running and working out and spending time with my family, especially on vacations and day trips. There’s so much to see.
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS BUSINESS JOURNAL JOURNAL 26MONTGOMERY 26
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
community. When the local schools get better outside
27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
GiveBack
COORDINATED COMMUNITY CARE
/ by MELISSA WARNKE
By harnessing the power of multiple resources to arm River Region residents with the knowledge and tools to take charge
IMAGES COURTESY OF RIVER REGION UNITED WAY
Image courtesy of The Wellness Coalition.
of their health, The Wellness Coalition is improving cost issues for healthcare providers and outcomes for patients.
Ghandi Daniels, Executive Director of The Wellness Coalition, conducting a Diabetes Prevention Program Community Meeting.
The Wellness Coalition in Montgomery estimates that as
Board, Medical Outreach Ministries, the Montgomery Area
many as 100,000 people in the River Region are medically
Mental Health Authority and the Montgomery County Health
uninsured. The implications are far-reaching and community-
Department joined forces to form what is now known as The
wide. “Having no health insurance often means that people
Wellness Coalition (TWC). The organization was officially
will postpone or forgo check-ups and preventative care,” said Ghandi Daniels, Executive Director for The Wellness Coalition. “This leads to higher rates of chronic disease and higher costs within our local health system.” The problem came to a head in 1999, when local emergency rooms were overloaded with patients, putting a strain on important medical resources. At the time, a group of healthcare providers knew they had to
Moving to Better Health “We work to educate and support people in every area of life that can impact health and wellness.” - Ghandi Daniels
work together to find a solution. Their goal
brings together more than 15 healthcare providers to service Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery counties.
Serving The Most Vulnerable TWC finds success by coordinating a community-wide system of healthcare and social service providers, including local hospitals, health centers, free clinics, public health agencies, governments and nonprofits.
was to reduce the economic impact of serving the uninsured and to increase patients’ quality of life.
incorporated in 2002, and today, TWC
Wellness Navigators, employed by TWC, act as case
Leaders with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Baptist Health, Community Care Network, Health Services Inc., Jackson Hospital, the Joint Public Charity Hospital
managers, and they’re placed in hospital emergency rooms to connect clients to a primary care doctor, health education, nutrition and other community resources. In addition, Coalition staff members conduct free disease prevention and
28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Left: Martine Rocker, Diabetes Prevention Coordinator, facilitating a session on the risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Right: Wellness Coalition staff members provide the community with a wealth of valuable and easily accessible information.
health education classes that empower attendees to manage their own health. Daniels, who started with the organization 16 years ago as a case manager, says the coordinated approach helps address
“By helping people find a ‘medical home,’ we are freeing hospital emergency room
all factors in a person’s life that may be
capacity and reducing
contributing to chronic disease. “Many
indigent care costs
people in the River Region, particularly those in minority groups, are at risk due
that impact us all.”
to insufficient knowledge, resources or
-Michael Briddell.
support to make healthy lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity and chronic disease prevention or management,” said Daniels. “We work to educate and support people in every area of life that can impact health and wellness to lessen the count of those burdened by these disparities.”
The Business Of Coordinated Care The Wellness Coalition is built on a foundation of strong partnerships with community leaders, agencies and partners. Michael Briddell, the Director of Public Information and External Affairs for the City of Montgomery, is a longtime board member for TWC and is currently serving as the Immediate Past Chairperson. The objective of the organization, he says, creates a powerful ripple effect felt area-
wide. “By helping people find a ‘medical home,’ we are freeing hospital emergency room capacity and reducing indigent care costs that impact us all,” said Briddell. “The Wellness Coalition is moving people with chronic conditions to better health, and it’s making a difference in the lives of thousands of us and our neighbors.” Plus, according to Daniels, unhealthy
Health Services, Inc., one of TWC’s founding partners, is still heavily involved today. Its CEO Gilbert Darrington is chairperson for the board, and the support and collaboration between TWC and his company extends beyond services. “Many of the patients we provide care for have extremely complex issues. Our partnership is important to us because The Wellness Coalition is deeply involved in assisting patients in finding access to care and information,” Darrington said. “What’s more,” he said, “Their staff is dedicated to finding long-term solutions.” As the Wellness Coalition embarks on the start of its third decade as an organization, it continues to strengthen relationships between the community and those it serves. “We are proud to solve problems and improve the quality of life for everyone in the River Region,” Daniels said.
employees negatively impact our workforce. Pointing to studies that connect chronic conditions with low employee performance, Daniels says the organization can also partner with businesses to provide direct services to bring about positive, healthy changes from within. “Bringing service providers to the table to work together is the hallmark of the Coalition’s founding strategy,” said Daniels.
29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Learn More: TWC is currently enrolling patients in free wellness classes. You can visit thewellnesscoalition.org or call (334) 293-6502 for more information.
GIVEBACK
BRIEFS
New Parking Meters Help Homeless Earlier this year, Mayor Steven L. Reed announced the launch of a new City initiative to end homelessness and support those currently facing such circumstances. “The Feed the Meter for the Homeless initiative connects compassion with convenience by allowing Montgomery residents and visitors to support our neighbors affected by homelessness and its devastating ramifications,” Reed said. In partnership with the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (MACH), the City of Montgomery developed the Feed the Meter for the Homeless project. Special green parking meters downtown offer residents a way to donate directly to support MACH and central Alabama agencies working with those experiencing homelessness in Montgomery. Donations are accepted in the forms of coins or cash at each specialized meter and by card through the ParkMobile app or online payment at feedthemetermgm.org. “Each donation is a hand-up to help those in need and an investment in building a better future for Montgomery and the River Region,” Reed said.
MAX Honors The Montgomery Zoo Earlier this year, MAX held its 17th Annual MAX Community Reception, an annual event that celebrates community successes and recognizes organizations and individuals who have made a significant difference in the quality of life in Central and East Alabama. MAX honored The Montgomery Zoo for its efforts to create a better River Region. Committed to teaching others about animals and conservation efforts, the Zoo offers various educational programs that can be adapted to fit a variety of different age groups, as well as volunteer and internship opportunities. With more than 500 animals on-site, the Zoo offers a fun and educational experience for all.
31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MyMGM
SMALL BIZ, BIG STORY / by MELISSA WARNKE Employing two out of every three people, small businesses are key to our nation’s economy and equally vital to local communities. But there’s more to small businesses’ contributions than significant statistics. Each has a story, and in honor of National Small Business Week (May 3-9), we asked a few Montgomery businesses to share theirs.
CAKE DESIGNS: Recipe For Success For more than three decades, Cake Designs has been an integral part of special celebrations in Montgomery. Opened in April 1985 by Sandra and Sam McGhar, the beloved family owned and operated shop is best known for its wedding cakes, birthday cakes and cupcakes. “We keep things old-fashioned and simple, focusing on our flavors and delivering quality products,” said Sandra. The emphasis on impeccable customer service is what Sandra considers the most important ingredient in their success through the years. Admittedly, Sandra says, they’ve been slow to make changes when it comes to technology and social media, but their emphasis on treating customers like family has kept them busier than ever. “We love our customers. When I see them around town or in restaurants, they come up to me and hug me,” she said. “Many of them have their favorite flavors, and they tell us, never change this recipe!” Another thing the McGhars never changed in their 35 years in business is their location. Cake Designs is at 3651 Debby Drive, just off McGehee Road near the Eastern Boulevard. What once was a main thoroughfare in Montgomery anchored by popular shopping destinations has experienced a downturn in recent years. “When I first started,” said Sandra, “I sat in every parking lot around town and surveyed traffic to decide where I wanted to put the cake shop. At the time, the Montgomery Mall was booming, and this location was just a no-brainer.” Despite the changing landscape of business in the area, Sandra says the decision to stay put has been a successful one, thanks to a loyal customer base that keeps coming back. “Our customers and friends tell us this location is iconic – that they come here for our products and our service, not because of our address. So, we plan to keep doing what we’re doing,” she said.
32 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
33 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR COMMUNITY
STORE ROOM FASTENERS: Choosing Local First From humble beginnings in a one-room
considered it an important part of my job
storage shed in Montgomery in 1984, Store
to create a positive work environment for
Room Fasteners (SRF) has experienced
employees to be happy and successful. Our
tremendous growth during its 35 years in
employees are wonderful and truly take
business. The Montgomery location, now
pride in their work,” he said.
boasting tens of thousands of square feet in warehouse and office space, serves as
SRF’s customer base is a cross-section of
company headquarters. SRF also operates
U.S.-based companies ranging from multi-
four additional branch locations in Selma;
national manufacturers to local machine
Opelika; Lagrange, Georgia; and Nuevo
shops. “Our strength is our extensive
Laredo, Mexico.
product knowledge and detailed inventory management for our customers. We feel it
SRF is a distributor of hydraulic and
is our responsibility to build true long-term
industrial products including fasteners,
relationships with both our customers and
fittings, industrial hoses, adhesives and a
our vendors,” said Wilsford. Because of
variety of specialty components. In addition
those strong partnerships around the globe,
to the distribution of industrial products, SRF
SRF can leverage its buying power, gaining
provides inventory management services,
the lowest possible prices for shoppers.
including product assembly and product packaging. “I believe our growth has
A local business owner himself, Wilsford
come from putting the customers’ needs
prioritizes shopping local first whenever
as the No. 1 priority. Our goal is to be our
possible for products and services needed
customer’s first choice with the confidence
for his company. In addition, SRF has
that SRF will have the part needed in stock
been the title sponsor for Lagoon Park’s
at a good price. Our employees strive
City Invitational Golf Tournament for the
for nothing less than complete customer
past three years. “We pride ourselves
satisfaction,” said Tim Wilsford, SRF’s Owner
in supporting and providing financial
and Founder.
contributions to many local charities,” said Wilsford. “This is our home, and while we
He also credits those dedicated employees
give back frequently, we always feel like
to his growth over the years. “I’ve
there is more we can do.”
34 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
SMALL BIZ MATTERS Montgomery is home to a vibrant small business community. From familyowned shops and restaurants to homegrown tech and production companies, these businesses make up an important sector of our local economy. According to Cedric Varner, Director of Small Minority Business and Community Outreach for the Chamber, they provide jobs, contribute to the local tax base and drive innovation. “Montgomery’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our community,” he said. “Not only do small businesses add a unique flavor to our city, their owners are usually the first in line to support local nonprofit organizations, causes and other small businesses.”
35 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
36 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
A R F
E L I G Movin’ On Relocating? Read on to learn how local companies are easing the transitions in both corporate and residential moves. By Minnie Lamberth
W
hether you’re moving your
Why not load up on expert advice before you go?
family or moving your
business (files, equipment, furniture and more), getting you and all your stuff from where you are to where you need to go
locations include sites in Auburn and
can be a hassle and a major expense,
Tuscaloosa, as well as Admiral Movers,
in both time and money. But the River
Inc. in Montgomery, has seen every
Region is home to several businesses
size and type of move, and knows that
that can make the process easier, faster
corporate moves in particular vary
and less stressful.
significantly in size and scope. “We have moved offices that have 60-plus
Whit Mitchell, partner of Birmingham-
employees and offices that have eight
based Move and Store, whose nine
employees,” he said.
37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Moving a Business Though residential moves could be a relocation to anywhere, businesses typically move within the same community. They are often either outgrowing a facility or downsizing
Pre-Move Checklist
their space, or they may want to move to a more appealing area. In addition, some types of businesses seek to expand or contract as they place locations in a new market. “Those are
4 Weeks Before
the main reasons we see folks move,”
• Clean out and discard items
Mitchell said. that they have not been opened. The larger the business is, the more
Tamper seals are also placed on the
services they require to get up and
locks of the truck, and a company
running. For example, companies
representative inspects the seal at
like Mitchell’s work with vendors who
departure and when the truck arrives
specialize just in furniture system
at its destination.
installations. “Imagine a move that’s 100-plus employees,” he said. “A
In other cases, corporations are
lot of times they’ll have a furniture
moving personnel—such as relocating
company that they’ve hired to buy
them to a different office or moving
the new cubicle systems for their new
them temporarily for a particular
workplace, and that furniture company
project. Mitchell said, “Those
will have an interior designer that will
businesses will usually hand over that
give a layout of how everything’s to be
employee’s contact information to us
put together.”
and ask us to make it as seamless and stress free as possible.”
Larger companies also have technology providers that handle
Mitchell first entered the moving
the disconnection and reconnection
business in 2010 when he wanted
of their equipment. In addition,
to make extra money as a student
electricians are needed to wire
at Auburn University. He offered to
the cubicle systems while other
help classmates move out of their
contractors install wireless networks.
student housing after final exams. By the following year, he and a friend
Regardless of the size of the move,
started a business that not only helped
Mitchell said, “There really needs to
students load and unload their trailers
be one employee that is spearheading
but also stored their belongings
the relocation.” That helps the
over the summer until they returned
transition go more smoothly.
to school. “We called it our ‘Dorm
you no longer want.
• Notify post office, utilities of planned move.
• Start packing items to move.
2 Weeks Before • Schedule cleaners to come after you move.
• Change your address for recurring deliveries.
• Arrange for childcare and pet care during move.
1 Week Before • Discard flammable items and drain fuel from tools.
• Consider layout of furniture in new location.
1-2 Days Before • Have boxes packed and labeled by room.
• Have personal bag and items packed and ready.
• Pack an essentials box and mark “load last.”
Store Service.’” After graduation, the There are also issues related to
partners reconfigured the company
sensitive documents that need to be
to become a full-service residential
addressed. In the case of paper files,
and commercial moving and storage
moving companies can use tamper
provider.
seals on boxes to provide proof
38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Source: Move & Store
Transitioning Homes
Make a plan in advance to help the move go as smooth as possible.
Managing a Successful Residential Move
Moving Later in Life
There are several things to keep in mind
average, 11 times during their lifetimes.
to make your move a success. “I think the biggest is very clear communication with the moving company that they select, specifically in terms of what they will handle and what they expect the movers to handle,” said Mitchell.
Day of Move • Be present for movers and be able to answer questions.
• Ensure nothing is left behind. •Take photos of vacant home for return of lease deposit.
• Meet movers at new location and guide on arrangement of furniture.
Estimators visit prior to the move to see everything that’s in the customer’s home. However, something can get overlooked. “A customer might not show us a shed in their backyard that they decide to add day of the move,” Mitchell said. “Those type wrinkles not only increase price, but sometimes the movers might not have the resources to take on the additional work that day.”
Is it ever too early to get started downsizing?
Being prepared to receive the furniture and household items is also important. “It takes longer to load the truck than it does to unload the truck,” Mitchell said. “Knowing where the pieces are going to go in the new home is really helpful, and having someone present that knows where all those items are going to go to advise the movers is really
“Start as early as possible, even five years down the road. Start with downsizing and sorting. Develop a plan— start with your basic to-do list. As you break down the tasks, enlist the help of family, friends or your church, or hire a moving coordinator. - Julia Maher Daisy’s Senior Moves
helpful.” Labeling boxes for each room is also a good idea. In addition, folks on the move should be aware of the effort it takes to pack a home. People often try to save funds by packing for themselves. One challenge Mitchell sees, however, is that when customers pack their own boxes they aren’t always fully packed or sealed. In addition, sometimes those who had every intention of being packed don’t get finished in time. "Most companies will try to accommodate a customer who needs day-of-move packing, but in a busy season, they might not have the available resources in crew and time," Mitchell noted. "The safety of the crew is also a concern."
39 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Studies show that people move, on In the later years, additional services are cropping up to help seniors transition to smaller homes, near their children or into senior communities. “I am a moving coordinator,” said Julia Maher, who started a consulting service, Daisy’s Senior Moves, in 2017. Her work includes helping clients sort and downsize belongings as well as analyzing floor planning. “We can look at their existing items with a new eye—what will actually fit,” Maher said. She helps families make decisions on what to sell, what to give, and how to get these items to loved ones. She also coordinates client estate sales, arranges for donations and consignments, works with local movers and assists clients as they settle in to their new home. “When you’re working with the elderly, oftentimes you’re dealing with some type of grieving,” Maher said. This could be the loss of a loved one, their possessions, their community or their health. “It’s a very sensitive time in many people’s lives.” She offered some advice to lessen the burden. “Start as early as possible, even five years down the road. Start with downsizing and sorting.” She noted that choices become harder as time goes by, but it’s okay to start small, such as cleaning out a single drawer. “Develop a plan—start with your basic to-do list.” As you break down the tasks, she said, enlist the help of family, friends or your church, or hire a moving coordinator.
WELL-SUITED SUMMER FOR
COOL ESSENTIALS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA SMITH, STUDIO PANACHE
40 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
SUMMER AHEAD Check out some of the latest business-ready looks that’ll help you ace that all-important first impression despite this season's swelter.
On this page: 1State ivory silk tunic; A Loves A skinny ankle leg trim detail trouser pant; Uno de 50 sterling silver plated large initial necklace; Antonio Melani Bannon woven heel banded leather sandals; Vince Camuto blood-orange ruched sleeve blazer
DRESS FOR SUCCESS Dress in layers so you can change throughout the day depending on the meeting or event.
BIZ MODEL Opposite page: Left: Antonio Melani Beth drapey twill floral halter; Antoni Melani Tony drapey stretch sateen wide-leg belted pant; Dolce Vita Noles vinyl squaretoe dress slides; Kendra Scott brushed gold wide cuff; Uno de 50 prisoner stacked rings. Middle: shown this page. Right: Vince Camuto short sleeve midi dress; Antonio Melani Camdeynns leopard print haircalf cork wedges.
We all want to look our best, and in a work
Wardrobe and styling provided by The Shoppes at EastChase.
done while staying cool and looking good.
environment, we want to look professional too. We asked Suzanna Wasserman, Director of Marketing at The Shoppes at EastChase, to help us showcase a few “go-to� ensembles for summer that will give the green light to getting business
41 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
This page, left: Murano Baird McNutt linen suit jacket; Murano Baird McNutt linen slim fit windowpane woven shirt; Ralph Lauren straight fit linen slacks; Skagen watch with leather band. Right: A Loves A stripe fit linen blend blazer; Antonio Melani Yana button-front silk charmeuse blouse; Eileen Fisher flex tencel travel ponte slouchy ankle pant. Opposite page, left: Hart Schaffner Marx burgundy wool sportcoat; Psycho Bunny non-Iion modern slim fit dress shirt; Ralph Lauren light blue slacks. Middle: Gianni Bini Robert satin snake skin bias skirt; Gianni Bini Carrie long sleeve v-neck wrap top; Vince Camuto Stassia leather clear ankle-tie wedge sandals; Kendra Scott Presleigh tassel necklace. RIght: Psycho Bunny slim fit medium blue wool suit; Murano floral pattern shirt; Original Penguin Blair solid skinny tie; Cole Haan shoes; Tissot watch .
HOT TIPS
KEEP STYLE STRESS LOW WHEN TEMPS GO UP
We asked Wasserman to share her hot tips on staying cool and confident amid the heat of a Montgomery summer. Here’s how to look put together no matter the weather.
Opt for lighter-weight materials and 100-percent cotton as opposed to polyester. You always want to breathe in your clothing, and heavier fabrics tend to make this harder and often show more perspiration and wrinkle easier.
Steer away from linen during the summer when you have no plans on an outfit change during the day. While it’s cool and chic, the material will wrinkle quickly and stretch, making you look slouchy during the day.
42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MOVIN' ON When you’re riding in the car, always remove your sweater or jacket to help with wrinkles and any perspiration stains!
Left: Antonio Melani Stretch Cotton Blazer!
SIMPLIFY SUMMER FASHION
Keep it simple. Rather than layering with scarves and accessories, choose a simple cardigan or blazer to dress up your outfit.
HOW TO
BEAT THE HEAT:
• Always keep travel size deodorant, hairspray and a brush in your car for quick touchups throughout the day.
after being in the heat, and the oil control blotting papers will keep your skin looking fresh without piling on more makeup.
• Keep dry shampoo and oil control blotting papers on you always! The dry shampoo will help fluff your hair
• Wear waterproof mascara if you know you’ll be outdoors.
43 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Small Business Briefcase +
PACK ED WITH TIPS AN D TOOLS TO BEN EFIT YOUR BUSINESS
GO WITH THE FLOW: KEEPING CASH READY One key to surviving a crisis is getting ahead of it, and for any size business, ensuring adequate cashflow is an essential element of proper preparation. Cashflow is at the forefront of every business
board, more people will use the credit card. By
owner’s and CFO’s mind during the Covid-19
charging the card automatically, you control the
pandemic. Regardless of profits and losses,
payment date. Also, if a card is declined, there is
RESOURCES AT THE READY
the timing of revenue and expenses controls
no penalty charge unlike a bounced check.
SCORE is a resource partner
the viability of your business. “The faster and
of the SBA and helps mentor
better your cashflow process is, the longer
small businesses through
you can sustain a crisis,” said Steve Dorrough,
online resources and local
a Montgomery CPA. Dorrough is a trusted
mentors. Here are several of
resource in the River Region for the pragmatic
its key tools and articles you
and sound advice he gives his business
can access online.
customers, and he shared these tips for increasing the flow in your revenue pipeline.
Invoice at the Time of Service: Instead of generating invoices once a month, generate them as soon as each job is complete. Reserve monthly invoices for recurring services. This will ensure your business has money flowing into it constantly instead of waiting for a giant
Find Ways to Decrease Time in Receiving Your Money: Bigger businesses usually wait until the 60-90day range to pay their bills. A way to avoid this lag time is to offer a discount for paying in the 30-day range. Make sure your contracts with clients include a specific payment deadline that, if missed, will result in an extra late fee. Whatever you do, make sure you are consistent.
payday in the middle of the month.
Invoice to Net 10 or Net 15: When working with a client for the first time, bill them at Net 10 or Net 15, until you see their payment pattern. Save Net 30 for clients you work with all the time. The pricing for Net 30 needs to cover your carrying cost because you are basically lending them money.
Check out this great library of information on cash flow. score.org/accounting-cashflow-resources SCORE’s Financial Projections Template tool provides sound direction for startups and new businesses. score.org/resource/financialprojections-template The 12-month Profit & Loss Template score.org/resource/12-monthprofit-and-loss-projection
If the business is having a hard time paying because of some financial troubles, allow it to
And take the time to watch
pay something, if not the whole amount, until it is
this webinar:
back on its feet.
Understanding Cash Flow - A Critical Component to the
Most importantly, put some money back for a rainy day.
Move Clients to Credit Card Payments:
Life of Your Business. It was recorded after the COVID-19
“You don’t want to hunt for an umbrella when
pandemic began and features
it’s raining. The cost of umbrellas goes up,” said
Julie Brander, a small business
Dorrough. “When rain is not in the forecast, that’s
owner.
Bounced checks can be expensive, so get a
when you need to buy an umbrella.” Secure a
score.org/event/
credit card on file. There is usually a credit card
line of credit before you need it for those times
understanding-cash-flow-
fee, and clients would rather pay by check. If you
when your cashflow may be affected. This will
critical-component-life-your-
go up on your prices to cover the fee across the
minimize the impact to your business.
business.
44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
45 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MGM CHAMBER UPDATES & RESOURCES
#KEEPMGMWORKING
Your Chamber is hard at work, delivering up-to-date information and providing valuable resources to help Montgomery’s businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. Read on for more.
needed to establish processes and protocols to manage the crisis, while also serving as a clear, concise voice for relief and recovery efforts.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
current and relevant resources regarding
Chamber shifted to remote work on March
COVID-19. Over the past two months, the
17. The entire Chamber team continues to
Chamber has launched a new COVID-19
adhere to all public health guidance from
website, scheduled programming and
Governor Kay Ivey and Mayor Steven L.
calls with experts to discuss and review
with our Congressional delegation and
Reed. While our operations look and feel
loans, legislation and recovery efforts, all
staffers to advocate for the issues and relief
different, our mission has not changed.
while continuing to offer mission-critical
measures that can most help Montgomery
programming and events that align with the
and the River Region as our members
Chamber’s 2020 goals and initiatives.
continue to navigate the impacts of the
We are working as hard as ever in the midst of a great crisis to connect, engage and
Advocating for Critical Resources The Chamber has been working daily
coronavirus pandemic.
serve our membership and the River Region
Leveraging Partnerships
business community. We are awaiting the
Early on, the Chamber realized how crucial
In late March, Congress passed the $2.2T
“all clear” so we can return to our normal
it would be to leverage its partnerships
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic
operating status, but rest assured, in the
and unique assets to combat and survive
Security (CARES) Act, designed to provide
meantime, your Chamber remains at work
the COVID-19 pandemic. By joining forces
emergency assistance and healthcare
for you so YOU can keep working.
with community stakeholders, elected
response for individuals, families and
leadership, military partners, the public and
businesses affected by the 2020
The Chamber’s overall mission is to catalyze
private sectors, including state officials,
coronavirus pandemic. The legislation is
leaders to improve the economic prosperity
Montgomery has aligned significant
very broad but includes a number of key
and quality of life in the River Region.
resources and initiated a plan for business
provisions relevant for a wide variety of
We leverage partnerships and connect
continuity, while also playing a key role
businesses, industry sectors and individuals.
people to the critical resources they
in advocating for legislation, relief and
need to launch, grow and thrive. During
recovery. The ultimate goal has been to
Below you’ll find a few highlights of the
this unprecedented time, the Chamber
keep Montgomery working.
legislation as well as information regarding
is still doing just that by monitoring and
an expanded small business loan program
disseminating vital information as well as
A holistic approach to keep local small
that was included, the Paycheck Protection
advocating for key legislation regarding
businesses, and the community, engaged
Program, administered through the Small
relief and recovery for our local small
and informed has been the mission. Each
Business Administration through local
business community.
entity has played a significant role in the
Every Chamber staffer has been diligently
effort, but by rallying together, as one, the
financial lenders.
working behind the scenes to provide
team has provided the critical infrastructure
46 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Connect
Fund Facts
taxpayers other than corporations during
• Loans to help cash flow for “small”
business losses)
businesses and nonprofits with 500 employees or less; the amount of the loan can be up to 2.5 times your average monthly payroll (up to a maximum of $10 million); importantly, a significant portion of these loans will be forgiven for businesses that retain or rehire employees between now and June 30. • $500 billion for loans to struggling businesses and governments • Adding $600 per week to unemployment benefits • $1,200 per person to adults earning less than $75,000 per year, plus $500 per child under 16 years old.
For Small Businesses: • Expands eligibility and increases availability of 7(a) Loans (“Paycheck Protection Program”) • Provides loan forgiveness for certain qualifying expenditures • Makes available Emergency Economic Injury Disaster grants for up to $10,000 per business in the form of a loan advance • Increases the maximum loan for an SBA Express loan from $350,000 to $1 million through December 31, 2020 • Requires Veteran’s fee waivers for the 7(a) Express loan program to be permanently waived.
For Businesses:
tax year 2020 (farm losses and excess • Modifies credit for prior year minimum tax liability of corporations • Amends the changes to the family and medical leave and sick leave policies established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to limit the total amount employers may have to pay under each benefit
Resources for Small Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic* For small businesses and other entities, the Payroll Protection Program is of particular interest. Not only does the loan provide immediate cash to keep your business afloat, but an amount equal to the total of your payroll, health insurance costs, mortgage interest and rent incurred for eight weeks after your loan will be converted to a grant upon submission of documentation. The qualification requirements are simple, and the loans are designed to be approvable in a single day. All current SBA 7(a) lenders are eligible lenders for the Paycheck Protection Program. As a result of the CARES Act, the Department of Treasury has authorized additional lender categories, including nonbank lenders, to help meet the needs of small business owners. Small business owners are encouraged to contact their local lending institution to inquire about
COVID-19 WEBSITE
The Chamber created and launched a mini website, montgomerychamber.com/ covid-19, which houses up-to-date information regarding Chamber operations, business continuity planning, COVID-19 media and releases, and it also fuels the community with critical resources and direct links to key government, organization, association and community websites.
OPERATIONS UPDATE - Get the latest updates on all Chamber activities, programs, facilities and in-office operations.
RESOURCE GUIDE - This extensive resource guide provides links to local information, top press announcements, and available resources to #keepMGMworking.
RELIEF & RECOVERY - Stay up-to-date with legislation regarding business financial assistance, loan programs, stimulus packages, recovery information and unemployment.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS - Get realtime updates on the local hospitality industry with this listing of restaurant, attraction and hotel information, along with news on pharmacies, grocery stores and banks.
JOB BOARD - Several local and national companies are looking to hire additional employees NOW in the mist of COVID-19, so the Chamber is tracking the openings and is updating this list daily.
application for a small business loan • Creates an Employee Retention
under the Paycheck Protection Program.
NEWS & UPDATES - View COVID-19 news and announcements from the Chamber,
Tax Credit (an advance tax credit for employers subject to closure due to
*EDITOR’S NOTE: This information was
City, County, State, community partners and
COVID-19)
current at the time of print, but we
emergency management agencies.
• Allows for a delay in payment of
know information and resources are
employer payroll taxes
changing daily, so be sure to stay current
• Provides tax modifications for operating
and up-to-date by checking the MACC
losses during tax year 2020
COVID-19 Relief & Recovery page on
leaders as they continue to provide updates
• Eliminates tax limitation on losses for
montgomerychamber.com/covid-19*
and resources to #keepMGMworking.
47 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
VIDEO & MEDIA - Hear from the Chamber, the local business community and our elected
CHAMBER NEWS Connect
DOING GOOD TOGETHER Throughout this crisis, Montgomery companies and individuals are finding ways to give
• Kyser Builders and Kyser Property Management donated Dreamland BBQ box lunches to
back, donate or innovate and adapt while
healthcare workers at Baptist East.
they navigate the “new” normal and respond
• Montgomery Catholic family donated 3D printed
to COVID-19. Check out the list below and visit the Doing Good Together page on montgomerychamber.com/covid-19 for these stories and more.
Local Businesses & Organizations Stepping Up to Donate Food, Products or Services • Mr. Ashraf Hijaz, Owner of Beauty and Beyond Stores in Montgomery, donated 3,000 masks
masks to community.
• Chappy’s Deli launched “Food for the Front Lines” campaign to deliver donated meals to River Region healthcare workers.
• The Shoppes at EastChase joined forces with
• Hyundai Hope On Wheels expanded its support for COVID-19 drive-thru testing to 11 children’s hospitals with $2.2 million.
• HMMA donated lunches to River Region healthcare providers.
• Local small business, The Locker Room, shifted
MPS is providing meals for
• Auburn University Montgomery Open Dorms to
material and donating them locally.
• Alabama Shakespeare Festival is producing masks for hospitals to help combat COVID-19 crisis.
• Beasley Allen provided meals to all Montgomery hospital ER And ICU nurses.
• Genpak Montgomery and Genpak Hope Hull donated thousands of to-go containers to two area nonprofits.
closed for COVID-19.
Healthcare Workers Childcare for essential
Montgomery Businesses Innovate and Adapt During the COVID-19 Crisis • Prevail sent coffee to Montgomery medical workers and is offering new delivery options.
• Several local creatives began hosting virtual painting classes (Barb’s on Mulberry), offering take-home cookie kits (How Sweet Cookies) or
• Cahawba House innovated and adapted to
Organization are producing masks from scrap
COVID-19.
students while schools are
adopted COVID-19 Unit at Baptist Hospital.
• Tang’s Alterations and the Montgomery Chinese
The YMCA’s Brown Bag Bus provided Meals During
Baptist healthcare workers.
offering take-home pizza kits (Bibb St Pizza).
feed Alabama’s children.
to those in need.
Frutta Bowls and Dillard’s to deliver lunches to
its focus and has tailors making masks for an
• Milo’s launched the Alabama Strong Initiative to
organizations are lending a helping hand and giving back
neighborhood restaurants Pies + Pints, BurgerFi,
and gallons of sanitizer to the EMA, which were provided to local police and first responders.
Get Help, Give Help Several nonprofits and local
workers is available through the YMCA. A full list of nonprofits can be found on the Chamber’s directory page, montgomerychamber.com/ directory.
COVID-19 by shifting the restaurant to a market for local goods called Bama Bonafide Bodega.
• Capri Theatre is offering movie rentals from the comfort of your living room.
• Leroy started offering cocktail kits for pickup and is serving up its entire selection to take home.
• Vintage Year is serving up family meal deals for pickup.
• Sa Za extended its delivery area and is providing menu options for pickup.
• The Alabama Shakespeare Festival launched the Play On series featuring ASF actors and their favorite Shakespeare monologues.
DOING GOOD TOGETHER: Are you or your company giving back in some way or donating products or services related to COVID-19? We want to know about it and share it. Please send giveback efforts to jminiard@ montgomerychamber.com.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU 2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS & CHAMBER PROGRAMMING Like most of you, the Chamber is navigating uncharted territory, but it is also working very hard to launch mission-critical events and programming for our members and the community. We encourage you to monitor and check our website calendar daily, as we update our COVID-19 expert calls and webinars, our Work Together Business Studio events, as well as other Chamber programming and events that were temporarily postponed and will be rescheduled.
48 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
DESTINATION MGM
“
Around the world, the hospitality industry has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis. Montgomery’s hotels, attractions, restaurants, retailers and tourism-related services have taken a hit, and the Chamber’s Destination
WATCH, LISTEN & LEARN: Videos & Media Throughout the crisis, the Chamber has leaned on experts in the field, as well
“Chambers have played a pivotal role for their community and
businesses during this pandemic.
Marketing team has been by their side,
As we come out of this crisis,
working to understand the national
Chambers will lead and serve
trends, projections and solutions that continue to evolve. The team has spent hours working on direct and indirect solutions to address the industry’s needs and to communicate directly on behalf of our partners to elected leadership and the public. Here’s a snapshot of those efforts:
• Conducted daily outreach calls to partners to monitor economic and employment impacts.
• Coordinated a call-in for hoteliers to speak directly with Mayor Steven Reed about their challenges and to ask questions.
• Created a landing page on visitingmontgomery.com with a directory of COVID-19 Related Resources and Information specifically for meeting
as the hub in building strategic plans for their businesses and their community’s recovery. Now more than ever, member voices are needed. As Chambers
(diningatadistance.com/Montgomery), a mobile app (https://alabamafd.glideapp. io/) and a directory of restaurants offering take out, to-go and curbside services and worked with local media to publicize these solutions.
• Sales team worked with previously scheduled meetings and events to rebook in Montgomery as early as possible.
copy of each video and recorded call or webinar is located on our website at montgomerychamber.com/videos.
Videos: • Anna B. Buckalew, President & CEO, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce • Mayor Steven L. Reed, City of Montgomery • Ronda Walker, Vice Chairman, Montgomery County Commission
sustain business during recovery,
• Arthur DuCote, Montgomery Area
membership and investors are the foundation. Each corporate client I work with agrees, this is not the time to cut back in their Chamber investment; now more than ever we will lean on our Chambers to rebuild and strengthen our
”
business community.
- Shari Pash, Membership and Growth Strategist, Strategic Solutions for Growth
Chamber of Commerce Chairman • Doug Singleton, Montgomery County Commissioner
Recorded Calls & Webinars: Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits: Secretary of Labor, Fitzgerald Washington, Alabama Department of Labor How to Swim Your Best Race in Choppy Waters: Dr. Kevin Elko Navigating Your Business Through COVID-19: Willie Durham,
Montgomery is open for future business
• Coordinated a desktop app,
community engaged and informed. A
represent businesses and work to
planners to ensure they know that after COVID-19.
as our local elected officials to keep the
State Farm; Nan H. Lloyd, CPA, EA, CTC, unprecedented time together, know the
Associated Business Services; Dr. David
Chamber is here for you now more than
R. Thrasher, Montgomery Pulmonary
ever. Connecting people to people and
Consultants, P.A.
people to resources is what we do best, and we will continue to do that now and
Stay Strong! Lead Well! Series with
far beyond this crisis. We are leveraging
Tasha M. Scott, Founder of Maximized
community resources and partnerships
Growth, LLC
daily to help small businesses and our community respond to and recover from
Virtual Town Hall with Senator Doug Jones
COVID-19. Montgomery Chamber to Host First Your continued partnership and
Small Business Connect Call Live Call-In
investment in us are critical as we
successfully booking new business
Opportunity Links Experts and Area Small
continue to advocate for legislation,
within the next 18-24 months.
Businesses Facing COVID-19 Impacts
tax credits and relief that will help keep
• Continued to sell Montgomery,
Critical Mission As we move through this
Montgomery working, employees
Conversation with Congresswoman
employed and help accelerate
Terri Sewell
Montgomery’s recovery. 50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MGM COVID -19 UPDATES & RESOURCES
COMBATTING OUR LOCAL COVID-19 CRISIS
#KEEPMGMWORKING
MGM’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IS STRONGER THAN EVER For months now, Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital have been on the front lines, working hard to protect us all from COVID-19 and to get the River Region’s economy rolling again. Learn more about their efforts to care for our community in the midst of the pandemic.
JACKSON HOSPITAL Since COVID-19 arrived in the River Region, Jackson Hospital has been living out its mission “to improve the health of all members of our community by providing superior, patient-centered and costeffective care in a safe, compassionate environment.” But it’s had to adapt. The hospital put strict COVID-19-specific rules in place quickly, limiting visitors and
“I AM SO INSPIRED BY OUR JACKSON TEAMS – CARING FOR THOSE WE SERVE.”
rescheduling elective procedures.
our team members, physicians, patients, visitors and community,” he said. “We continue to work closely with local, state and federal agencies in order to implement recommendations for all of our continued safety.” Riley pointed out that he is equally concerned with his team’s mental health, and to help doctors, nurses and other staff deal with the long hours and any anxiety,
The hospital also increased the use of its
Jackson has been providing regular
Tru-D infection-killing robot throughout.
informational updates and daily coping
The robot produces UV light energy to
and stress-relief tips since the outbreak
disinfect an entire room at the push of a
began. “I am so inspired by our Jackson
button, helping to eliminate human error
teams – caring for those we serve,” he
and destroying pathogens. Tru-D utilizes
said.
Sensor360 technology, which allows it to calculate variables within the room, such as size, geometry and location of equipment, and then deliver a precise and
Joe Riley, Jackson Hospital’s CEO
He also gave kudos and expressed appreciation to the community serving Jackson's team. “Jackson Hospital & Clinic
lethal amount of UVC light from one single
that the robot is capable of reducing the
is immensely grateful for the community
location in the room.
transmission of healthcare-associated
support we have received during this
infections by up to 30 percent and can
pandemic,” he said. “It is said that
Jackson was the first hospital in the River
fight deadly pathogens such as C. diff,
one’s true character is revealed during
Region to use Tru-D, allowing it to refine
MRSA and COVID-19.
hardships. The kindness and generosity
the use of this technology, which has
the community has shown proves the
proven vital during the pandemic. Tru-D
River Region to be an outstanding group
is the only disinfection system used by
Joe Riley, Jackson Hospital’s CEO,
of individuals and businesses who come
healthcare facilities that has been CDC-
stressed how seriously Jackson is taking
together for the greater good of our
funded and undergone random clinical
its responsibility to the community during
community, state and nation.”
trials to measure the effectiveness of
this trying time. “Our top priority continues
disinfection. These trials have shown
to be the health, safety and well-being of 52 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BAPTIST HEALTH In response to the COVID-19 threat and in an effort to ensure access to care while also helping slow the virus’ spread, Baptist Health began by restricting visitors to the hospital and then canceling and rescheduling all elective procedures. The next phase was the opening of central Alabama’s first drive-up COVID-19 screening clinic on March 20 to provide fast and effective screening while limiting exposure. Staffed by Baptist Health team members
“COVID-19 DOES NOT CHANGE OUR STANDARD OF CARE AT BAPTIST HEALTH – MEDICAL CARE IS WHAT WE DO, AND WE DO IT WELL."
follow the protocols in place to ensure only patients who meet CDC criteria are tested to ensure no resources are wasted. Baptist Health’s dedicated team of doctors, nurses and other hospital, lab and clinic staff are its most valuable resources, and they’ve been working tirelessly to help the community through the pandemic, putting themselves and often, their own families, at risk. Yet their efforts have not been in vain; so far,
from 7 am - 7 pm, seven days a week,
they’ve proven immensely effective, as
the clinic is located in the former
Baptist Health CEO Russ Tyner noted in
Governor’s House AFC PriMed facility
a memo to his team and Baptist Health
off the Southern Bypass. The clinic only
stakeholders.
sees patients by appointment, so clinic staff are also manning a phone line
In the days following the first clinic’s
that’s available around the clock daily
opening, he explained that while the
to allow those seeking care to make an
specifics have changed, the need
appointment. Before being given an appointment time,
Russ Tyner, Baptist Health CEO
that Baptist Health fills in the River Region has not. “Our role as healthcare professionals is to meet the needs of
anyone concerned that they’re sick calls
this virus has spanned the nation and
the sick in a caring and compassionate
the number and then answers a series
now made its way to the River Region,
manner. There’s no doubt that the need
of questions created by the CDC. Their
our role as healthcare professionals
has increased due to COVID-19, but our
answers determine the appropriate next
is to meet patient needs in a caring,
role remains the same. Thanks to you,
actions, namely whether they’ll need to
compassionate manner,” said Kadie
we have proven that Baptist Health is
be seen and tested at the clinic. Once at
Agnew, Baptist Health’s Marketing and
more than equipped to respond during
the clinic, all interaction with their patient
Communications Manager. “COVID-19
this public health crisis while remaining
occurs with them remaining in their car.
does not change our standard of care at
true to our standard of excellence in
Whether the patient is screened and
Baptist Health – medical care is what we
healthcare,” he said.
swabbed for COVID-19 or not, they will
do, and we do it well. These clinics are
receive clear guidance from a medical
an innovative approach to protect our
Tyner went on to praise his team’s hard
provider on the steps they need to take.
other patient population and staff from
work and offer encouragement for the
the potential of contracting this virus
work yet to be done. “Thank you for all
within our own walls.”
that you bring to this organization every
On March 23, Baptist Health’s response plan expanded as it added a drive-up
day and for your dedication during trying
coronavirus care clinic in Prattville.
In just the first few weeks, both clinics
times,” he said. “You make a difference in
“COVID-19 is something that Baptist
were flooded with thousands of calls,
the lives of our patients, and together, we
Health team members have been
and as those numbers increase, the clinic
can help fight the spread of this virus.”
preparing for over recent months. As
teams continue to exercise discipline and
53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Member FAQs D ISCOV ER W H AT YO U R C H AMBER CAN DO FOR YOU AN D YOUR BUS IN ESS .
Q:
How (and Why) Should I Access The Member Information Center (MIC)?
ATTENTION: EMPLOYERS Are your employees staying connected
A:
The Member Information Center
(MIC) is your one-stop shop for enhancing your profile on montgomerychamber. com and increasing your digital presence online. By taking just three easy steps
BIG BENEFITS
USING THE MIC LETS YOU:
with this FREE member benefit, you’ll gain access to the MIC, where you can manage your profile, renew your membership, post events and add deals.
IT'S AS EASY AS
1-2-3
HERE'S HOW TO START:
View and edit your company information, which automatically
1 2
by contacting skelley@ montgomerychamber.com.
public website. Submit jobs and events
email to create a username and password.
list is up to date in the Member Information Center. Once they’ve been added, they’ll start receiving the Chamber’s MBJ, enewsletters and any special announcements with regard to initiatives, programming and events.
BOUNTIFUL BENEFITS:
for approval.
ONLINE RESOURCES
View statistical reports.
you and your business in the digital space.
Pay your bills. Post status updates, videos, links and photos in the
Use advanced search filters to find other members. “Favorite” a member or rep for
Follow the link in the login
Chamber of Commerce’s events and programs? Make sure your full employee
updates the member listing on your
Dashboard social feed. Request a log-in via email
and engaged with the Montgomery Area
easier access later. Download vCard information in order to auto-populate contact lists
Check out all the ways the Chamber can help
JOB BOARD List your job openings. MEMBER CALENDAR Post events and sales promotions. NON-PROFIT CALENDAR Post fundraisers and events. MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DEALS AND PROMOTIONS Post exclusive member discounts and promotions.
in Outlook, Google Contacts or other programs.
3
Take control of your company’s profile. Update information, pay your dues and post events, job opportunities or member deals.
Add others to your employee/rep
YOUR CONTACT:
list and invite them to create a login account. Update your payment profile (if using automatic recurring ACH
WHY WAIT?
Start taking advantage now
or credit card billing).
of this valuable member
Open to the specific MIC page
benefit that’s totally free!
when logging in.
Sandra Kelley, Senior Manager Engagement 334-240-9298 skelley@montgomerychamber.com
54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FIVE HOT TOPICS 1 .COV I D -1 9 W I L L D I R E C T LY I M PAC T CO N S T R U C T I O N P R O J E C T S .
P OT E N T I A L L I A B I L I T I E S A N D CO N S T R U C T I O N D I S P U T E S .
Planning now can help protect your employees
The Opportunity Zone Program was established
and mitigate risks. Warren Averett is acutely
in the 2017 Tax Reform to promote economic
monitoring COVID-19 and its impact on the
development in low-income areas. While
construction industry. Contractors should act
construction companies aren’t investing in the
now to manage cash and define steps for the
program, it does directly impact contractors
weeks ahead. Our advisors are equipped to help
because of the qualifying requirements for
you through this and answer any questions that
Opportunity Zone Funds. Builders should
you have.
negotiate contract language to protect them if the project gets delayed outside of their control
2 . K N OW I N G YO U R T R U E OV E R H E A D C O S T A N D I N D I R E C T J O B CO S T S C A N H E L P M A N AG E YO U R C AS H A N D M I T I G AT E R I S K D U R I N G T H E G LO B A L PA N D E M I C .
to avoid potential liabilities and costly disputes.
Do you know your true overhead and indirect
changing economy and help you understand
job costs? At the end of the week, do you know if you were profitable? Taking a moment to understand your company’s metrics can help you make decisions that drive you forward during these uncertain times.
3 . H AV I N G A N O W N E R S H I P T R A N S I T I O N P L A N I S N OT E N O U G H FOR SUCCESSION PLANNING.
NEXT STEPS Having an advisor who understands your industry can help you navigate the consistently how COVID-19 is impacting your business. Don’t look back a year from now and wish you had started today. Talk to your advisor to begin implementing these practices now.
MEET THE EXPERT
Does your company have a contingency plan in addition to your ownership transaction plan? If someone were to leave the company unexpectedly, a contingency plan can help transition tightly held responsibilities.
4 .T H I N K YO U A R E TO O S M A L L F O R A C Y B E R S E C U R I T Y AT TA C K ? Think again. All businesses are at risk of a cyber-attack. The best way to protect yourself is to be proactive. Things like risk assessments, vulnerability scans, internal controls and more can help you protect your data.
5 . U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y ZO N E P R O G R A M ’ S R U L E S C A N P R OT E C T YO U F R O M
Cristy Andrews is a Warren Averett Tax Member with proven experience specializing in accounting and tax services for clients in the real estate and construction industries. Reach her at 334-260-2339 or Cristy.Andrews@warrenaverett.com.
57 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
ACCOUNTING
BY C R I S T Y A N D R E WS , C PA , C G M A
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 O W
F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N C O M PA N I E S I N 2 0 2 0
58 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BY C H AS E H A R DY
In recent months, the Alabama economy
Two unique examples of Valley customers
has been grappling with uncertainty due to
finding alternative business models for our new
COVID-19. While many things remain uncertain
normal include a bookstore and a fitness studio
at this time, one thing that is certain is that
— both had to shut their doors due to shelter in
Alabama businesses will pull through this,
place type orders.
and our economy will rebound. When the dust settles, bankers will be eager to help
The bookstore transitioned to providing advice
businesses find a viable path forward. For a
on what books to buy over the phone. Since it
customer-focused bank like Valley, we don’t
receives a percentage of online sales, it found
just want you to survive, we want you to thrive.
that while “in-person” retail shopping is out,
So, what can business owners do during this
personal conversations and recommendations
period of uncertainty? Here are three ideas:
from a trusted source are still in and can drive sales. The fitness studio was focused on
G E T YO U R R E CO R D S I N O R D E R .
providing cycling, yoga and community. After
A good rule of thumb is to have five years of
being open for a mere 16 days, it was forced
tax records on hand to show historic revenue
to close. In just six days, it transitioned to offer
and expense trends to better demonstrate
digital classes to its members.
need for recovery funds in the coming weeks and months. While COVID-19 is unprecedented,
TA L K TO YO U R B A N K E R .
and we can’t predict what the exact parameters
At Valley, we are working with qualified
of special SBA-sponsored loans will be, having
customers on everything from deferring
current financials will speed up any assistance.
payments to waiving overdraft charges and penalties for early CD withdrawals. We’re also
Being able to demonstrate a solid business
helping qualified customers get working lines
plan and track record of success leading
of credit and advising them on registering with
up to this unprecedented event will also be
the SBA to apply for loans. You’ll never know
important in renegotiating the terms of your
what you qualify for, or what your banker can
loan when the economy starts to rebound, if
do to help, if you don’t reach out.
that’s what you’re looking to do.
G E T C R E AT I V E I N F I N D I N G N E W WAYS TO B R I N G I N R E V E N U E .
MEET THE EXPERT
The average small business has 27 days of cash on hand, so many businesses are going to need loans and any revenue they can find in coming months. Try thinking outside your existing business model to find alternative or partial revenue streams. At Valley, we are currently offering qualified customers a working line of credit to help them get over the hump. However, finding a way to earn even a small percentage of your preCOVID-19 revenue might help your business
Chase Hardy is the Vice President of Commercial
wait out the uncertainty and make your cash
Banker for Valley National Bank. Contact him at
reserves last longer.
314-301-5918 or chardy@valley.com. 59 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
BANKING
N E X T S T E P S I N U N C E R TA I N T I M E S
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 IN THE KNOW
HOW TO:
60 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
BY M E LV I N C R U M
For the last 30 years, I have worked at the
prevent injuries and violence and to reduce their
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
consequences. None of this would be possible
where I have managed, provisioned and
without providing the right data, to the right
secured public and environmental health data
people, in the right format, through the right
using platforms such as the mainframe, client/
channel, at the right time while continuously
server, web, mobile and cloud. Throughout my
ensuring the security of this fundamental asset
professional journey, data has been an asset
known as data.
for the CDC as it works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and here in the United States.
E X P E R T A DV I C E
As cells are the fundamental building blocks
T H E F O L LO W I N G T H R E E P O I N T S A R E I M P E R AT I V E F O R M A N AG I N G E N T E R P R I S E DATA A N D A P P LY TO A L L
of biological systems, data is fundamental to
TYPES OF BUSINESSES:
information systems used by private industry and
• Constantly think/plan ahead and monitor every
government agencies across the country. There
phase of the data management lifecycle from
is no greater asset today, besides humans,
collection to archiving.
than data that is generated, captured, stored,
• Develop self-serving tools for accessing/
processed and disseminated through various
manipulating enterprise data and keep
channels utilizing an array of technological
stakeholders and end users informed (with
devices. When data is merged, aggregated and/
reoccurring meetings, etc.).
or summarized, information can be created
• Always be purpose-driven (make it a strategic
and then used by decision-makers to provide
goal) when managing enterprise data.
direction to leadership, staff and customers. Today, data is generated at the speed of light on
MEET THE EXPERT
various smart devices like household appliances, medical equipment, transportation vehicles, cell phones and social media sites. So how is all this data useful to people who are charged to make decisions much quicker than in past years? In its raw form, the data is useless and meaningless. However, data placed in context, structured, formatted and presented to the right individuals at the right time provides powerful insight and assists with making timely and accurate decisions. Melvin Crum, M.S., is Acting Associate Director
As a computer scientist, I have designed,
of Informatics at the National Center for Injury
developed and deployed some of the most
Prevention and Control, CDC. Contact him at
data-intensive systems along with managing an
mcrum@cdc.gov
IT security team to ensure the safety of that data. My office provides consultation in innovative research and science-based programs to
61 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
TECHNOLOGY
P R OV I D I N G T I M E LY, A C C U R AT E & A C T I O N A B L E D ATA TO D E C I S I O N - M A K E R S
EXPERTISE AND ANSWERS TO CO M M O N B U S I N E S S QUESTIONS FROM LO C A L S I N T H E K N OW
HOW TO:
SPONSORED CONTENT
Serving People and Communities in Uncertain Times
By Arthur DuCote, Montgomery-Area Market Executive for Regions Bank
COVID-19 has brought tremendous challenges – but also opportunities to serve. We have never seen anything like this.
banks. This advertising was originally purchased to promote our own products
But we have seen difficult times before.
and services, but our teams recognized an
Through it all, the people of Alabama stand
opportunity to change the ads to promote
with each other, even if we’ve had to stay
food banks instead. These food banks
a little farther apart recently. As financial
are doing incredible work meeting urgent
professionals, our commitment remains the
needs during the crisis. We encourage
same — to help people, businesses and
all who can to consider a financial gift to
communities move forward.
sustain their services.
In recent weeks, Regions Bank teams have
Additionally, the Regions Foundation*,
been in touch with customers, learning
a nonprofit initiative of Regions Bank, is
about the challenges they face due to the
issuing grants to support organizations
By Arthur DuCote,
coronavirus and identifying ways we can
that are helping small businesses navigate
Montgomery-Area Market
help. We announced a series of options
financial challenges. And our associates
Executive for Regions Bank
for people struggling financially because
are encouraged to join us in providing
of the pandemic. From loan payment
financial support to United Way agencies
deferrals, to waiving late fees for credit
and various community foundations.
cards and more, there are services in the
The Regions Foundation will match
short term that can help. And in the long
their donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to
term, we’ll stay true to our mission to serve
$500,000.
and support. We are taking these steps because our We are invested in the success of the
roles as financial professionals are about
River Region, and we want to be part
more than dollars and cents. They’re
of the solutions to the challenges our
about meeting the needs of our neighbors.
communities are facing. We are updating
They’re about using our resources to
regions.com with details on financial
serve. They’re about making progress
options, so you can always check there for
possible.
the latest information. Our hope is to make this time a little easier. There are other ways we can help,
And we are committed to continuing to find
too. You might have seen or heard
ways to assist in the days to come.
the advertisements we’re running, encouraging financial donations to food
*The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
62 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Find the latest resources at regions.com/ coronavirus.
63 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS
SEE YOU
NEXT TIME
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU. We encourage you to
check our website calendar daily, as we update our COVID-19 expert calls and webinars, our Work Together Business Studio events, as well as other Chamber programming and events that were temporarily postponed and will be rescheduled.
CHECK OUT MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
1
2
BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
FEB 27
THE BELMONT ASSISTED LIVING Sponsor & Location: The Belmont Assisted Living
60 3
MINUTE COFFEE
4 5
1. First Friday Culture Builder & Social Hour - February 7 at the Work Together Business Studio Event Sponsor: Elizabeth Ellen Digital
2. Small Business Boot Camp - February 18 at the Work Together Business Studio Event Sponsor: Troy University
3. State of the State - February 19 Sponsors: Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, Beasley Allen Law Firm, First United Methodist Church & Southeast Gas
4. Small & Minority Business Procurement - February 26 at the Work Together Business Studio 5. First Friday Culture Builder & Social Hour - March 6 at the Work Together Business Studio Presenting Sponsor: Goat Haus Biergarten 64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MAR 11
MONTGOMERY AREA COUNCIL ON AGING Sponsor & Location: Montgomery Area Council on Aging
NOT PICTURED: Grant Writing 2.0 - February 4 at the Work Together Business Studio Presented by: River Region United Way
65 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move K EEP U P W I T H O U R M EM B ER S W ELCOMIN G N EW HIRES AN D ACCEPTIN G N EW POS ITION S
Starke Agency Announces New Employee Benefits/Life Consultant
Reed began working together in the Lieutenant Governor’s
Starke recently brought on Josh Dudley to help the Agency
External Affairs.
be more client focused. Starke Life
Office in 2008, during which time Hill served as the Director of
handles complex life insurance, health insurance, alternative risk transfer, PEO
Paige Hawks Joins Palomar Insurance
and other non-traditional methods to
Paige Hawks joined Palomar in November
help customers protect their assets
2019 as an Account Executive for the
individually and corporately. Dudley
Aesthetisure division. A division of
will help Starke expand its footprint
Palomar Insurance Corporation since
in helping local businesses with
2004, Aesthetisure is the premier
their health insurance and employee
provider of complications insurance
benefits solutions.
following elective cosmetic procedures. Hawks is licensed in Property & Casualty
Tanner Hicks Joins Alabama Wildlife Federation Tanner Hicks joined Alabama Wildlife
Insurance and focuses on complication insurance for board-certified plastic surgeons.
Federation (AWF) as Community
Central AlabamaWorks! Names Workforce Program Coordinator
Relations/Development Assistant. Hicks’ responsibilities will focus on strategic
Central AlabamaWorks! has announced
assistance to AWF’s Wild Game Cook-
Sabrina Wood as Workforce Program
off Series, relationship building with
Coordinator. Central AlabamaWorks! is a
corporate entities, supporting the
nonprofit organization established to work
organization’s conservation education
throughout 13 counties in conjunction with
partnership, and fundraising assistance
the statewide AlabamaWorks! system to
to the Executive and Development Director.
provide business and industry with a highquality, qualified workforce. Wood will be
McClinton Adds Residential Real Estate Platform
responsible for coordinating programs
Kathi Little has been tapped to lead
that will help meet the region’s current and future workforce
McClinton’s expansion of Residential
needs.
Real Estate sales and services for Fine Homes and Signature Properties
Foster Named Employee Communications Director for Alfa
throughout the River Region. David McClinton, CCIM, MBA is proud to
Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers
expand service offerings with the new
Federation named Brooke Foster
McClinton Residential Real Estate
Employee Communications Director
platform. This, along with the McClinton Commercial division, and the McClinton Land & Farm brand, will continue providing top tier service to a broader client base.
effective March 2. Foster will facilitate and strengthen relationships across departments to bolster employee communications and various marketing
Mayor Steven Reed Appoints Chief of Staff
initiatives. She will also develop and implement a streamlined internal communications strategy.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced the appointment of Chip Hill as his Chief of Staff. Hill began coordinating with retiring Chief of Staff Mac McLeod and assumed full duties of the office on March 1. Hill and Mayor
BB&T Announces New Wealth Advisor Antonio Fortson has joined BB&T as a Wealth Advisor. In this role, Fortson will help his clients take a comprehensive, strategic approach to financial planning. Utilizing an in-depth 66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
financial needs assessment and in partnership with BB&T specialists in banking, strategic credit, risk management, investments and trust and estate planning, he develops recommendations tailored to his clients’ needs, priorities and preferences.
Harmon Dennis Bradshaw Promotes Bobby Trott as Shareholder Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. (HDB) announced the promotion of Bobby Trott as a Shareholder of the agency. Trott has experience in property and casualty insurance as well as group benefits. With more than 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, Trott joined HDB as a Commercial Benefits Risk Advisor in 2016.
Wetumpka Native Joins Alabama Farmers Federation Kaelin Lockhart started work March 9 with the Alabama Farmers Federation as an Administrative Assistant in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department. Previously, she worked with the company as a Customer Service Representative for Alfa Insurance. Lockhart will work alongside commodity directors in the Federation to ensure agricultural issues are managed appropriately and promptly.
+ S U B M I T T I N G NEW S ? Submit information to
Jina Miniard at jminiard@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. S U B M I S S I O N DEA DLI NES :
July Issue: May 31 September Issue: July 25
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 Montgomery Recognizes Educators of the Year
SACSCOC Reaffirms Faulkner University’s Accreditation The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) recently reaffirmed Faulkner University’s accreditation for the next 10 years. SACSCOC made the official announcement during its annual meeting in December 2019. Faulkner received the best possible review, being found in full compliance and with the committee offering no recommendations or requests for continued monitoring. Dr. Dave Rampersad, Vice President of Academic Affairs and the University’s SACSCOC Liaison, indicated that “SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation is a comprehensive process achieved by meeting the 70-plus standards established by the commission’s higher education community. It affirms that the University has resources, programs, and services sufficient to support and accomplish its mission. In short, it is an affirmation of the quality educational experience Faulkner provides to its students.”
National nonprofit “out-of-school-time” leader BellXcel recently recognized Darryl Woods and Connell Vandiver with its Educator of the Year award. The Montgomery educators are essential to delivering dynamic, evidence-based summer learning with measurable outcomes at the YMCA of Greater Montgomery’s Power Scholar Academy (PSA). The annual award recognizes educators who best exemplify BellXcel’s core values of excellence, learning, respect, courage and collaboration. PSA mitigates summer learning loss by increasing literacy and math skills. Scholars acquire key skills in problem solving, critical thinking and social-emotional learning. At PSA, Woods serves as Association Program Lead and serves as VP of Community Development at the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. VanDiver serves as a Parent Liaison in Montgomery County Public Schools during the school year and has served as PSA’s Program Manager for the past six years.
Alabama Power Leaders Named to National Innovation Commission Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite has been appointed as an executive committee member of the Council on Competitiveness and commissioner on the National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers. The commission is a multiyear flagship effort developing the innovation ecosystem of the United States through research ventures, partnerships, public policy and advocacy to address the country’s global economic competitiveness. The nonprofit and nonpartisan Council on Competitiveness addresses the rising challenge of international competition.
Huntingdon Receives Tree Campus USA Recognition
The Council works to bring together
Huntingdon College was selected by the Arbor Day Foundation
diverse groups from the public and
as a 2019 Tree Campus USA®. The recognition honors the
private sectors to address broad
College's commitment to effective urban forest management.
economic issues like globalization,
This is the sixth consecutive year Huntingdon has earned the
technology, manufacturing and energy.
distinction. "Tree campuses and their students set examples
Crosswhite joins more than 35 leaders
for not only their student bodies but also for the surrounding
including CEOs of major corporations,
communities showcasing how trees create a healthier
university presidents, national labor organization leaders and
environment,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day
national laboratory directors to develop policy recommendations
Foundation. “Because of Huntingdon College's participation, air
and private sector actions to bolster America's investments in
will be purer, water cleaner, and your students and faculty will be
talent, technology, innovation and infrastructure.
surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.” There are 385 campuses across the United States with Tree Campus
In addition, Alabama Power Senior Vice President of Employee
USA recognition.
Services & Labor Relations Jeff Peoples has been named to the commission’s advisory committee. Peoples will partner 68 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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
70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS
with other national leaders to provide strategic oversight of
the turn of the millennium, the company has provided commercial
recommendations to the commission, prioritizing the delivery of
waste disposal for thousands of businesses and individuals,
measurable and actionable outcomes.
offering a wide variety of sizes of dumpsters and roll-off containers
EPA Awards ENERGY STAR Certification to City of Montgomery Facilities Four Montgomery municipal facilities earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star certification for superior energy performance and efficiency. Marking the City’s
in a now-familiar, bright shade of red. What began as a two-truck operation has become central Alabama’s leading waste removal company.
Caddell President & CEO Inducted into Alabama Construction Hall of Fame
third consecutive year to receive this distinction, the four buildings to receive the ENERGY STAR certification are Montgomery Fire/ Rescue Headquarters, City Hall, City Hall Annex at 25 Washington Avenue and the Montgomery Municipal Justice Center. ENERGY STAR certified buildings are verified to perform in the top 35 percent of buildings nationwide, based on weather-normalized source energy use that takes into account occupancy, hours of operation and other metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.
Achievements Four Star Freightliner Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Four Star Freightliner, Inc., headquartered in Montgomery, officially marked its 20th anniversary on February 20, 2020. The company, led by Jerry Kocan, originally started out with two stores in Dothan and Montgomery, Alabama. Over the past 20 years, it has grown from 50 to nearly 250 employees who work at seven locations in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Four Star Freightliner has become the Southeast’s leading medium and heavy-duty truck dealer, having invested millions of dollars in facilities to provide better access and amenities for its customers. The trucking industry has also recognized Kocan and its company through numerous awards including Successful Dealer of the Year and a finalist for the American Truck Dealers (ATD) Truck Dealer of Year award.
Caddell Construction’s President and CEO Eddie Stewart has been inducted into the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame. The honor was bestowed by Alabama Associated General Contractors (Alabama AGC) at a ceremony on January 16. Stewart’s 41-year career in construction has spanned a wide range of projects and markets. His diverse domestic and international project background includes U.S embassies, correctional facilities, courthouses, barracks, airports, power plants, research and development complexes, hospitals, and other commercial
Jere Beasley Honored With MCBA 2020 Service & Achievement Award
and industrial initiatives. Stewart has been very active in the
The Montgomery County Bar Association (MCBA) recently
and has served in leadership positions on the national and state
honored Beasley Allen Law Firm founder Jere L. Beasley with its
level. In 2018, he became the first national president from Alabama
2020 Service & Achievement Award during its annual meeting.
in the Association’s 100-year history.
The award was created to recognize Montgomery lawyers who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary service to the local community and bar. The honor is presented to a lawyer who demonstrates the highest standard of professionalism and is
Associated General Contractors of America throughout his career
Bradley Celebrates 150 Years Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced it is celebrating the firm’s 150th anniversary this year. Founded in 1870 in Elyton,
respected for outstanding legal ability.
Alabama, before moving to Birmingham the following year,
Alabama Dumpster Service Celebrates 20 Years
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
This year, Alabama Dumpster Service celebrates 20 years of
and the District of Columbia. As one of only a handful of U.S. law
service to customers in the River Region. Since its beginning at
firms to reach this milestone, Bradley is proud to have developed
Bradley has grown to 10 offices with nearly 550 lawyers in
71 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS
a national reputation for serving businesses around the world
judges and legislators. A member of Bradley’s Litigation
in the banking and financial services, construction, energy,
Practice Group, Stewart has been a trial lawyer for more than
healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and life sciences,
30 years.
real estate, and technology industries. Additionally, George R. Parker, a partner in the firm’s
Awards & Honors
Montgomery office, has been selected for membership as a Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation. The Alabama Law Foundation Fellows Program honors lawyers who have been members of the state bar for at least 10 years and who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their profession and to the community. No more than 1 percent of Alabama Bar members are invited into fellowship. As a member of Bradley’s Litigation Practice Group, Parker focuses his practice on pharmaceutical and medical devices, product liability, mass tort and class action matters.
Jackson Thornton Named to Forbes’ Top Accounting Firms List Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Montgomery, announced it was
Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange Awarded the Golden Egg Award
recently named as one of America’s Top Recommended Tax
The Montgomery Area Zoological Society (MAZS), a support
nationwide were selected and only seven in Alabama. Jackson
organization of the Montgomery Zoo, presented the Golden
Thornton was selected as being a top recommendation in both
Egg Award to former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange for his
the tax and accounting areas. Forbes and market research
support and desire to ensure the Montgomery Zoo is ranked
company Statista partnered to create the list, which considered
among the premier zoological facilities in the Southeast. The
1,800 survey responses from CPAs, enrolled agents, tax
Golden Egg is the highest honor given by Montgomery Area
lawyers, accountants and CFOs. The firms that received the
Zoological Society. It is awarded to individuals or organizations
most recommendations were included on the list.
for long-standing dedication to the Zoo and work to ensure the Zoo continues its mission to improve the future of wildlife through conservation efforts, education/outreach programs and to ensure that each Zoo guest gains a greater understanding of our place in the world and our responsibility to protect its
& Accounting Firms by Forbes magazine. Only 227 firms
Beasley Allen Lawyer Inducted Into American College of Trial Lawyers Beasley Allen lawyer Kendall Dunson has been inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, a premier professional
resources.
trial organization in North America comprising preeminent
Bradley Partners Selected for Honors
with the college is invitation-only, and the College thoroughly
trial lawyers from the United States and Canada. Fellowship
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that Chuck Stewart, a Partner in the firm’s Montgomery office and co-chair of the firm’s Product Liability team, accepted an invitation to join the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). The ABOTA is a national organization of trial lawyers with 97 chapters in all 50 U.S. states. Selection for membership into ABOTA carries with it considerable prestige among attorneys,
investigates each nominee for admission and selects only those who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism and collegiality. As a member of Beasley Allen Law Firm’s Personal Injury and Products Liability Section, Dunson handles product liability, general personal injury and workers’ compensation cases involving defective industrial machinery.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU! 2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS & CHAMBER PROGRAMMING We encourage you to monitor and check our website calendar daily, as we update our COVID-19 expert calls and webinars, our Work Together Business Studio events, as well as other Chamber programming and events that were temporarily postponed and will be rescheduled. 72 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
73 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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BUSINESS
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CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Caddell’s new headquarters features a mural of company founder, John Caddell, and the company’s mission statement.
Caddell Construction Off to a Strong Start in 2020
Two Four Star Freightliner Managers Graduate Two Four Star Freightliner sales managers are now graduates of the American Truck
Caddell Construction began 2020 with an impressive list of accomplishments: four new
Dealers (ATD) Academy. The pair graduated
contracts awarded already this year, a new corporate headquarters location in downtown
during a ceremony on Feb. 14 in Las Vegas
Montgomery, two offices consolidated into one larger space in the Atlanta area and
which coincided with the National Automobile
ongoing projects all over the world, to name a few. Caddell hosted an Open House at its
Dealers Association (NADA)/ATD Show. Utility
new Montgomery location on Dexter Avenue. After two years in the Caddell family home
& Municipal Account Manager Truman Ingram
and 34 years in the company’s original building at Lagoon Park, the company has fully
and Western Star Brand Manager Jay Morrison
outgrown the space.
participated in the program. ATD Academy is designed for future operators of truck
Caddell’s industrial division and the commercial division’s Atlanta office also moved into
dealerships and provides the fundamentals
a bigger space. They are now strategically co-located in a new office in Woodstock,
needed to operate a successful and profitable
Georgia, for greater collaboration and sharing of resources. In addition to physical moves,
business.
the company has enjoyed fiscal success in the new year. Caddell’s commercial group was Manager at Risk Services valued at more than $200 million. Caddell President and CEO
Montgomery County 2nd Graders In Super Citizen Program
Eddie Stewart said it is “unprecedented” for the company to have been awarded this much
Liberty Learning Foundation is a non-profit
work this early in the year.
organization whose mission is to facilitate
also recently awarded two projects with a confidential Fortune 500 client for Construction
active civics and character programs in K-12
Revitalization Work Attracts National Support
classrooms and orchestrate immersive events Iesha Brooks, Aquan Robinson, Wade
that empower schools, parents, local leaders
Preston and Rhonda Thompson.
and businesses to take ownership in the future
The Center for Community Progress
of community and country.
announced six Montgomery residents
The Center’s Fellows travel to creative
were selected to join the 2020 Community
placemaking sites across the country
Montgomery County Public School 2nd graders
Revitalization Fellowship, a nationwide
to experience the work of their peers
recently participated in the organization’s Super
training program that aims to grow
and receive expert-led training and
Citizen Program. After finishing 10 weeks in the
resident-driven efforts to combat vacant,
leadership development on how to use
program, the students gathered to celebrate
abandoned and deteriorated properties.
the arts to transform vacant homes and
their accomplishments and honor local heroes.
Friends of Montgomery Clean City
lots. The Montgomery Fellows learned
Students chose heroes who embodied the traits
Commission, which works to strengthen
best practices from cohort members in
of amazing citizens and read essays from stage
and empower neighbors to engage
Reading, Pennsylvania, and Fitchburg,
before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They
in community action, will serve as the
Massachusetts. The capital city’s fellows
also counted down to the grand entrance of
Institutional Partner by providing guidance
were recently recognized for their ongoing
Libby Liberty™. Wearing green paper crowns
and mentorship to the Montgomery fellows
work to revitalize neighborhoods across
and waving tiny American flags, they showed
who are Kevin King, Ka-Santa Sanders,
the city through creative placemaking.
their enthusiasm for the Super Citizen Program.
75 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
POW E R FUL PA R TN E RS Alabama Workforce Council Aims to Improve Career Pathways The Alabama Workforce Council (AWC) delivered its Annual Report to Gov. Kay Ivey and members of the legislature. The report highlighted the many and varied workforce successes from 2019 while also outlining policy recommendations to further solidify Alabama as a leader in workforce development and push the state closer to Ivey’s goal of adding 500,000 credentialed workers to the state’s workforce by 2025. The AWC, formed in 2015, was created as an
Mayor Reed Urges Expansion of Pre-K Programs
employer-led, statewide effort to understand
Mayor Steven L. Reed joined Alabama
ranks as the top state-funded program
Department of Early Childhood
in the country for quality. Alabama is one
perception of the Alabama workforce system.
Education (DECE) Secretary Jeana
of only four states to meet or exceed
Ross, DECE Office of School Readiness
all 10 of the benchmarks determining
Director Barbara Cooper and Alabama
quality. State First Class Pre-K classroom
School Readiness Alliance (ASRA)
allocations range from $50,000 to
Executive Director Allison Muhlendorf
$120,000 per year, funding that is much
to promote the expansion of high-
needed to help raise the quality of
The City of Montgomery and Tuskegee University Team Up
quality, voluntary pre-K programs to
child care and expand access to early
Mayor Steven L. Reed, the Montgomery City
all Montgomery families. Mayor Reed
learning across Montgomery.
Council and residents of Montgomery’s historic
visited Providence Early Childhood
the structure, function, organization and The goal of the AWC is to facilitate collaboration between government and industry to help Alabama develop a sustainable workforce that is competitive on a global scale.
Peacock Tract joined leaders from Tuskegee
Learning Academy East, where he saw
With First Class Pre-K slots available
University to dedicate the site of a new urban
First Class Pre-K in action.
for 40 percent of 4-year-old children in
agriculture innovation center coming soon to the
Montgomery, Mayor Reed partnered
historic Peacock Tract in west Montgomery.
For the 13th consecutive year, Alabama’s
with ASRA to expand access to and
high-quality, voluntary pre-K program
participation in pre-K.
The Urban Agriculture Innovation Center sits at the intersection of Grady and Mobile Streets, a key site along the National Park Service’s
Alabama Ag Credit Returning Over Half of Borrowers’ Profits
of Alabama. Since 2006, Alabama
Voting Rights Trail. Tuskegee University leaders
Ag Credit has returned nearly $86
expect it to become the College of Agriculture’s
Alabama farmers and rural property
million dollars that reach beyond the
signature urban outreach and extension
owners who borrowed money from
members and into the communities and
program.
Alabama Ag Credit received a record
economies where that money circulates. The project called for a public dialogue series
$9.8 million in cash from the lending cooperative this year. That number
Alabama Ag Credit is a member of the
to help foster a better understanding of
equates to nearly one percent of the
nationwide Farm Credit System and
residents’ needs and desires. Building upon
interest they paid in 2019.
provides financing for farms, timber and
this input, TU’s Cooperative Extension agents
forestry operations, agribusinesses,
and leadership from the Carver Integrative
Distributed in March, these cash
country homes, recreational land and
Sustainability Center offered programs to assist
payments went directly to members who
other rural property in 40 counties in
the community in food security, community
primarily live in the lower 40 counties
central and south Alabama.
development and education.
76 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
TASTE TOO!
THE DANNON PROJECT
79 Commerce Street, Suite E, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-523-8703 • tastemgm.com Clint and Ginger Hahn, Owners Bars-Specialized, Event Venue, Restaurants
818 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 205-202-4072 • dannonproject.org Jay C. Coleman, Montgomery Site Coordinator Associations/Non-Profit
ART/ERS OF ALABAMA AND THE PANHANDLE
EASTCHASE SENIOR LIVING
107 Jesse Samuel Hunt Boulevard, Prattville, AL 36066 888-351-1288 • art-us.com/stores/art-of-alabama-and-thepanhandle/ Jim Wohlers, Owner Fire/Water Damage, Maintenance/Repair Company
1775 Halcyon Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-396-1111 • eastchaseseniorliving.com Charles Mulcahy, Resident Community Relations Director Retirement Communities
GARTH REALTY GROUP, LLC
WOODMEN LIFE
5960 Carmichael Place, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-440-1580 • garthrealtygroup.com CeCe Savage, Broker/Owner Real Estate-Residential
6773 Taylor Circle, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-361-7510 • woodmenlife.org Mike Hutto, Regional Director Insurance-Companies, Insurance-Life
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CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
CSQUARED PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE
MISSION FITNESS & PERFORMANCE
715 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-593-9394 • c2performanceautomotive.com Christopher Bowers, Owner Automobile Repair Services, Tire Dealers & Distributors
1000 Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-318-3639 • missionfit.com Keith and Kristina Boddie, Owners Fitness Center/Gym, Fitness Training
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU! 2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS & CHAMBER PROGRAMMING We encourage you to monitor and check our website calendar daily, as we update our COVID-19 expert calls and webinars, our Work Together Business Studio events, as well as other Chamber programming and events that were temporarily postponed and will be rescheduled.
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CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
ADVERT ISING AGE N C I E S
CO U N S E L IN G
Da Pop Digital, LLC Mitchell Maund P.O. Box 583 Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-318-4868 dapopdigital.com
Henley Counseling LLC Laquayna Henley 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 4050 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-538-8182 henleycounseling.com
USSPECTS Studios Sydney Foster 3541 Melton Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-781-0029 usspects.com
Parakeleo’ Counseling LLC Alicia Claybon 382 Leavell Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-676-1883 aliciaclaybon.com
ASSOC IATIONS/N ON -P R OF I T
Nikki Mitchell Foundation Christa Bowles PO Box 68305 Nashville, TN 37206 615-982-6802 nikkimitchellfoundation.org S.A.F.Y. of America, Inc. Daniel Mose 9532 Wynlakes Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-270-3181 safy.org The Dannon Project Kerri Pruitt 818 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 205-202-4072 dannonproject.org AU TOM OBILE R EPA I R S E RV I C E S
C Squared Performance Automotive Christopher Bowers 715 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-593-9394 c2performanceautomotive.com CLOTHING & ACCESS OR I E S - RETAIL
The BeYOUtiful Boutiques Mila Johnson 1154 Old McGehee Road Montgomery, AL 36105 334-221-1031 beyoutifulonwheels.com
MAY 2020 NEW MEMBERS COL L E G E & U N IV E R S IT IE S
Fortis College Erica Blowe 3736 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-3857 fortiscollege.edu CON SU LT IN G S E RV IC E S
Gaitway Solutions, LLC Nichole Thompson 6411 Thistlewood Court Montgomery, AL 36117 334-320-1158 gaitwaysolutions.com CON SU LT IN G S E RV IC E S - L E A D E RS H I P T R A IN IN G
Jevonnah Ellison Coaching The Entrepreneurial 1st Lady, LLC Jevonnah ‘‘Lady J’’ Ellison 6701 Winton Blount Boulevard #242654 Montgomery, AL 36124 401-216-7202 jevonnah.com CON T R AC TO R S
Barren’s Contracting Betty Barren 3385 Ellis Drive Montgomery, AL 36108 334-868-0927 80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
C R E D IT U N IO N
Auburn University Credit Union Audra Laking 9120 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-440-7076 myaucu.org E N T E R TA IN M E N T & R E C R E AT ION
Tempostry, L.L.C. Lucious Vaughn 9164 Eastchase Parkway, Suite 202 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-354-3513 F IN A N C IA L S E RV IC E S
San Blas Securities Reese Rainey P.O. Box 211332 Montgomery, AL 36121 334-462-8480 The Joel F. Long Agency Joel Long 11123 Chantilly Parkway Pike Road, AL 36064 334-272-2408 countryfinancial.com/joel.long G OV E R N M E N T AG E N C Y
Alabama Army National Guard Donna Alexander 1720 Cong W L Dickinson Drive Montgomery, AL 36109 334-412-7124 nationalguard.com/AL
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W E LCO ME TO O U R NEW EST M EM B ER S
I NFORM AT ION TEC H N OLOGY FIR M S
Chenega Defense & Aerospace Solutions, LLC. Christopher Simpson 360-D Quality Circle, Suite 400 Huntsville, AL 35806 256-705-2000 chenegadas.com
I N S UR A N C E -L I F E
WoodmenLife Ashley Pruitt 6773 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-361-7510 woodmenlife.org R E A L E STATE -R E S I D E N T IA L
I NS UR ANC E COM PAN I E S
Aflac-Thea Brock & Tammy Starnes Thea Brock 368 Woodhaven Lane Wetumpka, AL 36093 334-538-2812 aflac.com
Garth Realty Group LLC CeCe Savage 5960 Carmichael Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-0489 garthrealtygroup.com S E C UR I TY S E RV I C E S
ALLSTATE-Jonathan Waters Agency, LLC Jonathan Waters 520 S. Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-954-1100 allstate.com
Set Security First Rufus Ford 4117 Edgehill Lane Montgomery, AL 36116 334-294-2031 setsecurityfirst.com
Country Financial-Connor Hogan Connor Hogan 11123 Chantilly Parkway Court, Suite C Pike Road, AL 36064 334-694-7119
TA XI / C A B S E RV I C E
Direct Auto Insurance-Eastern Boulevard Edith McCary 3801 Eastern Boulevard Inside Walmart Montgomery, AL 36116 334-625-7783 DirectAuto.com GEICO Perry Hudson 5163 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-260-0755 geico.com/local/
On Time Transportation Dennis Wesley 705 Placid Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-505-1189 ontimetaxi.com TR A N S P OR TATI ON S E RV I C E S
Concierge Services, Inc. David Sadler P.O. Box 971 Montgomery, AL 36101-0971 334-538-6383 csiground.com W H OL E SA L E WA R E H OUS E C LUB
Costco Wholesale Mark Butts 8251 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-270-7452 costco.com
Numbers reflect February 2020 over February 2019. NEWS CHAMBER
Business Buzz
CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Economic Intel TOURISM
COME STAY A WHILE!
LODGING TAX
+ 14.7%
70%
FEB 2020 OVER FEB 2019
OCCUPANCY RATE FEBRUARY 2020
GO MGM!
LODGING TAX COLLECTIONS FEBRUARY 2020
$950,874
Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery
HOUSING TRANSPORTATION
FEBRUARY 2020 30,519
PASSENGERS
+ 8.2% OVER FEBRUARY 2019
+ BE DIRECT:
DIRECT SAME-DAY SERVICE T0 DCA
Source: MGM (Montgomery Regional Airport)
333 TOTAL HOME SALES
$178,707
EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR SECTORS GOING UP
1,592
WORKING HARD
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
+ 4.8%
2.9%
OTHER SERVICES
+ 1.1%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
+ 1.0%
GOVERNMENT
+ 0.9%
107 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, Montgomery Area
LABOR FORCE
MINING, LOGGING AND CONSTRUCTION
EDUCATION AND HEALTH SERVICES
TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE
CIVILIAN
EMPLOYED
LABOR FORCE
LABOR FORCE
171,458
166,419
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
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MBJ
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101
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