MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
MBJ
MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEET IMPACT MAKER FINALISTS MAXWELL AFB’S BIG FOOTPRINT
TECH ACCELERATING PACE OF MGM’S PROGRESS
A L L CHAMBER LAUNCHES N E W BUSINESS STUDIO
+
10
CONTENTS NOV/DEC 2019
THIS ISSUE: 10
The Future is Now: Industry Overview / Technology
38 56 68
2019 Impact Maker Finalists MGM: Maxwell-Gunter-Montgomery Work Together: Small Business Studio
32 Powerhouse Q&A: Troy Maxwell 34 Member Profiles: Dr. Caroline Abolade, Jacob Wadsworth 50 GiveBack: Dog-Gone Good 54 #myMGM: Happy Bicentennial Birthday 64 Small Business Briefcase: Social Media Apps
CHAMBER NEWS:
08 Events 66 Connect: Chamber FAQ 70 Connect: Chamber News 78 Connect: Past Events 84 Members on the Move 87 Members in the News 93 Business Buzz 100 Ribbon Cuttings 104 New Members 106 Intel
S
MBJ
THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION
MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT Anna B. Buckalew DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS 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, Suzanna Wasserman, Melissa Warnke, Charles Bailey, Polly Hardegree, Jennifer Luster, Kris Pryor and Britton Stutts PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Carter, Nick Drollette, Robert Fouts, Donna Wallace King, Stephen Poff, David Robertson Jr. ON THE COVER Photography and digital edits by Stephen Poff ADVERTISING & COMMUNICATIONS Christina Bennett and Kristina Boddie / exploreMedia / 334-578-7810 Racheal Lunn 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 2019 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. Volume 11, Issue 4. 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.
CHAMBER NEWS
Events +
MA RK YO UR CALENDAR S FOR THE SE UP COMING C HAMB E R E V E NTS
Upcoming Workshops
BUSINESS
SEE YOU THERE.
147TH ANNUAL MEETING
DEC. 10, 2019
This is the largest and most anticipated business event of the year, with close to 700 community and business leaders attending. This signature event celebrates the Chamber’s rich 147-year history, the economic development milestones of the year, the installation of the new Chairman and honors the 2019 MGM Impact Makers. Gold Sponsor: Capell & Howard, P.C.
60 Minute Coffees & Business After Hours These popular networking events are the perfect place to exchange business cards and meet potential customers. Military Appreciation Week November 10-16 Every year, River Region businesses rally together and show support for our local military community, both active duty and retired. Held in conjunction with Veterans Day, “Freedom Isn’t Free” is a regional media campaign that promotes special offers and discounts for military personnel and families.
NOV
10
Presenting Sponsor: Caddell Construction Governmental Affairs Reception 5-6:30 p.m., Union Station Meet, engage and connect with governmental officials who represent you and your business. Join the Chamber for a reception honoring the region’s governmental leadership, bringing together municipal leaders, members of county government, the area’s legislative delegation, education leaders and top-level stakeholders from the River Region’s business community.
NOV
18
11/14 Business After Hours Sponsor & Location: Raymond James
12/4 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: Auburn University Montgomery; Location: AUM Technacenter
1/15
Resource Center
Business 101: Start it Up! November 19; December 17, 8:30-9:30 am at the Chamber’s BRC Payroll Tax Update December 12 from 8:30-11:30 am, the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel Registration fee is $90 for members and $110 for non-members. A continental breakfast is included. In Partnership with Jackson Thornton
+
Register Now!
All Chamber and BRC event details and a registration link are listed on montgomerychamber.com/events.
CHAMBER MEMBER ORIENTATION November 12, 8-9 am at the Chamber’s BRC These networking events are strategically set up to get you plugged in and connected to people and resources within the local business community that can help you increase your brand and grow your business. Sponsored by: exploreMedia
60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Newk’s Eatery
1/30 Business After Hours Sponsor & Location: Staybridge Suites Downtown
Don’t Miss These First Quarter 2020 Events:
COMING IN
2020
• State of the City and County • State of the State • First Fridays Culture Builder NEW!
BizTalk MGM:
• Small Business Briefcase NEW!
BizTalk MGM - The Official Podcast for Small Business in MGM Every second Tuesday at 6 pm on WVAS 90.7FM, Montgomery Chamber staff and host Tonya Scott Williams talk Small Business Saturday this month with Lisa McGinty, Executive Director, Chamber Business Resource Center and Ruby Tuck, Founder/ CEO, Program Management and Technology Services, Inc. Podcast Sponsor: MAX
8 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Be sure to check the Chamber calendar — montgomerychamber. com/events — for dates and details.
SAVE THE DATE:
Chamber Launches Brand-New Business Development Programming
DON’T MISS THIS!
9 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
THE FUTURE IS NOW 10 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
11 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MGM is on the fast track, becoming a brighter, better community for all.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
Montgomery is continually striving to enhance quality of life, expand economic progress and do both more sustainably and collaboratively. Today, the capital city is accelerating these efforts by harnessing the power of technology.
We’ve all heard the talk of tech
So how can we ensure this
booms. We see companies in
upward trend continues? A
the tech sector occupying most
skilled, talented workforce is
of the top spots on lists of our
key; the right infrastructure is
country’s biggest and fastest-
crucial. But open communication
growing businesses. Doomsday
and a collaborative spirit shared
naysayers warn that technology
by multiple stakeholders is the
is taking over. All of these things
vital piece of the puzzle, and
make it sound like technology
in Montgomery, we’ve got that
is an entity unto itself. But truly,
down.
technology is simply a tool. A powerful tool — one that opens
Here, the City, County, Chamber,
doors, starts conversations,
military, higher education
forges and fosters increased
institutions, the nonprofit
connection — but a tool
sector and private companies
nonetheless.
are joining forces to build the necessary ecosystem that takes
The people most wisely using
advantage of current technology
this tool are the real difference
to innovate even further, to solve
makers. In Montgomery, recent
existing problems and those
technology initiatives show how
of the future, and to drive and
a growing group of people is
support strategic growth.
harnessing technology to change
the landscape in the capital city,
MBJ is exploring who these
making life better for residents
leaders are, how these
and visitors while fueling a
partnerships are playing out
thriving economy.
and how they impact several essential areas.
COMMUNITY & RESIDENT EXPERIENCE
CITY SERVICES
In August, Montgomery hosted a Smart Cities Readiness
“smart” efforts and programs now in place rely on technology.
Challenge Workshop, joining a select group of only four other
Today, in the City’s public services department, requests for street
cities across the globe that applied for and won support for the
paving and repairs can be handled faster, and with the use of GIS
event. The grant was awarded by the Smart Cities Council, the
maps and open data, any interested
preeminent organization examining the future of cities today, and
resident can see exactly how and
the workshop brought municipal and private-sector leaders to
when these requests and other public
the capital city to share ideas. The City was also provided free
works projects are being handled.
access to the Project Activator Tool, an online platform that lowers
A program called Roadbotics uses
risks associated with new technology investments by offering
artificial intelligence to examine and
guidelines, reviews and best practices.
grade streets, ensuring the spots that
The City has made major strides toward this end, and most of the
need help the most, get it. “This allows The event is only the latest in a string of smart city advancements
us to get more consistent evaluations,
improving the quality of life in Montgomery in the last several
and therefore, use resources more
years, as Lou Ialacci, Director of Information Technology for the
efficiently,” Ialacci said.
City of Montgomery, explained. “About four or five years ago, the
A three-year agreement between the City and Rubicon Global will equip more than 60 City sanitation vehicles with the company’s SmartCity technology.
City began to look at how we could become a ‘smart city’ and
A recently announced three-year
therefore increase our competitiveness in attracting people and
agreement between the City and Rubicon Global includes
businesses here,” he said. “We saw the goal as both a challenge
equipping more than 60 City sanitation vehicles with the
and an opportunity.”
company’s SmartCity technology, which will help the department leverage data to improve performance, reduce costs and enhance
12 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
13 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
residential and commercial sanitation service by
“About four or five years ago, the City began to look at how we could become a ‘smart city’ and therefore increase our competitiveness in attracting people and businesses here. We saw the goal as both a challenge and an opportunity.”
managing routes, fleet maintenance and even collecting data by enabling trucks to note the location of potholes, overgrown grass and other problems that need to be addressed. In the context of city management, “smart” also means transparent. The open data portal on the City’s official website gives anyone and everyone access to information that shows city budgets and how tax dollars are spent, including city employee salaries.
Lou Ialacci Director of Information
Technology for the City of Montgomery
PUBLIC SAFETY Public safety is benefitting from smart city advancements too, thanks to tech-driven programs currently being used by the Montgomery
connectivity.”
Police Department. One is STAR Watch, which can gather and use images from existing cameras mounted at schools, businesses and
While Ialacci and other City leaders are pleased with the progress,
even private homes to track issues and respond quicker and with
they promise what we’ve seen thus far is “only the tip of the
more accurate information than ever before. And STAR Watch runs
iceberg.” “We want to do more of all of this, and there is already
on the MGMix internet exchange, one of the first pieces to be placed
more in the pipeline, more to come,” Ialacci said.
in the city’s tech puzzle and one that Ialacci touts as “integral.” “It is a great service to the area, and a big help to our businesses,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of win-win partnerships, pointing
“It has attracted more internet service providers, which has heated
to the recent Smart Cities workshop as evidence. “One big reason
up competition and that has lowered costs immensely. We now have
we are able to do any of this are the great working relationships
close to 30 members who are getting faster and cheaper internet
between the City, the County, the military, the Chamber and others,” continued on page 18
The Value of Managed IT Services • Better financial planning • Our team is your team 24/7 • Your systems stay optimized • Faster problem resolution
Total IT Care • Maintain 24/7 watch over your entire environment • Identify and analyze server “events” for potential problems • Remediate processes or services that fail • Ensure security patches, services packs, and anti-virus protocols are up to date • Ensure that data back-ups are complete
COMPUTER DATA
&
NETWORK SERVICES
Let us improve the performance of your IT networks. 334-874-8324 managedIT@cdns-tech.com www.cdns-tech.com
14 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
445 Dexter Ave Suite 4050 Montgomery, AL 36104
I ND U ST RY Leader | Technology
Information Transport Solutions Inc. When was your company founded?
ITS is a longtime valuable member of The Montgomery Area
1993. Incorporated in 1998
Chamber of Commerce and a participating Sustaining member of the Chamber. ITS has participated in several key economic
How many employees do you have in the River Region? 78 What are your primary products and services? We are an IT solution integrator. What sets your company apart? Our highly skilled technical staff with a passion for customer satisfaction.
development planning meetings resulting in successful initiatives for the Montgomery River Region, including the establishment of the second carrier neutral Internet Exchange in the Southeastern United States. ITS regularly participates in several technical learning activities involving students with STEM initiatives. These activities have included hack-a-thons, meetings and presentations.
Milestones/Awards: In 2019, ITS held its 13th annual charitable Golf Tournament. This year, ITS surpassed $250,000 in charitable contributions. The ITS golf tournament is enjoyed by customers, business partners and employees and is one of the few corporate charitable golf tournaments in the country that regularly raises more than $10,000 a year for charity. In 2018, ITS celebrated its 20th anniversary. ITS is one of the few IT start-up companies to successfully navigate through the challenges that start-ups face to reach this milestone.
335 Jeanette Barrett Industrial Blvd., Wetumpka 334-567-1993 / its-networks.com
15 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
16 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER Spotlight
CERTIFIED TECHNICAL EXPERTS, INC. Eugene Tinker, CEO of Certified Technical Experts, Inc. (CTE), is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and maintains contracts through the SBA for the United States Air Force.
HISTORY: Certified Technical Experts, Inc. (CTE) is an established 8(a) certified small business, with a number of professional and commercial certifications including ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 27001:2013 certified, CMMI SVC Level 3 certified, GSA - IT/ Cloud Services Contract Holder and AWS Cloud Premier Partner. Additionally, CTE is a marketing/branding and medical consulting firm with its main operating headquarters just north of Atlanta, Georgia. CTE is successful in focusing on providing information technology solutions, marketing/advertising and clinical staffing support to clients in the DoD, federal civilian agencies, technology organizations as well as commercial entities. WHAT ARE CTE’S PRIMARY SERVICES? CTE’s primary services fall under four categories. Information Technology Solutions: Amazon Web Services (AWS) iCloud development and implementation, information assurance, legacy system modernization and maintenance plus custom application development. Medical Support Services: contracting with the CDC on various projects including disease outbreak surveys ranging from Zika, Ebola, Measles, HIV and prescription drugs. CTE created AWS Cloud tools around these outbreaks that have helped the CDC minimize spreading by utilizing their epidemiologist, scientist, nurses, lab technicians and microbiologist. Professional Training and Development: offering program/ project management, e-learning, curriculum development and educational consultant services. Innovative Marketing and Branding: highlighted with event production/ management, branding and image ideation, marketing automation, SEM, SEO, SMM, surveys and polls with video marketing and development as well. WHAT IS CTE’S BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? Our mission is to provide high quality solutions to the federal government and private sector in the IT and health industries. CTE’s goal is to provide multi-faceted, low-risk solutions by being cost effective and entrusting certified professionals. We are able to achieve this by maintaining employees who are committed to hard work, innovation and professionalism.
Eugene Tinker, CEO, Certified Technical Experts
HONORS & AWARDS: Finance Monthly CEO Award 2018 and 2019. Nunn-Perry Award for Mentor Protégé Excellence 2017, Montgomery: Best of the Best 2016, Grand Marshall Community Award 2016, Chamber of Commerce 2015 Point of Light Award, SBA Alabama State University Small Business Award 2015.
855-426-8076 / CTEX-INC.COM 17 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
TECH TALK A BIT OF
he said. “The workshop event was an example. We called in the public to be a part of it and saw some strong ideas come out of it. We also announced some things, like adding Wi-Fi to community centers.”
LIVING LAB & JOB GROWTH Downtown’s Smart City Living Lab on a nine-block corridor of Commerce Street is another strong example. Formed in January and
Downtown’s Smart City Living Lab on a nine-block
spearheaded by the public-private
corridor of
Montgomery Smart City Community
Commerce Street is
Alliance, it offers more proof of the
a powerful partnership.
power of such partnerships. “The
In your opinion, are the recent tech and cyber initiatives being implemented by the city and its partners (the Chamber, military, private businesses, etc.) taking us in the right direction? If so, why and how?
The recent tech and cyber initiatives are taking us in the right direction. First, the diverse field of cyber pros in Montgomery is a great testament to the field. Thanks
City is working with Alabama Power,
to youth initiatives
the Chamber and the County with the lab, and we’ve put in fiber-
residents is one of the biggest gifts
optic infrastructure, LED lighting in
technology can give. “Montgomery
streetlamps for energy savings and
is in constant motion forward. If
safety,” Ialacci said. “The next step
one were to look in any direction
was smart parking with a new app
downtown, there is evidence of
that lets you pay for your parking
growth and revitalization. Just two
meter with a swipe on your phone,
blocks toward the capitol exists
no change needed anymore.”
the state’s first internet exchange,
Another parking program will soon
MGMix. MGMWERX is a technology
be tested at the lab too and will
hub helping to solve problems
implement cameras to identify
facing us in Montgomery and those
vacant spots for even easier parking.
from around the world. TechMGM is at the forefront of leading smart
spearheaded by organizations like the Chamber, SBDC, TechMGM, AFCEA and ASU instilling youth with the importance of STEM subjects, the future is bright. Finally, the willingness of small businesses to learn how to protect their information confidentiality, integrity and availability of their data and information is a great step forward. - Anwar Shahid, Founder and CEO / Propelled Technologies
Augmented accountability leading
city offerings and the installation of
to good resource stewardship, plus
fiber provides the state, city, military
practices and methods that lead to
By investing in MGMix Internet Exchange,
partners and businesses with the
improved safety and services — all
Montgomery lays a great foundation for
fast, reliable and secure service they
of these things equal higher quality
the future. As a technology community, we
require,” she said. “For residents,
of life. And all of the pieces build on
understand the
this means good, high-paying
each other. Simply hosting the Smart
need to evolve
jobs are more likely to come to
Cities workshop means Montgomery
our infrastructure
Montgomery.”
to better serve
is recognized as a leader in the
the needs of both
smart city sector. That’s an image
It also means our schools and
boost that adds to our area’s appeal
business and
universities have access to cutting-
when it comes to attracting potential
individuals. In the
edge technology, and every
tech-sector companies — and the
past, communities
advancement plants seeds for
jobs they bring — and expanding the
invested in
the next one, sustaining a chain
needed high-tech workforce.
physical roads and bridges to create the
reaction of upward momentum.
infrastructure needed to live, work and
“Montgomery is now a destination According to Leslie Sanders,
play more easily. Now, we must devote
for innovators,” Sanders said.
Alabama Power’s Vice President
a high priority to the “cyber roads and
“I’ve spoken with many who want
of the Southern Division, more
bridges” that allow us to quickly connect,
to come to Montgomery for the
jobs and top-dollar jobs for
technology opportunities, but they
share and transact. - Bill Youngblood, COO / BWS
18 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
want to make Montgomery home and become part of the fabric of our community too.”
“It is important we be reminded that new business and industry depend upon the next-era technology to relocate to our area and/or expand.”
REACTING TO RISK But an expanding use of and reliance on technology is not without risks. Keeping all of the newly accessible data safe can be a challenge. “The biggest thing we have to think about is the security of our networks, of our data and of people’s data,” Ialacci said. “While most of the data that both the City and County have is already public info, we have to be very
Leslie Sanders Vice President
of Alabama Power Southern Division
careful with anything that is not. Private information must be safeguarded.” A few years ago, Montgomery County’s computer network
can actually use and benefit from the new opportunities. “As the
was hit by a ransomware virus, proving that concerns about cyber
City, County and Chamber and individual businesses expand
attacks are not unfounded. “We worry about something like that
technology offerings, we need to be in a continual education
every day, and we’ve put in multiple layers of the best safeguards,”
mode for those who live and work in Montgomery,” she said. “We
Ialacci said. “But the reality is, the more all of us are using
need for those in Montgomery to utilize the services, to be excited
technology and the more data we put out there, the more the bad
for the innovation and to realize how all of the ‘smart city’ offerings
guys come out to try and take advantage of that.”
can help them in their daily lives. That excitement and utilization, however, will only grow as we openly discuss the importance and
Sanders stressed the need to keep the public informed so they
value of the offerings and expand their availability.”
19 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
continued on page 24
VISITOR EXPERIENCE MGM’s recent technology and cyber developments are positively impacting and affecting tourism in multiple ways as Lora McClendon, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Federal Affairs, explained. “Initiatives like downtown Wi-Fi, smart parking, LED lighting and Montgomery Public Safety’s “STAR
Initiatives like downtown Wi-Fi, smart parking, LED lighting and Montgomery Public Safety’s “STAR Watch” project are providing visitors with a seamless user experience.
will expand the retail and entertainment offerings in our major tourism districts and will undoubtedly serve as a force multiplier for other efforts.” But McClendon stressed the challenges that face the increased use of technology in our tourism efforts. “The deployment of any technology offering that serves an
Watch” project are providing visitors
our technology sector are having an
end user has two major challenges: 1)
with a seamless user experience,
indirect but very real impact on our
ensuring that the solution meets a real
while ensuring that their visit is without
ability to grow our offerings downtown
demand or need of the end user, and 2)
incident,” she said. “In addition,
and beyond by creating new investors
ensuring that the service is reliable and
strategic efforts to support and grow
and partnerships with developers that
works properly,” she said.
20 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
TECH TALK A BIT OF
In your opinion, are the recent tech and cyber initiatives being implemented by the city and its partners (the Chamber, military, private businesses, etc.) taking us in the right direction? If so, why and how?
The interconnectedness of our world provides a great opportunity for improving business practices and making informed decisions. Accessing current and accurate data, however, requires the right infrastructure and people who know how to deliver appropriate services. And even more importantly, people who understand the vulnerabilities of applications and systems so that Collaboration between the city and
they can protect the data that
its partners (the Chamber, military,
you value most. Montgomery
private biz, etc.) is the key to
is making headway in the tech
moving in the right direction for tech
industry with the Montgomery
and cyber initiatives. These type
Internet Exchange that provides
initiatives and think tanks provide
the foundation for offering these services. The city has also
industry leaders an opportunity to
moved to create TechMGM, which links local industry, education
share their intellectual capital and
and government to bring new capabilities and ensure we have the
knowledge to produce innovation,
local resources to support cybersecurity and deliver solutions and
smart cities, and opportunities to
services for everyone in Montgomery and the state. - Chuck Evanhoe, President of Evanhoe & Associates and Aware Innovations
implement artificial intelligence (AI). - Wanda Jones, CEO & Managing Director, CDA Consulting, Inc.
21 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I ND U ST RY Leader | Technology
Aware Innovations When was your company founded? Aware
What sets your company apart? Aware Innovations’
Innovations was founded in 2016 as a commercial division of
offering is customizable to fit user needs, with an experienced
Evanhoe & Associates, Inc., an established IT solutions company
team that assesses your business situation and creates a solution
serving the U.S. government for over 20 years.
that supports your business case. ItemAware is a custombuilt software platform that works with existing and emerging
How many employees do you have? We have four
technologies and is easily applied to unique situations. Aware
employees in the River Region and 46 more across the U.S.
Innovations is led by industry leaders who have international recognition and we are backed by the full IT offering of our parent
What are your primary products and services? Aware Innovations provides technology solutions
company, Evanhoe & Associates.
for tracking items and managing inventory, allowing users to make
Milestones/Awards: We have saved government offices
intelligent decisions based on their data. We consult with you
more than $1 million annually in inventory costs and cut labor costs
to assess your processes, perform market research of various
by 77 percent using ItemAware.
technologies and recommend appropriate technologies. Once accepted, we design, install, deploy and support the total solution. ItemAware, our custom-built software, provides asset tracking, work-in-process tracking, returnable asset tracking, inventory management and tool tracking. Dashboards, alerts and reporting give quick access to important information, and the software is scalable no matter the size of your business.
4137 Carmichael Rd, Suite 100, Montgomery AL 36106 334-233-2250 awareinnovations.com
23 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
ONE THIRD
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EXISTING BUSINESS BENEFITS
It’s no secret that Maxwell-Gunter AFB is a lynchpin of the capital city’s economy even without reaching beyond base gates. But now, military-business partnerships in the form of contractors serving the Air Force and Department of Defense are having additional impact, strengthening the business climate in Montgomery in
DOLLARS & CENTS Delali Dzirasa, President and CEO of Baltimore-based
Fearless, explained how a technology and cyber focus can positively affect economic development and the overall business climate in a city. “In the tech industry, a third of all venture
new ways.
capital investment in
The Business Enterprise Systems Product
(approximately $25
Innovation (BESPIN) team is a prime illustration. BESPIN is best described as a “software factory” and is part of the United States Air Force’s Business Enterprise Systems Directorate (BES), which is based at Gunter Annex. Yet BESPIN is located off base, a move that encourages enhanced collaboration with commercial industry to develop software in a more efficient way, as Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of TechMGM explained. “Currently, BESPIN is housed in the Chamber’s Small Business Resource Center. This is an excellent way to integrate into the community,” she said. “Opportunities like MGMWERX and BESPIN help to engage our tech community and bring new and innovative businesses into Montgomery all while
OF ALL VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN THE TECH INDUSTRY IN THE COUNTRY (APPROXIMATELY $25 BILLION) WAS CONCENTRATED IN SAN FRANCISCO IN 2017.
the country in 2017 billion) was concentrated in San Francisco, and venture capital generally flows to more densely populated, affluent areas of the country. For small businesses in
“We see a community with a burgeoning tech ecosystem that needs to be supported to grow,
less affluent cities and
but there are already
neighborhoods, a big
small businesses and
impact can be made with a small investment. Technology and cyber-
entrepreneurs working hard to help their community
focused businesses offer
thrive. Bringing our team to
communities well-paying
Montgomery to learn more
jobs that careers are
about the needs of the
made of. Investment in the technology and cyber sector causes a ripple
project and community has been a fantastic learning
launching additional small businesses.”
effect when it comes to
opportunity for all of us.”
economic development. Tech workers with good
- DELALI DZIRASA
Tanya Lambert, CEO of BESPIN, explained BESPIN’s core purpose. “BESPIN will lead a digital transformation that shifts BES’ compliance-driven culture into one built
salaries are then able to spend more in their local community and help other businesses grow.”
around the needs of users. In support of this goal, we will partner with multiple
24 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I ND U ST RY Leader | Technology
CD&A Consulting Services, Inc. When was your company founded? In 2010,
transform businesses with CloudSuite Technology and Artificial
in Stockbridge, Georgia. The company was relocated from
Intelligence on a platform with flexibility for future success.
Stockbridge to Montgomery in 2016, where I was born and raised.
Milestones & Awards: CD&A is committed to service How many employees do you have in the River Region? There are two administrative employees here,
in the community, providing backpacks with teacher and student
and the company has technology consultants living and servicing
Wanda Lewis Jones, considers it a milestone to have traveled
our clients throughout the United States.
abroad to Europe and the Caribbean and to have been a part of
What are your primary products and services? CD&A Consulting Services Inc. provides
school supplies. The company’s CEO and Managing Director,
missionary efforts for the Church of Christ in the Federated States of Micronesia. Her international travels have broadened her vision for the company in a global way, and her professional industry
implementation and process redesign consulting services to help
experiences, as well as personal travel experiences, will be an
organizations realize tangible value from their IT-enabled initiatives.
asset to the company’s future expansion.
We have strong roots in process redesign, allowing us to help clients achieve meaningful improvement by enabling the right process with the right technology.
What sets your company apart? We are a small consulting firm with large corporation industry experience and software business partners with proven solutions for multiple industries. We have packaged our industry knowledge and business enterprise solutions into a corporate strategic vision to
25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
7956 Vaughn Road, Suite 138 877-372-8792 / cdaconsultinginc.com
“We have more opportunities than people to improve our business systems. As the BESPIN CEO, I want to be teaming with our community to be THE employer that brings jobs that our college graduates and our current workforce strive to obtain.”
is currently at work on its Montgomery site, which Dzirasa said he hopes will be open on at least a small scale by the end of this year. His company is bringing other players to the city too, partner firms that will also support BESPIN.
Tanya Lambert CEO of BESPIN
USAF divisions to help them deliver
is looking to recruit and retain software
exceptional digital experiences,” she said.
developers, coders, user-centered
“We will also leverage the support of
designers, platform operators to our
collaborative, community-focused industry
team,” she said. “We are leveraging our
partners who can bring modern digital
organic military and civilians to fill these
delivery solutions, such as lean-agile
roles and expect to need more as we
software development and user-centered
modernize heritage applications.”
design, into the government space from a number of nationwide ‘talent hubs,’ with
The opportunities are almost limitless,
Montgomery serving as the base hub
since according to Lambert, there
and additional satellite hubs across the
are more than 140 of these heritage
nation.”
applications that need to be modernized, rationalized or business-process re-
Chamber Work Working for You
Thanks to the Chamber’s input on contract language, companies working with BESPIN are required to have a physical presence in the city. That means more tangible economic development effects, including
In her position, Lambert is tasked with
engineered. “We have more opportunities
leading the Air Force into becoming a
than people to improve our business
“next generation acquisition authority,”
systems,” she said. “As the BESPIN
and to do this, she must ensure her team
CEO, I want to team with our community
While BESPIN contracts are obviously
maintains continual exposure to the
to be THE employer that brings jobs
the main reason Fearless is setting up
cutting-edge ideas and creativity derived
that our college graduates and our
shop in the capital city, the decision was
from non-traditional and non-military
current workforce strive to obtain. This
made easier by the positives Dzirasa and
sources. “Based upon the success of the
community is ready for the challenge to
his team have found here. “One of the
initial Aviation Resource Management
become a game changer for the Air Force
reasons Montgomery really appealed
System Design Blitz, PEO [Program
and the adoption of the Digital Air Force.”
to us was its similarities to Fearless’
Executive Officer] BES has replicated a
real estate investment.
hometown Baltimore,” he said. “We see
series of three-day design blitz sessions
Fearless, a digital services and software
a community with a burgeoning tech
on various PEO BES programs to facilitate
company based in Baltimore, Maryland,
ecosystem that needs to be supported
events to critically look at current
is one of the businesses working with
to grow, but there are already small
acquisition practices and chart new paths
BESPIN on the shift Lambert outlined.
businesses and entrepreneurs working
and processes to revolutionize the way
The partnership will pair BES in-house
hard to help their community thrive. The
the Air Force acquires IT,” she said.
developers with private sector developers
Air Force is an incredible partner for
and use an agile development
not only Montgomery but also Fearless.
This represents a plethora of prospects
methodology in an open and innovative
Bringing our team to Montgomery to learn
for existing businesses and entrepreneurs
environment. “It is modeled after other
more about the needs of the project and
ready to expand and start up here, while
successful ‘software factories’ in the Air
community has been a fantastic learning
also serving as strong enticement and
Force including Kessel Run that was
opportunity for all of us.”
incentive to draw new companies here,
launched in Boston,” said Delali Dzirasa,
as Lambert further explained. “BESPIN
Fearless President and Founder. Fearless
26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I ND U ST RY Leader | Technology
BWS Technologies When was your company founded? 1996
¡ Website solutions: design, hosting and management your online presence. Internet marketing: from social media to review
How many employees do you have in the River Region? 12 What are your primary products and services? Providing unparalleled support to our clients and managing technology assets in three areas of focus:
management, organic ranking, online directories, search engine and social advertising. Content Development: blog articles and email marketing solutions.
What sets your company apart? The combination of decades of experience, our client-focused approach and friendly
¡ Computer services: IT management and preventive
experts sets BWS apart. As a proactive technology partner, we use trusted solutions that consistently prevent problems from
maintenance, computer/server sales, hardware/software
happening. Our friendly experts educate our clients and staff to
installation, virus/spyware protection, issue resolution, backup/
use their technology assets to further their business goals. The
data recovery, technology planning and consulting. BWS offers
BWS team is committed to finding the best solution for each client.
remote, onsite and in-shop support.
We invite you to experience the confidence and peace of mind that come with having the BWS team by your side.
¡ Network systems: network security, wired/wireless infrastructure, phone systems, mobile device management, email hosting and support, policy enforcement, web filtering, internet bandwidth management, and virtual CTO. BWS offers cloud & on-premise options. 1836 Glynwood Drive, Prattville 334-358-6305 / bwsit.com 27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
BEST & BRIGHTEST EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
In March 2019, it was announced
and increased collaboration between
Technology) Robotics competition.
that Montgomery would host a BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and
Feeding these “learning opportunities”
The event, hosted by Alabama State
multiple and diverse entities is a
University, initiates robotics programs at
foundational element of all of MGM’s
no cost in middle and high schools by
ongoing tech and cyber initiatives and
pitting teams of students against each
activities. Events like innovateAFITC take
other at the local, regional and then the
big, bold steps toward this goal, inspiring increased private-public partnerships.
But the emphasis on a skilled workforce
national level. Lee Sumner, a contractor
This annual competition takes place
is not limited to a handful of events,
at Gunter and head of the Montgomery
during the Air Force Information and
as Stokes stressed. “We’ve put a huge
events planning committee for BEST,
Technology Cyberpower (AFITC)
focus on providing our youth and
has been coaching BEST teams in the
Conference held in Montgomery each
community as a whole a variety of
area since 2005, but previously, the
August and is being led by TechMGM.
opportunities to better educate and
closest local competition was Auburn.
prepare them for higher-wage jobs,” she During the event, teams made up of
He explained why having the competition
said.
here is so exciting for schools and
private-public representatives and students compete to create solutions
Initiatives like MGMWERX and BESPIN
students, but also for the community
that address real-world problems. This
are finding their way into schools and
at large. “BEST encourages creative
year, teams paired PEO BES and HMMA
universities to assist in building programs
thinking, problem solving and goal-
to work on logistics issues; MPS and
and enhancing STEM activities. Area
directed learning, and it is, without a
Air University to work on education;
students have more access to training,
doubt, positively affecting the entire
26NOS, Cyber College and Auburn
including a grant awarded to ASU and
area because a number of students are
Cyber institute to develop cybersecurity
TechMGM that’s providing Apple SWIFT
being introduced to these areas and
solutions; and the City of Montgomery,
training to middle school and high school
experiences that they simply would not
Alabama Power and the 42nd Air Base
teachers and also bringing courses for
have otherwise,” he said. “I know that
Wing to overcome digital services and
college students to teach SWIFT coding
this experience solidifies some students’
utilities challenges. Training workshops
that will develop a pipeline of software
interest in STEM careers.”
from Google, Amazon and Microsoft are
developers. Stokes also noted the
also part of the event, as is an overall
importance of having the BEST Robotics
In late October, 24 teams (the maximum
focus on the soft skills needed for
competition in Montgomery this year. “It’s
allowed), competed to design and build
employability in any industry.
an opportunity to train future engineers
robots ready to complete a specific
and spread these nationwide programs
task. The teams were all provided the
Stokes outlined why events like
so they have a greater presence in
same challenge and same materials,
innovateAFITC are significant. “It is a
Montgomery and the region,” she said.
and they all had six weeks to prepare.
great opportunity for students to work
And the entire program and event was
alongside IT professionals from the
IT ED EXCEPTIONS
commercial and military IT sectors,” she
Yet there is still plenty of untapped
neither the schools nor students had to
said. “And commercial businesses are
potential and work to be done, according
pay a dime to participate.
learning more about base operations
to Boyd Stephens, founder of Netelysis
and Department of Defense challenges.
LLC, who says there are many in the
This is an excellent exchange of ideas
business community who still don’t
between some of the community’s
completely understand how to take
largest employers.”
complete advantage of Montgomery’s 28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
free; thanks to corporate sponsorships,
All teams received a requirements document that outlined what their robot
needed to accomplish and were given their materials kit (a consumables kit with things like plywood, nuts and bolts, wire, etc. and a returnable kit with motors, batteries, etc. that is given back to BEST when the event is over) on September 5. Then they started brainstorming. “They had to do a field test in early October,
“AFITC is a great
and that’s kinda fun because they all
opportunity for students
embark on a little industrial espionage,
to work alongside IT
watching each other to see what is working and what isn’t and then going back with ideas to refine their robot,”
“BEST encourages creative
Sumner said.
thinking, problem solving and
At the competition a few weeks
goal-directed learning, and it
later, the teams went head-to-head
is, without a doubt, positively
throughout the day, narrowing down the
affecting the entire area because
list until four finalists emerged for the championship. The winning teams from
a number of students are being
Eastwood/Cornerstone Christian Schools,
introduced to these areas and
Wetumpka High School, Holtville Middle/
experiences that they simply
High School, Trinity Christian School and Macon County Career Technical
would not have otherwise,” he
Center will advance to the regional BEST
said. “I know that this experience
competition in Auburn.
solidifies some students’ interest
Sumner believes that events like BEST can make be a huge change agent in a
in STEM careers.”
professionals from the commercial and military IT sectors,” she said. “And commercial businesses are learning more about base operations and Department of Defense challenges. This is an excellent exchange of ideas between some of the community’s largest employers.”
- LEE SUMNER
student’s life. “It’s a very comprehensive experience that’s great for all STEM
And Sumner hopes that having BEST
subjects, as well as other skills they
here is just the beginning of increased
learned in the writing and presenting
technology offerings for area students.
of their presentations, but even more
“With all of the new emphasis on
than that, it shows some kids that maybe
tech, the creation of TechMGM and all
college is not for them,” he said. “Maybe
the partnerships, this is definitely the
they can go straight into a tech program
direction Montgomery needs to go,” he
working for a business, like one of our
said. “I’d love to see a place that gives
sponsors, Industrial Automation. It’s
more of it, especially for our students. I’d
giving students the opportunity to interact
love to see a place that gives students
with folks in the tech/cyber industry right
access to the higher-end tech tools that
here, and that’s valuable.”
most schools can’t afford.”
Charisse Stokes
Executive Director of TechMGM
29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
“If one seeks the mastery of one or more of the information technology crafts, there is no way around the development of this type of educational patience where one spends hours practicing, testing, reviewing and practicing their craft. In this field, learning new and more interesting things never, ever stops.” Boyd Stephens
Founder, Netelysis LLC
full range of technological assets.
Twitter post and not even in a
But he is ready to show the way.
classroom with an instructor,” he
“Essentially, the few of us who
said. “If one desires a quality and
have a holistic understanding
in-depth information technology
and view of the various parts
education, what is most required
and pieces are now obligated to
is having the patience to sit your
lead out in the ‘trench work’ of
rear end at a desk for hours,
educating the general citizenry,
working through the details
members of the business
by reading, comprehending,
community and to a large degree,
understanding and attempting to
actual members of the regional
apply very abstract concepts to a
tech community, on how all of the
work environment that very often
assets fit together,” he said.
cannot be physically touched nor
TECH TALK A BIT OF
In your opinion, are the recent tech and cyber initiatives being implemented by the city and its partners (the Chamber, military, private businesses, etc.) taking us in the right direction? If so, why and how?
Technology is about helping us live more productive lives. Ever heard that saying that you should work smarter, not harder? This is what
seen.”
the tech and cyber initiatives are all
for our future, Stephens offered
Gaining the “educational patience”
is helping our lives every day. The
some valuable insight, pointing
that Stephens insists is necessary
to the specifics that make IT
hinges on starting early and
education unlike the preparation
reaching out to and adequately
required for other careers. “There
preparing kids at the beginning
is no other career field where all
of their school journey. “If one
of the secrets, details, know-how,
seeks the mastery of one or more
etc. are so accessible to anyone
of the information technology
on the planet. The actual source
crafts, there is no way around
code/programming languages
the development of this type of
for the software on which the
educational patience where one
Facebooks, Googles, Twitters of
spends hours practicing, testing,
the world depend on and operate
reviewing and practicing their craft
on can be downloaded with a
some more,” he said. It sounds
couple of mouse clicks,” he said.
daunting, but he also promises
So, why the workforce shortage?
that the rewards are real. “In this
Stephens elaborated. “Here is the
field, learning new and more
catch: Perusing and discovering
interesting things never, ever
this content cannot be fully
stops,” Stephens said.
And on training the tech workforce
accomplished reviewing a Youtube video, reading a Facebook/
30 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
about in Montgomery. Technology parking upgrades that are coming from ParkMobile will help make paying for parking more convenient. No longer will you have to hope you remembered to put some change in your vehicle. This is just one of the many ways that technology can serve to help make our daily lives just a little bit better. I’m happy about all the technology upgrades that are happening around Montgomery. I believe they will help boost our business community, which will also help boost our economy and help us grow to the city’s potential that I know is there. - Jason Cullins, President & CEO, Innovations Technology Group, Inc.
GETTING IT DONE Trenholm State Community College is doing its part to provide the courses and curriculum that students need to pursue careers in IT and the cyber sector, and in several cases, offering them for free. Danny Perry, Interim Dean of Workforce Development and Career and Technical Education and EMS Program Director, shared how and why.
“ITS is excited about the focus on tech and fiber in Montgomery and the opportunities it will present to the city and region. We believe the focus will allow even further inclusive development for technologies like expanding unlicensed 5G for a generic group of service providers accelerating a wireless umbrella for the city and even the region. This will expand the opportunities for businesses and
Why up your offerings in terms of tech classes? We saw a huge need for tech training here, so we partnered with Troy University and TechMGM to write a grant last year to provide training for cyber security. We were awarded the Cyber Innovation Academy grant, and it allows us to provide training to pretty much anyone. The grant covers 100 percent of costs, so students basically get training
“We were awarded the
valued at about $1,500 for free.
Cyber Innovation Academy
connectivity is the backbone for all future
They do pay a $75 registration
grant, and it covers
economic development.” - Quincy Minor, President and COO, ITS
fee, and that helps us ensure they have a commitment to the
100 percent of costs
individuals in the city. Ultra high-speed
class. We provide the books and software they need as well as
“I believe Montgomery is taking a very positive direction with emphasis on both cybersecurity
so students basically get training valued
a voucher to cover costs of the
at about $1,500 for free.”
certification tests they take at the
- DANNY PERRY
end.
from the military, state government IT departments as well as private
and technology.
What do students learn through the Cyber Innovation Academy?
Technology is
Security+ and Cisco Certified
very much a part
Network Administrator. To work in
of our daily lives,
any IT department at Maxwell or
and Montgomery
Gunter, you’ve got to have one or
is making this
both of these certifications.
colleges in the state contacted
What has the response been?
They asked us to start teaching
Our goal was to train 150 folks.
students their coding tech called
To date, we’ve trained 188, and
Apple SWIFT. Students can
we’ve now asked for an extension
take the three classes needed,
technology work to our benefit with upgrades such as the parking using the ParkMobile app. And by investing in the MGMix Internet Exchange, Montgomery is creating an even greater
industry.
Are there other interesting offerings at the college right now too? Yes. There were three by Apple, and we were one.
because we feel like with the
go home and build an app and
growing and evolving its technology
remaining funds (we did it cheaper
start selling it on iTunes. This is
infrastructure.” - Roger Blackmon, President, Computer and Data Network Services
than we thought), we can train
available to anyone as a stand-
an additional 60 to 75 folks. And
alone course; you don’t have to be
there is still a lot of interest in
enrolled at Trenholm.
foundation for our future, constantly
them; we’ve had a huge response
31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
VESTOR IN
PR
OFIL
PO WERHOUSE
Q&A
E
TROY MAXWELL For District Manager of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Troy Maxwell, the chance to serve others is the most rewarding aspect of his job, and the Chamber’s similar commitment to service make him and his team proud to be active members. How long have you worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama? Question? Answer.16 years
What
is your impression of Montgomery’s current business climate? Montgomery is a thriving city
that has a healthy business climate and the support of many
How many employees does BCBS of Alabama have in the River Region? There are 22 associates in the
talented business professionals from a variety of industries.
River Region.
quality of life for current and future Montgomery-area residents.
Are you from Montgomery? No. I was born in Zanesville, Ohio, and moved to Montgomery when I was 10 years old.
Why do you and BCBS of Alabama choose to be so supportive of the Chamber and its work?
My father was in the glass business and worked for Brockway
Blue Cross is focused on giving back to the community, so
Glass on Lower Wetumpka Road. I attended Head Elementary,
we are proud to support The Montgomery Area Chamber of
Capital Heights Jr. High, Robert E. Lee High School and
Commerce. They do an exceptional job at providing programs
Huntingdon College, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in
and opportunities that are focused on positive economic
accounting.
growth, workforce expansion and community wellbeing.
What are the duties and responsibilities of your position? I’m responsible for leading the sales and
great passion for my family, but my selfish interest is golf. Most
service teams in the region while ensuring that our customers’
of my free time now is dedicated to my family. I have two boys,
expectations and needs are met daily.
ages 15 and 19, who are very athletic and adventurous. I find
myself dedicating my free time and resources to their interests
What is your favorite part of your job? Serving
while supporting them in their endeavors. Whether it’s on
others. Whether it’s in the community, a customer of ours or an
Lake Martin wake surfing and wakeboarding, on a ball field
associate with BCBSAL, seeing challenges and issues through
somewhere cheering and supporting, or outside riding four
to an amicable resolution is what brings great joy to me in my
wheelers and sitting in a shooting house, that’s where you will
role. Fostering and developing relationships while mentoring
find me when I’m not working.
those who serve you brings a sense of community, whether it’s
a customer or an associate, and this drives me every day to be
What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?
the best I can be for those that depend on me. I learned a long
I’m proud of the fact that I played baseball my entire childhood
time ago that you are only as good as those that you surround
in Montgomery, all the way through high school. I picked up
yourself with, so I make a conscious effort daily to invest in
a golf club late in life, my senior year of high school to be
others.
exact. I went on to play collegiately and was senior captain and
played a small part of two National Championship golf teams at
How much have health care and health insurance changed in the last decade and how is BCBS of Alabama adapting? Over the last decade, the healthcare
Huntingdon College. Most importantly, I achieved a bachelor’s
industry has seen an immense amount of change. We will
college. We have been married 25 years raising two awesome
continue to respond by putting the needs of our customers
young men that love our Lord and pursue His will daily in their
first and remaining committed to providing them access to the
lives. It doesn’t get much better than that. I’m so blessed and
quality healthcare they need.
grateful to all those who played a role in this success.
This all leads to communities that prosper and an excellent
What are your interests outside of work? I have a
life, and I married my high school sweetheart after graduating
32 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS
degree in accounting at the same time. This set me up for
People Power “I learned a long time ago that you are only as good as those that you surround yourself with, so I make a conscious effort daily to invest in others.”
33 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EMB E R profile
DR. CAROLINE ABOLADE Dr. Caroline Abolade, Founder and Owner of Aesthetica Montgomery Med Spa loves helping others look their best, calling herself a “kid in a candy store” when it comes to the continual advancements in her field.
Are you from Montgomery? I am from Nigeria, and I came to the United States with my husband, via a several-year detour in England, in pursuit of the American dream 23 years ago. I became an American citizen in 2019, coming full circle in pursuit of that dream.
What are Aesthetica’s primary services? Its primary services are laser-driven aesthetic treatments including: laser chin and body sculpting; laser hair removal; laser skin resurfacing for age spots, redness, facial vessels and acne scars; laser skin tightening; feminine revitalization; and Vivace RF Microneedling for laser age spots, deep wrinkles, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. We offer other services like spa facials, dermaplaning, waxing and more.
Why did you open Aesthetica? Access to aesthetic services has traditionally been exclusive. Aesthetica was opened as a stand-alone medical spa to bring the latest laser technological advances in the anti-aging and beauty industry to the River Region and to make it more accessible and
Go With What You Know I have been a physician for 30 years, and I am married to another physician, and we have two sons. I don’t know anything about football, but I love me some orange and blue. War Eagle!
affordable to a more diverse population, spanning all ethnicities.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? My favorite thing about doing this is the infinite possibilities that abound now in the field. People ask almost incredulously, “You can do that for my skin?”. Yes, we can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Yes, we can make age spots go away and make facial veins disappear. Yes, we can perform laser hair removal, even on African Americans.
your soul. My family and I enjoy going far and near around the world and bringing back something beautiful that tells a story. I have lived on three continents so far and plan to see the rest, God willing. aestheticamontgomery.com
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS BUSINESS JOURNAL JOURNAL 34MONTGOMERY 34
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
What are your interests outside of work? Travel. Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill
DIRECT HIRE TRY & HIRE TEMPORARY PAYROLL www.walkerworkforce.com
Over 60 Years
of serving the River Region!
(334) 265-0100 PROFESSIONAL | CLERICAL | INDUSTRIAL
35 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
36 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M I L I TARY profile
JACOB WADSWORTH River Region native and Area Manager of WorkForce Walker Personnel Jacob Wadsworth relies on his familiarity with his home and his strong, experienced team to do what he loves: help others find brighter career futures.
Are you from Montgomery? No, I am from Wetumpka. I have lived in Wetumpka my entire life. I attended Wetumpka High School and received a bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on economics and a master’s in business administration from Auburn University Montgomery. The proximity of Montgomery to Wetumpka and my familiarity with the area have made Montgomery the ideal place for me to pursue a career.
How long have you been with WorkForce Walker Personnel? Three years
What are WorkForce Walker Personnel’s primary services? We provide professional, clerical and industrial staffing services. We offer our customers direct hire, temp to hire, temporary and payrolling services. WorkForce Walker Personnel is a locally owned and operated business and has been serving the River Region’s employment needs since 1957. Our years of experience in the staffing industry have given us the expertise necessary to be successful in a competitive economy. As a result, we provide jobs for more than 4,000 people annually.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? Helping our applicants create a better future for themselves. I also really enjoy working with our excellent staff. They really are what make WorkForce Walker Personnel the best staffing agency in Montgomery.
What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy spending time working on my family’s Christmas
Experience & Expertise
tree farm and hanging out with family and friends at PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
Auburn sporting events. I also enjoy spending time
“We are very proud to be celebrating 62
relaxing with my wife, Hannah, and playing fetch with my
years of business under the local ownership
favorite pup, Marlo.
of the Walker family. And we recently received recognition as Montgomery
walkerworkforce.com
Advertiser’s Reader’s Choice Best of the Best Staffing Agency for 2019.”
37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
The world changes
ONE PERSON AT A TIME.
I N D I V I D UA L Heather Parrish, Southern Art & Makers Collective Heather S. Parrish has lived in Montgomery since 1996. In this time,
CHANGE AGENTS
she has served as a teacher, mentor and devoted arts advocate in the areas of theater, music and the visual arts. Currently, she is an active visual artist and co-owner of Southern Art and Makers Collective. SAMC, located at 1228 Madison Avenue downtown, focuses on supporting regional artists and makers as well as nonprofits by providing opportunities to sell their work and offer classes to the River Region. Known for her colorful works, quick wit, encouraging spirit and larger-than-life personality, Parrish is impacting the community one relationship at a time.
THE FINALIST FOR THES
2 I M P A C T0 1 9 MAK AWA R D S E R ARE HER
Chef Eric Rivera, Vintage Hospitality Group
E.
Executive Chef Eric
FOR THE SECOND YEAR,
Rivera creates simple
MBJ asked Montgomery to speak up and share
dishes that feature
the names of people, groups and companies who are
twists on common uses of distinctive
“making an impact.” The city answered, and scores of
ingredients and
nominations flooded in, highlighting the businesses, organizations and individuals who are having multiple powerful and positive effects on the capital city and the River Region beyond.
flavors to showcase seasonality and quality. In addition to being a James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader, under his leadership, Vintage Cafe´ and Vintage Year have both received mentions in The New York Times, USA Today,
So, meet the finalists. And make plans to attend the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on December 10 to find out the winners.
Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. Vintage Year was also named by Wine Spectator and OpenTable for Restaurant Awards of Excellence. Rivera is also a “Feast of Flavours” two-time winner, and he’s dedicated to giving back to the community by donating to many nonprofits and by donating his time to serve as a judge for Pro Start, a high school hospitality program.
38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
I N D I V I D UA L
Donna Cooper, BBVA Compass Montgomery native Donna Cooper has been a leader in banking for close to 39 years
Mia Mothershed, Jackson Hospital
For nearly four decades, she
Margaret Cornwell, Abrakadoodle Montgomery
has invested in her community
Cornwell and her
Since coming to the capital city in 1999,
by chairing, serving and
Abrakadoodle Art Education
Mia Mothershed has moved through the
volunteering on local boards and
team have reached more than
ranks to experience all Montgomery has
committees. She believes that
12,000 children over 10-plus
to offer. From consulting with the Small
giving from your heart is your
years. As an advocate of art
Business Incubator before becoming
greatest opportunity to change
for all, Cornwell develops
an entrepreneur in Montgomery, to
the world.
educational opportunities and
becoming a Class VI graduate of the
access to cultural experiences,
city’s Torchbearer Leadership program,
often obtaining the needed
she has done it all. A marketing and
funding. Abrakadoodle
public relations executive, Mothershed
connects the community
has found a home at Jackson Hospital
to creativity by partnering
where she lives out her motto to “engage,
with local organizations
enlighten and empower others.” Leading
and nonprofits, such as
the Jackson Hospital sponsorship of
Brantwood, Common Ground,
more than 500 community events a year,
Child Protect, MADSOG and
Mothershed finds it a blessing to work in
United Way.
an environment that values serving our
and exemplifies a servant’s heart.
community.
Jonathan Strange, XiRepair
MORE THAN
VOTES WERE CAST.
Jonathan Strange is a serial entrepreneur who started his
Charles Lee, That’s My Child
first company at 14 years old
Charles Lee is a local business owner, community activist and
and is the active CEO of two
family man. Growing up in the rough, gang-riddled streets of
companies here in Montgomery,
Chicago inspired him to donate his time and put his efforts
XiRepair, his tech repair
into being a family-like support system and a “way out”
giant, and Strange Media, his
for less fortunate youth facing the hardships of today. This
media agency. Strange is the
inspiration led to the creation of That’s My Child, a nonprofit
youngest member of the
whose mission is to mentor youth through arts, education
Chamber of Commerce, the
and entrepreneurship, while also giving them a safe place to
Alabama Business Council and
develop the talents and skills needed to become tomorrow’s
the Montgomery Rotary Club.
productive citizens. Lee is also the founder of That’s My Dog Jr., the first-ever restaurant operated by teenagers only. 39 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
SMALL BUSINESS
The Montgomery Zoo The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is a 42-acre accredited zoological facility located minutes from historic, downtown Montgomery. The Zoo houses more than 500 animal species from Africa, Asia, Australia, North America
HCS Group
and South America. Guests can also enjoy the Mann Wildlife
HCS Group has completed projects in more than 50 countries and 40 U.S. states. The firm has received numerous accreditations from the Department of Defense and has been nominated several times for Small Business of the Year by the National Society of Military Engineers. But the company’s greatest reward is being part of the Humanitarian Assistance Program and Power Africa and through these programs, helping elevate third-world countries. The company brings that same spirit and work home to Montgomery and gives back to its local community by sponsoring Military Appreciation Day at the Biscuits Stadium,
Learning Museum, which houses one of the Southeast’s largest collections of preserved North American wildlife, fossils and artifacts. Stingray Bay, the Zoo’s newest aquatic exhibit, allows guests to touch, pet and feed its collection of stingrays. If you are looking for adventure on the wild side, the Montgomery Zoo is perfect for you and your family.
marathons and runs for various charities and supporting the
2211 Ultimate Play Zone
Sunshine Center
2211 Ultimate Play Zone (UPZ) is the new skating rink in
and Brantwood
Montgomery. Roller skating is heart healthy and burns more
Children’s Home.
calories than riding a bike. 2211 UPZ has partnered with local daycares, community centers, youth organizations, churches and schools to bring affordable fun to the city and has donated more than $9,000 to schools and nonprofit businesses that encourage young people to be positive, caring, non-violent and loving. The name 2211 comes
INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS WERE NOMINATED.
from the statehood number of Alabama (22) and New York (11). The owners represent the love of entertainment, family and fun that Alabama and New York are known for.
40 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Civil Axe Throwing Montgomery The Civil Axe Throwing mission is to offer the most fun, safe and value-added entertainment experience for every customer who walks through its doors. The business’ vision is to be the recognized standard of indoor axe throwing. That means it is hyper-focused on the positive impact its business has on the Montgomery community. The establishment of its community outreach program, “Axe of Kindness,” is a prime example and is founded on the business’ desire to raise funds with all local and national nonprofit charitable foundations. This initiative recently kicked off with a fundraising tournament for the Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter.
MGMWERX MGMWERX augments ongoing Air University programs through events like Pitch Nights, Ideation Workshops, Technology Showcases and Challenges to enhance production of highquality, innovative research and ideas that span issues of importance to the Air Force. The organization’s dedicated
Homewood Suites by Hilton LBA Hospitality
focus on innovation and collaboration allows it to serve its
Homewood Suites by Hilton™ offers a unique approach to longer
military partners and provide unique opportunities to the city
stays by allowing guests to stay in their routine while traveling
of Montgomery and beyond through community-focused
for business or leisure. With the support of its management
events like technology training sessions, military collaboration
company, LBA Hospitality, Homewood Suites Montgomery
opportunities and access to its high-tech workspace.
empowers every associate to explore new and better ways to
MGMWERX also provides unique occasions for innovators and
serve guests, its owners and the community. The property serves
entrepreneurs, near and far, to engage its military partners
by donating to organizations like the Joy to Life Foundation,
and provide relevant
Jelani Girls, Inc, the American Cancer Society and the Bright
technology solutions for
Beginning chapter #803, serving meals at the Salvation Army,
current Air University-
serving on the Human Trafficking Task Force, donating supplies
related needs.
to nursing homes and partnering with the local Wounded Warriors Project to read to local Headstart classes.
41 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MID-SIZE BUSINESS
Four Star Freightliner Four Star Freightliner is the Southeast’s leading medium and heavy duty truck dealer. The company mission reflects its dedication to assisting and supporting organizations that are engaged in like-minded activities. The company has awarded eight scholarships in memory of a co-worker and partnered with Elmore County Career & Technical Center to award scholarships to their “Student of the Year.” The company also donated equipment to J. F. Ingram State Technical College’s diesel mechanics class, whose students are primarily incarcerated adults. Four Star supports countless high school and community sports teams through sponsorships and has also provided support for programs for veterans, cancer survivors and even provided a sick Montgomery boy with a shopping spree with help from the Magic Moments organization.
Ascent Hospitality
(Hampton Inn Downtown; Hampton Inn Airport; DoubleTree)
Ascent Hospitality is a vertically integrated hotel development and management company formed in early 2000. The company’s foundation is built on partnership and the spirit of teamwork, as evident from the single vision that
Guardian Credit Union
has been nurtured and executed for more than 15 years by
Guardian Credit Union believes it’s vital to serve the
the two principals. From inception, Ascent Hospitality has
communities in which its employees live. For more than 60
adhered to one simple principle: “Always deliver what is
years, the company has actively worked to make an impact
promised, and always execute what is committed.” From the
by helping its members achieve their financial goals while
seed that was planted, the company’s heart grows here in the
supporting local community activities, schools, charities and
Montgomery area with its core hotels: by Hilton: Doubletree,
businesses. Over the years, Guardian has seen tremendous
Hampton Inn Downtown, Hampton Inn Airport; by Marriott:
growth. However, the connections Guardian team members
Fairfield Inn Airport.
make with families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and members of the community are most important. The company believes, “If we can continue to build connections through serving others, we can make our community an even better place for all of us.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE CHAMBER’S ANNUAL MEETING ON
DECEMBER 10. NOT ONLY WILL YOU FIND OUT WHO THE 2019 IMPACT MAKERS ARE, YOU’LL GET A GREAT SNAPSHOT OF THE CHAMBER’S 2019 PROGRESS, LEARN ABOUT ITS 2020 GOALS, PLUS CONNECT WITH THE AREA’S BUSINESS LEADERS.
42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
43 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
LARGE BUSINESS
Alabama State University Alabama State University has a rich legacy of making a tremendous impact on the Montgomery area. The university is a vital part of the local economy as an employer of nearly 1,000 area residents, as well as through the influx of nearly 4,000 students who live on campus and in local neighborhoods. ASU carries the banner of Montgomery, Alabama, nationally and globally through the celebrity of the Mighty Marching Hornets band and through the work of its dedicated graduates who make their mark around the world. ASU attracts major events to the city through the campus stadium and the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. University students, faculty, staff and alumni generate thousands of volunteer hours annually for local charitable organizations, churches and schools as part of its president’s CommUniversity initiatives.
RePower South Montgomery, LLC RePower South Montgomery (RPSM) has introduced new technology that is changing the disposal of waste and the generation of clean energy forever. The company re-opened Montgomery’s Recycling Facility, formerly known as IREP, in late 2018 and started providing recycling for city residents in late January 2019. Its mission is to positively impact communities and protect the earth by disrupting the traditional approach to recycling, landfilling and producing clean fuel while creating sustainable, green jobs. Its system sorts out recycled commodities while producing a reengineered fuel from paper and plastics.
44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Wind Creek Montgomery Wind Creek Montgomery (WCM) has been a member of the local business community for more than 25 years. The unique AAA Four Diamond property offers the best in entertainment, dining, luxury and guest service. WCM doesn’t just strive to do business, it strives to do good. Its recent numbers (since January 2018) show this:
MAX
It paid more than $30.5 million in payroll
MAX has been an integral part of the local
and benefits to our 522+ employees
community since 1955. With more than 300
working in myriad career roles; it attracted
employees, and 18 locations throughout Central and East Alabama, MAX has provided its customers with quality financial products and services.
visitors to help make Montgomery a vibrant tourist destination; it has given back to the community by awarding more than
Everyone at MAX believes in giving back to the communities they serve. The people served are not just customers; they are family members, friends and neighbors. By investing in the local community through donations, sponsorships, financial education and volunteer service, MAX is committed to making Montgomery a better place to live, work and play.
45 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
$1,000,970 to local organizations through sponsorships, community relations and Make a Change donations.
NONPROFIT River Region United Way River Region United Way is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening lives, helping people and improving community conditions in Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon and Montgomery counties. The organization supports community programs and initiatives that help nearly one in
Valiant Cross Academy
every three persons living in the River Region. The
Valiant Cross Academy is the first all-male school in Montgomery that transcends
organization believes that everyone should have the opportunities for a good life, knowing the building blocks for that life are an excellent education, financial stability, good health and having basic needs met. Its goals and work in the community are centered on these key impact areas.
the challenges facing young African-American males. It was founded in 2014 by brothers Anthony and Frederick Brock who were frustrated by the alarming number of African-American males who were not considered college ready. Valiant Cross provides rigorous academics and leadership training with a distinct culture of structure and discipline. The students, called scholars, have longer school days, smaller class sizes, double the math and triple the literacy time in the classroom, and this is all designed to improve the attendance rate, literacy rate and ultimately, the graduation rate.
Health Services, Inc. Dedicated to providing quality health care to the area’s medically underserved population, Health Services, Incorporated (HSI) began in April of 1968 as a free health clinic in the basement of Montgomery City Hall. For more than 50 years, HSI has followed its mission of providing access to affordable comprehensive health and wellness services in Montgomery and surrounding areas. Through HSI, patients have access to adult medicine, pediatric medicine, OB/GYN and family planning, dentistry, optometry, behavioral health, social services, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and wellness centers. Health
Hope Inspired Ministries Hope Inspired Ministries serves low-skilled, poorly educated and chronically unemployed men and
Services operates 11 health centers and has partnered with Montgomery Public Schools to operate four HSI schoolbased health centers.
women by preparing them to obtain and maintain employment. The organization does so in a manner
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama
that develops individual worth, encourages personal
GSSA provides the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more than 1,400
responsibility and promotes the value and honor of
girls in the River Region. Of these girls, 49 percent are underserved, and
work. Hope Inspired Ministries introduces a way of
their Girl Scout experience is fully subsidized by GSSA because of generous
life that promotes the development of the emotional,
community support. GSSA provides the Girl Scout Leadership Program for girls
physical and spiritual maturity in each student. Since
in Montgomery Public Housing Communities (Camp Sunshine girls) and to at-risk
2012, the organization has placed 264 men and
girls in area schools. Program elements for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
women into internships with local businesses, which,
include anti-bullying, self-esteem,
for many, have resulted in
financial literacy, healthy living and
full-time employment and a
character-building.
life of self-sufficiency.
46 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Creating opportunities that hit all the right notes. BBVA is proud to support the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and appreciates the enjoyment it brings to our community. Bruce Crawford Montgomery Market CEO 334.490.7267 bbvausa.com BBVA and BBVA Compass are trade names of BBVA USA, a member of the BBVA Group. BBVA USA, Member FDIC. Rev. 08/2019
47 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) MACOA is Montgomery’s only non-profit agency solely serving seniors. Its flagship program is Meals On Wheels, which is a vital source of much-needed nutrition and safety checks serving homebound seniors at risk of losing their independence. Now in its 47th year, Meals On Wheels delivers 404 hot meals each weekday to seniors facing food insecurity. The program’s impact is immediate; in 2018, MACOA provided 122,487
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
meals via 34 delivery routes utilizing 1,271
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe
active volunteers, all focused on combating
in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system
hunger and isolation among seniors ages
of government. The Tribe is a partner in the state of Alabama, contributing to
60 to 101, with 26
economic, educational, social and cultural
percent being 85
projects, and its Planned Giving Campaign
years old and older
includes significant donations to local schools,
and 23 percent
senior centers, youth athletics and charitable
being distinguished
organizations.
American veterans.
Showcase YOUR B US INES S Industry Leaders 2020 JUL/AUG
JAN/FEB
Energy & Utilities
Banking MAR/APR
SEP/OCT
Auto Dealers & Aftermarket
Employment & HR Services
MAY/JUN
NOV/DEC
Commercial Real Estate & Builders
Medical
Contact Christina Bennett for more information at christina@exploremedia.org and 334.221.4619
48 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
GiveBack
DOG-GONE GOOD / by MELISSA WARNKE Service Dogs Alabama has created a specialized approach to healing. By fostering an advanced language and understanding between dog and human, the organization is changing lives
IMAGES COURTESY OF RIVER REGION UNITED WAY
and making miracles happen for those they serve.
Left: Maison and her seizure alert dog, Buckmaster. Right: Popcorn, facility intervention dog in Elmore Elementary School.
Frances McGowin, the Executive Director of Service Dogs
suffering with PTSD from a nightmare and intercepting anxiety
Alabama (SDA), knew the therapeutic value of animals long
and meltdowns in those with autism.
before she co-founded SDA. Nearly a decade ago, she began bringing her certified therapy dogs into sessions with
Dual-Purpose Training
children with disabilities at Baptist East Rehabilitation. “After only a few months, I started getting inquiries from families who had seen such amazing results that they wanted a trained dog for their child,” said McGowin. From the flood of requests rose a service dog program—K-9s 4 Kids. Created by McGowin and her fellow dog trainer, Ashley Taylor, the organization quickly expanded its mission and changed its name to Service
SDA currently has 50 dogs in training:
Life-changing work “It is amazing to see the profound confidence that these dogs help instill in adults and children.” - Leslie Sanders
Dogs Alabama. Today, SDA-trained service
Labrador retrievers, labradoodles, golden retrievers and occasionally a Labrador/ spaniel cross. SDA works to identify each dog’s individual strengths to train them for their ideal placement. The benefits of the dogs’ training extend beyond the people they’ll eventually help. In addition to the six trainers McGowin and Taylor have on staff, they utilize 10 trained socializers and 54 trainers who are inmates at a women’s prison. The dogs spend eight
dogs serve children, adults and veterans with disabilities as
to 10 months during their two-year training program inside
well as schools, courtrooms and first-responder headquarters.
the prison. Some of the inmates have been training with SDA since the organization’s inception nine years ago. They
SDA’s dogs can serve both medical and psychiatric needs,
have become a highly skilled group of trainers who dedicate
providing services that range from offering stability and
their days and nights to the care and training of these dogs.
balance control and seizure alerts to waking someone
“Time can stand still for an incarcerated inmate,” explained
50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
addition, a host of individuals, companies and non-profit groups contribute to the group’s mission, including Alabama
to children, adults and veterans with disabilities truly meets a need within our
The Montgomery area is in critical need of
community,” said Leslie Sanders, Vice
blood donations, and one local business
President of the Southern Division of
has committed to using its anniversary to
Alabama Power. “It is amazing to see the
help. Turenne PharMedCo, a long-term care
profound confidence that these dogs
pharmacy and medical supply distributor,
help instill in adults and children, and we
held a blood drive on July 10 to celebrate
are proud to support this mission.”
27 years in business and aimed to donate
psychiatric assistance provided by dogs
McGowin. “The service dog training program stops the prisoner’s stagnation and gives them the foundation to form healthy new life skills and habits while serving a profound purpose.” Over the years, McGowin and her team have found that the recidivism rates among the inmates they work with are very low. One inmate trainer said, “It helps me wake up every morning with a purpose. A positive purpose. A meaningful purpose.” The final step of training, called finishing, occurs in the free world with SDA’s professional trainers. “Our goal is to create a language [for the dogs], both spoken and unspoken. It is bond that creates a lifeline for real change,” McGowin explained.
BRIEFS
Montgomery Company Makes Saving Lives Focus of Anniversary
Power Foundation. “The medical and
Ashley Taylor and Frances McGowin.
GIVEBACK
at least 27 units of blood.
SDA’s Newest Frontier Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is quickly approaching epidemic proportions. Service Dogs Alabama has developed specialized training for Military Transitional Assistance (MTA) dogs who will be placed with military or firstresponder families to assist all members of the family. This specialized training helps the dog prevent escalation of PTSD
According to the American Red Cross, about 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States. That’s why Turenne opened up the drive to all of the surrounding companies located in the Montgomery Industrial Park. “Currently, there’s only a one-day supply of certain blood types available in our area,” said Lauren Wright, Director of Human
symptoms when needed.
Resources. “We wanted to use this time of
In addition, the service dog industry
save lives in our community.”
and its health and safety regulations are changing. “It is more important than ever that the people who receive service dogs are properly trained. It is also mandatory that service dog providers be accountable for the dogs that they train and place,” said McGowin.
celebration for Turenne to give back and
Turenne partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to collect the donations.
Montgomery Zoo Honors Military The Chamber, The Montgomery Zoo, the
Support for SDA’s Mission
To comply with governing Service Dog
City of Montgomery, the Montgomery
SDA’s average cost for a service dog
organizations, SDA is building small,
County Commission and presenting
is approximately $30,000 over a two-
free-standing PODS, which will house
sponsor, Guardian Credit Union, invited
year training period, and the staff works
recipients on property free of charge for
all active duty, retired and veteran military
tirelessly to raise funds needed. “All
their transition time, annual training and
personnel, their spouses and dependent
of our donors, board members and
camps.
children to visit the zoo for free on Military Appreciation Day. Each military guest also
volunteers deserve our sincerest thanks. They are the reason we are a thriving
With the organization’s 10th anniversary
received one free train ride ticket with
service dog organization,” said McGowin.
approaching, McGowin says she looks
their admission, and the honored guests
forward to the transformative power
were treated to a picnic lunch provided
Among those supporters is Montgomery
of the work that is to come. “Providing
by sponsors. Representatives from local
veterinarian Dr. Cade Armstrong, owner
specialty-trained service and facility dogs
military installations, the Chamber and
of Montgomery Veterinary Associates,
to perform life-changing tasks for the
the City of Montgomery addressed and
who has provided medical care for all
people that they serve — there is nothing
thanked those in attendance.
SDA dogs since its founding in 2010. In
more rewarding,” she said.
51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
GiveBack GIVEBACK
BRIEFS
AL State Bar Kicks Off Pro Bono Month The Alabama State Bar’s annual celebration of Pro Bono Month, which officially kicked off on October 1, is a statewide effort to showcase the impact Alabama’s pro bono lawyers make on the state, its system of justice, and most of all, to the clients they service. “This celebration shines a spotlight on the extensive work Alabama lawyers are doing by donating their time to help those who need it most,” said Alabama State Bar President Christy Crow. “It’s also an important vehicle to encourage more pro bono volunteers to meet the ever-growing legal needs of our state’s has been Better Together, and Alabama lawyers are making their
Warren Averett & Montgomery Biscuits Support Food Bank & Military
communities better together by providing thousands of hours of
Warren Averett again partnered with the Montgomery Biscuits for the
pro bono legal services to those in need.
2019 season in support of the Montgomery Area Food Bank. During
most vulnerable citizens.” Crow’s uniting initiative as president
every Tuesday night Montgomery Biscuits home game, the Food In fact, Alabama leads the nation in its pro bono work. In addition,
Bank set up a table at the gate to raise awareness of the organization
Alabama has one of the highest lawyer enrollment rates in pro
and to collect donations. Spectators received a free hot dog with any
bono programs in the country. The Alabama State Bar administers
monetary or canned food donation. “We hope this partnership benefits
a Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) in 60 of Alabama’s 67
the Food Bank by not only increasing donations but also awareness,”
counties. The VLP has delivered free legal services to low-income
said Lee Parks, a member in Warren Averett’s Montgomery Audit
residents of Alabama for more than 25 years, providing a variety
Division. “Warren Averett is committed to supporting nonprofit
of civil legal issues such as divorce, child support, bankruptcy,
organizations that play an integral role in a strong community,”
landlord/tenant, veterans’ affairs and credit issues.
Faulkner’s Warm “Back to School” Welcome
County Commissioner Helps Revitalize Dalraida
The Faulkner University’s Marching Eagles
Montgomery County Commission Vice
drumline set the beat as more than 300
Chairman Ronda Walker continued to show her
student athletes, coaches, faculty and
dedication to District 3. She recently announced
staff lined the sidewalk and hallways
the donation of $75,000 to help with the
of Montgomery Public School’s Davis
revitalization efforts underway in Dalraida. The
Elementary to welcome students on their
money will go toward creating a new park and a
first day of school. It’s a reception that’s
road. Recently, the City of Montgomery razed the
met each year with smiles, high-fives,
old Screws Armory located on Atlanta Highway
fist-bumps and lots of cheering. “To look
in Dalraida. With that now empty area, plans are
at the faces of the parents, they are so excited when we come,” said Dr. JeanNoel Thompson, Vice President of Student Services at Faulkner. This year marked the fourth time that Faulkner students, coaches, faculty, staff and leadership have come out to give a warm surprise welcome to the students, parents and teachers of Davis. This year, Faulkner was joined by several members of the community, including Montgomery
to create a green space for families to enjoy. A Fire/Rescue, Leadership Montgomery,
road will also be created in the vicinity to allow
local churches and members of Omega
traffic to enter the East Montgomery ball fields
Psi Phi fraternity.
from Atlanta Highway. Currently, the only point of entrance is on Perry Hill Road, which causes
“We are so appreciative of the Faulkner
congestion and an unsafe environment for
Family joining us for the first day of the
those entering and exiting the ballpark. “There
school year,” said Tori Infinger, principal
is great growth in the Dalraida community with
of Davis Elementary. “Davis Elementary
new shopping and dining options. This project,
would like to thank Faulkner for their
which we are extremely proud of, will enhance
support in setting the stage for success
what is already happening in the area,” said
this school year.”
Commissioner Walker.
52 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
200
MyMGM
YEARS
HAPPY BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY
MONTGOMERY BICENTENNIAL TIMELINE
OUR PAST
For two centuries, Montgomery has dared to dream, and the visions conjured and lived out here have changed the entire world. This year, the city celebrates a milestone alongside the state.
1819
Montgomery is incorporated.
EST. 1846
1846
The city becomes the capital of Alabama.
1861
Confederate Secretary of War Leroy Pope Walker sends telegraph from Winter Building authorizing Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard to fire on Fort Sumter. This was the first military action of the Civil War.
In 1819, the same year Alabama became a state, two towns that had sprung up at a bend in the Alabama River joined to form Montgomery. In the 200 years since, the city has played a vital part in events that have shaken and shaped the world. With its story spanning two centuries, Montgomery has undergone myriad changes, has reached high marks and suffered bad times; both its accomplishments and setbacks have been numerous. But through it all, the city has come out on top. And today, its people are moving forward again, making profound progress by learning from their past and keeping their eyes on the future, turning the capital of dreams into a reality.
1910
“Fathers of flight” the Wright brothers open nation’s first civilian flying school.
1918
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald meet and fall in love in Montgomery.
1919
Nat King Cole is born on March 17.
BE A PART OF THE SOCIAL SHINDIG! Share your MGM 200 celebration photos, thoughts and stories on these social channels. @OfficialMGM200
@MontgomeryAL200
@montgomeryal200
MGM200
54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
1937
Hank Williams wins a talent show at the age of 13 at the Empire Theater.
AL & MGM BIRTHDAY PARTIES
INTO THE PRESENT 1955
Turning 200 calls for some serious
man and sparks The Montgomery Bus Boycott.
cakes, Alabama and Montgomery are
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat to a white
recognition, but in lieu of two giant holding events to spotlight their big days. Don’t miss the fun!
Civil Rights Memorial is erected downtown honoring 41 people who were killed in the struggle for the equal and integrated
1985
treatment of all people.
ROSA PARKS STATUE UNVEILING DEC 1 Montgomery’s Bicentennial week kicks off with the unveiling of a new statue honoring Rosa Parks on historic Dexter Avenue adjacent to Montgomery Plaza and Court Square Fountain. The statue
1989
commemorates the 1955 Montgomery
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival opens a world-class $21 million theatre facility.
2002
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama makes MGM home.
Bus Boycott sparked by Parks and all the foot soldiers who started the Civil Rights Movement.
MONTGOMERY’S 200TH BIRTHDAY • DEC 3 MGM200.org
2004
Montgomery Biscuits Baseball begins at the brand new, yet historic, Riverwalk Stadium.
2009
ALABAMA DAY 200 • DEC 14 Join the grand finale of Alabama’s three-year bicentennial anniversary
The Alley opens, bringing restaurants and nightlife to the newly formed Downtown Entertainment District.
commemoration. The free, day-long celebration begins at 10 am with a parade of Alabama people, places and history. Governor Kay Ivey will dedicate the Alabama Bicentennial Park, which is located at the foot of the Alabama State Capitol and tells the state’s story in 16 bronzes on Alabama granite bases. As the day continues, exhibitions, presentations and performances all along Dexter Avenue and other areas of downtown keep the celebration going.
2017
And this party promises to end on a
Montgomery selected to receive the F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet.
high note, but you’ll have to be there to
2018
sponsored by the Alabama Tourism
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy
Creek Indians, is being called “a never-
Museum by the Equal Justice Initiative opens to national acclaim.
before-seen show” that will propel the
find out more. One hint: The surprise, Department and the Poarch Band of
state into its third century.
ALABAMA200.org
55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MG
MAXWELL-GUNTER-MONTGOMERY
It’s fitting that MGM stands for Montgomery but is also an acronym for Maxwell-Gunter Montgomery. MaxwellGunter Air Force Base is truly our base, and it’s not just key to our nation’s security; it is an essential element of our area’s culture and prosperity as well.
56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Image by Eric Salas.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
W
ith a population of more than 9,600 active duty, reserve, civilian and contractor
personnel, the Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base community has a significant economic and cultural impact on the River Region. The base’s contributions to our area — both tangible and intangible — are immeasurable. It’s a fact we’ve long known, as evidenced by the warm welcome that military members and their families receive from our leaders, residents, businesses and other organizations. In a continual joining of hands, our region’s civilian and base populations have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship that is key to the area’s stability and success. Base personnel boost our local economy simply with their presence — MaxwellGunter AFB is a major player in the estimated $2.6 billion annual economic impact that the military has on the River Region, and airmen stationed at the base (and their families) donate their time and talents to multiple local events and charitable causes. Our city and our base have always been close partners, and Montgomery remains proud to have a military institution of such stature here. In 2015, the strong support that Montgomery has consistently provided to all who live and work at Maxwell earned the city a prestigious national award, the Altus Trophy. The city has also been named “The Best Hometown in the Air Force.”
57 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
AIR UNIVERSITY SNAPSHOT These stats illustrate the important role Maxwell-Gunter AFB and other local military units play in our community.
$2.6 BILLION
Here’s a quick look at all the educational activity happening at Maxwell-Gunter AFB through the prestigious Air University. Air University students are Air Force (active duty, Guard, Reserve), Sister Service, federal civilians and international officers and enlisted. AU teaches both Joint and Coalition partners.
AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE No. of Students Annually: 500 Length of Program: 10 months ACSC traces its roots to the Air Corps Tactical School located at Maxwell Field from 1931 to 1942. In 1962, the school
the annual economic impact of our area’s entire military complex.
the enlisted force in the employment of airpower in support of U.S. national security objectives.
NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY No. of Students Annually: 588
became known by its current name.
Length of Program: 6 weeks
The 10-month curriculum focuses on
The Noncommissioned Officer
expanding understanding of air and
Academy is the second level of enlisted
space power and on the growth of mid-
professional military education and
career officers through seminar-centered,
prepares technical sergeants to be
active environment with an integrated
professional, war-fighting Airmen who can
curriculum geared to problem solving
manage and lead Air Force units in the
across the continuum from peace to war.
employment of airpower. The NCOA is a professional school designed to educate
68,473 PEOPLE (nearly 20 percent of our population):
AIR WAR COLLEGE No. of Students Annually: 245 Length of Program: 10 months
and advance the high ideals necessary for leadership, teamwork, good order and discipline in the Air Force.
AWC is the senior school in the Air
20%
Force professional military education
NOTE: Maxwell-Gunter AFB doesn’t
system. AWC is for U.S. military lieutenant
have a “permanent” NCOA. However,
colonels, colonels, international Allied
the NCOA currently on base is the Airey
partners and equivalent-grade DoD
NCOA out of Tyndall AFB. It will be here
civilians. It develops senior leaders for
until the NCOA at Tyndall is repaired
strategic-level employment of air, space
following damage by Hurricane Michael.
and cyberspace forces. The curriculum
The plan is for the Airey NCOA to remain
emphasizes coalition war fighting and
here till January 2021.
national security.
the number of active duty military, Reserve, National Guard, DoD civilians, military contractors, military retirees and all their family members in the greater Montgomery Metro Area.
AIR FORCE SENIOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY
ENLISTED PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR COURSE No. of Students Annually: 252
No. of Students Annually: 2,184
Length of Program: 4 weeks
Length of Program: 5 weeks
The Enlisted Professional Military
The Air Force Senior Noncommissioned
Education Instructor Course produces
Officer Academy is the third level of
noncommissioned officers who can both
enlisted professional military education.
teach and lead effectively in and out of
AFSNCOA prepares senior NCOs to lead
the classroom.
58 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
AIR FORCE FIRST SERGEANT ACADEMY No. of Students Annually: 616 Length of Program: 4 weeks The Air Force First Sergeant Academy’s mission is to develop, through education and training, selected senior noncommissioned officers to serve as advisors to commanders on issues that impact Airmen in successfully accomplishing the Air Force mission. The FSA consists of active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT LEADERSHIP COURSE No. of Students Annually: 700 Length of Program: 4 weeks The Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course is the capstone and pinnacle level of enlisted professional military education. The CLC provides chief master sergeants the education to bridge strategic vision into tactical execution.
IRA C. EAKER CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
AIR FORCE OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL No. of Students Annually: 3,500
CURTIS E. LEMAY CENTER FOR DOCTRINE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
Length of Program: Varies
No. of Students Annually: 1,000
The primary mission at Officer
Length of Program: Varies
Training School is to educate and
The Curtis E. LeMay Center is
train officers of character who are
named in honor of the fifth chief of
committed to the Air Force core
staff of the Air Force. The center
values and equipped to lead and
is where Air Force doctrine is
ready to win.
developed, advocated in exercises and wargames, represented in
INTERNATIONAL OFFICER SCHOOL
joint and multinational doctrine
No. of Students Annually: 200
multifaceted outreach program.
Length of Program: 7 weeks is the lead-up course to prepare
SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AIR AND SPACE STUDIES
all international officers for
No. of Students Annually: 100
The International Officer School
attending Air War College, Air
Length of Program: 10 months
Command and Staff College
The School of Advanced Air and
and Squadron Officer School.
Space Studies produces strategists
Since 1954, more than 11,000
through advanced education in the
international military students from
art and science of air, space and
143 countries have graduated
cyberspace power. The school is
from IOS preparatory courses.
the Air Force graduate school for
The courses predominantly focus
strategists.
on refinement of communication skills by familiarizing participants with common terminology and stressing the military context the students require for success in their advanced coursework.
No. of Students Annually: 2,300 Length of Program: Varies Named in honor of Gen. Ira C. Eaker to recognize his significant contributions to the Air Force and the continuing professional development of its members, the center supports the U.S. Air Force mission by providing world-class, multidiscipline technical training and professional continuing education to U.S. Air Force,
and deployed to Airmen through a
AIR FORCE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S SCHOOL
SQUADRON OFFICER SCHOOL No. of Students Annually: 4,200
Length of Program: 6.5 weeks The Squadron Officer School is the professional military education experience for Air Force captains and equivalent-grade DoD civilians
No. of Students Annually: 2,500
and international officers. The
Length of Program: Varies
purpose of the program is to help
The Judge Advocate General’s
develop solution-minded, bold
School is the United States Air
and courageous Airmen ready to
Force’s world-class legal education
overcome today’s and tomorrow’s
and training institution for military
challenges.
attorneys and paralegals.
NOTE: All numbers are approximate.
international and other DOD personnel.
59 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
RIVER REGION DEFENSE COUNCIL Montgomery continually strives to strengthen the bonds between the community and the military, and the recently formed River Region Defense Council is providing a new vehicle for communication and collaboration. The Council includes both community and military leadership and provides critical insight into understanding the different military missions within the River Region, while also exploring ways to support, sustain and grow those missions. The Council will meet twice each year, in spring and fall. The Council’s duties are multipurpose, but one key role will be to support our military members and their families through education and smart city/base innovation initiatives, provide spousal and family support resources and offer assistance for other joint projects of mutual benefit. The Council will produce actionable items that will be assigned and pursued between meetings, and progress reports on action items will be presented at future meetings.
THE FACES OF OUR BASE
SHINING SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Meet just a handful of the families making a home here – even if only for a short time – thanks to their studies and work at Air University.
THE BAERVELDTS:
Royal Netherlands Air Force Major, O-4 Remco Baerveldt, Cindy, Sophie (8), Lenn (5) and Kate (5 months)
When did you come to Montgomery? We first visited Montgomery in February of this year in search for a house and school. After that, Remco arrived in Montgomery on May 26, and I followed with the kids on June 21. We travelled separately because Kate was born only four weeks before Remco had to report at Maxwell AFB.
Where did you come here from? We come from the Netherlands, more specifically from the city of Tilburg in the southern part of the Netherlands.
What program/school is Remco a part of at Maxwell AFB? Remco is participating in the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), after he joined the International Officers School.
How long will you be here? One year Where in Montgomery do you live? In Sturbridge. What is your impression of Montgomery? There is a lot to do (more than we expected up front), and we feel that the people of Montgomery are used to having internationals living between them, and they are able to
60 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
what Alabama has to offer; it is a really beautiful state and offers a lot for children as well.
How are y’all connecting with the community? Maxwell AFB runs the International Family Orientation Program (IFOP), which offers great opportunities to connect with the community. They also offer a sponsor program, where a local family “sponsors” an international family. We chose not to participate in the sponsor-program, because we are used to making new connections ourselves. In addition, the U.S. students of ACSC and their
THE ROMEROS:
make us feel welcome. We are really surprised with
Major Daniel Romero, Major Elizabeth (Lorie) Romero, Christian (5) and Leilani (8)
spouses also contribute to connecting us with
When did you come to
How long will you be here? We
everybody is very friendly and willing to make a
Montgomery? June 2018. We
will be here for one more year and
(small) conversation with us. That is different from
moved from San Antonio, Texas.
expect to move in 2020.
What program/school are
What is your impression
What are some of y’all’s favorite places in
you and Lorie parts of at
of Montgomery? We love
Montgomery? Number one: the Biscuits! It is a
Maxwell AFB? My wife is an Air
Montgomery and the River
great place to go with the whole family; our kids
University fellow who taught this
Region. Living in Pike Road
love it, especially when the fireworks go of at the
past year at Squadron Officer
gives us a small town feel
end of some of the games. Also, some great places
School and is currently going
but is still close to all the
we love to go with our kids are SweetCreek Farm
to Intermediate Developmental
restaurants, shopping and
and Tipping Point. For Remco, as an airman, the
Education at Air Command and
sights. Montgomery’s rich history
Aviator bar in the Alley is a great place to visit. We
Staff College. I spent the last year
and community activities have
also like to go Lake Martin. Maxwell AFB has a
teaching at Squadron Officer
made it a place we love.
great recreation area at Lake Martin.
School and am now the Director of
the community. What struck us the most is that
the experience we have in our own country.
Staff at Squadron Officer School.
Do you feel that Montgomery and its residents
What are some of y’all’s favorite places in Montgomery? Our
value the airmen at Maxwell? Absolutely!
Are there challenges with both
kids love to go to the Zoo, fish
As already mentioned before, all Montgomery
parents being active duty?
local areas, and going to Biscuits
residents make us feel welcome and appreciated.
On a daily basis, we ensure our
games. Favorite restaurants
People are always willing to help, to make a
schedules are coordinated in a
include La Jolla, Central, Filet and
conversation and tell us they appreciate Remco’s
way that support one another
Vine, D’Road Cafe and any Korean
service.
to the max extent possible, and
place.
bottom line, we put the kids
What is the next step for your family? We will
first. We make a really cohesive
Do you feel that Montgomery
continue to enjoy our life in Montgomery and
team. When one of us has to
and its residents value the
appreciate the opportunity being offered to us to
stay late or after hours for work,
airmen at Maxwell? Absolutely!
live here. We don’t know Remco’s next assignment
the other flexes to ensure we
The people of Montgomery
yet, but it most probably will be at one of the
cover down on all of the family
and the River Region make us
airbases in the Netherlands. Of course we are
responsibilities. At times it can be
feel welcome and part of their
looking forward to seeing our family and friends in
challenging, but we wouldn’t have
family. We see it in military
The Netherlands again, but it is safe to say that we
it any other way. We also have
appreciation events, especially at
will miss our Sweet Home Alabama.
other military friends and family
Biscuits games. We also love the
who are always there to support
military programs at the schools.
and help when they can.
61 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
THE WARDS: THE MCGAVINS: When did you come to Montgomery?
THE FACES OF OUR BASE
a handful of the families making a home here
July 2019
Where did you come here from? We moved here from Dover, Delaware, as we were stationed at Dover AFB.
What program/school is Peter a part of at Maxwell AFB? He is a part of the Lt. Col. Chris Ward, Mary Jenny, Tommy (9) and Ben (7)
Academic Year 2020 Air Command and Staff College class.
When did you come to
favorites. We’ve gone to some of
Montgomery? We came to
the farmers markets and explored
How long will you be here?
Prattville in July 2019. We also
downtown Prattville. We have
We’re currently expecting to live
lived at Maxwell AFB from July
started showing our boys some
in Montgomery until the ACSC
2013 to June 2014.
of downtown Montgomery and
graduation next spring; however,
plan to do more in the fall when
we could potentially be here for two
Where did you come here from?
it cools down. We all had a great
years.
We came here from Hanscom
time at the Tipping Point a few
AFB, Massachusetts (near
weeks ago with Chris’ classmates
Where in Montgomery do you live?
Bedford).
and their families.
Deer Creek
What is your impression of
What program/school is Chris a
Do you feel that Montgomery
part of at Maxwell AFB? Chris is
and its residents value
Montgomery? Our family has really
attending Air War College.
the airmen at Maxwell?
enjoyed our time in Montgomery so
Yes. I think we see it most
far. Between going to Biscuits games,
How long will you be here? Only
through the businesses in
attending Jurrasic Quest at the
one year is guaranteed, but we
Montgomery. Several businesses
convention center, touring the Alabama
would like to be here a second
and services took time out of
Department of Archives and the local
year.
their day to come to the Air War
area we have kept ourselves busy. My
College Spouse’s Orientation
husband is from Daphne, Alabama, so
What is your impression of
back in late-July, which was
he has been very eager to show us as
Montgomery and the area? We
extremely informative. One of the
much of the great State of Alabama as
like the River Region. Montgomery
bakeries brought samples and we
possible.
has grown since we were here
enjoyed them so much, we had
last, yet the downtown area
them bake our youngest son’s
How are you connecting with the
seems to still have the small town
birthday cake.
community? We share a strong connection with the community through
feel based on the architecture and events. We find it very
What is the next step for your
our children’s respective schools,
welcoming! The city is rebuilding,
family? We don’t know where our
our church, Maxwell AFB activities
yet ensuring the important history
next adventure will be, but we will
and groups and with our fellow Deer
of the town is maintained.
be sad to leave the River Region
Creek neighbors. It has kept us busy,
again.
and more importantly, integrated us
What are some of y’all’s favorite
tightly into the community.
places in the area? Breakfast/
brunch at First Watch is one of our
62 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Major Peter McGavin, Camille, Kaelyn (7), Bryce (4) and Chloe (1)
HAPPENING IN MGM
F-35 UPDATE Montgomery’s historic 187th Fighter Wing of Alabama’s Air National Guard, known as The Red Tails, will soon be home to a squadron of 22 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets. The announcement
was made in December 2017, and the jets are set to arrive in December 2023. Here’s an update on what’s happened so far and what will be happening in the coming years from Lt. Col. Kevin Pugh, the 187th’s F-35 Unit Conversion Office Director. The Montgomery unit is currently in the process of finishing the designs on multiple base facilities, which will result in approximately $100-plus million in building renovations and construction projects. The construction for the first of these projects will begin in October 2020, with all projects scheduled for completion by July 2023. These projects include new and updated maintenance, logistics and operational facilities that will support the world’s most
Do you feel that Montgomery and its residents
advanced stealth fighter. One of these new buildings will serve
value the airmen at Maxwell? Alabamians have a
as home to four F-35 simulators, where pilots will train inside a
very obvious appreciation for the military, and the
360-degree domed simulator, which accurately replicates the jet’s
Maxwell AFB connection to the community is very
cutting-edge technology.
strong. It has been a major reason our family has experienced such a seamless integration into the
Once base facilities are complete, the Air Force will begin
Montgomery community.
delivery of more than $2 billion in aircraft and support equipment
to Dannelly Field. The first Alabama ANG F-35 is scheduled
What is the next step for your family? As
to arrive in December 2023, and the final aircraft will arrive
anyone serving in the military knows, what
sometime in late 2024.
happens next is up to the military. We’re expecting to receive notification in the next few months and
While the base undergoes its multiyear, multimillion-dollar refresh,
are excited about finding out!
a group of approximately 50 maintainers, logisticians and pilots
SPECIAL THANKS: Each November, the Chamber and the entire River Region express gratitude for the military in our midst with a long list of special discounts during Military Appreciation Week. Visit www.montgomerychamber.com/militaryappreciation to see the great lineup for 2019 and find ways to say thanks and show your support.
will head off to other F-35 units around the country to train to become Alabama’s initial cadre of instructors. Depending on their current career specialty and experience level, these volunteers will spend between one and three years at bases such as Eglin AFB, Florida, and Hill AFB, Utah, where they will maintain and fly the F-35. The unit’s first F-35 volunteer, Captain “Lefty” Smith, took to the skies over Florida this summer in an Eglin AFB F-35. Throughout the Red Tail’s F-35 conversion, the 187th Fighter Wing will continue to execute its current F-16 mission to deliver combat-ready Airmen and aircraft for rapid deployment anytime, anywhere.
63 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Small Business Briefcase +
PACK ED WITH TIPS AN D TOOLS TO BEN EFIT YOUR BUSINESS
AHH-MAZING SOCIAL MEDIA APPS The best (and easiest!) apps to use to successfully streamline your social media marketing tasks./ BY SUZANNA WASSERMAN
In the beginnings of social media, you could
SNAPSEED:
would see it. There was no algorithm dictating who saw what. Fast forward to 2019. Everything
This is my go-to photo-editing app.
is methodical; everything is done with purpose.
I find it quicker and
That’s why creating a social media strategy is
easier to use than
crucial to your business. While your specific strategy will be unique to you and your business, there are some universal first steps.
you upload photos and video; cut and splice; and add text or music. The best part is you’re able to save the canvas (screen size) for multiple outlets: IGTV, YouTube, Facebook, Instastory, Instagram Square, etc. without having to start over
and break it into 15-second Instagram videos ready to post.
PRO TO KNOW
FILMBORN: photo-editing app
hurry or have multiple photos to edit.
when taking outdoor
In addition to editing the colors, light and exposure, you can
photos. It completely transforms a photo that is taken with
erase the background, dodge
too many shadows or too-bright
and smudge photos to change
lights.
lighting and remove shadows, and even save editing history to use for the future. This comes
in handy when one of your accounts has a particular color scheme, or you’re photographing in the same dark space.
DESIGN APPS / CANVA: This is my No. 1, most-used app for quick design
GOOGLE PHOTOS:
CUTSTORY: simple to take a full video
media marketer.
I love to use this
and create a new video.
This great app makes it
down the best tool for any social
my phone, especially when I am in a
Unsure how to use an app? Search it on YouTube to find video tutorials that will probably answer any questions you have.
This app lets
dates and more. It’s hands-
some of the Adobe editing apps on
LIFE HACK:
INSHOT:
Skip the Instagram filters! They’re generic and typically ruin your photos’ quality.
PHOTO APPS /
just post whatever you wanted and everyone
VIDEO APPS /
PRO TIP
purposes, and I use it on my smart phone and my
When you run
computer. For a beginner designer
multiple social media
or social media user, it provides
accounts and take
easy templates for Instagram and
hundreds of photos
Facebook that require little effort.
each week on your smartphone, it’s great to have a backup. Google
My advice: Try to get creative
Photos automatically uploads any
using your own logos, fonts and
photo from your smartphone to an
branding for your business, and
online cloud. You can search by
steer away from using the obvious
people in the photos, locations,
pre-designed templates.
MEET THE EXPERT Suzanna Wasserman is the Director of Marketing for The Shoppes at EastChase and Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors. She is responsible for the marketing, events, communication and business development efforts of the shopping center, as well as the corporate office. She has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations.
64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
65 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 .
WHAT IS AN AMBASSADOR? Ambassadors are an exclusive group of volunteers who work for Chamber member organizations, believe in the Chamber’s mission, support their community and provide assistance for many of the Chamber’s activities and events. Ambassadors have an opportunity to not only represent and promote
WHAT THEY SAY: Check out what Chamber Ambassador Carson has to say about the program.
the Chamber, but to connect and engage with other members, local elected
CARSON HOWE
officials and key business stakeholders, while also promoting their own
Operations Manager, The Vance Law Firm
business at various Chamber events. What have you gained by being an Ambassador? The ability to network with people
Q: Why Should I Become a
•5 An opportunity to
Chamber Ambassador (and How)?
scenes” on behalf
A:
of the Chamber at Being a Chamber Ambassador
LOOKIN’ GOOD
work “behind the
important events
provides fabulous networking
and activities that
opportunities and offers multiple
define the future of
benefits for you and your business,
Montgomery and the
but it’s also a great way to get more
River Region.
Ambassadors are required to dress in business attire at all events and Chamberprovided name badges must be worn.
involved in your city and region while assisting the Chamber in its mission, initiatives and events.
6 Learning more about the growth
and development of Montgomery and the River Region.
7 GREAT BENEFITS • 1 The opportunity to make valuable contacts with business leaders throughout the Montgomery
•7 Personal satisfaction, plus the opportunity to meet new people and
“dos and don’ts” of networking can be difficult, and I’m still learning every month at the Chamber events, but putting into practice the tips and tricks I have learned from some of the speakers at the Ambassador Quarterly Meetings has truly been beneficial.
Would you recommend being an Ambassador? I probably recommend the Ambassador Program to others more than I seek
Ambassador Requirements:
their business, they will remember that I was the
•2 Recognition at Chamber events,
accompany your application.
3 Networking opportunities with
just met. Knowing the
out new business. I feel that if I can be helpful
• A $75 annual Ambassador Committee
publications.
and people who I have
make new connections and friends.
area and the River Region.
Board meetings and in Chamber
I have known for years
fee, which is non-refundable and must
to others who are looking to network and grow one to suggest to them that the Ambassador Program is a wonderful way to meet all kinds of contacts and amazing people.
• The term of an Ambassador is one calendar year from February to January. • Your firm or business must be a Chamber member and in good standing.
representatives from a wide variety of businesses and organizations.
Ambassador Events & Occasions: • Mandatory Ambassador Orientation
4 Recognition among peers as a
• Quarterly Meetings
community leader, both individually and
• Scheduled Monthly Networking Events
for the business or organization you
(60-Minute Coffees and Business
represent.
After Hours) • Ribbon Cuttings
66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MEET THE STAFF:
Lynn Norton, Senior Manager, Member & Investor Relations 334-240-9431 lnorton@montgomerychamber.com
67 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Come Together. Work Together
[
With its new Work Together Business Studio and Co-Space, the Chamber rolls out the welcome mat for local creatives, entrepreneurs and small businesses. In keeping with its primary mission — to create and preserve local jobs — The Chamber has created a new space for place
current position, the Business Studio is a place
makers, creatives, small businesses, entrepreneurs,
where anyone can come create the life and world
freelancers and the community to connect,
they want. The Business Studio’s messaging —
innovate, create, train and empower. Called the
“You’re in the right place!” — communicates this.
Work Together Business Studio and Co-Space located at 600 S. Court Street, the space offers
Although this concept isn’t new, it’s new for
co-working and meeting spaces, but it will also host
Montgomery, and it’s new for the Chamber. Through
dynamic new programming and events beginning
its Business Resource Center, the Chamber has
in 2020.
continually offered small business mentorship and provided guidance and assistance with things like
By launching and supporting a casual, inclusive
launching and scaling a business, but it has never
space designed to foster creativity and
offered a collaborative space and never featured
collaboration between local makers, creatives,
strategic programming to help individuals and
side-hustlers, entrepreneurs and small businesses,
businesses learn from each other to thrive.
the Chamber is also supporting job creation and growth. By acting as a bridge to join these entities
The Business Studio offers flexible space that can
and therefore, help them flourish, the Business
accommodate two to 100 individuals and includes
Studio allows the Chamber to do what it does best:
high-speed Wi-Fi and the ability to meet AV needs.
connect people to people and people to resources.
Several of the spaces provide areas for small group meetings, one-on-ones, and it also includes a
And connectivity is at the core of the
conference room set-up that can accommodate 10.
Business Studio’s purpose.
By nurturing the River Region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the entire area becomes a place of
Everything about the space’s look, feel and
inspiration, further enhancing the quality of life for
programming is planned to bring people together
the business community and for residents.
to share ideas, issues and successes with no boundaries. No matter their dream, passion or
68 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
]
[ 2020 Programming ] The Chamber is excited to launch a fresh set of programming for the Business Studio, with educational and social events being offered through this year’s Total Resource Campaign. Sponsorship opportunities are available and are in a range of price points to cater to entrepreneurs just starting out or small businesses that have been in business for years. Check out what’s
“
coming up.
Small Business Briefcase presented by the Montgomery Business Journal The Small Business Briefcase events turn MBJ content into live events that feature local business experts sharing their insight into tips and tools small businesses and entrepreneurs need to be more efficient and ultimately, more successful. The series will be held in conjunction with the launch of each issue, and topics and discussions
Small Business Boot Camp Quarterly Boot Camps will be a
will be centered on the 2020 MBJ editorial calendar.
deep dive into challenges and
By nurturing the River
opportunities facing our small
Region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the entire area becomes a place of inspiration, further enhancing the quality of life for the business community and for residents.
$ Interested in sponsoring a Business Studio event next year? Log on to the TRC website for complete details: ygmtrc.com/ montgomerychamber19/
business and entrepreneur
Small Business Week May 3-9, 2020
community. Each Boot Camp will
MGM’s Small Business Week is a
feature a panel of small business
weeklong celebration honoring the
experts, entrepreneurs and local
impact our local small businesses
place makers who will discuss
and entrepreneurs make in and on
real-life experiences; offer proven
our community. In 2020, the week
tips and tools; and provide business
will be filled with celebrations and
development education on a
opportunities for makers, creators
number of topics, including: Funding
and innovators to connect and
& Access to Capital, Recruiting, Start
collaborate, while also launching
Up Process & Procedures, Talent
NEW, impactful programming and
Recruitment/Workforce & Team
events to reenergize MGM’s small
Building and Marketing and Data.
businesses and entrepreneurs.
First Fridays Culture Builder & Social Hour
Calendar Of Events:
At First Fridays, aspiring
Small Business Week Block Party
entrepreneurs and the people of MGM will hear from business owners and entrepreneurs who have helped
Monday: Tuesday: Workshops Wednesday:
shape our community. The speakers
Top 5 for Small Business
are makers, store owners, movers
Thursday:
and shakers and creators of regional
Small Business Success Summit
or national brands, and they all have
Friday: Top 5 for Small Business
stories that are unique. The events will include presentations along with beer and wine tastings and tap takeovers.
To learn more about the business studio and program offerings, visit montgomerychamber.com/ businessstudio.
69 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS
Connect +
T H E L AT EST HEADLIN ES , UPDATES AN D IN S IDER IN FO FROM YOUR CHAMBER
THE LATEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS:
MAYOR PRESENTED LIFETIME AMBASSADOR AWARD During the last quarterly Ambassador meeting, the 2019 Ambassadors, along with the Chamber, presented Mayor Todd Strange with an Honorary Lifetime Ambassador Award to recognize that throughout his tenure, he has been a true ambassador for this community and a huge supporter of the Chamber, its mission and its members.
MONTGOMERY HONORED WITH ADDITIONAL HMMA INVESTMENT
MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANNOUNCES WORLD-CLASS OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT A world-class whitewater and outdoor recreation and entertainment center is coming to Maxwell Boulevard at the gateway to
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
“Teamwork fuels economic growth,
Montgomery off I-65 in 2022. This public-
(HMMA) will invest an additional $292
and we are grateful for partners like
private project, led by Montgomery County,
million in new machinery and equipment
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama,”
will spur economic development, dramatically
to facilitate the production of the
said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.
add to the lifestyle of residents, fuel continued
redesigned Hyundai Elantra and Santa
“HMMA’s long-term, expanding investment
tourism growth, help to enhance our military
Fe vehicles and a new, more fuel-efficient
in the region drives significant impact on
missions and make Montgomery a more
Theta engine at their North American
the region and beyond.”
attractive destination to visitors.
plant here in Montgomery.
“We are so very honored that Hyundai
The development will be anchored by an
Most recently, HMMA celebrated
has once again chosen to significantly
Olympic-standard recirculating whitewater
the opening of a new cylinder head
invest in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing
course, which will allow users of all ages
manufacturing plant, the third facility at
Alabama,” said Willie Durham, 2019
and skillsets to participate at difficulty levels
HMMA to support production of more
Chairman of the Montgomery Area
ranging from beginner to expert. The park
than 650,000 engines per year. The
Chamber of Commerce. “As home
will also include a variety of dry-side outdoor
260,000 square foot facility represents
to Hyundai’s only North American
activities such as climbing areas, ziplines,
a $388 million investment and 50 new
manufacturing facility, the Montgomery
ropes courses and trails for hiking and biking.
jobs. “Montgomery remains deeply
community pledges to continue our
The development will host numerous festivals,
committed to its partnership with Hyundai
enormously successful partnership.”
competitions and weekly activities.
Motor Manufacturing Alabama and is
honored to see its continued growth,”
HMMA’s investment in the region will total
Hospitality amenities will include a conference
said Montgomery County Commission
$680 million within the last two years,
center, cabanas and other gathering spaces,
Chairman Elton Dean. “Together, Hyundai
strengthening the company’s presence in
all designed to invite people to relax by the
and Montgomery have created a roadmap
the local community and demonstrating
channels and enjoy a day (or night) in the
for manufacturing success, and we are
confidence in Montgomery’s ability to
outdoors. Design is set to begin in 2019 with
very proud.”
support its growing workforce.
construction to follow in 2020 and an opening date in 2022.
70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Connect T H E L AT EST H EAD L INES, U P DATES AN D IN S IDER IN FO FROM YOUR CHAMBER
NEWS & UPDATES: YOUR CHAMNBER AT WORK CHAMBER NAMES NEW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Affairs. A key member
and success of the Chamber and
MGM CHAMBER, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND LOCAL BUSINESS STAKEHOLDERS VISIT DELEGATION IN D.C.
of the Chamber’s senior
our mission to catalyze leadership
The Chamber held its annual
leadership team since 2015,
around opportunities that grow
Washington Fly-In in September,
Rose will oversee all areas
Montgomery.”
during which Chamber leadership,
of the Chamber’s state and
staff, local elected officials and
local governmental affairs
Prior to joining the Chamber,
community partners had an
and advocacy, member
Rose served in various human
opportunity to engage one-on-one
and stakeholder relations,
resources and governmental
with Alabama’s federal congressional
minority business outreach,
affairs leadership roles with
delegation and their staff.
diversity and inclusion,
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing
education, and civic and
Alabama (HMMA) from 2003 until
The purpose of this annual trip is
community engagement.
2015. Additionally, she worked
to advocate for federal policies,
extensively in governmental and
local projects and federal funding
The Chamber announced the promotion of
Chamber. “In her increased capacity, Sheron
Sheron Rose to Senior Vice President External
will be instrumental in the continued growth
“Sheron is an exceptional leader with a vision
legislative affairs for associations and elected
that will support Montgomery’s
and heart for moving Montgomery forward.
leadership at state and federal levels. Rose is a
business community and economic
She has made an incredible difference in the
graduate of Tuskegee Institute with a Bachelor
development goals. The Chamber
short time she has been with the Chamber,
of Science degree in secondary education
partners extensively across the
and I look forward to her expanded role and
and a Master of Science in human resource
community to help produce one
increased responsibilities in the organization,”
management from Troy University.
united voice for Montgomery in an effort to move our community forward
said Anna Buckalew, President and CEO of the
– this partnership with the River
SMART CITIES READINESS WORKSHOP FORGES PARTNERSHIPS Montgomery was selected to host the Smart
Region’s congressional delegation is one of the critical partnerships that helps make this possible.
Cities Readiness Workshop in August as
CHAMBER LAUNCHES 2019 TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN
part of its Smart Cities Readiness Challenge Grant competition win. Thanks to collective efforts of the City, County, Montgomery Public Schools, the Chamber, military partners and
The Annual Total Resource Campaign
Alabama Power Company, Montgomery
provides area businesses with unique
bested more than 100 major cities — as large
and valuable marketing opportunities,
and geographically diverse as Dallas, Texas,
while also raising money to help fund
and Jersey City, N.J. — to bring the workshop
a large majority of the programs,
to the capital city. The team is putting its concise vision for incorporating innovative
while encouraging networking to strengthen
data-driven approaches in multiple projects
preparedness for future projects. Participants,
into action, as well as shoring up efforts to
who ranged from Montgomery Water Works
enhance communication and collaboration
and Sanitary Sewer Board and Alabama Power
among regional stakeholders and community
to Cisco and Oracle, explored ways to bridge
partners.
physical services to the digital world to affect quality of life, leverage data to spur economic
Facilitated discussions with small workgroups
opportunity and expand extracurricular STEM
advanced short-term and long-term plans,
offerings for MPS students. 71 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
events and communications the Chamber hosts and organizes throughout the entire year. By investing in TRC, member businesses connect to the vital programs and resources they need to grow their business. Sponsorships not only impact the Chamber, they fuel economic growth for Montgomery and the River Region.
CHAMBER NEWS Connect T H E L AT EST H EAD L INES, U P DATES AN D IN S IDER IN FO FROM YOUR CHAMBER
NEWS & UPDATES: TECH & TALENT
A SUCCESSFUL INNOVATE AFITC During AFITC, The Chamber’s TechMGM initiative partnered with the Air Force and the Montgomery AFCEA Chapter to host Innovate AFITC, the premier collaboration competition for science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and cybersecurity. Innovate AFITC encourages and promotes a community culture of cyber awareness and collaboration between government, industry and
TALKING TECH
academia. This event brings together
More than 6,500 military and IT professionals were
community leaders, cyber experts and
in Montgomery for the annual Air Force Information
a cadre of competitors from local high
Technology & Cyberpower Conference, which
schools, universities, military units
generates an estimated $4 million in economic
and commercial industry to witness
impact for the region. “AFITC brings together
and participate in real-world IT, cyber
Air Force cyber and IT experts with commercial
operations, software development
partners and thought leaders in academia to
and design methods. The Chamber
understand current and innovative technologies
and TechMGM would like to thank
and form future strategy,” said Richard Aldridge,
MGMWERX and Alabama State
director, AFPEO-BES.
University for hosting several sessions.
EDUCATION NOTES: MAGNET SCHOOL HONORED AS NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recently recognized 362 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. One of five Blue Ribbon Schools in Alabama is Baldwin Arts and Academic Middle Magnet School in Montgomery County. “We commend the Montgomery County Board of Education, as well as the educators, administrators and students [of Baldwin], for achieving Blue Ribbon status. This is a tremendous step in the right direction to ensure a brighter future for our city,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd
MGM CHAMBER HOSTS FIRST EVER WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
Strange. “With abounding high-tech opportunities and
In conjunction with AFITC, the Chamber held
historic high employment,
its first-ever Women In Leadership Luncheon,
Montgomery’s economic future
which featured Lauren Knausenberger, Chief
demands a highly skilled, highly
Transformation Officer for the U.S. Air Force.
educated and highly technical
During her presentation, Knausenberger praised
workforce. By pursuing
Montgomery for its tech advancements and
excellence and approving
discussed what leadership in a rapidly changing
conversion charter schools,
business environment looks like today and how
the Montgomery County Board
women in business can learn from and support
of Education is cultivating a
one another. “Long-prized leadership qualities like
climate that will not only feed
command, control and authority aren’t as effective
but exceed this need and result in additional economic
anymore, particularly in the tech world, she said. “Instead, the most successful leaders
empathy and relationship-building — qualities
share qualities like effective collaboration,
more often associated with women.” 72 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
opportunities.
CHAMBER NEWS Connect T H E L AT EST H EAD L INES, U P DATES AN D IN S IDER IN FO FROM YOUR CHAMBER
NEWS & UPDATES: HONORS & ANNOUNCEMENTS CELEBRATING THE CHAMBER’S LONGTIME MEMBERS WITH 100+ YEARS OF SERVICE
118
Acme Brick Company Montgomery Brick Plant
115
Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.
111
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air
108
Alabama Machinery & Supply Company, Inc. Alabama Power Company AT&T Alabama BBVA 100+ Capitol’s Rosemont Gardens YEARS OF Holloway Credit Solutions, LLC SERVICE Huntingdon College Lamar Advertising of Montgomery Lowder New Homes THANK Medical Society of Montgomery County Merrill Lynch YOU! Montgomery Advertiser-USA Today Network Mount Scrap Material Co., Div. of Waste Recycling, Inc. Regions Bank Regions Mortgage, Inc. River Region United Way Sabel Steel Service, Inc. Spire Standard Commercial Roofing & Envelope Solutions US Foods Whitfield Foods, Inc.
NON-STOP, SAME-DAY SERVICE TO REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT Starting January 7, 2020, American Airlines will offer a new schedule for same-day, return flights between Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) and Reagan National Airport (DCA). A welcome addition for business travelers, American Airlines began non-stop service from MGM to DCA in June 2018. The airline’s current flight patterns typically require passengers to remain overnight, before returning to Montgomery. The new schedule offers even greater flexibility for corporate customers who can depart on an early morning flight and return home in time for the nightly news. Executive Airport Director, Marshall J. Taggart Jr., said, “This flight is a milestone in providing a full-day trip option
101
Aldridge Borden & Company, PC
100
Jackson Thornton
for the government, business, and military traveling public. Our air service development is aggressively pursuing more ways to connect the airport to the region.”
MGM HOSTS CIVIC LEADER MILITARY TOUR & RIVER REGION DEFENSE SUMMIT Montgomery recently hosted the new Commander for the Air Education & Training Command (AETC), Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, along with 25 civic leaders from various AETC bases. The group received an Air University mission briefing, toured several organizations at Maxwell and Gunter and were hosted by Governor Ivey at the Governor’s Mansion where she presented each one with an Alabama coin. Lt. Gen. Webb was also the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s first River Region Defense Summit held to highlight the importance of our local military missions within the River Region. 73 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
74 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in South Dakota vs. Wayfair established that states
MYTH NO. 2: ONCE MY COMPANY HAS EVALUATED A STATE’S REGULATIONS, I’M
can now require businesses to collect and
ALL SET FOR FUTURE COMPLIANCE.
remit sales and use taxes even if they don’t
Businesses should continue monitoring their
have a physical presence in that state. Most states have already enacted economic nexus statutes, and each state has its own set of regulations and quantity thresholds for requiring a qualified business to pay sales tax.
activity and remain informed of the constantly changing regulations to determine if they are in compliance.
MYTH NO. 3: WAYFAIR DOESN’T APPLY BECAUSE I DON’T SELL MY PRODUCTS
IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THE
OVER THE INTERNET.
QUESTIONS BELOW, YOUR BUSINESS IS
Any business—whether a large corporation or
LIKELY IMPACTED BY WAYFAIR: • Does your company make sales or deliver goods/services into states in which you are not registered or filing sales/use tax returns? • Does your company ship goods or provide services to customers located in states where you have little or no in-state physical presence?
a small business—can find itself in a position where it is now subject to paying sales and use tax in other states, whether it actively participates in ecommerce or not. The Wayfair ruling has far-reaching implications, and your business should be proactive in assessing its unique sales/use tax situation to avoid unexpected results.
MEET THE EXPERTS
• Does your company provide online services or make sales of digital goods? • Has your company received a nexus questionnaire or received audit or tax notices from any state where you are not currently registered for sales/use taxes? So you think that your business is impacted by Wayfair. Let’s debunk three popular myths:
MYTH NO. 1:
Kris Pryor is a Member in Warren Averett’s Tax
MY COMPANY DOESN’T HAVE TO
Division, and she provides tax planning and
PRIORITIZE COMPLYING WITH WAYFAIR
preparation services, including federal and state
REGULATIONS RIGHT NOW.
tax controversy consultation and state and local
If you are detected by a state and subject to its sales tax, there could be substantial taxes, penalties and interest due. Even if you are not
sales and use tax services, with a strong focus on the retail and consumer industry.
liable for sales tax remittance, your business
Charles Bailey is a Member in the Audit Division
may be subject to significant penalties for
of Warren Averett, and he provides audit and
failure to provide use tax notices and reports
business consulting services with a focus on the
to customers or to the state.
retail and consumer industry.
75 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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
H O W D O E S T H E WAY FA I R S A L E S TA X R U L I N G A F F E C T YO U ? BY K R I S TA N W. P RYO R , C PA A N D C H A R L E S B A I L E Y, C PA
Banking tools and tech to take you where you want to go.
Looking for a bank that offers innovative tools and award-winning customer service? You’ve come to the right place. We help you move your money forward with: Straightforward financial insight that’s relevant to your situation and goals Experienced bankers ready to help you confidently take your next step Banking tools and technology that keep up with your busy life Online Banking with Bill Pay* that’s easy and intuitive Mobile Banking with Regions Mobile Deposit* Video Teller Machines with extended service hours including weekends, to save you valuable time Whether you need checking and savings solutions, lending expertise or a trusted advisor to help you map out a better financial future, we can help you spend less time thinking about your money and more time thinking about life. Call, click or come by to learn more.
1.800.regions | regions.com © 2019 Regions Bank. *Mobile Banking requires a compatible device, enrollment in Online Banking, and is subject to separate terms and conditions. Your mobile carrier’s messaging and data fees may apply. To enroll in Online Banking, you must have either a Social Security or Tax Identification Number, or use alternative enrollment procedures available by visiting a branch. Mobile Deposit is subject to fees. | Regions, the Regions logo MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL and the LifeGreen bike are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a76 trademark of Regions Bank.
BY J E N N I F E R L U S T E R
The global cost of cybercrime is expected to
information and assets. It’s just not worth the risks
reach $6 trillion by 2021. Having a cybersecurity
when you’re dealing with sensitive information.
strategy in place is critical for business owners.
Instead, use a Virtual Private Network when
It is impossible to completely immunize your
working away from the office, or use a cell phone
business against all types of fraud, but there are
hotspot for an added layer of security.
ways to protect yourself and your assets. Require dual authorization—a system where Regions Bank works with many companies
two employees must approve and sign off on a
across the River Region to raise awareness
particular transaction before it can be executed
and share fraud-prevention information. Here
—when it comes to payroll and other financial
are some steps to consider when it comes to
transaction services. Implement systems such
cybersecurity:
as rotating duties, maintaining dual controls and conducting regular and surprise audits to cut
Educate employees on potential cyber threats
down on the risks of internal fraud.
and scams, raising the level of awareness of all who work for the organization. Every associate
Check fraud continues to be one of the biggest
plays a critical part in the success or failure of
types of fraud companies experience. Each
a business. When it comes to preventing fraud,
time a check is issued, the routing and account
ensuring associates are aware of how to protect
number, signature and company address are
your business minimizes your risk of becoming a
all exposed, increasing the risk of counterfeit
victim, which ultimately protects your bottom line.
checks, altered checks and forgeries. Consider
According to the 2018 Data Breach Investigations
using a check fraud prevention service (often
Report by Verizon, human mistakes are
known as Positive Pay) for a layer of protection.
responsible for nearly one in five data breaches.
Also look for other means of payments to reduce the number of checks you issue.
Employees should know which company information can be shared online, especially
It may be time to refocus your attention on where
through email. And employees should not
the largest risk of fraud lies in your organization.
conduct personal business such as using personal social media—or checking their personal email—on a work computer. Outside
MEET THE EXPERT
email platforms and social media forums introduce cyber risks when employees click on links containing malware, receive SPAM emails or conduct any number of other personal communications on their employer’s networks.
Jennifer Luster
Equip all computers associated with the company with anti-virus and anti-malware software and enroll in automatic updates to always have the latest versions. Avoid free Wi-Fi when accessing company files. If a public Wi-Fi
Jennifer Luster is Senior Vice President,
system has become compromised, it creates
Treasury Management Relationship Manager
an opportunity for a hacker to steal company
for Regions Bank.
77 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
EXPERTISE AND ANSWERS TO CO M M O N B U S I N E S S Q U E S T I O N S F R O M LO C A L S I N T H E K N OW
STEPS TO REDUCE THE CHANCES OF YOUR BUSINESS FALLING VICTIM TO FRAUD
CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS
CHAMBER ROI: MAXIMIZE YOUR
MEMBER EVENTS:
INVESTMENT FOR A GREATER RETURN – August 1; September 12,
26 at the Chamber’s BRC Chamber ROI is a business development program targeted to help local businesses increase their netWORTH by navigating the Chamber, and through NetWORKING 101. Presented by: Gibraltar Solutions
AUG
Business After Hours at Capital City Club
22
Sponsor: Capital City Club
SEPT 04
60 Minute Coffee at ASE Credit Union Sponsor: River Region United Way
EGGS & ISSUES WITH U.S. REP. MARTHA ROBY August 14 at the
RSA Activity Center
Rep. Martha Roby spoke to a standingroom-only crowd during the Annual Eggs & Issues breakfast, where she thanked Montgomery’s business community and referenced a few other initiatives she was happy to support: recruiting the F-35 and working to improve care for veterans. Presenting Sponsor: Guardian Credit Union
SEPT Business After Hours
at Holiday Inn Express & Suites
19
Sponsor: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
OCT 02
Business After Hours at Riverwalk Stadium Sponsor: Riverwalk Stadium
breakfast in which he highlighted his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Presenting Sponsor: Guardian Credit Union
START UP U – September 3, 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8 at the Chamber’s BRC The Chamber was excited to partner with Gibraltar Solutions to offer another session of Start Up U, a powerful six-week business training series that unlocks insights from
CHAMBER MEMBER ORIENTATION
August 20 at the Chamber’s BRC This informal orientation is the perfect event
EGGS & ISSUES WITH SENATOR DOUG JONES – September 3 at the RSA Activity
Center
for members to connect and engage with
The Chamber was proud to host Senator
each other. Sponsored by: exploreMedia
Doug Jones for the Annual Eggs & Issues 78 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
the Lean-Start Up approach to gaining customers and growing your business. Presented by: Gibraltar Solutions
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
147th
ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 The Renaissance Montgomery Alabama Ballroom 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Doors open for networking at 11:30AM Luncheon begins promptly at Noon
Register by December 2, 2019
www.montgomerychamber.com/events or call 334-834-5200
GOLD SPONSOR
Capell & Howard P.C. Attorneys At Law SILVER SPONSORS Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery LEDIC Realty Company, LLC Southeast Gas Troy University
79 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Your company just renewed its annual
is underwritten by an “A rated” insurance
casualty liability insurance for a premium of
company. However, instead of your insurance
$200,000 because you have to prepare for
company keeping all of your premiums, you
the future. Well, what happens when you
have an opportunity to earn much of them
don’t have any claims, and the insurance
back.
company doesn’t have to pay out anything? Or, what if you only have a few claims? The
Since you are the owner, you also have a say
answer is that an insurance company just
in how your claims are paid out. No longer
made a large profit off of your hard work.
will the insurance company just tell you, “Let’s
They keep your premium and pocket the
just pay this claim.” If you don’t want to pay
amount that you paid in.
the claim, it is your prerogative to give your opinion. You have a lot more control and a
One way to reduce your annual spend on
voice to fight an incident that you don’t think
your insurance program is through a captive
is legitimate.
arrangement. If you’ve had relatively low insurance claims, and your safety practices
There are many aspects to consider before
are considered “best in class,” using a captive
joining a captive. There could be tax benefits
could reduce your insurance spending
since you are now an owner, instead of just
significantly.
a buyer. However, one should not make the decision to join or not, based on a potential
There are many types of captives for casualty
tax savings.
insurance, but for this example, we’ll discuss a Group Captive. A Group Captive is an
Harmon, Dennis, Bradshaw can discuss all
insurance company owned and operated
of the benefits and options with you to see
by captive members, strictly for the benefit
whether or not your company is a good fit for
of those members. Just like most Fortune
a group captive.
500 companies, it enables middle-market companies to increase their underwriting credibility through the benefit of collective
MEET THE EXPERT
purchasing power. Instead of an insurance company keeping the profits at the end of a policy term, a group captive divides the profits up and releases them in the form of a dividend to its members. Generally, in some Group Captives, up to 65 percent of your premium is YOUR loss fund. Whatever you don’t spend on claims is returned back to you. Britton Stutts, a shareholder at HDB, has worked
THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS:
in corporate insurance products for the past 12
By using a Group Captive, you are still buying
years. Call Britton at 205-306-1749 or email him
insurance to protect your company. Insurance
at bstutts@hdbinsurance.com.
81 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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
I S YO U R C O M PA N Y S P E N D I N G TO O M U C H O N A N A N N UA L I N S U R A N C E P R O G R A M ? BY B R I T TO N S T U T T S
82 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
If you are looking for the highest level of
when needed. Convenience and time are high
personal attention and seamless delivery
priorities to our clients, and we will structure
of traditional banking services, Wealth
our services to accommodate your schedule.
Management is for you. Wealth Management is a tailor-made service offered by River Bank & Trust to create a superior degree of client
A R E T H E R E C E R TA I N C R I T E R I A TO Q UA L I F Y ? River Bank & Trust’s
loyalty. Our Wealth Management team is
requirements are a $250,000 annual income
composed of dedicated specialists who are
or $500,000 in investable assets.
truly committed to providing our clients with banking solutions customized to suit their of experience in building relationships and
W H AT S H O U L D YO U LO O K F O R I N A W E A LT H M A N AG E M E N T S P E C I A L I S T ? Discussions with your
understanding the financial needs of affluent
Wealth Management Specialist should focus on
and high net worth clients. We offer products
your priorities. At River Bank & Trust, we begin
and services that are a testimony to our
our relationship by listening to you. We discuss
dedication, integrity and effectiveness.
your needs and desires to formulate a plan
individual needs. Our bankers have years
tailored to your circumstances and establish a
W H AT I S W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T ?
pragmatic strategy to accomplish your goals.
Wealth Management is the consultative
In today’s fast-moving, stressful and highly
process of meeting the needs and aspirations
impersonal world, we have made it our mission
of affluent clients by providing the appropriate
to provide our clients with a standard of
financial products and services. It entails
service that they are unlikely to find elsewhere.
coordinating a team of financial experts,
Our philosophy is simple: to retain all the
including Wealth Management officers Dicie
traditional values of a truly personal and value-
Smith, Billy Whigham, Janet Roberts and Polly
added service for our clients while combining
Hardegree, or one of our investment advisors,
them with speed, efficiency and flexibility.
mortgage lenders or cash management experts.
W H AT S E RV I C E S C A N A W E A LT H M A N AG E M E N T S P E C I A L I S T P R OV I D E ? Wealth Management services
MEET THE EXPERT
are personalized according to your individual goals and circumstances. We offer investment recommendations, personal and business loans, lines of credit, personal and business deposit products, mortgage loans, merchant services, credit cards, foreign currency, domestic and international wires and the purchase or sale of silver and gold currency. A Wealth Management Specialist serves as
Polly Hardegree (NMLS 441570) is Executive
your central point of contact, coordinating
Vice President at River Bank & Trust. Contact her
communications with other financial experts
at 334-290-2673 or phardegree@river.bank.
83 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
EXPERTISE AND ANSWERS TO CO M M O N B U S I N E S S Q U E S T I O N S F R O M LO C A L S I N T H E K N OW
W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T S E R V I C E S : A R E T H E Y R I G H T F O R YO U ? BY P O L LY H A R D E G R E E
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
TROY Alumna Joins Alma Matter
handles hiring, retaining and developing talent for the general
A graduate of Troy University’s Risk Management and
contractor’s three corporate office
Insurance Program has taken the
locations. Andress joined Caddell
reins of the program as its director.
last July as the Training and
Dr. Courtney Bass Baggett, a 2012
Development Manager.
RMI graduate, was appointed to the role by Sorrell College of Business
Ryan Stanford has been promoted
Dean Dr. Judson Edwards, following
to Human Resources Manager and
the retirement of past director Dr.
will maintain his role as a Corporate
Ed Duett in May. Baggett joined
EEO Officer. Stanford now has
the faculty of the Department of
oversight for the team that handles
Risk Management and Data Analytics in 2017 as an assistant
all corporate recruiting efforts and
professor, having been an assistant professor at Butler
will continue holding responsibility
University in Indianapolis, Indiana. As Director, Baggett said
for all EEO requirements. He joined
she will focus on student preparation for the workplace and
Caddell in 2014 as Corporate
expanding relationships with industry professionals.
Recruiter and has set a new standard for attracting top-notch talent to the company. In 2018, he
Bright Joins Alabama Farmers Federation
took on the additional role of Corporate EEO Officer.
Lauren Bright, a 13-year Alfa Insurance veteran, joined the
Alabama Farmers Federation as Alfa’s
Alfa Insurance Names New VP
Health Manager in August. In her new
To better align talent and resources at Alfa Insurance, changes
role, she’s helping members access
within operations continue to
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
emphasize a unified, customer-
products through local Alfa Insurance
focused strategy. Chad Edwards
offices and the Federation home
now leads the P&C Actuarial
office. As a third-generation member
and Project Management Office
of the Alfa family, Bright said she
teams as Senior Vice President of
understands the importance of the Federation and the insurance company’s joint work. Her father and grandfather were both Alfa agents in Walker County.
Product and Data Management. He will retain his responsibilities overseeing the Strategic Resources team, which include Data Analytics, P&C and Life
Hill Hill Carter Elects Managing Shareholder
Products, Business Intelligence and Corporate Reporting
David W. Henderson has been re-
functions.
elected Managing Shareholder of the
Hill Hill Carter Franco Cole & Black,
South University Board of Trustees Announces Chancellor
P.C. for a fourth consecutive term. In this role, Henderson oversees the
The South University Board
management of the firm and develops
of Trustees Board Chair Dr.
and implements the firm’s long-term
Michael Colegrove announced
strategy, focusing on client service,
the appointment of Dr. Steven
value billing, operational efficiencies,
K. Yoho as Chancellor and Chief
diversity, pro bono initiatives and tactical growth.
Executive Officer for South University effective August 30,
Caddell Construction Announces New HR Promotions Jaime Andress has been promoted to Director of Human Resources at Caddell Construction. She will lead the team that
2019. Yoho brings a wealth of experience in higher education and business. He returned to South University last year as Vice Chancellor for Strategy
84 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move K EEP U P W I T H O U R M EM B ER S W ELCOMIN G N EW HIRES AN D ACCEPTIN G N EW POS ITION S
and Administration before assuming the interim Chancellor
as part of a strategy to enhance customer experience and the
responsibilities.
company’s economic development efforts. Jonathan Porter has been elected Senior Vice
MMFA Has New Director of Development The Director and Board of Trustees at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) recently appointed Tisha Rhodes as the Museum’s new Director of Development.
President, responsible for customer operations.
Rhodes came to the MMFA after spending
Tony Smoke has
two years as the Public Affairs and
been named
Development Director for another local
Vice President
non-profit, The Family Sunshine Center.
for Birmingham
Rhodes’ arrival at the Museum is actually
Division. Terry
a homecoming, as she previously spent
Smiley has
17 years with the institution as Director of
been elected
Services. In this role, she managed Café M, the Museum Store and all the institution’s internal and external special events and catering services.
Vice President, responsible for Eastern Division. Leigh Davis has been named
Alabama Power Leadership Changes Alabama Power recently announced several leadership changes
Vice President for Economic and Community Development.
85 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
86 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS
Community
TROY Board of Trustees Taps Officers
Huntingdon Named Among Top 5 Colleges in Region Huntingdon College has been named among the best colleges and universities in the South by College Consensus, a college aggregator that uses student satisfaction as its benchmark. Huntingdon President J. Cameron West was pleased with the notification. “In addition to our ranking at number three in the region, Huntingdon’s student satisfaction numbers placed the college at number two in Alabama and among the top 50 small colleges in the country,” said West. “What better measure of success could there be than the voices of those who sit in our classes and live the Huntingdon experience?”
Pictured left to right are outgoing President pro tempore Gerald Dial, Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Vance, Higgins and outgoing Vice President pro tempore
According to College Consensus, “College Consensus is comprehensive. It’s not just one voice stating an opinion—it’s many, many voices, computed objectively and equally. The College Consensus method allows every institution, from the richest and best-known university to the smallest and hardest-
John Harrison.
The Troy University Board of Trustees has elected C. Gibson Vance as the board’s President pro tempore and Lamar P. Higgins as Vice President pro tempore. The new officers
working regional college, to demonstrate what they do best.”
will succeed President pro tempore Gerald O. Dial and Vice
Montgomery Named 2018 Tree City USA
their eight-year terms as officers. Both Dial and Harrison will
Alabama’s capital city was named a Tree City USA for the
remain members of the board.
President pro tempore John D. Harrison, who have completed
second year in a row by the Arbor Day Foundation and also earned the Foundation’s Tree City USA Growth Award for its
“I want to thank both Sen. Gerald Dial and Mr. John Harrison
environmental progress and stewardship. “We are honored to
for their years of service and the inspirational leadership they
earn this distinction and accept the Foundation’s Growth Award
have provided to the board and Troy University,” said Dr. Jack
in recognition of our investments to build a greener and cleaner
Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Gibson Vance and Lamar Higgins are
community,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said. “This is yet
both great Trojans and able leaders who care deeply about
another achievement indicative of our success in enhancing
the future of Troy University. I’m grateful for their willingness to
quality of life throughout our community, while embracing a
serve and look forward to working with them both.”
program that promotes a happy, healthy and sustainable city. It is also another program made possible by partnerships with the state and local volunteers.” Montgomery achieved Tree City USA status by meeting the
Achievements MAX Ranked No. 1 in Alabama There are currently more than 5,000 credit unions with 117
program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-
million members across the United States. To find out whose
care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least
customers have the highest opinion of them, Forbes recently
$2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
partnered with market research firm Statista to produce its
Montgomery’s more than 60,000 trees – not counting those on
second annual look at the Best Credit Unions in Each State.
private property or in public parks – equate to about one tree for every 30 feet of right of way along Montgomery’s roads,
More than 25,000 customers in the country were surveyed
each protected by municipal ordinance.
for their opinions on their current and former banking relationships, and financial institutions were scored on
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has
overall recommendations and satisfaction, as well as five
in a community firsthand,” Arbor Day Foundation President Dan
subdimensions (trust, terms and conditions, branch services,
Lambe said. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together
digital services and financial advice). Based on these criteria,
and creates a sense of community pride.”
MAX took the No. 1 spot for credit unions in Alabama. 87 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
Nursing Home Named “Best of the Best” in Montgomery
The Montgomery Advertiser’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards named Capitol Hill as the Best Retirement Facility and the Best Respite Care. Rehab First was honored as the Best Rehabilitation Facility. The Best of the Best Awards are chosen by an annual online poll of the publication’s readers who vote for their favorite businesses. “We are so pleased to be honored by members of the local community for the care we provide. It really shows us that we’re making a difference,” said Shannon Randolph, Admissions Director at Capitol Hill and Rehab First. Located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, Capitol Hill Healthcare has provided long-term care for the elderly and disabled for more than 30 years.
MAX Named Among Best Companies to Work For MAX was recently named as one of the Best Companies to Left to right: Shannon Randolph, Admissions Director at Capitol Hill and Rehab First; Michael Burnett, Administrator of Capitol Hill Healthcare and Rehab First; and Sharon Baker, Vice President of Business Development for Capitol Hill Healthcare, pose for photos at Montgomery Advertiser’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards ceremony.
Work for in Alabama for the sixth year in a row. The survey and awards program created by Business Alabama and Best Companies Group was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Alabama, benefiting the economy, workforce and businesses.
88 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
“MAX strives to hire talented individuals who understand the importance of relationships and service,” said Sandra Stenger, MAX’s Chief Talent Officer. “Our core values of integrity, simplicity and hospitality are our guiding principles in all we do. We take pride in actively participating in our community and working together as a family. We are thrilled to be recognized for the sixth year in a row as
BIG
NEWS
our employees and do our best to remain an Employer of Choice.”
Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc Announced As a “Top Insurance Workplace”
Troy University Honored as Top University Multiple Times
the Top Insurance Workplaces with fewer than 99 employees
Troy University has been named among the best colleges and
for 2019. Insurance Business magazine named 50 insurance
universities in the southeastern United States by The Princeton
companies across America as Top Workplaces. These companies
Review for the 15th straight year. TROY was one of only 142
were divided and arranged into three categories based on
colleges and universities to receive the designation in the 12-state
number of employees. Less than 35 companies were chosen to
southeastern region.
represent the “fewer than 99 employees” size.
“Great universities stir great emotions,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.,
This recognition is awarded to companies that achieve an
Chancellor. “At Troy University, our faculty and staff are committed to
average satisfaction rating of 80 percent or greater from their
helping our students become globally aware and globally competitive.
employees. HDB earned a score of 89.5 percent. The satisfaction
I believe it is that commitment to serving students that has led to the
rating is based on four unique qualities within workplaces. These
consistency with which we have been recognized by The Princeton
criteria include compensation, diversity, employee development
Review over the last 15 years.”
and overall company culture.
In addition, U.S. News and World Report named TROY one of the top
“We are so honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award,”
30 public universities in the nation. The rankings in USNWR’s “Best
said Jennifer Hill. “Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. has always
Colleges” listings also put TROY on the Best Regional Universities
been an ideal workplace in my eyes but being recognized by a
in the South list, the Top Performers on Social Mobility list, and the
national business magazine further verifies my opinion. We hope
university was ranked in the top 15 of the Most Innovative Schools list.
to continue to strengthen our employee satisfaction as the years
a Best Company to Work for in Alabama and will continue to listen to
Mayor Todd Strange Presented Honorary Doctorate
Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. (HDB) has been named one of
continue.” HDB has been providing comprehensive business and personal insurance options to businesses and individuals throughout the United States since 1977.
performances by the University Chorus and remarks from President Mike Williams, Williams along with Chancellor Billy Hilyer and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dave Rampersad, bestowed the university’s highest honor, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on Mayor Strange. “There are very few times I have chill bumps when I lose my train This year’s annual Faulkner University Convocation ceremony was
of thought and this was one of those times,” Strange said. “I’ve said
not only a spirit-filled celebration of the start of a new school year by
before that is has been the greatest honor of my life to be able to
students and faculty, but it was a special way to recognize outgoing
serve this community for 10 years and for Faulkner, who is just a
Mayor Todd Strange for his ten years of service to the City.
beacon of light in this community, who does so much great work in particular with education, to recognize my years in office and to honor
Following a processional and introduction of the university’s faculty,
me in this way, I’m grateful, and I’m just honored.”
89 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
Local Agency Included in IIABA’s Best Practices Study Starke Agency, Inc. is part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group. Each year since 1993, IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive
Butler Snow Attorney Chair of American Bar Association Committee Butler Snow attorney Randall D. McClanahan has been appointed chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section’s Audit Responses Committee. McClanahan will serve a three-year term. The mission of the Audit Responses Committee is to serve as a resource for lawyers’ responses to audit inquiries and related financial reports and disclosure issues, focusing on implementation of the “treaty” reached with accountants in the ABA statement of policy regarding audit responses.
nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best
Bradley Attorneys Honored
Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best
Six Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Montgomery
Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year
attorneys are included in the 2020 edition of The Best
cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data
Lawyers in America®, one of the most highly regarded
for review each year.
attorney referral publications, which is now in its 26th year. Best Lawyers also named Charles Stewart as the Bet-the-
“This award, which has been bestowed upon us over
Company Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” for 2020. In each
19 times, with 14 consecutive years, demonstrates our
metropolitan area, only a single attorney in each legal
commitment to being relevant in the River Region and
practice area is designated as the “Lawyer of the Year.”
beyond for many years to come,” says Trey Starke, Starke
Firmwide, 252 attorneys at Bradley were listed by Best
Agency president and CEO. “When you are a peak
Lawyers.
performer in the largest distribution channel of insurance this makes a statement. Insureds are craving real, honest,
The other Montgomery attorneys listed as 2020 Best
professional local service. And that is exactly what we
Lawyers are W. Stanley Gregory, William C. McGowin,
provide—a seamless hub for all of their insurance needs.”
George R. Parker, Robert Emmett Poundstone IV and Davis
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Named Firm to Watch Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that LMG Life Sciences Awards 2019 has named Bradley
H. Smith.
Awards & Honors Alabama Technology Foundation Awards Scholarship
as the “Firm to Watch” in the nationwide Litigation & Enforcement category. The LMG Life Sciences Awards recognize the year’s top firms and legal professionals in the life sciences sector. The award winners were announced September 18 at an event in New York City. The LMG Life Sciences Awards, which last year named Bradley the “Product Liability Firm of the Year,” are based on research conducted for the annual LMG Life Sciences referral guide to leading North American law firms and lawyers that focus in the life sciences industry. LMG determines honorees through case evidence, peer feedback
Renee Borg presents the ATF Student Member Scholarship to Faulkner student Zilian “Ian” Chen.
surveys, interviews with law firm partners who are active in the relevant research categories and client feedback from
Faulkner University senior and computer science major
corporate and in-house contacts.
Zilin “Ian” Chen was awarded a $500 ATF Student Member Scholarship for his work in the computer science field
90 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
and for joining ATF’s innovative professional database.
VT Miltope Secures Victory at APEX Awards
ATF director and members of the ATF Board of Directors
VT Miltope was honored with the award for Best Inflight
extended a personal invitation to other Faulkner computer
Connectivity Innovation at the APEX Expo held in Los
science students to take part in ATF and join their database
Angeles, California. APEX (Airline Passenger Experience
as well.
Association), is a network of the world’s leading airlines, suppliers and related companies committed to elevating the
“It was very much a surprise, but what a blessing this is!”
level of the airline passenger experience.
said Chen, who was joined by Faulkner College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Jeff Arrington, Vice President
VT Miltope achieved this award by merging technologies
of Academic Affairs Dr. Dave Rampersad and Faulkner
from RazorSecure and Galgus and developed wireless cabin
President Mike Williams.
networks that keep up with ever-evolving cyber threats. Using machine learning, the software-based solution detects
The Alabama Technology Foundation is a non-profit
anomalies in network behavior patterns and becomes
outreach organization that is supporting the Alabama
smarter with every iteration.
business industry by developing engineers and IT professionals through academia and workforce
VT Miltope’s President and CEO, Jack Haley, said this about
development. ATF is helping provide students an
the team’s achievement, “This is a fantastic achievement
opportunity to be seen by all of Alabama’s businesses. The
by the entire team and demonstrates the tremendous
organization is designed to help both the students in higher
capabilities and capacity of Miltope’s Wireless Access Point.
education and the Alabama businesses looking for them.
It also demonstrates that APEX and the industry recognize
AUM Chancellor Earns Great American Hero Award Auburn University at Montgomery Chancellor Dr. Carl
the pressing need for cybersecurity.”
Jones School of Law Graduate Receives Award
A. Stockton earned the highest honor presented by the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP). The Youth Leadership Development Program presented Stockton with its “Great American Hero” Award in September at its opening ceremony for the 2019-2020 YLDP. Stockton has been active as a board member for the YLDP, which offers a nine-month leadership development program for high school juniors and seniors from 20 counties in North and Central Alabama.
Bradley Partner Appointed to Executive Committee of ASB President
Lauren James receiving the Bro Bono Award.
George R. Parker, a partner in Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Montgomery
One of Thomas Goode Jones School of Law’s most recent
office, was appointed at the 2019
graduates, Lauren James, was recently awarded the
Alabama State Bar (ASB) Annual
Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Award for her extensive public
Meeting to serve on President
service work. The award for the Law Student Category was
Christy Crow’s Executive Committee
presented to James (Faulkner Law class of 2019) at the
for 2019-2020.
Alabama State Bar Meeting in July. James is also an alumna of Faulkner University.
Earlier this year Parker was reelected to serve his third term as
James finds that service to others and her community is one
Bar Commissioner, representing
of the highest callings of being a lawyer. Pro bono service
Alabama’s 15th Judicial District. Also
provides free legal aid to low-income people needing
with the ASB, Parker serves on the Bar Disciplinary Panels
assistance with basic necessities. “The legal profession is
and chairs a panel on the Character and Fitness Committee.
one that calls upon lawyers to render service,” James said.
91 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U I C K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S ’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS
“Serving others is the essence of being a lawyer. When I serve,
serves as Vice President for External Affairs at PowerSouth.
I get the privilege of walking alongside someone and helping them during their time of need.”
“Horace Horn has an incredible record of economic development success stories, and he has been a champion for
Bradley Receives Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Award
rural Alabama throughout his entire career,” said Tim Howe,
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP received the 2019 Alabama
owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia.
State Bar Pro Bono Award in the Law Firm category. The firm was honored at the Alabama State Bar Annual Meeting. “We are
Horn began his career in poultry farming and commercial
tremendously honored to be recognized by the Alabama State
construction before his service at USDA Rural Development. He
Bar for our attorneys’ and staff members’ work and ongoing
joined PowerSouth in 2000. Among the organizations on which
commitment to pro bono service in the communities where we
Horn has served are the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway
live and service our clients,” said Bradley Pro Bono Counsel
Development Authority, Alabama World Trade Association,
Tiffany Graves. “Helping to ensure that everyone has equal
Coosa Alabama River Improvement Association, Alabama Rural
access to justice is vitally important to everyone at Bradley.”
Rehabilitation Corporation, the Southeastern Federal Power
Bradley was selected to receive the award by the Alabama
Customers, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Business Council
State Bar Committee on Volunteer Lawyer Programs.
of Alabama, Alabama World Affairs Council and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. He served as the fourth
Horace Horn Honored with Power of Service Award
chairman of the Alabama State Port Authority and has testified
Yellowhammer Multimedia presented the 2019 Power of Service
in front of the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve
Award to Horace Horn of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative at
System regarding the effect of Fed policy on production
its annual Power of Service event in October. Horn currently
agriculture.
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
92
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
R E TA I L N E WS The Shoppes at EastChase Announces Expansion and New Retailer Bath & Body Works recently underwent and expansion and remodel to now include White Barn Candle Co. Bath & Body Works, one of the world’s leading specialty retailers of personal care products and home fragrances, moved to a 3,770 square-foot space at The
Bay Design Associates Architects Joins GMC in Pensacola Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood (GMC) and Bay
also expanding to include new and robust
Design Associates Architects (BDA) have
services made available by joining GMC.”
officially joined forces in Pensacola, Florida. Led by managing partners Steve Jernigan,
GMC is one of the largest privately-
FAIA, and George Williams, AIA, the firm is
held multi-disciplined architecture and
an established architectural firm specializing
engineering firms in the Southeast, with
in the design of educational, healthcare,
offices throughout Alabama, Florida,
commercial and office facilities.
Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
“As GMC Pensacola, we will continue our
“This merger fortifies GMC’s presence
longstanding tradition of offering personal
along the Gulf Coast and complements our
and responsive attention to our client’s
current growth within the region,” GMC CEO
specific program objectives, both new
Jeffrey Brewer said. “We have worked with
and existing,” Jernigan, now Senior Vice
the Bay Design team on several projects
President of GMC Pensacola, said. “Our
over the years and are excited about the
suite of services will continue to include
opportunities that lie ahead through this
those previously offered by BDA, while
new venture.”
Shoppes at EastChase near Buckle. The upgrade provided Bath & Body Works additional square footage and a modern look. The new location includes its White Barn Candle Co. “store within a store” concept. Mountain High Outfitters will open its eighth Alabama location later this month at The Shoppes at EastChase. The Birmingham-based company offers apparel, footwear and gear for backpacking, bouldering, camping, caving, climbing, hiking, long-boarding, mountaineering, skiing, trail running, slack lining, paddle boarding, biking and yoga. “We are truly excited to be a part of the Montgomery community,” said Christopher Groom, Founder/CEO for
Bradley’s Efforts Drive Passage of Legislation Protecting Disabled Veterans
disability benefits were included as
Mountain High Outfitters, “It has been
part of their disposable income – even
a long time coming, and we feel that
though comparable Social Security
The Shoppes at EastChase and the
For more than two years, attorneys at
disability benefits are not. This was limiting
city of Montgomery are a great place
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
financially distressed disabled veterans’
to spread the MHO movement and
have worked pro bono to change U.S.
access to bankruptcy relief.
be a part of the active, outdoor and
bankruptcy laws to better protect disabled
everyday lifestyle.”
veterans. Known as the HAVEN Act, it was
Partner Jay Bender led Bradley’s efforts
signed into law by President Trump in late
with respect to the HAVEN Act, working
In addition to retail, MHO commits
August.
closely with Bradley partner David
itself to community engagement
Stewart and other members of the firm’s
throughout all of its 14 locations in
Governmental Affairs Practice Group.
Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
Under former bankruptcy law, veterans’
93 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
BI G BA MA N E WS! Caddell Construction Awarded Limited Letter of Intent from University of Alabama Caddell Construction has received a Limited Letter of Intent from the University of Alabama for Bryant Denny stadium renovations and additions totaling $84.6 million. The document signifies that the University of Alabama expects to execute a contract with Caddell and allows for work to begin as stated in the contract documents, including a litany of preconstruction
Caddell Construction Celebrates “Topping Out” of NNSA Facility Caddell Construction recently joined the
followed by a celebration for the project
National Nuclear Security Administration
team. The new offices will provide a
(NNSA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
safe, modern and reliable workspace for
(USACE)-Albuquerque District in
approximately 1,200 federal and contract
celebration of the Topping Out of the
employees who support NNSA’s vital
new NNSA Albuquerque Complex office
national security missions.
facility. The new complex is being built on Department of Energy-owned land in New
The project is scheduled for completion in
Mexico and will be certified as LEED Gold
December of 2020 and includes offices,
when finished.
data and fitness centers, secure areas and more. It will be three stories and
“Topping Out” is the tradition of setting
approximately 334,000 square feet.
the final piece of steel into place and is
activities meant to fast-track the project. “Fast-tracking will be absolutely critical for project success,” said the company’s Executive Vice President, Mac Caddell. “In fact, there’s not one part of this project that won’t be fast. It’s a fast-paced job, and we’re excited to tackle it.” The schedule is extremely tight. Demolition and other on-site work cannot begin until after the final whistle blows on the 2019 football season. And when the first game rolls around in 2020, Tide fans will expect their stadium to be as ready as they are for kickoff.
New Staybridge Suites® Hotel Opens Downtown
deluxe studio, one-bedroom or twobedroom/two-bathroom suites with
Taking on complex construction challenges
PCH Hotels and Resorts announced the
communal living spaces. Guests enjoy
like this is one of Caddell’s hallmarks,
opening of the new 115-room Staybridge
fully equipped kitchens with a full-size
according to President and CEO Eddie
Suites Montgomery-Downtown.
refrigerator, microwave oven, cooktop
Stewart. “Our people thrive on the
Conveniently located at the junction of
and a dishwasher. The hotel has unique
challenges presented by this project. We
Interstates 65 and 85, Staybridge Suites is
complimentary offerings such as a daily hot
have assembled an outstanding team of
an ideal location for business and leisure
breakfast buffet, The Den for socializing,
construction professionals to undertake this
travelers, shoppers and civil rights history
playing board games or reading, an outdoor
endeavor, and I am confident they will be
enthusiasts. General Manager George
pavilion that includes two infra-red grills,
successful,” he said.
Sanders said, “Excitement has been
and evening receptions three nights a week
building for our extended stay brand,
with wine, beer and customized entrees.
According to the University, the stadium
and we are thrilled to start accepting
Additional amenities include a zero-entry
improvements are designed to enhance
reservations.”
outdoor saline pool, complimentary guest
the student and fan experiences through
laundry room, guest storage rooms, 24-
additional premium seating opportunities,
The new property offers spacious
hour business center, a fully equipped
new social spaces and additional elevators
guestrooms, which include a mix of
fitness center and board room.
to improve access to upper levels.
94 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
MG M ZO O N EWS:
Artist India Wilson, with her bench based on “Yasmin in Charge.”
New Pygmy Hippo and Andean Condor Exhibit at The Montgomery Zoo
Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum Launch Augmented Reality App
The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife
The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife
The Montgomery Public Art Commission
Learning Museum announced the rare
Learning Museum launched a new
recently hosted a reveal party for the
birth of twin female pygmy hippopotamus
opportunity for guests to interact with their
Montgomery Book Bench Project. The
calves on August 4, to first-time parents,
favorite animals using an innovative new
event honored the 12 River Region artists
mom, Asali, and dad, Mikey. This the fourth
technology, augmented reality. Using the
commissioned to design and paint 12 benches
birth of pygmy hippos in the last four years
Montgomery ZooView app, guests will be
that have been installed at libraries, schools and
at the Zoo. Sadly, one of the calves only
able to bring a two-dimensional image to
community centers within several Montgomery
lived for two days due to a condition called
life on their smart phones or tablets.
City Council districts and County Commission
brachygnathism, which made it impossible
Event Celebrates Book Bench Public Art Project Completion
districts.
for the calf to nurse. The birth of twins is
The technology augments the real-world
a major anomaly for the species. There
environment with computer-generated
The Montgomery Public Art Commission in
are only 11 confirmed cases of twin hippo
animated video, sound and other data.
collaboration with the Montgomery City-County
births from 1903-2015. Of these 11 births,
Public Library, Montgomery City Council and
there are only four cases where one of the
Using the app, guests will hover their
Montgomery County Commission opened its
calves survived and only one case of both
smart phones or tablets over marked
call for proposals last March. This public art
calves living. With the high infant mortality
“trigger” images at habitat viewing
project celebrates beloved children’s and young
rate of pygmy hippos, having a set a
stations. The two-dimensional images will
adult books by using them as the base themes
twins where one survived is significant to
come to life through animated videos that
for the benches.
research and conservation of the species.
will educate guests. The selected artists include Dianne Waites,
Also, the Andean Condors have moved to
“Introducing this technology is just one
Leigh Ann Clark, Julie Lowry, Saquia Evans,
a new exhibit in The Montgomery Zoo’s
more way we can enhance our guests’
DeShuan Smith, Kelly Parvin, Oscar Wheat,
South American realm. Their new home
experience here at the Montgomery Zoo,”
Sujoung Pack, Joonwoo Lee and Silvia Deng;
is located near the front entrance and
said Steve Pierce, Program Services
India Wilson, Sunny Paulk, Micheal Louis
Monkey Island. Calling the Montgomery
Manager for the Zoo. “It will benefit guests
Arrington and Zoe Barker.
Zoo home since 1987, the two Andean
of all ages and be of particular importance
Condors are growing more and more
to those who may have a disability that
The book bench project is the latest in a line of
comfortable in the new, much larger,
prevents them from getting the full Zoo
art coordinated by the Montgomery Public Art
exhibit that contains features from their
experience during their visit.”
Commission and City and County leaders.
native habitat.
95 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Four Star Freightliner Takes White House Pledge
MGM Expands Business Travel Options
Four Star Freightliner Dealer
Starting January 7, 2020, American Airlines will offer a new
Principal Jerry Kocan joined the
schedule for same-day, return flights between Montgomery
movement to put Americans to
Regional Airport (MGM) and Reagan National Airport (DCA).
work by signing the White House’s
A welcome addition for business travelers, American began
“Pledge to America’s Workers.” In
non-stop service from MGM to DCA in June 2018. The
a statement recently released by
new schedule offers even greater flexibility for corporate
the White House, Kocan stated
customers who can depart on an early morning flight and
his pledge to create opportunities
return home in time for the nightly news.
and committed to training and developing workers.
“When we announced the non-stop service to Washington,
Four Star Freightliner, which
D.C. last year, we were confident that the flights would
operates seven locations in
perform well. Today, we are pleased that MGM travelers can continue to enjoy access to our nation’s capital with the
Alabama, Georgia and Florida, pledged to create career
members in our administrative,
added convenience of returning home to Montgomery later
opportunities for 175 individuals
parts, sales or service departments,”
on the same day,” said Tammy Knight Fleming, Montgomery
over five years. Four Star began
said Kocan. “We also commit to
Airport Authority Chair. Executive Airport Director, Marshall J.
that commitment in October
partnering with local schools, both
Taggart Jr., explained, “This flight is a milestone in providing
2018. “Our commitment includes
high school and colleges, to not
a full day trip option for the government, business, and
recruiting, training and developing
only provide job opportunities but
military traveling public. Our air service development is
potential employees to join the
exposure to all the possibilities that
aggressively pursuing more ways to connect the airport to
Four Star team as productive team
the industry offers.”
the region.”
96 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Awards Scholarships Blue Cross and Blue
MGM Encouraging Passengers to Secure REAL IDs
Shield of Alabama
The Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is joining
has provided medical
the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the
scholarships to three
effort to remind air travelers to ensure identification
Alabama College
compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.
of Osteopathic
Starting October 1, 2020, travelers presenting state-
Medicine (ACOM)
issued driver licenses and identification cards will be
medical students. As
required to ensure identification is REAL ID compliant
a condition of these
in order to enter airport screening checkpoints to
scholarships, the
board aircraft for domestic flights. REAL ID-compliant
recipients agreed to
cards are generally marked with a star located in the
practice as primary
upper portion of the card. Other forms of valid TSA
care or behavioral
identification, including U.S. passports, will continue to
health physicians in
be accepted.
underserved areas of Alabama after graduation. The recipients are Callie Bennett, For Alabamians, the state’s STAR ID is compliant with
Sawyer Donald and Lauren Robinson.
all federal requirements. The STAR ID is currently “Congratulations to each of these medical students for being selected for this
available only at Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
scholarship,” said Tim Vines, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
driver license examination offices. Applicants for the
Alabama. “They are truly exceptional students who recognize the importance of this
STAR ID must provide four documents to verify identity.
program.”
97 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
L ET ’S G ET M OVIN G
Starke Agency Celebrates 90th Anniversary
new management, and they
Starke marked its 90th
stores in the area within the next
anniversary on September 5,
several years.
2019, which has been proclaimed Starke Agency Day with a “Block Party” to commemorate the special occasion. Highlights of the Montgomery insurance agency since its beginnings in 1929 include staying familyowned for three generations, being a Best Practices Insurance Agency for 14 years and counting
Vintage Hospitality Group Establishes Scholarship Vintage Hospitality Group recently announced the establishment of a scholarship for students enrolled in the Hospitality Management Program at Auburn University named The Vintage Hospitality Blount-
and continued growth.
Rivera Annual Scholarship. In
Trey Starke, President and
economic burden of tuition, the
CEO, said, “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place, and are humbled
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Sponsors Bike Share Program
have plans to open three more
to be able to celebrate with our valued partners, customers and
addition to assisting with the grant provides internships for three hospitality majors pursuing a degree to gain valuable professional experience and make important industry contacts in the industry. The scholarship
friends from Montgomery.”
was created to engage and a bridge between Auburn
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Alabama. “Montgomery’s
of Alabama has partnered
bike share program is an
with the City of Montgomery
excellent opportunity to
to help sponsor
provide workers, residents,
Montgomery’s bike share
and visitors a new and
Bojangles CEO and President Jose Armario Visits Montgomery Location
program, an innovative
convenient way to get
Bojangles CEO and President
“Providing this scholarship is
biking system aimed to
around and enjoy our
Jose Armario visited the
our opportunity to invest in
improve the quality of life
capital city.”
Montgomery Bojangles in
the future of hospitality,” said
Eastchase on September 18.
Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “We
and increase tourism in
encourage students by creating and Montgomery hospitality industries.
downtown Montgomery.
The micro-mobility vendor,
Armario took on the new position
also want to honor students who
Blue Cross, Baptist Health
Pace, is operating the
in January of this year and has
are working hard to ensure that
and Wind Creek Hospitality
bike share program.
only had the opportunity to
forthcoming hospitality success
collaborated to launch the
Bike stations are placed
visit four franchise locations so
is rooted right here in the South.”
new program.
in prominent locations
far. Aki Henderson, Managing
Headquartered in Montgomery,
throughout Montgomery’s
Partner said, “We were excited
Vintage Hospitality Group
“We are proud to partner
city-center, including the
that he took the time to visit
is dedicated to providing
with the City of Montgomery
Rosa Parks Library/Museum,
our store to give us lots of love
guests with the finest culinary
as we work together to
First White House of the
and many words of wisdom! It
selections, premium coffees,
build healthier communities
Confederacy, City Hall,
was such an honor.” Bojangles
specialty teas, outstanding
across Alabama,” said Koko
Renaissance Hotel & Spa,
in Eastchase is owned by
wines and spirits along with
Mackin, Vice President of
Old Alabama Town, Morgan
father-daughter team Randy
unparalleled customer service
Corporate Communications
Library, Kress Building,
and Aki Henderson of H&S
at The Vintage Year and Vintage
and Community Relations,
Wright Brothers Park, the
Foods. The store reopened in
Café.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Alley and the Intermodal.
May with new ownership and
98 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
TROY Celebrates 30 years of Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. as Chancellor Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins
throughout the years who have gone on to
make widgets, we educate students, and in
Jr. reached a milestone anniversary on
success after college, he remains a source
the process, we shape value systems. We
September 1, 30 years serving in his position
of inspiration, and his influence has spread
can help our students achieve great things
and leading the university. Three decades
beyond TROY’s campuses and teaching
in their chosen fields, be good citizens, and
ago, few could have predicted Hawkins’
sites into the surrounding communities.
be leaders in their communities. That’s a
tenure would outlast his predecessor’s or have such an impact on the University.
legacy everyone who works at TROY can For the Chancellor,
embrace.”
those lives define Under his leadership, TROY (then Troy
his legacy more
When looking back at his
State) became an innovator in the realm of
than any of his other
30-year tenure, Hawkins is
online education beginning in the 1990s.
accomplishments.
proud of many things the
Hawkins also served as the catalyst for the
“I believe the only
University has accomplished,
University’s evolution into an international
meaningful legacy
but one stands out above the
institution, as TROY has attracted record
for any university
rest. “If pressed to name one
numbers of students from other nations
president or
initiative of which I am most
and established teaching sites around the
chancellor is the
proud, it would have to be
world, alongside international partnerships
success of our
the internationalization of our
in countries such as Italy and China.
alumni, which is
University,” he said. “Over the
In the early 2000s, Hawkins spearheaded
the best barometer
last 30 years we have gone
the University’s move to NCAA Division I-A
of success for any
from enrolling 40 students
athletics as well as the unification of the
university,” Hawkins
former Troy State University System into the
said. “The great thing about a career in
U.S. to enrolling students from 80 nations
modern Troy University.
higher education—no matter what your
speaking 85 languages.”
from 13 nations outside the
position— is your work can have a ripple For the students Hawkins championed
WANT YOUR NEWS IN THE MBJ? Submit information for consideration to Jina Miniard at jminiard@montgomerychamber.com. Please attach press releases as a Word document or a PDF (Word documents preferred), and please include high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) photos with your press release if possible.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES: JANUARY ISSUE: NOV 26 MARCH ISSUE: JAN 21
effect that spans generations. We don’t
Design Mavens Launch Company
Wharf Casual Seafood Expanding
Margaret Proctor’s ceramic creations appeal to
Wharf Hospitality Group, Inc. is doubling the
both the contemporary and classic aesthetic.
size of its company footprint over the next
Her eye for design, detail and beauty is now
three to five years. Doing business as Wharf
broadening its focus through her latest venture,
Casual Seafood, the company will open five
Fortunata Design. Based in Montgomery,
additional company restaurants in Florida,
Fortunata Design is a new partnership between
Alabama and Georgia. In addition to company
Margaret and Lisa Gruwell, who specializes in
store growth plans, Wharf Hospitality Group,
visual merchandising, showroom and interior
Inc. will immediately begin offering franchise
design.
territories throughout the Southeast in a threephase approach. Phase I includes north Florida,
“Our focus is helping people downsize and
Alabama and Georgia. Phases II and III will
choose their favorite pieces to incorporate into
include expansion into Tennessee, Kentucky
smaller spaces,” says Margaret.
and the Carolinas, positioning the brand as a regional player. “The brand is poised for growth
Fortunata Design also offers access to a long
and ready to set sail. Furthermore, the unique
list of key contacts throughout the United States
and fast-casual approach to seafood is what
that can assist clients in selling antiques, art and
sets us apart.” said Noah Griggs, Co-Owner.
contemporary furniture that do not transition well into smaller spaces.
99 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
THE NURSE B COLLECTION
COOK AND ASSOCIATES, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, LLC
1530 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-612-7747 • www.thenursebcollection.com/ Bella Brown, Owner / Uniforms-Retail
4142 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-315-9399 • www.blackbeltlawyers.com/ Amanda B. Cook, Attorney at Law / Legal Services-Attorneys
US TECH REPAIR
HONEYPOP POPPIN GOURMET POPCORN
1174 S. Decatur Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-413-1114 • https://us-techrepairs.com Alex Saweleh, Owner / Maintenance/Repair
45 North Burbank, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-2447 • www.honeypoppopcorn.com Titania Adams, Owner / Foods-Specialized
HOTWORX
TW ORTHODONTICS
7252 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-440-8111 • hotworx.net/studio/montgomery-peppertree Angela Burgess, Owner / Health & Fitness; Health Clubs
4635 Woodmere Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36106 334-260-8166 • https://twortho.com/ Dr. William Turner and Dr. Brent Wood, Owners/Orthodontists Dentists-Specialized
100 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
STRATICE, LLC
GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN ALABAMA
39 Dexter Avenue, Suite 304, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-416-8999 • https://mystratice.com/ Scott Franklin, Founder/COO / Consulting Services; Information Technology Firms
2501 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-272-9164 • www.girlscoutssa.org Meghan Cochrane, Director of Marketing and Communications Associations/Non-Profit
101 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
ELITE ATHLETIC ACADEMY / SUCCESS UNLIMITED ACADEMY
STARKE AGENCY, INC.
4500 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-213-0803 • www.suacademy.com Susan Alred, Headmaster / Private Schools
RAYMOND JAMES AT HALCYON POINTE 7460 Halcyon Drive, Suite 101, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-213-4121 • www.raymondjames.com Amy Todd, Client Service Associate / Financial Planner
210 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-263-5535 • https://starkeagency.com/ Trey Starke, President / Insurance Companies/Services
HEALTH SERVICES, INC. – MONTGOMERY EAST FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 309 St. Lukes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-3608 • www.healthservicesinc.org/ Gilbert Darrington, CEO / Health Care Services
YOUR CBD STORE
HEALTHCARE RESOURCE CENTER
8852 Minnie Brown Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-0818 • https://truecbd4u.com William and Callie Vance, Owners / Health & Nutrition; Retail Shops/Distribution
2569 Bell Road, Suite D, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-530-1604 • https://hcagent Carley Bennett / Health Care Services
102 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
103 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
AGRICULT UR E/FOR E STRY/ F I SHERY-EXPOSITION
D IA LYS IS C L IN IC S
AL Hemp Growers Association Jimmie Coleman 4131 Carmichael Road, Suite 15 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-676-1476 alahemp.org
Physicians Choice Dialysis of MontgomeryEast South Boulevard Jim Kilkur 2201 East South Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36116 610-495-8900 phychoice.com
ASSOC IATIONS/N ON -P R OF I T
21 Dreams Arts & Culture Kalonji Gilchrist 504 Clay Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-721-5121 21dreamsmgm.org Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 444 Michael Heming 550 E. Maxwell Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36112 918-557-5833 afsa444.org AL Tourism Department Lee Sentell 401 Adams Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-242-4169 tourism.AL.gov Home of the Servant Sandra Reese 133 Eton Road Montgomery, AL 36109 334-221-2430 homeoftheservant.com AU DIO-VISUAL CO N S ULTA N TS & DESIGNER S, VIDE O P RODUC TION
Jadi Nicolas 1915 Nordan Lane Montgomery, AL 36106 213-447-5291 B E AUTY SUPPLIES
Beauty & Beyond Ashraf Hijaz 6995 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36101 334-462-0957 beautyandbeyondco.com
NOVEMBER 2019 NEW MEMBERS Watson Beauty Supplies Novadean Watson-Stone 3803 Day Street, Suite B Montgomery, AL 36108 334-517-1401
F IN A N C IA L P L A N N E R /A DV IS OR, I N SURA N C E CO M PA N IE S /S E RV IC E S, FI N AN CI AL S E RV IC E S , IN S U R A N C E - CO M PAN I ES
Country Financial-Vaughn Road Bryan DeCapite 7020 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334-271-1933 countryfinancial.com/bryan.decapite F IN A N C IA L S E RV IC E S , IN S U RAN CE COMPA N IE S /S E RV IC E S , IN S U R A NCE-COMPAN IE S /A DV IS O R , IN S U R A N C E -LI FE
C H UR CH E S /M IN IST R IE S
Metropolitan United Methodist Church Richard Williams 3108 Rosa Parks Avenue Montgomery, AL 36105 334-263-0950 metromgm.org C LOTH IN G & ACC E SS O R IE S R E TA I L , R E TA IL S H O P S /D IST R IBU TI ON , G IF TS & S P E C IA LT Y- R E TA IL
Burlington Antoinette Brown 7721 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-781-6403 burlington.com COM M E R C IA L P L AYG R O U N D E QUI PM E N T
Pet and Playground a division of Hercules Poly, Inc. Jessica Hoagland 315 Main Street Eclectic, AL 36024 334-541-3525 petandplayground.com
104 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
New York Life Scott Key 4121 Carmichael Road, Suite 501 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-244-1696 montgomery.nyloffices.com F IN A N C IA L S E RV IC E S , IN V E STMEN T A DV IS O R S /BR O K E R S
Jericho Asset Management John Steiner Montgomery, AL 36101 334-467-0956
F IR E /WAT E R DA M AG E
Restoration 1 Justin McBee 6553 Halcyon Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-300-5939 restoration1.com/montgomery
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
MISS AN ISSUE? Find past issues online at montgomerychamber.com
H E A LT H C A R E S E RV IC E S , H E A LT H I N FOR M AT IO N M A N AG E M E N T/ M E D I CA L R E CO R D S S E RV IC E S ,
Healthcare Resource Center Carley Bennett 2569 Bell Road, Suite D Montgomery, AL 36117 334-530-1604 hrcagent.com H E A LT H & F IT N E SS , H E A LT H C A R E S E RV I CE S , BE AU T Y SA LO N S /S PAS
Sacred Soul Wellness LLC Tiffany Taft 445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 4050 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-333-1632 H E A LT H & N U T R IT IO N , BE AU T Y S UP P L IE S , L AS E R & S K IN C A R E , R E TA I L S H O P S /D IST R IBU T IO N
CBDivine Lydia Heisler 3457 Malcolm Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 334-440-6490 cbdivine.com I N D I V ID UA L S
Sutherland Boswell Montgomery, AL 36104 334-328-1855 I N S URA N C E - L IF E , I N S URA N C E - H E A LT H
Mathis Financial Services Bernard Mathis 4144 Carmichael Road, Suite 8 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-467-1108 L E G A L S E RV IC E S - AT TO R N E YS
Senior Law Solutions, LLC Stephanie Stephens 631 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-758-9400 seniorls.com 105 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., LLC Richard Matthews 621 South Hull Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-398-8408
P H YS IC IA N S , P H YS IC IA N S S P E C IA L IZE D
AL Functional Medicine-Ryan McWhorter, MD, LLC Ryan McWhorter 7040 Sydney Curve Montgomery, AL 36117 334-819-8190
R E A L E STAT E - AG E N TS , R E A L ESTAT E - CO M M E R C IA L /IN D U STRI AL, R E A L E STAT E - CO M M E R C IA L / I N V E ST M E N TS
Josh Holley-Mossy Oak Properties Joshua Holley 10519 Vaughn Road Pike Road, AL 36064 334-652-1231 R E STAU R A N TS , R E STAU R A N TSFAST FO O D
Burger Fi Rinkesh Patel 7413 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-8645 burgerfi.com Chick-fil-A-Eastern Boulevard Robert Eike 2682 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117-1510 334-271-0104 chick-fil-a.com Chick-fil-A-Ann Street Stuart Rogers 915 Ann Street Montgomery, AL 36107 334-262-2017 chick-fil-a.com
Numbers reflect August 2019 over AugustCHAMBER 2018. NEWS
Business Buzz
CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Economic Intel SALES TAX
TOURISM
BIG NEWS!
LODGING TAX
65.1%
+ 5.97% YTD JAN-AUGUST INCREASE
+
OCCUPANCY RATE AUGUST 2019
+ 11%
5.2% SALES TAX IS UP $5,060,745
IN FISCAL YEAR 2019 ABOVE FY ’18
RETAIL SALES TAX REVENUE IN AUGUST 2019 OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR
LODGING TAX COLLECTIONS AUGUST 2019
$1,089,548.48 Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery
HOUSING THE LOWEST IN THE PAST 20 YEARS.
LABOR FORCE
+ 2.9% CIVILIAN
+ 4.4% EMPLOYED
LABOR FORCE
LABOR FORCE
176,720
171,809
AUGUST 2019
THE SECOND LOWEST LEVEL EVER
2.8%
499 TOTAL HOME SALES
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
+ 10.4% AVERAGE SALE PRICE
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
1,869 TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE
91 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, Montgomery Area
Labor figures for August 2019 show the number of people employed in the city is 3,885 higher than August 2018.
EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR TRANSPORTATION
PASSENGERS
+ 6.5% OVER AUGUST 2018
+ BE DIRECT:
COMING IN 2020
DIRECT SAME-DAY SERVICE T0 DCA
Source: MGM (Montgomery Regional Airport)
SECTORS GOING UP
32,933
FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
+ 2.7%
PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
+ 2.6%
TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES
+ 2.4%
OTHER SERVICES
+ 2.2%
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
106 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
107MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MBJ
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101
108MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL