The Business View - April 2012
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PRSRT STDU.S. Postage
PAIDMobile, AL
Permit #346
The Evolution of A Small Business:
Calagaz
Partners for Growth Aims for $10 Million
VIEW
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce theA
PRIL
201
2
MEMBEr Appreciation DaySee You There!
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2 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Member Appreciation Day!
For more information, call 251-431-8622.
Live Music * Free Food * Giveaways
Friday, April 13 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 451 Government St.
Join us for our 4th Membership Appreciation Day and Open House. Meet the Chamber staff and learn how we are working for your business.
Sponsored By:
you believeyou belongand for thatwe say thanks!
Participating Members:Blue Bell Creameries; Chiropractic Life Center: A Creating Wellness Center; Elements Therapeutic Massage; Flowers Baking Co.; Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter; Mobile Gas; Music 4 U, The Tommy Morse Band; Office Depot Business Solutions Division; Port City Rentals; and Sam’s Club.
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 3
April 2012 4-9 NewsYouCanUse–Positiveupdates forareaandstatebusinesses
10-11 Newleadersnamedfornextphase ofPartnersforGrowth
12 Localleadersenvisionfuture ofGulfCoast
13 TheChamberplansaonce-in-a-lifetime triptoCuba
15 SmallBusinessoftheMonth: WESCOGas&Welding
17-19 MadeinMobile:HowMobile-based Calagazhasevolvedsinceits foundingin1955
20 CEOProfile:AlanH.TurnerII, UnitedWayofSouthwestAlabama
21 SCOREColumn:Whysmallbusiness willleadintheneweconomy
22-23 Makeplanstoattendthefun-filled MemberAppreciationDay 25 InvestorFocus:BayBank
23 MeettheChamber’snewcustodian: HopeBush-Collins
26-27 Chamber@Work
28 BoardofAdvisors:KennethJ.Borowski, GaryJ.GradyandPatrickJ.Wilson
29 BusinessSpotlightoftheMonth: PerfectingThatCleaningLLC
29 AmbassadoroftheMonth: MarciaWasham
29 EconomicIndicators
30-31 Calendar
32-34 MemberNews
35 Anniversaries
35 NewMembers
the business VIEWispublishedmonthly,exceptforthecombinedissueofDecember/January,
bytheMobileAreaChamberofCommerce451GovernmentStreet,Mobile,AL36602(251)433-6951
www.mobilechamber.com©2012
Publisher....................................WinthropM.HallettIII ExecutiveEditor...............................LeighPerry-Herndon ManagingEditor...................................... JenniferJenkins CopyEditor...........................................MichelleMatthews
Additional Writers and EditorsShaylaJonesBeaco,SamCovert,AshleyHorn,
LeighPerry-Herndon,SusanRak-Blanchard,CarolynWilson
PrintingServices. . . . . . . . . . . InterstatePrinting/DirectMail GraphicDesign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WiseDesignInc. AdvertisingAccountExecutive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RenéEiland
Cover TherecentlyformedCalagazgroupwascreatedtooverseethecompany’snewestacquisitions.PicturedarethethreeCalagazfamilymemberschargedwithrunningthebusiness.LeoCalagaz(secondfromright),JoeCalagaz(secondfromleft)andPaulineCalagaz(center).AlsopicturedareStevenMcNider(left),whosoldMcNiderCreationstoCalagazandjoinedthecompany,andDonnieWebb(right),whoisintheprocessofsellingSuperiorPrintingtoCalagazandwillalsojointhecompany.Seestoryonpages17-19.Cover photo by Susan Rak-Blanchard.
14
VIEW
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce the
Vol. XLIII, No. 3
4
13
6
Member Appreciation Day!
For more information, call 251-431-8622.
Live Music * Free Food * Giveaways
Friday, April 13 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 451 Government St.
Join us for our 4th Membership Appreciation Day and Open House. Meet the Chamber staff and learn how we are working for your business.
Sponsored By:
you believeyou belongand for thatwe say thanks!
Participating Members:Blue Bell Creameries; Chiropractic Life Center: A Creating Wellness Center; Elements Therapeutic Massage; Flowers Baking Co.; Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter; Mobile Gas; Music 4 U, The Tommy Morse Band; Office Depot Business Solutions Division; Port City Rentals; and Sam’s Club.
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4 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
CLIENTmobcou
JOB NO.004069
DESCRIPTIONBusineess View
MATERIAL DUE DATE09/16/11
PUB(S)The Business View
BUILT AT100%
TRIM8.5 ”w x 5.375”h
BLEEDNA
COLOR4C
LINE SCREENMagazine
LASER PRINTED AT100%
PROOF PRINTED AT100%
SPECIAL NOTES Information
QUESTIONS CALLCourtneyHaupt251.476.2507
004069-Business View.indd 1 9/26/11 4:49 PM
Alorica Expands to Second Location in Mobile County Company Adds 200 Jobs in West Mobile, Plans to Add Hundreds More in North Mobile County
Nearlytwoyearsago,telecommunicationscompanyRylaannounceditsintentionstoopenanin-boundcallcenterinSaraland,andputhundredsofpeopletowork.ByJanuary2012,Ryla,nowknownasAlorica,wasintheprocessofcappingoutaworkforceof650attheSaralandsite,andopenedasecondfacilityinwestMobileonHillcrestRoadwithaworkforceof200.
“Mobilewasfortunatetohaveanadditional‘plug-and-play’facilityinwestMobiletoimmediatelyhandleAlorica’sincreasedcapacity,”saidHermanTinsley,seniorprojectmanagerfortheMobileAreaChamber.
Plug-and-playisacallcenterindustrytermtodescribehowquicklyanemptybuilding’sinfrastructurecanbeturnedaroundtoopenthedoors.TinsleysaidtheHillcrestRoadsiteislocatedintheformerFRFinancialbuilding,whichwasoriginallybuiltforTeleVox,avoiceanddatamessagingcompany.Thefacilityhasahigh-speed
cablenetworkandabackupdieselgenerator,allcriticaltocallcenteroperations.
“We’vebeenextremelypleasedwiththeavailableworkforce,andtheamazingattitudesfrompeopleinMobile,”saidDanelKuhlmann,Alorica’smarketingandcommunicationsdirector.“Idon’tthinkwe’redone.We’reonafasttrackformore.”
TinsleybelievesAlorica’sfuturesuccessintheMobilemarketwillbesealedbythecompany’scontinuedcommitmenttotrainingitsworkers.EmployeeswhoworkateitherAloricafacilityaretrainedtoprovidecustomerservicetoonespecificcompany’sneeds.
Alorica,withmorethan20,000employeesand40callcenters,purchasedRylainApril2010.ThecompanyisalsorampingupemploymentattheSaralandsiteandplanstohaveatotalof850employeesbyMay.
You’ll see this symbol with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.
PicturedaboveisthenewestAloricalocationonHillcrestRoadinwestMobile.
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 5
Locatednearthepark’swatertower,thepavilionwillbehometostageproductions,concerts,moviesandothercommunityevents,andwillhavestagelightingandasoundsystem.
“ThiswillprovideawholenewexperienceforourcommunitythatwillservenotonlyourwestMobileresidents,butwilldrawpeoplefromallpartsbecauseofthecaliberofperformancethepavilioncanaccommodate,”saidMobileCountyCommissionPresidentConnieHudson.
Countyofficialsdesigned,engineeredandconstructedthepavilion,andthecityofMobilewilloperateandmaintainthefacility.
The$300,000projectisbeingpaidbycityandcountydollarsaswellasa$5,000donationfromBlacksherWhite-Spunnerand$10,000fromTheJ.L.BedsoleFoundation.
Justaspeoplearetrainedtorecognizethewarningsignsofheartattacksorstrokes,AltaPointeisnowtrainingthepublictorecognizewarningsignsofmentalhealthissues.
Althoughtheterm“firstaid”typicallyreferstophysicalhealth,itcanbeappliedtomentalhealthaswell.WhenAltaPointeHealthSystemsbeganofferingmentalhealthfirst-aidtraininginlate2011,theresponsewasstrong,accordingtocompanyofficials.
Gearedtowardbusinessownersandmanagers,thistypeoftraininghelpsidentify,understandandrespondtosignsofmentalillnessamongemployees,suchaspanicattacks,paranoiaandpsychoticepisodes.
“Thisimportanteducationaleffortgoesalotfurtherthanemergencyintervention;itreallyhelpspeopleunderstandtheshroudoffearandmisjudgmentfacingindividualsandfamilieswhoexperiencementalillnessandaddiction,”saidDr.SandraParker,AltaPointe’smedicaldirector.
Participantsinthefirst-aidtrainingclasseslearnhowtoaddressemployeeproblemsthroughtechniquessuchasusingnon-threateningbodylanguage,speakingsoftly,askingtheperson’snameandlisteningclosely.Theyalsolearnhowtoassesswhethersomeoneissuicidalandwheretodirectpeopleforservices.
Tolearnmoreaboutthisprogram,ortoscheduleamentalhealthfirst-aidtrainingcourse,[email protected].
Local Agency Offers
Mental health First-Aid Training
MentalHealthFirstAidinstructorEmilyHead,standing,reviewsnewprogrammaterialswithotherstaffmembersatAltaPointe’sAdultOutpatientServicesonGordonSmithDriveinMobile.
Open-Air Pavilion Under Construction at Medal of Honor Park
A partnership between the city of Mobile and Mobile County will soon benefit park-goers at Medal of Honor
Park (formerly known as Cottage Hill Park). Construction is underway on the Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion, a 2,500-square-foot open-air pavilion to be named in honor of Mobile County’s 200th anniversary.
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6 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
I f the trash and debris littering our beautiful
city make you feel helpless, now is the time to pitch in and make a difference by volunteering for Mobile’s 2012 Great American Cleanup. InterestedindividualsandgroupscanparticipateatanytimeandatanylocationduringthemonthofApril,butareespeciallyencouragedtoorganizeactivitiesduringMobileGACweek,kickingoffonApril21andculminatingonApril28.
TheGreatAmericanCleanupisacity-wideeventsponsoredlocallybyKeepMobileBeautifulinpartnershipwithEnvisionCoastalAlabama.Thisevent,thenation’slargestcommunityimprovementprogram,involvesanestimated2.8millionvolunteersnationwideeachyear.
TheMobileGACsteeringcommittee’sgoalistorecruit100volunteerteamsandis
urgingallcommunityandcivicassociations,schools,neighborhoodgroupsandbusinessesintheMobileareatoplantheirowncleanupprojects.
DuringtheGreatAmericanCleanupweek,registeredteamswillreceivefreecleanupsupplies,suchasbags,glovesandvests,donatedbyKeepMobileBeautiful.
Volunteers Sought for
Great American Cleanup in Mobile
InJanuary,AustalUSAchristenedtheCoronado,thesecondLittoralCombatShipbuiltinMobilefortheU.S.Navy.The127-meterall-aluminumvesselhasamaximumspeedofmorethan45knots.
Austal Christens the
COROnADO
TheorganizationwillhaveacentralsupplydistributioncenterstationedattheMobileAreaChamber,451GovernmentSt.,beginningFriday,April20,atnoon.
Supplydropoffarrangementscanbemadeinadvanceforregisteredteams.Inaddition,KeepMobileBeautifulcanhelpidentifyareahotspotstocleanup,andhelp
organizeyourspecificproject.Allgroupsinterestedinorganizinga
cleanupactivityshouldcontactDeniseByrdwithKeepMobileBeautifulat208-6029ordenise.byrd@cityofmobile.org.Toregisteronline,visitwww.handsonal.organdclickon“FindanOpportunity.”
Chamber Participates in SArPC Job Fair and Encourages
Employers to Hire VeteransNomatterifyou’reactivelylookingfor
ajoborareanemployerseekingqualifiedapplicantstofillopenpositions,theSouthAlabamaRegionalPlanningCommission’sannualbusinessexpo/jobsfairhassomethingforyou.TheannualeventwillbeheldonThursday,April19,from9a.m.to2p.m.attheMobileCivicCenter’sExpoHall.
Lastyear’seventdrewmorethan3,500jobseekersfromsixstates.Employeesseekingworkerswillbeabletomeetpotentialemployers,conducton-siteinterviewsandprovidegeneralemploymentinformation.
ThisyeartheMobileAreaChamberisparticipatinginthejobfairthroughaU.S.ChamberofCommerceinitiativecalled“HiringOurHeroes.”LocalcompaniescanreceivefederaltaxcreditsforhiringU.S.militarymenandwomen.
Theworkopportunitycredithasbeenexpandedtoprovideemployerswithnewincentivestohirecertainunemployedveterans.InNovember2011,PresidentBarackObamasignedintolawthe“VowtoHireHeroesActof2011.”Thisnewlaw
providesanexpandedworkopportunitytaxcredittobusinessesthathireeligibleunemployedveteransandforthefirsttimealsomakespartofthecreditavailabletotax-exemptorganizations.Businessesclaimthecreditaspartofthegeneralbusinesscreditandtax-exemptorganizationsclaimitagainsttheirpayrolltaxliability.ThecreditisavailableforeligibleunemployedveteranswhobeginworkonorafterNov.22,2011andbeforeJan.1,2013.
“WegotinvolvedbecausethereareunprecedentednumbersofpeoplecomingbacktotheU.S.thefirstfewmonthsofthisyear,”saidLeidaJavier-Ferrell,theMobileAreaChamber’sdirectorofworkforcedevelopment.“Thisisanationaleffortalsotargetingthehighnumberofunemployedveteransandveteranswithdisabilities.”
Tolearnmoreabout“HiringOurHeroes,”contactFerrellat251-431-8631orljavier@mobilechamber.com.Tolearnmoreaboutthebusinessexpoandjobsfair,gotowww.sarpc.org.
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 7
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Online degree programs from a name you know.Start earning your Degree of Excellence at www.BamaByDistance.ua.edu/Mobile or call toll-free 1-800-467-0227.
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8 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Formedin2010,thisconsortiumoflocalarchitects,engineers,Realtorsandcontractorsinitiatedacollaborativeefforttobringcitydepartmentheadsandmembersofthedevelopmentcommunitytogethertofocusjointlyonidentifyingstepstoenhancethecurrentpermittingprocess.
Insupportofthisprocess,MayorSamJonesnamedBillHarkins,coordinatoroftheMobileCitiSmartprogram,asthepointpersonforthisimportantwork.Alongwiththewebsitedeveloper,JohnStropeofDogwoodProductions,HarkinsandmembersofthetaskforceparticipatedintheDecemberunveilingofthenewBuildingandLandDevelopmentCenter.Manyrepresentativesfromtheprofessionaldevelopmentcommunitywereinattendance,andtheeffortreceivedhighmarks.
ThenewonlinetoolhasbeendesignedtohelpanyonewishingtobuildinthecityofMobilefindthenecessaryanswersandformstocompleteprojectswithinregulationandprofessionalstandards.Thepermittingportalbringstogetherpertinentinformationfromthecity’smanywebpagesinanattempttocreateaone-stopserviceforindividualcitizensaswellasdevelopmentprofessionals.
Amongthecomponentsfoundonthesitearelistsofpermitsrequired,distinctionsbetweenresidentialandcommercialprojects,usefulformsandapplications,adirectoryofcitystaffinvolvedintheplanningandpermittingprocessandasectiononfrequentlyaskedquestions.
Membersofthetaskforcerecognizethatrecentwebsiteenhancementsdonotconstituteaone-timefix,butrepresentaprocessthatwillrequirecontinuousupdatingandenhancement.ThecityofMobileiscommittedtothislong-termeffortandencouragesongoingfeedbackandinput.
Recently,theMobileAreaAssociationofRealtorshostedmembersoftheMobile
CountyRoadBuildersAssociation,AssociatedGeneralContractors,HomeBuildersAssociationandtheAmericanInstituteofArchitectstopresentthenewdevelopmentportal.Thecityiscommittedtoprovidingonsitedemonstrationstoallinterestedtradegroups.Formoreinformation,visittheBuildingandLandDevelopmentCenteratwww.cityofmobile.org/dev_center.php.
Tosetupanonsitedemonstrationforyourorganizationorassociation,[email protected].
City of Mobile LaunchesOnline Development Center
Sam W. Covert is past president of Downtown Mobile Alliance and a
member of the City/Developer Task Force. To contact Covert, e-mail
The new online tool has been designed
to help anyone wishing to build in the city of Mobile find the necessary answers and forms
to complete projects within regulation and professional
standards.
ThepermittingsubmissionprocessinthecityofMobilejustbecamealittleeasier.
Duringaperiodofunstableeconomictimes,mostconstructionprojectshanginthebalanceofrisingconstructioncosts,complexfinancingagreementsanddemandingprojecttimelines.Recognizingtheconstraintstheseobstaclescanplaceonproposeddevelopments,thecityofMobilerecentlyrevampeditscurrentonlinepermittingapplication.
Initscommitmenttoprovidingastreamlineddevelopmentprocess,fromconcepttocertificateofoccupancy,thecityofMobilelaunchedthenewonlineBuildingandDevelopmentCenter.Whetherit’szoning,planreview,buildingpermits,constructionorinspectionforallresidentialandcommercialprojects,thisnewonlinedevelopmentportalcontainsallthenecessaryformsandapplicationsneededtocompleteanyprojectinthecityofMobile.
Priortothedevelopmentofthenewpermittingportal,onlinedevelopment
procedureswerenoteasytonavigate,resultinginanover-relianceontelephonecommunicationswithcodeofficialsand,insomeinstances,numeroustripstoMobileGovernmentPlazafromcontractorsseekingclarityoncoderequirements.Fortheaveragearchitect,engineerordeveloperworkingtogetaconstructionprojectofftheground,timeisacriticalelementinmovingprojectsforward.Consequently,theabilitytositatone’scomputerortabletwhilecompletingmanyaspectsofthepermittingprocessoffersapricelesstoolthatcansaveneededtime,moneyandresources.
Manygovernmentalentitiesacrossthenationnowofferelectronicoronlinemethodstoautomateandaddefficiencyandconveniencetoprocesseswithincityandregulatorydepartments.FortheMobiledevelopmentcommunity,thismajorstepinrealizingastreamlineddevelopmentprocesswasthenumberonepriorityidentifiedbytheCity/DeveloperTaskForce.
Program Sponsors: Aker Solutions, Alabama Power Co., Austal USA, Commonwealth National Bank, First Community Bank, International Shipholding Corp., Mitsubishi Polysilicon, Mobile Airport Authority,
Mobile Gas, Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc., PNC Bank, Regions Bank, SSAB and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA Printer Sponsor: MH3 Printing & Ad Specialties - Floral Sponsor: All-A-Bloom Florist
June 2012Date to be Announced
15th Annual
State of the City & County Lunch
Join City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson as they discuss the state of the city and county at this
annual Chamber luncheon.
Reservations and advanced payment are required. Call 431-8621 or email [email protected]
Tickets are $20 per person or $190 for a table of 10 (Chamber members only)
or $30 per person for nonmembers.
Coming Soon!
2012SOCC_TBV_ad_newdate.indd 1 3/8/2012 4:18:04 PM
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 9
TheMobileAreaChamberofCommerceFoundationreceiveda$75,000grantfromTheCommunityFoundationofSouthAlabamatohelptheMBDABusinessCenterMobile,operatedbytheChamber,expandservicestobusinessesaffectedbytheDeepwaterHorizonoilspill.
TheChamberandtheMBDAbothhaveestablishedservicestohelpentrepreneursstart,manageandgrowtheirbusinesses.Thenewgrantmonieswillfundrecruiting,trainingandthecoordinatingoflocalconsultantstocoachbusinessesonsustainabilitypractices.
“Sustainabilityisasurgingtrendforthebusinesscommunityasexecutivesworktoreducecosts,usetheirworkforcemoreeffectivelyandbalancetheirdistributionofresources,”saidWinHallett,presidentoftheMobileAreaChamberofCommerce.“Thiswillfacilitatethesepracticestoareabusinessesthatarelookingforwaystoensuretheirfuture.”
BestorWard,MobileAreaChamberofCommerceFoundationboardchairman,added,“Thisgrantwillbenefitbusinessesaffectedbythe2010GulfCoastoilspillforyearstocome.”
TheGulfFundCommunitieswascreatedthroughananonymousdonationtoRockefellerPhilanthropyAdvisorstoenhancetheresiliencyofdiversecommunitiesalongtheGulfCoast.Inthethirdandfinaldisbursement,theMobileAreaChamberofCommerceFoundationwasoneof13organizationsreceivingfunds.
TheCommunityFoundationhasawardedmorethan$3.6millionto28MobileandBaldwinCountyorganizationssinceJuly2011,focusingonfinancialstability,mentalhealthandwellness,socialserviceandyouthresiliency,accordingtoAlverthaPenny,thefoundation’spresidentandchiefexecutiveofficer.
MobileCountybusinessesinterestedinsustainabilitytrainingshouldcontactMBDAat433-2250.
Mobile Area Chamber’s Minority Program Receives Grant to Expand Service
TheCommunityFoundationawarded$1.5millioningrantstolocalagenciesintheMobileareainJanuary.TheMobileAreaChamberofCommerceFoundationreceiveda$75,000granttosupporttheMBDABusinessCenterMobile,operatedbytheMobileAreaChamber.
By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area
businesses every month plus another 9,000 business professionals who receive it electronically.
The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your company in front of the
Mobile area business community.
Contact René Eiland to discover how advertising in The Business View can complete your
marketing plan at 251.431.8635 or e-mail [email protected].
www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf
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10 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
A program of work as dynamic as Partners for Growth needed two of
this community’s champions to spearhead a $10 million fundraising goal, according to Mobile Area Chamber President Win hallett. That’s why it was natural to tap Joel Daves with regions Bank and Mike Saxon with Alabama Power Co., as co-chairs for the five-year campaign, spanning 2013-2017.
“ForallofoursuccessesbringingnewcompaniestoMobile,andworkingwithexistingbusinessesonexpansionprojects,wearenotslowingdown,andinfactarebetterprimedthanwewerefiveyearsagoforadditionalinvestment,”saidHallett.“Toimplementthisaggressiveprogram,however,weneedthefundingmechanisminplace.”
Daves,whohaslivedinMobileonthreeoccasionssince1979,saysthetransformationthat’stakenplaceherein30-plusyearsislikenoother,butadmitsit’seasierforhimtoseethechangesthanpeoplewhohaveneverleft.
“Sometimesyoudon’tseechangesuntilyougoawayandcomeback,”hesaid.DavesreturnedasRegions’SouthAlabamapresidentin2009,andseescreatingnewjobsandacapableworkforceasthechangeagentsthatcontinuetotransformthefaceofMobile.
WhenmeetingwithbusinessownersandmanagersaboutinvestinginPartnersforGrowth,Davessays,“Eachbusiness’investmentistiedtotheeconomicgrowthofthiscommunity.IbelievethatifMobileisgrowing,thenyourbusinesswillgrowwithit.”
SaxonisarelativenewcomertoMobile,butinhisshorttenureatthehelmofAlabamaPowerCo.’sMobiledivision,he’sseenfirst-handtheimportanceofhavingastrongeconomicdevelopmentprogramhere.Inadditiontoco-chairingPartnersforGrowth,heisalsochair-electfortheChamber.
“Oftentimestheword‘investment’istossedaroundfreelywhentryingtoraisemoney.InthecaseofPartnersforGrowth,itistrulyaninvestmentbecausethereareclearandmeasurableoutcomesprimarilyintheformofjobcreationandcapitalinvestment.Theseoutcomescanbeeasilytranslatedintothereturnoninvestmentwhichisthefirstmeasureofatrueinvestment.”BothSaxonandDavesagreethekeytoMobileandtheChamber’ssuccessesinindustryrecruitingandexpansioneffortslieinthestrongprivate-publicpartnershipassembled.
“Thatdoesnothappenoften,”DavessaidinexplainingMobile’suniquerecruitingpartnership.“ForasstrongastheChamberis,werealizetheChambercannotdoitalone.”
Overthenextfewmonths,DavesandSaxon,alongwithaleadershipcouncilcurrentlyindevelopment,willbemeetingwithelectedofficialsandcompanyleaderstoraisethe$10millionneededoverfiveyearstocontinuePartnersforGrowth.InupcomingissuesofThe Business View,readerswillbeshowntheplan’sdetailsandhowthefundsraisedwillbeusedtoinvestinMobile’seconomicfuture.
Partners for Growth III
2013-2017Goal:$10millionoverfiveyearsJobs Goal:4,000overfiveyearsAverage Annual Wages Goal:$40,000Capital Investment Goal: $1.5billionoverfiveyears
Partners for Growth II
2008-2012Goal:$10millionoverfiveyearsAmount Raised:$10.4millionJobs Goal:3,750overfiveyearsActual Jobs:6,176overfiveyears*Average Annual Wages Goal:$38,500Actual Average Annual Wages:$52,552*Capital Investment Goal:$1billionoverfiveyearsActual Capital Investment: $1.4billionoverfiveyears** Partners for Growth II is on-going, and the final number will increase based on 2012 announcements.
Partners for Growth I
2003-2007Goal:$7millionoverfiveyearsAmount Raised:$8millionJobs Goal:1,100annuallyActual Jobs:1,840annuallyAverage Annual Wages Goal: $32,500Actual Average Annual Wages:$47,711Capital Investment Goal:$1.75billionoverfiveyearsActual Capital Investment: $5.18billionoverfiveyears
Co-Chairs Named to Lead Partners for Growth
Formorethan25years,theMobileAreaChamberhasledMobile’seconomicgrowthwithmeasurableandimpressiveresults.Operatingasapublic-privatepartnershipwiththecityofMobile,MobileCountyandmorethan160privatecompanies,thisuniqueapproachtoeconomicdevelopmenthasastrategicdirection,completewithgovernance.
TheprogramofworkiscommonlyreferredtoasPartnersforGrowth–orPFG–anditssuccesseshavedeliveredasignificantreturnonpublic-privateinvestmentbycreatingandretainingjobs,elevatingsalaries,increasingcapitalinvestedhereanddiversifyingtheMobilearea’seconomicbase.
What is Partners for Growth?
SaxonDaves
Partners for Growth Believe in the Future
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 11
InaseriesofrecentMobileAreaChambermeetings,anoptimistictrendhasemerged.
ChamberBoardChairmanMichaelPierce,alsoboardchairofCommonwealthNationalBank,sayshe’sseeingitinhismeetingswithareabusinesses.AndtheChamber’sVicePresidentofEconomicDevelopment,TroyWayman,cansubstantiatethatwitharecordnumberofinquiriesfrombusinessesinvestigatingopportunitiesinMobile.
AstheleadeconomicdeveloperfortheChamber,cityofMobileandMobileCounty,Waymansayshisteamisthebusiestithasbeeninthreeyears,withlegitimateprojectsrepresentingindustriesacrosstheboard,fromchemicalstoaerospace.
Thenatureofrecruiting,whetheritisexpansionsatlocalcompaniesornewbusinesses,requiresextremeconfidentiality,soWaymancan’trevealanydetails,excepttosaytherearedozensofcompaniesreadytoinvestinprojects.Theyaredoingtheirhomework,andMobile’sonthelist.
InastudybytheCenterforBusinessandEconomicResearchatTheUniversityofAlabama,Mobile’sbusinessconfidenceindexisup3.6pointsto49.6percent,justbelowthethresholdof50thatthecenterusesforexpansion.
Accordingtothereport,transportation,informationandutilitysectorsintheMobileareaareanticipatingincreasedsalesandcapitalspending.
InformationTransportSolutionsInc.(ITS),basedinWetumpka,Ala.,hasasignificantpresenceinMobile.Two-and-a-halfyearsago,PresidentTomiSelbysawanopportunitytoexpandthecompany’sservicestoincludetechnologytrainingandsupportinK-12schools.Duringthe
economicdownturn,theneweducationaldivisionhasexperiencedgrowthaswellasthecompany’sbankingandhealthcaresectors.
LastOctober,ITSheldagrandopeningonanew15,000-square-footfacilitynearSchillingerRoadforitsoffices,centerofnetworkoperationsandwarehouseneeds.TheMobileofficehas20full-timeemployees,withoccasionalinfluxof10to15additionalstafffromthehomeoffice,andservicestwoofthecompany’slargestcustomersthathappentobebasedinMobile.ItalsoassistscustomersthroughoutAlabama,Mississippi,LouisianaandtheFlorida
panhandle.ITShasatotalof140employees.“Inthiseconomy,peoplearenot
willingtoinvestinjustabetterwaytodothings.Ithastosavethemmoneyinashortperiodoftime,”saidDaveStone,thecompany’svicepresidentforprojectmanagement.
Lastyear,theChamberwasinvolvedwith11economicdevelopmentprojectsannouncedatsevenlocalfacilitiesandfournewonesatAeroStar,AkerSubsea,AustalUSA,GulfCoastAsphalt,HorizonShipBuilding,Huntsman,KrispyMixes,SerimaxNorthAmerica,SteelWarehouse,Tate&LyleandVailRubber.Morethan600jobswillbecreatedatthesecompanies,andtheirinvestmentsexceed$130million.
“PositiveoutlooksofMobileexecutives,particularlyforsales,aretemperedbyconcernsregardingtheU.S.economyasawhole,whichisstillseenastoofragiletoleadsignificantgrowth.Whilemostrespondentsseemtobelievethedeclinesinactivityarelargelyover,areabusinesseswilllikelyremaincautiousaskeynationalandglobaleconomicissuescontinuetoplayout,”thereport’sauthorswrote.
Mobile’sperformanceinjobandwagegrowthearnedthePortCitythe34thspotinMilkenInstitute’sannuallistof2011Best-PerformingCitiesofthenation’stop200metroareas.TheSantaMonica,Calif.-basedorganizationisanonprofit,nonpartisanthinktankthatanalyzestheissuesandchoicesfacingpolicymakers.
TheMobilemetropolitanstatisticalareascoredhighestinthecategoryof‘5-YearHigh-TechGDPgrowth’from2005through2010,followedbythe‘5-YearWages&SalariesGrowth’from2004through2009category.
Duringthattimeframe,Mobilesawexpansionsandnewprojectsathigh-techcompaniessuchastheUSAMitchellCancerInstitute,SouthernLightandTeleVox.
OverallwagesandsalarieswerelikelyaffectedbyhiringsandexpansionsatAustalUSA,AkerSolutions,AirbusAmericasEngineering,SSABandThyssenKrupp.
Accordingtothereport,the‘Best-PerformingCities’indexisdesignedtomeasureU.S.metropolitanareasexperiencingthebestoveralleconomicperformancebasedonjobcreationandretention,thequalityofjobsbeingproducedandoveralleconomicoutcomes.Specifically,theindexpinpointswherejobsarebeingcreatedandmaintained,wherewagesandsalariesareincreasing,andwhereeconomiesandbusinessesaregrowingandthriving.
Light at End of Tunnel for Mobile’s Economy
Last year, the
Chamber was involved with 11 economic
development projects announced at seven local facilities and
four new ones. More than 600 jobs will
be created at these companies, and their investments exceed
$130 million.
Mobile Ranks
Among Best-Performing
Cities
InformationTransportSolutionsInc.,expandeditsoperationstoanew15,000-square-footfacilityinwestMobilelastyeartomeetthecompany’sgrowingbusiness.TheMobileofficehas20full-timeemployees.
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12 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
StakeholdersandresiliencyexpertsalongtheGulfCoastweregivenaseriesofstatementsregardingspecificresilienceelementstoevaluate.Ratingsweregivenonascaleof1-5with5representing“doeswell”and1representing“doespoorly.”Participantsalsoevaluatedtheseelementsqualitativelythroughopen-endedquestions.America’sWETLANDFoundationresearch,gleanedfromtelephoneinterviewsandfocusgroupsincoastalcities,includingMobile,abouthowlocalleadersfeelabouttheMobilearea’sresiliencyinthefaceofrisingsealevels,increasinglystrongerstormsanddisasters.Thischartisasummaryofaverageresponses.Noteontheindex,picturedbelow,showsMobileataboveaverageinthreeoutofeightresilienceelements.Theregionrateshighestonwarningandevacuation;disasterrecoveryandemergencyresponseplanning;societyandtheeconomy,butlowestontransparency,publiceducationandawareness,landuseandstructuraldesign;riskknowledge;coastalrestorationandprotectionandsocietyandeconomy.Long-termresiliencyistiedtotheabilityofMobiletoaddressvulnerabilitiesonaregionalscalewithstrongleadershipthatcanbringconsensustodiversestakeholdersandinterests.
Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities
Anticipate Future Threats to the Gulf CoastToaddresstheseandothercoastal
issues,America’sEnergyCoast(AEC),aninitiativeoftheAmerica’sWETLANDFoundation(AWF),helditsseventhLeadershipForumonJan.25attheFiveRiversResearchCenterinSpanishFort.InpartnershipwithAEC,StateSen.VivianDavis-FiguresandRep.RandyDavisco-chairedtheday-longsymposiumfocusingonenvironmental,socialandeconomicissuesimpactingtheGulfCoast’sregionalsustainability,coastalresiliency,energyproduction,andnaturalandmanmadevulnerabilitiesprevalentincoastalAlabamawaters.
AspartofitsBlueRibbonResilientCommunitiesinitiative,AECconvenedkeylocalstakeholdersrepresentingregionalenvironmentalorganizations,industry,academiaandcommunityleadersto
closelyexaminetheimpactofnaturalandsocioeconomicthreatstoAlabama’scoast.While45percentofthestate’seconomyisgeneratedalongthecoast,thereisagrowingconcernthatcoastalAlabamaisnotrecognizedforitsimportanceasacontributortothestateandtheregion.Byengaginglocalandregionalstakeholders,thegoalofthisinitiativeistonotonlyfostercoastalcollaborationandcooperation,butalsotoemphasizethevalueofAlabama’scoastalassetstotheentireGulfCoastregion.
ThestatesofAlabama,Louisiana,MississippiandTexasareworkinginpartnershipwithAECtocreateapositive,balancednationaldialogueonAmerica’senergyfutureandtheeconomicandecologicalsustainabilityoftheGulf’senergy-producingstates.Workingtogetherinsupportofsmartlanduseplanning
methods,publiceducationopportunitiesfocusedonstormplanninganddisasterprotection,andenhancedfederalguidelinesthataddresswaterresourcemanagementensuresthatinthelongtermtheGulfCoastregionwillbebetterequippedtoweathertheimpactsofunforeseencatastrophesandenvironmentalthreats.
America’sEnergyCoasthasplannedadditionalforumsalongtheGulfCoast,whereitwillconveneotherstakeholdergroupstoensurelocalinputoncoastalplanningdecisionsthatwilllikelydecidethefutureoftheentireregion.FormoreinformationontheAWF’sBlueRibbonResilientCommunitiesinitiative,visitwww.futureofthegulfcoast.orgorwww.americaswetland.com.
S everal major hurricanes and a catastrophic oil spill have
taken a tremendous toll on the Gulf Coast region, with the impact affecting the coastal environment, tourism industry, fisheries, overall quality of life and economic well-being. While many lessons have been learned as a result of these devastating events, area leaders recognize the importance of ongoing planning efforts to assist local communities in anticipation of future disasters and threats to the region’s most critical assets.
The Gulf Coast’s resilence Index
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 13
Chamber to Host Group in
T hough Mobile has a sister city relationship with its capital, and the
Mobile Area Chamber has a partnership with its largest Chamber, hopping on an airplane and traveling to Cuba is not something most people are able to do. Now you can.
TheMobileAreaChamberwilltakeasmallgroupof32peopletoHavanaandTrinidad,Cuba,bywayofachartertourapprovedbythefederalgovernment,Oct.6-14.Thecostforthetripis$3,399perpersonbasedondoubleoccupancy,andanadditional$600forasingleroomsupplement.Includedinthispriceis:
• Round-tripairfarefromMiami• Airdeparturetaxes• Cubantravelvisa• Cubanhealthinsurance (requiredbytheCubangovernment)• Eightnightsoffirst-classhotelaccommodations
(oneinMiami,seveninCuba)• 19meals• Interactionsandadmissionsperitinerary• ProfessionalCubanbilingualhost/guide• Hotelandairporttransfersandbaggagehandling• TransportationinCubaTomakereservationsforthistrip,adepositof$500per
personmustbesecured,andacopyofyourpassporttohaveyourvisaprocessed.Seatsforthistripareextremelylimitedandcannotbeguaranteedwithoutapaiddeposit.Thetrip’sbalancewillbedue75daysbeforedeparture.Toreserveyourspot,[email protected].
Laterthismonth,theChamberisleadingagroupof33peopleonanidenticaltrip.ItsoldoutseveralweeksafteritwasofferedtotravelersonpreviousChambertours.
highlights of the Tour
Oct. 6: MiamiArriveinMiami,andtransfertoyourMiamiairport-
areahotel.
Oct. 7: Miami - havana DepartMiamionyourshortflighttoCuba,foran
orientationtoCuba’scapitalcity.ExploretheCathedraldelaHavana,builtinbaroquestylein1748,andlearnaboutitspreservationandcontinuousrestoration.SeetheGreekOrthodoxChurchandthescalemodelofthecityofHavana.Fromthere,visittheMuseoFineArtsandthebeautifulMuseodelaRevelucionthatdisplaysdocumentsandartifactstellingthecountry’shistory.Later,visitLaMarketadeHavanainOldHavana,aUNESCO(UnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization)WorldHeritageSite.
Oct. 8: havana - Terrazas Region of Vinales
ThewesternprovinceofPinardelRioisknownforitsstunningscenery,alandscapeofprehistoriclookingflat-topmountainsor“mogotes,”tobaccoplantations,cavesandrivers.VisitLasTerrazas,asmallcooperativevillageestablishedinthe1960stobeself-sufficient.AtRanchoCurujey,learnabouttheself-sustainingsuccessesinreforestation,historicpreservation,environmentalbalanceandagoodlife.Next,meetwithlocalartistsandcraftworkersintheirhomesandstudiosandwalktheruinsofaFrenchCoffeePlantationbuiltin1801.ThentakeaboatridetoseetheIndiancaves.EnjoylunchatalocalrestaurantbeforeseeinglocaltobaccofieldsandtheCathedralChurchinVinales.Later,visittheSanLazaroChurchinElRincon,namedafterSanLazaro,thesaintofthepoor.Oct. 9: havana - Cienfuegos - Trinidad
ArriveinCienfuegos,foundedin1819byFrenchsettlersandcurrentlyoneofCuba’snewestcities,offeringharmoniousarchitectureandurbanplanning.BeginwithapanoramicoverviewofitsOldTown,aUNESCOWorldHeritageSite,followedbyavisittothebotanicalgarden.
Next,visittheJaguaCastle,thefortressofNuestraSeñoradeLosAngelesdeJagua,completedin1745andafineexampleofthemilitaryarchitectureof18thcenturyCuba.
Oct. 10: Trinidad
GoonawalkingtourofTrinidaddeCuba,oneofthecountry’soldestcities,foundedbytheSpaniardsin1514.AUNESCOWorldHeritageSite,itwasestablishedonordersoftheconquistadorDiegoVelázquezdeCuéllar,whotraveledtoCubawithColumbusin1493.VisitthePlazaMayor,MuseumofArchitecture,MuseumoftheRomanticEra,andotheramazingsitesincludingasugarplantationandthemiradorlookoutovertheSugarMillValley,alsoaUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.
Oct. 11: Trindad - Playa Giron - havanaOnthedrivebacktoHavana,stopatthetownofPlaya
GironandtourtheBayofPigsMuseumthattellsthestoryoftheinvasionandtheinfamousbattle.Seemanyhistoricalartifacts,includingaSeaFuryfighteraircraft,photosandmapsoutliningeachstepofthefailedplan.
Oct. 12: havana - hemingway Farm - havana
EntertheworldofErnestHemingwaywithavisittoHemingway’sFarm,FincaLaVigia.ThisbeautifulpropertyhoststhehousewheretheNobelPrizewinnerlivedwithhiswifeMarthafor21years.Next,visitthepicturesqueCojimarFishingVillagemadefamousbyHemingway’snovelTheOldManandtheSea.Fromhere,ventureintotheGuanabacoaRegion,richwithreligiousdiversity.VisittheMuseodeGuanabacoaofSanteriaOrishasandseeexhibitsonthefascinatingAfro-CubancultureandthePartagasCigarFactory,establishedinHavanain1845.
Oct. 13: havana
VisittheCallejondeHamel,astreetincentralHavanawhereculturalrescueandexpansionhasbeenexpressedthroughtheartistSalvadorGonzalez.Next,seetheColonCemetery,foundedin1876andfamousforitselaboratesculptures.ThenexploretheMorroCastle,builtin1589,andseetheCubanLiteracyMuseum.
Oct. 14: havana - uSA
TransfertotheairportforareturnflighttoMiami.
October 6-14
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 15
Go to mobilechamber.com/award.asp to submit a Small Business of the Month nomination, or contact Danette richards at 431-8652 or [email protected].
WESCO Strives to Provide ‘Extra-Value Service’ to Customers
WESCO Gas & Welding Supply Inc., located in Prichard was named Small Business of the Month by the Mobile Area Chamber. Pictured here is WESCO Chairman Ronald C. Pierce, PE and company President Jenny McCall.
ForWESCOGas&WeldingSupply,thesecrettoasuccessfulbusinessispeople–hiringtherightemployeesandprovidingsuperiorservicetocustomers.WESCOistheMobileAreaChamber’sSmallBusinessoftheMonth.
AsoneofthelargestindependentgasandweldingdistributorshipsonthecentralGulfCoast,WESCOofferswelding,industrialandsafetysupplies,aswellasmedical,industrialandspecialtygases.
“Wesupplyfabricationshops,shipbuildingcompanies–reallyanythingtodowithwelding,”saidJenny McCall,thecompany’spresidentandchiefoperatingofficer.
“Wesupplytotheenduser,fromhobbyiststomechanicstoshipbuildingtoconstruction–younameit.”
Whatstartedin1963asathree-employee,family-ownedshopinPrichardhasgrowntoabusinesswitheightlocationsemploying96people.McCall’sfather,whostartedasamanufacturingrepresentative,boughtintothebusinessandtookoverownershipin1976.
Today,“extra-valueservice”iswhatsetsthecompanyapart,saysMcCall.WESCOcountsamongitsemployeesaprofessionalengineerandacertifiedweldinginspectorwhocan,whenneeded,certifycustomersortheiremployees.
WESCOstaysinvolvedinthecommunitybyparticipatinginfoodpantrydrivesandtheholidaydrivefortheLightoftheVillage,helpingwiththerestorationoftheflagpoleatClarkMiddleSchool,anddonatingmaterialsfortheMagnoliaSpringsBaptistChurchyouthpaintballgamesandothercharityevents.
AsWESCOlookstowardthefuture,McCallsaiditsgreatestchallengeisonefacingtheentireindustry–maintainingaworkforce.
“Wedonothaveenoughwelders,”shesaid.“Thejobopportunityforawelderisunbelievable.We’vegottoattractpeopletoourindustry.”
small business of the month
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16 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Litigation has unfortunately become a part of doing business.With over 70 lawyers, we are one of the largest law firms in the state of Alabama. More than half of the firm’s lawyers engage in full-time litigation and trial work. We give our clients decades of experience in all types of litigation matters. Our trial lawyers stand ready to save you time, money, and possibly your business.
In a perfect world, you would never need us.Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world.
www.handarendall.com
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Contact: J. Burruss Riis, RSA Tower, Suite 30200, 11 North Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602.
birmingham • mobile • athens • fairhope • jackson, ms(205)324.4400 (251)432.5511 (256)232.0202 (251)990.0079 (601)605.6551
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 17
T he Calagaz family has taken another step to keep the Mobile-based family
business relevant in today’s changing times. Started in 1955 as a photo supply business, Calagaz has evolved over the years to include cameras, computer software, classes and commercial printing.
Recentlythecompany’sprintingdivisioncombinedforceswithlocallyownedSuperiorPrintingandacquiredMcNiderCreations,alocalgraphicdesignfirmandscreenprintingcompany.
WhilethepurchaseofMcNiderCreationsiscomplete,TheCalagazGrouphasamanagementagreementwithSuperiorPrintingasitfinalizesnegotiationstosatisfyleasingequipmentcompanies.Thedealshouldbemadethismonth,accordingtoJoeCalagaz,thecompany’sprintingvicepresident.
Calagazfirstenteredtheprintingmarketinthemid-1990s,usingdigitaltechnologytoreproducefavoritecustomerphotoswhentheylosttheirnegatives.“That’swhatstartedusdowntheroadofdigitalprinting,”saysCalagaz.
WithabusinessdegreefromTulaneUniversityandfouryearsintheU.S.Army,in1991CalagazwasreadytosettlebackinMobile.Heremembershisuncle,LeoCalagaz,presidentofTheCalagazGroup,saying,“It’sgreatyouwanttojointhefamilybusiness,butwhatareyougoingtodotomakemoney?”
Atthetime,photography,computersoftwaresuchasAdobePhotoshop,scannersandcolorprinterswerestartingtooverlap.AfatefulcallfromPolaroidtohosta
seminarbroughtCalagazandtheculinarydirectorfromRubyTuesday’stogether.Aftertheseminar,hespenttimeatrestaurantheadquarters,thenbasedinMobile,and
developedapartnership.Withitsdigitalprinters,Calagazshavedoffweeksofleadtimeonnew
menus,streamlinedcheftrainingdocumentsandofferedunprecedentedflexibilitytorespondquicklytodiettrends,likelow-carboptions.“Traditionalprintersdidn’tembracedigitaltechnologyrightaway.Wesaw
thetrend,”saysJoeCalagaz.Morethan20yearslater,saysLeoCalagaz,“It’sstill
aboutputtingimagesonpaper.”
Continued on page 18
Merger is on the Menu for
The Calagaz Group
Made in Mobile
The new Calagaz Printing team was formed as Calagaz bought McNider Creations and is in the processing of acquiring Superior Printing. Pictured is Joe Calagaz (left), Donnie Webb and Steven McNider.
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18 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Merger is on the Menu for The Calagaz Group Continued from page 17
ThatinitialprojectwithRubyTuesday’scontinuedforseveralyearsafterthecompanymoveditsheadquarterstoTennessee.Today,printingin-houseandtakeoutmenus,tabletents,flyers,andmoreforrestaurantsrepresents70percentofCalagaz’sprintingrevenue.“Ournicheiswithgeographicallydiverserestaurantswith10to250locations,”saysJoeCalagaz.
Overtheyears,Calagazexpandeditsequipmenttoincludeatraditionalprintingpress,optimalformedium-sizedprojectsthatneedthousandsofcopies.Theremaining35percentofthecompany’sprintingcomesfromlocalorganizations.
Calagaz and Superior PrintingAfewyearsago,Calagazbeganoutsourcinglarger
projectsthatneededhundredsofthousandsofcopiestoDonnieWebb,ownerofSuperiorPrinting,andWebbreciprocatedbyoutsourcingafewofhisownprojectstoCalagaz.
WebbfirststartedworkingwithSuperioraftergraduatingfromhighschoolin1984andboughtthebusinessin1995.Untilhelosthiswifefrompancreaticcancerin2009,thecoupleranSuperiortogether.“Itwasahardtime,andthencametheeconomicdownturn,”Webbsays.“Itjustwasn’tasfunasitusedtobe.”
Aconversationoveraworkinglunchhatchedtheideaofmergingthetwocompanies.Oncefinalized,CalagazwillmovehisprintingequipmenttoSuperior’sMillStreetlocation.“TheyhavecapabilitiesIdon’t,andIhavecapabilitiestheydon’t,”saysWebb.“Puttingustogetherwillstrengthenusboth.”
CalagazisalsobuyingWebb’sreceiptbookprintingbusiness,RushReceiptsBooks,alittle-knownventurethatservicesnationalprinters.
“Donnieisextremelyknowledgeableandisaverycapablepressman.Fewknowmoreaboutthemechanicsofthepressthanhedoes,”saysCalagaz.Oncethemergeriscomplete,
Webbwillcontinuemanagingthepresses,andSuperioremployeeswillbecomeCalagazemployees.
Thereissomeoverlapinservices,explainsCalagaz.Forexample,bothcompaniescurrentlyhavemailhouseoperations,butheexpectstokeepthemajorityofemployees.
TheCalagazprintoperationsareexpectedtomoveintoSuperiorPrinting’scurrentlocationonMillStreet.JoeCalagaz(right)duringtheprocessofacquiringSuperiorPrintinghasservedasanadvisortocurrentownerDonnieWebb,picturedwithCalagaz.
BECOME A FAN OF THE FAN.
By Jamie SandfordAlabama Power Company
MONEY-SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No. 20
©2012 Alabama Power Company
Ceiling fans do more than just move air around. They help your air conditioner or heating system work more effectively, keeping you comfortable in both summer and winter, while reducing your energy bills.
If you ask me, ceiling fans are one of the most
underrated, underutilized energy efficiency
devices. And yet they can make a room feel 3
to 4 degrees cooler than the setting on the air
conditioner. Now, we recommend keeping your
thermostat set on 78 in the summer. Some
people fi nd 78 to be a little too warm. But with
a ceiling fan, you can keep that thermostat on
78 and the room will feel like it’s on 74 or 75.
And, let me tell you, those 3 or 4 degrees
will make a big difference on your power bill.
In fact, each degree above that can decrease
your power bill significantly. Wow. Now you
know why I’m such a fan of the fan.
In which direction should your fan blow?
If your fan has a reversible switch, make sure you’ve got it on the right setting. Now, there is a lot of debate about what the “right setting” is, but here is my take on things.
In the summer, your blades should be rotating counter-clockwise, so that you can feel cool air being pushed down on you.
In the winter, you want those blades rotating in a clockwise direction, which causes the hot air up near the ceiling to be redistributed to lower parts of the room.
Don’t touch that dial. Just two degrees above 78 (in the summer) can reduce your air conditioning energy use by up to 10%. For more tips on ceiling fans, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.
POWI-2662 Fan.indd 1 2/3/12 2:29 PM
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 19
Mcnider Creations is now CalagazWiththepurchaseofMcNiderCreationscomesome
excitingplansforTheCalagazGroup.AfterworkingfortheUniversityofSouthAlabama’s
publicationsdivision,StevenMcNiderstartedhisownendeavorin2004.CalagazwasoneofMcNider’sclients,handlinglayoutanddesignformanyCalagazprintingcustomers.
Athiswife’surging,McNidertookadvantageofsomedowntimein2010tolaunchhispopularT-shirtbrand,PhinsApparel,reflectinghisloveoftheoutdoorsandfeaturinghisownartwork.ManufacturedinMobile,theT-shirtsaresoldatsmallboutiquesandspecialtyshopsinAlabama,MississippiandFlorida,includingatleasthalfofMobile-basedShoeStation’s20-plusstores.
TheentrepreneurialspiritwasfirstignitedinMcNiderwhenhewasdesigningT-shirtsforhisownhighschoolinMonroeville,Ala.Therewasn’talocalcompanywhocouldproducetheshirts,sohetalkedwithhisparents,whoatthetimeownedahardwarestore.Theyboughtascreen-printingpressandtwomonthslaterhadtobuyabiggerone,saysMcNider.
Hetookahiatusfromshirtproductiontoearnhisfineartsdegreeandstartacareer.By2005,McNiderCreationsincludedscreen-printingcustomizingpolosandT-shirtsforlocalhighschools,universities,sportsteams,churchesandbusinesses,includingCalagaz.
“Mybackgroundiscreativeanddesign.ThewayPhinswastakingoff,Calagazwastherightfit.Theyhadtherightcontactsandtherightstructure,”saysMcNider.
“Stevenisatalentedgraphicdesignerandartist,”saysCalagaz,whoseesahugebusinessopportunitywith
thispartofthebusiness.“Restaurantsusealotofapparelandsellapparelintheirstores.Throughourcurrentrelationships,wealreadyhaveafewsalescommitments,andIexpectthatwillgrow.”
McNiderwillcontinuetohandleCalagaz’sgraphicdesignandmanagethemanufacturingbusinessathisHallsMillRoadlocation.
Asitstandsnow,Calagazisweeksawayfrommergingthreelong-timeMobileAreaChambermembersandsolidifyingitsplanforfuturegrowth.Withthecompanychanges,Calagazwillincreaseitsstafftomorethan40.
“It’sbeenabusythreeorfourmonths,”saysCalagaz,“butwe’reexcitedaboutnewcompetitionpositionandreadyforgrowth.”
ThePhinsapparellineisbarelytwoyearsold.ThelinewascreatedbyStevenMcNider,formerownerofMcNiderCreationsandoneofthenewestteamCalagazmembers.HereMcNiderreviewstheworkonthecompany’sT-shirtscreenprintercustomizingshirtsfortheShrimpBasket.
banktrustonline.com107 St. Francis Street (251) 431-7800Member FDIC
(seated l to r) Bruce Finley, Mike Johnson, Bibb Lamar, Henry O’Connor, Mike Fitzhugh, Rob Diehl. (standing l to r) Lyn Peterson, James Alexander, Patrick Ladd, Dottie Quackenbush, Karen Sullivan, Mark Thompson, Pam Watson, Bronte’ Dixon, David Sutley, Becky Minto, Beth Cazalas, Terry Harbin, Dianne Hollingsworth.
25 Years andCounting
MOBILE COMMITTED. MOBILE STRONG.
Since opening in 1986, BankTrust has remained committed to the city that launched our success. Mobile is our heart and soul. Our new St. Francis Street offi ce symbolizes the many local relationships we have forged. BankTrust employees embrace our role as community bankers — and our responsibility to help Mobile and Baldwin county citizens BankSmartSM.
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20 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Company: UnitedWayofSouthwestAlabama
Title: Presidentandchiefexecutiveofficer
hometown:Albany,N.Y.
Education:Turnerearnedabachelor’sdegreeinbusinessadministrationfromDaemenCollegeinBuffalo,N.Y.,andcompletedexecutiveeducationprogramsatHarvardBusinessSchool,HarvardKennedySchoolandKelloggSchoolofManagement.Heiscurrentlycompletingamaster’sinbusinessadministrationatUnionUniversityinJackson,Tenn.
First job: PharmacyspecialistwiththeU.S.ArmyReservesinthe338thGeneralHospitalMobileReserveUnitinNiagaraFalls,N.Y.
Previous experience:PresidentandchiefexecutiveofficeroftheUnitedWayofWestTennessee;executivedirectoroftheassociationofNewYorkStateYouthBureaus;seniorregionalcoordinatorwiththeNewYorkStateAssembly;anddistrictexecutivewiththeBoyScoutsofAmericainVermontandFlorida.
Accomplishments:Throughouthiscareer,Turnerhasraisedmorethan$100millionthathasbeeninvestedinvarioushealthandhumanserviceprogramsandorganizations,directlyimpactingmorethan3millionlives.
Secret to success:“Neverstoplearning,remainhumble,praiseGod,surroundyourselfwithpositivepeopleandalwaysbethankful.”
Brief company description: UnitedWayofSouthwestAlabamaisoneof1,800UnitedWaysworldwide.ItservesMobile,ClarkeandWashingtoncountiesbyraisingnearly$5millionayear,mostlythroughworkplacecampaignsandmajorgifts.
Alan Turner IICEO profile
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 21
Premier Medical PhysiciansENT PhysiciansRONNIE E. SWAIN, MDW. CARTER BRYARS, JR., MDBARRY L. BROWN, MDJAMES R. SPIRES, JR., MDJOHN S. WILSON, MD, FACSJAMES K. PITCOCK, MDP. VAN. CROCKER, MDMARK R. GACEK, MDALFRED M. NEUMANN, JR., MDRONNIE E. SWAIN, JR., MDJ. MARK HARRISON, MDKIMBERLY ELLIOTT, MDMICHAEL LEE, MDRICHARD L. PALESANO, MD
AudiologyJIM MCDILL, PHDJENNIFER TAYLOR-GUY, AUD
Eye PhysiciansJAMES M. HARRISON, JR., MDCLAUDE M. WARREN, III, MDROLLINS L. TINDELL, JR., MDCHARLES R. SALISBURY, MDMATTHEW W. MOSTELLER, MDCHARLES S. MOSTELLER, MDRICHARD J. DUFFEY, MDH. CHRISTOPHER SEMPLE, MDANDREW P. TERRY, MDSTUART F. BALL, MDWILLIAM F. MURRAH, III, MDMARK J. DOUGLAS, MDCURTIS M. GRAF, JR., MDBEN F. KING, ODGREGORY R. JACKSON, ODROBERT E. EDGE, ODVALERIE L. VICK, MDJAY A. BROWN, MDCHARLES F. JONES, M.D.JEFFERY A. MORROW, O.D.CHRIS WALTON, MDERIN E. LICHTENSTEIN, MD
SmallbusinessesareconsideredthebackboneoftheAmericaneconomy.Withnationalleaderssayingtheeconomicrevivalbeginswithsmallfirms,awell-executedbusinessstrategyhasneverbeenmoreimportant,saysRichardSanford,anentrepreneurandbusinesscoachwhohaslaunched11successfulsmallercompanieshimself.
Inpastrecessions,independentsmallerbusinesseshelpedfueleconomicrecoveries.Buttightenedcredit,governmentregulatoryimpedimentsandalackoffederalsupportforcommunitybanks–theprincipalsourceofcapitalandfinancialsupportforsmallbusiness–hasmanymodern-dayentrepreneursfearfulofwhatthefuturemayhold.
Properplanningandawell-executedbusinessstrategy,though,canclearthewayforasmallerenterprisetoexpandandtakereasonablerisksthatwillleadtoanimprovedbottomline,whichusuallyrequiresanincreaseinitsworkforce,Sanfordsays.
MostpeoplearenotawarethattheAmericanSmallBusinesssuccessrateof20percentis,andhasbeen,unchanged,decadeafterdecade,accordingtotheU.S.SmallBusinessAdministration.ThechallengefacingAmericanentrepreneursistoincreasethissuccessrate.
Sanford,alsoauthorofastrategyguideforsmallerbusinessescalledSuccess By Design(www.ssbp.biz),believestheheartandsoulofanysmallbusinessisitsstrategicplan,andaformalstrategicplanincreasesanentrepreneur’soddsforsuccess.
“Theplanistheframeworkandfoundationthatoutlineshowtothink,howtoplanandhowtotakeactiontosucceed,”hesays.“TheAmericanSmallBusinesssectorcreatesmorethan70percentofallnewjobsannually.Smallbusinessisthejob-creatingenginethatexpandsemploymentandcreatesthemajorityofallnewjobsinourcountry.”
Sanfordbelieveseverysmallbusinessfailureisadirectresultofinsufficient
Small Businesses Will Lead in the New Economy
planning,butitdoesn’thavetobethatway.Hisstrategytipsforsmallbusinesses
andentrepreneursinclude:• have a strategy.An
entrepreneur’sdreamsforasuccessfulbusinessventurerequirestrategicplanningtoturnthemintoreality.Ifyoudon’thaveastrategicplan,createonebeforeyoumakeanothermission-criticaldecision.
• Become what you think about all day long. Ifyoucanvisualizesuccess,chancesareyou’llachieveit.Ifallyoudoisfretaboutfailure,itcanbecometheself-fulfillingprophecy.Thinksuccessandencourageyourteamtodothesame.
• Focus on customer service. Everybusinesscontrolshowtheyservetheircustomers.Theoneswhocan’tgetahandleonthatsimplefactwillfail,plainandsimple.
“Theironyofsmallbusinessisthat,asabusinesssector,itshouldbeconsidered‘toobigtofail,’”Sanfordsays.“The
problemis,smallbusinessdoesnothavetheluxuryofagovernmentbailout.Itneedstohealitselffromtheinside,usingonlyavailableresourcesandthewitsinitsleaders’heads.Withallthingsbeingequalinthemarketplace,nomattertheeconomicconditions,strategicplanningmakesthedifferencebetweensuccessandfailureeverytime.”
Richard Sanford is an entrepreneur, author and owner of Simplified Strategic Business Planning LLC, a consulting, training, and publishing company serving the world of small business. E-mail him at [email protected].
To learn more about strategic planning for your small business, or for a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org.
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22 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Specialists in Small Business Accounting, Tax Preparation, Payroll and IRS Representation
SATy PuTchACell: 251-604-3802
Email: [email protected] Website: www.putchallc.com
1521 Dawes Rd. Mobile, Alabama 36695 Phone: 251-666-6624
Saty Putcha
Saty was selected as the 2011 Diplomat of the Year
by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.
Saty was selected as the 2011 Diplomat of the Year
by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.
Growinginpopularity,theMobileAreaChamber’sMemberAppreciationDayisafun-filledeventwithafreelunchandsnacks,giveawaysandlivemusic.Thisyear’sevent,presentedbyAT&TAdvertisingSolutions,issetforFriday,April13,from10a.m.to2p.m.attheMobileAreaChamberoffice,451GovernmentSt.ChamberstaffwillbeonhandtorecognizeandthankChambermembersaswellasitsboardofadvisors,boardofdirectors,PartnersforGrowthinvestors,volunteersandclients.
AteammemberfromeachoftheChamber’sdepartments–administration,communicationsandmarketing,communityandgovernmentalaffairs,economicdevelopment,internationaltrade,membership,smallbusinessandworkforcedevelopment–willbeavailableattheeventtoanswerChamber-relatedquestions,providedetailsaboutupcomingeventsandshareinformationonhowtogainthemostfromChambermembership.
Here’swhatseveralmembershavetosayaboutit:“OurChambermembershiphasallowedustointeract
withourexistingnetworkofbusinesscustomersandexpandtonewbusinesses.MemberAppreciationDayisalsoagreatwaytovisitwithyourcustomersinafriendly,relaxedenvironment,andtogetherlearnaboutnewbusinessopportunities,”saidGeorgeKushner,generalmanager-salesofAT&TAdvertisingSolutions.
“IattendbecauseitgivesmetheopportunitytomeetalltheChamberstaffandbecomefamiliarwiththemanydepartmentsandcommitteesthatareworkingtomakeMobileabetterplacetoliveandwork,”saidSheilaMurphyofWindstreamCommunications,whoisalsochairmanoftheChamber’sambassadors.
Membersarealsowelcometoparticipateintheday’sactivitiesbyofferingcouponsandgivingawayspecialtyitemsorotherproductsandservices.“It’sagreatnetworkingevent,”saidMikePayne,presidentofGwin’sCommercialPrinting.“Ihaveattendedeveryyearandhavemadetonsofbusinessconnectionsandnewcontacts.”
“AsanewbusinessownerandanewmemberoftheMobilecommunity,I’vefoundmyChambermembershiptobemybestinvestment,”saidTadBristow,ownerofBatteriesPlus.“Fromprofessionalrelationshipstoaccesstobusinessresourcestogeneral‘howdoIgetthisdone?’questions,theChamberismygo-toresource.TosayIcouldnothavenotdoneitwithoutthemisreallynotfarfromthetruth!”
Lastyearmorethan200membersparticipatedintheevent.Nowinitsfourthyear,MemberAppreciationDaypromisestodrawanothergoodcrowd,saidCarolynGolson,theChamber’svicepresidentofmembership.
Formoreinformationabouttheevent,[email protected].
Member Appreciation Day: Because It’s All About YOU!
Fast FactsWhat: MemberAppreciationDay,featuringlivemusic,freefoodandgiveaways
When: Friday,April13
Time: 10a.m.to2p.m.
Where:MobileAreaChamber,451GovernmentSt.
Cost: Free
Info: [email protected]
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 23
3 BIG REASONS YOU’LL LOVE OUR IRA FOR 2012✔ SAFE✔ GUARANTEED✔ 3.00% APY
*Annual Percentage Yield. APY as of 01/05/2012. Minimum deposit of $1,000. Applies to new contributions only. Substantial Penalty for Early Withdrawal. Limited time offer. Rate does not apply to rollovers and transfers. Mobile and Baldwin County Residents only.**The special 3.00% APR is available for existing Community Bank personal checking account holders. Customers without such an account may open a new Direct Checking or Guaranteed Checking account in order to receive the special 3.00% APR.
CommunityBank.net®2012 Community Bank | Member FDIC
3.00% For Account Holders **
2.00% APY* For Non-Account Holders
MOBILE - AIRPORT BLVD (251) 338-6200MOBILE - DAUPHIN ST (251) 338-7707EASTERN SHORE - DAPHNE (251) 338-8200
15 MONTH IRAAPY*
Let the Mobile Area Chamber thank you for your valuable membership.
Find out more about what the Chamber can do for your business.
Learn about the many networking events, member discounts, professional development seminars, business advocacy initiatives and awards programs.
Tour the updated and affordable rental meeting room space available to Chamber members. Sign up for free Chamber discount programs including Office Depot and Sam’s Club.
Get pampered by several Chamber members. (See the list of participating members in the ad on this page.)
Enjoy live music on the Chamber lawn with Music 4 U, The Tommy Morse Band.
FREE lunch – hot dogs, snacks, ice cream and drinks will be served.
Why Should You Attend
Member Appreciation Day?
Are you connected...to the latest business news
in the Mobile area on a weekly basis?
If not, then subscribe now for FREE by sending an e-mail to Ashley horn at [email protected].
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
E-newsletter...
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24 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Furniture RentalHousehold FurnishingsLinens & Housewares
Washer/DryerMicrowaves
Cable-ready TV’s & DVD’sOffice Furnishings
Package Specials AvailableStandard Amenities
Utilities & Local Phone ServiceHousewares & Linens
Washers, Cable TV & DVD’s Housekeeping ServiceHigh Speed Internet
Corporate ApartmentsWe offer completely furnished and
appointed one, two and three bedroom apartments in unique
communities throughout the Gulf Coast and many locations
across the United States.
602 Azalea Road • Mobile, Alabama 36609Phone: 251-661-9100 • Fax: 251-661-9102 • 1-800-350-7942
www.flcliving.com • [email protected]
Fine Living...Temporarily
Get More
Short Term Leases Available
Model Home/Staging Services
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 25
investor focus
Company Officials:Dr.LouieWilson,chairman;GregFaison,presidentandchiefexecutiveofficer
Years in Business: 12
Brief Company Description: BayBankisacommunitybankheadquarteredinMobile.Formedin1999,BayBankopenedwithtwobranchesat10861DauphinIslandPkwy.(Bayley’sCorner)and640LeMoyne(DauphinIsland).Themainofficeandcorporateheadquartersisnowlocatedat6140AirportBlvd.,inMobile.
Why are you located in Mobile?“TheoriginalfoundersofthebankwantedtoestablishacommunitybanktoservetheneedsoftheMobilecommunity,”saidFaison.
Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “TheMobileChamberdoesthebestjobofanythatIhavebeenassociatedwithin33yearsofbanking,”saidFaison.“InmypreviouspositionaschiefexecutiveofficerofapublicholdingcompanywithlocationsinseveralAlabamaandFloridacities,weinteractedwithchambersinthosecities.TheMobileChamber’spartnershipwiththebusinesscommunityisunique.”
What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential?“ThepotentialindustrialdevelopmentandthePortofMobileholdingtremendouspromiseasthePanamaCanalisdeveloped,”saidFaison.“TheGulfCoastwillreboundatsomepoint.Severallarge,out-of-areabanksaremovingintothesoutheasterncoastareabecausetheyrealizethatbothdevelopmentandpopulationshiftwilleventuallyreturn.”
Length of Continuous Chamber Membership:Since2000
Bay Bank
Partners for Growth (PFG) is the Mobile Area Chamber’s
long-term economic and community development
program. For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly, the Chamber’s investor relations coordinator,
at 431-8655 or [email protected].
Established in Mobile in 1999, the bank’s headquarters is at 6140 Airport Blvd., in Mobile. From left to right are LaTease Roberts; Cassandra Logwood; Jessica Hall; branch manager; Nikki Wallace; Kelli Dixon; and Arnetta McDaniel.
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26 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Work Continues to Pass Metal Theft Legislation
TheChamberstaffcontinuestoworkwiththeMobileCountySheriff’sOffice,MobilePoliceDepartment,areaindustryandmembersoftheAlabamastateLegislaturetopassastatewidebilltodetermetaltheftsinAlabama.Thisandotherbusiness-impactinglegislationwillbecloselytrackedandadvocatedbytheChamber.
new Coalition Formed to Support I-10 Bridge
TheChamberformalizedacoalitionof20-plusorganizationsinsupportoftheI-10MobileRiverbridgeandI-10Baywaywideningproject.TheBuildtheBridgeCoalitionmetinearlyJanuarywithAlabamaDepartmentofTransportation(ALDOT)DirectorJohnCooperandALDOTDistrictEngineerVinceCalamettitoidentifyactionstepstoexpandthecoalitionandadvocatefortheproposedproject.MikeLeewithPage&JonesInc.,ischairingthegroup.
MDBA Business Center – Mobile Exceeds Federal Goals
TheMBDABusinessCenter,aprogramoftheU.S.DepartmentofCommerceoperatedandsupportedbytheChamber,exceededits2011goalofassistingminoritybusinessestosecuremorethan$350millioninfederalprocurementcontractsagainstagoalof$42million.Inaddition,thecenteriscreditedwithcreatingand/orretainingmorethan165jobsin2011.
Federal Governmental Affairs Committee Meets
TheChamber’sGovernmentalAffairsfederalsub-committeemetinearlyJanuarytohearreportsfromthecongressionalstaffsofSen.JeffSessionsandSen.RichardShelby,aswellasfromthedeputychief-of-staffforRep.JoBonner.AmongtheissuesreportedonweretheRESTOREAct(whichwillbethemechanismforGulfCoaststatestouseCleanWaterActfinescollectedasaresultofthe2010BPoilspill),surfacetransportationreauthorization,domesticenergyexplorationandproduction,theU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersandharbordredgingfunds,environmentalregulationsandvariousbudgetchallenges.
Chamber Partners with State for China Trade Mission
InJune,theChamber’stradedivisionwillpartnerwiththeAlabamaDevelopmentOfficeonatrademissiontoShanghaiandGuangzhou,China.TheChamberhostedatradebriefingprovidingusefulinsightsintodoingbusinessinChinawithAndrewGatelyoftheU.S.DepartmentofCommerce.
Sen. Shelby Speaks to Members
TheChamberhostedmorethan200peopleforabreakfastmeetingwithU.S.Sen.RichardShelbyinJanuary.SponsoredbytheAlabamaStatePortAuthority,Shelbyspoketoattendeesonavarietyoftopics,including:thepoliticalclimateinWashingtonD.C.,jobsandtaxes,howinternationaleventsareaffectingtheU.S.economyandsecurity;andtheRESTOREAct,bipartisanlegislationheco-authoredwithLouisianaSen.MaryLandrieuandotherstodirectoilspillfinemoneytotheGulfCoast.
Trade Mission held in Poland and hungary
InMarch,theChamber’stradedivisionledadelegationof10peopleonaninternationaltrademissiontoPolandandHungary.Whilethere,thegroupvisitedWarsaw,Poland,andBudapest,Hungary,promotingAlabamaproductsforexport.
Guide to Mobile now Available
ReplacingthetraditionalChamberMembership Directory and Buyers Guide,theChamberlaunchedanewannualnichepublicationcalledGuide to Mobile.Thispublicationwillbegiventonewmembers,newcomerstoMobileandeconomicdevelopmentprospects,andreplacestheprintedversionofthemembershipdirectory.Today,acurrentlistingofmembersisavailableontheChamber’swebsitefromtheonlinemembershipdirectory,andissearchablebykeyword.ThatpageofthewebsitewillalsoincludealistofChambermembersalphabeticallyandbybusinesscategory.Gotowww.mobilechamber.comandclickon“MembershipDirectory”togetstarted.
Chamber@work
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | MArCH 2012 27
Agent since 1993
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Workforce Development Team Travels to new Orleans
AteamfromMobilerepresentingbusiness,governmentandeducationparticipatedinaregionalworkforcemeetinginNewOrleanslastfall.ThemeetingwassponsoredbytheU.S.ChamberInstituteforCompetitiveWorkforce,wasfundedbytheBillandMelindaGatesFoundationandwasthecontinuationofatwo-yearLEADsprojectinwhichtheChamberhadpreviouslyparticipated.LocalorganizationsrepresentedinthemeetingweretheChamber,SouthwestAlabamaWorkforceDevelopmentCouncil,MobileCountyCommission,MobileCountyPublicSchoolSystemandMobileAreaEducationFoundation.
Speed networking Kicks Off for 2012
InitssecondyearattheChamber,SpeedNetworking,sponsoredbyABSSolutions,providesattendeestheopportunitytomakeamaximumamountofconnectionsinaminimalamountoftime.Thefirsteventfor2012washeldinFebruaryandwasattendedbymorethan40people.
OffshoreAlabama.com Presents at hearing
SteveRussell,directorofbusinessretentionandexpansionfortheChamber,madeapresentationtotheBureauofOceanEnergyManagementatahearingheldinDecemberinMobile.SpeakingonbehalfoftheChamber’soilandgasinitiative,OffshoreAlabama.com,RusselladvocatedforthecontinuationoftheprocessofoffshoreleasingintheGulfofMexicotoboosteconomicgrowthandhighlightedtheeconomicimpactofthisindustryintheMobilearea.
Chamber names new Ambassadors
KarenBlackwell,CLKMulti-FamilyManagement;JulyeClark,RegionsBank;andHeatherTomberlin,AmericanCancerSociety,werenamednewChamberAmbassadors.AmbassadorsareagroupofvolunteermemberswhoassisttheChamberwithavarietyofprojects,includingeventregistration,membervisitsandattendingribboncuttings.Tolearnmoreaboutthisgroup,[email protected].
Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings
ChamberstaffandAmbassadorshelpedcutribbonsandcelebrategrandopeningsatVerizonWireless,EdwardJones,PapaJohn’sPizza,TheVillageatMidtown,SingingRiverFederalCreditUnion,N-TronCorp.andOninStaffing.Ifyourbusinessisamemberandyouwouldlikeassistancewithplanningagrandopeningorribbon-cuttingevent,[email protected].
Coffee Table Book on the Chamber’s 175 Years Available
ToclosetheChamber’s175th
anniversary,TomMasonCommunicationsandGwin’sPrintingpartneredwiththeChamber’scommunicationsandmarketingdepartmenttoproduceacommemorativecoffeetablebook.Thebookisadetailedretrospectiveofthehighlightsoftheorganizationsince1836andfeaturesstunningphotographsandpaintingsneverseenbefore.Copiesofthebookareavailablefor$25each,anddeepdiscountsareofferedformultiplecopies.E-mailcwilson@mobilechamber.comtopurchaseacopybeforeitsellsout.
Beaco named one of Mobile’s ‘40 under 40’
ShaylaJonesBeaco,theChamber’sdirectorforlocalaffairs,wasselectedasoneofMobile’soutstanding“40under40”byMobile Bay
magazine.Beacoandtheotherawardrecipientswerehonoredataluncheon.
Perry-herndon named State President of PRCA
LeighPerry-Herndon,vicepresidentofcommunicationsandmarketingfortheChamber,wasnamedpresidentofthePublicRelations
CouncilofAlabama.Thestateassociationrepresentstheinterestsofmorethan400publicrelationspractitionersfromsixlocalchapters.
Beaco
Perry-herndon
AfamiliarfacehasjoinedtheMobileAreaChamberstaff.Since2007,HopeBush-CollinshasworkedattheChamberoccasionally,assistingwithmeetingsetupsandtheoverallupkeepofthefacility.ShewasrecentlynamedtheChamber’snewbuildingcustodian.
“It’snicetohavesomeoneeverybody’salreadycomfortablewith,”saidJoeMareno,theChamber’schieffinancialofficer.“HopehasassistedtheChamberoffandonforthelastfouryears.We’repleasedtohaveherfinallyjoinusfull-time.”
BeforemakingtheChamberherpermanenthome,Bush-Collins,aMobilenative,workedaseventspecialist
forCrossmark,asalesandmarketingservicescompany.
Athome,sheprovidesfostercareforchildrenuntiltheyarereunitedwiththeirbiologicalfamilyoraplanismadeforthemtobeadopted.Inthepast13years,shehascaredformorethan40
childreninadditiontoherownfourchildren.
ThestaffandpeopleshemeetsattheChambermakeworkingattheChamber“trulyapleasure,”shesays.“AndI’vealwayslovedithere.”
Chamber Welcomes new Building Custodian
Bush-Collins
Chamber@work
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28 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
Patrick J. Wilson ispresidentofMobileBarPilotsLLCandhasbeenamemberofitsboardsince1998.HeisagraduateofTheUniversityofAlabamawithdegreesincommunicationsandbusiness.WilsonisamemberoftheChamber’s
GovernmentalAffairsCommitteeandpresidentofthePropellerClubofMobile,andheservesontheboardsofDauphinIslandSeaLab,GulfQuest,theSeamen’sFoundationandtheAmericanPilots’Association.MobileBarPilotsisaPartnersforGrowthInvestor.
Call today to learn more 251.650.2231
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Board of Advisors
Kenneth J. Borowski,associatedirectorofoperations-SouthernAlabamaforPraxairInc.,recentlyrelocatedtoMobilefromLancaster,N.Y.Heearnedabachelor’sdegreeinchemicalengineeringanda
master’sdegreeinmechanicalengineeringfromtheStateUniversityofNewYorkatBuffalo.HebeganworkingforPraxairaftercompletinghisbachelor’sdegreeandhasbeenwiththecompanyfor22years.Borowski’sprincipalroleswithPraxairhavebeeninoperationsengineeringandoperationsmanagement.PraxairisaPartnersforGrowthInvestor.
Borowski
Gary J. GradyisapartnerinCypressEmploymentServices,locatedindowntownMobile.HeearneddegreesinmarketingandpublicrelationsfromTheUniversityofAlabama.Untilrecently,Gradyandhistwobrotherswereco-ownersofGrady
AutomotiveGroup,whichheoperatedandco-managedfor25years.GradyhasservedaspresidentoftheAmericanHeartAssociationMobileChapterandaspresidentoftheCoastalConservationAssociation.HehasservedonboardsofnumerouscharitableorganizationsintheMobilearea.
Grady
FormoreinformationabouttheChamber’sboardofadvisors,[email protected].
Wilson
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 29
Business Spotlight of the Month: Perfecting That Cleaning Service LLC
The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected
at random from a business card drawing at the Chamber’s monthly
Business After Hours event.
KeaneachaDockery,president/ownerofPerfectingThatCleaningServiceLLC,offersprofessionalcleaningservicesforcommercialandresidentialclients.Withmorethan15yearsofexperience,thecompanyhandlesanyjobsize.ThestaffworksalongtheGulfCoast,fromMississippitoPensacola.
Marcia WashamWhenMarciaWashamjoinedthe
MobileAreaChamber’sambassadorprograminJuly2011,sheimmediatelybecameinvolvedwithwelcomingnewmembersandmaking“popcorn”visitstoveteranmemberswhilenetworkingwithfellowprofessionalsinthebusinesscommunity.Asaresultofherefforts,WashamistheChamber’sAmbassadoroftheMonth.
WashamisthevicepresidentofcorporatehousingandsaleswithInteriorsNow,whereshehelpsclientsfurnishtheirtemporarylivingaccommodations.SheisalsoaRealtorwithRobertsBrothersInc.
“BeinganambassadorprovidesaperfectopportunitytopromotetheChamberandprovidesnetworkingopportunitiestopromoteInteriorsNowandmyrealestatecareer,”saidWasham.
Phot
o by
Hav
ard
J. Ph
otog
raph
er
Washam
Ambassador of the Month
Comparative
Economic IndicatorsThe Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.
January 2012 vs January 2011
EmployedMobile/Baldwin counties
249,7742012
244,8162011
Business LicensesCity of Mobile
2102012
1682011
$121,9482012
$123,4702011
Average Selling Price Mobile County
unemployment Rates
8.1%2012
10.1%2011
homes Sold⌦Mobile County
2552012
10220111782012
1892011
Building PermitsCity of Mobile
24,2502012
21,2132011
Air Passengers From Mobile Area
Value of Building Permits
$4,642,9622012
$10,190,1922011
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30 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
April Calendar of Events
4 Coffee with the Chamber
EnjoycoffeewithChambermembersatthisearly-morningnetworkingeventonWednesday,April4,from7:30to9a.m.atPaneraBread,750SchillingerRd.S.Alightbreakfastandbeverageswillbeprovidedwhileyounetworkwithotherbusinessprofessionals.Reservationsarenotnecessary,andthereisnochargetoattend.Besuretobringbusinesscards.
Formoreinformation,[email protected].
10
5 Checking Your Company’s Financial health
Youknowwhatyourfinancialstatementssay,butdoyoureallyknowwhatthey’retellingyou?JimBurton,chieffinancialofficerofNortonLillyInternational,willprovideafreshperspectiveonutilizingfinancialsforbetterdecisionmaking.CheckingYourCompany’sFinancialHealthissetforThursday,April5,from1to5p.m.attheMobileAreaChamber.
Thecostis$49formembers/$69forpotentialmembers.Paymentmustbereceivedattimeofregistration.DeadlinetoregisterisMonday,April2.
Toregister,gotowww.mobilechamber.com,[email protected].
12 Getting Started with Social Media
Socialmediaisanimportantavenuetoconsiderwhendecidinghowtopromoteyourcompanyinanefficientandeffectiveway.Butyouneedtomakesurewhatyou’redoingmakessenseforyourbusiness.Findoutwhysocialmediamarketingmattersandlearnhowtobegincreatingastrategythatmakessenseforyourorganization.
PresentedbyMaryWhitewithMobileTechnicalInstitute,GettingStartedwithSocialMediaMarketingwillbeheldThursday,April12,from11a.m.to12:30p.m.,followedbyabestpracticesdiscussion,attheMobileAreaChamber.
Thecosttoattendis$20formembers/$25forguestsandincludeslunch.Paymentmustbereceivedattimeofreservation.ReservationsnotcancelledbyApril10mustbehonoredtocoverthecostofthelunch.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
For information on Chamber events, visit events.mobilechamber.com.
Women’s Roundtable*Members Only
AtApril’sWomen’sRoundtable,BeckyGinn,vicepresident,fieldservices,andChristinaQuick,regionaldirectoroftheAlabamaGulfCoastAmericanHeartAssociation,willsharestartlingfactsandrivetingstoriesoflocalwomenandtheirexperienceswithheartdisease,thenumberonekillerofwomen.Thebi-monthlyforumexclusivelyforChambermemberwomenbusinessownersandmanagerswillmeetTuesday,April10,from8to9a.m.attheChamber.
Thereisnochargetoattend,butseatingislimited.ForreservationscontactCarolynGolsonat431-8622ore-mailcgolson@mobilechamber.com.
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 31
17 Executive Roundtable*Members Only
FredRendfrey,directorofdowntowneconomicdevelopmentwiththeDowntownMobileAlliance(DMA),willoutlinenewinitiativesdirectedatrecruitingsmallbusinesses,includingtheretailincubatorandlegislationimpactingdowntownMobilebusinesses.April’sExecutiveRoundtable,amonthlyforumexclusivelyforChambermembersmallbusinessownersandmanagers,willbeheldTuesday,April17,from8to9a.m.intheMobileAreaChamber’sBoardRoom.
Thereisnochargetoattend,butseatingislimited.ForreservationscontactBrendaRembertat431-8607orbrembert@mobilechamber.com.
GCTC Luncheon
Thebi-monthlyluncheonwillbeonWednesday,April18,from11:30a.m.to1p.m.attheOriginalOysterHouse.Thecosttoattendtheluncheonis$15forChambermembers,$20forpotentialmembersand$5forstudents.
Reservationsarerequired,andcancellationsafterApril16willnotbereimbursedtocoverthecostoflunch.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
18 Contacts and Contracts
BillSabin,chieflendingofficeratthenonprofitmicro-lenderACCIONTexasInc.,willdiscussloanprogramsavailabletominorityandsmallbusinesseslookingforaccesstocapitaltostart,groworsustainabusinessatContactsandContracts.TheChamber-ledquarterlybusinessdevelopmenteventforsmallandminoritybusinessownersandentrepreneursissetforThursday,April19,from5:30to7p.m.atCommonwealthNationalBank,5DauphinSt.
Thereisnochargetoattend.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
19 26 Business After hours
LifeSouthCommunityBloodCenters,967HillcrestRd.,willhostBusinessAfterHoursonThursday,April26,from5:30to7p.m.ThisisoneoftheChamber’smostpopularnetworkingevents,offeringavenuetointroduceyourcompany,networkwithexistingclientsandmakenewcontacts.
Thecosttoattendis$5formembersand$10forpotentialmembers.Reservationsarenotnecessary.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
13 Member Appreciation Day
Seepage22fordetails.
CONNECTwith the Chamber
linkedin.comGroup-MobileAreaChamberofCommerce
facebook.com/MobileChamber
twitter.com/MobileChamber
youtube.com/MobileChamber
Join us.
Like us.
Follow us.
Watch us.
Short Orders and Salads • New Entrees DailyNew Menu • Free Delivery Orders
Located inside Via Fitness Center 1717 Dauphin Street
Call for delivery 251-470-5231
HOURS 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Visit us for lunch.Open to the public.
Try our NEW Menu!
NEW MENU • SHORT ORDERS
Call for FREE delivery 251-470-5231.
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32 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
HarborFinancialServicesLLCnamedMatthewLursenchieffinancialofficer.Lursenearnedbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinbusiness
fromSpringHillCollege.HeisacertifiedpublicaccountantandholdsaSeries28financiallicense.
X
Gardberg&Clausenaddedtwonewassociates.SeanHamptonjoinedthefirm’ssocialsecuritydisabilitypracticegroup,andDerekSiebertjoinedthepersonalinjurypracticegroup.
Century21MeyerRealEstatehiredRichCaldwellasasalesassociate.Caldwellearnedabachelor’sdegreeinbusinessadministrationfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabama.
XMobileSportsAuthoritynamed
DannyCorteexecutivedirector.Corteearnedbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinfinancefromTheUniversityofAlabama.Forthepast15years,Cortehashostedtheweekly“InsidetheSaints”radioprogramonWNSP-FMinMobile.
XCrowShields
BaileyPCpromotedHopeHickmantosenioraccountantintheauditdivision.
TheMobileBayConvention&VisitorsBureau(MBCVB)appointedDavidRandelpresident.Aveteranofthetourismindustry,RandelworkedforMarriottInternationalformorethan33yearsandwastheinterimpresidentofMBCVBforayear.HegraduatedfromtheUniversityofNevadaLasVegas,whereheearnedadegreeinhospitalitymanagement.
X
PrudentialCooper&Co.Inc.REALTORShiredtwonewassociates,UrsulaBurchandEdnaBeesley.
Member NewsWho’s New
ParrishAremia
Brinson
Randel
BeesleyBurch
CaldwellLursen
SiebertHampton
Hickman
CertifiedpublicaccountantsShellyAremia,RossParrishandCharlesBrinsonjoinedRussellThompsonButler&HoustonLLP.Aremia
graduatedfromtheUniversityofNorthCarolinainWilmingtonwithbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinaccounting.Parrishearnedbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinaccountingfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabama.BrinsongraduatedfromTheUniversityofAlabamawithbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinaccounting.
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 33
Smith,Dukes&BuckalewLLPpromotedLeahLadnertomanager,LaurieLightcaptosupervisorandRyanZoghbytosenioraccountant.
Ladnerreceivedabachelor’sdegreefromLouisianaStateUniversity.Lightcapearnedabachelor’sdegreefromtheUniversityofSouthAlabama.Zoghbyreceivedbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesintaxationfromTheUniversityofAlabama.
XColdwellBanker
UnitedREALTORSwelcomednewagentAntoneGreentotheMobileoffice.
TheUniversityofSouthAlabamaArmyROTCdepartmentdevelopedaCadetoftheQuarterandCadetoftheYearprogramtorecognizecadetsforexceptionalpersonalperformance,leadership,physicalfitnessandcommunityservice.Theprogramcurrentlyhas140cadetsenrolled.
BetterHomesandGardensRealEstateGenerationsrecognizedthefollowingtopRealtorsatitsannualawards
events:BeckyRay,LindsayGrandquest,MarcileSims,AmandaWilliams,TimMills,JohnMcNichol,GingerHolt,SheilaClark,WesThornbury,AmberHarrisonandSarahStockton.
SignatureFlightSupportlaunchedtwonewproducts:SignatureTailWins,aloyaltyprogramforpilots,crew,schedulersanddispatchers,corporateflightandtraveldepartments;andanaviationcardthatofferscustomersasinglepaymentmethodforpurchasessuchasfuel,handling,cateringandmaintenance.
XTheMitchellCollegeofBusiness
CenterforRealEstateStudiesrecentlyredesigneditswebsiteatwww.southalabama.edu/mcob/realestate.Thesiteprovidesaccesstoreports,eventinformationandmore.
XDr.RocioHilpert
andherhusband,BenjaminHilpert,openedMobileHearingClinicinwestMobile.Hilpert,whoreceivedadoctoratefromtheUniversityofSouthAlabama,specializesinadulthearingevaluationsandhearingaids.BenjaminHilpertearnedabusinessmanagementdegreefromSpringHillCollegeandhas10yearsofexperience.
Hilpert
Green
LightcapLadner
Zoghby
Business Endeavors
Well DoneMillsWilliams
HoltMcNichol
ThornburyClark
Harrison
GrandquestRay
Sims
Stockton
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34 APrIL 2012 | ThE BuSInESS VIEW
TAG/ArchitectsrecentlycompleteddesignworkforimprovementstoCitronelle’sDavisPark,includinganewplaygroundandrestroomfacilitiesfundedbyagrantfromtheU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment.Theprojectisexpectedtobecompletedbysummer.
Inothernews,thefirmalsoreceivedtheTopBlockAwardfromtheAlabamaConcreteIndustriesAssociationfortheSpringHillCollegeStudentCenter.Theawardrecognizestheuseofcreativemasonrydesign,highlightsandproducts.
XCPABill
Kleinschrodt,asenioraccountantwithWilkinsMillerHieronymus,earnedthedesignationofCertifiedValuationAnalystfromtheNationalAssociationofCertifiedValuationAnalysts.
XThreelocalfinancialservice
professionalsqualifiedtoattendtheFirstProtectiveEliteProducersBusinessConferenceinNaples,Fla.JonathanCharest,MichaelCowartandRichardOttswillbeamongthetop-performinginsuranceandinvestmentsprofessionalsfromaroundthecountryinattendance.
XZebraMarketing
promotedKimbleWalchofMobiletosenioraccountexecutive.
LollyHolk,directorofhumanresourcesatSHEnterprises,earnedcertificationasaseniorprofessionalinhumanresources.Thecertificationsignifiestheoreticalknowledgeandpracticalexperienceinhumanresourcemanagement.
TheMobileCountyCommissionwontheNormanJ.WaltonSr.RegionalAwardforinnovativeproblem-solvinginrecognitionofthecounty-widedisasternotificationsystemstartedlastyear.Theawardisgiventoagovernmentagencythatusescollaborationandinnovationtosolveproblemsandaddressneedsofitscitizens.
Submission deadline for Member News is two months prior
to publication. News releases should be one or two brief paragraphs.
Photos must be professional headshots, labeled with the person’s last name,
and must be 300 dpi at full size and saved in an eps, tif or jpg format.
Send your information to [email protected].
Community News
SeveralPrudentialCooper&Co.Inc.REALTORS’agentsreceivedPrudential’sNational2011AnnualAwardsforoutstandingworkanddedication.AwardwinnersincludedShereeDees,TimPope,AngelaMcArthur,LouiseManwaring,CharleneWiley,DavidCooper,DonFoster,AngelaLocklier,DevinWatson,ChuckGuy,JeffDees,DougAdams,CherylRussellandDonBekurs.
PopeDees
ManwaringMcArthur
GuyWatson
AdamsDees
LocklierFoster
BekursRussell
Holk
Kleinschrodt
CooperWiley
Walch
ADVErTISErS’ INDEX
AlabamaOrthopaedicClinicPC.............30
AlabamaPowerCo....................................18
BankTrust..................................................19
Boteler,Finley&Wolfe..............................33
CommunityBank.....................................23
FLCLiving..................................................24
FusionPointMedia....................................26
Gwin’sCommercialPrinting...................26
HandArendallLLC................................... 16
InfinityGlobal...........................................18
InterstatePrinting&GraphicsInc.........32
Lagniappe..................................................33
LogicalComputerSolutions.....................14
Mamun/ReMaxPartners........................30
MCGBusinessSolutions...........................28
MobileCountyHealthDepartment...........4
MyStockShotz.com....................................34
PadgettBusinessServicesofMobile........22
PremierMedicalManagement................ 21
Ron’sCatering........................................... 31
TheUniversityofAlabama........................ 7
WonderlandExpress................................. 27
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ThE BuSInESS VIEW | APrIL 2012 35
AAA ParkingStanardBradley26N.RoyalSt.Mobile,AL36602-3802251-338-5385Parking
Adams Drain & Sewer Inc. d/b/a Adams Plumbing &Drain Co.JanetMramorP.O.Box70045Mobile,AL36670-1045251-473-1279www.adamsplumbinganddrainco.comPlumbing Drains/Sewer Cleaning
AFLAC-Ann HartwellAnnHartwell70N.JoachimSt.,Ste.CMobile,AL36602251-694-1054Insurance
Alabama Coastal OutdoorsTreyToifel26619PerdidoBeachBlvd.OrangeBeach,AL36561251-554-0090www.alabamacoastaloutdoors.comFishing Charters
Apache Corp.ObieO’Brien2000S.PostOakBlvd.,Ste.100Houston,TX77056-4400713-296-6000www.apachecorp.comEnergy Management
Assured Accounting & Tax Service A Prepaid Acct. Co.HeatherDavis5319U.S.Hwy.90Ste.102PMB197Mobile,AL36619-4247800-756-8215www.assuredaccountingtaxservices.comAccounting Service
Byrd Brothers Emergency Services LLCJamesByrd5164LammRd.Wilson,NC27893-9652252-293-4488www.byrdbrothers.comConstruction
Checkers RestaurantDianePhibbs4300W.CypressSt.,Ste.600Tampa,FL33607-4157770-367-3134www.checkers.comRestaurants-Fast Food
ConnectToCatering.com MobileContressaAdamson6669LibertySt.Navarre,FL32566850-736-3011www.ConnectToCatering.comCaterers
Fortitude Business SolutionsMarioCastanedaOneTimberWay,Ste.200Daphne,AL36527-5634251-621-0669www.fortitudebusiness.comCollection Agency
Fresenius Medical CareDavidF.Sweet6601WallSt.,Ste.BMobile,AL36695-4555251-634-8798www.fmc-na.comMedical Facilities
Genesis The Awareness Co.GregoryBanks618SouthernWaySpanishFort,AL36527251-510-0104www.genesisawareness.comSpeaker
Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore PC CPAsJasonJohnson806N.SectionSt.Fairhope,AL36532-3311251-928-2443www.hbkcpas.comAccountants
IV Seasons StudioJenniferBallard7921TannerWilliamsRd.,Ste.GMobile,AL36608-8303251-634-2233www.ivseasonsstudio.comBeauty Salon & Day Spa
Moon Sky Media LLCSamsonColborn6845U.S.Hwy.90E.Ste.105-307Daphne,AL36526201-406-4157www.moonskymedia.comGraphic Designers
Moore Law Firm PCStephenMoore301St.LouisSt.Mobile,AL36602251-445-7602www.moorelawfirm-al.comLegal
Papa John’s PizzaBlairLangford1065SchillingerRd.,Ste.GMobile,AL36695-8985251-607-7979www.papajohns.comRestaurants
Papa John’s PizzaBlairLangford7930MoffettRd.,Ste.CSemmes,AL36575-5491251-645-7272www.papajohns.comRestaurants
Very VintageAbbyStimpson4513OldShellRd.,Ste.204Mobile,AL36608-1955251-340-6610Jewelers & Gifts
As of 1/31/12
New MembersIf you know of a company interested in benefitting
from Chamber membership, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647 or Tricia Bradley at 431-8642.
View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com. Anniversaries
Members Are Our Greatest Asset! Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.
50YEArSBenM.RadcliffContractorInc.
40YEArSThomasIndustriesInc.
30YEArSLeavellInvestmentManagementInc.MobileArtsCouncilInc.
25YEArSAdams&AssociatesInc.GulfCoastExploreumScienceCenter
20YEArSPostmarkInkInc
15YEArSLaborFindersMobileCommunityCorrectionsCenterRemingtonCollegeSouthernTele-CommunicationsInc.
10YEArSArlingtonParkApartmentsBBBIndustriesLLCC&GBoatWorksInc.OriginalOysterHouseRonaldMcDonaldHouseCharitiesofMobileInc.Sonny’sRealPitBar-B-QStateFarmInsurance-MakedaNichols
5YEArSGulfCoastAsphaltCo.InternationalShipholdingCorp.ProjectionPresentationTechnologyRobertsBrothersCommercial&PropertyManagementRolyPolyStarnesDavisFlorieLLPTESContractingCo.Inc.
1-4YEArSAllAmericanSelfStorageArmyAviationCenterFederalCreditUnionAutismAvenueInc.BarnesInsurance&FinancialServicesBlueHavenPoolsandSpasChillYogurtCafeTheCooper-LyonGroupLLCCraneWorksInc.TheCreelCo.CityChurchofMobileEmcorServicesAircondGenesisCareerCollegeGrandviewPointeApartmentsGulfProfessionalServicesLLCHansenHeating&CoolingHansonPipeandPrecastIrbyStrategicServicesJennyCraigLawOfficeofMattGreenLBPInterpretingInc.McGill-ToolenCatholicHighSchoolMr.ElectricOmegaPropertiesInc.RichwayTransportationServicesServerCorpsSouthernTurfLandscapeLLCSprintTechnigraphicsInc.TrueRestaurantGroupd/b/aTrueTurnerInsurance&BondingTyIrbyRealty&DevelopmentCo.-MaryCarpenter,BrokerURSCorp.VirginiaStationLLCW.B.Shedd&Co.Wal-MartSupercenter-DawesRd.WaterandWasteSpecialtiesLLCZieman,Speegle,Jackson&HoffmanLLC
The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation given. Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction.
The Mobile Area Chamber has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since the designation’s inception more than 40 years ago.
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www.JoinMobileChamber.com
connect … succeed … growAt the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, our goal is simple – to help your business grow. Membership links you with resources and contacts for success during challenging times. Join us. Get involved in the Gulf Coast’s most dynamic business community. Connect to our more than 2,200 members – network, ask questions, learn, share insights and form important business relationships. Believe in a strong future for Mobile. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.
believe in mobile belong to the chamber