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Transcript of The Business View - July 2012
PRSRT STDU.S. Postage
PAIDMobile, AL
Permit #346
Trade Program Celebrates
15 Years
VIEW
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce theJU
LY 2
012
Three Cheers forSports!City Unveils eMobileOnlineTax Payment
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Thursday, August 23
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ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 3
VIEW
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce the
Vol. XLIII, No. 6
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.
July 2012 4-6 NewsYouCanUse–Positiveupdates forareaandstatebusinesses
8 SmallBusinessoftheMonth:BNI, BusinessNetworkingInternational
11-13 15yearsofaccomplishmentsforthe Chamber’stradedivision
15-18 ABigHit!Howsportsimpact Mobile’seconomy 20 SCOREColumn:Gettoknow yournumbers
21 WashingtonCountyeconomic developerhired
22 InvestorFocus:LLB&BInc.RealEstate
23 CEOProfile:JohnValentine, DauphinIslandSeaLab
24-25 Chamber@Work
26 BoardofAdvisors:RichardT.McCreary andDavidF.Sweet
26 AmbassadoroftheMonth: TrishBanker 27 BusinessSpotlightoftheMonth: Neal’sElectronics
28 EconomicIndicators
30 Calendar
31-34 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,AshleyHorn,ToniKemper,
SusanRak-Blanchard,DanetteRichards,ChristinaStimpsonandCarolynWilson
PrintingServices. . . . . . . . . . . InterstatePrinting/DirectMail GraphicDesign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WiseDesignInc. AdvertisingAccountExecutive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RenéEiland
Cover TheCopeland-CoxMobileTennisCenterrecentlyhostedtheNationalAssociationofIntercollegiateAthleticsTennisNationalChampionships.IncludedinthetournamentwereplayersfromLindseyWilsonCollegeinColumbia,Ky.(pictured)andotherschoolssuchasFresnoPacificUniversityinFresno,Calif.,Embry-RiddleAeronauticalUniversityinDaytonaBeach,Fla.,andBrenauUniversityinGainsville,Ga.Seestoryonpage15.Cover photo by Ashley Horn.
27
5
15
4 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
City of Mobile Unveils eMobile Automated Tax Filing SystemTired of sacrificing valuable time
away from important business matters in order to process and fulfill cumbersome tax obligations required by local government? Thanks to a new Internet application recently launched by the city of Mobile, local sales tax payments for both the city and county can now be conveniently processed online with the simple click of a mouse.
Theinnovativesystemisdesignedtogivebusinessesaneasyandmoreconvenientwayoffilingsalestaxpayments.Allbusinessesowingtaxestothecityandcountyarenowabletoaccessthenewweb-basedapplication,eMobile.
Developedbythecity’smunicipalinformationtechnologydepartment,eMobileprovidesanintuitive,step-by-stepprocessallowingbusinessestofileandpaysalestaxesonline,eliminatingtheneedfortime-consumingpreparationofpapertaxformsandinconvenienttripstoMobileGovernmentPlaza.
WitheMobile,businessespaytaxesusinganelectroniccheck.Onceabusinesssubmitsapayment,theinformation
isroutedtoathird-partypaymentprocessingcompany.Withthisstreamlinedapproach,collectingandprocessingtaxinformationandpaymentsisquickerandmoreefficient,andreducesthecity’scosts.
“Efficiencyandeasyaccessibilityarethereasonswhywedesignedanautomatedpaymentsystemforbusinesses,”saidMobileMayorSamJones.“Thisprocessshouldbeasuser-friendlyaspossible.TheneweMobilesystem
accomplishesthatgoal.”Asmoreandmorebusinessesbecomefamiliarwiththesystem,Jonesadded,“We’lllookatotherareaswheretechnologycanmakeiteasierandconvenienttodobusinesswiththecity.”
Thesystemisavailabletoallactiveaccountsbutwillrequiretaxpayerstoregistertoobtainaccesstothesystemthroughauniqueusername/passwordcombination.Customerscanstillsubmitpaymentsbymailorinperson.
Thecity’swebsiteprovideslinksandinstructionsforaccessingthenewapplication.Visitwww.cityofmobile.orgorcontactthecity’srevenuedepartmentat208-7462formoreinformation.
Partners for Growth Kicks Off Phase III
TheMobileAreaChamberofficiallykickedoffitsPartnersforGrowthcampaign.Witha$10milliongoal,theeffortwillsupporttheChamber’seconomicdevelopmentinitiativesforthenextfiveyears.Picturedatleftare:(fromlefttoright)JoeLawrence,Lawrence&Lawrence;MobileCountyCommissionerMerceriaLudgood;andJohnnieRobinson,IndustrialDevelopmentBoard.Picturedaboveare:(fromlefttoright)BoMattei,ThamesBatréMatteiBeville&Ison;PrestonBolt,HandArendall;DanielDennis,RobertsBrothersInc.;MikeSaxon,AlabamaPower;CedricHatcher,PNCBank;BillDaniels,Burr&FormanLLP:KennyCrow,CrowShields&BaileyPC;andDavidHannan,JohnstoneAdams.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 5
New technology at Springhill Medical Center is helping doctors yield much
more accurate diagnoses when it comes to pancreatic cancer – the fourth leading killer of all cancers in the United States.
Traditionally,tissuesamplesaregatheredbybrushingorbiopsyingthepancreas.TheSpyGlassDirectVisualizationSystemisaminimallyinvasiveapproachavailableonlyinMobileatSpringhill.
WithSpyGlass,fiberopticspassthroughaspecialthintube,knownastheSpyScope,offeringathree-dimensionalviewofwhatdoctorswanttobiopsy.
“Wearepersistentlytryingtofindnewwaystobettercareforourpatients,andweareproudtobethefirstinMobiletouseSpyGlass,”saysJeffSt.Clair,presidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofSpringhillHospital.“ThistechnologyisaremarkableadditiontoSpringhill.”OneofthemainusesofSpyGlassistodeterminewhetherblockageinthebiliaryorpancreaticductsismalignantorbenign–and,withthisnew,visuallydirectedtechnology,
theaccuracyoftissuesamplingincreasesto80to90percent,saysSt.Clair.“Aswithmanycancers,theearlieryoudiagnoseit,themorelikelythechancesareforacure.”
Inaddition,SpyGlasscanbesteeredtoapreciselocationtobetterfindthetumor,treatbenignconditionsandremovebileductstones.
Springhill Medical Center Offers
New Weapon in Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
University of Mobile Enhances Campus
TheUniversityofMobileisaddinganothernewresidencehall,thethirdwithapartment-stylelivingforupperclassmen.UMobile,astheuniversityisrebrandingitself,isinvestingmorethan$8.71millionincapitalinvestmentsin2012alone,andoveraneight-yearperiodwillspendmorethan$24milliontoincreasecampushousingandrenovateandimprovethegrounds.
Morethanhalfthemoniesspentweretoconstructnewresidencehallsthatwillhousecloseto350additionalstudents–SamfordHallin2004,KarleneFarmerFaulknerHallin2006andthecurrentlyunnamedapartmentsin2012.
Thenewesthallmeasures39,918squarefeet.Thebuildingwillbecompletedintwophases,withonesidefinishedintimeforthefallsemesterandtheothernolaterthanNovember.
What’sdrivingthegrowth?Threethings,sayuniversityofficials:theincreasingenrollment,changingneedsofstudentsandtheintentto“broadenitsreach,”saysPresidentDr.MarkFoley.
Withmorethan40programsofstudyattractingstudentsacrosstheboard,theuniversity’sCenterforPerformingArts,comprising21performingensembles,isabigdraw,Foleyadds.
LastSeptember,theuniversitystartedtheschoolyearwithanenrollmentof1,800–thefourthconsecutiveyearofgrowth.Thestudentpopulationrepresents33statesand30countries,withMobileandBaldwinCountyresidentsaddingupalittlemorethanhalf.ThehighestpercentageofstudentsfromoutsidetheUnitedStatescomestoUMobilefromBrazil,Australia,Canada,Venezuela,Congo,GhanaandJamaica.
“We’reseeingmorelocalstudentswhowanttoliveoncampustoparticipateinactivities,fromserviceprojectstosports,toaweeklyBiblestudy,toperformancesandpractices,”explainsKathyDean,theuniversity’sdirectorofmediarelations.
Inadditiontostudenthousing,theuniversityexpandedRamHall,itsauditoriumandcafeteria;addedasecuritygatehouseservingasthenewentrancetothegrounds;renovateditslibrary;addednursinglabequipment;andconstructedasoftballfieldhouse,tonameafewofthe17recentprojects.
“Wehavetheprogramsthatattractstudents.Wenowhavethefacilitiesthatattractstudents.Andwehavetheenvironmentthatintegrateslearning,faithandleadershipinauniquewaythatattractsstudents,”saysDean.
A new sign and a 24-hour manned security building make up a new entrance to the University of Mobile. The university is investing millions of dollars to update, renovate and add buildings to its campus.
TheUniversityofMobileisaddingnewresidencehallstomeetdemand.PicturedaboveisthelobbyofFaulknerHall.
6 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
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ST Aerospace Mobile (STA Mobile) is ramping up its recruitment and training process, a move to both meet its workload and prepare the next generation of employees.
InanalliancewithAlabamaAviationCenterofMobile,studentsworkintheclassroomtowardatwo-yearassociatedegreeinairframeandpowerplant(A&P)aircraftcertification.Whilethey’restudying,theyworkapaidinternshipatSTAerospaceMobile,between20and40hoursaweek.Oncetheyfinish,studentsarepracticallyguaranteedajob,explainsArtLopez,thecompany’saircraftmaintenancetrainingprogramadministrator.
STAMobileisofferingupto100percentfinancialassistanceforthecostsofpursuingtheA&Pdegreeandlicensingforthosewhoqualify.Otherfinancialassistancefortheprogram,andfortheavionicsprogram,isavailablethroughtheBedsoleFoundation,PellgrantsandMobileWorksInc.
Tofurtherensuresuccess,eachstudentisnowassignedanexperiencedmechanicasamentorwhoprovideson-the-jobtraining,accordingtoLopez.
Fourstudentsrecentlygraduatedfromtheprogram,
and24morearecurrentlyenrolled–andthere’sroomformore.Lopezsaysthegoalistorecruit25studentseachfallandspringsemester.Headdsthatapproximately85percentofthosewhostarttheprogramcompletebothtrainingandtheirtwo-yearcommitmenttoSTAMobile.
“Theaverageageofourworkforceispushing50,andwe’reseeingthedemographicsofourcompanychange,”Lopezsays.“We’retryingtogetaheadofthatbydrawingstudentsintotheprogram.”
Companyrepresentativesarevisitinghighschoolsina150-mileradiustotalktostudentsaboutafuturecareerinaviation.ButLopezisalsoseeinginterestfromveteransandmenandwomenpursuingasecondcareer.Many
alreadyhaveamechanicalbackgroundworkingoncarsorfarmequipment,oreveninconstruction,andsomearecollege-bound,hesays.
“Toattractmoreaerospacecompaniestoourarea,weneedmoreA&Pmechanics,andit’saskillthattransferstoanywhereintheworld,”saysDr.LeidaJavier-Ferrell,directoroftheMobileAreaChamber’sCenterforWorkforceDevelopment.
“Butifthey’rejustlookingforajob,wewon’ttakethem,”saysLopez.“Thisisacareerthatwon’tgoaway.Anaircraftmechanicwillnotbereplacedbyarobot.”
Formoreinformation,visitwww.stmae.com/careersorcontactLopezat438-8888.
STAerospaceMobilementorAntoniaCruzworkswithAdamChinrock(left)andDylanJones(above).
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 7
Whether you’re earning an undergraduate or graduate business degree, The University of Alabama is
committed to helping you achieve your goals through online learning. Business degrees available include:
• BachelorofScienceinCommerce&BusinessAdministration
• MasterofArtsinManagementwithaGlobalManagementConcentration
• MasterofScienceinOperationsManagement
Online degree programs from a name you know.
To learn more visit BamaByDistance.ua.edu/mobilebizor call toll-free at 1-800-467-0227.
Advance Your Careerwithanonlinebusinessdegreefromanameyouknow.
8 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
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].
Referral-Based Growth Works for BnIThenameBNIstandsforBusiness
NetworkingInternational.Butwhatyouprobablydon’tknow,saysJanice Malone,executivedirectorandMobilefranchiseowner,isthatBNIisaboutmorethannetworking.“Ourprogramisaboutcoaching,trainingandbuildingyourbusinessthroughreferral-basedgrowth,”shesays.
BNIBusinessResourceCenteristheMobileAreaChamber’sSmallBusinessoftheMonth.
Malone’sfirstintroductiontoBNIwasabook.Intrigued,whenshegottotheendshepickedupthephoneanddialedthe1-800numbertolearnmore.Fromthere,shewashiredtodeveloptheareaofsouthAlabamaandtheFloridapanhandle,workingasanindependentcontractor.
TwoyearsafterMalonebecameinvolved,theorganizationchangeditsbusinessmodelandsheboughtthefranchise.Withthreefull-timeemployeesandthreecontractemployees,BNIMobilehasgrownto850membersin30differentchapters.
Theglobalorganizationhasapresencein44countriesandall50statesand138,000members.Itsmissionistohelpmembersbuildtheirbusinessthroughastructured,strategic,positiveandprofessional“word-of-mouth”program.
Here’showitworks,explainsMalone:Groupsof15to70membersformachapterandmeetweekly.Onlyonepersonrepresentinganindustryspecialtyisacceptedintothechapter.Eachmemberbringsreferralsandoptimallyreceivesreferrals,oftenwith
small business of the month
personalinsightonwhatthepotentialclientislookingforandthebestwaytoapproachhimorher,avoidingcoldcalls.
Whatmakesitsuccessful?“Accountability,”saysMalone.Leadsaretracked,particularlythosethatturnintobusiness.Attendanceismandatory52weeksayear,althoughmemberscanhavesubstitutestaketheirplace.
“WewantfarmersinBNI,”sheadds,furtherexplainingthatmembersplanttheseedsforotherstogrowandnurture.“It’snotrightforeveryone,butwe’reseeingremarkableimprovement.”
Thebenefit,shesays,reallyliesinthetraining–companiesoftenuseBNItocoachandtrainnewemployees.Afewofthetypicalprofessionaldevelopmentsessionsincludepresentationandleadership,alongwithaplethoraofworkshops,trade
showsandconferences.Otheradvantagesincludeincreasedexposure,buildingbusinessrelationshipsandcredibility,alladdingtoamember’sbottomline.
RecentlyBNIenhanceditsonlineresourcesofferingssomemberscanconnectwithBNImembersinotherchapters.
Thereisafeetojoin,aswellasanannualfee.FormoreinformationaboutthelocalBNI,visit www.BNI-Mobile.comorcall438-7050.
BusinessNetworkingInternational’sSouthAlabamaandNorthwestFloridaChapterhas850members.PicturedthirdfromrightisfranchiseownerJaniceMalonewithagroupofchapterofficers.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 9
B A N K I N G I N S U R A N C E I N V E S T M E N T S
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S GRADUATING CLASS. At BB&T, we
strongly believe in the power of a solid education and the importance of
learning throughout a lifetime. So to those leaving the halls of academia
behind this spring, we wish you the very best of luck, no matter where your
tomorrows will take you.
If you think your education’s been a long road, just imagine all the places it will take you tomorrow.
BB&T. Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. BBT.com. ©2012 Branch Banking and Trust Company.
Coastal EconomyOutlook V
Featuring:
Rayola DougherMedia Relations, American Petroleum InstituteWashington DC
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
64 South Water Street, Mobile, AL
National, regional and local experts provide the latest economic analysis.
Register onlineevents.mobilechamber.com
Registration is required before July 27 - No refunds after this date
For more information, contact Shelly Mattinglyat [email protected] or 251-431-8655.
Cost is $100
Marlon Cook, Manager, Division of Insurance and Research, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Tim Russell, Judge of Probate, Badwin County, Ala.
Donald Epley PhD, Distinguished Professor of Real Estate, Mitchell College of Business
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10 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
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Financing business strategies in the Gulf Coast region. Simply put,PNC is one of the best-capitalized corporate and institutional banks in the country. And growing. Providing access to capital through the cycles, so you can consistently fuel your company’s strategies. For more information,visit pnc.com/ideas or contact Cedric Hatcher at [email protected]
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ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 11
The Mobile Chamber’s Trade Division Celebrates 15 Years L ocal companies
participating in the Mobile Area Chamber’s trade program created nearly 3,000 jobs and beefed up international sales by $143.5 million – and that’s just in the last five years.
Theprogram,initiatedin1997byagroupofbusinessowners,theChamberandthecityofMobile,celebrates15yearsofimpactinglocalcompaniesbyintroducingtheirproductsandservicestotheinternationalmarketplace.
ChamberPresidentWinHallettwasamongthatgroupandplayedamajorroleinthedevelopmentoftheprogram.
“Wemetwithvarioustradeorganizationsthatwerealreadyestablishedacrossthestate,”saidHallett.“WeknewwithalltheinternationalbusinessMobilewouldseewiththePortofMobile,thedevelopmentofthecontainerterminalandthegeneralgrowthininternationalbusinessinterest,wehadtohaveaprograminplacetoassistthearea’stradeneeds.”
Thesemeetingshelpedshapetheprogram’sobjectivesandcreatetheprimarygoals:tofurtherdeveloptheMobileareaasacenterforinternationaltradeandtransportation;toenhancetheforeignsalesofareaproductsandservices;andtoassist
inMobile’semergenceasahubforinternationaltransportation.
AlongwithdevelopingMobileasacenterforinternationaltradeandtransportation,Hallettsaid,companiesneededhelppromotingtheirproductsandservicesintheinternationalmarketplace.
“WenoticedthatnoonewasfocusingonbringingAlabamacompaniesoverseasfortrademissions,whichcanplayaveryimportantroleinestablishingasuccessfulinternationalbusinessrelationship,”saidHallett.
Overthepast15years,thetradedivision,inconjunctionwiththeAlabamaDepartmentofCommerce(formerlyAlabamaDevelopmentOffice),hasledorco-ledmorethan50trademissionstodestinationsaroundtheworld.(See information box on page 13.)
TheChamberwillco-leadamissiontoPanamaandColombiathisfall.Formoreinformationontrademissions,contactChristinaStimpson,theChamber’stradeprogrammanager,at431-8648.
Alongwithtrademissions,theprogramalsohasamajorfocusoneducationandthismonthwillpartnerwiththeU.S.SmallBusinessAdministrationandtheChamber’ssmallbusinessdevelopmentdepartmenttohost“ABeginner’sGuidetoExporting”onTuesday,July10,from8:30
to11a.m.(See page 30 for details.)“Educatingbusinessexecutivesandthe
publicontheexportationprocessandtheimportanceoftradeisextremelyimportant,”saidTonyvanAken,directoroftheChamber’stradedivision.“Alotofcompaniesdon’tknowhowmuchhelpisouttheretoassistthemingoingglobal.”
Hiredattheinceptionoftheprogram,vanAkenattributespartofthetrade
program’ssuccesstocollaboratingwithotherinternationaltradeagencies.
“Throughtheyears,ourinvolvementwiththeExportAlabamaAlliance,aswellastheU.S.ChamberandtheAmericanChambersofCommerceinLatinAmerica(ACCLA),hasbeenbeneficialinincreasingthenumberofcompaniesweareabletoassistintheexportationprocess,”saidvanAken. Continued on page 12
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has always had a proactive and aggressive
approach in helping companies export. Their
program has been recognized both nationally and
internationally and the work they have done is
immeasurable to the overall benefit of Alabama exports. The Chamber has provided leadership and innovation
in the area of export promotion and development
not just for their area but for the entire state.
hilda Lockhart, director, International Trade, Alabama
Department of Commerce
Over the years, Quality Valve Inc. has sent representatives on numerous trade missions coordinated by the Chamber and through the state trade office. In most every case, we have come home with
a new customer. Thepersonal relationships we have made on these missions have allowed a level of trust in foreign
companies we would not have enjoyed otherwise.
Raymond McCaffrey, president, Quality Valve Inc.
Without this program Alabama Gulf Coast companies
would be without a great source of exporting
information. Not only do(es) (the Chamber) provide general
export assistance and host a variety of export seminars,
but their lead on trade missions has helped promote trade across all of Alabama.
These missions produce contacts and sales for the
companies that in turn provide more jobs for Alabama.
nekda Segars, director, U.S. Department of Commerce, Birmingham Export Assistance
The exposure on the world stage that our
international trade efforts afford is invaluable. The
ability for local companies to not only learn about trade opportunities, but to meet and conduct business face
to face across the globe gives Mobile’s economic development program an
unrivaled advantage.
Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development,
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
Trade Mission to China: The Mobile Area Chamber helped coordinate a trade mission to China in 2008. There were 41 participating organizations and the result was $23 million in sales.
12 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
Member FDIC
Committed to you.Committed to Alabama.
At Hancock Bank, we’re committed to serving Mobile with 11 convenient
area locations, most offering extended banking hours. Plus, you can
bank on the go anytime, anywhere with Hancock’s Mobile Banking.
In the future, you can look forward to increased convenience, a
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the future holds for you at hancockbank.com.
W12-129_AL_8.5x5.375_v1.indd 1 3/22/12 1:28 PM
The Export Alabama AllianceisaseamlessnetworkofinternationaltradeagenciesformedtohelpAlabamacompaniesgrowtheirbusinessinternationally.Membersinclude:AlabamaDepartmentof
Commerce,AlabamaDepartmentofAgriculture,AlabamaInternationalTradeCenter,AlabamaStatePortAuthority,AlabamaWorldTradeAssociation,BirminghamBusinessAlliance,MadisonCountyCommissionInternationalTrade
DevelopmentCenter,MobileAreaChamberofCommerce,NorthAlabamaInternationalTradeAssociation,PortofHuntsville,U.S.DepartmentofCommerce,BirminghamExportAssistanceCenter,andtheU.S.ChamberofCommerce.
The Mobile Chamber’s Trade Division Celebrates 15 Years Continued from page 11
TheChamberisafoundingmemberoftheExportAlabamaAlliance,aseamlessnetworkofinternationaltradeagenciesinMontgomery,Birmingham,HuntsvilleandMobileformedtohelpAlabamacompaniesgrowtheirbusinessinternationally.Formedoflocal,stateandfederalorganizations,theallianceworkstodevelopandcoordinateprogramstofacilitatetheexportofAlabama’sgoodsandservicesoverseas.
“In15years,Mobilecontinuestoaccomplishwhatmanycitiesandstatesacrossthecountrydreamof–buildinganexcellentinternationaltradeprogramthatcrossescountyandstatebarriers,”saidHallett.
TheChamberisarecipientoftheGovernor’sTradeExcellenceAwardandthePresident’s“E”AwardforsignificantcontributionsinitseffortstoincreaseexportsforAlabamaandtheUnitedStates.TheChamberisalsothe2011recipientoftheAmericanChamberofCommerceExecutive’sACCE“GoingInternational”AwardrecognizingtheachievementsoftheChamber’sinternationaltradeprogram.
Trade Mission to Australia: In 2009, the Mobile Area Chamber helped coordinate a trip for 11 companies to Australia. The Chamber set up 42 appointments and the participating representatives gained $4.5 million in sales.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 13
Countries Visited to Explore Export Sales Since 1997 (some multiple times)
ArgentinaAustralia
BrazilCanada
ChileChina
Colombia
Costa RicaCuba
Czech RepublicDominican Republic
El SalvadorFrance
Germany
Great BritainGuatemalaHonduras
Hong KongHungary
IndiaIreland
ItalyMexico
NetherlandsNew Zealand
PanamaPolandRussia
South AfricaSpain
ThailandTurkey
United Arab EmiratesVenezuelaVietnam
Facts About Trade MissionsIn just the past five years, trade mission participants
have reported and projected export sales of $163 Million, supporting the creation of 2,941 jobs.
Jobs Created from Trade Missions
406 671 470 726 668
$22.6 M $37.3 M $26.1 M $40.4 M $37.1 M
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Export Sales from Trade Missions
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.
Trade Mission to Turkey: The Mobile Area Chamber coordinated a trip to Turkey in 2008. The Chamber secured 58 appointments for eight local companies, resulting in $1.4 million local sales.
14 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
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M obile is known for Southern hospitality, deep-rooted history and an enviable location on the water. And now, people are beginning
to take note of the city as a thriving sports destination. Mobile hosts a variety of sporting events that have a positive impact on the community. The temperate climate, affordable accommodations and family-friendly attractions provide an ideal location for players and fans alike, resulting in multi-million dollar business for Mobile.
Sports=BusinessTheeconomicimpactofsportsisusuallylookedatintermsofhowmuchspendingit
generates.EventsliketheSeniorBowl,GoDaddy.comBowlandMobileBayLPGAClassicbringinhundredsofthousandsofpeopletothecityannually.InadditiontothedirectimpactontheeconomyofspendinginMobilebyout-of-townvisitors,thereisanindirectimpactasthemoneyspentisre-circulatedinthelocaleconomybylocalbusinesses.
TheGoDaddy.comBowlisplayedeveryJanuaryatahistoricallyslowtimeforthehotelbusiness.TheUniversityofSouthAlabama’s(USA)studyofthe2010gameshowedaneconomicimpactrangefrom$18.2to$19.9million.
TheSeniorBowl,featuringthecountry’sbestseniorcollegefootballplayersandtopNFLprospectsonteamsrepresentingtheNorthandSouth,isalsoplayedinJanuary.A2007USAstudyestimatedtheeconomicimpactrangebetween$14millionand$19million.
“OurfirstquarterisourbiggesteveryyearbecauseoftheGoDaddy.comBowlandtheSeniorBowl,”saidRenaissanceMobileRiverviewPlazaGeneralManagerKentBlackinton.
Buteventhesenumbersdon’ttellthewholestory.Theseorganizationshosteventsleadinguptothebigday.Fromparadestocharityeventstopractices,runsandbanquets,theeconomicimpactisundeniable.
Continued on page 16
A Big hit!How Sports Impact Mobile’s Economy
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 15
16 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
ABigHit!Continued from page 15
ASleepingGiantEvenasaprograminitsinfancy,theUSAJaguars
footballteamcancommandagameaudienceof20,000.Inthreeyearssinceitwasestablished,thefootballprogramhasquadrupledgrossadvertisingdollarssurroundingathletics.Theuniversityisinagrowthphase,withenrollmentreaching15,000–andathleticsisabigpartofthat.
GarySaundersofIMGMarketing,thegroupthathandlesadvertisersfortheathleticsprogram,isexcitedaboutthefuture.“AswemoveintoDivision1andfacebiggeropponents,wewillseeattendanceincrease,”hesaid.“Largerschoolsbringboosterclubs,fansandalumnigroups.Gameswillbenationallytelevised.ItputsUSAonthemapwithsportsfansonanationalscale.Morenationaladvertiserswillspendmoneythatgoesbackintotheschoolandthecommunity.”
MoreThanFootballWhileAlabamacertainlylovesfootball,Mobilehas
muchmoretooffer.With60courtsattheCopeland-CoxCenter,plusanother15atadditionallocations,theMobileTennisCenteristhelargestpublictennisfacilityinthenationandmakesanenormouscontributiontotheregion’seconomy.Forfiscalyear2012,thetenniscenteralreadyaccountsfor6,836roomnights,andthatnumberdoesn’taccountforthousandsmorewhoattendtournaments.
Intotal,thetenniscenterbringsanestimated
26,000peopletotheareaannually.AccordingtoaUSAreport,theeconomicimpactincreasedfrom$9millionin2004to$60.8millionin2011.“Thisisagrowthof$51millioninsevenyears,”saidScottNovak,tournamentdirector.
“WeareproudofourincreasingimpactinregardstotennistournamentsinMobile.Wecontinuetoaddmoreeachyear.”
TheMobileSportsAuthority(MSA),oneof110freestandingsportscommissionsaroundthenation,
focusesonbringingcompetitionstothearea.Theyhavealreadyhosted20tennistournamentsthisyearaveraging40teamseach.“Abigpartofourbusinessisyouthsports,”saidMSAPresidentDannyCorte.“Thegrowthofthatindustryoverthepast15yearshasbeenphenomenal.Andyouthsportsare80percentrecessionproof.Whenachildplayssports,usuallythewholefamilycomes.Morevisitorsmeansmoremoney.”
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CompetitionforVisitorsForexample,theU.S.JuniorBoxingNational
Championships;heldinconjunctionwiththeU.S.OlympicTrialslastJuly;broughthundredsofyoungboxerstoMobile,wheretheyfoughtforthetitleofJuniorNationalChampions.TheeventreturnedtoMobilelastmonthandwillcomebackagainin2013.Corteestimatestheeventhasbetweena$2.5and$3millionimpactonthecity.
MagnoliaGroveisoneof11championshipgolfcoursesonAlabama’sRobertTrentJonesGolfTrail.TheMobileBayLPGAClassic,playedatMagnoliaGrove,broughtcloseto2,000visitorsin2011withanestimatedeconomicimpactof$9.5million.
HankAaronStadiumishometothe2011SouthernLeagueChampions,theMobileBayBears,theAAaffiliateoftheArizonaDiamondbacks.Theteamaverages200,000inattendanceannuallyandbooststhelocaleconomywithmorethan1,000hotelroomsperseason.
Itisn’tjustcoachesandpeoplecheeringontheteam,either.TheBayBearsbringinthehometeamstaff,theplayers,themajorleagueaffiliate,visitingSouthernLeagueteams,SouthernLeagueumpiresandmajorleague/professionalscoutsthatuseproductsandserviceswhilevisiting.TheHankAaronChildhoodHomeandMuseumisalsoonstadiumgrounds,attractingvisitorsfrom45ofthe50states.Openedin2010,themuseumistheonlyoneofitskindinthenation.
Morethan3,000anglersand75,000spectatorsvisitDauphinIslandeveryJulyfortheAlabamaDeepSeaFishingRodeo,theoldestandlargestmulti-speciessaltwatertournamentinthecountry(recentlyincludedintheGuinnessBookofWorldRecords).“Therodeocertainlyhasabigeconomicimpactonthecommunity,andit’salso
alotoffun,”saidGeneFox,vicepresidentofpublicityforthetournament.“It’soneofthosethingsthatmakesMobileagreatplacetolive.”
Andbassfishermenaretakingnote:theMobile-TensawRiverDeltawasjustaddedtotheAlabamaBassTrail,acollectionof11ofthestate’sbestbassfishingareas.Justonebass-fishingtournamentcanbringinmorethan$2million,accordingtotheMobileBayConventionandVisitorsBureau.
RacetotheFinishMobileInternationalSpeedwayholds18racesayear.
Thelargest,anAutomobileRacingClubofAmericarace,broughtmorethan10,000spectatorsandbooked2,000roomnightsearlierthisyear.Thisoneracehadaneconomicimpactof$1.2millionforthecityofMobile.
Carsaren’ttheonlythingsracinginMobile–thecityishometomorethan80runningeventsannually.Thelargest,theAzaleaTrailRun,celebratedits35thanniversarythisyear,withmorethan6,000participantsfrom29statesandsevencountries.Astudydoneseveralyearsagoestimatedthattheracerepresentsmorethan$4milliontothecity.Muchofthisisdirectspendingwiththecityforpolice,barricadesandemergencypersonnel.
RacingisanimportantsportforthecityofMobilenotjusteconomically,butalsoforcharitableorganizations.Manyracesworkhand-in-handwithlocalnonprofitsraisingmoneyforimportantcauses.PeggyOliveofRedHenProductions,whichproducestheAzaleaTrailRunandsome50otherracesthroughouttheyear,saysonereasonrunningissoattractiveisthesocialaspect.“Runningisasocialsport.It’ssomethinggroupsandfamiliescandotogetherandactivelyparticipate,”shesaid.
AccordingtoDr.ChristopherKeshock,USA
economicsprofessorandauthoroftheSeniorBowlstudy,thereisnodenyingthatsportsequalmoneyforacity.“Whatwereallyneedtolookat,though,isthediversityofwhatMobilehastooffer,”hesaid.“Thecommunitybenefitsinsomanyways.Sportscanbuildactivecommunitiesandempoweredcitizens,instillasenseofprideandcreateexcitement,andrepresentaninvestmentinwell-beingandqualityoflife.”
EventsbytheNumbersSporttourismisthefastest-growingsectorintheglobal
travelindustryandequatesto$600billionayear.Locally,Mobile’ssportsfacilitiesandlocationsplayhosttomulti-million-dollarevents.
It’snotjustlargeeventsthatplayarole.Countlesstournamentsandcompetitionsthroughouttheyearsupporttheeconomy.Theydon’tjustbringinplayers;theybringcoaches,trainers,familymembersandspectators.Thismeansmorepeoplestayinginhotels,eatingatrestaurants,shoppinginlocalstoresandvisitingattractions.
Sportsactasaneconomicdriver.It’sanindustrythatsupportsjobs,createsrevenueandincreasestourism.Whilelookingateconomicimpactnumbersisimpressive,themediaexposureandword-of-mouthgeneratedonbehalfoftheseeventshasjustaslargeanimpact.AccordingtotheGoDaddy.comBowl,thefactthatthegameistheonlyonetoairthenightbeforetheNationalChampionshipguaranteestheresultswillbementionedoneverytelevisionsportssegmentinthecountry.Additionally,thegame’soutcomeisreportedineveryU.S.newspaperthenextday.“ThisisexposureforMobilethatmoneycouldn’tbuy,”saidGoDaddy.comBowlPresidentJerrySilverstein.
Continued on page 18
number of visitors per night x number of nights = total number of room nights
Total number of room nights x $250 = total spending x 2.5 = total estimated economic impact
TheDestinationMarketingAssociationInternational(DMAI),thevisitorindustrystandard,usesaformulawiththenumberofparticipantsandestimatedvisitors.PerDMAI,theaverageexpenditureisbasedonaccommodations,food,
retail,fuelandmiscellaneoustotaling$250perday.TheMobileBayConventionandVisitorsBureauthenusesastandardof2.5asthenumberofdollarturns.
how Economic Impact is Determined
18 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
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Afamilyoffourvisitingforasportingeventeatsdinneratadowntownrestaurant.Thebillis$80,generatingadirecteconomicimpact.Therestaurantusespartofthatmoneytopaythewaitress;thewaitressspendssomeofthemoneyfor
groceries;thegrocerystoreusessomeofthemoneytopayitscashier;thecashierthenspendssomefortheutilitybill;andsoon.Thesubsequentroundsofspendingaretheindirecteconomicimpacts.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 19
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Get to Know Your Numbers
Anyonewholongsforthe“goodolddays”probablydoesn’townasmallbusiness.Giventhevarietyofpowerful,easy-to-useaccountingsoftwareproductsavailabletoday,it’sdifficulttoimaginewantingtokeeprecordsandpreparefinancialstatementsbyhand.
Butwhiletechnologyhaseliminatedtheneedforstubbypencilsandgreeneyeshades,it’sstilluptosmallbusinessownerstounderstandandanalyzethemeaningoftheirfinancialsinordertomakewisedecisions.
Whilethere’snohard-and-fastruleforreviewingfinancialdata,mostexpertsrecommendaminimumofmonthlyorquarterlyevaluations.Otherwise,bythetimeyoufindaseriousproblem,itcouldbetoolatetotakecorrectiveaction.
Cashflowisakeyindicatortowatch.Thisistherevenuecomingintoyourbusinessbalancedagainstexpensessuch
asrent,payroll,supplies,etc.Projectingcashflowintothefuturewillhelpalertyoutopotentialbottlenecksinmeetingpaymentobligations,andwhetherornotyouneedtomakechangesinyourcollectionstrategyoroperatingbudget.
Severalfinancialratioscanalsohelpasmallbusinessownergaugeacompany’shealthandprogress.Becausetheseratiosfluctuateovertime,trackingthemwillhelpyoubetterspottrendsthatcouldevolveintoopportunitiesorproblems.
Liquidityratiosmeasurethefirm’sabilitytomeetshort-termcommitmentsfromitsliquidassets.Thecurrentratio(currentassets/currentliabilities)isasimplemeasureofafirm’sabilitytomeetshort-termobligations.Similarly,thequickratio(currentassets-inventory/currentliabilities)measuresthefirm’sabilitytomeetshort-termobligationsfromitsmostliquidassets.Theidealaverageforboth
variesfromoneindustrytoanother.Leverageratiosindicatethecompany’s
abilitytomeetbothlong-andshort-termobligations,makingthemparticularlyimportanttobankersandinvestors.Themostfrequentlyusedindicatoristhedebtratio(totaldebt/totalassets).Generally,lenderswantthisratiotobeaslowaspossible.
Profitabilityratiosmeasurehowwellacompanyearnsanetreturnonsalesorinvestments.Grossprofit(grossprofits/netsales)measuresthemarginonsales–essentiallytheoveralleffectivenessofthebusiness.Netprofitability(netincome/netsales)showstheeffectivenessofmanagementincontrollingcosts.
Thenthereareactivityratios,whichshowhowwellacompanyusesitsassetstogeneratesales.Smallbusinessesthatmanufactureorsellproductsshouldmonitorinventoryturnover(costofgoods
sold/averageinventory),whilebusinessesofalltypesshouldwatchtheiraveragecollectionperiod(averageaccountsreceivable/averagecreditsalesperday)todetermineiftheyarebeingpaidpromptly.
TheMobileAreaChamberoffersworkshopsthroughouttheyeartohelpbusinessownersreadfinancialstatementsand,beyondthat,howtointerpretthedataforbettermanagementdecisions.
Need more help navigating your small business’s financial numbers? For a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, by calling 431-8614, or visiting online at www.score.org.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 21
TheWashingtonCountyEconomicDevelopmentInitiative(WCEDI)andtheMobileAreaChambernamedAustinMonkasthedirectorofeconomicdevelopment.Since2004,WCEDIandtheChamberhavepartneredinaregionaleffort,andlastyearthecityofJacksonjoinedthealliance.
Readytodiveintohisresponsibilities,Monkwascontactingsiteselectorsinindustryandretailassoonashewasofferedthejob,evenpriortohisactualstartdate.“Iwanttogetinvolvedinthiscommunity,lockarmsandcontinuetobuildeconomicdevelopmentactivitieswithourstakeholders,”hesaid.
AnativeofCullman,Ala.,northofBirmingham,MonkwasdrawntotheWashingtonCountyareabecauseitissimilartowherehe’sfromwithalargercitycloseby.
HeisarecentgraduateofAuburnUniversity,andthefirstcandidatetoachieveanacceleratedbachelor’s/master’s
degreeofferedtostudentsthatearnandmaintainacertaingradepointaverage.Theprogramhelpsstudentsearnamaster’sdegreequickerthanthetraditionalroute,allowingthemtocountapprovedcoursestowardstheirbachelor’sandmaster’sdegrees.
Monk’seducationincludesamaster’sandbachelor’sdegree
inpublicadministrationwithaminorineconomicandcommunitydevelopment;andanassociate’sdegreefromWallaceStateCommunityCollege.
RecentlyheworkedwiththeEconomic&CommunityDevelopmentInstituteatAuburnUniversityandAlabamaCooperativeExtensionSystem.
ChatomMayorHaroldCrouch,wholeadstheWCEDI,said:“Austin’sgreatworkethicandyouthfulenthusiasmwillbenefitusgreatly.He’swillingtogoanywhereanddoanything.Idon’tfeellikewecouldhave
Washington County Economic Developer hired
Monk
madeabetterchoice.”JacksonMayorRichardLongsaidhe
is“excitedthatAustinMonkhasacceptedthisimportantpositionthatsupportstheeconomicprogramsofWashingtonCountyandtheCityofJackson.Austin’seducationandexperiencewillbeatremendousassettothemembersofourpartnership.”
TroyWayman,theMobileAreaChamber’svicepresidentofeconomicdevelopment,said,“Austin’senthusiasmandexcellentworkethiccombinedwithhiseducationwillbeanenormousassetfortheongoingeconomicdevelopmenteffortsoftheWashingtonCountyEconomicDevelopmentInitiative.
Hehasaremarkabletalentfornetworkingandvaluableexperiencewitheconomicdevelopmentrelatedgrantwork.”
Inhisrole,Monkwillworktorecruitnewindustry,assistexistingindustrieswithexpansionsandmanageprogramsandactivitiesaimedatenhancingthearea’smarketability,includingworkforcedevelopment,infrastructureandindustrialparks.
MonkreplacesJesseQuillen,whoisnowdirectorofeconomicdevelopmentatthe,ColumbiaCountyFloridaBoardofCommissionersinLakeCity,Fla.
“Austin’s great work ethic and youthful
enthusiasm will benefit us greatly. He’s willing to go anywhere and do
anything. I don’t feel like we could have made a
better choice.”
harold CrouchMayor of Chatomand leader of the
Wasington County Economic Development Initiative
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22 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
investor focus
Company officials:JulieMintoandMelissaMorrissette,ownersandofficers
Years in business: 26
Brief company description: LLB&BInc.RealEstateisafull-servicerealestatecompanyspecializinginlistingandsellingproperty,alongwithpropertymanagement,inMobileandBaldwincounties.
Why are you located in Mobile?ThecompanywasoriginallyfoundedinMobilein1986asLane,Lyons,BurtonandBullockRealEstate.MintoandMorrissettepurchasedthecompanyin2003andbegandoingbusinessasLLB&B.AsalocallyownedresidentialrealestateagencyinMobile,thecompanyhelpscustomersfindhomesofallsizesandalltypes.
Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “TheMobileAreaChamberisthedrivingforceforeconomicdevelopmentforourgeography,”saidMorrissette.“LLB&BstronglyendorsestheChamber’sefforttobringnewbusinessestoMobileandtosupportexistingbusinesses.Webelieveathrivingeconomyleadstoastrongcommunity.LLB&BhasconfidenceinPartnersforGrowthasanimpetustogrowMobiletoitsfullpotential.”
What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential?“Mobilehassomanyattributes,fromthesheernaturalbeautyoftheareatothemanylocal,regionalandinternationalbusinesseslocatedinMobile,totheexceptionalpeople
whoresidehere,tothequalityoflifethatonefinds,totheproximitytothewater,andtoaclimatethatallowsustobeoutandenjoyingeverythingthatourlocationhastooffer,”saidMorrissette.“Mobileisagreatplacetolive.Mobileispoisedtoleverageallofthesequalitiestocontinuetogrowandprosper.LLB&BRealEstatelooksforwardtobeingtherewithMobileasitcontinuestogrowandplansonmeetingthefuturerealestateneedsofthiscommunity.”
Length of continuous Chamber membership:26years
LLB&B Inc. Real Estate
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].
Front row (from left to right) Lee Holman, Julie Minto, Ruth Austill and Allison Huddle; second row (from left to right) Perrye Lewis and Skeeter Diehl;third row (from left to right) Kim Brennan, Abby McCall, Kathy Webster, Shirley Lane and Melissa Morrissette; fourth row (from left to right) Louise Houston, Robbie Lynn Irvine, Libba Latham, Kathy Sherer, Stella Jackson, Ashley Garstecki and Margaret Sue Browning.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 23
Company: DauphinIslandSeaLab(DISL)
Title: Executivedirector
hometown:Burlington,N.C.
Education:Valentinereceivedabachelor’sdegreeinbiologyfromtheUniversityofTexasatDallasandadoctorateinmarinebenthicecologyfromTheUniversityofAlabama
First job: ValentineworkedforEcologicalSer-vices,asubdivisionofTexasInstrumentsinDallas,conductingenvironmentalimpactassessmentsatnuclearpowerplantsthroughoutthecountry.Duringthattime,hewasinvolvedincontinentalshelfchar-acterizationsfortheBureauofLandManagement.
Previous experience:AsaUniversityofSouthAlabamamarinesciencesprofessor,heservedasassociatedirectorforuniversityprogramsatDISL.
Accomplishments:ValentinewasinstrumentalinpreparingMobileBay’snominationtotheNationalEstuaryProgramandhasledtheworkontheroleoftheMobile-TensawDeltaasitrelatestothebayandtheGulfofMexico.Mostrecently,hemanagedthedistributionofthe$5milliongrantfromBPtotheconsortiumforrapidresponseexaminationofimpactsfromtheDeepwaterHorizonoilspill.Hehasauthoredmorethan50paperspublishedinmarinejournals.
Secret to success:“Persistence,constantre-evaluationofmywork,andcontinuingtostudynewdevelopmentsandinnovationswithinmyfield,”hesaid.“And,perhapsmostimportantly,listening.”
Brief company description: Foundedin1971bythestateLegislature,DISLisAlabama’smarinescienceeducationandresearchlaboratory,withprogramsrangingfrombiogeochemistryandoceanographytosystemsecology.DISLprimarilyservesthe22four-yearcollegesanduniversitiesofAlabamathroughitscollegesummercoursesandgraduateprograms.ItseducationalmissionalsoincludesDiscoveryHallprograms,encompassingK-12fieldprograms,teacher-trainingandpublicoutreach,aswellastheEstuarium,itspublicaquarium,focusingontheMobile-Tensawestuarysystem.
Dr. John ValentineCEO profile
24 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
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Impact Alabama Meets in MobileCommittee Learns About AIDT
TheMobileAreaChamber’sBusinessRetentionandExpansion(BRE)committee,chairedbyJoeRellawithAustal,setitsgoalsoftargetingissuesandcurrentchallengesaffectingthemanufacturingindustrysector.EdCastile,directorofAIDT,providedtheAprilcommitteemeetingattendeeswithinsightonAIDT’semployerworkforcerecruitment,screeningandtrainingservicesforestablishedcompanies.Morethan75ChambermemberbusinessesparticipateintheBREcommittee.
Chamber names new Ambassadors
RobHanner,EdwardJonesInvestments;LillianStanley,AdvantageStaffing;andAllieTucker,MaryKayCosmetics,werenamednewChamberambassadors.AmbassadorsareagroupofvolunteermemberswhoassisttheChamberwithavarietyofprojects,includingeventregistrationandmembervisits,andattendribboncuttings.Tolearnmoreaboutthisgroup,[email protected].
TheChamberhostedImpactAlabamainMobileMay10-11.TheprogramincludedaPortofAlabamatouranddiscussiononthepositiveimpactoftradeonAlabama.ImpactAlabamaisaprogramintendedtogiveAlabama’seconomicdevelopmentleadershipaforumforproductiveandfocuseddialogueonkeyissuesaffectingthestate’seconomicgrowth.Picturedbackrow(fromlefttoright):WinHallett,MobileAreaChamber;SteveSewell,EconomicDevelopmentPartnershipofAlabama;ChipCherry,Huntsville/MadisonCountyChamber;HildaLockhart,AlabamaDept.ofCommerce;BillTaylor,EconomicDevelopmentPartnershipofAlabama;MikeLee,Page&Jones;WarrenMcCullars,AlabamaGasCorp.;TateGodfrey,NorthAlabamaIndustrialDevelopmentAssn.Frontrow(fromlefttoright):BrianHilson,BirminghamBusinessAlliance;GregBarker,AlabamaPower;Dr.JoeSumners,AuburnUniversity;DonHopper,CalhounCountyEconomicDevelopmentCouncil;HoraceHorn,PowerSouthEnergyCooperative;GregCanfield,AlabamaDepartmentofCommerce;andSethHammett,PowerSouth.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 25
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
Chamber hosts Delegation from honduras
TheChamber’stradedivisionco-sponsoredacommunitybusinesslunchwiththeAlabamaStatePortAuthorityforaHondurandelegationvisitingMobilewiththeU.S.DepartmentofCommerceInternationalTradeAdministration.Honduranmid-levelgovernmentandprivatebusinessexecutivesmetwithlocalport,tradeandprivatecompanyrepresentativesabouttradeopportunities.
OffshoreAlabama.com Presents at Offshore Technology Conference
InApril,theChamber’soilandgasinitiative,OffshoreAlabama.com,co-exhibitedinaboothwithApexFCC,GulfCoastAir&Hydraulics,HorizonShipbuildingandPage&JonesattheOffshoreTechnologyConference(OTC)inHouston.Thisyear’sconferencewasthelargestinOTChistory,withmorethan70,000attendees.Asoffshoredrillingcontinuestoexpand,interestremainshighintheGulfCoastregion.ExhibitinggavetheChamberandOffshoreAlabama.compartnersanopportunitytonetwork,promotetheMobilearea’scapabilitiesandlearnaboutnewindustrytechnologies.
Chamber@work
ChamberChase,theMobileAreaChamber’sannualtotalresourcedevelopmentcampaign,kickedoffinMaywithavolunteerbreakfast.Duringtheevent,boardmembersandpastChamberChasechairsencouragedandchallengedvolunteerstohelpreachthe$1.5milliongoal.Recognizedastopvolunteersatthebreakfastwere(fromlefttoright)DawnBush,AlabamaPower;TerriOwler,Arkema;HarrisOswalt,MobileGas;TrishBanker,RegionsBank(retired);MarkSpivey,RegionsBank;LindaFaulkner,EvonikDegussa;andKayWilliams,BlueCrossandBlueShieldofAlabama.
Promoting Oil and Gas Exploration
SteveRussell,theChamber’sdirectorofbusinessretentionandexpansion,madeapresentationtotheBureauofOceanEnergyManagementatahearingheldinAprilinSpanishFort.SpeakingonbehalfoftheChamber’soilandgasinitiative,OffshoreAlabama.com,RusselladvocatedforopeningupnewareasforexplorationintheeasternGulfofMexicotoboosteconomicgrowthandsustaintheMobileeconomy.
Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings
PapaJohn’sSchillingerRoad,WellNowInc.,QualityFilters,ToniRialsPhotography,MobileHearingCenterandAnimalRescueFoundationrecentlyheldgrandopeningsandribboncuttings.Ifyourbusinessisamemberandyouwouldlikeassistancewithplanningagrandopeningorribbon-cuttingevent,[email protected].
26 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
Board of AdvisorsRichard T.
McCrearyisvicepresidentandgeneralmanagerofBAESystemsSoutheastShipyards.Hehasworkedforthecompanysinceearly2011.Previously,hewaspresidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofMarinetteMarineCorp.inMarinette,Wis.,wherehewasactivelyengagedinthesaleofthecompany.Priortothat,hewasexecutivevicepresidentofVTHalterMarineinPascagoula,Miss.AspresidentofHalterMarine,hehelpedwiththesaleofthefirmtoVTSystemsin2002.McCrearyearnedamaster’sdegreeinbusinessadministrationfromtheUniversityofChicagoandabachelor’sdegreeinnavalarchitectureandmarineengineeringfromtheUniversityofMichigan.HeisamemberofseveralmarineorganizationsincludingtheNavyLeague,SocietyofNavalEngineers,theAmericanBureauofShippingandtheUnitedStatesCoastGuardFoundation.
David F. SweetisregionalvicepresidentofFreseniusMedicalCare,amajorproviderofkidneydialysisservicesandrenalcareproducts.Heearnedbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinnursingfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabamaandholdscertificationinwoundostomyandcontinencenurseeducationfromEmoryUniversity.TheUniversityofSouthAlabamarecognizedhimwiththeNursingLeadershipAward.SweetalsoservedintheU.S.Navyasamechanicaloperatoraboardanuclearsubmarine,whereheearnedeightlettersofcommendation.Hehasworkedinthemedicalfieldsince1993,leadingorganizationsinvolvedinhome-healthcareandhospice.HeisamemberoftheAlabamaKidneyFoundationBoardandisanactivealumnusandsupporteroftheUniversityofSouthAlabama.
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
FormoreinformationabouttheChamber’sboardofadvisors,[email protected].
Ambassador of the Month
Trish Banker
Banker
Phot
o by
Jeff
Tesn
ey P
hoto
grap
hy
TrishBankerrefusestoslowdown.“Ilovebeingavolunteer.Itkeepsmeactiveandintouchwiththecommunity,”saidBanker,theChamber’sAmbassadoroftheMonth.AretiredRegionsBankvicepresident,BankeralsocontinuestosupporttheChamberactivelythroughChamberChase,theorganization’sannualtotalresourceandmembershipdrivecampaign,andtheChairman’sCircle.Sheisa24-yearveteranoftheambassadorprogram(formerlyknownasdiplomats),andwasnamedDiplomatoftheYearin1994.
Chamber@work
McCreary Sweet
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 27
Agent since 1993
FLATBED • HEAVY HAULING • BOAT HAULING • CONTAINER HAULING
Specializing in Tanks, Pipes, Heavy Equipment and Machinery,
and Over-Dimensional Boats
Serving 48 States and Canada.
Call anytime!If you’re working, so are we.
7040 McDonald Road Irvington, AL 36544 Phone: 800-242-9212 or 251-653-7348 Fax: 251-653-1199 E-Mail: [email protected] www.wonderlandexpressinc.com
HEAVY HAULING
Business Spotlight of the Month: neal’s Electronics
Operatingformorethan23years,Neal’sElectronicsspecializesintelevisionandhometheaterandDirecTVcustominstallationsandprewiresfornewconstruction.ThestoreoffersSony,SamsungandMitsubishiproductsatitstwolocations,8125JimMcNeilLoopRd.E.inGrandBayand907-JHillcrestRd.inMobile.
PicturedisownerNealBailey(backrow,center)withhisfamily,fromlefttoright,daughterCynthiaBailey,wifeVirginiaBaileyandsonJeffBaileyinfrontoftheirfamily-ownedelectronicsalesandservicebusiness.
The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected at random from a business card drawing at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event.
Chamber@work
TheU.S.ChamberofCommerce’s“SpiritofEnterprise”awardisgivenannuallytomembersofCongressforkeyfloorvotesestablishedasprioritiesbytheChamber.SenatorsandHousememberswhosupporttheChamber’spro-businesspositionsonatleast70percentofdesignatedvotesreceivetheaward.TheawardsignifiestheChamber’sappreciationofthosemembersasstrongsupportersoffreeenterpriseinAmerica.Sen.JeffSessionswaspresentedwitha2011“SpiritofEnterprise”attheMobileChamber’sForumAlabamabreakfastonApril30,basedonhisvotesduringthefirstsessionofthe112thCongress.Picturedattheeventare(lefttoright)NancyWallHewston,BusinessCouncilofAlabama;MooreHallmark,southeasternregionaldirector,U.S.Chamber;Sen.Sessions;BobChappelle,executivevice-president,MobileAreaChamber,andGinnyRussell,vice-presidentofgovernmentalaffairs,MobileAreaChamber.Thisisthe22ndyeartheU.S.ChamberhasformallyhonoredtheaccomplishmentsofthisselectgroupofmembersofCongress.Forthe2011Congressionalcalendar,bothofAlabama’ssenatorsreceivedtheawardaswellasU.S.Rep.JoBonner.
TheChamber’sOilandGasTaskForcepresentedtwoscholarshipstoMitchellCollegeofBusinessstudentsforresearchingandpreparingthetaskforce’scommunicationandmarketingplan.UniversityofSouthAlabamastudentsreceivingscholarshipsareRonnieBlueandMelanieLorenz.RepresentingtheOilandGasTaskForceareTomDamsonwithLong’sHumanResourceServicesandSteveRussellwiththeMobileAreaChamber.
28 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
Comparative
Economic IndicatorsThe Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.
April 2012 vs April 2011
EmployedMobile/Baldwin counties
252,1892012
247,0772011
Unemployment Rates
7.1%2012
9.5%2011
24,9502012
23,8692011
Air Passengers From Mobile Area
$127,0432012
$130,8302011
Average Selling Price Mobile County
homes Sold⌦Mobile County
2982012
29220112372012
2132011
Building PermitsCity of Mobile
Business LicensesCity of Mobile
2042012
2232011
Value of Building Permits
$10,485,7212012
$12,564,4142011
Infirmary Health
Great Expectations
Infirmary Health hosts Great Expectations, a free mother-to-be event in both Mobile and Baldwin counties. For more information, call 251-435-3500.
a free mother-to-be event
www.infirmaryhealth.org/womensbest
Sunday, July 15Thomas Hospital • Lobby
1-4 p.m.
Sunday, July 29Mobile Infirmary • Atrium
1-4 p.m.
• Door prizes• Physician and educational booths• Retail displays
• Maternity fashions • Birth center tours• Car seat installations (Mobile Infirmary event)
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 29
Expect a more personal connection.At Regions, we’re committed to getting to know you and providing the practical fi nancial solutions you and your business need to thrive. Whether you’re opening your fi rst business checking account or planning for long-term fi nancing, our banking experts are dedicated to understanding your goals and concerns and developing a plan that meets your needs. Here in Mobile, John Thornley exemplifi es that dedication. Since 1973, he has been committed to serving his Regions customers and his community. As Senior Vice President for Business Banking, John puts his years of leadership experience and understanding of the business community to work for you every day. Call John or his business banking team at 251-694-1475 or stop by today to discover everything we have to offer. We’re not just bankers, we’re trusted friends.
Consumer | Business | Commercial | Wealth Management | Mortgage
© 2012 Regions Bank. All Regions accounts are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Regions Deposit Agreement. Fees may apply. All loans and lines subject to credit approval.
Vist a branch, call 1.800.regions or go to regions.com today.
John Thornley
REL-AL-P121221 JohnThornley.indd 1 4/23/12 4:46 PM
Plan Your Way to a
With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cargo Van. This Sprinter has over 6 ½’ of standing head room, and can carry over 5,300 pounds of cargo.
We welcome all customers to our new state of the art dealership for your sales, service and parts needs. Nothing but the best - Mercedes-Benz of Mobile.
SALES · SERVICE · PARTS
Smarter Business
2012 Sprinter 3500 Cargo Van
30 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
July Calendar of Events
4
For information on Chamber events, visit events.mobilechamber.com.
10 A Beginner’s Guide to Exporting
Internationaltradeisincreasinglyimportantintoday’seconomicmarket,andMobileisaprimelocationformajorexportsoutoftheever-expandingPortofMobile.Learnhowyourbusinesscangetinontheactionwith“ABeginner’sGuidetoExporting”onTuesday,July10,from8to11a.m.attheMobileAreaChamber,451GovernmentSt.Topicswillincludelogistics,internationalbanking,globalwebsitesandgovernmentassistance.
Thereisnocosttoattend,butreservationsarerequiredandcanbemadebycontactingBrendaRembertat431-6807orbrembert@mobilechamber.com.
Chamber Closed - Independence Day 11 networking@noon
*Members Only
Make40-plusbusinesscontactsin90minutesatNetworking@NoononWednesday,July11,atSpotofTea,310DauphinSt.,fromnoonto1:30p.m.SponsoredbyC-Spire,thisbi-monthlyeventisforMobileAreaChambermembersandlimitedtoonerepresentativepercompany.
Thecostis$10andincludeslunch.ReservationsarerequirednolaterthanJuly9,andcanbemadebycontactingDawnRencherat431-8649ordrencher@mobilechamber.com.ReservationsnotcancelledbyJuly9mustbehonoredtocoverthecostoflunch.
17 Executive Roundtable*Members Only
MobileCountyCommissionPresidentConnieHudsonwilloutlinecountydevelopmentsatthismonth’sExecutiveRoundtable,amonthlyforumexclusivelyforChambermembersmallbusinessownersandmanagers.ThegroupwillmeetTuesday,July17,from8to9a.m.intheMobileAreaChamber’sBoardRoom.
Thereisnochargetoattend,butseatingislimited.ForreservationscontactBrendaRembertat431-8607orbrembert@mobilechamber.com.
19 Business After hours/ Contacts and Contracts
CombiningwiththeChamber’sContactsandContractsevent,thismonth’sBusinessAfterHoursprovidesanevengreateropportunitytointroduceyourcompanyandmakenewcontactswhilenetworkingwithothersmallandminoritybusinessownersandentrepreneurs.MarkyourcalendarforThursday,July19,from5:30to7p.m.atBlueRents,1601E.I-65ServiceRd.S.Thecosttoattendis$5formembersand$10forpotentialmembers.Reservationsarenotneeded.
27TheMobileAreaChamberisacceptingapplicationsforitsAnnualEagleAwards
andMinorityBusinessAdvocate(MBA)AwardthroughFriday,July27.Eligibilityinformationandtheapplicationcanbefoundonthechamber’swebsite,www.mobilechamber.com/awards.aspandmaybesubmittedonlineoryoumaycall431-8607foranapplicationformandreturnittothechamber’sSmallBusinessDevelopmentdepartment.
TheawardswillbepresentedattheMinorityBusinessWeekLuncheonandAwardsCeremonyheldOctober18,2012.
Eagle Award Application Deadline
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 31
ProvidenceHospitalnamedWilliamMitchellenvironmentalservicesdirectorandBobThompsonfacilitiesmanagementdirector.MitchellpreviouslyservedinenvironmentalservicesleadershipatEastCooperMedicalCenterinMountPleasant,S.C.,andattheUniversityofMississippiMedicalCenterinJackson.Thompsonbrings25yearsofexperienceinfacilitiesleadershiptohisnewposition.HepreviouslyservedasdirectorofengineeringservicesatCommunityHospitalofMontereyPeninsulainMonterey,Calif.,andsupervisedfacilitiesandplantoperationsatSt.John’sRegionalHospitalinSpringfield,Mo.
XTheUniversityofSouthAlabama
College(USA)ofMedicineappointedDr.DavidGremseprofessorandchairofpediatrics.Hereceivedabachelor’sdegree
inchemicalengineeringfromtheGeorgiaInstituteofTechnologyandearnedamedicaldegreefromtheUSACollegeofMedicine.Hewasthefirstboard-
certifiedpediatricgastroenterologistinMobileandisthefirstUSACollegeofMedicinealumnustobeappointedchairofanacademicdepartmentatthemedicalschool.
Inothernews,Dr.MikeLinwasappointedassistantprofessorinthedepartmentofphysiologyattheUSACollegeofMedicine.Linearnedamaster’sofscienceandadoctorateinphysiologyfromLomaLindaUniversityinLomaLinda,Calif.
XMonaCooper
joinedPrudentialCooper&Co.asanassociateinitsmainoffice.
Dr.StephanieD.GroszjoinedCitrin,Rihner&GuptaCardiologyPC.Groszisaboard-certifiedelectrophysiologistandclinicalcardiologistwithmorethan16yearsofexperiencetreatingpatientswithheartrhythmdisturbances.SheearnedamedicaldegreefromBaylorCollegeofMedicineinHoustonandabachelor’sdegreeinpublicpolicyfromDukeUniversity.
XWilliamBender
joinedthePrincipalFinancialGroupasafinancialrepresentativeassistingbusinessesandindividualswithinvestments,retirementandinsurance.BendergraduatedfromTheUniversityofAlabamawithabachelor’sdegreeinpoliticalscience.
Member NewsWho’s New
Grosz
Hilperts Massey
Bender
SpringHillCollegenamedJeffreyA.HilpertsasvicepresidentforadvancementandMargaretG.Masseyaschiefinformationofficer.Hilpertshasabachelor’sdegreeinpsychologyfromSpringHillCollegeandamaster’sdegreeinhumanservicesmanagementfromFranklinUniversity.Masseyearnedabachelor’sdegreeineconomicsfromAuburnUniversity,amaster’sdegreeininternationalbusinessandhighereducationleadershipfromFloridaInternationalUniversity,andadoctorateinsocialworkfromNorfolkStateUniversity.
XColdwellBanker
United,REALTORSwelcomedagentLisaMcLeodtotheMobileoffice.
McLeod
Mitchell Thompson Gremse
Cooper
Lin
32 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
AnnSirmonwasnameddevelopmentdirectorforDistinguishedYoungWomen.SirmonpreviouslywasownerofPAFManagement,wheresheassistedcorporationsandnonprofitorganizationswitheventandconferencemanagement.SheisaformerpresidentoftheJuniorLeagueofMobileandagraduateofLeadershipMobile.
SunriseDermatology’sMedSpaisopenat70MidtownParkE.inMobile.Thephonenumberis289-1786.
XJMFSolutions,aleadingfixedwireless
providerformorethan2,400locationsnationwide,upgradedandexpandeditsWaveFlyfixedwirelesstechnologyintheDaphne,downtownMobileandwestMobilelocationstosupportthegrowingresidentialandbusinessdemandsforInternetaccess.Formoreinformation,visitwww.wavefly.comorcall877-WAVEFLY.
XValorSteelBuildingsacquiredAce
Construction&SteelBuildingsofDaphne
CartridgeWorldofMobile,aninkandtonerretailer,addedprinterstoitseco-friendlyproductlineofinkandtonerprintercartridges.
HarriettaEaton,chiefexecutiveofficerofCorroMetrics,waselectedtoserveasvice-chairofpublicaffairsfortheNationalAssociationofCorrosionEngineers(NACE).Eatonearnedabachelor’sdegreeinmasscommunicationsfromtheUniversityofMontevalloandamaster’sdegreeinpublicadministrationfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabama.SheiscurrentlythechairofNACE’sMobileSectionandtheonlyAlabamianservingonthecommittee.
XJohnG.Walton,president/ownerof
JohnG.WaltonConstructionCo.Inc.,wasnamedtheAlabamaAssociatedGeneralContractors(ACG)2012president.MikeTew,president/ownerofS.J.&L.Inc.inMobile,waselectedvicepresident.
Inaddition,AlabamaAGC’sMobileSectionrecognizedthefollowingChambermembersformaintaininganexcellentsafety
WilkinsMillerHieronymusLLCaccountingandadvisoryfirmhiredMichaelBensonCPAtothefirm’sMobileofficeasanaccountantwithaconcentration
inauditandtax.BensongraduatedfromTheUniversityofAlabamawithabachelor’sdegreeincommerceandbusinessadministrationwithamajorinaccountingandamaster’sdegreeintaxaccounting.
XPhilSavage,a
MobilenativeandtheformergeneralmanageroftheClevelandBrowns,wasnamedexecutivedirectoroftheSeniorBowl.Heisalso
currentlyananalystforTheUniversityofAlabamafootballbroadcastsontheCrimsonTideSportsNetwork,arolethathewillcontinuetohold.SavageattendedtheUniversityoftheSouthinSewanee,Tenn.,andearnedamaster’sdegreeinphysicaleducationfromTheUniversityofAlabama.
Business Endeavors
Well Done
recordthroughout2011inthebuildingdivision:White-SpunnerConstructionInc.;BenM.RadcliffContractorInc.;J.C.Duke&AssociatesInc.;CaseConstructionCo.;J.F.Pate&AssociatesContractorsInc.;andS.J.&L.Inc.
XAssociatedBuilders&Contractors
(ABC)recentlyannouncedMobile-basedWhite-SpunnerConstructionInc.receivedaGoldLevelSTEP(SafetyTrainingandEvaluationProcess)awardforexcellenceinsafetypractice.ABCestablishedtheSTEPprogramtorecognizememberswhoconsistentlyexcelinthefieldofsafety.
XVIPNailsandSpawasfeaturedinthe
MayissueofU.S. Nails Magazineforthe“BlueMinx”naildesignbyHanhLisaNguyen.
XThe$300millionAPMTerminal
(MobileContainerTerminals)wasrecentlyinductedintothe2012AlabamaEngineeringHallofFame.Thestate-of-the-art,deepwatermarineterminalofferscontainerizedcargoshippersacost-effectivealternativetoaccessingglobalnetworkscoveringallpossibletraderoutestoandfromtheport.
Eaton
EVERY GREAT BUSINESS NEEDS A GREAT BANK. COMMUNITY BANK IS HERE TO BE YOUR PARTNER IN BUSINESS.
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This account and our complete collection of services are all part of our pledge to you that
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*Bill pay fees are $2.95 per month with 30¢ per transaction. Cash management is available online for $9.95 per month. **Subject to approval.
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Sirmon
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 33
RedSquareAgencywasselectedasa2012WebbyAwardhonoreeforitsmobilewebsitedesignworkonbehalfofitsclient,FullSailUniversityofOrlando,Fla.,intheMobileWeb:EducationandReferencecategory.TheWebbyAwardshonorexcellenceontheInternet.
XTwoattorneysatJonesWalkerMobile
officewerelistedinthe2012editionofAlabama Super Lawyers.TheyareKennethS.SteelyandJasonR.(“Jay”)Watkins.
X DeanN.Parker
Jr.,founderandchiefexecutiveofficerofCallisCommunications,wasselectedasafinalistfortheErnst&YoungEntrepreneuroftheYearAward2012,Alabama/Georgia/Tennesseeregion.Theawardrecognizesoutstandingentrepreneurswhohavedemonstratedexcellenceandextraordinarysuccessinareassuchasinnovation,financialperformanceandpersonalcommitmenttotheirbusinessesandcommunities.
ColdwellBankerUnited,REALTORShonoredthecompany’stopproducingagentsatits2012AnnualAwardsCelebration.Topproducersin2011wereNickieOlson,BarbaraFrazier,AngelaPerry,BarbaraRogersandAngelaGolfosoftheDaphneofficeandKylaGastonoftheMobileoffice.ColdwellBankerNationalDesignationrecipientswereAngelaGolfosandEvaKlemannoftheDaphneoffice.KylaGastonandRamehDickensofMobilewerenamedtotheSocietyInternationalSterling,ortop20percentofColdwellBankersalesassociatesworldwide.RecognizedintheTop15percentofallColdwellBankersalesassociatesworldwideandnamedtotheInternationalDiamondSocietywereNickieOlsonandBarbaraRogersoftheDaphneoffice.
XPublicRelations
CouncilofAlabama(PRCA)awardedDr.ShareeBroussardAPR,assistantprofessorofcommunicationartsatSpringHillCollege,thePhilipR.
ForrestProfessionalAchievementAwardatitsannualstateconferenceearlierthisyear.TheawardisthehighesthonorbestowedbyPRCAtoanoutstandingsinglepractitionerinthefieldofpublicrelations.
Perry Rogers
Olson Frazier
Gaston
Golfos Klemann
SpringdaleTravelcounselorsDebraSmithandMartyHarriswererecognizedbyAmericanExpressTravel.SmithwasnamedanAmericanExpressTravelInsiderforStudentGroupTravel.ShehasmorethansevenyearsofexperiencewithSpringdaleTravelleadingthestudentgroupsdepartment,inadditiontomorethan25yearsofteachingexperiencewithMobileCountyPublicSchoolSystem.HarriswasnamedanAmericanExpressTravelInsiderforCruiseGroups.Hehasbeenactiveinthetravelcommunityformorethan17years.
XSandyStimpson,chieffinancial
officerofScotchGulfLumberandformerChairmanoftheBusinessCouncilofAlabama,waselectedtoserveasthechairmanofAlabamaPolicyInstitute’s(API)boardofdirectors.
XBillTrufant,presidentofB&BPet
Stop,Inc.waselectedtoserveontheWorldPetAssociationboardofdirectors
Smith Harris
Dickens
Parker
Broussard
PartnersforEnvironmentalProgress(PEP)awardedits2012PEPCommunityPartnerAwardtoProjectCATE(ConservativeActionthroughEducation)Foundationinrecognitionofits20plusyearsofprovidingaward-winningenvironmentalconservationeducationalmaterials.
PEPalsoawardeditseighthannualPEPEnvironmentalStewardshipawardstosixmembercompaniesandacommunitypartneratitsannualmembershipmeeting.ChambermembercompaniesareAlabamaPower,PlantBarry,BASF,HargroveEngineers+Constructors,SSAB,VolkertInc.andWhite-SpunnerConstruction.
XTheUniversityofSouthAlabama
studenthealthcenterwasrecentlygranteda3-yearaccreditationbytheAccreditationAssociationforAmbulatoryHealthCare(AAAHC).ThestudenthealthcenteristheonlyAAAHC-accreditedcenterinSouthernAlabamaandoneofonlytwoinAlabama.
MobileBayConventionandVisitorsBureauannouncedthelocaltourismandhospitalityindustryhelpedemploy15,000peopleandhost2.4millionvisitors,accordingtothelateststatisticsavailable.
34 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW
Burr&FormanLLPannounced44attorneysinthefirm’sAlabamaofficesareincludedonthisyear’sAlabamaSuperLawyerslist,withtwoattorneysinthestate’sTop50SuperLawyerslistandtwoattorneysinthestate’sTop25WomenSuperLawyerslist.Anadditional25attorneyswererecognizedontheAlabamaRisingStars2012list,bringingthetotalnumberofBurr&FormanattorneysrecognizedinAlabamato69.
XTwoMaslandContract/Masland
Carpetdesigns,EmblemandTorqueModular,wererecognizedattheAntronDesignAwardsfortheirinnovativedesignandversatility.
XVERGE,afull-serviceadvertisingand
marketingboutiquewonawardsfromtheAmericanAdvertisingFederation(AAF)andPublicRelationsCouncilofAlabama(PRCA).ThefirmreceivedaGoldADDYfromAAFMobileBayforthelogocreatedforCadence120BicyclesandtwoawardsfromPRCA,aMedallionAwardforUSAMitchellCancerInstitute’sCelebrateHopeandreceivedanAwardofMeritforCompassionateHeartsforIchihara.
Inaddition,LauraBurton,principalatVERGE,wasawardedtheHarryHoileFormerGovernor’sAward,fromAAF.
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
Community News
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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Inaddition,travel-relatedspendingtotaled$850million,andlodgingtaxescollectedgarnered$3millionforthecityofMobileand$1.8millionforMobileCounty.
XAirbusCorporateFoundationgave
theGulfCoastExploreumScienceCenterasecond$50,000granttoexpanditsfirst-yearyouthmentoringandaeronauticspilotprogramdesignedtoinspiredisadvantagedchildrenandyoungadultsthroughaviation.
XAccordingtoUnitedWayofSouthwest
Alabama,morethan400volunteersfromareabusinessesandorganizationsgaveanestimated3,500hourstothecommunitiesofMobile,WashingtonandClarkecountiesduringitsannualDayofCaring.
XMobileUnitedreceiveda$15,000
socialimpactinitiativegrantfromTheCommunityFoundationofSouthAlabamafor“MobileinBlack&White:RaceRelationsinthe21stCentury,”aprogramdesignedtoaddressissuesofstructuralandinstitutionalracismthroughaseriesofconversationsandmeetings.
ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 35
Advanced DisposalRadleyDetamore6225RangelineRd.Theodore,AL36582251-443-8555www.advanceddisposal.comWaste Management
Alabama Central Credit UnionKyleMcAdams797DowntownerBlvd.Mobile,AL36609251-343-1692www.alabamacentral.orgCredit Unions
Alebamon Marine Services LLCAdamHargrove1901AlabamaStateDocksBlvd.,Bldg50,Ste.105Mobile,AL36652251-442-6405Marine Services
AM LaundromatAlBoice235CenterChurchRd.GroveCity,PA16127724-372-3987Laundry-Commercial
Barton & Shumer Engineering LLCRussellS.BartonPE6304PiccadillySq.Dr.,Ste.3Mobile,AL36609251-219-4942www.bartoneng.comEngineers-Professional-Structure
WFBD-DT48 Blab TVHaroldMcGahaP.O.Box12836Pensacola,FL32591850-432-8982www.blabtv.comTelevision Programs Producers
Courtyard by MarriottShaneAldridge1000W.I-65ServiceRd.S.Mobile,AL36609251-344-5200www.marriott.com/mobayHotels
Dauphin Island Sea LabJohnValentine101BienvilleBlvdDauphinIsland,AL36528251-861-2141www.disl.orgEducational Programs
Deep Down Inc.NeilStuckey6065RangelineRd.,Ste.ATheodore,AL36582281-862-2201www.deepdowninc.comOil Field Service
Koby SubaruMonicaKoby1431E.I-65ServiceRd.S.Mobile,AL36606251-478-5000Automobile Dealers-New & Used Cars
Master Marine Inc.BrettS.Dungan14284ShellBeltRd.BayouLaBatre,AL36509251-824-4151www.mastermarineinc.comShip Builders
W.R. Mitchell Contractor Inc.GregHaggardP.O.Box180637Mobile,AL36618251-456-6576Utility Contractors
New MembersIf you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact Tricia Bradley at 431-8642 or Rebecca Milam at 431-8647.
View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.
AnniversariesMembers Are Our Greatest Asset!
Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.
30YEARSBrownellTravelGrandbridgeRealEstateCapitalLLC
25YEARSMBILLCSouthAlabamaUtilities
20YEARSAlabamaInstituteforDeaf&Blind
15YEARSMobileHousingBoard
10YEARSMiracleLandscapingandConstructionInc.StorageMax-UniversityStorageMax-Midtown
5YEARSTheAppraisal&ConsultantGroupFiltersforIndustryInc.GraybarHeffernan&AssociatesInc.Mosley’sMeatMarketInc.
PNCBankRemedialServicesInc.RockwellandKaufmanLLCRubber&SpecialtiesInc.SecurityEngineersInc.SlatonMoving&WarehouseTechnicalSpecialtiesInc.WilliamsScotsmanInc.
1-4YEARS360cleanAcademicsUnlimitedAerotekAmericanFamilyCare-SaralandBestRateInsuranceBetterHomes&GardensRealEstate/GenerationsBiehl&Co.LPBlastechMobileLLCBluegillRestaurantInc.Brasfield&GorrieLLCBriggsEquipmentCamelliaTrophyandSpecialtiesCommunityEnterpriseInvestmentsInc.CopyProductsCo.CummingsArchitectureCorp.DeLashmetandMarchandPCDuctDoctorofSouthAlabama
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
1 Source Power & Equipment LLCRussellP.Miles3240MoffettRd.Mobile,AL36607251-380-7800www.1sourcellc.comConstruction Equipment-Sales & Rentals
Progressive Business SolutionsRudolfoFrescas,MBA,ACHE5920GrelotRoad,SuiteGBMobile,AL36695228-235-1404Business Consultants
Shireman Building ContractorsMarkShireman21WilsonAve.Thomasville,AL36784812-968-0556www.jlshireman.comContractors-General
Southern Bullion Coin & JewelryTeresaBroach3698-BAirportBlvd.Mobile,AL36608251-287-6565www.sbcoin.comJewelry
State Farm-Mobile Agency Field OfficeScottCantrell1070DowntownerBlvd.Mobile,AL36609251-414-4584www.statefarm.comInsurance & Financial Services
Technical & Scientific ApplicationMaryTashman3821LornaRd.,Ste.100Hoover,AL35244205-421-4927www.tsa.comTechnology Business Solutions
TIGStephanieSmith1509GovernmentSt.,Ste.105Mobile,AL36602251-445-0665,Ext.204www.tig.comComputer-Networking
Town of Mt. VernonBonnieByrd1565BoylesAve.Mt.Vernon,AL36560251-829-6633www.mtvernonal.comGovernment Offices & Agencies
Tropical Smoothie CafeCrystalStaggers9DuRhuDr.,#100Mobile,AL36608251-378-5648www.tropicalsmoothie.com/al21Restaurants
United HealthCarePatriciaMayhall1110MontlimarDr.,Ste.250Mobile,AL36609251-461-5222www.uhc.comInsurance
As of 4/30/12
elgHANIELEmma’sHarvestHomeTheEzellHouseF&SEquipmentandSuppliesInc.FirehouseSubsFortisCollegeSchoolofCosmetologyGlusmanVisionCenterGriegStarShipping(USA)Inc.GulfCoastDermatology&SkinCareCentrePLLCHamptonInn&SuitesMobileDowntown/HistoricDistrictHamptonInn&SuitesOrangeBeachHiltonGardenInn-MobileWestHoffmanFurnitureCo.Inc.HomewoodSuitesbyHilton-MobileEastBayDaphneWm.F.Horne&Co.PLLCHowellandAssociatesInsuranceAgency/FarmersInsuranceiBERIABANKJJPRLittlerMendelsonPCMamun-REMAXPartnersManufacturer’sPackagingServicesMarspecTechnicalProducts
McPhersonOilCo.MobileBayCoinsNudraulixInc.P&GMachine&SupplyCo.Inc.PenAirFederalCreditUnionPhoenixRestorationServicesInc.PointLogisticsLLCRainmakerLLCRegentAerospaceRichardsonStevedoring&LogisticsSignalInternationalLLCSignalShipRepairLLCSignatureRealEstateLLCSouthernOilExplorationInc.StaggersPropertiesLLCStirlingPropertiesLLCSyn-FabInc.TalascendLLCTecnicoCorp.TheUniversityofAlabamaUnitedRentalsVFPFireSystemsInc.VIPNails&TanWal-MartNeighborhoodMarket#4657MeegieWheatDr.SonyaWhite
AlabamaOrthopaedicClinicPC.....................18AlabamaPower..................................................21BankTrust.......................................................... 16BB&T.....................................................................9BlueHavenPools................................................ 6CoastSafeandLock.........................................30CommunityBank.............................................32FLCLiving.......................................................... 19Gwin’sPrinting................................................. 33HarrisBusinessMachines................................20HancockBank...................................................12InfirmaryHealth..............................................28InterstatePrinting&GraphicsInc..................31JaguarIMGSportsMarketing..........................18Lagniappe.......................................................... 33MCGBusinessSolutions...................................24Mercedes-BenzofMobile.................................29MobileAirportAuthority................................... 14MobileCountyHealthDepartment................. 26PadgettBusinessServicesofMobile................ 13PNCBank..........................................................10PremierMedicalManagement........................ 25RegionsBank....................................................29SafetySource....................................................... 6TheUniversityofAlabama................................ 7USARealEstateSummit....................................9WonderlandExpress......................................... 27
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backed by more than 175 years of business adviceThe Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has been around for more than 175 years, so we’ve had time to build a reputation as the area’s most trusted source of business information. National studies have shown businesses and consumers are much more likely to think favorably of a company that belongs to a chamber of commerce and 63 percent more likely to buy goods and services from chamber members. Chamber membership does more than add credibility and boost your image in the community, it shows you believe in Mobile and are working to build a stronger future for our area. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.
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