the business view - december/january 2011

THE

December 2010/January 2011 | Vol. XLI, No. 11Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS VIEW

Area Businesses Growin Tight Times

Mark Your Calendar for 2011 Chamber Events

View the Community Legislative Agenda

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THE MOBILE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 174TH ANNUAL MEETINGTuesday, January 18, 2011 | 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm | Mobile Civic Center | Tickets $50 or group of 10 tickets for $485 (Chamber members only)

$60 (potential Chamber members) | RSVP at 251.431.8606 or Email: [email protected] | www.mobilechamber.com

PRESENTED BY | SPONSORS BB&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Burr & Forman LLP, ExxonMobil, Gulf States Engineering, International Shipholding Corp., Jones Walker LLP, Mobile Airport Authority, Mobile Gas, One Coast Medical, Phelps Dunbar LLP, Thompson Engineering Inc., ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC, TORP Terminal, University of South Alabama, Whitney National Bank | RESTAURANTS Alec Naman Catering, Atlanta Bread, The Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa, Bienville Club, Bluegill Restaurant, Catfi sh Junction, Chef Rob & Co., Chris & Carla’s Catering Inc., Creative Catering, Don’s Catering, Felix’s Fish Camp, Morrissette & Company Catering, The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co., Lassere’s Catering, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, Tyner’s Catering, Greer’s Catering

HEART-POUNDING ACTION. MIND-BOGGLING GROWTH.

AND A THRILL RIDE OF ECONOMIC POSSIBILITIES. FROM THE CREATORS

OF OPPORTUNITY, AND THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU COOPERATION,

COMES A STORY 174 YEARS IN THE MAKING.

4 DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 | The Business View | MoBiLE AREA ChAMBER of CoMMERCE

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.

A D V E R T I S E R S

THE BUSINESS VIEW is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January,

by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce451 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-6951

www.mobilechamber.com ©2010

Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Winthrop M. Hallett III Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Rak-Blanchard Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cori Yonge

Additional Writers and EditorsAshley Horn, Ginny Russell, Carolyn Wilson

Printing Services . . . . . . . . Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive . . . . . . . . . .René Eiland

431-8635 [email protected]

Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC ................................22BankTrust .................................................................... 31Bellingrath Gardens ...................................................30Burr Forman ...............................................................16Community Bank .........................................................7DEX Imaging ................................................................2Gwin’s Commercial Printing .......................................8Interstate Printing.......................................................28Lagniappe ...................................................................29Local 15 .......................................................................28Makeda Nichols, State Farm Insurance .................... 11Mobile Regional Airport .............................................35MyShotz.com............................................................... 21Online Payroll Services Inc. .......................................32Premier Medical Management ..................................27Pro 356 Consulting ..................................................... 21RBC Bank ....................................................................12Safe Archives .................................................................8WAVENet Technologies ...............................................20Whitney National Bank ..............................................25Wonderland Express ................................................... 31

5-6 News You Can Use – Positive updates for area and state businesses 7-8 ETC – Organizational updates and business briefs

22 Travel with the Chamber to the “Land “Down Under”

23-27 Meet the Chamber’s 2011 board of directors – business leaders who develop the annual plan of action guiding Chamber membership, small business, governmental affairs, communications, and workforce and economic development.

CONTENT SO N T H E C O V E R

M O N T H LY F O C U SF E A T U R E S

9-11 While economic forecasters waffle on the state of the economy, some area businesses have found a silver lining. 13-15 Take stock of the issues, policies and appropriations identified by Chamber members as key to Mobile’s and Alabama’s progress.17-20 An annual listing of Chamber events to fill your calendar with familiar and new business related events.

Onthecover:Periodically, the Mobile Area Chamber hosts a reception welcoming the new CEOs and managers of local member industries. Pictured at the event from left to right: Russ Spahr, ExxonMobil; Keith Manwaring, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers; Walter Meigs, BAE Systems; Michael Cosentino, EADS North America; Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commission; Brenda Stout, Shell Chemical LP; Win Hallett, Mobile Area Chamber; Greg Faison, Bay Bank and Richard Marler, Signal International. Seated is Al Stokes, City of Mobile; Laura Chandler, Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC); and David Trent, Airbus Engineering North America. Photo by: Ashley Horn

12 Small Business of the Month: Gwin’s Commercial Printing

21 Business Spotlight of the Month: Server Corps.

21 Diplomat of the Month: Dorothy May, The Gathering of Jewels 28 Investor Focus: Quality Valve Inc.

29 Board of Advisors Profiles

29 Economic Indicators

30-31 Calendar

32-33 Member News

34 Anniversaries

34 New Members

THE

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS VIEW

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facebook.com/MobileChamber

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce linkedin.com

Group - Mobile Area Chamber of Commercemobilechamber.com/chamberblog.asp twitter.com/MobileChamber

youtube.com/MobileChamber

22

C O R R E C T I O NPhelps Dunbar was incorrectly listed under its old company name in the Partners for Growth listing that ran in the October 2010 issue of The Business View. We apologize for the error.

MoBiLE AREA ChAMBER of CoMMERCE | The Business View | DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 5

and installation is scheduled for the next two-to-three years, with the first gas in 2014 - 2015. “Capital investment is currently in the $600 million range, but we are continuing to look at efficiencies and improvements,” said Berno.

Nationwide, experts recognize LNG as an important means of meeting America’s energy demand.

“TORP’s commitment to maintaining a high level of communication with the coastal community has made a huge

difference in the perception of the project,” added Ginny Russell, the Chamber’s vice president of community and governmental affairs.

The Mobile Area Chamber’s governing board of directors endorsed the Torp project

wrote numerous letters to Riley, attended public hearings on and spoke on behalf of the project, informed its members and convened Chamber member committees and elected officials to learn about it.

NEWSYou Can Use Positive Business News When You Need It

Last month the NAFTA Gulf Bridge (NGB) established regular and frequent Ro/Ro ferry services between the Ports of Mobile and Veracruz, Mexico. Ro/Ro is the industry term for cargo that loads and discharges on wheeled vehicles.

The first vessel began in mid-November, and a second ship is planned for early 2011. Combined, these vessels will sail three times a week carrying up to 225 trailer boxes of 53 feet each or a combination of Ro/Ro cargoes.

The service will shift over-the-road freight hauls between Mexico and the U.S. markets, effectively saving trucking companies an estimated 2,500 miles per shipment. “This service will provide

shippers in both Mexico and the Southeast and Eastern U.S. more efficient and cost effective freight options while reducing fuel consumption and congestion at the border crossing and U.S. highways,” said Jimmy Lyons, director and chief executive for the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA).

The ASPA is nearing terms with NAFTA Gulf Bridge, which will call at the Port Authority’s Pier 8 Ro/Ro terminal in Mobile. Norton Lilly International Inc. was selected as the general agent for the vessels.

NAFTA Gulf Bridge is service-owned and controlled by NGE, a Veracruz, Mexico-based company established to develop short sea shipping alternatives in its area of influence.

NewShippingRouteBetweenU.S.andMexico

“Closed-Loop”LNGFacilityApproved

The rendering depicts TORP Technology’s new LGN terminal. The floating facility will transport natural gas to shore and into the existing onshore natural gas pipeline system.

GulfCoastReady4Takeoff

A four-state partnership of government officials, civic leaders, businesses, chambers of commerce and community activists representing Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi launched Ready 4 Takeoff.

After a decade of unprecendented economic challenges brought on by Hurricanes Katrina, Ivan and Rita and most recently the epic oil spill that tragically struck coastal communities this spring and summer, the group is advocating for regional economic development initiatives that will revitalize the coastal states.

Ready 4 Takeoff leaders are are calling on the federal government to prioritize investment in the region by leveraging its purchasing power to ensure a robust market for the Gulf Coast seafood industry, supporting efforts to secure a $40 billion federal government contract for the construction of the KC-45 Air Force refueling taker or advocating for the acceleration of revenue sharing from offshore oil and gas development.

To learn more or sign up as a partner, visit www.Ready4Takeoff.org.

TORP Technology got the go-ahead to own, construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal 63 miles off the Alabama coast. The project will create 250 new and indirect jobs.

Gov. Bob Riley approved TORP’s application for the Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal, a LNG regasification facility in September. According to geology.com, transferring natural gas to LNG makes it easier to store – 610 cubic feet of natural gas can be converted into a single cubic foot of LNG. The regasification process heats the LNG until it returns to natural gas.

According to Joe Berno, TORP Terminal’s chief executive officer, commercial negotiations will commence next year and final detail design and engineering completed in 2012. Construction


NEWSYou Can Use Positive Business News When You Need It

LocalCompanyRecognizedNationally

Named the regional Minority Global Technology Firm of the Year, Hixardt Technologies president Michael Hicks (second from the right) received his award in Atlanta. Pictured with Hicks (l-r) is Minority Enterprise Development chair Ken Huff with Georgia Power; co-chair Vanessa Bull, Lockheed Martin and Patricia Hanes, Minority Enterprise Development Agency Atlanta National Enterprise Center.

Through its partnership with the Mobile Area Chamber, the Washington County Economic Development Initiative (EDI) announced Pump Pros was opening operations – the first announcement in Washington County drawn to the area to work with ThyssenKrupp. A few weeks following that milestone, the Washington County EDI announced another first with a planned business park.

The Mason, Ohio-based Pump Pros is a leading distributor of pumps, mechanical seals and mixers, and repairs, rebuilds and services industrial pumps. The company will repair, rebuild and service pumps at ThyssenKrupp facilities in Calvert.

Initially, the company will be providing five new job positions with expectations that employment will increase, possibly becoming the company’s second largest facility, according to Jim Bame, general manager of Pump Pros. The company will locate in Chatom at the former National Guard Armory, and is the seventh location nationally.

“Of course the initial draw for Pump Pros was ThyssenKrupp, but since they have been here over the past few months they see

potential customers up and down Hwy. 43,” says Jesse Quillen, executive director of EDI.

The first phase of the business park is scheduled to break ground in early 2011. It is a private-public partnership with Dunn Real Estate of Birmingham and Goldin Materials Corp. of Gulfport, Miss., along with the Washington County Commission, the entity

that owns the property.“With limited

funds and no buildings for lease on Hwy. 43, it’s going to take this type of partnership to bring the infrastructure Washington County needs to draw businesses here. And

with a county suffering from 14 percent unemployment, this business park opens opportunity,” says Quillen.

The park will occupy 20 acres with more than 750 feet of frontage. Long- and short-term leases will be offered on a variety of rental suites ranging from 1,500 to 18,000 square feet ideal for commercial, retail, service and light industrial facilities, according to Quillen.

Washington County prospects continue to increase as ThyssenKrupp operations get underway.

WashingtonCountyMakesTK-RelatedAnnouncementsPreparesforMoreGrowthwithNewBusinessPark

Foraslittleas83centsaday,yourChambermembershipyieldsareturnin: • Business assistance; • Professional development seminars and counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests, and more.

– a Significant Return on Your investmentwww.mobilechamber.com

You’ll see this symbol with stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

Hixardt Technologies Inc. was honored in Atlanta as the regional Minority Global Technology Firm of the Year by the U. S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. Headquartered in Pensacola, Fla., Hixardt also has employees in Mobile and Washington D.C.

The award recognizes the company’s expansion efforts, including operations in China and Africa, says company president Michael Hicks. “We are not just focused on growing revenue, but also growing capabilities. The relationship that MBEC brings assists us with both,” says Hicks of Alabama’s Minority Business Enterprise

Center (MBEC), managed by the Mobile Area Chamber.

MBEC nominated Hixardt for the award. During the past year, MBEC strategically matched Hixardt with other regional companies to increase the company’s ability to bid on task orders for an upcoming U.S. Navy project.

Established in 2001, Hixardt specializes in information technology, security system design, health information technology interface integrations, enterprise systems installation and managed information technology services.

In October, one of the last phases of ThyssenKrupp’s $5.2 billion mega project came online. TK Stainless started up its cold-rolled mill, with initial capacity of 100,000 metric tons a year. The company’s plan is to increase production over time to a maximum 140,000 tons a year.

In addition, various units are also operating to produce and further process the cold-rolled strip, including equipment that polishes, slits and cuts the steel to selected lengths.

“For our customers it represents an important signal. They can now source their material directly from our new state-of-the-art mill and can find people here who can deal with their specific (size) requirements, something we couldn’t offer economically in the USA before,” says Dr. Ulrich Albrecht-Frueh, ThyssenKrupp

Stainless USA’s chief executive officer. Work on constructing the carbon and stainless steel sites began in 2007. The capital investment for the integrated stainless mill in Calvert is around $1.4 billion.

Construction of the other units is either planned or in progress, according to Albrecht-Frueh. For example, the foundation works for the hot-rolled annealing and pickling line began in January 2010, with startup scheduled for fall 2011. The equipment in place and still to be built will give ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA a unique selling proposition with the widest material available on the U.S. market.

ThyssenKrupp is already a key player in the NAFTA market with roughly 12 percent of the U.S. market, 15 percent in Canada and more than 70 percent in Mexico.

AnotherLegofTK’sMegaProjectGoesOnline

Washington County prospects continue to increase as ThyssenKrupp operations get underway.


eTCTestScoreImprovement

RanksAlabamaattheTopAlabama leads the nation in improved

student performance on advanced placement (AP) tests, according to a recent report by the administering College Board. Results show a 17.7 percent increase in the number of state students scoring a passing grade. Alabama students also earned major improvements in the number of students taking AP tests as well as minority student participation and performance.

State Superintendent Joe Morton said Alabama’s substantial gains in participation and performance result in part from every high school now being able to offer students at least 14 advanced placement courses thanks to ACCESS distance learning and other innovative

Alabama education initiatives. Last year, Alabama became the first

state in the country to have both video conferencing and web-based distance learning capabilities in all its high schools.

• Since 2009, Alabama public school AP exam takers increased 18.1

percent.• From 2006 to 2010, Alabama AP

Exam takers increased 125.3 percent. • Alabama’s African-American

participation in the AP Program increased 294 percent since 2006.

• Alabama’s Hispanic student participation increased 135.2 percent since 2006.

The pitch is “Don’t Be the Supplier.” The audience – parents who have medications out-of-date or no longer needed. Mobile United’s public safety committee launched the program to establish a safe place to discard unused, unwanted or expired drugs.

“Pharming has become increasingly popular with youth who take medicines from their households and experiment with them. They often don’t know what they are taking and take these medicines in dangerous combinations,” said Sandi Forbus, executive director of Mobile United. “Flushing unused medicine is a dangerous solution because the chemicals get into the water system,” she added, noting that wastewater treatment facilities are not

designed to break down or remove drugs flushed into the water system.

There are two Safe Drug Drop off receptacles located at Mobile County Sheriff’s South Side Substation, 5808 U.S. Hwy. 90 and Mobile Police Headquarters at 2460 Government St.

RemovingMedicineSafely

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eTCFirstIn-SchoolDon’tText

andDriveProgramLaunchesinMobile

Cellular South launched the nation’s first comprehensive driver’s education program focusing on the prevention of texting and driving. “Stay Alive: Don’t Text and Drive” is a five-lesson, online course that will be a supplement to existing driver’s education classes and covers texting while driving, talking while driving, social media and other common driving distracters.

Mississippi and Alabama have the two highest rates of teenage driving fatalities in the nation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

The program will be fully integrated into the driver’s education courses

covering more than 18,000 students at the 13 high schools within the Mobile County Public School system. An online site includes animations, a distracted driving simulator, statistical information and a pledge that drivers can sign to stop texting while driving.


The glass is half full. The glass is half empty. The local economy is emerging from the

recession. Call it what you want, but even economic experts can’t agree as headlines swing back and forth, and “pessimists outnumber optimists more than two to one” in the latest Alabama Business Confidence index conducted by The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER).

And while local executives, like those of the other three statewide metro areas surveyed, anticipated the fourth quarter of 2010 would be challenging, Mobile representatives were only group forecasting expansion for the same time period.

“Mobile area executives are the most optimistic about business prospects in the fourth quarter. Although sentiment is tempered by concerns about the national

economy and job creation, Mobile businesses are likely to be slightly more willing to take on risk this quarter,” stated the CBER report.

The Business View asked local businesses through its weekly e-newsletter to help us find the silver lining in Mobile’s economic condition. Here are a few exampes. Look for the more in the February issue.

Continued on page 10

FindingtheinaWobblyEconomy

Silver Lining

An interactive marketing

and PR firm,wellbornideas,

increased its employees and

added a new partner in 2010.

StaceyWellborn founded the

company in 2001

in Austin, Texas, and moved to

Mobile in 2006. She re-branded

to wellbornideas in 2008 and

moved to her downtown office

last year.

Driving growth at her agency is

the desire to engage in interactive

media – web sites and social

media are just two examples, says

Wellborn.

“With the economic challenges

we have faced in the recent past,

businesses still need to find ways

to engage and retain clients

cost-effectively,” she says.


FindingtheSilverLininginaWobblyEconomy Continued from page 9

Beating the odds that marketing dollars typically decline in a

down economy, co-owner CorrinaMurray of OpteraCreative/

IdentitySigns says, “despite a rough economic downturn

Identify Signs saw impressive growth and expansion.”

The company experienced a 70 percent increase in sales

over 2009 and expanded operations based on orders for trade

show displays, real estate signage and architectural lettering.

Identity Signs also hired a full-time designer.

With a shortage of primary care physicians nationwide and

in the community, owners of GreaterMobileUrgentCare

are seeing an uptick in their business. In its first two years

of existence, the number of patients increased to warrant

launching two additional locations. When the clinic opened

doctors saw about 30 patients a day and now that number

is closer to 100, proving the need for urgent care has grown

in the community, says Dr.DarrenWaters, who co-owns the

facility with his sister Dr.ShannonWaters(pictured below).

Both new clinics opened last month – one in Springhill

and the other in Semmes. Waters hired 16 additional

employees to staff the new facilities.


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And what story wouldn’t be complete without the latest

update from Austal? In mid-October, the shipbuilder

received word to move forward on the forth and fifth Joint

High Speed Vessels (JHSV). Part of the U.S. Department

of Defense’s next generation multi-use platform, the

program is potentially worth more than $1.6 billion.

The company exceeded its 2010 projection of adding

500 additional employees and hired 800, bringing the

employee total to 1,800, says JoeRella, Austal USA’s

president and chief executive officer.

“We’ve got a good book of business and with the JHSV

program we can maintain our current employment. And,

with an LCS win, our workforce would more than double.”

Editor’s Note: More potentially good news came in November when the U.S. Navy recommended a split award for the multi-billion-dollar littoral combat ship contract. At press time, Congress had not reconvened to vote on the Navy’s recommendation.


Gwin’sCommercialPrinting

smallBusinessoftheMonthGotomobilechamber.com/awardstosubmitaSmallBusinessofthe

Monthnomination,[email protected].

The digital age may have changed the way Gwin’s Commercial Printing operates its physical plant, but owner Mike Payne says computers haven’t changed a nearly century-long tradition of providing quality customer service. Gwin’s is the Chamber’s Small Business of the Month.

Started by H.P. Gwin in 1913, Gwin’s was the only engraving company in Mobile for several decades, Payne said. The Payne family purchased Gwin’s in 1989 and later acquired Southern Lithograph in 2002 to expand the company’s printing options. Gwin’s moved to its current location at 957 Springhill Ave. in 2006, where it converted a former preschool photography studio into a state-of-the art, full-service print shop.

“Things have changed so much in the printing business,” said Payne.“ In the beginning, my dad was the motivation, my mother ran the press and I was in sales.”

Gwin’s expansive list of services includes brochures, letterhead, invitations, direct mail, foil stamping, engraving, embossing and design assistance. The company also offers variable data software allowing for custom printed documents where text, graphics and images can be changed from one document to the next without stopping or slowing the printing process.

A true family business, the Paynes continue working together. Mike oversees operations, his wife Jeryl runs accounting, his father Ernie helps with deliveries and daughter Katy works in customer relations.

Operating since 1913, Gwin’s Commercial Printing is an authentic family business. From left to right are Mike, Katy, Jeryl and Ernie Payne.

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The Mobile Area Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) strives to engage public and private sectors in the common goal of creating regional prosperity. The committee works with elected officials on pro-business policies, issues and legislation promoting economic growth and success to move the region forward.

Each year, the community legislative agenda addresses key policy goals. The 2011 agenda is comprised of 16 critical

issues, five legislative issues, 14 policy recommendations and two appropriation requests. Issues range from education to healthcare to local planning and zoning.

Take time to thank our elected officials for serving the community and addressing the issues found in the 2011 agenda. More importantly, ask local, state and federal leaders to support the positions stated here as an opportunity to create a successful business environment and prosperous region.

A Word from the

GovernmentAl AffAirs

Committee

Owen Bailey, vice-chair for Governmental Affairs (executive vice-president, Infirmary Health System Inc.)

“One of the business community’s biggest challenges in 2011 will be surviving and thriving in this national environment of economic uncertainty. Whether it’s federal over-regulation or legislation passed in 2010, for which we still don’t fully know the impact, the business community has to find its footing. We must continue to advocate for free enterprise and legislation to help businesses grow and prosper. The path to recovery lies in bringing certainty to the regulatory environment and putting in place smart policies that allow for business and economy growth.”

Sam W. Covert Jr., member of Governmental Affairs Committee and Chamber board member (area manager Mobile Division, Alabama Power Co.)

“The Mobile Bay region is known as a place where we partner to get things done. It’s why we’ve been successful in attracting new industry and business and in establishing strong workforce development programs. We need to continue to do great things collaboratively. We want to be known as the best place in the world for workforce development partnerships.”

Lee Metzger, chairman, Local Governmental Affairs Sub-Committee (secretary/treasurer, Providence Park Inc.)

“Because we’re sales tax dependent, I’m concerned about the ability of our local government to provide the essential services that our citizens need. A healthy economy needs policies that encourage investment and hiring. During these economically constrained times, it’s important not to let regulatory burdens or taxes hinder our recovery and long-term growth. I’m looking for a turnaround in the economy in 2011, and we’ve got to be ready to participate in the national recovery.”

What GAC Committee Members Are Saying:


H Support a comprehensive, federal broadband policy that fosterspublic-private partnerships, that spurs private sector investment and recognizes the robust and competitive broadband marketplace; invest and advocate for a local connection to the national, high-speed light rail for Internet access.

H Support federal tort reform measures, including reduction in post-judgment interest, caps on mental anguish and limits on product liability.

H Strengthen strategic workforce partnerships developed through the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council Region 9, Mobile County Public School System and Bishop State Community College to create seamless, demand-driven education and training services that produce a highly-prepared and competitive regional workforce.

H Support and encourage balanced and inclusive pro-business practices and procedures that encourage development and growth within the city of Mobile and Mobile County; encourage fair and expeditious permitting practices for both local and out-of-town investors.

H Advocate for stable sources of adequate funding for all state-directed public education initiatives that will ensure an increase in student achievement and a fundamentally well-rounded education.

H Support the efforts of the Alabama Gulf Coast Regional Sewer Supply District to build a more resilient and efficient infrastructure that provides reliable, cost-effective wastewater treatment in support of the region’s long-term needs.

H Seek further market-driven health insurance legislation changes that are affordable and accessible for small business; seek innovative solutions for providing prescription drug coverage at a reasonable cost; oppose additional state and federal healthcare mandates that increase business costs.

H Support the continued conservation and protection of undeveloped lands within Alabama through the re-authorization and continued funding of the Forever Wild program under Constitutional Amendment 543.

H Seek support for more innovative college prep and career-readyprograms in the existing public school structure.

H Seek to protect the current worker classification of independent contractor as an integral part of the courier and real estate industries.

H Oppose federal legislation to mandate performance standards in oil spill removal plans for tank and non-tank vessels in excess of 400 Gross Registered Tons.

H To relieve growing congestion, seek increased state and federal support and funding to address transportation infrastructure needs including a western Mobile bypass, a Mobile River bridge and completion of the four-laning of U.S. Hwys. 98 and 45; support the timely reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU (Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users).

H Support market-driven legislation to increase the availability of property insurance coverage at competitive pricing so individuals and businesses can find reasonable and available protection for their homes and businesses.

H Advocate for all BP economic recovery funds to be allocated to Mobile and Baldwin counties for rebuilding coastal businesses and environmental assets following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

H Seek legislation to establish state-guaranteed, zero-interest small business loans, available immediately following a federally-declared natural disaster such as hurricane, flood or tornado, to bridge the time until insurance claims are paid and other disaster relief funds or financial assistance can be acquired.

H Seek a reasonable alternative to forecast budgeting to better prepare for state revenue downswings.

H Support efforts to secure federal military contracts, including EADS North America’s efforts to build a new refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force and Austal USA’s next-generation Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy.

H Advocate for local consensus regarding the proposed I-10 Mobile River bridge to expedite a final decision from the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

H Support a comprehensive, federal energy policy that increases the supply of energy in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment, promotes comprehensive energy conservation and encourages research and development of clean and alternative energy sources.

H In the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon incident and the lifting of the moratorium of offshore drilling, close regulatory gaps in safety and incident response on offshore drilling and production installations and platforms; support additional Gulf leases; support giving Gulf Coast states that permit offshore drilling a greater share of royalties that oil companies pay to operate in U.S. waters.

H Support the review and repeal of unnecessary regulations and seek greater reform, efficiency and accountability in federal, state and local government.

CritiCal issues

mobile AreA ChAmber of CommerCe

2011 Community leGislAtive AGendA

The members of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce identified the following issues, policies and appropriations as fundamental to Alabama’s progress. Respondents believe addressing these issues

will help to build additional jobs and a more positive business climate in the Mobile area.

legislative issues


1. In 2011, Mobile County voters will go to the polls and vote on three local millage tax renewals for the Mobile County Public School System and Saraland City Schools. These will be renewals of existing millage taxes. If the vote were held today, would you:

Support the Renewal 66.7%

Not Support the Renewal 3.9%

Need More Information 19.4%

2. How important is it for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce to support market-driven insurance coverage to help individuals and businesses find fair and reasonable protection for their homes and business investments?

Important 78.6%

Not Important 5.0%

Not Sure 16.4%

3. Do you support allowing legal foreign workers to work in Alabama to help meet business and industry employment needs?

Yes 65.2%

No 17.7%


4. How important is it for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce to protect workers’ rights to secret ballot in unionization votes?

Very Important 53.6%

Important 17.1%

Not Important 15.0%


5. How important is it for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce to support oil and gas exploration and production offshore?


Important 30.9%

Not Important 6.5%


6. How important is it for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce to bring together corporate, civic and government entities to enhance long-term planning and to encourage the redevelopment of blighted properties in the City of Mobile?


Important 40.0%

Not Important 4.3%


H In order to ensure the long-term success and growth of University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, seek $9.4 million in state assistance for the creation of a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) mouse barrier research facility.

H Support federal funding for the University of South Alabama Imaging and Research Center, a USA Institute focused on advanced engineering and biomedical imaging.

H Seek tax credits for the renovation and preservation of historical buildings.

H Seek support for legislation that allows for the protection of manufacturers from frivolous plaintiff law suits due to noise and/or other minor nuisances.

H Support the review and repeal of outdated, unnecessary regulations and seek greater reform, efficiency and accountability in state and local government.

H Support fair and equitable tax reform to stimulate business growth and development; ensure taxes and tax reform are applied fairly, without levying a disproportionate burden on individual segments of Alabama’s economy.

H Seek a fair and level distribution of fuel tax dollars that will allow for adequate funding of critical road and bridge infrastructure projects in southwest Alabama.

H Support the creation of a state-appointed board of directors to oversee the Alabama Department of Transportation.

H Support existing eminent domain statutes to maintain economic development and quality of life initiatives, such as new manufacturing facilities and industrial/commercial parks as well as the revitalization of blighted areas, public housing and green space.

H Support tort reform measures, including reduction in post-judgement interests, caps on mental anguish and limits on product liabiliity awards.

H Simplify and reform the 1901 Constitution of the state of Alabama, including the opportunity for counties to choose “home rule” and provide the governor with line-item veto powers.

H Support efforts to protect an employer’s right to ensure a safe workplace.

H Support fair trade initiatives and agreements designed to increase access to global markets, including reducing trade and tourism restrictions with Cuba.

H Reform federal immigration policy to strengthen our national security, including increasing protection of our borders, while providing a supplemental workforce for American businesses and industry; ensure the continuity and expansion of H-1B, H-2B and L-1 visas for professionals and highly-valued workers.

H Support infrastructure project funding and legislative initiatives that improve the prospect of future economic success, including improvements to the port, airport, rail, water, sewer and industrial site infrastructure as well as strategic transportation infrastructure needs.

H Seek an equitable resolution on the Medicare wage index issue so regional hospitals will be fairly reimbursed for services provided to the Medicare population.

appropriations

poliCy statements

survey results

The Mobile Area Chamber surveyed its members on legislative and community issues of importance in the fall. Results from the survey were used to develop the 2011 Community Legislative Agenda. Below are some of the questions asked and Chamber member responses. Results of the entire survey can be found at www.mobilechamber.com.


NetworkingLooking to get your name out to the business community? The Mobile Area Chamber offers a variety of high-profile networking venues throughout the year.•BusinessAfterHours – network with business professionals monthly at various Chamber member locations.• Networking@Noon– network over lunch and introduce your company, product and/or service to other members.•ContactsandContracts– this event gives small business owners the opportunity to meet representatives from large companies and governmental agencies and discuss their supplier needs and bidding procedures.• AnnualMeeting – attendees get a review of past accomplishments; recognition of board chairs, volunteers and member businesses and concludes with a two-hour networking reception.

Business-to-BusinessGet noticed in a wider circle of business owners and decision makers. • GetConnected2011 – a day of networking starts with a Get Connected luncheon followed by Business Expo, drawing more than 1,500 attendees, and the Business Resource Fair, a one-stop resource small business fair. The day concludes with Expo After Hours. • Business2Business – hosted by the Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC), each meeting tackles targeted industries to match companies with procurement opportunities.

ProfessionalDevelopmentThe Chamber offers information, tips and best practices to give your company a competitive edge. • SmallBusinessSeminars– content-rich and affordable seminars are offered throughout the year. In 2010, topics included finance, exporting and social network marketing.• CustomerService– this training class covers the basics of internal and external customer service.• ExecutiveRoundtable – a forum for small business owners and managers to discuss topics relevant with featured speakers.

SpecialInterestsThe Chamber offers specialized groups within industries and cultures to address community and business needs.• EnvisionCoastalAlabama – this group of Mobile and Baldwin county business owners and managers promote and protect the area’s education, equity, environment and economy.• GulfCoastTechnologyCouncil– industry professionals strive to grow the technology industry and promote local technology positions.• HispanicAmericanBusiness AssociationoftheGulfCoast – this group celebrates Hispanic culture, networks and promotes business and economic opportunities.• MinorityBusinessWeek– recognizes accomplishments of regional minority- owned businesses through national Minority Enterprise Development (MED) week and the annual Eagle Awards.

MilitaryAffairsThe Chamber works closely with the Military Affairs Committee to host events honoring the Mobile area’s expansive military presence.• ArmedForcesDay – this annual luncheon honors outstanding ROTC, JROTC and NJROTC students, plus Guard, Reserve and active duty personnel.• VeteransDay – celebrates local veterans at this annual luncheon honoring the Patriot of the Year.

PoliticalEventsThe Chamber is a non-partisan organization that offers local, state, regional and federal issue management.• Pork&PoliticsinthePark – an annual old-fashioned barbecue to meet local, state and federal officials and candidates.• ForumAlabama – highlights topics of local, regional and national interest. • StateoftheCityandCounty – this annual event offers the City of Mobile Mayor and Mobile County Commission President an opportunity to address the Chamber’s membership and acknowledge past successes and future plans for the area.

TripsThrough partnerships with ABC Destinations, Collette Vacations, and Springdale Travel, the Chamber offers members and their guests a chance to see the world. In 2011, the Chamber will coordinate trips to Spain (March), and Australia and Fiji (September).

FunWe know how to have fun, but always with a bit of business sense and member appreciation in mind.• ChamberGolfClassic– the Chamber organizes a spring golf tournament for bragging rights between member businesses.

•MemberAppreciationDay– celebrates Chamber members during an annual open house.

NewEventsfor2011•SpeedNetworking – learn to network in this fast-paced “speed-dating” like event and meet other members in record time.• HumanResourceLunchand Learn – this series of small business educational programs will address important human resource issues, including compensation strategies, payroll, hiring, termination procedures and more.

2011CalendarofEvents

Editor’sNote:The Mobile Area Chamber

has many special events and professional development workshops to help members. Whatever your needs, the Chamber has something to fit your interests and your work schedule.

The following is a list of most Chamber events for 2011. We encourage you to try some of our new offerings for 2011.

Read future issues of The Business View and The Business View Weekly, the Chamber’s e-mail newsletter for topics, dates, location and cost or visit events.mobilechamber.com.

ForumAlabama

MemberAppreciationDay

VeteransDay


Leadership Training


January201111 Human Resource Lunch & Learn

12 Networking@Noon

18 Executive Roundtable

18 Annual Meeting

25 Human Resource Lunch & Learn

27 Business After Hours

February2011 8 Human Resource Lunch & Learn

9 Speed Networking


16 GCTC Luncheon

17 Contacts and Contracts

22 Human Resource Lunch & Learn


The following is the 2011 Mobile Area Chamber’s business calendar. Some events may change and new events may be added, so be certain to visit the

Chamber’s web site at events.mobilechamber.com each month for more information.

March2011 4 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament

9 Networking@Noon


23-31 Trip to Spain (sold out)


April2011 8 Member Appreciation Day

12 Pork & Politics in the Park

13 GCTC Luncheon


21 Contacts and Contracts27 State of the City and County Lunch


“As a Chamber Diplomat, I attend Pork & Politics to meet the candidates face-to-face. It gives me the opportunity to not only speak to them but see them in action. I get the chance to see if they desire or want my vote!”

Linda Faulkner, Material Control Department,Evonik Degussa (pictured far left)

State of the CityCounty Lunch

Trip to Spain

Annual Meeting


May201111 Networking@Noon


17 Armed Forces Day


June2011 8 Speed Networking

15 GCTC Luncheon




“The Business Expo was unbelievable! We made lots and lots of contacts, booked events with companies, and collected a stack of business cards from people interested in Cream & Sugar, in particular the ‘coffee breaks’ we are offering in the workplace.”

Susan R. Carley, owner, Cream & Sugar and The Palette Café (pictured far right)

Armed forces Day

July201113 Networking@Noon


21 Business After Hours/ Contacts and Contracts

August201116 Executive Roundtable

17 GCTC Luncheon

25 Get Connected 2011 – Luncheon, Business Expo, Business Resource Fair and Expo After Hours

September201114 Networking@Noon

19-28 Trip to Australia and Fiji



29 Minority Business Week

October201112 Speed Networking


19 GCTC Luncheon

19 Customer Service


Trip to Australia and fiji

Get Connected Lunch

Eagle Awards

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Executive Roundtable


VeteransDayandArmedForcesDay

“The Chamber’s military programs are critical to support the many veterans and active duty military personnel in the area. Events such as Veterans Day and the Armed Forces Day would not be successful without the help of the Chamber.”

David Reaney, executive director, Bay Area Food Bank (not pictured)

November2011 9 Networking@Noon

10 Contacts and Contracts

11 Veterans Day



Envision Annual Meeting

Networking@Noon

Veterans Day

December2011TBD Chamber Holiday Party

14 GCTC Luncheon



Owner:Nik Martin, president

Location: 650 Clinic Dr., Ste. 100

Member since: 2009

Brief description of business: Server Corps is a data center and Internet service provider offering secure co-location and managed infrastructure solutions for the small-to-large business markets. What is unique or innovative about your business? The data center has a unique natural disaster security system – housed in a hardened steel construction facility considered hurricane- and tornado-proof with generators capable of sustaining extended power outages. Most significant challenge: “The possibility of government control and legislation of the Internet is of utmost concern to us,” said Martin. Server Corps supports net neutrality and encourages people to contact their congressional representatives to keep Internet communication free. Phone number: 517-1515 Web site: www.servercorps.com

usinessSpotlightoftheMonthB

TheBusinessSpotlightoftheMonthisselectedatrandomfromabusinesscarddrawingattheMobileAreaChamber’sBusinessAfterHoursevent.

Owner Nik Martin maintains and operates the highly secure data center with 24-hour server access and a unique disaster plan. Server Corps connects to the Internet on multiple fiber optic feeds with a network that currently accommodates more than 1.1 Gb of traffic.

ServerCorps

Retirement is anything but slow for Dorothy May. After a long career as a nurse, May opened The Gathering of Jewels, a women’s apparel shop. At the same time, she volunteered as a Mobile Area Chamber diplomat. Supporting fellow business owners and getting them involved in the Chamber earned May the Chamber’s Diplomat of the Month award.

May said as a small business owner, she has found networking opportunities and high-quality business training classes offered through the Chamber a great way to make her own company successful.

May is an active community volunteer, a member of the Mobile Public Health Teen Center and serving on The Salvation Army’s advisory council for the Center for Women and Children and Teen Pregnancy Coalition Council.

DorothyMay

D iplomatoftheMonthPh

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Rick Miller, CEO

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Answers for today’s business questions.

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ChamberMembersandGuestsInvitedtoExperiencethe“LandDownUnder”

In September 2011, the Mobile Area Chamber, in partnership with Springdale Travel, will take 40 Chamber members and guests on a nine-day, seven-night trip to Sydney, Australia, with an optional three-night add on trip to Fiji.

The Australia trip dates are Sept. 19-28, 2011, and the cost is $2,999 per person based on double occupancy flying out of Mobile, or $2,599 if flying out of Los Angeles. Single and triple room rates are also available. The optional Fiji trip is $749 per person, based on double occupancy.

In Sydney, guests will tour the famed Sydney Opera House, take a dinner cruise on the Sydney Harbour, tour the city and visit Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, Sydney Wildlife World and an opal factory.

Also included in the Sydney trip are hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare, airline taxes and fees, hotel transfers, seven breakfasts and two dinners.

Individuals traveling to Fiji on the South Pacific Ocean can relax on the beach, play golf on world-renowned courses and tour the island.

A $250 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation. Reservations after Feb. 21, are made on an “as-available” basis. Final payment for the trip is due July 21. Travelers can purchase a cancellation waiver and insurance for $240. Without the waiver, no refunds will be given after final payment is due. The Chamber and Springdale Travel are partnering with Collette Vacations for this trip.

Day1:DepartFromHome Board your flight and begin the

adventure of a lifetime.

Day2:TravelDayTraveling you lose a full day.

Day3:ArriveSydney,Australia

Begin your tour in the bustling city of Sydney. Join your mates for a welcome dinner included in the package.

Day4:SydneyEnjoy a city tour of Sydney, where the

English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb. The remainder of your day is at leisure for independent exploration.

Day5:SydneyExplore one of the world’s most

magnificent cities independently.

Day6:SydneyDiscover one of the world’s most

fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Next, learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening is free to explore Sydney’s many famous restaurants.

Day7:SydneyVisit Sydney Wildlife World, located on

the shores of Darling Harbour, showcasing Australia’s fascinating flora and fauna with three floors of exhibits. More than 6,000 native animals reside within its walls, including koala bears. This evening

enjoy this vibrant city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour.

Day8:SydneyEnjoy another day at leisure to explore

the best of what Sydney has to offer.

Day9:SydneyInteract with the locals and learn how

business is conducted in Sydney. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you’ll pass by two of Australia’s most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Day10:Sydney-TourEndsYour tour ends today.

OptionalFijiPostTour

Day10:Sydney-Nadi,FijiArrive in the beautiful paradise island

of Fiji. This South Pacific island retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific and boasts expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters.

Day11:FijiYour day is free to relax and enjoy

your surroundings. Enjoy a lovely dinner this evening. (Today breakfast and dinner are included.)

Day12:FijiToday will be at your leisure to

enjoy the many activities available. An optional island tour is offered.

Day13:Fiji-TourEndsToday your tour ends in Fiji.

TRIPAGENDA

AustraliaTrip ScheduledforFall2011

AOC-08-74.businessview.ad.indd 1 9/12/08 11:14:22 AM

You will need a valid passport to travel to Australia and Fiji, but a visa is not needed.

To register or to learn more about the trip, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at

431-8645 or [email protected]. Full trip details can also be found at www.springdaletravel.com/Sydney_Discovery.htm.


Dr. Ulrich Albrecht-Frueh Albrecht-Frueh is president

and chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA. Prior to this appointment, he served on the initial site team that chose Mobile for ThyssenKrupp’s USA plant, and held a variety of engineering and senior management positions within ThyssenKrupp Nirosta in Krefeld, Germany. Albrecht-Frueh received his degree in mechanical engineering and his doctorate from the Technical University of Aachen, Germany. He is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

2011 BoARD of DiRECToRS

Conrad P. Armbrecht Chamber Legal Counsel

Armbrecht is a partner in the law firm of Armbrecht Jackson LLP. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and a juris doctorate degree from The University of Alabama School of Law. He is a member of the American, Alabama and Mobile Bar Associations, the legal committee of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the U.S. Oil and Gas Associations (AL-MS Division) executive committee. Armbrecht is a past board chairman of Wilmer Hall Children’s Home, the Mobile Public Library and the Mobile Museum of Art.

Celia Mann BaehrBaehr is a certified financial

planner practitioner with more than 20 years experience as a financial advisor. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama (USA) and a bachelor’s degree in geology from The University of Alabama. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from USA’s National Alumni Association. Baehr is a board member and immediate past president of the Financial Planning Association, Gulf States chapter, and a board member and immediate past chair of the Mobile Symphony. She is a graduate of Leadership Mobile and a member of the Rotary Club of Mobile.

MobileAreaChamber2011LeadershipFrom taking a stand on legislative issues to supporting new businesses moving here, the Mobile Area Chamber’s board of directors

serves as the organization’s governing and policy-making body. The board is comprised of 44 members representing a cross-section of the business community – 38 men and six women. Approximately 61 percent of the companies represented on the board have less than 101 employees; eight employ 1-10 individuals; eight employ 11-25; seven employ 26-50; four employ 51-100; and 17 employ more than 100. Of those companies represented on the board, five are listed as minority-owned, and six are listed as woman-owned. On the following pages are profiles of the Chamber’s 2011 board members.

The names of new board members are green and the titles in italics represent the board members’ position. Denotes Partners for Growth investors.

Sumner G. Adams Vice Chair, Maritime Affairs

Adams is vice president for cash management/finance for Norton Lilly International. Norton Lilly is a provider of shipping, logistics and marine services in the U.S., Canada, Panama and Caribbean ports. Adams received a bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College. Prior to joining the company in 2005, he spent 18 years with Radcliff Economy Marine Services. Adams is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

G. Robert Baker Jr. 2010 Board Chair

Baker is senior vice president and South Alabama region president for Whitney National Bank. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College, where he was the recipient of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete award. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Tulane University. He is active with United Way of Southwest Alabama, Rotary Club of Mobile Sunrise, Mobile Arts and Sports Association and Mobile Touchdown Club. Baker is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Frank McKinley (Kinley) Bell III Bell is president of Marine

Rigging Inc., a company he founded in 1994. A native Mobilian, Bell graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is a member of Rotary Club of Mobile, Rotary Children’s Foundation, Alabama Forestry Owners Association, a trustee of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation and a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors. In addition, he supports several state and local wildlife conservation organizations.

William B. Beard Jr. Beard is chairman of the board

and president of Beard Equipment Co. Inc., where he has worked since 1970 when the company was established by his father. Beard Equipment Co. now has five locations in southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and northwest Florida. Beard and his wife, Melissa, co-chaired the United Way’s major gifts campaign in 2006 and 2007. In addition, he was a member of John Deere’s advisors board for 10 years. Beard attended the University of South Alabama and the University of West Florida, majoring in finance.

Lynda BurkettVice Chair, Small Business Development

Burkett is owner and general manager of Marshall A. McLeod PLS LLC, Professional Land Surveyors, and has been in business for 10 years. Burkett directs the daily field logistics, administrative operations and business development of the company. She has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Botanical Gardens and the City of Mobile Architectural Review Board. Burkett is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Bob Browning Browning is a member of the

board of directors of Austal USA. He earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in international business management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management. Most recently, Browning was president of Austal Ltd. Prior to joining Austal, Browning was CEO and director for Alinta, Limited in Perth, Western Australia.


Cedric J. Hatcher Vice Chair, Membership

Hatcher is the senior commercial market executive for RBC Bank’s Gulf Coast Region. He has more than 25 years in the financial industry and began his career as a bank examiner for the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Hatcher is a graduate of The University of Alabama. He currently serves on numerous boards and committees including United Way of Southwest Alabama, Mobile Area Chamber board of advisors, Downtown Mobile Alliance, Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Alabama, Business Executive Council of the Mitchell College of Business and the Senior Bowl.


Carlos R. GantGant is president and founder of

Mos Designs LLC, an architectural and interior design firm. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, and a master’s degree in architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designs) approved professional and a registered architect in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Gant is a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile and is on the executive board for MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corp. He also serves on the board of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama.

Winthrop M. Hallett IIIMember of Executive Committee as President

Hallett is president of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. He has bachelor’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Alabama. Hallett is chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chamber Committee of 100 and a member of the U.S. Chamber board of directors. He serves on the boards of the Business Council of Alabama, American Chamber of Commerce Executives and Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation.

Joel T. Daves IV Daves is south Alabama area

president for Regions Financial Corp. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the South, and received a law degree from Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg, Fla. He graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. Daves serves on the boards of Infirmary Health System, Alabama Department of Archives and History, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Mobile Area Education Foundation and United Way of Southwest Alabama. He served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, retiring as a commander. Daves is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Ralph A. Hargrove Hargrove is founder and

president of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, and has nearly 30 years of management experience. He serves on the board of Engineering and Construction Contracting Association (ECC), Goodwill Easter Seals, Downtown Mobile Alliance, Downtown Mobile District Management Corp. and Main Street Mobile. He also serves on the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center board of trustees. Hargrove is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Tyrone Fenderson Jr. Fenderson is president

and chief executive officer of Commonwealth National Bank. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Faulkner University, and graduated from the Alabama Banking School. He also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and has a master’s degree in business administration from Troy University. Fenderson serves on the boards of LSU’s Graduate School of Banking, Alabama Bankers Association, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama.

Scott Delaney Delaney is vice president in

charge of commercial properties for Delaney Development Inc. and a principal/broker of Delaney Land and Realty LLC. He earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Auburn University and is a registered forester in the state of Alabama. Delaney serves on the boards of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors, Mobile Public Library and Mobile Big Game Fishing Club.

Thomas S. Damson Damson is president of Long’s

Human Resource Services. He graduated from The University of Alabama and served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. Damson serves on the executive committee of Temporary Service Insurance Ltd. and Captive Investors Fund, both Cayman Islands domiciled. He has served as a director for the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, United Way, Better Business Bureau and is past board president for Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP). Damson is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Jamie IsonIson was elected to the Alabama

House of Representatives in November 2002. She received a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and a master’s of communicative disorders from the University of Mississippi. Ison is currently a realtor with LLB&B Real Estate. She is on the board of the Alabama Department for Senior Services and is past president of the Rotary Club of Mobile-Sunrise.

Christoph Lackinger Lackinger is president

and chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and led construction of the carbon steel portion of ThyssenKrupp’s $5 billion steel and stainless processing facilities in Calvert. In July 2010, he assumed operational leadership of the mill. Lackinger graduated from RWTH Aachen, Germany, with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He serves as a board member for the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and the Alabama Iron and Steel Council. Lackinger is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Michael E. Hicks Jr.Hicks is president and chief

executive officer for Hixardt Technologies Inc. He received a bachelor’s degree in computers and information systems from Florida A&M University. He is a retired Naval aviator who flew electronic warfare missions during Desert Shield/Storm and came to this area as a flight instructor at Training Air Wing Five. Hicks is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

K.W. Michael Chambers Chambers is president and

chief executive officer of Swift Biotechnology, and is “Of Counsel” to Cabaniss Johnston Gardner Dumas & O’Neal. He is certified as a civil trial advocate, and is licensed to practice in Alabama, New York and Washington D.C. In addition, Chambers is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He earned a bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate from The University of Alabama and a doctorate from the University of Geneva in Switzerland. He serves or has served on various boards of directors, including Rotary Children’s Foundation, YMCA and Goodwill-Easter Seals. Chambers is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.


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Dr. Russ Lea Vice Chair, Technology

Lea is vice president for research at the University of South Alabama. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, he went on to earn doctorate degrees from Syracuse University and from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Lea is actively involved in technology development projects and collaborations in Canada, Mexico, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Ireland and South Africa.

Dr. James LoweLowe is president of Bishop

State Community College. He holds a doctorate degree in education administration from San Francisco Technical University, an education specialist degree in administrative supervision from Troy State University, a master’s degree in physical education and administration from The American University and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Bethune-Cookman College. Lowe serves on numerous boards, committees and councils at the national, state and local levels.

Frank J. Lott III Lott is president of Heritage

Homes of Mobile Inc., a family-owned, Mobile-based business. Lott joined the company in 1999 and assumed the presidency in 2007. Heritage Homes is a scatter lot builder of pre-sold homes in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Lott graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He currently serves on the boards of the Home Builder’s Association of Metropolitan Mobile and Goodwill Easter Seals.

W. Hunter Lyons Jr. Lyons is president of Gulf City

Body & Trailer Works Inc. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Lyons is a member of the Alabama Truckers Association, Mobile and Baldwin counties Road Builders Association, National Truck Equipment Association, Coastal Conservation Association and the Alabama Wildlife Association. He is a member of the boards of Thomas Hospital Foundation and Point Clear Charities.

Ricky R. Mathews Mathews is president and

publisher of the Press-Register and the Mississippi Press. Mathews is also president of Advance Alabama/Mississippi and oversees the Birmingham News and the Huntsville Times. He led the Sun Herald in Biloxi, Miss., to a Pulitzer Prize in 2006. After completing advanced emergency medical technician training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a master’s degree in business administration. He also completed the leadership program at Northwestern University’s Media Management Center. Mathews is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Caroline C. McCarthy Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs

McCarthy is managing partner for Phelps Dunbar LLP. She received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and a juris doctorate degree from The University of Alabama. Her practice concentrates on insurance coverage and firm management. An award-winning author and editor, McCarthy is a member of the Mobile, Alabama and American Bar Associations. She is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society.



Oakland McCullochVice Chair, Military Affairs

McCulloch is associate director of the Bay Area Food Bank. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Northern Illinois University and a master of military arts and science in history from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. McCulloch earned 31 service awards during his career, including the Bronze Star. He retired from the U.S. Army in June 2009 with more than 22 years of active service.

Henry O’Connor III Vice Chair, Economic Development

O’Connor is managing director of IPC Capital Partners LLC. He holds a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, and graduated from Dartmouth College. Prior to joining IPC Capital Partners, O’Connor founded and was managing member of O’Connor & O’Connor LLC, where he represented developers, owners and operators in commercial real estate ventures. O’Connor is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Frank S. Seltzer Jr.Seltzer is president of Superior

Masonry Inc., and is a current member of the LeMoyne Water System board. He served two terms on the Creola City Council, including the city’s charter council, and is a past board member for Mobile Community Action. Superior Masonry is a past Eagle Award winner.

William B. Sisson Sisson is executive director

of the Mobile Airport Authority. Sisson earned a master’s degree in business administration from The University of Alabama and a bachelor’s of business administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. He also holds a diploma from the Institutes for Organization Management and is a graduate of Leadership Mobile and Leadership Alabama. Sisson is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors. He also serves on the boards of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, UMS-Wright School and United Way of Southwest Alabama. Sisson is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

William W. Oppenheimer Oppenheimer is president

of Enveloc Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1975. Oppenheimer is a Paul Harris Fellow and past president of the Mobile Rotary Club, past president of the Family Counseling Center, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Dumas Wesley Community Center, Coastal Conservation Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Oppenheimer is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Dr. Roy D. Nichols Jr.Nichols is superintendent of the

Mobile County Public School System. He holds a master’s degree in education administration from State University of New York, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of Massachusetts. He also did post doctoral studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Georgia. He previously served as superintendent in Marietta and LaGrange, Ga., and in the Norfolk, Va., school systems.

Jacquitta Powell-GreenPowell-Green is compliance

officer for Northside Check Exchange Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alabama A & M University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is vice chair of Commonwealth National Bank’s audit committee, past president of the Dearborn YMCA, a board member for Penelope House and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Greater Mobile Chapter of The Links Inc. Powell-Green is a graduate of Leadership Mobile.

Michael E. Pierce 2011 Chair-Elect

Pierce is chairman of Commonwealth National Bank and executive director of the MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corp. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Tulane University. He is president of the Rotary Club of Mobile, a member of the Mobile Touchdown Club and past chairman of the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Committee. He is also founding pastor of New Life Ministries. Pierce is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

T. Lee Robinson Jr.Vice Chair, Trade

Robinson is president of OHC Inc., a family-owned import/export hardwood lumber manufacturer. Robinson graduated from Washington & Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is also a graduate of Hardwood Lumber Inspection School. Robinson served in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of captain, and served in Operation Desert Shield. Robinson is a director for International Shipholding Corp., and a member of the advisory board of Wells Fargo for the south Alabama/Mississippi region.

Rev. Richard P. Salmi SJSalmi is president of Spring

Hill College. Salmi entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1973. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University, a master’s degree in speech communications from Bowling Green State University, a master’s of divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and a doctorate degree in higher education administration from Boston College. Salmi serves on the board of trustees at Le Moyne College and he is a founding member and director of the Association for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities. Salmi is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

R. Michael Saxon Vice Chair, Finance

Saxon is Mobile division vice president for Alabama Power Co. He received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of West Florida and a master’s degree in business administration from Troy University. He served as regional manager for Georgia Power in Atlanta before moving to Eufaula as Alabama Power’s Southeast division vice president in 2003. Saxon is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

LaBarron N. McClendon Vice Chair, Community Development

McClendon is vice president for marketing, community affairs and human resources for Mobile Gas. A graduate of Spring Hill College, he serves on numerous boards including the Senior Bowl, Providence Foundation, Mobile United, Red Cross, Hearin-Chandler Family YMCA, Child Advocacy Center and Junior Achievement. McClendon is a graduate of Leadership Mobile.

Premier Medical Physicians

ENT 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, MD



Mary Gormandy WhiteWhite is co-founder of Mobile

Technical Institute and MTI Business Solutions. She holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in communications, and is actively involved in several professional and civic organizations, including the Mobile Society for Human Resource Management and Junior League of Mobile. White is a published author and works as group editor and social networking specialist for LoveToKnow.com.

Chester Vrocher Vice Chair, Workforce Development

Vrocher is organizational development manager for Boise Paper, Alabama Operations. Employed by the company for 30 years, Vrocher works full-time in local, regional and state-wide workforce development and governmental affairs efforts. Vrocher has a bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Alabama. Vrocher is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Jeffery M. St. Clair St. Clair is president and chief

executive officer of Springhill Medical Center. St. Clair holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from The University of Alabama and a master’s degree in health administration from Kennedy-Western University. He is a member of the board of directors of Springhill Medical Center, Gulf Coast Surgical Partners, Family Counseling Center and the American Heart Association. St. Clair is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Thomas M. Taul III Taul is chief executive officer

and chairman of Merchants Transfer Co. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama and received a juris doctorate degree from Cumberland School of Law. Taul practiced law in Mobile until joining Merchants Transfer in 1988. His volunteer activities include Outback of Mobile and his church. Taul is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.

Rich Sullivan Vice Chair, Communications

Sullivan is president and executive creative director for Red Square Agency. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology/political science from The University of Alabama. Sullivan is a board member for Centre for the Living Arts and the Spring Hill College Communications Review Board. He has also served on the board of the American Advertising Federation, Mobile Bay chapter. He is a member of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, One Club for Art and Copy in New York, and is a published author.

David L. Trent Immediate Past Chair

Trent is site director of Airbus North America Engineering - Mobile Engineering Center, specializing in the engineering, analysis and certification of Airbus cabin and cargo systems. Trent holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration, both from California State University of Fullerton. He is a member of the Chamber’s board of advisors.


Raymond McCaffrey stands in the warehouse at Quality Valve Inc., office and warehouse located at 2948 Mathers St.

investorFocus

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].

QualityValveInc.Company official: Raymond A. McCaffrey

Years in business: 16 years

Brief company description: Quality Valve is a worldwide supplier of replacement parts for industrial safety valves, carrying inventory from all major valve manufacturers.

Why are you located in Mobile? “This is home,” said McCaffrey.

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “A rising tide lifts all boats,” said McCaffrey. “The Chamber’s development efforts can only help all of us, and it’s an effort worth supporting.”

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential? “Mobile is a great place to live with unusual and significant geographic advantages,” said McCaffrey.

Length of Chamber membership: 16 years

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Irby graduated from Auburn University and is a graduate of Rice University’s advanced management program. She was a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board Examiner in the early stages of the program. Irby serves on numerous boards and advisory committees including the board of trustees for United Way of Southwest Alabama, and is a former board chair for the Mobile Area Chamber. Irby is a member of Rotary and is a graduate of Leadership Alabama. KBR is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Merceria L. Ludgood is president of the Mobile County Commission, representing District 1. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Alabama, and graduated from Antioch School of Law in Washington D.C. In addition, she received a master’s of divinity from the Alabama

Interdenominational Seminary in 1990. Ludgood began her law practice with the firm of Figures Irby and Ludgood, and launched her solo practice in 1988. In 1991, she was selected to lead the Legal Services Corp. of Alabama, an organization providing free civil legal services to income-eligible clients, through 14 statewide offices. In 1995, Ludgood joined the staff of the Legal Services Corp. in Washington D.C. as office of program services director. Upon her return to Mobile, she became assistant county attorney, a position she held for 14 years, seven of those as retained counsel. Ludgood served as assistant city of Mobile attorney. Ludgood is the recipient of many honors and awards, including the prestigious Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship. She lends her time to many organizations, including the Alabama State Bar board of bar commissioners, Mobile Bar Association executive committee, United Way Women’s Initiative and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Mobile County is a Partners for Growth Investor.

James W. Hartman III is chief executive officer of Premier Medical Management Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University, and holds the certified public accounting designation in Alabama and Florida. Hartman received the certified ophthalmic executive designation in June 2008, and is a nominee for the certified medical practice executive designation. He was chief financial officer for Premier Medical Management from 2000 until January 2010 when he was promoted to his current position. Previously, Hartman was a partner with Smith Dukes and Buckalew, served as vice president of finance with Midtown Restaurants Corp. and was a manager with Crow Shields and Bailey CPAs. Hartman is a board member and past president of the Mobile Medical Group Management Association, a board member

of the National Board of Certified Ophthalmic Executives, past president and treasurer of the Mobile and Alabama Chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association and past president of the Mobile Auburn Alumni Association. Premier Medical Management is a Partners for Growth Investor.

Dianne K. Irby is managing director of KBR’s (formerly Kellogg Brown & Root) Mobile office, responsible for infrastructure operations in the Southeast. She previously served as the organization’s vice president for quality management worldwide and as vice president and general manager of the Mobile office before leaving to start her own business. Irby worked as management consultant with Irby Strategic Services from 1997 to 2002, and was executive director of the regional United Way from 2002 to 2004.

Irby

AdvisorsFeatured Profiles The Mobile Area Chamber is proud to salute members of the board of advisors.

These business leaders represent companies whose significant dues investment lead the way in funding the Chamber’s programs and initiatives. for more

information contact Katrina Dewrell at 431-8611 or [email protected].

Hartman

Ludgood

23520102982009

HomesSold⌦Mobile County

2542010

3382009

EmployedMobile/Baldwin counties

BuildingPermitsCity of Mobile

BusinessLicensesCity of Mobile

1862010

2262009

$124,6982010

$136,1562009

AverageSellingPriceMobile County

ValueofBuildingPermits

$8,413,6052010

$36,029,5352009

241,0102010

234,6602009

24,2212010

23,8742009

AirPassengersFromMobileArea

9.4%201010.6%2009

UnemploymentRatesMobile/Baldwin counties

ComparativeEconomicIndicators

SEPTEMBER2010vsSEPTEMBER2009The Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.


BUSINESS@ BREAKFAST* *Members Only

CHAMBER HOLIDAYPARTY* *Members Only

TURNINGDATA INTO INFORMATION#4 ProcessManagement

GCTC LUNCHEON

CHAMBER CLOSED

CHAMBER CLOSED

alendarCDECEMBER2010

for information on Chamber events, visit events.mobilechamber.com.

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8

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Business@Breakfast*Business@Breakfast will be held

Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Via Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St., from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. B@B offers members the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business in 45 seconds. Reserve your space by Dec. 6 for this event. The cost is $10 and is due with reservation. No cancellations will be reimbursed after this date to cover the cost of breakfast. Only one representative per company. For reservations contact Missy Hartley at [email protected] or 431-8638.

*Members only

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TurningDataIntoInformation:Process

Management

The final session in a series of financial performance workshops for small businesses, “Turning Data Into Information – Process Management,” will demonstrate practical applications for improving the bottom line. The seminar will be held Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St.

Jim Burton, Norton Lilly’s chief financial officer, will explore the use of process mapping and key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve productivity and reduce waste. Learn to identify waste in your company’s processes, what it’s costing you and your customers, and how to eliminate it.

The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for potential members and includes lunch. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or [email protected].

GCTCLuncheonThe Gulf Coast Technology Council

will host its bi-monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Original Oyster House, 3733 Battleship Pkwy. The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members, $20 for potential Chamber members and $5 for students, and includes lunch. Reservations and payment are required by Dec. 13. For more information, contact Laura Smith at 431-8636 or [email protected].

ExecutiveRoundtable*

Executive Roundtable, a monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers, will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board Room, 451 Government St. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited. For reservations contact Brenda Rembert at 431-8607 or [email protected]. *Members only

ChamberHolidayParty*The Mobile Area Chamber will have

a holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at PURE, 271 Azalea Rd. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required by Nov. 30. For reservations contact Missy Hartley at 431-8638 or [email protected]. *Members only

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, Alabama 36582

251.973.2217 s www.bellingrath.orgTickets available at

participating Regions Banks, online & at the door during regular hours of operation.

Friday after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve 5pm - 9pm, Closed December 25th

Entertainment s Dining s Shopping

A holiday tradition unlike any other

NETWORKING @NOON* *Members Only

CHAMBER CLOSED

174THANNUAL MEETING

EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE* *Members Only BUSINESS AFTERHOURS

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JANUARY2011

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HumanResourcesLunchandLearnBeginning January 11, 2011 from

11 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Mobile Area Chamber will host a series of Human Resource Lunch and Learns, addressing compensation strategies, payroll, hiring, termination procedures and more. The inaugural event will feature Rick Miller, pro356 Consulting LLC, discussing “Succession Management: Could you walk away today and your business remain OK?” Reservations are required. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members, and includes lunch. For more information, contact Brenda Rembert at [email protected] or call 431-8607.

HUMANRESOURCESLUNCHANDLEARN


Member FDIC

From Left:Anna Maria Mazzarella251-431-7836

Lisa Portacci 251-776-5554

Janru Galloway 251-454-6997

Tara Hickey 251-929-2870

Susan Bankester251-431-7846

Smart MortgageNew PurChase or reFINaNCeCoNstruCtIoN LeNDINgLow rates

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www.banktrustonline.com

BusinessAfterHours

Join Chamber members and diplomats from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours on Thursday, Jan. 27 at Club Insanity, 310 Dauphin St.

This popular event is one of the Chamber’s best opportunities to introduce your business and make new contacts. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for potential members and includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Reservations are not necessary.

N@N is a bi-monthly event offering members 45 seconds to introduce themselves and their business to 40 other Chamber-member businesses. The event will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 3917 Airport Blvd. and sponsored by Comfort Systems USA Southeast.

The event is limited to Mobile Area Chamber members only, and one representative per company. The cost is $10 and includes lunch. Payment is due at the time of reservation and must be made no later than Monday, Jan. 10. Reservations not cancelled by Jan. 10 must be honored to cover the cost of lunch. Contact Missy Hartley at [email protected]. or 431-8638. *Members only

Networking@Noon*

MobileAreaChamber174thAnnualMeeting

Presenting Sponsor

The Mobile Area Chamber’s 174th Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the Mobile Civic Center. Beginning promptly at 6 p.m. the event’s program will introduce the Chamber’s 2011 chairman of the board, take a look back at the area’s accomplishments and acknowledge local businesses contributions. During the program, awards will be given recognizing member company accomplishments, community service and volunteer service to the Chamber.

The evening concludes with the area’s largest networking reception featuring 18 restaurants and caterers showcasing their culinary specialties. Tickets for Chamber members are $50 each or $485 for a group of 10. The cost for potential Chamber members is $60 each.

For reservations, contact Carolyn Wilson at 431-8606 or [email protected].


William C. Brett PE joined BayFour Design engineering firm as a senior electrical engineer. He brings more than 35 years of experience in engineering design, field engineering, discipline management, project engineering and project management.

Academics Unlimited, an in-home

tutoring service, expanded to Mobile and Baldwin counties. Free consultations are available as well as discounts for Mobile Area Chamber members. For more information, visit www.academicsunlimited.com or call 377-5569.

XThe Alabama Institute for Deaf and

Blind implemented Pathways, an individualized employment training/placement and business education program for individuals with disabilities in Alabama’s first Congressional district. The program’s mission is to increase employment opportunities for 40 individuals.

The Principal Financial Group hired financial representatives Buzzy Owen, Michael James and Katrina Brewer to assist clients with insurance and investment needs.

XHand

Arendall named Megan Brooks and Allison Collins as associates in the firm’s litigation section. Brooks graduated from Spring Hill College with a bachelor’s degree in political science and received a juris doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law. Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University and a juris doctorate degree from The University of Alabama School of Law.

Springdale Travel hired Jamie Sims as cruise agent at the Montlimar Drive location and Chris Adams as branch manager of the agency’s Pensacola location.

XDriven Engineering

hired engineers Matt Bean and Daniel Terry. Bean earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and Terry earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama. Terry is enrolled in graduate studies at the University of South Alabama.

XWellbornideas welcomed Harriet

Sharer as a partner. Sharer has more than 10 years experience in public relations, marketing and journalism and an extensive background in public relations for the tourism and hospitality industry.

Via! Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center named Dorothy Curry as director, Shannon Gunderson as development director, and Justin Skinner as fitness assistant. Curry has a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation and a master certificate in gerontology. Gunderson has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and background in nonprofit development, marketing and sales.

In addition, the center promoted Teresa Burke to wellness and enrichment program manager, Marla Eanes to business operations manager and Michelle Buchanan to program manager. Burke has a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, Eanes worked in finance for 25 years and Buchanan has been with the center for 18 years.

XRoberts

Brothers welcomed Charlotte Bryant as an agent in its west Mobile office and John Mims as an agent in The Real Estate Center.

emberNewsM

Bryant Mims

Bean

Owen James BrewerSims Adams Brett

Brooks Collins


In other news, the school’s Avenue of the Oaks is celebrating its 160th anniversary. The avenue is the traditional site for the college’s commencement ceremonies. Alumni and friends are invited to leave their memories of the avenue by visiting www.shc.edu/avenue-anniversary.

Giant Insects, the Gulf Coast Exploreum’s latest exhibit, features six oversized animatronic bugs, three giant mechanical insect heads, an insect gallery and a live insect zoo. The exhibit runs Jan. 22 through May 22.

In addition, the newly-opened Hearin-Chandler Virtual Journeys Digital Theater offers two 40-minute experiences allowing visitors to venture into outer space. For ticket prices, theatre times and other information, visit www.exploreum.com.

XInfirmary Health System fitness centers

– PRO Health Fitness in Mobile, Thomas Health and Fitness in Fairhope and North Baldwin Wellness Center in Bay Minette – are partnering with the American Council on Exercise to offer fitness programs for kids.

XThe Bay Area Food Bank announced

several workers from the Americorps VISTA program will spend a year assisting the food bank with its new SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance) outreach program. SNAP provides low-income households with electronic benefits that can be used like cash at most grocery stores.

and local team members visited five Alabama cities collecting food items and delivered them to the Bay Area Food Bank.

XServiceMaster Services commercial

industrial cleaning president Rob Guthans and vice president Jennifer Farrell attained Partners in Achievement status in recognition of volume and growth for ServiceMaster Clean.

XFor the 12th consecutive year, insurance

broker Thames Batré Mattei Beville & Ison earned the “Best Practices” designation by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. The firm is the only locally owned, independent insurance broker in south Alabama to be selected for the award.

XThe University of Mobile was named

one of America’s Best Christian Colleges by The Institutional Research & Evaluation Inc., for the 14th consecutive year. Top schools provide the highest educational qualities in a Christian environment.

XSpring Hill College received a $50,000

grant to fund College Access Initiative, a program designed to increase the number of public school students attending college by assisting low-income students with college entrance exam preparation and financial aid applications.

Mobile Lumber & Millworks launched a newly designed web site, www.mobilelumber.com, offering information about services and product lines as well as a blog relating company news and events.

XB&C Trucking expanded service to Mobile

and Baldwin Counties, including dump truck, flatbed and chemical tanker hauling. For more information call 689-0250.

XMobile Works launched www.my

skillsmyfuture.org, a web site helping unemployed workers and individuals changing careers explore new occupations. Job seekers can identify occupations similar to current or previous jobs, locate local training programs and apply for jobs.

XWhite-Spunner Construction Inc.

was awarded a $2.87 million bid to build a 30,000-square-foot furniture showroom and sales facility for furniture giant, ROOMS TO GO in Destin, Fla. The project is slated for completion in April 2011.

The company also recently completed a state-of-the-art, “Polo Barn” in Point Clear. The energy-efficient equestrian facility boasts 16,660 roof-covered square-feet for 24 horses and staff.

XAlabama Magazine will launch in

January 2011 as a statewide lifestyles magazine. The bi-monthly publication will showcase articles featuring Alabama people, places, businesses and heritage.

Raymond James named John J. Robb to its 2011 executive council, in recognition of outstanding client service, assets under management and personal integrity. Robb has managed the brokerage firm’s west Mobile office since 2003.

X

Bellingrath Gardens and Home Foundation named Laura Morrissette Clark, Dr. Walter Bellingrath Edgar and C. Ray Mayhall as newly elected trustees. Clark is a graduate of Sweet Briar College. Edgar graduated from Davidson College and the University of South Carolina where he is currently a professor. Mayhall is a

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].

MayhallClark Edgar

FarrellGuthans

Robb

retired senior vice president of sales for Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated in Charlotte, N.C. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising.

XCol. Bill Callender of Mobile was

elected chairman of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission. Callender is a retired public school administrator, veteran U.S. Army aviator, former chairman of the Mobile Area Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and the Mobile Bay Veteran Day Commission, and is currently an ambassador for Honor Flight South Alabama.

Other local elected officers and commissioners are: Ret. Col. Pat Downing, Terry Ankerson, Ben Brooks, Robert Edington and Paul Wesch of Mobile.

XZebra Marketing was named one of

the best places to work in the ad specialty industry by Counselor magazine. The company ranked No. 23 out of 75 on the 2010 list. Firms making the list were recognized for their staff loyalty, trustworthy management, solid benefits and team effectiveness.

XTAG/The Architects Group Inc.

announced the new student center at Spring Hill College was officially awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute.

XMatt Rogers of Driven

Engineering recently passed the PE exam and is a licensed professional engineer. Rogers has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama and is enrolled in graduate studies at the University of South Alabama.

XDrs.

Paul Brett and Mary Burtnick, with the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, were awarded a $395,717 research grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms used by bacterial pathogens causing disease in both humans and animals.

XRBC Bank’s Gulf Neighbors Food Drive

collected 6,812 pounds of food from across the state of Alabama, providing a week’s worth of meals for 150 Gulf Coast families in need. The bank’s Alabama executives

2010 Statement of Ownership, Management & Circulation(1) Publication Title: The Business View (2) Publication Number: 952-7000 (3) Filing Date: 10/31/2010 (4) Issue

Frequency: Monthly Except Combined Issue of December/January (5) Number of Issues Published Annually: 11 (6) Annual Subscription Price: $24 (7) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: P.O. Box 2187, Mobile, AL, 36652-2187, Mobile County (8) Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Office of Publisher: 451 Government Street, Mobile, AL, 36602 (9) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher; Editor and Managing Editor: (Publisher) Winthrop M. Hallett III; (Editor) Leigh Perry-Herndon; (Managing Editor) Susan Rak-Blanchard; P.O. Box 2187, Mobile, AL, 36652-2187 (10) Owner: Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2187, Mobile, AL 36652-2187 (11) Known Bondholder, Mortgages or Other Securities: None (12) For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail special rates. The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months (13) Publication Name: The Business View (14) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2010 (15) Extent and Nature of the Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue Actual No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date a. Total No. of Copies 19,855 19,900 b. (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions none noneb. (2) Paid in county subscriptions 3,208 3,227b. (3) Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors, counter sales none none b. (4) Other classes mailed none nonec. Total paid and/or requested circulation 3,208 3,227d. (1) Free distribution by mail outside county 16,329 16,355d. (2) Free distribution by mail in county none noned. (3) Free distribution - other classes mailed by U.S.P.S. none noned. (4) Free distribution - outside the mail none nonee. Free distribution 16,329 16,355f. Total distribution 19,537 19,582g. Copies not distributed 318 300h. Total 19,855 19,882i. Percent paid and/or requested circulation 16% 16%(16) This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the December2010/January 2011 issue of this publication. (17) Signature and title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner & Date:I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties).

Brett

Rogers

Burtnick

Communitynews

AD Venture Specialties Co.Debbie Stephens628 Tuthill Ln.Mobile, AL 36608251-344-0526www.adventurespecialties.netAdvertising Specialties

Alabama MagazineTony ChaversP.O. Box 380904Birmingham, AL 35238205-960-7170www.alabama-magazine.comMagazine - Publisher

Blue Water Services LLCStephen Borror1301 Juniper St.Mobile, AL 36603443-398-5534www.bluewaterservicesonline.comEnvironmental Services

C & P Staffing Group LLCPatricia Hooks3709 Lakeside Dr., Ste. CMobile, AL 36693251-662-1118www.cpstaffinggroup.comEmployee Staffing

Collette VacationsJack W. Brinson II162 Middle St. Pawtucket, RI 02860229-444-3691www.collettevacations.comTravel Agencies

The CQ Group LLCTerry Livingston2601 Shay Ct.Mobile, AL 36695251-660-2624www.cqengineering.comEngineers

Fusion Spa SalonMelissa Wheeler9 Du Rhu Dr., Ste. 380Mobile, AL 36608251-445-8926www.be-fusion.comHair Salon

FusionPoint Media Inc.Brian Jordan1100 Dauphin St., Ste. CMobile, AL 36604251-473-6553www.fusionpointmedia.comWeb Site Design

Heroes Sports Bar & GrilleDavid S. Rasp273 Dauphin St.Mobile, AL 36602251-433-4376www.heroessportsbar.comRestaurants & Bar

Inverness Lakes Apartment HomesKristin Thompson6650 Cottage Hill Rd.Mobile, AL 36695251-607-7878www.invernesslakes.netApartments

JMH DesignsJanice Horsley1913 Old Government St.Mobile, AL 36606251-510-3059Gift Baskets

Kevin Carter RealtyKevin Carter3280 Dauphin St., Ste. C-124Mobile, AL 36606251-605-1998www.kevincarterrealty.comReal Estate-Commercial

NAFTA Gulf Bridge SA de CVJuan LopezOne St. Louis Pl., Ste. 3200Mobile, AL 36602251-219-3256www.naftagulfbridge.comShip Owners

Pro356 Consulting LLCRick Miller710 S. Mobile St., 38Fairhope, AL 36532251-472-5629www.pro356consulting.comConsultant

Regina’s KitchenRegina N. Florey2056 Government St.Mobile, AL 36606251-476-2777Restaurants

The Royal ScamDavid S. Rasp72 S. Royal St.Mobile, AL 36602251-432-7226www.royalscammobile.comRestaurants & Bar

Karen C. Simmons PCKaren Simmons712 Oak Cir. Dr. W., Ste. AMobile, AL 36609251-662-1235www.ksimmonscpa.comAccountants-Certified Public

Swift BiotechnologyMichael Chambers1660 Springhill Ave., Ste. 3014Mobile, AL 36604251-272-4095www.swiftbiotech.comHealthcare Services

Tiny Diny RestaurantEd Campagno2159 Halls Mill Rd.Mobile, AL 36606251-476-3880Restaurants

Tropical Smoothie Café Nazmi Ozokur570 Schillinger Rd. S.Mobile, AL 36695251-634-3454www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.comRestaurants

Zaxby’s RestaurantsJoanna Belote950 Schillinger Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36695251-607-7645www.zaxbys.comRestaurants

As of 9/30/2010


newMembers Clip and add to your Membership Directory.

if you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact RebeccaMilam at431-8647or TriciaSeibt at431-8642. View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

ThereisStrengthinNumbers...

A recent study showed that consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a Chamber member. For as little as 83 cents a day your membership will yield a return in:

• Business assistance;• Professional development seminars and

counseling; • Networking opportunities; • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business

interests; and much more.For more information about becoming a

member, contact Carolyn Golson at 431-8622 or [email protected] or visit www.mobilechamber.com.

The Business of Mobile is Our Business.

30YEARSLawrence & Lawrence PC

25YEARSNSA Agencies Inc.Ward International Trucks LLC

20YEARSTom Mason Communications

15YEARSChoice One Enterprises Inc.

10YEARSConstruction Labor Services Inc.DailyAccess Corp.The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

5YEARSBaldwin County Sewer ServiceCharles Schwab & Co.Chris S. King - Roberts Brothers Inc. Realtor

GAF Materials Corp.N-Tron Corp.Silver Ships

1-4YEARSA-Coastal ScaffoldingAlabama Railroad & ConstructionAll A Bloom Florist & GiftsAshley Furniture Home StoreBall, Ball, Matthews & Novak PABaySide DinnersBroussard’sCamp Rap-A-HopeChild Evangelism Fellowship of Southwest AlabamaDr. Chris Corsentino & Associates ChiropractorsCypress Cove ApartmentsThe Delicious Dietician Inc.Delta Sanitation Embroidery By The BayFarmers Insurance-Brian Sanderson Gulf Coast Appraisal Services Inc.

H&R BlockHarbor Financial Services LLCHixardt Technologies Inc.Horne LLP CPAs & Business Consultants Hummingbird Ideas Advertising & Design Inc.iSAM North America Corp.ITAC SolutionsJay Mills Inc. Jewels by Park Lane-Joan MillerThe Koberg Co.Kumon Math and Reading CenterLa Quinta Inn & SuitesLaQuinta Inn & Suites Satsuma/ North MobileLeague of Women Voters of MobileLewis Precision & CNC Inc.Lifeguard Transportation Service Inc. of MobileLifeSouth Community Blood Centers Inc.McNider CreationsMobile Bay Transportation Co.Mobile Solvent and Supply Inc.

Nasser Gymnastics AcademyOle Bay Management Inc.Ozanam Charitable PharmacyRed Roof Inn - Mobile SouthRoss, Jordan & Gray PCThe Sessions Team - Roberts Brothers Inc.The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint Shipyard SupplySilver King Golf Club LLC Slaton Moving & WarehouseSleepco Management LLC d/b/a Family Inns - MobileSouthEastern Appraisal ServicesSpecialty Fuels Bunkering LLCStandard Concrete Products Inc.The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood STOA ArchitectsStrojny & Strojny Financial ServicesTKR Technologies Inc.Williams Financial Group LLC

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.Anniversaries MembersAreOurGreatestAsset!

S T R E N G T HIN NUMBERS

...isn’t sugar coated.

The Business of Mobile is our Business.

joinmobilechamber.com251.433.6951

Rose and Fred PollmanPollman’s Bakery

42 EmployeesMember Since 1989

Fred and Rose Pollman believe their Chamber membership is the key ingredient to finding and keeping customers. “We work with the Chamber as a team...supporting each other,” said Fred. As one of 2,400 Chamber members, Fred and Rose have access to resources, exposure and networking to help grow their business and make it thrive – and that’s the icing on the cake for their small business.

the business view - december/january 2011

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