About Mobile Opportunities Are Here, It’S Our to Exercise

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce JUNE 2015 the

What We Two Local Companies Love Receive Trade Awards About Legislation Helps Mobile Compete for Jobs Mobile 2 the business view JUNE 2015 the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce JUNE 2015 | In this issue

ON THE COVER Chamber member Ron Moore with Alabama Power and his family love attending Mobile BayBears games. Learn more about what to love about From the Publisher - Bill Sisson Mobile on pages 18-19. Photo by Jeff Tesney

Follow the Trail to Growth 4 News You Can Use 11 Small Business of the Month: It is my firm belief that It’s easy to think of 3 Echoes Production growth and prosperity of any “urban trails” as something 12 A Banner Year for Economic community are driven by jobs. residents can live without. Development in the Alabama Legislature It’s as simple as that. But community leaders So it’s very good news that from across the country 14 Small Business of the Year and Mobile was recently ranked as a are beginning to realize Outstanding Entrepreneur Awarded top 20 city in ZipRecruiter’s list that parks, pedestrian trails 16 Small Business Corner: Want to Get of Southern cities for jobs right and bike paths serve more Paid? Practice Prompt, Smart Invoicing now. Now that the job of a purpose than just places 18 What We Love About Mobile opportunities are here, it’s our to exercise. They can 20 Investor Focus: BancorpSouth challenge and opportunity to propel growth. 22 Military Appreciation Luncheon recruit the families taking these new In the past, those amenities were and Legislative Reception positions to our city and county. considered “nice to have,” but today they 23 CEO Profile: Katherine Wills When newcomers have choices, they will have become a critical part of a transportation 24 Member Appreciation Day choose to live where they find the quality of network that helps communities attract 25 Chamber-Sponsored Trip to Spain life amenities they most desire. Certainly people. And, of course, people attract retail 26 Chamber@Work housing costs and schools are a big part of and other commercial development. 27 Ambassador of the Month: the equation, but so are features such as When you look at surveys done over the Lisa Kavanagh parks, walking trails and bike paths. past 20 years by groups like the National 27 Business Spotlight of the Month: Association of Homebuilders and National Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter Association of Realtors, the results are 28 Board of Advisor Profiles: Hilton incredibly consistent: as much as 60 percent Billingsley Mostellar, John R. Goodloe III, of city residents want a livable, walkable Paul Weber and Bobby Wein community with recreational opportunities. 29 Emily McGrath Promoted at Chamber That’s a staggering statistic – and the and Laura O’Connor Joins the Staff reason the Chamber supports the city and 30 Calendar 4 county’s strategic planning efforts for the 32 Member News continued development of our region’s 34 Anniversaries recreational facilities. Having this all- 35 New Members important infrastructure will be an incredibly effective economic development tool for further business recruitment – and the business view is published monthly, a way to ensure that newcomers will choose except for the combined issue of December/January, to call Mobile home. by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 251-433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2015

Publisher William B. Sisson Executive Editor Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor Jennifer Jenkins 25 Copy Editor Michelle Matthews Additional Writers and Editors Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Carolyn Wilson

Printing Services: Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design: Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive: René Eiland 22 251-431-8635 [email protected] the business view JUNE 2015 3 Alabama Steel Terminals Opens State-of-the-Art Coil Handling Facility

The Alabama State Port Authority “We are pleased to have delivered the and Alabama Steel Terminals LLC (AST) most technologically advanced steel- recently opened a $36 million steel coil handling facility in the nation to better handling facility at the Port of Mobile. complement the port’s existing portfolio The new rail-, truck- and barge-served of steel terminal facilities,” said Jimmy facility is a joint venture between Lyons, executive director of the Port TriState Maritime Services Inc. and Authority. the Richardson Group. According to Tom Adger, vice The new facility provides 178,200 president for Alabama Steel Terminals square feet of covered bay area equipped LLC, the company’s goal was to “create a with three, 50-ton capacity overhead- state-of-the-art steel coil handling facility bridge cranes and 168,000 square feet of emphasizing both innovation and open storage yard, handling an customer service for steel manufacturers estimated 700,000 tons of steel annually. and shippers.” According to the Port Authority, this The Port of Mobile is currently the project created 50 jobs at an annual second largest steel handling port in the payroll of $2 million. At full build-out, nation, with just over 5 million tons AST will add 194,400 square feet of bay handled in fiscal year 2014 through the area equipped with three additional 50- Port Authority’s terminals. ton capacity overhead bridge cranes, and hire an additional 50 workers. 4 the business view JUNE 2015 NEWS you can use Two Local Companies Receive Trade Awards Governor’s Office, Jamie Martin Governor’s Office, Jamie Martin

Gov. Robert Bentley presented the Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards to eight Alabama Accepting the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award from Gov. Robert companies that are excelling in international trade. Accepting the Governor’s Trade Excellence Bentley is John Stimpson, president and owner of Gulf Trading LLC. Award is Keith Jones and Todd Hassel of Prism Systems Inc.

Mobile-based companies Gulf global Fortune 500 customers way to grow their business,” said To address this, the Chamber, Trading LLC and Prism Systems represent a variety of industry Christina Stimpson, director of along with the Export Alabama Inc. were among those honored including manufacturing, the Chamber’s international Alliance and the Alabama recently by Gov. Robert Bentley chemicals, food and beverage, trade program. District Export Council, will with the Trade Excellence oil and gas, telecommunications “Many businesses could present the International Trade Award. The Mobile Area and entertainment. benefit from Leadership Series, an in-depth Chamber nominated the Prism Systems has learning about certification program to advance companies based on international 48 employees We hope this international international business skills for trade activity and participation. with 10 percent recognition business Alabama companies beginning Gulf Trading LLC became its of its workforce helps other opportunities and June 19 (See pg. 31 for details). own entity in 2000, evolving out currently located what resources Other recipients of the 2015 of Gulf Lumber Co., which dates in Shanghai companies explore are available to Governor’s Trade Excellence back to 1940. The company has on a long-term international help,” adds Awards are: Applied Chemical eight employees and ships assignment. markets as a viable Stimpson. The Technology Inc., Florence; softwood lumber, North Additional export way to grow International Trade Drummond Co. Inc., Vestavia; American hardwood lumber, markets include Administration Knox Kershaw Inc., Montgomery; Southern yellow pine and more Mexico, Thailand, their business. reports that less Masada Resource Group to export markets including the Japan, France, Christina Stimpson than 1 percent of LLC, Birmingham; Schwarze Caribbean Islands, China, India, Italy, Trinidad & director, Mobile Area America’s 30 Industries Inc., Huntsville; Taiwan, Thailand, Argentina, Tobago, Brazil million companies and SEPCO, Alabaster. Chamber of Commerce Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica. and Tajikistan. export – a international trade program Prism Systems is a 26-year-old “We hope this percentage engineering services company, recognition helps significantly lower You’ll see this symbol with stories featuring Chamber initiatives. specializing in software and other companies explore than all other developed process control services. Its international markets as a viable countries.

the business view JUNE 2015 5 Logical Computer Solutions welcomes

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We are proud to provide a website built to track site progress of Airbus Assembly Line Mobile with time lapsed aerial photographs and video. Updates are posted regularly, so be sure to add the website to your favorites. Visit www.AirbusAssemblyMobile.com

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6 the business view JUNE 2015 10 the business view MARCH 2014 * AirbusAssemblyMobile.com is not affiliated with Airbus.

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Chamber Receives and your employees and suppliers. School System Award In April, the Mobile Area Chamber 2015 Award Winners: received the Workforce Development • Empowering Students Starts With Us Award: Chief James H. Barber, Mobile Police Department We are proud to provide a website built to track site Starts With Us award from the Mobile • Community Involvement Starts With Us: The Fuse Project County Public School System. It was given • Workforce Development Starts With Us: Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce progress of Airbus Assembly Line Mobile with time lapsed to the Chamber for bringing business and • Mentoring Starts With Us: Kappa League industry leaders to the table with K-12 and • Student Safety Starts With Us: Ronnie Adair, Mobile County Emergency Management Agency aerial photographs and video. Updates are posted regularly, higher education teachers to talk about the • Supporting Academics Starts With Us: United Way of Southwest Alabama ever-changing needs of Mobile’s workforce. • Giving Back Starts With Us: Mobile Rotary Club so be sure to add the website to your favorites. Accepting the award for the Chamber • The Future Starts With Us: Bay Chevrolet was Emily McGrath, the Chamber’s • Career Preparation Starts With Us: Airbus Engineering Division education and workforce development • Innovation Starts With Us: VT MAE Visit www.AirbusAssemblyMobile.com director; Troy Wayman, vice president of • Partner of the Year: Mobile Infirmary economic development for the Chamber; • It Starts With Me: Amelia Lindsay, Allentown Elementary School and Loka Mistratta with Cintas Corp., • It Starts With Me: Cheyenne Bliss, Burns Middle School We also believe that our beautiful coastal environment who served as workforce development • It Starts With Me: Semaj Bell, BC Rain High School vice chairman until he moved to Dallas • Elementary Teacher of the Year: Laniese Howard, Kate Shepard Elementary School and quality of life draw and retain business to Mobile. in May. • Secondary Teacher of the Year: Don Jones, BC Rain High School • Student Support Starts With Us: MCPSS Transportation Department We showcase these valuable resources. • School Spirit Starts With Us: Nancy Pierce, Public Relations Supervisor Visit www.FlyTheCoast.com Eagle Award Applications Now Accepted Minority Business Awards Luncheon to The MBA Award recognizes the efforts of be held in October 2015. a company or business to support minority- Eagle Awards honor deserving minority- owned businesses by increasing their owned businesses that demonstrate business supplier diversity programs and expanding Celebrating 27 Years growth and community commitment. opportunities. Nominees must be a Mobile Nominees must be at least 51-percent owned, Area Chamber member in good standing; in Mobile operated and controlled by an African- show a commitment to supplier diversity; American, Hispanic/Latino, American have three complete years of operation (as of The Mobile Area Chamber is accepting Indian or Asian-American. Additionally, Dec. 31, 2014); and have an office in Mobile, applications for its annual Eagle Awards and the business must be headquartered in Baldwin or Washington County. (251) 661-3111 the Rev. Wesley A. James Minority Business Mobile, Baldwin or Washington counties; For more information on nominating Advocate Award (MBA) through Friday, July have been operational at least three years; a business or applying for either award, www.Logicalus.com 24. Eligibility information and the application exhibit revenue and/or employee growth; contact Danette Richards at 251-431-8652 724 Lakeside Drive W. can be found at www.mobilechamber.com/ have apparent solid financial base; be a for- or [email protected]. [email protected] Mobile, AL 36693 small-business/small-business-awards. profit company; and show evidence of The awards will be presented at the community service contribution. the business view JUNE 2015 7 10 the business view MARCH 2014 * AirbusAssemblyMobile.com is not affiliated with Airbus.

Southern Light Going the Distance Southern Light reached two The 17-year-old company significant milestones recently, has 214 employees spread out “Southern Light continues to with two more on the horizon. among seven locations. Southern see tremendous demand from The Mobile-based fiber optic Light will consolidate the wireless carriers, enterprise network provider announced majority of them into seven customers and government its network expanded to 5,000- floors of the RSA Trustmark entities,” says Newton. “Fiber plus miles. That’s like driving building in 2016. The firm of network providers are from Mobile to Anchorage, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood is positioned to perform well as Alaska, and then to Fargo, N.D. designing the 47,000-square-foot our world relies more heavily Southern Light also completed space to meet Southern Light’s on faster connections.” service to its 1,000th business needs. In response, the company is location. Soon the company will finish increasing its footprint to key These achievements firmly construction of a new data markets including Huntsville, established Southern Light as center at the University of South Birmingham and Jackson, Miss. a leading industry provider Alabama. The facility will be Currently the company’s in the Southeast, says Andy one of the largest on the Gulf network spans west to Lafayette, Newton, president and CEO Coast, says Newton, and it will La., east to Jacksonville, Fla., and of Southern Light. be monitored around the clock. north to Huntsville. Andy Newton and Paul Bullington with Southern Light in their new office space currently under construction.

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SMALL BUSINESS of the month 3 Echoes Productions is Synonymous with Home Improvement

From left to right are Marrs Zakary; Arria Blanton, homeowner; Allen Lyle, “Today’s Homeowner”co-host; Danny Lipford, “Today’s Homeowner “host and 3 Echoes Productions president; Brad Rodgers, director of photography; and Nathaniel Lewis, production assistant.

If you’ve watched Danny such as the Weather Channel, services. Ever-evolving in with Chelsea,” an original series Lipford’s “Today’s Homeowner” Home Depot and Black and technology allows the company on simple household repairs and television show in the past 18 Decker. to continue to expand its list of projects hosted by Lipford’s years, you’ve seen the work of “We want to become the services, improve quality and daughter, Chelsea Lipford 3 Echoes Productions. go-to video production company efficiency and create different Wolf, and produced by Brad The company was created in for national brands in the types of images. Rodgers. The Telly Awards, 1997 as the production arm of home improvement industry,” “When 3 Echoes began, they founded in 1979, honor Danny Lipford Media, tasked said the company’s General were shooting on tape with outstanding work in video and with producing the show that Manager, Chad Kirtland. video cameras,” Kirtland said. film productions. took the Mobile contractor and “We’ve identified and kind “These days we’ve moved from “With so much going on home improvement expert to a of made for ourselves a niche tape to digital media, where we around here with new business, national audience. there. We feel like we are, if not don’t even need film or anything I see opportunity for commercial Since its inception, 3 Echoes the best, one of the best in the like that, although we do still work, industrial work in this has produced more than 300 country doing work in that record to a card. Technology area,” Kirtland said of the Mobile episodes of Today’s Homeowner industry.” has given us a lot of new area. “We’ve started to take on a and more than 3,000 videos that With a team of five within a opportunities in terms of little bit of that.” supplement the show, which can larger group of more than 15 storytelling, visuals or video – be seen around the country. employees in Danny Lipford everything from new, faster Want to be featured here? The Mobile Area Chamber’s Media, 3 Echoes is a full-service cameras that capture better Go to mobilechamber.com Small Business of the Month, production company that images to drones that we can to submit an application, or 3 Echoes has used Lipford’s show provides a variety of services, take aerial photography with.” contact Danette Richards as a calling card to bring in a from video production and The company recently won two at 251-431-8652 or variety of commercial clients, editing to branding and creative 2015 Telly Awards for “Checking [email protected].

the business view JUNE 2015 11 A Banner Year for Economic Development in the Alabama Legislature

By: Troy L. Wayman, Mobile Area Chamber vice president, economic development

For years, Alabama has been self-policing, as it is based on location decisions. 10 years for qualifying projects. at a disadvantage in the economic the previous year’s payroll for The new investment credit Other states offer those development incentives game the new direct jobs created. It is simplifies the incentive and abatements for up to 20 years. compared with our neighboring paid as a refund of taxes for makes it far more usable. While This legislation allows us to do states in the Southeast. But this utility services. This form of it shortens the duration of the the same thing, but does not year, thanks to some creative credit is a pay-as-you-go type credits and lessens the amount, allow for any abatement of any and well-conceived legislation, incentive, as new revenues are it allows the credit to be carried portion of educational taxes, that playing field has been leveled generated from construction over or transferred (or sold) to and rightly so. significantly. activity, withholding, sales taxes, another entity during the first Other bills in the package A series of bills was introduced property taxes, etc., before the three years, helping a company are advantageous to economic to revamp Alabama’s statutory incentive is paid out via utility create cash for capital development, but these are the incentives package in a number taxes. Other states have long had expenditures. most critical and have been of ways. Two significant game jobs credit incentives, leaving The second act is House Bill passed and signed by Gov. changers in the package are for Alabama behind in the 59, the Alabama Reinvestment Robert Bentley. This package new industry recruitment and competition. and Abatements Act, sponsored represents a great step forward existing industry expansions. The Alabama Jobs Act also by Rep. Paul Lee. This act in our ability to compete for House Bill 58, the Alabama overhauls our previous capital provides the opportunity to new projects and help our Jobs Act, sponsored by Rep. investment tax credit. For the extend ad valorem tax existing industries secure Alan Baker, provides a long- sake of brevity, the old credit abatements for an additional 10 expansions. needed jobs credit for new jobs was complicated and unusable years. Under current statutes, created in Alabama for our to many of our projects and ad valorem taxes can be abated citizens. This credit is therefore not used for site for up to

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BamaByDistance the1 business-800 view-4 6 JUNE7- 2015022 137 Small Business Week Awards

Small Business of the Year McAleer’s Office Furniture was named the Mobile Area Chamber’s 2015 Small Business of the Year at the Small Business Week awards luncheon on May 7. This year, the Chamber expanded its small business recognition program by naming three finalists. American WeatherStar and Wilson Dismukes were also honored.

Outstanding Entrepreneur Also at the luncheon, the Mobile Area Chamber presented Ralph A. Hargrove, president and founder of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, with the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award. In 1995, Hargrove started the company as the sole employee working from his home. Today, it is one of the largest privately held engineering firms in the state of Alabama, and is employee-owned with 11 offices across the United States. The company currently employs more than 950, including 332 locally.

2015-2016 SEASON MSO CLASSICS SERIES UNDER THE ROMAN SKY I SEPTEMBER 26 & 27, 2015 MUSIC THAT SOARS! Pablo Sainz Villegas, guitarist MORNING AND NIGHT: II BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS FROM THE OCEANS TO THE STARS November 21 & 22, 2015 Ran Dank, pianist Kevin Puts, narrator

AMERICAN MASTERS III JANUARY 16 & 17, 2016 Julia Bullock, soprano

FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH IV FEBRUARY 20 & 21, 2016 David Amado, guest conductor Hedi Salanki-Rubardt, harpsichord

A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS V APRIL 9 & 10, 2016 Conrad Tao, pianist

FROM THE OCEANS TO THE STARS VI MAY 7 & 8, 2016 Jenny Gregoire, violinist MSO POPS SERIES CIRQUE DE NOEL I DECEMBER 12 & 13, 2015 To download the 2015-2016 season flier, visit Cirque de la Symphonie, guest artists mobilesymphony.org ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION Follow the Mobile Symphony! II MARCH 12 & 13, 2016 All concerts are held in the Saenger Theatre. Cherish the Ladies, guest artists Guest appearance by Mithril For season tickets, call 251-432-2010

14 the business view JUNE 2015 the business view JUNE 2015 15 SMALL BUSINESS corner Want to Get Paid? Practice Prompt, Smart Invoicing Nobody likes the idea of Invoice promptly. If your inside a shipment or be sent to getting lost along the payment resorting to a collections process customers don’t have the a separate department? In many route. to deal with delinquent accounts. paperwork, they can’t pay you. cases, if you don’t enter the Take action the day an Indeed, some entrepreneurs And the longer you wait to system properly, your invoice account becomes past due. choose to do nothing rather invoice, the more distant your may be delayed – or never paid Call or send a second notice than confronting customers client’s memory of the product at all. with a polite reminder. A fax about past due bills. That may or service you provided will be. Accurately record each or emailed attachment carries delay any unpleasantness and Invoice clearly and payment you receive. It’s with it immediacy and creates a hard feelings indefinitely, but it completely. State all terms unsettling to have to pursue visual image that often generates won’t bring what you’re owed and the circumstances of the an overdue account, but it is better response than a phone any closer to your bank account. business exchange. A vague or humiliating to ask for a payment message. If you still don’t get Though many of the negative incomplete invoice will make you’ve already received. You’ll paid, phone the customer and connotations of collections are collecting more difficult, come off as unprofessional and request payment. exaggerated, the process itself especially on an overdue may jeopardize a good client can often be avoided entirely Stay proactive. If you don’t, account. relationship. by adopting and adhering to your weak demeanor will make sound accounting and invoicing Know your customer’s Don’t get lost in a large- it easier for your client to put practices. Author and policies. Do they need company shuffle. Call the you off. entrepreneurship consultant multiple copies of the invoice? accounts payable department a For more information on smart Terri Lonier, president of Must the invoices be original few days before a payment is due invoicing contact the Chamber’s Working Solo Inc., provides hard copies, or are faxed or and politely ask if the invoice small business development these tips for improving your emailed invoices acceptable? has been processed properly. department at 251-431-8607. invoicing habits: Should the invoice be included Invoices often have a way of

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the business view JUNE 2015 17 What We Love About Mobile

It’s easy to continually fall in love Seeking out local artists with Mobile. It’s the history, nightlife 1 during Art Walk and family-friendly activities that make Local theater performances Mobile a great place to live. 2 at Joe Jefferson Players We wanted to know about your Lying by the pool, any pool, from 3 March through November favorite things to do in Mobile. And boy, did we get a lot of great ideas. Car races at the Mobile International 4 Speedway With suggestions ranging from the architecture to parks to the waters that Listening to live, local music at surround us to Mobile’s signature 10 places such as the Mobile Symphony events like Mardi Gras and BayFest, The architecture of the Oakleigh each help make Mobile unique. Here are 11 Garden District and other midtown The friendliness and hospitality mansions the most popular, in no particular order. 5 of Mobilians 6 Dancing in the streets during BayFest Rooting for the home team – the 7 Mobile BayBears

Walking down the Avenue of the 12 Oaks at Spring Hill College

Eating local Gulf 13 seafood on the Causeway, and of course . Downtown walking tours hosted throughout town 8 by the History Museum of Mobile and Mobile Bay CVB Tailgating before a 14 University of South Alabama 9 The ornate fountains in our many parks Jags game Spotting the gracious Azalea Trail 15 Maids all around town

Feeding stingrays at the Dauphin 16 Island Estuarium The countless festivals and food 17 competitions throughout the spring and fall

Cherubim statues at Magnolia 18 Cemetery Sitting with Mr. Cooper at Cooper 19 Riverside Park and watching the big Navy warships being built at Austal

18 the business view JUNE 2015 41 Spanish moss and Mardi Gras What We Love About Mobile beads draped from the trees Boating to the Sand Island . The many quality museums, from Buying fresh local fruits and 42 Lighthouse 20 the Mobile History Museum to the 27 vegetables at local farmers’ markets, Mobile Museum of Art to the Mobile such as Market on the Square 43 The diversity of people, Carnival Museum, and Fort Condé cultures and traditions A wide variety of shopping from 28 chains like Belk at Bel Air Mall to local small retail stores such as The Ivy Cottage in Legacy Village and Downtown Mobile Alliance’s Urban Emporium How the skyline changes colors with 44 the peaks of the RSA Battlehouse Rain – yes, really – and how it keeps Tower, Renaissance Mobile 29 everything green Riverview Plaza Hotel and RSA Trustmark building. Birdwatching on Dauphin Island 30 Being a part Sailing and boating on Mobile Bay 45 of the college 31 and surrounding rivers football postseason, Bellingrath Gardens – every Fishing off the pier at Arlington Park thanks to the 21 day of the year 32 GoDaddy Bowl Biking, walking trails and Following local Noshing on Mobile – original 22 playgrounds at the parks from west 33 artists’ work 46 cuisine – fried crab claws and Mobile to downtown to Brookley along the West Indies salad Oyster Trail USS Battleship ALABAMA, war Going to Mars 47 memorials and vintage aircraft 34 via the Gulf Coast Exploreum Getting autographs from college 48 all-stars at the Reese’s Senior Bowl Fishing for 35 redfish and Blooming dogwoods, King Mackerel 40 azaleas and wisteria Distinguished Young Women 36 activities Spectacular Beautiful churches, especially 50 sunrises 23 downtown’s Christ Church 37 Chocolate dobash cake from over Mobile Bay Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Pollman’s Immaculate Conception Mardi Gras – Laissez les The 50 courts at the Mobile Tennis 51 38 bon temps rouler Azalea Trail Run – both as a runner Center and numerous sports 24 and as a spectator programs throughout the community Watching the Moon Pie Drop, 25 ringing in another new year The droves of people who contribute 39 to the Recycling Center in Midtown The sculpture and west Mobile 26 garden at USA Children’s and 40 Kayaking at Five Rivers Women’s Hospital

Send us pictures of you, your friends and family doing what you love most in Mobile to [email protected]. Watch some of them on the Chamber’s Facebook page this summer at www.facebook.com/MobileChamber. Like us to follow along.

the business view JUNE 2015 19 INVESTOR focus

BancorpSouth

Since 1875, BancorpSouth has served customers in the U.S. BancorpSouth is located at the 65 Dauphin building at the intersection of Dauphin Street and Interstate 65. Seated from left to right, are Virginia Knight and Jamie Warren. First row: Kristin Peterson, James Alexander, Christa Hilburn, Terry Harbin, Sarah Shyttlesworth and John Hardin. Second row: Kerry O’Connor, Phil Domke, Jack Rester and Patrick Ladd.

Company officials: Terry Why are you located in Mobile? the 1980s, and have been able to inclusiveness and opportunity Harbin, market president; “BancorpSouth chose to locate see the incredible value of our for all our citizens. In short, Hugh White, senior vice in Mobile eight years ago to community pulling together to our people, coupled with president and senior lender; participate in the rich history of bring economic growth and job employment and recreational John Hardin, vice president; the Port City and become part creation to the region. Running opportunities, are our greatest Phil Domke, senior vice of what we see as an incredibly successive five-year campaigns asset.” president; James Alexander, bright future full of growth and consistently over an extended vice president; Patrick Ladd, opportunity,” said Harbin. period of time has kept Mobile Length of continuous vice president; and Kerry “The Mobile market provided in the forefront of economic Chamber membership: O’Connor, community bank an opportunity to participate development, sharpened our Since 2007 president, Baldwin County. in an area of economic growth skills and built camaraderie second to none in our eight- among participating businesses. Years in business: Since 1875 state footprint, while filling in As business owners and the missing piece of our other managers, we all like to see an Brief company description: community banks in Montgomery, investment pay dividends, and BancorpSouth, a wholly-owned Birmingham and Huntsville. Partners for Growth does just subsidiary of BancorpSouth We now have 28 branches in that.” Inc., operates in more than 300 the state of Alabama, including locations in Alabama, Arkansas, our two in Mobile and three in What do you see as Mobile’s Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Baldwin County.” greatest potential? “Our civic, Partners for Growth (PFG) Tennessee and Texas, including governmental and business is the Mobile Area Chamber’s an insurance location in Illinois. Why do you support the leaders have a long history of long-term economic and While BancorpSouth is a large Mobile Area Chamber of doing the hard work to secure community development program. For more information, contact regional bank, it is comprised of Commerce’s Partners for a bright future for economic Katrina Dewrell, community banks close to its Growth initiative? “I have growth for the region,” said the Chamber’s investor relations customers and the cities and been personally involved in the Harbin. “Our greatest potential coordinator, at 251-431-8611 or towns it serves and provides all PFG campaign beginning with is in further developing and [email protected]. financial services. the ‘Tell the World’ campaign in maintaining a spirit of

20 the business view JUNE 2015 Success depends on LEARNING CONTINUOUSLY. In that area, UA really

DELIVERED for me.

Cheryl Levy | Chief Human Resouces Officer

As an HR professional, Cheryl Levy genuinely cares about her employees. Her goal is to see them grow personally and professionally. Cheryl continued her own educational growth through an online degree program from The University of Alabama. And she did so while managing her demanding job. Want to learn how you or your employees can do the same? Call Bill Elrod at (205) 348-2199 or visit opportunity.ua.edu/bba

^ ® Watch a short video of Cheryl Levy at opportunity.ua.edu/bba

COLLEGEthe OFbusiness CONTINUING view JUNE STUDIES 2015 21 Military Appreciation Luncheon

In April, the Mobile Area Chamber hosted its 28th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Battleship Memorial Park. More than 350 people attended this luncheon that included an awards presentation to the local military community and local JROTC members. Pictured left is keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley (Ret.). Also during the luncheon, Crown Products was named the local military community’s “Above And Beyond” business of the year.

Legislative Reception

The Mobile Area Chamber held its annual legislative reception in Montgomery in April. The event, which drew a large contingency of statewide elected officials, allows Mobile’s business community to thank the delegation for their work on behalf of local business and industry. This year’s event was sponsored by AT&T, ExxonMobil and Hurricane Electronics Inc. Pictured above (from left to right) are Mobile and Baldwin County legislators: Rep. Napoleon Bracy, Rep. Chris Pringle, Rep. Jack Williams, Sen. Rusty Glover, Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, Rep. Margie Wilcox, Rep. James Buskey, Pictured (from left to right) are: Sen. Bill Hightower, Rep. Elaine Beech, Rep. Randy Davis, Rep. David Sessions, Rep. Adline Clarke, Rep. Victor Gaston, Rep. Alan Dirk Young with Hurricane Electronics, Rep. Chris Baker, Sen. Bill Hightower, Rep. Barbara Drummond and Rep. Harry Shiver. Pringle and Bill Sisson with the Mobile Area Chamber. 22 the business view JUNE 2015 CEO profile

Katherine Wills

Company: PANGEATWO Title: Director of client relations Hometown: Bay Minette Education: She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from The University of Alabama. She is also a certified public accountant. First job: Cashier at Winn-Dixie while in high school Previous experience: Her work experience includes staff accountant with Ernst & Young LLP accounting firm in Birmingham; internal auditor and financial accounting at Standard Furniture Manufacturing Co.; and Wilkins Miller Hieronymus. Accomplishments: Wills served on the board of directors for the United Way of Baldwin County for five years and was chairman in 2014. She assisted in raising funds and reaching campaign goals during her term. Secret to success: “I have three primary principles that are the keys to success: listening to everyone, being patient, and being a team player in your organization.” Brief company description: PANGEATWO is an executive search, consulting and staffing firm in downtown Mobile. the business view JUNE 2015 23 Member Appreciation Day

In April, the Mobile Area Chamber held a fish fry on the Chamber lawn as a thank you to its Chamber members. Perfect weather was on tap, and a large crowd came to enjoy the afternoon. Plans are already underway for next year’s event scheduled for April 12, 2016. Pictured above are some of the event’s guests. They are (from left to right): Virginia Jackson, Leslie Sauer, Maggie Robertson and Darius Spencer, all with SMG-Mobile Convention Center.

How healthy is your business?

Michael Ward, Our Services President & CEO US Coast Guard Earned Value Management Services -veteran- Quality and Risk Management Portfolio Management

Project Analysis and Evaluation Consultation Project Team Building Strategic Planning Who We Are A Full-Service Enterprise Program & Project Management Firm US Service Disabled Military Veteran Owned Small Business Serve Government and Private Sectors Leading Minority-Owned Firm Forward-Thinking Problem Solvers Multiple Award Winning Business Information Technology 43 Telecommunications 43 Healthcare 43 Construction Business Operations 43 Supply Chain Management 43 Business Intelligence 251.545.4250 www.PMSG .us

24 the business view JUNE 2015 Chamber Seeks Travelers for Trip to Spain

Spanish charm and hidden gems await fountains are around every corner of this Mobile Area Chamber members and guests exciting Spanish city. Day 1 - Mobile to Madrid choosing to travel to the famous cities of In Cordoba and Seville, tour a UNESCO Day 2 - Madrid th Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and World Heritage Site, an 8 Century mosque Day 3 - Madrid more on a nine-day Spanish Treasures trip and other ancient gothic architecture. In set for Nov. 1-9. Granada, the world-famous Alhambra Day 4 - Madrid/Cordoba/Seville The trip costs $3,349 per person, based on Palace awaits with its gardens, fountains and Day 5 - Seville double occupancy, and includes air travel massive stone walls. A visit to Toledo, with Day 6 - Seville/Granada from Mobile to Madrid, hotel accommodations, time to visit St. Tome and the masterpiece of Day 7 - Granada many meals, tour guides, motorcoach El Greco, is the final stop before returning travel, transfers and more. An optional to Madrid. Day 8 - Granada/Toledo/Madrid two-night add-on to Barcelona is also Only 10 seats remain for this trip. A Day 9 - Madrid to Mobile available for an additional $599 per person. deposit of $500 and a completed registration The vacation begins in Spain’s capital, form will hold your space. To learn more, or *Optional add-on to Barcelona Madrid, where participants can taste to receive a full travel brochure and register, Day 9 - Madrid/Barcelona authentic cuisine at fabulous restaurants, contact Leigh Perry-Herndon at 251-431- Day 10 - Barcelona shop for trinkets and treasures and marvel 8645 or [email protected]. Day 11 - Barcelona to Mobile at the stunning art and architecture the city offers. Famous museums, plazas and

BXS_ViewMagazine_Jan2011.pdf 1/26/11 5:00:39 PM 8.5” x 5.375”

the business view JUNE 2015 25 CHAMBER@work

projects, including event registration, member visits and attending ribbon-cuttings. To learn more about this group, contact Dawn Rencher at 251-431-8649 or drencher@ mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Chamber staff and ambassadors helped cut ribbons and celebrate grand openings at Transamerica Agency Network, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, Viva Health Café, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Infirmary Health Diagnostic & Medical Clinic, The Melting Pot and C Spire – Pinebrook Shopping Staff Participates in Day of Caring Center. If your business is a Sixteen Chamber staff members signed up and participated in this year’s United Way of member and you would like Southwest Alabama Day of Caring. Team members, along with a team from AM/NS Calvert, assistance with planning a spent the day at the Bay Area Food Bank working on multiple projects, including helping to grand opening or ribbon sort and bag 2,400 pounds of assorted fresh produce and 11,535 pounds of nonperishable food cutting event, contact Dawn items for distribution to area agencies. Pictured above are some of the Chamber staff who Rencher at 251-431-8649 or participated. They are (L-R): Darrell Randle, Brenda Rembert, Alison Unger, Shelly Mattingly, drencher@mobile Carolyn Golson and Ashley Horn. chamber.com.

Chamber Hires Summer Save Local Now Includes Intern in Communications 100-Plus Members Harley Boykin, a graduating Last month, the Chamber senior in communications at launched Save Local Now, an Auburn University, is spending online tool for members to the summer working at the promote their goods and Chamber in the communications services, as well as discounts, and marketing department. to a wider audience. In the first Boykin, who is from Mobile, month, more than 110 Chamber- has an extensive resume for a member businesses signed up college student, including for this free service. To learn working on BayFest, the more about the free program, National 7-on-7 Championship go to http://blog.savelocalnow. and in the Auburn athletics com/training/. From there, department. Boykin will work members can receive training on a variety of projects on the program from the throughout the summer comfort of their desk, and including Chamber events, learn how to use social media social media and writing for to market themselves. the magazine and website. Chamber Names New Ambassadors 100 years of care Lane Elmore, Edward Jones; Kaycee Goubil, AHI Corporate and still growing. Housing; and David McLemore, Infinity Builders were named new Chamber ambassadors. Visit us online at pmg.md Ambassadors are a group of volunteer members who assist MOBILE • DAPHNE • JACKSON the Chamber with a variety of

26 the business view JUNE 2015 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT of the month

AMBASSADOR of the month Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter

Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter (FOMAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit animal adoption program focused on improving the quality of life for shelter pets housed at the City of Mobile Animal Shelter. The organization strives to place healthy, adoptable shelter Lisa Kavanagh, operations manager for pets and reduce the number the Junior League of Mobile (JLM), is the of homeless and unwanted domestic animals roaming Mobile Area Chamber’s Ambassador of the streets through spray/ the Month. Kavanagh oversees the daily neuter programs. For operations of JLM, a nonprofit organization more information, visit of women committed to promoting http://adoptapetmobile.org/. volunteerism, developing the potential of Pictured are: standing, women and improving communities. She L-R,Brenda Cashdollar, vice joined the Chamber’s ambassador program president; Donna Turner, in 2011, while serving as associate director of president; Anna Bush, foster alumni relations at the University of South and publications coordinator; Alabama. In 2012, she retired after 25 years and kneeling next to BJ (the of service but remained active in the sheltie) is Vicki Dykes, treasurer. ambassadors program. Ambassadors are volunteers who support the Mobile Area Chamber by visiting members, assisting with events and ribbon-cuttings. To learn more, contact Dawn Rencher at 251-431-8649 or [email protected].

the business view JUNE 2015 27 BOARD of advisors

Hilton Billingsley Mostellar John R. Goodloe III is an Paul Weber serves as Bobby Wein is vice president is co-owner of Mobile Asphalt attorney, a real estate developer manager of operations for Berg of Millard Maritime, a privately Co. and president of R. J. and manager of Hatters Pond Spiral Pipe Corp.’s Mobile owned and operated port facility Billingsley Inc. She earned a LLC. A native Mobilian, Goodloe facility, where large-diameter located in Theodore, where he bachelor’s degree in accounting is a graduate of Murphy High pipe used in the oil and gas is focused on developing the from The University of Alabama. School. He earned a bachelor’s industry is manufactured. A company’s maritime business. A graduate of UMS-Wright degree in English from native of Quebec, Canada, He has been in the maritime Preparatory School, she has Birmingham-Southern College Weber earned a bachelor’s degree industry since 1996, previously served on the school’s alumni and a juris doctorate from The from St. Mary’s University with Norton Lilly, where he advisory committee and was University of Alabama School and a bachelor’s degree in held various maritime sales and inducted into the UMS-Wright of Law. metallurgical engineering from operations positions. Wein Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. the Technical University of earned a degree in aviation Mostellar is a current member Nova Scotia. Berg Spiral Pipe is management from the School of the UMS-Wright board of a Partners for Growth Investor. of Aeronautical Engineering at trustees. Auburn University.

For more information about the Chamber’s board of advisors, contact Katrina Dewrell at 251-431-8611 or [email protected].

Saty Putcha CMEA, SBA, MBA Business Intermediary

Phone: (251) 604-3802 Fax: (251) 382-1673

[email protected] www.murphybusiness.com

1520 Dawes Road Mobile, AL 36695

Are you connected... to the latest Murphy Business & Financial Services LLC business news in “North America’s Premier Brokerage Firm” the Mobile area on Business Sales / Buyer Searches a weekly basis? Business Valuations / Equipment Appraisals Commercial Real Estate Mergers & Acquisitions Franchise Sales If not, then subscribe now for FREE by sending an Business Consultants e-mail to Ashley Horn at [email protected].

28 the business view JUNE 2015 Emily McGrath Promoted to Laura O’Connor Named to Director of Education and Manufacturing Community Team Workforce Development The Mobile Area Chamber focused group of people with and the University of South the best interest of Mobile, the Emily McGrath seeing how our Alabama added citizens and the was recently promoted region works Laura O’Connor to business community to director of education together toward a the special projects at heart.” and workforce common goal of manufacturing “We are very development at making Mobile the community team as fortunate to have the Mobile Area best that it can be,” assistant coordinator. someone with Laura’s Chamber. said McGrath. O’Connor brings skill set working with McGrath, who “Through education 29 years of grant us. She will be a great earned her bachelor’s and workforce development and asset to us as we degree in economics development, I’m implementation, capitalize on our from Vanderbilt McGrath able to be a part practice management O’Connor manufacturing University, will oversee some of partnerships between and fiscal management to ensure community designation,” said crucial programs including the education, training programs, regulatory compliance. Bill Sisson, president and CEO Bay Area Healthcare Coalition’s industry and individuals to She was director/program of the Chamber. Health Occupations Career Fair develop and strengthen the administrator for the center for O’Connor earned a bachelor’s and Summer Scrubs and the workforce pipeline for our area.” strategic health innovation at USA. degree in English from new Young Entrepreneur’s Nearly two years ago, While at USA she authored Vanderbilt University and a Academy (YEA!) program. McGrath joined the Mobile the Alabama Regional master’s degree in healthcare In addition, she will serve as Area Chamber as a project Extension Center grant and administration from The the Chamber’s liaison to the coordinator in the economic launched the Gulf Coast Patient University of Alabama at Southwest Alabama Workforce development department. Care Network. Birmingham. Development Council. McGrath may be reached at “I’m really glad to be working She may be reached at “One of my favorite aspects 251-431-8651 or emcgrath@ with the Chamber,” she said. 251-431-8627 or loconnor@ of working with the Chamber is mobilechamber.com. “This is a very impressive and mobilechamber.com. Building For Lease

Location: 456 Civic Center Drive Size: Approximately 5,000 square feet Short-term lease proposals welcome Features: Vaulted ceilings Five private offices Custom cubicles Large conference room Storage area Kitchen/breakroom Gated secure parking Close proximity to Brookley Aeroplex Availability: Immediately Contact: Joe Mareno, Mobile Area Chamber, 251-431-8624, [email protected] Janet Keene, Bender Realty, 251-445-2468, [email protected]

the business view JUNE 2015 29 CCD Ad 4292015.indd 1 4/30/2015 8:35:55 AM CALENDAR

For information on Chamber events, JUNE visit events.mobilechamber.com.

SPEED NETWORKING *Members Only, one representative per company 10 Get ready...get set...go! Start your day with fast-paced networking. When: 8 to 9 a.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Cost: $5 Contact: Alison Unger at 251-431-8617 or [email protected] Reservations required. Cancellations after June 9 not reimbursed. Free parking. GCTC LUNCH 10 A bimonthly lunch hosted by the Gulf Coast Technology Council.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Speaker: Travis Short, president & CEO, Horizon Shipbuilding Topic: “How Software Impacts Shipbuilding” Cost: $20 for Chamber members and $25 for potential members and includes lunch Contact: Emily Jerkins at 251-431-8602 or [email protected] Reservations required. Cancellations after June 5 not reimbursed to cover lunch cost. Free parking. Sponsor: The stories at bigger banks have a tendency to take rather ugly turns. But at First Community Bank, you can get a business loan far from the wild-goose membership 101 12 Come meet other members and Chamber staff to learn about chases of other financial institutions. Our commercial lenders are bankers first, the many ways to benefit from your membership. giving you the trusted advisor you need. When: 8 to 9 a.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Contact: Alison Unger at 251-431-8617 or [email protected] No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. Free parking.

executive roundtable *Members Only 16 A monthly forum for Chamber member business owners and managers. When: 8 to 9 a.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Speaker: Dr. Don Epley, Center for Real Estate and Economic Development FCB-AL.COM/BUSINESS Topic: Business Trends in Mobile Contact: Brenda Rembert at 251-431-8607 or [email protected] No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. Free parking. Sponsor:

30 the business view JUNE 2015 FCBK_36237-02_Commercial_PrintAd_COCBusinessView_HalfPageVertical.indd 1 3/9/15 3:38 PM CALENDAR

women’s roundtable *Members Only 17 A bimonthly forum for Chamber-member women business owners and managers. When: 8 to 9 a.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Speaker: Sheila Egbert, director of diabetes education, Springhill Medical Center Topic: Understanding Diabetes, Early Detection, Prevention and Lifestyle Choices that Make a Difference Contact: Alison Unger at 251-431-8617 or [email protected] No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. Free parking. Sponsor:

international trade leadership series: 19 Creating a strategic international sales aND marketing plan The Mobile Area Chamber, in coordination with the Alabama District Export Council, the Alabama International Trade Center and the U.S. Commercial Service, present this in-depth certification program to cross-train employees and advance international business skills for Alabama companies. When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Cost: $35 per session or $120 for the series Contact: Christina Stimpson at 251-431-8648 or [email protected] Reservations required. Free parking.

SAVE THE DATE for these upcoming International Trade Leadership Series sessions: July 17 international Finance and export Insurance Aug. 7 international transportation & Logistics INTERNational LEGAL ISSUES: Contracts Aug. 28 aND Agreements

business after hours 25 When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mobile West I-65 80 Springdale Blvd. Cost: $5 for members and $10 for potential members Contact: Alison Unger at 251-431-8617 or [email protected] Reservations are not needed. Sponsor:

the business view JUNE 2015 31 MEMBER news

Bloomberg Philanthropies. Franklin The University of Dunlap holds a bachelor’s in Primary Alabama’s Culverhouse College economics and Latin American Health Center of Commerce is offering a new, Studies from Tulane University Inc. promoted online degree, a master of and a master’s degree in business Judy Mitchell science in marketing with a administration/finance from the to chief specialization in marketing Jones Graduate School of operations analytics. For information, visit Management at Rice University. officer. She has Mitchell http://cba.ua.edu/. ✱ 12 years of experience and ✱ Daughtery Keleher Edith previously worked as director Goodwill Easter Seals Franklin joined of nursing and director of opened its newly renovated Kristi B. Daughtery and New Horizons healthcare quality. Mitchell 33,000-square-foot facility at Colleen A. Keleher were named Credit Union graduated from the University 300 Azalea Rd. The location partners at Crow Shields Bailey in the newly of South Alabama with a includes an expanded retail CPA firm. Daughtery graduated created bachelor’s degree in nursing. store, a covered, drive-through from The University of Alabama position of Franklin donation center and community with a bachelor’s degree in controller. center. accounting. She manages the ✱ ✱ firm’s Daphne location. Keleher Stirling Mobile Asphalt Co. won Mobile County Public earned a bachelor’s degree in Properties the Alabama Department of School System broke ground accounting from Spring Hill welcomed Transportation Baldwin County on Fournier-Chastang K-8 College and a master’s in Andrew resurfacing project that affects School, a new facility in the business from the University Dickman to a nine-mile stretch along I-10 Trinity Gardens community of South Alabama. its commercial from the east end of the Bayway that will front I-65. The ✱ brokerage Dickman to SR-59 in Baldwin County. 93,770-square-foot facility will Joan Dunlap was named division as The project is expected to be include 27 classrooms, science, executive director of the City of sales and leasing executive. completed by the summer of vocational and computer labs, Mobile’s Innovation Team. She He will work at the company’s 2016. a gym and a 6,633-square-foot will lead the city’s participation downtown Mobile office at ✱ tornado shelter. in the program sponsored by 1 St. Louis St., Suite 4100. Tate & Lyle launched a new ✱ low-calorie sugar, Dolcia Prima, U-J Chevrolet started an the company’s name for automotive service technician allulose. Similar to the taste of apprentice program in table sugar, allulose can be partnership with Saraland found in small quantities in City Schools. School authorities some fruits and foods. will identify candidates on an ✱ annual basis for the program. Fitch Ratings upgraded the ✱ Alabama State Port Authority Sam Winter & Co. Real to ‘A-’ with an outlook of stable, Estate moved its office to 660 based on dock facilities’ revenue Springhill Ave., in downtown bonds. Fitch’s rating reflects the Mobile. HEAVY HAULING Port Authority’s record volumes in steel, iron and forest products in fiscal year 2014, and its success in diversifying the authority’s The Mobile FLATBED • HEAVY HAULING • BOAT HAULING • CONTAINER HAULING revenue stream that partly Section of the Agent since 1993 Specializing in Tanks, Pipes, mitigates the organization’s Associated dependence on coal shipments. General Heavy Equipment and Machinery, ✱ Contractors and Over-Dimensional Boats Viva Health Café, a division (AGC) of Serving 48 States and Canada. of University of Alabama at Alabama Birmingham, announced it named White- Moyer relocated its Mobile office to Spunner Construction’s safety 3071 Dauphin St. and compliance manager, Ross ✱ Moyer, 2014 Safety Leader of FusionPoint Media, a the Year. Moyer was honored multimedia company specializing for his dedication and Call anytime! If you’re working, so are we. in creative services and web innovativeness as a safety development, launched a new leader, and for his participation

7040 McDonald Road Irvington, AL 36544 website for Bellingrath and contribution to safety in the Phone: 800-242-9212 or 251-653-7348 Fax: 251-653-1199 Gardens and Home at construction industry. E-Mail: [email protected] www.wonderlandexpressinc.com www.bellingrath.org.

32 the business view JUNE 2015 MEMBER news

The company also received the Lesley Advertising Awards, the largest Design Build Competition Construction Safety Excellence Baker CPA, educational advertising awards among high schools throughout Award in the building division for a manager competition in the United States. the Southeast. The company maintaining an excellent safety with Russell started the program to teach record throughout 2014. The Thompson students about the architecture, company finished the year with Butler & engineering and construction more than 127,000 hours worked Houston LLP, Mobile Area Education industry and the importance of without a lost-time incident. Baker successfully Foundation (MAEF) was social responsibility. ✱ completed the certification selected to receive a Lumina Harrietta process with the American Foundation grant of $120,000 Eaton, CEO of Institute of Certified Public over the next two years. Monies CorroMetrics Accountants (AICPA) for the will be used to design and Submission deadline for Services Inc., Certification in Financial support efforts to improve Member News is two months was elected Forensics (CFF). college attainment strategies, prior to publication. News releases chair of the ✱ outcome sustainability, should be one or two brief paragraphs. Public Policy Russell Thompson Butler community collaboration, Photos must be professional and Outreach Eaton & Houston LLP won a Silver program planning and impact. headshots, labeled with the person’s Committee at NACE Addy for its “Discover Your Lumina, based in Indianapolis, last name, and must be 300 dpi at International’s Corrosion 2015 Inner Elf” holiday marketing is an independent private full size and saved in an eps, tiff or Conference. NACE, formerly campaign in the category of foundation committed to jpg format. Send your information the National Association of Special Event Materials - increasing the number of to [email protected]. Corrosion Engineers, is known Campaign at the annual degrees, certificates and other as the worldwide corrosion American Advertising Awards. credentials. authority made up of more ✱ ✱ than 34,000 members from 116 The University of Mobile Goodwyn, Mills and countries. Eaton is the first earned nine national awards, Cawood awarded $2,500 to Alabamian ever elected to this including a “Best of Show,” in Davidson High School for its win position. the 30th annual Educational at the 2015 Can Do Good Social

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957 Springhill Ave. Mobile, Alabama 36604 251-438-2226 www.gwins.cc

the business view JUNE 2015 33 ANNIVERSARIES Members are our greatest asset. Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses. The Business View – an easy and 55 years 5 years economical way to get your Calagaz Photo & Digital Best Rate Insurance Imaging Inc. S.S. Nesbitt & Co. Inc. company in front of the Mobile CB&I Southern Turf Landscape LLC area business community. Oliver H. Van Horn Co. LLC Urology & Oncology Premier Medical Group Inc Specialists PC 50 years 1-4 years John M. Brining Co. Inc. Bagby & Russell Electric Co. Inc. Bayside Insurance Inc. 40 years BCM Morring Co. Inc. United Way of Southwest BrightStar Care of Mobile Alabama Inc. Butler & Co. of Mobile Inc. C. Roberds General 35 years Contractors LLC Crescent Towing & Salvage Inc. Central Holidays 30 years CentraLite Systems Inc. Infirmary Health Chickasaw Development Corp. Mobile Area Water and Country Club of Mobile Sewer System Dog River Clearwater Revival Surgicare of Mobile The Fuse Project Genesis Technical Staffing Inc. 25 years Gulf Coast Shows Jaguar Cleaners Inc. Gulf Professional Services LLC HealthSource of West Mobile 20 years Henry Marine Service Inc. cnc reSOURCE Hunter Security Inc. Colonial Village at InfinitePetro Distributors LLC Huntleigh Woods J. Hilburn Men’s Clothier History Museum of Mobile Joe Jefferson Players Olin Corp. Koby Subaru The Pelican Group Inc. Ladd Supply Co. Inc. Xanté Corp. Leeco Steel 15 years Level 3 Communications Longleaf Chem-Dry Alabama Aviation Center at Mobile, a unit of Enterprise Manufacturers Packaging Services State Community College Master Boat Builders Inc. Benchmark Homes Group LLC McCorquodale Transfer Inc. First Federal Mortgage MCG Business Solutions Millard Maritime 10 years Mobile International Speedway Dorsey & Dorsey PANGEATWO Contact René Eiland to discover how ad- Engineering Inc. Richway Transportation Services vertising in The Business View Foshee Realty Co. Inc. Rural Sourcing Inc. (RSI) can complete your marketing plan Hargrove Engineers + SP Engineering Inc. at 251.431.8635 or e-mail Constructors Team Adaptive Inc. [email protected]. Red Lion, The Home of N-Tron TekLinks www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf Somerby of Mobile The Light of the Village or www.tinyurl.com/pgyvv24 Wal-Mart Supercenter The Stewart/Perry Co. Inc. Schillinger Road Two Quick Taxes & Notary

34 the business view JUNE 2015 new MEMBERS

Know a company interested in benefiting from Chamber membership? Contact Jackie Livingston at 251-431-8642 or [email protected]. Also, you’ll find the membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

AAA Aerospace USA Inc. Camp Courage Adventure EDSCO Fasteners Inc. The Melting Pot Thierry Caillard Park LLC Carrie King Anand Patel 1812 15th St. Jeffrey Mizell P.O. Box 448 840 Montlimar Dr. Mobile, AL 36615 3965 Leroy Rd. Elba, AL 36323 Mobile, AL 36609-1702 (251) 610-0447 Mobile, AL 36619 (334) 897-5077 (251) 341-7395 Aerospace Industries (251) 725-2868 Fasteners-Distributor www.meltingpot.com/Mobile www.campcourageadventure Restaurants Aerofest Inc. park.com Gilmore Services Inc. Jen Neese Recreation Elliott Gordon Noble Events 1891 9th St. P.O. Box 924 Lydia Noble Mobile, AL 36615 Colonial Life-Mobile District Fairhope, AL 36533 305 State St. (251) 472-7271 Lewis Brock (888) 439-7458, ext. 3025 Mobile, AL 36603 www.mobileaerofest.com 9 Dauphin St., #201 www.gilmoreservices.com (251) 533-1395 Nonprofit Organization Mobile, AL 36602 Document Destruction www.lydianobleevents.com (251) 680-1848 Event Planning/Management AHI Properties www.coloniallife.com Great Ideas Inc. Vicki Baker Sims Employee Benefit Sue Cato Winter Project Management Solutions 1250 W. I-65 Service Rd. S. P.O. Box 50834 Group LLC Mobile, AL 36609 Commstructures Inc. Mobile, AL 36605 Mike Ward (251) 343-6009 James Hobbs (251) 709-2515 1023 N. Grand Blvd. Ste. 101 www.ahiproperties.com 101 E. Roberts Rd. Small Business Consultant St. Louis, MO 63106 Real Estate Management Pensacola, FL 32534 (251) 545-4250 (850) 968-9293 Gulf Trading LLC www.pmsg.us Automation Federation www.commstructures.com John Stimpson Management Consultants Michael Marlowe Fabrication & Welding P.O. Box 305 P.O. Box 12277 Mobile, AL 36601 Service 1 Federal Credit Union Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Costco Wholesale (251) 281-1980 Sandra Brown (919) 327-7235 Serena Mitchell www.gulftradingllc.com P.O. Box 50256 www.automationfederation.org 1450 Tingle Circle West Exporters-Lumber Mobile, AL 36619 Nonprofit Organization Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 432-8538 (251) 666-3583 Health Markets www.service1fcu.com Bay View Realty www.costco.com Chad Kepner Credit Unions Missy Hayes Retail 2252 Government St. 601 Bel Air Blvd., Ste. 213 Mobile, AL 36606 Zaxby’s - Cottage Hill Mobile, AL 36609 Richard Davis (228) 382-4774 Gus Bakhtiar (251) 259-5636 (251) 895-1513 www.healthmarkets.com/ 6500 Cottage Hill Rd. Real Estate-Residential Individuals chadwickkepner Mobile, AL 36609 Insurance (251) 767-3091 The Brother’s Gallery Davis South Barnette & Patrick www.zaxbys.com Anthony Fresolone Don Davis JR’s Coach LLC Restaurants-Fast Food P.O. Box 82011 205 St. Emanuel St. Meldrick House Mobile, AL 36612 Mobile, AL 36602 11660 Wright Rd. As of 3/31/15 (251) 660-0020 (251) 402-0062 Irvington, AL 36544 www.thebrothersgallery.com www.dsbandp.com (251) 458-2844 Auctioneers Marketing Consultants Transportation Services

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX CONNECT with the Chamber >> BancorpSouth...... 25 Logical Computer Solutions...... 6 C Spire...... 2 Mobile Symphony Orchestra...... 14

Coast Safe and Lock...... 33 Murphy Business & Financial @MobileChamber Mobile Area Chamber Solutions - Saty Putcha...... 28 Faulkner State Community College...... 10 Page & Jones Inc...... 12 First Community Bank...... 30 Premier Medical Managment...... 26 The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded Gwin’s Commercial Printing...... 33 Project Management Solutions a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Group...... 24 Commerce, the highest designation given. Hancock Bank...... 16 Providence Hospital...... 15 Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 Hand Arendall LLC...... 17 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction. Regions Bank...... 8 Interstate Printing & The Mobile Area Chamber has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since Graphics Inc...... 27 The University of Alabama 9, 13, 21 the designation’s inception more than 40 years ago. Lagniappe...... 29 Wonderland Express...... 32

the business view JUNE 2015 35 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mobile, AL Permit #346

believe in mobile belong to the chamber

we’re good for business … your business

It’s tough running a business, but it’s easier when the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has your back. Most of our more than 2,200 members are small businesses working to make a living and make a difference. The Chamber does more than build a strong economy – we offer prime networking venues to develop new contacts and solid resources to help you start, manage and grow your company. Believe in a strong future for Mobile. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.