Litter Gitter Aids Cleanup of Watersheds

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce AUGUST 2017 the

Meet the Chamber Board of Advisors Amazon Delivers Big News to Mobile the business view AUGUST 2017 1 We work for you. With technology, you want a partner, not a vendor. So we built the most accessible, highly responsive teams in our industry. Pair that with solutions o ering the highest levels of reliability and security and you have an ally that never stops working for you.

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C SpireTM and C Spire Business SolutionsTM are trademarks owned by Cellular South, Inc. Cellular South, Inc. and its a liates provide products and services under the C SpireTM and C Spire Business SolutionsTM brand. 2 the©2017 business C Spire. All rightsview reserved. AUGUST 2017 We work for you. With technology, you want a partner, not a vendor. So we built the most accessible, highly responsive teams in our industry. Pair that with solutions o ering the highest levels of reliability and security and you have an ally that FOCUS ON never stops working for you. WHATFOCUS COUNTS ON O cial Provider of Telecommunication Solutions to the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Cypress EmploymentWHAT Services Enables COUNTS Employers To Focus On Productivity, Profitability and Staffing Flexibility by Re-Defining Cypress The On-Time, Employment Best-Fit Staffing Services Enables Solution ModelEmployers For Employers To Focus On Productivity, Profitability and Staffing Flexibility by ADMINISTRATIONRe-Defining & CLERKS The On-Time, Best-Fit Staffing Accounting, officeSolution administration, Model sales For personnel, Employers file clerks & legal personnel INDUSTRIALADMINISTRATION & TECHNICAL SKILLS & CLERKS Welders, pipe fitters, riggers, journeyman plumbers & crane operators/heavyAccounting, equipment office operators administration, sales personnel, file clerks & legal personnel CONSTRUCTION SKILLS Electricians, productionINDUSTRIAL labor, sheetmetal & mechanics,TECHNICAL SKILLS carpenters andWelders, safety personnel pipe fitters, riggers, journeyman plumbers HEALTHCARE& crane WAREHOUSE operators/heavy & equipment operators MANUFACTURING SUPPORT Warehouse & inventoryCONSTRUCTION staff, shipping & receiving SKILLS Electricians, production labor, sheetmetal mechanics, AVIATION,carpenters TECHNICAL and safety personnel & LINE STAFF Aviation, aerospaceHEALTHCARE & manufacturing support WAREHOUSE & MANUFACTURING SUPPORT MOBILE • BIRMINGHAM • Warehouse NASHVILLE & inventory staff, shipping & receiving www.cypressemployment.com AVIATION, TECHNICAL & LINE STAFF Aviation, aerospace & manufacturing support Leading technology. Close to home. business solutions cspire.com/business | [email protected] | 251.459.8999 MOBILE • BIRMINGHAM • NASHVILLE www.cypressemployment.com C SpireTM and C Spire Business SolutionsTM are trademarks owned by Cellular South, Inc. Cellular South, Inc. and its a liates provide products and services under the C SpireTM and C Spire Business SolutionsTM brand. ©2017 C Spire. All rights reserved. the business view AUGUST 2017 3 the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce AUGUST 2017 | In this issue

ON THE COVER Rick Frederick with Mobile Bay National From the Publisher - Bill Sisson Estuary Program holds the canoe steady while Don Bates with Thompson Engineering cleans out trash from a Litter Gitter on Three Mile Creek. Here’s To An Abundant Life Learn more on page 5. Photo by Jeff Tesney. Coastal Alabama is blessed In the short term, a with an abundance of natural community can do very little and man-made resources. Our about the natural resources it 5 News You Can Use geography is stunning from does or does not have. Still, 10 Small Business of the Month: every vantage point. And our chambers can capitalize on Blue Fish location on the central Gulf abundance by focusing on Coast positions us to serve as their economic development 11 Meet the Chamber Board of Advisors the business capital of the region. strengths. In fact, this is the 29 Business Expo: Why They Come Back Multi-modal infrastructure keystone of our Chamber’s makes it easy and efficient to Partners for Growth (PFG) 30 Investor Focus: Gulf Distributing move people and products, economic development strategy. Holdings LLC whether on land, sea or air. A good example of this is as our region 31 Existing Industry Expansions, Nevertheless, in the years to come continues to have robust job growth there Entrepreneurship – Critical to Mobile’s our region and certainly our country will will be thousands of unfilled jobs in the undoubtedly have to deal with crises coming years if the skills gap remains Economic Health caused by shortages, deferred maintenance unaddressed. 32 Small Business Corner: Assessing or over-supply of these very resources. Our metropolitan area is not alone in Cybersecurity Risks This is why “scarcity and abundance” this. According to the Center on Education show up as a major issue for chambers of and Workforce at Georgetown University, 32 Chamber Names Cheryl Nicholls commerce during the next 10 years. 20 percent of new jobs in this country over Director of Education and Workforce What is abundant today could be in severe the next 10 years will be in categories that Development shortage tomorrow. Due to technology do not exist today. 33 Business Spotlight of the Month: and the “internet of things,” the speed of I contend that because of Mobile’s Spring Hill College market changes and personal preferences amazing natural and human resources, we now evolve at a mind-blowing rate. will work together to determine the way 33 Ambassador of the Month: forward, away from our scarcities to an Michelle Brown abundant future for generations to come. 34 Calendar 35 Member News 38 Anniversaries 10 39 New Members

the business view is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 251-433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2017

8 Publisher William B. Sisson Executive Editor Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor Jennifer Jenkins Copy Editor Michelle Irvin

Additional Writers and Editors 6 Mike Herndon, Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard and Carolyn Wilson

Printing Services: Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design: Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive: René Eiland 251-431-8635 [email protected]

4 the business view AUGUST 2017 NEWS you can use Amazon Delivers New Sortation Center to Mobile

It was prime news when Amazon and Johnson “There are a lot of contributing Mobile County Commissioner early this summer Amazon Development Associates and, factors that go into our thought Jerry Carl’s district. “The announced its intention to build according to Amazon officials, process on where to place a new biggest thing the Amazon a 362,000-square-foot sortation is expected to open later this year. customer fulfillment or sortation center will do, besides the center in west Mobile off I-10, “This is yet another example center,” said Ashley Robinson, obvious jobs, is put Mobile a nearly $30 million investment. of how Mobile’s distribution strategic communications County on a very short list of The company has plans to hire infrastructure and workforce manager for Amazon. “Most cities that could be in every more than 360 part-time continue to draw the attention importantly, we want to make home in America via the employees, boosting that number of international companies like sure our facilities are placed as shipping label,” he said. to more than 1,000 seasonally. Amazon,” said Troy Wayman, close to the customer as possible “Amazon is one of the most The Mobile Area Chamber, the Chamber’s vice president of to ensure we can offer a great successful and innovative in partnership with the Alabama economic development. Prime service and fast shipping companies in the world, and we Department of Commerce, As Amazon’s first location in speeds to customers. We also could not be more excited to Mobile County Commission the state of Alabama, the center look at the workforce, and we’ve welcome their first major and the City of Mobile, worked will serve as a site to efficiently found great talent in abundance location in Alabama,” said on this project since 2016. The sort products sold on amazon.com in Mobile County.” Mobile Mayor Sandy center is a partnership between for consumer use. The project will be located in Stimpson.

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

Johnson Development first made the Mobile Area Chamber’s economic development departments aware of the potential Amazon project last October. The Chamber nurtured the relationship with the company, and Amazon made its announcement that Mobile would be the site of a new sortation center on June 1. Shelby Glover, an economic development project manager at the Chamber, was lead on the project. “Should Amazon look to expand here – the Port of Mobile and APM Terminals are both increasing capacity, and there is additional room at Johnson Development’s Port City Commerce Park,” said Glover.

the business view AUGUST 2017 5 Coastal Cleanup Impetus for New Trash Collector

Photo by Jeff Tesney

Coastal cleanup events have missions more meaningful,” place to install the litter trap entering the tributary. He is also mobilized volunteers for said Don Bates, vice president and had the partners to help able to sort out plastic and metal decades, but the continual of operations for Thompson the idea succeed,” he said. recyclables. return of stormwater-borne Engineering. Representatives from Mobile In March, Bates installed a litter can be discouraging for A canoe tour of Three Mile Bay National Estuary Program secondary boom behind the people who want to keep Creek pushed his idea into (MBNEP) and the City of Litter Gitter to better gauge its shorelines free of trash. overdrive. Mobile’s engineering department effectiveness. He found the area “For years I’ve been thinking Bates created the Litter Gitter met with Bates and participated has remained relatively clear of about a tool, some sort of trap, prototype trap to help with in a site visit before approving litter since it was cleaned up that would make cleanup cleanup. “We identified an ideal the prototype last November. testing at the Maple Since installation, The device is Street Tributary. The designed for small site, located on it has trapped streams, making Three Mile Creek, more than 130 it easy to install is currently being pounds of litter and empty. Based restored to turn on the success what was once channeled into of the Maple Mobile’s drinking the tributary Street prototype, water system through MBNEP and into a place for Partners for recreational stormwater Environmental activities such drainage pipes. Progress are as canoeing sponsoring a pilot and kayaking. program and the installation of A new company, Osprey three additional Litter Gitters, Initiative, was launched to two in Mobile and one in produce the Litter Gitter and Prichard. manage its deployment and “This entire process has been maintenance. The first Litter a rewarding experience, Gitter was deployed at Maple watching so many groups come Street immediately after the together to take on a recurring November 2016 cleanup and is problem. We’ve been able to monitored weekly. make a big change in a small Since installation, it has amount of time,” said Bates. trapped more than 130 pounds For more information on of litter channeled into the Thompson Engineering’s litter tributary through stormwater removal efforts, contact Bates at drainage pipes. Bates estimates [email protected]. Inventor Don Bates stands on the bank of Three Mile Creek where trash now Photo by Jeff Tesney the trap is collecting 80 to 90 collects thanks to the Litter Gitter making cleanup easier. percent of the floating trash

6 the business view AUGUST 2016 ALABAMA’S LOWEST TUITION

FORMERLY FAULKNER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, ALABAMA SOUTHERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND JEFFERSON DAVIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

IT IS THE OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM AND COASTAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE THAT NO PERSON SHALL, ON THE GROUNDS OF RACE, COLOR, DIS AUGUST 2017 ABILITY, GENDER, RELIGION, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR AGE, BE EXCLUDED FROM PARTICIPATION IN, BE DENIED THE BENEFITS OF, OR BEthe SUBJECTED business TO view DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT7 UNDER ANY PROGRAM, ACTIVITY, OR EMPLOYMENT. Trade Experts Offer Advice In mid-June, the Mobile Area Chamber brought national experts to discuss trade policies under President Donald Trump’s administration with local business representatives at a workshop held at The Battle House Hotel. With more than 100 registrants, the audience included professionals from aerospace, shipbuilding, legal, transport, accounting, engineering, IT, government and steel industries. The Business View had a chance to ask the experts a question: What top three things should Mobile area business owners and managers do to protect and increase trade-related jobs? Here’s what they had to say: n Make sure elected officials know you have trade-related jobs. Don’t assume they know. n Talk with employees about how much of the business is related to trade, to help them understand the value. Make it clear and visual. For example, display a map and every time you get an order or fill an order that goes overseas mark it Featured was Josh Meltzer (third from left), senior fellow in the global economy with a pin. Remember to include all international customers and development program, Brookings Institution, and adjunct professor at the up and down the supply chain. Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies; Bryan Riley (second from right), free trade advocate, The Heritage Foundation; and panel moderator n Tie in what your business needs to get your goods in and out, Ellyn Ferguson (second from left) of CQ Roll Call. Also pictured are Bill Sisson, not just here domestically like infrastructure, roads and air Chamber president and CEO; and Michael Berson with Adams and Reese. access, but overseas. Chamber Visits Paris Air Show In June, a small delegation representing Mobile participated in the 52nd LeBourget Air Show just outside of Paris. While there, the group met with aerospace companies with an existing presence in Mobile, and several looking to locate here. Also, in partnership with Alabama Power, Baldwin County, Baldwin County Members of the Team Mobile delegation met with aerospace Economic Development company AKKA (above) while at the Paris Air Show. AKKA already Alliance, City of Mobile, has a presence in Mobile, and the company’s local office is at Mobile Airport Authority, Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. Mobile County, PowerSouth Another new company to Mobile, Hutchinson, had a and University of South significant presence at the Paris Air Show. In 2015, the company Alabama, the Mobile Area announced it would open a facility at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, and members of Team Mobile received an update on the Mobile Chamber hosted a Mobile Bay facility. It is now up and running (below). aerospace reception attended by more than 150 aerospace executives and supplier industry executives. The Mobile Area Chamber and other partners of Team Mobile were sponsors of the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Alabama pavilion at the air show. Pictured above are Michael Pierce, Mobile Airport Authority; Jay Ross, Adams & Reese (Mobile County); Connie Hudson, Mobile County Commission; Sandy Stimpson, City of Mobile; and Michael Chambers, University of South Alabama.

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the business view AUGUST 2017 9 For more information, please give us a call or visit our website www.StewartSteelwood.com SMALL BUSINESS of the month Blue Fish Takes Colorful Approach to Digital Advertising

Started in 2007, Blue Fish is a digital advertising agency located in Mobile. Pictured from left to right, back row are: Rhen Bartlett, Joshua Martin and Jared Budlong; and front are: Tad Ward, Marcus Neto and Varduhi Karapetyan.

How did Marcus Neto build focuses on solving business engagement, AdWords executive board, and Blue Fish a successful digital advertising problems, from increasing sales campaigns, websites and apps, does pro-bono work for two agency? He used a strength he to building lead generation photography, videography, search local nonprofits, Fuse Project and discovered at a couple of home systems to increasing efficiency. engine optimization and more. Prodisee Pantry. improvement stores. “We want to be an investment, “I also think our team is “I have three boys. I do not “I worked my way through not an expense,” Neto said. “We extremely authentic and want them to have to move college at Lowe’s and The Home can, and do, brand awareness approachable,” said Neto, whose away after college for interesting Depot and was good at teaching campaigns, but our leaning is to firm has grown from two or rewarding work,” Neto said. the how-to seminars they put create tools that are going to be employees to six within the last “I want to see Mobile continue on,” Neto recalled. “Similar to more direct in their ability to year. on its current trend and become home improvement, I have win business for our clients.” Among other projects Neto a place that offers creative and found that teaching people the Blue Fish is the Mobile Area and Blue Fish are currently interesting work. So anything complex concepts behind the Chamber’s Small Business of the updating http://mobileal.com Blue Fish can reasonably do to internet in simplified terms, and Month. and producing the Mobile see Mobile move in that helping them understand how Neto’s interest in advertising Alabama Business Podcast. direction, we are going to do.” those concepts affect their initially grew from a love for They’re active in civic and business, is an excellent tool.” designing and building websites. charitable involvement outside Want to be featured here? With those lessons fresh in Along with traditional regular business hours, as well. Go to mobilechamber.com his mind, Neto opened Blue Fish marketing and advertising Neto serves on the Chamber’s to submit an application, or contact in 2007 with the goal of creating solutions, Blue Fish offers board of advisors and the Danette Richards at 251-431-8652 a digital advertising firm that strategy, social media Eastern Shore Chamber’s or [email protected]. 10 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

The Board of Advisors provides top company executives an avenue for valuable input on critical Chamber and community issues, facilitates peer-to-peer interaction and serves as a high level of recognition. This group meets twice a year at various locations, hearing business and governmental leaders and other speakers address pertinent topics. In addition, the group receives invitations to other events for Chamber leadership. For information on joining the board of advisors, contact Katrina Dewrell at 251-431-8611 or [email protected]. The H symbol indicates those whose companies are also investors in Partners for Growth, the Chamber’s long-term economic and community development program. As of 6/21/17 James Adams Sumner G. Adams Hoar Program Management H Norton Lilly International H

Philip Addy Glyn Agnew Kevin Allen Douglas L. Anderson Matt Andrews UOP LLC, a Honeywell Co. AT&T H Lenzing Fibers Inc. Burr & Forman LLP H Matthew Andrews PC

Alex Arendall Christopher Ashcraft Celia Mann Baehr Owen Bailey Will Barrois ServisFirst Bank Express Employment Mobile Symphony Inc. USA Health Stirling Properties LLC Professionals

Scott A. Beauchemin Kinley Bell Matthew D. Bell Thomas W. Bender III Eric Berrios General Dynamics Marine Rigging Inc. HDR Engineering Inc. Advanced Dermatology & Virginia College of Mobile (Mission Systems) Skin Care Centre PLLC

the business view AUGUST 2017 11 BOARD of advisors

Frank C. Betts Don Bigler William Blackmon Preston Bolt Jr. Leigh Ward Breal Marine Well Containment Co. BBB Industries LLC First Community Bank H Hand Arendall LLC H Ward International Trucks LLC H

Bart Briggs Dean Brown Glenn W. “Skip” Brown III Ken Brown Greg Bru Safety Plus Inc. Alabama Orthopaedic Russell Thompson Butler & iBERIABANK H Armbrecht Jackson LLP H Clinic PC H Houston LLP H

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12 the business view AUGUSTAU 2017 Trustmark - Business View 8 x 5.25 HP4C BOARD of advisors

Stephanie A. Bryan James Buckalew Jason Burce Philip G. Burton Mark Bush Poarch Band of Creek Indians PCH Hotels & Resorts Inc. Briggs Equipment Burton Property Group H SSAB Americas H

Acie Campbell Jennie M. Campbell Kevin S. Carey W. Allen Carroll Lanier Chew Coca-Cola Bottling Co. The Stewart Lodges Trustmark Bank H Wilkins Miller LLC H Sunbelt Business Brokers Consolidated at Steelwood

Vance M. Chunn John Mark Church Robert G. Clapper David Clark Jeff L. Claunch Cardiology Associates H China Doll Rice & Bean Inc./ James B. Donaghey Inc. Visit Mobile EcoSouth Services LLC Dixie Lily Foods H

Joe Collins David J. Cooper Lewis Copeland Jr. Lisa M. Corvo W. Lance Covan Employee Liability Cooper/T. Smith Corp. H Southern Earth Sciences H New Horizons Credit Union Mitternight Inc. H Management Inc.

the business view AUGUST 2017 13 BOARD of advisors

Mike Cowart Allan Crow J. Kenny Crow Jr. William J. Cutts Daniel A. Dennis IV Cowart Hospitality Robert J. Baggett Inc. H Crow Shields Bailey PC H American Tank & Vessel Inc. Roberts Brothers Inc. H

Gilbert Diaz Jr. Jimmy Dill Roy Duncan Christina Edgerton Daniel G. Elcan Alabama Roll Inc. McPherson Oil Co. Hargrove Engineers + Airgas USA LLC, Elcan & Associates Inc. Constructors H Airgas South Division

14 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

Patricia W. Esfeller Ellen Praytor Faulkner Robert A. Fertitta Karl Ficken Mark Fillers Esfeller Construction Co. Inc. Lewis Communications Inc. H Navigator Credit Union Mobile Gas H Renasant Bank

Blair Fisher Barry Franklin Brian Freeman Elizabeth D. Freeman Robert S. Frost St. Paul’s Episcopal School Information Transport Gulf Electric Co. Inc. Long’s Human Resource Delaney Development Inc. H Solutions Inc. H of Mobile H Services H

Robin A. Fuller Peter Gaillard Jr. Steven R. Gatlin Chris L. Golden Enrique Gonzalez Hoist & Crane Service Group Gaillard Builders Inc. Bayside Rubber ExxonMobil H netpoint IT-Services Inc. & Products Inc.

Gary J. Grady Jack V. Greer Jason Gregory Virginia Guy Bobby Gwin Cypress Employment Autry Greer & Sons Inc. Willis Towers Watson H Drug Education Council Inc. DEX Imaging H Services LLC

the business view AUGUST 2017 15 BOARD of advisors

Robert E. Hackbarth Bill Hafner J. Anderson Halligan Monty Hamilton Perry A. Hand Hackbarth Delivery Service Inc. VT MAE H Johnson Development Rural Sourcing Inc. (RSI) Volkert Inc. H Associates Inc.

Terry H. Harbin Brian L. Harold Abe Harper Jr. James W. Hartman III Tony W. Havard BancorpSouth H APM Terminals Mobile LLC H Harper Technologies LLC Premier Medical Group Inc. H UMS-Wright Preparatory School

Juergen Hellmich J. Guy Helmsing James Henderson Jr. Todd Henderson Monique R. Henley iSAM North America Corp. H Hancock Bank H Mobile Lumber & Millwork The First, A National Banking H&S Commercial & Industrial Association Supplies and Services LLC

Javier Hernandez Mark E. Hieronymus Sheila S. Hodges Michael R. Holland Warren Hopper DuPont Crop Protection H Hieronymus CPAs Meyer Vacation Rentals Coastal Bank and Trust H BancorpSouth Insurance Services Inc.

16 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

Roy T. Hudson Shawn Hunter Charles Jackson Jr. Eric B. Jefferson George Johnston Community Bank H Industry Services Co. Inc. Life + Legacy Benefits H Housing First Inc., Technip the Homeless Coalition

Graham Jones Keith A. Jones Shirley M. Justice Wayne S. Keith Todd S. Kennedy Aker Solutions Inc. H Prism Systems Inc. Sirote & Permutt PC Keith Air Conditioning Inc. H Providence Hospital H Your Business Is Our Business BancorpSouth offers a full range of traditional business banking services along with other specialized services to address your financial needs. If you’re looking for one or more specialized services, visit a local BancorpSouth banker today, and let’s grow a relationship together.

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the business view AUGUST 2017 17 BOARD of advisors

Austin Key Kendall L. Kilpatrick Jerrime C. Kitsos James E. Laier John Lakenan BugMaster Exterminators Inc. Mott MacDonald HUB International Gulf South Mobile Area Water and Arkema Inc. H Sewer System H

Michael L. Lapeyrouse Thomas E. Latham Oliver A. Latil IV Michael B. Lee Tammy Little The American Equity Clark Geer Latham & Community Bank H Page & Jones Inc. H Shell Chemical LP/Shell Underwriters Inc. H Associates Inc. Mobile Site H

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18 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

Frank J. Lott III Kate C. Luce Robin H. Luce Merceria L Ludgood Patrick Lynch Heritage Homes H Mississippi Export JubileeScape Inc. Mobile County Commission H The Hiller Companies H Railroad Co. H

Gaylord C. Lyon Jr. James K. Lyons James M. Lyons W. Hunter Lyons Jr. Elliot B. Maisel Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Alabama State Port The SSI Group Inc. H Gulf City Body & Trailer Gulf Distributing Agency Inc. H Authority H Works Inc. H Holdings LLC H

David S. Marks III Richard L. Marler Harry (Bo) W. Mattei Jenny McCall John P.C. McCall Marks Furniture Co. World Marine LLC Thames Batré Insurance H Wesco Gas & Welding Starnes Davis Florie LLP Supply Inc.

Claire G. McCarron John S. McClelland Jr. Richard T. McCreary Ruby McCullough Ken McElhaney Jr. BBVA Compass Bank H Martin Energy Services LLC BAE Systems Southeast PowerSchool Group LLC State Farm Insurance Shipyards Alabama H McElhaney Insurance

the business view AUGUST 2017 19 BOARD of advisors

C. Hope McFadden Clint D. McFerrin Philip McKibbin Pete McMaster Mark McVay McFadden Engineering Cintas Corp. H C Spire H Arcadis U.S. H Mobile Airport Authority H

Michael O. Meador James Miller Dean Minto John L. Montgomery III Mike Montgomery Meador Warehousing & Coastal HR Inc. Sherwin Williams Co. Big Communications Gulf Fastener Distribution Inc.

Leland Moore Jr. Grant H. Morring Timothy G. Morris Melissa Morrissette Chris Morton S & S Sprinkler Co. LLC BCM Morring Co. Inc. Gulf States Engineering H LLB & B Inc. Real Estate H MCG Business Solutions

Hilton Billingsley Monica Motley Brian A. Murphy Jeremy Neff Marcus Neto Mostellar Alabama School of Math Wells Fargo H TekLinks Blue Fish Mobile Asphalt Co. LLC and Science

20 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

Andy Newton Makeda Nichols D. Mark Nix Edward H. O’Gwynn III Kyle Oliver Southern Light H State Farm Insurance - Infirmary Health H BB&T H Budweiser-Busch Distributing Makeda Nichols Co. Inc. H

William Osmer Ryan A. Ott Marty Parker Michael H. Payne Day Peake III Seabulk Towing H Rogers & Willard Inc. Boise Paper Gwin’s Commercial Printing H Phelps Dunbar LLP H

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the business view AUGUST 2017 21 BOARD of advisors

Craig D. Perciavalle W. Davis Pilot Jr. Marty Pittman Jacquitta Powell-Green Saty Putcha Austal H Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc. LifeSouth Community Blood Commonwealth National Bank Murphy Business and Centers Inc. Financial

Christopher Puto Ben M. Radcliff Jr. Lyman M. Ramsay Archie Reeves Chris Richards Spring Hill College Ben M. Radcliff Gulf Equipment Corp. McDowell Knight Roedder AM/NS Calvert H Contractor Inc. H & Sledge LLC H

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22 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

Phillip Rivers Darrell Roberts Maxey J. Roberts Michael C. Roberts Jay Ross Warren Averett LLC Wal-Tech Valve Inc. University of South Alabama Eagle Electrical Services Inc. Adams and Reese LLP H Foundation

Rhett C. Ross Scott Rothermel J. Travis Russell Richard Russell E. J. Saad Continental Motors Inc. H Performance Contractors Inc. H Masland Carpets LLC Bagby & Russell E. J. Saad Law Firm Electric Co. Inc.

R. Michael Saxon J. Tuerk Schlesinger Steve Schoper Henry R. Seawell III John M. Seibt Sr. Alabama Power H AltaPointe Health Praxair Inc. H Thompson Engineering Inc. H PNC Bank H Systems Inc. H

Michael Seltzer Travis R. Short George M. Simmerman Jr. Bob Slaughter Jason Slinkard Remington College H Horizon Shipbuilding Inc. H Ingalls Shipbuilding Nudraulix Inc. BASF Corp. H

the business view AUGUST 2017 23 BOARD of advisors

Ben Smith Riley B. Smith Timothy L. Smith William T. Smithweck Ronald A. Snider S and M Transportation Inc. Tensaw Land & Timber University of Mobile Gulf Coast Truck & Jones Walker LLP H Co. Inc. H Equipment Co. Inc. H

Jeffery M. St. Clair Elizabeth P. Stevens Fred T. Stimpson W. Sandy Stimpson David F. Sweet Springhill Medical Center H Downtown Mobile Alliance Canfor Southern Pine H City of Mobile H Fresenius Medical Care

Troy Tatum Benjamin W. Taul Daryl Taylor Conan Terrell Matt Thocker Lamar Advertising Co. Merchants Transfer Co. H Airbus H Termac Construction Inc. Signature Flight Support of Mobile Inc.

Chris Thomas Hutch Thompson Ormand P. Thompson III Thomas D. Thompson Jr. Daryl C. Trawick Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance SB&T Bank Thomas Hospital Turner Supply Co. Trawick International Inc.

24 the business view AUGUST 2017 BOARD of advisors

Bonnie Tully Tracy P. Turner John Valentine T. Bragg Van Antwerp Jr. Peter vanLingen II Evonik Industries H Johnstone Adams LLC H Dauphin Island Sea Lab Mitchell McLeod Pugh & Century Bank Williams Inc.

Clay Walden Tony G. Waldrop Lee Walters T. Bestor Ward III James F. Watkins Blue Cross and Blue Shield University of South Goodwyn, Mills & Safe Archives LLC H Maynard Cooper & of Alabama H Alabama H Cawood Inc. H Gale PC H

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the business view AUGUST 2017 25 BOARD of advisors

Paul E. Weaver Paul Weber Bobby Wein Gary A. West Barry Westbrooks H. O. Weaver & Sons Inc. H Berg Spiral Pipe Corp. H Millard Maritime G.A. West & Co. Inc. H Walmart Logistics

Jarrod J. White Matt White John White-Spunner Michael Williams Karen Williamson Cabaniss, Johnston, Gardner, White-Spunner Realty Inc. H White-Spunner Outokumpu Stainless USA H Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Dumas & O’Neal H Construction Inc.

Experience you can trust.

Claire G. McCarron South Alabama Market CEO 101 Dauphin Street, Suite 300 Mobile, AL 36602 Office: 251-470-7330 • Cell: 251-404-7331 [email protected]

BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank, a member of the BBVA Group. Compass Bank, Member FDIC. Rev. 06/2017

26 the business view AUGUST 2017 Brian R. Willman Matthew Wilson Patrick J. Wilson Gary Yoder Dirk Young Regions Bank H Mitsubishi Polysilicon H Mobile Bar Pilots LLC WALA FOX 10 Hurricane Electronics Inc.

Not Pictured

Mark Ainsworth Ken Corley Thomas G. Johnson Jr. Bebe Talley-Francis Brian Ward Caraustar’s Mobile Paperboard Olin Corp. H Mobile Paint Alabama Media Group H DocRX Manufacturing Co. Inc. William E. Barnes Scott Davis Todd Visscher As of 6/29/2017 Jim Barnes Enterprises Inc. BMW of Mobile Tommy Robinson Kimberly-Clark Corp. H

d/b/a McDonald’s Plains All American Pipeline

Restaurants H Confident in their ability to “ “represent my organization soundly and with integrity

Roben Nutter, General Counsel, East Alabama Medical Center

300 Attorneys. 11 Offices. Southeastern Strong.

We collaborate with clients, working with them as business partners, advising them step-by-step.

Being able to take care of our clients’ multiple legal needs in one place is part of what makes our client relationships successful.

We work across offices, practices, and communities to serve our Burr.com n 251.344.5151 n AL n DE n FL n GA n MS n TN clients as one team. 11 North Water Street n Suite 22200 n Mobile, AL 36602

the business view AUGUST 2017 27 200-plus200-plus companies companies under one roof showcasing under the one latest roof products showcasing & business solutions the latest products & business solutions

Thursday,Thursday, August 24 August 24 Noon to 5 p.m. Noon to 5 p.m. Arthur R.Arthur Outlaw Mobile R. ConventionOutlaw Center Mobile Exhibit Hall Convention Center Exhibit Hall $5 Admission (with$5 business Admission card) (with business card)

Presented by: Presented by:

Expo Sponsored By: Expo Sponsored By: Army Aviation Center Federal ArmyCredit Union Aviation • Blue Cross andCenter Blue Shield Federal of Alabama Credit Union • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama BugMaster Exterminators Inc. • BugMasterCintas Corp. • C Spire Exterminators • DuPont • Payroll Vault Inc. • Cintas Corp. • C Spire • DuPont • Payroll Vault Springhill Medical Center • The GroundsSpringhill • Troy University Medical • Verizon Center Wireless • The Grounds • Troy University • Verizon Wireless

iHeartMEDIA • LagniappeiHeartMEDIA • Lamar Advertising Co. • of Lagniappe Mobile • The UPS Store• Lamar - Schillinger Advertising Road Co. of Mobile • The UPS Store - Schillinger Road WAVH FM Talk 106.5 • WNSP-FM/92 ZEW WAVH FM Talk 106.5 • WNSP-FM/92 ZEW

Expo ExpoLuncheon LuncheonKeynote by Keynote by Andy Newton Andy Newton 11:30 a.m. to 11:301 p.m. a.m. to 1 p.m. President & CEO President & CEO ArthurArthur R. Outlaw MobileR. Outlaw Convention MobileCenter ConventionSouthern Light Center Southern Light ReservationsReser required.vations Call 251-431-8607 required. Call 251-431-8607 or visit events.mobilechamber.comor visit events.mobilechamber.com Sponsored by: Sponsored by: $35 members/$45$35 nonmembers/$45 members non members

Call28 Call 251-431-8649 the business 251-431-8649 view AUGUSTor visit 2017 events.mobilechamber.com/calendar or visit events.mobilechamber.com/calendar to reserve your booth today! to reserve your booth today! EXPO: Why They Come Back “We “ We look “The “The exhibit every forward to Business Expo Expo has year at the this event is a great way been a great Chamber’s every year to to connect opportunity Business present our with Mobile for the Expo because company and businesses community we love products to and make a to experience connecting the business lot of contacts ‘hands-on’ with our fellow Mobile community. We consider this directly in one place.” demonstrations of the latest businesses. It is a great platform event to be in the top 10 percent medical technologies available Thao Nguyen for meeting new customers, of the more than 150 events we only at Springhill Medical Account Executive reaching out to our existing work every year. The Business Center.” Engineered Cooling Services clients and building up our Expo consistently produces Jeffrey M. St. Clair brand. The personal connections leads and sales for us.” President/CEO we make in one afternoon are Robert Thompson Springhill Medical Center valuable to us all year long.” Marketing Director Melissa Cross EcoView Windows and Doors President, McAleer’s Office Furniture Co. 2017 Business Expo Exhibitors

Below are Mobile Area Chamber member businesses exhibiting at this year’s event. To find out if space remains to promote your company, call 251-431-8649. ADECA State Small Business Corsentino Chiropractic McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Southwest Alabama Partnership for Credit Initiative Crow Shields Bailey PC Mediacom Business Training and Employment AHI Properties/Corporate Housing Cypress Employment Services MMR Constructors Inc. Springhill Medical Center Alabama Career Center Dauphin Way Assisted Living Mobile Christian School St. Mary’s Catholic School Alabama Coastal Foundation Dauphin’s Mobile County License Commission Stewart Lodges at Steelwood Alabama Dept. of Commerce, Delta Disaster Services of Eastern Mobile Mask Stone Ridge at Somerby Park Office of Small Business Advocacy Gulf States Mobile Memorial Gardens The Grounds Alabama Dept. of Revenue Dick Russell’s Bar-B-Q Mobile Popcorn & Party Rentals The Maids Alabama Small Business DiRecManagement Inc. Mobile Society for the Prevention The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co. Development Center DuPont of Cruelty to Animals The Salvation Army of AltaPointe Health Systems Inc. Elegant Knights Limo-Party Bus Momentum IT Services Coastal Alabama American WeatherStar Ellwood Staffing NAIFA - Mobile The SSI Group Inc. America’s First Federal Credit Union Faulkner University Naman’s Catering The UPS Store - Schillinger Rd. Army Aviation Center Federal Feeding the Gulf Coast New Horizons Credit Union Threaded Fasteners Inc. Credit Union Felder Services Newk’s Eatery Thrive Catering and Events Assist 2 Sell, Buyers & Sellers Realty Fit Recruiting Nfina Technologies Inc. Troy University Baumhower’s Victory Grille Fitness Pro Omega Properties Inc./Mobile’s U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Bayside Insurance Commission Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Best Storage BCM Morring Co. Inc. U.S. Small Business Administration Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Orangetheory Fitness Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama University of South Alabama Center Half Shell Oyster House Original Oyster House BIS Technology Group for Continuing Education Harbor Communications Palmer’s Toyota Superstore Blue Cross and Blue Shield University of South Alabama Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics Parkside at Cottage Hill of Alabama Jaguar Sports HeroMan Services Plant Co. Payroll Vault Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama Verizon Wireless Hilton Garden Inn Mobile Downtown Port City Medical LLC BR Williams Trucking Inc. - Mobile Victory Health Partners iHeartMEDIA Providence Occupational Health Distribution Center Visit Mobile Infirmary Occupational Health Pull-A-Part Used Auto Parts Buffalo Rock-Pepsi Walks and Wags Inc. International Fire Protection Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers BugMaster Exterminators Inc. WAVH FM Talk 106.5 Joe Jefferson Players Roly Poly C Spire Wilkins Miller IT JWL Sam’s Club Cartridge World of Mobile WNSP-FM/92 ZEW Lagniappe Sears Hometown Stores Child Advocacy Center Women’s Business Center of Sloppy’s Good Food and Catering Cintas Corp. Lamar Advertising of Mobile South Alabama Snelling Staffing Services City of Mobile Revenue Department Little Flower Catholic School As of 6/29/17 Somerby of Mobile Community Bank McAleer’s Office Furniture Bold Black= Expo Sponsor South Alabama Regional Planning Blue = Media Partner Community Coffee Co. MCG Business Solutions Commission

the business view AUGUST 2017 29 INVESTOR focus

Gulf Distributing Holdings LLC

Pictured here are some of the executives leading Gulf Distributing Holdings. From left to right are: James Marston, COO; Evan Maisel, senior vice president; and Jay Cox, CFO.

Company officials: James Why are you located in success, and it provides a Continuous efforts must be Marston, chief operating Mobile? “The Maisel family has foundation for further growth made by businesses and officer; Jay Cox, chief financial been in Mobile since the early and prosperity in our individuals alike for our officer; Tom Gangle, treasurer; 1900s. Mobile is our home,” said community.” community to cross cultural Evan B. Maisel, senior vice Louis Maisel. “Gulf Distributing lines, including unifying president; Louis E. Maisel, is family owned and operated. What do you see as Mobile’s Mobile and Baldwin counties senior vice president; Rebecca We now have a third generation greatest potential? “The from a cultural standpoint.” L. Maisel, senior vice president of family members rising into potential of the great city of and general counsel; and Elliot leadership positions in the Mobile is limitless,” said Elliot Length of continuous B. Maisel, chairman and CEO. company. Many of our team Maisel. “We are experiencing Chamber membership: members worked with my dad the beginning of the strongest Si nce 197 7. Years in business: 44 or my grandmother – I have period of economic growth that known them since childhood. this city has enjoyed since the Brief company description: The Gulf Holdings veterans onset of World War II in 1941. Gulf Distributing Holdings have helped create a great Achieving Mobile’s potential in LLC manages and operates company culture.” the most expeditious manner seven beverage distribution possible will depend upon our entities, servicing licensed Why do you support the ability to execute on a number Partners for Growth (PFG) retail accounts in central and Mobile Area Chamber of of pressing objectives. We must is the Mobile Area Chamber’s southern Alabama, from Commerce’s Partners for attract industry, develop and long-term economic and Birmingham to Gulf Shores as Growth initiative? “All Mobile train workers, and find viable community development program. well as the Florida panhandle businesses should consider solutions to the immediate For more information, contact and two major markets in financially supporting it,” said challenge of the traffic congestion Katrina Dewrell, the Chamber’s investor relations Mississippi. Gulf is also a Evan Maisel. “Partners for across the I-10 bridge. coordinator, at 251-431-8611 or partner in a beverage Growth is an integral part of [email protected]. distributing company in Texas. each individual business’

30 the business view AUGUST 2017 Existing Industry Expansions, Entrepreneurship – Critical to Mobile’s Economic Health

In the last two issues of The Business View, Mobile Area Chamber’s strategic economic and in several others moving forward, learn development effort. In this issue, we will look at more about each of the five pillars of the the second pillar - Existing Industry Support, Partners for Growth (PFG) program of work, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Mobile’s greatest potential for job While many start-ups may not succeed, • Growing and accelerating Mobile’s growth and wealth creation lies in the some will flourish and prosper – creating entrepreneurial culture. jobs and investment, attracting more • Encouraging further development of industries and companies already entrepreneurial energy and talent, and Mobile’s Technology Corridor along giving Mobile a culture and reputation for established and operating here, said St. Louis Street in downtown Mobile. Troy Wayman, vice president of innovation and creativity. The outcomes and value tied to entrepreneurial strategies • Providing support for entrepreneurs economic development for the Mobile are admittedly longer term and more and innovation in targeted industry subjective in nature than those tied to sectors. Area Chamber. “It’s one of the reasons business retention and expansion. why the Chamber’s Partners for Growth • Coordinating and collaborating the “Successful communities must be able to Chamber’s innovation and plan has a dedicated effort to support develop, attract, and retain creative people entrepreneurial efforts with the and innovative ideas. They must not lose existing industry.” University of South Alabama. their best and brightest young people to Intentional and focused support, plus other places deemed to be cooler or that Over the last two-plus decades, the assistance from the Chamber’s economic offer more opportunity for Mobile Area Chamber has presented a development team, partners and programs entrepreneurism,” said Wayman. work to ensure that Mobile keeps measurable, strategic program to guide its economic development efforts. The 2018-22 businesses here, and that they grow and Chamber efforts in these areas profit here. program – Partners for Growth: Growing These efforts focus on helping local include: Global, Investing Local, a public/private companies access available federal, state and • Supporting the retention and partnership involving the City of Mobile, local assistance and incentive programs, expansion of existing companies Mobile County and 160-plus private collaborate with local suppliers and vendors; investors – is being chaired by Elliot and solve any impediments related to • Leveraging input from existing Maisel, Gulf Distributing Holdings LLC, zoning, permitting, regulations, etc. industries to develop strategic actions Mark Nix, Infirmary Health; Mike Saxon, The Chamber also believes in the 21st and initiatives to respond to the needs Alabama Power; and Brian Willman, century, community economic development of target industry sectors Regions Bank. requires the appropriate focus on business • Identifying growth opportunities To learn more about PFG efforts, or to start-ups to complement business attraction among existing industries and schedule a time where a member of the and expansion. Entrepreneurs need companies. Chamber’s economic development team assistance and support to commercialize can come out and talk with your company, ideas, find partners, manage business • Supporting workforce needs of local contact Cesny Soffronoff at 251-431-8636 functions and find capital. businesses. or [email protected].

the business view AUGUST 2017 31 ASSESSING cyber security risks

Cheryl Nicholls Do You Know Who Named Director of Education and Workforce Has Access? Development

Cheryl In the course of working with our clients While these devices are not being Nicholls was to improve their security posture, we have installed for nefarious purposes, the recently named come across several common themes that important question is who/what has access director of limit a business’s ability to assess and to this device? If it communicates with a education and mitigate cybersecurity risk. Last month, we third-party vendor’s website, what happens workforce looked at how configuration options can if that website is hacked and used to development in make devices dangerous. Let’s go a step compromise the device on your network? the Chamber’s further now and talk about access issues. If the vendor’s employees have logins economic to the device, are they using poor or Nicholls development previously-compromised login credentials? You can’t secure it if... you don’t department. She will oversee vital The security of your network depends on know who has access to it. programs including the Bay Area the security of every single device on the Healthcare Coalition’s Health network. We received a call from a client’s head of Occupations Career Fair, Summer As outsourcing has become more IT with an interesting story. One of the Scrubs and the Young Entrepreneur’s prevalent in today’s business world, the company’s backup drives had gone offline Academy (YEA) program. Nicholls number of access points to our data has over the weekend. When she saw the error will also be the Chamber’s liaison to also increased. A number of prominent on Monday, she went to the server rack to the Southwest Alabama Workforce data breaches in recent years were the result check on the drives, and discovered one Development Council. of a compromised third-party vendor, from was missing. After an intensive search, the “I have always had a passion for Target to Goodwill to Jimmy John’s, and missing drive was found stashed in a acting as a liaison between people and numerous payroll services. In April, ZDNet bookcase in a nearby office. Since the only organizations and just assisting others reported that confidential health data of people in the office over the weekend were in general,” Nicholls said. “This new more than a million individuals was the outsourced cleaning crew, she assumed role will allow me to continue along exposed when a telemarketing company that one of those employees had that path to a greater extent. I look employee accidentally uploaded a backup disconnected the drive and intended to forward to working not only with copy of their database to an unsecured steal it, but had to hide it when someone other workforce development partners Internet server. came by, and was unable to retrieve it in Mobile and the surrounding Hopefully your employees have received before leaving. Are your critical network counties but with business and training on how to handle your company’s components kept behind locked doors? industry leaders and educational data. But have your outsourced workers Third-party vendors can be a security institutions as well.” received the same training? Do those work- concern in a variety of ways. In the past few Nicholls has a bachelor’s degree in from-home employees use access tools that years, we have noticed more and more journalism from Wayne State meet your company’s security requirements? vendors wanting to add their devices to our University in Detroit. She brings more Do you have written policies requiring your customers’ networks. For example: than 15 years of experience in various third-party vendors to follow the same industries including communications, security practices you require in-house? 1 - An image counter device for advertising, administration and You can’t secure it if you don’t know copy machines academia. She most recently worked who has access to it. as an educational outreach specialist Several of the 20 CIS Controls for and project coordinator at the 2 - Quality assurance devices for Effective Cyber Defense address the need University of South Alabama, where VoIP phone systems that to control access to information and to the she recruited, supported and retained monitor network traffic network. Read more about how to apply students interested in physician them to your business at www.cisecurity. assistant studies as well as grant org/critical-controls. 3 - Music and entertainment writing. content provided for on-hold She is currently a member of the This is the third column of a mini-series on Bay Area Health Care Coalition and systems and customer cybersecurity by Glenda Snodgrass, president the Mobile County Public School waiting areas and lead consultant at The Net Effect. Snodgrass System’s Career and Technical can be reached at [email protected]. Education advisory board. Contact Nicholls at 251-431-8651 or [email protected].

32 the business view AUGUST 2017 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT of the month

AMBASSADOR of the month Photo by Jeff Tesney Michelle Brown joined the Chamber’s ambassador program in January, and six months later was named the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month. “The ambassador program has benefited me on both a personal and professional level,” she said. “I have had to go outside my comfort zone personally. And on the professional level, I have been in contact more with our customers, representing the Chamber.” Brown is the division account manager for Spring Hill College Seabulk Towing’s six Gulf Coast ports. She has worked for the company for 20 years. Ambassadors are volunteers who support Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is Alabama’s at Spring Hill, which is accredited by the Commission the Mobile Area Chamber by visiting members, oldest institution of higher learning; the first Catholic on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges assisting with events and ribbon-cuttings. college in the Southeast; the third oldest Jesuit and Schools to award baccalaureate and master’s To learn more, contact Dawn Rencher at college; and the fifth oldest Catholic college in the degrees. The college is located at 4000 Dauphin St. in 251-431-8649 or [email protected]. United States. More than 1,400 students are enrolled Mobile. For more information, visit www.shc.edu.

13,000+

JOBS

the business view AUGUST 2017 33 CALENDAR AUGUST 2017 For information on Chamber events, visit events.mobilechamber.com. COFFEE WITH THE CHAMBER executive roundtable *Members Only Start your day with the Chamber and network with other 9 15 A monthly forum exclusively for Chamber-member small business professionals. business owners and managers. When: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. When: 8 to 9 a.m. Where: Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Cost: $5 and must be paid with reservation Speaker: Ramonica Gamble, owner, Ramonica Gamble Contact: Alison Unger at 251-431-8617 or Consulting LLC [email protected] Topic: “Changing Landscape: Customers’ Behaviors No charge. Free parking. and Expectations” Contact: Brenda Rembert at 251-431-8607 or Gulf Coast Technology Council Lunch [email protected] No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. Free parking. 9 A bimonthly lunch hosted by the Gulf Coast Technology Council. Sponsor: When: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Speaker: Ben Venable, director, Alabama Office of Information Technology WOMEN’S roundtable *Members Only Topic: “The Past, Present and Future of Technology 23 A bimonthly forum for Chamber-member women business Use in Alabama” owners and managers. Cost: $20 for Chamber members/$25 for potential members/ When: 8 to 9 a.m. $5 for students and includes lunch Where: Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Contact: Kayley Edwards at 251-431-8629 or [email protected] Speaker: Ramonica Gamble, Ramonica Gamble Consulting Reservations required. Cancellations after Aug. 4 not Topic: “Clients, Cash and Connections – How to Deliver reimbursed to cover lunch cost. an Unforgettable Experience” Sponsor: Contact: Alison Unger at 251-431-8617 or [email protected] No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. Free parking. Sponsor:

BUSINESS EXPO LUNCH & Business EXPO

24 See page 28 for more details.

GCTC TECH MIXER 29 An after-hours event hosted by the Gulf Coast Technology Council

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Where: Dauphin’s, 107 St. Francis St. Contact: Kayley Edwards at 251-431-8629 or [email protected] No charge, but attendance is limited. RSVP requested. Sponsors:

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34 the business view AUGUST 2017 MEMBER news

Anna University of South Alabama Logan Fowler is the new Goldman and is licensed in Alabama, Panama City branch manager. Hunter recently joined Mississippi, Florida and He earned a bachelor’s degree Elmore was the Warren Louisiana. in civil engineering from named director Averett Mobile Matt Coaker is vice Florida State University, and is of sales and office as the president and regional newly accredited and licensed marketing for firm’s service manager, Alabama/Mississippi. in Florida. Star Service area coordinator Goldman He earned an engineering degree ✱ Inc., a local for higher education and from the University of South Pratt heating and air Elmore communications coordinator Alabama and holds professional Paterson was conditioning service for the nonprofit team. She has licenses in Alabama, Mississippi, named executive company. Elmore earned a more than 10 years of public Florida and Louisiana. director of bachelor’s degree in marketing accounting experience. Mark Wilson was Wilmer Hall. from The University of Alabama. ✱ promoted to vice president and He replaces ✱ regional manager Florida. longtime Kristyn He is a graduate of the director Sally Patterson Robinson University of South Alabama Greene, who retired. joined with a bachelor’s degree in civil ✱ Norton Lilly engineering and is licensed in Landrum International Florida and Georgia. Human Inc. in corporate Mike Juneau is vice Resource Cos. recruiting and Copeland Coaker president and regional manager, in Pensacola employee Robinson Southern Earth Sciences Louisiana. Juneau is a graduate announced relations. Robinson has a Inc. announced the following of Louisiana State University Mandy R. bachelor’s degree from Faulkner promotions and changes to key (LSU) with a bachelor’s degree Sacco is vice Sacco University with a major in leadership staff: in civil engineering and a minor president of human resources management. Lewis Copeland Jr. is the in construction management. He staffing. She has been with the She also holds TSC (Technical new president, replacing a also earned a master’s in business company for almost a decade. Services Certified) certification retiring William Brenner. He administration from LSU. from the American Staffing earned a bachelor’s degree in Juneau is a licensed professional Association. civil engineering from the engineer in Louisiana.

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the business view AUGUST 2017 35

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system, entrepreneurship and Mary treatment facility. Lindblom has American business principles for Gormandy a bachelor’s degree in biological Landrum Human Resource undergraduate students in all of White, co- sciences and a master’s in aquatic Cos., a professional employer the college’s academic majors. founder and ecology from The University of organization, launched a new ✱ director of Alabama. training and enrichment Bishop State is one of three talent ✱ workshop, Supervisory Boot Alabama colleges offering a development Burr & Camp Training, designed to newly created app development Gormandy White for MTI Forman give managers and supervisors curriculum by Apple, starting Business Solutions, earned the announced the knowledge and confidence this fall. The Alabama designation of PXT Select that Mobile to lead others in the workplace Community College System certified professional for her attorney in two four-hour sessions. was among the first – one of expertise with PXT Select, an Kasee Sparks ✱ only six nationally – selected to employee selection tool Heisterhagen The Mobile Airport Authority offer the one-year course. designed to make the human was appointed Heisterhagen was awarded a $2.2 million U.S. ✱ decisions about hiring simpler secretary of the Maritime Law Department of Transportation The Hiller Companies and smarter. Association (MLA) of the grant for infrastructure acquired Advanced Safety ✱ United States Young Lawyers improvements. The monies will Systems, headquartered near Mobile Area Committee. fund runway repairs and other Boston, boosting its New Water & Sewer ✱ service facilities at the Mobile England presence. Mobile-based System Truland Homes announced Regional Airport. Hiller offers fire protection and (MAWSS) it was ranked 179 out of the ✱ security products and services, Regulatory nation’s top 240 builders according Spring Hill College and has branch offices from Compliance to Professional Builder magazine’s announced the John J. Burke Jr. California to Boston. Officer Suzanne annual “Housing Giants” list, Center for the Study and Lindblom Lindblom determined by overall revenue Advancement of Free Enterprise, received the Hatfield Award and units closed per year. expected to open by fall of 2018. presented by Alabama’s Water Truland Homes closed a total of Elegant Knights Limo- The center will be independently Environment Association 185 units, generating more than Party Bus received the Best housed in the business division, (AWEA) for outstanding $62 million in revenue during Transportation Company offering courses of study in performance and professionalism 2016. The previous year, Truland Award at the Black Owned understanding the free enterprise in the operation of a wastewater was ranked 193. Business Ball & Awards Banquet.

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36 the business view AUGUST 2017 MEMBER news

Forrest Reagan Riley, Kristie Graves, Ray Megginson Research Michael Bindon MD, Hieronymus of Sherry Logan, James Norton, Award was presented to Dr. emergency department. Hieronymus Nick Binion, Jourdan Tillman Troy Henderson, professor of ✱ CPAs and Cheryl Milwee. mathematics. Henderson was The Environmental successfully ✱ also promoted to full professor. Protection Agency (EPA) completed and More than 1.4 million rounds ✱ announced the Mobile Bay passed the have been played on Robert Springhill National Estuary Program will certified public Hieronymus Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Magnolia Medical receive a $344,000 grant to accountant (CPA) examination. Grove since the trail was Center medical conserve and improve working He becomes the fourth established in 1992. In its 25-year staff elected waterfronts and preserve fishing Hieronymus to join the family history, a total of 12 million officers communities. firm – the only active three- rounds have been played on its for 2017-18. ✱ generation accounting firm in member golf courses. They are: Veterans Recovery Resources the state of Alabama. ✱ Brooke Lenz Lenz received a $50,000 grant from the ✱ The University of Mobile’s MD, president; M. Wial Monte L. Moorer Foundation to Culpeo Technologies, a highest faculty and staff honors, Hashimi MD, vice president/ help establish a 16-bed substance start-up tech company, received the Megginson Awards, were president-elect; Brian Sumrall abuse recovery facility designed the Best of HomeAdvisor award presented to recognize MD, secretary; and Michael specifically for veterans. for 2017 for consistent five-star outstanding contributions to the Bindon MD, member-at-large. ratings from business and university in the areas of Committee chairmen also residential customers over its teaching, research and service. were appointed as follows: Submission deadline for Member News first year of operations. Culpeo The 2017 William A. Megginson Matthew Barber MD, is two months prior to publication. locally provides a variety of Teaching Award was presented to surgery; Brian Sumrall MD, News releases should be one or security and high-tech services. Barbara Brousseau, enrollment medicine/family practice; two brief paragraphs. Photos must be ✱ services and assistant professor Katelyn Braswell MD, OB/ professional headshots, labeled with Providence Hospital of French. The 2017 Emma Frances GYN; Steven Sprayberry MD, the person’s last name, and must be announced the winners of its Megginson Service Award was pharmacy and therapeutics; 300 dpi at full size and saved in an eps, 2017 Annual Nursing Excellence presented to Kristie Sanders, David Inge MD, radiation tiff or jpg format. Send your information to [email protected]. Award for outstanding admissions information safety; Liston Jones MD, professionalism. They are: specialist, principal designated utilization review/health Daveda Mack, Kaitlin Nelson, school official. The 2017 Mitford information management; and

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the business view AUGUST 2017 37 ANNIVERSARIES

Members are our greatest asset. Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses. 35 years Anne M. Waters CPA, CVA, PC Zebra Marketing Bayside Insurance Inc. CERTEX USA Inc. 30 years Cleveland the Florist MBI LLC Complete DKI Thompson Tractor Co. Inc. Delaney Property Group Easy Money - Springhill 20 years Avenue Triple A Fire Protection Inc. Easy Money - Azalea Road Easy Money - Dauphin 15 years Island Parkway Christian Benevolent Easy Money - Highway 90 West Funeral Home Inc. Embrace Home Loans Elliott’s Fine Jewelry FASTSIGNS of Mobile Mitternight Inc. H&S Commercial & Industrial Supplies and Services LLC 10 years Harbor Communications LLC BancorpSouth Hillcrest Urgent Care Berg Spiral Pipe Corp. J. O. Acree Co. Inc. Conde-Charlotte Museum Matthew Andrews PC Dixie Trucks Inc. Mobile Christian School Heffernan & Associates Inc. Mobile Marble Co. Malkove & Associates Inc. Old Shell Road Small Maximum Landscape Inc. Animal Hospital Merchants Bank Retif Oil & Fuel LLC PCH Hotels & Resorts Inc. Siemens “ NO RISK” SB&T Bank Southern Cancer Center EMPLOYMENT UPS Southwestern Consulting & Williams Scotsman Inc. Sales Coaching AltaPointe’s St. Joseph Hospice of South Supported 5 years Alabama Employment Advanced Disposal Star Service Inc. Program BL Harbert International LLC The Holiday Transitional Center Cakes by Judi Walmart Neighborhood Market George Catranis, left, owner of Catranis Enterprises, found a great Country Inn & Suites by - Airport Boulevard employee in John, an AltaPointe Carlson - Saraland WNSP FM & WZEW FM Supported Employment consumer. Milling Commercial Realty Inc. Woerner Agribusiness LLC Workshops Etc.! Inc. Mobile business owner George Catranis has an ally to 1-4 years Worthington Industries help him hire reliable, hard-working employees. That ally AccuReg Yates Construction is Supported Employment at AltaPointe Health Systems, Aerostar SES LLC which provides job education and placement for people Young Transport living with mental illness. Alabama Credit Union - Shoreline Branch “Hiring AltaPointe consumers holds no risk for me. For 20 years I have been impressed with the program and the people I’ve employed.” Call (251) 450-4301 today to learn how your business can partner with AltaPointe’s Supported Employment.

AltaPointe.org CONNECT with the Chamber >> @MobileChamber Mobile Area Chamber Accredited By The Joint Commission FOLLOW www.mobilechamber.com/blog the Chamber’s Blog >>

38 the business view AUGUST 2016 new MEMBERS

Know a company interested in benefiting from Chamber membership? Contact Emily Hatcher at 251-431-8619 or [email protected] or Jackie Hecker at 251-431-8642 or [email protected]. Also, find a membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

A-1 Painting Plus Repairs Inc. Dixie Service Cleaners Oakworth Capital Bank Sloppy’s Good Food and Catering Gary Byers Tony Nelson John Hensley Lester “Steve” Fleury 600 Lakeview Woods Dr. P.O. Box 850425 1 St. Louis St., Ste. 3200 136 Hope Dr. Mobile, AL 36695 Mobile, AL 36685 Mobile, AL 36602 Daphne, AL 36526 251-367-5337 251-344-5669 251-375-7800 305-304-0515 Remodeling Dry Cleaners Banks www.sloppysgoodfood.com Caterers and Food Truck Bright Beginnings Academy Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance OWA Gina Englund Chris Thomas Kristin Hellmich TKO Offshore Contractors LLC 3590 Pleasant Valley Rd. 1701 W. Garden St. 10113 Foley Beach Express Sandra Armstrong Mobile, AL 36609 Pensacola, FL 32502 Foley, AL 36535 3737 Government Blvd. Ste. 300 251-525-9105 850-444-7639 251-923-2111 Mobile, AL 36693 www.brightdyslexics.com www.fbbins.com www.VisitOWA.com 251-725-6761 Schools – Dyslexic Education Insurance Agency Tourist Attractions www.tkocontractors.com Employee Staffing Children’s Medical Group PA FOY Super Foods Providence Occupational Health Chris Byrd Liz Garza Neal Davis University Oaks 610 Providence Park Dr., Ste. 201 119 Dauphin St. 5100 Rangeline Service Rd. N. Christine Stroup Mobile, AL 36695 Mobile, AL 36602 Mobile, AL 36619 650 University Blvd. S. 251-639-1300 251-307-8997 251-378-4000 Mobile, AL 36609 www.cmgdoctors.com www.foysuperfoods.com www.providencehospital.org 251-661-7733 Physician-MD-Pediatrics Restaurants – Health Food Occupational Therapy www.holidaytouch.com Retirement Apartments Client First Solutions Fulcrum Construction Group Richardson Law Firm LLC Cora Eatmon Meghan Dunn John Richardson Walmart Logistics 3077 Dauphin St. 810 Manci Ave. 118 N. Royal St., Ste. 100 Barry Westbrooks Mobile, AL 36602 Daphne, AL 36526 Mobile, AL 36602 8725 County Farm Rd. 866-726-0858 251-380-8375 251-338-1695 Irvington, AL 36544 Medical Billing & Management Services www.fulcrum-construction.com www.richardsonlawllc.com Warehouses-Merchandise Construction Attorneys Coastal Traffic Walmart Neighborhood Market - Derek “Kane” Long Geotechnical Engineering Sheppard Electric Motor Service Cottage Hill Road 14833 Shipp Rd. Testing Inc. Ali Sheppard Blake Snead Bay Minette, AL 36507 Curt Doyle P.O. Box 190817 6350 Cottage Hill Rd. 251-545-6053 904 Butler Dr. Mobile, AL 36619 Mobile, AL 36609-3111 Radio Stations/Broadcasting Company Mobile, AL 36693-5106 251-463-0439 251-661-1717 251-666-7197 www.semsuc.net www.walmart.com Construction Solutions www.geoengr.com Electric Motors-Dealers & Repairs Grocers International Inc. Engineers-Professional- W. D. (Chip) Conklin Jr. PE Geotechnical Soils Shotgun Barbecue Sauce Spices Walmart-Midtown Supercenter - P.O. Box 218 & Rubs LLC S. Beltline Highway Axis, AL 36505-0218 Kangal & Associates LLC Edward Pedersen Kevin Lazarus 251-675-6432 Semih Kangal 265 Sycamore St. 101 S. Beltline Hwy. www.constructionsolutions.us 60 N Royal St. Chickasaw, AL 36611 Mobile, AL 36606 Construction Mobile, AL 36602-3334 251-725-3430 251-471-1105 251-694-0045 www.shotgunbbqsauce.com www.walmart.com D3 LLC www.kangal.com Retail and Catering Discount Stores Darry Sanders Computer-Service P.O. Box 6885 As of 5/31/17 Mobile, AL 36660 251-476-7628 Rentals-Sales-Service

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX AltaPointe Health Services...... 38 Interstate Printing & BancorpSouth...... 17 Graphics Inc...... 35 BASF...... 21 Lagniappe...... 37 BBVA Compass Bank...... 26 Mobile Symphony Orchestra...... 36 Burr Forman LLP...... 27 Poarch Band of Creek Indians...... 33 C Spire...... 2 Regions Bank...... 22 The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded Coast Safe and Lock...... 38 Renasant Bank...... 14 a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Coastal Alabama Community Steelwood...... 9 Commerce, the highest designation given. College...... 7 Trustmark...... 12 Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 203 are accredited, and of those only 103 have achieved five-star distinction. Community Bank...... 18 Business Sales & Acquisitions – The Mobile Area Chamber has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since Cypress Employment Services...... 3 William Bruce...... 36 the designation’s inception more than 40 years ago. Gwin’s Commercial Printing...... 34 Wonderland Express...... 37 Hancock Bank...... 25

the business view AUGUST 2016 39 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Mobile, AL Permit #346

believe in mobile belong to the chamber

grow mobile … grow your business

Your business thrives when you operate in a strong economy. That’s why the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has one of the best economic development programs in the country. Working with city, county and state officials, we’ve landed some of the most sought-after industrial projects and helped dozens of companies expand – bringing new jobs and customers to the area. When you join the Chamber, you’re taking an active role in making Mobile fertile ground where your business can flourish. Believe in a strong future for Mobile. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.

40 the business view AUGUST 2017 www.MobileChamber.com