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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce FEBRUARY 2016 the

A New Plan for Mobile MAP Improvements Underway on Ann

Ann Street before improvements. 2015 Chamber Annual Report and 2016 Plan of Action

the business view FEBRUARY 2016 1 From the Chairman 43 42 38 37 34 32 26 24 4

milestones worth mentioning, including: including: mentioning, worth milestones overprocess months years, and 2015 and saw completion the of of anumber State PortAlabama Authority many and others. Most of work our a is County, Authority, Mobile Airport University of South Alabama, Chamber, the of including Mobile, of city many partners, efforts Mobile new and ayear investment. of growth during Chamber Mobile Area we’re ofand the on it. honor an It building chairman been to as serve has

mobilechamber.com or by phone at 251-431-8622. at cgolson@ email via reached be She of can joining. process the president vice our of happy be membership, to work will you with through invitation me. from Golson, Carolyn apersonal considerorganization, this pro-business our have and with not this to yet reading affiliate are chosen you read about can for plan our 2016. workmost important 2015. in At report, end the of annual the Businesspages View of The ON COVER THE Photo by Jeff Tesney. 26-27. pages on efforts Mobile for Map the about more Learn apriority. be to needs infrastructure Mobile’s in investing why see to easy cover. It’s the on shown is Mobile downtown near Street Ann of Aportion project. Mobile for Map the of

Calendar Anniversaries

Many of the accomplishments now coming to fruition are the result of Many of result the of accomplishments the are now to fruition coming To you for of members, your our thank continued all investment. you If you ThroughoutI could go next the 15 on, get picture. the but Ithink Last year forLast was areawakening Mobile. We’ve momentum, found our ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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local entrepreneurs;local of city’s the And return execution the of acontract promising in innovation of an corridor Street on St. Louis beginnings The of establishment 1702,The among synergy exciting created which awardingThe of I-10 the Mobile River Bridge design/engineering National world-class Maritime GulfQuest of truly the opening The at Facility Mobile U.S. of Airbus opening The Manufacturing Carnival Cruise Lines in November in Lines 2016. Cruise Carnival Mobile; downtown of Transportation; Department contract by Alabama the of of Mexico; Gulf the Museum Brookley; at Aeroplex Member News Member Torrian Davis Ambassadors oftheMonth:PhillipMooreand and SchoolAids Business SpotlightsoftheMonth:AFactorMarketing MAP forMobile–HowtheCityisMappingFuture Services Financial BusinessSmall Nichols of the Month: of &Plan Action 2015 Report Annual New Members New Mobile AreaChamberofCommerce

Transforming streets in the city is a top priority priority atop is city the in streets Transforming , you’ll of get asampling some of Chamber’s the 2015 Chairman Board Chamber Mobile Area J. Frank III, Lott Heritage Homes

February 2016|Alsointhisissue

except for the combined issue of December/January, December/January, of issue combined the for except 251-433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2016 www.mobilechamber.com 251-433-6951

Kelli Dugan, Mike Herndon, Ashley Horn, Tom Mason, Horn, Ashley Herndon, Mike Kelli Dugan,

Printing Services: Printing Advertising Account Executive: Executive: Account Advertising the business view business the

Managing Editor by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Commerce of Chamber Area Mobile the by 251-431-8635 [email protected] 251-431-8635 Executive Editor

451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 36602 AL Mobile, St., Government 451 Shelly Mattingly, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Danette Richards and Carolyn Wilson Carolyn and Richards Danette Graphic Design: Graphic Copy Editor Additional Writers andEditors Publisher Interstate Printing/Direct Mail William B.Sisson Leigh Perry-Herndon Jennifer Jenkins Michelle Irwin Wise Design Inc. Design Wise

is published monthly, monthly, published is René Eiland

Economic Development

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Connect announced it would build announced would it finalized two plans its locate to Hutchinson Hutchinson the Paris in Air June, At Show an million, initial $2 With of Hutchinson investment Reel in theLater year, USA, another Airbus supplier In May, FedEx Ground In May, Bayer CropScience In addition to its role as the lead economic developer developer economic as the lead role its to In addition Aerospace & Industry Inc. announced plans open to Manufacturingan Aeropsace Excellence of Center France- The Paris, Brookley. at Aeroplex Mobile at willheadquartered company the Airbus support U.S. and Aeroplex, alsoManufacturing Mobile at Facility, boost American North its presence. annual salary jobswill with new an average 100 create $36,000. of announced it will locate at Mobile Aeroplex, and willannounced Aeroplex, will Mobile it at locate and jigs provides The company hire employees. 20 maintenance. tools distribution ina major industrial a Theodore center projected full-timepark, bring to 100 jobs the area to facility The new peakat has operation. 2016 an early timeline. completion chemical manufacturing in July. Corp. units Evonik at Germany-based the Leverkusen, When complete, weed its of production willcompany double 25 an technology additional management and add annual with roster average the Evonik to employees is estimated The total investment salary at $75,000. of million. $200 Who’s New in 2015 New Who’s The four-session and series offered was twice in 2015 participants. 50 included The program is Mobile’s led by community and business leaders. for the city and county, the Chamber help to continues the cityfor and county, and their executives senior-level acquaint new-to-Mobile spouses with the community through Mobile

logistics, engineering, manufacturing, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, In August, the Mobile Chamber Area hosted an event to recognize new industry announcements and company expansions reported to the Chamber January from 2014 through June 2015. 34 The companies recognized announced and added 2,148 new jobs and $936.18 million in capital investment. representatives are Pictured here of these local companies who attended the reception. The Mobile Area Chamber’s recruiting AreaThe Mobile Chamber’s efforts of four companies announced new inAs a result, 2015 These businesses totals include with which the Although announced in 2012, the grand opening announcedAlthough in 2012, The Chamber’s economic development efforts are development economic The Chamber’s Five-year program goals are recruit to Five-year 4,000 jobs thanMore halfway through, results the first for new operations and expansions operations areanew companies at projects chemical,included in the aerospace, distribution/ maritime, recycling oil and gas, and industries. steel expansions are underway and in 10 operations Mobile nine up at The others. total project added investments jobs with an average million $499 to 561 and generated salary $60,593. of with expansions two Chamber at directly, staff worked and expansions Terminals, APM at Calvert, AM/NS Arkema, Blastech Mobile, MAAS Aviation, Prism MAAS Aviation, Blastech Mobile, Arkema, USA. and Technip & Lyle Tate Star Aviation, Systems, Evonik Science at Crop projects Bayer New were and USA. Reel Ground FedEx Hutchinson, Corp., Investors Report Investors of Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Airbus’of U.S. Facility in September the Chamber for and accomplishment a huge was culminating efforts. Mobile, years of 10 Team funded the Partners by program, Growth for (PFG) a public-private partnership funded performance by a public-private County, and Mobile contracts from Mobile the City of area companies and from 61 with pledges along organizations. annual billion salarywith a $40,000 average and $1.5 2017. to from 2013 in investments capital and $56,170 averaging wages jobs, three years are 1,039 million. $815.6 of investments Economic Development national and international members of the media. media. the of members international and national local, 150 more than of attention the and support community drawing 14, Sept. opened officially Facility Manufacturing U.S. The Airbus investments: investments: of Mexico Gulf the complex market. in projects helpinvestment Technip increasingly will the meet industry. for energy the added The construction and management,provides project engineering upgrade equipment. and company The its facilities competed won to and expansion a $31 million of $42,000. salary annual to add 76 moreexpect than employees at average an investment. By end the of year two, company officials site, Axis million a$4.5 on its existing foot facility average add an of with 25 $100,000. jobs will salary company produce PEKK. Paris-based The KepstanR it only the one of sites 24making to North American Arkema Port Authority’s Container Transfer Intermodal Facility. State at Alabama the activity increased and cranes that include two additionaltwo parts ship-to-shore completed be in driven will by demand. project The company investing $47.5 is capacity to increase million create 81 average with jobs ofwill $77,000. salaries The newcreate six jobs, paying $65,000 annually. automotive industry. the in formablehighly steel to compete aluminum with and to produceinvest high-strength $88 million slab storage. July, In they will said company officials steel investment to increase million was a$30 first The Calvert AM/NS Who’s Expanding Aviation’s Two new announced companies Mobile-based Late 2015, in Technip USA’s operation Mobile anew 21,000-square- build will Mobile Blastech Positioning market, to 3D impact the itself printing its expansion Mobile announced Terminals APM 2015The investments $118 total will and million ■ of a2014 heels the On expansion, million $40

Double digit growth is the reason behind Star behind reason Double the is digit growth onbroke anew 24,000-square-foot ground is investing $60 million in its Axis operation, its Axis in investing $60 million is announced two expansions in 2015. in two expansions announced $2.4 million expansion. The company The expansion. $2.4 million

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty USA Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Services Metrology USA Aerospace Inc. AAA Airbus. up set operations to work that will companies with 14 Authority to recruit Mobile the and Airport 114 hire Combined, will MAAS employees. facility. paint twin-bay shoppaint a$39 and million Aviation at Brookley. Aeroplex Mobile at of Facility its U.S. opening grand Manufacturing U.S.for a$35 billion Force contract, Air to September the 2005,relationship from company’s the with competition magazine 5,000 of on planes books. abacklog the moreand than of 1,000 of as December, employees 300 had more than 2016. in for scheduled delivery by is JetBlue aircraft the and Airbus A320 Mobile 2015. first the in in assembling The $42,000. New Investment Attracts Grand Opening Airbus

Vartan Aviation Group Aviation Vartan Other Airbus suppliers announced in 2015 in suppliers announced Airbus Other were: ofAs December, worked Chamber Airbus the with show, at air the Also MAAS Ireland-based its monthly in atimeline published Chamber The employment an project, with goal million $600 The ■ The Toulouse,The Airbus France-based

at of years average an three salary annual 50 many employees as as to hire overexpect facility, adjacent office. Officials to its principal Prism Systems Prism The company’sThe capital investment $650,000. is average paying an positions of $70,000 annually. development create 16 will and capabilities new U.S. Manufacturing Facility is under contract under contract is Facility U.S. Manufacturing announced two projects – a $13 million –a$13 two projects announced million representing the Airbus Airbus the Business View representing The , its software expanding is InterInformatics U.S. InterInformatics . , AKKA , Sonovision USASonovision , Assystem began began , Safran , ATT ATT and and

, Economic Development

worked locally to identify needed resources and in service,gaps (IMCP) initiative through through initiative (IMCP) here are andhere direct benefits employers to Investing in Manufacturing Manufacturing in As part the Investing of used the Regional Delta Mobile Authority In July, the coalition has years two to mid-year, Accepted In 2015, the program drew two new investors – the program investors drewnew two In 2015, In partnershipCounty with the Washington a seminar online a new on personal property tax businessrecording for system and industry thepresented Alabama by Department Revenue of andAlabama than Department More Commerce. of industry25 and business attended. representatives Partnership Communities the Chamber Department Commerce, of the U.S. chain relates a regional as it study supply conducted a local branding effort and completed workforce to Alabama a includes – that Southwest – Advancing and logo. website IMCP of announce to backdrop as its wave the next Masingill’s Chris Co-Chairman During communities. met with the and he invited localvisit, stakeholders the ACT for Chamber-led coalition apply to Work 9. Region Community for designation Ready aligns designation Ready Work meet the goals. The ACT linking by and education with development economic and matching job to development workforce T availability. programs as as well individuals.education/training alternative energy, logistics and distribution, specialty energy, alternative and development capital human petro-chemicals, and projects. products wood Leaf and Long County Business Park Washington Land & Timber Co. hosted the Office, WCedi Commissioner’s Revenue National Designation

t

th a $53.4 million million $53.4 a and Alabama Steel (WCedi). opened a $36 millionopened a $36 coil steel handling nandez is a student at Remington College and Jabbari is a student at University of Mobile. Pictured behind the students are r Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). If exercised, the (LCS). Ship Combat Littoral th andez. Averitt, Hamade, Martin students are and Parker at the University of South Alabama, Pickett is a student Technical at ITT n In addition to its lead economic development role development economic lead its to In addition win announcement a major was for and Lyle’s Tate The U.S. Navy awarded Austal awarded Navy The U.S. Alabama State Port Authority As the largest private employer, Austal now has now Austal employer, As the largest private Duringdecided restructuring its & Lyle Tate plans, The London-based company will additional company hireThe London-based 10 Earlier in 2015, the Navy established an for option the Navy Earlier in 2015, r with the City of Mobile and Mobile County, the County, and Mobile with Mobile the City of Chamber staffs the Washington County Economic Development Initiative recruitingthe program. In addition, efforts included facility at the Port of Mobile. It is a joint venture between It Mobile. of facility the Port at Maritime ServicesTriState and the Richardson Group. has an associatedThe announced project, in 2013, 100 jobs. Terminals materials as such the purchase to contract long-lead main an 11 for engines propulsion and generators Institute, He The GulfThe Coast Technology Council has collectively awarded $51,500 in scholarships to recipients 47 over the last eight years. Pictured on the the front 2015 are row recipients: Alec Averitt, Wesley Melody Jabbari, Amber Pickett, Parker, Cody Martin, Mariam Hamade and Russ He some of scholarship the GCTC donors. Washington County Accomplishments Additional Headlines Additional option would bring Austal-built LCS the number would of option issued Austal the Navy In December, vessels 13. to and million upgrades LCS for another $51.6 preliminary a Frigate. transition to to design the LCS Current in Mobile. thanmore 4,000 employees incontracts secure through the 2022 city. work transfer the equipmen operation, close Singapore to its to McIntosh and purchase McIntosh equipmentto additional all the no-calorie of produce needed to used sweetener locally known best as Splenda, in food and beverages, County facility. in Washington its an and annual at salaryemployees $120,000 invest of date. completion million,$20 with a mid-2016 transport ship. In 2008, the Navy awarded Austal a Austal awarded the Navy transport In 2008, ship. billion, 10-transport contract. ship $1.6 an 11 Economic Development companies. companies. world’s manufacturing and offshore leading service of the 2,500 130attendees from featured and counties Houston. approximately drew conference The 96,000 tradeglobal show industry, gas and oil the in held in at Technology Offshore the Conference, largest the upOffshoreAlabama.com teamed to host abooth companies. producers, providers, service suppliers associated and 220 southwestthan offshore gas and oil Alabama Companies to Established – ACommitment Retention and Expansion Business From the Inside and and on industry-relatedcompanies, advances; focusing of 86 comprised and industry support high-tech the Coast Technology Council events; on current information Gulf the to share bi-monthly meets which entrepreneurs, and businesses small and large companies, member 90 representing Business Retention and Expansion Committee resolve. help can look and Chamber the for trends issues industry to companies identify accounting and construction speaker. keynote the Ph.D., Ratajczak Donald economist recognized was for 2015 expectations year-end 2016. and Nationally forecasting survey of aChamber-member results manufacturing, healthcare and maritime sectors and aviation, the from included chemical/ reports Economy Katowice, Poland, pictured above visited Mobile in October. in Mobile visited above pictured Poland, Katowice, from The group 2015. in delegations government and business several hosted trade division international Area Chamber’s The Mobile For the fourth consecutive year,For fourth the 32 of members Key to these efforts are three committees: the 2015,In volunteers and 60 staff engineering, visited conducted Chamber ofthe The its first-ever State OffshoreAlabama.com with asold-out with crowd of 250. program The (GCTC), to created , a partnership of more of more , apartnership of of

Africa Business Development Business Africa Conference. Trade U.S. the in Service took part Commercial Winds Tanzania. South African mission participants also Salaam, es Dar and South Africa; Johannesburg, Republic; included Santo Domingo, Dominican Chamber’sthe year’s The trade missions. destinations for ahealthy trade. trade climate to entities ensure to foster cooperation state local, with regional and division strives The assistance. marketing providing shows, educational providing workshops and trade and trade missions through exports promoting connects technology-related careers. technology-related given to seven college students local pursuing donated companies member scholarships in $6,000 jobs, GCTC the awarded again 2015, In scholarships. Reaches Beyond Local Borders I Innovator Year the of Year the of Manufacturer the company’sthe line. bottom workmore efficient positively and schedule impact company create a Batre-based La shorten timelines, that helped Bayou the management software project Innovator of Year the for developing aspecialized Mobile facility. jobs and investing approximately $378 million in its company 11 expanded 2005, since 114 times creating of Year. the Chamber’sthe Manufacturer German The nternational Trade Division Representatives from 20 companies participated in Representatives in 20 participated from companies In an effort to build awareness of local technology awareness technology of to build local effort an In The Chamber’s Shipbuilding Horizon named was Corp. For adecade of Evonik growth, Mobile to companies world by markets International Trade was recognized as as was recognized division division

Economic Development

TBA TBA $41,153 $70,000 $75,000 $75,000 $52,600 $65,000 $65,000 $36,000 $42,000 $115,150 $120,000 $100,000 Average Salary New/Existing Jobs , a two-day event , a two-day event and Prism Systems accepted Type Product Gulf Trading Slab Expansion Slab (YEA), a national program in 160-plus a national program in 160-plus (YEA), Facility Expansion Blasting Steel Plate Thermal Insulation High-Strength Steel 3-D Printing Product Consolidation ProjectConsolidation Distribution/Delivery Aircraft Services Paint Software Development Jigs & Tool Maintenance & Tool Jigs Upgrade Facility & Equip. Expand Facility Container Weed Management Project Management Weed The Chamber workforce facilitates several efforts outreach include the Chamber’s In addition, annual the included initiatives Healthcare-related Young Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs The Chamber Young launched its The Chamber AIDT held Leadership Skills Two local companies honored with the Governor’s local with the Governor’s companies honored Two development initiatives and partners with localdevelopment organizations a skilled create to help to workforce Partners include meet the needs local of employers. Area Area Mobile Healthcare Coalition, the Bay and Southwest Works Mobile Foundation, Education Council. Development Alabama Workforce and assistance area to companies. Health Occupations Career Fair attendees.of 131 attended by 675 students; and more than 100 rising than and more 100 students; 675 by attended and Baldwin CountyMobile high school seniors were selected participate in to the Summer Scrubs job area hospitals and clinics. program 13 at shadowing Academy Fourteen Alabamacommunities School nationwide. selected were to & Science students Math of participate in this the program at 30-week held Alabama South develop to of learn to how University and launch their business. own The first class 2016. in May graduates training classes. The two-session series drew a total Trade Excellence Award were nominated the by were Award Excellence Trade Chamber. the awards at the state capitol from Gov. Robert Bentley. Robert Bentley. from Gov. capitol the state at the awards Mobile’s – Development Workforce Workers of Next Generation

Total TBA TBA $2 M $2 $13 M $13 $31 M $31 $20 M $20 $60 M $60 $88 M $88 $30 M $2.4 M $2.4 $4.5 M $200 M $200 $47.5 M $47.5 $650,000 Investment 0 6 . More than. More 16 76 10 81 52 20 50 25 25 100 100 Jobs N/A Projected , focusing on 2015 New and Expanding New Companies 2015 Exp Exp Exp Exp Exp Exp Exp Exp Exp Exp Type New New New New Project Name World Trade Conference Trade World Company The conference is a product of the four-state alliance the four-state The of conference is a product In an effort cross-train to and advance employees The missions projected led to and reported sales of The Chamberbusiness hosted and government The Chamber coordinated and the 2015 hosted In addition, the Chamber and hosted sponsoredIn 11 addition, USA Technip Prism Systems USA* Reel Star Aviation & Lyle Tate Arkema Crop/Evonik Bayer Ground* FedEx Hutchinson MAAS Aviation Calvert AM/NS Calvert AM/NS TerminalsAPM Blastech Mobile Chamber helped with project, but did not come before the Industrial Development Board of the City of Mobile. business opportunities in the sub-Saharan region of Africa attendees. and drawing 100-plus organizations and nonprofit between government from Louisiana Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, inin last was 2011. Mobile held It rotating annually. international business skills Alabama at companies, in coordinationthe with Chamber, the Alabama District Export Council, Alabama International Trade Commercial Service, an hosted and U.S. Center Series Leadership International Trade approximately $12 million jobs. 203 and the creation of $12 approximately mission participants the last reportedOver decade, million thanmore in $267 supporting sales, the jobs. 4,803 creation of Pyeongtaek, Poland; from Katowice, delegations and individuals traveling Japan; Koshigaya, Korea; Department State from Argentina,with the U.S. Guatemala, Germany, Salvador, El Chile, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Monaco, Mexico, Indonesia, Honduras, and Sri Uruguay. Lanka,Peru, Tunisia regional 100 individuals participated in100 the series, with 10 allcompleting four sessions and earning an Certificate Training from the U.S. International Trade Department Commerce. of meetings,trade-related including hall a town meeting Partnership and Investment Trade the Transatlantic on and a seminar(TTIP) preparing on business do to in attendees. In drew all, 1,073 the topics Cuba. 10 expansions at nine companies. investments The $499 were million and generated 561 jobs with salary an average of $60,593. The MobileThe Chamber’s Area economic development efforts included four new companies announcing operations in Mobile and * Partners for Growth Investors Gardner, Dumas &O’Neal Gardner, Dumas Johnston, Cabaniss, C Spire GroupBurton Property LLP &Forman Burr Buffalo Rock-Pepsi Co. Inc. Distributing Budweiser-Busch PC &Binion Briskman Inc. Rents Blue of Alabama Shield Blue and Cross Blue USA Block Corp. Pipe Spiral Berg Inc. Contractor M. Radcliff Ben Co. Equipment Beard BBVA Bank Compass BB&T Corp. BASF BancorpSouth Shipyards Alabama BAE Southeast Systems Austal AT&T (AGC) Contractors General Alabama Associated Inc. ASF Logistics Armbrecht Jackson LLP Inc. Arkema Arcadis U.S. LLC Mobile Terminals APM Calvert AM/NS Inc. Systems AltaPointe Health Authority Alabama State Port PowerAlabama Co. Clinic PC Alabama Orthopaedic Group Media Alabama LLC Chemicals Akzo Nobel Functional Solutions Aker Airbus Americas Inc. LLP Reese and Adams Power Co., Bank. Regions Willman, R. Brian and development of work. program to support Chamber’s the economic aggressive successful and for Growth initiative. supported by apublic-privateare under Partners the partnership Pictured are PFG Co-Chairs: R. Michael Saxon, Alabama Saxon, Michael R. Alabama PFG are Co-Chairs: Pictured The following companies and organizations pledged funds pledged funds organizations following and The companies The Mobile Area Chamber’s MobileThe Area economic development efforts

Board of the City of Mobile City of the Board Development Industrial County Authority of Mobile Development Industrial iBERIABANK Inc. Shipbuilding Horizon (US) Inc. Holcim Hoar Management Program Cos. Hiller The Homes Heritage &Rouse Newman Herlong, Leach, Helmsing, Constructors + Engineers Hargrove Hand Arendall LLC Hancock Bank H. O. Weaver Inc. &Sons Printing Commercial Gwin’s Gulf States Engineering of Mobile Co. Inc. Electric Gulf LLC Holdings Gulf Distributing Co. Equipment Inc. Truck Coast & Gulf Trailer Works Inc. & Body City Gulf Capital Estate LLC Real Grandbridge Cawood Inc. & Mills Goodwyn G.A. West &Co. Inc. Center Inc. Health Franklin Primary Bank Community First ExxonMobil Corp. Evonik DuPont Crop Protection Imaging DEX Development Inc. Delaney DailyAccess Corp. PC Bailey Crow Shields Cooper/T. Corp. Smith Inc. Motors Continental Bank Community Coastal Bank and Trust Forwarding Freight Coal of Mobile City Corp. Cintas Foods Lily Dixie China Doll Rice &Bean/ Rice Doll China Associates Cardiology

Inc.

LLP Phelps Dunbar Inc. Contractors Performance Page &Jones Inc. USA Stainless Outokumpu Group PC Orthopaedic The Olin Corp. Inc. Services &Oilfield Marine Inland Offshore International Lilly Norton Development Services Community National NAI Mobile Gas, Mobile Co. ASempra County Mobile System Sewer Water Area Mobile and Authority Airport Mobile Mitternight Inc. Polysilicon Mitsubishi Co. Railroad Export Mississippi Transfer Co.Merchants LLC Sledge & Roedder Knight McDowell PC &Gale Cooper Maynard Inc. Agency Lyon Cadden Fry Insurance Services Resource Long’s Human LLB Estate Real &BInc. Benefits +Legacy Life Lewis Communications Inc. Management Inc. Investment Leavell PC &Lawrence Lawrence Corp. Kimberly-Clark Inc. Conditioning Air Keith KBR Jones Walker LLP LLC Gordon Harris and Bailey Adams Johnstone Cos. Automotive Bullard Joe J.L.The Foundation Bedsole Restaurants d/b/a McDonald’s Inc. Enterprises Barnes Jim Corp. iSAM North Corp. International Shipholding Inc. Solutions Transport Information HealthInfirmary

Saxon

Corp. World Financial Omni Inc. of Alabama Willis Wilkins Miller LLC Inc. Realty White-Spunner Fargo Wells LLC Trucks Ward International MAE VT Inc. Volkert University Alabama of South Co.U-J Chevrolet Inc. Trustmark National Bank TractorThompson Co. Inc. Inc. Engineering Thompson SSI GroupThe Inc. Inc. Underwriters The American Equity Insurance Batré Thames Inc. Co. Tensaw &Timber Land Star Aviation Americas SSAB of Mobile Lexus Springhill Toyota/ Springhill Medical Center TravelSpringdale Inc. LLC &Holifield Holman Speegle Hoffman Light Inc. Southern Southern Earth Sciences Smith Dukes Site Mobile Shell LP/ Chemical Shell Seabulk Towing LLC Lumber Gulf and Scotch Safe Archives LLC Butler &Houston LLP Thompson Russell Roberts Brothers Inc. J. Inc. Robert Baggett College Remington Bank Regions Agency Square Red Providence Hospital Management Inc. Medical Premier Inc. IBC Precision Inc. Praxair Bank PNC Willman As of Dec. 1, Dec. of As 2015

Expanding the Circle of Recognition Entrepreneur Collaboration During the Chamber’s Small Business Week To foster innovation, collaboration and mentorship, luncheon in May, three local companies were named the first-ever peer network of chief executive officers Small Business of the Year finalists – American and business leaders was launched in partnership with WeatherStar, a supplier of roof coatings and materials; the Chamber in 2015. The year-long, invitation-only McAleer’s Office Furniture, a retailer of new and program was named 1702, inspired by the year of the used office furniture; and Wilson Dismukes, a retailer City of Mobile’s founding, and drew an inaugural of outdoor power equipment and small engine parts. class of 24 executives, many from the region’s most The week’s activities also included four workshops promising companies spanning technology, aerospace,

addressing small business issues. manufacturing and consumer sectors. Development Business Small

Small Business of the Year Honoring Small Businesses McAleer’s Office Furniture was selected as the Year-Round Chamber’s 2015 Small Business of the Year. In addition Recognizing the efforts of small businesses is a to selling office furniture, the company offers interior Chamber priority, so local companies are profiled in design services. The 36-year-old family business has its monthly magazine, The Business View. Those 21 employees. featured in 2015 were: The company, nominated by the Chamber, went on ■ 3 Echoes Productions to win the top award in its category from the Alabama ■ Retail Association. ASF Intermodal ■ Chicken Salad Chick ■ Domke Market ■ Gallery Homes ■ Georgia Roussos Catering ■ Nelco Commercial Maintenance ■ Perfecting That Cleaning Service ■ Personal Edge Fitness ■ Small’s Mortuary Inc. and Cremation Services ■ Greg’s Professional Barber & Beauty Salon Inc.

Professional Development That is Out of This World The Chamber held its second NASA Business Forum in 2015, offering local companies a look at business opportunities with four NASA service centers in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi as well as with its prime contractors. More than 175 people attended. The Chamber held a similar program in 2013. McAleer’s Office Furniture has carved a unique niche as an office In addition to NASA, the Chamber held 30-plus furniture store. Staying on top of industry trends and expanding professional development and match making sessions, services such as interior design and customer service have including the Executive Roundtable for small helped the company remain innovative and relevant, said President Melissa Cross (second row left). business owners and managers. These offerings drew more than 1,100 participants and covered topics such as cybersecurity, crowd funding, growing your Outstanding Entrepreneur business and habits of top producers. Also during Small Business Week, The Chamber continued to mentor small business Ralph A. Hargrove, president and owners through one-on-one counseling sessions in founder of Hargrove Engineers + partnership with the Alabama Small Business Constructors, was honored as the Development Center. Chamber’s Outstanding The Growth Alliance Task Force (GATF) Entrepreneur. Hargrove started his addressed how volunteers can increase Chamber company in 1995 as the sole membership in the minority-owned business employee. Today, there are 332 community. employees locally and 950 total in A newly formed GATF strategic planning Hargrove 11 offices across the U.S. subcommittee met to establish goals related to Hargrove was also the keynote speaker at the business development, outreach and finance. Chamber’s Expo luncheon in August. More than 250 people were in attendance. Small Business Development community involvement. This year’s winners, pictured above, were Baheth Research and Development Laboratories and New Life Housing. Life New and Laboratories Development and Research were Baheth above, pictured winners, year’s This involvement. community and growth employee and/or revenue operations, business their for businesses minority honors Area Chamber Mobile the year Each employee involvement. community and growth operations, for business revenue and/orrecognized Eagle were companies Award These winners. and Solutions LLC. Energy Brand from representatives are right) Brock (far David Specialist Business NASA’sand Small left) (far Darrell Randle Development Business Small of Vice President the Chamber’s with contractors. Pictured prime aerospace major representatives from and experts procurement welcoming senior NASA areception hosted Area Chamber Mobile Business Forum, the NASA the Prior to Advocate Business Minority AwardEagle Winners outstanding supplier diversity programs. programs. diversity supplier outstanding Advocate for its Award. was recognized unit The Unit Enterprise Business Disadvantaged of Transportation CenterAgency Business (MBDA). Development Business Mobile the with Minority Minority Business Conference atmagazine, keynote was the Chamber’s speaker the Attendance surpassed 300 at 300 conference. the Attendance surpassed Alabama Department Department Alabama the presented Chamber The Development Laboratories and Research Baheth Taylor, L. Susan of Essence former editor-in-chief New Life Housing New Life with its Rev.with Wesley Business A. James Minority

were honored at event the as held in partnership held partnership in

Business Growth Business and Center Business Minority MBDA. and Partnerships Neighborhood and Faith-Based (SBA),Administration of Commerce Department the Business collaborative Small the between effort Sunday, Business and Enterprises anational 2015,in Government with Business Doing including 1,100 more than creating and new jobs. assistance, financial and contracts $1 in than billion statewide, clients more business helping secure them 1,700 morecenter than assisted minority-owned operation, in years the its nine Chamber. During U.S. operated of is Commerce and by the Department (MBDA) Center Business Agency of the aprogram is The MBDAThe hosted several workshops events and The The Mobile Minority Business Development Business Mobile Minority

Photo by Davis Photography Community & Governmental Affairs

was awarded the awarded was , the Chamber has worked for nearly 17 17 nearly , the Chamber for has worked widening project. Later in the year, a team widening in project. the Later year, More than five years after the 2010 Deepwater than years afterMore five the 2010 long-term The Chamber of support its continues announced Robert Bentley the Gov. 2015, In early The Mobile City PlanningThe Mobile Commission postponed, Energy CommitteeThe Chamber’s has been During the Chamber’s the course this of debate, balanced and inclusive pro-business practices and and practices pro-business inclusive and balanced and growth development procedures encourage that within the city and county. Horizon oil spill, settlement monies began trickling Determining impacted cities to and states. down is distributed projects the money and what how are funded remains a Chamber priority. environmental restoration andeconomic recovery projects in the coastal region. Alabama move could Department Transportation of forward with a preliminary process design an for River Bridge and Mobile the I-10 for route approved Bayway Engineering Thompson led by contract for the project. Through the Build the Bridge Coalition aimed alleviating a bridge at for advocate years to traffic and heading through the Wallace congestion tunnels. Bankhead until January 2016, consideration of the proposed of consideration until January 2016, city additional regulations create to amendment on and constructionthe location certain of above-ground petroleum tanks. storage to in working this years, two-plus issue for involved ensure all parties energy understand products how and critical infrastructure, as such these tanks, drive in the region. development economic continued board ongoverning directors a position of adopted economic development endorsing its role in supporting RESTORE Act Settled Act RESTORE – Impact Mobile for Inching Closer Energy SectorEnergy

. Military Military , and an Energy Committee industry expansions. In a sea of more than 1,200 bills thanIn several more a sea of introduced, 1,200 One of the new laws provides a much-needed credit a much-needed provides laws the new One of The Chamber hundreds bills monitored of business with state other In groups, collaboration The extending Chamber on will work to continue The Chamber works on local, state and federal local, state The on Chamber works In addition, the Chamber has lobbyistIn a contract addition, Governmental Affairs Committee Affairs Governmental The MobileThe Chamber Area held its annual legislative reception in April, drawing contingency large a of the Southwest Alabama legislative delegation. event The offers Mobile’s business community a chance to thank the delegation for their work on behalf of local business and industry. for new jobs created new infor Alabama. The ad extends other doubling years, 20 to up for valoreum tax abatements the previous 10-year-provision. Chamber-supportedother measures passed, including the Alabama Legislature in 2015. Two introduced in Two the Alabama Legislature in 2015. significant game changers came in the form of industry recruitment and development economic existing Opportunity and Student the School Choice Act, Prison electronic Reform, filing business of personal property tax returns and increased funding and First-Class program. pre-K expansion Alabama’s of the Chamber successfully efforts repeal to defeated StandardsAlabama and Career and a College Ready bill aimed carry allowing to at people without a pistol a permit business. of in places vehicles or historic tax credits, a tax credit increased for uses at port andthe tax state credits research for and certain at Alabama-based researchdevelopment companies. issues to encourage a pro-businessissues encourage to environment for this, the Chamber’s accomplish members. To Community Affairs & Governmental department committees several oversees including and task forces, a Committee Affairs who represents the Chamberwho business-related on issues in the Alabama Legislature. 2015 Legislative Scorecard 2015 An Eye on the Issues Eye An Learning from New Orleans Federal issues, such as the Export-Import Bank, In June, the Chamber hosted 85 business and free trade agreements, Austal’s U.S. Navy contracts, community leaders on its annual Leaders Exchange Airbus and aerospace growth in Mobile, the Port of to New Orleans. The group heard first-hand about the Mobile, the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and dredging Big Easy’s entrepreneurial renaissance and efforts in four were all key topics during the annual Washington key areas: innovation centers and the entrepreneurial D.C. Fly-In that took place in late fall. The Chamber pipeline; urban parks, trails and recreation facilities; hosts this annual trip as part of its work on federal critical infrastructure improvements; and opportunities advocacy issues. for collaboration along the Gulf Coast. In December, Congress passed a $300 billion The program increased the focus on local issues, transportation bill that included language reauthorizing such as infrastructure (RESTORE Act and the I-10 the Export-Import Bank for four years. The Chamber Mobile River Bridge), entrepreneurialism (1702 and an sees the bank as a key tool for companies looking to innovation center in downtown Mobile), community market products and services abroad. Both of these branding and the Mobile Greenways Initiative, measures were high on the Chamber’s 2015 agenda. including Three Mile Creek restoration. More than 100 people traveled to Montgomery during the legislative session to attend an annual Chamber reception to thank the Mobile-Baldwin Corporate Community Service legislative delegation. The reception brought together Award a full house of legislators, state government officials Roberts Brothers Inc., a real estate company, was and their staffs, as well as Mobile business leaders, to the 2015 winner of the Corporate Community Service discuss key issues at stake during the regular session. Award. This award recognizes companies for their And in December, the Chamber held its annual service to the community and is jointly presented Champagne and Oysters reception honoring elected annually by the Chamber and the Junior League of officials. It was attended by more than 150 people. Mobile. Military Impacts Our Community Elected Officials and Networking The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee works to connect the business community with active and retired military personnel. In 2015, there were several special events to help with this effort. In April, the Chamber hosted its annual Military Appreciation Day luncheon and awards at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park with more than 325 in attendance. Maj. Gen. Mike Wooley (USAF, ret.) was the guest speaker, and awards included outstanding ROTC cadets from the University of South Alabama and JROTC cadets from Mobile County Public Schools. The Chamber continued to assist the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission with its annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Mobile and luncheon. The commission honored Adm. Thad W. Left to right, Mayor Sandy Stimpson; Connie Hudson, Mobile Allen (USCG, ret.) as Patriot of the Year and Jim County Commission; Bill Sisson, Mobile Area Chamber of Jeffries as Veteran of the Year. More than 500 people Commerce; Frank Lott, Heritage Homes. attended the sold-out luncheon. The Community & Governmental Affairs department hosted several large networking events where members and guests had an opportunity to hear from local, state and federal elected officials. The largest is the annual State of the City & County luncheon, which drew a sold-out audience of 900 to hear from Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Mobile County Commission then-President Connie Hudson. Nearly 250 people attended a Legislative Lunch where the Chamber presented its annual Legislative Agenda. This year’s guest speaker was Alabama Community & Governmental Affairs Community & Governmental Gov. Robert Bentley. Also, the Chamber hosted three sold-out Forum At the Mobile Area Chamber’s Military Appreciation Day luncheon, Alabama events with speakers Sen. Richard Shelby, Crown Products was recognized with the Above & Beyond award Rep. Bradley Byrne and U.S. Secretary of for its support of Guard and Reservists. The award was presented by the Employers Support of Guard & Reserve. Transportation Anthony Foxx. Membership

, held in August at the Arthur in at August , held R. The Chamber a special again provided workshop The all largest of is Chamber the annual events Assisting with members’ grand openings and nd managingnd a small business. in advance of Business exhibitors of Expo help to in advance maximize with displays, their tips on investment starters booth and generating traffic.conversation Business Expo there were In 2015, Center. Convention Mobile Outlaw than thismore in at 2,500 attendance people one-day than with more Chamber 220 membersevent, participating the exhibitors with booths. Alongside and resource federal local, state partners 19 there were hand talkon to starting, with about attendees growing a ribbon cutting the is many of just celebrations one In 2015, the Chamber value. provides ways businesses with 59 the organization on worked their events. Ribbon CuttingsRibbon Business Expo

g , nd 23 , Arkema In 2015, Business Expo a huge drew crowd of attendees and than more 220 companies hosted a booth new to customers. reach Terri Owler Terri , , Evonik Industries, Top Top Industries, , Evonik , , , Alabama . In all, more Membership , Linda Faulkner ; , ServisFirst Bank, Top Category Three Category , ServisFirst Bank, Top program of work); Stephen Schlautman program work); of Business After Hours golf tournament Women’s Roundtable Women’s , Other ways the ChamberOther provides ways Over the course of 14 weeks each summer, the weeks each summer, the courseOver 14 of Top honors were awarded to to awarded were honors Top In 2015, Lance served Covan with Mitternight Inc., chairman and the campaign raised raised Chamber campaign Chase the and chairman 1 companies participated. Lance CovanLance with Mitternight Inc. (fourth the from left, first row) led the Mobile Chamber’s Area total development resource campaign, Chamber Chase. Pictured with some Covan are of the campaign’s most successful volunteers, who helped the Chamber raise $1.7 million, including new 67 members. value to its members its are to with itsvalue various networking events. From morningearly coffees late to afternoon the receptions, Chamber in 2015, 30 networking hosted events including Chamber conducts its annualChamber its total conducts resource development and team captain Producer the Top for Two Category goods and (representing donated Team Two Category services the Chamber normally purchase); would Sherry Coker Three Category and team captainProducer the Top for the to value (representing add that items Team Chamber’s One Category Regions Bank, team captain the Top for Allen and Allison Team; Producer. Rookie Top Co., Power more than $1.7 million, adding 67 new members a new million, 67 adding thanmore $1.7 campaign aimed at empowering volunteers to recruit to campaignvolunteers aimed empowering at sponsorships and advertising sell members, event new in and Chamber obtain goods and publications, donated bottom line.services offset to the organization’s as representin Fifty-four board volunteers advisors. new of 3 (representing One Producer Category Top Inc., sponsorships) Networking Events Networking Chamber Chase and the Roundtable Nonprofit annual 101 Coffee with the Chamber Networking@Noon than participants 1,000 took build to these of events advantage relationships. business Board of Advisors Representing the organization’s largest dues-paying members, the board of advisors meets three times a year with the Chamber’s governing board of directors, and receives invitations to several receptions and small group breakfasts with fellow board members. In 2015, there were 261 members of the board of advisors.

Ambassadors – of the Year and of the Month Saty Putcha, owner of Murphy Saty Putcha BusinessCMEA, and SBA, Financial MBA Corp., was namedBusiness the 2015 Intermediary Ambassador of the Year. AmbassadorsPhone: (251) 604-3802 are volunteers Fax: (251) 382-1673 from member companies who [email protected] the Chamber by visiting www.murphybusiness.com with members and attending Putcha various1520 Chamber Dawes Road events. Mobile, AL 36695 Member Appreciation Day is a spring networking event where Recognized as Ambassadors of the Month were: Mobile Area Chamber staff say thank you to its members. ■ Stephanie Bondora, The Admiral Hotel ■ Liz Brewer, Bank of the Ozarks With Our Thanks ■ Torrian Davis, Army Aviation Center There was Chamber of Commerce weather for Federal Credit Union Member Appreciation Day, held in April with a fish Murphy■ Lane Business Elmore, & Edward Financial Jones Services LLC

Membership fry on the Chamber’s front lawn. The annual event “North■ Peggy America’s Folz, BriFolz Premier Enterprises Brokerage Firm” LLC drew more than 300 attendees, and allowed staff to ■ LisaBusiness Kavanagh, Sales / JuniorBuyer Searches League of Mobile say thank you to its members with a fun party, ■ Business Dorothy Valuations May, A / Equipment Gathering Appraisals of Jewels complete with live music. ■ PhillipCommercial Moore, AHI Real Properties Estate Mergers & Acquisitions ■ Saty Putcha,Franchise Murphy Sales Business and FinancialBusiness Corp. Consultants ■ Mary Dean Wilbur, Lamar Advertising Co. of Mobile

The Chamber assists members with ribbon cutting events like this one picture above at BR Williams Inc. - Mobile Distribution Center. Getting News to Members As the traditional media landscape continues to change in the Mobile market, business and economic news is oftentimes hard to find. This may be one reason readership and advertising continue to grow for both the Chamber’s monthly magazine, The Business View, and its weekly electronic companion, The Business View Weekly. Readership of the print magazine is 22,100 and electronic subscribers to the

weekly email number approximately 8,600. Marketing & Communications New for 2015 was an effort to pull several stories out of the magazine and post them on the Chamber’s blog (www.mobilechamber.com/blog) to increase brand Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Mobile County Commissioner awareness throughout each month. Connie Hudson speak with international media during the Paris Air Show in June. They attended the announcement by Media Training for Staff Hutchinson Aerospace to open a facility in Mobile. The department hosted a two-day media training session led by Trahan & Associates on “how to deliver Live from Paris clear and concise messages” related to Chamber From the Paris Air Show in June, the Chamber activities and events. Sixteen Chamber staff members worked both in Mobile and abroad to increase interest in participated in the hands-on training that included Team Mobile’s efforts at the show. The Chamber assisted on-site mock interviews. local media in setting up live and taped interviews, took videos and photos, and posted blog updates. Selling Mobile in the Big Apple While in Paris, the Chamber also dedicated one day to meeting with national and international press in an effort to sell Mobile’s economic story beyond Airbus and the aerospace sector.

Media Efforts for Airbus Grand Opening The Chamber worked with the national and international Airbus corporate communications team on a variety of projects surrounding the grand opening of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility on Sept. 14. Efforts included: transportation, media packages for international press, several special events for international and national press, media interviews The Mobile Area Chamber likes to spread the good news about what’s going on in Mobile, and in 2015 took that story to New and registration assistance. York City. More than 150 local, national and international press were in Mobile for the events surrounding the opening. The Chamber worked with DCI on a national media tour and a site selectors tour in New York in Managing Chamber Events October, coinciding with the Alabama State Port To maximize resources, the Chamber’s events Authority’s annual New York reception. manager coordinated logistics for 50 events in 2015. With Outlets visited included CNN Business, Bloomberg a central point of contact overseeing details, it allows Radio, Journal, Reuters, Business Insider and other staffers to focus their efforts on programming to The Street. Site selector appointments included Deloitte, provide better value to Chamber members. Oxford Economics, BDO and Site Selection Group. Shop Local Significant Social Media Message Growth Continues During the Thanksgiving and Traffic continues to grow for the Chamber’s Christmas holidays, the social media outlets. Currently, the Chamber Chamber enhanced its has more than 3,869 Facebook likes, 6,563 traditional branding followers on and 1,216 members in the efforts to include a LinkedIn group. “shop local” message. To better engage this group of followers, The traditional print a social media audit was done in 2015, and ads appeared in outcomes are being implemented. Mobile Bay magazine, Lagniappe and Steppin’ Out. Fiscally Strong Five-Star Chamber The Mobile Area Chamber ended 2015 in a strong The Mobile financial position with a positive bottom line. In Area Chamber addition to membership and board of advisor dues, remains a the Chamber’s revenue streams include performance five-star accredited contracts, Partners for Growth pledge investments, Chamber, the advertising sales and Chamber Chase-recruited highest designation given by the U.S. Chamber of sponsorships and in-kind contributions. Commerce. The ranking places the Mobile Area The Chamber’s finance staff manages the Chamber in the top 1 percent of the country’s nearly organization’s human resources, operations and the 7,000 Chambers. activities and finances of the Industrial Development Authority of Mobile County, Industrial Development Audits Board of the City of Mobile, Industrial Park Board of The Chamber’s finances, as well as those of the Mobile County and the Mobile Area Chamber of four boards the organization manages, are audited Commerce Foundation. annually to ensure adherence to accounting standards.

The Mobile Area Chamber strives to maximize member benefits, while staying fiscally strong. Below is a breakdown of the Chamber’s revenue streams and expenses.

30% Membership

Events, Programs, Sponsorships % 26 & Donations

22% Service Grants & Contracts Revenue 19 % Partners for Growth Economic Development Fund

3 % Publications

1% Other Finance & Operations Finance

22% Membership

20% Economic Development

13 % Administration

11% Communications & Marketing

Expense 10 % Small Business Development

10 % Community & Governmental Affairs

10 % Finance & Operations

2% Workforce Development

2% Advancing Southwest Alabama (Manufacturing Community) Chamber News Chamber

The Chamber hosted a group of 44 people to Portugal in March. For six years the Chamber’s hosted groups for international travel. Also in 2015, a group visited several cities in Spain.

Chamber Travel a Value to Members members to push everything from discounts and Now in its sixth year, Chamber travel continues to be coupons to information and new product launches of value to members who want to travel internationally from one place. Members using the program have a with their peers. In 2015, the Chamber took 44 people dashboard so they can see – in real time data – what to Portugal, and in November, an additional 32 people marketing efforts are working, and what needs to be traveled to Spain. These trips provide members and tweaked. their guests with opportunities to network while traveling socially, and are a source of non-dues In the Community revenue for the Chamber. During 2015, Chamber staff participated in several community events including the Fuse Project’s Staff Accolades Dragon Boat Race, a tailgating event in partnership Christina Stimpson, the with the University of South Alabama Jaguars, Chamber’s international trade Bellingrath Gardens Balloon Glow and the United director, graduated from Leadership Way of Southwest Alabama’s Day of Caring. Mobile in 2015. She was also named to DCI “40 Under 40.” Chamber Receives MCPS Award Ashley Horn, In April, the Chamber was presented the the Chamber’s “Workforce Development Starts with Us” award director of digital from Mobile County Public Schools. The award Stimpson media and highlighted the Chamber for efforts to bring business design was named a senior and industry leaders to the table with K-12 educators practitioner by the Southern Public to talk about the ever-changing needs of Mobile’s Relations Federation. workforce. Dawn Rencher, the Horn In the News Chamber’s director of member ■ fDi magazine ranked Mobile No. 5 in the relations graduated from the Small American Cities of the Future 2015/2016 Institute for Organizational – Business Friendly. Management, a ■ Forbes.com ranked Mobile No. 1 among Mid-Sized four-year Chamber Cities for New Manufacturing Growth. training program ■ CNN Money ranked Mobile No. 5 nationwide Rencher run by the U.S. for a “living wage.” Chamber of Commerce. ■ nerdwallet ranked Mobile No. 10 among its LeMaris Alston, the Chamber’s Top 10 U.S. Cities on the Rise and No. 11 among technology support specialist, Cities with the Fastest Growing Incomes. graduated from ConnectMobile, a ■ ZipRecruiter ranked Mobile No. 19 among program offered by Mobile United. Alston Top Southern Cities for Jobs. ■ Global Trade magazine named Mobile as one Save Local Now Introduced of ’s top cities for a strong workforce The Chamber launched a free digital marketing in its annual “Best Cities for Global Trade” issue. platform to assist members called Save Local Now in ■ United Airlines’ Dossier magazine featured 2015. This website and app gives people access to Alabama in June with a 40-plus page package exclusive offers from Chamber members, and enables that included several stories on and mentions of Mobile. 2015 Executive Committee K.W. Michael Chambers K.W. Michael Swift Biotechnology LLC Biotechnology Swift Daniel A. Dennis IV Dennis A. Daniel Mobile Area Chamber Chamber Mobile Area Economic Economic Chair Vice Roberts Brothers Inc. Brothers Roberts Chairman of the Board the of Chairman Immediate Past Chair Past Immediate William B. Sisson B. William Frank J. Lott III Lott J. Frank President & CEO & President Heritage Homes Heritage Development of Commerce

Vice Vice Elizabeth D. Freeman Elizabeth Stafford & Associates Inc. &Associates Stafford Vice Chair Governmental Affairs W. LanceCovan W. Raymond L. Bell L. Raymond Bell Law Firm PC Firm Law Bell Resource Services Minority Business Chair Communications Communications Chair Mitternight Inc. Chamber Chase Beth Stafford Beth Long’s Human & Marketing & Vice Chair Vice Chair

Membership/

CertaPro Painters of Mobile Mobile of Painters CertaPro Vice Chair Military Affairs Chair Vice Crow Shields PC Bailey and Baldwin Counties Vice Business James F.James Watkins J. Kenny Crow Jr. Crow Kenny J. Chairman-Elect and Steven D. Carey Steven Maynard Cooper Cooper Maynard Infirmary Health Infirmary Vice Legal Counsel Legal Chair Finance and and Finance Chair Mark Nix Mark & Gale PC & Gale Operations

Chair Chair Development Small Small

University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute Cancer Mitchell Alabama South of University 2015 Board of Directors were: 2015 Directors of Board In addition to the Executive the to addition In BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama Shipyards Southeast Systems BAE Committee, serving on the on serving Committee, The American Equity Underwriters Inc. Underwriters Equity American The Christian Bene Mobile Area Water and Sewer System Sewer and Water Area Mobile Rock Bridge Wealth Management Inc. Management Wealth Bridge Rock Business Resource Design and Print and Design Resource Business Bishop State Community College Community State Bishop Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Inc. Mills &Cawood Goodwyn, Commonwealth National Bank Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc. Services Catastrophe Pilot Performance Contractors Inc. Contractors Performance University of South Alabama South of University Outokumpu Stainless USA Stainless Outokumpu Michael L. Lapeyrouse L. Michael CorroMetrics Inc. Services Mobile Gas, A Sempra Co. ASempra Gas, Mobile Oliver Washington III Washington Oliver Mobile Airport Authority Airport Mobile Mark E. Hieronymus Richard T. McCreary Charles E. Hyland Jr. E. Charles Tyrone Jr. Fenderson Continental Motors Inc. Motors Continental Hieronymus CPAs LLC Hieronymus Shore Acres Plant Farm Acres Shore Lynne U. Chronister Craig D. Perciavalle Craig William Daniels Jr. Adams and Reese LLP Reese and Adams Willis of Alabama Inc. Alabama Willis of Clint D. McFerrin BBVA Compass Bank Russell F. Russell Golson Brian R. Willman Burr & Forman LLP &Forman Burr Robert H. Bender Terry H. Harbin Scott Rothermel Scott The SSIInc. Group The George Vann George Jr. Beverly Cooper Beverly Letitia McCane James M. LyonsJames Harrietta Eaton Michael Wallis Britton Bonner Britton Springdale Travel Springdale Roger Wehner Jason Gregory Jason Robin H. Luce Robin Janice Malone Janice James M. Fine James JubileeScape Inc. JubileeScape Rhett C.Ross Rhett Davis Pilot Jr. Pilot Davis Laurie Owen Laurie Damian Bell BancorpSouth Lee Walters Lee Mark Fillers Regions Bank Regions Cintas Corp. ExxonMobil BASF Corp. BASF volent Funeral Home Inc. Home Funeral volent Austal

Long Range Strategic Plan - -

: : indicators indicators By year-end 2018, the Chamber will be year-end 2018, By By year-end 2018, the Chamber will be rec year-end 2018, By

: : Below is an overview of the strategy, Membership growthMembership and retention Board of Advisors engagement and growth engagement Board Advisors of Member satisfaction Increased member rewards and of benefits usage Chamber of the U.S. by accreditation Five-star Commerce Certification the Chamber by Commerce of Alabama of Association finances Chamber Healthy Exceed 2,200 members and the national average membersExceed 2,200 and the national average retention in membership vision and success indicators for each of the organization’s four areas of focus – value. and excellence advocacy, jobs, uccess uccess and efficiency. recognition for members. ognized as one of the nation’s best through accredita ognized the nation’s of as one The Chamber Chamber Commerce. of the U.S. tion by will be credible an and vital effective, organization high its known standards, ethical for and behavior responsive service. nationally recognized for consistently exceeding member expectations of the value and delivering membership. 1. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. Strategic Goal: Excellence the innovation Chamber Operate with excellence, Vision s 2. 3. Strategic Goal: Value Provide value, services, opportunities and Vision s

: : indicators indicators By year-end 2018, Mobile will a Mobile have year-end 2018, By By year-end 2018, the Mobile area the Mobile will year-end 2018, By

: : The Mobile Area Chamber has created created has Chamber Area Mobile The Legislative accomplishments bridge River Progress Mobile in realizing the I-10 oilProgress in from recovery the economic 2010 spill in the Gulf Mexico of Average salary jobs of gained Average capital investedTotal Median growth income trends the for area statistical combined gained Primary jobs a consultant to discuss issues key and set organization’s the measure to benchmarks success. a strategic plan to guide its direction for Chamberthe staff years2016-2018. worked with members of its board of directors and uccess uccess Chamber-led efforts will secured have a more business-friendly environment and needed balancing improvements, infrastructure sustainable growth and ongoing development. Chamber programs will and events have and fostered community diversity encouraged growth. stronger, morestronger, diversified business climate. have steadily increased steadily jobshave and business and capital workforcedevelopment initiatives. investments in our community. The Chamber in will ourinvestments community. in efficientalso more business lead engagement 1. 2. 3. s Vision Strategic Goal: Advocacy business an promotes environment that Create and community growth. 4. 2. 3. s Vision 1. Retain, expand and recruit businesses, investment Strategic Goal: Jobs and jobs in area. the Mobile 2016 Plan of Action Summary

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Governmental Affairs and Community ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ &Marketing Communications

(Supports strategic goal: Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports work issues. and community on vital Convene to identify key organizations groups and Advocacy) goal: strategic supportive success. (Supports of business and needs responsive is growth, to business that encourageslegislative economic climate and political Promote business-friendly alocal, Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports growth. to continued business infrastructure of promote and transportation importance Recognize Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports Legislative Agenda.Community Develop passage of Chamber’s the obtain and (Supports strategic goal: Jobs) campaign. implementing marketing national the economic the developmentAssist with department Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports media. local more the heavily issues and in activities Chamber outletsImprove promote and media with dialogue Advocacy) goal: strategic outlets. media (Supports social Chamber’s websites, publications and electronic the via Mobile the and Promote area Chamber the Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports mission. our and aware peoplepublic make and better of who we are Improve of the Chamber’s the minds the in image Value) goal: strategic (Supports efforts. our and support for Chamber the and interest in tomembers encourage maintain and to Chamber Mobile program Area communications Provide aconstant, proactive interactive and (Supports strategic goal: Value) goal: strategic (Supports relationships. civilian and Encourage positive military Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports workable issues. solutions local and to regional Implement on Leaders afocus the Exchange with issues. community elected officials and Chamber staff on key Improve membership, the with communication Below is a summary of the 2016 the of Action. of Plan asummary is Below 2015 in 2016-2018. years cover to rewritten the was plan strategic The plan. strategic its of goals the achieve to tactics of alist Action, of Plan its writes staff Chamber Area Mobile year, the Each (Supports strategic goal: Advocacy) Advocacy) goal: strategic (Supports

assets. assets. procedures. services. needs. Initiative. ■ ■ ■ ■ Economic Development ■ ■ ■ ■ Finance & Operations ■ ■ ■ ■

and funding. (Supports strategic goals: funding. Jobs and Value)and planning development economic long-term of Plan Action implementation, current in well as as leadership agency elected allies local and county Involve volunteer Chamber leadership, and city to Industrial the Provide support expertise and staff economic developmentStaff for the services strategic advantages unique and and strengths on community based expansions and locations Aggressively Mobile the market for region business Enhance the Chamber’s information technology Chamber’s the technology information Enhance improvementoperations through and of processes Foundation Chamber and Chamber Enhance ) goal: Excellence strategic equipment. and (Supports fixtures grounds, building, of Chamber the Coordinate maintenance (Supports strategic goal: Excellence ) management. resource to human relating reports and records, forms all Develop maintain and control related and financial Provide maintain and Improve Mobile’s to respond to workforce ability (Supports strategic goals: Jobs and Advocacy) products services. and of area foreign sales the to enhance trade transportation and international developFurther Mobile the acenter as region for Value) goal: strategic (Supports needs. members’ Chamber that service activities development economic support to information Generate, provide collect, organize, publish and (Supports strategic goals: Jobs and Value) Park Authority Board. Industrial the and Development Development Industrial Board, the Development Economic County Washington (Supports strategic goals: Jobs and Advocacy) average an creating year. new per of jobs 800 Support five-year the for Growth Partners of goal objectives. of life governed quality by community (Supports strategic goal: Excellence) goal: strategic (Supports (Supports strategic goal: Jobs) (Supports strategic goal: Excellence) goal: strategic (Supports (Supports strategic goal: Jobs) (Supports strategic goal: Excellence )

2016 Plan of Action Summary

(Supports strategic goal: Value) Darrell Randle, Vice President: 251-431-8615 Darrell President: Vice Randle, Danette Richards, Director: 251-431-8652 Assistant: Rembert, 251-431-8607 Brenda Steve Russell,Steve Director: 251-431-8654 Al Ruffin, Research 251-431-8656 Manager: Development Workforce and Education Director: 251-431-8651 Emily McGrath, International Trade 251-431-8648 Director: Stimpson, Christina Chief Financial Mareno, Joe Officer: 251-431-862 Hariel,Matt Director: 251-431-862 251-431-8626 LeMaris Technology: Alston, Hope Bush-Collins, Custodian: 251-431-8634 Chani Finance Assistant: Johnson, 251-431-8627 FinanceDonna Assistant: 251-461-8609 Ikner, Assistant: 251-431-8605 Davidson, Jackie Carrera, Security:Grant 251-431-8658 251-431-8622 President: Vice Carolyn Golson, Director Relations: Member Rencher, Dawn 251-431-8642 Executive: Account Livingston, Jackie Assistant: 251-431-8617 Alison Unger, Desk Receptionist:Odetta 251-433-6951 Stutts, Help Business Retention and ExpansionBusiness and Retention business resources in the Mobile/Baldwin area. business resources in the Mobile/Baldwin Advocacy goals: Value) and strategic (Supports Create a system to shareto local a system fundingCreate sources Provide continuing education, training and opportunities smallbusiness for development issues the concern on to of Serve as an advocate small (Supports business strategic community. goal: Advocacy) small assistance other by Facilitate provided Coordinate task force activities taskCoordinate select force of programs, and servicesproducts benefiting small businesses. (Supports strategic goal: Value) goals: strategic (Supports businesses. interested with Value) and Jobs Small Business Development Operations and Finance Membership 251-431-8649

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ businesses. businesses.

(Supports strategic goal: Value)

& Marketing: 251-431-8641 How to Reach Your Chamber Staff Your Reach to How Business Development Project 251-431-8602 Manager: Rodgers, David Austin Monk, Washington County Economic Emily Project 251-431-8602 Jerkins, Coordinator: Troy Wayman, Vice President: 251-431-8650 President: Vice Wayman, Troy Administrative Coordinator Soffronoff, Cesny Ashley Horn, DirectorAshley Horn, Digital of Media & Design: Communications of Director Rak-Blanchard, Susan 251-431-8640 Manager: Randall,Marion Warren Event Carolyn Assistant: Wilson, 251-431-8606 251-431-8618 President: Russell,Ginny Vice Director Regional Affairs: of Howell, Patty Carolyn Hunt, Assistant: 251-431-8621 Services: 251-431-8636 Leigh Perry-Herndon, Vice President: 251-431-8645 President: Vice Perry-Herndon, Leigh Advertising: Executive, Eiland, Account René Bill Sisson, President and CEO: 251-431-8610 and CEO: Bill President Sisson, Assistant:251-431-8655 Executive Mattingly, Shelly Chief Operating Chappelle, Bob Officer: 251-431-8644 Assistant: 251-431-8605 Davidson, Jackie Katrina 251-431-8611 Coordinator: Dewrell, Executive strategic goal: Value) technical andMarket provide assistance areato small businesses stimulate their help to business Provide assistance minority-owned to businesses their participation and encourage in all Chamber activities. (Supports strategic goals: Provide innovative programs and innovative servicesProvide our that members desire and value. customer serviceEnsure improve to awesome (Supports development. and retention member Exceed budgeted goals for dues and non-dues dues goals for Exceed budgeted (Supports job creation. and foster development Value) and Jobs goals: strategic Value) and Jobs income to support Chamber (Supportssupport to income operations. strategic goal: Value)

■ ■ Small Business Development ■ ■ Membership ■

344-332-0565 Developer: Economic Development Divisions: Development Economic

Economic Development Economic 251-431-8635 251-431-8623 Affairs Governmental Community and 251-431-8601 Communications and Marketing Administration