Project How Industry Bikes Impacts Changing Lives 10K Students ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IS: Fiber Optic Data That Doesn’T Slow You Down

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce SEPTEMBER 2014 the

One Step Closer to Delta Bike I-10 Bridge Project How Industry Bikes Impacts Changing Lives 10K Students ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IS: Fiber optic data that doesn’t slow you down

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Advanced Technology. Personal Service. 1.855.212.7271 | cspirebusiness.com 2 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce SEPTEMBER 2014 | In this issue

ON THE COVER Will work for a ride! Pictured on the cover are From the Publisher - Bill Sisson Delta Bike Project partners Jenn Greene, Thomas Carpenter and Jeff DeQuattro. Learn more about Getting a New Workforce Ready this program on page 16. Photo by Jeff Tesney. As you may have heard, Education Foundation, Mobile manufacturing is booming around Works, the Mobile Area Chamber, Mobile. Thousands of jobs have and the community college systems 4 News You Can Use been added in our shipbuilding and and universities. 11 Small Business of the Month: steel-making industries, and we are Alabama Industrial Cream & Sugar Cafe quickly becoming one of the world’s Development Training (AIDT) newest aviation/aerospace centers. continues to provide nationally 13 Chamber Boosts Economic All this growth has meant big renowned training and retraining Development Web Presence challenges for us in workforce for immediate hiring needs of our 14 One Mobile: From Campaign Slogan development. Not only have job new and existing industry. AIDT to Community Mantra openings jumped into the hundreds, now has four locations throughout but a significant number of our skilled our region, ensuring that all our 16 Mobile’s Delta Bike Project laborers, such as welders, will reach retirement age business sectors can benefit from their excellent 17 Worlds of Opportunity within the next five years. It’s imperative that we programming, which is customized for new and 21 CEO Profile: Katherine Pittman prepare our workforce in a hurry to meet this existing industry. demand – and we’re doing just that. In this issue, you’ll learn more about how our 22 Investor Focus: SSAB The many organizations working on education workforce development system is enabling us to 25 Chamber@Work and workforce development are partnering to align fully capitalize on the region’s economic growth. the training system to effectively provide the skilled Keeping our workforce skilled means that planes 27 Business Spotlight: Horizon workforce needed in Mobile’s current economy. and boats, and the good-paying jobs of those who Research Group LLC This includes the K-12 systems throughout the work on them, will continue to be a vital part of 27 Ambassador of the Month: region, organizations such as Southwest Alabama our regional economy for years to come. Angela Williams Workforce Development Council, Mobile Area 28 Board of Advisors: Thomas W. Bender III, Monty B. Hamilton, James L. Miller, Frederick T. Stimpson III 29 Calendar 30 Member News 34 Anniversaries 35 New Members

the business view is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 5 17 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 251-433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2014

Publisher William B. Sisson Executive Editor Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor Jennifer Jenkins Copy Editor Michelle Matthews Additional Writers and Editors Ashley Horn, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Carolyn Wilson Printing Services Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive René Eiland 251-431-8635 14 [email protected]

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 3 NEWS you can use One Step Closer

News broke in late July that the U.S. Federal has a copy of the impact statement online at that could take up to two years, and construction Highway Administration approved the Draft www.MobileRiverBridge.com. is estimated at four to six years. The result will be Environmental Impact Statement for a new I-10 Mike Lee with Page and Jones chairs the a new Mobile River Bridge, expanding I-10’s bridge and Bayway expansion. The statement grassroots Build the I-10 Bridge Coalition. He is capacity by six lanes (three in each direction) and addresses the potential effects of the proposed project. encouraging attendance at the public hearings, so a bayway expansion to eight lanes total. In concert with the statement release, the officials can hear from those for as well as opposed The preferred location for the six-lane bridge Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to the I-10 bridge. begins at Virginia Street, crossing the Mobile set two public hearings for Tuesday, Sept. 23 “It’s hard to find a negative in this,” Lee says. River just north of the Mobile Cruise Terminal at the Alabama Cruise Terminal and Monday, “I suppose one of the only things would be that and joins the Bayway near the AIDT Maritime Sept. 29 at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. it’s not free,” he says referring to the local share of Training Center. Both meetings will be from 5 to 8 p.m. funding that would have to be raised. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement Residents are asked to provide feedback by What’s happens after that? The feedback will is housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 reviewing the study at a public location – one is be funneled into a revised study, and then the Government St., and at www.mobileriverbridge.com. housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, 451 design and engineering phase begins to If you’re interested in joining the grassroots effort Government St. – and/or attending public hearings determine the specifications and, for example, if to have the bridge built, go to: www.facebook. in Mobile and Baldwin counties. ALDOT also and how bike lanes will be included. It’s a process com/BuildTheI10Bridge.

Inter-Informatics Group, a leading provider Although starting small, Rezny says the of engineering design services in the field of company will hire five people in the first year, and aerospace and other disciplines, found a home at their presence will grow as their work increases. Czech Republic Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, and is locating staff “This is one example of a company taking a from the Czech Republic. chance to grow its business with Airbus,” says Engineering Firm Radek Rezny, the company’s project manager, Thomas Tyson, an economic development project says a presence in Mobile is necessary for its work manager for the Mobile Area Chamber. “This with Airbus Americas Engineering. “We are location will allow Inter-Informatics the Expands to establishing a design center in the vicinity of our opportunity to expand its business services to customer in Mobile, which will ensure more other customers throughout North America while flexible and operative availability of the ensuring their services to Airbus here in Mobile.” engineering services we already provide for Inter-Informatics Group established its U.S. Mobile Airbus and other customers; and have also branch in Florida earlier this year, and has offices commenced marketing and business activities in Germany, France, Slovakia and Romania. towards new acquisitions from this territory.”

4 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 AIDT Opens Aviation Training Center

Alabama Industrial Development “The center will aid unemployed Training held a grand opening in individuals whose jobs have fallen July for its $7 million Alabama victim to economic downturns,” Aviation Training Center located at said Bridget Wilson, director of the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. The Chamber’s workforce development facility, along with the existing department. “Secondly, our future Enterprise State Community College economic competitiveness and Alabama Aviation College located success are linked to the skills and adjacent to the center, will provide quality of our workforce.” training to help ensure a successful AIDT provides customized startup for the Airbus A320 Family training at no cost to qualifying Assembly Line, as well as assisting companies, conducts pre- other aerospace companies in the employment selection and training, region with workforce needs. The leadership development and Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey (right) was in Mobile recently to cut the ribbon on Alabama facility was designed by Mobile- assessments in industrial safety, Industrial Development Training’s (AIDT) $7 million Alabama Aviation Training based Watermark Design Group. industrial maintenance and process Center at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. The center was built to boost Mobile’s aviation improvement. workforce and help train future employees for the Airbus Final Assembly Line. Pictured with Ivey are (from left to right): Lee Hammett, AIDT; Greg Canfield, You’ll see this symbol with Alabama Department of Commerce; and Ulrich Weber, Airbus. stories featuring Chamber initiatives. Airbus Holds C212 Aircraft Operators Conference in Mobile In efforts to improve and expand New services include hydraulic, its maintenance and repair business, avionics, composite and structural Airbus Defense and Space’s U.S. repairs, painting, component exchange military aircraft unit held its first and highly skilled engineering support. operators conference in Mobile. The “This is one example of a event drew close to 30 business and company taking a chance to grow government owners of C212 aircraft its business with Airbus and create fleets from five different countries. or expand its work in the North “The conference allowed closer American market,” says Thomas interaction with our clients and Tyson, an economic development showcased our services and project manager for the Mobile Area capabilities, in order to improve Chamber. our overall operations and increase The company is able to provide our business to help expand our technical and engineering services footprint and workforce in Mobile,” support to all operators of Airbus said Juan Uriarte, head of Airbus Defense and Space military aircraft Defense and Space U.S. military products in North America and the aircraft services. growing South American market, and In February, Airbus added a may support the Airbus A320 Family 7,500-square-foot component repair aircraft assembly line, currently Juan Uriarte, president of Airbus Military North America (left), greets City of facility at its maintenance, repair under construction in Mobile. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Stimpson gave the official welcome to attendees at and overhaul (MRO) delivery center a recent conference held in Mobile and attended by C212 aircraft fleet owners. located at Mobile Regional Airport.

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 5 Logical Computer Solutions welcomes

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Keeping Mobile’s Streets and Waterways Clean

Everyone has seen “that” driver Key areas of change include: As recommended by ADEM, Previously, the city failed to meet zooming down the interstate and • the requirement of businesses to these entities will be required to the 2012 Storm Water Management throwing a cigarette butt have litter receptacles (including implement and maintain best Plan goals and as a result adopted the thoughtlessly out the window. Like those for cigarettes) on commercial management practices (BMPs), 2014 plan. The city will pay ADEM a many, he or she may not be aware of premises and at entrances; with preventive practices. fine of $135,000, purchase one or where it goes, what harm it causes • junk vehicles will no longer be more litter boats in 2015 to address or just how unsightly it can look. allowed on residential or other Key areas of change include: the flow of litter in its waterways, Thanks to volunteer groups like property; • sweeping or vacuuming leaves and purchase and install a large litter the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, • multi-family residences, places instead of putting them down trap on a tributary to Dog River. numerous clean-up efforts take place of assembly and commercial storm water drains; For more information about annually in shopping centers, parks premises must be free of litter, • removing litter daily from compliance, visit www.cityofmobile.org. and waterways. Although with the responsible party premises; temporarily successful, the efforts specified as the property owner; • regularly removing sediment and solve only part of the problem. • all commercial dumpsters must debris from parking lots; and Aiming to stop trash and debris be enclosed; and • keeping dumpster areas clean at its source, the city of Mobile • cigarette butts are now prohibited and tidy. recently enacted a litter ordinance from being deposited on city and, shortly thereafter, a storm streets, alleys and ditches. water ordinance, both focusing on enforcement with an educational Storm Water Ordinance outreach component to engage In an effort to fulfill obligations citizens, businesses and other laid out by the Alabama Department organizations. of Environmental Management “We’re raising expectations (ADEM) to control the flow of here,” says Dianne Irby, the city’s pollution into storm drains and director of planning and development. TWO MORE REASONS waterways, the city of Mobile “This is not about a spot check. It’s recently revised its storm water TO CHOOSE THE BEST about doing the right thing.” management and flood control For businesses here’s what you ordinance, including an updated need to know: Storm Water Management Plan. Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic is proud to announce the addition of Litter Ordinance The new ordinance strengthens two new fellowship-trained, orthopaedic surgeons – the city’s authority to sample, City officials say the greatest Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist Dr. Jared L. Burkett inspect and enforce storm water impact of the litter ordinance will be and Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr. Grant M. Shell. management efforts. a cleaner city, but the ordinance Other changes include may affect some property owners in heightened requirements on new ways not outlined in previous large construction or redevelopment regulations. The city has designated sites performing land disturbance of a 90-day period for education and one acre or more, as well as warnings. Irby says beginning requiring commercial, industrial Oct. 1, enforcement begins and fines and high-risk facilities such as a will be levied for violations. chemical plant seeking ADEM permits.

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the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 7 MCPSS Students Earn 7,307 Career Credentials

Thousands of Mobile County Public Schools a bulletin board. Welders, for example, make Other certifications included American students have a leg up in the job market after between $18 and $30 an hour, and Devargas has Welding Society, Serve Safe (restaurant manager), earning national certifications while still in high several students who have gone straight to work at Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, school. In fact, the number of credentials earned Ingalls, Austal and G.A. West. Landscape Management, EverFi Financial – 7,307 – was more than double the aggressive One of his students, Tyler Graham, Literacy, Microsoft Office Specialist and Army/ goal the system set for its students to receive graduated from Mary G. Montgomery High Navy JROTC Completion Certificates. this year. School and received four career certifications in “This increase in credentials represents the School Superintendent Martha Peek said these welding and construction as well as an OSHA commitment of students and faculty members, national certifications – ranging from certified 10-hour safety card. He trained at AIDT at night along with business and industry, to begin nursing assistant to construction and manufacturing while still in high school and went straight to preparing now for the job market,” said Bridget to restaurant management – help students work at Ingalls after graduation. Wilson, director of the Mobile Area Chamber’s immediately get jobs. It was the teachers working The most popular certification – earned by work force development department. “These in the career technical education division that 1,990 students – was NCCER (National Center for programs will reduce recruitment costs and made it happen. Construction Education and Research), which is improve productivity, as well as increase our Faulkner Career-Technical Center welding required by most construction, manufacturing economic competitiveness due to ready and instructor Tim Devargas motivates students by and shipbuilding companies. skilled entry-level positions.” posting paycheck stubs of his former students on Continental to Buy Southern Avionics Continental Motors Group Ltd. announced Tom Greer, president of Southern growth opportunity with one of the most exciting this summer that its Fairhope maintenance, repair Avionics and Communications, said, “This is a OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in the and overhaul subsidiary Mattituck Services Inc. great opportunity for Southern Avionics customers industry today.” (MSI) will purchase Mobile-based Southern to get one-stop shopping for all their aircraft needs. The transaction is expected to close during the Avionics and Communications Inc. And for our employees, this represents a great third quarter of 2014. The acquisition will add avionics and aircraft interior maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities and expand its service presence at the rapidly growing Mobile Downtown Airport, according to Rhett Ross, director of Continental Motors Group and vice president of AVIC International. With the Southern Avionics facility adjacent to the Airbus A320 Family Assembly Line, Ross is also hoping to extend the company’s business in pilot training, fuel services, avionics services, wiring harnesses and special aviation manufacturing. A 33-year-old company, Southern Avionics is considered a regional leader in avionics sales, installation and service. It employs 14 people at its Brookley facility. The company represents most major avionics manufacturers worldwide through distribution or other agreements, and services aircraft ranging from small personal aircraft to large corporate jets.

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10 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 SMALL BUSINESS of the month

Everyone Susan Carley, sitting on right, and her team have a lot to offer – coffee, dessert, breakfast and lunch in the heart of the Oakleigh district . Needs a Little Cream & Sugar has a nationwide demand for an assortment of its cake ball flavors. Cream & Sugar

Susan Carley and her husband, intriguing corner entrance,” she said. churning out coffee drinks made customer traffic at Cream & Sugar Kevin, love coffee. While they leased out the from locally roasted beans, and a were off and they had to spend more “Our earliest days together in portion of the building with the menu that features breakfast time and money on marketing and New Orleans were spent hanging corner entrance, now Kitchen On burritos with Conecuh sausage, crab advertising to get the word out. Now out together in coffee shops on George, the Carleys decided the quiche, Cammie’s Old Dutch ice the business has a strong enough Magazine Street,” Susan Carley said. house with the porch was the cream and cake balls in 25 flavors. customer base to stay open 7 a.m. to “When our first child was born, we perfect space to open a coffee and “We were the first to introduce 7 p.m., seven days a week, with were living in Atlanta and our favorite dessert shop. That shop, Cream & cake balls to Mobile back in 2009,” hopes of adding even later hours. outing was to get her all dressed up Sugar, has now been in business she said, “and we are now selling “We had to try harder to get the and go hang out at Caribou Coffee.” nearly five years and is the Mobile them online nationwide.” people in the front door,” Carley So it was only natural that after Area Chamber’s Small Business of The shop has become home base said. “But once they stepped in moving back to Mobile in 2003, the Month. for Mobilians on Bikes, a group that Cream & Sugar, they were usually they should open a coffee shop of “We knew the neighborhood and gathers there regularly for bike rides hooked. Our repeat business is their own. After opening the Palette the Midtown community would through Midtown and downtown. awesome and our regulars are Café in the Mobile Museum of Art in embrace a locally-owned coffee shop, “The biking community, with their incredibly supportive.” 2007, the couple started looking for and it did,” said Carley, who runs regular rides and supportive spirit of sites for a second location. They found the business. “It blossomed from just Midtown, really kept us going a building in the Oakleigh Garden coffee and dessert to now serving during the first few years as we tried District that had formerly housed breakfast and lunch seven days a to build our repeat business in an Guido’s restaurant, and had originally week.” area that gets no drive-by traffic,” been a house connected to a corner Carley credits the setting for part Carley said. “Without the bikers, we Want to be featured here? store. of their success – the quaint cottage may not have made it to our five- Go to mobilechamber.com/ “It always intrigued me that the with its picket fence, original floors, year mark.” award.asp to submit an charming cottage home with the a loft for book clubs and outdoor Carley says a business plan is application, or contact front porch and stoop that had been seating on the porch. Another part important for new entrepreneurs, and Danette Richards built in 1876 was overshadowed by of their successful formula is what’s flexibility in that plan is sometimes at 251-431-8652 or the corner store which had the inside the building – expert baristas necessary. Original estimates for [email protected].

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 11 12 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 Revamping Mobile’s Economic Development Web Presence The Mobile Area Chamber’s drive to transform its website into a clean, lean and easy-to-navigate source of business information completed its final push with the launch of a new section for economic development in July. The section provides extensive information and resources for businesses locating or expanding in Mobile, including infrastructure, workforce development and international trade. Additions include an interactive demographics dashboard with continuously updated statistics on population, housing, jobs and labor presented in charts and graphs. Visitors will also find a new suite of downloadable maps. The redesign polishes the region’s web image and strengthens the resources prospects need, says Troy Wayman, vice president, economic development. “We wanted simple but very effective, and that’s BXS_ViewMagazine_Jan2011.pdfwhat we achieved.” 1/26/11 5:00:39 PM 8.5” x 5.375”

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 13 “What if I’m the one with the solutions? What if I’m the one with the right idea? What if I’m the one our future has been waiting for?” A diverse group of local citizens ask these three questions in a promotional video produced to inspire others to find an effort or activity to plug into, says Elisabeth Hanes, one of the volunteers helping coordinate the One Mobile community service effort. Though the group is nonpolitical, its name was taken from Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s campaign slogan. The Business View asked Hanes a few questions to help readers understand what the organization is, why it exists and how they can get involved.

What is One Mobile, and what is the organization’s vision for the future? “One Mobile is more of a movement than an organization. We are a privately-funded, citizen-run nonprofit established to encourage ideas and facilitate collaboration among Mobilians. “Our vision is to empower community building through collaboration between individuals, businesses, nonprofits and community groups because together we can do more.”

How did One Mobile grow from a campaign slogan? “Our group was inspired by the vision of one, unified Mobile. Our slogan is ‘Many Voices, One Mobile.’ We believe that by providing a platform for people to share their ideas and work together to see them become realities, our city will only grow.”

Who is involved, and who can join? “One Mobile is guided by a steering committee of a diverse set of individuals dedicated to ensure Mobile’s various community One Mobile: interests are represented. “Every Mobilian can join the movement. One Mobile is every Mobilian because everyone’s voice From Campaign Slogan and ideas matter regardless of gender, race, national origin, religion, political beliefs or disability.” to Community Mantra Photo by Jeff Tesney

14 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 How do people get involved? “Citizens can get involved with One Mobile through a variety of ways. The main way will be through our website onemobile.org, scheduled to launch in the fall. We currently have a Beta site, but our full site will allow residents to share ideas and work with those who have similar interests.”

How will the organization impact Mobile? “One Mobile is impacting the community through service projects. Our July service projects at Maitre Park and Medal of Honor Park helped enrich both of those areas.” “Additionally, One Mobile is working to educate Mobilians about local businesses, nonprofits and

history, and encourage pride in our Photo by Jeff Tesney hometown through social media. Our use of social media has helped Mobile’s existing nonprofits and give blueprints’ for businesses. These will on how to replicate similar programs several nonprofits increase their Mobilians more opportunities to include case studies documenting and projects in their own business.” volunteer numbers, event turnout connect with each other. These the success stories of other local One Mobile can be found at and general community awareness sevices are open to anyone.” businesses’ community involvement www.onemobile.org. of their organization.” and templates providing information “Through empowering citizens’ What do you want the ideas, initiatives like One Fit Mobile business community to created by Cindy Ross, owner of Bodies By Cindy, have been born. know about One Mobile? One Fit Mobile is now educating “We hope to provide resources our community about health and for businesses who want to develop wellness, providing free fitness classes their corporate citizenship. and a weight-loss challenge program Businesses are always welcome for Mobilians. to join our service projects.” “We also coordinate quarterly “Additionally, our website will service projects, partner with have ‘community involvement

One Mobile is a grassroots organization working to identify volunteer activities that Mobilians can connect to and provide a forum for project ideas where they can find others who share their passion. In July, a group of volunteers revitalized the children’s area at Medal of Honor park on Hillcrest Road, pictured in the photos on these two pages. In addition to clean up and painting the equipment, they recreated the wall with children’s handprints because the original one was vandalized. A similar project went on simultaneously at Maitre Park on Halls Mill Road. Photos by Jeff Tesney

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 15 Delta Bike Project gets traction from One Mobile

We think differently. Photo by Jeff Tesney

In its effort to promote existing bikes to including a program where organizations and help Mobilians people who couldn’t afford a bike, Proven financial specialists. find a cause to connect with, One could earn one through service Mobile has helped Delta Bike Project. projects. The nonprofit organization is dedicated The Time is Money program to bicycle transportation in Mobile, lets people earn a bicycle or parts offers tools and knowledge for do-it- for their work, and has distributed yourself bike repairs and low-cost more than 70 bikes to Mobile’s bikes that have either been donated community in need. We’re about or recycled. “do it yourself,” says DeQuattro. Jeff DeQuattro, one of the “It’s an empowering experience.” founders and executive director of DeQuattro explains automobile Delta Bike Project, says of the One ownership is not an option to certain Mobile boost, “We’ve been promoting populations and is costly to low Dynamic solutions. them and they are promoting us so income groups such as youth and it’s a great synergy. We got a couple elderly. The secondary advantages dozen new Facebook likes (from to biking, he adds, are that it’s good One Mobile publicity), a lot of new exercise, reduces traffic, is good for followers and probably some bike the environment and fun. donations.” “We do things so the community By day, DeQuattro is coastal can get out there and apply for jobs Smith, Dukes, & Buckalew, LLP projects manager for The Nature or get something to eat or just to Certified Public Accountants Conservancy in Alabama. When he have fun.” moved to Mobile, he needed a hobby. Delta Bike Project is located at He bought a bike and taught the corner of St. Francis and Warren Mobile 3800 Airport Blvd, Ste. 101 • 251-343-1200 himself how to rebuild it. Then a streets, and survives on donated 6475 Van Buren Ave, Ste. 200 251-621-9600 friend needed some help with his bikes. “No matter what shape they Daphne • dad’s old bike. As his hobby grew to are in, we can use them.” Contact SMITHDUKES.COM expertise, DeQuattro started getting them at www.deltabike project.org requests for service. The organization or 251-348-0872. immediately transformed from being a place where people could work on

16 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 Worlds of pportunity Introducing Students to Industry in a Unique Way

Over the past four years, more than 40,000 The expo is open to students from the eight- The Mobile Area Chamber has been a part eighth-grade students, teachers, school county workforce development Region 9 of Worlds of Opportunity since its inception. As administrators, parents, industry leaders and including Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, project manager, the Chamber brings business volunteers have gathered for a two-day career Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington and industry together and facilitates the event expo to create awareness among students and counties. on behalf of SAWDC. educators about local job options. This year’s Featured industry sectors are: Bridget Wilson, the Chamber’s director of event will be held Sept. 24 and 25 at the Mobile • Aerospace & Aviation workforce development, said she looks forward Civic Center. • Automotive Technology to another great experience for local students to The Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo, a • Communication become engaged, exposed and encouraged about project of the Southwest Alabama Workforce • Construction future career paths. Development Council (SAWDC), is a fast-paced, • Energy “Each year, we are lucky to have such great fun, educational, hands-on opportunity where • Engineering & Design industry partners who are creative and active to students learn about a variety of jobs available in • Healthcare get the students interested in their industry by the Mobile area directly from the people who • Hospitality & Tourism showing them what it takes to do their jobs,” she work in those industries. Students may ask • Manufacturing said. “It’s amazing how much effort is put into this questions about the work, pay, education and • Public Services event, and we are seeing the results of our efforts training needed and get their hands on an • Safety as those students who first went through this interactive activity related to each industry. • Shipbuilding & Repair program are starting to graduate high school and are looking for jobs.”

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 17 The Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo brings together partners and volunteers from 12 industries in the Mobile area. The hands-on expo gives students the chance to learn more about jobs local employers say they will need in the future.

Aerospace & Aviation ON AVIATI HEALTH Alabama has plenty of opportunities for highly-skilled, hard CE & CAR SPA E working professionals who are interested in designing, building and RO E working on aircraft. In this world, students are introduced to A H GY O riveting airplane bodies and hearing a loud jet engine. O S L PI O TA N L H IT EC Y T & E T IV O T U Automotive Technology O R M IS O M It’s the job of trained auto and body technicians to T

U keep vehicles running safely and efficiently. In this A orlds of

world, students get an inside look at a car’s engine and

onboard software systems. M N A

O N I T U

A F A C I pportunity O C N T

U Communication U R

M I

N We are all communicators; whether it is M

O with spoken or printed words, gestures or C

even behavior. In this world, students will

sit at a TV anchor desk, while others tweet

messages or meet radio disc jockeys. U

N B

I I

E U R

Construction R

T V

A team of construction professionals built E

every structure, residential community, park,

hospital, roadway or shopping mall you can see.

In this world, students will paint, lay bricks and

steer an excavator.

G E

T R

Y E

Energy

Energy workers use skills in math and science to analyze

and solve problems and provide power. In this world, students

P I

B learn about gas and electric power, discover the technology S

U E

used in metering and line locate tasks, put on safety gear, ride N

& R

E N I P A G I N R E

a bike generator, and see the differences in transmission and distribution power lines.

Engineering & Design High-rise buildings and space ship require the expertise of architects, engineers and designers. In this world, students learn the practical and technical side of engineering through rocket launching, a pulley playground system and a computer bridge competition.

18 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 Healthcare

When people think of healthcare, they generally think of doctors and nurses. But there are also many other exciting jobs in healthcare with a variety of post-secondary education requirements. This world allows students to participate in simulations of childbirth, surgery, pharmacy and therapy where they are able to perform different jobs as a member of a multi-discipline patient care team.

ON AVIATI HEALTH CE & CAR SPA E RO E Hospitality & tourism A H GY O Tourism accounts for more than 162,000 Alabama O S L PI jobs. In this world, students try to balance a tray of O TA N L H IT glasses across a room, land a hole-in-one on a putting EC Y T & green and even try their hand at icing a cake. E T IV O T U O R M IS O M T

U A orlds of

MANUFACTURING

M N A Manufacturing jobs are in high-demand at O N I T U area companies. Students in this world control

A F A and monitor processes and equipment within C I pportunity O C his/her sphere of work to achieve the best possible N T

U U production results with regard to quantity, quality R

M I N and the environment.

L PUBLIC SERVICE

I I

S Law enforcement officers/deputies patrol the

E U

R streets and neighborhoods to maintain a safe

T V

I environment. Students in this world may speak to a C N

E SWAT team member about what it takes to do their

job. They can also try their skills with a weapon on a

video shooting range, or see what type of equipment

correction officers use on a daily basis.

G E

T R

Y E

SAFETY

Safety professionals work with companies and industries

H N

I to help keep employees safe in a variety of working conditions.

P I

B S

U E

D I

L Students in this world race the clock – and each other – to don

& R

E safety gear and try their hand at safely breaking a pane of glass. R

E N I P A G I N R E

SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR From small fishing boats and mega yachts to cargo ships and gigantic aircraft carriers, shipbuilding and repair offers many career opportunities. In this world, students weld using a virtual welder, fit pieces of angle bar together following a blueprint and test displacement/buoyancy from a hull/barge they design from aluminum foil.

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 19 Worlds of pportunity Chamber Member Companies

1 Source Power & Equipment Block USA Lexus of Mobile Safety Plus 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center BMW of Mobile Local15 - WPMI Safety Source Inc. AIDT Boise Paper Maynard Cooper & Gale PC Sherwin Williams Airbus Brand Energy & Infrastructure McConnell Automotive Corp. Springhill Medical Center Airgas Services Mercedes-Benz of Mobile Springhill Toyota Aker Solutions Brasfield & Gorrie Mercy Medical SSAB Akzo Nobel City of Mobile Mobile Airport Authority Superior Masonry Inc. Alabama Associated General Cumulus Broadcasting Mobile Area Water and Tecnico Contractors Dean McCrary Automotive Sewer System Tennessee Valley Training Center Alabama Aviation Center Evonik Industries Mobile Bay Convention & The Battle House Hotel & Spa Alabama Department of ExxonMobil Visitors Bureau Thompson Engineering Transportation Faulkner State Community College Mobile County Public School Tractor & Equipment Co. System Alabama Media Group FOX10 TV U-J Chevrolet Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Alabama Power Co. G.A. West & Co. United Rentals Mobile Gas, a Sempra Co. Alabama State Trooper Goodwyn Mills Cawood United States Air Force Mobile Pipe and Welding AM/NS Calvert Gulf Coast Exploreum Science United States Army MRC (Metal Roof & Supply Co.) ATN (Alabama Technology Center United States Coast Guard Network) Outokumpu Stainless USA Gulf States Engineering United States Marine Corps Austal USA Palmer’s Airport Hyundai Gwin’s Commercial Printing United States Navy Auto Nation - Ford Palmer’s Toyota Superstore Hargrove Engineers + Constructors University of South Alabama BAE Systems Pat Peck Nissan History Museum of Mobile USS ALABAMA Battleship Bagby & Russell Electric Co. Inc. HKA Staffing Solutions Performance Contractors Memorial Park BASF Horizon Shipbuilding PowerSouth Energy Cooperative UTV44 Bay Area Healthcare Coalition Hosea O. Weaver & Sons Providence Hospital Virginia College BBVA Compass Hurricane Electronics Remington College VT MAE Beard Equipment Co. Infirmary Health Riley-Stuart Supply Co. Wesco Gas & Welding Supply Bellingrath Gardens and Home Ingalls Shipbuilding Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail WKRG News5 Bishop State Community College Joe Bullard Automotive S & S Sprinkler

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20 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 CEO profile

Katherine Pittman

Company: Mobile United Title: Executive Director Hometown: Mobile Education: Pittman earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Birmingham- Southern College.

First job: Her first job was in legal support services.

Previous experience: She has worked as a paralegal for Maynard, Cooper & Gale in Birmingham, and Johnstone Adams in Mobile, and as a mortgage originator and branch manager at Bank of Mobile. Pittman previously served as administrator for Leadership Mobile.

Accomplishments: She is involved in the Alabama Coastal Foundation, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Coalition Against Bullying, Underage Drinking Taskforce and the Alabama Community Leadership Network.

Secret to success: “Finding balance in all aspects of my life has served me well,” she said. “Seeking that perfect balance between work, family and friends is what matters most.”

Brief company description: Mobile United is a membership organization that creatively addresses the issues that face the Mobile community in an effort to improve the quality of life for all citizens. Mobile United is the home of Leadership Mobile, Youth Leadership Mobile and Live Better Mobile programs.

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 21 INVESTOR focus SSAB

SSAB is the leading producer of high-strength steel sold all over the world. At the Alabama plant are, (front row from left) Alan Byrd, Larry Gohagan, George Chapman, Mark Bush, Jill Vinson, Shannon Johnson, Greg Manfredi and (back row) Jeff Lascari, Dan Hrynizak, Trent Thomas, Bruce Byrd, Justin Ward, Scott Kelley, Victor Clark, Ken Ferguson and Bud Long.

Company officials: Chuck Why are you located in Mobile? workforce, we need a healthy strong Schmitt, president; John Carroll, “Of the four states we were community. In the 15 years since vice president, environmental, considering for this facility, Alabama starting construction of the plant, we health & safety; Jeff Moskaluk, was very aggressive and organized have seen Mobile grow and attract chief commercial officer; Sheila in its program to attract SSAB, many world-class companies. I think Williams, vice president, human formerly IPSCO,” explained Bush. the Partners for Growth initiative has resources; Paul Wilson, vice “Beyond that, it offers a variety of played a vital role in that development.” president, operations; Michele shipping options – truck, ship and What do you see as Mobile’s Klebuc-Simes, vice president and rail; a good employment base; and greatest potential? general counsel; Mark Bush, an excellent quality of life. A stable “The Mobile site has proven to operations manager, Mobile; Ed power grid and a geographic be an ideal site to serve the DiCiccio, operations manager, location convenient to our customer Southeast and Gulf Coast states,” Montpelier base are also key considerations.” Partners for Growth (PFG) said Bush. “It was anticipated that is the Mobile Area Chamber’s Years in business: Established Why do you support the Mobile this part of the United States would long-term economic and in 2001 Area Chamber of Commerce’s have strong industrial growth, and community development program. Partners for Growth initiative? that has come to fruition.” For more information, contact Brief company description: “We support the initiative in Katrina Dewrell, SSAB is a global leader in high- order to further develop the greater Length of continuous Chamber the Chamber’s investor relations Since 1999 strength steel. Its vision is to create a Mobile area,” said Bush. “For our membership: coordinator, at 251-431-8611 or stronger, lighter and more facility to remain successful and be [email protected]. sustainable world. able to continue to draw a skilled

22 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 In a perfect world, you would never need us. Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world.

Litigation has unfortunately become a part of doing business. With more than 70 lawyers, we are one of the largest law firms in the state of Alabama. More than half of the firm’s lawyers engage in full-time litigation and trial work. We give our clients decades of experience in all types of litigation matters. Our trial lawyers stand ready to save you time, money, and possibly your business.

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No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Contact: J. Burruss Riis, RSA Tower, Suite 30200, 11 North Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602.

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 23 Farnborough Air Show

A delegation from Mobile atttended the Farnborough Air Show in July to promote the region as an ideal location for additional aerospace investment. Pictured above from left to right are: Sen. Jeff Sessions, Mobile City Council President Gina Gregory, Mobile County Commission Attorney Jay Ross and Hand Arendall’s Preston Bolt.

During the Farnborough Air Show, nearly 25 appointments were made by Mobile Area Chamber economic developers for local business and industry executives and elected officials to meet with potential aerospace companies and suppliers. Pictured are Claudia Zimmermann with Alabama Power (left) and Mobile City Council member Fred Richardson (right) meeting with a prospect.

24 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 CHAMBER@work

Chamber Small Business World Trade Week in Mobile industrial areas. The Chamber Owners Meet The Chamber’s trade division continues to meet with stakeholders Members of the Chamber’s held the 2014 World Trade Week and other interested parties as Executive Roundtable, a group of Reception & Symposium to research continues on this issue. small business owners and managers, celebrate the success of Alabama’s attended a presentation by Glenda globally engaged companies, trade Chamber Names New Snodgrass on “Protecting Personal organizations and other stakeholders Board of Advisors Information in the Digital Age.” who promote and facilitate New Board of Advisors members More than 15 member businesses international trade in Alabama’s are Bagby & Russell, Briggs Equipment, were represented. economy. The events were well DocRX, Express Employment, General attended, with 93 registered for the Dynamics (Advanced Information Gulf Coast Technology reception and 79 for the symposium. Systems), Kellsinc Inc., Mobile Council Members Discuss The symposium featured presentations Asphalt, Mobile Lumber & MIllwork, Cyber Security from Greg Canfield, Alabama’s PANGEATWO, Spring Hill Nursing Secretary of Commerce; Robert Manor and Turner Supply. The total During a bi-monthly meeting of Stackpole, U.S. Commercial Service; number of Board of Advisors is 257. the Chamber’s Gulf Coast Technology Leslie Schweitzer, Capitalize LLC; and Council, attendees heard a presentation Christopher Wenk, U.S. Chamber of by Dr. Todd Andel with the Commerce. Both events were held University of South Alabama’s at the Battle House Hotel and Spa. School of Computing, who spoke on cyber-security vulnerabilities, critical infrastructure and medical Work on Oil Storage Tanks Virginia Knight, BancorpSouth, participated in Chamber Chase, a devices. In addition, Andel discussed Continues campaign to bring in new members, research being done to address these The Chamber has convened and event sponsors and advertisers. exposures and how foundational facilitated a number of meetings to Chamber discuss recommendations made by Look for more about this year’s cyber-security education fits into the campaign in the November issue the citizen ad hoc committee solution. of The Business View. (appointed by the Mobile City Chase Council) regarding above-ground petroleum storage tanks in

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the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 25 Corrometrics ad.indd 1 7/23/2014 9:36:23 AM A group of public and private representatives from the Dominican Republic visited Mobile to learn about U.S. port operations and trade opportunities. Dominican business and government leaders discussed with their Mobile counterparts ways to strengthen Dominican Republic customs and border management policies based, in part, on U.S. practices.

26 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT of the month AMBASSADOR of the month Horizon Research Group LLC

As district community development coordinator for LifeSouth Community Blood Center Inc., Angela Williams educates potential donors and the community about blood donations and LifeSouth while acquiring new accounts. Since joining the ambassador program in 2009, she also shares the benefits of becoming a Mobile Area Chamber member. The Mobile native is the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month. “Being an Ambassador enables me to be an integral part of the business community,” Williams said. Horizon Research Group LLC is a clinical research The company has five locations in Louisiana and Ambassadors are volunteers working for company based in Lafayette, La. The company has one in Mobile at 108 I-65 Service Rd. Staff members Mobile Area Chamber member businesses. They approximately 43 years of combined clinical trials pictured (from left): Anna Brunson, Beth Nelson, Dr. support the Chamber by visiting members, assisting experience, with specialties that include allergy, asthma, Christopher Hickey, Liz Hess, RN and Tina Jackson. with event registrations and attending ribbon-cuttings. oncology, sleep disorder, dermatology, pain management The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected To learn more about this program, contact Dawn and podiatry. For more information, visit www. from a random business card drawing at the Chamber’s Rencher at 251-431-8649 or drencher@mobile horizonresearchgroup.com. monthly Business After Hours. chamber.com.

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 27 BOARD of advisors

Thomas W. Bender III MD, a Mobile native, James L. Miller is president of Coastal was appointed by the Hon. Sonny Callahan to HR Inc. and is a licensed insurance producer. attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he He is a graduate of McGill Institute and earned earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical a bachelor’s degree from the University of South engineering and pre-medicine. Bender attended Alabama, with additional hours toward a the Tulane University School of Medicine, and master’s degree in business administration at spent one year stationed at Keesler Air Force The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Base (AFB), where he completed a surgical Miller is a member of the American Payroll internship. He was a general medical officer at Association, Society for Human Resource Maxwell AFB in Montgomery for almost five Management, National Association of Professional years before returning to Tulane to complete Employer Organizations, Disabled American his residency in dermatology. Bender then Veterans Association, Military Officers of served as chief of dermatology at Eglin AFB for five years. He returned home America Association and Men of St. Joseph – St. Dominic Catholic Church to the Mobile area in January of 2009 and joined the staff of Providence Chapter, and is on the board of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance. Hospital. He established Advanced Dermatology and Skin Care Centre in 2010, and has clinics in Providence Park, Bay Minette and Daphne. Frederick T. Stimpson III is chief executive officer of Scotch and Gulf Lumber Monty P. Hamilton is chief executive LLC, where he has been employed since 1974. officer of Rural Sourcing Inc. (RSI), providing He is a graduate of The University of Alabama competitive onshore alternatives to traditional with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and IT outsourcing. He is a sought-after speaker on business administration, and the University of the topic of outsourcing to the United States. Georgia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree RSI’s outsourcing model has appeared in in forest resources. Stimpson has served as Business Week, CNN Money magazine, CFO chairman of the Alabama Wildlife Foundation, magazine and CIO magazine. Hamilton has the Infirmary Health System, the Salvation worked with Fortune 500 companies including Army advisory board and the Southeastern Georgia-Pacific, Nokia, Mylas and Novartis, Lumber Manufacturing Association. He was entrepreneurial ventures and biotech companies. founding chairman of the American Family Business Institute, and founding He is a member of The Bond Group board of director of the Coastal Land Trust. He is a member of the Alabama Forestry advisors, the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, and the Association executive committee, the Hancock Bank regional advisory board advisory boards for Georgia Southern and The University of Alabama master of and Ashland Place Methodist Church board of trustees, and he continues to information science programs. He is past president of the Adaptive Learning serve on the boards of Infirmary Health System and Coastal Land Trust. Center for special needs children from birth to age six. Hamilton holds a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University, and a For more information about the Chamber’s board of advisors, contact bachelor’s degree in business from Millsaps College. Katrina Dewrell at 251-431-8611 or [email protected].

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28 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 CALENDAR

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

CHAMBER CLOSED/Labor DAY executive roundtable *Members Only 1 16 A monthly forum exclusively for Chamber member small business owners and managers. MEMBERSHIP 101 When & Where: 8 to 9 a.m. – Mobile Area Chamber, 4 Come meet with other members and Chamber staff to learn 451 Government St. about the many benefits from your membership. Speaker: John K. Shields, partner Crow, Shields, Bailey PC When & Where: 8-9 a.m. – Mobile Area Chamber, Topic: “Where’d the Time Go? Confessions of a Bad Time Manager” 451 Government St. Contact: Brenda Rembert at 251-431-8607 Contact: Kelly Navarro at 251-431-8638 or [email protected] or [email protected] No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. Free parking. Free parking. Sponsor: 2014 Coastal Economy outlook 10 Learn about the new Coastal Alabama economy at this annual event featuring six local and regional speakers. profits thru people When & Where: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Renaissance 17 When & Where: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Mobile Area Chamber, Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel 451 Government St. Speakers: Jim Ridling, Alabama commissioner of insurance; Speaker: Rick Miller, Amy Elliott and Chris Klinger, Lee Lawson, Baldwin County Economic Development Pro356 Consulting LLC Alliance president and CEO; Troy Wayman, Mobile Area Topic: Learn profit-boosting methods through employee Chamber vice president of economic development; Rick Harper, engagement, customer service and employee leadership University of West Florida Office of Economic Development and Cost: $20 members/$25 potential members, includes lunch Engagement director; Don Epley, University of South Alabama First 15 people to register discounted to $15. Center for Real Estate and Economic Development director; and Contact: Brenda Rembert at 251-431-8607 Bob Wood, University of South Alabama Mitchell College of or [email protected] Business dean. RSVP requested. Free parking. Cost: $95 until Sept. 3 / $115 after (no refunds after Aug. 29) Contact: Cesny Soffronoff at 251-431-8636 or [email protected] nonprofit roundtable *Members Only Sponsors: 17 A bi-monthly forum for Chamber member nonprofit executives and managers. When & Where: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Mobile Area Chamber, 451 Government St. Speaker: Scott Tindle, executive director, The Grounds Topic: Collaboration between organizations and working together networking@NOon *Members Only to reach organizational goals. Contact: Kelly Navarro at 251-431-8638 10 Make 40-plus business contacts in 90 minutes over lunch. or [email protected] When & Where: Noon to 1 p.m., Mobile Area Chamber, No charge, but seating is limited. RSVP requested. 451 Government St. Free parking. Cost: $10 and must be paid with reservation Contact: Kelly Navarro at 251-431-8638 or [email protected] business after hours Reservations required. 25 When & Where: 5:30 to 7 p.m. – Lap’s Grocery & Grill, Sponsors: 1595 Battleship Pkwy. Cost: $5 for members and $10 for potential members Contact: Kelly Navarro at 251-431-8638 or [email protected] Reservations are not needed. Sponsor: CONNECT with the Chamber >>

@MobileChamber Mobile Area Chamber

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 29 MEMBER news

Sarah May recently joined Springdale Travel as business development manager. She graduated from Marquette Brown Reynolds May University in Morgan Holloway Milwaukee, Wis., with a bachelor’s Cumulus Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. Tyson Daugherty degree in communication and Broadcasting REALTORS welcomed new promoted associates, Joseph Morgan and UMS-Wright rhetorical studies and a master’s Angel to vice Bridgette Holloway, to the firm’s Preparatory degree in corporate and public Brown president market Cottage Hill office. School hired communication from the University manager for ✱ Bradshaw of South Alabama. She has more Cumulus Mobile. Ratcliffe Tyson than 10 years of experience in corporate sales. Brown earned as digital Harris marketing ✱ dual bachelor’s director. Tyson is Mark A. degrees in communications and a graduate of The Lathan Newell was public relations from Loyola University of Alabama with a named partner University in New Orleans. bachelor’s degree in public relations. with Armbrecht The company also named Jackson LLP. Angela Reynolds as local sales In addition, Brent Daugherty, Burkett Shell formerly the assistant principal for He earned a law manager and Amberly Harris as Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic the middle school and upper school, degree from promotions manager. ✱ welcomed two new fellowship- is now the school’s dean of Cumberland Newell trained orthopaedic surgeons – technology, and former teacher Wes School of Law at Hargrove Engineers + appointed hand and upper extremity specialist Lathan is now assistant principal of Samford University and a bachelor’s Constructors Kevin Dr. Jared L. Burkett and foot and both the middle school and upper degree in economics from The Jackson to lead the engineering ankle specialist Dr. Grant M. Shell. school. University of Alabama. department of its Birmingham office.

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30 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 MEMBER news

than 25 years of banking experience. Officers Training Corps unit at the The Grounds Green earned a bachelor’s degree University of Florida, where he hired Brittany in political science from Auburn earned a bachelor’s degree in political Reddit as University and has more than 16 science. He also has a master’s degree marketing and years of financial experience. in telecommunications systems business director. Hunter Harrelson was hired as management from the Naval Reddit earned a a financial consultant in the central Postgraduate School in Monterey, bachelor’s degree Mobile market. He earned a bachelor’s Calif., and is a graduate of the in business Hudson Green Reddit degree in business administration U.S. Marine Corps Command and administration from The University of Alabama. Staff College. from Auburn University. Kimberley Sigler joined the ✱ ✱ consumer banking team as manager of the RSA Battle House Branch. Sigler received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Alabama and brings more than Harrelson Sigler 10 years of banking experience to this new role. Regions In other news, Scott Barrow was Bank recently promoted to area private wealth Wilson McCarson Jernigan Spencer hired several executive for the South Alabama/ White-Spunner Realty hired Emmie Jernigan was named new team Florida Panhandle area. Barrow agents Michael B. Wilson and project director for The Women’s members. earned a bachelor’s degree in Meredith L. McCarson. Wilson Business Center’s Rural Business Rufus commerce and business administration graduated from Birmingham- Initiative. Jernigan earned bachelor’s Hudson and from The University of Alabama. Southern College with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education Scottie Green ✱ degree in business administration. from Auburn University. Barrow joined the Mayor Sandy Stimpson He is in commercial sales and In other news, Roslyn Spencer business banking team as appointed (Ret.) U.S. Navy Rear leasing and will focus on the Eastern is the training manager for Mobile relationship managers. Hudson Adm. Richard B. Landolt executive Shore. McCarson joined the and Baldwin counties. Spencer graduated from the University of director of public safety for the City company’s residential sales team earned a bachelor’s degree in history Montevallo with a bachelor’s degree of Mobile. Landolt received his and focuses on the Mobile and from the University of South Alabama. in political science, and has more commission via the Navy Reserve Saraland areas. Give Your Card Some Personality. Personalized Cards from Trustmark

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BBVA Studios, 450 Dauphin St. For more received the TripAdvisor® Certificate Compass Bank information, call 251-366-2426. of Excellence award for consistent hired Jamie ✱ Dr. Judy hospitality excellence. LeDoux as the Brownell Travel announced the Lipka of West ✱ global wealth Mobile area now has a TSA pre-check Chiropractic Accounting market executive center, qualifying domestic travelers Center PC was lecturer Lisa for the Mobile for an expedited security line where selected the McKinney of and Pensacola they don’t have to remove hats, coats, 2014 Alabama The University LeDoux markets. He shoes, belts and laptops. The UES Chiropractor of of Alabama’s earned a bachelor’s degree in Enrollment Center is located at 1505 the Year by the Culverhouse finance at the University of South Telegraph Rd. in Chickasaw, and is Lipka Alabama State College of Commerce was Alabama and has more than 14 years open Monday through Friday from Chiropractic Association. Lipka McKinney of financial services experience. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information, received a doctorate of chiropractic recognized with ✱ call 855-347-8371. from Life Chiropractic College in the Outstanding Accounting Kristin ✱ Hayward, Calif., and became a Educator Award from the Alabama Buxton joined Mobile County broke ground in certified chiropractic sports physician Society of Certified Public Expeditors, a June on the $7 million Baytown in 1994. Accountants. The award is given for global logistics Senior Village, 48 housing units for ✱ excellence in the classroom and company, as a low- to moderate-income senior Archie J. contributions to the accounting district sales citizens at 4291 McCrary Rd. in LeGrone of profession. executive. She Semmes. The development will Merrill Lynch/ ✱ graduated from consist of 24 one-bedroom and 24 The Whiting For the 13th consecutive year, the Buxton the University two-bedroom residential units, and Group earned Mobile Area Water and Sewer of Southern Mississippi with a a community building/leasing office. the certified System (MAWSS) C.C. Williams bachelor’s degree in international ✱ financial planner Wastewater Treatment Plant was business and has more than eight Brand Energy Solutions opened certification. recognized for perfect regulatory years of experience in international a Mobile office at 3512 Brookdale Dr. S. LeGrone LeGrone received compliance by the National logistics. to serve its industrial and commercial a bachelor’s degree in finance from Association of Clean Water Agencies clients from Pascagoula, Miss., to the University of South Alabama. (NACWA). The MAWSS Wright northwest Florida. The company ✱ Smith Jr. Wastewater Treatment Plant was honored for 11 perfect years. L.A. Fotographee, a custom contracts multi-craft services such as Mobile’s Original Oyster photo agency, is now housed at CLR scaffolding, insulation and painting. House and The Holiday Inn Both plants received Platinum Peak Express Hotel & Suites of Daphne Performance awards from NACWA. retail needed

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32 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 MEMBER news

than 60 years, was recently named Bob Mobley and Ashley Daves its In other news, JLM awarded a to the Alabama Lawyers’ Hall of 2014 South Alabama Man and total of $6,500 to three nonprofit Fame by the Alabama State Bar Woman of the Year. Mobley, a organizations and four high school Association. He also served in the leukemia survivor who works at students. U.S. Navy during WWII. Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, raised more than $40,000; and Daves, Submission deadline for Member the mother of leukemia survivor News is two months prior to Michael Daves, raised more than publication. News releases should Morrow Dees be one or two brief paragraphs. Springhill $39,000. This year’s event honored Photos must be professional Ron Morrow and Mike Dees of Medical Center 3-year-old William “Shephard” Hall headshots, labeled with the person’s Prudential Cooper & Co. Inc. President and and 7-year-old Ella Beth Barlow, the REALTORS received the Realtor Chief Executive last name, and must be 300 dpi at full little Boy and Girl of the Year. size and saved in an eps, tiff or jpg Emeritus Award from the National Officer Jeff St. ✱ Association of Realtors for 40 Clair was format. Send your information to Junior League of Mobile (JLM) [email protected]. consecutive years of service. Morrow recognized for recently inducted its new board of is the broker and general manager his community St. Clair directors for 2014-15. The incoming for Prudential Cooper and Dees is work by the board includes Chandra Brown the manager of its Southern American Heart Association. St. Stewart, president; Angie Gulledge, Timberlands Division. Clair chaired the Heart Walk for president-elect; Renie Baya Kennemer, ✱ two consecutive years and served as vice president of communications; The National Association of past chair of the Mobile Heart Ball. Dot Havard, vice president of The Mobile Area Chamber was ✱ Counties recognized Mobile community; Nancy Erwin, vice awarded a five-star rating by the County’s Homeless Prevention president of finance; Kelly Warren, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Project as “Best Of” in the category of vice president of membership highest designation given. Of the Human Services. The project identifies development; Talma Carstarphen, 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only people on the verge of becoming vice president of planning and 301 are accredited, and of those homeless and takes necessary steps research; Amanda Tyler, treasurer; only 43 have achieved five-star to keep them in their homes. To Kinette Crain, recording secretary; distinction. The Mobile Area date, 508 cases have been closed. Tracy Richards, governance chair; Chamber has been accredited ✱ Mobley Daves January Taylor, nominating chair; by the U.S. Chamber since the Hand Arendall LLC announced Krystle Hinton, strategic planning designation’s inception more T. Massey Bedsole, an original name In June, The Leukemia and and research chair; and Megan than 40 years ago. partner and active member for more Lymphoma Society (LLS) named Conwell sustaining representative.

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the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 33 ANNIVERSARIES

Members are our greatest asset. Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

40 years Compass Urgent Care LLC CrowderGulf Ergon Inc. Dearborn YMCA Evonik Industries Dewberry Consultants LLC Martin Energy Services LLC EcoView Windows of the Gulf Coast 25 years Glenn Crane & Rigging Cintas Corp. Gulf Equipment Corp. Elwood Staffing Heroes Sports Bar & Grille Home Mortgage of America Inc. 20 years The Hungry Owl Auto Glass & Paint Supply Immediate Care of the South Schneider Insurance Agency Inc. Jenkins Brick Co. Sheffield School of the Dance Inc. Jubilee BEST Robotics Inc. JW Legacy Group 15 years Charles J. Keith DMD Atlanta Bread Little Flower Catholic School The Mobile Marriott Make-A-Wish Alabama Precision Engineering Inc. Massage Envy Spa Sandifer & Associates (Raymond James) Mercedes Benz of Mobile United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile Inc. M. D. Bell Co. Inc. Wal-Mart-Midtown Supercenter #991 Mobile Mask Monarch Direct U.S. Food 10 years MPACT Public Affairs Consulting GAT Airline Ground Support Inc. Christopher Mullenix DMD MD PC Navigator Credit Union Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak Rock Bridge Wealth Management & Stewart PC Shore Acres Plant Farm PMI Mobile Branch - PMI Emerald Coast Chapter 5 years Precision Tool & Grinding Inc. Blastech Mobile LLC Rangeline Storage F & S Equipment and Supplies Inc. RCT Inc. Longleaf Machining LLC Reach Communications Inc. Ron’s Catering LLC Richardson Law Firm LLC Ruland & Ruland CPAs LLC The Royal Scam Southern Controls Inc. ServisFirst Bank Susan A. Martino CFP Signal International LLC WillTayl Life and Health Smiths Machine LLC Insurance Cart Southern Smiles Zevac & Lindsey LLC Springhill Primary Care 1-4 years Stein Claims LLC St. Mary’s Catholic School Accion Alabama Strategic Wealth Specialists Alabama Kidney Foundation - Mobile Regional Office Total Safety Inc. Alabama Roll Inc. Transworld Business Advisors of Alabama ASF Intermodal LLC WNSP FM & WZEW FM Bayside Rubber & Products Inc. Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer Cash America Pawn Children’s Medical Group PA

34 the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 new MEMBERS

Know a company interested in benefiting from Chamber membership? Contact Jackie Livingston at 251-431-8642. View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

Acceptance Loan Co. Inc. DeShazo Crane Co. Kellsinc Inc. Ranger Industrial Services LLC Chris Mitchell Bill Feltman Mark Sinclair Sarah Lee 3976A Government St. 5635 Iron Works Rd. 6925 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. A 273 Azalea Rd., Ste. 115 Mobile, AL 36693 Theodore, AL 36582 Mobile, AL 36695 Mobile, AL 36609 251-661-5776 251-408-9595 251-689-1778 251-272-4488 Financial Services www.deshazo.com Franchise Foods www.rangerindustrialservices.com Cranes Personnel Consultants/Services Admiral Semmes Hotel & Restaurant Kloeckner Metals Joe Langford DocRX Jeff Edgecomb Alexander Shunnarah, 251 Government St. Brian Ward P.O. Box 279 Attorney at Law Mobile, AL 36602-2697 4636 Bit & Spur Rd., Ste. A Mt. Vernon, AL 36560 James Laura 251-432-8000 Mobile, AL 36608 251-866-6335 59 St. Joseph St. www.AdmiralSemmesHotel.com 251-342-9477 kloecknermetals.com Mobile, AL 36602 Hotels www.docrxinc.com Steel Pipe Distributors 251-288-5966 Pharmaceutical Products-Wholesale/ www.shunnarah.com Alabama Industrial Products LLC Manufacturer McCown Design Attorneys Joe Tunstall d/b/a Robert McCown LLC P.O. Box 2749 Friendly Furniture LLC Robert McCown Spring Hill Manor Nursing Home Daphne, AL 36526 Bobby Cagle 412 Dauphin St., Ste. BB Angela P. Hart 251-928-4418 1956 South University Blvd., Ste. A Mobile, AL 36602 P.O. Box 8395 www.alabamaindustrialproducts.com Mobile, AL 36609 251-391-5560 Mobile, AL 36689-0395 Industrial Supplies 251-301-7201 www.mccowndesign.com 251-342-5623 ALFA Insurance - Kelly DeFord Furniture Manufacturing Commercial & Residential Designers Nursing Homes Kelly DeFord GAC Shipping North America McGowin Park Turner & Hamrick LLC 60-A Schillinger Rd. N. Adron Allen Geoff Smith Austin Hynson Mobile, AL 36608 5821 Rangeline Rd., Unit 104 736 Cherry St. 2210 Main St., Ste. E 251-633-3388 Theodore, AL 36582 Chattanooga, TN 37402 Daphne, AL 36526 www.facebook.com/AlfaAgentKelly 251-443-7504 423-756-9267 251-625-8585 Insurance www.gac.com www.hulton.build www.TurnerHamrick.com Bay Nursing Inc. Shipping Agent Developers-Industrial & Commercial Insurance Cole Mattox General Dynamics Phillips Monument LLC VBA Design Inc. 62 Midtown Park E. (Advanced Information Systems) Jesse Phillips Victoria Williams Mobile, AL 36606 Douglas D. McDonald 1910 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 465 Harrison Ave. 251-471-3343 8827 Dawes Lake Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36605 Panama City, FL 32401-2731 www.baynursing.com Mobile, AL 36619 251-470-0463 850-769-3357 Home Care Services 251-445-1996 www.msmarbleonline.com www.vbadesign.us BNI Alabama www.gd-ais.com Monuments Architects Meaghan Chitwood Systems Integrator PJ Lumber Co. Inc. Wealth CAPS P.O. Box 892 Half Shell Oyster House Joe B. Kelly Samantha Catchot Madison, AL 35758 Josh Lord 1401 St. Stephens Rd. 8711-B Old Spanish Trail 866-291-9496 3654 Airport Blvd., Ste. F Prichard, AL 36610-3431 Ocean Springs, MS 39564 www.bnialabama.com Mobile, AL 36608 251-457-6940 228-334-5018 Marketing 251-338-9350 www.pjlumber.com www.wealthcaps.com Mary Kay www.halfshelloysterhouse.com Lumber-Wholesale Financial Planners Consultants Shelley R. Bottiaux Restaurants Young Transport 7250 Pebble Ct. S. Pour Baby Kendall Dumas Rodney Young Mobile, AL 36695 Hillcrest Urgent Care 6808 Airport Blvd., Ste. H 1919 Telegraph Rd. 251-753-9313 Jimmy Dawood MD Mobile, AL 36606 Mobile, AL 36610 marykay.com/sbottiaux 2370 Hillcrest Rd. Ste. M 251-343-3555 251-457-0263 Skin Care Mobile, AL 36695 251-459-6200 www.pour-baby.com Transportation Services Chickasaw Development Corp. www.hucmobile.com Wine Michael Sweet Medical Clinics As of 6/30/14 604 Dumont St. Chickasaw, AL 36611-1504 Hygienitech of Mobile 251-457-6841 Kurt Konrath ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Apartments P.O. Box 511 Grand Bay, AL 36541 Christopher Pharmacy 251-222-7525 Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic PC...... 7 Logical Computer Solutions...... 6 Ben Christopher hygienitechofmobile.net BancorpSouth...... 13 Mobile Symphony Orchestra...... 27 590B Schillinger Rd. S., Box 33 Cleaning Service-Pressure BayFest...... 26 Premier Medical Managment...... 25 Mobile, AL 36695 Chemical Industrial C Spire...... 2 Providence Hospital...... 9 251-288-4612 Coast Safe and Lock...... 34 Regions Bank...... 28 Inter-Informatics U.S. Inc. www.christopherpharmacy.com Community Bank...... 20 Smith Dukes & Buckalew LLP...... 16 Pharmacies Radek Rezny 2203 Perimeter Rd. CorroMetrics Services...... 25 Thames Batré Insurance...... 10 Commercial & Marine Insurance Mobile, AL 36615 Downtown Mobile Alliance...... 32 The Maids...... 30 Brokers Inc. 251-455-6024 First Community Bank...... 10 Trustmark Bank...... 31 Walter Bryant III www.inter-informatics.com Gwin’s Commercial Printing...... 30 United Way of Southwest Alabama... 12 P.O. Box 895 Engineering Services Hand Arendall LLC...... 23 Volunteers of America...... 24 Mobile, AL 36601 Interstate Printing & Graphics Inc...... 33 Walks and Wags...... 33 251-438-4001 Lagniappe...... 34 Wonderland Express...... 32 Insurance Brokers

the business view SEPTEMBER 2014 35 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.