Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce NOVEMBER 2015 the Mobile Exports Keeping on the Rise Seas Safe Chamber Chase Local Vet Starts Exceeds Goal Global Company WITH YOU ON THE FRONT LINES The battle in every market is unique. Ally yourself to a technology leader that knows a truly e ective solution comes from keeping people at the center of technology. Our dedicated Client Account Executives provide an unmatched level of agility and responsiveness as they work in person to fi ne-tune our powerful arsenal of communication solutions for your specifi c business. Four solutions. One goal. A proven way to get there— Personal service. We’re here to help you win. cspire.com/business | 855.277.4732 | [email protected] 2 the business view NOVEMBER 2015 10623 CSpire CSBS PersonalService 9.25x12.indd 1 6/25/15 1:08 PM the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce NOVEMBER 2015 | In this issue ON THE COVER Jonathan McConnell took his combat experience as a U.S. Marine and turned it into Meridian Consulting, a From the Publisher - Bill Sisson successful worldwide maritime security company. See story on pg. 10. Celebrating 25 Years at VT MAE Photo by L.A. Fotographee. “Some people dream of All you have to do is attend 4 News You Can Use success, while others wake up one of MAE’s employee and work hard at it.” luncheons or family picnics 10 Meridian Consulting – Veteran- I cannot help but recall this to see the impact it has on owned Business has Global quotable quote attributed to an our region. Its more than Outreach WITH YOU ON THE unknown author when I think 1,000 employees and their 11 Celebrating Veterans Nov. 11 of VT MAE’s highly successful families live, work, own 13 Small Business of the Month: 25 years in Mobile. To complete homes, attend churches, go to Personal Edge Fitness 25 eventful years and keep up school and shop here. They 14 Small Business Corner the pace of winning accolades are what we in the economic Contracting: The Next Frontier as a top-notch Aviation development arena call the for Small Businesses Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) “multiplier effect.” facility is a herculean task – and MAE has Congratulations to VT MAE on 25 years 15 Chamber Chase Finishes Strong FRONT LINES accomplished it by providing good old- of excellence in Mobile. We look forward to 22 Investor Focus: Shell Chemical fashioned excellent service to its customers. working together for another 25 years to Mobile Site The battle in every market is unique. Ally yourself to a technology leader From the very beginning, MAE has been continue to advance this great community. 23 CEO Profile: Alejandro Barthold, a dedicated and devoted corporate citizen. Stay tuned for an update on VTMAE in the Norton Lilly International that knows a truly e ective solution comes from keeping people at the The company and its employees give back next issue of The Business View. to the community in innumerable ways. 24 Chamber@Work center of technology. 25 Ambassador of the Month: Liz Brewer Our dedicated Client Account Executives provide an unmatched level of 25 Business Spotlight of the Month: The House Restaurant & Bar agility and responsiveness as they work in person to fi ne-tune our powerful 26 Board of Advisors: Jerry Carl, arsenal of communication solutions for your specifi c business. 7 Jerrime C. Kitsos, W. Hunter Lyons Jr. 28 Calendar 30 Member News 34 Anniversaries 35 New Members the business view is published monthly, except for the combined issue of December/January, 6 by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 251-433-6951 www.mobilechamber.com ©2015 Publisher William B. Sisson Executive Editor Leigh Perry-Herndon Managing Editor Jennifer Jenkins 13 Copy Editor Michelle Irwin Additional Writers and Editors Four solutions. One goal. A proven way to get there— Katrina Dewrell, Kelli Dugan, Mike Herndon, Personal service. We’re here to help you win. Ashley Horn, Carolyn Hunt, Susan Rak-Blanchard, Danette Richards, Christina Stimpson and Carolyn Wilson Printing Services: Interstate Printing/Direct Mail Graphic Design: Wise Design Inc. Advertising Account Executive: René Eiland 251-431-8635 [email protected] cspire.com/business | 855.277.4732 | [email protected] the business view NOVEMBER 2015 3 10623 CSpire CSBS PersonalService 9.25x12.indd 1 6/25/15 1:08 PM NEWS you can use Mobile Exports on the Rise Mobile saw the largest increase capital-intense than non- companies with potential partners on international trade issues in exports of any metro area in exporters. They are also more in foreign markets, the Chamber’s and opportunities and works Alabama in 2014, jumping from likely to survive.” international trade division to educate the public on the 9.2 percent of the state’s share in “These are the types of assists companies wanting to importance of international 2013 to 11.4 percent in 2014. Mobile companies that we want in our participate in overseas trade trade. now holds most of state exports, community,” says Stimpson. shows, hosts a number of based on value, among Alabama In addition to connecting educational workshops focused You’ll see this symbol with metros for the first time since 2009 stories featuring Chamber initiatives. according to the International Trade Administration. Destination of Mobile Exports And Mobile-based companies and manufacturing facilities 1000 continue to see growth in the 847.4 Million global market. In the past five years, Mobile’s exports have 800 risen 33 percent. And since 495.2 2005, they’ve grown 92 percent, 600 says Christina Stimpson, Million director of international trade at the Mobile Area Chamber. 400 294.2 Million According to the International 158.5 Million 158.5 175.4 Trade Administration, more Million 200 Million 17.7 79.6 than 70 percent of the world’s Million Million purchasing power is located outside of the United States. 0 “If we are selling only to our Asia European Union South America Africa neighbors, we are missing out 71.1% 44.1% 10.6% 349.8% on huge growth opportunities,” Growth Rate Growth Rate Growth Rate Growth Rate says Stimpson. Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Helping local companies find new markets is a priority for the Type of Exported Products Chamber, which is working with the Alabama Department of 1000 Commerce and the Export 840.1 Alabama Alliance to lead trade Million and business development 800 660.8 missions to Spain, Morocco, Million Germany, Switzerland and Mexico 600 in 2016. Exports not only create jobs, but they can sustain jobs as well, 400 288.5 211.9 Million says Stimpson. Princeton Million 160.6 University researchers cited in 142.7 Million 125.4 200 Million 25.8 Business Forward found that Million Million “compared to firms of similar size and industry, exporters are 0 able to generate greater sales, pay Chemical Primary Metal Transportation Wood Products Equipment higher wages, hire more skilled 27.1% Change -26.5% Change 25.8% Change workers, and are more 12.5% Change Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Ozanam Charitable downtown Mobile. Serving nearly 1,700 Charitable Pharmacy, a nonprofit Executive Director Shearie patients in Baldwin, Escambia organization providing Archer says the agency and Mobile counties, Ozanam Pharmacy life-sustaining medication at needed a bigger building so is able to process 34,000 no charge to persons with pharmacy students from prescription drugs annually Opens New severely limited income and Auburn University could with a retail value of more resources, opened a new counsel more clients on taking than $1.5 million. Facility office at 109 S. Cedar St., in their medications correctly. 4 the business view NOVEMBER 2015 the business view NOVEMBER 2015 5 Bellingrath Gardens and Home Celebrates 20 Years of Magic Christmas in Lights Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating the 20th FUN facts about anniversary of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2015. The dazzling Magic Christmas in Lights nighttime display features more than 1,000 set pieces, 3 million Where did the idea of How long does it take lights and 15 scenes, set out in Christmas in Lights to put up the lights? a walking tour throughout the come from? In the 1990s, Bellingrath staff gets started 65-acre estate. Bob Pearson, Bellingrath right around Labor Day. (They Three new scenes have been Gardens and Home’s executive started a little early this year, on created for the anniversary, director, got the idea from the Sept. 1.) It takes about three including lily pads on Mirror Fantasy in Lights show at months to finish stringing all of Lake and animated scenes Callaway Gardens in Pine the trees and putting up all of illuminating the Great Lawn. Mountain, Ga. He visited the set pieces. Callaway Gardens and spoke Putting the show on is a labor Staffing Magic Christmas of love, and a year-round project, with Dr. Bill Barrick, who was then Callaway’s executive in Lights: Two full-time according to Bill Barrick, executive employees work exclusively on director of Bellingrath Gardens director. Pearson then launched the first Magic Christmas in the light display, year-round, and Home. “Each year, the set three more light helpers are pieces for the holiday lights are Lights at Bellingrath in 1995. Interestingly enough, Barrick added in May and another designed and handmade on site three temporary employees by members of Bellingrath’s replaced Pearson at Bellingrath in 1999. come on board in August. staff,” he said. “Two of our Overall, Bellingrath Gardens employees work full-time all Number of lights and Home has about 75 full- year on the light display.” strung each year: 3 million time employees, but that number This year’s show will run balloons to 100 for Magic from Nov.