VOTE JUNE 6TH! Ceremony at the Montgomery Target Store

THEVOLUME 6, NUMBER 2 WWW.ALABAMARETAIL.ORGVOICEVOICE INSIDE THIS ISSUE: MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS to

Rep. Mac Gipson, sponsor of the back-to-school sales tax holiday, greets ARA Immediate Past Chairman Jerry Beasley at the bill signing VOTE JUNE 6TH! ceremony at the Montgomery Target store. ith all of the constitutional FULL VOTER’S GUIDE, p. 8-9 ■ Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday offices, all seven congressional Among 2006 Regular Wseats, five of the nine Supreme 4,000 members of the Alabama Retail Court seats, 11 appellate judgeships and all Association, their employees, their friends Legislative Session’s Successes 140 seats in the Alabama Legislature on the and their associates could make a huge ■ ARA Honors 2005 Law ballot in 2006, the importance of this impact on the outcome of these critical Enforcement Officer of the Year election year is clear. The makeup of the political races. Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama The first order of business is to make ■ Retail Association, Public Safety Legislature could change dramatically sure you and your employees are prepared Department Recognize 2005 in ONE DAY. As an Alabama retailer, you to go to the polls. Then, make sure you Examiner of the Year have a deep interest in these branches of have discussed with them who best will ■ Hurricane Information government. Alabama retailers can begin represent retailers in the halls ■ making their united VOICE heard during of government and justice. For guidance, ARA Joins 55+ Workforce the Tuesday, June 6th primary. The see the VOTER’S GUIDE inside. Initiative CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES ■ Member News ■ New Members THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA RETAIL ASSOCIATION GOVERNOR LT. GOVERNOR ATTORNEY GENERAL THE VOICE Bob Riley (R) Luther Strange (R) Troy King (R) of Retailing in Alabama ALABAMA SUPREME COURT

CHIEF JUSTICE PLACE 2 PLACE 3 PLACE 4 Drayton Nabers (R) Tom Woodall (R) Lyn Stuart (R) Glenn Murdock (R) 1 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 THEVOICE FROMFROM THETHE PRESIDENTPRESIDENT THE VOICE OF RETAILING IN ALABAMA RICK BROWN VOLUME 6, NUMBER 2 SECOND QUARTER f you haven’t already, please circle Tuesday, pal. They’ve put up a June 6th, on your calendar. It’s a day for all slate of candidates to PUBLISHER: retailers to get out and flex their political upset the delicate 5-4 RICK BROWN I muscle. conservative balance EDITOR: We all learned the importance of voting in now on the Alabama NANCY KING DENNIS American history class. We’ve been told over Supreme Court. You can count on them to turn 2005-2006 ARA OFFICERS and over again that every vote counts. Yet some- out on Election Day to elect their candidates. CHAIRMAN: how, some of us left that lesson in the class- We must do the same! KEN HUBBARD room. We can’t afford to go back to the days of Western Supermarkets, Birmingham In Alabama, we get reminded of how impor- “Jackpot Justice,” nor can we turn the Alabama VICE CHAIRMAN: tant each voter can be when the dust settles after Legislature over to those unfriendly to retailers. DARRELL BOURNE almost every election cycle. Elections here have Your vote counts and the vote of your employ- Ragland Brothers Retail Co. Inc., Huntsville been decided by extremely close margins. Who ees, neighbors, friends, associates and suppliers PRESIDENT: count. Study the Voter’s Guide included on RICK BROWN can forget the 1994 chief justice race that was Montgomery decided by 261 votes. Perry Hooper Sr. certainly Pages 8 & 9. Take the Guides you received at VICE PRESIDENT: hasn’t. In the 2004 primary, we lost one of our your business and distribute them to your ALISON WINGATE conservative justices on the Alabama Supreme employees and friends. We can multiply our Montgomery Court by about 3,000 votes. The Alabama Retail 4,000 votes tenfold. If another race is as close as TREASURER: Association has about 4,000 members. So our the 6,767 votes that determined the 1998 attor- BOB AKERS membership, if voting in concert, can decide an ney general race, ARA could be the catalyst that Montgomery election. That’s power. determines the winner. MAKE IT YOUR SECRETARY: There is power in the vote. The Alabama BUSINESS to GET OUT THE VOTE on VIRGIE TODD Montgomery plaintiff trial bar understands this simple princi- JUNE 6th and our candidates will win! IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN: JERRY BEASLEY Beasley Honda, Ozark ARA LOSES LONGTIME TREASURER 2005-2006 ARC OFFICERS CHAIRMAN: ongtime Alabama Retail Association MEMORIALS JAMES ROTENSTREICH treasurer and former chairman Memorials may be made to: JHF Holdings, Inc., Birmingham Robert S. “Bob” Query Jr. died TRUSTEES: L Memorial Presbyterian Church Friday, March 3. He was 87. JERRY BEASLEY 2130 Bell Road Beasley Honda, Ozark Bob had served as the treasurer Montgomery, AL 36117 of ARA’s board of directors since 1974 and or DARRELL BOURNE S.T.E.P. Foundation of Montgomery Ragland Brothers Retail Cos., Inc., Huntsville had been a member of the board since 1970. He also served as a financial consult- P.O. Box 241347 DAN EDGAR Montgomery, AL, 36124-1347 Edgar’s Foodland, Inc., Eutaw ant to Alabama Retail Comp. He served as chairman of ARA from 1972 to 1973. S.T.E.P., or Strategies to Elevate People, is an BUD SKINNER interracial/interdenominational organization that Jubilee Seafood, Montgomery Before his retire- ment in 1982, he was unites more than 25 Montgomery Christian JIMMY SMITH churches representing 10 denominations with the Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur vice president for area's community service agencies to serve the Hudson-Thompson, a eight public housing communities in Montgomery. WILLIAM “BILL” WAGNER The Athlete’s Foot, Tuscaloosa food retailer and wholesaler. Bob Montgomery area organizations. FUND ADMINISTRATOR: FUND MANAGER: worked for more than Bob was preceded in death by his wife, RICK BROWN MARK YOUNG 33 years in the food Chateau Black Query and a daughter, Montgomery Montgomery retailing and wholesal- Kerrin Query McLendon. THE VOICE is the official publication of the Alabama Retail ing industry. He is survived by his daughter, Laurin Association, 7265 Halcyon Summit Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. Telephone (334) 263-5757; “Bob was more Bob Query Goldner and her husband, Nelson; grand- FAX (334) 262-3991. than our trusted adviser and financial children, Robert McLendon and his wife, THE VOICE is published four times a year, quarterly. Views and conclusions expressed in articles herein are those of the authors, sounding board, he was our friend. He will Katherine; Melissa McLendon Gibson and not necessarily those of the editors or officers of the Alabama Erin McLendon Holt; great grandchildren, Retail Association. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not be sorely missed,” said ARA President Rick necessarily reflect the policies of the Alabama Retail Association. Brown. Hannah and Rebecca McLendon, Thomas Advertising: Inquiries should be directed to the Alabama Retail Gibson and William Holt; and his sister, Association. Rates will be furnished on request. The Alabama Bob was an active member Retail Association reserves the right to omit any advertising or edi- of Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Frances Query. torial copy deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Publication herein does not necessarily imply endorsement of any product or Rotary Club. He volunteered at the Bob Akers, vice president of Davis service offered. Salvation Army, the Montgomery S.T.E.P. Direct in Montgomery, has been named Postmaster: Send address changes to THE VOICE, P. O. Box 240669, Montgomery, Alabama 36124. Foundation, START and other to succeed Query as treasurer.

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 2 ARA NAMES SHELBY COUNTY DEPUTY 2005 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR By NANCY KING DENNIS Editor, The VOICE n Feb. 15, the Alabama Retail Association presented Shelby OCounty Deputy Sheriff Jon Carr with the 2005 “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year,” or LEO Award. A panel of former law enforcement officers, former LEO winners and retailers chose Carr from a group of 12 fellow law enforcement officers nominated from throughout the state. A superior from local police departments, sheriff’s offices, state trooper offices or other law enforcement agencies nominated each officer. Capt.

Stan Chapman with the Shelby County BY NANCY DENNIS PHOTO Sheriff’s Office in Columbiana Shelby County Deputy Sheriff Jon Carr, second from left, describes for ARA President nominated Carr. Rick Brown, far left, how a visitor to his neighbor’s house drew a gun on the neighbor while On Dec. 4, 2005, a frantic neighbor, who later admitted to smoking crack, holding the neighbor’s wife hostage. Brown had just presented Carr with the Law Enforcement banged on the door of off-duty Deputy Officer of the Year Award, in part, for his role in disarming the suspect. To the right of Carr Carr’s Waterford residence and told him a is Shelby County Sheriff’s Capt. Stan Chapman, who nominated Carr for the award. visitor at his home two houses away was holding the neighbor’s wife at gunpoint and one for the described hostage and possibly raping her. The deputy had situation that occurred in his his girlfriend call 911 and told the neighborhood while he was off duty. neighbor to stay with his girlfriend. The The LEO Award was presented at the deputy went to the neighbor’s house Capital City Club in Montgomery. to wait for the Calera police who had Deputy Carr received a crystal trophy jurisdiction to arrive. However, the and a roster plaque to hang at the 2005 LEO AWARD NOMINEES neighbor rushed back to his residence sheriff’s office until the 2006 Officer ■ Sgt. Douglas Todd Draper, Tuscaloosa County and began banging on his own garage of the Year is named. ARA also made a Conservation Enforcement Area, Alabama Department door. When the garage door suddenly $1,000 donation in his name to the River of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and swung open, Carr saw a man holding a Region Advisory Council of Kid One Freshwater Fisheries Division Nominated by: Lt. Clifton A. Robinson, Northport pistol to a woman’s head and then saw Transport, a Homewood-based nonprofit ■ Trooper Gary Hicks, Alabama Department of Public the assailant turn the gun on the that gives children and expectant mothers Safety Driver License Division Fraud Unit neighbor. Carr grabbed the man’s arm, free rides to non-emergency medical Nominated by: Lt. Ricky Dale, Decatur the woman escaped and the deputy appointments. ■ Investigator John Lee, Prattville Police Department disarmed the man, holding him until Nominated by: Prattville Police Chief Alfred Wadsworth Prior to the award presentation, ■ Sgt. Stanley F. Lemon, Alabama DPS Driver License Calera police arrived. Attorney General Troy King spoke Division, Assistant District Commander, Jacksonville District “The neighbor and his wife credit to ARA board members and law Nominated by: Lt. Roosevelt Cook, Birmingham Driver Deputy Carr with saving their lives,” License District, Alabama Department of Public Safety enforcement officials about the sacrifice ■ Capt. Chapman said in his letter of nom- Sgt. Lee D. Peacock Jr., Alabama DPS Driver License and service of Alabama’s 15,000 law Division, Post Commander, Mobile District ination. “Deputy Carr acted in a profes- enforcement officers. He told the officers Nominated by: Lt. Thomas Ford sional manner and ... displayed initiative present, “What you consider just doing ■ Trooper Jay R. Penton, DPS Highway Patrol Division, and courage in a dangerous situation.” your job, we consider the definition Montgomery District Nominated by: Sgt. Jack W. Clark The 30-year-old Carr has served as a ■ Officers N.A. Schnupp and A.C. Burr, Montgomery of heroism.” Police Department Nominated by: Maj. Brenda M. Mitchell Shelby County deputy sheriff since 2002. ARA President Rick Brown told the ■ Trooper Clarence Terry, DPS Driver License Division, A Collierville, Tenn., native, Carr earned officers, “Alabama law enforcement Tuscaloosa Nominated by: Cpl. Christopher Robertson his bachelor’s degree in criminology from performs an invaluable service to retailers ■ Trooper Robert Thompson, DPS Driver License Auburn University in 1999. throughout our state. The Law Fraud Unit Nominated by: Lt. Terry Tate, Montgomery ■ Investigator Frank Vickery, Montgomery District Since being employed with the Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, Attorney Office Nominated by: District Attorney Ellen Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Carr has which the Retail Association began seven Brooks, 15th Judicial Circuit of Alabama received two commendations, one for years ago, is just one small way that we ■ Cpl. Jessie Williams, Alabama DPS Driver License apprehending fleeing burglary suspects say, ‘Thank you.’ ” Division, Dothan District Nominated by: Lt. Jack Waller, Dothan

3 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 ALABAMA RETAIL 2006 REGULAR SESSION REPORT WHAT WE DID WHAT THEY DIDN’T DO In the legislative arena, defense often is as important as No legislation that would have been detrimental offense. And your Alabama Retail Association has one heck to retailers made it through the legislative process in 2006. of a defensive line! In 2006, however, we stepped up our Blocking bad legislation is as important, if not more offensive game and thanks to your support scored more important, than passing good legislation. legislatively for retailers than we have in decades. ✘ MAKE COOL COOL: Legislation requiring country ✔ CREATE A BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY: of origin labeling (also known as COOL) for seafood On Aug. 4th, 5th and 6th and every first weekend in items in “food service establishments” never made it August from now on, Alabama consumers can shop for to the floor of either chamber for debate. clothes valued up to $100; school supplies that sell for ✘ up to $50 each; all books worth up to $30; and com- TURN MANUFACTURER REBATES INTO RETAILER puters and computer equipment valued up to $750 and DEDUCTIONS: ARA vehemently opposed legislation that NOT PAY ONE PENNY IN STATE SALES TAX. attempted to transform a mail-in cash rebate from the manufacturer into an in-store coupon. ✔ COLLECT THE UNCOLLECTED: Require any vendor ✘ who has a contract with a state department or agency to CARD DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USERS: ARA persuaded collect and remit sales taxes for everything that compa- a sponsor not to pursue legislation that would have ny sells within the state of Alabama. required retailers to ask for valid identification from those who tried to purchase dietary supplements con- ✔ MAKE ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT A CRIME taining certain ingredients and who appeared to be younger than 18.

✘ TAKE THE PARTY OUT OF ELECTIONS: ARA remained firmly planted in its deep-rooted opposition to nonpartisan election of judges in Alabama.

✘ MANDATE HEALTH COVERAGE: In its continuing effort to contain escalating health insurance costs, ARA maintained its opposition to all new healthcare man- dates. From left, Rep. Mac Gipson, ARA lobbyist Al LaPierre, ARA VP Alison Wingate, Charlie McDonald, John Bishop with Saks Inc., Gov. Bob Riley, Keith Ladd with Target Inc., Rep. Alan Boothe, Speaker of the House Seth Hammett and ARA President Rick Brown at the bill signing for the Organized Retail Theft bill. WHAT’S LEFT TO DO PHOTO BY ROBIN COOPER/GOVERNOR’S STAFF Some issues weren’t addressed by lawmakers in 2006 and must be revisited next year. ✔ ALLOW YOU TO BE CHARITABLE AND BE TAX FREE: Any donation of inventory valued at less than $10,000 ❒ TORT REFORM: ARA will continue to support bills, is no longer a taxable event after July 1. which would reduce the post-judgment interest rate, cap mental anguish and limit product liability awards. ✔ REFORM CITY BUSINESS LICENSES: The Municipal ARA also will be back advocating legislation to abolish Business License Reform Act of 2006 will become effec- frivolous obesity lawsuits. tive by the first of 2008. ❒ SALES TAX HOLIDAYS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ✔ MAKE MORE PHARMACISTS AVAILABLE by allowing HURRICANE SUPPLIES: ARA will be back supporting the licensing of foreign-trained pharmacists in our state. two other sales tax holidays, an energy savings month and a hurricane and other weather emergencies month. ✔ REQUIRE EMPLOYEE LEASING COMPANIES TO REGISTER ❒ STREAMLINED SALES TAXES: ARA will continue to lobby for streamlined sales taxes, a simplified sales ✔ MAKE STEALING SOMEONE’S IDENTITY A FELONY, tax system that requires all sellers – brick-and-mortar, punishable by one to 10 years in prison. catalog and Internet – to collect and remit sales taxes.

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 4 MEMBER BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX INITIATES HOLIDAY LANDS ON TARGET® BILL NOW LAW ne member can make a difference. When state auditors told OBromberg & Co. in 2000 that the company owed $500 in back taxes and interest on items the company had donated to charity, Ricky Bromberg, president of the Birmingham-based jewelry company, said it never occurred to him that his company owed taxes on charitable donations, and he didn’t think it was right for the state to tax such donations. From left ARA Vice President Alison Wingate, ARA President Rick Brown, Target team members, state “We were trying to do the right thing, Sen. Zeb Little, Rep. Jay Love and Rep. Terry Spicer listen as Gov. Bob Riley address the media at a and then were penalized for doing it," said news conference immediately before the governor signed the back-to-school sales tax holiday legislation. Bromberg. PHOTO BY NANCY DENNIS As an active Alabama Retail Association member, the jewelry president ith school supplies as a back- Riley encouraged all cities and counties knew where to turn to get legislative drop, Gov. Bob Riley signed to join in, creating "a tax-free zone" for results. into law ARA-backed legislation parents getting their children ready for Enter ARA and its lobbying team. It W that creates Alabama’s first statewide sales school. took a few years, but the Inventory tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers. At press time, numerous local govern- Reduction for Charitable Purposes Relief “At a time when families need it most, ments already had indicated their interest Act is now law. Any donation of invento- this change will let them keep more in participating including Montgomery ry valued at less than $10,000 is no longer County, Jefferson County, Baldwin a taxable event after July 1. Thanks to of their hard-earned dollars. It will offer tax County, St. Clair County, Hoover, Auburn, Bromberg and the bill’s sponsors, all ARA relief to Alabama families from the burden members can now feel free to donate of the state’s sales tax on items their Opelika, Demopolis and Decatur. inventory to the charity of your choice! children need for school,” the governor The governor called for instituting the “I'm pretty proud that it really said April 25 from a podium set up in an sales tax holiday during his State of the passed!,” said Bromberg. “As a matter aisle at the Montgomery Target State Address in January. Rep. Mac of fact, I called the lady who did our audit department store. The bill’s sponsors and Gipson, R-Prattville, who sponsored the back in 2000. She's not with the state supporters, including several representatives legislation in the House, had introduced anymore, but we have remained in touch. from the Alabama Retail Association, legislation to create a sales tax holiday for “She was glad to hear the bill passed flanked the governor as he made his three years. The Senate sponsor was and agreed that it was a good bill. She had remarks in front of the back-to-school Sen. Zeb Little, D-Cullman. no choice but to enforce it when she was “If this doesn’t make the customers an auditor. I told her that her audit of us display arranged by ARA-member Target. happy, I don’t know what will,” Gipson started all this!” Jeremy Walker, the Montgomery Bromberg expressed his gratitude Target store team leader, said the store will said at the news conference. to Rep. Jack Williams, R-Vestavia Hills, have about as many employees working for The holiday applies to: Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, the tax-free weekend, Aug. 4-6, as it would • clothes valued up to $100; and Sen. E.B. McClain, D-Midfield, for an after-Thanksgiving sale. • school supplies that sell for up for working so hard for the bill’s passage. "It will be a great weekend," he told to $50 each; reporters gathered for the bill-signing news • all books worth up to $30; conference. • and computers and computer equip- The sales tax holiday – which will fall ment valued up to $750. on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday The governor also recognized the in August of each year – is expected to save Alabama Retail Association and President Alabama consumers $3.3 million annually Rick Brown for his leadership during the based solely on the savings from the news conference and bill signing, which 4 percent state sales tax. That amount was witnessed by ARA’s Immediate Past From left, Ricky and Nancy Bromberg, Rep. Jack of expected taxes means the state’s financial Chairman Jerry Beasley, owner of Honda, Williams, Charlie McDonald, Gov. Bob Riley, Sen. E.B. Yamaha, Kawasaki in Ozark and board McClain, Sen. Jabo Waggoner, ARA VP Alison Wingate gurus expect $87.5 million in sales. Cities and ARA President Rick Brown at the bill signing for the and counties also have the option member John M. Wilson with Big Bear Inventory Reduction for Charitable Purposes Relief Act. of participating in the sales tax holiday. of Luverne Inc. PHOTO BY ROBIN COOPER/GOVERNOR’S STAFF

5 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 ARA, PUBLIC SAFETY RECOGNIZE 2005 EXAMINER OF THE YEAR By NANCY KING DENNIS Editor, The VOICE t a luncheon April 19th at the Capital City Club in A Montgomery, The Alabama Department of Public Safety and the Alabama Retail Association presented the “Examiner of the Year Award” for excellence in recognizing fraudulent activity. The presentation was part of the continuing partnership between the public agency and our private association to curtail driver license fraud. In 2005, almost 2,700 Alabamians were victims of identity theft, and it was the top consumer complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission last year. Identification fraud is one of the fastest growing forms of robbery costing financial institutions, businesses, government, and consumers billions of dollars annual- George Wilder, president of The Locker Room, right, presents 2005 Examiner of the Year Regina ly. Examiners working in the Department Hardy of Birmingham with her award during a ceremony Wednesday, April 19th, at the Capital of Public Safety are on the frontline every City Club. Other Montgomery area Alabama Retail Association board members on hand day working diligently to protect all to congratulate her were from left, Bob Akers, vice president of Davis Direct and ARA Treasurer, of these entities and individuals. and Ross Ryals, president and chief executive officer of Collegiate Bookstores Inc. Those within the department who excel at recognizing fraudulent activity PHOTO BY NANCY DENNIS and go the extra mile to fight deceptive criminals and prevent fraud receive this thousands of lost retail dollars by prevent- annual award. This year’s recipient is Alabama Department of Public Safety ing individuals from obtaining false iden- Regina Hardy, a driver license specialist DRIVER LICENSE DIVISION ARREST RECORD tities or stealing an individual's identity with the Birmingham District, 2000 - 2005 and using that identification to obtain Birmingham Driver License Office. Arrests in this division have increased approximately 400 percent checking and credit accounts for unlawful In determining the award recipient, a since the year 2000. The department did experience a slight purposes. In fact, Public Safety’s Driver point system is used, with five points decrease in fiscal year 2005; this decrease in arrests could be an License allocated for each misdemeanor arrest and indicator that criminals are beginning to realize criminal activity Division has 10 points for each felony arrest. In 2005, will not be tolerated in Alabama, said Capt. Harry Nail, chief examiner. The annual totals are as follows: seen its arrest Hardy was responsible for the arrests record increase of 109 individuals, with 25 felony and 2000 963 400 percent 105 misdemeanor charges, for a total 2001 1,218 since the of 626 points. inception of the Another high scorer, Driver License 2002 2,505 awards program Specialist Carolyn Spain finished second 2003 4,986 in 2000. with 466 points. She is also with the 2004 4,801 U.S. Sen. Birmingham Driver License Office. Jeff Sessions, Driver License Specialist Sharon Dees 2005 3,601 who happened from the Mobile District, Mobile Driver to be in License Office, placed third with 400 obtain a license, and their efforts have a Montgomery at points. Dees was recognized earlier as the U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions direct impact on protecting businesses the time of the examiner award winner for the first quar- poses with Regina Hardy, and individuals from becoming the award presenta- ter of the year. the 2005 Examiner of the unwary victims of these criminals.” tion and Hardy was the winner for the second, During his luncheon presentation, he also stopped by, told Year. third and fourth quarters of the year. said Alabama is one of only three states the examiners present they should be “Alabama’s driver license examiners that run a criminal background check proud of their phenomenal arrest record. are vital to preserving the integrity of this on an individual when they apply for a “Your work exhibits highly efficient use state’s driver license,” said Maj. Roscoe state driver license. of the taxpayers’ money and shows crimi- Howell, chief of the Driver License The partnership between the nals that the system is going to get you!” Division. “They are skilled in detecting Alabama Department of Public Safety he said. “You are part of establishing the persons who attempt to fraudulently and the Alabama Retail Association saves rule of law that makes us all safer.”

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 6 ARA JOINS AARP ALABAMA AND OTHER INDUSTRY LEADERS IN 55+ WORKFORCE INITIATIVE n a first-of-its-kind collaboration, govern- questioned about the needs and status ment, business and industry leaders have ALLIANCE MEMBERS of your workforce in regard to your older Ijoined AARP Alabama in a statewide Besides the Alabama Retail employees, please cooperate and participate. initiative to help employers understand, plan Association, other member organiza- The information you provide could prove for and create workplaces that successfully tions that belong to the Alabama 55+ invaluable to employers statewide. recruit and retain workers aged 55+. Workforce Initiative Alliance include: AARP Alabama State Director Joan By tackling this issue now, Alabama Carter, whose organization initiated the ■ Alabama Association of Chambers employers will have a competitive advantage formation of the group, said the initiative of Commerce as the labor force ages and the labor market will serve as a catalyst for bringing govern- tightens. By 2010, nearly one in three ■ AARP ment, employers and employees together, workers in the United States will be age 50+. while at the same time, educating workers ■ Alabama Department of Industrial In Alabama, between 2005 and 2015, all Relations and the public about these issues. of the growth in the working-age population “In the past decade, Alabama has will be among people who are age 55 and ■ Alabama Department of Senior become known as a competitor in the global older. Their ranks will increase by more than Services economy. To maintain that competitive edge, 267,000, or 24 percent, while the number ■ Business Council of Alabama companies must recognize the changing of workers age 55 or younger is projected workforce and put in place innovative, sus- to decline by nearly 115,000, or almost 5 ■ National Federation of Independent tainable policies and practices that are benefi- percent. More info at: http://cber.cba.ua.edu/pdf/ab2006q2.pdf, Businesses cial to employers and 50+ workers,” Carter pages 7 & 8. ■ Society for Human Resource said. At the same time, these workers must be Management AARP Alabama is a nonprofit, prepared to adapt to the changing workplace nonpartisan membership organization that ■ and meet the skills in demand of the 21st Senior Community Service helps people 50-plus have independence, Employment Program (SCSEP) century workplace. choice and control in ways that are Among the methods being used to gath- beneficial and affordable to them and er information, AARP commissioned a soon- The survey will take place during the early society as a whole. It has more than to-be-released statewide survey of employers. summer. If your business is contacted and 440,000 members in Alabama. CRUISE GIVEAWAY CAPS YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN REWARDING HUNDREDS OF ALABAMA RETAILERS WHO REFUSED UNDERAGE SALES Retailer Recognition Campaign Offers Message: “What’s Recognized Gets Repeated” ark Bagley, co-owner of Lakeside about winning the cruise. We are equally gratified Landing Marina in Cropwell, recently that our commitment to keeping adult products Mwon a four-day vacation cruise on out of the hands of underage customers has been Carnival Cruise Lines as the grand prize winner rewarded,” said Bagley. “We take the issue of the We Card program. of preventing underage sales seriously because it is The year-long, statewide rewards program part of our job, but it’s always nice to get some used positive reinforcement to promote retail positive recognition for a job well done.” compliance with Alabama minimum-age sales The Retailer Recognition Campaign is a laws for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. collaborative, public-private effort supported Bagley was one of hundreds of retailers by the We Card program, the Alabama Retail throughout the state who received positive Association, the Alabama ABC Board, the rewards through the Retailer Recognition Petroleum and Convenience Marketers Campaign, including eligibility to enter the of Alabama and the Alabama Grocers Association. grand-prize drawing, after passing a state-run “The hundreds of retailers who passed checks compliance check. in 2005 serve as an example to other retailers that Throughout 2005, retailers who passed compliance has many rewards,” said Jan Byrne, checks conducted by the Alabama Alcoholic education coordinator for the Alabama ABC Beverage Control (ABC) Board received a rewards Board. packet, including a commemorative pin, T-shirt, The Alabama ABC board conducts more than Mike Bagley, co-owner of Lakeside and an opportunity to enter the grand-prize draw- 4,000 tobacco and alcohol checks each year. You Landing Marina, won a Carnival ing. never know when a check could happen in your Cruise after passing his 2005 “My wife and I are … pleasantly surprised store! Alcoholic Beverage Control Board check.

7 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 RETAIL VOTER’S GUIDE HOW ALABAMA RETAILERS STATEWIDE OFFICES CAN BE INVOLVED VOTE JUNE 6TH FOR THESE CANDIDATES: IN THE JUNE 6TH PRIMARY GOVERNOR ✔ Bob Riley (R) (I) he makeup of the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Legislature could change dramatically in the 2006 elections. As an Alabama retailer, you have a deep interest LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR T ✔ (R) in both of these government arenas. The 4,000 members of the Luther Strange Alabama Retail Association, their employees, their friends and their associates could make a huge impact on the outcome ATTORNEY GENERAL of these critical political races. ✔ Troy King (R) (I) HOW CAN YOUR COMPANY MAKE A DIFFERENCE? ■ ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOUR EMPLOYEES TO REGISTER TO VOTE. ALABAMA SUPREME COURT The deadline is Friday, May 26th for the Tuesday, June 6th Chief Justice primary and Friday, July 7th for the July 18th primary runoff. ✔ Drayton Nabers (R) (I) ■ ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO CAN'T GO TO THE POLLS TO VOTE Place # 2 ABSENTEE. Sometimes it is impossible to get to the polls ✔ Thomas Woodall (R) (I) on Election Day. If your employees work shifts of 10 hours or Place # 3 more that coincide with polling hours or if they will be not be ✔ Lyn Stuart (R) (I) in the county on June 6th or July 18th, they can vote absentee. Place # 4 Since the primary falls in the first week of June, we believe many ✔ (R) people will be on vacation. Please think ahead and apply for an Glenn Murdock absentee ballot. Once the application is completed, take it by Thursday, June 1st, to the absentee election manager (usually ALABAMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS the circuit clerk) at your local courthouse to receive an absentee Place # 1 ballot. The ballot is then due back by 5 p.m. Monday, June 5th. ✔ Terry Moore (R) The absentee ballot application deadline for the primary runoff is Place # 3 Thursday, July 13th and the ballot deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, ✔ Bill Shashy (R) July 17th. ■ GIVE YOUR EMPLOYEES TIME OFF TO VOTE. It's the law. Under legislation approved during the 2006 regular session, you 2006 ELECTION CALENDAR have to give your employees up to an hour off of your choosing May 26: Voter Registration Deadline for Primary to vote. However, this law doesn't apply if an employee begins June 1: Absentee Ballot Applications Due for Primary work at least two hours after the opening of the polls or their shift June 5: Primary Election Absentee Ballots Due ends at least one hour before the closing of the polls. Polling June 6: PRIMARY ELECTION hours in Alabama are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Even if you don't give your Independent /Third-Party Ballot Access Deadline employees time off to vote, encourage them to vote before or after July 7: Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Runoff they come to work. July 13: Absentee Ballot Applications ■ EXPLAIN TO YOUR EMPLOYEES HOW A FAVORABLE POLITICAL AND Due for Primary Runoff LEGAL CLIMATE HELPS PROVIDE A STABLE RETAIL CLIMATE. July 17: Primary Runoff Absentee Ballots Due Ask your employees to support the candidates on these pages, July 18: PRIMARY RUNOFF being particularly careful to explain that no adverse action will be October 27: Voter Registration Deadline for General Election taken against any employee based on his/her political views. November 2: Absentee Ballot Applications Here you will find RetailPAC’s endorsed candidates in selected Due for General Election state and legislative races. You also should have received or will November 6: General Election Absentee Ballots Due soon receive pocket VOTER’S GUIDES you can post on message November 7: GENERAL ELECTION boards, distribute with paychecks, deliver through internal mail Polls open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and hand-deliver at meetings. Feel free to share them with suppliers and vendors who rely on you for their livelihood. If retailers Make certain these dates are on your calendar and that you are communicating with your employees and customers about do their job on Election Day, over the next four years we’ll see any important upcoming milestones for the 2006 election year! even more gains in strengthening the retail market in Alabama!

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 8 JUNE 6, 2006, PRIMARY SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THESE CANDIDATES ARE OPPOSED IN THEIR PRIMARY RACES

If you vote in the Democratic Primary, Alabama RetailPAC suggests you vote for the candidates indicated with a (D). If you vote in the Republican Primary, Alabama RetailPAC suggests you vote for the candidates indicated with the letter (R). (I) = Incumbent District 1 Bobby Denton (D) (I) District 5 Ronnie Coffman (R) District 57 Merika Muscle Shoals Elkmont Coleman (D) (I) District 3 Arthur Orr (R) District 6 Sue Schmitz (D) (I) Midfield Decatur Toney District 58 Oliver Robinson (D) (I) District 5 Charles Bishop (R) District 9 Scott Stone (R) Birmingham District 59 Mary Moore (D) (I) Jasper Hartselle Birmingham District 11 Jim Preuitt (D) (I) District 10 Mike Ball (R) (I) Madison District 61 Allen Layson (D) (I) Talladega District 11 Jeremy Oden (R) (I) Reform District 13 Gerald Dial (D) (I) Vinemont District 64 Greg Albritton (R) (I) Lineville District 14 Ken Guin (D) (I) Excel District 67 Yusuf Salaam (D) (I) District 14 Hank Erwin (R) (I) Carbon Hill Pelham District 18 Johnny Selma District 69 James Louis District 17 Jack Biddle (R) (I) Mack Morrow (D) (I) Thomas (D) (I) Gardendale Red Bay Selma District 18 Rodger M. District 22 Albert Hall (D) (I) District 70 Bryant Melton (D) (I) Smitherman (D) (I) Gurley Tuscaloosa Birmingham District 25 Ray Garner (R) (I) District 71 Artis “A.J.” District 19 E. B. McClain (D) (I) Madison McCampbell (D) Brighton District 43 Mary Sue Gallion District 24 Bobby McClurkin (R) (I) District 73 David Grimes (R) (I) Singleton (D) (I) Indian Springs Montgomery District 45 Albert Morton (R) (I) District 75 Greg Wren (R) Greensboro Birmingham Montgomery District 25 Larry Dixon (R) (I) District 47 Jack Williams (R) (I) District 78 Michelle Browder (D) Montgomery Birmingham Montgomery District 31 Jimmy District 48 J. Gregory District 79 Mike Hubbard (R) (I) W. Holley (D) (I) "Greg" Canfield Auburn Elba Vestavia Hills District 88 H. Mac Gipson (R) (I) District 34 Chris Pringle (R) District 55 Eric Major (D) (I) Prattville Mobile Fairfield District 103 Joseph District 35 Ben Brooks (R) District 56 Priscilla Dunn (D) (I) C. Mitchell (D) (I) Mobile Mobile Bessemer District 105 Spencer Collier (R) (I) Irvington

FOR MORE ON HOW YOU CAN GET OUT THE VOTE, For FREE VOTER’S GUIDES to distribute to your employees, please contact Nancy Dennis at: GO TO: “How Alabama Retailers 1-800-239-5423 or (334) 263-5757, Ext. 101 or [email protected] Can Be Involved in the June 6th Primary” at WWW.ALABAMARETAIL.ORG

9 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 ‘O6 RETAIL GROWTH PREDICTED TO HIT 4.7% NATIONALLY; OVERALL ALABAMA ECONOMY EXPECTED TO GROW 3% By NANCY KING DENNIS Editor, The VOICE ational and state economists gazed into their crystal balls and saw growth for 2006. The National Retail Federation Nin its 2006 forecast predicted retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gasoline stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.7 percent from last year. Meanwhile, the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama expects Alabama’s economy to grow by slightly more than 3 percent in 2006 and for the state to add 26,000 new jobs. Last year, the state added 17,400 jobs, 500 classified as retail 2006 PREDICTIONS with another 3,300 added at restaurants and drinking places. National Retail Sales ▲ 4.7% Consequently, those two sectors accounted for 22 percent of the Alabama Economy ▲ 3% state’s job growth in 2005. Growth Segments: Clothing & Accessory Stores A stronger than expected 2005 saw retail sales increase 6.1 per- Food & Beverage Retailers cent nationally, slightly higher than the 5.6 percent gain the Health & Personal Care Retailers National Retail Federation had been forecasting. However, rising energy costs and a slowdown in the housing market have caused the national federation of retailers to expect subdued retail sales economic growth in the second quarter of the year, while only 9 per- growth in 2006. However, so far in 2006, based on sales tax cent of the respondents anticipate a slowdown in the second quarter. receipts, retail sales in Alabama exceed national growth levels. Nationally, several categories of specialty retailing should con- Through March, Alabama sales tax collections were up more tinue to achieve solid sales growth. They include clothing and than 2.5 percent over the previous March and up 9.16 percent year accessory stores (which include shoe stores and jewelry stores), to date, according to the Tax and Policy Research Division of the food and beverage retailers and health and personal care retailers. Alabama Department of Revenue. The University of Alabama These categories are expected to see steady sales gains in the 4 per- economists project sales tax receipts will increase by more by 5 percent to 5 percent range, according to the National Retail cent for all of 2006. Federation. The National Retail Federation expects 2006 first quarter retail The highest growth last year was achieved by building material sales to increase 5 percent, compared to gains of 6.5 percent in the stores, warehouse clubs, and electronic shopping. The National fourth quarter of 2005. According to the Alabama Business Leaders Retail Federation expects building-related outlets and furniture Confidence Index, 59 percent of the 400 panelists expect Alabama stores to lose some momentum as housing softens. WORKER CREDENTIALING PLAN ON THE LAUNCHING PAD labama will launch a study. For that reason, the The credentialing process associations and other public statewide worker Council decided Alabama needs will be based on the Focus relations efforts,” said Alford. A credentialing plan this a way to measure and Industry Training curriculum Workers can seek the summer. The Career Readiness communicate the skills of its and/or ACT WorkKeys, a job credentials through their career Certification System grew out workers to its existing and skills assessment system and adult education centers and of the South’s economic potential employers. measuring "real-world" skills community colleges or they can development strategy Some of the reasons for a that employers believe are take the courses directly over to emphasize technology and worker credentialing program critical to job success. The the Internet. Once they’ve been talent in its recruiting efforts, are to: Office of Workforce certified, their names will go according to the credentialing • provide job-skills-based Development will coordinate into the database. plan developed by the Alabama credentials to Alabamians and administer the overall The database will be accessi- Workforce Development to help them get jobs; program and maintain a ble to employers and economic Planning Council. • provide employers with work- comprehensive database. developers. The Council expects The first three considera- ers who have documented skills; Tim Alford, director of that the database to be available by tions in determining an • create a pool of credentialed office, said the coursework July of this year. economic development site applicants employers can hire for the credentialing will be The Alabama Workforce location or expansion are work- with confidence; available to potential employees Investment Board approved the force productivity, workforce • better match job seekers by early summer. The goal is timeline for the credentialing availability and workforce costs, with appropriate jobs; and to have all employers seek only system at its Feb. 9th meeting. according to a January 2005 • redirect job-training programs credentialed employees. “We are Alabama Retail Association Louisiana State University to the skills being sought. hoping to get the word out Vice President Alison Wingate to employees through is a member of that board.

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 10 KATRINA VICTIMS HAVE UNTIL LATE AUGUST TO FILE TAXES hile April 17 was the tax-filing deadline for most, the Internal Revenue Service has Wextended its deadline to Aug. 28 for Hurricane Katrina victims. Residents of the hardest-hit counties in Louisiana and Mississippi automatically qualify for the extended deadline. The new deadline also applies to 11 Alabama counties, but it is not automatic. Alabamians must write "Hurricane Katrina" in red ink at the top of the return when filing, to identify themselves as storm victims. Individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, S-corporation, generation-skipping, employment and certain excise tax returns qualify for the extension. The extended deadline applies to Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Washington counties. Those with questions can call the IRS Disaster Hotline at 1-866-562-5227. Along with most types of tax returns and paperwork, most tax payments are also extended until Aug. 28, according to the IRS. Any person living in the 11 counties can wait to file taxes, so long as the person identifies victim status, in red ink, when sending in a return by Aug. 28. There are no guidelines on how much damage a person must have sustained to claim to be a Katrina victim and qualify for the extended deadline. For people who plan to e-file, tax software allows a hurricane notation at the top. GULF BUSINESSES RECEIVE TAX PUBLIC HEALTH ASKS CHAIN DRUG STORES BREAKS AS RESULT OF 2005 HURRICANES TO CONTACT DEPARTMENT mall businesses and employers in the Gulf region “Information for Taxpayers Affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and receive a variety of tax breaks and incentives Wilma” is available on IRS.gov. It highlights the changes businesses AFTER HURRICANES Sunder the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. need to know about, such as a special depreciation allowance for Highlights of the new tax law provisions include: qualified Gulf Opportunity Zone property, an increase in the amount n its preparations for the upcoming • Expensing for Small Businesses Increased. affected businesses can expense instead of depreciating and new hurricane season, the Alabama net operating loss rules for losses in the GO Zone. To read this Certain small businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina publication, go to: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4492.pdf Department of Public Health has can annually deduct up to $200,000 I asked that chain pharmacies be prepared in qualifying property expenditures made in the • Net Operating Loss Carryback Extended. The immediately after a major storm passes disaster area. This is double the amount otherwise carryback period is extended from two to five years for allowed for small business expensing. In addition, the to forward the name, address and phone net operating losses attributable to Hurricane Katrina. phase-outs for level of investment increased from number of all open stores in Alabama This provision will allow some businesses affected by $400,000 to $1 million, allowing more small businesses the hurricane to obtain a refund of taxes paid in earlier to State Pharmacy Director Charles to use this tax benefit. These provisions apply to prop- tax years. Special carryback rules are also provided Thomas. erty placed in service in the Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO for certain timber losses and public utility casualty loss- The Department of Public Health Zone) after August 27, 2005, and before January 1, es. 2008. will compile this information and distrib- • Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Hurricane • Special Bonus Depreciation to Help ute it to hospitals, emergency rooms, Katrina Employees. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Businesses Rebuild. Businesses of all sizes affected provides businesses with an incentive to hire individuals emergency operations centers and local by Hurricane Katrina can take a special first year from groups that have a particularly high unemploy- health departments so officials at those depreciation deduction for qualified property placed in ment rate or other special employment needs. The locations can direct patients to pharma- service after August 27, 2005, and before January 1, credit is expanded to include 2008. The special deduction is equal cies that can serve them. persons affected by Hurricane Katrina as a targeted to 50 percent of the property's depreciable basis. group of employees. • Deduction for Demolition and Clean-up Costs. •Income Exclusion and Employer Credit Taxpayers may choose to take a deduction for Housing Employees In the Region Affected Contact information for State for 50 percent of any qualified GO Zone clean-up costs by Hurricane Katrina. Up to $600 per month is Pharmacy Director Charles Thomas: that would otherwise be included in the basis excluded from an employee’s income for employer-pro- of property. The deduction is allowed for the tax year in Phone: 334-206-5666 vided housing in the region affected by Hurricane which the taxpayer paid or incurred the costs. Qualified Katrina. Employers are also entitled to a significant tax GO Zone clean-up costs means amounts paid or Fax: 334-206-5663 credit for providing such housing. incurred after August 27, 2005, and before January 1, e-mail: [email protected] 2008.

11 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 ARA MEMBER NEWS

Associated Grocers North Carolina. and Tampa this year. Nurse practitioners VP of Sales Retires SOURCE: Birmingham Business Journal in each clinic will diagnose and treat Phil Cruce, vice president of sales common illnesses and injuries. Most for the Associated Grocers of the South Vestavia Hills Chamber Chooses services will cost less than $50. in Birmingham, retired in April. Cruce Contri as 2005 Retailer of Year Publix operates 875 stores in Alabama, enjoyed a 28-year career with Associated Contri Brothers Gift Basket recently Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Grocers, where he began was named as Vestavia Hills Chamber Tennessee. It employs 135,000 people and as print shop supervisor. of Commerce’s 2005 retail business of the reported 2004 sales of $18.6 billion. After several promotions, year. It was honored for fostering good SOURCE: Birmingham Business Journal he was appointed to sales employer-employee relations and employee- manager in 1997 and vice customer relations; supporting the Restaurant CEO is president of sales in 2003. chamber's work program; and Sorority Woman of the Year Since that time, Associated demonstrating civic involvement. Jean Baughman Wessel Templeton, Grocers has enjoyed steady Contri Brothers store manager Scott chief executive officer and chairman of the Phil Cruce sales growth under his Perry, grandson of founder Raymond board of Wesfam Restaurants Inc. leadership. In 2004, Cruce was honored by Contri, currently serves as chairman of the in Huntsville, a franchisee of Burger King his peers in being named Wholesaler of the chamber's ambassador program. According Corp., is Delta Zeta’s Woman of the Year Year by the Alabama Grocers Association. to the chamber, Contri Brothers has been a for 2005. Cruce plans to spend time traveling vital part of promoting business in Vestavia Wesfam is a member of the Alabama with his wife, Kay, visiting their grandchil- Hills since it was founded in 1985. Besides Retail Association and the company was dren and improving his golf game. the Vestavia store, Contri Brothers has two named Alabama Retailer of the Year Associated Grocer’s President and Chief other Birmingham area locations, one in in 2000. Wesfam recently received the Executive Officer Gerry Totoritis, has cau- Greystone and one downtown. North Alabama Chapter of the Society Web site: www.contribros.com tioned Cruce that he will still be needed of Financial Service for occasional “special projects” as his SOURCE: Birmingham Business Journal Professionals’ Ethics always candid and positive approach will be in Business Award for its missed by his co-workers and supermarket Sylacauga Jewelry Store commitment to its employ- owners throughout the Southeast. ees and to its communities. SOURCE: Associated Grocers of the South Closes After 70 years in Business Frank House Jewelers in Sylacauga Templeton also has received Burger King’s Bruno's Supermarkets Introduce closed April 8th after about 70 years Franchisee of the Year Jean Templeton In-Store Health-Care Centers in business. Michael Wood, who had owned the store for the past 10 years, told award for a five-state region. Bruno's stores at 335 Summit Blvd. the Sylacauga Daily Home that the store had Templeton was initiated into Delta in Birmingham and 3780 Riverchase shown a profit every year, but it had Zeta’s Gamma Sigma Chapter at Eastern Village in Hoover have opened Wellspot become more difficult to compete Michigan University in 1956. In 1973, the Health and Wellness centers to meet the with larger retail stores. Huntsville alumnae chapter recognized her health-care needs of their customers. Frank House Jewelers began in 1938, as the alumnae chapter’s Ideal Alum. Family nurse practitioners provide but before that, the original owner, Frank The Woman of the Year Award is the treatment and diagnosis for routine condi- highest award given by the sorority to an tions at the Wellspot Health and Wellness House, operated a watch repair shop there. He and his wife owned the store until the alumna. Criteria for the award include centers. The clinics also provide prescrip- service to honorary or professional tion services, diagnostic tests, immuniza- late 1970s. ARA sadly says goodbye to a fine member. organizations (including honors and tions, vaccinations, physicals, illness man- recognition), community activities, agement and wellness counseling. Initial volunteer positions held, and service visits cost $49, excluding tests or other Publix Introduces ‘The Little Clinic’ to Delta Zeta Sorority (including offices services, and most insurance plans are in Selected Cities in GA/Florida and chairmanships held at the local and accepted. Repeat visits are $39. Publix Super Markets announced in national level, and honors and recognition). BI-LO/Bruno's president and chief February that it will open medical clinics SOURCE: Delta Zeta executive officer Dean Cohagan told the within some of its stores. The Birmingham Business Journal the centers company has signed an exclusive deal SEND ARA MEMBER NEWS CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ARA Member News, P.O. Box 240669, were designed with "a mom's convenience with The Little Clinic, LLC, to open for in mind." Montgomery, AL, 36124-0669 or e-mail business in the Lakeland, Fla.-based gro- [email protected] or fax (334) BI-LO Holdings LLC, the parent cer's chain, providing basic medical care company of BI-LO LLC and Bruno's 262-3991. Photos welcome. Electronic seven days a week. The first clinics will photographs should be 300 dpi or higher. Supermarkets Inc., employs about 26,000 open in Atlanta, people at 340 stores in Alabama, Florida, Miami, Orlando Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 12 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Anita G, L.L.C...... Warrior Dr. Mike Johnson ...... Decatur Apogee Corp...... Huntsville Earth Angel, L.L.C...... Spanish Fort As-Is Furniture Inc...... Bessemer Elbert M. Lee, D.M.D., P.C...... Auburn Auburn Culinary Center, L.L.C...... Auburn Employee Benefit Services Inc...... Birmingham Aum Enterprises Inc...... Hoover Environmental Design Studio Inc...... Vestavia Hills Better Business Solutions of Alabama Inc...... Homewood Family Subs Inc...... Jacksonville BG's Restaurant ...... Tuscaloosa Five Diamond Corp...... Riverside Blue Creek Food Group, L.L.C...... Dadeville FNB Mortgage Services, L.L.C...... Hamilton BTAAA Inc...... Trussville Food Services Inc...... Opp Burgess Pizza Inc...... Ohatchee Four Seasons Photography ...... Mobile C&R Enterprises, L.L.C...... Daphne Friendly G's ...... Georgiana C&S Subs Inc...... Anniston Friend's Diner...... Maplesville Camps Inc...... Pelham Gobble Food Stores Inc...... Florence Central Storage, L.L.C...... Florence Goldendale Inc...... Gardendale Christian Medical Clinics ...... Springville GRA Payroll, L.L.C ...... Homewood Christopher ...... Opelika Guardian Anesthesia Service, P.C...... Opelika City Diner, L.L.C...... Trussville Harbison's Tire & Auto Service Inc...... Trussville Coalition of Independent Music Stores, L.L.P . . . . Birmingham Heart Group of The Eastern Shore, P.C...... Fairhope Coco's Inc...... Birmingham Highview Deli, L.L.C...... Vestavia Hills Cornerstone Catering, L.L.C...... Montgomery Hillcrest Foods, L.L.C...... Mobile Courtesy Dry Cleaning...... Centreville Hornaco Italian Pie Group Inc...... Huntsville Creekside Restaurant, L.L.C...... Enterprise Java Jimz Cafe ...... Bessemer Custom Ceramics Dental Lab ...... Hartselle JMP Enterprises Inc...... Montgomery Custom Pizza, L.L.C...... Talladega John H. Barry Inc...... Hampton Cove D Squared, L.L.C...... Vestavia K.E.P., L.L.C...... Springville Dairy Queen Elba Inc...... Elba Ken's Restaurant...... Owens Crossroads DGSG Inc...... Birmingham Key West Bar & Grille, L.L.C...... Lanett Dominic's Fine Foods, L.L.C...... Pike Road Kim Kidd Inc...... Centre

13 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Klassic Kar Wash, L.L.C...... Daphne Serendipity of Pinedale Inc...... Montgomery La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant Inc...... Decatur Siblings Enterprises Inc...... Madison La Herradura ...... Roanoke Simply Delicious ...... Decatur Lee Enterprises, L.L.C...... Dothan Solid Rock Cafe ...... Piedmont LHR Enterprises, L.L.C...... Huntsville Solutions Associates Inc...... Prattville Marion Foodvalu Inc...... Marion Sound Services, L.L.C...... Birmingham Melton Automotive Inc...... Alabaster Springville Subway, L.L.C...... Talladega Metrofitness, L.L.C...... Montgomery Square Root Solutions Inc...... Montgomery Mobile Premier Pediatric Dentistry, L.L.C...... Mobile Stlbluesfan Inc...... Mobile Murari Inc...... Hanceville Sub-Line Associates Inc...... Boaz Muscle Shoals Peppers L.L.C...... Muscle Shoals TBN Inc...... Birmingham My-Bet Inc...... Anniston The Ad Firm Inc...... Troy New South Architects Inc...... Pelham The Courtyard Restaurant ...... Decatur No. 1 Chinese/Brewton ...... Brewton The Drive In ...... Jackson Noah Development, L.L.C...... Elkmont The Galley, L.L.C...... Roanoke North Central Neurology Associates, P.C...... Cullman The Lending Store Inc...... Leeds Nudraulix Automation Inc...... Mobile The New Natural Bridge Restaurant...... Lynn Nutech Medical Inc...... Homewood The Pita Hut Inc...... Birmingham Part Two, L.L.C...... Tuscaloosa The Po-Boy Factory Inc...... Huntsville Pilates and More, L.L.C...... Northport The Powell Accountancy Group, P.C...... Vestavia PJ's Grill ...... Waugh The Ranch House Cafe, L.L.C...... Elba Prattville Meat & Grocery, L.L.C...... Prattville The Rental Place ...... Cullman R & R Business Solutions Inc...... Tuscaloosa The Tin Top, L.L.C...... Bon Secour Radha Enterprises Inc...... Gadsden Todd A. Askew, P.C...... Tuscaloosa River Region Management Inc...... Wetumpka Tricoast Restaurants, L.L.C...... Mobile Romel Foods Inc...... Huntsville Two Stix Inc...... Alpine Sadie K. Inc...... Pelham William Rowell O'Neal Sr., DMD, P.C...... Mobile Selma Animal Hospital, P.C...... Selma WSW, L.L.C...... Demopolis

The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 14 15 The Voice ~ SPRING 2006 BOARD BULLETIN ARA COMPLETES ‘06 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS ■ Mickey Gee, The Pants Store, Leeds; Ex-officio directors, which includes past presi- The Alabama Retail Association has ■ Mike Herring, Movie Gallery, Dothan; dents and chairmen, include: Rodney Barstein, completed its slate of officers and board ■ David Kahn, DMK Entertainment Inc., Simply Fashion Stores, Birmingham; O.H. of directors for 2006. The officer and Birmingham; Delchamps Jr., Mobile; Greg Gregerson, ■ board slate was rounded out during its J. Ford Laumer, Auburn University, Auburn; Gregerson's Foods, Gadsden; Claude “Bud” ■ Bill Long, JCPenney Co., Jasper; Kitchin IV, SalePoint Inc., Anniston; Bobby Feb. 15 and May 17 board meetings. ■ Greg Newton, Sears, Roebuck and Co., Little, Rite Aid, Tuscaloosa; and Charles Parker The ARA officers for 2006 are: Montgomery; of Dadeville. CHAIRMAN: Ken Hubbard, Western ■ Jeff Parker, Super Sav Inc., Dadeville Supermarkets, Birmingham; ■ Melissa Parker-Paul, Yancy Parker Lifestyles OFFICERS ATTEND NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM VICE CHAIRMAN: Darrell Bourne, Ragland Inc., Enterprise; Three ARA officers, along with ARA Brothers Retail Co. Inc., Huntsville; ■ Irvine Porter, CVS Pharmacy, Bessemer; President Rick Brown, flew to Chicago for a PRESIDENT: Rick Brown, Montgomery; ■ Robert A. Robicheaux, University of Alabama week in April for the American Society TREASURER: Bob Akers, Davis Direct, at Birmingham, Birmingham; of Association Executives Leadership Montgomery; ■ Tammy Rogers, Rite-Aid, Lillian; Symposium. ARA Chairman Ken Hubbard, SECRETARY: Virgie Todd, Montgomery. ■ Fred Roth, Best Buy Co. Inc., Alabaster; Vice Chairman Darrell Bourne and executive Hubbard, Bourne, Akers and Brown serve ■ Ross Ryals, Collegiate Bookstores Inc., committee designee Jimmy Ray Smith as the ARA’s executive committee along Montgomery; attended the conference intended to foster with Immediate Past Chairman Jerry Beasley ■ Dennis Stewart, Piggly Wiggly Alabama communication between the association’s of Beasley Honda in Ozark and Jimmy Ray Distributing Co. Inc., Bessemer; volunteer and paid leadership. As a result Smith of Jimmy Smith Jewelers in Decatur, ■ Jack A. Taylor, Birmingham-Southern of the trip, the executive committee has made who is the executive committee designee. College, Birmingham; it a priority to maintain ARA’s aggressive The 2006 directors for the Alabama Retail ■ Gerry Totoritis, Associated Grocers of the legislative agenda while expanding member Association are: South, Birmingham; services. More to come on that goal as those ■ Wogan Badcock, III, W. S. Badcock Corp., ■ Bill Wagner, The Athlete’s Foot, Tuscaloosa; plans develop. Mulberry, Fla.; ■ Dianne Wammack, Cameras Brookwood, ■ Chris Birdsong, Premiere Entertainment, Birmingham; CHAIRMAN GAINS NEW FAMILY MEMBER LLC, Montgomery; ■ George Wilder, The Locker Room, ARA Chairman Ken Hubbard has a new ■ Bill Drinkard, Drinkard Development Inc., Montgomery; and grandbaby. Layton Hubbard weighed in at Cullman; ■ John M. Wilson, Big Bear of Luverne Inc., 8 pounds and 13 ounces and was born Feb. 13. ■ Bobby Efurd, Efurd and Sons Inc., Cowarts; Luverne. He is the son of Brian and Amy Hubbard. ■ Don Faith, Publix Supermarkets Inc., Hampton, Ga.; The director emeritus is Morris Mayer with Grandpa couldn’t be prouder. Looks like ■ Dale Fanton, Target Corp., Birmingham; the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Western Supermarkets has another manager ■ Steve Garmany, Alabama Power Co., in training! Birmingham;

PRESORTED STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #456 MONTGOMERY, AL

7265 Halcyon Summit Drive Post Office Box 240669 Montgomery, Alabama 36124