The Business View - July 2012

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce theJU

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ThE BUSInESS VIEW | JULY 2012 3

VIEW

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce the

Vol. XLIII, No. 6

The Mobile Area Chamber was awarded a five-star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest designation given. Of the 6,936 chambers in the U.S., only 301 are accredited, and of those only 43 have achieved five-star distinction.

The Mobile Area Chamber has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber since the designation’s inception more than 40 years ago.

July 2012 4-6 NewsYouCanUse–Positiveupdates forareaandstatebusinesses

8 SmallBusinessoftheMonth:BNI, BusinessNetworkingInternational

11-13 15yearsofaccomplishmentsforthe Chamber’stradedivision

15-18 ABigHit!Howsportsimpact Mobile’seconomy 20 SCOREColumn:Gettoknow yournumbers

21 WashingtonCountyeconomic developerhired

22 InvestorFocus:LLB&BInc.RealEstate

23 CEOProfile:JohnValentine, DauphinIslandSeaLab

24-25 Chamber@Work

26 BoardofAdvisors:RichardT.McCreary andDavidF.Sweet

26 AmbassadoroftheMonth: TrishBanker 27 BusinessSpotlightoftheMonth: Neal’sElectronics

28 EconomicIndicators

30 Calendar

31-34 MemberNews

35 Anniversaries

35 NewMembers

the business VIEWispublishedmonthly,exceptforthecombinedissueofDecember/January,

bytheMobileAreaChamberofCommerce451GovernmentStreet,Mobile,AL36602(251)433-6951

www.mobilechamber.com©2012

Publisher....................................WinthropM.HallettIII ExecutiveEditor...............................LeighPerry-Herndon ManagingEditor...................................... JenniferJenkins CopyEditor...........................................MichelleMatthews

Additional Writers and EditorsShaylaJonesBeaco,AshleyHorn,ToniKemper,

SusanRak-Blanchard,DanetteRichards,ChristinaStimpsonandCarolynWilson

PrintingServices. . . . . . . . . . . InterstatePrinting/DirectMail GraphicDesign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WiseDesignInc. AdvertisingAccountExecutive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RenéEiland

[email protected]

Cover TheCopeland-CoxMobileTennisCenterrecentlyhostedtheNationalAssociationofIntercollegiateAthleticsTennisNationalChampionships.IncludedinthetournamentwereplayersfromLindseyWilsonCollegeinColumbia,Ky.(pictured)andotherschoolssuchasFresnoPacificUniversityinFresno,Calif.,Embry-RiddleAeronauticalUniversityinDaytonaBeach,Fla.,andBrenauUniversityinGainsville,Ga.Seestoryonpage15.Cover photo by Ashley Horn.

27

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4 JULY 2012 | ThE BUSInESS VIEW

City of Mobile Unveils eMobile Automated Tax Filing SystemTired of sacrificing valuable time

away from important business matters in order to process and fulfill cumbersome tax obligations required by local government? Thanks to a new Internet application recently launched by the city of Mobile, local sales tax payments for both the city and county can now be conveniently processed online with the simple click of a mouse.

Theinnovativesystemisdesignedtogivebusinessesaneasyandmoreconvenientwayoffilingsalestaxpayments.Allbusinessesowingtaxestothecityandcountyarenowabletoaccessthenewweb-basedapplication,eMobile.

Developedbythecity’smunicipalinformationtechnologydepartment,eMobileprovidesanintuitive,step-by-stepprocessallowingbusinessestofileandpaysalestaxesonline,eliminatingtheneedfortime-consumingpreparationofpapertaxformsandinconvenienttripstoMobileGovernmentPlaza.

WitheMobile,businessespaytaxesusinganelectroniccheck.Onceabusinesssubmitsapayment,theinformation

isroutedtoathird-partypaymentprocessingcompany.Withthisstreamlinedapproach,collectingandprocessingtaxinformationandpaymentsisquickerandmoreefficient,andreducesthecity’scosts.

“Efficiencyandeasyaccessibilityarethereasonswhywedesignedanautomatedpaymentsystemforbusinesses,”saidMobileMayorSamJones.“Thisprocessshouldbeasuser-friendlyaspossible.TheneweMobilesystem

accomplishesthatgoal.”Asmoreandmorebusinessesbecomefamiliarwiththesystem,Jonesadded,“We’lllookatotherareaswheretechnologycanmakeiteasierandconvenienttodobusinesswiththecity.”

Thesystemisavailabletoallactiveaccountsbutwillrequiretaxpayerstoregistertoobtainaccesstothesystemthroughauniqueusername/passwordcombination.Customerscanstillsubmitpaymentsbymailorinperson.

Thecity’swebsiteprovideslinksandinstructionsforaccessingthenewapplication.Visitwww.cityofmobile.orgorcontactthecity’srevenuedepartmentat208-7462formoreinformation.

Partners for Growth Kicks Off Phase III

TheMobileAreaChamberofficiallykickedoffitsPartnersforGrowthcampaign.Witha$10milliongoal,theeffortwillsupporttheChamber’seconomicdevelopmentinitiativesforthenextfiveyears.Picturedatleftare:(fromlefttoright)JoeLawrence,Lawrence&Lawrence;MobileCountyCommissionerMerceriaLudgood;andJohnnieRobinson,IndustrialDevelopmentBoard.Picturedaboveare:(fromlefttoright)BoMattei,ThamesBatréMatteiBeville&Ison;PrestonBolt,HandArendall;DanielDennis,RobertsBrothersInc.;MikeSaxon,AlabamaPower;CedricHatcher,PNCBank;BillDaniels,Burr&FormanLLP:KennyCrow,CrowShields&BaileyPC;andDavidHannan,JohnstoneAdams.


New technology at Springhill Medical Center is helping doctors yield much

more accurate diagnoses when it comes to pancreatic cancer – the fourth leading killer of all cancers in the United States.

Traditionally,tissuesamplesaregatheredbybrushingorbiopsyingthepancreas.TheSpyGlassDirectVisualizationSystemisaminimallyinvasiveapproachavailableonlyinMobileatSpringhill.

WithSpyGlass,fiberopticspassthroughaspecialthintube,knownastheSpyScope,offeringathree-dimensionalviewofwhatdoctorswanttobiopsy.

“Wearepersistentlytryingtofindnewwaystobettercareforourpatients,andweareproudtobethefirstinMobiletouseSpyGlass,”saysJeffSt.Clair,presidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofSpringhillHospital.“ThistechnologyisaremarkableadditiontoSpringhill.”OneofthemainusesofSpyGlassistodeterminewhetherblockageinthebiliaryorpancreaticductsismalignantorbenign–and,withthisnew,visuallydirectedtechnology,

theaccuracyoftissuesamplingincreasesto80to90percent,saysSt.Clair.“Aswithmanycancers,theearlieryoudiagnoseit,themorelikelythechancesareforacure.”

Inaddition,SpyGlasscanbesteeredtoapreciselocationtobetterfindthetumor,treatbenignconditionsandremovebileductstones.

Springhill Medical Center Offers

New Weapon in Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

University of Mobile Enhances Campus

TheUniversityofMobileisaddinganothernewresidencehall,thethirdwithapartment-stylelivingforupperclassmen.UMobile,astheuniversityisrebrandingitself,isinvestingmorethan$8.71millionincapitalinvestmentsin2012alone,andoveraneight-yearperiodwillspendmorethan$24milliontoincreasecampushousingandrenovateandimprovethegrounds.

Morethanhalfthemoniesspentweretoconstructnewresidencehallsthatwillhousecloseto350additionalstudents–SamfordHallin2004,KarleneFarmerFaulknerHallin2006andthecurrentlyunnamedapartmentsin2012.

Thenewesthallmeasures39,918squarefeet.Thebuildingwillbecompletedintwophases,withonesidefinishedintimeforthefallsemesterandtheothernolaterthanNovember.

What’sdrivingthegrowth?Threethings,sayuniversityofficials:theincreasingenrollment,changingneedsofstudentsandtheintentto“broadenitsreach,”saysPresidentDr.MarkFoley.

Withmorethan40programsofstudyattractingstudentsacrosstheboard,theuniversity’sCenterforPerformingArts,comprising21performingensembles,isabigdraw,Foleyadds.

LastSeptember,theuniversitystartedtheschoolyearwithanenrollmentof1,800–thefourthconsecutiveyearofgrowth.Thestudentpopulationrepresents33statesand30countries,withMobileandBaldwinCountyresidentsaddingupalittlemorethanhalf.ThehighestpercentageofstudentsfromoutsidetheUnitedStatescomestoUMobilefromBrazil,Australia,Canada,Venezuela,Congo,GhanaandJamaica.

“We’reseeingmorelocalstudentswhowanttoliveoncampustoparticipateinactivities,fromserviceprojectstosports,toaweeklyBiblestudy,toperformancesandpractices,”explainsKathyDean,theuniversity’sdirectorofmediarelations.

Inadditiontostudenthousing,theuniversityexpandedRamHall,itsauditoriumandcafeteria;addedasecuritygatehouseservingasthenewentrancetothegrounds;renovateditslibrary;addednursinglabequipment;andconstructedasoftballfieldhouse,tonameafewofthe17recentprojects.

“Wehavetheprogramsthatattractstudents.Wenowhavethefacilitiesthatattractstudents.Andwehavetheenvironmentthatintegrateslearning,faithandleadershipinauniquewaythatattractsstudents,”saysDean.

A new sign and a 24-hour manned security building make up a new entrance to the University of Mobile. The university is investing millions of dollars to update, renovate and add buildings to its campus.

TheUniversityofMobileisaddingnewresidencehallstomeetdemand.PicturedaboveisthelobbyofFaulknerHall.


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ST Aerospace Mobile (STA Mobile) is ramping up its recruitment and training process, a move to both meet its workload and prepare the next generation of employees.

InanalliancewithAlabamaAviationCenterofMobile,studentsworkintheclassroomtowardatwo-yearassociatedegreeinairframeandpowerplant(A&P)aircraftcertification.Whilethey’restudying,theyworkapaidinternshipatSTAerospaceMobile,between20and40hoursaweek.Oncetheyfinish,studentsarepracticallyguaranteedajob,explainsArtLopez,thecompany’saircraftmaintenancetrainingprogramadministrator.

STAMobileisofferingupto100percentfinancialassistanceforthecostsofpursuingtheA&Pdegreeandlicensingforthosewhoqualify.Otherfinancialassistancefortheprogram,andfortheavionicsprogram,isavailablethroughtheBedsoleFoundation,PellgrantsandMobileWorksInc.

Tofurtherensuresuccess,eachstudentisnowassignedanexperiencedmechanicasamentorwhoprovideson-the-jobtraining,accordingtoLopez.

Fourstudentsrecentlygraduatedfromtheprogram,

and24morearecurrentlyenrolled–andthere’sroomformore.Lopezsaysthegoalistorecruit25studentseachfallandspringsemester.Headdsthatapproximately85percentofthosewhostarttheprogramcompletebothtrainingandtheirtwo-yearcommitmenttoSTAMobile.

“Theaverageageofourworkforceispushing50,andwe’reseeingthedemographicsofourcompanychange,”Lopezsays.“We’retryingtogetaheadofthatbydrawingstudentsintotheprogram.”

Companyrepresentativesarevisitinghighschoolsina150-mileradiustotalktostudentsaboutafuturecareerinaviation.ButLopezisalsoseeinginterestfromveteransandmenandwomenpursuingasecondcareer.Many

alreadyhaveamechanicalbackgroundworkingoncarsorfarmequipment,oreveninconstruction,andsomearecollege-bound,hesays.

“Toattractmoreaerospacecompaniestoourarea,weneedmoreA&Pmechanics,andit’saskillthattransferstoanywhereintheworld,”saysDr.LeidaJavier-Ferrell,directoroftheMobileAreaChamber’sCenterforWorkforceDevelopment.

“Butifthey’rejustlookingforajob,wewon’ttakethem,”saysLopez.“Thisisacareerthatwon’tgoaway.Anaircraftmechanicwillnotbereplacedbyarobot.”

Formoreinformation,visitwww.stmae.com/careersorcontactLopezat438-8888.

STAerospaceMobilementorAntoniaCruzworkswithAdamChinrock(left)andDylanJones(above).


Whether you’re earning an undergraduate or graduate business degree, The University of Alabama is

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To learn more visit BamaByDistance.ua.edu/mobilebizor call toll-free at 1-800-467-0227.

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Go to mobilechamber.com/award.asp to submit a Small Business of the Month nomination, or contact Danette Richards at 431-8652 or [email protected].

Referral-Based Growth Works for BnIThenameBNIstandsforBusiness

NetworkingInternational.Butwhatyouprobablydon’tknow,saysJanice Malone,executivedirectorandMobilefranchiseowner,isthatBNIisaboutmorethannetworking.“Ourprogramisaboutcoaching,trainingandbuildingyourbusinessthroughreferral-basedgrowth,”shesays.

BNIBusinessResourceCenteristheMobileAreaChamber’sSmallBusinessoftheMonth.

Malone’sfirstintroductiontoBNIwasabook.Intrigued,whenshegottotheendshepickedupthephoneanddialedthe1-800numbertolearnmore.Fromthere,shewashiredtodeveloptheareaofsouthAlabamaandtheFloridapanhandle,workingasanindependentcontractor.

TwoyearsafterMalonebecameinvolved,theorganizationchangeditsbusinessmodelandsheboughtthefranchise.Withthreefull-timeemployeesandthreecontractemployees,BNIMobilehasgrownto850membersin30differentchapters.

Theglobalorganizationhasapresencein44countriesandall50statesand138,000members.Itsmissionistohelpmembersbuildtheirbusinessthroughastructured,strategic,positiveandprofessional“word-of-mouth”program.

Here’showitworks,explainsMalone:Groupsof15to70membersformachapterandmeetweekly.Onlyonepersonrepresentinganindustryspecialtyisacceptedintothechapter.Eachmemberbringsreferralsandoptimallyreceivesreferrals,oftenwith

small business of the month

personalinsightonwhatthepotentialclientislookingforandthebestwaytoapproachhimorher,avoidingcoldcalls.

Whatmakesitsuccessful?“Accountability,”saysMalone.Leadsaretracked,particularlythosethatturnintobusiness.Attendanceismandatory52weeksayear,althoughmemberscanhavesubstitutestaketheirplace.

“WewantfarmersinBNI,”sheadds,furtherexplainingthatmembersplanttheseedsforotherstogrowandnurture.“It’snotrightforeveryone,butwe’reseeingremarkableimprovement.”

Thebenefit,shesays,reallyliesinthetraining–companiesoftenuseBNItocoachandtrainnewemployees.Afewofthetypicalprofessionaldevelopmentsessionsincludepresentationandleadership,alongwithaplethoraofworkshops,trade

showsandconferences.Otheradvantagesincludeincreasedexposure,buildingbusinessrelationshipsandcredibility,alladdingtoamember’sbottomline.

RecentlyBNIenhanceditsonlineresourcesofferingssomemberscanconnectwithBNImembersinotherchapters.

Thereisafeetojoin,aswellasanannualfee.FormoreinformationaboutthelocalBNI,visit www.BNI-Mobile.comorcall438-7050.

BusinessNetworkingInternational’sSouthAlabamaandNorthwestFloridaChapterhas850members.PicturedthirdfromrightisfranchiseownerJaniceMalonewithagroupofchapterofficers.


B A N K I N G I N S U R A N C E I N V E S T M E N T S

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If you think your education’s been a long road, just imagine all the places it will take you tomorrow.

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Coastal EconomyOutlook V

Featuring:

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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

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Registration is required before July 27 - No refunds after this date

For more information, contact Shelly Mattinglyat [email protected] or 251-431-8655.

Cost is $100

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The Mobile Chamber’s Trade Division Celebrates 15 Years L ocal companies

participating in the Mobile Area Chamber’s trade program created nearly 3,000 jobs and beefed up international sales by $143.5 million – and that’s just in the last five years.

Theprogram,initiatedin1997byagroupofbusinessowners,theChamberandthecityofMobile,celebrates15yearsofimpactinglocalcompaniesbyintroducingtheirproductsandservicestotheinternationalmarketplace.

ChamberPresidentWinHallettwasamongthatgroupandplayedamajorroleinthedevelopmentoftheprogram.

“Wemetwithvarioustradeorganizationsthatwerealreadyestablishedacrossthestate,”saidHallett.“WeknewwithalltheinternationalbusinessMobilewouldseewiththePortofMobile,thedevelopmentofthecontainerterminalandthegeneralgrowthininternationalbusinessinterest,wehadtohaveaprograminplacetoassistthearea’stradeneeds.”

Thesemeetingshelpedshapetheprogram’sobjectivesandcreatetheprimarygoals:tofurtherdeveloptheMobileareaasacenterforinternationaltradeandtransportation;toenhancetheforeignsalesofareaproductsandservices;andtoassist

inMobile’semergenceasahubforinternationaltransportation.

AlongwithdevelopingMobileasacenterforinternationaltradeandtransportation,Hallettsaid,companiesneededhelppromotingtheirproductsandservicesintheinternationalmarketplace.

“WenoticedthatnoonewasfocusingonbringingAlabamacompaniesoverseasfortrademissions,whichcanplayaveryimportantroleinestablishingasuccessfulinternationalbusinessrelationship,”saidHallett.

Overthepast15years,thetradedivision,inconjunctionwiththeAlabamaDepartmentofCommerce(formerlyAlabamaDevelopmentOffice),hasledorco-ledmorethan50trademissionstodestinationsaroundtheworld.(See information box on page 13.)

TheChamberwillco-leadamissiontoPanamaandColombiathisfall.Formoreinformationontrademissions,contactChristinaStimpson,theChamber’stradeprogrammanager,at431-8648.

Alongwithtrademissions,theprogramalsohasamajorfocusoneducationandthismonthwillpartnerwiththeU.S.SmallBusinessAdministrationandtheChamber’ssmallbusinessdevelopmentdepartmenttohost“ABeginner’sGuidetoExporting”onTuesday,July10,from8:30

to11a.m.(See page 30 for details.)“Educatingbusinessexecutivesandthe

publicontheexportationprocessandtheimportanceoftradeisextremelyimportant,”saidTonyvanAken,directoroftheChamber’stradedivision.“Alotofcompaniesdon’tknowhowmuchhelpisouttheretoassistthemingoingglobal.”

Hiredattheinceptionoftheprogram,vanAkenattributespartofthetrade

program’ssuccesstocollaboratingwithotherinternationaltradeagencies.

“Throughtheyears,ourinvolvementwiththeExportAlabamaAlliance,aswellastheU.S.ChamberandtheAmericanChambersofCommerceinLatinAmerica(ACCLA),hasbeenbeneficialinincreasingthenumberofcompaniesweareabletoassistintheexportationprocess,”saidvanAken. Continued on page 12

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has always had a proactive and aggressive

approach in helping companies export. Their

program has been recognized both nationally and

internationally and the work they have done is

immeasurable to the overall benefit of Alabama exports. The Chamber has provided leadership and innovation

in the area of export promotion and development

not just for their area but for the entire state.

hilda Lockhart, director, International Trade, Alabama

Department of Commerce

Over the years, Quality Valve Inc. has sent representatives on numerous trade missions coordinated by the Chamber and through the state trade office. In most every case, we have come home with

a new customer. Thepersonal relationships we have made on these missions have allowed a level of trust in foreign

companies we would not have enjoyed otherwise.

Raymond McCaffrey, president, Quality Valve Inc.

Without this program Alabama Gulf Coast companies

would be without a great source of exporting

information. Not only do(es) (the Chamber) provide general

export assistance and host a variety of export seminars,

but their lead on trade missions has helped promote trade across all of Alabama.

These missions produce contacts and sales for the

companies that in turn provide more jobs for Alabama.

nekda Segars, director, U.S. Department of Commerce, Birmingham Export Assistance

The exposure on the world stage that our

international trade efforts afford is invaluable. The

ability for local companies to not only learn about trade opportunities, but to meet and conduct business face

to face across the globe gives Mobile’s economic development program an

unrivaled advantage.

Troy Wayman, vice president of economic development,

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Trade Mission to China: The Mobile Area Chamber helped coordinate a trade mission to China in 2008. There were 41 participating organizations and the result was $23 million in sales.


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The Export Alabama AllianceisaseamlessnetworkofinternationaltradeagenciesformedtohelpAlabamacompaniesgrowtheirbusinessinternationally.Membersinclude:AlabamaDepartmentof

Commerce,AlabamaDepartmentofAgriculture,AlabamaInternationalTradeCenter,AlabamaStatePortAuthority,AlabamaWorldTradeAssociation,BirminghamBusinessAlliance,MadisonCountyCommissionInternationalTrade

DevelopmentCenter,MobileAreaChamberofCommerce,NorthAlabamaInternationalTradeAssociation,PortofHuntsville,U.S.DepartmentofCommerce,BirminghamExportAssistanceCenter,andtheU.S.ChamberofCommerce.

The Mobile Chamber’s Trade Division Celebrates 15 Years Continued from page 11

TheChamberisafoundingmemberoftheExportAlabamaAlliance,aseamlessnetworkofinternationaltradeagenciesinMontgomery,Birmingham,HuntsvilleandMobileformedtohelpAlabamacompaniesgrowtheirbusinessinternationally.Formedoflocal,stateandfederalorganizations,theallianceworkstodevelopandcoordinateprogramstofacilitatetheexportofAlabama’sgoodsandservicesoverseas.

“In15years,Mobilecontinuestoaccomplishwhatmanycitiesandstatesacrossthecountrydreamof–buildinganexcellentinternationaltradeprogramthatcrossescountyandstatebarriers,”saidHallett.

TheChamberisarecipientoftheGovernor’sTradeExcellenceAwardandthePresident’s“E”AwardforsignificantcontributionsinitseffortstoincreaseexportsforAlabamaandtheUnitedStates.TheChamberisalsothe2011recipientoftheAmericanChamberofCommerceExecutive’sACCE“GoingInternational”AwardrecognizingtheachievementsoftheChamber’sinternationaltradeprogram.

Trade Mission to Australia: In 2009, the Mobile Area Chamber helped coordinate a trip for 11 companies to Australia. The Chamber set up 42 appointments and the participating representatives gained $4.5 million in sales.


Countries Visited to Explore Export Sales Since 1997 (some multiple times)

ArgentinaAustralia

BrazilCanada

ChileChina

Colombia

Costa RicaCuba

Czech RepublicDominican Republic

El SalvadorFrance

Germany

Great BritainGuatemalaHonduras

Hong KongHungary

IndiaIreland

ItalyMexico

NetherlandsNew Zealand

PanamaPolandRussia

South AfricaSpain

ThailandTurkey

United Arab EmiratesVenezuelaVietnam

Facts About Trade MissionsIn just the past five years, trade mission participants

have reported and projected export sales of $163 Million, supporting the creation of 2,941 jobs.

Jobs Created from Trade Missions

406 671 470 726 668

$22.6 M $37.3 M $26.1 M $40.4 M $37.1 M

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Export Sales from Trade Missions

Specialists in Small Business Accounting, Tax Preparation, Payroll and IRS Representation

SATy PuTchACell: 251-604-3802

Email: [email protected] Website: www.putchallc.com

1521 Dawes Rd. Mobile, Alabama 36695 Phone: 251-666-6624

Saty Putcha

Saty was selected as the 2011 Diplomat of the Year

by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Saty was selected as the 2011 Diplomat of the Year

by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Trade Mission to Turkey: The Mobile Area Chamber coordinated a trip to Turkey in 2008. The Chamber secured 58 appointments for eight local companies, resulting in $1.4 million local sales.


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Sports=BusinessTheeconomicimpactofsportsisusuallylookedatintermsofhowmuchspendingit

generates.EventsliketheSeniorBowl,GoDaddy.comBowlandMobileBayLPGAClassicbringinhundredsofthousandsofpeopletothecityannually.InadditiontothedirectimpactontheeconomyofspendinginMobilebyout-of-townvisitors,thereisanindirectimpactasthemoneyspentisre-circulatedinthelocaleconomybylocalbusinesses.

TheGoDaddy.comBowlisplayedeveryJanuaryatahistoricallyslowtimeforthehotelbusiness.TheUniversityofSouthAlabama’s(USA)studyofthe2010gameshowedaneconomicimpactrangefrom$18.2to$19.9million.

TheSeniorBowl,featuringthecountry’sbestseniorcollegefootballplayersandtopNFLprospectsonteamsrepresentingtheNorthandSouth,isalsoplayedinJanuary.A2007USAstudyestimatedtheeconomicimpactrangebetween$14millionand$19million.

“OurfirstquarterisourbiggesteveryyearbecauseoftheGoDaddy.comBowlandtheSeniorBowl,”saidRenaissanceMobileRiverviewPlazaGeneralManagerKentBlackinton.

Buteventhesenumbersdon’ttellthewholestory.Theseorganizationshosteventsleadinguptothebigday.Fromparadestocharityeventstopractices,runsandbanquets,theeconomicimpactisundeniable.

Continued on page 16

A Big hit!How Sports Impact Mobile’s Economy



ABigHit!Continued from page 15

ASleepingGiantEvenasaprograminitsinfancy,theUSAJaguars

footballteamcancommandagameaudienceof20,000.Inthreeyearssinceitwasestablished,thefootballprogramhasquadrupledgrossadvertisingdollarssurroundingathletics.Theuniversityisinagrowthphase,withenrollmentreaching15,000–andathleticsisabigpartofthat.

GarySaundersofIMGMarketing,thegroupthathandlesadvertisersfortheathleticsprogram,isexcitedaboutthefuture.“AswemoveintoDivision1andfacebiggeropponents,wewillseeattendanceincrease,”hesaid.“Largerschoolsbringboosterclubs,fansandalumnigroups.Gameswillbenationallytelevised.ItputsUSAonthemapwithsportsfansonanationalscale.Morenationaladvertiserswillspendmoneythatgoesbackintotheschoolandthecommunity.”

MoreThanFootballWhileAlabamacertainlylovesfootball,Mobilehas

muchmoretooffer.With60courtsattheCopeland-CoxCenter,plusanother15atadditionallocations,theMobileTennisCenteristhelargestpublictennisfacilityinthenationandmakesanenormouscontributiontotheregion’seconomy.Forfiscalyear2012,thetenniscenteralreadyaccountsfor6,836roomnights,andthatnumberdoesn’taccountforthousandsmorewhoattendtournaments.

Intotal,thetenniscenterbringsanestimated

26,000peopletotheareaannually.AccordingtoaUSAreport,theeconomicimpactincreasedfrom$9millionin2004to$60.8millionin2011.“Thisisagrowthof$51millioninsevenyears,”saidScottNovak,tournamentdirector.

“WeareproudofourincreasingimpactinregardstotennistournamentsinMobile.Wecontinuetoaddmoreeachyear.”

TheMobileSportsAuthority(MSA),oneof110freestandingsportscommissionsaroundthenation,

focusesonbringingcompetitionstothearea.Theyhavealreadyhosted20tennistournamentsthisyearaveraging40teamseach.“Abigpartofourbusinessisyouthsports,”saidMSAPresidentDannyCorte.“Thegrowthofthatindustryoverthepast15yearshasbeenphenomenal.Andyouthsportsare80percentrecessionproof.Whenachildplayssports,usuallythewholefamilycomes.Morevisitorsmeansmoremoney.”

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CompetitionforVisitorsForexample,theU.S.JuniorBoxingNational

Championships;heldinconjunctionwiththeU.S.OlympicTrialslastJuly;broughthundredsofyoungboxerstoMobile,wheretheyfoughtforthetitleofJuniorNationalChampions.TheeventreturnedtoMobilelastmonthandwillcomebackagainin2013.Corteestimatestheeventhasbetweena$2.5and$3millionimpactonthecity.

MagnoliaGroveisoneof11championshipgolfcoursesonAlabama’sRobertTrentJonesGolfTrail.TheMobileBayLPGAClassic,playedatMagnoliaGrove,broughtcloseto2,000visitorsin2011withanestimatedeconomicimpactof$9.5million.

HankAaronStadiumishometothe2011SouthernLeagueChampions,theMobileBayBears,theAAaffiliateoftheArizonaDiamondbacks.Theteamaverages200,000inattendanceannuallyandbooststhelocaleconomywithmorethan1,000hotelroomsperseason.

Itisn’tjustcoachesandpeoplecheeringontheteam,either.TheBayBearsbringinthehometeamstaff,theplayers,themajorleagueaffiliate,visitingSouthernLeagueteams,SouthernLeagueumpiresandmajorleague/professionalscoutsthatuseproductsandserviceswhilevisiting.TheHankAaronChildhoodHomeandMuseumisalsoonstadiumgrounds,attractingvisitorsfrom45ofthe50states.Openedin2010,themuseumistheonlyoneofitskindinthenation.

Morethan3,000anglersand75,000spectatorsvisitDauphinIslandeveryJulyfortheAlabamaDeepSeaFishingRodeo,theoldestandlargestmulti-speciessaltwatertournamentinthecountry(recentlyincludedintheGuinnessBookofWorldRecords).“Therodeocertainlyhasabigeconomicimpactonthecommunity,andit’salso

alotoffun,”saidGeneFox,vicepresidentofpublicityforthetournament.“It’soneofthosethingsthatmakesMobileagreatplacetolive.”

Andbassfishermenaretakingnote:theMobile-TensawRiverDeltawasjustaddedtotheAlabamaBassTrail,acollectionof11ofthestate’sbestbassfishingareas.Justonebass-fishingtournamentcanbringinmorethan$2million,accordingtotheMobileBayConventionandVisitorsBureau.

RacetotheFinishMobileInternationalSpeedwayholds18racesayear.

Thelargest,anAutomobileRacingClubofAmericarace,broughtmorethan10,000spectatorsandbooked2,000roomnightsearlierthisyear.Thisoneracehadaneconomicimpactof$1.2millionforthecityofMobile.

Carsaren’ttheonlythingsracinginMobile–thecityishometomorethan80runningeventsannually.Thelargest,theAzaleaTrailRun,celebratedits35thanniversarythisyear,withmorethan6,000participantsfrom29statesandsevencountries.Astudydoneseveralyearsagoestimatedthattheracerepresentsmorethan$4milliontothecity.Muchofthisisdirectspendingwiththecityforpolice,barricadesandemergencypersonnel.

RacingisanimportantsportforthecityofMobilenotjusteconomically,butalsoforcharitableorganizations.Manyracesworkhand-in-handwithlocalnonprofitsraisingmoneyforimportantcauses.PeggyOliveofRedHenProductions,whichproducestheAzaleaTrailRunandsome50otherracesthroughouttheyear,saysonereasonrunningissoattractiveisthesocialaspect.“Runningisasocialsport.It’ssomethinggroupsandfamiliescandotogetherandactivelyparticipate,”shesaid.

AccordingtoDr.ChristopherKeshock,USA

economicsprofessorandauthoroftheSeniorBowlstudy,thereisnodenyingthatsportsequalmoneyforacity.“Whatwereallyneedtolookat,though,isthediversityofwhatMobilehastooffer,”hesaid.“Thecommunitybenefitsinsomanyways.Sportscanbuildactivecommunitiesandempoweredcitizens,instillasenseofprideandcreateexcitement,andrepresentaninvestmentinwell-beingandqualityoflife.”

EventsbytheNumbersSporttourismisthefastest-growingsectorintheglobal

travelindustryandequatesto$600billionayear.Locally,Mobile’ssportsfacilitiesandlocationsplayhosttomulti-million-dollarevents.

It’snotjustlargeeventsthatplayarole.Countlesstournamentsandcompetitionsthroughouttheyearsupporttheeconomy.Theydon’tjustbringinplayers;theybringcoaches,trainers,familymembersandspectators.Thismeansmorepeoplestayinginhotels,eatingatrestaurants,shoppinginlocalstoresandvisitingattractions.

Sportsactasaneconomicdriver.It’sanindustrythatsupportsjobs,createsrevenueandincreasestourism.Whilelookingateconomicimpactnumbersisimpressive,themediaexposureandword-of-mouthgeneratedonbehalfoftheseeventshasjustaslargeanimpact.AccordingtotheGoDaddy.comBowl,thefactthatthegameistheonlyonetoairthenightbeforetheNationalChampionshipguaranteestheresultswillbementionedoneverytelevisionsportssegmentinthecountry.Additionally,thegame’soutcomeisreportedineveryU.S.newspaperthenextday.“ThisisexposureforMobilethatmoneycouldn’tbuy,”saidGoDaddy.comBowlPresidentJerrySilverstein.

Continued on page 18

number of visitors per night x number of nights = total number of room nights

Total number of room nights x $250 = total spending x 2.5 = total estimated economic impact

TheDestinationMarketingAssociationInternational(DMAI),thevisitorindustrystandard,usesaformulawiththenumberofparticipantsandestimatedvisitors.PerDMAI,theaverageexpenditureisbasedonaccommodations,food,

retail,fuelandmiscellaneoustotaling$250perday.TheMobileBayConventionandVisitorsBureauthenusesastandardof2.5asthenumberofdollarturns.

how Economic Impact is Determined


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Afamilyoffourvisitingforasportingeventeatsdinneratadowntownrestaurant.Thebillis$80,generatingadirecteconomicimpact.Therestaurantusespartofthatmoneytopaythewaitress;thewaitressspendssomeofthemoneyfor

groceries;thegrocerystoreusessomeofthemoneytopayitscashier;thecashierthenspendssomefortheutilitybill;andsoon.Thesubsequentroundsofspendingaretheindirecteconomicimpacts.


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Get to Know Your Numbers

Anyonewholongsforthe“goodolddays”probablydoesn’townasmallbusiness.Giventhevarietyofpowerful,easy-to-useaccountingsoftwareproductsavailabletoday,it’sdifficulttoimaginewantingtokeeprecordsandpreparefinancialstatementsbyhand.

Butwhiletechnologyhaseliminatedtheneedforstubbypencilsandgreeneyeshades,it’sstilluptosmallbusinessownerstounderstandandanalyzethemeaningoftheirfinancialsinordertomakewisedecisions.

Whilethere’snohard-and-fastruleforreviewingfinancialdata,mostexpertsrecommendaminimumofmonthlyorquarterlyevaluations.Otherwise,bythetimeyoufindaseriousproblem,itcouldbetoolatetotakecorrectiveaction.

Cashflowisakeyindicatortowatch.Thisistherevenuecomingintoyourbusinessbalancedagainstexpensessuch

asrent,payroll,supplies,etc.Projectingcashflowintothefuturewillhelpalertyoutopotentialbottlenecksinmeetingpaymentobligations,andwhetherornotyouneedtomakechangesinyourcollectionstrategyoroperatingbudget.

Severalfinancialratioscanalsohelpasmallbusinessownergaugeacompany’shealthandprogress.Becausetheseratiosfluctuateovertime,trackingthemwillhelpyoubetterspottrendsthatcouldevolveintoopportunitiesorproblems.

Liquidityratiosmeasurethefirm’sabilitytomeetshort-termcommitmentsfromitsliquidassets.Thecurrentratio(currentassets/currentliabilities)isasimplemeasureofafirm’sabilitytomeetshort-termobligations.Similarly,thequickratio(currentassets-inventory/currentliabilities)measuresthefirm’sabilitytomeetshort-termobligationsfromitsmostliquidassets.Theidealaverageforboth

variesfromoneindustrytoanother.Leverageratiosindicatethecompany’s

abilitytomeetbothlong-andshort-termobligations,makingthemparticularlyimportanttobankersandinvestors.Themostfrequentlyusedindicatoristhedebtratio(totaldebt/totalassets).Generally,lenderswantthisratiotobeaslowaspossible.

Profitabilityratiosmeasurehowwellacompanyearnsanetreturnonsalesorinvestments.Grossprofit(grossprofits/netsales)measuresthemarginonsales–essentiallytheoveralleffectivenessofthebusiness.Netprofitability(netincome/netsales)showstheeffectivenessofmanagementincontrollingcosts.

Thenthereareactivityratios,whichshowhowwellacompanyusesitsassetstogeneratesales.Smallbusinessesthatmanufactureorsellproductsshouldmonitorinventoryturnover(costofgoods

sold/averageinventory),whilebusinessesofalltypesshouldwatchtheiraveragecollectionperiod(averageaccountsreceivable/averagecreditsalesperday)todetermineiftheyarebeingpaidpromptly.

TheMobileAreaChamberoffersworkshopsthroughouttheyeartohelpbusinessownersreadfinancialstatementsand,beyondthat,howtointerpretthedataforbettermanagementdecisions.

Need more help navigating your small business’s financial numbers? For a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, by calling 431-8614, or visiting online at www.score.org.


TheWashingtonCountyEconomicDevelopmentInitiative(WCEDI)andtheMobileAreaChambernamedAustinMonkasthedirectorofeconomicdevelopment.Since2004,WCEDIandtheChamberhavepartneredinaregionaleffort,andlastyearthecityofJacksonjoinedthealliance.

Readytodiveintohisresponsibilities,Monkwascontactingsiteselectorsinindustryandretailassoonashewasofferedthejob,evenpriortohisactualstartdate.“Iwanttogetinvolvedinthiscommunity,lockarmsandcontinuetobuildeconomicdevelopmentactivitieswithourstakeholders,”hesaid.

AnativeofCullman,Ala.,northofBirmingham,MonkwasdrawntotheWashingtonCountyareabecauseitissimilartowherehe’sfromwithalargercitycloseby.

HeisarecentgraduateofAuburnUniversity,andthefirstcandidatetoachieveanacceleratedbachelor’s/master’s

degreeofferedtostudentsthatearnandmaintainacertaingradepointaverage.Theprogramhelpsstudentsearnamaster’sdegreequickerthanthetraditionalroute,allowingthemtocountapprovedcoursestowardstheirbachelor’sandmaster’sdegrees.

Monk’seducationincludesamaster’sandbachelor’sdegree

inpublicadministrationwithaminorineconomicandcommunitydevelopment;andanassociate’sdegreefromWallaceStateCommunityCollege.

RecentlyheworkedwiththeEconomic&CommunityDevelopmentInstituteatAuburnUniversityandAlabamaCooperativeExtensionSystem.

ChatomMayorHaroldCrouch,wholeadstheWCEDI,said:“Austin’sgreatworkethicandyouthfulenthusiasmwillbenefitusgreatly.He’swillingtogoanywhereanddoanything.Idon’tfeellikewecouldhave

Washington County Economic Developer hired

Monk

madeabetterchoice.”JacksonMayorRichardLongsaidhe

is“excitedthatAustinMonkhasacceptedthisimportantpositionthatsupportstheeconomicprogramsofWashingtonCountyandtheCityofJackson.Austin’seducationandexperiencewillbeatremendousassettothemembersofourpartnership.”

TroyWayman,theMobileAreaChamber’svicepresidentofeconomicdevelopment,said,“Austin’senthusiasmandexcellentworkethiccombinedwithhiseducationwillbeanenormousassetfortheongoingeconomicdevelopmenteffortsoftheWashingtonCountyEconomicDevelopmentInitiative.

Hehasaremarkabletalentfornetworkingandvaluableexperiencewitheconomicdevelopmentrelatedgrantwork.”

Inhisrole,Monkwillworktorecruitnewindustry,assistexistingindustrieswithexpansionsandmanageprogramsandactivitiesaimedatenhancingthearea’smarketability,includingworkforcedevelopment,infrastructureandindustrialparks.

MonkreplacesJesseQuillen,whoisnowdirectorofeconomicdevelopmentatthe,ColumbiaCountyFloridaBoardofCommissionersinLakeCity,Fla.

“Austin’s great work ethic and youthful

enthusiasm will benefit us greatly. He’s willing to go anywhere and do

anything. I don’t feel like we could have made a

better choice.”

harold CrouchMayor of Chatomand leader of the

Wasington County Economic Development Initiative

Brought to you, in part, by Alabama Power.

AlabamaPower.com

© 2012 Alabama Power Company

POWI-2756 Haircut.indd 1 5/4/12 2:22 PM


investor focus

Company officials:JulieMintoandMelissaMorrissette,ownersandofficers

Years in business: 26

Brief company description: LLB&BInc.RealEstateisafull-servicerealestatecompanyspecializinginlistingandsellingproperty,alongwithpropertymanagement,inMobileandBaldwincounties.

Why are you located in Mobile?ThecompanywasoriginallyfoundedinMobilein1986asLane,Lyons,BurtonandBullockRealEstate.MintoandMorrissettepurchasedthecompanyin2003andbegandoingbusinessasLLB&B.AsalocallyownedresidentialrealestateagencyinMobile,thecompanyhelpscustomersfindhomesofallsizesandalltypes.

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “TheMobileAreaChamberisthedrivingforceforeconomicdevelopmentforourgeography,”saidMorrissette.“LLB&BstronglyendorsestheChamber’sefforttobringnewbusinessestoMobileandtosupportexistingbusinesses.Webelieveathrivingeconomyleadstoastrongcommunity.LLB&BhasconfidenceinPartnersforGrowthasanimpetustogrowMobiletoitsfullpotential.”

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential?“Mobilehassomanyattributes,fromthesheernaturalbeautyoftheareatothemanylocal,regionalandinternationalbusinesseslocatedinMobile,totheexceptionalpeople

whoresidehere,tothequalityoflifethatonefinds,totheproximitytothewater,andtoaclimatethatallowsustobeoutandenjoyingeverythingthatourlocationhastooffer,”saidMorrissette.“Mobileisagreatplacetolive.Mobileispoisedtoleverageallofthesequalitiestocontinuetogrowandprosper.LLB&BRealEstatelooksforwardtobeingtherewithMobileasitcontinuestogrowandplansonmeetingthefuturerealestateneedsofthiscommunity.”

Length of continuous Chamber membership:26years

LLB&B Inc. Real Estate

Partners for Growth (PFG) is the Mobile Area Chamber’s

long-term economic and community development

program. For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly, the Chamber’s investor relations coordinator,

at 431-8655 or [email protected].

Front row (from left to right) Lee Holman, Julie Minto, Ruth Austill and Allison Huddle; second row (from left to right) Perrye Lewis and Skeeter Diehl;third row (from left to right) Kim Brennan, Abby McCall, Kathy Webster, Shirley Lane and Melissa Morrissette; fourth row (from left to right) Louise Houston, Robbie Lynn Irvine, Libba Latham, Kathy Sherer, Stella Jackson, Ashley Garstecki and Margaret Sue Browning.


Company: DauphinIslandSeaLab(DISL)

Title: Executivedirector

hometown:Burlington,N.C.

Education:Valentinereceivedabachelor’sdegreeinbiologyfromtheUniversityofTexasatDallasandadoctorateinmarinebenthicecologyfromTheUniversityofAlabama

First job: ValentineworkedforEcologicalSer-vices,asubdivisionofTexasInstrumentsinDallas,conductingenvironmentalimpactassessmentsatnuclearpowerplantsthroughoutthecountry.Duringthattime,hewasinvolvedincontinentalshelfchar-acterizationsfortheBureauofLandManagement.

Previous experience:AsaUniversityofSouthAlabamamarinesciencesprofessor,heservedasassociatedirectorforuniversityprogramsatDISL.

Accomplishments:ValentinewasinstrumentalinpreparingMobileBay’snominationtotheNationalEstuaryProgramandhasledtheworkontheroleoftheMobile-TensawDeltaasitrelatestothebayandtheGulfofMexico.Mostrecently,hemanagedthedistributionofthe$5milliongrantfromBPtotheconsortiumforrapidresponseexaminationofimpactsfromtheDeepwaterHorizonoilspill.Hehasauthoredmorethan50paperspublishedinmarinejournals.

Secret to success:“Persistence,constantre-evaluationofmywork,andcontinuingtostudynewdevelopmentsandinnovationswithinmyfield,”hesaid.“And,perhapsmostimportantly,listening.”

Brief company description: Foundedin1971bythestateLegislature,DISLisAlabama’smarinescienceeducationandresearchlaboratory,withprogramsrangingfrombiogeochemistryandoceanographytosystemsecology.DISLprimarilyservesthe22four-yearcollegesanduniversitiesofAlabamathroughitscollegesummercoursesandgraduateprograms.ItseducationalmissionalsoincludesDiscoveryHallprograms,encompassingK-12fieldprograms,teacher-trainingandpublicoutreach,aswellastheEstuarium,itspublicaquarium,focusingontheMobile-Tensawestuarysystem.

Dr. John ValentineCEO profile


Chamber@work

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Impact Alabama Meets in MobileCommittee Learns About AIDT

TheMobileAreaChamber’sBusinessRetentionandExpansion(BRE)committee,chairedbyJoeRellawithAustal,setitsgoalsoftargetingissuesandcurrentchallengesaffectingthemanufacturingindustrysector.EdCastile,directorofAIDT,providedtheAprilcommitteemeetingattendeeswithinsightonAIDT’semployerworkforcerecruitment,screeningandtrainingservicesforestablishedcompanies.Morethan75ChambermemberbusinessesparticipateintheBREcommittee.

Chamber names new Ambassadors

RobHanner,EdwardJonesInvestments;LillianStanley,AdvantageStaffing;andAllieTucker,MaryKayCosmetics,werenamednewChamberambassadors.AmbassadorsareagroupofvolunteermemberswhoassisttheChamberwithavarietyofprojects,includingeventregistrationandmembervisits,andattendribboncuttings.Tolearnmoreaboutthisgroup,[email protected].

TheChamberhostedImpactAlabamainMobileMay10-11.TheprogramincludedaPortofAlabamatouranddiscussiononthepositiveimpactoftradeonAlabama.ImpactAlabamaisaprogramintendedtogiveAlabama’seconomicdevelopmentleadershipaforumforproductiveandfocuseddialogueonkeyissuesaffectingthestate’seconomicgrowth.Picturedbackrow(fromlefttoright):WinHallett,MobileAreaChamber;SteveSewell,EconomicDevelopmentPartnershipofAlabama;ChipCherry,Huntsville/MadisonCountyChamber;HildaLockhart,AlabamaDept.ofCommerce;BillTaylor,EconomicDevelopmentPartnershipofAlabama;MikeLee,Page&Jones;WarrenMcCullars,AlabamaGasCorp.;TateGodfrey,NorthAlabamaIndustrialDevelopmentAssn.Frontrow(fromlefttoright):BrianHilson,BirminghamBusinessAlliance;GregBarker,AlabamaPower;Dr.JoeSumners,AuburnUniversity;DonHopper,CalhounCountyEconomicDevelopmentCouncil;HoraceHorn,PowerSouthEnergyCooperative;GregCanfield,AlabamaDepartmentofCommerce;andSethHammett,PowerSouth.


Premier Medical PhysiciansENT PhysiciansRONNIE E. SWAIN, MDW. CARTER BRYARS, JR., MDBARRY L. BROWN, MDJAMES R. SPIRES, JR., MDJOHN S. WILSON, MD, FACSJAMES K. PITCOCK, MDP. VAN. CROCKER, MDMARK R. GACEK, MDALFRED M. NEUMANN, JR., MDRONNIE E. SWAIN, JR., MDJ. MARK HARRISON, MDKIMBERLY ELLIOTT, MDMICHAEL LEE, MDRICHARD L. PALESANO, MD

AudiologyJIM MCDILL, PHDJENNIFER TAYLOR-GUY, AUD

Eye PhysiciansJAMES M. HARRISON, JR., MDCLAUDE M. WARREN, III, MDROLLINS L. TINDELL, JR., MDCHARLES R. SALISBURY, MDMATTHEW W. MOSTELLER, MDCHARLES S. MOSTELLER, MDRICHARD J. DUFFEY, MDH. CHRISTOPHER SEMPLE, MDANDREW P. TERRY, MDSTUART F. BALL, MDWILLIAM F. MURRAH, III, MDMARK J. DOUGLAS, MDCURTIS M. GRAF, JR., MDBEN F. KING, ODGREGORY R. JACKSON, ODROBERT E. EDGE, ODVALERIE L. VICK, MDJAY A. BROWN, MDCHARLES F. JONES, M.D.JEFFERY A. MORROW, O.D.CHRIS WALTON, MDERIN E. LICHTENSTEIN, MD

Chamber hosts Delegation from honduras

TheChamber’stradedivisionco-sponsoredacommunitybusinesslunchwiththeAlabamaStatePortAuthorityforaHondurandelegationvisitingMobilewiththeU.S.DepartmentofCommerceInternationalTradeAdministration.Honduranmid-levelgovernmentandprivatebusinessexecutivesmetwithlocalport,tradeandprivatecompanyrepresentativesabouttradeopportunities.

OffshoreAlabama.com Presents at Offshore Technology Conference

InApril,theChamber’soilandgasinitiative,OffshoreAlabama.com,co-exhibitedinaboothwithApexFCC,GulfCoastAir&Hydraulics,HorizonShipbuildingandPage&JonesattheOffshoreTechnologyConference(OTC)inHouston.Thisyear’sconferencewasthelargestinOTChistory,withmorethan70,000attendees.Asoffshoredrillingcontinuestoexpand,interestremainshighintheGulfCoastregion.ExhibitinggavetheChamberandOffshoreAlabama.compartnersanopportunitytonetwork,promotetheMobilearea’scapabilitiesandlearnaboutnewindustrytechnologies.

Chamber@work

ChamberChase,theMobileAreaChamber’sannualtotalresourcedevelopmentcampaign,kickedoffinMaywithavolunteerbreakfast.Duringtheevent,boardmembersandpastChamberChasechairsencouragedandchallengedvolunteerstohelpreachthe$1.5milliongoal.Recognizedastopvolunteersatthebreakfastwere(fromlefttoright)DawnBush,AlabamaPower;TerriOwler,Arkema;HarrisOswalt,MobileGas;TrishBanker,RegionsBank(retired);MarkSpivey,RegionsBank;LindaFaulkner,EvonikDegussa;andKayWilliams,BlueCrossandBlueShieldofAlabama.

Promoting Oil and Gas Exploration

SteveRussell,theChamber’sdirectorofbusinessretentionandexpansion,madeapresentationtotheBureauofOceanEnergyManagementatahearingheldinAprilinSpanishFort.SpeakingonbehalfoftheChamber’soilandgasinitiative,OffshoreAlabama.com,RusselladvocatedforopeningupnewareasforexplorationintheeasternGulfofMexicotoboosteconomicgrowthandsustaintheMobileeconomy.

Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings

PapaJohn’sSchillingerRoad,WellNowInc.,QualityFilters,ToniRialsPhotography,MobileHearingCenterandAnimalRescueFoundationrecentlyheldgrandopeningsandribboncuttings.Ifyourbusinessisamemberandyouwouldlikeassistancewithplanningagrandopeningorribbon-cuttingevent,[email protected].


Board of AdvisorsRichard T.

McCrearyisvicepresidentandgeneralmanagerofBAESystemsSoutheastShipyards.Hehasworkedforthecompanysinceearly2011.Previously,hewaspresidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofMarinetteMarineCorp.inMarinette,Wis.,wherehewasactivelyengagedinthesaleofthecompany.Priortothat,hewasexecutivevicepresidentofVTHalterMarineinPascagoula,Miss.AspresidentofHalterMarine,hehelpedwiththesaleofthefirmtoVTSystemsin2002.McCrearyearnedamaster’sdegreeinbusinessadministrationfromtheUniversityofChicagoandabachelor’sdegreeinnavalarchitectureandmarineengineeringfromtheUniversityofMichigan.HeisamemberofseveralmarineorganizationsincludingtheNavyLeague,SocietyofNavalEngineers,theAmericanBureauofShippingandtheUnitedStatesCoastGuardFoundation.

David F. SweetisregionalvicepresidentofFreseniusMedicalCare,amajorproviderofkidneydialysisservicesandrenalcareproducts.Heearnedbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinnursingfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabamaandholdscertificationinwoundostomyandcontinencenurseeducationfromEmoryUniversity.TheUniversityofSouthAlabamarecognizedhimwiththeNursingLeadershipAward.SweetalsoservedintheU.S.Navyasamechanicaloperatoraboardanuclearsubmarine,whereheearnedeightlettersofcommendation.Hehasworkedinthemedicalfieldsince1993,leadingorganizationsinvolvedinhome-healthcareandhospice.HeisamemberoftheAlabamaKidneyFoundationBoardandisanactivealumnusandsupporteroftheUniversityofSouthAlabama.

CLIENTmobcou

JOB NO.004069

DESCRIPTIONBusineess View

MATERIAL DUE DATE09/16/11

PUB(S)The Business View

BUILT AT100%

TRIM8.5 ”w x 5.375”h

BLEEDNA

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QUESTIONS CALLCourtneyHaupt251.476.2507

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FormoreinformationabouttheChamber’sboardofadvisors,[email protected].

Ambassador of the Month

Trish Banker

Banker

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grap

hy

TrishBankerrefusestoslowdown.“Ilovebeingavolunteer.Itkeepsmeactiveandintouchwiththecommunity,”saidBanker,theChamber’sAmbassadoroftheMonth.AretiredRegionsBankvicepresident,BankeralsocontinuestosupporttheChamberactivelythroughChamberChase,theorganization’sannualtotalresourceandmembershipdrivecampaign,andtheChairman’sCircle.Sheisa24-yearveteranoftheambassadorprogram(formerlyknownasdiplomats),andwasnamedDiplomatoftheYearin1994.

Chamber@work

McCreary Sweet


Agent since 1993

FLATBED • HEAVY HAULING • BOAT HAULING • CONTAINER HAULING

Specializing in Tanks, Pipes, Heavy Equipment and Machinery,

and Over-Dimensional Boats

Serving 48 States and Canada.

Call anytime!If you’re working, so are we.

7040 McDonald Road Irvington, AL 36544 Phone: 800-242-9212 or 251-653-7348 Fax: 251-653-1199 E-Mail: [email protected] www.wonderlandexpressinc.com

HEAVY HAULING

Business Spotlight of the Month: neal’s Electronics

Operatingformorethan23years,Neal’sElectronicsspecializesintelevisionandhometheaterandDirecTVcustominstallationsandprewiresfornewconstruction.ThestoreoffersSony,SamsungandMitsubishiproductsatitstwolocations,8125JimMcNeilLoopRd.E.inGrandBayand907-JHillcrestRd.inMobile.

PicturedisownerNealBailey(backrow,center)withhisfamily,fromlefttoright,daughterCynthiaBailey,wifeVirginiaBaileyandsonJeffBaileyinfrontoftheirfamily-ownedelectronicsalesandservicebusiness.

The Business Spotlight of the Month is selected at random from a business card drawing at the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event.

Chamber@work

TheU.S.ChamberofCommerce’s“SpiritofEnterprise”awardisgivenannuallytomembersofCongressforkeyfloorvotesestablishedasprioritiesbytheChamber.SenatorsandHousememberswhosupporttheChamber’spro-businesspositionsonatleast70percentofdesignatedvotesreceivetheaward.TheawardsignifiestheChamber’sappreciationofthosemembersasstrongsupportersoffreeenterpriseinAmerica.Sen.JeffSessionswaspresentedwitha2011“SpiritofEnterprise”attheMobileChamber’sForumAlabamabreakfastonApril30,basedonhisvotesduringthefirstsessionofthe112thCongress.Picturedattheeventare(lefttoright)NancyWallHewston,BusinessCouncilofAlabama;MooreHallmark,southeasternregionaldirector,U.S.Chamber;Sen.Sessions;BobChappelle,executivevice-president,MobileAreaChamber,andGinnyRussell,vice-presidentofgovernmentalaffairs,MobileAreaChamber.Thisisthe22ndyeartheU.S.ChamberhasformallyhonoredtheaccomplishmentsofthisselectgroupofmembersofCongress.Forthe2011Congressionalcalendar,bothofAlabama’ssenatorsreceivedtheawardaswellasU.S.Rep.JoBonner.

TheChamber’sOilandGasTaskForcepresentedtwoscholarshipstoMitchellCollegeofBusinessstudentsforresearchingandpreparingthetaskforce’scommunicationandmarketingplan.UniversityofSouthAlabamastudentsreceivingscholarshipsareRonnieBlueandMelanieLorenz.RepresentingtheOilandGasTaskForceareTomDamsonwithLong’sHumanResourceServicesandSteveRussellwiththeMobileAreaChamber.


Comparative

Economic IndicatorsThe Mobile Area Chamber’s research division collects a variety of statistics each month.

April 2012 vs April 2011

EmployedMobile/Baldwin counties

252,1892012

247,0772011

Unemployment Rates

7.1%2012

9.5%2011

24,9502012

23,8692011

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

$127,0432012

$130,8302011

Average Selling Price Mobile County

homes Sold⌦Mobile County

2982012

29220112372012

2132011

Building PermitsCity of Mobile

Business LicensesCity of Mobile

2042012

2232011

Value of Building Permits

$10,485,7212012

$12,564,4142011

Infirmary Health

Great Expectations

Infirmary Health hosts Great Expectations, a free mother-to-be event in both Mobile and Baldwin counties. For more information, call 251-435-3500.

a free mother-to-be event

www.infirmaryhealth.org/womensbest

Sunday, July 15Thomas Hospital • Lobby

1-4 p.m.

Sunday, July 29Mobile Infirmary • Atrium

1-4 p.m.

• Door prizes• Physician and educational booths• Retail displays

• Maternity fashions • Birth center tours• Car seat installations (Mobile Infirmary event)


Expect a more personal connection.At Regions, we’re committed to getting to know you and providing the practical fi nancial solutions you and your business need to thrive. Whether you’re opening your fi rst business checking account or planning for long-term fi nancing, our banking experts are dedicated to understanding your goals and concerns and developing a plan that meets your needs. Here in Mobile, John Thornley exemplifi es that dedication. Since 1973, he has been committed to serving his Regions customers and his community. As Senior Vice President for Business Banking, John puts his years of leadership experience and understanding of the business community to work for you every day. Call John or his business banking team at 251-694-1475 or stop by today to discover everything we have to offer. We’re not just bankers, we’re trusted friends.

Consumer | Business | Commercial | Wealth Management | Mortgage

© 2012 Regions Bank. All Regions accounts are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Regions Deposit Agreement. Fees may apply. All loans and lines subject to credit approval.

Vist a branch, call 1.800.regions or go to regions.com today.

John Thornley

REL-AL-P121221 JohnThornley.indd 1 4/23/12 4:46 PM

Plan Your Way to a

With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cargo Van. This Sprinter has over 6 ½’ of standing head room, and can carry over 5,300 pounds of cargo.

We welcome all customers to our new state of the art dealership for your sales, service and parts needs. Nothing but the best - Mercedes-Benz of Mobile.

SALES · SERVICE · PARTS

Smarter Business

2012 Sprinter 3500 Cargo Van


July Calendar of Events

4

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

10 A Beginner’s Guide to Exporting

Internationaltradeisincreasinglyimportantintoday’seconomicmarket,andMobileisaprimelocationformajorexportsoutoftheever-expandingPortofMobile.Learnhowyourbusinesscangetinontheactionwith“ABeginner’sGuidetoExporting”onTuesday,July10,from8to11a.m.attheMobileAreaChamber,451GovernmentSt.Topicswillincludelogistics,internationalbanking,globalwebsitesandgovernmentassistance.

Thereisnocosttoattend,butreservationsarerequiredandcanbemadebycontactingBrendaRembertat431-6807orbrembert@mobilechamber.com.

Chamber Closed - Independence Day 11 networking@noon

*Members Only

Make40-plusbusinesscontactsin90minutesatNetworking@NoononWednesday,July11,atSpotofTea,310DauphinSt.,fromnoonto1:30p.m.SponsoredbyC-Spire,thisbi-monthlyeventisforMobileAreaChambermembersandlimitedtoonerepresentativepercompany.

Thecostis$10andincludeslunch.ReservationsarerequirednolaterthanJuly9,andcanbemadebycontactingDawnRencherat431-8649ordrencher@mobilechamber.com.ReservationsnotcancelledbyJuly9mustbehonoredtocoverthecostoflunch.

17 Executive Roundtable*Members Only

MobileCountyCommissionPresidentConnieHudsonwilloutlinecountydevelopmentsatthismonth’sExecutiveRoundtable,amonthlyforumexclusivelyforChambermembersmallbusinessownersandmanagers.ThegroupwillmeetTuesday,July17,from8to9a.m.intheMobileAreaChamber’sBoardRoom.

Thereisnochargetoattend,butseatingislimited.ForreservationscontactBrendaRembertat431-8607orbrembert@mobilechamber.com.

19 Business After hours/ Contacts and Contracts

CombiningwiththeChamber’sContactsandContractsevent,thismonth’sBusinessAfterHoursprovidesanevengreateropportunitytointroduceyourcompanyandmakenewcontactswhilenetworkingwithothersmallandminoritybusinessownersandentrepreneurs.MarkyourcalendarforThursday,July19,from5:30to7p.m.atBlueRents,1601E.I-65ServiceRd.S.Thecosttoattendis$5formembersand$10forpotentialmembers.Reservationsarenotneeded.

27TheMobileAreaChamberisacceptingapplicationsforitsAnnualEagleAwards

andMinorityBusinessAdvocate(MBA)AwardthroughFriday,July27.Eligibilityinformationandtheapplicationcanbefoundonthechamber’swebsite,www.mobilechamber.com/awards.aspandmaybesubmittedonlineoryoumaycall431-8607foranapplicationformandreturnittothechamber’sSmallBusinessDevelopmentdepartment.

TheawardswillbepresentedattheMinorityBusinessWeekLuncheonandAwardsCeremonyheldOctober18,2012.

Eagle Award Application Deadline


ProvidenceHospitalnamedWilliamMitchellenvironmentalservicesdirectorandBobThompsonfacilitiesmanagementdirector.MitchellpreviouslyservedinenvironmentalservicesleadershipatEastCooperMedicalCenterinMountPleasant,S.C.,andattheUniversityofMississippiMedicalCenterinJackson.Thompsonbrings25yearsofexperienceinfacilitiesleadershiptohisnewposition.HepreviouslyservedasdirectorofengineeringservicesatCommunityHospitalofMontereyPeninsulainMonterey,Calif.,andsupervisedfacilitiesandplantoperationsatSt.John’sRegionalHospitalinSpringfield,Mo.

XTheUniversityofSouthAlabama

College(USA)ofMedicineappointedDr.DavidGremseprofessorandchairofpediatrics.Hereceivedabachelor’sdegree

inchemicalengineeringfromtheGeorgiaInstituteofTechnologyandearnedamedicaldegreefromtheUSACollegeofMedicine.Hewasthefirstboard-

certifiedpediatricgastroenterologistinMobileandisthefirstUSACollegeofMedicinealumnustobeappointedchairofanacademicdepartmentatthemedicalschool.

Inothernews,Dr.MikeLinwasappointedassistantprofessorinthedepartmentofphysiologyattheUSACollegeofMedicine.Linearnedamaster’sofscienceandadoctorateinphysiologyfromLomaLindaUniversityinLomaLinda,Calif.

XMonaCooper

joinedPrudentialCooper&Co.asanassociateinitsmainoffice.

Dr.StephanieD.GroszjoinedCitrin,Rihner&GuptaCardiologyPC.Groszisaboard-certifiedelectrophysiologistandclinicalcardiologistwithmorethan16yearsofexperiencetreatingpatientswithheartrhythmdisturbances.SheearnedamedicaldegreefromBaylorCollegeofMedicineinHoustonandabachelor’sdegreeinpublicpolicyfromDukeUniversity.

XWilliamBender

joinedthePrincipalFinancialGroupasafinancialrepresentativeassistingbusinessesandindividualswithinvestments,retirementandinsurance.BendergraduatedfromTheUniversityofAlabamawithabachelor’sdegreeinpoliticalscience.

Member NewsWho’s New

Grosz

Hilperts Massey

Bender

SpringHillCollegenamedJeffreyA.HilpertsasvicepresidentforadvancementandMargaretG.Masseyaschiefinformationofficer.Hilpertshasabachelor’sdegreeinpsychologyfromSpringHillCollegeandamaster’sdegreeinhumanservicesmanagementfromFranklinUniversity.Masseyearnedabachelor’sdegreeineconomicsfromAuburnUniversity,amaster’sdegreeininternationalbusinessandhighereducationleadershipfromFloridaInternationalUniversity,andadoctorateinsocialworkfromNorfolkStateUniversity.

XColdwellBanker

United,REALTORSwelcomedagentLisaMcLeodtotheMobileoffice.

McLeod

Mitchell Thompson Gremse

Cooper

Lin


AnnSirmonwasnameddevelopmentdirectorforDistinguishedYoungWomen.SirmonpreviouslywasownerofPAFManagement,wheresheassistedcorporationsandnonprofitorganizationswitheventandconferencemanagement.SheisaformerpresidentoftheJuniorLeagueofMobileandagraduateofLeadershipMobile.

SunriseDermatology’sMedSpaisopenat70MidtownParkE.inMobile.Thephonenumberis289-1786.

XJMFSolutions,aleadingfixedwireless

providerformorethan2,400locationsnationwide,upgradedandexpandeditsWaveFlyfixedwirelesstechnologyintheDaphne,downtownMobileandwestMobilelocationstosupportthegrowingresidentialandbusinessdemandsforInternetaccess.Formoreinformation,visitwww.wavefly.comorcall877-WAVEFLY.

XValorSteelBuildingsacquiredAce

Construction&SteelBuildingsofDaphne

CartridgeWorldofMobile,aninkandtonerretailer,addedprinterstoitseco-friendlyproductlineofinkandtonerprintercartridges.

HarriettaEaton,chiefexecutiveofficerofCorroMetrics,waselectedtoserveasvice-chairofpublicaffairsfortheNationalAssociationofCorrosionEngineers(NACE).Eatonearnedabachelor’sdegreeinmasscommunicationsfromtheUniversityofMontevalloandamaster’sdegreeinpublicadministrationfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabama.SheiscurrentlythechairofNACE’sMobileSectionandtheonlyAlabamianservingonthecommittee.

XJohnG.Walton,president/ownerof

JohnG.WaltonConstructionCo.Inc.,wasnamedtheAlabamaAssociatedGeneralContractors(ACG)2012president.MikeTew,president/ownerofS.J.&L.Inc.inMobile,waselectedvicepresident.

Inaddition,AlabamaAGC’sMobileSectionrecognizedthefollowingChambermembersformaintaininganexcellentsafety

WilkinsMillerHieronymusLLCaccountingandadvisoryfirmhiredMichaelBensonCPAtothefirm’sMobileofficeasanaccountantwithaconcentration

inauditandtax.BensongraduatedfromTheUniversityofAlabamawithabachelor’sdegreeincommerceandbusinessadministrationwithamajorinaccountingandamaster’sdegreeintaxaccounting.

XPhilSavage,a

MobilenativeandtheformergeneralmanageroftheClevelandBrowns,wasnamedexecutivedirectoroftheSeniorBowl.Heisalso

currentlyananalystforTheUniversityofAlabamafootballbroadcastsontheCrimsonTideSportsNetwork,arolethathewillcontinuetohold.SavageattendedtheUniversityoftheSouthinSewanee,Tenn.,andearnedamaster’sdegreeinphysicaleducationfromTheUniversityofAlabama.

Business Endeavors

Well Done

recordthroughout2011inthebuildingdivision:White-SpunnerConstructionInc.;BenM.RadcliffContractorInc.;J.C.Duke&AssociatesInc.;CaseConstructionCo.;J.F.Pate&AssociatesContractorsInc.;andS.J.&L.Inc.

XAssociatedBuilders&Contractors

(ABC)recentlyannouncedMobile-basedWhite-SpunnerConstructionInc.receivedaGoldLevelSTEP(SafetyTrainingandEvaluationProcess)awardforexcellenceinsafetypractice.ABCestablishedtheSTEPprogramtorecognizememberswhoconsistentlyexcelinthefieldofsafety.

XVIPNailsandSpawasfeaturedinthe

MayissueofU.S. Nails Magazineforthe“BlueMinx”naildesignbyHanhLisaNguyen.

XThe$300millionAPMTerminal

(MobileContainerTerminals)wasrecentlyinductedintothe2012AlabamaEngineeringHallofFame.Thestate-of-the-art,deepwatermarineterminalofferscontainerizedcargoshippersacost-effectivealternativetoaccessingglobalnetworkscoveringallpossibletraderoutestoandfromtheport.

Eaton

EVERY GREAT BUSINESS NEEDS A GREAT BANK. COMMUNITY BANK IS HERE TO BE YOUR PARTNER IN BUSINESS.

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at Community Bank the success of your business is our business.

*Bill pay fees are $2.95 per month with 30¢ per transaction. Cash management is available online for $9.95 per month. **Subject to approval.

Benson

Savage

Sirmon


RedSquareAgencywasselectedasa2012WebbyAwardhonoreeforitsmobilewebsitedesignworkonbehalfofitsclient,FullSailUniversityofOrlando,Fla.,intheMobileWeb:EducationandReferencecategory.TheWebbyAwardshonorexcellenceontheInternet.

XTwoattorneysatJonesWalkerMobile

officewerelistedinthe2012editionofAlabama Super Lawyers.TheyareKennethS.SteelyandJasonR.(“Jay”)Watkins.

X DeanN.Parker

Jr.,founderandchiefexecutiveofficerofCallisCommunications,wasselectedasafinalistfortheErnst&YoungEntrepreneuroftheYearAward2012,Alabama/Georgia/Tennesseeregion.Theawardrecognizesoutstandingentrepreneurswhohavedemonstratedexcellenceandextraordinarysuccessinareassuchasinnovation,financialperformanceandpersonalcommitmenttotheirbusinessesandcommunities.

ColdwellBankerUnited,REALTORShonoredthecompany’stopproducingagentsatits2012AnnualAwardsCelebration.Topproducersin2011wereNickieOlson,BarbaraFrazier,AngelaPerry,BarbaraRogersandAngelaGolfosoftheDaphneofficeandKylaGastonoftheMobileoffice.ColdwellBankerNationalDesignationrecipientswereAngelaGolfosandEvaKlemannoftheDaphneoffice.KylaGastonandRamehDickensofMobilewerenamedtotheSocietyInternationalSterling,ortop20percentofColdwellBankersalesassociatesworldwide.RecognizedintheTop15percentofallColdwellBankersalesassociatesworldwideandnamedtotheInternationalDiamondSocietywereNickieOlsonandBarbaraRogersoftheDaphneoffice.

XPublicRelations

CouncilofAlabama(PRCA)awardedDr.ShareeBroussardAPR,assistantprofessorofcommunicationartsatSpringHillCollege,thePhilipR.

ForrestProfessionalAchievementAwardatitsannualstateconferenceearlierthisyear.TheawardisthehighesthonorbestowedbyPRCAtoanoutstandingsinglepractitionerinthefieldofpublicrelations.

Perry Rogers

Olson Frazier

Gaston

Golfos Klemann

SpringdaleTravelcounselorsDebraSmithandMartyHarriswererecognizedbyAmericanExpressTravel.SmithwasnamedanAmericanExpressTravelInsiderforStudentGroupTravel.ShehasmorethansevenyearsofexperiencewithSpringdaleTravelleadingthestudentgroupsdepartment,inadditiontomorethan25yearsofteachingexperiencewithMobileCountyPublicSchoolSystem.HarriswasnamedanAmericanExpressTravelInsiderforCruiseGroups.Hehasbeenactiveinthetravelcommunityformorethan17years.

XSandyStimpson,chieffinancial

officerofScotchGulfLumberandformerChairmanoftheBusinessCouncilofAlabama,waselectedtoserveasthechairmanofAlabamaPolicyInstitute’s(API)boardofdirectors.

XBillTrufant,presidentofB&BPet

Stop,Inc.waselectedtoserveontheWorldPetAssociationboardofdirectors

Smith Harris

Dickens

Parker

Broussard

PartnersforEnvironmentalProgress(PEP)awardedits2012PEPCommunityPartnerAwardtoProjectCATE(ConservativeActionthroughEducation)Foundationinrecognitionofits20plusyearsofprovidingaward-winningenvironmentalconservationeducationalmaterials.

PEPalsoawardeditseighthannualPEPEnvironmentalStewardshipawardstosixmembercompaniesandacommunitypartneratitsannualmembershipmeeting.ChambermembercompaniesareAlabamaPower,PlantBarry,BASF,HargroveEngineers+Constructors,SSAB,VolkertInc.andWhite-SpunnerConstruction.

XTheUniversityofSouthAlabama

studenthealthcenterwasrecentlygranteda3-yearaccreditationbytheAccreditationAssociationforAmbulatoryHealthCare(AAAHC).ThestudenthealthcenteristheonlyAAAHC-accreditedcenterinSouthernAlabamaandoneofonlytwoinAlabama.

MobileBayConventionandVisitorsBureauannouncedthelocaltourismandhospitalityindustryhelpedemploy15,000peopleandhost2.4millionvisitors,accordingtothelateststatisticsavailable.


Burr&FormanLLPannounced44attorneysinthefirm’sAlabamaofficesareincludedonthisyear’sAlabamaSuperLawyerslist,withtwoattorneysinthestate’sTop50SuperLawyerslistandtwoattorneysinthestate’sTop25WomenSuperLawyerslist.Anadditional25attorneyswererecognizedontheAlabamaRisingStars2012list,bringingthetotalnumberofBurr&FormanattorneysrecognizedinAlabamato69.

XTwoMaslandContract/Masland

Carpetdesigns,EmblemandTorqueModular,wererecognizedattheAntronDesignAwardsfortheirinnovativedesignandversatility.

XVERGE,afull-serviceadvertisingand

marketingboutiquewonawardsfromtheAmericanAdvertisingFederation(AAF)andPublicRelationsCouncilofAlabama(PRCA).ThefirmreceivedaGoldADDYfromAAFMobileBayforthelogocreatedforCadence120BicyclesandtwoawardsfromPRCA,aMedallionAwardforUSAMitchellCancerInstitute’sCelebrateHopeandreceivedanAwardofMeritforCompassionateHeartsforIchihara.

Inaddition,LauraBurton,principalatVERGE,wasawardedtheHarryHoileFormerGovernor’sAward,fromAAF.

Submission deadline for Member News is two months prior to publication.

News releases should be one or two brief paragraphs. Photos must be

professional headshots, labeled with the person’s last name, and must be

300 dpi at full size and saved in an eps, tif or jpg format. Send your information

to [email protected].

Community News

The Business View – an easy and economical way to get your

company in front of the Mobile area business community.

Contact René Eiland to discover how advertising in The Business View can complete your

marketing plan at 251.431.8635 or e-mail [email protected].

www.mobilechamber.com/view/media_kit.pdf

Trade Program

Celebrates

15 Years

VIEW

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

the

JULY

201

2

Three Cheers for

Sports!

City Unveils

eMobileOnlineTax Payment

linkedin.comGroup-MobileAreaChamberofCommerce

Join us.

facebook.com/MobileChamber

Like us.

twitter.com/MobileChamber

Follow us.

youtube.com/MobileChamberWatch us.

CONNECTwith the Chamber

Inaddition,travel-relatedspendingtotaled$850million,andlodgingtaxescollectedgarnered$3millionforthecityofMobileand$1.8millionforMobileCounty.

XAirbusCorporateFoundationgave

theGulfCoastExploreumScienceCenterasecond$50,000granttoexpanditsfirst-yearyouthmentoringandaeronauticspilotprogramdesignedtoinspiredisadvantagedchildrenandyoungadultsthroughaviation.

XAccordingtoUnitedWayofSouthwest

Alabama,morethan400volunteersfromareabusinessesandorganizationsgaveanestimated3,500hourstothecommunitiesofMobile,WashingtonandClarkecountiesduringitsannualDayofCaring.

XMobileUnitedreceiveda$15,000

socialimpactinitiativegrantfromTheCommunityFoundationofSouthAlabamafor“MobileinBlack&White:RaceRelationsinthe21stCentury,”aprogramdesignedtoaddressissuesofstructuralandinstitutionalracismthroughaseriesofconversationsandmeetings.


Advanced DisposalRadleyDetamore6225RangelineRd.Theodore,AL36582251-443-8555www.advanceddisposal.comWaste Management

Alabama Central Credit UnionKyleMcAdams797DowntownerBlvd.Mobile,AL36609251-343-1692www.alabamacentral.orgCredit Unions

Alebamon Marine Services LLCAdamHargrove1901AlabamaStateDocksBlvd.,Bldg50,Ste.105Mobile,AL36652251-442-6405Marine Services

AM LaundromatAlBoice235CenterChurchRd.GroveCity,PA16127724-372-3987Laundry-Commercial

Barton & Shumer Engineering LLCRussellS.BartonPE6304PiccadillySq.Dr.,Ste.3Mobile,AL36609251-219-4942www.bartoneng.comEngineers-Professional-Structure

WFBD-DT48 Blab TVHaroldMcGahaP.O.Box12836Pensacola,FL32591850-432-8982www.blabtv.comTelevision Programs Producers

Courtyard by MarriottShaneAldridge1000W.I-65ServiceRd.S.Mobile,AL36609251-344-5200www.marriott.com/mobayHotels

Dauphin Island Sea LabJohnValentine101BienvilleBlvdDauphinIsland,AL36528251-861-2141www.disl.orgEducational Programs

Deep Down Inc.NeilStuckey6065RangelineRd.,Ste.ATheodore,AL36582281-862-2201www.deepdowninc.comOil Field Service

Koby SubaruMonicaKoby1431E.I-65ServiceRd.S.Mobile,AL36606251-478-5000Automobile Dealers-New & Used Cars

Master Marine Inc.BrettS.Dungan14284ShellBeltRd.BayouLaBatre,AL36509251-824-4151www.mastermarineinc.comShip Builders

W.R. Mitchell Contractor Inc.GregHaggardP.O.Box180637Mobile,AL36618251-456-6576Utility Contractors

New MembersIf you know of a company interested in benefitting from Chamber membership, contact Tricia Bradley at 431-8642 or Rebecca Milam at 431-8647.

View the complete membership directory at www.mobilechamber.com.

AnniversariesMembers Are Our Greatest Asset!

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

30YEARSBrownellTravelGrandbridgeRealEstateCapitalLLC

25YEARSMBILLCSouthAlabamaUtilities

20YEARSAlabamaInstituteforDeaf&Blind

15YEARSMobileHousingBoard

10YEARSMiracleLandscapingandConstructionInc.StorageMax-UniversityStorageMax-Midtown

5YEARSTheAppraisal&ConsultantGroupFiltersforIndustryInc.GraybarHeffernan&AssociatesInc.Mosley’sMeatMarketInc.

PNCBankRemedialServicesInc.RockwellandKaufmanLLCRubber&SpecialtiesInc.SecurityEngineersInc.SlatonMoving&WarehouseTechnicalSpecialtiesInc.WilliamsScotsmanInc.

1-4YEARS360cleanAcademicsUnlimitedAerotekAmericanFamilyCare-SaralandBestRateInsuranceBetterHomes&GardensRealEstate/GenerationsBiehl&Co.LPBlastechMobileLLCBluegillRestaurantInc.Brasfield&GorrieLLCBriggsEquipmentCamelliaTrophyandSpecialtiesCommunityEnterpriseInvestmentsInc.CopyProductsCo.CummingsArchitectureCorp.DeLashmetandMarchandPCDuctDoctorofSouthAlabama

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

1 Source Power & Equipment LLCRussellP.Miles3240MoffettRd.Mobile,AL36607251-380-7800www.1sourcellc.comConstruction Equipment-Sales & Rentals

Progressive Business SolutionsRudolfoFrescas,MBA,ACHE5920GrelotRoad,SuiteGBMobile,AL36695228-235-1404Business Consultants

Shireman Building ContractorsMarkShireman21WilsonAve.Thomasville,AL36784812-968-0556www.jlshireman.comContractors-General

Southern Bullion Coin & JewelryTeresaBroach3698-BAirportBlvd.Mobile,AL36608251-287-6565www.sbcoin.comJewelry

State Farm-Mobile Agency Field OfficeScottCantrell1070DowntownerBlvd.Mobile,AL36609251-414-4584www.statefarm.comInsurance & Financial Services

Technical & Scientific ApplicationMaryTashman3821LornaRd.,Ste.100Hoover,AL35244205-421-4927www.tsa.comTechnology Business Solutions

TIGStephanieSmith1509GovernmentSt.,Ste.105Mobile,AL36602251-445-0665,Ext.204www.tig.comComputer-Networking

Town of Mt. VernonBonnieByrd1565BoylesAve.Mt.Vernon,AL36560251-829-6633www.mtvernonal.comGovernment Offices & Agencies

Tropical Smoothie CafeCrystalStaggers9DuRhuDr.,#100Mobile,AL36608251-378-5648www.tropicalsmoothie.com/al21Restaurants

United HealthCarePatriciaMayhall1110MontlimarDr.,Ste.250Mobile,AL36609251-461-5222www.uhc.comInsurance

As of 4/30/12

elgHANIELEmma’sHarvestHomeTheEzellHouseF&SEquipmentandSuppliesInc.FirehouseSubsFortisCollegeSchoolofCosmetologyGlusmanVisionCenterGriegStarShipping(USA)Inc.GulfCoastDermatology&SkinCareCentrePLLCHamptonInn&SuitesMobileDowntown/HistoricDistrictHamptonInn&SuitesOrangeBeachHiltonGardenInn-MobileWestHoffmanFurnitureCo.Inc.HomewoodSuitesbyHilton-MobileEastBayDaphneWm.F.Horne&Co.PLLCHowellandAssociatesInsuranceAgency/FarmersInsuranceiBERIABANKJJPRLittlerMendelsonPCMamun-REMAXPartnersManufacturer’sPackagingServicesMarspecTechnicalProducts

McPhersonOilCo.MobileBayCoinsNudraulixInc.P&GMachine&SupplyCo.Inc.PenAirFederalCreditUnionPhoenixRestorationServicesInc.PointLogisticsLLCRainmakerLLCRegentAerospaceRichardsonStevedoring&LogisticsSignalInternationalLLCSignalShipRepairLLCSignatureRealEstateLLCSouthernOilExplorationInc.StaggersPropertiesLLCStirlingPropertiesLLCSyn-FabInc.TalascendLLCTecnicoCorp.TheUniversityofAlabamaUnitedRentalsVFPFireSystemsInc.VIPNails&TanWal-MartNeighborhoodMarket#4657MeegieWheatDr.SonyaWhite

AlabamaOrthopaedicClinicPC.....................18AlabamaPower..................................................21BankTrust.......................................................... 16BB&T.....................................................................9BlueHavenPools................................................ 6CoastSafeandLock.........................................30CommunityBank.............................................32FLCLiving.......................................................... 19Gwin’sPrinting................................................. 33HarrisBusinessMachines................................20HancockBank...................................................12InfirmaryHealth..............................................28InterstatePrinting&GraphicsInc..................31JaguarIMGSportsMarketing..........................18Lagniappe.......................................................... 33MCGBusinessSolutions...................................24Mercedes-BenzofMobile.................................29MobileAirportAuthority................................... 14MobileCountyHealthDepartment................. 26PadgettBusinessServicesofMobile................ 13PNCBank..........................................................10PremierMedicalManagement........................ 25RegionsBank....................................................29SafetySource....................................................... 6TheUniversityofAlabama................................ 7USARealEstateSummit....................................9WonderlandExpress......................................... 27

www.JoinMobileChamber.com

backed by more than 175 years of business adviceThe Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has been around for more than 175 years, so we’ve had time to build a reputation as the area’s most trusted source of business information. National studies have shown businesses and consumers are much more likely to think favorably of a company that belongs to a chamber of commerce and 63 percent more likely to buy goods and services from chamber members. Chamber membership does more than add credibility and boost your image in the community, it shows you believe in Mobile and are working to build a stronger future for our area. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.

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Documents

The Business View - July 2012