the business view - march 2012

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Dr. Stephen Dill on Leaving a Legacy

Pierce to LeadChamber in

2012

Chamber Selects 2011Award Winners

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Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce theM

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2 MARCH 2012 | THE BuSInESS VIEW

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THE BuSInESS VIEW | MARCH 2012 3

March 2012 4 ChamberPresidentWinHallett addressestheimmigrationissuefrom theChamber’sperspective

5 SCOREColumn:Howtocomply withtheimmigrationlawandE-Verify

6 Twocompaniessettoco-locateon ThyssenKruppsite

7

TheMobileAreaEducation Foundation’s80/20programisdesigned tohelpmorestudentsgraduatefrom highschoolandsucceedinlife.

8 ChamberofferstriptotheFrenchRiviera

9 UniversityofSouthAlabamasetto offeradoctorateofbusiness administration

10 SmallBusinessoftheMonth:Petrie’s

11 TheChamberlaunchesanew marketingcampaign,BelieveinMobile. BelongtotheChamber.

12-13

Opportunity175wasagalaheldin JanuarytohonortheChamber’s 175thanniversary.

15-16 Dr.StephenF.Dill’sremarksduring Opportunity175initsentirety

19-23 LearnmoreabouttheChamber’s 2011awardwinners. 24 CEOProfile:PerryHand,VolkertInc.

26 InvestorFocus:CrowShields&Bailey

27 MeettwonewChamberstaffmembers- LeMarisAlstonandDawnRencher

28 Chamber@Work

29 AmbassadoroftheMonth:DorothyMay

29 BoardofAdvisorProfiles: CeliaBaehrandJamesLaierPhD

30 EconomicIndicators

31 Calendar

32-34 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 EditorsAshleyHorn,SusanRak-Blanchard,GretaSharp,CarolynWilson

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

[email protected]

Cover TheMobileAreaChamberofCommercenamedMichaelPierceits2012Chairman.ReadaboutPierceandhisgoalsfortheChamberin2012.Seestoryonpage14.Cover photo by Jeff Tesney Photography.

1214

VIEW

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce the

Vol. XLIII, No. 2

9

8

14


AgreatdealhasbeensaidaboutAlabama’simmigrationlawinthePress-Register,The New York Times,The Washington Post,CNN,CBS,MSNBC,Reutersandmanyothermediaoutlets.Unfortunately,thenationalpresswe’rereceivingisnotthekindanystatewouldwelcome.

TheMobileAreaChamberbelievesillegalimmigrantsshouldnotbeworkinginAlabama,orinanyotherstate.Unfortunately,thewell-intentionedlawwecurrentlyhavehasbroughtabasketfulofunintendedconsequencesforlegalimmigrants,visitorsfromothercountriesandcitizensalike.

Inastatewealthyinforeigndirectinvestment(Airbus,Austal,Evonik-Degussa,Honda,Hyundai,Mercedes,SSABandThyssenKrupp,tonameafew),ourcurrentlawiscausingustobeviewedasunwelcomingtoforeignworkersandinvestment.And,indeed,thatmaybethemostdamagingconsequenceofall.

InarecentsurveyconductedbytheChamberofitsmembers’headsoffirm,amajorityofrespondentsbelieveforeigndirectinvestmenthasbeenpositiveforAlabama(99.6percent),andtwo-thirdsofourmembersbelievethelawneedsstructuralchanges(76.7percent).AlabamaAttorneyGeneralLutherStrangeandleadinglegislatorsagreethelawhastakenusdownaroadwedidnotwanttotravel.

Legalimmigrantsareanimportantpartofthestate’sworkforce,andbarrierstotheirabilitytoworkhereshouldbeminimized.Likewise,illegalimmigrantsshouldpursuelegitimacyiftheydesiretoworkintheUnitedStates.

TheU.S.ChamberofCommerce(USCOC)addressesargumentsoftenposedintheimmigrationdebatein“ImmigrationMythsandFacts,”2011,USCOCLaborImmigrationandEmployeeBenefitsDivision.Nationally,andcontrarytopopularbelief,theU.S.Chamberreports:

•Immigrantsdonottypicallycompeteforjobswithnative-bornworkers,andtheycreatejobsasentrepreneurs,consumersandtaxpayers;

•ImmigrantsgiveaslightboosttothewagesofAmericansbyincreasingtheirproductivityandstimulatinginvestment;

•ImmigrantswillreplenishtheU.S.laborforceastheBabyBoomersretire;

•Undocumentedimmigrantsarenoteligibleforfederalpublicbenefitprograms,andlegalimmigrantsfacestringenteligibilityrestrictions;

•Undocumentedimmigrantspaybillionsofdollarsintaxeseachyear,oftenforbenefitstheywillneverreceive;

•Today’simmigrantsarebuyinghomesandbecomingU.S.citizens;and

•Immigrationdoesnotcausecrimeratestorise,andimmigrantshavelower

incarcerationratesthannative-bornAmericans.

TheMobileAreaChamberpledgestoworkwithourlegislatorstomakeAlabama’simmigrationlawoneallourcitizenscansupport,andtoencourageotherchambersandeconomicdevelopmententitiesthroughoutthestatetodolikewise.WealsoencouragePresidentBarackObamaandCongresstoenactacomprehensivefederalimmigrationpolicy.

Immigration Law Has Unintended Consequences

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Win HallettPresident, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

“unfortunately,

the well-intentioned

law we currently

have has brought

a basketful of

unintended

consequences for

legal immigrants,

visitors from other

countries and

citizens alike.”

Gulf Coast Commercial Real Estate Summit V

Wednesday, March 217:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 South Water Street, Mobile

Cost $195Register Online

events.mobilechamber.comRegistration and payment required before March 16 - No refunds after this date

For more information, contact Shelly Mattingly at (251) 431-8655 or [email protected]

Area real estate experts discuss everything you need to know about the market from retail to

industrial properties to residential trends to finance and credit.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

MITCHELLCOLLEGE of BUSINESS

Center for Real Estate Studies

Sponsorships are still availableContact Marcina Lang at (251) 460-6735

or [email protected]

USAMC_GC_CommercialRESummitV_vert4.indd 1 1/30/2012 3:42:38 PM


WhileallAlabamaemployers,largeandsmall,arerequiredtoenrollandusetheE-Verifysystem,thestateofAlabamahasdevelopedan“EmployerAgentService”forbusinesseswith25orfeweremployees.Thesesmallercompaniescancall1-855-VERIFY-6(1-855-837-4396)forassistance.EvenbusinesseswithonlyoneemployeearerequiredtobeenrolledinE-Verify.

Companiesconductingbusinesswiththestate,countyorcitygovernmentwererequiredtobeginusingE-VerifyJan.1.Thesecompaniesmustalsohaveonfileaffidavitsfromsubcontractorsprovidingservicesforagovernmentcontract.

HeritageHomespresidentFrankLottIIIdoesn’tseetheE-Verifyprogramnegativelyaffectinghisbusinessgrowth,butheisconcernedaboutsubcontractors.“Thosecompaniesthatcouldbenegativelyimpactedarethesmallcompaniesandthosethathireseasonalortemporary

workers.Mostofthesesmallbusinessesprobablydon’tknowenoughaboutthisnewlawtoknowwhattodoaboutit.”

TheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS)andtheMobileAreaChamberwillholdameetingonFriday,March16,from8to9:30a.m.toassistlocalbusinessownersincomplyingwiththelaw.Themeetingwillexplainhowtoregisteronit,howtouseitandrulesrelatedtotheE-Verifyprogram.

Thereisnocosttoattend.RSVPbycallingBrendaRembertat431-8607ore-mailbrembert@mobilechamber.com.

To learn more about E-Verify, or for a free and confidential one-on-one counseling session, contact the Mobile SCORE chapter, housed at the Mobile Area Chamber, at 431-8614, or visit online at www.score.org.

Asmostbusinessesareaware,allUnitedStatesemployersarerequiredtocompleteandretainapaperdocument,theFormI-9–the“EmploymentEligibilityVerification”form–foreachpersontheyhire.Thatincludescitizensandnon-citizens.OnApril1,Alabama’snewimmigrationlaw,theBeason-HammonAlabamaTaxpayerandCitizenProtectionAct,whichhasbeencalledthetoughestimmigrationlawinthecountry,willgointoeffect.

ThisactrequireseveryAlabamaemployertoenrollinandbeginusingthefederalE-Verifyprogram,theonlinesystemverifyingtheemploymenteligibilityofemployees.Thisappliestonewemployees–thosehiredApril1andafter.Businessownerswillgotowww.uscis.govtoenrollandformoreinformation.

E-VerifytakestheFormI-9processonestepfurther.ItcomparesinformationprovidedonFormI-9toinformationintheSocialSecurityAdministrationand

DepartmentofHomelandSecurityrecords.EmployerswillknowrightawayifanemployeeiseligibletoworkintheUnitedStates.

How to Comply with E-Verify

Fast FactsWhat: Comply–E-Verify presentedbythe U.S.Citizenshipand ImmigrationServices, U.S.Departmentof HomelandSecurityandthe MobileAreaChamber

When: Friday,March16,from 8to9:30a.m.

Where:MobileAreaChamber ofCommerce 451GovernmentSt.

Info: BrendaRembertat 431-8607orbrembert@ mobilechamber.com You’ll see this symbol with

stories featuring Chamber initiatives.

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T wo companies recently made commitments to co-locate on

ThyssenKrupp’s (TK) 3,600-acre campus.

Inthefourthquarterof2011,SteelWarehouseCo.LLCannounceditwasinnegotiationswithThyssenKruppandbecamethefirsttenantinTK’sindustrialpark.

InJanuary,HeidtmanSteelProductsInc.becamethesecondtenant.BothannouncementsarefulfillingthepromiseofadditionaljobsandinvestmenttheGermansteelgiantwoulddraw.

“WeareproudtoaddsuchsuccessfulcompaniestotheMobilecommunityandtotheThyssenKruppsupplierandcustomerbasethathasalreadylocatedintheMobilearea,”said

ClaudiaZimmermann,theMobileAreaChamber’sdirectorofeconomicdevelopment.“It’savalidationoftheThyssenKruppprojectthatthemanufacturingbasearounditcontinuestogrowandcreatesubstantialinvestmentandhigh-payingjobs.”

SteelWarehouse,afamily-ownedcompanyinSouthBend,Ind.,with10locationsandmorethan1,000employeesintheNorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreement(NAFTA)region,hasbeenaTKcustomersincethemanufacturingfacilityopened.

SteelWarehousewillbuildandrunasteelpicklingoperation,aprocessthatusesacidtocleanThyssenKrupp’shotrolledsteelandremovescaleandrust.

Thefacilitywillbestate-of-the-art,capableofpicklinghotrolledsteeluptooneinchthick

andstrengthlevelsupto100,000yield.Companyofficialssaythesecapabilitiesexceedanyotherpicklingfacilityintheworld,withcapacityestimatedat500,000tonsperyear.

SteelWarehouseplanstoinvestapproximately$17millionandemploy60peoplewhentheoperationisinfullproduction.Constructionisprojectedtostartthismonth,withoperationsplannedtobegininthefourthquarter.

HeidtmanwillbuildasteelslittingfacilityattheTKSteelmillsite,investing$18.5millionandcreating48high-payingjobs.SteelcoilfromTKwillbeslitandpackagedtocustomerspecificationsandshippedtocustomersintheregion.

Thecompanywillpurchase,processandsellsteelcoildirectly,aswellasprovideslittingandstorageservicesforothersteelprocessorsandcustomersthatpurchasesteelcoildirectlyfromTK.

Two Companies to Co-locate on ThyssenKrupp Complex

CLIENTmobcou

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MATERIAL DUE DATE09/16/11

PUB(S)The Business View

BUILT AT100%

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SPECIAL NOTES Information

QUESTIONS CALLCourtneyHaupt251.476.2507

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“It’s a validation of the ThyssenKrupp project

that the manufacturing base around it continues

to grow and create substantial investment and high paying jobs.”

Claudia ZimmermannMobile Area Chamber of CommerceDirector of Economic Development


Havingaminimumof80percentofMobileCountyhighschoolstudentsreadyforcollegeand/oracareerby2020mayseemlikealoftyandaggressivegoal,buttheMobileAreaEducationFoundation(MAEF)hasaplantoreachit.

“The80by20isaninitiativedesignedtostartamovementaroundgraduatingmorestudentsinMobileCounty,makingsuregraduatesfromourhighschoolshaveaccesstoandaresuccessfulinpost-secondaryeducation–eithercollegeortraining–andincreasingthenumberofcertifiedanddegreedcitizensinMobileCounty,”saidCarolynAkers,chiefexecutiveofficerofMAEF.

Accordingtonumbersfroma2010studybytheAllianceforExcellentEducationtitled“EducationandTheEconomyintheMobileMetropolitanStatisticalArea,”increasingthehighschoolgraduationrateto80percentwouldmean1,908morestudentseachyearwouldsuccessfullyleavehighschoolandbecollege-andcareer-readyfora21stcenturyworkforce.Asaresult,thereportpredictsMobilewouldsee:

•$23millionincreaseinyearlypayrollearnings;•$18millionincrease inyearlyspending;•$5millionincreasein investment;•$43millionincreasein

homepurchases;•$2millionincreasein

vehiclepurchases;•$31millionincreasein

grossregionalproduct;and•$1.5millionincreaseinstate

andlocaltaxrevenues.Withgraduationratesat50.3

percentinMobileCounty,drasticactionisneedednow,saidAkers,whobelievesimprovingthegraduationrateisamoralaswellaneconomicimperative.

“Studieshavebeenconductedthatdemonstratehowturningdropoutsintograduatescanaffectusfromaneconomicdevelopmentstandpoint,”shesaid.“Whenmoreofourcitizenshavemoreeducation,itwillhaveacultural

shiftaswell.Wewillbeacommunityofthinkers,problemsolvers,andentrepreneurs.”

“Abysmallylowgraduationratesinourpublicschoolscontributetomostofthecriticalchallengesourcommunityfaces,”wrote2011MobileAreaChamberChairmanRobbieBakerofHancockBank/WhitneyBankinaneditorialinthePress-Register.“Whenourteensarenotinschool,theyaremorelikelytoengageindrugabuseandcriminalactivity,havepoorhealthandreducedqualityoflife.Ifdropoutsarefortunateenoughtofindajob,theyaredestinedtoearn$12,258lessperyearthanthosewhograduatedontime.”

Helpcamein2007,whentheU.SDepartmentofLabornamedMobileasoneofsevencitiestoundertakeitsMultipleEducationPathwaysBlueprintinitiativeandprovided$2.95millioninfundingto“blueprint”andimplementsystemsconnectingyoungpeoplewhohave

droppedoutofhighschooltoalternativelearningopportunities.

Tofulfillthisinitiative,MAEFformedtheResearchAllianceforMultiplePathways(RAMP)forMobile’sYouth,acounty-widepartnershipofindividualswithexpertiseinservingMobile’syouth.RAMPwilldevelopasystemandtheinfrastructurenecessarytomonitorprogress,reportfindings,engagethepublic,anddriveandsustaintheworkrequired.ItwillalsocreateablueprintaddressingtheneedsofMobile’sstudentswhohaveeitheralreadydroppedoutoftheeducationsystemorareatriskofdoingso.

KeypartnersinRAMP’salliance,ledbyMobileMayorSamJones,includetheMobileCountyPublicSchoolSystem,theUniversityofSouthAlabama,BishopStateCommunityCollege,MobileWorks(WorkforceInvestmentActconsortia),theMobileAreaChamberandtheMobileCountyDistrictAttorney’soffice.MAEFmanagestheRAMPprojectandactivities.

“Weknowwhatweneedtodo,”saidAkers.“Wehaveablueprintthatwillguidetheworkandtheinvestmentthatthecommunitywillmakeaswemoveforwardoverthenexteightyears.”

“Ibelieveitcanbedoneandknowourfuturedependsonit,”saidBaker.

MAEF Tackles Graduation Rates with its Aggressive “80 by 20: Graduating Ready”

Research Alliance for Multiple Pathways (RAMP) is designed to:

• Create an early warning system to identify and monitor off-track youth;

• Establish a shared accountability system to ensure implementation

of this plan;

• Develop multiple pathways to guide all students to graduation;

• Provide individualized support services to ensure that all student graduate; and

• Secure and align funding necessary for student success.

“When more of our citizens have more

education, it will have a cultural shift as well. We will be a

community of thinkers, problem solvers, and

entrepreneurs.”

Carolyn AkersChief Executive Officer of

Mobile Area Education Foundation


Chamber Invites You to the

French Riviera November 2-10

J oin fellow Mobile Area Chamber members and guests as they tour the

French Riviera, Nov. 2-10. The Chamber will take only 35 people on this 7-night tour to Nice, France. Day trips will go to the flower market, St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Rothschild Villa and Gardens Antibes, St. Paul De Vence, Monaco, Fréjus, the Roman arena, Grasse and Parfumerie. The cost for the trip, including airfare from Mobile, hotel accommodations and tours, is $2,999, and includes seven breakfasts and four dinners.

Followingthistrip,travelerswillhavetheoptionofextendingtheirvacationwithanadditionalthreenightsinParisfor$899perperson.

TheChamberisworkingwithBrownell/AbetaTraveltocoordinatethistrip.Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningthisgroup,[email protected].

Brownell/AbetaandColletteVacationswillhostafreewineandcheesepartyforanyoneinterestedinlearningmoreaboutthistrip.ItwilltakeplaceattheChamber,451GovernmentSt.,beginningat5:45p.m.onThursday,March8.ArepresentativefromColletteVacationswillgiveadetailedoverviewofthetripandansweranyquestions.ToRSVP,[email protected].

ItInerary

nov. 2: Overnight FlightThefabulousFrenchRivieraawaitsyourarrival,complete

withelegantcoastalresorts,superbdiningandshopping,andfascinatingmuseumsafteranovernightflighttoFrance.

nov. 3: nice (French Riviera), France YourtourcommencesinthestunningMediterranean

cityofNice–aseasideparadise–longreveredastheplaygroundoftherichandfamous.Thisevening,joinfellowtravelersforawelcomedinnerfeaturinginspiredFrenchcuisineartfullypresented.

nov. 4: nice - St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat

TourNice,beginningwithavisittothelocalflowermarket,wheremuchmorethanbrightlycoloredbloomsaresold,followedbyatriptothelivelyseafrontPromenadedesAnglaisandPlaceMassena,thetown’scenterofactivity.Then,travelthespectacularcoastline,passingthecharmingtownofVillefranche-sur-MereastofNice.InSt.Jean-Cap-Ferrat,calledthecrownjeweloftheFrenchRiviera,visittheimpressiveRothschildVillaandGardens.ThisseasidepalazzooverlookstheMediterraneanandboastsseventhemedgardens.

nov. 5: Antibes - St. Paul de Vence

TraveltocharmingAntibesandenjoythetypicalProvencalMarketandexplorethisancientporttown.NextisSt.PauldeVence,situatedatopahilloverlookingthebeautifulcountryside.Thiswalledmedievaltownisfilledwithhistoricbuildings,hiddenalleyways,restaurantsandspecialtyshops.Soakinitsdistinctivelight,saidtohaveinspiredMatisse,Braque,Chagallandmanyotherartists.

nov. 6: Monaco

SeeMonaco’sfamousCasinoofMonteCarlo,thePlacedesArmes,Prince’sPalace,AvenuedesBeauxArtsandtheCathedralofMonaco,wherePrinceRainierIIIandPrincessGraceareburied.AhighlightofthedayisthefascinatingOceanographicMuseum,foundedin1910byPrinceAlbertI,whopersonallycollectedmanyofthemarineartifactsondisplay.Themuseumbuildingitselfisamasterpieceofarchitecturenottobemissed.

nov. 7: nice - Day at LeisureEnjoyafulldayatleisuretoexploreromanticNiceon

yourown.Strollbytheshore,lingerinanelegantcaféorperusethelocalshops.OrchoosetopurchaseanoptionalexcursiontoSt.TropezandthepopularresorttownofCannes,completewithadelightfulcruisearoundtheyacht-filledbay.

nov. 8: Fréjus - Saint-RaphaëlDelveintohistoryasyoutraveltothetownofFréjus,

oncethesiteofamajornavalportestablishedbyJuliusCaesarin49B.C.SeetheremainsoftheRomanTheatreandAmphitheatre.Then,there’stimetodiscoverthishistoriclocationonyourownandenjoythebustlingmarketdayinthistypicalFrenchtown.CrosstheriverPédégaltoSaint-Raphaël,whereNapoleonandhisforcesarrivedbyshipfromEgypt.Onceasleepyfishingvillage,Saint-Raphaëlisnowamodernresorttownwithbroadseasidepromenadesandalovelyoldtown.

nov. 9: Grasse - nice

LearnthesecretsofperfumemakingwithatouroftheFragonardParfumerieinGrasse,wherefragrantformulationshavebeenpreparedsince1782.VisitthenewmuseumdedicatedtotheartistFragonardandtheMuseumofProvencalCostume.SpendtheafternoonbackinNicetocatchuponanylast-minuteshopping.Thisevening,joinyourfellowtravelersforafarewelldinnercelebratingtheendofanunforgettabletrip.

nov. 10: nice - Tour Ends

DepartforhomewithmanywonderfulmemoriesofyourvacationtotheCoted’Azur.


TheDBAisdirectedattwogroups:managementexecutiveswhowanttotransitiontoacademiccareers,andinstructorsatuniversitiesorcommunitycollegeswhoholdmaster’sdegreesandwanttoupgradeandenhancetheirqualifications,saidUSAMitchellCollegeofBusinessDeanCarlC.Moore.Studentscanchooseconcentrationsinmanagementormarketing.

Admissionstandardsincludeamaster’sdegreeinbusinessorarelateddiscipline,aswellasfiveyearsofteachingormanagerialexperience.MooreexpectstheprogramtodrawstudentsfromanareastretchingfromHoustontoJacksonville,Fla.,toNashville,Tenn.Costfortheprogramisapproximately$62,000forthreeyears,or$80,000forout-of-statetuition.

Participantswillvisitcampusfourtimesasemester,spendingalldayFridayandSaturday,aswellaspartofSunday,inclass.Thefirsttwoyearsoftheprogramconsistofcoursework,whilethethirdfocusesoncomprehensiveexamsandadissertation.“Wewanttoturnoutpeoplewhowillbecompetitivewithanyoneintheresearcharena,”saidMoore.

AssistantDeanDeborahF.Spakestressedthisisnotanonlineprogram.Withitshybridformat,teaching,testingandpresentationstakeplaceoncampus,whilereading,analyzingcasesandotherworktakesplaceoff

campus.StudentswillhaveaccesstoUSA’slibraryresources,databasesandsoftwareprogramsviatheinternet,aswellascommunicationwithfacultymembersthroughemail.

Asbusinessschoolsfaceacriticalshortageofdoctoralfacultymembers,Mooresaidtherewillbeanumberofjobopportunitiesforgraduates.

TheAlabamaCommissiononHigherEducationcongratulatedUSAonofferingsuchaninnovativeprogram.Previously,studentshadtoleavethestateofAlabamatoobtainasimilardegree.“It’samilestoneforanyacademicinstitutetogointoadoctorateprogram,”saidMoore.

Tolearnmoreaboutthisprogramanditsenrollmentrequirements,contacttheMitchellCollegeofBusinessat460-6419orgototheuniversity’swebsiteathttp://mcob.southalabama.edu.

USa to Offer Accelerated Business Doctorate

B eginning in mid-2013, the University of South Alabama’s (USA) Mitchell

College of Business will offer its first doctoral program: a doctor of business adminstration (DBA) – the only one in Alabama. USA’s new degree will have an accelerated, blended format that allows students to complete the degree in 36 months while still working full-time.


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].

From Purses to Picture Frames, Petrie’s Has What Every Girl Wants

Standing in front of Petrie’s wall of ribbons and bows are the mother-daughter team who manage this Small Business of the Month. Pictured are Emily Cobb, who manages the business and Elise Parker, who first launched Petrie’s in 1998.

“IalwayssaidIwouldneverownagiftshop,”saysElise Parker,ownerofPetrie’s.Yetthat’sjustwhatthisSmallBusinessoftheMonthwinnerdid.

Whatchangedhermindwasactuallyworkinginagiftshop.

Beforesheventuredintoafull-timebusiness,Parkersaysshepaidherduessettingupboothsatregionalcraftshows,showcasingherhandmadechildren’sclothingand,later,jewelry.Shefirsttriedherhandatretailin1998,whenshesoldjewelryandlow-pricedgiftsinrentedspaceduringtheholidaysatSpringdaleMall.

“Butpeoplewantedourgoodsyear-roundforEaster,birthdays,Christmasandjustanyspecialday,”saysParker.Sowithaleapoffaith,thepopularboutiquetransitionedfrompart-timetofull-time.DevelopmentsatSpringdaleforcedthestoretomoveacrossthestreettoBelAirMall,andits

newlocationhelpedcaptureadditionalwalk-bytraffic.

With2,000squarefeet,ParkerandherdaughterEmily Cobb,whomanagesthebusiness,havetheroomtheyneedtostockthenoveltyitemsalmostanypreteenoryounggirlwants,includingpersonalizedluggage,hairbows,jewelry,lamps,framesandnumerousknickknacks.

“We’reliketheWalMartofgiftshops,”saysParker,whoisproudofmaintainingthe$3priceonearrings,oneoftheitemsthatlaunchedhersuccessbackin1998.

WhileParkerstillmakesthehairbowsandthestaffstillmakessomeofthejewelry,Cobb’sspecialtyispersonalization.Namescanbeprintedonarangeofdifferentmerchandise,fromcupstopiggybanks.Andthat,shesays,ishow“Petrie’sisabletocreateapersonalconnectiontowith

ourcustomers,bycustomizingtheirpurchase.”

Atmarket,thepairlookfornoveltyitemsthatcanbepersonalizedandtrytoanticipatethenexthotthingamongtheirtargetmarket.Cobbadmitssometimestheyjustluckintoit.Whenthe“right”girlboughtaPetrie’sbackpack,itspurredthesalesofawhopping10,000more,explainedCobb.

Thestorehasastaffof12,includingParkerandCobb.Parkersaysshehasverylittleturnover,andthecompanyworkshardtoshowemployeestheyarevaluedwithgoodpayandflexibleschedules.“Iknowtheyareabigpartofusbeingsuccessful.Ineverleavewithoutthankingthem,”saidParker.

ThestoreisopenMondaythroughSaturdayfrom10a.m.to9p.m.andSundaysfromnoonto5:30p.m.Formoreinformation,call478-1893.

small business of the month


“Believe/Belong” Mobile Area Chamber Launches New Marketing Message

www.JoinMobileChamber.com

we’re good for business …your businessIt’s tough running a business, but it’s easier when the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has your back. Most of our more than 2,200 members are small businesses working to make a living and make a difference. The Chamber does more than build a strong economy – we offer prime networking venues to develop new contacts and solid resources to help you start, manage and grow your company. Believe in a strong future for Mobile. Belong to the Chamber – because it’s good for business and good for Mobile.

believe in mobile belong to the chamber

B elieve in Mobile. Belong to the Chamber. That’s the newest message the Mobile

Area Chamber is promoting. Launched at Opportunity 175, the organization’s 175th anniversary gala, the campaign is being featured on area Lamar Advertising billboards, in various publications including The Business View, Lagniappe and Steppin’ Out and draped on the exterior and interior of the Chamber’s building, 451 Government St. ThecampaignisthecreativeworkofMobile-basedTomMasonCommunications.AgencyownerTomMasonsaidhetookhisinspirationfromacommunityeffortusedbytheChamberinthe1970sthatwasadoptedbyschoolchildrenandbusinesses,appearingonbillboardsandstickersalloverMobile.

“TheunderlyingmessagehereisthattheChamberisgoodforbusiness,”saidMason.

“Wehopethiscampaignwillinspireyourbusinesstosharethispositivemessageonyourwebsite,Facebookpage,billboardsandothermaterials,thatbybelievinginMobileandbelongingtotheMobileAreaChamber,youareinvestinginthearea’seconomicdevelopmentforallbusinessesandyouareanadvocateforapro-businessenvironment,”saidLeighPerry-Herndon,theChamber’svicepresidentofcommunicationsandmarketing.

“Believe/Belong”followstheChamber’ssuccessful“StrengthinNumbers”campaignthatwaslaunchedin2007andranthroughtheChamber’s175thanniversaryyearin2011,featuringtestimonialsfrom30localbusinessexecutives.

Toaddthe“BelieveinMobile”icontoyourcompany’swebsite,contactAshleyHorn,theChamber’sdirectorofdigitalmediaanddesign,[email protected].


Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Opportunity 175The Mobile Area Chamber celebrated the end of its 175th year

with a gala event – Opportunity 175 – on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center. The gala celebration featured a reception, dinner, a dessert reception, fireworks and music by the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and attendees received a commemorative coffee table book about the Chamber’s history. Chamber board chair Michael Pierce, chairman of Commonwealth National Bank, and executive director of the MLK Development Corp., spoke about his vision for the organization moving forward, while Dr. Stephen Dill, director emeritus of The J.L Bedsole Foundation spoke about how Mobile’s history has brought us where we are today, and how everyone in attendance has a role in writing Mobile’s future.

The following pages officially wrap up The Business View’s series outlining the Chamber’s history and quest to move forward.

All p

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Jeff

Tesn

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Legacy SponsorBankTrust

Legend SponsorsAlabamaPowerCo.

ArmbrechtJacksonLLPAustalUSA

BPAmericaInc.CallisCommunications

ExxonMobilKingdomCoachLLC

LewisCommunicationsMobileAirportAuthority

RegionsBankHancockBank/WhitneyBank

Leadership SponsorsBB&T

Burr&FormanLLPCommonwealthNationalBank

ContinentalMotorsInc.EvonikDegussaCorp.GulfStatesEngineering

HargroveEngineers+ConstructorsHoarProgramManagement

iBERIABANKInternationalShipholdingCorp.

McDowellKnightRoedder&SledgeLLCMobileGas

OfficeSolutions&InnovationsInc.PhelpsDunbarLLP

RBCBankSHEnterprisesInc.

SouthernEarthSciencesTheOrthopaedicGroupPCThompsonEngineeringInc.ThyssenKruppSteelUSALLCTomMasonCommunicationsUniversityofSouthAlabama

PhotographerJeffTesneyPhotography

The following companies were instrumental in

helping the Chamber present its 175th

anniversary celebration:Founded as The Bank of Mobile in 1986, BankTrust has grown

through a history of service to become the third largest chartered bank in Alabama and largest community bank in Alabama with its headquarters right here in Mobile. Even as its footprint as expanded throughout southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle, BankTrust has remained steadfastly committed to Mobile – the city that launched its success.

True to a strong belief in the role of community banks, BankTrust remains dedicated to providing support for businesses that fuel Mobile’s economic success – and channeling time, talent and financial resources directly into the neighborhoods where its customers live.

BankTrust’s commitment to Mobile and downtown is stronger than ever. Recently the company’s headquarters were relocated to the RSA-BankTrust Tower at 107 St. Francis St. BankTrust plans to expand and enhance its deposit, lending, cash management, investment and trust services.

From the small Bank of Mobile that opened 26 years ago to the stalwart corporate citizen it is today, BankTrust’s principal goal is finding new ways to help Mobile businesses and residents become BankSmartSM.

www.banktrustonline.com


2012 Chamber Chairman

Outlines Goals for the Mobile Area Chamber

T o say Michael Pierce is busy is an understatement. Aside from his job as

executive director of the MLK Redevelopment Corp., and serving as chairman of the board for Commonwealth National Bank, the Mobile Area Chamber’s 2012 chairman is also pastor of New Life Ministries. But don’t think he’s spread himself thin. This former high school and college running back and former National Football League player is focused and well-positioned to lead the Chamber into its 176th year.

PiercefirstbecameinvolvedwiththeChamberinthemid-1990safterreturningtoMobile.ItwasachancevisitbyaformerChamberstaffmember,NormanHill,wholaidthefoundationforhisnearly17yearsworkingasaChambervolunteer.PiercesaysHillcametovisithimattheMLKRedevelopmentCorp.,totalkaboutgettinginvolvedwiththeChamber.Afterthatmeeting,PiercerecognizedtheChamber’ssignificanceingrowingMobile’seconomyandputtingpeopletowork.

DuringOpportunity175,theChamber’sgalacelebrationmarkingits175years,Piercewasofficiallyinductedas2012chairman.Heoutlinedhisgoalsforthisyear,whichinclude:

•FundingtheChamber’sPartnersforGrowthcampaigntosupporttheChamber’seconomicdevelopmentprogramfor2013-2017.The$10milliongoalincludespublicandprivateinvestment.Piercebelievesthedynamicofpublicandprivateinvestmentisimportantbecauseithelpsusgiveaunifiedapproachtoeconomic

development.Pierceacknowledgedthechallengeforthecityandcountywiththeeconomicdownturn,andsaid,“Ifwearesuccessfulinattractingnewjobs,theywillbenefitingreatertaxrevenue.”

•CreatingjobswillbetheChamber’sultimategoalfortheyear.“Ourgoalistohelpcreate750newjobsduring2012byaggressivelymarketingtheMobileregionforbusinesslocationsandexpansions.“WewillalsopromoteMobileasacenterforinternationaltradeandtransportation,andoureffortswillincludetheimprovementofMobile’sabilitytorespondtoworkforceneeds.”

•StrengtheningrelationshipswiththeChamber’smembersanditseconomicdevelopmentpartners.Thiswillbeaccomplishedinanumberofways,includingpersonal

visitstomemberbusinessesandopencommunicationswithpartners.

•ImprovingtheChamber’spublicimagethroughitsnewadcampaign:BelieveinMobile.BelongtotheChamber.(seepage11formoredetailsaboutthiscampaign)

•GrowingtheChamber’smembership,andincreasingitsmembers’personalinvolvementintheorganizationviaavarietyofmeaningfulprogramsandevents.

•Lobbyingforamorebusiness-friendlyclimatetodobusinesshere,andincreaseChambermembers’accesstolocal,stateandfederalofficials.

•Offeringmoreprogramsandresourcestooursmallandminority-ownedbusinessestohelpincreasetheirprofitabilityandlongevity.

“TheChamberplanstoaccomplishallthesethingswith

excellenceandenergy,andinawaythatshowsourcommitmenttoourmembershipandourcommunity,”Pierceadded.

“It is an honor and a

privilege to play such

a vital role in economic

development in our

community. I will work to

maintain the tradition of

excellence the community

has come to expect from

the Mobile Area

Chamber of Commerce.”

Michael Pierce2012 Chairman

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce


IamverypleasedtobeapartofthisbrilliantmomentbecauseofmyadmirationfortheremarkableandunselfishleadershipofsomanyChambermemberswho,beyondbusiness,gaveandcontinuetogivetheirtimeandenergytogoodcausesandcommunitybetterment.

Manyofyouareheretonight,leadersofthecommunity,whileothersofyournumberhavepassedon,leavingalegacyofprosperityandgracethatcontinuestoblessandbenefitusall.Tonightwearesaying“thankyou”topeopleacrosstheyearswhoaccomplishedthingswhichcouldnotcometopassuntillongaftertheyweregone.

ToWinHallettandtheChamberstaff,wegiveourthanksfortheirprofessionalismandtheirfriendship;wehavebeenoftenintheirdebt.

Letmealsosaythatmanyofourfinestleadersarethosewhoseleadershiphasnotyetbeenrevealed,butitwillbe.Someofthemareheretonight;theyaretheonescomingup!

IbelieveIwasinvitedtobeherebecausewearelookingbackacross175yearsofhistoryandIamjustolderthan

mostofyou.Youknowthatyouareoldwhenyouconductaweddingandthegrandmotherofthebridelooksgoodcomingdowntheaisle.Iknowit’sfoolishtotryandsummarize175yearsofChamberhistoryinafewshortmomentsandthenpredictthefuture,buttheChamberkeepspushingustomaketheimpossiblepossible,soIpresson.

First,abackwardglance,LookingBackatTomorrow!Thedifferencebetweentravelingthroughspaceandtravelingthroughtimeisthatwhenyoutravelthroughspaceyoufaceforward,butwhenyoutravelthroughtimeyoufacebackwards,likerowingaboat,inordertobeguidedbythewakeofhistory.WhatImeanis“weliveforward,weunderstandbackward.”(WilliamJames)

TheMobileAreaChamberofCommercewasfoundedin1836,only60yearsaftertheUnitedStatesdeclareditsindependencefromtheBritishEmpire.NodoubtthereweremenaliveinMobilethen,noolderthanIamnow,whofoughtintheRevolution.

Continued on page 16

Dr. Stephen Dill Inspires Opportunity 175 Attendees

The Chamber keeps pushing us to make the impossible possible...

E ditor’s Note: Dr. Stephen Dill, director emeritus of The J.L. Bedsole Foundation

scholarship and alumni program and pastor emeritus of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, delivered one of the most inspiring messages offered to a Mobile Area Chamber audience during Opportunity 175. By popular request, The Business View has reprinted his speech delivered during the gala celebration that closed the organization’s 175 year anniversary.

“Music and sudden light

Have interrupted our routine tonight,

And swept the filth of habit from our hearts.

O here and now the endless journey starts.”

W. H. Auden

Our finest leaders are those whose leadership has not yet been revealed, but it will be.


Dr. Stephen Dill Inspires Opportunity 175 AttendeesContinuedfrompage15

WhocanimaginelifeinMobilein1836?Arkansas,wasadmittedtotheunionin1836.ThatwastheyearMartinvanBurenwaselectedPresident,Houston,Texas,wasfoundedandSpainrecognizedtheindependenceofMexico.DavyCrockettdiedattheAlamoandAlabamadeclaredChristmasastateholidayin1836.MagnoliaCemeterywasestablishedthatyearandconstructioncommencedonBartonAcademyandGovernmentStreetPresbyterianChurchthesamedayin1836(Feb.13).

In1836Mobilewasrathercosmopolitan.ItwasthefourthlargestinternationalportintheUnitedStates,withthreebanks,threedailynewspapers,fivehotels,12insurancecompaniesandforeignofficesfromGreatBritain,France,Spain,Portugal,MexicoandColombia;butcottonwasking!Between1830and1840cottonpricesdoubled,productiondoubledandthepopulationofMobilequadrupled.Unfortunately,cottonandslaverywereyokedtogether.TheNatchez Courier estimatedthatin1836,tofacilitatetheproductionofcotton,250,000slavesweretransportedintoAlabama,Mississippi,LouisianaandArkansas.

Lookingbackat175yearsofhistory,therearesomechapterswearenotproudof–timeswhencottonwaskingandslaverywasdefended–timeswhencompetingbusinessinterestsimposedasilenceontheChamber,afewtimeswhencommercewasmoreimportantthanmorality.Butthatisfarfromthewholestory.

MobileisanoldcitybyAmericanstandards.TenyearsagowecelebratedourTricentennial.Wehavelivedundersixflags.WehaveknowntheAmericanRevolution,theCivilWar,twoWorldWarsandaGreatDepression.Intheselastfewyearswehaveallbeenconsciousthatweliveinharm’sway:wehaveknownhurricanesandtornadoes,theshockofSeptember11th,IraqandAfghanistan,afinancialcollapse,theshiftofwealthfromwesttoeast,genocideabroad,upheavalintheArabworld,thedeclineofthehousingmarket,anoilspillintheGulf,theriseofunemploymentandtheincreaseofnationaldebt,bothathomeandacrosstheglobe.WecouldsaywithWaltWhitman,theseare“quicksandyearsthatwhirlmeIknownotwhither.”

Andevensothroughoutitall,for175yearstherewastheMobileChamber,servingasacatalystforeconomicexpansion,marketingthecommunity,developingtradeinitiatives,supportinghealthcareandeducation,designingalegislativeagenda,buildingopportunity,improvingthequalityoflife–thebusinesscommunityandChamberleadershipweretheredoingthebestthingsintheworsttimes.

Duringtheflupandemicof1918,Chambermembersagreedtodeliverfood,iceandmedicinetofluvictimsandtolendtheirautomobilestothedoctorsandnurseswhoweresoovertaxed.

In1926threeMobilewomencametoJ.L.BedsoleaspresidentoftheChamberandpointedoutthat22charitableagencieswereoverwhelmedwithcallsfrompovertystrickenpeopleinthosedepressivetimes.Separatefinancialcampaignswastedmoneyandwastedresources.Whatdidhedo?Mr.BedsolecalledameetingoftheChamberofCommerce!TheChambervotedtocombineallthewelfareeffortsintothefirstMobileCountyCommunityChest,latertheUnitedWay.

Somanybrilliantmoments!HereiswhatIthinkis

remarkable;inaneverchangingworldthevisionoftheChamberhasbeenwidening,gainingdeeperinsightandbroaderunderstanding.TheChamberisconstantlylearninghowcommerceiswovenintocivilization;itistalkingaboutsustainablegrowthandcreativecapitalism,howtheeconomybuildscommunity.

Thecreationandtransferofwealthmakespossiblecreativeleisure,theartsandliterature,educationandtheuniversity.Thatwideningcultureistheincubator

foraneweconomy,newproductsandservices,newscienceandtechnology.Itisthecatalystfortradeandtheexchangeofideas.Itisthefoundationoffreedomandthekeystoneofpeace.

Ourchallengeistolearnfromthepastandbuildthepresent,insuchawaythatthefuturewillbeexciting.Itwouldbetragictolookbackon175yearswithoutanyinsight,tragic“tohavehadtheexperienceandmissthemeaning.”(T.S.Eliot)

WhenIwasgrowingupinMobiletheonlysoccergameIeversawwasbetweenthecrewoftwoforeignships,oneGreekandoneAlgerian,whoplayedastrangeandexcitinggameofkickballinapublic

park.IdidnotknowthenthatIwaswatchingglobalization:thecompetitionofcivilizations,internationaltrade,informationexchange,theinteractionoflifeandpoliticsaroundtheworld.

WeareblessedinMobilewithawiderangeofenterprises,differentkindsofbusiness,largeandsmall,deliveringvaluetocustomersandconvertingpaymenttoprofit.Businessdiversityinaglobalsociety

requiresanincreasingamountofcreativity.Creativeworkersarescientistsandengineers,universityprofessors,poetsandarchitects,peopleindesign,education,arts,musicandentertainment,whoseeconomicfunctionistocreatenewideas,newtechnology,newformsofconvenienceandexchange.

Thisisarapidlychangingworld.Everythingisspeedingup.Marketsshiftfaster,productsevolvequicker,

customersaremorefleetingandinformationtechnologyevolvesatanunrelentingpace.Wearefacingacommercialclimatemoreuniqueandmoreuntriedthananypreviousgeneration.And,inthemidstofallthis,wehaveagreatcommunitywhichisourstosaveorlose.

OurhopesanddreamsforAmerica,forthiscommunity,arevestedinavibrantdemocracy.Andhere’stherub:“Democracyrequiresofitscitizensqualitiesthatitcannot

provide.”(JurgenHabermas,Germansociologist)Governmentcannotsupplythequalitiesofhonesty,

compassion,andpersonalresponsibilitythatmustundergirddemocracy.

WelearnedthatfirstinancientGreece.TheAtheniansweretheonlyfreepeopleintheworldandAtheniandemocracystoodforfreedom,thoughtandbeauty,butintheGreekway,withlimitsandwithoutexaggeration.TheAthenianslovedbeauty,butwithsimplicity.Theylovedthethingsofmind,buttheydidnotshrinkfromhardwork.Thoughtdidnotcausethemtohesitate;itclarifiedtheroadtoaction.

Theymadenoshowofriches,andonewasnotashamedofbeingpoorifhewasuseful.Theywerefreebecauseofwillingobediencetolaw,notonlythewrittenlaw,butstillmoretheunwrittenlawofkindnessandcompassionandunselfishness,thosequalitieswhichdependonman’sfreechoice,whichcannotbeenforced,butwithoutwhich,humankindcannotlivetogether.As

wecontinuetobuildatrulygood,greatandenduringcommunityithasttobebuildalongthoselines.(EdithHamilton,The Lessons of the Past, Adventures of the Mind)

IntheafternoonsafterhighschoolatMurphy,IwasarunnerfortheAmericanNationalBank.Atthecloseofthedayitwasmyresponsibilitytogatherthemailfromeachdepartment,applythepostageandtakeittothepostoffice.Iwasthelastonetoleavethebank.OnenightIwassurprisedtofindthedoorofthebank

vaultleftopen.Icalledmyboss,whosaiditwasnothisnighttoclosethevaultandtocallMr.Smith.Mr.Smithsaid,‘Oh,Iforgottoclosethevault.”Hesaid,“Son,thereisa.38revolverinmydesk.TakethatpistolandguardthebankuntilIgetthere.”Ididjustthat!Iwas16andIhavethoughtaboutitmanytimessince.Ididnotrealizethenthatallofusaretheguardiansofvalue,order,industryandwealth.

Itisourresponsibilitytoidentifyandprotect,notonlythosetangiblebutthoseintangiblebuildingblocksforfuturegenerations.ItwastheNazarenewhosaid“…awisemanbuilthishouseonrock.”(Matt.7:24)

Continued on page 17

...for 175 years there was the

Mobile Chamber, serving as a catalyst

for economic expansion...

That Chamber is constantly learning how commerce is woven into civilization; it is talking

about sustainable growth and creative capitalism,

how the economy builds community.

Our challenge is to learn from

the past and build the present,

in such a way that the future

will be exciting.

We are facing a commercial climate more

unique and more untried than any previous generation.


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Sowhatarewebuildingon“lookingbackattomorrow?”WhatprincipleswillguidetheChamberintothefutureasitcontinuestobuildopportunityandimprovethequalityoflife?I’msuretherearemany,butletmelistafew:

1.Every person and every contribution must be valued unless the community be destroyed by the disuse or the misuse of our economic engine.

2. Cooperation is critical!Public-private,regionalpartnershipsareessential.Thewiderthecooperationthemorecompetitiveisourposition.

3.The social and cultural infrastructure – things like education, health, the environment and the arts – are critical to both the economy and the quality of life.

4.A healthy community, like a healthy body, attends to the pain of the weakest part.Wemustalwayscareforthoselessfortunate.

5.Andonemorething,allow some time

for creative leisure and clarity of thought in order to probe the ‘dimension of depth’ andpondertheinfinite

questions:Whereishappiness?Whatisthemeaningoflife?Whatshouldwebecomeintheshortstretchbetweenbirthanddeath?Withoutthat,therestisfutile.(PaulTillich)

WhenIconsiderthepresent“lookingbackattomorrow,”Iammorethanoptimistic,Iamexcited!IagreewithThomasWolfe,whosaid,“IthinkthetruediscoveryofAmericaisbeforeus.Ithinkthetruefulfillmentofourspirit,ofourpeople,ofourmightyand

immortalland,isyettocome.Ithinkthetruediscoveryofourowndemocracyisstillbeforeus.AndIthinkthatallthesethingsarecertainasthemorning,asinevitableasnoon…ourAmericaishere,isnow,andbeckonsonbeforeus,andthisgloriousassuranceisnotonlyourlivinghope,butourdreamtobeaccomplished.”

“Ohereandnowtheendlessjourneystarts,”W.H.Auden.Itbeginsnow,withyouandme,buildingamagnificentfuture,alastinglegacy,thatwillbesafeandsecure,brightandpromising,richandrewarding,withlibertyandjusticeforall.

-StephenF.Dill

When I consider the present “looking back at

tomorrow,” I am more than optimistic,

I am excited!

“It begins now, with you and me, building a

magnificent future, a lasting legacy, that will be safe and

secure, bright and promising, rich and rewarding, with liberty

and justice for all.”

W. H. Auden

18 MARCH 2012 | THE BuSInESS VIEW��

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PicturedoutsideBergSpiralPipe’smanufacturingfacilityareMobilePlantManagerUweArenz(left)alongwithkeystaff.BergwasrecognizedastheMobileAreaChamber’sManufactureroftheYear.

2011 Manufacturer of the Year:

Berg Spiral Pipe

There’sbeenalotoftalkfromindustryadvocatesinsupportofnaturalgas–it’sclean,plentifulandwidelyusedinheating,cookingandgeneratingelectricity.There’sonlyonewaytotransportit,andMobile’sBergSpiralPipeiscapitalizingonthenation’sdemandforthisresourcebymanufacturinglargediameterspirallyweldedpipeinMobile.

BergreceivedtheMobileAreaChamber’sManufactureroftheYearawardforitssuccessandinvestmentinthecommunity.

Justthreeyearsago,thecompanyinvested$96milliontolocatean86-acremanufacturingfacilityattheformer

InternationalPapersitecapableofproducing200,000tonsofspirallyweldedpipe,rangingfrom24to56inchesindiameter,eachyear.

Withthisinnovativeprocessandqualitypipe,Bergishelpingmovelargevolumesofnaturalgaslongdistancestogrowingpopulationcentersandindustriesthatneedit.

Itssuccessisevidencedbythefactthatthecompany’semployeebasehasdoubledfromitsinitialprojectiontoapproximately200highlyskilled,highlypaidworkers.MobilePlantManagerUweArenzcreditsAIDT,thestate’semployeetrainingandrecruitingprogram,withmuchof

Berg’ssuccess,sayingAIDT“gaveussupportandintroducedthetraineestowhatwasexpectedofthemintermsofjobsafetyandquality.”

Thefacilityhasearnedasolidreputationforqualityassuranceandtesting.UsingTotalProductiveEquipmentManagementandOverallEquipmentEfficiencyprocessesensuresBerg’sequipmentproducesatmaximumefficiencywithoutsacrificingquality,explainsArenz.Andthis,hesays,isakeyindicatorthatBergSpiralPipewillcontinuetocompeteinarapidlygrowingindustry.

© 2012 Regions Bank.

1.800.regions | regions.com

Expect more peace of mind in Mobile.With strong community leaders and a history in South Alabama that goes back 150 years, you can bank with confidence at Regions.

Commercial Banking | Consumer Banking | Private Banking | Treasury Services | Trust Services | International Services | Employee BenefitsNatural Resources | Real Estate Management

Left to right: Joel Daves, South Alabama Area President; David Cooper, Board of Directors Regions Financial Corporation; John Turner, Central Region President; Bill Seifert, Chairman of South Alabama Advisory Board


2011 Innovatorof the Year:

Austal uSA

Member FDIC

True leadership is marked by an unselfish commitment to the

greater good of the community. The same can be said of banking.

At Hancock Bank, you can look forward to a promising future

of greater strength, increased convenience, a broader range of

financial services and a continued commitment to the communities

we call home. Find out more about what the future holds for you

at OneStrongFuture.com.

Committed to you.Committed to Alabama.

W12-48_AL_8.5x5.375_v2.indd 1 1/30/12 9:30 AM

AustalUSA’sinnovativeshipdesignshowcasesitscommitmenttotechnologyinitsmanufacturingprocess.RecentlythecompanyadoptedsocialmediacommunicationstofeedbreakingnewstocustomersandbuildstrongerrelationshipsthroughFacebookandLinkedIn.CompanypresidentandCOOJoeRella(center)ispicturedwithseveralofhismanagementteammembers.

PhotosofthefirstAustal-builtLittoralCombatShip(LCS)werecirculatedaroundthecountryviae-mailwithnotesthattheLCSisapirate’sworstnightmare.Anightmareforpirates,yes,butadreamfortheU.S.militaryandMobile–bothofwhomarebenefitingfromAustal’suniquelightweightaluminumhigh-speedshipdesign.

ChosenbytheMobileAreaChamber’sGulfCoast

TechnologyCouncil,thisyear’sInnovatoroftheYearawardwaspresentedtoAustalUSAasthemostmodernandinnovativebusinessinthearea.

SincetheNorthAmericanoperationswerefoundedinMobilein1999,Austalhasbroughtanewdimensioninhigh-speedmarinetransport,utilizingthecompany’sleading-edgelightweightaluminumdesignfabrication

technologyandcapabilities.PerhapsthesinglegreatesttechnologicaladvancementinAustal’shistoryisthedevelopmentofthetrimaranhullform(theseaframefortheAustal-designedU.S.Navy’sLCS).Thecompanyquicklywoncommercialcontractsandbegancompetingformilitarycontracts–winningbidstobuildboththeLCSandtheJointHigh-SpeedVessel(JHSV).


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

In1999,DeanParkerstartedapagingprovidercompanythathassincetransformedovertheyearstomeettheneedsofitsclients.TheMobileAreaChamber’s2011SmallBusinessoftheYeartransitionedtoanInternetServiceProviderandcompetitivelocalphonecarrierin2004,thenfiveyearslater,toaunified/cloudcommunicationscompany.

Today,Mobile-basedCallisCommunicationsofferscommunicationservicestosmall-andmedium-sizedcompaniessotheydonothavetoinvestinexpensiveinfrastructure.Morethan400small-andmedium-sizedGulfCoastcompaniesthroughouttheregionhaveconstantaccesstovoice,data,security,phoneande-mailbyusingCallis,whichmeans“path”or“pathway.”

Callishasgrown32percenteachyearsince2007.Recently,Inc.magazinerecognizedCallisforthefourthconsecutiveyearasoneof“America’sFastest-GrowingPrivateCompanies,”andthecompanywasranked71stinthemagazine’stelecommunicationsindustrycategory.

Parkersaysthecompany’ssuccessstartsandendswithamazingservice,andhe’sproudofhiscustomerretentionrateandthequickresponseofhisteamof40employees.

CallisCommunicationshasgrown32percentovereachofthelastseveralyears,andthecommunicationscompanyhasgrownto40employees.DeanParkerJr.,ispresidentandCEOofCallis.

2011 Small Business of the Year:

Callis Communications


PicturedhereisAlabamaPowerSupplierRelations&DiversityDepartment.Individualsfromlefttoright:Manager,AliceGordon;Analyst,UnzellKelley;AdministrativeAssistant,NishaBrown;Analyst,KevinSellers;Analyst,LulaRice;andAnalyst,DarrenAckles.

AlabamaPowerwasawardedtheMobileAreaChamber’sMinorityBusinessAdvocateAwardfor2011.Thecompanysetastatewidesupplierdiversitygoalof11.04percentin2011,determinedbytwoclassifications–female-ownedbusinessesandminority-ownedbusinesses.

In2007,theAlabamaPowersupplierdiversityprogramre-establisheditsmentoringprogram,andtodateithasworkedwith10companies.

Althoughallcompaniesinthementoringprogramhavetoberecommendedtobeconsidered,theSupplierDiversityprogramworkswithAlabamaPower’sMobile

DivisionandtheMobileAreaChambertoidentifyminority-ownedbusinessesofferingproductsand/orservicesusedbythepowercompany.

Locally,AlabamaPowerisactivelyengagedingrowingitssupplierbaseandispartneringwiththeMobileAreaChamberandtheMBDABusinessCenter-Mobiletodevelopnewandinnovativewaystorecruitminority-ownedbusinesses.

Theseinclude:•Holdingthesmallbusinessdevelopmentseminars

intheMobileareatorecruitbusinesses;

•Identifyingadditionalopportunitiesforsmall businessesbyworkingwithAlabamaPower’sbuyers andcontractsdepartment;

•Participatinginsupplychainmanagement,power generationandpowerdelivery(transmissionand distribution)andregionalexposwithAlabama Power’sMobileDivision;and

•Maintainingasuppliercontactsdatabaseon minority-andwomen-ownedbusinesses.

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3.00% For Account Holders **

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MOBILE - AIRPORT BLVD (251) 338-6200MOBILE - DAUPHIN ST (251) 338-7707EASTERN SHORE - DAPHNE (251) 338-8200

15 MONTH IRAAPY*

2011 Minority Business Advocate Award

AlabamaPower


Theycook.Theyclean.Theyevengiveblood.It’ssafetosaythe395employeesofTheSSIGroupare

committedtocommunityservice,andfortheireffortswithareanonprofits,thecompanywasselectedastherecipientofthe2011CorporateCommunityServiceAward.ThebeneficiariesoftheirvolunteerlaborincludetheAmericanCancerSociety,AmericanRedCross,BayAreaFoodBank,LifeSouthandtheUnitedWayofSouthwestAlabama–tonameafew.

JimmyLyons,SSI’svicepresidentandchieffinancialofficer,saysthecompany’semployeesarepassionateandwillingtoinvestinthecommunitywheretheyliveandwork–acomplementtothecompany’scultureandbusinessphilosophy.

Overthepast12years,theMobileAreaChamber,EnvisionCoastalAlabamaandHandsOnSouthAlabamahaverecognizedbusinesses–bothlargeandsmall–emphasizingemployeevolunteereffortsasanimportantpartoftheircorporatevision,policiesandoperations.

“Theprocessofselectingawinnerforthisawardisalwaysdifficultbecausethebusinesscommunityhasastrongtraditionofgivingback,”saidDianaBrinson,HandsOnSouthAlabamaexecutivedirector.“WhatsetTheSSIGroupapartwasitsinvolvementinavarietyofhands-onprojectsthatcoveredawiderangeofissuesinsupportofanumberoforganizationsinourcommunity.”

Mobile-basedSSIisanational,diversifiedinformationtechnologycompanyestablishedin1988.Thecompanyhas395employees,with88percentofthemworkingatitscorporateoffice.

The2011DiplomatoftheYearisSatyPutcha,co-ownerofPadgettBusinessServices.Putcharunsasmallbusinessservingsmallbusinessowners.Heprideshimselfonpersonalrelationshipswithhisclientele,andbeingaChamberdiplomatoverthepasttwoyearsisoneofthewayshegetsoutinthecommunity.

Putcha,adiplomatsinceNovember2009,earnedtheDiplomatoftheMonthawardseveraltimesforhisparticipationinvariousChamber-sponsoredeventsandvisitingnewmembers.

Hiswork,aswellasthoseofhisfellowdiplomats,helpstheChamberexpandandmaintainitsmembershipbase.

2011 Diplomat of the Year:

Saty Putcha

SatyPutcha(left)ispicturedwithhiswife,Anna.Putcha,co-ownerofPadgettBusinessServicesistheMobileAreaChamber’sDiplomatoftheYear.

2011 Corporate Community Service Award:

The SSI Group

PicturedhereisateamofSSIGroupemployeeswhocoordinatethecompany’svolunteerefforts.TheSSIGroupwasrecognizedbyHandsOnSouthAlabama,EnvisionCoastalAlabamaandtheMobileAreaChamberwiththeCorporateCommunityServiceAward.


Company: VolkertInc.

Title: Presidentandchiefexecutiveofficer

Hometown:Heflin,Ala.

Education:Handearnedabachelor’sdegreeincivilengineeringfromAuburnUniversity

First job: Engineer-in-trainingatDavidVolkert&AssociatesInc.

Previous experience:InadditiontohiscareeratVolkert,HandspentadecadeinpublicserviceasanAlabamastatesenator,AlabamasecretaryofstateandAlabamaDepartmentofTransportationhighwaydirector.

Accomplishments:Duringhis18yearsatVolkert,HandhashelpeddevelopnewmarketsandservicesinboththeprivateandpublicbusinesssectorsandhasexpandedVolkertgeographically.HealsogrewVolkert’sprogram/constructionmanagementandright-of-wayoperations.Forhisaccomplishments,hereceivedtheVolkertChairman’sAwardin2002.

What changes can we expect at Volkert?Volkertwillcontinueitsgeographicexpansionandaddservicestoreflecttheneedsofthepublic,saidHand.“Whatwewillnotchangeisourassociates’desiretosatisfyourclients’needs,ourtremendousdriveforqualityinourworkanddevotiontoservingtheinfrastructureneedsofthecommunitiesweserve.”

Secret to success:“Asuccessfulcompanyisoftenbestjudgedbythestaffitemploys,”Handsaid.“Wearefortunatetohavesomeofthemosttalentedanddedicatedemployeesinthebusiness.Oursuccessiswrappedupinourassociatesandagreatmanagementteam.”

Brief company description: Volkertisamulti-disciplinary,full-serviceengineeringandenvironmentalfirmprovidingservicestostatedepartmentsoftransportation,federalagencies,localandmunicipalgovernmentsandprivateindustries.HeadquarteredinMobilewithadditionaldesignofficesthroughouttheSoutheasternUnitedStates,thecompanywasfoundedin1925andhasmorethan600employees.

Perry HandCeO profile


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

Make a smooth move to the Cloud and quickly provide your organization

Additional Communication and Collaboration CapabilitiesImproved Business ContinuityIncreased SecurityA competitive Edge • Cost Efficiency • Reduced hardware expenses

If you are ready to discover how we can help your business work smarter and increase productivity and sales, call us today!

251.650.2231www.mcgnow.net

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.


investor focus

Company Officials:JosephM.Bailey,VivianV.Chateau,J.KennyCrowJr.,A.BruceDudleyJr.,EdwardG.McDermott,ReginaL.McKellar,JohnR.Shields

Years in Business: 25

Brief Company Description: Inadditiontotax,audit/assuranceandbookkeepingservices,CrowShields&BaileyPC(CSB)helpsclientsinbusinessdevelopment,businessvaluationandlitigationsupport.

Why are you located in Mobile?“Wegrewuphere,”saidCrow,thefirm’smanagingpartner.“Thisisourhome.Wehadanoptiontorunourbusinessand

raiseourkidsanywhere–Mobilewasour‘slam-dunk!’”

Why do you support the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Growth initiative? “Youcannotexpectyourbusinesstobesuccessfulinacommunitythatyoufailtosupport,”saidCrow.“Ourbusinesswillflourishwiththegrowthofourentirecommunity,andsoourfirmhasalwayssupportedtheChamber.”Inaddition,CSBassistedmorethan200claimantswiththeirBPoilspillclaimpreparation.

What do you see as Mobile’s greatest potential?“TodefineMobile’spotential,youcanstartwithitscentrallocationalongtheGulfCoast,

movetothebeautifulbeachesoftheGulfofMexico,travelintothecitywithaviewoftheawesomesunsetsonMobileBayandthenaturalbeautyoftheDelta,thenconnectthedotsbydiscoveringaninfrastructureandtransportationsystemthatwillsupportjustaboutanybusiness,”saidCrow.“Thisbusinesssettingisenhancedbyabeautifulcitythatisagreatplacetoraiseafamily.”

Length of Continuous Chamber Membership:25years

Crow, Shields & Bailey PC

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].

Pictured from left to right are Joseph M. Bailey, Vivian V. Chateau, Edward G. McDermott, A. Bruce Dudley Jr., John R. Shields, J. Kenny Crow Jr. and Regina L. McKellar.


UniqueandcreativearejusttwowordstodescribeLeMarisAlston,theMobileAreaChamber’snewtechnologysupportspecialist.AlstonisresponsibleformaintainingtheChamber’sfileservers,webservers,databaseandhardwaresystems.

ATheodorenative,Alstonearnedabachelor’sdegreeincomputerinformationsystemsfromAlabamaStateUniversityandamaster’sdegreeincomputerinformationsystemsfromtheUniversityofPhoenix.

HehasnineyearsofexperienceintheITindustry,workingatGlobalTelLink,WindCreekCasinoandmostrecently,intechsupportforThyssenKruppStainlessthroughitsITprovider,Netpointe.

“LeMarishasatremendousamountoftechnologyexperienceandwillbea

significantadditiontoourstaff,”saidChamberChiefFinancialOfficerJoeMareno.

Whenawayfromthecomputer,Alstonenjoysworkingwithat-riskyouthinhischurchandcommunity,andphotography.Forthepast10years,hehasheadedupcommunitybonding

projects,coachedsportsandtutoredtroubledyouth.HefoundedtheBounceBackYouthLeadershipFoundation,amentoringprogramfortroubledyouth.

“Iloveachallengeandenjoybeingcreative,”saidAlston.“AndIappreciateworkingwithsuchafriendlygrouplikethepeoplehereattheChamber.”

[email protected].

Chamber Hires new Technology Support Specialist

Alston

DawnRencheristhenewdirectorofmemberrelationsfortheMobileAreaChamber’smembershipdepartment.

BorninMississippi,shegraduatedfromtheUniversityofMississippiwithadegreeinmarketing.ShepreviouslyworkedasanoutreachdirectorforSomerbyseniorlivingcommunity,whereshemarketedamenitiestoprospectiveresidents.Rencheralsoworkedinthebankingindustryfor11yearsandhasexperienceinthetravelandhealthcareindustries.

“DawnbringsmanagmentskillsandabilitiestoourteamtocontinuouslyensureourmembersaregettingthebenefitsoftheirinvestmentintheChamber,”saidCarolynGolson,vicepresidentofmembership.

Inhernewposition,Rencherisresponsibleforinternalandexternalcustomerserviceprograms.ShecoordinatesseveralkeyChamberevents,includingBusinessExpoandtheannualChamberClassicgolftournament,andoverseestheambassadorprogram(formerlyknownasdiplomats).

RencherfeelsherpassionforqualitylivinginourcommunitymakesworkingattheChamberaperfectfit.“TheChamberhassuchapositiveimpactonourcommunitiesandbusinesses,”shesaid.

RencherisavolunteerwithBayFest,theMobileBayLPGAClassicandtheCentrefortheLivingArts.

[email protected].

Chamber Hires new Director of Member Relations

Rencher

Down Home Cooking • New Entrees DailyShort Orders and Salads

$6.00 Lunch - Entree, 3 Sides, Bread & Tea

Located inside Mobile Regional Senior Center3201 Hillcrest Road • 251-661-0219

HOURS 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Visit us for lunch.Open to the public.

$6.00 lunch DAILY

HOME COOKING • SHORT ORDERS

Find us on Facebook


Huge Aerospace Push in 2012InFebruary,theChamberhosteda

groupattheSingaporeAirShow,followedbyattendinganaerospaceshowinHamburg,Germany.InJuly,ChamberrepresentativeswillattendEngland’sFarnboroughAirShow.TheChambercontinuestoseeresidualbenefitsfromtheseven-yearhunttobringtheU.S.AirForce’saerialrefuelingtankertoMobile.InterestremainshighintheBrookleyAeroplex,andtheeconomicdevelopmentteamistakingfulladvantageofitbyshowcasingitsuniqueinfrastructure.

Chamber Sets its Legislative Agenda for 2012 at Luncheon

TheChamber’sannuallegislativelunchinNovemberwasattendedby150people,includingmembersofMobile’slocalandstatelegislativedelegation.ThelunchfeaturedtheformalpresentationoftheChamber’s2012CommunityLegislativeAgenda,recognitionofstateandlocallawmakers,andremarkson2012sessionprioritiesfromAlabamaSpeakeroftheHouseMikeHubbard.

Looking at More than Aerospace in Singapore

InSingapore,theChambertookalookathowthatcountryorganizeditschemicalindustryintopodsandhastakenadvantageofco-locationopportunitiesaffordedtospin-offindustries.BonnieTully,plantmanagerforEvonikDegussa,transferredtothecompany’sTheodorefacilityfromanoperationinSingaporeandissharingEvonik’sco-locationsuccessstories.

Co-location–theconvergenceofsupplierindustrieslocatingoftenonamanufacturingindustry’spropertytosupportthatindustryaswellasotheroperationsincloseproximity–hasbeenofinteresttotheChamber’seconomicdevelopmentteamandexistingindustries.SeveralchemicalcompaniesinadditiontoEvonikhavesimilararrangementsontheirsites,andThyssenKruppisworkingonseveralsuchopportunitiesnow.See pg. 6 for details.

Chamber names new Ambassadors

RoryBeaco,NewYorkLife;KatieBethClark,TheCummingsCo.;KayceeGoubil,TheAHIGroup;DebbieHunter,TheVillageatMidtown;SidneyKingIII,

OdysseyHospice;LanaMosley,ReliableStaffing;andJaimeThagard,ACordFinancialServicesLLCwerenamednewChamberambassadors.

AmbassadorsareagroupofvolunteersfrommembercompanieswhoassisttheChamberwithavarietyofprojects,includingeventregistration,membervisitsandattendingribboncuttings.Tolearnmoreaboutthisgroup,[email protected].

STEM For Change in Workforce Skills Development

TheChamber’sCenterforWorkforceDevelopmentpartneredwiththeMobileAreaEducationFoundation’sSummitinFebruaryonanagendadedicatedtodiscussingtheneedtoimprovescience,technology,engineeringandmatheducation(STEM)intheMobileCountyPublicSchoolSystem.Theseskillshavebeenidentifiedas“highlyneeded”byindustryinthe21stcentury.Thesummit’skeynotespeakerwasDr.FreemanHrabowski,anAlabamanativeandpresidentoftheUniversityofMarylandBaltimoreCounty.Knownforinnovative

approachestoinfuseSTEMattheuniversity,hehasreceivednationalrecognitionforhisleadershipinSTEMeducationandwasrecentlyfeaturedontheCBSnewsshow60 Minutes.OtherpartnersincludedUSACollegeofEducation,SAWDC,andtheAlabamaMath,Science,TechnologyandEngineeringCouncil.

Chamber Participates in Member Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings

AmericanFamilyCare–SchillingerRoad,BienvilleBusinessClubandJMHDesignsrecentlyheldgrandopeningsandribboncuttings.Ifyourbusinessisamemberandyouwouldlikeassistancewithplanningasimilarevent,[email protected].

Champagne and Oysters Starts Holidays Off Right

TheChamberhostedmorethan150invitedguestsandelectedofficialstoitsannualChampagneandOystersreceptioninDecember.Theannualeventisheldtowelcomeandhonornewly-electedandre-electedofficialsfromMobile,BaldwinandWashingtoncounties.

Chamber@work

By advertising in The Business View, you can reach the decision-makers at more than 22,200 area

businesses every month plus another 9,000 business professionals who receive it electronically.

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


May

Dorothy May

DorothyMay,ownerofTheGatheringofJewelswomen’sapparelshop,istheChamber’sAmbassadoroftheMonth.Afterretiringasanurse,sheopenedherownbusiness.ShehasbeenamemberoftheChamber’sdiplomatprogramforfouryears,welcomingnewbusinessestothecommunityatribboncuttingsandencouragingthemtobeinvolvedwithChamberactivities.“IenjoythenetworkingandlearningopportunitiesIamaffordedthroughtheChamber,”shesaid.

Phot

o by

Jeff

Tesn

ey P

hoto

grap

hy

Ambassador of the Month

Board of advisorsCelia Mann Baehrhasmorethan20yearsofexperienceasafinancialadvisor,andhasbeenaCertifiedFinancialPlannerpractitionersince1988.Baehrstartedherownbusiness,CeliaMannBaehrCFP,in1990andoffersfinancialplanningandinvestmentadvicetoindividualclients.Baehr

holdsamaster’sdegreeinbusinessadministrationfromtheUniversityofSouthAlabamaandabachelor’sdegreeingeologyfromTheUniversityofAlabama.InFebruary2008,shereceivedthedistinguishedserviceawardfromtheNationalAlumniAssociationoftheUniversityofSouthAlabama.BaehrispastboardchairoftheMobileSymphony,andcurrentlyservesasvicechairforboarddevelopment.SheispastpresidentoftheGulfStatesChapteroftheFinancialPlanningAssociationandcurrentlyservesasitstreasurer.BaehrisagraduateofLeadershipMobile,aformermemberoftheMobileAreaChamberboardofdirectorsandamemberoftheRotaryClubofMobile.

Baehr

James Laier PhDistheMobileAreaWaterandSewerSystemboardchairman.HeisalsoassistantdeanofengineeringattheUniversityofSouthAlabama(USA),andisalicensedprofessionalengineerin11states.Inaddition,heischiefoperatingofficerandprincipalengineerforSouthernEarthSciences,acompanyhefounded.Laier

receivedabachelor’sdegreeincivilengineeringfromTheCitadel,amaster’sdegreeincivilengineeringfromWestVirginiaUniversity,andadoctorateincivilengineeringfromtheUniversityofFlorida.HeisamemberoftheUSAResearchParkboardofdirectorsandtheUSAcampaignleadership.LaierisamemberoftheAmericanSocietyofCivilEngineers,MobileAreaInterEngineeringSocietiesCouncil,AlabamaConsultingEngineersCouncil,NationalSocietyofProfessionalEngineersandtheMobileWestRotaryClub.MobileAreaWaterandSewerSystemisaPartnersforGrowthinvestor.

Laier

FormoreinformationabouttheChamber’sboardofadvisors,[email protected].

Spring Events for the Whole Family...Easter Egg Hunt - March 31

Easter Sunrise Service - April 8Camellia Classic Car Show - April 14

Mother’s Day Concert - May 13

Open Daily 8am - 5pm, Closed December 2512401 Bellingrath Gardens Road s Theodore, Alabama 36582

800.247.8420 / 251.973.2217

www.bellingrath.org

Don’t Miss A Blooming Thing This Springat

Stroll through 65 acres of azalea lined paths with family and friends


Comparative

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

December 2011 vs December 2010

EmployedMobile/Baldwin counties

249,7742011

244,8162010

Business LicensesCity of Mobile

1202011

1682010

$120,7782011

$140,6482010

Average Selling Price Mobile County

unemployment Rates

8.1%2011

9.6%2010

Homes Sold⌦Mobile County

2752011

21920101602011

2952010

Building PermitsCity of Mobile

24,2502011

22,2672010

Air Passengers From Mobile Area

Value of Building Permits

$4,969,5712011

$28,412,2862010

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

Friday, March 2TimberCreek Golf Course in Daphne

-----7:30 a.m. - Registration & Breakfast

8:30 a.m. - Shotgun Start

HOLE SPONSORSHIPS $850 / INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $150LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE!

Mobile Area Chamber Annual Golf Tournament

Major Sponsors: Arkema, Burr & Forman, ExxonMobil, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, International Shipholding Corp., Mobile GasPutting Contest - Gulf South Pipeline; Chipping Contest - Natures Way Marine; Closest to the Pin - Austal USA; Longest Drive - Mississippi Export Railroad Co.

Call 431-8649 TODAY!

Don’t wait to register, the tournament sells out every year!

Breakfast Sponsor: The Original HoneyBaked Ham Co. * Ice Cream Provider: Blue Bell Creameries * Massage Provider: Elements Therapeutic Massage

Golf Tourney TBV ad halfpage.indd 1 1/30/2012 3:45:49 PM


SAVEthe Date Mobile Area

ChamberMembership

Appreciation Day

Friday, April 1310 a.m. - 2 p.m.

451 Government St.

March Calendar of Events

2 Chamber Golf Classic*Members Only

Bringclientsforarelaxingdayoffunandnetworkingonthegolfcourseatthisyear’sChamberGolfTournamentonFriday,March2,atTimberCreek,9650TimberCreekBlvd.inDaphne.Breakfastandregistrationbeginat7:30a.m.,withashotgunstartat8:30a.m.Individualticketsare$150andholesponsorshipsareavailablefor$850.

Forreservationsand/orsponsorshipinformation,[email protected].

14 networking@noon*Members Only

Make40-plusbusinesscontactsin90minutesatNetworking@NoononWednesday,March14,attheMobileAreaChamber,451GovernmentSt.,fromnoonto1:30p.m.Thisbi-monthlyeventisforMobileAreaChambermembersandlimitedtoonerepresentativepercompany.

Thecostis$10andincludeslunch.Paymentisduewithreservation.ReservationsarerequirednolaterthanMonday,March12,andcanbemadebycontactingMissyHartleyat431-8638ormhartley@mobilechamber.com.ReservationsnotcancelledbyMarch12,mustbehonoredtocoverthecostofthelunch.

21 Real Estate Summit

TheUniversityofSouthAlabamaCollegeofBusinessCenterforRealEstateStudies,inconjunctionwiththeMobileAreaChamber,willhostthefifthannualGulfCoastCommercialRealEstateSummitonWednesday,March21,from7:30a.m.to4:30p.m.attheRenaissanceMobileRiverviewPlazaHotel,64S.WaterSt.Registrationbeginsat7:30a.m.

Theday-longworkshopwillfeaturecommercialrealestateindustryleadersofferingreports,data,insightandinterpretationsofthelocalmarket.Itistheonlyprogramofthistypeonthecoast.Continuingeducationcreditsareavailableandshouldberequestedthedayoftheevent.

Thecostis$195andincludeslunch,andreservationsarerequired.RegisteronlinebyFriday,March19,atwww.mobilechamber.com(clickontheCalendarofEvents).Formoreinformation,[email protected].

16 E-Verify – Comply

Seepg.5fordetails.

For information on Chamber events, visit events.

mobilechamber.com.

20 Executive Roundtable*Members Only

Dr.K.MarkWeaver,professorofmanagementandBenMayChairofEntrepreneurshipattheUniversityofSouthAlabama,willdiscussMobileasanentrepreneurialcommunityandkeystepsforgrowingtheregionatthismonth’sExecutiveRoundtable.ThismonthlyforumexclusivelyforChamber-membersmallbusinessownersandmanagerswillmeetTuesday,March20,from8to9a.m.intheMobileAreaChamber’sBoardRoom,451GovernmentSt.

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

22 Business After Hours

JoinChambermembersandvolunteersThursday,March22,from5:30to7p.m.forBusinessAfterHoursattheHolidayInnMobileAirportat3630SpringhillMemorialDr.S.ThispopulareventisoneoftheChamber’sbestopportunitiestointroduceyourbusinessandmakenewcontacts.

Thecosttoattendis$5formembersand$10forpotentialmembers.Reservationsarenotnecessary.

Formoreinformation,[email protected] Supplier Marketing

WorkshopInthiseconomicclimate,

expandingyourpotentialcustomerbaseiscritical.Buyersforlargerpublicandprivateentitiesarelookingforsmallbusinesssuppliers,buthowdoyoumeetthemandgetyourfootinthedoor?Thenwhatdoyoudo?

TheMobileAreaChamberwillhold“SupplierMarketing:BuildingandMaintainingRelationships,”atrainingsessionpresentedbyRamonaHill,vicepresidentofenrollmentmanagementatSpringHillCollege,onWednesday,March7,from7:30a.m.to9:30a.m.attheMobileAreaChamber,451GovernmentSt.Ifyouwanttoknowhowtomeetbuyersandmaintainrelationships,plantoattendthisworkshop.

Thecostis$20formembersand$25forguests,whichincludesalightbreakfast.Reservationsarerequired.Registeronlineatwww.mobilechamber.com,[email protected].

14 Women’s Roundtable*Members Only

TheMobileAreaChamber’sWomen’sRoundtable,abi-monthlyforumexclusivelyforChambermemberwomenbusinessownersandmanagers,isscheduledtomeetWednesday,March14,from8to9a.m.intheChamber’sTricentennialRoom.

MakedaNichols,agentandregisteredrepresentativeforStateFarmInsurance,willdiscussexitplansforbusinessownersandmanagers.Whattypeofplansdoyouhaveinplaceintheeventofamajorillnessordeath?NicholswilldiscussdifferentscenariosandwillalsobringFinancialSpecialistJerryJohnsontotalkaboutwhatyoucandototakepreventivemeasures.Thereisnochargetoattend,butseatingislimited.

ForreservationscontactCarolynGolsonacallat431-8622oremailcgolson@mobilechamber.com.

FREE food

Live Music

Meet the Staff

*

*

**

{}


BergSteelPipenamedPaulWebergeneralmanagerofoperationsforitsMobilelocation.Weberearnedabachelor’sdegreeinmetallurgicalengineeringfromtheTechnicalUniversityofNovaScotia,andabachelor’sdegreefromSaintMary’sUniversity.

X

CrowShields&BaileyPCaccountingandconsultingfirmpromotedCPAsKathrynG.BradleyandSherriL.Deightontosupervisors.Bothwomenarelocatedinthefirm’sMobileoffice.

XRobertsBrothers

Inc.hiredYvetteLatonaasarealestateagent.

DeightonBradley

MartyHarrisrejoinedSpringdaleTravelasapersonaltravelconciergespecializingincruises,destinationhoneymoons,andvacationpackages.X

RetiredFBIagentMarieDysonjoinedMississippi-AlabamaSeaGrantandtheAuburnUniversityMarineExtensionandResearchCenterastheoutreachandextensionfacilitatorforworkingwaterfrontsprogramming.Dysonholdsamaster’sdegreeineducationfromtheUniversityofNorthFloridaandabachelor’sdegreeincriminology/psychologyfromFloridaStateUniversity.

XLocalinformationtechnologyfirmIGT

NetworksInc.promotedTrevorWardtovicepresidentofoperations.Hewillalsoheadupthecompany’snewsoftwaredevelopmentdivisionforthemaritimeindustry.

JonesWalkerwelcomedattorneysKathrynW.DreyandJasonR.WatkinstothefirmasspecialcounselsinitsMobileoffice.DreyisagraduateofTulaneLawSchoolandislicensedtopracticeinAlabama.WatkinsgraduatedfromTheUniversityofAlabamaSchoolofLaw.

XJenniferCooley

joinedtheMobileBayConvention&VisitorsBureau(MBCVB)staffasdirectorofmarketingandcommunications.CooleycomestotheMBCVBwithmorethan11yearsofexperienceinmarketingandcommunications.Shehasabachelor’sdegreeincommunicationartsfromSpringHillCollege.

Member News

Century21MeyerRealEstatewelcomedJudahCastagne,BarbaraCoxandPhyllisSchwabacherassalesassociates.

XAveryTucker

JordanwasnamedprincipalbusinessbankerforWellsFargoinMobile.Jordanearnedamaster’sdegreefromtheFuquaSchoolofBusinessatDukeUniversityandabachelor’sdegreefromTheUniversityoftheSouthinSewanee,Tenn.

Who’s New

CoxCastagne

SchwabacherDyson

Harris

Jordan

Cooley

WatkinsDrey

Latona

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s RENTAL Monitors, SCBA, Confined Space

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s Equipment Repair, Service and Calibration

s OSHA Safety Surveys, Seminars,Training

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s Walk-In Safety Sales Showroom

s RX Glasses, Safety Shoes, Uniforms

5865 Rangeline Road • www.safetysourceinc.com

“Your First Source For Safety Equipment

and Supplies”

251-443-7445Program Sponsors: Aker Solutions, Alabama Power Co., Austal USA, Commonwealth National Bank,

First Community Bank, International Shipholding Corp., Mitsubishi Polysilicon, Mobile Airport Authority,Mobile Gas, Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc., RBC Bank, Regions Bank, SSAB and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA

Printer Sponsor: MH3 Printing & Ad Specialties - Floral Sponsor: All-A-Bloom Florist

Wednesday, April 25Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

15th Annual

State of the City & County Lunch

Join City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson as they discuss the state of the city and county at this

annual Chamber luncheon.

Reservations and advanced payment are required. Call 431-8621 or email [email protected]

Tickets are $20 per person or $190 for a table of 10 (Chamber members only)

or $30 per person for nonmembers.

2012SOCC_TBV_ad.indd 1 2/1/2012 11:18:32 AM


HubInternationalLimited,aleadinginsurancebrokeragefirm,acquiredBayBenefits,aMobile-basedemployeebenefitsinsurancebrokeragefirm.

XRonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities

ofMobilelaunchedanewwebsite,www.RMHCMobile.org,allowingonlinedonationsandincludinginformationaboutvolunteeropportunities,roomandboardaccommodationsandacalendarofupcomingevents.

XCostFlexSystemsannounceda

$1millioninvestmentforupgradestoitshealthcarecostaccountingsystemandplatformdevelopment.

XWhite-SpunnerConstruction

completeda$32milliondouble-deckedretailsupercenterinDallas,thefirstofitskindinthecontinentalU.S.

XThecityofMobileenhancedits

website,offeringpermittingapplicationsandbusinesstaxcollections.Formoreinformationonpermits,visitwww.cityofmobile.org/devcenter.php.

Business Endeavors

GoodwillEasterSealspartneredwithDelltoofferfreeyear-roundelectronicsrecyclingatitsdonationcentersandretaillocationsaspartoftheDellReconnectprogram.ForacompletelistofparticipatingGoodwilllocationsandtolearnmoreaboutDellReconnect,visitwww.dellreconnect.com.

XCompass

UrgentCareClinic,anindependenthigh-techurgentcarecenter,openedat9985AirportBlvd.,attheintersectionofAirportBoulevardandSnowRoadWest.ThenewcenterisledbyDr.RichardOyler,aMobilenativewithmorethan20yearsofemergencymedicalexperience.

Inaddition,CompassUrgentCarecreatedasmartphoneapptoprovideimmediateaccesstoinformationaboutthefacility,servicesandavarietyofhealthcareinformation.Consumerscandownloadthefreeapplicationfromwww.iTriageHealth.com.

XSpringdaleTravellaunchedanew

website,www.springdaletravel.com.Thesitefeaturesabrandnewlookandtoolstomakevacationplanningeasier.

Oyler

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HandArendallannouncedthefirm’sinclusioninthe“BestLawFirms”list,publishedby U.S. News & World ReportinconjunctionwithBestLawyersinAmerica®.Thefirmreceived23MetropolitanTier-OneRankingsin21practiceareas.Additionally,thefirmreceivedsevenMetropolitanTier-TwoRankings.

XBishopStateCommunityCollege

capturedgoldandbronzeMedallionawardsintheNationalCouncilforMarketingandPublicRelationsdistricttwomedallionawardscompetition.Thecollegereceivedagold(firstplace)awardinthetelevisionadvertising/publicserviceannouncementseriescategoryandabronze(thirdplace)awardinthefoldercovercategory.

XTheAlabamaHospitalityAssociation

andtheAlabamaRestaurantAssociationpresentedtheRestaurateuroftheYearAwardtoWintzell’sOysterHouseatthe10thannualHospitalityStarsofAlabamaawards,recognizingoutstandingperformance,commitmentandachievementsinthelodging,tourismandrestaurantindustries.

XMcDowellKnightRoedder&Sledge

LLCwasnamedamongthetopmid-sizedbusinesslitigationfirmsinthestateofAlabamaintheSuper Lawyers, Business Edition 2011.

XMobile

InfirmarynurseShannonDavidsonreceivedtheComfortAwardforhercommitmenttoservetheneedsofher

community.DavidsonhasvolunteeredhermedicalservicestotheMcIntoshRescueSquadfor20yearsand11yearstotheMcIntoshVolunteerFireDepartmentlocalrescuesquad.In2010alone,shecontributedmorethan1,900hourstothetwoservices.

XTheCommunityFoundationofSouth

Alabamawasrecentlyrecognizedformeetingthenation’shighestphilanthropicstandardsforoperationalquality,integrityandaccountability.ThenoticecomesfromtheCouncilonFoundations,anationalprofessionalassociationbasedinWashingtonD.C.Inaddition,thefoundationreceiveda$50,000grantfromtheMargueriteCaseyFoundationfortheSocialImpactFundtoprovideincreasedlevelsofsupportforcommunity-ledsocialjusticeefforts.

Callaghan’sIrishSocialClubwasawarded“Alabama’sBestBurger”bytheAlabamaCattlemen’sAssociation.

XLarindaGann

withRE/MAXPartnersonGrelotRoadwasawardedtheWomen’sCouncilofRealtors(WCR)RealtoroftheYearforthelocalchapter.ShewillnowcompeteforthestateofAlabamaWCRRealtoroftheYear.

XPenAirFederalCreditUnionwas

recognizedasaSuperior5-StarRatedCreditUnionbyBAUERFINANCIALInc.Thecreditunionincreasedcapitallevelsaswellasaloanportfoliowithnegligiblelevelsofdelinquentloans.

XEquit-E-Cycle,adivisionofEquity

Technologies,anend-of-lifeelectronicsrecyclerlocatedinBrookleyAeroplex,wascertifiedasanR2ResponsibleRecycler.R2guaranteeslegalandethicalrecycling,trackingofallhazardousmaterialsandinformationsecuritywhilemanaginganenvironmentally-safeprocess.

Well Done Frazer,Greene,Upchurch&BakerLLCannouncedA.DannerFrazerJr.,MichaelE.UpchurchandMaryMargaretBaileywereincludedinthe2012editionof The Best Lawyers in America.Upchurchwasalsonamedamongthe“MobileBestLawyersPersonalInjuryLitigation-DefendantsLawyeroftheYear”for2012.

XTheGrandDiningRoomoftheGrand

HotelMarriottResort,GolfClub&SpaandtheTrellisRoomofTheBattleHouseRenaissanceMobileHotel&SpareceivedtheWine Spectator Awardforexceptionalwineselections.BothhotelsalsoreceivedConventionSouth’s AnnualReaders’ChoiceAwardformeetingsexcellence.

XManagingbrokerJoeRogers,of

PrudentialCooper&Co.Inc.REALTORSwasnamedtheMobileAreaAssociationofRealtors2012president.AndmanagerLarrySmithreceivedtheMobileAssociationofRealtorsDavidRobertsScholarshipAward.Itrecognizes20yearsofindustryserviceandcontributionstothelocal,stateandnationalboards.

XVolkertInc.wasrankedtheNo.1

engineeringfirminthestateofAlabamaintheOctober2011issueofBusiness Alabama.

Gann

NineattorneysfromtheBurr&FormanLLPMobileofficewereselectedbytheirpeersforinclusioninThe Best Lawyers in America®2012:DouglasL.Anderson,EdwardG.IsaacsBowron,C.WilliamDaniels,Jr.,EricJ.Dyas,JohnP.Kavanagh,Jr.,ForrestS.Latta,AbramL.Philips,Jr.,MarionA.QuinaJr.andH.WilliamWasden.Thefirmhasatotalof76attorneyslistedthisyear.

XExpressEmploymentProfessionals

wasnamedtheNo.1staffingfranchiseintheU.S.byEntrepreneur Magazine aspartofthemagazine’s33rdannualFranchise500®list.Expressalsorankedinthetop100onthemagazine’sTopGlobalFranchiseslistinAmerica.

XBobBender,ownerofSpringdale

Travelwasinductedintothe2012BusinessTravelServicesAdvisoryBoard(BTS).Theboard’sroleistoprovideadvicetoAmericanExpressonproducts,programsandthegeneraldirectionoftheAmericanExpressTravelPartnerNetwork.

TheFamilyCenter,asocialserviceorganization,wasawarded$168,250bytheAlabamaDepartmentofChildAbuseandNeglectPreventionforMobileCounty’sFatherhoodInitiativePrograms,whichfocusonparenting,fatherhood,relationshipskills,stressandangermanagement.Theservicesareopentomothers,aswellasfathers,freeofcharge.Formoreinformation,call479-5700.

XLocalresidentscanreceivefreehelpto

quitsmokingin2012withtheAlabamaDepartmentofPublicHealthtelephone-basedtobaccocessationservicethatprovidesfreecounselingandfourweeksoffreenicotinepatchestocallerswhobegintelephonecounselingandaremedicallyeligible.CalltheAlabamaTobaccoQuitline(1-800-QUIT-NOW).CounselorsareavailableMondaythroughFridayfrom8a.m.to8p.m.Formoreinformation,visitwww.JustBreatheMobile.org.

Davidson

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


Acquisition Logistics Engineering (ALE)KenHardenbrook4850Gautier-VancleaveRd.,Ste.3Gautier,MS39553-4824228-522-1522www.ale.comLogistics-Full Service

American Family Care - Schillinger Rd.FeliciaFortune535SchillingerRd.S.Mobile,AL36695-8915251-544-6611www.americanfamilycare.comMedical Clinics

B BoutiqueBrandyLister9DuRhuDr.,Ste.315Mobile,AL36608251-380-1008Women’s Apparel

Beds & Blinds Inc.DavidTarwater11371CountyRd.64Daphne,AL36526-6051251-621-2006www.bedsandblinds.comShutters

BIS Office Systems LLCTyranColvin273AzaleaRd.,Bldg.1,Ste.100Mobile,AL36609251-476-3113www.bisofficesystems.comCopying Machines Dealer-Supply

C2 Wealth StrategiesWesleyCoody2607DauphinSt.,Ste.AMobile,AL36606251-706-1451www.c2wealth.comInvestments

Collings ElectricJeremyCollings3104LeesLn.Mobile,AL36693-5227251-661-3006Electrical Contractor

Delta Process Equipment Inc.MikeHendrix5454AbleCt.Mobile,AL36693251-666-1414Processing Equipment

Dorger Software Architects Inc.ScotDorger620AzaleaRd.,Ste.BMobile,AL36608251-281-2001www.dorgersoft.comSoftware Development

Events By MalloryMalloryCarey122ItemAve.Mobile,AL36607-2902251-281-8230www.eventsbymallory.comEvent Planning/Management

Hall’s Theodore Wholesale FloristHutchGalloney5655MiddleRd.Theodore,AL36582251-653-8563Floral Distributor

Harbor Lady CruisesDavidGraves1S.WaterSt.Mobile,AL36602877-707-5239www.harborlady.comCruises

HepacoJoeySmith5995RangelineRd.Theodore,AL36582251-706-5841www.hepaco.comEnvironmental Services

Kitchen on GeorgeRonPatak351-AGeorgeSt.Mobile,AL36604251-436-8890www.kitchenongeorge.comRestaurants

Mobile Bay Adventure InnAnkitGandhi255ChurchSt.Mobile,AL36602-2603251-433-6923www.adventurebayinns.comMotels

Red or White Wine & Gourmet CenterMikeGibson1801OldShellRd.Mobile,AL36607-3416251-478-9494www.redorwhitewine.comWine

Thin & Healthy’s Total SolutionsLeighBuce3055DauphinSt.Mobile,AL36606-4040251-476-9270www.myfitnessphoenix.comWeight Control Services

As of 12/31/11

New MembersIf you know of a company interested in benefitting from

Chamber membership, contact Rebecca Milam at 431-8647 or Tricia Bradley at 431-8642. View the complete membership directory

at www.mobilechamber.com.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

AnniversariesMembers Are Our Greatest Asset!

Please show your support through the patronage of these businesses.

40YEARSLewisCommunicationsInc.

30YEARSRotoRooterPlumbingService

25YEARSCrowShields&BaileyPC

10YEARSC.A.ServicesInc.HiltonPensacolaBeachGulfFront

5YEARSGrelotPhysicalTherapyMobileCountyPersonnelBoardMoffettRoadAssemblyofGod

1-4YEARSAyresCompositePanelsUSALLCMiaBurmeister-LawsCartridgeWorldofMobileColletteVacationsCooperMarineandTimberlandsCorp.TheCrossingsatCottageHillApartmentHomesDawesStor-AllGeorgiaRoussosCateringInc.GlobalSecurityInternational(GSI)

GrandSlamStorageHamptonInnI-10West/BellingrathGardensHeroManServicesPlantCo.LLCHernandezCalhounDesignInternationalHillMarineRefrigerationIncPaulL.JerniganCPALongleafChem-DryLongleafPinesApartmentsMagnoliaSelfStorageMarchofDimesFoundationMardiGrasWarehouseMissionofHopeMinistriesInc.MobileSportsAuthorityMoorePropertiesLLCNetpointIT-ServicesInc.Opportunity4Entertainers&PerformingArtsPMOAInc.PhoenixFitnessPiping&EquipmentInc.PrideofMobileBarbershopChorusSafetyPlusInc.SaundersYachtworksSignatureRealEstateLLCSouthDataInc.SpanishFortTownCenterApartmentsTelephoneDataServicesofMobileInc.TimeSaversPersonalAssistantURSCorp.

AlabamaOrthopaedicClinicPC.............29AlabamaPowerCo...................................... 5BankTrust.................................................. 17BellingrathGardensandHome..............29Boteler,Finley&Wolfe.............................. 27CommunityBank.....................................22FLCLiving....................................................2Gwin’sCommercialPrinting................... 35HancockBank...........................................20InterstatePrinting&GraphicsInc.........33Lagniappe..................................................34

MCGBusinessSolutions........................... 25Mamun/ReMaxPartners........................33MobileCountyHealthDepartment...........6PadgettBusinessServicesofMobile........ 25PremierMedicalManagement................ 21RegionsBank............................................19Ron’sCatering........................................... 27SafetySource.............................................32TheUniversityofAlabama......................18USAEconomicSummit.............................4WonderlandExpress................................. 25

the business view - march 2012

Documents

leadchamber in2012 chamber

fine living

washington post

jeff tesney photography

united states

gulf coast

unique communities

michellemat writers