Montgomery Business Journal - January 2017 by Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2017

MBJ

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EYES AHEAD:

CHAMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HIGH I M PA C T P R I O R I T I E S

GOING UP

CHAMBER CHAIRMAN DAVID REED IS building ON A strong LEGACY

LANDING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS F LY I N G H I G H : NEW F-35 FLEET KEEPS TUSKEGEE AIRMEN SOARING

444 444 444 444 A

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OUR CUSTOMERS SAY IT ALL...

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relationships

Not many banks can say they have with their customers. River Bank can! Breanna G.

I love walking in the door

and

ALWAYS being greeted by nameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and always feeling like I am the

most important person they have seen that day. Terinna G.

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RIVERBANKANDTRUST.COM Member FDIC NMLS 405629 Equal Housing Lender

CONTENTS JAN /FEB 2017

THIS ISSUE: 10 27 30 32 38 44

Building Up: Chairman David Reed 144th Annual Meeting 2017 Board of Directors & Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle

CHAMBER NEWS

Regional Impact: Flying High

08 Events

Imagine A Greater Montgomery

Government Contracts 101

48 Connect 51 Connect Resource Guide 56 Members on the Move

16 #MGM

58 Business Buzz

18 Powerhouse Q&A

62 Members in the News

20 Member Profiles

66 Ribbon Cuttings

42 GiveBack

68 New Members

52 Small Business Briefcase

70 Intel

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Aronov

covers Montgomery dow n tow n

The Business Center of Alabama

The Bailey Building

midtown

One Commerce Street

Carmichael Center

Interstate Park

Aronov has the right address for you. From a one-room office to space built specifically for your requirements, we can meet the needs of any company, whatever the size. And, we’ll do it with superior service and market knowledge that only Aronov can offer. So when you’re in the market for office space, choose the company that knows Montgomery best –- Aronov.

Call Scott Harris or Dawn Casey at 334.277.1000

3500 Eastern Boulevard

Montgomery, Alabama 36116

www.aronovcommercial.com

eastside

Aronov Centre

Photo Credit: sposabellaphotography.com Nick Frontiero Productions

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT Randall L. George DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Jina Miniard

Photo Credit: sposabellaphotography.com

PERFECT SPACE PERFECT PLACE

MBJ

EXPLORE MEDIA PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

Pam Mashburn

Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

ART DIRECTOR

DESIGN

Erika Rowe Tracy

Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL David Zaslawsky, Meg Lewis

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Josh Moates/Kim Box Photography, Robert Fouts, David Robertson Jr., Paul Robertson, Bryan Carter, Ben Bevilacqua,

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Reserve w. Limited timNo e offer.

ON THE COVER Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce 2017 Chairman David R. Reed / Image by Josh Moates/Kim Box Photography

The perfect venue for any event!

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Military the BALLROOM Events Modern and vintage coexisting Business Meetings Reunions Ofﬁce Parties

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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All rights reserved. The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published bi-monthly by exploreMedia for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, (334) 834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Subscription rate is $30 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. Volume 9, Issue 1. POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery

334.277.1077 A L L E Y S TAT I O N . COM

Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101,

    

part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions and bulk

or email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a subscriptions can also be purchased per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.

Engineering Curriculum \ Robotics Club \ Cyber Patriots Club \ Broadcasting

Spark ingenuity.

He could build things with his blocks from a very young age. He loves experimenting. Those interests should be nurtured, molded, cultivated. Thoughtful guidance will broaden his knowledge and keep him fascinated. Giving him opportunities that he never imagined. This is Catholic. Montgomer y C atholic Preparator y S cho ol

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CHAMBER NEWS

Events +

MA RK YO UR C A L E NDAR S FOR THE SE UP COMING C HAMBE R E V E NTS

Upcoming Workshops

COMING SOON: Eggs & Issues: Our local, state delegation gives an update on the issues impacting the region. Check out www.montgomerychamber.com/events for a list of dates and speakers. Grand Presenting Sponsor: Gilpin Givhan

60 Minute Coffee & Business After Hours These popular networking events are the perfect places to exchange business cards and meet potential customers.

JAN State of the City & County

01/11

January 24, RSA Activity Center

Join more than 300 community and business

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location:

leaders, elected officials and military leaders as the Mayor and County Commission

Classic Buick GMC Cadillac

Chairman give a comprehensive update

01/26

on the state of the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County.

Business After Hours Sponsor: Guardian Credit Union and Wind Creek Montgomery Location: Wind Creek Montgomery

Presenting Sponsor: Baptist Health

FEB AL Legislative Update

02/08

February 15, RSA Activity Center

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Capital Hyundai

Be informed! Engage with business leaders and elected officials during this high-profile

02/23

event, while a leading state official or panel of officials present an update on Alabama’s issues. Gain important insight to key

Business After Hours Sponsor : AL State Employees Credit Union Location: HealthStar Chiropractic

legislative initiatives and the challenges of the legislative session.

03/08 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Capital Chevrolet

All Ears

// BizTalk MGM - the official podcast sponsor for BizTalk MGM

Every Monday at 6 p.m. on WVAS 90.7FM listen in as Montgomery Chamber staff along with host Melissa Johnson Warnke from the Alabama Retail Association talk with business experts on topics that are important to small businesses.

Sponsor: MAX Credit Union

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BUSINESS Resource Center

Business 101: Start it Up! January 3, 17; February 7, 21; March 7, 21. 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. No registration required. $10 fee. Presenting Sponsor: The BeneChoice Companies, LLC Veteran to Business Owner January 10, 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Online event. Registration required. Starting a Business While Working Full Time January 10, 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Online event. Registration required. Woman Owned Small Business Certification January 12, 12:30 p.m. -1 p.m. Online event. Registration required. Estate Planning for Small Businesses and Professionals: An Introduction to iPug™ January 25, 10 a.m. -11:30 a.m., Chappy’s Deli Perry Hill Road. Registration is required. Using E-Verify to Confirm Employment Eligibility January 27, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Online event. Registration required. Mastermind – February at the BRC This eight-week class is an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals focused on taking results to a new level. Registration is required. $55 fee. HUBZone Certification February 9, 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Online event. Registration required. LLC v. S-Corp: Which is Right for You? February 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Online event. Registration required. LinkedIn Essentials February 21, 10:30 a.m. -11 a.m. Online event. Registration required.

MY C ITY MY U N I VE RS I TY

MY TROJAN WARRIOR SPIRIT William F., Graduate Student MBA. TROY Montgomery. Volunteer.

Now more than ever, Troy Montgomery is fueling the success of our city. At our state university, working professionals are getting the degrees they need to not only seize opportunities but to also create them. That’s progress. That’s the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University. © 2016 Troy University

Feel it at troy.edu/Montgomery or call 1-800-414-5756. 9

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

◆

MONTGOMERY

◆

BUILDING UP THE CHAMBER’S 2017 CHAIRMAN DAVID B. REED IS READY TO WORK WITH LEADERS AND MEMBERS TO IDENTIFY ISSUES, FIND SOLUTIONS AND BUILD AN EVEN BETTER MONTGOMERY WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF.

The 2017 Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board of Directors is an engineer by trade and as such he likes to see concrete things – things that are built. “You like to see accomplishments,” said David B. Reed, the new Chamber chairman, who is executive vice president at Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood and chairman of the firm’s board of directors. “You want to look out and see the highway or the road or the bridge or the bike trail or whatever you’re trying to achieve. Something to put your hand on and other people can put their hands on. Something that is lasting.” His engineer hat means that Reed is well versed in identifying problems and solving them. That will come in handy because there are some really big issues on the Chamber’s plate this year.

BY DAVID ZASLAWSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MOATES

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

“YOU WANT TO LOOK OUT AND SEE THE HIGHWAY OR THE ROAD OR THE BRIDGE OR THE BIKE TRAIL OR WHATEVER YOU’RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE, SOMETHING TO PUT YOUR HAND ON AND OTHER PEOPLE CAN PUT THEIR HANDS ON, SOMETHING THAT IS LASTING.”

CONSTRUCT BY putting parts OR MATERIAL

together OVER a period of time.

“WE NEED TO CELEBRATE AND RECOGNIZE THE DIVERSITY IN THE COMMUNITY. I WANT US TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON, AND OUR COMMONALITY IS WHAT MAKES US A COMMUNITY.”

WHERE THE PLANS BEGIN: Progress in Public Education ALL the children of Montgomery deserve a quality education. Failing schools are not acceptable.

Partnership

Reed has been at Montgomery-based Goodwyn, Mills and

Our ability to succeed in economic development is built on the strong partnerships we have between the public and

Cawood, Inc. for 33 years. As one of the Southeast’s largest privately held architecture and engineering firms, it is also one of the oldest. In addition to his personal commitment

private sectors. We need to build on that strength.

to his home area, Reed brings the company’s core belief in community collaboration and in using creativity to make a positive difference to bear on behalf of the Chamber, its members and our region as a whole.

Perceptions Montgomery’s image hasn’t kept pace with our development. We’ve got to tell Montgomery’s story to the world. We have one of four internet exchanges in the Southeast, and no one knows it.

Prosperity We’ve got to create jobs and a quality of place that build a more prosperous future for the entire region.

That’s plenty to keep the Montgomery native busy this year, but he also spoke about his sensitivity “to the Greater River Region,” which stretches beyond Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. “If you look at the traffic in the morning, it’s coming into Montgomery,” Reed said from his company’s corporate headquarters at the Lakeview Center in East Montgomery. “Montgomery is the generator of wealth for a great number of people. Everybody that is involved in this economic biosphere that we have for Montgomery, I consider friends, relatives, neighbors.” And speaking of people, Reed praised the diversity and lauded the quality of capital city citizens, who are obviously vital to any successes the community will achieve. “We need to celebrate and recognize the diversity in the community,” he said. “I want us to think about what we have in common, and our commonality is what makes us a community.” He said that “we’ve got great people here – black, white, Korean. Montgomery is completely filled with people of all races, colors and ages that are just incredible and so talented.” One of his ultimate goals is “making this community the best it can be and (have) the people that live in this community love living here; be proud of living here; want to talk to people around

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

IMAGES BY PATTI PELHAM

“I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE FEELING GOOD ABOUT MONTGOMERY.”

When David Reed isn’t busy directing the daily operations of GMC’s Transportation department, where he manages every phase of the firm’s many transportation, residential, commercial and industrial projects, he enjoys spending time outdoors at his farm in Autauga County and quail hunting all over the South with his trusty bird dogs.

the country and around the state of being from Montgomery and being proud of it. That’s what I see as one of the ultimate goals of the Chamber.” Reed, who grew up in South Montgomery and Autauga County, said he is “intimidated” following in the Chamber Chairman footsteps of such luminaries as Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Jerry Kyser, Mac McLeod, Leslie Sanders, Rod Frazer, Jimmy Lowder, Steve Cawood and so many others. “I don’t personally see myself anywhere near their level,” he said. “They are people that I’ve always had the greatest respect for. In my case, you feel fairly inadequate when you look at the quality of the individuals that have filled that post, but I’m going to try my best.” He does know that the Chamber staff, which he called “extremely professional,” will guide and direct him. What will a successful year look like? “We’re going to have an improved education system,” he said. “We’re going to have a military that is moving forward and appreciated. I would like to see more jobs. I would like to see people feeling good about Montgomery.”

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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For more information, call 334.532.0700 or visit renaissancemontgomery.com

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MyMGM

Pride of Place IMAGE BY MICHELLE CONSUEGRA

Learn more about the people, places and events that make Montgomery a great place to live, work and play.

A little MORE:

In the early 1900s, city leaders put up a lit version of this sign to encourage folks coming through Montgomery via train to hop off and explore the city. In 2015, Cotton & Pine Creative and Bee Fredrick received a grant from Gumption Fund to recreate the historic sign as a mural.

Coming

A POSITIVE BUSINESS ATMOSPHERE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY COMMUNITY, BUT QUALITY OF LIFE IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT. That’s why the MBJ

SOON #lovemgm

is setting aside this space in each issue to highlight the things that contribute to the capital city’s sense of place and purpose. We’ll introduce you to people making a positive difference, shine the light on interesting places you should check out, explore our area’s multi-faceted history and direct you to festivals and happenings that bring us all together to celebrate mgm.

Watch this section in future issues to find bites about our blossoming culinary scene, profiles of up-and-coming movers and shakers, details on the events you don’t want to miss and more.

The mission of The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau (MCVB) is to promote the city as a destination for both leisure travelers and business/corporate groups. But it also works hard to make Montgomery residents aware of all the cool things to see, do and savor. As part of its marketing plan, the MCVB will soon launch its new blog, #lovemgm, that covers many of the same topics you’ll find in this section in a fun, engaging way. Stay tuned for lovemgmal.com, set to launch in February.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

#WHAT? With the rise of social media, smart cities all over the South are utilizing hashtags to promote themselves, and Montgomery is no exception, using #mgm in several different ways. But with so many mgm tags, it can be hard to keep them straight. Here’s what a few of them mean.

#mymgm:

This tag is all encompassing. If you put up a post that has anything to do with Montgomery, use this tag. And search it to see what visitors are saying about their time with us.

Make the first

STEPS EASIER!

#eatmgm:

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Use it to tag a post whenever you’re enjoying a meal out in the city, and search it to find eateries and food-focused events that others are dishing about.

With an Associate Degree from Trenholm State, transferring to a 4-year college or university is

#connectmgm:

Young professionals and creatives come together in a Facebook group called ConnectMGM, a spot where they share positive Montgomery news, ask for feedback on innovative ideas and motivate their peers to get involved and plugged into local projects and initiatives. Search this tag to get a sense of what the next generation has in store for the capital city.

#dbamgm: The Downtown Business Association uses this tag. Search it to quickly find the latest news on development downtown. And here are a few more you’re likely to see in your social feeds:

#flymgm / #mgmgoodnews #mgmchambermembersrock #biztalkmgm / #innovatemgm #mgmdiversity #creativemgm / #mgmchamber #hackmgm / #revolutionmgm

easy and affordable. www.trenholmstate.edu

The College for Real Careers

P OW ERHO U S E

Q&A

LIZ BRASWELL AmeriFirst Bank’s Montgomery president has been in the capital city for almost 20 years and sees a promising future for the community and for the role her community bank will continue to play here. How long have you been in banking? Since 1989. I was in Union Springs, AmeriFirst’s home base, and worked for one of the two banks that merged to become AmeriFirst. I’ve been city president here at AmeriFirst since 1999.

but we are not the bank for them. But for consumers and commercial customers who want to pick up the phone and talk to their banker, that’s us. Customer service is not a thing of the past here.

What challenges are facing your bank?

and everywhere has improved a lot in the last few years, as we come out of the recession. That was hard on all banks and all businesses all over. But locally, we’ve seen some great things happening in the city. We have good leadership at both the county and city levels. There is good growth happening right now, and that’s good for us as we do a lot of construction and commercial loans. The revitalization of downtown is something I really never thought would happen, but it did, and I love it. I’m a big Biscuits fan and believe that the transformation downtown is something the entire city can be proud of. Internally, we got a new CEO, and he has been a breath of fresh air and put us in growth mode too.

What are the major differences between a community bank and a large, corporate bank? We make the decisions locally. That lets us do things that other, larger banks can’t do. We provide hands-on service and real relationship banking. A great example is To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co., based in Fitzpatrick, in Montgomery County. When the founder started that company, she had trouble finding a bank because her business didn’t fit in a neat box. We took her on, and the company just celebrated its 10th anniversary and is an amazing success story. I love that we are a part of that story.

What role does AmeriFirst play in Montgomery? We want to be a strong partner with this community, but we are not for everyone. There are people who want to bank completely online, and that is great,

We are dealing with the main challenge facing all banks: so many regulations that make banking more complicated, stressful and a lengthier process than it needs to be. If we don’t get the situation fixed, it will just get harder and harder for people to bank. And that’s anywhere. All banks are drowning in regulations that are supposed to be on behalf of the consumer but actually make it harder for both banks and their customers to do business together.

What do you love about your job? My customers. I love helping people realize their dreams, whether it is renovating a building downtown or starting a new business.

What, outside of your job (and the Biscuits), are you passionate about? I am a wife, mother of four and grandmother of one, and I’m loving the grandmother role. I’m very involved in the Chamber’s Women in Business Group, and I put a lot of my heart and my time into the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama. About eight years ago, District Attorney Ellen Brooks “tricked” me into being on the board, but it has turned out to be one of the most wonderful and fulfilling things I’ve ever done. I feel like Girl Scouts is really giving girls in our area some opportunities they just would not have otherwise.

What does the future look like for your bank in Montgomery? We have always had steady growth, but I see more coming. We have some heavy hitters working in lending, so we intend to go after and get a bigger piece of that pie. But we will remain committed to customer service. My staff makes that possible. We all care about what we do, and we are all on the same train moving forward.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

IMAGE BY ROBERT FOUTS

What’s your impression of the business climate in Montgomery? The business climate here

BY THE BANK Braswell has served as city president of AmeriFirst since 1999.

“

“We all care about what we do, and we are all on the same train moving forward.”

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

M EM BE R profile

KEON DAVIS O WN ER O F SM O OT H - N - G RO OV E

According to Keon Davis, the fresh, fruity, healthy smoothies his company Smooth-N-Groove whips up are so good, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make you dance.

Current locations: 4, including spots in Auburn and one inside the Atlanta Highway Walmart location in Montgomery.

How did you come up with the name for your company? I always loved the California Raisins growing up, the animated, dancing raisins with the sunglasses, so when I first had the idea for a smoothie and juice bar, I thought of the different fruit with sunglasses, and that became the logo. I took it a step further by naming the smoothies after popular types of dances, like Fox Trot and Running Man.

How did your company get into Walmart? My business began in 2011 with a smoothie food truck I put in prominent locations on campus at Auburn University. When I won the Black Enterprise Award and their Elevator Pitch competition in 2015, Walmart, a major sponsor, was there and got interested in my concept. After I won the National Urban League pitch competition, Walmart contacted me saying they were looking for a healthier food choice for their stores, and I fit the bill, so I put one of my stores in Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atlanta Highway Walmart. There are 150 Walmart stores in the Southeast with spaces for food retailers, and we are working on a deal to go into all of them. But right now we are refining our process and taking the time to grow right.

Awards & Honors: Winner of the 2015 BLACK ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE Entrepreneur of the Year award

How many smoothies does Smooth-NGroove make each day? Up to 200.

Winner of the 2015 National Urban League Small Business Matters Elevator Pitch Competition

What does the future of Smooth-NGroove look like? More Walmart locations.

COMPANY FOUNDED 2011 smoothngroove.com

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

We have a contract to serve our smoothies at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, and I hope to get some in airports.

Announcing an exceptional achievement Christopher A. Dubberly, CPM®

We are pleased to congratulate a member of our team, Chris Dubberly, on earning the Certified Portfolio Manager® (CPM®) designation and enhancing his professional knowledge and understanding of financial planning. This achievement not only demonstrates his commitment to helping you answer your most important questions about your life, your wealth and your future, but also to delivering the advice you need to help make better financial decisions today and tomorrow. It’s what we call: Advice. Beyond investing. Please join us in congratulating him on his accomplishment.

Chris Dubberly, CPM® Senior Vice President– Wealth Management Certified Portfolio Manager

Valorum Wealth Management UBS Financial Services Inc. 4001 Carmichael Road, Suite 400 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-260-3905 christopher.dubberly@ubs.com

ubs.com/team/valorum

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M EM BER profile

RON BEERS F OUNDER OF A ND PUB L IS HE R AT BEERS & A S S O CIAT E S

Ron Beers, founder and owner of the Montgomery-based publishing company Beers & Associates, helps cities all over the country tell their stories—and tell them well.

What does Beers & Associates publish? We publish finely crafted coffee-table books. The majority of the books are community history books and community image books that are sponsored by local historical societies, libraries or chambers of commerce. We have just begun work on Montgomery & The River Region: In Focus scheduled for publication in fall 2017. It’s supported by the Montgomery Area Chamber as well as the surrounding River Region chambers. Occasionally, we also publish milestone anniversary celebration books.

How did you get your start in this business? I started in the book business in 1973 selling Bibles door to door during summer breaks from college. I once calculated that over five summers, I knocked on over 23,000 doors. Then I managed a large, multi-state territory for a major Los Angeles-based publishing company where I developed a new product that became the foundation of my business today. I founded my first independent publishing company in 1989, which evolved into Beers & Associates.

What’s the philosophy behind your business? Everybody has a story, but they rarely get the opportunity to have it published. We can do that for them. Our motto is: “We love to tell stories. Let us tell yours.”

What’s your favorite thing about what you do? My favorite thing is to meet with people PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

and hear their stories, and to work with my daughter, Rachel, our managing editor.

Milestones:

COMPANY FOUNDED 2005 beersandassociates.net

We recently passed two milestones, the first was publishing our 150th book. The other was topping $3 million paid out to our book sponsors. 23

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

312 CATOMA ST, SUITE 200 | MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 334.262.1958 | MooreCompanyRealty.com Moore Company Realty, Inc. | Moore Property Management, LLC

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER profile

KRIS STALLWORTH OW NE R O F KRIS STALLW ORT H STAT E FA R M

Kris Stallworth believes treating clients like family is the most important step he can take in ensuring his success – and theirs.

Education & Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from The University of Alabama and 13 years of experience in the insurance industry

What types of insurance do you provide? At State Farm, we offer Auto, Homeowners, Renters, Life, Health, and Business insurance products. What surprises a lot of people is when I offer them the opportunity to save money on their car loan or even their mortgage payment. There are many people who are unaware that State Farm has a bank that can assist in those areas.

What sets your business apart?

AD SPACE

It starts from the top with State Farm. The name and brand is recognized across the country as the No. 1 insurance company in Auto, Home and Life. When people see “Kris Stallworth State Farm” it gives instant credibility to my business on a local level. I don’t believe I do anything special, but being there in a time of need is one of the most important things. Whether it’s visiting with the family when they have lost a loved one, consulting with them when they have lost their home, calling my policyholders on their birthday, or giving back to the local community, people appreciate having an agent who treats them like family.

Recognition: I’ve received a few industry awards over the years, but the most recent award I would like to mention is being named Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter. I enjoy being a part of an organization that is promoting our community and helping to provide a better quality of life for all residents.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love educating people about

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

the world of insurance. Some of the products we offer can be confusing and intimidating when they are not properly explained. I’ve been told that I have a way of relating to people and simplifying our products in a way that everyone can understand. COMPANY FOUNDED MARCH 2015 krisstallworth.com

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

It’s your future. Let’s plan for it together.

Gregory B. Alford, CFP® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Richard B. Austin, CRPS® First Vice President–Wealth Management Richard Barrett Austin Financial Advisor John David Barranco Vice President–Wealth Management Rebecca H. Baker Financial Advisor Brett C. Crawford Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Branch Manager Daniel J. Dean, CFP® Account Vice President Christopher A. Dubberly, CPM® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Leah S. Dubberly, CFP®, CDFA® Vice President–Wealth Management Kevin N. Haynes, CFP® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Matthew B. Murphy, CFP® Account Vice President

Montgomery, AL Branch Office UBS Financial Services Inc. 4001 Carmichael Road Suite 400 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-260-3900

Carl R. Watson First Vice President–Wealth Management Philip B. Young Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

ubs.com/branch/montgomeryl8

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144th

Annual Meeting

2016

The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Meeting took a look back at the progress made through the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy and a look forward at a promising 2017.

Presenting Sponsor // BBVA Compass 27

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce held its 144th Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. More than 750 community leaders, elected officials and Chamber members attended the annual event that highlighted the accomplishments under the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy. More than 9,415 announced jobs and over $2 billion of capital investment 12,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses mentored, counseled and trained

2,100 jobs protected at Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Bases

Speaking to

SUCCESS

Every year, the Annual Meeting includes a keynote address and last year’s came from one the city’s greatest assets, Lieutenant General Steven Kwast. He has a unique gift of leadership that has transcended the gates at Maxwell and Gunter and forged a bond with our community that has inspired us all. Kwast stressed the importance of capitalizing on innovation within the region by unlocking and tapping into the magic of the Montgomery Internet Exchange. By taking lessons learned from the past and mixing them with the new opportunities of the future, Montgomery will be a city that doesn’t exist anywhere else in America. Powerful things happen in the least likely of places, and they are happening in Montgomery. After his speech, Chamber 2016 Chairman Bruce Crawford recognized General Kwast with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award for his leadership and the impact he’s had on our city and the region. The award honors those who make a lasting difference to others and provide positive, progressive growth within our community.

More than 1,000 employees at 65 companies trained through the new Montgomery Regional Workforce Training center

$1.4 million being spent by visitors every day

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS

A Good year

Crawford also acknowledged another significant milestone in our community last year, the 200th Birthday of Montgomery County. “To our County Commission, here is to 200 more years of growth and good leadership,” he said. Acknowledging the importance of leadership, he also recognized Jiles Williams, who has served on the Montgomery County Commission for 16 years and has always been a strong advocate for business and community growth.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Shining

BRIGHT Every year, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce awards the Point of Light Award to an outstanding minority or woman-owned small business for their achievements and contributions to our community.

- 2016 Nominees -

2016 Point of Light Award Winners 1-9 years – Paul Dallas, Wishbone Café 10+ years - Martha Hawkins, Martha’s Place 1-9 years in business Gumptown Magazine - Jamal Thomas; Tandom Early Education Consulting, LLC - Dawn Owens; State Farm Insurance Agent, Kris Stallworth - Kris Stallworth; Ke’Noir Boutique - Jelicia McIntosh Wishbone Café - Paul Dallas (not pictured)

At every annual meeting, the Chairman’s

gavel is exchanged. This symbolic gesture signifies a “passing of the torch” of leadership and the good work to be continued into the coming year. 2016 Chairman A. Bruce Crawford, CEO, BBVA Compass handed the gavel to 2017 Chairman David B. Reed, Executive Vice President, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood.

10+ years in business Cannon Janitorial Service - Orlando Cannon; Martha’s Place - Martha Hawkins;

Did you miss the meeting? Visit www.montgomerychamber.com to get a recap and watch a video on last year’s progress.

Howards Hair Stylist - Andre’ F. Howard Pinnacle NetworX – Karen Carter (not pictured)

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

FOR

HIGH-IMPACT

PRIORITIES

GROWTH

BUILDING ON THE MOMENTUM

IMAGINE

a Greater Montgomery In 2007, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

TALENT

ECONOMY

BUILD COMPETITIVE REGIONAL TALENT

DIVERSIFY THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

• Align the Workforce Pipeline and delivery

• Leverage the Montgomery Internet Exchange and the unique assets of Maxwell, Gunter, Government and Universities to build a new industry vertical in the River Region around Cyber/Tech and Smart City Strategies.

along with business,

for the MGM region and capitalize on changes in the State’s Regional Workforce Council System.

elected and community

• Align the needs of high demand sectors

with highly performing workforce training options.

leaders embarked on a journey centered on the

• Ensure that the new AL Region 5

• Implement a comprehensive Tech strategy for MGM, accompanied by an integrated branding effort.

• Create positive perceptions among parents

• Launch an Innovation Center/PublicPrivate think-tank to support the Cyber College of the Air Force, build the regional tech and start-up eco-system, and create a talent pool continuum.

the hard problems and huge

and students that career tech is a viable and lucrative path to success.

opportunities that must be

• Focus attention on the performance,

• Expand the Business Retention & Expansion Program to include key sectors beyond manufacturing.

Workforce Council has a strong focus and staffing addressing the needs of the greater Montgomery area.

vision of what could and should be. This new multi-year plan drills into

governance and leadership of Montgomery Public Schools.

addressed moving forward.

• Work with the Education Foundation to implement Pre K throughout Montgomery.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

• Catalyze key projects to protect Montgomery’s Military footprint: - Secure funding and support for a Cross Wind Runway at MGM Regional Airport. - Work to secure the F35 mission for the 187th Alabama Air National Guard. - Secure funding for a new control tower at Maxwell Air Force Base.

THE HIGH IMPACT PRIORITIES FOR GROWTH

IMAGE

COMMUNITY

TRANSFORM IMAGE & QUALITY OF PLACE

BUILD DIVERSE COMMUNITY CAPACITY

• Attract a catalyst project to transform

Montgomery’s I-65 gateway and forever change the quality of place perception of Alabama’s capital city. • Establish the Montgomery Regional Airport as a true economic development asset for the region; work in partnership with the MGM Airport Authority to expand air service, improve passenger traffic and experience, and grow commercial development opportunities. • Expand convention & visitor destination sales capacity to increase recruitment of city and region-wide meetings and events that drive widespread occupancy and expenditures.

• Aggregate diverse interest groups around key community priorities to effect change. • Convene stakeholders and business owners around diversity and inclusion as part of a comprehensive small business growth strategy. • Support collaborative efforts to retain vibrant talent and engage diverse young leaders around community priorities.

• Foster trust, communication and

collaboration among elected leadership building strong public private partnerships.

• Market Montgomery as a destination with a unified brand and voice; launch an aggressive media placement effort and story-telling campaign that integrates economic development, visitor and resident messaging; launch the #mgm initiative to build community stewardship.

With our past efforts serving as a springboard to new opportunities, the next phase of the Chamber’s Imagine a Greater Montgomery economic development initiative will yield an even greater return on investment for the public and private partners who Believe that the best is yet to come.

Imagine. Build. Believe.

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

2017

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Immediate Past Chairman A. Bruce Crawford, Montgomery CEO, BBVA Compass; Chairman David B. Reed, Chairman of the Board & Executive Vice President, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood; (Back Row L-R) Chairman Elect Honorable Charles Price, Presiding Judge, 15th Judicial Court; Vice Chairman Michael W. Hart, Market President, Regions Bank; Vice Chairman Willie Durham, Agent, State Farm Insurance; Vice Chairman Riley W. Roby, Managing Partner, Balch & Bingham LLP; Randall L. George, President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

RICHARD T. ALDRIDGE Program Executive Officer, Business & Enterprise Systems

JOHN ANZALONE President & Partner, Anzalone Liszt Grove Research, Inc.

JAKE F. ARONOV Chairman & CEO, Aronov Realty Management, Inc

OWEN W. ARONOV President, Aronov Realty Management, Inc.

RICHARD BENDURE Vice President & General Manager, Rheem Water Heaters

JEFFERY W. BLITZ Attorney, Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A.

CEDRIC T. CAMPBELL Project Manager Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood

GARY A. COBBS President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Montgomery

A. BRUCE CRAWFORD Montgomery CEO, BBVA Compass

EDWARD E. CROWELL Chairman, Montgomery Committee of 100

GLENN CRUMPTON, President & CEO, AALOS

JOHN A. CURVEY General Manager SABIC Polymers

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G. CARLTON BARKER EVP Montgomery Regional CEO, ServisFirst Bank

EUGENE C. CRANE Executive Vice President, River Bank and Trust

NICOLE DANIEL Franchisee, McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

WILLIE DURHAM Agent, State Farm Insurance

ELTON N. DEAN, SR. Chairman, Montgomery County Commission

CHARLES C. DILAURA President, Neptune Technology Group Inc.

CRAIG DOWDY Sr. Vice President, External Affairs Marking & Communications, Spire

HELENA T. DUNCAN Regional President Liberty Bank & Trust

COLONEL RANDAL K. EFFERSON Commander, 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field Air National Guard Base

TAMMY K. FLEMING Chairman, Montgomery Airport Authority

GOLSON M. FOSHEE President, Foshee Management Company, LLC

MICHAEL GALVIN President, The Montgomery Advertiser

RANDALL L. GEORGE President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

THOMAS A. HARRIS Chairman, Merchant Capital Investments, a division of Stifel Nicolaus

RICHARD E. HANAN Chairman, Montgomery Water Works Board

PAUL M. HANKINS President, Alabama Association of Independent Colleges & Universities

ROBERT M. HARDWICH, JR. Chairman, Montgomery Industrial Development Board

BARRIE H. HARMON III President, Harmon, Dennis, Bradshaw, Inc.

R. GARY HARRISON CEO & General Manager, Dixie Electric Cooperative

MICHAEL W. HART Market President, Regions Bank

PAUL HODGES Vice President, Hodges Warehouse + Logistics

HORACE H. HORN, JR. Vice President of External Affairs, PowerSouth Energy

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

JOSEPH L. HUBBARD, JR. Attorney, Joe Hubbard Law Firm

2017

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ASHLEY JERNIGAN President, EMERGE Montgomery

DUK KIM Director of New Model Development, Lear Corporation Montgomery

JUN-HA KIM President & CEO, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC

PETE R. KNIGHT, JR. Montgomery City President, Renasant Bank

LT. GENERAL STEVEN L. KWAST Commander & President, Air University Maxwell AFB

JAKE KYSER President, Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.

JERRY C. KYSER CEO, Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.

JAMES K. LOWDER Chairman, The Colonial Company

JOSHUA K. LOWDER President, Colonial Commercial Realty, Inc.

B. SAXON MAIN Partner, Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A.

WARREN B. MARSHALL, JR. Business Development, Marshall Design-Build, LLC

FORREST T. MCCONNELL III President, McConnell Honda

ROBERT R. MCGHEE Tribal Governmental Relations Advisor, Poarch Band of Creek Indians

NATHAN MCMULLIN Investment Officer, LEDIC Realty Group, LLC

THOMAS J. METHVIN Principal & Managing Attorney, Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

QUINCY P. MINOR President & COO, Information Transport Solutions, Inc.

ANN S. OSTEN President, Sadieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Global Travel

JAMES L. PARNELL President & CEO, Alfa Companies

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THE HONORABLE CHARLES PRICE Senior Advisor to the Mayor, City of Montgomery

LARRY D. PUCKETT President, Larry Puckett Chevrolet

STACIA ROBINSON President, Leadership Montgomery

RILEY W. ROBY Managing Partner, Balch & Bingham LLP

J. MARK SNEAD, JR. President & CEO, Sterling Bank

RICHARD M. STABLER Managing Member, Warren Averett, LLC

DR. YU-TUENG TSAI President & CEO, Regitar U.S.A., Inc.

W. RUSSELL TYNER President & CEO, Baptist Health

DAVID B. REED Executive Vice President Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood

LESLIE L. SANDERS Vice President, Southern Division, Alabama Power Company

JOE B. RILEY President & CEO, Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.

NED F. SHEFFIELD President, Jackson Thornton

ALLEN SMOOT Division Director, South Alabama Division, Coca Cola UNITED

BOYD STEPHENS Founder, hackMGM

EDWARD M. STIVERS III President, Owner & Dealer Principal, Stivers Ford Lincoln

THE HONORABLE TODD STRANGE Mayor, City of Montgomery

JAMES UHM Chief Operating Officer, DAS North America, Inc.

EDWARD V. WELCH, JR. President, Welch Hornsby

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

J. TYLER WILLIAMS District Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

2017

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS NOT PICTURED: Brian Bonikowski, Avis & Budget Car Rental; Jake Carlton, Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Montgomery; Calvin Cherry, ASE Credit Union.

BRAD ARMAGOST SERVISFIRST BANK

JENNIFER ATKINS NEW WATERS REALTY COMPANY, LLC

KEITH BAZZLE BUFFALO ROCK PEPSI

ANITA CARTER JIM WILSON & ASSOCIATES

KEITH CARTER PINNACLE NETWORX, LLC

LYNN CARTER SOUTHEAST CHEROKEE CONSTRUCTION, INC.

CARLYLE CHANDLER CHANDLER REALTY, LLC

SUSANNAH CLEVELAND THE MONTGOMERY ACADEMY

BILL GUILFORD WOW!

PATRICK HART SPHERION STAFFING HART & ASSOCIATES

TOREY HATFIELD GUARDIAN CREDIT UNION

PERRY O. HOOPER, JR. PALOMAR INSURANCE CORPORATION

RAY INGRAM JACK INGRAM MOTORS, INC.

JOE B. RILEY JACKSON HOSPITAL & CLINIC, INC.

JOE SMITH RALPH SMITH MOTORS

LIZ SUTTON ALABAMA WORLD TRAVEL SUTTON & ASSOCIATES

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

JODY THRASHER MST CPA’S & ADVISORS

DR. YU-TUENG TSAI REGITAR U.S.A., INC.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2017 MEMBERS OF THE MONTGOMERY CHAMBER CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE. They are engaged and impacting the issues and developments that fuel growth and prosperity in our region.

ED CROWELL VT MILTOPE

GILBERT DARRINGTON HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

CLARK FINE FINE GEDDIE & ASSOCIATES

MAC MCBRIDE STERIS CORPORATION

LARRY MCLEMORE SAINT JAMES SCHOOL

DON NOBLIN SYKES ENTERPRISES

RUSS TYNER BAPTIST HEALTH

JAMES UHM DAS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

BETH WALKER-MCBRIDE WORKFORCE WALKER PERSONNEL, LLC

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MATT FLURRY COCA COLA UNITED

PETE FREY ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR

ANN OSTEN SADIE’S GLOBAL TRAVEL

KERRY PALMER TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL

MIKE WILLIAMS FAULKNER UNIVERSITY

DAVID WRAY SAM’S CLUB

Regional Impact

G N I Y FL H G HI

AN ARRAY OF TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS MAKE THE F-35 THE MOST ADVANCED FIGHTER JET IN THE AIR FORCE.

ALABAMA RED TAILS LEGACY MAY GET UPGRADE WITH F-35 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER JET BY MEG LEWIS

IF YOU REGULARLY FLY FROM THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL AIRPORT, you’ve shared the runway

LANDING THE F35 KEEPS JOBS IN MONTGOMERY, AND KEEPS THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMAN FLYING HIGH.

with a group of F-16 jets from the 100th Fighter Squadron. You might have even noticed the red paint on the tails honoring the Tuskegee Airmen as they thundered into the skies above you. Dependable, fast and powerful, the F-16s of Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing have done their job well, but now there are two squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets, the F-35 Lightning II, ready to find homes with two U.S. Air National Guard units. The 187th stands a very strong chance of winning one of them, and that’s great news for Alabama’s economy and the honored “Red Tail” tradition. An array of technical innovations make the F-35 the most advanced fighter jet in the Air Force. The combination of extreme stealth, maneuverability and improved communication between the pilot and the craft means it can do the job of multiple

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

aircraft. It’s immensely more effective, more survivable and less expensive to maintain than previous fighter jets. The first flight of an F-35 was completed in 2006, and by 2015, the aircraft had been delivered to a Marine Corps Squadron at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. In April of last year, the Air Force announced the candidates for the next F-35 sites and projected that the planes would be in place at the chosen Air National Guard bases by summer of 2022. Just last month, Montgomery made the semi-final round, along with four other bases: Gowen Field AGS, Boise, Idaho; Jacksonville AGS Florida; Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit, Michigan; and Truax AGS, Madison, Wisconsin. The final two “preferred locations” will be announced in the spring. Before the announcement, the Air National Guard will conduct site surveys

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE 187TH FIGHTER WING

at each location to assess operational requirements, potential impacts to existing missions, infrastructure and manpower, and then develop cost estimates to bed down the F-35. The leadership of the 187th feels confident that they will make it to the top of the list. “The scoring system is pretty straightforward. In addition to the numerical data, there are several items that are not quantifiable, but will be taken into consideration under the category of ‘military judgment,’” explained Col. Randy Efferson, commander of the 187th Fighter Wing.

F-35 The first flight of an F-35 was completed in 2006

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Community support will be vital. Col. Randy Efferson, commander of the 187th Fighter Wing, offered two ways that locals can help the 187th stand out. “First, we encourage everyone to express their support for the 187th to their elected officials. We are so fortunate that our Alabama Congressional Delegation and Governor have been extremely supportive, but they would still love to hear the public express their support,” he said. “Our elected officials can then relay that support to the United States Air Force. The USAF needs to know that Alabamians love jet noise and support the military. Second, we need people. I encourage anyone who is thinking about a career in the military to come check us out. We offer financial assistance for school and a sense of accomplishment and pride that can’t be matched. Lastly, we’d like to thank the state of Alabama and the entire River Region for the support we enjoy.”

REGIONAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Alabama has a great deal to gain from winning the F-35 squadron, from enhanced economic impact to a strengthened network of Air National Guard units across the state. If it goes elsewhere, the future of a flight mission at the 187th is not guaranteed, which could reduce the number of jobs at the wing and could cause the 100th Fighter Squadron to be reassigned to a unit outside of Alabama – a devastating blow to the heritage of the Tuskegee Airmen in Alabama at a time when few of the original Tuskegee Airmen remain.

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT AND IMMEASURABLE LEGACY FOR THE STATE OF ALABAMA. - COL. RANDY EFFERSON

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

The 187th Fighter Wing has about a $100 million impact on the region in the form of direct salaries for the 1,400 members, operational costs such as fuel and maintenance expenditures and local contracts for base support, facilities and maintenance. It also provides a multi-million dollar firefighting service to the Montgomery Regional Airport. Dannelly Field does not have a Base Exchange, base housing or recreational facilities normally found on an active duty base, which means the members are participating in the local economy through those activities.

“That means all our members live, go to church, socialize and spend their money in the local community. It is a perfect symbiotic relationship between the citizen soldiers of the 187th and the community we live in,” said Efferson.

en the role of the 117th and make it less likely to face closure in the future. Having the F-35 in Alabama could also help Birmingham get the KC-46 Pegasus Tanker, a new refueling aircraft.

The citizen fighter also bolsters economic development efforts. “Companies that look to relocate in Alabama find the skill sets of part-time guard members very appealing. The F-35 will bring in even higher level technical skills, adding a deeper skillset to our workforce,” explained Joe Greene, Vice President of military and innovative strategies for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Beyond the River Region, the 187th has a close relationship with the 117th Refueling Wing in Birmingham. Winning the F-35 would not only secure a flying mission for the 187th, but also strength-

The 187th is exactly where it needs to be. “Many of the other competing bases do not have an active base nearby for their active airmen, meaning lots of time away from work and additional travel and per diem costs. Maxwell also has the capability to serve as an international military visitation center. The F-35 program has many international partners that can be funneled through Maxwell to visit the 187th. No other unit in the country has this capability. We also have Tyndall and Eglin AFBs only 20 flying minutes away, which both have fifth generation aircraft,

so the opportunities for joint training and divert capabilities are terrific,” said Col. Efferson. Additionally, if the airport underwent some potential runway expansions, Dannelly Field could become a cold-weather location for other F-35 units in harsh climates.

AVAILABILITY AND PROVEN REPUTATION Unlike many of the competing units, the

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we are your trusted advisors Alabama certified public accountants. Your personal/business financial planning, consulting and tax experts.

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ascpa.org/freecpareferral

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187th does not have the fulltime alert mission dedicated to homeland security. This means that it is able to deploy in combat for six months at a time as it did in its most recent deployment to Afghanistan in 2014, where it performed notably, going six months with its own forces, dropping an estimated 221 weapons and strafing more than 18,000 rounds. Another area that sets the 187th apart is that there is no need for a double move. Because it is currently flying some of the oldest F-16s in the Air Force, those planes will be directly replaced by the F-35s rather than having to move another group of F-16s to the unit to maintain operations while training for the F-35 takes place. This means that if selected, the unit will be up and running faster than another base.

THE LEGACY OF OUR LOCATION Col. Randy Efferson, commander of the 187th Fighter Wing, enthusiastically explained the role of the Red Tail legacy in the effort to recruit the F-35. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 187th Fighter Wing is home to the 100th Fighter Squadron, which is one of the original Tuskegee units dedicated to flying African Americans in combat fighter aircraft. This is a very important and immeasurable legacy that the State of Alabama and the entire country feel is important to maintain as it was originally set up. Receiving the F-35 would ensure this legacy for the next half-century. As we begin to say goodbye to the final few original Tuskegee Airmen it is only fitting that we honor their service by allowing their legacy to live on with an F-35 Red Tail.â&#x20AC;?

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

GiveBack

Faith In Action

IMAGE BY ROBERT FOUTS

The family behind one Montgomery business is letting faith drive its decision to aid an area non-profit as it broadcasts positivity and encouragement.

Pictured left to right: Ed Reinhardt, Billy Irvin, Jamie Raley, Mike Reinhardt

For three decades — the bulk of its 33-year existence — the ads, and we don’t do donation telethons,” Irvin said. “We Montgomery-based non-profit Faith Radio has enjoyed the depend solely on the support of our listeners.” strong support of Reinhardt Lexus, a family owned collection Faith Radio receives the bulk of the funds it requires to of car dealerships in the River Region. The radio station’s Dioperate from individuals, but the rector of Ministry Relations Billy Irvin involvement of local businesses like sees the partnership as particularly Reinhardt Lexus is crucial too, and it fitting. “A lot of our ministry reaches goes beyond a dollar amount. “They people in their car, while they are are really open about who and what If you like the sound of what driving,” he said. I think that makes they support and have a big Faith our relationship with Reinhardt realFaith Radio is doing (with help from Radio poster hanging in their dealerly neat.” ships that promotes us to their cusbusinesses like Reinhardt Lexus), Of course, it’s deeper than just tomers,” Irvin said. “They hand out tune in to 89.1 FM for uplifting this clever connection. Faith Radio’s Faith Radio magnets and encourage music and informative programs mission to educate, inspire and entheir customers to support us too.” with Bible-based advice. courage with Christian music, BiAnd what Faith Radio offers is vital, ble-based teaching programs and according to Mike Reinhardt, son of more operates in pursuit of one goal: to build strong families. the dealership’s founder, who now runs the business with his “Strong families mean strong neighborhoods, which mean siblings. “My dad always impressed upon us the value that strong communities, a strong city, and it goes on from there,” faith-related charities add to our community,” he said. “So we Irvin said. “The Reinhardts share our goal. They want to see have always looked for organizations that are using faith to more positive messages put out there for our community.” improve our area. Faith Radio is one of them. We know that And the Reinhardts ensure Faith Radio can keep spreading we are helping Faith Radio continue to provide its ministry, its message by continually making financial contributions. and we’ll keep doing that so they can keep doing what they “We are unique in the media world because we don’t sell do.”

Listen up!

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GIVEBACK

BRIEFS WE SALUTE YOU The Chamber appreciates the many businesses that showed their gratitude for our local military community by offering discounts and specials to members of the military in November, during Military Appreciation Month.

The Chamber wants to share the good news of businesses doing good in our community. Please send story ideas for our Giveback section to jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.

USAmeriBank Helps Fight Hunger Last fall, during national Hunger Action Month, USAmeriBank employees collected food donations and raised funds for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Caryn Hughes, USAmeriBank’s Montgomery Area Executive, presented Rich Deem, the food bank’s CEO, with a $5,000 check on September 28. USAmeriBank employees then spent the day volunteering at the food bank. “USAmeriBank is proud to support the Montgomery Area Food Bank’s efforts to fight hunger,” said Hughes. “All our employees at USAmeriBank really value opportunities to make a difference in the community in which we live and work.”

Coca-Cola United Company, Inc. Donates Playground Catoma Elementary School’s students have a new place to play thanks to the school’s Partner in Education, South Alabama Coca-Cola UNITED Company, Inc. The playground was dedicated on October 5, and on October 7, representatives for the company returned to host a Coca-Cola-sponsored picnic on the school grounds and hand out free T-shirts. Both students and staff took advantage of the opportunity to express their appreciation to Coca-Cola UNITED and its employees for the generous gift.

SCity& TATE

the

County

January 24, 2017 RSA Activity Center

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Join over 300 community and business leaders, elected officials and military leaders as the Mayor and County Commission Chairman give a comprehensive update on the state of the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Baptist Health

Connecting Small Business to Resources

GOVERNMENT

CONTRACTS {

}

101

L E A R N MO R E ABO U T TH E basics OF GETTING GOVERNMENT B USIN E SS. can go after government contracts, whether city, county, state or federal,” she said. “Government entities all operate like independent nations, and any product or service you offer, from office supplies to civil engineering services, is likely something they need.”

“GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ARE ABSOLUTELY WORTH PURSUING. I WOULD ADVISE ANY BUSINESS, ESPECIALLY A SMALL BUSINESS, TO LOOK INTO THEM.” — THOMAS TAYLO R, S E N I O R S MAL L BU SI N ESS A DVISO R AN D PRO C U RE ME N T S PE C I AL I ST

Businesses that already do business with the government know that government contracts can be an integral piece of their success puzzle. But for many, the concept is shrouded in mystery and the misperception that it’s too complicated or that their business is too small or that it simply doesn’t offer anything the government wants.

There are specific processes and steps that must be followed, but the potential pros far outweigh the cons. “Getting started is a procedure, but the bottom line is, you can do it,” said Thomas Taylor, Senior Small Business Advisor and Procurement Specialist at the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at Alabama State University. “Government contracts are absolutely worth pursuing. I would advise any business, especially a small business, to look into them. The opportunities are really endless.” Indeed, government contracts can aid you in increasing your business’ size, abilities and profits. “I have seen a small business of just 1 to 2 people grow quickly due mainly to it getting a federal government contract,” said Temisha Young, Director, Community Strategies. Taylor echoed Young. “Contracts really expand your opportunities by expanding your revenue and growing your business,” he said. READ ON TO FIND THE FACTS AND A FEW VALUABLE

According to Lisa McGinty, the Executive Director of The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Resource Center, these ideas are untrue. “Almost any business

TIPS FROM AREA EXPERTS.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY

FACT: IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK.

FACE

THE FACTS Some Quick Insights

FACT: GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CONTRACTS YOUR BUSINESS PURSUES. “Everybody can do it, but it is not necessarily for everybody,” said Taylor. “It all depends on you as a business owner and depends on what your goals are. It is all about readiness, all about being properly equipped. You start by finding out what a particular contract is asking for and then ask, ‘Do I have the capability to provide that?’”

LOOK ON PG. 46 FOR H OW-TO ST EPS

FACT: YOUR BUSINESS IS NOT TOO SMALL TO GET GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. Federal government entities are actually required to do a certain amount of business with small and minority owned companies. Seventy-five percent of the contracts with NASA are with small businesses. In addition, the large businesses in contract with the federal government have a requirement to sub-contract out to small businesses. Here at home, the city started The Small and Minority Business Initiative to increase the participation of small and minority businesses in their contracts. “They set a goal for 30 percent of its contracts going to these businesses in our area,” said Young. “And the county is now building a similar program.”

“Thinking that it is too convoluted, too hard, too much trouble keeps so many businesses from even trying, and it’s just not true,” Young said. McGinty agreed. “Doing business with the government is actually pretty simple,” she said. “Every contracting authority has a central listing of contractors, and you start by getting yourself on that listing.” Then, you watch for contracts being offered and research who has gotten contracts before — just like you would for any business opportunity. Next, figure out if/how you need to build your business to be competitive. “And then submit a bid,” McGinty said.

A MAJOR

DON’T Thomas Taylor has been the Senior Small Business Advisor and Procurement Specialist at the Small Business Development Center for seven years, so he’s seen some mistakes made. Here’s a big one to avoid: “Don’t misrepresent your core competencies,” he said. “People do it in eagerness to get the contract, looking at the money, but then they get in trouble when they can’t deliver. Just do what you do, and do it well. That’s the way to succeed with this, and with anything.”

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4 FACT: THERE IS A LOT OF HELP AVAILABLE. AND MOST OF IT IS FREE.

The rules and procedures for every level of government are different, but the SBDC is here to help. “The SBDC exists for that reason, to walk businesses through the process and provide the hands-on technical assistance and coaching they need to enhance their operational readiness and help them have a better chance to be successful,” Taylor said. “And there is no charge for our help.” “At the Chamber, we have great relationship with Taylor and The Small Business Development Center,” McGinty said. “They provide valuable counseling, and we use them often.”

CONNECTING YOU TO THE CHAMBER: The Chamber’s Lisa McGinty and Temisha Young connect small businesses to opportunities.

“ GOVERNMENT ENTITIES ALL OPERATE LIKE INDEPENDENT NATIONS, AND ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU OFFER, FROM OFFICE SUPPLIES TO CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES, IS LIKELY SOMETHING THEY NEED.” — L ISA MCG IN T Y, THE EXECUTIVE DIR ECTOR

O F T HE MO N TGOMERY A R EA CHA MB ER OF CO MME RC E ’ S BUSINESS R ESOUR CE CENTER

GO FOR IT START WITH THESE STEPS TO GO AFTER GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

Get a Data Universal Numbering Systems (DUNS) number online for free at fedgov.dnb. com/webform. Register your business on the federal government contractors database — the System for Award Management.

Register as a vendor for state contracts, sign up to receive Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and search for state contract opportunities at purchasing.alabama.gov.

For the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County, start by registering and requesting to be added to their bid lists. Call 334-241-2605 for the city and 334-832-1269 for the county.

NEXT: Do a little homework. Learn the differences between different government agencies — what they do, what they are looking for, etc. Get some references ready. The government (at any level) strongly considers past performance. Review available contracts. Submit a bid.

FOR ADDITIONAL HELP, CONTACT THE BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

Bonus Fact:

DID YOU KNOW?

EVERY YEAR, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND ITS AGENCIES PROCURE APPROXIMATELY $4 BILLION IN GOODS AND SERVICES FALLING INTO MORE THAN 4,000 CATEGORIES. FOR MANY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IS THE BIGGEST BUYER ON THE PLANET. (So urce : E ntre pre n e u r ma g a z i n e)

Learn more about government contracts and find resources at montgomerychamber.com and coba.alasu.edu.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

INSIDER INFO Lynn M. Carter, President of Southeast Cherokee Construction in Montgomery, knows the benefits of going after and getting government contracts first-hand. She shared some of her wisdom. “We have gotten contracts through the Small Business Administration’s ‘set-aside’ opportunities, and these contracts have allowed us to expand our geographical market and our customer base, so they are absolutely worth pursuing. But, it does take continual work.”

HER TIPS: • Just because you get one of the SBA “set-aside” designations (for small businesses in general, for female owned, veteran owned, etc.), your work isn’t done. “That is just a tool to open doors.” • Be persistent and form lasting relationships. • Face-to-face marketing is key. “Take advantage of the events and conferences put on by various agencies and the Chamber, the SBA, etc. These events allow you to market to various customers from numerous locations/installations all in one day/place and are great for time management and for limiting travel expenses.”

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CHAMBER NEWS

Connect +

NEWS, R ESO U R C E S AN D A LOOK IN S IDE THE MAN Y WAYS YOUR CHAMBER WORKS FOR YOU

Team Report Behind the Scenes: Boosting Montgomery’s business sector Ellen G. McNair, CEcD, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, offers a behindthe-scenes look at how she and her team go after new companies while supporting and expanding existing industry all in the name of boosting Montgomery’s business sector. Explain the economic development efforts of the Chamber. Actually every department at the Chamber is involved in economic development—it may be tourism, small business, military etc. Through the years, our department has focused on the recruitment of new industrial development and the preservation and expansion of our existing industrial base, but that is truly just one facet of economic development. Now however, our department is branching out to include the recruitment of back office operations, information technology, workforce efforts and even working to improve the quality of place. How do the local business community and the community in general benefit from the Chamber’s economic development work? The best example of how both the local business community and the community in general benefit from the efforts of the Corporate Development department is Hyundai

and the more than 90 suppliers that have located in Central Alabama in the last 15 years. HMMA has invested more than $1.8 billion in its Montgomery plant since 2002, and the HMMA suppliers have invested another $650M across central Alabama. Hyundai and its suppliers employ more than 15,000 people and provide $500 million in direct wages. The tax revenue from this group to the state is more than $70 million and more than $10 million is generated in local taxes. The total impact to the state by Hyundai and its suppliers is over $4.8 billion, annually. What resources do you and your team provide for Chamber members? We can provide information and/or resources for companies in the manufacturing sector, back office operations and IT sectors. Everything for workforce, financing, permitting, real estate—actually all factors that go into a new relocation or expansion. What one thing would you like MBJ readers to know about what you and your team do? We work behind the scenes. Most of our projects are very confidential, and we are typically under non-disclosure agreements. The competition for companies to recruit to our community in the advanced manufacturing, back office or technology sectors is extremely fierce. There are more than 15,000 local development organizations across the country with whom we compete. The recruitment of these projects requires detailed information on dozens of topics including site and building information, finance, the availability and cost of workforce, state and

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

In Action Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Association has invested more than

$1.8 billion in its Montgomery plant since 2002.

Hyundai and their suppliers employ more than

15,000 people and provide $500 million in direct wages.

Total impact: $4.8 billion

CHAMBER NEWS Connect NEWS , R ES O U R CES A ND A LO O K I NS I D E T H E MAN Y WAYS YO U R C H AMB E R WO R KS FO R YO U

local tax structures and incentive packages, environmental issues, transportation and logistics issues, utility and infrastructure and many others. What do you consider some of you and your team’s most significant achievements? Definitely Hyundai and the supplier network. In 2002, the Hyundai project was the largest industrial project in the country. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime project, and something we work to maintain and grow on a daily basis. How long have you worked in economic/corporate development for the Chamber? I have been in economic development for more than 35 years. I spent about 10 years at

the State and the remainder at the Chamber. I actually worked for the State of Alabama,

Fierce Competition There are more than

15,000 local development organizations across the country with whom the department competes.

was hired by the Chamber, hired back to the state and then rehired back at the Chamber.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Our work is extremely competitive; we compete with communities across the state, Southeast and the United States. The only way to be successful is to have a professional, knowledgeable and responsive team, which includes many organizations across the community and state. We are so fortunate in Montgomery to have one of the best teams in the country. It is an honor and true pleasure to work with these professional men and women. What gives our team the most pleasure and the greatest reward is when we meet the men and women who have jobs in the companies we have worked to recruit, to expand or to retain. Providing the opportunity for good paying jobs for the people of the Montgomery area is such a wonderful part of our job.

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CHAMBER NEWS Connect CONNECTING YOU TO THE MANY CHAMBER RESOURCES AND SERVICES AVAILABLE

“

CELE B RATE YO U R BU S I N ESS Ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and grand openings for your business: Kappes McGough, kmcgough@montgomerychamber.com Press releases and announcements: Jina Miniard, jminiard@montgomerychamber.com Event calendar: montgomerychamber.com/events

WHAT THEY SAY B UI L D YO UR B US I N E SS Research information: Rachel Madore, rmadore@montgomerychamber.com Small business counseling: Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com; Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com Diversity and inclusion programs: Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com Entrepreneurial development: Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com Seminars and training: Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com; Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com Co-working space: Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com Office space to rent in the Chamber’s Business Resource Center: Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com

SAVE MONE Y Member-to-Member discounts: Tina McManama, tmcmanama@montgomerychamber.com Notary public service: Paul Redhead, predhead@montgomerychamber.com Membership mailing lists and labels: Sandra Kelley, skelley@montgomerychamber.com MEET MORE CLIENTS & VENDORS Networking events: Lynn Norton, lnorton@montgomerychamber.com; Sandra Kelley, skelley@montgomerychamber.com Ambassador program: Lynn Norton, lnorton@montgomerychamber.com Online membership directory: montgomerychamber.com/directory Government contract resources: Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com HIRE & TRAIN YOUR WORKFORCE Job board: montgomerychamber.com/jobboard Corporate recruitment: Justice Smyth, jsmyth@montgomerychamber.com Corporate retention: Jessica Horsley, jhorsley@montgomerychamber.com Workforce training: Constance Calambakas, ccalambakas@montgomerychamber.com

H O ST ME E TI N G S I N MO N TG O ME RY Meeting and event venue information: Keely Smith, ksmith@montgomerychamber.com Special hotel rates for meetings, events & sporting events: Keely Smith, ksmith@montgomerychamber.com

CHAMBER MEMBERS SPEAK OUT ON HOW THEIR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS THEIR BUSINESS.

“I find being a member of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce a benefit to not only Carr, Riggs & Ingram, but to myself, both personally and professionally. The Chamber works with the city and the business sector to make the River Region a better place to live, which I found is not the case with a large number of Chambers throughout our footprint (nine Southern states). The Chamber staff is outstanding and always willing to lend a helping hand.” - CRAIG SNELL, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE AT CARR, RIGGS & INGRAM, LLC

Join Us Business Resource Center Upcoming Workshops

APRIL 5, 2017

Three times a year Chamber Members are invited to an informal orientation that provides an overview of the Chamber’s mission and history. Sponsored by Charter HR

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CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LOOK BACK AT THE FACES AND PLACES OF RECENT CHAMBER EVENTS

MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK: Proclamation Signing & Veterans Day Reception and Parade NOVEMBER 7-11, 2016

MEMBER EVENTS:

Presenting Sponsors: Alabama Power and City of Montgomery

Mayors of the River Region signed a proclamation for Military Appreciation Week and presented it to General Steven Kwast and General Perry Smith, the Adjutant General of the State of Alabama.

OCT 27

NOV 09

Business After Hours, at The Waters Sponsored by New Waters Realty

60 Minute Coffee at Auburn University Montgomery Center for Lifelong Learning Sponsored by Outreach at Auburn Montgomery

INNOVATEMGM WEEK OCTOBER 11-15, 2016

BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR NOVEMBER 1 & 15, 2015 at the BRC

Presented by ICS, Inc.

Presenting Sponsor: BWS Technologies

From artists and techies to the Montgomery Internet Exchange and Mawell Air Force Base’s cyber security initiatives, Innovation is the new game in MGM. The week of events included meet-ups about art as business, seminars on taking a food product from table to market and a talk by General Steven Kwast, Commander and President of Air University, Maxwell AFB. 34TH ANNUAL MACC ECONOMIC FORUM, OCTOBER 25, 2016 at Wynlakes

MONTGOMERY WOMEN IN BUSINESS MEET-UP GROUP NOVEMBER 16, 2016 at the Renaissance Hotel & Spa

Emilyn Espiritu, Director of Catering Sales at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, helped demystify fine cuisine with emphasis on dining etiquette. Attendees feasted on a threecourse meal while learning the art of business dining. MILITARY APPRECIATION HOLIDAY RECEPTION, DECEMBER 1, 2016 at Arrowhead Country Club

NOV Business After Hours 17

at The Montgomery Regional Airport Sponsored by Montgomery Airport Authority

MANUFACTURING SIGNING DAY OCTOBER 31, 2016 Just as athletes sign letters of intent to attend a university, students at Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technologies committed to a career during Career Signing Day.

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Small Business Briefcase +

PACK ED WITH TIPS AN D TOOLS TO BEN EFIT YOUR BUSINESS

THE BASICS OF ADDING ON A BUSINESS COACH

If you’ve ever thought about using a business coach, you’ve probably wondered where to start. Here are a few ways a business coach can help your business and five qualities to look for to ensure you make the right choice for you.

THE RIGHT STUFF FIVE GOOD THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A BUSINESS COACH

COMPATIBILITY: The smartest, most experienced coach in the world can’t help you or your business a bit if you don’t have a rapport with them. Sometimes, two personalities just don’t mix. If you don’t feel comfortable really talking to someone, you’ll never dig into the issues you might need to tackle or put a lot of stock in what they are saying. HONESTY & OBJECTIVITY: Good coaches are fair and brutally honest. That means when you’re bouncing ideas around, they’re going to give you truthful feedback, and they should be comfortable giving you constructive criticism and challenging your ideas. Even if it isn’t what you want to hear, it’s probably what you need to hear and why you hired them. While they should offer encouragement, if a coach is always sugarcoating things or trying to spare your feelings, they won’t be much help. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE IN YOUR AREA: There are many different types of business coaches, and some get pretty specialized. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, you may want to go with a coach that has a background in your specific type of business or who specializes in the main problem you’re hoping to solve. COMMITMENT: A good business coach will be dedicated to your success and truly care about the struggles you’ll face as you move through the process of bettering your business. You want a coach who is in the fight with you. TRACK RECORD: The realm of business coaching isn’t regulated, so just about anybody can take on the title “business coach.” The best way to judge how well a business coach can further your business is to look at what they’ve been able to do for others. A good business coach has a list of testimonials from other clients that they are happy to share.

REASONS TO REACH OUT FOR COACHING

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MAKE THE CALL:

WHY USE A BUSINESS COACH? Working with a business coach is not the answer for everybody, but if you’re just starting a business or feel your existing business is floundering, and you’re searching for objective, knowledgeable guidance from someone outside your current team, a business coach could have what you need. Most small business owners turn to a business coach to: IDENTIFY AND SET GOALS HAVE SOME ACCOUNTABILITY CREATE A STRATEGIC PLAN TO REACH GOALS AND/OR INCREASE GROWTH IDENTIFY WEAKNESSES AND CRAFT SOLUTIONS TO FIX THEM LESSEN CONFLICT AND STRESS/ STRENGTHEN TEAMWORK INCREASE EFFICIENCY Before you start your search for a coach, decide which of these issues pertain to you and what you want to achieve.

HERE AT HOME

According to Moorhead, most business owners who come to him are dealing with five main frustrations:

GENE MOORHEAD is a Montgomery business coach who works with a process called EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) that focuses on getting a businesses leadership team moving toward a common vision, making everyone more accountable and getting the leadership to function as a cohesive, healthy team. Moorhead brings decades of real-world business experience to the table. Before he became a business coach, he owned radio stations, an ad agency and even helped franchise a national retail outlet.

FOR OTHER BUSINESS COACHING RESOURCES WE RECOMMEND

THEY FEEL A LACK OF CONTROL

THEY ARE NOT MAKING ENOUGH MONEY FOR THE TIME INVESTED

PEOPLE PROBLEMS (staff and/or customer issues)

THEY HAVE HIT A CEILING WITH GROWTH

THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE CHANGES, BUT NOTHING IS WORKING

And he pointed to a key difference between a business coach and a business consultant. “I really act as a coach, and accountability is the key thing I work on with my clients,” he said. “I never tell people where they are going. I’m not a consultant. I help frustrated business owners gain more time, money and freedom.” Learn more about Gene Moorhead and his coaching at davmoor.com.

Local Business Coach Members at www.montgomerychamber.com.

Your local SCORE, Retired Executives providing free mentoring services, at the Chamber’s Business Resource Center.

Your business isn’t like anyone else’s. Neither is our approach. That’s just the way we do business.

jacksonthornton.com 334.834.7660

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

We’re new here. And while some might use it against us, we see new as an invitation. We’ve got new thinking, fresh strategies, radical designs, hungry creatives, clear content, and original ideas. New means never done before now. And we’re ready. Join us. Happy New Year.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER Spotlight

SANCTUARY CIGARS Dr. Patrick G. Ryan’s business Sanctuary Cigars is selling more than premium stogies. He’s offering River Region cigar enthusiasts a place to get away and truly enjoy the cigar experience. FOUNDED: 2015 WHY DID YOU START SANCTUARY CIGARS? The idea came about after the realization that Montgomery lacked one thing, a first class cigar lounge that can compete with the best cigar lounges in the nation. WHAT DO YOU OFFER? We offer more than cigars; we offer the experience along with it. We offer premium cigars, fine pipes, pipe tobacco, tobacco accessories, as well as humidors. We carry brands such as Davidoff, Perdomo, Padron, God of Fire, Oliva, Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo and many more. We have just recently acquired our Liquor License that allows us to also offer domestic and local craft beers, bourbons, vodka and scotches. WHAT SETS SANCTUARY CIGARS APART? Our 3,500-square-foot shop is separated into three different lounges, and that’s unlike anything Montgomery currently has to offer. We have a world-class ventilation system that constantly recycles and circulates air in each individual lounge. We also have the largest walk-in humidor in Alabama with close to 1,000 cigar facings. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BUSINESS? Connecting with each individual customer. Being a cigar shop employee, you not only supply consumers with the product, but you also have the incredible opportunity to educate them on the products as well as the industry. Smoking cigars is an occasion in itself, and as a tobacconist, it is my duty to educate the consumer so they can make the appropriate selection for any occasion. WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? Treat everyone who walks through that door with the utmost respect. I am a firm believer of never judging a book by its cover, and in business, customers should be treated the same. WHAT’S NEXT FOR SANCTUARY CIGARS? The next chapter for Sanctuary Cigars is getting involved in the community with off-site events, like weddings, golf tournaments and philanthropic events. 7813 VAUGHN ROAD, MONTGOMERY / (334) 593-8552 / SANCTUARY-CIGARS.COM 55

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CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move KEEP UP WITH OUR MEMBERS WELCOMING NEW HIRES AND ACCEPTING NEW POSITIONS

ALABAMA KIDNEY FOUNDATION HIRES DIRECTOR The Alabama Kidney Foundation (AKF) is pleased to announce the hire of Pamela Sparks as the Middle Alabama Regional Director. Pam will oversee local special events, including the annual Kidney Walk, and programs provided to kidney patients in the region. Pam and her family recently moved to the Montgomery area from Huntsville, Ala. Pam has a vast background in marketing and public relations. Most recently, Pam worked at Huntsville Hospital for nine years. The Alabama Kidney Foundation is excited for Pam to join the organization and assist with increasing kidney disease awareness and broadening our reach to kidney patients in the area.

NEW ALFA INSURANCE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS ANGELA COONER BRADWELL & SCOTT FORREST Bradwell serves as Executive Vice President and General Counsel while Forrest oversees human resources and financial operations as Executive Vice President of Administration. The move formalizes Alfa’s® Executive Leadership Team, which also includes Executive Vice President of Operations Steve Rutledge, Executive Vice President of Marketing Al Dees and Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan. Bradwell joined Alfa in 1997 as Assistant General Counsel. In 2005, she was promoted to Vice President and Associate General Counsel with responsibility for corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, investments, accounting, regulatory compliance, real estate, human resources, employee benefits and agent issues. She was named General Counsel in 2014.Forrest joined Alfa in 1992 as a Tax Specialist. He was promoted to Manager of Compensation in 1995 and to Vice President, Compensation, Benefits and HRIS in 2001. In 2013, he was named Senior Vice President of Human Resources and assumed leadership for the Finance Department earlier this year.

ALISA KOCH JOINS STEINHILBER & STRAWBRIDGE AS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Koch is an Alabama native and Montgomery resident since 1991. Alisa is driven by a desire to secure a valuable commercial insurance program and service for clients. She will continue to serve in her role as the Executive Secretary for the Montgomery Art Guild.

THOMPSON INSURANCE WELCOMES JAMES A. GUNN Thompson Insurance is pleased to announce that James A. (Drew) Gunn has joined the firm as an account executive. Drew is a Montgomery, Ala., native, graduating from St. James High School and the University of Alabama. Previously, Drew was employed with a digital advertising agency. He was responsible for accessing customer needs and implementation of digital brand promotion through web based initiatives and including social media. At Thompson, Drew will utilize his technological knowledge and sales skills for account development and service of Thompson Insurance’s clients. Drew will be based out of the firm’s Birmingham, Ala., office.

DEREK TROTTER JOINS BUTLER SNOW Butler Snow is pleased to announce Derek Trotter has joined the firm as a government relations advisor in its Montgomery office. Trotter will practice with Butler Snow’s regulatory and government relations team. “Derek’s background in government relations is impressive,” said chairman of Butler Snow Don Clark, Jr. “He understands Alabama’s government. His experience will greatly benefit our team and our clients

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move KEEP UP WITH OUR MEMBERS WELCOMING NEW HIRES AND ACCEPTING NEW POSITIONS

in Alabama.” Trotter brings extensive experience in communications and legislative affairs to Butler Snow. Most recently, he served as director of legislative affairs for the office of Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.

SCOTT BLAKE JOINS USAMERIBANK Alexander City native Scott Blake has joined USAmeriBank as Residential Mortgage Production Manager for Central Alabama, bringing more than 25 years of experience to the bank. Blake has worked specifically in mortgage lending since 2000, most recently as a senior mortgage lender with Renasant Bank in Alexander City. He was previously with USAmeriBank as a mortgage loan specialist. In his new role as Residential Mortgage Production Manager, he oversees several loan officers, and manages an area that includes Alexander City, Auburn and Montgomery.

Rockford, or Camp Sunshine, a well-recognized initiative for girls in public housing communities.”

GIFT OF LIFE FOUNDATION HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dr. Cheryl Davis was recently named the new executive director of the Gift of Life (GOL) Foundation, a leading provider of family coaching programs, prenatal, early child educational and family support services for at-risk women. GOL’s goal is to lower the community’s infant mortality rate. Davis brings to the position nearly 35 years of professional experience as a health educator, program administrator, and advocate for broadening access to quality care for underserved communities. Prior to coming to GOL, Dr. Davis was the associate dean for strategic initiatives and external relations for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University, and managed a combined budget of over $10 million.

EDMONDS NAMED GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN ALABAMA’S CEO Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s Board of Directors is excited to announce that Karlyn Edmonds has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Karlyn brings 14 years of Girl Scout experience to this position, having previously served as Development Director and later Chief Operations Officer for the legacy council, South Central Alabama. For the last nine years, she’s worked as GSSA’s Chief Operating Officer. She also has served for the past two years as co-director of Camp Sunshine, a Girl Scout outreach summer camp that serves Montgomery girls that live in public housing. Karlyn says her goal as CEO “is to maximize the Girl Scout experience for many girls. I have a passion for our mission, and know that Girl Scouting changes lives—be it girls from Butler in a rural grant program, traditional troops in Mobile or Montgomery, in-school Girl Scouting programs in Beauregard or

BRENT TEEL JOINS STARKE AGENCY The Starke Agency, Inc., Montgomery’s oldest independent insurance agency, is pleased to announce the recent hire of Brent Teel as their newest addition to the Starke family as a Risk Consultant. “As we aim for organic growth through the following years, we believe Brent’s prior business-to-business sales experience here in Montgomery make this a natural career transition for him. His outgoing personality and reputation for outstanding service will ensure Starke Agency client’s insurance and risk management needs are met for years to come,” said Sales & Marketing Director, Mark J. Ludick. Teel is a native of Montgomery where he attended Alabama Christian Academy through high school and graduated from Faulkner University.

+ SUB MI TTI NG NEWS? Send a headshot too.

Submit to jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.

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CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz COMMUNITY + COMMERCE NEWS

IMAGE BY CARTER PHOTO DESIGN

BLOSSOMING BOWL In 2014, the first Raycom Media Camellia Bowl was played in Montgomery, putting the capital city on college football’s map with an exciting post-season game. Played in historic Cramton Bowl, which has been hosting gridiron action for almost a century (including University of Alabama home games in the 1920s), the bowl is named after Alabama’s showy state flower. Each December, the Camellia Bowl brings teams from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference for one last bout of intense competition before they hang up their helmets for the year. According to the bowl’s Executive Director Johnny Williams, the Camellia Bowl is something special. “The history in Montgomery is incredible. To be able to take a student-atlete, who may never have visited Montgomery or Alabama, to the Rosa Parks Museum, is a special opportunity. We’re able to share the civil rights history as well as the sports history of Cramton Bowl,” he said. This year’s game was televised on ESPN and drew more than 20,000 fans in person and far more viewers on tv. The third annual Camellia Bowl featured Appalachian State who beat Toledo, 31 to 28.

B AP T I ST HE A LTH R E C E IV E S SI G N I F I C AN T G R A N T Last fall, Baptist Health and the Montgomery Cancer Center received a $30,000 grant from the Avon-Pfizer Metastatic Breast Cancer Grants Program: Identify-Amplify-Unify. In total, 22 non-profit organizations received grants totaling $1 million in funding to support and educate metastatic breast cancer patients, their caregivers and their communities. The Montgomery Cancer Center will use the new funds to better support metastatic breast cancer patients and address gaps in services for the metastatic breast cancer community, including medical, psychological, nutritional, complementary and integrative services, financial and legal support. The funds will also allow the Center to better distribute resources and services available to vulnerable populations, including through telemedicine, and share educational resources with the public focusing

on metastatic disease, palliative care, treatment options, clinical trials, access to holistic medication and complementary medicine. “With this grant and the support of Avon, we’re excited to learn how we can better support metastatic breast cancer patients. We plan to customize our monies to host a three-day retreat to offer spiritual and psychosocial support to 20 of our metastatic breast cancer patients as well as their caregivers,” said Susan Reed, administrator of the Montgomery Cancer Center. “It will allow us to create an enduring network of community resources to support women with MBC.” A IR WAR CO LLEGE P R OFESSO R ADDR ESSED A L A B AM A WO R LD A F FA I R S CO U NCI L Dr. David S. Sorenson, chair of the Department of International Security and professor of international security studies at the Air War College, Air 58

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

University, addressed the Alabama World Affairs Council at Troy University Montgomery in November. Attendees had the chance to learn more about how issues in Syria affect us in the United States as they listened to his presentation “A Requiem for Syria.” Dr. Sorenson received his Ph.D. from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, and previously served on the faculties of the University of Colorado at Denver, Denison University and the Mershon Center at Ohio State University. He has written and edited several books on Syria and the Middle East and published numerous articles, book chapters and conference papers on Middle East politics, defense budget politics and national security affairs.

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz COMMUNITY + COMMERCE NEWS

N E W TO TOW N

P ET SERV I C ES BOUTIQUE OPENS The Barkery, a new locally owned boutique pet-services and retail shop for dogs and their owners opened in November at 1963 Mulberry Street in Montgomery. The store offers daycare, boarding, grooming and training services in addition to a dog bakery and retail shop. The bakery features handmade, healthy dog treats baked on site and made with all natural, locally sourced ingredients. The retail shop carries an array of dog-themed items created by local vendors as well as basic dog supplies. Owner Michelle Reeder turned her passion for pets into a full-time business and brought her family, including her dogs and grand-dogs along as well. Her husband Dan, daughter Emily and son David assist with everything from baking and decorating to greeting customers at the events they attend. The Barkery’s boutique approach includes suite-only boarding, cage-free daycare, an indoor playroom, grooming and training, and even massage services, giving guest-pups the ultimate in comfort and hospitality. Learn more at thebarkery.dog.

NEW RETAIL CHAIN, AT HOME, COMING TO EASTDALE MALL Aronov Realty management announced in mid-November that At Home, the home décor superstore, will open its first Montgomery location at Eastdale Mall. The more than 104,000-square-foot store is under development in the former Sears location. The Montgomery location of At Home, the big box specialty retailer with more than 100 stores across the country, is expected to open in early 2017. At Home is focused on providing customers with the broadest assortment of home décor products to suit any style, any budget, for any reason to redecorate. The retailer will offer more than 50,000 items throughout the store – including wall art and decorative accents, rugs, housewares, home textiles, patio furniture, home furnishings, seasonal and holiday décor and more. “At Home is a very desired retailer for communities throughout the country,” said Owen Aronov, president of Aronov Realty Management Company. “We are delighted

they have selected Montgomery and Eastdale Mall for their new location.” BOJANGLES’ OPENS FIRST OF SEVERAL RESTAURANTS IN MONTGOMERY Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits opened its first location in Montgomery on Eastchase Parkway last October. “Our franchise group is thrilled to bring a Bojangles’ to Montgomery,” said Bojland Restaurant Group franchisee, Pat Landon. “The reception from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive.” We think our breakfast — served hot and fresh all day, every day — lunch and dinner will be a fan favorite in the city.” Bojland Restaurant Group significantly contributes to the local economic landscape through investment dollars, construction projects and job creation, employing approximately 50 team members from the community. The restaurant group plans to have a total of five restaurants under contract by the end of 2017.

W H OL E FO O DS M AR KET ® D E B UTS I N M O NTGO M ERY Montgomery’s first Whole Foods Market opened in November in the Chase Corner shopping center at the intersection of Taylor Road and Interstate 85. The 40,000-square-foot market employed approximately 112 individuals at its opening, with potential growth in the future. “I know Montgomery and the surrounding communities are very excited about Whole Foods becoming a part of our community,” said Owen Aronov, President of Aronov Realty Management.” This is truly one of the country’s premier grocery stores, and I am sure it will become a dynamic addition to this region. Whole Foods will bring an unparalleled selection of quality foods and also excitement and fun to the grocery shopping experience.” 59

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Gift of Life Executive Director Cheryl Davis and staff joined health professionals from Baptist East and the Alabama Department of Public Health at the launch of the March of Dimes Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Program.

The March of Dimes announced last December that it is partnering with Gift of Life Foundation, Baptist Medical Center East and Alabama Department of Public Health to implement the Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait® program. The program provides education for pregnant women, perinatal providers and the greater community on the problem of preterm birth, risk factors and strategies for reducing risk. “Preparing for

a new baby is a time of great excitement,” said Lisa Carter, Chair of the Maternal and Child Health Committee for Alabama March of Dimes. “Families don’t expect anything to go wrong, but in about 1 in 7 births in Montgomery, the babies are born too soon. Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait aims to help prevent those preterm births that are preventable with a model that combines clinical, education and community efforts.”

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

ALABAM A LEGI SLATO RS HO NO R ED The Korean Consulate General, SeongJin Kim, recognized and presented awards to six Alabama State legislators last November. Senators Gerald Dial, J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, Tom Whatley, Cam Ward, Tim Melson and Jim McClendon sponsored Alabama Act 2016-217, which passed in the 2016 regular legislative session. Hosted by the locally based Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership (A-KEEP), Alabama Act 2016-217 recognizes the enormous economic impact of Korean industries in the River Region and throughout Alabama. “This bill encourages formal and informal programs to enhance and promote continued cooperation and cultural exchange between Korea, Koreans, Alabama and Alabamians,” explained Meesoon Han, Executive Director of A-KEEP.

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz COMMUNITY + COMMERCE NEWS

MAX4 K IDS HOLDS 17TH A NNUA L FUN D RAIS E R MAX4Kids Board Vice President and MAX Chief Talent Officer Sandra Stenger (left) and MAX4Kids President and MAX Chief Retail Officer Wayne Blackwell (right) presents to the Henry Tellis Foundation (middle) with a MAX4Kids donation

Last October, the MAX4Kids Foundation hosted its 17th Annual MAX4Kids Charity Golf Tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville. With 206 golfers and 109 dedicated sponsors, the fundraising event was a huge success and netted close to $37,000. With this event, the MAX4Kids Foundation hit a historic milestone by donating over $1 million dollars to local children’s charities and the MAX4Kids scholarship fund. “Over my career, being able to work at a job that not only allows, but also encourages purposeful work, like

the MAX4Kids Foundation Golf Tournament, has been a blessing,” said Chief Retail Officer and MAX4Kids Foundation President Wayne Blackwell. “Having the opportunity to do this with a group of people such as the MAX team members that truly have a heart for their communities and do it for the right reason is incredibly rewarding.” The MAX4Kids Foundation benefits children’s charities in the River Region and East Alabama, as well as the MAX4Kids Scholarship Program.

LOCAL B U SI N ESS LOC ATE S D OW N TOW N Honea Insurance and Financial Serviecs Inc. announces the opening of its second office in downtown Montgomery in the 40 Four building. Breck Honea explained his choice. “Downtown Montgomery is becoming exciting for a small business owner. I have been entrenched ‘out east’ for 11 years and never really considered downtown as a good place to locate a business. But with all the revitalization in the area in the last few years, that has definitely changed. I’m looking forward to serving customers there,” he said.

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M O NTGO M ERY DI NI NG ESTAB LI SHM ENT WELCO M ES NEW CHEF Colorado native Eric Rivera took over as the new executive chef at Cloverdale’s Vintage Year restaurant last fall. He previously worked in Birmingham at the Redmont Hotel, overseeing both a café with fresh bread and locally roasted coffee and an Italian-inspired fine dining restaurant featuring local ingredients. The focus on local ingredients has been with him since he first became an executive chef – as a 23-year-old – leading the Lalas Wine Bar and Pizzeria in Denver.

HAM PST EAD PHASE 4 BEGI NS Phase 4 at Montgomery’s Hampstead community began in November and features new residential lots to help meet the massive demand for residential construction over the past few years.  This new area continues to grow alongside the beautiful Hampstead Lake, creating lake view and parkside lots, and new civic spaces and amenities.

AM EA DEDICATES SO LAR R ES EARCH PR O JECT The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) dedicated a new solar research project, its first endeavor into the solar arena, last fall. The project is located adjacent to the new AMEA headquarters at 80 TechnaCenter Drive in East Montgomery. The energy produced by the 50-KW solar project will be utilized by the new building. “We are proud of the new solar research project as a part of our efforts to enhance renewable energy in our portfolio,” said Fred Clark, AMEA President and CEO. AMEA is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama.

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A QUICK LOOK AT OUR MEMBERS’ MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AWARDS AND HONORS

Achievements

Community AU M EARN S “M IL ITA RY F R IE N D LY” D ESI G N AT I O N Auburn University at Montgomery has earned the 2017 Military Friendly School designation by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. AUM serves veteran and military students and their families from nearby military installations, such as Maxwell and Gunter Air Force bases and the Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, with flexible day, evening and weekend course schedules and through traditional, online and hybrid formats. AUM provides programs and services such as military-specific orientation, Military Appreciation Night, transfer credit for military schools and USAFI/ DANTES Level Tests and recognition of military service during commencement ceremonies. M O N TG O M ERY P R IVAT E S C H OOL S M AK I N G T HE GR A D E Several of Montgomery’s private schools made it onto a recent list that named The 2017 Best Private K-12 Schools in Alabama. Saint James School and The Montgomery Academy were in the top 10; Trinity Presbyterian School was No. 11, and four others – Alabama Christian Academy, Eastwood Christian School, Macon East Academy and Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School – were in the top 30. The list was put out by Niche, a website that provides information on schools and neighborhoods across the country, and rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly.

Giving BE ASLEY ALLEN AT TOR N E YS R E COG N IZ E D FOR P RO B O N O WOR K Beasley Allen lawyers James Lampkin, Evan Allen, Liz Eiland and Aigner Kolom were recently recognized for their work on behalf of low-income residents in need of legal assistance in civil matters. The Beasley Allen Law Firm also was recognized for its outstanding participation in the Montgomery County Bar Foundation Volunteer Lawyers Program. At the foundation’s luncheon last fall, the firm was one of three in Montgomery to receive the highest level of recognition, the Gold Medallion award. Evan Allen, Liz Eiland and Aigner Kolom were also presented with the Medal of the Samaritan in recognition of their outstanding participation and hours of pro bono service.

ALAB AM A CEO JO I NI NG NAT I O NWI DE GROUP O F HEALT HCAR E LEADER S Representing each state, members of the American Health Care Association’s Future Leaders program examine advanced areas of leadership and management as well as engage with lawmakers on important long-term care topics. Bill Turenne, CEO and owner of Turenne & Associates, a Montgomery-based healthcare company, has been chosen to represent Alabama and already is working to inform our nation’s leaders about the concerns and challenges residents in long-term care face. He and the 20162017 class of the Future Leaders program recently traveled to our nation’s capital to meet with members of Congress. Turenne met with U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL). ACCR EDI T ED BU Y ER’ S R EPR ESENTAT I VE (A BR®) AGENT AT NEW WAT ER S R EALT Y Jeff Dickey, a REALTOR® at New Waters Realty, recently received the ABR® Designation for Real Estate Buyer Agents. This coveted designation, awarded through the national Association of Realtors®, teaches real estate professionals to hone their skills in representing the needs of their clients. It is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. New Waters Realty Company is the professional sales and marketing company for The Waters, a master planned residential community located in Pike Road, Ala. LO CAL ACCO U NT M ANAGER R ECEI VES “ ELI T E” R ECO GNI T I O N Truman Ingram, Four Star Freightliner Utility & Municipal Account Manager, has been named an Elite winner in the Leland James Sales Achievement Program for the fourth year in a row. This program, named after the founder of Freightliner, recognizes the best sales representatives and managers in the Freightliner Dealer Network. The awards are based on the amount of units sold. Ingram, along with other 19 other Elite winners, was treated to a special awards ceremony in Anguilla, located in the Eastern Caribbean. Ingram has been Utility & Municipal Account Manager for more than 10 years.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

bluegray-2017-MontgomeryBusinessJournal.pdf 1 12/8/2016 1:41:30 PM

CMY

IT’S A WASTE TO WASTE MONEY ON WASTE. No business can afford to waste money on waste. Sadly, many businesses don’t know what they’re actually paying, or who is even in charge of it. Someone signed a contract long ago, the bills keep coming and nobody worries about it. But most companies’ contracts have built in rate increases. So you may be paying a lot more than you should. At Alabama Dumpster Service, we have the dumpster or roll-off container that’s right for your business and your budget. Our customer service is unsurpassed and you can trust us for timely delivery and pick-up. So take a second look at your trash removal costs and call us. We’ll make sure you’re not wasting money on waste.

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CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A QUICK LOOK AT OUR MEMBERS’ MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AWARDS AND HONORS

Awards & Honors CE RT I F I C AT I O N G A IN E D Matt McDaniel, CPA, Senior Accountant at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI), has earned the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential. The CITP credential acknowledges the CPA Professional who has received additional training in areas of Emerging Trends, Security and Privacy, Business Solutions, IT Assurance and Risk and Data Analytics. McDaniel has also earned his Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.

teaching and mentoring. At the ceremony, the inaugural awardee for Excellence in Education by a Community Based Physician was Shane Lee, MD. GR EAT ER M O NTGO M ERY HO M E BU I LDER S ASSO CI AT I O N AWAR DED

ON LI N E P RO G RA M AT AU M E ARN S TO P 15 STATU S Affordable Colleges Online, a leading resource for online learning and college affordability information, has ranked Auburn University at Montgomery among its “Best Online Colleges in Alabama for 2016–17.” Affordable Colleges Online recognized AUM’s “wide range of online programs and degrees and non-credit, continuing education courses” as well as the university’s use of Blackboard, which enables students to participate in online class discussion and submit assignments online. UAB SC HO O L OF M E D IC IN E 21ST AN N UAL A R G US AWA R D S

Duncan B. McRae, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, was recognized as the Outstanding Clinical Educator for the Montgomery Regional Medical Campus of the UAB School of Medicine at the 21st Annual Argus Awards Ceremony. Dr. McRae is the Clerkship Director for the surgical rotation for third-year medical students at the Montgomery campus. Presenting the award to Dr. McRae were Montgomery-based senior medical students Jennifer Jackson and Ryan Khodadadi. This award is voted on by the students at the Montgomery campus following completion of their third year of training. The Surgical Faculty at the Montgomery campus received the Argus Award for the Best Clinical Department in recognition for their excellence in

Members of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association celebrate winning the President’s Trophy for a Large Association from 2016 HBAA President Mark Reid.

The Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association was honored during the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) 2016 Annual Convention. The GMHBA was presented with the President’s Trophy for a Large Association. Each year, the current HBAA President selects two local Home Builders Associations (one large and one small) to receive President’s Trophies in honor of outstanding service and excellence throughout the year. HOT EL EAR NS TO P HO NO R S Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has awarded the Holiday Inn Express Montgomery on Carmichael Road with the 2016 Torchbearer Award, its highest honor for quality and service. The Torchbearer Award is only awarded to the top system hotels that provide an exceptional model of hospitality and service excellence. LAWDR AGO N 500 R ECO GNI ZES T HE LEADING LAWY ER S I N AM ER I CA Jere L. Beasley, Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. Principal & Founder, has been selected as one of the 2016 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America. Being a member of the Lawdragon 500 is one of the most elite honors in the law profession. Recipients of this honor are determined by a combination of editorial research by Lawdragon staff, submissions from law firms and an online nomination form.

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CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings NEW SPOTS NOW OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS

BBVA COMPASS-DOWNTOWN BRANCH

THE BARKERY, LLC

60 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-409-7380 • www.bbva.com Daniel Paulk - Branch Retail Manager / Banks

1963 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-239-9255 • www.thebarkery.dog Michelle Reeder - Owner Pet Boarding/Grooming/Daycare; Retail: Gifts & Specialty

WHOLE FOODS MARKET – MONTGOMERY

THE SHOPPES AT EASTCHASE SANTA’S WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND

1450 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-523-2940• www.wholefoods.com Christopher Gonzalez – Store Team Leader Retail: Groceries; Foods: Specialized

7274 EastChase Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-279-6046 • www.theshoppesateastchase.com Jeff Branch – Property Manager Shopping Malls & Centers

WHARF CASUAL SEAFOOD

CELLULAR SALES – VERIZON

3954 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 334-676-3200 • www.wharfcasualseafood.com Noah Griggs – COO/Partner Eryk Ramsey – Operating Partner Restaurant: Seafood; Catering Services

2050 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-207-1110 • www.cellularsalesofalabama.com Jamar Stanford – Account Manager David Surber and Jason Love– Regional Managers Cellular/Wireless Phone Services; Telecommunications

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER Spotlight

VINTAGE YEAR Vintage Year has been an establishment of good eats in the capital city for decades. In late 2015, current owner Jud Blount brought the restaurant back, and with a nod to its past and a fresh take on its future, he’s made it better than ever. CHEF: ERIC RIVERA FOUNDED: 1984 AND RE-OPENED IN 2016 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 30 HISTORY: Vintage Year has been an important part of the fabric of Montgomery’s social scene since 1984. It started as Montgomery’s only specialty wine shop, and soon became a destination for gourmet lunches. Then, it opened for dinner, and the rest is history. The restaurant has a lot of stories. It has served several Southern governors and other notable figures like attorney Johnny Cochran and John F. Kennedy Jr., to name a few. Over the years, the restaurant has changed ownership but the focus on giving our guests an amazing meal and amazing experience remains the same. AWARDS & HONORS: General manager Chase Brown was honored by RSVP magazine by being included on “The List” for Young Professionals, and bartender Derek Russell recently won “Bartender of the Year” from the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association. WHAT DO YOU WANT DINERS TO GET OUT OF THE VINTAGE YEAR DINING EXPERIENCE? We try to consistently provide the best experience in Montgomery through our personalized service and quality approach. WHAT SETS VINTAGE YEAR APART? Our ambiance and beautiful food presentation along with excellent service. WHAT’S YOUR MOST POPULAR DISH? Seared Gulf snapper with ricotta gnocchi, eggplant caponata, arugula and Romesco sauce. WHAT IS THE RESTAURANT’S “SECRET TO SUCCESS”? The constant training of our employees and the attention to detail we provide every diner on every visit. WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR VINTAGE YEAR IN 2017? Be on the lookout for more events, especially some with an arts focus; we’re big advocates for the arts in our community.

405 CLOVERDALE ROAD, MONTGOMERY / 334-819-7215 / VYMGM.COM 67

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CHAMBER NEWS New Members

ASS O C IAT IO N S / N O N - P R O F IT

Disabled American Veterans Willie T. Scott P.O. Box 242902 Montgomery, AL 36124 334-271-5077

Alabama Legislative Update February 15, 2017 at the RSA Activity Center Be informed! Engage with business leaders and elected officials during this high-profile event, while a leading state official or panel of officials present an update on Alabama's issues. Gain important insight to key legislative initiatives and the challenges of the legislative session.

ASS O C IAT IO N S / N O N - P R O F IT

CO N S U LT IN G SERVI CES

Montgomery Baptist Association Neal Hughes 20 Interstate Park Drive Montgomery, AL 36109 334-271-6227

Business Growth Coach Tasha Scott 8650 Minnie Brown Road, Suite 170 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-603-2046

AU TO M O BIL E R E PA IR S E RV IC E S

CO N V E YO R B ELTS-MFR.

Christian Brothers Automotive Cary K. Cain 10885 Chantilly Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-394-3688

Price Rubber Corporation John W. Price 2733 Gunter Park Drive W Montgomery, AL 36121 334-277-5470 G R O C E R IE S - RETAI L

BU IL D E R S - CO M M E R C IA L

DaDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Enterprises Inc. Debra Baldwin 406 North Church Street Tuskegee, AL 36083 334-725-8251

Cash Saver Todd Vowell 5458-B Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-5500 H OT E L S /M OTELS

C A BL E T E L E V IS IO N S E RV IC E S

Troy Cablevision, Inc Jake Cowen 1006 South Brundidge St. Troy, AL 36081 334-566-3310

Country Inn & Suites Sam Park 5155 Carmichael Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-270-3223

FOR LEASE

LAND SC APING/LAWN S E RVI CES

River Region Straw Kenny Williamson P.O. Box 242068 Montgomery, AL 36124 334-669-5959 LE G AL SERVICES – ATTORNEYS

Belt & Bruner, PC Keith Belt 448 St. Lukes Drive, Ste 103 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-513-1841

R OOF I N G COM PA N I E S

Trotman Brothers Roofing & Construction, LLC Andrew Trotman 8961 Saw Tooth Loop Pike Road, AL 36064 334-657-8255

AVAILABLE OFFICE SPACE

2257 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL 36117

CAN BE SUBDIVIDED

S E C UR I TY S E RV I C E S

Largest Contiguous Space:

22,104 SF

Vivint Smart Home Cody Pike 4931 North 300 West Provo, UT 84604 334-350-3200

Smallest Available Space:

5,526 SF

Excellent Visibility, Ample Parking

P HOTOGRAPHERS

Lola Photography Maria Wiggins 2001 Mulberry Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334-551-2700 P HYS I CAL THER APISTS

Body Logic Physical Therapy & Wellness Tiffany Higginbotham 7150 Halcyon Park Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-380-5920 RE AL ESTATE-APPR AISE R S

Capital Real Estate Services, LLC Kenneth D. Wallis 2525 Container Drive Montgomery, AL 36109 334-593-6060

S E C UR I TY SYSTE M S

Vector Security Rocky Windham 17960 US Highway 431, Suite 106 Headland, AL 36345 334-785-5012 V E TE R I N A R I A N S

Eastmont Animal Clinic Kim Ousley Susan Graydon 111 Eastdale Road South Montgomery, AL 36117 334-272-5656

Conveniently located in East Montgomery, just off the I-85/Taylor Road intersection, this property is near many of Montgomery’s most popular shopping and dining destinations. The open floorplan can be demised into four individual office units or the entire floorplan can be utilized allowing flexibility tailored to specific needs.

Quick Details:  Class A Space  Full Service Lease  Professionally Manicured Grounds  Gorgeous Lobby  Existing CAT 5 Data Pulls  Fiber Ready - Tier One Access CONTACT GRACE PUGH Kyser Property Management Co., Inc.

334.657.1695 cell 334.834.2073 office gpugh@kyser.com Kyserproperties.com

Economic Intel Numbers reflect October 2016 over October 2015. (Latest data available.)

HOUSING

LABOR FORCE

+ 2.5% + 2.5%

- .1%

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

+ 8.6% AVERAGE SALES PRICE

= $161K

CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area

- 10.2% - 17.8% TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

= 97 days

= 2,430

Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate MGM Area

TOP FOUR SECTORS

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

+ 3.4%

TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES

+ 3.4%

EDUCATION & HEALTH SERVICES

TOURISM

+ 4.0%

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

+ 3.2%

.9%

+ 3.9%

DEMAND FOR HOTEL ROOMS

TRANSPORTATION CHECK OUT THE COST CALCULATOR ON FLYMGM.COM TO COMPARE FLIGHT COSTS.

SUPPLYROOMS AVAILABLE

3.88%

15,271 TOTAL PASSENGERS

+ 1.87%

MONTGOMERYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OCCUPANCY %

INCREASED

+ 2.50%

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area

JAN-OCT 2016

LODGINGS TAX COLLECTIONS

Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery

Source: MGM-Montgomery Regional Airport

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Warren Averett Members Sandy Coaker, CPA Clinton Freeman, CPA Clynt Hart, CPA, CFE

SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOUR WARREN AVERETT BUSINESS THRIVE

TRADITIONAL ACCOUNTING CORPORATE ADVISORY SERVICES TECHNOLOGY & RISK SOLUTIONS HR SOLUTIONS

We often begin relationships with traditional tax or audit services, but clients quickly realize we can offer so much more. By listening to your needs, we connect you with our experts to help accomplish what’s important to you. From technology solutions and wealth management to transaction advisory services and executive recruiting, it’s time to take a closer look at Warren Averett and all we have to offer. Let’s Thrive Together.

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Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101