Montgomery Business Journal – September 2016

Q&A WITH KARYN TWARONITE PAGE 10

CALLING MONTGOMERY HOME PAGE 14

GROWING THE MARKET PAGE 18

VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN BENEFITS VOLUNTEERS AND BUSINESSES

TEAMWORK

Thanks for voting us BEST BANK in Montgomery , Autauga and Elmore Counties

Alexander City Auburn Gadsden Montgomery Member FDIC NMLS 405629

Millbrook Opelika Prattville Wetumpka Riverbankandtrust.com

Equal Housing Lender

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2016

MEMBER PROFILE 30

10

Q&A with Chamber Diversity Summit Speaker Karyn Twaronite

32

VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY

14

MEMBER NEWS 30 Member Profile: That's My Dog

CHAMBER NEWS 06 Calendar 40 Reporter’s Notebook 43 Business Buzz 53 Members on the Move 57 New Members 58 Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings 60 Economic Intel

FEATURES 8

BUILD ON Chamber unveils 2016 strategic priorities

10 BOTTOM LINE BOOSTER Q&A with Karyn Twaronite 14 GERMAN ENGINEERING HELPS DRIVE ECONOMY Auto supplier Gerhardi Inc. breaks ground at Montgomery Industrial Park 18 IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME Hotelier will open two EastChase properties 24 LOW COST FOR HIGH TECH Montgomery Internet Exchange increases competition, slashes cost

25 BRANCHING OUT MAX Credit Union coming to Chantilly Parkway 28 CONFIDENT GROUP Montgomery business leaders remain most optimistic 32 VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY Total Resource Campaign benefits volunteers and businesses 37 HIDDEN HIGH-TECH GEM AUM cybersecurity master's program lacks local students 38 EGGS & ISSUES with US Rep. Martha Roby and US Rep. Mike Rogers

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

3

CALL THE MAIDS MAIDS AND GET THE SPOTLESS CLEANING CUSTOMERS CUSTOMERS TRUST AND RECOMMEND. RECOMMEND.

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

277-7749 www.MAIDS.com

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION PUBLISHER

Randall L. George EDITORIAL

Tina McManama David Zaslawsky Lashanda Gaines Melissa Bowman DESIGN

Copperwing Design PHOTOGRAPHER

Robert Fouts ON THE COVER

Neptune Technology Group President Chuck DiLaura (left) is a client of Ann Osten (right) in the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Gene Crane (center) is another volunteer salesperson in the TRC. ADVERTISING

Linda Drumheller 334-240-9494 mbjsales@montgomerychamber.com

Montgomery Business Journal c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79 41 Commerce Street Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 Fax: 334-265-4745 Email: mbj@montgomerychamber.com www.montgomerychamber.com/mbj The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published monthly except for the combined issues of June/July/August and November/December, by 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 8, Issue 7.

Referred for a reason.

4

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101, or email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions can also be purchased for $30 per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

5

13 CONVERSATIONS: ROUNDTABLES FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

SEPTEMBER

8

CHAMBER NEWS

EVENTS

CYBER FORUM

Presenting Sponsor: ServisFirst Bank 8 AM @ Montgomery Chamber Business Resource Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 Members $15 Nonmembers

MINUTE 14 60 COFFEE Sponsored by River Region United Way 8 AM @ The Lakeview Center 2660 Eastchase Lane, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

THE 15 EXPERIENCE POWER OF THE MASTERMIND

8:30 AM @ Montgomery Chamber Business Resource Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery 8-week class

19 BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR Sponsored by BWS Technologies 3:45 PM @ Montgomery Chamber Business Resource Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door 6

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

27 DIVERSITY SUMMIT Presenting Sponsor: Stivers Ford Lincoln 9 AM @ Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Registration: montgomerychamber.com/ diversity

29 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sponsored by Reinhardt Lexus 5 PM @ Reinhardt Lexus 911 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

OCTOBER

3

BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR

Sponsored by BWS Technologies 3:45 PM @ Montgomery Chamber Business Resource Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door

11 AM @ Montgomery Country Club 3001 Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery Registration:. montgomerychamber.com/ Conversations

17 BUSINESS PLANNING SEMINAR Sponsored by BWS Technologies @ Montgomery Chamber Business Resource Center 600 South Court Street, Montgomery $10 at the door

27 BUSINESS TAX UPDATE Presenting Sponsor: BWS Technologies Two Sessions: 11 AM & 3 PM @ Alabama Taxpayer Service Center 2545 Taylor Road, Montgomery Free event, registration required

27 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sponsored by New Waters Realty 5 PM @ The Waters Blue Heron Pool Club, 41 Lucky Lane, Pike Road Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

MINUTE 12 60COFFEE Sponsored by Alley Station & Joy to Life Foundation 8 AM @ Alley Station 130 Commerce Street, Montgomery Free event, exclusively for Chamber Members

The Montgomery Chamber Event Calendar is at montgomerychamber.com/events

MY C ITY MY U N IVE 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

◆

MONTGOMERY

◆

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

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

7

Build On Chamber's strategic priorities fuel economic growth

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

The top strategic priorities are: > Developing a cyber strategy and building on the Montgomery Internet Exchange. > Expanding air service and improving the airport experience. > Aligning the workforce pipeline. > Preserving the missions at Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex. > Retooling the Chamber’s small and minority business programs and the Business Resource Center. > Increasing the impact of Montgomery’s travel industry. > Developing the next five-year segment of the Chamber’s Imagine A Greater Montgomery strategic initiative.

The top 2016 strategic priorities for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce probably sound familiar and well they should. They have been around and maybe tweaked a little here and there.

This year’s top strategic priorities are similar because “we think they offer the biggest opportunities for major economic growth and major change in Montgomery,” Chamber President Randall L. George said.

8

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

> Building strong coalitions with elected leadership and focusing on public/private partnerships.

“I don’t want to rate them (priorities) in the context of their importance – all of them are important,” George said. “Whenever you have the greatest opportunity, that is the time to strike. We see those opportunities and that timing coming together as we go forward.”

“Whenever you have the greatest opportunity, that is the time to strike. We see those opportunities and that timing coming together as we go forward.”

– Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce President Randall L. George

Cyber has become a hot topic with the Montgomery Internet Exchange, RSA Datacenter, College of Cyber Air Power at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Air University and four key facilities at the Gunter Annex: 26th Network Operations Squadron, Capabilities Integration Environment, Defense Information Systems Agency and Program Executive Office for Business Enterprise Systems.

“The formation of the Montgomery Internet Exchange is the transformational piece that positions Montgomery not only from a military perspective, but from a commercial perspective to move to a significantly higher level of cyber activity,” said George.

Growing air service at Montgomery Regional Airport is critical for recruiting corporate headquarters because clients, salespeople and executives travel by air.

“Corporate headquarters are important because they keep their philanthropic dollars at home,” George said.

Air service also plays a critical role in the local travel industry, which generates more than $1.3 million daily.

“In order to attract major meetings, sporting events and conventions, you have to be able to move people in and out of the community,” he said.

“For us to get to the next level, an improvement to air service is essential. It requires an aggressive airport and airport leadership that understands the competitive nature of attracting and supporting not just airlines, but customers. The community itself must understand that their airport is an incredibly important asset to the growth of the region.”

Workforce development “is one of the greatest issues that Montgomery and all of Alabama face,” George said.

The Chamber is working with a host of partners from AIDT to Trenholm State Community College, Alabama Community College System, Alabama Technology Network, from the school district’s Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technologies to the Region 7 Workforce Council to align the workforce pipeline that will “create a system of technical training.”

Preserving the missions at Maxwell and Gunter Annex is always a concern and it’s so much more than a combined $2 billion-plus economic impact. The best and brightest come to Maxwell, which is the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. Montgomery is forever linked to the Wright Brothers operating their first flying school at what is now Maxwell Air Force Base.

To retool the Chamber’s small and minority business programs as well as the Business Resource Center, best practices around the country are being studied. “It’s our intent to identify these best practices and put them in place for the benefit of the citizens of Montgomery and the River Region,” George said. “The Chamber is a business organization that believes in entrepreneurism and inherent in our role is to be sure that we have a thriving entrepreneurial community. Small business is the lifeblood of any community and Montgomery has a diverse array of businesses that mirror the image of its population.”

The Chamber is in the 10th year of its Imagine A Greater Montgomery strategic initiative and is developing the next phase. "The Chamber, in partnership with the City and County, has spent this year identifying the high impact priorities we must address moving forward," George said.

The City of Montgomery, Montgomery County and the business community have been on the same page for some time and that sets Montgomery apart from other cities, according to George. He said there are political disagreements in other cities, “but Montgomery is united.” n

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

9

Karyn Twaronite is a partner at Ernst Montgomery Business Journal: What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?

& Young and the Luncheon Keynote

Twaronite: How we look at it at EY is as a critical differentiator and as a critical process key to every aspect of our business, whether it be inside our business or outside our business. How we specifically look at it is that diversity is the differences and unique talents that we have within EY. Inclusion is how we best leverage those unique differences and talents of our team across all of our borders in EY. n

for the 2016 Montgomery Chamber Diversity Summit.

She was recently interviewed by

How can smaller companies with limited resources emphasize diversity and inclusion?

the Montgomery Business Journal’s

n You raise a very good point. I was reading a research report last night that showed about 15 percent of multinational companies actually invest in a diversity and inclusion leader, so to speak. That is an investment.

I actually think that smaller companies might have an advantage in this space. I think what matters most in the diversity and inclusion space is tone at the top, and words and messaging really make a huge difference.

I think that leaders of companies of all sizes can make a big difference, but certainly leaders of smaller companies can be very explicit in how they talk about it (diversity and inclusion) and why it’s important to them. They certainly can leverage some of our stuff if it’s worthwhile to them. We openly share it because we think that we all should invest in this space. They could appropriately share what their tone is and why they think it matters and then look to make action on those points.

I would think that they could directly impact their culture to make further progress even more readily than larger companies. So I think it’s highly doable.

David Zaslawsky.

Q&A

BOTTOM LINE BOOSTER

37

Smaller companies have an advantage because they don’t have so many layers for their message to get through.

It depends on the level of transparency that a leader has. It depends on the culture. It depends on how they like to communicate. If they’re not a communicator and if they don’t choose to be transparent or explicit, it’s not going to happen. We all know that from research, that diversity on its own makes an environment inclusive of differences does not automatically happen. We do know that there are a whole host of barriers such as unconscious bias and things like that and someone’s upbringing or their culture … that being said, unless you’re vigilant and intentional it’s very difficult to make progress. I would expect it to be very difficult to make any progress unless you’re explicit about what you would expect the values of your company to include. n

Continued on page 12

10

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

37 AR

Now Leasing Downtown R are Leasing Opportunity Elegant Class A office space available soon just three blocks from the state capitol.

400 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL. • At the corner of South Union and Scott Street with easy access to I-85 • Abundant free surface level parking • Office space starting at 190 sf • Beautiful manicured setting with mature landscaping • Common area conference room • Common area breakroom

The Bailey Building

• On-site maintenance • Space planning and interior design services available For leasing information, call Dawn Casey at 334.277.1000 aronovcommercial.com

37453 Bailey-Interstate Park Ads.indd 1

8/5/16 1:18 PM

Now Leasing In Midtown Centrally located Class A office space available now with immediate access to I-85.

2000 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL. • 4-story office building with impressive atrium lobby • Midtown location just minutes from downtown Montgomery and east Montgomery • Office space from 750 sf to 63,000 sf • Beautiful landscaping and outdoor spaces • On-site maintenance • Space planning and interior design services available

For leasing information call, Scott Harris at 334.277.1000 aronovcommercial.com

2000 INTERSTATE PARK September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

37453 Bailey-Interstate Park2016.indd Ads.indd 21 AR65-37453 MBJ Ad. Sept.

11 8/5/16 1:18 2:07 PM

Continued from page 10

Please talk about companies that implement diversity and inclusion policies having a more effective and productive workforce.

“For diversity and inclusion to really be effective, it has to be embedded in the key processes in a business, whether the business is a big business or a small business.”

– Ernst & Young Partner Karyn Twaronite

n In our view there are a few aspects to this. One, I would reference the work of Dr. Kathy Phillips from Columbia Business School because this is her research, not mine … the context is that diverse teams actually are more accurate more of the time than homogenous teams, which are less accurate more of the time. With that is just further fodder for making sure that you don’t have homogenous teams that could potentially have the risk of groupthink and not necessarily make the right decisions. We know it’s good for decision-making and for us, we look at it that it’s better for decision-making. It’s better for client service because it’s incredibly important for us that our work be highly accurate and deliver quality service – that’s a foundation.

We have very sophisticated and smart clients around the world. In order for us to add value we better darn well be accurate and we need to be one step ahead of trends and matters. Having a diverse and inclusive team that is servicing an account is incredibly beneficial. We’ve also found by having a more diverse and inclusive environment that it has been incredibly impactful and important for retention, meaning less turnover of employees. We’ve also found that it has been incredibly impactful for making money – revenue generation – as well as brand favorability. I don’t know that there is any company out there that doesn’t want to do well as to its brand and reputation. We all know that we are far more successful when we get business through people’s experience with us and other references of that sort tend to be highly impactful. As an example, if you have a diverse and inclusive team you are far more likely to be able to have consistent customer service and a better-quality work product.

With that, the customer is more likely to come back for recurring services or to recommend you to others, and that is very, very important.

Do businesses in general get that diversity and inclusion impact the bottom line? n I can’t speak for all companies, but I do spend a lot of time with terrific companies all around the world.

I would say that many do and many more are with each passing month. As people are looking to be able to deal with global challenges, the workplace is very complex right now. Many employers are being asked to do more with less and they’re looking at, how can they better leverage their businesses? How can they innovate more? How can they approach new industries; new customer bases, etc.? One way that’s been proven that they could is by having a diverse and inclusive work environment.

12

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

I would also suggest companies like ours that have a platform in this space – we choose to share it because we know that there are still business leaders and companies that are skeptical and may not fully have read all the latest research that’s out there or feel as comfortable or informed. Some leaders say, “Aren’t we there yet? Aren’t we done? Isn’t this women’s issue behind us? The workplace looks pretty diverse.” In all fairness, some might feel like we have and some companies might have, but many of us continue to want to make a lot more progress. One thing as an example that we try to do wherever we can is to use our platform to get the message out there that this (diversity and inclusion) is incredibly important as a business reason and not because it’s just a character-building exercise or something made to do for the community.

Why is it so incredibly important for business? n One of the more recent studies that we sponsored … The Peterson Institute for International Economics headed by Dr. Adam Posen … we sponsored a study that he did this past February where he studied 22,000 global companies in over 90 countries. The bottom line of what he determined was that if you have 30 percent women in management … that you are more likely to have plus-6 percent more in net margin. The bottom line that he was sharing and that we promoted for them is more women, more money. Sometimes, for people who don’t believe that, we try really hard to make sure that the message is out there for all of us. More women out there means more money, but then also, if you don’t have women in your business you’re likely leaving money on the table.

Do EY’s diversity and inclusion policies attract other companies that have similar policies and want to do business with like-minded executives? Or does it have no impact? n Thank you for asking that because it really matters.

One, it really does help to do business with vendors that have similar values. It makes a big difference. It’s incredibly important for us for those people that we buy services from. We’re finding that more and more of our customers value it and find tremendous benefit in this.

They are using it as a differentiator. Clearly if we have a more diverse and inclusive workplace, chances are we’re able to come to solutions faster and (in) a more accurate manner. Chances are we have less turnover of the teams that service them. Chances are we’re going to have better, well-managed cross-border global teams that can provide them a whole host of different solutions

“We’ve also found by having a more diverse and inclusive environment that it has been incredibly impactful and important for retention, meaning less turnover of employees.”

or advice or counsel or diligence that they might need.

This way, they know that we can service them better by having this kind of environment. Our customers dig deep and they look and they ask questions and they want to make sure – this way, they can really validate. This isn’t just a slogan on the website. These are very smart, sophisticated companies that know the difference. For us, it really is very impactful to be able to go very deep and show people what we have to offer. It really makes a difference when a customer says, “We selected you because you had the most diverse team that you were offering to us.” It’s usually not the only reason, but is usually one of two reasons.

It could also be “that this is very important to us” and provides further validation … “to say not only do we know that this the right thing for us, but we love to see when it’s the right thing for other companies, too.” It’s well beyond comparing notes. It’s a real business differentiator.

In a speech to DiversityInc you talked about aligning human resources and diversity and inclusion. Why is that important? n For diversity and inclusion to really be effective, it has to be embedded in the key processes in a business, whether the business is a big business or a small business. That could be embedded in talent management processes – meaning, do you have managers that you say, “Hey, listen they are inclusive leaders and it matters and we’re going to give them recognition for that” or do you not ever mention it.

That’s one way to be totally aligned with talent. You also want to be aligned with markets as well as finance, your sales groups, etc. To run it well, you’d like to be (aligned) with all your major functions and not have separate functions. I think if diversity and inclusion is completely separate, I think of it as a bubble that could just blow away, but if they are synergistic with all the talent processes – this way, you are able to promote a diverse and inclusive group. You have better equitable sponsorship of a whole host of differences in your population. You pay people more fairly. You hire more fairly. All of those things are critically embedded within the talent organizations within our company, including diversity and inclusion in every key process is really impactful.

– Ernst & Young Partner Karyn Twaronite

Has diversity and inclusion moved from being predominantly about race and gender to any aspect that makes someone unique? Is there a lot of work left to do to get there? n Hey, we’ve got a lot more work to do to make progress, but I will tell you how we talk about it. It’s very explicit that we talk about many, many types of differences. For example, yes there are the more traditional types such as gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture and nationality. We also explicitly talk about different abilities. We talk about different ways of thinking; different work styles. We talk about different generations in the workplace and their needs.

We also talk about people being in different functions and how that can impact how well a team works and to be able to appreciate and leverage those differences.

By spanning the entire (gamut) of differences and being very explicit – for example, in the U.S. we need to talk about veterans being a difference, and should be recognized and paid attention to in the workplace as being a valuable difference. By culling out all differences, then people can really see themselves on that list and it’s usually not one thing that somebody identifies with. White straight men are included in our list of differences as well, which we think is incredibly important and not just a program for some people but for everyone.

The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce ninth Diversity Summit is billed as: “The Business of Diversity: Aligning Your Diversity Strategy with Your Business Strategy.” What does that mean to you?

I think it goes to what I was touching on before, about embedding it in your business and what your key goals are. I would say it’s a key function and we treat it the same as we treat our marketing functions and our talent functions. And for us, it’s a critical piece of the business. n n

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

13

German Engineering Helps Drive Economy

Elected officials welcomed the news of Gerhardi Inc. building an assembly plant at Montgomery Industrial Park.

240 jobs, $38 million capital investment

by David Zaslawsky

photography by Robert Fouts

Mercedes has been building vehicles in Vance for two decades while BMW has also been producing vehicles at its plant in Spartanburg, S.C. for two decades.

So why would a German automotive company that supplies parts to Mercedes and BMW decide now – 20 years after those manufacturing facilities opened – to build its first North American plant and build it in Montgomery?

It has nothing to do with currency fluctuations or shipping costs, but everything to do with being in the hot North American auto marketplace, Gerhardi Inc. CEO Fredy Franke said at a groundbreaking ceremony at Montgomery Industrial Park. “We see North America as a growing market,” he said. “We see great opportunities to expand our customer relationships and also get new customers.”

14

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Although Gerhardi’s customers in Vance are 90 miles to 120 miles away and its BMW customer is about 340 miles away, company officials are looking at other potential customers. And they don’t have to look far. Franke said that Gerhardi is very interested in expanding its customer base with Korean automakers Hyundai in Montgomery and Kia in West Point, Ga. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s facility is nearby and the Kia plant is a short trip – 70 miles – down Interstate 85.

That’s why Gerhardi, whose parent company is Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, is building an expandable 100,000-square-foot facility. There is room to add another 100,000 square feet, according to Franke.

The German auto supplier is investing nearly $38 million in its Montgomery facility and will create up to 240 jobs. That workforce could grow depending

on customers and products, Franke said. The parent company, which has 1,400 employees, has increased annual sales from $50 million to $200 million.

Construction is scheduled to start next year and Franke said the company hopes to begin supplying Mercedes and BMW in early 2019. He said he’s confident of meeting the timetable. “It’s not too much time, but absolutely achievable when all parties work together as we did the last couple of months.”

He praised the new site, which sits across the street from DAS North America, a supplier to Hyundai and Kia. “It’s a fantastic location,” Franke said about the Montgomery Industrial Park site. He said there is “great access” to the Gulf of Mexico when Gerhardi needs to ship products and he talked about the “great access” to the Atlanta airport. “We’ll have very good access to our current customers and we’ll already have access to the potential customers.”

The company manufactures both interior and exterior parts including radiator grilles and chrome trims.

It took some time for economic development officials to recruit Gerhardi. An agreement was finalized back in April at 1:30 in the morning, said Reinhard Hoffman, managing director of Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik.

“This is a project that we thought might be impossible.

No mission is impossible if you’ve got the team of Montgomery County Commissioners, City Council, the Mayor and the Chamber.”

-Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr.

The site selection process produced the “absolute right result,” Franke said. He talked about the “trust, flexibility, friendliness and support” during negotiations.

“This is a project that we thought might be impossible,” Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. said. “No mission is impossible if you’ve got the team of Montgomery County Commissioners, City Council, the Mayor and the Chamber.”

Strange: “It goes without saying that is does take a team – we know that every time. It is really about trust.”

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board of Directors A. Bruce Crawford said that Gerhardi “will launch its first ever North American dream here in the Capital of Dreams.” n

At one point, incentives were not enough to close the deal. Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said that “we were short” and turned to Alabama Power, the State of Alabama and others to sweeten the offer.

During dinner and drinks in Montgomery, “the original site just wasn’t right,” recalled Hollie Pegg, assistant director of business development for the Alabama Department of Commerce. She said that someone mentioned another site in Montgomery and while on their way to view another location, company officials visited the Montgomery Industrial Park, which is owned

by Montgomery County. “And here we are nine months later,” Pegg said at the groundbreaking.

Dignitaries and company officials participate in a groundbreaking ceremony (top) for German auto supplier Gerhardi.

Gerhardi Inc. Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik Managing Director Reinhard Hoffman (left) spoke at the groundbreaking.

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

15

“You design a product that you think could be attractive and desirable for several different uses – for distribution, for manufacturing, for warehouse.”

Nim Frazer

SPEC BUILDING SHOWED VISION

– Industrial Partners General Manager Nim Frazer

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

About 18 months ago, Industrial Partners General Manager Nim Frazer had a vision for a spec building at the Montgomery Industrial Park.

He eventually signed an agreement with an architect last May and then sought bids from seven contractors.

It took about six months, but a 167,000-square-foot building was constructed on an 11-acre site he bought from the Montgomery County Commission, which owns the Montgomery Industrial Park.

“This product – this industrial building – is nicer than any other industrial building in Montgomery in our opinion,” said Frazer, who has 18 buildings in his portfolio and more than 1.5 million square feet of space.

“You design a product that you think could be attractive and desirable for several different uses – for distribution, for manufacturing, for warehouse.”

His initial investment was between $4 million and $5 million, but that was for a shell and not a completed building. “Once we get a tenant in there, then we finish the building out,” he said.

Well, he now has a tenant in the spec building – Hyundai/Kia automotive supplier Nifco Inc., which is leasing about 100,000 square feet for its warehouse.

Nifco, which is based in Japan, but has a subsidiary in Korea, produces interior plastic items such as air vents and arm rests for MOBIS Alabama and MOBIS Georgia, which directly supply the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery and the Kia manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga.

16

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Nifco has an option on the site next door and could double its space. The company was storing products out of a multi-tenant 300,000-square-foot facility by the Montgomery Regional Airport and had about 80,000 square feet. “There was no room for them to grow and expand,” Frazer said. The company was expected to occupy its new building Sept. 1.

“Our company is certainly willing to take risks in order to do this,” said Frazer, whose initial investment has ballooned to nearly $8 million. “We have a lot of confidence in this location and we have a lot of confidence in this park, because of the access to the interstate and because it’s convenient between Kia and Hyundai for automotive and others.”

He still has about 66,000 square feet to lease and said that the building has multiple uses. There is a wall that separates the tenants. He does prefer one tenant for the space, which is $4.50 a square foot. “We’ve got a huge investment in this property so we have to get a return on it,” Frazer said.

He has been in contact with another automotive supplier and said that the space would be available in 45 days. “I am marketing this building all the time,” said Frazer, who is an industrial real estate broker and notifies local, regional and national colleagues about his properties.

Once the remaining space is leased, Frazer said he will either expand the building or construct a spec building at another site in the park. He has options to buy another 50 acres from the county. n

Saluting business principals who put principles first!

Congratulations to our 2016 finalists!

LEAD SPONSORS

Copperwing Design Auburn Montgomery Business Council of Alabama Giles Foodservice Equipment

Small Business Cloverdale Service Center The Locker Room Pure Barre Medium Business Balch & Bingham, LLP Hans Heating & Air Thompson Insurance

Non-profit Organizations/ Public Agencies Tukabatchee Council BSA River Region United Way WVAS-FM Individual Community Leaders Mrs. Lynn Beshear The Honorable Charles N. Price Dr. John Moorehouse

Large Business Caddell Construction Compmany Warren Averett Bradley Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

Winners to be announced at the River Region Ethics and Public Service Awards, October 17, Wynlakes Golf & Country Club. For information, call the Samaritan Counseling Center at 334-262-7787 ext. 202 www.riverregionethics.com

BUILD IT. GUESTS WILL COME. Hotelier will open two EastChase properties The Hilton Garden Inn opened at EastChase.

18

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

“Today’s travelers are a little bit different and they like options.”

– Rinkesh Patel, president of RAM Hotels

On the surface it might seem odd that the same company will own hotels across the street from each other at EastChase.

Yet, it makes perfect sense to Rinkesh Patel, president of RAM Hotels that built the Hilton Garden Inn and is building Towne Place Suites – a Marriott property nearly across the street. Why? Because if he did not build it he said another company would. “There’s no doubt about it,” Patel said.

Rinkesh Patel is president of RAM Hotels, which will open two hotels at EastChase.

Besides, there are significant differences in the two hotels. The Hilton Garden Inn has the Garden Grille and Bar and 4,000 square feet of meeting space. Towne Place Suites does not have a food and beverage component and no meeting space, but is designed for extended stays with kitchenettes, utensils and appliances.

You might also think that Patel wants two hotels at EastChase because of its location and hotel occupancy rates topping 70 percent. During a recent interview he said he did not know the exact occupancy rate for the EastChase hotels, which now number nine and 835 rooms after the 112-room Hilton Garden Inn opened earlier this year.

Now about that prime location in East Montgomery. In the past, “the corner mattered first,” Patel said about location. “Today’s travelers are a little bit different and they like options,” he said. He said that location has been supplanted by surrounding amenities. “It’s not really shopping – it’s eating options,” he said about the supporting amenities. A diamond-level corporate client is staying about 200 nights a year in Hilton hotels, according to Patel – an average of four nights a week.

“He’s not going to eat with us every day,” said Patel, who now has 10 existing hotels in his portfolio; three under construction; and signed agreements for five more.

He said those agreements range from design phase to financing phase.

Continued on page 21

NOVEMBER 16 | 8:30A.M. – 4:30P.M.

presented by OutReach @

Auburn University at Montgomery Campus, Taylor Center

November 16 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Conference Fee: $129 | Early Bird Rate: $99 register by August 12

Register at: www.AUMSocialConference.com or call 334-244-3804

SoCon-printad.indd 1

8/16/16 10:05 AM 19 September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

Thank You to Our 2016 Campaign

Pacesetter Organizations Your support helps people and makes life better for everyone. The resources pledged each year by more than 200 companies in the River Region allow us to impact 1 in 3 lives in the areas of education, financial stability and health.

For more information on how you can give in your workplace, visit

www.RiverRegionUnitedWay.org

Aldridge Borden & Company Bass Pro Shops Belk – Montgomery C&S Wholesale Grocers Caddell Construction Company Capell & Howard Carr Riggs & Ingram Dillard’s – EastChase Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Hancock Bank Hartzell Engine Technologies J.F. Ingram State Technical College Jackson Thornton Kershaw Progress Rail Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Montgomery Country Club Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board Morgan Stanley River Bank & Trust Saint James School ServisFirst Bank Sterling Bank, a division of Synovus Target – EastChase and Prattville Trustmark National Bank – Montgomery UBS Financial Services USAmeriBank Warren Averett WSFA

These organizations help set the pace for United Way workplace giving campaigns across our communities.

20

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

He said he was not at liberty to discuss what part of Montgomery he was looking at, but that downtown is the next hotspot for lifestyle, boutique hotels or soft brands. Those hotels “are for the experience seeker,” he said. “The people that travel with a purpose and those guests that are not into chains.”

Patel said that downtown Montgomery needs more restaurants.

“We need to see more activities – art; more musical things; more experience.”

He is investing nearly $23.5 million in his two EastChase hotels and so far the occupancy rate for Hilton Garden Inn has been in the low 70 percent range. “We’re just ramping up,” he said. It has 45 to 50 employees while Towne Place Suites will have 22 employees when it opens early next year.

Although the Hilton Garden Inn was the first new EastChase hotel in about six years, there are advantages and disadvantages in having a new hotel. There is no existing bond with guests. “We are the new kid on the block, obviously, so we don’t have the loyalty with our guests yet,” Patel said. “We have to earn that loyalty where our competitors already have loyalty.

Making Life Better for Everyone

In addition to all that – and that’s 18 hotels – Patel is looking at adding another six, including a third hotel in Montgomery. “We truly and honestly believe in scale of economy,” said Patel, whose company is based in Columbus, Ga. “We want to be a regional player in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. We are concentrating on two hours of driving radius and identifying markets.”

U and United Way

Continued from page 19

“In our industry, what we look for is displacement. We look for times where there is so much compression in the market that they are turning away their loyal guests from all competitors and they’re coming to us.

And we’re going to wow them so that next time it doesn’t matter if they are going to come to us regardless of being displaced or not.

“We want a loyal guest and a happy guest. We don’t want a guest that is going to flip-flop.” n

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

21

DOWNTOWN HOTEL ROOMS WILL TOP 1,000 Downtown Montgomery is poised to hit 1,000 hotel rooms in the near future after the announcement of Staybridge Suites and an expected announcement of a hotel at One Court Square.

“To be able to have a Staybridge – an all-suites (hotel) in downtown Montgomery – really does break new ground.”

- Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange

There is still a possibility that a hotel might be built at the former site of the five-story Bishop-Parker furniture store. The property was purchased by Georgia-based Ascent.

There could also be a hotel at the former location of Hilltop Arms, a nine-story apartment building bought by local developer Sys-Con. Both those sites could also be apartments, according to Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.

With the addition of the 114-room Staybridge Suites, downtown Montgomery will top the 900-room plateau combining with the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center; Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery – Hotel & Conference Center; DoubleTree

by Hilton; and Hampton Inn & Suites.

The city has been unable to host some conventions because of a lack of hotel rooms in downtown Montgomery.

by David Zaslawsky

photography by Robert Fouts

“To be able to have a Staybridge – an all-suites (hotel) in downtown Montgomery – really does break new ground,” Strange told AlabamaNews.net.

Staybridge Suites, a $12.5 million project, is at the former skate park directly across from the Renaissance.

The five-story hotel is expected to be completed next fall with groundbreaking this fall. It is an extendedstay hotel, which Strange said was ideal for military personnel attending classes at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Air University as well as families who have youths competing in multi-day athletic events in downtown Montgomery.

Kyser Property Management is developing Staybridge Suites. “What we discovered was there was not a truly extended-stay hotel in the downtown area,” Kyser Property Management Co. broker Jake Kyser told AlabamaNews.net. He is president of Jerry Kyser Builder Inc. There will be about 50 full- and part-time employees at Staybridge Suites.

The hotel will have one- and two-room suites with full kitchens, business center, fitness center, meeting space and a convenience store.

It is being built on the original site of the First White House of the Confederacy. n

Trenholm helps your student get there faster.

Put your child’s education on fast-forward at Trenholm State. We’re accredited, so every academic credit will transfer. And our tuition is the lowest, so finances won’t

The College for Real Careers

slow you down. Call or visit our website now, and see why no one will get them there faster than Trenholm State.

334.420.4200 | www.trenholmstate.edu

Trenholm State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Trenholm State Community College.

22

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Member Spotlight

Lee to right: Dawn Adams, Jim Trull, Cathy Coggin and Margaret Nekic with Inspirien HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? 13 years HOW MANY EMPLOYEES? 41 employees HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY? Coastal Insurance Company has a rich history in professional and general liability insurance, workers’ compensations coverage and associated solutions for health care providers in Alabama. The company also boasts an exclusive endorsement by the Alabama Hospital Association.

As our customers face significant challenges in the ever evolving health care industry, we are strengthening our commitment to them beginning with our brand. Effective October, Coastal Insurance Company will become Inspirien.

The new name comes from the words “inspire” and “inspirit”. Inspirien is the spirit of encouragement that drives us to do our very best. That spirit is reflective of the growth, innovation and new energy we want to deliver to an evolving marketplace. It is what motivates us to be a remarkable partner for whatever risk lies ahead.

Our new name is a permanent reminder that we want our clients to leave every interaction with us feeling inspired. It’s the people around their policy – our team and theirs – that make the difference.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS? Our people.

WH

Our diverse team of legends provides an unmatched service experience. We have tenured to new team members, including some that are former customers. We also have a very skilled team that includes experienced clinicians and legal experts.

Inspirien also partners with leading, award-winning attorneys who work with us to navigate our customers to successful outcomes.

WHAT ONE THING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE? While most companies just have words on a wall, we live our core

values in every interaction. Our values are Collaboration, Respect, Excellence, Stewardship, Acknowledgement, Accountability, Inspiration, Integrity and Trust.

WHY HAS YOUR COMPANY BEEN SUCCESSFUL? We succeed when our customers succeed. This is evidenced by the tremendous growth we’ve experienced by our largest customer, the Healthcare Workers’ Compensation Fund.

It’s It why health care employees across Alabama look to us as part of their team. Inspirien is a demonstration of our commitment to our core values and a manifestation of how we do business. It guarantees that our customers will always be met with dedicated service, bold ideas, and a genuine desire to help them accomplish something better. It’s simple, if they flourish, we flourish.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE GOING FORWARD? The health care WH industry is facing tremendous change and only companies willing to take bold steps will help those in the industry meet those changes. Inspirien is up for the challenge and will find ways to do it better. We’re working hard to make Alabama the model of health care for the nation by rewarding positive outcomes in patient, employee and facility safety.

AN ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION? We’re unique in our field: An insurance company intent

on doing exciting things. Inspirien will build on our strong service culture with dynamic solutions in technology, products and approaches. The result means new and innovative answers in health care. Our customers will thrive and can face the challenges to come with confidence and strength.

We’re committed to risk prevention, offering a highly experienced risk management team as well as a certified PSO (Patent Safety Organization) to help our customers exceed the standard for patient safety.

P.O. Box 211359, Montgomery AL 36121-1359 September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com 23 334-271-5515, www.coastalins.org

LOW COSTS FOR HIGH TECH

by David Zaslawsky

Montgomery Internet Exchange increases competition, slashes costs

photography by Robert Fouts

The Montgomery Internet Exchange has firmly planted the River Region on the high-technology map, as it is just one of four such exchanges in the Southeast – the only one in Alabama – and the only one in a city the size of Montgomery.

“What that also does is…allows us to possibly provide internet services at higher capacity to locations that we wouldn’t be able to do otherwise, including rural areas.”

The bottom line is that more internet service providers, content service providers and transit service providers It has generated such significant news that stories have connecting to the Montgomery Internet Exchange equates to less cost for their customers. appeared in various publications about the exchange across the country. That’s the sexy side, but the notCharter Communications is expected to connect to so-glamorous yet most important side is about saving the Montgomery Internet Exchange in the fall after companies money – large sums. “major upgrades to their network here in Montgomery,” Greene said.

Consider this: Internet service providers such as WOW, Charter, and Troy Cable often pay transit fees to use other transit providers’ networks. Hurricane Electric Internet Services out of Fremont, Calif., who is connected to 130 Internet Exchanges worldwide, is connecting to the Montgomery Internet Exchange and will offer 10 gigabyte wholesale internet capability out of the Montgomery Internet Exchange in a price range we are now seeing for one gigabyte capability, said Joe Greene, vice president, Military & Federal Affairs for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

Information Transport Solutions Inc. slashed transit internet costs by nearly two-thirds by switching to Hurricane Electric. Those transit line costs are among the highest costs for internet service providers. These transit lines connect between other exchange points and with different content providers’ networks such as Google, Facebook, and Netflix.

24

“Because we’re getting so many companies to connect (to the Montgomery Internet Exchange) it will increase speed, increase capacity, increase competition and reduce costs,” Greene said. “It also opens up opportunities for internet service providers that do not do business in Montgomery to come here, because they don’t have to lay fiber lines to Atlanta or other Internet Exchanges or pay high transit costs to come in. They can use the competitive transit lines of a Hurricane Electric or other transit service providers connected to the Montgomery Internet Exchange.”

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Southern Light Fiber, which is building a fiber network throughout Montgomery, also recently connected to the internet exchange. That fiber network will “provide a higher speed capability for businesses in the higher gigabyte range,” Greene said.

Packet Clearing House, which does analysis of traffic flows and speeds, is completing its connections to the Montgomery Internet Exchange. The San Francisco-based firm has international offices in London; Kathmandu, Nepal; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Johannesburg; and the Port of Spain.

Meanwhile, the Retirement Systems of Alabama is “setting up a commercial private cloud capability” at its Datacenter in the RSA Dexter Avenue Building, which would enable businesses to store data. Even the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Alabama are planning to use the RSA Datacenter to store information as a back-up facility, Greene said. n

BRANCHING OUT MAX Credit Union coming to Chantilly Parkway

by David Zaslawsky

photography by Robert Fouts

MAX Credit Union is once again outgrowing its corporate headquarters campus and executives are looking at moving some departments to a future branch on Chantilly Parkway.

That is an on-going conversation, but the credit union, which is headquartered at Eastdale Mall, has grown to 305 full-time employees and another 18 part-time employees.

The Chantilly Parkway branch, which would be the firm’s ninth in Montgomery, is still in the design stage, according to MAX President and CEO Greg McClellan, and may not be completed until near the end of the year.

Continued on page 26

Greg McClellan is president and CEO of MAX Credit Union.

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

25

This is an artist rendering of MAX Credit Union’s new branch in Troy.

Continued from page 25

He said that MAX has owned a three-acre parcel on Chantilly Parkway near Walmart for more than 10 years. “It’s become the time for us now to expand our branch system out there,” he said. “A lot of members of the credit union – a lot of our customers – are moving out that way. We knew that Montgomery is growing that way and of course there’s the growth in Pike Road,” McClellan said about the factors for opening a branch there.

The credit union’s 16th branch is scheduled to open a week before Thanksgiving in Troy on Highway 231 after a groundbreaking was held in mid-May. It will be a 3,500-square-foot, full-service branch with six employees, McClellan said. He said that branches are getting smaller “because of the electronic usage, mobile banking and so forth that most of the people are using for their financial (dealings).”

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.

FRONT LOADS | ROLL-OFFS | COMPACTORS | PORTABLE RESTROOMS AlabamaDumpster.com | 334-288-1500 follow us on facebook

26

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

The Troy branch will be near the $10 million Publixanchored Park Place development, which also features 15,400 square feet of retail space and outparcels.

There are plans for development behind the Publix project, according to McClellan. The City of Troy is also investing $8 million to $10 million on two connector roads seen as economic development catalysts.

Right now, MAX is focused on the new branches in Troy and Chantilly Parkway in East Montgomery. There could be some future expansion in Lee County that currently has two branches. “It just depends on what the future brings,” McClellan said when asked about other areas MAX is looking at.

He does forecast a surge in the firm’s assets from the current $1.2 billion to close to $2 billion in five years.

“We knew we had to diversify what we offered to the community,” McClellan said. “We kept getting a lot of requests. We offer the general consumer-type deposits, loans, products and services.

“It’s become the time for us now to expand our branch system out there.”

– MAX Credit Union President and CEO Greg McClellan

“We’ve added business lending, which has been going on for 10 to 12 years. We’ve got some great people in that area. Most recently we increased our wealth management (department). We added very good people there. There’s just a growing need for that – we get a lot of requests.”

MAX gained 8,227 new customers in 2015 vs. 7,658 in 2014 and issued 12,519 loans in 2015 compared with 11,208 in 2014. The credit union’s loans grew from $275.4 million in 2014 to $337.5 million last year while revenue increased from $51.2 million in 2014 to $52.9 million in 2015. n

ADVERTISING

ABOUT

PROPERTIES

AGENTS

CONTACT

BUILDING BETTER

WEBSITES IT’S YOUR TURN

SEE HOW WE WORK AT FIFTHADVERTISING.COM/BUILDBETTER

56% RISE IN GOOGLE BRAND PRESENCE

26% BOOST IN WEBSITE INTERACTION

30% AVERAGE INCREASE IN CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

27

CONFIDENT GROUP MONTGOMERY BUSINESS LEADERS REMAIN MOST OPTIMISTIC

by David Zaslawsky

Business leaders in Montgomery are once again the most optimistic group in the state’s four metro areas.

Montgomery had an Alabama Business Confidence Index (ABCI) of 53.9 for the third quarter compared to Birmingham-Hoover (53.4), Mobile (52.2) and Huntsville (50.0). It was the 16th time in the last 21 quarters that Montgomery ranked No. 1 in the confidence index conducted by the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research in the Culverhouse College of Commerce.

Montgomery had the top ranking for seven straight quarters until Mobile took the top spot in this year’s first-quarter survey. Although Montgomery’s thirdquarter confidence index declined 3.4 points, it still topped the survey.

Respondents were most upbeat about sales (56.6 index), profits (54.4) and hiring (54.4). About 47 percent of Montgomery panelists expect an increase in third-quarter sales compared with about 20 percent who expect a decline. About one-third forecast no change.

About 40 percent forecast a rise in third-quarter profits and another 38 percent expected no change compared

with 21 percent who expected a decline. A slight majority – 53 percent – expected no change in thirdquarter hiring, but 35 percent forecast an increase while only 12 percent expected a decline.

The Montgomery respondents expected the state economy to slightly outperform the national economy in the third quarter. The state economy index was 53.7 compared with a 52.9 index for the national economy.

About 20 percent expected third-quarter declines in both the state and national economy. Meanwhile, 38 percent expect the national economy to perform better and 35 percent expected the Alabama economy to improve in the third quarter.

The overall third-quarter ABCI fell 2.8 points from the second quarter to 52.4. Five of the six individual components declined. The capital expenditures component had a 0.4 increase from the second quarter.

The following is a component-by-component breakdown of the third-quarter ABCI: NATIONAL ECONOMY The component declined 1.9 points from the second quarter to 49.0, which shows contraction. Almost 50 percent of the respondents forecast the third quarter to remain the same as the second quarter. Another 27 percent expect the quarter to be worse compared with 23 percent who forecast an improved quarter.

I never met a fry with ketchup I didn’t love...or wear.

Same Day Dry Cleaning & Laundry

TWELVE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS WITH FREE PICK-UP AND DELIVERY TUXEDO AND SUIT RENTALS / TEL: 334-262-8852 / JIMMASSEY.COM

28

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

STATE ECONOMY The component fell 3.6 points from the second quarter to 52.8. While 52 percent forecast the quarter to remain the same, about 30 percent expected the Alabama economy to improve compared with 18 percent who forecast a decline.

about hiring were construction, professional, scientific and technical services, finance, insurance, real estate and manufacturing. The retail trade, transportation, information, utilities and wholesale trade sectors expected a decline in third-quarter hiring.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES The component rose modestly SALES The component declined the most from the to 53.4. Nearly twice as many respondents (32 percent) second quarter – 4.9 points – yet still remains the expected spending to increase than decline (17 top component at 54.9. Forty percent still expected a third-quarter increase in sales while 21 percent forecast a decline. Another ABCI QUARTER-BY-QUARTER BREAKDOWN 39 percent expected no change. The YEARS 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 most upbeat sectors were construction, Q1 54 58 67 62 59 54 47 32 49 55 manufacturing and service businesses.

The most pessimistic sectors were health Q2 63 56 67 61 61 56 43 32 50 56 care and retail trade.

Q3 60 61 69 60 59 57 43 46 52 51 PROFITS The component had a 3.3-point drop to 53.0. Thirty-five percent expected an increase in third-quarter profits while 22 percent forecast a decline. Forty-three percent expected no change.

Q4

56

61

66

54

54

51

44

47

48

46

2012

2013

2014

2015

51

45

52

57

2016 53

57

48

56

58

55

50

53

56

55

52

48

52

54

51

Source: the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research in the Culverhouse College of Commerce.

HIRING The component fell 3.2 points from the second quarter to 51.3. About half of the respondents expected no change from the second quarter compared with 28 percent who forecast an increase and 21 percent who forecast a decline. The sectors most optimistic

percent). Fifty-one percent expected no change. The most upbeat sectors were construction, professional, scientific and technical services, finance, insurance and real estate. The sectors that expected a decline in spending were retail and wholesale trade. n

www.jackingram.com

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

29

Member Profile

ADDING WINGS TO DOGS

Charles Lee is owner of That’s My Dog.

30

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

That’s My Dog expands menu options

by David Zaslawsky

photography by Robert Fouts

One nearby resident promised to eat daily at That’s My Dog if the restaurant would add fish to its menu. His wait is over.

That’s My Dog owner Charles Lee bought two deep fryers for about $1,600 and he planned to relaunch his menu during a summer block party. “He’s pretty much the reason I got the fryers,” said Lee at his West Jeff Davis Avenue location.

With the new deep fryers, Lee is adding fish (catfish, whitefish and tilapia), wings, funnel cakes and deepfried chili cheese dogs to the menu. The new menu will contain both fried and grilled fish options.

“The West Side – the people over here – definitely want wings,” said Lee, who gets requests daily for wings.

He hopes that the expanded menu, which earlier had 39 items and 22 toppings, will increase sales by 20 percent. He is not sure if he will need to hire additional employees.

With help from his dad and mom, Lee has a hot dog cart on Dexter Avenue and operates the kitchen inside Ric & Mo’s on Watchman Drive, which already serves wings in addition to hot dogs.

Lee hopes to expand his food cart business downtown by adding three or four carts. “We are in the process now of trying to link up with some investors to lock down downtown with different carts – hot dogs, wraps, tacos,” he said. He would like to have a food cart on Commerce Street and one by the six-story Gordon Persons Building.

“The carts have a super low overhead and you don’t need to worry about location because if it’s not jumping you can go somewhere else,” he said. It’s also “super easy” to operate with all the ingredients in the cart.

The Dexter Avenue hot dog cart provides about 40 percent of his company’s revenue. He sells about 100 hot dogs on a typical day, which is 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday. The average price of a hot dog is $3.

He became interested in a food cart business after seeing one years ago. “I’m downtown and I’m looking at the growth, but hey, there’s no outside carts and every city you go to downtown you can find a hot dog cart or something,” he said. He overcame various obstacles while working as a food server at Sa Za Serious Italian Food in The Alley and invested $4,000 for the hot dog cart. It took about three years to establish his business.

Yet that hot dog cart business helped him launch his restaurant about a year ago in a vacant building he leases from his church. Lee typically sells about 60 hot dogs at West Jeff Davis Avenue, which has seating for 19. Tuesdays are one of his busiest days because the 11,000 followers of the social media site Lunch in the Gump receive a 10 percent discount.

You can get free hot dogs – about 20 to 25 a day are given to a customer for a handshake or hug. He calls it a Jesus Dog and it’s every day.

The top-selling hot dogs are Gump Dog ($2.50), ASU Melt ($2.50) and King Sausage ($5.99). His menu also includes sandwiches and wraps, loaded fries and burgers.

“I think the unique thing about That’s My Dog is that we offer a variety of hot dogs,” Lee said. “You can get just a traditional hot dog or turkey or you can get beef or you can get chicken.”

The restaurant added cupcakes from Cheesecake Empori-Yum and sales are growing, but hot dogs generate 90 percent of all the company’s revenue, he said.

NAME

THAT’S MY DOG EMPLOYEES

6 YEARS IN BUSINESS

3 LOCATIONS

THREE, INCLUDING A HOTDOG CART ON DEXTER AVENUE AND INSIDE RIC & MO’S ON WATCHMAN DRIVE FACEBOOK

THAT’S MY DOG MONTGOMERY

“Hot dogs are the most American food that you can get and I was just thinking at the time of starting a business,” Lee said when asked why he opened a hot dog business. “I wasn’t thinking – oh my God I really love hot dogs. I’m not really a huge hot dog fan.”n

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

31

VALUABLE O

Gene Crane (from left) and Ann Osten are volunteer salespeople in the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign and Neptune Technology Group President Chuck DiLaura has sponsored Chamber events and products.

OPPORTUNITY TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN BENEFITS VOLUNTEERS AND BUSINESSES

River Bank & Trust executive Gene Crane learned valuable lessons from being a volunteer salesperson in the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign.

Crane, executive vice president/business banking manager, said his experience with the TRC has elevated his sales game. “What I learned early on from the Resource campaign was that if I would do my homework – spend a little bit of down time before an appointment and think about who am I going to see; what they do; what might their match-ups in the Resource campaign be and bring an idea.”

“I have probably since that time done a better job on the banking front of better preparing before I go see somebody. This is not exactly rocket science, but the Resource campaign was so reinforcing of how pre-call preparation and strategic thought improves success rate.”

Ann Osten, president of Sadie’s Global Travel who sold $100,000-plus in sponsorships in each of the last two TRCs – including a record of $137,000 in 2014 – said that she “probably” is a better salesperson because of her TRC experience. “We are always learning, and I have learned new techniques and I have learned new ways to be creative in the way I present things,” she said.

One of her clients has been Neptune Technology Group President Chuck DiLaura. “To be perfectly honest, I was an easy sell,” said DiLaura, who has increased his sponsorships to more than $7,000. “What she (Osten) has done well is presenting the various opportunities in a way that has not been high-pressure. It was, ‘Here are

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

the different things we’re doing – what would work best for you.’ She didn’t sit there and throw the kitchen sink at you. She would answer all your questions. Listening to those different opportunities, you would sit there and say, ‘OK, that sounds interesting.’” That is why Neptune became a Diversity Summit sponsor, DiLaura said.

Neptune sponsored the Annual Meeting, River Region Economic Summit, Diversity Summit and ads in the Montgomery Business Journal last year. “We’ve had a budget, which we have actually gone up a lot more than what we originally started,” DiLaura said.

“We’re probably at the limit of what (we’ll spend). We will not go down. I will probably stay at the same level, but listen to what else they have going on to decide if we want to try something different.”

One thing Osten has learned as a volunteer salesperson in the TRC is “discerning what amount of information” she sends to the decision-makers. “When I’m dealing with the decision-makers, they don’t want to read a paragraph in an email,” Osten said. “I have finetuned how I present options depending on who I’m talking to. From that standpoint, it has made me a better (salesperson).”

She said that she tries to simplify things by using bullet points and is very aware of taking as little time as possible from the decision-makers. “I have been able to refine what I present to them because I have determined that it’s so important to find out what their needs are – what they hope to gain from the Chamber opportunities,” Osten said. It’s carried over from her business when she asks travel clients what they want from their trip.

Continued on page 36

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

33

The Total Resource Campaign offers a diverse mix of marketing opportunities to Montgomery Chamber Members. Check out montogmerychamber.com/trc for a complete list of sponsorships and volunteers. Below are just a few of the sponsorships available.

ANNUAL MEETING

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL ADVERTISING

This is the largest and most anticipated business event of the year. Close to 1,000 community and business leaders attend the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. This signature event celebrates the economic development milestones of the prior year, the Chamber’s rich history and the installation of the 2018 Chairman.

During the Total Resource Campaign, ads for the Montgomery Business Journal are reduced. As the number one source of business information in Montgomery and the River Region, this is the best way to reach business, elected and community leaders.

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC The Chamber Golf Classic is the River Region’s premier business golf tournament. Golfers network on the Robert Trent Jones golf course with Chamber Members, elected officials, community leaders and potential clients.

60-MINUTE COFFEE This is one of the first events to sell out each year.

Held before the workday begins, an average of 200 Members attend this hour of informal networking. It is a unique opportunity for the exclusive sponsor to reach potential customers. Chamber, business and community leaders attend every month.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS This popular after-work event is one of the first to sell out each year. Two hours of informal networking and relationship building, this is a unique opportunity for an exclusive sponsor each month. Chamber, business and community leaders attend this Chamber staple every month.

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE The Chairman’s Circle is for Member executives and business owners who want to connect on an influential level. Circle Members receive targeted information on the Chamber’s initiatives and strategic priorities.

They attend briefings by key leaders and government officials and invitations to exclusive functions and announcements.

CONVERSATIONS: ROUNDTABLES FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN Professional women come together and discuss business and quality-of-life issues unique to women in the workforce. The facilitated roundtables provide women valuable networking and mentoring.

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ AIR UNIVERSITY GOLF CHALLENGE (MACC/AU GOLF CHALLENGE) This annual golf invitational is a friendly competition between the military and business communities.

RIVER REGION ECONOMIC SUMMIT The Summit is a partnership between the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Montgomery and the Montgomery Area Committee of 100. Business leaders and elected officials receive regional economic information and projections and insights on issues impacting business in Montgomery and the River Region.

VISITOR CENTER ADVERTISING PANELS Historic Union Station is the centerpiece of the city’s riverfront and home to the Montgomery Area Visitor Center. Ad panels are placed throughout the Visitor Center, visible to the 50,000+ visitors who come through each year.

“WHAT’S COOL THIS WEEKEND” EMAIL The Montgomery Chamber Convention & Visitor Bureau’s weekly email includes a list of COOL local events and attractions.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER EMAIL This weekly newsletter is a compilation of good-news stories about Montgomery and the River Region and Chamber news and events.

34

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

“We are always learning, and I have learned new techniques and I have learned new ways to be creative in the way I present things.”

– Ann Osten, president of Sadie’s Global Travel

“What she (Osten) has done well is presenting the various opportunities in a way that has not been highpressure.”

– Neptune Technology Group President Chuck DiLaura

“It taught me to be more thoughtful and strategic about what I want to propose to somebody.”

– Gene Crane, executive vice president/business banking manager for River Bank & Trust

Every day thousands of men and women come together to bring you the wonder that is electricity, affordably and reliably, and with a belief that, in the right hands, this energ y can do a whole lot more than make the lights come on. It can make an entire state shine.

© 2016 Alabama Power Company APDC-1062-P2AL.indd 1

5/3/16 4:15 PM

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

35

Continued from page 33

Crane sometimes wears two different hats when he calls on potential TRC sponsors – the volunteer salesperson hat and his River Bank & Trust hat. He talked about seeing a banking client and also talking about the Chamber. Other times he would talk to someone he had no banking relationship with about the TRC. “While together inevitably a question would ensue about the bank and what I do at the bank and our services,” he said.

“I can absolutely recall some opportunities that came out of that. We were at the table. That’s all I can ask for. I got an at-bat out of it. I got to make my proposal.”

It’s not just a case of making a proposal, but gaining access to company executives and decision-makers who the TRC volunteer salespeople would not otherwise interact with. “You’ve got to get to the person who can make the decision,” said Crane, who in addition to being a volunteer salesperson has also been a team leader and was the TRC chairman back in

2008. “It’s never been more true than in the Resource campaign: If you’re not dealing with the owner of the business or the manager or the decision-maker … they are generally the person that controls the checkbook.

They’ve got the strategic vision.

They’ve got the sense of community – the desire to be involved in the Chamber.”

Osten credits the TRC with “broadening my network of contacts,” but it’s been so much more than gaining some business clients through her volunteer sales. “I am able to meet new people; new contacts; expand my network; and I’ve gained so many friends – not just business contacts, but friends,” she said. “I consider all the people that I reach out to as friends. I have established a relationship and a rapport with them. I like to get to know them and their families. I just enjoy getting to know people. I’m a people-person. I like learning about what they do as well because I (might) be able to help them in the future.” n

34 Providers 11 Specialties 1 Medical Record

CARDIOLOGY ENDOCRINOLOGY FAMILY MEDICINE GENERAL SURGERY INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTERNAL MEDICINE NEUROLOGY OB/GYN OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE UROLOGY VASCULAR SURGERY

36

Whether you need to update your vaccinations or need to have vascular surgery, we’ve got you covered.

The Jackson Clinic is the area’s largest multi-specialty clinic. With more providers and specialties, we provide care that’s both exceptional and accessible. Need a routine checkup? We make it quick and convenient. If you need to see a specialist, ours are right here. And with a single electronic medical record, your care is better coordinated at every step. Better care and more convenience.

THAT’S THE POWER OF THE JACKSON CLINIC.

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

To schedule an appointment, JacksonClinic.org please call 334-293-8888.

HIDDEN HIGH-TECH GEM AUM cybersecurity master’s program lacks local students

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

You would think that with all the high-profile hacking stories blaring on the television and blazing across newspaper headlines that students would be flocking to a master’s program in cybersecurity.

The data breaches have been rampant the past 10 years, including the well-publicized attacks on Sony, Target, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, eBay and health insurer Anthem.

There have been lesser-known data breaches at universities and colleges as well as government entities, and the attacks are not limited to the United States.

So why isn’t there a slew of students enrolling in the Cybersystems and Information Security (CSIS) master’s program at Auburn University at Montgomery?

“First of all, I don’t think they know about us,” said Mehmet Sahinoglu, director of the university’s Informatics Institute, which is the umbrella organization for the CSIS program.

He said that locals are not enrolling in the program because they are concerned about not having a job after graduating the program, which is 12 courses and a minimum of two years. The number of years in the program depends on the number of courses taken each semester.

Another factor of the low local turnout may be that the program is challenging. “It’s not an easy program,” Sahinoglu said, “but I’m sure that we have people around the city and county who are good enough. They don’t want to take the challenge.”

In one of the spring courses, there were 19 students and 17 were from India and are studying in the CSIS program “because their government pays a lot of attention to this and (gives) them scholarships,” Sahinoglu said. One student in that class was retired from the Air Force and there was one local student.

“We have a jewel in this city,” Sahinoglu said. “It’s shining, but nobody is looking at it or looking in the wrong places. My goal – my aspiration is this: Because of the ever-growing need for cybersecurity specialists in the USA against omnipresent dangers all around us, we can’t afford to waste this opportunity of rearing our children in this established program by the public not being aware of it.”

It’s easy to understand his frustration and anguish. He said the program is important – “very, very important for the country’s future.”

There are some misconceptions about CSIS, which was first offered in 2011, although Sahinoglu began developing the master’s program in 2009 after he founded the Informatics Institute in 2008.

“We’re not business,” he said. “We’re not information systems. We’re not computer science. This is Cybersystems and Information Security. This is not data storage. This is not data based. That’s computer science. All these programs that you hear about from other information systems or business they have only one security course. We have 12 courses on the subject of security.” Those 12 courses are either theoretical or applied as well as field-oriented, he said.

The Informatics Institute that he founded not only created the CSIS master’s program, but also helped set up the cybersecurity lab, writes grants and was silver medalist in 2015 and 2016 for national and worldwide research competitions conducted by the Defense Acquisition University.

He wants to see more local students in the program and that means changing perceptions and having the Cybersystems and Information Security program pop up in conversations. Sahinoglu lamented that local people involved in cybersecurity “don’t mention us.

They don’t talk about this department. They always want to start something new.”

There were 30 students in the program and just one or two are local. n

Mehmet Sahinoglu is director of Auburn University at Montgomery’s Informatics Institute, which oversees the Cybersystems and Information Security master’s program.

“We have a jewel in this city. It’s shining, but nobody is looking at it or looking in the wrong places.”

– Mehmet Sahinoglu, director of Auburn University at Montgomery Informatics Institute

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

37

ROBY ADVOCATES COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE NETWORK FOR VETERANS

&

Rep. Martha Roby has been a champion of improved health care for veterans, working tirelessly to address a myriad of problems at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the country.

EGGS ISSUES

US Rep. Martha Roby

by David Zaslawsky photography by Robert Fouts

The Montgomery Republican has been moving forward on what she calls a community health care network for veterans, which would combine the department’s facilities with outside providers – a hybrid system.

She told business and elected leaders that the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) has an opportunity to be an “example for the rest of the country.”

Her timing at a Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues at RSA Activity Center could not have been better. Roby was a member of the Benghazi Select Committee and defended the release of the majority report, which happened one day before the Chamber event.

ROGERS PRAISES MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE AND GUNTER ANNEX

Maxwell Air Force Base will survive the next around of any Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommendations, according to Rep. Mike Rogers.

US Rep. Mike Rogers

First of all, the next BRAC is probably 2019 or 2020 because “we’re too broke to close anything,” he said at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues at RSA Activity Center. He said that it costs money to close a base and savings are not realized for 20 to 30 years.

“Maxwell is already secure because of their unique mission,” Rogers said about the base, which contains Air University – the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. He said that Air University’s new College of Cyber Air Power is another factor that makes Maxwell an “integral part of any Air Force that we’re going to have in the future. The threats that we are dealing with on a national security standpoint are greater in no areas than in cybersecurity. To know that Maxwell is on the cutting edge of that as a partner is outstanding.”

Rogers, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of the subcommittee on Strategic Forces that deals with missile defense and nuclear weapons, praised Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex as a “first-class installation.” He called Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, commander and president of Air University, a “first-class individual.”

Rogers, R-Saks, predicted a major clash over defense spending this year between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Obama. He warned that

38

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Obama’s proposed funding levels “would mean we would have to reduce the size of our active duty, Guard and Reserves. We can’t go any further than what we have already gone down to. We’ve had to delay any further procurement of equipment, jets, submarines and other things that we have to have.”

He pointed out that defense spending had shrunk $120 billion from 2010 or 2011. “We have seen over the last seven years a steady decline of defense spending,” said Rogers, who was first elected to the House in 2002 and serves the Third Congressional District.

“This administration has chosen to shift more resources to domestic programs and away from national security,” Rogers said. He said the military has been “virtually hollowed out over the last seven years” because of reduced funding coupled with wars in Afghanistan and Iraq “that have just dragged on forever and (are) incredibly expensive – worn out our manpower and our equipment. We are going to have to change the trend.”

He also sits on the House Agriculture Committee, which is important to Alabama that derives 42 percent of its economy from agriculture.

Rogers also talked about privatizing airport security to reduce long lines that disrupted passengers’ travel plans. The Transportation Security Administration head of security operations was fired in May. There could be private security personnel supervised by TSA next year, Rogers said. He expressed support for the use of explosive-sniffing dogs and said there will be new technology used in screening. n

“I would encourage everybody in this room to read that report in its entirety,” said the third-term lawmaker who represents the Second Congressional District. “It’s 800 pages. It’s long, but it’s important.”

She defended the report, saying it contained “a lot of new information. This new information paints a much clearer picture and gives us a much greater understanding about what happened before, during and after the attack in Benghazi and how the government handled it so poorly.”

In an impassioned speech, Roby criticized Washington for “moving at a snail’s pace. There was a clear effort on the behalf of government agencies to cover their facts. This in the report and substantiated by testimony and documents telling the public something very different than what they acknowledged to one another in private.

“This report shows a real breakdown of communication within the chain of command. It shows that our administration was far more concerned about our diplomatic relations with Libya than it was with the safety of the individuals who had been sent there.”

“The bottom line is that Washington failed to have our guys’ back when they needed it and from my perspective – that lack of urgency (showed) either

incompetence or indifference or both. The American government failed its people in Libya that it sent into harm’s way and it mislead you the American people in the aftermath. We need to ensure that this never happens again. Please read the report. You will learn so very much.”

She also had some harsh words for the Senate Democrats for not passing a military construction bill that also funded the Department of Veterans Affairs and included a supplemental bill to fight the Zika virus.

“Of course, funding our VA is extraordinarily important to ensure that our veterans have what they need – access to the best health care,” Roby said. “We need this bill signed into law.”

Roby accused President Obama and his executive orders of being a “fourth branch of government” because those orders do not go through Congress, and called for a “return in this country to constitutional order.” She praised the Supreme Court for striking down Obama’s executive order on immigration and said she will “fight tooth and nail against over-regulation and I think the Supreme Court decision is a step in the right direction.” n

“Funding our VA is extraordinarily important to ensure that our veterans have what they need – access to the best health care.”

– Rep. Martha Roby

We are pleased to welcome Matt to our team.

Matt Anderson Financial Consultant, Licensed Insurance/Annuity Agent Synovus Securities, Inc.

We are proud to welcome Matt Anderson to our Private Wealth Management team as a Financial Consultant. Discover how his financial experience and service can be a benefit to you. Call Matt today.

SERVING YOU LO C ALLY A S

334.279.7800 sterlingmontgomery.com Investment products and services provided by Synovus are offered through Synovus Securities, Inc. Synovus Trust Company, N.A. GLOBALT Investments, a separately identifiable division of STC and Creative Financial Group. The registered broker-dealer offering brokerage products for Synovus is Synovus Securities, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Synovus Securities, Inc. is a subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp and an affiliate of Synovus Bank. Synovus Trust Company, N.A. is a subsidiary of Synovus Bank.

NOT FDIC INSURED

NO BANK GUARANTEE

MAY LOSE VALUE

Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

39

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK

by David Zaslawsky

Montgomery, Best Run City MONTGOMERY IS THE BEST-RUN CITY IN THE STATE, ACCORDING TO WALLETHUB, AND IS NO. 51 NATIONWIDE.

GAME-CHANGER

Johnny williams

The personal finance website analyzed 150 cities in six areas: Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. Cities were then measured on total per-capita budgets. Montgomery was ranked in the top 30 in the infrastructure and pollution category as well as total per-capita budget.

FAMILIAR FACE ADDS NEW ROLE

“This is welcomed news and it’s truly a testament to our more than 2,500 city employees who work hard each and every day to make our community better,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said in a statement. “We strive to provide the most effective and efficient services possible, while catering to our community’s needs – especially public safety, economic development and infrastructure upgrades.”

With his strong collegiate background, including stints as a football coach and athletic director, Williams will be a key player in recruiting college athletic events to Montgomery.

20 MILLION UNITS An auto analyst is predicting that there will be 20-plus million new vehicles sold yearly by 2018, and remember, 2015 set a record of 17.5 million units.

Hyundai has been selling 700,000-plus vehicles annually the last four years, including a record 760,000-plus units in 2015. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama produces nearly 400,000 vehicles a year at its Montgomery plant.

40

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

The executive director of the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl has added a second hat.

Johnny Williams is the new executive director of the Central Alabama Sports Association.

“We want to visit with all those conferences and educate them on our facilities and our vision for the community, and hopefully at some point they’ll choose us as the site for their championship,” Williams told the Montgomery Advertiser.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which has helped change the image of Alabama and boosted tourism to a $12.6 billion industry in 2015, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Mark Fagan has written a comprehensive 384-page book about how the trail was the creation of the Retirement Systems of Alabama and its CEO David Bronner.

The book – The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail – Its History and Economic Impact – is available at NewSouth Books at 105 S. Court St. The bookstore’s phone number is (334) 834-3556 and the website is www.newsouthbooks.com.

The hardcover book costs $125.

RECYCLING CENTER WILL HAVE NEW OWNER

HYUNDAI SETS MID-YEAR RECORD

The City of Montgomery is poised to take over a waste recycling center for $625,000-plus and will assume debt from the previous owner, which is expected to file bankruptcy.

Hyundai broke its sixmonth sales record with 374,061 units sold through June. The previous record was 371,150 vehicles sold during the first six months last year.

The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of the City of Montgomery will operate the $37 million facility until the city finds a buyer.

The city will assume an annual debt payment of nearly $2.2 million, according to Barry Crabb, the city’s finance director.

NEW CONNECTOR ROAD A public-private partnership has resulted in a new connector road for the Wynbrook and Dexter Ridge neighborhoods. The new road – Sweetwood Road – provides access to North Eastern Boulevard through Roy Hodges Boulevard. The $230,000 access road project will dramatically improve the response time by firetrucks to the neighborhoods – reducing the time by 50 percent.

The new access road will also benefit Alfa Realty, which is currently selling 125 acres in the Wynbrook subdivision for $1.5 million, according to Kevin Ketzler, president of Alfa Properties. Alfa Builders, which was shut down years ago, bought and developed the 250 homes in the subdivision.

MILITARY RETIREES LIKE ALABAMA

THINK TANK TALK Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, commander and president of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, is talking about a think tank outside the base, Mayor Todd Strange said.

The think tank would discuss how to convert ideas and concepts from the military into commercial applications.

Alabama ranked 13th for the country’s best states for military retirees, according to WalletHub. The rankings were based on a number of factors, including cost of living; percentage of homeless veterans; percentage of veteranowned businesses; job opportunities for veterans; state tax on military pensions; and ratio of VA health facilities for veterans. There were three main categories: quality of life, health care and economic environment.

The River Region has its fair share of military retirees with Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex.

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

41

NEW PROBATE/REVENUE OFFICE Montgomery County opened a $1.5 million, nearly 9,000-square-foot probate/revenue office at the former Pier 1 building on McGehee Road.

“We are glad to see growth in this particular area,” Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. said at the ribbon-cutting for the new facility.

The previous probate office on the city’s southside had been closed for about two years. There was no revenue office at the SPRUCING UP WEST FAIRVIEW AVENUE The City of Montgomery is undergoing a major renovation of West Fairview Avenue from Interstate-65 to Air Base Boulevard in a $1.4 million project. The road will be repaved and new traffic signals and sidewalk ramps for the disabled will be added.

MONTGOMERY RECEIVES ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD The Environmental Protection Agency presented the 2016 EPA Rain Catcher Award in the municipal category to the City of Montgomery for the Fairview Environmental Park project.

The park has about four acres of green infrastructure for recreational use while protecting the area’s watershed.

“This park not only provides scenic beauty to neighborhoods along the Voting Rights Trail for residents throughout Montgomery, but it will purify and protect our watershed for years to come,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said in a statement.

“It’s another vital step in reclaiming our community’s abundant natural resources, while expanding our revitalization efforts along West Fairview.”

42

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

old location on Woodley Road.

Montgomery County Commission Vice Chairman Dan Harris said the new location will help revitalize the strip mall, which has vacant buildings.

TRIBE EXPANDS ITS REACH The Poarch Band of Creek Indians purchased the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, La., and is partnering with the Washoe Tribe to build a small casino in Gardnerville, Nev. The 500,000-square-foot Margaritaville Resort Casino features 1,000plus slot machines and table games in addition to a 395-room hotel and six restaurants.

The Nevada casino will be located next to the Washoe Tribe’s $11.8 million travel plaza.

The Poarch Creek Indians bought the Royal D‘Iberville casino site in Mississippi earlier this year and is developing the $200 million Blue Collar Country entertainment complex in Foley.

BUSINESS BUZZ The Stevenson & Palmer staff will remain in their current locations, operating under the Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood name. Employees in both the GMC and SPE Atlanta offices will move to a new location later this year.

GOODWYN, MILLS AND CAWOOD ACQUIRES STEVENSON & PALMER ENGINEERING ATLANTA – Multi-disciplined architecture and engineering firm Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Inc. (GMC) announced that it has completed the acquisition of Stevenson & Palmer Engineering (SPE).

GMC and SPE have several collaborative efforts under way, including the St. Mary’s Tabby Trail and Downtown Streetscape, Newnan Fire Station and the City of Jackson Pocket Parks.

Jim Teel

Corkey Welch

“This merger combines two firms focused on serving clients, while growing our geographic reach and service offerings in Georgia,” Jim Teel, GMC vice president of Georgia, said in a statement. “We are committed to placing the interests of our clients first and ensuring they are provided with the most talented professionals in the Southeast.”

GMC’s ability to provide local service in Georgia will be greatly enhanced through the relationships SPE has developed over 50-plus years as well as the offices the firm has located throughout the state. Additionally, integrating GMC’s multiple in-house disciplines will enable SPE to expand the services offered to its client base and create more opportunities for growth.

“Stevenson & Palmer Engineering has worked closely with numerous Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood employees for almost two years,” Corkey Welch, former SPE president and now GMC senior client manager, said in a statement. “I am personally excited to complete the merger and finally be a part of the GMC family.”

Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, which was founded in 1947, has its headquarters in Montgomery.

BAPTIST HEALTH OPENS MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC MONTGOMERY – Baptist Health has partnered with UAB Health System to open the UAB Medicine Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South.

The clinic, which was scheduled to open in early August, will initially offer four specialties: urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and rheumatology.

The clinic will be on the first and second floors of the UAB School of Medicine building (formerly the MCI building) on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. The clinic will house 10 new physicians who have been recruited by Baptist Health.

“We are excited to combine our medical experience and commitment to excellence with UAB’s highly skilled and qualified health care

MEMBER NEWS

professionals as we work together to continue to raise the bar for top-quality medical care,” Russell Tyner, president and CEO of Baptist Health, said in a statement. “I feel confident this will allow our organization to continue to meet its mission of providing the highest level of quality care to the Russ Tyner residents of Central Alabama while allowing Baptist Health to meet the growing need for health care services and expand our services to those who matter most – our patients.”

The new physicians will increase access to specialty care in a convenient, centralized location that will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of disease. In addition, patients will have access to clinical trials and research activities being performed at UAB that they otherwise may not have access to.

LAW360 NAMES BEASLEY ALLEN AMONG TOP 10 FIRMS FOR BLACK ATTORNEYS MONTGOMERY – Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., was selected by Law360 as one of the 10 Best Law Firms for Black Attorneys in the U.S. The firm was recognized as having the highest percentage of AfricanAmerican partners of any of the firms on the list.

Tom Methvin, principal and managing attorney for the firm, Tom Methvin said that being mindful of providing opportunities for AfricanAmerican attorneys is part of the CONTINUED ON PAGE

44

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

43

BUSINESS BUZZ FROM PAGE

43

firm’s business plan. The firm actively supports programs of the Alabama Lawyers Association, and each year takes two or more law clerks from that network. Creating a workplace where black attorneys can succeed is a win-win for everyone, he said.

“When you have diversity, you have different points of view,” Methvin said in a statement. “It helps attract clients. It helps us understand how juries feel. We wanted to have African-American attorneys in each section that we practice. We expect a lot out of all our lawyers, and we provide an environment where they can be successful if they want to be. Their success is the firm’s success.”

Kendall Dunson is a principal in the firm’s personal injury/products liability section. He was named Beasley Allen’s Litigator of the Year for 2015.

“Beasley Allen is proud of its stance on diversity, but we’re more proud of the success of our AfricanAmerican attorneys,” Dunson said in a statement. “Each of us have distinguished ourselves as an excellent attorney and an asset to the legal field.”

To compile its Top 10 list, Law360 surveyed more than 300 U.S. firms about their overall and minority headcount numbers as of Dec. 31, 2015. Only U.S.-based attorneys were included in the survey.

THE LATTICE INN RECEIVES SIXTH STRAIGHT EXCELLENCE AWARD MONTGOMERY – The Lattice Inn received its sixth straight TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

Jim Yeaman

The award is presented to establishments that receive outstanding reviews from visitors on TripAdvisor.

“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for six consecutive years is a true source of pride and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review of their stay at The Lattice Inn on TripAdvisor,” Jim Yeaman, owner/innkeeper of The Lattice Inn, said in a statement. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers.

With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”

MACHEN MCCHESNEY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS WORKPLACE AWARD AUBURN – Machen McChesney, LLP has been honored again with a When Work Works Award for its use of effective workplace strategies to increase business and employee success.

Financial solutions that will make YOU smile... join us! www.yourASEcu.com 44

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

This prestigious award, part of the national When Work Works project administered by the Families and Work Institute (FWI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), recognizes employers of all sizes and types in Alabama and across the country.

Machen McChesney is among 351 organizations that have created effective workplaces based on six evidence-based components that are linked with positive employee and employer outcomes: autonomy; work/life fit; supervisor support for work success; satisfaction with earnings, benefits and opportunities for advancement; opportunities for learning; and a culture of trust.

“To be recognized with this award is quite an honor and in itself speaks to our dedication to return value at every opportunity for our clients, employees, and community,” Machen McChesney Managing Partner Marty Williams said in a statement.

The award is the result of a rigorous assessment. Worksites must first qualify by ranking in the top 20 percent of the country based on a nationally representative sample of employers. Two-thirds of the evaluation of applicants comes from an employee survey.

CENTRAL PUMP AND COMPRESSOR COMES TO MONTGOMERY MONTGOMERY – Central Pump and Compressor is opening a new store at 2301 South Forbes Dr. Founded in 1988, the business originally focused on pressure washer sales and service, and has added air compressor, vehicle lift and lubrication/oil management products through the years.

Provides safety inspections, repairs, installs/relocates and provides new equipment for vehicle lifts.

Services, repairs and provides new equipment for lubrication equipment.

The company also has economical and biodegradable industrial cleaners.

SOUTHEASTERN FINANCIAL GROUP BECOMES PEACHTREE PLANNING OF ALABAMA MONTGOMERY – Southeastern Financial Group has been rebranded as Peachtree Planning of Alabama.

Supplies, repairs, services and provides new equipment for pressure washers.

Peachtree Planning owns Peachtree Planning Corp., Peachtree Planning of Georgia, Peachtree Planning of Tennessee and recently

Services, repairs, provides new equipment and installs compressors.

CONTINUED ON PAGE

The company:

46

Larry Crisp

Derrick Grissett

You belong at

CAPITAL CITY CLUB! Become a Member and enjoy: • NEW exciting Young Executive membership category now available!

• NEW look thanks to recent renovations • Business amenities you need in order to be productive while away from the office • Exceptional dining, whether you are enjoying a business lunch or a formal dinner • Two casual and upscale dining venues, plus event rooms with signature service • Fully equipped meeting rooms with audio visual capability • Exciting program opportunities, enabling you to network and connect with Montgomery business professionals • Panoramic views of the city skyline Contact the Capital City Club team today!

334.834.8920 capitalmontgomery.com *Some restrictions apply. See Club for details.©ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 31243 0416 SS

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

45

BUSINESS BUZZ FROM PAGE

45

added Peachtree Planning North in Georgia. The firm began the year with a new CEO, new president and new president of distribution after two executives retired as ownership partners, and another will contribute as executive vice president who is the head of advanced planning.

The Montgomery office, located at 4256 Lomac St., Suite 100, is operated by financial advisers Larry Crisp and Derek Grissett. The phone number is (334) 313-8736.

JACKSON THORNTON MANAGER ELECTED TO ACCOUNTANTS’ BOARD MONTGOMERY – Jackson Thornton announced that Keina C. Houser has been elected to the board of directors of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).

Keina C. Houser

Houser is a manager with Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and consulting firm.

She oversees the firm’s client accounting practice. Houser received her undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in business administration from Troy University.

Houser is part of a 13-member ASCPA board and will serve a oneyear term.

“We are very pleased that Keina has been elected to the society’s board for the coming year,” Ned F. Sheffield, president and managing principal of Jackson Thornton, said in a statement. “It’s certainly a milestone in her career and we’re proud of her commitment to the profession.”

RIVER REGION ETHICS ANNOUNCES 2016 FINALISTS MONTGOMERY – River Region Ethics and Public Service has announced the small, medium and large business finalists as well as the individual community leaders for the 2016 River Region Ethics and Public Service Awards.

46

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

The organization began receiving nominations in November 2015 for this year’s finalists. Earlier this year, the program worked in collaboration with Auburn University at Montgomery’s Schools of Business and Sciences to interview and conduct research on all 2016 nominees. AUM business and public administration graduate students researched the ethics policies and practices of each of the nominees.

Recently an independent selection committee made up of community leaders reviewed the academic reports and designated the following three finalists for each 2016 River Region Ethics and Public Service Award category: Small Business: Cloverdale Service Center, The Locker Room, Pure Barre.

Medium Business: Balch & Bingham, LLP, Hans Heating & Air, Thompson Insurance.

Large Business: Caddell Construction Co., Warren Averett, Bradley Plumbing and Heating Inc. Non-profit Organizations/Public Agencies: Tukabatchee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, River Region United Way, WVAS-FM. Individual Community Leaders: Lynn Beshear, The Honorable Charles N. Price, Dr. John Moorehouse.

“This year’s finalists truly represent the best in business in the River Region from a wide variety of products, industries and public service organizations” Nancy Thomas, executive director at the Samaritan Counseling Center, said in a statement. “We’re proud to be able to spotlight the great work done every day by small, medium and large businesses, nonprofit organizations/public agencies and community leaders in our area.

Their commitment to ethical standards serves as an example to us all.”

The recipients will be announced at the 2016

River Region Ethics and Public Service Awards luncheon Oct. 17 at the Wynlakes Golf & Country Club.

REGIONS BANK RECEIVES TOP RANKING FOR REPUTATION BIRMINGHAM – Regions Bank has the top reputation, according rankings compiled by American Banker Magazine and Reputation Institute.

Regions had the highest overall reputation score and had the highest score with customers while ranking No. 2 with non-customers. The survey scores are based on products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership and performance.

“We are fortunate to have some of the best associates in the industry who dedicate themselves to providing an outstanding customer experience,” Grayson Hall, president, CEO and chairman of Regions, said in a statement. “Our associates are making a positive difference for our customers and communities, and I am proud that our team was recognized for that.”

Regions was also ranked No. 1 last year.

PIES & PINTS COMES TO EASTCHASE MONTGOMERY – Pies & Pints, a craft pizza and beer restaurant, is set to open its first Montgomery location near Zoës Kitchen at The Shoppes at EastChase later this year.

Pies & Pints is a Columbus, Ohiobased concept offering artisan pizza, sandwiches and salads along with more than 30 craft beers on tap. In addition to offering traditional, gluten-free and buildyour-own pies, the restaurant features such combinations as grape and Gorgonzola, chicken Gouda and Jeff Branch Sriracha shrimp. All pies are

hand-stretched and baked directly on a stone hearth with scratch-made tomato sauce and fresh herbs.

“Montgomery and EastChase are a perfect fit for Pies & Pints - Craft Pizza and Beer,” Rob Lindeman, owner of Pies & Pints, said in a statement. “The city is vibrant and the center creates a draw and destination for our high-quality, highflavor concept featuring a menu of made-from-scratch items.”

“We are thrilled to bring Pies & Pints, another market-exclusive restaurant, to The Shoppes at EastChase,” Jeff Branch, general manager of The Shoppes at EastChase, said in a statement. “The combination of artisanal food and craft beer is perfect for the Capital City and will be a fantastic addition to the current restaurant mix at The Shoppes.”

Pies & Pints, which was scheduled to open a Birmingham location this summer, currently has nine locations in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.

HARTZELL ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES NEW ALTERNATOR MONTGOMERY – Hartzell Engine Technologies announced a newgeneration 24V/60A direct-drive alternator created for six-cylinder Continental engines.

“This new unit is based on the highlyreliable, field-proven 100A ES-10024, and our extensive certification testing has demonstrated a marked increase in efficiency and performance compared to the legacy Continental Crittenden unit it replaces,” Hartzell Engine Technologies President Mike Disbrow said in a statement.

“Aside from the improvement in reliability, two additional advantages offered by the new alternator that owner/pilots will really appreciate are improvements both in cut-in and idle speed performance – with over double the power output at idle,” he said.

The E-6024D is now available from HET distributors and the introductory list price is $1,299. It has a warranty of 36-months/1,000-hours, whichever occurs first.

SYNOVUS RANKED SECOND IN REPUTATION SURVEY COLUMBUS, Ga. – American Banker and the Reputation Institute have again named Synovus as one of America’s most reputable banks in the magazine’s annual Survey of Bank Reputations.

Of 33 banks included in the survey, Synovus ranked second overall and was one of four in the top 10 among both customers and non-customers.

“Synovus’ second place ranking in this year’s Survey of Bank Reputations is further validation of our locally-focused, relationshipbased business model,” Kessel D. Stelling, chairman and CEO CONTINUED ON PAGE

48

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

47

BUSINESS BUZZ FROM PAGE

47

of Synovus, said in a statement.

“Synovus team members have deep roots and a strong desire to make a difference in every market in which we operate, and the progress we’re making is a direct result of their success in serving customers and communities.”

For information about The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market, contact guest services at (334) 279-6046.

Now in its seventh year, the annual Survey of Bank Reputations provides a detailed analysis of the components that together formulate corporate reputations, and how different banks rate on those measures. Synovus ranked sixth with customers and first with non-customers.

MONTGOMERY – Alabama News Network received two awards and four honorable mentions from The Associated Press, honoring achievements in television news operations.

EASTCHASE FARMERS MARKET SEASON ENDS OCT. 22 MONTGOMERY – The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market will be held Saturdays through Saturday, Oct. 22. The 12th annual farmer’s market is open 7 a.m. until noon.

Since opening in 2004, The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market has grown every year and is now one of the top five largest markets in Alabama. On the last Saturday of each month, the market will feature artisans and craftsmen from the Southern Makers event; Zumba and Pure Barre classes; live cooking demonstrations hosted by Wind Creek Casino, and WilliamsSonoma and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill chefs, as well as the Garden Cart Giveaway that includes prizes from featured vendors and a $50 gift card Suzanna Wasserman to The Shoppes at EastChase.

“Our Farmers Market has become a Saturday tradition for families,” Suzanna Wasserman, marketing manager at The Shoppes at EastChase, said in a statement. “We try to offer something for the entire family – whether that be shopping, live music, cooking demonstrations or fitness options.”

48

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

ALABAMA NEWS NETWORK ASSOCIATED PRESS AWARDS

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for all the hard work these reporters, anchors, photographers and producers put in day in and day out,” News Director Glenn Halbrooks said in a statement. “Thanks to the support of our viewers, we were able to cover more of the local news that directly impacts the River Region.”

Alabama News Network received awards for: Best Coverage of a Planned Event – Bloody Sunday: 50th Anniversary Best News Feature – Elise Roberts, Social Media Protesting

CENTRAL ALABAMA AGING CONSORTIUM MOVES TO FAIRLANE DRIVE MONTGOMERY – The Central Alabama Aging Consortium has moved to 2500 Fairlane Drive, Building #200. The previous address was on South Perry Street.

BBVA COMPASS RANKED BEST DIGITAL BANK BIRMINGHAM – A global financial magazine has named BBVA Compass the Best Digital Bank in North America.

Euromoney wrote, “Whereas large North American banks have pushed back against disruptors, BBVA Compass exemplifies what can happen when a bank embraces them.”

The magazine pointed out that BBVA Compass partnered with Dwolla, FutureAdvisor and eCredable. The bank invested $360-plus million in a three-year project to upgrade its technology.

Alabama News Network received honorable mentions for:

TRIUMPH SERVICES OPENS MONTGOMERY OFFICE

Best News Feature – Darryl Forges, MLK Organist

MONTGOMERY – The nonprofit Triumph Services has opened an office at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center on South Court Street.

Best Documentary – Alabama’s Journey Best Sports Feature – Ben Bolton, Donta’ Hall Best Investigation Reporting – Tim Lennox, Time Served “We are very proud of the work the news department does for telling the stories our viewers want and need to know,” General Manager Jesse Grear said in a statement. “Our hard work is paying off and the best is yet to come.”

The organization, which opened in 2007 in Birmingham, helps adults with developmental disabilities get jobs through life and employment coaches. Triumph Services raised $25,000 for its Montgomery operations, which was matched by the City of Montgomery.

There will be three full-time employees at the Montgomery office as well as part-time employees.

PHARMEDCO, HEALTHCOM PARTNER ON DIRECT CONNECTION TO NURSE Montgomery – Turenne PharMedCo and Healthcom announced a care transition initiative that provides patients a direct mobile link to their health care nurse.

CareLink Connect is designed to help home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities improve care transition services, reduce unnecessary readmissions and improve patient outcomes by making communications between health care provider and patient easier.

immediately to their home care nurse, family caregiver or medical authorities 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

With the mobile connection device, a trained call center staff member can directly access the patient’s nurse, family caregiver or medical authorities whenever the patient requests it. This is in addition to having access to family, friends and emergency services, which medical alert services typically provide.

“Our new partnership with Healthcom strengthens our commitment to provide meaningful solutions and valuable clinical resources and tools for our health care partners,” Craig Miller, vice The initiative is designed president of operations for for patients who are Craig Miller Montgomery-based Turenne transitioning from acute PharMedCo, said in a statement. care settings (such as a hospital “Healthcom’s CareLink Connect or skilled nursing facility) to their program helps bridge the care home. Each patient will receive transition gap that sometimes occurs a free mobile nurse help button, when a patient is discharged to which can be used to connect them the home.”

CANCER WELLNESS FOUNDATION SCHEDULES CASINO NIGHT MONTGOMERY – The Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama is having a casino night Oct. 20 at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club. The fundraiser, scheduled for 6 p.m.-10 p.m., will feature music, food, drinks and an auction.

Prices range from $50 for an event ticket and food to $5,000 for a high-roller package that includes 12 event tickets, two drawdown tickets, $12,000 in play money, reserved seating for 12, advertising at a gaming table; one-page ad in the event program; signage at the event; and recognition of sponsorship on the organization’s website and promotional materials.

Other packages are $2,000, $500 and $100.

Registration forms are available at the organization’s website: cancerwellnessfoundation.org.

CONTINUED ON PAGE

50

We have our priorities in order,

And our number one priority is you.

“Ranked Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the South Central Region”

Delivering outstanding customer satisfaction is our top priority everyday. Experience how our team makes Trustmark more than just another bank. People you trust. Advice that works. trustmark.com

Member FDIC

Trustmark National Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the South Central Region in the J.D. Power 2016 Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, based on 76,233 responses from 15 banks, measuring opinions of consumers with their primary banking provider, surveyed April 2015-February 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

Trustmark - Montgomery Business Journal 7.625 x 4.69 - Half Page Sept

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

49

BUSINESS BUZZ FROM PAGE

49

BEASLEY ALLEN ATTORNEYS HONORED AT ANNUAL JUSTICE CONVENTION MONTGOMERY – Three Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., attorneys were honored at the recent American Association for Justice (AAJ) meeting.

Principal and Founder Jere L. Beasley was selected as a 2016 recipient of the AAJ Tonahill Award.

The award is presented in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to and support of consumers and the trial bar. The Tonahill Award is named in honor of Joe Tonahill, a respected defender of the civil justice system.

C. Gibson Vance

Jere L. Beasley

Danielle W. Mason

50

Principal C. Gibson Vance was selected as a 2016 recipient of the AAJ Wiedemann & Wysocki Award. The award is presented annually to lawyers who demonstrate a deep commitment to the highest standards and who are passionately committed to the principles of the civil justice system and the mission of AAJ – “to promote a fair and effective justice system and to support the work of attorneys in their efforts to ensure that any person who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in America’s courtrooms, even when taking on the most powerful interests.”

profession and the significant time he has invested in training, preparing and encouraging lawyers to the profession of trial law.”

STERLING BANK NAMES FOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS MONTGOMERY – Sterling Bank announced the appointment of Britton Henig, Daniel Hughes, Clay McInnis and Riley Roby to its local advisory board.

Sterling Bank, a division of Synovus Bank, operates three branches in the River Region.

STORE ROOM FASTENERS EMPLOYEE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION

MONTGOMERY – Hunter Henig is senior vice Wilsford has completed president with The requirements to become Frazer Lanier Co., an a certified fastener investment banking specialist for Store Room firm headquartered in Fasteners Inc. Hunter Wilsford Montgomery. Hughes Wilsford, who has grown up is chairman of LEDIC in the family business, joined the Realty Co., LLC, an owner, developer company full-time in June 2011. His and manager of affordable and responsibilities include customer workforce housing with a portfolio service and continuous improvement. of approximately 38,000 units The firm was founded in Montgomery in 13 states. McInnis owns and 32 years ago and now has five manages Commerce Consulting, offices, including three in Central and is executive director of Alabama, one in LaGrange, Ga., and Montgomery’s chapter of the Angel another in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Investment Management Group.

Roby is managing partner in Balch & Bingham, LLP’s Montgomery office, where his practice focuses on transactional, tax, trusts and estates, administrative law and legislative matters for emerging and established businesses and individuals.

Principal Danielle W. Mason was selected as a 2016 recipient of the “We are excited and AAJ F. Scott Baldwin proud to welcome Award. “The award these highly respected Riley Roby was established to honor business leaders to our and recognize F. Scott Baldwin local advisory board,” Mark of Marshall, Texas, a worldSnead, president and renowned trial lawyer, whose CEO of Sterling Bank, efforts have produced said in a statement. outstanding awards for “Britton, Daniel, injured victims and their Clay and Riley have families,” according extensive business to AAJ. “The award is and financial services presented in recognition experience and a strong of the legendary degree of Clay Mclnnis excellence and compassion that Scott Baldwin has brought to the

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

passion for the River Region, and we look forward to their counsel as we continue to grow our business in Montgomery.”

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SCHEDULES OCTOBER EVENTS MONTGOMERY – The American Cancer Society has scheduled two October events – the inaugural Montgomery’s Best Dressed Ball, and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The Best Dressed Ball, set for 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 1 at The Shoppes at EastChase, will have a live performance by The Good Doctor and will feature restaurants, wines, beer and spirits. There will be a fashion show, featuring 10 men and women who will be honored, as well as an auction.

“Montgomery’s Best Dressed Ball is an opportunity for friends, family,

caregivers and survivors to join the fight and help the American Cancer Society in its goal of saving lives by helping people stay well, get well and fight back,” Meredith Wills, manager of distinguished events at the American Cancer Society, said in a statement.

General admission tickets are available online until Sept. 30. For tickets or sponsorship information visit http://montgomerysbestdressed. org or call Wills at (334) 612-8177.

The walk is scheduled for Oct. 15 at Riverwalk Stadium in downtown Montgomery. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. The free event is open to the public. The walk had 1,600 participants last year.

For information, visit makingstrideswalk.org/ MontgomeryAL or contact Maggie Kuykendall at (334) 612-8170 or MontgomeryALStrides@cancer.org.

RENFROE FAMILY REBRANDS GROCERY STORES, EXPANDS SERVICES MONTGOMERY – The Renfroe family has announced a new name for their three Alabama-based grocery stores.

The McGehee Road Super Foods, Dadeville Foodland and Renfroe’s Foodland location in Montgomery are now called Renfroe’s Market.

In addition to the new name, Renfroe’s Market will be rebranding each store with new interior decor and signage as well as new exterior signage featuring a new logo.

Renfroe’s Market is planning to roll out a number of new services as well.

“We have always strived to make our stores as customer service oriented as possible,” Renfroe’s Market founder Robert Renfroe said in a statement.

“We treat our customers with personal service in a family atmosphere

and they have responded to those principles. Therefore, we feel that all of our stores should bear our family name with that idea in mind.”

The Renfroe family took ownership of their first store on McGehee Road in Montgomery in 1997. In 2008, they expanded to a second location in Dadeville. They opened their largest location in 2014 at Chantilly Corners in Montgomery.

“We want people to know that although there will be a new name on the building, each store will continue to be owned and operated by the same family with the same core values that our customers have grown accustomed to over the past 19 years,” Rob Renfroe, son of Robert Renfroe, said in a statement.

“The new name is just the beginning of more exciting changes in our future such as e-commerce and mobile shopping.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE

Mitchell Vaughan Project Manager

52

Look no further.

This is your sign.

Davis Direct

Banners, posters and other wideformat printing is an important part of communications. So, here at Davis, we have expanded our services to now offer the same high-quality printing for display signage that our customers trust every day for all of their printed materials.

334-277-0878 EXT 141

On Target. On Time.

DAVISDIRECT.COM

MARKETING MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

51

51

BUSINESS BUZZ FROM PAGE

SERVISFIRST BANK RANKED HIGH BIRMINGHAM – ServisFirst Bank was ranked 13th by Bank Director magazine out of 102 mid-sized banks in its 2016 Bank Performance Scorecard.

The rankings were based on profitability, capitalization and asset quality. ServisFirst Bank, which has branches in Montgomery, has more than $5.6 billion in assets. The bank last year ranked 26th out of 130 on the list of small banks with $1 billion to $5 billion in assets.

ServisFirst Bank was ranked No. 8 in American Banker’s list of Midtier Performers with $2 billion to $10 billion in assets in the United States.

Nearly 220 financial institutions were reviewed based on threeyear average returns on equity for 2013-2015

17 CAPELL & HOWARD ATTORNEYS ON BEST LAWYERS LIST MONTGOMERY — Seventeen Capell & Howard, P.C. attorneys have been listed in the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and two of these attorneys have also been named a Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” in their practice areas.

Attorneys included in the Best Lawyers listing who receive the highest overall peer feedback for a specific practice area and geographic location are awarded “Lawyer of the Year.” Capell & Howard shareholder M. Courtney Williams was named the 2017 Tax Law “Lawyer of the Year” for Montgomery, and shareholder Robert T. Meadows III was named the 2017 Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” for Opelika.

J. Wells (labor and employment); Bruce J. Downey III (labor and employment); D. Kyle Johnson (corporate, employee benefits, tax, and trusts and estates); Debra D. Spain (tax and trusts and estates); Frank H. McFadden (arbitration, mediation and construction); Henry C. Barnett Jr. (labor and employment); Henry H. Hutchinson (corporate and tax); J. Lister Hubbard (construction); James M. Scott (tax); James N. Walter Jr. (commercial, banking and finance, and securities); K. Palmer Smith (real estate); Williams (tax); R. Brooke Lawson III (construction); Robert F. Northcutt (commercial); Meadows (family and commercial); Shapard D. Ashley (real estate); and William D. Coleman (arbitration, mediation, construction, commercial and environmental). n

Listed in the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America are Capell & Howard shareholders Barbara

FIRST CLASS MEDICINE The UAB School of Medicine Montgomery Regional Medical Campus continues its mission of training medical students to become compassionate and competent physicians. With the addition of the Class of 2018, the campus has grown to 40 third- and fourth-year students — the future of a new generation of medical excellence in Montgomery and the River Region.

Montgomery Regional Medical Campus

K N O W L E D G E

T H A T

W I L L

C H A N G E

www.uab.edu/medicine/montgomery

52

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Y O U R

W O R L D

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE NEW PHYSICIANS JOIN THE JACKSON CLINIC MONTGOMERY – The Jackson Clinic continues to grow as it added three physicians and two medical specialties.

Dr. Howard Brazil and Dr. John Williams, both cardiologists, have joined The Jackson Clinic after providing Montgomery residents with heart care for more than 20 years.

Their experience includes general cardiology, interventional heart attack care and defibrillator/pacemaker placement. Their office is located on the Jackson Hospital campus at 1758 Park Place, Suite 401. The phone number is (334) 264-9191.

primary care and a wide range of medical and surgical specialties under one umbrella – all with the convenience of a single electronic health record.”

WELCH HORNSBY ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT CONSULTANT MONTGOMERY – Welch Hornsby Investment Advisors announced that M. Alan Bishop Jr. has been promoted to investment consultant.

MONTGOMERY ANTIQUES & INTERIORS NAMES STORE MANAGER MONTGOMERY – Montgomery Antiques & Interiors announced that Andrew Thrash has been named store manager.

He has both a bachelor’s degree in business Andrew Thrash management and a master’s degree in business management from Faulkner University. In his position as store manager, Thrash will work with the 22 dealers who showcase their collections at the gallery, which features antiques as well as unique M. Alan Bishop items for interior decorating.

Bishop, who joined the firm in 2010, obtained the chartered financial analyst designation and holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration with a major in corporate finance investment from the University of Alabama. He is a native of Montgomery.

Dr. Richard Salazar, a neurologist, joined The Jackson Clinic from Southern Colorado. In addition to general neurological care, he specializes in stroke treatment and has extensive training in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s “Alan has a bright future disease, multiple at Welch Hornsby,” sclerosis, epilepsy President and CEO and amyotrophic Edward V. Welch Jr. lateral sclerosis (ALS). said in a statement.

His office is located “Since joining the firm, he in The Jackson Clinic Dr. John Williams has shown a commitment to building on the Jackson serving clients at the highest Hospital campus at 1801 level. With this well-earned Pine St., Suite 202. The advancement, he joins phone number is (334) an already talented 293-8082. investment consulting team. Alan represents “Expanding The the caliber of person Jackson Clinic to that adds to our strength include cardiology and as an organization and neurology continues our we are confident he will commitment to providing Dr. Howard Brazil continue our history of growing the services needed by talented and committed people at patients in Montgomery and the River Welch Hornsby.”

Region,” Kelin Penney, administrator of The Jackson Clinic, said in a statement. “We offer families comprehensive health care including

MEMBER NEWS

The gallery is located at 1955 Eastern Blvd. For information, call (334) 277-2490 or visit online at montgomeryantiquesandinteriors.com.

ZOËS KITCHEN ANNOUNCES AREA CATERING SALES MANAGER MONTGOMERY – Lindsay Thompson has been named area catering sales manager for Zoës Kitchen after starting out with the company as a hostess.

Thompson, who was born in California, had worked in the restaurant business for 15 years before moving to Prattville.

CONTINUED ON PAGE

Lindsey Thompson

54

Welch Hornsby is a registered investment advisory firm with more than $4 billion in client assets.

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

53

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE FROM PAGE

53 adult medicine, pediatric and adult dentistry, OB/GYN, and pediatric and adult optometry.

JACKSON THORNTON ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

Ashley Taylor

MONTGOMERY – Jackson Thornton announced two promotions to senior manager and two promotions to manager at its Montgomery office.

Ashley S. Taylor, who joined the firm in 2008, was promoted to senior manager. She specializes in litigation services related to commercial fraud, lost profits and loss of business value.

Taylor received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Auburn University at Montgomery.

William Sheffield

Jenna Roton

William K. Sheffield was also promoted to senior manager.

He joined the firm in 2012 with six years of prior public accounting experience. He specializes in audit and has worked with utilities, municipalities and closelyheld businesses. Sheffield has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Auburn University.

Derek DuBose and Jenna Roton were both promoted to manager. All four of the employees are certified public accountants.

Derek DuBose

MONTGOMERY – Health Services Inc. has announced the appointment of Stephanie Hamil as controller.

Stephanie Hamil

She is a graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile, where she received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Hamil received a master’s degree in business administration from Troy University’s Montgomery campus.

Health Services Inc. provides health care services in pediatric and

54

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

MONTGOMERY – Kaylee Bruce was recently hired as an intern architect for Chambless King Architects.

STERLING BANK HIRES FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

MONTGOMERY – Matt She received a bachelor Anderson has joined of architecture and a Synovus Securities Inc. bachelor of interior as a financial consultant architecture from Auburn at Sterling Bank.

University. Bruce spent a semester living in He offers a tailored Rome, where she studied wealth management architecture and approach, including Matt Anderson the history of the comprehensive financial city. She later planning, investment spent a summer in management, legacy wealth Lakeside, Mont., planning, retirement planning and working with a nonestate planning. profit architecture Anderson, who joined Synovus/ firm. A native of Sterling from Trustmark, also worked LaGrange, Ga., she previously at Merrill Lynch. He is a focused her studies on Kaylee Brue Montgomery native and graduate of merging architecture Auburn University. and interior architecture in both commercial and residential projects.

HEALTH SERVICES INC. HIRES CONTROLLER

Hamil, an experienced finance and health care industry professional, brings more than 20 years of knowledge and expertise to the position.

CHAMBLESS KING HIRES INTERN ARCHITECT

“We’re thrilled to have Paul join our team of excellent sales reps and we’re excited for our clients to work with him during our bustling fall season,” Walker360 President Taylor Blackwell said in a statement.

She will be working with design teams in developing design and technical solutions for architectural and interior design projects of various building types.

Chambless King Architects is a multi-faceted architectural firm that offers a variety of services related to architecture, interior design, project management, master planning/urban planning, programming and cost management.

MAX NAMES VICE PRESIDENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS MONTGOMERY – MAX Credit Union has promoted Kathy Cobb to vice president of information systems.

She will oversee the management of all activities related to networks, servers, operating systems, voice and data communication and end-user support.

“With the ongoing demands of automation, digitization, cloud computing, Kathy Cobb collaboration and the need WALKER360 ANNOUNCES from our customers as well as our SALESPERSON team members for access anytime MONTGOMERY – Paul from anywhere, information systems Millo recently joined will be the driving force behind it Walker360 after serving all,” Cobb said in a statement. “We as sales manager for will not only focus on implementing a local print and mail these services, but providing company. He held knowledgeable, skilled and innovative the title of “Top Sales technical support.”

Revenue Generator” for 14 consecutive years at his Paul Millo previous company.

Cobb, who has been at MAX for more than 40 years, held a variety of positions, including telecommunications director, technology director and assistant vice president of technology.

Business Interiors Inc. as sales associates.

Pierce Godwin

“We are very fortunate to have incredible team members who have created life-long careers at MAX,” MAX Chief Information Officer Scott Lindley said in a statement.

Godwin, a Montgomery native, graduated with a communications degree from Troy University in 2016. He began his career with Business Interiors during summer and winter holiday breaks while still a college student.

Moody started her career with Business Interiors as a designer after graduation from Auburn University in 1996. She moved to a project/account management position and “Kathy Cobb is a true Allison Moody later began her sales career. picture of someone who is She took a leave of absence and devoted to the organization and is a returned as a sales associate, serving valuable asset.”

Southeast Alabama.

BUSINESS INTERIORS ADDS TWO SALES ASSOCIATES BIRMINGHAM – Pierce Godwin and Allison Moody have joined the Montgomery sales office of

Business Interiors is a leading specialized contract furnishings firm with local offices in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile and Pensacola, Fla.

AUM SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY WELCOMES DIRECTOR MONTGOMERY – Scott Lane, a certified public accountant and corporate controller, is the new director of Auburn University at Montgomery’s School of Accountancy in the College of Business.

Lane’s goal is increasing opportunities such as internships, student competitions, conferences and other experiential learning opportunities that will prepare students for their careers.

“The accounting program here is a hidden gem: small class sizes, dedicated faculty, active alumni and involved local firms,” Lane, an associate professor of accounting, said in a statement. “All the things that you need to build a learning community.

Scott Lane

“Increasing student contact with alumni and employers is a win for everyone and provides the students CONTINUED ON PAGE

56

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

55

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE FROM PAGE

55

with the level of professionalism they need to hit the ground running in their careers,” said Lane, who comes to AUM from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. He received a doctorate in accounting from the University of Kentucky.

He previously worked in public accounting in the Boston area, first as a controller in a startup, then as the controller in an international energy consulting company.

BBVA COMPASS NAMES BRANCH RETAIL EXECUTIVE MONTGOMERY– BBVA Compass has named Daniel Paulk as branch retail executive for its relocated downtown Montgomery office.

Daniel Paulk

In his role, Paulk will oversee branch operations and lead the branch team at 60 Commerce St. A native of Montgomery, Paulk

graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2005.

MACHEN MCCHESNEY

ANNOUNCES PROMOTION “I’m excited to welcome Daniel to the BBVA Compass Montgomery AUBURN – Machen McChesney downtown location,” BBVA Compass announced the promotion of Alan Montgomery CEO A. Bruce Crawford Craft to manager. said in a statement. “As the newest He has been with Machen member at 60 Commerce St. McChesney since 2013 in downtown Montgomery, and is a certified public the branch is highly accountant. He works visible for the bank, with clients in a and I know Daniel, number of industries, with his deep history including credit in the area, will unions and community grow the branch and banks, employee benefit help it become a vital plans, governmental and member of the downtown Alan Craft nonprofit.

His expertise business district.” includes accounting, audit, tax and Paulk previously was the branch business advisory services for a manager with a regional bank in variety of businesses. the Montgomery area, and prior to He received a bachelor’s degree in that worked with New York Life in accounting from Auburn University. n insurance and investments. He has Series 7 and 63 investment licenses as well as a life/health license.

Our seasoned team provides brokerage, management and development expertise allowing you to focus on your business while we create value in your commercial real estate assets.

 MARKETING: Our marketing group will reduce your time on the market by utilizing proven techniques necessary to identify and land qualified prospects. We create maximum exposure for each property.

 PROPERTY

Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_violetkaipa'>violetkaipa / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

MANAGEMENT:

Moore

Company’s wealth of seasoned managers with over 100 years commercial management experience, managing Retail, Office and Industrial properties, will guide you through real property challenges, insuring increased efficiency and value for your asset!

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

56

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

ASSOCIATIONS/NON-PROFIT

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS

TRIUMPH SERVICES, INC. Brooke Bowles 600 South Court Street Montgomery, AL 36104 205-581-1000

TK, LLC Katie Oh 10613 Troy Highway Montgomery, AL 36064 334-495-1275

ATTRACTIONS-SPORTS & RECREATION

BREAKOUT MONTGOMERY Patrick O'Connor 6715 Taylor Court Montgomery, AL 36117 334-203-7868 BEDDING-RETAIL

SLEEP NUMBER Stephanie Money 7072 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-5822 BUILDERS-COMMERCIAL

PAULK CONSTRUCTION, INC. A. Paulk 390 North Goldthwaite Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-265-6167 CARPET/UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS

WELCH’S CHEM DRY David Welch P.O. Box 230116 Montgomery, AL 36123 334-286-9271 CHILDREN’S CLOTHING & SPECIALTY ITEMS

2 SWEET 2 BE 4GOTTEN La Cheryl Lacour 1720 Mulberry Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334-868-6170 CONSTRUCTION

MORRIS BUILDERS, LLC Jimmy Morris Jr P.O. Box 680627 Prattville, AL 36068 334-365-6306 JM WILLIAMS CONTRACTORS Richard Crutchfield 1706 Post Oak Court Auburn, AL 36830 334-450-0233 SYS-CON, LLC SD Kim 4444 Park Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36116 334-281-1520

FIRE PROTECTION

SIMPLEXGRINNELL, LC Randy Read 1281 Newell Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 334-272-7577 FURNITURE

CHAMBERS FURNITURE, INC. Mike Chambers 6021 Troy Highway Montgomery, AL 36116-6554 334-613-0750

NEW MEMBERS MOVING TRANSFER & STORAGE

REAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIAL

A MINI FLEX STORAGE Doug Isaacson 200 South Arrowhead Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-5395

GARTH REALTY GROUP Kenyse Savage 281 E. Mendel Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-440-1580

MUSIC PRODUCTION/

GUEST HOUSE STUDIOS LLC Anthony Buenger 641 Mockingbird Lane Eclectic, AL 36024 334-580-0155 MUSIC-PIANO & VOCAL INSTRUCTION

DAYS INN Jack Balakrishnan 1185 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-3335

MONTGOMERY SCHOOL OF MUSIC Brannon Littleton 8329 Crossland Loop Montgomery, AL 36117 334-518-9335

TOWNE PLACE SUITES

BY MARRIOTT-EASTCHASE Michelle Spivey 2845 EastChase Lane Montgomery, AL 36117 706-615-2900 INSURANCE COMPANIES/ SERVICES

METLIFE PREMIER CLIENT GROUP Jimmy Harris 6763 Overview Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 205-440-4645 LEGAL SERVICES - ATTORNEYS

THE HARRIS FIRM, LLC Steven Harris 4144 Carmichael Road Suite 100 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-782-9938 MAILING MACHINES & EQUIPMENT

NEOPOST SOUTHEAST Jason Little 3066 Zelda Road #382 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-625-0622 MARKETING/MARKETING RESEARCH

DEX MEDIA Robert Futrell 101 Veterans Parkway 197 Opelika, AL 36801 334-207-7884

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

RECORDING

HOTELS/MOTELS

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

RESTAURANTS-FAST FOOD

MILO’S HAMBURGERS Alicia King 8747 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 205-871-2000

VY NAILS Jason Nguyen 8177 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334-270-9596

RESTAURANTS-JAPANESE

NEWSPAPERS

MONTGOMERY INDEPENDENT, INC. Robert A. Martin 141 Market Place Montgomery, AL 36117-4900 334-265-7323 GROOMING/DAYCARE

RIVER PAWS PET RESORT, LLC Brandon S. Stoudenmier 444 South Hull Street Montgomery, AL 36104 317-500-0841 PUBLICATIONS

LINK 2 RIVER REGION Sharron Smith 8130 Lichfield Court Montgomery, AL 36117 334-868-3203

AMERICAN RENTAL & TENT COMPANY/CAMPBELL FORMALWEAR Dennis Campbell 3371 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-277-6443

MGM KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER Zachary Lewis 1709 North Oakview Court Montgomery, AL 36110 334-868-1585

NAIL SALON

PET BOARDING/

CHAMBER NEWS

KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Sung Ho Sim 7760 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-694-7700 RESTAURANTS-SEAFOOD

CAPTAIN D’S Leston Stallworth 10640 Chantilly Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-462-1259 TILE, CERAMIC & STONE

SOUTHEAST STONE DESIGNS Willie Upshaw 21 Mountain Terrace Lane Wetumpka, AL 36093 334-657-6497 WEB DESIGN/WEB HOSTING

AVANT CREATIVE, LLC Temisha Young 3165 Malone Drive Montgomery, AL 36106 334-520-2273 September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

57

CHAMBER NEWS

RIBBON CUTTINGS & GROUND BREAKINGS

VISIONARY CONSULTING SERVICES, LLC

GERHARDI

9024 Pennington Place • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-354-3411 • vcsllc.com April Jones-President/CEO Consulting Services

Industrial Park Boulevard • Montgomery, AL 36117 Mr. Reinhard Hoffman, Director, Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik Mr. Fredy Franke, CEO Gerhardi, Inc.

LA MEDSPA 7123 Halcyon Park Drive • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-676-2555 Amy Bierly-Owner Laser & Skincare

TOWNE PLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTTEASTCHASE (GROUND BREAKING)

HILTON GARDEN INN-EASTCHASE 7665 EastChase Parkway • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-0101 • montgomeryeastchase.hgi.com Rinkesh Patel-President Hotels/Motels

2845 EastChase Lane • Montgomery, AL 36117 www.ramhotels.com Rinkesh Patel-President Hotels/Motels

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 1510 Eastern Boulevard • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-7500 • carrabbas.com Chris Herrera-Managing Partner Restaurants-Italian

A MINI FLEX STORAGE

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS

200 South Arrowhead Drive • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-5395 • aminiflex.com Eric Isaacson-Manager Moving Transfer & Storage

1817 West 2nd Street • Montgomery, AL 36106 334-651-0772 • expresspros.com Will Cobb-Owner Employment Agencies

GREATER MONTGOMERY HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 6336 Woodmere Boulevard • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-277-7766 • gmhba.org Chad Stearns-President Associations/Non-Profit

VITAL BEAUTY BAR 315 Catoma Street • Montgomery, AL 36104 334-676-2640 • vitalbeautybar.com Naomie Wilsford-Owner Beauty Salons/Spas 58

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF CENTRAL ALABAMA 2739 Office Park Circle • Montgomery, AL 36116 334-271-2280 • ucpcentralalabama.org Glenn Harger-Executive Director Associations/Non-Profit

HODGES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 1065 North Eastern Boulevard • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-495-8888 • hodges-realestate.com Lance Hunter-CEO Jay Tidwell-Associate Broker Real Estate-Commercial/Industrial

CAPTAIN D’S

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROBATE REVENUE OFFICES

10640 Chantilly Parkway • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-462-1259 Leston Stallworth-Owner Restaurants-Seafood

3425 McGehee Road • Montgomery, AL 36111 334-832-7761 • mc-ala.org Steven Reed-Montgomery County Probate Judge

TRIUMPH SERVICES 600 South Court Street, Suite 465 • Montgomery, AL 36104 205-581-1000 • triumphservices.org Brooke Bowles-Executive Director Associations/Non-Profit

SOUTHEAST STONE DESIGNS

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

105 Waugh Industrial Park Way • Pike Road, AL 36064 334-657-6497 • southeaststonedesigns.com Willie Upshaw-President/Owner Tile, Ceramic & Stone

2520 Fairlane Drive, Suite 340 • Montgomery, AL 36116 334-215-9577 • homeinstead.com/643 Bill Purnell-Owner Sheila Purnell-Owner Home Health Srvices

MONTGOMERY SCHOOL OF MUSIC 8329 Crossland Loop • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-518-9335 • montgomeryschoolofmusic.com Brannon Littleton-Owner Music-Piano & Vocal Instruction

CENTRAL PUMP & COMPRESSOR

BREAKOUT MONTGOMERY

2301 South Forbes Drive • Montgomery, AL 36110 334-676-2952 • valleyhotsy.com Rick Davidson-Owner Industrial Maintenance Industrial Equipment & Supplies Concrete

6715 Taylor Court • Montgomery, AL 36117 334-233-4009 • breakoutmontgomery.com Patrick O’Connor-General Manager Attractions-Sports & Recreation Entertainment & Recreation

ALABAMA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 4700 Wares Ferry Road • Montgomery, AL 36109 334-277-1985 • alabamachristian.com Misty Overman-Head of School Private Schools September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

59

ECONOMIC INTEL

CHAMBER NEWS

UNEMPLOYMENT

Civilian Labor Force JUN p 2016

Area

Unemployment Rate

MAY r 2016

JUN r 2015

JUN p 2016

MAY r 2016

JUN r 2016

Montgomery MA

172,236

170,304

169,832

6.30%

5.40%

6.40%

Autauga County

25,891

25,574

25,473

5.80%

5.00%

5.70%

Prattville City

16,883

16,700

16,640

5.50%

4.70%

5.50%

Elmore County

36,778

36,484

36,232

5.30%

4.80%

5.40%

3,881

3,813

3,890

11.70%

10.70%

12.70%

105,686

104,433

104,237

6.50%

5.60%

6.70%

92,974

91,822

91,737

6.60%

5.70%

6.90%

544,704

538,867

534,153

6.00%

5.40%

5.90%

94,471

93,077

92,742

7.90%

6.80%

7.90%

Huntsville MA

213,162

211,699

210,046

5.80%

5.00%

6.10%

Huntsville City

92,600

91,841

91,358

6.30%

5.40%

6.70%

Mobile MA

185,810

185,419

184,252

7.50%

6.50%

7.70%

Mobile City

86,655

86,497

86,060

7.60%

6.60%

8.00%

2,196,562

2,175,802

2,164,225

6.50%

5.70%

6.60%

160,135,000

158,800,000

158,283,000

5.10%

4.50%

5.50%

Lowndes County Montgomery County Montgomery City Birmingham-Hoover MA Birmingham City

Alabama United States

SALES TAX

MA=Metropolitan Area. pPreliminary rRevised Estimates prepared by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations in Cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on 2015 benchmark.

JULY 2016

JULY 2015

Montgomery County

$3,621,891

$3,553,472

City of Montgomery

$9,002,651

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

1.93%

$25,671,378

$25,061,943

2.43%

$8,699,998

3.48%

$61,557,127

$60,049,894

2.51%

$305,156

$96,968

214.70%

$1,360,051

$1,367,369

-0.54%

$1,860,694

$1,963,435

-5.23%

$13,073,663

$12,714,987

2.82%

Autauga County

$736,072

$682,803

7.80%

$5,108,111

$4,784,116

6.77%

Elmore County

$108,347

$110,820

-2.23%

$739,778

$784,713

-5.73%

Wetumpka

$511,258

$475,729

7.47%

$3,508,288

$3,265,566

7.43%

Pike Road Prattville

Sources: Montgomery County Commission, City of Montgomery, City of Pike Road, Autauga County Commission, City of Prattville, Elmore County Commission, City of Wetumpka Note: YTD numbers are January 2016 thru current month. * Did not receive this month's numbers.

60

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

Building Permits

BUILDING STARTS JULY 2016

JUNE 2016

Building Valuations JULY 2015

JULY 2016

JUNE 2016

JULY 2015

New Construction

62

54

57

$7,241,200

$14,709,700

$17,906,600

Additions and AlterationsÂ

89

69

82

$10,931,555

$5,996,660

$11,057,643

Others

10

24

18

$104,800

$414,251

$137,240

Total

161

147

157

$18,277,555

$21,120,611

$29,101,483

Source: City of Montgomery Building Department

MONTGOMERY METRO MARKET HOME SALES JUNE 2016

MAY 2016

MONTH/MONTH % CHANGE

JUNE 2015

YEAR/YEAR % CHANGE

STATEWIDE JUNE 2016*

Median Price

$150,657

$154,500

-2.49%

$150,000

0.44%

$152,968

Average Price

$177,154

$168,834

4.93%

$166,052

6.69%

$183,793

2,661

2,613

1.84%

3,038

-12.41%

30,441

Months of Supply

6.2

7.3

-15.07%

7.5

-17.33%

5.6

Total # Sales

428

360

18.89%

404

5.94%

5,471

Days on Market

114

113

0.88%

135

-15.56%

149

Units Listed

Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE), The University of Alabama

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

61

MONTGOMERY REGIONAL AIRPORT JULY 2016 Air Carrier Operations

JULY 2015

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

YEAR OVER YEAR % CHANGE

802

843

-4.9%

6,732

5,424

24.1%

5,024

4,749

5.8%

35,766

33,850

5.7%

Enplanements

15,125

15,925

-5.0%

100,818

102,166

-1.3%

Deplanements

14,823

15,557

-4.7%

98,383

99,333

-1.0%

Total Passengers

29,948

31,482

-4.9%

199,201

201,499

-1.1%

Total Operations

Source: Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) Dannelly Field

HYUNDAI SALES JULY 2016

JULY 2015

YTD 2016

YTD 2015

Accent

7,046

4,276

46,376

40,252

Sonata

20,835

23,917

125,044

119,738

Elantra

20,629

22,135

116,935

150,833

Santa Fe

14,336

11,655

71,772

66,393

Azera

385

414

2,958

4,067

Tucson

7,728

3,908

50,393

26,542

Veloster

2,008

2,060

14,931

13,261

Genesis

2,117

2,474

19,501

19,744

Equus

119

174

1,154

1,333

Total

75,003

71,013

449,063

442,163

VEHICLE

Source: Hyundai Motor America

62

Montgomery Business Journal September 2016

AIRLINE FARES Roundtrip airfare comparisons from Montgomery, Birmingham and Atlanta airports to key destinations.

Destination

MGM

BHM

ATL

Baltimore (BWI)

$315

$331

$138

Boston (BOS)

$368

$414

$131

Charlotte, NC (CLT)

$338

$355

$225

Chicago (ORD)

$331

$280

$116

Cincinnati (CVG)

$313

$266

$248

Dallas/Ft Worth (DFW)

$406

$350

$106

Denver (DEN)

$366

$385

$176

Detroit (DTW)

$368

$403

$178

Houston (HOU)

$297

$241

$96

Indianapolis (IND)

$369

$395

$230

Las Vegas (LAS)

$540

$515

$221

Los Angeles (LAX)

$416

$386

$226

Memphis (MEM)

$397

$371

$213

Miami (MIA)

$332

$364

$121

Nashville (BNA)

$401

$396

$192

New Orleans (MSY)

$470

$385

$138

New York (JFK)

$406

$376

$281

Orlando (MCO)

$292

$200

$75

Philadelphia (PHL)

$348

$334

$86

Pittsburgh (PIT)

$336

$364

$232

St Louis (STL)

$331

$246

$96

Seattle (SEA)

$467

$408

$366

Seoul (SEL)

$1,512

$1,351

$1,064

Tampa (TPA)

$200

$198

$90

Washington DC (DCA)

$332

$348

$143

Date of travel: Sept. 20-25, 2016. Date of pricing: Aug.7, 2016. Source: travelocity.com

September 2016 montgomerybusinessjournal.com

63

Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101