Montgomery Business Journal - January 2019

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2019

MBJ

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FEATURING MGMWERX UPDATE

A HEART-WARMING RESPITE MINISTRY

+ADDING UP

ACCOUNTING’S IMPACT

BIG PLANS Chamber Chairman Willie Durham

LEADING MGM FORWARD

1 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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10

26

CONTENTS JAN 2019

THIS ISSUE: 10

The Good Neighbor:

26 36 38 43

Annual Meeting

2019 C ha mbe r C ha ir ma n Willie D u r ha m

2019 MPS Update MGMWERX Update Industry Overview: Accounting

28 Powerhouse Q&A: Je re B e a s le y 31 Member Profiles: E le ct ia Love, La n ie B ra ze ll, Je ss ica D o

62 GiveBack: Mon t gome r y’s Re s pite Min istry 70 #MyMGM: He n r ie tt a Ma cGu ire 72 Small Business Briefcase: Pr odu ct iv it y Tools

CHAMBER NEWS:

08 Events 76 Connect: Chamber News 78 Connect: Member FAQ 80 Connect: Past Events 83 Members on the Move 85 Members in the News 92 Business Buzz 99 Ribbon Cuttings 103 New Members 106 Intel

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MBJ

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION

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

exploreMedia PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn

MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy

DESIGN Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry Shubird

pickup and delivery

+ When items are being delivered

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

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Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Savanna Pruitt, Melissa Warnke

RECEIVE EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS:

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Carter, Nick Drollette, Robert Fouts, Donna Wallace King, David Robertson Jr., Erika Rowe Tracy

+ Listing of items dropped off or picked up, with price and due date

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ON THE COVER 2019 Chamber Chairman Willie Durham Photography by Robert Fouts ADVERTISING Christina Bennett and Kristina Boddie / exploreMedia / 334-578-7810 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79, Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 • mbj@montgomerychamber.com © Copyright 2019 exploreMedia and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

All rights reserved.

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION STATEMENT

Committed to exceptional service, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce works to improve the economic well-being of the business community and enhance the quality of life of the area through the creation and preservation of jobs.

The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published bi-monthly by exploreMedia for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, (334)

334-262-8852

834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Subscription rate is $30 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. Volume 10, Issue3.

POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery

12 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

ry ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a

email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes stopart of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions and bulk subscriptions can also be purchased per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.

CHAMBER NEWS

Events +

MA RK YO UR CALENDAR S FOR THE SE UP COMING C HAMB E R E V E NTS

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

JAN

17

1/9

State of City & County 7:30-8:30 am at Embassy Suites

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: AALOS Location: Montgomery Antiques & Interiors

Join community and business leaders, elected officials and military leaders during this annual breakfast event and hear from Mayor Todd Strange and County Commission Chairman Elton

1/24

Dean Sr. as they give a comprehensive update on the State of the City and County.

Presenting Sponsor: Baptist Health

Business After Hours Sponsors: Guardian Credit Union and Wind Creek Casino Montgomery; Location: Wind Creek Casino Montgomery

Upcoming Workshops

BUSINESS Resource Center

Business 101: Start it Up! January 15; February 5, 19; March 5 8:30-9:30 am at the Chamber’s BRC Establish a strong foundation for your new or existing business. Topics covered include locating financing, writing a business plan and finding expert advice.

No registration required. $10 fee.

+

Register online

Register online for Business Resource Center events and webinars at montgomerychamber.com/events

2/7

A GOOD YEAR

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: Montgomery Rotary Club; Location: RSA Activity Center

2/21

2019 is going to be an exciting year

Business After Hours Sponsor: H I B Lee Street, LLC; Location: Staybridge Suites

and will feature several NEW events, so be on the lookout for: Diversity Dialogue

3/6

River Region Defense Summit

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Jason’s Deli

TechMGM Forum

WITH HOST Tonya Scott Williams

BizTalk MGM - The Official Podcast for Small Business in MGM Every month, on the second Tuesday, at 6 pm on WVAS 90.7 FM, Montgomery Chamber staff, plus host Tonya Scott Williams, talk with business experts on topics that are important to small businesses.

SPREAD THE WORD: CHECK OUT THIS EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFIT \ Did you know you can post your own events on the Chamber’s Member Calendar?

All you need is a username and password to access the Member Information Center, and you’ll have access to post events, job openings and provide Member-to-Member deals and promotions that are exclusive to Chamber Members.

8 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MONTGOMERY AREA C HAM BE R OF COM M E RC E

TROY U N IVE RSITY

OUR TROJAN WARRIOR SPIRIT Ronda W., Alumna

Commissioner. Wife. Mom. Cancer Survivor.

TROY University is a proud partner of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members are eligible for a 10% tuition scholarship and an application fee waiver. For more information, visit troy.edu/Montgomery or call 1-800-414-5756.

◆

MONTGOMERY

© 2019 Troy University

Now more than ever, Troy Montgomery is fueling success. 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.

9 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

◆

Incoming Chamber Chairman Willie Durham is passionate about building connections and strengthening the community. Both his business practices and his personal philosophy, which bear a striking resemblance to the golden rule, have led him to view the entire River Region

THE GOOD NEIGHBOR

as his “neighborhood” and his role in it as the friendly guy next door who’s always ready to lend a hand.

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

WELCOME TO 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA TRACY

10 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

ONE GOOD GOAL

"

One of my main objectives as Chairman will be to increase Chamber membership by making people more aware of what the Chamber’s role is.

"

11 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

“FOR ALL OF US WHO LIVE HERE, WORK HERE AND PLAY HERE, I THINK WE SHOULD PAY SOME COMMUNITY RENT. THAT’S HOW WE TRULY MAKE THIS RIVER REGION EVEN BETTER, AND THAT’S WHY I SERVE,” SAID WILLIE DURHAM. It’s a laudable and appropriate sentiment coming from the

in the Marines right after graduating from Jeff Davis High

Chamber’s 2019 Chairman of the Board. And it’s no hollow

School. His goal was to serve four years, but that turned

bloviating either. When Durham says he serves, he means

into 20 and included time in Memphis; Okinawa, Japan;

it, and his involvements extend far beyond the Chamber,

and San Diego, California. He eventually became a Marine

including seats on multiple local non-profit boards, leader-

recruiter, a position that put him in Birmingham and then

ship in his church and even a service-first philosophy that

Atlanta before bringing him home, where he was the senior

takes priority in his work as a State Farm Agent.

enlisted for the city’s recruiting command.

Putting in the time and effort all his roles require is a skill

Durham retired from the military in July 2003, but he wasn’t

the Montgomery native learned from his parents. “Both

slowing down. He worked as salesperson for Cintas for

of my parents worked really hard and taught me a strong

one year before he opened his State Farm Agency in July

work ethic,” he said. “I’d see them both leave every day

2004, a decision inspired by Mrs. Durham. “While I was still

and work 10-12 hours.”

recruiting, my wife was an underwriter at Southern Guaranty, an insurance company here,” Durham said. “She often

Showing them how their examples affected him underpins

told me, ‘Honey I think you’d do good in insurance. You are

the motivation that keeps him going and growing. “I’ve

disciplined, structured and care about people.’” He reached

always been driven by the desire to make my parents

out to State Farm, and they agreed with her. “They gave me

proud,” he said. Another fruit of the seeds they planted is

the chance to start this agency,” he said.

a service mindset that manifested when Durham enlisted

12 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

KEYS TO SUCCESS

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Know that you are capable despite your background, past or circumstances.

HAVE A PLAN Know where you are going. Success comes with thought and preparation for each step.

BE WILLING TO WORK Success involves hard work. Long hours and continuing after everyone has gone home is often necessary to achieve your goals.

GIVEBACK BIG:

proven her right. “So the moral of this story is always listen to your wife,” Durham said. “I love what I do and love that I can help people when things go bad and can be there when things go right too. The ‘good neighbor’ thing is true.” Despite the use of a State Farm advertising phrase in his explanation of why he enjoys his job, his enthusiasm for his work is genuine. “It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to do well for yourself while also doing good for others,” he said.

Owning and operating a small business keeps Durham busy, but never too busy to give back. He’s on the board of Child Protect because he’s passionate about protecting children.

“I want to support anyone advocating for kids, especially kids who’ve been assaulted or involved in violent crimes,” he said.

"

In the past 14 years, Durham’s success and satisfaction have

If I can play a small part in advancing our area, the return I get on those efforts is so much greater than what I give.

"

training are effective ways to do that drives his service on the Montgomery Habitat for Humanity board, Hope Inspired Ministries board and pushed him to accept a position as a commissioner with the Montgomery Housing Authority. “I came up in public housing, and I’m concerned about good housing options for people here,” he said. “And what Hope

His belief that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and that providing affordable housing and job

Inspired Ministries does is so crucial, catching people who are falling through the cracks of life and giving them the education and skills they need to provide for themselves.”

13 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Durham serves on the board of Child Protect.

He’s also on Baptist Health’s board, and of-

by making people more aware of what the

ten touts the importance of recruiting good

Chamber’s role is.”

doctors to our area.

He also outlined some misconceptions he

Durham was a U.S. Marine for 20 years and sits on the board of multiple local non-profits.

Each of his commitments fulfills a specific

aims to clear up. “I think some people think

need he sees in his hometown, but each

the Chamber exists to bring business right

instance of generosity stands on a common

to them,” he said. “But that’s not accurate.

foundation too: Durham’s faith. “The most

The Chamber exists to create an environ-

important thing I do in terms of service is

ment where new businesses will want to

being a deacon in my church, New Home

locate here and businesses already here

Missionary Baptist Church,” he said. “The

will stay and grow. When that happens,

Word says, ‘To whom much is given much is

everyone and everyone’s business does

required.’ And I have been truly blessed.”

better.”

Sharing his blessings includes not only just

He’s devoted to pushing the number of

being a Chamber member, but also actively

small business members up, too. “Small

promoting it and helping it achieve its goals

businesses are essential, and I want them

since becoming a Chamber Ambassador in

to know that the Chamber is here for them

2004. “I’ve just continued to get more and

as well. It’s not just about the big industry

more engaged with the Chamber, and I’ve

companies,” he said. “I want them to see

been able to see more of the inner work-

the value of Chamber membership.”

ings and better understand the Chamber’s mission,” he said.

Accepting the Chairman’s gavel is, to Durham, just another outward expression

This understanding is something else he

of what he’s long held to be true, that we

hopes to share during his tenure as Chair-

are the difference we seek. “If this is your

man. “What the Chamber does is key to our

home, you can sit back and complain about

area. Business recruitment and retention,

the things you don’t like or the changes that

job creation and preservation, its leadership

need to be made,” he said. “Or, you can

in championing public education, embrac-

roll up your sleeves and see what you can

ing diversity, it does all of these,” he said.

do about it. If I can play a small part in ad-

“So one of my main objectives as Chairman

vancing our area, the return I get on those

will be to increase Chamber membership

efforts is so much greater than what I give.”

14 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE SMILE Plenty of people in the River Region know who Willie Durham is, even if they’ve never met him. They see his bright smile beaming off his numerous State Farm billboards or catch that grin in real life if they pull up next to him in his car that’s wrapped in the insurance company’s red and white logo. But maybe you’d like to know a little more.

Between work and his multiple community contributions, it seems almost impossible that Durham has any time left for a personal life or other interests and yet he’s been married to Terrie, his high school sweetheart, for 34 years and helped her raise a 19 year-old-son (Kolby, a sophomore at AUM). And, he squirrels away moments to indulge his love of reading (mostly self-help books about leadership) and to cheer on his beloved Atlanta Falcons and Auburn Tigers.

15 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

BUILDING 2019 WORKINGON THE PLAN: Chairman Willie Durham’s work ethic and

CHAIRMAN’S TAKE

We asked new Chamber Board Chairman Willie Durham his thoughts on the direction of the city and region.

What’s the state of the city right now?

broad community engagement fit right in with the Chamber’s aggressive and proactive approach to economic development. “One of the greatest strengths of our Chamber is that we approach economic development comprehensively,” Durham said. "So, whether it’s tourism, or military mission vigilance, attracting new air service, helping companies expand,

We’re entering a transition time, with Mayor Strange not running again. Who will

recruiting new companies, building our

the new chief executive be and what will his fiscal and business policies be like?

workforce, or helping launch small and

We don’t know. But what I know is that for the city and area to survive and thrive,

minority-owned businesses, the Chamber

we have to stay business friendly. With have a built a great foundation for the tech

is one organization working seamlessly

boom here, and we have to grow that, to seize that potential. We’ll do that with more

across all those fronts with one guiding

and with deeper partnerships with Maxwell-Gunter AFB, with our universities and

mission in mind – to create jobs and pros-

with the private sector.

perity for our community. Through the

What steps should the city take to stay on the leading edge?

Chamber, business and elected leaders come together in partnership and agree

We need to embrace our youth and get them more involved. City leadership has

on the obstacles we have as a city and re-

done a great job bringing us to this point, but we can’t continue to lose our talent

gion, and then that same group of leaders

to Nashville, Huntsville and Atlanta. We have to reach out to youth and let them

builds the strategy to turn those obstacles

know there is a seat for them at the table as well. The “They have to wait their turn”

into opportunities.” While the four major

thinking is flawed.

pillars of the Imagine strategy remain a

Where would you like to see Montgomery in 10 years?

consistent guiding roadmap for the work of the Chamber, Durham admits he has

I would like to see no distinction between public and private education. I would like

his own “priorities within the priorities”

for all of the options to have at least one description in common: quality. I’d also

that he is particularly passionate about:

like to see the city become even more of a destination city, not just some place you pass through going to the beach or somewhere else. I think EJI is doing things to bring people here from all over the globe, and I want to build on that. The Memorial to Peace and Justice is so powerful. I know history, but to actually, physically see the names and read the stories at that memorial is very compelling.

16 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

So, whether it’s tourism, or military mission

"

vigilance, attracting new air service, helping companies expand, recruiting new companies, building our workforce, or helping launch small and minority owned businesses, the Chamber is one organization working seamlessly across all those fronts with one guiding mission in mind – to create jobs and prosperity for our community.

"

2019 GOALS Goal 1: Build Competitive Regional Talent Montgomery deserves quality public education. Period.

Goal II: Strengthen and Diversify the Economy Small businesses make up more than 80 percent of our local economy, and those businesses need a one-stop resource where they can connect to their community and their customers and learn how to grow their business and stay on top of issues. Those companies also need someone working on their behalf to grow the Montgomery regional marketplace. That’s what the Chamber does, and I want our small business community to be more aware of all the Chamber has to offer.

Goal III: Transform the Image of Montgomery We’ve got to focus on quality of place if we are going to change our image. Other cities like Nashville and others are investing in quality of place projects that will attract and retain talent.

Goal IV: Build Community Capacity We have a diverse new group of elected leadership emerging in Montgomery. They are stepping up because they want to make a difference. I’m excited about that.

2019

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ( Front Row): Judge Charles Price, Immediate Past Chairman, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, City of Montgomery (Second Row): Willie Durham, 2019 Chairman of the Board, State Farm Insurance; Leslie L. Sanders, Vice Chairman, Vice PresidentSouthern Division, Alabama Power Company; Alvin H. Dees, Chairman Elect Executive Vice President, Alfa Companies (Third Row): Riley W. Roby, Vice Chairman Managing Partner, Balch & Bingham, LLP; Randall L. George, President Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce; Arthur J. DuCote, Vice Chairman Market President, Regions Bank

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

MR. JAMES E. BUCKALEW Chairman & President Alabama Real Estate Holdings/PCH

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

MR. JOHN ANZALONE President and Partner, Anzalone Liszt Grove Research, Inc.

MR. MARK P. BUNTING Vice President & General Manager WSFA TV

LT. GENERAL ANTHONY J. COTTON Commander & President, Headquarters Air University Maxwell AFB

MR. VLADIMIR V. AVERETT Manager/Owner, Heritage Barber & Style Shop

MR. G. CARLTON BARKER Montgomery Regional CEO ServisFirst Bank

MR. JEFFREY W. BLITZ Partner, Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A.

MR. JOSHWON BUSH President & CEO, Up and Running

MR. CEDRIC T. CAMPBELL Project Manager Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.

MR. DONG RYEOL CHOI President & CEO, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC

MR. A. BRUCE CRAWFORD Montgomery CEO BBVA Compass

MS. CASSANDRA CROSBY-MCCULLOUGH Managing Partner, Crosby Drinkard Group, LLC

18 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MR. EDWARD F. CROWELL Brig Gen, USAF, Retired

MR. GILBERT DARRINGTON CEO Health Services, Inc.

MR. BRIAN DAVIS Regional Manager Spire

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

MR. ALVIN H. DEES Executive Vice President, Alfa Companies

MS. ANGIE DODSON Director, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

MR. ARTHUR J. DUCOTE Market President, Regions Bank

MR. WILLIE DURHAM Agent State Farm Insurance

MRS. TAMARA K. FLEMING Chair, Montgomery Airport Authority

MR. MICHAEL GALVIN President, Montgomery Advertiser-USA Today Network

MR. RANDALL L. GEORGE President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

MR. ZACHARY GIBBS Executive Vice President Halstead, LLC

MR. RICHARD E. HANAN Board Chairman Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board

MR. THOMAS ASHLEY HARRIS Managing Director, Stifel

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

MS. EVETTE HESTER Executive Director, The Housing Authority of the City of Montgomery, AL

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

19 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MR. NIM T. FRAZER JR. General Manager, Industrial Partners, LLC

MR. ROBERT M. HARDWICH, JR. Chairman, Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery

MR. JIMMY HILL President & CEO, River Region United Way

2019

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MR. HORACE H. HORN JR. Chairman, Montgomery Area Committee of 100

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

MR. LANCE D. HUNTER CEO, Hodges Warehouse + Logistics

MR. S.D. KIM CEO Sys-Con, LLC

MR. JAKE KYSER President Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.

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

MR. COLEMAN LARLEE General Manager, SABIC Polymers

MR. JAMES K. LOWDER Chairman The Colonial Company

MR. TROY MAXWELL District Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

MR. JOHN B. MAZYCK Executive Vice President, The Frazer Lanier Company

MR. GREG MCCLELLAN President & CEO MAX-Corporate Office

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

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

DR. ANN R. MOORE Superintendent, Montgomery Public Schools

MRS. ANN SADIE OSTEN Owner Sadie’s Global Travel, Ltd.

MS. ESSENCE J. PHENIX President & CEO, Smoothie King

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

MR. DAVID B. REED Executive Vice President & Chairman of the Board, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.

20 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

STACIA ROBINSON Agency Principal, The BeneChoice Companies

MR. RILEY W. ROBY Managing Partner Balch & Bingham, LLP

DR. QUINTON T. ROSS JR. President, Alabama State University

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

MR. TODD SCHMIDT Executive Director, Alabama Shakespeare Festival

MR. PATRICK SIDHU President & CEO, Premier Kings, Inc.

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

MR. RICHARD M. STABLER Managing Member, Warren Averett, LLC

MR. BOYD STEPHENS Founder/Network Administrator, Netelysis

THE HONORABLE TODD STRANGE Mayor, City of Montgomery

LIZ SADIE SUTTON President, Alabama World Travel/Sutton & Associates

MR. EUGENE TINKER JR. CEO, Certified Technical Experts, Inc.

MR. W. RUSSELL TYNER President & CEO, Baptist Health

MR. STEWART VANCE Founder, The Vance Law Firm PC

MR. JAMES N. WALTER Shareholder, Capell & Howard PC

MR. ADOLPH WEIL III President, John Hall Realty

MRS. VIRGINIA WHITFIELD President, Whitfield Consulting

MS. TANIA M. WILKES Chief Implementation & Sustainment LOB Computing, DISA

21 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MR. JOHN D. YELVERTON III President & COO, Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air

2019

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

ASHLEY AARON AIMS

BRAD ARMAGOST ServisFirst Bank

JENNIFER ATKINS New Waters Realty Company, LLC

KEITH BAZZLE Buffalo Rock Pepsi

JEANNINE P. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama Society of CPAs

BRIAN BONIKOWSKI Avis & Budget Rent A Car

JAKE CARLTON Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery

ANITA CARTER Jim Wilson & Associates

LYNN CARTER Southeast Cherokee Construction, Inc.

GILBERT DARRINGTON Health Services, Inc.

CLARK FINE Fine, Geddie & Associates

MATT FLURRY Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.

FREDY FRANKE Gerhardi, Inc.

BILL GUILFORD WOW!

JOHN F. HALEY VT Miltope

PERRY O. HOOPER, JR. Palomar Insurance Corporation

LANCE HYCHE INTL FCStone Financial, Inc.

RAY INGRAM Jack Ingram Motors, Inc.

22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2019 MEMBERS OF THE MONTGOMERY CHAMBER CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE. They are engaged and impacting the issues and developments that fuel growth and prosperity in our region.

MIKE JORDAN Alabama Power Company

TRACI KELLEY ASE Credit Union

SHANNON MAXWELL Enterprise Rent-A-Car

MAC MCBRIDE STERIS Corporation

KERRY PALMER Trinity Presbyterian School

RUSS TYNER Baptist Health

BOBBY POUNDSTONE Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

BETH WALKER-MCBRIDE WorkForce Walker Personnel, LLC

DR. LARRY MCLEMORE Saint James School

JOHN MCWILLIAMS The Montgomery Academy

ANN OSTEN Sadie’s Global Travel, Ltd.

JOE RILEY Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.

BRITT TAYLOR Taylor-Chandler, LLC

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

DENNIS WATERS LEDIC Realty Company, LLC

CLARE WEIL The UPS Store

DR. MICHAEL WILLIAMS Faulkner University

23 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

PROGRESS

REPORT 8,366 announced jobs Record-Breaking

TechMGM Connecting our Tech Community

$546+ Million Capital Investment Largest in 15 years

Source: Collected from Montgomery County Business

Source: Collected from Montgomery County Businesses YTD Jan - Oct, 2012 - 2018

Ranked 2018 Digital City Mentored

leveraging resources, cultural attributes and local talent

Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

2018 Top Destination

Source: Center for Digital Government

2,000+

Transforming Education

24 new candidates

ran for open school board seats

4 new members voted into office

Over

100,000

more hotel rooms booked this year Source: Smith Travel Research Report

New Tech Initiative Launches

New York Times

Visitors generating over

$560M annually

Source: Smith Travel Research Report

MGM Impact Makers New direct flights to DC and Orlando

MGM Passenger Enplanements up 12.7%

Launched the inaugural awards program to recognize and honor member businesses and individuals, from the community, who are making impacts centered around the Chamber’s Imagine A Greater Montgomery strategy: Talent, Economy, Image and Community

montgomerychamber.com l #mgmchamber

24 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Over

$2 Million in earned media

Leveraging partnerships between the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County, local elected leaders and the business community, the Chamber has been able to accomplish great things through its Imagine A Greater Montgomery strategy. This report is just a snapshot of the progress we’ve made, and with your continued support and investment, we are looking to the future.

Lands $18 Million for Maxwell Air Force Base Air Traffic Control Tower

11% increase in Per Capita Income

Maxwell-Gunter AFB

$2.6 Billion annual impact

Source: Air University Education Digest

New York Times 52 Best Places to Go in 2018 Source: Conde Nast Travel

Annual construction permits up

50%

Source: City of Montgomery Building Department 2012 - 2017

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

Innovation Hub

Expanding

Workforce Development

MGM Wins Bed Down of the F-35 protecting 1,400 jobs $100M+ annual impact $65M MILCON

Launched

$200+ Million in downtown revitalization

Source: Conde Nast Travel

new Chamber members this year

Source: City of Montgomery Economic and Community Development Department

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Fueling

Best Place to Travel

193

$4.8 Billion

Leading Alabama

Source: 2015 Economic Impact from HMMA

Source: Smith Travel Research Report

annual impact

25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

in hotel occupancy

CELEBRATING PROGRESS, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE On December 11, 2018, the Montgomery

address from former U.S. Attorney

Chamber concluded its 146th Annual

General Jeff Sessions, a video overview

Meeting, a signature event for the

of the Chamber’s accomplishments

region’s business community and

and updates on initiatives underway,

elected leadership. This year’s meeting

and 2018 Chairman, Judge Charles

recapped the Chamber’s 2018 wins and

Price passed the gavel to incoming

highlighted economic development and

2019 Chairman Willie Durham. The

tourism projects underway that will lead

Chamber presented its first-ever MGM

to future growth in the region.

Impact Maker Awards, which honored individuals and companies making a

The meeting included a keynote

2019 Chairman Willie Durham presents outgoing 2018 Chairman Judge Charles Price with the Chairman’s Plaque.

Presenting Speaker: Former U.S. Attorney General Sessions.

significant difference in the region.

Pam Mashburn, Owner exploreMedia and Publisher of the Chamber’s MBJ presents the Inaugural MGM Impact Maker Awards.

Guest Speaker: State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey.

2019 Chairman Willie Durham with his wife Terrie and their son Kolby.

The 2018 MGM Impact Maker Award Winners in all categories.

Perry O. Hooper, Jr., Palomar Insurance Group; Mara Harrison, Palomar Insurance Group; Wiley Lot, Southeast Gas.

26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Earning It

This year the Chamber’s Montgomery Business Journal launched the MGM Impact Maker Awards, sponsored by BB&T, to showcase member businesses and individuals who are making considerable impacts within key goal areas of the Chamber’s Imagine A Greater Montgomery economic growth strategy. Those strategic areas include: TALENT; ECONOMY; IMAGE; COMMUNITY; AND MILITARY.

A call for nominations went out, and the response was overwhelming. More than 50 businesses and individuals were nominated and 7,000 votes cast. And at the meeting, the Chamber announced its First Ever Impact Makers!

Nonprofit

Individual

Mid-size Business Small Business

Large Business Left Column: Individual Winner: Kim Traff, RSVP Magazine Small Business Winner: Fleet Feet Montgomery Right Column: Nonprofit Winner: Family Sunshine Center Mid-Size Business Winner: Faulkner’s Jones School of Law Large Business Winner: Beasley Allen Law Firm

Are you making an Impact and want to be recognized as an MGM Impact Maker?

The call for nominations will be in the Spring of 2019.

27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

VESTOR IN

OFIL

Q&A

E

JERE BEASLEY While a young Jere Beasley initially harbored dreams of being a football coach, the law captured his interest early too. Today, the firm he founded as a one-man operation is one of the most powerful and productive civil litigation practices in the country.

When did you start the law firm that’s grown toQuestion? become Beasley, Answer. Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.?

financial loss or major injury, all from some wrongdoing that

In 1979. We moved to Commerce Street downtown in 2004.

helped them.

affected them. When you are able to achieve some good result for them, there is great satisfaction in knowing you’ve

We now have four buildings on Commerce and an office in Atlanta.

In the many cases you’ve been involved in, is there one that stands out?

What are the firm’s primary practice areas?

A case that involved KUBOTA tractor company. One of their

We have four separate sections, and each has expertise

tractors rolled over and killed a man, one that didn’t have

within its scope: personal injury and product liability; mass

the same safety features they do now. He died a tragic

torts; toxic torts; and consumer fraud and commercial

death, and his family hired us to look into it because the

litigation.

company wouldn’t even return their calls. In the end, we won that case, and as a result, the company made changes

What got you interested in practicing law?

that made their products better and safer for everyone. That

My original plan was to be a football coach, but I got hurt in

got my attention, made me realize we could have a positive

college and had to give up football, so I gave the idea of be-

impact on people far beyond just our clients. I look back

ing a coach up too. After graduating from Auburn University,

over the years, at the hundreds of clients we directly helped

I decided to go to law school at the University of Alabama

but also the changes made that benefit everyone, changes

and then practiced in Tuscaloosa for a few years, then in

that would not have happened without the court system.

Clayton, Alabama, where I’m from. Then, I decided to run terms [1971-1979], and then ran for governor in 1978 but was

With your multiple obligations, why be so involved in Chamber?

handily defeated. That put me right back into practicing law.

Our Chamber has changed dramatically over the years. It is

I can’t say that this is why I became a lawyer, but it is a really

now very proactive, like getting involved in public educa-

strong memory: After they’d finish working their crops, farm-

tion. It also does such great work selling Montgomery, and

ers in Clayton, including my dad, would sometimes hang out

that’s key, since we are at a crossroads now. We are at a

at the courthouse. My dad took me with him one day. I think

point where we either go forward or we regress. We have

I was around 12. For some reason, the judge called me up

an opportunity to really push the city and area to reach its

and sat me by him at the bench, and I observed part of a

full potential.

for office. I served as Alabama’s lieutenant governor for two

trial from there. I so vividly recall that. I do still think I would

What are your interests outside of work?

have been a good football coach, though.

I don’t have any real hobbies, but I’m an Auburn fan, and I’m

Why did you move into becoming a plaintiff’s attorney?

very interested in my wife’s businesses, Pickwick Antiques

In law school, I realized I wanted to practice some kind of

about antiques; I don’t. But it’s fascinating to me. I love to

law that dealt with people. I worked for a defense firm in

go over to those places, fiddle around with things. They fix

Tuscaloosa and realized that was not for me. When I was in

them after I leave. We’re actually putting a second location

Clayton, I moved into representing people, and that evolved

of Montgomery Antiques & Interiors downtown on Dexter

into what I do now. Everyone who comes to see us usually

Avenue.

and Montgomery Antiques & Interiors. She knows a lot

has a severe problem: the death of a loved one, a large

28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS

PR

PO WERHOUSE

Firm Foundation “There are so many charitable organizations doing good for our entire community, and I feel an obligation to be involved. But it’s not just me; it’s the entire firm.

We all share that view.”

Another note /

During his first term as Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor,

Jere Beasley served as acting governor for 32 days when Governor George Wallace was shot in Maryland and out of the state recovering.

29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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*

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M EM BER profile

ELECTIA LOVE Montgomery native Electia Love serves in the Army Reserve and is also serving in her role as CEO, co-founder and qualifying broker at Bealoaks Properties LLC, basing her business on Army values.

Are you from Montgomery? Yes. I was born at Maxwell Regional Hospital. I also attended public schools in the city. I left Montgomery shortly after graduating high school for basic training, joining the Army Reserve. After completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, I returned to the area for college.

When was Bealoaks Properties founded? June of 2011

What are the company’s primary services? To provide services to customers who are seeking assistance in buying or selling real estate.

Who are your primary clients? Traditional buyers and sellers, investors and HOAs.

What does your job entail? As the owner of Bealoaks, my job is to oversee all operations of the business.

What do you love about your work? My favorite thing is working with people and helping meet their needs.

What is your business philosophy? It is very similar to the Army’s core values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I provide services with excellence, care and skill, making my clients comfortable enough to trust me with their largest investment.

What are your interests outside of work? Continuing my education. It is my belief that knowledge is power. I will continue and learn as long as I live. Also, my family.

I’m married to Joseph Love, and we have two sons. And in PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

addition to my work as a real estate broker, I’m a soldier in the Army Reserve; I’m an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; and I’m a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I’m also active in my

Big News: In early 2018, Bealoaks Property Management LLC changed its name to Bealoaks Properties LLC and changed

church, and I volunteer in the community.

its direction. The company is now a brokerage firm that

bealoaksproperties.com

purchased PMI River Region, a franchised company focused

provides expertise in residential and commercial sales. It also on residential and commercial property management.

31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

M EM BE R profile

LANIE BRAZELL A former accountant, Lanie Brazell left the calculations and balance sheets behind when she discovered the transformative power of Pilates. She’s now sharing the practice with others at her three Club Pilates locations.

When did you open Club Pilates? I opened Club Pilates East Montgomery in September 2017. Club Pilates Zelda opened March 1, 2018. And Club Pilates Auburn will open January 31.

What got you into Pilates? I started doing Pilates as a way to recover from my first pregnancy and used it to recover from my two subsequent ones. I also got my husband into Pilates as a way to prolong his professional baseball career.

What are Club Pilates’ primary offerings? Club Pilates studios offer low-impact, full-body workouts, but so much more. With a range of classes that challenge your mind as well as your body, Club Pilates provides a path to a more fulfilling life. The reformer-based group Pilates classes are complemented by TriggerPoint, TRX®, springboard, EXO-Chair and other equipment designed to build strength, mobility and stability. We have eight different types of classes with four different levels.

What are the benefits of Pilates? Pilates can make a difference in your health without taking a toll on your body by offering a refreshing workout that develops a strong core, long, lean muscles and flexibility.

What is your business philosophy? My husband played professional baseball for 18 years. His favorite quote is from Babe Ruth: “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way!” This pertains to business as well. If you never step up to the plate and try, you will never have success.

What are your interests outside of work?

Our East Montgomery studio is a Platinum studio and was

My husband Craig Brazell and I and our three sons are

in the top 15 in the nation in gross revenue in October and

members of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Club Pilates

November 2017. And I was recently elected to the National

has supported many local non-profits and events like

Marketing Committee for Club Pilates. This is comprised of

Breakfast for Babies, Jingle Bell Run, Footprints Ministry,

only six franchisees elected on by the other franchisees.

Service Dogs of Alabama and more. clubpilates.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

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ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS? Contact Admissions Director Julie Lopez Call 334-318-3777 or email jlopez@montgomerycatholic.org

FA I T H. E X CE LLE N CE. SER V I CE. TH IS IS CATH O LI C.

M EM BER profile

JESSICA DO With her husband and co-owner Paul by her side, Jessica Do is relishing their restaurant Seafood Bistro’s role in Montgomery’s delicious dining scene.

When did you and your husband open Seafood Bistro? We opened The Seafood Bistro on March 1, 2013, back at our old location on Woodmere Boulevard.

We reopened our doors at our Perry Hill Road location on May 21, 2018.

What motivated you to open a restaurant? We wanted to do something that we like doing, and cooking was something that both of us were drawn to. We were both born and raised in Mobile and both worked in different types of restaurants there. We moved up here to help a family member and then we saw an opportunity to realize our dream. We also grew up with family members working with seafood in Bayou la Batre, Alabama, so a seafood restaurant was a natural progression for us. We’re Cajun-influenced cuisine that specializes in seafood.

What inspired your restaurant’s focus? We’re able to obtain fresh seafood through our family ties and connections back in the Bayou la Batre area, and the Cajun flavors are what both of us grew up on in Mobile’s melting pot of diverse cultures and flavors.

What’s Seafood Bistro’s most popular dish?

Our shrimp po’ boy.

What’s your favorite dish? I don’t have a favorite.

We love to cook, so we try to be creative with what we would like to eat.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Being able to create meals that our customers, who we call Bistronistas, enjoy and interacting with the different people PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

we meet on a daily basis.

What are your interests outside of work? For me, it would be gardening and fitness. Paul likes working with his hands and building things. And our kids! Both of them drive and motivate us to be role models that they can look up to.

TheSeafoodBistro.com

Smooth Move We loved our old location at the gas station on Woodmere Boulevard, but being able to reopen at a bigger location on Perry Hill Road with a bigger kitchen is letting us experiment and create new dishes.

POWER to the PEOPLE

Learn more about the recent progress made in Montgomery Public Schools.

MPS UPDATE:

Last year, Chamber leadership took a strong stand on Montgomery’s public education, spearheading efforts to encourage residents to run for the open seats on the Montgomery County Board of Education, to get out an informed vote in the primary and July run-off general elections and to spread the message that quality education is a key ingredient in a robust local economy.

COMING

soon

Before the old school board’s term was done, it passed a resolution asking the

Joining the Chamber in the calls to action were a large group of the

Montgomery County Commission to

city’s young professionals, leaders in the community, in business

increase the property mileage by 6

and the military, and various other stakeholders who’d all decided

from the current minimum of 10 to

that now was the time for positive change in our public education.

equal 16. The proposed vote will

The business community invested financially in campaign efforts.

occur in summer of 2019 unless

Other stakeholders facilitated school board candidate forums throughout the city.

upcoming discussion within the new board changes the proposed increase.

THROUGH IT ALL, SEVERAL MAIN THEMES EMERGED:

The community agreed that every student in Montgomery should be able to attend a school within the MPS system

TAKE NOTE: HOW TO HELP CHANGE HAPPEN

that would adequately prepare them for continuing education in post- secondary institutions, moving directly into the workforce or military upon graduation from high school.

Education impacts every facet of our community: economic development (ability to recruit/retain industry), military stability, quality of life, health, crime and population

YPS IN ACTION A diverse group of Montgomery’s young professionals and millennials played a major role in the recent election, engaging in the process with their talents, time, dollars and sweat equity. The group also sought campaign contributions to support, organized

growth, including the ability to attract capable, competent and

advertising, proactive mail pieces, targeted

prepared educational staff.

district neighborhood canvassing and other various activities that highlighted the urgency

Education is foundational to the fabric of any community.

36 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

of for voting for new leadership on the MCBE.

{ MEET { THE MCBE

Thanks to the recent election, the Montgomery County Board of Education has some new faces bringing new ideas and fresh

HERE’S WHAT THE MCBE LOOKS LIKE NOW.

perspectives to the challenges

DISTRICT 1

the Montgomery Public School

Lesa Keith

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 3

Clare Weil

Brenda DeRamus-Coleman

re-elected

newly elected President

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 7

Mary Briers

Jannah Bailey

Claudia T. Mitchell

Arica Watkins-Smith

System must overcome.

newly elected

Five seats were open for election, and a total of 23 candidates qualified to run for the open seats. This primary election cycle saw the largest voter participation in the school board race in a long time. And after the general election in November, when all the votes were counted, there were four new school board members.

current

newly elected

37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

newly elected Vice President

current

MGMWERX: PUTTING THE PEDAL DOWN 38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

THE NEWLY OPENED MGMWERX IS ACCELERATING THE EXPLORATION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND QUICKENING THE PACE OF INNOVATION IN THE RIVER REGION.

MGMWERX: WHAT IT IS MGMWERX, part of the nationwide DEFENSEWERX network, is a 501c3 non-profit organization funded through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with the Air Force Research Laboratory.

It operates on a collaborative agreement between Air University, the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

Visit mgmwerx.org

and defensewerx.org to learn more.

Photography by Bryan Carter/Carter Photo Design

39 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Why was Montgomery chosen as the location for one of DEFENSEWERX’s innovation hubs?

Explain how MGMWERX finds solutions. What specifically will be taking place at MGMWERX?

SW: The proximity of MGMWERX to

MGMWERX serves as a neutral facilita-

Air University’s dynamic cross-section

tor of idea exchange, working to foster

THE OPENING OF MGMWERX AT 41 COMMERCE IS A HIGHLY VISIBLE PIECE OF THE TECHMGM INITIATIVE and further evidence of the capital

of Air Force know-how and experi-

the collision of ideas between Air Force

ence places us at the heart of current

professionals and the host of experts

issues and problems facing today’s Air

from off the base. Initially, our main

Force. Air University educates more

efforts will be focused on expanding our

than 30,000 students through tradi-

networked ecosystem. The WERX net-

tional classroom education and online

work is the key component to all our ac-

programs annually, and we have the

tivities. By bringing together academia,

opportunity to directly interact with

non-traditional collaborators, regional

these students to help the Air Force

economic developers and industry,

find solutions to the tough problems —

we’re creating a web of expertise that

better, faster and cheaper.

can then be selectively engaged to help

city’s symbiotic relationship with Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, bringing ideas and strategies outside base gates and combining them with those from local higher education institutions and the private sector to solve real-world issues that benefit all. We asked MGMWERX Director Steve Werner how the city scored the innovation hub and how it will benefit the region and our country.

address Air University’s challenges and

What specific problems will MGMWERX be working on?

The toughest ones! We will be working on issues that directly support the warfighter and our national defense.

Ultimately, the projects we take on are selected by our customers and serve to fill an immediate need someone has identified within their unit or career field; or in some cases, those problems that address some of the most wicked problems faced by the Air Force today

Steve Werner

MGMWERX Director

— those problems whose solutions will ensure we continue to be the world’s greatest air power.

40 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

serve the larger Air Force mission.

Then, through a variety of tools — like those employed by our WERX siblings — we can begin to peel back the problem set. You can expect to see MGMWERX facilitating activities like ideation sessions, challenge events, pitch nights and workshops that take us through a process that can lead to technology transition and transfer support activities for our partners.

Additionally, we will be accepting ideas from people who believe they have something that helps our warfighter.

These ideas can be submitted through

CHAMBER LEADING THE CHARGE our website, and we’ll help vet the idea and potentially ask the creator to come forward for further ideation and development.

In what ways will MGMWERX strengthen the culture of innovation in Montgomery?

MGMWERX will look to thought leaders “outside the gate." We want to expose and be exposed to emerging technologies and new thinking. We’ll bring a variety of people to the table to address issues by integrating academia, non-traditional collaborators, regional economic developers and industry with Air University’s research and processes to get

The partnership and collaboration between the City, County, Maxwell-Gunter AFB and the Chamber has been powerful for years, but it is currently getting even stronger.

Lora McClendon, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Federal Affairs at the Chamber, explained why the Chamber has (and will continue to) put such a high level of support behind MGMWERX and related initiatives.

“The Air Force is working to create a stronger culture of innovation, to move faster and to utilize emerging technologies,” McClendon said.

“Montgomery is innovating too and is the perfect partner for the Air

innovation to the warfighter faster.

Force at this pivotal

The traditional Department of Defense

tance of MGMWERX

acquisition system has been described as cumbersome, with inherent barriers to small business and entrepreneurs. MGMWERX has the means to lower these barriers and provide a quicker path for new ideas from the non-traditional sourc-

point. The importo our area is the access to talent, resources and human capital it will bring our way. To engage with the Air Force

es of innovation.

on such a high profile, national effort

How will MGMWERX benefit businesses in the River Region?

is not only a good thing for local

At MGMWERX, we believe some of our nation’s toughest challenges are only

that is focused beyond Montgomery participants, it helps to further tell our story, and we will benefit from the individuals who will cycle in and out of Montgomery to participate in MGMWERX.”

one or two connections away from 41 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

being solved. By joining our ecosystem, people and businesses within the River Region can be part of the networked solution for the mutual benefit of the Air Force and the external community, connecting to resources that reach far beyond our local area.

What is your impression of the collaboration that exists here between the city, county, state government, the Chamber, the military and the private sector?

It’s been a great first impression. MGMWERX is partnering with Air University and the surrounding local area — to include the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce — to inspire new thinking, optimize talent and become a breeding ground for innovative thought. We consider it a highlight to be inside downtown Montgomery’s innovation district and know that the efforts of our partners are enhancing the MGMWERX innovation space to be open to freely exploring problems and potential solutions, providing stateof-the-art data, communications and visualization capability while offering unique collaboration areas that provide secure areas for participants to protect property and information.

42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

IN D USTRY OVE RVIE W

| ACCOUNTING

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: ACCOUNTING

INDISPENSABLE

ASSET

In our increasingly complex world, accountants are integral. They assist businesses of all kinds in keeping their books balanced, while also helping them decipher and navigate the rules and regulations fundamental

The impact of our area’s accounting industry adds up to more than you might think.

to running their enterprise right.

“Let’s face it, the wheels of business would fall off without CPAs. Accounting

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

is the language of business, and CPAs are its interpreters.” Diane Christy

THERE ARE

makes a strong case for the accounting

CPAS IN THE ASCPA’S MONTGOMERY CHAPTER.

being absolutely essential for a robust

industry, perhaps more than any other,

MORE THAN 700

business and commerce climate. That’s no surprise, since she’s Vice President of Communications and Centennial Events for the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. But her position doesn’t undercut her statements; it underscores them. ASCPA is 6,000 members strong, a number that gives the organization a truly “big-picture” view.

And local accountants, those “on the ground” in the River Region, echo Christy’s point. “Businesses can’t function without knowledgeable accountants,” said Nan Lloyd, CPA, EA, CTC, General Manager at Associated Business Services. “Especially small businesses.”

While the largest companies rely on accountants too, Lloyd explained why small businesses are often even more dependent on them.

A FEW HELPFUL ADDITIONS

43 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

ACCOUNTING ADVICE FROM LOCAL PROS

IN DU ST RY OV E RV I E W

| ACCOUNTING

“Accountants provide a broad range of ser-

small businesses and non-profits. There’s

vices for small businesses. From legal con-

a guy down the street who’s great at doing

cerns, to basic bookkeeping, to manage-

accounting for churches.”

ment of the business, to taxes, we play a lot of roles,” she said. And if accountants are crucial for the success of small business, they’re crucial for all, since small business is the backbone of our economy.

Lloyd, whose firm is focused on medium and small businesses, also explained why businesses don’t benefit from a one-sizefits-all approach. “Many of our clients need more guidance, and it takes a firm committed to that to best help them,” she said.

“Many large accounting firms do a great job of working with big companies, but small-business clients aren’t really cost-effective for them and vice versa.”

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

PROFIT, NO LOSS

The profession leaves a sizable philanthropic footprint in our area too, and as Ned Sheffield, CPA, Principal at Jackson Thornton, pointed out, some of that stems from

ing and consulting services to our area is

HOW HAS TECH CHANGED ACCOUNTING?

just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “Our

“We’re now in a paperless

the nature of accounting work. “Bringing knowledge and a wide variety of account-

business is about connecting with people – whether it’s through the creation of jobs, philanthropic gifts or service."

engagement in the industry. “Many CPAs serve on the boards of charitable and other organizations,” she said. “Warren Averett CEO Emeritus Carl Barranco served as chair of the United Way’s campaign in

expertise in different sectors is reassuring.

2004. Dave Borden, former managing part-

According to ASCPA, there are more than

ner at Aldridge Borden, was also a chair of

700 CPAs in the organization’s Montgomery

the United Way campaign. And those two

Chapter, which stretches from Selma to

men are only a microcosm of the incredible

Clanton, to just south and east of

public service that CPAs provide across the

Montgomery.

River Region.”

This deep pool is a positive for multiple

CALCULATING THE FUTURE

stressed. “The River Region is home to a number of very fine accounting firms, which as a whole, bring unique skill sets and experiences to serve a variety of industries,” he said. “Businesses, in many cases, don’t have to look outside of our market to receive specialized services and industry knowledge.”

MeKeisha Thomas, Principal Accountant/ Owner at Inaugural Accounting Group, agreed. “We all have certain areas of strength,” she said. “I won’t say I’m the best at every aspect of accounting, but I’m very good at what I do, which is working with

information being maintained in the Cloud.”

Christy also touted the level of community

our area’s abundance of accountants with

Managing Member at Warren Averett,

environment with most

- Ned Sheffield

With such significant duties to perform,

reasons, as Richard Stabler, CPA, Office

VS

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ACCOUNTING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE BUSINESSES?

While accounting isn’t the world’s oldest

profession, its basic functions have been important to society and economies for millennia. But in just the last few decades, the industry has undergone some of its most

Ned Sheffield, CPA, Principal, Jackson Thornton:

transformative changes, including both a

Make sure your accounting

broadening and narrowing of its scope and offerings. “CPAs will continue to stretch the services that they provide to individuals and businesses,” Christy said. “There will be fewer tidy little squares that they will fall into. Niches are constantly being developed as needs appear. The rise of bitcoin, increasing need for cybersecurity, a growing reliance on big data and sophisticated analytics mean that CPAs are a more vital part of business than ever.”

44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

department is providing you timely information to help you continually improve your overall operations as well as help position you to take advantage of opportunities. Technology is going to continue to change the way we all conduct our business, so embrace change and learn to adapt.

IN D USTRY OVE RVIE W

| ACCOUNTING

Stabler agreed, noting the rise of specific industry and service specialization at the local level. “Thirty years ago,

ENDLESS ADVANCES

only the national accounting firms provided real niche offerings,” he said. “Businesses today want value-added services and strong expertise, not just a focus on traditional compliance services. They want their account-

We live in a world inundated with technology, and it’s never

ing firm to be a trusted advisor to help their business

moving backward, only ahead. Tools fueled by tech have rev-

succeed and thrive.”

olutionized the accounting industry, allowing its practitioners to do more, do it better and do it faster. “Technology has

Other trends include increasing and fostering commu-

allowed CPAs to offer so many other services to their clients

nication with new client groups. “We have to be able to

and expand the complexity of their roles in the corporate

meet the demands of millennial-owned businesses and

world,” Diane Christy, Vice President of Communications and

clients,” Stabler said.

Centennial Events for the Alabama Society of Certified Public The industry is facing fresh tests too, like constant and

Accountants, said.

always complex changes in laws. “CPAs are asked not While Ned Sheffield, CPA, Principal at Jackson Thornton,

only to stay current, but to forecast for their clients or

fondly remembers the good ole days of thick paper files and

businesses what may be on the horizon,” Christy said.

adding machines that spit out paper tape (he still has one on

“That’s why the requirement of 40 continuing profession-

his desk for nostalgia’s sake), he knows that technology has

al hours each year for CPAs is critical to their remaining

not just greatly affected the way he and his colleagues do

relevant.”

their jobs, it has improved it too. “We’re now in a paperless environment with most information being maintained in the Cloud,” he said. “It all helps us provide even better client service by increasing our productivity and by allowing us more time to be proactive instead of reactive to our clients’ needs.”

Richard Stabler, CPA, Office Managing Member at Warren Averett, shared the same sentiments. “The biggest change, by far, in the time I’ve been an accountant has been technology,” he said. “It certainly has made our work more efficient.”

It’s also making accounting more secure and accurate. “By using innovative testing procedures, like blockchain-enabled software and data analytical techniques, clients can know more in less time, with greater precision,” Stabler said.

“Technology has allowed CPAs to

TALENT FLOW STATEMENT

The industry is also working hard to ensure the next generation is ready to tackle and handle these obstacles, and it’s no simple task. “I think most firms would say that recruiting, staffing and talent development have been some of the most significant challenges,” Stabler said. “All firms have to be able to adapt to meet the needs of younger generations, providing them with meaningful, long-term career paths with the appropriate work-life balance. In the professional services business, you are only as good as your people.”

As of fall 2018, 177 undergraduates and 57 master’s degree students were enrolled in AUM's accounting program.

Sheffield echoed Stabler. “I would say the impact of

offer so many other services to their

new technologies and our profession’s ability to adapt to

clients and expand the complexity of

the rapid pace of change is a challenge,” he said. “We’ll

their roles in the corporate world.”

need to attract and retain the best talent available in

Diane Christy, Vice President of Communications and Centennial Events for the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants

order to deliver to the clients of tomorrow; and the competition for talent is definitely increasing.”

Lloyd has seen the issue firsthand. “It’s hard these days to find even a bookkeeper-level accountant that is qualified,” she said. “But that’s good news for students. The

45 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

IN DU ST RY OVERV I E W

| ACCOUNTING

Accounting is the language of business, and CPAs are its interpreters.“Scratch the surface of any business, and you’ll find an accountant.”

- Diane Christy

“When I talk to prospective students, I tell them that accounting has many options, from working with major corporations to traveling internationally to provide audits or data analysis for international organizations to providing litigation research to the legal system,” she

industry is not shrinking; there is plenty

said.

of opportunity for an accounting career if Accountants have always been neces-

you’re qualified.”

sary for businesses of all kinds to survive Students at River Region higher-ed institu-

and thrive, and now, having a prepared

tions like AUM are listening to this counsel.

and adaptable accounting industry is

There are currently 177 undergradu-

even more critical. “Every organization

ates and 57 master’s degree students

needs someone with an accounting

in the university’s accounting program

background either as a full-time employee

as of fall 2018, numbers that are roughly

or a consultant,” Deal said. Local leaders

unchanged from five years ago. Dr. Keren

in the field believe the industry in the River

Deal, CPA, CGFM, Professor of Account-

Region is ready and able to meet today’s

ing at AUM’s School of Accountancy,

needs and those ahead, and that’s good

also sees strong employment choices on

news. “Consulting, long-term planning

the horizon for graduates. “According to

for individuals and businesses, wealth

the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the

management, forensic accounting and

demand for accountants and auditors is

litigation support are typical for public

projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to

accounting firms. And that’s not even

2026, which is faster than the average of

touching on the roles that CPAs fill in the

all occupations.”

corporate world,” said Christy. “Scratch the surface of any business, and you’ll find an

Deal also emphasized that a career in ac-

accountant.”

counting can take on many diverse forms.

A CENTURY OF SUMMATION The Alabama Society of CPAs is a member service organization composed of 6,000 certified public accountants, and this year, it is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of local and statewide events that culminate in a gala cocktail party on June 13, 2019 at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.

In recognition of the organization’s founding a century ago, the event will feature a “roaring twenties” theme.

“Vintage automobiles will bring honored guests from the pinnacle of the accounting world as well as Alabama dignitaries,” said Diane Christy, Vice President Communications and Centennial Events for the Alabama Society of

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ACCOUNTING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE BUSINESSES?

Certified Public Accountants.

“Guests will have the chance to tour ADAH’s world-class galleries while listening to

Nan Lloyd, CPA, EA, CTC, General Manager, Associated Business Services:

music of the Jazz Age and

If you can’t afford good accounting and tax advice when you

of the era.”

start your business, you don’t have any business being in business. It is an expense that’s as important as the power bill.

sampling signature cocktails

Three firms who also share the major milestone anniversary – Jackson Thornton and

Richard Stabler, CPA, Office Managing Member, Warren Averett:

Aldridge Borden in Mont-

I would suggest that all businesses develop a relationship, early

Mobile – are being highlight-

on, with a trusted, qualified accounting and consulting firm that

ed in a special January 2019

can obtain a deep knowledge of their business and bring valuable

souvenir issue of the ASCPA’s

solutions to their business needs.

CONNECTIONS magazine.

46 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

gomery and Smith Dukes of

I ND U ST Leader | Accounting I ND U ST RYRY Leader | Accounting

Marvin E. Shell & Company dba Associated Business Services

Founded: 1979

Lloyd began holding monthly networking lunches for ABS clients and others in 2008. For a decade, these events have brought

Employees: 10

small business owners together over a good meal. Attendees go through a buffet line, sit around tables and meet new people, and

Primary Products and Services: Associated

each month, the owner or representative of a different business

Business Services offers full accounting and tax services to small-

gets 15 minutes to share a bit about what they do. Creating these

to medium-sized businesses. Our accounting division specializes

connections and opportunities has become the highlight of Lloyd’s

in accounting, payroll and related tax processing, income tax for

work.

businesses and individuals, business consulting, tax planning, Quickbooks training and setup, on-site accounting outsourced

Milestones and Accomplishments:

services. We offer web accounting on our website and serve

ABS was a finalist for State Small Business of the Year 2017, and

clients all over the country remotely.

the firm has been nominated several times for The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.

What Sets Us Apart From the Competition: We use innovative technology; we have a high level of customer and client involvement; and we are invested in the lives of our employees. ABS also gives back, providing pro bono accounting work for non-profit organizations, like STEP Foundation and Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope in Kenya. In addition, CEO Nan

3201 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL | 334-834-1040 www.abs1040.com

47 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

1

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

IND U ST RY OVERV I E W

| ACCOUNTING

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ACCOUNTING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE BUSINESSES?

TEACHING ETHICS IN ACCOUNTING

BY TODD DEZOORT, PHD, CFE Teaching ethics in accounting is possible,

manage real-time ethical challenges they

necessary and worthy of great effort. Our

face by helping them recognize problems,

profession is full of standards, rules and

impose structure under stress and engage

laws, but working as an accounting profes-

the critical reasoning part of the brain.

sional is more of an art than a science,

MeKeisha Thomas, Principal Accountant/Owner, Inaugural Accounting Group:

because the discipline is built on individu-

From my perspective, a critical part of

al judgment in highly subjective settings.

teaching ethics is to address the gap

Although judgment is a wonderful thing,

between “knowing what is right and good”

it is very vulnerable to a wide variety of

and “doing what is right and good” on

illegitimate and inappropriate influences

a habitual basis.

that undermine ethicality.

Students tend to believe that ethics

When teaching ethics, I distinguish “rules-

is ultimately tested

based ethics” from “values-based ethics.”

and revealed when

Given the nature of accounting, people

large ethical dilem-

often equate ethicality with rules’ compli-

mas occur. This

out for commingling of personal

ance. While compliance with rules is obvi-

perspective can

and business funds.

ously important, equating compliance with

demotivate work

ethics can lead to a risky and misguided

on personal char-

loophole mentality that puts professionals

acter and ethicality

at great risk.

because these eth-

Make sure you keep good, detailed and organized records. And watch

ical dilemmas are

Dane Floyd, CPA, ABV, CVA, CFF, Partner, Aldridge Borden Business owners should understand their business is more than a current stream of income. Their business is an asset that has potential value over and above the income they earn on a year-to-year basis.

A key value driver for the business is a strong financial accounting system that not only allows the owner to manage the day-to-day operations, but also gives potential buyers or investors confidence in the underlying performance as reflected in the financial statements.

Todd DeZoort, PhD, CFE Durr-Fillauer Chair in Business Ethics and Professor of Accounting in the Culverhouse School of Accountancy at The University of Alabama

As important as compliance is for main-

relatively rare and

taining order and confidence, it is not

difficult to access

close to wholly sufficient for ethicality. It is

psychologically.

critical to teach the need for a strong, val-

I try to teach stu-

ues-based ethical compass to recognize

dents that character and ethics are really

the limitations of rules and extend thinking

developed and defined by all of the little

to be ready to handle situations extending

things we do (and don’t do) on a daily ba-

beyond explicit rules.

sis. This approach helps motivate students because it makes ethics both practical and

Fortunately, I typically find that students

accessible.

are hungry to learn more about ethics and ways to navigate the varied ethical

One stubborn obstacle in this area is a

challenges they face. Students tend to be

prevailing belief among many individu-

amazingly open about their virtues, vices,

als that you simply cannot teach ethics.

biases, fears and vulnerabilities. For exam-

I strongly disagree with this based on

ple, I marvel at how candid, introspective

existing research and my experience. I

and self-critical my students choose to be

find compelling evidence that ethics can

when they develop Personal Codes of Eth-

and should be taught, and that higher

ics in my courses. Further, I’ve accumulat-

education is the prime time for the effort. I

ed a large, persuasive body of evidence

feel a strong ethical obligation in this area

that teaching ethics can help students

given the stakes involved.

48 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Ranked nationally in the top-10 and #3 in the SEC for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs*, the Culverhouse School of Accountancy provides students the critical tools for careers in accounting via a personal touch approach.

What sets us apart? Our placement rate of 98 percent.

Meet the Firms This twice-a-year recruiting event gives students the opportunity to network with Big Four firms, regional firms, government organizations, healthcare providers, and major companies.

Learn More Visit culverhouse.ua.edu/accounting for more info and to learn how to apply.

Community Involvement Culverhouse LIFT, an initiative of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy, helps improve job skills for area residents through student engagement.

*2018 Public Accounting Report Annual Professors Survey

49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

IND U ST RY OVERV I E W

DID YOU KNOW?

| ACCOUNTING

UP AND COMING TALENT

WHO ARE THE NEW FACES OF MGM'S ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY?

HOMEGROWN TALENT

WANT TO GET STARTED?

Every business relies on accounting information. Accounting

“The undergraduate degree

professionals have the knowledge

allows a graduate to find

needed to make sense of this in-

employment in the area that

formation and help businesses use

interests them and then

it to their advantage. Labor statis-

pursue additional education

tics show the need for qualified

(Master's degree), training

accountants will rise in the next

Warren Averett Jeri Groce, CPA

Jackson Thornton Erica L. Bailey, CPA, CFE

Associated Business Services Sethany Hagel Accounting Staff Trainee

and certification to be the

decade, and here in Montgomery,

GENERATION NEXT

We asked some of our expert sources to identify the “up and comers” in the accounting industry working in their firms.

AUM's School of Accountancy holds dual accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)

expert in the field.”

The AUM School of Accountancy is educating and training future

The department also holds dual

accountants to serve our area and

accreditation from AACSB (As-

beyond.

sociation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a distinction

Dr. Keren Deal, CPA, CGFM,

that places it in the top 1 percent of

Professor of Accounting at

business and accounting programs

AUM’s School of Accountancy,

internation-

outlined why the River Region

ally.

should be proud of its efforts.

“In the undergraduate pro-

Plus, AUM

gram, our students can receive

is getting its

their B.S.B.A. with an accounting

graduates

specialization,” she said. “Students

ready to fill

who wish to pursue a graduate

the niches

degree in accounting can now pur-

that are

sue the Master’s of Accountancy

currently

at AUM, and many of the courses

trending in

in both programs articulate with

the industry.

the Certified Public Accountant

“Accountants

(CPA) examination as well oth-

are trained to

er national certification examina-

focus on a va-

tions such as the Certified Man-

riety of areas

agement Accountant (CMA),

from financial to tax to audit, which

Certified Government Financial

are part of the ‘big picture,’ but an

Manager (CGFM) and Certified

accounting graduate can also seek

Internal Auditor (CIA).”

specialization in fraud, data ana-

Dr. Keren Deal, CPA, CGFM, Professor of Accounting at AUM’s School of Accountancy

lytics, business processing and/or

Aldridge Borden & Co Aldridge Borden & Co Amanda Hines, CPA Corey Savoie, CPA Manager, Attestation Manager, Attestation

In addition, AUM has a very

nonprofit accounting,” Deal said.

active Beta Alpha Psi (national

“The undergraduate degree allows

accounting honor society) as well

a graduate to find employment in

as an Accounting Club that gets

the area that interests them and

students involved in both the

then pursue additional education

professional community and giving

(Master's degree), training and

back through service activities.

certification to be the expert in the field.”

50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting

Aldridge, Borden & Company, P.C. Founded: 1918

Milestones and Accomplishments: In 2018, Aldridge Borden celebrated its 100th year serving

Employees: 43

its clients. To celebrate this milestone, the firm had a yearlong celebration to honor and recognize its clients and community.

Primary Products and Services: Like many CPA

Each month in 2018, firm employees conducted and participated in

firms, Aldridge, Borden & Company provides tax services and

activities focused on those who have contributed to our success

financial statement auditing and accounting services. In addition,

over our 100 years of service (e.g., service projects, client

we also utilize current technology coupled with cloud-based appli-

appreciation projects, first responder-military appreciation, etc.).

cations to provide clients with monthly, timely financial reports. We also provide financial consulting services in the areas of business acquisitions and business valuations, and we also work with attorneys in cases involving financial damages.

What Sets Us Apart From the Competition: Aldridge Borden has been around for 100-plus years, which is something not many CPA firms can say. We attribute that longevity and success to those who came before us and taught us the importance of providing quality service to our clients and treating others, clients and employees, with respect.

74 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 116 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 334-834-6640 | www.abcpa.com

51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

2

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

| ACCOUNTING

IND U ST RY OVERV I E W

2018 TAX REFORM: NEED TO KNOW

Here are few highlights of the new tax laws that affect businesses.

A BIG TAX CHANGE:

21%

FOR SOME TAXPAYERS,

20%

OF PASS-THROUGH INCOME CAN BE EXCLUDED FROM TAXABLE INCOME.

DROP IN CORPORATE TAX RATES

BONUS DEPRECIATION HAS BEEN INCREASED TO

100%

AND IT CAN NOW BE USED ON NEW AND USED ASSETS.

ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES ARE NO LONGER DEDUCTIBLE.

LISTEN UP! A FORMER AUDITOR SPEAKS MeKeisha Thomas, Principal Accountant/Owner at Inaugural Accounting Group, was an auditor for the State of Alabama for several years. She offered this caveat for those seeking tax advice in the wrong places. “If you sit in front of me or any auditor, I am talking to you. You are the one on the hot seat.

So you need to be sure you have some understanding of the information you’ve given your accountant. It’s not them being audited. And it’s not your beautician or cousin either. Be careful the advice you take. You can’t rest on ‘My accountant told me…’. Or ‘My friend told me…’. If you can’t show me where it says in the uniform tax code that you can do this or that, any tips you got and where you got them are irrelevant.”

NOTE: Many of the provisions within the new law, like

the Qualified Business Income Deduction, will require

some complex calculations, and others are still awaiting guidance from the IRS, both reasons to strongly consider obtaining tax advice from an accountant.

52 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting

TaylorChandler, LLC Founded: 2003

they appreciate the way we work with them and for them. By

Employees: 50

provider, we help our clients improve their tax position, capital

Primary Products and Services: We provide

potential and much more. We have learned a great deal since

becoming a business partner, rather than just a service position, business structure, benefits package, acquisition

cost-effective services while maintaining the highest quality.

The experience and credentials of our partners and professional staff provide clients with the expertise of a large firm, while our commitment to superior customer service offers a personal, one-on-one approach. Our professional staff works closely with our clients by providing accounting, auditing, tax, compliance, advisory and management services to small and mid-sized businesses in targeted industries. In addition to being Certified Public Accountants, many of our professionals have achieved other professional designations that very few CPAs hold. We concentrate our practice to working with small businesses and other

we began this business, and we apply this knowledge to enhance our clients’ growth and success.

Milestones and Accomplishments: For four consecutive years, TaylorChandler has been nominated for the CPA Firm of the Year in the United States by Captive Review magazine.

In 2016, Arsenal Insurance Management (our sister company) was awarded Independent Captive Manager of the Year in the United States by Captive Review magazine.

organizations in select industries.

What Sets Us Apart From the Competition: We differ from large accounting firms by establishing working relationships, allowing us to become sufficiently involved with our clients. Our clients join the TaylorChandler family because

5151 Hampstead High Street, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL

53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

334-260-7774 | TaylorChandler.com

IND U ST RY OVERV I E W

| ACCOUNTING

FREE ING ACCOUNT ADVICE

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ACCOUNTING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE BUSINESSES? Jerry Grant

Inagural Accounting Group

CPA, PFS, Bern Butler Capilouto & Massey, P.C.

Last year, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act brought us some of the most significant changes to the income tax code in more than 30 years. I believe it is now our job (as CPAs) to proactively guide and advise our clients on how to benefit from some of the tremendous tax savings opportunities that are available under the new law.

Usually, free advice has very little value, and that’s doubly true when it comes to accounting tips. But you can count on this wisdom gleaned from a few of the River Region’s accounting experts.

Britt Taylor,

Willis Teel

CPA, Partner, TaylorChandler

CPA, Partner, Carr, Riggs, & Ingram, LLC

Ensure that you have blocked out time on a regular basis to record your accounting transactions. This keeps your business in real time and helps you to know where your business stands at any moment. As part of that process, also pay particular attention to billing timely and just as important, following up on receivables from customers and clients.

All businesses need a good working relationship with a CPA.

MeKeisha T.Thomas Principal Accountant

info@inauguralaccountinggroup.com www.InauguralAccountingGroup.com 334.356.2420

LET OUR ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS HELP YOU Make managing your finances and taxes less complicated with the help of Inaugural Accounting Group. We offer comprehensive accounting services. With our assistance, you can focus on the other important aspects of running your business.

• TAXATION

• NOTARY SERVICES

• BOOKKEEPING

• INTERACTIVE APPT. SETTING

• COLLECTIONS SERVICES

• CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL BOOKKEEPERS

• PAYROLL

• FRAUD EXAMINATION SERVICES 54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

It’s your future.

Let’s plan for it together.

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

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

Philip B. Young Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

ubs.com/branch/montgomeryl8

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified finanCial PlannerTM in the U.S. For designation disclosures visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. © UBS 2018. All rights reserved.

UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-973197046 Exp.: 11/30/2019 55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE

Tia Levanda, CPA Clint Freeman, CPA Michael Beringer, CPA

TRADITIONAL ACCOUNTING

We often begin relationships with traditional tax or audit services, but clients quickly realize we can offer so much more. By listening to your

CORPORATE ADVISORY SERVICES

needs, we connect you with our experts to help accomplish what’s important to you.

From technology solutions and wealth

RISK, SECURITY & TECHNOLOGY

management to transaction advisory services and executive recruiting, it’s time to take a closer look at Warren

HR SOLUTIONS

Averett and all we have to offer.

Let’s Thrive Together.

FINANCE TEAM SUPPORT PERSONAL SERVICES

Alabama | Florida | Georgia

56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

| www.warrenaverett.com

Content Expert: ACCOUNTING

+

E XPERT ISE AN D AN SWERS TO COMMON BIZ QUEST ION S FROM LOCALS IN TH E KN OW

P R E PAR ING TO SELL YOU R BU SINESS: S E L L- S ID E D UE D IL IGE N C E

BY M. CLINTON FREEMAN, CPA

about the reliability of financial

unresolved state

business at some point. Are you

Personal readiness – It is im-

data provided, which could derail

and local tax liabilities, worker

ready? If you are preparing to

portant to assess your personal,

the deal. This due diligence pro-

classification (as an employee

sell your business, consider the

financial and emotional readiness

cess includes improving Earnings

or independent contractor), uncer-

following steps for value creation:

in terms of staying with or transi-

Before Income Taxes Deprecia-

tain tax positions and accounting

tioning out of the business.

tion and Amortization (EBITDA)

method changes should also

and strategic preparation on

be considered in a deal-making scenario.

Everyone is going to exit their

High-level goals – Goal setting for the horizon helps you focus

Business readiness – Business-

the seller’s side. Leadership and

on where you are now, what you

es should prepare a pathway to

cultural changes, the implemen-

hope to achieve and what is hold-

move forward, which includes exit

tation of major cost-cutting or

By performing sell-side due

ing you back.

planning strategies and steps for

process changes and the loss of

diligence, businesses can help

a successful transition.

a major revenue source all need

to anticipate buyer concerns and

careful planning ahead of the

satisfy expectations.

Value gap analysis – It is important to determine the future

Value creation – A review of

value of the company in light of

current financial health and fore-

value creation, risk and potential

casts help develop and refine a

future strategies.

strategic plan.

Business attractiveness –

After navigating the value creation

Worldwide databases exist to

steps, several items should be

score your business against sim-

addressed as the market date ap-

ilar organizations and establish a

proaches. Sell-side due diligence

benchmark to improve value.

will help with any buyer concerns

market date. Tax items such as

M E E T T HE E X P E RT: Clint Freeman is a Member in Warren Averett’s Tax Division and the Firm’s Tax Technical Best Practice Leader. He has more than 30 years of public accounting experience.

Clint.Freeman@warrenaverett.com / 334-260-2330

Come watch Alabama and Auburn Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams throw down against 12 of the top college tennis teams in the country as the Capital City hosts the prestigious Blue Gray National Tennis Classic at Lagoon and O’Conner City Tennis Facilities.

Help us ensure this world class event stays in Montgomery. Partner your business with Blue Gray Tennis by selecting a sponsorship beginning at $500.

Play begins February 22 FREE 10 and Under Tennis Festival and Carnival Saturday morning FREE Blue Bell Ice Cream Donate online www.bluegraytennis.com | Call for sponsorship details 334-538-6808 Follow Blue Gray Tennis 57 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

BERN, BUTLER, CAPILOUTO & MASSEY, P.C. is a leading full service accounting firm serving clients in Alabama and beyond. Founded in 1982, our firm is fully committed to our clients’ progress. We oversee this progress through hard work, cutting edge technology, and a good, old-fashioned sense of responsibility. The CPAs at BBC&M specialize in helping businesses of all sizes grow and prosper.

• Business & Individual Tax Preparation and Planning

• Financial Forecasts & Projections

• Estate & Trust Tax Preparation and Planning

• Cash Flow & Budgeting Analysis

• IRS Representation

• Business Consulting of All Types

• Payroll and Sales Tax Services

• Pension & Profit Sharing Plans

• Audits, Reviews, and Compilations

• Financial Planning Services

• Bookkeeping/Outsourced Accounting Services

• Management Advisory Services

• Financial Statements 4137 Carmichael Road, Suite 200 | Montgomery, AL 36106 334-244-4100 | www.bbcm-cpa.com 58 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

I ND U ST RY Leader | Accounting

Bern Butler Capilouto & Massey, P.C. Founded: February 1, 1982

numbers, but we can assure you that as a client of BBC&M, you will never be treated as one.

Employees: 25

What Sets Us Apart From the Competition:

Primary Products and Services: Our firm offers a wide range of services to our individual and business clients, including tax preparation, payroll services, tax planning, IRS representation, sales tax services, estate and trust tax preparation and more. Our firm is relatively small, so our clients benefit by getting

“I believe what sets our firm apart from others is our work in tax planning and compliance,” said Jerry W. Grant, CPA. “We perform audits and bookkeeping just like other firms do, but tax is by far our largest practice area. We are proactive in helping our clients arrange their tax transactions so as to yield the best pos-

personalized, quality service.

sible results for them. We want to be out in front of tax changes

Our Business Philosophy:

any potential tax saving strategies.”

and help our clients understand the changes and benefit from

Our firm is fully committed to our clients’ progress, and we specialize in helping businesses of all sizes grow and prosper. Our firm’s philosophy stresses both hard work and technical expertise as the prerequisites for providing our clients with results. When we are effective, then you are more profitable. Our business may be with

4137 Carmichael Rd., Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36106

59 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

334-244-4100 | www.bbcm-cpa.com

M EMB E R Spotlight

JACKSON THORNTON For a century, Jackson Thornton has been providing the expertise and experience that have forged decades-long relationships with clients across the Southeast.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 205 WHEN WAS THE FIRM FOUNDED? In 1919, and it has always been headquartered in Montgomery. We were founded by Harold Crane, Lanny Crane’s grandfather. Lanny is still a part of the firm and was the one who encouraged us to relocate to downtown Montgomery (Lower Commerce Street) in the early ‘80s.

HOW IS THE FIRM CELEBRATING ITS 100TH YEAR IN BUSINESS? Giving back to the communities that have been so good to us is definitely top of mind. So, we have kicked off 100 Years | 100 Acts of Service. Each of our offices will be giving back in their own communities through service/time, and we have some firm-wide service opportunities planned. We also have some special events on the calendar throughout the year.

WHAT ARE JACKSON THORNTON’S PRIMARY SERVICES? Accounting, tax, audit/assurance, consulting, wealth management and technology services/consulting.

WHO ARE THE FIRM’S PRIMARY CLIENTS? We serve a variety of privately owned companies in the industrial, healthcare, utilities and construction areas, among others. We also have a large personal tax, accounting and wealth management focus.

Jackson Thornton’s Executive Committee (l to r): John Fendley, Johnny Weatherford, Shaw Pritchett, Ned Sheffield, Mark Baker, Daniel Thompson.

Decades of Distinction

Through the years, Jackson Thornton has been honored by Inside Public Accounting as a “Top 200 Firm;” Accounting Today “Firms to Watch;” Business Alabama “Best Companies to Work for in Alabama;” recognized by CNBC as a “Top 100 Fee-

only Wealth Management Firm;” and named TO WHAT DOES THE FIRM CREDIT ITS SUCCESS? Large Business winner of the River Region Our firm’s business philosophy of doing the right Ethics in Business and Public thing when it comes to our people and clients as well Service Awards. as the consistent dedication and commitment of so many principals and staff.

WHAT SETS JACKSON THORNTON AND ITS SERVICES APART? The willingness of our people to really walk side-by-side with our clients, hearing their challenges and helping find solutions.

Whether it’s through a generational transition, the sale of a business or planning for retirement, we want to be the one they call. In fact, all of our sister companies were initially founded to serve the growing needs of our client base. From accounting to wealth management to technology, we partner with our clients in whatever ways they need us.

SEVEN OFFICES IN ALABAMA, TENNESSEE AND KANSAS. HEADQUARTERED IN MONTGOMERY / 334-834-7660 / JACKSONTHORNTON.COM 60 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GiveBack

A REFRESHING REPRIEVE

/ by MELISSA JOHNSON WARNKE

The Respite Ministry at Montgomery’s First United Methodist Church gives its participants and their families exactly what its name implies, a break from the isolation, anxiety and exertion

IMAGES COURTESY OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF MONTGOMERY CHURCH RESPITE MINISTRY.

that can accompany life with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Montgomery’s Respite Ministry serves community members with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

In a room buzzing with activity, conversation and laughter, it’s

The program was started a little over six years ago when

easy to forget that about half of the men and women seated

FUMC’s Senior Pastor at the time, Lawson Bryan, saw a need

around the tables are living with an in-

for Alzheimer’s support groups and

curable disease. The 50 or so people

community education. He enlisted

gathered inside First United Methodist Church of Montgomery are part of the church’s Respite Ministry. Some are

Enjoy Today

participants, those who have memory

"Everyone is living with different

loss due to Alzheimer’s, dementia,

challenges, so we are just coming

Parkinson’s or stroke; the rest are

together to make it through the day

program volunteers. In fact, it’s hard to tell who’s who, and that’s by design, according to Daphne Johnston, the

and inspire each other.”

- Daphne Johnston

Johnston, who’d worked for many years as the executive director of a large retirement community, to research options the church could offer.

After studying similar groups in Fairhope, Alabama; Columbus, Georgia; and Lawrenceville, Georgia, Johnston pulled together parts of all three and formed what is now the Respite Minis-

founder and Director of the program.

try. The first day, there were two participants in the basement “All our nametags are the same — for the volunteers, partic-

of the church. Fast forward to today, and it has 65 participants

ipants and staff. That might sound simple, but there are no

and its own Respite Center on the main floor of FUMC. Four

labels that identify one person as having dementia and anoth-

days a week, the group comes together to socialize and par-

er being a volunteer,” said Johnston. “Everyone is living with

ticipate in activities ranging from music and dance, to arts and

different challenges, so we are just coming together to make it

crafts, exercise and service projects.

through the day and inspire each other.”

62 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

paid for through donations and corporate support.

Caddell Construction and Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, Respite’s two corporate sponsors, have had team members whose family members have been personally served by the ministry. “We’ve seen Respite provide unparalleled support during challenging times,” said Richard Stabler, Warren Averett’s Managing Member in Montgomery.

“Warren Averett recognizes the resource Enjoying multiple activities, the volunteers at Respite get as much from the experience as those they are helping.

that FUMC’s Respite Ministry provides to our friends and family within the community living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This minis-

Johnston said, “One of my favorite quotes is

Johnston has presented to the New York

from Lisa Genova, the author of 'Still Alice.'

State Respite Coalition and was also invited

Genova said, ‘We can’t cure Alzheimer’s

to speak on a national webinar hosted by

yet, but we can cure loneliness.’ That really

the U.S. Administration on Aging about

is the theme of what this ministry does. We

what’s going right in our nation’s faith-based

offer an alternative to the isolation — a life

communities. The Respite Ministry’s most

try has demonstrated the amazing ability to provide assistance to the caregiver and to aide in the quality of life for the participant.”

The Respite Ministry is also assisted by community partners as well area churches,

filled with meaning and hope.”

including Christ Church XP, Church of the

Providing a Path of Peace & Purpose

Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Or.

Ascension, First Baptist Church, St. John’s

Spreading the Flame of Service

Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. After a

Johnston has the ultimate goal of taking the

diagnosis, patients and their loved ones

ministry nationwide. She’s already helped a

experience a rollercoaster of emotions —

handful of churches in Alabama build similar

denial, fear and despair. “When the doctor tells you that you have Alzheimer’s, you’re told that you have an incurable disease and

Daphne Johnston and Laura Selby.

to get your affairs in order. The reality is,

“Most of our volunteers are

people can live another 20 years after that

retired. They have learned

diagnosis, and they want to really live,” said Johnston.

Statistics gathered by the Alzheimer’s Association show around 5.7 million Americans are currently living with the disease, and

million U.S. adults are caregivers, many of which aren’t receiving any kind of respite care or break from their duties. The Respite Ministry at FUMC has received national attention for its work that gives its participants a sense of purpose while allowing their caregivers a break.

of care. “The biggest surprise to me is the joy I get from working with these volunteers,” she said.

that happiness doesn’t

Johnston is one of only two paid employees

come from the golf course

at the Respite Ministry who work alongside

or by playing tennis.

a growing list of 150 volunteers. While John-

True happiness in life comes from serving others.”

that number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million by 2050. In addition, nearly 44

programs using Respite’s volunteer model

ston focuses on development and growth, Laura Selby was hired to run the day-to-day operations and coordinate volunteers. Selby estimates that over the program’s six years,

recent exposure came this past May, when Kiplinger magazine wrote about the ministry’s work, calling it a “quality alternative to the cost of rising health care.” At $40 a session, three or four days a week, the ministry costs participants around $7,000 annually.

Participants who can’t pay that aren’t turned down, they’re instead offered scholarships,

63 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

those volunteers have provided more than 60,000 hours of unpaid care. “Most of our volunteers are retired,” said Johnston. “They have learned that happiness doesn’t come from the golf course or by playing tennis.

True happiness in life comes from serving others.”

GiveBack GIVEBACK

BRIEFS

Valiant Cross Academy Highlighted Beasley Allen Law Firm Managing Attorney and Valiant Cross Academy (VCA) supporter Tom Methvin and his wife Amy recently held a special event to raise awareness of the mission of Valiant Cross Academy and raise scholarship funds to help expand the school’s reach. More than 175 guests and community leaders came out in full force to support the growing school for young men.

“Valiant Cross Academy has helped meet a huge need in our community

Hurricane Help

and made a difference in the lives

Cops for Christmas, Montgomery Police Department’s

of many young men,” Methvin said.

annual toy drive, recently expanded its efforts to help

Mayor Todd Strange addressed the

those impacted by Hurricane Michael that devastated

many guests: “We are very fortunate

parts of the Florida panhandle. MPD officers collected

to have Valiant Cross Academy in

cash donations to purchase toys and other needed

Montgomery as it represents the best of what we can be when we collectively

items and delivered them to affected families in the

share a vision to help educate our kids,” he said. “The event was held to help

Panama City area.

raise scholarship funds for 20 scholars at VCA and raised $400,000."

The Chamber wants to share the good news of businesses doing good. Please send story ideas to jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.

w

Professional Clerical (334) 265-4100 Industrial (334) 265-0100 300 Arba Street Montgomery, AL 36104 www.walkerworkforce.com

WorkForce “Since 1957” Walker Personnel, LLC

Over 62 Years

of serving the River Region!

Call us for all your staffing needs!

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64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

INDUSTRIAL

Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

F E W H O S P I TA L S A R E R E C O G N I Z E D F O R

ELEVATING T H E I R L E V E L O F H E A LT H C A R E

WITH TECHNOLOGY.

EVEN FEWER ARE THIS CLOSE TO YOU.

2018

BAPTIST HEALTH HAS RECENTLY BEEN NAMED AS ONE OF CHIME HEALTHCARE’S “MOST WIRED” HOSPITALS.

As one of only two hospital systems in the state to make this coveted list, Baptist Health is proud to be recognized for its continued commitment to digitally enabling the improvement of patient care. Over the past two years, we’ve invested more than $20 million in our generational infrastructure that is scalable enough to meet current and future technology needs. By remaining on the forefront of technology innovation, we’re equipping our staff to ensure the delivery of the highest quality healthcare, close to home.

L E A R N M O R E A B O U T O U R R E C O G N I T I O N AT

BAPTISTFIRST.ORG

65 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

GiveBack MAX4Kids Raises More Than $30,000 In mid-October, the MAX4Kids Foundation hosted its 19th Annual MAX4Kids Charity Golf Tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville. With 160 golfers and 54 dedicated sponsors, the fundraising event netted more than $30,000. At this year’s event, the MAX4Kids Foundation invited the golf team from Valiant Cross Academy to play in the tournament and also presented the team with a $5,000 donation.

“We are thankful for the support we have received from all of our sponsors and golfers, who help

Alabama Association of Independent Colleges & Universities Supports Students

make this event successful each year,” said Sandra Stenger, Chief Talent

In October, the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and

Officer and MAX4Kids

Universities (AAICU) distributed $42,000 in UPS Scholarships to as-

President. “Fundraisers,

sist 14 students at private colleges and universities in Alabama. The

like the golf tournament,

scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of

allow us the opportunity

Independent Colleges (CIC), through the CIC/UPS Educational En-

to continue to give back to local children’s organizations like Valiant

dowment. “By directly assisting Alabama students with significant fi-

Cross Academy.” The MAX4Kids Foundation benefits children’s char-

nancial need, we are helping a new generation of students achieve

ities in the River Region and East Alabama, as well as the MAX4Kids

dreams of a college education,” said Paul Hankins, President of

Scholarship Program. The MAX4Kids Foundation is a non-profit orga-

AAICU. Nationally, CIC and the UPS Foundation provided more than

nization that was created in 2001 by MAX associates as a way to give

$1.6 million in scholarships through state-based associations.

back to the communities MAX serves.

66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GiveBack

POWERFUL PARTNERS by SAVANNA PRUITT Since 2015, Alfa Insurance and the Montgomery Area Council On Aging (MACOA) have been working together

IMAGES COURTESY OF SERQUEST

to serve our community’s homebound seniors with the Meals on Wheels program.

MACOA currently has 50 Corporate Route Partners, ranging from banks and financial associations, churches and civic or-

Proud Partners. #SerquestMBJ

ganizations, to law firms and insurance agencies. Alfa is one of

Alfa and MACOA recently collaborated with Serquest,

MACOA’s most valuable partners; the company’s service-minded

a local organization that provides media and software

employees prepare nutritious meals at its onsite cafeteria, and

assistance to non-profits, to produce a video highlighting their

then make direct deliveries to homebound seniors from the office

volunteer service. Check out #SerquestMBJ on Facebook to see

location. Chacolby Burns-Johnson, Director of Development

the impact Alfa’s volunteers are making.

at MACOA, and Jeff Helms, Director of Public Relations at Alfa, How important is it for other businesses to partner with

weighed in on the significance of their collaboration.

organizations like MACOA? What sets corporate partners apart from traditional volunteers?

Helms: It’s extremely important. We are all part of the same com-

Burns-Johnson: Our Corporate Route Partners are an extra spe-

munity. It is truly better to give than to receive. When businesses

cial segment of our volunteers who provide helping hands and

partner with groups like MACOA, everyone wins. The community

open hearts— the companies commit as a team to deliver meals

is served, employees are engaged, wisdom is shared and rela-

on at least one route, once a week, bi-weekly, or once a month,

tionships are built.

which allows for a special bond to form with the senior client and How can businesses become Corporate Route Sponsors?

friendly volunteers.

Burns-Johnson: We invite all businesses, churches, firms and How has this partnership strengthened the mission and success

community organizations throughout the River Region to join our

of your respective organizations?

mission. The process is easy, rewarding, provides a great option

Helms: The MACOA partnership is just one of the ways Alfa cares

for team-building with staff while completing a service project

for the communities it serves. The Meals on Wheels program has

and offers recognition and exposure as a responsible and giving

become an emblem for the entire Alfa Cares campaign because

corporate steward making a real difference in our community. To

it personalizes both the employee and community sides of our

learn how your business or organization can take advantage of

efforts. Our participation strengthens morale and employee en-

this great workplace-friendly volunteer opportunity, visit

gagement. Leaving the office to help others is a reminder of the

macoa.org or cal (334) 263-0532.

role our business plays in the community.

P OW E R E D B Y

Burns-Johnson: The relationship with Alfa is one of a kind and has tremendously strengthened MACOA's mission and success over the last three years.

67 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Content Expert: INSU RA NCE

+

E X PE RT ISE AN D AN SWERS TO COMMON BIZ QUEST ION S FROM LOCALS IN T HE KN OW

W H Y EV ERY OR GA NIZATION NE E DS C Y BE R IN S URAN C E

BY DAVID J. DENNIS, CPIA

With today’s technology capabil-

the help they should be provided

procure an endorsement to an

Every Industry Is at Risk

ities, all businesses are at risk for

after a breach occurs.

existing policy to provide the

We often hear clients say that

coverage or obtain a stand-alone

they don’t believe they are at risk

(monoline) cyber policy.

because they don’t sell goods

As a result, cyber insurance has

Cyber Insurance is Now Widely Available

become a necessity. Ponemon

The Alabama Data Breach Noti-

The forms in a cyber insurance

don’t have access to medical

Institute’s 2018 Cost of a Data

fication Act of 2018 was enacted

policy can be complex and

records; however, you don’t have

Breach Study interviewed 477

to require most entities, as well as

vary widely across carriers. An

to be in the retail or medical

companies in 15 countries and

their third-party agents, to notify

experienced insurance agent can

industries to have an exposure.

found that the average total cost

affected individuals of a breach of

help a business navigate through

Harmon Dennis Bradshaw is here

of a data breach has risen to

their sensitive personally identifi-

the numerous cyber options and

to help you procure an insurance

$3.86 million.

able information. The good news

choose the most appropriate fit

policy that will lessen the impact

is that more insurers have entered

for them.

of a cyber attack. If you are inter-

having their data breached and their intellectual property stolen.

through their website, or they

Notification costs in the U.S. are

this space and they continue to do

ested in learning more about how

higher than any other country

so, which helps keep premiums in

our team can help you, please

due to regulations and average

check and improves coverage as

give us a call today!

$740,000. Additionally, U.S. com-

each carrier tries to differentiate

panies had higher costs associat-

themselves from their competitors.

ed with losing customers after a data breach because customers

Cyber insurance is excluded from

have a greater awareness of them

standard business insurance

and higher expectations regarding

policies, making it necessary to

M E E T T HE E X P E RT: David J. Dennis, CPIA is President of Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. ddennis@hdbinsurance.com / 334.273.7277 ext. 1830

SCity& TATE

the

of

County

Thursday, January 17, 2019 RSA Activity Center

REGISTER NOW www.montgomerychamber.com/events 69 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Baptist Health

MyMGM

A REVOLUTIONARY LIFE

/ by MELISSA JOHNSON WARNKE

Meet one of Montgomery’s most interesting and engaged residents and absorb her well-tested life advice.

Former First Lady of Costa Rica, Henrietta MacGuire. Photography by Jonathon Kohn

Henrietta Boggs MacGuire vividly recalls

were many days she’d be forced to take

the population to vote?’” He gave into her

standing atop the edge of one of Costa Ri-

off running through the mountains, trying

repeated requests, “Just to get me off his

ca’s largest volcanos. At an altitude of about

to protect her children from a barrage of

back,” Henrietta said.

10,000 feet, the wind roared, lifting wisps of

bullets.

smoke in all directions. “Will marriage to

Her time in Costa Rica and her marriage to

you be like this volcano?” she asked the

Figueres, also known as Don Pepe, ended

man who was awaiting an answer to his proposal. “Marriage to me will be much worse,” he told her. “But I can guarantee you will never be bored.”

It was 1940, and MacGuire was a

Be the Change "Find something or many things in which you can invest time, effort

student at Birmingham Southern Col-

and dedication so that you bring

lege. She’d only planned to spend the

about meaningful change."

summer in Costa Rica with her aunt and uncle. But that day, on the volcano, she

in the 1950s. After a brief time spent living in New York and then Paris, MacGuire got a call from an old acquaintance named Hugh MacGuire, a prominent doctor in Montgomery who served as the chief of staff at Jackson Hospital during the 1960s. That phone call brought her back to Alabama, and she later married Dr. MacGuire and became an active member of Montgomery’s civic and charitable circles.

agreed to marry Costa Rican coffee farmer

After the government stabilized, she was

named Jose’ Figueres Ferrer. In a few short

thrust into political power, becoming a

Over the last few decades, MacGuire has

years, Figueres would become the country’s

pivotal figure in the country’s new demo-

brought some of her revolutionary spirit

president after leading a revolution to over-

cratic government. During those years, she

to her community, bringing her courage,

throw Costa Rica’s oppressive government;

fought for women in the country to have

quick wit and forward thinking to multiple

Henrietta would become the country’s first

the right to vote. “I remember repeatedly

conversations and causes. She spent

lady. The volcanic proposal foreshadowed

yapping at my husband, ‘How can we call

endless hours volunteering with various

the volatility she’d soon experience. There

ourselves a democracy if we don’t allow half

political groups and non-profits, especially

70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

office most mornings, serving as an advisor and writer for the current owners and editors.

MacGuire celebrated her 100th birthday this past May. Mayor Todd Strange helped mark the milestone with a city proclamation making June 17, the day of her birthday party, “Henrietta Boggs MacGuire Day” in Montgomery. “I don’t know how you could aspire for more,” MacGuire said, her appreciation and amusement obvious.

Montgomery’s changing landscape makes her feel hopeful for the future; she pointed to the recently constructed Memorial for Peace and Justice as well as young leaders who have stepped up to offer their talents to the city. After a century of contributions that paved the way Montgomery Mayor Todd Stange issued a proclamation making June 17 “Henrietta

for women’s rights and fought against convention, MacGuire remains

Boggs MacGuire Day” in Montgomery. Image courtesy of Karkie Tackett.

remarkably youthful, funny and active.

the League of Women Voters, area arts organizations and Booker T.

She’s also still eager to share the wisdom she’s gleaned from her long

Washington Magnet High School.

life experience. “Our society applauds the rich and famous,” she said, “At the end of the day, you cannot curl up with your stock options.

She is also one of the founders of the former Montgomery Living

You need human contact. Taking care of relationships is of enormous

magazine, now known as AL Metro 360. She and a lawyer friend

importance.” As is finding ways to keep your brain challenged. “Find

started it in 1996 to challenge the status quo, but when they realized

something or many things in which you can invest time, effort and

that controversy wasn’t well received by advertisers, it transitioned

dedication so that you bring about meaningful change. That is my

into the lifestyle magazine it is today. MacGuire still goes into the

advice.”

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Small Business Briefcase +

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

FAVE PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS Get the lowdown on the tech tools that truly enhance workflow from locals in the know.

There’s always some new app or program claiming to make your workload lighter and increase your efficiency. So how can you determine which ones live up to the hype? Get a real-life review.

We asked the below MGM small business owners their picks for the best productivity tools.

EXPERT PICKS FOR MAKING THINGS HAPPEN:

Terry Barber:

Ashley Jernigan:

Owner of three

Owner of JBD Hospitality,

local radio stations

a company that helps clients maximize their exposure and

The new Gmail feature called

marketing efforts

“Nudging.” If you enable this setting, it will remind you to reply to emails you may have missed and to follow-up with folks who haven’t replied to you in a few days. Utilize the

Gmail Rules to file your emails into

Pam Mashburn: Owner and publisher of several local magazines The free Chrome extension

“Schedule Emails” for Gmail. This

Google Calendar

allows you to schedule your emails

for reminders and to save

in advance (or at a time when they’ll

communication emails

be at the top of your clients inbox).

when scheduling appoint-

You can also do the same thing in

ments. Once you accept

Outlook by using “Delay Delivery”

folders. You can also create rules for

or decline in email, it sets

in the options menu for New Emails.

each of your volunteer organizations,

it up in your calendar and

It’s helpful to add the “Grammarly”

family/school emails. If you are set-

notifies your client

Chrome extension too, since Gmail

or group.

didn’t include an automatic spell

ting the goal of “zeroing your inbox,”

check in its new version.

this is a great way to achieve it.

HEAD IN

THE CLOUDS

Everyone agreed that cloud-based apps and software make life easier on a small business owner. Here are a few other apps to utilize:

GOOGLE PHOTOS: WHY WE LIKE IT

GROUP ME: WHY WE LIKE IT (BETTER THAN TEXTING)

Saves automatically

Utilizes less phone memory

Accessible on phone and computer

Accessible from phone AND online (for desktop access)

Automatically compiles your photos into an album

Helps maintain better records of client communication

Automatically uploads photos from your phone camera

Can be used without downloading the app – Recipients respond as if it is a text message

Others can upload to your album with a texted or emailed link Notifies you when people have viewed your images

Allows you to prioritize your messages, unlike texts

72 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

73 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Content Expert: BA NKING C ASH MANAGEM E NT 101 As banking technology has evolved, it has become easier, faster and more secure for a business owner to view account information, initiate payments, make deposits remotely, move funds between accounts or loans and manage the risk of check fraud.

And all of these can be done from the office or via a mobile device. These fee-based services are provided by many banks and represent significant value to a business in terms of saving time and travel, providing enhanced account security, improving internal controls and providing greatly enhanced recordkeeping. We think it is wise for a business owner to learn about these services and the benefits they could bring to a business. We are often asked:

+

E X PE RTISE AN D AN SWERS TO COMMON BIZ QUEST ION S FROM LOCALS IN T HE KNOW

BY GENE CRANE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, RIVER BANK & TRUST

for your business banking needs.

protect against check fraud.

How can we protect our funds?

Imagine your very own electronic

With Positive Pay, we provide that

courier service, providing you

“check and balance” mechanism

with a 24/7/365 delivery channel

to keep your money protected.

to deposit checks into your bank

You have ultimate control over the

account with on-demand access

checks that are presented for pay-

to reporting tools that make

ment against your account. You

record-keeping a breeze.

tell us the checks that you have

It is difficult to be available to sign payroll checks. How can I eliminate issuing checks for payroll while on the go? Paying

down the geographical barriers

your employees electronically has never been easier or more secure! You can structure access levels for your payroll staff with available security checkpoints and alert notifications along the way.

Add in the benefit of employees receiving an email to let them know their pay is on the way for a full-circle, paperless payroll

issued, and we allow you to make

My business issues check payments for Accounts Payable, but we don’t have a way to

the decision when something doesn’t match. Simple, yet sound, security.

experience.

My business has satellite offices that are outside of the bank’s footprint, and I struggle to make it to the bank in time. Is there a solution? Our Commercial Remote Deposit service breaks

74 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M E E T T HE E X P E RT: Gene Crane has worked as a banker in Montgomery for 31 years. In 2011, he joined River Bank & Trust, where he is an Executive Vice President and Manager of Business Banking.

Gene Crane: 334-396-6565

B U I L D I N G B U S I N E S S.

Raising Expectations.

Chet and Travis Marshall of Marshall Design-Build with their River Bank & Trust Relationship Manager, Chris Carver.

River Bank helps guide our company’s accounting department with the most efficient, cost-saving programs available. They set the bar high with personalized attention and seamless delivery of service. That’s why three generations of the Marshall family trust River Bank to help grow our business.

Chris Carver, Vice President 334.301.7469 ccarver@river.bank NMLS 708664

To see more follow us on

and RIVERBANKANDTRUST.COM

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

75 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

|

334.396.6565

CHAMBER NEWS

Connect +

T H E L AT EST H EADLIN ES , UPDATES AN D IN S IDER IN FO FROM YOUR CHAMBER

THE LATEST BUZZ: MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE RECEIVES $18M FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER

GRAB A PIECE OF RASPBERRY PI Montgomery County high school students recently enjoyed an exciting opportunity to use their creativity and technical skills to develop a system using the latest Raspberry Pi, a small and affordable computer used to learn programming.

Each student team pitched It was announced in late October

result in ground accidents and

as Maxwell continues to support

that Maxwell AFB has been

costly damage or loss of assets,”

the needs of the Air Force in

selected by the United States

said U.S. Senator Richard Shelby

the River Region, including the

Air Force to receive $18 million

(R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate

187th Fighter Wing’s missions,”

for the construction of a new

Committee on Appropriations

said Congressman Martha Roby

air traffic control tower (ATCT)

and its Subcommittee on De-

(R-Ala.) “This would not be pos-

facility for the purpose of force

fense. “I applaud the Air Force

sible without Senator Shelby’s

protection and safety. The

on their decision to fund the

efforts, and I appreciate his lead-

construction is expected to

project. As the second-busiest

ership as Chairman of the Senate

begin June 2019 and conclude

distinguished visitor base in the

Appropriations Committee and

December 2020. On the heels

nation, this funding is critical to

its Subcommittee on Defense.”

of landing the F-35 fleet and an

maintaining and advancing Max-

Air Force innovation hub, this

well’s performance, particularly

Maxwell AFB played a role in the

signifies Montgomery’s growing

in light of its support for the F-35

Air Force’s recent selection of

military mission.

fighter jet program.”

Montgomery’s Dannelly Field as

a site for the new F-35A fighter

"This needed upgrade will

“Updating the air traffic control

jet program. The powerful new

increase the base’s functional-

tower at Maxwell-Gunter Air

aircraft is a fifth-generation fight-

ity by improving the structural

Force Base is long overdue. I

er jet that will eventually replace

conditions and enhancing

am very pleased that this issue

the Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16

the safety and visibility of all

is being addressed through the

Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thun-

operations. Without the replace-

recently passed military funding

derbolt II’s, which have been the

ment tower, the current facility’s

bill, and I look forward to seeing

primary fighter aircraft for more

health and safety issues could

this improvement become reality

than 20 years.

76 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

its system to a panel of judges, and earning the highest score, the team from Pike Road won a classroom set of Raspberry Pis for its school. Judges evaluated the students’ ability to meet the requirements, their creativity, their innovation and their professionalism to determine the winners. Teams from Brew Tech and Park Crossing also placed in the top-scoring teams.

The pitch competition and "Raspberry Jam” was held at the new state-of-the-art MGMWERX facility downtown and was sponsored by TechMGM plus participating hosts: The Chamber, MGMWERX, MIP, HackMGM, PMI, Air University, 26th NOS, PEOBES and AFCEA.

CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS

MGM IN THE NATIONALS POTLIGHT “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” did its evening broadcast live from Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery on Tuesday, October 9 as part of the show’s five-city nationwide tour. Before the broadcast, Holt spent the day in Montgomery, experiencing its rich history that included a visit to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

“I’ve never been to Montgomery, but Montgomery was a critical part of the fabric of the civil rights movement and with the opening of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, it was a place we wanted to be,” Holt said, explaining the decision to include the capital city on the tour.

The Chamber would like to again extend thanks to the leadership of WSFA and Raycom Media for giving the city this chance to shine in this national spotlight.

MGM’S SMART CITY MOVEMENT AWARDED The Center for Digital Government (CDG) recently announced that Montgomery won the 2018 Digital Cities Survey, along with several other U.S. cities that are leveraging technology to solve civic challenges, boost cybersecurity, increase transparency and improve overall quality of life. “This award is a testament to our entire team and emboldens our commitment to embracing technology to build a brighter future in the Capital of Dreams,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said. “Whether that means increasing transparency with Open Data Montgomery, using technology to improve Public Works services, making data-driven decisions to find new efficiencies or simplifying the process of starting a business, our team has been tasked with finding ways

are focused on

to make Montgomery a better place to live, work and play.”

improving qual-

ity of life within

Montgomery joined cities like Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and

the city and

Fort Collins, Colorado, as a winner in the 2018 Digital Cities Sur-

improving com-

vey’s 125,000-249,000 population classification. CDG recognized

munication with

Montgomery with an awards ceremony on November 8 in Los

citizens. For example, Montgomery worked with RoadBotics to

Angeles.

track street conditions, the findings from which will help prioritize

repairs. In another private-sector partnership, the city is making

According to the Survey, “Alabama’s capital city of Montgom-

garbage trucks central to its efforts and using real-time service

ery is focused on maximizing its citizens’ experience with their

tracking data to monitor issues that residents may be facing

government. The city’s open data portal generates transparen-

throughout the city. To increase city internet speeds, Montgomery

cy for community members, creating trust with residents and

partnered with Montgomery County as well as Maxwell Air Force

businesses. It also works internally to assist with data-driven de-

Base to provide up to 100GB speeds for its 25 members, with

cision-making, helping to identify efficiencies that can help save

the goal of attracting businesses to the area by offering faster

on costs. This is part of Montgomery’s smart cities efforts, which

connections at lower prices.”

77 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

The city’s open data portal scores big points.

CHAMBER NEWS Member FAQs D ISCOV ER W H AT YO U R C H AMBER CAN DO FOR YOU AN D YOUR BUS IN ESS .

Q: How can I maximize my Chamber membership?

A: The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s Mission is to create and preserve jobs throughout the River Region and because of your continued support and investment in us, we are able to do just that. Your membership helps fuel economic growth for the region and allows us to Imagine a Greater Montgomery for all by:

HEAR ALL ABOUT IT

“

FROM A MEMBER:

Making the Most “Being a member of the Chamber has really helped me to broaden my customer base and has presented ways to promote

Growing jobs and capital investment that build more business for all.

Working and advocating for a strong business climate, vibrant talent and improved quality of place.

Creating opportunities for meaningful business connections and promotion.

Connecting you to vital resources and important issues.

Enhancing the Montgomery area’s brand and image as a destination for business, visitors and residents.

The 60 Minute Coffees and the Business After Hours are two great ways to network and to get the word

A Lot to Offer

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS: Your membership includes a full list of benefits and most of them are free. Let us help you connect and engage with

A membership in the Chamber means so much more than annual dues, and with so many additional “member” benefits, free business resources, relationship-building opportunities and engaging Chamber events, it’s easy to take full advantage of all the Chamber has to offer.

other members in the community to grow your business, your

out about your business. I have gained a lot of room nights from members of the Chamber either directly or indirectly. The revenue generated from these connections has far out-weighed the cost of our membership. I would definitely

client base and fuel your business with the resources it needs

recommend joining the Cham-

to thrive. Take advantage of:

Networking Events:

my property to other members.

ber to any business that desires and get access to exclusive

60 Minute Coffees, Business

Total Resource Campaign: Exclusive mem-

After Hours.

ber pricing on sponsorships

plus member pricing and

and marketing opportunities

discounted rates for regis-

TIPS Club: Share news,

for Chamber events and

tration.

ideas and tips with other

initiatives.

small business owners.

sponsorships opportunities

Small Business Resources:

Montgomery Business Journal: We are always

Chamber Ambassador Program: An exclusive

Workshops, small business

collecting good news to

training, seminars, webinars

share.

group of volunteers who

and networking events.

work for Chamber Member

increasing their outreach and exposure.”

Ray Brown, Director of Sales, Homewood Suites by Hilton

Online Resources:

organizations, believe in

Chamber Events:

Job Board, Member Calen-

the Chamber’s mission and

Connect with other members,

dar, Non-Profit Calendar and

support their community.

chamber staff, community

exclusive Member-to-Mem-

stakeholders, military leaders

ber Deals and Promotions.

and local elected officials,

78 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SHE'S GOT THE ANSWERS Linda Drumheller, Senior Sales Associate, 334-340-9494 ldrumheller@montgomerychamber.com

Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

OF ALL THE PLACES HE

COULD PRACTICE,

CHOSE B A P T I S T.

HE

Within a culture of excellence at Baptist Health, Dr. Donovan Kendrick expertly treats patients with an exceptional degree of care, focusing his skills on the most delicate of anatomical systems. As a board-certified neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Officer for Baptist Health, he and his staff employ leading technology, honed knowledge and exacting precision in a comprehensive range of brain and spinal procedures and are committed to providing the best possible outcomes—close to home.

L E A R N M O R E A B O U T O U R P H Y S I C I A N E X P E RT I S E AT

BAPTISTFIRST.ORG

Donovan Kendrick, M.D. Neurosurgeon, Baptist Medical Center South Chief Medical Officer, Baptist Health 79 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS

MEMBER EVENTS:

EGGS & ISSUES – OCTOBER 16, 2018 at the RSA Activity Center Gold Sponsor: Balch & Bingham LLP

This exclusive and popular Eggs and Issues breakfast featured Congressman Bradley Byrne as he discussed the issues impacting our region from a local, national or international perspective.

CHAMBER ORIENTATION - OCTOBER

OCT Business After Hours at Arrowhead 25

31, 2018 at the Chamber;s BRC

Sponsor: Arrowhead Country Club

Sponsored by: BB&T

Montgomery Chamber members attend this informal orientation to connect and engage with other members, key Chamber staff, and to get an overview of the Chamber's mission, history, and top initiatives.

NOV 60 Minute Coffee at ALFA 07

Sponsor: Alabama AG Credit & ALFA Federation

CONVERSATIONS: ROUNDTABLES

STATE OF TALENT: WORKFORCE

FOR PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE DISCUS-

WOMEN – OCTOBER 24, 2018

SION - NOVEMBER 1, 2018 at ASF

at the Wynlakes Country Club

Presenting Sponsor: The BeneChoice

Lunch sponsored by River Region

Companies

Dermatology & Laser

Expert speaker Kim Lear shared insight

Conversations are an engaging and

on what successful communities are

impactful speaker series for professional

doing to keep and recruit their talent,

women. The October event featured

and focused on lessons learned from

Caroline Novak, President, A+ Education

successful companies who are waging

Partnership.

and winning the war on their workforce pipeline.

NOV 15

Business After Hours at Taylor Lakes Sponsor: D.R. Horton Builders

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS RECEPTION: NOVEMBER 8, 2018 at Union Station Presenting Sponsor: Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Inc.

DEC 60 Minute Coffee at Riverwalk Stadium 05

Sponsor: Montgomery Biscuits

A reception honoring the region's governmental leadership, bringing together municipal leaders, members of county government, the area's legislative delegation, education leaders and top-level stakeholders from the River Region's business community.

80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Connect A LO O K B AC K AT T H E FACES AN D PLACES OF RECEN T CHAMBER EVEN TS

MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK - NOVEMBER 11-17, 2018 Every year, River Region businesses join in a public display of support for the Military, both active duty and retired. Held in conjunction with Veterans Day, "Freedom Isn't Free" is a regional media campaign that promotes special offers and discounts for military personnel and their families.

Presenting Sponsor: Caddell Construction

WOMEN’S MEET-UP: THE ART OF NETWORKING – DECEMBER 4, 2018 at Troy University Presented By: Troy University

Troy University's Laura Chambliss and Amy Water facilitated this special meet-up on the art of networking.

146TH ANNUAL MEETING – DECEMBER 11, 2018 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel

BUSINESS AND BREWSKIS - DECEMBER 4, 2018

Presenting Sponsor: Goodwyn Mills Cawood

at Goat Haus Biergarten

This is the largest and most anticipated business event of the year,

Presenting Sponsor: Integrated Computer Solutions Inc.

Business and Brewskis was an after-work, business-to-business event for people who enjoy a casual environment to meet like-minded business professionals and perhaps make new business connections.

with close to 700 community and business leaders attending the Chamber's Annual Meeting. This signature event celebrated the Chamber's rich 146-year history, the economic development milestones of the year, the 2018 MGM Impact Makers, and the installation of the new Chairman, Willie Durham.

81 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

82 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move K EEP U P W I T H O U R M EM B ER S W ELCOMIN G N EW HIRES AN D ACCEPTIN G N EW POS ITION S

Josie Russell Young Joins New Waters Realty

Blake E. Brookshire Joins Capell & Howard P.C.

REALTOR® Josie Russell Young has joined the Sales and

Capell & Howard P.C. recently welcomed Attorney Blake

Marketing team at New Waters Realty

E. Brookshire to the firm. Brookshire

with an extensive background in con-

graduated from Auburn University with

struction, residential and commercial

a bachelor’s degree in political science

real estate. A native of Montgomery,

and received his juris doctorate, sum-

Young graduated in 2017 from Troy

ma cum laude, from the University of

University and is proud to call the

Mississippi School of Law in the spring

River Region home. She is involved in

of 2018. His practice includes primarily

numerous community and volunteer

general civil defense litigation at both

organizations, such as the Loaned

the trial and appellate level and covers

Executive team of the United Way and the YMCA Camp

various areas of law.

Chandler Board, just to name a few.

Harvey Hutchinson III Joins Welch Hornsby

Jackson Thornton Names New Principals

Welch Hornsby welcomed Harvey A. Hutchinson III as a

Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and

client advisor in the firm’s Birmingham

consulting firm, announced that Will

office. Hutchinson brings more than a

Jones and Pat Cooper have been

decade of experience in financial plan-

selected as the firm’s newest princi-

ning, trusts and estates, and wealth

pals. Jones is a principal in the firm’s

planning to serve high-net-worth indi-

Opelika office and has been with

viduals and families. He will work with

Jackson Thornton for 11 years. Jones,

Welch Hornsby’s established team

a Certified Public Accountant, special-

of client advisors to provide compre-

izes in tax planning and consulting for

hensive financial expertise, including

individuals and closely held business-

personalized financial planning and portfolio management.

es. Cooper is a principal in the firm’s Montgomery office, where he has

Agape Executive Director Retires

worked for 20 years. Cooper, a Cer-

Agape of Central Alabama announced the retirement

tified Public Accountant, specializes

of longtime Executive Director, Jimmy Dobbs. Hired as

in tax compliance and tax consulting

Executive Director of Agape in 1985,

services for utility clients across the United States.

Dobbs’ leadership has helped expand

Originally a small Montgomery based

Goodwin Animal Hospital & Pet Resort Welcomes Vet

foster care and adoption agency,

Dr. Brad Fields has joined Goodwin

Agape now serves families across

Animal Hospital & Pet Resort in

the state with offices in Montgomery,

Montgomery. Dr. Fields serves as

Birmingham and Enterprise. Dobbs

Executive Director of the Alabama

said, “I feel blessed to have shared

Veterinary Medical Foundation and

in ministry with so many special people for so many years

serves his country as a Major in the

and to have witnessed all the amazing and incredible things

U.S. Army Veterinary Reserve Corps

God has done.”

services across the state of Alabama.

and is the Officer in Charge for the 7350th Veterinary Medical Detachment. He is adjunct faculty in the Department of Healthcare Organization & Policy at the UAB School of Public Health and affiliate professor in the Department of Pathobiology at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

83 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS Members on the Move K EEP U P W I T H O U R M EM B ER S W ELCOMIN G N EW HIRES AN D ACCEPTIN G N EW POS ITION S

Montgomery Zoo Promotes New Deputy Director

administration of the Zoo under the direction of the Director.

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum announced that Ken Naugher has been named Deputy Director. Naugher began his career with the Montgomery Zoo

Trinity School Hires New Director of Finance and Operations

in 1995 as a Zookeeper and has held various positions with

Trinity School recently welcomed Merlin (Merle) A. Henkel as

the Zoo including Conservation and Enrichment Manager,

the new Director of Finance and Operations. Prior to coming

Assistant Animal Care Manager

to Trinity, Henkel served as Director

and has worked the last three

of Finance and Operations at The

years as Animal Care Manag-

Gregory School in Tucson, Arizona.

er. Naugher started in his new

For the three years prior to going

role on October 20, 2018. In his

to The Gregory School, he served

new position, Naugher will work

at Massanutten Military Acade-

closely with the Zoo’s Director,

my, first as Director of Business

Marcia Woodard, to supervise and

Operations and Development, then

manage all aspects of the Zoo’s

as Interim Head of School. Henkel

animal collection, including acquisition of new animals, veter-

has spent more than 25 years in the commercial banking

inary care and exhibit maintenance and expansion as well as

industry, the last 20 years in senior management.

+ S U B M IT T I NG NEWS ? Submit information to Jina Miniard at jminiard@montgomerychamber.com. Attach press releases as a Word document and include a high-resolution headshot (at least 300 dpi). An accompanying headshot is required

for “Members on the Move” announcements.

84 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

Community

ham, the award is given to the top Alabama project for which design is an integral part of the planning process and is a major

TROY University Gets Top Marks The Military Times, an online source military members and veterans use for information, recently ranked Troy University the top school in the state that caters to the needs of veterans and military members and their families. The Military Times surveyed hundreds of colleges across the country. Institutions were chosen using culture, academic quality, student support and financial aid for veterans and military. Troy University is also listed as 37th best overall college in the nation that serves the military.

concern of the built environment.

The city’s application to APA Alabama emphasized the results of the effort that resuscitated one of the nation’s most historic streets. Block by block, new life has bloomed on Dexter Avenue and beyond. Most recently, the openings of new public gathering places in the heart of downtown coincided with the grand reopening of the adjacent Kress on Dexter, one of the buildings sold by the city under a rehabilitation agreement but funded entirely by private sector investors. Montgomery’s downtown revitalization continues to serve as a case study in historic revitalization.

ASU Receives $600,000 in Funding from U. S. Department of Defense Alabama State University has received a three-year grant award from the U. S. Department of Defense (DOD) in the amount of $600,000 to support research on “Lightweight Multifunctional Advanced Materials.” The goal of this research is to develop fundamental materials to be used for the next generation of U.S. Air Force systems and for advanced aircraft such as the cutting-edge F-35. Such military systems and advanced aircraft require materials that are lightweight, durable and multifunctional, which ASU researchers will assist with providing to the government.

The ASU faculty members who helped bring this grant to the

MGM Earns Impressive Award The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association recently presented the City of Montgomery with the Franklin M. Setzer Outstanding Urban Design Project Award for Montgomery’s success in revitalizing Dexter Avenue. “This recognition speaks to the success we have achieved through years of hard work and responsible planning to breathe new life into Dexter Avenue,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said. “Partnerships in both the public and private sectors proved critical to realizing our vision along Dexter Avenue. This is only the beginning as more and more investors, businesses, residents and visitors choose to live, work and play on Dexter Avenue – heralding the

University are Dr. Derrick Dean (its principal investigator), who is a professor of biomedical engineering and Director of the Integrated Bioengineering and Advanced Materials Center, and Dr. Elijah Nyairo, an instructor of chemistry, who will serve as its co-principal investigator.

Achievements Local Attorney Admitted To American College Of Trial Lawyers Dennis R. Bailey has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North

good things to come in the Capital of Dreams!”

America. He was recently inducted before an audience of 850

Presented October 11 in Oxford, Mississippi, at the American

Louisiana. Bailey is a partner in the firm of Rushton, Stakely,

at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the College in New Orleans,

Planning Association’s Joint Alabama-Mississippi state conference, the recognition marks another milestone in the city’s decade-long redevelopment effort to bring community, commercial and residential activities back to Dexter Avenue. Named in memory of the former director of Design Alabama and Auburn University Architecture and Urban Studies Center in Birming-

Johnston & Garrett, P.A. and has been practicing in Montgomery for 38 years.

Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after

85 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse

business types, leveraging a team and firm resources, etc.—learned

backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose

through telephone and in-person interviews. Also built into the

professional careers have been marked by the highest standards

model: experience levels, credentials and more. Murphy is a Level

of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers

III Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Certified Financial Planner

must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can

(CFP®) and also holds the Portfolio Manager and Retirement Plan

be considered for Fellowship.

Consulting Specialist designations through UBS.

Matthew Murphy Earns Forbes Recognition

HBCU-ASU Awarded a $500,000 NSF Grant

Matthew Murphy, with Longleaf Wealth

One of Alabama State University’s nationally acclaimed research

Management at UBS Financial Ser-

scientists has been awarded a three-year, $500,000 grant from

vices, was named by Forbes as one

the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Excellence in Research

of America's Top Millennial Advisors.

program to conduct tissue regeneration research to help wound

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top

victims.

Millennial Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an al-

ASU Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Komal Vig was awarded the

gorithm of qualitative and quantitative

grant. She said it will lead to innovative strategies to regenerate tis-

data, rating thousands of individuals

sues after damage, which can help in wound healing. “The grant will

with a minimum of four years relevant

train both undergraduate and graduate students in the field of bio-

experience and acceptable compli-

medical engineering,” Vig said. The Excellence in Research program

ance records. Most important is the qualitative due diligence, which

is a new track program funded through the NSF and is designed to

examines best practices—client service models, investing process,

strengthen the research and education capacities of HBCU's.

Adult & Pediatric Medicine VA Partnership Appointments Behavioral Health Care Adult & Pediatric Optometry OB/GYN and Family Planning Adult & Children’s Dentistry In-House Pharmacy Social Services Behavioral Health Wellness Centers Mobile Care Unit WIC Services Outreach & Enrollment Radiology Laboratory

RIVER REGION HEALTH CORPORATE 1845 Cherry Street | Montgomery, AL 36107 334-420-5001 www.healthservicesinc.org

Autaugaville Health Capital Health Chisholm Health Clanton Health Eclectic Health 86 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Gateway Health Hayneville Health Montgomery Health Ramer Health

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

in Montgomery. In addition, Bradley garnered Tier 1 national rankings for the practices areas of Construction and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants. In total, Bradley earned Tier 1 metropolitan rankings across 66 practice areas and in all nine of its offices.

The firm received Tier 1 metropolitan rankings for Montgomery in the following practice areas: commercial litigation; employment law – management; litigation - labor and employment; personal injury litigation – defendants; product liability litigation – defendants; and public finance law.

2018-ABHOF-inductees: The Alabama Business Hall of Fame Class of 2018, from left to right: Randy Owen, Don James, Patricia "Sister Schubert" Barnes, Ann Rhoads, wife of inductee John Rhoads, James Pursell Sr. and Jeffrey Bayer. Inductee Charles McCrary not pictured. Photo credit: Jamm Entertainment

Alabama Business Hall of Fame Inducts Seven for Class of 2018

Gibson Vance Named A 2018 Troy University Distinguished Alumni Of The Year Beasley Allen lawyer Gibson Vance was named a 2018 Troy University Distinguished Alumni of the Year during last fall’s Homecoming celebration. Vance, a 1987 graduate, now provides leadership to the University as a member of its Board of Trustees.

On November 15, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame inducted seven new members, all of them joining a list now 223 members

“I am honored by this recognition,” Vance said. “The education

strong. The Alabama Business Hall of Fame recognizes those

and fundamental professional values I acquired while at Troy

who have brought fame and honor to the state of Alabama

placed me on a path full of opportunities. I am proud to represent

through not only their achievements as business leaders and en-

the school and to support its work in preparing the next genera-

trepreneurs, but their commitment to civic leadership, philanthro-

tion of professionals and leaders.”

py and humanitarianism. The Alabama Business Hall of Fame is located on The University of Alabama campus in the Culverhouse

A long-time supporter of Troy University, Vance and his wife,

College of Business’ Bidgood Hall.

Kate, will soon establish the Kate and Gibson Vance Study Abroad Scholarship, enabling students who wish to expand their

The 2018 inductees were Patricia “Sister Schubert” Barnes,

learning experience beyond the classroom to do so by help-

founder of baking empire Sister Schubert’s and Sasha’s Home,

ing offset certain expenses. Previously, Vance established an

an orphanage in the Ukraine; Jeffrey Bayer, president, CEO and

endowment to the College of Arts and Sciences, which launched

co-founder of Bayer Properties; Don James, former chairman

a Distinguished Lecturer Series to provide students interested in

and CEO of aggregates manufacturer Vulcan Materials Company.

pursuing a career in the legal profession the opportunity to hear

Charles McCrary, former president and CEO of Alabama Power

from the field’s most influential figures.

Company; Randy Owen, singer for country music band Alabama and major supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; James Pursell Sr., developer of innovative fertilizer products and ownership of Pursell Farms resort; and John Rhoads, an accountant at Ernst & Ernst.

Awards & Honors Ingram Named “Elite Winner” For Sixth Year In A Row Truman Ingram, Four Star Freightliner Utility and Municipal Account Manager, has been named an Elite Trip Winner in the

All inductees are committed to their communities, serving in leadership roles on boards, donating their time and resources to causes and inspiring future generations of business leaders.

Leland James Sales Achievement Program for the sixth consecutive year. This program, named after the founder of Freightliner, recognizes the best sales representatives and managers in the Freightliner Dealer Network. The awards are based on the amount of units sold. Ingram, who has been an Account Manager

Bradley’s Montgomery Practice Areas Receive Top Rankings

at Four Star Freightliner for more than 10 years and works from

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that the 2019

Winners in North America who were recognized for their sale

edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" has award-

excellence, customer service and industry leadership.

the Montgomery location, was one of only 31 other Elite ‘Trip’

ed six Tier 1 metropolitan rankings for the firm’s practice areas 87 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

Montgomery Businesses Recognized at Alabama Retail Association Awards

Don Machen Receives Auburn University Walter Gilbert Award

Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs, famous for its hotdogs and nostalgia, was honored last fall as the 2018 Silver Alabama Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million category. Christopher Anastasios “Chris” Katechis immigrated to the United States from a small island in Greece and opened his hot dog business on May 1, 1917. More than 100 years later, Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs remains in its original location in downtown Montgomery. Chris’ Hot Dogs is the oldest family owned and operated restaurant in Montgomery.

Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs, an Alabama Retail Association member since 2004, was one of 13 retail businesses honored today as Retailers of the Year. This year’s winners came from a pool of almost 100 nominees. Other Montgomery retailers honored include The Locker Room in Montgomery and Auburn named Gold Retailer

Don Machen was honored in late September at Jordan-Hare Sta-

of the Year in the Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million category;

dium with the Walter Gilbert Award, which is presented annually

Renfroe’s Market earned the 2018 Gold Alabama Retailer of the

to a former Auburn student-athlete who has demonstrated excel-

Year Award in the Annual Sales More Than $20 Million category.

lence in their chosen field. Machen, a Co-Captain for the Tigers

2018 River Region Ethics and Public Service Award Winners Announced

his senior year in 1961, also received the Bill Streit Award and the Cliff Hare Award while attending Auburn.

After Machen earned his accounting and MBA degrees, he helped create Machen McChesney, a CPA & advisory firm that has served clients well for more than 60 years in Auburn and the surrounding communities. Machen McChesney was recently recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting as one of the top 400 firms in the nation and by Business Alabama for one of the largest accounting firms in Alabama. Along the way, Machen epitomized community involvement, serving in leadership roles on virtually every board in town as well as state and national professional organizations.

"I want to thank all the people in my life that have made receiving

River Region Ethics and Public Service (RREPS) announced the recipients of the 2018 River Region Ethics and Public Service Awards on October 15 at the Wynlakes Golf and Country Club.

The luncheon and awards ceremony recognized businesses,

the Walter Gilbert Award possible,” Machen said. “It is certainly a great honor to be on this list with the previous recipients and an award that I will always cherish. Thank you to the Auburn University athletic department and to all the great Auburn Family."

organizations and individuals for their community leadership,

Bradley Named To ABA’s Top 10 List For Health Law

service and contributions to ethical business practices in the

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP was recognized in the Amer-

River Region. Awards were given to the following recipients in

ican Bar Association (ABA) Health Law Section’s “Sixth Annual

each of the following categories: Small Business, Harold’s Fine

Regional Law Firm Recognition List.” The firm ranked third in the

Jewelry; Medium Business, Wells Printing Co.; Large Business,

Top 10 list for the South Region. The list recognizes the top 10

Dixie Electric Plumbing & Air; Non-Profit Organizations/Public

law firms with the largest number of lawyer membership in the

Agencies, Montgomery Area Food Bank. The Maury Smith Award

ABA Health Law Section as of August 31, 2018, in the following

for Individual Community Leaders was given to Daphne Johnston

regions: South, Southeast, Midwest, West and Northeast.

of First United Methodist Church’s Respite Ministry.

88 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

ASU Alumnus Wins Emmy Award

2017 General Allen served as the Parliamentary Law Advisor to

Alabama State University’s alumnus Darrius Smith (2011) is making

Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey.

his mark in the television industry. Smith, a news photographer with KSHB-TV in Kansas City, Missouri, recently won an Emmy at

Four Star Freightliner Receives Successful Dealer Award

the 42nd Annual Mid-America Emmys sponsored by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

Smith won for Best SportsNews Single Story titled “Local Sports Artist Found Inspiration in Royals ‘Never Give Up’ Attitude.” Smith was the videographer, and he also edited it. “I won the award with sports writer Dee Jackson, who I interned under at CBS

Four Star Freightliner Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan is pictured with Lucas Deal,

WAKA TV 8, now Alabama

Successful Dealer Editor, and representatives from award sponsors Automann, Premium 2000/National Truck Protection and Interstate Billing.

News Network in Montgomery, and who is also my

Four Star Freightliner, Inc., led by its dealer principal Jerry Kocan,

co-worker now,” Smith said.

was named the recipient of the 2018 Successful Dealer Award

Capell & Howard P.C. Attorney Honored Brigadier General Richard F. Allen, USA, Retired, has been selected by the Board of Trustees of the Army War College Foundation as an outstanding Alumnus of the United States Army War College. This honor is bestowed upon General Allen for his “incredible contributions to our nation following [his] military retirement.”

General Allen clerked for Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Howell Heflin before joining Capell, Howard, Knabe & Cobbs P.A. in 1974, where his law practice centered on business and tax law.

In January 1979, Allen served as Chief Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Howell Heflin in Washington, D.C., but he returned to Capell & Howard in August 1981. In 1985, Allen was elected Managing Partner for the firm, a position he held until January 1995, when Alabama Attorney General Jeff Sessions appointed him Chief Deputy Attorney General, a position he continued to hold under Attorneys General Bill Pryor and Troy King until he retired from state service in 2005. Allen held the honorary position of Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army from Alabama from 1998 until 2001. In February 2005, Allen returned to Capell & Howard

by Randall Reilly, a marketing, media and events company with thousands of clients in the trucking, construction and agriculture industries. Successful Dealer is a Randall Reilly publication written exclusively for the medium and heavy duty truck dealer market.

Its editor, Lucas Deal, explained that, “Four Star Freightliner was selected from another wonderful list of finalist candidates due to its impressive investments in employee education and development, community activism and support of the dealer market and trucking industry at large.”

“I humbly accept this award for all of the team members at Four Star Freightliner who contribute to making us who we are,” Kocan said. “What makes this recognition extra special is that it was given by a group that is dedicated and engrained in our industry.”

2019 Benchmark Litigation Recognizes Bradley and 49 Attorneys Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is announced that 49 of the firm’s partners have been recognized in the

as “Of Counsel.”

2019 edition of Benchmark Litigation,

In February 2006, Governor Bob Riley asked General Allen to join

recommended” firm. A leading guide

which also listed Bradley as a “highly

his Cabinet as the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections. When Luther Strange was elected Attorney General in 2010, he asked Allen to return to the Attorney General’s office as Chief Deputy Attorney General, where the General served for one year before returning to the firm “Of Counsel.” From 2013 to

to litigation firms and attorneys in the United States and Canada, Benchmark Litigation “highly recommended” Bradley in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and “recommended”

89 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

the firm in North Carolina. In Bradley’s Montgomery office, partner Charles Stewart was named a “Local Litigation Stars.”

Jere Lynn Burkhart Receives Faulkner University’s Highest Honor It was a night of surprise and tears of gratitude for Jere Lynn Burkhart as she joined her family on stage at Faulkner University’s Annual Benefit Dinner at the Renaissance Hotel on October 4 to receive the university’s highest honor. She was bestowed the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her contributions to the development of autism education and her support of Faulkner’s vision for its own autism center.

Over 30 years ago, her grandson was diagnosed with autism and Burkhart made a decision to do everything she could to help him thrive. Burkhart became a pioneer in autism education in an era when autism education and professional services were almost nonexistent. “Tonight we honor a woman who embodies everything Faulkner University espouses to be,” Faulkner University President Mike Williams said. “Jere Lynn Burkhart is a pioneer

Faulkner University President Mike Williams presents Jere Lynn Burkhart with the

who led the trailblazing movement to speak for a segment of our

degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at the university's Annual Benefit Dinner featur-

nation who could not speak for themselves.”

ing Tony Blair at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery on Oct. 4, 2018.

MORE LIFE

90 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER S’ MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

Today, Burkhart’s vision is embodied in the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research at Texas Tech University, which is named for Jere Lynn and Jim Burkhart, whose financial gifts made possible the establishment and mission of the center.

Last year, it was announced that Faulkner would begin plans for its own autism center. The university leadership reached out to the Burkharts and Texas Tech University to help with “best practices” and moving forward in developing a similar center, one that would use Jere Lynn’s original concept as its foundation.

MACOA Honors Remarkable Seniors The Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) recently hosted its 31st Annual Seniors of Achievement Awards Luncheon at the Montgomery Country Club. During this memorable occasion, MACOA recognized 11 special seniors for their professional, civic

Montgomery and Tallapoosa counties. The 2018 Seniors of

and personal contributions and achievements. The afternoon

Achievement Honorees are Nelma Ausley, Lois Brown, Jerry Bur-

featured a host of community leaders, family, friends and other

nette, Ruth Duncan, Doris Epler, Al Hildreth, Sue Loftis, Margaret

supporters who helped celebrate the honorees. These deserv-

Philhower, Lelar Wilson, C.W. White and Marion Young. Also, the

ing seniors joined the ranks of more than 400 who have been

Special Friend of MACOA award was presented to First United

recognized over the years throughout Autauga, Coosa, Elmore,

Methodist Church.

91 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

OH, HA PPY DAY

Beasley Allen Lawyers Aid Areas Affected

by Hurricane Michael In October, Beasley Allen Law Firm supported those most affected by Hurricane Michael in the Mexico Beach and Panama City Beach, Florida, areas. Donations were made in addition to the delivery of more than 14,000 bottled beverages, thousands of prepackaged food items, gas cards, toiletries and other essentials, an effort spearheaded by the Beasley Allen Atlanta office and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. “Everyone

Caddell Kitchen Dedication Ceremony

at Beasley Allen was deeply moved

In October, the newly renovated MACOA kitchen was officially dedicated as the Caddell

by the impact Hurricane Michael had

Kitchen. The ceremony celebrated the generosity of John Caddell and the Caddell family to

on our area,” said Chris Glover, who is

MACOA and its Meals on Wheels program. A highlight of the event included a quote shared

Managing Attorney of the firm’s Atlan-

with guests from Caddell about giving back to the community: “Joyce and I have always felt a

ta office and a member of the GTLA

strong obligation to give back to our community and to reach out to those who might need a

Executive Committee. “Our heart

helping hand. We have been so blessed and want to be a blessing to others,” he said.

goes out to the many people whose lives were turned upside down by this

AUM Partners With Lurleen B. Wallace Community College

devastating storm. We just want to do

A partnership between Auburn University at

AUM will also present each year one Presi-

what we can to help and encourage

Montgomery (AUM) and Lurleen B. Wallace

dential Scholarship covering full tuition and

everyone to do the same.”

Community College will enable students to

fees to an LBWCC transfer student with a

complete their bachelor’s degrees through

minimum GPA of 3.5.

concurrent enrollment and provide scholarship opportunities for transfer students who

The concurrent enrollment program offers

meet grade point average requirements.

qualified students a seamless process for completing their associate and bachelor’s

AUM will offer an unlimited number of

degrees in an accelerated manner. All con-

transfer scholarships to Lurleen B. Wallace

current AUM courses will be taught live on

WANT YOUR NEWS IN THE MBJ? Submit information for consideration to Jina Miniard at

(LBWCC) students who complete their asso-

LBWCC’s campus and/or AUM’s campus and

ciate in arts or associate in science degrees

on the web while students are completing

and earn admittance to AUM by August 1

their associate degree programs. Reverse

Please attach press releases

each year. The annual scholarship amounts

transfer will also be available for students

as a Word document or a PDF

will be $500 for students with grade point

who transferred to AUM before completing

averages between 2.75 and 2.99, $1,500 for

their associate degrees at LBWCC.

jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.

(Word documents preferred), and please include high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) photos with your press

GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49 and $2,500 year for students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on

AUM will also guarantee admission for

a 4.0 scale. “This partnership with Lurleen

transfer students from LBWCC who have

B. Wallace Community College provides

earned up to 64 credits, made at least a

both of our institutions a new opportunity to

“C” in English Composition I and II courses,

put students first,” AUM Chancellor Carl A.

who possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 in core

Stockton said.

coursework, who are in good standing and who complete the AUM application process.

92 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

release if possible.

SUBMISSION DEADLINES: MARCH ISSUE: JAN. 21 MAY ISSUE: MARCH 22

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

A FI N E A FFA I R : Tony Blair Speaks at Faulkner University's Annual Benefit Dinner The Right Honourable Tony Blair lauded faith, the belief in God and Judeo-Christian values at Faulkner University’s Annual Benefit Dinner in downtown Montgomery on October 4.

Caddell Aids University Archeological Team While working on its new embassy compound project in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Caddell recently donated, moved and set up four 40-foot shipping containers for the Washington University of St. Louis (WUSTL) archeological project in Merv, Turkmenistan.

The containers are being used as temporary offices for the archeological team staff, as well as for the storage of artifacts pending their final institutional placement. WUSTL has spearheaded ongoing archaeological surveys and investigations of ancient Silk Road settlements and other historical sites in China, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and other nations in that region.

Mr. Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, spoke to a sold-out crowd of nearly 2,000 people. It was one of the largest Faulkner Benefit Dinners to date with proceeds going toward student scholarships. It was a night of unabashed enthusiasm for the values of Faulkner and the exciting new developments taking place on campus such as Faulkner’s new College of Health Sciences, Speech and Language

River Financial Corporation Announces Completion of Merger

ITS Joins Uniti Group For 20 years, ITS has provided the best

impressed Blair upon his first visit to the state

River Financial Corporation, parent

in technology equipment and services to

of Alabama and Montgomery,

company of River Bank & Trust, recently

its customers. To build on these princi-

announced that it has completed the

ples, the company recently announced

“With the many changes in the world around

merger with Peoples Southern Bank and

it has joined Uniti Group Inc. and will

us, what shouldn’t change is our faith, our

its parent company, PSB Bancshares,

become part of the Uniti Fiber business

God and our beliefs. These are our values.

Inc. Peoples Southern Bank offices in

unit, bringing its customers more connec-

As you can see from this college, Faulkner

Clanton and Thorsby will now operate

tivity, IT services and resources than ever

is about service, it’s about compassion, it’s

as River Bank & Trust. With the addition

before.

about service to others and it’s about under-

of Peoples Southern Bank, on a pro

Additionally, ITS customers will now have

standing that something matters more than

forma combined basis, the bank has total

access to a large network that seamless-

me,” Blair said.

assets exceeding one billion dollars and

ly connects them to some of the nation’s

becomes one of the largest community

top metro markets. The combined com-

During his time in Downing Street, Blair im-

banks headquartered in Alabama.

panies that make up Uniti Fiber provide

plemented major domestic reform and over-

robust coverage in 22 states with access

saw a period of record economic growth.

There are now 14 River Bank & Trust

to more than 34,000 route miles and

He continues to be in the forefront of world

locations across Alabama with offices in

1,613,825 fiber strand miles of network.

affairs through the nonprofit the Tony Blair

Pathology Clinic and autism center which

Alexander City, Auburn, Clanton, Daphne,

Institute for Global Change and take part in

Gadsden, Millbrook, Montgomery, Ope-

current debates on technology and the work-

lika, Prattville, Thorsby, and Wetumpka.

force and inequality across the globe.

93 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

SOME B I G B UZ Z :

Beasley Allen Hosts 1,500 Attorneys During Annual Legal Conference & Expo In mid-November, Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., hosted its 12th annual Legal Conference & Expo. The event drew more than 1,500 Alabama lawyers in private practice who came to get updates on the most current cases Beasley Allen attorneys have successfully litigated in the conferences’ case-review approach.

The event is the largest of its kind in the state and one of the top five legal conferences in the country. It offered eight hours of free Continuing Legal Education credits certified by the Alabama State Bar. As with years

New Capital Gains Tax Incentive

past, the conference topics empha-

A new Federal Opportunity Zone Program is in the early stages of being implemented

Program Requirements:

that incentivizes private investment in desig-

•Gains must be invested in a

nated low-income areas through the deferral

QOF within 180 days.

and reduction of capital gains tax. This program has the potential to be the largest-ever economic development initiative.

Businesses and individuals can defer paying tax on recognized gains if that gain is invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) and can receive a 10 to 15 percent reduction in their capital gains tax obligation if they commit to a long-term investment of a minimum of five years. Holding the investment for 10 years or more will allow the investor to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation of the new investment.

Developers and businesses looking to take advantage of this program can do so in one of two ways: by (1) investing capital gains in their own projects or businesses, or (2) seeking local or national capital from new and existing Opportunity Funds. Those Opportunity Funds are typically looking for strong potential returns over the course of their ten-year holding periods and may be able to

•QOF must invest in Qualified Opportunity Fund Property.

Eligible Investments (Qualified Opportunity Fund Property): •Partnership interests in businesses that operate in a qualified Opportunity Zone.

sized emerging areas of litigation and practice areas that are crucial to trial lawyers’ success.

Beasley Allen Principal & Founder Jere Beasley discussed the important role lawyers play in improving society. Additional special guest speakers included Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO Dr. David Bronner; Alabama State Bar General Counsel Roman Shaul; and

•Stock ownership in businesses that

author, lecturer, trial consultant and at-

conduct most or all their operations within a

torney with Cusimano, Roberts & Mills,

qualified Opportunity Zone.

• Property such as real estate located within a qualified Opportunity Zone.

Tax benefits: • Investments held for five years receive a 10 percent reduction in capital gains tax obligation.

LLC, Greg Cusimano.

“It is an honor to once again welcome lawyers from across Alabama to Montgomery for the Beasley Allen Legal Conference,” said Dawn Hathcock, Vice President, Destination & Brand Development for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “The confer-

• Investments held for seven years receive

ence guests have an opportunity to

a 15 percent reduction in capital gains tax

see what Montgomery has to offer as

obligation.

• Investments held for 10 years will not be subject to capital gains on the appreciation.

provide additional investment capital.

a destination, translating into return visits for vacations, events or additional meetings. It also provides a huge economic impact in the River Region estimated to be roughly $1 million.”

94 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

Professional Basketball in MGM

Women American Basketball Association

The River Region Generals, Montgom-

(WABA) team to Montgomery too, The

ery’s first men’s professional basketball

Montgomery Malaysians.

team, hit the road on November 3, to take on Mobile’s Port City Tornadoes.

Conn’s HomePlus Coming Soon

After final tryouts back in July, the team

Moore Company Realty recently an-

players were selected and a private

nounced that a new Conn’s HomePlus

signing day took place in front of family

is opening in Montgomery. The Mont-

and friends weeks later. The team’s first

gomery store is the company’s first in

home game was on November 24 at

the capital city and second in the state.

True Divine Baptist Church.

Conn's HomePlus is a specialty retailer currently operating more than 120 retail

The River Region Generals are affiliated

locations. It is of the top consumer goods

with the historic American Basketball

retailers in the country, with more than $1

Association. The league consists of 150

billion in revenue. Conn’s sells furniture

teams nationwide, which are divided into

and related accessories for the living

four regions. RRG is part of the South-

room, dining room and bedroom; tradi-

east region and will play teams from

tional and specialty mattresses; home

Georgia, Tennessee, Birmingham, Mobile

appliances, and a variety of consumer

and Pensacola. The American Basketball

electronics.

Montgomery's First Female City Council Representative Since Roby District 4 City Councillor Audrey Billups-Graham was sworn in to the Montgomery City Council in November by Montgomery Circuit Court Clerk Tiffany McCord, marking Montgomery’s first female representation on the Council since Rep. Martha Roby’s service to District 7 from 2003-2010.

Winning an overwhelming percentage of votes in the District 4 Special Run-off Election after David Burkette’s move to the Alabama State Senate, Councillor Graham now joins a lasting legacy of female leaders who have served on the City Council, including Rep. Roby, City Councillor for Montgomery’s 3rd District turned Democratic National Committee super delegate Janet May and former 24-year-member and Council presi-

Association is expanding, bringing a

dent Alice Reynolds.

HIGH QUALITY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, TOP QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE

In Montgomery Industrial Park

Nim Frazer, SIOR

Montgomery, AL

(334) 244-8650

95 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

www.industrialpartners.com

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

New tech start-up Coding Solutions is pumping additional energy into Montgomery’s downtown Innovation District.

MA KI N G M OV E S :

The business is co-owned by Nimrod T. Frazer, former CEO of Enstar and co-founder of The Frazer Lanier Company and longtime leader in both the River Region business community and the community at large. One notable example is the bronze sculpture of the Rainbow Soldier standing at Union Station; Frazer’s generosity made the statue possible. A military hero himself, having earned the Silver Star for his service in Korea, Frazer is dedicated to ensuring present and future generations understand the legacy of the 167th U.S. Infantry Regiment of the famous 42nd Rainbow Division, authoring the book, “Send the Alabamians: World War I Fighters in the Rainbow Division.”

Through Coding Solutions, he’s again helping ensure a brighter future for his hometown.

We asked Frazer and Coding Solultions co-owner Taylor Peake to outline the company’s vision and goals.

What role will it play in our area’s emerging tech presence?

Frazer: As the tech presence grows, more engineers and

MBJ: Why did you start Coding Solutions and what is its purpose?

Frazer: For years I have been reaching out to existing

developers will be needed. We hope to assist in training and

educational formats to provide training for coding and, while

providing those additional professionals.

I do believe I have made a little headway, I am not satisfied with our progress. I had the good fortune of being intro-

Peake: We’re taking recent graduates, giving them

duced to Taylor Peake last year who reaffirmed my belief

real-world experience with our six-week training program,

that the need was great. Taylor started her own develop-

and placing them in career positions with companies in our

ment company in Birmingham several years ago and her

state. By providing local opportunity, we can show emerging

growth is limited only by the lack of developers and engi-

developers there is an ecosystem for them to develop and

neers. Together, we developed a plan to provide training to

grow their career here.

companies in our regions. Once we started contacting those

out to Alabama’s colleges and universities and offering free

How will it help keep talent in Alabama and in Montgomery?

Frazer: Many students that we have contacted are not

training seemed to be an obvious way to begin that process.

aware of the great jobs available in Alabama and specifically

companies, it became even more obvious that first we need to find a way to provide more trained developers. Reaching

Peake: We believe Alabama needs an innovative approach

Montgomery. They think they have to move to Silicon Valley to get a good job. By partnering with those companies as

to retaining talent, and with approximately 4,000 available

well as our students we have designed an online platform

technical positions in our state alone, we need an ecosys-

that will allow hiring partners and candidates to see (1) jobs

tem where everyone works together because not one entity

that are available and (2) skills of the candidates. Many of

can solve this problem. This starts with providing new engi-

those jobs are right here in the Montgomery area. Many

neers the training, resources and encouragement that they

others are available throughout our state. It is my goal to try

need so they can have a successful career here in Alabama.

to keep our talent here at home and fill the jobs available at our local companies.

96 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

Remembering Greg Calhoun Multiple celebrities and business leaders joined other friends and family in late October to celebrate the life of Greg Calhoun, owner of Montgomery-based Calhoun Foods and Calhoun Enterprises. He died suddenly in mid-October at the age of 66. At the lively memorial service, many spoke of Calhoun and his accomplishments and his giving spirit, including longtime friend The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., “Judge Mathis” star Greg Mathis, former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and entertainer Steve Harvey.

Huntingdon College 2018 Homecoming Court Presented During the Huntingdon College 2018 Homecoming ceremonies last October, 16 Huntingdon women were presented as members of the Homecoming Court. Four members of each class were elected by their class peers. From the senior attendants, the Huntingdon student body collectively selected Anna Blair Cockrell of Aliceville, Alabama, as its Homecoming Queen. The sport management major was crowned during halftime of the Homecoming football game on October 27. Her senior attendants were Ragin Berry of Enterprise, Alabama; Sidney Carol Hall of Dothan, Alabama; and Zoya Robinson of Montgomery, Alabama.

Huntingdon Alumni Honored at Annual Ceremony

Gathering of Eagles, Class of 2019 Begins Work For the 36th year in a row, the Gathering of Eagles (GOE) Foundation, composed of students at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Air Command Staff College, has begun outreach efforts with the Montgomery and Prattville communities.

As a private, nonprofit organization, the GOE Foundation promotes, organizes and hosts a multitude of annual events. The Gathering of Eagles team brings aviation pioneers and military heroes to Maxwell Air Force Base each spring to honor their accomplishments and provide both military and community members the opportunity to personally engage with these legends of air, space and

From left, front row, Mike Jones, father of Tyler Jones ’08; Margaret Kneisel ’71; Charles

cyber-power. Prior legendary figures have included John

Lee ’62; Keith Anthony ’13; daughters of Jim Eskew ’69; back row, Aleah Payne ’12; Larry

Glenn, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, Neil Armstrong,

McLemore ’04; Will Wilson ’90; Abby Carter Stanton ’12; Alyssa Eason ’12; and Mark Colson

Robbie Risner, Paul Tibbets and General Lori Robinson.

’07, president of the National Alumni Board.

Huntingdon College also honored 10 alumni and one friend of the College

Community members are highly encouraged to attend

during the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony during Homecoming 2018.

all GOE-advertised events with the intent to inspire

The National Alumni Association recognized Jim Abbott '86 and William

Montgomery’s student population to seek a career in

B. Wilson '90 with the Alumni Achievement Award; Margaret Ward Kneisel

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Last

'71 and Charles Lee '62 with the Alumni Loyalty Award; and Dr. Larry

year the Gathering of Eagles Foundation awarded more

McLemore '04 with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. At the same

than $10,000 in educational scholarships to Montgomery

ceremony, the Huntingdon Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Keith Anthony

and Prattville high school students, and this year, the

'13, Alyssa Eason '12, Robert Eskew '69 (posthumously), Mike Jones, Aleah

Foundation aims to raise $15,000 for students seeking a

Payne '12 and Abby Carter Stanton '12 as new members.

future in STEM career fields.

97 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS

Montgomery Zoo Shines During Annual Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo and Mann

Overlook Café served hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies and other holiday treats.

Wildlife Learning Museum helped the

Event Honors Caregivers

capital city and beyond get into the

In November, Dementia Friendly

holiday spirit with its time-honored

Alabama partnered with AARP and

family tradition of its 27th Annual

the RESPITE Ministry at First United

Christmas Lights Festival. Since

Methodist Church for the 2nd Annual

1992, families from across the River

Celebrating Care Partners Luncheon.

Region and Central Alabama have

Since caregivers deteriorate 75 per-

come to see the Montgomery Zoo

cent faster than those they are caring

transform into a magical wonderland

for, it’s very important that we support

Dr. Sami A. Nizam II, MD, DMD and his wife Lily Nizam, PA-

of twinkling light displays. Last year

our caregivers. Speaker Anne Eliza-

C, CPCP recently moved to Montgomery to be closer to

was no different and included a new

beth McGowin, an attorney at Senior

family. Dr. Nizam and Lily bring a wealth of skills in all as-

animated snowman machine display.

Law Solutions, shared her story with

pects of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, including invasive and

Live entertainment provided by local

more than 20 attendees and offered

non-invasive procedures. As such, the practice has been

school choirs, church organizations,

her humorous and heartfelt “10 Steps

renamed to Alabama Surgical Arts, reflecting all services

clubs, dance troops and more was

to Caregiver Sanity.” She also elabo-

offered including oral surgery, facial cosmetic surgery,

also featured nightly. Even Santa

rated on why she feels driven to help

medical spa and permanent cosmetic tattoo services.

showed up for photo opps, and The

the senior population.

Alabama Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Rebrands

98 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT ING N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES

CICIS

SERVISFIRST BANK

6633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-230-7990, www.cicis.com Mike Hassel, District Manager Restaurants, Restaurants-Pizza

7256 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-223-5600, www.servisfirstbank.com Cheryl Portis, Branch Operations Manager Banks

TILE & MORE WAREHOUSE

MERCY HOUSE, INC.

1523 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-530-8453, www.tileandmore.com Barbara Handmacher, Owner Cabinets, Flooring-Carpet/Rugs/Tile

2412 Council Street, Montgomery, AL 36108 334-398-0467 Ken Austin, Executive Director Associations-Non-Profit

SIDNEY LANIER HIGH SCHOOL – CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL PTS' SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

SONESTA ES SUITES

1756 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-269-3726 Dr. Antonio Williams-Principal, Public Schools

1200 Hilmar Court, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-270-3300, www.sonesta.com Misty Ferguson, General Manager Hotels/Motels 99 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES

NEW MEMBER?

NOW WHAT?

Being a member of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is more than just paying dues and getting a decal. We provide connections,

WE CARE THERAPY SERVICES

resources and solutions that help you grow your

1286 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 601-543-8457 Dana Johnson, Owner Rehabilitation Services, Speech Therapy

business and help grow Montgomery’s economy!

GET CONNECTED TODAY. www.montgomerychamber.com/events

POTZ AND PANZ GOURMET CAFÉ

AMERICA’S CAR-MART

2547 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, AL 36110 334-676-3338 Demonica Pugh, Owner and Felisha Pugh, Owner Catering Services, Restaurants, Restaurants-Southern

2911 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-694-5715, www.car-mart.com Bill Bennett, General Manager Automobile Dealers - Used

HEALTH SERVICES, INC. (RAMER FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC)

KILMAR RESTORATION+CONSTRUCTION

5422 Highway 94, Ramer, AL 36069 334-303-0474, https://www.healthservicesinc.org/ Gilbert Darrington, CEO Health Care Services

2257 Congressman W L Dickinson, Montgomery, AL 36109 334-306-8267, www.kilmar.online Sheffer Kilcrease & Alec Martin, Owners Construction Services, Contractors

100 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

101MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Central Alabama’s Best Business Source

Make Your Mark.

MARKET DIRECTLY TO MONTGOMERY ’ S MOST INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS LEADERS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2019

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 / SEPTEMBER 2018

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MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FEATURING MGMWERX UPDATE

A HEART-WARMING RESPITE MINISTRY

ADDING UP + ACCOUNTING’S IMPACT

BIG THINGS

BIG PLANS

BREWING IN MGM

F-35 UPDATE, TRC, DIVERSITY SUMMIT

Chamber Chairman Willie Durham

LEADING MGM FORWARD PLUS:

1 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MBJ_JAN19_copy copy.indd 1

W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T O V E R V I E W & HOW TO LEVERAGE LINKEDIN

1 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

12/12/18 12:53 PM

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R E S E R V E N O W.

8/27/18 8:10 PM

Our Content

Our Readers

We Reach

IS CENTERED ON BUSINESS NEWS

ARE COMMUNITY-FOCUSED,

INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS,

AND PERSPECTIVES FROM

DIVERSE, EDUCATED, AFFLUENT

MILITARY, DECISION MAKERS

MEMBERS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS.

AND INFLUENTIAL.

AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

C O N TA C T S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S AT 3 3 4 - 57 8 -7 8 1 0 .

102 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS

C L E A N IN G S E RV IC E S

Preferred Cleaning Service Phyllis Carnes 594 Ridgeland Farms Road Montgomery, AL 36105 334-224-6845

ADVERT ISING, WEB D E S I G N / WEB HOST ING

Smart Innovations Arla Chandler 7050 Fain Park Drive, Suite 13-B Montgomery, AL 36117 334-538-6808 www.smartinnovations.us ARCHIT EC TUR E/CIV I L E N GINEERING DESI G N S UP P OR T

Tippett Sease Baker Architecture, LLC Chris Tippett 514 Cloverdale Road, Suite 5 Montgomery, AL 36106 334-647-1314 www.tsbarchitecture.com ASSOC IATIONS/N ON P R OF I T

Alabama Wholesale Beer Association Donna Alexander 125 South Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-649-4455 www.beeralabama.org ASSOC IATIONS/N ON P R OF I T, COM M UNIT Y SERV I C E S / AGENCIES

Alabama Institute for Deaf & Blind Jenny Savage 432 East Jefferson Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-262-0824 www.aidb.org AU TOM OBILE DEA L E R S -US E D

America’s Car-Mart Bill Bennett 2911 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36116 334-694-5715 www.car-mart.com

CO L L E G E S & U N IV E R S IT IE S

JANUARY NEW MEMBERS R E STAU R A N TS - D E L I, BA K E RY, C ATE R I N G S E RV IC E S , R E STAU R A N TS

Panera Bread-Carter Hill McHallie Vinson 2998 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-262-0064 www.panerabread.com C ATE R I N G S E RV IC E S , R E STAU R A N TS , R E STAU R A N TS - S E A FO O D

Wharf Casual Seafood-EastChase Noah Griggs 6945 EastChase Loop Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-1850 www.wharfcasualseafood.com C H I R OP R AC TO R S , P H YS IC A L TH E R A P ISTS

Hart Spine & Rehab Stacie Tierce 4135 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-558-0906 www.hartspineandrehab.com

103 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

The University of Alabama, Culverhouse College of Business Zach Thomas 468A Alston Hall Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 205-348-8318 www.cba.ua.edu CO N ST R U C T IO N S E RV IC E S , R E M O D E L IN G - R E S ID E N T IA L / CO M M E R C IA L , R O O F IN G CO M PA N IE S , CO N T R AC TO R S

Kilmar Restoration + Construction Alec Martin 2257 Congressman W L Dickinson Drive Montgomery, AL 36109 334-306-8267 www.kilmar.online CO N ST R U C T IO N

Don’s Contracting, Inc. Dee Hartley 330 River Road Titus, AL 36080 334-567-2461

C R E D IT U N IO N

ASE Credit Union Michael Hart 4217 Lomac Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334-420-7357 www.yourASEcu.com ASE-Downtown Mike Gallagher 800 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 334-759-3498 www.yourASEcu.com

CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS

CY BER SEC UR I TY P R OTE C TI ON I N S U R A N C E - H E A LT H

Vericlave Drew Arnberg 3625 N. Hall Street, Suite 615 Dallas, AL 75219 800-766-2026 www.vericlave.com

Humana Military Dawn Evans 300 S. Twining Street Building 760 Maxwell AFB, AL 36112 800-444-5445 www.humanamilitary.com

R E STAU R A N TS , H E A LT H & N U T R IT IO N

Smoothie King Essence Phenix 7026 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-5621 www.smoothieking.com

ENT ER TAINM E N T & R E C R E ATI ON M I S C E L L A N E O U S - M F R .

2211 Ultimate Play Zone Melinda Plott-Jackson 3541 McGehee Road Montgomery, AL 36111 334-721-4886

FUR NITUR E, B E D D I N G -R E TA I L , M AT TR ESS

Rooms To Go Dalton Miller 6810 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-277-5640 www.roomstogo.com/stores/ montgomery/montgomery-store/1202 HEAT ING & AIR CON D I TI ON I N G SERVIC ES, HE ATI N G & AIR CONDITION I N G S E RV I C E S

Vulcan Heating & Air Conditioning Services Jeffrey Pelton 2776 Gunter Park Drive, Unit J Montgomery, AL 36109 334-649-4877 www.vulcanac.com

Industrial Automation, LLC Jeff Kotila 937 Lagoon Business Loop Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-3242 www.industrialautomationllc.com R E AL E STAT E - IN V E ST M E N TS

Twigden Properties, LLC Benjamin Twigden P.O. Box 3038 Montgomery, AL 36101 334-387-3614

R E STAU R A N TS - D E L I, BA K E RY, C AT E R IN G S E RV IC E S , R E STAU R A N TS

Panera Bread-EastChase Lasheeta Davis 7224 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-274-9170 www.panerabread.com

R E STAU R A N TS , R E STAU R AN TS - LO C A L FAVO R IT E S , C AT E R IN G S E RV IC E S

Cahawba House Tara Essary 31 South Court Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-356-1877 www.cahawbahouse.com BE AU T Y SA LO N S /S PAS /B ARBER

Heritage Barber & Style Shop, LLC Vladimir Averett 1334 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-834-8494 www.heritagebarbershop.com V E N D IN G S E RV IC E S

Twelve Baskets, LLC Joshua Brewer 1270 Newell Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 334-399-0640 http://12basketsvend.com

INSURANCE-AUTO, INSURANCE-L I F E , I N S UR A N C E COM PANIES/S E RV I C E S

R E STAU R A N TS - D E L IV E RY, G R O C E R IE S - H O M E D E L IV E RY, M E A L D E L IV E RY, D E L IV E RY/ COU R IE R S E RV IC E S , R E STAU R A N TS - D E L IV E RY

W E B D E S IG N /W E B H O STI N G, M A R K E T IN G /M A R K E T IN G R E S E A R C H , A DV E R T IS IN G

Direct Auto & Life Insurance Cynthia Hartwig 6540 Atlanta Highway, Suite 103 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-647-6520 www.directgeneral.com

Montgomery 2 Go, LLC Justin Folk 1021 Glen Grattan Drive Montgomery, AL 36111 334-201-9560 www.montgomery2go.com

Bizeeo Marketing Agency Vernon Blake 3137 Malone Drive Montgomery, AL 36106 334-456-8376 https://Bizeeo.com

104 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

www.gotscrap.com 334-272-0767 430 Air Base Blvd.

Montgomery, AL 36108

Our recycling services include: ✓ Manufacturing Scrap Services ✓ Appliance Recycling ✓ Automobile Recycling ✓ Certified Destruction ✓ Demolition Scrap

105 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Numbers reflect October 2018 over 2017.

Economic Intel TOURISM

LODGING TAX

+11%

70%

OCTOBER 2018

+20%

OCCUPANCY RATE

+ 18%

ROOM DEMAND

YEAR-TO-DATE

Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery

GREAT NEWS!

MORE OVER 100,000 IN 2018 SOLD HOTEL ROOMS

HOUSING OCTOBER 2018

WINGS UP!

+ 6.9%

LOTS OF FULL SEATS! 32,108

TOTAL HOME SALES

+ 13%

$167,472

PASSENGERS

OVER OCTOBER 2017

AVERAGE SALE PRICE

1,986 TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, Montgomery Area

Source: MGM (Montgomery Regional Airport)

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR

+ 2.1% CIVILIAN

LABOR FORCE

175,753

+ 1.8% EMPLOYED

LABOR FORCE

3.8%

169,076 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area

SECTORS GOING UP

LABOR FORCE

LEISURE & HOSPITALITY

INFORMATION

+ 4.6% + 4.5%

TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES

+ 1.7%

MINING, LOGGING AND CONSTRUCTION

+ 1.6%

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area

106 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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DALLAS

ORLANDO*

ATLANTA

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101

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Accountants deal in numbers. Here are some that are impossible to ignore: • Ranked in Top 1% of Business Schools in the World - AACSB Accredited.

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