MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2018
MBJ
MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE FUTURE OF MGM Chamber Chairman Price Delivers his Verdict
RIGHT NOW: M O N T G O M E RY ’ S 2018 HOT LIST 1
PLUS:
H O W S TAT E G O V E R N M E N T BENEFITS THE CITY
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CONTENTS JANUARY 2 0 18
THIS ISSUE: 10 18 22 24 38 42
Serving from Courtroom to Boardroom 2018 Chamber Board of Directors Capital Impact
CHAMBER NEWS
18 Things to Watch in 2018
08 Events
2018 Chamber Chairman’s Circle
Making the Workplace Work
54 Connect 56 Connect Resource Guide 60 Members on the Move
30 Powerhouse Q&A
62 Members in the News
32 Member Profiles
65 Business Buzz
46 GiveBack
71 Ribbon Cuttings
48 #MyMGM
75 New Members
53 Member Spotlight
78 Intel
58 Small Business Briefcase
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MONTGOM ERY AREA C HAM BE R OF COM M E RC E
TROY U NIVE RSITY
OUR TROJAN WARRIOR SPIRIT William F., Graduate Student MBA. TROY Montgomery. Volunteer.
S 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.
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MONTGOMERY
© 2017 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. 5
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MBJ
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MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT Randall L. George
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DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Jina Miniard
EXPLORE MEDIA PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn
MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy
DESIGN Emily Cobern, Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Jennifer Kornegay, Wendi Lewis PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Carter, Robert Fouts, Josh Moates, David Robertson Jr., Paul Robertson, Eric Salas ON THE COVER 2018 Chamber Chairman Judge Charles Price By Josh Moates / Kim Box Photography ADVERTISING 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 2018 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) 834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Subscription rate is $30 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. Volume 10, Issue 1. POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101, or
Jim Massey’s Cleaners 531 E. South Street, Montgomery 334.481.1911 | www.jimmassey.com
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email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions and bulk subscriptions can also be purchased per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.
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CHAMBER NEWS
Events +
MA RK YO UR CALENDAR S FOR THE SE UP COMING C HAMB E R E V E NTS
Upcoming Workshops
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HIGH 5 PRODUCTIONS.
60 Minute Coffees & Business After Hours
JAN
24
Alabama Update RSA Activity Center 7:30-8:30am
These popular networking events are the perfect place to exchange business cards and meet potential customers.
1/10 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: Agape of Central Alabama Location: Vaughn Road Church of Christ
Join the Montgomery Area Chamber of Com-
1/25
merce for a “State of the State” address from
Business After Hours Sponsor & Location: The Vance Law Firm, PC
Governor Kay Ivey. She will provide insight on the economic wellbeing of the state, give
2/7
forecasts for the future, discuss state legislative priorities and other current issues that may impact business in Alabama. Register online at
60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Capitol Hyundai
www.montgomerychamber.com/events
2/22
Presenting Sponsor: Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.
FEB State of the City and County
20
RSA Activity Center 7:30-8:30am
Business After Hours Sponsors: Guardian Credit Union & Wind Creek Montgomery Location: Wind Creek Montgomery
3/14
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 Dean, Sr. as they give a comprehensive
Business After Hours Sponsor: Alabama Artificial Limb Orthopedic Services Location: Montgomery Antiques & Interiors
update on the State of the City and County. Register online at www.montgomerychamber.
BUSINESS Resource Center
Business 101: Start it Up! January 2, 16; February 6, 20; March 6, 20; 8:30-9:30 am at the Chamber’s BRC No registration required. $10 fee. Establish a strong foundation for your new or existing business. Topics covered include locating financing, writing a business plan and finding expert advice. Presenting Sponsor: The BeneChoice Companies, LLC John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership January 11 from 11:30 am-1pm at the Chamber’s BRC This event will focus on three of the 21 leadership lessons from the corresponding book. Brought to you by: Teach To Lead LLC How Small Companies Win Big February 14, 8-10 am at the Chamber’s BRC Free workshop. Registration is required. This workshop is unique because it leverages Dale Carnegie’s research to provide you with specific ideas and insights that can help you make the most impact while developing a culture of engagement. Call 334-832-4790 to register. Cyber Forum February 21 from 7:30-9am at the Chamber’s BRC This quarterly business breakfast provides networking and information sharing within one of the region’s fastest growing economic sectors. Presenting Sponsor: Alabama Power Company
com/events
Upcoming Webinars
Presenting Sponsor: Baptist Health
• How to Get High-Paying Clients January 11, 1-2 pm
All Ears //
BizTalk MGM - The Official Podcast for Small Business in MGM
Every Monday at 6pm on WVAS 90.7FM, Montgomery Chamber staff plus host Melissa Johnson Warnke from the Alabama Retail Association talk with business experts on topics that are important to small businesses. Sponsor: MAX Credit Union
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
• Is your Workplace Safe? January 18, 1-2 pm
+
Register online
Register online for Business Resource Center events and webinars at montgomerychamber.com/events
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Better business for all.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
LOOKING AHEAD
‘18
SERVING from Courtroom to Boardroom
Long-time community leader and retired Circuit Judge Charles Price is wielding a new gavel this year as
C A
Chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. s an Army paratrooper, a prosecutor, judge and community activist, Judge Charles Price
stresses that he views his time as a prosecutor and on the bench as a service to the people of Mont-
has long been a catalyst for change. It’s a career
gomery County, and that one of his main goals was
that has prepared him well to lead an organization
to break down barriers. “I always wanted to make
known for its mission to create jobs, opportunities
sure that people who didn’t feel comfortable talking
and a better quality of life in Montgomery and the
to those they saw as ‘authority’ or the law, people
River Region. “Being Chairman of the Chamber is an
who felt on the margins, that they felt like they could
honor, and I’m following in a long list of leaders who
talk to me. I had a reputation as being approachable
care deeply about Montgomery and have worked
and open, as being the guy who would listen and if
hard to make our city and region grow and prosper,”
needed, help you find answers,” he said.
said Price. He also had a reputation for running his courtroom Price has worked in our state’s justice system for
with a firm yet gentle hand. He retired from the
more than five decades, as an Alabama assistant
bench in 2015, but he hasn’t really slowed down.
attorney general, Montgomery County Deputy Dis-
Today, in addition to working as a private practice at-
trict Attorney and then as a city judge and finally, as
torney and serving as the Chamber’s Chairman of the
judge for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Montgomery
Board, he’s also serving as Senior Advisor to Mayor
County.
Strange. In his roles for both the city and Chamber, he’s operating from his “tough but fair” perspective,
When asked about his legacy and what he hopes
believing it’s just as applicable to economic devel-
he’s leaving behind, he doesn’t list his landmark
opment, job creation and the day-to-day duties of
cases (and there have been several). Instead, he
getting business done as it was in the courtroom.
by Jennifer Stewart Kornegay P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J O S H M OAT E S
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
LOOKING AHEAD
‘18 He’s also working to improve communication and understanding between different groups and interests, just as he tried to do in his previous career. “I am obviously not a business man, but I do know what a good business climate can do for a place; it means jobs and that means stronger families, which means better schools. It adds up to a good future for all,” he said. “And the more people invested in and involved in the area’s business initiatives, the better things will be for everyone here. Everyone matters, and everyone has something to offer.” It’s why he touts a culture of inclusiveness and equality that’s rooted in things he witnessed while growing up in a working-class community right outside the city limits. He watched his parents and others, most with little education, work hard for their families, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and a burning ambition to do something big. “We all worked hard; there was no time to be idle,” he said. “All the kids understood that we were supposed to do our best and to do something even better than our parents had been able to do.” He realized young that he was good at debate, which got people saying he’d probably be a lawyer or a minister. “My mom was hoping for minister,” he said. “And I didn’t really know what a lawyer was or what they did; I didn’t know any.” But then, when he was in ninth grade, Price learned what good lawyers do and how they do it, watching the drama of the modern civil rights movement unfold right in front of his eyes. “I
“I had a reputation as being approachable and open, as being the guy who would listen and if needed, help you find answers.”
knew then I wanted to do that, to be a lawyer and to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. He found more inspiration even closer to home. “There were some night clubs in our community, and I remember a couple of times when there was violence there, it seemed like the perpetrator got off too easily,” he said. “I didn’t understand how someone could commit a crime on a Friday night and by Saturday morning, be out of jail, walking around in our community again. The victim had no control in that situation; it was as if they and their suffering had no value.” That cemented Continued on page 14
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
a
CAREER BUILT on a calling
2018 Chamber Chairman Judge Charles Price had a long and storied career as both a prosecutor and a judge, one defined by his willingness to often tackle difficult cases, make hard decisions and do it all with kindness. Here are a few highlights: He was Montgomery’s first black city judge.
He presided over the Torrey McNabb case and handed down a capital punishment sen-
He prosecuted “Peter Rabbit,” an
tence for McNabb, who killed a police officer
African-American gang member who killed
in 1997. “Sometimes, it is appropriate, and it
an off-duty police officer in Montgomery.
was in this case,” Price said.
In 1997, he was honored with the John F.
In 2009, the Montgomery County Court House
Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for “his
was renamed Montgomery County Court
devotion to the principles of the American
House, Phelps-Price Justice Center in memory
Constitution” that compelled him to rule
of Judge Phelps and in honor of Judge Price.
against Judge Roy Moore’s display of the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. He is only
He was appointed to the Alabama Ethics
the second Alabama citizen to earn the honor.
Commission in 2016; his term ends in 2020.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
LOOKING AHEAD
‘18
“As Chairman, I want to open this city up so that we all enjoy the fruits of our labors together. I believe in community the way Dr. King talked about it. I do believe the tent is large enough for all.”
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
his commitment to pursuing law school and sparked the idea that as a lawyer, he would help the victims of crime. After high school, he couldn’t afford college, so he enlisted in the
the
CHAIRMAN’S FOCUS
Army, and like his brothers before him, became a Special Forces paratrooper. He’d married his high school sweetheart, and she was
While Judge Price has a few projects particularly close to
studying at Tuskegee University. By the time his military service
his heart, he stressed that part of what makes the Chamber
was done, she had gotten a teaching job in Virginia, so he joined
so effective is having many partners rallied around one
her there and enrolled in Virginia Union College. After graduation,
vision and following a plan. And that plan is the Imagine
he went to law school at George Washington University in Wash-
a Greater Montgomery strategy. “Having consistent goals
ington D.C.
that everyone is bought into is important,” said Price. Each year, the Chamber takes stock of performance against the
In 1973, with his law degree in hand and a desire to be a prosecu-
Imagine plan, and then makes adjustments as needed to
tor in his heart, he happily moved back home to Montgomery to
capitalize on new opportunities. “Every year, a new
accept the position of Assistant Attorney General offered to him
implementation plan is developed that keeps our
by Attorney General Bill Baxley. In 1974, Baxley appointed him as
leadership focused on what’s important and defines what
district attorney in Escambia County. He came back home again
success looks like,” said Price.
to serve as Montgomery County’s deputy district attorney in 1975, where he prosecuted several major felony cases as well as some political corruption cases. “I enjoyed prosecutor work; I enjoyed
JUDGE PRICE’S 2018 CHAMBER PRIORITIES:
helping victims and helping them get answers, no matter who they were,” he said.
Quality Public Schools: “The state intervention has opened up new opportunities to change our school system
In 1982, Montgomery mayor Emory Folmar appointed Price as a
in Montgomery. As a community, we should expect no less
municipal judge, making him the city’s first African American in that
than having every school be a quality choice for every child.”
position. “I was the first to wear a robe too,” he said. “Others in court.” In 1983, Governor George Wallace appointed Price to be a
Increased Air Service & Passenger Traffic at MGM Regional Airport: “We have a new flight direct to Reagan
Montgomery County Circuit Judge, a title he held for three more
National in DC starting in June. That is huge for Montgomery.
decades, as he was elected back onto the bench time and time
We’ve got to make sure it’s successful and keep growing our
again.
airport. We’ve got to capture passengers back from Birming-
that job took it a little casually. I like to think I professionalized that
ham and Atlanta, and we’ve got to understand that we must use our airport or be in jeopardy of losing it.”
The sense of justice that he developed over his more than 40 years in courtrooms is part of the motivation behind his work for the city today. “I’ve always admired Mayor Strange’s brand of
Small & Minority Business Development:
leadership, and when I retired, I told him I wanted to help with the
“The Chamber has counseled, mentored or trained more
city’s progress. I asked what I could do,” Price said. “He asked me
than 14,000 entrepreneurs since 2010. That’s impressive.
to serve as his advisor, and I’m proud to do it.”
But we can do more. We’ve got to reach out in new ways to meet our small and minority businesses where they are and
Price began by spearheading the city’s Small and Minority Busi-
work harder to connect them to the resources they need to
ness Initiative. “I wanted to make sure those businesses got a
prosper.”
chance to be a part of the economic progress going on in the city,” he said. “The initiative, now a city resolution, says that for all of the
TechMGM & the Innovation District: “We have major
city’s outside contracts for services, we have a goal of 30 percent
projects in play and partners working to leverage Montgom-
of those contracts going to small or minority businesses. So far, it’s
ery’s unique technology, military, Department of Defense,
working extremely well.”
government and business assets. I expect some very exciting developments in innovation and technology this year
One major aspect is making the information necessary to apply for
that will fuel Montgomery’s economy and transform the
city contracts readily and easily available. “We realized we needed
image of our city and region.”
to adequately explain the proper procedures and protocols to
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
LOOKING AHEAD
‘18
our small businesses,” he said. But Price sees the initiative going beyond equal opportunity; he sees it building relationships as well. “We’re now getting all these different companies and groups talking to each other, interacting, where maybe they weren’t before, and not just on the worksite. We’re bringing folks together — working together to drive the city forward — to the benefit of all.” Price also puts his debate and mediation skills to good use, handling administrative hearings for city employees. “What I’m often doing is putting out fires, handling complaints,” he said. “I look for answers and try to stop a molehill from becoming a mountain.”
At the 2017 Annual Meeting, 2017 Chamber Chairman David B. Reed passed the gavel to 2018 Chairman Judge Charles Price.
As the mayor’s advisor and now as leader of the Chamber’s board, Price has big plans and a bold vision for his city, and he thinks we’re headed in the right direction. “Our current business
In his mind, it all boils down to everyone in the city and region
climate is already disproving the stereotype this city has been un-
working together toward a common goal: an improved quality of
der,” he said, “and I want to get the black community even more
life. “As Chairman, I want to open this city up so that we all enjoy
involved in the Chamber. I want them to know that they shouldn’t
the fruits of our labors together. I believe in community the way Dr.
sit outside. Bring your questions inside. Get a seat at the table and
King talked about it. I do believe the tent is large enough for all.”
discuss your ideas.”
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
LOOKING AHEAD, GLANCING BACK
Old Friends. Strong Connections. New Directions. In early December, the Chamber held its 145th Annual Meeting luncheon. Hundreds of the area’s business leaders attended the sold-out event to hear Chamber leadership unveil its 2018 goals and tout 2017’s strategic gains.
We Dream Big Launched in 2007, the Chamber’s Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy is a multi-year visionary plan to push the city to reach its potential, support and aid it on its way there and make life better for everyone here. Since 2010, it’s hit some major milestones:
10,500
announced jobs
New homes for the No. 1 high school in Alabama and the academies for career and technology
$2 BILLION+ invested in downtown’s transformation
$2.3 MILLION
capital investment by new and expanding industry
Power Lunch 10 YEARS
of a nationally acclaimed Diversity Summit impacting thousands of community leaders
First open internet exchange in Alabama
• Direct Air Service from Montgomery to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport starting in June of 2018.
14,000
900+
young leaders engaged
2017 SNAP SHOT
THE CHAMBER’S LEADERS OUTLINED THE SUCCESSES OF ITS EFFORTS IN 2017 INCLUDING:
These dollars and cents stats for 2017 show a city moving forward at full speed.
entrepreneurs and small businesses trained and mentored
• The launch of Montgomery’s Technology strategy (TechMGM). TechMGM has created technology workforce training in partnership with local educational institutions, leveraged the Air Force Information Technology and Cyber Power Conference to continue to strengthen the partnership between the business
15,000 JOBS and $1.8 BILLION annual economic
$1.4 MILLION being spent
technology companies to the Montgomery Internet
impact projected at Maxwell AFB
by visitors daily
Exchange (MGMix).
community and the Air Force and introduced major
• Community-wide support of the successful effort to
The Time is Now ADDRESSING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Interim State Education Superintendent Ed Richardson was the Chamber’s
win the F-35 Lightning II mission for the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard, based at Dannelly Field. 1,056 announced jobs
2017 Annual Meeting keynote speaker and explained the impact problems in our education system are having in the long-term. “We haven’t
30 new and expanded companies
come to grips with the magnitude of this problem. Every year that we delay, 1,000 or more students exit our system and are under-served.”
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
$204.9 million announced in investment
2018
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Back row L-R): Vice Chairman Riley W. Roby, Managing Partner Balch & Bingham, LLP Vice Chairman Michael W. Hart, Market President, Regions Bank Vice Chairman Stephen G. Rutledge, Executive Vice President, Alfa Companies (Front row L-R): Chairman Elect, Willie Durham, State Farm Insurance Chairman, The Honorable Judge Charles Price (Ret), Senior Advisor to the Mayor, City of Montgomery; Immediate Past Chairman, David B. Reed, Chairman of the Board, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Randall L. George, President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
MR. RICHARD T. ALDRIDGE Program Executive Officer Business & Enterprise Systems
MR. JOHN ANZALONE President and Partner, Anzalone Liszt Grove Research, Inc.
MR. G. CARLTON BARKER Montgomery Regional CEO ServisFirst Bank
MR. JEFFREY W. BLITZ Partner, Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A.
DR. EDWIN C. BRIDGES Director, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
MR. JAMES E. BUCKALEW Chairman & President Alabama Real Estate Holdings/PCH
MR. MARK BUNTING Vice President & General Manager WSFA TV
MR. CEDRIC T. CAMPBELL Project Manager Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
MR. DONG RYEOL CHOI President & CEO, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC
MR. GARY A. COBBS President & CEO YMCA of Greater Montgomery
MR. A. BRUCE CRAWFORD Montgomery CEO BBVA Compass
MR. GILBERT DARRINGTON CEO Health Services, Inc.
MR. BRIAN DAVIS Regional Manager Spire
THE HONORABLE ELTON N. DEAN, SR. Chairman, Montgomery County Commission
MR. CHARLES C. DILAURA President, Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MR. RICK DILDINE Artistic Director, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
MRS. HELENA T. DUNCAN Regional President Liberty Bank & Trust
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 VP of Real Estate ELSAJA Dexter
MR. RICHARD E. HANAN Board Chairman Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board
MR. PAUL M. HANKINS President, Alabama Association of Independent Colleges & Universities
MR. ROBERT M. HARDWICH, JR. Chairman, Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery
MR. BARRIE H. HARMON III President Harmon, Dennis, Bradshaw, Inc.
MR. HEATH HARRELL President & CEO Guardian Credit Union-Downtown
MR. THOMAS A. HARRIS Managing Director Merchant Capital Investments, a division of Stifel Nicolaus
MR. R. GARY HARRISON CEO & General Manager Dixie Electric Cooperative
MR. MICHAEL W. HART Market President Regions Bank
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MR. HORACE H. HORN, JR. Vice President of External Affairs PowerSouth Energy
LANCE HUNTER, CEO Hodges Warehouse + Logistics
2018
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MR. DUK KIM Director of New Model Development, Lear Corporation-Montgomery
MR. JAKE KYSER President Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc.
MR. WARREN B. MARSHALL, JR. Business Development Marshall Design-Build, LLC
MR. S.D. KIM CEO Sys-Con, LLC
MR. PETE R. KNIGHT JR. Montgomery Market President, Renasant Bank
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. JOSHUA K. LOWDER President Colonial Commercial Realty, Inc.
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.
MRS. ANN SADIE OSTEN Owner Sadie’s Global Travel, Ltd.
MR. BRENDON PORTER COO Montgomery Biscuits
THE HONORABLE CHARLES PRICE Senior Advisor to the Mayor City of Montgomery
MR. LARRY D. PUCKETT President Larry Puckett Chevrolet
MR. DAVID B. REED Executive Vice President, Transportation Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
MR. JOE B. RILEY President & CEO Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.
MR. RILEY W. ROBY Managing Partner Balch & Bingham, LLP
MAJ GEN MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN Commander Air University
MR. STEPHEN G. RUTLEDGE Executive Vice President Operations, Alfa Companies
MRS. LESLIE L. SANDERS Vice President, Southern Division, Alabama Power Company
MR. NED F. SHEFFIELD President Jackson Thornton
MR. ALLEN SMOOT Division Director, South Alabama Division, Coca Cola UNITED
MR. J. MARK SNEAD, JR. President & CEO Sterling Bank
MR. BOYD STEPHENS Founder/Network Administrator, Netelysis
THE HONORABLE TODD STRANGE Mayor, City of Montgomery
MRS. LIZ SADIE SUTTON President, Alabama World Travel/Sutton & Associates
MR. W. RUSSELL TYNER President & CEO Baptist Health
Not pictured: Ms. Tania Wilkes MR. ADOLPH WEIL III Commercial Realtor John Hall Realty
MR. EDWARD V. WELCH, JR. President Welch Hornsby
MR. J. TYLER WILLIAMS District Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
2018
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
BRAD ARMAGOST ServisFirst Bank
JASON ASBURY Warren Averett Technology Group
JENNIFER ATKINS New Waters Realty Company, LLC
KEITH BAZZLE Buffalo Rock Pepsi
BRIAN BONIKOWSKI Avis & Budget Rent A Car
JAKE CARLTON Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery
ANITA CARTER Jim Wilson & Associates
LYNN M. CARTER Southeast Cherokee Construction, Inc.
CALVIN CHERRY ASE Credit Union
GILBERT DARRINGTON Health Services, Inc.
CLARK D. FINE Fine, Geddie & Associates
MATT FLURRY Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.
BILL GUILFORD WOW!
JACK HALEY VT Miltope
TOREY HATFIELD Guardian Credit Union
PERRY O. HOOPER, JR. Palomar Insurance Corporation
RAY INGRAM Jack Ingram Motors, Inc.
JERALD J. LABOVITZ Alabama Steel Supply, Inc.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2018 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. JIM MASSEY III Jim Massey’s Cleaners
MAC MCBRIDE STERIS Corporation
DR. LARRY MCLEMORE Saint James School
MARGARET NEKIC Inspirien
ANN OSTEN Sadie’s Global Travel, Ltd.
KERRY PALMER Trinity Presbyterian School
DAVID B. REED Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
JOE B. RILEY Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.
JAY SPENCER The Montgomery Academy
LIZ SUTTON Alabama World Travel Sutton & Associates
JODY THRASHER MST CPA’s & Advisors, LLC
DR. YU-TUENG TSAI Regitar U.S.A., Inc.
RUSS TYNER Baptist Health
BETH WALKER-MCBRIDE WorkForce Walker Personnel, LLC
DENNIS WATERS LEDIC Realty Company, LLC
CLARE C. WEIL The UPS Store
DR. MICHAEL WILLIAMS Faulkner University
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CAPITAL IMPACT 24
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
11,639
THE STATE O F A L A BA M A IS THE CI T Y’ S S ECO N D L A RG EST EMPLOY ER, P ROVI D I N G M O RE THAN 11,639 J O BS .
BEING ALABAMA’S CAPITAL MEANS MORE THAN JUST A SPECIAL MARK ON THE MAP.
Montgomery is not Alabama’s biggest municipality, but
other visitors’ spending, provides a significant amount of
it boasts an important distinction that sets it apart from
the money spent in the city,” Deravi said. “It’s arguably
every other Alabama city, large or small. On most maps of
between 30 to 50 percent of the city’s GDP. As such, the
our state, it’s marked by a star, a symbol of its capital city
state government’s presence gives the city’s economy
status. For folks who’ve long lived and/or done business
depth, diversity and stability.”
here, it’s a characteristic that they may take for granted. Other than a pretty, historic, white-domed building down-
And it’s not just the official state jobs. As Deravi noted,
town, what does being the state capital really mean?
as the center of state government, the city also gains thousands of additional jobs in businesses related to
According to Dr. Keivan Deravi, economist and Dean
state government, things like lobbying firms and indus-
of AUM’s College of Public Policy and Justice, several
try associations. Johnny Adams, executive director of
important and positive things: “There are four basic
the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association and immediate
attributes that can act as catalysts for economic growth
past president of The Alabama Council of Association
of a region. They are proximity to a compressive institu-
Executives (an association for those who run associations)
tion of higher education; access to a major interstate or
pointed to the substantial impact associations alone have
interstates; access to an international airport; and being
on the city. “The state associations based here — and
a state capital,” he said. “Montgomery has three of the
there are many — represent thousands of employees,” he
above attributes.”
said. “Plus, they have multiple meetings and events here each year that bring in many more people who fill our
And of those three, Deravi stressed that being the capital
hotel rooms, eat out in our restaurants, pay lodging and
carries the most weight. “Without being the capital, the
gas taxes and more.” But the city isn’t the only beneficiary
city would not have enjoyed the growth it has seen,” he
of associations’ presence here.
said. “It is one of the pillars of our city’s economy, along with the military and the city government.”
There’s a good reason the majority of them are headquartered in Montgomery, as Adams explained. “Until 1994,
Being the capital means the majority of state government
the Poultry & Egg Association was based in Cullman; we
functions happen here, and that translates into a massive
were one of the few not based here,” he said. “When we
number of state government jobs as well as millions of
came here, it was like opening a door to a whole new
dollars in spending thanks to legislators coming here
world. Our access to state leaders, lawmakers and agen-
each year, as well as other visitors traveling to the city
cies was so much broader and easier. We were finally
strictly to interact with state officials and agencies. “State
sitting at the table. It would be hard to imagine being truly
government employment along with its spending and
effective without being here.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC SALAS
physical footprint, plus the legislators, lobbyists and
THERE A RE M O RE T H A N 1 00 I N DUSTRY A N D O R G A N I Z ATI O N ASS O C I ATI O N S I N A L A B A MA ; MO ST A R E B AS E D I N MO N TG O ME RY.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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“W HE N W E CA M E H ERE, I T WAS L IK E OPENING A D O O R TO A W HO L E NEW WORLD. OUR ACC ESS TO STAT E L EA DERS, LAW MAKER S A N D AG EN C I ES WAS SO MUCH BROA D ER A N D EASIER. W E W E RE F I N A L LY S I T T I N G AT THE TAB LE . IT WO U L D BE HA RD TO IMAGINE B EING T RU LY EF F EC T I VE W ITHO U T BEI N G H ERE.” - J O H N N Y A DA M S J O H N N Y A DA M S
JE R E M Y A R T H U R
H A L BLOOM
Jeremy Arthur, president of the Chamber of Commerce Associ-
ernment brings some diverse people here, from all over the state
ation of Alabama, which represents 120 chambers of commerce
and from other places, and they bring ideas and different voices
around the state, agreed with Deravi and Adams, noting that the
here,” he said. “That’s always a good thing. They add to the
key effects from state government are the larger than average
culture of our community. And from an economic development
public sector workforce, which adds a layer of stability, as well as
standpoint, our mayor can go right down the street and do face-
the many state associations, trade groups and government ad-
to-face with the governor or other state leaders; that’s good too.”
vocacy groups that locate here. He also highlighted other perks. “We have federal offices here that wouldn’t be if we weren’t a state capital,” he said. “And all the positives that the city enjoys spill over into surrounding River Region communities, so the impact is bigger than Montgomery.” Hal Bloom, founder of The Bloom Group, a governmental relations firm, has been deeply involved in politics in Montgomery since 1975 and outlined a few intangible upshots. “The state gov-
MAKING OUR VOICE HEARD These inherent advantages to being a capital city mean a lot to Montgomery, but our city leaders are working to enhance them and to get even more out of our proximity to state government. It’s why the Chamber produces on an annual legislative agenda (see page 28) that outlines the issues and goals it views as most important to the local business community for the coming year.
IN THE KNOW
+
W E ASK E D T H E L E G ISL ATO RS WHO REP RESENT MONTGOMERY COUNTY I N THE ALAB AMA LEGI SLATUR E THEI R T H O U G H TS O N T H E MA IN ISSUE S A FFEC T ING BUSI NESS AND ECONOMI C DEVELOPMENT HER E AND W HAT THEY’ LL B E WO R K I N G FO R IN T HE 201 8 L EG ISL AT IVE SE SSI ON.
SENATOR DICK BREWBAKER
REPRESENTATIVE REED INGRAM
Quality education is key to any successful community, and a solid
I believe that the budget will be the highest priority
foundation for education requires beginning the focus at Pre-K
during the upcoming session. We have made a lot of
and maintaining it through high school and beyond. Education
progress in working to budget responsibly and ensuring
affects our ability to recruit and expand business and industry,
we are living within our means. We will continue that
our ability to attract and retain talent and our ability to share our
work in the next regular session. Additionally, I would
storied history by attracting visitors here. With all this in mind,
like to see us find a way to fund more state troopers to
one issue I’ll be watching is education funding.
preserve the safety of our roadways.
REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS SELLS The budgets, both the general fund and education budgets, are the major issues coming up in the 2018 Regular Session. Adequate funding of education is essential for many things, including a prosperous business climate. Education is crucial as we work to continue to grow and develop a workforce pipeline that will allow us to expand and recruit business and industry to our region.
Whether the Chamber is backing a specific bill or voicing concerns about a concept being debated in the legislature, its leaders work hard to create the agenda and even harder communicating their thoughts to the individual legislators who represent Montgomery in the Alabama House and Senate. Being in the same town with them while they’re actively in session is a definite plus.
+
I MPACT OF GOVER NMENT EMPLOYEES AND ASSOCIATES ON MONTGOMERY’S ECONOMY.
There is one potential drawback to how closely the city of Montgomery and state government are situated. When political scandals erupt and when news of unethical behavior from elected officials becomes public, the stench of this corruption
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can seep into the perceptions that other people in other parts of the state have of Montgomery, especially since some media and just everyday folks sometimes use the words “Montgomery” and “state government” interchangeably, implying that they are the same thing. But most local “politicos” believe that if and when that tarnishes the city’s image, it’s only surface deep. “I’ve heard those generalizations, and it’s something to be aware of that can be a small negative, but I’m not sure if it how much it really alters others’ perceptions of the city and its people,” Arthur said. “I think that most people understand
There are 105 representatives and 35 senators in the Legislature, most of whom travel to Montgomery and stay here on a weekly basis.
where the blame goes.”
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
There are approximately 600 lobbyists registered with the state. Many live and work here; the others come here (and spend money here) during the annual legislative session.
THE ISSUES + EAC H Y E AR , the Chamber compiles a legislative agenda listing
TAX & F I SCAL PO LI CY
bills and proposed regulations related to them throughout the legislative session.
Montgomery area through sound fiscal
specific issues that can affect our area’s business community and then monitors the
Foster a pro-business climate in the
H ERE AR E T H E C H AM B E R ’S 2018 LE GI SLAT I V E I NI T I AT I V ES .
policy; monitor tax reform initiatives.
BUS I N ESS & ECO N OM IC D E V E LOP M E N T
WO R KFO R CE DEVELOPMENT & EDU CAT I O N
Support initiatives that assist existing
Support incentives for commercial
industry, new business recruitment, cyber
development, particularly those that
and technology growth, and small and
promote redevelopment of priority corri-
minority business development.
dors and riverfront/downtown, to include cultural district incentives, new market tax
Protect the rights of employee confi-
incentives and other vehicles that aid in
dentiality and the secret ballot in union
revitalization of priority urban areas.
elections. Support initiatives that support educationSupport initiatives to enhance Mont-
al, employment and business opportunities
gomery’s tourism industry and historical
for military families.
significance. Oppose mandated benefits, restrictions Support improvement of and funding for
and regulations that unduly impede sound
transportation infrastructure.
business practices initiatives at all levels.
Support initiatives that support and grow
Support efforts to seamlessly link
the military and defense missions within
Alabama’s workforce initiatives with the
the River Region.
Alabama Community College System.
Advocate adequate funding for public education at all levels to effectively prepare Alabama children and adults for an increasingly complex economy and competitive work force. Advocate for continued expansion of pre-kindergarten educational programs. Support reform efforts that improve the quality of classroom instruction through increased technology and broadband initiatives. Support efforts that strengthen and expand workforce development policy; monitor tax reform initiatives.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN KNIGHT
REPRESENTATIVE KELVIN J LAWRENCE
I believe our state’s public education system is one of the most
As we approach the beginning of a new legislative
important contributors to the success of any plans for business
session, education will be a very important issue.
or economic development. A strong, capable workforce is key.
Parents and families want to put their children on
When recruiting new industry, the River Region must demon-
the right track for success in school, work and life.
strate that it has a strong educational system, from the primary
That path starts with a first-class education. We must
stage through higher education. As legislators, we must find
reverse the chronic pattern of underinvestment in our
ways to more effectively support and fund public education as
schools, students, teachers and classroom technol-
a tool for economic development. We must also evaluate the
ogy. By investing in our public schools now, we can
impact of our current workforce development initiatives and
rebuild our skilled workforce and lay the foundation to
identify opportunities to strengthen these programs.
drive economic growth and development that would strengthen the business community.
REPRESENTATIVE THAD MCCLAMMY Landing the Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jet program will have a great, long-lasting impact on our area. Alabama is an established leader in aerospace and aviation; today, Air University at Maxwell and the Business and Enterprise System Directorate at Gunter are the heart of the Air Force information technology network worldwide. The success of our efforts to get the F-35 here also allows us to continue the trailblazing Red Tail legacy that the Tuskegee Airmen began in Montgomery. The announcement is wonderful news, and we now have work to do to get ready for the planes’ arrival. I’ll be focused on what is needed for that in the coming year.
VESTOR IN
OFIL
Q&A
E
BRIAN DAVIS Spire Regional Manager Brian Davis and others on his team have been busy in the last year. Transitioning from the company’s former brand and identity —Alagasco — to Spire has been a major undertaking with multiple moving parts. But as the Montgomery native explains below, while the name has changed, the reliability and efficiency River Region customers have come to count on from their gas utility remain the same. Question? Answer. Why did Alagasco change its name to Spire?
our customers above and beyond heating. For residential,
In 2014, Alagasco was bought by Laclede Group, a St.
that extends to cooking with gas – ovens, stovetops and
Louis-based gas company. The idea then was to pull every
grills – gas water heaters, which are so fast and so efficient,
piece of that company under one umbrella, but they wanted
and gas dryers. I think we’re doing a good job getting that
to do it slowly. In March 2016, the name changed to Spire
information out there. And advancements through the years,
at the corporate level. It became official here on Septem-
like gas tankless water heaters, are making gas even more
ber 25, 2017. Now, Spire has 3,000 employees in Missouri,
efficient.
Mississippi and Alabama.
How did you get into the industry? After graduatHow many Spire employees are there here?
ing from Robert E. Lee High School here, I got my degree in
We have approximately 75 in this office, serving approx-
mechanical engineering from Auburn University. Then, I got
imately 78,000 customers in Montgomery and the River
an MBA from Georgia College. I started my career with a gas
Region. This office also covers Opelika and Phenix City.
company in Georgia. I spent four years working with some energy consulting companies and then came to work for
What does your job as entail? I am responsible for
Alagasco in 2004. In 2008, the company moved me back to
field operations in Montgomery, Opelika and Phenix City,
Montgomery.
so I oversee the service department, getting gas turned off and on at locations, setting meters, the maintenance of our
What do you enjoy about your job? What first
underground facilities like piping, and our distribution func-
attracted me to the industry was the hands-on, mechanical
tions. Basically, I help keep the gas on and keep it flowing.
side of it all, the construction. I loved working in the field and with all the pipelines, understanding how it all works and
How’s the gas business been lately? It always fluc-
how we get gas to people. In the position I’m in now, I’m not
tuates, but in the last few months, we’ve seen some small
in that day-to-day, but I get to meet a lot of people, work with
growth in Montgomery. That’s due to things like new Pike
other organizations like the Chamber to better Montgomery
Road and east Montgomery developments and new down-
and engage with the community more. I like that too.
town projects. We have invested more in our infrastructure, Road and Prattville. All of our supply is domestic; we have
What are your impressions of Montgomery’s progress since you’ve been back home? I really
two main suppliers, both in the United States.
like the proactive mindset of our city leadership and the
replacing legacy pipes and expanding into new areas in Pike
vision they have and are acting on, especially downtown.
What challenges is Spire facing? I don’t know that
I remember growing up here, there was no reason to go
it’s actually a challenge, but as an industry, we always have
downtown unless your office was there. Now, it’s the oppo-
to communicate why people should choose gas. For us
site, and I think that matters for several reasons: One, for this
down here, that is a different message than for our corpo-
company, more empty buildings filled means, in many cases,
rate office in St. Louis due to climate. We have so many more
more gas customers. Two, it’s a good impression for visitors,
warm months, and most people associate natural gas with
particularly the military we host here. The facelift happening
heat, so we work to showcase everything we can do for
on Dexter is amazing.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS
PR
PO WERHOUSE
Made in the USA All of our supply is domestic; we have two main suppliers, both in the United States.
“
“I loved working in the field and with all the pipelines, understanding how it all works and how we get gas to people.”
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
ME M BE R profile
KENNY LANEAUX As an insurance agent and financial representative for Country Financial, Montgomery native Kenny Laneaux is dedicated to helping fellow residents achieve the serenity that comes from security by helping them find the insurance products that will help protect them and their loved ones.
How long have you worked for Country Financial? Two years.
What does your job entail? I work with families and individuals to make sure they are soundly insured so we both have peace of mind and know that their property and assets are protected and properly covered when “life happens.”
What do you love about what you do? Well, first I love my clients and my clients love me. Second, I love meeting new people and building relationships with them. Finally, I actually love the daily grind and the work that it takes to be a successful insurance agent and financial representative.
What is your client-care philosophy? My main goal is to build real trust with my clients. I need people to feel comfortable coming to me. They spend a lot of their hard-earned money insuring their property and their lives, so I want them to know they can trust me to help them make the right decisions. People take their retirement savings very seriously, and I want to alleviate any anxiety they might have.
What are your interests outside of work? I’m a musician. I have been playdrumsticks. I also like to get outdoors and be active. My son, Kenneth Jr. and I love to fish. We also like to participate in 5k races. COUNTRYFINANCIAL.COM
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
ing the drums since I was old enough to hold
We are exactly like the traditional accounting and advisory firms you’ve come to know — except completely different. S E RV I N G S M A L L TO M ID-SIZ E D BUSIN E SSE S AN D N ON P ROFIT O RG A N I Z AT I O N S I N TA X, ATT E STAT ION , ACCOUN T IN G AN D CON SULT IN G
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MSTC PA.COM 844.678.27 27 / 260 COMME RC E ST, ST E 3 20 YOUR SUCC E SS IS OUR PASSION
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EM BE R profile
TERRY BARBER Terry Barber has been in the broadcasting business for almost 40 years. He’s using all he’s learned to do things a little differently at his company Little Engine Broadcasting.
What prompted you to start Little Engine Broadcasting? I was with other radio in Montgomery for 18 years. When I went out on my own, I knew I wanted to stay in the radio business here, but I wanted to do things differently. It’s hard for a company to remain focused when they have to manage and promote multiple brands in one market. I wanted to have a radio company that only had a few brands that are uniquely different yet complement each other.
What stations does Little Engine Broadcasting include? We started with purchasing the oldest operating radio station in Montgomery, WMGY (Southern Gospel). After that, we added 95.5 WRBZ (Montgomery’s Greatest Hits). In 2016, we took advantage of an opportunity to add a third brand, which we call Praise 96.5 (Traditional Gospel).
What’s your favorite thing about your job? The people. We have a small staff that is mainly comprised of people who work with us as a second job because they love the radio stations. I have been blessed to have many customers who do business with our company who I have developed relationships with over the years. They trust that their investment in me and in our radio stations will help them grow their businesses as well. So far it’s working.
What’s on the horizon for Little Engine Broadcasting? I want to build these brands and continue to strengthen the ties that I have developed over the last two decades here. I jokingly call myself the Conductor of Little Engine Broadcasting. I do get to blow the whistle when I want, but I also have to shovel a lot of coal and make sure the track is functioning.
I can relate to the little engine in the children’s book who knows he isn’t the biggest or strongest, but with hard work and a positive attitude thinks, “I can.” He keeps on showing up every day with the determination to succeed. I hope to complete the transition one day to where I know I can.
What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy gardening, cooking, and being “Pop Pop” to the two most beautiful grandchildren in the world. FOUNDED 2015 wrbzradio.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
“I Think I can.”
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER profile
LAUREN GOLDASICH As owner and operator of both the Montgomery and Auburn Orangetheory Fitness studios, Lauren Goldasich is committed to building a team that’s equally dedicated to changing the lives of OTF members, folks who consider themselves the OTF “fit fam.”
What got you interested in fitness? I started in the fitness industry 12 years ago as a group fitness instructor. I quickly realized my purpose in life was to help others become the best versions of themselves through health and fitness. In 2009, I left my full time career as a teacher and pursued the goal of owning my own studio.
What sets OTF apart from other workout systems or other gyms? Our studio is welcoming, efficient, friendly, clean, motivating and fun. At OTF, you will experience a one-hour, full-body workout that focuses on training your endurance, strength and power. We utilize five-zone heart-rate-based interval training that is proven to burn more calories post workout, and each workout is led by a professional fitness coach to prevent you from over or under training. If you show up and put in the work, your results are guaranteed.
Any recent milestones or awards for OTF? OTF Montgomery member Ben Brown was chosen out of 100,000 members as the 2017 International Orange Ambassador. Ben has not only changed physically, losing more than 150 pounds, but he has changed mentally and emotionally because of this program.
What is your business philosophy? Make your passion your business, and you’ll never work a day in your life. And surround yourself with a talented team of individuals who want to accomplish something greater together than they could on their own.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
A Fit Life
The feeling I get when I help develop leaders on our
My husband Dennis and I love to
team. These leaders are the reason Montgomery OTF
travel and experience great food and
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.
members have and will continue to experience so many
wine. We have four boys, ages 20 to
breakthroughs in their health and fitness journey. I am
2 years. I am really proud of being a
proud of every life that has been changed because of
wife and a mom to Sam, Jack, Ford
our two OTF locations. To know these stories is to know I am fulfilling my God-given purpose in life.
and Forrest. Much of mine and Dennis’
orangetheoryfitness.com
out their passion on the golf course.
time is spent watching our sons live
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
18
T H I N G S TO WATC H IN 2018
02/ NEW YEAR, NEW MO
KEEP AN EYE OUT: This year is already shaping up to be a big one for both Montgomery’s business community and the city and region as a whole with a slew of newsworthy things slated to happen. Check out our list of the 18 events, upgrades, announcements, openings and more that you should be watching in 2018.
Downtown Delight The development of “Low Dex” has brought life back to one of the country’s most historic streets and energized one of downtown’s prettiest spots. This mixture of retail and residential spaces will also host events and markets starting this spring (and continuing through the summer) where the area around Court Square Fountain will be closed to cars. GOING TO BE GREAT IMAGE BY CARTER PHOTO DESIGN
01
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We all appreciate Big Mo and
04/
the job he does as the Biscuits
F LY I N G H I G H
baseball team mascot, but
The Montgomery Regional
soon, there will be a bit less
Airport continues to increase
of this “biscuit eating beast”
its offerings and up the ante on
to love. Mo is slimming down
providing a positive customer
as part of the 2018 Scale Back
experience. An updated web-
Alabama annual challenge. The
site boasts more travel tools
team’s new owners saw this
and easier navigation, while
as a fun and engaging way to
Wi-Fi upgrades mean greater
get involved in our community
speed and connectivity through-
while promoting and supporting
out the facility. A new restaurant
an important health initiative.
and lounge called Tailwinds is
Check out his progress and get
opening, bringing passengers
info on the upcoming Biscuits’
delish new food and beverage
season, starting April 5, at
options. And charging stations
biscuitsbaseball.com.
throughout the terminal ensure folks can keep their electronic
03/
devices going strong. But the real news is in the air: Starting
JUSTICE FOR ALL
this summer, you can hop a
The Memorial to Peace and
plane in Montgomery and fly
Justice will soon be ready for
direct to Regan National in
visitors. The nation’s first site
Washington D.C.
designed to remember and honor the victims of racially
05/
based lynchings is a project of
RUNNING STRONG
the Equal Justice Initiative and
Alabama politics is always
is opening on April 26. With
interesting, and with the guber-
the names of more than 4,000
natorial election coming up this
lynching victims from around
fall, the race being run for the
the United States engraved on
governor’s office promises to
columns, the massive monu-
be no different. Incumbent
ment is a compelling way to
Kay Ivey is enjoying high
tell the story of the Civil Rights
approval ratings, making
struggle and Montgomery’s
her the early frontrunner, but
important role in the fight.
the list of those running in the
Learn more at
primaries for both parties is
museumandmemorial.eji.org.
pretty long. Stay tuned!
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
GET OUT & VOTE.
BIG
SUCCESS
the budget for FY 2019, statewide assessment and school report cards,” he said.
08/ IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE Constant roadwork can be frustrating, but routine maintenance, lane additions or expansions as well as safety and even aesthetic improvements are necessary to keep traffic running smoothly for any busy, growing city. This year, watch
06
for streetscape improvements from South Court Street to I-65; lane resurfacing and lane additions on Zelda Road; parking lot resurfacing and landscape improvements at Cramton Bowl; and more.
The Right Stuff
Thanks to the hard work of Montgomery’s congressional delegation along with the city, county, state and the Chamber , the city has landed the Air Force’s F-35 Lightning II Jet fleet. The announcement came right before Christmas and is some of the most important and impactful news for our area in years. The planes should be in place at our 187th Fighter Hilltop
Wing and Air National Guard base by 2023 and will bring with them some major benefits, including many millions of dollars in economic impact. They’ll also continue our area’s ties to the historic Tuskegee Airman legacy since the 187th Fighter Wing is home to the 100th Fighter Squadron, one of the original units dedicated to African-American combat pilots. Learn
09/ BIGGER & BETTER Tourism continues to play a key role in our city’s economy, and the visitors — both business and leisure travelers — keep on coming. Proof? The continued demand for additional places for all these people to stay. Springhill Suites in the old Bish-
more about what this great news means for MGM in our March
op-Parker building across from Riverwalk Stadium will begin
issue.
construction this year, and Staybridge Suites by Marriott, an extended stay hotel with 118 rooms, should open its doors to
07/ MAKING THE GRADE
guests in 2018. Montgomery is also getting a true “big-city”
The search for a new State Superintendent of Education
amenity thanks to another new property, Hilltop Suites & Spa,
should be finished this year, and interim superintendent Dr.
which breaks ground this year and should be completed by fall
Ed Richardson is pushing to resolve several issues ahead of a
2019. Sys-Con, LLC is transforming the long-vacant and historic
selection, including the state’s intervention in Montgomery’s
Hilltop Arms Apartments building in Five Points downtown into
public schools, to help whoever fills the role have a better
a modern, upscale boutique hotel. It will feature 80 rooms,
chance at success. “We are working to get approval of the
more than 6,000 square feet of meeting and event areas, plus
ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Plan, which will generate
numerous bars and restaurants, and to top it all off, a rooftop
$508 million for local school systems; we’re also working on
bar with amazing views of the city skyline.
10
NEED TO KNOW
Several tax laws that apply to businesses have changed for 2018. But one to note is the significant change in the taxation of partnerships under the new federal partnership audit rules. According to William T. Thistle III, partner at Bradley, a local accounting firm, these new rules apply to traditional partnerships and multi-member LLCs. “As a result of these new rules, all partnership agreements need to be reviewed — soon,” he said. Other trends impacting businesses include the implementation of strict cell phone policies that keep employees off mobile devices, particularly while serving customers, and the increasing part technology will play in marketing, especially social media.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
TECH TALK:
BIG THINGS ARE IN THE WORKS
11/ POWER PLAYER The Montgomery Internet Exchange (MGMix) is the only internet exchange in Alabama and one of only four in the entire Southeast. By providing lighting fast speeds, lowering internet service costs, drawing new companies PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC SALAS
here and boosting the city’s image, it’s proving a powerful economic weapon for the capital city, and the positive changes it’s bringing will keep expanding in the coming year. Get the latest TechMGM news at techmgm.com.
15/ C O N N E C T E D
14/ WIDE OPEN
12/
Another exciting component of Mont-
COMMUNITY
gomery’s commitment to build on ad-
Thanks to TechMGM, a partnership of
As yet another spoke on the TechMGM
vances like the internet exchange and
the Chamber, the city, Maxwell-Gunter
wheel, the expansion of free Wi-Fi all
become a “Smart City” is the recent
Air Force Base and the county, the
over the city keeps rolling along. This
switch to open data. With the city’s
capital city is fostering a creative,
year, even more public spaces and
adoption of open data, it is promising
dynamic atmosphere of information
areas downtown will offer it.
greater accountability, accessibility
sharing and innovation that’s drawing
and transparency within local govern-
cyber and tech talent here. Their ideas
ment. For residents and businesses,
are the fuel needed to keep the city —
it means quick and easy access to all
and our region — moving forward.
kinds of valuable information, includ-
INNOVATION INVITATION
ing construction permits, sanitation
13/ SMART START
schedules, public safety data from the
+ A WHOLE more
LOT
There are actually a lot more than
A crucial piece of Montgomery’s move
police department, information about
18 cool/exciting/interesting things
to become a true “Smart City” is the
our public library system and more, all
pushing the city to great heights this
implementation of smart city initiatives
with a click of your mouse or a tap on
year, and here’s one more we love:
that use enhanced tech to provide
your smartphone.
The city’s customer service initiative.
better and more efficient city services
more +
like garbage collection, parking and more.
TechMGM Read more about MGM’s Tech climate online in our November issue if you missed it in print.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
This project in partnership with Troy University Montgomery will train area hospitality staff on ways to go beyond service and create a true experience for both visitors and residents, enhancing our city’s already warm welcome.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ASU
COMING SOON: 17/ A R T A L F R E S C O The John and Joyce Caddell
OH, WHAT FUN.
Sculpture Garden at The Montgomery Museum of Fine
16/ B I G T I M E B U Z Z
Arts is set to open in 2018 and
The Alabama State University Marching
feature more than two acres of
Hornets Band and the Honeybeez dance
outdoor “rooms” for sculpture
team have been bestowed with a big honor:
exhibition, education and events
They’ll be showcasing their signature sounds
at the MMFA. The garden will host
and moves at the 2019 Tournament of Roses
a rotating selection of long-term
Parade in California, on New Year’s Day 2019.
sculpture loans among its
According to band director Dr. James Oliver
thoughtful design that echoes
the students are ecstatic and already prepar-
signature features of the MMFA’s
ing to make their national debut. “This is the
building: round spaces, water
first time this university has had this opportuni-
features and rhythmic pergolas.
ty, and it really is a big deal,” he said. While the
There’s even a quiet, intimate
university is helping pay for the trip, the band
space called The Secret Garden.
members are raising additional funds. If you’d
Learn more at mmfa.org.
18/ TO U C H -TA S T I C With the soon-to-open Stingray Bay, there will be a new “touching” reason to visit The Montgomery Zoo. The exhibit features more than 20 live stingrays in a 26 by 12 foot oval-shaped, temperature-controlled, 6,700 gallon saltwater pool. Observation panels on the sides let you watch the animals swim. And during scheduled times, you can even reach into the pool and feel the stingrays as they pass by.
like to make a donation, visit alasu.edu.
Come watch Auburn and Alabama throw down against 16 of the top college tennis teams in the country as Montgomery hosts the 70th playing of the prestigious Blue Gray National Tennis Classic. You can help ensure this world-class event stays in Montgomery with sponsorship levels starting at $100.
FEBRUARY 23-24 LAGOON PARK (334) 312-3445 bluegraytennis.com 41
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MAKING THE
WORKPLACE WORK Learn about the latest trends in office
design and décor and discover what’s behind the most popular choices.
When it comes to the way we design and decorate interior spaces,
What has driven these changes?
styles are always changing. Colors and patterns go in and out of
AJ: Cost is definitely a factor. Building walls for private offices is not
vogue. Furniture shapes and sizes are hot and then not.
as cost effective as providing flexible, reconfigurable systems and But today, when it comes to outfitting an office environment,
mobile furniture. Also, for tax purposes, the depreciation of assets
there’s much more than pure aesthetics driving the decisions. We
such as furniture or equipment is an extra added value.
asked two local interior designers who focus on the workplace to explain the latest trends and the motivations behind them.
LD: Today’s multi-generational workforce is part of what’s driving a collaboration mindset, which, as noted above is driving choices
AnnMarie Jackson is the director of interior design for Montgom-
that support this. And collaboration occurs not just in a designated
ery architecture and engineering firm Sherlock, Smith & Adams,
space, but really anywhere and everywhere: in workstations, in
Inc., and Lynne Dunn is senior interior designer for Kyser Office-
hallways, in team spaces, via the Internet and on tablets and smart-
Works Inc.
phones. Striving for a healthier lifestyle, which does not include sitting at a desk in a closed room all day, is also playing a role in
How have design and decor for today’s office
design decisions.
environments changed in the last 10 years? With more open workspaces, how are offices controlling AJ: I continue to see private offices declining within office settings.
noise and providing some privacy?
Management or team leaders are integrated with staff to enhance collaboration. Doing so has its advantages, but not having desig-
AJ: Sound masking devices are helpful but can be costly. Mixing in
nated quiet areas for staff to focus or for privacy when needed can
different heights of storage or soft seating areas with higher seat
be detrimental, and so providing that is important to keep in mind.
backs can help buffer noise.
LD: Our culture as a whole has changed to promote collabora-
LD: It’s smart to create personal enclaves or small lounge areas
tion/teaming/networking versus individual, private job functions.
that allow people to take their devices wherever they want to do
We share, discuss and build on each other’s ideas. As a result,
personal, concentrated work. Sound masking products really can
companies are providing more open “we space” and less “I space”
make a big difference too. And finally, workplace etiquette needs
to encourage collaboration. Emphasizing collaboration has also
to be set by management and should put emphasis on things like
led to more casual/comfortable workspaces that create a relaxed
keeping voices low and not yelling across the room.
atmosphere to promote sharing and brainstorming. We are also becoming untethered, and this is making mobile furniture popular.
42
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEEL GOOD, INC. Ergonomics is a big buzzword in office design. But what does it mean? Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their environment.
Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their environment. “Taking a proactive solution toward wellbeing in the workplace is more than providing ‘ergonomic chairs.’ It focuses on the physical, cognitive and social needs of people,” AnnMarie Jackson said.
“When employees’ needs are being met, they are that much more valuable to the company.” But good equipment does matter, as Lynne Dunn pointed out: • The correct chair for the job function and the individual is critical. • Adjustable chairs that support the body in multiple ways are great. You can now not only adjust height, but also seat depth, pivot as well as arm widths and heights. • Adjustable-height desks let people sit for a while and then stand for a while, offering the best of both worlds.
43
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Collaboration is Key “There’s an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Research has shown that two or more heads really are better than one — the group will measurably outperform a lone expert.” — Lynne Dunn, Senior Interior Designer for Kyser OfficeWorks Inc.
It Goes Beyond Good Looks Since it’s clear that current trends
if they keep up with the trends of the
in office design and décor are
day,” she said.
focused on a lot more than how a space looks, it’s important for
And there is no one-size-fits all an-
business owners and managers to
swer, as Dunn stressed. She advised
pay attention to them, as Anne Marie
looking at the specific goals and
Jackson explained. “Investing in the
functions of your company before
workplace environment by provid-
jumping on a trend. “Companies
ing amenities and choices sends a
need to research what best fits their
message that you care about staff
employees’ needs to get the job
wellness,” she said. “Providing a
done, and the style and size of their
quality environment has a direct
work areas should be based on
impact on staff morale that will affect
what is needed,” she said. “We know
the bottom line.”
environment affects productivity and efficiency, so everyone should eval-
ON TREND Lynne Dunn at Kyser OfficeWorks outlined a few of today’s hottest trends and the thinking
Lynne Dunn agreed. “From a phys-
uate and re-evaluate their unique
ical standpoint, when employees’
situation.”
behind them.
fewer aches and pains, which means
The workplace and the way we in-
Benching Workplaces / Think about sitting
they can concentrate more and get
teract with it will continue to change,
more work done,” she said. It’s also
so Dunn offered a final tip: “Hiring
crucial to recruiting young talent.
a professional interior designer that
“The younger generations typically
understands this and can do needs
have fresh ideas, creative ideas, and
assessment programing will help
they like new trends, so employers
achieve the right environment for
can hire and retain good employees
everyone involved,” she said.
bodies are supported, they have
around the kitchen table studying with friends. You are doing your own work, but can get someone to explain something right then so you can move forward. This setup takes the same concept to the office. Sharing and expressing ideas comes easier in a small group, and it promotes understanding across job functions/ departments. Mobile Furniture / Flip-top tables, nesting chairs and casters are making spaces more flexible and making it easy to accommodate rapidly and constantly changing sizes of groups or teams and their specific needs. It also makes workspaces more multi-functional, which keeps the real estate costs down. Interactive Smartboards / These let people sketch ideas and then send the notes electronically to attendees and allow for teleconferencing with people around the globe so businesses
POLISHED PALETTE “One overall trend in office design and decor is the use of lighter, cooler colors and adding interest with different textures and patterns.” - Joy Kaplan, interior designer at JMR+H Architecture, LLC. Kaplan also echoes Jackson and Dunn, pointing to open concepts
can tap into talent from anywhere. Sit/Stand Desks & Walkstations / (slow moving treadmills where you walk while working): Getting healthier by moving is the driving force
that encourage collaboration and an emphasis on ergonomic furniture as
behind these trends. Standing also creates a
other current trends. “Being on top of these workplace trends benefit both
more casual atmosphere by breaking down
employee and employer,” she said.
the perception that “the guy behind the desk is more powerful than me.”
44
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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45
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
GiveBack
GOOD IN = GOOD OUT / by WENDI LEWIS For more than 30 years, the Central Alabama Community Foundation has been pooling resources and growing
IMAGE COURTESY OF LITTLE ACORN PHOTOGRAPHY
money to help fund multiple worthy causes and organizations in our area.
Central Alabama Community Foundation staff (from left to right): Jackie G. Johnson, VP, Community Services; Burton Ward, President; Whitney Griswold Califf, Development Director; Eleanor U. Lucas, Donor Services Manager.
Beginning in 1987, when it distributed just over $100,000 in
managed by the CACF. Some are advised funds, where the
grants, the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF)
donor stays involved with the CACF and specifies where the
has grown with the support of donors and its volunteers. Last
money will go.
year, the Foundation raised approximately
Growing Good
$6 million and distributed more than $3 million in scholarships and grants to recipients throughout the region. A community foundation exists with the intent of investing donor dollars, explains Whitney Griswold Califf, development officer for the CACF. “We encourage people to think of CACF like a savings account. You invest your money, and it grows over time, and you make contributions out over a period of time,” she said.
Several organizations that people know and work with in the community have all grown out of the CACF. - Whitney Griswold Califf
Also, there are scholarships. Students may apply December-March, and there are more than 100 different scholarships available, so students can apply for something specific to them. CACF coordinates with school counselors to present the scholarship to students at the school’s awards day. Very often, donors who established the scholarship are able to attend and present the scholarship in person, making a special connection with their donation.
CACF was established in 1987 by Fred A. Richard Jr. and a
Finally, there are grants, which are used for unrestricted giving,
group of civic leaders. Their goal was to provide support for
contributions from donors who want to allow the CACF to give
the community through grants. Donors can give a one-time or
the money to meet the most critical needs in the community.
recurring gift, and donors include individuals, families, orga-
Local non-profit agencies can apply under a service category
nizations and businesses. There are different types of funds
noting what they need, and the applications will be reviewed
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
“It is a community effort to raise the funds and a community effort to present the funds back
Be a part: For more information, visit the CACF at cacfinfo.org or call Whitney Griswold Califf at 334-264-6223.
into the community. That makes it unique and rewarding for everyone involved in every step of the process,” Califf said. “We need people to be donors. But we also want people to know we’re a
Prattville Autauga Humane Society (left) and Clefworks (right) are CACF recipients. Images courtesy of Mari Wilkes and Carter Photo Design.
community resource, so we want them to know if they need help, we will help them find the right organization, and
and approved by the CACF board. Grants
Warren Averett partners have served on
we need volunteers as well. Our role is to
are awarded four times per year.
the Board of Directors for the CACF, so
strengthen the non-profit community and
working with the organization to establish
make people aware of some of the great
Last year, Warren Averett, which provides
a grant was a perfect fit. “The CACF came
organizations that are here and how they
accounting, audit and tax services for
top of mind — It is a great way to provide
are serving our neighbors,” she said.
businesses, established this type of grant
benefit for the charities in the area
with CACF to expand its community
through a central distribution vehicle.
In fact, many local groups had their roots
outreach. Company employees orga-
The beauty of working with the CACF is
at the foundation before moving onto
nized a “Casino Night” fundraising event,
that they have already done a lot of the
their own for fundraising and operations
which was attended by employees and
needs assessment work,” Stabler said.
once they began to grow. “That’s a
many of the firm’s clients and members
“That was a large reason for using the
unique part of our history that several
of the public. “One of our core values is
CACF, because they have a staff and can
organizations in the community have all
a term we call sharing our success,” said
provide administrative help, vetting and
grown out of the CACF,” Califf said.
Richard Stabler, office managing member
make recommendations.”
for Warren Averett. “We work every day in the community, and the community is
Warren Averett also launched the Warren
what helps us promote our business. So
Averett Foundation firm-wide and plans
we feel an obligation to give back to the
to continue working with the CACF as the
community that supports us.”
distribution vehicle in this area.
The Chamber wants to share the good news of businesses doing good. Please send story ideas to jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.
GIVEBACK
BRIEFS
Volunteers Donate more than $300K to Baptist East Baptist Health recently announced that construction on its
and new equipment make up the largest donation ever given by volunteers to Baptist East.
newest expansion to the health system, the Surgical-Medical
A Helping Hand
Unit, is being made possible by volunteers of Baptist East.
For many years, Beasley Allen Law Firm has partnered with the
They have generously given $301,000 to the hospital for this
Family Sunshine Center to provide Thanksgiving meals for River
improvement from sales at the Gift Basket. The Gift Basket gift
Region families in need. This year, the firm tripled the number
shop is managed by the East Volunteer Service department
of families it supported thanks to the generosity of the firm’s
and staffed by volunteers. All net income is placed in a fund at
employees and leadership. Beasley Allen delivered meal essen-
Baptist Health Care Foundation. Baptist employees account for
tials, including turkeys and all the fixings, to 20 families who may
65-70 percent of the volunteers’ revenue, and it is this revenue
not otherwise have had a meal to enjoy. These donations were
making the donation possible, tying employees back to their
made via the Family Sunshine Center, which provides assistance
place of employment. The funds for the 22-room renovation
to victims and survivors of family violence in the River Region.
47
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MyMGM
SELLING MGM
/ by WENDI LEWIS
We asked a few area leaders the tools they use and topics they tout to “sell” our city.
Hospitality at work “When they come for a site visit and see it for themselves, it makes it easier for us when we’re competing against other cities. The relationships are probably more important than anything. They feel at home, they feel welcome.” - Ron Simmons, Vice President, Destination Sales for the Montgomery Area Chamber
IMAGE COURTESY OF DAVID MARTIN.
of Commerce
Montgomery is always looking to draw visitors and events to town, to bring students to study at our academic institutions and to entice new businesses to locate here while also encouraging existing companies to expand. Economic development, meetings and events, education — attracting businesses and individuals to
“There are so many places they could go, so Montgomery has to offer more.” - Nim Frazer
Montgomery and the River Region touches on all of these areas. How to “sell” MGM varies depending on the audience — who you’re looking to bring here. But somehow all of these efforts
oped nearly 14 years ago in partnership with Montgomery County
work together to make Montgomery an attractive destination.
under the direction of the Montgomery County Commission. The County provided infrastructure — roads, sewer, outside lights —
SPACE FOR SUCCESS
and Industrial Partners came on board constructing speculative
Nim Frazer is owner and CEO of Industrial Partners LLC. The com-
buildings using a “rolling option agreement,” so as one building is
pany has provided industrial building facilities in central Alabama
bought another begins construction.
for clients including GKN Aerospace, Federal Express, Hyundai, Rheem Manufacturing, Graham Packaging, Hager Companies and
Providing a quality speculative building in a location fully support-
the State of Alabama.
ed by municipal services is an attractive option for companies being recruited by the city and county. Frazer says he considers
Key among its projects is the Montgomery Industrial Park, devel-
48
the Montgomery Industrial Park a critical piece of the puzzle in
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
49
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MyMGM economic development, but he emphasizes that it’s just one piece.
extending beyond its educational focus to embrace the commu-
“There are so many places they could go, so Montgomery has to
nity. It operates the Rosa Parks Library & Museum and Children’s
offer more,” he said. “We have a number of colleges and universi-
Museum, which is one of top tourism attractions in the city, and the
ties here, which is key to building a good workforce. We also have a
Davis Theater. Its attractive campus adds to the walkability of down-
regional airport and easy access to the interstates and rail, so trans-
town. These factors are important to draw visitors, especially large
portation needs are met. The city and county work hard to provide
meetings and events, said Ron Simmons, Vice president, destina-
economic incentives to make Montgomery an attractive place to
tion sales for the montgomery area chamber of commerce. “When
locate a business as well.”
someone is planning a conference or a large meeting, or looking for a location to host a major sporting event, they are responsible
“Students may be place-bound – They are here working full time, have a good job, and don’t want to leave Montgomery and give up their job, but are trying to find a place where they fit.” -Dr. Lance Tatum
for coordinating the movement and activity of sometimes thousands of people. Their job depends on finding the right fit. We take
EXPANDING EDUCATION Troy University’s Montgomery campus is located in the heart of
that seriously,” he said.
downtown. From the beginning, its student body has been primarily composed of young professionals, many of whom work down-
EASY ACCESS & HELPFUL HOSPITALITY
town. The campus is convenient for them to attend classes while
Event planners are interested in great meeting venues as well as
working full- or part-time. “We are paying attention to the fact that
ease of access. With its central location in the state, Montgomery is
not everyone who steps on our campus is looking for a four-year
easily drive-able for a regional meeting. For those who fly in, Mont-
degree, “said Dr. Lance Tatum, vice chancellor. “Some are looking
gomery Regional Airport is easy to get in and out of, and attendees
for added skills, added credentials that will help them move forward
can quickly get from the airport to their hotel or meeting venue.
in their professional life. Students may be place-bound – They are
In November the Montgomery Regional Airport announced a new
here working full time, have a good job, and don’t want to leave
non-stop flight to and from Washington, DC, a perfect fit those look-
Montgomery and give up their job, but are trying to find a place
ing for access to state government or the Air Force and technology
where they fit.”
communities here.
Troy Montgomery also has a long relationship with Maxwell Air
Hospitality and cooperation also are an important part of putting
Force Base and Gunter Annex, which has continued to grow and
decision-makers at ease. “The Chamber and the business commu-
today encompasses the growth of technology in the River Region.
nity and the local government — county and city — work together,”
“About 25 percent of our student population is military affiliated –
Simmons said. “When they come for a site visit and see it for them-
active duty, veteran or spouses,” Dr. Tatum said. It’s a very exciting
selves, it makes it easier for us when we’re competing against other
time for all the universities in Montgomery to see what this next in-
cities. The relationships are probably more important than anything.
dustry sector is looking like. There is an opportunity to offer the first
They feel at home, they feel welcome.”
degree in a tech field or extend skills or identify a new technology field that is not yet being served by a university program.”
Building relationships is what brings the process of selling Montgomery and the River Region as an attractive place to live full circle,
With its location, Troy has been a leader in downtown development, 50
said Dr. Michael Williams, president of Faulkner University. “The
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
reality is we can’t separate student recruitment to Montgomery and
“The reality is we
recruitment to Faulkner. They are intertwined,” he said. “College students are looking for a home. They are definitely looking at the
can’t separate student
whole city as a value judgment.” Dr. Williams said Faulkner views
recruitment to Montgomery
Montgomery as an extension of its classroom, providing opportuni-
and recruitment to Faulkner.
ties for students to secure internships, volunteer with civic organi-
They are intertwined.”
zations and become involved in charitable projects.
- Dr. Michael Williams
Faulkner’s marquee program, which is conducted as part of the Community School Initiative, is the adoption of Davis Elementary School and its surrounding neighborhood and community. Dr. Wil-
Expanding on that idea, Faulkner’s leadership recently met with the
liams said, “It melds well with our faith-based initiative. In a realistic
Chamber of Commerce to help develop a new program that allows
way, it presents an authentic message that this is a great college
faculty scholars, students, small business owners and Chamber
home — There are real opportunities to be a part of the solution.
members to come together to raise the business quotient of small
We feel that resonates with the recruitment of students.”
businesses. The idea was so successful, it was expanded and now
On the other side of the coin, Dr. Williams said Faulkner recognizes
sis to talk about a collaborative effort to enhance area businesses
its own role in making Montgomery an attractive choice for eco-
and student activities. “It’s a win-win — It appeals to the business
nomic development, working hand-in-hand with city and business
economy, and it’s a great learning experience for students. That’s a
leaders to develop job creation opportunities. “It’s all about talent
good thing for us, and it’s also good for Montgomery. In the culture
acquisition,” he said. “As a contributing member of the community,
of Faulkner, this is their city; this is their home. They are now FROM
we are helping to create the talent pool.”
Montgomery,” Dr. Williams said.
the deans of Montgomery universities are meeting on a regular ba-
51
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2017
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 9 ISSUE 4 / AUGUST 2017
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H O W F O O T B A L L FA C T O R S INTO OUR ECONOMY
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EYES AHEAD:
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CHAMBER’S HIGH I M PA C T P R I O R I T I E S
GOING UP
CHAMBER CHAIRMAN DAVID REED IS building ON A strong LEGACY
New Initiatives GAME CHANGERS FOR MGM
LANDING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS F LY I N G H I G H : NEW F-35 FLEET KEEPS TUSKEGEE AIRMEN SOARING
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IS CENTERED ON BUSINESS NEWS
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AND PERSPECTIVES FROM
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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 .
M EM BER Spotlight
ARC REALTY ARC Realty serves six locations across central Alabama, and ARC Realty River Region is the No. 1 company the area in terms of both size and market share. But the company doesn’t put all its emphasis on rankings. ARC is an acronym for “A Relationship Company,” and building strong relationships is what matters most to every ARC team member.
WHEN WAS ARC REALTY FOUNDED? 2013 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 300 total; 100 in Montgomery WHAT ARE ARC’S PRIMARY SERVICES? Residential sales, where we work closely with our clients to connect motivated buyers and investors with homes, sellers and agents suited to their specific needs. Residential development, where we partner with homebuilders to market and sell new construction and other residential assets. Relocation and comprehensive move management, where our team, including a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), is trained to work closely with human resources to handle the needs of corporate transferees with issues including, but not limited to, area orientation and tours, comparable data to assist buyers and sellers, REALTOR® matches, travel assistance, broker price insight and inventory home management. We also do commercial brokerage, and these services include the sales, leasing, landlord and tenant representation and real estate acquisitions of investment and owner-occupied properties. Finally, we connect buyers with second homes, sellers and agents specific to their needs in areas including South Walton, Scenic Highway 30A, Destin and Panama City Beach in Florida and Smith Lake and Cullman County in North Alabama.
HOW HAS THE REALTY BUSINESS CHANGED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND HOW IS ARC KEEPING UP? Our agents and their clients benefit from an informed decision-making process and the data we gather from leading industry tools and technologies.
to attract top agents, has allowed us to provide our clients with the
Along with an established agent force, ARC Realty Montgomery
service they need and greatly has contributed to our continued
employs industry-leading practices in the River Region. More impor-
success.”
tantly, we build and maintain strong relationships with our agents and clients by providing the highest levels of personalized service
WHAT SETS ARC APART FROM OTHER REALTY COMPANIES?
and counsel. We are committed to contributing to the communities in
Founding partners and real estate veterans Tommy Brigham, Beau
which our agents and clients live.
Bevis, Mechelle Wilder and Dale McIntyre shared a vision to provide the highest level of personalized real estate service and counsel to
WHAT IS ARC’S CLIENT SERVICE PHILOSOPHY? ARC Realty’s
clients throughout Central Alabama. The company recently expand-
guiding principle is that relationships are more important than trans-
ed to Montgomery, making it the largest Alabama-owned real estate
actions. This philosophy helps earn repeat business and referrals,
agency. Norman Schlemmer serves as Managing Partner of ARC
which are so important in real estate. “ARC was built on strong rela-
Realty Montgomery, and ARC Realty Montgomery includes New
tionships and a commitment to actively support our communities,”
Waters Realty, the on-site management team for The Waters, a Pike
said Chairman Tommy Brigham. “This, combined with our dedication
Road community.
8191 SEATON PLACE / 334-213-2532 / ARCREALTYCO.COM 53
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS
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ADD IT UP
Governmental Affairs Taskforce Interacting with all branches of our state government and Congress and making the voice of Montgomery’s business community heard is a major priority in the Chamber’s mission. It’s why it created its Governmental Affairs Taskforce and why it asked past Chamber Chairman Horace Horn – who has extensive experience in governmental relations — to lead the group. He currently works as Vice President, External Affairs for PowerSouth Energy but still makes time to volunteer as Chair of the Taskforce.
14 KEY ISSUES are included for close monitoring on the Chamber’s 2018 Legislative Agenda
Why is that? “One important way the Chamber fulfills its mission and works for its members is the constant monitoring of bills and proposed regulations being discussed in the State House and continual communication with Montgomery’s PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS.
legislative delegation. Every year,
How long have you chaired the Governmental Affairs Taskforce?
could impact the Montgomery and the River
I have been a part of the Chamber’s govern-
an excellent environment for our military in
mental activities for the past 10 to 12 years
the River Region.
Region. We also make every effort to insure
and Chairman of the Chamber’s Govern-
the Chamber compiles a legislative agenda listing specific issues that can affect (positively or negatively) our area’s business community, issues the Governmental Affairs Team monitors closely during session so the Chamber can act as its members’ voice and advocate.” - Sheron Rose, Vice President, Community Strategies .
mental Affairs Task Force for 8 to 10 years.
How does the local business community benefit from the taskforce?
What do the taskforce members do?
A favorable business climate in the River
What do you consider some of the taskforce’s most significant achievements? The taskforce is proud of
We make every effort to stay abreast of
Region benefits all our local businesses.
the Montgomery River Region’s favorable
current events and changing government
We make every effort to keep our members
environment for recruiting new business.
policies – especially policies and issues
in touch with local, state and national lead-
We are successful in encouraging a stable
affecting the interests of the Chamber
ers and elected officials. The Chamber’s
political delegation working together for the
and its members. We also strive to keep
taskforce provides the information and the
betterment of the entire area.
the committee and general membership
tools our business community needs to
informed as to action or inaction on the part
communicate effectively with government
of the state legislature and the executive
leaders.
branch as well as Congress.
What would you like readers to know about what you and the taskforce do? We are able to work hand-in-hand with our
How does the community benefit?
local, state and national officials to improve
Why is it important for the Chamber to have this taskforce? Government
The Chamber and its Governmental Affairs
our communities. Because of this effort,
Taskforce work every day to maintain a sus-
we have a vibrant and sustainable econo-
and politics influence our lives and our
tainable environment for doing business,
my. We also work with our congressional
livelihood. We must be informed in order to
which improves the quality of life through a
delegation to ensure our military presence
affect policy and influence legislation that
strong economy.
is maintained and protected.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T I NG YO U TO T H E M ANY CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE
ONLINE M EM BERS HI P D I REC TO RY montgomerychamber.com/directory
R I B B O N C UTTI N G S , G R O UN D B R E A K I N G S A N D G R A N D O PE N I N G S Rhonda Figh, rfigh@montgomerychamber.com
J O B BOA RD montgomerychamber.com/jobboard
PR E SS R E L E AS E S & A N N O UN C E ME N TS Jina Miniard, jminiard@montgomerychamber.com
EV EN T C A L EN DA R montgomerychamber.com/events
S MA L L B US I N E SS R E S O UR C E S webinars, seminars, mentoring, counseling Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com
NE T WO RKI N G EVEN TS Sandra Kelley, skelley@montgomerychamber.com
CO -WO R K I N G A N D O F F I C E S PAC E FO R R E N T Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com
HOSTING IN-TOW N M EET I N G S & EVEN TS Keely Smith, ksmith@montgomerychamber.com AMB ASSA D O R P RO G RA M Lynn Norton, lnorton@montgomerychamber.com
WO R K FO R C E TR A I N I N G Constance Calambakas, ccalambakas@montgomerychamber.com
MEMB ER TO M EM BER D I S CO U N TS Rhonda Figh, rfigh@montgomerychamber.com
S E MI N A R S A N D TR A I N I N G Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com
RESEARC H I N FO RM AT I O N Rachel Madore, rmadore@montgomerychamber.com
CO R PO R ATE R E TE N TI O N Jessica Horsley, jhorsley@montgomerychamber.com
MEMB ERSHI P M A I L I N G L I STS & L A BEL S Sandra Kelley, skelley@montgomerychamber.com
CO R PO R ATE R E C R UI TME N T Ellen McNair, emcnair@montgomerychamber.com
NOTA RY S ERVI C ES Paul Redhead, predhead@montgomerychamber.com
G OV E R N ME N T CO N TR AC T R E S O UR C E S Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com
OUR CHAMBER. YOUR VOICE.
“
"The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce has proven to be a very valuable resource for New Waters Realty/The Waters. We enjoy the benefits of membership
WHAT THEY SAY
by attending meetings, trainings and business events, but we have also had the opportunity to host the Chamber’s Business After Hours event for the past three
CHAMBER MEMBERS
years. This event brings hundreds of potential homebuyers to our community that
SPEAK OUT
otherwise might not ever visit. Our community is located in Pike Road, Montgom-
ON HOW THEIR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS THEIR BUSINESS.
ery County, and is conveniently located right off of the interstate but is not in the JENNIFER ATKINS, VICE PRESIDENT AND BROKER, NEW WATERS REALTY/THE WATERS
56
‘middle of town,’ so we don’t get a lot of drive-by traffic, which makes event marketing very important to us. In addition to event hosting, we are very involved with the business networking and outreach opportunities that the Chamber offers.”
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
INNOVATEMGM, NOV. 13-18 Presenting Sponsor: ICS, Inc.
MEMBER EVENTS:
The City, the Chamber and local creatives gathered together throughout the week.
CONVERSATIONS: ROUNDTABLES FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN, OCT. 18 at the Montgomery Country Club Sponsored by: Morgan Stanley
More than 150 professional women
OCT Business After Hours at 26
New Waters Realty
Sponsored by New Waters Realty
heard from Dr. Rhea Ingram, Dean of the College of Business, Auburn University at Montgomery, as she discussed the
RIVER REGION ECONOMIC SUMMIT
Women Lead Society.
NOV. 14 at Wynlakes This premier economic event of the
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY’S
year provides local business leaders and
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
elected officials with regional economic
ADMINISTRATION VISITS THE
information and projections.
CHAMBER, OCT. 19 Thirty-five students from Alabama State
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 25
University’s College of Business
The Chamber’s Business Resource
Administration toured the BRC.
Center partnered with the SBDC at Alabama State University’s College of
NOV 60 Minute Coffee 08
at The Warehouse Sponsored by Alley Station
CHAMBER ORIENTATION, NOV. 1
Business Administration to conduct the
at the Chamber of Commerce
Shop Small Business Saturday campaign
Sponsored by: CharterHR
encouraging people to shop local on the
Member businesses packed the board
Saturday after Thanksgiving.
room for the final Chamber Orientation of the year.
EGGS & ISSUES, NOV. 27 at the RSA Activity Center
MARKETING WONDERLAND
Sponsored by: Gilpin Givhan
WORKSHOP, NOV. 1 at the BRC
General Burgess, Senior Counsel for
The Chamber Business Resource Center
National Security Programs, Cyber
partnered with the SBDC at Alabama
Programs and Military Affairs, Auburn
State University’s College of Business
University Research, spoke on issues
Administration to host a Marketing Won-
pertaining to cyber security.
derland simulcast.
145TH ANNUAL MEETING, DEC. 7
NOV Business After Hours at Reinhardt Lexus 16
Sponsored by Reinhardt Lexus
MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK,
at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel
NOV. 5-11, 2017
Presenting Sponsor: Capell & Howard, P.C.
Presenting Sponsor: Caddell Construction
More than 600 business leaders and
Every year the River Region celebrates
elected officials gathered at the Renais-
our military heroes during Military Appre-
sance for the Chamber’s 145th Annual
ciation week.
Meeting Luncheon.
57
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Small Business Briefcase +
PACK ED WITH TIPS AN D TOOLS TO BEN EFIT YOUR BUSINESS
INSIDER INFO HOW TO USE FREE PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLS TO BETTER YOUR BUSINESS To help take the mystery out of managing your business’ public relations, we asked a local PR pro for his thoughts on why PR is important and for his list of the best free and low-cost PR tools available.
EXPERT ADVICE:
If you are not telling your story, someone else will. And, they will probably get
FREE (OR ALMOST) PR PICKS:
it wrong. - Adam Muhlendorf WITH SO MANY FREE/LOW COST RESOURCES, WHY IS THE GUIDANCE OF A PR PROFESSIONAL STILL WORTH A BUSINESS’ INVESTMENT? AM: While these tools can help you get organized and improve content, they are really only designed to help you complete specific project tasks. Working with a PR/ communications professional can help ensure you are approaching these products and tools more strategically. We’ll help you better understand who you will need to reach in order to be successful and customize your messages, products and campaigns to put you in the best position to influence your audience’s decisions.
There are literally thousands of low-cost PR tools that businesses and others can use to improve their communications efforts.
• Hootsuite: This social
features and lots of great
media content management
templates.
system makes it simple to advance and check how well your actions are engaging your audience with easy-to-deciper analytics.
• Buffer: This is another social
Ultimately, good PR really means that you have created an environment where your customers share the same beliefs as you, understand what you are trying to do, and take the action you want them to take. This cannot be accomplished solely by a website, flier or well-timed post. All of these must work in tandem in a coordinated strategy. A PR pro can help make that happen.
MEET OUR EXPERT: Adam Muhlendorf has worked
SUPER USEFUL
schedule multiple posts in
• Canva: This graphic design tool provides numerous templates and intuitive design features to help individuals and businesses create fliers and other graphic materials.
media content management
Previously, in order to get
system that takes the hassle
a professional look, formal
out of daily posting by allowing
training in graphic design was
you to schedule posts to be
necessary, a textbook under-
published.
standing of expensive graphic design tools such as Adobe
• Squarespace & Wix
Photoshop and a lot of pa-
These resources make
tience. While Canva still lacks
it easy to create a profession-
the advanced functionality of
al looking, multi-page website
traditional design tools, it will
with intuitive drag-and-drop
certainly help you in a pinch.
in PR since 2003 and started his Montgomery company, Longleaf Strategies, in 2013. He works with
WINNER, WINNER
nonprofits, advocacy coalitions and other newsmakers to help
The best free (or low cost) PR tools that exist today are Facebook, Twitter
them tell their stories and spread
and other social media networks. When managed correctly, these platforms
awareness about their efforts and
help you share insight and information about your work directly with those
ideas. longleafstrategies.com
you are trying to reach without a filter or interference from others.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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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
Alabama Power Leadership Changes
team in Daphne is Doug Thomas. For 15 years, Thomas has
Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power chairman, president
shared his banking knowledge and exceptional customer
and CEO, recently announced the board of directors has
service with clients throughout the coastal
elected Alexia Borden as senior
region of Alabama. “Being a part of the
vice president and general counsel.
River Bank team is an extremely exciting
Borden most recently served as
opportunity. I look forward to bringing
the company’s vice president with
a strong brand with competitive prod-
responsibility for Governmental
ucts and excellent service into our local
Affairs. She succeeds Matt Bowden,
community,” said Thomas. A graduate of
who passed away October 11. The
Satsuma High School, Doug went on to
Alabama Power board of directors
receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Business
also elected Houston Smith vice
Administration from Auburn University and an MBA with a
president with responsibility for
concentration in Finance from Capella University.
Governmental Affairs. Smith most recently served as the company’s
Machen McChesney Welcomes New Partners
director of Corporate Affairs. “Alexia
Machen McChesney announced that it has named Louis
and Houston bring tremendous
Hawkins, CPA, Jessica L. Pagan, CPA, Lesley L. Price, CPA,
experience and knowledge of the
and Nick Wheeler, CPA new partners. Louis Hawkins, a
company to their new roles,” Cross-
resident of Auburn, has 27 years of experience providing
white said. “They will continue to be strong contributors to Alabama Power’s leadership team as we strive every day to serve the needs of our customers.”
accounting, tax, audit and advisory services. Jessica L. Pagan, a resident of Valley, has 14
Jackson Thornton Names New Principal
years of experience
Jackson Thornton announced that Woody Trimble has
providing account-
been selected as the firm’s newest
Louis Hawkins
Jessica Pagan
Lesley Price
Nick Wheeler
ing, tax, audit and
principal. Trimble is a principal in the
advisory services.
firm’s Montgomery office, where he
Lesley L. Price, a
has worked for more than 17 years.
resident of Auburn,
Trimble, a Certified Public Accoun-
has more than 19
tant, specializes in audit, accounting
years of experience
and consulting projects for utility
providing account-
clients across the Southeast. He is
ing, tax services and
a graduate of Troy University where
advisory services.
he obtained his undergraduate and Master of Business Administration degrees. He holds professional membership in the American Institute of Certified
Nick Wheeler, a resident of Auburn, has 18 years of experience providing accounting, tax and advisory services.
Public Accountants, the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and is affiliated with numerous utility-specific associations.
+ SUBM IT T IN G N E WS? 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
River Bank & Trust Has New Hire for New Branch Alabama-based River Bank & Trust has been approved by the Alabama State Banking Department to open a loan
accompanying headshot is required for “Members on the Move” announcements.
production office in Daphne, Alabama. Leading the bank’s
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
w
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CLERICAL
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
INDUSTRIAL 8/29/17 12:06 PM
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
Gacha won the Division 2 State Cup. They will advance to the
CCAA-BCA Partnership Names Alabama Small Business & Emerging Business Award Winners
President’s Cup Regionals in Greenville, South Carolina this June. The Capital City Streaks 2002 Girls Premier coached by Allan Jolly won the Division 2 State Cup. They will also advance to the President’s Cup Regionals. The YMCA of Greater Montgomery Capital City Streaks is a premier soccer program that offers teams in the under 9 to under 18 age groups.
Achievements Beasley Allen Attorneys Recognized Twenty-three Beasley Allen attorneys were selected for inclusion on the 2017 Super Lawyers list. Included on the list are the firm’s principal and founder, Jere L. Beasley, as well as principals J. Greg Allen, Michael J. Crow, J. Cole Portis, Daniel W. “Dee” Miles III, Andy D. Birchfield, Jr., Rhon E. Jones, Benjamin E. Baker, Jr., Julia A. Beasley, David B. Byrne III, Kendall C. Dunson, R. Graham Chappy’s Deli honored as “Alabama Small Business of the Year” winner.
Esdale, Christopher D. Glover, Ted G. Meadows, P. Leigh O’Dell,
The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and the
W. Roger Smith III, C. Gibson Vance and Navan Ward Jr. This
Business Council of Alabama announced in December the three “Alabama Small Business of the Year” and “Emerging Small Business of the Year” award winners during the CCAA-BCA annual meeting in Birmingham. The winner in the 51-100 employee category was Montgomery-based Chappy’s Deli. “Alabama’s Small Business of the Year” awards presented annually by the BCA and the CCAA recognize small businesses in employee-number based categories. They are considered to be the state’s very best small businesses based on a variety of civic and professional standards. This year 45 small businesses were named as finalists for “Alabama’s Small Business of the Year” awards. All of the award finalists were recognized and honored at the CCAA/ BCA Partnership Annual Meeting/Luncheon. The “Alabama Small Business of the Year” finalists in the 1-10 employee category included Montgomery’s Associated Business Services. The 11-50 employee category included finalist Logobranders, Inc. of Montgomery. And Glover Media Group, LLC, in Prattville and River Paws Pet Resort in Montgomery were finalists in the “Emerging Small Business of the Year” operating less than five years award category. Birmingham’s Alabama Sawyer won that award.
Multiple Capital City Streaks Named State Champions The YMCA of Greater Montgomery Capital City Streaks 2001 Boys Elite, 2004 Girls Premier and 2002 Girls Premier soccer teams won the State Championship in each of their divisions last fall. The Capital City Streaks Boys Elite coached by Henrique Rizzo won the Division I State Cup. They will advance to Region 3 Southern Regionals in Greensboro, North Carolina this July. The Capital City Streaks 2004 Girls Premier coached by Juan
62
marks the first year David B. Byrne III, P. Leigh O’Dell and Navan Ward Jr. were selected for inclusion and the 10th year Jere L. Beasley, J. Greg Allen and Rhon E. Jones were selected. In addition, five Beasley Allen attorneys were included on the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list, which recognizes the top up-andcoming attorneys – those who are 40 years old or younger or who have been practicing 10 years or less. Beasley Allen’s Rising Stars are Alison Douillard Hawthorne, Danielle Ward Mason, J. Parker Miller, Sonny W. Wills Jr., and, for the first time, Andrew E. Brashier.
Alabama Academy of Honor Inducts Members The Alabama Academy of Honor welcomed four new members last October. The inductees for 2017 comprise an outstanding group of Alabama leaders. According to Wm. Michael Warren, chairman of the Academy, this year’s honorees are Governor Kay Ivey, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Deborah Edwards Barnhart, award-winning journalist Cynthia Tucker Haynes, and President and CEO of Sloss Real Estate Catherine Sloss Jones. Dr. Wayne Flynt offered remarks on behalf of the Academy membership during the induction ceremony. Established in 1965, the Academy bestows honor and recognition upon living Alabamians for their outstanding accomplishments and service to the state and the nation. Membership is limited to 100 distinguished Alabamians and all of Alabama’s living governors. In the course of the Academy’s history, more 260 members have been elected, recognizing men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of achievement.
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Faulkner University Recognized Faulkner University was recently ranked among the top 10 in the nation for having the best online master’s degree program in justice administration from a private, nonprofit university. The ranking through The Best Master’s Degrees, ranked Faulkner 10th out of 30 schools nationwide for its criminal justice degree plan based on “regional accreditation, ranking from major publications and raw affordability.” “We are thrilled to see our Criminal Justice department gaining national attention,” said Mark Hunt, associate vice president of Executive and Professional Enrollment at Faulkner University. “We’re proud of the level of expertise and rigorous curriculum we can offer students through our online programs to better prepare them for future career opportunities.” Faulkner University offers a completely online master’s in justice administration designed for college graduates or professionals looking to advance their current careers.
Bradley and Attorneys Recommended in 2018 Benchmark Litigation Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that the firm has earned the top distinction as “highly recommended” and 50 of the firm’s attorneys have been listed in the 2018 edition of Benchmark Litigation, a leading guide to litigation firms and attorneys in the United States and Canada. Bradley has been “highly recommended” in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee and “recommended” in North Carolina. Among the firm’s ranked attorneys, 33 are listed as “Local Litigation Stars,” including Charles Stewart, a partner in the firm’s Montgomery, Ala., office. In addition, 17 Bradley attorneys are listed as “Future Stars.” “The firm congratulates all of our attorneys who have been recognized by Benchmark Litigation for 2018 as among the top trial attorneys in the nation,” said Bradley Chairman of the Board and Managing Partner Beau Grenier. The firm also announced that it received seven Tier 1 metropolitan rankings for its practice areas in Montgomery in the 2018 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” In addition, the firm was named the nation’s “Law Firm of the Year” for Construction and also garnered a Tier 1 national ranking for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions — Continued on page 64
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News Defendants. The firm’s Construction Law ranking is particularly significant since only one law firm in the nation is named “Law Firm of the Year” for each legal practice area.
Awards & Honors Gilpin Givhan Named a 2018 “Best Law Firm” Gilpin Givhan announced that the firm received top rankings in U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® 2018 “Best Law Firms” list. The annual publication named Gilpin Givhan as a Tier 1 firm, the highest ranking a law firm can receive, in the practice areas of Health Care Law and Tax Law. The firm received a Tier 3 ranking in the practice area of Litigation-Tax. “We are pleased to be listed among the nation’s top law firms,” said Davis Smith, Gilpin Givhan Managing Partner. “Our attorneys are dedicated to providing exceptional results and customized solutions for our clients, and having our clients and peers recognize our success in meeting those needs across our practice areas is a great honor.”
Bradley Attorneys Honored Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that 157 attorneys across the firm’s offices in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee have been selected as 2017 Mid-South Super Lawyers or Rising Stars. A number of Bradley attorneys also were named to Top 50 and Top 100 Super Lawyers lists for 2017. T. Michael Brown, J.S. “Chris” Christie Jr. and Matthew H. Lembke were named to the Top 50 Alabama Super Lawyers. W. Wayne (Wayne) Drinkwater, J. William (Will) Manuel, J. Douglas Minor Jr., Alan W. Perry and William (Bill) R. Purdy were named to the Top 50 Mississippi Super Lawyers. William (Bill) L. Norton III and J. Thomas Trent Jr. were named to the Top 100 Tennessee Super Lawyers and the Top 50 Nashville Super Lawyers. Anne R. Yuengert and Kimberly B. Martin were named to the Top 50 Women Mid-South Super Lawyers.
Beasley Allen Named on Best Law Firms List Best Lawyers® recently announced Beasley Allen Law Firm as one of the Best Law Firms in the country. Beasley Allen was recognized as a Tier 1 firm in the Litigation-Environmental, Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation-Plaintiffs categories. Beasley Allen was also recognized in the Tier 2 list for Commercial Litigation and Health Care Law, as well as the Tier 3 list for Corporate Law. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer-review. The methodology is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Best Lawyers is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
Alabama CEO To Be Voice for Long-Term Care Industry
over a period of eight years. This Multiple
As America’s lawmakers continue to battle
serve as the primary vehicle for most of
the issue of healthcare, one Montgomery
NASA’s new construction at John C. Stennis
businessman has united with a nationwide
Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi;
group of advocates to represent Alabam-
the Johnson Space Center in Houston; the
ians. Bill Turenne, a second-generation,
White Sands Test Facility near Las Cruces,
skilled nursing care provider, knows first-
New Mexico; the Kennedy Space Center at
hand how the needs of our nation’s elderly
Cape Canaveral, Florida; the Marshall Space
Award Construction Contract (MACC) will
can get lost in the political fray. That’s why
autism center on campus in 2019. The center,
Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama; and the
he’s joined the American Health Care As-
which would be the first in the area, would
Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
sociation’s Future Leaders program, which
combine the resources from the College of
examines advanced areas of leadership and
Education with new master’s and doctoral
management as well as engages with law-
programs in speech-language pathology and
makers on important long-term care topics.
physical therapy beginning next fall and the
“I am proud to be in a position to help the
coming year respectively. Currently, Faulkner
people of Alabama.” Turenne is CEO and
has partnered with Texas Tech University’s
owner of Turenne & Associates, a long-term
Burkhart Center for Autism Education and
healthcare company based in Montgomery
Research to help with “best practices” mov-
that provides medical supply, pharmacy and
ing forward in developing a similar center at
compliance solutions to care facilities.
Faulkner.
Faulkner University Announces Autism Center
Caddell Selected to Bid On NASA Contract
At Faulkner University’s Annual Benefit
Caddell Construction has been selected by
Dinner in October, Faulkner President Mike
NASA as one of four contractors who will
Williams announced plans to create an
compete for $3 billion in multiple projects
Rosemont Gardens Celebrating 125 Years Rosemont Gardens celebrated its 125th year of business in early November. Rosemont has served Montgomery and the River Region for over a century and is among the oldest businesses in Montgomery. From its early days as greenhouse to today’s florist and gift shop, Rosemont has been a retail pillar of the community. “One hundred and twenty-five years is a milestone so few businesses ever experience,” said Lamar Thompson, current co-owner of Rosemont Gardens. “We are proud to have done a small part in carrying on this legacy for the city of Montgomery.”
ASU Students Awarded Scholarships
Hartzell Engine Technologies Acquires Company
The National Science Foundation has re-
Mike Disbrow, president of Hartzell Engine
cently awarded $60,886 in scholarships
Technologies LLC (HET), announced last
to 31 Alabama State University students
fall that the company has purchased the
in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
assets associated with South Wind aircraft
Mathematic (STEM) disciplines for the
cabin heaters from Meggitt (Troy), Inc.
2017-18 academic year. The scholarships
“Thousands of owners are affected by the
will help the students with their tuition
recent issuance of FAA AD 2017-06-03,
and fees. “This is the sixth consecutive
which mandates that any aircraft equipped
year ASU undergraduate students have
with a South Wind heater perform a series
been awarded scholarships in STEM
of inspections within the next 10-hours of
disciplines,” said Dr. Manoj Mishra, an as-
heater operating time or next scheduled
sociate professor of biology and director
maintenance activity, whichever occurs
of ASU’s Cancer Biology Research and
first,” Disbrow said. Meggitt/South Wind
Training Program. “This grant has helped
has not produced a complete cabin heater since 1989. As a result, many of the components,
more than 150 STEM students in the last
including the original combustion tubes, are no longer available. “HET’s acquisition of the
six years,” Mishra said. “This assistance
existing inventory, intellectual property, tooling and rights to produce the South Wind line of
helps in increasing the graduation and re-
heaters will enable us to put needed parts back in production and support the South Wind
tention rate at ASU in STEM disciplines.”
heaters, which will ultimately benefit these owners,” he said.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
are well-documented, including his sev-
100 Years & Going Strong
Alabama State University recently won
en-year run and 1992 National Champion-
This year is the 100th anniversary of the oldest
first place in a Home Depot contest
ship at the University of Alabama. He has
accounting firm in Montgomery. Aldridge Borden &
that awarded the university $50,000 to
played an even more important role in the
Company is a well-regarded business in the River
renovate and refurbish its Student Health
lives of this state off the field. His legacy
Region and is known for its involvement in the com-
Center. In November, more than 100 vol-
will be difficult to duplicate.”
munity. Mayer W. Aldridge, considered the founder
ASU Wins $50k
of our firm, was the first chairman of the Alabama
unteers pitched in to install new cabinets, replace ceiling tiles, and do landscape
State Board of Public Accountancy. Aldridge Bor-
Gilpin Givhan Wins Ethics Award
den & Company’s services include attestation, tax-
Gilpin Givhan recently received the 2017
services. The firm is heavily involved in the River
River Region Ethics in Business and
Region United Way along with participating in many
Public Service Medium Business Award
other community activities including Alabama Head
Gene Stallings, one of the most iconic
at the eighth annual awards luncheon
Injury Foundation – Brain Freeze Challenge, Brant-
people in Alabama sports history, was
held on October 16 at Wynlakes Golf and
wood Children’s Home Love Run and Tukabatchee
selected as the recipient of the 2017
Country Club. The award recognized Gil-
Area Boy Scouts Golf Tournament. The firm feels
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Alabama
pin Givhan’s engagement in volunteerism
that although it has learned and achieved much
Football Legend Award, presented by
and community service and its adherence
over the past 100 years, it remains resolute in be-
Regions Bank. “Gene Stallings is a true Al-
to high ethical standards. Accepting the
coming continuously better at providing services to
abama legend,” Johnny Williams, Raycom
award on behalf of Gilpin Givhan was
its clients. In celebration of the 100 years, Aldridge
Media Camellia Bowl Executive Director
Robert Gilpin, who stated, “When we
Borden will be doing various community projects
said. “His accomplishments on the field
serve, we are at our best as lawyers.”
and honoring its clients over the course of the year.
work to beautify the entryway.
Gene Stallings Named Alabama Football Legend
66
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
ation, bookkeeping, as well as business consulting
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
B U S I N E SS BUZZ Focus New Air Service for Montgomery In early November, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce joined elected officials, business leaders and members of the Montgomery Airport Authority for an announcement that will have a tremendous impact on the local economy. American Airlines will now offer nonstop service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM). Expanded air service to and from the nation’s capital will open doors for the Montgomery area on many levels. The opportunities it brings in terms of business travel are significant
gomery Chamber has long been a proponent of a direct flight
as well as the impact it will have on the local tourism economy.
between Washington, D.C. and Montgomery,” said Montgomery
Moreover, as the state capital and home to Maxwell-Gunter Air
Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman David B. Reed.
Force Base, the Intellectual and Leadership Center of the U.S. Air
“This will obviously be an added convenience for our residents
Force, Montgomery’s ability to provide a direct flight to Washing-
traveling to the D.C. area, but even more importantly, the poten-
ton D.C. is vital to accommodating the large volume of military
tial business prospects and visitors it will bring to Montgomery is
and government travel coming in and out of the city. “The Mont-
exciting.” The new air service will begin on June 7, 2018.
AT&T Expands Access
New Downtown Hotel
AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet for rural and under-
Sys-Con, LLC has announced the
are plans in the works for the pos-
served locations is now available to residents and
renovation of historic long-vacant,
sibility of new multi-use spaces that
small businesses in parts of Montgomery County,
nine-story Hilltop Arms Apartments
include shops, grocery, residential
including Ramer and Pike Road. This rollout, now
building into a modern upscale bou-
and new other projects to follow.
in 18 states, is part of the company’s FCC Connect
tique hotel downtown. The new hotel,
America Fund commitment. It now delivers Fixed
Hilltop Suites & Spa, will feature 80
Wireless Internet across over 160,000 locations.
suite hotel rooms, more than 6,000
The Fixed Wireless Internet service delivers a
square feet of spacious meeting
home internet connection with download speeds
and event areas and numerous bars
of at least 10Mbps and upload speeds of at least
and restaurants. One of the most
1Mbps. The connection comes from a wireless
unique features of the hotel will be
tower to a fixed antenna on customers’ homes
the roof-top bar and lounge that
or businesses. These towers are fed by part of
overlooks the breathtaking views of
the more than 4 million strand miles of AT&T fiber
downtown Montgomery and Alabama
optics that cover Alabama. “This is a great day for
River. Construction will start in spring
Montgomery County,” said Elton Dean, chairman
of 2018 and should be complete by
of the Montgomery County Commission. “It is an
fall 2019. Sys-Con, LLC plans to be
honor to serve this part of our state and to stand
heavily involved with the revival plan
here on such a joyous occasion. Having worked
of the Five Points area in Montgom-
for AT&T for 25 years, it comes as no surprise the
ery with a possibility of investing
company is doing such wonderful things for our
more than $15 million, some of which
county. I applaud AT&T for their work to enhance
has already been invested in the
high-speed connectivity for residents and small
acquisition of approximately 5 acres
businesses in rural Alabama.”
between Montgomery Street, Clayton
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Street and Goldthwaite Street. There
100-Percent Fiber Network Now Available in Area As of October, AT&T is offering a 1 gigabit connection on its 100-percent fiber network powered by AT&T FiberSM to customer in parts of the Montgomery area. This is one of 61 metros nationwide where the company’s ultra-fast internet service is currently available. “AT&T is committed to expanding access to ultra-fast internet as our customers increasingly interact with their world in more data-intensive ways, and we are proud to add the Montgomery area to our list where we offer our fastest internet speeds available,” said Ty Fondren, AT&T Alabama regional director of External and Legislative Affairs.
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
GI VI NG GO O D
WANT YOUR NEWS IN THE MBJ? Submit information for consideration to Jina Miniard at jminiard@montgomerychamber.com. Please attach press releases as a Word document or a PDF (Word documents preferred), and please include high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) photos with your press release if possible.
Scholarships Awarded Alabama Independent Colleges and Universities (AAICU) has distributed $38,500 in UPS Scholarships to assist 14 students at private colleges and universities in Alabama. The scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in
SUBMISSION DEADLINES: MARCH ISSUE: JAN 19 MAY ISSUE: MARCH 21
Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment.“By directly assisting Alabama students with significant financial need, we are helping a new generation of students achieve their dreams of a college education,” said Paul Hankins, president of AAICU. Colleges in Alabama that received UPS Scholarships this year from Alabama Independent Colleges & Universities include Amridge University, Birmingham-Southern College, Concordia College Alabama, Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, Judson College, Miles College, Samford University, Spring Hill College, Stillman College, Talladega College, Tuskegee University, United States Sports Academy and University of Mobile.
1,500 Attorneys Attend Legal Conference
Faulkner University Offers Tuition Reduction
Caddell Awarded Design-Build Contract
Beasley Allen Law Firm hosted its 11th
Faulkner University has a tradition of
Caddell, in a joint venture with its local
annual Legal Strategies Conference & Expo
honoring and supporting the nation’s first
Pensacola, Fla., partner Whitesell-Green,
November 16 and 17. Approximately 1,500
responders, and one way the university is
is performing the design-build of a new
Alabama lawyers attended the event and
showing its gratitude for their service is by
state-of-the-art 300,000-sqare-foot deten-
were treated to an inside look at a recent
offering them a 50-percent reduction in col-
tion facility on a 19-acre property adjacent
case Beasley Allen successfully litigated,
lege tuition. The discount applies to public
to an existing jail. The three-story building
which was a new approach to presenting
safety professionals across the nation and
will house 720 inmates and include a
cutting-edge trends and information in the
includes law enforcement, fire and Emergen-
secure sallyport; an inmate intake and
profession. Throughout the two-day event, a
cy Medical Services personnel. Most staff
receiving area; dining and kitchen service
lineup of award-winning and accomplished
members of these departments also qualify.
areas that will serve both the old and new
speakers presented on topics of Product Lia-
With 50-percent tuition reduction in most
facilities; and all associated MEP, civil and
bility, Business Litigation, Consumer Fraud,
programs, first responders will have access
environmental systems. The new facility
Medical Device and Drug Litigation as well
to some of the top-ranked higher education
will anchor a redevelopment initiative for
as Legal Ethics.
programs in the country, both online and at
an economically depressed section of
campuses in Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile
Pensacola. Completion is scheduled for
and Birmingham.
early 2020.
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
P O I N T OF L IG H T AWARDS On top, left to right: William Woodhouse, eSolution Architects, Inc; Pam Mashburn, exploreMedia; Diana S. Gray, Montgomery Arts Academy. On bottom, left to right: Cheryl W. Brown, ZealRiver Technologies, Inc.; Ida McCrary, Jozettie’s Cupcakes; Michelle Browder, More Than Tours.
The Chamber Honors Local Businesses with Annual Point of Light Awards The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s Point of Light Award honors an outstanding minority-owned or female-owned member small business for its achievements and contributions to the community. Two awards are given, one for businesses that have been operational for one to nine years and another for 10 or more years. This year, the finalists for Category I (in business less than 10 years) were Jessica Rogers, Jes Health Services, LLC; Michelle Browder, More Than Tours; and Cheryl W. Brown, ZealRiver Technologies, Inc. The winner was Ida McCrary, Jozettie's Cupcakes. The finalists for Category II (in business 10 years or more) were Pam Mashburn, exploreMedia and Diana S. Gray, Montgomery Arts Academy. The winner was William Woodhouse, eSolution Architects, Inc.
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
ASU Wins $2,000 in “It Can Wait” Competition Alabama State University and Alabama A&M compete on the field every year in the Magic City Classic, and this year, the universities competed off the gridiron for something much more important – saving lives – by competing in the AT&T Magic City Classic “It Can Wait” pledge competition, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving. Students, faculty and fans had the opportunity to impact behaviors and spread the important message that no post, glance, email, search or text is worth a life. They also were able to experience the “It Can Wait” virtual reality simulator and see firsthand the dangers of distracted driving. “The Magic City Classic is always an exciting and hard-fought competition, and the ‘It Can Wait’ pledge challenge was just as hard-fought, with safety on the line,” said
SCORE Reception
Mickey Harbin, AT&T assistant vice president of external and leg-
The Capitol City SCORE Chapter hosted a reception for River Region
islative affairs. “While only one team wins the football game, many
banking officials on October 11 to share how SCORE can help their
more students and fans across our state win much more by pledg-
small business clients and prospects strengthen their businesses.
ing to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phone.” During the
Chapter Chairs shared how being involved in SCORE mentoring can
Magic City Classic pledge competition, more than 2,000 students,
help them reach their CRA goals. SCORE is a U.S. Small Business Ad-
faculty and fans took the pledge, earning ASU $2,000. “Driving with
ministration initiative that provides mentoring, counseling and training
any distraction presents a danger to every motorist on the road,”
to would-be and existing entrepreneurs. The Chamber hosts the
said ASU President Quinton T. Ross. “That’s why we are grateful for
Capitol City SCORE Chapter office at its Business Resource Center.
our collaboration with AT&T and their ‘It Can Wait’ campaign.”
SCity& TATE
the
of
County
February 20, 2018 RSA Activity Center
REGISTER NOW
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.
www.montgomerychamber.com/events 70
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Baptist Health
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
WAITR
FULL MOON BAR-B-QUE
1100 Betrand Drive, Layfayette, LA 70506 334-669-5866 • www.waitrapp.com Kevin Vancor-City Manager Delivery Serve-Food / Restaurants-Delivery
7660 Eastchase Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-676-5999 • www.fullmoonbbq.com Chris Woodward-Owner/Operator Restaurants-Barbeque / Catering Services
AT&T ALABAMA-RURAL BROADBAND ANNOUNCEMENT
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES RETAIL STORE AND DONATION CENTER
Highway 231 @ Sanders Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 334-834-1428 • www.att.com Ty Fondren-Regional Director / Telecommunications
2601 Eastern Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-647-1872 • www.algoodwill.org Summer Taylor-Vice President Retail Operations Associations/Non-Profits
JOHNNY MARVIN’S PAINT & FURNITURE
HEARING SOLUTIONS OF ALABAMA
1914 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-265-1933 Yancey Hutcheson-Owner Furniture / Paint-Painting Supplies
7940 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-521-7501 • www.hearingsolutionsal.com Beth Hovan-Co-Owner, Allison Kelly-Co-Owner Hearing Aids/Instruments / Physicians-Specialized 71
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT I NG N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
ISLAND DELIGHT @ DEXTER
CLUB PILATES MONTGOMERY
36 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-356-5641 Mellissa Smith-Owner, Richard Smith-Owner Restaurants-Caribbean / Catering Services
8143 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-603-8055 • www.clubpilates.com/location/eastmontgomery Lanie Brazell-Owner/Operator Health Clubs / Health & Fitness
REBAR PERFORMANCE
CC’S DAIQUIRIS
8200 Emma Court, Pike Road, AL 36064 334-224-3946 •www.rebarperformance.com Jacob Hudson-Owner, Chase Ingram-Owner Health & Fitness
19 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-676-3535 • www.ccsdaiquiris.com Candy Capel-Owner / Bars-Specialized
MARTINE SITBON
TASTE
7056 EastChase Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-0650 • www.martinesitbon.us Soo Hyun Kim-Global Communications Manager Shoes-Retail / Clothing & Accessories-Retail
5251 Hampstead High Street, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-676-4333 • www.tastemgm.com Clint Hahn-Owner, Ginger Hahn-Owner Restaurants / Bars-Specialized / Event Venue
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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT IN G N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES
CAPITOL’S ROSEMONT GARDENS
THE VINTAGE OLIVE
2210 Rosemont Place, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-834-7731 • www.capitolrosemont.com Lamar Thompson-President, Martha Moore-Vice President, Product Development / Florists
8101-B Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-260-3700 • www.thevintageolive.com Ed Gannon-Owner, Carly Gannon-Owner Foods-Specialized
BRANTWOOD CHILDREN’S HOME
JACKSON FAMILY MEDICINE-MIDTOWN
1309 Upper Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 334-265-0784 • www.brantwoodchildrenshome.com Gerald Jones-Executive Director Community Services/Agencies
4150 B Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-293-8282 • www.jackson.org Sarah Connors-Doctor, Brooke Robinson-Benton-Doctor Hospitals/Clinics
VENTURE LIFE COACHING
DR HORTON HOMES
9001 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 850-377-9586 • www.venturelifecoaching.net Janeese Spencer-Executive Director/Owner Counseling
5572 Stapleton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-409-6984 • www.drhorton.com/Alabama Kent Gibson-Sales Manager, Robert Gross-New Home Specialist Associate Broker / Builders-Residential 74
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
ACCOUNTING-CERT IF I E D P U B LI C, COUNSELING
Comprehensive Counseling Associates Lynna Meadows 8650 Minnie Brown Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-202-0600 www.Lynnameadows1.Vpweb. com ACCOUNTING-CERT IF I E D P U B LI C, VETER INAR IA N S
Partners for Pets Steven Sirmon 11123 Chantilly Parkway, Unit G Pike Road, Alabama 36064 334-98-2807 ADVE R TISING SPECIA LTI E S
Quick Quality T-Shirts and Staff, Inc. Bruce Taylor 4258 US Highway 80 West Selma, Alabama 36701 334-412-3729 ATTRAC TIONSE NTE RTAINM ENT
Sky Dive the South Matthew Smith 900 S. Perry Street, Suite C Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-625-8588
AUTOM OB I L E R E PA I R S E RV I C E S
Affordable Enterprise, LLC Melody Thomas-Alexander 180 West Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36108 334-262-6225 AUTOM OB I L E R E PA I R S E RV I C E S , TI R E D E A L E R S & D I STR I B UTOR S
Don Duncan's All American Automotive & Tire, Inc. Don Duncan 2700 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-270-9825 www.allamericanautoandtire. com
Hyundai Sungwoo Auto USA Corporation Andrew Lander 6177 Perimeter Parkway Montgomery, Alabama 36116 334-356-8992 AU TO MOBILE MANUFACT UR ER S/ S U P P L IER S, INDIVIDUA L S
Gerhardi, Inc. Fredy Franke 255 Industrial Park Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36117
C LOT H IN G & ACC E SS O R IE S - R E TA IL , R E TA IL S H O P S /D IST R IBU T IO N , S H O E S - R E TA IL
Martine Sitbon Soo Hyun Kim 7056 EastChase Parkway Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-356-3740 www.martinesitbon.us C H U R C H E S /M IN IST R IE S
C A B I N E TS
ALCO Enterprises, Inc. Allen Ward 110 May Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-264-3998
Century Church Jenny Chou 37 Bridge Street Pike Road, Alabama 36064 334-801-9080 www.century.church CO M P U T E R S - CO N S U LT IN G , IN D IV ID UA L S
C L E A N I N G S E RV I C E S AU TO MOBILE M ANUFAC TU RE RS/SUPPLIER S
JANUARY NEW MEMBERS
L & N Extensive Cleaning Service, LLC LaTanya Shackelford 2507 Oxford Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36111 334-477-3366
Bostick Solutions Brian Bostick 1148 Stafford Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-310-3417
CO N S U LT IN G , CO N SULTI N G S E RV IC E S , IN D IV I DUALS
Byard Associates Jim Byard 227 South Washington Street Prattville, Alabama 36067 334-414-2560 CO N T R AC TO R S , STO C K BR O K E R S
Brian Robinson Builder, Inc. Brian Robinson 1701 Platt Place Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-799-1149 CO S M E T IC S /S K IN CARE
Rodan & Fields-Amy Waters Amy Waters 59 Jackson Lane Wetumpka, Alabama 36093 334-538-5437 www.askwaters.myrandf.com CO U N S E L IN G , CO N S U LT IN G S E RVI CES
CO N S U LT IN G C LOTH I N G & ACC E SSO R I E S -R E TA I L , R E TA I L SH O P S / D I STR I B UTI ON
Fame Headwear Company Conrad Dawes 2507 Highland Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36107 334-676-3263
75
Waters Supervision Sharon Waters 8087 Ansley Trace Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-279-7279
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
Venture Life Coaching Janeese Spencer 9001 Vaughn Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 850-377-9586 www.venturelifecoaching.net
CO U N S E L IN G , IN D IV ID UA L S
Belfry, LLC Mary Reading-Graydon 313 S. McDonough Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-523-6650 www.belfrycounseling.com E M P LOYM E N T AG E N C IE S
ALABAMA UPDATE
Warren Averett Staffing & Recruiting, LLC David Salters 1900 International Park, Suite 400 Birmingham, Alabama 35243 334-271-2200 www.wastaffing.com EVENT PLANNER, P U BL IC AT IO N S
RSVP Montgomery, Inc. Kim Traff 505 Cloverdale Road, Unit 104 Montgomery, Alabama 36106 334-356-4598 www.rsvp-montgomery.com F IN A N C IA L P L A N N E R / A DV IS O R , F IN A N C IA L S E RV IC E S , IN D IV ID UA L S
STATE OF THE STATE with GOVERNOR KAY IVEY
Wednesday, January 24 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM RSA Activity Center 201 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 PRESENTING SPONSOR
Roger McConnell Roger McConnell 8201 Tuscany Manor Montgomery, Alabama 36117 251-344-7842 www.edwardjones.com F IN A N C IA L P L A N N E R / A DV IS O R , IN S U R A N C E CO M PA N IE S /S E RV IC E S
Jenerations Insurance Shana Johnson 2025 E. 4th Street Montgomery, Alabama 36106 334-834-4045 F IR E P R OT E C T IO N , S P R IN K L E R S
REGISTER TODAY www.montgomerychamber.com/events
Brendle Sprinkler Company, Inc. Hunter Brendle 3635 Mc Chord Street Montgomery, Alabama 36109 334-270-8571
FO O D S - S P E C IA L IZED
The Vintage Olive Ed Gannon 8101-B Vaughn Road Montgomery, Alabama 36116 334-260-3700 www.thevintageolive.com FO U N DAT IO N R E PAI R
Southern Foundation Solutions, LLC Cody Bell 6464 Halcyon Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-324-6696 www. southernfoundationsolution.com G A R D E N S - S E E D/SUPPLY, G IF TS & S P E C IA LT YR E TA IL , R E TA IL S H OPS D IST R IBU T IO N
Wild Birds Unlimited of Montgomery Tyson Farmer 1470 Taylor Road, Suite 107 Montgomery, Alabama 36117 www.montgomery.wbu.com G OV E R N M E N T AGEN CY
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Sharon Delmar 5811 Jack Springs Road Atmore, Alabama 36502 251-368-9136 www.pci-nsn.gov H E A LT H & F IT N E SS, IN D IV ID UA L S , R E H A BIL ITAT IO N SERVI CES, S P O R TS T R A IN IN G
Encore Rehabilitation Mark Hall 55 Bridge Street Pike Road, Alabama 36064 334-523-8999
CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS
P R IVAT E S C H O O L S LANDSCAPING/ L AW N S E RV I C E S H OME CARE BUSINESS
Williams Loving Care, LLC Nancy Williams 716 Dalraida Road Montgomery, Alabama 36109 334-549-4009 www.williamslovingcare.net I ND U STR IAL EQUIPM E N T AND SUPPLIES
B & L Associates, Inc. Belinda Williams 4520 Alatex Road Montgomery, Alabama 36108 334-244-1870 www.eblassociates.com I NFO RM AT ION TE CH N OLOGY FIRM S
Excela International Group-Agile Consulting Services Michael Sam 11101 Georgia Avenue, Unit 452 Silver Springs, Maryland 20902 202-730-6929 www.excelainternationalgroup. com I NS U R ANC E COM PANI E S / S E RVI C ES
Honea Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Breck Honea 150 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-272-8423 www.breckhonea.com I NVE STM ENT BANKER S
Goodwill Industries Retail Store & Donation Center Summer Taylor 2601 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36117 www.algoodwill.org
Landscape Source, Inc. Bill Gunter 11040 Highway 80 East Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-451-1035 www.thelandscapesource.com Village Lawns, Inc. Eddie Sullivan 1119 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, Alabama 36109 334-270-9597 www.villagelawns.com
Montessori at Mulberry Terri Jackson 2034 Clubview Street Montgomery, Alabama 36106 334-265-7733 R E A L E STAT E - A P P R A IS E R S , IN D IV ID UA L S
RealSouth Valuation Services, LLC Harris Washington 8685 Rockbridge Circle Montgomery, Alabama 36116 334-558-8419
L E G A L S E RV I C E S ATTOR N E YS
R E C YC L IN G
Dunson Group Samarria Dunson P.O. Box 241492 Montgomery, Alabama 36124 334-954-1332 ww.dunsongroup.com/about-us
Jet Polymer Recycling, Inc. Bob Mest 4290 Alatex Road Montgomery, Alabama 36108 334-288-5002 www.jetpolymer.com
M A R KE TI N G / M A R KE T IN G RESEARCH
R E S ID E N T IA L O R G A N IZIN G
Major Organizers Marche Johnson 600 South Court Street, Suite 315 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-213-9602 www.majororganizaers.com/ Montgomery
Tristatz, LLC William Scott 112 Lauderdale Street Selma, Alabama 36201 334-526-0228 www.tristatz.com M E D I A COM PA N Y
R E STAU R A N TS , R E STAU R A N TS - S E A FO O D
Southern Business & Development Michael Randle 8086 Westchester Place Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-612-7093 www.SB-D.com
Juicy Seafood Ken Chen 2690 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-676-2202 S H IP P IN G S E RV IC E S
P R E S C H OOL
Bell Road Preschool Debbie Sutherland 3241 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 36116 334-356-1789
77
ReTrans Montgomery Charles Carver, III 7173 Wynlakes Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-271-2244 www.retrans.com
MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
S P O R T IN G G O O DS/ E Q U IP M E N T
Fleet Feet Sports Montgomery Avery Ainsworth 2934 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, Alabama 36106 34-356-5412 www.fleetfeetmontgomery.com S P O R TS - A M AT E U R, IN D IV ID UA L S
FC Montgomery Soccer Brooke Resende 7201 Heathermore Loop Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-207-5442 www.fcmontgomery.com T R AC TO R /T R A IL E R SALES & R E PA IR , IN D IV IDUALS
Capital Tractor, Inc. John Bobo 1498 Furnace Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-264-0086 www.capitaltractor.com T R U C K IN G S E RV ICES
Lawson Trucking Dave Parillo 7815 Mobile Highway Hope Hull, Alabama 36043 334-284-3220
Numbers reflect October 2017 over October 2016.
Economic Intel
BIG NEWS!
TOURISM
MGM
LODGING TAX IS UP
DCA
MONTGOMERY REGIONAL
+11%
REAGAN REGIONAL
Starting next June, the Montgomery Regional Airport wll be offering an American Airlines direct flight to Washington D.C.'s Reagan National (DCA)
OVER 2016
$848,474.92
OCTOBER 2017 LODGINGS TAX COLLECTIONS Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery
SPECIAL 2017 Economic Development Report
LABOR FORCE
+ 1.5%
EMPLOYED
- 2.6%
Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate MGM Area
30
NEW & EXPANDED COMPANIES
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
SECTORS GOING UP
PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES OTHER SERVICES MANUFACTURING
$204.9M ANNOUNCED INVESTMENTS
HOUSING OCTOBER 2017 SALES
EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR LEISURE & HOSPITALITY
1,056 ANNOUNCED JOBS
+ 4.9% + 2.6% + 1.3% + 1.3% + 1.1%
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
78
+ 4.1
+ 15.8%
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
TOTAL HOME SALES
$167,462 AVERAGE SALE PRICE
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area
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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
MBJ
MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101