Montgomery Business Journal - March 2017

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2 / MARCH 2017

MBJ

SKY’S THE LIMIT:

MEMBER BUSINESSES REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ABOVE& BEYOND

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32

36

CONTENTS MARCH 2017

THIS ISSUE: 10 16 32 36 44

Onward & Upward: The Thunderbirds State of the City & County New Life on Lower Dex

CHAMBER NEWS

Financial Footprint

08 Events

In the Mix: Montgomery’s Internet Exchange

48 Connect 50 Connect Resource Guide

20 #MGM

58 Members on the Move

24 Powerhouse Q&A

62 Business Buzz

27 Member Profiles

68 Members in the News

40 Regional Impact

72 Ribbon Cuttings

42 GiveBack

74 New Members

54 Small Business Briefcase

78 Intel

4

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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MBJ

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION

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

EXPLORE MEDIA

We think that

AT EVERY CLEAN.

PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

Pam Mashburn

Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

ART DIRECTOR

DESIGN

Erika Rowe Tracy

Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Meg Lewis, Wendi Lewis, Liz Vinson PHOTOGRAPHERS Stephen Poff, Robert Fouts, David Robertson Jr., Bryan Carter, Shelby Berry ON THE COVER Lt. Col. Edward D. Casey, 100th Fighter Squadron Director of Operations and F-16 Instructor Pilot, is a former Thunderbird #6 then #5 from 2006 to 2007. / By Stephen Poff ADVERTISING exploreMedia / 334-578-7810 / pam@exploremedia.org MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79, Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 • mbj@montgomerychamber.com

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© Copyright 2017 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 9, Issue 2.

POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101, or email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a

Referred for a reason.

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

APR

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Events +

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

Military Salute at Riverwalk Stadium, 6:30 - 10 p.m.

Join the Montgomery Biscuits as they honor our military. Presenting Sponsor: HCS Group

MAY

04

60 Minute Coffee & Business After Hours

Conversations: Roundtables for Professional Women,

These popular networking events are the perfect places to exchange business cards and meet potential customers.

at the Montgomery Country Club

The Chamber’s “Conversations” is an opportunity for professional women to come together to discuss business and share best

03/08

practices unique to women in the workforce.

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Capitol Chevrolet

Boyd Stephens, founder of Netelysis, sheds light on women in the IT workforce and other topics relevant to professional women.

Sponsored by: Morgan Stanley

03/30 Business After Hours Sponsor & Location: Montgomery Regional Airport

04/12 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: Alabama Artificial Limb & Orthopedic Services; Location: Montgomery Antiques & Interiors

04/27 Business After Hours Sponsor & Location: Blackfinn Ameripub

MAY

11

Chamber Golf Classic at RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill

05/10 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Alabama Ag Credit

The Chamber Golf Classic is the River Region’s premier business golf tournament.

Golfers network on a beautiful course with

BUSINESS Resource Center

Business 101: Start it Up! March 7, 21; April 4, 18; May 2, 16, from 4 - 6 p.m. at the 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 Use Video to Grow Your Business March 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the BRC David Allred, Agency Principal at STAMP Idea Group, will be presenting a workshop on ways to market your business with video.

Presented by: STAMP Idea Group Chamber Member Orientation April 5, from 8 - 9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Join other members for this informal orientation and get an overview of the Chamber’s mission and history from the Chamber President. You’ll also have an opportunity to sell your business and network.

Sponsor: CharterHR

+

Register online

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

Chamber members, elected officials, community leaders and potential clients.

Presenting Sponsor: KALM Services, LLC

All Ears JUN Military Family Appreciation Day

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Upcoming Workshops

//

BizTalk MGM - The Official Podcast for Small Business in MGM Every Monday at 6 p.m. on WVAS 90.7FM, Montgomery Chamber staff

at the Montgomery Zoo

The Chamber’s Military Appreciation Day at

plus host Melissa Johnson Warnke from the Alabama Retail Association will

the Zoo is a fun day for all military personnel

talk with business experts on topics that are important to small businesses.

and their families. With a valid military ID

Sponsor: MAX Credit Union

(active duty and retired), the entire family can enjoy a great day with FREE lunch and admission.

Presenting Sponsor: Guardian Credit Union 8

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MY C ITY MY U N IVE RS I TY

MY TROJAN WARRIOR SPIRIT Ronda W., Alumna Commissioner. Wife. Mom. Cancer Survivor

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

Feel it at troy.edu/Montgomery or call 1-800-414-5756. © 2017 Troy University

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

◆

MONTGOMERY

◆

ONWARD

T H E T H U N D E R B I R D S

BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY IMAGES COURTESY OF USAF THUNDERBIRDS

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

&UPWARD

R E T U R N T O M O N T G O M E R Y S K I E S

With its first Air Show and Open House in years, Maxwell Air Force Base is inviting the entire community to its “home” in April.

The event will celebrate and honor the Air Force and the role it continues to play in Montgomery’s climbing economic trajectory.

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

“

D O N’T MIS S T HI S TH RI L L

The Thunderbirds and Patrouille de France squadrons show a commitment to excellence, and people respect the dedication and sacrifice associated

with defending the nation. These teams also instill a sense of pride and patriotism, and a sense of security. And the machines are awesome, and the

“

people who fly them risk their lives to do it. m

T

While it’s packed with excitement and exhila-

The air show and open house also honors and

ration for all ages, the air show means so much

celebrates the 70th anniversary of the found-

more. According to Dawn Hathcock, Chamber

ing of the United States Air Force and has a

his spring, for the first time

Vice President, Convention and Visitor Bu-

focus on the 100th anniversary of our coun-

in seven years, thousands

reau and Brand Development, the economic

try’s entry into WWI, which took place on April

of River Region residents and visitors will have

impact of the event for Montgomery in terms

6, 1917. According to Col. Doug DeMaio, Vice

their heads tilted back, staring skyward in an-

of tourism should skyrocket. “The base is pre-

Commander of the Lemay Center and air show

ticipation. They’ll hear it before they see it, but

dicting close to 100,000 folks at this show, and

director, the event serves several of the Air

then it soars into view: an F-16 Fighting Fal-

while not all of them will be from out of town,

Force’s missions. “The Air Force hosts open

con jet emblazoned with patriotic red, white

if even half are visitors, that is huge,” she said.

houses to enhance the public awareness of Air

and blue, a member of the Air Force’s fighter demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds.

The team, created in 1953 to showcase “the pride and precision of today’s Air Force,” will be the main attraction at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Air Show and Open House on April 8 and 9.

This is not the Thunderbirds’ first visit to Montgomery. In years past their presence at Maxwell AFB’s air shows has proven spectacular,

“That both the Thunderbirds and the Patrouille de France will both be at the show this year is a testament to the respect for Maxwell Air Force Base and the River Region.”

Force preparedness, to demonstrate modern weapon systems and capabilities, to promote positive community and international relations, to showcase our Airmen and to support Air Force recruiting and retention,” he said.

And it puts a bright spotlight on Maxwell and its powerful legacy. “Maxwell has a rich history as the center of Airpower thought, and Air University commands the highest regard of our senior leaders and allies as a leader in military

with no shortage of thrills. The flips and dips

“We’ve put together some weekend packag-

strategy, concepts and education,” DeMaio

of aerial acrobatics, the precise formations

es that include tickets to the Biscuits baseball

said. “That both the Thunderbirds and the Pa-

and other flying feats, all performed at stel-

team’s opening weekend and the Clint Black

trouille de France will be at the show this year

lar speed by highly skilled pilots, consistently

concert at The Alabama Shakespeare Festival

is a testament to the respect for Maxwell Air

elicit “oohs,” “aahs” and gasps.

as a way to maximize and highlight everything

Force Base and the River Region.”

the city has to offer this spring.”

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

S E E T H E T H U N D E R BIRD S

/HEADS UP: April 8-9

MA X WE L L A IR F O RC E BAS E A IR S H OW & O PE N H O U S E CHECK OUT WWW.MAXWELL.AF.MIL OR FACEBOOK.COM/MAXWELLAIRSHOW/

M A X W ELL– G U NTER-MONTGOMERY

/A RICH HERITAGE Maxwell AFB’s air shows are always full of high-flying fun, but this event holds a special significance as it highlights the beginnings of powered flight in Alabama. Our state has been a major player in the aviation and aerospace accomplishments of the last century, and it began in Montgomery. On March 26, 1910, when the Wright brothers — the famous “fathers of flight” — established a civilian flying school in the capital city on land that is now part of Maxwell, the first powered flight in Alabama took place. And the Chamber played a role in the brothers locating here. Chamber officials made them feel welcome, helped them find the land they needed and strike the right deal. Though the Wright’s school lasted only a short time, its presence set the stage for things to come, including the decision to locate Maxwell in Montgomery. Our state has since become a hub of aviation and aerospace technology advancements and manufacturing as well as military aviation. And in Montgomery, the military presence contributes an estimated $2.6 billion to the local economy annually. It also adds 38,395 engaged citizens to our community.

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

BACKWARD & FORWARD

THUNDERBIRD HISTORY IN THE MAKING: A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration.

More than 280 million people in all 50 states and 57 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue Thunderbirds jets in more than 3,500 aerial demonstrations.

A F - 3 5 U PDATE

H O S T W I TH TH E M O S T

/SOAR ON

Montgomery and Maxwell Air Force base have always been close partners, and the capital city is proud to have a military institution of such stature as part of its

Montgomery has made the final five in the selection

community. In 2015, the warm welcome and strong support that Montgomery has

process for the F-35, and is now preparing for the

consistently provided to all who live and work at Maxwell earned the city a presti-

next phase of the process. Leading the charge is an

gious national award, the Altus Trophy. The city has also been named “The Best

F-35 Task Force, formed by Mayor Todd Strange and

Hometown in the Air Force.”

chaired by Leslie Sanders, Vice President Southern Division Alabama Power Company. Landing the F-35 would have a dramatic effect on the entire state. There

In addition to the Thunderbirds, Pa-

demonstrations to create all-day en-

is much to gain: a hugely positive economic impact

trouille de France, the French Air

tertainment, and it’s all absolutely free.

and a stronger, more secure future for Air National

Force’s demonstration team, will per-

Guard units across Alabama. Plus, it would provide a

form, and the Montgomery show will

Attending the open house and air

new level to our part in the Tuskegee Airmen legacy.

be the first the team has performed at

show deserves a spot on your cal-

The 187th Fighter Wing is home to the 100th Fighter

in the United States since 1986. Other

endar for the guaranteed good time

Squadron, which is one of the original Tuskegee units

aircraft flying include military fighter air-

alone, but it’s also a way to support the

—the famous Red Tails.

craft, an assortment of WWII Warbirds

base that gives so much to our com-

and several aerobatic performers.

munity, as Hathcock explained. “We

“Having the F-35 Mission here would provide an incredible economic impact to our region.”

should all take pride in being recogAnd there’s plenty to see on the

nized ‘The Best Hometown in the Air

ground too. Static exhibits of vintage

Force’, and live up to that,” she said. “At

aircraft from WWI and WWII as well as

the Chamber, we want to support and

Leslie Sanders, Vice President Southern

spacecraft displays combine with other

showcase all that Maxwell does. We

Division Alabama Power Company

activities like aviation-related ground

love our loud, fast airplanes here!”

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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To book your next meeting, call 338.481.5000 or visit renaissancemontgomery.com.

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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TATE SCity &

the

of

NEW JOBS 1,400

County

(Oct 2015-Nov 2016)

FY2016 SALES TAX REVENUE More than $102 million, up 1.8% from FY2015 Projection for FY2017: up 1.5%

HERE’S HOW THE NUMBERS ENDED

MBJ: WHAT’S THE BIG PICTURE FOR

the Camellia Bowl all coming here. One

UP FOR MONTGOMERY AND

LAST YEAR?

example: Getting the International Horse-

MAYOR STRANGE: Our numbers are going

shoe Pitching Championship may not sound

up across the board. Sales tax revenues

like much, but it brought 2,000 people here

have consistently grown since 2010, and

for two weeks, each an average age of 55

they’re higher again this year. Since 40

with a lot of disposable income. The annual

percent of our total revenue comes from

Firefighters Challenge draws thousands

sales tax, that’s important. We’ve also built

here, folks from all over country and world.

back our reserves. We closed the book

And Appalachian State came back to the

on 2016 with more than $22 million in that

Camellia Bowl in 2016. They were here in

fund, which gets us to a major goal: to have

2015 and wanted to come back. They could

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LAST YEAR AND WHERE OUR LEADERS BELIEVE WE ARE HEADED IN 2017.

At the close of each year, we all pause to take stock of where we’ve been and begin to chart a course for the next year, a plan to help get us where we want to be (or at least

10 percent of our annual operating budget

have gone somewhere else. That speaks

closer to that destination). Our city and coun-

in reserves. Plus, we fully expect that reve-

volumes. All this travel is driving the addition

ty leaders do the same, and when Mayor

nues will continue to remain positive in 2017

of hotel rooms.

Todd Strange and our city council, along with County Commission Chair Elton Dean and

as we have had even more success in job recruitment and economic development.

Our IT sector is growing too. I see it as having amazing potential, particularly the Montgomery Internet Exchange. Its goal is

his fellow commissioners, tallied up the vital

MBJ: WHAT SECTORS ARE SHOWING THE

to connect every person, every household,

stats for our region, all the numbers point-

MOST GROWTH?

every business and every device to the

MAYOR STRANGE: Our sports travel keeps

rest of the world at the speed of light. It will

growing with high school sports champion-

bring internet service providers, content

ships and tournaments, coaches meetings,

providers, etc. who want to run through this

events like the Firefighters Challenge and

exchange.

ed to a robust, healthy 2016 and an even healthier 2017 headed our way. Here’s the Mayor’s take:

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

“

FY2016 LODGING TAX REVENUE

Mayor Strange and I served on

$9.4 million, up $400,000 from FY2015

the County Commission prior to him

Projection for FY2017:

becoming mayor. During that time,

up 3%

we developed a deep respect for one another and a lasting friendship.

Because of this connection, the lines of communication are always open, and we are all striving to offer the best possible city and county for our citizens.

“

- Montgomery County Commission Chair Elton Dean

GROWING UP:

MBJ: WHAT ARE THE MAIN POSITIVES DRIVING GROWTH AND SUCCESS HERE? MAYOR STRANGE: Success breeds success.

We always point out that we were named “Best Historic City” by USA Today Travel. We are an

+

MONTGOMERY I S LEADI NG THE WAY I N ALAB AMA I N SEVER AL AREAS:

“All American City.” Both of these awards are important. And of the 42 increases in invest-

The city’s numbers

ment and employment last year, 37 are existing

on new jobs, investment and new

companies, so that shows they have a lot of

or expanded companies represent

30%

confidence and trust in the community by making the decision to grow here.

of the gain in the entire state

MBJ: WHAT ARE THE CITY’S 2017 GOALS?

of Alabama.

MAYOR STRANGE: It is crucial that we have

FOR THE LAST

3

YEARS, Montgomery led the state in hotel occupancy on a percentage basis. In late 2016, Huntsville took the

and maintain the infrastructure and venues

In 2016, Montgomery was named

that allow the Chamber, the Central Alabama Sports Commission and individual hotels to go after convention, leisure travel and sports travel business. We also try to ensure that when they do come here, they have a good experience.

We see it time and time again, someone at a convention goes home and raves about it, and

“BEST RUN CITY”

new rooms in Montgomery

in the state. It was ranked No. 51 in

increased the supply side

the country for city services like health,

of the equation. And the city

safety, the economy, as well as its

saw 51,149 more room nights

efficiency and budget use.

sold in 2016 than in 2015.

we get the opportunity for another convention.

17

top spot, but just barely, and that’s mainly because

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

A FIRM HANDSHAKE COUNTY

The City of Montgomery and Montgomery

LODGING TAX

County have long enjoyed a strong, friendly

REVENUE

working relationship. It’s something many take

$2.7 million

for granted but is by no means the norm in municipal government, as Mayor Todd Strange explained.

“We have a fairly unique situation in Montgom-

COUNTY FY2016

SALES TAX REVENUE $43.8 million, Pictured left to right: Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery

up 1 % from FY2015

County Commission Chair Elton Dean and Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast

ery County as we have one major metropolitan center, Montgomery, then smaller communities,” he said.

As opposed to some other counties in the state, the city and county officials see the two entities as almost one and the same. And Mayor Strange’s experiences before becoming

CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTY Montgomery County Commissioner Elton Dean’s thoughts on the past and future.

mayor bring another layer to the partnership.

“I was chairman of the Montgomery County Commission for five years and was chairman of the Montgomery Chamber, so I understand the capacity and capabilities of both,” he said.

That makes it even easier for the city and county to work together. “We don’t have to negoti-

MBJ: HOW WOULD YOU RATE 2016 IN TERMS OF GROWTH AND PROSPERITY FOR THE COUNTY? COMMISSIONER DEAN: Each year, the county sees financial improvements from the previous year. During the economic downturn several years ago, we worked together as a team to streamline our budget and make sound economic decisions for the citizens’ tax dollars.

MBJ: WHAT DO YOU SEE IN STORE FOR THE COUNTY FOR 2017?

COMMISSIONER DEAN: We will continue to focus on providing the superior services that our citizens have come to expect from Montgomery County. We look to hire an independent contractor that will work with minority- and women-owned businesses in the county and show them how they can participate in the county’s bidding process. We will continue to partner with the city and Chamber to bring good jobs to our area.

ate economic incentive packages because we are on the same page,” he said. “Elton [Dean] and I are kinda joined at the hip. We are both very aware of what the other is doing.”

Thanks to multiple joint projects in the past, the two have a deep understanding of how and why working together benefits everyone, but that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. “We have faced challenges and had disagreements, but, overall, we all know that when you combine resources, you get increased efficiency at lower costs for our citizens.”

Russ Tyner, one of the Chamber’s past chairmen, agreed. “One of the major positives of

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CO U N T Y CO N ST RUC T IO N RE NOVAT IO N P RO J ECTS

(Projects Completed since 2013)

• Probate and Revenue East Office,

$545,000

• Annex III Probate Judge offices,

$1.5 million

• Montgomery County Youth Facility,

$8.6 million

our current business climate is cooperation,” he said. “The unprecedented teamwork between county and city leadership and the business

• Public Defender’s Office, $534,000

community makes Montgomery a somewhat

• Renovations to add handicapped

unique business environment. When you add

accessible restrooms at Probate/ Revenue West, $125,000

• Probate Revenue South,

McGehee Road, $1.5 million

• District Attorney offices, $3.5 million

18

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

the intellectual horsepower of local military leadership and the influence of a well-run Chamber, Montgomery becomes a diverse and absolutely unique business community.”

CELEBRATING YEARS OF CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY. Since 1946, Jackson Hospital has earned a reputation for clinical excellence and awardwinning care. Today, we’re proud to serve Montgomery and the River Region with leading-edge technology and outstanding facilities. As we look forward to our next 70 years we’ll continue to embrace innovations while staying true to our mission of providing superior personal healthcare in a safe, compassionate environment.

JACKSON. THIS IS MY HOSPITAL.

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Executive Class “A” Office Space I-8 5 (Exit 9 ) & Taylor Road Montgomery, AL

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MyMGM

IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK / by JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY AND THE WINNERS ARE… Here’s who stole the show and snagged the cash in each category:

COMMUNITY IMPACT – ART/ EMILY HAYES, DOWNTOWN ART WALK IDEA: Create a quarterly Art Walk event downtown where

MAKING IT HAPPEN So who is behind IgniteMGM? The Downtown Business Association, The Gumption Fund, Pictured left to right: Scott Bell, Clay McInnis, Temisha Young, Emily Hayes, Aquan Robinson and Nick Jernigan.

Gumptioneers, the Five Points Cultural Commission and Title Sponsor, Bell Media.

businesses partner with a lesser-known, non-traditional local artist and showcase their work in their business.

DIGITAL-SOCIAL MEDIA/ AQUAN ROBINSON AND TEMISHA YOUNG, SOUTH CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PODCAST IDEA: Create a weekly

Every journey, no matter its length, begins with a

McInnis is also a leader in The Gumption Fund, a

podcast that highlights

single step. While forging a path forward can be hard,

group funded by donations from local businesses,

the businesses that have

it starts with the simple decision to do it. That’s the

that gives micro-grants to bring good ideas to life.

stayed in the city’s South

mindset behind IgniteMGM, an event that’s essen-

When Simone Byrd, a communications professor at

Central Business District and

tially an idea competition – with the last round held

Alabama State University, offered the idea of a pitch

promote new businesses lo-

live – that rewards the winning concepts with the fuel

competition for students that would encourage them

cating there all in an effort to

needed to make that decision, the money necessary

to create something for social media that would ben-

encourage more investment

to turn visions into realities.

efit the city, McInnis saw the potential to go bigger.

and growth in the area.

“We loved her idea, but thought we could go beyond While the notion of live idea pitches isn’t new, it’s new

students, open it up to the entire community and

in Montgomery. And the organizers believe it’s just

include other categories,” he said.

FOOD TRUCK/ NICK AND DAVENA JERNIGAN, ON A ROLL

one piece of a needed strategy to keep talent here.

Clay McInnis, executive director of the Downtown

IgniteMGM invited anyone and everyone to partici-

IDEA: Do the needed

Business Association, one of the groups behind the

pate and vie for funds by submitting their idea for a

work on their food truck to

event, explained. “We feel like there is opportunity

project in one of three categories: Digital-Social Me-

get it up and running and

here, but we have to cultivate that,” he said. “We

dia, Community Impact: Art and Food Truck. Each had

then take their delicious

have to bring folks together to see that they can

to have a strong positive community impact associat-

South-meets-Pacific North-

be successful here. That’s what this is about: really

ed with it. The grant for the Digital-Social winner was

west flavors truly “on a roll”

opening up a dialog, connecting people with ideas to

$2,000, with $5,000 each going to the Food Truck

throughout the city’s newly

resources and connecting our community.”

and Art winners, for a total of $12,000 handed out.

designated food truck areas.

20

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

IMAGE BY CARTER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Learn how several groups have come together to spark some creative ideas and fan the flames of innovation in the capital city.

The process for all began by filling out an

The Arts category contestants went first,

And the winners earned more than money;

application that outlined their idea. Based

taking the stage in turns to deliver their

they’re also getting support and expert

on this information, the event’s judges

two-minute (strictly timed) pitch to the judges

advice from the individuals behind the event.

narrowed it down to three top contenders

sitting on stage with them. From an art walk

“For the food truck winner, we’ve already

in each category. These three squared off

to a series of murals that would only be vis-

been working with the city to help with the

in the live event on January 28, held at

ible when wet, all three ideas had merit and

regulations and other things that it takes to

the Sanctuary, a multi-purpose venue in

got standing ovations.

start one that aren’t directly related to money,” McInnis said.

Montgomery’s 5 Points area on the edge of downtown, where they presented their ideas to a panel of judges.

To pull it all off, organizers brought in other partners, like Bell Media, whose CEO, Scott Bell, shared McInnis’ enthusiasm. “From the beginning, our feedback on this was really great. There was so much excitement around it,” Bell said. “We were at capacity for

Dream On “When you build relationships, and get ideas flying, magic can happen, and it can happen here.”

- Clay McInnis, executive

For those who missed it, they can add their ideas or attend the event again next year. “It exceeded our expectations,” McInnis said.

“There were so many great ideas. We’re really excited about next year.”

Both McInnis and Bell are Montgomery natives and passionate about their home-

the live event weeks before, and for anyone

director, Montgomery Downtown

town’s future. They stressed the importance

who runs events here, they know what a big

Business Association

of initiatives like IgniteMGM. “There is such a need and demand in this community,” McIn-

deal that is.”

The Digital and Social Media contestants

nis said. “Folks want an outlet for creativity

On January 28’s sunny afternoon, an

were next, and the Food Truck folks ended

and collaboration in all forms.” Bell agreed.

energetic crowd packed The Sanctuary

the event on a tasty note. While the partici-

“I want people in Birmingham, Huntsville

and applauded the welcoming words of

pants’ concepts were diverse, they shared

and Atlanta to know what we are dong here.

both McInnis and Bell. “I love Montgomery

a common thread: a sense of camaraderie

I want to get applications from people in

and want to bring people together to make

and common purpose (to make Montgomery

those places in years to come, people who

things happen,” Bell said.

better) that outshone the competitive aspect.

want to come here and invest here.”

Coming SOON

No.1 SPOT

TACO TIME!

Best Value Destination for travelers looking to explore Black History

The Lightning Line is bringing back one of its most popular (and tasty!) events this spring. Taco Libre is set for April 29 at the Yards at Western Rail, a new 40-acre outdoor venue on the edge of downtown, with more than 20 area restaurants serving up various interpretations of tacos for guests

MGM TAKES TOP SPOTS Montgomery was named the No. 2 “Best Value Destination” in the country for 2017 by trivago.com, a popular hotel booking website. Determined by an exclusive algorithm that considers both hotel prices and guest reviews, the 17 destinations that top the list aren’t

to enjoy. There will also be live music, Frios Pops and plenty of ice-cold beer. The folks of Lightning Line stressed why you don’t want to miss this year’s event. “There will be more food, bigger music acts on a bigger

only easy on the wallet but also offer entertainment options for nearly every type of traveler.

stage, and it’s all at this amazing new venue,

The city took the No. 1 spot in Best Value Destinations for travelers looking to explore Black

where downtown is the backdrop. When the

History Month thanks to the significant role it has played in African-American history.

21

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

sun goes down, it lights up the skyline.”

MyMGM

+ EVEN MORE AWARDS

C H AM B ER’S CVB RECOGN IZED FOR TOURIS M EFFORTS

On January 19, MAX held its 14th Annual

also become a destination tourists are eager

MAX Community Reception, an annual event

to visit. “We are thankful to have the opportu-

that brings together business, political and

nity to honor and recognize the Montgomery

community leaders to celebrate community

Chamber Convention and Visitor Bureau,”

successes and recognize organizations and

said Jessica Pigg, AVP Retail Marketing. “The

individuals who have made a significant

great work of the Convention and Visitor

difference in the quality of life in Central and

Bureau provides unprecedented econom-

East Alabama.

ic impact for the city of Montgomery—on average, visitors are spending a staggering

This year, MAX honored The Montgomery

$1.4 million each day through hotel, food, gas

Chamber Convention and Visitor Bureau with

and entertainment. This boost to our local

the MAX Community Achievement Award

economy in turn helps to make Montgomery

for the broad work they do in Montgomery,

a greater place to live, work and play.”

working tirelessly to help “Imagine a Greater Montgomery.” Their work has unquestionably

Along with the MAX Community Achieve-

established Montgomery as a destination city.

ment Award, MAX was also honored to present the Montgomery Chamber Convention and Visitor Bureau with a check for

Whether it is the rich history our city is surrounded by, or attracting world-class

Bowl, Montgomery is not only a place that

$2,500 to support its mission for the city of

sporting events such as the ESPN Camellia

residents are proud to call home, but it has

Montgomery.

Plain-spoken words in a complicated world are refreshing.

That’s just the way we do business.

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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VESTOR IN

OFIL

Q&A

E

RICHARD HANAN Most of us take clean, running water for granted. We turn the knob or lift the lever on our faucets, and it’s always there, streaming out, free and clear. But a lot of work goes into keeping the flow going in Montgomery, and Richard Hanan, Chairman of the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board for the past two decades, is on top of it all.

Explain how our water works system is set up in Montgomery. The water board is a private corporation

Are there any infrastructure issues? We have

that operates under a franchise from the city. Our leadership

years old. We continually work to upgrade pipes and recently

is composed of nine board members who are appointed and

replaced a lot on the south side of the city. We actually

elected for six-year terms by the Montgomery City Council.

budget more than $1 million each year for rehab purposes.

The board members are compensated, but it is truly minimal.

But interestingly, some of the really old stuff is still holding up

Our water works is an almost $85-million-a-year business.

great, like the brick manholes on Dexter Avenue downtown.

How long have you been involved? I founded and ran Loeb & Hanan Home Builders with my brother, and that

How do you work to balance services and the protection of our natural resources? We just built

was my primary job until we retired and shut the business

a new wastewater treatment facility in East Montgomery that

down. I’ve been with the Water Works board for decades

became operational last November, and it has made us more

though. I’m entering my 54th year as a board member, and

efficient. The technology in our industry is always changing,

I’ve been chairman for more than 20 years. When I first

but we stay current. The regulations from Alabama Depart-

started, there was a lot of work to do to get it in better order;

ment of Environmental Management and the EPA change

things weren’t running smoothly. But now they are.

often too, but we work very closely with them. We are also a

some really old pipes in our city, some that are probably 100

part of the Alabama Water and Waste Water Institute, of which

What are Water Works’ main services and responsibilities in our community? We provide

I am president, which is made up of some of the largest cities

water and wastewater treatment, and we do it at a very low

together on environmental concerns. The relationships it

price. We continually monitor our lines and water quality and

creates also gives us a way to collaborate with other areas if/

address issues when they arise. Our mission is to provide the

when there is a natural disaster that affects our services.

in the state and was set up to share knowledge and work

highest quality water and sewer service in harmony with the environment.

How do our water costs compare to other states and regions? Montgomery enjoys some of the

How much water a day does Water Works deal with? We can treat about 56 million gallons a day if need-

lowest costs in the Southeast. For instance, we are much

ed, but we average about 35 million gallons a day.

our facility to learn what we are doing.

Are there water quality issues in our area?

How do you keep costs down? Our employees—We

No. We recently met with the new commander of the Corps

have 278 right now, and many have been with us more than

of Engineers, and they were very pleased with our water

20 years—are very efficient and very dedicated to their jobs.

cheaper than Birmingham. We actually have lots of folks visit

quality. We have our own lab certified to do all of the required every two hours. Our lab also does tests for other smaller

Are there any problems posing a threat to our water system? One really big issue is common fats, oils

cities. We maintain that we put water back in the river cleaner

and greases (FOG) generated from cooking being poured

than when we took it out.

in sinks and down drains. Most people just don’t think about

Environmental Protection Agency tests, and we test the water

24

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

IMAGE BY ROBERT FOUTS

PR

PO W E RHOUSE

Flowing FINE Our Water Works treats an average of 35 million gallons of water a day and can handle up to 56 million gallons if needed.

“

“We have our own lab certified to do all of the required EPA tests, and we test the water every two hours.

-Richard Hanan

25

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

“

OCTOBER 27 NOVEMBER 5, 2017 www.alnationalfair.org

“The Alabama Water and Waste Water Institute, of which I am president, is made up of some of the largest cities in the state and was set up to share knowledge and work together on environmental concerns.” it being harmful, but as FOG cools, it becomes solid and constricts and, ultimately, blocks pipes. We have three vacuum trucks that go out every day to deal with this.

How are you raising public awareness of this issue? We’ve started a campaign to inform people why they shouldn’t pour FOG down their drains, and we provide free jugs they can use to store and then dispose of the grease instead. We call it our Grecycle program. It seems to be helping.

You’ve been in business in this area in one form or another for a long time. What’s your impression of the current business climate here? We have a great working relationship with the city, and we also work closely with the Chamber when it is working to bring industry here. We see new companies here as new customers, and we think our low costs are one of the positives that draws business here.

What, outside of the Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board, gets your time and attention?

I’ve been involved as a board member at the McInnis School, a school for mentally and physically disabled people in the greater Montgomery area, for 40 years, and I’m president of the Special Olympics of Alabama. I’m also on the Montgomery Housing Authority Board, a member of AUM’s Advisory Board and a member of USAmeriBank’s Board.

26

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER profile

GARY A. COBBS PRESIDENT AND CEO, YMCA OF GREATER MONTGOMERY With a positive presence in the capital city for almost 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery is one of our community’s longest-standing organizations.

President and CEO Gary A. Cobbs may be new to Montgomery (here since 2013), but he has 21 years of YMCA experience and explains how and why the organization does its good work.

What is YMCA’s mission here? We strengthen the foundations of our region by working to give everyone an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of youths and teens and improves our community’s well-being.

Number of people served: Approximately 80,000 people in the River Region each year.

What are some of the Y’s main programs and services? We offer a wide variety including youth and adult sports; preschool and pre-K; mentoring; swim team, swim lessons and aquatics; overnight and day camps; wellness and exercise classes; summer learning loss prevention; and numerous teen programs.

What challenges does the Y face? Finding more resources to continue our programs and serve those in our community that need assistance and trans-

In the Community:

forming our older and outdated buildings so we can

In addition to my work with the Y,

deliver our mission in a more effective manner.

I’m on the Baptist East Advisory

Board, Montgomery Education

What solutions do you see for these issues?

Foundation Board, am a member of

We have to develop the right partnerships, continue

Noon Rotary, am a YMCA Blue Ridge

developing relationships, effectively communicate our

Assembly Board Member, serve on

vision and our needs to the community and friends of

The Montgomery Area Chamber of

the Y, and secure more targeted grants and annual gifts.

Commerce’s Board and the Capital

What’s do you love about your job? I enjoy

City Club’s Board. I’m also a graduate of Leadership Montgomery.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

being a servant leader and helping people. I’m biased, but I believe the Y is the best organization in the world, and we get a chance to serve the community and meet people where they are.

COMPANY FOUNDED 1868 www.ymcamontgomery.org 27

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER profile

MICHELLE REEDER OWNER OF THE BARKERY, LLC Built on a passion for providing pets with healthy treats and compassionate care, Michelle Reeder is redefining the phrase “gone to the dogs” with her new shop, The Barkery.

When was The Barkery founded? I started selling dog treats and cakes from my home in January 2016, and in November 2016, I opened my storefront.

What is The Barkery’s main product or service? The dog bakery is the central part of the business, but we also offer grooming, daycare and boarding.

How are your homemade dog treats different? All of our treats are handmade by us, using high quality, human-grade ingredients. A large portion of our recipes are grain-free, and all are wheat-free. We use no chemicals or additives.

What sets your boarding and grooming services apart? Our boarding is suite-only, no cages. Each pet or pet family is housed in its own individual apartment home. Our grooming is top notch, with a groomer who has 22 years in the pet industry and can trim like Edward Scissorhands. We also have many “Spaw Packages” to choose from. Plus, we offer a cage-free daycare concept where dogs get to play in our 1,000-square-foot indoor playroom for about seven hours a day as compared to a typical dog daycare, where the dogs are kenneled the majority of the

On the Horizon:

day and have only a handful of play sessions.

For 2017, we want to expand our boarding capacity, add training

What’s your favorite thing about your job? The joy in our customer’s face when they see

classes, add dog care seminars, add a “Yappy Hour” and add cat treats.

how much love and attention we have for their dog.

How many pets do you have at home?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

I’ve got three dogs and one cat as well as two “granddogs.”

COMPANY FOUNDED 2016 thebarkery.dog

29

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

THE RIVER REGION’S PREMIER BUSINESS GOLF EVENT THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017 ROBERT TRENT JONES @ CAPITOL HILL $155/person Chamber Members $175/person Nonmembers Registration 11:30AM l Tee Time 1PM Lunch 11:30 AM Awards Reception following play

PRESENTING SPONSOR REGISTER online at montgomerychamber.com/golfclassic For information, contact Lynn Norton at 334-240-9431 or lnorton@montgomerychamber.com

THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. 30

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER profile

A Good Start: I enjoy providing the first work experience for so many young

JASON SORIANO

people. Our goal is to teach them excellent work habits that will stick

OWNER/OPERATOR OF

with them through the rest of their

EASTDALE MALL CHICK-FIL-A

career. My favorite thing is to see a timid high school kid transform

Chick-fil-A’s beloved chicken sandwiches, crispy

into an inspiring leader during their

waffle fries and more bring folks to the Eastdale Mall

time working in my restaurant.

location of the popular franchise, but it’s the people, like owner/operator Jason Soriano, who make a meal there a truly pleasant experience.

How did you get involved at Chick-fil-A? My family has a rich history with the company. My grandfather opened the Eastdale Mall location in 1977. My father and mother both worked with him in that business. In 1982, my parents opened their own franchise in Auburn. In 1992, my family and I transferred back to Montgomery to open the area’s first free-standing Chick-fil-A. My father now has the EastChase and RSA Tower locations and my uncle works with him at those locations. My sister is operator of the franchise in Northport, Alabama.

How many chicken sandwiches do you sell in a week? Approximately 2,000 How do you keep the level of service at your Chick-fil-A so high? Our service philosophy is best summed up in the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:41 where he says, “and whosoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two.” When we go above and beyond what is expected of us, we are living in the second mile and having a positive impact on those around us. My desire is for our guests at Chick-fil-A to experience some element of second mile service on every visit. I continuously recalibrate my team on the Chick-fil-A Service Model to confirm we are giving fantastic guest experiences.

What challenges has your business faced? As shopping trends have changed, we have seen a decrease in foot traffic within the mall.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

How are you addressing this? While all areas of the business are important, we have put a renewed emphasis on catering. We offer delivery for our catering clients and no event is too large or small.

OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 2016 chick-fil-a.com/eastdalemall 31

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

>>>>>>>>

2015 Network infrastructure installed, configured and tested.

2016

2016

2016

First two members actively peering (Akamai/ Troy Cable) 25Gb

WOW upgrades Akamai transit.

1.0Gb

Camellia Communications and Southern Light join network actively peering.

1.6Gb

JA N

Don’t know what the Montgomery Internet Exchange (MGMix) is?

Don’t worry. Most don’t.

Leave the details to the technical folks, but don’t miss out on the transformative power this “magic box” holds for Montgomery’s economy and maybe even your business.

JUNE

AU G / S E P T

IN THE

PROGRESS REPORT

2016

OCT

WOW becomes the fifth network actively peering.

2.0Gb

2016

N OV

Verisign becomes the 6th network actively peering.

5.1Gb

Breaking down the basics of the new Internet Exchange and what it means for you, your business and Montgomery’s future.

The Montgomery Internet Exchange (MGMix): It’s the only Internet Exchange in Alabama and one of only four in the entire Southeast.

It’s securely locked away inside a small box, behind layers of encryption and firewalls inside the RSA Datacenter in Montgomery.

Most importantly, it has the ability to transform your business and Alabama’s economy in ways you’ve never imagined. Led by a visionary collaboration between Montgomery County, The City of Montgomery, research universities, Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base and the new Cyber College of the Air Force, it’s a powerful economic weapon for the capital city.

How does it work?

If you’ve ever experienced lag on a video conference call or webinar or had to wait too long for a simple file upload or for your Netflix movie to buffer, you’ve encountered one of the great limitations of the World Wide Web. While your network may offer lightning fast speeds, the distance that information has to

BY MEG LEWIS

travel to be exchanged between networks, and the quality of the

32

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Glossary Don’t let high-tech talk keep you out of the conversation.

A FASTER COMMUTE:

Here’s a quick guide to some

“Think of the Montgomery Internet Exchange as if we

of the words and acronyms

moved the Atlanta airport to Montgomery. You can go

you’ll want to add to your

anywhere in the world when you go through the Atlanta

vocabulary.

Airport. That’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve now moved that capability to move that Internet traffic right

Cyber – a prefix used to describe a person, thing or

here out of Montgomery.”

idea as part of the computer

- Steve Meany, CEO Information Transport Solutions, Inc.

and information age.

Forward Caching –

exchange point, significantly

switch, probably a fiber-based

A forward cache is a cache

affects your experience. That

switch, and in that switch you’ll

outside the web server’s

email you send to your cowork-

have connections from all of

network, e.g. on the client

er in the office down the hall

the members,” Stephens said.

computer, in an ISP or within a

may have to travel to Atlanta,

“The switch can sit there, but

corporate network.

Chicago or even farther before

that’s not the exchange. The

it arrives in their inbox.

exchange is the partnership

Gig City – a city that can

between the members. The

provide one-gigabit upload

A solution is a local Internet Ex-

members all agree that they

speeds across the entire city.

change. Service providers who

will share information. The

peer in an Internet exchange

owner of the switch provides

ISP Peering – the

can talk directly to each other,

the bandwidth and maintains

arrangement of traffic

reducing the distance the infor-

a comfortable environment for

exchange between Internet

mation has to travel. Add for-

the exchange to work in.”

service providers (ISPs)

ward caching capabilities and

Smart City – an approach

you get much faster speeds at

Lou Ialacci, the Chief Informa-

lower costs for the user.

tion Technology Officer for the City of Montgomery who

to municipal government that emphasizes the use of IT

Having these capabilities at the

manages the exchange along

systems to help increase oper-

Montgomery Internet Exchange

with his staff, explained further.

ational efficiency, disseminate

(MGMix) could mean both seri-

“There are two elements to

information to residents and

ous savings and performance

the Montgomery Internet

visitors, and improve the quality

improvements for companies

Exchange: the first is peering,

of government services.

that move massive amounts

where the big companies peer

of data.

with each other. The other side

Transit – the connection to

is providing content to the local

and use of a telecommunica-

Boyd Stephens, CEO of Nete-

area, such as entertainment

tion path provided by a vendor.

lysis and whose expertise as

media and cloud services,

Transit may be billed

a network engineer has given

which can free up bandwidth

separately or, where peering is

him insight into many exchang-

to allow larger companies to

also provided, may be billed as

es around the country, broke

move content.”

part of the peering charge.

it down some. “You’d be surprised at what’s not there. The core of it is going through a big

33

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

>>>>>>>>>>>

What

MAKES IT

unique?

What does the Montgomery Internet Exchange

mean for economic development?

>>>>>>>>

According to Steve Meany, CEO Information

ment media producers can now more easily

Transport Solutions, Inc., it means big things.

afford access to audiences around the world

“Businesses will want to move closer to the

through the exchange.

Exchange because one, it’s going to offer them faster speeds on the internet, as well

The prospect of an Innovation District, an

as lower prices, and potentially the ability to

area that would include office space, hotels,

Alabama’s economic stealth weapon is not

bring traffic or bring content locally and store

restaurants, bars – places to sit and work

where you might expect. A powerful combi-

it at the exchange level,” he said.

and have high capacity internet service and

nation of unique assets set the Montgomery

security – could also leverage the internet

Internet Exchange apart from any other.

In addition to lower costs and better service,

exchange to support the city’s recruitment

One is the fact that it is collocated in the

companies who connect to the exchange

and tech start-up efforts.

state-of-the-art RSA Datacenter, where com-

can locate employees in Montgomery where

panies that handle highly secure informa-

they will find lower costs of living, a high

“In addition, the infrastructure of an innova-

tion, such as financial institutions, defense

quality of life and a burgeoning tech and

tion district could offer Maxwell Air Force

contractors or even the U.S. Air Force itself,

innovation scene.

Base the ability to collaborate with commercial entities and innovators through this

can not only tap into the high speed of the exchange, but rest assured that their data is

The exchange also creates an opportunity

fast, secure connection,” said Greene. “This

backed up and locked down.

for local entrepreneurs to start their own

common data network to find collaborative

Internet service provider companies, which

solutions to civic challenges would also be

“We pride ourselves in having a world-class

can offer the same high quality service for

part of making Montgomery a Smart City.

datacenter, and our job is to continue to

competitive prices, again exerting pressures

This feeds back into the vision for Maxwell as

recruit ISPs,” said Renee Borg, Technical

that drop prices and make the environment

a Smart Base.”

Marketing Specialist with the RSA Dexter

more attractive for businesses.

Datacenter. “Along with that, we encourage them to connect to the exchange.

The benefits extend to recruiting the creative

The success of the Montgomery Internet

class. Content providers such as entertain-

Exchange relies heavily on the success of the Datacenter.”

So

Stephens praised the Datacenter’s capa-

what’s next?

bilities. “It’s fortuitous when an exchange is collocated in a datacenter that is well run and operated. I’ve seen larger datacenters,

Meany summed it up. “We’ve done a lot

but not one that is more technically accom-

of good work developing the Montgom-

modating,” he said.

ery Internet Exchange, but there’s a lot

“THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE THE RSA DATACENTER MIXED WITH THE POWER OF THE AKAMAI EDGE SERVER FURTHER ENHANCES SECURITY AND SPEED IN SUCH A WAY THAT BUSINESSES CONNECTING TO OUR EXCHANGE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE.”

more work left to do. We’ve got to make But how does the Montgomery Internet

sure that the Microsofts, the Netflixes and

Exchange stand up against “Gig City”

Ialacci and his team with the exchange,

the Googles of the world all understand

capabilities such as those in Chattanooga,

along with others in the business and cy-

that the exchange exists here, and that

Opelika or Kansas City, places that offer

ber community in Montgomery, are work-

there is fertile ground for the develop-

one-gigabit upload speeds across the

ing to recruit more service and content

ment of the tech community,” he said.

providers, as well as businesses that can

entire city. Joe Greene, the Chamber’s Vice

benefit from connecting to the exchange.

President of Military and Government Affairs

Representatives from the MGMix have

and Innovation sees a distinct economic

“The tipping point for the larger content

attended two meetings of North American

advantage. “The difference between us and

providers is traffic through the exchange,”

Network Operators Group (NANOG), the

a utility-provided internet is that businesses

Ialacci said. “If we can get to five gigabits,

most recent trip resulting in Verisign, a

have access to high-speed service from

we’ll start getting people’s attention.

leading Internet security company, choos-

more ISPs than just one. More options pro-

We’ve already hit that once – during the

ing to connect.

election coverage.”

vide greater competition for better service.”

34

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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HAPPENING NOW

NEW LIFE ON LOWER DEX The restoration of old buildings to create new retail and residential spaces along lower Dexter Avenue and Court Square downtown represents more than a lucrative project for one homegrown real estate developer. / by WENDI LEWIS

W

hen Golson Foshee, owner of Foshee Residential Manage-

Lower Dexter is a cooperative project involving two developers, Fos-

ment Company, looked at the long-shuttered and faded

hee Residential Management Company, and ELSAJA 39 Dexter LLC,

buildings along Dexter Avenue four years ago, he didn’t see blight.

which is an offshoot of ELSAJA Holdings LLC and the sister company

He saw opportunity. As a developer, of course, he is used to looking

of Marjam. It will include a mixture of retail and residential develop-

at land and buildings and seeing what they could be. But this vision

ment. Parts of the area will be closed to vehicle traffic on weekends

went beyond the potential in a particular property. It was the vision

and for special events, creating a family-friendly pedestrian mall.

for his hometown, his downtown, his city — the place where he hoped his children would decide to put down roots of their own. A

Foshee acquired buildings along the south side of Lower Dexter,

place where they would want to live.

buildings on South Court Street and three buildings on the south side of the fountain. Foshee also will renovate the alley between the

The vision was originally called Market District, in tribute to the area’s

Dexter and Washington Avenue parking deck, providing an attractive

original name, Market Street. However, it has recently been rebrand-

area with outdoor seating and lighting. Already open on Lower Dex-

ed as Lower Dexter to more accurately represent the geographical

ter is the new Cuco’s Restaurant. Additional retailers are expected

footprint of the development area. Nestled at the foot of what is

to open by May or sooner, including Frios Pops, The Alabama Sweet

arguably one of America’s most historic streets, the area includes

Tea Company, Momma Goldberg’s, River Region Sweet Treats and

mainly the buildings that face Dexter on the lower block, as well

Island Delight. There is also a planned 10,000 square feet of “makers

as some buildings around Court Square and the fountain at Court

space,” to house artists, artisans and craftspeople.

Square.

36

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

KRESS BUILDING 39 Dexter Avenue

•

A total renovation and

rehabilitation of the historic Kress department store building

•

Addition of 32 residential

apartments, 15,000 square feet of office space and 45,000 square feet of retail space.

@ KRESSONDEXTER

IMAGES COURTESY OF STEVEN LAMBERT

Watch as this historic building transforms by following along square by square on Instagram.

There are more than 100 apartments available or under construc-

could not announce specifics. There is additional space available

tion, including 35 skyline apartments in the 40 Four Building, 28

for lease, with flexible floor plans depending on the needs of the

apartments at the Lofts at District 36, 15 apartments being devel-

business, ranging from 500 square feet to up to 5,000 square feet.

oped at The Lofts at District 76 and planned residential apartments

ELSAJA also owns seven additional buildings, including 1 Court

above the retail spaces along Dexter.

Square, and will continue to renovate and roll out new plans.

The centerpiece of the ELSAJA portion of Lower Dexter is Kress on

Foshee has been developing properties in the downtown area

Dexter, involving a total renovation and rehabilitation of the historic

for several years, primarily residential buildings like the 40 Four

Kress department store building, including adding two stories of

Building. Foshee says as his company began to develop the proper-

residential apartments above the existing structure. Kress on Dexter

ty, the vision for Lower Dexter began to grow. “We had purchased

will include 32 residential apartments, 15,000 square feet of office

the 40 Four Building about four years ago, and we were sitting on

space and 45,000 square feet of retail space. There will be an

Dexter looking at it; we thought it would be nice to eventually have

entrance to the property on both Dexter Avenue and Monroe Street,

Dexter developed. This was before the city did any RFP work that

connecting the two. Apartments are already pre-leasing, and the

enticed developers to come in and renovate other buildings,” Fos-

entire property has a planned grand opening date of July 2017.

hee said. “We had always taken the position that if you were going to develop them you needed to develop them together and make

ELSAJA Vice President of Construction Development Zac Gibbs

it a destination.” Foshee says he wanted to “turn the lights back on”

says several commercial tenants are committed, but at press time

on Lower Dexter.

37

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

THE FUTURE VIEW

“We feel like we have

all the pieces coming together to create a vibrant

destination downtown. It’s been our desire that it needs to be a family-friendly destination.”

- Golson Foshee

Already, Lower Dexter has all the com-

culture, food and residential apartments and

ponents in place – from an attractions

condos.”

LOWER DEXTER

standpoint — to bring people to the site.

It is rich in history, as the point where two settlements — New Philadelphia and East

South Dexter Avenue

Alabama Town — came together at the

Planned Foshee Developments

fountain to create one city, Montgomery.

•

Andrew Dexter donated the land for the Capitol and other buildings around town and brought the cities together, and the street was renamed from Market Street to Dexter Avenue in his honor.

“We feel like we have all the pieces coming together to create a vibrant destination downtown. It’s been our desire that it needs to be a family-friendly destination.

Not a lot of bars and late-night places — the Alley has that and they do it really well.

We love what that does for the nightlife here. We envision activities like a weekend Farmer’s Market, concerts and other performances, a lit-up fountain, great dining, great experiences.”

Gibbs agreed. “It’s a beautiful setting and probably underappreciated by people who live here,” he said. “A lot of pedestrians are walking the historic trail and reading

Renovated alley between

the Dexter and Washington Avenue parking deck, providing an attractive area with outdoor

That idea of creating life in the city center is the key, according to Foshee. It goes beyond economic development and hits at the heart of building quality of place and recruiting and retaining talent, which are two of the Chamber’s top priorities. “One of our biggest concerns is making Montgomery attractive

seating and lighting.

for young people,” he said. “I want my kids

•

to want to be here. That is one of the main

10,000 square feet of “makers

space” to house artists, artisans and craftspeople planned.

•

to come back to Montgomery. I want them drivers behind our downtown development.”

“Every city needs a vibrant downtown to

More than 100 apartments.

be able to grow throughout the city, and I

COMING THIS THIS SUMMER SUMMER COMING

is going to do,” said Mac McLeod, Director

Keep an eye out for these new businesses hitting Lower Dexter by summer.

think that’s what Lower Dexter is doing and of Business and Commercial Development for the City of Montgomery. “People are interested in living downtown again.” The

• Frios Pops • The Alabama

city invested grant money to update and

• • •

livable feel as the buildings are renovated,”

Sweet Tea Company

Momma Goldberg’s River Region Sweet Treats Island Delight

the markers and visiting, but our goal is

renovate the streetscape from Court Square up Dexter Avenue. “Lower Dexter now has a he said. “It will completely change the entire feel of downtown.”

For more information and on-going updates, visit montgomerymarketdistrict.com.

to bring life and community through arts,

38

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MILITARY Appreciation Day at the Zoo THURSDAY JUNE 15TH 9AMM5PM Come join the Chamber and enjoy a great day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum with lunch served from 11:45 to 2:00.

* FREE WITH A VALID MILITARY ID 39

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Presenting Sponsor:

Regional Impact

A POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP The partnership between Montgomery and Greenville yields positive results

“A rising tide lifts all ships.”

This oft-quoted sentiment is an appropriate and concise way to highlight the beneficial impact that Montgomery has on its smaller neighboring communities. Time and time again, the benefits that come with economic development in the capital city have spilled over into nearby cities as well. Case in point: Greenville, Alabama, 45 miles due south of Montgomery. Greenville (population 7,900) and Butler County can trace thousands of jobs directly to their proximity to and relationship with Montgomery, as Greenville Mayor Dexter McClendon explained.

“We have three Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama [HMMA] suppliers here,” he said, “and we got a lot of help with that from Montgomery’s mayor at the time, Bobby Bright, from Ellen McNair at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and from the then-ADO director Todd Strange.”

“We are not in competition with Montgomery.

We embrace how close we are and what we can do for each other. That is why we as a city are members of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.”

Greenville Mayor Dexter McClendon believes a close partnership with Montgomery city leaders has impacted Greenville citizens in a great way.

But he didn’t just sit back and rely on Montgomery officials to make everything happen.

One of his more innovative ideas definitely played a role in the city landing the suppliers. “We put a billboard up at Montgomery’s

The three suppliers combined (Washin, Hyundai Steel and AIA) employ more than 1,000 people and account for more than 8 percent of the Butler County workforce.

“Washin is the largest, with 830 employees. But in addition to the jobs created,

in Greenville. “It’s a real snowball effect,”

Southern Boulevard, a spot that Hyundai

McClendon said.

execs would have to go past when staying downtown, that said: ‘Welcome Hyundai! We

It has rolled on and on and grown into a

[Greenville] are open for business!’ We got a

massive positive. Thanks to HMMA’s deci-

lot of press out of that,” he said.

sion to locate in Montgomery, the number of jobs created in and around Greenville (both

While Greenville’s proactive approach was

directly and indirectly) is approaching 2,000,

important, McClendon pointed out that a

including around 200 people who drive to

close partnership with Montgomery leaders

McClendon.

Hope Hull to work at HMMA.

was – and still is – key. “It is all about

And just like HMMA drew the supply compa-

This impact can’t be overstated, according

and how those relationships help Greenville

nies to meet its needs, the suppliers them-

to McClendon. “I hate to think where we

citizens and make my job easier,” he said.

selves attract other companies to work with

would be as a town and county if Hyundai

“Mayor Strange is a great leader. I have

them, like a trucking company that located

had not come,” he said.

learned a lot from him.”

their taxes help our school system, and the companies have been very supportive of our community in other ways as well,” said

relationships and looking at the big picture

40

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

MONTGOMERY

GREENVILLE

GREENVILLE-BASED SUPPLIERS: Washin AIA Hyundai Steel

A FEW FACTS: Three suppliers combined (Washin, Hyundai Steel and AIA) employ more than 1,000 people and account for more than 8 percent of the Butler County workforce.

The number of jobs created in and around Greenville (both directly and indirectly) is approaching 2,000.

Make the first

STEPS EASIER!

Around 200 people from Greenville drive to Hope Hull to work at HMMA. 85% of the jobs in the River Region are in Montgomery, but the city draws people from all over the area to fill these jobs,

With an Associate Degree from Trenholm State, transferring to a 4-year college or university is easy and affordable. www.trenholmstate.edu

providing an impact that positively affects the entire region.

And like any good relationship, there’s give and take, and Greenville is reciprocating.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange echoed McClendon and identified other ways Greenville and Montgomery work together. “Greenville has been a valuable part of the Camellia Bowl as a member of the Central Alabama Sports Commission,” he said. “Mayor McClendon, along with other River Region mayors, is a part of that.”

He also stressed the importance of forming and maintaining relationships that are built on give-and-take and on open communication. “I see all our River Region communities as partners,” he said.

“Not a week goes by that we are not talking with someone. We all work together for benefit of all.”

McClendon agreed with his colleague and friend. “We are not in competition with Montgomery,” he said. “We embrace how close we are and what we can do for each other. That is why we as a city are members of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.”

The College for Real Careers

GiveBack

A COMMON GOAL Montgomery’s Common Ground has found just that with several area businesses

IMAGES COURTESY OF COMMON GROUND

that share its vision and contribute to help it realize its goals. / by LIZ VINSON

Common Ground Montgomery, led and developed by Found-

tion has gained many supporters who make donations to help

er and Executive Director Bryan Kelly, is a non-profit organiza-

fund the organization. From First United Methodist Church

tion focused on revitalizing the neighborhood of Washington

to St. James School and Trinity Presbyterian School, Kelly’s

Park by fostering leaders from urban youth and transforming

mission touches many, including area businesses like Beasley

their lives through Christian leadership.

Allen and Alabama Power, who’ve cho-

Above all, Kelly values the principles of

sen to pitch in.

unity and change, and he is dedicated to revamping this neighborhood so that at-risk youth and underprivileged, low-income households have a fair shot at life.

Feet on the ground.

“The only way our world can be changed for the better is to change individuals,” said Willa Carpenter, Human Resources Liaison for the Beasley Allen Law Firm,

“Common Ground is focused on seeing community development in Washington Park, and we are trying to see that neighborhood thrive,” Kelly said. “That

“We need more people to get involved. It takes a lot of people to do what we do.”

area is faced with violence, poverty and

who explained why the firm supports Common Ground. “They will change communities, cities and beyond, and through the leadership of Bryan Kelly, we can transform young lives into men and

shootings, and the children who grow up there are in hard

women who will grow up to build strong families, embrace

times. There is a lot of hopelessness, and we want to see that

education and secure jobs. Common Ground has opened

neighborhood put back together. We want to see husbands

a window of opportunity for underprivileged youth, allowing

and wives be leaders and mentors for their families.”

them to see beyond poverty, beyond the place where they are. These kids have the chance to experience a transformed

Since the inception of Common Ground in 2006, the organiza-

42

life in Christ Jesus, and this will change their world and ours.”

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GIVEBACK

BRIEFS

outreach at Troy University, along with receiving a Master’s degree in Divinity and Reformed Theological Seminary, all led him to create an organization

“

I want to see long-term change with two-parent households and more lead­ers, children who grow up and break the patterns of early dropout rates, teenage pregnancy, violence and crime.

We think this could be altered by changing the odds and connecting across racial lines.

“

Kelly is steadfast in his mission, and his goal for the neighborhood has expanded beyond the parameters of Washington Park. From summer camps and youth development, to getting first-time homebuyers into formerly dilapidated, newly renovated homes, and partnering with Valiant Cross Academy, an all-male private school on Dexter Avenue, Kelly has managed to expand the vision so close to his

that, for him, serves a higher purpose.

BBVA Compass Delivers Cheer to Local Students

“My second chance gave me a lot of

This past December, The BBVA Compass

opportunity,” Kelly said. “I became a Christian in college, and I redirected my thinking on race, moving from an ‘us vs. them’ mentality to a ‘we’ mentality. I want to see long-term change with two-parent households and more leaders, children who grow up and break the patterns of early dropout rates, teenage pregnancy, violence and crime. We think this could be altered by changing the odds and connecting

Foundation brought its fourth annual Project Blue Elf initiative to Montgomery. Project Blue Elf is the bank’s signature holiday initiative that provides toys to children in low- to moderate-income areas. The program reached more than 5,000 students in 29 markets across the bank’s footprint, including the 84 kindergarten and first- and second-grade students at Johnson Elementary School. After a reading of “Snowmen at Night,” members of the bank’s executive team and employee vol-

across racial lines.”

unteers surprised the students with toys, de-

While the organization continues to

the bank deliver on its mission and brand

leave its mark on the city, making great

livering one to each child. The project helps promise of banking on a brighter future.

strides where all might seem lost, Kelly hopes that his message is heard as Common Ground seeks to recruit new volunteers and donors.

“We rely on the investment of others,” Kelly said. “We need more people to get involved. We need mentors and tutors for developmental electives such as sports and the arts, and we need help in administrative ways. It takes a lot of people to do what we do.”

Pictured: YMCA Achievers

YMCA Hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service On January 14, the YMCA of Montgomery

heart. Kelly was charged with drug traf-

More info:

encouraged residents to honor Dr. Martin

ficking as a young adult and notes that

For more information on Common

supporting their neighbors by joining the

upon receiving a second chance, he realized there was room for change in this world. His background working in

Ground Montgomery or to get your business involved, visit www.cgme.org or call 334-593-5803.

Luther King Jr.’s legacy by giving back and YMCA and the City of Montgomery at the Cleveland Avenue Branch of the YMCA for a Day of Service. After a brief program, participants chose to either stay at the Cleveland Avenue YMCA to help with projects there or

The Chamber wants to share the good news of businesses doing good.

Please send story ideas for Giveback to jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.

43

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

went to a different part of the city to work on a unique project on their own.

Financial FOOTPRINT

THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED – AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO – BUT IT’S STILL AN IMPORTANT ASSET TO MONTGOMERY. In the last decade, the way we bank has changed a lot. The institutions we bank with

DR. KEIVAN DERAVI, economist and Dean of the College of Public Policy and Justice at Auburn University Montgomery

have changed just as much. But one constant is the size and scope of this industry in our region and the major positive impact it has on our area economy.

According to Dr. Keivan Deravi, economist

MIKE HART,

REGIONS BANK MARKET PRESIDENT

and Dean of the College of Public Policy

high-tech aspects with the base, and that

and Justice at Auburn University Montgom-

means there are people with good jobs

ery, the sector plays an integral role here.

and, therefore, a steady stream of good

“The GDP associated with the financial

income here,” Deravi said. Plus, the conver-

sector [which includes wealth management

gence of two major interstates brings the

firms and insurance] in the Montgomery

type of development that always sprouts up

community for

metro area is about $2.6 billion,” said Dera-

around the critical mass of population found

vi. “And this is not deposits and assets. This

along transportation thoroughfares. “Banks

150 years

number only represents economic activity.”

like stable,” Deravi said. “They want their

The industry brings with it approximately

risk to be measurable; they want their loans

$430 million annually in wages and salaries,

paid back.”

“Regions has been delivering banking services in this

so, obviously, we feel like this

is a great place.”

which translates to an economic impact of $4 to 5 billion. “It is no doubt a large indus-

With 41 years in the financial services indus-

try, an important industry here,” he said.

try (32 at MAX), Greg McClellan, president and CEO of MAX, has seen a lot, and he

Montgomery and the tri-county area have

agreed with Deravi about the region’s pos-

had no trouble attracting and keeping

itives while praising local leadership. “The

financial services companies. There are

city and county governments of Montgom-

currently more than 25 banks and credit

ery and the River Region have developed a

unions with branches in Montgomery. Dera-

good business climate. They work hard to

vi explained the area’s appeal.

attract new businesses and events to the area,” he said.

“The River Region has economic stability Mike Hart, market president of Regions

ment. It is always here; there will always

Bank in Montgomery, echoed McClellan.

be state employees, state expenditures,

“Regions has been delivering banking

state buildings, etc.,” he said. The military

services in this community for 150 years so,

presence of Maxwell Air Force Base only

obviously, we feel like this is a great place,”

adds to the draw. “There are some very

he said.

44

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

ONE OF THE BIGGEST DIVISIONS IN ANY BANK NOW IS ITS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT, AS THEY FIGURE OUT HOW TO BEST AND SAFELY DELIVER AND STORE DATA.

+

due to the large presence of state govern-

+

But how these institutions deliver their services is quite different from 2007. The recession changed the business model for banks, pushed them to reengineer their product offerings and their delivery modes. Many of the changes relate to a slew of new regulations put in place to prevent the abuses of the

THERE ARE CURRENTLY MORE THAN 25 BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH BRANCHES IN MONTGOMERY

HIGH LIGHTS

ers increase. “Customers want on-demand services now,” Deravi said.

But Hart sees opportunity as well. “I have seen banking evolve from a service that was exclusively delivered face-to-face in brick and mortar branches to one that is now available

past that led to the economic downturn. “A lot

around the clock and in the palms of our

of the regulatory requirements are reporting

customers’ hands,” he said. “The digital revo-

get ‘too big to fail’,” Deravi said.

Jimmy Stubbs, CEO of River Region-based River Bank & Trust that was established in 2006, believes most of these regulations are too tough and are actually holding the industry back. “Our primary challenge is absorbing the cost of and conforming to the barrage of regulations brought on by the Dodd/Frank Regulatory Reform Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,” he said. “Regulatory compliance is quite complex and expensive. Dollars to comply take away dollars to invest back into the communities we serve.”

Deravi noted that banks are now very heavily regulated, possibly even over-regulated, but

BILLION

$2.6

and are there to make sure the banks don’t

FINANCIAL

SECTOR GDP

$430

lution has certainly changed our industry, and with that change have come opportunities as Regions continues to develop partnerships with leading on-line lenders and platforms that enhance the speed and convenience in which we deliver the bank whenever and however our customers elect.” Technology is

MILLION WAGES&SALARIES

ECONOMIC

IMPACT $4-5 BILLION

stressed an important point. “Dodd/Frank was a reaction to the collapse. The financial sector is the heart and soul of our economy, so it’s

threats. It’s an item that was far lower on

crucial that they don’t fail,” he said. “There is a

financial institutions’ priority lists in the past.

balance between safety and profitability, and,

But in just the last few years, as technology

in reaction to a crisis, the pendulum goes too

has entered every facet of our lives, online

far sometimes. But it usually corrects itself as

and mobile banking have grown, and con-

the crisis goes away.”

sumers have become more tech-savvy and tech-driven. It’s both a blessing and a curse

And regulations are not the only issue. Other

for the industry.

obstacles are facing the industry too, both in our region and across the country, as Stubbs

“Technology is convenient for consumers, but

explained. “We’ve got to maintain an econom-

it is really quite inconvenient for the banks,”

ic climate in this country where businesses

Deravi said. “It imposes a heavy cost on finan-

can grow and prosper,” he said. “This creates

cial institutions. One of the biggest divisions

lending opportunities to businesses and

in any bank now is its IT department, as they

individuals.”

figure out how to best and safely deliver and store data.” And it only gets trickier as

Stubbs also pointed to the need for contin-

technology constantly changes, and changes

ual investment in protections against cyber

faster, and as the expectations of consum-

45

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

JIMMY STUBBS, CEO OF RIVER BANK & TRUST

“Regulatory compliance is quite

complex and expensive.

Dollars to comply take away dollars to

invest back into the communities we serve.”

+

THE RIVER REGION HAS ECONOMIC STABILITY DUE TO THE LARGE PRESENCE OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

affecting far more than how we bank; it’s

promising. Deravi sees some light on the

also influencing our choices on where

horizon too. “Now that balance sheets

we bank. “Mobile banking is transform-

of banks are much stronger, I think the

ing the nature of the sector,” Deravi said.

pendulum will find an equilibrium right

“They used to give away toasters to get

in the middle,” he said. “I think we might

customers. Now, they’re using technolo-

get to that happy medium in terms of

gy to create highly targeted advertising.”

regulations.”

And with the ability to bank exclusively

Most of the leaders of the financial

online and to compare rates, services

services industry in the River Region are

and other factors with just the click of a

equally optimistic.

GREG MCCLELLAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MAX

mouse or tap of a finger, today, banks don’t just contend with other institutions

And Stubbs believes our new presi-

in their area, they’re up against other

dent could open the door to renewed

banks all over the country. “The competi-

progress. “If the Trump administration

tion is intense,” Deravi said.

follows through with some of their prom-

“The city and county governments of Montgomery

ises, I feel like banks will have a better Yet as Hart pointed out, his industry has

opportunity to serve our communities

faced and overcome changes and chal-

by providing more loans to existing and

lenges before, and he, along with others

emerging businesses and individual

in the sector, think the future looks

consumers,” he said.

and the River Region have developed a good

business climate.

They work hard to attract new businesses

CREDIT UNIONS RIVER REGION CREDIT UNIONS**

and events to the area.”

River Locally Region Alabama Branches Branches Employed

Statewide Deposits

Total Members

Name

Online address

APCO Employees

apcocu.org

$ 2,440,154,842

1

15

1-10

71,801

MAX

mymax.com

$ 1,047,228,140

10

15

101+

104,902

Avadian

alatelco.org

$

652,103,832

1

19

1-10

78,094

Guardian

myguardiancu.com

$

313,014,562

4

11

51-75

47,783

ASE

yourasecu.com

$

217,536,655

2

5

21-35

31,022

1st Resource

my1resourcecu.com

$

31,798,943

1

2

1-10

2,298

Alabama Rural Electric

arecu.com

$

29,607,860

1

1

1-10

3,706

Tri-Rivers Federal

tririversfcu.org

$

14,630,101

1

1

1-10

5,988

Navy Federal

navyfederal.org

-

1

-

1-10

6,721,14

**Montgomery Chamber Members in Good Standing Source: credituniondirectory.net/Alabama-credit-unions.html

46

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BANKS RIVER REGION BANKING INSTITUTIONS**

Tri-County Deposits*

River Region Branches

Alabama Branches

Locally Employed

regions.com

$ 1,633,680,000

22

228

101+

BBVA Compass Bank

bbvacompass.com

$ 1,172,087,000

7

88

101+

BB&T

bbt.com

$ 956,992,000

11

86

101+

Wells Fargo

wellsfargo.com

$ 749,865,000

12

138

101+

Sterling (Synovus)

synovus.com

$ 618,981,000

3

38

36-50

ServisFirst Bank

servisfirstbank.com

$ 498,996,000

2

11

21-35

USAmeriBank

usameribank.com

$ 441,151,000

6

15

51-75

River Bank & Trust

riverbankandtrust.com

$ 415,192,000

6

10

76-100

Trustmark National Bank

trustmark.com

$ 224,638,000

7

39

21-35

PrimeSouth Bank

primesouthbank.com

$ 135,566,000

3

4

1-10

PNC Bank

pnc.com

$ 122,059,000

6

70

1-10

Hancock

hancockbank.com

$

74,360,000

2

11

-

Renasant Bank

renasantbank.com

$

59,308,000

2

18

1-10

AmeriFirst Bank

amerifirstbank.com

$

57,217,000

2

4

11-20

Cadence Bank

cadencebank.com

$

47,376,000

1

26

1-10

formerly Wilshire Bank

bankofhope.com

$

27,545,000

1

1

1-10

Oakworth Capital Bank

oakworthcapital.com

$

27,011,000

1

3

1-10

Liberty Bank & Trust Company

libertybank.net

$

23,121,000

2

1

11-20

Metro City Bank

metrocitybank.com

$

17,854,000

1

2

1-10

Woodforest National Bank

woodforest.com

$

4,878,000

6

41

1-10

Name

Online address

Regions Bank

Bank of Hope

*Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties for June 30, 2016 **Montgomery Chamber Members in Good Standing Source: www.fdic.gov/bank/statistical/

47

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS

Connect +

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

TEAM REPORT Behind the Scenes:

In Action

CO M MUN ITY STRATEGIES

5,000 Sheron Rose leads the Chamber’s Community Strategies Team, which includes Temisha Young and Bonnie Evans and works to provide outreach and engage-

people have

How does the community in general benefit?

TY: Building a strong minority business sector

embraced Diversity through

strengthens the overall quality of life for the

ment programs that encourage and

Montgomery community. Business growth

enhance diversity in business in our area.

is essential in this sector because minority

They shared a bit about the role they play

businesses typically create jobs in minority

in bettering our city.

communities, which builds prosperity among

the Chamber’s Annual Diversity Summit

minority families.

SR: The community benefits from our ability to manage and maintain strong professional relationships with key business development organizations and leaders in the community to foster partnerships that will enhance the growth and development of small, large,

2017 will be the

women-owned and minority businesses. In Left to right: Sheron Rose, Bonnie Evans and Temisha Young

addition, an educational system that produces

What do you and your team oversee for the Chamber?

SR: Our team leads and manages business

the workforce or into additional educational

10TH YEAR of the Diversity

students who are prepared to go directly into

Summit

training results in increased quality of life for our community.

diversity outreach and engagement activities,

force-development-led initiatives. Our goal is to

What resources do you and your team provide Chamber members?

SR: We are often a liaison between the busi-

align and develop strategies and programs for

ness community and education and connect

those impacted by workforce development and

them to implement mutual initiatives.

strengthen small and minority businesses.

including the creation of innovative platforms and communication channels to enhance work-

How does the local business community benefit from what you and your team do?

SR: Partnering with area educational systems and industry/business partners allows us to cre-

What do you consider some of your team’s most significant achievements?

BE: I consider the Diversity Summit and the Women in Business initiative, Conversations: Roundtables for Professional Women, as two of our most creative and exciting achievements.

ate a workforce/talent pipeline that aligns with and meets current industry/business needs. It is

SR: The Diversity Summit, Women in Business

also essential for the retention of jobs and the

Roundtable and MGM Biztalk are initiatives that,

recruitment of additional jobs. We support and

in my opinion, have provided the most “take-

encourage increased funding to support pre-K

aways” by connecting people and business

classes, understanding that a solid foundation

and providing opportunity for personal and

for learning is essential for the future.

professional growth.

48

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

What is your team’s role in the Chamber’s governmental relations efforts?

SR: In addition to conveying the Chamber’s positions on policy, our department has the privilege of developing, cultivating and sustaining relations with members of city, county and legislative branches of government as well as industry leaders, community and executive officials.

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49

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS Connect CO NNEC T I NG YO U TO T H E M A N Y CHAMBER RES OURCES AN D S ERVICES AVAILABLE

“

GET CONNECTED

WHAT THEY SAY

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

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

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

“When my boss said our accounting and tax firm should be a Chamber member, I agreed, but I wasn’t really sure what we’d get out of it. I went to an after-hours event to learn more, and there, found out about the Tips Club. I just thought that was the neatest thing, people sharing information like that. I got more and more involved in the Chamber and have since found the network-

Workforce training:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constance Calambakas, ccalambakas@montgomerychamber.com

ing opportunities it provides to

BUILD YOUR B USIN ESS Research information: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Madore, rmadore@montgomerychamber.com

contacts made and information

Small business counseling: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com

be invaluable. Armed with the gleaned at Chamber events, our business really started to grow. I

Diversity and inclusion programs: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com

encourage all members to take

Entrepreneurial development: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com

advantage of all the Chamber’s

Seminars and training: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com Temisha Young, tyoung@montgomerychamber.com Co-working space: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com Office space to rent in the Chamber’s Business Resource Center: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa McGinty, lmcginty@montgomerychamber.com

events. They are an amazing resource. Being there and staying ‘in the know’ can make all the difference for your business.”

- NAN LLOYD, ASSOCIATED BUSINESS SERVICES

HOST MEE TINGS I N M O N TG O M ERY Meeting and event venue information: . . . . . . . Keely Smith, ksmith@montgomerychamber.com Special hotel rates for meetings, events & sporting events: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keely Smith, ksmith@montgomerychamber.com

50

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

OUR CHAMBER. YOUR VOICE.

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

STATE OF THE CITY & COUNTY JANUARY 24, 2017 RSA Activity Center

MEMBER EVENTS:

There was record attendance for the annual State of the City & County with Mayor Todd Strange and County Commissioner Elton Dean, and special guest, Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone.

Presenting Sponsor: Baptist Health

JAN 10

ASU/SBDC Small Business Tax Workshop at the BRC

Participants gained knowledge of current tax laws that affect their business

CHAMBER NEWS // Notebook SUCCESS STARTS HERE BUS TOUR TOUTED JOB CREATION In mid-December, The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce held its seventh annual “Success Starts Here” bus tour, which recognizes expanding industries that have made significant capital investments year-to-date. The $320.3 million in capital investments and 1,514 new jobs these industries have announced have helped secure 18,626 existing local jobs.

JAN 11

60 Minute Coffee at Classic Buick GMC Cadillac Sponsored by Classic Buick GMC Cadillac

“The purpose of the ‘Success Starts Here’ tour is to thank our existing industries for contributing to our economic prosperity,” said Montgomery Chamber past Board Chairman A. Bruce Crawford. “These companies are creating jobs, driving innovation and expanding opportunities in our community.”

“Success Starts Here” attendees included elected officials, community business

JAN 27

leaders and local media. Following a news

At each stop on the tour, company officials

conference at the Montgomery Chamber,

announced economic successes of 2016.

attendees boarded a bus to travel to the

Alfa Companies announced $100 million

three existing industries highlighted on the

in capital investments. Baptist Health an-

2016 tour: Alfa Companies, Baptist Health

nounced $17 million in capital investments

Sponsored by

and Jackson Hospital. The three compa-

and 270 new jobs, and Jackson Hospital

Guardian Credit Union &

nies were selected not only because they

announced $6.65 million in capital invest-

Wind Creek Montgomery

have expanded, but also because they are

ments and 50 new jobs.

Casino & Hotel

making innovations in IT and health care.

Business After Hours at Wind Creek Montgomery

51

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS Connect N E WS, R ESO U R C ES AND A LO O K I NS IDE THE MAN Y WAYS YOUR CHAMBER WORKS FOR YOU

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

2017

JAKE CARLTON Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery

RAYMOND BROWN Sykes Enterprises

BRIAN BONIKOWSKI Avis & Budget Car Rental

AMBASSADORS

Ambassador Chairman Kris Stallworth, State Farm Insurance, Kris Stallworth

Nicholas J. Andrews, Farmers Insurance

TODD HANSEN US Foods

The Chamber would like to welcome our new group of Ambassadors for 2017 and to thank them for committing to represent the Chamber in the year ahead.

Emilyn Espiritu, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

Aquan Robinson, Wealth Management Group, LLC

Krystal Floyd, Brantwood Children’s Home

Rusty Salter, AKD Screenprinting & Embroidery

Josie Fountain, Alabama News Network

George Sanders, Holiday Inn Express Montgomery East

Keisha Gatson, Regions Bank Stephanie Glover, ERA Weeks & Browning, Inc. Melanie Golson, City of Montgomery

Michael Andrews, Warren Averett, LLC

CALVIN CHERRY ASE Credit Union

Leticia Gregory, Stifel D. Brent Hargett, Sasser, Sefton & Brown, P. C. Allison Hendley, Eastdale Mall

Latisha Simpson, Woodforest National Bank Johnnie Smith, Alabama Association for Justice Craig Snell, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Jason Soriano, Chick-fil-A Jamar Stanford, Cellular Sales-Verizon

Jonathan Avant, PNC Bank

Melanie Hogan, Alabama State University

Jennifer Barringer, Sys-Con, LLC

Ricky Hollon, MAX Credit Union

Cierra Belser, Hire Level

Carson Howe, River Region United Way

Tiffany R. Stinson, Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.

Amanda Benson, Aldridge Borden & Company, PC

LaCheryl Lacour, 2 Sweet 2 Be 4gotten

Tinita Teal, Addison Park Apartments

Kenneth Laneaux, Country Financial

Natasha Terrell, Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc.

AK Latham, ABS Technology, LLC

Heath Thomas, Strickland Companies

John McFarlin, Trustmark National Bank

Jamal Thomas, Gumptown Magazine

Amanda Meeks, Regions Bank

James W. Thomas, WCOV TV

Mia Mothershed, Health Services, Inc.

Stephanie L. Turner, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.

Cheryl Blake, Blake’s Segway Tours at Union Station Renee Borg, Alabama Technology Foundation Joseph Brooks, Jr., National Association of Social Workers - Alabama Chapter Ray Brown, Homewood Suites by Hilton Valeria Cobb, iHeartMedia Christy Cruse, Regions Bank Shawn Daley, Regions Bank Randall Darnell, PrimePay Cindy Davis, Cadence Bank Andrea Diggs, Associated Business Services

LaSheena Nation, Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Summer Steele, iHeartMedia

Betty Washington, Starting Point, Inc.

Marie Ottinger, Faulkner University

Demetrius Washington, MAX Credit Union

Nia Pagniacci, Lighthouse Counseling Center, Inc.

Ginger Willcoxon, Willcoxon Properties

Melba Parks, Hilton Garden Inn Daniel Paulk, BBVA Compass

Courtney Doss, Addison Park Apartments

Latoria Perdue, Express Employment Professionals

Cathy Duncan, Trustmark National Bank

Heather Phillips, Trustmark National Bank

52

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Lisa Ann Williamson, New York Life Insurance Lori Wright, Dreamland Bar-B-Que Amber Wright, Alabama & More, LLC

ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND APRIL 6 - 9, 2017 Mark

yo u r ca l e n da r s n ow f o r a w e e k e n d f u l l o f f u n e v e n ts a n d act i v i t i e s c o M i n g to

M o n tg o M e ry

in

april.

“HERITAGE TO HORIZONS” AIR SHOW Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

FREE and open to the public | http://maxwellairshow.com The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the French aerial demonstration team, Patrouille de France, and many other acts fill the skies over the River Region.

AN EVENING WITH CLINT BLACK Saturday, April 8 at 8:00 p.m. | $30 asf.net | 334.271.5353 The Alabama Shakespeare Festival hosts Grammy Awardwinning country music star Clint Black in an outdoor concert. Active duty military are entitled to one free ticket with proof of identification. Active duty military tickets can be obtained through the ASF Box Office.

BISCUITS BASEBALL OPENING WEEKEND an Weeken eric d m A

Al l

g reat weekend packages available ! d etails at visitingMontgoMery . coM

$9 - $13 | biscuitsbaseball.com

A pr

Cheer on our hometown team against the Biloxi Shuckers!

53

2 il 6 - 9,

01

7

Thursday, April 6 at 7:05 p.m.

Friday, April 7 at 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m. & MAX Fireworks show!

Sunday, April 9 at 2:05 p.m.

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Small Business Briefcase +

5

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

FREE & LOW-COST BUSINESS TOOLS

APPS & PROGRAMS TO KNOW

While any successful small business will always be built on sound ideas, determination and hard work, there is no doubt that advances in technology, specifically a slew of easy-to-use free or almost free apps and info-packed websites, have simplified many aspects of running one.

We’ve pulled a couple of our favorites and a few that Paul Moseley, Program Director at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighted in a recent article.

SURVEY MONKEY / FREE OR LOW FEE

STARTUP STASH / FREE

surveymonkey.com

startupstash.com

Want to know what your customers think of

This website is a one-stop shop, offering an

your product or service? Want

indexed list of more than 400 tools that can

to gain new customers by bet-

help a new business get going or an estab-

ter understanding your target

lished one refine and grow. Its clutter-free

market? Ask folks what they like

design and plain-English approach to explain-

(and don’t!) using a survey. Sur-

ing things make it a valuable resource and

vey Monkey makes it easy to

earned it a spot on Forbes magazine’s “100

quickly get essential feedback

Best Websites for Entrepreneurs” list in 2015.

from any group you choose. Its free option lets you do a simple poll to a small audience, but for $25 a month, you can conduct unlimited surveys to any number of people, plus you get

SOCIAL MEDIA / FREE hootsuite.com or buffer.com You probably already use social media, but are you using it to your advantage? If you

Read Moseley’s entire article on great tech tools for small businesses on a budget.

FIND IT HERE:

medium.com/@paulmsly

WORTH A MENTION One of the most important things to look for when choosing apps and software tools for your

data reports, in-depth analysis and more.

feel like you’re floundering in a sea of noise

business is ensuring that

when it comes to what to post and when, you

they work well together.

MAIL CHIMP / FREE OR LOW FEE

need a social media marketing plan. Check

mailchimp.com

into tools like Hootsuite and Buffer to find the

E-mail marketing works, and Mail Chimp re-

latest news on social media strategies and to

duces the process to something so effortless

streamline your social presence.

and efficient, a monkey could

G SUITE / LESS THAN $25 gsuite.google.com

do it. Create and

ONE MORE THING:

DON’T FORGET

The Small Business Administra-

send e-newslet-

This collection of integrated, cloud-based

ters and sales and

apps from Google works together seamlessly

tion’s website, SBA.GOV. Its

product promotion

and on any device. It combines Google Docs,

blog posts, broken into different

e-mails to your

Drive, Gmail and Calendar, allowing everyone

categories, offer a wealth of

email lists and then use Mail Chimp’s tracking

in your business to collaborate and stay on

timely information and time-test-

reports to evaluate your plan. Its free plan of-

the same page. Its cheapest plan is only $5 a

ed advice from industry experts

fers a lot, and paid plans start at $20 a month.

month.

and other business owners.

54

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Meeting the Mortgage Needs in Our Community

As a community bank, we can offer alternative loan options and local decision making to help finance personal or investment properties.

Get there...start HERE! 55

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Todd Mote, NMLS 994793 tmote@primesouthbank.com (334)387-1655 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

56

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER Spotlight

BACHELER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. When Craig Bacheler saw a need for a more personalized approach to IT services in the River Region, he stepped up and filled it, creating his company Bacheler Technologies.

FOUNDED: 2008 WHAT’S THE MOTIVATION BEHIND BACHELER TECHNOLOGIES? I realized that local business owners didn’t just need someone to keep their networks up and running, they needed someone dedicated to helping them achieve their business goals.

That’s the mission of Bacheler Technologies: to support the mission of every client.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 14 PRIMARY SERVICES: Bacheler Technologies is an Information Technologies consulting firm supporting businesses throughout the River Region. We have developed partnerships with industry giants like Dell, Microsoft, Ingram Micro, CDW and Cisco to bring state-ofthe-art support and services to our local clients. Each client is supported by not just one technician, but our entire team who manages and maintains clients’ networks to minimize downtime and maximize results, including preventive maintenance, dependable backups, powerful virus protection and software updates, as well as a number of monthly and quarterly reviews.

IS THE NEED FOR IT SERVICES GROWING IN THE RIVER REGION? Absolutely, and we’ve seen it first-hand. Since its founding, Bachelor Technologies has grown significantly.

WHAT IS DRIVING THIS GROWTH? It is a direct result of the ever-increasing demand for IT services and automation integration not just in the workplace, but in nearly every aspect of our lives. That means the need to mitigate the risk of down time becomes more and more imperative; therefore, the need for IT services and technologies is constantly growing.

WHAT TYPES/SIZES OF COMPANIES DOES BT WORK WITH? Our client base is made up of diverse types of industries and business sizes. While we are staffed to handle very large networks and businesses with multiple locations, we take pride in our client referrals, which sometime consist of startup companies or small businesses.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I never seem to have a repeat day. Every day brings new challenges in the IT world, so we stay on top of the ever-evolving technology solutions.

7005 BROCKPORT COURT, MONTGOMERY / 334-669-4530 / WEAREBT.COM 57

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

JACKSON THORNTON NAMES NEW PRINCIPAL

Casey Earnest has also joined the company. Earnest is

Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and

an Auburn University at Montgomery graduate with a

consulting firm, announced that

bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and comes to Sutton & As-

James B. Marshall, III, has been

sociates from her most recent position as Meeting Planner

selected as the firm’s newest

with Alfa Insurance in Montgomery. Earnest joins Sutton &

Principal. Jim Marshall is a prin-

Associates as a Program Manager and works with incen-

cipal in the firm’s Montgomery

tive travel programs.

office, where he has worked for more than 10 years. Marshall, a

MAT POPE JOINS PALOMAR INSURANCE

Certified Energy Procurement

Mat Pope has been appointed to the position of Director

Professional (CEP), specializes in financial forecasting, cost of service and rate design consulting projects for electric, water, sewer and gas clients throughout the Southeast.

of Sales for Palomar Insurance Corporation. In this new role, Pope will be responsible for working with select producers in developing and attaining their

GILPIN GIVHAN ADDS FIRM ADMINISTRATOR

annual sales plans. Pope will also

Gilpin Givhan announced the addition of Bonita S. Heart-

be responsible for identifying and

sill, SHRM-CP, PR as the Law

recruiting new producers for all

Office Administrator. Heartsill will

of the Palomar Office locations.

oversee finance, operations and human resources for the firm.

ATTORNEYS NAMED SHAREHOLDERS

She has worked as Senior Payroll

Hill Hill Carter announced that Jesse K. Anderson and

Consultant, Controller and Retail

Brad A. Everhardt were named Shareholders of the firm.

Accounting Manager for various

Anderson joined Hill Hill Carter in 2015. He received his

mid-sized companies in Alabama.

J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and is admitted

She was president of Heartsill Payroll Professionals where she provided payroll processing, payroll tax payments and returns, HR consulting and

to practice before the United States District Courts for the

training services to companies in the River Region.

Northern, Middle, and Southern

all Courts in the State of Alabama

Districts of Alabama, as well as

EARNEST & DICKERT JOIN SUTTON & ASSOCIATES

and Tennessee. His practice

Sutton & Associates announced

range of civil litigation matters,

will continue to include a broad

that Ashley Dickert has joined the

with an emphasis on insurance

company. Dickert is an Auburn

defense. Brad Everhardt joined

University at Montgomery grad-

Hill Hill Carter in 2015. Everhardt

uate with a bachelor’s degree in

represents governmental entities

Liberal Arts, with a concentration

and insurance companies in

in Hospitality Management and

federal and state courts. His

comes to Sutton & Associates

practice focuses on civil litigation

from her most recent position

as well as administrative law. As

as Conference Coordinator with

a shareholder, he will continue to

GovDeals Inc. in Montgomery.

concentrate his practice on insurance defense and munic-

Dickert joins Sutton & Associates

ipal law matters. Prior to joining Hill Hill Carter, Brad was a

as a Program Manager and works

partner at a firm based in Toledo, Ohio.

with incentive travel programs.

58

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

THOMAS M. MCCARTHY NAMED PARTNER

BUILDING & EARTH PROMOTES NEW PRESIDENT

Holtsford Gilliland Higgins Hitson

Building & Earth, a leading professional engineering

& Howard, PC announced that

firm, has promoted Jeff Cowen, P.G., P.E., to President.

Thomas M. McCarthy is now a

Cowen, a founding partner of Building & Earth, has held

Partner in the firm. McCarthy will

a multitude of positions within the company throughout

continue to represent individual

his tenure. Prior to his appointment as president, Cowen

and business clients statewide

was Chief Operating Officer.

from the firm’s central Alabama

Cowen will assume the position

office. This continues Holtsford

from Deepa Bhate, Chairper-

Gilliland’s growth over the past

son and Chief Executive Officer

25 years from two to 20 lawyers.

of Building & Earth. He will be responsible for implementing the policies and procedures

ANDREW E. BRASHIER PRINCIPAL AT BEASLEY ALLEN LAW FIRM

that align with the strategic vision, as well as provide over-

Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., has

sight for corporate services, such as human resources and

named Andrew E. Brashier as

accounting.

a new Principal. Brashier works in the firm’s Consumer Fraud Section. He joined the firm

HIRELEVEL INTRODUCES CIERRA BELSER AS DIVERSITY RELATIONS MANAGER

in September 2010 and has focused primarily on consumer

HireLevel, powered by Extra Help, one of the region’s

class actions along with qui tam

largest Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Sup-

litigation under the False Claims

pliers in the Montgomery region, has appointed Cierra

Act. He has also represented whistleblowers through the IRS, SEC and Department of Transportation/NHTSA whistleblower programs.

Belser to its leadership team as Diversity Relations Manager. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing and setting the strategic direction and acting as the primary

RICHARD BRADFORD JOINS RENASANT

advocate for supplier diversity

Richard Bradford joined Renasant Bank in November

partnerships within the organi-

of 2016. He is serving in the

zation. Cierra brings a wealth

position of Senior Vice President/

of experience in building mu-

Relationship Manager. In his role,

tually beneficial relationships,

Bradford will be responsible

capturing new business opportunities and supporting the

for building relationships with

continued growth in the Montgomery market.

Renasant clients and managing a commercial lending portfolio.

Bradford attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a

ALABAMA NEWS NETWORK WELCOMES SPORTS DIRECTOR

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

Alabama News Network announced that Adam Solomon

+

has been hired as Sports DirecS U B M I T T I N G NEWS ? Submit information to Jina Miniard

tor. Solomon has made his way to

at jminiard@montgomerychamber.com. Attach press

the capital city from the sunshine

releases as a Word document and include high-resolution

state, where he was Sports

headshot (at least 300 dpi). An accompanying headshot is

Director for three years at WCJB

required for Members on the Move announcements.

in Gainesville, Florida.

59

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

BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALABAMA ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Patricia A. Everett,

Business Council of Alabama President and CEO William J.

Elaine J. Fincannon,

Canary recently announced new titles and duties for BCA staff

Cherry Smith Ragan,

members. Patricia A. Everett has been named Accountant

Kimberly Langley and

and Deputy Treasurer for ProgressPAC. Everett has been with

Nancy Wall Hewston.

the BCA since 2009. Everett is responsible for daily general accounting and maintaining the books and reporting for ProgressPAC. Elaine J. Fincannon, CAE, has been named Senior Vice President for Investor Relations, Services and Development for the BCA. She serves as part of the BCA’s Advocacy Team.

In addition to providing services to BCA-member companies, Fincannon serves as a BCA liaison to Alabama chambers of commerce and works with The Partnership between the BCA and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

Nancy Wall Hewston has been named Senior Vice President for Communications, Strategic Information and Federal Affairs. She is responsible for the development and integra-

BCA’s federal legislative agenda.

Kimberly Langley has been named Director of Investor Relations. Langley is responsible for the BCA’s membership database, membership renewal notices, and new member processing for Investor Relations.

Cherry Smith Ragan has been named Office Manager/Ex-

tion of the BCA’s communication strategy to promote the BCA

ecutive Assistant for Finance & Administration. Ragan’s duties

and its policy agenda to its key audiences. Hewston also is

include assisting in daily office and front desk operation and

responsible for the development and implementation of the

providing support to BCA’s leadership team.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

OW EN IB CR BS SU

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MEETING

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

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

MAJOR MILESTONE FOR LOCAL BUSINESS

financing, and is also one of the oldest

Ralph Smith Motors is celebrating 75

selling cars alongside his grandfa-

years in business this month, making

ther when he was 18, left to pursue a

it the oldest active pre-owned car

counseling career but came back to the

dealership in the state. Now owned and

family business in 1991. He has stayed

operated by Joe Smith, the business

committed to the principles his grandfa-

was founded in 1942 by his grandfather

ther instilled in him. According to Smith,

Ralph Smith. The dealership special-

the secret to the company’s longevity is

izes in used auto sales and in-house

“taking great care of our customers.”

members of the Chamber. Smith started

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

SUBMISSION DEADLINES: MAY ISSUE - MARCH 17 AUGUST ISSUE - JUNE 20

ALABAMA MEDIA GROUP DONATES COLLECTION TO DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

from the 1940s through the end of the

continuous power at lower engine

twentieth century. Most were likely never

RPMs than any other aircraft alternator,”

published and have been seen only by

Disbrow said.

the photographer and perhaps an editor.

“Because of

The Alabama Department of Archives

The donation comes at a time when

their outstanding

and History and Alabama Media Group

the Archives is committing additional

performance,

recently announced that Alabama

resources to the digitization of its collec-

value and instal-

Media Group is donating its massive

tions to prepare for Alabama’s bicen-

lation flexibility,

collection of photographic negatives to

tennial in 2019. “Alabama Media Group

the Plane-Power

the Archives, where the images will be

has presented Alabama an extraordinary

ALT-FLX series of high output belt-driv-

preserved, digitized and made available

and early gift for its 200th birthday,”

en alternators was very popular with

to the public. Containing an estimated 3

Murray said.

customers. Unfortunately, as with some

million images, the collection is the larg-

other Plane-Power products, we en-

est gift of historical content received by

scores of photographers who worked

PLANE-POWER RE-INTRODUCES POPULAR LINE OF ALTERNATORS

at the Birmingham News, Mobile’s

Montgomery-based Hartzell Engine

Press-Register, and the Huntsville Times.

Technologies’ president Mike Disbrow

They document occasions ranging from

recently announced that the company is

presidential elections to city council

re-introducing its Plane-Power ALT-FLX

meetings and from civil rights demon-

line of FAA-PMA certified, 28V/150 Amp

strations to high school football games.

to 14V/100 Amp high output, belt-driven

The earliest images are from the 1920s,

alternators. “The Plane-Power ALT-FLX

but the bulk of the collection dates

belt-driven alternators deliver more

the Archives since its founding in 1901.

The negatives were produced by

62

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

countered component sourcing issues that needed to be resolved before we could again meet market demands with new products.”

In the interim, the company’s solution is to offer factory-rebuilt units until the new component suppliers can be brought on line. “It is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring our customers get the best possible experience from our products,” Disbrow said.

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

G O O D R ETAIL NEWS CC’S DAIQUIRIS GRAND OPENING CC’s Daiquiris celebrated its grand opening in downtown Montgomery in mid-December. “We’re so happy to be able to bring an Tetsuya Ishiyama, Lidded Water Vessel, n.d., stoneware with natural-ash glaze, Collection of Gordon Brodfuehrer / Photograph courtesy of Tim Siegert

authentic taste of New Orleans to Montgom-

DON’T MISS THESE EXHIBITIONS

our entire Krewe couldn’t be more pleased

The Montgomery Museum of

received from our wonderful customers.” A

Fine Arts is showcasing several

native of New Orleans, Capel is grateful for

winter exhibitions. The 28 quilts

all of the assistance that she has received

in “Sewn Together: Two Cen-

as she worked for more than nine months

turies of Alabama Quilts” are

to bring to life her vision of the “Big Easy” in

presented as “exemplary pairs,“

the River Region. She credits Liberty Bank,

demonstrating and illustrating

the City of Montgomery, the Small Business

comparisons of the varied tech-

Development Center at the University of West

niques, themes and traditional

Alabama, and all of her service vendors for

patterns as seen in 200 years of

making her dream a reality. She also praised

Alabama quilt making. “Nature,

her manager. “Qiana James, our Krewe

Tradition, & Innovation: Con-

Manager, is a non-traditional student who

temporary Japanese Ceramics

recently graduated at the top of her class

from the Gordon Brodfuehrer

from the College of Business Administration

Collection” provides a dynamic

at Alabama State University,” said Capel.

ery,” said owner Candy Capel. “It’s exciting to be part of all of the growth in downtown, and with the reception that we have already

NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT FOR MONTGOMERY-EASTCHASE CENTRAL Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC (JWA) recently announced EastChase Central, the newest retail development for EastChase. Located on 6.7 acres at the midway point of EastChase Parkway and directly across from the highly successful Hampton Inn & Suites, EastChase Central will bring new merchants, as well as some more familiar names, to EastChase and the Montgomery market. Completion and grand opening are scheduled for late Fall 2017. EastChase Central’s stores will include a Marshalls/HomeGoods superstore and Five Below. JWA continues to lead the Montgomery market with its EastChase development.

“We continue to see excellent demand for outstanding real estate at EastChase,” said Will Wilson, the company’s president, “and EastChase Central, led by the Marshalls/ HomeGoods superstore and Five Below, will certainly make the outstanding shopping environment at EastChase even better.”

survey of the diverse and innovative practices of ceramic-making in Japan, revealing the earthly will also feature two other exhi-

FOUR STAR FREIGHTLINER CREATES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

bitions throughout the season:

Four Star Freightliner, Inc. is honor-

“Picturing Springtime” and “Pairs

ing one of its employees, Zachary

and Partners Curatorial Conver-

Sizemore, by creating a scholarship in

sations: Chiaroscuro.” The artists

his memory. Zachary, 32, worked in the

in “Picturing Springtime” have

accounting department at the Dothan,

depicted subjects that remind us

Alabama location and lost his battle

of the beauty of spring, as well

with cancer in late 2016. He is remem-

as the dramatic, and destructive,

bered as a resilient man with a strong

turn the season can take. The

will to live. The announcement of the

exhibition “Pairs and Partners” is

scholarship creation was made to his parents, Lorri and Stevie Sizemore, during the Four Star

a new initiative of the MMFA cu-

Freightliner Year End Employee Celebration in December. The scholarship is Four Star Freight-

rators designed to share different

liner’s way of sharing how important he was to the company. “I felt it was important to honor

points of view on topics that are

Zack because he was such an inspiration to all of us because of the way he fought cancer

related to artists and their works

time after time and never quit,” said Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner Dealer Principal.

beauty of ceramics. The MMFA

in the Museum’s collections.

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MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

PSIF G OING STRONG WITH B US IN E SS E S S UP P O RT

HOPE INSPIRED MINISTRIES EXPANDS Hope Inspired Ministries was started to help as many men and women in Montgomery as possible gain full-time employment, reduce dependency and create self-sufficient lifestyles. “I wanted each person to understand they were created with gifts and abilities by God and

In an age where the nation’s police officers

year, coverage was expanded to include offi-

for them to use those gifts to be produc-

are facing life-threatening attacks on an

cers in the Alabama Department of Conserva-

tive members of their community,” said

almost weekly basis, a group of River Region

tion and Natural Resources law enforcement

Executive Director Michael Coleman. “We

businesses and individuals have demonstrat-

division (game wardens) and now encom-

began praying for God to present HIM

ed their profound respect and gratitude for

passes more than 2,500 public safety officers

with opportunities to impact other cities

the area’s public safety officers. For the 15th

in the River Region and Alabama. Standard

in our state, and this led us to the city of

year, the Public Safety Insurance Fund (PSIF),

Insurance and Palomar Insurance serve as

Birmingham, specifically Woodlawn.” HIM

a 501c3 charitable foundation, has endowed

the insurance brokers on these policies. PSIF

is now collaborating with the local YMCA

the nation’s first free life insurance program

consists of more than 165 River Region busi-

to offer its adult education classes and

for public safety officers. Since the program’s

nesses, individuals and organizations and was

programs in the Woodlawn area and is

inception, PSIF sponsors have donated more

created by Montgomery businessmen Grant

housed in its Family Resource Center.

than $600,000 to fund these policies. This

Sullivan and Jerry Wills.

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MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

HUNTINGDON ANNOUNCES NEW AWARENESS PROGRAM

CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. AWARDED TWO U.S. CONSULATE CONTRACTS Montgomery’s Caddell Construction was awarded a design/build

Huntingdon College President J. Cameron West announced the

contract by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Build-

formation of a summer seminar/awareness program focused on eco-

ings Operations for the new U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad, India. The

nomic and community development for rising high school seniors. The

multi-building complex will be situated on a 12-acre site in the new

Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Schol-

high-tech area of Hyderabad, and will include a new office building,

ars Program, planned in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Marine residence, entry pavilion, new support annex/warehouse

Association of Alabama, the Economic Development Association of

and a utility building. Construction will commence in 2017 and project

Alabama, and the Alabama Department of Commerce, introduces

completion is anticipated in 2020. Caddell was also awarded the

young citizens who are poised to begin their professional journeys to

contract for the new U.S. Consulate in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The

the importance of economic and community development.

multi-building complex will be situated on a 10.5-acre site in the city of Al Khobar, and will include a new office building, U.S. Marine

“As we’ve talked with our partners, we’ve realized that there is a great

residence, entry pavilion, facilities for the community, including a

need to make rising professionals aware of the impact they can have

swimming pool, warehouse, utility building, underground parking

on a community’s ability to thrive,” said West. “The Millennial gener-

structure and a new residence for the consul general. This consulate

ation, who are in college now and about to begin college, will soon

will feature an intricate framework of diagonally intersecting architec-

be the largest generation in America. Their awareness of community

tural concrete, limestone, security windows, aluminum cladding and

needs and empowerment to effect change is tremendously import-

glass fiber reinforced concrete screens that will function to meet the

ant.” Chambers of Commerce across Alabama have nominated and

sustainability goals of the project. This design element will also maxi-

funded one rising high school senior each in their area to participate

mize daylighting and minimize heat gain. Construction will commence

in the program, which will be held June 12–14 on the Huntingdon

in 2017 and project completion is anticipated in 2020.

campus.

The ultimate goal is to grow the MBJ into a financially self-sustaining magazine that will connect the business community, increase Chamber awareness and drive more member participation.

“Our team is doing what we do best: Connecting businesses with niche audiences,” said Pam Mashburn, publisher and owner of exploreMedia. “Our team of designers, writers, photographers and sales staff enjoys working with the Chamber and our Montgomery businesses. We work hard to produce a cost-effective publication that reflects the excellence of the Chamber while balancing

EXPLOREMEDIA LAUNCHES MAGAZINE COLLABORATION

the needs of the readers and advertisers.” exploreMedia was founded in 2005 and

exploreMedia has collaborated with the

off its newly revamped look as well as some

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

new content features.

produces five publications in its Montgomery

Business Journal. The company unveiled the

exploreMedia has provided the Chamber

tential and the Montgomery & River Region

January 2017 issue of the MBJ at the Cham-

with a turn-key solution that allows the Cham-

ber’s January 60-Minute Coffee, showing

ber to save money, resources and staff time.

to produce its magazine, The Montgomery

65

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

office, including Know the Community, PoVisitor Guide. It has been a proud member of the chamber for more than 10 years.

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

RENEW OUR RIVERS RELEASES 2017 SCHEDULE Renew Our Rivers is kicking off its 18th year, with 31 cleanups planned across the state in 2017.

Since the program started, about 100,000 volunteers have collected over 14 million pounds of trash and debris from waterways across the Southeast. The program began in 2000 with one man, Gene Phifer, who had a vision to improve the health and beauty of the Coosa River near Alabama Power’s Plant Gadsden, where he worked. Thousands of volunteers now participate in cleanups each year, devoting their time and labor to make a difference. In 2016 alone, 3,652 volunteers removed more than 346,700 pounds of trash from Alabama lakes, rivers and shorelines.

Alabama Power employee volunteers assist at each cleanup, providing guidance and supplies to event organizers. Renew Our Rivers is just one of many initiatives in which Alabama Power partners with others to promote conservation and environmental stewardship in communities across the state. For an up-to-date listing of Renew Our Rivers cleanups, visit renewourrivers.com.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE IN THE RIVER REGION

KOWA PHARMACEUTICALS MAKES MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

Mental illness and its impacts have been at the forefront of numerous

Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., based in Montgomery and a

news stories in the last few years. In fact, 25 percent of the general

U.S. subsidiary of Kowa Company Ltd., a privately held, multinational

population will have some sort of mental illness in any given 12-month

company based in Japan, recently announced that it has entered into

period. There is now a one-day training session available for business

a licensing agreement with San Francisco-based CymaBay Thera-

owners, their employees and anyone else wishing to take it called

peutics (Nasdaq: CBAY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company,

Mental Health First Aid. The River Region now has 12 certified in-

for exclusive U.S. rights to arhalofenate, a compound in late stage

structors in the adult and youth versions of Mental Health First Aid, an

clinical development for the treatment of gout. Under the terms of

8-hour training session that takes the fear and hesitation out of starting

the agreement, Kowa Pharmaceuticals will license the product from

conversations about mental health and substance use problems. It

CymaBay, which has completed a combined 17 Phase 1 and Phase 2

teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to a

studies in over 1,100 subjects. Kowa Pharmaceuticals will manage the

variety of atypical behaviors and mental health situations. The training

Phase 3 clinical development program, the regulatory process and

gives participants the skills needed to reach out and provide initial

will commercialize upon approval of arhalofenate in combination with

help and support to someone who has a mental health or substance

febuxostat in the U.S. “In the United States, where approximately 8.3

use problem or is experiencing a crisis.

million Americans suffer from gout, there has not been a significant

Mental Health First Aid is an international program proven to be effec-

advancement in treatment in almost a decade,” said Ben Stakely, Chief

tive. Peer-reviewed studies published in Australia, where the program

Executive Officer and President of Kowa Pharmaceuticals. “Arh-

originated, show that individuals trained in the program:

alofenate has shown promise in early stage trials, and we are looking

•Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental

forward to advancing the clinical program to demonstrate its efficacy and safety as a potential treatment.”

illnesses and addictions.

•Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or addiction. distress.

ASSOCIATED MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. APPOINTS NEW OFFICERS

•Show increased mental wellness themselves.

Associated Mechanical Contractors, Inc. has three new officers effec-

•Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in

Studies also show that the program reduces the social distance cre-

tive March 1, 2017. Zachary E. Adams will serve as president. Adams

ated by negative attitudes and perceptions of individuals with mental

has been with the company 14 years and has served as vice president

illnesses. The one-day training is for groups of 12-30 individuals and

for the last five years. Kerry E. Henry will serve as Vice President of

will be taught by two certified instructors. The cost is $50 per person,

Operations. Guy White was named Vice President of Construction.

which includes the book. For more information or to set up a training

He started with the company in 1990. Andrew Duncan will continue as

session, contact Alana Barranco at SummaSource at Auburn Mont-

Secretary Treasurer. He has been with the company for 16 years.

gomery by email at alana.barranco@summasource.com.

66

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

HUNTINGDON COLLEGE HONORS DR. KING The Huntingdon College community celebrated

excited about exploring

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

some of my longstanding

in January with a Day of

professional and personal

Service in memory of Dr.

goals, many of which I

King’s life and legacy. In

share with my best friend

partnership with the United

and wife, Virginia.”

Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Hunting-

WO M E N L E A D SO CI ETY SETS STU DENTS FOR SUCCE SS

don students prepared

LIGHTS OF LOVE

Homeless Kits and Health

Jackson Hospital’s annual

Women who choose to study at Au-

in professional development that

Kits for distribution in the

Lights of Love took place in

burn University at Montgomery now

encourages growth in areas of ser-

area and in areas of disas-

early December and invited

have an additional incentive to be-

vice, learning, leadership, globaliza-

ter or great need. Materials

River Region residents

come a Warhawk. A new organiza-

tion and mentorship.

for the kits were donated

to celebrate the holiday

tion is helping female students so-

While the students learn alongside

by Huntingdon faculty, staff,

season by honoring a

lidify their footing on campus while

other AUM students, their mentors

family members and friends

caregiver, friend, business

preparing them for success in the

check on them before midterms

as well as members of our

associate or family member,

workplace and in life. “It’s women

and finals and are available by

community.

and investing in the health

growing women,” said Dr. Nichole

phone and text to help advise the

Thompson, assistant vice chancellor

mentees when they have con-

of Student Affairs, who, along with

cerns or need additional guidance.

several other female leaders across

The mentors in the Women Lead

campus, launched the Women Lead

Society especially want to provide

Society in August. The first group of

encouragement so the students will

students taking part in the Society

of their community with a donation. For each contri-

WELCH HORNSBY CO-FOUNDER JOHN HORNSBY RETIRES

bution of $15, a symbolic light was placed on the towering Christmas tree

Welch Hornsby co-found-

on display in the hospital’s

be prepared to take on leader-

ers John Hornsby and

main lobby. A generous gift

resides on campus together in a

ship roles after graduation. “Their

Eddie Welch have been

of $100 or more purchased

living and learning community in

biggest challenge is balancing it all.

working side by side for

a miniature Moravian star.

the P-40 Place residence hall. Each

We’re in a world where you have to

over 28 years. As Hornsby

For a donation of $500

is paired with a mentor — a female

be able to balance a lot of responsi-

leaves the firm, he offered

or more, the honoree was

administrator or professor — and

bilities,” said Thompson.

a few thoughts on the

remembered as an angel.

milestone. “Going forward

The proceeds benefited

with Eddie’s leadership, the

Jackson Hospital’s oncolo-

leadership of our second

gy unit.

each month, the students take part

TROY UNIVERSITY MONTGOMERY ADDS TREES Troy University Montgomery added some additional green to its campus with the planting of a tree in January as a part of the University’s Tree Campus USA program. Faculty, staff and students took part in the ceremony. The tree was donated to the University by the City of Montgomery. In 2016, all four of Troy’s Alabama campuses received the Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

generation and Welch Hornsby’s remarkable team of associates, the future remains bright for Welch Hornsby,” Hornsby said.

“Relative to my departure from Welch Hornsby, I am

67

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

ership Class and a past recipient of REALTOR of the year. In

Community

addition, Carol Andrews, Broker for House & Home Real Estate,

HAMPSTEAD HONORED WITH SOUTHERN LIVING AWARD

has been elected to serve as President of the Montgomery Area

Southern Living has awarded its 2016 Excellence in Design

Board and as an Education Trustee of the Alabama Association of

Award to the Southern Living Inspired Home at Hampstead. The

REALTORS.

Association of REALTORS for 2017. Carol currently serves on the

home plan and its interior were designed by Harvi Sahota. The home was built by Mercer Home, and Matter Design Co. did the design implementation and marketing for the house.

MAYNARD COOPER ATTORNEYS PUBLISHED IN NATIONAL JOURNAL J.T. Malatesta’s and Sarah Glover’s ar-

Giving

ticle “A Clear and Present Danger: Mit-

RESURRECTION MISSIONS HONORS LONG-STANDING MONTGOMERY PHILANTHROPISTS Resurrection Catholic Missions hosted its Annual Benefit Gala celebrating 73 years of service to the people of the River Region in Central Alabama.

igating the Data Security Risk Vendors Pose to Businesses” about cybersecurity risk management was recently selected for publication in The Sedona Conference Journal, Volume 17, Number 2, a leading legal commen-

Resurrection’s Mission

tary dedicated to the advanced study

Director, Father Manuel

of law and policy. The article examines

Williams, C.R. was the

the regulatory landscape surrounding

MC of the lively evening

vendor management and outlines

touting a New Orleans

practical guidance for businesses to

Jazz theme. The dining

follow in order to reduce cyber risk.

room at the RSA Activity

“Our clients are increasingly depen-

Center was transformed

dent on vendors to operate their

into a Jazz Grand Ballroom. After dinner, guests were captivated by the well-appointed Silent Auction. In addition to the gala festivities, the focal point of the evening was Manuel’s announcement of the 2016 Veritas et Caritas Award recipients, Carol and Richard Hodges. Manuel shared a few stories highlighting the variety of ways the couple has served Resurrection Mission over the years, followed by a heartfelt thank you to the couple for their generous service. The proceeds from the Gala allow Resurrection Catholic Missions to continue providing services to the people of Alabama who need the most help - the poor, the elderly, disabled children and school children of Montgomery.

businesses. We’ve seen firsthand how data breaches at these business partners have impacted our clients, and we wanted to proactively identify a number of ways to mitigate this risk,” said Malatesta, Chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Privacy practice.

PAUL WINN RECEIVES CERTIFIED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ANALYST CERTIFICATION Morgan Stanley recently announce that Paul Winn, a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor and CFP, CPA, in the firm’s Wealth Management office has been awarded the CIMA® certification.

Winn has worked at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 1988. In addition to providing financial planning services, he

Achievements

provides a variety of other advisory and non-advisory financial

LOCAL REALTOR NAMED PRESIDENT OF ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

services, including brokerage services. The CIMA certification

Mugs Mullins with House & Home Real Estate has been elected

meet all eligibility requirements, including experience, education,

2017 President of the Alabama Association of REALTORS. Serving

examination, and ethics. Applicants must complete five steps in

in this role, Mullins will be responsible for serving on the Executive

order to earn the certification. The CIMA certification program

Committee of the state association. Mullins has previously served

also requires that certificants complete three certification renewal

as President of the Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS,

requirements during each certification renewal period. Those who

and he is active in both the Montgomery and Prattville Chambers

earn the certification must agree to meet ongoing continuing ed-

of Commerce, a board member of the Greater Montgomery

ucation requirements and adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional

Home Builders Association, a member of the 2008 AAR Lead-

Responsibility and Standards of Practice.

68

program covers five core topic areas and requires that candidates

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

M EM BER Spotlight

PARTNERS REALTY At Partners Realty, owners TJ Williford and Graham Cook believe that a good down payment on relationships makes all the difference in the real estate business.

FOUNDED: 2008 OWNERS: TJ Williford and Graham Cook NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 29

SERVICES PARTNERS REALTY PROVIDES: We have experienced agents that specialize in almost every real estate category.

WHAT SETS PARTNERS REALTY APART? We feel that our commitment to innovation, technology and creative thought in negotiating creates the most value for our clients.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS YOUR COMPANY FACED? Our company was founded in 2008, in the midst of the financial crisis. Diversification, hard work and faith have allowed us to experience growth in The Great Recession.

WHAT IS PARTNERS REALTY’S BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? We believe that our client’s best interest is our most important

Pictured: TJ Williford and Graham Cook.

responsibility, and we reflect this through the relationships we build. As industry innovators, we utilize digital tools and resources to maximize our client’s experience. Our clients benefit from our creative and modern culture as well as our diverse expertise. The associates and staff of Partners are knowledgeable, trained real estate professionals as well as responsible members of the community. We have positioned ourselves as industry leaders due to our commitment to our client’s success.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SUCCESSFUL IN REAL ESTATE IN THE RIVER REGION? Commitment to service, relationships and innovation.

MILESTONES: In 2016, our agents closed 248 transactions total, just over $52 million in production. Per MLS statistics, this ranked us the highest producing boutique and non-franchise-owned company in Central Alabama, and sixth overall.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR PARTNERS REALTY? We are optimistic that our pace of growth will continue as our local and national economies continue to improve.

12 W. JEFFERSON STREET / 334-277-1077 / PARTNERSREALTY.INFO 69

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

Awards & Honors NEW HBAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Several members of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders

JACKSON THORNTON PRINCIPAL RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Jackson Thornton, a certified public accounting and consulting

Association have been appointed to

firm, recently announced that J. Robin

leadership roles for 2017 for the Home

Short was selected as the recipient of

Builders Association of Alabama

the Henry T. Hagood Associate of the

(HBAA), the fourth largest state Home

Year award by the Alabama Chapter

Builders Association in the United

of the Associated General Contractors

States. Jimmy Rutland of Lowder New

of America (AGC). The award was

Homes is serving as the HBAA 1st Vice

established to honor an AGC Associate

President for 2017. David Lisenby of

Member who exemplified the same

Lisenby Construction is serving as

dedication to the Alabama AGC that

Treasurer. Ben Byrd of Byrd Build-

was shown by Henry T. Hagood. It

ers LLC and Michael Toles of Toles

is awarded only when an Associate

Construction were each appointed to

Member has gone above and beyond in his or her service to

serve as Alternate National Directors.

the State AGC Association. Short, a principal in the firm’s Dothan

Chad Stearns of Chad Stearns Builder

office, received the award at the Alabama AGC’s Annual Banquet.

LLC is serving as the Education Com-

He has served as the Associate’s Chairman in the Dothan Section

mittee Chair. Jim Mathews of Mathews

for two terms and is currently serving his third term as the Associ-

Development Co. is serving as the

ate’s Vice President in Dothan.

Membership Committee Chair, and Cathy Brown of Alabama Power is serving as Membership Committee Co-Chair.

MONTGOMERY BUSINESSES EARN HONORS

BEASLEY ALLEN RECOGNIZES FIRM’S LEADING LAWYERS

Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce

Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., announced that

Capell & Howard P.C. was named “2016 Alabama Small Business

Principals Ted. G. Meadows and Rhon E. Jones were selected as

of the Year” in the 51-100 employee category for the law firm’s re-

the firm’s Litigators of the Year for 2016. The annual recognition is

markable business success across the Southeast, high level of in-

presented to the attorneys who demonstrate exceptional profes-

volvement in the River Region and committed participation in the

sional skill throughout the course of the year and best represent

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Willie Durham State

the firm’s ideal of “helping those who need it most.” In addition

Farm Agency in Montgomery was a finalist in the “Small Business

to selecting the overall “top attorneys,” Beasley Allen recognized

of the Year” 1-10 employees category; C. Weil Enterprises was a

excellence in each of its sections, naming the Lawyer of the Year

finalist in the 11-50 employees category; and Popcorn Pizzazz was

in each. Honorees for 2016 are Chris D. Glover, Personal Injury

a finalist in the “Emerging Small Business of the Year” category.

Two of Alabama’s premier business advocate organizations, the Association of Alabama, handed out their annual awards recently.

Section Lawyer of the Year; LaBarron N. Boone, Products Liability Section Lawyer of the Year; Archie Grubb, Fraud Section Lawyer

CHAMBLESS KING RECEIVES AIA AWARDS

of the Year; David Dearing and Danielle Ward Mason, Mass Torts

Chambless King was recently honored with three awards from

Section Lawyers of the Year; and John Tomlinson, Toxic Torts

the Montgomery Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Section Lawyer of the Year. In addition to the professional awards

An Award of Merit was presented for the Tankersley Residence in

given each year, the Board of Directors elect to recognize an

Prattville and an Honorable Mention for the Chambless King Of-

attorney each year in memory of Beasley Allen lawyer Chad

fice in Montgomery. Along with these judged awards, the Design

Stewart, who passed away in 2014. The Chad Stewart Award

Award attendees also voted the Tankersley Residence as their

was created to recognize a lawyer who best exemplifies Chad’s

favorite entry and the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

spirit of service to God, his family and the practice of law in the

“We are honored to receive recognition for these projects that we

task of “helping those who need it most.” The 2016 Chad Stewart

feel most closely represent our approach to design,” said Stephen

Award was presented to Roman Shaul. Roman practiced in the

King, Principal of Chambless King Architects.

firm’s Consumer Fraud section, and worked alongside Chad in his practice.

70

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

JOE HUBBARD NAMED A “TOP 40 UNDER 40” TRIAL LAWYER IN ALABAMA The National Trial Lawyers announced that Joe Hubbard of the Joe Hubbard Law Firm has been selected for inclusion into its Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field.

Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only,

GOODWYN, MILLS & CAWOOD TAKES HOME AIA AWARDS

and is limited to the top 40 attorneys under the age of 40 in each state or region who have demonstrated excellence and have

The Montgomery Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the winners of the 2016 Design Awards at its annual awards gala, with GMC taking home awards for both the Van Antwerp Historic Renovation and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) New Student Residence Hall. The historic Van Antwerp Building Renovation received an Honor Award, the highest level of recognition the Chapter bestows to firms for projects displaying exemplary design exceeding the criteria set forth by the jury, in the commercial projects category. GMC was also recognized with an Award of

achieved outstanding results in their careers in either civil plaintiff or criminal defense law. The National Trial Lawyers is a professional organization comprised of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who has demonstrated exceptional qualifications in their area of the law, specifically criminal defense or civil plaintiff law. The National Trial Lawyers provides accreditation to these distinguished attorneys, and also aims to provide essential legal news, information and continuing education to trial lawyers across the United States.

Merit in the institutional projects category for the UAB New Student Residence Hall in Birmingham, Alabama.

HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

Appointments available Monday - Saturday* Walk-in provider for non-appointment Patients Adult Dentistry open until 7pm Optometry Services available for all ages *Hours: 8:30am - 10:00pm River Region Health* Corporate 1845 Cherry Street Montgomery, Al 36107

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Healthcare for every generation Autaugaville Health Capital Health Chisholm Health

Clanton Health Eclectic Health Hayneville Health 71

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Montgomery Primary Ramer Health Southside Health

CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings NEW SP OTS NOW OPEN AN D READY FOR BUS IN ESS

OFFICE DEPOT

YOU & ME BOUTIQUE

5070 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116-1149 334-279-6633 • www.officedepot.com Lisa Pace-Store Manager Office Equipment/Supplies

2000 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-676-1667 Tanya Morgan-Owner Clothing & Accessories-Retail

CC’S DAIQUIRIS

MAX

213-A Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-676-3535 • www.ccdaiquiris.com Candy Capel-Owner Bars-Specialized

Baptist Medical Center South Branch 2055 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-260-2600 • www.mymax.com Onica Cannida-Lead MSC Credit Union

72

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings NEW SP OTS NOW OPEN AN D READY FOR BUS IN ESS

YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE PC

BUBBLES ICE CREAM & SANDWICH SHOP

8630 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-676-4076 • www.yourdoctorsofficepc.com Irene Bailey, MD-Physician and Shaik Wahid, MD-Physician Tim Will-Practice Administrator Hospitals/Clinics

1278 Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-8511 • www.bubblesicecreamshop.com Tamekia Matthews-Owner Restaurants-Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt; Restaurants-Deli

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73

| Equal Housing Opportunity

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS

MARCH NEW MEMBERS ACCOUNT INGCE RT IFIED PUBLIC

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Brian Matney 9168 Cresent Lodge Circle Pike Road, AL 36064 334-224-8527

River Region Apartment Association Katie Suchocki P.O. Box 640422 Pike Road, AL 36064 334-450-1455 ATTR AC TI ON S -M A R K E TS

ADVERT ISING S P ECIALT IES

Southern Branders, LLC Kelly Haynes 136 Brookstone Road Wetumpka, AL 36093 334-799-6963 APAR TM ENTS

The Retreat at Dublin Creek Natalie English 3090 Alabama River Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 334-261-2004 ARCHIT EC TS

Sherlock, Smith & Adams, Inc. Bob Snider P.O. Drawer 11006 Montgomery, AL 36111 334-263-6481 ASSOC IATIONS/ NON-PR OFIT

Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama Nick Rauccio 2680 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334-213-2071 Lending Families A Hand Horace Lewis P.O. Box 640522 Pike Road, AL 36064 334-398-4900

Sweet Creek Farm Market Karen Ingram 85 Meriwether Road Pike Road, AL 36064 334-280-3276 B A R S -S P E C I A L I Z E D

CC’s Daiquiris Candy Capel 213-A Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36117 334-676-3535 B OUTI QUE & SA LON

You & Me Boutique Tanya Morgan 2000 Mulberry Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334-676-1667 C L E A N I N G S E RV I C ES

Caring Touch Laventrence Underwood 4010 Greenacres Drive Montgomery, AL 36106 334-498-5168 CON C R E TE

Diamond Concrete & Slabs, LLC Clark Dunn 1141 Newell Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 334-213-0522

74

CO N S U LT IN G S E RV IC E S

E L E C T R IC CO N T RACTORS

JDB Hospitality LLC Ashley Jernigan 4393 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, AL 36109 510-812-5728

Garner Electric, Inc. Harris Garner P.O. Box 1225 Millbrook, AL 36054 334-285-0101

CO N T R AC TO R S

F IN A N C IA L S E RV I CES

NBC Acoustics, Inc. Neil Williams 153 Medical Center Drive Prattville, AL 36066 334-358-9010

Easy Money #841 Erika Cichanowicz 278 North Fifth Street Columbus, OH 43215 334-523-7020

Selby Davis Builder, LLC Selby Davis P.O. Box 240605 Montgomery, AL 36124 334-425-0408

FO O D/K IN D R E D P R O D U C TS - M F R .

CO U N S E L IN G

Grayson & Associates, P.C. Ann Phillips 4371 Narrow Lane Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334-323-3307 C R E D IT U N IO N

Avadian Credit Union Deanna Bush 2906 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109-3404 334-271-4526 MAX Onica Cannida P.O. Box 244040 Montgomery, AL 36124-4040 334-260-2600 D E N T ISTS

Johnny M. Griffin, DDS, PC Tiffany Belser 1401 I-85 Parkway Drive, Suite D Montgomery, AL 36106 334-274-9861 Montgomery Dental Arts Dominique Shamburger 10650 Chantilly Parkway, Suite 101 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-356-0228

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Blue Bell Creameries, L.P. Mark Hindman 130 Folmar Parkway Montgomery, AL 36105-5501 334-288-3688 FO O D S - S P E C IA L IZED

Berdeaux’s Vintage Sauces, LLC Jim Berdeaux 205 Willow Springs Road Wetumpka, AL 36093 334-538-3792 G IF TS & S P E C IA LTY-RETAI L

You Name It Jan Beale 5350 A Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-9878 G O L F E Q U IP M E N T/ SUPPLI ES

Your Golf Superstore Luke Cox 9100 EastChase Parkway, Suite C Montgomery, AL 36117 334-649-1119 G R O C E R IE S - H O ME DELI VERY

Adam Delivery Service Cornelius Smith 600 South Court Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334-245-0787

To any given bank – this is: Acct. #53587790

To Oakworth Capital – this is:

Charles – owner-of-a-small-businessconsultancy-father-of-3-concerned-about-college-tuition-training-for-his-first10k-coaches-little-league-baseball-has-a-weakness-for-pecan-pie-with-ice-cream.

At Oakworth Capital Bank, we introduce each client to a dedicated, experienced advisor who gets

to know everything about them. Working with state-of-the-art technology, and alongside a team of highly specialized, veteran financial professionals, your Oakworth client advisor helps develop your financial plans, large and small. At Oakworth, we aren’t simply a bank, and you aren’t simply a depositor.

Complete Financial Services:

Commercial Banking * Wealth Management * Private Banking OakworthCapital.com | 3 3 4 . 2 4 5 . 2 9 0 0

member FDIC

7480 Halcyon Pointe Drive, Ste 101 Montgomery, AL 36117

CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS

HEALT H & FIT NE SS

Rebar Performance Wendy Hudson 8200 Emma Court Pike Road, AL 36064 334-224-3946

I N S UR A N C E CO M PA N IE S / S E RV I C E S

State Farm Insurance, Mickey Watson Mickey Watson 6146 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117 334-244-0000

HOLDING COM PA N Y The Holdings Company, LLC Pete Hall 4163 Carmichael Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-270-8400 HOTELS/M OTELS

Motel 6 - Hope Hull Exit Ashraf M. Chaudhary 8836 Dunlake Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-280-1866 INDIVIDUALS

Frank Johnston, Jr. Frank Johnston 5950 Monticello Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334-551-1909 INFOR M ATION T EC HNOLOGY F I R M S

IPT Associates, LLC Michael Mordas 700 Technology Park Drive, Suite 204 Billerica, MA 01821 781-271-0696 JMF Solutions, Inc. Devon Harris 1008 Randall Avenue Daphne, AL 36526 251-517-5070 SJ Technologies Marty Glantz 60 Commerce Street, Suite 500 Montgomery, AL 36104 800-574-4518

J A N I TOR IA L S E RV IC E

Centaur Building Services Southeast, Inc., Lacey Miller 2776 Gunter Park Drive East, Unit Q Montgomery, AL 36109 334-260-0458 L A N D S CA P IN G / L AW N SE RV IC E S

River Region Straw Kenny Williamson P.O. Box 242068 Montgomery, AL 36124 334-669-5959 Southern Lawns Professional Lawn Service, LLC Reynolds Cook 1277 Financial Court, Suite C Auburn, AL 36830 334-466-0600 M OR TGAG E /F IN A N C E

Fidelity Bank Mortgage Jeff Collins 4720 Woodmere Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334-551-5100 M US I C- P IA N O & VO C A L I N STR U C T IO N

Montgomery Arts Academy Diana S. Gray 1803 West 3rd Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334-593-3419 Music Classes Live Online Eric Perkins 3908 Fairfield Drive Montgomery, AL 36109 334-676-0652

76

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

N U R S IN G H O M E S / ASS IST E D L IV IN G

Diversicare of Montgomery Dennis Davis 2020 North Country Club Drive Montgomery, AL 36106 334-263-1643

PAC KAG E STO R E

Alabama Beverage Center, LLC Jeremy Hubbard 3458 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-676-2548 IN T & PA IN T IN G S U P PLI ES PA BLP Mobile Paint Center Hal Coats 177-B Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334-263-5507 P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Judy Barranco Photography Judy Barranco 9902 Dogwood Court Montgomery, AL 36117 334-652-2715

P H YS IC A L T H E R A P ISTS

PHOENIX Rehabilitation and Health Services Jason Harris 4810 Woods Crossing Drive Montgomery, AL 36106-3650 334-239-9316 P L A N TS /F LOW E R S

Little Mountain Nursery -Atlanta Highway Kathryn Stabler 3396 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334-279-9799 Little Mountain Nursery -McGehee Road Kathryn Stabler 3072 McGehee Road Montgomery, AL 36111 334-613-9798

CHAMBER NEWS New Members W ELCO ME TO OUR N EWEST MEMBERS

RE AL ESTATE-AGEN TS

R E STAU R A N TS - D O U G H N U TS

STO R AG E

ERA Weeks & Browning, Inc. Sherry B. Weeks 8221 Old Federal Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334-215-4470

Ross Donuts Rotana Huot 64 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334-239-7822

Storage World Jack Johnson 3003 McGehee Road Montgomery, AL 36111 678-776-8850

RE/MAX Properties II Debbie Whitehouse 4215 Carmichael Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334-649-4920

R E STAU R A N TS - IC E C R E A M/F R OZE N YO G U R T

U N IFO R M S - R E TA IL

RE AL ESTATE SALES AND DEVELOPM EN T

Bubbles Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop Tamekia Matthews 1278 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 36117 334-593-8511

Uniformacy, LLC Rob Barranco 1721 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334-215-5881 W E IG H T LO SS C L IN IC

Trinity Realty LLC Mary Charles Rampy 12575 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334-551-1000

R OOF IN G CO M PA N IE S

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

77

MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Down with the Pounds Medical Weight Loss & More Yolanda Williams 4770 Woodmere Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36106 334-386-3551

Numbers reflect 2016 Annual over 2015 Annual.

Economic Intel 100

TRANSPORTATION 345,000 TOTAL PASSENGERS IN 2016

MONTGOMERY WAS NAMED THE

SECTORS GOING UP

+ 2.6% + 1.9%

TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES

+ 1.6% + 1.6%

+ 3.3%

DEMAND FOR HOTEL ROOMS

SUPPLYROOMS AVAILABLE

+

7.64% LODGINGS TAX COLLECTIONS

HIGHEST GROWTH SECTOR IN 2016:

Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery

+ 4.8%

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area

MORE ROOMS THAN IN 2015

+ 3.6%

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

INFORMATION

SOLD 51,149

TOURISM

IN THE COUNTRY FOR 2017 BY TRIVAGO.COM

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR

MANUFACTURING

IN DEMAND:

NO. 2 “BEST VALUE DESTINATION”

Source: MGM-Montgomery Regional Airport

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

IN 2016, MONTGOMERY COUNTY CELEBRATED ITS 100TH BIRTHDAY

GOOD GROWTH

HOUSING

The IT sector is growing in Montgomery, and that’s a good thing.

LABOR FORCE

This emerging industry is a priority, creating new jobs that enhance our cyber strategy.

This leads to additional increases in our tech

OVER

workforce, and the

$412 MILLION

cycle continues, getting

IN CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND

each turn.

bigger and better with

2,024

+ 4.2%

-11.8%

-7.2%

AVERAGE SALES PRICE

TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

= $160K

NEW JOBS

= 2,490

Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate MGM Area

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area

78

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

= 116 days

TECHNOLOGY & RISK SOLUTIONS

Pictured: Paul Perry, Jason Asbury and Amy Walker

TRADITIONAL ACCOUNTING CORPORATE ADVISORY SERVICES TECHNOLOGY & RISK SOLUTIONS HR SOLUTIONS

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

By listening to your needs, we connect you with our experts to help accomplish what’s important to you. From risk assessments and IT security to business software and backup disaster recovery solutions, it’s time to take a closer look at Warren Averett and all we have to offer.

Let’s Thrive Together.

FINANCE TEAM SUPPORT PERSONAL SERVICES

Alabama | Florida | Georgia

| www.warrenaverett.com

MBJ

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101