Montgomery Business Journal - July 2018 by Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL V O L U M E 1 0 I S S U E 4 / J U LY 2 0 1 8

MBJ

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

HIGHER EDUCATION Growing Talent in the River Region

M E E T L O C A L B U S I N E S S E S H AV I N G I N T E R N AT I O N A L I M PA C T PLUS: C O L L E C T I N G B A D D E B T MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Troy University Montgomery

CONTENTS J U LY 2 0 1 8

THIS ISSUE: 11 27 46

Higher Ground River Region Higher Ed Report Beyond Borders

32 Powerhouse Q&A 34 Member Profiles 38 GiveBack 44 #MyMGM 56 Small Business Briefcase

CHAMBER NEWS:

08 Events 52 Connect 59 Members on the Move 61 Members in the News 66 Business Buzz 72 Ribbon Cuttings 75 New Members 78 Intel

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MBJ

THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION

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

EXPLORE MEDIA PUBLISHER Pam Mashburn

MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy

DESIGN Heather Cooper, Shelby Berry Shubird

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL Jennifer Kornegay, James Hadley Griffin, Serrah Nichols PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Carter, Nick Drolette, Robert Fouts, Josh Moates, David Robertson Jr., LaShanda Gaines, Donna Wallace-King ON THE COVER Gene Cody, Sydney Foster and Tobias Mense Photography by Josh Moates / Kim Box Photography ADVERTISING Kristina Boddie and Christina Bennett / exploreMedia / 334-578-7810 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79, Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 • mbj@montgomerychamber.com © Copyright 2018 exploreMedia and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.

MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION STATEMENT

Committed to exceptional service, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce works to improve the economic well-being of the business community and enhance the quality of life of the area through the creation and preservation of jobs. The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published bi-monthly by exploreMedia for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, (334) 834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Subscription rate is $30 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. Volume 10, Issue3. POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101, or email mbj@montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions and bulk subscriptions can also be purchased per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Events +

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

Upcoming Workshops

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

7/11 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Troy University Montgomery

BUSINESS Resource Center

Business 101: Start it Up! July 17; August 7, 21; September 4; 8:30-9:30 am, the Chamber’s BRC

Webinars:

Optimizing Your Online Search Listing July 19 How to Juggle the Different Roles of Owning a Business July 26

DIVERSITY THE SUMMIT Date 2018 DIVERSITY SUMMIT

SAVE

8/15

60 Minute Coffee Sponsor & Location: Drury Hotels

8/30

WEDNESDAY

OCTOBER 3, 2018

Playing Offense vs. Defense When it Comes to Getting Funds July 31

Business After Hours THE FUTURE: DIVERSITY. TALENT. INNOVATION Sponsor & Location: D.R. Horton America’s Internal Culture ItsLakes Impact on External Culture Builder and at Taylor Clubhouse Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 60 Minute Coffee Sponsor: United Way, Location TBA

CHAMBER MEMBER ORIENTATION

Mark your calendars for MGM’s Restaurant

August 7, 8 - 9 am, at the Chamber

9/12

Week, August 10-19 and get ready for ten days of delicious deals.

2018 Diversity Summit: Internal Culture and Its Impact on External Culture This year’s lineup of speakers includes: Opening session keynote, Kevin Stacey, author of "MindRight: Navigate the Noise-How to Deal with Your Internal Fake News;” Additional speakers include Essye Miller, Department of Defense Chief Information Officer; Tadean Page, Motivating Males Initiative; and Dr. Gail Evans, best-selling author of "Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman."

OCT

Connect and engage with your

We’re compiling a list of

Chamber and increase your

participating restaurants,

brand one-on-one with potential

so check out eatmgm.com to find out if your favorite eatery is on the list.

clients. Chamber orientations are a great way to build relationships with current members and gain powerful insight into the Chamber’s top pri-

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

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orities and initiatives. You will also have an opportunity to meet several Chamber staff members working hard to grow your business. Sponsored By: BB&T

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HIGHER GROUND MGM’S COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ARE ON

Get the low down on how Montgomery’s multiple higher education institutions continue to elevate the region’s economy, appeal and quality of life. / BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY

Huntingdon College 11 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

EDUCATION

RIVER REGION IMPACT:

OVERALL IMPACT OF THE FIVE MAJOR UNIVERSITIES EQUALS APPROXIMATELY

$600 M ANNUALLY

Auburn University Montgomery / Images by By Frank Williams.

hile Montgomery’s passion for college sports, particularly football, is almost always on full display, residents should be looking past play on the fields and should be cheering about the multiple colleges and universities right in their own backyard. Due to both the number — including five major public and private schools — and their diversity, the city’s higher education institutions are key components in Montgomery’s winning playbook. They represent thousands of jobs; they train the skilled workers needed to keep and attract companies. They bring talent — both faculty and students — who make countless positive contributions to our community. And the learning

“The overall impact of the five major universities here could

opportunities they offer are for more than just enrolled

be approximately $600 million annually and include provid-

undergrad and graduate students; continuing education

ing around 4,000 jobs for the area,” he said.

classes are available for residents looking for everything from additional certifications to advance their careers to classes to further a hobby.

Gordon Stone, Executive Director of the Higher Education Partnership, shared another impressive figure from a recent report put out by the University of Alabama’s Center for

THE ECONOMIC EQUATION

Business and Economic Development: “There is a $12.50 re-

While exact numbers aren’t available, Dr. Keivan Deravi,

turn for every $1 our state invests in public universities; that

economist and Dean of the College of Public Policy and

is the largest return on investment of any dollar invested in

Justice at Auburn University at Montgomery, can make an

any state program,” he said. “Look at the three public higher

extremely educated guess at the dollars and cents impact.

education institutions in our area, and think about that.”

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While this statistic is not specific to

Alabama State University

Montgomery, Stone went on to identify several positives that are. “Having multiple opportunities for higher education here creates access points for so many of our citizens to have that opportunity to have greater earning potential, and they are set up in a way to make it convenient for our citizens no matter what stage in life they are in, with things like online and evening classes.” Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, agreed. “The numerous institutions offer great opportunities for our area that you can’t find in other parts of the state,” he said. “They are so varied in what they offer, and economically, they are pretty reasonable in what they cost. We are very fortunate to have the higher education here that we have.” And there’s a lot more nearby, all along the I-85 corridor, starting in Montgomery and leading to Tuskegee University and Auburn University. The growth occurring in these areas is due, in large part, to the presence of higher education, according to Stone. Head just a little west to find the University of Alabama; not far north, UAB completes a connected corridor of higher ed. Dr. Rhea Ingram, Dean of the AUM’s College of Business, stressed another plus: an abundance of both tangible and intangible assets. “Having so many higher ed institutions in one location allows us to leverage resources, to pool them together and also offer different perspectives

on topics we all cover,” she said. “Being

International students drawn to our col-

able to look at things from many angles

leges and universities bring their cultures,

and finding the right solution; that brings

exposing residents to things they may

value to a community.”

otherwise never hear or see first-hand. And there’s always an increased vibrancy

SCHOOL SPIRIT

in a college town. “Just the energy of the

Montgomery’s higher education footprint

student population is a plus,” Stone said.

also enhances the quality of life in our

“They are often active in giving back, so

community and impacts everyone,

they help our local service organizations

whether they have ties to any of the insti-

build a base of volunteers.”

tutions or not and even if they’ve never even been on their campuses. “The athletics and arts opportunities and activities they bring and the array of faculty and students coming here,” Stone said, “they all affect — in a good way — the area.” The diversity of thought and experience alone that out-of-area staff and students bring with them are major benefits. “They come from other places and bring their ideas, and as they connect, they share them,” Stone said.

“There is a $12.50 return for every $1 our state invests in public universities; that is the largest return on investment of any dollar invested in any state program.” - GORDON STONE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

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Troy University Montgomery

INDUST RY OVERVIEW

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EDUCATION

BETTER TOGETHER

TWO TERRIFIC

WORKING WITH THE CHAMBER The Chamber has partnered with local university Colleges of Business to develop an experiential learning program that meets the needs of both area

A lot of emphasis is put on four-year colleges

small businesses and university students called the Small Business-

and universities, but our area’s two-year

University Partnership Task Force. The goal of the program is to give

colleges, like Trenholm State Community

students the opportunity to solve real-world business problems, while at the

College, are an important part of our higher

same time, helping small businesses succeed. Deans and professors rep-

education picture as well. “Two-year colleges

resenting the Colleges of Business from Alabama State University, Auburn

offer opportunities for many students who

University at Montgomery, Faulkner University and Troy University Montgom-

probably would not or could not for a number

ery are members of this partnership. Dr. Rhea Ingram outlined the vision. “The

of reasons pursue education beyond the high

purpose is to bring all area higher education institutions together, and pair

school level. Two-year institutions are more

students with small businesses on a project,” she said. These projects allow

economical for these students,” said Jimmy

small businesses to get things done that they couldn’t do on their own using

Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community

the students’ knowledge and new ideas. Students get hands-on experience,

College System. “In addition to academic of-

and small business owners save time and money. It’s a win-win according to

ferings, we also offer a variety of skill training

Ingram. “The students learn but are also teaching these small business owners

that is important to the area, particularly to

new things as they figure out solutions to issues together,” she said. “Our

service the needs of manufacturing industries

community is based on the success of our small businesses, so it makes sense

in the River Region.” And as manufacturing

for us to help each other.”

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“Manufacturing is moving more and more to being technology driven, so we have to keep up with that and stay current. We’re working hard to make sure we do that and can always accommodate the changes on a regular basis, our state’s two-year colleges change and expand their offerings alongside industry. “Manufacturing is moving more and more to being technology driven, so we have to keep up with that and stay current,” Baker said. “We’re working hard to make sure we do that

needs of manufacturing companies in this area.” - JIMMY BAKER, CHANCELLOR OF THE ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

and can always accommodate the needs of manufacturing companies in this area.”

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TEACHING TOMORROW’S Nobody is doing business the way they did

in a good position to do that, thanks to our

just a decade ago, and the digital economy

higher ed options. “Overall, the picture is

has now filtered into every phase of almost

very good from an IT and cyber perspective

all business, creating a need for always-up-

because of the higher ed here,” she said.

to-date knowledge and skills. In response,

“We want to have a lot of variety and a lot of

our colleges and universities are pushing

options; we need those online, evening and

ahead to the forefront of technology and

weekend courses and also want the fulltime

technology training, making them invaluable

option. We are very fortunate to have it all

partners in workforce development efforts.

for IT professionals going after a graduate

“As technology gains an ever-expanding role

degree or adding an extra degree or certifi-

throughout the community but particularly

cation.” She also stressed

direction, training people to use technology

the strength that

and making more technology available,”

comes with variety.

Stone said.

“Our universities have different but

properly educated and trained tech talent full, TechMGM is working to highlight the appeal of IT careers, as Charisse Stokes, part of the Chamber’s TechMGM team and owner of

in the business community, our three public institutions are making large strides in that

EASY DOES IT In an effort to keep the pool of

Tidal IT Solutions, explained. AS PART OF TECHMGM, WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A ONE-PAGER THAT OUTLINES IT CAREER PATHWAYS,

““ LOTS OF CAREERS IN CYBER AND IT DON’T REQUIRE A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE, AND MANY OF OUR INSTITUTIONS ALSO HAVE SHORT-TRACK PROGRAMS AND ASSOCIATE DEGREES.

she said. “We are working

“

with all the higher education

Knowing how to best utilize technology lets

compatible areas of

a business expand its customer base and

focus,” she said. At

increase efficiency and productivity. “Prepar-

AUM for instance,

ing the next generation to compete in this

there is a concen-

arena is crucial,” Stone said. “Universities are

tration of storage

best at that. They train these students in the

area knowledge,

ethics of technology too, which is equally

and right here at

important.”

Gunter Annex, the Defense Information Sys-

from where they are.” It out-

tems Agency (DISA) has the largest Oracle

lines the pipeline from K-12,

But we also need to keep existing workers

database in the world. “So AUM students are

up to speed, and our higher ed institutions

getting that subject matter expertise, and

are doing that too. “They partner with com-

DISA is priming the pump for its own future

panies to keep them and their employees

workforce,” said Stokes.

institutions here to see what they are offering so we can compile that info and get it out to people so they see what is available and how to get where they want to be

all the way up to graduate degrees and will also highlight the salaries that come with a wide variety of IT jobs. “We want to give an easy, quick

trained up, and that has to be continual as things in the tech sector change so fast,”

Troy University Montgomery offers a mas-

Stone said.

ter’s in cyber security, and is also a leading

snapshot of what is available here in terms of IT education

university in distance learning. “This is really

and training, and it is a lot, and

While it’s not just IT and cyber-focused

huge for our downtown innovation district,”

we want to show people why

companies that use technology, they

Stokes said. “It means we have students

they should be interested in

especially have to stay on the leading edge

taking those classes virtually, and they bring

of innovation to survive in an increasingly

their experience here to our innovation dis-

competitive market. That means an educat-

trict; they are not here, but their ideas are.”

ed workforce is essential if Montgomery and the River Region want to draw and keep tech

Alabama State University has a brand

companies here. Charisse Stokes, part of

new state-of-the-art training facility in the

the Chamber’s TechMGM team and owner of

center of the developing innovation district,

Tidal IT Solutions, believes we are currently

which will host training courses through its

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IT,” Stokes said.

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continuing education department. Troy University

RECRUITING & RETAINING

Montgomery is right down the street, and AUM has a satellite location in the RSA Data Center. “So

Montgomery’s colleges and universities draw students from all over the

our three public universities all physically have a

country and the world, but they also appeal to River Region residents. We

presence in the innovation district, and they are

talked to a few local young professionals who fall into both camps and

all willing, cooperative partners, and that makes

asked why they are staying here after graduating and how they’re currently

such a positive difference,” Stokes said. “We are all

enriching our community. Photography by Josh Moates/Kim Box Photography.

pushing for a collaborative environment,” she said. “We want students working on live

TOBIAS MENSE

applications, that can be tracked, and

MGMWerx is bringing expertise and commercial experience here, but it also allows our students, both college and high school, to do internships and work shoulder-to-shoulder with commercial industries and active military. That’s an amazing opportunity. - CHARISSE STOKES, MEMBER OF TECHMGM

FROM: ASCHEBERG-HERBERN, GERMANY

we have resources to do that with

STUDIED AT: AUM

the diversity of programs at our

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUM? I met

higher education

my wife in Germany. She was there as an

institutions.”

American exchange student from Washington state. When she left, we contin-

Flexibility is also

ued a long-distance relationship for five

integral. “Several

years. I actually started my career in IT

careers in cyber

right after high school. I did vocational

and IT don’t require

school, which is very normal in Germany.

a four-year degree,

When I realized I wanted to move here,

and many of our

she advised me that I would probably

institutions also

need a bachelor’s degree if I wanted to

have short-track programs and associate degrees. Some even offer the opportu-

be in management in IT, so I decided on a bachelor’s degree in information systems. AUM gave me a scholarship. Heidi and I married in 2005 and came here just a few days after our wedding.

nity to earn industry-level certifications within their courses,” Stokes said.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? I’m the Chief Information Officer at AUM, a

position I took in 2016. WITH NEITHER OF YOU BEING FROM HERE, WHY DID YOU STAY AFTER

KEEPING THE KNOW-HOW HOME

GRADUATION? Originally we came down here on just a four-year plan, for my

college, and then would head back to Washington. We had no intention of staying. But right away, everyone was so nice and friendly. There was a little

Dr. Rhea Ingram, Dean of AUM’s College of

culture shock but in good way; I’ve got lots of funny stories about that. AUM

Business, believes that her students make

has been so good to me. I had very encouraging professors, and the intern-

a quantifiable contribution to the city’s

ships were great. I got a scholarship for my master’s there too and then a job.

workforce. “We have pretty strong data that

My wife got a great job here. Overall, Montgomery has just been really, really

shows around 75 percent of our graduates stay

good to us. And there is a lot of potential and opportunity in the tech sector

here, so we are a big driver and big impact on

here. Thanks to the TechMGM initiative, we’re seeing a lot of small startups

the local workforce,” she said. “We serve our

and seeing increased collaboration with Maxwell-Gunter AFB, which is great.

area well by placing many of our students back into our community. Of course, many come from here, but still, they stay here.”

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY? I participated in

Torchbearers and Leadership Montgomery. We have a great church that we are active in and I’m working with the Alabama Technology Foundation.

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GENE CODY, CCIM SYDNEY FOSTER

FROM: MONTGOMERY STUDIED AT: FAULKNER UNIVERSITY WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FAULKNER UNIVERSITY? I started

FROM: MONTGOMERY

at Enterprise State Junior College on baseball scholarship, and

STUDYING AT: ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

graduated with an associate degree. I then went to Faulkner on a full baseball scholarship and finished there in 2003. My choice to attend Faulkner was partly driven by the scholarship, but I also

WHY DID YOU STAY HOME FOR COLLEGE? I was in the Air Na-

liked the idea of coming home. Plus, Faulkner’s program was

tional Guard and during training, my stepdad died. I didn’t want

getting more competitive, and the school was growing. The team

to leave my mom at that time, so I chose ASU. It has been such a

is actually still improving and doing really well.

good decision.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB? I’m the Senior Vice President

IN ADDITION TO YOUR STUDIES, WHAT ELSE ARE YOU UP TO?

at Moore Company Realty, Inc. I work in commercial real estate.

I’m still in the Air National Guard and plan to stay in service with the Air Force. I am a munitions system specialist and support

WHAT KEPT YOU HERE? When I graduated Faulkner, I played

the F-16 jets with their ammo assets. I will transition into the

for the Montgomery Wings for a year. I was still chasing that

F-35 jets when that happens. I also have my own photography

dream of playing pro baseball but also realizing that I might not

business. Right after high school in 2013, I bought a camera and

make it much farther. I had a girlfriend here and family here, and

kinda taught myself. Then, I was the assistant ASU photographer,

then I got offered a Montgomery Advertiser sales job, so never

and now I’m working as photographer for Governor Ivey. I do

had any reason to leave. Montgomery is just home to me.

freelance photography too, and I moved my studio into the Kress building downtown.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHERE YOUR HOMETOWN IS NOW? When I look at where we are now, I see

WHY ARE YOU STAYING HERE AFTER GRADUATION? I have a

more opportunity professionally here. I’m happy to watch my kids

lot going on, but I love it all. I’m passionate about photography.

grow up and experience some of the same things I did, plus a lot

I’m really interested in continuing to help others through military

more. A lot of my friends who moved off are moving back; they

service. And I want to stay here because I want to be a part of the

are catching on to the positive things happening. And in my sis-

positive changes happening. I see so many great people leave

ter’s friend group — she is 10 years younger — there are more of

here, and there are not a lot of people in creative fields here, so I

them staying here. I went to public schools, but right now, in my

hope I can inspire other young kids to go into creative industries.

opinion, they are the main deterrent when it comes to keeping

I think we can create that market here. We are in a historic place,

natives here and bringing new people.

and I think there is more history to be made here.

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SKY HIGH: AIR UNIVERSITY’S IMPACT As the preeminent source of higher education for the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base’s Air University plays a critical — and obvious — role in our nation’s defense. But it makes a significant mark on Montgomery too, according to Kent Davis, Director of Communications & Outreach at Air University. “Air University’s primary mission is to support our military and its mission,” he said. “But we recognize that there are incidental benefits to the area’s economic development because of the University’s presence here.” Positives include the approximately 3,000 jobs it provides, which translates into a large payroll with rings and rings of productive ripple effects.

“

I believe Air University is the

professional military education

The retired Navy one-star rear admiral grew up in Montgomery and is happy to have returned. He just recently joined the team at Air University, coming from Anniston, Alabama, where he worked as City Manager and the director of economic development. Because of this experience, he deeply understands the valuable relationship thriving between the base and the area’s business community. “Air University provides our businesses of all types direct and indirect benefits,” he said. “Many private contractors work on base. And most of our folks stationed, studying here and working here live out in the economy, spending money at restaurants, on entertainment and in retail stores.” Its students and faculty are active threads in the city and region’s social fabric too. “I’m in Rotary Club, go to church here,” Davis said. “We’re a true part of the city.”

standard-bearer, not only for the United States Air Force and its sister military and civilian services, but for this nation. WHILE I AM CERTAIN THAT AIR UNIVERSITY IS INDEED ON THE CUTTING EDGE — and that our great men

and women are doing an awesome job in their mission of educating and developing our future leaders — WE SIMPLY CANNOT REST ON OUR LAURELS. We

must constantly lean forward, think outside the box, and even

TARGETING CYBER THREATS Air University’s core mission of professional

to emerging threats, we need partners,” Davis

military education, which is important not just

said.

to the Air Force, but the entire military, means

look over the horizon for future threats to this nation. I also believe Montgomery, and the greater River Region communities that we partner with, are essential to our

it has to stay innovative to combat threats like

Rallying all brains on deck is the motivation

cyber warfare. It’s why Air University’s Cyber

behind MGMWerx, a new collaboration

College was recently created and why em-

between Air University, the Chamber and the

phasis has been put on more remote forms of

City of Montgomery. Its off-base site will allow

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RIVER

teaching and new leadership education strat-

these entities as well as thought leaders and

REGION KEEPS AIR UNIVERSITY

egies have been put in place. “We’re looking

students from other colleges and universities

AT THE FOREFRONT OF

at how the world is evolving not just now, but

to come together to share ideas. “To find the

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE while,

five to 10 years from now and modifying our

best ways to respond to threats: That is the

at the same time, supporting the

curriculum to meet that,” Davis said.

main goal,” Davis said. “But other advantages

defense of our nation in a very

will spill out of that. It will foster an atmo-

dangerous world of peer, near-

continuing success as a preeminent academic institution for the military. THIS SYNERGISTIC

Air University isn’t relying solely on inside ex-

sphere of innovation that will draw more tech

pertise; it is also reaching out, establishing a

companies here. It will create solutions that

– LT. GENERAL ANTHONY

powerful synergy with the city’s other higher

will help existing businesses of all kinds do

COTTON, COMMANDER OF

ed institutions and other area organizations.

their jobs better and more safely. We are all in

“We know the Air Force doesn’t own all the

this together, and we’ll all benefit.”

good ideas, and especially when responding

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peer, cyber, and terrorist threats.

AIR UNIVERSITY

“

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workforce pool, the University is also

LEADING THE WAY:

seen as one of the original anchors of the downtown revitalization effort. Points of Pride: Troy Montgomery is a

vital part of the greater Troy University community, and as such, we enjoy the same honors and awards earned by the University. Here are just a few from 2018:

DR. LANCE TATUM, VICE CHANCELLOR

BestValueSchools.com named TROY among its 100 Most Affordable Universities in America 2018 ranking; U.S. News and World Report named Troy Univer-

TROY MONTGOMERY How does Troy Montgomery’s presence benefit Montgomery? Troy Montgomery

is one of three non-traditional TROY

sity to several rankings for its online programs. Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum has been included as a site on the United States Civil Rights Trail.

campuses in the state of Alabama. Our mission is to provide non-residential students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals while working full time or part time. Beyond providing students with educational degree opportunities that increase and improve the region’s

NEWS: Beginning in the fall, Troy Montgomery will host Valiant Cross Academy’s high school. VCA will become an integral

MICHAEL D. WILLIAMS, ED.D, PRESIDENT FAULKNER UNIVERSITY

part of our campus and culture. Fualkner University

WE ASKED THE LEADERS .

OF THE AREA’S FIVE MAJOR

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO TELL US WHAT MAKES THEIR INSTITUTION SPECIAL AND BENEFICIAL FOR MONTGOMERY.

Troy Montgomery will provide

How does Faulkner’s presence benefit

opportunities for students in

Montgomery? Our institutional values as

our College of Education to

a Christ-centered university create an

learn from the leaders and

enormous amount of shared vision with

faculty from Valiant Cross

the people of Montgomery. These values

Academy. In addition, the

propel Faulkner students and faculty to

University and VCA have plans

be engaged in meaningful service in the

to create a unique Teaching Academy for existing educators in low-performing schools.

River Region. Obviously, we are in the talent acquisition and development business. We attract talented students and distinguished scholars. We hope our

22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

IN D USTRY OVE RVIE W

POINT OF PRIDE: Our trial advocacy team at the Jones School of Law was recently ranked No, 15 in the nation by US News & World Report.

| HIGHER

EDUCATION

the quality of life; providing support and

among the Best Public Regional Univer-

professional services to local and state

sities in the South, making it the top-

government, businesses and organiza-

ranked university in the River Region.

tions; and providing access to youth and adult lifelong learning experiences. News: Auburn University at Montgomery

was the first university to connect to the Montgomery Internet Exchange (MIX).

students will fall in love with this city and make a long-term commitment to living, working and serving in this community. News: We recently launched a new cen-

ter for health sciences. Our first academic program will be a master’s degree in speech and language therapy, which will begin this fall. Future programs will include physical therapy and physician assistant degree programs. A new facility will be constructed to house these new programs. The centerpiece of the new building will be a new center for autism.

For our campus, that means the potential for cost savings, more opportunities for large-scale collaborative research and an increase in job opportunities for graduates. Our new and newly reorganized programs in Cyber Systems and Information Security, Homeland Security and Information Systems represent AUM’s commitment to vital areas of study that

QUINTON ROSS, PRESIDENT ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

will prepare students and businesses to seize Montgomery’s growth as a “smart

How does ASU’s presence benefit

city” and to take advantage of careers

Montgomery? Alabama State University

that both contribute to the stability of the

has been a part of the community for

new economy and grow it.

more than 100 years. The University has a tremendous impact on the River

Points of Pride: In 2017, Auburn University

Region, not only as an educational and

returned to the U.S. News & World Report

cultural hub, but also as an economic

rankings as one of the top comprehen-

engine. ASU attracts students from

sive regional universities in the South for

around the world and graduates nearly

2018. In addition to being named among

1,000 students each year, many of whom

the top tier of Regional Universities in the

remain in Montgomery. The University

South, AUM was also included (No. 37)

POINT OF PRIDE: DR. CARL STOCKTON, CHANCELLOR AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY

POINT OF PRIDE: U.S. News & World Report also ranked Auburn University at Montgomery’s overall online bachelor

How does AUM’s presence benefit

degree offerings and its

Montgomery? Auburn University at

education graduate programs

Montgomery’s presence benefits the city and region in three critical areas for

among the best in the country.

economic growth and stability: building a highly qualified workforce and enhancing

23 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

ASU faculty in our STEM-related programs have garnered millions of dollars in grants to conduct research in areas ranging from cancer to environmental protection from prestigious agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

24 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

IN D USTRY OVE RVIE W

| HIGHER

EDUCATION

also provides dozens of academic and

of Montgomery area residents enjoy

athletic camps and innovative learning

Huntingdon’s athletic events, concerts,

initiatives for hundreds of local elementa-

lectures and convocations annually.

ry, middle and high school students each year. Alabama State University is one of

News: Earlier this year, a renovation

the city’s largest employers.

allowed us to create a rehearsal hall for

our symphonic, marching, pep, and jazz

News: We recently signed a new agree-

bands in Roland Student Center. Hunting-

ment with the National Parks Service that

don has also purchased the former

moves us a step closer to opening the

Capitol Book and News property and the

Montgomery Interpretive Center, which is Historic Trail commemorating the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March.

NEWS: In March, Huntingdon celebrated the dedication of its newest construction project: the W. James Samford Jr. Soccer and Softball Complex.

former Richardson’s Pharmacy property.

CAMERON WEST, PRESIDENT

the third and final center on the National

Plans are underway to refurbish the CBN space for our campus bookstore.

HUNTINGDON COLLEGE

Points of Pride: Huntingdon is consis-

How does Huntingdon’s presence

tently named among the top regional

benefit Montgomery? Many of Hunting-

comprehensive colleges in the Southeast

don’s nearly 850 traditional day students

by both U.S. News and World Report and

are from outside the River Region, bring-

the Princeton Review, but we were espe-

ing hundreds of students and families

cially thrilled to be identified by U.S. News

to the area who stay in our hotels, eat

among the top 10 “Best Value” colleges

in our restaurants and shop in our retail

in the Southeast for the past two years. In

locations, as do Huntingdon’s more than

addition, our Biochemistry major has just

200 faculty and staff. Culturally, hundreds

achieved national accreditation.

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS & PROGRAMS YEAR FOUNDED

CHAMBER MEMBERS

# OF CURRENT DEGREES ENROLLMENT OFFERED

Alabama State University alasu.edu

1867

5,318

Amridge University amridgeuniversity.edu

1967

950

Auburn University at Montgomery aum.edu

1967

4,585

Columbia Southern University columbiasouthern.edu

1993

29,000

Faulkner University faulkner.edu

1942

3,262

Fortis College fortis.edu

1969

300

Huntingdon College huntingdon.edu

1854

1,100

JF Ingram State Technical College istc.edu

1965

1,231

South University southuniverity.edu

1989

425

1966

1,750

Troy Montgomery troy.edu

1965

1,400

University of Alabama ua.edu

1831

38,563

225

University of Alabama at Birmingham uab.edu

1969

20,902

146

Trenholm State Community College

trenholmstate.edu

25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

BACK TO SCHOOL University of Alabama, College of Continuing Studies Year Founded: 1919 Distance Learning Student Population: 4,809 Annual Participants Offerings: 69 Distance Learning Degree Programs BamaByDistance.ua.edu Troy University Continuing Education and Outreach Year Founded: Dothan, 1973; Montgomery, 2014 Annual participants: 5,000 Offerings: Training and certifications in over 350 subjects troy.edu/continuingeducation

26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

HIGHER

EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS

CDI SOUTHEAST IMPROVES COMMUNITIES FROM WITHIN

Experiential Learning Enhances Business Education Experiential learning engages students in direct experience and focused reflection to develop their abilities to solve challenges in our global society. For this reason, the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama is prioritizing the design and development of experiential learning opportunities. Culverhouse College is thankful to have mutually beneficial relationships with external partners who collaborate with it to

Bidgood Hall on The University of Alabama campus.

create these unique learning experiences.

Communities across the nation are experiencing revival, and Alabama’s own are leading the way. A resurgence of investing in downtown buildings and infrastructure has cleared the way for new businesses in and around Montgomery and the capital’s larger metro area. While growth and development are exciting, they need to be fostered to continue their benefit to the community. Alabama universities are impacting communities by working with small businesses, large corporations and entire industries to train workers and continue economic growth. Universities offer access to resources that many private sector partners cannot. One great example is The EDGE: Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, a joint initiative between The University of Alabama, City of Tuscaloosa and The Chamber of Commerce

Boeing Bootcamp at the University of Alabama.

of West Alabama. Through high-tech work and collaboration spaces, The EDGE will benefit entrepreneurs and the regional economy. The University of Alabama’s Gadsden Center is now host to the new Community Development Institute Southeast (CDI Southeast), which moves higher education beyond degrees by training individuals to ad-

The

In February 2018, Culverhouse, in collabo-

will benefit entrepreneurs and the regional economy.

ration with The Boeing Company, offered

EDGE

dress specific challenges within their community.

a bootcamp experience to 28 sophomores and juniors. Over the course of an afternoon, the group worked through a simulation to acquire and build a helicopter.

Dr. Skip Campbell, Executive Director of CDI Southeast, is a native Alabamian with decades of experience in corporate and higher education work. He likens communities to families, acknowledging while each is unique, their problems and issues are similar. Dr. Campbell notes that a goal of the Community Development Institute is to network these community leaders to share and learn together as well as from each other. “I believe that giving back in the form of community and economic development is one of the University’s core responsibilities and is one of our core values. As a public institution, we owe it to our communities to help them thrive,” he said. CDI Southeast participation is open to anyone seeking to impact social and economic development in their communities.

Research shows that students are looking for hands-on learning, real-world experience and personal connections. Culverhouse faculty and staff are delivering this by working with students and employers to craft new ways of learning, inside and outside the classroom, that challenge students’ assumptions and better prepare them to be effective employees when they graduate. Learn more at culverhouse.ua.edu/exl.

More information and registration is available at CDISoutheast.ua.edu. 27 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS UAB SCHOOL OF MEDICINE CREATES CONNECTIONS IN MONTGOMERY

Troy Montgomery

When Palee Myrex began her third year of medical school at the UAB School of Medicine Montgomery Regional Medical Campus in 2017, she never envisioned Montgomery would feel like her second home. “I had zero connections to Montgomery. I was in Birmingham for the first two years of medical school, completed my undergraduate studies in Tusca-

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY AT TROY MONTGOMERY

loosa and participated in a pre-medical summer internship in Huntsville,” said Myrex, who graduated from the UAB School of Medicine this spring and will start her residency in family medicine at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill this fall. “After training in Montgomery, I feel so plugged in to the community. I made a lot of new friends, and I took care of many amazing people. Montgomery feels like another home to me.” The Montgomery campus became the UAB School of Medicine’s newest regional medical campus in 2014, and it has quickly become an economic asset for the city. “Having a medical school in Montgomery is the equivalent of landing a major new industry,” said Lee Ellis, former chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Montgomery’s business community is optimistic about the impact the campus may bring. The hope is that students who train at the Montgomery Regional Medical Campus will be inspired to launch their medical careers in the River Region, an outcome that not only will alleviate a looming physician shortage but will also bring in new revenue

Many students choose Troy University for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs

Palee Myrex

and availability of financial aid, as well as its

with physicians buying houses and establishing medical offices in the area. “Before training here, I would never have considered Montgomery as a place to practice medicine,” said Myrex. “Now, it has opened new

outstanding faculty and flexible in-class, online and blended class offerings. While students on the Troy Campus enjoy a traditional college experience, adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Montgomery, Dothan and Phenix City, as well as locations around

avenues for me.”

the world and online.

Those avenues were opened

Day, night and weekend classes structured in

thanks in large part to the enthusiasm with which the community has embraced the medical amazing support from the community, and the welcomed with open arms,” says Gustavo Heudebert, M.D., interim dean for the Montgomery

vide convenient academic opportunities

Through its partnerships with local government and the business community,

students. “We receive such

students are always

five nine-week terms throughout the year pro-

TROY MONTGOMERY

provides working professionals the opportunity to advance their careers while also advancing the city and the region.

campus. “We’re so thankful to Baptist Health and all our Montgomery area community partners for going out of their way to support our students. We are especially grateful to our local physicians, who are the

for students who are often balancing work, family and pursuing their career goals and dreams. Students at Troy Montgomery find degree programs in high-demand fields such as social work, human resource management, computer science, psychology, counseling,

nursing and adult education. In fall 2018, students in the River Region can also pursue a bachelor of science in occupational education, a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and an adult education certif-

backbone of this program.”

icate in the area of workforce development.

Learn more at uab.edu/medicine/montgomery.

committed to equipping students with the tools

29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Troy University’s dedicated faculty and staff are necessary for success.

HIGHER EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS Trenholm State Renovates Multiple Buildings with an Eye on the Future To respond to studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs, Trenholm State is close to completing nearly $13 million in renovations. The newly renovated campus facilities are bringing a renewed sense of institutional pride that resonates among current and prospective students, faculty and alumni. Numerous campus buildings underwent renovations, with some of the most dramatic changes occurring on the Patterson Campus, Students now have access to the latest academic facilities and amenities with technology-rich classrooms, laboratories and infrastructure that will improve student engagement, achievement and well-being. Students also enjoy

Trenholm completing nearly

$13 Million

student-centered common areas that encourage learning

in campus renovations.

beyond the classroom. Plus, faculty, staff and students can take

The renovations are enhancing the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to attract students in an increasingly competitive marketplace and allow it to deliver individualized services.

part in campus activities in the new auditorium with a seating capacity of 240.

Additional construction projects include the library, classroom upgrades for Computer Information Systems and Air Conditioning

On the Trenholm Campus, renovations include a new home for the

and Refrigeration programs, which are scheduled to be completed

biology lab, Medical Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical

in January 2019. The renovations at Trenholm State will continue to

Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, Dental Assisting and Medical

transform teaching and learning for decades.

Assisting programs.

30 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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WHAT IS IN A DEGREE? Why a college education is still relevant. With tuition expenses on the rise year after year, and TV personalities criticizing the higher education system, many are asking, “What’s the point of a college degree anymore?” We even see highly publicized stories about successful entrepreneurs who never finished college. While it’s tempting to fall for the idea that college education is unnecessary, these stories are sensational because they’re the exception, not the rule. College graduates have an easier time finding a job. According to a 2017 CareerBuilder survey, 38 percent of

Median lifetime earnings increase by

employers have raised their education requirements over the last five years. Further, 41 percent of employ-

$403,000

ers are hiring college-educated employees for roles

with a master’s degree

that had historically been held by those with only high school diplomas, and 33 percent are hiring master’s educated employees for positions that had previously been held by those with a four-year degree.

insurance, as compared to just 53 percent of high school graduates.

Beyond finding a job, a college degree helps graduates find a higher-paying job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly salary of a college graduate is usually around double that of someone who holds only a high school diploma. And based on a recent report, the median earnings throughout a lifetime increase with each degree (a $721,000 increase from high school diploma to bachelor’s degree, and a $403,000 increase from bachelor’s to master’s degree).

College graduates are also more likely to receive other premium benefits from their employers such as a retirement matching, childcare, paid time off and — to help employees continue their advancement — tuition reimbursement. The University of Alabama offers affordable and flexible options that allow people in all stages of life continue their education. With many degree programs offered completely online, UA’s Bama By Distance provides a path for people to enhance knowledge and boost their

Finally, a college degree can also help people attain better employer benefits and improve their family’s quality of life. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 75 percent of college graduates are offered health

career by earning an advanced degree from a name you know. Learn how you can rise with the Tide by contacting uadistance@ua.edu.

GRADUATE DEGREES GROW IN IMPORTANCE TO EMPLOYERS Auburn University at Montgomery offers new programs in competitive fields

18%

of all jobs will require a master’s by 2022 US Bureau of

For decades, professionals with under-

With its deep roots in serving the business

administration, and

graduate degrees could expect robust and

community in the River Region and the state,

business and manage-

growing careers. The landscape, however,

Auburn University at Montgomery is keenly

ment. AUM has also adapted its delivery to

may be changing — dramatically for some

aware of the need to prepare new entrants

include more than 20 fully online degree

— as employers increase their demand for a

to the employee pool and to serve others

programs, in addition to its hybrid programs

workforce with advanced degrees. Here are

while they actively work in their fields.

and standard flexible on-campus classes.

some numbers:

The university’s approach to the changing

• 38%

of employers are looking for more educated workers (Career Builder 2017).

• 35%

Average salary increase for your earnings with a master’s degree.

Labor Statistics

landscape has been the addition of new

As Alabama and the River Region continue

programs and updated curricula in some of

to advance into new economic opportuni-

the fastest growing and competitive fields —

ties, employees will have to look harder at

information technology, computer science,

advanced degrees as a way to meet the skill

cyber security, criminal justice, medical and

levels needed to compete and succeed in

nursing practice and administration, public

the changing employment landscape.

31 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

VESTOR IN

OFIL

Q&A

BETH WALKER MCBRIDE For Beth Walker McBride, following in her mother’s footsteps and running her family’s staffing company, WorkForce Walker Personnel, as Vice President and co-owner (with her mom) has brought many rewards. But her favorite part of what she does is connecting with people and contributing to their success. When was WorkForce Walker Personnel Question? Answer. founded? My family started this business in April 1957.

Any recent milestones or honors? The biggest

It was called Job Center then and was located on Dexter

woman-owned business. We have consistently been voted

thing is that we are celebrating 61 years, and that we are a

Avenue. We moved to our location on Arba Street in 1995.

the best staffing agency here in The Montgomery Advertis-

We’ve been in business now for 61 years.

er’s Readers’ Choice awards.

How long have you been with the company? I feel like I’ve been in this business my entire life, but I’ve

What factors have led to the company’s longevity? I attribute our 61 years of success to my mom and her

been in my current position for 21 years.

success. She has been a true role model for me, and I feel so very blessed to have an opportunity to partner with her in

What is WorkForce Walker Personnel’s primary service? We help people find their career

this business. The main thing she taught me was her strong

path and go through career changes, and we work closely

she never missed a beat.

work ethic. She raised five kids while working full time and

with our employer clients to find solutions to their everyday staffing needs. We have two divisions: Walker is our clerical

What do you love most about your job? Every-

and professional division, and Workforce is our industrial

thing. This is a people business, and I love having oppor-

division. We offer a wide variety of placement options to our

tunities to work with people from all walks of life. It is a

clients including direct hire placements as well as tempo-

very rewarding business too. I get to help people with their

rary-to-permanent placement and temporary placement.

career paths. I love walking into a business and having

And we staff positions from professional and management

someone stop me and say, “Your company got me my job

to administration and industrial across a very wide variety of

and I’m so happy here.” That is why I do what I do.

industries and sectors.

Approximately how many people does the company place in jobs in a year? The number var-

What are your impressions of the business climate in Montgomery? I think Montgomery is going in the right direction. As a member of The Chairman’s Circle,

ies from year to year, but we have placed as many as 4,000

I have had the opportunity to watch our leaders at work, and

in a year. On average it is around 2,500 or greater.

I am pleased with their efforts to foster current businesses and bring new ones here. I think the continued revitalization

What are the advantages of using a staffing agency for employers? We save our clients valuable

of downtown is really exciting.

time and money by utilizing our many resources and our

What are your interests outside of work? My

expertise gained over six decades of doing this. And we

family. My husband and I are blessed with three children

customize our service around each client’s needs.

and eight wonderful grandchildren, and I love spending time

What are the advantages for job seekers? We

son. We are a big football family, Roll Tide. We are actually

can get them in front of the right people. We often have job

a divided family; there are a few Auburn fans among us. But

positions available that have not been posted. And we’re ex-

we all get along fine, even in the fall.

with them. I love anything outdoors, and I love football sea-

perienced at matching qualifications with the right opening.

32 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT FOUTS

PO WERHOUSE

Cheers to Mom “I attribute our 61 years of success to my mom and her success. She has been a true role model for me, and I feel so very blessed to have an opportunity to partner with her in this business.”

“

“ I love walking into a business and having someone stop me and say, ‘Your company got me my job and I’m so happy here.’ That is why I do what I do.”

33 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

M EM BE R profile

MARCIA WOODARD Marcia Woodard, Director of The Montgomery Zoo, has been an integral part of multiple milestones and accomplishments. But she’s not done yet.

How long have you been with The Montgomery Zoo? I began in 1994 as the Marketing and Public Relations Manager. In 1998, I was promoted to Assistant Zoo Director, Administration, then to Deputy Zoo Director in 2001 and named Director in 2018.

What does your job entail? I am responsible for the supervision and management of the zoo including all animal-care operations, exhibit facilities management, marketing and public relations management, visitor services management and administrative management. I spearhead the long-range plans for exhibit design and funding and prepare, monitor and administer a multi-million dollar budget.

What’s something interesting about the zoo that Montgomerians may not know? Many people are surprised to learn that we trade animals with many other zoological facilities. We keep detailed records through an animal management program. Also, many animal species have a coordinator assigned to them that makes recommendations for breeding based upon the animal’s genetic make-up.

Any recent milestones? The Montgomery Zoo continues to be in the Top 10 attractions for the State

Coming Soon:

of Alabama. In 2017, we were No. 8 on the list.

With the successful completion of the campaign to

What are your interests outside of work?

build Stingray Bay, Woodard

I love spending time with my family, especially my

and her team recently began

1-year old grandson. I also enjoy traveling to fun and

raising funds for a new Reptile

relaxing places and volunteering with my church.

Exhibit at the zoo.

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of? The zoo is a Department of the City of Montgomery, and we use our earned revenues to offset our istering the zoo’s budget, the zoo was earning 30 percent of its budget. By adding attractions and being diligent, the zoo now earns 70 percent of its budget, and the City provides 30 percent. montgomeryzoo.com

34 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

operating budget. When I first got involved admin-

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

WorkForce “Since 1957” Walker Personnel, LLC

Over 61 Years

of serving the River Region! Call us for all your staffing needs! PROFESSIONAL

CLERICAL

35 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

INDUSTRIAL

M EM BE R profile

CHARLES LEE Through his non-profit That’s My Child, Charles Lee is giving area young people the security and skills needed to excel and make positive contributions to our community.

What is the mission of That’s My Child? To mentor youth through arts and entrepreneurship while giving them a safe place to develop talent and learn new skills to become tomorrow’s productive citizens.

How do you go about fulfilling this mission? We offer a number of programs and initiatives that target high-need areas in our community. The Barbershop Book Club promotes literacy by placing bookshelves in barbershops that offer free haircuts to kids who check out the books and read. Our Gents to Gentlemen program mentors at-risk young men. We also run an after-school program centered on the arts in which we offer tutoring, performance arts, theater, visual and culinary arts, yoga, bucket drums and more. These programs inspire youth as they discover their talents and develop passionate career and life goals.

What motivated you to start That’s My Child? Growing up in the rough, gang-riddled streets of Chicago and later becoming incarcerated, I was inspired to donate my time and efforts to provide a family-like support system and “way out” for less fortunate teens. I believe that giving teens a positive outlet where they can learn skills and express themselves will give them an escape from their rough neighborhoods, help them to cope with trauma and ultimately, open doors for a better future. While still in Chicago, at age 13, I was shot, and that motivated my mother to relocate our family to Montgomery.

What’s your favorite thing about your work? Teaching kids how to become dreamers. I feel it’s a great honor to give kids dreams.

“I have prayed to be the ultimate example of hope by showing others through my life that it doesn’t matter where you come from or how you begin your journey, but with faith and hope mixed with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Please name an accomplishment that you are particularly proud of. I just finished a book that I’ve been working on for three years. So be on the lookout. ESTABLISHED 2012 thatsmychildmgm.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROBERTSON JR.

Setting an Example:

37 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

GiveBack

A HELPING PAW Many Montgomery businesses show their love for our furry friends

by MINNIE LAMBERTH

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE MONTGOMERY HUMANE SOCIETY.

by supporting the Montgomery Humane Society. /

Pets and people share the love at the annual FidoFest.

The Montgomery Humane Society works to prevent cruelty

that includes kids’ activities and onsite pet adoptions while

to animals by operating an animal shelter that takes in and

pet-related vendors display their goods and services. The

cares for homeless, abandoned and

center also sold t-shirts and coozies

unwanted animals and, through its

with the proceeds going to the

adoption center, helping healthy animals find new, loving homes.

True Love

Montgomery Humane Society. At the end of each year, The

This mission is just the right fit for The Shoppes at EastChase. The retail center is a pet-friendly place. Given this affinity for the community’s furry family members, it’s not surprising that the center sees the non-profit organization as a good

“Our

community is so good to us.”

- Lea Turbert, Montgomery Humane Society marketing and development manager

choice for its support. “We support

Shoppes at EastChase provides the space for MHS to raise funds by providing holiday giftwrapping. In addition, the center offers pet photos with Santa, and a portion of the proceeds from every photo package that includes a pet goes to the non-profit.

pets on property, so we feel like this is a natural partnership,” said marketing manager Suzanna Wasserman. “Animals can

The Montgomery Humane Society is an “open admission”

shop in 60 percent of our stores.”

shelter, meaning that the center accepts animals under any condition. As homeless, abandoned or unwanted animals

This support is shown in a variety of ways. In April, The Shop-

are received by the shelter, they are provided with spay and

pes at EastChase held its third annual FidoFest – a free event

neutering services and medical treatment.

38 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

FidoFest 2018 at The Shoppes at EastChase.

MHS also operates an adoption center for

or help with fundraisers. “Our community

healthy animals that places 4,000 to 5,000

is so good to us,” Turbert said. Among the

pets each year into caring homes.

support provided, MHS receives monetary donations, in-kind services and needed

“The Montgomery Humane Society is a vital

supplies. In fact, sometimes local business-

part of the community,” said MHS marketing

es conduct supply drives to help stock the

and development manager Lea Turbert.

center with materials to run its offices or

“Our residents can give a pet a second

take care of the animals. As an example,

chance when they adopt from our shelter.

Aldridge, Borden & Company conducted

Also, residents who can no longer take care

a supply drive for MHS in conjunction with

of their pet have a place where they can

the firm’s 100th anniversary. “We wanted to

bring them to get them in another loving

celebrate by giving back to the community,”

home. We keep the community safe by

said Charles Solomon, manager of informa-

taking vicious dogs off the street, and we

tion technology. “We asked our employees

educate the public on pet owner responsi-

to donate towels and newspaper. The firm

bility.”

purchased cleaning supplies.” The drive, conducted last February, was a resounding

MHS also operates a lost and found de-

success.

partment, which is vital for pets that have strayed from home. “Our deputies go out

Aldridge Borden also provides IT services

on calls and get them off the street,” Turbert

to MHS pro bono and regularly contributes

said. “We keep them five days. If they’re not

gently-used IT equipment to the organiza-

claimed, we process them for adoption.”

tion. In addition, several of the accounting firm’s members have served in a leadership

The organization has an education com-

role on the board of directors. Solomon is

ponent as well, which includes a program

past president of MHS and a current board

for schools called “Read to the Paw.” As an

member. “We love our pets and value the

effort to encourage young readers, a dog

organization’s contributions to our commu-

visits the classroom, and children practice

nity. We think it is a great organization, and

their reading skills while the dog lays on the

we’re happy to be able to support it in any

ground and listens. “Dogs do not judge,”

way,” Solomon said.

Turbert said. MHS also has a volunteer program where

You Can Help Too: The Montgomery Humane Society, located at 1150 John Overton Drive, welcomes contributions of the following items:

FOR THE ANIMALS: Rawhide or pig ears Dog and cat treats Dry puppy food Dry dog food Dry kitten food Dry cat food Hard chew toys (ex: Kongs) Animal crates and carriers Cat litter (prefer non-clumping) Pet shampoo Bath towels (new or used) Blankets (new or used) Newspaper (for lining cages) Shredded paper (long shreds) Bleach Laundry detergent (powder or liquid)

FOR THE OFFICE: Batteries (AAA, AA, C-Cell, and D-Cell) Garbage bags (13, 39, and 55 gallon) Paper (8.5×11) Aluminum cans for recycling

The Chamber wants to share

people from the community can volun-

the good news of businesses doing

teer to clean cages, walk dogs or foster

good. Please send story ideas to

animals, as well as assist at offsite events

jminiard@montgomerychamber.com.

39 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

VISIT MONTGOMERYHUMANE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

40 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

41 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

GiveBack

42 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

GiveBack

NEVERENDING STORY Sarah Beatty Buller and her husband Mark renovated and refurbished the historic Kress building downtown, letting the landmark add a new chapter to the capital city’s story and inviting residents and visitors to do the same.

LEFT: IMAGE BY JOHNATHON KOHN. RIGHT: COURTESY OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

She shared the motivation behind the transformation and the continuing vision.

What does the Kress building mean to you? The Kress building is community. It’s about stories, entrepreneurship and innovation. It gives me an appreciation for history and reminds me how many

Learn More. #SerquestMBJ

people have struggled and strived before. It humanizes things

Want to know more about the renovation of Kress?

for me. Our buildings contain and have absorbed so many things

Check out #SerquestMBJ on Facebook to watch a short

and movements of so many generations, their creative ideas and

video produced by Serquest, a local organization that helps non-profits

thoughts. They really are embedded in the walls. We have to

with their media and software needs to secure and source resources.

honor and preserve those elements. What was your first impression of Kress on Dexter? In 2012, most of lower Dexter Avenue was a ghost town, with the exception of some fantastic buildings that had just been developed by the Foshee family. Most of the buildings were derelict and empty, completely deserted. I just couldn’t believe it. I’m from Boston, Massachusetts, a place that also holds a lot of American history. I knew that so many extraordinary, transformative moments in our history happened here, so to see Dexter Avenue deserted and to see the buildings and the historical relevance just crumbling was really surprising.

What lessons does this provide to your kids? You have a personal responsibility for how you move into the world. You have an opportunity to be curious. They’ve definitely seen their parents commit themselves. When you’re in a position where you have the luxury to choose, you have a responsibility to help others. What do you think the future holds for Kress and the surrounding area? Dexter Avenue in my mind is one of the most important historical streets in America, and I do believe there will be a time that it will be a celebrated “main street USA” that also means so

What do you tell people who haven’t been to Montgomery? When friends visit Montgomery they say, “It was nothing like I thought it was.” That’s because there are these terribly old narratives that are not accurate. It doesn’t mean that at one point or another they did not reflect some component of history, but

much more. It carries so much more weight. It’s so interesting that Montgomery is almost the nation’s crucible for its challenges yet also that place that the conversations have happened and issues have been hashed out. We have to tap into that resilience.

P OW E R E D B Y

none of us should be painting one another with a broad brush. This country is as powerful and has been as successful as it is because we are a diverse country.

43 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

MyMGM

TAKING FLIGHT

/ by JAMES HADLEY GRIFFIN

A band with Montgomery roots is taking off in a big way and shining some of its spotlight back on its hometown.

Want more? Listen up to the sounds of Watch the Duck on watchtheduck.com. Like what you hear? Download their new album “Delayed Adulthood” on iTunes.

us was Looney’s on Friday nights,” Rankins said. The exposure to a wealth of new music inspired both to get involved in music any way they could. “Eighth grade is when I really started scratching my musical itch,” Montgomery has a long history of pro-

lives. Both lead vocalist Jesse Rankins and

Smith said. “I spent a lot of time at Bailey

ducing original musical voices. From the

DJ/percussionist Eddie Smith III claim that

Brothers growing up. On the weekends, I

country classics of Hank Williams to the

their very earliest influences were Prince

was dropped off there and would spend

romantic ballads of Nat King Cole and,

and Michael Jackson. “I feel like you have

hours learning how to work different key-

more recently, the aggressive rock of Trust

to start with them,” Smith said.

boards. Later I started cutting grass, and I

Company and trunk-rattling hip-hop of Doe

was able to buy my first keyboard. I knew

B, musical talent of all kinds thrives in our

But, when they hit junior high, their tastes

I had beats and sounds in my head, and I

streets and neighborhoods. Members of

rapidly broadened. “Eddie and I were from

wanted to do something about it. I would

Los Angeles-based group Watch the Duck

the same neighborhood, but we met at

go to S.N.A studios and hang around and

got their start here and went on to achieve

Baldwin Middle School, and that’s when we

learn what I was supposed to be doing.”

great success with their unusual and heart-

were exposed to everything,” Rankins said.

felt, yet danceable, songs. The group’s

“It was us getting out of our neighborhood

Being a shy kid, Smith admits that it wasn’t

name, highlighting their own work ethic and

and hearing everything from Nirvana and

until his senior year in high school that he

approach to songwriting, refers to a duck’s

Alanis Morissette to Red Hot Chili Peppers

worked up the courage to show his friends

ability to appear cool and calm as it glides

and Portishead. People that were just jam-

any of his music. And though already

across the water while, unseen beneath the

min’. It was all new to me.”

friends for many years, Smith and Rankins

water’s surface, it is paddling furiously.

didn’t start collaborating on music until Other crucial elements in the foundation of

they were both enrolled at Alabama A&M.

Some people call Watch the Duck’s music

their musical tastes came from tuning into

“That’s when we really became a crew,”

“alternative-R&B,” a hybrid genre uniting

local radio stations like Hot 105, listening to

Smith said. “We didn’t have a name at

elements of dubstep, trap and soul music.

albums at Camelot Music at the Montgom-

that time, but we all worked together and

This willingness to experiment and cross

ery Mall, and being regulars at the recently

shared equipment and came up with ideas

musical borders emerged early in their

closed Looney’s Super Skate. “The club to

together.”

44 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Don’t worry

about the Dry CLEANING. We’ll pick up where you left off.

“Eddie and I were from the same neighborhood, but we met at Baldwin Middle School, and that’s when we were exposed to everything.” Later, after moving to Atlanta and adopting the name Watch the Duck, they began to experience real professional success. In 2012, their single “Poppin’ Off” (and its subsequent video) was a big hit and caught the ear of renaissance-man producer Pharrell Williams who began to collaborate with them on a number of tracks and recently signed them to his label i am OTHER. Though their time now is spent largely on the East and West coasts, Smith and Rankins still consider themselves very much an Alabama group. “Alabama is like home base. It’s the center,” Rankins said. “I relate the world to Alabama. Not just musically, but in everything. Growing up in Alabama gave us a unique perspective on the world that really never leaves. It helps growing up in

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a place where everything is literally black-and-white, and there’s no gray area. So when you go out into the world, and find that it’s one big gray area, it helps you know where you stand.” And they intend to continue featuring Alabama in their work. “Somewhere in Alabama” is one of the songs off their new album, “Delayed Adulthood,” and there are plans to shoot the music

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video for it in Montgomery and other Alabama cities and feature local and state musicians. “I would like to see Montgomery, and Alabama in general, celebrate our own,” Rankins said. “We want this video to be special,” Smith added. “In entertainment, whenever they show Alabama, it tends to be period pieces, focused on the past. And though that’s very important, we want to show Alabama as it is today.”

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BEYOND BORDERS

LEARN MORE ABOUT TWO MGM COMPANIES THAT ARE INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN.

/ BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY 46 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Belize Coast Guard Headquarters, a HCS Group project

TAKE A LOOK AROUND THE CITY

“I REALLY LOVE THE KIDS I MEET IN ALL THESE PLACES. TO SEE THEM SMILE, TO SEE THEM APPRECIATE US BEING THERE AND THE THINGS WE ARE DOING TO HELP IS TRULY GRATIFYING.”

on any given day, and you’ll see, MGM is buzzing and bustling; there’s plenty of business getting done right here. But several companies based in the city do a lot of their work not just outside Montgomery, but also beyond U.S. borders. We talked to two of them to learn more about what they do, where they do it and how they do it amid the challenges often

- KENT HORNSBY, HCS GROUP

found in foreign countries. When Kent Hornsby started his Mont-

bed-down facilities for multiple jets, tanker

gomery-based electrical engineering and

planes and drones and much more.

consulting company HCS Group 10 years ago,

he knew he wanted to continue pursuing

When Caddell Construction was founded by

work outside of the United States. “I started

John and Joyce Caddell it was small too; its

working overseas in Panama in 1984, and that

first offices were in spare bedrooms of the

established my interest in it,” he said. One

couple’s house. But it’s been expanding ever

major motivation was the continual oppor-

since and today is one of the largest compa-

tunity to interact with diverse cultures. “I like

nies of its kind. It does some domestic work,

to be in and learn first-hand about different

but its international projects have become

places and people,” he said. Rod Ceasar, Vice

an increasingly large part of its business in

President, International Operations at Caddell

the last 10 years, as Terry Willis, Director of

Construction, which builds massive U.S. gov-

Marketing, explained. “Terrorist attacks in the

ernment complexes worldwide, shared similar

last few decades have shown the weaknesses

sentiments. “I have always enjoyed traveling to

of our U.S. embassies. There’s been a push

the various countries where we work and have

to make them safer, and it marked a complete

significantly broadened my own perspective

turn in philosophy,” he said. “It used to be that

and appreciation of other cultures. I also

embassies were places in these communities

derive satisfaction from bringing together the

that were open doors between cultures and

innumerable physical parts and pieces from all

countries, but after multiple attacks, every-

over required and then integrating them into

thing changed.” Since the emphasis on better

an effective team to produce a structure that

protection began, Caddell has dominated the

will stand for generations.”

market, building the majority of U.S. embassies and consulates in the last 15 years. And the

U.S. Embassy in Burundi constructed by Caddell Construction.

While HCS Group is relatively small, with

company is not slowing down. The business of

only 12 full-time employees, its reach is much

securing our embassies is ongoing; Willis be-

bigger thanks to a network of consultants that

lieves there’s enough work yet to do to keep

work with it across the globe. And its projects

things booming for another five to 10 years.

are huge; they include U.S. embassies, military

47 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

OF NOTE: CADDELL CONSTRUCTION HAS BUILT MORE THAN 30 U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES AND HAS A PORTFOLIO OF $11 BILLION-PLUS OF PROJECTS WORLDWIDE.Â A COMPLEX CURRENTLY BEING CONSTRUCTED IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, IS APPROACHING $790 MILLION.

MEET THE COMPANY:

HCS GROUP Y E A R FO U N D E D

2008

P R I M A R Y P R O D U C T/ S E R V I C E :

Electrical engineering, energy-related services such as micro-grid and renewable energy system design, technical energy audits and power system studies. CLIENTS:

The U.S. State Department, U.S. Military, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and more.

MEET THE COMPANY:

CADDELL CONSTRUCTION CO. Y E A R FO U N D E D

GLOBAL SCOPE:

Work done in more than 50 countries on five continents, including Panama, Columbia, Peru, Brazil, the Caribbean,

1983

P R I M A R Y P R O D U C T/ S E R V I C E :

the Galapagos Islands, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Venezuela,

General contracting, design/build, construction man-

Ecuador and more.

agement and preconstruction with expertise in tackling unique and difficult construction challenges.

OF NOTE: ONE INTERESTING RECENT PROJECT WAS A DRUG INTERDICTION BASE, A PLATFORM IN THE OCEAN, RIGHT OFF THE COAST OF NICARAGUA. HCS GROUP DESIGNED THE BASE AND THE ENERGY SUPPLY FOR IT USING WINDMILLS AND SOLAR PANELS.

CLIENTS:

The U.S. State Department, U.S. Military, NASA and more. GLOBAL SCOPE:

Work done on five continents and in countries including Mexico, Greece, Kenya, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nepal,

the Netherlands, Russia and more.

48 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

U.S. Embassy buildings in Santo Domingo and Beijing constructed by Caddell Construction.

Caddell erects entire communities on site

THE RISK IS REAL

with food service, laundry and entertainment

While Hornsby and Ceasar find work on

options for its workers. “We can have up to

foreign soil both personally satisfying and

1,000 people living and working there,” Willis

professionally profitable for their respective

said. “In the end, very few companies can do

companies, it is not without its challenges.

this type of work. It is too dangerous and too

Sometimes life and limb are at stake. “In

daunting.”

many of the areas we go into, we have to maintain up-to-date vaccinations to steer

In spite of all this, to date, all of Caddell’s

clear of diseases,” Hornsby said. “And I’ve

projects have been completed without major

been in three coups [in Venezuela and

incident or injury. “You simply cannot stop

Ecuador] and a couple of earthquakes.” He

paying attention to even the smallest detail

and his workers have to hire guards and

and our people are excellent at that,” Ceasar

their own drivers.

said. HCS has been equally fortunate. “We’ve overcome every obstacle in every

Caddell has done work in some of the most

available, so we have to get to know that

hostile and isolated spots on earth, and

environment and understand their shipping

Ceasar echoed Hornsby. “We have had a

capabilities,” Hornsby said. “These areas

project that started immediately after a coun-

don’t have a Walmart or Home Depot around

ON THE FLIPSIDE

try’s struggle for independence in a very

the corner.”

While the hurdles and hazards are real, so

instance,” Hornsby said.

are the rewards. And they go beyond dollars

uncertain environment; another experienced a rebel uprising during construction that

Being aware of and respectful of cultural

and cents, according to Hornsby. “I really

compromised supply routes,” he said. “We

differences is key, too. “My interpreters help

love the kids I meet in all these places,” he

have built projects in areas of high crime and

with language barriers, but you have to

said. “Kids are the same everywhere you go

violence, including countries where the drug

pay attention to customs and other cultural

and to see them smile, to see them appre-

cartels exerted considerable influence. Many

differences so you’re not offensive,” Hornsby

ciate us being there and the things we are

of our overseas projects have been in loca-

said. “When we are in the Middle East, we

doing to help is truly gratifying.”

tions with harsh climates, poisonous snakes,

really have to watch it there. Some places

contagious disease, dust and corrosive

are under Sharia law, so you have to be very

He’s equally fulfilled doing work that assists

soils.”

careful.”

our military. “We’ve done overseas work for our government, like bed-down facilities for

Administration issues can get complex too.

Hornsby and his employees are usually

military bases, and those are rewarding too,

“We’ve got to have the proper clearances,

in places for a short time, unlike Caddell;

to see our military in action and see what our

and visas and interpreters,” Hornsby said.

its teams are often on-site for months or

men and women in uniform do and the im-

“We have to stay in touch with the U.S. em-

even years. This, coupled with the sensitive

pact their presence overseas has,” he said.

bassy everywhere we go, often daily.”

nature of many of its projects, means added layers of planning and procedures. “We

HCS Group is also involved in Humanitarian

Conscientious consideration must be paid

have to use cleared American workers in

Assistance Program (HAT) projects adminis-

to logistics and resources, which are unique

some cases like locations holding classified

tered by the State Department that actually

to each location. “When we design for each

information,” Willis said. “So we have to find

bring very little profit but yield life-changing

area, we have to keep in mind what is locally

them and fly them in.” For many projects,

results. One is Power Africa. “We’re trying

49 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

to provide access to electricity for people in Africa without any,” Hornsby said. “It’s key because with power you bring communication and education that will lift these impoverished areas.” He and his team develop micro power

“THE ABILITY OF OUR PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR NATIONALITY, TO WORK TOGETHER IN ADJUSTING TO THE SUDDEN PROBLEMS THAT ARISE IN THIS TYPE OF WORK IS AMAZING.

son. “Our international project

- ROD CEASAR, VICE PRESIDENT,

to leave your own culture and

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AT

grids, often using wind, solar and

CADDELL CONSTRUCTION

other renewable energy sources.

deal, sometimes seven days a week, so they often don’t get to do much sightseeing,” he said. “You have to be able comfort to do these things, and it can be very isolating

HCS has helped with other HAT projects too, simple things like

teams have to work a great

and hard, hard work. But we have folks who really embrace

Ceasar said. “Caddell teams have worked in

building a bridge over a river, connecting

orphanages in Nepal, built basic housing for

a village with the outside world. “Things

poor families in Guinea, provided material

like that mean everything to these people,”

to support the efforts of the police force in

Ceasar added praise for Caddell’s interna-

Hornsby said.

Djibouti, supported local schools in Istan-

tional teams. “The ability of our people, re-

bul with donations of books and materials,

gardless of their nationality, to work together

Caddell carries a strong obligation to do

helped alleviate some of the suffering of the

in adjusting to the sudden problems that

community outreach wherever it works too,

homeless in Burundi, and the list could go on

arise in this type of work is amazing. These

using local workers to the fullest extent

and on.”

problems can be anything from adverse

the positives of it.”

weather affecting our material deliveries to

possible, providing training and mentorship and partnering with the State Department to

Even when the pros outweigh the cons, what

political events stopping work,” he said. “I

find ways to give back. “Caddell has brought

HCS and Caddell do can be dangerous and

also believe that Southerners have a natural

a slice of America and American generosity

is always demanding work. Willis stressed

patience and perseverance for this type of

to some very remote locations of the world,”

that it’s only suited for a specific type of per-

work.”

50 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

51 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS

Connect +

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

TEAM REPORT Chamber Research Team Rachel Madore, Director, Information Services, and Charlie Bass, Manager, Research, make up the Chamber’s Research Team and are the duo behind the scenes that finds and compiles the data needed to get our area’s economic development business done.

BY THE NUMBERS 64 active projects 23 current expansion projects 23 projects initiated 18 project visits

Charlie Bass and Rachel Madore

Please briefly explain what the Research Team does. We manage the

efit from what y’all do? We work the first stage of the industrial recruitment project.

research, data collection, industrial building/

If we cannot provide the data and site infor-

site development and GIS mapping efforts

mation, our community will be eliminated

for the Chamber. We are in the Corporate

from the competition for new jobs.

Development division of the Chamber, and we respond to all RFIs (request for information) from companies considering Montgomery as a business location as well

What one thing would you like MBJ readers to know about the work of your team? That we are a resource

as to those from existing companies in

for community information, including demo-

Montgomery considering a local expansion.

graphics and economic indicators.

37 companies visited By Business Retention Team

HMMA Invests

$388M

in Plant Expansion

We maintain an inventory of local industrial buildings and sites, and work with land-

Any recent major accomplishments?

owners to ensure that each site is develop-

One of our industrial sites was recently

ment-ready.

awarded the State of Alabama AdvantageSite designation. AdvanatgeSite is the

How does the local business community benefit from what y’all do?

State of Alabama’s industrial site readiness

We compile community statistics related

documentation.

program. This is a rigorous process of site

to the growth of area industries and local economic performance indicators. We also

What is your favorite part of your job?

assist local industrial landowners in their ef-

It is a privilege to present Montgomery’s

forts to prepare their sites for development.

advantages and benefits as a business location. Economic development is a team

How does the community at large ben-

effort, and we have a great team. 52 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

DIVERSITY THE SUMMIT Date SAVE

THE FUTURE: DIVERSITY. TALENT. INNOVATION

WEDNESDAY

OCTOBER 3, 2018

Internal Culture and Its Impact on External Culture Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

53 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

54 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

community and gave them an opportunity to learn about vari-

MEMBER EVENTS:

ous resources available to grow their business.

CUPCAKES AND COFFEE: POP UP WORKSHOP – MAY 2 at Jozettie’s Cupcakes II In conjunction with Small Business Week, Cupcakes and

APR 18

60 Minute Coffee at Newk’s Eatery Sponsored by

APR 26

Newk’s Eatery

Business After Hours at ASK

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

Coffee: A Pop-Up Workshop,

APRIL 12 at Wynlakes Golf

was an educational opportu-

& Country Club

nity to learn why trademarks

Sponsored by Regions Downtown

CONVERSATIONS:

MAY 3 at Common Bond

ROUNDTABLES FOR PROFES-

Brewers

SIONAL WOMEN, APRIL 25 at

Business and Brewskis was an

Wynlakes Golf & Country Club

after-work business-to-business

This speaker series features

event for people who enjoy a

professional women from

casual environment to meet

around the region. Valorie

like-minded business profes-

Lawson was the speaker for

sionals. Sponsored by Larry

April and spoke on How to Tell

Puckett Chevrolet

Your Story for Business. Lunch Sponsor River Region Dermatology

AMERICAN AIRLINES

& Laser

INAUGURAL FLIGHT,

EGGS & ISSUES WITH CONGRESSMAN MARTHA ROBY MAY 2 at the RSA Activity Center This exclusive and popular Eggs and Issues breakfast event featured Representative Martha Roby. Following her speech, Rep. Roby received the Spirit of Enterprise Award sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Alabama. The award was presented by U.S. Chamber Southeast Region Manager Brince Manning. Sponsored by Guardian Credit Union

JUNE 7 at the Montgomery ASU SBDC SMALL BUSINESS

Regional Airport

MIXER AND NSBX KICK OFF,

You can now fly MGM to DCA

APRIL 30 at Island Delight

(Reagan National Airport in

Jamaican Restaurant

Washington, D.C.) thanks to an

This kickoff event for National

American Airlines direct flight.

Small Business Week was open

Flight schedules are listed on

to small businesses within the

flymgm.com.

55 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Small Business Briefcase +

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

CALM & COLLECTED

/ by SERRAH NICHOLS

RECOVERING BAD DEBT Getting paid is an essential part of doing business, but dealing with delinquent bills can be tricky. How can small business owners best collect debts?

line between calm and collected? We’ve compiled a list of tips

moving from gentle to gradually more forceful to help small

Include a self-addressed

nored, and your messages

return envelope when

going unanswered, this

mailing out invoices.

website allows you to set

This is a simple, non-ag-

your number ID to what-

gressive way to make

ever you wish, increasing

USE AN EXPERT

things easier for clients to

your chances of speaking

mail checks and can help

to the client trying to duck

ensure it does not slip their

your calls.

Employ a collections agent. This is the most forceful method

mind—All they need is a

of debt collection and is often reserved for when you have

stamp, and it’s done!

Unfortunately, at some point, almost every business will have trouble collecting debt from clients. It seems almost impossible to get payments on time, or from some clients, at all. You want your money, but you also don’t want to destroy business relationships in the process. So how do you walk the

business owners get the money they’re owed. And if push comes to shove, here’s some advice on how to choose the right collections agent.

exhausted all other resources or the debt is 90-120 days past due. It is important to research collection agencies and choose one with knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and that abides by the laws. Consult the Better Business Bureau for ratings on any agency you are considering. As far as fees are concerned, most collections agencies only charge

26%

OF INVOICES OVER THREE MONTHS OLD ARE UNCOLLECTABLE. This increases to 70% uncollectable at six months and 90% at 12 months (US CENSUS BUREAU).

TIPS TO COLLECT

Before going to small claims or civil court, try these tips to get paid:

Instead of sending certified letters, send the

Send a statement with

letter inside a UPS or

invoice and the mid-

FedEx package requir-

month amount due

ing a signature. No one

circled in red. A heads-up

turns down a package, so

is always helpful.

you’ll be notified that they have received the letter.

Use the SquareUp app to provide another

Get a credit card on file.

method of payment for

Create a provision within

clients that may be in a

your contracts stating that

when they collect. Most fees are negotiable but typically range

bind and need to use a

you have the ability to draft

from 4 to 25 percent, depending on the size of the debt.

credit card. It’s not over-

from the client’s account

priced, and you can swipe

for overdue payments. In

the client’s card on your

addition to the provision,

phone. By using this meth-

get their routing and ac-

od, you get your money.

count number to draw from

“PERSISTENCE IS A KEY FACTOR IN SUCCESSFUL RESULTS. Most people know they owe the money, but it takes persistent follow up to get the debt recovered. Ask the agency how often they send out statements, emails and have phone conversations.” - MeKeisha Thomas, Principal Accountant, Inaugural Accounting Group

their account. This method

Change the way you

is aggressive, but when

show up on caller ID

dealing with repeat late-

with bluffmycall.com.

pay offenders, it ensures

If your calls are being ig-

you don’t get cheated.

56 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

57 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

Synovus/Sterling Bank Adds Wealth Advisor

AEGIS-Michaud Properties Welcomes New Agents

Rex Huxford has joined Synovus/Sterling Bank as private

Ann Michaud, Broker and Owner,

wealth advisor. He has 17 years of banking and private

announced the addition of three new

wealth management experience.

REALTORS® to the team of profes-

Huxford was previously vice president

sionals at AEGIS-Michaud Proper-

and private wealth advisor at Regions

ties, Inc. Nam Kim joins AEGIS with

Bank, managing a loan and deposit

20-plus years of experience in sales

portfolio of more than $100 million.

and marketing. Kim has worked as

Prior to that, he led the loans by

Marketing Director in a multi-national

phone team and later managed the

corporation in her home country of

collateral perfection department for

Korea. She is fluent in English and

the centralized loan operations group.

Korean and speaks some Japanese

Huxford received his bachelor’s degree from Troy University

and Chinese. Lee Goodwyn has

in Montgomery.

lived in Montgomery for most of

Nam Kim

Lee Goodwyn

her life and knows all that the River

Trustmark Promotes New Assistant Vice President Trustmark recently announced the

helping people is one of the driving forces that led her into a career in

promotion of Jason Kocher to Assis-

Real Estate. Linda Browder comes to

tant Vice President at its Montgomery

Linda Browder

AEGIS after retiring from a success-

Taylor Road office, where he serves

ful career as a Human Resources

as Branch Manager. Kocher has 21

Director and Relocation Expert. She

years of banking experience and

received her bachelor’s degree from

attended Auburn University. He is a

the University of Southern Colorado

member of the River Region United

and her master’s degree from Troy

Way Loaned Executives Program.

University.

Butler Snow Adds Attorney Abbott Jones has joined Butler Snow’s Birmingham office. Jones will practice with the firm’s pharmaceutical, medical device and health care litigation

ARC Realty Hires New Vice President of Marketing and Communications ARC Realty has welcomed Casey Patterson Porter as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for its River

group. “We are thrilled to welcome

Region office. The position was created to bring enhanced

Abbott to Butler Snow,” said Donald

marketing services and training to ARC REALTORS®. Porter

Clark, Jr., chairman of Butler Snow.

is from Fairhope, Alabama, and

“Her insight and experience in Ala-

comes to ARC with more than eight

bama will strengthen our team in Bir-

years of marketing experience,

mingham as well as our pharmaceu-

including a knowledge in real estate

tical, medical device and healthcare

technology, luxury real estate market-

litigation practice.” Jones joins Butler Snow from a private practice. She previously served as a clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and practiced for six years as an appellate attorney prior to that.

Region has to offer. Her love for

ing, brand management and agent development. Most recently, Porter was instrumental in helping an Alabama start-up brokerage grow from a single office into a regional market leader in five years.

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

for “Members on the Move” announcements.

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

60 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

Community

ranked sixth in the listing based on, “the quality of the program

Montgomery Zoo Director Retires; Assistant Director Will Continue His Legacy

and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings and reputation.” The Best Schools is an independent educational research publisher and is an organizational member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Their team reviewed all accredited online Master’s in Ministry degree programs in the U.S. to select the top six programs in the nation. They assessed each school’s characteristics, academic excellence in curriculum, strength of faculty scholarship, reputation, financial aid, range of degree programs and strength of online instruction methodology.

Achievements Mayor Todd Strange, Doug Goode and Charles Jinright.

Partners Realty VP Earns Coveted Designation

After 20 years of dedicated service to the Montgomery Zoo,

Mantooth has earned the Certified

Doug Goode has retired, leaving a legacy of tremendous growth

Commercial Investment Member

and expansion. Deputy Zoo Director, Marcia Woodard, was

(CCIM) designation. It is considered

named as Goode’s successor, effective April 20, 2018.

the gold standard in commercial

Partners Realty Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Reg

real estate. A Certified Commercial Goode began his career at the Montgomery Zoo in January of

Investment Member is a recognized

1994 as a zookeeper. He briefly left the zoo in 1997 to further his

expert in the disciplines of com-

management skills by becoming the Assistant Zoo Director of

mercial and investment real estate.

Zoo World in Panama City Beach, Florida. Eight months later, he

Mantooth was awarded the CCIM

made his way back home to become the Deputy Zoo Director

designation in April at the mid-year

and was promoted to Zoo Director in June 2001. Under Goode’s

governance meetings in Tampa Bay.

leadership, the Montgomery Zoo has seen tremendous growth,

Mantooth has been with Partners Realty for eight years and the

including the addition of several attractions.

last six years as vice president of commercial real estate.

New Zoo Director, Marcia Woodard, is also a longtime zoo

Bradley Attorneys and Practice Areas Recognized

employee. She began her career at the Montgomery Zoo in October 1994 as the Marketing and Public Relations Director and was promoted to Assistant Zoo Director of Administration in 1998 before becoming Deputy Zoo Director in 2001. She is a member of Zoological Association of America and sits on the conference board and participates in many animal management programs. “Because of her long-term service and understanding of zoo management, Marcia was the logical choice to lead the Zoo following Doug’s retirement,” Scott Miller, Director of Leisure Services said. “Under her leadership, the Montgomery Zoo will continue to grow and build on the legacy Doug leaves behind.”

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP announced that 35 attorneys in the firm’s Birmingham office, two attorneys in the firm’s Huntsville office and eight firm practice areas have been highly ranked in Alabama in the 2018 edition of Chambers USA, the prestigious, independent referral directory for the legal industry.

ASU Board of Trustees Elects New Officers The Alabama State University Board of Trustees has a new chairman and vice chairwoman. On May 11, Darrell Hudson was elected by a vote of 9 to 5 to serve as head of the Board. The vote came as former chairwoman Alfreda Green’s term ended. Just minutes after being elected as chairman, Hudson assumed his new position and presided over the rest of the board meet-

Faulkner University Recognized Faulkner University was recently ranked among the top six schools in the nation for the Best Online Master’s in Ministry Pro-

ing, which included the election of Trustee Brenda Brown Hunter as vice chairwoman.

grams in 2018 according to The Best Schools. Faulkner’s Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry program was

61 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

CHAMBER NEWS Members in the News A Q U IC K LO O K AT O U R M EM B ER Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MAN Y ACCOMPLIS HMEN TS , AWARDS AN D HON ORS

62 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

Faulkner Law Ranked Among Nation’s Best Faulkner Law’s trial advocacy program recently moved up in the rankings of the nation’s best programs by US News and World Report for 2019. Faulkner Law’s advocacy program moved up two positions from last year’s rankings and is now tied with Stanford Law School. The program is ranked 15th among the nation’s 204 ABA Approved law schools. Faulkner Law’s Advocacy Program, directed by Professor Joe Lester, earned its ranking by cultivating a reputation of excellence in advocacy training among educators, practitioners and judges. Left to Right:: Tony Snead, David Carroll, Timothy Bibb, Jerry Kocan, Nick Smith and Scott Dixon.

Four Star Freightliner Apprentice Program Welcomes Grads

Local PR Pro Wins Statewide Award Lori M. Quiller, APR, recently received the 2018 Philip R. Forrest Jr. Professional Achievement Award during the Public Relations

Two Montgomery trainees are officially Four Star Freightliner diesel

Council of Alabama’s annual conference in Huntsville. The Forrest

technicians after graduating from the company’s apprentice pro-

Award is the highest annual honor bestowed by the organization to

gram. Timothy Bibb and Nicholas Smith spent three months in train-

a single practitioner. The Forrest Award is given to recognize public

ing that included classwork and supervised, hands-on work in the

relations practitioners who are outstanding in the field of public

shop. The pair received guidance from experienced senior techni-

relations. This is the first year the Forrest Award has been received

cians as they applied their recently taught skills. After completing

by a professional in Montgomery since 2009. Quiller is the director

the program, trainees are offered a job at a Four Star dealership.

of communications and social media for the Medical Association

Bibb and Smith now work at the Montgomery dealership.

of the State of Alabama. She has been in public relations for more

63 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

than 20 years. As PRCA’s 2018 Forrest Award recipient, she will

Association’s Get With

now move on to the regional competition, SPRF’s Professional

The Guidelines-Stroke

Achievement Award.

initiative,” said Debbie Cardwell of the Ameri-

Girl Scouts Announce 2018 Honors

can Heart Association. “The tools and resources provided help track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

Montgomery Catholic Names 2018 Service Award Winner Col. Jack Lauer (Retired) was honored by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School on May 7 as the 2018 Charlie Harbin DistinGirl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) announced Jannah Bailey, Executive Director of Child Protect as the 2018 Leading Lady and Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank) as the 2018 Leading Workplace for Women. More than 170 people gathered to honor the 12 Leading Ladies and four Leading Workplaces who were nominated by the community at Wynlakes Country Club on April 17.

guished Service Award winner for his service to the school. The Award was established by the Harbin family and is awarded by the school to recognize those selfless individuals who have

Awards & Honors

significantly served Montgomery Catholic

ASU Faculty Honored The Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) recently

Preparatory School

presented two Alabama State University faculty members with

and exemplified its values in

its 2018 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award. The winners are Dr.

their lives. The 22nd recipient

Sara Bliss Kiser, chapter advisor of the Alabama State University

of the Harbin Award, Col. Lauer has served Montgomery Catholic

student chapter of the Society for Advancement of Manage-

Preparatory School in a variety of ways over the last 10 years.

Col. Jack Lauer (center) with son Kevin Lauer ‘88 and daughter Kim L. ‘84 Martin.

ment, and Dr. Tammy Prater, co-advisor. According to the society presenting the award, both Kiser and Prater have demonstrated a commitment to management excellence, mentoring and the development of their chapter members.

River Bank & Trust Named an Auburn University “Top Tiger” Business River Bank & Trust was honored at a luncheon in April, where Au-

Baptist South Receives Award for Achievement

burn University recognized the bank as one of 2018’s “Top Tiger” companies, the fastest-growing companies founded, owned

Baptist Medical Center South has received the American

or led by Auburn University alumni. The “Top Tiger” program

Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The

is presented by Auburn University’s Harbert College of Busi-

Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The

ness and Business Alabama magazine. River Bank & Trust was

award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke

formed and is led by 1985 Auburn University graduate Jimmy

patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to

Stubbs. Founded in 2006, the bank has grown to be one of the

nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the

largest community banks in Alabama. This is the fourth year the

latest scientific evidence. Baptist South earned the award by

company has been recognized. “Being named to the 2018 class

meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis

of Auburn’s “Top Tigers” is a proud moment and is the result of a

and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated

great team, a supportive board of directors, and our commitment

period. “Baptist South is dedicated to improving the quality of

to always putting our clients’ interests first,” said Stubbs.

care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart 64 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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911 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334.270.0605

6/6/18 11:58 AM

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

BI G NE WS:

Faulkner University Strengthens Friendship with Chinese Partners An international friendship that has remained strong for nearly a decade was made evident again as Faulkner University hosted three professors from Xiangyang,

HMMA Invests

$388M

in Plant Expansion

China in May. The visit was a part of a cultural exchange program between Faulkner University and Xiangyang Vocational and Technical College (XVTC), which began in 2010. Following a welcome luncheon, the Chinese guests enjoyed a week of activities, which included touring the Faulkner campus; touring the capitol, the Rosa Parks

Local elected officials and business leaders joined with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in late May to celebrate the announcement by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Expanding

Museum and other historic sites downtown; eating American and Southern meals; and gathering with Faulkner faculty, staff and graduates for a cookout and singing. At a

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC President and CEO Dong Ryeol Choi

farewell luncheon, Mr. Yu gave traditional

announced that Hyundai is investing $388 million to construct a plant dedicated to man-

gifts of Chinese fans, intricate paper cut-

ufacturing engine heads and to enhance existing operations and support production of

tings and hand-embroidered coasters to the

new models of Sonata and Elantra sedans. The investment will create 50 new jobs.

administrators and faculty present. Faulkner University President Mike Williams present-

HMMA is preparing for the next-generation Theta III engine, which requires new tech-

ed Yu, Zhang and Wang with Faulkner pens,

nologies and components as a part of its assembly process. The capital investment will

pins, notebooks and medallions commemo-

be spent on equipment for the engine head machining plant and updating technology

rating Faulkner’s 75th anniversary.

in an existing engine plant. “With our latest expansion, HMMA continues to show its strong commitment to the people of Montgomery and the people of Alabama,” Hyundai

Equality for All

President and CEO Dong Ryeol Choi said at the announcement. “Hyundai is continuing

Montgomery Pride United is a 501(3c)

its track record of investing in new manufacturing technologies to ensure the long-term

non-profit and a new member to the Cham-

success of our only U.S. assembly plant.”

ber. They are here to join the pride forces of Montgomery in order to more effectively

“Montgomery remains deeply committed to its partnership with Hyundai Motor Manufac-

strive for equality for all. While focused on

turing Alabama and is honored to see its continued growth and expansion here in the

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer

River Region,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean. “Partnership

(LGBTQ+) issues in the city and state, the

and teamwork fuel economic growth, and we are grateful for partners like Hyundai Mo-

organization welcomes all into its ranks

tor Manufacturing Alabama, whose long-term, expanding investment in this area drives

including friends, families and allies. They

significant impact on the region,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.

lead an annual festival known as Montgomery Pride that highlights the LGBTQ+ com-

It will cost approximately $40 million to construct the 260,000-square-foot building that

munity’s contributions to, and alliances in,

will house the head machining equipment. Construction on the engine head machining

the broader Montgomery family. Montgom-

plant is scheduled to be completed in November 2018. HMMA will begin producing the

ery Pride United works with newcomers

Theta III engine by mid-2019 for Sonata sedans and Santa Fe crossover utility vehicles.

to the city for job training and placement.

HMMA will continue to build the 2.0-liter Nu engine for Elantra sedans at its manufactur-

Additionally, they work with employers to

ing facility in Montgomery.

help address LGBTQ+ specific issues. The future is bright in Montgomery, and it looks

“We are so very honored that Hyundai has once again chosen to significantly invest in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama,” said Judge Charles Price, 2018 chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. 66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

to be in the many shades of the rainbow.

B U S I N E SS BUZZ Focus

Montgomery Internet Exchange News In late May, Alabama State University joined a booming list of technology leaders, broadband providers and innovators connected to the Montgomery Internet Exchange (MGMix), amid its restructure into a private-sector, nonprofit governance that unleashes its potential. “ASU has joined the Montgomery Internet Exchange because of the primary mission at this university, which is to benefit our students and to expand the ‘font’ of intellectual knowledge for them, and for our faculty, staff and our 150-year-old institution of higher learning,” ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. said. Membership in MGMix can mean blazing fast internet speeds, cutting-edge security and enhanced connectivity. It can also lead to lower operations costs and superior bandwidth. MGMix is an open exchange led by a visionary collaboration among the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, research universities, Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base and the Cyber College of the Air Force. It came online in 2016 as the first internet exchange point in Alabama and one of four in the Southeast. “We cannot overstate the Exchange’s role in expanding industry in the River Region and across the state by putting Montgomery on the map – literally – of the internet’s backbone,” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said. In addition to ASU, veteran-owned, Montgomery-based wireless broadband company, WISE Broadband, signed an agreement to connect to MGMix. Packet Clearing House (PCH), which provides two of MGMix’s four ROOT DNS server instances, increased its investment in Montgomery’s exchange. More growth can be expected as a new nonprofit formed to manage the Exchange gives more leeway to recruit and retain members. It also signifies a milestone in the River Region’s Smart City/Smart Base strategy.

67 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

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

MAX4Kids Awards Scholarships The accomplishments of 11 high school seniors were recognized by the MAX4Kids Foundation at a scholarship reception on May 3, in MAX’s Eastdale Community Room. The 11 seniors from Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore and Lee counties were selected from nearly 80 applicants representing 25 different schools. MAX4Kids is awarding $55,000 in scholarships this year. The students are: Jennifer Arce, Trinity

BIRD I E S FOR BA B I E S

Christian School; Jay Haygens, Marbury High School; Madolynn Headley, Lowndes Academy; Sloan Hicks, Marbury High School; Jailyn Holt, LAMP; JaKaylan Ivey, Brewbaker Technology

Golf Tournament Benefits Baptist Health Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Magnet High School; Nicole Jackson,

The 23rd Annual Birdies for Babies Golf Tournament was held on April 17 at The Montgomery

Stanhope Elmore High School; Caitlin

Country Club and on April 18 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. This annual tournament

Koterba, Prattville High School; Da’Ken-

raises funds for the Baptist Health Neonatal Intensive Care Units, having raised more than

drick Patterson, Brewbaker Technology

$1.7 million in total contributions during the life of the tournament. More than 750 babies are

Magnet High School; India Richardson,

admitted to the NICUs annually. This program is vital to helping premature and medically chal-

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High

lenged babies embark on a healthy life. From donations made through the Birdies for Babies

School; and Sharee Riggs, Wetumpka

Golf Tournament, the Baptist Health Care Foundation is able to provide the NICUs with new,

High School.

high-tech equipment and provide high quality technology to care for our youngest patients. With the support of numerous businesses and individuals, the tournament has become one of the premier golf events in the Montgomery area.

Hartzell Engine Technologies Completes New Websites

all the new websites and the enhanced features and user capabilities they will

Keith Bagley, President of Hartzell Engine

deliver to our customers around the world.”

Technologies (HET), recently announced

Bagley explained that the new product sites

that the company has completed the updat-

contain comprehensive application guides,

ing and rebranding of its corporate website,

specific service information, troubleshoot-

as well as creating new websites for all of

ing information, and, where applicable,

its five product lines, AeroForce turbocharg-

downloadable Supplemental Type Certifi-

er systems, Plane-Power alternators and

cate (STC) documentation. “Also, because

voltage regulators, Sky-Tec starters, Janitrol

our customers want to be able to access

Aero cabin heating systems and Fuelcraft

this information on their smartphones and

fuel pumps. “As you can well appreciate,

tablets, all of our redesigned websites are

the task of totally redesigning, rebranding

responsive for mobile devices,” he said. The

and rebuilding six individual websites was

new HET corporate website contains items

a tremendous undertaking by the Hartzell

of general interest including a Careers

Engine Technologies team and that of the

section that links to the company’s on-line

creative group at Jajo Inc.,” Bagley said.

employment application system.

“We are extremely proud of the look of 68 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

WANT YOUR NEWS IN THE MBJ? Submit information for consideration to Jina Miniard at jminiard@montgomerychamber.com. Please attach press releases as a Word document or a PDF (Word documents preferred), and please include high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) photos with your press release if possible.

SUBMISSION DEADLINES: SEPTEMBER ISSUE: AUG 9 NOVEMBER ISSUE: OCT 8

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

New Life for Pratt Continental Gin

Faulkner University Opening Pre-K Faulkner University will be opening Faulkner University Pre-K this fall. The university will be the site for two of Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program classrooms in an effort to increase the enrollment of 4-year-olds to 32 percent statewide. Faulkner University’s Leslie Cowell, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education, applied for the state grants to provide Pre-K classrooms in Montgomery and was approved. She will serve as the director of the Pre-K program. “There’s no other site like this anywhere around Faulkner University,” Cowell said. “This is a perfect opportunity to serve the community.” Beginning this fall, a total of 32 4-year-olds will be able to come and learn at Faulkner University Pre-K. Only six other new classrooms were approved for the Montgomery area. Tuition is free and families must live in Alabama.

Thanks in part to historic tax credits, the Pratt Gin Co. factory, built in 1898, is slated to become a 145-loft development, planned by the Montgomery office of Memphis-based LEDIC Realty Co. It is one of 12 properties and projects recently approved by The Alabama Historical Commission for a special tax credit. The 2017 Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit offers a 25-percent tax credit to private homeowners and owners of commercial properties who substantially rehabilitate historic

AMEA Awards Scholarships

properties that are listed in or eligible for

Forty-four high school seniors will enroll in a four-year college/university, community

the National Register of Historic Places

college and/or vocational school in Alabama this year with help from the Alabama

and are 60 years old or older. The historic

Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) and its 11 members through the 2018 AMEA

tax credits generate jobs, increase the tax

Scholarship Program. Each of the 44 scholarship recipients will receive a $2,500

base and help the state to reclaim some of

scholarship for a total of $110,000 awarded in this year’s program. AMEA and its

its most important architecture. The total

members have provided more than $2 million in scholarships to the graduating high

amount allocated to the 12 approved proj-

school seniors who receive their electric service from AMEA Members.

ects in this year’s program is $12 million.

69 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

MACOA Recruiting Volunteers The Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) recently announced a new volunteer opportunity known as MACOA Meal Makers that allows groups and individuals to contribute to Meals on Wheels even if they cannot drive a route. MACOA Meal Makers prepare the meals that Meals on Wheels drivers deliver to homebound seniors on weekdays. Cooking skills are not required. Volunteers simply assist MACOA kitchen staff

Farmers Market Opens for 2018

Penton Farms as well as new vendors. On the

The Shoppes at EastChase opened its 14th An-

last Saturday of each month, the Market will

nual Farmers Market in mid-May. The Shoppes

feature rotating Alabama makers, children’s ac-

at EastChase Farmers Market has grown every

tivities and the very popular 'Garden Cart Give-

year and is now one of the top five largest

away’ with large prizes from featured vendors.

markets in Alabama. Several popular farms are

The market is held every Saturday through

scheduled to make their return including Aplin

September 29, from 7 a.m. until noon.

with packaging meals. Volunteers may choose to participate weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually based on their schedule. It is perfect for businesses, civic organizations, church groups, students and anyone looking for a service project or team-building experience.

Farms, Alabama Sweet Tea Company and

N OW O P E N Williams Loving Care Opens Office Williams Loving Care, a nonmedical homecare business, has moved from a home-based com-

Williams Loving Care serves clients in the River Region, Selma and Lower Alabama.

pany to an office at Alcazar Shrine Center in

Sterling Bank Transitions to Synovus

eight months. The company, which was formed

Sterling Bank recently began moving to the

last June, now occupies about 500 square

Synovus name and concluded the total brand

More Than 80 Volunteers Get the Zoo Ready for Summer

feet in unit room 6 adjacent to the main Shrine

transition, which included signage and more,

On May 5, more than 80 people

center. “We are growing one caregiver at a time

in June. “We’ve been part of Synovus for more

volunteered at The Montgomery Zoo

and one client at a time,” said owner Nancy

than 25 years, and we’re proud of our reputa-

and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

Williams. “Five years from now, I hope we’re

tion as a community-based and customer-fo-

for Serve Day to get the Zoo ready

in a bigger office and that we are impacting

cused bank in Montgomery and throughout

for summer guests. Tackling projects

the community in a brighter and better way.”

the River Region,” said Mark Snead, Synovus

from landscaping overhauls to gener-

Co-owner Terry Wofford said, “We are commu-

market executive for Montgomery. “Adopting

al cleanup, these volunteers worked

nity-oriented. We live and work in the communi-

the Synovus name while maintaining our local,

the equivalent of approximately 700

ty as well as have a business in the community.

relationship-centered delivery model will in-

man-hours. “Volunteers are critical to

If we see an opportunity to grow in another

crease awareness of our regional presence, our

the success of the Zoo. Without them

direction geographically or even expanding the

financial capabilities and our ability to meet the

we would not be able to continue

services we’re capable of – We’ll consider it.

needs of customers and prospects.” Sterling

to expand programs and provide a

We are businesspeople, but we are dedicated

Bank was founded in Montgomery in 1989 and

memorable experience,” Zoo Director

to our business; improving our business; and

acquired by Synovus in 1992. The acquisition

Marcia Woodard said. “In one day we

contributing to our community.” The company,

was among more than 60 that would make

were able to accomplish what might

which is licensed, bonded and insured, has

Synovus one of the largest financial institutions

take our staff weeks to get done,”

eight employees and each caregiver under-

in the Southeast, with $31 billion in assets and a

Melanie Golson, Marketing and Public

goes a comprehensive background check.

presence in five states.

Relations Manager, explained.

70 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

Montgomery Nursing Home Recognizes Royalty

Four Star Freightliner Awards Scholarships To High School Seniors

Far away from the hustling and bustling

Four Star Freightliner’s Zachary Sizemore

for a glimpse of the recent royal wedding,

Memorial Scholarship Program recently named

a local nursing home celebrated a royal

the recipients for its second year. Four Star

occasion all its own. A new queen has

Freightliner Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan award-

taken reign at Capitol Hill Healthcare, and

ed scholarships to five students in memory of

her mission is to advocate for older peo-

Sizemore, a former Four Star employee. Size-

ple and long-term care. Annette Scott,

more, 32, worked in the accounting department

70, was chosen as the new Ms. Capitol

at Four Star Freightliner in Dothan. He lost his

Hill Healthcare and will help others learn

battle against cancer in 2016. The five recipi-

about the positives of living life in long-

ents include four children of Four Star employ-

term care. The former certified nursing

ees and one of Zack’s family members: Caiden

assistant for Good Samaritan Hospital

Mathis, GW Long High School in Skipperville,

in Selma was chosen during a pageant at Capitol Hill. Scott’s personality, winning smile,

Ala.; Bethany Granger, Prattville High School

background and presentation bowled over the judges, and she was chosen from a field of

in Prattville, Ala.; Alyssa Alexander, Slocomb

six competitors. During her reign, she will be an advocate for residents living at the facility

High School in Slocomb, Ala.; Taylor Morrison,

and help shine a positive light on living in long-term care communities. “We always want to

Northside Methodist Academy in Dothan, Ala.;

remind people that there’s a lot of living going on in long-term care. Being older or having

Alyssa Sizemore, Rehobeth High School in

a disability does not mean that life stops being meaningful or interesting,” facility adminis-

Rehobeth, Ala. Each student will receive a one-

trator Sharon Baker said. “We are so proud to have Ms. Scott represent us.”

time $1,000 award.

71 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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72 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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HYTECH SOLUTIONS

AT&T

6385 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-0179, www.hytech.solutions Darnell Hughley, Owner Computers-Sales/Services/Supplies

6609 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-332-5585, www.att.com Tray Taylor, District Manager Telecommunications

XIREPAIR

COMMON BOND BREWERS, LLC

8650 Minnie Brown Road, Ste. 205, Montgomery, AL 36117 334-707-6363, www.irepairmontgomery.com Jonathan Strange, Owner Cellular/Wireless Phone Services

424 Bibb Street, Suite #150, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-676-2287 Andrew McNally, President Bars-Specialized

BIBB STREET PIZZA

CHOSEN REALTY, LLC

424 Bibb Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-593-7080 Patrick Walters, Partner/Co-Owner Restaurants, Restaurants-Pizza

4269 Lomac Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 334-676-2273 Cassandra Andrews, Owner Real Estate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agents 73 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER NEWS Ribbon Cuttings C EL EB R AT IN G N EW & EXPAN DED BUS IN ESS ES

SAN MARCOS

ENCOMPASS HEALTH

9593 Vaughn Road, Pike Road, Alabama 36064 334-669-0411 Tony Herrera, Owner Restaurants, Restaurants – Mexican

4465 Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-284-7000, www.encompasshealth.com Randy Thompson, Chief Executive Officer Hospitals/Clinics

GULF COAST SUPPLY & MANUFACTURING

L.A.F. GAME COMPANY

861-B Plantation Way, Montgomery, AL 36117 888-393-0335, www.gulfcoastsupply.com Natalie Addison, Marketing Manager Roofing Companies

P.O. Box 240591, Montgomery, AL 36124 334-246-1108, www.lafgamco.com Julian Petty, Owner Attraction-Children’s Activities, Attractions–Sports & Recreation

NEW MEMBER?

NOW WHAT? Being a member of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is more than just paying dues and getting a decal. We provide connections, resources and solutions that help you grow your business

RIVER REGION GENERALS

and help grow Montgomery’s economy!

2025 Edinburgh Place, Montgomery, AL 36116 334-835-1600, www.riverregiongenerals.com Syreeta Bailey, CEO/Owner Attractions-Sports & Recreation, Sports-Amateur

GET CONNECTED TODAY. www.montgomerychamber.com/events

74 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

ADVERTISING

SNC Partners Chuck Glasscock 5925 Carmichael Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 868-5885 http://N2Pub.com

JULY NEW MEMBERS

ADVERTISING AGENCIES

SMI Advertising, Inc. Larry Stevens 2101 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 324 Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334-409-0022 www.smiadvertising.com AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE, AIRCRAFT SALES P REM IER AIRCRAFT SA L E S , I N C .

Lee Drumheller 4525 Selma Highway, Hangar 4 Montgomery, Alabama 36108 (334) 826-1660 www.flypas.com

Montgomery Clean City Commission Amanda Miller 317 North Hull Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 625-2175 www.mgmc3.com ATTRACTIONS-CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES, ATTRACTIONS-SPORTS & RECREATION, EVENT PROMOTIONS

LAF Julian Petty P.O. Box 240591 Montgomery, Alabama 36124 (334) 246-1108 www.lafgamco.com

AIRLINE

Via Airlines Don Bowman 4445 Selma Highway Montgomery, Alabama 36108 (407) 912-2892 www.flyviaair.com ASSOCIATIONS/NON-PROFIT

Boys & Girls Clubs Alabama Alliance Derrick Richardson P.O. Box 10391 Birmingham, Alabama 35202 (205) 744-3070 www.bgcal.org Montgomery AFCEA Chapter Tom Gwaltney 3966 Atlanta Highway, PMB 355 Montgomery, Alabama 36109 (334) 220-6532 www.afceamontgomery.org

AUTISM CONSULTING, COMMUNITY SERVICES/AGENCIES, ASSOCIATIONS/ NON-PROFIT

The Learning Tree, Inc Stephanie Weldon 2185 Normandy Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36116 (334) 252-0025 www.learning-tree.org AUTOMOBILE DEALERS-USED, AUTOMOBILE DEALERS SERVICES, AUTOMOBILE DEALERS-EXOTIC

MGM Auto Brokers, LLC Jimmy Adams 639 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 676-2886 www.mgmautobrokers.com

75 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BARS-SPECIALIZED

Common Bond Brewers, LLC Andrew McNally 424 Bibb Street, Suite #150 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 676-2287 BATH REMODELING, CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, HOME REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENTS, PLUMBING, REMODELING-RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Bath Innovations of Alabama Chris Klinner 2331 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 271-2723 www.bathinnovations.com CELLULAR/WIRELESS PHONE SERVICES

AT&T-Atlanta Highway Tray Taylor 6609 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 332-5585 www.primecomms.com CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES-RETAIL, RETAIL SHOPS/DISTRIBUTION

Buckelew’s, Inc. Thomas Buckelew 1617 Graham Street, Suite 101 Montgomery, Alabama 36106-1223 334-279-5147

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

COMPUTERS-SOFTWARE/ HARDWARE/CONSULTING, CONSULTING SERVICES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS, CONSULTING SERVICES

Wanda Jones 7956 Vaughn Road, Suite 138 Montgomery, Alabama 36116 (334) 294-6716 www.cdaconsultinginc.com

Stratice Consulting Scott Franklin 121 Coosa Street, Suite 240 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 416-8999 www.straticeconsulting.com

CONSULTING SERVICES

Nectar Bridge Gary Smith P.O. Box 680843 Prattville, Alabama 36068 (334) 595-9874 www.nectarbridge.com CONSULTING SERVICES, FOODS-SPECIALIZED, REAL ESTATE-DEVELOPERS

Subway Development Joseph Russell 3044 Boxwood Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36111 (251) 533-6468

CREDIT UNION

Hope Credit Union James Dill 400 Arba Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-834-7483 www.hopecu.org/locationsal/ montgomery-branch INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS

Datum Software, Inc. Jason Ryan 105 Tallapoosa Street, Suite 107 Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (850) 543-6952 www.datumsoftware.com

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS, CONSULTING SERVICES, CONSULTING SERVICESEDUCATIONAL TRAINING, CONSULTING SERVICESEDUCATIONAL TRAINING

C2 Technologies, Inc. Dolly Oberoi 1921 Gallows Road, Suite 1000 Vienna, Virginia 22182 (703) 448-7901 www.c2ti.com LANDSCAPING/LAWN SERVICES, LAWN & GARDEN CARE, PAINTER

Hampton Lawn Services Mathew Hampton 9283 Berrington Place Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 531-0195 PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE

Montgomery Tours Jake Williams 568 Hollow Wood Road Montgomery, Alabama 36109 334-450-5183 www.mymontgomerytours.com RECYCLING

SA Recycling Adam Phipps 430 Airbase Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36108 334-272-0767 www.sarecycling.com

76 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

RESTAURANTS-JAPANESE, RESTAURANTS

Rock N Roll Sushi Gerard Saurage 1470 Taylor Road, Suite 108 Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 356-3641 www.rnrsushi.com RESTAURANTS-MEXICAN RESTAURANTS, RESTAURANTS

San Marcos Mexican Restaurant in Pike Road Tony Herrera 9593 Vaughn Road Pike Road, Alabama 36064 (334) 676-3686 RESTAURANTS-PIZZA, RESTAURANTS

Bibb Street Pizza Mark McClurg 424 Bibb Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 593-7080 www.bibbstpizzaco.com STORAGE

iStorage Chantilly Michelle Canady 8830 Minnie Brown Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 356-2006 www.istorage.com WAREHOUSING/DISTRIBUTION

Warehouse Services, Inc. John Blackburn 160 G.E. Boulevard Burkeville, Alabama 36752 (334) 270-8730 www.warehouseservices.com

77 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM

Numbers reflect April 2018 over 2017.

Economic Intel TOURISM

LODGING TAX

OVER $1MILLION

+21.59% OVER APRIL 2017

$1,122,182

GREAT JOB!

IN LODGING TAX COLLECTIONS

MGM CURRENTLY LEADS ALL OTHER ALABAMA METRO CITIES IN OCCUPANCY RATE

MGM TRANSPORTATION

68%

OCCUPANCY RATE

+ 2.80% + 8% SUPPLY

DEMAND

Source: Smith Travel Research Report, City of Montgomery

HOUSING

FLYMGM

WINGS UP!

STARTED MAY 14, 2018

MGM

MONTGOMERY REGIONAL

SFB

+ 4.2

ORLANDO -SANFORD INTERNATIONAL

TOTAL HOME SALES

STARTED JUNE 7, 2018

MGM

MONTGOMERY REGIONAL

DCA

$166,377 AVERAGE SALE PRICE

REAGAN NATIONAL

2,248 TOTAL HOMES LISTED FOR SALE Source: Alabama Center for Real Estate, MGM Area

Source: MGM-Montgomery Regional Airport

CIVILIAN

EMPLOYED

LABOR FORCE

172,597

166,621

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR GOING DOWN

3.5% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area, Place of Resident Basis

SECTORS GOING UP

LABOR FORCE

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES

+ 2.6% + 1.0%

EDUCATION & HEALTH SERVICES

+ 0.5%

MANUFACTURING

+ 0.5%

Source: Alabama Department of Labor, MGM Metro Area, Place of Work Basis

78 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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MBJ

MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101

80 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL