champion public education and build a competitive workforce
Transcription
champion public education and build a competitive workforce
THE NUMBER ONE BUSINESS SOURCE FOR MONTGOMERY AND THE RIVER REGION PUBLISHER Randall L. George Imagine a greater montgomery 2011 progress Report Executive Editor Tina McManama Managing Editor David Zaslawsky Design Copperwing Design Photograper Robert Fouts Imagine a Greater Montgomery is Changing the Landscape 4 Goal I - Champion Public Education and Build a Competitive Workforce 9 Goal II - Strengthen the Regional Economy 12 Goal III - Transform the Image of Montgomery 22 Goal IV - Embrace Diversity and Enhance Leadership Capacity 30 Imagine a Greater Montgomery Founders 33 On the cover: Photograph by Mark Dauber, The Dauber Gallery Montgomery Business Journal c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Post Office Box 79 41 Commerce Street Montgomery, Alabama 36101 Telephone: 334-834-5200 Fax: 334-265-4745 Email: mbj@montgomerychamber.com www.montgomerychamber.com/mbj The Montgomery Business Journal (USPS NO. 025553) is published monthly except for the combined issues of June/July and November/ December, by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, (334) 834-5200, www.montgomerychamber.com. Subscription rate is $30 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Montgomery Alabama, 36119+9998, USPS NO. 025553. June/July 2011. POSTMASTER send address changes to Montgomery Business Journal, c/o Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 79, 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36101, or email mbj@ montgomerychamber.com. The Montgomery Business Journal welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to: editor@montgomerychamber.com. Subscriptions are a part of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce dues structure. Subscriptions can also be purchased for $30 per year at www.montgomerychamber.com/mbjsub. 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 3 Changing the Landscape a n d 4 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report d r e a m i n g i n v i b r a n t C o l o r In 2007, Montgomery’s business and elected leadership imagined a greater Montgomery. They thought broader, dreamed bigger, and looked to the future. Public and private sector together, they painted a picture of what they wanted Montgomery to look like in five years. Over the past five years, the Montgomery The portrait of progress they painted became Chamber’s Imagine a Greater Montgomery known as the Imagine a Greater Montgomery Founders – those businesses and public strategy for economic development. sector leaders who stepped up to invest And the results are literally changing in building a better and more prosperous the landscape of our city and region. future for all. Area Chamber of Commerce has worked as part of an amazing team of business, elected and civic leadership committed to turning that strategy into action. Each year the Chamber’s annual business plan has attacked pieces of the strategy, hammering away at the four major goals that drive every Chamber initiative. This Progress Report highlights some of the major achievements under the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy. In addition, you will see the profiles of the 2011 Progress MayReport 2011 Montgomery Business Journal 5 p t es m ca pe fo a mi g k m u n de Ch E d Co or ca ovi ol s A r W a e r imp cho re d S Ca ally lic il ew dic Pub Bu N a n e r ery r ve a om tg on Se al ic Go bl nd e Pu a n on tiv i t i r ce io M I The imagine a greater montgomery Goals 2007-2011 S G th tr e n oal e Re g t 2 An Mo n tgo g h no E co ion e n 20 unce me r y 10 dn no a l Le an m d Y e w In a d s t y he TD du 20 11 S str y a tate n Ex d J in pa nsi obs on s CNN traveled to Montgomery late in 2010 and spent five days profiling this case study of a dynamic city focused on building itself to emerge stronger and more vibrant than ever before. 3 al o G m or f sf n eo a T r m ag e ry m eI ; th ntgo wn nto ict o w M Do istr in th nD tion entio c g ro w a z i i v l ita Con conom R ev and e n t o ng illi r fron g stro M 0 in ive $ 70 e w R t al y z a n c is th e l4 a Go i t y s ce er an ty v Di n h ac i s al ce d E a p on ed i a s C n e n fes ko br a ip ro rec g th y m h P E er g be zin rs un e to rg i gom e o Y rc ne nt ad 0 0 a fo d e Mo 2 n Le a of e 1, ar 6 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report “The Chambers I have seen around the country that have worked the best in cities are the Chambers that really work in cities. It’s not just a matter of PR; it’s a matter of doing it. From what we have seen here, the Chamber is doing it.” ~ Tom Foreman, CNN Anchor and Reporter, CNN’s Building Up America Series, 2010 ic th w i fa b r 2011 Progress Special Edition Report Montgomery Business Journal 7 Doing what is necessary is key to progress While the economic correction has been painful and long, Montgomery’s economy has succeeded in lessening its burden by attracting new capital investment and new job prospects. In 2010, Hyundai Power Transformers USA invested $120 million in Montgomery. The operation is expected to create 1,000 manufacturing jobs for the region’s economy. This investment was the single largest industrial project in the State, both in terms of capital investment and projected number of jobs. Furthermore, in 2010, the City was ranked 2nd in the State in terms of new and existing business expansion. The region’s future economic prospect is promising. We are home to one of the fastest growing automobile producing companies in North America. We have access to interstate highways. We have access to quality institutions of higher education. And, until now the region’s economy was securely anchored around the State and Federal government. The challenge that remains is how we adapt to the new economy as the government sectors, at all levels, begin to right-size themselves and as the new and highly technology driven global economy begins to assert its role and demands its share of economic prosperity. In addition, there have been many positive developments in Montgomery and the River Region, in spite of the economic correction. Through investments in infrastructure, like the revitalization of downtown, favorable improvements to the airport, the resurfacing of I-65, launch of the first phase of the I-85 extension in East Montgomery, the new connector road — the Montgomery area clearly has been busy building its ‘quality of place’. As a result, there is a transformation taking place in Alabama’s capital city. What I have seen is a change in attitude in Montgomery, of having a plan, and knowing no fear in following that plan. It is time we begin to forge a dream that runs parallel to the reality of the new business world and the new economy. We need to focus on building an economy based on cutting edge infrastructure and education that can compete globally and unconditionally. That, of course, requires the will to do what is necessary and to make the essential sacrifices. Imagining, and building, an even greater Montgomery will demand even more of its elected and business leadership, but the results will pay dividends for many years to come. Goal I Champion Public Education and Build a Competitive Workforce “What I have seen is a change in attitude in Montgomery, of having a plan and knowing no fear.” Dr. Keivan Deravi, Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Economic Affairs at Auburn University Montgomery. 8 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report The new Carver High School is home to the Advanced Manufacturing Career Academy and the Hospitality/ Tourism Career Academy. 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 9 Goal 1: Champion Public education and build a competitive workforce “The bottom line for the Career Academies is workforce development, which will make us more competitive. It will improve the quality of life in the community for everyone.” Keith Karst , division manager of customer services for Alabama Power Co. and chairman of the Chamber’s Education and Work Development Council Keith Karst, (left) chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education and Workforce Development Council; Cheryl Fountain, principal of Sydney Lanier High School; and Arthur DuCote, chairman of the Chamber’s Career Academies Task Force. Montgomery Public Schools Points of Excellence Graduation rates climbed 10 points in 2010, More than $145 million to 88.7%, surpassing the state average. is transforming Montgomery Public 91% of schools made AYP in 2010, School facilities thanks to the strong and reached 97% of AYP goals. leadership and partnership of the T.S. Morris Elementary and E.D. Nixon Elementary were named Alabama Torchbearer Schools. City of Montgomery, Montgomery County Commission and Montgomery Booker T. Washington Magnet High is among Newsweek County Board of Education. magazine’s 2010 best American high schools. O ther C hamber Brewbaker Technology High School was named a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2010 E ducation I nitiatives The Chamber’s School Clean Up Every school in the district is Through the Chamber’s Education and cleaned, painted, landscaped and Workforce Development Council, senior-level business ready for students each fall. and elected leaders are bringing meaningful change to Montgomery Public Schools. The Leadership Development Institute Led by the Chamber partnering with Maxwell Seven new Career Academies (with two more underway) are AFB and area universities, every principal transforming Montgomery’s workforce. About 630 students and administrator in the Montgomery Public are enrolled in the seven Career Academies. School system receives leadership training. Career Academies Information Technology Career Academy at Robert E. Lee High School Can Do Nation Website Created in partnership with the Chamber’s Facilities Taskforce to increase community participation with the schools. Teaching Career Academy at Jefferson Davis High School Business/Finance Career Academy at Sidney Lanier High School New Career Academy Camps Camp.edu, Camp Bones, and Camp Ca$h Flow prepare eighth-grade students to participate in Career Academies. Law/Public Safety Career Academy at Sidney Lanier High School Health Science Career Academy at Jefferson Davis High School Hospitality and Tourism Career Academy at George Washington Carver High School Advanced Manufacturing Career Academy at George Washington Carver High School 10 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report “Career Academies are intended to be the bridge between education and careers.” New George Washington Carver High School Forest Avenue Elementary was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2009. $48 million New Johnny Carr Middle School $27 million New east-side high school estimated $24 million New Bellingrath Middle School $20 million Loveless High School was named U.S. News and World Report’s 25th best high school in the nation; the only Gold Medal winner in Alabama. Loveless High School was named a 2010 Newsweek magazine Elite School. Booker T. Washington and Brewbaker Technology were named U.S. News and World Report’s Bronze Medal winners. Sixteen MPS students were among the top scholars in the nation through national merit and national achievement scholars programs. New Wilson Elementary School $18 million Dalraida Elementary School (renovation) $7 million Pintlala Elementary School (renovation) $670,000 Mon tg om e ry P u bl ic Sc hool s Ac h i e v i ng E xc e l l e nc e Arthur DuCote, executive vice president and Central Alabama Area president for Regions Financial Corp. and chairman of the Chamber’s Career Academies Task Force 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 11 Goal ii In May 2011, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) announced a $173 million, 214-job expansion – the largest capital investment in Alabama for 2011, to date. HMMA announced a capital investment of $50.5 million in 2010 to produce the engine for the Elantra. And in 2007, the third-largest manufacturing project in the state was the addition of an engine plant at HMMA’s Montgomery facility, a $270 million expansion with 522 jobs. With approximately $1.85 billion in capital investment since 2002, HMMA employs almost 3,000 team members. Strengthen the Montgomery Regional Economy Montgomery landed Alabama’s largest new economic development project in 2010, ranking first in terms of investment and new jobs. And, Montgomery is leading the state in 2011 with the largest project capital investment to date. 12 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 13 GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY Montgomery emerged from the recession stronger in job creation, one of the few communities to post net job growth from 2000-2010. The largest existing industry announcement in 2010 was MOBIS Alabama, which is spending $59.7 million to expand its facilities and will hire 250 people. MOBIS also expanded in 2007, adding nearly 150 workers with a capital investment of $55.6 million. Alabama’s largest new industrial project in 2010 was HYPO (Hyundai Power Transformers USA). With an investment of $125 million and the creation of 1,000 jobs, the plant is Hyundai Heavy Industry’s first facility in North America. United States GenPak is adding 40 jobs in a $3.1 million investment to produce new food-service container products. -.1% Alabama -2.4% 2.8% Montgomery 8.5% United States 6.6% Alabama 11.1% Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages; Moody’s economy.com Montgomery Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. will locate its corporate offices to Montgomery’s RSA Judicial Building in 2011. Dow Corning is creating 30plus jobs as part of a $30 million project to increase capabilities at its Montgomery plant. Even after the economic reset, Montgomery continued to post job gains during the period 2000 – 2010, while the state and nation lost jobs between January 2000 and December 2010. 2000-2010 The Chamber announced the successful recruitment of two corporate headquarters in 2010. Source: Alabama Development Office Employment in Montgomery surged by 17,378 jobs or 11.1%. 2000-2007 Montgomery ranked first in the state in the number of announced new jobs and capital investment created by new industry in 2010, with the creation of 1,144 jobs and $131,900,000 in capital investment. Hager Companies consolidated its operations by closing a facility in Oxford, Ala., and moving those operations and product lines to its Montgomery plant. The consolidation solidifies Montgomery’s operations, where the company employs about 275 people. In 2009 Neptune Technolog y Group expanded and announced it would hire up to 90 engineers to join its headquarters in Tallassee. With approximately $1.85 billion in capital investment since 2002, HMMA employs almost 3,000 team members. When Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) announced a $173 million, 214-job expansion, it was the largest capital investment in Alabama for 2011. HMMA announced a capital investment of $50.5 million in 2010 to produce the engine for the Elantra. And in 2007, the third-largest manufacturing project in the state was the addition of an engine plant at HMMA’s Montgomery facility, a $270 million expansion with 522 jobs. 173 $ MILLION Hausted Patient Handling Systems purchased a portion of STERIS Corp.’s business and decided to stay in Montgomery and create 49 jobs with a capital investment of $3.1 million. 214 JOBS Hyundai 2011 Expansion 14 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 15 GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY 115 % INQUIRIES VISITS The Chamber’s actual corporate development prospect visits increased 115% from 2008 to 2010, with inquiries up 71% for the same period. 71 % Montgomery’s per capita income surpassed that of the state in 2009. Montgomery’s average annual wage increased 16.3% between 2005 and 2010. Montgomery +16.3% Alabama +14.9% United States +14.7% Montgomery was ranked #7 in Economic Growth Potential in Business Facilities Magazine’s 2011 rankings. $45,000 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 Montgomery ranked #8 for Potential Job Growth in Forbes Magazine’s 2010 Best Places for Business and Careers. $33,360 $35,000 $35,973 $40,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 Montgomery was the most affordable housing market among comparable Southeastern markets by Q2 2010. $0 Housing Affordability Index Q2 1010. Index of 100 is average. Montgomery Alabama 100 189.1 157.1 150 179.5 221.4 200 207.1 250 194.9 Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Moody’s Economy.com 50 es a St at am Un ite d la b A Sh r Lo eve ui po si rt, an a ch Vi mo rg nd in , ia Ri Li tt A le R rk oc an k sa , s M on tg om er y 0 Source: National Association of Realtors; Moody’s economy.com 16 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 17 GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY The Chamber’s Small Business Resource Center is thriving, providing programs for every phase of a growing a small business. Services include mentoring in important areas such as financial planning, marketing, and future growth strategies; workshops, seminars and classes on all aspects of successful business development; guidance in developing business contacts, pursuing government contracts and opportunities. The growth in the medical community has been nothing short of spectacular the past five years. The newly renovated foyer presents a modern look, reflective of the program’s success. Envision 2020, in partnership with the City of Montgomery, the Montgomery County Commission and regional medical facilities, was the catalyst for the new River Region Health Center, which wll replace the aging Lister Hill Health Center. The new facility, which will be operated by Health Services Inc., is being built adjacent to Jackson Hospital and expected to treat about 25,000 patients a year. Minority small-business membership in the Chamber grew by 5% in 2010 through outreach and community engagement. Co-working office space is available for entrepreneurs who need limited space on a permanent or temporary basis. For every $1 invested, the Small Business Resource Center returns $3 to the region’s community. 18 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report Baptist Health has expanded services at its three hospitals. The Taylor Medical Complex, on the grounds of Baptist Medical Center East facility, contains an expanded Montgomery Surgical Center. Baptist also operates four imaging centers. Jackson Hospital has opened a surgery center and an imaging center as well as a family medical clinic. 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 19 GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE MONTGOMERY REGIONAL ECONOMY Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Base Maxwell Air Force Base “Intellectual and Leadership Center of the Air Force.” $1.4 billion Air University’s Officer Training $271.5 million School was expanded in 2010 and now includes all Reserve and Air National Guard Officer Training No mistake about it – Montgomery is a military town. The continued support from elected officials, business leaders and the Chamber has strengthened and grown the missions at Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Base. Behind the scenes, the Chamber, along with elected leadership, has worked to preserve and/or create close to 1,000 jobs at Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Base. in addition to the existing Active Duty Officer Training mission, resulting in an additional 50 fulltime military instructors and 300 additional students attending Officer Training School each year. More than 30,000 students attend Air University each year. overall economic impact $732.4 million annual payroll annual contracts 2,300 active-duty military personnel 1,200 Air Force Reserve personnel 3,700 government civilians 2,100 civilian contractors In 2010, the Air Force Program 13,605 Executive Office for Business and family members with the active-duty military Enterprise Systems was formed Maxwell and Gunter Air Force Base construction projects total more than $147 million in the past five years alone. at Gunter. It was a reorganization 14,300 of the old Operations Support and retirees The Air Force Program Executive Office for Business and Enterprise Systems Headquarters at Gunter manages a contract portfolio valued at $806M. The Muir S. Fairchild Research Center at Maxwell – the largest military library in the country – will be expanded in a $13.4 million project. Sustainment Group (OSSG). The 26th Network Operations Montgomery was selected in 2010 as Squadron was activated at Gunter one of four Enterprise Service Centers as part of the new 24th Air Force for the Air Force Cyber Command, Cyber Command in San Antonio. creating 200 jobs at Gunter. The new Network Operations Squadron added 53 Department of Defense civilian jobs and 50 new civilian contractor jobs last year. Another 63 high-paying civilian jobs will be added next year. The 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field was selected as one of four Air National Guard Associate Units and will have active duty pilots and maintenance personnel assigned to the wing. This expanded mission will begin in 2013 and add 50 new jobs and six aircraft. Maxwell and Gunter received federal stimulus money for a variety of projects, including a combat skills training site. 20 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report Gunter “Acquiring, operating, sustaining, and enabling enterprise IT capabilities while accelerating the modernization of infrastructure to support the warfighter across the spectrum of combat and mission support.” Air Force Program Executive Office for Business and Enterprise Systems Mission statement Goal iiI transform the image of Montgomery 22 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report The transformation of Montgomery the past five years has been so dramatic that the city not only looks different, it truly has positioned itself as a convention destination and a great place to live, work and play. 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 23 The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center is a game changer for conventions and tourism. ave ns h r o i t n onve space fo ty, c i c a more hose ap re is ome of t ce ed c e d h n t a or se .S xp ecau tendees the Air F rs the e b h n t i t W a ste are grow nd a also endors a xpanded e, Buckm ities, l v renc ve e cipa igh bits, at ha g y Confe of Muni H h ex h i t a s t e o am even Technol a Leagu A lab s Week. e h t m n t r o a mati po, A lab hiefs and Star Spo Infor lC l Ex e A c i tion Pol a ma s oc i a A lab letic As h ol At Scho Montgomery now has 100,000-plus square feet of meeting space at the Renaissance as well as 342 rooms. Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center has 237 rooms. Downtown now has close to 1,100 rooms. The n at in Mo ional Hyun ntgom d ery in ai dealers’ 4,000 c 2010 ro result onvention deleg om nights e d in a ate from bout ne The e s staying at nin arly 1,000 s t i ma t e e millio area h n to $ d economi c imp otels. 5 mil lion. act w as $3 .5 The c onven tio been held h n never w o ere w 20 08 ithou uld have openi t the ng of Fe the R enais bruary sance . 24 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 25 GOAL 3: TRANSFORM THE IMAGE OF MONTGOMERY 49 % CONVENTIONS 73 % ATTENDEES GOAL 3: TRANSFORM THE IMAGE OF MONTGOMERY 38 % CVB ROOM NIGHT BOOKING 7.5 % HOTEL ROOM NIGHT DEMAND David Bronner, CEO, Retirement Systems of Alabama, changed the downtown skyline with the opening of the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, RSA Judicial Building and the new RSA corporate headquarters. Tourism is an economic engine that is changing the image of Montgomery. The Chamber’s Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) once competed for meetings and events with 100 to 300 delegates, but now seeks conventions with 400 to 600 delegates or more. That difference is huge considering the average delegate spends $263 a day. 26 The Chamber restructured the CVB to meet the needs of entering a next-level convention recruitment market. As a result, the Chamber increased its room-night bookings in 2010 over 2009 by 38%, with 2010 bookings represented more than $6 Million in economic impact to the local economy. Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report The number of conventions mostly generated by the Chamber’s CVB has increased 49 percent from 2007 to 2010. The number of delegates attending conventions booked by the CVB has surged 73% in that same time span. The demand for hotel rooms has also jumped from about 1.2 million in 2008 to 1.3 million in 2010, an increase of nearly 7.5 percent during a recession and slow economic recovery. In all, 1,425 hotel rooms at 15 hotels have been added since 2007, giving Montgomery 7,136 rooms at 85 hotels – a nearly 25 percent increase in hotel rooms. The Central Alabama Sports Commission was created in a partnership with the Chamber and the City of Montgomery, to increase tourism through sporting events and the improvement of facilities. Cramton Bowl is being renovated and a 92,000-square-foot multipurpose sports facility is being built for a wide variety of youth and recreational sporting events. More soccer fields are being added to host larger tournaments. Projects Changing the Landscape Of the more than $600 Million in combined public and private sector investment in the development of the convention and entertainment district, the private sector has invested $2.30 for every $1 invested by the public sector. One Court Square is now Questplex, the future home of the main downtown city-county library branch and Children’s Museum of Alabama. Downtown also took on a new look with The Alley - a combination of restaurants, art gallery, bar and loft apartments. And speaking of loft apartments, there are more than 100 downtown and nearly all in the past five years. In addition to those loft apartments popping up everywhere, developers announced plans for a four-story, 220-unit apartment building in the city’s warehouse district. The region has a host of amenities for delegates and tourists including the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at the Renaissance; Riverwalk Stadium where the Montgomery Biscuits play their home games; Riverwalk; the 40-foot Harriott II riverboat that holds 400 passengers; Alabama Shakespeare Festival; Montgomery Zoo; and the Civil Rights Memorial just to mention a few. 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 27 GOAL 3: TRANSFORM THE IMAGE OF MONTGOMERY Alabama State University has embarked on a five-phase, 25-year plan that costs more than $600 million and includes an oncampus 30,000-seat football stadium. Many new academic buildings have already been completed including life sciences, forensics, health sciences and education. About $20 million is being spent to renovate the library and millions more for additional student housing and Student Services Center. GOAL 3: TRANSFORM THE IMAGE OF MONTGOMERY Auburn University at Montgomery upgraded its entrance and is building a 75,000-square-foot wellness center, which will contain a pool, weight room, track, rock-climbing wall, basketball courts as well as academic facilities. AUM has been given approval to select an architect and construction manager for a new residence hall. The university offers 44 degrees and recently added a master’s program in cyber systems and information security. Montgomery has undergone more than $400 Million in massive infrastructure upgrades, including the completion of the I-65 widening, I-85 widening, Maxwell Boulevard, Carver High School, and the renovation and expansion of the Montgomery Regional Airport, with $70 Million approved to begin construction of the I-85 extension. Inside the classrooms, ASU recently graduated its first students with doctoral degrees in microbiology and is developing master’s level courses in forensic sciences. Throughout the city, roads are being upgraded and new streetscapes constructed for Maxwell Boulevard, West Fairview Avenue, Cloverdale Road, and Madison Avenue as well as others. A new connector road will be constructed from Ray Thorington to Taylor Road, which will open up that area to thousands of new homes and the site of a new eastside high school. I-85 Extension project gets the green light to begin construction in Fall 2011. Troy University’s Montgomery Campus is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Montgomery and includes unique facilities like the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts and the W.A. Gayle Planetarium. 28 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report The Huntingdon Tomorrow Campaign launched May 2011, and will offer an exciting array of new and improved facilities and academic and student life programs introduced during a seven-year period. Faulkner University broke ground on the new, $2.5 million Allen Law Center, which will include additional study space in the law library, a classroom, faculty office space, and a courtroom. It will also hold the law school’s elder law, family violence and mediation clinics for low-income clients. The latest project at the Montgomery Regional Airport was the completion of the intermodal facility and parking system improvements. More than $13 million has been invested in the airport renovation and expansion in the past 10 years. 2007 2010 11,734 12,812 7.5% ENPLANEMENTS 180,333 188,522 4.5% DEPLANEMENTS 177,578 186,970 5.3% TOTAL PASSENGERS 357,911 375,492 4.9% AIR CARRIER OPERATIONS 2007-2010 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 29 Goal iV Embrace diversity and enhance Leadership capacity Traditionally, the Chamber’s core mission is to create jobs and improve the quality of life in Montgomery and the River Region. But, when the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy was developed, it was obvious that without quality leadership at the helm, the community would flounder. Montgomery needed a diverse, engaged leadership for the future. Women in Business The Chamber’s Women in Business Forum brings together top female executives on a monthly basis to develop mentoring programs, training and communication vehicles for professional women. At the Women in Business Annual Gathering, the prestigious, nationally recognized ATHENA Award is presented. Diversity Summit The Chamber launched the first Diversity Summit in 2008, and it is now a nationallyrecognized conference. Keynote speakers have included the chief diversity officers for Home Depot and Monster Worldwide. This sold-out event brings nearly 600 attendees together, focused on harnessing diversity as an asset for business and community. Emerge Montgomery Through the Imagine strategy, the Chamber forged a partnership with Leadership Montgomery to create a comprehensive leadership development program. Emerge Montgomery is a dynamic outcome of that partnership. Emerge Montgomery young professionals organization was created in 2008 boasts more than 1,200 engaged participants. Seventy-nine young professionals graduated from Leadership Montgomery’s Torchbearers program in the first two years. The program inspires young professionals to become engaged in a leadership capacity. Emerge is launching LEAD Summit - a regional young professionals conference - in November 2011. 30 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 31 Partnership The successes of the Imagine a Greater Montgomery economic development strategy is built upon partnership. The Chamber works hand-in-hand with elected leaders, focused on shared priorities and a common vision. Visionary Leaders. Extraordinary Results. The Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy has changed the landscape of Montgomery and the River Region. Imagine a Greater Montgomery Investors provide the leadership, commitment and influence required to shape meaningful and measurable economic progress. The strategy is a collaborative effort between the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County Commission and private investors. It is through these partnerships that we celebrate the progress outlined in this report. Legacy Founders Board of Advisors - Platinum Sterling Bank City of Montgomery Dixie Electric Cooperative W.K. Upchurch Construction Company, Inc. Montgomery County Commission Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC Alfa Insurance Companies Alabama Power Company Montgomery Industrial Development Board Regions Bank Aronov Realty Management, Inc. The Colonial Company SABIC Innovative Plastics Summit Housing Partners “We can dream great dreams, and we can have great successes, but we have to have them together. We have joined together to put our shoulders to the wheel and build a better place. And we have only just begun to fight.” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange “The Montgomery County Commission knows that partnering with the City, the Chamber, the Industrial Development Board, the State… those partnerships are the key to progress. In Montgomery, economic development is a team sport.” Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean, Sr. “Working together, the Chamber, the City Council, the County Commission, the Legislative Delegation, and alongside our Congressional delegation, there is absolutely nothing we can’t do.” Alabama Representative John Knight Jim Wilson & Associates, Inc. Sustaining Founders The Advertiser Company Alabama Gas Corporation AT&T Alabama Baptist Health Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, PC Board of Advisors - Gold Aliant Bank Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association Hodges Warehouse + Logistics & Hodges Real Estate Whitney National Bank Wilson, Price, Barranco, Blankenship & Billingsley, PC Chairman’s Circle Ball, Ball, Mathews & Novak, P.A. Industrial Partners, LLC HOME Place Farms Merchant Capital Investments Integrated Computer Solutions Smith Industries, Inc. JESCO, Inc. TCU Consulting Services, LLC Mount Scrap Material Co., Div. of Waste Recycling, Inc. Board of Advisors - Silver Aldridge Borden & Company, PC AmeriFirst Bank Palomar Power South Energy Cooperative Sabel Industries, Inc. Balch & Bingham, LLP BankTrust BB&T Big Lots Distribution Center Buffalo Rock Pepsi Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Capell & Howard, PC BBVA Compass Edwards Plumbing & Heating Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Jackson Thornton Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. Jerry Kyser Builder, Inc. Larry Puckett Chevrolet John Stanley & Associates, Inc. Rheem Water Heaters KOWA Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. Wells Fargo LWT Communications, LLC A special thank you to the businesses and elected leaders who are the founding visionaries behind the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strateg y. Their profiles follow. MAX Credit Union Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce ServisFirst Bank 32 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 33 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Legacy Founder and Public Sector Partners Legacy Founder HMMA Hyundai Motor Co., Korea’s largest automotive manufacturer, announced April 2, 2002 that it would construct a $1 billion automotive assembly and manufacturing plant in Montgomery. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC (HMMA) was incorporated April 12, 2002. Three years later, Chung Mong-koo, chairman and chief executive officer of Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, and then Alabama Gov. Bob Riley gathered with elected officials to celebrate the grand opening of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC. Montgomery City Council Bottom Row (Left to Right): District 9 Councilman Charles Jinright; District 5 Councilman Cornelius “C.C.” Calhoun; District 7 Councilman Arch; Lee; Mayor Todd Strange. Second row: District 6 Councilman John Dow; District 8 Councilman Glen Pruitt, Jr.; District 1 Councilman Jim Spear. Third row: District 2 Councilman Charles Smith; District 4 Councilman David Burkette; Councilman Tracy Larkin. The $1.4 billion plant is the company’s first U.S. manufacturing facility and employs about 2,500 people. Additionally, more than 72 suppliers have located businesses throughout North America to support HMMA, creating 5,500 additional jobs with a combined capital investment of $500 million. The company’s 2-million square-foot manufacturing plant sits on 1,744 acres and includes a stamping facility, paint shop, vehicle assembly shop, a two-mile test track and two engine shops, where Hyundai also produces engines for the Kia manufacturing plant in Georgia. In May 2005, the facility marked the official start of production with its first saleable 2006 Sonata. The HMMA plant manufactures the Sonata and Elantra, the company’s top-two selling cars and produced a record 300,000 vehicles last year. More than 1.4 million vehicles have been produced at HMMA, which recently received the 2011 Alabama Large Manufacturer of the Year Award. Hyundai sold a record 538,228 vehicles in 2010 – the first time the automaker eclipsed the 500,000 plateau – and is on pace this year to break that mark. HMMA is investing $173 million, creating 214 new jobs, to expand and modify an existing engine plant to produce the 1.8 liter Theta/Nu engine that will be used in the Elantra. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2011, with production beginning in March 2012. Montgomery County Commission Bottom row (Left to Right) Chairman Elton N. Dean, Sr. and Vice Chairman Reed Ingram. Second row - Commissioner Ham Wilson, Jr.; Commissioner Jiles Wilson, Jr.; Commissioner Dimitri Polizos. 34 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report Pictured: Y.D. Lim, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. LLC 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 35 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Legacy Founder Legacy Founder Alfa Insurance Companies Alfa Insurance Companies began in 1946 to provide fire insurance to Alabama Farmers Federation members. Since then, Alfa has grown to offer an array of insurance plans including life, health, property and automobile. Alfa and its affiliates now provide insurance and other financial services to more than 1 million customers in 12 states. Alfa has more than 1,000 employees at its corporate headquarters in Montgomery and about 500 licensed insurance agents in Alabama. The company has 1 million-plus policies representing about $25 billion of insurance in force. Alfa, which has about 2,600 employees overall, has 254 service centers including at least one in each of Alabama’s 67 counties. Pictured: Jerry Newby, President and CEO of Montgomery-based Alfa Insurance Alabama Power Company Alabama Power Company, which was founded in 1906, provides electricity and service to 1.4 million homes, businesses and industries in Alabama. It is one of four U.S. utilities operated by Southern Co., one of the nation’s largest electricity producers. Alabama Power, the second-largest subsidiary of Southern Co., was the first electric utility in the country to establish an economic development department. The company has almost 90,000 miles of power lines in the state and its nearly 7,000 employees service an area of 44,500 square miles. Pictured: Kenny Coleman, Vice President of the Southern Division, Alabama Power 36 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 37 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Legacy Founder Legacy Founder Regions Bank Regions Financial Corporation is the largest bank in the state and is the only Alabama-based company on this year’s Fortune 500 list of the country’s top firms by revenue. Regions ranked 293 on the list with 2010 revenue of $8.2 billion The Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery The Industrial Development Board was created in 1947 by the Legislature in the WallaceCater Act. The act was designed to provide incentives for industrial prospects to locate in Montgomery and for existing industries to expand. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery works behind the scenes in recruiting new industries and helping existing industries expand. Regions Financial Corp. was formed in 1971 as First Alabama Bancshares Inc., the state’s first multibank holding company. With the combination of three banks, the holding company had $543 million in assets and 40 banking locations in Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery. The company now has $132 billion in assets. Regions serves customers in 16 states across the South, Midwest and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operating about 1,800 branches and 2,200 ATMs. In the River Region, Regions has 325 employees; 20 branches; 47 ATMs; loans totaling $1 billion; and $1.9 billion in deposits. Pictured: Arthur J. DuCote, Executive Vice President and Central Alabama Area Executive, Regions Bank The board owns several hundred acres at the Interstate Industrial Park and also has some land at Montgomery Industrial Terminal. The Industrial Development Board helped recruit a number of projects including: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), Hyundai suppliers and SABIC Innovative Plastics. The board has nine members who are appointed to a three-year term by City Council members. Pictured: F. Berry Grant, Chairman, The Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery 38 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 39 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Legacy Founder Legacy Founder Aronov Realty Co. Aronov Realty, which was founded in 1952 by Aaron Aronov, is one of the oldest real estate development and management firms in the United States and is the largest privately held, fullservice real estate company in the Southeast. The company has developed numerous properties, including office, industrial, retail, residential, resorts and multi-family. One of those properties is Eastdale Mall and its 1 million square feet of retail space. Aronov Realty also developed the Selma Mall and the University Mall in Tuscaloosa. Aronov developed four Publixanchored shopping centers in Montgomery. The firm has developed 100-plus shopping centers. Aronov, along with Lowder New Homes, developed Deer Creek, an 800-acre subdivision 40 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report which has grown to about 1,200 homes over 14 years. Other River Region residential properties developed by Aronov are Dexter Ridge, The Villas at Brookstone and Windsor Hill. Aronov Realty has also developed 12,000-plus apartment units. Some of the company’s larger office properties are Executive Park, Aronov Building, One Commerce Street, Carmichael Center, Crescent Center and Aronov Center. The company is now operated by Jake Aronov, chairman and CEO, and his brother Owen Aronov, president. Aronov Realty has developed 25 million-plus square feet. Pictured (L-R): Owen W. Aronov, President and Jake F. Aronov, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aronov Realty Company Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC Jim Wilson & Associates has developed some of the bestknown properties in Montgomery and topping that list are Wynlakes Golf & Country Club and The Shoppes at EastChase. EastChase has expanded over the years and the East Montgomery site has hotels, an office building and upscale apartment units. The company added the EastChase Market Center to the development, which now features more than 1.5 million square feet of retail space. Jim Wilson and Associates also built one of the state’s best-known projects – Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham. The company, which has developed malls in several states, broke ground last year on its mammoth $1 billion Redstone Gateway office park in Huntsville. The park, adjacent to Redstone Arsenal, will eventually have 4 million-plus square feet of retail and office space as well as two hotels. There will be dozens of office buildings for military and civilian workers. The project will be developed in three phases over a 15- to 20-year period. Jim Wilson & Associates is also developing New Park, a 1,200-acre residential project in East Montgomery that features an elementary school named after the company’s founder Jim Wilson Jr. and a YMCA facility. Pictured (L-R): Jim Wilson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Will Wilson, Company President, Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 41 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Legacy Founder Legacy Founder SABIC Innovative Plastics SABIC Innovative Plastics manufactures items found in a wide range of products. The Lexan resin and plastic pellets made at the company’s Burkville plant in Lowndes County are used in everything from electronics to automotive to textiles to health care products to packaging as well as transportation and outdoor vehicles. The company’s products are found in buses, boats, airplanes, motorcycles and cars. A small sampling of SABIC products in a vehicle include body panels, spoilers, grilles, wheel covers, roof racks, pulleys, sensors, transmissions and lighting. Some of the company’s products are in computers, laptops, monitors, printers, scanners, phones, televisions and projectors. SABIC products are used in shower liners and spa liners as well as a host of items in the health care sector: surgical instruments, IV therapy, medical lighting, medical trays, respiratory and sleep therapy to name just a few. Other items that have SABIC products are eye glasses, traffic lights, CDs, DVDs, cell phones, greenhouses, appliances and even fighter jet canopies. SABIC is the Saudi Basic Industries Corp., which has nearly 300 employees at its 6,300acre Burkville facility (about 300 acres have been developed for the plant site). It is one of the largest polycarbonate sites in the world. Pictured: Thomas J. Tsekouras, General Manager, SABIC Innovative Plastics Summit Housing Partners Summit Housing Partners has grown from one property in 1996 to managing 83 apartment complexes in nine states. The company, which has its headquarters in downtown Montgomery, is building and will manage the 55-unit Heritage View Apartments in West Montgomery – an $8 million project. The company already manages about 750 units at six Montgomery apartment communities: Narrow Lane, Rosa Parks Place, Sherwood, South Lawn, South Mall and The Pavilion. Summit Housing Partners also manages two apartment communities in Prattville: the 136-unit McQueen Village and the 56-unit Summit Terrace. The company, which has 24 properties in Alabama, manages a total of 12,800 units – most of which are in the Southeast. Pictured (L-R): Blake Brazeal, President; Daniel Hughes, CEO; Greg Fox, CFO, Summit Housing Partners 42 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 43 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Legacy Founder Sustaining Founders The Colonial Company The Colonial Company, a privately owned diversified holding firm, has its corporate headquarters in Montgomery at the Town of Hampstead. The company consists of Lowder New Homes and the Colonial Insurance Agency. Lowder New Homes, one of the three largest home builders in Alabama, is involved in nine residential developments, including two in Prattville and one in Millbrook. The Montgomery developments are Hampstead (40 homes), in conjunction with other partners; Woodland Creek (200 homes), StoneyBrooke (240 homes), Deer Creek with Aronov Realty; and Wyndridge (245 homes). The two Prattville properties are Highland Ridge (490 homes) and Mountain Lakes (25 homes) and the development in Millbrook is Grand Park (12 homes). The Colonial Co. grew from Lowder Construction Co., which was formed in 1956. The company’s projects or investments include office, golf course, shopping malls, shopping centers and multi-family. Colonial Insurance Agency has expanded from a real estate and financial services insurance advisory firm to a full-service insurance brokerage and risk-management company. Pictured: James K. Lowder, Chairman, The Colonial Company Samuel P. Martin, President and Publisher, The Advertiser Media Company J. Tyler Fondren, Regional Director, AT&T Alabama AT&T Alabama Advertiser Media Group The Advertiser Media Group not only produces the region’s largest daily newspaper, but it prints a Georgia daily newspaper and advance sections and inserts for a second Georgia newspaper. The Montgomery Advertiser is the core business of the Advertiser Media Group, but the company also publishes the Prattville Progress, Millbrook Progress, Wetumpka Progress, Maxwell-Gunter Dispatch, The Bulletin Board as well as several specialty publications. The company, which has 200-plus employees, has a partnership with Yahoo and is targeting audiences by demographics, geography and behavior. Joe Hampton, Division Manager, Alabama Gas Corp. Alabama Gas Corporation Alabama Gas Corporation, which is known locally as Alagasco, is the No. 1 natural gas distributor in the state. The company serves 425,000-plus customers in more than 200 cities, communities and towns. About 75,000 of those customers are in the River Region. AT&T has invested more than $1.3 billion of infrastructure in Alabama from 2008 to 2010. The company is planning to expand and upgrade 120-plus cell sites in the state for increased bandwidth, coverage, reliability and 4G coverage. The company has been aggressively adding and upgrading cell sites for several years. Two years ago, 30 new cell phone sites were added and 60 were upgraded to 3G, which gives users faster downloads. AT&T Alabama has 7,000 employees in the state and 275 in the River Region, where the company has been for 130-plus years. The company, a subsidiary of Energen Corp., has more than 1,000 employees in Alabama and 100-plus in the River Region. Alagasco can trace its roots back to 1852 when it was called the Montgomery Gas Light Co. The company became Alabama Gas Co. in 1948 after a series of mergers and acquisitions. 44 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 45 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Sustaining Founders Sustaining Founders W. Russell Tyner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Baptist Health Jere L. Beasley, Sr., Founding Shareholder, Beasley Allen Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Beasley Allen Baptist Health Baptist Health is the region’s largest non-government employer with 3,500-plus employees and has nearly 500 affiliated physicians. The company operates three hospitals – the 454-bed Baptist Medical South; 150-bed Baptist Medical Center East; and the 85-bed Prattville Baptist Hospital. In addition to the hospitals, Baptist Health operates the network of five Pri Med clinics; Montgomery Surgical Center and four imaging centers. With all its facilities, Baptist Health performed almost 32,000 surgeries in a one-year period; delivered more than 4,400 babies; and handled 300,000-plus outpatient visits as well as 110,000plus emergency department visits. Baptist Health also operates the Institute for Patient Safety & Medical Simulation, which is a 22,500-squarefoot, state-of-the-art training facility. Steve Cawood, President, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. The law firm of Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., has been involved with verdicts and settlements totaling more than $20 billion. A. Bruce Crawford, City President, BBVA Compass BBVA Compass Compass Bank was one of the larger banks in Alabama and Texas. Then along came BBVA, the second-largest bank in Spain, which acquired Compass. And the company kept growing, acquiring the $14 billion Guaranty Bank, which is based in Austin, Texas, but had 55 branches in California. That expanded the BBVA Compass footprint to seven states. BBVA Compass is the thirdlargest bank in Alabama; fourth-largest in Texas; and the fifth-largest in Arizona. The bank, which has 100 employees in the River Region at eight branches, ranks in the top 20 of U.S. commercial banks. BBVA has $740 billion in assets; 100,000plus employees in more than 30 countries; 7,400 branches and 47 million customers. The firm, which was founded by former Alabama Lt. Gov. Jere L. Beasley in 1979, holds U.S. records for largest verdicts/settlements in four categories: The largest verdict against an oil company – $11.9 billion. The largest pharmaceutical drug settlement – $4.85 billion. The largest private environmental settlement – $700 million. The largest predatory lending verdict – $581 million. The firm has 60 attorneys and 200-support staff, including a full-time nurse, investigators, computer specialists, technologists and computer experts, a public relations department and a comprehensive trial graphics department. Some of the most prominent buildings in the region were designed by Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood. Larry. F. Chapman, District Manager, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Here is a sprinkling of just a few of those noteworthy buildings: > The Southern Poverty Law Center. BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Everything about BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama is big. The health care provider is so big it insures most of the state’s residents. In a one-year period, the company’s customer service department answered 7.1 million-plus phone calls and 100,000-plus e-mails. The company processed 75 million-plus claims and the average time per claim was 1.6 days. BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama insures more than 3 million people in Alabama with 3,800 employees, including 32 in the River Region. The company, which has been operating in Alabama for more than 75 years, provides a wide range of health and dental insurance to employer groups, individuals and the senior market. > The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center > The former Colonial Bank corporate headquarters in East Montgomery. > RSA Activity Center and Plaza. > The Lakeview Center at EastChase. The company also played various roles in projects for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Sturbridge Plantation, The Waters, Taylor Lakes, Deer Creek, New Park, Blount Cultural Park, Gateway Park, Montgomery Zoo’s elephant exhibit and the list goes on and on. The firm is a one-stop shop for all design needs. The Montgomery-based company boasts the following services: architecture, land surveying, civil engineering, airport planning, right of way, municipal engineering, landscape architecture, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, transportation engineering and community and master planning. The company has 290 employees at 10 offices in four states: Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina. 46 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report Donald G. Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. Jackson Hospital & Clinic The Jackson Hospital & Clinic campus keeps expanding. The hospital’s newest facility is the Jackson Clinic Family Medicine, which features three physicians. The nearly $1.1 million facility (including the parking lot) offers on-site X-ray and laboratory services and has extended hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. The clinic treats patients ages 3 and older. The hospital also has a separate imaging center and a separate surgery center. Jackson Hospital has grown from 37 beds and five physicians in 1946 to 344 beds today and 185 physicians on the medical staff. Jackson Hospital is one of Montgomery’s Top 10 employers with 1,500 people. And those people are busy as Jackson handles about 100,000 out-patient visits a year; performs about 23,000 surgeries a year; handles about 36,000 patients a year at its imaging center; and has about 14,000 hospital admissions a year. 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 47 Imag ine a G reater Montgomer y Sustaining Founders Larry D. Puckett, President and Owner, Larry Puckett Chevrolet John W. Livings, Senior Vice President and Business Banking Area Manager, Wells Fargo Larry Puckett Chevrolet The dealership’s slogan is so popular that it was used in a movie: “At Larry Puckett Chevrolet, we let our customers do the talking.” The dealership is a Prattville institution and its president – Larry Puckett – is not only a well-known Prattville businessman and resident – he is the chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. He is the first non-Montgomery businessman leading the Chamber, but Puckett will remind anyone and everyone he is just a guy who sells cars. Puckett, who has been in the car business for almost 30 years, has 59 employees and nearly all of his sales staff has been there at least 10 years. In addition to selling new and used cars, the dealership features an Express Oil Change and Service Center, where customers can get a 10-minute oil change. Other Express Oil Change options include transmission service, fuel system cleaning, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement and wiper, bulbs and fuses. The Express Oil Change site contains a full-service automotive mechanical department called the Express Service Center. Larry Puckett Chevrolet, which has 400 to 500 vehicles on the lot, also has a Collision Center. Wells Fargo Peter A. Reynolds, Vice President and General Manager, Rheem Water Heaters Rheem Water Heaters Rheem Water Heaters, which has 1,100 employees, is the second-largest manufacturer in Montgomery to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Rheem manufacturers a wide variety of water heaters for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The types of water heaters range from conventional storage-style units to tankless as well as electric and gas units. Some of the larger commercial units have 175-gallon storage capacities compared with the typical household unit that contains 40 to 50 gallons. The company has three facilities in Montgomery, including the company’s water heating division headquarters. About 850 work at the Gunter Industrial Park site. The Montgomery manufacturing plant has been expanded three times and is about 675,000 square feet with a capacity of producing 10,000 units a day. Wells Fargo has been around for more than 150 years, but is new to the River Region after the buyout of Wachovia Bank. The famous stagecoach pulled into Montgomery last October and the bank showed off its new signage. The San Francisco-based company is the country’s fourth-largest bank with more than $1.2 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo has 280,000 employees nationwide; 70 million customers; 9,000-plus branches (the company calls them stores) and 12,112 ATMs. Fortune magazine ranked Wells Fargo 19th in the country by revenue – that’s 19th of all companies. Wells Fargo has a strong presence in the River Region with 10 branches (140 in the state) and 140 employees. Dreams as big as you can imagine are happening here every day. With a powerful beat and mighty vision, the future of the region moves ahead. Let your dreams soar—in Montgomery. #1 Economic Development Project in Alabama Hyundai Power Transformers USA $125 Million Capital Investment and more than 1,000 new jobs Record-setting Existing Industry Expansions Creating more than 500 new jobs and more than $320Million in capital investment Top High School in America Loveless Academic Magnet Program ranked 13th Best High School in America in Newsweek’s annual list of 500 Best High Schools Nationally Recognized Business Climate Montgomery ranked #7 in Economic Growth Potential by Business Facilities Magazine, 2011 Montgomery ranked #8 for potential job growth in Forbes 2010 Best Places for Business and Careers d r e a m m o n t g o m e r y. c o m 48 Montgomery Business Journal 2011 Progress Report Photo Courtesy of Mark Dauber 2011 Progress Report Montgomery Business Journal 49 Post Office Box 79 Montgomery, AL 36101