HYUNDAI BREAKS MONTHLY SALES RECORD
Hyundai set an all-time sales record for April with 61,754 vehicles sold and its retail market share is expected to hit a record 5.7 percent.
The Sonata and Elantra, which are both produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s plant in Montgomery, accounted for 71 percent of the monthly sales in April (nearly 44,000 cars).
Hyundai has already eclipsed the 200,000 plateau for the year and is selling an average of 50,000-plus vehicles a month. The Korean automaker’s sales in 2011 are up 31 percent from last year’s record-setting year of 538,228 vehicles sold.
The Montgomery facility produced 28,402 vehicles in April and through the first four months of the year was averaging nearly 28,700 a month.
|   Hyundai Motor Manufacturing President and CEO Y.D. Lim receives the Alabama Large Manufacturer of the Year Award from Congressman Jo Bonner, R-Mobile. |  m |
MONTGOMERY – Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), LLC, was named 2011 Large Manufacturer of the Year.
HMMA, which has a manufacturing plant in Montgomery that produces Hyundai’s top-two selling vehicles – Sonata and Elantra - received the prestigious award for companies with 400-or-more employees. Montgomery-based Rheem Water Heaters was a finalist in the same division.
Lafarge North America in Calera was the Medium Manufacturer of the Year (100 to 399 employees) and the Small Manufacturer of the Year (1-99 employees) was Florence-based Applied Chemical Technology. Montgomery-based Whitfield Foods Inc. was a finalist in the small division.
The Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards program is an annual recognition of Alabama manufacturing enterprises that exhibit excellence in leadership, performance, profitability and work force relations. Winning manufacturers are selected by an independent panel of judges who look for demonstrations of superior performance in the areas of customer focus, employee commitment, operational excellence, continuous improvement, profitable growth and investment in training and retraining.
The Business Council of Alabama and Alabama Technology Network in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and The National Association of Manufacturers present the Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards.
|   Dean Vette |  m |
MONTGOMERY- Capitol Chevrolet was recently ranked among the country’s highest-performing dealers by General Motors.
The dealership met or exceeded Chevrolet’s highest-quality standards in a number of areas to earn General Motors’ most-prestigious dealer prize - the “Mark of Excellence” award for 2010. Capitol Chevrolet is one of the few Chevrolet dealers nationwide to earn the prestigious award.
“It took a great deal of dedication and effort by every single person here at Capitol Chevrolet to achieve this benchmark,” said Dean Vette, general manager of Capitol Chevrolet. “We make our customers our top priority here and this honor is a tribute to the team effort we’ve all put forth over the past year.”
Capitol Chevrolet, which is Montgomery’s oldest automobile franchise, met or surpassed objectives for 2010 in the areas of divisional sales, customer satisfaction index, retail sales index and essential brand elements.
STANDARD ROOFING CO. AWARDED RESEARCH CENTER CONTRACT
BIRMINGHAM - Hoar Construction of Birmingham has awarded Standard Roofing Co. the contract for roof replacement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research Center in Mississippi.
The reroofing work is part of a $30 million renovation project under way at the facility in Stoneville, Miss.
Standard Roofing Co. was recently awarded multiple contracts for roof replacement by Kimberly-Clark Corp. on its Mobile tissue mill.
Standard Roofing Co. has its headquarters in Montgomery and branch offices in Birmingham, Pensacola, Fla., Atlanta and Gulfport, Miss.
|   Wanda Lloyd |  m |
MONTGOMERY- The Montgomery Advertiser launched a redesign of the newspaper, giving readers a new look on section fronts as well as new type fonts for body copy and headlines, making news stories easier to read.
“We’re upsetting the visual status quo at the Montgomery Advertiser, and our customers will reap the benefits,” said Wanda Lloyd, executive editor of the Montgomery Advertiser. “In addition to the body font changes, readers will notice that our headlines have also changed. We are reducing the overall number of headline fonts in the newspaper to make the look more consistent and ensure that the main story - what we call our lead - is bold enough for readers to easily focus on what we have designated as the important story of the day, especially on Page One.”
The Advertiser Media Group includes the Montgomery Advertiser, montgomeryadvertiser.com, Progress Editions (Prattville, Millbrook, and Wetumpka), prattvilleprogress.com, Maxwell-Gunter Dispatch, maxwellgunter.com, Bulletin Board, and thebulletinboard.com.
The company also owns more than 20 other diverse print and online channels that target consumer interests from classified to lifestyle products.
|   John Veres |  m |
MONTGOMERY - The Auburn University Board of Trustees has given Auburn University at Montgomery approval to begin the process of selecting an architect and construction manager of a new residence hall.
“Auburn Montgomery is growing,” said Chancellor John G. Veres III. “Our focus on offering relevant and quality academic programs, enhancing partnerships with institutions overseas, and providing students with an environment that promotes wellness will attract even more students to our campus.”
For several semesters, Auburn Montgomery’s residence halls have been at or close to capacity.
The university will proceed by selecting an architect and construction manager for the project, which must be approved by the board.
DSW STORE COMING TO THE SHOPPES AT EASTCHASE
MONTGOMERY – The Shoppes at EastChase will soon have the area’s only DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) store.
DSW offers not only dress, casual and athletic footwear for men and women, but also much more - hosiery, handbags and other accessories.
The 18,000-square-foot store, which will be located next to Panera Bread, is scheduled to open in the fall. This will be the company’s third store in Alabama.
“DSW is a great addition for shoppers in the River Region, offering a shopping experience not met in the area,” said Jeff Branch, property manager for The Shoppes at EastChase.
“We are so pleased to bring this brand name to those who’ve previously had to travel distances to shop there.”
ROUX RESTAURANT OPENS AT THE A&P LOFTS
MONTGOMERY –Roux, a Southern restaurant with New Orleans influences, opened in the former Village Kitchen location.
“The name Roux seemed very fitting for a New Orleans-inspired restaurant located amidst the stunning architecture of The A&P with its signature courtyard and balconies and the nearby Garden District,” said David Dickensauge, a New Orleans native and chef/partner at Roux.
Roux’s menu items range from Cornmeal-Crusted Oysters with Gumbo Jus and Braised Okra or New Orleans Muffallettas with Prosciutto, Capicolla Salami, Aged Provolone, to Seared Scallops with Creole Cream Corn or Blackened Alabama Catfish with Spring Baby Pea Succotash and Shrimp Remoulade.
House-made desserts include New Orleans Beignets with Powdered Sugar, Bananas Foster and Bread Pudding with Whiskey Crème Anglaise.
Prior to relocating to Montgomery, Dickensauge gained more than 15 years of culinary experience in Chicago, Orlando, New Orleans and Birmingham working with award-winning chefs at some of the country’s top restaurants including Hot and Hot Fish Club, Cafè Dupont, Commander’s Palace, Galatoire’s and Charlie Trotters.
He graduated with a degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of New Orleans and studied pastry and confectionary at the Culinard in Birmingham.
“We are thrilled to have Chef David on board from Birmingham as partner and executive chef for our new restaurant and direction,” said Barrett Gilbreath, fellow partner at Roux.
|   Guy Davis |  m |   Walter Overby |  m |
MONTGOMERY – Alfa Insurance executive Walter Overby and BB&T executive Guy Davis received the 2010 Bucks Weil Award from the River Region United Way.
In 1995, the River Region United Way established the Adolph “Bucks” Weil Jr. Award. Previously known as the Special United Way Service Award, the award was renamed and focused to honor special service to the River Region United Way and its community partners including volunteer activity, monetary contributions and in-kind services.
Overby is vice president of corporate Internet for Alfa while Davis is the area executive for BB&T.
CHOCOLATE CARNIVAL OPENS AT EASTDALE MALL
MONTGOMERY – Chocolate Carnival has opened at Eastdale Mall.
The eatery offers classic carnival food and treats covered in chocolate in a quick, casual format.
“We are excited to open our first location in Eastdale Mall,” said Eddie Davis Jr., co-founder of Chocolate Carnival with Nancy E. Davis. “Since our opening we have received very positive feedback from the community. People are excited about the foods we offer and the fun atmosphere that is the essence of Chocolate Carnival.”
Chocolate Carnival serves a variety of classic carnival foods, including funnel cakes and funnel fries, half-pound jumbo hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, corn dogs, chicken sandwiches, and tater twisters. Chocolate-covered treats include chocolate-covered strawberries and Dip Stix – an assortment of dippable items that are skewered, doused in chocolate from a chocolate fountain, and topped with a choice of sprinkles and toppings
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS COWORKING SPACE
MONTGOMERY – The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Resource Center is offering a coworking space – a first in the River Region.
Coworking space provides business owners an office environment, but at greatly reduced costs. Participants will have a month-by-month a la cart membership that provide access to trained business counselors, advice from a certified public accountant, private desk, WiFi, networked printing, copier, private office, meeting and conference rooms, fax service, mailbox, daily or 24/7 access, coffee and magazines.
The first six participants will receive two months free membership. Monthly membership starts at $50.
Coworking space is geared for work-at-home professionals, independent contractors or people who travel frequently.
For information, call Douglas Jones, executive director of the Small Business Resource Center, or Heidi Powers at (334) 832-4790
|   Jim Yeaman |  m |
MONTGOMERY – The Lattice Inn is offering a Playcation Package for guests to swim, sun, and relax.
Innkeeper Jim Yeaman said the package costs $5 a person and guests can enjoy two hours of swimming in the salt water pool, relax in the hot tub or just lie out in the sun on any of the three decks.
Guests must bring their own towels. Coolers and picnic baskets are welcomed, but glass beverage containers are not permitted. Wi-Fi is available at no additional cost.
Space is limited and reservations are accepted for late morning, midday or early afternoon packages. Late afternoon and early evening packages are available for adults only.
Children under the age of 19 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Advanced reservations are required and certain conditions and restrictions apply.
For information, visit the website: www.thelatticeinn.com, call (334) 262-3388 or e-mail info@thelatticeinn.com.
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS SET FOR AUG. 23
MONTGOMERY – The City of Montgomery municipal elections will be Tuesday, August 23, for the mayor and City Council members.
Citizens living in Montgomery must be a registered and qualified voter to participate in the municipal elections. Citizens, who have moved or relocated in Montgomery and need to register to vote or update an address, must contact the Montgomery County Board of Registrar’s Office at (334) 832-1215.
Voters must complete an absentee ballot application before receiving a ballot, which is available by calling (334) 832-1281, downloading the application from www.montgomeryelectioncenter.org or by visiting the Montgomery Election Center at 125 Washington Ave.
The following are election deadlines:
> Last day to register to vote is Aug. 12.
> Last day to apply for an absentee ballot Aug. 18.
> Hand-delivery deadline for an absentee ballot is Aug. 22.
> Postmark deadline for an absentee ballot is Aug. 22 and must be received at the Election Center by noon Aug. 23.
> Election Day is Aug. 23 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the voter’s designated polling place.
LOCAL BUSINESSES NOMINATED FOR ETHICS AWARDS
MONTGOMERY – Thirty local businesses have been nominated for the 2011 River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards.
The program is a partnership between Auburn University at Montgomery and the Samaritan Counseling Center Inc. It was established in 2009 to recognize businesses and business leaders in the Tri-County for their ethical standards.
The nominees are:
Small Business - Godwin Jones Architecture, Gray’s Tires, Hudson Ink Corp., Thompson Insurance, Travel Leaders and WealthMark Financial.
Medium Business - Chappy’s Deli, Cook’s Pest Control, Montgomery Eye Physicians, ServisFirst Bank and The Starke Agency.
Large Business - Adams Drugs, Alabama Power, GKN Aerospace, International Paper, Montgomery Cancer Center, Neptune Technology Group and Wilson, Price, Barranco, Blankenship, & Billingsley, P.C.
Non-Profits - A Place Called Home, Children’s Harbor, Joy to Life, Montgomery Council on Aging, Montgomery YMCA and PASS (Peers Are Staying Straight).
Maury D. Smith Award for Excellence in Professional Ethics - Dave Borden, Fred Gray Sr., Larry Puckett, Jim Ray, Lt. Col. Thomas Risher and Elizabeth Sutton.
Finalists will be honored and winners announced at a reception at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club in October or November.
|   Q. Earl Freeman |  m |
MONTGOMERY - The Freeman House is now available as a corporate extended-stay residence.
The 3,200-square-foot historic Victorian home sits atop Cottage Hill, overlooking the Alabama River and the downtown Montgomery skyline. It is designed for private upscale extended-stay accommodations for business executives, employees or their clients.
The home has been restored and upgraded, but still features the original 110-year-old hardwood pine floors. There are two large guest suites with an off-suite sitting area for both.
The lease price is $3,000 per month plus deposit and there is a one-month minimum lease.
For information, contact Q. Earl Freeman at (334) 220-8656 or e-mail thefreemanhouse2@aol.com.
|   Irvin wells |  m |
MONTGOMERY—Wells Mailing, a division of Wells Printing Co., has invested in new equipment and training that has enabled the firm to expand their existing letter-size pre-sorting service to flats.
Flats are oversize mail pieces, up to 12 by 15 inches, up to ¾ of an inch thick, and weighing up to 13 ounces each.
Wells Mailing clients already save on postage by allowing the company to process their mail for them. Those who take advantage of the service no longer have to weigh mail, apply postage, or even take their mail to a local post office or mail box.
Every morning and afternoon Wells Mailing drivers pick up Montgomery area business and non-profit mail at no charge to their customers and then apply postage at a reduced rate, saving their clients both time and money.
Irvin Wells, chief executive of Wells Printing Co., said, “Usually, when something sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. That is not the case with our pre-sort mail service. Clients save both money and time, and we get to work with them - it’s a win, win, win situation.”
|   Scott Walker |  m |
MONTGOMERY – Classic Buick GMC Cadillac has received General Motors’ most prestigious dealer award - the “Mark of Excellence” award for 2010.
The dealership, which acquired the GMC franchise earlier this year, was lauded as one of the highest-performing stores in the country by meeting or exceeding Cadillac’s 2010 sales goal, customer satisfaction index goal, year-end retail sales index target and essential brand elements objectives. Only a handful of Cadillac dealers nationwide receive this prestigious award.
“Our entire team here at Classic Buick GMC Cadillac is responsible for this award,” said Scott Walker, general sales manager at Classic Buick GMC Cadillac. “Obviously our sales force and finance staff worked hard to attain our sales goals, but every single employee – from the parts and service department to the office staff – helped make this possible by making our customers their top priority. Our goal now is to make sure we do what it takes to earn ‘Mark of Excellence’ every year.”
 
|   Keith Warren |  m |
Warren & Co. Inc. President Keith E. Warren was sworn in as the 49th president of the National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) at its annual meeting.
He represents the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors as its executive director and a state board member of NASCLA, a national organization of State Construction Regulatory Agencies based out of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The organization concentrates on consumer protection and national standards for the construction profession. Warren has been an active member of the organization since 2005 and has been with the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board since 1991.
BEASLEY ALLEN ATTORNEYS NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS 2011 SUPER LAWYERS LIST
MONTGOMERY – Eleven Beasley Allen attorneys were selected to the 2011 Super Lawyers list, a designation earned by fewer than five percent of lawyers in the state.
Included on the list is the firm’s founding shareholder Jere L. Beasley as well as shareholders J. Greg Allen, Thomas J. Methvin, J. Cole Ports, Daniel W. “Dee” Miles III, Andy D. Birchfield Jr., Rhon E. Jones and Benjamin E. Baker Jr.
Three Beasley Allen attorneys also were included on the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list, which recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys – those who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing 10 years or less. Beasley Allen’s Rising Stars are Chris D. Glover, William H. Robertson V and Navan Ward.
Beasley was included in the Super Lawyers Top 50 in the nation.
The Super Lawyer designation is based on peer recognition and personal achievement, and involves a statewide nomination process, independent research on each candidate and peer evaluation by practice area.
COPPERWING WINS REGIONAL AWARD FOR NEPTUNE EXHIBIT
MONTGOMERY – Copperwing Design has received a regional award for its work for Neptune Technology Group. In the tradeshow category, Copperwing was awarded a Silver ADDY in the 2011 American Advertising Federation District 7 competition.
The tradeshow exhibit, which incorporates 18-foot-tall images and features actual stories of Neptune’s utility customers, carries the theme, “The Proof is in the Numbers,” to demonstrate the measurable results of ARB® Utility Management Systems™.
A unique focal point for the exhibit was the interactive component. A virtual video tour allowed users to explore automatic meter reading implementations and see how different Neptune products and components work together to meet day-to-day operational challenges utilities face. In addition, an animated video simplified a complex message regarding Neptune’s early compliance with future lead regulations.
Copperwing is a Montgomery-based creative consultancy offering design, digital media and integrated brand management services.
 
|   Randy Merijanian, the Town of Hampstead's resident bee keeper, talks about the important role bees play in farming and gardening. |  m |
MONTGOMERY - EcoMAX partnered with the Hampstead Institute and the City of Montgomery for a sustainable living event in the River Region.
EcoMAX at Hampstead Farms featured exhibits, demonstrations and workshops showcasing the latest sustainable living options.
More than 90 students from Carr Junior High participated in the event, which included a guided tour of the farm, listening to a presentation on the importance of pollination by honeybees and visiting each exhibitor for a small-group learning experience.
There was a recycling drive and an estimated 7,000 pounds of e-scrap was collected. The televisions, printers, computers and other items collected will be dismantled and recycled, keeping reusable materials such as plastic, glass and aluminum out of local landfills.
Event attendees also participated in several free, educational workshops throughout the weekend. The classes were taught by some of the River Region’s sustainable living experts.
 
|   Lynda Schmidt |  m |
MONTGOMERY – Lynda Schmidt of Aronov Realty Brokerage Inc. has been awarded the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation
Schmidt, a Prattville Realtor and member of the Alabama Association of Realtors, is among an elite group of Realtors who have received the CRS designation. The designation is awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
Recipients have to complete advanced courses and demonstrate professional expertise in the field of residential real estate to obtain the certification. Fewer than 38,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential.
 
|   Wilson Price Connections raised $15,000 for One Place Family Justice Center. (From left) Jeri Groce, Blake Trammer, Margaret Hand, Montgomery County District Attorney Ellen Brooks and Frank Vickery. |  m |
MONTGOMERY – Wilson Price Connections, a women’s program organized by the accounting firm Wilson Price CPAs & Consultants, raised $15,000 from their second annual Flip Flop Friday charity event.
More than 2,000 participating professionals and students, representing 14 corporate sponsors, 35 companies and four schools across the River Region supported the effort by contributing $5 to wear flip flops to work or school Friday, May 13.
The event benefits One Place Family Justice Center, a new organization that aids victims of domestic violence by providing multiple services and support under one roof.
Flip Flop Friday was created to benefit a women’s and children’s based charity each year.
Wilson Price Connections presented the check to One Place at a celebration luncheon, attended by 200-plus supporters and featuring guest speaker, Kim Hendrix, who is development director of St. James School.
The luncheon also served as Wilson Price Connections’ final meeting for the 2010/2011 season on leadership, themed, “Grow 2 Lead the Women of Today and Tomorrow.
FARMERS MARKET RETURNS AT THE SHOPPES AT EASTCHASE
MONTGOMERY – The Shoppes at EastChase will hold its Farmers Market again this year, from 7 a.m.-noon every Saturday until Aug. 27.
In addition to many in-season fruits and vegetables as well as fresh-cut flowers, The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market producers and growers will offer unique items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and hand-made soaps, honey, sprout breads and fruit pastries all made from locally grown ingredients. Products are brought to market in season, ensuring the freshest, healthiest quality possible.
The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market is located between Dillard’s and Earth Fare.
MAX4KIDS FOUNDATION GIVES $50,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
MONTGOMERY - The MAX4Kids Foundation recognized 10 graduating seniors from the River Region with a $5,000 MAX4Kids Scholarship.
A committee of area college educators selected the scholarship recipients based on scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities, qualities of character and leadership and essay responses.
Since 2001, the MAX4Kids Foundation has awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 110 high school seniors from the River Region.
