Montgomery Business Journal

Small Business Briefcase

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

Powerhouse Q&A with Richard Hanan

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

GiveBack: A Common Goal

Montgomery’s Common Ground has found just that with several area businesses that share its vision and contribute to help it realize its goals. Common Ground Montgomery, led and developed by Founder and Executive Director Bryan Kelly, is a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing the neighborhood of Washington Park by fostering leaders from urban youth and transforming their lives through Christian leadership.

Liz Vinson

Connect

Sheron Rose leads the Chamber’s Community Strategies Team, which includes Temisha Young and Bonnie Evans and works to provide outreach and engagement programs that encourage and enhance diversity in business in our area. They shared a bit about the role they play in bettering our city.

GiveBack: Faith in Action

For three decades — the bulk of its 33-year existence — the Montgomery-based non-profit Faith Radio has enjoyed the strong support of Reinhardt Lexus, a family owned collection of car dealerships in the River Region. The radio station’s Di­rector of Ministry Relations Billy Irvin sees the partnership as particularly fitting. “A lot of our ministry reaches people in their car, while they are driving,” he said. I think that makes our relationship with Reinhardt real­ly neat.”

Connect

Ellen G. McNair, CEcD, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she and her team go after new com­panies while supporting and expanding ex­isting industry all in the name of boosting Montgomery’s business sector.

Government Contracts 101

Businesses that already do business with the government know that government contracts can be an integral piece of their success puzzle. But for many, the concept is shrouded in mystery and the misperception that it’s too complicated or that their business is too small or that it simply doesn’t offer anything the government wants.

Small Business Briefcase

If you’ve ever thought about using a business coach, you’ve probably wondered where to start. Here are a few ways a business coach can help your business and five qualities to look for to ensure you make the right choice for you.

Point of Light Awards

Every year, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce awards the Point of Light Award to an outstanding minority or woman-owned small business for their achievements and contributions to our community.

Regional Impact: Flying High

FLYING HIGH - ALABAMA RED TAILS LEGACY MAY GET UPGRADE WITH F-35 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER JET. LANDING THE F35 KEEPS JOBS IN MONTGOMERY, AND KEEPS THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMAN FLYING HIGH.

Meg Lewis