 |
| |
| FEATURE STORIES | Fall/Winter 2006/2007 |
|
| Scroll to view all stories or click on a link below to go directly to that story. Each story is accompanied by a photo so please be patient as they load. |
| |
|
The Home Team Advantage With seven area offices and more than 150 Realtors® and staff, Coldwell Banker JME Realty truly is the home team for Mobile and Baldwin counties. It can provide that home team advantage to its customers, whether the customer is a single residential client or a large international corporate client. With a nearly 98 percent batting average in customer satisfaction rating, due in no small part to its commitment to customer service, it is no wonder Coldwell Banker JME Realty is the number one real estate company on the northern Gulf coast. Joseph M. Endry started in the real estate business more than 35 years ago in Pensacola. He came from a real estate family, but decided to make his own way with the largest real estate company in Pensacola, learning to work with multiple offices and experience its growth. In 1984, he opened his own business on Pensacola Beach, which rapidly expanded into two offices. He acquired the Coldwell Banker franchise in 1998. Building on this wealth of experience, Endry learned that one of the most important facets of building a successful company is attracting and retaining team players. It is this experienced group of talented real estate agents that make up the company’s leadership team. By providing clients with the knowledge and skills to make a move quick, painless and even pleasant, those clients in turn refer Coldwell Banker JME Realty as the Realtor® of choice in the area.
As the seventh largest Coldwell Banker affiliate in the world, with offices located in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi and its focus on customer satisfaction, the Coldwell Banker JME Realty team is ready to work with you to provide all of the support and real estate services you and your company need. Or if you are an “A” team, veteran real estate player looking to turn “free agent” and join a winning team, Coldwell Banker JME Realty has a place for you in its lineup. For more information on a move down the street or across the globe, contact Coldwell Banker JME Realty at 800-422-0004 or visit www.jmerealty.com. Retirement Plan Compliance – Who’s looking out for your plan?? When employers consider the benefits of a retirement plan for their employees, some of the first questions they ask are ‘How much does it cost?’ and ‘What do I have to do?’ Belinda Henning and Kim Newell, owners of Administration Partners, LLC, know the answers. With more 40 years of combined experience, Administration Partners has the reputation for designing retirement plans that are customized for each employer. As ‘Partners in the Success of Your Plan,’ either Henning or Newell consult directly with employers to recommend a design that enhances the overall employee benefit package while controlling cost. Administration Partners’ client list ranges from trucking companies and engineers to attorneys and drug stores.
When Henning and Newell established their company, the goal was to become a resource for employers in maintaining the compliance of their plan—similar to an on-site compliance department. Each plan is assigned an administration specialist who assists the employer with day-to-day plan activity. Henning said that many employers don’t even know they have problems with their plan until they get a letter from the Internal Revenue Service or Department of Labor. By that time, the employer’s best option is to contact an expert who can help them through the maze of bringing the plan into compliance. Watson Smith, an attorney with Johnstone, Adams, Bailey, Gordon and Harris, LLC, specializes in employee benefits law, health care law and tax law. He helps clients avoid ERISA’s potential pitfalls and counsels those clients who wish to comply with ERISA as well as those who have tried to comply on their own but who have fallen short. “The laws covering qualified retirement plans are very complex, lengthy and frequently changed by the government,” he said, “Without proper guidance from an employee benefit plan compliance professional, a client can easily fall into the quicksand of non-compliance and become subject to additional tax liabilities, penalties and interest. Administration Partners does a very good job of helping their clients comply with those complex regulations and stay out of the IRS and Labor Department doghouse.” All 401(k) plans will require amendments before the end of the year and the new Pension Protection Act that passed in August of this year will bring even more changes to the compliance requirements. For more information call Administration Partners at (251) 344-3116. Peace of mind for your home… Jerry Anderson is glad that summer is over and fall is here, but he is concerned about the air quality his customers may be experiencing due to this year’s exceptionally hot and humid summer. “This is the time of the year that we can finally open the doors and windows a little bit and let the fresh air blow in. It’s also the time of year that we need to take inventory of our heating and air conditioning systems,” said Anderson. “If you or your family is experiencing a runny nose, itchy eyes or persistent cough, it may be due to leaky air ducts and mold spores in your heating and air conditioning ducts.” A quick check from a certified HVAC expert can pinpoint the problem and help the homeowner find a safe solution. With winter coming, Jerry’s partner Larry Ezell is looking at two other concerns for customers’ safety: the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and the damage caused by loss of a home’s power supply. “Too often we simply flip the switch from air conditioning to heating, without thinking about it. This is the time to check your air filters and if you don’t already have a wall-mounted carbon monoxide detection unit, now is the time to have one installed,” says Ezell. With the onset of hurricane season, it’s also the time to take a look at your home’s power supply. Air Specialty can provide Carrier whole house propane and natural gas generators to take the worry out of power loss for extended periods after a hurricane. Air Specialty Inc. offers a “100 %” guaranteed satisfaction to its customers, with GPS and radio-dispatched trucks providing quick response to the client. For more information on Air Specialty Inc.’s services, visit the website at www.air-specialty.com, email to info@air-specialty.com, or call toll-free at 877-649-6622 or locally at 251-649-0701. Mums, magic Christmas and a milestone - Bellingrath Gardens and Home “Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Bellingrath Gardens is such a wonderful time in our history and solidifies Bellingrath being Alabama’s oldest cultural institution.“ Whether you are a native of Mobile or a recent addition to our area, the upcoming events at one of the city’s most famous cultural institutions are worth your attention. From mums to Magic Christmas and a milestone anniversary throughout 2007, Bellingrath has made enjoying nature’s beauty as easy as waking up and smelling the roses. In late October, with the installation of the country’s largest display of outdoor chrysanthemums, Bellingrath Gardens and Home initiates the beginning of autumn in a glowing fashion. The evening of October 28 will feature the annual Balloon Glow at the Gardens with scarecrows from local organizations and groups, trick-or-treating, the Great Lawn aglow with hot air balloons and the mums will be on display for the first time of the season. The following Saturday is a family fun day for all with activities such as sugar cane demonstrations, scavenger hunts and face painting during the annual Mum Festival Family Day. Once all the turkey and family festivities of Thanksgiving conclude and the rush of the holidays begins, retreat to the wonders of the holidays at Magic Christmas in Lights. With over 3 million twinkling lights, tours of the Bellingrath Museum Home in its holiday finery, nightly choral performances on the South Terrace, and nightly supper specials and holiday shopping in the newly renovated Bellingrath Gift Shop, it makes the holidays hard to imagine without Bellingrath Gardens. The lights are open from 5 to 9 p.m. from Nov. 24- Dec. 31, but closed Christmas Day. The New Year and 2007 marks a major milestone for Bellingrath Gardens. Seventy-five years ago, Walter and Bessie Bellingrath opened their garden estate to the public for a day to commemorate a national garden club meeting being held in Mobile. Since that time, millions of visitors and guests from across the globe have strolled through paths lined with spectacular blooms and enjoyed the fragrances of the “Charm Spot of the Deep South.”
Walter Bellingrath once said the Gardens were like a beautiful woman with a different dress for each week of the year. After 75 years, the garden Mr. Bellingrath saw bloom every season and the legacy Walter and Bessie Bellingrath left behind continues to thrive. Bellingrath Gardens and Home - 251.973.2217 • www.bellingrath.org Giving you something to smile about A smile says a lot about a person—happiness, self-confidence, pride in one’s appearance. At Cosmetic Smile Solutions, Dr. Samuel L. Johnson and Dr. Shauna L. Palmer know this and are committed to providing each “guest” with truly dedicated services. Using a “Guest-Centered” treatment philosophy every attention to detail is managed from a simple bleaching procedure to complex fillings, to dentures and traumatic injuries to teeth, to a total mouth reconstruction. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Palmer first sit down with each patient for a thorough evaluation and an in-depth explanation of the result the patient is looking to achieve. “I often say ‘tell me what you want me to do’,” said Dr. Johnson. A thorough treatment plan is prepared, specific to that patient’s needs, outlining each step required to reach a mutually agreed upon goal. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Palmer cater the treatment plan to the guest’s wants and desires, taking into consideration any problems the patient might have. Often, during the initial evaluation, they may become aware of bite problems, such as TemporoMandibular Joint dysfunction (TMJ), that need to be corrected and that becomes part of the long-term process as well. “Our dental philosophy is that we want esthetics, function and comfort all to be in harmony.”
For Warren Bettis, a guest of Dr. Johnson, the transformation gets constant attention. “God gives us all special gifts, “Bettis said. “Dr. Samuel Johnson was definitely given the art of dentistry. From the first appointment at Cosmetic Smile Solutions, there has been one response I have heard repeatedly: ‘Yes, we can.’ I came into Dr. Johnson’s office with stained and crooked teeth that I was not happy with. My self image was not where I wanted it to be. I was ready for something perfect and long-lasting. When the process was complete, I looked in the mirror and smiled. From that moment on, my confidence was back. I can’t stop smiling. It’s an incredible feeling. And who doesn’t like compliments? Dr. Johnson calls this process Cosmetic Restoration. I call it perfection. When you meet people, the first thing they notice about you is your smile. When I smile now, everyone smiles back with the same question: ‘How and where did you get a smile like that?’ It’s a two word answer—Samuel Johnson.”
Dr. Joseph Fontenot knows about the effects of low vision. A successful cardiologist in the Mobile area, Dr. Joe began losing his vision to macular degeneration. Rather than accept the consequences of losing his sight, Dr. Fontenot decided to learn all that he could about sight loss and to share what he learned with people from our area who suffer from low vision sight loss. “When something like this occurs, you can spend your energy in self absorption or you can use it to help others learn from it,” says Dr. Fontenot. With that in mind, in May of this year, Dr. Fontenot opened the Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation (CSVR) centers. At CSVR, low vision patients will first be evaluated by a physician, then offered training and support from Occupational Therapy, to environmental adaptation and referral to other State and Federal agencies for assistance. In addition to Dr. Fontenot, Dr. Murray Glusman, O.D., Dr Ben King, O.D. and Dr. Eric West, O.D. provide services at CSVR. CSVR works with many of the existing state and federal sight agencies to coordinate additional training, such as learning Braille or computer training with vision enhancing software like Zoom Text and Jaws. From space-age technology to simple adaptive change, many things can be done to improve the function and independence of those with low vision. Georgia LaTrace, a CSVR Board member says “We offer a full selection of non-optical, optical and electronic devices, both high and low tech.” For more information on low vision sight loss, call CSVR at (251) 476-4744 in Mobile or (251) 928-2888 in Fairhope, or call them toll free at 866-639-5822. CSVR offices are located at 3280 Dauphin St, Building C, Suite 129 in Mobile and 247 South Greeno Road in Fairhope. HAVE YOU HEARD? There’s a powerful, new FREE communication tool available to all of us living here or visiting the Eastern Shore area. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, esconnections.com is an exciting new way to find out what’s happening here on the “shore.” SEARCH THE SHORE – Better than the phone book or global search engine, this online business directory allows the community to search for local businesses or services by keyword, much like other major Internet search engines. Business listings can include services description, location maps, hours of operation, coupons or sales information, company newsletters, job openings, and MUCH, MUCH more! FUN BY THE BAY – Finally, a way to discover what is going on along the Eastern Shore without having to make multiple phone calls, read three different newspapers or search five different websites! This one-stop information shop will get you finding fun and events across the area in just a CLICK! BAY BUZZ - Also included in the site is a way to access LOCAL news. With a focus on the positive, relevant, resourceful and educational community news, we want the community to find its interests easily and quickly, then be able to share those stories with friends and family! esconnections is sponsored by Chi Alpha Academy / Faith Family Fellowship, L.A.W. Enterprise, Sun Flooring and Rugs, Ad Mobile and Spanish Fort Chiropractic. Join over 3,200 daily visitors across our area that are already finding value in these tools and spread the word to your friends! To learn more about how you can advertise your business, contact Mediafusion today at 251-625-3800! The Last Day of Pompeii… The Gulf Coast Exploreum is excited to announce that it will be hosting the exhibit A Day in Pompeii, January 12 through June 3, 2007. This colorful and touching exhibit invites you to experience the story of Pompeii. The beautiful and vibrant ancient city was filled with rich culture and was a successful community bustling with businesses and homes. Considered one of Rome’s most “cosmopolitan” cities of the time, Pompeii was nestled next to Mount Vesuvius in a location so beautiful that it was a place where Romans went to vacation. In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city under almost 30 feet of volcanic material and ash. Freezing Pompeii in time at the moment of its destruction, the city lay buried for almost 17 centuries before being rediscovered and excavated. A Day in Pompeii gives visitors an exciting and unique view into history. On display are Pompeii artifacts, pieces of architecture and other fascinating bits of culture rescued from the site. Perhaps the most breathtaking and emotional displays are of the people of Pompeii who died in the eruption. Plaster molds made of the eruption victims provide haunting detail of the last moments of the people of Pompeii before they perished… “a man holding a cloth to his mouth, a couple embracing as they fell, a slave with an ankle manacle still in place.” Other features include a virtual tour of the city of Pompeii and an IMAX© film about another great ancient civilization, Greece. For more information on times and ticket pricing please call 251-208-6873, or visit www.exploreum.net. Need a job? Hunting for just the right employee? No time to sift through that pile of resumes? Leave the work to Express Personnel Services. With expertise in evaluation and direct hire, temporary staffing, executive recruiting, and human resources, owners Chris and Angela Ashcraft can serve as your human resources specialist, finding the best talent the Mobile area has to offer. Express Personnel Services offers custom human resources solutions for all types of businesses. From light industrial and general labor to administrative and clerical, this local office assists job seekers. Express also offers full-time recruiting and interviewing, as well as temporary traditional staffing in the areas of office services, customer service, technical, professional and light industrial services. “Our mission,” relays Chris, “is to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people. We differentiate ourselves by listening to and identifying customer needs. We then provide and implement custom workforce/workplace solutions that increase productivity, stability, and bottom line for our clients.” For more information on job openings or to find an employee, visit the Express Personnel Services website at www.expresspersonnel.com, call 251-476-8210 or visit the office at 2041 Airport Blvd. Getting it right the first time! Gulf Coast Office Products has built its business on one simple principle: superior customer service. The company opened its initial Mobile branch office in 2003, and within just a few years, Gulf Coast Office Products purchased Azalea Printing Company doubling the company’s size in the Mobile market. By 2006 it had already outgrown the space and moved to its current location on Lakeside Drive. With knowledgeable sales staff, onsite customer service representatives and delivery drivers, its business continues to grow because of its full-service capabilities. The experienced staff of Gulf Coast Office Products continues to meet or exceed the customers’ needs. The company has been able to earn the confidence and provide competitive pricing to city, county and state offices, as well as school boards and various small businesses and large corporations. Every customer is provided with the same expertise and dedication, which has resulted in tremendous repeat business.
The mission at Gulf Coast Office Products is to be the best full-service office products dealer anywhere. Through its affiliations with the top manufacturers in office supplies, office furniture and print management, Gulf Coast Office Products offer clients the quality products they demand at great prices. The staff combines these associations with an emphasis on personal service, customized ordering, delivery options, and guaranteed satisfaction to build long-term relationships with the customers. From the initial design to the installed product, Gulf Coast Office Products can handle your entire project. By having Knoll and Global as its primary furniture lines, as well as access to many others, Gulf Coast Office Products has been able to satisfy customers’ requirements and desires. Along with the personalized customer service, the company offers the quality and variety of products essential to meeting the diverse needs of its business clients, from furniture to office systems, information systems, business forms and office supplies. Visit Gulf Coast Office Product’s website at www.gcop.com or contact one of its five locations. The Mobile location can be reached at (251) 476-7100; the Bay Minette location at (251) 937-9800; the Montgomery location at (334) 279-8748; the Ft. Walton Beach location at (850) 244-6122; or contact the Pensacola National Headquarters at (850) 434-5588.
Parade of Homes – Showcase Home The exterior of the English-inspired home is a classic combination of brick, stucco, wood and stone. The design of the interior combines color and style to give it the softer feel of an older home. A two-story beauty, this 4,300 square foot home with four bedrooms and four bathrooms is loaded with great living spaces, quality appointments and a few surprises.
Need room for expansion? No problem. The large storage area on the second floor can easily be converted to additional living space. Want a functional and family friendly ‘Master Bedroom’ suite? This one was designed with a large bathroom, master suite privacy and a utility/laundry room included for easy clean-up. Oh, and for those with teens, not to worry—there’s another laundry room on the second floor.
The HBA Showcase Home is located at 3165 Newcastle Dr. and the Parade of Homes will take place October 14-15 and October 21-22. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. For more information, contact the Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile at (251) 661-6523 or visit www.HBAMM.com. A Sense of Community, Because Place Matters. . . “As I was looking at the homes in ‘Sweetwater,’ a Point Clear residential development, and the plans for two homes just started at Steelwood, thoughts of “community” come to mind,” said Frank Leatherbury. “If we are to make this a better place for having lived here, we must have a sense of community and responsibility for the land.” Leatherbury obviously has a vision. His company, Leatherbury Real Estate, Inc., has taken a new approach to residential real estate. “Training is important to us and we do in-house training on the usual real estate practices and marketing, but we really focus on vision land-use planning, development and design in an eco-sensitive manner,” he said. Exceptional education and planning services are provided to his team by Eco-UrbanPlanners.com, which also provides services to the general public and the real estate and development industry. “The approach we use is invaluable. In that way we can grow our community, but by using this sense of responsibility, leave this community a better place to live,” said Leatherbury. The Leatherbury residential and commercial team understands what an extraordinary place Baldwin County is and why people who live here feel that they have found a very special place. Most of the team has lived in Baldwin County for a lifetime. Barbara Foster loves working in real estate and it shows. “Leatherbury Real Estate is a very unique place to work because we accompany our clients through the entire real estate process. This not only makes for clear communications with our clients, but allows us to share in the joy that comes from finding their new home,” explained Foster. Nikki Robinson has lived in Baldwin County all of her life. “I live in the small town of Bay Minette and I love Baldwin County! It’s one of the largest counties in the U.S., but you can’t beat the small town sense of community that you feel here.” Terri Days grew up in Mobile “But once I got sand in my shoes at Gulf Shores, I couldn’t leave Baldwin County,” she said. “I love living here; it’s not pretentious and is very laid back. I enjoy being a realtor because my job is helping people find a place to belong.” “I am originally from this area” says Andrew Allison, “I moved back here after graduating from business school at Alabama because the quality of life is so high here in Baldwin County and it’s unbelievably beautiful. I am proud of our development philosophy here at Leatherbury Real Estate, which is to leave our community better than we found it.” John Luce grew up in Mobile and Baldwin County. “I chose to come to Leatherbury Real Estate for two reasons. First is the way that Frank works to complement land during development and second is the way his development plans work to protect it,” explains Luce. Leatherbury Real Estate, Inc. is a full-service commercial and residential real estate company offering development and planning services. For more information on Leatherbury Real Estate, located at 251 S. Greeno Rd. in Fairhope, call 251-928-3465 or visit the website at www.LeatherburyRealEstate.com. You’ll Love Lou’s! When you’re looking for the perfect diamond or gift of fine jewelry, look no further than Lou’s Jewelry in Mobile. Established in 1975 by the late Lou Sherrer and her sons Steve & Tim, one might expect to find a jewelry store of Lou’s caliber in Beverly Hills or Palm Beach. While Lou’s central location at 3012 Airport Blvd. in Mobile makes it a convenient shopping locale for jewelry buyers, the value these master jewelers offer to every customer in service and quality products “is what we pride ourselves on,” Steve said. Steve is one of only two individuals in Alabama certified as a Master Jeweler and his son, Steven, is on his way to becoming a Certified Master Jeweler. Steve’s brother Tim is one of only two Certified Gemologists in Mobile and Tim’s son Chris and daughter Megan are developing in to fine jewelry professionals as well. Lou’s Jewelry specializes in giving its customers exactly what they want when designing, manufacturing and fabricating custom jewelry. From one-of-a-kind settings to perfectly matched gem stones, Lou’s is never satisfied until the customer is happy. The company’s experienced, highly-trained professionals are more than just short-term employees who disappear after the holiday season. Whether customers are looking to buy a sterling silver charm, a diamond necklace, or a custom-made engagement ring, Tim explained that “every customer is always treated like family.” When shopping for that extra special holiday gift, anniversary present or perfect way to show your love, Lou’s customers know they can find exactly what they’re looking for with the help, knowledge and experience of Lou’s Jewelry’s Certified Gemologist, Certified Master Jeweler and now, third-generation professionals. Stop in and find out why so many Mobilians say “You’ll Love Lou’s!” Travel Around the World In a Day Experience all the world has to offer at the 23rd annual Mobile International Festival! Your passport to adventure awaits at the Mobile Civic Center on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience 70 nations and their traditional cultures through live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, children’s activities and smiling faces. Discover more surprises in the cultural exhibits from Africa, North and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Enjoy shopping, puppet shows, art galleries and the parade of flags, and sample delicious food and drink from 24 countries.
For more than 50 years, Pay-Less Carpets and Flooring has been covering Mobile’s floors. The full-service flooring company sells and installs hardwoods, ceramic, porcelain, carpet and laminate. Family-owned and operated, the company is committed to quality materials at a good price. Now the Humphreys/Goneke family welcomes its third generation into the business as Drew Goneke introduces his online retail flooring business specializing in hard surface floors. Currently experiencing exponential growth, Pay-Less’ retail business is expanding as more and more homeowners want hard surface floors. The company provides one-stop shopping for homeowners and do-it-yourselfers with designers and installers on staff at the 8,000 square foot showroom. The store was completely redesigned after Hurricane Katrina and is now a ‘natural light’ showcase for carpet, wood and laminate flooring, tile and marble countertops, with brands such as Shaw, Mohawk, Armstrong, Bruce and Dal-Tile.
“Doing business the right way, the old fashioned way.” Quality Valve, Inc. may be located in Mobile, but its clients span the globe. From South America to China to West Mobile, QVI is an international sales company and worldwide master distributor of OEM valve parts throughout the world. Company President Raymond McCaffrey started the company in 1994 and brings with him more than 30 years of experience. His staff of nine affords QVI with more than 120 years of combined experience, allowing them to overcome any valve problem a customer might have. “Our greatest asset is our staff,” said McCaffrey. “I am lucky enough that they let me steer the ship.” When working with QVI, customers can expect a response to an inquiry, regardless of the price of the part. All parts are shipped out by QVI overnight, at no extra cost to the client. Customer loyalty underlies all of QVI’s actions, from handling special requests to providing a hand-signed thank you note for each order. “The biggest compliment we can receive it to get an order from a customer,” said McCaffrey. Doing business the QVI way means work is done with a ‘can do’ spirit every day, night or even weekend. “QVI is price competitive, but it isn’t about the price; it’s about the way we can and do help people,” said McCaffrey. QVI carries millions of dollars of inventory from all major valve manufacturers, even those that are no longer being manufactured. By federal law, a manufacturer must sell valve parts for 10 years after they are discontinued. Many manufacturers sell these discontinued parts to QVI, buying them back on an as-needed basis. In 2006, QVI doubled the size of its warehouse to allow for additional parts storage. QVI has been recognized for its commitment to service. In 2004, the company became the first associate member of the Valve Repair Council for its contribution to the valve repair industry. The VCR is a division of the Valve Manufacturers Association. In 1996, QVI became the smallest company at that time to achieve the prestigious ISO-9002 company award. The standard for excellence at QVI starts at the top. In 1998 and 1999, McCaffrey was included in the top 100 Who’s Who of Upcoming Business Executives in the U.S. Most recently, he accompanied Governor Bob Riley on a business trip to China to meet with representatives there on potential business opportunities. Last July, The Salvation Army opened its new Women’s and Children’s Shelter, a 15-bed facility for women and children in need of temporary housing. This facility is the only shelter of its kind in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. For women and children who are without a home, this emergency housing provides more than a place for women to rest their head at night. For many, this shelter represents hope and a second chance. “I wasn’t getting along with my family at home and I couldn’t live with them anymore. I thought I was going to have to live in my car, but then I saw something on the news about the shelter and it really gave me hope,” said Traci, a current resident. Women staying at the shelter receive two meals a day, a bed for each family member, clothing and transportation assistance, parenting classes and job training. “I really feel like a part of a family here, everyone is so nice and friendly. I don’t know what I would have done if it weren’t for this place. It’s been a blessing,” said Traci. To be eligible for assistance and in order to reside in The Salvation Army’s shelter, a woman must meet the following criteria:
For more information, please call (251) 438-1625.
Chuck Hershiser, general manager for Sandy Sansing Hyundai in Mobile, is ecstatic—and for good reason. In its annual survey on new-vehicle quality (released in June), J.D. Power and Associates® ranked Hyundai as the leading non-premium brand in the United States. With an overall ranking of third, Hyundai, with all of its vehicles selling for less than $29,000, is rated right behind Porsche and Lexus! The Hyundai Tucson was ranked number one for the compact multi-activity vehicle division, and the re-designed Sonata and the all-new Azera, Elantra and Tiburon placed in the top three of their respective automotive categories. The best-selling Sonata is manufactured right here in Alabama. The plant, which has the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles a year, was ranked in the top 10 of all North and South American auto-manufacturing plants for quality. “Sandy Sansing Hyundai is locally owned and operated and has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction,” says Hershiser. Since 1987, Sandy Sansing has provided the Gulf Coast with trustworthy service and honest sales. Built on old-fashioned values of integrity and trust, Sandy Sansing provides customers with quality automobile sales and service. A long time contributor to area charities, Sandy Sansing is involved in United Way’s Cram the Van and Communities Caring at Christmas, as well as providing sponsorships to many of the local schools. Stop by Sandy Sansing Hyundai in Mobile at 7680 Airport Blvd. or call (251) 338-1501. You can also visit Sandy Sansing on the web at www.sandysansing.com. Scatter Joy Photography draws its name from the work of the great poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, who encouraged the behavior in his readers: “There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy…” At Scatter Joy Photography, Roy and Joy Blaylock strive to fulfill this mission with each custom portrait. Starting with the Scatter Joy studio, the business is aimed at individual customer service and fine heirloom quality portraiture for families. At Scatter Joy, the Blaylocks help you record the joy scattered throughout your life. From the exclusive hospital coverage birth day package to the baby plan, family and senior portraits, as well as weddings, Scatter Joy captures the essence of the individual and the art of life in its portraits. Joy Blaylock became interested in photography while completing her doctorate in theology in Washington, D.C. She quickly realized that images are powerful displays of life and what is held dear. Joy began studying composition and portraiture several years ago while teaching undergraduate theology students and resolved to begin her own business one day in her hometown of Mobile.
The Blaylocks are members of several professional organizations, including the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gulf Coast Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of America, and the American Child Photographers Guild. The studio, located in West Mobile, offers a beautiful and spacious layout that allows each client the comfort and conveniences of home. At Scatter Joy Studio, you won’t wait in line or be hurried through your session. The Blaylocks are focused in the attention that they give to each client. The end goal is to provide clients with a relaxed shoot and treasured portrait pieces. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to record the joy scattered in your life. Call to book your session today at 251-633-0220 or visit their website at www.scatterjoyphoto.com to request more information. If you are like most consumers, you probably assume the seafood you find on your plate at your favorite restaurant or in your grocer’s display comes from local waters. When it comes to shrimp, the truth of the matter is that nearly 80 percent of what you buy comes from overseas ponds. Surprised? You do have a choice. Ask for Alabama Wild Shrimp by name. It is caught fresh for you in the Gulf of Mexico by Alabama shrimping families. It is truly a part of Alabama’s deep heritage. Winston Groom, the author of Forest Gump, and Lucy Buffet, owner of Lulu’s at Homeport Marina, support Alabama Wild Shrimp. We hope you will too. Visit www.eatalabmawildshrimp to learn where to buy Alabama Wild Shrimp, recipes and more information. Eat Alabama Wild Shrimp For the finest in custom wood shutters… Since 1989 Simply Shutters has created beautiful, custom crafted shutters for customers throughout the Gulf Coast. Owners Michelle and Bruce Buechner have dedicated themselves to providing fine craftsmanship and unique designs that truly set them apart. Each shutter is custom built from the finest wood and crafted to perfectly fit your windows, doors or cabinets. With countless options and designs, the shutters can be any size up to fifty inches wide, with unique design shapes such as circle tops, eyebrows, rakes, ovals, sliding glass doors, French doors, French doors with lever handles, or skylights. “We’re not a franchise,” says Bruce. “We are a custom manufacturer, so we can do things that other shutter companies can’t and won’t do.” After consulting with you on the perfect size and shape, Simply Shutters begins the process of handcrafting your shutters. Simply Shutters also offers many distinct finishing options for your shutters to perfectly complement your style and home. “Any company can provide a finished look for a window, but we make a distinguished one. We are providing fine furniture for your window,” Michelle says. In addition to its showroom, Simply Shutters can bring samples and pictures directly to your home. The company offers services in twelve locations from Gulfport, MS, to Panama City, FL. For more information please visit www.simplyshutters.com or call 1-800-653-1298. “For the finest in custom wood shutter anywhere on the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Panama City, the decision is simple, Simply Shutters.” Communicating Your Needs… Team One Communications continually strives to bring Mobile and the Gulf Coast the best in wireless two-way radio communications. Earlier this year, Team One was recognized by Motorola with the MOTOSTAR 2006 Excellence Award. The company has also been recognized by Motorola as one of the best dealers in the business nationally. It came from Team One’s everyday commitment to high-performance business practices, the power of Motorola products and services and extraordinary customer support. When you work with Team One you can be assured that it is staffed by trained technicians and sales associates who can match Motorola solutions to your unique requirements. Team One respond to your feedback and is eager to fine-tune operations and deliver outstanding service. There is a division of Team One that plays a critical role in its commitment to fulfilling a customer’s needs. By incorporating a Radio Rental department into the company’s offerings, it enables Team One to support a customer’s needs to expand communications for special events, projects, parades or whatever your needs call for. Even if the need is for an event that is only once a year and there is no communications at all to start with, Team One can assemble an entire system to fit your needs for as short as a weekend, a week, month or even for a longer period of time depending on what it takes to get the job done. Team One has positioned itself to serve you and the local market for many years to come. For more information, go to teamonecommunication.com or call 251.343.2560 Team One is a proud sponsor of the Mobile International Festival. See more information about the upcoming festival here in Who’s Who Magazine. Baldwin County’s Hometown Advantage With its motto of “Your Hometown Advantage,” United Bank proudly serves markets with local flair. This is not the typical mission of many banks. But in some cases, United Bank is not even located in a traditional bank building. The Silverhill branch, for example, is located in the more than one hundred year old People’s Exchange building. Customers there conduct banking transactions with personal bankers at desks rather than a teller row. This friendly and inviting environment is just one element that creates a unique banking experience. In keeping with its mission statement, “Strength Through Service Excellence,” United Bank provides full service banking, ranging from checking and savings accounts, loans, certificates of deposit, business accounts, insurance services, investment services, mortgage services and agri-finance services. In an aggressive branching program in 1996, United Bank considered Baldwin County’s growing market and decided proximity to the home office in Atmore was vital to its expansion. It opened the first Baldwin County branch in Foley, with others following in Lillian, Silverhill, Magnolia Springs, Summerdale and two in Bay Minette. A $385 million financial institution that has enjoyed 100 years of services, United Bank has offices in four counties. United Bank serves Baldwin County with seven physical locations and eight ATMs. In an age of large bank mergers, United Bank plans to continue serving those searching for personal service and local decisions. For more information, please visit the United Bank’s website at www.ubankal.com or call 800-423-7026.
Now a Wider Welcome Area Newcomers to Mobile and Baldwin counties will now get twice the welcome as Welcome Friends, owned by Millie Sue Hawk, and City Hostess, owned by Veri Dale, are joining forces. Welcoming newcomers is their passion and by working together, Dale says they can both get more accomplished. Hawk calls the marriage of the two a good fit. "What one of us doesn't like doing, the other loves,” Hawk explained. With Welcome Friends and City Hostess working together, the Eastern Shore area of Baldwin County and much of Mobile County is covered. These ladies go the extra mile to connect newcomers to the community and introduce business sponsors to newcomers. “We promote our sponsors to newcomers and we also answer questions about the community,” said Hawk. The newcomer's packet includes gifts, coupons, and discounts from sponsors. Also included are maps and other useful information about the area. Besides newcomer visits, Welcome Friends sends a mail-out to new home owners who are not new to the Gulf Coast area. “We want everyone who is new to their home to feel welcomed,” Hawk said. Both ladies have noticed a big increase in the number of new home owners in Mobile and Baldwin counties since Hurricane Katrina last year. “Many of these relocated families have said that Mobile is so friendly that they don’t want to leave,” Dale commented. “Mobile has become home to them now.”
Members of the same organization (Welcome Services International), Hawk and Dale met only a few months ago. "I knew the name, but I had never met her in person," Hawk explained. Both businesses are members of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. Welcome Friends is also a member of the Saraland Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Shore Area Chamber of Commerce. Veri and Ted Dale live in the Springhill area of Mobile with their two children, Mac, soon to be 8, and Emme, age 9. Veri's husband, Ted, works in sales at Gorrie-Regan and Associates, Inc. He enjoys golfing and fishing, and Veri enjoys tennis, her family, and decorating her home. Millie Sue and Charles Hawk live in Satsuma, and have five children and 10 grandchildren. Charles Hawk, a project engineer at Olin Corporation in McIntosh, was transferred here just three years ago. The Hawks are active members of Dauphin Way Baptist Church. They enjoy golfing and boating in their spare time. Other team members include: Mary Lou Coate and Jackie Benson in Mobile and Judy Baust, Betty Grissett, Shirley Hedrick, and Bruce Hedrick on the Eastern Shore. To find out how Welcome Friends or City Hostess can help your business, call (251) 422-7777 or visit them on the web at www.welcome-friends.com. IT’S FACE LIFT TIME AT WESTMINSTER VILLAGE The saws are buzzing, the nail guns are firing and the residents are watching as a major renovation program advances at Westminster Village. Screened-in porches in the three-story main building are giving way to expanded sunrooms that will become a part of each resident’s apartment. “The building is now 23 years old and our board of directors concluded that it was time to give it a face lift,” said Scott Doherty, executive director. “We will have a completely new exterior once the construction is complete in approximately 12 months, including new windows, roof and landscaping,” he added. “In addition, the building is being constructed so as to provide additional protection from intense storms.”
|
| ......................Thank you for visiting Who's Who in Huntsville Online...................... |
| | Home | Stories | Advertisers | Ad Info | Submitting A Story | Company Info | Contact Us | |
Coldwell Banker JME Realty
So much more than just a real estate company, Coldwell Banker JME Realty offers its clients a wide range of services. Its concierge services provides clients with a list of preferred service providers, carefully screened and selected on the basis of qualifications, responsiveness and quality of work. The company also offers complete relocation services for corporations, individuals and families. In fact, Coldwell Banker JME was awarded the Cendant Mobility Broker Network Cup which recognizes the number one relocation department in the country for providing exceptional relocation and real estate services. Coldwell Banker JME Realty also offers an array of affinity services including cash back services for home buying and selling for senior citizens, teachers and nurses. In addition, the real estate company will manage your property allowing you to maximize real estate investments. Through JME vacations, Coldwell Banker JME Realty specializes in vacation rentals and vacation property management.
Since Administration Partners is committed to not selling investments, many local investment advisors trust Administration Partners to keep their clients in compliance with 401(k) and profit sharing plans. Theses companies also know that having the right plan design will enhance their ability to market the investments used to fund the plan.
Cosmetic
Smiles 
Lynn Weiss was recommended to Dr. Palmer by a health care professional who herself had beautiful teeth. She had been searching for just the right dentist to give her a perfect smile. In her analysis with Dr. Palmer, Weiss learned that the reason her teeth were breaking and wearing was due to jaw issues and TMJ. Once diagnosed, Weiss was treated for TMJ and had veneers applied to her teeth. “She gave me fabulous new teeth,” said Weiss. “I am told my smile is lovely now.”
esconnections
The
Exploreum
Dana Glass, Thompson Engineering's office manager, says her company has used Gulf Coast Office Products for paper, furniture and office supplies for years. "Their customer service and their friendliness, all the way from the person you call to the sales people to delivery, they're amazing. They're willing to get it right the first time. If it is wrong, they get the right product here within hours. That helps when you're busy and need supplies.” Glass also praised Gulf Coast Office Products’ delivery service, stressing that it is not disruptive to the office environment. A local law firm has had similar positive experiences with Gulf Coast Office Products, citing the company's overall good service, professionalism and quick response.
There are custom cabinets and bookshelves throughout the home, along with granite and ceramic tile countertops and the use of ‘time worn’ floors adds to a ‘welcome home’ feeling. The kitchen offers a double oven, 36” gas cook top with a warming drawer, breakfast nook, and butler’s pantry as well as a kitchen storage pantry. This home has something for everyone in the family, with a mudroom/locker area off the garage, an entertainment room, a family room, the game room, an exercise room and a 300 square foot covered porch with a built-in grilling area.
Price is a second-generation builder. His father, M.D. Price, was a two-term president of HBA of Metro Mobile and Price himself is the current vice president. “It is an honor to be chosen by my peers to represent the HBA as the builder of the Showcase home project,” says Price. Diane Berry, owner of Unique Designs, is the lead decorator on the project. Berry is coordinating eight different decorators, each of whom will design at least one room; her biggest job is to make sure everything “flows.” “I have been decorating Showcase homes for years and for me, generally less is better! I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of bringing a fresh look to each Showcase home,” explains Berry.
She returned to Mobile with her husband Roy in 2005, and along with the birth of their son, Gabriel, came the birth of Scatter Joy Photography. Joy currently serves as lead portrait photographer and will offer a course on ‘Style in Photography’ in the winter term through the University of South Alabama’s Special Courses Program. Roy manages the business end of Scatter Joy Photography and participates in numerous commercial photographic venues. 
City Hostess has had a successful 36-year history in Mobile welcoming newcomers in the Gulf Coast area. Dale has owned the business for more than 10 years. Welcome Friends started in Tennessee in 1995, but began welcoming newcomers in this area when Hawk moved here in early 2003. 
