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BVW: Hiller Cos., City of Mobile and AltaPoint all have major announcements
Business View Weekly – November 5, 2020 | Chamber News, Business Headlines & Member Events
Chamber News
The Mobile Area Chamber leadership congratulates Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville and Congressman-elect Jerry Carl. Tuberville will serve in the U.S. Senate as Alabama’s junior senator alongside the state’s senior senator and appropriations committee chairman, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby.
Carl will serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for Alabama’s first congressional district, comprised of Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties. The Chamber team looks forward to working with the entire Alabama delegation to advocate for Mobile area businesses.
The Chamber advocated for two measures on Tuesday’s ballot – Amendment 4, driving the Alabama Legislature to remove racist wording from the state constitution, and Mobile County’s Pay-As-You-Go program to fund county-wide road and bridge projects. Both initiatives passed.
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Save the Date: The Mobile Area Chamber’s Business First program is hosting a virtual forum on Employment Law and Federal Contracts. Learn on Thursday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to Noon, what the new executive order on combating race and sex stereotyping means for your company.
Julia James Shreve with Armbrecht Jackson will discuss who the executive order applies to, best practices on employment trainings and potential constitutional and political challenges. Register here. It’s free.
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Today, Gov. Kay Ivey extended the mask order through Friday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. In the amended order, emergency occupancy rates are being removed for retailers, gyms and fitness centers, and entertainment venues. Also included is a use of partitions exception for many businesses – including barber shops, hair salons, gyms and restaurants – if people are wearing masks and separated by an “impermeable” barrier.
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Business Headlines
Mobile-headquartered Hiller Companies announced the purchase of California‐based A&D Fire Sprinklers. The acquisition closed Nov. 1.
“The strong presence and solid reputation of A&D in their markets will be a great asset and will allow us to expand our fire protection offerings on the West Coast of the United States,” Hiller President & CEO Patrick Lynch said. “A&D brings a long history of expertise in the fire sprinkler and detection verticals and will add more than 400 employees to the Hiller family.”
A&D Fire Sprinklers has offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, Calif., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Spokane, Wash.
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Today, the City of Mobile announced details on a plan to create or preserve 1,000 homes by 2026. Mayor Sandy Stimpson first unveiled the program during the Mobile Area Chamber’s State of the City and County program earlier this year.
Funded by $15 million in HUD block grants, the city plans to do emergency repairs on 550 owner occupied homes, rehabilitate 100 blight or abandoned homes, construct or rehabilitate 275 rental units and build 30 new single-family homes. The focus is east of 1-65.
“The hope is to grow the population of the City of Mobile and reverse the trend of challenges that go with blight,” said Stimpson. Watch the media conference here.
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AltaPointe Health is one of three providers chosen for a state crisis diversion pilot project, announced by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this week. The Mobile site will serve a seven-county area, including AltaPointe’s Mobile, Baldwin and Washington counties as well as Southwest Alabama Behavioral Health’s counties of Clark, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe.
Tuerk Schlesinger, AltaPointe Health CEO, said, “In preparation, we have visited mental health crisis centers in Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma and will incorporate the best features of each including 23-hour observation beds and a crisis stabilization unit for extended observation.”
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The Mobile County Health Department and Family Health, its primary care division, have 13 Certified Application Counselors ready to assist people who buy their own health insurance during the open enrollment period that runs through Dec. 15. The counselors are trained and able to help consumers as they look for health coverage options through the Health Insurance Exchange and assist with completing eligibility and enrollment forms.
Certified Application Counselors can be found at all Family Health centers located throughout Mobile County. Find a list of sites here or call 251.445.8632. Find additional information on the Affordable Care Act website.
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To help business owners better understand and master state tax obligations requirements, the Alabama Department of Revenue is offering two upcoming webinars. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Business Personal Property Tax will be offered at 10 a.m. On Thursday, Nov. 19, Business Privilege Licenses will be offered at 2 p.m. Each is 30 minutes long and free. Registration is required.
In other news, the department of revenue is now offering taxpayers the option to renew sales tax and other licenses online. Now required annually by Dec. 31, there is no charge to renew sales, rental, sellers use, lodgings, utility gross receipts and simplified sellers use taxes. For more information, visit the step-by-step instructions and FAQ pages. Any taxpayers who need help renewing licenses can contact ALDOR’s Sales & Use Tax Division at 334.242.1490 or the nearest Taxpayer Service Center.
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Member Promotions
The Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission is hosting its 2020 celebration at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony and parking will be free.
This year’s events include a U.S. Coast Guard flyover between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. At the aircraft pavilion, the ceremony recognizing the U.S. Navy Commander Pete Riehm (Ret.) as Veteran of the Year and U.S. Army Major Gen. Janet Cobb (Ret.) as Patriot of the Year begins at 10 a.m. Masks are required for all people. Contact Teresa Taylor for more information.
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The Steeple on St. Francis is offering a 10 percent discount for all Christmas bookings through November. Call 251. 415.4641 for more information and how your group can socially distance.
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The History Museum of Mobile announced the opening of A History of Mobile in 22 Objects. The exhibition has 22 unexpected and compelling objects that help weave over 300 years of Mobile history, from the pre-Colonial era to the 21st century port. Together, they frame stories around Colonial Mobile, yellow fever, export economy, education, hurricanes, two world wars, civil rights, downtown Mobile, the modern port and more.
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LifeSouth is urging regular and first-time blood donors to give. The community blood supply continues to be dangerously low due to the impact of COVID-19 and prior storms. All blood types are needed, especial O donors. Make an appointment here or call 888.795.2707.
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Member Events
Thursday, Nov. 5
Saenger Theatre
Classic Movies – Ghost
11/05/2020
7 p.m.
$6 adults / $3 for seniors 60+ and children 12 & under
6 S. Joachim St.
251.208.7261
The Saenger Theatre Box Office is closed. Tickets can be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office (401 Civic Center Dr., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the Saenger Box Office on movie days, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Tickets for movies cannot be purchased online or by phone.
Friday, Nov. 6
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Sea Lab Science Fridays: STEM: The Ocean Version
11/06/2020
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$15 per participant or $25 for parent/guardian and child
101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin island
251.861.7515
https://www.disl.edu/dhp/sea-lab-science-fridays/
Discovery Hall Programs is offering a day of ‘drop-in’ classes for all ages. STEM: The Ocean Version covers ocean drifters, Trash(in) the Ocean or ROVing the Gulf.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums at Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Now through s11/30/2020
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
$14 for adults / $8 for ages 5-12 / free to Bellingrath members
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore, AL 36582
251.973.2217
Enjoy the blooms of hundreds of beautiful cascade chrysanthemums at Bellingrath during the month of November.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
RV Alabama Discovery Excursion
11/07/2020
9:45 a.m. to Noon
$30 per person s
101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin island
251.861.7500
https://www.disl.edu/events/rv-alabama-discovery-excursion2/
An educator-led two-hour boat trip in the waters surrounding Dauphin Island. Learn how estuaries such as Mobile Bay feed the seas.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Mobile Christian School
Open House
11/08/2020
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Free
5900 Cottage Hill Rd.
251-661-1613
https://www.mobilechristian.org
Anyone interested in the school is welcome to come by.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Thryv
Connect 20 – Building Your Entrepreneurial Business in Today’s New Landscape
11/10 and 11/11/2020
$39 and there is a free option
Online
817.832.9999
Connect 20 will show you how to build, grow and modernize your business in today’s COVID-19 environment. Special keynote speakers and lots of great content in breakout sessions.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Edward Jones
Tax-Free Investing: It’s Not What You Make, It’s What You Keep
11/11/2020
1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Free
Zoom Meeting
251.431.9869
www.edwardjones.com/john-garrett
Do you want more control over the taxes you pay? You’ll learn about tax-advantaged investments, three ways to purchase municipal bonds, and how tax-free investing can help achieve your goals.
Thursday, Nov. 12
OWA
Improv at OWA Theater
11/12/2020
7 p.m.
$19.99
200 North OWA Blvd., Foley
251.923.2111
https://visitowa.com/explore/events/improv-comedy/
Do you miss when “Whose Line Is It Anyway” fueled the comedy scene? Join us for a night of improv and comedy, one night only at the OWA Theater.
Saenger Theatre
Classic Movies – Jailhouse Rock
11/12/2020
7 p.m.
$6 adults / $3 for seniors 60+ and children 12 & under
6 S. Joachim St.
251.208.7261
The Saenger Theatre Box Office is closed. Tickets can be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office (401 Civic Center Dr., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the Saenger Box Office on movie days, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Tickets for movies cannot be purchased online or by phone.
Friday, Nov. 13
Mobile County Health Department
Rabies Clinic
11/13/2020
10 a.m. to Noon
$12 cash
Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howell’s Ferry Rd.
251.690.8823
In order to adhere to social distancing recommendations, these events will be drive-through clinics. Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets during weekend clinics that are good for one year.
Friday, Nov. 13
Mobile Sports Authority
Alabama State D1 Nation/AYSC Youth Football Playoff Tournament
11/13 to 11/15/2020
5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday / 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday / 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
$10 per day / $25 weekend pass / Free for kids 5 and under
Herndon Sage Park, 2900 Dauphin St.
251.725-1794
More than 40 youth football teams, ages 6-14, compete to see who will be state champions. Winners advance to the national tournament to be held in Atlanta in December.
OWA
Christian Comedy Fest
11/13/2020
7 p.m.
$24.95
1501 S. OWA Blvd., Foley
251.923.2111
https://visitowa.com/explore/events/christiancomedyfest/
90 minutes of clean, family friendly comedy featuring Cyrus Steele and Eric Hunter. Perfect for date night and the whole family.
Saturday, Nov. 14
Mobile Sports Authority
Alabama State D1 Nation/AYSC Youth Football Playoff Tournament
11/14/2020
8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
$10 / Kids 5 and under free
Herndon Sage Park, 2900 Dauphin St.
251.725.1794
More than 40 youth football teams, ages 6-14, will compete to see who will be state champions. Winners advance to the national tournament to be held in Atlanta in December.
Mobile County Health Department
Rabies Clinic
11/14/2020
10 a.m. to Noon
$12 cash
Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Rd.
251.690.8823
In order to adhere to social distancing recommendations, these events will be drive-through clinics. Mobile County Health Department provides low-cost rabies shots for dogs, cats and ferrets during weekend clinics that are good for one year.
Habitat for Humanity Southwest Alabama
Women Build
11/14/2020
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
Habitat Women Build, 511 Maybrick Rd. E.
251.476.7171
Women Build 2020 kicks off Nov. 14. No experience is required to join. Contact Sue King for more info and get your name on the calendar.
OWA
Nachtspiele OWA
11/14/2020
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$20 for teams / free for spectators
1501 S. OWA Blvd., Foley
251.923.2111
https://visitowa.com/explore/events/nachtspiele/
Enjoy German entertainment, food, and brews in Downtown OWA while teams compete for a chance to win The Nachtspiele Gauntlet. Get your team of four together and start practicing.
Sunday, Nov. 15
Mobile Sports Authority
Alabama State D1 Nation/AYSC Youth Football Playoff Tournament
11/15/2020
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$10 per day / $25 weekend pass / Free for kids 5 and under
Herndon Sage Park, 2900 Dauphin St.
251.725-1794
More than 40 youth football teams, ages 6-14, compete to see who will be state champions. Winners advance to the national tournament to be held in Atlanta in December.
Monday, Nov. 16
Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP)
Virtual Reverse Trade Show: Face to Face Meetings
11/16/2020 (all week)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$50 per meeting
Virtual Platforms like Microsoft TEAMS
251.345.7269
PEP’s VIRTUAL Reverse Trade Show will match vendors/exhibitors (Evonik, ALPower, BASF, Mitsubishi…) for 10-minute virtual meetings. Vendors will be able to choose the specific individual/department best fitting your product/service.
Thursday, Nov. 19
Business Information Solutions
How to Boost Brand Awareness and Increase Leads During Uncertain Times
11/19/2020
1 p.m.
Free
Online
https://www.askbis.com/bis-webinar/
We’ll discuss: defining your target audience, using analytics, identifying digital marketing tactics suitable for your business, developing a budget that produces results and how to create an effective marketing plan.
Mobile Area Boy Scouts of America
Annual Gathering of Eagles
11/19/2020
6 to 8 p.m.
Free
Athelstan Club, 170 St. Francis St.
251.478.9267
The event is free and open to all Eagle Scouts in the greater Mobile area who are 21 and up. Food and beverages will be provided. Business casual.
Saenger Theatre
Classic Movies – Footloose
11/19/2020
7 p.m.
$6 adults / $3 for seniors 60+ and children 12 & under
6 S. Joachim St.
251.208.7261
The Saenger Theatre Box Office is closed. Tickets can be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office (401 Civic Center Dr., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the Saenger Box Office on movie days, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Tickets for movies cannot be purchased online or by phone.
Friday, Nov. 20
Mobile Sports Authority
Turkey Day Tennis Classic
11/20 – 11/23/2020
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days
Free for spectators
Mobile Tennis Center, 851 Gaillard Dr.
251.725.1794
This ATA-sanctioned tournament is a fun-filled event of food, prizes and competition. Singles, doubles and mixed teams. Proceeds benefit the programs provided by New Lyons Park Tennis Association.
OWA
Brandon Styles Theater: 1920s Murder Mystery Dinner Show
11/20/2020
6 to 9 p.m.
$24 and up
OWA 101H S. OWA Blvd., Foley, AL 36535
251.237.3330
https://reservations.waverez.com/brandonstyles
Enjoy a delectable plated dinner situated around an up-close show set in an early 1920s speakeasy. There is no dress code but we do encourage 1920 attire.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Christmas Masquerade Gala
11/20/2020
6:30 to 9 p.m.
$75 per person
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore
251.973.2217
Join us for an elegant evening and get the first look at the brand-new scene created for the 25th Anniversary Season of Magic Christmas in Lights.