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2/24/2010 3:42:35 PM
Statement from the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce on the Tanker RFP Released Today
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce defers to Northrop Grumman and EADS, and we fully support whatever decision they make regarding a bid on the tanker, as it is ultimately a business decision for them. At this time, we do not have a full understanding of the changes in the new RFP released today as it relates to the draft that was released in September 2009. However, we believe the decision of the U.S. Air Force to award the contract to Northrop Grumman in 2008 was the appropriate decision based on the best value for the war fighter and the American taxpayers. If the current RFP uses similar guidelines for best value, the Chamber believes Northrop Grumman and EADS will emerge as winners once again. 10/2/2009 2:24:25 PM
U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling tanker
A Request for Proposals has been released for the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling tanker. Randy Belote, vice president of strategic communications for Northrop Grumman said, “Northrop Grumman applauds the Defense Department and the U.S. Air Force for re-starting the effort to replace its Eisenhower-era KC135 aerial refueling tankers, and the company is looking forward to competing for and winning the contract again.” Mobile is ready to win it again too. Northrop Grumman and EADS have the full support of the Mobile Area Chamber, Mobile County and the city of Mobile. In other economic development news, on Thursday, Sept. 24, Gov. Bob Riley announced HK Motors had selected a 3,000 acre site off I-65 in Bay Minette (north Baldwin County) for a hybrid automotive manufacturing facility. The Mobile Area Chamber would like to congratulate the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and the Alabama Development Office, as well as the many businesses and government officials who continue to work this project. As you might imagine the Mobile Area Chamber has fielded dozens of telephone calls and e-mails since this announcement on what Mobile County’s role might be in a project of this magnitude. We recognize a project of this size (6,000 workers and a $1.5 billion investment) will impact the surrounding counties in our region, and especially Mobile County. Not only will this facility have a net-positive impact on the Port of Mobile, but also to local steel manufacturers. We will be able to recruit Tier I and Tier II suppliers (i.e.- engine manufacturing, metal stamping, interior automotive manufacturers) to the Mobile Bay region. All of this will be done in support of Baldwin County, and the State of Alabama. It is also important to note neither the Mobile Area Chamber, the city of Mobile and Mobile County, nor the city or county industrial development boards have invested or committed any capital or in-kind services toward this project. HK Motors and the State of Alabama will not begin any incentives negotiation until the company has raised the necessary capital to fund this project. 4/27/2009 4:20:53 PM
Win Hallett’s China Trip Blog March 12-20, 2009
Introduction In mid-March, Win Hallett and 32 other U.S. Chamber executives traveled to China, visiting Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai. The trip served as an exploration tour for Chamber representatives who were scouting out future opportunities for their Chambers back home.
The week-long trip organized by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), connected Chamber executives with U.S. companies already doing business in China and built relationships with those who can assist U.S. businesses in entering the rapidly-growing economy.
Chris Mead, ACCE’s senior vice president, said the Chamber executives’ trip was a Business Connections Tour that served as the mid-winter meeting of the ACCE’s Metro Cities Council. The council is made up of leaders of the 140 largest U.S. Chambers, which includes those with metro populations of more than 250,000.
He said the trip was organized and led by tour operator Leo Liu of Citslinc International, of Monterey Park, Calif. Founded in 1995, Citslinc has led trips for individual Chambers and communities.
“This was the first of its kind with 33 Chamber execs. This was a pretty influential group,” Mead said of the Chamber leaders whose groups represent the nation’s major business interests in an article published in the Quad Cities Times, Davenport, IA. “(The group’s influence) was not lost on those we met in China.”
Citslinc will serve as tour promoter for the Mobile Area Chamber trip in October.
Day 1 – Thursday, March 12
We were a group of 33 Chamber execs (some with spouses and some who also brought their children) from all over the United States. Leo Lui’s company, CitsLinc International, sponsored this trip for members of the Metro Cities Council of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. The trip was similar to what the Mobile Area Chamber China Trip participants will experience in October, except our trip also included diplomatic and business meetings in Beijing and Shanghai.
We left Los Angeles on China Eastern to Shanghai around 2 p.m. and changed planes to end up at Beijing late Friday evening. All transfers were taken care of and the luggage was loaded on the bus and delivered to our rooms. The flight was long, but comfortable, and the food was…. well, airline food with some oriental twists.
Day 3 - Saturday, March 14 (You’ll note this says day 3, due to a day lost flying and resting before the tours began)
Everything started very early and we began the day with a good breakfast before a meeting with Sarah Kemp from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Sarah did an outstanding job of giving an overview of the current Chinese economic status and the opportunities and challenges facing China. Currently China’s GDP is $4.42 trillion and the goal is to quadruple it in 20 years, which implies a 7.3 percent annual growth. A similar optional meeting will be arranged for our October group for those who are interested.
We then had a Hutong (in Beijing, hutongs are alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences) tour by pedi-cab (rickshaw) to see the old Beijing alleys and old way of life. After lunch we paid an official visit to meet with the vice mayor in the Beijing Municipal Government offices.
Later in the day, we enjoyed an extended tour of Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. Many of the people there were taking pictures of us! We finally figured out that they were probably from the western part of China and had not seen Westerners before – so, we were the novelty.
Later, we had dinner at the famous Quan Ju De Peking Roast Duck Restaurant, which hosted President Richard Nixon many years ago. The food was good and the beer okay. We drank lots of bottled water.
Day 4 – Sunday, March 15
After breakfast, our bus took us to the Great Wall of China. A bit of friendly advice in advance -- do your Stairmaster training often, and well in advance of your October trip, before tackling this world famous landmark. Many of the steps are almost straight up and they are never-ending! Fantastic pictures and angles abound. You can have your picture taken in Chinese garb for 30-50 Yuan (or RMB), about $4-$7, to send out to friends as holiday cards.
Speaking of dress, I would recommend planning to dress in layers so that you can put clothes on and remove them as needed. Beijing is at latitude 39.55 degrees and the wind can get your attention climbing the Wall. Upon returning to your bus, there will be bottled water and some beer.
A tour the Cloisonné factory and showroom was next. Lunch was served upstairs, followed by shopping for some amazing gifts. And remember, everything, everything is negotiable: don’t take the list price or even the second price.
Following lunch we visited the Summer Palace where The Last Emperor was filmed. The palace is known for the Long Corridor with painted gallery, the Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, and was home to the Dragon Lady who was the concubine and mother of the last emperor.
Because our business meeting ran longer than expected, we did not visit the Forbidden City that was home to 24 emperors and has 9,999 rooms. This is where the movie, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed. I viewed it again upon returning, and you may want to watch it before traveling to China in October.
That evening we met at Junwangfu Peninsula Restaurant where Chinese maidens ushered us into a courtyard for cocktails and dinner. We enjoyed their dragon dances and drummers in costume. We dined with Wang Jinzhen, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. He was very quick to point out the amazing growth of their economy and was clear about their intention of surpassing the size of the U.S. economy in the next few years.
Day 5 -- Monday, March 16
We left for the Beijing airport for a two hour flight to Shanghai. My seat was 43G and was the last row and against the bulkhead. The fellow in front of me put his seat back and was almost in my lap. There was no way to let the tray table down. When the stewardess came by with the cart for sandwiches, the Chinese person sitting next to me slapped the back of the seat in front and the person did move the seat more upright. It ran through my mind that if I had tried to do that, there was the possibility of an international incident.
That afternoon we toured the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront. The scale of buildings on the new side of the Yangtze River is absolutely astounding. One building that houses a broadcast tower is in the shape of a Christmas tree ornament and is about 30 stories tall.
Everywhere we went people were talking about the World Expo that Shanghai will host next May to October. Shanghai is expecting 60 million visitors and will be spending $83 billion to prepare for and stage the six-month event. Before May, 2010, the highway we came in on will be buried to make more space for the tourist on the waterfront.
By the way, Shanghai just opened their second airport terminal that will provide capacity for another 40 million passengers per year. And, they have the third terminal on the drawing board!
Day 6 – Tuesday, March 17
We had two presenters Tuesday morning at our business meeting. Brenda Foster is the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, the second largest Chamber in the world after Sao Paolo, Brazil. She did a terrific job in giving us insights into the Chinese economy. Annually, the U.S. and China do $338 billion in trade. China is our third largest export market.
Ms. Foster acknowledged that China’s Achilles heel is their healthcare system. The quality of that system and their ability to deliver to 1.4 billion people is more than problematic. Their education system is also struggling to keep up and their environment is under great pressure. Their rivers are taxed and the country does not have enough potable water.
In Beijing, there are no old cars to be seen. When asked about that observation, the response was, “Ten years ago there were 400,000 cars in Beijing, now there are 4 million and 400,000 are being added each year.” This exacerbates their air pollution problem everyday. The Chinese government signed contracts to have energy plants powered by natural gas and when the price tripled to $12/mcf, they cancelled the contracts and are now building 100 coal-fired plants per year. (At the same time, we are dealing with legislation that would place a cap and trade system for carbon emissions on utilities, ultimately making us less competitive in the global market. Under such a bill, electricity providers would be given a fixed number of pollution allowances, every allowance equaling one ton of carbon dioxide pollution a company is allowed to emit. Ironically, if China continues to build coal-powered plants in these numbers, it will matter little what the U.S. does to contain carbon emissions.)
To do business in China successfully, homework, due diligence and flexibility are required. Everything is negotiable and the learning curve is steep.
“China is not for everybody – it is a country in transition. If you don’t handle ambiguity well, China is not for you! China is exciting and dynamic with great opportunities, but also great risks,” said Rodger Lindsay, senior vice president, Asia Pacific, The Timken Co.
After the business meetings, Andrew Rudnick (president of the Buffalo, NY Chamber), Tim Sheehy (president of the Milwaukee Chamber) and Tim’s son Ryan and I rented a car and driver to visit several areas of Shanghai. Tim has been to China seven times and Milwaukee has a Chinese sister city unpronounceable by me.
We first drove to an area where there was a large European enclave known as Shin Tin De (at least phonetically). Very nice shops, cafes, fountains and large flower pots and shrubbery were to be found in a number of arcades that could have been mistaken for many parts of Europe. My comment at lunch was, “If you didn’t know where we were, you would not know where we are.”
And, since it was March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) we decided to visit O’Malley’s (Shanghai) where Guinness was celebrating its 250th birthday. A number of expatriate’s wives were there with their children playing on the grass and swing sets. It was quite an interesting afternoon hearing all the different accents.
We waited for Bob Morgan (president of the Charlotte Chamber) and his wife to join us for a beer. O’Malley’s gave out some hats and of course we had pictures made, but left before the rowdies showed up.
Day 7—Wednesday, March 18
A chartered bus carried our group to Hangzhou where we took a boat cruise on West Lake before lunch. One of our participants was Phil Parker (president of the Dayton, Ohio Chamber). He has white hair and a matching beard. Several Chinese individuals came up to him and wanted their picture taken with him. It turns out that they thought he was Kenny Rogers and he told them no different.
That afternoon we visited the centuries-old Lingyin Temple, whose main feature is the 64-foot-high, camphor-wood carved Buddha. There were lots of people going through the various shrines.
Then back to the hotel to change for dinner with the vice mayor and distinguished guests and a show.
Day 8 – Thursday, March 19
We took our chartered bus to Suzhou and visited the Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill, home to the leaning Temple. We saw many fascinating bonsai trees and the flowers were gorgeous. The temple is leaning because part of it was built on rock and the other portion on settling dirt. Who would have thought of that?
We then saw a canal referred to as the Venice of the East – I could not make that reach. We later toured the silk factory and made a few purchases. The merchants were really pushing the silk bedding, but as another friend, Gary Toebben (president of the Los Angeles Chamber) said, “Just say no!”
That evening we met with the Mayor of Suzhou, Yan Li, and their director of tourism administration for the last formal dinner of the trip.
Day 9 – Friday, March 20th
The last day of the trip was spent on a bus ride back to Shanghai Pudong Airport for a 2:50 p.m. departure that arrived back in Los Angeles at 11:30 a.m. the same day. Our translator and guide for the last three days took the Anglicized name of “Jackie,” and left us with the admonition that we not speak to him in the airport by name, such as “Hi, Jackie!” (It was as poor then as it is now, sorry.)
All in all, it was a truly amazing trip and I’m glad to have had the experience.
Travel notes:
China facts:
Potential business targets:
Industries that could provide business opportunities for U.S. companies:
Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, CIA World Factbook, The US-China Business Council, Quad Cities Times. 2/17/2009 11:03:25 AM
Chamber Business and Community Leaders Fly-In to Washington D.C.
Twenty-seven business and government leaders traveled to Washington, February 9-11, to present the Chamber’s federal agenda to Alabama’s members of Congress. The purpose of the annual Washington Fly-In is for business leaders who have federal interests which could impact SW Alabama to present a mutually agreed upon list of federal priorities. For almost 10 years, this visit has resulted in a coordinated effort to secure funding for local projects and has helped to solidify positions on important pro-business policies.
This year, Capitol Hill meetings were held individually with Sen. Richard Shelby, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Rep. Jo Bonner, Rep. Artur Davis and their chiefs-of-staff. An evening reception was hosted by the University of South Alabama for the staff of all seven Alabama Congressmen and our two senators; and a smaller dinner the following evening was given by Hand Arendall LLC for Sen. Shelby, Sen. Sessions and Mr. Bonner. The trip concluded with a breakfast for Mr. Bonner sponsored by Airbus.
It was a very exciting time to be on Capitol Hill as the economic stimulus package was being debated in Congress. Some members of our group received gallery passes to watch this historical vote in the Senate on February 10.
Among the priority issues shared with the members of Congress, there are four that drew the most interest and discussion.
Other items on the Chamber’s federal agenda include, containment of health care costs, transportation and energy infrastructure investment, immigration policy reform, workforce training, tax reform and increasing domestic supplies of energy. 2/5/2009 8:58:56 AM
A Mobile Area Chamber White Paper
ThyssenKrupp Stainless 3 February 2009
Here are three hot topics we expect you’ll be asked about. Below are key messages to help you understand the ThyssenKrupp Stainless § It is important to remember this is only a delay, and at this point is estimated at 12-months, bringing the timeline to October 2010. § TK has not ramped up the stainless operations yet so there are no expected layoffs, according to company officials. The few folks the company hired will be reassigned. § It is a postponement of one year, and ultimately we expect no change in number of jobs, the amount of investment or its economic impact. § TK Steel is moving forward as scheduled, headed for a 2010 opening. TK originally announced in 2007 that its 3,500 acre site will generate approximately 29,000 jobs during the construction phase. When fully operational, the plant will employ 2,700 people. Average annual wages are estimated between $50,000 and $60,000. Over a 20-year period, the facility is also expected to yield 30,000 to 52,000 indirect jobs. The project remains one of the largest private investments in ----------------------------------- Northrop Grumman’s Bid for the Tanker Key Messages: Rep. Jo Bonner and Rep. Artur Davis arranged for Rep. John Murtha, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, to visit § It seems momentum for a split contract continues. Murtha has been quoted as saying a split contract will be inevitable if the U.S. Air Force wants the tanker soon. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is on the record as being opposed to a split contract because of anticipated additional costs. § Gates committed to a new competitive bid process expected to start as early as this spring and awarding the contract early in 2010. § A split contract means a faster ramp up time, and will still have a huge impact on the § The Chamber is continuing its support and lobbying efforts for this critical project that will impact thousands of Northrop Grumman was first awarded the contract in February 2008. As a result of competitor Boeing’s protest, a government review panel found problems with the initial bids. Gates made the decision to postpone the re-bid late in 2008 until after the presidential election. This is an estimated $40 billion contract to buy 179 new aerial refueling tankers to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet over the next 15 years. Should Northrop Grumman win the contract again, the aircraft will be built in
The Local Economy Key Messages: § We live in tough times, yet § Our economy is not dependent on any one industry, and instead a variety of business sectors will help us weather the recession. § Don Epley PhD with We understand economic times are uncertain and tough. It is worth noting that 9/22/2008 9:25:25 AM
BCA Briefs Small Businesses on Tax Deduction for Health Insurance
BCA Director of Legislative Policy Victor Vernon briefed members of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce on the Small Business Health Insurance Premium Deduction Enhancement Bill recently signed into law by Gov. Bob Riley. Vernon, when outlining aspects of the legislation affecting small business owners, said small businesses will receive “a very meaningful tax break” from the legislation because they will be able to deduct 150% of the cost of employee health insurance from next year’s state income taxes. 9/11/2008 9:05:43 AM
So, What’s Going On at the Chamber? Author: Susan Rak-Blanchard
10 September 2008 U.S. Department of Defense Cancels Tanker Project
We expect that you’ll be asked for your comments on this latest development. Below are key messages and the story that will run in the November issue of The Business View.
Key messages:
1. Because the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) cancelled the tanker project our warfighters lost out on a new weapon system they desperately need now. The Air Force selected the best and our warfighters must continue flying 50-year-old planes.
2. With the decision, Alabama lost 5,000 jobs, the Central Gulf Coast – thousands more, and all Americans have lost out on 48,000 new U.S. jobs – across all 50 states.
3. DoD set a new and dangerous precedence by allowing politics to influence the acquisition process and cancel a priority program.
-----------------------------------
With emotions running hot and words running hotter, Mobile area officials talked with more than 120 national media via a conference call Wednesday, Sept. 10 to express their outrage at the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) decision to cancel the Air Force refueling tanker competition valued at close to $35 billion and with it, thousands of jobs for area residents.
The Mobile delegation of elected officials and industry representatives, including the Mobile Area Chamber and Mobile Airport Authority are frustrated, but determined to stand behind Northrop Grumman as it regroups in its pursuit of the competition by the rules set forth by the Department of Defense. Critical economic development resources are involved at the state and local level with no clear timeline when the project would reemerge, although speculation puts it in the 2010 - 2015 budget.
The messages sent from Mobile, Ala., the day the announcement was made were that first of all, because of the cancellation of the current competition, warfighters have lost out on a new weapon system they desperately need now. “The U.S. Gulf Coast lost more than 5,000 jobs, and the country lost a total of 48,000 jobs, as the original decision to grant the tanker project to Northrop Grumman and its contractor EADS became a victim to the political process,” said Stephen Nodine, president of the Mobile County Commission.
In the words of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, “The Department of Defense set a new and dangerous precedent in allowing politics to control the outcome of what is best for our country.”
“This is the second time Boeing and its supporters hijacked the competition, and cost the warfighter and the taxpayer time and money,” added Win Hallett, the Chamber’s president.
Retiring Mobile Airport Authority Executive Director Bay Haas said, “We still have the superior product. One that is built, tested and proven. This was a political fight, make no mistake about it.”
“The Department of Defense, as recently as last week, stated the urgency to replace the Eisenhower-era fleet of refueling tankers. With this delay, it is conceivable that our warfighters will be forced to fly tankers as old as 80 years of age,” said Randy Belote, Northrop Grumman vice president, strategic communications.
“Northrop Grumman entered this competition in good faith and proposed the most modern, most capable tanker available, at the best value to the American taxpayer.”
Upon waiting for a formal statement from Northrop Grumman CEO Ron Sugar, company officials reiterated its commitment to both the project and building aircraft in Mobile.
Just a few weeks prior to this latest development, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the tanker project was a top priority. Officials have since stated they will be able to maintain the current fleet built during the Eisenhower administration, nearly 50 years ago.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, was quoted in the Press-Register, calling the announcement “unacceptable.”
“This misguided decision clearly places business interests above the interests of the warfighter...This approach is irresponsible, shortsighted and harmful to both the warfighter and the nation.”
Rep. Jo Bonner, Sen. Jeff Sessions and Gov. Bob Riley also issued statements:
“The secretary says his decision was necessary because DoD could not make an award before the end of this presidential administration. That is flawed thinking. Competitions should be non-political processes carried out by the career professionals in the military. They frequently bridge presidential administrations,” said Bonner.
“It is a very sad comment when our nation is engaged in two wars – in two different regions of the world – that DoD would abdicate its responsibility.” “As I have said repeatedly, the Department must remain steadfast in its commitment to a fair competition, free of political interference, aimed at selecting the aircraft that best meets the needs of the military. That was the Secretary’s position as recently as a month ago, and it is unthinkable that he would reverse course now,” commented Sessions.
“The Air Force originally determined that the Northrop Grumman/EADS proposal was the best aircraft for the military, and I remain convinced that its selection was justified. The successful conclusion of this competition remains my top priority.”
“I strongly disagree with this decision and find it absolutely bewildering. The Air Force has been trying for six years now to replace its aging fleet of tankers. Yet another delay does nothing except put our warfighters at greater risk. For that reason alone, I can’t understand why anyone would make this decision,” said Riley.
“At some point, we have to say we are going to put our warfighters first – not the suppliers, not politics.” 9/9/2008 11:15:39 AM
Mobile City Council Meeting September 3rd - Author is Shayla Jones Beaco
At the September 3 City Council meeting, the CSX construction contract was approved to create a quiet zone for trains traveling through the downtown area, particularly along the Water Street corridor. This measure came as a result of complaints made by patrons of the Battle House Renaissance Hotel and the Riverview Renaissance Hotel regarding the noise levels caused by train whistles traveling through downtown during late night hours. Upon completion of upgraded rail road crossings, track work, sensor installation and other needed improvements, trains traveling through downtown will no longer sound their whistles in the area north of the GM&O building to south of the Alabama Cruise Terminal.
Also during this meeting, Connie Hudson, District 6 councilperson and finance committee chairperson announced that a finance committee meeting would be held on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the 2009 General Fund Budget. Ms. Hudson also confirmed with Al Stokes, chief of staff, that city staff persons responsible for budget preparation would be available to answer any questions. 9/8/2008 1:21:48 PM
Mobile City Council Meeting August 26 - Author is Shayla Jones Beaco
After lengthy and vigorous deliberation, the Mobile City Council at its August 26 meeting unanimously approved Mayor Jones’ request to move forward with an annexation vote in four unincorporated areas located in the City’s police and fire jurisdiction. These four proposed areas include: a section of Theodore and Tillman’s corner, a subdivision and commercial stretch along Moffett Road, two subdivisions along Snow Road (Dominion and Wellington) and the Windmill Place subdivision, just west of Cody Road. During presentations led by Mayor Jones’ and City Attorney Larry Wettermark it was reported that given the limited tax revenues received in the police and fire jurisdiction coupled with an increased demand for services in this area, the City’s ability to provide adequate protective services has been greatly impacted. This budgetary strain on financial resources has further motivated the City to move forward with this aggressive annexation plan. Mayor Jones estimated that the City would receive between $8 million and $10 million a year in added tax revenue to enhance public services if the annexation vote goes through in the four proposed areas.
Later in the City’s presentation, Mayor Jones outlined the benefits that residents in the proposed areas would receive if annexation occurs. These specific City services would include: free city garbage and trash pickup, street lighting, enhanced fire and police protective services, and in some areas park improvements.
Opponents of annexation efforts, both elected officials and residents living outside of the four proposed areas, argued that the City’s plans for expanding its boundaries amounted to nothing more than taxation without representation, was seen as an attempt to grab an existing tax base, and in some instances would halt the efforts of individual communities in forming their own municipalities.
In the end, the City Council approved the resolution authorizing an annexation vote to take place. The Council emphasized their overwhelming support for this annexation plan and Mayor Jones’ efforts to further growth in the Mobile area. The annexation vote is scheduled to take place on October 7. 8/26/2008 5:46:29 PM
Chamber’s Local Governmental Affairs committee meets Leigh Perry-Herndon Vice President, Communications Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
On July 17 the local governmental affairs subcommittee held its regularly scheduled meeting to review and update the current legislative agenda in preparation for the 2009 agenda development process. Community issues currently being examined by the sub-committee include: local tax reform measures, greater reform and efficiency in the code review process, the provision of adequate funding for all state-directed public education initiatives, and support for funding of future infrastructure improvements. Once the committee has completed review of these and a series of other issues, the full legislative agenda will be presented to the Chamber’s executive committee and board of directors in late October and finally to the Mobile-Baldwin legislative delegation in early February.
In earlier meetings, it was determined that in addition to the items identified in the current legislative agenda, the local affairs sub-committee would also examine other important community issues not requiring legislative action or review. The subcommittee concluded that while these issues may not necessitate inclusion into the full legislative agenda; they may however warrant some level of attention and focus from the local affairs committee due to their impact on the larger community.
To facilitate discussion of these specific community concerns, it was concluded that the subcommittee would act as a processor of local issues and when appropriate invite affected elected officials, city/county staff persons, and other community partners to provide input on pertinent topics. Future issues to be explored under this review process will include: upcoming comprehensive planning efforts, the local housing situation, city development procedures and Mobile’s future growth plans.
Utilizing this approach, at the August 19 meeting the local affairs subcommittee invited City of Mobile representatives Al Stokes, chief of staff, and Dan Dealy, project manager to discuss the New Plan for Mobile planning process.
Al Stokes explained in his introductory remarks that the push for an updated planning initiative originated for several reasons. First, the City’s last master plan update for Mobile was prepared in 1996. He further stated that many of the initiatives identified during this process were completed under the String of Pearls plan. Secondly, the need for an updated and comprehensive planning effort was recommended by Mayor Jones’ transition task force (2005) to address the city’s community and economic development issues. Mr. Stokes also reiterated the importance of this visioning process for the Downtown area and the adjacent neighborhoods. He noted that the resulting plan will offer strategies to enhance both public enhancement of the Downtown core and neighborhoods while also serving as a marketing tool for attracting new economic development opportunities.
Dan Dealy explained that the City had contracted the services of EDSA, Inc, a planning-research design consultant team, to develop the City’s urban design and economic development plan for the Downtown area. He commented that community attendance at the various neighborhood planning meetings was very good. Mr. Dealy also noted that stakeholders from all sectors of the community, both public and private, had been heavily involved throughout the preliminary process and would continue to play a role as planning efforts progressed. During his presentation, Mr. Dealy pointed out the numerous redevelopment successes taking place in Downtown Mobile. He credited these accomplishments as the results of successful public/private partnerships formed to support the Downtown area.
Upon completion of the 2009 local legislative agenda, the local affairs subcommittee will invite a City representative to come out and discuss City development guidelines and the permitting approval process. 8/12/2008 3:42:57 PM
A Better Alternative for Energy – The Chamber’s board position on energy – the white paper by LPH
ENERGY POLICY 2006 Increasingly, Mobile-area businesses are concerned about energy availability and price. To address this situation, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce supports a comprehensive, federal energy policy to: 1. Increase the supply of energy in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment. 2. Improve the regulatory climate. 3. Promote comprehensive energy conservation and encourage research and development of alternative energy sources. 8/12/2008 3:36:04 PM
Understanding LNG – A Chamber’s Decision to Support TORP’s proposal – the white paper by LPH
26 September, 2007 The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors today passed a position statement in support of TORP’s proposed LNG facility. We expect that you’ll get a few questions about the position statement, and what it means for our members and the environment. Here are a few points to make during any discussions. Please remember any media calls should come to the communications department. If a member calls and you do not feel comfortable discussing this issue with them, please talk with your supervisor, or in the event they’re not available, Bob Chappelle, Bill Sisson, Ginny Russell or Leigh Perry-Herndon.
Key Messages:
Interesting Points about the Project:
How the Process of Board Approval Process Worked:
TORP officials presented on several occasions to the Mobile Area Chamber’s Economic Development Council (EDC). On Aug. 7 the EDC was asked by TORP to take a position on the project, which would begin the process of an official Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce position. The EDC approved the TORP project. From there, TORP presented the project overview to the Mobile Area Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC), and on Sept. 5, the GAC approved the TORP project. On
Sept. 25, the Executive Committee, based on the recommendation from the EDC and
GAC, heard a presentation from TORP officials and approved the project, enabling it to be presented before the full Mobile Area Chamber Board of Directors on Sept. 26.
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Official Position Statement
TORP Technology’s Bienville Offshore Terminal
Mobile-area businesses are concerned about energy availability and price. In 2006, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce adopted a comprehensive Energy Policy calling for, in part, increasing the supply of energy in a manner that is safe and protective of the environment. Further, recognizing Alabama’s growing need for natural gas, the policy encourages expediting the permitting process for new energy source infrastructure, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants.
TORP Technology plans to build its Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal 63 miles off the Alabama coast in order to receive, warm and transport needed natural gas to onshore customers. TORP Technology has worked to address environmental concerns through its newer technologies, lack of chemical discharge and reduction in harmful emissions, and its proposed location 63 miles offshore.
Available and affordable energy is critical to sustaining Mobile and Alabama’s continued economic growth. Therefore, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce encourages the approval of TORP’s Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal to benefit Alabama’s businesses.
Further, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce calls upon TORP to stringently monitor the facility’s environmental impact and to mitigate such impact as quickly as possible. 8/12/2008 3:33:11 PM
Chamber Supports a New Bridge – Our Position – the white paper by LPH
11 June 2008 On May 28, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors passed a position statement addressing I-10 congestion and a proposed bridge over the Mobile River. In it, the Board of Directors asked the Alabama Department of Transportation to remove the southern-most route from its plans, and encouraged them to review current data on the northern route’s capability to meet the project’s stated “purpose and need” of a alleviating congestion through the I-10 tunnel. Finally, the position states that if the northern route does not merit further study then the Mobile Area Chamber and its Board of Directors supports a bridge that is located no further north than “Route A” and no further south than “Route B.”
If you have any questions about the position statement, or would like to discuss it with a Chamber staff member, contact information, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed at the bottom of this document.
Key Messages:
How the Process of Board Approval Worked:
In early 2008, the Mobile Area Chamber elevated the Ports and Waterways Task Force to become the Maritime Affairs Committee, naming Mike Lee, president of Page & Jones and a former Mobile Area Chamber Board of Directors chairman, as chair of this committee. Lee and Mobile Area Chamber staff liaison Bridgette Clark met with stakeholders on the waterfront, as well as various elected officials, community business leaders, members of Keep Mobile Moving and the Mobile Area Chamber’s Transportation Coalition to discuss the proposed I-10 bridge over the Mobile River and its impact on the maritime community.
Lee and Clarke used input from these meeting to help develop a position statement to present to the Mobile Area Chamber’s Board of Directors. Lee presented an overview of the meetings and offered a position statement for approval at the May 28 Mobile Area Chamber Board of Directors meeting. After a healthy discussion, the Board of Directors passed the position statement unanimously. It is important to note, Mobile Area Chamber leaders continue to meet with representatives of Keep Mobile Moving to build community-wide consensus for a solution to our I-10 congestion.
Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s Official Position Statement Passed May 28, 2008, on I-10 Congestion and a Bridge Over the Mobile River.
The Mobile community continues to wrestle with growing congestion along I-10. Locally, there is no indication our economic growth will slow. Nationally, a study of projected freight movements labeled the I-10 tunnel a major bottleneck that presents a threat to public safety as well as to the viability of the local, regional and national economy. In fact, there were blockages in the tunnel once every three days in 2006.
Many years ago the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) began a project to address the situation. The purpose and need of the project was to:
- Alleviate existing and projected traffic congestion on I-10 corridor
- Improve highway safety and driving conditions
- Reduce hazardous materials traversing the Central Business District
- Provide transportation improvements that meet interstate standards
Initially, 14 potential, alternative bridge routes were identified. These were narrowed to five and presented for public input in 2005. Three routes were then identified for further study. These routes – labeled A, B and C – cross the Mobile River, just south of downtown Mobile.
In 2005, the Chamber wrote the Alabama Department of Transportation to emphasize four criteria for any potential bridge route:
- That the bridge not curtail and jeopardize maritime commerce and construction;
- That the bridge have the ability to move the most people and product possible;
- That the bridge have minimal environmental impact; and
- That the project is doable in a reasonable timeframe so that we do not reach the gridlock that will inevitably come out way if the bridge is not forthcoming.
Knowing the importance of the maritime industry to Mobile, and given concerns from Chamber members along the waterfront, Chamber leadership recently conducted interviews to determine an acceptable route that would meet the stated purpose and need and be the least damaging to maritime interests.
From those interviews, we request officials eliminate the southernmost route C because of its impact on the maritime community. Further, we request ALDOT and the Federal Highway Administration review current data on the “northern route’s” capability to address the project’s stated purpose and need, especially given recent economic developments, including the pending openings of Mobile Container Terminal, ThyssenKrupp, Berg Steel and Northrop Grumman/EADS.
Finally, in the event the proposed “northern route” does not comply with the project’s purpose and need as defined above, then the Chamber supports a bridge route that passes no further north than route A and no further south than route B.
Staff Contacts:
Win Hallett, President – 431-8610 or whallett@mobilechamber.com
Bob Chappelle, Executive Vice President – 431-8644 or bchappelle@mobilechamber.com
Ginny Russell, Vice President of Community and Governmental Affairs – 431-8618 or grussell@mobilechamber.com
Bill Sisson, Vice President of Economic Development – 431-8650 or bsisson@mobilechamber.com
Bridgette Clark, Trade Promotions Manager and staff liaison for Maritime Affairs Committee – 694-0702
Leigh Perry-Herndon, Vice President of Communications – 431-8645 or lherndon@mobilechamber.com 8/12/2008 3:27:34 PM
Mobile Not a Risk To Build Tankers – op-ed by Win Hallett
September 26, 2007 By: Win Hallett, President, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce
Few things in today’s world don’t involve some kind of risk. But for anyone to claim that it’s risky to rely on the workforce in Mobile, Alabama, to manufacture at the highest level shows an ignorance of the commitment and capabilities of the workers here.
Boeing Co. executives did just that, however, when they insinuated this week that the U.S. Air Force would be taking a risk in handing a tanker contract to Northrop Grumman and EADS North America, which would build the planes in Mobile. (Press-Register, Sept. 24, 2007 “Boeing: Mobile A Risky Choice”)
Boeing should know better. The company obviously didn’t think of Mobile as risky in 2003, when it named the city as a finalist in its search for an assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner. Mobile was actually the first choice of the company’s site selection committee, before the company changed leadership in the aftermath of the tanker leasing scandal.
If Mobile, by Boeing’s own admission, was such a good place to build an airplane then, why is it so risky now? What could have changed in the last four years?
Plenty, actually. But nothing that would make Boeing’s rationale any less flimsy.
In addition to the Airbus Engineering Center now located at Brookley Field, the Mobile area was chosen by ThyssenKrupp, one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers, as the site for a $3.7 billion plant that will create 2,700 jobs, and by Berg Steel and Pipe Coating as the site for a $150 million steel and fabricating plant. Major expansions are underway at Austal USA, where littoral combat ships are being built for the U.S. Navy, and at ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering, an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhauling operation at Brookley Field that is currently Mobile’s largest private manufacturing employer.
Coastal residents by nature are can-do people, and Mobile has a history of achievement in aerospace engineering. It was at Brookley that John Fowler developed one of the first heavier-than-air machines to fly, and some of Fowler’s work was later incorporated into the designs of Orville and Wilbur Wright. It was at Brookley that the Williams Aircraft Company introduced innovations such as the first accurate airspeed indicator. And it was Brookley that served as an important site for the servicing of airplanes and their onboard systems during World War II.
In 1986, the first non-stop un-refueled flight around the world was made in an aircraft with engines developed by Teledyne Continental Motors, located at Brookley. And three months ago, 23-year-old Barrington Irving became the youngest person to fly around the world – and the first African-American to do so – in a plane also powered by a Teledyne Continental engine.
Mobilians also have a record of achievement in shipbuilding, from churning out destroyers for the U.S. Navy during World War II to building the largest, fastest and most technologically-advanced aluminum ships made in the U.S. today. Thousands of Mobilians work in shipbuilding every day at the city’s four major shipbuilders.
So while there may be some risk in building the Air Force’s new line of tankers in Mobile, it is no greater than anywhere else. Not even Everett, Washington.
Isn’t it a risk, after all, to deal with a company that has a history of overcharging the government, as evidenced in the tanker leasing scandal? And isn’t it a risk to employ a manufacturer that is more than two years behind schedule in delivering planes already ordered by other countries?
Boeing claims it has the “benefits” of learning from these mistakes. Mobile, on the other hand, has the benefits of not having made them in the first place.
This competition is about the U.S. Air Force choosing the best and most capable aircraft for our military and taxpayers. In an open and fair competition, we believe the KC-30 wins, hands down. Perhaps Boeing’s energy would be better spent highlighting the assets of their own proposal.
(Win Hallett is president of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached via e-mail at whallett@mobilechamber.com.) 8/12/2008 3:22:36 PM
Expanding Mobile’s Workforce Must Be A Unified Effort – the white paper by LPH
So, What’s Going On at the Chamber? 12 November, 2007
For more than a year, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has coordinated the development of a workforce plan for Mobile County. Working with Dr. Tim Alford, the former state director of workforce development, Mobile Works, the city of Mobile and Mobile County, this plan will be officially launched in the coming weeks. And with it comes some changes in the Mobile Area Chamber’s workforce development division you should be aware of. Situation:
In an effort to streamline workforce services, programs and information, the Mobile Area Chamber, Mobile Works, city of Mobile, Mobile County and The Community Foundation have partnered to create a new organization tentatively called the Gulf Coast Region Workforce Development Alliance. This organization will be housed at The Community Foundation in downtown Mobile, and a board will be placed to hire an executive director. The Chamber’s role in this alliance will be to fund a workforce development director who will be a Chamber employee, but split their time between working at the Chamber and working at the Foundation offices, similar to the current contract the Chamber has with the Washington County Economic Development Initiative. The Chamber staff person will be responsible for continuing the Chamber’s work with industry clusters, including the Bay Area Healthcare Coalition, including the Summer Scrubs and healthcare career fair; and the maritime industry coalition. In addition, this position will be responsible for meeting with Chamber members to learn about their workforce needs and challenges, and then be able to communicate that back to the alliance for assistance.
Key Messages:
Questions?
If you have any questions, or need additional information about this new alliance, and the Chamber’s role in it, please contact Win Hallett at 431-8610 or whallett@mobilechamber.com, Bill Sisson at 431-8655 or bsisson@mobilechamber.com; or Leigh Perry Herndon, 431-8645 or lherndon@mobilechamber.com. 4/17/2008 3:43:03 PM
English as the official language
At a hearing of the Alabama Senate’s Governmental Affairs’ Committee on Tuesday April 14, 2008, Mobile Chamber vice-president Ginny Russell expressed opposition to Senate Bill 447, an English-only drivers license measure, based on the following points:
· Knowledge of English is Required for the Driving Test. The driving test is already given in English, only the written test is given in other languages.
· Does Not Curb Illegal Immigration. The bill has nothing to do with curbing illegal immigration. The Department of Public Safety already refuses to offer drivers licenses to non-US citizens who cannot prove that they are here lawfully.
· Hurts Economic Development. The bill will put Alabama at an extreme competitive disadvantage when it comes to recruiting new industries because many immigrants will not be able to obtain drivers licenses. The legislation also does not send the right message about the environment that Alabama provides for immigrants.
· Will Cost the State Federal Funds. Alabama would risk millions of dollars in federal financial assistance if it were to return to an English-only testing policy. To receive federal funds, the state must promise to comply with the non-discrimination provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations. In the Sandoval litigation, the trial court concluded that the state’s English-only drivers license testing policy adopted in late 1991 violated the Title VI regulations because it had a discriminatory impact on the basis of national origin and was not justified by any sound state policy.
· Does Not Assist in Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety has testified that licensing persons of limited English proficiency does not pose a risk to public safety.
· Is Not Necessary Driving. Much has been written about the supposed inability of non-English speakers to read road signs. But Alabama already accommodates its own citizens who cannot read in the drivers licensing process-the test is
read to them. (In 1996, the state estimated that 456,278 of Alabama adults were functionally illiterate. See Exec. Order 15 (Feb. 12, 1996.)) Alabama largely uses international road signs, and foreign nationals know or quickly learn the few, simple words such as "’detour" that one may encounter on our highways. 11/4/2007 6:13:35 PM
Welcome to the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Blog
Welcome and happy reading. As the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce moves into a new era of communicating with its members, we are happy to launch this blog of "Chamber happenings." |
