News Release List
Chambers USA 2008 gives top ranking to Burrs and Forman LLP
Grand Harbor Development to sell by sealed bid
NOAA PORTS Ocean Observing Sysytem installed in Mobile Bay
Red Square Agency Receives Award for Healthcare Marketing
Grits, Glass & Steel: Frank Harmon to address AIA Conference
Verizon Wireless Readies Gulf Coast Network for 2008 Hurricanes
Evonik Examining Construction of Methy Mercaptan Plant in USA
Burr & Forman Named Top 10 Firm For Economic Development
J.D. Power Ranks BanCorpSouth Highest in Southeast Region
Multiple Sclerosis Society Announces New Fundraising Event
90 Acres in Historic Fairhope, Alabama to Sell at Auction
Springhill College to Award two Honorary Degrees
Mobile to host 6th Annual FCCA conference
Austal Launches Littoral Combat Ship Independence (LCS-2)
Red Square Agency Receives Internet WEBBY Award
Frank McRight Joins Burr and Forman LLP

Chambers USA 2008 gives top ranking to Burr & Forman LLP attorneys and practice areas

July, 2008 – Nineteen Burr & Forman LLP attorneys were ranked as leading practitioners in the 2008 edition of Chambers USA, a highly regarded directory featuring client-led intelligence on America’s leading lawyers for business.

The Burr & Forman attorneys named to Chambers USA 2008, along with the practice areas in which they were selected, are listed below by state. Alabama: C. Paul Cavender, Litigation: General Commercial; Edward R. Christian, Corporate and Commercial Law; John J. Coleman¸ Labor & Employment; John DeBuys, Jr., Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use; Marcel L. Debruge, Labor & Employment; J. Frederic Ingram, Labor & Employment; Michael L. Lucas, Labor & Employment; Gail L. Mills, Banking & Finance and Real Estate; Dwight L. Mixson, Banking & Finance and Real Estate; J. Fred Powell, Real Estate; Gene T. Price, Corporate and Commercial Law; Joel A. Price, Jr., Banking & Finance; Jack P. Stephenson, Corporate and Commercial Law; Carol H. Stewart, Real Estate; George M. Taylor III, Corporate and Commercial; William Lee Thuston, Corporate and Commercial Law. Tennessee: Lawrence R. Ahern III, Bankruptcy. Mr. Ingram and Mr. Powell were also recognized as Senior Statesmen. Mr. Christian and Mr. Price were recognized as Up and Coming.

Chambers USA 2008 also recognized Burr & Forman as a leading Alabama firm in the following practice areas: Banking & Finance, Corporate/Commercial, Labor & Employment, Real Estate and Litigation: General Commercial.

About Chamber & Partners Chambers & Partners publishes Chambers USA, a guide to law firms and lawyers across the country. Every year Chambers & Partners carries out thousands of in-depth interviews with clients in order to assess the reputations and expertise of business lawyers. Top firms and top attorneys are ranked and their merits described - usually in the words of their clients that are interviewed by the Chamber's research staff. It is the weight of client-interviews that gives Chambers & Partners' guides their highly valued credibility and reliability.

Grand Harbor Development to sell by sealed bid auction.
The Grand Harbour Development, located on Terry Cove in Orange Beach, Alabama, one of the largest undeveloped properties on the bay featuring 23.37 +/- acres will be offered via sealed bid auction.

J. P. King Auction Company, one of the nation’s leading auction marketing firms specializing in luxury properties is managing the sale. Individuals interested in additional information about the upcoming auction may contact J. P. King at 800.558.5464 or visit the company’s web site at http://www.jpking.com/. All sealed bids must be delivered to108 Fountain Avenue, Gadsden, Alabama, zip code 35901 by 5 p.m. Central Time on July 16, 2008.

“Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have received national and international attention as travel destinations for several years now,” said Craig King, president & CEO of J. P. King Auction Company. “It is a proven area for developers, attracting more than $200 million per year in lodging revenue.” The desirable waterfront property is currently permitted for 496 residential condominium units and a 108 boat slip marina. The development has more than 850+/- ft. of shoreline coverage and offers immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico. “We chose the auction method, as it was the best way to extend our current sales campaign of reaching prospective international and U.S. buyers.” said Jim DeFoe, vice president, Ergon Properties. “The site is 24 continuous acres of land, which is one of the largest undeveloped properties on the bay and a boat owners’ dream with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.”

The project has received zoning approval from the City of Orange Beach, Alabama as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The PUD is approved as a multi-phase 4-tower project with a total of 496 condominium units. The current “as designed” layout for the project has 488 units, thus providing space for an indoor pool in each of the four buildings. The two central towers have a total of 27 floors with 23 residential and 4 parking floors underneath. The outside towers have a total of 21 floors with 19 residential and 2 parking floors underneath. A joint Alabama Department of Environmental Management/Corps Engineers (ADEM/COE) permit for the project has been granted.

All permits and riparian easements from the local, state and federal levels are in place, therefore construction can commence upon completion of final drawings and receipt of building permit from the City of Orange Beach, Alabama.

NOAA PORTS Ocean Observing System Installed in Mobile Bay
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced recently that the Port of Mobile, Alabama, has become the 14th location in the United States to install the Physical Oceanographie Real-Time System (PORTS)®. PORTS, developed and operated by NOAA, provides accurate real-time oceanographic and meteorological data to mariners that can significantly reduce the risk of vessel groundings and increase the amount of cargo moved through the port, NOAA officials said.

The system became operational earlier this winter.

"NOAA is committed to providing real-time environmental data through PORTS and other integrated ocean observing systems to ensure safe, efficient navigation within our nation's ports and beyond," said John H. Dunnigan, NOAA assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service. "NOAA is pleased to add the Port of Mobile to the nationwide PORTS network."

Administered by the NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, PORTS measures, integrates and disseminates observations of water levels, currents, salinity, wind and bridge clearance. Knowledge of environmental conditions can significantly reduce the risk of vessel groundings and increase the amount of cargo moved through a waterway by enabling mariners to safely utilize every inch of dredged channel depth, according to NOAA. Port of Mobile PORTS data are updated every six minutes and quality controlled for increased accuracy. "PORTS gives our shippers, pilots and regulatory agencies important, real-time information on navigational conditions, which allows for the optimization of cargo carriage and improves safety," said James K. Lyons, director and chief executive officer of the Port of Mobile. "We are a proud sponsor of this important technology at the Port of Mobile."

While designed to be of service to the marine transportation community, the data are freely accessible via the Internet NOAA PORTS information users include port authorities, vessel pilots, shipping companies, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, recreational boaters, fishermen, coastal managers, environmental organizations and academia.

Studies have shown more than a 50 percent decrease in vessel groundings following the installation of PORTS in other areas, NOAA said. Estimates of economic benefits directly attributed to PORTS range from $7 million per year for Tampa Bay in Florida to $16 million per year for Houston-Galveston in Texas.

 Red Square Agency Receives Awards for Healthcare Marketing (Mobile, Ala.) – Red Square Agency was recently honored as one of the nationʼs best in medical marketing for its creative work on Brookwood Medical Center and Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC). The agency was recognized at Healthcare Marketing Reportʼs 25th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards and 2008 National Aster Awards for the two hospitals.

“Being recognized at this level for our healthcare work is a great honor,” said Karen St. Clair, account executive for Red Square Agency. “Brookwood and Terrebonne really understand the strengths of their facilities, which is critical to create powerful marketing.”

For Brookwood Medical Center, the agency received a bronze Healthcare Advertising Award for its “Hello Life Minimally Invasive” print ads. The ads are an extension of the “Hello Life” campaign created last year for the hospital. Print visuals combine benefits of the minimally invasive surgery. Band aids are positioned where incisions could occur – on the stomach, knee and shoulder – indicating that the hospitalʼs minimally invasive surgery offers smaller scars and a faster recovery period.

Red Square Agency also received a bronze Healthcare Advertising Award and silver Aster Award for the “It All Begins Here” print campaign created for TGMC. Introduced to anchor the hospital as the healthcare leader in its market, the ads position the hospital as a partner in wellness and a healthier, positive outlook on life with the tagline ʻIt All Begins Here.” In addition, the line also highlights the different services offered at the hospital such as neonatology, oncology, and the like.

“It All Begins Here was a great campaign which got tons of attention,” said Rhonda Alfred, director of marketing and planning for TGMC. “Red Square really hit the target with the message we wanted people to hear – Terrebonne offers a variety of services that gives our patients a healthier life.” Recognized as the most widely respected healthcare awards program, the 25th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards received a record number of 4,400 entries in this yearʼs competition. Judges for the Healthcare Advertising Awards consisted of a national panel of healthcare marketers, advertising creative directors, advertising professionals, healthcare consultants, marketing professors and the editorial board of Healthcare Marketing Report.

The Aster Awards Program is an elite competition recognizing the nationʼs most talented healthcare marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising. The awards are hosted by Creative Images, Inc., an internationally recognized firm that has specialized in strategic healthcare marketing for more than 16 years.

GRITS, GLASS & STEEL: FRANK HARMON TO ADDRESS ALABAMA, TENNESSEE AIA CONVENTIONS

June 11, 2008 (RALEIGH, NC) -- Frank Harmon, FAIA, principal of the award-winning firm Frank Harmon Architect in Raleigh, NC, and an adjunct professor in architecture in N.C. State University’s College of Design, will discuss the evolution of Modern architecture in the South when he presents his popular “Grits, Glass & Steel” lecture during the upcoming Alabama and Tennessee conventions of the American Institute of Architects in June and July, respectively.

The Alabama Council/AIA 2008 Convention will be held from June 20-22 at The Battle House in Mobile. Harmon will address attendees on June 21. The Middle Tennessee component of the AIA will hold its annual Meeting & Exhibition in downtown Nashville July 16-19 with Frank Harmon’s address taking place on July 18. For more information visit www.aiaalabama.org and www.aiamidtn.org.

Using his own work as examples, Harmon’s address examines the elements and themes that inform contemporary Southern architecture -- landscape; materials and construction (the “sticks and stones” of a place); weather and climate; roof forms that shelter or collect; and clients. Through his address, which he has presented to many AIA chapters, he also illustrates the importance of “place” in the process of creating innovative, appropriate and sustainable contemporary design.

Frank Harmon is widely recognized as a leader in sustainable architecture. He was recently a guest on Dick Gordon's "The Story" and the featured architect in Dwell magazine's "Conversation" section (Dec/Jan '08). In both, he discussed how he has come to design innovative, sustainable and Modern structures by studying old Southern barns and farmhouses and realizing just how sustainable, or "green," they really are. "I am not interested in vernacular to be sentimental,” he told Dwell. “I am interested in what it can teach us. All vernacular architecture is sustainable. It is always inherently related to the region. But let me emphasize that regionalism should not be confused with parochialism any more than you would call Faulkner a local Southern writer.”

VERIZON WIRELESS READIES GULF COAST NETWORK
FOR 2008 HURRICANE SEASON

MOBILE, Ala. – Verizon Wireless, builder and operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, has completed extensive preparations for the 2008 Hurricane Season to ensure residents along the Gulf Coast have strong, comprehensive wireless coverage and service every day and in the event of severe weather.

Since the 2007 Hurricane Season, the company has spent more than $215 million in the Houston/Gulf Coast region to strengthen and enhance its wireless network. Highlights of these enhancements include expanding and enhancing regional switching facilities, erecting new digital cell sites with on-site back-up power, and expanding region-wide the company’s high-speed Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) digital network.

In addition, the Verizon Wireless team of “test men and women” has been rolling across the region in a new fleet of test vehicles to fine tune its all-digital network and ensure reliable, comprehensive coverage in special preparation for the upcoming storm season as well as throughout the year.

While the Gulf Coast has been spared the last couple of hurricane seasons, these kinds of intensive investments and preparations proved critical in the extraordinary storm seasons of 2004 and 2005.

“Wireless communication is so vital in times of emergency and especially during hurricanes,” said Kay Henze, region president - Houston/Gulf Coast region. “We’re very proud of our performance and the role we play in emergencies and will work tirelessly to ensure we provide stand-out reliability everyday and in future emergencies to those along the Gulf Coast with the great work of our test teams, staff and company-wide preparation.”

Additional highlights of Verizon Wireless’ 2008 hurricane preparation include:

 - The company has developed and practiced a comprehensive emergency response plan, including preparing emergency command centers around the region in the case of a storm or other crisis.

 - More than 95 percent of the individual transmission sites operated by Verizon Wireless in the Gulf Coast region have their own, on-site generators. This capability is critical when power goes out and if roads are impassable in the wake of a storm.

 - The company has a fleet of Cells on Wheels (COWS) and Cells on Light Trucks (COLTS), that can be rolled into hard-hit locations or areas that need extra network capacity. Network teams also have more than 250 portable generators ready to go to further strengthen the network.

 - Pre-arranging fuel delivery to mobile units and generators to keep the network operating at full strength even if power is lost for an extended period of time.

 - Verizon Wireless is fully prepared to quickly set up wireless emergency communication centers (WECCs) to serve residents and rescue agencies in the area(s) of greatest need.

 - The company has expanded its EV-DO wireless broadband network, including launching its highest-speed Rev. A network across the region. This allows the most advanced wireless services (downloads, location-based applications, video messaging, etc.) and makes the network more robust for usage by residents and emergency agencies. Rev. A technology features typical download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

 - Two $150,000 disaster response units can be used as temporary customer service locations in areas impacted by a disaster. Each 35-foot long trailer features advanced communications capabilities and an air-conditioned canopy area, and also provides access to phones, accessories and EV-DO services for residents.

These new technologies, facilities and other network-strengthening efforts are part of an investment exceeding $1.2 billion in the Houston/Gulf Coast region over the past eight years. Nationally, in that same time period, Verizon Wireless has spent more than $44 billion to enhance its digital wireless network.

Evonik Examining Construction of a Methyl Mercaptan Plant in the USA
 
Essen, 06.09.2008 - Essen, Germany-based Evonik Industries AG, is proceeding on schedule with its preparations for closely examining the construction of a methyl mercaptan plant at its site in Theodore, Alabama, USA.

The results of the basic engineering and feasibility studies will be available in the coming months, and tax relief for the project in Alabama has already been approved, too. Evonik intends to make a decision on the construction of the plant this year. The investment volume is expected to amount to some $65 million. Methyl mercaptan is a building block for the amino acid DL-methionine, which is produced at Evonik’s site in Theodore.

Dr. Klaus Engel, member of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries responsible for the Chemicals Business Area, comments: “Our methionine activities are a significant part of our specialty chemicals portfolio. By expanding backward integration, we seek to strengthen this business consistently further.” The concept of backward integration includes supplying Evonik’s DL-methionine plants with all key intermediates such as acrolein and methyl mercaptan from in-house production.

Evonik has been successfully doing this at its DL-methionine facilities in Antwerp (Belgium) and Wesseling (Germany). Evonik anticipates that building the plant in Theodore could bring substantial savings in production and freight costs. The ability to integrate the methyl mercaptan plant directly into the present acrolein production could leverage further synergies. "We see the plans for a methyl mercaptan facility as preparation for expanding DL-methionine capacity further in Theodore,” says Engel. DL-methionine is an essential amino acid for healthy and environment-friendly nutrition of livestock, especially pigs and poultry.

Evonik Industries is the world’s only company to produce and market all four main amino acids for animal nutrition: DL-methionine, L-lysine (Biolys®), L-threonine and L-tryptophan. With innovative products and services, Evonik also makes a valuable contribution in this area to the cost-efficiency of its customers and to healthy and environment-friendly animal nutrition.

Burr & Forman Named Top 10 Firm for Economic Development

Mobile, AL, May 29, 2008 - Southern Business & Development magazine has named Burr & Forman LLP as one of the "Top 10 Law Firms that Understand Economic Development" in their Winter 2008 issue. The law firms listed in the group specialize in helping companies with site selection, incentive negotiation and implementation, choice of entity and tax structure, construction, real estate, environmental permitting, infrastructure contract negotiation, and government relations.

"It is an honor to be recognized for our work in economic development," says W. Lee Thuston, Managing Partner of Burr & Forman LLP. "Over the years we have had the privilege of playing an active role in bringing many economic development projects to the Southeast."

Burr & Forman has been a driving force for economic development in the Southeast since the early 1990's. Thuston was Alabama Counsel for the negotiations that brought Mercedes-Benz to Alabama fifteen years ago. Since that time, Burr & Forman has represented new economic development projects and expansions that have brought over $12 billion of capital investment and the creation of 12,000 jobs to the Southeast. We've negotiated and implemented incentive packages for clients with major projects in the automotive, distribution, steel manufacturing and railcar industries.

J.D. Power Ranks BancorpSouth Bank Highest
In Southeast Region

TUPELO, MS (May 29, 2008) - BancorpSouth Bank ranks highest in the Southeast region in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Retail Banking Satisfaction StudySM just released.

The syndicated study ranks financial institutions based on customer surveys and feedback on transactions, account statements, account initiation/product offerings, convenience, fees and problem resolution. With an overall score of 782 points, BancorpSouth performed above the Southeast region average in all ranked categories, including reporting below-average problem incidence. In addition, the bank receives high rankings for transactions.

Mobile Division President, David Turner said, “Our local staff is proud to be a part of a financial institution that is recognized by its clients as providing excellent service. We look forward to continuing this tradition as we expand the bank’s footprint in our hometown.”

BancorpSouth Chairman and CEO Aubrey Patterson said, “This honor reflects the commitment and professionalism of all 4,500 team members of BancorpSouth who are engaged actively in delivering on the bank’s brand position of BancorpSouth, Right Where You Are.” Patterson added, “Customer service is at the heart of our business and is the foundation from which BancorpSouth was established over 130 years ago. This prestigious award signifies that we are continuing to fulfill our brand promise. It is all the more meaningful in today’s environment - a changing landscape that is becoming increasingly competitive, while being challenged by a slowing economy. Our highest ranking also speaks to the fact that as an emerging regional bank, BancorpSouth offers the best of both worlds. We do this by maintaining industry-leading technological expertise, together with a high level of local decision-making and personalized service.”

The Southeast Region of the J.D. Power and Associates study covered these states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Multiple Sclerosis Society announces new fundraising event -
The Stand Against

Mobile, AL (June 2008) – The Alabama Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is preparing for their annual fundraising event “The Stand Against MS,” taking the neighborhood lemonade stand concept across the state to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis.

The Stand is a one-week event beginning on June 1st and continuing through June 7th with stands in neighborhoods across South Alabama selling Tropicana lemonade provided by Buffalo Rock and cookies provided by Bud’s Best.

During the week, stands will be set up in numerous locations including Mobile, Fairhope and Daphne. There will be many different approaches taken to appeal to the community, including a fish fry stand, a downtown stand and much more. The Stand Against MS is a fun opportunity for kids (and adults) to get behind a cause by using a familiar concept – the lemonade stand. Neighborhood captains work to recruit and coordinate volunteers at each location. Three dollars is the suggested donation. Banners, donation jars and information about MS will also be supplied at each stand.

The idea for The Stand was the innovation of two Alabama Chapter board members looking for a way to not only raise funds, but to also engage the community. The initial response was so overwhelming that volunteers quickly adopted the program across the state. Chapters in other states have expressed interest in implementing The Stand concept in their communities, while the National MS Society is considering offering The Stand as one of its national fundraising programs.

Following the week of stands in South Alabama, the initiative moves to Birmingham and North Alabama for the week of June 15th-June 21st. The Alabama Chapter hopes to raise $120,000 over the two-week period. Dollars raised will provide programs, services and research to serve the 7,500 people in Alabama facing the devastating effects of MS.
Over 400,000 people nationwide live with MS and while there are many promising treatments for MS, there is still no cure. To register for the 2008 Stand Against MS, please visit the Alabama Chapter website at www.nationalmssociety.org/alc, call (205) 879-8881 or email hillary.ballant@alc.nmss.org

Approximately 90 acres in historic Fairhope, Alabama to sell at auction

FAIRHOPE, Ala. - (Business Wire) Approximately 90 acres in historic Fairhope, Ala., will sell at auction at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, with Albert Burney Auction Company marketing the land and managing the sale. The land, formerly used as a sod farm, will sell in nine tracts of approximately 10 acres each. Four tracts (approximately 40 acres) will sell at absolute auction, with no minimum bid or reserve. “People can bid on a single 10-acre tract or combine tracts for a bigger estate. Of course, someone could buy the entire 90 acres as an entirety,” said Warren Ward, president of Albert Burney. “Coastal Living called Fairhope one of the top 10 romantic escapes, and it’s easy to see why. The quality of life there is incredible, with gorgeous beaches on Mobile Bay that are remarkably free of the overdevelopment you see in other communities on the bay and the Gulf of Mexico,” said Ward. The land, called Barrington Estates, is only minutes from the beaches and from Fairhope’s vibrant historic district, which features numerous restaurants and shops that market the products created by artists and craftsmen who have been attracted by Fairhope’s reputation as a peaceful refuge. Representatives will be on site daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning June 13. Registration for the June 21 auction will begin at 11 a.m. at the property. Individuals interested in additional information may contact Albert Burney Auction Company at 800.434.1654 or visit the company’s web site at www.albertburney.com.

Spring Hill College to award two honorary degrees at commencement exercises on Sunday, May 11

MOBILE – Spring Hill College will award honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Win Hallett, president of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Rev. Stephen Sundborg, S.J., president of Seattle University, at the college’s commencement exercises on Sunday, May 11. More than 300 students will receive their diplomas on the historic Avenue of the Oaks beginning at 10 a.m. Sundborg will also give the commencement address.

A native Mobilian, Hallett has served as the Chamber of Commerce’s president since 1991. During his term, Mobile’s economy has become one of the fastest growing in the nation and thousands of new jobs have been created. Mobile’s reputation as a place for business and industry growth has exploded across the nation and the world. Recent announcements by steel giant ThyssenKrupp and Northrop Grumman/EADS to open plants in the area are just two notable examples of the recent economic successes.

Hallett graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. Prior to his association with the Chamber, he owned and operated Hallett Building Materials.

On the national level, Hallett is chairman of the United States Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100 and a member of the Board of Directors and International Policy Committee of the U.S. Chamber. On the state level, he is a member of the board of directors for the Business Council of Alabama, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, and the Alabama District Export Council. He is on numerous local boards and committees, including the steering committee for Envision Mobile-Baldwin, the Board of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation, and the University of South Alabama Business Executive Council.

Active in environmental conservation and preservation efforts, Hallett has served as president of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and on the board of directors of the Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association. In addition, he is vice president of the Coastal Land Trust.

In July of 1997, Sundborg became the 21st president of Seattle University, a comprehensive, independent university of more than 7,500 students and 1,100 faculty and staff members.

A native of Alaska, Sundborg entered the Society of Jesus in 1961 and was ordained a priest in Seattle in 1974. He completed his doctoral studies in spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1982, and he taught theology at Seattle University from 1982 to 1990. In 1986 he was appointed rector of the university’s Jesuit community, and he served as provincial of the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus from 1990 to 1996.

As president, Sundborg has further developed and nurtured the university’s Jesuit and Catholic mission of educating the whole person, developing independent critical thinkers, deepening the understanding of faith, and promoting social justice.

Under his leadership, the university has constructed a new law school, student center, residential housing, Center for the Performing Arts, and the School of Theology and Ministry.

Sundborg is committed to promoting social justice and supports programs that encourage students, faculty and staff to make a difference in their local community and throughout the world. Seattle University hosted a homeless encampment during February 2005. During his presidency, Sundborg has bestowed honorary degrees on several social justice leaders including Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Corazon Aquino, and Walter Cardinal Kasper.

______________________________________________________________________

Mobile to Host the 6th Annual FCCA Platinum Associate Membership Conference

In June, 2008 Mobile, AL will play host to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) Conference. Ever since Carnival Cruise Lines sailed the first cruise ship out of Mobile Bay in October of 2004, there has been a growing new energy in this historic Southern port city. Leon Maisel, President/CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau and fellow PAMAC member, is proud to personally welcome this Conference to his home town. “Mobile, Alabama has been hosting visitors for over 300 years. Throughout this time Mobile has perfected the art of receiving visitors, especially visitors in the maritime and cruise industry. Although it would take quite some time to see all of Mobile Bay, it has been arranged for Platinum members to see some of the best of Mobile Bay and see why fresh, local and delicious seafood dishes as well as an array of ethnic and regional fare are renowned. Past FCCA Platinum Conferences show that members and staff expect only the superb, and experience will provide nothing less during the time here.”

In regard to the City of Mobile, “We're excited to welcome the FCCA Platinum members and industry leaders to our city for this conference,” states Mayor Sam Jones. “We want every attendee to leave here refreshed and enlightened about Mobile and our definite future in the cruise industry.” Win Hallett, President of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce affirms “The success of Mobile as a cruise ship homeport is one of many economic achievements this city has attained over the past few years. This will grant the opportunity to show off this victory, as well as Mobile´s ability to grow as a cruise industry supporter, to the esteemed Platinum members of the FCCA during their time
here.”

One of Mobile Bay’s newest additions to the developing waterfront area is the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal. Its sleek design and state of the art security make cruising to the Caribbean from Mobile Bay a pleasant experience for all travelers. Al St. Clair, Director of the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal, states "Mobile is both pleased and honored to host the June meeting of the FCCA’s Platinum Associate Member Advisory Council. Most of the members have never seen our modern terminal/parking deck which was completed in October 2004, even though several of them were kind enough to share their design ideas and improvements based on their own existing and older facility layouts. We are going to make their stay in Mobile a memorable one with lots to see and do along with outstanding local cuisine, music and the wonderful opportunities to network with each other. We want them to come back.”

FCCA Platinum members are in for the Gulf Coast experience of a lifetime at this year’s Conference. See you in Mobile Bay, where the living is easy and the welcome is life-long!
______________________________________________________________________

RED SQUARE AGENCY RECEIVES “OFFICIAL HONOREE” DISTINCTION FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS 

DumpYourBank.com Recognized by “Oscars of the Internet” (April 10, 2008 - Mobile, Ala.) – The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for the Web, today recognized Red Square Agency as an Official Honoree, a distinction that recognizes work exhibiting remarkable achievement.

The agency was recognized for www.DumpYourBank.com, created for Alabama Credit Union’s Dump Your Bank campaign. Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites, interactive advertising, online film & video, and mobile Web sites. The awards are judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization that includes David Bowie, Beck, The Weinstein Company Co-Founder Harvey Weinstein, political columnist Arianna Huffington, “The Simpsons” Creator Matt Groening, Virgin Atlantic Chairman and Founder Richard Branson, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, and RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser. "The Webby Awards honors the outstanding work that is setting the standards for the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. "The selection of the Dump Your Bank Web site as an Official Honoree is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.” DumpYourBank.com is the key element in an overall integrated campaign which focuses on counseling people out of their “unhealthy” impersonal banking relationships.

The interactive site allows visitors to tour the fictitious Gruber Institute of Financial Wellness (founded by Dr. H. Gruber, the financial relationship therapist), undergo anger management with a video game, enjoy relaxation exercises, send personalized video “intervention” emails to friends and get started on the road to financial wellness with a link to Alabama Credit Union’s Web site. VisualX, based in New York, handled the database coding. “To be recognized alongside some of the most talented companies on the planet is a great honor. We’re in awe that such a diverse group of accomplished judges liked our work. David Bowie. Richard Branson. These are giants of creativity,” said Rich Sullivan, president and executive creative director of Red Square Agency. “We’re very lucky to have such a talented group of people here.”

The 12th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states. Out more than the 10,000 entries submitted, fewer than 15% received this honor and were deemed an Official Honoree. Other winners in the financial services category include BusinessWeek.com, CNNMoney.com, Yahoo! Finance, Ameriprise.com, Kiplinger.com and WaMu Mortgage Plus.

(29 April 2008 - Mobile Alabama)  Austal has successfully launched its landmark 127 metre Littoral Combat Ship INDEPENDENCE (LCS 2) in what proved a momentous occasion for the company as it celebrates its 20th year. _____________________________________________________________________ 
 
Austal Launches Littoral Combat Ship INDEPENDENCE (LCS-2) 

Since its keel laying in January 2006, INDEPENDENCE has steadily progressed within Austal USA’s purpose built construction facility in Mobile, Alabama toward becoming a formidable warship. Today’s launch was a significant step along the way to achieving that goal. The launch procedure involved coordination of all large shipping traffic in the Mobile River while INDEPENDENCE was rolled out of the construction hall on sixty-six 100 ton rail-trolleys onto a floating drydock.

The 127 metre Austal trimaran seaframe is the platform for the LCS’s mission and weapon systems. This seaframe provides superior seakeeping and aviation as a result of its long, slender central hull and smaller side hulls (“amahs”). The trimaran hullform provides a large internal mission deck with a high payload carrying capacity. Located above the mission bay is the enormous flight deck capable of conducting dual H-60 helicopter operations and accommodating the US Navy’s largest helicopter, an H-53, a feature not available on similar size naval warships. The vertical location of the flight deck on the trimaran hull form provides the highest flight deck elevation on a combatant ship other than a major amphibious vessel or aircraft carrier. INDEPENDENCE will be moored alongside the Austal USA facility while the activation and testing of combat and other onboard systems is completed. Sea trials are expected to commence in late 2008.

In congratulating the workforce on the construction of the vessel and successful launch, Austal USA Chief Executive Officer Bob Browning commented; “This is an incredible achievement not only for Austal but particularly for Austal USA which was only established in 1999. To have recruited, trained and developed a strong workforce of over 1000 staff from scratch, whom today launched the largest and most sophisticated aluminium warship built to date, is an impressive feat.” INDEPENDENCE is one of two alternative ship designs that will be evaluated by the U.S. Navy as part of its plan to expand the existing fleet to 313 ships. The Navy’s current program of record calls ultimately for constructing 55 Littoral Combat Ships.

In a Pentagon media roundtable held on 12 February 2008 Chief of US Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughhead said; “A 313 ship fleet is the floor. You can look at the shipbuilding plan and you can see that LCS is the major driver of the number, and it’s not just to drive the number higher The fact is that we as a Navy do have a gap in what I call the green water. We’re really good in the blue. We’ve started to emerge again in the brown water with our riverine force. But in the littoral or green water, we have a gap. LCS fills the gap and LCS is the best ship to fill the gap. It has the speed. It has the shallow draft that expands the amount of area in which we can operate. And it’s also been designed to have rapidly changeable mission modules. That’s part of the design. So LCS is a very important ship for our Navy.”

Austal USA Update - The launch of INDEPENDENCE (LCS 2) closely follows the recent delivery of the first Hawaii Superferry vessel. A 107 metre vehicle and passenger carrying aluminium catamaran, Hawaii Superferry is Austal USA’s largest construction project to date and is the largest high speed aluminium catamaran built in the USA. A second identical ferry is currently under construction and is scheduled for launch in September 2008.

The recent purchase of an adjacent 100 acres of land and the award of US $33.7 million in funding from the US Navy for shipyard development will see Austal USA commence construction of a Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF) in 2008. The first phase is due for completion in mid-2009 and the resulting production line will enable the construction of three large aluminium vessels per year. The funding is provided through “Infrastructure Improvements at Gulf Coast Shipyards” for eligible shipyards with current defence contracts. Phase 2 of the construction is expected to begin shortly thereafter and will double Austal’s shipbuilding capability to six large vessels per year. In addition, Austal was recently awarded one of three Preliminary Design Contracts for the US Navy and Army’s Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV).

Austal will submit a proposal for the Detailed Design and Construction Contract in mid 2008 leading to the selection of a builder for the JHSV class of vessels. As the prime contractor, and the only shipyard with a track record of building large (over 100 metres in length) high speed aluminium vessels in the USA, Austal is confident of its ability to deliver a low risk JHSV platform to the US Navy and Army. The JHSV requirements and concept of operations are similar to those of the Austal-built 101 metre “WestPac Express”, which has been successfully serving the Third Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan for more than six consecutive years.

___________________________________________________________________

Red Square Agency receives "Official Honoree" distinction for the 12tha annual WEBBY awards

DumpYourBank.com Recognized by “Oscars of the Internet”

(April 10, 2008 - Mobile, Ala.) – The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for the Web, today recognized Red Square Agency as an Official Honoree, a distinction that recognizes work exhibiting remarkable achievement. The agency was recognized for www.DumpYourBank.com, created for Alabama Credit Union’s Dump Your Bank campaign.

Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites, interactive advertising, online film & video, and mobile Web sites. The awards are judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization that includes David Bowie, Beck, The Weinstein Company Co-Founder Harvey Weinstein, political columnist Arianna Huffington, “The Simpsons” Creator Matt Groening, Virgin Atlantic Chairman and Founder Richard Branson, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, and RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser.

"The Webby Awards honors the outstanding work that is setting the standards for the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. "The selection of the Dump Your Bank Web site as an Official Honoree is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.” DumpYourBank.com is the key element in an overall integrated campaign which focuses on counseling people out of their “unhealthy” impersonal banking relationships. The interactive site allows visitors to tour the fictitious Gruber Institute of Financial Wellness (founded by Dr. H. Gruber, the financial relationship therapist), undergo anger management with a video game, enjoy relaxation exercises, send personalized video “intervention” emails to friends and get started on the road to financial wellness with a link to Alabama Credit Union’s Web site. VisualX, based in New York, handled the database coding. “To be recognized alongside some of the most talented companies on the planet is a great honor. We’re in awe that such a diverse group of accomplished judges liked our work. David Bowie. Richard Branson. These are giants of creativity,” said Rich Sullivan, president and executive creative director of Red Square Agency. “We’re very lucky to have such a talented group of people here.” The 12th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states. Out more than the 10,000 entries submitted, fewer than 15% received this honor and were deemed an Official Honoree.

Other winners in the financial services category include BusinessWeek.com, CNNMoney.com, Yahoo! Finance, Ameriprise.com, Kiplinger.com and WaMu Mortgage Plus.

_________________________________________________________________

 Frank McRight joins Burr & Forman LLP

Mobile, AL, March 5, 2008 – Frank McRight has joined the Mobile office of Burr & Forman LLP as Counsel to the Firm’s Labor and Employment group. McRight has over 38 years of practice in providing advice and counseling clients in all areas of labor and employment. He has experience in the state trial and appellate courts of Alabama and all federal trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He has represented clients before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Equal Opportunity Commission, and other similar agencies. McRight is a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, one of only two attorneys in Mobile to have this distinction. He is also a Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation, the Past Chairman of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Alabama Bar, and co-author of Alabama Employers Handbook. He has also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since it was first published in 1983. Finally, McRight is also very active in the Mobile community having served as Chairman of the Business Council of Alabama, Chairman of Leadership Alabama, and Chairman of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1961, McRight graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Alabama. He received his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1965.

Focus    Global News   Steel News   Regional News   On the Street   Inside View   Editorial/Letters

Office Smart    Technology News    Not Exactly Business    Contact    About the MBBJ    Advertise    Links