Cityscapes
River Region Happenings and the Latest Business Buzz

STJ Student Shines in Showcase
“I was really shocked,” Saint James senior Hyun Soo (Sue) Kwon said, after notification that her dry point printing of a figure drawing, “MB,” has been selected by the College Board for inclusion in the prestigious Advanced Placement (AP®) Studio Art student exhibit. Kwon’s work is one of 30 pieces that was selected internationally, from 35,000 portfolios. The exhibit, showcasing the finest examples of AP art, will travel throughout the U.S. during 2009-2010. “Out of all the awards I’ve gotten, this is the one that excited me the most,” Kwon said.
In addition to the AP honor, the 2010 STJ senior has won several other awards for her work, including a 2009 National Scholastic Arts Gold Key Award. Only four other Alabama students were recipients of a national Gold Key award in 2009. After a June exhibition in New York City, the Gold Key student artists were also celebrated at Carnegie Hall.
“My long-term goals are, hopefully, to go to New York and work as an illustrator for a magazine or a book,” Kwon, a Korean native, said. “Maybe I’ll have my own art show or exhibition.”“To have a piece of work chosen from that many is like winning a big international art show,” said Jim Gunter, Kwon’s art instructor at Saint James. “Truthfully, you just never dream of having a student work as hard and be as talented and as serious as Sue is.”Kwon came to Saint James two years ago, at the beginning of her sophomore year in high school. Kwon says she and her family decided on STJ because of the school’s art program.

Realtor Reaps Honor
Aronov Realty Management is proud to announce that Carol Andrews, Aronov’s Qualifying Broker, was recently named The Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS® 2009 REALTOR® of the Year. The general profile of a REALTOR® of the Year is someone that stands above the crowd; the ultimate professional, dedicated to the REALTOR® organization at the local, state and national level, as well as a contributing member of the community. Carol’s real estate career began as a REALTOR® with Aronov Realty Brokerage in 2002 and she became the Qualifying Broker in December of 2007. She is highly respected by both fellow REALTORS® and clients because of her dedication to the real estate business. That dedication is exhibited in her attention to detail, focus on education and cutting edge technology skills. “Her dedication and contributions to her customers and to the real estate industry have been outstanding and we are so happy she has been recognized with this well deserved honor” stated Jake F. Aronov, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aronov Realty Management. Shortly after joining the Association, Carol joined several committees and donated many hours of committee work to the Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS® and its Multiple Listing Service. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Multiple Listing Service. Carol is a member of the 2008 Alabama Association of REALTORS® Leadership class and has served on many of state level committees as well. In order to keep abreast of the latest industry changes, she attends the Alabama and National Association of REALTORS® conventions.

Tops in Tourism
The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) was honored during the Southeast Tourism Society’s Fall Meeting on Sept. 10. The CVB received the Shining Example Award of Visual Excellence for a newly created tourism promotional video. The 2009 Shining Example Awards program was part of the 26th annual fall meeting of STS. “Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow,” said STS President and CEO Bill Hardman. The Visual Excellence Award is given to the nominee who shows the best use of video or photography for a destination. Through the creation of the new film, the Montgomery CVB’s vision was for the attractions to tell the story of Montgomery. Who better to share the journey Montgomery has traveled than its historians, city leaders and attraction directors? The 15-minute video, Visiting Montgomery, is played every quarter hour in the Visitor Center Theatre. DVDs of the video have been distributed to meeting planners throughout the country. 

Local “Stroke of Genius”
Montgomery artist Melissa B. Tubbs’ pen-and-ink drawing “Carnegie Hall, NYC” is included in the new book “Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Drawing Light and Shadow” as a prime example of capturing light and shadow on paper. “Light and shadow are what make my drawings work. The final shadows that I put in pull the whole drawing together making it pop with depth. From the darkest darks to the lightest lights, the light and shadow make the drawing shimmer as if a jewel-like treasure,” said Tubbs. The large hardback edition published by North Light Books, edited by Rachel Rubin Wolf presents a wide range of drawing mediums and styles from quick sketches to carefully drawn, precise works such as Tubbs’. The book is available on amazon.com or at bookstores.

Hotel Head
Darryl Whittaker, a 17-year hospitality veteran who has worked for meetings properties in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, has been named a sales manager for the soon-to-open Oasis Hotel at VictoryLand Greyhound Park in Shorter, Ala. Whittaker most recently served as a corporate sales manager for the Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Ala. In his new role, he will book local, regional and national corporate meeting groups for the upscale corporate and leisure travel property. The Oasis, which opens Nov. 1, will feature 300 luxury guest rooms and suites, a fine-dining restaurant called Whitfield’s Steakhouse, O’s Lobby Bar, and the O Brew cafe’ offering Starbuck’s coffees. An 80,000-square-foot conference center will open in late 2010. Whittaker was a sales manager for the Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham from 2005-2008. During his tenure, the historic hotel experienced a 35 percent increase in corporate transient business and added 475 room nights per quarter. “Darryl is a proven leader who has helped take several meetings properties to the next level,” hotel general manager Rusti Price said. “We’re delighted to welcome him to the Oasis Hotel team as a sales manager. With his expertise and dedication, the hotel will quickly become one of the top hotels in the Southeast for corporate meetings and conventions.” “I am honored to join one of the top hotel sales teams in the nation to help open Alabama’s premier corporate and leisure travel hotel,” Whittaker said. “This is a wonderful opportunity, and I plan to make the most of it. The Oasis will add a new dimension to the hospitality industry in Montgomery, Tuskegee and Auburn.” The Oasis Hotel will be located approximately 18 miles east of downtown Montgomery. All accommodations will include plush bedding, 32-inch LCD TV’s, touch-screen phones, and 24-hour room service.

For more information, or to make a reservation, call (800) 688-2946 or (334) 727-0450, or visit www.OasisHotel.us.

Eco Award
On Aug. 28, MAX, Your Community Credit Union in conjunction with EcoMAX Sustainable Living presented the second EcoMAX Green Leadership Award to honor Davis Direct, Inc. for the following sustainable business practices. Davis Direct is the only printer in the River Region to achieve FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. FSC is widely regarded as one of the most important initiatives to promote responsible forest management and provides the link between responsible forest production and the end user of the products. In addition to the FSC Certification process, Davis has recently implemented a Solvent Recovery System. The print process involves cleaning each printing press and printing plates with a solvent. The new recovery system allows Davis Direct to recycle approximately 95% of its solvents, preventing waste and saving money each month by reducing the amount of new solvent that is ordered. Also, 100 percent of Davis Direct’s production is recycled resulting in approximately 225 tons of recycled paper products each year. Each printing station contains its own recycling container for pre-production and post-production waste. The aluminum printing plates are also 100 percent recycled. Even the ink cartridges from mailing services at Davis Direct are sent off to “GreenDisk” to be recycled or refilled. Davis also prints many of its jobs using sustainable inks, containing linseed and soybean oils instead of petroleum products. 

Walk-A-Thon Reaches Record
The Alabama Kidney Foundation hosted its 22nd annual Walk-a-Thon on Aug. 15 at Eastmont Baptist Church. Over 300 individuals attended this year’s event and over $40,000 was raised to help those suffering from kidney disease in our area. The 2009 Walk-a-Thon featured a continental breakfast, snacks, live entertainment and fabulous door prizes. There was also a live auction, a children’s area with face painting and games, along with educational booths to engage the crowd. All proceeds from the event benefit individuals suffering from kidney disease. “Alabama has a high occurrence of kidney disease,” said Amy Godsoe, Regional Director of the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Montgomery Office, “ranking Alabama fifth in the nation. Due to the economic strain that kidney patients endure, many are forced to choose between food or medication, dialysis treatment or rent. We try to alleviate this worry and help them to live life to its fullest.” The Alabama Kidney Foundation serves kidney patients by providing financial assistance, education, recreational opportunities and support services. The Foundation promotes public education to prevent kidney disease and raise organ donation awareness.

Hometown Hosts Travel Media Showcase
The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Bureau hosted award-winning national travel journalists Sept. 8 – 10 in the Capital City at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. This prestigious group of journalists visited Montgomery in 2002, before the downtown redevelopment, the opening of the Hyundai plant or the expansion of retail and entertainment venues in several areas of Montgomery. Travel Media Showcase (TMS) selected Montgomery as a host city because of the vast changes that have taken place throughout the city over the past seven years. Most notable, in the epicenter of nationally recognized historical sites, Montgomery has created a dynamic re-developed downtown with a new convention center and entertainment district. The revitalization of the city’s downtown has served as a draw for convention visitors as well as local residents. “After touring, visitors are often overwhelmed at the significance Montgomery has played in shaping America throughout history. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery has led the way for national change. And the story continues to unfold,” said Dawn Hathcock, Vice President for the Montgomery Chamber CVB.  Montgomery is now recognized as one of the South’s premier destinations – the perfect hub for history, culture, sporting events and so much more. The journalists who participated represent all types of media and will feature all Montgomery has to offer, from family attractions and get-a-ways to business travel and sports. Their stories and photographs will appear in publications and broadcast media reaching potential visitors across the country. “The nation will once again be reminded that Montgomery’s story is America’s story,” Hathcock said. Representatives from CVBs and tourism offices across the country attending TMS echoed Hathcock statements after having the opportunity to check out all it has to offer. “I’ve been so impressed with your city,” said Laurie DiBerardino with the Aurora Area CVB. “I took the trolley tour from the Visitor’s Center, and it was amazing. The guide was great, really friendly and knowledgeable. History is really alive here. I’m going to bring my son for a visit next summer.” Allie Baer from Charlottesville, Va., agreed. “I can tell your downtown area is on its way to becoming something truly special,” she said.

AWF Names New President
Grady Hartzog, President of Hartzog & Company, P.C., was recently installed as President of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) for the 2009 -2010 term at the organization’s Annual Meeting on Aug. 8. Hartzog has served on the AWF Board of Directors for over ten years and brings to AWF extensive financial knowledge as well as a steadfast commitment to the conservation of Alabama’s wildlife and natural resources. “Grady has been an outstanding board member, has tremendous wildlife management and outdoor recreation knowledge, and has excellent people skills. It will be an asset to have him serve as AWF President in the coming year. The Alabama Wildlife Federation is looking forward to a productive year under his guidance,” said Tim Gothard, Executive Director of AWF. In addition to serving on the AWF Board of Directors, Hartzog also serves as a Board member on the Governor’s Conservation Advisory Board, the Alabama Forest Resources Center, and Ducks Unlimited-Canada. He also served as a board member on the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust for 11 years and is a member of the Alabama Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Weeks Bay Foundation. Hartzog is the president of Hartzog & Co. and is the past director of MidSouth Bank.

Praise for Montgomery PR Pro 
Montgomery’s Bill Cunningham, president of Cunningham Group and an alumnus of Leadership Montgomery’s Class of XI, is one of a select group of public relations professionals in the Southeast being considered for the Professional Achievement Award given annually by the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF). The winner will be named in October. Cunningham became eligible for the honor when he earned the state’s top practitioner award last fall. Recognized by the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), Cunningham received the organization’s Philip R. Forest Jr. Professional Achievement Award for outstanding career accomplishment and community service. Cunningham’s career in public relations and advertising spans 34 years. He is the founder of Cunningham Group, a Montgomery-based advertising and public relations firm. Over the years the agency has won a succession of prestigious awards for creative advertising campaigns and outstanding public relations programs. His dedication to giving back is one of the reasons PRCA chose him for their Professional Achievement Award and as their representative for the SPRF regional award. In addition to his work with public relations organizations and Leadership Montgomery, Cunningham has been a board member of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Montgomery Advertising Federation. He has also served on the Alabama State University Advisory Council and taken leadership roles in his church, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension.

Providing Needed “Wii-Hab”
Beasley Allen law firm and dozens of other attorneys from across the country are banding together to help people with disabilities, as well as those recovering from injuries including strokes, broken bones, surgery and even combat injuries. By working together and donating dozens of Nintendo Wiis to local rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes and similar facilities, the program hopes to help thousands of people. The Wii is becoming popular as a therapeutic tool. The game console’s unique, motion-sensitive controller requires body movements similar to traditional therapy exercises, but engages the user in such a way that they actually enjoy the experience and can work longer. Beasley Allen recently presented a Wii gaming system and Wii Fit game to Camp ASCCA therapeutic recreation facility in Jacksons Gap, Ala., and Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. For more information about Project Wii-hab, visit Beasley Allen’s Wii-hab Charity Project page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=105290942755&ref=ts. 

Street Scene
The City of Montgomery, in conjunction with Jackson Hospital, hosted a dedication ceremony for the recent extension of Mulberry Street on Aug. 17 at the corner of Mulberry Street and Park Place. “We are very thankful to Mayor Strange and the City of Montgomery for helping create a more pedestrian-friendly environment for our patients,” Jackson Hospital President and CEO Don Henderson said.“This new thoroughfare helps route traffic safely around our growing campus.” “The City was happy to contribute its services and advance our goal to design, build, and maintain safe and efficient transportation networks for the traveling public,” offered Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. Jackson Hospital donated the land for the extension of Mulberry Street, which now connects Park Place and Cherry Street. This will help reduce traffic on Park Place, which crosses a busy portion of the hospital grounds. Residents from the Highland Park neighborhood can now more easily access Interstate 85 via Mulberry Street

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