Downtown airport gets big bucks for upgrades

Photo courtesy of Arrow Exterminators

Arrow Exterminators recently opened a new office in South Mobile County. Pictured from left to right are: back row, Ben Whittingham, Gavin Higginbothmn, George Rox, Hal Dumas, Telly Smallwood, Estevan Lopez, Justin McNorton, Josh Pasquall, Xavier Johnson, Chris Ward, Paul Brown and Greg Rockwell. Front Row are Ashton May, Susan Weekley, Chloe Howell, Tonya Thomas, Wendy Simmons and Carl Edwards.

By Tammy Leytham

 Mobile Downtown Airport will get some upgrades, thanks to a $4.8 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant awarded to the Mobile Airport Authority (MAA).

The grant is for the continuous rehabilitation of the concrete at the airport, said Chris Curry, president of MAA. 

“Our pavement is decades old and a deliberate effort is underway to repair different sections as funding is made available,” Curry said.

A new terminal project is scheduled for completion at the airport in 2024, but it has the option to bring new airline service to the low-cost terminal earlier than that.

“There are always plans for new commercial service as we continue to communicate with the airlines for new and expanded service,” Curry said.

In addition, MAA is in the process of hiring a new program manager. With the assistance of airport staff, the program manager will be responsible for assembling and coordinating all phases of the terminal construction program.

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced eight airports in Alabama, including the Mobile Downtown Airport, will receive funds for airport improvements. Funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Curry expressed appreciation to Shelby for his support and assistance in securing funding for the airport.

“This project is one more step in improving our facility for future commercial air service, our current tenants and potential economic development opportunities in our region,” Curry said.

Photo courtesy of the City of Mobile Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Bishop State Community College President Dr. Reginald Sykes, City of Mobile Supplier Diversity Manager Archnique Kidd and Bishop State Dean of Workforce & Economic Development David Felton announce a new contractor’s college at Bishop State.

Contractor’s College to help small businesses with bidding process

Bishop State Community College is partnering with the city of Mobile to offer “Contractor’s College: Project Management and Crew Leadership,” a course aimed at helping small businesses get a leg up on obtaining and managing public contracts.

Contractor’s College begins July 20 and runs through Jan. 27, 2022.

The program covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communications, delegating and problem-solving. Participants will also get training in job-site safety and the role crew leaders play in ensuring safety for team members.

This program assists contractors, as well as people interested in contracting, recently promoted crew leaders and anyone else in management.

“The Contractor’s College ensures small and disadvantaged businesses in our community are provided the information needed to help them sustain and grow their businesses,” Bishop State President Dr. Reggie Sykes said. “Through this program, they will learn the management side of contracting so they can successfully and confidently bid for contracts locally and beyond.”

The city is using federal funds to make the program available to small business owners, allowing them to become certified through the National Center for Construction Education and Research. That certification can go a long way when bidding on public contracts and help qualified small businesses that received microloans get the training necessary to convert those loans into grants.

“There has never been more work happening in the city of Mobile, and we are committed to growing participation from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) to meet the demands of our engineering, architectural engineering and community housing development departments,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “This partnership with Bishop State’s Contractor’s College will help grow our existing DBE program so that we can find those qualified, local contractors to meet the growing needs of the city.”

About 20 participants from various businesses can attend the first class, and scholarships are available to cover tuition. To apply, visit bishop.edu/programs.

Business Openings, Transactions

• Darn Good Gourmet Treats, a veteran-owned business, opened its doors July 8 at its first stand-alone location at 6845 Highway 90, Suite 107, in Daphne. They sell hot, roasted cinnamon pecans, key lime cashews, praline pecans, salted caramel cashews and other gourmet treats, including saltwater taffy in an array of flavors. Residents Carl and Lisa Smith started the business in March as a small kiosk, then grew to the brick-and-mortar location.
• In South Baldwin County, Tabitha Pedalino recently opened Mama Bear’s Bakery at 116 W. Laurel Ave. in Foley. The family-owned business bakes custom cakes and cookies and has an array of baked items available, including cupcakes, lemon bars, cannolis, croissants, decorated cookies, brownies and key lime pie. Currently, they make mostly sweets but are looking to add breads and other savory pastries as they grow.
• Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators recently opened a new office in South Mobile County to help them better serve the community. The new office at 5435 Business Pkwy. in Theodore will also help the company accommodate recent growth and provide career advancement opportunities for Arrow team members. It is one of four new Arrow Exterminators offices opened in the Southeast, all of which service residential homes with a focus on pest and termite control. 

“Being a family-owned and -operated company for 57 years, we strongly value family and community,” CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick said. “Our passion is one of the key components of not only providing exceptional service to our customers, but also being involved in the communities where we serve.”

• First Choice Wellness Center leased 1,295 square feet in Spanish Fort Town Center, according to Leigh Dale Younce of SRS Real Estate Partners Inc. First Choice specializes in administering infused medications at an alternate site of care, providing a convenient location and a comfortable setting for patients. This is the fourth location for First Choice and their second in the state. They plan to open their Spanish Fort location later this month.
• The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo will take place Thursday, Aug. 19 at the Mobile Convention Center Exhibit Hall. Booth spaces are still available. Reserve one by calling 251-431-8621. Tickets to attend are $5 at the door.
• The American Cancer Society awarded a $10,000 grant to USA Health’s Mitchell Cancer Institute to help local patients who need assistance getting to and from the facilities for treatment. Some patients lack access to transportation or are too fatigued or sick to drive to get the treatment they need, said Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., leader of Cancer Control and Prevention at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. “This grant can help ease this burden and improve the outlook for these patients,” she said.