HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID – EMBAS IN CASABLANCA

• April 1st, 2016
• in International Trip

This is part two of a four-part series on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016’s international trip to Morocco and Spain from February 27 to March 8, 2016.

Hate to tell you, but there never was a Rick’s Café in Casablanca until after the movie. No Rick, no Sam, no Ilsa or Victor – never existed – except on a Warner Brothers’ back lot in Hollywood. And, yet we just passed Rick’s Café on Boulevard Sour Jdid on our way to our next company visit.
“It was actually an American (Kathy Kriger) who upon visiting Morocco decided to bring the famous gin joint to life in 2004,” this according to our tour guide. The University of Alabama Executive MBA students took note and many made plans at that moment to dine at Rick’s and to hear Sam play that song “As Time Goes By.”

It’s Tuesday, March 1, 2016, and we are on our second leg of a three-part journey for the EMBA Class of 2016 international trip to Morocco and Spain. Our time in Casablanca will be brief, less than 36 hours. Our first visit was to Marsa Maroc, the national leader in the management of port terminals. Mr. Rachid Hadi, Executive Board Member and Operations Director of the Casablanca Port, and Ms. Nawal Taji, Head of Communication Services spoke to us on lean manufacturing and quality improvement, union negotiations and international trade challenges. In addition, students toured one of their nine ports including the terminal for processing and storing cars.

“Global traffic has increased for 2016, including the exporting of cars, which increased 25% since January,” according to Taji. Well connected in trade lines throughout the world they see continued growth for their company. Marsa Maroc also hosted the students at their company’s Club Resort where employees can relax, swim and play tennis.

The afternoon focused on Morocco’s thriving automotive industry with a visit to Toyota Morocco and a meeting with Country Manager Adil Bennani. Toyota Morocco is a subsidiary of group ALI (Abdul Latif Jameel), one of the biggest Toyota distributors in the world. Established in 1996 with the main aim to import, distribute and sell vehicles, spare parts and accessories and provide quality service. According to Bennani, “ALI operates in 17 countries and three continents.”

When asked about differences in the market place, Bennani pointed out “in the U.S. the average age of a car is 11 years, in Europe 10 years and in Morocco it is 17 years.” The average consumer in Morocco is not loyal to a make or model of car. They look for value. Taxes are very high on gas, which explains why 90% use diesel as opposed to 3% in U.S. who drive diesel cars.

Following our visits everyone spent their last evening in Casablanca visiting the Hassan II Mosque, last minute shopping in the Medina, dining at Rick’s or strolling along the Corniche (beachfront district) or downtown. Tomorrow we fly to Madrid, but for tonight here’s looking at you … Casablanca.

For more information on The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501, or caltemara@cba.ua.edu.
Read more articles in our four-part series on the UA EMBA Class of 2016 international trip to Morocco and Spain.

• Part one – UA EMBA Travels to Morocco and Spain
• Part three – UA EMBAs Journey to Madrid
• Part four – Barcelona Offers EMBAs Great Post Trip Experience

EMBA Elite Spotlight: Alumni Network President Ben Paulk

• December 16th, 2015
• in EMBA Elite Spotlight Series

UA EMBA Alumnus:  Ben Paulk

Program: Tuscaloosa EMBA (Class of 2012)

Education: University of Alabama Birmingham, BS, Marketing; The University of Alabama, M.B.A.

Current Occupation/Board Position: Senior Product Manager for Commercial Credit Card at BBVA Compass Bank and 2015-2016 Executive MBA Alumni Network Board President

How has the UA EMBA Program contributed to your career? The EMBA program has absolutely contributed to my advancement. I benefited, not only from the world-class instructors but also the interaction that I had from the diverse set of professional peers.

Beyond career enhancements, what personal gains have you taken away from the EMBA program?

I have developed relationships through my class, and the larger alumni network, many of which I consider to be close friendships. The leadership and financial skills that I learned have helped me to serve on my church’s vestry. The discipline and dedication that I honed in the program have helped me become a better runner. Those are just a few examples of the innumerable benefits I have derived from my EMBA experience.

You have been actively involved in the EMBA Alumni Network since its inception three years ago. What keeps you involved?

What interested me in the Alumni Network was the chance to give back. I feel greatly indebted to the program for all of the opportunities it has afforded me and for all of the ways it has enriched my life. I want to ensure that everyone who comes through the program realizes the full value that it can provide. I hope to continue in the tradition, set forth by past alumni, who have added value to the degree by creating connections among the members.

As the incoming EMBA Alumni Network President what are you looking forward to in the next year?

Regarding the year ahead, I want to challenge everyone to promote the Alumni Network and the Executive MBA Program as a whole. We have a great story to tell and we all benefit when we strengthen the Program by networking, providing continuing educational opportunities, and attracting the best students to the program. We have a very talented Board of Directors and together we are creating a great plan to grow the network and execute on our mission statement.

What is your advice to those seeking an M.B.A.?

For any prospective students, I would strongly urge you to consider the UA EMBA program. You will find that this program, in particular, can provide value in so many different ways. You will receive unparalleled instruction, create lifelong memories and accomplish things, you never thought possible. It is a truly transformational experience.

For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.

EMBA Alumni Network Elects New Board

• November 16th, 2015
• in EMBA Alumni Network, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

In October the EMBA Alumni Network elected the new EMBA Alumni Network Board of Directors for 2015-2016. The Board held its first meeting on Wednesday, November 11.

The new officers: Ben Paulk, Senior Product Manager with BBVA (TEMBA 2012) is the new President; Russell Shamburger, Manager of CGI (TEMBA 2004) will serve as Vice President; Beckie Crawford, Vice President Finance with Southern Medical Health Systems (TEMBA 2013) will continue serving as Secretary-Treasurer; and Michael Brost, Senior Business Analyst with Modern Technology Solutions (HEMBA 2015) will assume duties as Communications Chair. Michael Ross, Central Region President and Chief Commercial Officer for Renasant Corporation (EMBA 1989) will advise the new Board as past President. For more information on the EMBA board members click here.

During the meeting the Board received an update on the overall college and EMBA Program by Interim Dean Brian Gray and Director Donna Blackburn. According to President Ben Paulk, “It is important for us, as we formulate a strategy, to understand how the EMBA Alumni Network fits into the context of the larger picture for Culverhouse College of Commerce and The University of Alabama.”

The new board was also briefed on last year’s activities and successes. Ben continued, “We had a great slate of events for the 30^th EMBA Anniversary celebration and we hope to capitalize on the momentum that was created. I am looking forward to working with this esteemed Board to further the mission statement of our Alumni Network.”
For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.

Time to Reflect

• October 28th, 2015
• in EMBA Alumni Network

When I made the decision to run for President of the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Alumni Network at The University of Alabama for 2014-15, I knew it would be an important responsibility, one that would require a serious commitment. The EMBA Program has and continues to have a serious impact on me as a business person and as a community leader. It was important in assuming this position that I would be able to devote the necessary time and energy the role of president demands. My number one priority was to take this opportunity to give back to the school that gave so much to me. The experiences gained through the EMBA curriculum gave me a “head start” on many of my peers in the commercial banking business early in my career.  My family has benefited greatly from those experiences, and I will always feel indebted to UA as a result.

I have been very honored to have worked with a wonderful group of professionals willing to share their talents and expertise.  The EMBA Alumni Network is a tremendous resource promoting the EMBA Program, professional networking, educational offerings and social events.
In October 2014, the board members participated in a strategic planning session to examine our by-laws, mission and strategic objectives. Our focus became the recognition and celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Executive MBA Program. We kicked off 2014 with a Rooftop Reception at the Renasant Bank in Tuscaloosa honoring the EMBA founders: Dr. H.H. “Bill” Mitchell, Dean of Culverhouse College of Commerce 1981-1986); Dr. Lonnie Strickland (MBA Director 1982-1986); and, Ms. Gina Johnson (MBA Coordinator 1982-1986).

Other 30th Anniversary events followed. On May 2, we recognized the 30th graduation class, the EMBA Class of 2015, at a Graduation Brunch in the North Zone.  Throughout May we held networking events in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Mobile. In June we held our very first Family Day at the Tuscaloosa River Market complete with games, prizes and a movie night. In August, we headed to the ballpark in Birmingham to watch the Barons play. And, finally we wrapped up with a Roll Tide Tailgate last Saturday, October 24, watching the Crimson Tide beat the Tennessee Volunteers.

The next board will also be tasked with reviewing the results from the EMBA Alumni Survey conducted August-September this year. The survey will inform the new board as it plans future Network activities and initiatives. Results from the survey will appear soon in an upcoming blog.

I want to thank the many alumni who have been supportive throughout the year. I also want to thank the board members with which I served:  Vice President Jennifer Thomas (TEMBA 2014), Secretary-Treasurer Beckie Crawford (TEMBA 2013), Communications Chair Ben Paulk (TEMBA 2012) and Past President Kent Darzi (HEMBA 2010). They continue to give and mentor and do whatever is needed, from welcoming the incoming classes to being there at graduation to help celebrate. I also want to thank the EMBA staff, who care deeply about the alumni and students and do an outstanding job.

We could not have done all of this without you.

In the coming year, I look forward as Past President to working with the incoming 2015-2016 EMBA Alumni Network Board. We’ve made tremendous progress as an organization and we will carry that momentum forward. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as President of the EMBA Alumni Network.

Michael Ross (TEMBA 1989) is Central Region President & Chief Commercial Officer of Renasant Corporation

For more information on The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501, caltemara@cba.ua.edu.

Announcing the 2016 UA EMBA International Trip

• August 3rd, 2015
• in International Trip

The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Class of 2016 will be going to Marrakech and Casablanca, Morocco and Madrid, Spain, February 27-March 5, 2016.

The 2016 trip is a requirement of the IBA 550 International Business course in the students final semester. It is also open to EMBA Alumni who would like to attend. “We began formally inviting alumni to join us on our study abroad trips in 2013 when we visited Turkey and it has been a successful program,” said Cheryl Altemara, assistant director, EMBA Programs. In addition to visiting companies, meeting with senior executives and government officials, and touring cultural sites, participants may also take part in an optional post trip to Barcelona, Spain.

The students not only visit companies but will tour Marrakech and Madrid and take a day trip to Kasbah Le Mirage situated just outside of Marrakech. They will experience Moroccan life, camel rides and a dinner in Berber tents. A special consulting project focusing on social enterprise in and around Marrakech is also being added to the program this year. Spain offers another business climate, culture and economic transformation for the students to study in depth.

Our travel agency this year will be the International Study Programs (ISP). Headquartered in Prague, ISP has been organizing global trips for EMBA Programs since 1999. Their vision is to create meaningful global academic experiences for business school students.

Morocco has a GDP of $179.2B (2015), 4.5% growth, unemployment at 9.2% and inflation at 1.9%. Benefiting from a stable political environment and increasing levels of foreign investment, Morocco benefits from its geographical proximity to key markets in Europe and its perception as a stable destination in a region where many countries have seen widespread political unrest. The country is expected to welcome over 11M visitors in 2015, up from 10.5M in 2014. Europe is a major source for arrivals but Morocco is increasingly targeting affluent visitors from the Middle East – and Emirates recently expanded its flight routes into the country from the UAE.

According to Spiegel Online, Spain is back from the brink and emerging as a model for Europe. During the crisis, Spain instituted strict reforms and successfully put its emphasis on exports, with one-third of Spanish goods and services shipped outside the country. Although Spain still has a long way to go, the European Central Bank is predicting that Spain will be one of the economic drivers of Europe in 2015. Powered by a cheap euro and low-interest, economic growth is predicted to rise by 2.3 percent this year, GDP at 1.4 trillion, while the Spanish government predicts increasing job growth.

The post trip is to Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is defined by quirky art and architecture, imaginative food and vibrant street life. It has medieval roots, seen in the mazelike Gothic Quarter, but a modernist personality represented by architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Sagrada Família church. The central Boqueria market, ranging from fine dining to tiny tapas bars, anchors Barcelona’s restaurant scene. In addition, we will also travel to Tarragona and the caves Montau de Sadurini.

To join the trip, please contact the EMBA office for more information. The trip package for alumni, from check-in February 27 to check out on March 5, includes a single room (5 star accommodations), breakfasts, company visits, lunches, city tours of Marrakech and Madrid, the February 28 Kasbah excursion, and opening and farewell dinners. Spouses may also attend.
If your class never got to go on an international trip, here’s your chance. If you have attended a previous trip, this time you get to enjoy without classwork or a final presentation!

We look forward to having you join us. For more information and cost, contact Donna Blackburn, 205.348.8748. For more information on the Culverhouse Executive MBA Program check out the website at www.emba.ua.edu.

EMBA Women’s Leadership Luncheon Addresses Changing Landscape of Healthcare Industry

• April 15th, 2015
• in EMBA Alumni Network

On March 11, a panel of leaders in the healthcare industry addressed the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the Summit Club in downtown Birmingham. The panel moderator was Beckie Crawford (TEMBA 2013), Vice President of Finance for Southern Medical Health Systems. The panelists included Dr. Anne-Laura Cook, Ambulatory Network Consultant/Hospitalist, Baptist Health System; Vanessa Pettway (TEMBA 2015), Region Operations Manager, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical; and Dr. Lisa Mani (MBA 2006) Physician-Consultant in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

The panel discussion centered around the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and its impact across the healthcare industry.  In addition, the speakers addressed advanced innovations and new business models as methods for businesses to adapt in a very volatile market. The panel engaged the audience in a discussion on the “triple aim” of healthcare reform: decrease costs, improve outcomes and improve the patient experience. Finally, questions from the audience spurred the dialogue into many areas.

Audience members included alumni, prospective students, members of the Women’s Exchange, leaders from various industries and members of the EMBA staff. “This was a really great topic and the discussion comes at an opportune moment for everyone working in various sectors of the healthcare industry. It was very insightful,” said Joshua Meeks (TEMBA 2012), Director of Network Operations with Cigna-HealthSpring.

Founded in 2011, the Women’s Leadership Luncheon is an annual event established by the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program at the University of Alabama to bring professional women together to network and discuss business and leadership issues.

For more information on the Executive MBA Program or to schedule an interview or attend an upcoming event, please contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu of 205.348.4501.

EMBA Elite Spotlight: Alumni Network President Mike Ross

• January 27th, 2015
• in EMBA Alumni Network, EMBA Elite Spotlight Series

Mike Ross, the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Alumni Network President, also serves as Chief Commercial Officer and Eastern Region President of Renasant Bank. After earning his Bachelor of Science from the Culverhouse College of Commerce at The University of Alabama in 1986, he returned just a few years later to earn his Masters from our Executive MBA program in 1989. Mike believes that the program was critically important to his early advancement into senior and executive management. “The additional practice I gained through my course work gave me an early advantage over most of my peers in the industry from an early stage (I was a young 23 years old when I started the program!)” Mike said.

After his oldest son began his freshman year at The University of Alabama, Mike decided to run for UA EMBA Alumni Network President because he wanted to give more to his Alma Mater. As President, Mike plans to focus on enhancing participation and communication from his fellow alumni by hosting additional events for networking and reconnecting.

First up will be the kick off for the EMBA’s 30th Anniversary, a Rooftop Reception at the Renasant Bank in downtown Tuscaloosa on April 17.  “We are extremely excited to have Mr. Ross and Renasant Bank host our 30th Anniversary event at their new bank,” said Donna Blackburn, director of the EMBA Program.  “Showcasing our achievements since 1985, along with our alumni, students and corporate sponsors such as Renasant is an honor and we look forward to a grand evening.”

“To members of the Network,” Mike said, “please consider proactively reaching out to your classmates and encourage them to participate. We would welcome feedback from anyone as to how we can make the Alumni Network more attractive and beneficial to its members. Also, please send us any news as to major events, promotions, and/or career changes you have made. The success of our members in their lives and careers is the best indicator of the value of the program. The more we can help promote the success of our members, the more valuable all of our degrees become.”

“To prospective new students,” Mike continued, “the EMBA Program at the University of Alabama will change your life forever. The skills you will learn, the experiences you will encounter, and the work ethic that you will adopt will serve you and your families well for the rest of your life. If you have a desire to set yourself apart from your competition in the workplace, please consider submitting an application.”

For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.

2014 in review

• January 5th, 2015
• in EMBA Program Information, EMBA Uncategorized

Happy New Year to our followers and Bama fans.  We had an amazing 2014, welcoming our new Executive MBA classes in Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, celebrating the graduation of our EMBA Class of 2014, tailgating, connecting with alumni, showcasing companies, hearing great speakers and recruiting outstanding students.  Our visits to Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru, and the breathtaking Machu Picchu, are some of the many moments we will never forget.

We are looking forward to 2015 as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary of the EMBA Program.  There are wonderful events being planned throughout the year and we look forward to having you join us to celebrate this milestone.  In addition, we will be reporting on recruiting events, showcasing our students and alumni, highlighting speakers, blogging about our upcoming trip to Panama and Colombia, and letting you get to know more about us, the EMBA staff and faculty.  Get ready for another AMAZING YEAR with the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA at The University of Alabama.

ROLL TIDE!

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,900 times in 2014. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 7 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

For more information on the UA EMBA Program, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501, or caltemara@cba.ua.edu.

UA EMBA Welcomes T-EMBA Class of 2016

• November 25th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA at The University of Alabama welcomed the Tuscaloosa-EMBA Class of 2016 at the Bryant Conference Center for orientation on Thursday, November 20.

UA EMBA staff introduced themselves and the program via informational sessions.  Incoming EMBAs got to know each other over team-building exercises, including the traditional scavenger hunt and the networking dinner with alumni hosted by the Executive MBA Alumni Network Board.
The new class of 26 students represents a diverse pool of industries; 12% from manufacturing, 16% energy/utilities, 16% retail/services, 12% defense, 12% finance, another 12% government, education, or nonprofit, and 12% technology/telecommunication, and 4% each in construction, and media.
The class reflects an assortment of job function areas including 38% in general management, 18% in engineering, 12% in marketing/sales, 12% in finance/accounting,  8% in MIS/IT, 4% each in business development and strategy, consulting, and operations.

In addition, this class includes 27% U.S. military veterans.  According to Jason Sellars, TEMBA 2016 student, and Assistant Director with The University of Alabama Office of Veterans Affairs, “The EMBA Program is one of the strongest military supporters on the UA campus.”

This class will join the Huntsville-EMBA class that began in August 2014 for their international trip in their final semester and will graduate together in May 2016.  This class is fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside a cohort filled with talented and experienced professionals.

Please join us in welcoming TEMBA Class of 2016:

Patrick Briles, Wells Fargo Bank
Stephen Burton, Buckman Laboratories
Ben Caro, US Air Force
Joe Caubo, Mississippi Power Co.
Aaron Craddock, Randall-Reilly
Stefan Eitzinger, Drummond Co.
Paulo Gonzalez, Drummond Co.
Steve Grissett, Southern Research Institute
Nate Hall, Hubbard Properties
Cody Higgins, Social Security Administration
Jason Kennedy, KCI Crane Service
Josh King, WTI Transport
Neil Morton, Pradco Outdoor Brands
Crystal Mosley, M3 Accounting and Analytics
Pritha Powell, Regions Financial Corporation
Bradford Price, All-South Subcontractors Inc.
David Reiniger, The Boeing Company
Kimberly Rose, BBVA Compass
Jason Sellars, UA Office of Veteran Affairs
Beth Smith, Progress Rail Services
Joey Snowden, Enerfab Power and Industrial
Erik Spencer, Walter Energy
Michael Stanley, US Navy
Tom Thayer, FMG, Inc.
Josh Vinson, Verizon
Tommy Walker, Speedy Tire and Services

Culverhouse EMBA Welcomes Huntsville-EMBA Class of 2016

• August 13th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama welcomed 22 new students into the Class of 2016 at orientation in Huntsville last Thursday, August 7, 2014.

The average age of the new class is 37 with 14 years of work experience, 8 years of management experience, and 23% women. While slightly over a quarter of the students studied business for their undergraduate degrees, a whopping 55% studied science, math, or engineering.

Our staff made sure to leave no question unanswered at orientation – sessions were held with information about the program, college, and university as well as tips for studying and career development.

Students met their teammates and got to know each other with fun team building exercises and a scavenger hunt. The new students were also given an opportunity to connect with alumni over dinner at ADTRAN, hosted by Executive MBA Alumni Network President Kent Darzi.

HEMBA 2016 is the first class with the new blended format, which will meet one weekend a month for 21 months. With a combination of courses in both online and traditional settings, the new format is more flexible and accessible for citizens of Huntsville as well as commuters from nearby states and metropolitan areas. This year, we have five students joining us from Tennessee, one from Atlanta, and another from Kentucky.

Please join us in welcoming the following students:

Aaron Adams, Alabama A&M
Onisa Allen, Verizon Wireless
Rodney Bilbrew, US Army
James Boyd, US Army
Justin Brown, Modern Technology Solutions, Inc
Jeffrey Coker, Coker, Wolfe, & Associates
Erika Hailes, Qualitest
Donald Hersh, Teledyne Brown Engineering
Zeph Isom, Universal Lighting Technologies
Shannon Lewis, Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Heather Martin, Community Health Systems
John Mathison, Booz Allen Hamilton
Ryan McDaniel, Nissan of Smyrna, TN
Jamie Mckinley, UAB-Huntsville Medical Center
Jeremy Phelps, Nissan North America
Jordan Reynolds, Missile Defense Agency
Eric Satterfield, Neptune Technology Group
Richard Spears, DRS Technologies
Michael Starnes, Heidelberg USA
Edward Stringfellow, Stringfellow Technology Group
Nicholas P. Ward, Westlake Chemical, Inc.
Dorthea Yarbrough, AMRDEC

For more information about the Culverhouse College of Commerce EMBA Program, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501 or fill out an interest form here.