BAY MINETTE —A second concept car was unveiled by Hybrid Kinetic Motors executives Jan. 21 at the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce's 64th Annual Meeting, appropriately themed "Looking to the Future."

Chamber Chair Gail McInnish said business and industry recruitment, like that of HK Motors, was possible because of a renewed commitment between the chamber and local and state officials.

"We have been able to regenerate and re-energize relationships with the mayor and city, so that we are one voice in unity with the city, the county and the community," McInnish said.

"We combined our efforts and combined our resources and were able to do some wonderful things."

Among those things was the recruitment and subsequent announcement that HK Motors, an American-based Chinese hybrid automotive company, would locate in Bay Minette.

HK Executives announced in September 2009 the desire to open a multi-billion dollar plant at the mega site industrial park north of Bay Minette.

Jan. 19, another step in that plan was cemented as HK Chairman Yung "Benjamin" Yeung signed a four-year contract with Italdesign Giugiaro Chairman Giorgetto Giugiaro. The pair also unveiled a concept car unlike any seen in the United States as an idea of what is possible from the allied team.

Guests at the Annual Meeting were treated to another debut in the unveiling of HK's Luxury Utility Vehicle (LUV).

The vehicle is hybrid not only in its engine and fuel consumption, but in its design, featuring the appearance of an SUV from front, but utilizing a small truck bed in the rear.

The LUV is accented on the hood, floor boards and truck bed with the beautiful, albeit uncommon Asian teak wood. The headrests feature computer screens and trays akin to those on airplanes, hold full-size keyboards and rise or lower into place with the push of a button.

HK Motors CEO C.T. Wang said the vehicles his company produces will break the myth of hybrid vehicles.

"People think energy efficient vehicles have to be small and have to be slow," he said. "This has a 400-horsepower motor, and will have 0-60 in 6 seconds drive performance. The vehicle size will be mid to large, it will be very comfortable to drive and has a five-point safety rating."

Bay Minette Mayor Jamie Tillery called the vehicle and those that HK will produce "highly marketable and environmentally conscientious" and said relationships with business and industry such as HK, will move Bay Minette and Baldwin County forward.

"We have the potential of a prosperous future for all of us and the children of tomorrow," she said.

Wang said his company is on schedule and "making huge progress."

"We are looking at a $1,500 million capital investment, 5,000 green jobs and 300,000 units per year," he said.

Despite the excitement of the new prospect, those existing companies that have forged the way for new industry were recognized for their contributions with the Business of the Year and Harry B. Still Sr. Distinguished Service awards.

Earl Stephens of Baldwin Pole & Piling Co. Inc., which has been in service since 1945, accepted the Business of the Year Award for his company.

The Harry B. Still Distinguished Service Award went to Hiram Templeton, manager of the Alabama Power Bay Minette branch and Vice Chair of the Chamber Board. Templeton also received the gavel from outgoing Chair McInnish and will serve as the 2010 Chamber Chair.

Outgoing Chamber Board member Don Hancock, owner of BIS Computer Center, was recognized for his service to the board.

Other members recognized included new executive board members Brandon Simpson of First South Farm Credit, vice chair; Karen Taylor, Coldwell Banker Richerson Properties, secretary; and Jason Padgett, North Baldwin Utilities, treasurer.

New 2010 Board Members are William McLaughlin, North Baldwin Infirmary; Jeffery Redmon, Bayshore Construction; Tamara Grace, Amedisys Home Health; Patty Hughston, Faulkner State Community College; and Jerry Bundy, Bundy and Associates.