POWERGRAMS

CONTENTS HISTORY The Alabama Historical Radio Museum inside Alabama Power's Corporate Headquarters was recognized two years ago in a national publication as one of the 50 most underrated aractions in America. Page 1 INDEPENDENCE DAY Retiree Paul Cole worked for Alabama Power 37 years but spent even longer serving his country, rising to the top rank an enlisted soldier can aain. Page 5 EDUCATION A Theatre Tuscaloosa program sponsored by the Alabama Power Foundation gave students their first chance to see actors performing on a stage. Page 8 COMMUNITY A century ago, when there was no bridge crossing the Tombigbee River, Demopolis civic leaders backed a fundraising plan requiring world leaders to donate roosters. Page 9 APSO Southeast Division members of the Alabama Power Service Organization gave Bo Jackson a hand during his annual Bo Bikes Bama fundraiser that doubled this year as a memorial to 23 people who died during tornadoes in Lee County. Page 11 ENERGIZERS The Magic City Chapter of Alabama Power's retiree organization is winning honors for growth and community involvement under the leadership of Van Horne. Page 15 INNOVATION Nearly 150 ideas were submied in the ongoing Spark competition among Alabama Power employees, with six being judged the best of the lot. The ideas are aimed at improving safety, revenue growth, cost reductions and operational efficiency. Page 18 EDUCATION Students from Ramsay, McAdory, Pell City and St. Clair County high schools spent a morning at an Alabama Power crew headquarters considering working as linemen, engineers or apprentices. Page 19 EDUCATION An annual student electric car race on the professional track at Barber Motorsports Park has helped some participants make up their minds about the future. Page 21 OUR TOWN It may seem like Thomasville is in the middle of nowhere but the town in southwest Alabama hasn't been held back by its place off the beaten track associated with most prospering cities. Page 23 OUR TOWN SIDEBAR More than 100 rural hospitals have closed this decade across America. In Thomasville, a $40.5 million, state-of-the-art medical center is about to open its doors. Page 33 COMMUNITY Clarke County hadn't had a Special Olympics in more than 20 years until Alabama Power employees helped revive the sports competition. Page 38 PROFILE Auburn Customer Service Representative Jessica Mitchell has two sons but decided last year to take on another through the state's foster care system. Page 39 WESTERN DIVISION Two annual events organized by the Western Employees Networking and Learning group bring together Alabama Power workers in a relaxed atmosphere outside the office. Page 41 HAPPY TRAILS Mary K. Jones spent 44 years in a variety of Accounting Department roles, becoming a mentor to many co- workers before retiring in June. Page 43 RETIREES Page 46 IN MEMORIAM Page 47 POSTCARDS TO POWERGRAMS Page 47 THUMBS UP! Page 48 JULY-AUGUST • 2019 EDITOR Chuck Chandler 205-257-3651 cchandle@southernco.com ART DIRECTOR Jay Parker CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Phil Free WRITERS Donna Cope Carla Davis Gilbert Nicholson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Billy Brown Wynter Byrd Donna Cope Christopher Jones Nik Layman Marengo County Historical Society Meg McKinney Jessica Mitchell Karim Shamsi-Basha Dennis Washington ON THE COVER Alabama Power Service Organization members were among the riders and volunteers for the annual Bo Bikes Bama fundraiser. Photo by Billy Brown. See the story on page 11. POWERGRAMS © Alabama Power Company 2019 Powergrams has earned the top honor in the 2019 Hermes Creative Awards. The magazine received the Platinum Award in the international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials, marketing and communication programs, and emerging technologies.

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