POWERGRAMS

100% CONNECTED Positive Energy Volunteers making a difference statewide leaning Alabama rivers, painting Habitat Marketing administrative assistant - Mobile homes for needy families, making sure children Division, presented the trophy to Simmons, who have books to read and restoring landscapes said, "I couldn't do this work without my Barry devastated by the April 2011 tornadoes: It takes Chapter members. I can call on them any time." energy and dedicated people to make a difference. The Western Division Chapter received the During 2012, one thing was certain, Brenda Community Spirit award for its 60 percent Blanton said, "APSO members more than had their membership increase, as well as the Outstanding work cut out for them but came together to meet Member Participation award for a 70 percent the challenges." On March 7-8, about 250 members increase in volunteer hours per member. met in Montgomery to celebrate APSO's many The Barry Chapter won the Membership Growth achievements and plan for the coming year. award for its 20 percent increase and the Award Drawing on the theme "Positive Energy to of Excellence for outstanding achievements in Alabama," employees celebrated their community community service. service of more than 55,000 volunteer hours. APSO Executive Director Gina Byars presented Whatever the need, members rushed to assist, said Southern Division with the People's Choice Award Blanton, Power Delivery administrative assistant at and Gaston with the Legacy Award, for designing the Eastern Division Office. "Everyone's volunteerism was outstanding," said Blanton, past state president and an APSO member since 1994. "Our members do great work every day in our communities, from the heart. They do this work because they want to do it." Zeke Smith, executive vice president - External Affairs, said, "We do a lot Officers for 2013 gathered for conference. of things well, but there's always a lot of ways to conference exhibits about one of their 2012 projects improve. It's about making a difference every day. in the style of a different era. The chapters were It's inspiring to me to hear about all the things awarded $500 grants to the charities of their choice. APSO and our employees do to serve this state." Southern Division Vice President Leslie Sanders Public Relations and Charitable Giving Vice said APSO's work is key to Alabama Power's core President John Hudson commended APSO's 5,500 beliefs, in being connected to customers and the members "for the positive energy you bring to communities the company serves. communities across the state of Alabama." Smith said he was honored to stand among Blanton and 2013 APSO State President Katrina employees who perform such tremendous service in Haynes, a Transmission Lines engineer in Eufaula, their communities. honored 2012 chapter presidents for their direction "The best exercise of the heart is to reach down and commitment, including Stacy Simmons, Barry; and lift someone up," he said. "Every day that our Kiyunda Smoot, Eastern Division; Mike Martin, employees go out and serve their communities, they Gaston; Veryl Graves, Gorgas; are helping APSO to leave a legacy, a gift to others." Brian Suttles, Magic City; Danny Baker, Miller; Khanh By Donna Cope Bailey, Mobile Division; LaShanda Fields and Rolanda Jones, Southeast Division/ Farley; Trey Hayes, Southern Division; and Sissy Spath, Western Division. Haynes urged employees, "You are the catalyst for your Spath celebrates APSO chapters and community. Western Division Be that leader people want awards. to follow." She presented Chapter Volunteer of the Year awards to Amanda Lofton, Barry; Cory Eubanks, Eastern Division; Theresa Mims, Gaston; Chelsa Morrow Graves, Gorgas; Angela Juett, Magic City; Rosa Boston, Miller; Sharon Murrill, Mobile Division; Katie Thomas, Southeast Division/Farley; Christy Dykes, Southern Division; and Mark Freeman, Western Division. Simmons received APSO's top honor, the Patsy Topazi Leadership Award. Last year's winner, Christie Silbernagel, Commercial and Industrial Photos by Wynter Byrd Southern Division members portrayed the 1970s. C PAGE 3

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