Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1357864
Contents LINEMEN APPRECIATION National Lineman Appreciation Day is observed annually on April 18 to recognize the "contributions of these brave men and women who protect the public safety." Page 1 APSO Since 1991, members of the Alabama Power Service Organization have contributed to and volunteered for nonprofit groups across the state, helping countless citizens and public projects. Page 3 EDUCATION The Alabama Power Foundation in 2020 awarded 42 Classroom Grants totaling more than $41,000 to schools across the state. The funding helped teachers help their students. Page 9 TECHNOLOGY More and more Alabama Power employees are driving plug-in electric vehicles on and off the job. Fleet Services is concentrating on increasing the current 26% EV ratio. Page 11 ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH Generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. India native Chitra Kirpalani is Accounting and Compliance manager for Merchandise Sales, Service and Financing. Page 15 PRIDE MONTH In June, the world's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Krista Presnall's all-American life can't be encompassed in any one label. Page 19 ENERGIZERS Michael Smith is president- elect of the Southern Division Energizers and while that might seem more than enough for the Southern Linc retiree to be taking on, he's also the new CEO of the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Page 23 ENVIRONMENT High school students are helping restore and rehabilitate the shoreline along Alabama's Gulf Coast, using a Students to Stewards grant from the Alabama Power Foundation. Page 25 HISTORY One hundred and four years ago, Crawford Buchanon Hawkins took a job with Alabama Power. He and his wife, Helen, were the foundation of three continuous generations of family earning employment with the company. Page 29 INNOVATION Despite a pandemic, in 2020 Alabama Power and Southern Company Power Delivery employees began focusing efforts to standardize the types of materials and equipment they purchase, while adopting standard construction specifications. Page 33 COUNCIL ON CULTURE AND INCLUSION Employee feedback helped shape the CCI's plans for 2021, including more opportunities for employee education, career development and staying connected. Page 37 RETIREES Page 38 IN MEMORIAM Page 39 THUMBS UP! Page 40 APRIL-JUNE 2021 EDITOR Chuck Chandler 205-257-3651 cchandle@southernco.com ART DIRECTOR Jay Parker CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Phil Free W R I T E R S Donna Cope Carla Davis Erin Harney Mitchell Kilpatrick Whitney Massey CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Pamela Baker Billy Brown Brian Jordan Mike Kirell Meg McKinney ON THE COVER Alabama's Gulf Coast wetlands are being aided by an Alabama Power Foundation grant. See page 25 P OW E RG RA M S © Alabama Power Company 2021 Michael Smith is the new CEO of the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Page 23 PHOTO by BILLY BROWN