Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1498130
22 | ALABAMA POWER | COUNCIL ON CULTURE AND INCLUSION 2022 HIGHLIGHTS SALUTE TO VETERANS LUNCHEON Alabama Power is commied to being a great place to work by fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees. Through the work of the CCI, the company has expanded its policies and benefits to be considerate of the needs of numerous employee groups, including veterans. Alabama Power actively recruits veterans, service members and their spouses, and the company partners with military transition centers across the country. On Nov. 3, Alabama Power and the CCI hosted a Salute to Veterans Luncheon in the Corporate Headquarters Auditorium recognizing veterans and military service families. The event was also livestreamed, giving plants and division offices an opportunity to host their own watch parties. "Veterans are highly trained, bringing technical prowess, adaptability and leadership skills to our team," said current CEO Jeff Peoples, who at the time was EVP of Customer and Employee Services. The event featured keynote speaker Army retired Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, who, in addition to extensive military service and a distinguished career, created the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University – the largest and most comprehensive veterans center on an academic campus in the nation. The center provides transition services for veterans and their families as they return to civilian life aer military service. About 2,500 Southern Company employees are veterans, National Guard and reserve members (10% of the total workforce); 700 currently serve in the National Guard or reserve component. Since 2019, veterans comprise 11% of new hires across the system. The company has a first-year 94% retention rate of veterans, compared to the national average of 60%, with an overall retention rate of 90%.