POWERGRAMS

FROM THE EDITOR 1 Dear Readers, In 2003, I had the good fortune to join Alabama Power and become editor of Powergrams. After 25 years of writing for and editing newspapers and magazines, Powergrams seemed a promising step in my career. Now, 20 years later, I am set to hand in my ID badge and parking deck hanger to retire. When I first walked through the doors of Public Relations, I was met by the friendly faces of talented co- workers. I traveled the state, touring every plant and generating facility, while becoming acquainted with hundreds of people. Later, I toured Alabama Power Business Offices in 31 small towns, talking to hundreds of more employees and community members for the "Our Town" series. Those experiences and relationships have been a highlight in my life. It would take more than the pages of this magazine to name all of the people who have helped me along my path at Alabama Power. Jay Parker's graphic artist skills have brought these pages to life for 15 years, and before him Marjorie Strickland did the same. Phil Free's photographic talents bring beauty to the stories, just as Bill Snow did for many years. Donna Cope and Carla Davis have worked alongside me from the first day, and their stories have been a highlight in each issue. John Bass and Alex Leonard for many years addressed and pushed Powergrams through the Mail Center to mailboxes nationwide. With the small exception of some contract photographs, everything in Powergrams for more than two decades has been the work of your fellow Alabama Power employees, each of whom has many other responsibilities beyond helping produce this award-winning, 113-year-old corporate newsletter. I am proud to have played a small part in getting 317 issues to the press and into your hands. With Fondest Regards, Chuck Chandler Chandler

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