Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/282376
pOWER OF GOOD "Pay it forward." That ideal – clear, simple and precise – is a major force behind projects undertaken by the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO). Whether sprucing up a neighborhood park, painting and re-doing the floors of a children's agency, providing cold, bottled water to attendees during a community event or removing trash from lakes and rivers, APSO members are on the scene to meet the needs of communities. Those selfless acts strengthen Alabama, 2013 APSO State President Katrina Haynes believes. "Our employees never hesitate to rise to the occasion," said Haynes, addressing more than 200 members during the Elevating Our Communities Convention. "We work for an outstanding company. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel at the opportunities we've been given to give back to our neighborhoods and communities." Employees' volunteerism through APSO is integral to Alabama Power's goals as a company, Executive Vice President Zeke Smith noted. "When you think about the DNA of our company, it's about our employees," Smith said. "You are the brightest light we have. Giving 50,000 hours of service to Alabama is big – the impact you make on our communities is a big deal. This group is about moving from great to greater every day." Attending APSO's annual leadership conference was a rite of passage for new Alabama Power President and CEO Mark Crosswhite, who took the helm March 1. As Haynes presented Crosswhite with a red APSO volunteer T-shirt, he thanked the group with more than 5,000 members for their enormous contributions. "Your time is valuable, and the time you give is very impressive," said Crosswhite, adding that, nationally, volunteerism is veering toward a 10-year low. "You've elevated our communities and made Alabama a better state. What you're doing is more important than ever." Child protection activist Allison Black Cornelius discussed her work as an advocate for abused children. Cornelius, who was abused when she was 7 years old, said United Way agencies – Prescott House, Gateway and other charitable groups – enabled her to heal. "Alabama Power and Southern Company have been huge supporters of agencies that help children," she said. "Your company and your culture saved my life. You don't know how much you meant to me." In honor of Cornelius' work in child advocacy and protection, APSO gave $5,000 to St. Mary's Home of Mobile, the state's oldest residential treatment facility for abused and neglected children. Haynes honored 2013 presidents for their direction and commitment: Stacy Simmons, Barry; Kiyunda Smoot, Eastern Division; Justin Bailey, Gaston; Terrance Gardner, Gorgas; Amy Stephens, Magic City; Rachel Edgil, Miller; Paul Thrash, Mobile Division; Katie Thomas and Peppi Cooper, Southeast Division/ Farley; Tony Smith, Southern Division; and Charles Elledge, Western Division. Chapter Volunteer of the Year awards went to Ken and Tami Williams, Barry; Lisa Vernon, Eastern; Tim Cox, Gaston; Becky Cannon, Gorgas; Tammie Griffin, Magic City; Jessica Dunaway, Miller; Valencia Chaney, Mobile; Shea Jernegan, Southeast; Broderick Smith, Southern; and Toni Young, Western. Tony Smith received APSO's top honor, the Patsy Topazi Leadership Award, which was presented by Simmons, the 2013 winner. During his tenure as president of APSO's Southeast Division chapter, Smith spearheaded new projects on behalf of Child Protect Children's Advocacy Center, a Montgomery nonprofit that helps rebuild the lives of abused children. During APSO's state board meeting, chapter leaders discussed plans to further assist agencies and groups that work for Alabama children. The Southern Division chapter swept the awards categories, winning the Outstanding Member Participation award for working more than 7,000 volunteer hours and the Member Growth Award for a 27 percent increase. The chapter won the Award of Excellence for outstanding achievements in community service. By Donna Cope APSO focus: elevating Alabama communities through volunteering 2 Gaston President Bailey greeted leaders to annual meeting. Photos by wynter byrd The carbon capture and sequestration facility at Plant Barry was honored as the winner of the Southeastern Electric Exchange's 2014 Industry Excellence Chairman's Award. David Dreaden is the Barry team leader. Photo by Dan Anderson. ON ThE COVER: Gatlin, left, and Haynes. Crosswhite accepts his APSO T-shirt.