POWERGRAMS

7 Volunteering for one's community does a body – and the spirit – a world of good. It's proved profitable for leaders of the company's 11 Energizers chapters, whose leaders bubbled over with excitement while making plans for the retiree service organization at the recent annual workshop. There was no shortage of camaraderie, smiles and exchanges of ideas among members who took part in three officer training sessions. For the more than 40 officers attending the 2014 training, it was a time to revel in the gains they've made for their communities: In 2013, Energizers volunteered more than 41,000 service hours to benefit charitable groups, agencies and people in need. Over the three-day gathering – which combined strategizing for projects and social time – chapter leaders planned for the coming year. Public Relations Director Houston Smith gave retirees a company business update about the and provided a video introduction of new Alabama Power President Mark Crosswhite. Gina Byars, Account Management and Volunteer Services manager for Public Relations, held a "Let's Talk" session alongside Energizers Volunteer Coordinator Don Franklin. Byars said retirees are a valuable resource to their communities, assisting in every area of Alabama Power's service territory. "Find those projects you relate to," she urged retirees, "and be a presence in that. It's when people can support a passion, they get involved: Membership and volunteer hours will naturally increase and that significantly increases our impact on our communities." Byars said some of the projects Energizers enjoy and have supported for more than five years – Renew Our Rivers cleanups and signature events such as the Gadsden Chapter's long-running Black-eyed Pea Luncheon – are among the most successful efforts, drawing the most supporters. Energizers State President Bob O'Daniel, in that role for nearly nine years, said many members have made it a mission to assist and support Project Lifesaver. The project to rescue disabled people who wander has enjoyed the support of Energizers since 2011. Alabama State Trooper and Project Lifesaver volunteer coordinator Kent Smith said Energizers is the largest contributor to Project Lifesaver in the U.S. He said Energizers have contributed about $30,000 to buy GPS bracelets for Alabamians with Alzheimer's and autism. For Southern Division Chapter President Tom Garlington, Energizers offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect. "I enjoy seeing old friends. That's one of the main reasons I joined," said Garlington, who retired in 2010 after 37 years as an underground network engineer in Montgomery District Engineering. "I like keeping up with my co-workers." Garlington finds satisfaction working with Energizers on projects that boost their communities. "As a new chapter president, I'm learning how much organizational skills this role takes. In just one month, in November 2013, we had more than 500 volunteer hours." Gloria Willis Lindsey, secretary for the Southeast Division Chapter, said Energizers and current employees are "showing up in droves" to support the annual auction at the company's Southeast Division Office. For Western Division Chapter President Melinda Mailhos, it's the "Energizer happenings" – meetings at venues such as the Tuscaloosa Federal Building and Courthouse – that help inspire and interest her. Mailhos plans to continue in 2013 chapter President J.G. Brazil's strategy to make meetings educational and interesting, while working to increase volunteerism. Palmer Gatlin, 2014 state president of the Alabama Power Service Organization, asked Energizer leaders to partner with APSO chapters. "APSO is all about doing the right thing," Gatlin said. "It's the same with the Energizers, and we'd love to collaborate more with your chapters." Carrie Martin, Eastern Division Chapter treasurer, agreed that it's important for Energizers and APSO members to work together. "Energizers should know what APSO is doing," she said. "Every APSO member is a potential future Energizer. Our goals to help the community are the same, we should work together." By Donna Cope Energizers spring into action with community plans for 2014 100% CONNECTED Energizers take part in leadership discussion. Photos by Marvin Gilmore Byars Smith made presentation.

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