Energizers

T 3 To obtain success, it's often necessary to take time to refresh, reflect and make new plans. That was the goal of the 50 Energizers attending the annual Leadership Workshop May 21-23 at the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center. The meeting centered on "taking information from the company they can take back to their chapter," said Energizers State President Bob O'Daniel. In his eighth year of leadership, O'Daniel said, "This meeting has rejuvenated me. I spend my free time doing Energizers, and when I'm not doing, I'm thinking about Energizers. I think all of us should take a lot of pride in what we do." With the purpose of training, informing and preparing 54 incoming officers – many of whom are new to their Energizer board roles – members and their spouses learned about issues and challenges faced by the 11 Energizers chapters, as well as workable solutions to problems. Team members enjoyed plenty of fellowship and hours of conversation about their chapters' work, as well as brainstorming sessions about how to increase membership and volunteerism. Chapter leaders reported on their volunteer projects, service hours and charitable gifts. Alabama Power thanks Energizers for serving Alabama Power Vice President Leigh Perry thanked the Energizers for their continued service. "You provide an immeasurable gift as you serve our communities and serve our state, and you often provide the assistance that communities are unable to get anywhere else," Perry said. Southern Division Vice President Leslie Sanders also welcomed the Energizers. "Throughout the years, Alabama Power's purpose has remained constant: to provide safe, reliable electricity to the people of our state," said Sanders, who also shared recent polling data. "You steeped our company in the traditions we have. Our retirees have left us with a great legacy to follow." Jimmy Sanford, an Alabama Power board member since 1983, thanked Energizers for their gifts of service to communities. "You are the soul of Alabama Power – you made the choices that brought the company to the heights it achieved," Sanford said. Gordon Martin, Alabama Power senior vice president and general counsel, provided a high-level overview about Southern Company's business. "You laid a great foundation for the growth of Alabama Power," Martin said. "It's the people of Alabama Power and Southern Company that make it tick." Martin discussed changes in fuel sources, noting that natural gas, because of its low price, has displaced coal as the fuel choice on many units. As power needs of the "Super Southeast" loom large, Southern Company leads the quest to revive nuclear energy in the U.S. with a $14 billion construction project for Vogtle nuclear units 3 and 4 in Waynesboro, Ga., which will make 1,100 megawatts. "We continue to keep customers at the center of what we do," Martin said. That commitment – and low electric prices – continues to attract new industry to Alabama. Efforts from the heart Brenda Blanton, 2012 president of the Alabama Power Service Organization, urged Energizers to partner with local APSO chapters. Blanton, who hopes to one day be an Energizer, said, "When you do it from the heart, and you know what you've done, it's a great feeling." During a training session, Chuck Hrabe, Mobile Division Chapter president and state Energizers president-elect, said, "Alabama Power is what we have focused on – it's our life. You don't have to tell people if you're a leader – they recognize it, or they don't." Hrabe's wife, Mary Jo, state secretary and Mobile chapter secretary, gave new members instruction about serving as chapter secretary. "Every chapter is different," she said. At the Energizers board meeting, State Treasurer Neil Sanders outlined federal rules for contributions to selected charities. O'Daniel urged chapter leaders: "Keep a workable amount and pay the bills. Except for operating funds, this money should be in a charity, doing good for the public." The next Energizers board meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Clanton Conference Center. By Donna CoPe Leadership Conference Sam Booker Award Committee Bob O'Daniel selected members of the Sam Booker Award Committee, to include Mike Blankenship as chairman, with Tom Garlington and Harold Wortham. The Nomination Committee includes Frank Chandler, John Mills and Buford Lee. Nominations must be sent to Charitable Giving Consultant Don Franklin by Sept. 1. Seen and Heard at Leadership Workshops "Show initiative – that pops up and grabs you. Value the people you work with." – Chuck Hrabe, state president-elect, Mobile Division Chapter president, member since 1992 "We know it's a different company, with the retirees that now go out. Our retirees work pretty hard. It's important to get on the phone and maintain contact with them." – Mary Jo Hrabe, state secretary, Mobile secretary/ reporter and Mobile Division member since 1996 "This meeting gave a lot of good ideas about how to motivate our members. We've got members who volunteer but don't give us their numbers. I want to stress to them it helps our charities when they do this." – Gloria Lowery, Southern Division treasurer, seven-year board member "The general cooperation within Energizers was good to see. I gave 2,001 volunteer hours to Regional Hospital at Anniston, and I enjoyed every minute." – Anna Newell, secretary/reporter, Eastern Division Chapter, 19-year board member "This was my first board meeting, and I learned a lot about the legal and technical stuff. There's a lot to being in leadership, you need to know the background work." – Lona Faye Bows, president- elect, Eastern Division Chapter. Photos by Donna Cope A time to 'recharge, refresh Energizers batteries' Chapter Awards At the Energizers board meeting, leaders voted to award four, $1,000 gifts to high-achieving chapters. • Birmingham Division won both awards for the large chapters for highest percentage increase in membership and volunteer hours. • Gadsden: Won small chapter award for highest percentage membership increase • Eastern Division: Won small chapter award for highest increase in volunteer hours. Energizers leaders enjoyed catching up over a friendly game. O'Daniel presides over first 2012 board meeting.

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