Energizers

2 Abounding energy, a positive spirit and an unshakable commitment to Alabama communities were in high evidence among leaders of the company's Energizers retiree organization during the recent leadership conference. About 50 officers and their spouses met in Tuscaloosa. With 14 new officers in the chapters' leadership lineup, the group revisited their roles and responsibilities and the goals of the organization. They also took time for teambuilding, learned the latest news about the company and spent several hours discussing and planning projects for the remainder of 2013. Western Division Vice President Mark Crews updated members about challenges to Alabama Power's business. Employees not only ensured the company has a 99.97 percent reliability rating, but also were integral to helping restore power to several states after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the densely populated East Coast on Oct. 29, 2012. "No matter where we go, people tell us they've never seen anyone who can work like we do, and who can get the lines back in the air the way we do," Crews said. "We have a great legacy and a great future – not without challenges – but it's an exciting time to be in the electric power business. Many of you helped establish our company to do this." Volunteer Services Manager Gina Byars emphasized the positive impact retirees have throughout the state and how critical their grassroots efforts are to the communities which Alabama Power serves. "In the 1970s, the company faced many challenges. Many of you worked through those years," she said. "But 40 years later, we are strong – the most admired company in the state, according to customer surveys." Byars reminded Energizers that as they volunteer in their communities, they can have confidence in Alabama Power, and urged them to communicate boldly about the company's performance and values. "We provide reliable electricity and have no peers when it comes to restoring power after major storms and disasters," she said. "Our prices are below the national average and we are working hard to keep them flat through 2014. We put our customers' best interests first, and our business operations are open and transparent to the public. And, our company is committed to helping customers save money on their power bills, offering more than 20 energy-efficiency programs." Energizers separated into break- out workshops to set goals for the remainder of the year. They discussed plans for increasing membership and volunteer opportunities, as well as succession planning among the leadership teams. Energizers State President Bob O'Daniel noted that Energizers funnel much personal time, energy and money into their communities. Energizers will donate proceeds from sales of the Powerful Good Cooking 3 cookbook – a composition of "tried and true" recipes – to Camp ASCCA and Children's Hospital of Alabama. Indeed, that strong commitment from its members is what has made Energizers one of the state's powerful philanthropic organizations, Byars added. "The Energizers well represent Alabama Power, the company that most of their members helped to build," she said. "You help our customers and communities thrive and grow. The efforts you volunteer for, the efforts you give your money to – all of these bring positive energy to the great state we serve." BY DONNA COPE Energizers cement plans to help communities Diane Wortham (left), Corene Rogers and Harold Wortham relax at the conference. Spencer Wills and Joe Hall share a laugh at the workshop. Energizers Coordinator Don Franklin (center) and the Energizers took part in several leadership and planning workshops.

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