Energizers

3 Good communication skills, unshakable confidence, a zest to improve communities and tenacity: These winning leadership qualities are evident in the women helming Eastern Division Chapter in 2013. It's the first time Energizers State President Bob O'Daniel can recall – in his 26-year association with the group – a chapter whose officers is composed entirely of women. Bringing to the table their own brand of leadership and points of view, chapter members know it's all business when the Eastern Division "power team" arrives. The lady in charge: Sydney Long With her slender frame and gentle demeanor, Chapter President Sydney Long is the epitome of grace. A retired elementary school science teacher who also monitored student teachers for Jacksonville State University, she is the only board member who is not a former Alabama Power employee. Long's husband, Frank, was foreman for the Eastern Division Garage and, coincidentally, years ago supervised Sydney's fellow board member Carrie Martin. In tribute to her husband – and in loyalty to the company he loved – Long continues in service to Energizers. "I fell in love with Alabama Power from the beginning – there's a closeness and a warmth I feel," said Long, who also is president of the Calhoun County Retired Teachers' Association. She has a strong desire to help with the needs of communities. "God didn't put us here to sit around," said Long, who first served as chapter president in 2003. "I hope I can make the world a little better place than it was before I got here." The "people person": Lona Bows President-Elect Lona Bows is a people magnet, drawing others in with her engaging smile and sunny disposition. She's a leader to whom others gravitate. "I enjoy being around people," said Bows, who hails from a family of nine children. It's a trait the gregarious Bows likely took from her father, who often "loaned" food to customers at his neighborhood grocery. The desire to help others moved Bows to join Energizers in 2005, two years after her husband, Paul, passed away. Bows had retired a few years earlier from her security guard post at Logan Martin Hydro Plant, to care for Paul after his stroke. Bows said she found additional purpose in life by working with Energizers. "I want to give back, and Energizers is a great tool for that," Bows said. She puts into practice important leadership keys from the Stephen Covey book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. "I try to think about what I can do to improve things, just working within my own 'circle of influence,'" she said. A woman with a plan: Carrie Martin Carrie Martin has always been a hard worker, and she's bringing that spirit to her position as treasurer. She got her first job at 14, but her best position was as storekeeper for the Eastern Division Garage, where she worked 24 years. Now that Martin has raised her family, she's ready for a little "me time," and that includes Energizers. "Now it's time for me to enjoy what I enjoy doing," said Martin, who relishes "girl time" with her 3-year-old granddaughter, Anya Jade. "Involvement in Energizers is an offspring of my employment. I believe in volunteering, and now I have the time to give back, fellowship and socialize." Martin wants to see more retirees get involved in Energizers. "We need to change with the times," she believes, suggesting a retiree poll could help. "We need to get things up-to-date with what this generation does – offer what this generation of retirees enjoys. Energizers must be about enjoying yourself as you help others and the community, it's not all about work. We need to incorporate all of that." Leading behind the scenes: Sheila McElroy Secretary/Reporter Sheila McElroy has three years' tenure with Energizers. "I wanted to do something to help, and I enjoy seeing people I've worked with," McElroy said about her involvement. "I enjoy organizing details and the board meetings, taking minutes at the meetings and keeping up with projects." Her work as a real estate specialist didn't allow McElroy to volunteer very often, so she's making up for lost time. "Energizers is a very worthwhile organization," she said. "I want to be useful. The fellowship with other members is important. You hate to lose the friends you worked with for so many years, and Energizers helps me stay in touch." BY DONNA COPE Meet Eastern Division's Ladies of Leadership Photo and cover portrait by Bill Snow Martin (left), Bows and Long enjoy working for Energizers. McElroy not pictured.

• Cover