Elevating Alabama
T
thE 2014 AlAbAMA POwEr ElEvAtE COnfErEnCE was
elevated to the top of the world by the keynote speaker,
while the state superintendent of education shared his
plans to give rise to test scores, graduation rates and the
global perception of Alabama's schools.
Organizers of the conference were also
excited about the new heights they hope the
more than 160 nonprofit groups will reach as
they serve those in need throughout Alabama
this year.
"You share our passion for Alabama," Ala-
bama Power President and Chief Executive
Officer Mark Crosswhite told the nonprof-
its. "By partnering together, I know we can
bring positive change and move our state forward in the
right direction."
Alabama Gov.
Robert Bentley at-
tended the Elevate
dinner to express
his ap-
precia-
tion to
the 320 staff and volunteers who attended
the conference for the work they do in their
communities every day.
This year's Elevate conference kicked off
with some inspiring words from Dr. Tommy
Bice, Alabama Superintendent of Education
since Jan. 1, 2012.
"They say that courage is the one indispensable
virtue because it makes all the other virtues possible,"
2
The 2014 Elevate Conference was all about finding ways for nonprofit
groups to reach new heights as they serve the state.
STORy By MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
PHOTOS By MICHAEL TOMBERLIN AND CHRISTOPHER JONES
Above: A view of Mount
Everest from Elevate
keynote speaker Eric
Alexander's 2001
expedition.
Above Right: Alabama
Power Chairman,
President and CEO
Mark Crosswhite at the
Elevate conference in
Montgomery.