POWERGRAMS

6 "A dedicated leader and a go-to guy." That's how Garry Cooper is seen among his peers in the homebuilders industry. "Garry is always there to provide advice and counsel, especially to the newer members of our organization who are trying to make their way in the industry," said Russell Davis, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA). "He has provided a tremendous amount of leadership in Mobile and across the state. He has willingly volunteered on every committee and for every assignment that has been offered to him throughout the years." Cooper, market specialist, Hillcrest Office, was named the HBAA's Buddy Berry Associate of the Year for 2014. Because of his longtime service and commitment to the association, the community and the building industry, Cooper was selected from among 7,500 associate members statewide to receive the prestigious honor at the annual convention. "I was very surprised. It makes me feel good to be recognized by people I've worked with throughout the state," said Cooper. "It's kind of like a culmination of my career at Alabama Power and my work with homebuilders." Cooper joined the Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile 36 years ago – only a year after stepping aboard Alabama Power's Marketing team. During his years in Marketing, Cooper has worked with developers, homebuilders, contractors and suppliers to promote all-electric homes and subdivisions. His job is to act as the "middle man" between Alabama Power engineers and distribution crews and the homebuilders and developers, Cooper said. Cooper has spent many hours serving the Home Builders Association at the local and state levels. He has been on the board of the HBA of Metro Mobile since 2000 and is a past Associate Council chairman. As a Parade of Homes committee member for many years, Cooper helped plan and coordinate the annual event that showcases new subdivisions and homes in the Mobile area. "I've done everything from helping to inspect the homes to make sure they're ready for the parade to putting up signs throughout the community and taking up tickets at the showcase house," Cooper said. A leader at the state level for nearly 15 years, Cooper was chairman of the HBAA's Associates Committee in 2013 and vice chairman of the Past Associates Committee Presidents the following year. HBAA associate members include developers, contractors, architects, manufacturers, real estate brokers, lenders, engineers and other professionals who support the building industry. "When you are working at the state level, you don't wear your Alabama Power hat anymore but are there to represent the local associations," Cooper said. "We provide guidance and offer suggestions, and work to encourage new associate members to join the organization." Cooper said he has built many strong relationships within the industry, thanks to his longtime involvement in the HBAA. "I've met people from all parts of the industry, from the guy who puts in the plumbing to the guy who installs the roof on the house," Cooper said. "These guys are not just allies. They've become my best friends." Cooper was no stranger to the construction industry when he joined Alabama Power. He began learning as a young boy from his dad, Leo, a contractor who owned a heating, ventilation and air conditioning company. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing in 1973, Cooper worked in the family business for five years designing HVAC ductwork for commercial properties. Despite all the committee posts he has held in the association, Cooper is not resting on his laurels. This year, he is chairing the 21st annual Home Builders Foundation Golf Tournament, which raises scholarship funds for high school students planning to pursue a trade. He is working with committee members to solicit sponsorships, enlist players and promote the upcoming tournament at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Greenville. "I'm so proud of Garry," said Wanda Martin, Residential Marketing manager, Hillcrest Office. "He's not only hard-working and dedicated in his job at Alabama Power, he also represents us well in the public and is dedicated to doing everything possible to advance the homebuilding industry. If you ask anybody in the Home Builders Association who they think of when they think of Alabama Power, they will say Garry Cooper." By Carla Davis Associate of the Year 100% CONNECTED Hillcrest Market Specialist Joan Baker with Cooper inside her home under construction. COOPER'S LONGTIME LEADERSHIP EARNS TOP HOMEBUILDERS' HONOR Photo by Dan Anderson

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