Connections

2 Elevating the state of Alabama – both economically and to increase the well-being of our residents – is among Alabama Power President and CEO Mark Crosswhite's major goals. "It's great to be back at Alabama Power," Crosswhite told APSO members during the Elevating Our Communities Convention and annual meeting on Feb. 27-28. Speaking at the conference was a homecoming, of sorts, for Crosswhite. He served as senior vice president and general counsel at Alabama Power from 2006 to 2008, and was executive vice president for External Affairs from 2008 to 2011. Crosswhite took the helm at Alabama Power March 1, following a nearly two-year stint as Southern Company chief operating officer from 2012 to 2014, and serving as Gulf Power CEO from January 2011 to June 2012. Just as APSO works to elevate communities, Crosswhite said, economic development of Alabama is high on the company's radar. He wants to ensure Alabama is ready for new business that will elevate the state and its people with more job opportunities. "We'll continue to work on economic development across the state," Crosswhite said. Providing reliable electric service is key to attracting new industries, and that focus will continue, he said. "We will work to make this state a better place to live and work," said Crosswhite. "I have a 17-year-old and a 21-year-old," he said. "I want them to be able to find jobs in Alabama. That's very important to me." "I want us to do better in Alabama, I want us to improve," Crosswhite said. "I know that APSO members help lead our company forward – with everything you do, you are helping strengthen our communities." One question is at the forefront for Alabama Power's new commander in chief: "How can we help our communities thrive?" Crosswhite said APSO members play a pivotal role in helping strengthen families. Katrina Haynes, 2013 APSO State president, presented him with a red APSO T-shirt. Crosswhite congratulated APSO members – who number about 5,000 across Alabama Power, Southern Company Services and Southern Nuclear – for their enormous contributions. In 2013, members volunteered more than 50,000 hours in their communities. "Your time is valuable, and the time you give is impressive," said Crosswhite, who noted that, nationally, volunteerism is veering toward a 10-year low. "You've elevated our communities and made Alabama a better state. What you're doing is more important than ever." Crosswhite urged all employees to get fully involved in APSO. "You've got the full support of the company," he said. By Donna Cope CEO Crosswhite commends APSO's volunteerism Helping Alabamians thrive has always been one of Alabama Power's foremost goals, said company President and CEO Mark Crosswhite. When I think about APSO, I think about all of the lives that have been changed because of our APSO members going the extra mile when needed. APSO members do so many things: Our members make Christmas special for the less fortunate, and help those with loved ones in Birmingham hospitals get a good night's rest at the Family Place. Our members send thank-you cards and care packages to military troops serving our country. Our members donate blood, as well as their bone marrow, to save lives. The list goes on and on. The friendships I've made during my 20 years in APSO are unbelievable. I've been able to get to know so many good people, many of whom I would have never had the chance to meet otherwise. The reason APSO is what it is today is because of our employees. People ask me all the time why I volunteer in APSO. My answer is always the same: Because it's the right thing to do. When I was growing up, my mom and dad taught me to help people. Seeing the reaction on people's faces – the gratitude and the love, being able to put a smile on someone's face – makes all of our efforts worth it. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that continues to do the right thing and help those in need. I look forward to serving you in 2014 as your president. Message from APSO state president Serving 'is the right thing to do'

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