POWERGRAMS

4 It's more than 1,000 miles from Yale University in Connecticut to Birmingham. The long trek is well worth it to Landon Acriche, a Long Island, N.Y., native who recently joined Alabama Power through the Venture For America (VFA) program. Acriche, who became the seventh member of the company's Innovation Team on Aug. 12, considers working at Alabama Power as the perfect launch to his career. The Alabama Power Foundation combined efforts with VFA to bring the program – and Acriche – to the state. Last month, he became one of eight VFA fellows to join growth-minded companies in Birmingham to create jobs and identify market opportunities. "I am very excited to come to Alabama," said Acriche, one of 122 VFA fellows joining companies in 15 cities. Fresh from earning a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Acriche combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to promote environmental and economic progress through energy technologies. Acriche has an impressive résumé. As a Yale Climate and Energy Institute fellow last summer, he wrote a comprehensive, 58-page sustainability plan for New Haven, Conn., identifying goals and action items for transportation, energy, waste management, water and sustainable economic development. During summer 2013, Acriche worked in energy efficiency for New York City's Department of Parks and Recreation, helping secure energy-saving pool covers worth $500,000 for seven facilities. "I'm really interested in the energy industry – it touches so many aspects of our lives, especially its role as a driver of economic development," Acriche said. "I'm excited about being able to be a part of an industry I enjoy. This industry is a constant puzzle, and it's ever-changing. The better we can make our energy system, the better we can make society." As a strategist for the Innovation Team tasked with identifying and piloting growth opportunities, Acriche is working on a community solar project and a program to encourage innovation among employees. The team will research and propose new products and services, and plan strategic marketing, product development and project management. "I would love to see solar and other renewable energies become more affordable, and see these technologies play a larger role in our company's business," Acriche said. "These renewable energy technologies, with other products and services such as home automation and electric charging stations, have the potential to improve our environmental footprint and offer our customers a great customer experience." Innovation Team Leader Kevin Kaye said Acriche's input strengthens the team and adds momentum, while providing a fresh, new perspective about Alabama Power and the energy industry. "We have a truly cross-functional team and I am hoping it stays that way," said Kaye, a Treasury financial manager who earned his chemical engineering degree and an MBA at Auburn University. "Landon has an entrepreneurial mindset, and that is very different from the perspective we often see with employees who are new to the company. From day one, he was considering the environmental angle and finding things he wants to work on." Acriche will devote all of his time to the Innovation Team efforts, while others will split their work hours between the team and their present job, Kaye said. "I'm real excited about living in Birmingham," said Acriche, who has a downtown loft. An outdoors enthusiast, he relishes the idea of bicycling around town and plans to join Alabama Power's BikeShare program. Acriche also enjoys soccer and hiking. "Southern Style" is nothing new to Acriche: It's his ingrained, natural way of working, Kaye has observed. "I want to be a part of Alabama Power and make a contribution," Acriche said. "That includes learning the culture of the company. I want to work hard and do good work." By Donna Cope Acriche's venture is creating energy options for customers PROFILE Acriche joins company as a Venture for America fellow.

• Cover