Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/999704
7 LEADERSHIP EDISON'S OLD ORGANIZATION GUIDES MODERN INDUSTRY by Erin Harney T ucked away on the 4th floor of the Alabama Power Corporate Headquarters building is an important, archived collection of U.S. electrical history: the annual meeting minutes of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC). Founded in 1885 by Thomas Edison and his associates, the AEIC is one of the oldest trade organizations in the electric energy industry. The association has been headquartered in Birmingham since 1989, with former Alabama Power employees serving as the AEIC executive director. The collection, which spans more than 130 years, documents the ideas and discussions that took place between many of the icons who developed the industry. The late 19th century was an exciting time in U.S. history, filled with life-changing technology and invention. In 1880, Edison, the "Wizard of Menlo Park," patented the incandescent light bulb, bringing electricity into practical, safe everyday use. Two years later, his Edison Illuminating Company debuted New York's Pearl Street Station, the nation's first commercial power station. It is said that Edison's inventions were developed based on the service they might provide to others. In the case of Photo by Phil Free At top, Manager Holland alongside Edison portrait; above, Edison's U.S. patent 223,898 for the electric lamp issued Jan. 27, 1880.