POWERGRAMS

3 ALABAMA POWER SERVICE ORGANIZATION APSO AT 30 FOUNDERS, MEMBERS RECALL AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS Throughout the Alabama Power Service Organization's 30-year history, APSO has endured for three reasons: relationships, respect and love. Reflecting on APSO's phenomenal success, founder Glenda Harris is amazed at how much volunteers have done for their communities throughout the years. The wife of the late Elmer Harris, who was Alabama Power president from 1989 to 2002, noted the service group "took off in a hurry and steadily progressed." Modeled aer the Women of Georgia Power, members soon realized they could accomplish more using the skills and talents of all employees. APSO's accomplishments seem nearly endless. Since 1991, members have helped more than 200 nonprofit organizations and volunteered more than 1 million hours to help the underserved in their communities; built sensory rooms for children with special needs; worked in environmental cleanups; provided gis and meals for underprivileged children and families; walked and run in fundraisers for nonprofits; and built dozens of Habitat for Humanity homes. "It has absolutely met the needs of people who needed help, and the people who help get as much out of it," Mrs. Harris said. "I think APSO is doing what we should be doing for our fellow man." Three years ago, the Harrises took part in Backpack Buddies, a project sponsored by Eastern Division APSO's Pell City subchapter. "We all were packing bags for children who could otherwise go hungry," she said. Her favorite APSO memories include visiting two electric-generating plants during the holidays, where chapter members had bought Christmas presents for hundreds of children. "It gave me goosebumps to see how much they accomplished for children who probably may not have received any gis otherwise," Glenda Harris said. Patsy Topazi, wife of the late Mississippi Power President Anthony Topazi, was witness to APSO's formation. Mrs. Harris asked her to be president of the first APSO chapter. Mrs. Topazi, who was among volunteers instrumental to the operation of the Connection gi store at Corporate Headquarters. She perceived how great an impact the service group could make. "It was a lot of work, but it was a joy to do," Patsy Topazi said. "Ten percent of the profits from the store went toward the Family Place apartments" that provided a free stay for people with a family member in treatment at a Birmingham-area hospital. "That was an avenue for meeting employee needs." Around 1991, when the Topazis moved from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa, APSO volunteers began serving their communities and formed the state organization. "I was elected the first state president," Topazi said, "though we only had two chapters at the time." APSO's top employee leadership award was later named in her honor. Charitable Giving Vice President Tequila Smith noted the value of members' service to the state, demonstrating APSO's importance: Employees volunteer thousands of service hours each year, filling needs that would surely go lacking. Members honored for their community work. Elmer Harris talks at convention. Early APSO days with (standing from left) Priscilla Hutchins, Linda Hurst, Joslyn Stubbs, Bobbie Prater, Karen Garrett, Linda Waters. (foreground, from left) Melinda Springfield and Patsy Topazi.

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