POWERGRAMS

8 Through the years, Don Franklin Don Franklin has relished calling himself the "happiest man at Alabama Power." He shares the self-named moniker with friends old and new. Franklin's co-workers agree with that apt description: Franklin always has a smile for everyone. "I'm the happiest man because I have built so many good relationships over the years," Franklin said about his satisfying 45-year career. As coordinator of the Energizers service organization for retirees of Alabama Power, Southern Company Services and Southern Nuclear, Franklin has devoted the past 18 years to guiding retirees in serving their communities. His retirement is April 29. "The thought of retirement is bittersweet to me," said Franklin, who has gained the most pride from the 11 Energizers chapters' many contributions to Alabama and beyond. Since 2012, the 1,500-member group has donated about $100,000 to Project LifeSaver International and in 2020-21 took the Alabama Institute of Deaf and Blind (AIDB) as its state project. From each Energizer's annual $15 dues, $4 is earmarked for the AIDB. "It's been my job and my greatest pleasure to help 'energize' the Energizers," Franklin said. "I've known a lot of retirees and found great friendships and mentors there." Building a great career Franklin recalled the first time he considered trying for a job at Alabama Power, not too long after graduation from Pleasant Grove High School. "I was working at a jewelry store, and my friend, Terry Terry Andrews Andrews, came by and said, 'Why don't you come by and apply for a job?'" Franklin said. A little encouragement from Andrews, now operations supervisor - Main Distribution Center at the General Services Complex in Calera, was all Franklin needed. "I started on Monday, April 25, 1977," he said, with a broad grin. "Forty-five years, and I'm still here." Franklin worked as a mail clerk at Corporate Headquarters until March 1978, when he transferred to Plant Miller. He worked two months at Powell Avenue Steam Plant, then returned to Plant Miller and worked until March 2004. Franklin took jobs increasing in responsibility, from utilityman to finally serving as an electrical and instrumentation journeyman. In 1998, Franklin got the opportunity to serve the Plant Miller Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO). He became president-elect, then was Miller APSO president from 1999-2000. When Education and Volunteer Services offered a new role giving direction to APSO and Energizers in 2004, Franklin was well-primed for the job after being an APSO leader. "I honestly feel like God put me in this position for a reason," he said. "I have made so many friends and built so many positive relationships through APSO and the Energizers." Franklin has a long friendship with Bob O'Daniel Bob O'Daniel, Energizers state president from 2005 to 2020, from whom he learned much FRANKLIN WILL TRANSITION TO FRANKLIN WILL TRANSITION TO CORPORATE, BIRMINGHAM ENERGIZERS CHAPTERS CORPORATE, BIRMINGHAM ENERGIZERS CHAPTERS By Donna Cope PHOTO BY PHIL FREE FRANKLIN WILL TRANSITION TO CORPORATE, BIRMINGHAM ENERGIZERS CHAPTERS

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