POWERGRAMS

18 After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, nearly 300 new employees from Alabama Power and Alabama-based Southern Company Services once again had the opportunity to attend the New Employee Forum in May. Hosted by the Council on Culture and Inclusion (CCI), the New Employee Forum was held in downtown Birmingham, providing an overview of the company's values, operations and commitment to powering a better Alabama. The event kicked off with a networking reception for new employees and company leaders at the Birmingham- Jefferson Convention Complex. The reception allowed for a more informal time to get acquainted with teammates over refreshments and activities, such as air hockey, foosball and classic arcade games. At the forum, new employees were welcomed by CEO Mark Crosswhite, who said the company's culture is defined by its commitments to safety, an inclusive and welcoming workplace, doing things the right way and elevating Alabama communities. Attendees learned important student-of-the-business information about the foundations of company operations. Executive Vice President of Customer and Employee Services Jeff Peoples and Labor Relations Manager Avery Pruitt discussed Our Values, the commitment to safety and the strong labor-management partnership Alabama Power has developed with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Peoples challenged the audience to always act with integrity. "I want to encourage you at the onset of your career, to let your yes be yes and your no be no. Do what you say you're going to do," said Peoples. "Actions speak louder than words. Do the right things, the right way." Power Delivery General Manager Andy Short continued the conversation by hosting a panel discussion on safety initiatives and personal experiences alongside Bruce Jones, Plant Miller team leader; Denise McDaniel, business service center manager; Andrew Perkins, industrial hygienist; and John Regal, local operations lineman at Patton Chapel Crew Headquarters. Regal told a story from the field about being your brother's and sister's keeper. "When it comes to sharing information – in your meetings, JSBs, tailgates – do it, even if it seems insignificant. It may be the one thing that saves someone's life." Houston Smith, Governmental Affairs vice president and CCI core team member, and Staci Brooks, director of Marketing Communication and CCI subcommittee member, shared about Alabama Power's culture focus and CCI efforts to ensure all employees are valued, respected and treated fairly. Smith and Brooks also discussed the company's efforts to strengthen communities through initiatives like Bronze Valley, the employee political action committee (PAC) and engagement with historically Black colleges and universities. "We're all leaders, no matter what your job title might be – at work, home and in the community – and that's something to be embraced and celebrated," Brooks said. "As leaders, we have an obligation to share the space and the knowledge with those around us." Smith introduced keynote speaker Joe Gerstandt, who spoke about the value of differences and how to appreciate diversity when building inclusive communities. The afternoon was spent in breakout sessions about the Alabama Power Foundation and Alabama Power Service Organization; employee benefits, career development and innovation; and making, moving and selling energy. More than 25 expo booths provided information and resources on topics including critical risk management, electric transportation and corporate sustainability efforts. By Whitney Massey New Employee Forum welcomes new team members, provides student of the business training Fueling the Future Pruitt and Peoples made presentation to new employees. Photos by Nik Layman Panel members discussed company safety measures.

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