POWERGRAMS

6 When Alabama Power founder William Patrick Lay turned over control of the company to his successors, he told them: "May it be developed for the service of Alabama." These words more than a century ago molded the company's culture and are reflected by many employees who give back to their communities. "As a lineman, we see a lot of devastation, ranging from house fires to storms, and some of these families have lost absolutely everything," said Daniel Nance, Power Delivery-Distribution, Gadsden Crew Headquarters. "The way I see it, we are in an extremely fortunate position and we were put in this situation to help others, so I always try to give back in any way I can." Nance is but one of the hundreds of linemen at Alabama Power honored on Alabama Lineman Appreciation Day. Two years ago, the Legislature designated the first Monday of June to recognize "these brave men and women who are essential to the protection of our communities and our nation." Nance is an example of an employee who sees his job as more than a way to pay the bills, but as an opportunity to serve his community daily. "People at the company know they can depend on Daniel if they need something, and he is very well-respected because of his knowledge and work ethic as a lineman," said Foreman Cory Eubanks. "But you can see that respect grow when they get to know him and see his community outreach and service at church." Whether it is working trouble for Alabama Power or serving as a deacon at his church in Gadsden, Nance goes above and beyond to contribute to those around him. "There are really not enough good things you can say about him," Eubanks said. "On any given day he can be working on a job site, driving the church bus, teaching vacation Bible school or leading the United Way fundraising tour for the crew. He is always looking for ways he can help." Nance is a United Way leadership giver and said through his work with the company he has seen firsthand the support nonprofit organizations provide needy families. "A part of our job is to help families when they have fallen on hard times," Nance said. "These organizations are there for families during rough times. For us just to give a portion of our income to help other families is another way we can give back to our community." Distribution Manager George Hightower was in Nance's job interview 16 years ago. "He began his career on the tree crew and progressed to journeyman lineman," Hightower said. "Daniel is a go-to lineman who never backs down from hard work, and his activity in the Gadsden community is admirable. He has become one of Alabama Power's finest employees." Nance enjoys working storm restoration. "As far as getting people's lights back on after storms, that is the most meaningful part of my job to me," Nance said. "When it is toward the end of a storm we have been off working for three weeks and people start telling you how much they appreciate your work, and to know you have helped communities recover from an emergency, that is one of the best parts." Nance recalled when his hometown was hit by tornadoes in 2011. "The April 27 storms were the largest I have worked on and there was so much devastation in our own backyard," Nance said. "That was a time when everyone we typically go help came and helped us restore our city." Though he sets the bar high as an example for others to serve their community through work and philanthropy, Nance quickly turned the praise back to the linemen on his crew. "When we go on the United Way fundraising tour, there are times when our smaller crew will out-raise other larger crews," Nance said. "It is the heart of our people at Alabama Power to be concerned about the community around them." By Katie Kilcoyne Powerful Praise AWARDS LINEMEN GET THEIR OWN DAY FOR TOUGH JOB, SERVICE TO STATE Legislature honored workers June 1 with Alabama Lineman Appreciation Day. Nance leads a Gadsden crew, is active in his community and church. Photos by Billy Brown

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