POWERGRAMS

5 The annals of company history note that service to the people of Alabama is the cornerstone upon which Alabama Power was founded. The goal of the company's Energizers retiree group is the same: Its 20-year existence is based on helping communities. From donating to Project Lifesaver to supporting child advocacy groups to sustaining soup kitchens, the Energizers boost communities in the company's six divisions. This past year, more than 1,300 Energizers members – uniting their efforts through 11 chapters – gave about $54,000 to about 50 charities. Energizers meetings provide Alabama Power, Southern Company Services and Southern Nuclear retirees the chance to share a meal, fun and conversation while enjoying new experiences. AN UNLIKELY START Energizers had the most unusual beginning, starting as a "coffee klatch." In the 1950s, current state Energizers President Bob O'Daniel noted, the company began hosting yearly get-togethers for retirees. Twenty years later, with burgeoning attendance, a single meeting was no longer practical. In the 1970s, Alabama Power was a national leader in initiating retirement planning for employees and efforts for employees to continue a personal relationship with retirees. Knowing that many Alabama Power retirees met in groups for coffee, in 1987 then-company President Joe Farley asked retired Marketing Vice President Sam Booker to help foster a retiree group. Booker enlisted his longtime friend, Marketing retiree Walter Retiree organization president O'Daniel and Alabama State Trooper Cpl. Kent Smith have worked to boost Project Lifesaver. ENERGIZERS Energizing Alabama 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES RETIREES GIVING BACK TO STATE BY DONNA COPE O'Daniel having fun at a 2000 Montgomery event. Photo by Billy Brown Energizers yard sale, circa 1997.

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