POWERGRAMS

24 A driving force in Energizers This longtime Southeast Energizer has no immediate plans to hang up his "Energizer hat." At 82, Mills is a driving force in the organization. He had barely retired when then-Southeast Energizers President Voncile Houston tapped him for membership. "I had not even been to an Energizers meeting yet," Mills said. In 1996, Bob O'Daniel, then a retiree adviser for the company, asked Mills to consider serving as the first Energizers state president. "Over a Coca-Cola and crackers on a fishing trip, I told Bob, 'Charloe and I will do it,'" Mills said. "I have had a ball, really." Mills believes that the Southeast Chapter is among "the most family oriented" of the 10 Energizers chapters. With 175 members, the chapter is one of the busiest, as well. In 1998, then-chapter President Joe Weidenbach spearheaded the fundraiser that would evolve into an annual spring auction to benefit area charities. For nearly 20 years, Southeast members have worked in "a very cohesive fashion" to make the March auction a huge success. Many employees and retirees join together in the company's Southeast Division auditorium in Eufaula, where Energizers offer everything from baked goods to honey to handmade furniture and antiques. "We're working to have people who will keep our chapter going," Mills said. "Southeast Division has excellent folks." The Energizers' top goal, Mills said, is helping to enhance their community and assisting the work of charities. "We have enjoyed supporting Project Lifesaver and the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center in Dothan," he said. "We've supported special needs groups many times." A supporter of all things Alabama Power Nearly 25 years aer retiring, Mills' fond company memories endure. "At 18 years old – that was 64 years ago – I went to work on a tree crew with Alabama Power," he said. "It was Nov. 16, 1953. Later, I spent six years at Auburn University in a co-op program. I graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. "Up until 1967, I was in Power Delivery working in Tuscaloosa, Oneonta and Corporate Headquarters," he said. "Then I moved to Marketing in Gadsden. Later I moved to Eufaula, returning to Power Delivery. My last six years I worked as the Marketing manager in Eufaula and then in Montgomery, where I retired." "Everywhere I worked, I had some of the best folks," Mills said. Southeast Energizers Secretary Gloria Wills said that Mills belongs in the "best folks" grouping. "John Mills is a pillar of the Energizers, he really is," Wills said. "When you think of Energizers, you think of John Mills. He is so dedicated – he is always there to do anything requested of him. "He is such a personable, genuine friend," she said. "He knows everybody. He's very influential in geing other retirees to join – including me. "When I retired more than 15 years ago, he came to me and asked me to be in Energizers," Wills said. "I said 'Give me a year.' Aer a year, he came back and asked me again. Joining Energizers is the best thing I've ever done." Nowadays, Mills is among a group of Energizers who enjoy a weekly "coffee klatch" with Southeast Division Vice President Ken Novak. The tradition began several years ago with then-Southeast Division Vice President Roy Crow and has continued. Every Tuesday, about 10 to 15 Southeast Energizers meet with Novak from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for coffee and lively conversation. Novak talks with retirees about goals for Southeast Division and the Energizers' community service, oen sharing news about the company Mills still loves. "As long as I have breath and am able to get around, I'll be loyal to Energizers and to Alabama Power," Mills said. Mills in his early years in Southeast Division. Mills has been active in Energizers for a quarter-century. Southeast VP Novak with Mills. SOUTHEAST ENERGIZERS HELP THEIR COMMUNITY In 2017, the organization contributions included: Boys and Girls Club of Eufaula .......................$1,000 Coffee County Training Center in Enterprise................................................ $1,000 Harvest Time Ministries in Clayton...................$750 House of Ruth in Dothan ....................................$750 Landmark Park in Dothan .................................$500 Vivian B. Adams School in Ozark....................$1,000 Valley Haven School in Valley.........................$1,000 Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center in Dothan .........................$1,500 Project Lifesaver...............................................$500

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