LAND TRUST PRAISE - Alabama Power

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ENVIRONMENT Freshwater Land Trust names APC Corporate Partner for Conservation McCrary welcomed conservation leaders to meeting in Birmingham. Alabama Power was among a group of prominent companies to receive top honors Jan. 16 from the nonprofit Freshwater Land Trust as one of the group’s prestigious Corporate Partners for Conservation for 2012. The company received the award during an event hosted by Alabama Power President and CEO Charles McCrary at Corporate Headquarters. He welcomed about 40 corporate and civic leaders from across the state who attended the event, which featured remarks by Steve Crosby, president of Jacksonville, Fla.,-based CSX Real Property. Jackson, left, presented framed award to PR-Corporate Information Manager Michael Sznajderman. Alabama Power was honored for its longtime commitment to the Birmingham-based Land Trust, which has helped preserve more than 10,000 acres across north-central Alabama. The Land Trust played a key role in creation of the new Red Mountain Park and in the development of several expanding greenways in Jefferson County. Last year, Alabama Power joined with the Land Trust, CSX Corp., the city of Birmingham and a broad coalition of partners to seek a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to help rebuild portions of tornado-damaged Pratt City and to kick-start the development of the Red Rock Ridge and Valley trail system that will link communities across Jefferson County. The effort resulted in a $10 million award that will be combined with $5 million in local matching dollars toward the projects. The Birmingham area was one of few communities nationwide to receive one of the grants. Wendy Jackson, executive director of the Freshwater Land Trust, praised Alabama Power’s longtime commitment to conservation efforts and its participation in the TIGER grant initiative. Birmingham Division Vice President Bobbie Knight accepted the award on behalf of Alabama Power. CSX, which was instrumental in the creation of the famed “High Line” park in New York City, was honored as a key partner in securing the TIGER grant. Other companies honored at the Corporate Partners for Conservation event included McWane Inc., which recently completed construction of Greenwood Park in Birmingham, and The Westervelt Company, based in Tuscaloosa, which worked with the Land Trust on several projects, including an initiative to re-introduce the American chestnut to Alabama’s forests. It was the second time Alabama Power hosted the Corporate Partners for Conservation breakfast, which typically features a speaker from a major national corporation involved in land conservation efforts. The last time Alabama Power hosted, in 2008, the speaker was John Surma, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel. By Michael Sznajderman PAGE 4
SAFETY Amazing Accomplishment Southern Division Meter Tester Askew has more than 20 years of experience. PD Metering Service-Montgomery passes 90 years without injury Good advice from veteran employees is the secret to PD Metering Service- Montgomery’s 90-year stellar safety record. “When I came into the metering department 21 years ago, there were a lot of older guys who took me under their wings and worked with me one-onone to teach me how to be safe on the job,” said Frank Askew, meter tester, Southern Division Complex. “When I was young, I would rush and try to be in a hurry. But now that I’m more seasoned, I see what the older guys were telling me about taking your time and being aware of your surroundings. Now we try to make the younger guys aware of all the possible hazards that are out there so they can look for them.” Thanks, in part, to this willingness to share their experience and knowledge, Metering Service-Montgomery employees reached a momentous Target Zero milestone Jan. 8 – 90 years with no lost-time injuries. “It’s more than amazing to think about working 90 years without an accident,” said Greg Johnson, meter superintendent, Askew checks meters behind shopping center in Montgomery. Southern Division Complex. “This is a testament not only to this group of employees and their focus on safety, but also to all who came before them. Those who started this streak planted a culture of safety excellence, and our employees are handing it down to those after them.” The group’s safety success, Johnson said, is also remarkable when considering the thousands Photos by Wynter Byrd Askew runs report on computer in meter lab. of miles employees travel each year to every corner of Southern Division. In 2012 alone, they drove more than 197,000 miles to take care of about 20,170 work orders. “We’re trained for meter work. For the most part, if something doesn’t look right, we can find someone to step in and help us,” Johnson said. “But when we’re driving, we can’t control the other person. That’s why driving safely for 90 years, or 32,850 days, is such an accomplishment.” Like other work groups, employees conduct job safety briefings before every task and wear personal protection gear. Meter testers take turns facilitating monthly safety meetings, where all employees are encouraged to discuss hazards and close calls. They also look at how to avoid hazards that could occur while performing upcoming jobs. These employees, who inspect, test, repair and maintain meters, take charge of their own safety, Askew said. “We basically work alone, and go to so many different places and are exposed to so many different things. Anything could happen,” Askew said. “That’s why you have to have a heightened awareness of safety.” “An accident-free record is what the brotherhood strives to achieve,” said Casey Shelton, business manager, System Council U-19, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “Metering Service- Montgomery has proven that in the highly skilled jobs at Alabama Power, focusing on every detail and taking personal ownership is the key to achieving Target Zero.” Metering Services Manager Reggie Murchison commended employees for this unswerving safety commitment. “I’m proud of this work group for their tremendous accomplishment,” said Murchison. “But they did not earn this alone. These employees, together with those who have gone before them, have proven Target Zero year after year is truly possible with hard work, dedication and a constant focus on the importance of safety.” By Carla Davis PAGE 5
Page 1 and 2: January 21, 2013 POWERGRAMS Publish
Page 3: AWARDS EEI honors company Hundreds
Page 7 and 8: 100% CONNECTED Eufaula employee’s

LAND TRUST PRAISE - Alabama Power

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