The MDC championship team members were Materialman Chad Clemmons, Materialman Scott Montgomery and Utility Assistant Matt Green.

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“I think it’s the best investment for safety over the 11 years I’ve been here,” said Materials Coordinator Wayne Shadell, a member of the Southeast team. “It makes safety fun, so you’re more likely to remember it. We don’t put a price on safety.”

Seven teams from the company’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) representing all of Alabama Power’s six divisions competed in five graded events. They earned a spot in the championship by winning the division competitions in August and September.

The competing teams were:

• MDC – Clemmons, Montgomery and Green
• Birmingham – Zack Graham, Stewart McCoy and Caleb Atchison
• Southern – Mike Smith, Barry Smith and Ross Ellison
• Mobile – Tim Wilson, Keith Brown and Phil Mack
• Southeast – Bill Deloney, Wayne Shadell and Craig Singletary
• Eastern – Brandon Peerman, Jeff Gibson and Bill Henke
• Western – David Burnett, Tim Fondren and Matt Roberson.

Three forklift activities were timed with various driving routes requiring precision carrying basketballs, tennis balls and a transformer. The pallet jack activity and the final safety bee require in-depth knowledge of proper loading procedures and an array of company and Corporate Services areas.

“We’re building teamwork,” said MDC Manager Alan Arrington. “We’re developing camaraderie within the group. The Safety Skills Challenge enhances their commitment to each other and it pays off when it comes to being your brother’s and sister’s keeper. I’m impressed with how technically skilled our employees are. You don’t realize the skill required to manage a forklift in a hazardous environment. I’m proud of our team and their win over stiff competition.”

Birmingham Material Coordinator Zach Graham said, “It’s great to see employees you haven’t seen in a while. It was awesome to see the new crew headquarters in Montgomery, too.”

Supply Chain Management Director Jim Scott: “It’s fun, it enforces the importance of safety and it’s very competitive.”

Most of the competitors agreed the championship was more challenging than the division skills competitions. During the day, employees talked with their peers about issues faced in their daily jobs. Employees from Purchasing and Technical Support took part in the SCM event, observing the competition and getting a chance to meet other members of their group.

“Everyone gets along. It’s competitive, but not to the point where anyone gets mad,” said Material Coordinator Brandon Peerman. “You find out who the premier forklift drivers are. The championship provides an opportunity for employees to get experience with different kinds of forklifts and see various locations.”

“It’s fun, it enforces the importance of safety and it’s very competitive,” said SCM Director Jim Scott. “It’s a great way to get the team members together for a little friendly competition.”