Published On: 03.03.22 | 

By: Carla Davis

Alabama Power employee honored for helping Sylacauga shine

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Steve Marlowe, second from left, presents an Alabama Power Foundation grant to Sylacauga officials. (contributed)

When Steve Marlowe was named Sylacauga’s Citizen of the Year for 2021, he said he was “shocked.” But the recognition came as no surprise to those who know him and have seen his tireless efforts on behalf of Sylacauga for the past 15 years.

Marlowe received the award from the Sylacauga Beautification Council last fall.

“This award recognizes individuals for outstanding service to the Sylacauga community through unselfish leadership, deeds and caring that enhance our quality of life,” said Lucille Anderson, Sylacauga Beautification Council board member and Sylacauga city commissioner. “That describes Steve Marlowe perfectly. What he has done for Sylacauga will help enhance our entire city and lead to future growth.”

A sign welcomes travelers to Sylacauga. (contributed)

Anderson points particularly to Marlowe’s efforts in working with Sylacauga to get the funding needed to install new signs welcoming visitors to the city.

In recent years, Sylacauga has received Gateway grants from the Alabama Power Foundation to help pay for three welcome signs, two of which have been installed at the entrances to the city on highways 21 and 148. It expects to place the third one on Highway 511 later this year.

RELATED: Gateway grants help Alabama communities make grand first impression

With Marlowe’s help, several local nonprofits also applied for and received Alabama Power Foundation Good Roots grants to help support beautification projects, such as planting trees. The grants were presented to Sylacauga Parks and Recreation, and the Sylacauga Beautification and Tree councils. The Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE) also received a Good Roots grant to help buy fruit trees for a local community orchard that feeds dozens of low-income families.

Additionally, Marlowe, Alabama Power Eastern Division Community Relations manager, and his family deliver meals as part of SAFE’s efforts to feed those in need at Thanksgiving.

“I try to be the touchpoint for local leaders and help them access the resources that Alabama Power and the Alabama Power Foundation offer to help them improve their communities,” said Marlowe. “I also try to be the eyes and ears in the communities I serve, know what’s happening there and convey that to company leadership.”

Although working in the community has long been a driving force for Marlowe, supporting education and the local public school system has been his passion. He has been a member of the Sylacauga School Board for 15 years. In fact, he is this year’s president, though his son Tommy, 22, and daughter Grier, 21, have moved on to the University of Alabama.

“I truly believe that making sure we have a strong public education system for all our children is the most important thing we can do to build our communities,” Marlowe said. “We’re in a time right now where personal connections and the ability for people to interact in a civil manner are starting to deteriorate. The personal connections children make in the schools will hopefully carry over into their adult lives. When it’s their turn to lead, it’s important that they have the academic knowledge and the personal relationships that will help them as they take leadership positions in the community.”

Steve Marlowe, Alabama Power Eastern Division Community Relations manager, far right, helped secure a Good Roots grant from the Alabama Power Foundation to help install new signs for the city. (contributed)

When he’s not on the job at Alabama Power or working in the community, Marlowe can be found chasing a football on Saturday afternoons in the fall. He is a referee for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the big time of college football. As the referee, he leads his crew of eight officials, the team on the field responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and issuing any penalties.

RELATED: Alabama Power office manager is an SEC football referee on weekends

Marlowe got his first experience as an official at 18 as an umpire for girls softball games. He then officiated during games at high schools and later smaller colleges until he was hired by the SEC in 2015.

Marlowe officiates at about 11 games across the Southeast during the season. But the University of Alabama alumnus is required to sit out all games involving his alma mater.

“It is a great opportunity that few people have the chance to experience,” Marlowe said. “I do not take it for granted. It’s an honor to be out there working on Saturdays with my crew, as well as players and coaches who perform at the highest levels.”

Marlowe said he was honored to receive Sylacauga’s Citizen of the Year Award, which was presented at the city council meeting Oct. 19.

“The support that I’ve received from my family, colleagues and Alabama Power leadership has allowed me to make these contributions over the years and put me in the position to be recognized,” Marlowe said. “I have the best family at home and at work that anybody can have, and they all help me in the capacities I serve and make me better.”