Alabama Power retiree service organization makes plans to continue elevating the state
Energizers from Alabama Power’s service organization met recently to discuss 2022 community projects. (Andrew Rhodes)
After a two-year pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of Alabama Power’s retiree service organization are gathering again and making plans to continue doing their part to elevate Alabama communities through volunteerism.
Nearly 40 leaders of the Energizers convened recently for their annual conference to map out goals for the year. It was the first in-person meeting for the Energizers since 2019; the 2020 conference was canceled just as the coronavirus began to spread across the nation.
“For me, this is a time of renewal and almost starting over after COVID-19,” said Energizers State President Becky York. “I was glad to see some new faces. This was great timing for the meeting because many people are getting ready to get out and volunteer again.”
Energizers coordinator Don Franklin and Energizers state president Becky York hosted the annual conference. (Andrew Rhodes)
With 11 chapters and 1,500 members across the state, Energizers are retired Alabama Power and Alabama-based employees of Southern Company and their spouses. Energizers typically contribute tens of thousands of volunteer hours annually to community projects while also donating their own resources to support nonprofits and other worthy community causes.
Among the presenters at the 2022 conference was retiree and Energizers chapter president Michael Smith, now the CEO of the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches (ASYR). Energizers leaders agreed at the conference to make ASYR a focus of support for chapters statewide.
“Having the Energizers select the ASYR for their 2022 project means so much to me as a retiree of Southern Company,” Smith said. “To date, Energizers have donated over $12,000 to the ASYR.”
Energizers chapter president and CEO of the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches Michael Smith, second from right, works to create an atmosphere in which young people in need can grow “into productive, responsible and happy adults.” (contributed)
Smith said having the Energizers’ support is timely because ASYR has locations across Alabama that need volunteers. He said the Pell City location needs the most support since it is being renovated.
“It is so wonderful that I worked for a company that was such great stewards, and that continues to care about retirees,” Smith said. “Those things are truly a part of the company’s culture.”
Energizers President-elect James Glover said he is looking forward to a successful year ahead.
“I am glad to be able to come together as a group since it has been so hard to communicate with all of the retirees during the pandemic,” Glover said. “This will contribute to one of my key goals going forward, which is increasing the membership of Energizers.”
Energizers President-elect James Glover, right, with his wife, Lillian, and Energizers member Robin Nelson, left, with her husband, James, at the annual conference. (Andrew Rhodes)
Hallie Bradley, left, and Margaret White, center, of Alabama Power Charitable Giving celebrate Energizers coordinator Don Franklin, right, who recently retired from Alabama Power after 45 years of service. (Andrew Rhodes)
One bittersweet announcement at the meeting was the retirement of Don Franklin, who has served as the Energizers coordinator in Alabama Power’s Charitable Giving organization. Franklin’s career at Alabama Power spanned 45 years. He has worked with the Energizers since 2004.
“This is the saddest leadership workshop I’ve attended,” Franklin said. “These are some of my dearest friends and I hope they feel the same way about me. This has been a dream job.”
On the other hand, his retirement means Franklin can now join the Energizers as a member. He said he plans to be an active participant.
“I am a very happy Alabama Power retiree,” Franklin said.
