November 2017 | Volume 30 • Number 11 | www.powersouth.com/powerlines | info@powersouth.comPowerlines

The power contained behind PowerSouth’s two hydroelectric dams requires attention, including a strategic system of drills and exercises designed to maximize safety.

Recently, PowerSouth practiced its emergency action plan (EAP) during a functional drill for Point A Power Plant, a process required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

“Our primary goal was to ensure that the plan and the team work the way they should,” says Central Generation Plant Manager David Wyatt. “If you ever have a real problem, you are not going to have enough time to think about what you are going to do.”

PowerSouth reviews the EAP plan annually and conducts a detailed drill to test the plan every five years.

The functional drill During PowerSouth’s first-ever functional drill, PowerSouth team members and local emergency personnel gathered to practice response to a simulated emergency. Participants included representatives from PowerSouth’s Central Generation, Energy Control Center and Communications departments, as well as FERC and the Covington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

“We simulated a problem we have never had before,” says Jeff Kidd, Central Generation Plant Results Coordinator. “The FERC and PowerSouth want to ensure that our written plan is effective in managing communication during events.”

The drill began with PowerSouth Principle Engineer Wes Thomasson discovering a realistic yet fictional problem at the Point A dam. As the drill progressed, participants kept a log documenting their actions.

In this particular case, the scenario included a sinkhole on the dam that threatened its stability. During the drill, Kidd delivered “injects” — or unexpected twists.

One inject involved fishermen refusing to leave the area, and the group practiced how they would respond to it.

Protecting the flowDrills and planning keep PowerSouth dams safe

See “Dam,” Page 2

Following the drill, the team reviewed their actions and made recommendations for adjustments to the EAP.

“We learned what we need to do better,” Kidd says. “We see that we may need to alter the plan and identified areas where we need additional training.”

Working the plan Effective and constant communication is crucial to the EAP, which emphasizes the protection of lives and property.

“Somebody is at the hydros every day,” Thomasson says. “I try to go to both at least bi-weekly, and someone is there at least once a day to get readings. The FERC comes once a year for safety inspections, and we work closely with a consulting engineering firm if expertise is needed.”

Kidd says the EAP also helps improve communication between departments in an emergency situation.

Communication with the public during an emergency is also essential, and Thomasson also works with the EMA to guide public notifications and evacuation decisions. g

DAM, continued from Page 1

Manring elected to NUTSEA Board of DirectorsBuddy Manring, PowerSouth Safety Services Manager, has been elected to serve on the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association (NUTSEA) Board of Directors.

The Association’s board consists of 11 leading safety professionals, including representatives from electric cooperatives. Manring, a member of the association for 18 years, was elected by a vote of association members.

“This is a big honor for me because this board is made up of the top safety professionals from around the country,” Manring says. “I think this will be a great opportunity for me to help improve

the annual NUTSEA conference for the generation and transmission cooperatives of the organization.”

Manring’s responsibilities will include reviewing the Association’s policies and helping plan the conference, which PowerSouth will host in 2020.

Manring says that his time serving with the Association played a role in his election and will also benefit PowerSouth.

“Safety is PowerSouth’s number one core value, and it’s something we always have to consider,” Manring says. “Everybody in the utility world deals with the same

issues, and this association allows us to share policies and procedures with some of the top safety professionals from around the country.” g

PowerSouth System Operator Jody Jackson delivers an inject to Covington County EMA Director Susan Harris during the functional drill.

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Driving toward the future PowerSouth partners with Advanced Energy to consider options for electric vehiclesElectric vehicles are not a new invention, but the technology has changed dramatically. Extended battery life, longer driving range and more access to charging stations have fueled growth in electric vehicle sales.

Auto manufacturers are embracing electric vehicles. In 2020, Ford plans to release an electric vehicle with a 300-mile range. Volvo is phasing out its gas-powered engines in favor of hybrid or battery-only motors. The rise in popularity of electric vehicles comes at a time when load growth forecasts have either stabilized or decreased for many utilities.

PowerSouth’s 2017 strategic planning session included discussions about several topics related to electric vehicles. Since then, PowerSouth has partnered with North Carolina-based Advanced Energy to develop a strategic plan to address the growth of electric vehicle usage and its possible effects on PowerSouth and its distribution members.

Through the strategic plan, PowerSouth hopes to answer questions such as:

• Is the PowerSouth footprint ready for electric vehicles?

• Do member systems want to help foster the switch from gasoline to electric vehicles?

• What load and system impacts can these vehicles have, and what are the potential economic impacts?

“One of our goals is to help educate our members on electric vehicles so they can, in turn, educate end-users,” says Mike Majors, PowerSouth Energy Services Coordinator.

Three-phase planIn assisting PowerSouth, Advanced Energy will employ a three-part process. The initial phase will include a strategic planning session to evaluate PowerSouth and its service area. During the meeting, attendees will consider current technology, an estimate of load and system impacts, the consumer market,

operational constraints, desired outcomes and a readiness assessment for PowerSouth’s current electric vehicle environment.

Also during phase one, Advanced Energy will evaluate PowerSouth’s service area to determine the number of existing electric vehicles, project future electric vehicle buyers, and evaluate existing infrastructure to support them, such as charging stations.

Advanced Energy will present PowerSouth a recommendation report that will identify specific programs and initiatives that best fit the organization and member base.

“They are going to give us a bird’s-eye view of the electric vehicle market within our service area,” Majors says. “This will help us determine if there is interest here and how it would affect PowerSouth and its members if the number of electric vehicles grows.”

The second phase includes a stakeholder summit to educate representatives of member systems, government officials and business leaders. The goal is to help educate them on electric vehicles by answering questions

and dispelling misconceptions. The program would provide a general overview of vehicles and charging stations, as well as a test drive.

“It would be a great way to help give them an overview of both the vehicles and charging station technology,” Majors says.

The third and final phase is to help each member system develop a customized implementation plan. This phase will build on the recommendations report and provide step-by-step instructions to implement initiatives and programs in each member’s territory. Each plan will be customized to fit each member’s specific needs and capabilities.

All three phases could be completed next year. g

In recent years, charging stations have become more common, making it much easier for electric vehicles to travel longer distances. Eric Garcia from Jacksonville, Fla., charged his Tesla in DeFuniak Springs as he returned home following Hurricane Irma.

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PowerSouth announces organizational changes

To prepare for the future, plan for retirements, strengthen the organization and fulfill member needs, PowerSouth has announced changes to its management staff.

Rick Kyle, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, will retire in February 2018 after 39 years of service at PowerSouth. He joined the cooperative in 1979 and was appointed to his current position in 2012. In preparation for his retirement, Beth Woodard will become Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, and Art Brunson will become Vice President of Legal & Corporate Affairs.

“PowerSouth will certainly miss Rick’s contributions, but we wish him well in his retirement,” says Gary Smith, PowerSouth President & CEO.

Woodard will assume responsibility as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial

Officer in January 2018, where she will oversee the Finance & Accounting, Financial Planning, Human Resources, Safety, and Buildings & Grounds departments. In the interim, Kyle and Woodard will work closely to facilitate a smooth transition.

Woodard joined PowerSouth in 1991 and currently serves as PowerSouth’s Vice President of Legal & Corporate Affairs. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance and Investment Management and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama. She was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1990.

A native of Fort Deposit, Ala., she and her husband, Allen, have two children, Callen and Cameron.

Brunson will assume responsibility as Vice President of Legal & Corporate Affairs on

Oct. 22, where he will oversee the Legal, Environmental, Compliance Audit, and Purchasing & Warehousing departments.

Brunson joined PowerSouth in 1999 and currently serves as Director of Legal Affairs & Compliance. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama and a Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1993.

He is a native of Elba, Ala., and is married to Alane Brunson. He has two children, Sydney and Nicholas.

“We are fortunate to have many long-term employees who have made significant contributions to PowerSouth’s success,” Smith says. g

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Rick Kyle will retire in February 2018 after 39 years of service.

Beth Woodard is set to become Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer in January 2018.

Art Brunson has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs.

A new calling: Graham elected to University of South Alabama Board of TrusteesPowerSouth Vice President of Power Supply Ron Graham’s passion for helping others has a new outlet as he becomes a member of the University of South Alabama’s Board of Trustees.

“I’ve always tried to be community-oriented, and I’ve tried to give back to the community when I could,” Graham says. “I guess this falls into the same category. I want to give back to my university.”

During his 27 years at PowerSouth, Graham has supported many organizations, including the Andalusia Rotary Club, Andalusia High School Booster Club and Diamond Club. He has also volunteered with youth sports.

Graham will represent the 17th District, which includes Butler, Conecuh and Covington counties. Along with the other 16 trustees, he will provide governance of a university focused on growth.

“This is a very distinguished group,” Graham says. “There are several people on the board who are very well known in Mobile and with the university. It was surprising to me to be appointed, and it’s also very flattering.”

As Vice President of Power Supply, he oversees energy services, including the Energy Control Center, and the Fuels and Energy Resources Department.

Graham, appointed to the board seat by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, is a graduate of the University of South Alabama.

The college has grown considerably in the years after Graham earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, and it continues to produce top engineers of all disciplines and ranks as one of the state’s best colleges.

In 2009, the University of South Alabama also established a football program, which has enjoyed early successes and has contributed to the university’s expansion.

Graham, a Mobile native, says it amazes him how much the school has grown and that he’s excited for the opportunity to have a hand in its future.

Graham was surprised when asked to submit his resume to Gov. Ivey, but he quickly decided he could not pass up the opportunity to be more involved in the future of his alma

mater. He also believes the role will allow him to benefit PowerSouth, particularly with recruiting future employees. g

White to represent Southern Pine EC on PowerSouth Board of Trustees

Aaron White of Monroeville, Ala., has been elected to represent Southern Pine EC on the PowerSouth Board of Trustees. White’s appointment was approved at PowerSouth’s September board meeting.

White is a retired photography studio owner. He earned an Associate Degree in Graphic Arts from Dothan Community College. He is a member and Past President of the Monroeville Kiwanis Club and Past President of the Excel Quarterback Club. He is a member of Excel Baptist Church, where he serves as Deacon.

White is a Certified Cooperative Director.

He and his wife, Jackie, have two children, Kevin and Josh. g

5

Employees who serve Veterans use lessons from the

military at PowerSouth

Thousands of veterans leave the military each year to enter the workforce, and many bring specific skills learned while serving their country to the new careers.

Four PowerSouth employees — Steve Erdy, Daryl Batley, Tunde Caraway and George Mangus — each use skills and experience developed in the military in their role with the cooperative today.

As Veterans Day approaches, PowerSouth honors all veterans for their service to the country and for the great work they do in their current jobs.

Finding a placeIn 1977, Erdy’s high school graduation was fast approaching, and he needed direction, guidance and a job. He found all those things in the United States Navy.

After enlisting while still in high school, he served for more than 17 years as a boiler technician, recruiter and company commander. Stationed on an aircraft carrier, he traveled the world.

He has been a Maintenance Technician at the McWilliams Power Plant for 16 years, a job with responsibilities similar to those he had aboard ship.

“The Navy helped me grow up, and I learned a skill that has paid off for me here at PowerSouth,” Erdy says. “The equipment here falls hand-in-hand with equipment that I’ve been working on since I was 18 years old.”

Growing up fastBatley, a Utility Technician at the Lowman Power Plant, served 15 years in the National Guard. His service included a year-long tour in Iraq in 2004. The experience gave him an even greater appreciation of life in the United States, and it taught lessons he still uses today.

“Without the military, a young person gradually grows up,” Batley says. “But when you’re two weeks out of high school, and you have somebody breathing down your neck, then you’ve got to learn to grow up fast.”

A feeling of prideCaraway, PowerSouth Information Services Department Secretary, was a secretary in the Air Force for four years. Then, she served another two years in the National Guard.

The New York native was stationed in California at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert. She saw actors, including Clint Eastwood, who were filming movies. And she watched the first space shuttle landing. She met her husband while living in Illinois. They soon married and then moved to Florala, Ala.

Tunde Caraway received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in February 1982 at Edwards Air Force Base.

Steve Erdy served for more than 17 years in the United States Navy.

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“My time in the military gave me so much,” she says. “It shaped me, it gave me structure, and it trained me to do the job I do today. I am so proud of my time in the military. That’s why every time I hear the national anthem I stand, I put my hand over my heart, and I salute the flag. That’s how much it means to me.”

Finding your passionGeorge Mangus, Operating Technician at the McIntosh Power Plant, served five years in the Navy as a gas turbine electrician. After five years in the Navy, he took a job at Siemens before coming to PowerSouth.

“The Navy is what started me on this path and gave me direction,” Mangus says. “PowerSouth didn’t have to train me to be an operator because the Navy did that. I think my experience was a big factor in me coming here, and I love being here.”

A place to call homeWhile all four veterans each use lessons from the military in their jobs, they also share in the fact that they are happy to be working at a great place like PowerSouth.

All feel their time in the military was crucial in giving them the skills to excel in their work.

“I love my job,” Batley says. “There’s not a day that I dread getting up for work. We’ve got great people here, and it’s a good company to work for.” g

George Mangus served five years in the Navy, including

two deployments. He married his wife, Leslie, shortly after

he got out of the Navy.

Daryl Batley served a year in Iraq in 2004 while he was in the National Guard. He said the toughest part was being away from his wife, Brandi, son, Hunter, and daughter, Faith.

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Electric vehicles have been on the market since 2011, but recently support has been skyrocketing. According to a new report by the Rocky Mountain Institute, electric vehicle sales have been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 32 percent, and there could be 2.9 million electric vehicles on the road by 2022.

This past summer, Hyundai, which has a manufacturing plant in Montgomery, said it was placing electric vehicles at the center of its product strategy. Volvo quickly followed with an announcement that by 2019 it will only produce electric cars. Volvo’s CEO explained that “this announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car.”

Two months later, Mercedes announced that it will offer electric versions of all models by 2022. To support this effort, Mercedes is investing $1 billion in its Tuscaloosa manufacturing plant and creating 600 new jobs. In early October, General Motors announced it will introduce 20 all-electric vehicles by 2023. Ford quickly followed and announced a five-year, $4.5 billion investment to introduce 13 new electric models.

Why Drive Electric? There are two main types of electric vehicles — all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric. An all-electric vehicle uses electricity as

its primary fuel, and a plug-in hybrid uses electricity along with a conventional engine to improve efficiency.

The top reasons people choose to drive electric include saving money on fuel and maintenance costs, the car’s driving performance, being environmentally friendly and supporting local energy sources. No matter the reason, most electric drivers will see savings by fueling at the outlet instead of a gas pump. Electricity is much cheaper than gasoline, and drivers have reported spending about $30 a month to fuel their cars compared to about $100 a month they used to spend on gasoline. Additionally, electric vehicles do not need as much maintenance as gasoline vehicles, which saves drivers even more money.

Plugging in to FuelElectric vehicle owners have multiple options when it comes to charging their vehicle. They can plug their vehicle straight into an outlet at home or plug in to a public charging station. To support electric vehicle drivers and help them travel further, over 44,000 charging station outlets have been installed across the country, with over 150 located in Alabama. Charging stations are often categorized into three levels: Level One, Level Two and DC Fast Charge.

All vehicles come with an adapter to plug the car in at home to a standard 120-volt outlet, known as Level One charging. This level provides the slowest charge, around three to five electric miles per hour. Even at this slow speed, however, the majority of electric vehicle owners plug in at home to refuel.

Level Two charging is commonly found in public locations, including shopping centers, downtown areas, multifamily communities and workplaces. Level Two charging is three to five times faster than Level One and provides 10 to 20 electric miles per hour.

DC Fast Charge stations provide an opportunity for a very quick charge. These stations are capable of charging a depleted electric vehicle’s battery to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes. DC Fast Charge stations are usually located in high-traffic public areas or along travel corridors.

Driving ChangeElectric vehicles have come a long way since they entered the market in 2011. In only a few years, all major car manufacturers are showing support for electric vehicles by developing new models with longer ranges and more affordable prices. Businesses and local governments are also installing charging stations to provide a place to plug in while working, shopping and traveling.

With more charging locations, longer driving ranges and numerous new models being developed, electric vehicles are quickly growing in popularity and practicality. Only time will tell if the future is electric. g

Driving change: Who’ll be king of the road?

GUEST COLUMN FROM ALABAMA LIVING

Kristi BroddCommunications Manager

Advanced Energy

8

PowerSouth’s RS Plan helps employees retire comfortably

PowerSouth offers a comprehensive benefits plan for employees, including benefits to protect their health, their income and their futures. Among these offerings, the Retirement Security Plan (RS Plan) especially stands out. The RS Plan is more than just another benefit. With it, employees have a traditional pension working for them behind the scenes, without the need for contributions on their behalf.

“Our Retirement Security Plan is a ‘defined benefit plan,’ which means it is fully funded by the cooperative,” says PowerSouth Human Resources Coordinator Suzanne Grissett. “Employees don’t have to contribute anything. They just have to do their job well, and the benefit will be waiting for them at retirement.”

After a one-year waiting period, all employees are eligible for participation in the RS Plan. Benefits are based on the average of an employee’s five highest yearly earnings in the last 10 years of service and how long they have worked under the plan. All of it is multiplied by the co-op’s benefit factor, which is 1.7 percent.

The RS Plan can significantly bolster an employee’s retirement savings. For example, an employee with a 30-year career may expect to replace about half of their working income through pension payments. However, it is still important that employees make use of other resources, like their 401(k) pension plan, personal retirement savings and social security, says Grissett. Employees are urged to track their projected RS Plan benefit and make adjustments to personal savings to meet the goals for the lifestyle they wish to maintain at retirement.

During any career stage, NRECA’s Personal Investment and Retirement Consulting (PIRC) can assist in evaluating an employee’s retirement benefits and choices to create a personalized plan to meet retirement goals. To contact a PIRC planner, call 866-673-2299.

“We are blessed to work for PowerSouth, a wonderful company that is willing to invest so much for a great retirement plan designed to take care of employees,” Grissett says. g

BEHIND THE SCENES

Contact a PIRC planner at 866-673-2299z

zBenefits

Meetings(BU = Bargaining Unit | WS = Wage & Salary)

Headquarters:

Nov. 6 at 1:00 p.m. — Board Room (BU & WS)

Nov. 7 at 10:00 a.m. — Board Room (BU & WS)

Nov. 10 at 9:00 a.m. — Board Room (BU & WS)

Nov. 13

� 7:30 a.m. — Crew Room (BU)

� 8:30 a.m. — Crew Room (BU)

� 9:30 a.m. — Crew Room (BU)

� 1:00 p.m. — Lobby Conference Room

(Baldwin & Chipley Districts)

Nov. 14 at 1:00 p.m. — Board Room (BU & WS)

AFLAC presentation will follow each meeting.

Central Generation:

Nov. 7

� 2:00 p.m. — 211 Building (BU & WS)

� 6:00 p.m. — Control Room (BU & WS)

Nov. 8

� 2:00 p.m. — 211 Building (BU & WS)

� 6:00 p.m. — Control Room (BU & WS)

AFLAC presentation will follow each meeting.

Lowman, McIntosh and Western District:

Nov. 7

� 9:15 a.m. — Lowman Training Room (BU – Maintenance)

� 12:30 p.m. — Lowman Training Room (BU & WS)

� 3:00 p.m. — Lowman Control Room (BU)

� 5:30 p.m. — Lowman Control Room (BU)

Nov. 8

� 9:15 a.m. — Lowman Training Room (BU (E&I) & WS)

� 12:30 p.m. — Lowman Training Room (BU Utilities)

� 3:00 p.m. — Lowman Control Room (BU)

� 5:30 p.m. — Lowman Control Room (BU)

Nov. 9

� 9:00 a.m. — McIntosh (BU & WS)

� 11:00 a.m. — Western District (BU & WS)

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SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

Service anniversaries

Scotty HendersonLowman

27 years, Nov. 12

Mel MoseleyLowman

22 years, Nov. 13

Percy HarrisLowman

26 years, Nov. 11

Mark CraigFinance & Accounting

17 years, Nov. 13

Lamar CroweTelecom Services21 years, Nov. 11

Bill SextonCentral Generation

17 years, Nov. 27

Scott PattersonCentral Generation

17 years, Nov. 27

Brent BrackeCentral Generation

16 years, Nov. 5

Jason StearnsLowman

15 years, Nov. 11

Bill MarlerTransmission O&M15 years, Nov. 18

Jamie WaiteLowman

13 years, Nov. 15

Derek DillardSubstation O&M 13 years, Nov. 8

Marlin O’GuynnLowman

13 years, Nov. 15

John WigginsSubstation O&M 13 years, Nov. 22

Dwain DearmonLowman

32 years, Nov. 6

Morgan RogersLowman

32 years, Nov. 6

Brian HowardT&D Eng. & Const. 27 years, Nov. 3

Ken DavisLowman

27 years, Nov. 12

Nick GranaLowman

27 years, Nov. 12

Mark CriswellLowman

27 years, Nov. 12

Norman HowardLowman

32 years, Nov. 7

James WadeLowman

27 years, Nov. 12

Suzanne GrissettHR Services

13 years, Nov. 15

Adam ElmoreSubstation O&M10 years, Nov. 12

Eric HicksSubstation O&M8 years, Nov. 30

Jerrold SyphritLowman

7 years, Nov. 29

Ashley SasserFinance & Accounting

12 years, Nov. 14

Josh SightlerComp. Info. Services

11 years, Nov. 6

Leslie ThreadgillLowman

11 years, Nov. 27

Brock WallaceTelecom Services 6 years, Nov. 28

Jim HelmsSubstation O&M 6 years, Nov. 21

Lane RiderSafety Services5 years, Nov. 12

Andrew RabrenSubstation O&M 5 years, Nov. 26

Roger HammondsCentral Generation

40 years, Nov. 9

Phillip SpiveySubstation O&M 38 years, Nov. 19

Stanley PooleTransmission O&M 34 years, Nov. 14

Steve GriffinLowman

32 years, Nov. 1

Robert BeckhamLowman

32 years, Nov. 5

Kevin BrownLowman

34 years, Nov. 28

Tresa MiddletonLowman

3 years, Nov. 24

Heath HendrixSubstation O&M 2 years, Nov. 23

Brian WardLegal Affairs & Comp.

2 years, Nov. 30

NOV

17

NOVEMBER BOARD MEETINGMark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 17.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, PowerSouth’s monthly board meeting will be held a week early. Headquarters employees should wear professional attire.

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Comings and goings Happy Birthday!Welcome Brett Campbell, Engineer III in the Engineering Division, effective Sept. 11.

Brian Maio, Technician - Telecommunications in the Telecom Services Department, effective Sept. 18.

Matthew Pierce, Technician - Telecommunications in the Telecom Services Department, effective Sept. 18.

Promotion Bill Blount was promoted to Inventory Control Supervisor from Storekeeper at Lowman, effective Oct. 18.

Retirement Best wishes to Kenny Counselman, who retired Sept. 22, after 40 years of service. His most recent position was Operating Technician 6 at Lowman.

November 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windell BedwellNeil Howell

Danny TaylorJames Taylor

November 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Benji ElmoreBubba Evers

Ray SmithNovember 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Jones

Michael MitchellNovember 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer KelleyNovember 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John ShawNovember 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Harbuck

Jamie HawkinsNovember 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Binion Jones

John LanierShep Lucas

Jessie McConicoKim Nawlin

November 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art BrunsonSkip Spurlin

Patrick ThrashNovember 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer Brooks

Nick GranaNovember 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clifton Brown

Robert GilleyTaylor Williams

November 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris ClementsLisa Cravey

Heath HendrixNovember 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veronica WallaceNovember 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kent Ikner

Marc KyzarNovember 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Willie Jackson

Russell KeithBrenda Turner

November 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joey ShortSam Sullivan

November 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy TurnerNovember 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim KelleyNovember 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madison MoseleyNovember 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger HammondsNovember 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dwight Dunn

Brandon HornKurt Taylor

November 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael HardageDavid Weems

November 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tracy JohnsonNovember 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shane Culbreth

Angela KellyJohn Turvin

November 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joey ReevesNovember 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie JonesNovember 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Willie WilliamsNovember 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bryan Parker

EMPLOYEE NEWS

Point A Lodge reservation dates are setThose interested in reserving the Point A Lodge for 2018 for either company or personal functions should act quickly.

The reservation deadline for PowerSouth use is Friday, Nov. 3. Send an email request to Procurement Services Department Secretary Angela Kelly and include the dates requested and the division or department.

The lodge is also available to PowerSouth employees. Submit reservation forms for personal events between Monday, Nov. 6, and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.

For personal functions, a random drawing will determine the order in which reservations are accepted. Employees will receive notification of their reservations by Nov. 24, and they must

submit payment to Kelly no later than Friday, Dec. 8.

After Nov. 27, reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Employee rental prices for the lodge are $50 per day. A required $100 damage deposit is refundable if the lodge is left clean and undamaged.

Beginning Jan. 3, 2018, reservations will be open to the public, including churches and civic groups.

There are recreational vehicle and camper hookups.

For more information and a copy of the Lodge Rental Agreement, contact Kelly at angela.kelly@powersouth.com or extension 3287. g

We asked employees what they were most thankful for and here’s how they responded:

Faith – 42 (52%)

Family – 34 (42%)

Other – 4 (5%)

Job – 1 (1%)

Many people responded “All of the above.” One person said, “I am thankful for all of these, but my faith makes the others possible.”

FAITH

FAMILY

JOB OTHER

What are you thankful for?

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P.O. Box 550Andalusia, AL 36420

Powerlines is published monthly for the employees and members of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

Vice President, Member Services & CommunicationsLeigh Grantham

Communications ManagerBaynard Ward

Media & Communications Coordinator, Powerlines EditorChristi Scruggs

PhotographyJohn Dean | Chris Flood

Communications DepartmentPowerSouth Energy Cooperative2027 East Three Notch Street (36421)P.O. Box 550 (36420) | Andalusia, ALinfo@powersouth.com www.powersouth.com

www.powersouth.com/powerlines

Send comments or story suggestions to christi.scruggs@powersouth.com.

To request a printed version of this issue:Lisa Haney | (334) 427-3712lisa.haney@powersouth.com

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled

Grantham named AOPA Boss of the YearPowerSouth Vice President of Member Services and Communications Leigh Grantham has been awarded the coveted Andalusia Office Professionals Association’s (AOPA) Boss of the Year Award. Since joining PowerSouth just more than three years ago, Grantham has made great strides developing the employees and the division. Her co-workers praise her ability to not only instill a commitment to high standards but also develop the skills of her team.

AOPA celebrated Bosses Day in October, honoring Grantham, center. She was nominated for the award by PowerSouth Division Secretary Tracey Nelson, right, and was presented the award by PowerSouth General Clerk and AOPA President Veronica Wallace, left.

“She is an encourager and a motivator, instilling a high standard of work ethic in her employees,” Nelson wrote of Grantham in the nomination letter. “She not only encourages and mentors improvement in her employees, but also participates in her employees’ personal development through involvement and guidance.” g