THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2015
Congratulations Georgia Power Ambassadors on an awesome year!
We’ve had an increase in service hours, increase in state travel opportunities
and an increase in membership in many of our chapters. You all have truly
continued to shine the triangle and live out the motto, “A Citizen Wherever we
Serve.”
As we close out 2015, let’s take a look back at all of the activities held throughout
the year, beginning with Workshop all the way to the Annual State Board
Meeting. We’ll also take a look at what’s in store for 2016 and introduce you to
your 2016 Executive Committee.
If you are not a member of Ambassadors and would like more information on
how to join, please call me at the State Office at 404-506-7000. Ambassadors is
a great way to reconnect with your fellow employees and establish new
friendships. It’s also a great way to stay up to date on company news. We have
nineteen chapters statewide and I am positive there is one near you. Hope to
hear from you soon and see you at a chapter meeting in 2016!
Again, thank you for what you do each and every day for Georgia Power
Ambassadors. It’s been a pleasure working with you in 2015 and I look forward
to an even bigger year in 2016!
Sincerely,
Krista Pierce
Krista Pierce
Volunteer Services Representative
Ambassadors Assistant State Coordinator
The year kicked off in Macon with the Annual Ambassador Workshop.
Seventeen of the nineteen chapters were present for the two-day event.
Chapters with the greatest membership increase, attendance increase and
most service hours were recognized at the meeting. Chapter Presidents
gained insight into the Ambassadors organization as a whole and walked away
with some best practices on service projects, membership and travel
opportunities. Thank you to all of the 2015 Chapter Officers who stepped up to
lead their chapters this year.
In April, two hundred and thirty-eight Ambassadors, representing all 19 chapters
from across the state, descended upon Epworth by the Sea at Saint Simons Island
for the 25th Annual Ambassador Retreat. Attendees enjoyed a dolphin tour, a port
authority tour and world-class entertainment throughout the week. There was also
horseshoes, bean bag toss, Bingo, Health Fair…the list is endless. It’s like a cruise
without having to leave land. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and can’t wait to
see what 2016 has in store.
This year, we had a dramatic increase in travel opportunities. A huge thank you
to our State Travel Administrators, Bob Davidson and Lois Duncan for coming
up with some terrific trip locations for everyone to explore and enjoy. Over 150
participants jumped on a bus, flew on a plane or set sail on a boat to many
exciting destinations. The State trips offer an opportunity to renew past
friendships and establish new ones. Take a look at just a few snapshots from
their around the world adventures.
We’ll start with the first trip of the year— MIAMI/KEY
WEST
From the Beach to the Mountains
In May, Ambassadors traveled by train to the mountains of West Virginia.
The trip included visits to Historic Bramwell, the Billy Graham Home, Mt.
Airy (Home of Andy Griffith), Grove Park Inn, the Barter Theater and
many other scenic sites. A wonderful time was had by all!
From the Mountains of West Virginia to the Austrian Alps
In June, a group of Ambassadors traveled to Europe where they visited
Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland. During the ten day excursion, they
visited Bern, Chateau de Chillon, Salzburg and many other locations of
interest. They even had a chance to learn how to make apple strudel.
And then there was New England and Canada Cruising to end the year
In October, Ambassadors set sail aboard the Regal Princess for a seven
night cruise, including ports along the Atlantic Coast, New England and the
Maritime Provinces of Canada. It was the perfect time of year to enjoy all
the beautiful colors of fall, as well as, all the scenery each port had to offer.
Because of you, over 80 ramps have been built. Because of you, over 8,000
pounds of food was delivered to area food banks for needy families. Because
of you, blood donors were shown appreciation around the state during blood
drives through your smiling face and caring attitude in the Canteen areas.
And the list goes on and on.
Each and every year, you push the bar higher in giving back to your
community. This year alone, you have provided over 48,000 service hours
and that number grows every day.
Your communities are growing and
thriving because of what you do in the name of Ambassadors. You are the
epitome of the motto, “A Citizen Wherever We Serve.” Thank you for all that
you have done in 2015!
In November, the Annual State Board meeting was held at Georgia Power
headquarters. The 2016 leadership team was installed by former President and
CEO of Georgia Power Company, Mr. Bill Dahlberg. Updates were given on
benefits from the Health and Compensation team. A Plant Vogtle construction
update was given by Fredy Carmichael. The group was joined at lunch by Paul
Bowers and his leadership team. A company update was provided by Paul
Bowers at that time.
The Lifetime Volunteer State winners were recognized, as were the Allen B.
Wilson Management Award recipients. Sixteen of the chapter Presidents were in
attendance and recognized for their outstanding leadership in 2015. The chapter
coordinators for each area were also recognized for their tremendous support of
the chapters.
A special thank you was presented to outgoing State President, Alice Claxton
and to Director at Large, Bob Campbell. It was a terrific event. Please enjoy
these snapshots from the day.
2015 Lifetime Volunteer Award Winners
Pictured left to right: Dianne & Gene Ussery, Suzanne Ginn and
Elnetta Smith
Each year, all chapters are asked to nominate a member from their
group that truly exemplifies the motto, “A Citizen Wherever We Serve.”
The State Executive committee then reviews all applications submitted
and selects three winners.
This year, out of the thirteen nominations, we are pleased to announce
the following as this year’s Lifetime Volunteer Award recipients.
Elnetta Smith
Gene &Dianne Ussery
Suzanne Ginn
Altamha
Athens
Metro East
2015 Allen B. Wilson Management Award Winners
In 1995, the Georgia Power Ambassadors, Inc. voted to name the Annual
Management Appreciation Awards in honor of Allen B. Wilson, Retired
Executive Vice President. Mr. Wilson began his career with Georgia Power in
1942, and at the time of his retirement in 1982, was Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer. He was instrumental in the organization of the
Ambassadors in 1984 and served on the Executive Committee from 19841990. Mr. Wilson was a charter member of the Metro North Chapter. At the
time of his death, he served in an advisory capacity for the state organization.
We are pleased to announce the 2015 Allen B. Wilson Management Award
Recipients.
Mr. C. Greg Brown-Wallace Dam Plant Manager (nominated by SinclairOconee Chapter)
Mr. Greg Brown-Clayton Area Manager (Nominated by Northeast GA Chapter)
Thank you both for your continued support of Ambassadors, both at the area
chapter level and at the state level.
Meet Your 2016 State Executive Committee
The 2016 State Executive Committee was officially installed by Former Georgia
Power Company President and CEO, Mr. Bill Dahlberg at the Annual State Board
Meeting. Serving in 2015 are the following:
President: Gene Ussery
First Vice President: Garnett Grubb
Second Vice President: Bob Davidson
Recording Secretary: Joyce Burton
Corresponding Secretary: Jeanine Arledge
Treasurer: Tony Brown
Immediate Past President: Alice Claxton
State Travel Administrator: Lois Duncan
Directors at Large: George Ellis
Sam Freeman
Wendell Harvey
Gail Johnson
Gary Kimbell
Ronnie Pate
Kline Petty
Thomas Ralston
It seems like it was just last week when I greeted the new
chapter presidents at workshop in Macon and now here we
are at Christmas! Where does the time go?
I cannot thank you all enough for your leadership throughout
the year. Your actions and your deeds continue to show your
peers, your communities, and most importantly current
Georgia Power Company employees what it means to be a
Citizens Wherever You Serve.
Thank you also for your heartwarming acceptance, as well as, your continued support
and inspiration for Krista and I. You all truly make this a labor of love.
Thank you again and I wish you and your family a safe, blessed Christmas season.
Chris D’Andrea-Volunteer Services Manager
January 26
January 27-28
March 9-12
April 18
April 19-22
June 19-28
Sept. 1-9
September 23
November 18
December 6-9
2016 Important Dates
Executive Committee Meeting-Macon Marriot City Center
Annual Workshop-Macon Marriot City Center
State Trip-Strawberries and More-Saint Augustine, Florida
Executive Committee Meeting-Epworth by the Sea
26th Annual Ambassador Retreat-Epworth by the Sea
State Trip-Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park
State Trip-Black Hills, Yellowstone, Tetons & More (sold out)
Executive Committee Meeting-Macon
Annual State Board Meeting-Atlanta
State Trip-Cajun Christmas and More-New Orleans