Community Connection celebrates volunteers of the year

Mississippi Power’s employee volunteer organization, Community Connection, boasts nearly 1,000 members spread across the company’s 23 county service territory and at the Kemper County energy facility.

At the annual meeting held Feb. 11 at the Great Southern Club in downtown Gulfport, more than 100 attendees from all seven chapters were treated to highlights of service projects that were completed in 2014. Additionally, the volunteers of the year were announced and honored for their incredible service.

During his opening remarks, CEO Ed Holland thanked the members for their work and commitment to serving others.

“There’s not a week that goes by without your community service being mentioned in a news article,” Holland said. “What you do truly makes a difference for the people we serve. You put others first, whether a coworker, a customer or an entire community. Because of your actions, we are respected and admired in the community, both as employees and as a company.”

Johnny Atherton, vice president, Corporate Services and Community Relations told the group they are appreciated more than they will ever know.

“A good community strategy starts with a good employee strategy. I am proud to be a part of this program myself,” Atherton said.

Volunteers of the year include:

• Kim Necaise, online customer care analyst, Coast Chapter
• Brad Cates, senior community development representative, General Office Chapter
• Karen Waters, senior customer service representative, Jackson-George County Chapter
• Stephen Moore, lineman, Meridian Chapter
• Josh Ulmer, apprentice electrician-substations, Pine Belt Chapter
• Cathy Sowell, administrative assistant, Plant Ratcliffe Chapter
• Charlie Smith, senior safety specialist, Plant Watson.

“2014 was an outstanding year by all accounts for Community Connection and all the officers and chapter members should be congratulated,” said Community Development Corporate Giving Manager Rodger Meinzinger. “With all the positive momentum built this past year, I’m excited and confident that 2015 will be a banner year and become our best one yet.”