Lynn Meadows Discovery Center unveils Louie’s Lab

In partnership with the Mississippi Power Foundation, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport recently unveiled Louie’s Lab, an interactive exhibit that teaches visitors about energy, energy safety and energy efficiency and features Mississippi Power’s own Louie the Lightning Bug.

A team of approximately 10 engineers, environmental scientists and energy efficiency experts provided information, images and content for the exhibit. The hands-on area allows children to play an interactive video gamed called Louie’s River Cleanup, build model solar cars, learn about energy efficiency and safety and tinker on Louie’s Super Duper Trouble Shooter Computer.

“The goal of the Mississippi Power Foundation is to support projects that fall under education, environmental stewardship or community development,” said Community Development and Corporate Giving Manager Steven Dick. “Louie’s Lab falls under all three of those categories. Now, local children and visitors alike will learn all about energy thanks to Louie and Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.”

Louie’s Lab was an instant hit as third-graders from Bayou View Elementary School eagerly explored the exhibit following the ribbon-cutting. Mississippi Power employees along with Lynn Meadows Discovery Center volunteers and community members came out to support the grand opening.

Finance Director and Assistant Treasurer Ann Barrett Ladner, past president of the LMDC Board of Directors, also provided remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"I'd like to thank the engineers, environmental scientists and energy efficiency experts from Mississippi Power for your support in creating this exhibit," said Ladner. "I know we are all looking forward to the innovating ideas that Louie's Lab will spark in the minds of both young and old visitors."

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center’s Executive Director Cindy Defrances is confident that the tens of thousands of visitors that pass through the children’s museum each year will enjoy Louie’s Lab for years to come.

“I want to thank the Mississippi Power Foundation for all they have done to make sure that Lynn Meadows continues to thrive and be a resource for families in our community,” said Defrances. “We could not be prouder to partner with Mississippi Power.”

Now in its 97th year of operations, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for nearly 191,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power recently was a recipient of the Community Partner Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its innovative and ongoing efforts to build a diverse workforce. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

###