JASPER, Ala. - March 10, 2008 - John Ledbetter has been named shoreline manager at Smith Lake.

Ledbetter replaces Mack Thomas, who retired in early February as Smith Lake shoreline manager, a job he held for the last five years.

“I really liked the beauty of the lake and diversity of people here,” Thomas said.

The 43-year veteran of Alabama Power has plenty to do in retirement. “I plan to travel, devote more time to my church and the many projects around the house,” along with playing some golf, he said.

Ledbetter said Smith Lake is different from Lakes Logan Martin and Neely Henry, where he previously worked as shoreline manager.

“Smith Lake is unique compared to Logan Martin and Neely Henry,” he said. “All structures float on this lake, while the majority of boat slips and piers are stable on the other two lakes.”

One thing remains the same: Ledbetter’s philosophy.

“We have guidelines that must be enforced. But I try to emphasize to my employees the importance of being polite and courteous as they come in contact with various situations,” he said. “We want property owners to enjoy their lake homes and work with us to protect the environmental and aesthetic aspects of lake life.”

Ledbetter started his career at Alabama Power in 1973 as a laborer. After graduating from Auburn, he progressed through the ranks to business office manager in Dora.

“Managing the lake is a big job, but I enjoy having the opportunity to meet and work with property owners,” Ledbetter said. “It’s such a unique job, where you may be in the office one day and out working on the most beautiful lake in the state the next.”

Created from the construction of Smith Dam on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River in 1961, Smith Lake is 35 miles long with a shoreline of 500 miles. The lake is named for Lewis Smith, president of Alabama Power from 1952 to1957.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO),
provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more about Alabama Power at www.alabamapower.com.

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Media Contact: Michael Sznajderman, (205)257-4155, msznajde@southernco.com