BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - May 22, 2007 - With Alabama earning a sterling reputation worldwide in recruiting new industry to the state, sometimes existing industries and businesses don’t get their just due.

That certainly wasn’t the case in April when the Alabama Power Foundation contributed $1,000 to the Guin Industrial Appreciation Banquet. A packed crowd filled the Marion County High School gym to recognize the reliable mainstays of local business and industry, and to hear keynote speaker Neal Wade, director of the Alabama Development Office.

“Our objective was to make sure they understand we’re just as committed to existing industry, and the jobs they maintain in our community, as we are to new business expansion and the jobs they create,” said Bob Woods, area manager for Alabama Power.

Rod Northam, manager of the 3M reflective sign factory in Guin, said the message got across.

“For us as a plant, and for our employees, it’s always good to be recognized by your peers and the people you see every day,” Northam said. “Everybody likes to hear they’re doing good things for the community.”

Woods said an estimated 275 people attended the event. A variety of awards were announced in areas such as business growth and community service.

“The Alabama Power Foundation supports events such as this because existing companies and businesses that employ our citizens makes living in Alabama all the more better,” Woods said.

The Alabama Power Foundation works to improve the quality of life of Alabamians and strengthen the communities in which they live. Since 1990, the foundation has provided more than $90 million in grants to worthy projects across Alabama. Details about the foundation are available at www.alabamapowerfoundation.com.www.alabamapowerfoundation.com

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.