Two honored by Alabama Power

Kenneth Coleman and wife return to Selma; Atchison receives high award

By Katie Nichols (Contact) | Selma Times-Journal

Published Thursday, July 10, 2008

Kenneth and Prentiss Coleman returned to the site of their wedding reception.

The Alabama Power Company held a cocktail reception at the Saint James Hotel to honor newly appointed Vice-President of Southern Division Kenneth Coleman.

Coleman’s new position will oversee 13 offices and will oversee operations for the Southern divisions.

Coleman hails from New Jersey, but his wife, Prentiss, is from Selma.

She graduated from Selma High School and is happy to be close to Selma again.

Coleman said Alabama Power looks forward to continuing its dedication to Selma and Dallas County.

“Alabama Power will continue to be involved in the accountability campaign, Crime Stoppers, and various other projects,” Coleman said.

Crime Stoppers offers monetary incentives to people who report knowledge of local crimes.

Mayor James Perkins gave Coleman the key to the city of Selma.

“We ceremonially present keys to the city to people coming into the community who are sharing values to our community by their presence,” Perkins said. “The Coleman’s meet that criteria. I’m really proud of them as a couple and a family.”

The Alabama Power Company surprised Billy Atchison, Selma business office manager, with the Southern Star Award.

The award is given for one of the three parts of Southern Style.

They are total commitment, unquestionable trust and superior performance.

Atchison received the award for total commitment.

He helped get Crime Stoppers started in Selma, serves on various boards and is part of the campaign 20/20 board. The board helps get new businesses to come to Selma.

Friends, family and colleagues commended Atchison on his passion and drive.

“I’m very proud of him,” Janet Atchison, his wife, said. “He loves Southern Company, and the company has been good to us for the last 24 years.”

Paula Robertson works for Atchison at Alabama Power. She witnesses his merit daily.

“He is committed to making Selma and Dallas County a better place,” Robertson said. “He uses all of his resources at Alabama Power to help in that.”

Atchison’s son, Tommy, expressed his appreciation of his father.

“I think it is well deserved,” Tommy said. “He’s done a lot for this community, and he’s always been a great dad.”

Margaret Bentley, area manager and Atchison’s boss, is thankful for his dedication and work.

“I can’t think of anybody who deserves it more,” Bentley said. “I told him that the big turnout tonight is a tribute to everything he’s done.”