Take a look around at various aspects of Dallas County and Selma, and it’s likely you’ll see Alabama Power Co.

Alisa Summerville, the Alabama Power’s new business office manager for Selma, wants to make sure the company continues to put its best face out there.

“We’re always involved in trying to grow and expand communities,” Summerville said. “You’ll see me involved in many, many of the industrial development initiatives. You’ll find me involved in community development initiatives. You’ll find me on the Chamber of Commerce. I’d love to work alongside the elected officials to not only grow the businesses we have, but to recruit new businesses here.”

Summerville, 42, is replacing former office manager Billy Atchison, who died of lung cancer in late August.

Born in Chicago and raised in Birmingham, Summerville came to Selma from Monroeville, where she was business manager of Alabama Power’s local office. She began with Alabama Power in 1991 as a customer service representative in the customer call center in Birmingham.

In 2003 she took a position as business office supervisor in the Mobile office. She said the company strives to meet a growing dependence on energy while at the same time helping customers cope with rising costs.

“We’re always looking to improve our processes,” Summerville said. “The Southeast’s demand for electricity is growing by leaps and bounds. We’re always working with customers and trying to find ways to help them manage their energy costs more efficiently. We have various programs out there to do so.”

Lauri Cothran, president of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, said she is already looking forward to continuing the strong partnership the Chamber has with Alabama Power.

“The Chamber (director) from Monroeville was very upset with me because we had gotten her,” Cothran joked. “I look forward to working with her.”