Charles McCrary praised Greenville's accomplishments, telling city leaders during a quarterly meeting for the Butler County Manufacturing Association that Alabama Power has a continued interest in the economic and educational development of the Camellia City.

McCrary, President and CEO of Alabama Power, addressed BCMA members on Tuesday night at Cambrian Ridge.

&#8220What you've accomplished in the last four years is phenomenal for a community,” McCrary said. &#8220You succeeded because you had great vision and great leadership.”

McCrary praised Butler County and Greenville officials for continuing to seek out new business opportunities for the county, while fostering relationships with existing industries.

&#8220You can't sustain success unless everyone is successful,” he said. &#8220You haven't rested on what you've accomplished either. You continue to strive and struggle for more \economic development opportunities and I applaud you for that.”

McCrary alluded to Alabama Power's own origins as a company no one believed in. The company is celebrating its 100th year in 2006.

&#8220In 1906 no one used electricity in Alabama,” McCrary said, who told those attending Alabama Power is conducting extensive historical research as a way to honor its founders in the centennial year.

William P. Lay founded the company in 1906 and sold his interest to James Mitchell in 1912. Mitchell turned investors into believers and Alabama Power has continued to grow ever since, expanding its operations even into Georgia, Mississippi and Florida.

McCrary said Alabama Power has a firm commitment to education in the state. He said 75 percent of the people who take Alabama Power's pre-employment aptitude test fail and it is the in the company's best interest to ensure future generations are ready to re-supply the workforce.

&#8220Education goes hand-in-hand with economic development,” said McCrary.

McCrary first started work for Alabama Power as a freshman at Auburn University in 1970.