Contributed By AMEA
OPELIKA —
Al Cook, former economic development marketing consultant for the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA), was the recipient of the 2022 AMEA President’s Award on Monday, May 2 during the AMEA President’s Awards Dinner in Orange Beach, Alabama. The event was held in conjunction with the 2022 AMEA Power Supply Conference, May 2 and 3.
The award honors individuals who played a key role in the formation of AMEA, as well as those individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of AMEA’s 11 member cities. The award is presented in recognition of their continued leadership and dedication to the organization.
“Due to Al’s leadership and commitment to public power, AMEA has become a valued partner in Alabama’s electric utility community,” said Fred Clark, AMEA president and CEO.
Cook’s economic development career began in 1974 with the Alabama Development Office (now the Alabama Department of Commerce). In 1978, he became human resource director in the startup of five manufacturing facilities in central Alabama. In 1990, he returned to economic development as senior vice president of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2001, Cooke became economic development director of Florida’s Great Northwest Inc. In 2003, he was hired as the director of economic development for the city of Opelika, a position he held until his retirement in 2011.
AMEA, a joint action agency located in Montgomery, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve about 350,000 customers in the cities of Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, Foley, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga and Tuskegee.