Dear PEP Members:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we sincerely thank you for your continued support of PEP. Your membership is vital to our mission of promoting economic prosperity and environmental sustainability in the region. We truly appreciate your dedication to PEP’s vision.

At PEP, we focus on highlighting the positive contributions businesses make, especially in safety and environmental performance. Through collaboration and community engagement, we are working to build a thriving and sustainable Gulf Coast. With strong leadership from our Board and the dedication of member volunteers, PEP is a trusted voice, advocating for fair, science-based regulations and promoting decisions that align with environmental best practices, benefiting both businesses and the community.

Your support continues to expand our reach and impact. Here are some key highlights of PEP’s 2024 achievements:

Business and Community Advocacy

PEP continues to advocate for environmentally responsible business practices. In 2024, we provided public comments and support letters for our members, worked with local chambers and environmental organizations like the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. At the request of members and local business leaders, we carefully reviewed Mobile Baykeeper’s notice of intent to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as the study it referenced. We urged Baykeeper to follow standard processes for new information as no significant evidence has emerged to halt construction to deepen and widen the shipping channel or indicate inadequate protections for threatened species. 

We also joined new advisory boards at the University of South Alabama to contribute to environmental equity and industry-ready curriculum development.

Member Engagement & Education

With a 90% renewal rate and 22 new member companies, our membership remains strong. This year, we hosted a robust series of educational and networking events, including a seminar on “Artificial Intelligence for Industry,” which highlighted AI applications to improve productivity, compliance, and sustainability. Plus, we are focused on engaging younger professionals in PEP’s activities, and we invite you to encourage your emerging leaders to become active PEP volunteers. 

Reducing Carbon Footprints: PEP Awards

Our 2024 PEP Environmental Stewardship Award winners collectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 6,732 metric tons—the equivalent of powering 1,329 homes annually. PEP’s Community Partner award was presented during the Annual Meeting to Dr. P.J. Waters, an Associate Extension Professor with Auburn University and the leader of the Mobile Oyster Gardening Program. 

PEP Science and Technology Scholarship

Thanks to generous donations, our Scholarship Fund continues to grow. This year’s recipient, Colleen Luttrell, is pursuing a degree in Wildlife Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University. The $2,500 scholarship is open to employees and dependents of member companies, with applications for 2025 accepted from January 1 to April 30.

Get Involved

We encourage you and your employees to get more involved by joining a PEP committee. From event planning to policy development, there are many ways to contribute and connect with fellow members. This is a great opportunity for young professionals to grow their leadership skills while supporting PEP’s work.

This month, you will receive your 2025 Membership Dues Renewal Invoice. Membership dues provide a third of PEP’s annual revenue, and we hope you will renew your commitment before February 28, 2025.

Thank you again for your partnership and support. Wishing you, your family, and your company team a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Denson, Executive Director

2024 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT - BASF

In an era where environmental sustainability is more critical than ever, BASF stands out as an industry leader dedicated to eco-friendly practices. One exemplary initiative is their significant strides in reducing the disposal of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at their McIntosh site. This effort not only mitigates environmental impact but also optimizes resource utilization, demonstrating BASF’s innovative approach to sustainability.

Through a collaborative effort involving the Antioxidant operation and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) teams, BASF explored alternative outlets for HCl. Caleb Valrie, Operations Engineer at BASF’s McIntosh site, highlights the teamwork that made this achievement possible:

“I am incredibly thankful for the support and collaboration of the Antioxidant operation and EHS teams at BASF’s McIntosh site. The combined expertise and business acumen of these groups paved the way for an external outlet for HCI that allowed us to reduce both CO2 emissions and costs. It is an honor to be a part of such a talented and dedicated team.”

MISSED A PEP MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST? CHECK OUT OUR RECAPS!

SEPTEMBER - BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE WITH NOVELIS

In the modern world, sustainability is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. As industries worldwide strive to meet environmental goals and societal expectations, companies like Novelis are leading the way in creating sustainable solutions that benefit both the workforce and the planet. 

NOVEMBER - FORGING THE FUTURE: INNOVATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES IN SUSTAINABLE STEEL

Leaders from SSAB Americas, Outokumpu, and AM/NS Calvert, experts explored how companies are rethinking traditional steel production methods. The conversation focused on current sustainable practices, challenges faced by the industry, and the importance of balancing environmental responsibility with economic viability.

ADCNR, APC BUILD REEF IN GULF

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has teamed with Alabama Power Co. (APC) to build a new reef using end-of-life concrete poles and tower segments. Named after the ADCNR commissioner, the Christopher M. Blankenship Reef Zone covers 65 miles of Gulf of Mexico bottom between 10 and 20 miles off the Alabama coast. The reef is to be prime habitat for red snapper, Alabama’s signature reef species, as well as gray triggerfish and gray (mangrove) snapper. This is the fourth reef deployed by APC and uses concrete distribution and transmission poles and steel lattice from transmission towers. The Reefmaker of Orange Beach was used to deploy the material. There are now approximately 10,000 artificial reefs within the 1,200 square miles of reef bottom in the Alabama Artificial Reef Program. 

ANDY NEWTON JOINS THOMPSON HOLDINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thompson Holdings announced Andy Newton has joined its Board of Directors.

Newton currently serves as President of Uniti Fiber, a billion-dollar fiber-optic company headquartered in Mobile, Ala.

“Andy offers a unique perspective on technology and innovation, something Thompson is very interested in,” said John Baker, Thompson Holdings CEO. “We are honored he agreed to join our board to provide advice and input on topics that will help our company continuously benefit our clients and employee-owners.”

MASTER BOAT BUILDERS NAMED 2024 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to our PEP Member, Master Boat Builders, named the Mobile Chamber’s 2024 Innovator of the Year for groundbreaking advancements in shipbuilding, including the design and construction of the first-ever all-electric tugboat, the eWolf.

From its humble beginnings in 1979 to becoming a global leader, this family-owned company is driving innovation with hybrid vessels and investing in its workforce through an onsite training facility and development programs.

Read more about this industry leader’s incredible journey and vision for the future at the link below.

CITY OF MOBILE, RANSOM PARTNER TO RECYCLE OLD ELECTRONICS

The City of Mobile has announced it is now accepting old, unwanted, broken and outdated household electronics at its recycling centers through an expanded partnership with Chickasaw-based Ransom Solutions. City residents may drop off used residential electronics along with their household recyclables at any of the city’s three single-stream recycling centers, which are at 4851 Museum Drive, 308 Pinehill Drive and 1750 Dauphin Island Parkway. Ransom’s team will collect, sort and process qualifying electronic waste to help reduce electronic waste in landfills. Some of the items now accepted include phones, computers (including components and accessories), gaming consoles, CD and DVD players, cell phones, surge protectors and other small electronics. TVs and other large electronics will not be accepted but may be taken directly to Ransom ’s facility at 320 South Craft Highway in Chickasaw. Local businesses may schedule a commercial pickup for larger quantities through Ransom. 

MOBILE AREA COUNCIL OF ENGINEERS AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

The Mobile Area Council of Engineers (MACE) announced nominations are now open for their annual awards. Award categories include Engineer of the Year, Young Engineer of the Year, Industry Innovator (Special Recognition), Individual of Special Recognition, Engineering Project of the Year, Aerospace Engineer of the Year, Chemical Engineer of the Year, Civil Engineer of the Year, Electrical Engineer of the Year, Engineering Manager of the Year, Marine Engineer/Naval Architect of the Year, Mechanical Engineer of the Year, Engineering Educator of the Year, Plant Engineer of the Year.

The Plant Engineer of the Year category is open to any engineer working in an industrial plant environment (chemical, refining, steel/ heavy manufacturing, pulp and paper, etc).

All nominations must be submitted no later than 5 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025. The recipients will be honored at the Annual Banquet on Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5 - 8 p.m. at the MacQueen Alumni Center.

OSPREY INITIATIVE LAUNCHES CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM

Osprey Initiative announced the launch of a new curbside recycling program in Mobile, Alabama, designed to enhance the city’s waste management efforts and promote sustainability. Residents currently have the opportunity to participate in this innovative program, which includes the collection of glass recyclables.

In partnership with Glass Half Full of New Orleans, Osprey Initiative aims to make recycling more accessible and effective for Mobile, AL residents. This collaboration will ensure that recyclable material is properly collected and processed, reducing landfill contributions and promoting a circular economy.

The curbside pickups will allow residents to recycle not only common materials like cardboard and plastics but also glass bottles and jars, which can often be overlooked in traditional recycling programs. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce waste and educate the community on the importance of recycling.

Residents interested in participating in the curbside recycling program can sign up at https://glasshalffullpickups.com/pages/mobile or contact Osprey Initiative at info@osprey.world.

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL - 1,000 REEFS BY 2025!

Launched in 2023, The Eagle Reef Project is restoring marine ecosystems across Coastal Alabama. We've raised initial funds, with 300 of our planned 1,000 reefs already installed. Each reef will fill up with marine filter feeders(oysters, mussels, barnacles) that can filter up to 7.3 million gallons of water annually, improving water quality and creating vital habitat for marine life.

Our goal is to deploy all 1,000 reefs by the end of 2025. Homeowners, businesses, and anyone interested can contribute to this effort, making a direct impact on the local environment.

As you make your year-end giving contributions, we hope you will consider The Eagle Reef Project.

THANK YOU TO OUR PEP MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON SPONSORS!

Our events are a success through your support! Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Volkert; Gold Sponsor, Ransom Solutions; and Friends of PEP Sponsors, EMR-Southern Recycling, HPM, Hightower Industries, MetroPower, and Third Coast Safety.

THANK YOU TO OUR PEP MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON - SILVER SPONSORS:

Aaron Oil-a Tradebe Co, Alabama Port Authority, Alabama Power - Plant Barry, AM/NS Calvert, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Cowles, Murphy, Glover & Associates, FMC, Goodwin Mills Cawood, Hargrove, High Purity Silicon America Corporation, Moffatt & Nichol, Oil Recovery Co., Outokumpu, PPM Consultants, SCS Engineers, Southern Earth Sciences, The Water and Carbon Group, Thompson Engineering, and VSC Fire & Security.

THANK YOU TO OUR PEP MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON - BRONZE SPONSORS:

APM Terminals, Armbrecht Jackson, BASF, Burr & Forman, Cain & Associates, Dunn Building Company, Fluid Engineering, Longleaf CCS Hub, Master Boat Builders, McFadden Engineering, Orion Engineers+Constructors, Persons Services, Project Design Group, Rob’t J. Baggett, Spire, SSAB, and TVTC Safety Training Center.