Georgia Power has announced the recipient of the second annual Preston Arkwright Award for service – Matt Goff, forestry and right of way supervisor for Georgia Power. The company created the award to spotlight and recognize the exceptional commitment to service demonstrated by thousands of employees working every day in communities across the state. Danna Clary, sales training consultant in Atlanta, was also selected as a runner up for the award during a special ceremony held recently at the annual Citizens of Georgia Power statewide meeting. The Citizens of Georgia Power is the company's statewide, employee-driven community service organization.

"Enriching our neighborhoods and improving the lives of those around us is a passion shared by all Georgia Power employees – not just today, but since the very beginning of our company," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "As our employees continue to fulfill our mission to be a citizen wherever we serve, I am proud of Matt and Danna's dedication to their communities and recognize the impact they have made for so many."

Goff has worked with Georgia Power for more than 15 years and has embraced the company's service philosophy in tandem with his personal dedication to the community. He organized and ran the Citizens of Georgia Power - Metro South Chapter's Power Clays Shoot, the largest single fundraising event for Electric Kids, a nonprofit organization which provides assistance to children of deceased or disabled Georgia Power or Southern Company employees based in Georgia. Goff also assists with homeless shelters, battered and abused women shelters, as well as Relay for Life in Fayette County.

The Preston Arkwright Award was created in honor of Preston Arkwright, the company's first president who coined the phrase "A Citizen Wherever We Serve" more than 100 years ago. Employees were nominated by their colleagues for the award, with finalists selected by a panel and winners chosen by employee voting. As part of the award, Goff will receive a $5,000 donation to a nonprofit of his choice. Clary will receive a $1,500 donation to a nonprofit of her choice.

A commitment to citizenship is at the heart of Georgia Power's culture. In 2016, the company's total community impact totaled $22 million with Georgia Power and the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. investing more than $16.6 million in communities and nonprofit organizations across the state. Additionally, Georgia Power employees and retirees donated over 150,000 hours in volunteer services – valued at more than $3.6 million.