(SitNews) - Had 1972 not been a bad fish year… things may have turned out differently.

But as it went, the fisheries industry loss, was the utility industries gain as an energetic and youthful Bob Grimm, and his new bride Elaine took on the challenge of working for family, (Elaine’s grandpa Arthur) and ultimately 12 years later, stepping into the role of President of Alaska Power & Telephone Company.

December 31st, 2016 will mark the end of era for a man who has been at the helm of AP&T six-times longer than what is typical for a CEO in today’s workplace. At the same time it marks the beginning of new era or leadership under the guiding hand of newly tapped CEO Michael Garrett. Garrett, a CPA, has been with the company 27 years and presently holds the position of VP/Chief Operating Officer of AP&T’s Telecom Division. He will officially step into the role of CEO at the beginning of 2017, which happens to mark the Company’s 60th Anniversary of operation.

When asked what he was going to do next, Grimm replied, “The old saying about life coming full-circle is probably more applicable in my case than many. The fish are calling, and I’m all ears..”

Distilling a 44 year legacy of leadership into a bite-sized segment sized to fit this quick-hit format understates the length and breadth of the impact, dedication and passion Bob Grimm brought to his role at AP&T each and every day. But the following snapshot provides a glimpse of the enormous growth and measureable success AP&T has experienced under his guidance.

• Chosen Small Utility CEO of THE YEAR in 2015 by Electric Light & Power Magazine.
• Spearheaded Construction of 4 Clean Renewable- Energy Hydro Projects in Southeast Alaska. Three of which were certified “Environmentally Low Impact” by the Low Impact Hydro Institute.
• Two additional Renewable Small Hydro projects presently under construction.
• Expansion of alternative energy technologies in rural Alaskan communities.
• Strengthening of local rural economies, via reduction of costs associated with the import of fossil-fuels for generation, thereby leaving more dollars in the local economic loop.
• Transformation of AP&T’s energy portfolio from 97% Carbon-based, to +70% Renewable-based generation.
• Cultivation of longstanding private partnerships with Alaska’s Native corporations creating mutually-beneficial projects and opportunities for stakeholders of each.
• Establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• Helping guide AP&T to become the 4th largest Telecom provider in the State of Alaska.
• AP&T’s assets have grown from $4M to $122M. Net Income has increased 10-fold and shareholder earnings per share have matured to 7-times what they were in 1984.

Alaska Power & Telephone is an employee and investor-owned company founded in Skagway, Alaska, in 1957, just prior to statehood. The company provides a variety of regulated and nonregulated electrical and telecommunications services in 40 different Alaskan communities. AP&T has pioneered innovative rural energy development projects across Alaska.

In addition to owning and operating numerous diesel plants, AP&T currently owns and operates seven hydropower projects, a utility scale solar installation, and is in the process of constructing two additional hydropower projects, Hiilangaay on Prince of Wales Island and Yerrick Creek in SW Interior of Alaska.

On the Web:

Bob Grimm's farewell interview
https://vimeo.com/194444438

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T)
www.aptalaska.com

 

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Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

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