Story By Katie Hightower
On Nov. 19, a retirement party was held at Two Sisters Square for Scottsboro Electric Power Board’s employee, Vicki Watts. Over 130 people attended the event which celebrated Watts’s contributions and dedication to the SEPB.
Watts worked for the SEPB for nearly 34 years. She began working there as a cashier and over the years, she had several promotions. By the time she retired, she had worked as the head of public relations and marketing for the power board for over 25 years.
As head of PR and marketing, Watts engaged the community with the SEPB. She organized various events sponsored by the SEPB for customers and citizens to enjoy. She implemented an electrical safety picture contest that challenged Scottsboro City Schools students to practice safety around electricity. For many years, Watts managed the Our Town channel on the SEPB’s cable programming. The channel featured local events and school programs. It also aired local school sports events and graduations.
Phillip Chaney, the general manager for the SEPB, said he knew Watts since 1998. He said in addition to her PR and marketing work, Watts also served as the executive assistant to the general manager.
“She’s an exceptional employee. Vicki is like family,” Chaney said. “She did all of the event planning and community involvement.”
Chaney said Watts was a good person and it was bittersweet to see her leave.
“I wish her well,” Chaney said.
Billie Goss, a former coworker of Watts, said she worked with Watts when Watts was hired. Though Goss left the SEPB years ago, she kept in touch with Watts through the years.
“I think she’s wonderful. She’s always happy, smiling and willing to do what it takes to get stuff done,” Goss said. “Her mom and daddy did good raising her.”
As Watts greeted well-wishers at the party, she gave them polished prayer rocks as a token of her gratitude for their friendship and support. A framed picture was placed at the entrance for visitors to sign and include supportive messages. It was covered in signatures and kind words by the end of the party.
The SEPB paid for a food truck to supply drinks to those who attended the retirement party. Coffee, cider and hot chocolate were options for visitors to choose.
Upon retirement, Watts said she planned to invest her extra time through volunteer work in the community. Watts served on many community boards and committees. She planned to continue that work. Many visitors at the retirement party were people who volunteered alongside Watts at various community events.
John Lovelady, who co-managed the Jackson County Junior Leadership program, said he appreciated Watts’s help with the program. He said for years, she welcomed the students to the Our Town TV station and the kids enjoyed going to the SEPB and seeing how it ran.
“She’s the best,” Lovelady said. “She’s the only TV star I know from this town.”
While the SEPB will miss Watts, Scottsboro and Jackson County can look forward towards many more years of Watts’s hard work and service.
“I love helping people and being around them. By working in the community, I learned a lot of new things and got to know a lot of new people. I love a good challenge and look forward to continuing to support our community,” Watts said.
