2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This award honors a Chamber member large business that employees 10 or more staff members , maintains consistent growth and strong performance , understands its customer , has an engaged workforce with effective leadership , and is continually innovating to support future growth . This business not only invests in its continued success , but also invests its resources in the success of the community .
Camellia Communications is an affiliate of Hayneville Telephone Company , Inc . which began in 1946 , when Mr . and Mrs . Howard S . Powell , II purchased the telephone company from the Sutherland family . At the time of purchase the operation consisted of a switchboard in their home and approximately fifty customers . Howard and Jessie faced all the challenges of a small telephone company in the 40 ’ s , 50 ’ s and 60 ’ s . They had to grow their company as they grew their family , Howard III ( Smitty ), Penelope , and Herbert . In the mid 1950 ’ s , they introduced dial service and housed their small switchboard on the site that is now the business office for the company and all its operations . All other functions of the business continued to be provided from their home .
In the late 1960 ’ s demand grew for telephone service in the rural franchise area . To provide this service , the Powells responded by incorporating the business and receiving their first loan for REA . Service was then expanded to the Lowndesboro and the Gordonsville , Alabama areas . The subsequent increase in business required Howard and Jessie to move the business operation from their home , so in 1972 they built the first business office in Hayneville .
In 1976 , Howard Powell , II died and Jessie became President of the company . As the years passed , the family continued to grow including children , grandchildren , and great grandchildren .
As a result of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 , competition was opened to the telephone industry . The Powell family saw an opportunity to offer services to
neighboring cities and Butler County . Mrs . Powell died in April of 2003 before she could see the completion of Camellia Communications , which became a reality in 2004 .
Currently three of Jessie and Howard ’ s grandchildren ; Evelyn Powell Causey , Howard S . Powell , IV , and Heather Wood Daffin , and one greatgrandchild Cory Causey run the family business .
Camellia Communications currently employs 17 at its Greenville office , serving more than 3,700 residential and commercial customers in the county with a variety of services including broadband , digital TV , voice services , security , web , and wireless .
President and CEO Evelyn Causey says that with Greenville ’ s great location to I-65 and leadership , Greenville is poised to take advantage of so many opportunities for retail growth which makes for a great place to grow any business .
“ In most communities , you may have a handful of stakeholders , like city and county officials , but in Greenville everyone is a stakeholder ,” said Causey . “ The citizens take pride and an interest in their town , which makes for a better place for everyone to work and live .”
Camellia Communications gives back to the community in which its stakeholders are by proudly supporting
organizations and clubs such as :
Greenville High School ’ s Band Booster Club , Football Team , Baseball Team and Yearbook . McKenzie and Georgiana Football Teams . Greenville Middle School ’ s Special Olympics
Fort Dale Academy Football , Basketball , Yearbook , Athletic Club , annual Deer Hunt and Teacher Appreciation , Rotary Club , Kiwanis Club , Butler County Humane Shelter , Department of Human Resources , Safe Harbor Children ’ s Advocacy Center , Greenville Police Department , Gary Wayne Health Memorial Scholarship , Achiever Award Scholarship Program , Natural Resource Youth Camp , Butler Cunty Commission for Economic Development , Butler County Relay for Life , Healthy Kids , and many others .
Camellia Communication ’ s has also awarded college scholarships to local Seniors , totaling approximately $ 32,750 since their first year in business in 2004 .
In addition to running the company , Evelyn goes above and beyond in her dedication to ensuring the city ’ s success and growth by serving in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees , including :
Vice Chair for the Butler County Commission for Economic Development ; LBW Foundation Board ; Appointed Chair by Gov . Kay Ivey on the State of Alabama 911 Board ; and Vice Chair for the Telecommunications Association of the Southeast Board .
Although the generations have come and gone , one thing is certain , their commitment to their community and customers continues to be the cornerstone of their success and they are dedicated to continuing the 74-year legacy started by Howard and Jessie Powell .
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