CEE's Motor Decisions Matter campaign is officially up and running.
With firm financial backing in place (18 Stakeholders have committed $175,000 so far), the St. Louis-based firm of Kupper Parker Communications has been hired to coordinate marketing and communications for the campaign. MDM, which now has a logo and a Web site (www.motorsmatter.org), was launched at the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) Convention in Chicago June 25.
MDM promotes system efficiency through the development of a motor management plan.
In addition to a press conference announcing the campaign launch, there was also a Motor Decisions Matter booth in the exhibition area. An MDM information kit was distributed to the press and interested conference attendees.
"The campaign was very well received by those attending the EASA convention and the press conference," said Ted Jones, Industrial Program Manager for CEE. "Now we will be focusing on our follow-up and delivery of the MDM message."
Through the campaign, CEE members are partnering with industry stakeholders such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), EASA, the Copper Development Association and Baldor Motors & Drives.
"This is a great opportunity to make an impact on various levels of audiences who are involved with motor planning," said Steve Richardson of Kupper Parker. "The campaign has two major strengths: the power of the campaign sponsors and the timeliness and importance of energy efficiency. It's being backed by a true industry consortium."
CEE will act as an umbrella organization and facilitator for the campaign.
The three main audiences for MDM are executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs), plant management (including engineers and building owners) and distributors (repair shops, contractors). Over the next few months, Motor Decisions Matter will develop a motor planning tool kit, enhance the MDM Web site and generate publicity through an extensive public relations campaign.
"The value from this campaign is that it's taking the message to a higher level," said Beth Poulin, Senior Analyst at National Grid USA. "Through MDM, we're bringing the message to the CEOs. By working with others in this campaign, we're able to take a bigger view and get support from repair shops and manufacturers. MDM adds support and credibility to the local efforts in which National Grid is engaged."
Jon Linn, C&I Program Manager at the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, is impressed with what has been accomplished in a relatively short period of time.
"All the constituents are showing enthusiastic support and that's very encouraging," Linn said. "Everything seems to be moving along nicely."
Over the next three years, the campaign will focus on refining and delivering its message to the market. Campaign sponsors will be integrating campaign themes and materials into their programs while helping to guide the campaign through an advisory committee. While MDM is off to a good start, there is ample opportunity for new sponsors to join.
"Campaign sponsors are the ones who really do the heavy lifting in terms of getting the message out," said Jones. "We are always looking for new sponsors to help the campaign achieve the broadest outreach possible."
Interested in becoming an MDM sponsor? Contact Ted Jones at 617-589-3949, ext. 209.
