CEE’s third annual Industry Partners Meeting continues to grow – in attendance, interest and relationship building.

At a post-meeting reception, Board Chair Gene Rodrigues toasted CEE’s 15th anniversary, acknowledging the organization’s growth, accomplishments and ever-expanding partnerships (see story).

The meeting, held last month in Dallas, drew more than 60 industry representatives, who met with CEE members to discuss areas of mutual interest. Ten trade associations were represented and more than 70 CEE members attended, including several members of the Board.

Click here for a list of industry representatives attending the meeting.

Although segments of the meeting addressed general topics, such as the basics of energy efficiency programs and EPAct 2005, a large majority of the sessions focused on specific program opportunities with industries (lighting, HVAC, commercial kitchens, water heating and water/wastewater).

Phil Austen of Long Island Power Authority found the networking opportunities to be extremely helpful. “It is great to have the ability to place a face with the name of someone you may have spoken with over the phone or conversed with through e-mail,” he said. “This really solidifies the relationship and fosters additional communications in the future.

“I particularly enjoyed a session that I attended regarding gas water heating. I believe that it is important to stay abreast of new and emerging technologies, particularly in areas outside of your expertise. These sessions make it easy to continue learning – which is critical to future success.”

For many of the industry stakeholders, it was an opportunity to obtain important information about their potential roles in energy-efficiency programming.

“My understanding of EPAct and how the rules and regulations apply to lighting was really made clear by the presentations,” said Greg Murphy, Product Manager for Maxlite. “It started my thinking on how we should participate.”

Michael Dimitriou, Director of Strategic Technology for ITT Corp., presented and participated in the water/wastewater sessions.

“The meeting improved my understanding of the efforts by CEE to enhance cooperation between industries on energy issues, especially conservation and improved energy management techniques,” he said. “I believe it will foster a closer working relationship.”

Dimitriou also found some of the other sessions, those outside of his line of work, to be informative.

“It gave me valuable insight into how other industries were addressing issues similar to mine,” he said. “Dealing with changing regulations [was an area of common interest].”

Many agreed to continue the dialogues through the ongoing CEE program committees. CEE staff have already communicated the “next steps” to industry participants.

Members are encouraged to check the agendas of their program committees for follow-up activities and invited industry participation.

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