OIT Times: OIT Co-Sponsoring California 'Energy Fairs'

March 21, 2002

How did California get itself into an energy crisis? That was the question posed by California State Assemblyman Fred Keeley on January 16, 2002, at the San Jose, CA, energy eventnergy Solutions for California Industry. And, helping California industry remain profitable during the energy crisis is the purpose of the Energy Solutions series.

The San Jose energy event was the second in the series, informally known as nergy fairs.OIT and the California Energy Commission (CEC), which co-sponsors the series, held the first fair in Sacramento on August 14, 2001. he events bring together public- and private-sector organizations, including financial institutions, technical services firms, and utility companies, and provide attendees with information and tools to achieve cost and energy savings,said David Garman, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The events concentrate on energy improvements in pumping and compressed air systems, motors, and drives.

OIT Chris Cockrill, an organizer of the Energy Solutions events, explains that they began when the CEC approached OIT last year about working together to help California industry weather the energy crisis. At about the same time, Gunnar Hovstadius from Allied Partner ITT Fluid Technologies was talking to OIT about pulling together an Allied Partner event in California. The efforts came together, and in April 2001 OIT and CEC agreed to schedule three energy events in California.

hey are very serious forums that allow industry leaders to talk face to face with solution providers from the ranks of our Allied Partners,explains Cockrill. t not a trade show. Exhibitors are hand-picked from our Allied Partners. We focus on solutions, not products.The events typically feature 25 to 35 exhibitors and 200 to 300 attendees. Simultaneous breakout sessions are presented throughout the day.

The next energy event is scheduled for May 15, 2002, in Buena Park, CA. For more information on the energy events, please see the California Energy Events Web site: www.projectperformance.net/caenergyevents/