The Trade Ally Approach to Growing the Green Workforce

摘要

"Green jobs!" is the rallying cry for economic growth, but where will they come fromrnand how will they be created? Training existing trade allies in new and improved energyrnefficiency technologies is a core component of increasing the market’s capacity to deliver energyrnsavings. This education can expand a trade ally’s service offerings, leading to increasedrnopportunities for business growth and revenues.rnPECI trains trade allies as part of the EnergySmart Grocer Program, which it administersrnin the Pacific Northwest for the Bonneville Power Administration, Puget Sound Energy andrnAvista Utilities. PECI has developed three approaches for the training and education of tradernallies.rn1. Tell: One-on-one discussions about new technologies with PECI staffrn2. Show: On-site installation labs on anti-sweat heat controls (ASHC) and electronicallyrncommutated motors (ECM)rn3. Get to know: Trade show style breakfasts on ASHC, ECM and LED lightingrnEach approach has benefits and shortcomings, but the trade show approach is a clearrnwinner, providing the most benefit per time invested for all parties. This approach connects tworngroups with complementary goals, helping trade allies increase their staffing and customer base,rnand helping suppliers increase the orders coming in and drive down costs.rnThis presentation will review in more detail the three trade ally training approaches, withrna specific emphasis on the trade show approach. We will review key concepts for hosting tradernshows and provide suggestions for future enhancements. We will also highlight how two tradernallies facing the economic downturn increased their offerings and revenue to play a tangible rolernin growing the green economy.