Training and Education - Programs include partial or all day general awareness and technical training sessions with information that will lead to implementation of energy efficiency improvements. The primary purpose of these training sessions is to educate, inform and equip end-users with tools to identify implementation improvements. Programs typically include introduction to advanced technologies, tools for understanding the benefits of implementing improvements, and opportunities to make use of resources available through grants or incentives, such as utility rebate programs. The program format adopted by MAEEP allows for inclusion of relevant programs and information to be delivered within the workshop. MAEEP training session often include introduction of other reduced-cost or free programs, such as assessments Industrial Assessment Center, productivity and environmental programs offered by the Office of Technical Assistance (an Executive Office of Environmental Affairs program), the Massachusetts MEP, and Utility based DSM programs. Additional information in the form of plant tours and follow-on programs may be included. Where applicable, continuing education credits may be offered.  

Industrial Assessment Center - The University of Massachusetts has been the site of an IAC since 1984. With more than 500 industrial plant visits, the IAC has been part of implemeinting over $220 million dollars in cost savings from energy efficiency, productivity and waste minimization improvements. Current annual savngs exceed $30 million annually and typical plant savngs are in excess of $150,000/year. For more information about IAC visit the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at www.ceere.org

University Technology Center Research - Massachusetts in one of most concentrated areas in the world for university research and training. UMass along with partners at Worcester Polytechnic, MIT, Northeastern, and other major colleges and commnity schools provide ample opportunity to foster research and development and training for today and tomorrows industry.

Federal Incentive Programs - DOE's Office of Industrial Technology supports implementation and research and development through several programs administered at the state level through the State Energy Office. Programs such as the Nattional Insentive for Competativeness in Energy Environment and Economics (NICE3), and Inventions and Innovations have provided industry and technology developers with capital to reduce risk and increase commercialization potential of innovations in process, materials, and management for manufacturing

Policy Stakeholder Representation - The MAIOF process involves all levels of government and private sector partnering. The opportunity to make significant improvements to the manufacturing base must start with a meeting place to define strength, challenges and opportunites to improve. The stakeholders interests span the range of issues including economics, environment, research and development, and lobor and training.