More than 120 trade allies and Energy Trust representatives attended the 2018 Energy Trust Existing Buildings Trade Ally event on Tuesday, February 20, at the Red Lion Hotel on the River – Jantzen Beach.

The theme of the half-day event was “Energy efficiency and your business: Preparing for what comes next,” which featured training and information on industry topics affecting the energy-efficiency work of Oregon and Southwest Washington trade allies. The event capped off by recognizing the top 20 trade allies, all of whom received awards for their outstanding performance in standard and custom projects.

Attendees heard from Energy Trust Executive Director Michael Colgrove about Energy Trust’s outreach and plans for small businesses. This was followed by a keynote address from Oregon Economist Josh Lehner and Labor Specialist Stephen Simms, who shared the state’s economic outlook, insights into the labor market and effects on the business of energy efficiency.

Breakout sessions followed, giving attendees the option of choosing the most relevant topic for their businesses. Trade allies could learn about:

• How the City of Portland tracks energy performance and how to help customers improve scores
• The advantages of becoming a fully integrated trade ally
• A panel session on mentorship and training tools to help recruit a diverse workforce and increase worker retention

The full group came back together for program updates and awards for Outstanding Contributors in 2017, which recognized top performing non-lighting trade allies working with Existing Buildings. Awards were given to trade allies who demonstrated the highest levels of program participation and customer satisfaction, appropriate use of technology and a solid understanding of program requirements.

Please join in congratulating the Top 20 Outstanding Contributors in 2017 below!

Outstanding service for standard projects (in order by energy savings):

• La Costa Energy Efficiency Doors, Inc.
• REMIS America
• Harder Mechanical Contractors
• Groom Energy Solutions
• McKinstry
• Northwest Control Company
  Northwest Mechanical Group
• Tom Stevens Boiler Repair, Inc.
• J. Hansen Co., Inc.
• Pyramid Heating & Cooling

Outstanding service for custom projects (in order by energy savings):

• Northwest Control Company
• Clima-Tech Corporation
• McKinstry
• Crescent Electric Supply Company
• Hunter Davisson, Inc.
• Reitmeier
• Temp Control Mechanical Service
• Ameresco, Inc.
• P&L Johnson Mechanical, Inc
• Johnson Controls

For additional information about the events or awards, contact Aaron Lazelle, trade ally coordinator, at 541.460.1517.