MINUTES

SEI Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 – 4-5pm ET

Chester County Economic Development Council- Warner Room

737 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA 19341

Conference Bridge Option: 605-475-4850Passcode: 147844#

  1. Roll call
  2. Board Members Present (9): Bill Lauer, Bill Ronayne, Ed Piscopo, James Robinson, Jay Carlis, Jon Costanza, Lou Nazirides, Paul Spiegel, Steve Krug
  3. Others in attendance (4): Marybeth DiVincenzo, Jim Lauckner, Katie Poppiti, Nancy Kunkle
  4. Not present (7): Alex Dews, Bob Keares, Jen Robinson, Kirk Williard, Pat Bokovitz, Phil Eastman, Rob Graff
  5. Meeting Called to Order by Bill Ronayne.
  6. Minutes for January meeting: Bill Ronayne asked for comments on the minutes; no comments or edits were offered. Bill called for a motion. Bill Lauer motioned to approve the minutes; Jon Costanza seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
  7. Review of Outstanding Action Items – Nancy Kunkle
  8. SEI’s Web Site Assessment by SBDC Kutztown University: N. Kunkle reviewed the results of the Kutztown SBDC assessment. See attachment 1. The BoD was given a “call to action” to help improve the visibility and functionality of the website.
  9. Expanding our Partnerships’ and BoD members. N. Kunkle reviewed candidates that have been approached to expand the BoD members. See attachment 2. The BoD offered additional contacts based on their relationships: Lou Nazirides offered to help with Longwood through his contact Jim Lewis VP Facilities. Jon Costanza offered to help with outreach to Ursinus, Haverford College; and to expand contacts with Bucks County Community College and Montco Community College. Marybeth offered to help with DCCC or the Collegiate Consortium. Ed Piscopo and LouNazirides offered to help with connecting with PJM’s Steve Boyle. Paul Spiegel and Steve Krug offered to help with WCU through their contact with the Energy and Sustainability manager.
  10. Advisory Services Expansion. N. Kunkle reviewed existing advisory service companies and the process SEI follows for Advisory Service agreements. See attachment 3. Jim Lauckner reviewed 2 new Advisory Service MOUs that were received in March (1) Nextility and (2) Krug Archtects. A handout explaining the Nextility offering was provided. There was discussion about flat fee vs. % of consulting contract. There was discussion over ESCO contracts which under PA legislation the cost of the consultant would be covered. It was commented that most projects will not be ESCO. A proposal for the expansion of the Advisory Services to include a “for fee” panel of experts was distributed to the BoD with the request to review, comment so that we can put the proposal to a vote at our May 2016 BoD meeting. See attachment 4 for the proposal.
  11. 2015-16 Sustainability and Engagement
  12. SEI Budget. The current state of the budget was reviewed along with projections. The financial statement was provided. See attachment 5. The group reviewed year end projections and options to fill gaps where budgeted revenue is not being realized. 2016 Energy Briefing net profit was reviewed. Marybeth DiVincenzo reviewed the latest status of the L&I grant funding which is still held up at the state level. The BoD was given a “call to action” to offer solutions to fill the revenue gap.
  13. Promotion of Loan resources for new businesses – Marybeth DiVincenzo, SVP CCEDC, reviewed the proposed new referral fee for loan resources as a way to capture sustainability funds to SEI and other Industry Partnerships.
  14. Board commitments and Participation Metrics. We reviewed the current level of in kind participation for SEI which is at a value of $7869; our target is =/> $10K. BoD member participation in meetings and events is counted toward this “in kind” metric and all members were encouraged to increase participation as much as possible. Recognizing that not everyone can participate at the same level, a one page overview was provided outlining 10 different ways members can engage. See attachment 6.
  15. Standing Committee Oral Reports

Programming – Steve Krug, Committee Chair. Steve Krug provided an overview of currently planned events and a recap of the most recent committee meeting. See attachment 7. Ed Piscopo mentioned that the Act 129 Phase 3 PECO Smart Ideas program starts June 1, 2016 and that PECO will be the title sponsor (perhaps $1500) for the June/July event on this topic. Ed said that co-sponsors of the event are ok. Bill Lauer provided more details around the proposed Fall event at the Navy Yard. We need to provide Bill Valentine with 2 suggested dates and times that will work for us. The room may be available at no cost but if we want exhibit hall space there may be a fee.

Training – Nancy Kunkle. Board members were asked to weigh in with details as to whether they have any interest in NATE training between now and June 2016. A mention of the AEE CEM training in May was made.

  1. CCEDC/Vista Updates – Marybeth DiVincenzo. Mention of the current DoD grant and funding availability was made.
  2. SEI Calendar – Katie Poppiti
  3. March Newsletter – Steve Krug authored our feature article and Paul Spiegel was highlighted in a Q&A interview.
  4. March 22nd SEI Working Group meeting at BizTract in Malvern – Please help spread the word and get participation even if you can’t make it
  5. March 21 – 25 BPI Training Courses at CCEDC – spread the word and sign up
  6. May 9-13 Certified Energy Manager training @ CCEDC (AEE Sponsored)
  7. May 18th Tour and BoD meeting at IU Brandywine Downingtown Campus
  8. June/July date TBD PECO Smart Ideas Phase 3 Seminar
  9. September 14th Tour and BoD meeting at Saint Gobain HQ
  10. Other Events and Info of interest
  11. ECA’s Get Energy Fit Philadelphia Competition – March 17th
  12. PA Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant – opened Feb 20, 2016; $7M available. To further assist potential applicants, DEP is hosting two webinars: March 7, 2016, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., and March 8, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
  13. Greater Phila Energy action team 3/30/16 – report will be unveiled
  14. Annual Mid Atlantic Energy Technology Forum 4/7/16
  15. April 19 – 21 Urban Land Institute Spring Meeting in PHL
  16. May 19 – 21 AIA Convention in PHL
  17. Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability is working on an update to the Greenworks Plan this year (they are looking for input on what programs, etc are needed)
  18. Philadelphia Energy Authority launching of the Philadelphia Energy Campaign $1B over 10 years for small businesses and low income neighborhoods
  19. “Your Voice”BoD Member Roundtable –The group spent appox 15 engaging in open discussion about projects and market trends.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: Website review

SBDC Kutztown University Online Marketing Report Highlights for SEI BoD March 16, 2016 meeting

  1. 319 in kind hours; no cost assessment and report; rec’d Feb 4, 2016
  2. Overall On line marketing grader score = 46/69
  3. Lowest scores:
  4. Social media
  5. Mobile friendly
  6. Broken Links
  7. Old Content
  8. Low visitation
  9. What we’ve done:
  10. Fixed the “hacking” issue – that was our #1 priority
  11. Cleaned up old contacts
  12. Fixed or removed broken links until we can redesign and replace
  13. Updated select content (posts, newsletters)
  14. We need your help as BoD members:
  15. Immediately – take 10 to 20 minutes:
  16. Visit the website (visits are down considerably in the last year)
  17. Like us (we only have 106 likes and 0 sharing)
  18. Share our content via your Facebook or Twitter
  19. Post a comment on the site – make it brief
  20. Link to us on your own company website
  21. Longer term – over the next 2-8 months
  22. Provide an article for posting
  23. Share information on other events we can post
  24. Provide us with articles on your projects that we can post
  25. Projects – if you have company resources available to support us at no cost
  26. Creation of an FAQ page
  27. Creation of video testimonials regarding SEI, training, etc
  28. Creation of bios for BoD members and Advisory Service providers
  29. Mobile Friendly re-design

Attachment 2: Potential New BoD Candidates

  1. Community Partner. Longwood Gardens: Anne-Marie Crossan, PE, CEM
    Facilities Operations, Maintenance and Planning Manager
  2. Higher Education Partner.
  3. West Chester University: Mark G. Pavlovich, Vice President, Advancement & Sponsored Research. Passing info to Facilities Team.
  4. Penn State Great Valley: Suzanne Cruit, Director Corporate and Community Relations
  5. Large Industry Partner. Honeywell Business Solutions: Kevin Wong, Business Consultant

Attachment 3: Panel of Experts Proposal

Advisory Services Expansion Proposal: Panel of Energy Experts

For BoD Consideration and Decision Making

  1. Gather and vet 4-5 key experts in the energy industry. Representing different areas of specialty.
  2. Criteria: Recognized expert with at least 10 years in the industry. 2 references. No knowledge of any past issues – a good steward of the SEI brand.
  3. Potential Scope: Efficiency. GeoThermal. Solar. Policy/Regulation. Climate Change. BioFuels. Agriculture/Energy connections. Conservation.
  4. Out of Scope: New business Strategy/Planning. Litigation Consultation.
  5. Potential candidates: Existing BoD members and staff. DVGBC staff. PECO staff members.
  6. There will be a pro forma MOU for panel members outlining roles and responsibilities
  7. SEI will market the consultation via hand outs, web site, newsletters.
  8. Web site will have a tab e.g., “Ask the Expert” or “Panel of Experts”
  9. Panel members’ bios will be posted with the information about the service.
  10. Requests for panel consults can be made via the web, email or phone to any SEI project team member. A standard request form will be available.
  11. Clients receive differentiated, personalized consultation not available on the open market for such a reduced fee
  12. Requests for consultation will be posed to SEI project team whom will align 1-2 panel members based on the topic.
  13. SEI project team will reach out to the panel members to identify the best fit and availability based on the request. SEI project team connects participants with the Panel and provides 1 hour of consultation services.
  14. Panel consultation will have a market value of at least $1500.
  15. The 1 hour of initial consultation will be provided to SEI participants at a significantly reduced price.
  16. Contributing Participants in SEI will get the 1 hour for $150.00; non investors will get the 1 hour for $300.
  17. Panel members agree to provide the initial one hour on a pro bono basis. It is expected that panel members will need to do some additional preparation for the 1 hour consult.
  18. The one hour initial consult may take place via conference call or in person; the details will be determined on a case by case basis. Intent is to minimize or eliminate any travel expenses incurred by the panel members.
  19. All proceeds from the initial consultation will go to SEI Sustainability.All revenue generated through the initial consult and any follow on Advisory Services referral fees will be used to sustain the Smart Energy Initiative’s efforts, including energy-focused programming, technical training, student career exploration events, and additional business development outreach.
  20. Panel members can follow up and provide additional consulting to the client at their market rate after the initial consultation.
  21. SEI will get a small referral fee (3-5%) for any follow on consultation that results from the introductory panel consult.

Attachment 4: 10 ways to engage

Board of Directors – 10 Ways to Engage

Our SEI Board of Directors is our most critical resource; you influence SEI’sprograms, funding, marketing, strategy and overall effectiveness. Here are 10 ways you can engage as a Board member and support SEI’s mission.

  1. Bring your specific assets to the table as a Board member
  2. You have unique skills, experience, or networks that you bring to SEI. Make sure we can tap into your unique assets
  3. Write a feature article for the SEI Newsletter or blog. Sign up to author 1 feature article/year.
  4. Be an event speaker, moderator or chair of a working group session in your area of expertise.
  5. Bring 1-2 new guests to each SEI event and capture 1-2 new SEI participants/yearthat sign up for to receive the newsletter and participate in meetings and working groups
  6. Make referrals to SEI Advisory Services(both service providers and clients)
  7. Be a Brand Ambassador for SEI
  8. Build community engagement for SEI by tapping into your professional networks to grow the number and diversity of people engaged in SEI’s mission.
  9. Promote the SEI website and SEI hosted events
  10. Push out information about SEI hosted or supported training courses through your website and social media posts
  11. Recite the SEI mission: To promote the growth of the “smart” energy industry by providing comprehensive workforce & economic development services to partnering companies.
  12. Promote CCEDC’s services and diverse loan programs that support regional businesses
  13. Nominate SEI or a participating company for an energy related award
  14. Share your ideas for new events and working group discussion topics, and consider hosting an event at your facility
  15. Actively participate in Board Meetings, Working Group Meetings, Events and Surveys
  16. Attend and/or send employees to SEI hosted incumbent worker training. Weigh in with your thoughts on what training is most valuable to the region.
  17. Be a “smart energy” mentor
  18. Teach new contacts about energy conservation, energy consumption, and renewable energy sources.
  19. Be a “buddy” to a new SEI Board Member
  20. Share information you have about other energy related events and articles for cross promotion
  21. Sponsor an SEI event and/or help with outreach to new event sponsors and registrants
  22. Make a monetary contribution toward SEI’s sustainability funds

Questions, feedback or requests for information? Call or Email the Smart Energy Initiative project team: Nancy Kunkle 610.321.8205, Katie Poppiti 610.321.8247, or Jim Lauckner 610.321.8231

Attachment 5: Programming Committee Report

Smart Energy Initiative Committee Report: Programming Committee March 16, 2016

  1. Events being planned:
  1. May 18, 2016: Event or tour for BOD meeting at the IU Brandywine Downingtown Campus –this is one perhaps we can invite non BOD participants as well – not a paid event – details are being planned and will be announced via email
  2. June/July Program/Paid Event:Energy Efficiency focused event on the Act 129 Phase 3 PECO Smart Ideas program 2016-2019. Event leader is Ed Piscopo - PECO will sponsor.Location tentatively CCEDC in Exton, PA. Ideas for other sponsors: Independence LED, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Lutron. Specific date is pending the formal announcement of Act 129 Phase 3.
  3. September 14, 2016: BoD meeting and group tour at CertainTeed / Saint Gobain– planning as a possible paid event pending agreement with Saint Gobain; possible event with students; perhaps we can get BOD members to be mentors/sponsors for the students. Target schools: Downingtown STEM, Technical College HS, etc.
  4. October (tentative date) Fall Program/Paid Event: Bill Lauer is collaborating w Bill Valentine who heads the DOD Clean Energy Application Center/Technical Assistance and is are willing to host an event. The meeting would be held in Building 661 of the Navy Yard redevelopment which is the headquarters for the Consortium for Building Energy Innovation. We are looking into combining with Lou N’s suggestion about having Environmental Construction Services show us the BIM Energy Model for the Comcast Tower. Another thought is to combine with AEE and USGBC? Specific date is pending agreement with Bill Valentine.
  1. Other ideas considered:
  1. Another tour of Independence LED. Or perhaps hold this for a working group?
  2. A combined Ag and SEI event related to clean energy. Perhaps have it held at Longwood? Katie has a good connection.
  3. Summer - Bob Keares mentioned interest in Electric Car show and charging stations. Maybe combine with an event at Longwood. Tesla would love to use Longwood as well
  4. JP Morgan Chase massive LED replacement – perhaps have a rep from Chase as a speaker related to this initiative
  1. General topics/brainstorming:
  1. Can any of our events justify higher registration rates and sponsorship rates?
  2. What are the most topical, relevant issues for clean and smart energy? Do we have an opportunity to fill a need in this regard or are other organizations covering this well enough?
  3. What about co-branding and hosting events with other organizations such as DVGBC, PEW, others?
  4. What have we learned from other recent energy related events that we want to apply to our own?
  1. Feb 24th 2016 Energy Briefing results:
  2. Over 50 participants – well attended!
  3. 17 survey responses received by 2/28/16
  4. Lowest scores: “The content presented at the event was relevant and helpful to me and/or my business”
  5. Highest scores: “Presenters were knowledgeable”
  6. Recommendations/Comments from participants for future events:
  7. Have an event on energy efficiency
  8. Have a ½ day event next year so we can take a deeper dive
  9. Lessons learned

What worked Well - Continue / Process Improvements for Future
Pre – organization and announcements were well spaced and messages were clear. We had last minute pushes the week of the event. EventBrite registration and # of pushes was well done. / Ask partnering organizations to help co-promote to expand our contact lists and to give the event visibility on other websites and newsletters; today we’re just using CCEDC and SEI
Day – of registration and sign in process was smooth and executed well / Improve focus of presentations so material is easier to follow for broad audience and there are clear messages to take away
Room/space, refreshments, networking space was well laid out and handled the size of crowd well. / Be sensitive to the linkage between how we advertise and promote the events and the content we deliver at the event; deliver on our promises so we don’t disappoint
With costs accounted for, we netted approx $3K for this event. Sponsorships raised $2250 of that amount. / There seemed to be a pent up desire for networking amongst the participants – it was hard to shepherd everyone into the room for the start of the event bc there was such good discussion - Should we build in a post event networking time that is optional for registrants?
Credentials and knowledge of speakers were a draw and likely help draw participants. / Hand out materials or brochures that guide discussions and provide bios of speakers
Topics that were marketed in the notices were relevant “ . . . valuable insight into 2016's markets, policy, and opportunities, as well as keep up-to-date with our region's energy players . . .” /
  • Need for practical solutions and take aways; we are sending thank yous along with a recap for all participants and posting a recap on the web site
  • Need to keep speakers on topic – we wandered too much and it was difficult for the audience to capture a message around the topics

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