September/October Savings Solutions Update

APPI Savings Solutions Program Update
Can your members still save?

     Hurricane Katrina’s path has left devastating consequences in its wake.  We have all seen the news coverage, showing graphic pictures and sharing disturbing details.  While the Gulf coast struggles to recover, we wonder how this is going to affect our nation in the upcoming months.  Across the states, fuel prices have risen to all time highs at the gas pumps.   And, as usual, electricity prices have followed the trend of increases.  Despite the unfavorable market conditions, APPI is still finding savings for members in electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, water, waste removal, and freight costs.

Electricity
     The energy markets have been extremely challenging  for consumers during all of 2005 and particularly so since hurricane season arrived.  Keeping an eye on fuel prices is a good tactic to follow the trends of electricity pricing.  As fuel prices rise, electricity prices usually do too.  The best electricity opportunities are in competitive deregulated markets.  Currently the states showing electricity savings opportunities are New York and Texas.  Opportunities are expected to be in Maryland later this fall.
     For many businesses, the ability to "lock in" a guaranteed fixed price for an extended period is ideal.  One advantage of a fixed price electricity contract is budget assurance, allowing more accurate planning for the years ahead, while avoiding future price increases.  For example, businesses which locked in a fixed price just eight months ago are typically paying about three (3) cents per kwh less than businesses which waited until now to decide.
     Encourage your members located in New York and Texas to contact APPI (800-520-6685) to learn how they can reduce operating expenses through prudent electricity procurement.

Utility Audit
     The utility audit service is available to all members located in the United States.  The audit includes a thorough analysis of energy (electricity and natural gas), water, waste removal/recycling, freight, credit card processing, and telecommunications (voice and data) services.  APPI analyzes all fees, tariff rates, and service plans to find savings.  There are savings found in one or more of these areas for most association members, with savings ranging from 10 to 25%. 
     Your association headquarters is also invited to try the utility audit service and determine how much money you could be saving.  Just fax in last month’s utility bills (410-749-8769) and APPI will take care of the rest.  Remember, this service is performed with no upfront charge.

Natural Gas
     Natural gas management programs continue to yield opportunities.  The program provides large businesses (spending more than $50,000 per year on natural gas) with expert advice and consultation.  The states that may offer opportunities for large businesses include California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Texas.

For more details on APPI’s programs, contact Matt Shortall at 800-520-6685 or mshortall@appienergy.com.  Visit our website at www.appienergy.com.
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 Important Address Change

     This summer, APPI upgraded its web hosting program. The APPI website link is still the same at www.appienergy.com. However, the NEW IP address for the Information Request Form to APPI is NOW - http://www.appienergy.com/appi_sitepage/inforeq.htm.

If your website contains any direct links to APPI's website, please notify your webmaster about this change.  Contact mkrack@appienergy.com if you have any questions.
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 APPI is Growing

APPI is pleased to announce the expansion of our network with the addition of two new consultants to our team.  David Leather, based in Maine, and Mark Storto, based in Illinois, are APPI consultants specializing in telecommunications analysis.  Learn how your members can benefit from APPI's growing team by contacting Kathy Kiernan at 800-520-6685 or kkiernan@appienergy.com.

David M. Leather

     Mr. Leather is a 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering (with Honors).  For over 8 years he served as a nuclear trained submarine warfare officer.  After the Navy, Mr. Leather worked as a consultant and management executive (Operations Manager and COO) for ATESI, supporting public utilities with engineering/operations analysis and productivity improvement.  As a manager he also supported company operations, strategic planning, business development and cost containment (P&L).

     During the past thirteen years, Mr. Leather has managed a small consulting company (President) and has worked as a Consultant. His experience includes analysis, design and development, and implementation of overhead expense reduction strategies, with emphasis on telecommunications and information systems support.  The average cost reduction for projects completed by Mr. Leather is 25%.  As a result of his support, clients have received millions of dollars in refunds and achieved more than $20MM in cost savings.  Additionally, Mr. Leather supports the analysis, design, procurement and installation of telecommunications equipment.

     Mr. Storto is a 1984 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Science, Operations Analysis (with Merit).  For over 8 years he served as a naval officer, both as a Naval Aviator and as a Civil Engineer Corps officer.  After the Navy, Mr. Storto worked as an Operations Manager within the PepsiCo/Taco Bell organization, as Assistant Director of Engineering for a bi-state transportation authority on the mid-Atlantic coast (engineering position), and also served in a marketing and sales management executive role for Tri-State Automotive Warehouse, Inc., providing the design and execution of an aggressive marketing program.  As a manager in these various roles, he supported company operations, technical and strategic planning, and business development.

     Since 1998, Mr. Storto has worked as a Senior and Principal Consultant for Results Consulting, Inc. His experience includes analysis, design and development, and implementation of overhead expense reduction strategies, with emphasis on telecommunications.  The cost reduction range for projects completed by Mr. Storto is 17-41%.

     Mr. Storto is a registered Engineer-in Training in the state of Delaware, holds a commercial pilot’s license, leads a business to business academy graduates networking group in Chicago, and is a member of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association (national and local chapters). 
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 ASAE Nashville 2005

     Last month APPI attended the ASAE Annual Meeting and Expo in Nashville, Tennessee.  Thank you again to those of you who stopped by the booth.  It was a pleasure to meet with you and share ideas.

     If you were able to attend the educational sessions at the meeting, hopefully you found the content to be of value to your association.

     Many sessions focused on the concept of marketing and branding.  Has your association explored how it is perceived by your members and others in your industry?  If not, these sessions suggested that it is well past time to do so.  As one association contact recently revealed – "by simply re-branding what you are already offering, you may find an amazing opportunity for growth.”

     Stan Slap, president of the international consulting company, Slap, presented at several sessions in Nashville.  His marketing insight is worth taking note of the next time you are thinking about improving your association.  One of Slap's comments that you should consider: “Don’t say something until you stand for something.”  What is your purpose as an association?  Are you confident that your members understand what your association stands for? 

     Consider the challenges and opportunities that may evolve in carefully dissecting and applying the statement – “Don’t say something until you stand for something.”  Once you know what you stand for, the creative challenge begins.  What is it that your association is saying?

To discuss APPI marketing initiatives with your association, contact Mandi Krack at 800-520-6685 or mkrack@appienergy.com. 

 What would you like to see here?

Do you have energy or utility information that you would like to share about your association or members?  Is there a topic that you would like to see in next quarter’s newsletter?  Email mkrack@appienergy.com with your information and ideas.
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