Focus on Energy: Wisconsin Professionals Receive Building Operator Certification

Media Contacts:
Julie Semancik/Tim Wirtz
Hoffman York
414-225-9568 / 414-225-9522
jsemancik@hyc.com
twirtz@hyc.com

– Building operations and maintenance professionals complete Focus on Energy program,
develop skills to reduce energy consumption and costs –

MADISON, Wis. – (July 19, 2004) – Eight Wisconsin building operations and maintenance professionals recently received Building Operator Certification from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program. The knowledge they gained through the program will help them improve the performance and energy efficiency of their companies’ facilities, thereby reducing operating and maintenance costs and making the companies more competitive in the marketplace.

The graduates are Peter Hecimovich, maintenance/safety supervisor with Deltrol Controls of Cudahy, Wis.; Chuck Hermes, superintendent, buildings & grounds with University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh of Oshkosh, Wis.; Richard Mathewson, facility coordinator with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company of Larson, Wis.; James Miller, maintenance worker II with Brewster Village of Oshkosh; John T. Murphy of Milwaukee; Dave Neelis, facility manager with Amity/Rolfs of West Bend, Wis.; Kevin Tolzman, manager of refrigeration services with Fresh Brand Distribution, Inc. of Sheboygan, Wis. and Rick VanDrisse, crafts supervisor with University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh of Oshkosh.

Through the Building Operator Certification program, Focus on Energy trains operations and maintenance professionals from businesses statewide in the energy and resource efficient operation of buildings. Program participants learn the most up-to-date facilities management practices and then apply those skills in their workplace to reduce energy consumption, lower energy costs and protect the environment.

“Energy costs are a significant expense for any business,” said Jennifer Fagan, director of business programs with Focus on Energy. “This program gives facilities managers the knowledge and tools they need to make smart energy choices that can have a significant impact on their companies’ bottom lines and, ultimately, Wisconsin’s economy.”

To receive certification, participants had to successfully complete a series of eight classes over a period of seven months at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or Milwaukee School of Engineering.

For more information about Building Operator Certification and upcoming class schedules, call 800-762-7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com/calendar.

About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership offering energy information and services to energy utility customers throughout Wisconsin. The goals of this program are to encourage energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, enhance the environment and ensure the future supply of energy for Wisconsin. Since July 2001, the program has helped Wisconsin’s businesses and residents reduce their annual energy consumption by more than
304.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and more than 13.7 million therms of natural gas. For more information, call 800-762-7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com.