Under the leadership of NEEC Board members, Phil Welker and Pat Keegan, a volunteer group of Oregon-based NEEC members have begun meeting to work through policy ideas that could have merit for the 2011 Oregon Legislature. NEEC governmental affairs specialist, Margi Hoffman of Strategies 360 is providing input and political perspective to the conversation. The caucus will be meeting monthly to brainstorm ideas and to make recommendations to the NEEC Board of Directors on a set of prioritized policy initiatives that will serve as NEEC’s focus in 2011. Energy efficiency is now integrated into the campaign speeches for elected officials at all levels of government. Oregon is no different and that means a political climate as amenable to our industry ideas as most of us have ever experienced. However, state economic constraints temper how ambitious these ideas may be. Which is exactly why an industry led conversation at the NEEC Oregon Caucus is the perfect forum for injecting experience into a climate of enthusiasm. These caucus discussions are open to all NEEC members doing business in Oregon. For more information about participation, send a note to stan@putnamprice.com