The conference begins Wednesday, January 7 at 1 pm, with an openingkeynote address from Robert W. Galvin -- Founder, Galvin ElectricityInitiative, and Retired Chairman and CEO, Motorola, Inc. -- and concludes atnoon on Friday, January 9.

The Inspiring Efficiency Awards Dinner and Gala kicks off with a receptionat 5:30 pm on Thursday January 8, followed by dinner and awards presentationsfrom 6:30 to 8:30 pm. A total of six individuals and organizations will behonored in six categories for advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest.Award recipients include the following:

LEADERSHIP Award -- Jim Doyle, Governor, Wisconsin EDUCATION Award -- Interstate Power and Light Co. IMPACT Award -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. MARKETING Award -- Wisconsin Focus on Energy INNOVATION Award -- Keyser Visual, A Division of The Keyser Group CHAIRMAN'S Award -- Janet Streff, Manager, State Energy Office, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security More detailed information on the Inspiring Efficiency Awards can be foundat http://www.meeaconference.org/awards_winners.php.

Midwest Energy Solutions 2009 Conference highlights include the following: Wednesday January 7, 2009 -- Keynote address by Robert W. Galvin -- Smart Grid -- How to build aperfect electric power system that will save the economy nearly $150 billionlost each year because of power outages.

-- National Perspectives on Energy Policy -- Representatives from the USEPA, the Alliance to Save Energy and American Council for an Energy EfficientEconomy.

-- Smart Grid -- Learn how a modernized Smart Grid will utilizecomputing, sensors and two-way communication to deliver seamless, reliable andconstant energy savings.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

-- Opening Remarks by the Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor, City ofChicago (invited)

-- Greening the Olympic Built Environment -- The City's attempts to stakeits claim on the 2016 Olympics; learn how energy efficiency will play a keypart in planning an event of international scope.

-- Emerging Technology -- Energy efficient lighting has made greatstrides through CFLs; discover what is next.

-- Impact on Commercial Real Estate -- Leading commercial real estatedevelopers and managers are investing in energy efficiency to save money whileimproving overall sustainability as a business strategy.

-- Inspiring Efficiency Awards -- Governor, reality TV, personalresponsibility and innovative lighting inspire energy efficiency awards.

Friday, January 9, 2009

-- Closing keynote: Tom Casten, Recycled Energy Development --Manufacturers reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint by capturingwasted heat and converting it into clean power.

-- Midwest Governors Association Energy Security and Climate StewardshipPlatform -- Administration officials from Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin detailstate support for energy efficiency programs and funding opportunities.

-- Market transformation -- Quantification standards for markettransformation programs.

For a detailed conference agenda, visit http://www.meeaconference.org. Formore information or to arrange interviews with conference presenters, contactStacey Paradis, MEEA Director of External Relations at sparadis@mwalliance.orgor 312.587.8390 extension 212.

About MEEA -- The Source on Energy Efficiency

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (http://www.mwalliance.org) is acollaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to supportsustainable economic development and environmental preservation.

MEEA promotes the market transformation of energy efficiency technologies,processes and best practices within a 13-state area, through policy advocacy,program design and facilitation and piloting of energy technologies. MEEAbridges the gap between policy adoption and program implementation.

Energy efficiency is the critical first step in meeting our nation'smyriad energy challenges due to low entry costs, proven and emergingtechnologies, ease of implementation, fast return on investment and measurableresults.

Through our diverse network of members and regional allies, MEEA possessesthe practical experience and informed vision to effect positive change todayby supporting the region's stakeholders to achieve their efficiency goals forthe future.

SOURCE Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance