It is very helpful to amass a small group of energy specialists with specialized skills to get the process off the ground. Experience in energy assessment, database construction and management, accounting, process engineering, and best practice gathering is useful. Depending on the types of energy opportunities you find, specific technical skills could be a tremendous asset.In any of the process industries,solid furnace and boiler skills are helpful—both a good understanding of process- and firebox-side efficiency and good furnace maintenance knowledge. Enthusiasm for the tasks ahead, persuasive capabilities, and a desire to help are important personal qualities. The energy manager and the energy group also represent the company in external associations and forums. Associating with peers brings in new ideas and proven methods for starting and maintaining energy management programs. Public energy meetings also bring out a wide range of service and equipment providers, and create opportunities to discuss the usefulness of the providers and products with their customers. The energy group can also take the lead in seeking public recognition for the company’s energy achievements: for example, by certification through the ENERGY STAR program (Chapter 7) or ISO50001/SEP (Chapter 6) or by applying for energy-saving awards. Public recognition also goes a long way toward improving the internal focus on energy efficiency.