<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1018706268302959&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
((o
Knowledge • News • Insights
 o))
In Partnership With

Al Schulien getting the Word Out About RETAP

Michigan Business Beat
August 25, 2016 3:00 PM

retap.jpg

Chris Holman recently caught up with Al Schulien, Retired Mechanical Engineer working with RETAP, which stands for Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program. He got a breif career overview then they discussed RETAP. They are all retired engineers from across the entire state who have extensive experience and backgrounds in all phases of manufacturing and building operation.

RETAP is sponsored by the state of MI, specifically the MAE.(They were transferred from the DEQ). However are non regulatory, ie they are not involved in state regulations. Interestingly this is one of only programs like it in the country. They go into small to medium size companies, look at how they use their electricity, gas, water, and what do they ship out as waste (solid,liquid, hazardous). Based on experience they produce a formal report with recommendations on how to reduce the use of the utility or the waste stream.

Every item is a recommendation, however they quantify each in terms of the utility being reduced (ie kwh, ccf, gal) or cubic yards, gal etc of waste. Along with the reduced quantity they calculate the money saved in each item. If there is a cost of conversion pay-back time is estimated. The best part for the company is that there is no cost to the company. All RETAP asks is the ability to come back in one and two years to ask 'did you do it?' If yes, did it work out as forecasted? If no, why not. These questions are not designed to make the company responsible to RETAP but rather as a measure of how good their recommendations are. If they are good ones they were done and companies needs are being understood. If they did not get done RETAP missed the mark and need to change something. Each company is guaranteed confidentially.

In addition to assessments as above, RETAP offers another "no cost" service called Technical Assistance. If a small company has no technical staff, has no idea how to pursue one of our recommendations RETAP may furnish an engineer to get the job going. As Al says, it really is a winning opportunity for Michigan business. Can't beat the price! At last count the average savings for a company is over $40,000/year. RETAP's Executive Director is Dick Savage, and RETAP Manager, David Herb can be reached at 517-284-6863.

For more knowledge, news, and insights visit:
www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com

 New Call-to-action

Michigan Business Beat, hosted by Chris Holman, discusses economic development, new or unusual entrepreneurial initiatives, and successful business practices from different regions and industries around Michigan with a wide range of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

8:00 AM every Monday through Friday
Replay: 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 2:00 AM The music for 'Michigan Business Beat' is graciously shared use of Phil Denny's "Traffic Jam" off his 2012 CD 'Crossover'

Connect on: