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Jeff Millis
Talan Products

The Nominator: Pete Accorti, Talan Products

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
In March of 2008 Jeff agreed to participate with Talan`s team in an E4S SI Group.  He ended up leading our team and becoming our internal champion and go to guy on all things sustainable.  Jeff has led us to undertake significant waster reduction and energy efficiency projects.  Since joining the SI group his focus on waste reduction and recycling have led to an 80% reduction in waste to landfill. He also initiated a lighting project that will increase our light quality significantly while requiring only 25% of our previous load.  Jeff has also been working on reducing the use of volatiles in our process.  The equipment that he selected will reduce our use by thousands of gallons per year and provide us with a significant ROI. Lastly he also initiated a weatherization project.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Has presented at E4S Third Tuesday and Zero Waste events.  Active member of Zero Waste Network.  Will be leading a tour at Talan sponsored by E4S/WIRE-Net for manufacturers interested in implementing sustainability.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
Jeff has provided us with implementation strategies and then has consistently provided the leadership and commitment to ensure results. His passion and dedication are unwavering.  It is so interesting to me that all of these very basic and sound investments and business decisions that we are making are a result of looking for opportunities to implement sustainability into Talan`s operations.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Of course.  There are many businesses similar to Talan in the region.  There is nothing that we have done that could not be duplicated by others if they have the right knowledge and commitment.  We hope to be a model.