When we formed our local AEE chapter, it really opened a lot of doors for me.  I now had contacts at utility companies, universities, and hospitals that I could use to get information faster.  The networking opportunities available have allowed an exchange of ideas to better our industry.  AEE has also given me the opportunity to work with the students who are going to be entering the energy field to see the innovations that are going to be revolutionizing our field in the future!