Ruben Roman loves to hear complaints — complaints from his employees, complaints from his colleagues, complaints from anyone with something to complain about. Why? As a station manager for Xcel Energy's Comanche Station, in Pueblo, Colo., Roman has learned that complaints lead to suggestions which in turn lead to improvements — improvements that have resulted in millions of dollars in cost savings opportunities to Xcel Energy over the last year.

The quest of Roman's employees to turn problems into improvements is spurred by the company's Xpress Ideas suggestion program. A leading energy provider, Xcel Energy has never underestimated the power of targeted, strategic recognition. For Roman's crew and every one of Xcel Energy's more than 10,000 employees, the company's various recognition programs encourage all to get involved and take ownership in the company.

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