2025 WBDC - Midwest Virtual Utility Conference & Business Matchmaker

From Grid to Growth: Fostering Partnerships Across the Supply Chain to Empower Utilities, Small Businesses, and Local Economies

You’re Invited!

This conference is a powerful gathering of thought leaders, energy companies, prime contractors, and small businesses committed to transforming how local energy initiatives drive economic development and community resilience. As the energy landscape evolves, so too must the partnerships that power it. This event explores how inclusive collaboration across the utility supply chain can unlock new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.

Key areas of focus:

• Building Local Community and Economies: Learn how utility companies and their partners are working with businesses to strengthen supply chains and long-term community investment.
• Collaboration and Partnership: Gain insights on how strategic partnerships can overcome barriers, drive innovation, and deliver shared value.

Day 1 Agenda: Tuesday, November 18, 9:00am – 12:35pm CT (open to all)

Morning Session: 9:00am – 12:35pm CT (open to all)

9:00 – 9:10 | Welcome

9:10 – 9:55 | Keynote Speaker: Scott Aaronson | Senior Vice President, Energy Security & Industry Operations | EEI (Edison Electric Institute)

Session Title | TBD

Description | TBD

9:55 – 10:40 | Fireside Chat | Session Title: Empowering Small Businesses: Building Strategic Partnerships in the Utility Supply Chain

Description: This session explores the dynamic relationships between utilities and their supplier partners, highlighting how strategic mentorship strengthened supplier capabilities and expanded their market reach. Through real-world examples, we’ll examine how these collaborations helped both utilities and suppliers meet critical business goals—driving innovation, improving service delivery, and fostering mutual growth. Attendees will gain insights into the tangible benefits of supplier development, including enhanced procurement outcomes and long-term value creation for both parties.

Panelist: Katie Ewing | President | Ewing Safety and Industrial, Inc.

Panelist: Brian Anderson | Procurement Manager | Michels Corporation

Panelist: TBD

10:40 – 10:50 | Break

10:50 – 11:20 | Network Breakout Session 1 | Hosted by Gold Sponsors

11:20 – 11:25 | Transition

11:25 – 11:55 | Network Breakout Session 2 | Hosted by Gold Sponsors

11:55 – 12:00 | Transition

12:00 – 12:30 | Network Breakout Session 3 | Hosted by Gold Sponsors

12:30 – 12:35 | Closing

Day 2 Agenda: Wednesday, November 19, 9:00am – 3:00pm CT

Business matchmaking with buyers in the following categories with qualified suppliers based on the buyer’s business needs:

• Project Development Opportunities – Environmental Services, Permitting Technical Studies, Pre-Construction Work, High-Voltage Tie-Ins/Interconnects, Abatement & Demolition, Engineering Services
• Construction – Substation Construction, Transformers, Invertors, Electric / Electric Vehicles, Solar, Site Restoration, Fleet Materials, Construction of Civil, Transmission, Distribution, and Gas, Battery Storage
• Q&M – Preventative Maintenance, Vegetation Control, Panel Washing, Fence & Road Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance
• Business and Professional Services – Manufacturing Materials & Services, IT Materials & Services, Advertising, Janitorial, Facility Maintenance, Legal Services, Gas & Meter Services, MRO Supplies, Credit Collections, Call Center, Income Verification, Marketing

**To participate as a buyer for MyBusinessMatches, sponsorship must be obtained for the conference as either a Gold, Silver, or Bronze sponsor.

If interested in becoming a Gold Sponsor, please click the sponsorship link or reach out to Jennifer Brungardt (jbrungardt@wbdc.org) or Lynn Herbert (lherbert@wbdc.org).

Important: In approximately 48 hours or less, you will receive a separate confirmation Eventbrite email for the conference registration Teams link. (Please ensure you have the most current version of Teams downloaded to your device.)

**MyBusinessMatches registration link will be provided through a separate email once you have registered for the conference. ** Please check your spam mail if you have not received the link by November 11, 2025. MyBusinessMatches Registration Deadline: November 12, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not registered in MyBusinessMatches by close of business on November 12, 2025, you will not be able to participate in matchmaking meetings.

Business matchmaking is based on Utility and Utility Prime Contractor (buyers) business needs and requires separate registration. Suppliers will be matched with buying representatives based upon current and future business opportunities. Category opportunities are subject to change.

Reminder: A separate registration is required, and must be completed, using the link that will be received in an email after the conference registration. Please check your spam if the link is not received by this time.

**Registration does not guarantee a one-on-one meeting with a buyer and a meeting does not guarantee a contract opportunity.**