{"id":33993,"date":"2025-06-30T17:25:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T22:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=33993"},"modified":"2025-11-10T12:34:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T18:34:08","slug":"2025-wbdc-midwest-virtual-utility-conference-business-matchmaker","status":"publish","type":"tribe_events","link":"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/en\/event\/2025-wbdc-midwest-virtual-utility-conference-business-matchmaker\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 WBDC Midwest Virtual Utility Conference &#038; Business Matchmaker"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4><span data-contrast=\"none\">You\u2019re Invited!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key areas of focus:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Building Local Community and Economies: Learn how utility companies and their partners are working with\u00a0 businesses to strengthen supply chains and long-term community investment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Collaboration and Partnership: Gain insights on how strategic partnerships can overcome barriers, drive innovation, and deliver shared value.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conference Schedule<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tuesday, November 18, 2025 9am \u2013 12:35pm CT\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Agenda<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">9:00 \u2013 9:10 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Welcome<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> &#8211; Utility Corporations, Utility Companies, and <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Small Businesses<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> | Karen Goldner, Managing Director, Established Business Programs and Services<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">9:10 \u2013 9:55<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">| <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keynote Speaker: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:w:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/Ee303rgZwUtNhv1aGIT9BTkBsc9656I1j1NX4gWX_7MUyw?CID=fca80780-b4e5-e7e1-d006-37630145e380&amp;e=VizaXR\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Scott Aaronson<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:w:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/Ee303rgZwUtNhv1aGIT9BTkBsc9656I1j1NX4gWX_7MUyw?e=VizaXR\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senior Vice President, Energy Security &amp; Industry Operations<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eei.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">EEI (Edison Electric Institute)<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Title | Energy Security and Growth: How electric companies and the energy grid are powering national security and US economic competitiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Description | Electric companies are investing in the energy grid to meet growing demand resiliently, reliably, and affordably. This session will be an opportunity to get a national and global perspective on the policies, geopolitics, expectations, risks, and opportunities that are affecting supply chains abroad and operations at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">9:55 \u2013 10:40 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fireside Chat<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">: <\/span>Empowering Small Businesses: Building Strategic Partnerships in the Utility Supply Chain<\/p>\n<div>Moderator | \u200b<u>\u200b<a id=\"OWAb1c91ed4-bfa8-14e0-d1ea-3f356c39359c\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/ESOSWKbfoVRFlTMts_Fqt4IBmfC1FWEGN9Qq3lX03pvxvA?e=34IvOs. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/ESOSWKbfoVRFlTMts_Fqt4IBmfC1FWEGN9Qq3lX03pvxvA?e=34IvOs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"9\">Charles Twamugabo<\/a>\u200b<\/u>\u200b\u00a0| \u200b<u>\u200b<a id=\"OWA383f4edb-82fe-0ad2-c58c-c5c431bc7b2c\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:b:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/Ebt0iMKkJU5MhbxDHmDJOoMBaC1Luxyft90oybilYCR2rw?e=XAjRiq. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:b:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/Ebt0iMKkJU5MhbxDHmDJOoMBaC1Luxyft90oybilYCR2rw?e=XAjRiq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"10\">CEO<\/a>\u200b<\/u>\u200b\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA8cccb625-a04c-2313-bdc5-2163b3c12b65\" title=\"https:\/\/www.sviserv.com\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sviserv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"11\">SVI Services, Inc.<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<div>Panelist | \u200b<u>\u200b<a id=\"OWA93235447-c23e-12e6-d570-0ad8cdc3770c\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/ET1CW8QKuGhChz85GEmbF5cBQ1dv9LGBD39J0uPp2VI_vw?e=BGEdF3. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/ET1CW8QKuGhChz85GEmbF5cBQ1dv9LGBD39J0uPp2VI_vw?e=BGEdF3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"12\">Patty Ahrens<\/a>\u200b<\/u>\u200b\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA6e198101-6fc4-4ee8-a5aa-be6dfb34164e\" title=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/patricia-ahrens-56ab6813\/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BR1bKt4wiQpWR5TKSnYCpQw%3D%3D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/patricia-ahrens-56ab6813\/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BR1bKt4wiQpWR5TKSnYCpQw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"13\">CEO<\/a><\/u>\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA7f1c1e92-c1f3-8072-2f30-59ba771c5d61\" title=\"https:\/\/ahrenscontracting.com\/\" href=\"https:\/\/ahrenscontracting.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"14\">Ahrens Contracting, Inc.<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<div>Panelist | \u200b<u>\u200b<a id=\"OWA770c2586-2f88-6e1e-35d3-641dd08c7bd4\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/EVMOd7v_EWhBjXUllwUfBRIBJpTXb45xnGv5CMJqUKFNsw?e=Q59AVR. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/EVMOd7v_EWhBjXUllwUfBRIBJpTXb45xnGv5CMJqUKFNsw?e=Q59AVR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"15\">Mike De La Cruz<\/a>\u200b<\/u>\u200b\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA0dbf5bb0-5c87-f92e-b2f2-cd2681138b0d\" title=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michael-j-de-la-cruz-7a63321\/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BFfBjaIiMQFCiXvJ%2Brs%2BC6Q%3D%3D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michael-j-de-la-cruz-7a63321\/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BFfBjaIiMQFCiXvJ%2Brs%2BC6Q%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"16\">Senior Vice President Business Development and Diversity<\/a><\/u>\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA3c3b73f8-a208-ae30-a0c1-e35e43a1f915\" title=\"https:\/\/www.groupo.com\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.groupo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"17\">Group O<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<div>Panelist | \u200b<u>\u200b<a id=\"OWAb01669bb-633a-3d26-2153-399fd9426c04\" title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/ETq3lpXAExhJkMpBRR_O1L0BpoO4qIBe-B-CiMnG7Lunag?e=BsI4af. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/wbdc-my.sharepoint.com\/:i:\/g\/personal\/jbrungardt_wbdc_org1\/ETq3lpXAExhJkMpBRR_O1L0BpoO4qIBe-B-CiMnG7Lunag?e=BsI4af\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"18\">Katie Ewing<\/a>\u200b<\/u>\u200b\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWAe8719ea4-8299-a723-1a1f-8666b493a4c4\" title=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/katie-ewing-090850208\/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BrsXcVLGkRt6SvaEnK8CATw%3D%3D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/katie-ewing-090850208\/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BrsXcVLGkRt6SvaEnK8CATw%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"19\">CEO<\/a><\/u>\u00a0|\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA55046b77-bcd3-8761-323d-c013f89bd1f0\" title=\"https:\/\/ewingsafety.com\/\" href=\"https:\/\/ewingsafety.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"20\">Ewing Safety and Industrial, Inc.<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p>Description<span data-contrast=\"none\"> | 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\u2019ll examine how these collaborations helped both utilities and suppliers meet critical business goals\u2014driving 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">10:40 \u2013 10:50 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Break<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">10:50 \u2013 11:20 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Breakout Session 1 <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013 Hosted by Gold Sponsors<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">11:20 \u2013 11:25 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Transition<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">11:25 \u2013 11:55 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Breakout Session 2<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2013 Hosted by Gold Sponsors<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">11:55 \u2013 12:00 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Transition<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">12:00 \u2013 12:30 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Breakout Session 3<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2013 Hosted by Gold Sponsors<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">12:30 \u2013 12:35 | <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Closing Remarks<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2013 Karen Goldner, Managing Director, Established Business Programs &amp; Services<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>______________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Morning Networking Breakout Sessions \u2013 <\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">3 sessions of 30 minutes each<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i>Hosted by Gold Sponsors \u2013 Learn how to do business with:<\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ameren.com\/about-ameren\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ameren<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borderstates.com\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Border States<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a title=\"https:\/\/www.centerpointenergy.com\/en-us\/Corp\/Pages\/supplier-registration.aspx\" href=\"https:\/\/www.centerpointenergy.com\/en-us\/Corp\/Pages\/supplier-registration.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"0\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">CenterPoint Energy<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.comed.com\/\">ComEd<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constellation.com\/\">Constellation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evergy.com\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Evergy<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplesgasdelivery.com\/\"><strong><em>People&#8217;s Gas<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/heicocompanies.com\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Heico Companies<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.splitrocknd.com\/\"><strong>Split Rock ND LLC<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>______________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Business Matchmaker<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">November 19, 2025 9am \u2013 3pm CT<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Join virtual business matchmaking with Utility Leaders for an opportunity to meet with suppliers based on business needs.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">**<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please note: Buyers determine all meetings. Must be event sponsors to participate as a buyer.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> **<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Confirmed Buyer Representatives include, but are not limited to:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allete.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Allete<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ameren.com\/partners\/suppliers\/enablement\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ameren<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bv.com\/en-US\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Black &amp; Veatch<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/solutions.borderstates.com\/supplier-diversity\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Border States<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a title=\"https:\/\/www.centerpointenergy.com\/en-us\/Corp\/Pages\/supplier-registration.aspx\" href=\"https:\/\/www.centerpointenergy.com\/en-us\/Corp\/Pages\/supplier-registration.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"0\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">CenterPoint Energy<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exeloncorp.com\/suppliers\">ComEd<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constellationenergy.com\/our-work\/suppliers\/current-suppliers.html\">Constellation<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evergy.com\/partner-with-us\/suppliers\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Evergy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW41149444 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michels.us\/commitment\/supplier-diversity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW41149444 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW41149444 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Michels Corporation<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW220518129 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplesgasdelivery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW220518129 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW220518129 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">People\u2019s Gas<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"EOP SCXW220518129 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.splitrocknd.com\/\">Split Rock ND LLC<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/heicocompanies.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Heico Companies<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vistracorp.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Vistra Corporation<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mn.my.xcelenergy.com\/s\/partner-resources\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Xcel Energy<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Category Opportunities include, but are not limited to:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Project Development Opportunities<\/strong> \u2013 Environmental Services, Permitting Technical Studies, Pre-Construction Work, High-Voltage Tie-Ins\/Interconnects, Abatement &amp; Demolition, Engineering Services<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Construction<\/strong> \u2013 Substation Construction, Transformers, Invertors, Electric \/ Electric Vehicles, Solar, Site Restoration, Fleet Materials,\u00a0Construction of Civil Infrastructure, Transmission, Distribution, Gas, and Battery Storage<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Q&amp;M<\/strong> \u2013 Preventative Maintenance, Vegetation Control, Panel Washing, Fence &amp; Road Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Business and Professional Services<\/strong> \u2013 Manufacturing Materials &amp; Services, IT Materials &amp; Services, Advertising, Janitorial, Facility Maintenance, Legal Services, Gas\u00a0&amp; Meter Services, MRO Supplies, Credit Collections, Call Center, Income Verification,\u00a0Marketing<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\">**<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW148993070 BCX0\">MyBusinessMatches<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\"> registration link will be provided through a separate email once you have registered for the conference.\u202f<\/span><\/span><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\">** Please check your spam mail if you have not received the link <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\">by November 11, 2025<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\">.\u202f<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW148993070 BCX0\">MyBusinessMatches<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\"> Registration Deadline: November 12, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not registered in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW148993070 BCX0\">MyBusinessMatches<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\"> by close of business on November 12, 2025, you will not be able to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\">participate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW148993070 BCX0\"> in matchmaking meetings.\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW148993070 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>______________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<h3>Utility Leader or Utility Prime Contractor \/ Buyers &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/2025-wbdc-midwest-virtual-utility-conference-business-matchmaker-tickets-1693618872639?aff=oddtdtcreator\">Reserve Your Spot!<\/a><\/h3>\n<h3>Supplier \/ Vendors &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/2025-wbdc-midwest-virtual-utility-conference-business-matchmaking-tickets-1704190161649?aff=oddtdtcreator\">Reserve Your Spot!<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-34931 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gold-sponsor-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gold-sponsor-2-1.png 2000w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gold-sponsor-2-1-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gold-sponsor-2-1-1024x372.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gold-sponsor-2-1-768x279.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wbdc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gold-sponsor-2-1-1536x558.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" 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