MES: New and Strengthened Partnerships for our Small Business
Jane Anderson, Ashley Palladino, and Caty Lamadrid of Inova Energy Group
Last week I had the privilege of getting back to Chicago for the Midwest Energy Solutions (MES) conference. MES is my favorite industry conference, and for good reason – the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) team does an exceptional job creating a space to hold meaningful conversations, bolstered by topical sessions and experts, great food, and reinvigorating social gatherings. As a former member of the MEEA Board of Directors, I know the passion and hard work that goes into pulling off this incredible event.
Since joining Inova Energy Group last summer, this was my first MES representing a small, woman- and Latina-owned business and our opportunity to reintroduce our growing team and capabilities. The very nature of the conference presents tremendous opportunity for firms of all sizes to connect and collaborate on how to bring new ideas to life, advance our industry together, and create more prospects for success with one another. From the networking breaks, to workshop discussions and affinity groups, I am always inspired by the genuine connection seasoned industry veterans and new professionals make over these few days.
As a small business, we rely on genuine partnerships with clients and colleagues alike—where we support and bring one another in on projects and proposals—to create new solutions together. Through numerous sit-down meetings, quick chats and deep conversations over meals, tea and cocktails, the Inova team spent the week forming new connections, sparking prospective partnerships, and strengthening existing relationships. We planted so many seeds in just a few days that we’ll be nurturing for years to come.
MES offers Inova and small businesses like us great opportunities, and we’re walking away benefiting from:
Face time with existing and prospective clients and partners,
Exposure to and engagement with colleagues and experts in workshops and affinity groups,
Supportive partners who make connections and introductions on our behalf, and
Candid conversations about challenges and needs that spark new ideas and generate leads.
Our team is excited for the growing impact small firms are having on the clean energy transition throughout the Midwest. We’re grateful for MEEA’s support of small businesses and our Founder and President, Catalina (Caty) Lamadrid facilitated the Small Business Affinity Group for the second year in a row. We see this as just the beginning of how MEEA and MES can effectively engage, uplift and support small businesses—there’s more opportunity for facilitating new connections, offering tailored resources and enhancing the value for small business investment and participation. Small businesses play an essential role in our industry, and Inova intends to be a leader and champion of our small business network as this incredible industry continues to evolve.
If we did not connect at MES please reach out – we’re continuing the momentum, diving deeper, and forming real partnerships and solutions. We’d love to call you a partner, too.
