Throw a rock in Chicago and you will hit a reason to improve energy efficiency. Need to create jobs? Wham! Need to plug a budget hole? Wham! Want to make a drastic reduction in your business' environmental impact with minimal investment? You get the picture.

This quarter's Green Drinks-Business Edition presents the state of Energy Efficiency in Chicago. Come learn from the area's leading experts about the status of rebates, incentives, funding, policies and business opportunities happening in this dynamic sector. This is no time for throwing stones. It's time to start shaking hands and making energy efficiency a priority.

Green Drinks-Business Edition is the premier place to connect with Chicago's forward-looking enterprises. Bring clients, connect with colleagues, and develop opportunities while enjoying gourmet fare from Falafill and responsibly crafted drinks from The Naked Grape. Presented by the Foresight Sustainable Business Alliance and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. In partnership with U.S. Green Building Council - Illinois Chapter and Midwest Energy and Sustainability Leadership Alliance. 

Panelists
Michael Brandt, Manager, Energy Efficiency Planning & Measurement
ComEd
Michael has been with ComEd for over twenty-eight years, serving in many capacities, including, IT, Strategic Analysis, Least Cost Planning, Marketing, Payroll and Regulatory. In his current role, he provides strategic oversight of ComEd’s energy efficiency portfolio, responsible for the planning, M&V, reporting, and accounting functions within the portfolio. Mr. Brandt received both a MBA in Statistics and Quantitative Analysis and a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago.

Patrick Michalkiewicz, Manager - Energy Efficiency & Major Accounts
Peoples Gas & North Shore Gas
Patrick is responsible for overseeing all aspects of energy efficiency programs at Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, as well as the account management and relationship management functions for commercial and industrial customers. Patrick has more than 29 years of experience in the gas and electric utility industry which has included various engineering and management positions in nuclear power, gas supply, sales & marketing, mergers & acquisitions and customer service. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Kate Tomford, Chief Sustainability Policy Advisor, Illinois Energy Office
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Kate develops and administers policies and programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green technology, and represents the State of Illinois and DCEO on sustainability-related councils and task forces.  Prior to joining DCEO, Kate worked on energy and environmental policy in Governor Pat Quinn’s Office, former Lt. Governor Pat Quinn’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office at the City of Chicago.  Kate holds a master’s degree in environmental science and policy and a bachelor’s degree in geochemistry.

Schedule
5:30-6:15pm Business Networking
6:15-6:45pm Panel Discussion
6:45-7:30pm Business Networking

Selected Organizations that attended past Green Drinks-Business Editions:
2 Point Perspective, 312 Aquaponics, Accenture, Baker & McKenzie, Bryan Cave LLP, Cannon Design, Chicago Energy Solutions, CNT, Compass X Strategy, Consolidated Printing Company, The Delves Group, Eagle Strategies, ELPC, EverLights, Five Winds International, GreenChoice Bank, Haworth, HJKessler Associates, IBM, I-GO Car Sharing, Levenfeld Pearlstein, NorthStar Green, Perkins+Will, PortionPac Corp, Recyclebank, Skiba Consulting, TerraLocke, USG Corporation, Vertical Green, Waste Management, West Monroe Partners, WRD Environmental, Zipcar…and many more.

Note: This event is intended for those employed by a sustainability-oriented (or interested)
enterprise and their guests. Job seekers are encouraged to attend the next monthly Green Drinks
and/or attend a Foresight Sustainability Careers Workshop.

***Cancellation Policy***

All Foresight tickets and/or event registrations are non-refundable. If an event is canceled or postponed by Foresight, participants will be offered a full refund. Please contact us if a personal emergency keeps you from attending an event. At Foresight's discretion, a refund may be offered in these cases.