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Midwest Energy Policy Series to focus on energy’s role in Missouri’s economy

In recognition of the key role energy plays in Missouri’s economy, the Missouri Energy Initiative is focusing the final event of the 2018 Midwest Energy Policy Series on Energy and Economic Development. The event will be held Wed., Dec. 5, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 36 Headquarters in St. Louis. Registration information is available at moenergy.org/meps or here.

Attendees will discover how new technologies are impacting Missouri’s economy. They’ll hear from business leaders about the role energy played in their growth and policies that helped them succeed or policies needed for a greater impact. Participants will also learn what Missouri utilities are doing to increase economic development through a variety of measures that impact both urban and rural Missouri.

“Energy and the economy are inextricably linked, but because we don’t see or touch the electrons or gas molecules, it can go unnoticed,” noted Josh Campbell, MEI executive director. “MEI is excited to bring together this group of speakers to talk about the ‘what is,’ the ‘what will be,’ and the ‘what if’s’ on energy policy, technology and successful collaborations to enable Missouri to continue to be a leader in this sector.”

“Rob Dixon, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, will provide an update on his department’s Best in the Midwest Initiative collaboration with the Missouri Department of Higher Education,” Campbell said. “The two departments are just now wrapping up their year-long analysis and stakeholder process for revamping how Missouri educates and trains its workers for tomorrow’s economy and how the state supports the growth of existing companies and recruitment of new companies to help grow the state’s economy.”

Three sessions will touch on local successes, including manufacturing efficiencies, new energy-related companies and what is bridging our current advanced economy and technologies with tomorrow’s economy.

In addition to Dixon’s keynote remarks, the other sessions are:

9am to 10am Future Technology Pushing Today’s Economy
Jim CurranExec. VP Electrical Connection, Moderator and Electric Vehicles
Tim Arbeiter, Director of Broadband State of Missouri   
Tim Sylvester, CEO, Integrated Roadways
Tom McMahon, Sr. VP of Advocacy & Govt Relations, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems 

10am to 11am 2019 Legislative Outlook
Missouri Sen. Ed Emery & Rep. Rocky Miller

1:15pm to 2:15pm Energy, Economic Development & Missouri
John McClain, Executive, Cornerstone Consulting 
Byron DeLear, Regional Executive, Ygrene Energy Fund   
Randy Moore – CEOZAF Energy Systems

2:15pm to 3:15pm Energy Providers Spurring Economic Development
Mike Kearney, Manager Economic Development, Ameren
Drew Robinson, Manager of Renewables, KCP&L
Brenda Linderer, Dir. Business Development Spire, Inc.

Sponsors for the Energy Economic Development event include gold sponsors KCP&L and Ameren Missouri. Silver sponsors are Washington University, Electrical Connection, Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, Spire Energy, Bernhard Energy Solutions and Polsinelli. Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future is a partner.

The Missouri Energy Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 association of public and private-sector entities working collaboratively to identify opportunities and solutions to meet Missouri’s energy needs through support and facilitation of energy economic development, education, research and pragmatic policies. MEI’s vision is to be Missouri’s trusted source and forum for information and solutions on innovative, reliable and affordable energy for Missouri.