Description

Chicago Regional Meeting

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

10 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Introduction: 

This meeting is to strategize an approach for each state being considered. It is recognized that some states have more/less activity than others. The people/companies listed below are not expected to be presenters, but discussion leaders. 

This meeting is for full and affiliate member company employees only*, except where NAESCO has specifically invited a key ally for our industry. Space is limited to 80 people and 2 representatives per company.

*To participate in a members-only meeting, the participating individual needs to have an email address with the member company domain.

Chicago Regional Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, September 23

Pre-Meeting Happy Hour (Organized by NAESCO Affiliate Engagement Subcommittee)

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Weber Grill Restaurant, 539 North State Street (Connected to Hilton Garden Inn)

Wednesday, September 24

Affiliate Breakfast Meet-up (Organized by NAESCO Affiliate Value Proposition Subcommittee)

Time: 9:00 AM 

Location: Eataly, 43 E Ohio Street

The NAESCO Affiliate Value Proposition Subcommittee is excited to announce an informal networking meet-up! This gathering will be a great opportunity for affiliates and members to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on future projects, exchange insights about the industry, or simply enjoy good conversation over coffee, this is the perfect chance to strengthen our professional community. Please note this is not a sponsored event therefore each attendee should expect to pay for their own F&B.

Meeting Agenda

11:00 AM - Discussion with Ian Adams, Managing Director at Evergreen Climate Innovations; Patrick Evans, President of the Illinois Energy Association; and Kent Gaffney, Senior Vice President of State Government Relations at McGuireWoods Consulting. They will give brief talks on current developments and share any updates. Bring your questions, as this will be an informal opportunity to speak with them.

Ian Adams Managing Director at Evergreen Climate Innovations

Ian Adams is a Managing Director at Evergreen Climate Innovations, an organization which supports and invests in high-potential climate tech startups from the Greater Midwest. He brings more than a decade of experience working in energy and climate across investing, operations, and government.

Ian oversees Evergreen’s platform work, which includes startup support programming, ecosystem partnerships, research, and impact measurement. In this capacity, Ian works to identify technology and market trends, evaluates new investment opportunities, and develops new initiatives to support climate tech startups.

Prior to Evergreen, Ian worked at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and served in the administration of President Barack Obama at the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy. He is a graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Kent Gaffney, Senior Vice President State Government Relations, McGuireWoods Consulting

Kent joined McGuireWoods Consulting in January 2013 and serves as a senior vice president of State Government Relations. His primary areas of service include assisting clients with legislative, appropriations and regulatory needs. Prior to joining MWC, he served as the 52nd District State Representative in the House of Representatives of the Illinois General Assembly. In that capacity, Kent served on the Revenue & Finance, Insurance, Armed Forces and Military Affairs, Small Business Empowerment & Workforce, and General Services Appropriations committees.

Before becoming a legislator, he was the Director of Appropriations for the Illinois House Republican Caucus from 2001-2011. Kent has also served as the Deputy Director of Appropriations and as a Research Analyst for utility and healthcare committees.

Kent was also chosen to be a member of the inaugural class of the Edgar Fellows Program.

12:00 PM Lunch All - Sponsored by ESPEN, mwConnect, and Nenni and Associates!

1:00-4:30 PM State Discussions 

Minnesota - Ben Wallace, Ameresco

Missouri - Dana Dunn, Ameresco

Kansas - Ryan Terry, Navitas

Wisconsin - Joe Cinalli, Schneider Electric and Jeff Van Ess, Johnson Controls

Michigan - Michael Nordloh, Energy Systems Group

Illinois - Brian Ondyak, Performance Services, Inc.

Indiana - Bob Smith, Veregy

Ohio - Brent Vanhoose, ESG

West Virginia - Andy Cocina, Wendel

Kentucky - Carter Offutt, Perfection Group, Inc.

Virginia - Alison Shea, The Efficiency Network (TEN)

4:30 PM Wrap Up All 

5:00 - 6:30 PM Networking Social Event in Three Dots and a Dash at 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654 - Sponsored by Walker Blue!

One sponsorship remaining!

Sponsorship Contact:

Please email Michelle Yoon at michelle.yoon@naesco.org for sponsorship information.

Hotel Information: 

The hotel is offering a special room rate of $229 for our event. This rate includes access to an indoor heated pool, fitness center, and complimentary WiFi. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant and 24-hour business center. To reserve your room, visit our event attendee website or call the hotel's reservation department at 877-865-5298. Please make your reservation by August 30, 2025, and identify yourself as part of the NAESCO Chicago Regional Meeting.