WASHINGTON (May 22, 2025) — The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) has announced the winners of its Business Development Awards, which were presented during the 41st Annual Business Development Conference in Houston. The awards were judged by an esteemed panel of energy industry professionals and recognize companies for their outstanding efforts to advance purchasing opportunities for small businesses who partner with investor-owned electric companies. The winners were evaluated over a two-year period.

“This year’s awardees underscore our industry’s commitment to creating exciting new economic opportunities for small businesses across America,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “Each of the winners is incredibly deserving of these awards, and we commend them for leading by example in empowering partners in their local communities and across their supply chains.”

DTE Energy has earned the EEI Innovation Award. This award is presented annually to an EEI member company that has implemented and executed innovative business inclusion practices that benefit both companies and small local suppliers.

DTE Energy’s utilization of social media and narrative storytelling helped to drive internal and external collaboration and to connect local businesses to development opportunities. In particular, the judges applauded DTE Energy’s efforts to feature local, small, and veteran-owned products at their headquarters’ food court, which provided new economic opportunities to businesses in the surrounding community.

 

Left to right: Karla Whiting, Managing Director, Employee Communications, Engagement, and Inclusion, EEI; Courtney Steward, Strategist-Supply Chain Management, DTE Energy; LaVonne Rose, Manager, Business Development Program and Meeting Services, EEI

ZONES has earned the EEI Prime Supplier Leadership Award. This award is presented annually to a prime supplier that demonstrates exceptional leadership in supplier inclusion, outreach, and mentoring across their supply chain operations. For more than 20 years, ZONES has consistently shown an unwavering commitment to supplier development and empowerment.

The judges were particularly impressed with ZONES’ efforts to mentor small suppliers through various programs and workshops. This includes the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council Roundtable, during which ZONES brought together leading organizations to foster insightful discussions on the evolving role of technology in business, with a special focus on artificial intelligence and its impact on minority businesses.

Left to right: Karla Whiting, Managing Director, Employee Communications, Engagement, and Inclusion, EEI; Harlin Miller, Director of Supplier Diversity and Sales Enablement, ZONES; Paul Schmidt, Senior Account Executive - Advanced Technologies, ZONES; LaVonne Rose, Manager, Business Development Program and Meeting Services, EEI; Ryan Jump, Territory Vice President, ZONES

Walker-Miller Energy Services has earned the EEI Business Development Outstanding Supplier Award. This award is presented annually to a supplier that empowers local communities through inclusion, development, job creation, and mentorship programs.

For more than 24 years, Walker-Miller Energy Services has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering people and enriching local communities. Through an inclusive workforce and innovative solutions that support energy waste reduction initiatives, Walker-Miller Energy Services has designed, developed, and sourced products and programs that have transformed energy practices and behaviors.

The judges also commended Walker-Miller for its work with marginalized communities that historically have not participated in energy efficiency programs. The company’s dedicated efforts helped reduce energy burdens on local communities, families, and businesses.

Left to right: Karla Whiting, Managing Director, Employee Communications, Engagement, and Inclusion, EEI; Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and CEO, Walker-Miller Energy Services; LaVonne Rose, Manager, Business Development Program and Meeting Services, EEI