First-of-its-kind Supplier Diversity Summit Connects More Than 150 Local Minority and Women Owned Businesses to Mass Save® Programs

BOSTON (December 8, 2022) – Furthering their commitment to increasing diversity in the energy efficiency economy, the Sponsors of Mass Save organized a first-of-its-kind Supplier Diversity Summit earlier this month.

Attracting more than 150 minority and women-owned business leaders over two days, the even included an in-depth overview of Mass Save energy efficiency programs and included valuable resources on how to access those energy-saving programs to help grow their businesses. Attendees represented a wide variety of sectors across the energy efficiency economy and included owners of HVAC companies, weatherization installers, plumbers, electricians, among other small businesses from across the commonwealth.

The summit, held in partnership with The Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, the Massachusetts Business Development Agency, Browning the Green Space, and Emerald Cities Collaborative, took place on November 8th in Westwood and again on November 10th in Worcester. In addition to informational forums, highlights also included a networking hour, presentations from vendors, break-out sessions, and matchmaking opportunities to educate and empower business owners.

"A diverse vendor network is an integral part of advancing a sustainable energy future for all - particularly those customers in environmental justice communities," said Ruth Georges, Supervisor, Equity, Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development, Eversource. "Our goal is to ensure that minority business owners have equal access to the opportunities provided by The Sponsors of Mass Save so that we can first grow the energy workforce equitability, as well as our vendor network, so that w can reach more customers - and every person across the commonwealth knows about the nation-leading energy efficiency solutions available to them."

In a post-event survey, 78% of respondents reported having a better understanding of how to access business opportunities across the Mass Save energy efficiency programs and 87% also said the would recommend attending the Mass Save Supplier Diversity Summit to a friend.

"It's a huge opportunity, and we wan to realize equity in this space and make sure that women and people of color are included in this transition" said Alexis Washburn.

As part of their commitment under the 2022-2024 Energy Efficiency Plan, the Sponsors will continue to host workshops at least twice a year to increase awareness of and participation in Mass Save programs by minority suppliers. More information about future workshops can be found at MassSave.com

From left to right: Tim Newcombie, Manager, C&I EE Delivery, Carline Hacunda, Senior Category Specialist, Global Procurement, Melanie Coen, Customer Energy Management, Amanda Formica, Customer Energy Management, Kacey Quenzer, Senior Buyer, Category Managment, Poornima Eber, Category Manager, Global Procurement, Fleur Callender, Global DEI Manager, Community & Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Saken Pillay Khokhar, Director, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability, and Nelson Roman, Procurement, Supplier Diversity, Supply Chain Management.

Pictured: Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President, Eversource.

About Mass Save®
Mass Save® is a collaborative of Massachusetts’ natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers including Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, National Grid, and Unitil. We empower residents, businesses, and communities to make energy efficient upgrades by offering a wide range of services, rebates, incentives, trainings, and information.