Symposium Breakout Sessions
The 2025 Business Symposium offers nine breakout sessions across three session times, plus special activities like the EV Ride & Drive and LLLC Escape Room.
Looking for a specific breakout session?
EV Ride & Drive | LLLC Escape Room
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Are you considering an electric vehicle (EV)? Curious how it rides? Get behind the wheel with the EV Ride & Drive at Symposium! Test-drive the latest models and experience the benefits for yourself.
- There are eight vehicles to choose from — you’ll select the model you wish to drive at your test drive check-in.
- Timeslots are for 20 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- The Ride & Drive follows a looped route starting at the Symposium entrance along Washington Street.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
Visit the sign-up table outside the main entrance along Washington Street (look for a tent) to check in or sign up for a timeslot and witness the future of transportation firsthand! To learn more about EVs, including available incentives, rebates and tax credits, visit: Ameren.com/Illinois/residential/electric-vehicles or visit our exhibitor booth near the Ameren Hub.
Get hands-on with Luminaire-Level Lighting Controls!
Pay a visit to the LLLC Escape Room for a hands-on demonstration of Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC)! Presented by Fernhill Shopworks, this experiential learning activity allows you to explore a variety of lighting control technologies and the myriad benefits of LLLCs.
YOUR TASK
You’ll have 10 minutes to configure an LLLC system to meet the requirements of a frustrated facility manager who wants their money back. Do you have what it takes to escape the room?
Visit us on the second floor to claim your timeslot! Come put your hands on real equipment and ask questions of the experts.
Breakout Session 1
8:40 - 9:10 a.m.
Unlock Capital for Energy-Saving Upgrades
Large energy efficiency projects require significant financial investment — and it’s not always feasible for a company’s bottom line without leveraging outside assistance. Learn about various federal and state resources to help make energy efficiency projects more affordable, from depreciation deductions and tax strategies to the unique C-PACE program. Learn the strategies industry leaders are using to make available additional funding to get projects off the ground that result in long-term cost savings and increased wealth.
Learn about:
- Maximizing tax benefits for energy efficiency under Internal Revenue Code Section 179D.
- Cost segregation studies – identifying and accelerating the natural accruing depreciation deductions for building components to increase tax benefits.
- The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, a tool to assist commercial property owners with financing for energy efficiency projects and other improvements.
Moderator
Sidney Daller
Strategy and Innovation Lead
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Sidney Daller, MBA, CEM is Strategy and Innovation Lead for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He has been with the Program for over seven years and has a decade of experience in residential and commercial energy efficiency, alternative fuels and renewables from his various government, nonprofit and private-sector roles. In his current position, he provides data visualization, strategy and decision-making support for new and existing energy efficiency programs along with supporting Market Transformation Initiatives (MTI). Sidney has a B.S. and master’s degree in business administration and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
Speakers
Anna Maria Kowalik
Principal
Curly Consultancy, LLC
Anna Maria Kowalik is a 30-year commercial real estate veteran and nationally recognized C-PACE pioneer. Formerly, as Senior VP & Director of Business Development for Inland Green Capital LLC and Senior VP at the Illinois Energy Conservation Authority, she served as “the face of C-PACE” in Illinois, promoting and educating on this unique financing tool. As Principal of Curly Consultancy LLC, she continues to share her expertise in the C-PACE arena, leveraging her property and asset management experience to best assist her clients.
Don Vincent
Cost Segregation Expert
Cost Segregation Services, Inc.
Don Vincent is an entrepreneur and business professional who specializes in engineering-based cost segregation studies and energy efficiency tax incentive strategies that increase cash flow, defer personal federal income taxes and optimize financial outcomes. Drawing on his multidisciplinary experience, he brings a practical, results-driven perspective to the intersection of real estate, policy and tax strategy. Known for his personalized approach, he is dedicated to guiding clients — whether seasoned investors, owner-occupied business owners or first-time property owners — toward achieving their financial goals with confidence and clarity.
Industrial Heat Pumps 101: Unlocking Efficiency and Savings
Industrial heat pumps (IHPs) use refrigeration cycles to capture and transfer waste heat, achieving thermal efficiencies well over 100% and significantly reducing energy consumption and emissions for industrial processes. By utilizing external power to heat a refrigerant, they can “upgrade” the temperature of low-grade waste heat to a useful level, often exceeding traditional fossil-fuel boilers in efficiency. Key advantages include lower operating costs, faster returns on investment and reduced carbon footprints, making IHPs a critical technology for decarbonizing industrial heat.
Learn about:
- Different types of industrial heat pumps, including mechanical vapor recompression (MVR), high-temperature heat pumps and air-source heat pumps.
- Common IHP applications in industrial facilities including distillation, drying and general process heating.
Case study of Skyven Arcturus, the first industrial steam-generating heat pump using MVR technology to be implemented in the United States.
Moderator
Tom Tyler
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Speakers
Jace Patacsil
Technical Sales Manager, Skyven Technologies
School Efficiency Starts Here: Free Reports for Real Results
The Public School Carbon-Free Assessment (PSCFA) Program — offered at no cost by Ameren Illinois — helps school districts stretch budgets, manage aging facilities and reach the state goal of net-zero carbon energy usage by 2030.
This session will show how the PSCFA report can be used to uncover energy-saving opportunities and turn them into fully or partially funded projects through the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. With over 125 districts already participating, the results speak for themselves: real savings, minimal lift and zero upfront cost.
Learn about:
- How to get your PSCFA report and what’s inside.
- Energy efficiency measures outlined in the report appendix — including lighting upgrades, HVAC scheduling and building envelope improvements.
- How to convert those recommendations into funded projects using financial incentives and bonuses from Ameren Illinois.
Real success stories from districts that have saved thousands in energy costs while improving their facilities.
Speakers
Michael Pittman
Manager, DER and New Clean Energy Programs and Pilots
Michael Pittman leads a team focused on researching, designing, implementing and testing new clean energy programs and technologies across Ameren Illinois electric and natural gas systems. He joined Ameren Illinois as an Energy Efficiency Consultant in 2020 and has led efforts for the Ameren Illinois Public School Carbon-Free Assessment Program since passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Prior to joining Ameren Illinois, he was in Global Energy Analytics and Strategy for Peabody Energy. He has a Bachelor’s in Energy and Sustainability Policy from Pennsylvania State University and Master’s in Business Administration and Finance from Missouri State University.
Jack Johns
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Jack C. Johns III is an Air Force veteran and Public Sector Energy Advisor for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, offering 34 years of program, operational and strategic management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and excels in quality assurance, process improvement and strategic leadership. As Public Sector Energy Advisor, he consults with public sector and community leaders to advance energy efficiency initiatives, while demonstrating his dedication to excellence and sustainability.
Dan Kuhl
Evergreen Energy Partners
Dan Kuhl, LC, is Senior Lighting & Control Specialist at Evergreen Energy Partners with over 30 years of sales, sales management and training experience in the lighting industry. As a senior lighting specialist and certified trainer, he provides training for lighting and control technology applications and develops relationships within the industry by increasing awareness of new technologies and controls. He has earned a Lighting Certified Professional designation from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP).
Angela Pilant
Evergreen Energy Partners
Angela Pilant, LC, is Senior Energy Specialist/Program Manager at Evergreen Energy Partners with over two decades of expertise in the lighting and energy sectors and a diverse background as a utility specialist, manufacturer’s representative and consultant. Since joining Evergreen Consulting Group in 2009, Angela has excelled in market and trend analysis, utility program development, client engagement strategies and training initiatives. She has earned a Lighting Certified Professional designation from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP).
Sidney Daller
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Sidney Daller, MBA, CEM is Strategy and Innovation Lead for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He has been with the Program for over seven years and has a decade of experience in residential and commercial energy efficiency, alternative fuels and renewables from his various government, nonprofit and private-sector roles. In his current position, he provides data visualization, strategy and decision-making support for new and existing energy efficiency programs along with supporting Market Transformation Initiatives (MTI). Sidney has a B.S. and master’s degree in business administration and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
Breakout Session 2
9:20 - 9:50 a.m.
Powering Your Purpose: Shared Strategies for Energy Savings
From bustling hospitals to quiet sanctuaries, every building type holds untapped potential for energy savings. But you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. After a brief overview, attendees will break into small groups and explore common strategies to cut energy costs and obtain financial incentives in various business segments including healthcare, retail, nonprofits and religious facilities, and office spaces. This fast-paced session will involve group participation — so bring your questions and the pain points at your business!
Learn about:
- Real-world projects from businesses like yours and how they are leveraging incentives to increase energy savings.
- Common barriers to energy efficiency projects in your industry — and how to overcome them.
- Opportunities to capitalize on low-cost, easy wins with the Ameren Energy Efficiency Program.
Moderators
Healthcare Facilities
Chad Whitehead
Large Business Energy Advisor
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Chad Whitehead has been an Energy Advisor acting on behalf of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program for the last 13 years. As an Energy Advisor, he introduces the Program to commercial and industrial customers, identifies incentive opportunities, and facilitates the submission of qualifying energy efficiency projects for incentives. Chad was an IBEW journeyman electrician for 11 years and spent three years teaching the curriculum for the third-year apprentice. He has a master’s degree in quality engineering and management and is currently working on a PhD in industrial and quality engineering. He is a founding member and Vice President of the Association of Energy Engineers Central Illinois Chapter, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Building Operator Certification (BOC) instructor. He has been married to his wife Jennifer for 28 years and has a daughter, Emma; a son, Ethan; and three grandkids.
Nonprofits and Religious Facilities
Jason Noe
Small Business Energy Advisor
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Coming Soon
Retail/Grocery/Convenience Stores
Terry Tebbe
Small Business Energy Advisor
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Coming Soon
Office Spaces
Gretchen Primeau
Small Business Energy Advisor
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Gretchen Primeau is a Small Business Energy Advisor for Territory #1, which includes Peoria, Galesburg, Macomb, Canton and Monmouth. She has been with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program for over seven years and loves working with Program Ally contractors, helping to connect them with customers looking to be more energy efficient. Prior to joining Ameren Illinois, Gretchen was a news anchor and weatherperson for the ABC affiliate in Peoria for 20 years. She graduated from Illinois State University and lives in Dunlap, just outside of Peoria, with her husband and son.
From Waste to Megawatts: Recovering Industrial Heat
Industrial Waste Heat Recovery (IWHR) is a process by which heat generated by industrial processes is captured and reused for other processes within a facility, such as preheating air or feedwater, generating electricity or providing heating for other systems. By capturing heat that would otherwise be wasted, it brings a host of economic and environmental benefits for industrial firms and manufacturing plants, including significantly reduced energy costs. In some cases, improved overall efficiency can have a greater impact on payback than fuel cost.
Learn about:
- New and innovative ways to boost energy efficiency by capturing and reusing waste heat from complex industrial process operations.
- The many benefits of IWHR, including lower energy consumption and costs, improved system efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels.
- Real-world case studies of waste heat recovery from the ethanol production, papermill and chemical industries.
Moderator
Tom Tyler
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Thomas Tyler is the Industrial Energy Advisor with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He is responsible for the Process Energy Assessment, Strategic Energy Management and Combined Heat and Power outreach initiatives. Tom’s background includes facilities engineering, energy management and energy efficiency assessments in manufacturing facilities. He has previously worked in the ammunition manufacturing and food processing industries, as well as serving as a U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer. He is a Certified Energy Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Speaker:
Tom Tucker
President, Kinergetics
Tom Tucker is a registered Professional Engineer, Qualified Steam Specialist and Certified Fan Systems Expert for the U.S. Department of Energy. He has over 25 years of experience supporting industry through detailed energy efficiency assessments, process engineering, project implementation and construction oversight within the food/dairy, pulp and paper, ethanol, plastics and metals industries. Several of his heat recovery designs are unique to the industry, resulting in numerous patents or provisional patents. In addition, Tucker co-founded an energy technology development company, where he led the design and development of energy analysis software and metering technologies to streamline evaluation of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. He has provided energy efficiency training to various utilities and has been an invited speaker at universities, industry associations and conferences.
To Be Announced
Mark Bollmann
City of Carbondale
Joseph Haskell
East St. Louis School District #189
Moderator
Jack Johns
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Breakout Session 3
10:40 - 11:10 a.m.
Full Steam Ahead: Smart Strategies for Optimization
Steam production is a significant energy expense for industrial facilities, but a high percentage of energy can be wasted through inefficiencies. Industrial steam system optimization helps capture and utilize more of this energy through a systematic approach to improving steam generation, distribution and end use, as well as addressing factors like steam trap maintenance and insulation to minimize energy loss. The benefits include reduced fuel costs, enhanced reliability, extended equipment life, improved environmental sustainability and increased overall profitability.
Learn about:
- How steam trap monitoring can detect steam trap issues that may be missed with traditional surveys — allowing you to make repairs before they turn into costly problems.
- How condensing economizers for boilers can enhance waste heat recovery and improve overall system efficiency.
- How condensing economizers for boilers can enhance waste heat recovery and improve overall system efficiency.
Moderator
Tom Tyler
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Thomas Tyler is the Industrial Energy Advisor with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. He is responsible for the Process Energy Assessment, Strategic Energy Management and Combined Heat and Power outreach initiatives. Tom’s background includes facilities engineering, energy management and energy efficiency assessments in manufacturing facilities. He has previously worked in the ammunition manufacturing and food processing industries, as well as serving as a U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer. He is a Certified Energy Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Speakers
Jim Ahart
Custom Steam Solutions, USA
Jim Ahart is a seasoned steam system expert with more than 25 years of extensive experience diagnosing and resolving steam system issues across a variety of facilities. With his deep understanding of steam system design, he has worked with engineering firms on designing steam take-offs, condensate return system verification and ensuring that systems are properly sized and optimized for performance and efficiency. His hands-on approach combined with technical expertise has made him a trusted resource for reliable, effective steam solutions.
Ameya Desai
Custom Steam Solutions
Angela Pilant, LC, is Senior Energy Specialist/Program Manager at Evergreen Energy Partners with over two decades of expertise in the lighting and energy sectors and a diverse background as a utility specialist, manufacturer’s representative and consultant. Since joining Evergreen Consulting Group in 2009, Angela has excelled in market and trend analysis, utility program development, client engagement strategies and training initiatives. She has earned a Lighting Certified Professional designation from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP).
To Be Announced
Brandace Cloud
Macoupin Art Collective
Moderator
Shane Perry
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Powering Progress: Energy-Saving Strategies for Local Governments
Local governments face the challenge of balancing tight budgets with the consistent demand for efficient and sustainable operations. This session will highlight practical, proven strategies municipalities can implement to reduce energy use, cut utility costs and reinvest savings back into community priorities. From optimizing building systems and custom processes to leveraging available funding and incentives, participants will learn how to turn energy efficiency into a powerful tool for long-term progress.
Learn about:
- Various ways that municipalities and local governments can reduce energy usage and lower operating costs.
- Various ways that municipalities and local governments can reduce energy usage and lower operating costs.
- How to work with your Public Sector Energy Advisor to start (or continue) your energy efficiency journey.
Powering Progress: Energy Saving Strategies for Local Governments
Moderator
Jack Johns
Leidos, Inc. – An Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program Contractor
Jack C. Johns III is an Air Force veteran and Public Sector Energy Advisor for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, offering 34 years of program, operational and strategic management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and excels in quality assurance, process improvement and strategic leadership. As Public Sector Energy Advisor, he consults with public sector and community leaders to advance energy efficiency initiatives, while demonstrating his dedication to excellence and sustainability.
Speaker
Brad Bennett
Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District
Questions?
If you have additional questions, please reach out to our Business Call Center at 1.866.800.0747 or email IllinoisBusinessEE@ameren.com.