Core Viewpoint - Cushman & Wakefield has appointed Damla Gerhart as the Executive Regional Director of the Midwest Region, indicating a strategic move to strengthen leadership in that area [1]. Group 1 - The appointment of Damla Gerhart is aimed at enhancing the company's operational effectiveness in the Midwest Region [1].

Core Insights - Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, and Xcel Energy proposed new electric transmission lines to enhance electricity reliability and connect new energy sources to the grid, submitting a Certificate of Need application for the PowerOn Midwest project to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission [1][5] Project Overview - PowerOn Midwest includes a 765 kilovolt (kV) backbone transmission line that will connect to the existing grid in eastern South Dakota, traverse southern Minnesota, and link to the broader regional grid [2] - The 765 kV line will connect the Lakefield, Pleasant Valley, and North Rochester substations located in Jackson, Mower, and Olmstead counties in Minnesota [2] Economic and Environmental Impact - The utility partners emphasized that PowerOn Midwest is a crucial investment for Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, aiming to ensure reliable and affordable electricity, support economic growth, and provide access to lower-cost energy resources [3] - The new infrastructure is designed to accommodate energy from various sources, ensuring reliable energy delivery throughout the year [3] Regulatory and Development Timeline - The projects were part of a portfolio approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in December 2024, which included 24 transmission projects [4] - Route options are still being developed, with Route Permit applications expected to be filed with the MPUC in 2027, and construction anticipated to begin by 2030, with operations starting in 2034 [7] Additional Projects - In addition to the 765 kV line, the Certificate of Need application includes two 345 kV projects, which involve rebuilding an existing single-circuit 345 kV line and adding a second circuit to another existing line [8]

Core Insights - The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) awarded the Inspiring Efficiency Marketing Award to Walker-Miller Energy Services and ComEd for their collaborative Energy Saving Kits program aimed at promoting clean energy access [1][7]. Company Initiatives - Walker-Miller Energy Services and ComEd developed a unique outreach strategy to distribute free energy-efficient product kits, utilizing market segmentation data for targeted email outreach [3][5]. - The Energy Saving Kits include LED light bulbs, night lights, and weatherization products, designed to enhance household energy efficiency and reduce monthly energy bills for income-eligible customers [4][3]. Marketing and Engagement - ComEd's email marketing campaign effectively informed customers about the Energy Saving Kits, leading to increased engagement and requests from previously unaware customers [5]. - The campaign prioritized income-eligible households, ensuring that energy-saving resources reached those most in need, resulting in a significant increase in kit requests [5][6]. Program Impact - Since its launch in 2008, ComEd's energy-efficiency program has saved customers over $12 billion on energy bills and reduced electricity consumption by 103 million megawatt-hours, equivalent to preventing over 77 billion pounds of carbon emissions [8][9]. - The impact of these savings is comparable to planting more than 35 million acres of trees, highlighting the environmental benefits of the program [9]. Organizational Background - Walker-Miller Energy Services is a Certified B Corporation focused on clean energy, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while ComEd serves over 10.7 million customers in northern Illinois [10][11]. - MEEA promotes energy efficiency as a pathway to a clean, affordable, and sustainable future, serving as a resource for members and policymakers [12].

Core Insights - ComEd, in collaboration with Walker-Miller Energy Services, received the Inspiring Efficiency Marketing Award for its Energy Saving Kits portal and marketing program at the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference [1][7] Company Initiatives - ComEd aims to expand access to energy-saving programs, particularly for income-eligible customers, to reduce energy use and environmental impact [2] - The Energy Saving Kits program has been available for approximately 10 years, providing complimentary kits with energy-saving products to eligible customers [2] Program Impact - Approximately 20,000 Energy Saving Kits were delivered, resulting in over 12,300 megawatt hours of electricity savings and 724,200 therms of natural gas savings, equating to nearly $3 million in customer savings on energy bills [3][4] - Since its launch in 2008, ComEd's energy-efficiency program has saved customers over $12 billion on energy bills and reduced electricity consumption by 103 million megawatt-hours, preventing over 77 billion pounds of carbon emissions [8] Marketing and Outreach - ComEd and Walker-Miller utilized targeted email outreach based on market segmentation data to effectively distribute the Energy Saving Kits [4][5] - The campaign prioritized income-eligible households, significantly increasing kit requests and ensuring resources reached those most in need [5] Recognition and Awards - The Inspiring Efficiency Marketing Award recognizes impactful campaigns that enhance participation in energy efficiency programs and promote energy-efficient product adoption [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - Union Pacific Corporation is actively promoting its proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, aiming to establish the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. and addressing misinformation from opponents [1] Company Developments - Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted their application to the Surface Transportation Board for merger approval [1] - The meeting at the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) served as a platform for Union Pacific to engage with customers regarding the merger benefits [1]

Core Viewpoint - Edible Garden AG Incorporated has expanded its product line by launching Pickle Party™, a fresh, fermented, Kosher, and Non-GMO pickle and kraut line, at Woodman's Markets, enhancing its presence in the Midwest and providing consumers with clean-label food options [1][2]. Company Overview - Edible Garden is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), focusing on sustainable, locally grown organic produce through its Zero-Waste Inspired® farming model [5]. - The company operates over 5,000 retail locations across the U.S., Caribbean, and South America, utilizing advanced safety protocols and sustainable packaging [5]. - Edible Garden's proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 software optimizes growing conditions and aims to reduce food miles, while its patented Self-Watering display extends plant shelf life [6]. Product Launch - Pickle Party is positioned as the world's first functional pickle line, crafted in partnership with the Hermann Pickle Company, featuring a variety of flavors and made using traditional fermentation methods [3]. - The product line is free from artificial preservatives, stabilizers, and added sugars, aligning with the company's commitment to clean-label foods [3]. Retail Partnership - Woodman's Markets, a Midwest grocery retailer, operates 20 large-format stores and is known for its value-driven pricing and high customer traffic, making it an ideal partner for Edible Garden [2]. - The introduction of Pickle Party at Woodman's supports Edible Garden's strategy to expand its clean-label food portfolio and leverage established retail relationships for sustainable growth [4].

Core Insights - Bridgeline Digital, Inc. has launched HawkSearch for a major Midwest-based wholesale distributor, enhancing its online product discovery and digital customer experience [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Bridgeline Digital is a leader in AI-powered marketing technology, focusing on helping companies grow online revenue by increasing traffic, conversion rates, and average order value [4]. Group 2: Product Features - HawkSearch utilizes the Xngage Xconnect connector for Optimizely, enabling seamless data integration and an intuitive user experience [3]. - Key features of HawkSearch include Autocomplete, Measurement Conversion, and upcoming AI-powered Recommendations aimed at streamlining the buying process and enhancing customer engagement [3]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - The partnership with the distributor aims to reinforce Bridgeline's mission of making searches smarter and customer interactions more meaningful, ultimately driving stronger customer relationships and measurable growth [4].

Core Viewpoint - Raymond James has been selected by Bank Midwest to support its investment program through its Financial Institutions Division [1] Group 1 - Bank Midwest has chosen Raymond James for its investment program [1]

Core Insights - NextEra Energy Resources has signed a long-term agreement with WPPI Energy to supply electricity from the Point Beach Nuclear Plant, ensuring continued access to nuclear power into the 2050s [1][2][3] Company Overview - NextEra Energy Resources is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. and is the largest energy infrastructure developer in the U.S., with approximately 33,410 megawatts of net generating capacity as of year-end 2024 [5] - WPPI Energy is a member-owned, not-for-profit energy company serving 51 locally owned utilities, providing electric power to over 220,000 homes and businesses across Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Iowa [6] Operational Details - The Point Beach Nuclear Plant, located in Wisconsin, is the state's only operating nuclear power plant, contributing nearly 15% of the state's power and capable of powering nearly 1 million homes and businesses [4] - WPPI currently utilizes 168 megawatts (MW) of the plant's total output of nearly 1,200 MW, and this capacity will remain unchanged under the new agreement [2][3] Strategic Importance - The agreement is seen as crucial for meeting the growing electricity demand in the Upper Midwest, with both companies emphasizing the importance of maintaining a diverse and stable power supply in a rapidly changing energy landscape [3]

Core Insights - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. has opened a new distribution center in Otsego, Minnesota, as part of its strategy to enhance supply chain efficiency and support its retail locations [1][2] - The Otsego distribution center spans 266,000 square feet and will serve nearly 500 Holiday Station and Circle K stores in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest [2][5] - The company plans to open two additional distribution centers in Hazelwood, Missouri, and Lockbourne, Ohio, which will collectively support approximately 1,600 stores across 14 states [5] Company Operations - The Otsego DC is operated by McLane Company, Inc., a key logistics partner, and employs around 150 staff members [2][3] - The facility will provide a range of products including national and private-brand snacks, beverages, tobacco, and prepared food items as part of the "Fresh Food Fast" program [4] - With the addition of the new distribution centers, Couche-Tard will support about 3,200 stores in North America through self-distribution [5] Strategic Goals - The opening of the Otsego DC is a significant milestone in Couche-Tard's multi-year initiative to create a more agile and efficient supply chain [2][4] - The company aims to improve speed, accuracy, and product availability while enhancing the overall customer experience [4] - Couche-Tard operates nearly 17,300 stores globally, with a strong presence in the convenience store sector across various regions [6]