Some industry events give you a lot of information. Others remind you why you love the industry in the first place. For me, RECESS26 was definitely both. RECESS26 was sponsored by Walker-Miller Energy Services, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the partnership. From the moment we arrived in Detroit, it was clear that this was more than another conference. RECESS26 brought together some of the brightest, most passionate people in energy efficiency and created space for meaningful conversations about where our industry is going—and who gets to be part of that future. And as a woman-owned business and WBE, Power Path Logistics is especially passionate about that conversation.
Inclusion isn’t just something we talk about. At Power Path Logistics, inclusion is part of how we operate. Our workforce development program intentionally creates opportunities for people who may not always have a traditional pathway into the workforce, providing training, meaningful employment, and opportunities to build skills and confidence. We believe that talent is everywhere—but opportunity isn’t. So we’re committed to creating an environment where people with different experiences, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives can contribute, grow, and succeed. That same philosophy extends into the energy efficiency work we support every day.
A huge part of Power Path’s work is supporting programs designed to reach income-qualified customers, seniors, people with disabilities, community organizations, and others who can benefit most from energy-efficiency resources. For us, accessibility isn’t an abstract concept–it’s making sure programs actually reach the people they’re intended to serve. The products we distribute, the programs we support, and the people we employ are all connected by the same idea: Energy efficiency should be accessible to everyone. That’s one of the reasons RECESS26 resonated with me so much.
Walker-Miller continues to make huge waves in our industry—not only through the work they do in energy efficiency, but through their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They aren’t treating DEI as a checkbox. They’re weaving it through the fabric of our industry, creating a stronger, more innovative energy industry. As a WBE business owner, that matters to me. Representation matters. Access matters. Partnerships matter. And having companies like Walker-Miller willing to lead those conversations makes our entire industry better.
Of course, an event is only as good as the people in the room—and RECESS26 delivered! The speakers and panelists were top notch, bringing thoughtful perspectives, real experience, and plenty of ideas worth taking home and putting into practice. The moderators were fantastic, too. They kept the conversations engaging, honest, and relevant—and created the kind of environment where people actually wanted to participate. And then there was everything happening outside of the sessions. The food was great. The hotel was beautiful. Detroit was absolutely beautiful and such a fun backdrop for the event. I enjoyed a brisk walk around downtown on Sunday morning. The Lions and Tigers were both playing at home on Sunday (oh my!), the early fall weather was perfect, and great vibes resonated through the streets.
Inside the hotel, the conversations between sessions, the introductions, the laughs, and the networking made it very difficult for me to leave for the flight home. Power Path Logistics was proud to be part of RECESS26, and I left Detroit feeling energized, inspired, and even more excited about the future of our industry. There is so much opportunity ahead of us—to make energy efficiency programs more accessible, to create more inclusive workplaces, to develop the next generation of talent, and to build partnerships that make all of us stronger. And if we can have a little fun while we’re doing it? Even better!
A huge thank you to Carla Walker-Miller and the entire RECESS team for creating something so special. It takes a lot of work to bring this many people together and create an event that feels both professionally valuable and genuinely fun. You nailed it! And thank you to Walker-Miller for sponsoring RECESS26 and for continuing to use your platform to push our industry forward. You’re nailing it! Thank you for the conversations, the connections, the inspiration, the laughs, and the memories. We can’t wait to sponsor again, come back next year, and see where this incredible community goes next. See you in 2027!