Blog Navigation: Business Insights and Spotlights | Chamber Blog
09.29.25
How Energy Affects Your Business in the Midwest
By Chamber Staff
Discover how energy affects your business in the Midwest and how your organization can stay competitive and prepared for the future.
When you think about energy, you might picture your utility bill or the power plant down the road. But energy is much more than that; it’s the unseen force that impacts your daily operations, your workforce and your bottom line. The policies, prices and innovations shaping energy today are the same ones influencing your ability to grow, stay competitive and plan for the future.Â
Whether you’re producing goods, managing farmland, building digital infrastructure or developing real estate, how energy affects your business is a conversation you can’t afford to overlook.Â
In this article, you’ll see how energy directly influences industries across the Midwest, why our region plays a pivotal role in America’s energy future and how you can stay ahead of the changes already on the horizon.Â
The Impact of Energy Across Industries
Energy runs through every part of our economy, influencing far more than utilities. Here’s how it supports industries in the Midwest:Â
Manufacturing: Staying competitive when costs climb
When energy prices rise, production slows and margins shrink — a reality manufacturers across the Midwest know well. Reliable, affordable power is the backbone of competitiveness in this sector.Â
Agriculture: Fueling the Midwest’s economic engine
From powering combines to drying grain, energy is woven into every step of agriculture. Price volatility or supply disruptions hit farmers hard, especially during critical harvest windows. In the Midwest, where agriculture drives the economy, advances in biofuels and energy efficiency help farms remain profitable and resilient in changing markets.Â
Digital infrastructure: The power behind technology
Every click, stream and AI model runs on energy, and data centers are now some of the largest power users in the Midwest. Without reliable supply, innovation stalls. For tech-focused businesses, access to reliable energy fuels growth.Â
Attend the Midwest Energy Summit to hear from experts who will share how the digitalization of energy is optimizing usage, cutting waste and fueling tech growth.Â
Construction and development: Building for the future
Energy affects both the cost of building and the long-term expenses of operating those spaces. Efficient HVAC systems, insulation and design not only save money over time but also make properties more attractive and sustainable for businesses and communities.Â
The Midwest’s Role in America’s Energy Future
The Midwest is more than just part of the nation’s energy grid; it’s helping shape the future of our energy strategy. From wind and biofuels to emerging solutions like hydrogen, nuclear and grid modernization, our region is at the center of progress.Â
Policy, infrastructure and investment choices happening today will determine the cost, reliability and innovation of energy tomorrow. If you want to stay competitive, it’s essential to understand how energy affects your business now and how to prepare for what’s next.Â
Why You’ll Want to Be at the Midwest Energy Summit
The Midwest Energy Summit is where business leaders, innovators and policymakers gather to focus on the future of energy and what it means for organizations like yours.Â
At this event, you’ll:Â
- Hear from national and regional experts on energy policy, innovation and security.Â
- Learn about emerging technologies like grid modernization, hydrogen, nuclear and AI in energy.Â
- Connect with decision-makers who are shaping the Midwest energy economy.
This isn’t just another conference. It’s your chance to get ahead of the changes already shaping the way you do business.Â
Register for the Midwest Energy Summit
Energy impacts your organization whether you see it or not. Understanding how energy affects your business is key to staying resilient, competitive and prepared for the future.Â
Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds – Butler Machinery Arena in West Fargo for the Midwest Energy Summit.Â
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