The 18th Annual Sustainable Business Council (SBC) Conference is your opportunity to explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions in sustainability. As the premier B2B sustainability event in the Upper Midwest, this two-day experience is designed to equip business leaders, sustainability practitioners, and changemakers with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to accelerate impact within their organizations and communities.

​

WHY ATTEND?

• Gain insight into emerging sustainability trends and proven business strategies

• Network with like-minded professionals and industry leaders

• Discover actionable solutions to drive meaningful progress in your organization

The annual conference is where connection, inspiration, and action converge—fueling progress toward a more sustainable future.

 

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, November 4 – Pre-Conference Events
11:00 AM - NOON |  Xcel Energy French Island Facility Tour - Limited to 20 people | Suggested Donation $25

• French Island is a combination generating plant and resource recovery facility. The plant’s two generating units burn wood waste and processed municipal solid waste, called refuse-derived fuel (RDF). French Island’s resource recovery facility has the capacity to process more than 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste each year.

• 11: 00 AM - NOON | Empire Screen Printing Tour - Onalaska, WI | Suggested Donation $25
  Discover how Empire turns innovation into environmental action. Since pioneering UV LED ink curing in 2011, Empire has continued to innovate with eco-friendly technologies that reduce energy use, VOC emissions, and environmental impact. The facility tour highlights Empire’s one-piece flow cellular manufacturing process, advanced automation, and award-winning UV LED technology. You'll see firsthand how we align lean manufacturing with sustainable practices to deliver high-quality, durable products while supporting ESG goals.  Learn more at www.empirescreen.com

• 1:00 – 4:30 PM | Upper Midwest Energy Forum | Hosted by CUB - WI | Registration is separate from SBC Conference HERE
  Join the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin for a deep dive into the evolving energy landscape at our upcoming Upper Midwest Energy Forum, designed to equip business leaders and professionals with the knowledge and strategies to navigate critical challenges in the evolving energy landscape.  Attendees will leave with actionable solutions and insights to help guide their business decision making and operations moving forward. Learn more and Register

• 1:00 - 3:00 | Community Trail Farm Tour | Suggested Donation $25
  Just minutes from downtown La Crosse, an exciting transformation is underway! The Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails) has acquired a historic farmstead and is turning it into a vibrant hub for sustainable outdoor recreation. This evolving space will feature multi-use trails, community gardens, and inclusive infrastructure designed to welcome everyone. Join Josh from ORA Trails for a guided walking tour and Q&A session to learn more about the vision, progress, and future of this incredible project. It’s a great opportunity to connect with nature, ask questions, and see firsthand how this land is being revitalized for community use. For the latest updates on the project, visit ORA Trails

• 1:00 - 3:00 | Panel Discussion: Building a Sustainable Building: Strategies for Success - Hosted at Trane | Suggested Donation $40
  Join a distinguished panel of industry experts from Hunzinger, EUA, Urban Ecology, and Trane for an engaging discussion on sustainable building. This session will explore how to successfully align sustainability goals with budget constraints, offering practical strategies and real-world insights from a collaborative project. Panelists will share valuable tips on stakeholder engagement and project planning to help ensure successful outcomes. Whether you're involved in design, construction, or sustainability leadership, this conversation will provide actionable guidance to support your next sustainable project. 

• 3:30 - 4:30 | Trane Facility Tour - Building 13
  Discover the future of HVAC innovation with an exclusive tour of Trane's Erickson Building 13 on the La Crosse campus. This state-of-the-art facility, a training ground for new Trane sales professionals attending the Graduate Training Program (GTP) and skilled workers, houses the revolutionary Thermal Battery Storage-Source Heat Pump System. Witness how this groundbreaking technology redefines all-electric heating, thriving in cold climates and dense urban environments with limited roof space. By transforming thermal storage from a cooling solution into a versatile heating and heat recovery system, it offers unparalleled efficiency and substantial tax credits, making it one of the most economical electrified heating and cooling solutions available today. Join us to experience firsthand how Trane is setting new standards in HVAC excellence.
  ​

• 5:00 – 9:00 PM | Sustainable Business Awards Dinner & Green Masters Program Celebration | $50 or Purchase a Table of 8
  Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating sustainability leadership across the region. Enjoy a locally sourced dinner, connect with fellow professionals, and hear compelling stories of impact from businesses driving meaningful change. This year, we’re also proud to honor participants of the Green Masters Program, recognizing their commitment to advancing sustainability. 
   

Wednesday, November 5 – 18th Annual SBC Conference Day | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Engage in a full day of dynamic keynotes, hands-on breakout sessions, thought-provoking panels, and exhibitor networking. Explore real-world case studies and practical tools to help you advance your sustainability goals—whether you're just starting out or deep into your journey.