May 27, 2025 – Detroit, MI – The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (GLWBC) proudly celebrates the achievements of companies recognized at the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) 2025 Business Development Awards, presented during the 41st Annual Business Development Conference in Houston. These awards honor organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing engagement, supporting small businesses, and fostering inclusive procurement strategies.
DTE Energy Wins EEI Innovation Award
DTE Energy, a leading Michigan-based utility and valued GLWBC partner, earned the EEI Innovation Award for its impactful business inclusion initiatives. Through creative storytelling, social media engagement, and strategic supplier connections, DTE Energy strengthened internal and external collaboration while expanding access to development opportunities for small and local businesses. A standout initiative included showcasing local and veteran-owned vendors in the company’s headquarters food court.
Courtney Steward, Strategist in Supply Chain Management at DTE Energy, steered and accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Walker-Miller Energy Services-Detroit based enterprise named as 2025 EEI Business Development Outstanding Supplier Award
Walker-Miller Energy Services-Detroit based enterprise named as 2025 EEI Business Development Outstanding Supplier Award for its decades-long commitment to empowering communities through inclusive hiring, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation. The company’s outreach and engagement with historically marginalized groups has helped reduce energy burdens while driving economic development.
Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and CEO, accepted the award, highlighting the firm’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities across the energy sector.
GLWBC applauds the continued leadership of these organizations in building collaborative procurement networks that strengthen our economy and uplift local spend.
For more information about GLWBC’s initiatives, visit www.greatlakeswbc.org Media Contact:
Shelly Hyland
Director of Marketing & Engagement
Great Lakes WBC
shyland@greatlakeswbc.org
