About Us

Established in 2011, Heating the Midwest represents more than 200 industry, government, non-profit, university and tribal organizations committed to increasing awareness, education and outreach for heating with biomass in the Midwest. We promote thermal biomass to a large constituency, including government policymakers and entities, institutions, municipalities, businesses and consumers.

What We Do
Heating the Midwest works to:

  • Increase awareness and recognition of the benefits derived from biomass thermal energy.
  • Develop clean energy policy that includes clean and efficient biomass thermal energy.
  • Grow demand for biomass-based thermal fuels and heating systems/CHP in the Midwest.
  • Support research, technology innovation and demonstration throughout the biomass thermal supply chain.
  • Expand funding opportunities and programs to support the development and installation of biomass thermal/CHP projects.

How We Operate
Heating the Midwest is driven and directed by a Steering Committee, and Action Teams carry out specific initiatives important to Heating the Midwest’s mission.

Steering Committee
With representatives from industry, universities, non-profit organizations and tribes, the Steering Committee meets monthly via teleconference to discuss current and future initiatives, including the annual conference and expo. If interested in joining the Steering Committee, please contact HTM Leadership.

Leadership

Members by State

Michigan

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Federal/National

Action Teams
Heating the Midwest Action Teams work on specific Heating the Midwest initiatives. They conduct meaningful research, develop information and resources, and perform outreach and engagement – all focused on expanding the knowledge and information needed to expand biomass thermal. If interested in leading or participating in an action team, please contact HTM leadership. Our current Action Teams are outlined below:

Biomass Resources and Demographics
Team Leader: Open
Team Initiatives

Biomass Combustion Technology
Team Leader: Open
Team Initiatives

Biomass Policy & Benefits
Team Leader: Open
Team Initiatives

Specifically, Heating the Midwest Action Teams exist to:

Be connectors for biomass stakeholders in the Midwest.

Assist in developing market opportunities for biomass in the Midwest.

Look for ways to reach consumers directly with Heating the Midwest’s vision and messages, especially areas of the region with the highest concentration of fuel oil and propane usage.

Identify education/outreach opportunities to increase visibility of Heating the Midwest within the stakeholder community.

Identify opportunities to work with like U.S. and European entities to develop outreach/educational materials and curriculum for schools as a means to increase knowledge of biomass heating.

If you’d like more information about Heating the Midwest’s Action Team activities, please contact the respective team leader via the email address listed above. He or she can fill you in about the team’s work, goals and offer suggestions about getting involved.

Other Teams
In addition to Action Teams, other teams form within Heating the Midwest to organize specific events and lead initiatives as they are needed. Examples are the Heating the Midwest Annual Conference Team and State Representative Teams.

Support
HTM is affiliated and engages with NEBTWG (Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group), BTEC (Biomass Thermal Energy Council), and PFI (Pellet Fuels Institute).

btec logo   PFI logo   NEexpo logo

Many organizations and individuals have supported the mission of Heating the Midwest in various ways. Some have provided financial support by sponsoring the annual conference or making a donation, others have volunteered their time and talents to Heating the Midwest, and many have endorsed the Vision. Thank you to each and every supporting organization!