2025 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL & REGULATORY
Extended Producer Responsibility: What Does EPR Mean for My Company?
Jason Bergquist, RecycleMe and Leah Ziemba, Michael Best
Africa 80, 9:30-10:30AM
​Join our expert speakers from Michael Best for an update on exactly where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws stand in states that have already adopted them, and hear about what is on the horizon as others states consider similar laws. Stick around for the practical side as the RecycleMe team explains exactly what you should be doing to be compliant with these new recycling laws. This session will unpack the real-world challenges associated with EPR laws and give you a roadmap to understand your responsibilities.
Panel Discussion: Midwest Environmental Policy Update
Donovan Griffith, Illinois Manufacturers Association, Andrew Morley, Minnesota Chamber, and Adam Jordahl, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Africa 80, 10:45-11:45AM
Whether it is PFAS and nitrates or phthalates and phosphorus, employers are facing an ever-changing regulatory landscape when it comes to environmental issues. This session will bring together the top environmental policy experts in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin to discuss law changes that happened in 2025 and preview what could be coming in future legislative sessions.
Stormwater, Wastewater, and Air Permitting: What’s New for Food Production Facilities?
Bill Hefner, Delanie Breuer, Jeremy Greenhouse, and Lindsey Remakel, Fredrikson & Byron Law Firm
Africa 80, 1:30-2:30PM
Environmental permitting is becoming more complex, especially for facilities with canning, freezing, or high-volume water use. This session will cover recent changes to NPDES, WPDES, and air permitting programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including nutrient discharge limits, odor and VOC controls, and industrial stormwater and wastewater requirements. Attendees will learn how to streamline permitting, avoid enforcement, and prepare for inspections.
The Big Beautiful Federal Policy Update
Denise Bode & Patrick Firth, The American Fruit & Vegetable Coalition
Africa 80, 2:45-3:45PM
Join the American Fruit & Vegetable Coalition for their annual meeting to hear about the latest happenings in Washington, D.C. From the Big Beautiful Bill’s impact on your company and coworkers to the latest from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. This session will cover topics including SNAP funding, tariffs, food labeling, food traceability, the new direction of the USDA and more.