For decades, the Tri-Cities is where science, industry and innovation come together to tackle the world’s most complex challenges. This is most evident in our community’s ongoing role at the Hanford site, one of the largest environmental cleanup efforts in history.

As we continue this critical work, new opportunities to leverage our expertise and infrastructure by driving the future of advanced manufacturing and energy generation continue to emerge.

That is why this year’s Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium, held April 9-10 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, is emblematic of this unique moment in our community’s history. In addition to the symposium’s primary focus on Hanford’s cleanup projects and associated contracting, the event will introduce emerging opportunities related to advanced energy projects developing in our region.

Growing synergy

This expansion reflects the growing synergy between the continued work at Hanford and the future economy we are building through cutting-edge energy innovation.

The Energy Forward Alliance and Clean Energy Supplier Alliance are proud to partner with the Hanford Small Business Council to showcase how these new sectors are transforming our local economy. At this year’s conference, we’ll be highlighting how our community is seizing this moment by leveraging the Tri-Cities’ existing capabilities while building new pathways for economic growth. We know this is the place where the cleanup mission and a reliable energy future converge, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses of all sizes to contribute to and benefit from our region’s bright economic and energy future.

The cleanup mission at Hanford remains a cornerstone of our regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving a robust network of contractors and suppliers. The same skills and expertise honed through decades of cleanup work are now in demand for the next generation of economic drivers, particularly energy and manufacturing. The Tri-Cities is uniquely positioned to lead this next chapter.

Featured projects

Projects featured will include the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub and Atlas Agro's Pacific Green Fertilizer Plant, Energy Northwest's advanced small modular reactor project with Amazon and X-energy, Framatome's expansion of their nuclear fuel production capabilities in Richland – an expanded facility they have named as their global advanced nuclear fuels center of excellence – as well as several other collaborative efforts in our community on the energy and related supply chain development front.

By opening Bridging Partnerships to include these emerging industries, the symposium reflects a broader fact: the future of our local economy will be built on the foundation of our past achievements. It is not a choice between cleanup and advanced energy – it is an opportunity to leverage both to drive sustainable growth and economic opportunity for decades to come.

Gateway to new partnerships

For small businesses, the message is clear: Whether you have a history of working on Hanford-related projects or are exploring opportunities in the advanced energy market and supply chain, this event is your gateway to new partnerships and possibilities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into procurement opportunities, hear from industry leaders, and discover how their expertise can contribute to both the ongoing cleanup mission and the next generation of energy and manufacturing solutions.

As the Tri-Cities continues to evolve, events like Bridging Partnerships are essential to ensuring our local businesses remain at the heart of this transformation. We encourage small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to attend this year’s symposium. Together, we can honor our region’s legacy while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow, ensuring the Tri-Cities remains a leader in innovation – from Hanford cleanup to energy development and beyond.

Learn more and register at bridgingpartnerships.com.

Dave McCormack is CEO of the Clean Energy Supplier Alliance, an industry-led nonprofit established to accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technologies. 

Sean V. O’Brien is executive director of the Energy Forward Alliance, a clean energy nonprofit subsidiary of the Tri-City Development Council.