Building an Energy Supplier Ecosystem

Alex Leif
Posted December 5, 2024

Strengthening Energy Supply Chains: Energy demand is expected to rise by 2050, and in order to deliver, the natural gas and oil industry will rely on a vast network of suppliers to provide core services and workforce solutions. Helping a diverse array of small and medium-sized businesses become important partners in America’s energy economy was the goal of a recent workshop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hosted by API in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery.

Participants in a tour of ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge refinery (left), and also at a reception at the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association headquarters.

Building Relationships: The Blue Wave Supplier Development Program, hosted by API and Blue Wave, is designed to help small businesses transform their capabilities and utilize international standards. For example, the program helps suppliers develop new policies and management systems for health and safety, cyber, finance, quality, sustainability and much more.

Simply put, the program is an introductory course and boot camp for American energy. When participants graduate, they are ready to reach new heights in the energy supply chain.

On The Ground Observations: Blue Wave participants come from all walks of life, specializations, and aspects of the supply chain. Many formed their companies because they saw an opportunity to fill a niche in the marketplace, to elevate their business to a higher standard, or they saw the potential of working with the American energy industry. All of them are problem solvers driving meaningful change in their communities.

Troy Skeen, GPI Defense director of security:

“The detail and professionalism displayed by both API and Blue Wave has given me the guidance to help position my company to capitalize on more opportunities in the oil and gas industry. The Blue Wave Supplier Development program has helped me give back to my own community. As a veteran and business owner, I feel empowered by the information gleaned in the program to help other veterans enter lucrative careers in oil and natural gas.”

Kellen Francis, Codegig president and CEO:

“As a Louisiana native and entrepreneur, the Blue Wave Supplier Development program has been an excellent opportunity to build Codegig’s profile in the oil and natural gas industry and network with other individuals who can help me grow my business. I started Codegig to be part of the solution for emissions reductions – Blue Wave and API have helped me move closer to realizing that solution.”

Tania Zachari, Techniques International CEO:

“The Blue Wave Supplier Development program has been a great way to enhance Techniques International’s existing relationship with the oil and natural gas industry. The program has also provided the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs who, like myself, grew small and family-owned businesses into the successful enterprises they are today.”

Conclusion: We are just getting started! America’s energy producers rely on a diverse and complex array of suppliers to deliver affordable, reliable energy. That’s where API and Blue Wave step in with the Supplier Development Program – increasing energy literacy and capacity to shape small businesses for growth and partnership with the natural gas and oil industry.