FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Awards Contact
Liz Boyd, APR
Liz Boyd Public Relations LLC
liz@lizboydpublicrelations.com
517-881-6713
Third Annual Governor’s EnergyExcellence Awards Honor Michiganders for Innovative Energy Solutions
Finalists include public, private efforts to reduce energy waste
LANSING, Mich. — Twenty-three businesses, organizations, and individuals from across the state have been selected as finalists for the 2017 Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards, which recognize people and organizations in Michigan that have taken firm, meaningful actions to improve energy efficiency.
“Through our policies and initiatives in Michigan, we are working hard to ensure energy reliability, advance clean energy and help business owners and residents reduce energy waste,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Among other things, we’re encouraging utilities to provide incentives and programs that make it easier for others to follow the example of those we’re honoring this year.”
Nominations were made in eight different categories, which demonstrate the diverse nature of energy-efficiency deployment. The award winners will be announced at a singular event in mid-October.
Following is a list of this year’s finalists by category:
Best Projects — Residential
- Marti Burbeck, Ann Arbor
- Sandra Keirnan, Holland
- Tom Tishler, Kalamazoo
Best Projects — Agriculture
- Friske Orchards, Charlevoix
- Grand Valley Farms, Rives Junction
- Sklarczyk Seed Farm, Johannesburg
Best Projects — Industrial/Manufacturing
- HyCAL Corporation, Gibraltar
- Verso Corporation, Escanaba
Best Projects — Commercial (Private)
- First Housing Corporation, Lansing
- Gateway Village, Sturgis
- Islamic Center of America, Dearborn
Best Projects — Public
- Ewen-Trout Creek School, Ewen
- Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo
- Public Libraries of Saginaw, Saginaw
Contractor of the Year
- Better World Builders LLC, Kalamazoo
- Don Earl Heating & A/C, Sault Ste. Marie
- Medler Electric, Alma
Innovator of the Year
- Walt Dindoffer, Temperance
- Holland Energy Fund, Holland
- Carla Walker-Miller, Detroit
Best Communication or Education Program
- Consumers Energy, Okemos
- GreenHome Institute, Grand Rapids
- The Heat and Warmth Fund, Detroit
Four other organizations received honorable mentions, including:
Best Project — Agriculture: Nash Greenhouses LLC, Kalamazoo
Best Project — Commercial (Private): Jackson National Life Insurance Company, Lansing
Best Project — Public: Ann Arbor Housing Commission, Ann Arbor
Innovator of the Year: Southwest Housing Solutions, Detroit
“Michigan’s policies regarding our energy market, renewable energy and energy waste reduction are helping fuel Michigan’s economy and create jobs in the process,” Governor Snyder added. “We cannot forget, however, that our cheapest energy is that which isn’t used.”
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The Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards honor Michigan individuals and organizations who have made reducing energy waste and implementing energy-efficient practices part of their everyday lives. The awards would not be possible without the support of the Department of Energy and the Michigan Agency for Energy through the Michigan Energy Office. For more information, visit mienergyexcellence.org.