Third annual Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards honor Michiganders for innovative energy solutions

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 (Upper Peninsula locations are emphasized with bold text):
Marti Burbeck, Ann Arbor
Sandra Keirnan, Holland
Tom Tishler, Kalamazoo
Friske Orchards, Charlevoix
Grand Valley Farms, Rives Junction
Sklarczyk Seed Farm, Johannesburg
HyCAL Corporation, Gibraltar
First Housing Corporation, Lansing
Gateway Village, Sturgis
Islamic Center of America, Dearborn
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo
Public Libraries of Saginaw, Saginaw
Better World Builders LLC, Kalamazoo
Medler Electric, Alma
Walt Dindoffer, Temperance
Holland Energy Fund, Holland
Carla Walker-Miller, Detroit
Consumers Energy, Okemos
GreenHome Institute, Grand Rapids
The Heat and Warmth Fund, Detroit
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 said. “We cannot forget, however, that our cheapest energy is that which isn’t used.”
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