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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