Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards to Recognize Innovative Ways of Reducing Energy Waste in Michigan

LANSING, Mich., July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-four organizations and individuals from across Michigan are finalists for the 2016 Governor's Energy Excellence Awards, which recognize an extraordinary commitment to reducing energy waste through innovative energy solutions.  The awards will be announced at an invitation-only celebration in mid-August.

"Energy efficiency doesn't mean doing less," said Governor Rick Snyder.  "It means doing as much or more but using less energy to get it done. Energy efficiency is the best example of a no-regrets policy Michigan can have. 

"Reliable and affordable energy helps fuel Michigan's economy," Governor Snyder added. "Continuing to reduce energy waste is one of the main ways we can keep energy prices affordable in Michigan."

Following is a list of this year's finalists by category:

• Best Projects — Commercial (Private)
  • Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, L'Anse
  • Odawa Casino Resort, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Petoskey
  • Visteon Corporation, Van Buren Township

• Best Projects — Public
  • East Jackson Community Schools, Jackson
  • Parchment School District, Parchment
  • Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo

• Best Projects — Residential
  • Michael Eick, Clinton Township
  • Matthew Grocoff, Ann Arbor
  • Peter McWethy Kalamazoo

• Best Projects — Industrial/Manufacturing
  • Cargill Inc. — Cargill Salt, St. Clair
  • Graphic Packaging International, Battle Creek
  • Verso Corporation, Escanaba

• Best Projects — Agriculture
  • GDW Farms, Holland
  • Miller Family Farm, Carney
  • Weiss Centennial Farms, Frankenmuth

• Contractor of the Year
  • Bel-Aire Heating and Air Conditioning, Portage
  • Oscar W. Larson Company, Clarkston
  • Performance Engineering Group, Inc., Livonia

• Best Communication or Education Program
  • City of Holland
  • Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, Grand Rapids
  • Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs, Muskegon

• Innovator of the Year
  • Dennis Schultz — Terra Caloric, Alpena
  • John Slagter — The Mackinac Technology Company, Grand Rapids
  • Venntis Technologies, LLC, Holland

Receiving honorable mentions are:

• Best Project — Commercial (Private): PK Housing and Management, Okemos
• Best Project — Public: Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Best Project — Residential: Whitney Jones, Kalamazoo
• Best Project — Agriculture: Coveyou Scenic Farm Market, Petoskey
• Contractor of the Year: Randazzo Mechanical Heating and Cooling, Macomb
• Best Communication or Education Program: Michigan Farm Energy Program, East Lansing
• Innovator of the Year: Nextek Power Systems, Detroit

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. For more visit: www.mienergyexcellence.org

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SOURCE Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards Steering Committee