Vol. 10, December 2009 "On-line" Newsletter
Features:
1. Moran Iron Works, of Onaway, Awarded $7 Million Contract
2. Petoskey Plastics Goes Green
3. Stupak Announces Rural Energy Grant Awards
4. Boyne City Couple to Take Over Airport Restaurant
5. Charlevoix's East Park Named One of Best Public Places in Nation
6. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences
1. Moran Iron Works, of Onaway, Awarded $7 Million Contract
A northern Michigan company has been awarded a $7 million contract for the fabrication of emissions reduction equipment to be installed at Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell Complex in Jackson, MI as part of a $100 million project.
“Michigan businesses and workers can meet the highest quality standards in the world,” said Tom Moran, president of Moran Iron Works. “This project comes at a good time for my business and the hundreds of workers and numerous businesses that will benefit from power plant-related projects such as this one.”
The $100 million emissions reduction project at the Ottawa County generating complex is part of Consumers Energy’s “Growing Forward” plan, which calls for investing more than $6 billion in its utility operations over the next five years. Those investments will help maintain and improve service to customers, create jobs, boost the Michigan economy, and expand the state’s tax base.
Guy Packard, the general manager of the Campbell complex said, “having a Michigan company, such as Moran Iron Works, able to perform this specialized work provides a boost to the state’s economy and makes the project doubly beneficial to the state.”
Moran Iron works is a privately held corporation, specializing in industrial fabrication and custom welding, operating a dynamic and flexible fabrication facility in Onaway, Mich., that supplies custom welding and industrial fabrication products to a global market.
2. Petoskey Plastics Goes Green
When sales of its plastic seat covers fell dramatically along with the slumping auto industry, Petoskey Plastics did not take the news sitting down. Instead, the Petoskey-based automotive supplier adapted its layered seat cover formula to create a new line of eco-friendly can liners.
Now, the University of Michigan and The Palace of Auburn Hills are joining a growing list of public and private institutions that are using the green can liner made with 70 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. The PCR content in Greencore Can LinersTM far exceeds plastics industry goals, and can reduce carbon pollution by as much as 20 percent. Learn more at www.greencorebags.com.
3. Stupak Announces Rural Energy Grant Awards
WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced Rubinghs Dairyland in Ellsworth, Michigan, has received grants as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Rubinghs Dairyland received two grants totaling $24,570 to replace pumps and compressors to reduce electrical consumption and to install a wood biomass heating system for daily operations.
REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html.
4. Boyne City Couple to Take Over Airport Restaurant
Jay Higdon and Lora Muethel, who own and operate Sammich n Sudz delis in Boyne City, Charlevoix and Petoskey, have leased space at Pellston Regional Airport, and plan to call their new restaurant, Smokeys Grille.
Smokeys will emphasize the finest of Northern Michigan in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring Michigan wines, microbrews, and coffees, while presenting gourmet meals created using local beef, poultry, seafood and produce, whenever possible. Smokeys will highlight the full line of sandwiches from Sammich n Sudz in Boyne City, along with steaks, chicken and seafood.
Smokeys will begin the second week of November with a 7-day, 15-hour a day operation. They will offer a discount program to all airport and county employees in addition to a negotiated discount for all county functions held in the facility. Giving back to the local community in this manner not only supports Emmet Countys investment but encourages a positive long-term working relationship.
5. Charlevoix's East Park Named One of Best Public Places in Nation
Often referred to as a jewel for its aesthetics and functionality, East Park has been officially recognized as a "Great Public Space." The American Planning Association made the announcement October 7, and Charlevoix city officials were elated. "I'm absolutely thrilled," said Charlevoix Mayor Norman Carlson Jr. "Thanks to Mike Spencer (Charlevoix City Planner) for his hard work. This is more evidence of the community coming together for a project to bring this to fruition as far as something that's enjoyed by all." Complete story at www.petoskeynews.com
6. Great Workshops, Seminars & Conferences
Click on each title for complete details.
December 4: Hoop for the Future
December 7: MSUE: Small Scale Renewable Energy Systems 101
December 7 & 8: MEDC - DDA 101
December 8: Understanding the Federal Bid Process
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