WMSBF March 9 Membership Meeting :: University Club

Hosted by Norcross Warner & Judd

WMSBF Announcements:

• Marylu Dykstra asked members to recommend candidates for an open board member position.
• The Sustainable Business Committee is looking for members.  This committee will work on leading the way in visioning the sustainability of West Michigan businesses and meets at 11:00 am before the monthly member meetings.  Those interested may contact Kyle Ten Broeke at kyle@wmsbf.org
• Deb Steketee introduced the Sustainable Enterprise Exchange Series at Aquinas in which WMSBF members receive discount.  More information can be found on the WMSBF website.
• Joe Boomgaard from MiBiz introduced MiSustainable.com, an online resource for businesses and individuals which promotes discussion and information sharing regarding best practices of sustainability and the triple bottom line. 

Presentation- Jump Start West Michigan

 Mary Judnich, from Senator Stabenow’s Office, spoke on the Federal Economic Recovery Plan and the Green Jobs Initiative.  As the regional manager, she gave an overview of the components of the Recovery Plan and the Green Jobs Initiative, and Senator Stabenow’s influence in developing these legislations.   She is currently working on appropriations for 2010 and stressed a strong desire for feed back by the end of the month about which programs work and which ones don’t. 

 Tables worked together to create a list of ideas and concerns for Mary to pass along to Senator Stabenow regarding the Economic Recovery Plan and Green Jobs Initiative.  These lists will be compiled and made available on the WMSBF website.  

 Any further questions or comments may be directed to Mary at:

Mary Judnich

Regional Manager for Senator Debbie Stabenow

3230 Broadmoor SE

Grand Rapids, MI  49512

(616) 975-0052

Mary_Judnich@stabenow.senate.gov

Presentation- Introduction to PA 295

 Scott Watson, of Norcross Warner & Judd, spoke on what PA 295 means to you as a resident, manufacturer, energy provider, or entrepreneur.  He outlined the three parts of PA 295 including the Renewable Portfolio Standard, Energy Optimization, and Net Monitoring.  An outline of his presentation will be available on the WMSBF website.   

 Table Activity:

·         Collected names of groups actively engaged in renewable energy and energy optimization to mentor those in the process.

·         Compiled lists of what you have to do to make PA 295 usable for your organization.  (These lists will also be available on the WMSBF website.)

Presentation- Opportunities in new business development

 Bruce Thompson, of Aquinas College, spoke on his experiences with renewable energy in Europe and what we can learn from our European neighbors.  He then discussed what state legislation means for industry, especially service industries.  A review the wind energy value chain was given, and the future of wind energy in Michigan was discussed.

Q:  With only 32 turbines on 3200 acres of land, what else is done with that farmland?

A:  It is possible to farm around them, and the turbines themselves offer a good cash crop for the farmers

 

Present were: