Sustainability Experts to Discuss Development of a Comprehensive Community Sustainability Plan

A panel of prominent local and Michigan sustainability experts will discuss the need for a comprehensive sustainability plan encompassing the Grand Haven, Ferrysburg and Spring Lake communities during a public forum scheduled for Wednesday, October 20 at the Grand Haven Community Center.

The event, hosted by the Lakeshore Sustainability Forum, will explore the implementation of a community sustainability plan that includes the entire Tri-Cities area. The plan would be developed collaboratively to fully engage everyone living and working within these communities. The panel will review how similar plans have worked in other cities, and how these experiences might influence a similar plan here.

“As the Tri-City area continues to grow, we need to include sustainable practices as part of the equation,” said Rose Spickler, Lakeshore Sustainability Forum Director, in announcing the event. “In light of the strong community interest in the redevelopment of Harbor Island, and how it has evolved as a result, we felt it was opportune time to begin a conversation on what a proactive approach to sustainable community development might look like for our community.”

The panel will include:

Norman Christopher, a leading state and national expert on sustainability best practices in business. Christopher recently retired as Executive Director for the Office of Sustainability Practices at Grand Valley State University and is author of the book Sustainability Demystified! – A Practical Guide for Business Leaders and Managers.

Andrea Hendrick, organizer of the community-based Grand Haven Energy Organization and a candidate for the GH Board of Light and Power.

Pat McGinnis, Grand Haven City Manager since 2003 and a longtime advocate for local sustainability efforts.

Michael Westbrook, Director of Environmental Corporate Compliance for Shape Corporation and an expert in environmental management systems in local business.

The event takes place at the Grand Haven Community Center on Wednesday, October 20 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. The public is welcome. The event includes lunch, which is being catered by Righteous Cuisine of Grand Haven. Admission is $12. For more information and to register, visit https://wmsbf.org/our-events/.

The Lakeshore Sustainability Forum is sponsored by Community Foundation of Muskegon County and the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.