Macomb County Chamber Gathers All Things Green

The Macomb County Chamber hosted its fourth annual All Things Green Conference and Expo Wednesday at the IBEW NECA Training Facility in Warren.

The expo was marked by enthusiasm and pragmatic optimism as business and community leaders from Macomb County and beyond gathered to share, promote, and celebrate each other's innovations in green technology.

Every presentation made mention of the excitement of being on the forefront of a new era of industry. And while much was made of the benefits green technologies have on the environment, a considerable emphasis was also placed on the economic benefits businesses stand to profit from when green technology is embraced.

Green Business is Becoming Big Business. And Business is Good

More than 250 attendees paid a $25 registration fee to listen to and mingle with industry leaders from General Motors, Bosch Rexroth Corporation, and ClipperCreek.

General Motors was one of the chief sponsors of the event. Their new electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt, was a highlight.

Kristin Zimmerman, Volt Project Manager for GM, called her job "the coolest job in the world." Head of the Volt rollout for Michigan and select Northeastern States, Zimmerman detailed the Volt's immediate success following its March debut.

Demand is huge and is outpacing supply.

"That's a good problem to have," said Zimmerman.

In more good news, Zimmerman said that according to many metrics, Michigan is the country's leader in plug-in infrastructure readiness and preparedness. She said Michigan is beating out a more well-known proponent of green technology, California.

In Macomb County, GM is also making an impact with its GREEN program. GREEN, or Global Rivers Environmental Education Network, is a program where GM employees volunteer their time to go to area schools and give students hands-on learning experiences in watershed preservation and restoration.

Thousands of GM employees have volunteered since GM began its involvement with GREEN in 1989. The company says more than 8,500 students are involved in the program each year.

Small Businesses 'Go Green'

It's not all big corporations leading this industrial boom. Small businesses are just as involved. And conferences such as this one are integral for these businesses to network and learn.

David McKinney is a founder and CEO of Clean Light Green Light, a Mount Clemens-based manufacturer of LED lighting systems. McKinney said that the technology is changing quickly. "A year from now ... they'll be even brighter with even less wattage," he said.

Compared to fluorescent lights, LED's last longer, are more durable, and require less energy. "It's a new way to think about lighting," McKinney said.

Carly Neigh was at the Expo representing Phoenix Uber Renewal. The company, with offices in Saginaw and Livonia, frequently serves customers throughout Macomb County.

Phoenix is a home energy auditing company. Neigh said the company sends an agent to a home and then determines where a house is losing its energy. The auditor then offers a plan for upgrades where the energy savings eventually pay for the services.

"Something as simple as blown insulation helps comfort levels and bills," said Neigh.

Creating a Culture

Valeri Corbett was at the expo representing Macomb Community College. Corbett said that the college has been a pioneer in green technologies. "We like to be on the cutting edge," she said.

The college recently added six certificate programs that deal in a variety of green technologies. The certificate programs are one to two semesters long and are intended to be taken as a supplement to regular course loads.

Certificates are available in several fields, including renewable energy and sustainable design. As green technologies and businesses become more and more prevalent, the college said their certificates will make students more marketable.

Throughout the course of the expo, success stories were shared and encouragement was offered. It's clear that Macomb County businesses are embracing green technologies and sustainability efforts. And so far, those first to the table have reaped the rewards.

"Sustainability must be implemented across the board," said Macomb Community College's Valerie Corbett. "It's a culture we have to create."

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