Small Business Association of Michigan Receives Grant for ENERGY STAR® Promotion

February 2002

A $75,000 state grant will enable the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) to partner with several organizations to increase awareness of ENERGY STAR and energy efficient products. SBAM, which has membership of 8,000 businesses, is working in collaboration on the ENERGY STAR Promotion with Urban Options, a non-profit community agency aimed at improving the environmental quality of urban housing.

The state grant will be used to recruit at least five retailers and distributors to join the ENERGY STAR program, conduct retailer training sessions, distribute promotional materials to the media, work with business and consumer organizations to promote ENERGY STAR products to their members, and exhibit ENERGY STAR products.

"This ENERGY STAR promotion is particularly exciting because it is a partnership of Michigan non-profits and businesses working together to promote the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficient products," Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services Director (CIS) Kathleen Wilbur said. "Many home and business owners aren't aware that making even minor changes such as upgrading fluorescent lighting, insulating a hot water heater, or using a programmable thermostat can result in significant cost savings. This grant will enable the ENERGY STAR Promotion team to help consumers in identifying and selecting energy efficiency options."

SBAM and Urban Options will be recruiting additional corporate and non-profit entities to join as sponsors and partners of the ENERGY STAR promotion. Other confirmed partners include Dr. Debra Rowe, environmental consultant; Eco-Sensitive Design Study Group; Michigan Recycling Coalition; Michigan State University Extension Service; MSU Sustainability; Northern Lakes Economic Alliance; Quest Energy LLC; West Michigan Environmental Action Council; and West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

The grant is administered through the CIS Energy Office, which promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development to Michigan's residents, businesses, and public institutions. Program activities are designed to encourage the use of new technologies and alternative fuels in buildings, industrial processes, vehicles and in power generation.