More than 200 people gathered at Michigan State University’s Management Education Center for Corp! magazine’s Going Green Awards on Tues., Jan. 27, 2009.
Following the breakfast buffet, Corp! publisher, Jennifer Kluge, led a panel discussion to explore views on green trends and best practices. Panelists included Chris Byrnes, founder of Viability, LLC; Amanda Christides, president of Plymouth Technology; Larry Kaufman, energy expert for DTE Energy; and Doug Selby, president and CEO of Meadowlark Builders. They discussed which sectors will survive the shakeout of the Green industry of Michigan. From global warming debates, political discussions, and the panelists’ views on social responsibility in relation to businesses going Green, no subject was taboo.
One topic discussed was Michigan’s economic future and the growing sectors of the Green industry. “In the manufacturing industry, wind and hydro power are being looked at as energy sources,” said Amanda Christides. “Water is a huge global market.”
“Michigan had the worst energy code in the country. You used to be required to have more insulation in a home in Jacksonville, Florida than in Michigan,” said Larry Kaufman. “They finally passed a better building code in Michigan;”
When asked what is needed to change politically in order to sustain the green industry, and what our role as a nation in the Green movement is, Doug Selby responded, “The government should create incentives for going Green. Energy is a national emergency.”
After the hour-long panel discussion concluded, the awards presentation was held honoring the Going Green winners. There were multiple winners in the categories of Green Industry Innovators, Green Organizations and Green Initiative Champions.
The Michigan’s Going Green Awards event was sponsored by Meadowlark Builders and presented in cooperation with the Michigan Business and Professional Association in the Michigan Food and Beverage Association.
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Networking during the morning breakfast buffet.
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Exhibitors provide a wealth if information.
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Corp! publisher, Jennifer Kluge leads the panel discussion "Michigan's Going Green, Now What?".
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“Michigan’s Going Green, Now What?” discussion panel: Chris Byrnes, founder of Viability, LLC, Amanda Christides, president of Plymouth Technology, Larry Kaufman, of DTE Energy, and Doug Selby, president and CEO of Meadowlark Builders.
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The audience responds to the panel with questions.
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| 2009 Michigan's Going Green Award Winners |
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Jennifer Kluge and Going Green Winner Donna Lewis of Natural Kids.
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| Going Green Award Winner and event exhibitor, Viability, pose with their award. |
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