Sustainability

Web-based entrepreneur gives family-owned farms avenue for advertisement

Victoria Mullen Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Jena Van Wagner is the executive director of Michigan Family Farms. Those who have joined her online community have focused on promoting those farms and getting the word out about great, local food that is grown and can be bought right in your town. Victoria Mullen reports.

Economic forecast for the Great Lakes Bay Region? Very bright

Jenny Cromie Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Solar power is the future, there is little doubt in that. But it's more than just the future of power in the world--it's part of Mid Michigan's economic future as well. Second Wave feature writer Jenny Cromie investigates the companies expected to be players in the business of harnessing the sun's energy.

Michelle Sponseller: The woman who envisioned, sparked the revitalization of downtown Mt. Pleasant

Cynthia J. Drake Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller is credited with reinvigorating downtown Mount Pleasant by forging partnerships among local business owners. As a result, downtown vacancies are down to just 5.5 percent from 15 percent six years ago, and more people are discovering how "cool" downtown Mount Pleasant really is.

Young entrepreneurs start up, sell company before graduating from Northwood University

Margaret Essex Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Like most college kids, John Burgess and Brett Bollenbacher spent their college years at Northwood University cramming for exams, eating too much pizza, and hanging out with friends. But that's where the similarities end. By the time they graduated, the two Midland natives had already started up and sold a successful company for a profit.

Midland company driving sustainability and growing communities with biodiesel

Jenny Cromie Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Mission trips to rural Mexico and a desire to create a cleaner way to power vehicles led Richard Shull -- a former mechanical engineer from Dow Corning -- to start up his own biodiesel company three years ago, Midland-based Point Hope Energy. The technology also will help power economic opportunities in underdeveloped countries. Managing editor Jenny Cromie reports on this fascinating enterprise that puts social responsibility ahead of profits.

An anti-business business thrives in a tough economy

Cynthia J. Drake Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Business is booming at GreenTree Cooperative Grocery in Mount Pleasant, where customers are invited to own a piece of the business. Despite current economic conditions, the business is doing so well that employees predict GreenTree will outgrow its space within the next five years.

Young professionals networks growing, on the move in Great Lakes Bay region

Margaret Essex Tuesday, August 03, 2010

They're growing, they're on the rise, and they're making a difference. And thanks to the chambers of commerce in Bay City, Midland, Mount Pleasant and Saginaw, young professionals now have a way to socialize, network with other professionals, and maximize career opportunities all at the same time.

Battery-powered business drives new technology to market, cost savings to consumers

Jenny Cromie Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Two years ago, Ed Shaffer decided to leave his management job at Dow Chemical so that he could start up his own advanced battery company. He withdrew money out of his 401k and opened up shop in his garage. Today, the entrepreneur's multi-million company is on the verge of turning a century-old technology on its head.

Old Town Saginaw�s Court Street Gallery finds success, new digs

Dave Vizard Monday, July 19, 2010

After a year in operation, Court Street Gallery in Old Town Saginaw is on the move -- to a new location on Hancock Street. But owners Paolo and Sarah Pedini are keeping the name of the art gallery, which has breathed new life into the downtown area and has sparked interest from the local arts community.

Green revolution growing at Central Michigan University

Cynthia J. Drake Tuesday, July 13, 2010

From composting to alternative energy, Central Michigan University is reducing its carbon footprint and bringing students along on the journey. The university recently won a Going Green Award from Corp! magazine for its sustainability efforts.