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Business & Tech

HFCC to Host Alternative Energy Summit

Learn about green options for businesses and homes at this annual conference.

Businesses or homeowners looking to lead a greener life will get all the information they need from the 's fifth annual Alternative Energy Summit on Friday, March 30. Titled “Renewing Michigan,” it will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Andrew A. Mazzara Administrative Services & Conference Center on the main campus of HFCC in Dearborn.

Representatives from the Clean Energy Coalition, the United States Green Building Council, the City of Dearborn, Wayne State University and others will present at the Summit on how alternative energy is a vital component in renewing Michigan through economic diversity and growth.

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly will welcome participants to the summit. Matt Roush, editor of the Great Lakes IT Report produced by WWJ Radio 950, will present the keynote address.

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This summit focuses on the role of alternative energy in the growth of business and industry, and the growth of communities toward renewing the economy of Michigan. Presenters will discuss how LEED for neighborhood development and intermodal transit are cornerstones of community growth.

Sessions on energy reduction and waste to energy will highlight how businesses and government can grow the bottom line with better sustainability programs.  Wayne State University will present on its participation in the EcoCAR 2 competition, which challenges 16 universities across North America to reduce the environmental impact of the Chevy Malibu. The Eastern Market will present on “going local” for food purchases and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens will present on “going green” in your garden.

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During the Summit, a business expo will feature cutting-edge companies demonstrating alternative energy technologies for business and the home.

“We are honored to have so many prominent guests coming to our campus to speak on this important issue," said Dr. Gail Mee, president of Henry Ford Community College. "The success of green businesses and the impact of sustainability on local communities have demonstrated that alternative energy is vital to the future success of Michigan

“We’re also very proud that our Alternative Energy Program, one of the first in the state, has worked closely with business and industry as a strong partner in this growing field,” she added.

The Alternative/Renewable Energy degree program and certificate program at HFCC continues to earn statewide recognition. This program covers a wide range of topics including solar, wind, hydro, battery, smart home, construction, automotive, energy auditing, green principles, and green strategies. The program is taught in state-of-the-art labs with equipment used by leading companies in the industry today.

The "Renewing Michigan” Alternative Energy Summit is free and open to the public.

For further information or to reserve a booth for your company for the Business Expo, contact Kathy Dimitriou at 313-845-9601. For more information about the Alternative Energy Program at HFCC, visit http://www.hfcc.edu/programs.

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