Wind energy workshop slated
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Michigan Citizen Planner program will present a workshop on siting and policy issues surrounding wind energy projects on Dec. 2 at the Holiday Inn West Bay.
The program is from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and is designed for local planning and zoning officials, landowners and others interested in wind power development in their communities. It's part of a state-wide series and is sponsored by the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Registration is available through the organization's Web site at www.citizenplanner.msu.edu at the Training Info & Calendar section.
DTE program helps with energy bills
TRAVERSE CITY -- A new program to help people in need pay their energy bills is available through DTE Energy and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) non-profit group.
The "Cents for Energy" program allows DTE customers to contribute by rounding up their utility bills to the nearest dollar, rounding up and adding another $10 or make a direct contribution to THAW.
Money collected will be available for DTE customers experiencing difficultly in paying their energy bills. Eligible customers must have a gross household income between 201 and 250 percent of federal poverty guidelines, equating to an annual income of $40,000 to $50,000 for a family of four.
Customers can enroll through the Web sites of DTE Energy or THAW, or by contacting the utility's customer service center at 1-800-477-4747.
Grant aimed at housing needs
TRAVERSE CITY -- A federal grant will help the Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency Inc. provide financial counseling to help area families find housing or remain in their homes.
The agency's $80,652 grant is through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development office, part of more than $1.3 million paid out in Michigan for housing programs and $50 million distributed across the country.
HUD officials said the money will be used to help families become first-time home buyers or remain in their homes. Services include financial literacy training to renters and homeless individuals and families.
"These critical counseling grants not only help to get people into homes, but they help to keep them there as well," said HUD Secretary Steve Preston. "Now, more than ever, it is critical that Americans better understand how to manage their money, navigate the home buying process and securing their financial future."
The agencies also help clients avoid predatory lending practices, inflated appraisals and unaffordable repayment terms.
More information is available from the Northwest Michigan Human Services agency at (231) 947-3780 or 1-800-632-7334.
Benzie Co. joins chamber alliance
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Benzie County Chamber of Commerce is joining five other area chambers as part of the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance.
The alliance also includes chamber organizations in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Gaylord-Otsego, Petoskey and Traverse City and will advance the legislative goals of northwest Michigan businesses on state and federal issues.
"Being a leader in our community on legislative issues is one of our top priorities at the Benzie County Chamber, and becoming an alliance member will allow us to have a stronger voice locally, statewide and nationally on political issues that affect our business members," said Mary Carroll, executive director of the Benzie chamber.
With the addition of Benzie the alliance represents more than 5,300 member businesses across 10 northern Michigan counties, one of the largest regional chamber partnerships in the state.
MEGA approves Hagerty tax credit
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (MEGA) Board approved a $2.2 million state tax credit for Hagerty Insurance Agency among several incentives for a planned expansion of the local company.
The MEGA Board last week also approved an amended brownfield work plan providing for $3.9 million in state and local tax capture for the construction of a 410-space public parking deck owned by the city near the Hagerty headquarters on Lake Street in Traverse City.
The city and Grand Traverse County Brownfield Development Authority will provide $6.8 million for the parking structure.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. also proposed $150,000 in job training funds for Hagerty.
The company plans to invest more than $7 million to expand its operations, creating more than 200 new jobs.
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