The energy guiding principle of the Grand Vision is to incorporate sustainable energy principles into building, transportation, power generation, and all aspects of the region's economy.

And in terms of building its energy portfolio, Michigan is poised to become a major manufacturer of wind energy. Here are highlights from an Business Review West Michigan article:

"Michigan, as it seeks to diversify its auto-dependent economy, is becoming a “manufacturing powerhouse” in wind energy, according to a national trade group.

"Wind energy in 2009 directly and indirectly supported 3,000 to 4,000 jobs in the state and has the potential to generate far more jobs as manufacturers enter the sector and use their expertise to supply components to the growing industry nationwide, according to a report released today by the American Wind Energy Association.

“Many Michigan companies have already begun supplying to the wind industry,” states a data sheet on Michigan that accompanies the association’s annual State of the Wind Energy report. “Many of the skills Michigan workers possess easily transfer to wind energy manufacturing, providing thousands of new jobs and spurring billions in investment.”

To read the full article, click here.

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Photo: Flash of color at dusk by Dr. Farnsworth.