Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum will meet for the 9th Annual Sustainability Issues Legislative Forum, a discussion of how sustainability improvements can be used to leverage social, economic and environmental benefits for local communities. 

A panel of local leaders will be joined by experts from other communities that have developed successful models for the promotion of sustainable practices in their community. Panelists include:

• David Konkle, former President for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association will be the featured speaker for the program. Dave Konkle served as the Ann Arbor Energy Coordinator for 20 years, leading local efforts to increase energy efficiency and utilize renewable energy.  In retirement he continues to promote sustainable energy.  He has worked with the Michigan Community Energy Management grant program for the past four years providing energy services for local governments and schools.  Dave has served on the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association board for 7 years and as President for the last 2 years. Dave’s recent projects include installing 22 public electric car charging stations in downtown Ann Arbor, completing a state funded “Community Solar Guidebook for Michigan” and completing a solar carport project for the Ann Arbor DDA.  He is currently serving as a mentor for two Ann Arbor school student teams in the My Solar School Contest and working with the Hands On Museum to create a Renewable Energy Day Camp.
• Peter Ross Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Senator Gary Peters has served as Regional Director since 2015. Previously, Peter had been a reporter for WZZM-TV 13 since 1986, covering politics, business and other areas. He’s served as an occasional anchor, but usually has been a one-man news team, reporting, shooting and editing his stories. For 21 years, Ross was host of WGVU-TV’s “West Michigan Week” from 1988 to 2009. In March 2013, Ross was awarded a Michigan Emmy Silver Circle Award recognizing his 25 years as a broadcaster in Michigan. He’s also received several Michigan Emmy Awards for Breaking News, News Writing and Feature Reporting.
• Mike Garey, Mayor of St. Joseph has served as Mayor since 2013. Previously, Garey a served four-year term as a City Commissioner for St. Joseph. He continues to serve on the St. Joseph City Commission and the Downtown Development Authority board and joined the Cornerstone Alliance Board of Directors in 2013. Previously, Garey was president of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club and a fourth generation roofing contractor for his family’s business Garey Roofing.
• State Rep. Pauline Wendzel, represents the 79th District that includes parts of Berrien County including the cities of Coloma, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Bridgman and Watervliet among other townships. Rep. Wendzel was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2018 and serves as the Vice Chair of the Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Energy Committee for the 2019-20 legislative session. She also serves as a member of the Agriculture Committee and the Regulatory Reform Committee. Prior to her election, she was the Assistant Deputy Clerk for Bainbridge Township, Program Director for the North Berrien Historical Museum, and worked on her family farm.

Register for the Legislative Forum here.

9th Annual Sustainability Issues Legislative Forum
Friday, April 19
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Wightman
2303 Pipestone Rd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
$15 online / $20 at event Members
$20 online / $25 at event Non-members

Tentative Agenda
11:30 am Lunch and Networking
12:10 pm Welcome and Introductions
12:15 pm Program
1:30 pm Adjourn