100 Gather At Pure Michigan Business Connect Summit; Initiative Is Putting People To Work In State

JACKSON, Mich., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 people are meeting today at a summit focused on strengthening small to medium-sized Michigan-based businesses through increased sales to Consumers Energy. 

The summit is sponsored by Consumers Energy as part of the utility's commitment to Pure Michigan Business Connect.  It's being held at Michigan International Speedway and features participation by more than 40 companies.

"We're spending more money with Michigan businesses since joining Governor Snyder's Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative.  In real terms, this means over the past year 274 significant purchase orders awarded to 126 Michigan businesses," said Daniel Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of distribution and customer operations.  Through this initiative, Consumers Energy has awarded $272 million in multi-year contracts, with an actual spend of $104 million over the past year to Michigan companies.

One Michigan business benefiting from this initiative is Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC), a large Auburn Hills-based contractor.  It was selected as the general contractor for a major upgrade at Consumers Energy Royal Oak service center, built in the 1950s.  This $8.5 million project consists of a complete interior make-over, including office and garage renovations and major mechanical and electrical system upgrades. 

Consistent with Consumers Energy's Pure Michigan strategy, more than 35 Michigan-based companies are involved with the project, providing work to upwards of 400 tradesmen – all of whom are employed by state-based subcontractors. 

"In the construction industry we feel the effects of the still-recovering economy every day. To be involved with Consumers Energy on this project, that has such a focus on Michigan-based businesses, has created a sense of pride throughout the organization knowing that we can positively impact so many people and companies in Michigan," said Stephen Fragnoli, President and CEO of CCC.

Consumers Energy's commitment to increase its business contracts with Michigan over the next five years is in addition to the $2 billion annually it now spends in the state.  These investments are in customer service, electric and natural gas operations, energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. 

Companies interested in doing business with Consumers Energy are encouraged to visit the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's website www.michiganadvantage.org/Business-Connect or Consumers Energy at  www.consumersenergy.com/puremichigan  

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy