16 to be Honored as First Green Leaders by the Detroit Free Press

DETROIT, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Free Press will honor 16 individuals, community groups and businesses in the first ever Michigan Green Leaders awards program at a breakfast at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle on April 22 -- Earth Day.

Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford, a lifelong environmental advocate, will be the keynote speaker. Ford is also among the inaugural class of Michigan Green Leaders, which will be an annual program sponsored by the Free Press.

With Michigan seeking to diversify its economy and add jobs through solar and wind energy, new ways to power cars and a multitude of other efforts, the Free Press this winter sought nominations to recognize environmental innovation and leadership.

We struck a chord of enthusiasm, drawing 350 nominations that cover a remarkable range -- from individual to political and industrial, from workplace recycling programs to cutting-edge technology development.

Independent judges selected the 16 winners to be honored on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The judges and Free Press opted against categories or a predetermined number of awards in the inaugural year to permit flexibility in recognizing the wide variety of efforts. Winners represent community civic groups, small businesses, educators, activists and major industry.

"The community response -- from all corners of the community -- has been remarkable, and it shows how committed our region is to enhancing the environment and following green business strategies," said Paul Anger, Free Press editor and publisher. "Our judges had to consider a mountain of wonderful nominations."

For more information, please visit www.freep.com/greenleaders.

SOURCE The Detroit Free Press