Consumers Energy Spends Nearly $200 Million with West Michigan Companies in Last Year, Driving Economic Growth

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is helping to drive West Michigan economic growth by spending nearly $200 million with West Michigan companies over the past year.  The increased purchasing, part of the energy company's commitment to spend $5 billion over 5 years with Michigan businesses, is strengthening customer service and creating an estimated 5,000 jobs statewide.

"Michigan's 4.8 percent unemployment rate is the lowest it's been in 15 years, Grand Rapids' unemployment rate of 3.3 percent is even better. We're pleased to be a major and positive force for growth in West Michigan by our increased spending here with over 550 companies. These investments help to ensure that our customers receive reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy service," said Dan Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of energy resources.

"As Michigan develops policies to address its electric capacity shortfall due to coal plant retirements and lack of investment by out-of-state alternate suppliers, we anticipate continued high levels of work with our West Michigan business allies to ensure that Consumers Energy customers have reliable and affordable electric service," Malone said.

Consumers Energy made its announcement as it joined the Michigan Economic Development Corp., The Right Place Inc. and Lakeshore Advantage in a West Michigan Buyer's Summit in Ottawa County. The event brought together Consumers Energy with Michigan-based companies.

Holland-based BP&R Engineering is a West Michigan company that is adding jobs and expanding as a result of Consumers Energy's increased spending in Michigan.

"Consumers Energy's investments in West Michigan are ensuring that electric customers have reliable and affordable power, while also creating jobs and helping local communities," said Don Knottnerus, business partner of BP&R Engineering and BP&R Construction.

Consumers Energy has committed to spend $5 billion with Michigan businesses over the next five years. Since June 2015, the energy provider has spent over $1 billion with nearly 3,000 businesses in 71 Michigan counties. In addition, Consumers Energy actively encourages its Michigan-based suppliers to use sub-contractors and suppliers based in the state through its "Pay It Forward" program to help stimulate economic growth.

Consumers Energy was one of the first members of Pure Michigan Business Connect. The public-private alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., state agencies and major Michigan employers works to connect in-state companies to business resources. As part of that commitment, the energy provider increased its spending with Michigan employers by $1 billion from 2011 to 2015, reaching its goal a year ahead of schedule.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media toolkit

LEARN MORE: Learn about Consumers Energy's commitment to Michigan businesses: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/puremichigan  

PMBC: Learn more about Pure Michigan Business Connect: www.michiganbusiness.org/grow/pure-michigan-business-connect/

What They're Saying

What Michigan businesses say about Consumers Energy:

"Consumers Energy is continually proving their commitment to Pure Michigan Business Connect. Their partnership provides just one example of Michigan-based businesses working together to strengthen and develop our great state's economy and workforce."
-- Jim Aiello, vice president of sales, Shelving Inc. (Oakland County)

"Consumers Energy is our top customer in Michigan and has had a tremendous impact on our business. We appreciate that Consumers Energy is focusing on working with businesses in Michigan."
-- Ted Anton, CEO, Newkirk Electric (Muskegon)

"Our family of companies has been doing business with Consumers Energy. Their commitment to us and businesses in Michigan has allowed us to grow and expand our services. The relationship we have with CE can only be defined as a true partnership."
-- Michael R. Bigford, president and CEO, Utility Supply and Construction Co. (Reed City)

"We are grateful for the opportunities that Consumers Energy has invited us to participate in. The direct result has been more jobs for one of the largest workforces in Northeast Michigan."
-- Tom Moran, CEO and founder, Moran Iron Works (Presque Isle County)

"The projects we have completed for Consumers Energy have not only benefited Pumford Construction as a company, but have also provided jobs for thousands of Michigan-based men and women. "
-- James M. Jacobs, vice president, Pumford Construction (Saginaw)

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

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