DTE Energy exceeds commitments to "buy Michigan" creating thousands of jobs

DETROIT, Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy exceeded its target for spending with Michigan-based companies in 2013, as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting the importance of supporting in-state companies through the Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative.

Last year, DTE spent $809 million with suppliers based in Michigan, compared with a target of $625 million. This means DTE Energy spent more than $1.6 billion in Michigan in the last two years creating thousands of Michigan jobs.

As a key participant in the Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative, DTE has pledged to shift an incremental $1 billion in spending from businesses located outside of Michigan, and in some cases the United States, to Michigan-based suppliers by 2015. This is significantly higher than the company's original target of $750 million. DTE is accomplishing this goal by ensuring low costs and high quality, demonstrating Michigan's overall competitiveness.

DTE has a growing number of examples. In 2013, Roncelli Construction replaced the windows in one of the main DTE headquarters buildings. This was a new multimillion dollar project and the first time the Michigan-based company conducted work for DTE. Roncelli performed very well. DTE recently awarded Roncelli its workplace transformation project at DTE headquarters. This is a multi-year facilities renovation endeavor to make DTE an environment that exemplifies high energy, efficiency and engagement.

"We want Michigan to thrive," said Gerry Anderson, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. "One way we can do our part is to strengthen the economic base by supporting Michigan businesses and creating sustainable jobs. We are rallying other companies to follow our lead. We've already received commitments from more than a dozen businesses."

The Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative is part of an $8 billion public-private program announced by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference in 2011. The program was designed to help Michigan suppliers provide improved services to companies across the state.

In addition to DTE's focus on actively seeking Michigan suppliers, DTE is working more with minority- and women-owned businesses. In 2013, DTE spent $302 million with certified diversity suppliers. And, in support of DTE's commitment to Detroit, spending with Detroit-based companies rose to $140 million last year, compared with $122 million in 2012 and $98 million in 2011.

DTE's ongoing expenditures with Michigan companies support more than an estimated 5,000 jobs. DTE's purchases continue to remain strong with Michigan companies both to support everyday business and for new projects.

The Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative, which is administered through an alliance with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), also helps companies find new ways to raise capital, get access to a variety of business services and provides business-to-business procurement opportunities.

About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan.  The DTE Energy portfolio also includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects and energy trading.  Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

SOURCE DTE Energy