Michigan economy benefits from DTE Energy's spend with in-state businesses; investment creates 8,500 new jobs for residents

DTE in 2015 spent nearly $1B with Michigan-based businesses as part of the company's commitment to procure the products and services it needs in the state it serves

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DTE Energy

Feb 23, 2016, 10:00 ET

DETROIT, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy surpassed its 2015 goal to bring more business back to the Michigan communities the company serves every day. Last year, the company invested in and supported a number of Michigan-based businesses, spending $945 million throughout the year. DTE, in partnership with Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), has brought $1.7 billion to local Michigan communities, creating 8,500 new jobs.

"DTE works day in and day-out to provide affordable, reliable service to our customers and it's even more rewarding when we deliver on this promise while investing in Michigan-based businesses. In 2015, we exceeded our goal, helping to drive the Michigan economy," said Tony Tomczak, executive director and Chief Procurement Officer, DTE Energy. "Working with our suppliers every step of the way allows both DTE and its partners to achieve great things. The collective efforts bring new businesses and jobs to Michigan, while strengthening the vitality of our communities."

Highlights of DTE's partnership with Michigan-based vendors include:

Southeast Michigan: DTE exceeded $697 million in investments with nearly 800 companies in the Detroit metro area alone, creating and supporting more than 3,400 jobs
West and Northern Michigan: DTE invested nearly $60 million by doing business with 97 companies in the western region of the state alone, creating and supporting nearly 300 jobs
Greater Lansing (includes Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties): DTE's investment exceeded $4.6 million by doing business with 39 companies in the Lansing area, creating and supporting more than 23 jobs

DTE and PMBC recently hosted more than 320 suppliers from around the state for an invitation-only "Supplier Immersion Day" at Ford Field in Detroit. The event advised businesses on DTE's procurement needs and requirements, and provided resources to help them grow their businesses in the state. As a result from this event, DTE expects to continue to increase its supplier partnerships in 2016.

"We continue to exceed our annual targets because we take our commitment to Michigan businesses seriously," Tomczak said. "We know our state's success is dependent upon a strong economy. DTE is proud to be a job creator and a reliable corporate citizen. This commitment is one we will sustain and continue to grow for the foreseeable future."

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 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

For further information, members of the media may call:
Stephanie Beres, DTE Energy, 313.235.5555

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SOURCE DTE Energy