Lansing-area businesses recognized for efforts to protect environment, reduce energy use

EAST LANSING, MI-- Three Lansing-area businesses - Michigan Agricultural Commodities, Working Bugs and Great Lakes Hybrids - received the 2011 Green Agri-Business Designation from the Michigan Agri-Business Association for outstanding efforts to protect the natural resources, conserve energy and reduce their impact on Michigan's water, land and air. MABA's Green Agri-Business Designation was also given to Michigan Crop Improvement Association's Foundation Seed Services, a nonprofit association geared toward the unbiased promotion of the latest in seed science and techniques. A second-generation family business in Lansing, MAC is Michigan's largest grain handler with eight elevators, 36 million bushels of storage and 110 employees. Some of MAC's cutting edge green programs include an aggressive recycling program to reduce waste and reuse materials; investing in renewable bio-based fuels and energy efficient vehicles and equipment; promoting site-specific agronomy technology and variable rate fertilizer application; recycling and reusing water; and deploying energy efficient grain-drying, electric and heating/cooling equipment. Based in Ovid, Great Lakes Hybrid is Michigan's only hybrid corn research program wholly owned by farmers and seedsmen. The company focuses on breeding new, more productive types of corn. With more than 145 breeding stations, GLH develops more than 60,000 hybrids every year. The company employs a full-time staff of more than 50 people. GLH was recognized for its aggressive recycling program, as well as investments in new practices that reduce traveling distance and fuel use by 25 percent, and working to develop new varieties to produce more grain per acre. With offices in East Lansing, Working Bugs is a bio-manufacturing company that develops and creates new products, from food and fuel to green bio-based chemical products. Working Bugs was recognized for its waste and water-recycling program, as well as for its development of a non-toxic herbicide. Headquartered in Lansing, the Michigan Crop Improvement Association was recognized for implementing wide-ranging recycling programs and using more efficient lighting and equipment, as well as reducing dust and other particulate matter. "The Michigan Agri-Business Association wants to shine a light on the many agricultural businesses that are doing the right thing, keeping Michigan's natural resources strong and healthy," MABA President Jim Byrum said. "Conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency are a way of life for these Michigan businesses, saving both money and resources. These businesses are good for both our industry and Michigan's future, and we want to highlight their efforts." The inaugural MABA Green Agri-Business Designation recognizes a Michigan agricultural or bio-based business for excellence in agri-business and a commitment to environmental responsibility. Published: Mon, Aug 8, 2011

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