Terry Swier, President M.C.W.C. will be honored by Clean Water Action at it's 2007 Great Lakes Awards Celebration. Following is Clean Water Action's press release.
AWARDS CELEBRATION TO HONOR ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians Chairman, Frank Ettawageshik, to receive
2007 Great Lakes Guardian Award
LANSING—A northern Michigan Tribal leader will be honored Wednesday along with a retired librarian turned activist and an Ingham County government official for their leadership roles in protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes waters. Clean Water Action’s 2007 Great Lakes Awards Celebration will also recognize the work of three Grand Rapids business leaders and the organization’s top volunteers.
“It takes courage and leadership to take on the powerful special interests in the giant, high-stakes battle over protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes waters,” said David Holtz, Clean Water Action Michigan Director. “Fortunately for Michigan’s water-loving residents, we have special people who have met the challenge.”
The awards celebration will be 5:30 to 7:30pm at (scene) Metro Space in East Lansing, Michigan. Those interested in attending can still register online. Suggested donation is $60. The following individuals will be recognized for their environmental leadership:
Frank Ettawageshik, Chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, will receive the 2007 Great Lakes Guardian of the Year award. Chairman Ettawageshik along with his First Nations contemporary, led 140 Tribes and Canadian First Nations to sign the historic Tribal and First National Great Lakes Water Accord, urging Canadian provincial and Great Lakes state governments with boundaries on the Great Lakes to prevent diversion of the waters. He is a leader for Great Lakes protection and restoration with Tribal governments in the region and to the upper reaches of state and federal government. Chairman Ettawageshik has the rare ability to bring traditional teachings together with modern demands for the common good.
Terry Swier, President of Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation, will receive the 2007 Great Lakes Champion award. Ms. Swier has been in the forefront of defending Michigan's waters against the Nestle Corporation's aggressive water mining operations. In the process, she has sounded the alarm that led to two major environmental campaigns to reform Michigan's water use laws and has focused public attention on the adverse impact of water diversion on wildlife habitat and human interests.
Patrick Lindemann, the Ingham County Drain Commissioner, will receive the Hero of the Lakes award. Commissioner Lindemann effectively uses the authority of the drain code to promote innovations in sustainable development to preserve wetlands through unconventional methods. Examples of his management innovations are constructed rain gardens; use of natural formations and indigenous plants for water cleansing, recharge and reuse; and he has refined the use of public education as a tool in building support for environmental protection. He has played a leading role in designing several award winning projects that are prototypes for economical and practical solutions to the area’s growing environmental challenges.
Guy Bazzani, President of Bazzni Associates, will receive the Green Business Leader of the Year award. Mr. Bazzani has been a leader in West Michigan for over 25 years in sustainable business practices. He manages a team of professionals committed to innovative solutions in green building technologies, historic preservation and urban revitalization. Mr. Bazzani has headed many of the green revitalization projects in downtown Grand Rapids.
Thomas Newhouse, President of Thomas J. Newhouse Design, will receive the Green Business Leader of the Year award. Mr. Newhouse is a national leader in the design and manufacturing of green and sustainable home and office products. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including those for his work with West Michigan based Herman-Miller.
Bill Stough, CEO of SRG, will receive the Green Business Leader of the Year award. Mr. Stough is a leader in measuring the environmental impact of a business’s operation and developing strategies to increase businesses sustainability through economically sound, environmentally healthy and socially responsible practices.
# # #