It is a brisk autumn afternoon and the second day of my meetings with alternative energy companies across Michigan.  Today I visited Cascade Engineering to hear how they are already a leader in alternative energy in Kent County.

When Cascade Engineering President Fred Keller started his company, he wanted it to reflect his belief that businesses should be sustainable.  Thirty-four years later, he has worked his vision and reached momentous environmental milestones, all while providing good-paying jobs for Michigan citizens.  With its family company, Renewable Energy Solutions, homes and businesses will be able to use scale wind turbines to provide energy.  Imagine being able to heat your home and cook your food with the power of wind.  In 2008, Cascade will make that dream a reality for us all. 

Cascade is a great example of a company already creating jobs in alternative energy.  But they are just one of 172 companies in Kent County with the capacity to manufacture components for renewable energy production in wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass.  Just think, if every one of those companies became involved in this growing sector, they could create 1,400 additional jobs and stimulate more than $205 million in investment, all while working to make Michigan a cleaner, greener state for future generations.  It's a win-win for everyone.

Tomorrow I will be in Detroit visiting Walbridge Aldinger Company, talking with more great companies doing great things for our state.  More updates to follow…