Presentations

Soji Adelaja, Director
Michigan State University Land Policy Institute
East Lansing, MI

Biographical Sketch:
Dr. Soji Adelaja holds joint faculty appointments as professor in the Departments of Agricultural Economics; Geography; and Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Previously, he was at Rutgers University for 18 years, during which period he served as Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dean of Cook College, Executive Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Professor and Chair of Agricultural Food and Resource Economics, Director of the Food Policy Institute, Director of the Food Innovation Center,  and Director of the Eco-policy Center. Dr. Adelaja has a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Mechanization from the Pennsylvania State University, dual Master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics and in Economics from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in Economics from West Virginia University.


Lauren Bigelow, Managing Director
Cleantech Network
Brighton, MI
Presentation Title: North American Patterns of Cleantech Investment: Renewable Energy & Wind

Presentation Abstract:
The cleantech industry has moved into high gear in the last three years with billions of government and private investment dollars focusing on sustainable sources of energy, materials and water. This presentation will overview the trends in cleantech and renewable energy investing with an eye to the development of wind power on a national and state level scale.
 
Biographical Sketch:
Lauren Bigelow is the Managing Director of the Cleantech Network. In this role, Lauren is focused on the development of early and growth stage cleantech companies in the Network and responsible for the international expansion of the dedicated cleantech investor community. Lauren currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Erb Institute, Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, the VC Advisory Board of the Houston Technology Center, the Cleantech Venture Challenge Advisory Board at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado and the Rice Alliance’s Energy/Cleantech Advisory Board. The Cleantech Group serves over 1,300 top-tier institutional investors worldwide representing over $6 trillion in assets under management. Its Cleantech Venture Network® has facilitated more than $800 million in financing for venture-backed cleantech-focused companies and provides market-shaping research and thought-leadership platforms such as the Cleantech Forums™ held annually in North America, Europe and Asia.

Lisa Daniels, Executive Director
Windustry
Minneapolis, MN
Presentation Title: Midwest community wind projects

Biographical Sketch:
Lisa Daniels has been providing wind energy information and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, elected officials, rural utilities and other interested groups since 1995. Lisa has been a contractor/consultant with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and is currently a partner on the Wind Powering America initiative with the U.S. Department of Energy. Lisa serves on the National Wind Coordinating Committee's Steering Committee and Economic Development Workgroup. She has authored and edited several publications on wind energy and its application. She was recognized by the U.S. DOE Wind Powering America (WPA) program in 2004 with a Regional Wind Advocacy Award for regional leadership, creativity, and commitment to wind energy development and again in 2005 with an Outstanding Partnership Award for participation on the WPA agriculture outreach team, leadership in community wind development, and outreach on the USDA Farm Bill initiative. Lisa worked to help launch Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy.

James Epolito, Director
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Presentation Title: The Michigan Advantage

Larry Flowers, Wind Program Manager
USDOE National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
Presentation Title: The $$ and sense of wind energy for Michigan

Kate Gordon, Research Director
Apollo Project
Presentation Title: The Apollo project: Renewable energy creates good jobs!

Presentation Abstract:
Kate Gordon will discuss emerging opportunities at the federal and state level to use public investment to support "high road" economic development in the renewable energy industry, including promoting family-supporting "green jobs" and incentivizing domestic manufacturing and production. She will discuss both public policy and political opportunities.


Margie Harris, Director
Energy Trust of Oregon
Presentation Title: Genesis, structure and success of the Energy Trust of Oregon: Considerations for Michigan

Steve Harsh, Department of Economics Professor
Michigan State University
With Lynn Hamilton
Presentation Title: The economic potential of community wind

George Heartwell, Mayor
City of Grand Rapids
Presentation Title: Michigan’s West Side wind potential

Ben Hoen, Principal Investigator
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Rhinebeck, NY
Presentation Title: Do Wind Facilities Affect Local Property Values?: Preliminary Results from A Multi-Site Analysis

Presentation Abstract:
To achieve 20% wind power penetration in the U.S. will require an eased siting process. Among these siting challenges that already exist are claims that wind farms hurt local property values. This study will explore the actual effects of multiple (6 to 10) wind power projects in the U.S. on local property values, using a sophisticated hedonic pricing model which incorporates field visits to all homes in the selected areas that have sold over the relevant period, and controlling for other factors. The study will represent the most comprehensive attempt yet to measure the potential impacts of wind projects on local property values. Primary research questions include: (1) To what degree – if any – do wind projects affect local property values? (2) Do effects change spatially and temporally? A potential secondary research question is whether there are predictable factors that influence the presence and magnitude of these effects (e.g., the value of the home relative to the nation’s mean value, whether the home is a primary or secondary residence, the topographic land type on which the development sits, and the size of the windfarm). The research will help answer the basic question of whether and to what degree wind projects affect local property values, an in so doing may serve as a useful reference in project siting processes.

Biographical Sketch:
Ben Hoen is under contract to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to continue the research he began as a graduate student investigating the existence and composition of property value effects surrounding wind energy facilities in the United States. As part of that research, Ben conducted the most sophisticated analysis of the impact of wind facilities on local property values yet conducted in the U.S., focusing on the Fenner wind farm in New York. He is a graduate of the Bard Center for Environmental Policy at Bard College with a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Policy, where his studies focused on energy issues, and GIS and econometric modeling. Previous to graduate school he worked in the paper recycling industry in Baltimore, and set up and ran his own business in Brooklyn, NY. He holds Bachelors degrees in Finance and General Business from University of Maryland.

Fred P. Keller, Chairman and CEO
Cascade Engineering
Presentation Title: Manufacturing Renewable Energy – Strategic Value Creation

Presentation Abstract:
The sustainability framework that created a culture of innovation at Cascade Engineering is again providing the impetus for positive change, as Cascade now enters the renewable energy marketplace.  Cascade, a leader in the development, engineering and manufacturing of plastics solutions for multiple industries, has launched Cascade Renewable Energy Solutions (C-RES), to design,  manufacture, and distribute renewable energy systems for the residential and commercial markets.
 
In conjunction with Cascade-affiliated Choose Renewables, LLC, which provides consumers an easy way to determine their renewable energy potential, Cascade is positioning itself as an early mover in the small but growing small wind market.  Cascade has established several strategic partnerships that will result in early commercialization opportunities one of which is with a Scotland-based company to provide the Swift Compact Wind Turbine Generator in North America
 
Cascade has entered the renewable energy field with a  guiding philosophy that striving to do what is right can lead to innovative solutions that are also good for business.

Biographical Sketch:
Fred P. Keller is chairman and CEO of Cascade Engineering, a leading provider of plastics solutions for the automotive, industrial, and solid waste industries. A materials engineer by training, Keller founded the Company in 1973, following an earlier career as a metallurgist with Pratt & Whitney. From its small beginnings as a plastics parts manufacturer, Cascade has grown into a solutions-based organization with 17 customer- focused business units comprising 1,000 employees and 12 facilities worldwide. Underlying Cascade’s organizational culture is Keller’s belief that business has the unique opportunity to complement its focus on financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. A strong advocate for “sustainable” business practices, Keller has emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital often through partnerships with government and community agencies. Keller serves as a director of Meijer, Inc. and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and is past chairman of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. His innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability are featured regularly in business and industry publications, and he serves as a visiting lecturer on sustainability at Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management.

Michael Klepinger, Conference Chair
Michigan State University Land Policy Institute
East Lansing, MI

Biographical Sketch:
Mike Klepinger conducts research on the efficacy of Citizen Planner, does outreach to improve the siting of wind energy facilities in Michigan, and is on the national waterfront Smart Growth team. Mike received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in K-12 and Adult Education at Michigan State University, and he has taught graduate courses at MSU in Urban Planning and Coastal Zone Management.

Soren Krohn, Wind Energy Consultant
Soren Krohn Consulting
Denmark
Presentation Title: World wind manufacturing history

Biographical Sketch:
Soren Krohn is a consultant to the World Bank with 13 years of experience from the wind industry, former CEO of the Danish Wind Industry Association and former vice president of the European Wind Energy Association, EWEA. He has consulted on wind energy issues including economics, turbine manufacturing, R&D, education and training for governments, regulators, power companies, turbine manufacturers and developers in North America and Europe. He has advised on power purchasing contracts for 3,000 MW of wind power (12 billion dollars) in North America. In 1999 he was awarded the European Poul la Cour Prize for extraordinary contributions to the development of wind energy by the European Commission and EWEA. He is presently working as Senior Renewable Energy Specialist for the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program in the World Bank.

Charlie Kubert, Environmental Business Specialist
Environmental Law and Policy Center
Chicago, IL
Presentation Title: Options for financing community wind project

Biographical Sketch:
Charlie Kubert is an Environmental Business Specialist, with experience in financial analysis and strategic planning, working on the Energy Project, especially on renewable energy financing, and on ELPC’s eco-business initiatives. Mr. Kubert previously was a management consultant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers and KPMG Consulting working primarily in the transportation industry. He serves as the Chair of Friends of the Chicago River. M.B.A., University of Chicago, 1985; B.A., Political Science and Environmental Studies, Williams College, 1981

Jim Lanard, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Communications
Bluewater Wind
Hoboken, NJ
Presentation Title: Bluewater Wind’s offshore wind park for Delaware

Presentation Abstract:
Bluewater Wind was selected by the DE Public Service Commission and three other state agencies (the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Controller General) to negotiate a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Delmarva Power and Light to provide clean, renewable and stable-priced energy to Delmarva’s customers. Bluewater won the right to negotiate this PPA in a competitive bidding process against proposals for a coal-fired power plant and for a gas- fired power plant. This presentation will discuss Bluewater’s strategy, tactics and experiences throughout the decision making process.

Biographical Sketch:
Jim has a long record of accomplishment working in the areas of energy and environmental policy and advocacy; government, community, public, and media relations; and project feasibility analysis and implementation. Jim has worked for The Walt Disney Company's Disney's America project as its Director of Government Relations and Environmental Programs, and has consulted for such companies as Garden State Ethanol, New Jersey Fuel Cell Council, Progress Energy, New York State Electric and Gas, and Jersey Central Power and Light. Jim also worked as Chief of Staff to a Member of the United States House of Representatives and was Executive Director of the New Jersey Environmental Lobby and the Clean Air Council (Philadelphia). Jim was Adjunct Professor at both Rutgers and Drexel Universities where he taught environmental law courses, and has been admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey. He received his J.D. from the University of Miami. Jim believes he has the world's largest collection of T-shirts with ice-cream store logos.

Kenneth Lesher, Director of Process Technology
Albemarle Corporation
Magnolia, AR

With Jack McCloughan, Economic Development Liaison
City of South Haven
South Haven, MI
Presentation Title: South Haven public-private community wind partnership


Loch McCabe
Shepherd Advisors
Presentation Title: Michigan’s current supply chain picture

Melanie McCoy, City Manager
City of Wyandotte
Presentation Title: The Wyandotte brownfield to windfield story

Charles McKeown, Informatics Manager
Michigan State University Land Policy Institute
East Lansing, MI
Presentation Title: Michigan’s new GIS wind prospecting tool

Presentation Abstract:
Wind energy development companies eye Michigan as a potentially important place to develop as part of the alternative energy market. In conjunction with state policy favorable to wind energy development, such as the passage of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), a clear understanding of the best areas for wind development is vital. LPI has taken a first step in helping the wind energy industry identify suitable areas for development by developing a prototype Wind Prospecting Tool. This Tool will provide Michigan an easily understood, integrated framework that can:

Biographical Sketch:
Chuck McKeown facilitates the establishment of a permanent campus-based land use modeling and outreach initiative, and with a multi-disciplinary team, develops predictive tools for land use planning and education. Chuck holds two degrees from Michigan State University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Entomology, and a Master of Science degree in Entomology, specializing in Ecology. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Gary Nowakowski
USDOE Research
Presentation Title: Promising research in wind energy


Vince Nystrom
MEDC
Presentation Title: State of Michigan incentives and wind business development activities

John Patten, Engineering Professor
Western Michigan University
Panel Title: Success stories from Michigan-based component sources

Panel Members:
Bernie Lieberg, VP of Manufacturing, K&M Machine
Dan Gizaw, President and CEO, Danotek Motion Tech.
John Van Alstyne, Ricardo Inc.
Jeff Metts, Dowding Industries
Brian Lage, Kaydon Bearings Division
Ray Mackowsky, Great Lakes Gear Tech


Gil Pezza
MEDC
Presentation Title: The global picture

Point and Counterpoint - Lundberg and Hagen
Russell Lundberg, Director
Huron County Planning, Building & Zoning Department
Huron County, MI

Jeanette Hagen, Development Manager
Noble Environment Power, LLC
Ubly, MI
Session Title: The Huron County 2006 Wind project permitting experience viewed from both sides of the zoning department counter

Lundberg's Presentation Title: Huron County's Approach to Establishing a Master Plan Policy Statement & Developing Zonging Regulations for Wind Energy Facilities

Lundberg's Presentation Abstract:
Developing zoning standards requires knowledge about your community, commitment on the part of your planning officials, and the need to think into the future. It also requires a great deal of knowledge about planning and zoning laws. The Huron County Planning Commission began the task of developing zoning regulations that guide development of alternative energy facilities with a commitment to develop a planning and review process aimed at allowing wind park development in Huron County. The goal was to develop a “model ordinance,” serving as the zoning standard for the townships under the county zoning as well as providing a stepping stone to those communities with separate zoning. The process began by searching the web for workable standards found in ordinances from other communities where wind parks have been successfully developed. A visit to a successful wind park helped solidify the process. It was the goal of Huron County to seek methods of preserving agricultural land as well as taking advantage of our natural resources, specifically the wind as an alternative energy source. The result was adoption of a Master Plan Policy Statement emphasizing an “overlay zoning approach” to facilitate the development of alternative energy resources in specific zones, providing workable and reasonable zoning standards for development of wind parks, and at the same time, establish a technique to preserve valuable farmland for future generations.

Hagen's Presentation Title: Siting Challenges and Successes

Jeanette Hagen's Presentation Abstract:
Developing a windpark takes much more time than anyone may at first think.  Making a list and checking it twice only gets you so far.  Siting can be a lot easier than one thinks IF YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK!  Siting for turbines and MET towers is more an art than a black and white affair!  Learn about mistakes made and how to avoid them to save time and money and many headaches.

Biographical Sketches:
Russell R. Lundberg has served as Director of Planning, Building & Zoning in Huron County since 1992. He is a 1974 graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resource, with a Batchelor’s degree in Resource Planning & Conservation. His planning career began as Planning Assistant/Environmental Planner under the Community Development Block Grant Program in Pontiac, Michigan, continued from 1979 through 1992 as Assistant City Planning/Zoning Officer/Environmental Specialist with the City of Bay City, Michigan, and for the past 15 years Mr. Lundberg extended his multi-disciplined role to a County level. Mr. Lundberg has served on various local boards and committees, and continues to provide planning and zoning expertise to communities seeking advice.

Jeanette Hagen has worked for Noble Environmental Power, LLC since February of 2005.  She was approached to be a landowner and was so intrigued by the company that she actually asked to work for them when signing her easement!  Now she has a unique position of being employee and landowner at the same time.  Jeanette works with township, county, state, and federal employees to secure proper approvals and permits.  She also is a liaison between landowners, construction, and development to ensure a smooth transition from development into construction into operations/maintenance of the turbines in the windpark.

Dan Radomski, Business Development Director
NEXTEnergy
Detroit, Michigan
Panel Title: Wind energy OEMs reveal supply chain challenges and opportunities

Panel Members:
Lawrence Willey, GE Wind, Manager, Conceptual Design
J.T. Roca, Ecotecnia Purchasing Manager
M.N. Pedersen, Siemens Wind VP Procurement
Gregg Mead, VP Manufacturing Operations, Nordic WindPower

Presentation Title: Michigan Manufacturers Wind Industry Network


George Scott, Scientist and Senior Staff Member of NREL
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, AWS Truewind
Presentation Title: Great Lakes wind resources mapping project: Progress and plans for Great Lakes wind energy mapping

Presentation Abstract:
Updated wind resource maps of the Great Lakes are being developed as part of an overall wind mapping plan for the United States offshore regions. Resource maps with a horizontal resolution of 200m will be created using numerical computer modeling techniques, supplemented by empirical and analytical methods. AWS Truewind (Albany, NY) is responsible for the production of the preliminary maps using their Mesomap® numerical system. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will validate the preliminary 50m results and use the empirical and analytical methods to recommend modifications. Once agreement has been reached on the modifications, AWS Truewind will be responsible for producing the final version of the 200m grid data from which NREL will produce the final maps.

NREL has received the preliminary maps and is currently validating them using a variety of data sources, including buoys, automated weather stations, lighthouses, meteorological towers, and satellite data where available. Final maps are expected to be completed in Fall 2007, and will be published on the www.windpoweringamerica.gov website.

Biographical Sketch:
George Scott is a scientist with 25 years of experience working in the energy sector, of which he has spent 22 years specifically working with wind energy projects for NREL.  In the last decade or so, as a senior staff member at NREL, he has focused on wind resource assessment, atlases, and training, for countries including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Maldives, Armenia and others.  His areas of expertise include statistical analysis, interpretation and display of meteorological and oceanographic data sets. He previously worked as a programmer on wind data turbulence analysis, wind turbine stability and blade aerodynamics projects. Before coming to NREL, Mr. Scott worked as a research geophysicist for Superior Oil in Houston, TX. He has degrees in geophysics and mathematics from the University of Michigan.

Lynn Sharp, Senior Ecologist
Tetra Tech Environmental Consulting, Inc
Presentation Title: Windpower and wildlife issues in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region

Presentation Abstract:
There are many areas within the Great Lakes Region that have wind resources suitable for commercial development, both on land and in the water.  Wind projects do affect wildlife.  Known and potential impacts to wildlife include collisions with turbines, meteorological towers, and transmission lines; habitat loss; habitat alteration; habitat fragmentation; and displacement. This presentation will describe the current state of knowledge about wildlife impacts in terms of what we do and don’t know; current research that is being conducted to answer some questions; and what kinds of mitigation might be appropriate.  Wildlife issues specific to wind power development in Michigan will be addressed.  A summary of what’s going on nationally and regionally in relation to wind power and wildlife, including resources, working groups and websites, will be provided.

Steve Smiley, President & CEO
Heron Wind Manufacturing, LLC
Presentation Title: New Wind Manufacturing in Michigan: The Political Economics of Wind Power

Presentation Abstract:
Heron Wind Manufacturing, LLC, is a new wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. This presentation will include a brief review of its present status and the political economy of new wind power manufacturing in Michigan.

Biographical Sketch:
Steven B. Smiley has worked with Danish wind power organizations for over 25 years collaborating on all aspects of the wind power industry.  He formulated and managed the two largest wind power installations in Michigan, the Traverse City Light & Power, 600 kW wind turbine and the two Mackinaw City 900 kW wind turbines. He has been involved is all aspects of permitting and operating small and large windmills.

Recently inspired by the writings of Dr. Hermann Scheer (German author of “A Solar Manifesto,” “The Solar Economy” and a new book “Energy Autonomy”), Steve is focusing his work and analysis on the goal of 100% renewable energy for communities.  Some call it the “Community Power” movement.

His home, with the help of wife Susan and 20 year old son, has been powered and mostly heated with renewable energy for 18 years.  They use a 3 kW Whisper windmill on an 87 foot tower, 1100 watts of solar photovoltaics, 64 sq. ft. of solar hot water heating, passive solar applications, and wood space heating.

George Sterzinger
Renewable Energy Policy Project REPP
Title of Presentation: Michigan manufacturing capacity and global supply chains


Stoel Rives, LLP- William Holmes, David Quinby, and Katherine Roek
Minneapolis, MN
Presentation Title: Opportunities for Offshore Wind Development in the Great Lakes

Presentation Abstract:
The Great Lakes have the potential to provide over 44,000 MW of wind capacity, but to harness
this energy will require overcoming obstacles related to technology, transmission, environmental
permitting and public perception. We will provide an overview of Michigan’s wind siting
requirements and explain what additional requirements will be necessary with offshore
developments, particularly matters involving land use and siting, environmental review,
interconnection / transmission and project finance. We will discuss the challenges faced in the
areas of offshore technology and public perception, particularly viewshed issues. We will also
discuss lessons learned from wind energy conversion projects on which we have worked, both
large and small, and explain how these lessons may be applied to future Midwest wind energy
projects.

Biographical Sketches:
Bill Holmes concentrates his practice in the area of energy law, with a special emphasis on wind
and renewable energy. This experience includes work on many major wind power purchase
agreements, and advising clients in the negotiation of acquisition agreements for energy assets
and companies, EPC agreements, O&M agreements, management agreements, LLC agreements, energy project development agreements, fuel supply agreements and related documentation. Bill
is also the Energy and Telecommunications (ENTEL) practice group leader at Stoel Rives.

David Quinby is a corporate finance, securities and M&A lawyer who focuses his practice in the
renewable energy arena. David has extensive experience representing clients in biofuels,
biomass, wind and other development projects. David previously was General Counsel for the
North American business unit of NRG Energy Inc.

Katie Roek focuses her practice on environmental and energy law, focusing on land use,
permitting and enforcement matters, and general corporate transactions, and represents clients on
wind, biofuels, biomass and other development projects.


James Walker, Vice President
Assett Management enXco
President Elect, AWEA
Presentation Title: Achieving 20% energy supply from wind

John Warbach, Associate Director
Michigan State University Land Policy Institute
East Lansing, MI
Presentation Title: Michigan Wind Energy Research Collaborative

Biographical Sketch:
Dr. John Warbach coordinates the MIHELP Consortium, LPI research initiative development and teambuilding, curriculum development, grant administration, and the Distinguished Speaker Series. He taught Landscape Architecture at the State University of New York and at MSU, and he has been a consultant to units of government at all levels on a wide range of environmental and land use planning projects. John has a Bachelor of Science degree from MSU, a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Doctorate in Urban Forestry from Michigan State University.

Mark Willers, Director
MinWind, LLC
Luverne, MN
Presentation Title: Community wind experiences in Minnesota


Lawrence Willey, Manager, Wind Concept Design
GE Energy, Advanced Technology Operations
Greenville, SC
Presentation Titles: Wind Energy Supply Chain Challenges & Opportunities and Off-shore Wind Energy Challenges & Opportunities

Presentation Abstracts:
For Wind Energy Supply Chain Challenges & Opportunities: GE company profile; Products; Utility view of power generation options, Utility view of WTG size and features, Wind market growth; Supply & Design; Pacing components; Jobs; Challenges; Opportunities

For Off-shore Wind Energy Challenges & Opportunities: GE company profile; Products; Wind On-shore versus Off-shore; Off-shore market status; Jobs; Challenges; Opportunities

Biographical Sketch:
Lawrence Willey is currently the Manager of Wind Conceptual Design for GE Infrastructure-Wind, Advanced Technology Operations, based in Greenville, South Carolina.  He has nearly 30 years of professional experience that includes 11 years of aircraft gas turbine design & development with Pratt & Whitney, 2 years Navy nuclear propulsion projects with GE Machinery Apparatus Operation, 12 years with GE Energy-Large Steam Turbine & Power Generation System Requirements, and the last 5 years in GE Energy-Wind as Manager-Global Application-Requisition Engineering & Manager-Compliance & Certification.  Larry has an MSME from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BSME from the University of Hartford.  He is a Private Pilot and holds a Professional Engineer License in NY, MA & CT.


Jeremy Wittrock, Wind Program Manager
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Dimondale, MI
Presentation Title: Local Zoning and Planning: Manistee County Wind Energy Planning Project

Presentation Abstract:
Most Michigan townships, cities and villages do not have ordinances addressing the issue of wind turbine development, nor do they directly address wind development in master plans. The Manistee County Wind Energy Planning Project seeks to address local zoning issues and provide a model ordinance. It also will identify areas suitable for wind development. Additionally, this project is fostering collaboration across township lines to facilitate a strong and transparent ordinance for the county. This presentation will highlight area specific information concerning wind development in Manistee County. A model ordinance for Manistee County, including GIS maps, will be shared. Finally, this presentation will focus upon lessons learned and how this project can by replicated in other counties in Michigan; specifically, methods used to foster regional collaboration and stakeholder input.

Biographical Sketch:
Jeremy Wittrock is the Wind Program Manager for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. Prior to joining GLREA, Jeremy served as Associate Canvass Director for Clean Water Action in East Lansing, MI and Canvass Director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment in Buffalo, NY. Jeremy helped plan and fundraise for the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair. The Fair drew 4000 attendees from across the county, attracted over 120 exhibitors and received major corporate sponsorship. Jeremy also assists in coordinating the Michigan Solar Tour. Jeremy is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy.