A regional network of manufactures aims to connect capable companies to the wind turbine supply chain. The West Michigan Wind Manufacturers Network (WMWMN) is composed of sixteen regional companies already working in wind energy. The manufactures have come together to help promote the regions capabilities in the alternative energy industry. The WMWMN has the potential to serve as a one-stop directory for turbine original equipment manufactures (OEMs) to find qualified suppliers. In turn, this should also help bring in low-cost leads and business for the suppliers, allowing them to focus on competitiveness and profit.
The network was formed after an analysis uncovered 800 West Michigan companies that had potential to manufacture wind energy components. The WMWMN will no doubt aim to network companies working the wind energy sector who might not otherwise know each other existed.
Because of the regions expansive manufacturing expertise and the thousands of parts in just one wind turbine, West Michigan can enter the market quickly; building off existing capabilities. The region also has another advantage, experience with integrated systems. This gives the turbine OEMs the opportunity to consolidate their supply chain by purchasing from as few vendors as possible; a process the manufacturers are accustomed to from the automotive and office furniture industries.
Though the wind energy industry shows great promise, the current demand may not be as impressive as one may think. Policies, government actions and incentives have given the industry some wind behind its sail; but the potential for the industry is considerably lower then estimates so far. As demand in America increases it only makes sense that the components, with their shear size and shipping cost, come from local facilities.
Can insects cause global climate change? That’s what one researcher from Wayne State University is trying to find out. It makes sense when you think about it. Are the insects out there burning fossil fuels? No. What scientists are trying to understand is the intricate connection between large scale insect outbreaks and global climate change. One outbreak in particular of mountain pine beetles in Yellowstone National Park. Why? They believe this outbreak is altering carbon cycling in forests and they want to find out what effect this alteration may have on global climate change.
In addition to social and recreational activities, the club supports charitable causes in the interest of public service and snowmobiling citizenship. SnomadS offers snowmobile safety classes through DNR certified instructors and makes continuing safety and technical education available to members and the public through classes and seminars.
Do you know what the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is? It is a small component of the transportation bill that is up for reauthorization in 2009. Why is it important? RTP funds projects and programs that support motorized and non-motorized trails all over the country. From trail building and restoration projects to education programs such as Tread trainer, the program is vital to keeping the outdoors accessible.
Michigan is the only state to consist entirely of two peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula is dubbed the mitten due to its shape. When residents are asked where they live, they often point to the corresponding part of their hand. The Upper Peninsula is referred to as the U.P. and is inhabited by “Yuppers”. The U.P. is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinaw, a 5 mile wide channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. The upper and lower peninsulas are connected by the 5 mile Mackinac Bridge which so the third longest suspension bridge in the world. The great lakes that border Michigan from east to west are Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state-about 150. The first lighthouses were built between 1818 & 1822 to project light at night and serve as a landmark to guide passenger ships and freighters traveling the great lakes.
Michigan has a humid Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The dramatic change of the seasons makes Michigan a beautiful place to live. Michigan is known as the birthplace of the automobile industry but in recent years it has diversified to a booming biotechnology industry. Some other fun facts about Michigan: It is the 3rd leading grower of Christmas trees, the beverage Vernors was invented here in 1866 sharing the oldest soft drink title with Hires root beer, it is home to more golf courses than any other state, it ranks 1st in the nation in the number of registered snowmobiles with 6,100 miles of trails and it is 3rd in the nation for licensed hunters – over 750,000.
We have toured many states and waterways with the Bio-Kleen boat, but Michigan of course is our favorite. There are over 1,300 public access sites and 80 harbors and marinas throughout the state. Our home port is South Haven, a small town gem with its scenic sandy shoreline, majestic lake vistas and dazzling sunsets. At the Black River Harbor boaters looking to stay have over 1200 boat slips available. At the port of South Haven there is great fishing for trout, salmon and perch. The 105 year old lighthouse is a historical beacon laying claim to the once booming timber shipping port and adds to the overall scenic appeal of the harbor. As the logging industry depleted much of the surrounding forestation, agriculture moved into the cleared lands. Dozens of fruit, vegetable and vineyards offer visitors fresh fruit picking and wine tasting tours. The National Blueberry Festival is held the second week in August, Harbor Fest is on the 3rd weekend in June with it’s traditional Dragon Boat races, and South Haven is a great place to spend the 4th of July with family events and an art festival. A fall color boat tour along the lake shore is spectacular. Winter brings on snowmobiling, snow skiing, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating and hockey. Michigan truly lives up to its name-Winter Wonderland. (DK)
What I’m speaking of is not just empty shells, but mussels; 
So what can we do? Anyone with a recreational water vessel can help prevent the spread of the species. It has actually been the recreational boater that has caused a major portion of the expansion since they found their way to the US. It can be easily deduced…just look at some of the lakes where the species can be found, much too small for even large recreational boats to navigate. Boaters who trailer their boats from lakes to lake, river to river, spreading this infection each time they launch their vessel. It’s not just the boaters who travel across the country either, but even fisherman and Jet Ski owners who trailer to local lakes. So Yes! Everyone with a water vessel.