April 24, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester met with officials from Cascade Engineering today in Grand Rapids and presented them with the Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Gold Award.

The NEP Gold Awards Program was developed by the DEQ to recognize facilities and their community partners who have worked together to improve the environment locally by implementing ongoing environmental projects.

“This award recognizes Cascade Engineering’s strong commitment to its community, and to our state,” said Director Chester. “I am pleased to join them today as a partner in protecting our environment, and ensuring Michigan’s future.”

Director Chester commended Cascade Engineering and its partners for successfully implementing environmental projects in the community. Cascade Engineering manages a neighborhood recycling center that is utilized by residents, businesses, and Cascade employees. Cascade also sponsored an Earth Day poster contest with an area elementary school and participated in an adopt-a-highway program. Cascade’s leadership in sustainable business practices and its participation in the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum also demonstrate Cascade’s commitment to its community the environment and other businesses in its community.

"This is a great honor for Cascade Engineering and recognizes our strides towards environmental sustainability for not only our company, but also the community in which we live and work,” said Cascade Engineering Chairman & CEO Fred Keller. “Our programs and work are constantly evolving, and we are proud to be one of the state leaders in this extremely important arena of environmental sustainability."

Cascade Engineering has six facilities in the Grand Rapids area that are part of the DEQ’s Clean Corporate Citizens program. Cascade Engineering Automotive Solutions 33rd and East Plant was designated July 23, 2002; Cascade Engineering Acoustics Group was designated June 1, 2003; and Cascade Engineering Industrial Solution’s Group was designated December 21, 2004.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised April 24, 2006 by Pat Watson