April 12, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality has awarded The Pioneer Group, Inc. a $185,000 state pollution prevention loan. The company applied for funds under the Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program to purchase a computer-to-plate imaging system that replaces its conventional printing equipment and will completely eliminate their use of film, proofing material, and developing chemicals in the pre-press department.

"Together, we are demonstrating that Michigan businesses can make these types of improvements to better our environment," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "The Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program continues to assist companies across the state in making positive investments for the future by helping them implement environmentally friendly technology."

The DEQ and the company's local lending institution, Fifth Third Bank, each contributed half of the loan proceeds.

"We're very pleased to add computer-to-plate technology in our printing operation," said Pioneer Group Chief Operating Officer John Norton. "This move reduces newsprint waste, enhances print quality and gets us out of the film business," he said. "We appreciate working with Fifth Third Bank and the state of Michigan on this low interest loan for this equipment - it certainly made sound business sense."

Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of not more than 5 percent. The short application helps businesses describe how their projects will eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse, and/or recycling; including water and energy conservation projects.

Loans are available to all private business sectors including farming, manufacturing, retail, and service. For more information, contact the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

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 12, 2007 by Pat Watson