July 20, 2007

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester officially welcomed Circuit Controls Corporation to Michigan's Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) Program today, becoming the 147th member of the voluntary program recognizing environmental stewardship across the state.

"I am pleased to welcome Circuit Controls Corporation to the C3 program," said Director Chester. "They are a company that is committed to pollution prevention and helping us demonstrate that environmental protection and economic growth go hand-in-hand."

Circuit Controls Corporation is located near Petoskey and manufactures electrical terminals primarily for use in wiring harnesses that are supplied to the worldwide automotive market. The company employs approximately 150 workers at their Emmet County facility.

"We are extremely pleased to receive this important recognition from the DEQ," says Jack George of Circuit Controls Corporation. "Everyone at CCC is dedicated to keeping northern Michigan beautiful and our team works hard to support our environmental policies and programs. It's an honor to be recognized for these efforts. We remain committed to continually improving the environment around us."

CCC has set goals to strictly follow environmental laws and regulations; educate employees and contractors pertaining to environmental policies; establish and review environmental targets and objectives; and continually improve its environmental management system to prevent pollution and reduce impacts that can harm the environment. The company has also set pollution prevention targets that include reducing; recycling; and reusing such wastes as plastics, paper, oil, metals, and carbon dioxide emissions from the facility; and holds annual green day activities.

The Clean Corporate Citizen program is Michigan's flagship environmental stewardship program. It has honored Michigan's top environmental performers and encourages stewardship in the private sector. Due to budgetary concerns, however, the program is in danger of being discontinued should adequate funding not be provided.

To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system and active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Clean Corporate Citizens are eligible for certain regulatory benefits under the state's environmental programs, including expedited permit approval. The program is open to any Michigan public or private business, educational institution, medical facility or governmental agency. Designations are valid for two or three year periods.

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 July 20, 2007 by Pat Watson