FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2002

Grand Rapids Firm Prevents Pollution with State Loan
Allegra Print and Imaging is first printer to qualify for program

Allegra Print and Imaging of Grand Rapids is the first printer to have a project approved under the Department of Environmental Quality’s new Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program.

Allegra will use the $38,932 loan to buy a computer-to-plate imaging system that replaces its conventional printing equipment.  Plates, film and chemicals will no longer be needed with the new system.

The company also has been a member of the Michigan Great Printers Project since 1999.  The project supports Great Printers by providing technical assistance and promoting pollution prevention practices.

“We’re pleased to have a Great Printer showing such great environmental initiative by reducing its waste and the use of chemicals in its processes,” said DEQ Director Russell Harding.  “We hope that more printers will take advantage of the low-interest loan rates and cost savings that the Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program offers.”

The program is part of the Clean Michigan Initiative, a $675 million environmental bond proposed by Gov. John Engler and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1998.

Loans are funded by the company’s local bank and the DEQ’s Clean Michigan Initiative fund.  In this instance, Founders Trust Personal Bank of Grand Rapids is participating in the loan.

“I hope that my experience with the loan program will help encourage others in the printing business to take advantage of the DEQ’s program,” said Craig Vetter, controller for Allegra.  “By eliminating our need to purchase 280 gallons of chemicals, metal plates and film, we expect to save almost $10,000 per year.”

Businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for up to $100,000 in low-interest loans by describing how their proposed projects meet the definition of pollution prevention.  Projects that eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse or recycling are considered for funding.

Loans are available to all private business sectors, including manufacturing, farming, retail and service.

The DEQ’s Environmental Assistance Division administers the program.  Contact the DEQ at 1-800-662-9278 for more information.

#####

Revised February 22, 2002 by Pat Watson