NOVEMBER 15, 2001 - Tune in on Saturday morning from 8-9 a.m. to “Consumer Insider” on the Michigan Talk Radio Network to learn tips on how to save money and protect your family’s safety this winter.

This week’s Consumer Insider radio program features special guests from the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services:

Furnace Safety & How to Avoid Furnace Scams – Guest: Henry Green, Bureau of Construction Codes Director

Winterization Tips to Save Money & Energy – Guest: John Sarver, Energy Office Supervisor- State Plan/Community Energy Project Grants, Energy Star

Holiday Tree, Fireplace and Woodburning Stove Safety Tips – Guest: Tony Sanfilippo, Office of Fire Safety Director.

“Consumer Insider” is a new weekly live talk radio program about CIS & State of Michigan resources in an effort to educate consumers about state government resources. The show is hosted by Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services Director Kathleen M. Wilbur.

Past topics have included Bio-Terrorism Emergency Response and Safety Concerns with Col. Michael Robinson, director of the Michigan State Police, and Dr. David Johnson, Deputy Director and Chief Medical Executive of Michigan Department of Community Health; and a discussion with Laura Chappelle, Public Service Commission Chair about Gasoline Prices/Protection of Utilities in the wake of the Sept. 11 attack.

Consumer Insider is aired live from 8-9 a.m. on Saturdays on the Michigan Talk Radio Network and simulcast on www.mlive.com. It is rebroadcast on Saturday evenings from 7-8 p.m. and archived on www.mlive.com. Affiliates in the Michigan Talk Radio Network currently broadcasting the radio show include: WABJ-Adrian (1490 AM), WKMI-Kalamazoo (1360 AM), WSJM-Benton Harbor (1400 AM), WMFN-Grand Rapids (640 AM), WMMI-Mt. Pleasant (830 AM), WLDR-Traverse City (1210 AM), WJML-Petoskey (1110 AM), WNBY-Newberry (1450 AM), WMIQ- Iron Mountain (1450 AM) and WHAK-Alpena (960 AM).

Wilbur said, “Many Michigan families take advantage of Thanksgiving vacation for holiday decorating and winterization projects at home. We thought this week would be the perfect time for our energy and safety experts to share some great tips to protect our listeners’ families and perhaps even give them a little extra spending for the holidays.”

Wilbur has been director of CIS since it was created in 1996 when the Regulatory functions in the former Departments of Commerce and Labor were merged together with agencies from five other departments. Some of the agencies within CIS include: the Unemployment Agency, Liquor Control Commission, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and the Office of Financial and Insurance Services.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.