Thirteen Michigan businesses and their community partners were recognized at a ceremony in Lansing today with the Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Program Award for their outstanding commitment to environmental community outreach.  The NEP Program offers business and citizen groups the opportunity to work together to improve their neighborhoods, making them cleaner and more attractive places to live and work.

"I've often said that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity go hand-in-hand, and the companies we are recognizing today truly demonstrate that belief," said Director Chester.  "I applaud their enthusiastic commitment to the environment and a willingness to improve the communities they are a part of."

The thirteen companies receiving an award are:

• AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. - Pontiac

• Consumers Energy - J.R. Whiting Plant

• DuPont - Mt. Clemens

• Ford Motor Company - Romeo Engine Plant

• Detroit Edison - River Rouge Power Plant

• General Motors - Flint Metal Center

• General Motors - Lansing Delta Township and Regional Stamping Plant

• General Motors - Orion Assembly

• General Motors - Pontiac Assembly Center

• General Motors Powertrain - Romulus Engine Operations

• General Motors Powertrain - Warren Transmission Plant

• Herman Miller, Inc. - Grand Rapids

• Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation - Ontonagon Mill

Further information on the NEP Program is available on the DEQ Web site at, www.michigan.gov/deqnep, or by calling the DEQ, Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.

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"