Governor Appoints Rachel Kuntzsch to Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks
September 29, 2011
Rachel Kuntzsch, President, Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc.
KBS is pleased to announce that Rachel Kuntzsch, President of Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc. and Executive Director for Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy was appointed by Governor Snyder to a Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks and Outdoor Recreation on Friday, September 23. The Governor’s Executive Order directs the panel to conduct a yearlong review of state parks and recreation areas and explore innovative models so that parks will better reflect the changing interests and recreational needs of Michigan’s citizens and visitors.
“State parks and recreation areas are essential to our quality of life in Michigan,” said Rachel. “They are critical assets that conserve significant natural resources, anchor tourism, and contribute to attracting businesses and workers to our state. I look forward to the opportunity to play a role in shaping a vision for Michigan’s 21st century state parks system.”
KBS helps nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities grow by driving support for their initiatives. Focused on clean energy, natural resource conservation, and community and economic development, KBS has guided more than $40 million in funding toward sustainable programs across Michigan. Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy is a statewide organization that concentrates and strengthens the efforts of Michigan’s land conservation community. For more information go to www.kbsincorporated.com, or connect on Facebook.
Additional Links/Sources
Snyder creates Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks and Outdoor Recreation, http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57577-262923–,00.html
Executive Order No. 2011-10, Michigan State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel, http://www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder/EO2011-10_364279_7.pdf
The Greenest Business in Lansing: Inspiration for Doing More
September 28, 2011
“So let’s do it.”
“Really? We don’t have much time.”
“Can we carry it off? We haven’t done this before.”
“We can do it.”
“Okay, let’s do it.”
These snatches of dialogue were part of an animated conversation overheard between some of my Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc. (KBS) colleagues about two weeks ago. The topic? The feasibility of producing a short video highlighting our green efforts to submit to the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s (CATA) Inaugural Clean Commute Options Business Challenge Week.
The outcome? Animation led to shear determination. The discussion and decision to move ahead was a Thursday. The competition deadline was the following Monday. In between left a day to film and edit and a weekend to fret about it. The onscreen talent? Well that would be us, of course, the employees of KBS, telling our stories of everyday green endeavors in our work place.
To produce our first-time ever video took some serious stepping up to the plate, especially for Bob, our Communications Manager and brand new member of our team. But just like any deadline set before us, step up we did. The result? A winning video and KBS named as CATA’s 2011 Greenest Business in Lansing on September 23.
I think even we were surprised by the number of ways KBS integrates green principles. Nearly half of us walk or bike to work. Others carpool. A fuel-efficient company car is available should we need to drive to business appointments. We recycle and employees are encouraged to bring their recyclables from their homes if needed. The copier toner is plant-based. Even our headquarters, a repurposed building with generous windows that once showcased automobiles, are now well insulated and provide significant day lighting, decreasing the need for artificial lights. Moreover, our work directly supports Michigan businesses and nonprofit clients that pursue natural resource conservation and new energy solutions. The CATA review panel liked seeing what a small business can do for the environment and the positive economic impact that follows.
But even as we cheer our successful video and our new title, we all know there is more that we can do at KBS. There will be more to our story in the coming months.
Until then, watch the video, see what we’re able to do as a small company—maybe it will inspire yours to do the same. Better yet, if you are a past, present or potential client, come visit KBS in downtown Grand Ledge. We’d love to show you in person.
Kuntzsch Business Services Receives CATA’s Greenest Business in Lansing Award!
September 26, 2011
Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc. (KBS) is delighted to announce that it was awarded the 2011 Greenest Business in Lansing award as part of Capital Area Transportation Authority’s (CATA’s) Inaugural Clean Commute Options Business Challenge Week. Held the week of September 16 through 23, KBS submitted the winning video presentation highlighting employee activities that assure a green workplace. KBS President, Rachel Kuntzsch was presented a Greenest Business in Lansing tribute during an award ceremony in Lansing’s City Hall Plaza on Friday, September 23.
“Part of our decision on our 2011 inaugural winner was because a small business [KBS] has a big impact on their community,” said Cathleen Edgerly, CATA’s Clean Commute Options Coordinator. “In their winning video entry, they not only talked about their regular green initiatives like turning lights off, recycling, and car pooling, they made amazing business renovations and provide a company car to help employees improve fuel efficiency on business trips. They also talked about the direct economic impact their activities have in their local community.”
“At KBS, advancing sustainability isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are,” said KBS President, Rachel Kuntzsch. “Beyond being the core of our work, we have a great team of individuals who are personally committed to making a positive impact on our environment and economic future. We are honored to receive this award and will use it as motivation to do even more to be a green business.”
KBS helps nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities grow by driving support for their initiatives. Focused on clean energy, natural resource conservation, and community development, KBS has guided more than $40 million in funding toward sustainable programs across Michigan. To view KBS’s winning video submission to the CATA 2011 Clean Commute Challenge Week and a video of the award presentation, go to www.kbsincorporated.com, or connect on Facebook.
KBS CATA Clean Commutes 1st Inaugural Business Challenge Video
September 21, 2011
The Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc. team discusses their clean commute strategies in a video that was submitted on September 19 for the 1st Inaugural Business Challenge for CATA’s Clean Commute Challenge Week.
KBS September Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities
September 21, 2011
Funding Opportunities
Community Development
Low and Moderate Income
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) DIG Program
Due Date: October 21, 2011
Available Funds: $3M
Max Award: $750K
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is accepting pre-applications from communities seeking to improve infrastructure in traditional downtowns. Improvements can be for streets and roads, sidewalks, parks, and landscaping, among others.
Low and Moderate Income
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Farm to Food Program
Due Date: October 21, 2011
Available Funds: $1.5M
Max Award: $750K
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is accepting pre-applications from communities seeking to construct, rehabilitate, acquire, expand, or improve a three or four season farmers market.
Energy Innovation Fund – Multifamily Pilot Program
Due Date: October 20, 2011
Available Funds: $25M
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is accepting proposals from entities currently administering affordable housing development and rehabilitation programs to implement energy efficient upgrades at multifamily properties.
Alternative Energy
PV Manufacturing Initiative Part 2: SUNPATH
Due Date: October 28, 2011
Available Funds: $50M
Maximum Award: $25M
The U.S. Department of Energy is requesting applications for industrial-scale demonstration of photovoltaic modules, cells, substrates, or module components. Applicants must show that technologies will achieve lower cost per watt and enable the path to a $1/watt system by 2020.
Solid-State Lighting Core Technologies
Due Date: November 3, 2011
Available Funds: $600K per year for up to three years
Number of Awards: 2-6
The U.S. Department of Energy is requesting proposals for applied research for technology development in solid-state lighting. Successful applications should work towards meeting performance and cost goals in the Multi-Year Program Plan for Solid-State Lighting Research and Development.
Solid-State Lighting Product Development
Due Date: November 3, 2011
Available Funds: $6M
Maximum Award: $2M
Number of Awards: 2-6
The U.S. Department of Energy is accepting applications to develop or improve commercially viable materials devices or systems for solid-state lighting general illumination applications. Successful applications should work towards meeting performance and cost goals in the Multi-Year Program Plan for Solid-State Lighting Research and Development.
NSF SBIR Phase I
Due Date: December 2, 2011
Available Funds: $15M
Number of Awards: Up to 100
The National Science Foundation requests proposals from small businesses creating new biological and chemical technologies, education applications, electronics, information and communication technologies, and nanotechnology, advanced materials, and manufacturing.
Moments of Awe and Wonder
September 8, 2011
Sam reels in his first big fish!
Heading north for Labor Day weekend on back roads among the farm fields of Gratiot County, my family and I drove past dozens of wind turbines in various stages of installation sprinkled across the vast openness. I’ve seen wind turbines before, but this time was different. A paradigm shift had occurred as there they were on our frequently traveled path – one my husband has trekked for more than 20 years (and I for nearly that) on route to my in-laws’ home on Sanford Lake, near Midland. We pulled over to get a better look, awed at their size and beauty gracing the horizon.
As I explained to our boys the small role we’ve played in wind energy, I couldn’t help but wonder if parts produced by some of the Michigan companies we’ve helped were in those turbines. Having spent my life as a resident of rural Michigan, I also thought about the farmers and the local communities that are benefiting from such investments, not to mention the environmental benefits of producing hundreds of megawatts of energy from a clean and renewable source.
Fast-forward to Saturday, our boys fishing off the dock at Sanford Lake catching various pan fish in the calm still of the morning. In our over-stimulated society, I relish their love of fishing and how it can hold their attention until beckoned in for a meal. It was at such a beckoning moment that I happened to be on the dock with our youngest, Sam (8), to witness one of the most exciting moments of his life thus far (and mine for that matter) – catching his first big fish. With all his might, Sam reeled in a 15-¾ inch large mouth bass nearly screaming in delight, “I caught a large mouth bass! I caught a large mouth bass!” I’m not sure what was bigger, the fish or his smile.
As a parent and a conservationist, this was a proud moment. The work we do to help organizations protect and enhance Michigan’s land and water resources is about creating these moments.
While I must admit I’d rather be back on the lake than sitting in my office now, it is these experiences that make me love what we do and remind me why we do it.
KBS BLOG: Interning in Michigan
September 2, 2011
Kristin Jobin is the intern for Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities (GLACC), a non-profit client of KBS. Kristin is currently finishing her last semester at Michigan State University, pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Advertising with a specialization in Public Relations and Peace and Justice Studies. GLACC is a coalition of stakeholders working to reduce petroleum dependency through the use of cleaner fuels, advanced technologies and economical driving practices.
Over the past few months, I was given the opportunity to participate in a very unique program called Discover Engage Transform (DET) that was organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and Intern in Michigan. This initiative focused on educating Michigan interns on the opportunities that the state of Michigan, and more specifically the metro Detroit region, has to offer. Being a true small town girl, I knew I was in for a new experience.
Each session of the program focused on a specific aspect that makes up the spirit of Detroit— people, places, and passion. During the first session, professionals and entrepreneurs who truly believe in revitalizing Detroit told inspiring stories of how a simple idea can evolve into a meaningful program. Whether it is the community volunteer efforts of Summer in the City or educational tours provided by Inside Detroit, each organization was cultivated from a vision to attract new growth and show the true appeal of the city to both residents and visitors.
Prior to the program, I had only visited Detroit a handful of times for the occasional concert or trip to the zoo, so I was particularly excited for a tour of the city. Over the course of an afternoon, I was able to see the beauty of Belle Isle, the livelihood of Eastern Market, the intricate cathedral ceilings of the Fisher building, and countless other awe-worthy sites. But along with these places remains a considerable amount of dilapidated structures in need of redevelopment. After seeing both the beautiful and forgotten areas of the city, I was reminded of Detroit’s motto that was adopted after the fire of 1805; Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus, which is Latin for “We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes.”
My experience in DET caused me to think of the large role that people, places, and passion play in my work for KBS’s client, Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities. Bringing transportation stakeholders together allows GLACC to facilitate clean transportation projects that contribute to better air quality, energy security and increased economic development in mid-Michigan. Collaboration among these stakeholders is what makes project development possible, and the passion they share is truly what drives these projects to fruition. I am truly grateful to be supporting such a meaningful cause.