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KBS Business Growth Featured in Capital Gains

January 26, 2012

Capital Gains, Wednesday, January 25- Kuntzsch Business Services Grows Staff by a Third

According to owner Rachel Kuntzsch, the goal of Kuntzsch Business Services is not to be big; it’s to be great. That hasn’t stopped the company from growing all the same. The community and economic development consultants out of Grand Ledge has recently grown their staff by a third, adding two new positions.

Kuntzsch attributes the staffing increase to a growing list of clients, as well as the expansion of services to existing clients.

“We are providing a valuable service that is needed in the marketplace,” she says, “and the need is growing as Michigan’s economy rebounds and our state’s reinvention focuses on more sustainable economic development strategies.”

Read Full Story

KBS January Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities

January 26, 2012

Community and Economic Development

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
Due Dates: March 9, 2012; June 8, 2012; September 14, 2012
Average Awards: $1.7M for Public Works projects; $550K for Economic Adjustment projects
The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency (EDA) seeks applications for projects that focus on innovation and regional collaboration that encourage economic development. The program calls for requests from urban and rural communities developing initiatives that propose creative approaches to addressing rapidly changing economic conditions. Construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments will be considered.

Recreation Passport Grants Program PDF
Due Date: April 2, 2012
Max Award: $45K
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources seeks applications for projects that will renovate existing or develop new parks. Money for this grant program is derived from 10% of Recreation Passport sales in the state of Michigan. Funding will be awarded to projects that will give people wider accessibility to new or improved recreation facilities and resources within their own neighborhoods.

Our Town Grants
Due Date: March 1, 2012
Max Award: $150K
The National Endowment for the Arts is seeking proposals for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities. Funds will be awarded to communities that, with arts and design organizations and artists, seek to improve quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity, and revitalize local economies.

NEA GAP: Art Works
Due Date: March 8, 2012
Max Award: $100K
The National Endowment for the Arts is seeking applications for its Art Works program. Funding will be awarded to projects that support the creation of art, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, or the strengthening of communities through the arts. Activities in projects may include designing competitions or planning projects for new arts, cultural spaces or landscapes, giving undeserved populations the opportunity to experience the arts, or community partnerships that integrate the arts with livability efforts.

Transportation Enhancement Program
Due Date: Rolling Deadline
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) funds projects that enhance Michigan’s intermodal transportation system and improve the quality of life for Michigan citizens, like nonmotorized paths, streetscapes, and historic preservation of transportation facilities.

HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation Program
Due Date: April 10, 2012
Max Award: $30M
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) seeks applications for its Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program. Funds will be awarded to communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement transformation plans to redevelop the neighborhood. The plan must focus on the revitalization of a severely distressed public housing or HUD-assisted multifamily housing project located in a distressed neighborhood.
Bikes Belong Grant Program
Due Date: February 29, 2012
Max Award: $10K
The Bikes Belong Grant Program is seeking applications for projects that will improve bicycling in America through project activities such as building of trails and paths or by the promotion of general bicycling advocacy and awareness.

Alternative Energy

USDA 2012 Hazardous Fuels Woody Biomass Utilization Grant
Due Date: March 31, 2012
Max Award: $3M
The U.S. Forest Service requests proposals for wood energy projects that use woody biomass to produce thermal, electrical, or liquid/gaseous bioenergy. Project funds will be used to further the planning and development of engineering services at these facilities.

Natural Resources

Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
Due Date: February 29, 2012
Award: $25K
The U.S. EPA is seeking applications for its Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. The purpose of this grant program is to support and empower communities that are working on local solutions to local environmental and/or health issues. This year’s grants will award projects that support the improvement of air quality, management of chemical risks, clean up of hazardous waste disposal items, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting America’s water. In addition to these criteria, the EPA also encourages applications that focus on addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities by emphasizing climate equity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, local green economy, and green jobs capacity building.

Sustain Our Great Lakes Community Grants Program
Pre-Proposal Due Date: February 15, 2012
Full Proposal Due Date: April 30, 2012
Award Range: $25K to $150K
Sustain our Great Lakes invites applications for funding through its Community Grants Program to support on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement projects that simultaneously improve local habitat conditions and build local conservation capacity.

Sustain Our Great Lakes Stewardship Grants Program
Pre-Proposal Due Date: February 15, 2012
Due Date: April 30, 2012
Award Range: $150K to $1.5M
Sustain our Great Lakes invites applications for funding through its Stewardship Grant Program to support large-scale, on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement projects that will have enduring and significant positive impacts on the ecological condition of the Great Lakes basin.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants Program
Due Dates: March 2, 2012 and July 27, 2012
Total Awards: $43M
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Division of Bird Habitat Conservation is seeking applications for funding through its North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants Program. Funds will be awarded to public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.

Our Town Grants Available: Deadline: March 1, 2012

December 30, 2011

The National Endowment for the Arts is seeking proposals for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities. Funds will be awarded to communities that, with arts and design organizations and artists, seek to improve quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity, and revitalize local economies.

<More Information form Grants.Gov>

December KBS Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities

December 20, 2011

KBS Insider Bulletin December Featured Funding Opportunities KBS provides services to nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities that drive support for their initiatives. Following are several current funding opportunities that may be of interest to you. Please let us know if we may be of assistance. Best regards, KBS Team Community and Economic Development Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program Due Dates: March 9, 2012; June 8, 2012; September 14, 2012 Awards: $1.7M for Public Works projects; $550K for Economic Adjustment projects The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency (EDA) seeks applications for projects that focus on innovation and regional collaboration that encourages economic development.  The program calls for requests from urban and rural communities developing initiatives that propose creative approaches to increasing rapidly changing economic conditions.  Construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments will be considered. Community Garden Grants Due Date: February 29, 2012 Award Range: $2K to $5K The Calhoun Conservation District is sponsoring the People’s Community Gardens of Southwest Michigan program that will award grants for community gardens within the following thirteen counties of Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. The Calhoun Conservation District will provide sub-grant awards to groups and organizations wishing to create, expand or rejuvenate community gardens. Our Town Grants Due Date: March 1, 2012 Max Award: $150K The National Endowment for the Arts is seeking proposals for creative placemaking projects that contribute toward the livability of communities. Funds will be awarded to communities that, with arts and design organizations and artists, seek to improve quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity, and revitalize local economies. Transportation Enhancement Program Due Date: Rolling Deadline The Michigan Department of Transportation funds projects that enhance Michigan’s intermodal transportation system and improve the quality of life for Michigan citizens, like nonmotorized paths, streetscapes, and historic preservation of transportation facilities. Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance for Tribal Clean Energy Deployment Due Date: January 15, 2012 Number of Awards: 3-5 The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking applications from tribes to engage in the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) program to develop tribal renewable energy projects. START experts will work with community-based tribal project teams to move renewable energy projects closer to implementation. CleanTech Challenge Due Date: January 31, 2012 Available Awards: $100K Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization seeks applications from companies and technologies focused on cleaner and more environmentally sustainable energy solutions. Finalists to the competition will be selected to present at Clean Technology 2012, an annual event held in Santa Clara, CA in June 2012. The top three technologies will receive prizes. Smart Grid Access Due Date: March 1, 2012 Available Funds: $8M Max Award: $2.5M The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking applications for projects that will develop and implement a program within a utility, region or community allowing consumers access to hourly electricity consumption data. Applicants must also demonstrate to consumers a third-party consumer-oriented information tool or software product that will help consumers manage their electricity more efficiently. Energy, Power, and Adaptive Systems Proposal Window: January 7, 2012 to February 7, 2012 The National Science Foundation will accept proposals for design and analysis of electric power networks and grids, including generation, transmission and integration of renewable, sustainable and distributed energy systems; high power electronics and drives; Smart Grids; and alternative energy technologies including solar cells and wind. Sustainable Energy Pathways Due Date: February 1, 2012 Available Funds: $34M Max Award: $500K/year for up to four years Number of Awards: Up to 20 The National Science Foundation is accepting proposals for innovative science, engineering and education research to develop system approaches to sustainable energy pathways. Topic areas include Energy Harvesting & Conversion from Renewable Resources; Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions; Critical Elements & Materials for Sustainable Energy; Nature-Inspired Processes for Sustainable Energy Solutions; Reducing Carbon Intensity from Energy Conversion & Use; Sustainable Energy Transmission & Distribution; and Energy Efficiency & Management. Energy for Sustainability Praposal Window: January 15, 2012 to February 17, 2012 Average Award: $100K The National Science Foundation is accepting proposals for research and education that will enable innovative processes for the sustainable production of electricity and transportation fuels. Proposals in the following areas will be considered: biomass conversion, biofuels & bioenergy; photovoltaic solar energy; wind energy; and advanced batteries for transportation. Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Proposal Window: January 15, 2012 – February 17, 2012 Average Award: $100K The National Science Foundation is seeking applications for research towards sustainably engineered systems that support human well-being and sustaining natural, environmental systems. Topics of interest include industrial ecology, green engineering, ecological engineering, and earth systems engineering. Natural Resources Urban Waters Small Grants Due Date: January 23, 2012 Available Funds: $3.8M Number of Awards: 55 Award Ceiling: $60K The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that support community revitalization. Projects should promote a comprehensive understanding of local water quality issues; identify and support activities that address these issues at the local level; engage, educate and empower communities surrounding the urban water body; and benefit surrounding communities including those that have been adversely impacted by the water pollution issues affecting the urban water body. Bring Back the Natives Pre-proposal Due Date: January 20, 2012 Full Proposal Due Date: March 16, 2012 The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is requesting proposals for restoring, protecting, and enhancing native populations of sensitive or listed aquatic species. Successful programs will engage in on-the-ground restoration, in-stream improvements, and growing partnerships for the benefit of aquatic systems and their native species. Five Star Restoration Grant Program Due Date: February 15, 2012 Available Funding: $200K Funding Range: $10-$40K Funding is available for programs seeking to develop community capacity to support natural resources through wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration. Successful projects must include elements of ecological restoration, environmental education and measurable educational and community benefits. Environment | Energy | Economy Happy Holidays Our mission is to drive sustainable community and economic development in Michigan through the advancement of innovative strategies, initiatives, projects, and partnerships. In the news.. 2012 DNR Grants Booklet The 2012 DNR Grants Booklet explains all the grant programs available from the DNR. This information is especially useful for local units of government interested in enhancing their public recreation facilities and is available from the DNR’s web site in pdf format at the link below. Grants Booklet in PDF Southeast Michigan  Wins Funding for Energy Jobs $2.1 million to create jobs and energy technologies for southeast Michigan! KBS is pleased to have worked on this grant through our client, NextEnergy. Read Full Story at CBS Detroit Forward this email to a friend. Our Services Grant Proposal Development | Project Management | Placemaking Strategy Nonprofit Services | Group Facilitation | Fundraising | Communications | Public Policy info @kbsincorporated.com | 517-925-8649 | 300 N. Bridge St. Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Copyright Kuntzsch Business Services 2011

Kristin Jobin Joins KBS Team

December 20, 2011

Kristin Jobin joined the KBS team as full-time project coordinator this month.

Kristin is responsible for supporting the administration of grant-funded projects, fundraising, event planning and marketing, and general office administration.  As project coordinator she supports communications and outreach to grant partners and facilitates meetings for KBS stakeholder groups.  Kristin also coordinates and provides on-site support for events and assists in outreach for event sponsorship, and provides administrative support for the completion of various surveys and evaluations for clients.

Kristin graduated from Michigan State University in December of 2011 with a Bachelors of Arts in Advertising with specializations in public relations and peace and justice studies.  She interned with KBS from January 2011 to December of 2011 and now serves as a full-time employee.

Contact Information:
Phone: 517.925.8649
Email: kristin@kbsincorporated.com

KBS Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities for November 2011

November 17, 2011

KBS Insider November Featured Funding Opportunities KBS provides services to nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities that drive support for their initiatives. Following are several current funding opportunities that may be of interest to you. Please let us know if we may be of assistance. Regards, KBS Team Read more Posted by admin | Filed Under News  KBS Client, GLACC Receives State Tribute - Kicks Off $725,000 EPA Grant Program to Improve School Buses and University Vehicles October 31, 2011 GLACC Executive Director, Maggie Striz Calnin receives a Michigan State Tribute on behalf of GLACC grant partners for their work in the EPA clean bus project. October 27 – Grand Ledge, MI –Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities (GLACC) hosted supporters, school officials, students, district legislative staff, local officials, and the media to present how a $725,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will help school children and local resident benefit from cleaner air. The clean vehicle project will work to improve public health - particularly among school children, by assisting schools and institutions in updating their diesel vehicle fleets. GLACC’s application was one of 9 recommended for award out of a pool of 36 applicants to the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The GLACC-led project will reduce harmful emissions by installing advanced exhaust control equipment on school buses and Michigan State University vehicles, and by replacing school buses outright.  The diesel oxidation catalyst to be installed on vehicles replaces mufflers and utilizes a chemical process to break down pollutants from diesel exhaust, turning them into less-harmful components.  Updates and replacements will contribute to reduced rates of premature deaths, incidents of asthma and other respiratory ailments, lost workdays, and other problems impacted by poor air quality. “Installing emission control units on 14 MSU fleet vehicles adds to our ‘Be Spartan Green’ initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations,” said Brian Wolfe, MSU Fleet Services Manager.  “This grant makes it possible for us to implement these equipment upgrades in a cost effective way.” Belinda Hoyle, Transportation Director for Charlotte Public Schools stated: “Many districts are forced to delay replacing aging school buses, but this grant allows us to stretch local bond support further to update our fleet. We’ll be able to leverage these grant dollars to purchase alternative fuel buses powered by clean-burning propane.” Attendees at the reception included grant project partner representatives: Superintendent Brian Metcalf, Grand Ledge Public Schools; Dr. Debra Jones, Superintendent, Waverly Community Schools; Waverly school board member Edith Suttles; Rhonda Sosnowski, Waverly Transportation Director; Chris Fralick, student at Waverly Community Schools; Debra Dean, Transportation Director, Haslett Public Schools; Patrick Dean, Director of Development, Dean Transportation.  Also in attendance were local elected officials including Mayors Kalmin Smith of Grand Ledge, and Dee Smith of Charlotte.  Sandra McCormick representing the office of Senator Rick Jones presented a Michigan State Tribute signed by state level elected officials from the region to GLACC for its work on this project. Vehicles on display during the event included a Thomas Built school bus with Cummins ISB diesel engine and SCR emissions control – achieving the lowest emissions output on the market courtesy of Hoekstra Transportation. The Thomas Built school bus represents a zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing process.  Also displayed was a Bluebird school bus powered by alternative fuel propane, which meets the lowest emissions ratings courtesy of Holland Bus Company. Representatives from Cummins Bridgeway were on hand to explain emission reduction equipment. Waverly Community Schools student Chris Fralick inspects a low-emission bus on display during GLACC’s press event Thursday, October 27, 2011. “We are grateful to the U.S. EPA for recommending GLACC for this grant award, and excited to work with project partners across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties over the next twelve months to get these clean vehicles on the road,” said GLACC Executive Director, Maggie Striz Calnin. “This project boosts our efforts to advance clean transportation solutions and we’re proud to attract federal funds for transportation projects in mid-Michigan.” GLACC is a coalition working to achieve cleaner air and energy security in mid-Michigan through alternative fuel and vehicle usage, fuel economy, and emissions reduction practices. Stakeholders include public and private fleets, nonprofit organizations, utilities, local governments, and individuals. For more information go to: www.michigancleancities.org, connect on Facebook or call (517) 925-8649. Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities coalition is professionally staffed and managed by Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc., the team responsible for this successful grant award and press event. Posted by admin | Filed Under News  KBS Insider Bulletin: Featured Funding Opportunities for October 2011 October 18, 2011 KBS Insider Bulletin Featured Funding Opportunities KBS provides services to nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities that drive support for their initiatives. Following are several current funding opportunities that may be of interest to you. Please let us know if we may be of assistance. Regards, The KBS Team Community and Economic Development Transportation Enhancement Program Due Date: Rolling Deadline The Michigan Department of Transportation funds projects that enhance Michigan’s intermodal transportation system and improve the quality of life for Michigan citizens, like nonmotorized paths, streetscapes, and historic preservation of transportation facilities. Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Letter of Interest Deadline: October 28, 2011 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting letters of interest for Smart Growth Implementation Assistance until October 28. The SGIA program is open to state, local, regional and tribal governments and non-profits that have partnered with a governmental entity that want to incorporate techniques to foster economic growth, protect environmental resources, enhance public health, and plan for development. Assistance includes a multiple-day site visit from a team of national experts. Free Smart Growth Technical Assistance for Communities Application Deadline: October 26, 201 Through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Smart Growth America is offering free technical assistance to communities to help build stronger economies and protect human health and the environment by implementing smart growth strategies. Communities that apply and are successful will receive a free workshop on tools such as sustainable land use code audits, smart growth zoning, complete streets, walkability, and others. Community Food Projects Due Date: November 17, 2011 Available Funds: $5MThe U.S. Department of Agriculture requests applications to support three categories of community food projects: (1) the development of community food projects like community gardens, value chain projects, food hubs, farmers’ markets, and others; (2) planning projects to assess food security needs and plan long-term solutions to help ensure food security in communities; and (3) requests for training and capacity building for entities developing new community food projects. Alternative Energy University Technology Acceleration and Commercialization Program Due Date: November 14, 2011 Available Funds: $6.8M The Michigan Strategic Fund Board is seeking proposals from universities to facilitate partnerships between universities and the private sector to accelerate technology commercialization. Proposed projects may either be partnerships between a university and a private sector company for the commercialization of a competitive edge technology that involves funding from a federal agency, or a collaboration between two or more universities and a corporate partner with a plan to spin-out start-up companies. Facilitation of the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Due Date: November 15, 2011 Max Funding: $550K for up to 5 years The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is seeking proposals to administer the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative, a consensus-basis collaborative exploring topics like siting, transmission, environmental benefits and costs, and economic development, among others. Administration would include planning and facilitating meetings, supporting workgroup activities, hosting webinars, and developing a blueprint for future opportunities. Linking Fuels Reduction and Wood Energy in Michigan Due Date: December 15, 2011 Number of Awards: Up to 4Max Award: $150,000 The Michigan Institute for Timber Resource and Education Excellence will award funding to entities for conversion from fossil fuel energy/heating system to a woody biomass system, installation of a wood boiler system in a new facility, and/or production of energy products from woody biomass. Eligible entities must source some or all of their woody biomass from forest fire hazard reduction activities. Sustainable Bioenergy Due Date: December 15, 2011 Available Funds: $11M Max Award: $10M The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals for projects that work toward sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that contribute significantly to reducing dependence on foreign oil while maintaining compatibility with existing regional systems. Grant funds will support research and extension projects that support the program’s priorities. Energy, Power, and Adaptive Systems Proposal Window: January 7 to February 7, 2012 The National Science foundation will accept proposals for design and analysis of electric power networks and grids, including generation, transmission and integration of renewable, sustainable and distributed energy systems; high power electronics and drives; Smart Grids; and alternative energy technologies including solar cells and wind. Sustainable Energy Pathways Due Date: February 1, 2012 Available Funds: $34M Max Award: $500K/year for up to four years Number of Awards: Up to 20 The National Science Foundation is accepting proposals for innovative science, engineering and education research to develop system approaches to sustainable energy pathways. Topic areas include Energy Harvesting & Conversion from Renewable Resources; Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions; Critical Elements & Materials for Sustainable Energy; Nature-Inspired Processes for Sustainable Energy Solutions; Reducing Carbon Intensity from Energy Conversion & Use; Sustainable Energy Transmission & Distribution; Energy Efficiency & Management. Environment and Natural Resources EPA Governors’ Institute for Community Design Due Date: December 5, 2011 Available Funds: $2M over 5 years The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking proposals to conduct research and studies, analyze state policies and programs, and create and deliver technical assistance programs to leaders of states that are facing air and water pollution, land use, and development challenges. Global Climate Change Mitigation Programs Due Date: December 15, 2011 Available Funds: $25M The Economic Development Agency will support projects that foster the creation of jobs while engaging in activities that limit the nation’s dependence on fossil fuel, enhance energy efficiency, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural systems. Agriculture and Natural Resources Science for Climate Variability and Change Due Date: December 16, 2011 Available Funds: $12M Max Award: $10M The U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks proposals to support research, education and extension projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration in agricultural and forest production systems, and prepare our agriculture and forests to adapt to variable climates. Environment | Energy | Economy KBS helps nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities, and communities grow by driving support for their initiatives. In the News… Governor Appoints Rachel Kuntzsch to Blue Ribbon Panel on  State Parks. KBS Client, GLACC and Partners, Receives $725,000 EPA Grant to Improve School Buses and Air Quality for Local School Children. Forward this email to a friend. Our Services Grant Proposal Development | Project Management | Placemaking Strategy Nonprofit Services | Group Facilitation | Fundraising | Communications | Public Policy info @kbsincorporated.com | 517-925-8649 | 300 N. Bridge St. Grand Ledge, MI 48837Copyright Kuntzsch Business Services 2011 Posted by admin | Filed Under Energy, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Protection, Funding Opportuntities, KBS Blog, News, Our Work, Strategy  KBS Client GLACC and Partners Awarded $725,000 EPA Grant October 13, 2011 October 13 – Grand Ledge MI – GLACC supporters, school administrators, students, district legislators, local officials, and the media will have an opportunity to learn how a $725,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will help school children benefit from cleaner air at a reception and press event held by the Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities (GLACC) at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 27 in Grand Ledge. GLACC received the grant for a mid-Michigan clean school bus project and will exhibit how the undertaking serves to improve public health, particularly in school children, and assists schools and institutions in updating their diesel vehicle fleets. The award was made through the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The GLACC-led project will reduce harmful emissions by installing advanced exhaust control equipment on school buses and Michigan State University vehicles.  Equipment upgrades will benefit several local school districts, Michigan State University, and Dean Transportation. The initiative will also provide aging fleets with new, low-emission buses selectively.  Updates and replacements will work to reduce premature deaths, incidents of asthma and other respiratory ailments, lost workdays, and other problems impacted by poor air quality.   Equipment vendors will be on hand to display the emission reduction equipment. “We are grateful to the U.S. EPA for this award, and excited to work with project partners across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties,” said GLACC Executive Director, Maggie Striz Calnin. “This project boosts our efforts to advance clean transportation solutions and we’re proud to attract federal funds for transportation projects in mid-Michigan.” GLACC is a coalition working to achieve cleaner air and energy security in mid-Michigan through alternative fuel and vehicle usage, fuel economy, and emissions reduction practices. Stakeholders include public and private fleets, nonprofit organizations, utilities, local governments, and individuals. The reception and press event will be held in the offices of Kuntzsch Business Services at 300 N. Bridge Street in Grand Ledge.  For more information or to RSVP for the event, go www.michigancleancities.org, connect on Facebook or call (517) 925-8649. [Complete Release in PDF Format] [Register for Reception and Press Event] Posted by admin | Filed Under News  Smart Growth Assistance Available October 10, 2011 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting letters of interest for Smart Growth Implementation Assistance until October 28. The SGIA program is open to state, local, regional and tribal governments and non-profits that have partnered with a governmental entity that want to incorporate techniques to foster economic growth, protect environmental resources, enhance public health, and plan for development. Assistance includes a multiple-day site visit from a team of national experts. Go to http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htm for more information. Posted by admin | Filed Under News  Next Page » Archives January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 October 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 Recent Posts KBS Business Growth Featured in Capital Gains KBS January Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities Our Town Grants Available: Deadline: March 1, 2012 December KBS Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities Kristin Jobin Joins KBS Team KBS Insider: Featured Funding Opportunities for November 2011 KBS Client, GLACC Receives State Tribute - Kicks Off $725,000 EPA Grant Program to Improve School Buses and University Vehicles KBS Insider Bulletin: Featured Funding Opportunities for October 2011 KBS Client GLACC and Partners Awarded $725,000 EPA Grant Smart Growth Assistance Available Copyright 2011 Kuntzsch Business Services, Inc. - 300 N Bridge Street    Grand Ledge, MI 48837     517.925.8649     · Log in