Governor Rick Snyder toured Hiller's Market in Northville Friday and praised a program meant to boost energy efficiency at Michigan homes and businesses. It's called Michigan Saves. The program provides low interest loans for energy upgrades.
Click on the video player to watch Robin Schwartz's report.
Justin Hiller, the third generation owner of Hiller's Markets gave the governor a guided tour. Justin's grandfather started the company in 1941. Hillers is now on the cutting edge when it comes to energy efficiency. The Northville store is one of the first in the state to take advantage of the Michigan Saves program.
"This gives us an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, to be more energy efficient," Hiller said. "And to take advantage of some technologies that independent retailers like us bring to market."
Hiller showed the governor various energy saving changes they've made including night curtains in refrigerated cases. The store also replaced old condensers and added energy efficient lighting. He says they expect to save 25% in energy costs and will make similar changes in other locations.
"This improves store quality and it improves the customer shopping experience," Hiller added. "For us its really important that we help to better society."
Michigan Saves is a non-profit offering affordable financing and other incentives for businesses and homeowners. Several grants from the U.S. Department of Energy are helping expand the program.
"Who's doing the work on these energy efficiency projects?" Governor Snyder asked a small crowd of reporters near the produce asile. "It's Michigan contractors, people right here in Michigan getting the work. Everyone wins and what better kind of can you have than that?"
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.