Energy Visionary:George Heartwell

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell is the kind of practical, unpretentious but visionary leader that represents the best of the midwest. Under his leadership, the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan has, initially, after setting a goal of 20 percent renewable energy, attained that goal a year ahead of schedule.

That emboldened the mayor to set a new, and even more astonishing goal. 100 percent of Grand Rapids municipal power is slated to be renewable by 2020. This goal places GR in the front ranks of the nation, and the world, for renewable transformation.

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In recognition of this, Fast Company recently named Grand Rapids America's Greenest City

The magazine noted that Grand Rapids leads the nation in LEED certified buildings per capita, and that local industries like Herman Miller and Steelcase have pioneered a corporate ethic of sustainability.

In an address to the Michigan Student Sustainability Council, Mayor Heartwell expressed optimism that western Michigan will be the staging ground for major wind development, both on and offshore. Although he named no names, the Mayor indicated that several wind manufacturers had expressed an interest in Michigan for future development.