Consumers Energy Supports Michigan Communities with First ‘Put Your Town on the Map’ Competition

Jackson, Mich. Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Local Projects Will Receive Funds; Contest Ends in April

Consumers Energy is strengthening its commitment to rural Michigan communities by announcing a new competition to provide funding for projects that will help energize towns in the Lower Peninsula.

 The “Put Your Town on the Map” competition will provide a total of $15,000 to three initiatives that are designed to build a stronger sense of community. Up to 10 finalist communities will compete for the funding at the 2019 Small Town and Rural Development Conference on April 17 in Thompsonville, Mich.

“Consumers Energy is committed to supporting vibrant, thriving communities of all sizes in Michigan. We have worked with small towns for over 130 years, and are excited to help support their community development,” said Roger Curtis, Consumers Energy’s vice president of public affairs, who also will emcee the contest. “We look forward to seeing ideas that will create even more excitement around the communities we serve.”

Consumers Energy created the competition to reward ideas and provide critical dollars for projects that are being developed in small towns throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Communities with a population of up to 10,000 have until March 1 to submit proposals. Consumers Energy and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan will select 10 communities to make a pitch at the Rural Partners conference for a share of the grant money.

The “Put Your Town on the Map” competition aims to reward a variety of innovative ideas, such as those that attract visitors to downtowns, focus on  issues as housing, education or employment, create community pride and more. Community leaders can learn more and apply for the competition at http://rural.cedamichigan.org/conference.

Consumers Energy, its charitable foundation, employees and retirees contributed $18.5 million to support nonprofit organizations statewide last year.

Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media Contacts: Brian Wheeler, 517-788-2394, or Terry DeDoes, 517-374-2159