DTE Tops 'Buy Michigan' Targets Through Pure Michigan Business Connect
DETROIT (WWJ) -- DTE Energy said last week that it exceeded its targets for spending with Michigan-based companies in 2013, part of its ongoing commitment to support in-state companies through the Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative.
Last year, DTE spent $809 million with suppliers based in Michigan, well above the target of $625 million. This means DTE Energy spent more than $1.6 billion in Michigan in the last two years, creating thousands of Michigan jobs.
Under Pure Michigan Business Connect, DTE has pledged to shift an incremental $1 billion in spending from businesses located outside of Michigan, and in some cases the United States, to Michigan-based suppliers by 2015. This is significantly higher than the company's original target of $750 million. DTE is accomplishing this goal by ensuring low costs and high quality, demonstrating Michigan's overall competitiveness.
DTE has a growing number of examples. In 2013, Sterling Heights-based Roncelli Construction replaced the windows in one of the main DTE headquarters buildings, a multi-million-dollar project that marked the first time the company had worked for DTE. Roncelli so well that DTE has now awarded Roncelli its workplace transformation project at DTE headquarters. This is a multi-year project to give DTE a building environment that exemplifies high energy, efficiency and engagement.
"We want Michigan to thrive," said Gerry Anderson, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. "One way we can do our part is to strengthen the economic base by supporting Michigan businesses and creating sustainable jobs. We are rallying other companies to follow our lead. We've already received commitments from more than a dozen businesses."
The Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative is part of an $8 billion public-private program announced by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference in 2011. The program was designed to help Michigan suppliers provide improved services to companies across the state.
In addition to DTE's focus on actively seeking Michigan suppliers, DTE is working more with minority- and women-owned businesses. In 2013, DTE spent $302 million with certified diversity suppliers. And, in support of DTE's commitment to Detroit, spending with Detroit-based companies rose to $140 million last year, compared with $122 million in 2012 and $98
million in 2011.
DTE's ongoing expenditures with Michigan companies support more than an estimated 5,000 jobs. DTE's purchases continue to remain strong with Michigan companies both to support everyday business and for new projects.
The Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative, which is administered through an alliance with the Michigan Economic Development Corp., also helps companies find new ways to raise capital, get access to a variety of business services and provides business-to-business procurement opportunities.
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) owns an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan, as well as non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects and energy trading.
More at www.dtenergy.com.
