Contact: Renee’ Ihlenfeldt
Executive Director
Alliance for Economic Success
renee@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com
231-723-4325

For Immediate Release

MANISTEE COUNTY RECYCLING INITIATIVE:
A Community-Driven Process to Build Recycling Solutions for the County

Manistee, Michigan – How can communities like Manistee County meet their existing and future demands for solid waste disposal? How much of the waste can be recycled? How much can be recycled in ways that are cost effective? Who should pay for waste management and recycling programs? What are the roles and costs for township, village, city or county governments? What are the costs implications for business and industry and residents?

Throughout Michigan and the United States, communities often struggle to answer questions such as these and develop the correct solutions for managing and recycling their waste products. And part of that struggle has involved finding ways to obtain community input and ideas while providing opportunities for communities to become educated about the pros and cons and costs of recycling options.

At the request of the Manistee County Recycling Committee, the Alliance for Economic Success (AES) will facilitate a Manistee County Recycling Initiative to involve all interests in establishing the direction for the recycling of wastes in the county.

“The AES was designed to be an organization that can bring all interests together to convene, discuss and develop solutions to complex but essential needs that impact the county’s economic well-being and quality of life,” said Recycling Committee member and County Commissioner Glenn Lottie. “We definitely need a methodical process that involves everyone in defining answers to some very difficult questions involving how we manage our wastes. The Manistee County Recycling Initiative is a positive step toward solutions that will best serve our short and long-term needs.”

Phase I of the project will focus on gathering existing information, determining the status of recycling in Manistee County and identifying governments, businesses, organizations and individuals that have a stake in the county’s future recycling programs and policies. Through a series of focus group meetings, the AES will identify issues, concerns and opportunities. At the same time, AES will research how other communities that are similar to Manistee County have successfully dealt with recycling challenges. Phase I will also include an assessment of the economic impacts of various recycling options.

“We want to complete Phase I by the end of January 2008,” said AES Executive Director Renee’ Ihlenfeldt. “Based on what we learn and find, we anticipate that Phase II would involve the design of specific recycling options. For this effort to succeed, it is crucial that everyone with an interest or concern about the county’s future recycling policies and programs become involved.”

Ihlenfeldt said that progress concerning the Manistee County Recycling Initiative will be provided on the AES website at www.allianceforeconomicsuccess.com.
Businesses, organizations or individuals that want to be involved in the Manistee County Recycling Initiative, including participation in focus group meetings, should contact the AES at betsy@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com or 231-723-4325.