Latest news with #DavidLaGrand


Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Vicinity Energy Kicks off Electrification Plans in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vicinity Energy, a decarbonization leader with the nation's largest portfolio of district energy systems, has officially kicked off its Grand Rapids electrification plans by commencing the installation of its newest electric boiler. Vicinity will install the 9MW electric boiler at its Grand Rapids facility, marking a key milestone in the company's Clean Energy Future commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions across all of its operations by 2050. When the electric boiler enters service in 2026, over 100 of Vicinity's customers in Grand Rapids will have access to carbon-free thermal energy instantly Share U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-3) commemorated the milestone at Vicinity's Grand Rapids facility, along with local business leaders and energy advocates. 'We are proud to see Vicinity, a long-standing energy partner in Grand Rapids, launch its innovative eSteam TM right here in the city,' said Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand. 'This project will bring locally generated, carbon-free steam to our downtown businesses, supporting Grand Rapids' commitment to sustainability, clean energy, and a resilient future.' Vicinity Energy received a grant exceeding $2 million from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) as part of the Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development (EIED) program. This funding supports the installation of the 9MW electric boiler at Vicinity's downtown Grand Rapids facility, marking the first new boiler addition in 60 years at the facility. The project aims to produce carbon-free eSteam TM to support the decarbonization of Grand Rapids, aligning with the MI Healthy Climate Plan's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward carbon neutrality. 'Our work towards carbon-free, clean energy is critically important to not only our own goals, but the goals of our state and local partners across the country. Here in Grand Rapids with the installation of this electric boiler, we will enable a seamless conversion to carbon-free eSteam TM for our customers,' said Vicinity Energy CEO Kevin Hagerty. When the electric boiler enters service in 2026, over 100 of Vicinity's customers in Grand Rapids will have access to carbon-free thermal energy instantly. Click here to read more about Vicinity's district energy systems and its commitment to innovation and the environment. About Vicinity Energy Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems dedicated to decarbonizing its operations and investing in innovative renewable thermal energy technologies to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to its customers. Operating 19 district energy systems in 12 cities, Vicinity delivers reliable and sustainable steam, hot water, and chilled water to 250 million square feet of building space nationwide. As Vicinity advances its electrification efforts across its locations, the goal to achieve net zero by 2050 is more than a commitment—it's a mission. Learn more about Vicinity's vision for a clean energy future at
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GR mayor endorses southeast Michigan rep for US Senate
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — With the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan still nearly a year and a half away, campaigns are in full swing for the primary nomination election next August. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, is seeking her party's nomination. On Thursday, she picked up an endorsement from an area elected official. Grand Rapids Mayor and former state Rep. David LaGrand is throwing his support behind Stevens. She spoke with News 8 about LaGrand doing so on Thursday from Washington. 'I am incredibly honored to have the support of Mayor David LaGrand in my run for U.S. Senate alongside Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, both elected officials who work their hearts out every single day not only for Grand Rapids but also so many people in Kent County and West Michigan,' Stevens said. 'It's that type of approach to public service, meeting people where they're at, being the state's champion, the value of hard work, the dignity that comes with that value of hard work — that's what's motivating me to run for U.S. Senate.' Other Democrats seeking the nomination include former Speaker of the House Joe Tate, Abdul El-Sayed, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. Republican Mike Rogers has also announced his intention to seek his party's nomination. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Daily 8: March 21, 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Friday on the Daily 8, we're looking at a new tiny home village in Grand Rapids making moves, Mayor David LaGrand's first State of the City address, a dog rescue near the Soo Locks and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for March 21, 2025, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Join us again on Monday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Grand Rapids Mayor LaGrand to deliver first State of the City address
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand will deliver his first State of the City address Thursday night. The speech is a private event held at an event center downtown but it will stream on beginning at 6:15 p.m. LaGrand in November of 2024, defeating Senita Lenear 63% to 37%. He was on Dec. 17 and officially took office Jan. 1. Grand Rapids mayor-elect calls on residents to get involved In an with News 8 right after he was elected, LaGrand said he plans to focus on affordable housing, justice issues, safety issues and community vitality during his term in office. He called for people in Grand Rapids to get engaged. 'Getting more people involved, more voices involved, more people at the table because I think a lot of people are frustrated with government now because they're not feeling heard,' he told News 8 in November. LaGrand is expected to touch on housing, justice and policing as well as city and neighborhood design in his address. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Rapids leaders to discuss city's future at policy conference
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders are meeting Tuesday at the Amway Grand Plaza for the , an event hosted by the Grand Rapids Chamber. Discussions will focus on key issues shaping the city, including housing. Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand is set to outline his vision for the city, while Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland, will address state policies affecting West Michigan. Sam Cummings of property management firm CWD will present a plan to convert office space into housing, and guest speaker Marc Eichenbaum from Houston will share insights on ending chronic homelessness. He spent 11 years there as the mayor's special assistant for homeless initiatives. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with networking and breakfast, followed by opening remarks at 8 a.m. Admission costs $200 for chamber members and $250 for non-members. While preregistration has closed, walk-in registration is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.