2012 Senior Portfolio | Samantha Martin by Samantha Martin

samantha Martin

Design Portfolio, Ferris State University samantha-martin.com hello@samantha-martin.com

Contents Forever............................................................................................................................. 4 Saporito......................................................................................................................... 12 Generating Energy Responsibly.................................................................... 14 Revitalize Detroit.................................................................................................... 20 Objects and Artifacts........................................................................................... 24 Nature Nearby.......................................................................................................... 26 Detour: Cadillac, MI............................................................................................. 30 Brighter Together................................................................................................... 34

You will show me anything is possible.

Forever Problem: Design a new logo and supporting identity system for the non-profit organization, Greater Hopes Family Services. Solution: Forever is a new name and identity created to emphasize the tremendous impact adoption has on children and families. This impact is expressed through childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos and messages from kids telling the viewer what they now have or will have as a result of someone choosing to add them to their family. Many of the messages speak of the future to emphasize that the act of adoption lasts forever and builds lifelong connections.

4 | samantha-martin.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

forever

Finding every child’s one place.

Sydney Age 6 Adopted May 3, 2005

Tyler Age 5 Adopted August 26, 2006

Forever | 5

forever November 14, 2011

forever

Dear Michael and Anna, Our mission is to simplify each child’s adoption experience by offering excellent and expert care. While it is a complicated process for those who are new to it, our job as a child placing agency is to make each adoption experience happen as smoothly as possible. We pay special attention to you as well as the placing parents’ needs, to important ethics, to laws and policies, and to the tricky dynamics that may be present in your case. Ultimately, we ask everyone involved to work together in the spirit of love and respect so that the child who is involved is honored. We tenderly care for and restore dignity to human lives through providing ethical, gentle and loving family services. When we help parents make wise plans for their children’s futures, everybody has a better outcome. When needed, resource families support these parents in the manner most reasonable under the circumstances. And if it turns out an adoption plan is best for a child, the child is placed by the parents into a loving adoptive home with the help of a caring, qualified professional.

Cathy Raidna

Executive Director P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432 raidnacathy@forever.org 1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Bob Donaldson Marketing Executive

P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432 donaldsonbob@forever.org 1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Anthony’s Dad just taught him how to ride a bike. www.forever.org

Our staff follows principles taught by Jesus Christ; basically, love one another. If you desire, a member of our Prayer Team will pray with you and support you spiritually through this complicated time. Please trust we will respect your boundaries and beliefs. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have as you begin your adoption process.

forever

1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Sincerely, Cathy Raidna Founder and Executive Director P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432 raidnacathy@forever.org

1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 • www.forever.org

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Michael and Annna Woodroe 456 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The business system is designed to allow the agency to economically order letterhead and envelopes which they can print their personalized messages on and send out as necessary. The business cards will each have a photo and message relating to a different child or family who has been helped by the agency.

Forever | 7

The most important feature of Foreverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new website is the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to view perspective parent profiles and find information to help them make the very important decision to adopt or place a child for adoption.

8 | samantha-martin.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

Forever | 9

I’ll grow to be a great friend.

forever Alivia Jo Warren Adopted March 8, 2009

Brand Identity Manual

10 | samantha-martin.com

Finding every child’s one place.

I’ll graduate at the top of my class.

Primary Logo

I’ll learn how to be happy.

forever x

Black and White

Secondary Logo

forever

forever x

forever

3.5x

Grayscale

Mission Statement Our mission is to simplify each child’s adoption experience by offering excellent and expert care. It is a complicated process for those who are new to it, and our job as a child placing agency is to make each adoption experience happen as smoothly as possible. We pay special attention to adoptive as well as the placing parents’ needs, to important ethics, to laws and policies, and to the tricky dynamics that may be present in each case. Ultimately, we ask everyone involved to work together in the spirit of love and respect so that the child who is involved is honored.

1" smallest

This is the primary logo that appears on all print, web and environmental materials. It can be paired with the tag line: “Finding every child’s one place.”

Logo

Our staff follows principles taught by Jesus Christ; basically, love one another. We will respect everyone’s boundaries and personal beliefs.

Alyssa Marie Kelson January 10, 2009

forever

We tenderly care for and restore dignity to human lives through providing ethical, gentle and loving family services. When we help parents make wise plans for their children’s futures, everybody has a better outcome. When needed, resource families support these parents in the manner most reasonable under the circumstances. If it turns out an adoption plan is best for a child, the child is placed by the parents into a loving adoptive home with the help of a caring, qualified professional. David Andrew Erickson June 16, 2007

In special situations where the primary logo does not create the proper aesthetics or does not show up well, the secondary mark can be used.

Size restrictions and clear space are as shown, with no restrictions as to how large the logo can appear. The logotype is not to be separated from the mark in situations where it would be the sole representation of the brand. However there are certain elements which may be used abstractly or as supporting imagery. See the Additional Elements section for the complete list of acceptable uses.

Primary Logo Secondary Logo Black and White Grayscale One Color Improper Use Avatar Additional Elements

Identity Standards 9

12 forever

Identity Standards 13

Primary Color Palette

Can you play with me everyday?

Pantone 311 UP C=56 M=0 Y=12 K=0 R=96 G=201 B=221 Web safe=#60C9DD

Logotype

Pantone 206 UP C=0 M=98 Y=51 K=2 R=231 G=31 B=88 Web safe=#E71F58

White C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=0 R=255 G=255 B=255 Web safe=#FFFFFF

One color

14 forever

Identity Standards 15

Additional Type

Business Card

The primary color palette is to be used for both the primary and secondary versions of the logo. The color of the heart may be switched for a secondary color only when the logo also appears in the primary colors. The color of the logotype should always be blue, except when the pink one color version of the logo is being used.

Gotham Rounded Book

Business cards are customized for each employee with the back of every business card having a different child’s picture who has been helped by the organization. With each photo there is a personal message telling the viewer about the simple yet vital actions, feelings and rewards that adoption provides for everyone involved,

White is used for backgrounds or reversed text. The pink functions as the primary text color for titles and most body copy will be set in 80% Black.

Gotham Rounded Book Italic

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Paper Specifications

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

The secondary colors were chosen as complimentary, colors to be used sparingly on supporting materials and information, most often for contrast and interest.

Low NewPage Gusto 100lb. Satin Cover Middle Mohawk Everyday Digital 100lb. Cover

Gotham Rounded Bold

The logotype is Gotham Rounded with a tight tracking. It appears in all lowercase letters and is the only element that should be set this way. The logotype should always be blue and is not to be used separately from the mark. It should always be visually the same weight and should not be reduced to anything smaller than a half inch wide.

Secondary Colors

High Mohawk Via Satin 100lb. Cover

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

.5"

Michael Richardson Volunteer Coordinator

P: 616.741.2432 | F: 616.841.2432 richardsonmike@forever.org 1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

ITC Cheltenham Book

Amber’s parents drive her to every dance lesson. www.forever.org

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz ITC Cheltenham Bold ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Pantone 128 UP C=0 M=11 Y=75 K=0 R=255 G=221 B=93 Web safe=#FFDD5D

Gotham Rounded is the main typeface, both book and bold styles are used on all pieces, as well as a limited use of Gotham Rounded Book Italic. A serif type, ITC Cheltenham, is the specification for typed letters.

Pantone 2755 UP C=87 M=88 Y=1 K=2 R=69 G=65 B=149 Web safe=#454195

forever Bob Donaldson

Cathy Raidna

Color

Executive Director

Marketing Executive

P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432 raidnacathy@forever.org

P: 616.741.5432 | F: 616.841.5432 donaldsonbob@forever.org

1345 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 246 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Anthony’s Dad just taught him how to ride a bike. www.forever.org

Primary Color Palette Secondary Colors

Rebecca Anne Johnson May 5, 2006

24 forever

Identity Standards 25

Adoption Announcements

28 forever

Identity Standards 29

Identity Standards 35

Screen Shots

You will show me anything is possible.

Adoption announcements would be available to the families with pre-printed names. The family would receive a set number of them free of charge. The back of each announcement has the organization’s primary logo and the inside has space to insert photos, kids’ drawings and personal messages. Envelopes are white size A2.

34 forever

Poster

And Baby Makes 3

We joyfully welcome baby Alyssa Marie Kelson

Join Forever of Grand Rapids, as we invite Kendra and David Mariano to share their adoption story with parents like you. Learn about the adoption process from their point of view and hear what you can do to cope with the emotional side of adoption as you prepare to add a child to your family.

into our family.

Paper Specification Low NewPage Gusto 100lb. Satin cover

She was adopted on September 10, 2011.

Application Icon

Middle Mohawk Everyday Digital 100lb. Cover

Tuesday December 6, 2011 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

High Mohawk Via Satin 100lb. Cover

Grand Rapids Public Library Room 231 For more information please visit www.forever.org, call us at 616.714.4000 or email Cathy Raidna at raidnacathy@forever.org.

Inside Spread

forever We didn’t give her the gift of life, but in our hearts we know, the love we feel is deep and real, as if it had been so.

Figure 2.

look who’s joined our family

For us to have each other is like a dream come true. No, we did not give her the gift of life, life gave us the gift of her.

Figure 1.

-Anonymous

forever

Front

Spread: 8.5 x 5.5 Folded: 4.25 x 5.5 Prints on 8.5 x 11

The purpose for this mobile application is to provide parents with a way to search for local or non-local family friendly activities. It begins with quick instructions which can be skipped for returning users. Then the user simply gives their location and answers a few quick questions and a list of activities are displayed on screen. The questions asked help to filter the results based on such things as children’s age, budget and when the user wants the activity to take place.

Back

Kaitlin Louise Fisher July 23, 2007

48 forever

Identity Standards 49

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

This is a poster for a speaker event regarding one family’s adoption story. It would appear in many of the same places as the brochure including doctors’ offices, clinics, and community centers.

Figure 1 welcomes the user to the application with family faces. In figure 2 the user begins the process by entering their location and how far they want to travel for the activity. The user is then asked a series of other questions to narrow down the results and Figure 3 appears with a list of activities that fit the criteria. Finally in Figure 4 the user sees details about the activity upon clicking on one from the previous list.

Paper Specification Low NewPage Gusto 80lb. Satin Cover Middle Mohawk Everyday Digital 80lb. Cover High Mohawk Via Satin 80lb. Cover

Mobile Application Screen Shots

56 forever

Identity Standards 57

44 forever

Identity Standards 45

Forever | 11

Saporitoâ&#x20AC;&#x192; Problem: Design a distinct pasta package that holds 1lb. of pasta. Solution: A consistent organic style with the goal of emphasizing the simplicity of pasta.

12 | samantha-martin.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

Saporito | 13

Great River Energy

Gre

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

EN PR

Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high concern for environmental matters. We are committed to conserving resources through environmental stewardship, pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental sustainability in our organization’s mission.

To guide employees in their decision-making processes and to ensure environmental considerations are part of the process, Great River Energy established an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed annually and continues to guide our conduct.

GREAT RIVER ENERGY 12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369

Generating Energy Responsibly Problem: Design an annual CSR report for a non-profit energy co-op. The report is in various formats including PDF, print, web and mobile application. For more information visit This energy co-op prides itself in its environmentally friendly practices and it’s http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr close connection to the community and its members. Solution: The community, employee and environmental connection is shown throughout this annual CSR report by the crossing paths of the strings.

14 | samantha-martin.com

For more information visitGrove, MN 55369 12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100

12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369 P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100

Great River Energy

Great River Energy Great River Energy

OUR ENERGY

OUR FUTURE

OUR ENERGY

Great River Energy

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

OUR FUTURE

OUR ENERGY

Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY to do all we can

to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high We currently meet or exceed state-mandated renewable energy concern for environmental matters. We are committed to requirements. In late 2010, we began taking power from the conserving environmental new Elm Creekresources Wind Farmthrough near Trimont, Minnesota.stewardship, The 99-MW pollution waste minimization, recycling and wind farm isprevention, owned and operated by Iberdrola Renewables reuse. This66 dedication is demonstrated by the and features wind turbines at 1.5 MW apiece. Theinclusion project of environmental sustainability in our organization’s mission. encompasses about 9,500 acres of land leased from 56 local landowners. With the addition of Elm Creek’s output, Great River Energy has employees more than 315 wind capacity under contract. To guide in MW theirofdecision-making processes Great Energy and its member cooperatives continue and River to ensure environmental considerations are parttoof the offer the popular Renewable Energy® Program process, Great Wellspring River Energy established an environmental through which customers chooseannually to buy additional wind to policy in 1999, which ismay reviewed and continues energy subscription price. guidefor oura conduct. Great River Energy purchases power generated from several landfill methane gas collection systems in Elk River, Minnesota. Once captured, the methane is typically destroyed through “fl aring,” during which it is burned through a fl ame that fl ares out the end of a pipe. We also purchase the output from anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas and use it to run a 150-kilowatt engine and generator unit. These anaerobic digesters are large, cement tanks outside a barn, mostly underground, which capture the cows’ waste. When manure breaks down, it creates a bio-gas, which is primarily methane.

“It’s Great River Energy’s responsibility to do all we can to minimize our impact on the environment.” According to the American Wind Energy Association’s 2011 ranking, Great River Energy once again has more wind generation than any other electric cooperative in the United States.

MINIMIZING OUR WASTE

CFL RECYCLING

Great River Energy is an active member and sponsor of Minnesota Waste Wise, a nonprofit organization that helps businesses and organizations reduce waste, save money and protect the environment. Our Waste Wise efforts include tracking and reporting waste prevention, technical equipment donations, and recycling. In 2011, Great River Energy recycled 5,215,495 pounds of waste and received the Minnesota Waste Wise Leader award. The award is given to members who have shown true leadership in sustainable business practices. Great River Energy’s commitment to waste minimization extends beyond recycling to include purchases and donations. By purchasing products made with recycled content, Great River Energy is helping close the loop. Purchasing staff worked with their primary office materials supplier to identify available recycled products, including 100 percent post-consumer

We and currently or exceed state-mandated renewable energy In June 2010, Great River Energy our 28meet member cooperatives requirements. In late 2010, we began taking power from the worked with the Center for Energy and Environment to sponsor newflElm Creek Wind the first free statewide compact uorescent lamp Farm (CFL) near Trimont, Minnesota. The 99-MW windinfarm is ownedBy and operated by Iberdrola Renewables collection and recycling program Minnesota. pairing and features 66 wind at 1.5 MW apiece. The project with Minnesota Menards® locations, we were ableturbines to provide encompasses about 9,500 acres of land leased from 56 local residents across the state with a free and convenient CFL With the addition recycling opportunity. In the landowners. last seven months of 2010, the of Elm Creek’s output, Great River Energy hasbulbs more–than 315 MW of wind program collected and recycled 23,125 the equivalent of capacity under contract. Great River Energy and its member cooperatives continue to 115,625 milligrams of mercury. offer the popular Wellspring Renewable Energy® Program through which customers may choose to buy additional wind energy for a subscription price.

87% Scrap Metal 8% Other

“It’s Great River Energy’s responsibility to do all we can to minimize our impact on the environment.”

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

According to the American Wind Energy Association’s 2011 ranking, Great River Energy once again has more wind generation than any

REPORTING OUR EMISSIONS other electric cooperative in the United States. In 2009, Great River Energy became a founding reporter to The Climate Registry, a nonprofit organization established to© publicly report greenhouse 2012 Great River Energy gas emissions in a common, accurate and transparent manner. Through this program, we voluntarily commit to measuring, independently verifying and 12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369 on an annual publicly reporting our greenhouse gas emissions P:763-445-5000 F: 763-445-5100 basis utilizing The| Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol.

For more information visit http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr

Great River Energy purchases power generated from several landfill methane gas collection systems in Elk River, Minnesota. Once captured, the methane is typically destroyed through “flCFL aring,” during which it is burned through a fl ame that fl ares light bulbs use 75% less energy thanof incandescent out the end a pipe. Webulbs. also purchase the output from anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas and use it to run a 150-kilowatt engine and generator unit. These anaerobic digesters are large, cement tanks outside a barn, mostly underground, which capture the cows’ waste. When manure breaks down, it creates a bio-gas, which is primarily methane.

Great River Energy’s Recycled Waste in 2011

6% Batteries Florescent Lights Electronics Construction Debris Beverage Containers Paper

SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY

EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION Our office in Bismarck, North Dakota received Gold LEED certification in late 2009. This remains the highest designation for any building in North Dakota. About 20 percent of the building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site and the building is expected to use about 36% less electricity and 35 percent less water than a traditional office building. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent carbon dioxide. Great River Energy’s electricity and waterthan consumption versus most traditional office buildings.

Great River Energy’s Bismarck Office

Traditional Office Building

MINIMIZING OUR WASTE Great River Energy is an active member and sponsor of Minnesota Waste Wise, a nonprofit organization that helps businesses and organizations reduce waste, save money and protect the environment. Our Waste Wise efforts include tracking and reporting waste prevention, technical equipment donations, and recycling. In 2011, Great River Energy recycled 5,215,495 pounds of waste and received the Minnesota Waste Wise Leader award. The award is given to members who have shown true leadership in sustainable business practices. Great River Energy’s commitment to waste minimization extends beyond recycling to include purchases and donations. By purchasing products made with recycled content, Great River Energy is helping close the loop. Purchasing staff worked with their primary office materials supplier to identify available recycled products, including 100 percent post-consumer

Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can CFL RECYCLING to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high In June 2010, Great River Energy and our 28 member cooperatives concern for environmental matters. We are committed to worked with the Center for Energy and Environment to sponsor conserving resources through environmental stewardship, the first free statewide compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and collection and recycling program in Minnesota. By pairing reuse. dedication is demonstrated theable inclusion of withThis Minnesota Menards® locations, weby were to provide environmental sustainability in our organization’s mission. residents across the state with a free and convenient CFL recycling opportunity. In the last seven months of 2010, the

To guide employees in their decision-making program collected and recycled 23,125 bulbs –processes the equivalent of milligrams of mercury. and115,625 to ensure environmental considerations are part of the process, Great River Energy established an environmental policy in 1999, which is reviewed annually and continues to guide our conduct.

87% Scrap Metal 8% Other 6% Batteries Florescent Lights Electronics Construction Debris Beverage Containers Paper

REPORTING OUR EMISSIONS

SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY

MINIMIZING OUR WASTE

CFL RECYCLING

We currently meet or exceed state-mandated renewable energy requirements. In late 2010, we began taking power from the new Elm Creek Wind Farm near Trimont, Minnesota. The 99-MW wind farm is owned and operated by Iberdrola Renewables and features 66 wind turbines at 1.5 MW apiece. The project encompasses about 9,500 acres of land leased from 56 local landowners. With the addition of Elm Creek’s output, Great River Energy has more than 315 MW of wind capacity under contract. Great River Energy and its member cooperatives continue to offer the popular Wellspring Renewable Energy® Program through which customers may choose to buy additional wind energy for a subscription price.

In June 2010, Great River Energy and our 28 member cooperatives worked with the Center for Energy and Environment to sponsor the first free statewide compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) collection and recycling program in Minnesota. By pairing with Minnesota Menards® locations, we were able to provide residents across the state with a free and convenient CFL recycling opportunity. In the last seven months of 2010, the program collected and recycled 23,125 bulbs – the equivalent of 115,625 milligrams of mercury.

Great River Energy purchases power generated from several landfill methane gas collection systems in Elk River, Minnesota. Once captured, the methane is typically destroyed through “fl aring,” during which it is burned through a fl ame that fl ares out the end of a pipe. We also purchase the output from anaerobic digesters located on dairy farms. The digesters capture methane gas and use it to run a 150-kilowatt engine and generator unit. These anaerobic digesters are large, cement tanks outside a barn, mostly underground, which capture the cows’ waste. When manure breaks down, it creates a bio-gas, which is primarily methane.

CFL light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Great River Energy’s Recycled Waste in 2011

OUR FUTURE

EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION Our office in Bismarck, North Dakota received Gold LEED certification in late 2009. This remains the highest designation “It’s Great River Energy’s responsibility for any building in North Dakota. About 20 percent of the to do all wewithin can to minimize our building materials were manufactured 500 miles of the project site and the building is expected use about 36% impact on thetoenvironment.” less electricity and 35 percent less water than a traditional According to the American Wind Energy office building. Association’s 2011 ranking, Great River Energy once again has more wind generation than any other electric cooperative in the United States. Great River Energy’s electricity and water consumption

Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Great River Energy’s Bismarck Office

Traditional Office Building

12300 Elm Creek Blvd. Maple Grove, MN 55369 P:763-445-5000 | F: 763-445-5100

CFL light bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Great River Energy’s Recycled Waste in 2011

87% Scrap Metal 8% Other 6% Batteries Florescent Lights Electronics Construction Debris Beverage Containers Paper

REPORTING OUR EMISSIONS

versus most traditional office buildings.

In 2009, Great River Energy became a founding reporter to The Climate Registry, a nonprofit organization established to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate and transparent manner. Through this program, we voluntarily commit to measuring, independently verifying and Forpublicly more information visit reporting our greenhouse gas emissions on an annual http://www.greatriverenergy.com/csr basis utilizing The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol.

Great River Energy

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

In 2009, Great River Energy became a founding reporter to The Climate Registry, a nonprofit organization established to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in a common, accurate and transparent manner. Through this program, we voluntarily commit to measuring, independently verifying and publicly reporting our greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis utilizing The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol.

Eight page roll fold.

Generating Energy Responsibly | 15

Great River Energy’s electricity and water consumption versus most traditional office buildings.

Great River Energy’s Bismarck Office

Traditional Office Building

COMMUNITY | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

COMMUNITY Concern for Community A cooperative’s very existence is to serve the community at large. And because electric cooperatives are not-forprofit businesses, all revenue is invested in providing reliable electricity and a cooperative’s success is measured by its service, not profit. However, Great River Energy’s role in the community doesn’t end at the electrical outlet.

GREAT RIVER ENERGY

One of the cooperative principles is a concern for community. This principle states that while focusing on member needs, a cooperative must work for the sustainable development of the community it serves. As a wholesale electricity provider to much of out state Minnesota, Great River Energy’s responsibilities span throughout the state and also into North Dakota where we own and operate generation and transmission facilities.

2012 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

For more info. visit www.greatriverenergy.com/csr

Contributed $70,000 in scholarships in 1 year

16 | samantha-martin.com

COMPANY OVERVIEW | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

COMPANY OVERVIEW CONT. | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

Who We Are Great River Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its 28 member cooperatives. We generate and transmit electricity for those members, located in the outer suburbs of the Twin Cities up to the Arrowhead region of Minnesota and down to the farmland region in the southwestern portion of the state. Great River Energy’s cooperative structure has proven to be central to our continued success in delivering on our mission. Collaboration with our members, stakeholders, community leaders and employees has made us a strong and respected organization.

ENVIRONMENT | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

Great River Energy owns and operates nine power plants which generate more than 2,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, plus we purchase additional power from several wind farms and other generating facilities. Our generation capability consists of a diverse mix of base load and peaking power plants—including coal, biomass, natural gas and oil plants. Great River Energy owns and operates nearly 4,500 miles of transmission line and owns or partly owns more than

Ethics We promote trust, honor, and social and environmental responsibility.

Our Vision Leading, collaborating, energizing to benefit our members and our world.

Focus on customers Our business decisions are made with our customers’ needs in mind.

Our Mission Provide members with reliable energy at affordable rates in harmony with a sustainable environment.

Open and honest communication Employees are encouraged to share ideas and deliver honest, direct, respectful and constructive feedback.

We do what we say we’ll do.

Safety We ensure a culture of safety for our employees, families and communities.

1. Voluntary and open membership

For further info. contact great River Energy for a free brochure on their environmental practices

3. Member economic participation

6. Cooperation among cooperatives

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

OUR 2013 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GOALS Employees

• Procure materials and supplies that are produced in an • environmentally responsible manner.

Environmental stewardship Great River Energy understands our operations impact our environment and it is our responsibility to do all we can to minimize that impact. Great River Energy has always taken great pride in conducting its business with a high concern for environmental matters. We are committed to conserving resources through environmental stewardship, pollution prevention, waste minimization, recycling and reuse. This dedication is demonstrated by the inclusion of environmental sustainability in our organization’s mission.

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees, so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

PROCUREMENT • Implement sustainable supply management strategy • Write sustainable supply management policy

• Look for opportunities to purchase recycled materials

5. Education, training and information

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.

FUTURE PLANS | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

• Reduce material use

2. Democratic member control

ENVIRONMENT

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

d Pro

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Company

87% Scrap Metal

4. Autonomy and independence

The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.

We expect every employee to practice ethical behavior in all dealings and relationships with members, suppliers, communities and co-workers. In addition, courtesy and professionalism are expected from everyone at the organization.

Our assets and revenues have doubled and we have increased our equity from $106 million in 1998 to $309 million at the beginning of 2012.

• Use green strategies to dispose of surplus and retired equipment • Encourage high-level environmental practices within supply base and with internal customers.

Supply Members

Electricity

Our Valued Employees

Great River Energy employees take individual responsibility for ethical behavior—not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is fundamental to our goals of providing our members with reliable, affordably priced power in harmony with a sustainable environment.

Accountability

7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

EMPLOYEES

1. Alcohol and drug-free environment 2. Business conduct 3. Computers and electronic communications 4. Equal employment opportunity 5. Inappropriate conduct, discrimination and harassment 6. Problem resolution 7. Reporting wrongdoing

Great River Energy has key policies in place to help ensure we are in compliance with federal, state and local laws as well as to promote a work environment where all employees have the maximum opportunity to be successful. The following are considered key policies of Great River Energy; they were created to educate employees on the importance of conducting our business legally and ethically, and to fit our culture of a respectful work environment.

We create a safe work environment that promotes teamwork and a sense of employee ownership. Each employee is valued and recognized for his or her accomplishments.

Our Triple Bottom Line Commitment to Our Members Great River Energy maintains a commitment to economic, social and environmental responsibility to our members. Every decision we make as an organization is care fully considered and held up to these three standards as we work to achieve a balance between the three of them. We have adopted a decision-making process that gives equal consideration to our three highest priorities: affordable rates, reliable energy and environmental stewardship. Our organization will not deploy strategies affecting rates and reliability without also assessing the environmental implications. But, by the same token, we won’t do anything for the environment without fully considering the impact on rates and reliability. Ultimately, it is about conducting business in a way that benefits both sustainability and the bottom line.

A Cooperative Code

• Research and identify alternate products that are environmentally friendly and may replace chemicals or products currently in use.

It may sound cliché, but Great River Energy truly values its employees. Our 865 employees really are the organization’s greatest asset. We work hard to provide them with the safest and healthiest working environments, give them opportunities to volunteer and serve the community, and compensate them fairly for their hard work and dedication. Again, it is not only good business, it is the right thing to do.

ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Commitment to employees

THE SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

8% Other 6% Batteries Flourescent Lights Electronics Construction Deabris Beverage Containers Paper

Like other cooperatives, Great River Energy exists to serve its membership and is dedicated to helping the communities in which it operates. We are memberowned and governed by a democratically elected board of directors who are electric cooperative members themselves. Board members establish rates and develop policies in the best interest of Great River Energy and its members. Collectively, our member cooperatives serve nearly 639,000 member consumers— or about 1.7 million people. We are the second largest electric power supplier in Minnesota.

The culture of any organization is its lifeblood, and Great River Energy has created a culture driven by the following set of values:

100 transmission substations. Great River Energy’s more than 865 employees are dedicated to serving our member cooperatives with integrity and accountability in an environmentally sensitive manner. It’s the nature of being a cooperative.

EMPLOYEES | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

Our Culture and Values

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Great River Energy supplies nearly 2/3 of Minnesota with electricity.

ETHICS | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

CONTACT | GREAT RIVER ENERGY CSR

• Implement Diversity Plan to enhance recruiting, training, communications, mentoring and other aspects of the employee experience.

To Our Members Great River Energy maintains a commitment to economic, social and environmental responsibility to our members. Every decision we make as an organization is care fully considered and held up to these three standards as we work to achieve a balance between the 3 of them. We have adopted a decision-making process that gives equal consideration to our three highest priorities: affordable rates, reliable energy and environmental stewardship. Our organization will not deploy strategies affecting rates and reliability without also assessing the environmental implications. But, by the same token, we won’t do anything for the environment without fully considering the impact on rates and reliability. Ultimately, it is about conducting business in a way that benefits both sustainability and the bottom line.

6.5% 2.8%

Great River’s employee turnover is roughly two and a half times lower than the national average for utilities employees.

“Social Responsibility has been at the heart of Great River Energy ever since it was formed 13 years ago.”

• Draft human rights statement.

Governance • Set up formal process for engaging key environmental stakeholders and assess how Great River Energy can engage with NGOs. • Improve and enhance our business improvement process. • Conduct training on social responsibility for our board of directors.

Great River Energy was created and is owned by Minnesotans. The seven cooperative principles guide our business and serve as a reminder of our responsibility: to provide reliable electric service at reasonable rates, and work for the sustainable development of the community.

7. Concern for community Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

GOALS Moving Forward Great River Energy has several social responsibility goals it is working to achieve during the next few years. We look forward to sharing our progress with you in future reports.

www.greatriverenergy.com 12300 Elm Creek Boulevard Maple Grove, MN 55369-4718 Phone: 763-445-5000

Generating Energy Responsibly | 17

2012 CSR Report | Contact | Great river energy

GREAT RIVER ENERGY

Employees Community Environment

Employees It may sound clichĂŠ, but Great River Energy truly values its employees. Our 865 employees really are the organization's greatest asset. We work hard to provide them with the safest and healthiest working environments, give them opportunities to volunteer and serve the community, and compensate them fairly for their hard work and dedication. Again, it is not only good business, it is the right thing to do. Healthy employees are happy and productive employees. Great River Energy offers a broad range of medical plans for employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents, and pays a significant portion of the cost to ensure all employees receive affordable and comprehensive health care. Great River Energy also helps employees manage health care costs by offering healthy lifestyle education opportunities. The lifestyle choices employees make affect their health and quality of life, both today and in the future. Better lifestyle choices also affect the amount Great River Energy and its employees spend on health care costs. Our health management program includes an employee health risk questionnaire (HRQ) and a health management incentive (HMI).These tools reward individuals who actively manage their health by getting regular preventive care, being knowledgeable about their health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The HRQ provides each individual with personalized health information and tools for personal health improvement. Behaviors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise are some of the factors that increase a person's risk of developing health problems. However, general knowledge of these risks does not always change behavior, and people don't necessarily know which risks need the most attention. HRQs turn intuitive knowledge into actionable information. The HMI is designed to reward individuals for actively managing their health with a cash incentive. Our employees actively participate in this program.

2012 CSR Report | Contact | Great river energy

GREAT RIVER ENERGY

Employees Community Environment

Wellness Themes 1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. 2. Strive for 30 minutes of physical activity daily. 3. Do not use tobacco products. 4. Drink alcohol responsibly. 5. Always wear your seatbelt. 6. Get regular checkups and screenings.

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Health Risk Questionnaire Fitness Activity Calendar Download HQR Application Wellness Themes

Wellness Great River Energy provides incentives for their employees to maintain their health. Each employee takes a Health Risk Questionnaire and receives personalized health management tools. This mobile application allows employees to fill out their HQR and save the results to reference later in their efforts to improve or maintain their health.

Generating Energy Responsibly | 19

Revitalize Detroit Problem: Design a website to promote a proposal for a public spaces reclamation project in the city of Detroit, MI. Solution: The proposal is to add public park spaces back into the neighborhoods and to allow the community members to be involved in this process through donations of time, money and park amenities. The website allows the community to view the plan and the neighborhoods that would be impacted.

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Revitalize Detroit | 21

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A series of posters would appear throughout the areas that would be improved by this initiative. They are symbolic of the refreshing clean start that the neighborhoods will get by bringing nature back.

Revitalize Detroit | 23

Objects and Artifactsâ&#x20AC;&#x192; Problem: Define an object and an artifact and display those definitions visually and verbally in a book format with both books being joined. Solution: The definition of an object is presented through a series of hand illustrations paired with a photo of the same object. Then the definition of an artifact is shown through a series of object photos paired with a stylized photo. An everyday object is nothing more than an accessory, tool or device with no emotional quality. It becomes an artifact when it tells a story, sends a message, or has a deeper meaning. These stories and meanings are a result of family, friend or personal influence.

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What is an Object?

Do the bristles have to be the same...

Will variation change...

It’s only a ring...

It’s only an accessory... It’s only an accessory...

What is an Artifact?

Does shape have to be exact... Must the lines connect...

A bear is just stuffed...

...indicate a lamp light?

Must the lines connect...

...until a promise is made.

It’s only an accessory...

less it holds a memory.

...until the faces fill it.

What is an Object?

Do bright yellow lines...

Object: Something we see and use everyday. We do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our emotions. Objects are commonplace and we do not give their existence a second thought. Do bright yellow lines...

A frame is just a frame...

...until it’s stitched with love. Do the bristles have to be the same... ...a paperclip?

...to know they are ...ascissors? paperclip?

Do bright yellow lines...

...to know it’s a hair brush?

It’s only a ring...

What is an Artifact? ...to see a push pin?

A frame is just a frame...

...until it comforts a child.

Artifact: An object that has meaning and sentimental value to it as a result of human influence.

It’s only only aa ring... ring... It’s

What is an Artifact?

...a paperclip?

...unless holds a memory ...unless it it holds a memory . .

Artifact: An object that has meaning and sentimental value to it as a result of humanAinfl uence. is just stuffed... A bearbear is just stuffed...

It’s only a ring... Will variation change... Objects and Artifacts | 25

Does shape have to be exact...

...to know they are scissors? Do the bristles have to be the same...

...indicate a lamp light?

...unless it holds a memory.

...until it’s stitched with love.

What is an Object?

Will variation change...

A scarf is just yarn...

...to know they are ...ascissors? paperclip?

...until it comfort ...until it comfort

...until it’s stitched with love.

Do bright yellow lines...

...to see a push pin? Must the lines connect...

A scarf is just yarn...

Do bright yellow lines...

A frame is just a frame...

...until a promise is made.

...until it comforts a child.

Object: Something we see and use everyday. We do not need detail or accuracy to identify it and it does not have an effect on our emotions. Objects are commonplace and bear isajust we do not give theirAexistence second thought.

...until ...until it’s it’s stitched w

A scarf is just

Will variation change..

...indicate a lamp light?

Will variation change...

A frame is just a frame...

...to see

...to know they are ...to know they ar

Do bright yellow lines...

It’s only an accessory...

...to know they are scissors?

A scarf is just yarn... A scarf is just yarn...

...until the faces fill it.

...a paperclip?

Does shapeWill havevariation to be exact... change...

...unless it holds a memory.

Does shape have to be exact... Does shape have to be exact...

...until a promise is made. ...until a promise is made. ...until a promise is made.

...indicate a lamp light? ...indicate a lamp light?

It’s only a ring...

...indicate a lamp light? ...to see a push pin?

Must the lines connect...

...to see a push pin?

Must the lines connect... Must the lines connect...

Must the lines connect...

What is an Artifact?

...to know it’s a hair brush?

Does shape have to be exact...

Do the bristles have to be the same...

...to know it’s a hair brush?

What is an Object?

It’s only a ring...

What is an Artifact?

...until a promise is made.

Do bright yellow lines...

...indicate a lamp light?

...a paperclip?

...indicate a lamp light?

...until it’s stitched with love.

It’s only an accessory...

...to see a push pin?

...to know they are scissors?

...until the faces fill it.

A scarf is just yarn...

...to know they are scissors?

...to know it’s a hair brush?

Must the lines connect...

Does shape have to be exact...

...unless it holds a me

It’s only a ring...

...until a promise is

Do bright yellow lines...

What is an Artifact?

...a paperclip?

cate a lamp light?

Do the bristles have to be the same...

’s a hair brush?

What is an Object?

Nature Nearby Problem: Design a new identity system for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and apply that identity to collateral and events. Solution: Working as a team we sent the message to people to get out of the city and enjoy nature. The logo was created to be placed over any surface, image or background and allow it to join with that imagery, just as we urge people to rejoin nature. Various other print pieces and the website were designed with the same encouragement to visit the parks and nature preserves. The major encouragement to get people to engage with nature is the coordination of various volunteer days and activities hosted on the land belonging to the conservancy.

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keeping nature nearby

JON JELLEMA Vice President

616.451.9476 ex. 5546 jonjell@naturenearby.org 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324 Grand Rapids, MI 49505

WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG

Back

DANIEL GRADY Treasurer

WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG 616.451.9476 ex. 5541 dangrad@naturenearby.org 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, 324 Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,

As new members, I would like to personally welcome you to the West Michigan Land Conservancy. We are very excited that you have decided to join us in our efforts to protect West Michigan’s natural areas.

MARY HOLLINRAKE Secretary

616.451.9476 ex. 5548 MARGARET LADD maryholl@naturenearby.org President 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324 Grand Rapids, MI 49505

There are many ways to make the most of your membership with the LCWM and to help us in conserving nature and wildlife for all to enjoy. Whether you choose to make an annual donation, participate in clean up days, become a land steward, sign an easement for your land or simply respectfully enjoy the land, your membership is important to us. It is because of people like you that we are able to continue to grow and increase the amount of land being protected.

WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG 616.451.9476 ex. 5541 dangrad@naturenearby.org 1345 Monroe Ave. nw, 324

We have many events throughout the coming months that provide great opportunities to get involved with the conservancy and protection efforts and also to meet other people like you who have chosen to give of their time for the conservation effort. Most recently we held a dinner party for our 20th anniversary, and each year we choose a different park to host the annual members picnic. Another annual event held in late April to early May is our volunteer day, at which we enlist the help of many volunteers to clean up and rejuvenate the parks for the upcoming summer months. This year our volunteer day will be held on April 23, 2011. Signing up is easy, either online or by requesting a registration form to be sent to you in the mail. Further information can be found on the event’s flyer or online at www.naturenearby.org/volunteer. We look forward to seeing you there!

1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324 Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Thank you for your generosity and helping to keep nature nearby.

WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG

Sincerely, MR. AND MRS. JOHNSON 4267 S. State St. Big Rapids, MI 49307

Margaret Ladd President 616.451.9476 ex. 5542 margladd@naturenearby.org

WWW.NATURENEARBY.ORG 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, ste. 324 Grand Rapids, MI 49505 ph: 616.451.9476 • fax: 616.451.1874 • lcwm@naturenearby.org • www.naturenearby.org

Being a non-profit organization focused on land conservancy means an economical and earth-friendly business system is important to the overall brand.

Nature Nearby | 27

CONNE CT EXPLOR E REJUVE NATE CONNECT EXPLORE REJUVENATE

A highlight of this re-branding was focusing on getting members and the community outside and enjoying nature. To facilitate this we organized events at the different conservancies. People were invited to help clean up the reserves or simply enjoy the land.

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These items would be given to the guests who visited the land during an event. The seed packets would be sent out as part of an invitation to the events and would encourage the guest to come and help rejuvenate the land by planting new flowers.

Nature Nearby | 29

Detour: Cadillac, MI Problem: Design a magazine article telling the story of the decline in businesses, homes and families in Cadillac, MI through photography and narrative content. Solution: Full bleed photos of the rundown areas in the town are the main focus for this article. They have high contrast and dark lighting to dramatize the rundown nature of the images. Another element to emphasize the topic of this article was the use of large margins and a generous amount of whitespace. This article is designed to appear in the Detour column of the architecture and home magazine Dwell.

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DETOUR

LOWER INCOME FAMILIES STRUGGLE THE MOST.

Re-Build Your Struggling Small Town

SPACE FOR LEASE

DWELL

JUNE/JULY 2012

Cadillac, Michigan is home to around 10,000 people and is considered one of the largest industrial and commercial cities in northern Michigan. Now, with the struggling economy Cadillac is losing many of its once thriving businesses and its families. Leaving behind empty rundown buildings.

Detour: Cadillac, MI | 31

DETOUR

These are hard times for most every city, as our nation experiences an economic recession. Many cities struggle to maintain their roads and schools and also to keep tourism and locals interested in the city. There have been many local campaigns and statewide campaigns to regain interest in certain areas and states. Many families must move around to find work and as people leave an area so must the business. This turns into a vicious cycle until almost nothing is left to sustain a city or town. Most often bigger cities are not affected by this type of situation. It is the small towns such as Cadillac, Michigan that are most affected and torn apart by the results of these difficult economic times. CADILLAC FALLING It is a disheartening event to witness the decline of something that was once a thriving and living place. Watching one’s city fade into nothing more than a memory of a good place is hard. Unfortunately that has been the fate for many of the citizens of Cadillac, Michigan. There are many locals who have lived there for years and now experience the displeasure of watching it turn from a quiet, yet thriving destination city, into nothing more than a stop for gas in between here and there. Many of the businesses and activities that once drew people to the inviting city are either struggling to stay afloat or no longer in existence. Small town family owned stores are a thing of the past. HOW IT ALL STARTED First it would only be fair to tell about Cadillac in its better days. It was once a thriving logging town, processing mostly pine timbers and the birthplace of Shay Locomotives, invented by Ephriam Shay in 1878. The Shay locomotive was the first one of its kind to be able to carry logs around sharp corners, up steep hills and on uneven terrain. They were actually used all over the United States between 1880 and 1945. Currently Cadillac has a Shay Locomotive on display in their city park in honor of Ephriam Shay and the technology and industry he brought to Cadillac. After World War II Caberfae Ski Resort began to grow rapidly, increasing the numbers of tourists that ventured to Cadillac. There were many new businesses coming to the town and many families began to call Cadillac their home. Eventually such businesses as Avon Automotive, Four Winns and Clark Foods were operating in Cadillac and things were going well. Perhaps everyone in the quiet little, prospering town of Cadillac got too comfortable because eventually things started to decline.

DWELL

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NEARLY NEW BUILDINGS SIT EMPTY SINCE THE BUSINESSES COULD NOT SURVIVE.

JUNE/JULY 2012

DETOUR

I LOST MY JOB

Around 2007 when the United States Economy began to fall so did Cadillac’s. There probably was not one state in the whole country that was not affected by the hard times, and many still are. However it is the small towns like Cadillac who suffer the most when times are bad. In these small towns is does not take very many businesses closing or families moving away to make quite a large dent in the once stable economy. Plus once things start declining it is very hard to keep up the image of the town or eventually bring things back up.

Many families have had to leave Cadillac because they lost their job or their company is downsizing and moving them to a different facility. Everywhere one goes you can hear a story about someone’s son who had to move for his job, or someone’s mother who lost her job after 20 years and is now working two jobs just to make ends meet. There are places even in the nicer neighborhoods where every other house is for sale. The number of foreclosed homes and families who had to downsize because of foreclosure has sky rocketed. It creates a very vicious cycle when business close causing people to leave and the town to shrink with no hope of recovering any time soon. Then what do you get? A town filled with various empty houses, but even worse, empty businesses. These businesses sit for years and with the owners unable to pay for them or sell them, they quickly become run down and unsightly.

EMPTY SPACES

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

There are countless numbers of buildings sitting wwaround the city and the outskirts of Cadillac that it really is quite sad. Large facilities like Clark foods now sit completely empty. Clark foods had a huge shipping and receiving dock, and employed many people. They were the leading food services and commercial food supplier in the surrounding area for many years. Other places such as Bill Oliver’s restaurant and resort were huge tourist attractions and very successful businesses. Now after being bought, sold renamed and downsized more than once, it sits on its corner property operating only about half of its services and space as before, and barely managing to fill the parking lot half full. Still other places have downsized or closed. Many of the automotive businesses that once operated at full capacity have had to cut jobs in both assembly line workers and management and some have even began working only four or even three day work weeks. Many employees have lost vacation time, and experienced a decrease in benefits and overtime. Since these are some of the biggest businesses in Cadillac when they suffer, everyone suffers. There are many small businesses that end up only lasting a year or two as well, as a result of the poor economy. Some places start out new and do well for a while. When prices must go up to compete with other local stores offering the same things, and when people have no money, and aren’t buying things, then these places close and leave a brand new building standing there empty. It becomes very apparent that times are tough when even brand new buildings are standing all over Cadillac with no businesses in them. Another problem that arises from the whole situation is the loss of families.

As a result of the low economy buildings sit around Cadillac in shambles. Things start to fall apart, grass becomes overgrown and the area becomes very sad and lonely. This creates a town that is not very pleasant to drive through as a tourist or on a Sunday afternoon drive. If the town looks run down and empty it is easy to see that it will be hard to convince people to come back. It also creates a very depressing lifestyle for those who saw Cadillac in its better times. Many people have said Cadillac was once a growing city, now there is nothing left. They worry about how far their children will have to go to find jobs and whether or not they will be able to survive much longer themselves.

THE ECONOMY PLUMMETS

NOT FAR FROM THE TREE It’s no surprise that small cities like Cadillac struggle when you look at the overall health and stability of Michigan itself. To put the struggles of Cadillac into better context consider this analysis by Kurt Metzger. “While Michiganians, or Michiganders as our new Governor prefers, knew that the first decade of the 21st Century had been hard on the state, the first 2010 Census results, released on December 21, truly “brought it home.” With a 2010 population count of 9,883,644, Michigan was the ONLY state to lose population over the decade, dropping 54,800 or 0.6 percent. The last time the state experienced such loss was in the first half of the 1980s, though population gains in the second half of the decade outstripped the losses. The past decade reversed this scenario as gains over the first five years were more than wiped out by five straight years of population loss. Population change is the result of: Natural Increase, the difference between births and deaths, and Net Migration, the combination of Immigration and Domestic Migration (movement within the 50 states). With the exception of immigration, Michigan’s numbers went the wrong way on all fronts. The number of births decreased by 11 percent between 2000 and 2008, while the number of deaths increased by 1.5 percent. The birth rate of 12.1 live births per 1,000 population was down by 12.3 percent over the decade and placed Michigan in the bottom 10 states. While this decrease has been driven, in part, by economic uncertainties that have caused couples to postpone parenthood, the more

Many People live day to day wondering if their job or their business will be next.

important factor has been the loss of residents in their childbearing years, the younger singles and couples who have both the education and the flexibility to move. While the labor force has remained relatively steady, dropping by 5.8 percent, the number of employed decreased by 760,000, or 15.3 percent, while the number of unemployed increased by 460,000, or 242 percent! While all industries suffered, it was manufacturing, Michigan’s bread and butter, that took the largest hit. Manufacturing jobs in Michigan fell by almost half, 48 percent, dropping from just under 900,000 in 2000 to about 463,000 in 2009. While there has been some good news on the manufacturing front in recent months, the number in October 2010 is still about 470,000. The last thing to address in this brief decade overview is the economic well-being of Michigan and its households. While this analysis will focus on per capita personal income and median household income, let us not forget the foreclosure crisis that has kept Michigan in the Top 5 states since its inception in 2005. The Bureau of Economic Analysis measures per capita personal income (PCPI) for the nation, states, metropolitan areas and counties. While Michigan’s income well surpassed the national average during the 1970s, the recession of the early 1980s pushed it below average, where it stayed until a brief rebound in 1994 and 1995. By 2000, however, Michigan’s PCPI had fallen to just less than 97 percent of the national average. Losses in 2001 and 2003 were followed by a brief rally in 2003. However, the next four years brought a steady decrease to 86.8 percent in 2007, and a low of 86.6 percent in 2009. While income losses can be directly tied to the loss of jobs, particularly manufacturing, we must remember that Michigan’s income has remained artificially high due to those highly paid auto-related manufacturing jobs, jobs that did not require high levels of education. The restructuring of the nation’s economy has made the need for post-secondary education more critical than ever, and Michigan’s low level of college graduates has resulted in its rapid income drop.

“transformation” and “innovation,” must be education, education, education! Unless we decide to focus our resources on the education of our residents, from birth to career, Michigan will continue to experience decreasing population, employment and income. The future is ours to decide.” With Michigan itself struggling to survive, it’s difficult for small cities like Cadillac to survive. Small cities rely on the people in the city to sustain businesses. When all the people begin to leave, so must the business, until slowly there is nothing left.

One last income number really drives home the story of Michigan’s decade decline. The median household income for Michigan dropped by 21.3 percent between 2000 and 2009, while the national average fell by one-third of that -7.1 percent. When translated to 2009 dollars, we find that every Michigan household, on average, lost over $12,000 in buying power. Such a loss ripples through the entire economy and decreases the need for all the retail, service and construction jobs that feed off of our disposable income. Well, here we are at the beginning of a new decade. We have a new Governor and the forecast for both the nation and Michigan is a slow, but steady, recovery. The message for Michigan, in addition to

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO FAR TO FIND BUILDING FOR SALE OR LEASE.

DWELL

JUNE/JULY 2012

DETOUR

Cadillac is filled with empty buildings, rundown businesses and various spaces to lease.

THE FUTURE

DWELL

JUNE/JULY 2012

In the future, when the economy recovers, Cadillac will have a decent chance of recovering as well. It is still a quiet city with a lot to offer. Hopefully the families that have held out this long will be able to stay in their hometown of Cadillac and the businesses that remain can manage to survive in these tough times. In the future Cadillac will be able to regain some of its former glory or at the very least shed its layer of empty, run-down buildings and homes.

Detour: Cadillac, MI | 33

Brighter Togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x192; Problem: The Student Advancement Foundation of Grand Rapids, MI needed collateral for their annual event MindShare. This event to raise money for the students of Grand Rapids Public Schools, required save-the-date postcards, invitations, rsvps, programs, pledge cards and various environmental graphics including banners, way finding and t-shirts. Solution: Stars and constellations and their ability to shine were chosen to support the concept of Brighter Together. The gathering of multiple stars, which shine brighter together, represents the strength achieved when students and community members work together.

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Brighter Together | 35

Guest Information

Payment Information

List your guests’ names as they should appear on name tags and please notify us as soon as possible if your guest list changes.

Name

Street Address

I am pleased to support the students of Grand Rapids Public Schools at the following level:

City, State, Zip 3. Phone

The North Star $10,000 Email

The Big Dipper $5,000

The Little Dipper $2,500 Orion's Belt $1,500 Gemini $100 per ticket I would like to purchase

individual tickets.

I am unable to attend Please accept my contribution of $

RSVP for MindShare by April 13!

Please invoice me Please bill to:

Visa

MasterCard

to the saf. Card #

Joan P. Secchia Sustainability Fund I would like to make a donation of $ to the Joan P. Secchia Sustainability Fund in support of the saf’s on-going operations.

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Please make checks payable to: Student Advancement Foundation

Exp. Date

8. 9. 10.

Cardholder Name

Kelsey GRPS Student

Billing Address (if different from previous)

RSVP by April 13 to Alyssa Morillo Scheidt Return by mail Email alyssa@grsaf.org

Fax to (616) 988-5419 Call (616) 988-5430, ext. 3

DESIGN: GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, FERRIS STATE UNIVERSIT Y 2012

Students + Community

BRIGHTER TOGETHER

The Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation is hard at work planning an evening to dazzle and delight you. Mark your calendar—you don’t want to miss MindShare 2012. Tuesday, April 24 2012 DeVos Place, Grand Rapids For more information about MindShare 2012 and the SAF, please visit www.grsaf.org or contact Alyssa Morillo Scheidt at alyssa@grsaf.org or 616.988.5430. Please join us as we come together to help our students shine. Look for your MindShare invitation in March.

Brighter Together | 37

Thank you

BRIGHTER TOGETHER Students Help light their way

( Your name )

Brighter Together

Help light their way

BRIGHTER TOGETHER

I would like my donation to support:

Payment information:

The Arts

Thank you for attending MindShare and for your support of the youth of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Name

Literacy Environmental Education

Street Address

Physical Wellness Math, Science, and Technology Joan P. Secchia Sustainability Fund Principals’ Student Support Fund

City, State, Zip Phone

Where Needed Most Email 111 Library NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · 616.988.5430 · www.grsaf.org © 2012 Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation Design: Graphic Design Program, College of Business, Ferris State University

Thank you

Donation amount $

Please make checks payable to: Student Advancement Foundation Please bill to:

Visa

Card # Cardholder Name

Thank you

Cardholder Signature 111 Library NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · 616.988.5430 · www.grsaf.org © 2012 Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation Design: Graphic Design Program, College of Business, Ferris State University

Thank you for attending MindShare and for your support of the youth of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

38 | samantha-martin.com

You can also give online at www.grsaf.org

MasterCard Exp. Date

Billing Address (if different from previous) City, State, Zip Please invoice me

Upon arrival guests are greeted by stars in the elevator and on the floor of the Grand Gallery.

Brighter Together | 39

Together We Shine

We’re Brighter Together

THE STUDENT ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION

Ismelda grps Student

40 | samantha-martin.com

Whether guests enter from the Monroe Street doors or the parking garage doors they are greeted by the smiling star which represents the students.

Brighter Together | 41