The Michigan Land Use Institute held its annual Milliken Reception on July 15, 2011, and presented prestigious awards to two individuals who’ve demonstrated environmental leadership in the spirit of the accomplishments of former Governor William Milliken and his wife, Helen.

The Milliken Reception is the Institute’s yearly celebration where members of the Milliken Circle are honored for their support. Milliken Circle members are supporters of MLUI who choose to give $1,000 or more annually to sustain and support the Institute’s program work.

The awards bear the Milliken name because the governor and his wife have dedicated their lives to defending Michigan’s environment; they are presented annually to two citizens whose actions reflect the couple’s belief that a clean, healthy environment is necessary for a prosperous economy.

The New Generation Leadership Award was given to former Michigan Legislator Dan Scripps.

The awards recognize the lengthy contributions to environmental conservation in the state by the Millikens. The couple has long demonstrated by example the understanding that a clean, healthy environment is necessary for a prosperous economy.

Mr. Scripps received the Milliken New Generation Leadership Award for his leadership on environmental issues, including his work to protect the public value of our most cherished resource -- water.

“If you come from this area, and you’re a Michigander, water is important to you,” said Mr. Scripps, who served one term in the Michigan Legislature.

“We are literally defined by our Great Lakes,” said Mr. Scripps. “It comes with a responsibility -- we need to be a steward to those resources.”

Mr. MacInnes received the Milliken Distinguished Leadership Award for his dedication to sustainability and for his understanding of the limits of our oil-based economy. He’s taken action at Crystal Mountain that demonstrate the kind of green business practices that Michiganders must embrace in order to prosper again.

“Sustainability, conservation...you have to be talking about them all the time,” Mr. MacInnes said. “Our people who work here feel good about sustainability. They want to work at a business that is concerned about the environment and also a healthy lifestyle, which is another initiative that is important to us.”