Fred P. Keller is chairman and CEO of Cascade Engineering, a multi-business manufacturer and marketer supporting multiple brands in the automotive, truck, solid waste/recycling, furniture, and renewable energy industries. A materials engineer by training, Keller founded the Company in 1973, following an earlier career as a metallurgist with Pratt & Whitney. From its small beginnings as a plastics parts manufacturer, Cascade has grown into a solutions-based organization with 17 customer-focused business units comprising 1,000 employees and 12 facilities worldwide.

Underlying Cascade’s organizational culture is Keller’s belief that business has the unique opportunity to complement its focus on financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. A strong advocate for “sustainable” business practices, Keller has emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital, often through partnerships with government and community agencies.

Keller serves as a director of Meijer, Inc. and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, as well serving on the National Advisory Board of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). He is past chairman of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids and has chaired several community boards. His innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability are featured regularly in business and industry publications, and he serves as a visiting lecturer on Sustainability at Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management. A Grand Rapids native, Keller earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell and a Master of Science in business management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Speech Title: Setting the Stage - Understanding the Energy Policy Landscape 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

James A. Croce is Chief Executive Officer of NextEnergy Center. He manages business strategy, leadership initiatives, and government relations for NextEnergy Center, a non-profit corporation dedicated to enabling the commercialization of energy technologies that positively contribute to the nation’s economic competitiveness, energy security, and the environment. Croce joined the organization in 2003.

In 2005, Croce was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to serve a three year term on the state’s Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board, charged with overseeing Michigan’s 21^st Century Job Fund program. In 2006, Mr. Croce was appointed by Governor Granholm to Michigan’s Renewable Fuels Commission, charged with developing strategies to encourage the growth of renewable fuels.

Croce is co-founder and a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Sustainable Energy Coalition, a renewable energy policy advocacy group located in Lansing, Michigan. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Heat and Warmth Funds, a non-profit corporation providing emergency financial assistance to low income citizens of Michigan, and is a member of the Public Policy Committee of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. In addition Croce serves on the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest, a non-profit corporation providing business support services to emerging technology companies.

Speech Title: What is the Opportunity - the Business Environment for Renewable Energy and Fuel Technologies in Michigan 

PANELIST AND SPEAKER ON BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES

David Clow is President and CEO of Harding Energy Systems. Mr. Clow has been in the electronic industry in excess of 30 years and brings a global knowledge to Harding. With his several years of experience matched with his education, he brings a tremendous amount of resources and talent that is necessary to run and orchestrate the departments within the Harding Corporation.

Speech Title: Portable Power Today and For the Future

PANELIST AND SPEAKER ON BIODIESEL FUELS

Tom Fehsenfeld is President of Crystal Flash Energy. Crystal Flash is one of Michigan's largest suppliers of energy-related products and services. Many of the company's fleet of 125 trucks deliver propane, heating oil, to thousands of homes in rural areas. Some deliver gasoline and diesel fuel to trucking companies, construction contractors, and farms. Crystal Flash wind turbines generate electricity that is delivered to homes and businesses through Michigan's statewide power grid. And the company's ownership in Sustainable Research Group LLC helps assure a bright future for tomorrow by helping conserve natural resources today.