DeVos Place Nominated For 'Downtown Award', Committed To Sustainability

In 2007, an article in Tradeshow Week reviewed how “the tradeshow business [could] no longer turn a blind eye to its impact on the environment.” This came in response to statistical data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which showed then that tradeshows and conventions accounted for the second most wasteful industry in the US.
Since then, venues (and even whole cities) have increasingly jumped on the green movement bandwagon with many becoming proactive in their approach to sustainability and green efforts. Grand Rapids and SMG-managed DeVos Place have been no exceptions.

Nominated by the Downtown Alliance for a 2012 Downtown Award in the ‘Sustainability’ category, the 253,000 square-foot DeVos Place Convention Center has been committed to the effort of caring for our environment by developing methods to reduce, reuse and recycle in our everyday routines. So what are those methods and how’d they come about?

Soon after that article was written, the City of Grand Rapids thrust itself into Consumer Energy’s Green Generation Program, Michigan’s first voluntary renewable energy program, which earned the city induction into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Leadership Club in December 2008. Along with DeVos Place, Grand Rapids put an emphasis on limiting the amount of waste that was produced while looking into making these entities more efficient.

Promptly in 2009, Grand Rapids was named the Green Generation Customer of the Year by Consumers Energy. "The action today on renewable energy is found in cities," Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell said then. "I'm proud that Grand Rapids has taken a lead in this field...”

A leader amongst venues, DeVos Place emphasizes reduce, reuse and recycle practices to become as energy efficient as possible. We have adopted the latest methodologies in sustainability into practice, such as automated faucets and flushing systems, as well as a membrane style roof that is light in color to help reflect heat away from the building, thereby reducing energy costs. To help minimize power usage, the building also uses a computer controlled lighting and HVAC system. The system is designed to control lights, heating and cooling during peak event activities. Here are some more ways DeVos Place has engaged in green practices:


REDUCE

• Recycled paper products in restrooms to minimize waste
• Low-flow toilets in DeVos Place
• Energy efficient HVAC system in DeVos Place Convention Center
• Employee energy conservation awareness program
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs in public areas
• Switching over to Environmentally green housekeeping products
• Energy Management Programming in building support systems
• Centralized off site use of heating and cooling services to reduce cost and impact to Grand Rapids
• Encouraging staff to use alternative modes of transportation and car pooling to decrease air pollutants
• Reserve office paper for only necessary use


REUSE

• Reuse recycled bond paper for non-essential DeVos Place Convention Center documents
• Disposable and biodegradable food and beverage containers
• Participate with local businesses in a city-wide composting program
• Provide DeVos Place Convention Center employees with reusable vessels for beverages while on break
• Donate computers to charity after office updates


RECYCLE

• Purchase recycled paper products for office use
• Promote an employee recycling program
• Recycle toner cartridges
• Participate in Grand Rapids’ surplus programs to reduce landfill use
• Continually research green practices relating to public venues to implement

Additionally, just this summer, DeVos Place introduced two electric vehicle charging stations inside the underground parking lot. Two CT2003 charging stations now adorn the northwest wall of the building’s basement level parking garage near the Michigan Street exit. The stations will provide power for the increasing amount of electrical vehicles from existing power panels. Parking signs, indicating and differentiating the spaces, are also installed.

So along with the city, DeVos Place Convention Center takes the environmental impact of meetings very seriously. Green/Sustainable meetings are about increasing economic and environmental efficiency by minimizing the use of resources and reducing the amount of waste produced from meeting activities. Trimming waste curbs costs, whether it is through the use of energy efficiency programs or recycling.
In July 2010, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority was presented with a Green Venues Certification Plaque for DeVos Place by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

"This accreditation is the mark of environmental responsibility of venues which are committed to ‘green’ business practices that make environmental and economic goals their top priority,” said DELEG Director Stanley “Skip” Pruss. “Green Venues Michigan is also helping to ensure the viability of our venues and the thousands of jobs related to Michigan’s hospitality industry."

The public can vote for DeVos Place and all other categories here and can place their votes through August.

American Quilter's Society Show & Contest To Display New Exhibit From Japan Right Here at DeVos Place

Don’t miss the new exhibition, “Japanese Color and Form: New Works by Fifty Japanese Artists” at the first-ever AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 22-25, 2012. Curated by Kokusai Art of Yokohama, Japan, this exhibit shares the unique artistry of Japanese traditional quilt design with modern flair.

You won’t want to miss this special exhibit at the AQS Quilt Show and Contest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 22-25, it’s called “Japanese Color and Form – New Works by Fifty Japanese Artists.” We’ll be showing you dozens of spectacular quilts from Japan, and you can only see them if you attend the show!

Japanese quiltmaking has evolved extensively over the past forty years. What was once influenced by Western and antique designs, many Japanese quilt techniques and designs are becoming a model for quilters across the globe. Entries in international quilt contests from Japan now include art quilts made with Japanese kimono fabrics and Japanese designs; others reflect uchikake costume shape or use traditional Japanese patterns. Quilters quickly grew to love these works reflecting Japanese culture in new, innovative ways.

The American Quilter’s Society mission is to provide a means for today’s quilters to expand their horizons in quilt-making, design, self-expression, and quilt collecting. Our magazines, books, products, shows, contests, and workshops all strive to inspire, instruct, and nurture the art and skill of quilt-making.

DeVos Place Leading Continued Green Efforts with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

DeVos Place is expanding on their leading efforts to make the venue as ‘green’ as can be with the installation of two charging stations for electronic vehicles inside the venue’s basement parking lot.

DeVos Place has installed two CT2003 charging stations on the northwest wall of the building’s basement level parking garage near the Michigan Street exit. The stations will provide power for the increasing amount of electrical vehicles from existing power panels. Parking signs, indicating
and differentiating the spaces, are also installed.

We’re genuinely excited about having charging stations here,” Eddie Tadlock, Assistant General Manager said. “In keeping with the goals of our Sustainability Initiatives, we want to encourage cleaner transportation options for our patrons. Helping add to a nationwide network of charging stations in DeVos Place Convention Center is one way of doing that. We are taking progressive strides to expand our sustainability efforts and partnering with ChargePoint America was the next logical step. The City of Grand Rapids was instrumental in the brokering the grant application and continues to be a catalyst for a number of green projects in West Michigan. ”

ChargePoint America is a program sponsored by Coulomb Technologies to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure to nine selected regions in the United States. This made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the Department of Energy and the objective is to accelerate the
development and production of electric vehicles to substantially reduce petroleum consumption, reduce greenhouse gas production, and create jobs.

This past January, Mayor Heartwell announced the availability of five (5) other Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) charging stations at various parking ramps and on Ottawa Street in downtown Grand Rapids. Mayor Heartwell stated, “This is a great step for the community. Providing the
necessary infrastructure will encourage and support those choosing to own electric vehicles and support the auto industry and supporting industries both in the City and throughout Michigan.”

West Michigan Mom’s Sale Moves to DeVos Place and Adds Parenting Expo

The Midwest’s largest Mom-2-Mom Sale just keeps growing, and this spring the organizers are adding a Parenting Expo. The GR8 Parenting Event and the West Michigan Mom’s Sale will be held on Saturday, May 19, at DeVos Place. The West Michigan Mom’s Sale runs from 9am-3pm and the GR8 Parenting Event runs from 9am-5pm.

The GR8 Parenting Event will feature local businesses and non-profits that relate to family life. Free classes will also be offered all day long, including “Rethinking ADHD” and “Baby’s First Real Foods”. All classes will be offered by experts in the community. You may view available
classes and register to attend classes on the GR8 Parenting Event’s website, www.thegr8parent.com. Space is limited.

The West Michigan Mom’s Sale will offer over 250 booths filled with gently used children’s clothing (newborn-16), maternity wear, nursery furniture, baby gear, toys, and so much more, all at garage sale prices.

Admission is free for both events. Families with strollers are welcome. There will be activities for children, including inflatables, a butterfly tent, a reptile show hosted by Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park and puppet shows.

For more information or to register as a vendor at one of the events, visit www.westmichiganmomssale.com or www.thegr8parent.com.

The GR8 Parenting Event is sponsored by Gerber and Meijer.

Gospel Musical “I Need A Man” Cancels Several Dates Including Grand Rapids

T. Rose Entertainment has announced that Michael Matthews' Gospel Stage Play, I Need A Man, has cancelled their performance scheduled for Tuesday, April 24 at DeVos Performance Hall.

“After reviewing the current ticket sales for the Grand Rapids performance; Matthews Productions and the National Tour Directors of I Need A Man, stage play have decided to cancel the April 24 performance date,” they announced.

“T. Rose Entertainment appreciates everyone who auditioned; and showed support for the upcoming performance. Unfortunately, the sales and support was not progressing at a satisfactory level for the tours' National Directors.”

The Toledo, Saginaw and Cleveland shows have also been cancelled.

The production had held an open audition several weeks ago for community members to partake in one of I Need A Man’s scenes, something the play did in all of its receiving cities.

NICKELODEON’S THE FRESH BEAT BAND HITS GRAND RAPIDS ON OCT. 14

The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon's popular preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, are adding a second leg (50 cities, 70 performances) to their current sold-out nationwide concert tour and will play DeVos Performance Hall on Sunday, October 14 at 5:30pm. More than 200,000 fans will have seen the live show by the end of the first run making it one of this year’s most successful music tours. Tickets and Fresh Beat Band VIP packages will be available at www.freshbeatbandlive.com, the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, or charge at 800-745-3000 beginning Friday, April 13 at 10am for $29.50 and $39.50. Nickelodeon and Ticketmaster will offer pre-sale tickets and VIP packages beginning Thursday, April 5, at 10am local time in each city. Citi® card members will also have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Thursday, April 5, at 10am through Citi’s Private Pass Program at www.CitiPrivatePass.com.

“The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert tour has ignited a fan frenzy and we’re thrilled that so many kids and parents want to come see the Fresh Beats perform live,” said Paula Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Talent Strategy and West Coast Operations, Nickelodeon Group. “The additional tour dates will give more kids across the country an opportunity see their favorite rock stars – Kiki, Marina, Twist and Shout.”

The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert Tour Presented By Nickelodeon features Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Shout (Thomas Hobson), Marina (Tara Perry) and Twist (Jon Beavers) performing The Fresh Beat Band hits from seasons one, two and three of the Nickelodeon live-action music series that teaches preschoolers about music appreciation. Songs performed include “Here We Go, “A Friend Like You, “Bananas,” and “Just Like A Rockstar,” among others. The first-ever The Fresh Beat Band soundtrack – The Fresh Beat Band: Music From The Hit TV Show -- is currently available on iTunes and in stores everywhere.

Nickelodeon will premiere a new episode of The Fresh Beat Band, “Keeping It Green,” on Earth Day, Friday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The Fresh Beat Band debuted in 2009 and is now in its third season on Nickelodeon. The Fresh Beat Band centers on four best friends – Kiki, Shout, Marina and Twist – in a band who love to sing and dance. In each episode, preschoolers sing and dance along as they help The Fresh Beat Band solve everyday challenges. Preschoolers learn the fundamentals of music such as melody, rhythm, tempo and performance styles and the importance of friendship, working together, and respecting each other’s differences. Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber and Jason Mraz have all hung out with the Fresh Beats and additional celebrity guests will appear throughout season three.

Yanni to Answer Questions from Fans during Live Webcast – April 11 at 1pm

After an incredibly successful webcast together last year, legendary composer and performer Yanni will be sitting down again with Emmy award-winning journalist and TV personality Lauren Sanchez for a LIVE webcast from Yanni’s studio in South Florida. Join them on April 11th at 1pm EDT as Yanni answers questions from fans and speaks to Sanchez –a Yanni fan herself – about his plans throughout the rest of the year including the upcoming April 17th release of CD/DVD Yanni: Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico (Sony Music) and a 75-date North American tour that includes a date at DeVos Performance Hall on May 7th.

Fans can submit questions via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialYanni, Twitter at http://twitter.com/yanni – tweet questions using #YanniWebcast – and at teamyanni@yanniwake.com. More details at www.Yanni.com or sign up direct on his channel: http://new.livestream.com/yanni.

Yanni: Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico – which made its nationwide PBS debut on March 3 – captures two sold-out concerts in December 2011 at the historic 16th-century Castillo San Felipe Del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico – the first-ever performances at this recognized UNESCO Heritage Site. Performing at the castle builds on the legacy of iconic global sites that have played host to Yanni’s concerts including the Acropolis in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Forbidden City in China.

The April 17th release date coincides with the kick off of Yanni’s North American Tour which runs through August. Tickets for the Grand Rapids date can be purchased at the DeVos Place or Van Andel Arena box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000.

Yanni, whose contemporary symphonic music has inspired millions of fans around the world, completed a very successful webcast in March 2011 with Sanchez, who is best known as the host of “Good Day LA” and “Extra.” Sanchez’s experience as host of the premiere season of FOX's global smash-hit, "So You Think You Can Dance,” along with frequent guest appearances anchoring FOX-11's top-rated “Ten o'clock News” and contributing to hit shows like ““Larry King Live”, “The Talk”, “Showbiz Tonight,” “The Joy Behar Show” and “The View,” make her an ideal, poised and charming host.

After great reception for Yanni's “All Access” weekly episodic Web TV series, the program continues throughout his global touring campaign for the next two years. Episodes will focus on Yanni’s new family member, the adopted baby panda “Santorini,” who the Chinese government invited Yanni to adopt while touring in China this past year. Traditionally such an honor and privilege is reserved for countries rather than personalities. Other episodes will focus on tales from Yanni’s recent trip through Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Mexico.