Find local holiday trees on the Web
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Michigan Christmas Tree Association is helping consumers find locally grown Christmas trees with a new feature on its Web site.
The association added "locators" on its Web site to identify sites of Christmas tree farms and retail lots. The information is available at www.mcta.org.
Michigan ranks third in the U.S. in Christmas tree production, according to the MCTA. Approximately 3 million trees are harvested each year with an estimated wholesale value of more than $40 million. Another $1.3 million is generated through the sale of wreaths, garland and other holiday greens.
Biomass cubes to be made in U.P.
MARQUETTE -- A company has announced plans to manufacture biomass energy cubes at a technology park near Marquette.
The venture is called renewaFUEL, a subsidiary of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., which operates two iron ore mines in Marquette County.
Company officials said Friday the renewaFUEL plant will produce 150,000 tons a year of high-energy, low-emission biofuel cubes. They will be made with wood and agriculture feedstocks supplied by local farmers and loggers.
The company plans to operate in two hangar buildings that once housed B-52 bombers at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which has been converted to Telkite Technology Park.
William Brake, chairman of renewaFUEL, says the plant will employ about 25 people. It should begin production by the middle of next year.
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