On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Jonesfield Township community gathered for a day of Halloween and Homecoming festivities and recognition of DTE Energy. The morning began with a parade where Matt Wagner, Manager of Renewable Energy Development, served as Grand Marshal. Community members enjoyed several DTE sponsored events, such as Trunk or Treat, pumpkin carving, a costume closet, and the homecoming tailgate, all leading up to Merrill High School’s homecoming football game that afternoon.
Since 2018, we have played an instrumental role in supporting several local events such as Farm Fest, Senior Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas in the Village. Our extensive civic efforts in this community, led by Site Manager Jason Hannath, parallels our partnership with local landowners through the pending development of Meridian Wind Park which is scheduled to come online by the end of 2021.
“Everywhere [DTE] goes, they end up being such a great corporate neighbor and a great friend of the people of the community,” said Senator Ken Horn.
DTE’s support for the Merrill community has also included donating laptops to local students who have transitioned to virtual and online learning settings due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“DTE has not just invested in the business side of the community, but in the civics side as well,” said Diane Middleton, Midland Business Alliance Vice President. “DTE is the kind of business that any community would welcome and would prosper from as a result.”
2020 has presented a series of challenges to the Merrill community and other regions throughout the state. By complementing our business activities with meaningful community investments, DTE remains committed to ensuring we do our part to assist the customers and communities we serve.
“Adjusting to the coronavirus has required significant changes to our normal routines and the ways we work, learn, worship, and visit with friends and family,” said Wagner. “But I know this community has come together to face these challenges and we are glad that we’ve been here to lend our support as well.”