DTE invested nearly $1.7 billion into Michigan companies in 2017

DTE Energy invested nearly $1.7 billion into Michigan-based companies in 2017, which led to the creation or continued operation of 5,100 jobs, the company reported.

The energy company actually succeeded its own goals by more than $300,000, with partners in every region of the state–though Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit definitively benefited the most. That region took in more than $1 billion from DTE–nearly six times its nearest competitor–dispersed through 1,312 companies and impacting 3,879 jobs in the process.

“In 2010, our chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson challenged DTE’s leadership team to re-think the way we did business, and asked us to do more to support the state,” DTE Energy Chief Procurement Officer Anthony Tomczak said. “We looked at how Michigan-based businesses could help us achieve our goals. We changed the way we purchased goods and services and significantly impacted the state we work and live in, too. We’re proud of the difference we’ve made in the communities we serve.”

That policy has resulted in more than $7.5 billion spent on local suppliers of goods and services over the past 8 years and the creation of 16,000 jobs. Part of the boon for local areas is fueled by the fact that DTE also encourages its suppliers to buy and hire locally as well, and even provides networking opportunities between Michigan companies.

As of today, the company reports, more than 70 percent of funds spent with suppliers go to Michigan businesses.