TROY, Mich., July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — As the focus on creating more sustainable and environmentally conscious forms of solid-state lightning continues to grow in the state, the Michigan Solid-State Lighting Association (MSSLA) anticipates extending its reach and increasing awareness in West Michigan during its quarterly MSSLA meeting. During the meeting the MSSLA will connect with Michigan business leaders and manufacturers and share the latest advancements and insights regarding the benefits of solid-state lighting.

The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences in Grand Rapids (click here to view map). Leaders and companies throughout Michigan with activity in solid-state lighting are invited to come and learn more about MSSLA. To RSVP for the event, please email your name and number of attendees to info@mssla.org. The event is free to attend.

“As the organization continues to grow in membership, we have recognized that we are underrepresented from the western side of the state,” said Dave Simon, president of the MSSLA. “Michigan is building great momentum in the solid-state lighting industry, and we are pursuing a goal of becoming more geographically inclusive through the rest of 2011.”

Speakers include Rennier Ramlal and Dena Isabell from Consumers Energy, who will present and participate in a Q&A session on the SmartStreet ™ Energy Optimization Pilot Project. SmartStreet is a demonstration of smart-grid technology combined with Consumers Energy’s ongoing energy efficiency programs. Through the program, smart meters were installed at participating Grand East Hills neighborhood homes and businesses in Grand Rapids in March 2011.

Solid-state lighting refers to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as sources of illumination, rather than electrical filaments, plasma or gas. Benefits of solid-state lighting include an environmentally friendly design that is mercury free, contains reusable parts and provides a long-term energy-efficient source of light.

The MSSLA was formed by a collaborative effort with Michigan-based corporations, universities and state agencies engaged in manufacturing, research or development of solid-state lighting products. Its mission is to help ensure that Michigan becomes a global leader in solid-state lighting manufacturing, research and development through knowledge-sharing, education and public-policy advocacy. By leveraging the intellectual properties and technical expertise of its membership, the MSSLA intends to promote environmentally friendly lighting options in the state and to advance the companies it represents.

About the Michigan Solid-State Lighting Association (MSSLA)

Established in 2009 and based in Detroit, Mich., the Michigan Solid-State Lighting Association is dedicated to ensuring that Michigan is a global leader in solid-state lighting manufacturing, research and development through knowledge-sharing, education and public-policy advocacy. By leveraging the intellectual properties and technical expertise of its members, the MSSLA intends to promote environmentally friendly lighting options in the state and to advance the companies it represents. For more information, visit www.MSSLA.org.

SOURCE Michigan Solid-State Lighting Association