MRC REGIONAL MEETINGS
In a state with such diverse communities and populations, a "one size fits all" approach to resource management doesn't serve every community. In an effort to give local communities and businesses a chance to move local and regional topics in the right direction and influence state issues, the MRC in 2016 recruited recycling leaders to gather regional stakeholders and facilitate conversations. The MRC identified and is working to serve eight regions across Michigan. The regions have a goal of meeting quarterly throughout the year with one meeting taking place at the Annual Conference in May. Questions? Contact the MRC!
Tracy Purrenhage
Regional Outreach Committee Chair
Katharine Tessin
Regional Director
Katharine Tessin is the Administrative Director of Mid Michigan Waste Authority, an aurhority with 34 member communities in the greater Saginaw Valley. The MMWA provides its communities with efficient, cost-effective, and convenient curbside collection services, programming, and education.
THE BAY/THUMB REGION INCLUDES:
- Bay County
- Genesee County
- Huron County
- Lapeer County
- Midland County
- Saginaw County
- Sanilac County
- Shiawassee County
- Tuscola County
YOUR NEXT BAY/THUMB REGIONAL MEETING
Next Meeting: TBD
John Demerjian
Regional Director
John works for Wayne County D.P.S. Land Resource Management Division. He is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (R.E.H.S./R.S.). He became involved with the MRC to help the organization, fellow MRC members, and the environment. His superpower is that he can root for the Detroit Lions and believe they can actually win! 
THE EAST MICHIGAN REGION INCLUDES:
- Macomb County
- Oakland County
- St. Clair County
- Wayne County
YOUR NEXT EAST MICHIGAN REGIONAL MEETING
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference
Kate Neese
Regional Director
Kate Neese is the Recycling and Waste Management Coordinator for Clinton County. Her department coordinates single day collection events for hard to recycle items, coordinates and promotes recycling programs with municipalities, works collaboratively with surrounding counties, oversees recycling within the county offices and provides waste management & recycling information to the general public. Kate got involved with the MRC when she first began working at the County level in order to network and glean best practices. She continues to be involved with the MRC because it continues to provide the best networking opportunities while advocating for recycling within our state. Many people know her as "Recycling Kate" and she is rather fond of coffee, running, and her happy family (which includes Mr. Neese, two delightfully crazy boys, four fluffy cats, and one anxious wiener dog).
THE MID MICHIGAN REGION INCLUDES:
- Clinton County
- Eaton County
- Gratiot County
- Ingham County
- Isabella County
- Livingston County
YOUR NEXT MID MICHIGAN REGIONAL MEETING
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference
Ashley McMurry
Regional Director
Ashley Bur is the Grants and Resources Coordinator for Emmet County Recycling. ECR operates and manages a waste transfer station, residential and commercial recycling services, commercial organics collection, a material recovery facility, and a compost facility. ECR aims to have systems that make best practices for waste reduction, reuse, recycle and disposal the northern Michigan way of life. Ashley has been with the department for four years, specializing in grant writing, data collection, department purchasing and event recycling services. With a background in natural resource policy, Ashleyâs industry passions include further exploration of statewide EPR policies and hazardous waste disposal. Outside of work, Ashley can be found hiking, camping, swimming, reading and spending time with her family.
THE NORTHERN LOWER PENINSULA REGION INCLUDES:
- Alcona County
- Alpena County
- Antrim County
- Arenac County
- Benzie County
- Charlevoix County
- Cheboygan County
- Clare County
- Crawford County
- Emmet County
- Gladwin County
- Grand Traverse County
- Iosco County
- Kalkaska County
- Lake County
- Leelanau County
- Manistee County
- Mason County
- Missaukee County
- Montmorency County
- Ogemaw County
- Osceola County
- Oscoda County
- Otsego County
- Presque Isle County
- Roscommon County
- Wexford County
YOUR NEXT NORTHERN LOWER PENINSULA REGIONAL MEETINGÂ
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference
Ryan Carrig
Regional Director
Ryan Carrig is a Community Planner with Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) specializing in planning and zoning, infrastructure, and transportation issues. CUPPAD and the other planning regions of the Upper Peninsula have been involved in solid waste and recycling activities for over 50 years. Ryan lives in Escanaba with his wife and enjoys spending time outdoors and gardening.
THE UPPER PENINSULA REGION INCLUDES:
- Alger County
- Baraga County
- Chippewa County
- Delta County
- Dickinson County
- Gogebic County
- Houghton County
- Iron County
- Keweenaw County
- Luce County
- Mackinac County
- Marquette County
- Menominee County
- Ontonagon County
- Schoolcraft County
YOUR NEXT UPPER PENINSULA REGIONAL MEETINGÂ
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference
Justin Jungman
Regional Director
Justin Jungman is the co-director of the Southeast Region of the MRC. Justin has worked in the recycling industry within Michigan for the last 16 years. In that time, Justin has helped recycle batteries, electronics, paper, plastic, and cardboard. His career in recycling has always been with Michigan-based companies, and he's been involved with the MRC throughout his time in recycling. When he's not promoting recycling, Justin enjoys golf, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two children.
THE SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN REGION INCLUDES:
- Hillsdale County
- Jackson County
- Lenawee County
- Monroe County
- Washtenaw County
YOUR NEXT SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN REGIONAL MEETING
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference
Samantha Buterbaugh
Regional Director
Samantha started Biz Aid, LLC in Coldwater, Michigan when she was 26 years old. At that time, she didn't even want to touch the cardboard, but now, with endless possibilities, she fulfilled her dreams of being an entrepreneur and growing her business to help support recycling in her area. Biz Aid, LLC has goals to help increase commercial, as well as residential recycling, within Branch County. Biz Aid, LLC wants to see more support for local level recycling - they want counties to get people to focus on what is happening with our solid waste.
THE SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGION INCLUDES:
- Allegan County
- Barry County
- Berrien County
- Branch County
- Calhoun County
- Cass County
- Kalamazoo County
- St. Joseph County
- Van Buren County
YOUR NEXT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL MEETING
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference
Dan Broersma
Regional Director
Dan Broersma is the first Sustainability Environmental Manager for the City of Holland. Dan leads the development and execution of community-focused environmental sustainability initiatives. In his work, he helps the city identify and develop sustainable opportunities and policies to help benefit and serve the residents of Holland, MI.
With over 20 years of experience in sustainability, Dan spent more than 18 years at Herman Miller, helping the organization to maintain industry leadership in sustainability through innovation. His passion for sustainability extends into his personal life. As a volunteer, he has led community projects and communication by helping local schools, organizations, and businesses become sustainable by setting up processes, sharing knowledge, and implementing best practices for better recycling and sustainable practices.
Dan lives in Holland, Michigan, with his wife and two children. He is passionate about faith, community, and sustainability
THE WEST MICHIGAN REGION INCLUDES:
- Ionia County
- Kent County
- Mecosta County
- Montcalm County
- Muskegon County
- Newaygo County
- Oceana County
- Ottawa County
YOUR NEXT WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL MEETING
Next Upcoming Meeting: MRC Conference