Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Gus Frank a White House "Champion of Change"

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – Under Harold "Gus" Frank's leadership, the Forest County Potawatomi have taken a proactive approach to environmental issues and taken practical steps to help ensure that future generations have access to clean air, water and land.

Harold "Gus" Frank-Potawatomi

The Tribe has also implemented several significant energy efficiency projects and increased the use of renewable energy on the reservation, considerably reducing its overall energy use and carbon footprint.

Harold "Gus" Frank has served as chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi Community for the past 16 years.

This Thursday, April 12, Chairman Frank will be one of eight individuals honored at the White House as "Champions of Change" for demonstrating that corporate environmental leadership make senses, both for business and for American communities.

“Cutting waste, reducing energy use and operating more sustainably translates to less pollution and lower utility bills for businesses across the country,”

said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

“The leaders we've selected as "Champions of Change" are proving that sustainable practices work for companies' bottom lines, and work for the health of American communities.”

The "Champions of Change" program was created as a part of President Obama's Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

To watch this event live, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov at 1:30 pm edt on Thursday.

posted April 11, 2012 8:45 am edt