GWINN, MICH. – The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition (UM-GAC) has completed its first set of conferences, which address the latest trends in aviation and sustainability. According to Vikki Kulju, executive director at Telkite Technology Park at Sawyer International Airport, Gwinn, Michigan, and a member of the Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition’s management team, each conference focused on specific topics based on the niche of the area where the conference was held. The coalition is looking to strengthen local economies by fostering environmental-friendly industry at three Upper Peninsula Airports. In 2010, a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was awarded to UM-GAC. The grant was part of SBA’s Innovative Economies program.