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Becky Kliss’s path to becoming an environmental steward started when she openedÌýher own cleaning business, Great Lakes Cleaning, Inc., following graduation from LakeÌýMichigan College in 1996 with an Associate in Business Administration degree.

During the long, late nights of cleaning area office spaces, she was astonished at theÌýamount of trash businesses accumulated. As her business grew to more than 150 accounts and 180 employees, she saw how the volume of waste and cleaning methodsÌýwere affecting the environment.

Seeking a solution, Becky began providing commercial green cleaning services, recyclingÌýprograms, matting solutions, and paper/dispenser upgrades. In 2008, she sold herÌýcleaning business to build awareness of green and sustainability efforts through her newÌýcompany, Green Connection, Inc. Green Connection provides consulting services inÌýrecycling, waste audits, facility audits, custodial services, and LEED-EB certification.Ìý

As an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED),ÌýBecky works with organizations, such as Stryker Medical and area K-12 school districts,Ìýto help them implement and maintain LEED standards. Becky has also worked with St.ÌýJoseph Public Schools and the County of Berrien to establish a recycling program. SheÌýfinds connections for people as to where and what can be recycled and how they canÌýreduce their waste.

TheÌýClarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award was presented toÌýBecky Kliss in 2013.