Southwest Michigan leaders say the region is stronger together than standing alone, at least when it comes to sustainable business practices. Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke were among officials who gathered at Kalamazoo's Edison Environmental Science Academy Wednesday morning to sign a regional Sustainability Covenant.

Behnke says the agreement is about sharing information for everyone's benefit. Other signers include Kalamazoo School Superintendent Michael Rice, Western Michigan University President John Dunn, and the heads of both Kalamazoo hospitals.

Strazdas says the project focuses on three key areas: ecology, economy and community. He says organizations that sign the covenant agree to collaborate on eco-friendly solutions that reduce costs and energy consumption.