SE Michigan pickleball CEO earns prestigious SBAM award
Christy Howden (center), CEO and co-founder of Wolverine Pickleball, is pictured after receiving the Small Business Association of Michigan’s 2025 Energy Champion award.
The Small Business Association of Michigan honored Christy Howden, CEO and co-founder of Wolverine Pickleball, with its 2025 Energy Champion award.
Howden was honored for making environmentally conscious decisions while building the 39,000-square-foot pickleball facility. She utilized lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration rebates from DTE Energy during the building process, highlighting her energy-conservation focus.
Howden is currently utilizing major renovation incentives while building the Northville Pickleball Club, a new 50,000-foot facility, which will open in September.
Improving energy efficiency
“The Energy Solutions program provides our members with a great opportunity to save money and improve energy efficiency,” said SBAM President Brian Calley.
“Christy utilized our resources to make energy-efficient decisions that have enhanced the success of her business. Her commitment makes us proud to name her our 2025 Energy Champion award.”
“Congratulations to Christy Howden on this well-deserved honor,” said Alison Jaworowski, program manager, DTE Energy Efficiency Program for Small Business.
Looking out for the environment
“Christy’s success demonstrates how energy efficiency is part of a smart business strategy. We’re proud to support small businesses and encourage others to take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities.”
Christy Howden and her co-founder, Leslie White, opened their first Wolverine Pickleball facility in 2020 and built a new, larger facility that opened in December 2023. During the process of building the new facility, Howden included many energy-efficient procedures that were implemented during construction.
The award was presented to Howden on June 17 during SBAM’s annual meeting in Lansing.
