Planned Community Goes Green with GEM Electric-Car Friendly Designation

FARGO, N.D.--A developer recognized for its environmentally friendly workplace, is working with Global Electric Motorcars to incorporate GEM neighborhood electric vehicles as a part of the green focus of its master planned communities.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR) is developing Lakewood Ranch, an 8,500 acre master planned community near Sarasota, Fla. During a recent “green” dedication ceremony at SMR headquarters, SMR announced it is working to become an official GEM-friendly Community by incorporating electric vehicles into its infrastructure.

“Lakewood Ranch is an important example of how people want to live and work in planned communities. SMR is creating neighborhoods where an environmentally friendly and economic lifestyle is both convenient and possible. GEM vehicles are a perfect fit for Lakewood Ranch,” says Valerie Weber-Hamann, Global Electric Motorcars business development manager.

Four GEM-friendly communities exist today, and the company is working to extend the designation to dozens more throughout the country.

“We chose GEM because they are a great proven product that has done well in other communities,” says SMR spokesperson Sondra Guffey. “And our residents just love them.”

To receive the GEM-friendly community designation, Lakewood Ranch will include electric vehicle only lanes, parking places and charging stations along with its other environmental applications such as non-potable water irrigation and endangered species habitats within the community.

GEM, the industry leader in neighborhood electric vehicle development and manufacturing, is celebrating its tenth year at the forefront of plug-in electric vehicle technology and manufacturing.

More information on GEM electric vehicles is available at www.gemcar.com.