Photo by Betsy O’Leary | Inside This Issue | Our Superior Partners. Thank You! Proud Member of Member 2013 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14-15 ISSUE #18 JANUARY 2014 | Chamber-KEDA Spark Plug Awards Submit Your Nominations Now! HOUGHTON – The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), along with co-sponsors MTEC SmartZone and Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP), are hosting the second annual Keweenaw Spark Plug Awards dinner, a local business awards ceremony, on Thursday, February 13, in Houghton. Chamber and KEDA members have the opportunity to recognize local businesses and individuals for their efforts in the 2013 calendar year. Community members can also nominate a Person/Project of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. The celebration takes place at Shelden Grill, with Spark Plug awards handed out in six categories of business performance. All Spark Plug award recipients must be KEDA or Chamber members. Winners are chosen by the Spark Plug Award Winners Committee, comprised of board members and staff from KEDA, the Chamber, MTEC SmartZone and KYP. In addition to the Spark Plug categories, awards are given to Person/ Project of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. The Person/ Project of the Year award recognizes “a high-impact person or project that is notable in the community, which will provide a lasting benefit to the Keweenaw.” The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes “a person under the age of 40 who made significant strides in our community and in their profession in 2013.” Community members can submit nominations here: sparkplugawards. wordpress.com (see page 3 for Award categories) Returning/New Chamber Members Chamber Board of Directors Portage Health News Keweenaw Spark Plug Awards (cont.) January Eggs & Issues Review WUPPDR Regional Prosperity Grant Michigan Energy Reports Summary Snyder “No Regrets” Energy Plan Dianda Calls for Pension Tax Repeal Gov. State of the State Address/U.P. Houghton Gaining New Businesses Fourth Thursday in History/Jan 23 Business Events Calendar
Transcript
Photo by Betsy O’Leary
| Inside This Issue
| Our Superior Partners. Thank You!
Proud Member of
Member 2013
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ISSUE #18 JANUARY 2014 |
Chamber-KEDA Spark Plug Awards Submit Your Nominations Now! HOUGHTON – The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), along with co-sponsors MTEC SmartZone and Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP), are hosting the second annual Keweenaw Spark Plug Awards dinner, a local business awards ceremony, on Thursday, February 13, in Houghton.
Chamber and KEDA members have the opportunity to recognize local businesses and individuals for their efforts in the 2013 calendar year. Community members can also nominate a Person/Project of the Year and Young Professional of the Year.
The celebration takes place at Shelden Grill, with Spark Plug awards handed out in six categories of business performance. All Spark Plug award recipients must be KEDA or Chamber members. Winners are chosen by the Spark Plug Award Winners Committee, comprised of board members and staff from KEDA, the Chamber, MTEC SmartZone and KYP.
In addition to the Spark Plug categories, awards are given to Person/Project of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. The Person/Project of the Year award recognizes “a high-impact person or project that is notable in the community, which will provide a lasting benefit to the Keweenaw.” The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes “a person under the age of 40 who made significant strides in our community and in their profession in 2013.”
Community members can submit nominations here: sparkplugawards.wordpress.com (see page 3 for Award categories)
Returning/New Chamber Members
Chamber Board of Directors
Portage Health News
Keweenaw Spark Plug Awards (cont.)
January Eggs & Issues Review
WUPPDR Regional Prosperity Grant
Michigan Energy Reports Summary
Snyder “No Regrets” Energy Plan
Dianda Calls for Pension Tax Repeal
Gov. State of the State Address/U.P.
Houghton Gaining New Businesses
Fourth Thursday in History/Jan 23
Business Events Calendar
2 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
KEWEENAW.ORG 3
Board Of Directors
Glen Tolksdorf, PresidentOwner Tolksdorf Realty and [email protected]
Greg Seppanen, Vice PresidentAssistant Vice President / Trust Superior National [email protected]
Matt Thyer, TreasurerOwner Up and Running Technology [email protected]
Karin Van Dyke, SecretaryVice President for University RelationsFinlandia [email protected]
Welcome Back,Community PartnersBHK Child DevelopmentCenter Ice Skate & SportCollege Avenue Vision ClinicCopper Country Habitat for HumanityCopper Country Veterinary ClinicCopper Range Abstract and TitleCrampton SurveyingCrown CleanersD’s Base CampDapple Gray Bed and BreakfastDonald Bukema, Inc.Edward Jones – Dan DalquistFarmers & Merchants Mutual Fire InsuranceFrank A. Douglass Insurance AgencyGitzen CompanyGreat Lakes AccountingInSight EyeCareJonathan M. Luse, CPAKeweenaw Gem and GiftLittle Brothers Friends of the ElderlyMercy Ambulance ServiceNational Car Rental/ Alamo Rent-A-CarNorthern Mutual InsuranceOsceola TownshipPepsi Cola Bottling of HoughtonRamada WaterfrontSteve Karpiak, Associate MemberSubway of Downtown HoughtonSuperior Auto PartsSuperior MonogrammingSuperior Screed ServiceSurplus OutletThe AmbassadorUpper Peninsula Marketing Department Inc.Vollwerth and CompanyWestern UP Healthcare Access Coalition
Welcome, New Board Members and Officers
The Chamber is pleased and excited to welcome our new board members:
� Brian Donnelly � Darrell Guitar � Beth Hoy
In addition, these current board members have been elected to new officer positions:
� Glen Tolksdorf – President � Greg Seppanen – Vice President � Matt Thyer – Treasurer � Karin VanDyke – Secretary
Lisa Dunnebacke was reelected as an Associate Member.
– Board Member Thank Yous, page 7
Welcome, New MembersCypress Manor1400 Poplar StreetHancock, MI 49930906.482.6644FAX 906.482.0983www.consulatehealthcare.comadmin@cypressmanorhealth.com
700 Calumet Economy Bed and BreakfastJeanie Lebel-Rabitoy700 Calumet StreetLake Linden, MI 49945906.553.8797www.700calumeteconomybnb.comfrancisrabitoy@gmail.com
4 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
Katriina Hopper, MD
Is it time for a
Geriatric and Internal Medicine
483-1730portagehealth.org/hopper
new provider?
KEWEENAW.ORG 5
Hines named VP of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Portage HealthHANCOCK – Jim Bogan, President and CEO of Portage Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Beth Hines, DO, FACOEP, FACEP, to Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Portage Health as of January 1, 2014.
In her new role, Dr. Hines will work closely with the medical staff leadership and the executive management team.
“Mary Beth brings to Portage Health her experience in different areas of healthcare,” said Bogan. “We look forward to working with her as we move forward with our partnership with LifePoint Hospitals.”
Dr. Hines has been serving patients in the Portage Health Trauma Center for more than a decade, including time spent as the department’s director. She is board certified in emergency medicine and medical toxicology, and will continue to serve patients at the Portage Health Trauma Center.
Prior to signing on at Portage Health, she served as the director of the emergency department at the former Keweenaw Memorial Hospital, and as the director of education for the emergency medicine residency program at Michigan State University.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me, and an exciting time for the hospital and our community,” Dr. Hines said.
“We have already initiated the process with LifePoint Hospitals to craft new services for our community. These expanded services will lead to opportunities for care that our community hasn’t had before.”
Dr. Hines will join the Portage Health executive management team, which includes Bogan, recently appointed Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Susan Binkley, Vice President of Quality Management Betty MacInnes, and Vice President of Patient Services Deb Young. Ì
$32 million initial deposit made to Portage Health FoundationStore named as executive director
HANCOCK – The Portage Health Foundation Board of Directors announced recently that it has received an initial deposit of approximately $32 million, and has named Kevin Store of Houghton as the executive director of the reconstituted Portage Health Foundation.
“We are very pleased to begin moving forward with the Foundation,” said Lennon Mattila Hughes, chairperson of the foundation’s board of directors. “We have a lot of work ahead of us as we begin to reorganize the Foundation and prepare for it to reinvest in our community.”
Hughes said the Foundation is moving forward with caution and is taking appropriate steps to ensure the assets will be managed properly; the foundation has potential capital-call responsibilities as the 20 percent minority owner of the recent joint venture. “The Foundation will have limitations as to how much it is able to invest in the community, and those parameters have yet to be determined,” Hughes added.
The Portage Health Foundation received the proceeds when the joint venture partnership between Portage Health and LifePoint Hospitals closed in December 2013. Proceeds from the transaction were designated to benefit the health of the community via the Portage Health Foundation.
Store was hired by the 10-member board of directors following a national search. The board said they felt it was best to appoint a person with strong ties and awareness to the community, plus a working knowledge of the health care environment.
When asked about the appointment of Store, Hughes responded, “Kevin knows this community well and has a lot of passion for it. He has a great vision for the Foundation, and its role within the community.” Store moves to the new job after spending nearly five years with Portage Health.
“I am happy with the board’s decision, and feel honored to be part of this historic community development,” said Store. “There is a lot of community expectation for the Portage Health Foundation, and we intend to live up to those expectations.”
The foundation is currently setting up new offices in Hancock and hopes to relocate sometime in January. Ì
Fun Upper Peninsula Facts From yoopersteez.com
� Of 10.5 million total acres in the Upper Peninsula, 8.8 million acres are forested, making 84% of the Upper Peninsula covered by forest.
� It is 629 highway miles from Ironwood to Lambertville, the two furthest corners you can drive to in Michigan.
6 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
Ironwood Houghton Calumet Marquette Iron Mountain www.rivervalleybank.com
River Valley Bank’s Outstanding Business of the Year contest for Upper Michigan is once again under way. Vote for your favorite out of the four finalist that has had the most impact on your community in 2013.
• Houghton
• Iron Mountain
• Ironwood• Marquette NorthMarquette West •
• Calumet
Visit rivervalleybank.com to vote on a business of your choice.
2013Outstanding
Business of the YearIN THE UPPER PENINSULA
Keweenaw Spark Plug Award CategoriesContinued from front page…
The Keweenaw Spark Plug Award categories are:
Spark Plug Award for Growth – Company that has seen significant growth in employment and/or sales during the previous year.
Spark Plug Award for Quality – Recognized by the community, other businesses, and customers
for providing top quality products/services.
Spark Plug Award for Teamwork (or People) – Recognized for having a well-rounded and exceptional group of employees who provide a great experience for customers, partners, and others interacting with the company.
Spark Plug Award for Innovation – New or existing company pursuing new products or services that hold great promise for local economic growth and employment.
Spark Plug Award for Transformation – An existing company that has made a significant change in how they conduct business or in the products/services they offer, which has produced significant outcomes in terms of revenue or employment.
Spark Plug Award for Community Development – A company, person, or activity that has had significant positive impact on the business community.
Person/Project of the Year – A high-impact person or project that is notable within the community and will provide lasting benefits to businesses and community members.
Young Professional of the Year – New to this year’s awards! A person under the age of 40 who made significant strides in our community and in their profession in 2013.
The deadline to submit award nominations is Friday, January 31.
The dinner is open to the community. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased through the Chamber website or at the Chamber office; call 906.482.5240. Businesses can purchase a table for eight for $300. Networking and a cash bar begin at 5 pm. Dinner follows at 6 with the awards ceremony at 7. Please RSVP for the dinner by February 7. Ì
Here’s what the college website, campusgrotto.com, had to say about it:
First held in 1922, Winter Carnival is an annual celebration at MTU celebrating the large amount of snowfall received in the area. Some of the festivities include a tug-of-war competition on ice, snow volleyball, a beard competition, broomball, a human dogsled race, ice bowling, ice fishing, skit competitions, and the annual Sno Ball and pageant show for the Winter Carnival Queen.
The big attraction of Winter Carnival is the monumental snow statues that are built for a snow sculpting contest. There are two main contest categories: the one-nighter and the month-long competition, with the month-long competition snow sculptures being much more elaborate and detailed. Prior to the one-nighter, a set of speakers are put into a stereo made of snow and music is played for all of campus to enjoy throughout the night. Ì
January 9, 2014 — Measuring the economic and societal impacts of Michigan Technological University on the Keweenaw is not unlike measuring the impacts of Lake Superior on our region. Both connections are vast, wide-reaching, and constantly shifting, and recreational opportunities form a large part of both bonds. This was the
gist of the message offered by Les Cook, Vice President for Student Affairs and Advancement at Michigan Tech, at the January Eggs & Issues Chamber gathering at Magnuson’s Shelden Grill.
When it comes to competing for top student applicants, Michigan Tech faces two separate fronts, Cook advised the attentive audience of about 40 Chamber members and guests. For in-state high school applicants, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Michigan State University (East Lansing) are the chief competitors. This makes perfect sense, since many students opt to remain in-state due to proximity and tuition discounts. But in the much larger pool of nonresident students, Michigan Tech jousts for student interest with the likes of Carnegie-Mellon University, Clarkson College, and other well-regarded private institutions.
For these and myriad other reasons, Michigan Tech strives to present itself as an immersive experience with a package of desirable if somewhat unusual amenities: low crime, outdoor recreation, moderate cost of living, and a solid shot of “do-it-yourself” attitude. “Not many schools can offer golf, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing facilities to their student body, that are close to campus, and at no cost, as part of the basic student experience,” Cook noted proudly. “And we are very fortunate to have an airport nearby. At most schools in our peer group, you have to travel three hours or so to reach an airport.”
Of course, while the hiking, skiing and broomball are all great activities that galvanize students’ attention, Michigan Tech’s primary focus is in providing a high-quality education. After all, as Cook quoted one student-athlete, “At Michigan Tech, even the coaches believe that school comes first.” Academic rigor is blended with a host of hands-on applications that give students a sturdy mix of practical experience and “book learning.” As another student quipped proudly, “If Michigan Tech wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be worth it!”
The relative remoteness of the area combines with the requisite fortitude and drive necessary to succeed in the
January Eggs & Issues: Michigan Tech Students TodayEggs & Issues coverage and story by Steven R. Lasco
region’s challenging climate. “Part of it is our location, sure. But some of it is the type of student, the type of person, we attract,” Cook said. “These days, many students use their phone as an umbilical cord, complaining to their parents about all sorts of little issues that they face. Parents let their kids deal with stuff up here. This results in graduates who can handle situations and know how to react when things don’t go their way, because they’ve already done it for four years or more.”
A growing population of international students is another Michigan Tech dynamic that bodes well for the future of both the university and the region. With the current economic impact to Michigan Tech from international students measured at $29 million, and a full 40% of graduate students coming from other nations, the economic impact of these students is undeniable. Many of these students remain in the area during Michigan Tech’s breaks, continuing to shop and spend in the Keweenaw.
With a stable undergraduate program and expanding graduate-level programs, Michigan Tech is trending well for the future. Cook shared some of the university’s long-range planning efforts, noting that the goal for Michigan Tech in 2035 is to have roughly the same 5,750 undergraduates that are now on campus, but to expand the graduate-level student body to about 3,000 persons. Increasing the percentage of female students to 40% is another stated goal.
Although the traditional funding of education from the State has dwindled in recent years, and as Cook noted, “…who knows where this will go in the future,” Michigan Tech is on firm financial footing. Donors are generous, and corporate partnerships are in a growth mode, with major
� Johanna Davis, outgoing President � Brent Burns, outgoing Vice President � Karyn Olsson, outgoing Secretary � Duane Aho
To our former board members and officers!
(continued on page 11)
Les Cook
8 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
WUPPDR Regional Prosperity Initiative Grant
The Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region (WUPPDR) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget to complete a Regional Prosperity Plan.
In a time of dwindling resources, overlapping goals, and competing priorities, WUPPDR has taken on the responsibilities to encourage collaboration between organizations and explore how to consolidate resources. The Regional Prosperity Initiative (RPI) will empower leaders in the U.P.’s six western counties to drive economic prosperity through regional collaboration.
In October, WUPPDR received over 70 letters and resolutions of support from public, private, and non-profit representatives throughout the western six counties. Thanks to all of those organizations that took the time to submit a letter or resolution. Without your support, our success in obtaining this grant would not have been possible.
In order for RPI to be successful, WUPPDR needs your continued support throughout the project. Over the next nine months, WUPPDR will host a variety of stakeholder meetings that will give representatives the opportunity to define a Regional Prosperity Plan. Details concerning those meetings and what to expect will be forthcoming.
In addition, WUPPDR will soon have a section of its website dedicated to RPI. It will include information about the project, pertinent documents, opportunities for public comment, and a performance dashboard with measurable annual goals.
WUPPDR is excited to embark on this journey of regional reinvention and looks forward to your continued support throughout the initiative.
For more information, please contact Kim Stoker at 906.482.7205, ext. 316 or [email protected].
Learn more about the RPI at www.michigan.gov/dtmb/0,5552,7-150-66155---,00.html Ì
Michigan economy in 5th year of modest recoveryLANSING — Experts say Michigan’s economy is seeing modest growth and is starting a fifth consecutive year of a turnaround.
University of Michigan experts told state lawmakers on January 9 that Michigan had the fourth-highest private-sector job growth from 2010 to 2012. The state’s economy is doing better because of the national economy, stronger auto sales and a rebound in the housing sector.
But a projected seven-year recovery through 2016 will only replenish slightly more than half the jobs lost between 2000 and 2010, when Michigan was decimated with job loss.
Legislators met to get an update on the economy and an estimate of how much more tax revenue is coming in before they work on the next state budget.
By The Associated Press. Originally posted 1/10/2014 at Ventura County Star, www.vcstar.com Ì
KEWEENAW.ORG 9
Interested In Getting Involved?
This is an incredibly exciting time as we bring our efforts into focus to support, attract and develop businesses like yours!
For more information on the benefits of a Chamber membership, visit www.keweenaw.org or call our office at 906.482.5240 to see how we can help your business launch, grow, and achieve its full potential.
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336Houghton, MI 49931
Energy Efficiency Report Michigan’s utilities have exceeded energy efficiency targets each year since 2009 and are expected to meet near-term energy efficiency targets.
Michigan’s energy efficiency programs have been very cost-effective to date.
Michigan can achieve significantly more energy efficiency savings through 2025.
Full report: www.michigan.gov/documents/energy/ee_report_441094_7.pdf
Renewable Energy ReportMichigan is on track to meet the 10% by 2015 renewable portfolio standard, and it is technically possible to do significantly more even if the associated costs were capped at today’s levels.
The price of wind-generated electricity has fallen significantly, primarily because of increased wind capacity factors.
It is likely that Michigan can integrate significantly more wind-generated energy into its grid without system-wide reliability problems.
Full report: www.michigan.gov/documents/energy/renewable_final_438952_7.pdf
Summary of Michigan Energy Reportsfrom michigan.gov
Electric Choice ReportMichigan’s electric choice program has reached the 10% cap and has a queue of interested choice customers.
When evaluating regulated and competitive markets, commodity cycles, price volatility, generation reliability, electric rate levels and total customer bills are important considerations.
For Michigan to compete nationally and globally, it needs to ensure that energy-intensive industries can choose to invest and locate here.
Full report: www.michigan.gov/documents/energy/electricc_report_440539_7.pdf
Additional Areas ReportReliability of the grid is important to Michigan customers.
While Michigan’s electricity rates are currently higher than the national average, residential electric bills have been lower due to lower usage.
Michigan’s gas pipeline network is capable of receiving more natural gas from diverse regions. Michigan has room for gas storage expansion.
Full report: www.michigan.gov/documents/energy/Additional_Areas_final_440032_7.pdf Ì
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the Bridgefest 2014 organizationl meeting on Wednesday, January 29, starting at 6pm in the Ramada Waterfront meeting room, Hancock. For more info, email [email protected]. Ì
Rep. Dianda Calls for Repeal of the State Pension TaxSays the tax is unfair, burdensome for seniors
LANSING – State Rep. Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) recently introduced House Bill 5219, calling for the repeal of the state’s new pension tax. The pension tax was voted into law in 2011 and was first felt by seniors filing their tax returns in 2012.
“Punishing seniors who are already struggling to make ends meet is wrong,” Dianda said. “The pension tax has made life difficult for a lot of seniors in the U.P. who have worked hard their whole lives and are now surviving off a fixed income. I will do everything in my power to see that this pension tax is repealed.”
Under the current Republican-backed law, the tax treatment of retirement income is largely based on the age of the taxpayer, affecting anyone born in or after 1946. For married taxpayers, retirement/pension deductions are based on the oldest spouse. This new tax is being deducted from pension and retirement benefit distributions, including distributions from pensions, IRAs, annuities, profit-sharing, stock bonuses and any other deferred compensation plan or certain life insurance contracts issued by life insurance companies.
“I take my job seriously, and when a concern is brought to my attention I make sure something is done about it,” said Dianda. “I will not give up urging my colleagues to pass this bill, which would restore tax fairness to Michigan’s seniors.” Ì
Governor Snyder sets goals for “No Regrets” energy future by 2025
LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder recently laid out his vision for a “no regrets” energy future by 2025, with an emphasis on eliminating energy waste, and replacing coal with newer, cleaner technologies – natural gas and renewable energy.
“Michigan needs an energy policy that ensures we can be adaptable, provide energy that is reliable and affordable, and protect our environment,” Snyder said. “We should set a reasonable, achievable, and efficient range of goals for 2025.”
Snyder laid out several key goals for the state’s energy policy:
• Adaptability. As part of the foundation of adaptability, eliminate energy waste and reduce coal and replace it with newer, cleaner technologies – natural gas and renewables.
• Reliability. Michigan should become a leader in reliability in both reducing the average number of outages and their length. Additionally, ensure that our state never experiences massive outages due to lack of supply.
• Affordability. In the area of affordability, Michigan residential customers should spend less on their combined energy bills (electric and natural gas) than the national average. In addition, Michigan needs to ensure that energy-intensive industries can choose Michigan for job and investment decisions to better compete.
• Protection of the Environment. Michigan’s energy generation needs to be part of a healthier future, reducing mercury emissions, pollution that creates acid rain, and particles in the air for the health of Michigan. Finally, Snyder called for an increase in the renewable portfolio based on relative cost, reliability and environmental benefits.
The Governor’s recommendations come after his Special Message on Energy and the Environment in November 2013, and after the submission in December of four energy reports by MPSC Chairman John D. Quackenbush and Michigan Energy Office Director Steve Bakkal. Ì
Michigan population begins to balanceLANSING (WKZO) -- For the first time since 1996, there are almost as many people moving into Michigan as there are people departing the state. According to a new study, last year there were nearly 5,600 moves in and out of Michigan.
Forty-six percent of those were into the state while 54% were headed elsewhere. This compares to previous figures showing Michigan leading the nation for years in the number of moves out of the state.
Experts say the closer balance indicates positive news for an improving economy. Ì
KEWEENAW.ORG 11
global corporations such as Dow Chemical, Chevron, and Lockheed bankrolling an array of programs for recruitment, youth outreach, and educational opportunities, along with the existing win/win relationships with small but growing firms spawned by MTEC SmartZone and other local and regional University/business partnerships.
With such dynamic offerings in an uber-competitive education industry, Michigan Tech realizes that it is not an island unto itself, and that its success hinges on its greatest resource: the people who live in the area. “‘How
do we help the community help us?’” Cook mused. “This is a question we at Tech discuss quite often. A lot of it is very simple: providing good service, being kind to strangers, offering directions when a person appears to be lost. Those of you in the hospitality, lodging or other service industries go a long way toward making a good – or not good – impression on our guests and visitors.”
In other words, it is simply good business to be polite, attentive and knowledgeable to customers. And it pays, in many ways both now and in the future, to extend these qualities
Michigan Tech Students Today (continued from page 5)
HOUGHTON – Exciting new developments at MTEC SmartZone were among key issues Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder discussed in his fourth State of the State address in Lansing on January 16, 2014.
Snyder talked about MTEC SmartZone’s collaboration with Michigan Technological University, entrepreneurs and local governments to foster economic success in the Upper Peninsula. That collaboration has continued to thrive for more than a decade, leading to new developments and opportunities for job creation across the Upper Peninsula.
“They are partnering with Northern Michigan University and Marquette, bringing communities together and bringing synergy and power. I want to compliment those particular communities and universities in the U.P. for their outstanding work,” Gov. Snyder said in his address.
Since 2003, MTEC SmartZone has proven great success for the cities of Houghton and Hancock, creating
In State of the State address, Gov. Snyder applauds MTEC SmartZone for creating ‘synergy and power’ across the U.P.
more than 400 high-tech jobs and assisting over 47 entrepreneur technology start-ups by providing entrepreneurs with training and resource programs. Now, MTEC SmartZone is reaching out to the Marquette area to create the same successes for their economy. Both Marquette and Houghton-Hancock officials are looking to expand high-tech job creation with the development of a satellite business incubator in Marquette.
State Representative Scott Dianda said, “This collaboration brings so many positive opportunities to the Upper Peninsula. MTEC SmartZone has garnered statewide respect for high-tech job creation and economic development. I’ve visited many SmartZones — we’ve got the best.”
MTEC SmartZone board member Dan Webber said, “It is time for a more regional approach to leveraging the talents along the ‘Technology Shore’ between Houghton-Hancock and Marquette, supporting economic sustainability for the entire Upper Peninsula.
Given the always-limited resources, we must work together to advance the best technologies that promote employment opportunities for our existing communities and the State of Michigan as a whole.”
Richard Anderson, a consultant to MTEC SmartZone said, “Leadership from the city of Marquette, Northern Michigan University and private sectors have been collaborating over the last six months on the SmartZone satellite partnership.We are in the early stages of putting together a long-term strategy. The plan, in part, accelerates connecting the commercialization know-how and talent development capacity that’s emerging in the Marquette region with IT and innovation originating from Michigan Tech and MTEC SmartZone.”
MTEC SmartZone CEO Marilyn Clark added, “The collaboration between Houghton-Hancock and Marquette is a natural progression to bridge economies and high-tech opportunities.” Ì
to Michigan Technological University and its many employees, students, and family members. You never know just who might be sitting at that local restaurant table, bar stool, or social event…could turn out to be your next big customer! Ì
12 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
Shop Local, Shop Fresh, Shop Your Hometown Grocery Stores!
Downtown Houghton gaining more businessesby Sarah Blakely, TV6/UpperMichiganSource.com Houghton Bureau Reporter
HOUGHTON -- The City of Houghton’s new Business Development Director, Susie Landers, is focusing on retention and recruitment of downtown businesses.
The city that started its streetscape makeover just a few years ago is propelling itself to vibrancy through small business successes.
“A lot of people think downtowns are dying, they’re starting to dwindle away,” said Landers. “Well, I’m here to tell you that downtown Houghton is not dying.”
Dozens of shops line Shelden Avenue with only a few remaining vacancies, which Landers is vigilant in filling.
“In the next month, we will see three new businesses officially opening, and they’re not service businesses. These are businesses that are going to attract people when visitors come into town,” she explained. “There’s going to be more shopping, more retail.”
More people are living downtown as well. An estimated 90 percent of the 450 apartments downtown are occupied.
With two universities outlying the city, the convenience of having stores within walking distance is a major plus.
“It does support the students coming in because they’re coming up and they don’t have vehicles,” Landers explained. “They can live downtown, and pretty much whatever they need is right now becoming at their fingertips.”
Landers said it’s the camaraderie of the businesses and community that keeps Houghton on the map. She expects it will only get better with time.
“I see that people are realizing we have to support our community because they are who supports us,” she said. “I feel like we’re on goal, we’re on point because we’re providing, we’re listening. We want downtown Houghton to be your downtown.”
Susie Landers can be reached at her Houghton office at 523 Shelden Avenue or at 906.370.3110. Ì
Original story: www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?list=194550&id=994293#.UtlE874o73g
5th & Elm now a triple treat!The folks at 5th & Elm Coffeehouse have just opened a new location in Finlandia’s Nikander Hall. Please stop in to say hello, Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm. They’re excited to keep you caffeinated & fed throughout the school year!
Like them here: www.facebook.com/5thandelm
KEWEENAW.ORG 13
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Fourth Thursday in History: Comparing Butte, Montana, and Michigan’s Copper CountryOne hundred years ago, Butte and the Keweenaw Peninsula were the world’s two leading suppliers of copper. In 1913, Butte miners had already been unionized for three decades, setting a standard Michigan miners hoped to achieve when they went on strike that year.
Join Fred Quivik on Thursday, January 23, at Keweenaw National Historical Park headquarters, located at 25970 Red Jacket Road in Calumet, as he compares these mining districts, exploring ways that two different mineral deposits helped to shape two distinct mining histories. This presentation starts at 7pm and is free and open to the public.
In 1887, Butte surpassed the Keweenaw Peninsula as the world’s largest copper supplier. From then until World War I, Butte and the Keweenaw remained the United States’ two most important copper mining districts. The Keweenaw’s mines produced native copper, meaning the metal came out of the ground as pure copper, whereas Butte’s mines produced copper sulfide ores, chemically bound in mineral compounds composed of copper, sulfur, iron and arsenic. These compounds had to be taken apart in order to place pure copper on the market.
Quivik, an associate professor of history at Michigan Tech, will reveal how differences in the nature of the districts’ ore bodies helped to shape significantly different histories in the two places, including their histories of organized labor. He will also briefly describe differences in population distribution, technological developments, corporate consolidation, occupational hazards, and environmental impacts.
The Fourth Thursday in History series arranges public presentations on important aspects of Copper Country history, including techniques for historic preservation. Presentations are scheduled in venues throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula, particularly at historic sites associated with specific topics. They are always free and open to the public.
For further information, including specific directions to this event, contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at 906.337.3168 or check the web at www.nps.gov/kewe/index.htm. Ì
14 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
Keweenaw Peninsula Events Calendar 2014 Your source for area Business Events and Community Events
Thursday, January 23–Saturday, January 25
Heikinpaiva Mid Winter FestivalEvents in Hancockwww.pasty.com/heikki.
Thursday, January 23Fourth Thursday in History7pmKeweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters, Calumet.Info: 906.337.3168
Friday, January 24Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.
Friday, January 31–Saturday, February 1
John Dee SnowfestKeweenaw poker run, raffle/silent auction, banquet with dancing and live entertainment. Proceeds donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation: www.johndee.com
Friday, January 31Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.
Michigan Tech Winter CarnivalFebruary 5–8
You’ve probably noticed the flurry of activity on the campus of Michigan Technological University. Winter Carnival statue building is fully underway as students compete to create the most elaborate, clever or compelling scenes out of ice and snow. This year’s theme is “Nostalgic Films of Childhood Days Come to Life in Frosty Ways.”
A bevy of other annual Carnival events include a beard competition, broomball, curling, ice bowling and dog sled races — using people to knock down pins and pull a sled! — ice fishing, ice skating, skiing, snow volleyball, snowshoe races, and a tug-of-war on (you guessed it) ice!
You can roam around campus on Wednesday night, February 5, to witness the all-nighter statue competition, or tour the statues from Thursday through Sunday. Don’t forget your camera!
Check out their website for more info: www.mtu.edu/carnival/ Ì
Lake Gogebic Radar Run, February 1Come see the pros race or see how fast your sled can go!
MARENISCO – The Radar Run is a fun snowmobiling event for the whole family, sponsored by the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday, February 1 from 8am–4pm.
Enter your sled – four runs for $25 – stock and modified classes, with first, second and third prizes for each class. Race on two 1,000-foot tracks – one ice track and one snow pack.
Radar Run races are held at Gogebic Lodge, N9600 Hwy M-64 in Marenisco, Michigan.
For information or to register, call Kent at 906.842.3324; email [email protected], or call Don at 906.842.3321.
Tuesday, February 4Keweenaw Trail Services Meeting6–7 pmConvention and Visitors Bureau in Calumet.
Friday, February 7Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.
Wednesday, February 12Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance Meeting7:30–8:30 amFinnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.
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Interested In Getting Involved?
Participating in community events is a great way to network and create visibility for your company in the community.
For more information about upcoming events, check out our calendar: www.keweenaw.org/business-calendar
We are looking for photos of people doing business in the Keweenaw, to use on our website and in our newsletters. If you have photos you’d like to share, send them to [email protected]. Please include who took the photo and the area it was taken in so we can give proper credit. Thanks!
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce902 College Avenue, PO Box 336Houghton, MI 49931
Chamber members, we still need your brochures!Stop in to check out the newly remodeled Chamber office/Visitor Center, and bring your business brochures to fill our racks. Visitors to the area find useful information on our shelves, and we want our Chamber member businesses to be represented. This is a great way to increase your company’s visibility! Ì
CopperDog 150Sled Dog RacesFeb. 28–March 2Sixth annual race gearing up now!
The CopperDog 150 and CopperDog 40 bring 50 professional and recreational racing teams, 440 sled dogs, and over 5,000 fans to
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula for 138 miles of sled dog racing through a pristine winter wilderness.
This amazing race takes place annually the first weekend in March. Over the course of the weekend, the sled dog teams make their way from historic downtown Calumet, to the warm and welcoming community of Eagle Harbor, to the ever beautiful Copper Harbor, and then back to downtown Calumet. Along the way, fans and volunteers cheer them on and provide friendly assistance.
For info and volunteer opportunities, check out www.copperdog150.comwww.facebook.com/copperdog150
Thursday, February 13Keweenaw Spark Plug Awards DinnerCocktails 5–6 pmDinner and Awards 6–7:30 pm$30 RSVP by Feb. 7; $40/door. Shelden Grill at MagnusonFranklin Square Inn, Houghton.
Friday, February 14Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.
Wednesday, February 19Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting7:45 am–9:15 amAlternate locations.
Friday, February 21 & 28Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.
Looking for a way to get your advertising message out to a fresh new crowd? The Chamber newsletter has a circulation of more than 200localbusinesses. We can accept print-ready ads or build an ad for you... just ask for details. Email advertising is also available and reaches1,800emailaddresses! Newsletter and email advertising gets proven results — let us help you grow your business today!
The ad deadline is the 20th of the month for the next month’s newsletter. For example, May 20 is the deadline for an ad in the June newsletter. Call us with questions!
Ad rates per issue:Full page $1001/2 page $ 751/4 page $ 501/8 page $ 25Email campaign $ 25
The mission of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce:
SUPPORT: The Chamber supports businesses by providing information and referring inquiries to our partners like Keweenaw Economic Development Association, Small Business and Technology Development Center, MTEC SmartZone, Entrepreneur Support Center, Jutila Business Incubator or whichever organization is best to assist that business.
ATTRACT: The Chamber also provides information and referrals to people who want to visit or relocate here. If someone inquires about tourism, we send them directly to the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau. Whether someone is relocating a business or family here, we will continue to send them to the appropriate community resources that will meet their needs.
DEVELOP BUSINESS: The Chamber will continue to grow networking and visibility opportunities for small businesses. We will continue to provide ribbon cuttings, promotions, Eggs & Issues, golf outings, and a monthly newsletter.
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902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336 Houghton, MI 49931
