MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16

PRODUCTION BEGINS PG AT EAGLE MINE 14

UPPCO MOVES HEADQUARTERS PG TO MARQUETTE COUNTY 16

CONNECTING BUSINESS PG AND WORKFORCE 19

Sponsored by the Lake Superior Community Partnership WELCOME TO MARQUETTE COUNTY

POPULATION

MARQUETTE COUNTY: 68,288 CITY OF ISHPEMING: 6,583 CITY OF MARQUETTE: 21,265 CITY OF NEGAUNEE: 4,559 HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO MARQUETTE? LOCATION MILWAUKEE, WI: 294 miles Marquette County is in the central CHICAGO, IL: 384 miles Upper Peninsula on the south shore of 401 miles Lake Superior. MINNEAPOLIS, MN: DETROIT, MI: 455 miles

HISTORY DISCOVER MARQUETTE COUNTY The county of Marquette was first settled in the mid-1800s. Marquette Bike, run, or walk on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail spanning 48 miles from was established in 1848. It was named Chocolay Township to Republic Township. after Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest. Stop and taste locally brewed beer from our many breweries.

Spend the day beachside along 55 miles of Lake Superior shoreline or FOR MORE INFO: hiking to one of the 77 picturesque waterfalls. The Downtown Showdown ski and snowboard rail jam provides a glorious LAKE SUPERIOR COMMUNITY setting for tricks, spins, and flips every February. PARTNERSHIP CONTACT: Black Rocks at Presque Isle hosts many scenic spots to hike or relax and 501 S. Front St gaze upon the beautiful Lake Superior waters. Marquette, Mi 49855 (906) 226-6591 Cheer on sled dog teams at the start of the UP 200 and Midnight Run in (888) 578-6489 downtown Marquette and the Jack Pine 30 in Gwinn. www.marquette.org The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market brings joy to the community Fax: (906) 226-2099 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. [email protected] Discover Sawyer Family Fun Day is a chance to check out Sawyer International Airport up close.

Pioneer Days takes place in Negaunee each summer and includes a softball tournament, parade, family friendly activities and fireworks over Teal Lake.

02 ALMANAC Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org #10 BestPlace for Young Families (Nerd Wallet) #8 BestSmallCity in America (Yahoo Travel) Adventure Destination 10 Underrated U.S. (Thrillist) #1 Statein America (Canoe &Kayak Magazine) Paddling TownBest (Gear Patrol) 25 BestPlaces to Travel in the World (Nerd Wallet) Job Seekers in the Midwest #23 BestPlace for Millennial (Nerd Wallet) RECOGNITION RECENT

3 HEALTH 2 EDUCATION 1 LOCAL BUSINESSES SECTIONS RED CROSS SAIL . PIKE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. COCO’S CASA CALABRIA RANGE AGENCYIRON NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY LOCAL BUSINESSES MARQUETTE COUNTY SERVICES SERVICES UPAWS NON-PROFIT TRAVEL MARQUETTE MARQUETTE MARATHON RECREATION U.P. HOME HEALTH &HOSPICE YMCA HEALTH CAREER JUMP START EDUCATION UPPCO U.P. REGIONAL LABOR FEDERATION VAST EAGLE MINE LAKE SUPERIOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SUPERIOR EXTRUSION QUICKTROPHY SWICK HOME SERVICES COGNITION BREWING COMPANY CAREER TECH EDUCATIONCAREER TECH WHAT’S INSIDE ......

...... 6 SERVICES NON-PROFIT 5 4 RECREATION WHAT’S INSIDE ...... 20 25 22 10 10 24 24 14 8 12 22 9 18 19 11 16 4 6 15 5 15 26-27 7 21

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VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 TRAINING GROUND

NMU graduate student lands dream job in the U.P. CODY NORTON

Being a wildlife biologist has always been a goal of Cody Norton’s. food supply impact white-tailed deer populations in the U.P. The experience is also a unique one. This is the only large-scale study in The Marquette native has not only achieved that goal, but he was Michigan that takes winter weather into account, Norton said. able to do it right here in the Upper Peninsula. “So our study was really what the DNR looked to, and people The biology graduate student at throughout the state looked to, to try to figure out how severe Northern Michigan University is were these past winters and how has it really affected the deer completing his thesis on black bears, population,” Norton said. researching white-tailed deer predation and starting his dream job, all before Research revealed the past few winters were devastating, Norton he graduates in August. An avid said, with up to 68 percent mortality for does and 100 percent outdoorsman since childhood, Norton mortality for fawns. is one month into his new position as a Michigan Department of Natural “I think it was one of highest recorded mortality rates ... ever Resources wildlife biologist in the documented in the literature,” Norton said. While some people have Shingleton area. attributed the deer population decline to wolves and other predators, this research shows the harsh weather has been chiefly responsible. “My entire life, I’ve really, really loved wildlife,” Norton said, adding that his “We’re taking that information and then trying to manage deer new job — where he makes routine winter complexes throughout the U.P. right now, through the DNR, direct contact with animals and the to ensure that deer have enough cover in the winter and have natural environment — doesn’t feel like enough food so they can make it through, hopefully better than they work to him. have the last few winters.”

“It’s really neat having them in your Norton’s thesis focuses on black bears, specifically the effects of hands, and their life really is dependent the timber harvest and infanticide risk on their population. He won on you paying attention and doing the Truman Award for best poster presentation at the 23rd annual everything correctly,” Norton said. “We International Conference on Bear Research and Management in are absolutely as careful and attentive Thessaloniki, Greece. He also presented at the Wildlife Society as we can be. But every once in a while, National Conference in Pittsburgh. you have to kind of sit back and say, ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this right now.’ The conference in Greece brought researchers and wildlife managers It’s a blast. It’s what gets you through from a variety of stakeholders, agencies and universities in 42 all those days out in the swamp getting different countries together to address common and unique issues eaten up by mosquitos.” facing all bear species. The U.P. and NMU have provided an While Norton has many small goals now, he already achieved the ample learning environment for Norton. big one, and he was able to do so without having to venture far from home. For the last three years, Norton has participated in a 12-year study by “Becoming a biologist has been my goal since day one. Now that I Mississippi State University and the have it, as of right now, I want to keep doing what I’m doing,” Norton Michigan DNR, researching how said. “I’ve only been doing it for a month so I ... just want to try to predation, winter weather, habitat and continually improve and manage the wildlife in my area as best I can.”

04 LOCAL BUSINESSES Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org IRON RANGEAGENCY County, theU.S. National Ski&Snowboard HallofFame, Ishpeming organizations inthecommunity: BigBrothers/Big Sisters ofMarquette The Iron Range Agency alsoover the years hassupported anumber of support them.” They support us and we want to “We like tosupportour community. by actingassenior executive advisor. total ofover 100 years with theagency. Tom Edmark alsostays involved Jill Stagliano, Tracy Matson andColeen Pepin. They have acombined This year, Tom Edmark soldhisagency to four employees: Scott Lyman, Custom Insurance Agency in1998andJennings Insurance in2007. then, theagency hasgrown from astaffofsix to 14. The businessbought Their son, Tom, joinedthefirmin1977andpurchased itin1988.Since renamed ittheIron Range Agency. ance Agency. The Edmarks becamesoleowners ofthebusiness,and western Marquette County, forming the Viall-Dighera-Edmark Insur In 1971,Harry andBerniceEdmark bought two insurance agencies in this year, thesale went to long-timeemployees. The insurance agency, located at 101N. MainSt. inIshpeming, was sold The Iron Range Agency haschanged owners butisstillingood hands. grows andsupports community - OWNER, SCOTT LYMAN uated from within, hesaid. nally, theagency was perpet- By sellingtheagency inter Lyman said ness inthecommunity,” “This isalongstandingbusi- - -

The agency is openfrom 8:30a.m.to 5p.m. weekdays. professional designations. continue their education intheindustry through advanced training and The agency, Lyman andStagliano said,alsoencourages itsemployees to in the years following from when they first took outtheir policies. lationships, shesaid. The clients alsolike it when they seethesameface Clients thenget to know theemployees, who develop thosepersonal re- “Once hired, it’s almostalifetime occupation,” Stagliano said. Stagliano noted theemployees at theagency tend to stay there. The face-to-face contact helps with customer interaction, hesaid. Lyman said. presence inthecommunity, we have anawful lot ofcustomer loyalty,” typical insurance agency isthat because we have suchalongstanding “I think what maybe makes usalittledifferent from what may bethe pointed out,isitslongevity. However, what setstheagency apartfrom others inthearea, Lyman The agency handlesauto, business,homeandlife insurance. and we want to supportthem.” “We like to supportour community,” Stagliano said.“They supportus of Dimesandthe YMCA ofMarquette County. Ishpeming CarnegiePublicLibrary, theIshpemingSkiClub,March Little League,the Western Marquette County Health Foundation, the LOCAL BUSINESSES 05

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 Casa Calabria owners celebrate renovations with a ribbon cutting.

Casa A True FamilyCalabria Restaurant

The Casa Calabria on Third Street, one of said, “and the other year was 2008, which was Marquette’s oldest Italian restaurants, has a family not a good year for anybody.” tree that stretches across the Upper Peninsula to But even after the national economic recession, Wisconsin. the Casa has continued to flourish and just The Johnson, Barbiere and Fernandez families finished up with some recent renovations and have owned and operated 23 restaurants since improvements, including the installation of new Felix and Concetta Sarvello Barbiere opened the carpets, booths, tables, wall coverings and kitchen first one in Ishpeming in 1948. equipment. “Our grandparents were from Italy, Calabria Along with the changing appearance, the specifically, that’s how we got the name, the Casa restaurant, which is known for its lasagna, Calabria,” said Jim Johnson, who co-owns the tenderloin steak and garlic bread, has added some restaurant with his wife, Joan, and brother Phil. new menu items, as well. Johnson said his grandparents moved from Italy to “We just put seafood on, we have scallops, tuna Ishpeming in the late 1900s. and shrimp on the grill, which are really great,” Johnson said, adding that the restaurant has even “You grew your own little vegetables, raised your added hamburgers to its offerings. own pigs and chickens back in those days and then he started selling cudighis. He had his own But the menu changes aren’t intended as a little stand that they built,” he said. “So then his diversion from the classic Italian food the kids, my uncles, there were six boys, I think pretty restaurant has been serving up for years. much all of them moved to Milwaukee and started “I think we have about 11 different sauces now, working at restaurants down there.” nine different pastas,” Johnson said. “But all the At 19 years old, Johnson moved to Milwaukee basic products are still the same and the bread to manage a restaurant there and learned the recipe is still the same that we’ve used since day business from his two uncles. In 1981, he moved one.” back to Marquette, and with his brother opened the Casa, which has seen financial success over While the restaurant’s interior retains the fine the years. dining style and appearance, it’s not a shirt- “Out of those 34 years we’ve only had two years and-tie type of place.“We like to have people where we weren’t ahead of the year before, and feel comfortable coming in in jeans or shorts,” one of those years we had construction on Third Johnson said. “We try to make people feel Street, so I kind of expected that then,” Johnson comfortable and more at home.”

06 LOCAL BUSINESSES weddings andoutdoor concerts. patio for outdoor entertainment anda300-person event tent for catering, graffiti artist, liquidchalkpaint inthebar for drawing onthe walls,a lot plannedheadinginto summer, includinganinterior mural by alocal Gonda doesn’t want to “let too muchoutofthebag,” hesaid,buthasa been great,” Gondasaid. faces, peoplefrom outoftown to checkoutthemusicandstuff,soit’s “It’s beenreally awesome to seealot of young peopleinhere, alot offresh Gonda saidtheresponse sofar hasbeenphenomenal. After Hours isopen Thursday -Saturday from 9p.m. to 2a.m. an elevated DJ booth, anew housesoundsystem andnew lighting. stage in thefront oftherestaurant, asecondbar inthemaindiningroom, Coco’s After Hours’ biggest renovations are completed, withabrand-new the beachthat served icecolddrinks.” heading upthechanges. “Ifell inlove with theideaofhaving aplaceon “I’m abigfanofnightlife,” saidNick Gonda,theowners’ son, who is a new bar, stage andsoundsystem, with more changes instore. has alsobecome“Coco’s After Hours,” amusicand event venue featuring Lakeshore Boulevard for thelastseven years. SinceJanuary, therestaurant Coco’s restaurant hasbeenservingbreakfast, lunchanddinner on the weekends.on scene, transforming aplacethetown knows well into acenter ofnightlife A new event venue inMarquette isestablishingitselfinthelive music AFTER HOURS COCO’S Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org

nightlife getsaboost Local restaurant getsamakeover, Facebook page, updated daily. The best way to follow upcomingevents andspecialsisonCoco’s back.” around isn’t really comingaround muchanymore, so we got to bringthat the bigentertainment we usedto get when theUpfront &Company was “I want to change thegameinMarquette alittlebit,” Gondasaid. “A lot of After Hours, hesaid. in Ibiza,Spain. That experienceisthesource ofhisinspiration for Coco’s Gonda, 25,spent thelastfour years working asabartender at alarge resort going to bealot offun.” start inJanuary letuskindofdialthingsin with service...thissummer’s “We’re doingitbig, we’re really ramping itup,” Gondasaid.“A nicelittle LOCAL BUSINESSES 07

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 COGNITION BREWING COMPANY

Tucked away in the old tap room at the former Mather Inn Hotel excited and start learning about them, what goes into them, and in Ishpeming is the recently established Cognition Brewing the next thing you know you’re buying home brew equipment Company. trying to replicate things you enjoy.” “We just went with that name because we wanted to make it so when you come in and get a beer, you’re actually kind of thinking about what it is you have in front of you, you’re not just pounding beers and not really thinking about it,” said Brian ON MONDAYS, COGNITION PREPARES SMALL Richards, Cognition’s head brewer. BATCH RELEASE OF EXPERIMENTAL BEERS A lot of thought went into naming the brewery, and a lot of EXAMPLES: thought went into naming the wide variety of beers the brewery JALAPENO SAISON has produced, such as the Hopjection Your Honor IPA or the Gnome-Wrecker Belgian Pale Ale, which was the first beer STRAWBERRY Cognition ever sold out of. “When people come in here they can expect to see new stuff on the taps pretty often,” Richards said. “We’re just trying to keep it fresh and have new stuff for people to try.” As for the location, Cognition’s entrance is nestled into the side of the former Mather Inn Hotel, which was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1976 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, before the hotel closed in 1987. It was built in the 1930s and in 1959 served as lodging for the cast of the movie “Anatomy of a Murder.”

Richards said another location on Ishpeming’s Main Street was considered, but the historical appeal of the former Tap Room, and the fact that the space was physically bigger, sealed the deal. “It already has a bar that everybody already has good memories of from back in the day, and it’s just been sitting empty for all these years,” he said. “It was just kind of a no-brainer as soon as we saw this option become available.”

On Mondays, Cognition also prepares small batch releases of experimental beers like bourbon-barreled barley wine and strawberry jalapeno saison. Richards said he wanted to get involved in the brewing business after he developed an affection for craft beer in college. “I thought I could save a bunch of money by just making good beer and not having to spend 10 bucks on a six pack all the time,” he said. “You just start trying different beers and get

08 LOCAL BUSINESSES PIKE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. West Branch Sportsman Club. Marquette Royals Hockey, Negaunee Hockey League,Ore to Shore and Camp, DeadRiver Derby, Harbor Fest, Marquette Area Blues Festival, community events includingpopular programs suchasBay Cliff Health Pike isactive inthe localcommunity andparticipates incharitableand services. vehicles, officesupplies, warehouse equipment and other goodsand economy –andthat means getting nearly everything locally, including Pike Distributors anditsemployees are committed to supportingthelocal we’re inapositionto dothat.” communities thrive andcompete ina21stcentury economy, and we believe 1937. Ultimately, we want to doour part to help our localeconomy andlocal the great level ofserviceto our customers that we have provided since generations” Ketvirtis said.“Pike Distributors iscommitted to continuing because they’re theemployers andemployees who have supported usfor absolutely important to make sure we supportlocalbusinessesat every step “As theonly locally owned distributor leftinthe region, we feel it’s organizations andevents” said Vice President Jack Ketvirtis. community. We are very proud ofour involvement andsponsorship of “The Upper Peninsula isour homeandPike believes insupportingthe third generation company intheUpper Peninsula. positioning thelocalfamily owned business for thefuture andkeeping the For Pike Distributors Inc.,hard work andgoing localare thekeys to Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org of organizationsand events.” very proud of our involvement and sponsorship believes in supporting thecommunity. We are “The Upper Peninsula is our homeand Pike building displays andeven driving atruckto deliver products. a hands-onapproach to thebusiness.He isoften outservicingaccounts, As thethird generation to leadPike, Ketvirtis strongly believes intaking together, ” Ketvirtis said. community tacklechallenges andsolve problems to move theU.P. forward Peninsula. We don’t justprovide on-timedelivery; we alsohelpfolks inour back because we’re allfrom thearea, we allhave deeproots intheUpper “We’re really excited to buildrelationships with our customers andgive benefits. wages andbenefits,including healthcare, profit sharing,401(k) and other locations: Marquette, Newberry andGladstone. Pike’s employees enjoy good East. Altogether, Pike employs more than40full-timeemployees at itsthree In 2011,Pike openedanew 35,000-plussquare foot facility at 353U.S. 41 | keeps it local LOCAL BUSINESSES -V.P., JackKetvirtis 09

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 SWICK PROVIDES QUALITY SERVICE TO MARQUETTE COUNTY

As any homeowner knows, things can go wrong in an instant. Your to provide other services. pipes could be clogged or the heat doesn’t turn on, and that can go from “We do heating and plumbing and we’re also helping local businesses,” an inconvenience to a big problem. he said. “We’re helping build the new Dairy Queen as well as some Thankfully for local residents, they have a company that can fix a wide assisted living projects. We realized that we can’t focus on just one thing variety of problems. Swick Home Services has been providing quality and we have to create a niche for ourselves.” service to Marquette County for many years and is striving to continue In addition to providing good customer service, Swick also gives back to do so. to the community. Gilles says that it sponsors Alzheimer’s awareness, “Our focus is on customer service and one of the things that we provide helps with Toys for Tots and provides scholarships for local students to is letting customers make their own decisions,” Vice President and go to trade schools. Operations Manager Rick Gilles said. “Sometimes we’ll go out and do a “It’s hard to find people who want to go into the trades, so we’re working simple repair and we’ll say, ‘We can fix the problem or we can replace hard to bring them back into schools,” he said. “It’s a well-paying it with a new one.’ People don’t like not being able to make decisions profession and we tell kids that after their workday is done, they can on their own and we think giving them options gives them a better experience. actually see what they’ve accomplished.” “We also tell our employees not to get nervous if they get a bad review In a nutshell, Swick is there to provide the residents of Marquette because it gives us an opportunity to fix that problem and provide better County what they need, whether it be in their home or in their service.” community. Gilles says that Swick has been around for almost 40 years and that it “We want customers to know that we are there for them whenever they started off as a heating business. Over the years, Swick has grown from need it,” Gilles said. “We’re blessed with the finest people and employees having two or three service technicians to nine or 10. It has also started and our goal is to provide the best service in the Upper Peninsula.”

QUICKTROPHY CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY

QuickTrophy, an internet-based company that is located in design to make it easier for them, our target market, making Marquette, will be celebrating their 15th anniversary this fall. their job as simple as possible.”

“In 2000 when we started this, there weren’t any other trophy Dehring said that the concept for QuickTrophy wasn’t his companies on the internet,” said Terrence Dehring, president initially, and that he came into the business by a little bit of of QuickTrophy. “A year later, there were like five or six of luck. us. If we had waited a couple more years, it wouldn’t have “I was moving to Marquette, and a friend of mine that lives in worked, but we were just in the right place at the right time.” Detroit had the idea,” he said. “He had a regular job, so he QuickTrophy is able to ship their products, which include didn’t have the time to dedicate, and he said, ‘If you don’t have trophies, medals, glass awards, nametags, nameplates, a job lined up when you move to Marquette, do you want to acrylic awards, and more, worldwide in just a matter of days go into business together?’ depending on the location. This is due to their high volume “He and another guy had done some preliminary and fast turnaround, and it gives their customers a lot of variety investigations, and saw that this idea probably has some to choose from. potential — and then I came along and my background was pretty suited for this type of a business.” On QuickTrophy.com, it states that the website was designed and tested by coaches and team managers who order a lot of He added that being internet-based allowed the company to trophies. be located wherever they wanted.

“People who order trophies would be the team managers and “It works fine to have it located in Marquette because we the coaches, so we came up with our design and we sat down can ship worldwide, we can ship nationwide,” Dehring said. with some people and said to just go through this and give us “Probably two-thirds of the country is only three days away, some feedback,” Dehring said. “We made a few changes to the shipping time.”

10 LOCAL BUSINESSES that makeproducts.For example,thecompany willproducethe Superior Extrusion’s partsgenerally are shippedtocompanies metal isbeingpushedthroughinthesameamountoftime. opportunity forthecompany, Amberg acknowledged, becausemore press. In2008,a9-inch press was added. That was abiggrowth The company madeitsfirstextrusionin1998startingwitha7-inch “We lookforgrowth opportunitiesandpossiblyexpansion,” hesaid. Superior Extrusionnow sells3millionpoundsofproductpermonth. we’re at175.” “We startedwithahandfulofpeople,” Randy DeBoltsaid.“Today his brotherMyron. Randy DeBolt,currentpresident,foundedthecompany in1996with between oneandhundredsofshapesthecompany canmake.” “There aremany differentshapes,” hesaid,“socustomerswillhave executive officersaid. Doh machine,” Dan Amberg, formercorporate presidentand chief determine what shapecomesout,soitwillbevery similartoaPlay- we takealuminumandpushitthroughadie,thatdiewill “To give you aframe ofreference,mostpeopleunderstandthat hollow orsemi-hollow. shapes madefromaluminumforitscustomers,which can be solid, The company, locatedat118 Ave. GatK.I.Sawyer, createscustom beam, SuperiorExtrusionInc.,istheplacetogo. If you needsomethingmadefromshapessuch asaP tubeoranI SUPERIOR EXTRUSION Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org

AN INTEGRALPART OFMANUFACTURING More improvements couldbeontheway. two connectingplants. 24/7 operation. The company’s 100,000-square-footspaceconsistsof Another boosttoSuperiorExtrusionisitsswitch in2014toamostly is littlewaste atthesite. industrial scrap. Because aluminumcanberecycled repeatedly, there The company alsorecycles itsaluminum,which ishigh-grade made.” from oneortwo to threehandsbeforetheendproductisactually over theworld. We sometimesdon’t even know becausethey’re going service centersthat’llselltomanufacturers.Ourproductsendupall supplying companiesthatsupplymanufacturers,sowe’llsellto “So, we’re supplyingmanufacturers,” Amberg said.“We’re also aluminum partsneededtomakeawindow. LOCAL BUSINESSES 11

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 LSCP - THEN AND NOW The Lake Superior Community Partnership The partnership is built on the belief that efforts to improve (LSCP) began in the 1980s when community the area’s quality of life should be regional in nature, built leaders gathered to focus on issues affecting around private-public partnerships and focused on community the county’s mining industry, which development. In fact, the ongoing partnership between the LSCP threatened thousands of jobs. and Marquette County is crucial for development efforts and has

been in place since the organization’s creation. The LSCP is 75% In 1997 the threat of closure of the KI Sawyer Air Force Base privately and 25% publicly funded. The understanding that private reignited the group which was then called the Lake Superior Jobs sector investment drives economic development is one of the Coalition. Leaders were solicited from all sectors of Marquette group’s founding principles. County. With the ultimate closure of the base, they supported the county commission as they made the difficult but forward- Located at 501 S. Front St. in Marquette, the LSCP provides thinking decision to move the airport to the old Air Force base. business development services for anyone in Marquette County.

In addition to these services, an extensive network of partners allows it to make connections between businesses, organizations, “Our focus remains clearly on economic and busines leaders and legislators and provide a powerful legislative voice by development and all the services that encompasses.” advocating for programs and policies that strengthen our regional economy. -CEO, AMY CLICKNER “We encourage anyone who has an idea for a business or already owns a business to stop in,” commented Clickner. “Our “The LSCP has evolved over the last 17 years as any organization experienced business development team can assist you with any should. Years ago we were an umbrella organization for many of your business development needs and make the connections non-profits to more effectively use the resources granted us by that matter.” our community members,” said LSCP CEO Amy Clickner. “Our work in the past has been varied. From playing support roles in The LSCP recognizes that the growth of the area’s tax base relies the Ore to Shore, Noquemanon Ski Race and NTN to helping to on the ability to create and retain jobs that keep residents in our create a recreational authority that is now known as the Iron Ore county, while attracting new ones. Since the county’s economy Heritage Trail, we have been there when needed. Now, our focus depends on highly skilled people, it must be competitive in remains clearly on economic and business development and all attracting professionals who have many options when choosing an the services that encompasses.” area in which to live.

LSCP celebrates ground breaking with longtime partner and client CrossFit 906.

12 LOCAL BUSINESSES Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org LOCAL BUSINESSES 13

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 EAGLE MINE SURPASSING COMPANY PROJECTIONS

Since beginning production last fall, through the first quarter of this year, the Eagle Mine and Humboldt Mill have continued to surpass expectations of its owners, the Lundin Mining Corp. “Thanks to our team, we’re off to a great start this year at Eagle Mine,” said Dan Blondeau, senior advisor for communications and media relations. “This year will be our first full year of operations, also our biggest production year.”

Production first began Nov. 24 at the Eagle Mine in Michigamme Township and the Humboldt Mill in Humboldt Township.

First quarter production at the Eagle Mine was 8,053 tons of nickel and 7,074 tons of copper, which was better than the company had projected.

“We also delivered higher than expected throughput, grades and recoveries,” Blondeau said. earnings release, the company said those results were positively impacted by the recently-acquired Candelaria Mining Complex in Chile, which had net earnings of $59.5 million, and the Eagle Mine, which posted $13.4 million in “We are excited to have discovered new zones of high-grade net earnings. mineralization so close to the existing mine, and we look forward to ramping up our exploration campaign for the remainder of the year.” Operating earnings for Lundin during the first quarter were $274 million, - PRESIDENT AND CEO, PAUL CONIBEAR which was an increase of $230.9 million from the $43.1 million in the first quarter in 2014. Lundin officials said the increase was primarily attributed to Eagle’s $56.1 million and Candelaria’s $163.7 million operating results. Across its operations, Lundin recorded first quarter net earnings of $83.3 million or net earnings attributable to shareholders — after deducting non- The earnings report said average London Metal Exchange prices for copper controlling interests — of $71.8 million ($0.10 per share). Lundin operations, were 17 percent lower than the first quarter of 2014, with nickel prices down minus the Tenke Fungurume copper cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic 2 percent and lead down 14 percent. Zinc prices were up 2 percent. of the Congo, generated cash flow of $224 million. First quarter operating costs, excluding depreciation, were $250.6 million, “During the first quarter, we achieved record copper and nickel production which was an increase of $150.4 million compared to the $100.2 million as well as record levels of operating cash flow, which reflects the positive from the first quarter of 2014. Lundin officials said the increase was largely contributions now being attained from our recent acquisitions,” said Paul attributed to the incremental costs of $32.3 million at the Eagle Mine and Conibear, Lundin president and CEO. “Eagle performed at or above full $128.5 million at Candelaria. design capacities for the entire quarter.”

Lundin’s $83.3 million net earnings for the first quarter was an increase of Eagle Mine’s copper production in the fourth quarter of 2014 was 3,975 $70 million over the $13.3 million earned in the first quarter last year. In an tons. The full 2014 production total was 4,304 tons. Lundin officials had projected production of between 2,205 and 3,307 tons. Nickel production for the fourth quarter of 2014 at Eagle Mine was 4,512 tons, while the full 2014 production total was 4,740 tons. Projections for nickel were the same for that of copper.

Lundin recently announced that exploration drilling near the Eagle Mine has intersected a new zone of high-grade massive and semi-massive nickel- copper sulphide mineralization. The discovery is located approximately two kilometers east of the Eagle deposit, and is a consequence of the step-out drilling program.

Conibear stated in a press release, “The significant assays reported… demonstrate that our exploration strategy near the Eagle Mine is delivering exceptionally high-grade results. We are excited to have discovered new zones of high-grade mineralization so close to the existing mine, and we look forward to ramping up our exploration campaign for the remainder of the year.”

14 LOCAL BUSINESSES HAS YOU COVERED property, general liability, grouphealthinsurance, grouplife employer intheregionthatdoesn’t needworkers compensation, doesn’t needsomekindofinsurance,” White said.“There isn’t an “It’s very clear. Imean, thereisn’t anybody inourmarketplacethat options. He saidit’s important thatthefirm’s clientshave such awide range of construction,”said. White in professionalhealthcareliability, surety, manufacturing,and insurance, benefits, businessinsurance. We alsohave specializations “We’re anindependentagency thatdoesmulti-lines—personal employers intheUpperPeninsula. coverage foreverything fromthesmallestbusinesstolargest The firmhasmorethan40employees, abletoprovide insurance Scott White. many peopleinourcommunity,” saidCEOandChiefRiskOfficer “We’re avery fortunatecompany, thatwehave thesupportofso choice forbusinessesandindividuals alike. firm, hasbuiltareputation over thepast130 years asthecompany of VAST, aMarquette-basedregionalinsurance andriskmanagement have anoutstandingteam who worked very closely andcollaboratively with Hampton Innowner. “You couldn’t have asked for abetter contractor. They Inn Marquette Waterfront was excellent,” commented Tim Larson, “Our experience with GundlachChampion when buildingtheHampton well. The Hampton Innhadapositive experiencecompletingconstructionas would not have beenaccomplished without theavailable work force.” the project, thehighquality work was performed safe andproductive. This doors were openfor business over 36,000man-hours were expendedon Management Co-Chair andPresident ofGundlachChampion.“When the Upper Peninsula,” stated Jim Ebli,Upper Peninsula Construction Council workforce andcollaboration between management andlabor inthe “The Hampton InnProject isanexampleoftheavailability of theunion development inour area istheHampton InnMarquette Waterfront. A recent constructionproject that hashadagreat impactoneconomic phase thisisparticularly important.” many pieces ofacomplexpuzzlemustcometogether. Intheconstruction Lake Superior Community Partnership CEO. “For aproject to besuccessful “Economic development encompassesmany things,” said Amy Clickner, true inMarquette County andthe Upper Peninsula. businesses working together to achieve acommongoal. This iscertainly Commercial growth isoften the result of several groups, organizations and VAST MATTERS WORKFORCE Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org

very proudofthat.” talent fromtheregion,UpperPeninsula,” White said.“We’re “We’ve beenabletoattract andretainsomeofthe bestandbrightest put down roots. people who have decidedtheMarquetteareaiswhere theywant to such top-qualityservices, White said.Itsemployees arehighlyskilled The firm’s teamtalent isanotherreasonithasbeenabletoprovide 40 Below, amongothers. organizations, andaremembersofsuch clubsasKiwanis, Rotary and White said.Itsemployees areencouraged tojoinlocalservice Community participationisimportanttothecompany aswell, Cousineau andJay Hiller. Its currentpartnersare White, Chris VanAbel, Pam Stewart, Tom Loans hasundergoneninenamechanges andhashad15partners. Since itshumblebeginningsSidney Adams RealEstate,Insurance and at Graveraet School isnamedafter Adams. man insurance and realestateoperation. White saidthegymnasium VAST was originallyfoundedin1885by SidneyB. Adams asaone- insurance ... The peopleinourregionneedit,very specifically.” AFL-CIO affiliated localunions withapproximately 13,000members. over alltheCentral Labor Councils intheU.P. The U.P. RLF represents 41 across theregion. The Federation was formed to betheparent organization example ofanorganization that works to create jobsandlifttheeconomy the newly formed Upper Peninsula Regional Labor Federation, another The MichiganBuildingandConstruction Trades Council isanaffiliate of construction servicesat thebestpossible value. industry by supplying thesafest, highestquality andmostcosteffective contractors and building trades professionals work together to advance their working for a signatory contractor or asacommunity volunteer. Signatory professionalism andastrong work ethicto every project, whether they’re working with contractors andcontractor associations. Members bringpride, unionized construction workforce. They supportbuildingtrades unionsby help protect thesafety, working conditionsand wages ofMichigan’s to ensure thesuccessfulnessofprojects across theregion. The Councils Peninsula Construction Council are examplesoforganizations that work The MichiganBuildingandConstruction Trades Council andtheUpper and Jamrich HallonthecampusofNMU. Mine &Millfacilities,Presque IslePower Plant, Cliffs Natural Resources, tremendous amount of economic development to the area include the Eagle Other examplesofsuccessfulandongoing projects that have brought a the buildingensuringendresult was nothing shortofstunning.” us throughout the whole process. They took alot ofprideandownership in LOCAL BUSINESSES 15

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 TRANSITION UPPCO MAKING PROGRESS

Upper Peninsula Power Co. (UPPCO) officials said good progress has The company announced the UPPCO leadership team would include been made since August toward the utility returning to serve 10 counties CEO Barbara Siehr, CFO Steve Manz and Chief Operating Officer in the Upper Peninsula as an independent energy provider. Keith Moyle. In August, UPPCO officials said the sale of the utility to Balfour Beatty Siehr said nine months into the transition, the progress has left her feel- Infrastructure Partners, announced earlier in the year had been com- ing good about the utility’s future. In particular, she cited the new em- pleted.UPPCO was sold to the Balfour infrastructure equity investment ployees who have been hired to provide key support services and work on the front line serving customers. fund by Chicago-based Integrys Energy Group, returning UPPCO to its original status as a Michigan-headquartered energy provider. “These are jobs and functions that had been performed outside Michigan that have now been brought back here to the Upper Peninsula,” Siehr Their parent company, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Partners, is an in- said. “We are very pleased to be part of creating new jobs and helping the frastructure equity investment fund, focusing on investments in energy, region’s economy.” utilities and transport infrastructure in the U.S., Canada and Europe. The fund has offices in New York and London. Siehr said she anticipates more job creation in the coming months as the company continues its transition back to the U.P.

In addition to hiring new employees and investing in office space for them, UPPCO is deep into its preparations to establish warehouse space “Employees continue to work and facilities and staffing for dispatching line crews and taking calls from hard at what the company is customers, Siehr said. known for—providing safe and UPPCO hopes to continue to grow its presence in the U.P. Although in the midst of its transition, Siehr said employees continue to reliable service” work hard at what the company is known for—providing safe and reliable service, customer service and being a proud community supporter in the - CEO, BARBARA SIEHR areas the utility serves. UPPCO was incorporated in 1947 through a merger involving three small- er electric companies: the Houghton County Electric Light Co., Under terms of the sales agreement announced in January 2014, the pur- the Copper District Power Co. and the Iron Range Light and Power Co. chase price was about $298.8 million for UPPCO’s electrical distribution They serve roughly 52,000 electric retail customers with a service territo- operations, excluding its American Transmission Company holdings. ry that measures 4,460 square miles. The utility was previously acquired UPPCO’s assets include seven hydroelectric generation facilities, 3,300 by Integrys in 1998. miles of electric distribution lines and 58 distribution substations. No changes are expected for UPPCO customers as a result of the sale. For more information, visit: www.uppco.com.

16 LOCAL BUSINESSES Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 CAREER JUMP START LOOKS TO HELP STUDENTS LAND JOBS

With the cost of college tuition forever on the increase, Career Jump after three years obtain an associate’s degree in a high-tech, high- Start (CJS) helps promote other career choices for local high school demand field, after which they are guaranteed employment with the students and those who have already graduated by helping them same employer for an additional two years. O’Brien added that this connect with employers in the trade industries. will allow workers to remain in the state of Michigan instead of just obtaining a degree and moving on to work elsewhere. According to Linda O’Brien, Career Jump Start Liaison for Region 1, the CJS program “is actually an initiative that was started by Governor Snyder back about three years ago when he was Anyone interested in MAT2 or Career Jump Start and what designating 10 regions across Michigan. As part of the initiative, it has to offer can find a listing of all the regional liaisons Governor Snyder encourages the education and workforce on mitalent.org website under career explorer. development sectors to work together to help build a better state.”

facebook.com/MiCareerJS.

Career Jump Start (CJS) helps promote other career choices for local high school students and those who have already graduated by helping them connect with employers in the trade industries.

O’Brien, the liaison for the whole Upper Peninsula, has the unique task of bringing information to school administrators, counselors, parents and, most importantly, students, about Career Jump Start and the programs and resources available to them within their community, region, and even in the State of Michigan.

“In each region, the career liaison works with the workforce placement agencies as well as the intermediate school districts, high schools, community colleges and universities,” said O’Brien. The career liaisons also promote the Michigan Advanced Technical Training program (MAT2) supported by a group of downstate companies partnering with community colleges to create a curriculum to meet the technical training demands in those industries.” This five-year program is open to Michigan residents who have earned their high school diploma or GED. Upon acceptance in the program, students will have their college tuition paid for by the employer who hires them, receive on-the-job training with pay, and

18 EDUCATION Michigan Works!, Manpower, theUpper Superior Community Partnership, University, Localschooldistricts,Lake Service Agency, Northern Michigan from Marquette Alger Regional Education economy. It includesrepresentatives needed to sustainandgrow our regional interest inproducing theskilled workforce individuals andorganizations who have an individuals andhasgrown to over thirty Bradley, originally started with five The group, which ischaired by Stu that benefitCTEstudents andinstructors. recruit sponsors for workshops andevents between education andindustry and for opportunitiesto develop partnerships relatively new, they are constantly looking students. Although thegroup isstill opportunities for both K-12 andcollege promote Career and Technical Education volunteer board setupto supportand Career Tech Education Committee isa WORKFORCE BUSINESS AND CONNECTING Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org and grow our economy. the skilled workforce neededto sustain loan debt.Most importantly, CTEprovides quicker and without amountain ofstudent the opportunity to move into agreat career achievement as well asprovides students learning that promotes greater academic themselves. CTEishands-on,minds-on and determine thebestcareer pathway for drive acareer while they are inhighschool through CTE,itallows students to test By offering theopportunitiescreated eligible to receive college credits. with college courses sothestudents are courses andthey are academically aligned academic standards asother highschool same rigorous content andchallenging Early CTEprograms committee have the government, state agencies andindustry. Peninsula Construction Council, local NON-PROFIT EDUCATION HEALTH 17 19 17

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 MARQUETTE YMCA

Off the top of her head, Lisa Coombs-Gerou couldn’t say how many literacy programs, financial education and legal services, to name just a programs are being offered by the YMCA of Marquette County. few of the available services.

It’s little wonder. “Some really neat things are happening here,” Coombs-Gerou said, adding there will be about 200 staff members working this summer Upon further inspection, the number is around 175, with the possibility when camps are held. of more in the future. She said she’s especially proud of “about a dozen” programs at the “Y.” “There’s just a lot of stuff happening here a lot of people don’t know about,” the local YMCA’s CEO said. “We have an amazing team doing “I like what we’ve done for our live strong cancer survivors, the amazing work.” diabetes program and the Alzheimer’s program is really rewarding,” said Coombs-Gerou, nearing her eighth year as the “Y’s” CEO. “ The latter The programs offered at the “Y” revolve around three areas: (1) youth shows that physical activity really makes a difference.” development; (2) healthy living; and (3) social responsibility. She said she and her staff can “always do a little better” with the “In each, we have a number of evidenced-based programs that have programs offered at the “Y.” been proven time-and-again to deliver outcomes or measurements,” Coombs-Gerou said. That’s why a $2.99 million expansion program began last fall at the Marquette facility that will double the size of its wellness center, create “The goal is for youth development, reaching the potential of every a new health innovations suite and eventually add two gymnasiums, all child; improving the nation’s health and well-being; and having the enhancing the “Y’s” effectiveness, Coombs-Gerou said.

“The big gymnasium is a critical component of our future,” she said. “The issue is we don’t have enough space in the winter.

“It will cost $1 million to build and we don’t have the funding right now.” But a campaign to raise funds for the gym has begun.

YMCA of Marquette County 906-227-9622

social responsibility of giving back and providing support for our neighbors.”

There are programs in education from school readiness, to mentoring youth/teens and to college prep education.

Under the swim, sports and play category, there’s under 18 swimming/ diving; youth kayaking; flag football; and youth karate among the 29 programs available at the “Y.”

In the healthy living sector, there’s family yoga; aerobics/dance; diabetes prevention; and an Alzheimer’s program among the offerings.

There are also adult basketball, soccer and tennis programs, as well as cycling and lifeguard workshops, and adult swim lessons.

In the area of social responsibility, the “Y” offers foster care, adult

20 HEALTH FOUNDATI N HOSPICE needing theiryard raked—we’ll organize somevolunteers together and and theirfamilies,” itbesomething saidHemmila.“Whether assimple “We are makingdreams andwishescome truefor ourhospicepatients Hospice andissimilarto the Make-a-Wish program for kids. program, whichisavailable to every individualandfamily served by U.P. provided by theFoundation. Thefirst onebeingtheMake-a-Memory There are afew different ways that the family can utilize themoney go backto patients andtheir families.” building on—100%ofallmoney raised intheHospiceFoundation gets to overhead, it’s notpaying anybody’s orpaying salary to keep lights ofa Foundation is “one ofthe few foundations that doesn’t have any to Lindsay Hemmila,director theU.P. ofcommunity services, Hospice Health andHospice­­ The U.P. HospiceFoundation isanonprofit program within U.P. Home fulfill that mission. people to live life to thefullest.” TheU.P. HospiceFoundation helps to maintain aphilosophical approach to care that focuses onempowering or terminal diagnosis.Ourfocus isonexceptional quality care and we its missionisto serve “homeboundindividualsafter asurgery, illness, According theU.P. HomeHealthandHospicewebsite, uphomehealth.org, Hospice Foundation. Hospice hasto offer thanks to events hosted by theUpper Peninsula Word isgetting outaboutallthat theUpper PeninsulaHomeHealthand KEY TO U.P. HEALTH Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org to anyone ever. We are very proud of that.” never turned anyone ever away. We’ve never sentonebill “In the43-years that we have been in business we have —which covers allofMarquette County. According - DIRECTOR OFCOMMUNITYSERVICES, LINDSAY HEMMILA hospice program tend to leadlonger, fullerlives.” program. Studieshave shown that peoplewiththe to understand what hospiceisandthe benefits ofthe Hemmila. “A lotof theawareness hashelped people hospice numbers withinthecounties hasdoubled,” said awareness withhospice,ourhospicenumbers andother Because Dancing withtheStars hascreated suchan we can helpputtogether for thefamilies.” together. Really thesky’s thelimitinterms ofwhat before they pass—we might pay for that get and doanicecharter fishingtripwithloved ones that someone’s dream isto get onto Lake Superior have themgo over andrake their yard—to knowing net over $100,000. live stream –over 750tickets-in two andahalfhours andanticipate to $65,000. Thisyear we soldoutofallthetickets to Forest Roberts andthe Fieldhouse that peoplecould watch onbigscreens andwe netted over a halfdays and we also created alive stream option into Hedgcock was great,” Hemmilasaid.“Last year, we soldoutoftickets intwo and wanted asold-outevent anditnetted over $35,000,which we thought Theater inabouttwo andahalfmonths, whichwas good because we “In thefirst year, we hadsoldoutofallourtickets to Forest Roberts benefitted from itspopularity. the third year theevent hastaken placeandthehospiceprogram has Foundation that generates funding for theorganization. This yearis Dancing withtheStars isoneoftheevents putonby theU.P. Hospice ever. We are very proud ofthat.” anyone ever away,” Hemmilasaid.“We’ve never sent onebillto anyone “In the43-years that we have beeninbusinesswe have never turned needs. Another partofthefoundation willhelp cover patients’ medical supply of thoselast moments together,” saidHemmila. to come inandget abunchofpictures soeveryone can remember some “We’ve beendoingalotoffamily sessionswhere we hire aphotographer something that willlast for generations. their hospicepatients andtheir families— been doingsomething extra specialfor Lately, theMake-a-Memory Program has or emaildirectlythroughuphomehealth.org email: [email protected]. phone: 906-225-4545 information onvolunteering, you canreach Lindsay Hemmilaby: For furtherinformationaboutthehospiceprogram orfor

need. to pay to receive thecare they allows patients withtheinability The HospiceFoundation also easier,” Hemmilasaid. to make theircomfort ofliving and purchase what they need can borrow from orwe can go we have aloancloset that they chair ordifferent thingslike that, “If someoneisinneedofawheel HEALTH 21

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 MARQUETTE MARATHON | CONTINUES TO GROW Marquette is starting to raise five-kilometer race and a kid’s fun run on Friday, Sept. 4, at Lakeview its national profile when it Arena in Marquette. comes to athletics. There’s the Noquemanon ski race, the U.P. “We’ve had about 1,100 runners and lots of them return the 200 sled dog race and now a following year,” Osier said. “We’re hoping to continue to gradually running marathon is becoming increase that the next few years. We’ve had runners from 27 states, even more popular. two countries and four people from Alaska. We also get a wide variety of ages competing, from teens to people in their late 60s. The Marquette Marathon started in 2010 and is one of the final “We’ve had to deal with weather in the past, so we’re hoping it’ll Boston Marathon qualifiers. The be a beautiful day so we can pack Third Street with spectators to race has grown in popularity welcome the runners into Marquette.” and gives local residents a chance to compete without Over the years, Osier has seen a lot of people on the course and seen having to travel. how they react once they reached the finish line. Some are amped and ready to keep going, while others are spent after giving their best “It’s really awesome to see effort. the growth we’ve had,” race director Cris Osier said. “Before, “I’ve seen everything,” she said. “I’ve seen people who are energized runners had to travel to race and and others who have given absolutely everything they had to finish. now we have people coming to Running is an interesting sport in that you are running against enjoy the U.P.” yourself, and a lot can affect your performance such as your training, the amount of sleep you get, your shoes. You learn a little more each Last year, the marathon changed as it switched from a double loop year watching people.” to a point-to-point course along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. Osier says that runners seemed to enjoy the wilderness and the overall Osier thinks that the event is a huge benefit for the community and experience. for its residents in general who want to get into shape. This year’s marathon begins in Ishpeming at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, “The race helps promote a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “It helps show Sept. 5, finishing up in Marquette, while the half-marathon begins in the importance to committing to things, helps increase self-esteem Negaunee at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum at 9 a.m. According and changes lives for the better. We hope we can get lots of people to the race website, Marquettemarathon.com, there will also be a to sign up and volunteer for this great event.” TRAVEL MARQUETTE Its official name is still the Marquette County They do it through print advertising, newspapers, Convention and Visitors Bureau. television and radio. More often than not, however, it goes by Travel “Marquette is such a great product, (but) we have Marquette. our challenges,” Young said. “it’s a major distance from cities. The names may be interchangeable, but the bureau’s goal is still the same: bring visitors to “There’s the perception the U.P. is more rustic Marquette. than it actually is. We help educate people and get them excited (about the region).” She said “It’s still our official name,” bureau executive Travel Marquette wants to attract a national director Nicole Young said. “But when you’re audience. dealing with tourists, Travel Marquette keeps it simple. “(But) our best audience at this moment is the Midwest,” Young said. “We’ve placed national ads “It helps re-educate people to go to our website, in Wisconsin and Chicago. travelmarquettemichigan.com.” “Our goal is to position Marquette to be that The bureau’s focus is to bring overnight visitors to one place you want to visit when you come to Marquette and its surrounding areas. Michigan. “We’d love them to stay as long as they want to, “We’ve got things to do and see you won’t find in though,” Young said. “We’d love to have them stay Detroit or Grand Rapids,” she added. visitors to the Marquette area. 3-5 nights.” Putting together messaging and campaign “(But motel) occupancy rates have stayed strong advertising for the bureau’s programs is the best and they’re an indication of our success.” part of Young’s job. “It’s a great place to visit. All we have to Eventually, the bureau would like to position do is tell people about it.” The most difficult? Marquette as a global destination. - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NICOLE YOUNG “Just educating people and overcoming obstacles,” “When people think of Michigan, I want them to she said. “I want to stretch people’s minds to see think of Marquette,” she said. “The bottom line is Young and the four other employees at the the bigger picture.” we have a great product here. bureau work closely with Pure Michigan and In her present position since replacing longtime “It’s a great place to visit. All we have to do is tell the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation bureau director Pat Black, who retired last Association to entice visitors to come to the local October, Young said it’s too early to tell how people about it.” area. effective Travel Marquette has been in attracting To contact Travel Marquette, call 906-228-7749.

22 RECREATION Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org 23

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 FINDING HOME The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter has gone by to help promote providing a healthy lifestyle for pets.” that name for almost eight years now and it’s a name that The community and its support are key to UPAWS success, better suits the organization’s goals. she said. “We think of ourselves as Marquette County’s no-kill shelter and animal sanctuary,” said Lareina Van Strien, shelter “Volunteers help on a day-to-day basis, but having the manager. “That means we’re dedicated to giving every community in support of what we do is very important to animal a chance at a home and a life.” us,” Van Strien said. Previously, the organization has been known as the That includes the creation of a new, bigger shelter building Marquette County Humane Society, which created a lot of in the near future. confusion. “UPAWS is a small organization but we have outgrown our “We’ve always been an independent organization, building,” Van Strien said. “We looked into the future and receiving no funds from Marquette County and not knew we had to grow and change. So we have 20 acres of affiliated with the state or the national humane societies,” property out near the Crossroads we’re going to be building Van Strien said. “We’re just a small non-profit and the new on. We will be looking at creating a building that addresses name gave people a better understanding of who we are.” all our needs.” Each year, anywhere from 1,200 to 1,900 dogs, cats and UPAWS is open from noon to 4 p.m. every day but other animals go through the current UPAWS building in Thursday, when it is open from noon to 6:30 p.m. The Negaunee Township. UPAWS has been honored for its save shelter is located presently at 84 Snowfield Road, which is rate of 97 percent. just a bit off of U.S. 41 in Negaunee Township. “But we serve a bigger population than just the animals To contact UPAWS: that come through the shelter,” Van Strien said. “We have call: 906-475-6661 animals who are at Pet Smart or in foster care. Also, we email [email protected]. help people to keep their pets. And we provide information On the web: upaws.org

HELPING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

program called SPAR, which stands for Single Point for Activities and SAIL Recreation. Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) helps more than “This assists individuals with social and recreational activities in the 1,000 people every year. The organization reaches out to people with community,” Peurakoski said. “And we work on skills like being ready disabilities and their families throughout the Upper Peninsula and is a for a job interview or even something like how to ride a bus.” member of The Disability Network of Michigan. The fifth core service is transitions, which could be something like someone moving from a nursing home back into the community or “SAIL has five core services,” said Sarah Peurakoski, executive helping a high school student get ready to find a job after graduation. director. “Information referral, peer support, individual and system advocacy, individual independent living skills development and SAIL is working at present with the Superior Health Foundation, transitioning assistance.” an organization that Peurakoski said “is very generously helping to expand our social and recreation programs.”

“We work on skills like being ready for a job interview or That includes the initiation of a program for veterans, which is being even something like how to ride a bus.” launched this summer.

- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SARAH PEURAKOSKI “We will be able to provide some social opportunities for veterans that will allow them to get out in the community,” she said.

Information referral means when anyone calls in, we can refer them SAIL also assists people with benefits planning, which can help to the right agency, one that should be able to help them,’ Peurakoski someone who’d like to work do so without impacting Social Security said. “Peer support means individuals with disabilities can get support benefits. from other individuals with disabilities who know what it’s like to be going through something.” “We’re also working with people who have accessibility issues, providing access to assistive technology for them to try out, both at Advocacy can be a range of things including helping with independent home and in the workplace,” Peurakoski said. educational plans for someone in school or addressing the needs of someone using public transportation,” she said. SAIL is looking for board members at present. Peurakoski said anyone interested in joining SAIL’s board should contact her at For the individual independent living skills development, SAIL has a 906-228-5744 or upsail.com

24 NON-PROFIT Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org RED CROSS HELPING PEOPLE ACROSS THE U.P. funded by citizensso we alsorely ondonations.” pretty dependent on volunteers,” Weitschat said.“We are also100percent “The ARC isabout96 percent volunteer and4percent staff,so we’re alwaysare welcome. To beableto helpthoseinneed,theRed Cross itselfneeds volunteers who parents need.” thing intheir lives,” Weitschat said.“We canhelpkidsgive that security “People want aquality person that cantake care ofthemostprecious trained on how to provide safe caregiving. defibrillator (AED) andfirst aid training. Aspiringbabysitters canalsobe own suchascardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external Classes are available to teach peopleto deal with emergencies ontheir which save three lives per pint. part to save lives. Weitschat says that they conductongoing blooddrives, It isn’t justemergencies that theRed Cross assists with. They alsodotheir a conduitandhelpsexpedite thematter. service member who hasanemergency at home,theRed Cross serves as here alsoresponds to armedforces andtroops inservice.If there isa In additionto helpinglocalresidents intheir timesofneed,thechapter support, we couldn’t get backonour feet asfast.” everything,” hesaid.“The Red Cross isa valuable serviceand without its “I was personally affected by afire, soIknow what it’s like tolose and appreciates theimportanceofRed Cross. Weitschat alsoknows firsthand what it’s like to beaffected by a tragedy want themto have shelter andrelief from their emergency.” toiletries andstufflike that, andamonetary giftper incident,” hesaid. “We “We provide three nights inahotel, acomfort kit, which isusually and theRed Cross isthere to helppeoplerecover from their misfortune. Michigan Chapter, mostfires are due to spaceheaters and wood stoves fires. According to Chuck Weitschat, executive director ofthe Northern The localchapter’s mainfocus isonlocaldisasters andprimarily home country andthechapter inthe Upper Peninsula isdoingitspartas well. The American Red Cross isknown for helpingpeopleinneedallover the For those who would like to become a volunteer, contact Traverse City office:231-947-7286 Marquette office: 906-228-3659 www.redcross.org

NON-PROFIT 25

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16 RESOURCES & SERVICES U.P. AREA CODE | 906 Bold denotes LSCP partner in economic development.

UTILITIES Telephone (landline and cell): Cable: AT&T: 226-8000 - att.com Charter Communications: (888) 438-2427 - charter.com Charter Communications: (888) 438-2427 - charter.com Verizon: 226-9900 – verizonwireless.com Water/Sewer: Gas (Natural): City of Ishpeming: 485-1091 – ishpemingcity.org City of Marquette: 228-0420 - mqtcty.org SEMCO Energy Gas: (800) 624-2019 - semcoenergygas.com City of Negaunee: 475-9181 - cityofnegaunee.com Chocolay Township: 249-1448 - chocolay.org Gas (Propane): Ely Township: 486-6802 Forsyth Township: 346-9217 - forsythtwpmi.org Amerigas: 263-7442 - amerigas.com Ishpeming Township: 485-5411 - ishpemingtownship.com Ferrellgas: (800) 530-0113 - ferrellgas.com Marquette Township: 228-6220 - marquettetownship.org Harvey Oil: 226-0866 - harveyoil.com Michigamme Township: 323-6608 - michigammetownship.com Quality Propane Service: (800) 217-9982 Negaunee Township: 475-7869 - negauneetownship.org Superior Propane: (877) 873-7467 – superiorpropane.com Powell Township: 345-9345 - powelltownship.org Republic Township: 376-8827 - republicmichigan.com Electric: Richmond Township: 475-4180 - richmondtwp.org Marquette Board of Light and Power: 228-0311 - mblp.org Skandia Township: 942-7404 U.P. Power Company: (800) 562-7680 - uppco.com Tilden Township: 486-6580 We Energies: (800) 242-9137 - we-energies.com West Branch Township: 942-7400 - westbranchtownship.org

ARTS & CULTURE

City of Marquette Arts & Culture Center: Marquette Symphony Orchestra: 228-0472 226-6591 mqtcty.org/arts.php marquettesymphony.org

DeVos Art Museum: Lake Superior Theatre: 227-2235 227-7625 nmu.edu/devosartmuseum lakesuperiortheatre.com

Forest Roberts Theatre: Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council: 227-2553 475-7188 nmu.edu/forestrobertstheatre vistatheater.org

Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery: Pine Mountain Music Festival: 323-6546 (888) 309-7861 michigan.org/property/michigamme-moonshine-art-gallery pmmf.org

26 SERVICES Lake Superior Community Partnership |marquette.org For moreinformationaboutthe stateofMichigan’s Departmentof Transportation, pleasevisitwww.michigan.gov/mdot. 249-2159 -budgettruck.com Budget Truck Rental: 346-6398 or(800)331-1212-avis.com Avis RentalCarService: Ground (rental,taxiandbus): 346-3308 -sawyerairport.com International Airport: Sawyer (800) 221-1212-delta.com Delta Airlines: (800) 433-7300-aa.com American Eagle(American Airlines): Air: 475-4156 -negaunee.k12.mi.us Negaunee PublicSchools: 346-9155 - Midwest SkillsDevelopment Center: 225-5320 -mapsnet.org Marquette Area PublicSchools: 226-5100 -maresa.org Marquette Alger RegionalEducationalService Agency: 485-5501 -ishpemingschools.org Ishpeming PublicSchools: 346-9283 -gwinn.k12.mi.us Gwinn Area CommunitySchools: 225-1129 -fathermarquette.org Father MarquetteCatholicCentral School System: 486-4431 |bellhospital.org - Bell: U.P. HealthSystem TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION MEDICAL lscpfoundation.org/midwest-skills-development-center

- Marquette: U.P. HealthSystem 228-9440 |mgh.org 485-1021 -nice.k12.mi.us 345-9355 -sites.google.com/site/powelltownshipschooldistrict Powell Township School District: 226-0156 -nsacd.com North StarPublicSchool Academy: 227-2650 or(800)682-9797-nmu.edu Northern Michigan University: NICE CommunitySchools: Wells Township School District: 376-2277 -r-mschool.org Republic-Michigamme Schools: 238-4200 -wellstownshipschool.weebly.com 362-2331 -mqttaxi.com UPtown Taxi: 346-4355 -thrifty.com Thrifty: 346-6378 or(800)227-7368-nationalcar.com National/Alamo: 225-1112 -marq-tran.com County TransitAuthority: Marquette 225-8690 -enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 226-7777 -checkertransport.com Checker Transport: 225-3905 |penmed.com Medical Center: Upper Peninsula

SERVICES 27

VISION - MARQUETTE COUNTY | 2015/16