Hello 2018! This is my first column of the New Year and the start of my 8th year writing a Monday column. Thank you so much to the Mining Journal for allowing me to share happenings in the economic development world of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. The opportunity to do so is much appreciated. 

And speaking of the Mining Journal, let’s talk anniversary! Sound confusing? Well let me explain. The 20th anniversary of the Lake Superior Community Partnership is in full swing this year, and the Mining Journal is one of our many founding partners. You will hear more about these founding companies and board members in the weeks and months ahead, but just know, that without them, we would not be here today. 

As a matter of fact, there were a tremendous amount of companies, organizations and individuals who came together to create this private-public partnership in 1997. Facing the loss of the Air Force Base, they knew if we didn’t figure out how to work together, we would all lose.

 So how do you celebrate 20 years of committed stakeholders coming together to make a difference? You have an incredible celebration, that’s how! And on March 1 it will be the “be all end all” of celebrations at Northern Michigan University. 

The evening will be an opportunity for us to look at the “then” and “now.” Where we have come from and the strides we have made in economic development in Marquette County. For example, take a look at our regional wealth indicators over the past five years. We have seen increases in all categories.

Consider joining us for a couple upcoming events. First of all, LSCP stakeholders are invited to join us for our “Year in Review” at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7 in Jamrich Hall at NMU. This meeting will provide you with the year-end information based on the clients we served in 2017. We will also make comparisons of the organization and how it has grown and changed over the last 20 years. This is a great way for investors to understand how their dollars are being put to use to benefit the economy. 

And then there is our annual dinner where we will be celebrating 20 years of people, business, projects and service to the Marquette County region. Have you been involved in the LSCP over the last 20 years? Are you a founding board member or investor? Were you a staff member or a volunteer? Then we want to know where you are and make sure you are invited to the event.

 Want to be more involved? Consider a sponsorship or donating a silent auction item. But don’t miss out on reserving your spot for the event. Based on initial response, we expect it to be a sold out event. Go online to www.marquette.org for all the information you need to get involved!

Together we have made a significant impact since losing the Air Force Base. We have nearly $1 Billion of investment happening in the community. That is incredible and has only happened one other time in the last 20 years. We need to embrace it, celebrate it and build upon it.

Put March 1 on your calendar. We want to celebrate with you.

For more information on the Lake Superior Community Partnership at www.marquette.org.

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For more information contact the Lake Superior Community Partnership at 906-226-6591.

The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) is the region’s leading resource for economic development, providing a wide variety of affordable and effective development services. The LSCP helps our partners make the connections that matter – between businesses, organizations, leaders and legislators, and provides a powerful legislative voice